October 2009 Issue by Borah Senator

Volume 50

Issue I October 12 2009

6001 Cassia St. Boise, ID 83709

borahtoday.com

Letters TO THE Editor

Editor welcomes the new year Dear Borah Community,

This year I’m excited to say that the Borah Senator is rising up to it’s best year yet. Although budget is stressing my staff out, I know that the issue is not only with us. Every club and organization can feel the pressure of costs crushing down on them. It’s hard to raise money in the quantities we need to keep running, but with painstaking hours of work, I believe we can keep running all year. I expect a lot from my staff, this year and I only do because I feel like they expect a lot from me. I can only imagine

the great things that will be produced from my staff. The list goes on for miles on what we can improve on this year, but it can only be possible with a great group of people working together. This year. I believe that we have just that. I only hope that every student at Borah High will pick up an issue of The Borah Senator every publication and read and see what we have created. I’m looking forward to hopefully my best work, along with the staff’s. We have changed our website once again and with it’s more interactive design, I’m hoping for a site the students will be interested in going to. I can only wish us luck for this year, and hopefully it will be enough. -Ayla Washam Editor-in-Chief Photo by Katie Corp

The new Editor-in-cheif, Ayla Washam showing her love for the outdoors.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

How to send a letter to The Senator:

Email your letter to the editor to kcorp@borahtoday.com

1. Type letter and print out 2. Add printed name and signature 3. Bring letter to room 503

Let the people’s voices be heard! The Borah Senator accepts all letters of all school appropriate subjects. The Borah Senator will not accept anonymous letters.

Senator Staff

Editor-in-Chief: Ayla Washam Associate Editor: Megan Mizuta Page Editors: Letters to the Editor: Katie Corp Index: Ayla Washam News: Jesse Conklin/ Alexis Anderson Opinion: Megan Mizuta Center Spread: Ayla Washam Life: Megan Harrigfeld Arts and Entertainment: Felicia Arnold Q&A: Kari Schuhknecht People: Summer Galindo Sports: Parker Simmons/ Katie Helm Fun & Games: Mike Bingham Photo Editor: Katie Corp Assistant Photo Editor: Katie Helm Staff Photographer: Megan Mizuta Adviser: Michelle Harmon

Graphic Artists: Christine Lawson Nickolas Parenti Lisa Garrard Staff Writers: Alexis Anderson Felicia Arnold Mike Bingham Jesse Conklin Summer Galindo Megan Harrigfeld Katie Helm Kevin Middleton Megan Mizuta Hilary Platt Kari Schuhknecht Parker Simmons Ayla Washam New Media Editor: Kevin Middleton Website Manager: Jordan Rivers

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

Borah student speaks out about 08-09 yearbook

Dear Borah Senator,

It would be arbitrary to simply write a letter to The Senator pointing out the many misspellings and misnamed pictures in the 2008-2009 yearbook; I do not want this article to be a waste of space. Instead, I think it is potent, as we are all thrown back into the world of learning, to look at the words used in this yearbook-particularly, the main slogan. For those of you who have blocked the memory of yearbook day, or any sophomore who is reading this, the main theme throughout the yearbook was “Never Before, Never Again”. Upon first reading this, no warm feelings were conjured up about high school. Firstly, it was confusing as to why this slogan was picked, and second why I had such an adverse reaction to it. Then it struck me, this was a slogan I had heard before, when speaking of the Holocaust. I am not writing this article to try and convince everyone at Borah that last year’s yearbook staff was full of Nazis; I simply think we should all think a little more about what we are saying. This slogan was completely inappropriate. Not only did the yearbook staff of 2008-2009 miss the course in masking their bias (4 pages on one subject, none on others), they also missed the course in dichotomy. When we proudly proclaim “Never Before, Never Again,” we are allying our high school experiences in 2008-2009 with the promises made by many countries’ post Holocaust. Personally, I don’t think high school is at any sort of genocidal level. However, when we carelessly throw around slogans from one genocide to one yearbook, we are massacring the meaning of our words.

Anyone who got over the misspellings, the unnamed or misnamed pictures, and the lackluster index, and started to think about the overall theme of the 2008-2009 yearbook was more than likely highly offended. This is an unacceptable way to remember high school. It is disappointing that students from Borah will stretch their dollars, especially in times of economic uncertainty, and purchase this product. Not only did our yearbook staff fail to check the spelling of simple words such as “telll,” not only did they leave out entire “sub-headings here,” but they picked a slogan that was not well thought out, and in the end, offensive. In the coming year, I hope that the yearbook staff doesn’t find themselves owing everyone who purchased a yearbook a sincere apology. To me, the 20082009 yearbook staff does owe an apology to every member of any group left out or under represented (see Ars Nova, Golf Teams), for anyone misnamed, and lastly for anyone offended by the lack of responsibility in putting this yearbook together. A high school yearbook is meant to be a treasured and memorable culmination of every high school student’s experience in the past year. With its jilted bias and lack of diligent editing, the 2008-2009 yearbook does not meet this basic standard. I hope the 2009-2010 yearbook staff will put more effort and thought into the coming yearbook so everyone at Borah is able to look back on the book in admiration and remember this school year in an enthusiastic context. -Summer Sleight Senior

Senator’s Mission Statement The Borah Senator’s duty is to inform and entertain students and faculty in an accurate and timely fashion. The paper covers events and information that affects the student body. The Senator is a non-profit organization. The Borah Senator is published monthly by Borah High School, 6001 Cassia St., Boise, Idaho 83709. Phone 1-208-854-4427. Circulation 1700. The Senator is printed by Idaho Press Tribune. The Borah Senator maintains membership in the National Quill and Scroll Society and the Journalism Education Association.

Additional ad rates are available upon request. All signed commentaries that appear in The Borah Senator are strictly the opinion of that individual and do not necessarily reflect the general opinion of the Borah Senator staff. The Borah Senator received the 2008 George H. Gallup award from Quill and Scroll, the International Honorary Society for High School Journalists. The Quill and Scroll was founded by Dr. Gallup in 1926. High school newspapers considered for this award seek recognition because of overall superiority in informing, influencing, and entertaining.

Volume 50 Issue i October 12, 2009

What’s Inside?

