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Number Two Volume Seven October, 2005 www.birdville.k12.tx.us
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Progress is made in Iraqi Constitution, war Shane Crawford Staff Writer
Two-thirds was the percentage of Iraqi voters necessary to repeal the proposed Iraqi Constitution in any three of Iraqʼs 18 provinces, but no repeal was to take place. 54 to 58 percent of Iraqis in the South showed up, with 63 percent total Iraqi turnout, to cast their ballots. 90 percent voted in favor of the Constitution, but a major influence in the southern polls can be attributed to the large amount of Shiite residents that preside in that region. Number was significantly lower than past elections on January 30th,
which may be attributed to the confidence in other Iraqisʼ acceptance of the Constitution. In opposition to the Arab constitution group, Sunni, to which account for 20 percent of Iraqʼs estimated 27 million people, and showed up in large numbers hoping to moderate the outcome of the Constitution. The “no” count among these Sunni Arabs was not all too uncommon with many fearing the new decentralized government will deprive them of their fair share in the countryʼs vast oil wealth. The Constitution did pass, and a further division of the Iraqi country, already torn by a Saddam Hussein dictator-
ship, is expected in future occurrences. The Sunni are expected to rebel against the Constitution, contributing to a rise in attacks against the occupational forces, as well as the decline of the security situation. At least 1,976 service members have died since the war first began in 2003, including five that recently died in Ramadi, just west of Baghdad, due to a militant bomb. A marine was recently killed due to bomb in the Iraqi town of Saqlawiyah. In two provinces: Anbar, the western Sunni heartland, and Salahuddin, Sunnis make up most of the population. These two provinces
Wilma makes landfall Lauren Goff News Editor
Wilmaʼs ferocious waves categorized in ratings of a 3, Wilma is very much smaller than Katrina. This hurricane Wilma has hit Cubaʼs coast and capital hard and some of Florida. Cars have been immersed under the water and tops of phone booths seen at the top of the dirty water. About 700,000 people have been evacuated over west Cuba. The death rate has inceased to 21 from clean up, carbon monoxide poisoning, or car accidents during power outages.
Inside this issue...
The Southern half of Flordaʼs peninsula was under watch for Wilmaʼs category 2 storm with 100 mile per hour winds. Wilma caused some street flooding in Southern Florida. Wilma hit Fort Lauderdale, the hardest since 1950. Winds stronger then 100 miles per hour blew out windows in high rises, put in not to long before landfall. Five days after Wilma made land fall in South Florida, 832,700 people were left without power. All electricity is expected to be restored November 22. South Flordians have made progression slowly. After the storn there was millions of people left with
no power and very little food supplies. About 1,300 people were put in shelters on the mainland, and a hospital was evacuated. Wilma was joined by the Tropical Storn Alpha which worked it is way off the South of the Dominican Republic. Alpha was the first storm that forecasters had to turn to the Greek alphabet in 60 years. During Wilmaʼs journey across the Gulf, the hurricane carved its path of destruction across Mexicoʼs Playa del Carmen resort, resulting in the postponement of the MTV Video Music Awards Latin America indefinitely.
Opinions Page 2
Features Page 3
were won over with the two-thirds vote against the Constitution, leaving the Sunni nation one province short of a constitutional dismissal. In other provinces, accusations of fraud and suspicions of American officials and the Shiite parties that control the government were angrily stated by Sunni Arab leaders. These accusations occured after provinces of slim majorities of Sunni Arabs, Ninevah, and Diyala, acquired
the two-thirds “yes” vote. The U.S. however, had no interference with the counting process no matter how intense their role was in the Constitutionʼs draft. An Iraqi elections commission counted the ballots with no American influence, and the Sunnis, now the weaker party, made accusations supposedly out of helpless attempt to remain the dominant force in Iraqi politics. A new Parliament is to be elected on December
15th, which was presented in a decree by the Iraqi President, Jalal Talabani. This will be the first fullterm Parliament since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, and the Parliament is expected to install a new government by December 31st of this year. The Constitution is and will be a step in the right direction for Iraq. It is also a positive outlook towards transitions to democracy; opposed to two decades of dictatorship.
time the deadly strain from Asia had reached Europe. Romania is thought to have received the virus through migratory birds. Many people believe that ʻs the case and that the virus will spread throughout Eastern Europe. It might possibly even reach Great Britain. Britainʼs chief medical officer estimates that 50,000 people may die in Britain if the influenza virus were to ever turn into a pandemic. Many safety pre-cautions have been taken. A 43-year-old French man who was travelling was hospitalized and tested for avian flu, but was cleared. The exports of live
birds, poultry products, and feathers were banned in both Turkey and Romania. Ducks in Romania suspicious of carrying the bird flu virus have been culled. Even the United States from across the ocean is not taking any chances. The bird flu is spread by human contact with infected poultry or a surface contaminated with the virus. In the bird fluʼs current state, it is difficult to be infected, but health officials fear that the virus will mutate, making it easier to infect and transmit. One drug, Tamiflu, fights some flu viruse symptoms; however, one case of the bird flu was resistant.
Flu kills in Middle East Priscilla Totiyapungprasert Staff Writer
Early October, in the quiet village of Kiziksa, Turkey where a dozen people were killed, it was confirmed that the bird flu virus had arrived. The village was quarantined and later, when 1,000 chickens were found dead, lab tests revealed no signs of the bird flu. Though the Turkey outbreak was contained, the relief would be short-lived when on October 13th, Romania was confirmed to have the bird flu. It was the first
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Football Pages 6
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2 THE HAWK
OPINIONS
What was your favorite Halloween costume as a child?
“My grandmother made me a pink power ranger costume, and I had to walk into the street.” Zach Rocha Freshman
“Cinderella, it was cool because princesses get everything.”
Missy Matherly Sophomore
“I was a rockstar when I was in preschool and I colored my hair pink, it was fun.”
“I was a ninja turtle when I was like four or five.”
Lauren Yingling Junior
George Stout Senior
“The Grim Reaper, because my last name is Grim-stad.”
