Beak 'n' Eye - Nov. 9, 2012

Nov. 9, 2012 Vol. 53 Issue 3

BEAK ‘N’ EYE

With food additives, preservatives, and genetic modification, is the food you eat really safe?

Page 12 WEST HIGH SCHOOL

3505 W LOCUST ST.

DAVENPORT, IOWA 52806

CONTENTS

COVER PHOTO - People of Davenport gather downtown to watch several baloons go through the Festivle of Trees Parade along with the West High Band on Nov. 17 (cover and above photo by Saba Khan)

NEWS

FOCUS

4 LIVING LANDS AND WATERS- Take a look at some stuff that floats in our river that you may have never thought of.

12 JUDICIAL PROBLEMS- Take a look at a few trials and the flaws of our system.

5 NURSES OFFICE- Finally figure out why the nurses office has been moved.

7 ALICE IN WONDERLAND- Take a behind the scenes look at the play.

FACES 8 HOLIDAY CHEERS - Learn about West students and their holilday spirit.

9 WINTER HAZARDS- It’s time for winter driving, so learn how to be safe.

LEISURE

11 TWITTER 101- Tips on how to use Twitter as it takes over social media.

VOICE 16 NO P.E. CLASSES?- Should athliets be required to take P.E. classes?

SPORTS

18 - 19 WINTER SPORTS HEAT UPBoys and girls basketball starts along with wrestling and swimming 20 CHEER AND DANCE TAKE TRIPFollow your West High Sprit squad through out their receint trips.

21 SPORTS MANAGERS- Learn who’s behind the scenes of the sports teams.

BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● DEC. 14, 2012

The Beak ‘n’ Eye wants YOU to join the staff!

Our Program West High has one of the best high school journalism programs in the nation. The Beak ‘n’ Eye has received Quill and Scroll’s highest honor--the George H Gallup Award--every year since 1972 for the quality of its newspaper.

Every year students win state and national awards for writing, photography and design.

Benefits The Beak ‘n’ Eye staff serves the entire school by informing them of what’s happening in their world. The monthly newsmagazine offers a variety of articles on news, sports, features, entertainment, and opinion. Student editors plan and produce an issue every month. We are looking for students who are: • Creative • Responsible • Talented in writing, photography or art • Available to work after school sometimes The Beak ‘n’ Eye is published eight times a year from 3505 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA 52806.

Member of the Iowa High School Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Quill & Scroll International Honor Society.

WEST HIGH SCHOOL ● 3505 W LOCUST ST. DAVENPORT, IA 52804

NEWS

Four Students particapte in All State Music Festival

♪

♫

Brian Lines is the first West student to make the All State Orchestra in 20 years

JEPHTHAH YARIAN JephthahYarian@gmail.com

Football players have their SuperBowl and musicians have their Festival. For Brian’s hard work, he, along with three West musicians, had the great honor of performing at the All State Festival in Ames, Iowa.

On Nov. 17, a number of 1,080 high schools musicians across 178 Iowa high school, traveled to the Hilton Coliseum at ISU in Ames, Iowa to perform in the 66th

Annual Iowa All State Festival Concert.

Brian Lines practices his music with Ms. Easley and the Brian Lines has other orchestra students (photo by Jephthah Yarian) practiced for the past year in preparation of The Festival is not just work, but it is making the All State Festival. He was the also very enjoyable. only West student of the 203 students in the “It’s a wonderful three days for the All State Orchestra. The first West student musicians; lots of rehearsing with world to make All State in over 20 years renowned conductors and a final concert.”

“Experiencing the feeling of being in Mark Kretchmer, band director. “The high such an amazing orchestra,” Lines’ highhonor a musician can receive in the state of light of the festival.

Iowa.”

♪ Other West All-State Musicians ♫

(photos by Jephthah Yarian)

Shelby Tracy

Percussionist - Xylophone, bass drum, tambourine, and marimba Highlight: “All the talented musicians in one place, everything sounded good all the time.”

Favorite Song: “A piece that the director wrote for our band, which was cool, and the whole band got to sing which was different and fun.”

Jacob Stewart

Dawn Vickers

Chorale Singer - Soprano 1

Chorale Singer - Baritone Solo: Veni Sancte Spiritus

Highlight: “Being a part of a huge choir where everyone knew what they were doing and it sound absolutely amazing.”

Highlight: “Being in a choir that big is probably the best experience you can have. And it great to have that full sound.”

Favorite Song: Favorite Song : “Sure on the Shinning Night because it “Dominus Vobiscum; it has a lot of interesting clashing notes and sections along with was really expressive and beautiful.” fast and slow sections. It has a powerful message when you know the words.”

PAGE BY JEPHTHAH YARIAN

DEC. 14, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 3

A rise in pertussis cases leads students and faculty at West to take precautions. (photo by Shauna Foss)

NEWS

Taking health precautions

Scott County works with schools to prevent pertussis outbreak with free shots

BY SHAUNA FOSS ShaunaKFoss@gmail.com

P

ertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is at a new outbreak in Iowa.

As of July 1st of this year, at least 40 cases of pertussis have been reported in Scott County, mostly in teen and schoolage children.

Last year during this time only 10 cases had been reported.

Consequently the school is also working with the Scott Community Health Department to offer free TDaP (TetanusDiphtheria-Pertussis) vaccines to students 6th through 12th grade. Students were to sign up for these vaccinations by Nov. 1.

Linda Manders, West High School nurse, said they are working with the Health Department so West “can get as many students protected as we can.”

The TDaP vaccine may wear off within 5 to 10 years. Pertussis is a disease that comes in waves every few years, the last large outbreak in Iowa was in 2005.

In 2005 West had a serious outbreak of pertussis, and although West has had no outbreak at the school itself this year, West is still working to prevent students from bringing it into the halls.

Pertussis often begins as a simple cold, and within 6 to 20 days harsh coughing fits that make breathing difficult and often causes vomiting, trouble sleeping, weight loss, fractured ribs and even fainting.

Report card change West is no longer printing out student report cards

BY SHAUNA FOSS ShaunaKFoss@gmail.com Report cards are no longer being printed out at West, in an effort to save money and paper.

Campus Portal and Parent Portal now allow students and parents to gain online access to student grades. With the new technology allowing students to see grades, report cards were left in the office never being picked up.

With many students not picking up their report cards, eight times a year, paper was being wasted. Along with wasted paper when report cards were sent home, it cost even more to pay for stamps and envelopes.

Bob Tollefsen, associate principal, said the school was saving “a significant amount of money” in this change.

Parents were alerted of the change via audio dialer sent to all parents on Oct. 16th. They were informed they could use Parent Portal, sign up for it in the school

office (if not already using the system), or make arrangements in the office to have a printed report card.

Midterm report cards will still be printed for conferences, held on Nov. 14th from 3:105:30, until they work out a way to change this. This will remain while the school finds a way to inform parents of who their student’s teachers are for the conferences without the need to print out the full report card.

When asked how the number of students who have asked to receive a printed report card, Tollefsen said, “between one to three percent of your population have asked for one.”

4 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for you to get antibiotics if you have been within three feet of a person infected with pertussis.

For a person with pertussis it takes five full days of the correct antibiotics to no longer be contagious. If you have pertussis and have not received antibiotics for the disease, you can be spread the disease for 21 days.

Manders said that West is taking the same precautions they do with any other illness, supporting “all the things your mom and dad taught you way back in preschool.” These include the three C’s; Cover your cough, Clean your hands, and Contain your cold.

Calendar NOV. 12 – Veterans Day (No school) NOV. 14 – Mid-term Conferences 3:10-5:30 NOV. 17 Festival of Trees NOV. 21-23 - Thanksgiving Break DEC. 4 – Holiday Concert 7:30 p.m. at Vickie Palmer Hall DEC. 7-8 - Winter play Alice in Wonderland DEC. 10 – Band Concert 7:30 p.m.

DEC. 11 – Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m.

DEC. 13 – Vocal Concert 7 PAGE BY SHAUNA FOSS

NEW CLUBS Scholarship Club learns how to find the right college

Stand for the Silent works to prevent bullying

New club focuses on admission into college and ways to obtain various scholarships and financial aid.

Scholarship Club, run by Mrs. O’Hare meets the first and third Thursday of each month 7:00-7:30 a.m. in Room 231. Scholarship club is for any 9th through 12th grade student interested in learning how to search and apply for scholarships.

