The Denver Post • 1

CK Reporter of the WeekBen Vanourek, Littleton

Someone who doesn’t understand modern art might think that abstract expressionism is just a bunch of scribbles on a piece of canvas, but

the “Women of the Abstract Expressionism” exhibit at the Denver Art Museum has visions and stories to tell behind each of their works.

This exhibit is the dream of curator Gwen Chanzit, who worked on it for eight years before it fi nally opened last month.

“Women’s Abstract Expression” features 12 women artists who for the most part are not well known.

In reality, abstract expressionism is not a bunch of scribbles.

“Abstract expressionist paintings are expressions of self. While there is not one style, abstract expressionist canvases are known for loose brushwork.”

This defi nition of abstract expressionism is on the wall as you enter the exhibit.

What I learned from my visit is that each artist has her own movement, style and ways of painting.

One of the reasons behind the exhibit is to highlight the work of women during a time period when it was all about the men.

The Denver Art Museum’s Shannon Robb explained, “ They weren’t working as a reaction to the men, they were working alongside the men.”

One of the women whose work is on display is Lee Krasner, who was married to a much better known abstract artist.

“I’m always going to be Mrs. Jackson Pollock that’s a matter of fact- (but) I painted before Pollock, during Pollock, after Pollock,” she had said.

Most of the women featured in the exhibit got their inspiration from major events in their lives, in history or through other pieces of art.

For instance, one of my favorite paintings is titled “The King is Dead,” by Grace Hartigan, and is based on Picasso’s death.

For someone who didn’t know anything about abstract expressionism, I learned a great deal walking through this exhibit.

It is defi nitely worth the money. This exhibit runs through September 25 and is included in the price of admission to the museum.

August 9, 2016

‘Ghostbusters’ has new characters, fresh laughs

“Ghostbusters,” starring Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, is an edge-of-

your-seat thrill ride fi lled with zany characters and laughs.

Erin Gilbert (Wiig) is a physicist, Abby Yates (McCarthy) is a paranormal researcher, Jillian Holtzmann (McKinnon) is a nutty engineer, and Patty Tolan (Jones) is an NYC local.

When the women team up to prove the existence of ghosts, they soon realize that paranormal activity in Manhattan has been magnifi ed by weird blue glowing boxes.

The Ghostbusters must vanquish all of the ghosts and save New York City from the Apocalypse.

Most of the characters were very well written and performed but the one that stood out to me was McKinnon’s Holtzmann, who had the audience in the palm of her hand with her quirky lines and comical faces.

Even when other characters were talking, I would watch her in the background because she would always be doing something totally wacky.

She had the best jokes and reactions to everything. McKinnon was made to play Jillian Holzmann.

The reboot of “Ghostbusters” is a total success.

The story is very similar to the previous movie’s, which was predictable, but it is still entertaining. There are many parallels to the original, but you don’t have to have seen the

fi rst one to enjoy this new release.The pace of everything is very well-timed so

nothing gets too boring and the story is easy to follow.

The humor is fairly tame and there is very little sexual innuendo. The jokes in the fi lm are perfectly spaced out so that it isn’t just slapstick comedy constantly like a Will Ferrell movie.

The animation is realistic for the type of movie it is and the actors act well with it.

The only critique I have is that Wiig’s character is slightly annoying and not that funny.

“Ghostbusters” is rated PG-13 because of frightening images and in one scene a character shows other characters “the fi nger” multiple times.

I will admit that I was scared at some points in the movie. Scary images aside, however, I would say it was a very tame PG-13 movie and would be acceptable for moviegoers, even slightly younger than 13 (as long as they “ain’t ‘fraid of no ghosts,” that is).

Overall “Ghostbusters” is an outstanding movie with just the right amount of heart, jokes, and jump scares.

Youth-written stories that appear here also appear on

C , !

HEY COLORADO KIDS!Visit YourHub.com/nextgen for more stories, movie reviews, school news, blogs and polls. Join the conversation today.

