Issue 6 (January, 2013-2014)

Special Mayoral Edition

ECHOES

Issue 6 | Volume 113 January 2014

The Independent Voice of Abraham Lincoln High School | Council Bluffs, Iowa | ALechoes.com

Ringing in the new year with a new mayor: Mayor Matt Walsh

By Logan Erwin & Hailey Carson

Journalism Staff

Leadership Iowa (both previous groups promote leadership opportunities), Chair Member of the IWCC Black Tie, was a commercial lender for Security National Bank, and was part of the Omaha Community Foundation Board Leadership Capacity Building Team. He is also currently a liaison for the Council Bluffs Public Library and the Mid-America Convention Center.

Walsh wanted to run for City Council in 1992 to help the city through a rough patch but his boss discouraged him from doing it because of conflicts of interests that might affect the bank.

When the city government had not improved in the next two years, he was advised to run. He was elected in 1994 and stayed on city council for 18 years.

On Jan. 14, Mayor Matt Walsh met with the Echoes to discuss the recent mayoral election and his goals for the future of Council Bluffs.

Sworn Into Duty: Tom Hanafan, mayor of Council Bluffs for 25 years, announced he would not run for re-election in November 2013. On Jan. 3, Matt Walsh was sworn in as the mayor of Council Bluffs.

“Through the years I had made lots of acquaintances and worked on lots of city related projects so I had a reputation for my commitment to the community,” Walsh said. “When it came time to run, people knew me.”

Walsh is now the mayor of Council Bluffs and he has big plans for our city, from cutting business taxes to maintaining citywide conditions. He has previously been a leader in other roles such as Leadership Iowa and a chair member of the IWCC Black Tie: which helps with securing resources and scholarships for the college. Both Walsh and Hanafan have their differences and work in different ways, yet Walsh is ready to be the mayor and get down to business.

Tom Hanafan and his History: During Tom Hanafan’s time as mayor, he helped the city develop with the additions of casinos, a new public library, sports and entertainment centers, and public art. Before all of that, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, where he played football and baseball. Hanafan received a football scholarship to the University of South Dakota and during the summer, he returned home to work for his dad at the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha. He was on the City Council from

The Election: Walsh, a Republican, ran for mayor against Brent Siegrist, also Republican, and won 62% of the overall votes. The final vote count was Walsh’s 3,812 votes against Siegrist’s 2,276 votes. Walsh says that his reputation here gave him an edge.

“He [Siegrist] tried to differentiate himself having not been involved in those years of changes and he did that by stating it was time for a change,” Walsh said. “I don’t know that that message resonated with the voters.”

Mayor Matt Walsh stops in for an interview with the Echoes staff. Photo by Francisco Franco 1984 to 1986. In 1969, Hanafan married his wife Shirley-they have two children, Chris and Kari, and six grandchildren.

Elected in 1988, Tom Hanafan served for 25 years before Matt Walsh became the new mayor.

Mayor Matt Walsh’s Acommplisments in the past:

Photo by Eric Cavanaugh

2013-14

ALECHOES.com

Important Dates

A..L FAFSA Night: February 27, 2014

Mayor Walsh plans to focus a lot on economic development. The city government is going to try to keep the city growing so they can keep taxes flat or lower taxes, like they have been doing these past few years. To do so, they must broaden the tax base by bringing in more business and building new residences.

“One difference between Tom and I is the fact I can talk to businesses in the language they understand,” Walsh said.

Walsh is going to meet up with other leaders, both local and state, to work on regional economic growth. Some of his big plans are to improve the West Broadway road to make the town more appealing from the US 6 entrance into Council Bluffs and also make the Mid-America Center a local hotspot.

Walsh said that West Broadway gives visitors from the west a negative impression of Council Bluffs. The department of transportation, with some help from the Iowa West Foundation, plan to redevelop that street.

Walsh says that his goals can’t be accomplished by himself so the first thing to do is make sure the city government has good personnel. This year, four out of the eight department heads will be retiring and need to be replaced, including the fire chief, police chief, the finance director, and the director of human resources. s

Walsh has participated in many events and groups during the past. He graduated from Saint Albert School in 1974 and then moved on to Creighton University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1986. A fourth generation Council Bluffs citizen, Walsh and his wife Barb have a daughter named Erin, a stepson named Jake, and a granddaughter named Kia. He has volunteered countless times including, but not limited to; Crime Stoppers, Keep Council Bluffs Beautiful, and Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless. He was involved in Leadership Council Bluffs,

Goals and Plans:

See Mayor, page 3

Iowa Western Community College FAFSA Nights 5-6: February 6, 2014 February 10, 2014 February 26, 2014 March 6, 2014

March 10, 2014 March 18, 2014 March 26, 2014

2

Jessie Adkins | News Editor

News

January 2014

Echoes

Credit card fraud: How to keep your bank acount safe

By Victoria Holcomb Opinion Editor

Credit card fraud can happen to any individual trusting their hard earned money in the United States banking system. Security systems may claim to be hack proof, but any good hacker knows how to get ahold of card information and use it without anyone’s knowledge.

There are some simple ways to prevent fraud from happening. If one’s card needs to be disposed of; cut or shred the card, don’t trust the card has been completely unactivated. Don’t ever lend out cards or share receipts with anyone; even family and friends. Keep the card close and make sure to always have an eye on the amount the card holds. For more ways to keep one’s card

safe visit www.consumer.ftc. gov.

Paying attention to the balance in one’s account can help with fraud. Sarah Steinmetz, TAG specialist, was vacationing with her family in California a few years back when she became a victim of credit card fraud.

After checking into a hotel in San Diego, the desk clerk used her card’s information to shop online.

“Luckily it was caught before anything was really harmed,” Steinmetz said.

Her card was used in San Diego and then a day later somewhere in Ohio, both the credit card company and the police contacted her regarding the sudden jump in states.

After her experience, Steinmetz advises everyone to always continue to check

their balances and statements.

On her own experience, Steinmetz said, “It says a lot that the credit card company caught it before a real issue came up.”

Fraud can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone.

Some prime examples that give hackers a head start; throwing away bank statements or receipts containing credit card numbers. The banking system website can be hacked for personal information.

Information can be stolen in many ways, afterwards new cards are sent to one’s house to replace the fraudulent one. For one student, junior Lauren Nahnsen, her parents’ card was sent by mail, and stolen before it reached their mailbox. Several thousand dollars were taken from

the account, and after four years the insurance company repaid them for their stolen money. Her unprotected mailbox was disturbed, after her experience, they made changes in order to protect their card.

Nahnsen took action. “(We) got a locked mailbox, so it wouldn’t happen again.”

According to Discover Card (www.discovernetwork. com), ‘When sending or receiving information that contains personal or financial information, consider using a secured mailbox or dropping it off in a locked mailbox at the post office.’

Staying safe and protecting credit cards from fraud can be as simple as following these few hints. Keeping information personal and shredding receipts, cards and bills are

crucial to stay away from fraud. Ensuring one’s hard earned money stays in the

pocket of the worker not the snatcher is up to the steps one takes.

Photo by Francisco Franco

Krispy Kreme open for business

Photo by Eric Cavanaugh

O

By Holly Jensen Reporter n July 13, 1937 the first boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts were sent out to grocery stores from Winston-

Salem, North Carolina. This would become an important day in their long history as they continued to make homemade doughnuts from each store, but to gain a more consistent flavor they built a factory to dish out the doughnuts.

Now Council

Bluffs has its own Krispy Kreme on West Broadway, bringing in their unique recipes for doughnuts, coffees, and other products.

With their fresh doughnuts and coffee, Krispy Kreme offers an array of flavors from traditional glazed to New York cheesecake.

With doughnuts comes doughnut lovers, and to satisfy them, Krispy Kreme decided to offer something special on their opening day.

Many patrons decided to wait in line for their shot at the exclusive prizes.

“My friend mentioned a new Krispy Kreme was opening. He said the first 100 people get free shirts and joked about staying up all night. I checked online and found out you actually got free donuts,” junior Daniel Cano Pargas said.

This competition was for the first 100 people in the door. The first person won a dozen free donuts every week for a year, while the rest won a dozen free donuts every month for a year. This gimmick worked well for the donut vendors as plenty of people waited in a lengthy line for the delicious deal that could be in store.

“Krispy Kreme has the best donuts ever!

Regardless of the fact that the

CB location doesn’t make them fresh in the store,” junior Brooke Gunn said.

Krispy Kreme also offers coffee, frozen drinks, and desserts. An inventive doughnut sundae, a donut topped with ice cream and drizzled with warm fudge is one of the unique items on their plentiful menu.

Another one of their unique items is a doughnut injected with cheesecake filling and topped with cream cheese frosting with a crumble of graham crackers to finish it off, otherwise known as the cheesecake doughnut.