Approximately 25 students have been attending these meeting regularly, and there are no requirements to join.

The goal of Scholarship Club is to “help kids think more about going to college” and to plan more.

During the Nov. 1st meeting O’Hare told students, “Scholarships don’t just happen or fall into your lap- you have to work to get them.”

“Kids are taking ownership of their future and planning how they can handle post secondary education financially,” O’Hare said.

STORIES BY SHAUNA FOSS ShaunaKFoss@gmail.com

Kirk Smalley came and presented on Stand for the Silent, a national organization which was created after Kirk’s son and committed suicide after being bullied.

“This was a very moving presentation and inspired kids to get involved,” O’Hare said.

The Stand for the Silent, club is presented by counselor Jennifer O’Hare.

The group meets on Thursdays in the LMC after school. Soon they will have committees, nominated officers, and scheduled events/activities.

With 40+ students it is hard to get everything done and O’Hare will be providing materials before meetings can be more productful.

“The club’s goal is to really focus on the West High Way, help address bullying, help kids feel that they are ‘someone’ and important, and to work with staff/students collectively to impact our West High Community in a positive way,” O’Hare said.

“I think it’s a safe place to be. A safe place

Students are instructed on what to do as they come to the first meeting of Stand for the Silent. (photo by Shauna Foss)

to talk about issues and try to come up with solutions; it’s a place to meet all sorts of different kinds of people to try to improve/impact our West High Community in a positive way.”

“It’s an opportunity for students to have an impact on our climate and culture,” O’Hare said.

Students design new club with a focus on fashion Run by senior Miranda Castel, Fashion Club currently has 13 students who meet on Tuesdays and Fridays to bring their personal view of fashion to be seen.

“Fashion club brings those who love all aspects of fashion together to form a bond by experiencing fashion, creativity, design, and education within this industry,” Castel said.

Fashion Club has a lot in store for its members, “Our goal is to prepare you for college, give you the opportunity to design,

and expand your knowledge of fashion, she said.

“We forecast trends, examine current trends, learn about the different careers in fashion, build our own portfolio and even make some of our own designs.”

Castel believes the club is a “wonderful opportunity” for students hoping to have a career in fashion.

“This industry can be cruel and it takes so much dedication and hard work,” Castel said.

AAAA Driving School Classes held at West High 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. Room 102

563 332-6941 Steve Verdon, instructor 4adrivingschool.com

PAGE BY SHAUNA FOSS

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 5

NEWS

Jacob Stewart, left, Dawn Vickers, Melanie Vickers, Jenna Rudell, and Kaylee Roland perform on opening night. (photo by Jephthah Yarian)

Cast performs ‘Godspell’

Hess’ version uses comic book characters and toys to tell the story of ‘The Gospel of Matthew’

BY COURTNEY GEIKEN courtney.geiken1@gmail.com

P Maddie Campbell, left, and Maggie Ward braid Amy Pham’s hair backstage before the performance. (photo by Jephthah Yarian)

Senior Eli Shellabarger gets painted like a person from the band Kiss before playing the guitar for Godspell. (photo

by Jephthah Yarian)

eople waited anxiously for the lights to dim in the auditorium, signaling the start of the musical Godspell.

Godspell was performed on Nov. 2-4 and on Nov. 8. What entertained the audience the most was the colorful aspect of the set and characters, and the elaborate story that made some cry.

With its colorful setting, Godspell told of the Gospel of Matthew. The first scene opened with three “Fan Boys” who got locked in the store when it was closing.

Then, all of the toys in the store came to life and Jesus (played by Jacob Stewart) walked in, giving each character an individual greeting. From there, Jesus taught them about the Gospel of Matthew.

Director Wayne Hess said the smaller cast was easier to work with schedulingwise. The most difficult part of Godspell was putting his ideas on stage and seeing if they would work.

“Whenever you direct, you have a vision of what it looks like,” said Hess. “It’s challenging to put what’s in you mind on stage.”

Before the show, Hess didn’t have too many worries.

“I always worry about everything,” Hess said. “At this point you can’t do anything, it’s all on them. In rehearsals, people mess up their lines all the time…in any level of acting. We just don’t want it to happen.”

When someone makes a mistake during rehearsals, they get “Lulu” the rag doll, and have to carry it around school.

6 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

“When you’re doing live theatre, people make mistakes,” said Hess. “Lulu is just a fun way to tell someone they made a silly mistake, and to not make it again.”

The cast and crew all put a lot of effort into the show and were excited to perform.

The music director was Tyler Finley. “I do the music, so all the singing you hear onstage, I direct that,” said Finley. “I am just excited to see the kids perform after all their hard work.”

“I am a futuristic doll, part of the ensemble,” said sophomore Madeline Saskowski. “This is my first time doing any musical thing, so I’m kind of new.”

Junior Anna Wells played Mizz Galazy.

“I think this is a fun play and the fact that there are so many different types of characters that are all coming together to do one play, even if it’s like not really characters, just people in general,” said Wells. “It’s a very fun experience to come together with people who have different backgrounds.”

The stage manager was senior Maryssa Thorndike. “I try to keep people in line and check mics,” Thorndike said. “The practices are getting a lot better and we’re ready to perform. I’m excited to see the audience’s reaction.”

Hess said the reaction of the audience was positive, and that some were even crying at the end because they were so into it.

“It went well,” Hess said. “I wish we had more people who went. It [The audience] was smaller, but I knew it was going to be like that. It never helps when it’s really nice out.”

The next play will be Alice in Wonderland performed on December 7-8. Auditions were held in mid October.

PAGE BY COURTNEY GEIKEN

Dodging goal for drive

BY COURTNEY GEIKEN courtney.geiken1@gmail.com

G

oing door to door collecting cans, participating in hunger drive events, and taking leadership are the things needed to reach a goal of 106,000 pounds of cans for the Hunger Drive. West was struggling to reach that goal by the end of the drive, Nov. 6.

Student Senate adviser Jodi Zimmerman said the Hunger Drive wasn’t going as well as she liked. She thinks that those who do participate put a lot of work into it, where others need to get involved.

“We had lots of energy and participation,” said Zimmerman. “They tell us that 10 percent of people do 90 percent of the work, and our 10 percent are doing a lot of the work, but we need more people to kick it up.”

Zimmerman said that the involvement of students is way down.

“They don’t get excited about things,” Zimmerman said. “A lot of them work. I don’t know if they listen to announcements.

But you’d think with Facebook… If they could use the social media… to tweet…

Don’t wait for someone to show leadership. Anyone can show leadership and get people fired up.”

Senate thought of ways to get everyone involved. For teachers there was the Peanut

Butter and Jelly Contest, where you gave your favorite teacher peanut butter and jelly. It raised a total of 32 containers of peanut butter and 29 jars of jelly. The winner was Michelle Martens, special education teacher.

“That was fun. They [people at the Food Pantry] often don’t have those things,” said Zimmerman. “I thought, we got to get the teachers involved!”

All the food donated to the Hunger Drive goes to the River Bend Food Bank.

It provides food to over 200 soup kitchens and other food pantries. Food pantries support people who are “food insecure.”

Whether someone’s parents lost their job, a family member is going through cancer, or they are just short of money at the end of the month, the food pantry supplies to all those in need of food.

One new event got canceled. Nerf Wars could no longer go on, due to the reason that the Secret Service was at the fairgrounds and Zimmerman didn’t want kids walking down the street with Nerf guns.

Senate is going to try that event in May for charity week, “Living Lands of Water.”

Comedy Night and the Mr. Falcon Contest were also fund raisers. Comedy Night raised $25 and five boxes of cans. The Mr. Falcon Contest on Nov. 5 raised cans by getting people to vote for best in spirit, evening wear, and interview.

Juniors Nick Almasi,left, and Jorge Caldera compete in the dodgeball tournament on Nov. 1. Juniors Cody Meier, Rane Nichols, Garrett Anderson, Alex Peek, Jake Black, Derek Nylin, Keegan Loveless, Hunter Fangman, and freshman Andrew Peek, and Lane Farmer were on the winning team. (photo by Tracy Vo)

Comedy night gets laughs

BY COURTNEY GEIKEN courtney.geiken1@gmail.com

S

Speech teacher Chris Schlichting tells his ice-cream joke at Night of the Living Comedy on Oct. 26. (photo by Steve Lyle)

peech teacher/comedian Chris Schlichting put on a performance for the Student Hunger Drive on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Establishment Theater, raising five boxes of cans and $25.

