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The Exchange: A Band in Progress

The school music scene.You mean a brass band accompanied with flutes and clarinets? No, I mean a rock ensemble of 6 with a unique fusion of sound called The Exchange. Now why should you care when there is obviously better music on the radio or the top music charts? Well for a few reasons. No matter how good a band is they need a basis of support in order to be successful and what greater place for support than from friends. Every musician that now plays on the international radio waves started out small with the help of a small dedicated audience. The art of live music is also something that we should look for to witness our favourite musicians actually play instruments and the local music scene is a great place for this. And why not give them a chance? You can't count on being able to have normal conversation with your favourite band, but you could have a great conversation with the bassist who plays in a band at your school. So last week, I sat down with The Exchanage, a band who holds their origins within the very walls of our school. You can even catch them playing in the band room and you may even have a class with one of these guys. Here they are, Elliott Li (guitarist),

and iopsy

by Nelson Nolan

Eric Sutherland (rdummer), Harry Simmonds (keyboard), Maddey Hussey (singer), Ryley Eddy (Guitarist) and Peter Masson (bass player) and they even have a proclaimed band mother (Erin Sobat) who looks after the rest of the bands needs, whatever they might be. Despite all being from different musical backgrounds, they come together to produce a sound they call a unique rock-pop. And yes, their lead singer is a female (apparently this doesnt overshadow the bands masculinity, however Maddey wasnt there at this point). The band first started out with keyboardist Harry and guitarist Elliott, both starting out with humble jam sessions under the title White on` Rice which has eventually led to the full 6 member band it is today, despite having just started out together and differing in musical taste (hence the name The Exchange). They already have a few gigs lined up that will be important for the development of their fan base and recognition. However, they do insist on not selling out and maintaining that the band stays in line with the enjoyment of making music so we can assure they wont be the next Jonas Brothers, but perhaps something along the lines of Arcade Fire. Their first gig will be at the talent show, the second at a

fashion show in Kingsway Mall and the third at the Interact Banquet for Belize. (Look out for their song Space Monkeys). They may not be stadium size sellouts, but each of these gigs will surely provide a large audience to sample their music, as they insist they havent been dropping mixtapes around the school. Despite for the most part being in grade 12, they hope to stay together for as long as possible although there is a prospect that they will be dispersed around Canada next year. The other band members also have connections with other bands in the local music scene, in fact the bassist plays for The Vertigos. (Apparently there has not yet been a feud between the two but it's easy to say that The Exchange would have the upper hand, being a year older). They also hope to be recording their first EP during the summer. The future looks bright for the band as it is filled with talented musicians and they are creating an original sound. In a world where the music industry in fuelled by corporate giants, who arguably make music for money, try something healthy and unique for the ears and try listening to some of Sheps very own music. There could even be the possibility that they could be playing their next gig at your house, or on the radio waves.

Whats Dresses and Messes Inside

March 5, 2011 The Newspaper of Ross Sheppard Highschool Vol. 3

T-Bird Times
Fashion Blog
A review of fashion from one of the most glamorous events of the year
by Andreea Resmeri The Oscars what thrill, what anticipation. The one event
of the year that manages to put me the most morose individual in this institution in one of the most childlike positions I could ever see myself in. I will make bets with my mother on who is going to get Best Picture, I will watch endless features and featurettes for all the films that are nominated and finally, I will scavenge for pictures of the best dressed, worst dressed and complete bores of the previous editions in an effort to anticipate who will shine and who will flop this year. Needless to say, the 84th annual brought together some of the most stylish women dressed in some of the most sought after designers and we saw a revelation of shimmer, curves and stylish colours as these darlings walked across the red carpet. Angelina Jolie wore a fantastic black (of course!) Versace dress; Viola Davis chose Vera Wang in green; Gwyneth Paltrow looked divine in a white Tom Ford dress (cape and all); Shailene Woodley (new to the Oscars) opted for the same colour in her age- and experience-appropriate Valentino dress; Glenn Close looked stunning in a Zac Posen dress + jacket killer combo; Jessica Chastain dared to wear Alexander McQueen and was no less than successful. Continued on Page 4

the

Kendyl on The Essentials page 4 T-Bird Times coverage from dresses to winners pages 1&4, 5

