The Tiger Print — November 2004

TIGER

the blue valley high

Readers respond to Tiger Print stories

Blogging sites like Xanga strike com puter screens

P R I N T

Issue 3 Vol. 34 Nov. 5, 2004

6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085 (913) 239-4946

Students respond to tragic situation with big

contribution$

Deb Elwood’s house burns; students provide support

Maneeza Iqbal Editor-in-Chief

S

tepping back in surprise, Deb Elwood, teacher to the hearing impaired, was shocked when she saw the check. She bent closer to make sure that what she saw was true.

When the Blue Valley community heard that Elwood’s home caught fire Sept. 7, they immediately jumped in to help. The Kansas Association for Youth Club held a carwash on Oct. 9 and donated the proceeds to Elwood. The KAY club raised $200 and the state KAY organization matched the sum. When KAY club officers gave Elwood the check on Oct. 21, the check amount was for $400.

“I was like ‘oh my gosh’,” Elwood said. “When I first heard about the carwash, I thought that it might be $50 or something.”

KAY club had a meeting the day before the carwash, originally, to plan what supplies to bring and where to meet. However, when treasurer Kyle Rogers told the other members about Elwood’s tragedy, they decided that they had to help.

“We didn’t design the car wash specially for [Elwood],” KAY president Lisa Skultety said.

“We wanted to give the money to a charity and we thought that Mrs. Elwood would be a good cause.”

“We do things for worthwhile causes,” KAY sponsor Kristin Asquith said. “It feels good to do something for someone closely connected to the school.”

Also, Student Council will sponsor a Penny Wars class competition in January; all the money raised will go to the Elwood family. STUCO planned to have the competition earlier in the

Elwood’s roof collapsed into the house after the fire spread to the roof. When Elwood was allowed to go back into the house, she said that she wasn’t stepping on the floor but a layer of ash. Left: The back door swings open leading into what is left of the kitchen. The Elwoods saw smoke coming from the roof through their kitchen window. Below: KAY club president Lisa Skultety presents Elwood with a $400 check. Photos courtesy of Deb Elwood and Kristin Asquith.

year; however, Elwood said she would benefit more from the money later in the year when she knew more what was needed, coordinator Adil Shabbir said.

“Penny Wars is the most competitive and the most successful class competition of the year,” senior Shabbir said.

“People still participated in [Penny Wars] before they knew where the money was going. Now they know and it might motivate them to donate more money.”

The Elwood family had homeowner’s insurance; however, the insurance did not cover everything. The money that the school raised will go toward buying clothes, linens, kitchen utensils, etc.

In the fire, the Elwoods lost almost everything, excluding some furniture and personal items that they grabbed before they evacuated the house.

“The BV community, the teachers, administrators and students are so giving. It’s overwhelming in a good way,” Elwood said. “I just want to tell everybody thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Fire destroys house; forces family out The fire started in the kitchen around 6 a.m.

The four members of the Elwood family were eating breakfast when Elwood’s son noticed smoke rolling off their roof. The family had some time to move the cars out of the garage and save some belongings. The fire fighters arrived at the house five minutes later. According to Elwood, she counted eight fire trucks on her street.

“It’s lucky that all of us were up and dressed at 6:20 in the morning,” Elwood said. “Usually, my son is still asleep. [Also,] I feel lucky that half the house survived because I know people whose house burnt to the ground.”

The fire caused intensive damage.

The attic caved into the lower levels of the house. According to Elwood, one bathroom had a fivefoot pile of debris that fell from the attic.

The Elwood family is currently living in a rental house that the insurance company provided for them. The family will live there until construction is finished, sometime during spring.

Get out and vote Even though few Blue Valley students were able to vote in the national election, many participated in other ways.

AP government classes conducted exit polls as actual voters left the high school and the America Decides class traveled to Stilwell and Stanley elementary schools to participate in the Kids Voting USA program.

Students also got to vote at this school though Kids Vote USA. Far left, sophomore Jeremiah Bradley makes his choices as Lynn Droegemueller, left, helps students wishing to participate in the program.

Those old enough to vote understand the responsibilites “I’m taking it pretty seriously,” senior Derek Huston said. “You shouldn’t take elections lightly.”

Fitzhugh suggests healthy choices Ray Merrick

Darrel Dougan

Jack Meyers

Front page edited by Kyle Rogers

Congratulations to election winners from Stilwell Senior countdown: days

2 NEWS Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal

Diversity council becomes more prominent at Blue Valley High Matt Galloway Staff Writer

A

meeting. She believes an improvement in members joining leads to an improvement in the understanding and knowledge of other cultures and areas.

“Right now we have about 10 to 15 people,” Reno said. “I expect the club to keep growing in numbers and eventually become a big part in students’ cultural education.”

The club is sponsored by

group of Blue Valley High School students with a noble cause have recently begun gathering to inform and appreciate other cultures in a landmark club making its BVHS debut this year.

For the first time in its history, BVHS students and sponsors have incorporated other parts of the world and different cultures into an independent group, the Diversity Council.

The club, which meets every The Diversity Council plans to bring other Tuesday UNITOWN to BV in the spring after school, is Unitown is a leadership workshop already at work getting new that teaches high school students members to join how to stand up to discrimination in on the activiTwenty students members of the ties.

Diversity Council and STUCO mem Last year, bers will attend UNITOWN at Blue g r a d u a t e Sameera Ali atValley North from Friday Nov tempted to start through Saturday Nov The the council. Acstudents who go to BVN will then cording to assiswork together to bring the work tant principal shop to BV Mark Dalton, they put information on the teacher Anna Toneva and Dalton, annoucements but no one came to the meetings. both of who agree with the council’s goals and missions.

However, this year there is an im“You know, we haven’t had a Diprovement. Diversity Council versity Council in the time I’ve President Kate Reno has seen a rise been here, so I am excited about it,” in both the interest and participaDalton said. “We’re developing tion in the council since its first

UNITOWN PROJECT

Diversity Council Members Kate Reno Sam Boyd Christine Hansen Andrea Hiesberger Eric Min Aneesa Iqbal Lynn Droegemueller Kelly Baker Maleeha Iqbal Chelsea Paxson Zhitao Luo Maneeza Iqbal Maria Ramos programming to teach school wide understanding about the different cultures.”

The council developed when Reno and other STUCO members decided to extend the diversity office into a more prominent school wide group.

“The club actually found itself,” Dalton said. “We’ve always had a diversity office in the student association, but Kate really developed the club. It’s the students who realized the importance of it.”

One of the projects the council is working on is a newsletter. Each month the council plans to put out a newsletter about one of the contitnents. The goal of the newsletter is to inform the student body about different parts of the world and cultures.

Speaking Briefly The Blue Valley counseling department will hold two more four-year planning nights for freshmen on Nov. 9 and 11 both at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the fixed forum. The sessions will be lead by counselor Jane McGraw. At the sessions, district graduation requirements, advanced placement options, Regents required cirriculum and other information about planning after high school will be discussed at the sessions.Parents should make an appointment in the counseling office with secretary Sue Benton if interested in attending the sessions.

The Kansas Association for Youth Services Club painted 45 pumpkins after school on Oct. 27. The pumpkins were delivered the next day to Menorah Hospital and Town Village Retirement Home.

The debate team will compete at Blue Valley West today and tomorrow. Last weekend the debate team was at Topeka West High School and at Olathe South High School where they won sweepstakes.

At the Topeka West Tournament Sarah Geoffrion and Ayushi Gupta took seventh place. At the Olathe South novice division Andy Beye and Alex Nichols placed third. In the varisty division: Christine Hansen and Andrea Hiesberger placed fourth and Greg Allen and KristinTrum placed first.

The child development class is making toy bags that will be given to children undergoing treatment at Children’s Mercy Hospital.

The class is receiving donations until Nov. 14.

Items that would be appreciated include Hot Wheels, Crayons, Coloring Books, Play Dough, Travel Games, small stuffed animals and bubbles.

Blood drive draws many students Senior Keaton Baker gets ready to doante blood at the Blood Drive on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

The Community Blood Center came to Blue Valley High School from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sixty-five students signed up to give blood that day; however, only 48 students were able to donate. The other students were deferred for different reasons.

“We had a good turnout,” coordinator Kate Reno said. “We had about the same number of people donate that we had second semester last year. More people doante second semseter because more juniors turn 17.”

According to Valerie Griff, Community Blood Center employee, the blood center has been low on blood during the summer. The Community Blood Center depends on donations from the high schools because they have a big community.

“We go to the high schools beacuse it is a big community service project for the school, which gets a lot of blood donations,” Griff said.

However the high schools have a disadvantage.

“Well there are a lot of first time donators who don’t eat breakfast or drink enough water and pass out,” Griff said.