With Schlichting’s unique approach to comedy, he made his audience of about 60 people laugh by telling jokes about everyday life.

“I always carry a small little notebook and write down what happens and make it into a little joke,” Schlichting said.

Before a show, he finds out what his audience is like to decide what jokes to tell.

“If it’s a bunch of high school kids, I’ll make Twilight jokes,” said Schlichting.

Jodi Zimmerman, Student Senate adviser, said she had a great time and would love to do it again. She was hoping for more West students, but thought that all in

PAGE BY COURTNEY GEIKEN

all it was a good evening.

“People all need to support local talent and not just watch TV,” said Zimmerman.

Schlichting donated all his earnings of the night to the Student Hunger Drive, which came to about $42.

Whether he has a show coming up or not, he writes so he is prepared for whatever is next. He describes his comedic career as coming in waves. He said that Davenport not having a comedy club kind of hinders everything.

“It goes up and down,” said Schlichting.

“Some months are really busy, but other months I don’t have anything.”

Schlichting has been doing comedy for ten years. When nothing goes wrong during a show, he thinks “yeah, this is great.”

“My hope is that in the next three years I’ll host the comedy shows, and have continued success,” said Schlichting. “It’s not just about the money and success, it’s fun and therapeutic.”

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 7

FACES

Crazy Sophomore collects all types of art to display in her room

Shelby Johnson displays some of her art pieces she created herself. (photo

by Hannah Fandel)

Sophomore Shelby Johnson has had a passion for art since she was a child.

“I’ve been collecting art pieces since as long as I’ve had my own room,” said Johnson.

She likes to draw and sketch her own ideas as well as collect the art of others.

“I add a few new pieces each month,” said Johnson. “A couple of my own, some from magazines, as well as other artists.”

Johnson doesn’t favor one artist over the other; her choosing of art is very casual.

“I don’t look for specific artists, I find random pieces in various stores, rummage sales, and what not,” said Johnson.

She also enjoys collecting poems and photography.

“I’ve collected over 200 pieces of art,” said Johnson. “Most are drawings and photography however I also have some pieces

by my favorite poet, Edgar Allen Poe.” Johnson doesn’t limit herself. To one artistic medium.

“I like to draw with pen and pencil at school, but I think that chalk drawings and paintings are very fun to do also,” said Johnson. “I also make collages out of magazine pictures, and even have a sculpture I made of paper Mache.”

Johnson shows her collection on the walls of her room.

Johnson dosent neatly decorate her room.

“My pictures are scattered and layered. it gives them a carefree look,” said Johnson.

She plans on continuing her collection by creating and gathering more pieces.

“My biggest goal is to completely fill my wall with pictures.”

Student collects snow globes from around the world Junior Lauren Johnson has been collecting snow globes from all around the U.S. ever since she received one for a gift.

“My collection started in elementary when my great grandma gave me my first snow globe,” said Johnson.

The snow globes Johnson has aren’t just from the average store. Many are from various places around the world.

“I usually get snow globes when I go on vacation,” said Johnson.“Florida, Minnesota, and Oklahoma are some places I’ve gotten them from. My

friends and family also pick them up for me when they go different places.”

The appearance of the snow globes aren’t the only reason why Johnson likes to collect them.

“Every snow globe is different, and they all tell a different story and remind you of something or a certain memory.” said Johnson.

In the future Johnson hopes to continue her collection, and pass them Lauren Johnson holds her favorite snow globe down to someone who will also collect that was a gift from her grandma. (photo by Hannah Fandel) them.

Freshman expresses herself through nail polish.

Nicole Shultz loves that there’s so many colors of nail polilsh to choose from. (photo by Hannah Fandel)

Accessorizing with nail polish is an everyday thing for freshman Nicole Schultz.

With a growing collection, she has plenty of colors to express herself. She started collecting nail polish when she was young.

“Over the past few years I’ve collected over 100 bottles of nail polish,” said Schultz.

Even though she has been collecting for a while she never thought much of adding to her collection, until the popularity of nail polish influenced her.

The trend of nail polish and nail designs has taken off in the fashion world in the past few years.

8 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

“I love trying new designs and re creating other peoples ideas and looks myself,” Schultz said. “YouTube videos, magazines, and Pinterest are good places where you can find nail ideas.”

With so many brands and colors to choose from, Schultz’s collection is growing fast. Also, with so many polishes, finding space for all of the bottles is difficult.

“I get a couple new nail polishes every week; I pick them up almost every time I go to the store.” Schultz said. “I display my bottles on shelf of my vanity in my makeup room.”

PAGE BY HANNAH FANDEL AND EMILY THUMANN

Collections Junior showcases array of Pokemon collecting cards

Reese Thumann holds one of his most powerful Pokemon cards. (photo by Hannah Fandel)

Reece Thumann has been collecting Pokémon cards ever since he was young.

Over time they have accumulated to over 550 cards. Yes, he has some duplicates, but mostly all are different cards.

“I’ve been collecting them since the first Christmas I can remember,” said Thumann.

Thumann didn’t get himself started in the Pokémon world; other kids influenced him to play and collect.

“Older kids had them, and since I looked up to them I wanted to have some too,” said Thumann. “After I got some, I was hooked.”

Playing Pokémon is just one thing you can do with the cards. Another popular thing is swapping and selling.

“The best card I’ve ever had was the

original blue eyes ultimate dragon. However, it was stolen and I’ll never forget it,” said Thumann. “It was worth $150 or more depending on who I could’ve sold it to.”

Nowadays it’s harder to find stores that sell Pokémon.

“Before I moved out of Muscatine, there was a shop downtown I would take my cards too where I could swap them and buy new cards. I can’t remember the name of the shop now because it closed down,” said Thumann. “Nowadays I look on eBay and other special stores.”

Since his collection has grown he had to put them all in a moving box, to keep them in good condition.

“The box I store them in is decorated with my own pictures and drawings,” explained Thumann.

Sophomore has many reason for collecting movie tickets The goal to film the world’s greatest movie is just one reason; Sophomore Sara Neavor has been inspired to collect movie tickets. However, her love for movies doesn’t end there. Sara collects movie tickets, and already has over 20 from just 2012.

When she grows up she wants to be a cinematographer. Cinematography is the filming process of digital motion pictures.

“It would be so cool to watch a movie, and know that you were the one behind the camera,” said Neavor.

Seeing movies for Neavor is more than just a pastime.

“Watching movies takes you to places and tell stories that you cant experience yourself,” Neavor explains.

Even though filming any movie to her would be amazing, her favorite genre to watch is action.

“I love action movies because they make you feel like its real life,” Neavor explains. “I would like to film an action movie where everything was fast moving and intense; that’s the best kind of action.”

Sara Neavor holds some of the movie tickets that she has collected this year. (photo by Hannah Fandel)

Student finds happiness through her phone cases

Brianna Bohland shows off her favorite cheetah print phone case she just bought. (photo by Hannah Fandel)

Sophomore Brianna Bohland has only had her iPhone for a month, but already has over 15 cases for it. Buying cases for her isn’t just for fun, it’s an addiction.

“I started collecting the day I got my iPhone. I just can’t have my phone without a case on it,” said Bohland.

Fashion is more of a selling point to Bohland when she looks for cases.

“Anything sparkly and bright really catches my eye,” said Bohland. “My favorite case is my gold cheetah bling case.

It’s so fun!”

A new iPhone case is something common in Bohland’s shopping cart.

“I buy a new case every time I have money,” Bohland said. “I love knowing that I have a case to match my outfit and mood each day.”

Bohland bought an iPhone just so she could purchase cases for it.

“I loved all the cases you can buy for the phone, that’s pretty much why I bought mine!” said Bohland.

Stories by Hannah Fandel

PAGE BY HANNAH FANDEL AND EMILY THUMANN

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 9

REVIEWS

LEISURE

Once Upon A Time

Grade: A-

The Twilight Saga

By Cody Geurtsen cgeurt@gmail.com

Since Nov. 21, 2008, when Stephanie Meyer’s novel Twilight was released as a movie, ‘Twihards’ have been anxiously awaiting the conclusion of The Twilight Saga.

