The Tiger Print — December 2005

Dec. 9, 2005 Vol. 35 Issue 4

tiger print

Tigers make trip to state, come away with disappointing loss, but a season to remember. More on pages 8-9.

Blue Valley High School

McDonald to run for Kansas State Board of Education

Former BVHS biology teacher tries politics against current representative John Bacon of Olathe. McDonald said he had several news editor goals, besides rewriting the new standards, ormer Blue Valley biology for the Board if elected. teacher and track coach “I believe that what the State Board of Harry McDonald recently Education should be doing is finding out announced his plans to run for what are the needs and priorities of local district three representative districts, and rather than dictating to them, of the Kansas State Board of they should work to provide the services Education next November. and resources necessary for local schools “I guess to put it in a nutshell, to accomplish their mission of educating I would hope to help change children,” McDonald said. the direction of the board back Local control of issues, except where to the education m a n d a t e d of children and otherwise by the not the promotion “[The State Board] should State Constitution, of personal ideology,” is an important work to provide the services issue to McDonald.

McDonald said.

McDonald decided to run and resources necessary for He believes for election because he does decisions should not like the direction the local schools.” be left in the hands current board is taking. As of local boards of a former biology teacher, education. he says he is passionate “I believe the about the evolution versus intelligent representative from district three should design debate, and he believes the issue is actually know what local superintendents indicative of the board’s problems. and boards of education think and value,” “They’re going to forge ahead no matter he said. what happens,” he said.

McDonald also pledges to support McDonald says he believes the standards adequate state funding of schools and to the board has recently adopted don’t remain in contact with all of the 21 districts represent good science. of district three.

“It’s less that what they put in is inherently To prepare for his campaign, McDonald objectionable, and more, it’s what they left has been organizing, putting together out and their motivation for leaving it out,” a steering committee, fundraising and he said. developing plans. Since he retired from BV, If elected, McDonald would move to rescind he has been consulting for the Southeast approval of the new science standards and Kansas Education Center. give the science writing committee a chance “I have been something of a resident expert to prepare a final draft—a chance the Board on professional learning communities,” did not grant.

McDonald said. “[The Board] should have listened to their McDonald also teaches a science class at committee of experts,” he said.

Webster University.

McDonald will run as a Republican

jessica katzenstein

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photo illustration by jessica katzenstein Former BVHS biology teacher Harry McDonald works in his office.

McDonald will be running for the State Board of Education as a Republican in the August elections. He hopes to help rescind the recent changes to Kansas science standards, as well as provide schools with the necessary funding.

Current issues facing State Board of Education

- New science standards

In a 6-4 vote on Nov. 8, 2005, the State Board of Education decided to include intelligent design in the science curriculum. It will be taught as an alternative idea to Darwin’s theory of evolution.

- Appointment of Bob Corkins

On Oct. 11, 2005, the Board appointed Bob Corkins as Education Commissioner. Corkins has no prior educational experience and worked against increased school funding while the director of two research organizations.

- Optional sex education standards

The Board is currently discussing sex education standards.

Some are discussing the possibility of the unit becoming optional for students.

And the crowd goes wild...

BVHS wins first annual Hy-Vee Spirit Competition griffin page

staff reporter

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ansas City area residents now know the school with the most spirit. Blue Valley won the Hy-Vee 41 Tracker Spirit Competition on Friday Nov. 11 against the Olathe North Eagles in the substate semifinals.

“We have great spirit and attendance,” athletic director Bob Whitehead said, “and now we get to show everybody else how spirited Blue Valley is.”

The Sky Tracker visits three different schools every week and judges the schools on the use of signs, the cheers and the overall spirit.

This is the first year of the competition. Two

representatives from Hy-Vee and Channel 41 did the judging. The administration awarded the students for their spirit with free pizza and a DJ at lunch.

“There is no school spirit like Blue Valley,” senior Pat Cocherl said. “We are first class.”

Hy-Vee awarded Blue Valley $100 for winning the competition. The rules of the competition state that the money must be awarded to a school club. The administration decided to award the money to the cheerleaders for all their hard work and spirit. The cheerleaders donated the prize money to the homeless.

“It is good to donate to other people,” sophomore Melissa Biagioli said. “They need it more than we do.”

emily kuykendall Senior Krista Dunleavy cheers for the Tigers at State in Emporia.

BVHS won Hy-Vee’s Spirit Competition on Friday Nov. 11 at the substate game against Olathe North. BV beat North 49-0.

2 news

December 9, 2005

Speaking Briefly Spring musical is The Will Rogers Follies

The Blue Valley Theater Department will present the spring musical, The Will Rogers Follies, Feb. 16-18. Mindy Moeller, Stefanie Wienecke, Maggie Haren, Jordan Foote, Tosin Morohunfola and Taylor Avazpour, among others, will be starring in the musical.

The musical is about the life of Will Rogers, a cowboy entertainer in the early 20th century. The musical follows his life from the beginning of his career at the Ziegfeld Follies to his death in a plane cash in 1935. The musical won a Tony Award in 1991 for best musical.

Tryouts were held Nov. 15-16, and callbacks were Nov. 17.

Fall play falls short

Defying expectations, the fall play, Tartuffe, won’t be going to the State Thespian Competition in Wichita, Kan. The play was judged during the Nov. 11 and 12 performances but did not receive enough points to qualify for the state competition.

Tartuffe is a French comedy by Molière about a family trying to get rid of a conman, Tartuffe. The owner of the house refuses to believe that Tartuffe is out to get his money and wife despite the rest of his family’s insistence that Tartuffe is.

Maggie Haren, Tosin Morohunfola, Eliza Smithson, Justin Prelogar, Brett Bolton, Jordan Foote, Annie Wade, Lauren Friedlander, Brandon Mikel, Stefanie Wienecke, Landon Boyter and Chris McGillivray starred in the play.

Some seniors graduate early to work, take JCCC classes griffin page

staff reporter

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enioritis is one of the many reasons why seniors graduate early. Some seniors get it so badly they choose to graduate after the first semester.

“Some are ready to graduate early,” counselor Sandy Fryer said. “We don’t want to stand in their way.”

Twenty-one seniors will graduate in December. This list includes Stephanie Allmon, Cory Backus, Ashley Basov, Keith Berg, Kristina Cassone, Christina Chen, Katherine Cummins, Matthew Davis, Courtney Glass, Alexandra Heeren, Candace Lucas, Kelsey Miller, Krista Myers, Monica Owens, Mindy Rawie, Victoria Robinson, Casey Stewart, Emily Taylor, Casie Temple, Kristen Tousley and Rachel Xiong.

Seniors choose to graduate early for many different reasons. Some choose to go to work right away to make money for college. Some students choose to

take a few classes at Johnson County Community College so they can earn some hours and try out the college life.

“I am taking 17 hours at JCCC,” senior Kelsey Miller said. “It is exciting, but it will also be hard.”

Seniors must prepare in advance for graduation. Seniors met with their counselors last spring to discuss graduation possibilities. Some students took summer classes to fit all the required credits in, while others didn’t take any study halls for four years so they would have all the necessary classes to graduate.

“I think they will miss the boat on electives and senior activities,” Fryer said. “But it is the individual’s choice.”

Many of these mid-year graduates can’t say that they won’t miss Blue Valley, though.

“I’ll miss the teachers because they will help you no matter what,” senior Kristina Cassone said.

BV renovates football stadium, adds field turf colin brown

staff reporter

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emily kuykendall Construction has begun on the BV District Football Stadium next to the BV parking lot. Renovations include the switch from natural grass to field turf.

any have noticed the 300 by 150-foot pile of dirt that used to be the Blue Valley District Stadium next to the BV parking lot. The grass that has seen over 300 football games during the last 35 years is being removed and replaced with what seems to be a trend: field turf.

Field turf is plastic grass with a rubbery material, much like shredded tire, beneath it. Each stadium costs about $750,000 to renovate.

The District Stadium isn’t the only field getting this transfer. The Blue Valley District Activity Complex is also getting the renovation, so playing on this surface will start becoming more common. In addition, BV North and West will both have a practice area made of the synthetic turf added to their campuses.

More and more colleges, NFL stadiums and now high schools are replacing grass with this surface. Many schools in central Kansas, like Derby, Maize and Salina Central, have already made the switch.

Tiger Fest sells 900 items, raises about $69,000 jessica katzenstein news editor

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lue Valley’s 2005 Tiger Fest fundraiser on Nov. 19 from 59 p.m. went above and beyond expectations, raising about $69,000.

About 425 people bid, between 400 and 500 people bought dinner and over 1,000 people attended.

“The fact that we had so many people was really special,” Tiger Fest Chairperson Lynne Brown said.

“Everyone was really surprised about the turnout.”