“We do a lot to allay the fear factor.” Photo

by Autumn Fuller

NEWS 3 Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal

Seniors Zach Smith, Matt Crooks, juniors Laura Cline and Landon Boyter rehearse the scene in the play when Tom Joad, Tosin Morohunfola, returns from jail. The dinner is the first occasion that the family will have together since Tom’s was released from jail. Photo

by Shay Alford.

BRINGIN’ IT ALIVE The theater company puts mature play, ‘Grapes of Wrath,’ on Blue Valley stage arts center.

“I was working for a while and stuff wasn’t goEditor-in-Chief ing right,” Morohunfola said. “Then Mr. Schmidt reminded me that ‘Tom Joad is the role of a lifehere ain’t nothing left,” said Joad. “We had time. You better soak it up for what it’s worth.’ pretty nice tools. There ain’t nothing left.” He’s right; it is a role of a lifetime, especially in Thus reads page 52 of The Grapes of Wrath our theater company.”

by John Steinbeck. Thus speaks Tosin Playwright Frank Galati produced his adaptaMorohunfola as he realizes his tion of Steinbeck’s novel for the stage in 1991 family’s farm has been when Steppenwolf Theater Company of Chicago reduced to nothing. performed under Galati’s direction. The play has One major differalso been performed on Broadway and the Nats ily ence in the pre e tional Theater in London. e g lif ily fam sentation of r “It’s seldom attempted in high schools,” die y r e i e tt am h rector Dan Schmidt said. “Actually, it’s hardly be he f off t se th f the T ed u y of attempted by colleges. Theater departa k k a ec ments find it intimidating, but it’s really kic m b ot p ban the ar ld n the oad rns not. It’s wonderful drama.” f u J h u o co ns t om ret he Schmidt explained that he chose rat ck T f W inbe loa hen born role on the play because of the promio d es Ste th pa ily t W n p nent male roles and because of h a n o a ec e o fam to Gr John Wr plig s its tie to the curriculum. e y f m e : ho ns th urne By pes o es th nt “I wanted to tie in to

a t a kl a joi ir jo ia what [the English departGr stra igr m O e th liforn ment] teaches,” Schmidt illu the m s fro g the n It Ca said. “I try to pick fall plays that of rker urin ssio have some sort of relevance to history or wo ma d epre Joad to e literature.” ho eat D the uggl Previous plays have followed this same theme.

Gr lows s str nd a ’ Last year’s fall play Kindertransport focused on fol mily rk a the holocaust and next year’s performance AmFa d wo these ber Waves will be set on a Kansas farm and defin l i n e s pict people who live off the land. These fall plays lies in their are open audition performances; students don’t s t a g e . have to be in repertory theater or take an acting Steinbeck’s words class to try out. come off the page while “I’ve never taken acting at Blue Valley,” sophoMorohunfola speaks to a more Laura Friedlander said. “Last year I did fothousand viewers tonight and rensics. Acting is just something I enjoy doing.” tomorrow night at 7 in Blue Valley’s performing “The Broadway performance had full frontal

Kyle Rogers

T

W ild E xP ressions For All Your Thanksgiving Needs

Jan Maleta~15111 Metcalf Overland Park, KS 66223 Phone: 913-897-4230 www.wildexp.com

 for Turkiffic Thanksgiving Bouquete

nudity,” Schmidt said. “Obviously we can’t do that here. The ending is suggestive but tasteful.”

Opening last night, the play runs through Saturday. Tickets are $5 at the door.

At rehearsal, Ruthie, Annie Wade., looks on as Grandma Joad, senior Mandie Payton, says grace as Rev. Jim Casey says a prayer. Grandma Joad is a religious woman who believes that God will help the family. Photo by Shay Alford

Stridin’ Tigers hold winning record in hand Andrew Robinson In-Depth Editor

T

he Blue Valley Stridin’ Ti gers headed off to Lawerence, Kan for the Heart of America Marching Festival Oct. 23. The Stridin’ Tigers marched well earning a 5A first place finish. The color guard

earned second place over all.

At the first annual Husky Band Invitational on Oct. 30 at Blue Valley Northwest the Stridin’ Tigers found more success. After the preliminary competition, the Tigers captured first place in the purple division. In the evening’s finals the Stridin’ Tigers captured

awards for High Music, High General Effect as well as First Place overall.

Band students will audition for the KMEA district band in Baldwin, Kan on Nov. 13.

On Nov. 10 the Stridin’ Tigers will play at the grand opening of the Jones Store at Town Center Plaza.

4 OPINIONS Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Adam Lary

r o t di

e e h t o t s r e t t e L

In response: Students, teachers share their opinions

d in eare eir p p h at a ng t rs th e duri ou too e h t s, y bro r tim ur ker nd thei student ith yo e a B w e spe any t th ree er th bou oose to that m t disag consid escaa e l h De the f rtain o no artic ers c ty to ar the e broth quite ce ing. I d nsibili scribing e part o , s e r e Tig o s e n th ito ue th I am p i l o d s d a t n B t e w y E o r r r er r ted nt. Ho cern. s. B vado he e in nte ave a t t n e T i Pr o n Dea o e e i n h d to ra ass his pp on s quit Pr int o b u e c t u a e r g s s d o e . i y a m n y g y o s c d i a o e a m e , s d s l T o s s t e l w m n a r a o 7 h a o u t u r o t m 1 t f i n V t w ble nt .

I edi the lue avio gw ept. ings lies n is re, et ry ay S vacatio eir beh but, as to all B at imp ending drivin okay th nse of t I, a d i c. E thr r h h d s g h e , F t t l r t g l n s l e n h e l r d i o a u a d o e m e e nk tic ne an ter xp ives so “ar ng w sum aps, thi t the ar le is sen a man ivities g polic lfare) ar a grea have th res u t n o in e ic sin on it sp nd ticle ith m perh to prin the art Grant i their ac g, evad on’s we dertak taken t gh s f ” e l t t s n is the ct; t ike Ad any ow reed righ age tha ton and doning speedin hat per ould u was m a i h n t I e m s o n , a w a , s d we om s o e s g n y , e t c l t d e h I s o ’ rs t e L m rin fK fee . F es o , you ar hat fake onside as edito Obviou sh n’t k ire sc s bul cure ary er gi d a l is ree ou c p t y. , no ho l. H slu wr rls t n ys s i u t e o y o n n v l b y u e on dom o e d w o o w e t t d t m e t a s h u l n’t t et stu ithou ht th y com say do . H e (O ho h f l y e e a e m l hin of t th el lf ing esn e h ct. atte a Val unk (w thoug e Valle i o k f g h spe e a 8 f r e ’ e n u y t t l v s t Y es, cha ou him us. hat ev igh ech cla – D d p the uld ha o the B s e e p w i i A t n w s sch , ex wh ted I agr eron ere able nd e a n kn sifie rty D zza d I wo sibility oo pre l o t n e t d b l e t a o h a o h w e o eca do ler ssi ma le e p th s d at sp all nci nce l a u t n s a on g o n h b u el ing ny p ing rob at s th irl se ’t h s. It of u g). s, a , re so. a e h r l a o ’ o H e e l gre to e s s o e v m lik op u wo l th f w e m no of e m off w , e y t e l a s w s l r e r e t en ote gi hat elf- t ri ha he e m of p as thi k. rk er a Sinc beth Pa tment A say ad rop im ngs ab rls i tw res ght ving kes t ded j r a p u o a m z n w h o s. H i or fo b e nio ut e Eli a ar Dep in this girls ct. I r hi no se girl y rg e h th th tion. ture e un nce e i s m g t s c c h l i S as e th He . It nec rl e p ho did uar to f-re no e i d ’s ap ol.A at ant lab rig ngs id it kind ssar er? e e o n y, ht he i Ed Jus d ho ne d e you l n o b s f t a u a o s i t a w i d t t a inf d. ba n i gir or’s ck wou ce rin Th sres d Ad just off ld ge e gi pec am the pa ls ac note an on rls tfu rti t in : A w t d cip ou at B l m otal ay r A lu an ly b he ati napr dam me e V ner lew pre ng op L ric alle . H in riat ary an y a e m this the ely did r a r igh e n de lap at n’t ts. oth da scho me n a

Dreams of tortilla goodness unrealized Due to safety concerns, Blue Valley students can’t leave campus for lunch Adam Lary Opinion Editor

S

ometimes, some juicy meat, some tasty cheese and a full stomach are all a student wants. Wouldn’t that be a dream? Unfortunately, that dream of tortilla goodness cannot be realized. Leaving campus for lunch is not allowed.

“It’s not a bad idea,” principal Scott Bacon said, “but the biggest concern is safety.”