Thomas Grimstad Faculty
Textbook recycling misleading Jason Gamble Staff Writer
Outdated textbooks Birdville Independent School District claims to be recycling are actually being destroyed. BISD spent over $5.5 million on new textbooks during its last purchasing session. New textbooks, costing up to $70 per book, replace older textbooks on a basis of seven to ten years. Sure these new books contain updated information, but the root of the problem is the fate of the books labeled old. Most used textbooks make it to the Birdville High School recycling bin. The recycled materials are presumed to be used in the creation of newer books and supplies. Yet when Abitibi Consolidated, the recycling company BISD uses, was contacted, representative Cheri Reynolds stated the Arlington-based facilities “cannot use [textbooks] because the covers and bind-
ing will not pulp.” Machines normally used for recycling loose papers cannot remove the hard plastic covers of textbooks. The recycling of textbooks therefore requires special machines to carry out an additional de-binding process. To use these machines there is an extra fee, which the school district cannot afford. Abitibi Consolidated, there-fore has to dump the books into the cityʼs landfill. Reynolds further stated that the “State of Texas does not allow for the disposal or recycling of textbooks,” and that the disposal of used textbooks is a “violation of state code”. According to Assistant Principal Nanci Hopper, the state of Texas does allow for the disposal or recycling of textbooks. Richard Goolsby, Purchasing Director for the district, said they are allowed by state laws to “donate [books] to nonprofit
Entrepreneurship offensive, unethical Haylee Ward
Editor-In-Chief The HAWK newspaper is published monthly. It is available on the internet and has a circulation of 1500, distributed FREE OF CHARGE. Some students tried to make a profit by selling the newspaper to freshmen. First of all, let it be made clear that the paper is free. A reader has been ripped off if they paid for the newspaper. Underclassmen should be more aware of what others are telling them. It seems that selling things; papers, candy or other items, has become a
convenient side business for a few students. Being a teenage entrepreneur is great, but there is one small problem: Birdville ISD Board Policy prohibits such activity. All fundraising activity must be approved by the campus principal or their designee and there are other provisions for collecting sales tax on some items. Fundraising must be part of an approved campus organization, as well. The staff of The HAWK newspaper is offended by the fact that someone sold the newspaper illegally for their own personal gain. Get a real job and quit trying to scam those who do not know any better.
organizations, governments or students”. These books scheduled for disposal could be donated to nonprofit organizations, such as Books for Africa, which, according to their web site, “has shipped approximately 950,000
books to Tanzania since 1988”. Books for Freedom is also collecting books for children in Afghanistan, another option. There are wiser and more efficient methods to removing old textbooks than disposal of them.
Wright should be reconsidered Terry Gilbert
Advertising Editor Since the dawn of the airline industry, there have been people who complain about prices. Lower airfares are usually available, unless of course, one company has a monopoly. Being the sixth busiest airport in the world Dallas-Fort Worth International has approximately 170 gates, 99 of which belong to American. In sharp contrast Love is 1/6th the size of DFW, and is limited by legislation to a maximum of 32 gates. Despite its small size, most traveling to states bordering Texas prefer it. In 1974, Fort Worth Congressman Jim Wright drafted a piece of legislation to protect the newly created DFW airport by severely restricting destinations a-vailable from Love Field. This effectively stopped numerous airlines from using Love. Repealing the Wright Amendment would result in lower airfare for all passengers, not just Southwest. By Increasing destinations at Love Field would force American to lower their prices to keep up with competitors. Americanʼs paranoid predictions about lost or reduced flight routes are only due to their fear of losing the money of consumers with no other options. If American would just lower their rates, they
could keep most of their customer base. Airport officials have said Southwest is welcomed to fly out of DFW if they want international routes. This deal would be made possible through an airport incentive package requiring the airlines to use ten gates. Shifting would result in loss of jobs at Love Field, as they would have less need for the facilities there. DFW is concerned that airlines will transfer to Love Field if Wright is repealed. Many airlines will realize though that splitting operations between two airports is not necessarily good business sense. As an added protection the Love Field Master Plan passed in 2001 limits the number of gates allowed to operate at Love, which Southwest has fully supported. Why is it that in this great competitive culture, there is a continued allowance of oppressive legislation giving all control to a single company? The Wright Amendment is an ancient law made when Dallas and Fort Worth had spent a lot of money on a new airport, and wanted to protect it from not being successful. The once perceived threat of Love dominating over DFW has gone away, and is no longer needed to ensure the Metroplexʼs economy stability. Support the spirit of competition, and set Love free.
STAFF
Haylee Ward Editor-In-Chief Lauren Goff News Editor
Kylie Morrison Opinions Editor Amber Bell Features Editor Christina Davidson Special Interest Editor Sara Wood Sports Editor Caleb Wilson Entertainment Editor Terry Gilbert Advertising Editor Danielle Ramirez Photography Editor Staff Writers Shane Crawford Jason Gamble J.B. Martin Priscilla Totiyapungprasert Photographers Cody Gardner Kevin Gaver Jannet Hiles Adviser Susan Fisher Principal The HAWK is published monthly, during the regular school calender, by the Journalism Department of Birdville High School. Its purpose is to serve as an open forum for the students, faculty and staff of Birdville, and the surrounding communities of Richland Hills, Hurst, and Watauga. The HAWK is a member of the Interscholastic Press Conference. Advertising Rates are $5.00 per columninch. Current circulation is 1500. Papers are distributed free of charge. Editorials reflect the views of the HAWK staff, signed columns reflect the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the school faculty, staff, students, or administration. Letters to the Editor are welcomed and must be typed, double-spaced, and limited to 200 words. Contact 817547-8212 or www.birdville.k12.tx.us
FEATURES
THE HAWK 3
Freeman joins faculty, Spanish club sets goals exceeds expectations Christina Davidson
Terry Gilbert
Advertising Editor Every year, there is a change-up in the teaching roster. Some go on to better jobs, others retire and some change professions, but every time a teacher leaves, one thing remains the same; the students who had that teacher say the new one cannot possibly be as good. According to his students, one new teacher who is exceeding those expectations is John Freeman, the new freshman and junior English teacher. Freeman graduated from Asbury College in
Wilmore, Kentucky with a bachelorʼs degree in Christian Ministry and a Masters from the Theo-
logical College in Youth Ministry. He received his teaching certificate from the University of North Texas, in Denton. Freeman was a youth minister before he became a teacher. He
completed student teaching in the district before taking a position here. “It was like a natural progression of my career from youth minister to the classroom… I wanted to work in a more structured environment,” Freeman said. Freeman says that he became an English teacher because he was drawn to it naturally and because he loves literature, writing and helping others find inspiration and be affected by literature. In addition to teaching English I and III, Freeman is the sponsor of the new Birdville PingPong/Table Tennis Club.