Just shy of four full years after Twilight, the second part of the final book Breaking Dawn will be released Nov., 16, 2012.

Compared to the books, the movies have almost consistently made more money in sales; the only exception being the most recent movie adaptation, Breaking Dawn Part 1.

Altogether, The Twiligh Saga franchise has made close to $5 billion worldwide.

One of the biggest problems encountered by movie adaptations of novels is the accuracy to the text of the book.

In regards to the novels, senior Breanna Pairrett said, “Usually the books are always better, but they [Twilight Saga directors] do a fairly good job.”

Although some West students are excited for the upcoming release of Breaking Dawn Part 2, some feel that The Twilight Saga is overrated.

“It’s too mushy and unrealistic,” said senior Erika Ott.

Paranormal Activity 4 Grade: D Paranormal Activity 4 is an American supernatural horror film, directed by Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost. This movie focuses on a new family, the Nelsons, when Katie (from Paranormal Activity) and her son Robbie move in down the street.

Some of the movie’s strong points include Kathryn Newton’s performance as Alex Nelson and an ending that summed the movie up but still left room for another possible sequel. This movie’s downfall is that it feels like a repeat of previous movies inthe series and is too predictable.

Reviewed by Olivia Terronez

Once Upon a Time is a TV show based in the town of Storybrooke when fairytale characters are plucked from The Enchanted Forest with no recollection of their previous lives, excluding The Evil Queen and Rumplestiltskin.

The show picks up where the fairytales left off, and has many flashbacks to their lives in The Enchanted Forest. Writers do an excellent job interweaving characters’ stories together to create one seamless plot. Once Upon a Time aires at 7 p.m. central time on ABC.

Red

By Taylor Swift Grade: B+ Red, the fourth album by singeR-songwriter Taylor Swift released Oct. 22 differs from traditional work by Swift with heavier-than-usual pop and dubstep influences.Overall, Swift pulls off the new style quite well, with Red being the third best selling album of 2012 behind One Direction’s Up All Night and Adele’s 21.

Reviewed by Mary Perez

Just Dance 4

The Host

By Stephanie Meyer

Grade: B

Grade: A The Host is a 2006 sci-fi/romance novel

by The Twilight Saga author Stephanie Meyer. Meyer reinvents the classic love story when an alien parasite, Wanderer, and her reluctant host, Melanie, put their differences aside to save the human they both love in a post-apocalyptic world overran by alien invaders.

The compelling writing style manages to captivate the reader for the entirety of the novel. A movie adaptation of the novel is currently being produced and will be released March 29 2013.

Reviewed by Athena Dinh

Besides 40+ new tracks, including hits like “Super Bass” and classics such as “The Time of My Life,” the fourth installment of the Just Dance series offers a brand new dance mode- Battling mode. This new mode allows you to compete with your friends in 5 back-to-back rounds of dancing- The person with the most points at the end of round 5, wins. Without this new mode, Just Dance 4 would ultimately just be a song expansion pack.

Reviewed by Hanna Dipple

10 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

PAGE BY CODY GEURTSEN

New shows to watch

TV SHOWS Fresh The Voice

Even in it’s third season on NBC, The Voice is a fresh show that’s a contest for singers with a bit of a twist. Its soul based on the voice.

When the contestants sing, the judges can’t even see their faces! Their chairs are turned around so if the judge likes the voice and style of the artist they can press their button and turn their chair.

Another fresh thing about The Voice is that this year the judges can steal! If a contestant is eliminated after the knockout round, other judges can steal them for their own team.

The Voice is fresh and new idea for singing competition shows and definitively worth changing the channel for.

Underemployed

Underemployed is an MTV fresh take on life after college that is hilariously funny.

The show follows a group of friends that just graduated college. They have to go out into the real world and have to deal with those really awful first jobs and it’s harder than you would think.

Underemployed is almost like a new Friends, but for teenagers.

The show is very relatable and it’s a very new idea. It makes you laugh but it also makes you think.

American Horror Story

American Horror Story on FX is mysterious and horrifying, and like nothing else you’ll ever see.

Season 2 starts off at an insane asylum with creepy patients, and a scary nun that’s anything but nice. It’s like a scary movie, but it’s on every week.

The patients include a guy who allegedly killed and scalped several women, a farm boy who they believe is possessed, and a journalist that is supposed to be writing a story but ends up being stuck in the asylum.

If you love being scared and solving mysteries, watch American Horror Story.

Stale

By Olivia Terronez olivia.terronez@gmail.com

American Idol

When American Idol started, it was a huge hit with around 30.6 million viewers. But recently, it’s gone down hill now with only 24.5 million viewers in 2010.

All the original judges except Randy are gone, and he may soon be getting the boot.

Other celebrities have come and gone to fill in the vacant judge chairs, but no one can replace Simon Cowell who is now a judge on X-factor.

American Idol has become stale because it has so many other singing shows that have fresh new takes. Many people don’t like that the judges choose their contestants on looks and popularity rather than what really matters: their voice.

The life of American Idol is fading fast, and it seems that not even new celebrity judges can save it.

Real world

Talk about beating a dead horse, Real World has been on air since 1992 and will be starting its 26 season soon.

Real World started off as the first real reality TV show and everyone watched, but now it’s just one of many reality TV shows and it has no spice.

Every season you see the same people.

Like in Saint Thomas you had the pretty girl Toya, the rude and over-opinioned Marie, and the awkward Brandon. If Real World is planning on being one of those forever shows, it should get a new twist.

The Challenge: Battle of the Seasons, MTV, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Central The Challenge is the perfect combination of reality TV and grueling competition. You see drama and crazy challenges that test the competitor’s physical and mental limits. This season, you get to see cast members from all the past Real Worlds from Brooklyn to Saint Thomas. If you liked Real World, you’ll obsess over The Challenge.

Revolution, CBS, Mondays at 9 p.m.

Central The most watched new TV show, Revolution, is about our world when all the power goes out and people have to find a new way to live. Governments fall and Militias take control of food, guns, and cities. Before the blackout, there were people who knew the power would go out and have the ability to turn it back one. The show starts 15 years after the blackout and revolves around a girl whose family was involved with the power outage.

The show is exciting because you never know what’s going to happen and it’s full of mysteries you have to try and figure out. It really sucks you in and makes you wonder what you would do if this really happened.

Law & Order SVU

This show is a classic, but ever since Stabler left, it’s been straggling. Stabler brought a strong support system to the whole team at SVU. The idea of fighting crime is sort of old.

Although they come up with new stories it’s almost always predictable. There’s also so many TV shows just like it that it gets to be over kill.

Olivia is still fighting crime, but her new detectives Nick Amaro and Amanda Rollins aren’t cutting it. No one could ever replace Stabler, which is why many of the fans watched.

PAGE BY OLIVIA TERRONEZ

The Walking Dead, AMC, Sundays at 8 p.m. Central Although this is the third season, The Walking Dead is something you’ve got to see. The special effects have gotten better and there are many new twists. All the humans are infected with a virus they call the “walker” virus. So when you die, you will become a zombie no matter what. Also the humans are being spied on by other survivors who have found them. One of the best actors is Andrew Lincoln (Rick), who is the leader of the humans and stuck in a love triangle with his dead best friend and pregnant wife!

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 11

FOCUS

Technological advances change food... but is it for the better?

G

BY TRACY VO

tracyyvoo@gmail.com

enetically altering and processing our food has been the more popular practice with today’s food. These practices may help feed the growing population more efficiently but are they really changing food for the better?

Companies have been adding preservatives, additives, artificial flavorings, pesticides, herbicides, and altering genetic information to our food.

Go to Wal-Mart or Hy-Vee and you will see packaged goods all over the place. Most of these are processed foods, meaning that these foods have been made in a factory with coloring and flavorings to make it look normal and taste like something we crave.

Surprisingly, these ingredients can be carcinogenic and can cause disease.

12 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

One example is potassium bromate, which is used to help bread products rise.

Studies done back in 1982 found that this additive caused tumors in rats. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had urged companies to stop using it only if they wanted to. Its use was allowed before a clause under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act came into effect, making it extremely difficult for the FDA to ban it. This additive has been banned in Europe, Canada, China, and Brazil.

Food labels will list what kind of ingredients something contains, starting with the largest quantities.

“If you can’t pronounce the names of the chemicals, you shouldn’t be eating them,” said biology teacher Renne Lietz.