This is a legitimate concern. When you have large numbers of students coming and going, there is bound to be an accident or two.

The student desire for open lunches has been around for a while, but hasn’t really been an issue.

Until recently, there was nowhere to go.

But now, the situation is different. Five minutes up the road are plenty of places for students to eat, including McDonald’s, Jersey Boyz and Dairy Queen. Not only would students get something they want to eat, but open lunches would also be good for local businesses. Even if it were just for seniors, an extra 200 people going out and eating each day could be a big boost.

Besides safety, another concern the admin-

istration has is attendance. With all those students leaving for such a short lunch, will they be back on time? A simple solution would be to extend lunch by a few minutes. Why not eliminate third lunch to make extra time? Only a few teachers eat in that lunch anyway. Students could get back on time and everyone would be happy.

According to Bacon, in order to make open lunches possible, the idea would have to be presented to the Board of Education. They would then decide if it were a good or bad idea, and rule accordingly.

While the local trend locally seems to be the phasing out of open lunches, this privilege should be allowed. Solutions to these concerns exist. For example, only seniors with parent permission forms would be allowed to leave, but people with too many tardies would not.

This would keep the number of students participating down and also reduce the concern of tardies.

There are legitimate concerns about open lunches, but the benefit to students and local businesses would be great. Students should be able to have what they want for lunch, which usually doesn’t include mystery meat (which Chipotle certainly doesn’t).

ces

.

ool

n da to im nc es, ply jus tha t th t a ose ll

Revising attendance policy could cut fraud Nick Speed Staff Writer

A

new school policy is drawing complaints from stu dents and parents alike. The policy now being en forced states that a student upon returning from a “doctor’s appointment” has to show the attendance office a written note from the doctor. The note can also be from a parent or guardian.

It can be said that some parents don’t care and will lie for their kids to get out of school, but if they are willing to lie about a doctor’s appointment, they will probably be willing to write a note confirming it. This is the wrong way to go about erasing fraud.

Instead of trying to determine the difference between excused absences with notes and unexcused absences without notes, each student should get a set-in-stone number of days he or she can miss. Anything over this amount the student will receive a grade reduction in the missed classes. The student will be notified when they have missed the maximum amount of days and will know not to miss anymore. That teaches the students more responsibility and management of time, and no one has to worry about excusing or unexcusing absences. If the parent calls in, the kid gets out. If the kid has been out too many times, he might flunk out.

The school’s new attendance policy won’t stop the amount of skipping school; it will just make the kids and parents have to work harder. Obviously the administration is counting on the parents not to be willing to sign their name to a lie. Maybe we shouldn’t have to put them in that position.

OPINIONS 5 Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Adam Lary

SOUND OFF:

Stem cell research a difficult topic for students

“It could have pre vented unneces sary deaths like Christo pher Reeve’s people with cancer Parkinson’s and so on Despite what Republicans think I’m for it It’s just so wasteful not to use cells that are being thrown away when they could be used for research ”

“I am for it It could be incred ibly beneficial Just think about all of the people that could be saved who have alzheimers or other life threatening diseases It just doesn’t make sense why we aren’t saving lives when we could be ”

junior Angela Solomon

“Stem cell research kills embryos and that’s not right Even if it’s not an actual baby yet it still has poten tial and it shouldn’t be de stroyed I’m against any research that kills ”

senior Brandon Hermreck

senior Stacy Griffin photo poll compiled by Shay Alford

Controversial research could prove invaluable adult stem cells, somatic stem cells and embryonic stem cells. All can produce different types of cells, but Opinion Editor embryonic stem cells are thought to have the most ith the recent death of actor Christopher potential for curing diseases. Most scientists believe Reeve (Superman), new questions have that stem cells can be used to cure such diseases as arisen concerning stem cell research. The diabetes, cancer and Parkinson’s, along with spinal biggest question is ethics: should we destroy the po- cord and brain injuries. New tissue grown with stem tential for life in order to save the lives of others? A cells can repair damage and possibly cure these disgrowing number of supporters for stem cell research eases. Stem cells, for example, could have repaired the say yes. But many people think it should be restricted, damage to Reeve’s spinal cord and allowed him to if not outlawed. Frankly, I don’t understand why it is walk again. opposed.

The benefits of stem cell reThe potential for stem cells is enormous. search certainly outweigh the Imagine a cure for many of the diseases that “Knowing all the detriments. Stem cells can save affect millions of Americans. But people still benefits of stem cell lives if used properly. They can oppose the research. Why? Because to harmake life easier for millions of vest embryonic stem cells requires destroy- research it is hard Americans with diabetes or tising a fertilized human egg cell. In other to imagine why sue damage. However, due to words, it requires destroying a potential widespread opposition, it may people wouldn’t human life. This is where the ethical quesnever happen. President support it ” tion comes in; is the cure worth the cost?

George Bush limited federal Stem cells are cells recovered from emfunding on stem cell research bryos. The cells act like blank blueprints. to colonies of cells (called lines) According to scientists, stem cells can reproduce them- that existed on or before Aug. 9, 2001. At the time, selves and mature into any type of cell found in the only about 78 lines existed. When compared to the body. There are many kinds of stem cells, including hundreds of lines that exist in the human body, that is

Adam Lary

W

TIGER PRINT STAFF

nothing. With federal funding, stem cell research could live up to its potential.

Perhaps a better alternative to embryonic stem cells is somatic stem cells, often referred to as therapeutic cloning. Somatic cells come from an unfertilized egg cell, so it has no potential for life. The nucleus from the egg cell is removed and replaced with the nucleus of a cell from any other part of the body (eg., skin cell).

The cell is then stimulated with an electrical pulse and cultured. After a growth period, stem cells can be removed. There are about 400,000 unfertilized, unused eggs available in the U.S. at fertility clinics that would normally be thrown away. These eggs have no potential for life because they are not fertilized, so life is not being destroyed. A major benefit of somatic stem cells is that if they are taken from the same body, when reinserted there are no rejection reactions.

Knowing all the benefits of stem cell research, it is hard to imagine why people wouldn’t support it, especially when research continues to make advances.

Just last week, scientists discovered that stem cells could be recovered from fat cells. While the potential for these stem cells is unknown, there is definitely a large supply of fat for research in order to find out.

All types of stem cell research could make millions of lives easier.

Opinions Editor: Adam Lary

Artist: Garrett Griffin

Editors in Chief: Maneeza Iqbal, Kyle Rogers

Entertainment Editor: Kim Hieber

Staff Writers: Nick Speed, Matt Galloway, Emily Kuykendall

In-Depth Editor: Andrew Robinson

Features Editor: Michaela Cross

Photographers: Shay Alford, Kendra Kruse, Autumn Fuller, Emily Kuykendall

Sports Editors: Michael Johnson, Adil Shabbir

Photo Editor: Brandon Lutz

Adviser: Susan Agee

2004-2005

The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for the students, faculty and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed wihin this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District #229.

6 OPINIONS Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Adam Lary

Candidates need clean campaigns Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief

P

hew. It’s over. I’m 18, and election day has come and gone. Frankly, I’m glad. I voted, my candidate didn’t win, but that isn’t why I’m glad. I’m glad because the process is getting quite discouraging.

The negative ads are sickening and over simplification is disturbing. “Mr. Kerry voted against monetary aid for troops.” “President Bush didn’t lead an alliance into Iraq.” At the face, each of these statements is true, but upon further investigation, a very different picture appears.

According to the opposition, John Kerry supports partial birth abortions. Kerry is actually against partial birth abortions unless the mother’s life is in danger.

Democrats say the United States is in the Iraqi war alone. Unless you count the 30some countries fighting with us.

Why can’t the opposition recognize the times when unless is a necessary word and quit polarizing each issue. Disagreement in a democracy is necessary, but so is respect.

Sometimes I dream of the day I will be eligible to run for office. I dream of the positive, respectful ads I would use and the way I would discuss my own political views and not the downfalls of my opponent.

While thinking this, I realize many politicians once dreamt of the same things, but they now stoop to “everyone else’s” level. I am waiting for a presidential candidate to run a consistently clean campaign in which only his or her position is stressed over the faults of an opponent’s. I am waiting for someone to make “politician” a clean word.

I’m glad that Bush and Kerry don’t agree. If they did, why would we have had this election? But I have a dream for the future in which each candidate will be respected by democratic and republican children alike, in which each candidate will be secure enough to prove his or her own merits instead of downgrading the value of an opponent.

If Bush would have consistently said, “I respect John Kerry for his years of service to this country in the armed forces and senate, but I don’t agree with his view of America,” I would have voted for him. If Kerry would have consistently said, “I respect you, Mr. President, for the time in office and your efforts to protect and improve our country over the last four years, but I think I will do better,” I would have voted for him.

