Diary of a Wimpy Kid provokes nostalgia

April 14, 2010 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Entertainment, Movies, Opinions

Being the kind older sibling I am, I find it hard to deny the wishes of my younger sister. So when an ad for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie based on her favorite book series came up a few weeks ago, I relented to the ceaseless cries of, “Jenna, please can we go?” I’m a softie. In all honesty, though, I didn’t think it would be too bad. I had listened to her read bits and pieces of the books. They were kind of cute in a dorky way. You know? They’re chock full of elementary level comedy. And judging by the reaction of my fourth grade sister, the movie does them justice. In short, the film... Read more

The Rocket Summer keeps sound fresh

March 15, 2010 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Entertainment, Music

For quite some time now, I’ve been addicted to The Rocket Summer’s sound. Just the other day, I couldn’t get “So Much Love” out of my head. It’s music that makes listeners happy (the best kind, in my opinion). The opening track of The Rocket Summer‘s newest release, Of Men and Angels, is entitled “Roses” and explains a debate between self-doubt and positivity. I think I can, I know I can‘t. Even with the deep subject matter, it’s incredibly catchy. The next song on the album, “You Gotta Believe,” is slightly more upbeat. It features inspiring lyrics and can turn any bad... Read more

NHS grad runs for school board

February 17, 2010 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Features, Latest News

Evan Elliott, a 2009 NHS graduate, has recently announced he is running for a position on the Noblesville School Board. The election will be held on May 4. Mill Stream: What inspired you to run for election in the Noblesville School Board? Evan Elliott: I have been inspired by the concerns and ideas of teachers, students, parents, and community members. Right now, we are facing a time of great growth, and these concerns and ideas must be brought forth by an energetic voice who is ready and willing to work hard for Noblesville Schools. I have a very strong interest in preserving the high quality... Read more

Frisbee team gears up for tournament

February 10, 2010 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Sports

To most, the mention of frisbees conjures up memories of lazy afternoons at the park. For some, however, frisbee is a team sport unlike any other.”It’s not intensely competitive. It’s just fun,” sophomore Lauren Snyder said. She is one of two girls on the team of 22 competitors. “Over the summer I realized I liked frisbee while playing with my friends.” “It’s really fun and takes a lot of team work,” sophomore Sarah Medlin said. “I play ultimate frisbee at camps I go to and I saw there was a team so I decided to try.” For others,... Read more

Artists like Andrew Ryan save the music scene

February 7, 2010 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Entertainment, Music

In a world where the likes of Lady Gaga rule the music charts, those of us who appreciate a little acoustic guitar once in a while could use some help. Pop artist Andrew Ryan lends a hand with his new EP Waiting for Paris. Andrew Ryan’s Waiting for Paris album cover, from www.myspace.com/andrewryanmusic I’m always a little skeptical when coming across new musicians. I like familiar things. But Ryan’s album is proof that change can be good. The first track, “I’d Follow You,” was my favorite right away. It’s a simple love song. Although I would normally... Read more

Animal doesn’t live up to radio hype

January 22, 2010 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Columns, Entertainment, Music, Opinions

To those who routinely wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy, Ke$ha is a common name. The new singer has recently been burning up the iTunes charts and playlists across the country. I’m not usually the type to listen to popular “radio music.” I’m honestly much more into pop bands whose music will never reach the mainstream. But admittedly, the second I heard Ke$ha’s “TiK ToK,” I knew I found a new favorite song even though I had no reason to like it. It was pretty generic sounding. It didn‘t relate to my life whatsoever. I guess music just works like that sometimes. When... Read more

Empty Bowls tops goal

November 30, 2009 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Archives, Latest News

While the mention of charity events may conjure up visions of slapping gray food on plates in a hairnetted huff, Empty Bowls offered students a night of food with family and friends. In the spirit of the approaching holiday season, National Art Honor Society sponsored the Empty Bowls program on Monday, Nov. 9. The event took place in the main campus sophomore cafeteria for an hour and a half beginning at 6 p.m. National Art Honor Society members spent weeks preparing. “It’s a big thing for us,” sophomore Ainee Jeong said. Attendees paid $10 for a ticket, which entitled them to a hot... Read more

Sainthood tolerable, not preferable

November 20, 2009 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Music, Opinions

Knowing nothing more about Tegan and Sara than what the NOFX song “Creeping Out Sara” provides, I was a little scared about what I was getting myself into after being assigned this review. My musical taste is pretty much confined to bands labeled as “alternative”: The Cab, Every Avenue, Forever the Sickest Kids. On iTunes, Tegan and Sarah’s newest album Sainthood is under the “alternative” category. This made me feel slightly more at ease…until I pressed play. I can’t say that I was particularly surprised at what came out of the speakers. In fact, it was probably just... Read more

Horseman loses charm of years past

November 2, 2009 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Entertainment, Opinions

When I think back to Halloween in elementary school, what I remember more than dressing up as a witch and going door to door for candy is making the yearly trip to Conner Prairie with my friends for the Headless Horseman hayride. We would bundle up and jump around in line, eagerly awaiting the imminent feeling of fear. Even though we were scared to death when the mysterious, darkly clothed figure galloped up to the side of the wagon, we played it off with giggles and huddled closer together. Then we would spend the rest of the night talking about how we totally weren’t afraid. So going back... Read more

Texting could be detrimental distraction for students

September 3, 2009 by Jenna Larson  
Filed under Archives, Technology

Fingers swiftly striking keys. Send. Text messaging has rapidly become a vital form of communication for high schoolers. Whether at lunch, on the bus, or even during movies, students’ phones seem to never leave them. It’s no secret that cell phones are nearing the point of necessity in modern society. Sure, technology has come a long way, but just how much is too much? Text messages are used for just about everything. Someone can find out when soccer practice starts, what the Spanish assignment is, or even whether the new Boys Like Girls album will be worth listening to. However, at some... Read more