Another new technological advance is genetically modified foods. Ever eat a grape or watermelon and think, “How the heck is PAGE BY TRACY VO

this thing seedless?” The answer is genetically modified foods.

According to The Center for Food Safety, over 70 percent of processed foods contain genetically modified ingredients. Over 80 percent of corn in the United States is genetically modified. But don’t worry, these foods are generally safe to eat. The only problem is allergies.

“The only time this gets potentially damaging is when they incorporate the genetics of a different species into a plant or animal,” said Lietz. “For example, putting genes of almonds into corn to increase the protein level—good idea, but what about someone who has a nut allergy?”

The key to these GM foods? “Labeling,” said Lietz. GM foods aren’t labeled, which can cause a hazard to those with allergies.

In California, Proposition 37 will be on the Nov. 6 ballot. This proposition is an initiative to force companies to label all genetically engineered foods in California, prohibiting the labeling of such foods as “natural.”

Let’s take a look at organic food, a safer alternative to processed foods. Organic food is defined as free of chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, and hormones.

“To be certified as organic, a farm has to have no chemical fertilizer, pesticide, or herbicide for three years,” said Lietz. “Most pesticides and herbicides are fat-based, which means they bio-accumulate in our bodies, so toxic levels build up.”

Pesticides and herbicides are toxic so they can kill unwanted weeds and pests.

These toxic chemicals can cause harm to our

bodies, especially our skin as we can be exposed simply by being outside or touching produce. However, organic food doesn’t use these and chemicals so eating organic is definitely a richer and healthier alternative.

However, organic doesn’t always mean more vitamins.

“Vitamins and minerals in food come from soil, good quality soil is what increases nutritional value,” said Lietz.

It also isn’t always your best bet. Weather and other natural factors can carry herbicides and pesticides over to organic crops, causing them to, well, not be organic.

“In a large rural area, this is practically impossible—think of what wind and running water can carry!” said Lietz.

Lietz suggests that young children should not eat processed foods, as their cells divide rapidly and are too easily mutated. This, however, does not make it O.K. for teenagers to eat processed foods.

Lietz, who is opposed to the consumption of soft drinks since they usually contain high fructose corn syrup, a cheap and unhealthy alternative to sugar, rated processed foods a one, being the most unsafe to eat.

“The world population is so large that we cannot grow enough to feed them all without agriculture research—new varieties, and yes, genetically modified foods,” said Lietz.

“The bigger problem is the way we eat—we would be far healthier to eat an ear of fresh corn, either genetically modified or regular, than to eat a bag of Doritos processed from corn, with added salt, sugar, and chemicals.

We need to stop eating fast food, processed

Gross!

Although there are laws to protect our food, the FDA lets some things slide by. Here are a few: number of insect fragments allowed per 100 number of artificial grams of peanut butter flavors in a strawberry McDonald’s milkshake number of maggots the FDA allows in percent of additives, every 3.5 oz. can of preservatives, and other mushrooms chemicals that make up packaged cheeses number of pubic hairs a person may consume in a number of teaspoons of year from fast food sugar in a can of Coca-Cola (That’s almost 100 percent of your percent of which imported searecommended daily intake!) food gets inspected

30:

50:

12:

10:

19: 2: 1:

49:

milligrams the FDA allows of animal poop per pound of cinnamon

PAGE BY

California voters reject Proposition 37

BY SABA KHAN

sabakhanmuhammad@gmail.com

Voters in California defeated a proposal requiring labels on genetically modified foods on Nov. 6.

Over 50 countries around the world, representing more than 40 percent of the world’s population, already require the labeling of GMOs. These countries include all of Europe, Japan, India, and China.

Polls done by several news sites such as MSNBC and Washington Post show that over 90 percent of Americans want to know if their food is genetically modified.

Should the free market provide consumers with accurate information about products so they can make informed choices about what they should eat?

The American Association for the Advancement of Science says labeling would “mislead and falsely alarm consumers.”

The proposal, also known as Proposition 37, was a grassroots organizing effort of volunteers across the state. The Right to Know campaign gathered nearly one million signatures from Californian voters to vote for the labeling of GMOs within a ten week period.

Over 2000 organizations have said yes to Proposition 37.

Many national food producers are against labeling. They fear losing customers due to increasing grocery prices. It can be a significant restraint to passing on the “trivial” labeling costs to consumers, they claim.

However, other U.S. professors agree that changes in labeling have no effect on consumer costs.

“California consumers know that putting a little ink on a label is not going to change food prices,” said Stary Malkan, media director of California Right to Know.

Research shows that Proposition 37 will have no cost impact on consumers or on food producers.

Sources: health.yahoo.net & guyism.com Compiled by Tracy Vo

TRACY VO

NOV.

FEATURES

iPhone 5

Galaxy SIII

- Total number of iPhone 5’s expected to sell: 250 million

- Total number of galaxy sIII’s sold: 30 million

- Total number of iPhone’s sold in the first four years: 145.8 million

- A galaxy sIII is expected to sell every .45 seconds

iPhone 5 pulls ahead of the Galaxy SIII

By Garrett Anderson garrettdanderson23@gmail.com

T

wo smart phones have been battling it out for consumer dominance, the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy SIII. Released last October, they are both fascinating new phones with some of the latest features inquired. However, the iPhone 5 is the best choice if you want a phone with a great feature color, design, and a long battery life.

The iPhone 5 has many great features such as its new slate-black and silverwhite color editions. This new thinner, lighter design provides a great 4-inch retina display for easy usage and great picture. The new ultra fast wireless update allows you to browse, stream, and download content at blazing-fast speeds! With the A6 chip, the iPhone’s performance and graphics are twice as fast. The new iSight camera now shoots in panorama.

However, the main attraction to this phone is the iOS program. The iOS is the world’s most advanced mobile operat-

ing system ever created. This includes the interface, built-in apps, iCloud, and Siri. Siri is a voice command system that allows your voice to send messages, place phone calls, and much more. It is the most popular feature about the Apple iPhone’s system.

The iPhone 5 is available with AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon. You can purchase the iPhone 5 at a retail price of $650, or purchase with a two-year plan with 16GB for $200, 32GB for $300, and 64GB for $400.

The Galaxy SIII also has many great new features. You can now share smarter with the new S Beam that transfers photos, videos, and documents by placing the phones back to back. The new buddy photo share instantly recognizes faces so you can share with friends right away! The AllShare Play makes it easy to send photos or videos to tablets, PCs and TVs. Also, you can now interact more intelligently with the new S Voice by creating a call by raising your phone to your ear. It comes preloaded with S Memo for all the good helpful apps you’ll need.

iPhone 5 “I really like how the banners appear for notifications and how fast everything loads. There is nothing I don’t like about the iPhone 5.”

Carolyn Wjokowski 9 14 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

The Galaxy SIII is available with AT&T, Sprint, T Mobile, Verizon, US Cellular, C Spire, and Metro PCS. You can purchase the Galaxy SIII at a retail price of $600, or purchase with a two-year plan with 16GB for $200 and 32GB for $250.

One of the biggest factors of choosing a phone is the battery life. Many phones including the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy SIII took a laptop battery test of talk time, video playback time, and cellular connection. As a result, the iPhone 5’s battery lasted the longest with a total time of 7 hours and 13 minutes. The Galaxy SIII lasted only 6 hours and 55 minutes. The iPhone 5’s larger battery capacity gave it the upper edge in this test.

Overall, these are both great phones to have and love. But, Apple’s iPhone 5 is the superior cell phone because of the huge attraction of Siri, more attractive colors, a slimmer style, a longer battery life, and a 4-inch Retina display as well. As you can see, the iPhone 5 is the better pick if you’re a phone enthusiast!

Galaxy SIII

“Besides the fact it’s super ‘goon-like’, I like how big the screen is and how fast it is with 4G LTE. Although, I wish there was better service in school like 3G phones.”

Austin Tovrea 11 PAGE BY GARRETT ANDERSON

in the n Fu classroom

BY CAITLYNN BOYER AND BRIANNA BOHLAND

photo illustration Becca Sandry Pranks are some of the things students do in a classroom to have fun.

“

School days can by unbearably slow, but every once in a while something happens that speeds up the day. As impossible as it may seem, it may even make it fun.