Since neither was willing to say it, I didn’t choose either.

Yes, I am 18. Yes, I voted. And yes, I voted for Ralph Nader. I may have wasted my vote, but I felt his lack of opponent bashing was commendable, so I chose the least of three evils in this presidential election.

Staff Editorial

Testing lacks consistency First semester seniors can’t opt out of finals

E

very student knows about endof-year senior finals and how seniors might not have to take them. If a senior is taking a class at the end of the year and has an 80 percent or higher and less than three unexcused absences, he can opt out of the final.

Whether or not one thinks the policy is fair, there is a catch for certain seniors.

The dreaded first semester finals don’t count.

If a senior is taking a semester class during the second semester, the student gets both the advantages of leaving

school three weeks early and opting out of the final. If a senior takes the exact same semester course first semester, he doesn’t have the choice to opt out and doesn’t leave the class three weeks early.

Where’s the consistency in this? While some seniors are getting extra privileges for taking a class later, others are suffering for taking classes early.

We realize life isn’t fair, but honestly, would it be so hard to change the policy to where seniors can also have the opportunity to opt out of first semester finals for semester classes? In addition,

seniors who take AP semester courses have to take an AP test at the end of the year. If a senior takes the class first semester, the student must wait before he can take the test. If the policy was changed to allow the senior to opt out of the first semester final, it would make life much easier on an already stressful senior year and equalize senior requirements.

There are certain holes in the senior policy that could be remedied by allowing seniors to opt out of first semester finals in at least semester courses.

Juniors, seniors battle for front row Adil Shabbir

Emily Kuykendall

Assistant Editor

E

very Friday when the stadium lights are glowing and the grills are blazing, the best fans in the state flock to see the defending state champion football team. The ebullient fans always make a special effort to cheer on their fellow classmates. However, every game (warm, cold, rain, shine, home or away) sparks a brawl between the juniors and seniors for the front row.

Although the junior class shows up sometimes hours before kick-off, the class of ’05 without a doubt deserves the front row.

Every year so far and every year to come, the seniors are in front. It’s just part of the BV tradition. The class of ’06 needs to learn the virtue of patience. They have all next year to do whatever they want with the front row. How rude it is of the junior class to try to break the one thing BV treasures most, tradition.

If the juniors still can’t learn to wait their turn, they should at least have the intelligence to put the loudest fans up front. It’s obvious from the recent class competitions, the senior class is by far the most spirited class. The seniors’ dominating performance in these spirit competitions has earned them the right to sit in the front row. It’s time for the juniors to grow up and learn how to lose.

It comes down to matter of respect. The seniors have only six more months left until their time at Blue Valley comes to an end. With this season being the last season for the senior class, the class of ‘05 has only a few opportunities left to cheer on the Tiger football team. One would think the juniors have the decency to step aside and let the seniors enjoy their last games as Tigers. One would think.

Staff Writer

B

efore the stadium lights are even on, a particular group of fans is already stationed in the bleacher, ready to cheer like crazy and watch the game. Who are they?

They are members of the junior class and some of the most spirited people in our school. These fans have a particular seating preference though, which happens to be the front row, which the seniors have claimed as their territory. This is where the conflict starts.

The seniors say that it’s their turn to have the front row now that they are at the “top” of the school. The juniors aren’t being disrespectful by standing there; they just don’t see the need to wait another year when they’re stepping up the spirit now. The junior fans have showed up hours early, gotten completely decked out in their Tiger gear, and have even stood in the pouring rain just to guarantee themselves that spot in the front. Those students are what you might call some hardcore fans. The seniors should be doing the same if they want their spot in the front instead of trying to push the juniors out of the row when they show up later. Some of the seniors don’t even cheer.

“The senior class has really weak fans. They’ll show up, but they don’t all cheer,” junior Patrick Cocherl said.

Now, there are some seniors who really do deserve the close up spot. They cheer and chant through the entire time and even manage to show up a little earlier than the rest of their class.

“The ones that do cheer should get front row privileges, but there aren’t very many. The juniors have the support of a lot of players and key seniors,” Cocherl said.

Some seniors even agree that juniors should able to sit in the front row.

“There’s never been a rule that says seniors have front row, and I hope there never is. The rule is first there gets the seat.

They’re the dedicated fans,” senior Ryan Wallace said.

The seniors are not the only ones who should get the closeup seat. Although it seems to be the traditional way to do things, it’s not fair to let those seniors who barely care about the game to take up a spot that could be filled by an extremelyspirited junior who comes to watch and cheer for what we should all be there for – the game.

FEATURES 7 Page Edited by Michaela Cross

Nov. 5, 2004

Don’t Cheat Your Date; Cheat Your Bank There are ways to have a good time with your date and not suffer from empty wallet syndrome afterward Michaela Cross Features Editor

B

etween homework, jobs, chores and extracurricular activities, it’s hard to find some free time for fun. Money is often short because teenagers either don’t have time for a job or money goes toward more important items like cars, clothes or college tuition. When it comes to the weekends, students often find empty wallets and pockets to be an inconvenience. But, now there are many fun ways to have a good time with a date and not break the bank.

Date Ideas For Free * Walk in the park – This doesn’t have to be cheesy; go to a playground and swing or find a beautiful path and walk and talk. It’s always nice to be alone and get to know each other instead of spending all the time in crowds. * In home movies – Invite him or her over for a night full of movies, popcorn and video game challenges. This is a fun way to make everything less tense and have a good time.

Senior Jay Vaglio and junior Krista Dunleavy enjoy some quality time together .A blockbuster card, which can rent any movie or video game, can provide a cheap date.

* Dinner with parents – Yes, this could end in a night full of utter humiliation; however, it doesn’t have to. The best plus is the parents have to pay and get to know the significant other.

Dates Ideas For Under $10 * Fast food – Okay, fast food doesn’t sound like the most romantic thing, but grabbing a couple burgers off McDonald’s dollar menu, followed by a cup of ice cream, can end up being a good time and a fun way to get to know each other. * The Mall – First of all, most girls love to go to the mall; there is so much to do. And, money doesn’t necessarily need to be involved.

There are cookies and smoothies and ice cream and french fries to snack on, if either is hungry; there is no need to spend money on a big meal just to spend time at the mall.

Date Ideas For Under $20 * Order a pizza – Order a pizza with toppings enjoyed by both and enjoy it in front of the TV while watching a movie or TV show. * Go to a movie – For $16 two people

can enjoy a new release, but don’t count on being able to get a lot of snacks because they can cost up to $5 for chips or two drinks. * Bowling – At Incred-A-Bowl two people can rent shoes and bowl two frames for just under $20. * Miniature Golf – Many places offer cheap rounds of golf. At Incred-ABowl it is just $10 for two people to golf one round, and this leaves a little bit of cash for a treat to share.

I am Thankful For...

“Having a crappy car and doing my own laundry. Too many people around here are given things too easily.”

–Kyle Rogers

“Lynard Skynard, Tommy Boy and Food.”

–Nick Speed

“My friends and family for keeping me entertained and down to earth.”

–Matt Galloway

“My friends who are there for me through everything.

I’d be a complete mess without them!”

–Emily Kuykendall

“Extra Strength Tylenol.”

–Adam Lary

“My dog who has a brain about the same size as a walnut. But, she’s cool, so that’s okay.”

–Garrett Griffin

“ESPN and Sportscenter.”

–Andrew Robinson

“My family and friends because without them I would not be who I am today.”

-Shay Alford

“My etch-a-sketch pen because if I’m bored in class I can draw with the etch-a-sketch.”

–Maneeza Iqbal

Going to see movies is a great way to have fun.

Photos by Autumn Fuller and Emily Kuykendall

From boys to family to TV, this staff has a lot to be thankful for this Holiday

“My family for pushing me to fulfill my dreams.”

–Autumn Fuller

“Infomercials! Without them I would have nothing to watch at two in the morning. Just set it and forget it.”

–Brandon Lutz

“My family, friends and TV. TV is life.”

–Michaela Cross

“Family.”

–Adil Shabbir

“Fruit snacks.”

–Brady Skjervem

“No Doz, Coffee and other ridiculously massive amounts of caffeine. Also, Kerry.”

–Michael Johnson

“Boys.”

–Kim Hieber

“My mom, my friends and my boyfriend Dane.”

–Kendra Kruse

“The day after deadlines.”

–Mrs. Agee

8 IN-DEPTH Page Edited by Andrew Robinson

Nov. 5, 2004

T A T S

.