This doughnut also comes in several other varieties as well.

Although the buzz about Krispy Kreme has been mostly positive there are always other doughnut options.

“I’m an East Coast girl, I grew up with Dunkin’ Donuts everywhere,” junior Chanel Zarate said.

Krispy Kreme faces competition from

plenty of places like No Frills, Super Saver, Hy-vee, and even Casey’s. To face off against these plentiful opponents, it will take a truly scrumptious experience to bring customers back through their doors and trailing their drive-thru again and again.

If one is looking to show their extra support for Krispy Kreme they even sell plenty of apparel from their online website from hats and shirts to coffee and mugs.

Krispy Kreme aims to help not only the surrounding community, but people across the nation. Krispy Kreme not only helps with its fundraising option for schools, but a project called Drive for 45. This campaign works to help injured and ill children by bringing them to Randleman, North Carolina to give them a fun place to stay and enjoy themselves.

The new Krispy Kreme has started off strong and will continue to dish out innovative donut creations.

Planet Fitness: healthy new opportunity

By Tanner Hochstetler Reporter

T

he recently installed P l a n e t Fitness has brought a surprising amount of popularity. In less than a week, over 1500 people were part of the newly rising trend.

Planet Fitness opened on

Dec. 31 and offers its service 24 hours, 7 days a week, with a full staff waiting to lend a hand or offer a tour.

Planet Fitness offers full service for members, or those seeking a membership. There are two types of membership; a white card membership and a black card membership.

The white card membership offers unlimited home club access, unlimited fitness, and a free T-shirt with sign up.

The white card is only a $20 start up fee and $10 every month with no termination

fee, and an annual fee of 30 dollars. The black card membership offers use of all Planet Fitness gyms, guest privileges, hydro massages, massage chairs, tanning, on site trainers, half off drinks, black key tag, and a free T-shirt with sign up.

“The hydro massages are great after pumping the iron,” Black Card member and sophomore Katie Richards said.

The black membership is $20 per month with 1 dollar down, but there’s a

termination fee of 60 dollars and an annual membership fee of 40 dollars. There is also a 1-day pass for $20.00 plus tax that offers complete access to the gym.

“It’s really cheap and I can go there everyday and tan for only $20 a month. I work out with my coworkers and friends and get hydro massages,” Sophomore Laycee Freiburger said.

The gym itself offers many opportunities. The first Monday of the month offers pizza to all members, and the

second Tuesday of the month offers bagels to all members in the morning. The gym is fully stocked with drinks, a full array of televisions, equipment to work virtually every muscle in your body, massage chairs, or you can get your tan on with the tanning machines.

“I like to go because they have nice workout equipment and I want to get in shape for soccer. I never see anyone I know so I can’t be made fun of,” senior Sandy Crochet said.

There are even select zones for say a short 12 minute workout on abs or a 30 minute workout on circuit training. Hundreds of machines from cardio to strength training fill the area.

Cleaning stations to keep the area sparkling are located around the gym. The locker rooms offer plenty of space and showers to wash the grossness off.

With New Years resolutions slowly fading, it’s hard to guess if this sudden spurt of business will last.

3 District refers to various closing policies Echoes

Jessie Adkins | News Editor

January 2014

By Dani Rambo & Logan Erwin

Reporters

Every student gets excited when they hear “school is cancelled” but as for the decision makers calling school is one of the most stressful things ever.

The Council Bluffs’ school superintendent Dr. Martha Bruckner speaks with district representatives and superintendents from other schools before giving the final word that school is called off due to bad weather. Even the process they go through can be difficult--first, they start off by paying attention to the local newscasters and weather forecasters to even think about cancelling school the next day. School district officials, such as Chief Communications

Officer Diane Ostrowski, pay attention to the weather as well so they can know in advance if they would need to call off school for safety.

“Several factors are considered when determining the need to cancel school.

Safety of students and staff drives the decision. In the case of snow or icy conditions, the decision on whether to close depends on the timing of the snow or ice storm, the duration of the event, blowing conditions, and temperatures,” Ostrowski said. ”If for example it snows heavily in the evening, but stops overnight, the roads and sidewalks may be cleared and safe for travel.”

When there is bad weather, school may be convenient for some people but other just can’t make it. Safety of student and staff is the first priority in deciding between

cancelling or keeping school open.

“Most recently, weather forecasters were warning of the severe winds and below zero temperatures, so the decision was made to cancel school as soon as was practical, and once

It is a big judgement call to keep school open or not.

“School weather decisions are probably the least favorite part of many superintendents’ jobs,” Bruckner said. “Many people watching news announcements think that the decision is very simple, not

an announcement as early as possible. However, weather forecasters sometimes ‘get it wrong’, which could leave school cancelled on a day that is not problematic because the storm missed our area. Another pressure is the fact that we must make up the snow day. As we get “The decision to start school late (either one later in the winter season, or two hour delay) is available for the specific there is some pressure NOT to cancel school because situations when road conditions are expected to employees and students don’t want to have the change....” school year extended into -Diane Ostrowski, summer vacation days.”

Chief Communications Officer Snow days must be made up later in the school year because the school district it was evident that the realizing that there are pros must have at least 180 days forecast would be accurate,” and cons from both closing each school year per law.

Ostrowski said. and from staying opened.

Late starts delay school by Everyone is informed by 6 One pressure is timeliness. one to two hours, eliminating a.m. on the day of school so It seems that more and classes during that time parents and students can plan more people want an early peroid, yet late starts are not accordingly, but calls are decision... which pressures prudent on Mondays because usually made the day before. school officials to try to make school ends at 1:10 p.m. for

professional development.

The delays allow time to clear the roads and push back the bus drivers’ schedules by exactly one to two hours.

“The decision to start school late (either one or two hour delay) is available for the specific situations when road conditions are expected to change for the better over that timeframe. The extra time allows for city street crews to clear roads, and it allows for district personnel to clear sidewalks and parking lots if the snow, for example, occurs overnight and into the early morning, but then stops,” Ostrowski said.

This is why delays are less common than cancellations.

Weather and holidays bring on a great amount of stress when thinking about how the year will be and what days will be taken off.

Speech giving students a creative voice

Sophomore Charles Cornelius, Sophomore Colton Mahood, and senior Natalie Carlon, perform an improv scene.

Photo by Francisco Franco which will take them to state.

By Jessi Borwick Speech is an extracurricular activity that teaches you Business Manager about public speaking, On Jan. 25, at Clarinda builds your confidence High School, eight out of and looks great on college nine of A.L.’s speech teams applications. In speech, received division one ratings, there are many different

categories, both large group and individual. Improv, mime, readers theater, and radio/broadcasting are a few examples of some of these categories. Senior Natalie Carlon has been in speech and improv since her freshmen year.

“Contrary to traditional speech experiences, I was first introduced to improv and then became a part of speech team. During my freshman year, I had heard the announcements talking about improv and decided that that sounded like something I wanted to try; I mean, who doesn’t enjoy ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’

The opportunity sounded like a blast,” Carlon said.

Improv is one of the very few categories in speech that when a person goes into a performance, they have no idea what they are doing. A person has to be comfortable

Mayor Walsh’s plans, goals for the future From page 1 Even though Walsh has bigger projects to work on, there are civil duties that need to be done. He still has to make sure the snow gets plowed in the winter, the garbage gets picked up every week, and help people feel secure in their homes.

that two terms (eight years) should be enough to help get started on his agenda for Council Bluffs. After his two terms, he plans to see if he has accomplished what he wanted to and see if there is a good candidate to take over

Comparing Past and Present: Walsh saw that people were happy before the mayoral election with the way that everything was going and the idea of change was not very appealing.

Walsh isn’t planning on being mayor for as long as Tom Hanafan, but he said

Photo by Eric Cavanaugh

after him, then he will make a decision on what to do next.

“I’m 57 years old, so if I was there 25 years I’d be well into my 80s,” Matt Walsh said. ”I don’t expect to be the mayor when I’m 80 years old.”

with split second decisions and be able to just go with the flow. Improv and acting gives a person the opportunity to be someone or something else.

“Improv and acting in general is an opportunity to forget yourself for a few minutes and step into someone else’s skin. It takes a lot of courage to do so as, even subconsciously, we reveal more about ourselves than most realize while pulling from different places to build the character. It’s the whole ‘Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth’ deal Oscar Wilde was talking about. It really rings true in acting,” Carlon said.

Another category in speech that is new to AL speech participants is mime.

Mime is acting out a skit by making no noise. If a person

is to make noise, they will be disqualified. Sophomore Collin Smith started speech as freshman in the improv category and began mime this year.

“In mime we start out with learning how to imagine the objects we will be acting with in our heads, then we will think of a skit idea, and then finally we set up our ideas into a performance and perform it at districts,” Smith also adds, “People should join speech because everyone can find their place in speech, I know I did.”