Students found it fun being a part of unusal activities, conversations, pranks and field trips.

Sophomore Maddy Heskett had fun on an education trip.

“In the fifth grade my class took a trip to JA Biztown,’ Heskett said. “ I was able to experience what it was like to have a job and get paid, even if it was just for fun. My favorite part was whenever I was behind the counter of my job in the food industry. It was also a good time because it was my birthday.”

Sometime school is also fun because you get rewarded for the things you achieve. Sophomore Genevieve Gaston was awarded for her effort by going on a trip to an unusual place.

“My elementary school principal owned a gymnastics gymnasium.” Gaston informed me. “If we read over one hundred books at our reading level we would be able to go there for a day. At the end of the year all of my hard work paid off. I even got to play in the foam pit!”

Being laid back in class is also a popular choice. Junior Hannah Fandel enjoyed sitting back and “chilling” while watching movies in class.

“My child development class last year was really fun,” Fandel said. We watched movies a lot.

We also went outside for class a few times, which was my favorite part.”

Other teenagers liked sleeping in class. Sophomore Jacob Erwin favored taking naps and doing nothing at all.

To remember a French word, our teacher had us stand on chairs and she yelled it.”

- Amanda Rind

PAGE BY BECCA SANDRY

“In my kindergarten class, we never really had homework or much work. We usually got to draw because that’s mostly what we knew how to do,” said Erwin.

“Nap time and recess were the best! The most fun I had was during free time, when we could play with whatever we wanted.”

Not only does making a class room setting make the students feel more comfortable, it makes learning easier.

Freshman Jay Thorndyke, recalled a time in his U.S. history class when they “talked about Jesus and the teacher said Hitler was our hero.” Thorndyke also said “We don’t do book work, we talk about it.

Students also liked to pull pranks on the unsuspecting.

Senior Seth Stoube made a prank on his classical literature teacher earlier this year.

“While my teacher was out of the room one day, I decided to have some fun and pull a prank on him,” Stoube said. “Everyone moved their desks around and waited to see his reaction.

Surprising, he went on teaching as if nothing had happened. It was specially funny because the whole class got involved.”

Teachers who get the students involved while teaching is always a plus.

Sophomore Amanda Rind remembers a time in her French class where the teacher really helped her.

“To remember a French word, our teacher had us stand on chairs and she yelled it (the word) to us and she had us yell it back.”

Although school may be a blast for some not everyone agrees.

“You go to school to learn, said sophomore Sara Neavor. Even on the occasion of a free day, Neavor said “I’d probably read.”

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 15

OUR VIEW

VOICE

Weighted GPA needed

A

t Vanguard High School in Ocala, Florida it isn’t uncommon to have more than one valedictorian.

In 2011, the school had 11 seniors that qualified to be valedictorian by having a 5.0 grade point average. Vanguard High School is one of the few high schools that use a weighted grade point average.

Having a weighted GPA would mean using a 5.0 grading scale, making honors, IB, AP, and more advanced courses worth one point more than regular courses. For example, if a school uses a weighted GPA, an A in an advanced or AP class would be 5 points.

There isn’t a standard for which GPA colleges look at. Some colleges look at the weighted GPA, others unweighted, and most look at both. However, in order to determine the rigor of a student’s high school course load, colleges will depend on a weighted GPA and transcripts.

Only about 10 percent of students at West High take AP classes, which is why a weighted GPA should be implemented here since it might encourage more students to take advanced classes.

A weighted GPA would cause students to pay more attention to what classes they are taking in order to achieve their best.

These courses would be worth more than an average course.

Let’s take a look at General Chemistry.

A weighted GPA would only make that grade be worth 4 points if a student receives an A. If a student takes AP Chemistry and receives an A, the grade would be worth 5 points on the GPA scale.

Using a weighted GPA wouldn’t make those courses worth any less. This would make it fair for those who take more rigorous courses by rewarding them with a higher grade point. It might also motivate those who don’t take more advanced courses to try them.

It’s all about caring

T

here once was a family where the parents didn’t care, the siblings didn’t support each other, and no one wanted to participate in anything. The family was more dysfunctional than it should have been, and they all felt like no one cared.

This family can easily describe West High School. Some of the teachers and administrators aren’t involved in a lot.

The kids at West don’t go out and support our athletes. No one wants to participate in Homecoming week, spirit days, food drive and other activities. The school is like a dysfunctional family in itself, and who wants to be a part of a dysfunctional family?

It’s easy for West Students to feel that no one cares. Our football team three years ago used to have ten to 15 rows filled with people dressed up for the theme and ready to root on the team. Now it’s three to fout rows of students, only a few of them dressed, and they leave early.

Our school used to be big in to homecoming and in spirit week. Everyone would

dress up and everyone would participate, but now only a few people dress up and participation. Also our school used to place first, second or third in the Student Hunger Drive and now places more toward the bottom.

Our Student Senators, staff, and involved students have tried over and over again to get people to be supportive and participate, so what will it take for the West High School students to get back into gear?

In order to have a functional family, everyone has to feel good. So go out and support your athletes. Ask any of them, your support makes them play so much better. For example, the one football game that was packed, we won by a landslide.

Participate in spirit week and Homecoming week and get your friends to tag along so it’ll be that much more fun.

Lastly, participate in charity events such as the Student Hunger Drive and Charity Week. Giving to other is what makes people feel good.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?

“My little brother had the runs and we had to bring him food.”

Tony Olson, 11

“I got to pig out in East Moline with strangers.”

Kevin Truong, 10

“When someone started choking on the turkey bone.”

Tierre Johnson, 11

16 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

“When I was at my grandma’s and everyone started arguing.”

Nichole Rieck, PAGE BY ATHENA DINH

What’s better than books?

there are approximately 774 million illiterate adults in the world.

Reading is an active mental process which is known to help When I was little, my improve memory and mother read to me every develop concentraion. It single night until the also helps the mind relax, age when I could read and you also get to see to her every night. From life from another person’s those moments stemmed point of view. my love of books and Reading is fundamental learning. Looking back, for the development of the I dread to think of what mind. Reading has really might have happened benefited my life. I love had I not learned to read reading classical literature and love books. because I think it gives Only one third of all you insight on how people students entering high ATHENA SAYS lived and thought back school are proficient in then, one of my favorite reading, a fact which I authors is Edgar Allen Poe. I still rememview as sad considering that students who ber some of the stories my mother would aren’t proficient in reading by third grade read to me as a child and the life lessons I are four times as likely to leave school without a diploma. According to UNESCO, learned from them.

BY ATHENA DINH athenadinh7@gmail.com

LIKES

&

Sweet Brown

Helping Hurricane Sandy victims

School Fries

This super storm is crazy! There are millions in damage and tons of things that will soon have to be rebuilt. What’s better than donating to the Red Cross to help the people in need?!

Honey Boo-Boo

Not all of the little pageant girls are pretty in pink. Honey Boo-Boo is one of the funniest shows on television. So if you’re looking for something cute to brighten up your mood, this is the show for you.

Kind acts help everyone

BY ASHLEY VANWINKLE One of the greatest things in the world is a kind gesture.

Kindness comes in many forms, from a simple compliment to helping someone pick up their dropped books.

I found out how important kindness was when my mother was diagnosed with Lymphoma. When I heard it the first time, I saw times becoming rather tough in the near future. My thought of that changed when friends and family came together to do a few different things to make my mother’s life a little easier.

One of my mother’s friends made a webpage, Where friends and family could sign up to bring dinner.

When she found out that people were doing that for her I saw, a great weight lift off of her shoulder.

People bring homemade lasagnas, baked chicken, tacos, and other types of foods.

A person making meals for us makes the home less hectic, and it satisfies the stomach and the soul.

Her friends don’t always sign up for the meal chart because they feel they can do a little more.

One night a few of my mother’s friends from her lunch group brought a basket filled with things to keep her warm and distracted from the treatments. It made her so happy.

It’s the acts of kindness that make us feel happy and confident.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could see this everyday in our lives? It really does make a difference. It has with my mother.

DISLIIKES

Volunteering

Going out into the community and helping other people is not only a fun expirience that makes you feel great, but a way to make the world a much better place! Shout out to the athletes who raked leaves on Nov. 3!

ASHLEY’S VIEWS

This recent Twitter trend has been blown way out of proportion. In just hours, tens of thousands of followers were gained on the page and let’s be honest, ain’t nobody got time for that.