Index

Letters to the Editor…….........................................................…………….2 News……………….......….............................….........................................................…...4&5 Opinion……….…………....................................................................................………6&7

Swine Flu attacks students across the United States Page 5

Whose lower back is this? Check and see Page 10

Spread......................................................................................................................8&9 Life………......………...................................…………...........................................................10 A&E………….......……..................…........…………..................................................……...11 Question of the Month..........................…………..................................................…..12 People…………......….....................….......………………..................................................…13 Sports……….....……..........................……..................................................……….14&15 Fun & Games...........................................……...................................................……..16

New councilor aide arrives at Borah page 13

On the COVer: By Megan Harrigfield

Artist Bio

The first issue brings a first time cover artist to the Borah Senator. This issue, senior Rusty Rehl graces the cover with a little piece of his summer in Japan. A Japanese flower is present,

“I want people to feel my artwork, any reaction would be nice.” -Rusty Rehl, senior

as is the Tokyo Tower. While in Japan, Rehl actually created an opportunity to exhibit one of his pieces in a Japanese art gallery. The piece also includes a girl “point-

Photo by Katie Corp

Senior Rusty Rehl gives a thumbs up for having his art featured on the Borah Senator.

ing towards the future,” Rehl’s way of suggesting new beginnings. “I want people to feel my artwork,” said Rehl. “Any reaction would be nice,” he added, describing just how he wants someone to look at his work and not think of it as just any other canvas with paint flicked onto it. Rehl has been making art almost his whole life, drawing since he was little. But then at 13, creating art bePhoto by Katie Corp came a way to deal with his emotions, Rehl peeks his head from the recycling. and later manifested into something crete.” that people appreciated, and enjoyed Rusty is also a member of the looking at. Rehl said, “It started off cross-country track team and also likes abstract, then it became more con- to explore caves.

News

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

Drag Team races into a better year By Jesse Conklin

Photo from Tim Thiede

ROTC cadets help out veterans play T-ball.

Art Departent to auction student art pieces in library in December Where better to hold a silent auction than in a library? The Art Department will be hosting a silent auction in the library Dec. 3 to raise money for the Art Department, Art Club, and the art and ceramic student artists themselves. “This function is a great way to get some money back into the clubs and even for some artists to get paid for their work,” ceramics teacher Pat Rose said. The pieces for sale range from Lion masks to bowls and plates with lions on them. “Selling these pieces is a great way to highlight difference Borah creations but also makes a perfect Christmas present at the same time,” head librarian Jennifer Boyd said.

Borah puts in new system of textbook checkout A new system of checking out textbooks is much like scanning groceries at the store. Science teacher Darin Zarbnisky is in charge of scanning books for Borah’s teacher and students, also helping them exchange students’ current books for new books. “For a first year of doing it this way, it’s going very good. The only trouble we’ve had is having a shortage of books for students,” Zarbnisky said. “It will be easier to find the students that don’t turn their books in and they will be faced with a costly situation.” The Boise School District needed an inventory of books so that taxpayers can be assured that the district is not over spending on unnecessary things, according to Zarbnisky. Photo by Katie Corp

ROTC cadets help veterans compete, have fun in Olympics Members of Borah’s ROTC class helped wheelchair bound veterans compete in the twenty-first Veteran’s Olympics, Sept. 19. Each cadet helped a veteran compete against one another in events such as T-ball and an obstacle course. “We helped them compete and have fun. It was mostly to give them someone to talk to,” said senior Keshia Martinson. ROTC members are required to attended one of two events, the Veterans’ Olympics being one of the choices. “There were about 84 cadets that attended the event, about 50 percent were from Borah,” Martinson said.

Photo by Ayla Washam

Photo Courtesy of Paul Grabe

The racers waiting in the line up ready to start their race.

Drag-team is club sport that takes place from May to September. Racing at Fire Bird Raceway, teams from seven different schools from around Idaho compete in the AAA category; Borah came in forth. “This year went twice as well as last years team,” business teacher Cathy Cromwell said. “We had a lot more kids this year and they all got along well and helped each other out.” Borah’s team jumped from three members, from the previous year, to seven. “It was nice to have more racers this year. It gave us more of a chance to earn points over all,” senior Nicole Grabe said. Grabe was one of two students from Borah that received first place in there division. The other was Eric Heinz who was a senior last year but raced for the full season. Three of Borah’s drag-team members place in the top twenty in the high school racers individual standings. Grabe placed tenth, Heinz received 14, and senior Kian Greene took 18. “We hope that next years team will be able to do just as good or better then we did this year,” Cromwell said.

Volume 50 Issue i October 12, 2009

News

Annie Get Your Gun: Combines Choir and Drama The story is about a girl named Annie Oakley who is the best shot in town. By Summer Galindo

For the first time in more than 10 years the Borah choir and theater departments have come together for a musical production of “Annie Get Your Gun.” Junior Cristina Warner and Sophomore Lucas Moore

have been selected for the lead roles. “Annie Get Your Gun” is a musical that first played on New York’s Broadway in 1946 and returned in 1999. Borah’s production this fall will use the Stone Version, which is a revision by Peter Stone that cre-

ates a “Wild West” feel. The story is about a girl named Annie Oakley who is the best shot in town. When Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show visits town, Annie is entered into a shooting match against the world famous sharp shooter, Frank Butler. The two fall in love despite her tomboy ways and his hurt pride. The story follows them and their companions on endless journeys and reconnections of broken hearts and a loss of money. Choir teacher Heather Prinzing and drama teacher

Jerry Hensley have decided to produce a musical every other year. Because this is a new endeavor, the two have chosen a production with a small cast. Auditions had a large turnout with students from all

grades and an equal number of choir and theater members. The show consists of many parts, most of which are male roles. The show will run from Nov. 19-21.

New clubs arrive at Borah By Kari Schuhknecht

New clubs are popping up at Borah: Political Science, Spanish, and Art, Community, and Ecology (ACE). Political Science Club is “an all partisan club that offers an area for discussion and debating of political ideology,” said government teacher and adviser Korrin Rue. Political Science Club replaced Young Democrats and Young Republicans—

two clubs that wentextinct. “Students came to me about forming this club,” said Rue, crediting students as the main motivator of the club’s existence. The club meets every Tuesday in room 209 and beneifts Government students wit five CAP points for each meeting attened and 25 CAP points total for the quearter. One of Borah’s Spanish teachers, Juan Amigo, started the Spanish Club because Bo-

rah didn’t have one. The club meets every Tuesday in room 208 and is considering activities from salsa dancing to eat Spanish restaurants. “I thought we should have a club for the most popular foreign language in America,” Amigo said. Newcomer ACE is a combination of art, community, and ecology, and ACE meets every Tuesday in room 411. Rose describes ACE as an overlap of several supjects.

