The Tiger Print — February 2008

Hot topics from Blue Valley...

1. Senior cellist qualifies for all-state music group

In last month’s brief, “Music students qualify for All-State groups,” senior Hannah Kim’s name was omitted. Kim will be a third-year member of the Kansas Music Educator’s Association’s All-State Orchestra. The Tiger Print regrets the error. By Mitch Smith.

2. Chess club members have success in Onaga

Blue Valley Chess Club members performed at an all-time best when sophomore Henry Chan and freshman Jesse Hartl placed at the Onaga Chess Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 26. Chan finished ninth in the competition with four wins, making for an personal best. Hartl completed the day with two wins, placing 17th overall. Both members joined several teammates in qualifying for the state tournament to be held March 8 at Blue Valley. By Ashley Stickler.

3. Hansen, Woods named Sweetheart queen, king

Blue Valley held its annual Sweetheart dance last Saturday. Senior Jenn Hansen was crowned queen at the basketball game on Friday night and senior Danny Woods was announced the event’s king at the dance. The junior Sweetheart attendants were Josh Wormington and Ali Foster By Karen Liebentritt.

...and the world around us

1. Local McDonalds targeted in armed robbery

Two armed men allegedly robbed the McDonalds at 151st and U.S. 69 on Tuesday, January 22.

According to Overland Park Police and television station KSHB, two suspects entered the fast food restaurant around 10 p.m. and demanded all employees to get on the floor. The men escaped with an unknown amount of cash, authorities said. By AJ Barbosa.

2. Starbucks tests $1 coffee, revamps food offerings

America’s number one coffee giant has been forced to scale back because of a decrease in sales and an increase in competition. Consumers are choosing the competitors’ $1.50 drinks over Starbucks’ $4 options. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has decided to shut down 100 underperforming U.S. stores and isn’t opening as many as were projected for 2008.

“You would have to agree, the consumer is in a recession,” Schultz said in a New York Times article.

In an effort to salvage their trendy image, Starbucks is removing the McDonald’s-like breakfast sandwiches from their menu and replacing them with healthier morning alternatives.

“In short, the scent of the warm sandwiches interferes with the coffee aroma in our stores,” Schultz said. By Kyra Storm.

3. Caribou Coffee closes, students left unemployed

On Feb. 4, the Caribou Coffee store at 151st and Nall was closed. According to former employee junior Olivia Bertels, a corporate representative arrived and shut down the shop during working hours.

Bertels speculates that the reason for this abrupt closure may be the fact that Nall Avenue is closed between 151st and 159th and the shop wasn’t bringing in enough money. Employees were given two weeks of payment and let go. By Kyra Storm.

PLAY SELECTED FOR INTERNATIONALS

kellycosby staff reporter

The fall play, Anatomy of Gray, qualified for internationals when judged at the state competition in Wichita on Jan. 7, 8 and 9. This is the first time a Blue Valley play has qualified two years in a row, following last year’s show, A Piece of My Heart Less than a week before the

cast found out they were going to internationals, actors were worried because, due to miscommunication, international judges were not present during the performance at state.

Students were later relieved to discover the play’s performance was adjudicated by qualified state judges and therefore could be considered for the in-

clubprofile: TSA

ternational conference.

“We are the only Blue Valley school to go back-to-back with a main-stage show,” director Dan Schmidt said. “In fact, I think we are the only school in the five-state area to do so. We are very excited.”

The International Thespian Conference will be in June in Lincoln, Neb.

andrewfiori staff reporter

Blue Valley’s prospective engineers recently had a chance to gain experience from professional engineers at BV’s TSA Engineering Evening event on Jan. 31. Thirty students came to listen to engineer Tom Mulinazzi, a professor in civil engineering at The University of Kansas, speak on opportunities in engineering professions and the future career prospects. Attendees also participated in several engineering-related competitions.

“We need to do everything we can to get students into the technical field,” Mulinazzi said. “If I connected with at least 10 percent of these students, then I feel I did my part. I can’t stress enough about the importance of engineering, and students who heard my

speech will know what I’m talking about.”

