• Home
• Infinite Campus
• Contact
• TJ Faculty
• Calendar
• Alumni
• Partners
  • 2008 After Prom Sponsors
• Advertise

Subscribe

TJ Artist Proves to be Renaissance Man

Morgan Dorn sculpts his masterpiece for the DPS Art Exhibition.
by Rhea Boyd

    Denver Public School Art Exhibition’s “Best in Show” winner, Morgan Dorn, knows how to work his magic not only in ceramics, but in the rest of his life as well.
     This month, Thomas Jefferson’s Senior Morgan Dorn won two awards: Best in Show and First Place in the Ceramics genre. He submitted an 18-inch coil pot that won over the judges. There were eleven DPS schools involved in the competition, including Denver School of the Arts. Each school was allowed to submit 15 art creations hand-picked by the teachers. Altogether 165 students competed for the title of Best in Show, and Dorn won it. “It’s pretty exciting,” he said. “I had no idea I’d win.”
     Dorn is enrolled in TJ’s ceramics class with Catherine Salazar and the course introduced him to something he turned out to enjoy immensely. His aunt and uncle own the Robischon Art Gallery downtown, which has given him a little exposure to the art world. After joining the ceramics class he gained more interest and passion for the form. “I think it’s fun to build with my hands. You can do a lot of interesting things,” Dorn said.
     The artwork that won Dorn the competition is a coil pot made up of rolled strings of clay stacked one atop the other. He says that the shape of the coils reminded him of snakes, which inspired him to sculpt several detailed snake heads into the piece.     “The cool thing about Morgan is that he built his pot up on just an idea,” fellow ceramics classmate Sean Reifman said.
     When asked where or from whom he gets his artistic inspiration from Dorn replied, “I find inspiration from things, not so much people. I really like doing my own thing and being original.” He also said that much of his art is representative of South American pieces.
     Catherine Salazar’s students have participated in this competition from its inception, about thirty years ago, “Morgan is one of the more stand-out students I’ve had, and I think the only Best in Show winner, so that is exciting,” said Salazar, who added that she is extremely appreciative of Dorn’s presence in her class. “35 Morgans in one class would be heaven,” she jokes.  “He is respectful and hardworking.”
     Art is not the only class in which Dorn excels. He has a respectable GPA and participates thoroughly in all his classes. Dorn also gets along famously with his peers. “He is smart and really easy to talk to,” says Reifman.
     Dorn hopes that he will carry his new-found hobby of pottery into the future. Although he never plans on selling his art, he hopes to display it around his home. “When I create something I put my all into it, all my passion. So, I like keeping it around,” he said.
    Morgan Dorn’s award-winning artwork was on display at the atrium of the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Building at 201 West Colfax Avenue.

Spring One Acts

One act to show a world of talent.
by Spencer Snell
photo by Ben Gilliland

    After a performance like Chicago what could TJ Drama possibly have up its sleeve? Why, Spring One-Acts, that’s what!
    The One-Acts are student written and directed plays that are presented on the 7th 8th and 9th of May. One-Act drama at TJ is a different style of play consisting of only one act, hence the name. One-Acts are a competitive version of theater where four student directors' plays are chosen and the students cast, direct, write, and work tech without any help from the teachers. The four plays face off in groups of two per night, and one play from each night advances to the final round. On the third night the two top plays from each night compete, a vote is taken and the final play is chosen. The best part about all this… admission is free!
    Four teachers,  Eileen Adair, Sudi Stodola, Michael Palmieri, and, Jaqueline Hudson-Raila judged and selected the finals plays. “After an entire lunch period of discussing the merits of each play, we ranked the plays and came to an equitable decision. While we didn’t all agree on which ones were the best, we did agree that we had a fair decision-making process,” said  Stodola.
    They decided on the top four One-Acts and they are: Tangled by Natalee Pinson, 3:33 by Sinjin Jones, Angeline by Chris Wolter and 2012 by Dan Rios. Auditions were the April 10 and rehearsal began on April 14.
    Student Director Jones said,  "3:33 is a story about when three grizzly murders are committed, one man must find out who the culprit is… before he loses it himself.”  There is also a manic murder mystery, and a zombie outbreak.  Curtain opens at 7:00 pm tonight.
 