Staff Writer
Retail powerhouse Best Buy plans on moving a bold yet practical experiment down its chain of employees. Best Buy challenged itself by implementing an unorthodox plan: letting
The Spanish club on campus is beginning the school year with a positive start. The number of members have grown over the years. Spanish teacher Amy Heaton established the Spanish Club in 1999 for students interested in the Spanish language and culture. Starting its existence with only about 15 members, the numbers of members continue to grow, with 30 students involved so far
and creating a family tree. Spanish foods are a given; the club learns how to cook authentic foods and take visits to Mexican food restaurants. Students read famous works, have movie nights, and learn salsa dancing, play gestures, and act out skits and commercials. “[The clubʼs goals] are to learn lots of Spanish and have lots of fun,” Spanish teacher Kaynee Rodriguez said. Any students interested still have the opportunity to join. Meetings are held Thursday mornings at 7:20 in room C306.
Game systems offer fun
their laborers have total flexibility in the workplace. This result-oriented work environment, or ROWE, meant that employee performance would be evaluated based on results, not circumstances. The plan was initiated quietly at first, but its success became apparent as the statistics came in; turnover dropped all the way to zero, job satisfaction jumped 10% and team-performance scores rose 13%. Best Buy is jumping ahead in its efforts to reduce overwork in a surprising way through this program; they are looking at the needs of their work-
ers in association with the needs of their company. Work is not as focused on how long or how much work is done; the focus is on if it is done, and that makes all the difference. Workers feel less stressed, thus increasing work quality and productivity. The new freedom that Best Buy is giving its workers is largely successful because of todayʼs technology and how it has expanded workplace communication to the point where employees can have meetings in their own homes. Best Buy is on top of its game, and it is showing.
This fall marks the beginning of a new era of video gaming, which for some means extending the downfall of the countryʼs youth and for others means a new excuse to stay transfixed to a television screen for hours on end. The first of the next generation consoles of video games, or next-gen consoles, is predicted to take gaming to a whole new level with life-like graphics, responsive controls, new digital entertainment experiences (including computer connectivity for media transfer), and most importantly a total-
ly revamped and potentially improved Xbox Live experience. Microsoft hopes to stifle the tough competition by releasing their console earlier and using marketing during the holiday season to get a head start on sales. The release date is set for November 22 nd , a full 5 months before the anticipated Playstation 3 release date (not officially announced by Sony as of yet). Microsoft will have to rely on its early start and marketing, as Sonyʼs console is predicted to be dominant as far as specifications go. Although Xbox does have a powerful weapon with its online features, it only sold 19.8 million consoles versus So-
ago, his imprint on the world is still a legacy. Harry Houdini, born Enrich Weiss in Budapest, Hungary, became a professional magician in New York when he was 17 years old. Before he delved into what he is famous for today, escapology, he titled himself “King of Cards”. He focused on both card
tricks and illusions. One of his most memorable illusions was when he seemingly made an adult elephant disappear from the stage! Houdiniʼs breakthrough performance though was with his escape act from handcuffs. Showman Martin Beck was so impressed he in-
vited Houdini to travel all over Europe to perform his escape acts. After traveling in Europe, he returned to the United States to dazzle audiences as the man who could escape from anything—handcuffs chains, ropes, and straightjackets mainly. He often performed his escapes while he suspended upside down. The act people found the most impressive and entertaining was the Chinese Water Torture Cell. In that escape trick he hung upside down by his ankles in a glass and steel cabinet of water about to overflow. Six years before his death, he revealed that one of the tricks he used to escape the straightjacket was by dislocating both his shoulders. In the 1920s, after his motherʼs death, Houdini spent a great deal of time focusing on exposing fraud psychics and mediums who
claimed they could be used as a connection between the dead and alive. By attending séances in disguises, accompanied by a police officer or reporter, he debunked the famous medium, Mina Crandon. Unfortunately, his continuation in the subject matter led to the break in friendship with Sherlock Homes author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was a strong believer in spiritualism. Harry Houdini died at age 52 on Halloween day. Eight days previous, Houdini had been performing on of his acts in which he asked an audience member to punch him in the stomach. After his performance when he was relaxing, a university student came up and struck Houdini in the abdomen several times before the magician could prepare himself.
Store allows flexibility J.B. Martin
Special Interest Editor
this year. “[The goal] is to get together and discuss the Spanish culture and the Spanish language,” Heaton said. The club members are highly involved and participate in educational and fun activities that teach about the Spanish culture and a toleration of others. “[The Spanish club] teaches kids not to have any prejudices,” President Tiffany Johnston said. Members have the opportunity to learn about the rich culture of Spanish speaking countries. They get involved in activities including a variety of arts and crafts, painting
J.B. Martin Staff Writer
nyʼs 75.6 million. This round Microsoft plans to sell two versions of the Xbox: one for $400 with a 20GB hard-drive and included wireless controllers and one for $300 with just the base model. The Playstation 3 plans to up the ante on Microsoft with up to 7 bluetooth controllers, six USB slots, keyboard and mouse connectivity, and a more powerful system. The clinching factor will ultimately rely on Sonyʼs ability to convince customers to abstain from of buying the first next-gen consoles they can get their hands on and wait until next spring. Good things come to those who wait.
The attack ruptured his appendix and Houdini died of peritonitis, the inflammation of the membrane that protects the organs. Before his death, Houdini threw a final barb at the mediums. He told his wife that he would contact her from the other side if possible and send her a message. After ten Halloweens of unsuccessful séances, she finally said that “ten years was long enough to wait for any man”. Many fraud psychics call upon Houdini during séances to this day. Possibly the most renowned escape artist, Harry Houdiniʼs astounding feats still inspire many magicians today who have taken after him. To this day he is both a cultural icon and master of escapology.