Appreciating art and the artists

“The King is Dead” by Grace Hartigan image courtesy Denver Art Museum

By Paige Bakke,14, a CK Reporter from Cherry Hills Village

By Ashley Gaccetta,12, a CK Reporter from Longmont

The Denver Post • 2

“Be Your Own Bo$$” summer camp was a week of fun recently at the Denver Young Americans Center.

The week was spent learning about specific skills that you need to become a kid entrepreneur.

On the final day, there was a “Mini Shark Tank” pitch just after the young entrepreneurs had a Small Biz Kid Expo.

I only attended that last day as a reporter, but there were several interesting business ideas at the Expo.

“Cool Cubes” is an idea where you ask for a specific design, and they put together all of the parts of a Rubik’s Cube so that it makes the design you requested.

“Best Bait” jewelry had an idea to make earrings with a fishing style. For example, rainbow trout, bass fish, earrings, etc.

There was also “The Force” which sells candy, toys and Star Wars toys.

However, the Shark Tank aspect was my favorite part of the camp.

Participants for the Mini Shark Tank pitch were elected by their color group (there are a lot of kids per color group).

Each color group elected the business they liked the most and sent them to the Shark Tank. The four businesses that were selected were “Terrific Trail Mix,” “B-Bags,” “Brady’s Bubbles Bombs,” and “The Street Side Sweets.”

In the Shark Tank, the creators of the four selected businesses walked up to the “Sharks” (i.e. judges/potential investors), presented their ideas and tried to convince the Sharks to “invest” in their business.

The Sharks then discussed the ideas in a backroom, while the kids were left to wait nervously.

When the Sharks came back, they each said which of the businesses they would personally invest in.

They each had certificates for the children that they chose. The certificates were not worth money, but were rather “good job” recognitions.

Terrific Trail Mix customizes trailmix based on what you want to have in it, and then they make it and send it to you. “You fix it, and we’ll mix it!” He offered $300 for 5% of the equity in the company.

B-Bags are bags attached together like an accordian. They basically are organizers that are connected with Velcro that can attach to your backpack. Set of 5 for $24.99, and it only costs $10 to make. She sells them online and will have them at an invention convention at her school.

Brady’s Bubbles Bombs sells bubble bath bombs. Bubble bath bombs are hard balls made up of smells and colors, and they

effervesce and fizz up when you put them in the tub. Brady is pretty funny and wants to use his puppies

as a way to get people to come over to his business at local parks.

It costs him $1 to make them, and he sells them for $3 each. 25% of all profits go to the Dumb Friends League.

The last one, The Street Side Sweets, sells snow cones, candy, soda, chips, and, in the winter, hot cocoa. This team of two girls was asking for $172 to start their business.

I thought that the Small Biz Kid Expo was very good and is a lot of fun for kids. The Mini Shark Tank pitch was unique and everyone listening to the 4 pitches seemed to be having a good time.

I recommend that kids go to this summer camp next year, especially if you are in the 5th to 6th grade range.

Young businesspeople face the Sharks

Are wooden bats ‘endangered’?One mark of Major League

Baseball that has remained over the years has been the “Crack!” of the baseball coming off a wooden bat.

Could there come a day when MLB will feature the “Dink!” of aluminum?

The answer may have more to do with an invasive species than with sentiment for the old days, or opinions of how the game should be played.

Wooden baseball bats are made of various hardwoods, but the most durable, and popular, are made of ash, a tough, very hard wood that comes mostly from the Adirondack forest in northern New York.

In recent years, the northeast has also become home to the emerald ash borer, a beetle that was accidentally brought to this country from Asia and whose name pretty much tells the type

of damage it has been doing in the Adirondacks.

The beetle has killed some 50 million white ash trees and could wipe out the species if it is not controlled soon, both entomolo-gists and manufacturers of base-ball bats fear.

