I was just four years old when I climbed the steps of the historic Virginia Theatre’s stage to participate in a children’s panel for the annual Roger Ebert Film Festival.

I had been attending the festival all my life, but this occasion was different. A foreign language film had just finished and the director, who spoke several languages, and Ebert were beginning the discussion.

After talking with them a bit, Ebert asked me, “How many languages do you speak?”

“One,” I replied.

Ebert proceeded to ask what language that was.

Wondering why he had asked such an obvious question, I said, “The one I’m speaking now.”

As the audience began to laugh, Ebert too; I stared out at them, confused as to what was so funny. It was only after my father repeated the story to family friends when I was older that I understood.

Ebert had left me with a memory that day that I would never forget, as he has for so many others.

At the time, however, I did not know that I would one day attend the same high school as the renowned movie critic.

An Urbana, Illinois native, Ebert attended Urbana High School and was a member, and later editor, of “The Echo”. “It was a great time to be in high school,” Ebert said. “Elvis was new, 1950s cars were cool, and the UHS teachers were without exception outstanding.”

Dan Perrino, a former UHS teacher, said, “Even though my area was music, it was quite obvious by Roger’s actions in school, in class, and the hallways, and just watching him assert himself in leadership roles, Roger was a leader. He sparkled.”

“The Echo”, the student newspaper both then and now, was one of Ebert’s first experiences in the journalism field. In addition to “The Echo,” he worked part time at the Champaign-Urbana “News-Gazette”.

Ebert said, “In my senior year in high school, I won the Illinois Associated Press Sportswriting Prize. I was able to show the certificate to my father a few weeks before he died of cancer.”

A Former co-worker at the News-Gazette and longtime friend, Betsy Hendrick said, “We visited over lunch, I remember times in particular when we would go across the street to a tavern (the tavern was air conditioned, which the N-G offices were not) to proofread pages of room assignments for the local schools set in six-point type, very tiny, and just having fun with others who worked on the paper.”

Ebert was recognized for his talents aside from writing, as well.

“Roger received great recognition when he served as emcee for one of the school’s talent shows,” Perrino added. “As a matter of fact, he was quite exceptional. This was one of the music department’s activities called the Stage Show.”

Once in college at the University of Illinois, he worked for “The Daily Illini” student newspaper and received an undergraduate degree.

Ebert then moved to Chicago to work at the “Sun-Times”.

Hendrick said, “He was and is always so caring and so interesting, the center of attention whether he wanted to be or not. His friends in those days were mostly other journalists.”

Among his career accomplishments are the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975, and a co-hosted, weekly film review television show with fellow critic Gene Siskel.

Originally titled “Sneak Previews,” the show was picked up nationally and later renamed several times. From his partnership with Siskel came the famous trademark, “Two Thumbs Up.”

When Siskel died in 1999 of complications from a brain tumor, the show was retitled “Roger Ebert & the Movies.” Co-hosts were rotated in for each show until Chicago Sun-Times writer, Richard Roeper, filled the position of co-host permanently, and it was renamed accordingly.

Ebert said, “I liked the license to ask people questions, and poke around behind the scenes.”

His interest in movies stemmed from going to Champaign-Urbana theaters.

On July 18, 1992, Ebert married Chaz Hammelsmith, who now emcees Ebertfest. The couple calls Chicago their home. Hendrick was happy for the couple, saying Ebert is a “dedicated family man.”

In 2002, Ebert was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. He then had surgery for cancer in the salivary gland in 2003.

In 2006, Ebert lost the ability to speak, eat, or drink due to the removal of his lower jaw. Ebert has since made two very public appearances to open up about his illness – interviews with both “Esquire Magazine” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Ebert said, “We all get sick. There’s no point in denying it.”

He now communicates through a computer and a notepad. “When Roger could still speak, he was one of the very few persons I know who never, never interrupted another person even though one could see he was just dying to get in the conversation with his salient points,” Hendrick concluded.

Although Ebert lost the use of his voice, he continues to write very often. Ebert can add his latest book and memoir, “Life Itself,” to an extensive writing repertoire. His first book was “Illini Century: One Hundred Years of Campus Life.”

“It has made me value each day and every moment more deeply, and be thankful so much goodness has come to me in this life,” Ebert said.

Ebert’s film festival is organized by his alma mater, the College of Media at the UIUC and is held at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Ill.

Ebert selects somewhere between 12 to 14 movies, including a silent film. A discussion is held after each showing, with the film’s director, actor, producer, or someone else affiliated with the project, as a guest. It ran from April 25 to April 29 this year.