S . fU r o % uffe g 1 1 s ly in y r r a a u e N ens m bia d o z citi a ph e. m fromr lifeti i the

Phobia factor affects daily life Michael Johnson Sports Editor

TOP

5

PHOBIAS

5. Acrophobia Fear of heights.

4. Claustrophobia Fear of being trapped in small spaces 3. Aerophobia Fear of swallowing air 2. Social Phobia Fear of being evaluated negatively in social situations.

1. Arachnophobia Fear of Spiders. *According to phobia-fear-release.com

S

ome people fear enclosed areas. Others fear spi ders. Others fear enclosed areas with spiders.

These common fears, or phobias, are seen daily; but the actual list of phobias is much broader than most realize.

Be warned. It’s hard to think some of these phobias actually exist (ironically, that’s a phobia in itself.

Phronemphobia is the fear of thinking). Nevertheless, almost everything around you could potentially relate to a phobia. Have you ever noticed the kid that sits to the right of you in physics class that just can’t sit still? Don’t be afraid of him. Unless, of course, you have dextrophobia, the fear of objects to the right of the body; but these fidgety people should get some sympathy. They may have thasophobia, the fear of sitting. Just try not to fear him, and tell him not to fear his chair so you both can learn something. Now that you’re both tuned into the physics teacher, watch for the kids that gasp when teacher John Holloway talks about gravity. Yes, there is a fear of gravity, and it’s called barophobia. Life must be hard for these people.

A Blue Valley student can actually relate to this one.

“Whenever pressure over the force of gravity is exerted on me, I go nuts,” sophomore Ryan Waldron said. “I can’t ride roller coasters.”

What about the people that don’t do their home-

work? They could have gnosiophobia, the fear of knowledge. The kid in the back popping caffeine pills must have hyphophobia, the fear of sleep, and the few students that somehow make it through physics class with a straight face could have geliophobia, the fear of laughter.

Now that the real-life situation is over, let’s explore some of the crazy phobias out there. Siderophobia is the fear of stars.

While most people don’t find dots in the night sky very intimidating, there is a select few that can be seen pummeling to the ground when they step out into a clear night sky. As proof that these unusual phobias do exist, a Blue Valley student confesses to his past fear of bathing.

Keep in mind that all of these can be true psychological conditions. The people that continuously choke for no apparent reason may not have asthma, but a true condition called aerophobia, the fear of swallowing air; but here’s the best one: hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the fear of long words. Make some sense of that one.

“Be warned It’s hard to think some of these phobias actually exist ”

“Elves creep me out It’s their high voice and pointy ears ” senior Danielle Billings

“I’m afraid of falling asleep and waking up in Neverland Ranch Really ” freshman Bumni Morohunfola

“I hate spiders They scare the heck out of me ” senior Ryan Kaman

“I’m afraid of clowns because they’re always happy now that is just impossible ” freshman Melanie Troutman

IN-DEPTH 9 Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Andrew Robinson

FAC T

The tha major ity t ha wom ve p of p hob eopl en. e ias are

H How Phobias Work

CAUSE EFFECT Maneeza Iqbal Editor-in-Chief

er heart starts pound ing. She can’t catch her breath. Senior Kelly Baker had to get away before her panic attack got worst.

What made her react like that?

She was helping her grandmother serve food at a party.

“I had to go to the back room so I could calm down,” Baker said. “I couldn’t take the orders, but I was fine giving people their food because I didn’t have to talk to them.”

Baker’s reaction is typical of those who have phobias. A phobia is an irrational fear of a situation or object. Phobias fall into two groups: social and specific. Baker has a social phobia.

“I don’t have panic attacks all the time,” Baker said. “It only happens in extreme conditions where I don’t know anyone or I’m not familiar with the

place.”

Social phobias vary from person to

person. Some people fear public places; others fear public humiliation.

Specific phobia is different - the person has an irrational fear of an object or place. A common specific phobia is a fear of animals. People who have this fear can’t be around, see or touch the animal without having a heightened physical reaction; the reactions vary in different people. Some people might just scream and cry, while others might experience a panic attack. Senior Derreck Mayer has a specific phobia of spider - arachnophobia.

“Every night before I go to sleep I check the ceiling and walls for spiders,” Mayer said. “If I find [a spider], I can’t sleep in the room that night.”

If Mayer finds a spider, he refuses to go into the room, avoiding the situation or has someone kill it for him. Usually, fears are bred from childhood experiences or inherited. In Mayer’s case, his phobia started in fourth grade.

“I saw the movie Arachnophobia and that same year I fell out of a tree and split my leg open and almost died of blood loss,” Mayer said. “I fear spiders because I associate them with the fall.”

There are cases where people have physically hurt themselves by running away from the phobia in order to avoid the animal. Yet, many psychologists believe that people can overcome their fears by de-conditioning.

Student deals with her own phobia Autumn Fuller Photographer

W

hen I was about 12 years old I went swimming for the very first time in the ocean. I knew there was seaweed in the water, but I never knew how much.

I didn’t have a life jacket on so my parents said I could only go up to my knees in the water. I was sitting down and I saw a huge wave coming. I got all excited because I thought it was going to be like the wave pool at Ocean’s of Fun. So I sat and waited. Then as it came closer I started to see things in the wave so I stood up and started running for shore. If you have ever tried to run in water it doesn’t really work. I thought I had made it far enough inland so the wave wouldn’t hit me, but as I turned around to check, the wave went right

over my head. It knocked me over and back into the ocean.

The wave was full of seaweed and a bunch of gross, green stuff. It went all over my body. As I went to stand up the seaweed held me down and prevented me from going anywhere. I was still only about knee deep in water but the wave made it deeper. I knew how to swim, but that didn’t help much when I started panicking. I started speed crawling back to shore until the water wasn’t touching me anymore, but I still had seaweed covering me and wrapped around my legs. I was crying and screaming for help and all my family did was sit there and laugh It soon became one of the scariest moments in my life and that’s how I got hydrophobia.

Yes, I am scared of water. I don’t think I would have it right now if my family didn’t torture me about it. My grandma lives on a lake and my cousin soon re-

alized that he could scare me with green moss that grows on it. He started throwing it at me and hanging it on me and so soon I was also scared of the lake because it reminded me of the sea.

Later that summer after the whole seaweed and lake incident, I was at another lake with my family that had those water trampoline things. It was about 300 yards out into the lake and I had a life jacket, so I swam out to some dinky little trampoline in the middle of the lake. I had a life jacket and everything and I thought, well, I can just chill out there and swim back really fast when I am ready to come back. Wrong. I was out there for about a half an hour and it was soon time to go. Well, I got scared and couldn’t swim back. My mom, my grandma, my Aunt and lots of strangers were yelling out to me and trying to calm me down so I could swim back.

After about three long hours a total

stranger had to come out and rescue me.

I jumped into the water almost right on top of him and got on his back. He had to doggy paddle all the way back.

After that, I was way too scared of lakes and oceans to attempt to put my swimsuit on and swim. Now I just sit on the beach in my clothes and watch everyone else. It got so bad that it took me a long time to get used to pools. I never go in the deep end and NEVER over a drain. I also have to keep my eyes open when I’m in the shower or bath, even if I get shampoo in them.

I have just had too many bad experiences with water and have heard too many horror stories about water that I just stay out and miss out on what everyone else calls fun. I’m still waiting for a way to get over my hydrophobia without having to get in the water, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon.

10FEATURES Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Michaela Cross

Cravin’ Some Worldly Attention Students vent daily issues, routines to world through online diaries People should keep life private Keepin’ life Pri-

s t e r c e os n h t i dw l r o w ieber sers It’s a llow u is a Kim H o T ? h se

Andrew Robinson In-Depth Editor

A

mong all the adolescent drama a new tool has been thrown in to the fire, Blogging. It’s like a personal newslet ter, places for people to vent, to celebrate and to plain com-

plain.

Most people add to their logs on a daily or bi-weekly basis, purpo ngs at will. T s s t I . usually adding things to their logs that most mothers and fay i r u ia th rio Dear D say random ilable on va f o thers wouldn’t even come close to approving. While they can n o a st rsi or to ju its and is av ury ve t s e n e be interesting, I could care less about how you outran the cops, v a i c l s t f a 1s a. led ne known fit , Xang : The 2 ir drama-fil ly many be e d g g e n skinny-dipped in the neighborhood pool or snuck out at 2 a.m. i s a g u p g o eb lo ng et ely the st wid rsonalized w ing of the sit o be about has surprisi o t n m last night.