Over 900 items were auctioned off at the fundraiser.

“People would come to the door and just go ‘whoa,’” Brown said.

The jazz band, chamber singers and orchestra played at the event.

“I loved having it at the high school.

I loved that it was a Blue Valley family event,” Brown said. “This school has such a tremendous spirit.”

autmnn fuller Foreign language students serve desserts at Tiger Fest. Many French and Spanish students participated in the fundraiser.

Mike Slagle, Blue Valley District assistant to the superintendent, believes the change is necessary.

“We have some really nice facilities.

We just can’t use them very often because of the natural surface,” Slagle said. “Synthetic surfaces will allow us to use the field for whatever, whenever.”

Junior Trey Hobson is excited about the opportunity to play on this surface.

“You don’t have to worry about spraining an ankle on an uneven surface, and it’s more springy so you can run faster,” Hobson said.

However, there is a downside to playing on the rough surface.

“Don’t expect to come out of a game without rug burns and little black tire pieces everywhere in your clothes.

I was torn up after the state game,” senior Tywon Hubbard warned.

The state football game was played in Emporia at Welch Stadium, which has a turf surface.

The Tigers will continue to share this field with BV West, so there can’t be any decals on the turf.

The field is expected to be completed by the end of the school year.

opinions 3

December 9, 2005

Staff Editorial andrew robinson

editor-in-chief

“Rob”bed

Lunch ‘lines’ nonexistent Students push, shove for food; what does it mean to line up?

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Kids not allowed to be kids anymore Childhood seen as a time to learn not to play

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emember the good old days? The days filled Looney Tunes is on TV anymore. Now kid shows with Nickelodeon and Saturday morning are either computerized or consist of characters cartoons, Barbies and Legos, swings and that are questionably gay. Barbies are losing the tetherball at recess. Those were the days of our catfight against Bratz now because those dolls are just so much cooler. The skanky innocence, before we knew any look must be in right now for dolls. better about real life. We were Toys aren’t just to The thought of children brings carefree and careless, and we loved it. the words youth and innocence to Nowadays, young children don’t play with anymore; mind, but if you really look at what seem to have what we had. Sure they now toys have to still have some of the same toys and teach math skills or a they are surrounded by these days, it seems just the opposite. Why can’t pastimes, but everything just seems the media just let kids be kids and so much more “advanced.” Young foreign language. stop interfering with the fun kids girls now idolize Lindsey Lohan are supposed to be having with instead of the young Olsen twins.

Toys aren’t just to play with anymore; now toys have their pastimes? Is Spongebob gay? Is that doll to teach math skills or a foreign language, because skanky enough to be cool? Why should kids have that would just be unacceptable for a kid to playing to think about this kind of stuff? Let them have for the sake of having fun. Nothing like Rugrats or their innocence while they can still hold on to it.

Hassle of daily quizzes pays off Target tests help students get better grades adam lary

editor-in-chief

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s students file into their classrooms, some of them receive a daily quiz as they walk through the door.

While it may not seem like it now, these quizzes help students better understand the material and improve test scores. The bottom line? Quit complaining.

Physics teacher John Holloway performed an experiment of his own to test this idea. According to Holloway, he kept the same teaching style, covered the same material and taught at the same pace this year as compared to last year. The only difference is his implementation of “assessments for learning” (AFLs). Essentially, AFLs are short quizzes, not for

points, over the material that the class is currently covering. The results have been staggering.

Holloway keeps a detailed data record of the performance of his classes on tests. For example, in the 2004 school year, on a test over constant acceleration, only 70.6 percent of students passed.

The same test had an 87 percent pass rate this year, a gain of 16.4 percent. Also, there was a nine percent gain in the number of students who received an A on that test from last year. Holloway attributes these gains to AFLs. Many students also believe that daily quizzes help them improve scores. According to junior Jada Irish, her test scores have improved dramatically due to quizzes given

by Holloway. Just seeing the problems step by step, Irish says, is

very helpful. However, Holloway isn’t the only teacher that gives daily quizzes. Algebra teacher Greg Gehrig, science teacher Joe Whalen and many others also give these quizzes. Students should thank these teachers for furthering students’ education.

AFLs have another benefit.

Holloway believes that by analyzing the results of AFLs and their effects on test scores, he may be able to increase the pace of his teaching as well as cover more difficult material, thus better preparing students for college level physics and AP courses.

So next time you walk into class and are greeted with a pop quiz, don’t complain.

Instead, thank your teacher for helping you learn. You might even earn a few brownie points.

ith lines as straight as the stars of Bravo!’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, the lunchroom has become a sanctuary for impatience.

The world is made of lines that all rest on a giant plane. It just happens that in the lunchroom multiple lines intercept each other causing mass chaos during lunches. We seem to gripe more about the quality of food, and less wondering if Wolfgang Puck is the newest employee of the Blue Valley Nutritional Services.

Folks, it’s simple, we need to line up.

It is so elementary; yet, it seems so difficult. Lines truly are everywhere, and what if people treated lines the way we treat them. What if the grounds crew that paints the football field didn’t care where the end zones were or where the lines should be?

Another sports reference would be starting LINEups. They don’t call them starting blobs, or starting pushing and shoving over meals-ups do they? Rarely do teachers accept things not written on LINED paper because it is so sloppy without lines, and often times sloppy even with lines.

Line as it relates to us is defined as a course of progress of movement. We move; usually with the seniors making the most progress.

Which is fine.

However, maybe we could use a different word rather than line. How about lane. It is defined as a way or passage between walls, hedges or fences. An even better synonym for this would be “channel.” It is defined as a route of communication or access. I think I have hit the nail on the head.

There does need to be a time when we stop making channels and follow lines. The fact that Tigers can’t seem to line up bothers me. What do you do when you’re in line for tickets, do you just hop right up there?

Or for the restroom, do you see how many people you can fit in one stall, like you see how many hands you can put on one tray before grabbing it. If the health department saw that during the heart of flu season, they would be appalled.

So for all you in the four lunches, now is the time, you become one with the “channel,” and show a little warm fuzziness for each other because we all need to eat.

We also need to show “our lining” and what Blue Valley has taught us for years through their life-changing grade school instruction, patience.

“...now is the time you become one with the ‘channel,’ and show a little warm fuzziness for each other, because we all need to eat.”

aise R !

4 opinions

your VOICE

December 9, 2005

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

“Not to be an ‘xtreme’ loser.”- junior Robert Alexander

“To lose 40 pounds.”

-sophomore Andy Beye

“Not to procrastinate” -senior Courtney Rager

“To go to church more.”

-freshman Julia Boyes Compiled by Autumn Fuller

New Year’s Resolutions actually have purpose The more colleges students apply to, Tradition, self-improvement still useful for students

the higher their stress levels rise

matt killen

pplying to college — it’s a mind-numbing experience that cramps fingers and sparks fights with parents. Sometimes it feels like your entire future hinges on whether you can Wite-Out that unsightly pen blot on the personal information page. Sometimes you feel like ripping up those endless application forms and spitting on them. Sometimes you would rather just flip burgers at McDonald’s for the rest of your life.

So why do some seniors choose to apply to eight or more schools?

A notion that more schools applied to equals more schools accepted to may play a role.

However, the extra stress and cost are not worth the possibly wider range of choices when results come back in April.

For seniors applying out of state, the average number of colleges is three to four, according to head counselor Sandy Fryer. That’s about $35 a pop. At around seven forms (application, supplement, recommendations, school reports) per elite out-of-state college, that’s $105-$140 and 2127 forms in all. Crazy enough.

Senior John Liu is applying to eight colleges, mostly Ivy League schools. He was originally going to apply to 12. Why would he apply to so many?

“With more options, there is a better chance to get into at least one of them,” Liu said. “I used logic.”

He said he cut four colleges out because of stress and the number of required essays.

Senior Nazia Ali is applying to the University of Kansas. That’s it. She has already completed her application and been accepted.

“It feels good — I don’t have to worry about other colleges accepting me,” she said. “No worries.”

These are two extremes. On the one hand, applying to only a few colleges cramps your options, but it makes life easier. Too many gives more options but is expensive and basically guarantees stress.

Finally, and obviously, no results are guaranteed, no money-back coupons and no lost time exchanged for store credit. So, applying to tons of colleges is not worth the stress and cost.

promise to better one’s self; it is a big part of the holiday. What else do you relate New Year’s Eve to besides champagne ell, it’s that time of year again: the and Times Square? People like following leaves are falling, the temperature tradition; they can’t just stop doing is dropping, and the year is something they have done all their lives. coming to an end. That Secondly, people need means before long we’ll Top 3 BV Resolutions change. It potentially be making our New 1. Did not make a resolumakes them better. By Year’s resolutions, an creating a resolution, one tion ancient tradition that was gets rid of something started by Babylonians, 2. To get better grades bad about himself, and when people decided to 3. Eat less junk food that makes him better. change personal habits.