Oscar Coverage

Jordans Guide to Small Children page 2 The Lion Sleep Tonight

The Third Edition We would like to thank the students for the feedback we have received and will try to improve each edition. We would also like to thank Mrs. Ranieri and Audrey Whitehead. Enjoy reading! -T-Bird Times

A sketch by Jordan Vogel page 3

We caught up with Sheps very own The Exchange

The Exchange

Catch the full story on Page 8

Photography: Jenna-leigh Boguski

Editors: Nelson Nolan and Andreea Resmeri

Three members of The Exchange From left to right, Ryley, Harry, Elliot

Whether its a paid babysitting job, or a non-paid one (you poor dear), whether its a younger sibling or a younger student, kids are hard to deal with. They have more mood swings than a Hollywood starlet with a Starbucks addiction, and in all honesty, probably dont understand a word youre saying to them. After gaining some experience the hard way, Im here to deliver some tips to help you survive whatever it is you have gotten yourself into. Tip #1: Make conversation. I know that sounds like crazy talk, especially if the kids are really young and still cant pronounce half of the consonants in the alphabet. But hey, if you can successfully decipher what theyre saying between the lisp and the murmuring, sometimes they have interesting things to say. Other times, unfortunately, they just want to tell you how fast their pet hamster, Hammy, can run on its little hamster wheel. Its kind of a toss up, but believe me, they like to talk, and if they like talking to you, then they probably like you. If not, continue reading. Tip #2: Bribery. Im serious, it works every time. Ive had personal success with stickers, but you could also spring for little candies or other sorts of treats (just be sure there arent any allergies first). You bring those babies out and youve got the kids love and attention for at least a minute and a half. Tip #3: Meet the parents. If the kid is your sibling, disregard this tip, if not, carry on. Getting to know the parents is seriously important if youre getting paid to take care of their child. You need to know if theyre really uptight, or more free spirited. We all know that one set of parents who didnt like their kids watching T.V. (if those parents were your parents, I feel for you). Most parents will be kind of unsure letting someone take care of their wittle angel for the first time. Reassure them, and then shoo them out the door. Tip #4: Do a head count. If youre babysitting multiple children, or if you have a job leading a troupe of screaming toddlers around at summer camp, this ones for you. If you start the day with ten, make sure you dont end it with nine. Do a head count every few

by Jordan McDermott

A Guide on How to Handle Small Children:

minutes, or even better: have the kids pair up with someone so that theyre never alone. Losing a little one is never a good time. Youll be stressed and pulling your hair out by the time they come innocently wandering out of the wrong bathroom. Tip #5: Make a fool of yourself. Set up games for them, and dont be afraid to join in. Playing with children is one of the few times these days where people really let loose and get their hands dirty, dont miss it. If you want to play tag, go for it, if you want to play dress up, more power to you. Youll have fun, the kids will have fun, and everyone will go home happy. Remember, these tips are just the bare essentials, and if all else fails, up your enthusiasm by 120%. The kids wont know whats going on, and will get excited by default. Its a tried-and-true method to make them think that theyre having fun. Hey, you know what they say: fake it till you make it. All in all, what should be taken away from this is that kids really arent all that scary, theyre just people, like you and me, who will hopefully grow up to be surly, stressed, completely normal teenagers. So let them have fun now, while theyre young and nave, and, you know, why not join in too?