Readers theater is a large group category. In this category, people take a book and make it into a script.

Sophomore Colton Mahood started speech freshmen year in improv and is doing it again this year.

“We take a book (typically a children’s book) and turn it into a script.

This year, we’re doing “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt, in which each person plays a different color of crayon, each with their own issue. In reader’s theatre you have a script.

Memorization/improvisation is not necessary, but can help.

It typically has a lot more people in a group, sometimes more than 10,” Mahood said.

Dirk Waller, U.S. history teacher, is in charge of the speech group and very much enjoys working with all the kids in speech.

“Everyone becomes friends and anyone can find something they like and enjoy,” Waller said.

Speech is a very open community and is a great way to meet new people and become more confident in a public setting. For competition schedule and more information, go to www.ihssa.org.

Opportunity for students to recognize teachers

By Tiffany Ferrer Reporter There is a large number of teachers in the Council Bluffs district. However, there is selected group that earns a reward of appreciation from others. This program is the H. H. “Red” and Ruth H. Nelson Family Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award and is a family ran association. They select five teachers with the nominations of others.

These nominations are set out there by their website by students, other teachers, and even family members of others. Once selected, teachers attend a ceremony.

This ceremony features the teachers who’ve won in the past and the recent winners.

The teachers are awarded with $5,000 to do with what they please, and an invite to come back and watch future teachers win the award.

There has been three teachers from A.L. that have won.

“I got called Apr. 1 from the son of the Nelson family, informing me of the nomination. At first I thought it was an April Fool’s joke, but he told me how other teachers thought the same,” said Dirk Waller, history teacher and IHSSA Speech leader. “I won $5,000 to spend as I wish.

I set it back for savings, helping others, and a summer

vacation...I was surprised, it was very interesting at the ceremony they announced all five winners and read the nomination letters. We were joined by former winners.

My letter was from a former student I had taught and helped through their high school career aunt.”

If there is a teacher that you show appreciation for and would like to see him or her get credit you nominate them at: http:// thenelsonfoundation.org/ nominate/. The nomination ballot is closed after Feb. 21, and the winners will be announced on April 25.

4

Victoria Holcomb | Nathan Vorce

Opinion

January 2014

Echoes

Students debating originals, remakes Leaving movies in original context

By Kendal Bainbridge Reporter

Original. Meaning present or existing from the beginning; first or earliest.

When I think of a movie, normally I’d think of the most recent movie, but I still would have to give credit to the original, the idea was first created. Take the movie Carrie. It was created in 1976 with lead actress Sissy Spacek, and was directed

by Brian de Palma. The movie was amazing, but it soon would be re-created in 2013; which was directed by Kimberly Peirce, with the leading actress Chloë Moretz as the new Carrie White. It’s obvious that many people enjoyed the newest version, but I prefer the original, because it was first.

The original Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is an American made-fortelevision dark fantasy film.

It is a darker twist upon the tale of the Toothfairy. The movie back then was cheesy, but it was still terrifying to the children who watched it, which most likely made them have nightmares of a horrid fairy reaching into their mouth and stealing their teeth. (Not too mention the bed wetting that probably went on until they were a gangly fifteen year old) It gave them a reminder that they were flesh and bones

and their blood could still be curdled and be frozen with fear. It was “truth”, and opened their eyes to what they really were; human. We humans watch movies to be scared in general. I’ll give the newer version (created in 2010 and directed by Troy Nixie) the movie credit, it was a bit frightening and was preluded as “high tech” but it was not exactly of the same quality as the original movie had been.

If a book is re-written (and sometimes movies), I will honestly throw so much hatred towards that writer who has done so. It’s just horrible to do that! It’s pretty much plagiarism in my mind. (Perhaps even if they did have the authors consent, I’d still hate it.)

Why can’t people come up with an ORIGINAL idea.

Today we are on a fast track to nowhere with unoriginal movies. We have gone so far down into the hole of blankness and lack of creativity that Gilligan’s Island is going to become a movie...

I wish people could use a bit more imagination, then maybe we would have better movies.

Originals, have a certain quality about that, whether it be grotesque, or joyous, most of the time this can make them easier to enjoy, and they give a backdrop to remakes. Originals have

the ability to inform you about whatever is happening during the plot line, unlike a remake which will skip the “best parts” because they don’t fit in the time limit, or are not funny enough for the expected viewers.

Remakes miss way too many important things that the original can hit on, and although not many people will voice it, they don’t fully understand the plot line, because specific parts had been taken out. The remakes just do not cut it because they don’t understand. They are incomplete and don’t always do the original any credit whatsoever.

Remaking movies to fit into modern era

By Kirsten Darrington Reporter

Let’s be honest here.

How many people actually enjoy watching old movies? Yeah, they’re considered classics, but wouldn’t you rather watch the same storyline, in a form that’s easier to watch and relate to? There’s nothing but the appreciation of vintage films that makes subpar props better than any top of the line special effects.

There are a few originals that are hard to be replaced, but rarely is a remake incomparable. So let’s take

Cartoons by Trent Kutchara.

a minute to talk about “Scarface.” You like Scarface don’t you? I know I like Scarface. Well prepare yourself, because our beloved Scarface is in fact a remake.

You didn’t expect that did you? In fact the original came out in 1932.

There have been some remakes that make it hard to choose whether you prefer the original or the new edition. A good example of this is “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”(2005), and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”(1971).

Both movies are spectacular in both acting and storyline.

The 2005 remake is not better or worse than the original. They simply tell the story of poor Charlie Bucket.

People have different opinions about which is better or worse, but truly they both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Another example of a movie that is equal to it’s counterpart is the 1976 original, and the 2013 remake of “Carrie.” Although they were basically the same movie, there were substantial differences that make each of them unique to their time. The 2013 release is better suited for modern audiences due to the modernized clothing, vernacular, and technology. The 1976 edition is a classic however, and is not soon to be wiped

off the map.

Some remakes however, have no trouble blowing the originals out of the water.

“Hairspray”(2007) is a prime example of this. Its 1988 counterpart lacks the glitz, and glamour of the 2007 installment. Not only was the hair bigger in 2007, but the dance scenes were more extravagant, and the sets were brighter, and more engaging to the audience.

The appearance was better, and the songs seemed catchier when sung by the new cast.

Another great example of an excellent remake is “The Great Gatsby” which was released last spring, and knocked the socks off of the 1974 original. The addition of special effects, a star cast, and an enticing soundtrack pushed this movie beyond what its 1974 counterpart could have dreamed of. The cast and crew of the 2013 Great Gatsby were obviously trying to make a movie that could not be forgotten.

A remake is only as good as it made to be. To remake a movie well there needs to be an overwhelming dedication to making it something that can win the hearts of the people who love the originals. Whether It’s Scarface or The Great Gatsby, remakes prove to be something that you can’t ignore.

Finding positive reasons to pick up a new book

By Hailey Carson Reporter When I see a book that looks interesting or it’s rec-

ommended to me, I will read it. Over the summer I read at least one book a week in my free time. A lot of other teens seem to think reading for fun is boring or a waste of time but I don’t see how.

Reading relieves stress and enhances your writing.

Sometimes to get my mind off things and lose myself, I pick up a book.

Focusing on the characters and the plot distracts me from real life for awhile.

It feels nice to let go and indulge myself in some other universe. It also helps calm my brain down before bed,

unlike technology. So many things in today’s society has lowered teens’ attentions spans but reading helps concentration.

Reading improves your vocabulary more than talking does and seeing the word written out helps with spelling. When I don’t read for awhile I can feel my writing and speaking sound sort of dull from lack of different more expressive words and I misspell things more often than usual. After finishing a book I feel like a better writer, and I have new example of writing with

different techniques I could use on my own. Entertaining and uniquely written books inspire me to write more. If I make it to the end, I feel proud for sticking it out through all the plot twists.

With everything in life so hectic sometimes it might be hard to find time to read, but even just a little bit a day is better than nothing.

Reading always makes me want to read more to learn more. If I am in the middle of a good story it is almost impossible to put the book down and when I do, I find myself trying to predict what

will happen next.

I have heard people say negative things about books and people who read often but I really don’t understand.

Books contain so much information and knowledge, it’s amazing. You could go for a fantasy fiction story to open up your imagination or a factual nonfiction biography to learn more about a specific person. Not to mention that reading is a valuable tool for the future.

The more you read the better you will be and that is helpful in college and lots of potential jobs.

I don’t really see a downside to reading besides getting too caught up in the story. In my house, my mom reads a lot so it has given me a good example on it. I feel like reading should be encouraged more and not seen as nerdy.

If someone finds reading unenjoyable then maybe they just haven’t found the right book that appeals to them. Before someone says that reading is stupid, they should read different types of stories with an open mind.