I’d care if you were in third world country writing e e v e t th d l to journa Joeuser and p for a free p mat and wor use one gets ent e n i about your experiences, but I don’t want to hear the average l r , r n a u s c o o fe as Face you to sign p, pictures, f opular is be d at the dif h c Jane gripe about her life’s troubles.. u s p n o w r u es o websit websites allo ge the backd blogging is s s to look aro rsonality. . d Overall, it seems as if it is a negative plug on culture; it’s a e e r n r p se on ha These s their ral public to ore s can c rt of the reas resting for u w r e o s amazing how people can’t finish that night’s English paper, h s U e . m g a te en ally weblo sonalities. P update tries . It’s in ue and usu ies for the g n e e g but if you check their Web Log, well they just let you know v a e p r n e q r n r their p with his/he rson’s is uni an write ent nice. You ca number of e l be that they broke up with their boyfriend/girlfriend, who l e c i s d t e i p e s creativ cause every esigned, you date, which requir the site will o n they have a crush on now and what they had for breakfast, o s l , p e d a e blogs b our page is en you can u ry. There is or mor h t n m lunch and dinner and any other daily sobs. o o a y h c s m s ve ce ra ow Once s to lea m for limit t u feel it’s ne and hide fo r e o d Girls are often afraid of the threat of sexual predators, n a s e i ru gr There e a day if yo under a rock visitin ecomes a fo rds of r o f yet time and time again they include pictures, so much c l n n b o tio than o want to craw ack. s an op he blog then gement or w have i e r personal information you could write a biography, where b e u e h o t ra m nd yt so if y you co logging entr nice because rds of encou t opinions a n e they were last night, where they’ll be tonight as well as h w o b is sen there th each read. This r ntain w way to pre a o o f e c n their cell phone numbers. n r d o l e i y Und nt cou ia opt at the nother It would, though, be extremely interesting if teachers on wh n. A comme ople have a w med would nore n e h e t o ments it’s at p pini they a h t o t t n a r a l t h did web logs. Let’s take for example Principal Scott e a h t a t t l n e s r a g r ion gi perso ut it’s loggin for informat s just anothe b b , o Bacon’s.

His would probably go something like this: m t s i e g s It’ critic dvanta ch blog r television. or a r ns.

F a o . g i e s Had another staff meeting this morning, the coffee was s s n i s n t n o u o ca as res disc st inte tary. People newspapers rent re robably e o f f m i too dark; ah that’s all right, it will get better next week. I d e h w Th en sp of a fe throug er comm . That’ e s h a d s t a i n o u d had another student steal today, and when we called the m a a n e a c s A r e d b g. em new intless her people’s ybody’s blo has perd in th a. o n i p f parents they protected Johnny, telling me that Johnny s i y l t l i e o an ng ma of med that bloggi ading about ody to read he user if sh require m r would never do anything like that. I hope I never say o f t t y b e y r sa no tive in r cing an angerous fo ng sites do ose users r people ’t interested o e f something as crazy to a principal if my child ever gets s m i o i d S h ne n gg ly s. For t rivate so ple are ple, but no o be potential er page. Blo e o v l e e in trouble.

As for test scores, I’m still waiting to get p s , e p h eo d on hem some p s that it coul resented on pictures of t to make them it’s safe as r o them back, but when I do the students should rest asf e y tru fi es np ut n belie r informatio l or show an on the entri beneficial, b o sured that they will get a dozen donuts for every point m m o co na st on vanictures ything perso also an opti ging isn’t ju d p a l they scored over the national average, plus another a e n k ta so an log e is ant to l thing for o state do that, ther ven read it. B w t o s dozen for just trying hard. r h e s w u cia te r those benefi oose to ic can’ oo.

Lastly, you know blogging is a bad thing when here fo it, but it’s a t who ch eneral publ hem, t s i t t y i t jo d a g a n h e e e t r h d s t o i the Blue Valley School District’s Internet filter t n t a g a s a in th h gs t blogg and nobody om blo u r f o . l b n will not even let you access one of the most l a r e a g w le e it ol thin s to us use they can a h popular sites out there, Xanga. com. When the y The co d a o it. Nob to use it bec f o e district blocks it, it’s time for the world to block g t a t n ho wa ir e h t it. d those w ople an ns. a Lyki rent pe n e f a f i D d r t nts enio e abou Comme is Amazing,” s rn mor a e l n a a c nny,” “Xang se you retty fu u p a c e e r a b im.

Some ’s cool Xanga nior Esther K ntries. e k s n ’ i e h l t p e s “I ad peo alities,” n to re u f person s ’ t i l, d, wel nt. An a r o i t e st n.

“I like Katzen a c i s s e J junior itor nt Ed inme

ta Enter

B

V i e w P o i n t s

ENTERTAINMENT 11 Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Kim Hieber

Critics’ Corner Movie Review

Pizano’s is No Olive Garden New Italian Restaurant opens on Metcalf

Item

Kim Hieber Michaela Cross Features Editor

T

hink of a mix between Finding Nemo and Shrek and you have Sharktale.

The basis of the movie is a lowly fish finds a way to be famous.

It’s hilarious in parts, but most parts are only made funny by the fact that you know the actors that are playing the characters; if Robert DiNiro was not playing Don Lino, or Ziggy Marley was not playing Ernie, then a lot of the humor would have been dry. Overall, it was a funny movie and a good movie to see with your family. It won’t go down in movie history, but it is definitely worth seeing.

Music Review Brady Skjervem Staff Writer

G

reen Day’s new album American Idiot is a pretentious attempt at becoming political. It not only fails in the liberal area, but it also reinstates old riffs and ideas. Green Day’s three chord songs make a repetitive impact as your eardrums near the point of exploding. They shame themselves once again by copying melodies from themselves, to produce more generic, fabricated trash to bait 13-yer-old kids with. Green Day fails to make a stand by riding the pop tidal wave of liberalism.

Entertainment Editor

I

t’s new and it’s unique. Located on Metcalf Ave. and 135th street, Pizano’s Italian CafÊ is a satisfactory place to try if you really like Italian food.

It’s no Olive Garden though; that is for sure.

Take one step inside Pizano’s, and you’ll be faced with a nicely decorated Italian Pub. The place is very quaint and quiet, good for a week night meal. For those of you who prefer the busy atmosphere of Fazoli’s, this probably isn’t the place for you. Plus, you don’t get those free breadsticks.

This place isn’t a sit-down restaurant and its not a fast-food drive-thru; it’s a combination of the two. When you walk in, you order at the front counter like you do in Chipotle. After you place your order, you pay, and then you are handed a number to take to your table. You get your own drink, and then you choose a place to sit. When the food is prepared, the servers bring it out to you, which is nice.

The employees themselves are v e r y helpful a n d cheerful, but the service in itself isn’t the best q u a l i t y.

When I ate there, I got my food right away, while my friend’s order was lost,

Entertainment Editor

S

cary Movies: one of America’s biggest entertainment blockbusters.

For those of you who thought 2002’s horror film, The Ring, was frightening, you should go see The Grudge. Like The Ring, The Grudge is based off a Japanese movie. This movie will haunt you with its explicity detailed scenes and its chilling plot. With Sarah Michelle Gellar playing the lead, this movie is worth the $.8.50 ticket. For those of you who dislike horror films, do not see this movie. It is a must though for those of you who like a good scare.

ďœ¤

Classic Deli Sandwiches

ďœ¤

Kid’s Meals

ďœ¤

Side Orders

ďœ¤

Desserts

ďœ¤

Beverages

ďœ¤

not a positive sign for my first time visit.

If you don’t mind waiting the extra time however, the food is really very good.

One of the most positive things about this restaurant was its menu. It has a large variety of foods and desserts as well. You don’t find many places with that large of a variety, that aren’t sit-down restaurants.

But then there is the downside to the menu: the prices. If you’re a penny

*Located on

Metcalf Ave Overland Park Kan *Phone:

pincher, or you just don’t enjoy paying $10 for a simple sandwich and drink, this probably isn’t the place for you. The food is good, but it probably isn’t quite worth the price.

Overall, Pizano’s isn’t the worst restaurant I’ve ever been to and I’d recommend it to you if you want a nice place to eat for a night when you are on a date. The quiet atmosphere and pricey food will be very impressive on a date, but probably not so great for a regular night out with friends. For those of you who like to go out and eat with a big group of friends, I’d say stick to Fazoli’s.

Ren Fest 2004 makes its mark Sports Editor

Kim Hieber

Italian Hot Sandwiches

Fast Facts

Michael Johnson

Movie Review

Average Price

T

he 28th year of the Renaissance Festival has fulfilled its reputation as being the most random event in Kansas City history.

The festival can make for an entertaining weekend afternoon, but it’s hard to comprehend the logic behind celebrating an 18thcentury European art movement in the heart of Kansas City.

Perhaps the most bafflingly random event of the Renaissance Festival is the wedding process. Any couple that shows a Kansas marriage license one week before the wedding can be legally married on the festival grounds. The couple is pronounced husband and wife by an officiator dressed in a monk robe, and the “village� is then informed that a wedding has taken place in the “Queen’s Procession.� A couple must

be ridiculously attached to the European art revolution to want their wedding in the midst of a Renaissance Festival setting.