Blue Valley North and Blue Valley Northwest had representatives at the conference, and North also competed against BV. The events included 2D Engineering, construction challenge, technology bowl and a problem-solving competition.

“TSA was a great thing to have here,” senior TSA officer Stefan Gogov said. “It gave a lot of us advice on what we enjoy doing. It helped with events that will be presented at state and will hopefully open options to host state here.”

Blue Valley High winners included sophomore Mark Finlayson and senior Ryan Danley, who came in first in the Construction Challenge. Danley also won first place with senior Chris Sayegh in the competition’s problem solving event.

“TSA showed us what engineering is really like,” junior TSA officer Ryann Green said. “I hope everyone who participated gained something from it, for it was a real eye opener on the future and what to expect of engineering.”

Blue Valley’s TSA chapter has been organized for three years now, and sponsor Damon Feuerborn hopes to do well at this year’s state competition, planned for April 10-12 in Colby. If students place first at state, they will advance to the national competition in Orlando this summer. Last year, BV qualified seven students for the nationals.

“I expect to do well this year, we have several people returning this year who went to national in Nashville last year,” Feuerborn said. “I expect us to do as well if not better.”

Seniors Ryan Danley and Chris Sayegh work at constructing a model car during Blue Valley TSA’s engineering evening of Jan. 31. Danley and Sayegh took first place in this competition. TSA will compete at the state conference in Colby this April and in national in Orlando this summer. Photo by Amanda Blue.

Two BV students to star in Rockhurst production

tylerduke staff reporter

Senior Laurel Hill and junior Kelly Frickleton are starring in the production of The Laramie Project at Rockhurst High School.

The show centers on the true story of a gay University of Wyoming student named Matthew Shepard. Shepard was found dead on a fence post outside of Laramie, Wyo.

Following Shepard’s 1998 death, his family created a foundation in his honor condemning hate crimes.

The play depicts how the town goes through the process of finding out the truth behind the murder.

“Each day we’re creating experiences that are leading to one end goal,” Hill said. “It is really going to impact the community.”

Hill and Frickleton leave BVHS at 2:50 to go straight to Rockhurst to rehearse everyday.

Annie Barney is directing this production and, because Rockhurst is an all-boys school, she held open auditions to cast girls in the show. This is Barney’s first show at Rockhurst, where she came after working as a casting director for five years. The previous

Rockhust director decided to do the show and Barney inherited the production on when she was hired.

“People are open to race and death. Not homosexuality,” Barney said. “But I think the community is ready.”

The original show had eight cast members, but Barney’s production has 20. Frickleton found out about the show from their website after she decided she wanted to try something outside Blue Valley.

The show also has another unique twist to it. Fred Phelps and his followers from the Westboro Baptist in Topeka plan to protest Rockhurst and the show because of its subject matter. The Phelps family is widely known for their vulgar signs and controversial protests. The group has a schedule of protests on their website it will do all year.

“Phelps is a very, very sad man with nothing better to do than waste his life protesting against causes that are not worth protesting,” Hill said.

The church claims God hates all Americans, particularly gays, and that Americans should be ashamed for living in a sinful country.

“As a Christian it disturbs me to see them saying God hates

everyone,” Barney said. Looking around all the hype that is involved with doing this show, the cast is ready to make a difference in the community and hopes to demonstrate a culture in which hate is not OK anymore.

“I knew we were going to make a difference when they had all the seniors together in the gym,” Barney said. “The re-

sponse and support has just been so positive.”

On Facebook, a group was created that planned a counter protest, but the school and cast both urge attendees to not to even be concerned or pay attention to Phelps and his fellow protesters.

“Doing this show is a big enough counter protest,” Hill said. “We are opening the eyes

of the community and we are truly making a significant difference.”

The show went up Wednesday night and will be performed again tonight and tomorrow. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults. Plans call for $2 from each ticket sold to be donated to Rockhurst High School’s Mission Week.