by Claire Brown

Art & Film

A Night at the Oscars

In the event that all else fails, a leesh is always useful

were clips of celebrities talking about their favourite The Academy Awards are a movies, and their night of wonder for all of Hollymovie memories. wood. The very name evokes a A total of 49 great sense of glamour and magnificence. But, above all, the Acad- films were nominated for awards on emy Awards are about the excellency of cinema, and celebrat- February 26. Hugo led the nominations ing those who allow the magic of with 11, and won 5 movies to continue. On February Oscars (including 26, the Academy Awards, combest cinematogra- Michel Hazanavicius won Best Director for The Artist monly known as the Oscars, took him the fourth French citizen to phy and best visual effects. The place for the 84th time, hosted by receive an Oscar in an acting role French silent film, The Artist, was actor and comedian Billy Crystal. (the other three being women). The nominated for 10 Artist is also the first silent film to awards, also winning The win an Academy Award since 1927. 5 Oscars (including Oscars Overall, the 84th Academy best picture and best were a Awards were truly amazing, and actor). Both films true showcased some of the greatest were nominated for spectatalent of our time. It provided not best picture, a list cle; only the appeal of awarding excelthat also included with lent actors, films, and directors, Midnight in Paris, the but also the visual appeal of the The Help, War Horse, theme Cirque du Soleil act. But, above Moneyball, The Deof the Canadian actor Christopher Plummer scendants, The Tree of all, it allowed us at home to cheer night for our favourite actors and films, Life, and Extremely Loud and Inbeing a Night at the Movies, and to feel through our televisions credibly Close. Jean Dujardin won there certainly was no disappointa night of immense beauty and Best Actor for The Artist, and ment. Host Billy Crystal opened magnificence. Meryl Streep won Best Actress for the event by literally putting himself into several of the nights nom- her portrayal as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, making inations, including The this her 17th nomination and third Descendants, Midnight in Paris, win (and her first win since 1983). and The Adventures of TinTin. As The 84th Academy Awards a conclusion to his introduction, he was also the night of many firsts sang little melodies about each of the Best Picture nominees. Adding and record breaking events. Christopher Plummer, winner of to the theme was an incredible act Best Supporting Actor, is currently by Cirque du Soleil, who flew over the oldest recipient of an Oscar in the audience the trapeze, and also the four acting categories, at 82 Cirque du Soleil amazed the audiperformed incredible gymnastic years old. Jean Dujardin is the ence with their interpretation of a feats, all while giving the impresfirst French actor to ever win Best movie experience. sion that they were in theater. Actor in a Leading Role, making Also, throughout the night there

Heres a list of the top 10 fashion staples every girl should have in her wardrobe:

Closet Essentials

Fashion

Wed like to thank Jordan Vogel for his lovely submission of art. Contact one of the editors to place a drawing youve done in the T-Bird Times

As David Bowie once said...

by Kendyl Kobasiuk

1) Dark Wash Denim - American Eagle ($25 - $60) 2) Fitted Blazer - H&M ($25 - $50) 3) Skinny Belt Joe Fresh ($3-$10) 4) White/Grey T-shirt - Forever 21 ($10 - $20) 5) Opaque Tights - American Apparel ($10 - $20) 6) Leather Boots - Aldo ($50 - $120) 7) Little Black Dress Zara ($30-$75) 8) Ballet Flats Browns ($25-$50) 9) Fitted Blouse - Urban Outfitters ($30 - $55) 10) Heavy Scarf - H&M ($10 - $25)
But my personal favourite, as actress, woman and fashion icon, was undoubtedly Meryl Streep. Not only was her performance in The Iron Lady exceptionally strong thus her Oscar well-deserved, she dressed to win. Meryl up-staged the whole of Hollywood in a gold Lanvin dress, with the usual design you would expect her to wear: a figure-fitting top, followed by a draped skirt, all brought together at the waist with a chain-link gold belt. What makes this dress so Meryl-like is the deep V-neck, which perfectly accentuates her straight pose and firm position. This outfit was particularly successful because Meryl kept it all unicolour, with a gold clutch, gold earrings and gold Salvatore Ferragamo heels; but unlike Byrne, the colour is so daring and bold that I have to declare Meryl the winner. I am a big fan of gold, and it is indeed the colour of victors.

continued from Page 1. Amongst all these beautiful women sporting such elegance, two in particular stood out for me (I swear it wasnt all the glitter and the shine though!). Rose Byrne dressed her slender figure in a black Vivienne Westwood dress. The bold creation elevated Byrne and she wore it so marvelously that an Oscar should have been awarded for her courage only, with all that glitter and shimmer, the opposing structures of the dress and the bare back. However, what impressed me most was the togetherness of the ensemble, from head to toe: the complex dress called for simplicity when dealing with the final touches, and Byrne showed elegance and style as she opted for a simple, straight haircut with bangs, black platform heels and a black Meryl Streep at the Oscars clutch.