Even though most of Most people the time the resolution neglect their resolutions after a month, isn’t carried out, at least one is trying. at the most. So why bother? Believe Resolutions aren’t completely pointless. it or not, resolutions do have a point. They give people an opportunity to change, First, people like to follow tradition. and offer partygoers something to talk about.

Part of New Year’s Eve is making a staff reporter

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the staff

tiger 2005-06 print Blue Valley High School

Managing Editors: Adam Lary Andrew Robinson News Editor: Jessica Katzenstein

Entertainment Editor: Matt Galloway

Opinions Editor: Ellen Thomas Features Editor: Andrew Robinson

Photo Editor: Emily Kuykendall Artist: Garrett Griffin Adviser: Susan Agee

Sports Editors: Hank Driskell Frank Lasley

Staff Writers: Colin Brown Nina Humphrey Matt Killen Griffin Page Sara Ster Brooke Thurman Sarah Weaver Emily Kuykendall Photographers: Lindsey Hanson Autumn Fuller

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 within this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District #229.

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jessica katzenstein news editor

Top five colleges for BV students

1. Kansas University 2. Johnson County Community College 3. Kansas State University 4. University of Missouri 5. Pittsburg State University

opinions 5

December 9, 2005

There’s no place like home

speaking adamantly

Where’s the love?

More to do in Kansas than just bowling, shopping

brooke thurman

staff reporter

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riday nights at Wal-Mart. Weekends spent hunting. Okay, that may be what some of us do, but not all of us. Kansas isn’t just some farm state in the middle of the country. It is a place with a lot more excitement than most would think.

The first place I will start is Kansas City.

A majority of Kansas’ population is within Wyandotte, Johnson and Douglas counties so that’s where we begin. If you were to stay within our beloved Johnson County, (the 43rd richest county out of 3,312 in the U.S), you could go shopping at one of the best malls in the region, Oak Park, and go to another hot shopping stop, Town Center.

Friday nights don’t have to be spent bowling or at the movies. Sure, those things can be fun, but save them for Saturday night. Fridays are the time for football games during the fall and basketball games during the winter. Nothing is wrong with showing a little school spirit now and then. The best thing about game night isn’t just the game and the thrill after we win. It’s also the parties afterward and the hoards of

people at Sonic. However, this is just Johnson County.

Next we’ll venture into Wyandotte County, home of Village West. Village West is the growing new development that houses such shopping mega stores as Cabela’s and Nebraska Furniture Mart. It is even in the process of building Legends, a shopping mall and theater, which already is partially opened.

Village West is the site of the Kansas Speedway and the Kansas City T-Bones. It even has a little vacation spot that is not so far from home. Who needs Oceans of Fun when you have Great Wolf Lodge? It will give you year-round access to a water park.

A 30-minute drive from Village West gets you into Douglas County, home of the lively college town, Lawrence. When you are truly bored, Lawrence is the place to be. Whether you’re at a Kansas University basketball or football game, or chilling in the student union, it won’t matter.

Who cares if you’re not in college?

You could go a little further west and you’ll end up in Topeka or go south and run into Wichita.

As long as you’re doing something, Kansas just isn’t so boring.

The Great Kansas Debate {insert cricket chirp here}

Lack of entertainment leaves Kansas at the bottom of the wish list sara ster

staff reporter

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e are so blessed to live in proximity to the Kansas-Missouri border. When you have someone come into town from another state, where do you take them?

Dinner, lights, fountains and shopping on the Plaza? Or how about Crown Center to the Hallmark visitor center?

It’s great we use Missouri’s attractions, but aren’t you tired of that long silence after someone asks what there is to do in Kansas? But don’t worry, you can always brag about shopping at Cabela’s and about the road trip you took to Cawker City to see the world’s largest ball of sisal twine. After a while, it’s enough to make anyone tired of explaining why you were at Wal-Mart on a Saturday night.

I would like to point out that Kansas, aside

Life in the Check Lane

from being flat, is right in the middle of the United States. That fact alone removes surfing, snow skiing and beaches. Being flat, we don’t have any mountains and there are no large bodies of water. Yes, there is Hillsdale Lake, but be honest; is it categorized as an underwater forest or a lake? We are also lacking clubs and city lights.

Another luxury Kansas doesn’t have is public transportation. In other places it takes five minutes to hop on a train or subway and go into the city, but in Kansas it takes 20 minutes to get in a car and go anywhere. Even if Kansas did have public transportation, people don’t have anywhere to be transported to.

But hey, look on the bright side; you can always have fun at Skate City and Incred-aBowl with all your friends on the weekends. As I said before, let’s admit it folks. There is not much to do in Kansas.

garrett griffin

Student preaches respect, discretion adam lary

editor-in-chief

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omeday, I believe that I will keel over and die and that will be the rather unromantic end of me. No light at the end of the tunnel. But if I am to be remembered for one thing, I want it to be the fact that I was understanding of all people, regardless of their character or beliefs. I realize that I am no different than they are. I may not have the same values, but I stick to what I believe. But most people don’t have that same nature.

What I am trying to say is that we need to learn to respect one another. Everyone thinks his or her opinion is better than everyone else’s. Across the globe, we have the (insert religious text here)-thumpers who believe gay marriage is a sin, abortion should be illegal, stem cell research is wrong and everyone who doesn’t believe a particular group’s religion is going to a place where his or her soul will be tortured for all eternity. Why not just realize that your opinion is not the only one out there? The world doesn’t revolve around what you believe.

In my case, I believe in gay marriage. However, I respect the beliefs of those who don’t. I believe in a woman’s right to choose, but I can still see the other side of the argument. Stem cell research can save thousands, if not millions, of lives, but I understand why some are against it.

This seems simple. The one problem is that most people have a severe case of tunnel vision in which they can only see their own goals, a product of ignorance. Drill a hole in that tunnel and a light will come through. Whether that light is for good or ill does not matter. The point is that it is something different. Every hole weakens that tunnel of ignorance, breaking down the stereotypes and the social barriers, giving us a chance to make an educated decision rather than a blind guess.

This nation was founded on its right to choose. We have deviated from that path. Everyone is trying to force his or her beliefs on everyone else without regard to respect or discretion.

This is my last year here at BVHS, and if I leave one legacy, I hope that you all find it within yourselves to treat your peers with the respect and civility they deserve. You don’t have to like them, but you should love them as fellow human beings.

If you made it this far without turning the page in disgust, you probably agree with me. Pardon the cliché, but we are the future. Let’s start acting like it.

“The world doesn’t revolve around what you believe.”

6 features

STYLIN’

December 9, 2005

Boots, gloves, scarves, oh my!

Layering, sequins, destroyed jeans, all a warming trend during cold winter sarah weaver

staff reporter

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t is that time of year. Winter is here. Time to put on your puff jacket, tuck those jeans into your boots and grab your sequined purse.

Sequins are a fashionable trend this winter, as seen in Seventeen Magazine. You see sequins everywhere on purses, jeans, shoes, shirts and on sweaters. Fashion magazines say it is the new trend, but are quick to warn: do not over do it. May it be repeated, do not over do it.

Accessories can bring even a bad outfit to a new level in fashion. A great beaded necklace or big bracelet adds the right kind of flare to your winter wardrobe.

Winter accessories are one’s best friend when the weather outside is somewhat frightful. Hats, gloves, and scarves can be found pleasantly sitting on a shelf in the nearest Gap. “I love my scarves,” sophomore winter fanatic Lauren Callison said. “I try to limit my scarf wearing days” According to Callison, she owns about a dozen scarves. Some she even made her self. “Pretty much anywhere I see a scarf I try to pick it up if I have money.”

Monday morning comes a little earlier than hoped for most, and the decision of what to wear seems to be harder than usual. Why not pull on a great pair of destroyed jeans?

According to Vogue, embellished jeans are everywhere. Destroyed jeans are seen in stores all over the mall. Rips are becoming a pair of jean’s own accessory.

Goodbye flip-flops. The snow and cold makes it difficult to pull off a great pair of open-toed shoes, but thankfully boots are being established as a new trend.

Boots of all kinds are appearing in and under jean pant legs this winter. Fur boots, high-healed boots and cowboy boots made their way into closets all over. Cowboy boots are making an appearance in the December issue of Seventeen Magazine.

It seems to be freezing everywhere at this time of year, but wearing that big bulky coat to class is out of the question, but it is still cold in class. Layering has become quite a hot trend this season.

Wearing one shirt, why not two? Layering has become a trend in its self. This trend is one that makes sense for the cold weather. Layering not only looks great, but also is sensible for the cold winter months.