A positive aspect of the Renaissance weddings is that the newlyweds get free parking. This is good considering the honeymoon to Europe may be costly (that was an educated guess). On a serious note, the receptions only cost $400, which is relatively cheap compared to typical reception areas. This starting rate buys catering, rental, set-up, clean-up, service of buffet, all table coverings and place settings.

But if you look past the oddness of the themes and events of the festival, it is apparent that there is more behind it than mere randomness. After all, it’s been around since most of our parents were our age.

The festival has been a traditional part of Kansas City history for 28 years now. The 162 shops, over 500

Senior Andy Fine sword fights with a fellow actor in the Renaissance festival this fall. Fine had to take months of fencing lessons to be able to act at the festival. Photo courtesy of Andy Fine

costumed characters (one of which includes the actor and swordsman senior Andy Fine) and 13 stages for shows all contribute to the traditional aspect of the festival. “My favorite part of the festival has always been throwing Chinese stars at super-hard wooden targets,�

senior Kevin Lynch said. “It makes me feel like a ninja.�

Everyone can find something to do at the festival. It’s a perfect temporary hangout for any age group, but it’s still hard to argue against the idea that it is the most random celebration of history in Kansas City history.

12 ENTERTAINMENT Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Kim Hieber

Fat Boss takes blow at Trump

ABC fills ‘desperate’ time spot Kendra Kruse

Matt Galloway Staff Writer

A

nd you t h o u g h t Donald Trump was arrogant.

Think Andy Dick’s The Assistant meets Donald Trump’s The Apprentice and you’ve got FOX’s newest reality show, My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss.

The show spoofs the abundance of businessreality programming on television today by taking 12 young corporate entrepreneurs and putting them in frustrating and ridiculous situations.

Actor William August plays the arrogant boss “Mr. Todd” who is encouraged to be an overblown charicature of Trump: egotistical, selfcentered and flat out mean. In fact, the only thing Mr. Todd doesn’t spoof of Trump is his hair, but Donald’s pretty good at doing that himself.

August puts the headstrong contestants who dream of real business professions through tasks like fixing a paper jam while being pelted with paintballs. Just like real bosses, Mr. Todd has no problem abusing his employees.

The contestants themselves go through hell the

Show Good The Swan Nanny The O C

X

Joey

X

Wife Swap

X

The Rebel Billionaire The Biggest Loser

Bad X X

X X

entire season only to find out in the end it was an elaborate hoax. Perhaps the best part about the show is the real life emotions and career secondguessing the contestants experience in their first business world experience. Mean or not, it’s entertaining to watch 8year law school graduates think they’ve taken the wrong career path and have a mental breakdown on national televi-

sion.

My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss premieres this Sunday, Nov. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The show should be everything but “business as usual” from the network that brought us envelope pushers like The Littlest Groom and Temptation Island. It’s always good to take a shot at the big guys every once in a while to keep their egos in check, even if it is all in good fun.

U

Tribute to Christoper Reeves Adil Shabbir Assistant Editor

A

fter spending the last nine years of his life in a wheel chair as a quadriplegic, our “man of steel” and hero of spinal cord research, Christopher Reeve, has passed away. At the age of 52, Reeve suffered from complications with a bedsore and died on Oct.

Photographer

nless you’ve been living under a rock, then you’ve probably heard about ABC’s new hit television drama, Desperate Housewives. This show, though escapist entertainment, is one of the funniest, entertaining new shows of the season.

Though basically Sex and the City with dark humor, husbands and the suburbs, the main idea is the opposite of the city girls. These women are friends but they don’t tell each other their secrets.

If you haven’t caught it yet, this is the run-down. The narrator, Mary Alice Yo u n g ( B r e n d a Strong) shoots herself in the first episode and tells you the story as she sees it, while she’s watching her four friends and family.

Her four best friends, who are the main characters in the show, try to figure out why Mary Alice would kill herself.

Everyone thought her life was perfect, just like the girls assume that each others lives are just as good, but Mary Alice brings us into their real lives.

Felicity Hoffman, Eva Longoria , Teri Hatcher and Marcia Susan Mayer(Teri Cross star in the new hit television series, Desperate Hatcher) became a Housewives. Picture printed with permission from single mom after her www.abc.com husband started an affair with his secretary. Lynette Scavo(Felicity Huffman) quit her job to take care of her four unmanageable kids. Bree Van De Kamp(Marcia Cross) is a Martha Stewart on steroids. Her husband wants a divorce and they’re going to counseling. She struggles to keep her not-so-perfect life a secret while ex-model Gabrielle Solis(Eva Longoria) tries to hide her affair with the 17-year-old gardener. Her husband buys her everything, but the only thing she wants is true love.

The show plays every Sunday at 8 p.m. and just incase ou miss it, the same eisode plays the following Saturday night at 9 p.m.

10. His amazing career as Superman and his relentless efforts to advance spinal cord research will be missed.

Students and faculty will miss Reeve as well. “He had a lot of courage and will be missed,” said teacher Mr. Caldwell.

SPORTS 13 Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Michael Johnson

Like Father, Like Son Rampy, Snell share playing fields with their sons Nick Speed Staff Writer

H

ave you ever played a sport and complained about the coach to your parent? Well, what would happen if your parent was the coach?

This is the case for sophomores Zach Rampy and Morgan Snell.

“It really isn’t that different being coached by my dad,” Zach said of his father, head football coach Steve Rampy. “Sometimes if I do something wrong in practice I’ll hear about it at home, but overall it’s not really that different.”

Zach started at quarterback for the JV football team this year but has high hopes about the future.

“It’s going to be awesome playing quarterback next year. I am really looking forward to it,” Zach said. “But right now I am concentrating on this year.”

With coach Rampy’s 20-year career here at BV Zach has been a witness to some of the most exciting times to be a Tiger.

“The most excited I have ever seen my dad was probably either when we won state in ’98 or ’03. I was only three when we won state in ’91 so I don’t really remember it but I bet he was pretty excited then too.”

Morgan plays soccer under the direction of his dad, K. Dean Snell. They live

Above. Coach Steve Rampy shows his pride in his son Zach, next year’s quarterback, as they stand by the varsity locker rooms.Photo

by Emily Kuykendall.

Right. Coach K. Dean Snell and his son/defensive player, Morgan Snell, pose for the camera before their playoff game against Shawnee Heights.

Photo by Autumn Fuller.

THIRSTY?

Stop by Sonic FOR

A Route 44

Only 99 cents am to am Sonic Drive-In 8501 W. 151st Stanley, KS 66223

in the Olathe East district but Morgan decided to follow his dad to BV. “I really wanted to coach my older son but that never seemed to work out,” coach Snell said. “So I am really glad I get the chance to work with my younger son.”

“It’s pretty cool playing for my dad except one thing,” Morgan said. “He always checks up on my schoolwork, and being a teacher he can find out how I am doing really easily.”

Morgan is also excited about the future of his soccer career at BV and beyond.

“I think I will contribute leadership and commitment to the weight room for the next two years. I might even play soccer in college. I don’t know yet.”

Both of these athletes play for the coach but it’s a little different when they go home and know what their coach has for dinner.

Random Rampy Favorites Dad

:Movie: :Athlete: Fall :Season: Christmas :Holiday: Bull dog :Animal: Sports Center :TV show: German choc. cake :Food: True Grit Joe Montana

Son Rocky Mike Vick Fall Christmas Liger Overtime Taco Bell

14 SPORTS Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Michael Johnson

Muscle pills on the rise M

ost high school athletes will experiment with muscle-gaining supplements before they graduate. I can tell you that most of these pills and powders are overrated and rarely work as well as advertised, but some can be effective if they’re high-dollar prescriptions. If you’re looking for a way to enhance athletic performance, choose the right stuff. Here is a guide.

Creatine has the most hype at the moment. As far as I’ve seen, this muscle-building/ energy pill actually works. However, I do have my doubts if it’s the pill that actually builds the muscle, or if it’s more of a psychological effect.

Online directions say Michael Johnson that a person taking Sports Editor Creatine should work out harder than they usually do when not taking the pill. This makes me wonder if people just naturally work harder when on the medication just because they are mentally boosted by the idea, the harder

Pass the mike

How to... build a rec team All teams will play an eight game regular season and a single elimination post season tournament

I work, the more effect the pill will have. In this case, an increase in muscle will show even if the pill isn’t being taken. Nevertheless, Creatine is designed to provide more energy when muscles are worked to fatigue.