You never know, you might get hooked on books.

happy but the other one is, and many other problems.

Usually there are two ways of dealing with those problems. One way (the most preferable way) is to calmly sit down and talk it out with your partner to determine the problem and try to fix it. The other option (and the option most people go with) is to break-up with each other.

Having gone through a really harsh split recently (and two other not-as-big break-ups before), I know breaking-up with someone or getting dumped can be very difficult. It’s especially tough if you and your former partner have been dating

for a long time and you’ve developed a deep emotional attachment and you still care deeply about them even after it’s over. But give it time.

Take a couple days to yourself. Give yourself time to let your emotions out (guys, it’s okay to cry every once and a while). Take a walk by yourself for a little while.

And if it helps, go talk to friends face to face for support. Just try to get yourself back to being emotionally stable. It may take a couple of days for some. For others it may take a day. Just stay off of the internet for a while and avoid all negativity. It’s not a smart idea to make

all of your posts about how depressed you are because your boyfriend or girlfriend left you (trust me on this one).

After you’ve done that, don’t go directly back into the dating game. You still need to take some time to learn from your last relationship. If you don’t learn from the mistakes made in the past, then you are doomed to repeat them in the future.

Also, don’t make that your main focus. Take the time to clear everything from your mind so you can move on.

Go see a movie by yourself or with a couple of friends and escape the world for a

while. If you can’t make it to a theater, then go through your DVDs or go on Netflix.

If movies don’t interest you, then maybe just hang out with family and friends will help. Or heck, there’s a quote from Henry Miller that goes like this: “There are 3 things to be done a woman.

You can love her, suffer for her, or turn her into literature.” What I’m getting at is this--write your butt off. I mean why not? Maybe the story of your now-ex girlfriend was a pretty great story. Or maybe you can discover you have a talent for writing. Who knows?

I’ve done this with two of

my break-ups and it seems to really work! (This method is also aimed for women as well.)

Break-ups are tough.

Trust me, I know. I guess all I can say now is don’t lose hope in love. It’s not like losing this person is the end of the world. Just take some time to get over it. You’ll eventually find the one.

Maybe you and your ex can make “just being friends” work out. Or things will work itself out and you guys can try dating again. Who knows. Time is a strange thing. So is love. But it’s pretty magical if you’re patient and you finally find it.

How to mend a broken heart; student’s personal insight on relationships

By Joe Vrenick Multi-Media Specialist Relationships can be the best of times. Two people are happy, in love and it feels like nothing can tear them apart. However, relationships can also be the worst of times. Fights can break out, one person isn’t

Opinion

Echoes January 2014

Victoria Holcomb | Opinion Editor

ECHOES

Staff Editorial

Driving habits effecting students, public Parking lot driving becoming a problem for many

year.

When entering and exiting the parking lot, many students drive over the set speed limit, which is only 15 miles per hour.

This limit was set to ensure the safety of everyone in the parking lot, whether driving or not. Not only does this affect our school’s parking lot, but AL parking lot on the brink of madness. Photo by Francisco Franco the streets to Tucker Center lot. Not only is it crowded, as well. The speeding and but throw a handful of “races” need to come to speeding teenagers in there an end, it is reckless and ach morning and and you’ve got a recipe dangerous to other drivers. every afternoon students and for disaster. This issue is Other than speeding, teachers face the madness nothing new, but with hope, the way people park is also that is the A.L. parking it will come to an end this an issue. Crooked, over the

E

line and parking too close to the cars next to them are all examples of what may not seem like big problems, but can turn into larger conflicts. Students here are not shy to the vandalism that happens every so often to the innocent cars in the parking lot. In many cases, vandalism is a reaction caused by reckless driving and endless accounts of bad parking. Some reactions range from keying and painting on cars to letting the air out of tires. There are many stories that have been told by those whose cars were affected for different reasons. However, the students who vandalise other’s vehicles are the root of the problem.

As for the offenders, realize that what you’re doing is dangerous to all around you and uncalled for. No one wants to feel unsafe anywhere at

school, especially not in the parking lot when their own property is in jeopardy.

It is personally offensive and hurtful when cars are defaced because to most of us teens who drive, it is the most expensive and valuable thing that we own. It is a violation to all victims of vandalisation and can not be tolerated.

To the victims, we on the Echoes can relate.

Several of us have had to repair damages or clean our cars because of the stupidity of others. Though it is frustrating, we must not react the way they did, all we can do is report it and hope changes are made to end this inevitable problem.

2014 needs to be the year that parking lot problems come to an end.

(Staff voted in favor of this column 24 of 24 .)

Kanesville: altered source of education

By Jaidlyn Bookout Co-Editor in Chief

K

anesville is an alternative learning center where students voluntarily go once they decide a different school setting may fit their needs best in order for them to graduate.

Kanesville is said to create

“a smaller school setting with caring adults to assist students toward their goal of high school graduation.” I think it’s great that the ones who are struggling in school have another option but at the same time I wonder how good of an option it is, or if it is really necessary?

“Students transfer to Kanesville for a multitude of reasons, some of these reasons are as follows: A traditional school may not be the right setting for them. They are in need of a fresh start. It could be that a larger school such as AL is not comfortable for them and they need a smaller setting or someone that a student knows, whether it be a family member or friend, has found success attending Kanesville so they want

to try it also,” Kanesville Counselor Carolyn Ridenour said.

In normal high school, students go to class from 7:50-2:50 four days a week with a 20 minute lunch.

Yet at Kanesville, students go to class from 8:20-2:40 four days a week with a 50 minute lunch. Both schools have short days on Mondays but that is besides the point.

What I want to focus on is the fact that if students are struggling, shouldn’t they be required to attend just as much or more school than a student who is doing good in school? In what way is it beneficial for someone who can’t handle school to have less school? Students who need help clearly need more education.

Some students who attend

Kanesville go there because of poor attendance and according to Ridenour that poor attendance tends to carry over. So why in the world is it okay for Kanesville students to have almost an hour for off campus lunch yet the kids who get good grades, are on track for graduation, and are decent students get 20 minutes of the same crappy lunch every single day. Kanesville students get less time focused on school and more free time. With only three classes a day you would think that the students who take five classes a day might need more free time considering they spend more time sitting in a classroom.

Besides the school lunch issue I’ve heard from many students, that going to

Kanesville is much faster and allows early graduation.

So if someone is already behind me in graduation credits how is it that they can graduate earlier than I do? Kanesville students have the same graduation credits as us but why don’t all students graduate at an earlier date and not just the kids who drop out of regular high school and go to an alternative center? If there is a faster way to earn credits why don’t all students get that luxury?

At this point going to an alternative learning center seems as if it would be the better and easier choice. Yet I must question why should someone get an easier route when someone else gets the longer, possibly more difficult road?

Alum leaving school, entering world

By Mitchell Myers Alumnus

W

hen I look back on my high school years I feel a very warm nostalgia, then envy for most of you.

You guys may turn your head when people say, “High

school was the best years of my life.”

Now, I do not completely agree with that. I will be one of the first to admit that high school had moments where I just put my face in hands and face-palmed the hardest I ever had in my life.

School is a comfort that you guys do not realize that much, the familiar halls, the great teachers, no really, they’re all amazing, the awesome lunches and your best friends always by you in class. I very much so miss high school. Once I graduated it was all like a dream, it was one of those

walking, odd, just “Is this really happening?” things.

I grabbed my diploma and never really looked back until I was asked to write this article. Now, here I am in my bed after a nine hour shift at the pharmaceutical company, thinking, “How odd, I spent a good 13 years of my life in a structured environment with good people. Now here I am seeing many people that have kind of lost structure and that familiar feeling.”

Let me clarify. I’m not actually referring to A.L. when I say this, the structure in life is so different than high school, there is so much more chaos in the world, it no longer, “Oh my gosh, Becky is like the biggest weirdo, like no, Stacy listen, she like does this thing and her eye twitches.” Like, that is so minor to some of

this real world stuff. I mean it’s pretty jarring when you read your job description and realize, “Oh my God, people die doing this, people can have so many reactions to this simple everyday medicine.”

You will experience so much once you leave these halls. First thing I did after graduating? I added my teachers on Facebook, not only to see if they were actually humans (I’m kidding) but to actually keep them somewhat updated on my life. I have so many teachers that still care about how I am doing, I also know I have made them proud by working to where I am now.

I think if you get anything from my long winded and quickly written column, take this advice-Never, and I mean never, take a job for the money.

Do something you love, it makes your job ten times better and easier to do.

Everyone will deserve respect, yes your teachers count as people. Enjoy these last years of comfort, once you leave these halls, there’s no coming back and finding that same comfort again. College, I cannot tell how important college is. It will make your life so much better. Yes, money is awesome. You want to make money? College.