Harry Houdini leaves behind lasting impression Priscilla Totiyapungprasert Staff Writer
October 31st marks the anniversary of the death of beloved magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini. Though his death in 1926 was many decades
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4 THE HAWK
SPECIAL
Trick o
Dia de los Muertos honors ancestors Priscilla Totiyapungprasert Staff Writer
When the end of October nears, the Jack-o-Lanterns are going up, last minute candy is being stocked up on, mayhem is planned, and the dentists are hoping to get richer. But Halloween is not the only holiday to celebrate. In the United Kingdom and Western worlds,
October 31st is a time to ward off spirits that rise from the dead. Others, however, are celebrating their deceased ancestors in el Dia de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead, a holiday celebrated largely in Mexico, Hispanic communities in the United States. It is also celebrated in the Philippines where there is a strong influence from Mexican culture. Starting on the last day of October, food is
Films bring jumps nervous laughs, fun Jason Gamble Staff Writer
As Halloween draws closer, horror movies are growing in popularity again. The artificial dangers invoked by horror movies are a guilty pleasure enjoyed by moviegoers in the comfort of a plush seat with a carton of popcorn by their side. Every jump, squirm, or nervous laugh is the unreal becoming real, the monsters of childhood imagination finding their way into the subconscious. Whether watching the latest Freddy vs. Jason movie with friends or a classic Bela Lugosi video at home, scary movies are an enjoyable way to spend an October evening. With the advent of digital computer graphics and increasingly realistic makeup effects, however, recent horror movies have strayed away from the slower-paced, taut thrillers of Hitchcock and John Carpenter and have become increasingly banal bloodbaths focused on flash and shock value, rather than actual substance. Movies like House of Wax and Hide and Seek come to mind as movies that feature characters that are clichéd cardboard cutouts, vacuous teenagers who always look outside for the cause of a scary noise or look under the bed to find
the missing cat, which inevitably results in their grusesome death at the claws of a similarly clichéd monster. Classic horror movies relied on elaborate themes, building up the viewer with tense, carefully designed scenes intended to evoke fear and suspense, then brought the action to a tumultuous, earth-shattering climax that snatched the breath away. Rosemaryʼs Baby, Psycho, and The Omen are examples of movies that effectively bring the imagined horrors in peopleʼs minds to life through creative cinematography and frightening imagery. Just mentioning the names of legendary horror movie actors, such as Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, and Lon Chaney invokes fond memories of The Wolfman, Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Mummy. If laughs are preferred over scares, more recent B-movie cheese may appeal, such as the seminal Bruce Campbell classic Army of Darkness and the Evil Dead series. So if trick-or-treating is not fun anymore and there are no good Halloween parties to go to, think about inviting some friends over for a scary movie. Just be sure to leave the lights on.
gathered as an offering and grave sites are decorated. Marigolds are used to attract the souls of the dead because of its strong scent. On the first day of November, it is believed that the souls of children return first, followed by adults on the next day. Small gifts, like toys for the children and liquor for the adults, are given on the next day. The skull is a symbol commonly seen during this time period. Day of the Dead is often wrongly assumed as “Mexicoʼs Halloween”. Both holidays deal with dead spirits, but the origins of Day of the Dead are much lighter and with less terror. Instead of dreading the dark
spirits and keeping them away like how Halloween began, it is about honoring the dead in merry festivities and celebrating the spirits of ancestors.
Myths untrue Amber Bell
Features Editor Dispelling the myths about Halloween may prove difficult for some. Although many see Halloween as a day and the work of dark deities, those ideas have more often than not been construed as such due to folklore and myths handed down from generations. Myths that are often confused to be facts sometimes strike fear in people. At least one will know for sure some truths of the October holiday: Halloween is not the birthday of Satan, as new ideas would have some believe, but a very distant descendant of the Celticʼs most significant holiday of the year. Although some followers of Christianity believe that the Celts sacrificed humans to the devil
or some other demonic god, this is inaccurate.November first did mark the beginning of the Celtic new year, but the night before was never known as “the feast of the dead.” Parental fears of foreign objects in candy and apples are very much exaggerated. In fact, only three real cases have ever been proven in which someone was plotting to harm children with Halloween treats. If unmarried people could take a bite of an apple bobbing in water or dangling from a string, they were then said to be the next to get married. Sorry, but staying in-
doors scared out of oneʼs mind does not necessarily make them any safer than being outdoors on Halloween. There has not ever been even one case of a satanic cult sacrificing humans on Halloween.
INTEREST
or Treat
THE HAWK 5
Traditionsʼ roots date to early Ireland Jason Gamble Staff Writer
Americanized Halloween is the holiday when young and old people alike dress up in costumes and collect candy from neighbors. Halloween, however, was not always a sterilized Western tradition of scares and sugar, as it has its roots in the Christian holiday All Saints day mixed with ancient Celtic beliefs. In Ireland pre-800 A.D., the Celtic Druids, or holy men, as well as the agriculturally based Irish celebrated Samfuin, the end of summer and the beginning of the fall, when they would prepare for the oncoming winter by threshing
crops and harvesting foodstuffs. The Celts would invoke the spirits of their ancient gods in prayer for a successful harvest and give thanks for past harvests. When attempts were made by the English to Christianize the Celts to their beliefs, they were only partially successful. The Christian holiday All Saintʼs Day was a celebration of the spirits of deceased relatives, and the Celts incorporated this tradition into their own beliefs. Because the Celtic new year began on November 1st, instead of the traditionally accepted January 1st, October 31st was the eve of the new year. The day eventually became known as Allhallomas to Christians and was later shortened to the more familiar All Hallow
Eʼen, or Halloween. The day became a celebration of past ancestors, and it was believed that good as well as evil spirits came to earth during Halloween. Faces of skulls were carved into turnips, rather than pumpkins, in the belief that the faces would scare away evil demons, and black cats were believed to be the symbols of fertility. As German, Irish, and Scottish immigrants began to travel to America during the mid-18th century, they brought their own older pagan beliefs and cultures. Germans enjoyed celebrating Halloween and dressing up as ghosts and goblins, which was a throwback to older traditions of donning masks and costumes. The practice
of collecting candy developed directly in America during the 1930ʼs and is related to the Irish tradition of going door-to-door to beg food and other goods to make preparations for the fall festival. Candy was the most popular thing to collect in America, and eventually became the norm. Halloween appeals to young and old alike with its mix of scares, fun, candy and costume. When trick-or-treating this upcoming Halloween, appreciate the holiday as more than an excuse to eat chocolate, but rather a throwback to older, ancient traditions. Whether carving a pumpkin, bobbing for apples, or placing a scarecrow in the yard, each tradition has its roots in a land of mystery and intrigue.