Protein is the safest, least expensive, and a sure-bet to increase muscle. It can be taken as a shake, a pill or by food intake. BCAA is an effective pill that promotes protein synthesis. It’s not uncommon for an athlete to gain 10 pounds in the first three to five weeks when taking this product. It increases testosterone levels after a workout that causes growth. Women, stay away from this one.

Xenical is a new weight control medication that uses a fat blocking mode of action that can supposedly result in 30 percent of dietary fat passing through the body undigested. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant and should be used in conjunction with an overall diet plan to lose weight. Research should be done before purchasing this medication, because complicated side effects can be involved.

This next pill really blows my mind. They are considered the “magic” weight loss pill, consisting of “all-natural” elements. FastTrim Magic Weight-Loss Pills contain all-natural blends derived from fruit, vegetables and grains. They have dietary oat-fiber, citrus and apple pectin, in real peach, prune and apricot bases. The formula is sweetened with fructose to provide extra energy. The fructose also suppresses appetite,, making losing weight easier.

The information here doesn’t even make a dent into the information available on athletic supplements. Just don’t get trapped into the promises of “miracle drugs,” that supposedly require no extra effort for effect; but also look our for drugs that require excessive work for effect, like creatine for example. If you’re serious about improving athletic performance with the use of a supplement, see a doctor for professional recommendations. Or, keep a simple philosophy in mind. You pay for what you get.

Calder Sagen

Junior

Sport: Soccer What’s your favorite part of the sport? Winning games Do you have any pre-game rituals? I don’t take my adderol and listen to my music What’s your reflection on the season? We did pretty well. We had some off games, but overall it was good.

The most memorable part of your season?

Beating Northwest at home.

Each team must have a registered head coach The head coach must be present at all games If the coach cannot make the game another parent of the players can substitute Mandatory coaches meeting on Wednesday Dec p m at the Blue valley Service Center ( W th Str )

Official team roster must be turned in by Dec

Team fee:  per team Registration locations: On line – Bluevalleyrec org Touchtone –

Walk In – Activity center West st Street in Overland Park Phone –

Compiled by Brady Skjervem

Acetyl L Carnitine Acidophilus ALA Alfalfa Amino Acids Andro Antioxidants Apple Pectin Artichoke Extract Aspartic Acid Avena Sativa Barberry BCAA Betaine Anhydrous Borage Bromelain Carbohydrates Carnosine Cayenne Chitosan

playerprofile

Games begin Sunday Jan and will be played on Sundays Mondays and Tuesdays The Season concludes mid March

Registration must include the team fee coaches application and team registration form

20 elements to healthy muscles

Natalie Dallman Junior

Sport: Tennis What’s your favorite part of the sport? Relief of winning a great match.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? I get hyper and spirited before I go on the court.

What’s your reflection of the season? We had some great younger leaders and we started a lot of traditions this year. It was a great first year for me because I played varsity.

The most memorable part of your season? I got to play Colleen Riley. She’s a machine!

SPORTS15 Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Adil Shabbir

Sports in Short Soccer Volleyball The BV volleyball team was knocked out of the state tournament by eventual state champions Bishop Miege on Oct. 23.

In their last quad of the season at Turner, the girls came away with a perfect record winning all three of their matches. The girls finished with a 8-27 record. “ This season was a lot of fun and next year we are really going to miss the seniors,” junior Amy Ster said.

The Tigers played in the state quarterfinal match against Shawnee Heights this past Tuesday to improve on last year’s 4th place finish; however, the results were not available by press.

They defeated Harmon 6-0 in the regional final last Thursday. Kyle Luetjen scored twice and Ricky Pinney, Sam Swirczynski, Austen Lucansky and Craig

Tennis Tennis The girls’ tennis team came out of their 5A regional with third place. The tournament which started at Gardner-Edgerton was postponed and moved to Kansas City Racquet Club due to inclement weather the following Tuesday. Freshman Courtney Kramer and sophomore Natalie Dallman posted wins in the singles side of the bracket. Both of the Tigers’ doubles teams also posted wins in the regional tournament.

As for next year, all the Tigers will return.

Football The Tigers take on the undefeated Eagles of Olathe North tonight at the Olathe District Activity Center in the first round of the 5A state playoffs. Olathe North has won seven out of the last eight state championships in the 6A class.

Last week the Tigers lost in the district championship to rival Blue Valley West, 24-21. Despite having 450 yards of offense, the Tigers couldn’t finish off the drives when it counted.

On Oct. 22 the Tigers faced and beat the Sumner Academy Sabres, 54-0. Junior Tywon Hubbard set a school record with five rushing touchdowns.

The score was 41-0 against Bishop Miege on Oct. 15.

Coming off two losses, the defense found their game and recorded the second shut out of the season.

CC

Girls’ golf

Scott McQuinn battles for possession against a Bishop Miege midfielder. The Tigers lost, 2-1, on Oct. 7. Photo by Autumn Fuller.

Junior Anna Fraizer finished in the upper half at the state tournament at St Andrews Golf Course on Oct, 18 and received all-EKL honors. The rest of the team finished its season placing 3rd at the regional tournament on Oct. 12 at Heritage Park.

“Our program is headed in the right direction,” coach Jim Laughlin said.

Cook each added one. Shutout went to Sean Kosednar and Nick Zabek, recording the fifth shut out of the season.

The Tigers also defeated Wyandotte, 7-0, on Oct. 26. Luetjen, Swirczynski, Lucansky, Pinney, Chris Lee, Andrew Parkman and Calder Sagen each had a goal.

Kosendar had eight saves.

Cross country experienced its most successful season in recent years with the boys taking 6th and the girls taking 10th at the state meet.

Amr Abu-Alnadi was the first Tiger to cross the finish line. Brandon Marcurella, Ben Loats, Brad Chinery and Patrick Cooley also scored points.

Devan Wiegers finished in 8th place to lead the girls.

The girls’ team totaled 227 points. Miege won the meet.

Each team qualified for state by taking third at the regional competition. The boys’ team took third at EKL with Brandon Marcuerella finishing 9th.

Rockhurst University far enough away to experience

LIFE ON YOUR OWN

Play like you’re in first. Train like you’re in second.

Velocity Sports Performance is where athletes of all ages and skill levels maximize their athletic potential. With the help of our degreed and certified coaches, you will actually experience the thrill of accelerated gains in speed, power and agility- the three pillars of athleticism. And you will do it all in our state-of-the-art facility. So, whether you’re trying to make the varsity team or take it to the next level, we promise we’ll help get you there. In fact, we guarantee it.

(but close enough to bring your laundry home) ■

A comprehensive university offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs taught by nationally recognized faculty

■

Consistently ranked among the top 15 universities in the Midwest

by U.S. News and World Report

■

Student satisfaction among the highest in the nation

■

Generous scholarships and financial aid Apply online for free at

www.rockhurst.edu/apply

Team Training As low as $10/session Small Group Training As low as $11/session High School Football Combine

A Rock Solid Foundation for a Rock Solid Future 816-501-4100 | www.rockhurst.edu

December 18th, 2004

GO TIGERS!

Bring in this ad and receive $150 off your training package CALL NOW FOR MORE DETAILS 913.451.8181

16 LIFE IN PICTURES Nov. 5, 2004

Page Edited by Brandon Lutz

...An

recap

The night of costumes a plenty...the 31st...Hallow’s Eve...it has many names. For many students, Halloween is that night to pig out on candy and just have an allaround good time. When not being engulfed in the many joys of Halloween, some students make time to go to the haunted houses, most located in downtown Kansas City. But now that Halloween is...dead, that means Thanksgiving is right around the corner, BV is already preparing for that ever-so-exciting turkey day.

Top left: Freshman Kaitlyn Lutz hands out candy to some of her neighbors on Halloween. Used for decorations and for food, these versatile vegetables were a hot commodity. Junior Kristy Robb, enrolled in practicum in child development, helps a third grader build a skeleton at a Halloween party at Cedar Hills Elementary. Photo by Casey Stewart.

Junior Aaron Ortbals dodges West players left and right to try to block a kick by West’s kicker, Ryan Copp.

Despite the Tigers’ efforts, BV lost, 2421. Senior Kaitlyn Davidson, a member of KAYS club, paints a pumpkin to deliver to hospital patients. KAYS is a club that is dedicated to giving back to the community. Photo by Autumn Fuller.

Junior Stephanie Allmon decorates her car before the big game against BV West. Many students chose to decorate their cars as a way to show their pride for their school.

Senior Morgan Robbins calls other seniors after school to invite them to a Halloween party she co-hosted with senior Erica Christian. “The party was awesome.” Robbins said. Hanging Halloween decorations, junior Nick Andrasik tapes a Looney Toons sticker to teacher Mike Johnston’s door. The Halloween spirit was easily noticed in many rooms throughout the school.