Getting out in the real world and thinking, “I have bills now.” It’s scary, college will ease your tight wallet after you get your degree.

Enjoy high school, guys, I believe that everyone of you can walk across that stage and I know you all will do amazing in this mad adult world once the time comes.

5

Editors-in-Chief Britteny Johnson Jaidlyn Bookout Section Editors Jessie Adkins Krystal Hopkins Victoria Holcomb Business Managers Brooke Criswell Jessi Borwick Photo Editor Francisco Franco Graphic Design Editor Alex Snipes Reporters/Photographers Calab Holder Christian Miller Dani Rambo Eric Cavanaugh Hailey Carson Holly Jensen Kendal Bainbridge Kirsten Darrington Logan Erwin Nathan Vorce Rachel Cottone-Dungan Tanner Hochstetler Taylor Crinklaw Tiffany Ferrer Cara Ireland Circulation Manager Will Schademann E-Tube Executive Producers Jazmine Orellana Kate Hiers E-Tube Producers Ali McDougle Hayley Leonard Jordon Yearian Taylor Daugherty Trey Chubick Multimedia Specialist Joseph Vrenick Adviser Gerry Appel The Echoes is published by the newspaper staff of Abraham Lincoln High School, and exists to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty, administration and community.

All state and federal laws regarding the publications of student materials shall apply, and the Echoes will not publish materials which also fall under the guidelines established by the Council Bluffs Public Schools system, and are deemed libelous, obscene, or a material and substantial disruption to normal classroom activities.

The views expressed are not those of the Council Bluffs Public Schools, faculty, or administration.

Any student, faculty, or staff member wishing to contribute materials will need to submit a letter to the editor within deadline restriction; however, final publications is at the discretion of the staff. Letters to the editor are encouraged, and must be 400 words or less in length and signed; letters will be printed as received.

Every attempt will be made to verify the authenticity of the author, and no anonymous letters will be published.

Advertising will not be accepted for all products or services that are illegal for minors to possess or utilize. Advertisers wishing to reserve publication space should contact us by : Phone 712-328-6481 ext. 425 Facebook ALHS Echoes Twitter @ALHSJournalism Website www.ALechoes.com

Member Publication

6

Feature

January 2014

Spread Designed By Britteny Johnson and Jessi Borwick

Comfort foods for the winter months: 1.

Here’s how to make some homemade winter tasty treats

7

5.

Use stand mixer or mix by hand and combine ingredients. On a dampened floured surface knead dough until dough is bouncy and slightly sticky.

Let dough rise for 25 min. Bake at 400 degrees for 18 min.

4.

Roll the dough up tightly and pinch seams.

Cut into even pieces. Place rolls in a greased cake pan.

2.

Let dough rise 30-45 minutes or until twice it’s size.

3.

Punch down dough and roll out on dampened floured surface. Spread butter and a sufficient amount of cinnamon and sugar onto rolled out dough.

Photo How-To by Tanner Hochstetler

Cinnamon Rolls

Egg Nog What you will need:

1 tsp vanilla extract

•

8 eggs

•

2 qts (8 cups) milk 2% (divided)

•

1 cup sugar

•

1 cup whipping cream (optional)

1/2 tsp salt

•

Sprinkle nutmeg on top

1-2 Tbs rum extract

How to prepare:

• •

Photo by Jessi Borwick

In a heavy 4 qt. saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar, and salt. Gradually add 1 qt. Of milk. Cook and stir frequently over low heat until a thermometer reads 160 degrees. This will take 30-35 minutes. Pour into a large heat proof bowl and stir in rum extract, vanilla, and remaining 1 qt. milk. Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring frequently until mixture is cool. If mixture separates, process in a blender until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. When ready to serve, beat whipping cream until smooth and creamy.

Gently fold whip cream into eggnog. Pour into punch bowl and sprinkle with nutmeg if desired. Makes 16 6oz servings.

Recipe courtesy of Judy Borwick

Makes a ton of cinnamon rolls so it’s good for a medium crowd.

Potato Soup What you will need:

How to prepare:

•

About 10 potatoes peeled, rinsed, and diced

•

1 small onion chopped

•

1 package cooked bacon

•

2 cups shredded cheese

Boil potatoes still starting to soften, drain half of the water off of them. Add milk, use potato masher to mash potatoes up (most of them, this will help thicken soup). Add sour cream. In small skillet brown celery and carrots till soft, then add to soup. Add cheese and crumbled bacon then simmer.

You can also add ham, broccoli, or polish sausage to the soup.

•

1 cup sour cream

•

2 cups chopped carrots

•

4 stalks of celery chopped

What you will need: •

3 cups warm water 105-115 degrees

•

1/3 cup of margarine

•

1/3 cup sugar (mix in with water)

•

3 eggs

•

3 packages of yeast

•

2 tsp salt

•

8-9 cups flour

For how to make these cinnamon rolls see the how to above.

Recipe courtesy of Cathy Hanna

Recipe courtesy of Cyndi Borwick

Photo by Jessi Borwick

Echoes Feature 8 Student sets mind on educational future Britteny Johnson | Jessi Borwick

January 2014

By Cara Ireland

E-Tube Producer

B

eing in high school gives one four years to think about what one wants to do and junior Kevin Roark has decided he want to pursue music. To further his musical education, Roark has participated in many of the music programs available at A.L. “I made All-State Orchestra, SWIBA, I made first chair at winter winds, OAYO and a lead in Mayjo,” Roark said.

Even though he only has one year left, there are still Junior Kevin Roark shows off his band instrument, the trumpet. plenty of things for Roark to accomplish next year. He Photo by Eric Cavanaugh.

is focusing on college and doing more national trumpet competitions. As Roark gets closer to his college experience, he is looking into colleges where he can audition on his trumpet. He is currently interested in Oklahoma University, Lynn College, Juilliard and Curtis.

With these colleges in mind Roark is already set on a major he wants to do.

“I want to become a professional trumpet player and I will go with whatever school is doing the best.”

Roark said.

Outside of school besides playing the trumpet, Kevin likes to target shoot and hang out with his girlfriend. A lot of the things they do, include watching movies and going out.

With the stress of maintaining a job and his

love for music, Roark finds it hard to manage his time for work and his time for practicing.

“I work at Hy-Vee in the dairy section. I love it, besides managing the time for that and managing time for music.” Roark said.

Roark finds it ironic that he is earning money for music classes, but that work often keeps him from his music.

“He has a supremely mature tone for his age. When I have Jazz Band practice at 6:30 in the morning, Kevin is already here in a practice room, practicing,” said band director Mark Mendell.

Although Roark is a dedicated player, he still has time to do fun things with his girlfriend, sophomore Tori Albertus.

“He’s into ping-pong

and stuff like that. He likes picnics, we did that a lot over summer. We will also go out to breakfast sometimes,” Albertus said.

When Roark isn’t concerned with trumpet competitions he tries to look to see what’s really going on around him.

“Kevin is a realist. He looks on the positive side of things, but he also looks at what’s really going on around him,” Albertus said.

Although Roark doesn’t graduate until next year he plans on majoring in music in college and after college he plans on becoming a professional trumpet player.

With getting full ride scholarships offers from colleges and with practicing all the time, it looks like Roark has a good future ahead of him.

What words should be left What phrase should be left behind in 2013? behind in 2013?

Photo polls by Dani Rambo and Francisco Franco

“‘Bruh’, because it makes me think of frat boys.”

- Junior Jack Weiss

“One of the words we should use less is ‘randy’, because it’s kind of mean and should be used less often.”

- Senior Victoria Krohn

“‘WomanCrushWednesday’, because people do it every week for the same person.”

-Freshman Kayln Damgaard

“‘#SelfieSunday’ should be left behind, because it gives people an excuse to put up a picture of themselves.”

-Sophomore Tori Albertus

“‘Yolo’, because it’s 2013, and 13 is unlucky.”

-Sophomore Merzedes Hart

“‘Swag’ and ‘YOLO’, because they are really dumb sayings” -Junior Nathan Leinen

“You mad, bro? Because not everyone is brothers, duh!”

-Freshman Brenden Geer

“Anything on Instagram because of all of those hashtags.”

-Sophomore Alicia Steppuhn

St. Valentine defies church, leads to holiday

By Rachel Cottone-Dungan

Reporter

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated in the U.S. for centuries--some people buy their significant others flowers, chocolates, or even cards. Valentine’s Day has been a considered a holiday celebrating love but does anyone really know why we buy chocolate and cute cards? The expression “from your valentine” came from third century Rome, where Emperor Claudius banned young men from marriage.