Too cool to layer? There is nothing wrong with pulling on a great sweater.

Sweaters of all types were also featured in Vogue.

Sweaters are another sensible clothing item for the cold winter months. They add a winter touch to your outfit.

Now stay warm, look cute and accessorize.

GOOD LUCK!

It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you celebrate after the game!

COME TO OUR NEW STORE Located at 135th and Metcalf for fun, friends and ice cream.

For a limited time...

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE! On any Ben & Jerry’s menu item

Coupon expires 01/30/2006

features 7

December 9, 2005

Holiday How To

Throw a holiday party sarah weaver

staff reporter

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olidays are a time to celebrate, and throwing a holiday party is a great way to let loose. When else can you wear that sweater Auntie May made for you last Christmas?

Here’s how you should go about hosting this great holiday soirée.

Setting: First, you need to decide on the perfect place. For a laid-back party, choose someone’s basement or large living room. Have enough tables for the food and drinks.

Invitations: Most people are very busy during the holiday season, so make sure they make time for your party. Invitations should be given out in advance and do not need to be cards—you can also invite people by word of mouth.

Now, bring the party to you by inviting those friends whom you cannot live (let

alone party) without. Don’t stress too much about not inviting what’s-theirname if so-and-so is coming, because no matter who comes, your guests will have a great time as long as good food is abundant.

Food: Finger foods, like sandwiches, always go over well. If you want to save some money, baked goods are just what your guests will want.

Decorations: Don’t forget festive decorations. Mistletoe is appropriate and might bring some entertainment.

Also, turn on some holiday music.

Strings of lights can work for lighting.

Turn the fireplace on for a bit of ambiance.

What do you get when you add a decorated location, plus people, festive treats and mistletoe? A perfect holiday party. Now, don’t let the stress of throwing an awesome holiday party stop you from having some holiday fun with your friends.

Senior Emily Reinhardt makes holiday cookie cutouts. This is one idea for party food; one can also try festive food, like anything peppermint, or readyto-bake chocolate chip cookies for quick and easy treats that every partygoer will love. emily kuykendall

Spend your free time wisely during long break brooke thurman

staff reporter

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his holiday season, there will be almost two weeks with nothing to do. If you’re going on vacation then this doesn’t exactly apply to you, but if you’re sitting at home and haven’t got a clue what to do, here are four suggested tasks that will show you how to spend your free time.

Task one: Set goals you want to accomplish, like cleaning your room. These don’t have to be elaborate or detailed, just basic and easy to achieve.

Task two: When you’re tired of your house, venture outside. If snow is on the ground, build a snowman or just roll through it. If it’s sunny, play football or sit outside with a good book or magazine and hot chocolate and just read. There’s no reason to stay cooped up in the house for two weeks.

Task three: Go on a mini vacation with your family.

Get your relatives together and take a day trip to somewhere like Snow Creek in Weston, Mo. Take the hour-long drive and spend the day skiing and snowboarding. If your family wants a night away, try Great Wolf Lodge in Wyandotte County. This water

park/hotel is perfect for a “getaway.”

Task four: If you receive some money as a gift, after-Christmas sales are the place to use that money.

Venture over to Oak Park Mall or Town Center and spend, spend, spend. Some of the best sales of the year are during the holiday season, so why not take advantage of it?

Finally, keep in mind that this is your free time.

Make adjustments that are more suited to your preferences. The only point is to not waste your time.

Don’t spend the whole day sleeping--well, at least not every day. Just get out of bed and do something.

Save money this season brooke thurman

staff reporter

O

garrett griffin cartoonist

h, the season of holiday shopping. It’s the one time of year when there is just so much to be excited about. Except for that one missing thing: money. There are many sales and many bargains when you’re shopping for gifts. Here are some ways that you can save money while shopping.

Idea one: Set a budget. This helps you know how much you can spend on each gift, and it also gives you an idea of how much money you will need to earn before you start shopping.

Idea two: Make gifts. Making gifts can show someone how much you really care. It expresses the true meaning of “it’s the thought that counts.” There are several things that would make good gifts. You could paint something already in your house and make it look new. You could also make a scrapbook or photo album for someone special. A lot of people have many pictures, but they are lying around their house in a jumbled mess. Ask to borrow them and then present your creation on the day of gift-giving. If you have a little background in knitting, then knit a

cute scarf. It may take a little effort, but if you really care, then you’ll spend the time making a gift.

Idea three: Write a heartfelt card. This idea goes along with idea two. Writing a genuine card can replace a gift. If you write it in a meaningful way, the person receiving it won’t even remember that he or she didn’t actually receive a present from you.

Idea four: Target and Wal-Mart. These are two of the best places to find cheap gifts. If you’re looking for a really cheap price, then Wal-Mart is your best bet. If you want something with a little better quality, then Target will work. The great thing about these places is that even if you can’t find something while you’re there, a $15 gift certificate can certainly take the place of a present.

Idea five: Give time. This last idea will cost no money. Offer to do something for someone that they haven’t had time to do. For relatives, clean their houses, paint, do yardwork or clean out that closet that they don’t want to even think about. Giving time can show that you care a lot more than giving a gift.

This season, shop and spend wisely.

Don’t get into a bind when money gets tight, and be just be thankful for everything that you receive.

A Season to Remember 8 in-depth

December 9, 2005

in-depth 9

December 9, 2005

11-2

Tigers go for fourth title; comeback falls short Penalties, key turnovers keep BV from championship colin brown

staff reporter

D

uring Thanksgiving Break the football team traveled to Emporia in search of their fourth state title; unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan. The Tigers lost a heartbreaker to Salina Central, 29-21, Saturday at Emporia State’s Welch Stadium On the opening drive, the darkside forced a turnover on downs and looked like they might hold the Mustangs star running back Jake Sharp in check. When the ball went to the Blue Valley offense, they opened with a promising drive to the Central 30-yard line, but were also forced to turn the ball over on downs.

Then the Jake Sharp show was unveiled as he scored on two consecutive Central drives; however, the Tigers answered both drives with touchdowns by Zach Rampy and Tywon Hubbard, but after a missed two point conversion by the Tigers and a successful 2 point try by the Mustangs, BV trailed 15-13 at the half.

Out of the gate Central poured on more rushing yards and more points, extending their lead to 29-13 in the third quarter. The Tigers fought back on a late quarter drive when what looked like a sure sack and a turnover on downs. Rampy scrambled back and forth and hit Colin Brown in stride as Brown was taken down at the

‘05 team leaves fans with memories W andrew robinson

editor-in-chief hat a journey.

What started in September with a convincing win over Manhattan and continued with an even more dominating performance against Gardner-Edgerton finished with a heartbreaking loss, 29-21, to Salina-Central in the State Championship.

This team was made of heart, they were made of desire and most importantly they never showed an ego. Eleven guys made plays on offense, 11 guys made plays on defense. This team set records; this team gave us memories.

While they didn’t win the state championship, their dominating performances week after week in the playoffs proved that they were one of the best teams ever to put on the black and gold, and even the new all-white unis that they sported on the road. With 4,689 yards of total offense they broke a record of 4,460 yards set in 2003. On defense they set the new school record for rushing yards allowed in nine games as they held their opponents to 531 yards during the stretch, a record that had been in place since 1987.

They were fun to watch, too. That shotgun formation would have Zach Rampy either handing it off to Tywon Hubbard, or keeping it or passing it. If he passed it, it meant he connected with one of the four most talented receivers in the state.

He could go to the speedy Stephen Blumhardt, the clutch Colin Brown, the jukey Trey Hobson or the dark horse of the receiving core, Kevin Allen, and they ran those quick slants like something out of a textbook that Steve Rampy had written.

The receiving core of Blumhardt, Brown, Hobson and Allen combined for 111 catches for 2,023 yards. Do a little bit more math and you’ll figure that the four of them combined for 43 percent of the Tiger’s total offensive production. It should also be noted that Rampy threw for 2074 yards on 125 completions and finished with 24 passing touchdowns. Hubbard and his gold shoes juked and duked for 1,359 yards on 231 carries for 20 touchdowns. Throw in the dominant offensive line and you have a well-oiled machine.

Defensively Cody Scribner was the man. How many times did the sound of him popping an opponent in the chest add to the ambiance of the Friday night experience as he made 157 tackles through the fall? Jacob Tupper showed poise, power and a fair amount of intimidation making 86 tackles. In the secondary we had the likes of Kyle Hoge, Nate Wiechmann, Trey Hobson, and the most poised and even-tempered man on the field Tyler Mikkelson. The fabfour finished with 11 interceptions; three of them were returned for touchdowns, including the memorable 103-yard return by Hoge at Miege.