Junior Kelly Frickleton (far left) and senior Laurel Hill (far right) rehearse as part of Rockhurst High School’s production of The Laramie Project. The show portrays the murder investigation of a homosexual student and was performed last night will be performed again both tonight and tomorrow. Photo by Gwen Bergerhofer.

Students caucus for candidates, favorites prevail in both parties

What party are you?

Take this quiz to get an idea of with which candidates your political beliefs

might align. Remember, the results of this poll are not scientific and, before supporting any candidate or political party, be sure to conduct thorough research as political beliefs may differ between members of the same party.

Do you think that the US should redirect tax money to reduce greenhouse emissions?

Do

Senior Morgan Greenough checks the voter registry at the Kansas Caucuses on Feb. 5 at Leawood Middle School. Students who are 18 or will be 18 by November were eligible to caucus. Photo by Megan Van Sooy.

noopurgoelstaff reporter

On Tuesday, February 5, 21 states participated in primaries and caucuses around the nation. The day, known as Super Tuesday, polled both registered Democrats and Republicans on their preference to represent their respective parties in the general election.

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) remain close on the Democratic side while Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has emerged as the Republican frontrunner.

“I was surprised at how close the delegate numbers were,” senior Ashley Rasa said. “The numbers were almost equal for all of the candidates.”

Some students are excited by the prospect of having either a female or minority in the White

House.

“I think America is more ready for a black president than a woman,” junior Ashley Wagner said. “We are less susceptible to racism than sexism now because of all the awareness for racism.”

The Republican side also has its share of controversies. Spanish teacher Jill Gouger believes that McCain is not a traditional conservative and that is causing some votes to go to more conservative candidate, Fmr. Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.).

Kansas held its caucuses earlier this month, where Huckabee and Obama won.

The final nominee for each party will be decided at their conventions this summer. Several states and territories are yet to hold their primaries.

ment should sponsor a universal health care plan?

1. Yes. 2. No.

Do you support gun control or a ban on the sale of semi-automatic weapons?

1. Yes. 2. No.

1. Yes. 2. No.

Do you believe the United States should begin its withdrawal from Iraq within the next year?

1. Yes. 2. No.

Do you support a constiutional ban on same-sex marriage?

1. No. 2. Yes.

Do you support the Patriot Act?

1. No. 2. Yes.

Okay, now add up your score. For each question where you answered number one, give yourself no points. For each question where you answered number two, give yourself one point.

If you scored between zero and two, you’re likely liberal, or a Democrat. If you scored between three and five, you may be a political moderate, meaning that you may support candidates from either party. A score of six or higher likely means you are conservative, or a Republican.

Remember these tests are not conclusive and further research should be conducted before supporting any political candidate or joining any party.

With the presidential election looming, it is important to become aware of your own political convictions.

SRO plans changes in senior, faculty parking assignments

Due to construction, the Northeast parking lot will be off limits for all seniors, and faculty only will be allowed to park in that lot. While the seniors are losing the front lot, they are gaining two rows for parking in the west parking lot.

As the seniors are profiting, the underclassmen are getting the boot. Many sophomores will have to park cars behind the visitor stands. Depending on the amount of parking spaces left after the move 16 yearold sophomores may be able to park in the west parking lot.

“Driving to school is a privilege, not a right,” Campus Police Officer Dennis Randall said.

The reasoning behind the Randall and administrators’ choices were to the transition with the least amount of students affected.

Parking at the school is based on a hierarchy. The fac-

faber staff reporter

Overtime

Recent statistics show that 10 of the 11 teachers participating in Overtime have the fewest Ds and Fs of any grading period thus far and nine had the most As and Bs of the year, as well.

According to administrative intern Megan Allam, an average of about 20 students per day have attended Overtime so far and complete

Parking

passes cost $15 each Number of Students Driving: 350 Seniors 260 Juniors 75 Sophomores

ulty members are priority. Then come the seniors, juniors and sophomores.

Several sophomore aren’t happy about these new changes.