Ash bats make up about 70% of wooden bats, with birch and maple, woods that shatter more easily than white ash, accounting for the rest. photo/ Spitzgogo_chen

By Ben Vanourek,10, a CK Reporter from Littleton

Money doesn’t grow on trees. Or does it? Photo by Ben Vanourek

Confidence and a firm handshake are two parts of a successful pitch when you’re facing the Sharks. Photo by Ben Vanourek

The Denver Post • 3

There are 12 times as many injuries on trampolines now as there were fi ve years ago!

What does it mean?Are kids jumping with swords or broken glass?How could injuries have increased so dramatically

in such a very short time?Here’s your hint: The Connecticut Children’s

Medical Center report that included that frightening news spoke about the number of injuries, not the rate of injuries.

This could mean that the same number of kids are playing on the same number of trampolines, and it’s getting much more dangerous.

Or it could mean that a lot more kids are playing

on a lot more trampolines, and it’s just about as dangerous as it has always been.

And there are, indeed, more trampolines today.“Rate of injury” would mean how many injuries

for each time someone jumps on a trampoline. If safety rules stay the same, injury rates should

also remain the same no matter how many trampolines there are.

But here’s a diff erent warning: Trampolines could become so popular and familiar that kids forget you can get hurt on them.

It’s always been easy to get hurt on a trampoline. Today, you have more chances to be careless.

Don’t be. (But have fun!)

More kids on trampolines means more kids in emergency rooms

You’ve been with them through a migra-tion, a meltdown, a journey through the world of the dinosaurs, and a sea full of

treacherous pirates. Now, it’s time for the gang’s biggest adven-

ture yet—and possibly their last.With the threat of pirates cast aside, and

with Peaches getting ready to marry her new fi ancé, Julian, everything is as it should be.

But when what starts out as some impres-sive fi reworks turns out to be an explosive meteor shower, their situation quickly turns dire.

After Buck reads a prophecy stating that there is an asteroid headed towards them, Manny, Sid, Diego, and the rest of their “herd” must fi nd a way to redirect it — or die trying.

“Ice Age: Collision Course” follows the same outline as the other movies, featur-ing an end-of-the-world-type disaster, a villain, and Manny’s own personal struggle (in this case, preparing for Peaches to move away).

However, this movie has added characters like Julian and the Shangri-llama and even a returning character, Buck, for some added humor.

And of course, we can always count on Crash and Eddie for some added comedy for the little ones in the audience.

Not to worry, though; there are some jokes that will amuse the older kids and adults, as well, making the movie entertaining for all audiences.

Not only that, but parent moviegoers will also connect with Manny as he prepares to let go of Peaches, no matter how much he wants her to stay home forever. The movie provides an insightful look into the bittersweet time that comes when your child grows up.

“Collision Course” is a pleasing addition to the Ice Age franchise, and anyone who is a fan

of the rest of the movies will enjoy this one, as well. You don’t want to miss it!

‘Ice Age’ adds another layer of cool fun

photo/Jordiferrer

Rules: Every row across, every column down and each of the six smaller boxes must contain numerals 1,2,3,4,5 and 6, one time and one time only.

The solution to this week’s puzzle is on Page 4.

Today is the birthday of graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang, so our answers this week will start with “A” for “American Born Chinese,” his most famous book.

1. The Chinese invented a fast, simple type of calculator long ago that is still used by many people there. What is this frame-and-bead device?

2. The capital of Greece

3. An American hero early in the Revolution, this general then betrayed his country.

4. Two authors of the “Thomas the Tank Engine” stories share this last name.

5. This vegetable looks like a pine cone, and you have to be taught how to scrape the pulp from the leaves with your teeth and then enjoy the soft heart at the center.