Whether it was shutting out Blue Valley North or ruining St. Thomas Aquinas’ Homecoming, this team did it all. They had warmed the showers for Blue Valley West just as Rampy’s hand got hot, as he passed for 170 yards and three touchdowns against the Jags. They scored 40 or more in five straight games, culminating in setting the school record for best average points per game for a team with 34.9.

So as we reflect on the past three months, there is not much to say to this team except thank you.

Beat Bishop Miege 34-0 Beat Sumner 49-12 Beat Blue Valley West 41-13

matt killen

O

O

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CB-Tyler Mikkelson

guys watched Arrested Development on the way down to state, an hour and a half drive. They also tailgated before the game. “ Jon Teel’s dad made some of his famous BarB-Q,” Cocherl said.

The guys were also wound up for the game. “ When we got down there we all got Krunk,” Cocherl said, referring to his euphoric state of mind at the time.

Cocherl, who helps motivate fans at football -Patrick Cocherl games, has attended all but four football games in his high school career.

He was a member of the 2003 state championship team himself. Cocherl, however believes there is room for more spirit at BV. “ Well [spirit] varies; you’ve got the real hard core fans, and the pretenders that only come to important games,” he said.

“You’ve got the real hard core fans, and the pretenders that only come to the important games,”

O WR-Stephen Blumhardt

staff reporter V fans packed Emporia State’s Welch Stadium to watch their Tigers take on the Salina Central Mustangs for the Kansas 5A state championship last Saturday. A wide variety of Tigers showed up including teachers, parents, students and alumni crowding the ticket booths to see their regional champ Tigers fight for their second championship in three years. During these games Tiger fans are at the top of their gaame . “ When they started cheering when we were back in it, it was awesome,” head coach Steve Rampy said.

Seniors Patrick Cocherl, Jon Chinn, Jon Teel, Adam Blue and Robert Dercher all camped out before the game at Teel’s house. The next day they left at 9 a. m. and arrived before gates opened to the public. The

B

CB-Trey Hobson

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Key *First Team *Second Team

Beat Olathe North 49-0

Fans make journey, never stop believing

LT-Mason Haggerty DL-Jacob Tupper LG- Miles Jaben LB-Cody Scribner QB-Zach Rampy C-Hank Driskell LB-Ryan Heil RB-Tywon Hubbard DE-Tyler Hodges

XX

Punter-Cam Kaman

Beat Aquinas 41-7

Beat Paola 40-7

X

WR-Colin Brown

X

ALL-EKL HONORS

Commentary

The Road to Emporia

photo illustration by Andrew Robinson

three-yard line, setting up another Rampy touchdown.

The Tigers got the ball back with the eight point deficit unscathed and looked to mount yet another state championship comeback when Rampy toted the ball into the end zone for a potentially game tying touchdown with about three minutes to go in the game…until heartbroken Tiger fans looked on and saw a yellow flag as a questionable call for an illegal chop block called back the touchdown. The offense failed to find the end zone for the remainder of the game and the Tigers came up short.

Although the Tigers came up short in this state championship drive, head coach Steve Rampy said that this game didn’t diminish any of this year’s accomplishments “(The loss) doesn’t tarnish this season’s accomplishments at all,” he said. “We just made too many mistakes against a good team.”

The Tigers finished the 2005 season, 11-2, as substate, regional, district and sectional champions. The Tigers boast a large amount of the All-EKL team (see attached graphic) and left their mark setting school records for points per game and rushing yards allowed per game in the regular season. Zach Rampy also broke Geno Waters record for total yards in a season compiling 2,074 yards over 13 games.

emily kuykendall Senior Andrew Iliff and junior Alex Freeman watch as the Tigers attempt to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter. Numerous students cut the Thanksgiving holiday short to support the team in Emporia.

10 features

December 9, 2005

Winter Preparation

Through the sleet, snow and ice Prepare yourself, your car for winter weather andrew robinson

editor-in-chief

I

t is the heart of rush hour on Highway 69. Chilly temperatures force the already wet roads to glaze with ice. An hour later and only and eighth of a mile down the road, he runs out of gas; he is now stranded, cold and waiting for assistance.

While the snow and ice may give students a day off here and there, it can cause much more grief on the road. Making sure your automobile is adequately stocked and prepared for winter is very important.

Start with the interior. Put rubber mats down over the standard carpet rugs. Rubber mats are much easier to clean, and you will not have the slush and dirt from shoes ruining the rugs for months to come.

Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. The sand and dirt from the winter can get down in the blades and cause damage to the windshield. They should glide across your windshield with out making autumn fuller shrieking noises or have any resistance. To prepare yourself for the winter weather, you should be sure to have all of these items in your car in case of an They may be forced to break up ice and emergency : flashlight, ice scraper, sand and gravel, jumper cables, spare jacket, blanket, gloves and a cell phone. snow so they should be in tip-top shape and preferably new. Wiper blades The kit should include a flashlight, ice are inexpensive and can be bought scraper, sand and gravel in case you at any store that carries automotive get stuck, jumper cables, and a spare equipment. jacket as well as a Keep a decent blanket and work Kansas amount of air in your gloves. Also, make Roadside Assistance sure you have a cell tires. Check your automobile’s manual phone. As long as the Tow and Fix- 888-666-6523 to check to see the battery is charged recommended air any cell phone has pressure. Fill your The Auto Club- 1-800-369-5707 the capability to call wiper fluid and 911. make sure your *The Auto Club number also good in The weather outside battery is in good may be frightful, but Missouri shape, if there are there is no reason to any signs of erosion be afraid. If your car is the battery should properly winterized, be replaced. you will be prepared for anything this Roadandtravel.com recommends an winter season has to offer. emergency kit in case you are stranded.

entertainment 11

December 9, 2005

G &

ORE, UTS

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Disney founder Walt Disney sets the groundwork for his Mickey Mouse character. The lack of a Disney presence this holiday season is a large reason for the absence of family films. (courtesy of AP Images)

ATINGS

Absence of ‘G’ rated movies from holiday lineup proves to be family unfriendly theaters now is Chicken Little, which has rolled in the most money out of all the new releases, as of this week. The second most-seen movie for the weekend of Nov. 25-27 was Walk the Line, a movie about the controversial Johnny Cash. Although many enjoyed this movie, it isn’t exactly marketed to the younger audience.

One can look at the success of the new Harry Potter movie and the previous success of Chicken Little as a message to the movie industry. Isn’t it obvious that the two main moneymakers of the season are among the child-rated movies? Perhaps this statistic indicates that the primary age group of moviegoers is under the age required for entry into a PG-13 picture.

In addition to this statistic, the third sequence of the newest Harry Potter Movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is unexpectedly made for only 13 year-olds and older. The first two sequels of the Harry Potter movie productions were rated PG, for all age groups.

What will happen to future generations if all that is available is inappropriate material? The movie industry should not forget this massive movie-going audience.

The recent previews of 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ movie shows gritty images depicting the life of a lower-class hiphop artist.

With MTV’s audience and many blood thirsty eyes for violence, this should be another big hit on the box office.

We all are indeed, a little nostalgic about the good old Disney movies. The content that most theaters pedal is another frightening factor one must be aware of these days.

nina humphrey

staff reporter

D

uring the holidays, young families usually take a break from the school projects, PTO and soccer practices. Activities during the winter break involve keeping the kids entertained as well as spending time as an entire family.

One popular activity is watching movies. Every child and parent enjoys a Disney classic. But unf o r t u n a t e l y, these classic m o v i e favorites don’t replace going to the theater.

There appears Violent films, such as 50 Cent’s Get Rich or to be less of Die Tryin’ (above), have pushed the classic a selection holiday atmosphere at the movie theater this season out the door. (permission from IMDB.com) for families who want appropriate movies to watch with their children, and are still able to enjoy the creativity in it.

The most popular child-related movie that in

Pop Culture What is your favorite Muppet?

Ken Braden school officer

Erin Redhair senior

Kermit Gonzo

Upcoming movie releases and their ratings Dec. 9 - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - PG Dec. 14 - King Kong - PG-13 Dec. 14 - The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada - R Dec. 16 - The Family Stone - PG-13 Dec. 21 - Cheaper by the Dozen 2 - PG Dec. 21 - Fun with Dick and Jane - PG-13 Dec. 23 - The Ringer - PG-13 Dec. 25 - Rumor Has It - PG-13

GRID ...for the very first time

What channel do you watch the most?

What is your favorite Madonna song?

Britney Spears is...

Last comic book you read?

Guilty pleasure television show?

“Like a Virgin”

Trash

Superman

Being Bobby Brown

TNT

“Like a Virgin”

A cow!

Calvin & Hobbes

Nip/Tuck

Disney/ESPN

Madeline Bailey

Kermit

Style Network

“Hung Up”

Trashy

None

The O.C.