The Terrible Secrets of the Forbidden Kingdom

Predictable but still entertaining.
by Sinjin Jones

     Jackie Chan and Jet Li are amazing martial artists; we all know that. However, as the credits rolled on Forbidden Kingdom, I couldn’t help but think that the producers and director may have banked a little too much on that fact.
     Forbidden Kingdom opens with the story of a wannabe martial artist, Jason Tripitikas (Michael Angarano, Sky High), who religiously visits the store of an old Chinese guy to requisition new martial arts flicks to watch. By some weird string of events that includes bullies, guns, and falling from rooftops that I’m still not sure I understand, Jason finds himself in a strange parallel universe where he must return a staff (which he got from the old man) to its rightful owner (a monkey guy) so that he can defeat the Jade Emperor and release the world from tyranny. Along the way, he meets his teachers: a drunken, possibly immortal beggar (Jackie Chan), and a traveling monk on a mission to free the monkey man (both tackled by Jet Li).
     The most annoying issue with the movie is that I saw absolutely no reason why I should hate the Jade Emperor until at least the middle of the film, and even then it was questionable. Emperors always make examples of people, they always have concubines, and they are always mean to people who disobey; so what makes this guy (played by Deshun Wang) any different, other than his sweet martial arts and Chi power?
     The movie quickly falls into a predictable cycle as everything expected to happen happens, and surprise comes at maybe one or two moments in the film…at most. Of course there is a love interest for the young American in Golden Sparrow (played by first timer Yifei Liu). Yes, she saves their lives, yes, she has a secret, and yes she joins their journey. At this point, a mental image may be forming as to how Forbidden Kingdom ends…yep, that’s exactly how it happens. Read more

A MacBook Aboard 815: The Shape of Things to Come

A LOST addict types really, really fast between commercials.
CAUTION [If you didn’t see last night’s episode STOP! Spoilers Ahead!]

by Manny Perez

    Everyone loves when regular TV shows mix-up their air times, right? No? Yeah, well me neither. Lost, in the spirit of “ABC’s All-New Thursdays”, has decided it will be airing from now till May 29th at 9 pm instead of the regular 8 pm; thus throwing this reporter into at least one high-speed chase trying to get home on time, only to learn he still has an hour to spare.

9:07 – Good old Lost Island seaside. Jack is feeling off due to this completely warped schedule and is thus taking some medication to ease the pain. Kate welcomes herself into the tent and she starts talking with Jack about why Sayid isn’t back from the boat, but before too long Bernard is yelling for help from the shore. Apparently he sees dead people. Someone is floating facedown in the water, but no worry, it’s just the stupid doctor from the boat we all hate.

Meanwhile OTOSOTI (On the other side of the island) Locke, Sawyer, and Hurley, are playing Risk before being interrupted by an automated phone call “Code 14-J.” Taking their time, they go ask Ben if he would like to sign-up for a free MasterCard. At this, Ben jumps, grabs and pumps a shotgun, and tells the three to head over to the other house. “They’re here”. Read more

Sci-Fi Juggernauts: A Clockwork Orange

A horrowshow veshch about some chepooka.
by Sinjin Jones

There are dozens of classic novels that fall under the category of “must-read” science fiction. Throughout this year, I will examine why a handful of these particular works are absolutely essential additions to everyone's reading list, even those who do not consider themselves science fiction fans.

"Then I looked at its top sheet, and there was the name - A CLOCKWORK ORANGE - and I said: 'That's a fair gloopy title. Who ever heard of a clockwork orange?'"
-Jack, A Clockwork Orange

     Using a slang he created, Anthony Burgess fashioned a masterpiece of science fiction that explores the human condition in a completely unique way: he called it A Clockwork Orange.
     The plot of A Clockwork Orange is one that, at first glance, makes the casual reader grimace: a group of friends led by the main character, Alex, run amok through a futuristic British city wreaking havoc. However, the short description is deceiving. At its core, A Clockwork Orange explores the very foundation of human beings, their need for commitment, free will, and the evil that is inherent in government. The novel follows the story of Alex, a resident and troublemaker of this semi-futuristic society, and his group of friends as they gallivant around, causing immense amounts of damage. Alex is a mere 15 years old but is the vicious leader of a gang of criminals which, throughout the novel, perform various unsavory deeds (including, but not limited to: theft, bribery, and especially violence of every kind). Read more

Out Clubbin': Sit-N-Knit Club

“Knit young grasshopper. Knit.”
by Manny Perez

Club Statement
“The Sit-N-Knit club is dedicated to providing a creative and fun environment where knitters of all levels can get together and share their talents. Whether you have never cast a single stitch or you are an experienced knitter who has expertise to offer, this is the place for you. Our purpose is to foster creativity and collaboration in a comfortable environment.” – TJ High School Librarian Sudi Stodola

The Setting
    The Sit and Knit Club meets in the library on the top floor of the school. Most of the walls of the very large rectangular space are lined with bookshelves made from some pine-ish wood. Nearly all of the tables and chairs are made of the same material and so the entire room feels unified and matching. Specifically, the club meets on the table nearest the librarian’s desk for mobility convenience. The place is quiet and calm and is the ultimate atmosphere for concentrated work.