The Emperor had believed without families and wives

the young men would make better soldiers. Saint Valentine of the Catholic Church defied him and continued to marry young men and women in secret. When Valentine was discovered, he was sentenced to death. Another legend suggests while he waited for his execution he fell in love, with the guard’s daughter who may have been visiting him. The legend also suggests that they wrote to each other and signed his supposed love letters to her, “from your valentine,” which is why you choose or are chosen to be someone’s valentine, and why in most cultures you exchange cards and gifts, signed by

“your valentine.”

In the middle ages Valentine had been a well known saint of the Catholic Church, and the holiday was an unofficial holiday celebrated widely in Rome.

It was also a theory that St. Valentine’s day was created in honor of Saint Valentine’s death, and for his devotion to performing marriages though they were outlawed.

Near the end of the 5th century the Pope Gelasius had made Feb. 14 the official St. Valentine’s Day. In the middle ages the holiday came to be associated with love because Feb. 14 was believed to be the day that

bird’s mating season began.

Handmade Valentines were documented to be exchanged in the 1700s in the U.S. By the 18th century this holiday had become popular and was practiced yearly, and in the 1900s the advance in technology had produced printed cards.

In the early 1840s Esther A. Howland sold the first mass produced Valentines in American History, and has been nicknamed “Mother of the Valentine.” Valentine’s Day cards have been a tradition for centuries and this holiday is celebrated internationally.

The Echoes wishes to congratulate Darren and Traci Stoop

Entertainment 9 Money making career, social media Echoes

Jaidlyn Bookout | Entertainment Editor

January 2014

By Christian Miller Reporter Social media has become a crucial part in most people’s lives, and for some it’s a primary use of time and effort. If dedicated enough, some have even turned their usage of social media into a career.

One of the most well known ways of becoming “internet famous” is through the use of YouTube. Ever since Youtube was founded on Feb. 14, 2005, it has created a place for many people to be seen and heard. Many have attempted to make a start on YouTube, but only a handful of people have

figured out how to make it work. YouTubers such as Jenna Marbles, Smosh, and Pewdiepie, are well known among youth. To press on, these three YouTubers, as of May of 2013, are in the top five list of Youtubers to make the most money on YouTube, which is millions of dollars.

This all has to do with views.

For every view they receive, they make a profit. This can range from 70 cents to $7 per view. Jenna Marbles makes $4.3 million a year, Smosh makes $5.7 million a year, and Pewdiepie makes $6.1 million a year. They achieve this through the content of their videos, and their audience which supplies the views. These three YouTubers all primarily identify

with the general youth, and their videos are usually funny and include content in which the majority of their target audiences can understand and enjoy.

“YouTubers make millions? That’s crazy,” freshman Dallas Tomasello said.

“If someone was absolutely dedicated I could see them getting paid a lot, but if they’re just on YouTube to be seen, I don’t think they should be paid that much.”

Very similar to YouTube, the new and prospering mobile app Vine has also created careers, or career starters for people such as Ian Padgham who even quit his job to focus solely on Vine.

Vine is like YouTube, but it only supplies six second

videos, so the pressure to be more creative and interesting possibilities is on. There are a few popular Viners who make videos regularly, keep it interesting, and tend to have each other in their videos. This is how they’re able to make money using vine. Viners such as Pinot W. Ichwandardi make around $1,000 to $2,000 for each branded video, depending on the company who commissioned it. Still, even though this may not be millions of dollars, it is still a large amount for just a six second video.Through collaboration, and views, they’re able to make a small profit, usually ranging about a few hundred dollars, but overall increase their fame, and opens doors.

“I believe they should get paid if they are top Viners,” sophomore Sarah Widick said. “Some of them are just great and hilarious, they’re kinda like mini celebrities with a mini fan base.”

Another site heavily used by youth is Tumblr. Tumblr is a place that takes time to understand, but once understood, can be used by anybody for whatever reason.

It consists of blogs, but not in the traditional sense. It is very network driven, and lots of communication is used between bloggers. Tumblr can be a great place for any type of teen, regardless of whether they are into very mainstream material, or they are alternative kids, and everywhere inbetween. With the

ability to become “Tumblr famous” or be able to support numerous blog viewers, one would think that they could make a profit off of this, but not so much. A person is able to add ads to his or her blog, or promote a personal online store, but other than that, options are not really given for thriving bloggers on Tumblr (bloggers do tend to also be very self righteous). However, even with all the hype about social media careers, some do not agree with profiting from sites such as Tumblr.

“Absolutely not, bloggers on Tumblr should not be paid,” sophomore Alyson Sorensen said. “Tumblr is method of emotional relief, not a sick popularity game.”

New Disney film ‘heart-melting’ ‘Frozen is the feel good movie of the year’

By Britteny Johnson Co-Editor in Chief

T

his past year marked the dawn of a new set of Disney princesses, Anna and Elsa, in the newest Disney animated musical “Frozen.” Right off the bat we learn that young Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel, has a magical power that allows her to create snow, ice, and coldness. Later in life, Elsa causes an eternal winter in the kingdom of Arendelle, where she was to be queen, and she runs off into the mountains to find solace and freedom. Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell, sets off to find her sister and save Arendelle. Along the way she teams up with Kristoff, voiced by Jonathan Groff,

Image from movies.disney.com/frozen his trusted reindeer Sven, and a little snowman name Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad, to get to the tallest mountain to take her sister home and bring summer back to their kingdom.

Along with a vast array of characters, comes a

Continuing....

soundtrack full of musical style songs, including; “Do You Want To Build A Snowman?”, “Love Is A Open Door”, and “In Summer” all written by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

“Frozen” has been described by many as “heart-

melting” or “heart-warming”, because this is one movie that, though it does involve a love interest, the main love that you see is the love between that of Anna and Elsa. For the first time in a string of Disney princess movies, getting the man to

love her, or falling in love with a prince, is not the main purpose goal for the heroine, it is a sidenote.

“Frozen” has already won a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, and has been nominated for two Oscars; Best Animated Feature

and Film’s Musical Showstopper for “Let It Go” by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

In a review on Vulture. com, “The Eight Reasons ‘Frozen’ is Unstoppable”, Bilge Ebiri explains that “Frozen” is a hit because it is the “classic Disney Spirit”, feeling similar to the older movies like “Cinderlla” and “Snow White”. Along with the classic spirit, Ebiri believes “Frozen” is unstoppable due to the fact that there are two princesses, not just one. Princesses draw in the girls, while the spunky comedic sidekick brings in the boys. There is something in the movie for everyone.

This movie has some on the verge of tears from one moment to the next. Nothing can prepare for the twists, turns and surprises throughout this movie. This reviewer believes that “Frozen” is one of Disney’s best movies in a incredibly long time, and I think many would agree.

The Resistance vs the New World Order

By Joe Vrenick Multi-Media Specialist Part 3

I

’ve fallen into the sewers. A rocket exploded near me and my battalion and I let myself fall down to the bottom. There are only four members down here with me and when I

went back up to the surface to investigate the damage, everyone else was either dead or had limbs removed.

I can’t leave these men behind but the mission needs to commence now. I walk up to one of my men and give him my spare handgun and assure him that mechs are on the way. Poor fellas. Hope that somebody comes to get them all out of here quickly.

The remainder of my battalion and I make our way through the sewers. It takes a little while for us to get to the entrance, but after about fifteen to twenty minutes

of running down a tunnel, garbage and dirty water, we make it to the entrance of the building H.I.M. is holding himself in. I bandage my minor wound before I go in. My team does the same. We’ve only got one shot at this and we had better make every minute. Catching this mad man will mean the end of his reign of terror, and will end the war once and for all. After that, the only enemy my battalion and I will have to deal with are the mounds of paper work the government will have us file. Sounds a lot better than what we’re going

through right now. In fact, the way we’re feeling, doing paperwork sounds like a trip to Tahiti compared to all of this. I nod to my men. Guns in hand, we slowly and quietly enter the building.

We walk up a flight of stairs and down a hallway that leads to the lobby. Four NWO soldiers armed with machine guns stand guard by the elevators and one soldier mans a cannon, firing off missiles at ground soldiers.

Our plan of attack: Smoke grenades. Respirators on.

Ramirez and Hansen toss out two grenades and they start

to clear the room. I look for the weakest part on their armor before we make a strike.

The neck area is the closest thing to weak. As soon as the gas starts to choke the guards, my squad and I move in. I take out the two by the elevator Barnes takes out the other three by the doors.

Next stop, top floor.

We enter the elevator and head up for the 30th floor.

They won’t expect us if we are heading to the floor two levels below them. From there, we will take the stairs and catch them by surprise.

The rumbles from helicop-

ters exploding and gun turrets firing shake the elevator lightly. We reach the 28th floor and make our way up the stairs to the 30th. Only two guards in front of one door. Very suspicious but we’re almost there. We burst through the door. Barnes and Ramirez take out the guards and I bust through the door, gun ready to fire. H.I.M, facing the window and his hands up, laughing as I enter, was waiting to surrender...