Brooks Quarles

Kermit

ESPN

I don’t know

White trash

Never have

Power Rangers

Gonzo

ESPN

“Hung Up”

Bad

Batman Adventures

History Channel (programs)

junior

sophomore

Mike Lodes freshman

12 entertainment

December 9, 2005

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Radio remixes

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matt galloway

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t appears as if we finally know what killed the radio star.

Corporate interests have driven a stake into two of Kansas City’s most popular radio stations, effectively taking them off of the radio airwaves permanently. 97.3 The Planet and Z 95.7 have both been drastically shaken by similar moves that can only be described as a facelift for each station. The Planet becomes Max FM; Z becomes The Vibe.

It is unquestionable that each station had a fan base, but one question remains: which fans got the better end of the deal?

97.3, which is still owned and run by Union Broadcasting, broadened its horizons with the station switch early this fall.

“We felt the constant positive feedback from you, our listeners, and the overwhelming support our advertisers received indicated a broader audience,” Union Broadcasting management said in its press release. “But unfortunately, that was impossible to quantify. Our locally owned company could simply no longer afford the small revenues associated with the low ratings.”

The Planet was known for its classic alternative music, often playing easy listening groups such as Coldplay and others like Jimi Hendrix. Max FM boasts their library of five decades of music. There are no musical boundaries on Max FM. Although The Planet is still being telecast commercial free via Internet stream, the new 97.3 on the dial will take quite a bit of getting used to. One would never hear Bon Jovi, Foreigner or Boston on The Planet. Those additions aren’t strong. If an audience wanted their Bon Jovi fix, there are plenty of stations already polluting the radio with his act.

On Nov. 3, KCHZ became the Urbaninfluenced Vibe after two days of fooling their audience into believing 95.7 was now a sound effects station. In retrospect, even that idea sounds better than what they’re currently broadcasting.

Lame DJs, repetitive music and a onedimensional product all are descriptive of the current Vibe product. The morning show is hosted by generically named Shorty, whose voice is about as grating as nails on a chalkboard in the middle of a busy intersection.

As far as their repetitiveness goes, on Nov. 4 they played three Mariah Carey songs in a one-hour period. Just try to shake that off. The genre of music isn’t particularly bad, but the incompetent disc jockey’s selection is worse than bad.

This is a major downgrade for all Z 95.7 fans, if there are any left. The station has alienated its audience for years with their multiple genre changes. It wouldn’t be shocking to see The Vibe crash and burn worse than Z in half the time.

So which audience got the better of the changes? Following all of the ripping on Vibe, the answer may surprise you.

While 97.3 may have improved in music, its audience will not be able to adjust to the hard alternative and classic rock shift that the brand is taking. Despite all of the problems Vibe is inflicting on itself, there is no question that they have changed the least, and that is great news for those crazy Mariah fans that just can’t get enough.

(p er m

entertainment editor

Evolution of Harry Potter Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire release fully displays a matured cast, intense storyline frank lasley

co-sports editor

A

new year begins at Hogwarts and along with it is sure to be another huge adventure with Harry and his friends. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione start their fourth year at the school of Hogwarts.

Will this movie meet the hype?

Right from the beginning, the movie throws the audience into an action filled uprising at the Quidditch World Cup. From there, the movie continues in a fast-paced, action packed year at Hogwarts.

The only problem is that the movie is so fast paced and action packed, that it leaves room for little else.

The movie never allows the viewers the chance to settle in and catch their breath. The movie goes into a string of “tasks” that Harry must perform as part of the Tri-Wizard Tournament that is being held against two competing magic schools. Once the tasks begin, action sequence after action sequence batters the viewers. Moving almost immediately from one task to the next, there is not quite the feel of the other Harry Potter movies. While the other movies allow the audience

to settle in with the school year and offered up enough small subplots to keep them guessing, the fourth movie does no such thing. Showing almost no classes or Quidditch matches, the school plays a very minor role compared to the other movies.

For those that are fans of the books that the movies are based on, the movie may seem especially disappointing.

The movie doesn’t offer near as much as it could have. Even though if the movie directly followed the book it would be about five hours in length, there was still far too much removed or trimmed from the book to fit this movie into a two hour and 45 minute flick.

Also, the special effects in the movie were above average.

The action scenes were visually pleasing, but did not show off groundbreaking special effects.

Keeping the series moving along, this film does its job but little else. The Goblet of Fire seems to be somewhat a shell of a movie. Offering up a heaping plate of action and adventure scenes, the movie lacks real depth.

Star Wars DVD,

video game both

great in quality entertainment editor

A

long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… George Lucas won a little of his credibility back.

The release of the Revenge of the Sith DVD has finally brought an end to the mostly rad, sometimes bad Star Wars movie series. For the first time in the last 20 years, this chapter is ending on a good note. Anchored by excellent features like an entire documentary about the making of the battle on Mustafar, this DVD is a must buy for anyone born in the last five decades.

The movie itself serves as redemption for Lucas, whose last two efforts left many wondering if he still had a quality film left in him. The plot picks up where the previous two installments (pathetically) left off. It follows Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), a.k.a. Darth Vader, in his transformation from Jedi to bad guy.

The cast is lead by Ian McDiarmid (The Emperor). He is so good at being hateful that it is hard to hate him. The storyline is solid and the acting, barring a few cases of overacting, is solid as well.

Features include an in-depth look at the

elaborate ending sequence of the film on Mustafar, a graphically excellent planet. The documentary is a great insider look at today’s graphic enhancements and digital designs. Other features on Episode III include a 15-part collection of Lucasfilm’s Web documentaries, a multitude of deleted scenes and even a feature called “The Chosen One,” where George Lucas traces the myth of Darth Vader throughout all six episodes.

The DVD has peaked at #1 on the total sales chart. Take the advice of your peers and stuff your friends’ stockings with this DVD.

O

Chamber of Secrets: $876 million worldwide Prisoner of Azkaban: $789 million worldwide Goblet of Fire: $562 million worldwide (and counting) source: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/

‘Battlefront II,’ ‘Revenge of the Sith’ finish series off on right foot

and content matt galloway

‘Potter’ movie revenue since 2001 Sorcerer’s Stone: $976 million worldwide

n the gaming front, Star Wars: Battlefront II is a continuation of a series that was made popular in its first installment.

Battlefront I was the best selling Star Wars game in LucasArts history.

Battlefront II is a quality addition that will assure a new record in the sales department for LucasArts.

Battlefront II has a plethora of gaming modes that should keep any gamer entertained for hours on end. Its story mode follows the 501st clone trooper regiment through the otherwise untold years between the end of Star Wars: Episode III and Episode IV. Loose ends

are tied up nicely, such as the armor changes on the clone troopers and the disappearance of the Queen of Naboo.

“Vader’s Fist” (as they’re nicknamed) engage in combat and regular war effects that actually create sympathy for the once hated characters.

Battlefront II also possesses innovative and addictive game play. The highly touted addition of space combat fails to let gamers down; it is hard not to get caught up in the excitement of intergalactic war. However, there is one drawback to space combat: the artificial intelligence of the computer players is better described as artificial stupidity. Opponents often times crash into their own spaceships when trying to leave the hangar, which is comical, but lacking in realism.

Finally, online mode once again earns a seal of approval. Not only is the space combat available for online play, but one can also play on a special “heroes” map as one of many classic characters.

This feature is sure to draw the casual, on-the-fence fan into purchase.

Star Wars: Battlefront II took a giant leap in the series, moving the action from a cartoon-like experience to a more realistic war genre. Playstation 2 and X-Box owners with online access should love this game the most, but almost everyone will appreciate this solid video game.

entertainmment 13

December 9, 2005

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Fall Out Boy delivers thrilling concert for one writer, while supporting cast pleases another emily kuykendall

for the old and faithful fans.

The Crowd was never silent or ith a line wrapping still, and bass player Pete Wentz around the block even managed to get the fans at the Uptown to start a circle pit. The more Theater, it was evident that daring fans crowd-surfed and the Nintendo Fusion Tour, some were even dropped to the which ground and left t o o k to scramble to “They drew fans, both place in their feet before K a n s a s old and new, with help they would have City on of the popularity been trampled.

“Motion N o v . of their latest Fall Out Boy City 10, was album.” has a reputation sold out.

Soundtrack for not being the T h e best live show, had the crowd weather but this was a going wild. The was cold, great night for the band put on an awebut the band. The vocals some show.” hundsounded great reds of along with the people instrumentals. that lined one side of They did a great job of Broadway knew it would getting the crowd involved, all be worth it. When 5:25 as did their opening acts p.m. rolled around, the (see accompanying article). doors finally opened and frank lasley the crowd packed in. Not co-sports editor an inch of space was found and neither was a body hursday Oct. 10 at the without sweat covering it.