School Events Oct. 16 - Nov. 7 Oct. 16 - Senior pictures due for yearbook

Oct. 30 - End of First Quarter

Oct. 17 – Homecoming Dance, Psats

Nov. 4 – Parent teacher conferences

Oct. 19 – Marching Band Competition

Nov. 5 - Parent teacher conferences

Oct. 20 – Orchestra Fall Concert

Nov. 6 – No School

Oct. 24 – ACT Tests

Nov. 7 – SAT Test, Band’s Veteran’s Day

Oct. 27 – Fall Choir Concert

Parade

Illustration by Lisa Garrard

Idaho influenza precautions currently at moderate levels By Kevin Middleton

Swine is in the air. Originally called the Swine Flu, the H1N1 virus is now named Novel N1H1 Influenza. Its mortality rate is about the same as the seasonal flu-- 5 to 15 percent of those who contract it-- but with more severe symptoms, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC states that an infected person generally has a higher fever (over 100), cough and sore throat. Among the other Novel H1N1 flu symptoms is a 25 percent increase in vomiting and diarrhea than the normal flu. There are three levels of precaution in the case of a swine flu outbreak established by the CDC. The current level is Moderate and directs health care providers to focus on prevention and teaching about the flu. The Severe level is triggered when Novel H1N1 influenza breaks out in sparse areas. The course of action is to cancel social gatherings, and target dismissals for work and school areas where the outbreak affects people’s ability to function. At the extreme level almost everyone would be sick, and the result would be closures of almost everything.

OPINION

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

Senator Never-ending season Staff Early start schedules hurt teams Opinion Young Democrats and Young Republicans merge to form one club, Political Science.

Foam soap replaces powder soap in Borah restrooms. Borah soccer plays home games on Wigle Field. Ellen DeGeneres replaces Paula Abdul on American Idol. Wolf hunting is legalized in Idaho. The drama and choir departments collaborate for the musical “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Neutral

Dislike

Staff Editorial

ports have their place in the scheme of the high school experience, but the syndrome of the never-ending season seems all too prevalent at Borah High. Sports schedules are designed with an off-season, and many Borah teams and prep teams in general, seem to disregard downtime. Training starts early and ends late, and it takes its toll on all aspects of the game. A result of starting too early is burned-out athletes who lose passion for the game. Starting practice three months before the official season builds resentment more than it does team unity. A team that demands too much for too long does not reap any benefit. Nothing is wrong with football, soccer, volleyball, swimming, and cross country practice in August, basketball and wrestling in November, and track, baseball, softball, tennis, and lacrosse practice in April. Nor is it wrong to ask athletes to maintain levels of strength and stamina yearround, so that they do not need to be so severely conditioned back into shape each season. But the fitness of the athlete and the maintenance of their form during their off season needs to be athletes’ personal responsibility, not the teams’. There is something wrong with football in May, baseball in August, and

Illustration by Chris Lawson

basketball in September, and any other high school sport that seeks to overextend itself. As the off-season slowly erodes, so does a player’s patience and willingness to play. Take football as an example, which began holding training sessions (technically they were not mandatory) for the 2009 season last May. Theoretically, starting early would make the team closer, hone players’ skills, give coaches a chance to mold players, and make Borah an overall tougher opponent. Instead several of the most talented players quit the sport entirely, and one left for greener football pastures at another school. The varsity record is currently 0-4.

A sport that starts too early is bad enough in itself. That a sport starts too early with no benefits is even worse.

Not only do sports seasons that overstep seasonal boundaries sabotage themselves, but other sports teams as well. Many Borah athletes take their talent to more than one sport, and a never-ending season is not conducive to such schedules. A training regiment for one sport can force athletes to give up another.

The overlap of extra preseason training for one sport with the actual season of a different sport takes a toll on both sports, not to mention the player. If there is no transition period, no downtime between sports, but merely a change in which sport one is practicing for, everyone involved suffers. The solution is to stop encroaching upon the offseason. Put Aristotle’s golden mean back into use—start a month or so before games start— not three months, not two weeks. Let players come back fresh and ready to play. Instead of roping them in little by little, bring our athletes back in full force, and keep their appreciation of sports from wearing away.

OPINION

Volume 50 Issue i October 12, 2009

AP process not stringent enough

Difficult courses should be reserved for students who excel, not just anyone

By Ayla Washam

“I just hope more and more students will try AP classes,” Counselor Cary Cada said. Students who enroll in AP (advanced placement) courses exceed the credit requirements to graduate, not to pass with the help of the classmates. Not every student fits in an AP class. Although it’s great to have diverse characters in AP classes, some don’t belong in AP classes. It’s not acceptable to ride the trolley of success attached to the excelling students. AP classes are about individual success, not group success, although it sometimes applies to grades. “I’m proud of Borah for having so many kids try AP,” German and Accelerated sophomore English teacher Barbara Beautrow said. Some students cannot succeed without the help of their peers, and that’s not what being an AP student is all about. It shouldn’t set a student up for failure.

Every AP class is different and has different criteria to get in. AP math classes usually have pre-requisites. If a student doesn’t pass the pre-requisites, they can’t take the AP class. However, for AP English and science classes, a pre-requisite is not so hard to acquire. “I’m not interested in putting in requirements,” AP environmental science, environmental science, and horticulture teacher Darin Zarbnisky said. Students can enroll without anything stopping them. This open enrollment affects all of the students in the class. Partner/ group work can affect everyone in the group. Group work is graded as a whole, and, if just one person makes a mistake, it affects the entire group’s grade. A student that doesn’t care about his/her grade but is in AP can bring down someone else’s grade. What if a student’s regular partner for a lab is absent, a student ends up with a slacker of the AP world. AP Literature and senior English teacher Pam Atkins said, “We make

Illustration by Nick Parenti

sure people know what they are getting into.” Even then, a student shouldn’t be responsible for someone else’s decision. Students sometimes have a tendency of thinking higher of themselves than they can actually achieve. “I like it the way it is,” Cada said. The way the students look at their classmates and the way teachers look at students is completely different.

The students look at each other as colleagues, but teachers look at students as vessels thirsting for knowledge, whether they are receptive or not. Students should have an application process they go through before they can take AP classes. The classes then would be full of excelling students ready to learn, not hitchhike a ride on an academic trolley.