6. Where two lines meet, it can be acute, obtuse, right or straight.

7. The Great Sand Dunes are in this south/central Colorado county whose county seat shares its name.

8. Large, four-legged war machine featured in “Star Wars.”

9. Star of two classic novels by Lewis Carroll

10. Long chain of islands leading away from Alaska’s coast (answers on Page Four)

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In “Me & Miranda Mullaly,” by Jake Gerhardt, Sam is the class clown known for pranking his classmates and he has some interesting history with toilet paper. Duke is

the intellectual who is known for quoting Winston Churchill and starring in school musicals. Finally, Chollie is the athlete. He always follows his brother Billy’s advice and is very into basketball.

The only thing they have in common is that they all love Miranda Mullaly.

But the question is, does she like them back?Miranda Mulallay is a girl who smiles like she means it,

who has a luminous complexion, and when she sings at Christmas, Chollie calls it a Christmas miracle.

Miranda is a beautiful and kind girl whose best friend is a pain in the neck (according to Sam).

Miranda is an amazing girl who doesn’t even know her admirers exist.It’s January fourth when all three boys notice Miranda Mullaly. They all meet over a prank set by Sam intended for Duke. This is what happened: Sam had put a thumbtack on Duke’s chair and Miranda

stopped Duke from sitting down and returned the thumbtack to Sam with an “excellent smile” while Chollie watched the whole thing.

I really loved this book because it was interesting, fun and it was relatable to real life.

I would defi nitely recommend this book for children of all ages. This is not exactly an adventure book but there is defi nitely comedy.

By Sofi a Morfi n,11, a CK Reporter from Denver

The Olympics are all over television at the moment, and CK readers who answered our question have

some interest in them.But, while the Olympics are a thing,

they’re not the only thing. About half of you said you’ll be following some favorite events, and nearly a quarter planned to tune in at least for a few things, but those who were going to watch every minute ranked near the bottom of the preference results, just below those who weren’t going to bother watching at all.

Here’s what we asked you, and what you told us:

How do you feel about the Olympic Games this summer?

A. I’ll be glued to the television from start to fi nish! 15%B. I have a couple of favorite events I’ll keep an eye on. 47%C. I’ll watch some of it, but it won’t disrupt my life. 22%D. Not my thing 16%

Now here’s our next question:

In a normal week, what is dinner usually like in your home?A. We sit down at the table and eat together.B. We sometimes eat at the table, sometimes in the TV room or elsewhere.C. We’re so busy that we rarely all eat dinner at the same time.D. None of the above

To answer this question, go to http://nextgen.yourhub.com

We asked you, you told us:

Olympics: Fun within reason Love, or something like it

By Cara Dulin,14, a CK Reporter from Castle Rock

The Denver Post • 4

is produced by Denver Post Educational Services

Executive Editor: Dana Plewkadplewka@denverpost.com

CK Editor: Mike Petersoncoloradokidseditor@gmail.com

We welcome your comments.

For tools to extend the learning in this feature, look under “Youth Content” at:

www.ColoradoNIE.com

eEditions of the Post arefree of charge for classroom use.Contact us for information on all

our programs.

Denver Post Educational Services101 W. Colfax Ave.Denver CO 80202

(303) 954-3974(800) 336-7678

Stories without bylines were written by the editor.

(see Page Three)

10 right - Wow!

7 right - Great!

5 right - Good

3 right - See you next time!

1. abacus 2. Athens 3. (Benedict) Arnold 4. Awdry 5. artichoke 6. angle 7. Alamosa 8. AT-AT 9. Alice 10. Aleutians

Hot Links to Cool Sites!

NASA’s Space Placehttp://tinyurl.com/ckspace

NIE Special Reporthttp://tinyurl.com/ckniereport

Headline Geographyhttp://tinyurl.com/ckgeography

Pulse of the Planethttp://tinyurl.com/ckpulseplanet

How to become a NextGen Reporter!http://tinyurl.com/colokidsreporter

To read the sources for these storiesTrampoline accidents

Wooden bats

go to http://www.tinyurl.com/ckstorylinks

Why Curlew Has A Crooked BillThese stories were collected from Blackfeet, Chippewa and Cree storytellers

in Montana in the early 20th century by Frank Linderman.