months-old Christmas candy. Perhaps some people just enjoy keeping the Christmas spirit all the way to October. Then there are random “treats”, the inedible ones. Freshman Adohree Balunda recalls receiving a sock one time in her Halloween candy bag. Her friend, freshman Stephanie Pranglin, has gotten a toothbrush and she is not the only one. Healthy treat-givers are not that uncommon every Halloween. “I got an apple. It was awesome. It made me feel happy. And healthy,” senior Cody Gardner said. Every year there is an abundance of the usual—the Tootsie Rolls and other name brand candies, the popcorn balls, and stickers. Depending on personal preference, they are met with a variety of attitudes. “Those plastic rings with spiders—those are stupid,” freshman Chris Allen said. But his friend, sitting at his lunch table, would care to disagree on the topic of plastic spider rings.
“Those things are awesome! I used to pray for those,” freshman Michael Valoon said. Spider rings are not the only unwanted (or wanted, depending on the person) jewelry. 9th grader Cody Colleps talks about being stuck with bracelets every year, but Dayna Freeman, a 10th grader, welcomes them every year. What some people might consider “bad”, oth-
ers bask in the enjoyment of them. “I usually get open candy. I still eat it,” senior Kevin Gaver said. Each Halloween brings in an assortment of surprises and the familiar: dental care and clothing, trinkets and homemade treats, and an assortment of candy—name brand, old, unwrapped, and broken. Trick-o-treating would not be the same without them.
Caleb Wilson
reasoning, none of the zombie-undead people rising up from hell (or a trapdoor) are ʻreal.ʼ They are just animatronics or puppets (or actors, even). Many, however, patronize the places mentioned above (or others) every year, looking to be scared silly by the zombie-undead puppets. But there are other places where one can be scared silly. These are places with registered paranormal activity. Be forewarned: Any number of these places could be private property, and trespassing is a criminal offense.
Alternate treats given to children Priscilla Totiyapungprasert Staff Writer
For most people, the best part of Halloween is the free candy. It is the one time of the year it is socially acceptable to go a strangerʼs house and ask for candy. But as many trick-otreaters find out each year, along with the mounds and mounds of usual treats come the…less-than-pleasurable treats. Ever wonder what happens to the leftover Easter candy, the sweets that do not sell at your local grocery store? Some candy-givers believe in saving. Saving all the way until October 31st, that is. “The worst are Peeps… from Easter,” sophomore Alison Quiroga said. But old Easter candy is not as bad as the eight-
Haunts thrill kids Entertainment Editor Everyone knows that October is the month of fright, to dress up in scary costumes and try to scare others. Manufactured Haunted Houses like Cutting Edge, Screams, The Bone Yard, and Hangmanʼs House of Horrors deliver plenty of thrills. These attractions are all created and controlled by humans- meaning that no matter how scary that guy with the chain saw is, he is working double overtime, trying to make a few bucks. According to logic and
6 THE HAWK
SPORTS
Gymnastics team prepares for upcoming season J.B. Martin Staff Writer
Practicing, Matt Frawley (11) hangs from high bar as Jason Smith (11) assists him.
Roberson. Roberson recovered a fumble for a 97-yard touchdown to increase the varsity lead to 13-0. At the half, the varsity led Graham 26-14 but after half, Graham resisted with an offensive drive resulting in a 21-yard touchdown pass with a failed extra point attempt. Tommy
limiting the varsity to only 66 yards receiving. The varsity found an alternative way though, with the combined rushing attributes of Ronnell Sharpley and Alex Martinez with the occasional Tommy Dorman run that raised the rushing attack to 187 yards. The defense was not to be
Photo by Danielle Ramirez
This fall Birdvilleʼs gymnastics team is preparing for another great year. Male gymnasts arrive at the Shannon Gymnastics Center at 6:30 each morning to begin workouts that last through first period. Female gymnasts leave school during 7th period to workout until 5:30. That is a total of over 5 hours of gymnastics every day, which is more of a time commitment than many other sports. The gymnast must ride a bus to and from practice to the Shannon Center. While practicing, they do exercises and routines to help them get ready
for the important meets. The first varsity girlsʼ meet is scheduled to take place on November 16th at 4:30. Most meets that Birdville attends will take place at the Shannon Center. The first boysʼ meet will be on January 13th at 6:30 at the Shannon Center. “Itʼs not just a blow off class, thereʼs a lot of hard work and conditioning involved,” freshman Robin Cole said. Gymnasts can do four different routines: balance beam, bars, floor, and vault. Some gymnasts specialize in certain events, while others participate in all of them, known as all-around. Routines can be compulsory, where there is a standard routine that all participants
are judged on, or optional, where each routine is original and unique. Gymnastics team begins the year in inter-squad competition with schools from the same district. From there they move on to the regional level, and then to state. The state meet has come to be an expected event for Birdville gymnastics as it continues to improve and becomes more successful. Some of last yearʼs returning gymnasts include seniors Robert Adams, Josh Sumrall, and James Peterson, as well as juniors Keely Roberts, Alyssa Parker and Addison Ramirez. This yearʼs talent and work ethic will combine to make it a great and successful team.