”I don’t think it’s fair because they keep shrinking where people can park,” sophomore

Alysha Pelacio said. “They should expand where we can park instead of shrinking the

area. Pretty soon people won’t be able to drive to school and make the problems worse.”

9 of 11

“My assignment turn-in rate has gone about from about a 70 percent to a 99 percent, so it’s obviously working,” math teacher Adam Wade said.

Wade’s Algebra II student senior Chris Sayegh doesn’t appreciate the Overtime program.

“I get assigned to it about every day, but I barely ever go, because the school can’t control what I do after schools over,” Sayegh said.

10 of11 Overtime teachers had the fewest Ds and Fs of any grading period

685 passes sold 545 available spaces

editor-in-chief

sarah weaver

managing editor

brooke thurman

news editors

mitch smith

kelly cosby

opinions editors

megan van sooy

emily strickland

sports editor

braden miller

photo editor

nina humphrey

assistant entertainment editor

stephanie roche

reporters

aj barbosa

tyler duke

callie eaton

jake faber

andrew fiori

ally francis

tori freisner

allison kohn

karen liebentritt

nathan lindshield

katie louis

cole owen

steven reno

kyra storm

jason wood

photographers

kelly aubuchon

gwen bergerhofer

amanda blue

tess england

tom roudebush

ashley stickler

advertising managers

noopur goel

kylie hennagin

circulation manager

noopur goel

adviser

jill chittum

guest cartoonists

alyssa huff

mary webb

The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for 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 of Blue Valley School District #229.

The Tiger Print encourages guest photography. Photos should be submitted to room 450 with information pertaining to the photo.

Front page photo: Seniors Cam McCallie, Hayley Black, junior Jen Silvey, sophomore Susanna Greusel, freshman Lauren Flack and senior Ronald Morgan rehearse a scene on Feb. 8 for the musical “Footloose.” Photo by Nina Humphrey

Letters to the editor and reader responses are also encouraged. Letters must be signed in order to be considered for publication. The Tiger Print reserves the right to edit all submissions and encourages letter to be no more than 500 words. Letters should be submitted to room 450 or mailed to:

The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School

6001 W. 159th St. Stilwell, KS 66085

email: thetigerprint@yahoo.com

913-239-4800

expensive presents pet names expensive phone bill excessive PDA valentine’spresents 2monthanniversary pookie bear

Getting serious too quickly

Students waste too much money, energy on high school flings

Taking a walk down any of the halls, students are bound to see couples holding hands or showing affection, all the while calling each other cutesy pet names.

Calling your boyfriend or girlfriend names like “Honey” is okay, but “Sugar lips,” “Muffin,” and “Shnookums?” That’s a little overboard.

Just last week on my way to class, I heard a girl say “Happy two week anniversary baby boy! I love you so much!” She proceeded to tackle her boyfriend in the middle of the hallway. I’m sure you can imagine what followed. Needless to say, I got out of there quickly.

I’m not saying that teen relationships don’t mean anything, but most are lacking substance.

The problem with these relationships is that they start too young, develop too fast, and people fall too hard.

Yes, I know the subject of PDA seems to be a little played out, but couples like the one mentioned ruin it for everyone.

Making out in the hallways and in front of people’s lockers, not to mention in front of almost half the student body, is definitely not okay.

Along with these teen relationships comes the holiday spending spree. Is it really necessary to buy your hubby a $1,000 watch, or your girlfriend a $400 pair of Coach boots?

You’ve been together a total of what, three weeks and already expect an out-of-this-world-extravagant gift?

These relationships not only tie you down, but they take up a chunk of your time. Spending some time with your “pookie bear” every few days is okay, but I doubt anyone really wants to spend every waking moment of their spare time with them.

No one has ever said that we are required to find our true love in high school, and no one has ever promised that our high school sweetheart will be the person we end up marrying.

We have a total of four long years to branch out and meet new people. After all it’s just high school.

Senior worries that junior class can’t raise adequate prom funds

for the prom by selling basketball T-shirts, that tanked, cleaning stadiums, making treat bags, and selling spirit chains for class competitions, they are still $500 short.

now.