The school lunch this year we can all agree is a big thumbs down. On Friday, Nov. 2 we got french fries for the first time. EWWW!!!

They tasted like cardboard. Total dislike!

Ratchet Tagged Photos

Let’s be honest, there is nothing worse than a picture of you derping at the party last weekend that your friend decides to post on Facebook. Not cool.

Beak ‘n’ Eye Staff Editors in Chief Emily Thumann and Becca Sandry News Editors Jephthah Yarian, Shauna Foss and Courtney Geiken Faces Editor Hannah Fandell Feature Editor Garrett Anderson

Focus Editors Tracy Vo and Saba Khan Sports Editors Malik Salsberry, Ali Martin, and Katie Mazzarollo Leisure Editors Cody Geurtsen and Olivia Terronez Voice Editors Athena Dinh and Ashley VanWinkle Adviser Steve Lyle

PAGE BY ASHLEY VANWINKLE

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 17

SPORTS

students grades,” Blcoker said. He explained that signing up for Campus Portal is one of the simplest ways that a parent can check up on their child. Blocker also very year there are close to 2,000 said coaches need to communicate better. students attending West High “Coaches can track their School. Some 349 athlete’s progress in class, students participated in but it can vary from sport to a fall sport this year. For sport depending on size.” some, they find the task Teachers can also help the of being a student athlete athletic programs at West too difficult and become with more communication ineligible by failing a he adds. class. After the first term

of the school year, there “Teachers have to update are 29 ineligible athletes their grade book,” said and counting.

Blocker. “Communication “Kids don’t do their between coaches and teachwork and don’t turn it in, ers, teachers and student, that’s the bottom line,” and students and coaches is said West High athletic key.” director Al Blocker. “I’ve photo by Malik Salsberry

seen kids do their work and Football Coach Jeremy Moiser had a never turn it in.” program of roughly 130 football players, Blocker urges that not only the student composed of about 54 varsity, 35 sophoathlete has to step up when it comes their mores and 41 freshmen. Of those some grades, parents and teachers also have an 130 athletes, so far there are 9 that are impact on the matter of ineligibility. ineligible, 3 varsity, 5 sophomore, and 1 “Parents also need to check up on their

By Malik Salsberry salsberrym1@gmail.com

E

photo by Malik Salsberry freshman players.

“No matter whether they’re starters or not, it affects the program,” said Mosier.

“Everyone practices, but they practice together, and if they know they aren’t starting, they won’t go their hardest and that affects everyone’s performance.”

Mosier explains his plan of action to eliminate ineligibility in his football program.

“Coaches monitor student’s grades and meet frequently to talk about classes they may struggle in,” Mosier said. He is also taking steps to start a study table for the football program at all grade levels and urges other coaches to do the same.

To all student athletes and those who are starting their first sports season, Blocker offers some advice.

“Go to class every day, on time, pay attention, do all your work and turn it in on time,” Blocker said. “It’s not that hard to do. If I did it, anyone can do it.”

Ineligibility results from failing one or more classes. The penalty set by the state for being, you must sit out 30 calendar days during the same or next sports season. Other punishments vary from coach to caoch, such as extra conditioning.

18 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

PAGE BY MALIK SALSBERRY

Bowling is a family affair

BY ALI MARTEN alimarten2013@gmail.com

S

ome families spend time watching movies or playing board games, but the families in this article spend their time bowling.

Senior twins Hallie and Nicole Lucero said, “Our dad and our brothers got us started because they wanted it to be something we all could do together as a family.”

Senior siblings Spencer and Tanner Werthmann are also on the team. Spencer said, “Bowling is a family sport because you can do it whenever and do it together.” Even the coaching staff is family.

Julie Arnold and her father are the girls and boys coaches. Julie said, “I love coaching with my dad. I’ve always had very involved parents growing up, so when I got older, I missed that time I got to spend with them. Coaching is something we get to do together just like always. I’m really lucky my parents were so involved and I still get

the opportunity to spend that time with them.”

Some people would consider bowling as a leisure activity and not a sport, these kids however believe strongly that it is a sport.

Tanner says, “I think bowling is a sport because you have to practice to get better and it’s very competitive.” Hallie thinks, “It’s like any other sport we do everything as a team.”

With siblings on the team there must be arguments right? Nicole thinks, “It’s pretty great actually, we make fun of each other and she is always there to help me if needed.” So maybe the twins get along but surely Tanner and Spencer don’t?? Spencer said, “We have rivalries all the time and we argue a lot.”

“All siblings have to do better than one another. So Hallie makes me work harder,” said Nicole. Although these siblings have their differences they have learned to play nice and push each other farther than they thought they could.

Girls bowling team has high expectations

BY ALI MARTEN alimarten2013@gmail.com

C

oach Arnold has high hopes for this season after winning the MAC last year and going to state and placing ninth.

The girls who went to state last year had a great time but they hope to improve this year. Tanner said “Going to state last year was great, I was really nervous but Senior Hallie Lucero practices her form in the end it was really fun!”

Even though Nicole did not make the at 30 Lanes Bowling Alley. (photo byAli Marten) state team she went and supported her sister who said of the experience, “it was same. great just being there with the team. It Coach Arnold said, “This year I’m made the experience awesome we didn’t looking forward to having a great chance do well, but all that matters is that we got to win the MAC conference again as there.” well as going back to State and hopefully Coach Arnold was proud of how they placing higher this year. We are lucky to played all season and loved experienchave the same team returning from last ing state with the girls, “Making it to year and a few new girls that should be state is amazing. The girls did great all able to help the team out tremendously.” season and I have no doubts they can do The girls are also looking for the satit again. I’m glad the girls got to experiisfaction of winning the MAC and going ence State, there is nothing like it. I had to state again. Tanner said, “My goal for the privilege to go when I was in high this season is to keep a positive attitude school, so to be able to share that with and win the MAC championship.” Hallie the girls and have them go is something and Nicole, however, have similar goals, to always remember.” to beat their averages and to make it to This season the girls hope to do the state.

PAGE BY ALI MARTEN

Tanner Werthmann throws a strike during practice at 30 Lanes. (photo by Ali Marten)

Bowling alleys that offer

GLOW BOWL

Bowlmor Lanes: Glow bowling 9:30-12:30p.m. every friday and saturday $12.50 for unlimted bowling and shoe rental Milan Lanes: Cosmic Bowling Friday and Saturday nights at 10 p.m. $14.00 per person for unlimited bowling(including shoe rental)

Miller Time GlowBowling Friday and Saturday nights from 10-12p.m. $4.50 per game and $2.00 for shoe rental.

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 19

SPORTS

Freshman excited for his upcoming basketball season

By Katie Mazzarollo k.mazzarollo@gmail.com

Jerry Myles, a freshman at West High, will be a new addition to the West basketball team this year. Many other high schools wanted him but he decided to come play for west. His reason is that he is very close with Coach Bigler because of his connection to the Future Falcons program.

Now, you may think that Jerry is just another regular teen, but that’s not exactly the case. The difference between Jerry and the average freshman is that he happens to be ranked 44th nationally in basketball for freshman.

Jerry stands at 6’4 and weighs 190 pounds. His height may contribute to his success, but it’s really his athleticism and

speed that make Jerry the great basketball player he is.

Jerry said he’s played basketball for about six years and loves it. He stays in shape for basketball by working out three to four hours a day and is always trying to improve himself and his skills.

Even though Jerry is still in high school, there are many colleges after him already.

He has already taken a visit to Iowa and met the assistant coach, Andrew Francis, of the Hawkeye’s basketball team. Michigan, Nebraska, and Wisconsin have also been considering him. Jerry says that he plans on probably going to Kansas to play ball.

Jerry is very excited for this coming up season. “I’m ready to win some games and help take the team to state,” said Myles.

6’4 Jerry Myles will play foward this year

(photo by Katie Mazzarollo)

Wrapping up the fall season compiled by Katie Mazzarollo

Volleyball Morgan Ripperger- “At the beginning we struggled, but towards the end now we’re playing more competitively against other teams.”

Record: 2- 7

Football Josh Thiessen- “We’re making a small step in the right direction.”

Record: 1- 8

Girls Swimming Sarah Jordan- “I believe that we as a team improved a lot over this past season.”