Football tackles opponents, season winds down Shane Crawford Staff Writer
Photo by Katie Hoover
With three consecutive non-district wins and three district wins, the varsity football team consistently builds on last yearʼs success. The varsity team began the season with an early win at Alvarado High School, 49-13. The game was very close at the start, with both teams each scoring on their first drives, but gradually the varsity managed to pull away under the lead of Quarterback Tommy Dorman who threw for 216 passing yards and five touchdowns. Alex Matinez led the rushing game with 15 carries for 86 yards while Jason Martinson returned with seven catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. In the second week of action, the Hawks played at Joshua High School and led the half with a score of 13-0. The varsity turned the game around after half and scored a total of 27 points ending the game with a score of 40-0, Birdville. The varsity combined for a total of 303 yards receiving and 161 yards rushing, while completely shutting out the Joshua Owlsʼ offense. Graham, after an overtime win over the varsity in the previous season, came to the FAAC Stadium in hopes of another victory. Early on, the varsity was held to only six points in the first quarter of play with two field goals by kicker, Jordan Walker. Soon enough, the varsity scored their first touchdown of the game, but on defense by Parker
Practicing before a game, Alex Martinez (12) is tackled by teamates. Dorman continued to pass overlooked on any circumfor two additional touch- stances as Jason Martinson downs to Jason Martinson returned a 22-yard intercepand the varsity finished tion for a touchdown. The varsity defense their scoring with a twoyard touchdown run by limited the Eastern Hills Offense to only one ofAlex Martinez. The varsity finished fensive touchdown, and the game allowing only a a 70-yard kick return for total of 28 points by Gra- a touchdown. The varsity ham, with a 47-28 Hawk ended the game with a victory of 28-14, as well as a victory. The varsity improved 1-0 record in district play. The varsity came up to 4-0 after a district win over Eastern Hills at Clark short on the 30th of SepStadium. The varsity came tember after a 35-28 loss into the game following an against Arlington Seguin off-week the week before, High School in their secbut proved just as aggres- ond game of district play. sive as in the earlier three The varsity scored on their first drive with a 15-yard games of the season. Eastern Hills kept the pass from Tommy Dorman varsity from relying solely to Jason Martinson putting on their passing game by the score at 7-0.
The varsity defense, after losing defensive end Andrew Burger on the first defensive series, had to adjust, but gave up seven to the Seguin offense. The varsity fell behind by two in the second quarter, but with a touchdown and then an interception which lead to a touchdown, the varsity tied the game at half 21-21. The varsity could not outscore the Seguin offense though as they fell one touchdown short in the final quarter of play. Jason Martinson led the varsity with 13 catches for four touchdowns and 253 yards receiving, ending the game with all the varsityʼs touchdowns. “I feel that weʼre getting better each week in an effort to beat Azle, and hopefully get a playoff birth,” sophmore Tommy Dorman said. The varsity outmatched the Diamond Hill Jarvis Cougarsʼ district known rushing attack with a score of 54-20, improving their record to 5-1. The varsity began the game with a defensive stand leading to a blocked punt by Phillip Edwards who in turn recovered the fumble in the end zone for an early 7-0 lead. Diamond Hill matched the score with a 17-yard pass for a touchdown, but the varsity soon took over. The varsity scored two touchdowns without a Diamond Hill response, and the half ended with each team scoring one more touchdown each, 27-14. The varsity shut the Cougars out in the third quarter and scored two offensive touchdowns from Tommy Dorman (349 total
yards) to both Ryan Otero (84 total yards) and Jason Martinson (113 total yards). The fourth quarter consisted of a shifty Chase Hayes (97 total yards) receiving touchdown, a 13yard Ronnell Sharpley (58 total yards) touchdown run and a 1-yard Cougar touchdown run ending the game with a varsity win. The varsity could not get anything going with a loss to Springtown, 21-26.
Springtown had possession of the ball for the majority of the game, but a week later the Hawks came back to defeat Northside in an embarasing 53-7 “Weʼve had a couple of dissapointing losses, but overall, weʼve been playing pretty well,” Dorman said. Ryan Otero and Tommy Dorman made the touchdowns for the varsity, but still fell short with a new district record of 3-2 and a season record of 6-2.
Lauren Goff
The competition has had the following accomplishments in the past: 1st place at the Halloween challenge, 1st place at Spirit of Texas, 1st place Pro-spirit Holiday Challenge, 1st place at the Grand Championship, 5th place at the American Cheerleading Association Competition, and 3rd place at the National Cheerleading Association Competition. “Thereʼs a lot of talented cheerleaders on all three squads, and all of them combined would make a good competition team,” junior Krista Clark said. The BHS cheerleading coaches plan on having a competition team next year. That gives the girls more time to prepare, and improve so they can get into more competitions. The Competition team sponsor has been Brandy Medford. The coaches of the team were choreographers Remo and David from Victory Cheer and Dance in Grand Prarie.
Squad goes on year long break News Editor
Birdville High School does not have a competition cheerleading team this year because there were not enough girls interested again from the past years. The cheerleaders found out that they would not have the chance to participate in competition cheering earlier this school year. Many of the seniors were upset that they would not have the chance to compete their senior year, but they understand that the team will have the time to practice and be stronger next year. “We should have had one this year because of all the talent, and the people graduating donʼt have a chance to do it,” junior Chaney Tyner said. There has to be at least 10 girls to compete on a competition team, and for the most part the interest in a competition squad just was not there this year.