Operation: Back Loop
    I was a bit late as I dashed through the library’s security checkers. Previously I was speaking to Mr. Almond about the elaborate details of Lost and I seemed to have rambled long enough to forget the time. Luckily though, I quickly realized what was happening and arrived a few seconds later at the first ever Sit and Knit Club meeting.

Read more

Oh Duffy Roll, Thank You!

"They rise and they shine, they wake and they bake."
by Sarah Heath

    There are many traditions that are local to the great state of Colorado, but none perhaps as delicious as Duffy Rolls. With the original location within walking distance of Thomas Jefferson, I think we can all consider ourselves pretty darn lucky. Duffy Rolls offer a mouth-watering array of baked goods. And remember, free mini Duffy roll with every purchase of a Latte.
    When I imagine a place that would offer friendly service, coffee, and tempting bakery fare, the Happy Cannon Road and Hampden Ave. location is the poster child. The set-up reminds me of a café that might be found in an old Victorian house’s first floor. But Duffy’s is camouflaged in this nondescript brick building, which can easily be scanned right over. The front entrance and patio, in the winter, is covered in a big, dark, maroon tent.
    I can absolutely recommend Duffy’s to the starving teenager. I ordered a pecan sticky bun and a latte; I was absolutely thrilled when I got to pick out any mini roll free with coffee bar drink. My to-go bag was packed and I barely broke the bank, not even going into the double digits. Duffy Roll is a treat as a breakfast, dessert or “just cuz”; this place is euphoric. Read more

Weekly Audio Tour

Artist: Fischerspooner
by Rhea Boyd

    Fischerspooner is a New Yorker electroclash duo who is leaving their mark on pop culture with their original music, art and fashion.
    When I first listened to Fischerspooner in 2005, I was intrigued by their interesting sound and lyrics. The first song I ever heard of Fischerspooner’s was Emerge. It was a clear example of what Fischerspooner was all about: repetitive electronic beats and lyrics laced with a unique mixture of funky vocals. The singer, Casey Spooner, has an impressive vocal range. The sound is soft and lyrical, surprisingly clear for a male lead, and never fails to reach the high keys. Although many songs and albums by electronic artists end up running together because they are so alike, Fischerspooner has a profoundly unique sound. As soon as the song begins they are easy to identify because of their electro beats, vocals and energetic pace. Read more

Recycle Your Fashion

Buffalo Exchange: The Closet of the Best Friend I Want To Meet
by Sarah Heath

    The Buffalo Exchange originated in Tuscon, Arizona circa 1974. The store is a family affair, started by Kerstin and Spencer Block. The couple, both Swedish, thought Buffalo sounded American and Exchange was to the point. Lucky for us Denverites we have a franchise right on the border of downtown.
     The Denver store is located on 13th and Grant St. in Capitol Hill, and specializes in buying and selling men and women’s fashion. The place is too funky! There are so many racks full of clothes. For the girls: sweaters, long sleeve shirts, short sleeve shirts, dresses, and racks of skirts and pants along the wall. And all the same sections are there for boys. Shoes, bags, $8 sunglasses, pins and leather, oh my!
     I stopped in on a Friday, right after I cashed my paycheck, and I immediately tried on probably ten shirts and dresses and all the men’s sweaters. I never know what to look for when I go, which is incredibly vital to the experience! When I go I’m in the mindset to create my personal iconic style. It’s like dipping into my best friend’s closet, in fact that’s exactly what The Exchange is about. I’m waiting till the weekend to go back in with my gently bruised treasures, the clothes that I bought for full price and only wore once, and trade them for clothes already stocked. Read more

A MacBook Aboard 815: Meet Kevin Johnson

A LOST addict types really, really fast between commercials.
CAUTION [If you didn’t see last night’s episode STOP! Spoilers Ahead!]
By Manny Perez

[I CANNOT believe I missed the first half-hour! IT’S MICHAEL. How do I miss it!?]

8:30 – Michael puts a fully loaded gun to his head in front of his TV. It refuses to fire, TWICE. A news report breaks where it tells him about the fake 815 flight. Obviously, this is extremely odd so he goes and visits one of the now-dead Others, Tom. He lets Michael in, but not before sending his boyfriend away with a kiss. [Ha! Never would have guessed.]  Anyway, he explains how Widmore faked the plane “discovery”, (apparently Others can come and go). Tom asks about the gun, “Did the bullet bounce off your head? Or did it just not fire?” Michael wants proof of the hoax. Tom shows how Widmore got the bodies from a Thailand cemetery, bought the plane, and dropped it all in a trench. Tom wants Michael on the freighter. “I can’t go back to the island!” he says. But Michael is not going to the Island, he’s the spy on the boat and he’s supposed to kill everyone there. Read more

Next Page »

Spartan Edition

Click on image to play full movie Click Here for Archives

Copyright © 2007 Thomas Jefferson Journal