Uptown Theatre in Fall Out Boy headlined Kansas City, Mo., was the tour. They drew fans, a night full of rock/pop/ both old and new, with help punk music. While not only of the popularity of their were “scene” kids packing latest album From Under the Uptown, but bands the Cork Tree. They sang also crammed the theater many songs from the album with amazing perfomances. including “Sugar, We’re Actually five bands Going Down,” and their performed at the concert but newest hit, “Dance, Dance.” the second performance of They also managed to sing the evening, Boys’ Night Out, some of the older songs such was completely awful. The as “Grand Theft Autumn” staff reporter

W

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sound system gave constant, ear-splitting feedback, the lead singer’s microphone was either not on or turned down way too low and overall, the band flat out sounded terrible.

Following Boys’ Night Out was a performance by The Starting Line. The Starting Line kicked off its portion of the evening with the songs “Bedroom Talk” and “Best of Me.” After a few short words from band members Kenny and Mike to get the crowd cheering, the band continued the show with “Surprise, Surprise,” “Inspired by the Dollar Sign” and “Making Love to the Camera.”

After The Starting Line wrapped up, Motion City Soundtrack took the stage. After launching its portion of the show with “My Favorite Accident” and “Capital H,” Motion City Soundtrack had the crowd going wild. The band put on an awesome show, jumping around on stage, doing handstands on the keyboards and just flat out having a good time. The band went on to play “Everything is Alright,” “Attractive Today” and “Hangman.”

The band wrapped up with “The Future Freaks Me Out” and “Better Open the Door.”

Whether it was the amazing singing, playing, or just the visually active and entertaining show, the band had a great performance and could not have set the stage for Fallout Boy any better.

c i t i r C

r e n r s Co with...

nina humphrey

staff reporter

Late Registration stale

K

anye West has returned with his second solo album Late Registration. “Gold Digger” and “Diamonds From Sierra Leone” are both well-known tracks off of this album. With West’s lyrics reaching from his love and dedication to his mother to the talk of the “haters”, he will barely leave an impression on anyone. Only some tracks resemble smooth vocals, but that clashes the constant unclear remixes.

In this CD, West still remains the same rapper but could use new material in his lyrics. The instrumentals are almost a bit frightening and not at all a pleasurable sound to relax to.

The return of the Madonna

M

adonna has returned with a new loop of music from the 80s. Confessions on a Dance Floor is a mix of early disco and futuristic trance. Some songs such as “Nobody’s perfect/I guess I deserve it,” and “Was it all worth it/How did I earn it?” are reflections on her fame.

Madonna, being the most popular and significant female artist in pop music, creates a stunning new blend of musical pleasures. It’s not everyday that you hear the glory days of disco music on the radio, but Madonna has just tied a string to all of the future dance CDs. With catchy melodies and cool metallic beats, this rainbow wonder CD will take you to your next move on the dance floor.

Bowl traditions change Traditionally New Year’s day has been flooded with college football bowl games on television. However, this year New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday. Due to television contracts with the National Football League and their networks only NFL games will be played on New Year’s Day pushing the seven college bowls to Monday Jan. 2. The National Championship is the Rose Bowl this year and will feature USC and Texas on ABC on Jan. 4. Other Big 12 Bowls of interest include: Fort Worth Bowl Kansas vs. Houston Dec. 23 Independence Bowl Missouri vs. South Carolina Dec. 30

Classic album, blockhead

Y

our Christmas music collection is not complete without the Charlie Brown Christmas CD. Vince Guaraldi, the solo piano and jazz instrumental artist, will take you directly back to your childhood. Though this music may have a childish theme, it is said that Guaraldi was a very big fan of the Charlie Brown series and interprets the characters into a musical form. In addition to the clever nostalgic children’s cartoons, his songs are similar interpretations of his favorite Christmas carols. This soundtrack was originally recorded in 1965, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in new instrumental surprises each time it’s listened to.

14 sports

December 9, 2005

Speaking Adamantly Everything you need to know to be hard core Tiger fan adam lary

editor-in-chief he Tiger Print presents: Real Blue Valley Heroes. We salute you, Mr. Hardcore Tiger fan.

Hot, cold, rain or shine, you brave mother nature to cheer on the one and only Blue Valley Tigers. How do you join this elite group of self-proclaimed biggest fans? Here are some tips as the winter sports season approaches: 1. Be as loud and obnoxious as humanly possible. It’s highly distracting to the other team. Make yourself heard over the hundreds of other “semifans” if you really want to make a difference. Spend your free time writing the most despicable cheers that will leave the opponents’ chins touching the ground. Leave all your dignity at home.

2. Despite weather conditions, wear the minimum amount of clothing possible. If necessary, resort to a black and yellow man-thong (only attempt this if trying to outdo another socalled “fan”). The colder it is, the less clothing you should wear if you want to be the best. If the sport is indoors, wear the most ridiculous costume you can find. But remember, colors are restricted to black and gold/yellow.

Anything else and you will be booed out of the stadium.

3. If possible, camp out days before the game. You have to make sure you are in as soon as the doors open so you can get a seat right behind the opposing team (so you can heckle them, of course). Also, bring an industrial-size grill to make enough barbecue, hamburgers and hotdogs to feed a small army.

4. Know only the names and stats of the star players. Besides, you don’t talk about any of the menial players on the team anyway.

5. No matter what the sport, go to every single game, meet or whatever.

Even if it’s swimming, cheer loud enough that they can’t wait to go underwater to drown out your voice.

Then, be waiting in a scuba suit to give them a thumbs-up.

6. If your team loses, have an endless list of excuses at your disposal.

Classics include: “The ref wasn’t fair,” “If we were the home team, we would have won,” and “The other players take steroids.”

7. Cheer on every little play, no matter how miniscule it seems. Those extra few inches could mean the difference between a win and a loss.

Also, be sure to tell everyone around you what play you would have called in the same situation.

Keep these seven tips in mind and you will become the most feared fan on the sidelines. But in reality, without fans, there would be no sports. Fans are the heart of every game and the reason for playing.

True fans are respectful and act in good taste. Hopefully, the tradition of sportsmanship that fans exhibit at BVHS will continue long into the future.

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Showmanship

anyone else.

“It is all about the money.

Most showboating is done so players can get attention to themselves and, as a matt galloway result, bigger contracts,” entertainment editor [The National Rampy said. “That’s why ports fans are longing for the Football League] it’s so refreshing to see days when the only people in the could ban Terrell groups such as the White stadium with pom-poms were Owens for life Sox, the Patriots and the cheerleaders. They remember the time and I wouldn’t courtesy of the Associated Press Spurs who emphasize when the only fine charged for cell care.” team so much succeed.

Unfortunately, showboating and ego Terrell Owens is a garbage, plain and phones was long distance. is having effects on influencing players simple.”

Ego has lost its place in sports.

The recent backfire in public opinion of all ages. However, it is the youngest Another interesting aspect involving and eventual suspension of Eagles’ players’ obnoxiousness that stings the showboating in sports is its impact Wide-Receiver Terrell Owens has only most. in women’s sports. First year head “It isn’t just at this level. Go down coach of the girl’s basketball team solidified this statement. Finally, the value of team is slowly returning to all a few levels and you’ll see the same Andy Unrein has only been involved levels of professional sports, thanks to [egotism] at Heritage Park,” Rampy with head coaching the sport for a few fines and championship aspirations. said. “These young kids have on du months, but he can clearly see that Football coach Steve Rampy is one of rags and sweatbands, and they’re when it comes to men and women the many involved with sports that say showing off just as badly.” showing off in sports, the difference is Rampy, who has been involved with crystal clear. enough is enough.

“I [support the heavy penalties coaching sports for decades, has seen “(Ego exists in women’s sports) to and fines] 100 percent,” Rampy said. professionalism evolve, or de-evolve, a certain extent, but not nearly at the “There is no place on the field for that. over the years perhaps better than level of men’s sports,” Unrein said.

“Girls are a little more reserved and conscious of how people perceive them.”

Critics of penalties and fines against showboating players believe that it is very entertaining to watch talented, young superstars taunting their opponent. But in Rampy’s eyes, there is a clear difference between entertainment and sports.

“Approach it as your job. Approach it as any other working stiff would,” Rampy said. “Sports are sports and entertainment is entertainment. That may be old fashioned, but that’s just how I feel.”

Despite its gloomy status, Rampy believes that now that sportsmanship has hit rock bottom, it can only return to its classy past.

“I think sports are heading back to the traditional ways of the past,” Rampy said. “That’s why you have deserving teams winning championships, and showoffs like Terrell Owens finished for the season.”

According to Rampy, if he ever saw anyone acting like Owens, he would not only be finished for the season, but he would immediately be cut from the team. However, he is willing to make one exception on his coaching staff.