SPORTS
THE HAWK 7
Beneath Volleyball places 2nd in district the Bleachers
NBA Dress Code
Sara Wood
Sports Editor
Sara Wood
Sports Editor The Varsity Volleyball team just recently ended their regular season games with a final record of 24-11. Although they did not place first in district, they are still going into the playoffs. “Itʼs very exciting to know that all of our hard work has paid off and Iʼm extremly excited that I get to go to playoffs two years in a row,” senior Danielle Ray said. The team placed second in district due to losses to Azle and Springtown, their top two competitors. Volleyball split both games against Azle and Springtown, meaning they won the first games and lost the second games against them. Because they lost to Azle, Alze placed first in district. The loss to Azle was possibly because Azle had the
homecourt advantage. Their loss to Springtown was unexpected. The
forgotten about how hard they had to work to beat Springtown in their first
Photo by Katie Hoover
On Monday, October 17, NBA Commissioner, David Stern, came out with a new dress code for the players of the NBA. The NBA wants players to dress more professionally and dress in business casual attire when representing the league or team. Players are to wear dress shirts with a collar or turtleneck and or sweater with slacks, khakis and dress pants or jeans for bottoms. This means that t-shirts and shorts are out the door. Sneakers, sandals and flip-flops will no longer be acceptable. Now players must be dressed in dress shoes or boots. The biggest rule that players are complaining over is the accessories rule. Doo-rags, heavy flashy jewelry/medallions, sunglasses indoors and headphones (except for on the bus) are no longer acceptable. What the commissioner is basically trying to do is get the “thug” look out of basketball and restore it to the classy sport it once was. Many NBA players are saying that the rules have been taken too far and have
even been seen as racist towards blacks. Saying that someone cannot wear a medallion, doo-rags, or flipflops is not being racist towards blacks, it is just trying to reset the image of the NBA into one of sports that has classy players rather than “gangstas” from the street. It does not matter what Allen Iverson looks like in his private time, but when he is in public representing his team he needs to look like what he gets paid to be, a professional athlete. Allen Iverson is one of the highest paid athletes in sports right now, so he should not look like he just got picked up from the street corner. Some players are even going as far as complaining that it is too expensive to buy suits. Many of the players get paid millions to play basketball, the least they can do is shell out a few hundred dollards to buy some suits. The NBA is trying to get away from the hiphop/thug image that has been gaining momentum over the past few years. The Ron Artest fight last season did not help out their cause, so maybe that is why their new dress code rules are so strict. The players just need to stop complaining about it. Sure it is just a little bit ridiculous, but they get paid millions of dollars to play basketball and to follow the rules set forth by the commisioner of the NBA.
Lady Hawks finish regular season, end playoff season strong
Hitting the ball at the Azle game, Meg Watson (11) gets into the game. team went into that game game against them. It is not that Springunprepapared thinking that town really beat them in the they had already won. The Lady Hawks had second game, it is that the
girls beat themselves. The last regualr season game was a win for the Lady Hawks against Carter Riverside. “Iʼm definatly excited about playoffs but Iʼm going to miss the seniors a whole lot,” junior Annie Freeman said. In order to prepare for playoffs the volleyball team will change up their practices accordingly to their opponentʼs weakness. The Lady Hawks were hoping to get farther in playoffs than they did last year, losing in the second round to Wichita Falls Ryder High School, but unfortunatly that is as far as they got this season as well. The Lady Hawks began their journey into the playoffs against the Southwest Raiders. The Lady Hawks beat the Raiders in three games. Volleyball ended their season with a loss to Cleburne.
Varsity hockey rips Duncanville Danielle Ramirez Photography Editor
After many years of bad luck, this yearʼs Varsity hockey team looks forward to a better year full of wins. With their new year started, the hockey team is currently 1-2-1. Losing their first game to Frisco 61, tying with Plano East 33 and losing to Plano West 9-0, but spirits are still high for the team. They are hoping for a more successful year than those in the past. After all their last couple of years have been lived out with many miserable defeats, game after game. “I think we have a good chance of winning a lot of games this year, be-
Legacy Church of Christ Youth Supports The Hawks Come Visit Us!!! Sunday 9:40 class, 10:30 Worship & Wednesday at 7pm join us for “Coke and Chat II” Located just across the street from Birdville High School Contact Jason Brown, Youth Minister, (817) 485-6749
cause we have been working very hard at executing what we learn in practices in the games, plus weʼre working on becoming more of a team,” junior Tyler Henderson said. The team has a lot more to work on if they want to improve on scoring and hopefully win a large number of games this year. Before the team can even think of going to playoffs they need to work on the basics of the game like scoring and teamwork. Scoring is the biggest problem with this team. Although this yearʼs team has taking advantage of their hockey skills in ways the past birdville teams did not, they must still learn that capitalizing in every aspect of the game is not enough
to win the key role events that they need to come first in if they want to accomplish their goals of reaching playoffs. If this team does not obtain their grasp on scoring it will not improve in sporting competitions and we will be seeing more and more losing games then those in the past. “We have to work on capitalizing on every opportunity in the game and we definitely have to practice more,” senior Matt Admire said. With many new students becoming varsity players after the end of the junior hockey league here at birdville, it is only natural that they need the time to adjust to the varsity level of hockey. The hockey team must work more on its
teamwork. Practicing more may assist this problem and help the hockey team gain the stills to take commend of the ice and win some more games. “ I played four years of hockey and this one is shaping up to be our best one yet,” senior Collin Praught said. Hockey played Duncanville, their toughest competitors, and won their first home game 2-1, October 27 at the Dr. Pepper Star Center in Euless, sure enough they got the success they wanted in scoring and won. Hopefully the team can build on this success and have a winning season. The next game is against Carrollton, November 3 at 8 pm in Farmers Branch.
8 THE HAWK
ENTERTAINMENT
Fall brings new shows to TV Danielle Ramirez Photography Editor
As the new tele-vision season begins, many networks bring original and interesting shows to the small screen. With its new break out show Everybody Hates Chris, UPN, a station known for its low ratings, makes a new name for itself. The pilot show brought UPN its highest ratings ever. A laugh-out loud comedy the show depicts the childhood of comedian and actor Chris Rock, starring Tyler Williams as the young Rock, Terry Crews as Julius Rock and featuring the narration of Rock himself. Love, Inc. is another show making its first ap-
pearance on UPN, starring Holly Robinson Peete as the owner of Love, Inc., a dating consulting business. This show is a female charged sitcom about people, their love lives, and the perfect match. The WB, NBC and FOX are also introducing several new series such as Supernatural, My Name is Earl and Reunion. Supernatural is a dark drama about two brothers, (Gilmore Girlsʼ Jared Padalecki and Dark Angelʼs Jensen Ackles) traveling around America trying to find their missing father, while fighting mystical spirits and creating a fresh family bond. Jason Leeʼs new show on NBC, My Name is Earl is a comedy about a low rent crook who vows to reform after winning the lottery.
cess of War of the Worlds in theaters, ABC invested in the alien craze with its extra terrestrial charged show Invasion. After a big storm hits a small Florida town, many residents suspect that aliens have invaded. Making its comeback, cult classic Night Stalker takes it to the stars with its big name cast. Stuart Townsend and Gabrielle Union play reporters who spend most of their time investigating the supernatural while trying to find the thing that killed Townsendʼs wife. CBS is also trying to hit it big with its alien show, Threshold. Unlike Invasion, the show Threshold, involves government cover-ups and an expert team trying to make “first contact” with the alien forces that have invaded Earth. Sitcom How I Met Your Mother is also appearing on CBS every Monday. This is a fatherʼs story to his children about the events leading up to how he met the love of his life, their mother. How I Met Your Mother stars Neil Patrick Harrison and Buffy the Vampire Slayerʼs Alyson Hannigan. New wife and mother Jennifer Finnigan works as an aggressive prosecutor in the unique CBS drama Close to Home. These are just a few shows that have made the networks for this fall, so hop in the La-Z-Boy and take in all the wonders the new programs have to offer.