Late Start Wednesday schedule revamped By Mike Bingham

At the beginning of this year, Borah attached “Late Start Wednesdays” to its new weekly schedule. This program originally added an extra “Collaboration Period” to the start of every Wednesday by cutting roughly eight minutes off the first two periods. Teachers were to use the extra time to confer with each other on classroom issues or changes they’d like to make. For students, it was an extra 10 minutes of leeway to make it to class on time. While it sounded like a creative idea, the time wasn’t

being utilized in the most effective way possible. Borah has more than 70 teachers under its employ, and getting their collective input in a single period (let alone getting it in only half an hour) was definitely too daunting a task. Working out school issues takes lots of time; more time than was formerly allowed by the Late Start setup. Not only were the time constraints inconvenient, but zero hour was still in session while the meetings were going on, meaning that the teachers of those classes were completely excluded. Having the

meetings so early made planning beforehand difficult, as the teachers had less time to prepare their issues or suggestions. Luckily, these problems have already been recognized, and action taken. The schedule has recently been changed, putting the extra time into a longer lunch break, and having the collaboration meetings every two weeks. Not only will they take place during a later, less sluggish part of the day, it would give teachers a larger span in which issues can be addressed. Zero hour teachers are no longer left out, and a broader

range of opinions could be assessed their opinions can be included in the meetings. Some students may have enjoyed the previous arrangement because of the time cushion it afforded them before school, but it simply couldn’t benefit everyone. Zero hour students were still required to arrive at the everyday time, and they had little to gain from the 15 minutes or so before first period begins. An extended lunch period, however, will give everybody –teachers and students– an equal opportunity to relax and prepare for upcoming classes.

Borah Be

The borah senator

District appoints new administration By Ayla Washam

The fall of 2009 is upon

Borah and it brings three new administrators. Principal Bonita Hammer takes the place of Gregory Frederick, Vice Principal Bill McKitrick is the new Tim Standlee, and Kelly Fossceco replaces Dr. Chris Niebrand. Only Vice Principal Quane Kenyon remains from last year.

ammer came from a long line of schools. She taught in Missouri and North Carolina for five years and at North Jr. High for 14 years. She taught physical, earth, and life sciences.

Hammer

was assistant principal at Hillside Jr. High for four years, and a principal at East Jr. High for seven. After this, she has ended up at Borah High School. “I would like to stay here until I call it a day,” Hammer said.

Switching

from

junior

highs to high schools is a big leap for an administrator. “My kids went to Borah,” Hammer said. “It’s great to get reconnected.” She hopes to get to know the Borah population in her time here. “I expect surprises, I just hope they’re all good,” Hammer said.

ssistant Principal Kelly Fossceco has been in Idaho schools throughout her career. For 13 years she taught physical education and health in southern Idaho high schools, and seven years at Boise High. She was also a head volleyball coach at Boise High, with her highest ranking at third in state.

he plans to stay here “as long as they’ll have me.” Vice Principal Kenyon said, “Until the day she retires,” as he walked by.

Fossceco takes this experi-

ence as an opportunity to learn and grow and hopes to get to know the students at Borah.

Student store transforms into a club friendly fund raiser By Megan Mizuta

The Student Store provides a new place for clubs and groups, rather than sports teams, to raise money. The store is managed and maintained by the cheerleading squad and advisers, but staffed by 11 clubs and groups. Clubs and groups split the beverage revenue 50/50 with cheer, but otherwise keep all profits. Each club and group is responsible for purchasing, or-

dering, and receiving its own product. Store Manager and Business and Video Broadcasting teacher Brad Baumberger said, “Each club just has a little bit of management to do.” Baumberger also said each club and group has sold out of their products. Returning sellers include Student Council, FCCLA, Orchestra, and Debate, all of whom sell during Break. This year, the BEST program is selling popcorn on Fri-

cKitrick is a 1987 Borah graduate. McKitrick taught in cities outside of Boise for six years, and eight years at Les Bois Jr. High. He spent two years as an assistant principal there. McKitrick has taught Special Education and United Photo by Katie Corp States His- From left to right: Assistant Principal Kelly Fossceco, Principal Bonita Hammer, Vice Principal tory. Les Bois Bill McKitrick, and Vice Principal Quane Kenyon line up in front of the school they adminiswas home to trate in. Frederick and Standlee at enyon has been a vice his year’s seniors have one point or another, working principal here for three years, had Kenyon since their sophoalongside McKitrick. and has taught at Borah since more year, and Kenyon feels

McKitrick

said, “It’s great to be coming home.” He hopes that he is here to stay. “I expect to learn a lot--I already have.” days in the Student Store rather than in the hallway. The changes also come into play at lunchtime, when Political Science Club sells Wetzel’s pretzels on Mondays for $3, and Close-Up sells personal pizzas on Thursdays for $5. Like last year, Latino Leaders sell tacos on Tuesdays for $1, Link Leaders sell pork-fried rice on Wednesdays for $3.50 and Key Club sells empanadas for $3 on Fridays. The Student Store has stopped its sale of pop-tarts, candy, and chips to meet mandatory nutrition guidelines for public schools.

1988. He taught U.S. history to regular students and to “the hard to handle kids.” Kenyon said, “They were never really hard to handle, just great kids.”

proud that it is his first graduating class under his administration. “This is a great school. I have been here a long time, and have enjoyed every minute,” Kenyon concluded.

Breakfast, lunch prices rise in result of the economy

this year because of the economy and the price had not risen in three years. “They wanted to raise it last year, but they won’t raise it in the middle of the year.” Higher lunch prices are not the only item that changed this year; the kitchen is now serving around 560 students in 36 minutes instead of 45 minutes, making cleaning more challenging. “We scramble to clean up; with more kids eating it takes longer to clean. Also the school board changed the procedure we use to clean which takes about 24 minutes.” said Jensen.

By Katie Helm

With the down economy, prices of various things are going up, including lunch prices. “The School Board approved a raise of 25 cents for lunch and 5 cents for breakfast,” said head cook Jean Jensen. “It is now $1.50 for breakfast and $2.75 for lunch.” The School Board raised it

eginnings

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

New, simple fashion recycles its way back to Borah By Megan Mizuta

Sophomores bust hallway space, graduate at 96% By Megan Harrigfeld

Perhaps the single most indispensable item in the high schooler’s clothing arsenal is the sweatshirt. That being said, the sweater-wearing-rut is a hazard; avoid looking

“the sweater-wearing-rut is a hazard” like you wear the same outfit day in and day out by wearing the occasional cardigan. If you can’t relinquish the sweatshirt, opt for ones in solid colors: think Alexander Wang minimalism, and embellish with muted metallics— pale golds and brushed silvers.