Record: 3- 4

Boys Cross Country Garrett Duncan- “We had a goal that we didn’t beat this year, but next year we will.”

Record: Not Available

Girls Cross Country Gale Schultz- “I feel that we improved a lot and that our younger girls are stepping it up more and should be able to take the place of our graduating seniors.”

Record: Not Available

Boys Golfing Tyler Masterson- “As a team, we started out a little shaky but as the season went on we developed into a stronger and closer team and are coming back with a fight next year.”

Record: 3- 73

photos by Malik Salsberry 20 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

PAGE BY KATIE MAZZAROLLO

Do athletes really need a

SPORTS DRINK?

It depends on the intensity of the workout By: Ali Marten alimarten2013@gmail.com

T

he more intense the workout during a sport, the more you need a sports drink to gain those electrolytes back. Sometimes water just doesn’t cut it.

Athletic trainer Devin Mattson said, “Both water and sports drinks provide quality means of rehydrating an athlete.

Depending on the duration/intensity of the activity dictates which way of rehydration should occur. In general I would recommend a sports drink as the primary means of rehydration if the bout of exercise is strenuous, and would recommend water for activities involving less intensity/ shorter duration.”

“The general rule of thumb is to ensure that a balance exists between the electrolyte stores in the body compared to the level of water in the body,” He said.

“If someone consumes a large amount of water during strenuous exercise, then they are still losing electrolytes through sweat PAGE BY ALI MARTEN

and at the same time drowning the body with water. In this case, the athlete would have a high amount of water content which would drown out the electrolytes in the body, leading to premature fatigue and sickness during high intensity exercise.”

Gatorade and other sports drinks get fluids into the blood stream faster than water. Electrolytes found in sports drinks replenish the body. Most sports drinks are the same so you don’t specifically have to get a name brand.

“Most sports drinks today have similar properties making the choice a complete personal preference,” Mattson said.

“Years ago there were three main contenders in the sports drink realm which included: Gatorade, Powerade, All-Sport.”

Mattson continued, “The main thing for people to understand is that sports drinks are truly designed for sport activity.

They don’t possess high quality nutritional values and are primarily composed of water with a high amount of sugar added.

Drinking these on a daily basis without

performing any physical activity is actually not healthy and accounts for a high amount of caloric intake into a person’s normal diet.”

According to Livestrong.com, Gatorade has an average of 75 percent fluid retention and water is only at 50 percent.

For those of you who don’t want to pack on the extra sodium or sugar, there is always mineral water.

Mineral water still contains some of the electrolytes that are found in sports drinks but in most cases contains half of the sodium. Make sure you read the label because some brands go to the other extreme and contain double the sodium of sport drinks.

“Sports drink brands have found a way to get people to believe that they are the “be all, end all” choice of hydration during sporting events, Mattson said. Although sports drinks truly serve a good purpose, it’s sometimes easier to save yourself the money and add a teaspoon of sugar into a glass of water.”

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 21

FEATURES

How well do you handle awkward?

1. What would you do if you are talking to your friend and they point out your bad breath?

A) Run out of the room as fast as possible and ignore him/her for the rest of your life.

B) Laugh it off and continue the conversation.

C) run over to your friend and ask them for a breath mint.

2. What would you do if the person you are gossiping about with your friend is standing behind you and has heard everything you said about them?

A) Compliment their shirt and walk away.

B) Apologize for talking about them.

C) Continue talking about them.

3. What would you do if you just got in from the rain and your shoes are squeaking loud enough for the whole hallway to hear?

A) Continue squeaking down the hall as if you didn’t hear it.

B) Walk to the nearest carpet to try

to dry your shoes off.

C) Try to tip toe down the hallway to keep the squeaking to a minimum.

4. What would you do if one of your friends point out that you have spinach stuck in your teeth?

A) Thank them and excuse yourself.

B) Whip out your mirror and start picking at your teeth.

C) Stand there like a statue 5. What would you do if you tripped in the hallway dropping all your things and everyone starred at you?

A) Stand and wait for someone to help you pick up your stuff.

B) Yell at the people staring at you and walk away angry leaving your things on the floor.

C) Pick up your belongings quickly

Answer Key 1. B. 2. B. 3. B. 4. A. 5. C. 6. A. 7. B. If you get… and continued on your way.

6. What would do if you accidentally spilled milk on your pants?

A) Let it dry and laugh it off.

B) Hide in the bathroom until it dries C) Skip the rest of the day and go home.

7. What would you do if you accidentally passed gas during class?

A) Blame someone else.

B) Say excuse me.

C) Start coughing to cover up the sound.

6-7 correct: You know how to keep your cool in an awkward situation.

Keep it up!

4-5 correct: You sometimes lose your cool in awkward situations but usually keep your composure.

1-3 correct: You don’t handle awkward well... You should work on that.

Wow... That was totally awkward!

We all have our awkward moments. Unfortunately there isn’t a way to avoid them. Here are some of West High students’ most awkward moments.

“Me and my friend were walking into a Halloween store and these two hot guys were behind us and I pushed the door that said pull in in bright yellow letters.”

Shellby Tuthill, senior “I planned a school prank and it backfired and almost got me arrested so it was pretty awkward.”

Kyle Bramman, senior “In gym I accidentally called a transgender boy a girl on accident. It was pretty

awkward.”

Anonymous “I was on vacation and the phone rang and I thought it was the fire alarm so as i was leaving the door, I realized I forgot something and ran back got my flip flops and ran out then realized I locked myself out and left my key on the table”

Anonymous “I was confused as to what we were doing in P.E. so I asked one of the lady teachers if she knew. She didn’t know and directed me to the door in the corner and told me to ask one of the male teachers. I thought it was a little perverted how his office was in the girls locker room. I walked straight in to find myself in the boys locker room while they were changing. I was rushed immediately out. It hadn’t dawned on me that the boys and girls locker rooms were connected. It was so humiliating and I still can’t look my P.E teacher in the eyes.”

22 BEAK ‘N’ EYE ● NOV. 9, 2012

Anonymous

“I was drinking sweet tea at lunch and my friend said that looks like pee and I spit it out all over her and the table.”

Constance Williams, senior

(photo by Tracy Vo)

PAGE BY ATHENA DINH

NOV. 9,

W

Say hello to WHSToday.com

Turning heads with the latest stories, photos and videos starting Dec. 1

Who is..

MR. FALCON? 3 West students compete to be named Mr. Falcon Emily Thumann Ethumann23@gmail.com

S

Mr. Falcon contestant AJ Peterson shows off his spirit wear to the crowd. (photo by Jephthah Yarian)

Brad McIllece shows the crowd his spirit wear, with his red blow up suit. (photo by Jephthah Yarian)

tudents gathered in the gym on Monday, Nov. 5 to watch the pageant contestants compete in hopes to win the Mr. Falcon title.

To raise money for the Hunger Drive, student Senate decided to put together a beauty pageant called Mr. Falcon. Each contestant was required to show off two different outfits and answer one interview question.

The first two contestants, AJ Peterson and Khamani McQueen, showed off the first outfit which was supposed to be school spirit, by wearing traditional red and white.

The third contestant, Brad McIllece, wore a red blow up suit.

After a quick change of clothes, Peterson came back on the court wearing dress pants, suspenders, and a tie. Following Peterson was McQueen wearing dress pants and a tie as well. The audience was very surprised when McIllece came out wearing a blue dress and a hat for his formal wear.

“I tried something new,” said McIllece. “I wore a dress and looked pretty darn good in it!”

To vote for Mr. Falcon, students had to put money or cans in the box marked with one of the contestant’s names. After many votes, Peterson won the title of Mr. Falcon.

“I enjoyed the pageant, it was a blast,” said Peterson. “I’d definitely do it again if I get the opportunity.”

Although there was only one winner, it was all for a good cause and helped the hunger drive earn more money and cans.

“It was pretty fun,” said McQueen. “It was a good cause and really helped out the hunger drive.”

Freddy cheers on the contestants for the Mr. Falcon pageant. (photo by Jephthah Yarian)

PAGE BY EMILY THUMANN

Contestants Brad McIllece and Khamani McQueen pose by their voting boxes. (photo by Jephthah Yarian)

McQueen stands by Peterson during the spirit wear portion of the pageant. (photo

by Jephthah Yarian)

NOV. 9, 2012 ● BEAK ‘N’ EYE 24