“Occasionally other teams will autumn fuller showboat, but it isn’t an issue with With sports players showing off and taunting one another, how does it affect our team. Our only issue with that (taunting) is our linebacker coach (Ken the sport? As Noopur Goel pretends to taunt Kortney Woods, it is clear that Braden),” Rampy laughed. while the taunting seems enjoyable to one person, to the other it is an uncalled for act. Many feel that their is no place in sports for such actions.

Is it going too far?

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New season brings new coach colin brown

staff reporter

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ast year the Lady Tigers basketball team finished 7-14 with head coach Keil Pittman.

This year the ladies come back with five returning varsity players and a new head coach, Andy Unrein.

Last year, Unrein played assistant to Pittman, but this year has decided to take over the head coaching spot.

Unrein came to us from Kansas State University four years ago as a student teacher in 2002. Unrein earned his first experience as a head coach of the freshman girls basketball team the same year he was student teaching here.

When he landed his first teaching job in 2003 Unrein became the junior varsity coach and held that same job in 2004 as well. Finally when Pittman stepped down Unrein decided to take

the job.

“It was a great opportunity to start something from the ground up,” Unrein said, ”But it leaves a great opportunity for me to coach a sport I love at a great high school.”

Senior Kelsey Slack was very excited for the upcoming season.

“I can’t wait; coach (Unrein) is a great coach and I think we’ll do well,” Slack said.

Last year Unrein was beside Pittman during the games but now is taking the promotion in stride. Unrein spent his free time after school training his future lady Tigers by conditioning them and pumping iron in the weight room.

“He was pretty tough on us.” said Slack, “He expects the best out of us,” “I don’t want or expect to fail this season, the girls did a great job getting ready doing the same workouts over

the summer that football and boys basketball players were doing. They continued that effort after school in the fall,” Unrein said.

So how are things going to go this year for the varsity squad? Only time will tell, But Unrein predicts things will go very well.

“With all the hard work and talent on this team we should be able to put up a lot of wins,” Unrein said.

While the Lady Tigers didn’t open up with a win, they played a close game against Shawnee Mission South (ranked fifth in Kansas 6A), leading by nine points in the second quarter, but falling behind late in the 43-40 loss.

“The disappointment in the girls faces just show that even their attitudes have changed; we expect to win a lot of games,” Unrein said.

sports 15

December 9, 2005

An old-fasioned Stilwell shootout Blue Valley to host basketball tournament, teams from four Midwest states to compete hank driskell

co-sports editor

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n eight-team tournament spanning over three days, with four games a day and teams from four different states, is there a better way to start a basketball season?

Apparently Blue Valley High School doesn’t think so.

BVHS will host the annual Blue Valley Shootout once again with the tournament beginning Thursday, Dec. 8 and ending Saturday, Dec. 10. BV has hosted the Shootout basketball tournament for 10 years now with the first tournament dating back to 1995. However, the tournament soon grew into what it is now after starting with four teams.

“There were only four teams in the first few tournaments,” Athletic Director Bob Whitehead said. “We wanted to start small and then expand over time.”

That number has now grown to eight. Like last year teams from four Midwest states will participate. Teams from Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska will be present. One out of state team is the Ralston Rams from Ralston, Neb. which opens up its season in Stilwell, along with many other teams.

“It’s a good distance from home and it’s a good tournament to come to,” Ralston senior guard Josh Siske said.

Three teams will come from Kansas: the Blue Valley Tigers, the Sumner Academy Sabres and the Lawrence Lions. Three teams from Missouri will be present: the Center Yellow Jackets, the Pembroke Hill Raiders and the Lee’s Summit Tigers. From Oklahoma, the Ponca City Wildcats, and from Nebraska the Ralston Rams.

Last year the Tigers opened the tournament with an impressive win over Pembroke Hill but came in sixth out of eight teams at the tournament.

“We’re definitely looking to improve upon last year’s outcome, with a more experienced and more confident team,” senior Ryan Robertson said.

The Tigers return a team with four senior players and one junior player with experience in the tournament.

Four games will be played each day, beginning Thursday afternoon at 3:30 when Sumner Academy plays Lee’s Summit.

The Tigers open up the year with the Center Yellow Jackets of Kansas City, Mo., Thursday night at 6:45.

andrew robinson Senior Ryan Robertson dribbles down the court in a transition drill. The Tigers scrimmaged a lot and did many drills this week to get ready for the upcoming Blue Valley Shootout. Practices often lasted more than two hours. Last year Robertson had a good tournament including a second-round game against the Lawrence Lions in which he exploded for 23 points in a 52-60 loss.

Winter provides sports wonderland Girls’ Basketball

Swimming

Boys’ Basketball

Head Coach: Andy Unrein (first year)

Head Coach: Chris Hansen (second year)

Head Coach: Martijn Keltner (fourth year)

Assistant Coaches: Rodney Hughes, Kristin Crites, Amy Disbrow, Jennifer Duggan, Emily Watson

Assistant Coach: Mark Rabbit, Jim Seaman, Greg Gherig, Brad Rolfs, Gary Lindsey

Assistant Coach: Azie Taghizadeh

Returning Varsity: Melissa Stevens, Kenzie Ziegler, Cori Davis, Kelsey Slack, Taylor Hanson, Emily Brown

Returning Varsity: Ryan Robertson, Stephen Blumhardt, Lance Morris, Tim King and Hank Driskell

Highlights from last season: Beating Blue Valley Northwest on the road 50-46

Highlights from last season: The Tigers went on an exciting stretch in the middle of their season winning five out of six games, including a victory over rival Blue Valley West.

Recent Games: Shawnee Mission South , L 40-43 Upcoming Games: Road games on Dec. 6, 8 and 13 against Olathe East, Washington and Blue Valley North, respectively Last Year’s Record: 7-14 Quote: “(Our strength is) how balanced we are this season,” Unrein said. “We won’t rely on a specific person this year.”

Upcoming Games: The BV Shootout, Dec. 8-10, Olathe North Dec. 13 Last Year’s Record: 8-13 Quote: “This year’s going to be exciting,” Robertson said. “We will be a lot more experienced than last year’s team.”

Returning Varsity: Clark Stinson, Timothy Versch, Parker Sargent, Anthony Burdick, Christopher Crooks, Anthony Berolone, Anthony Britt Highlights from last season: Took third place in free relay, and placed seventh overall at state. Parker Sargent defended his state title. Four swimmers qualified in individual events.

Upcoming Meets: Olathe Northwest Invitational, Dec. 10 at Prairie Trail Junior High Last Year’s Record: The team took fourth in EKL and 12th at State Quote: “We have a really big team this year so we should be better,” Sargent said.

Wrestling

Head Coach: Chris Paisley (fourth year)

Assistant Coaches: Matt Ortman, Jason Peres, Nic Madelen, Dusty Coultis, Adam Nehring, Jeff Spencer, Jacob Burlin Returning Varsity: Kevin Allen, Zac Ansaldo, Kyle Combes, Joel Cundiff, Tom Gnoza, Brad Harris, Hunter Madl, Tyler Madl, Max Miller, Cody Scribner, Jon Routh, Geoff Whited, Robert Alexander, Joel Hill, Miles Owens, Austin Quarles, Blane Williams, Trey Weber Highlights from last season: EKL Runner-up, Regional Runner-up Last year’s record: Second in EKl, eleventh in State while qualifying nine wrestlers Recent Tournaments: Dec. 3 at Gardner-Edgerton; Blue Valley finished fourth as a team, individual placers were: 103-Austin Quarles, fourth; 112-Geoff Whited, second; 119-Blane Williams, second; 135-Tyler Madl, first; 140-Klye Combes, fifth; 145-Hunter Madl, third; 171Joel Cundiff, third Upcoming Tournaments: Eudora-Dec. 9 and 10 Johnson County Classic @ BV-Dec. 16 and 17 Quote: “We have a lot of senior leadership on the team, and we are expecting that to pay off in a great season,” coach Matt Ortman

16 life in pictures

December 9, 2005

Winter Wonderland

The weather outside might be frightful, but the holidays are right around the corner and students couldn’t be happier. School will soon be out and the snow is falling. Students are saving money for gifts, and with decorations going up all over the place, it’s evident the holidays will soon be here.

emily kuykendall

Senior Emily Reinhardt prepares dough for baking cookies with her friends. Baking cutout cookies is a tradition for many families and many students have been doing it since their childhood. emily kuykendall

The annual Plaza lighting took place Thanksgiving night. Crowds packed the streets to watch the entertainment and see KC Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil and his wife switch the lights on.

Senior Krista Dunleavy decorates her Christmas tree a few days after Thanksgiving. Most people waited until after the Thanksgiving holiday to put up their decorations. emily kuykendall

emily kuykendall