While not always engineered with style in mind, the sporty mode of dressing nonetheless thrives at Borah. Perhaps created out of necessity (game-day uniforms, anyone?), the look strays into fashion territory when going

“the look strays into fashion territory” head-to-toe sport. The trend, or rather staple, in Borah’s case, is popular in the realm of Marc Jacobs and Lacoste; even Stella McCartney works with Adidas. Look to Nike gear in neon color schemes to satisfy light-bright-primary and 80s revival trends.

Graphics designed by Megan Mizuta

Tights (not leggings) are always welcome when fall arrives and have returned strong to both hallway and runway. Sparkle encrusted ones were on at the 2009 Ready-To-Wear Doo Ri show, while solidtoned hosiery in muted charcoals and moss greens can be spotted in the halls.

“Neglect not your hands and fingers, consider gloves” Neglect not your hands and fingers. Consider gloves—ruched— but stick to leather to avoid playground flashbacks. Make them pull double duty and try out elbow length or longer.

The 2009/2010 school year has brought a lot of new changes, but what it has most brought is a heck of a lot of sophomores. With 467 sophomores, 444 juniors, and 435 seniors, the sophomores outnumber the upperclassmen by over 20 students in each class. Some juniors and seniors seek different educational paths. With all the options open, between online schooling, and switching to private or alternative schools, some students choose to go a different way. “Borah’s over all goal is for students to start and finish here,” said Principal Bonita Hammer. Also, some students don’t finish at all. Every school has dropouts, and Borah is no exception. However, Borah’s 96 percent graduation rate is above Idaho’s average at 90 percent. Although there are more feeder junior high schools, some elementary boundary changes have an impact on the growing number of sophomores. Another change includes Hawthorne Elementary students who now go to South, and Borah feeder schools are almost exclusively West Junior High and South Jr. High. Growing populations at West and South are affecting the sophomore classes. Borah’s student population is 1,346 students, but is not its 1,800 students enrolled in the past.

Life

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

Get in touch with your inner-hippie By Megan Mizuta

The Hyde Park Street Fair is an annual staple of Boise’s North End. Billed as an opportunity to eat, drink, and shop with the neighborhood, the fair is in its thirtieth year as a fundraiser for the North End Neighborhood Association. Despite being titled ‘Street Fair’, the event was held at the more spacious Camel’s Back Park, located on 13th and Heron Streets. The fair ran from Sept. 18-20, and played host to vendors and performers. Senior Mary Shake, who has attended the fair for the last four years, said, “I really

like the vendors, you can get a lot of very cool stuff really cheaply.” Among products for sale were hemp jewelry, blown glass, and “upcycled” wallets (upcycling is recycling discarded items and making them into usable products). Several fortune-telling booths were also at the fair. Musical groups Built to Spill and Kamphire Collective, among others, preformed. This year, attendees were encouraged to take alternative transportation to Camel’s Back. By parking in the bicycle parking lot and getting a claim ticket, participants could enter a raffle to win a scooter.

Photo by Katie Corp

An ariel view of Camel’s Back Park at 13th street and Heron street shows the Hyde Park Street Fair alive in full throttle at the annual fall event.

Tramp stamp may affect labor pain options

By Megan Harrigfeld

The “tramp-stamp” or lower back tattoo has become more and more popular in today’s society. About 36 percent of people in the United States ages 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo. But certain anesthesiologists are refusing to give an epidural to a patient if there is a tattoo in the lumbar region. The theory behind this is that infection or damage to the mother can occur when injecting the epidural needle through the inked skin. Really, there have been very few studies to prove or dismiss this idea. A nurse working with an anesthesiologist at St. Luke’s Medical Center said the tat-

too is “completely irrelevant” A mother-to-be may also and “we put the needle take systemic painkillers like through tattoos all the time. narcotics to dull the pain, It’s totally sterile.” Other doc- although this method won’t tors state that if the tattoo is completely eliminate labor still “fresh” and covers a large pain. portion of the back, there can be risks. To avoid scars or disfigurement to the tattoo, some anesthesiologists will avoid the ink and simply place the injection above or below the tattoo. Most doctors are not going to deny pain relief to a woman going through delivery simply because of a lower back tattoo. Even if the anesthesiologist does believe the supPhoto from Google Images position, there are other Barbie sports a tramp stamp on ways to numb the pain of the new fiftieth anniversary model released in 2009. labor.

YouTube showcases students’ specialties By Felicia Arnold

“I’ve always loved singing, and have always wanted it to be more professional, so an easy way to do that was YouTube,” said Sophomore Paige Moren. Moren has been inspired to be a “YouTube star” ever since she can remember, and a way she got known throughout Borah was YouTube. YouTube has become a popular social network for teenagers. “Videos on YouTube are more popular than ‘MySpace video,’ and ‘Google,’” said Moren. Students use YouTube to show off their talents, from singing to pretty much anything.

“YouTube can give you inspiration, pretty much the ability to do anything from building a rocket, to ironing a shirt,” said junior Jordan Fife. “Most students who post things on YouTube are reminiscing and posting things they already know. It can benefit you in many ways and get you known throughout your community.” YouTube has gotten very popular at Borah, and a lot of people use it for updating their opinions, doing covers and for other social events. “A lot of people have gotten places from YouTube, and a lot haven’t. I want to be the one who gets somewhere from it,” said Moren.

A&E

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

New : Library adopts Student musicians tradition First Thursdays increase popularity By Felicia Arnold

“I want the Library to be busy, a place to create memories,” stated Librarian Jenn Boyd. First Thursdays in the library is a mimic of First Thursdays of Boise and highlights the staff ’s and students’ talents and interests. First Thursdays is every first Thursday of the month during lunch. The idea of First Thursdays is to celebrate Borah’s culture and inspire others to new opportunities. The very first ‘First Thursday’ was involved with Pat Rose’s Art and Ecology Club’s summer rafting trip and what it was all about. “I thought the library would be a good place to focus on these types of op-

portunities,” said Boyd. The upcoming events at First Thursdays are a silent ceramics auction from the Art and Eco club, and possibly a student-created film festival. “At first when we came to the library, it wasn’t very advertised, but as the time went on, more people came and we got really stoked that Mrs. Boyd came to us,” stated Rose. “The events are always unexpected; anyone can schedule events. Teachers can have guest speakers for the students, or the clubs can hold events,” said Boyd. A video announcement will be held every month to remind students to come on down to First Thursdays and learn

new things about Borah’s community. “Mrs. Boyd rocks. It’s awesome,” stated Rose. “Don’t read about First Thursdays, come to it,” stated Boyd.