I have always remembered my experience on the Ebertfest panel as a blunt four-year-old girl

Ebert’s impact on those around him has been a constant throughout his many journalistic endeavors.

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“Vera Bradley designs are really pretty and timeless. And
they’re made well! The pieces have more character than a lot of other popular
designs. The designs are also just really feminine and classy and fun!” said
Urbana High School Senior Anwen Parrott.

The brand was stated by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and
Patricia R. Miller in March of 1982, while on vacation in Atlanta, Georgia. The
two noticed that lack of feminine luggage and decided that that needed to
change. Within a few weeks, the women created the company.

The women began with $250 and opened the business in their
hometown, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company was named after Barbara’s mother
Veronica (Vera) Bradley. Veronica was born on August 9, 1909.

Vera was a model in the 1930’s, chosen by Elizabeth Arden
herself as a beginning to her modeling career. She worked for the company as a
sales representative until her death in the early 1990s.

“Having a good name – after Barbara Bradley Baekgaard’s
mother – and having many friends who helped launch what has become an American
dream,” says co-founders, Baekgaard and Miller as posted on the Vera Bradley
website.

In 1998, Patricia and Barbara established the Vera Bradley
Foundation for Breast Cancer. The foundation’s purpose is to support the
research and education of breast cancer. The goal is, “To save lives and to put
an end to the disease that took their friend and so many more,” as posted on
the Vera Bradley website.

Now the company has over $3000 independent retailers
carrying the Vera Bradley products. The brand makes quality handbags, luggage,
wallets, and accessories that are released in a variety of patterns. The
company currently releases new color styles every season.

“I love the patterns! I have multiple purses, wristlets, a
key chain, and a lunch box. They make a lot of practical things. They’re fairly
good quality, and they look nice without being too costly,” said UHS Junior
Bailie Roy.

The popular brand can be purchased in many locations around
the Champaign -Urbana area.

1. Follett’s Bookstore

627 South Wright Street

Champaign, IL, 61820-5709

(217)356-1368

2. Mosser’s Shoes

6 Convenience Center Road

Champaign, IL, 61822-7809

(217) 351-1022

3.Vilardos

1729 W Kirby Avenue

Champaign, IL, 61821-5500

(217) 352-6597

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According to a whistle blower within the government, a group
of prostitutes were ordered by at least two members of the advance party of
Secret Service members preparing for Barack Obama’s trip to Columbia to attend
the Summit of the Americas Conference. Both employees were supervisors, but
were not part of the team specifically tasked with protecting the president;
both are married.

Ironically, the incident would have gone unnoticed if at
least one of the members had not refused to pay their escort, who complained to
local police about being stood up for her services soon after the incident
occurred. As prostitution is a legal enterprise in Columbia, the police were
concerned only about the agents refusal to pay, and after much discussion, the
local police then contacted the United States State Department in regards to the
matter, as the men in question were, of course, American foreign nationals.
Soon afterwards, an unknown whistle blower somehow got a hold of the story, and
then informed the media about the embarrassing incident. The Secret Service
swiftly “relieved these individuals of their assignment.”

Regardless, the incident has caused much embarrassment in
the United States, with many people feeling let down, such as Urbana High
School Freshman Margaret Ross. “Look, everyone makes mistakes,” said
Ross, “but the Secret Service should at least try and act professional
while they are doing them.”

Others, such as a sophomore who asked to remain nameless,
simply found the incident “hilarious.”

“For god’s sake,” said the anonymous student,
“they bragged to the prostitute about being in the Secret Service and
being on a secret assignment. Who does that!”

Although disciplinary action was taken against the two
supervisors in question, many feel that this incident is just the tip of the
iceberg on the subject of secret service misconduct stretching back years. A
congressional hearing into the incident and the culture of the secret service
is being undertaken right now. The results, as of now, are anyone’s guess.

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However, in my opinion, the former MVP winner Lebron James is the runner up once again. He is putting up the best numbers in his career, and is averaging 26 points–almost seven assists–and a whopping eight rebounds. In addition, he is shooting a field goal at 50%. If the king wins it this year, he will have three MVPs in trophy case.

Yet, there are some other players who also are playing basketball at another level, like the young and talented small forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant. He came back this season better than ever, cutting down on his turnovers and bumping up his assists totals. Durant is averaging 27 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

These two small forwards are the two best players in everybody’s mind right now (based on popular opinion). Another player putting up a great season is Kevin Love, the forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is putting up monstrous numbers, such as 51 points he made a few weeks go, along with 20 rebounds against the tough Thunder team.