Check future issues for the final installment of this story!

Echoes

Entertainment

January 2014

Jaidlyn Bookout | Kendal Bainbridge | Danielle Rambo

10

Looking back to the student art show Second Annual Arts Hoopla of 2013

By Kendal Bainbridge Reporter

The current art show; The 2nd Annual Arts Hoopla 2013: Let Your Imagination Take Flight; proudly presented all the artworks that had recently been worked upon by the students; and was sponsored by both of the art teachers, Britney Ridenour and Heather Mauer.

The art show took place at 7:00 that night and had a full house, with an approximated crowd larger than last year’s Art Hoopla. The turnout was better than was expected. Students with artwork were of varying ages and grades that completed this years diversified Art Hoopla. There were many new artists this year who joined the art show as well.

Seniors, Sara Borgaila and Maddy Clark were the art shows volunteer masters of ceromonies. “We had been looking for a special occasion for our speaking class, so we volunteered for the experience. I’m pretty good at it, I’m a singer and I’m used to it, so there is no

stage fright,” Borgailia said.

This year’s art show was very different than the one last year, by comparison of number of visitors, production, and number of

performers, and the planning that had been put into it.

“The different part was how last years art show had no MC’s, and we were just testing the waters. This year

it was scheduled. Also, I loved the talent! To see the amazing talent these high school students have, they’re like professionals. Their art is so different and unique,”

Clark said.

The manager of this second annual art show was sophomore Cory Watson, and his job was primarily to help those who came in and

Photo By: Eric Cavannaugh

direct them to where they wished to go.

“If anyone seemed or looked a little lost, I would show them where exactly to go, and where everything was. It was a fun experience, and I learned a lot,” Watson said.

The art show was a new experience for quite a few people and brought your average student up another level of expertise.

“I thought it was so very cool. I had absolutely no idea that the students could even do that. My favorites were the human statues and the Dorothy picture!” said freshman Sophie Knauss, who went to the art show and saw things in a new perspective as this was her first art show.

The talents ranged from drawing and painting, to clogging and break dancing, to vocalists and musicians.

With a magician, and great performances mixed into the bunch to complete it fully.

It was a new experience for many people, and another art show is being talked through.

Holland Art Center Performance

By Taylor Crinklaw Reporter

T

Particpating AL students performed a the Holland Art CenterPhoto by: Eric Cavanaugh

he Holland Art Center is a performing arts theatre located in downtown Omaha, which opened in 2005. It has won Best of Omaha two years and countless other awards.

The Holland Art Center has broadway, children’s, jazz, and family performances.

The Holland Art Center also is a theatre for dance performances and different showcases. In order to hold performances there is a 2,000 seat concert hall as well as a 350 seat concert hall.

Participating students from AL, UNO, and other

surrounding schools auditioned for and performed at the Holland Art Center.

This performance is an honors performance, which also includes singers from mixed and women’s choir.

Altogether there are eight girls, and seven boys who performed on Jan. 26.

This performance is different for many others because it is not only parents, family members, and friends, but also people who pay to come see these young singers. For people to pay to see these young singers perform is something that many have never experienced.It is also different because one has to audition for this, unlike the other performances held at Abraham Lincoln in which most students are included in.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to perform at the

Holland because it is a great venue where very many great performers go to show their talents,” junior Samuel Wilder said.

Sopomore Paige Oamek has previous experience performing at the Holland.

“When I perform at the Holland Center it’s for a program called “My Broadway Dreams Foundation” and we basically have a week to put a show together, so I have to prepare in a week and there is a lot more professional lighting, staging and overall performing involved,” Oamek said.

For some this could be a nerveracking experience but for many students nerves are not an issue.

“It doesn’t really make me too nervous, because I’m singing with a big choir and not in a small group or alone,” Junior Abaigeal

Plummer said.

The preparation put in for this show is mainly the same many most students prepare for any show, students have said, but it can also be a bit harder to learn new pieces to showcase talent that many of these young people have.

“A few of these pieces are tougher than music I’m learned before, so it just takes more practice to learn the music and my part,” Plummer said.

Many say that the show went well and definitely are interested in doing it again.

“It went very, very well.

I really enjoyed it and I’m for sure going to do it next year,” Oamek said.

The students that participated in this festival say that it was an unbelievable experience and that they will definitely do it next year.

Upcoming shows and performances of the Omaha Performing Arts February 4 Omaha Brass Ensemble Strauss Performing Arts Center

Feburary 7 Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio Scott Recital Hall

February 14 Count Basie Orchestra with NY Voices Holland Arts Center

February 18 Million Dollar Quartet Orpheum Theatre Polar Obsession Holland Arts Center

February 21 Diane Schuur Scott Recital Hall

February 27 Daniel Beaty Holland Arts Center

Echoes

Sports

January 2014

Krystal Hopkins | Will Schademann

11

Metro basketball teams slam dunk Creighton moves to Big East Conference, inside look on season

Creighton’s Doug McDermott celebrates as the Blue Jays pulls away from the Villanova Wildcats on Jan. 20. Creighton won, 96-68. Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

The 2013-2014 season may very well be the best year that Creighton University has experienced in terms of athletic success.

In addition to a positive increase in national recognition, the move to the Big East Conference has also produced new academic opportunities.

“The desire was as much (or more) academic as it was athletic. A chance to partner with some of the top faithbased institutions in the country, in some of the best cities in the country, was an opportunity many around here had long dreamed of,”

said Rob Anderson, Sports Information Director at Creighton University.

Another considerable difference between the old Missouri Valley Conference and the new Big East Conference has been the amount of national coverage and recognition that the athletic program has received this year.

“It’s a partnership that is just 10 months old and still growing. The exposure in some of the biggest media markets in the country, and the East Coast, should prove beneficial down the road as Creighton becomes more of a household name, which will help with the recruitment of all students,” Anderson said.

As new and better teams are coming to compete in Omaha, Anderson says the fans are very excited with

conference play starting.

“Our fans are excited about some of the high-profile schools that are coming to Omaha, plus the return of some former rivals such as Marquette, Xavier and DePaul which is also exciting for many long-time supporters.”

At Creighton, the fans and student-athletes have been excited with moving into a basketball-centered league. Coach Greg McDermott believes that the fans are more enthusiastic as ever before.

“Our fans have always been enthusiastic, and once again we’re in the top 10 in the country in home attendance,” McDermott wrote in an e-mail to the Echoes.

“I think our success on and off the court, as well as the top-notch competition we’re bringing in, has seen that energy be as good this year as I can ever recall and something we hope continues to grow.”

Jim Flanery, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Creighton University, agrees that Creighton’s decision to move to the Big East conference wasn’t solely athleticminded.

“Creighton’s admission to the Big East was done at the presidential level.

Coaches and administrators had little to no input. I know they liked Creighton because of our facilities and success across the board in athletics.

Men’s basketball obviously was a big driver, but those other things contributed.”

Flanery said that with the new conference comes a more exciting way of playing basketball at the Division I level.

“The pace of game in the Big East has been faster.

Teams do want to run more; our points per game are up quite a bit. Interestingly, size

hasn’t been an adjustment. I don’t feel we’ve run into way more size than before. I do believe, however, there is more perimeter athleticism and more of a commitment to playing up and down.”

Anderson, Flanery and McDermott have all agreed that the Big East Conference will help the school in many different respects. Creighton University’s athletic program has opened a new chapter in

its existence and with the fans excited as ever for new competition to be visiting the CenturyLink Center Omaha, there are higher expectations than ever for the student athletes.

Lynx shooting for new records

Alexa Murphy advances the ball as she dribbles down the court.

Photo by Kirsten Darrington

By Nathan Vorce Reporter Over halfway through the season, the varsity boys have a record of 7-9 after their victory against visiting TJ on Jan. 24, and the varsity Lady Lynx posted an 8-8 record and are 6-3 in conference play after beating TJ. Many fans are aware the basketball team is divided up into three teams, a varsity, a junior varsity and a reserve team, along with the freshman team. Basketball is unique due to its reserve team system.

Junior Ethan Thomas plays basketball on the reserve team, and says there are key differences between teams.

“Reserves play less games, but we still practice with the junior varsity team.

The difference is that only

sophomores can play JV, so juniors and seniors that don’t make varsity get put on the reserve team.”

The season so far has been positive for the Lynx, with a chance for the boys team to host the district game.

Boys Basketball Coach Jason Isaacson credits some of their success to their bond as a team.

“We have team activities outside of school to help us come together as a team.

This team is very resilient.

We started the season with a few overtime losses, which many teams could take badly, but our guys took it as motivation.”

With only five games left in the season, the players are motivated to finish the season on a high note.

The varsity girls basketball team has made its way through the season under the guidance of Coach Chad

Schaa. Schaa said the team is very balanced.