Graphic by Nick Parenti

Art teachers Pat Rose and Jen Compton spoke at a recent First Thursday about their annual summer rafting trip.

Chamber orchestra returns with new string ensemble By Mike Bingham

Borah is taking its music program one step further this year with the return of its new Chamber Orchestra, an advanced string ensemble taught by orchestra director Stephanie Maughan. As a zero hour class, the chamber orchestra represents some of the most dedicated string players in the school. Students must show superior musical talent in an audition before they are accepted into the class. Though only eight students are currently enrolled,

their higher skill level allows them access to much more difficult music. They move from ordinary, high school level pieces to college grade material. Chamber Orchestra also takes a more professional stance than other string ensembles, as students are required to compile recordings of their various pieces for a winter CD that will be released for purchase here at Borah in November. Touring ideas have been discussed, and the members of the orchestra are encouraged to participate in extra-

curricular musical outlets to help them further their skills. Borah has been lacking a chamber orchestra since 2005 and was the only school in the district without one. With this new development, Borah is back into the levels of music that before only belonged to other schools. The chamber orchestra will perform at the same concerts as the rest of the string ensembles over the course of the year. They will, however play as an independent orchestra with its own style and music.

By Megan Harrigfeld

Local bands thrive from high school students who attend their shows. And Borah High School is a haven for musical talent to come together and form a band. Apple Horse is a band with two Borah alumni Ben Konkol and Alex Jo h n s t o n , and sophomore Bryan Konkol. The other musician is Trevor Schultz. Apple Horse shapes its music with simple rhythms put together to make an acoustic sound-scape. Band friend Logan Hyde described them as “Acoustic-indie with a little bit of folk, and catchy

pop [in the vocals],” an accurate depiction of their genre. Apple horse pulls inspiration from all around them, and it’s no mystery that Apple Horse as a band has a significant bond with nature. “Within everyone lies a deep spiritual urge to experience music in a primal way, and we’ve really tried to embody that in our latest music [projects],” said Ben Konkol On stage, Apple Horse inspires fans off their feet, and many sing along within them. Very high-energy shows and catchy songs help Apple Horse play Boise’s main venues almost every weekend. For a full concert schedule, visit www.myspace.com/ applehorsetheband.

“Within everyone lies a deep spiritual urge to experience music in a primal way,” -Ben Konkol of Applehorse

2 pairs of kittens need good homes! Kittens are free to a good home.

All four kittens are approx. 3 months old. Call Sheila at 322-4887 if interested.

One pair is female and they are gray/calico. The other pair is male and they are tan with white stripes.

Q&A

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

What song best describes your feelings about the beginning of the school year? “‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey.” Alex Hallett, senior

“‘High School Never Ends’ by Bowling For Soup.” Sam Kime, sophomore

“‘Good Riddance’ by Green Day.” Camille Smith, senior

Photos by Katie Helm “‘Float On’ by Modest Mouse.” Ben Ralstin, junior

Most Popular Songs: “Another Brick in The Wall” by Pink Floyd “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Greenday “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses “‘You Drive Me Crazy,’ by Britney Spears.” Alexa Black, junior

“‘A Country Boy Can Survive’ by Hank Williams Jr.” Alec Huskinson, sophomore

“‘Dead Memories’ by Slip Knot.” Nick Parsons, junior

“‘Hot For Teacher’ by Van Halen. Shane Norman Cox, sophomore

People

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

Timberline grad interns as counselor She enjoys pit bulls, surfing, and relaxing at the lake

By Hilary Platt

Being around her friendly and energetic vibe, Counselor Intern Jessica Roland makes it hard for anyone around her not to smile and laugh. Roland is from Boise and has lived here her entire life. She said she loves Boise and will most likely live here forever. A graduate from Timberline High School in 2002, she is going to Boise State and received her bachelor’s degree and criminal justice degree in

2006. She is now earning her masters in school counseling and will graduate in May. Her college program supervisor picked Borah for her and she is very glad she is a part of this school. “I love it here,” she said. “The staff is great and very collaborative.” In the future, Roland sees herself being a school counselor at a high school setting. She said she loves the age of the students and enjoys working with them. Her personal interests in-

clude dancing since she was little. She was a cheerleader in junior high and danced in studio in high school. Now she is on the Idaho Stampede dance team. “It’s fun and keeps me active and fit,” she said. Some other interests of hers are surfing and relaxing at the lake. Also, she has two pit bulls named Melvin and Lucy. She loves them so much and refers to them as her “babies.” Roland describes herself as a very caring and outgoing

person. She is a very easy person to talk to and get along with. People describe her as realistic but quirky and as someone who will talk to you about anything. Everyone in the office agrees that it’s nice to see a bright and happy face every Photo by Katie Helm morning. Jessica Rowland is the intern for the counselors.

Israel trip offers students a new perception In the morning, we got to ride camels and snorkel in the Red Sea. It was really surreal.” Lavelle were accepted by the Youth Lead program and spent 18 days in Israel, Jordan, and Washington D.C. last summer. The trip was sponsored by a grant from the Idaho Human Rights Education Center. Photo by Lydia Chen Eguez and Lavelle Senior Natalia Eguez played tourist in and several other students front of a building in Petra. from various Idaho high schools left the country. “This opportunity doesn’t By Katie Helm come up very often and I When an all expense paid wanted to learn and experitrip presented itself, seniors ence the culture,” said Eguez. The trip included sightNatalia Eguez and Maureen seeing in Israel, Jordan and Lavelle jumped at it. They filled out an applica- Petra, seminars about culture tion, wrote an essay and went and government, and learning to an interview. Eguez and about people and cultures.