He is currently averaging 26 points and 13 rebounds. These players seem to be the best in the league, or at least the top three players in the MVP race. Freshman Abram Washington said, “Kevin Love is going to win the MVP this year with his all around basketball IQ.”

The regular season is ending and one player will be crowned MVP, so we will just have wait and see who it is. Another two weeks have passed in the regular season, and there are players who have played terrific basketball. One player that has carried his team to multiple wins these last few days is Carmelo Anthony.

He averaged 32 points last week, and has multiple 40+ games. The New York Knicks will most likely face off against the Miami Heat in the playoffs, which start next weekend.

The league’s best center, Dwight Howard, went down with a back injury this past week. He will miss the rest of the season and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. ESPN says his expected recovery time is at least 6 months.

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The aircraft, a Boeing 737-236 registered as AP-BKC, was making a flight from Karachi to Islamabad, the first flight flown on that route by Bhoja Air. Stormy weather interfered with the plane’s attempt to land. Although the exact nature of this interference is disputed, with eyewitness reports claiming both that the pilot lost control and crashed and that the plane was struck by lightning, while experts who were not on the scene have attributed it to wind sheer.

Regardless, the plane was subjected to interference while trying to land, resulting in it crashing several kilometers away from Benzair Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad, its target destination.

The airport was subsequently closed for three hours, with flights scheduled for Islamabad being diverted to Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.

The plane’s debris was scattered across a wide area, with debris being found up to a kilometer away from the crash site. At least 120 bodies and 150 bags of body parts have been recovered, the latter being sent to hospitals for identification. There were no casualties on the ground.

Of the passengers, there were 110 adults, six children, and five infants.

The incident has prompted an investigation into Bhorja Airlines and the circumstances of the crash by the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan (CAAP) and the Safety Investigation Board of Pakistan under the authority of the president and prime minister.

Blame for the crash has fallen upon the CAAP, which certified the plane, which entered service in 1984, as airworthy. In response, the CAAP declared that it would re-certify every plane in the country.

Freshman Isaiah Sullivan somewhat agreed with the sentiment. Sullivan said, the crash was the responsibility of “[either] the person flying the plane, or maybe the person who let it fly.”

Bhoja Air announced that the heirs of the victims would recieve 500,000 rupees in compensation. The CAAP mandated that they also provide free transportation of the bodies.

Boeing Co. has extended its condolences to the relatives of the victims and stated its willingness to provide technical assistance to the CAAP investigators.

Blame among the Urbana High School student body has varied. Sophomore Zikang Tong said that the crash was “[caused by] the weather.”

The crash was the second deadliest aviation-related accident to take place on Pakistani soil. The deadliest was that of Airblue Flight 202, whose crash near Islamabad left all 152 on board dead. 

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But what are the downsides to such constant access to social networking? Besides the dramatic increase in cyberbullying, there are many questions as to what social networking might do to a student’s concentration, effort, and pursuit of success.

“I think social networking is great because it allows students to interact with each other in productive ways. Teachers should understand and use social networking to their advatage,” Mark Foley, teacher at Urbana High School said.

Although social networking sites might be a fun way to communicate with other students, friends, and family, many times it simply becomes a distraction. Students who are trying to complete homework for any given class or are studying for a test are suddenly exposed to the temptation of logging onto their Facebook and checking up on everyone else.

According to India Times, a study conducted found that the exam results of those who used a social networking site while working, even if it was on in the background, were 20 per cent lower than non-users.

If distraction is constantly available at the click of a mouse, how can students possibly concentrate on studying and getting their work done? Newer social networking sites include more photos and less communication, leading to the criticism of today’s society being more about digging into the lives of others instead of concentrating on the improvement of oneself.

“Although social networking is entertaining and can be a way to keep in touch with friends, I think social networking is a distraction because I am constantly on Facebook and Twitter all the time, and I don’t do my homework because of it,” Junior Maya Chavez said.

Not only do these sites mean distraction, but they are also used as background checks when applying for a job or to college. Whether or not students enjoy posting pictures of themselves for the entire world to see, they might just forget about their hopeful college checking that status full of swear words and that picture they forgot had ever even been taken.

Whether or not social networking is good for today’s students is a question that can be answered by the students’ performance within the classroom. In the same study of students conducted and reported in the India Times, “It was observed that the Facebook users had a typical grade point average – a score from zero up to four – of 3.06. Non-users had an average GPA of 3.82.”

