By Amanda Young, ’11, News Section Editor. A world-renowned photographer’s racy lecture at CCDS on Friday, Dec. 4, and the administration’s decision to cut it short serve as a “teachable moment” for the school.

By Kate Flexter, ’10, A&E Section Editor. If an artist’s job is to provoke reaction or controversy, then Duane Michals fulfilled his duty. He created a dialogue where there was none, opened our eyes to our surroundings, and forced us to question all that we know. Often it is the reaction, the debate, or even the argument that a piece evokes that is the true work of art. With a biography of Mr. Michals by Meredith Hritz, ‘10, A&E Editor.

By Isaac Guttman, ’10, News Editor. Upper School students can wear collarless shirts with sweaters and pullovers; seniors gained the options of morning sleep-ins and expanded hours away from school.

by Cody Pomeranz ‘11, Sports Section Editor. Instead of declaring an end to the war, Obama needs to affirm America’s commitment to the fight. The most dangerous weapon in the insurgency’s arsenal is patience.

By Merle Black, History Department Chair. Afghanistan could well become Obama’s Vietnam.

By Kathryn Black, ’11, The Lens Editor. Grant Hesser is a memorable character, and it is not surprising that he stars in most of my memories as a CCDS lifer. Grant has not changed. What made him a larger-than-life character when he was five years old remains part of Grant to this day.

By Greg Dick, ’11, Contributor. From Mr. Gillmore’s Wall of Shame and Mr. Van Nuys’s football games to countless clubs, sports, and class trips, the best part about CCDS is the sense of community.

By Lilly Fleischmann, ’11, Contributor. In first grade, I was very jealous to learn that Baldur Tangvald’s initials spelled “bat” while mine made the incomprehensible “lrf.” And yes, I think it was about this time that my middle name became the “root” of many jokes… pun intended.

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, CCDS came together for the Fifth Annual Wrap-In. Students from all divisions worked together to wrap a total of over 800 presents, enjoying cookies and holiday songs afterward. The gifts go to needy families in the Cincinnati area.

By Hannah Stewart, ’12, Contributor. I was not offended in any way by Mr. Michals. In fact, I found him incredibly entertaining, but his lecture was inappropriate for school hours.

By Jules Cantor, ’11, Sports Editor. Two games on Saturday, Dec. 5, had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The UC Bearcats took on the Pittsburgh Panthers in the latest installment of the River City Rivalry with the Big East Conference championship on the line. And the University of Texas Longhorns battled the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers for the Dr. Pepper Big XII Championship.

By Alex Lento, ‘10, LifeStyle Section Editor. Does starting standardized test practice and college visits early relieve or increase stress? How about having an older sibling who’s gone through the process? What can you do now to keep from being overwhelmed when the time comes to actually apply to college?