“We met with people from both Jordan and Israel and discussed various topics such as wars and human rights,” Lavelle said. “It was really interesting.” “We took a 45- minute jeep ride into the middle of the Wadirum Desert [in Jordan] to a Bedouin tent to have tea one night,” said Lavelle. “Then we went to the campsite in the middle of the desert and spent the night there. In the morning, we got to ride camels and snorkel in the Red Sea. It was really surreal.” Eguez commented, “My favorite part of the entire trip was when we were in Petra and there was this merchant,

who instead of telling me about his merchandise, told me his life story.” W h e n the group went to Israel from Jordan, Photo by Natalia Eguez they rode a Senior Maureen Lavelle rode a camel this summer bus through in the Wadirum Desert. several harsh checkpoints. A dia doesn’t let us see the way man with a gun would get on things really are, and that you and order people not to move have to experience stuff on or say anything and he would your own before you judge search the bus. it,” Eguez commented. “When we got to Israel In October, Borah will everybody had this feeling of host two students from the tension,” Lavelle said Middle East, who will be tour“We learned that the me- ing Idaho.

Sports

Season starts slow, looks for rebound By Parker Simmons

It’s been a rough start to the Borah football season. With an 0-4 record, the team is looking for new ways to approach each game. A big part of the plan involves a new player from Hawaii, senior Cuso Coen, who is Coach Chester Grey’s nephew. How did he end up in Boise? Coen said, “It was my family’s choice to try something new.” Now that Coen has made

the move and spent some time here, the question is, how is life in Boise? “It’s definitely not my real home, but I’m adjusting and making it a positive experience,” Coen said. When asked what some of the differences are between high school football in Idaho and Hawaii, Coen said, “It can be more physical and intense in Hawaii, but here in Idaho, the heart and motivation to win is just the same.” The winless start has left each player with a lot of ques-

tions about the rest of the season. Senior wide receiver Tony Garey regarding team improvements said, “I feel team unity can be improved, and in the bigger picture, it’s all the little things that can and will be fixed.” Coen said, “We just have to start playing real football and we should be fine.” This is also Garey’s first year playing football for Borah. “I had a lot of motivation and pressure from friends

Road to the BCS

Broncos fight for a bcs bowl appearance By Parker Simmons

With the college football year well underway, the Boise State Broncos are once again in the hunt for a BCS Bowl game appearance. Their last and only appearance came three years ago in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma where they won, what some call the greatest college football game ever played. Last year, Utah was the non-BCS team that got in, and once again, the underdog won. They beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and completed their season undefeated. While Utah is not in a BCS conference, they are in a conference that is better and more respected than the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), the conference the Broncos are in. Consequently, if a team from the Mountain West goes undefeated, and the Broncos go undefeated, the team from the Mountain

West will most likely be chosen to play in a BCS bowl game over the Broncos. All the Broncos can do is win every game on their schedule. That’s all that matters, and that is the only thing that they can control. Without an undefeated season, nothing else matters. The BCS, which stands for the Bowl Championship Series, is a very controversial topic these days. It is a computer system that ranks teams according to three polls, the AP Poll, Coaches Poll, and the Harris Poll. The reason for the controversy is because some people feel a playoff would better determine the national champion. What it comes down to is that a team can’t decide their fate by winning. Winning is only half of the equation. The other half is some complicated computer system that supposedly chooses the correct two teams to play

in the national championship. Because Boise State is a non-BCS conference team, it is much harder to get into a BCS bowl game, let alone the national championship. Personally, I would like to see the NCAA switch to a playoff format. I feel like that gives every team, not just the Broncos, an equal opportunity to be national champions. While the Broncos’ schedule is not nearly as hard as other BCS teams, they have made moves to make it as hard as possible, for example playing the Oregon Ducks. Their hope is that at the end of the year, people will see that game as a big win and rank them higher, which would increase the likelihood of an appearance in a BCS bowl game. With an undefeated 5-0 record, and eight games to go, the Broncos are well on their way to another BCS bowl game appearance.

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

Photo by Megan Mizuta

Seniors Tony Garey, Justin Anchustegui, Cameron Hoitt, and Erik Diehl walk on the field at Boise State for the the Capital game.

and Coach Grey, so it actually was an easy choice to make,” Garey said. As a wide receiver, Garey has been catching balls thrown

by sophomore quarterback, Braden Corpus. “He’s a great player, he gets the job done, and is only going to get better and better,” Garey said.

Team starts year as state champs By Parker Simmons

The Ultimate Frisbee team enters the season as state champions. While that is the position they want to be in as a team, they realize what comes with being state champions. “We definitely have the target on our backs,” said coach Alex LaChance. Senior Bryce Heminger said, “We know that every team is going to go twice as hard against us so they can say they beat the state champions.” Many players prepared over the summer. “I participated in the Boise City League team and played in two tournaments they put on,” Heminger said. “It’s encouraging to see our players stay committed

over the summer because it’s a sport that you have to get out there and play as much as possible to get better,” LaChance said. The season isn’t until springtime, but LaChance hopes to see more schools playing. He said, “I’ve heard Woodriver and Centennial might have teams, plus all schools should have an A and B team.” This shows the growing popularity in the sport of Ultimate Frisbee among high school students. One concern this season could be the loss of seniors from last year’s championship team. LaChance said, “It’s definitely hard because of how much of a tight-knit and committed group they were. We’ll miss them.”

Sports

Volume 50 Issue i October 12, 2009

Wigle field hosts Borah soccer By Ayla Washam

Sports are taking leaps into the future and improvements this year. One huge leap is sharing the Wigle Field. Soccer now has a home field and can generate revenue for attendance and small concessions. Since baseball and soccer are in different seasons, they are able to share the field without a lot of conflict. “I don’t mind,” Borah’s baseball coach, Wes McAllaster, said, “they needed a home spot.” He was happy with the idea of the soccer department making money from the revenue brought in. McAllaster said that it doesn’t really affect the preseason practice, because on average the field has soccer games going on only two times per week. “We just throw the days the field isn’t being used,” McAllaster said. At the end of the soccer season, McAllaster said that the district will come and add fertilizer and prepare the area for baseball season. Mike Cummings, Borah’s new girls varsity coach and also a Borah

Photo by Katie Helm Home soccer games are now held at Wigle Field for the first time in 50 years.

alumnus, said that “It’s exciting every day” to be a soccer coach. He mentioned how the home field brings back the “support for campus,” Cummings said. The soccer team maintenance includes carrying the goals completely