“Compared to last year’s team, this team is shorter overall, but much faster, which allows us to get up and down the court faster, allowing for quick offense and defense.”

Schaa hopes that the girls can finish out the season without any more losses.

“I try to motivate the team by giving them goals, such as making a percentage of shots or by scoring a certain number of points.

Things are going good, and our goals are to finish the year in the top half of the division with a winning record and make it to Des Moines for state.”

The basketball teams are going into the remainder of the season filled with purpose, hoping to win the rest of their games and advance to their championships.

Lynx spring athletes starting conditioning Softball team improving from previous season

Track team chases success during preseason

“We did very, very well last season, it’s a young team but lots of talent, and I’m very excited for this season,” Coach Hallagan said.

Last season the Lady Lynx were 28-11.

Strengthening skills is usually a priority for athletes, and winter conditioning is a chance for the improvement before the season. Each player brings something to the table. For sophomore Deana Roth all it takes is a little motivation, to see self improvement, and to adjust to winter conditioning and the season to come.

“I think what motivates

expectations, improve themselves as runners, and achieve better times in general. The boys track coach holds high standards for the team this season.

“We did well last year, but there’s always room for improvement with every single one of our guys,” Coach Justin Kammrad said.

“We didn’t finish how we wanted to at the state meet last year. I think there is a lot of goals and expectations for some of these guys to get better.”

Getting back into the groove may be a challenge for some, but some students feel the adjustment to

Softball season is right around the corner this year and the Lady Lynx are gearing up for this season’s challenges.

Softball winter conditioning has just started and the Lady Lynx have started preparing and adjusting.

Coach Valerie Hallagan hosts softball winter conditioning, and is optimistic about the upcoming season.

me is the thought of getting better every year,” said Roth a second year softball player.

Roth has played softball for seven years, and plans to return next season. Softball has winter conditioning Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, there they lift, run, practice hitting, and catching.

Though hitting practice indoors can be constricting, the added practice will help advance the team. Winter conditioning takes place until the season begins and actual practice takes over. Only time will tell if the Lady Lynx hard work pays off for the upcoming season.

The track season is a few short months away, and students have begun preparing for the season to come, working on times, sprints, and long distance running. Winter conditioning has started and students are getting in shape before the challenges of the upcoming season. Winter conditioning has recently started and boys and girls track will meet three days a week to work on meeting the coach’s

conditioning will be a cinch, and intend on working on a few specific goals. “(My goals are) just sprinting, and getting my times up,” junior Taylor Morgan said.

The track winter conditioning program goes all the way up to the season’s start. Bonding with a team is often times considered a regular practice, and some students express why they feel track and winter conditioning is important to them. Winter conditioning is held three times a week, and is welcome for any athletes looking to get back in shape before spring activities.

Echoes

Sports

January 2014

12

Krystal Hopkins | Will Schademann

Winter Olympics approching Sochi, Russia hosting 2014 games

By Tanner Hochstetler Reporter

The Olympics have been a tradition around the world since ancient Greek times of 776 B.C. They were originally created to worship the Olympian Gods. It was held in the ancient plains of Olympia until 12 centuries later when emperor Theodosius decreed that such “pagan cults” be banned.

The victor of the Olympic games was crowned with red ribbons around his head and feet while the crowd threw flowers. The final award ceremony was held at the famous ancient temple of Zeus which is still standing today.

Now in today’s society, many centuries later, the Olympic Games have taken a huge step into the modern

world. The whole world is part of the action, there are new rules, sports, athletes, locations, the games are longer than ever before. The Olympic Committee has decided that this year the Winter Olympics be held in Sochi Russia on Feb. 7-23.

The famous olympic flame will be the official start to Olympics. The setting of the fire is an ancient tradition, and is set in Greece by the sun using a powerful mirror. The flame is then carried for seven days to the city of Athens where it will make the official crossover. The flame will be flown to Russia, and carried across Russia by over 14,000 torch runners, and will complete its 65,000 km journey in Sochi.

This year will be the first year that the Russian Federation has hosted the Olympics since the Soviet Union in 1980. The games this year are organized in two different regions. The coastal cluster in

Sochi will feature mainly ice events, and the second cluster will feature sports such as skiing, and bobsledding and will take place in the mountainous region of Krasnaya Polyana. Brand new arenas have also been built for the Winter Olympics.

The Olympic Trials are used as a playoff system for the Olympics. They create a rough estimate of who is going to go to the Olympics, and they give a chance for athletes to show what they got. The trials are usually held a few months before the actual Olympics, and are usually held at universities around the U.S. The highlight of this year U.S. Olympic Trials included U.S. biathlon team member Tracy Barnes giving up her Olympic spot during this years trials to her sick twin sister Lanny Barnes.

In the past the U.S. has earned numerous gold medals, and fans predict many

Photos of previous winter olympics courtesy of MCT Campus more to come.

“I watch the Olympics because the U.S. team is really good, and I like to see them beat people,” Brandon Cheney said.

The U.S. Olympic team will be competing in over 16 different events in this year’s games. The events include biathlons, bobsledding, curling, assorted figure skating, hockey, luge, short track speed skating, skeleton, assorted skiing, snowboarding, and speed skating. Summer Olympics U.S. track runner Lolo Jones will be featured pushing the bobsleds this

year for the U.S. bobsled team. Over 2,800 athletes will be competing in this year’s games. The winners of the Olympics are decided by tallying up the amount of gold medals earned.

Over 500,000 fans are projected to be watching the olympics in Sochi. However, there are also many fans watching from home.

“I watch the Olympics every four years and my favorite event is the Luge,” P.E. teacher Jay Sealer said.

Each fan has a certain event they like to watch.

“My favorite is the ski-

ing because they go very fast,” junior Lucas Radford said.

Due to terroristic threats against this year’s Olympics the Pentagon has declared that two Naval warships will standby in the Black Sea in case of threat during the Olympics.

The Olympics is a time of gathering of the world. It is one of the world’s oldest and sophisticated events. The future Olympics will be held in Rio De Janeiro in 2016, Pyeongchang in 2018 (the next winter olympics), and Tokyo in 2020.

2014 Winter Olympics facts •

12 new events will be making their Olympic debuts in Sochi, making the 2014 Games the biggest in history.

•

The Sochi Olympics will be the most expensive at $51 billion. The next most expensive games was the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at $40 billion.

•

The 2014 Winter Olympics torch relay will last a total of 123 days some of its stops include the North Pole (for the first time), outer space, sank to the bottom of the deepest freshwater lake in the world, and ascended the highest mountain in Europe.

Facts found on http://xfinity.comcast.net/slideshow/sports-sochifunfacts/3/

Senior wrestler looking forward to state

By Krystal Hopkins Sports Editor

Photo by Eric Cavanaugh

Senior Jordan Bywater has been on AL’s wrestling team since his freshman year after his father persuaded him to join, and he has remained part of the team for his entire high school career. Though at first Bywater did not like wrestling or feel that he was very good, he soon became a strong member of the team.

“Freshman year I did not do very good,” Bywater said. “Sophomore year, I went to state, and last year I was 39-6 but then my daughter was born so I couldn’t go to state. I’m 29-2 right now, and my only

two losses were by points, one was by one point and the other by two points.”

The object of the sport of wrestling is to pin the opponent, however if no one is pinned the wrestler who has earned the most points during the match is the winner.

Therefore Bywater’s one and two point loses were close matches. According to wvmat.com there are five ways a wrestler can earn points. A few of the ways a wrestler will earn points by taking their opponent down to the mat, escaping his opponent when brought down to the mat, or if he gains control of their opponent after being controlled.

A wrestler can also get penalty points that subtract points from their total score.

Penalty points are given

for illegal holds, technical violations, unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, stalling, and for false starts.

Bywater is a part of the heavyweight class at about 285 pounds for the Lynx team. Unlike some wrestlers he did not need to lose or gain any weight to fit into a certain weight class.

“I didn’t have to but I chose to lose 25 pounds to be faster,” Bywater said. “I would just have no fast food, no pop, and I watched what times I ate, I wouldn’t eat past six o’clock.”

Wrestling team member Melvin Escobar wrestles against Bywater in many practices and believes he is doing well this year.

“He’s been working very hard in practice,” junior

Melvin Escobar said.

Bywater has been doing well this season and plans on attending state for the second time, with big plans for the results of the competition.

“Its a huge deal to get to state, I plan on winning state this year.”

Wrestling head coach Mat Daniels believes that Bywater has the ability to reach his goal of becoming state champion.

“Jordan has the potential to reach his goal,” Daniels said. “He has to work very hard, stay focused and not stray from his game plan on the mat. Also, he needs to limit distractions outside of wrestling. I hope that he has fun with his teammates and is able to keep getting better each and every day.”