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All Time Low is a pop-punk band from Baltimore, Maryland. The member consist of four guys; Alex Gaskarth (vocals), Rian Dawson (drums), Jack Barakat (lead guitar), and Zack Merrick (bass). Some of their hits include, “Toxic Valentine”, which was featured on the soundtrack to Jennifer’s Body, and their most recent hit “I Feel Like Dancin”.

Rise Against is a punk-rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The four members are Zack Blair (lead guitar), Tim McIlrath (vocals/rhythm guitar), Joe Principe (bass), and Brandon Barnes (drums). Influenced by Cave In and Face to Face, the band has produced many hits including “Hero of War” and “Savior”.

We The Kings are a power-pop band out of Brandenton, Florida. Members Travis Clark (vocals/piano), Coley O’Toole (piano/guitar), Charles Trippy (bass), and Danny Duncan (drums) are on the Warped Tour for the third time. Their hits include “Say You Like Me”, and “Check Yes Juliet”.

Urbana High School Freshman Dania Avila-Cardona said, “It’s amazing that all of the good bands that aren’t streamed on the radio are coming together for an awesome concert!”

As you can tell, people are already getting excited for it. The Warped Tour has tour dates from June 16 to August 5. Unfortunately, there is only one date set for Illinois. It is at the Amphitheater in Tinley Park on July 7. Tickets are on sale now for $46. Do not be shocked! That price includes general admission meaning you can go to any stage or event at any time.

Every year they have a certain band that featured as the main event. This year’s band is The Used. UHS biology teacher Christine Creek said, “I’d love to see The Used!”

So do many other fans. On the Vans Warped Tour website, you can see all the comments and excitement from fans everywhere.
The bands play on eight different stages with eight bands playing at one time. The major bands typically play on the two main stages while the other bands play on the off stages. Each band has 30 minute set lists. There are schedules to let the fans know which bands play at certain times, and at what stage. Warped Tour is not only about music. Other events include skateboarding and BMX type sports.
Vans Warped Tour is an event that many people look forward to. The bands and artists have different genres and there is something there for everyone. For more information go to their website vanswarpedtour.com.

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When we forget to take into consideration the harmfulness of summer, there can be lifelong consequences. For example, if you spend too much time in the sun without the proper protection, the rays can possibly cause skin cancer.

Other results of a protection-free summer are the dangers of mosquitos. Some carry the West Nile Virus and EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis.) Ticks should also be checked for, Lyme Disease is often carried in ticks and can be spread through bites. And Poison Ivy can also be hazardous for your health, depending on the severity.

When exercising for your summer body, keep in consideration the risk of dehydration and go by the ’10 Percent Rule,’ which is increase your exercise amount slowly, at about 10% each week.

Also when we’re spending our free time bicycling around, we often forget children and how dangerous and oblivious they can be. UHS Librarian, Matthew Murrey says, “During the summer, it’s very important to pay attention when you’re cycling around. There are more people during the summer and everyone needs to take road safety into consideration.”

Another mistake many people make when training for their ‘Beach Bod’ is they start off running on paths they don’t know well. Unfamiliarity of a path can cause more trips and sprains, always walk the path first and mark where dangerous spots are. “Being aware of your surroundings is extremely important during the summer,” says UHS Substitute teacher, Mary Jane Tuttle. “Sometimes we aren’t aware of what we’re getting ourselves into; we can easily get hurt swimming or doing other activities.”

When people think of summer, they think about relaxing on a lawn chair on a beach for hours. But when it comes to reality, summers often consist of hard and strenuous work. The danger behind working too hard is that sweat ducts can become blocked, causing little bumps to form on your skin from heavy or tight clothing.

When in the woods or garden, be sure to clean up properly afterwards. To avoid problem rashes and breakouts, wash hands and arms thoroughly.

Also keep patio tables and chairs clean. Water is a breeding ground for mosquitos, so beware of standing water on tables. Keep sugary messes to a minimum, to keep bees and other harmful insects to be drawn in and possibly hurt you or family members.

“When warm weather arrives, the kids want to go out and play, but they’re oblivious to dangers. Even when my kids are in the yard I keep an eye on them,” says UHS Science teacher, Shanda Goodrum.

Also in defense of bees and wasps, keep the clothing color down, bright colors attract these insects and bring them close enough to harm you.

Keep the bug spray in stock! Bug spray keeps away annoying and sometimes-harmful insects, like mosquitos for instance.

When it comes to summer BBQ’s and grilling out, be very careful when it comes to the doneness of your meat. Check the temperature and make sure the food is cooked thoroughly, see http://southernfood.about.com/library/info/blroast.htmfor exact temperatures. Failure to do so may result in salmonella or other food poisoning.

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