Volleyball team reaches for state The varsity girls volleyball team has a record of 4-1, losing one game against Eagle High School. According to senior Hilary Platt, the team has been working hard and is determined to make it to district and state competitions. Platt also stated that their team’s new coach, Lindsey Yundt, has made a huge difference to the team. Yundt said her coaching philosophy is to train for the collegiate level by holding high expectations. Sophomore Jade Gray said that Yundt helps them achieve goals everyday in practice. After every practice, the team cheers “state” to remind themselves of what their goal is and how hard they need to work. Gray mentioned that the team plans to go “110 percent, 24/7.” She also said that the season is going great, and they will make improvements for a great finish. Platt also added, “Everyone can see that Borah varsity volleyball is the new team to beat.”

off the field and picking up any trash. Cummings said that the district lines the Wigle Field, and McAllaster takes care of most of the prep work for the field. “The girls will play anywhere,” Cummings said. He said that they

Cross-country team competes in largest ever Bob Firman Invitational This year the cross-country team has competed without on of its coaches, Coach Pamela Dietz, who is on maternity leave. On Sept. 26, the team faced the Bob Firman Invitational at Eagle Island State Park. Firman boasted its largest field of competitors ever with more than 2,900 entrants. Neither the boys or girls teams entered runners in the elite division; however the boys varsity team placed 15 of 31 teams, and the girls varsity took 24 of 27 teams. The junior varsity boys took ninth of 14, and junior varsity girls did not place. The team also traveled to the Oxford Classic (formerly the Puma Classic) in Bend Ore. On Oct. 10. Next up is the Boise City Meet in Anne Morrison Park Oct. 15, where the team will take on fellow treasure valley runners.

enjoy having an actual home field As for the visiting teams. Cummings feels that all the girls like the campus feel at the games. The girls soccer team also shares its game field with the boys soccer teams, therefore, Frank Church High School hosts their practices in a vacant field. Cummings has noticed that the turnouts for the girls’ soccer games have been “the parents especially, the guy soccer teams come out too.” With the revenue made Cummings said that they are able the purchase supplies like practice shirts, cones, and new jerseys. “It’s much better being on campus,” boys soccer coach, Steve Tipping, said. “It’s much more of a link to the school.” The crowds haven’t exactly changed, he described. The game against Boise High had more spectators than usual, but most games attract just the parents, he said. He agreed that charging admission helps with needed materials. He mentioned that sharing the baseball field hasn’t been a problem and McAllaster has been great with the field.

Cheerleaders attend summer camp, bring home awards

Some sports don’t end when school does; cheerleading is one such sport. The Borah cheer squad won several awards at a summer camp. The Universal Cheer Association (UCA) camp consisted of learning new routines, team stunts as well as bonding, and also some friendly competitions, many of which were won by the Borah squad. Awards included the Camp Champ award, first in Home Pom, Dance Championship, the Universal Cheerleaders, and the Spirit Stick. Many of the stunts and routines included cheers they learned from UCA. Senior Courtney Conner stated about the new squad, “At first, there was a lot of head butting, but now everyone is working together really well. The new coach is great and has brought a lot to the team.”

FUN & Games

In the last three years, Twitter has become more popular and can now be synched with Myspace and Facebook accounts. Twitter has inspired people to use more social networks. These The Twitter homepage, the gateway to “tweeting.” days, Twitter can be used from police investigations to emergencies. Some, however, would say it’s getting out of hand. “Social networks like Twitter are an attack on the art of communica tion. Plus they are a bunch of lying By Felicia Arnold bastards who wreck lives. People are “Twitter is a waste of time. Peo- just plain stupid,” stated Western ple don’t want to know if you’re ‘leav- Civilization and U.S. History teacher, ing your house,’” said junior Janelle Harold Brizee. Phillips. Twitter officials recently added It is a 140 -character sentence of a special tool to help members find what you are doing at the moment, “Trendy Topics to tweet about. These also known as a “tweet.” Profiles can topics were News, Spam, Pointless only be viewed by the people accepted Babble, Conversational, and Passin a person’s Twitter network. Along Value. Students are discovering Twitter “The idea of ‘personal’ is gone. everyday. “Myspace and Facebook are It’s all over the world on the Intercooler than Twitter; Twitter is point- net; Technology is at its worst,” stated less,” stated Natalie Haney, junior. Brizee. Aries (March 21-April 20) Co- jealousies between loved ones. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Exworkers and officials may this month offer previously denied permissions. pect friends to offer gentle expresNew employment applications will sions of affection and trust. After provide positive results. Search as mid-month a colleague may propose many outlets and sources as possible. a controversial solution to an ongoing Taurus (April 21-May 20) problem. Stay focused on small facts. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) This Early this month, a friend or lover may relive intense romantic memo- month, relations will have a cheerful ries. Do your best to encourage per- tone. Team co-operation will soon be sonal reflection and inward thought. an ongoing theme; watch for meanFind common ground and expect new ingful improvements. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sep. 22) Over agreements to be permanent. Gemini (May 21-June 21) the next few days friends may be more Study social promises this month. expressive than usual: expect fast progAlthough love and friendship are ress and slow moments of nostalgia. positive, confusion concerning times, Loved ones will search out emotional dates or planned events may be drain- intimacy and work to move relationing. Remain patient and expect minor ships forward.

Social networking may have gone too far this time

Volume 50 Issue I October 12, 2009

4 9 3

8 3 4

5 1

3 9 4 1

4 6

Directions: Each row, column and block must have number from 1 to 9 in them. No number can appear more than once in any row, column, or block. When the entire puzzle is filled, with all the rules above, then the puzzle is solved.

Libra (Sep. 23-Oct. 23) After mid-month new social interests are highlighted; expect a close friend or relative to offer unique proposals. Group activities will provide delightful distractions: accept all invitations. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Group messages will be fast and furious this month. Expect a sharp rise in gossip, romantic speculation and social information. A long period of emotional withdrawal is ending. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 20) Social withdrawal will, this month, be revealed to have been the right option. Expect positive gains and a new understanding between loved ones. Capricorn (Dec. 21-Jan. 20) Friends and colleagues will acknowl-

edge your unique contributions this month. Let others know their support has been highly valued. Older relatives may ask for detailed home or financial advice. Don’t disappoint. Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19) This month, a colleague may openly discuss a previous costly mistake. Don’t give it more energy than it deserves; rivals may be searching for weakness. Savor cozy moments with friends and family: all is well. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) Expect friends and co-workers to be distracted by gossip or emotional speculation. All of this is harmless, however, so avoid neglecting work routines or important projects.