Old Man was not always wise, even if he did make the world, and all that is on it. He often got into trouble but something always happened to get him out of it.

What I shall tell you now will show you that it is not well to try to do things just because others do them.

They may be right for others, and wrong for us, but Old Man didn’t understand that, you see.

One day he saw some mice playing and went near to watch them. It was springtime, and the frost was just coming out of the ground. A big flat rock was sticking out of a bank near a creek, and the sun had melted the frost

from the earth about it, loosening it, so that it was about to fall. The Chief-Mouse would sing a song, while all the other mice danced, and then the chief

would cry ‘now!’ and all the mice would run past the big rock. On the other side, the Chief-Mouse would sing again, and then say ‘now!’--back they

would come--right under the dangerous rock. Sometimes little bits of dirt would crumble and fall near the rock, as though warning the

mice that the rock was going to fall, but they paid no attention to the warning, and kept at their playing.

Finally Old Man said: “Say, Chief-Mouse, I want to try that. I want to play that game. I am a good runner.”

He wasn’t, you know, but he thought he could run. That is often where we make great mistakes -- when we try to do things we were not intended to do.

“No! No!” cried the Chief-Mouse, as Old Man prepared to make the race past the rock. “No! No! You will shake the ground. You are too heavy, and the rock may fall and kill you. My people are light of foot and fast. We are having a good time, but if you should try to do as we are doing you might get hurt, and that would spoil our fun.”

“Ho!” said Old Man, “Stand back! I’ll show you what a runner I am.”He ran like a grizzly bear, and shook the ground with his weight. Swow! Down came the

great rock on top of Old Man and held him fast in the mud. My, how he screamed and called for aid! All the Mice-people ran away to find help. It was a long time before the Mice-people found anybody, but they finally found the

Coyote, and told him what had happened. Coyote didn’t like Old Man very much, but he said he would go and see what he could do, and he did.

The Mice-people showed him the way, and when they all reached the spot, there was Old Man deep in the mud, with the big rock on his back.

He was angry and was saying things people should not say, for they do no good and make the mind wicked.

Coyote said: “Keep still, you big baby. Quit kicking about so. You are splashing mud in my eyes. How can I see with my eyes full of mud? Tell me that. I am going to try to help you out of your trouble.”

He tried but Old Man insulted Coyote, and called him a bad name, so the Coyote said, “Well, stay there,” and went away.

Again Old Man began to call for helpers, and the Curlew, who was flying over, saw the trouble, and came down to the ground to help.

In those days Curlew had a short, stubby bill, and he thought that he could break the rock by pecking it.

He pecked and pecked away without making any headway, till Old Man grew angry at him, as he did at the Coyote.

The harder the Curlew worked, the worse Old Man scolded him. Old Man lost his temper altogether, you see, which is a bad thing to do, for we lose our friends with it, often.

Temper is like a bad dog about a lodge -- no friends will come to see us when he is about.Curlew did his best but finally said: “I’ll go and try to find somebody else to help you. I

guess I am too small and weak. I shall come back to you.”He was standing close to Old Man when he spoke, and Old Man reached out and grabbed

the Curlew by the bill. Curlew began to scream -- oh, my -- oh, my -- oh, my -- just as you still hear them in the

air when it is morning.Old Man hung onto the bill and finally pulled it out long and slim, and bent it downward,

as it is to-day. Then he let go and laughed at the Curlew.“You are a strange-looking bird now. That is a homely bill, but you shall always wear it

and so shall all of your children, as long as there are Curlews in the world.”I have forgotten who it was that got Old Man out of his trouble, but it seems to me it was

the bear. Anyhow he did get out somehow, and lived to make even more trouble.

adaptation c. 2005, Mike Peterson - illustrations c. 2005, Christopher Baldwin

For a teaching guide, go to http://tinyurl.com/ckserial

Old Man Stories

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