Arts & Entertainment Page
by the Red Team

Club of the Issue: Digital Photography

   BMS has had a fantastic photography club for the past two years where students have developed skills in the area of photography that can prove to be quite helpful and fun. Usually the members' abilities of the club vary, since some already know how to use their cameras and others are just beginning. More experienced members can be seen experimenting with light in the photos and utilizing their vast amounts of creativity. Some even use Photoshop to manipulate the pictures into desired outcomes. This club will usually meet once a week for six weeks, but students can be seen playing around with photos in the computer lab throughout the school year. The photos created within this club are displayed in the computer lab, and others from two years ago can be seen in the Bernardsville Public Library. But why and how was this club created?

   Ms. Wells is the creator of the club and states that she "wanted to start a photo club here at BMS so that when students got to the high school and were able to choose photography as an elective class they would already know about and have some practice making photos. Taking lots and lots of pictures is the only way to get better at it. The sooner you start, and the more you practice, the better you can become." Ms. Wells first became interested in photography in high school when she took a photography class and from then on became "hooked". She was able to develop her pictures in a friend's darkroom. "There is nothing like watching your ideas come to life right in front of your eyes. When something turns out just right it makes you want to do it again. When it turns out badly, it makes you want to do it again too!" - which can be said for all things, not just photography.

   So next time you see the photos in the computer lab, you may think twice about the fun, talent, and creativity that lies within them.

Interview with Ms. Grasser on Young Inventors

   We asked Ms. Grasser about her thoughts on Young Inventors. These are some of her thoughts about the process and the criteria of the project.

Q: Why do you think it is important that fifth and sixth graders have an experience in the invention process?
A: "I feel it is important that students be involved in the inventing process so that they can fully understand the steps it takes to develop a successful invention. Throughout this time, students begin to think creatively and expand their imagination along with utilizing problem solving techniques. They start to think ingeniously and develop ideas of objects that could be made into a product. It takes a lot of hard work and a good work ethic to get through this process. At the completion of this project, I hope that students feel a sense of accomplishment for a job well done. This skill of problem solving can be used throughout their life."

Q: What do you think is most important throughout the competition?
A: "If students try their best and put as much of an effort into this project that they can, then that is the most important thing they can take away from this competition. It would be fantastic if students felt a sense of pride and accomplishment at the conclusion. During this time, they also learn about life skills that can be incorporated throughout their life."

Q: Do you judge any of the inventions?
A: "No, I don't judge the inventions. I am involved in the grading aspect of this project. The judges evaluate the end products solely on the work in their inventor log, poster, and the invention itself. Students then present their invention to the judges and they look at their final product. The scores between the judges are tallied and the top winners are chosen."

Q: What do you think is the most fun part of the project?
A: "The part of the project that is the most fun would be watching the presentations at the end. I enjoy seeing the progress they have made from being an idea in their mind to the final product that can be utilized."

Q: Did you create any inventions when you were younger?
A: "I would love to say that I invented an invention when I was younger, but I never had the opportunity to create one. Throughout the time I was in middle school, I was involved with the annual Science Fair. I remember one year I completed a project on twins from reading twin studies that were compiled. That was a fun project to work on!"

Q: What is your favorite invention designed by a student?
A: "To be honest I don't think I could pick one favorite invention. Many inventions have been so clever that I wondered where they had come up with the idea. Some of these included various kinds of sporting equipment, contraptions for home use, along with school supplies that could be used in class. I love watching the "inventive juices" flow throughout this project. It's enjoyable to watch from the beginning to the end to observe how students have progressed."

   Thanks Ms. Grasser!!!!!

Trends: Fashion

   Fashion has been a constant change since the beginning of time, especially for teenage girls. For example, the fifties brought out the famous poodle skirt, and from there the fashion world skyrocketed. However, there were some downfalls, such as the groovy seventies and crazy eighties, but we have definitely grown from these unfortunate events - in comparison to today. Today, we exhibit a more casual style with a few modern flares.

   Today's trends are seen everywhere. From Madison Avenue to the school hallways, trends are in play. In the hallways trends have escalated from just one person's personal style to that of many. But what are these notorious trends? Today many girls can be seen with the following items:

1. Jeans
2. Northfaces
3. Cute accessories
4. And… the popular Uggs

   Yes, Uggs have indeed become a sensation within the teenage mind as new styles and forms are coming out every month. They come in various colors and styles. For instance, there is the short, mini, and tall Uggs, which can be in various colors, from brown to purple to blue. Today's trends, of course, include more items then just the few that have been mentioned, as new arrivals come in everyday, but for now these are the teenage "must haves" and will probably continue for the next year.

   These trends, however silly, can create quite a double standard. First of all, a lot about a person, unfortunately, is said by the way she dresses. Example: A person who dresses in a sloppy manner may be perceived as an idler.

   But fashion is also a great economic breakthrough as it supplies jobs through the fast pace and creative industry in which people can express their talents. Also, it establishes entertainment through fashion magazines such as Seventeen and Cosmo Girl. Next, it creates shows such as Project Runway and America's Next Top Model and movies like The Devil Wears Prada. Multiple opportunities are created by this concept and have spread from adults to teens all over the world.

   In brief, trends are indeed ever-changing, but it is what we do with these trends that determine who we are.

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