FOX introduced a drama, Reunion, about high school friends recapping their high school years, the good, the bad and the very bad at their 20th year reunion. Also beginning its first year on FOX is Bones, a forensic drama based on real life events. ABC, the network responsible for hit shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives, began its new television season with a woman president and the remaking of a cult classic. ABCʼs new show, Commander in Chief brings the “what if a woman ran the country?” question into mainstream light. The show stars Geena Davis as the Vice President who is suddenly made the first female President of the United States. Following the suc-
Fall DVDs come home Priscilla Totiyapungprasert Staff Writer
The movie Lords of Dogtown is formatted with a grainy look and tone quality to accentuate the inner city “rough and tumble” setting, capturing the gritty atmosphere. For those who wanted a more fleshed-out movie, there are 19 minutes worth of deleted/extended scenes. There are two commentary tracks, one with the director, and the other with the
three stars. The “Making of Lords of Dogtown” is a typical feature with nothing too special. It is overshadowed by the more unique “Dogtown Cameos”, which features mini interviews with the individuals who had cameos and their scene in the movie. There are many featurettes; some more entertaining than others, and bonus music video of “Nervous Breakdown” by Rise Against. Overall, this DVD is jam-packed with extra features that make it worth-
while for any fan of the movie. There are no visual problems with Crash on the DVD. Extra features include an introduction to the movie that is exactly what it is—a pointless introduction. The “Behind the Scenes” feature is interesting at first, as the actors and actresses in the film get a chance to speak and the director explains some of the concepts used in the movie. The extra features end with a music video. Already a critically acclaimed movie, Crash on DVD will not disappoint.
Local garage band rocks out Jason Gamble Staff Writer
An EP is a bandʼs portfolio of songs to send to studios in hopes of getting a record deal. “[We will] hope-
Photo by Jason Gamble
Local garage band Derwood Brown prepares for future fame and fortune, while still having fun rocking out. Following the deconstruction of their older band, the members of Glass Arson, all Birdville students, formed hardcore band Derwood Brown. Band drummer and backup vocalist Brandon Pike (12), describes the band as “hardcore music tied in with melodic elements”, with influences from popular hardcore bands as Norma Jean, The Chariot, and The Bled. The members of Derwood Brown mix in their own unique sound with Pikeʼs drums, Jar-
ed Collepsʼs (12) unusual lyrics, Levi Evansʼs (12) and Cody Collepsʼs (9) guitars, and Jeremy Burnhamʼs bass.
Derwood Brown members (left to right) Brandon Pike (12), Levi Evans (12) and Jared Colleps (12) rock out. “We basically just play what we enjoy with a sound of our own that has been influenced by the music of many great bands,” guitarist Cody Colleps said. “In the future I see us soon creating an EP to sell and playing as many shows as possible.”
fully gain more respect and become known more locally,” Pike said, of the bandʼs future plans. Derwood Brownʼs past shows have included the Birdville High Schoolʼs Bandʼs Christmas Banquet and The Talent Show. The on stage antics of
Derwood Brownʼs members exude high energy in an effort to whip spectators into a frenzy of high-octane excitement. “We have some shows lined up for the future with other bands, such as Cut Away Tragedy, Caspian, and possibly Enamour Enamour,” Pike said. “We perform our shows with a mature yet intense attitude.” The maturity of Derwood Brown Brownʼs members can be seen as they set up their equipment. “As a band, our strengths are our love and commitment to music altogether. Our weaknesses include finding time to practice. With half of the band involved with band and on the drum line, itʼs tough finding time to have long practices that occur more than once a week,” Colleps said.
The Bird Feeder Rtaurant Reviews
Kylie Morrison Opinions Editor
The doors swung wide open, revealing a somewhat familiar, yet delightfully different, restaurant than the one that had previously occupied the same space. The new KJʼS Southwest Grill meets the visitor with a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with western cowboy motif. The wait was minimal, with only a few patrons scattered about the restaurant. The friendly servers offered smiles as well as recommendations to customers overwhelmed with the vast menu. Items included a wide variety, from quesadillas to country-fried steak, making sure there was something for most everyone to enjoy. The menu, though large, was well organized, separating the more southwest entrees from the home-style type meals. Ordering was not a breeze, because the entrees were delightfully described, making the mouth water at almost everything. Appetizers were somewhat expensive, ranging in price from six to seven dollars. The artichoke and green chilies dip was served with chips, and was a delectable way to cure the craving stomach. The expense of
the appetizers was well counteracted with the pricing of the entrees, ranging from just seven to nine dollars. Upon their arrival the meals appeared quite appetizing in their presentation. The Cowboy Chicken Club, a fried chicken breast on Texas toast topped with Monterey Jack cheese and bacon, proved to be quite delicious. Served with southwest style fries the sandwich was good, but could stand to be spiced up a bit. In a separate category, the Fish Tacos proved to not hold up to the quality of the Cowboy Chicken Club. Two pieces of tilapia fish were smothered with Monterrey Jack cheese and rolled in two flour tortillas. Both tortillas seemed stale and the whole thing tasted a bit to fishy. Service was altogether pretty on track, though an entire meal could have been consumed before the appetizers arrived. For a party of two the bill totaled to about $27.00, before tip, so for a larger group, expect to pay about $10.00 a person. KJʼs Southwest grill is for anyone wanting to escape the mundane hamburger. KJʼS Southwest Grill is located on Grapevine Highway (State Highway 26) next to Red, Hot, and Blue.