Ever since this school has had a prom, the junior class has funded it. All of a sudden they’re ready for change? I don’t think so.

Even though the junior class has raised some money

letter to editor Dear Editor,

If you ask me, it doesn’t seem fair to make the other classes, especially the seniors, help raise money for something that’s their responsibility.

It’s not like they haven’t known this for three years

Another thing that just doesn’t make sense is that the PTO helps out a lot. They actually raised most of the money by giving $9,000 of the $15,000. They just give the juniors the little task of raising the other $6,000.

Because of the PTO we are able to have the prom at the Ritz Charles instead of at a downtown hotel.

It just doesn’t make sense why the junior class doesn’t

feel like it’s important to try. A lot of them don’t even care about anyone but themselves. Just think about how you would feel if nobody wanted to give any effort to your prom. Nobody wants an awful dance, especially not us. It might not be a big deal to you now, but when it comes time for your last high school dance, I’m almost positive you’ll care then.

I was very pleased with this month’s issue of The Tiger Print.

I found the”Spending and Saving” spread to be eye-opening to the affluence in Johnson County. The pie chart and article “Students’ money comes from various outlets” were easy to understand and very interesting.

In addition, the article “Teens spend

too much time wishing for their lives to go by quickly” was intriguing and thought-provoking. It gave me a new perspective on what I value most in my life. It forced me to realize that my life has started, and I better be ready for the ride.

However, I felt that “Male’s perspective about lack of chivalry” could have used more editing. In the final paragraph, the writer states, “By they way,

I’m not

sexist.” That minor spelling error left a sour taste on the article. The final paragraph could have left a better impression on me as a reader. Otherwise, I found the January issue to be entertaining. Thanks for all your hard work and keep it up!

A satisfied reader, junior Sarah Miller

kyliehennagin

myvoice

illustration by alyssa huff.

Overall, reader is satisfied with, enjoys January issue

Assembly fiasco displays true maturity level of students

Look to your right and left. Imagine the two classmates sitting next to you in 20 years. Are you scared?

Considering the way most students behaved at the Sweetheart Assembly, maybe you should be.

What was meant to be a fun, lighthearted event was spoiled by a series of events which proved the student body of BVHS unable to behave maturely.

In a now-infamous event that has become the subject of many lectures in the past week, BVHS students displayed a ridiculous disinterest in the talents and welfare of other students — namely, our orchestra.

A senior prank involving bouncy balls proved a silly respite from the assembly. It would have been fine if students handled it well.

But instead, while underclassman ran down to the middle of the gym and started collecting the bouncy balls, others reciprocated the se-

letter to the editor

nior’s actions by throwing the bouncy balls back. In order to one-up them, upperclassmen started throwing change and, at least in one case, a water bottle.

It’s disgusting that people think they can treat other people that way with a complete disregard to their safety. And for those who believe that getting pelted by change doesn’t hurt: have you ever played knuckle ball?

When the lights were turned off so that the orchestra could perform, the entire underclassman section of the bleachers screamed obnoxiously throughout the entire performance. Cells phones, a laptop and even lighters were whipped out.

When you think about it, it’s not really strange that a generation entertained by the obnoxious stylings of Will Ferrell, South Park, and Dane Cook is capable of being as loud and disrespectful as they were on Thursday.

Less than a month ago, we

raise your voice

gathered in the same gymnasium to hear Rachel’s Challenge. The response to that assembly was incredibly positive. Have we really forgotten about Rachel Scott’s message just a month later?

And why is it that we needed to hear a story that heartbreaking in the first place to realize that we should treat others with respect?

It’d be easy to just brush it off as the fault of the underclassmen. But do we really need to pin the blame on them because they’re younger?

It was a chain reaction of disrespect that escalated into a problem. The upperclassmen threw the bouncy balls; the underclassmen threw them back.

But instead of pointing our fingers at each other and branching into upperclassmen vs. underclassmen, we should take the time to apologize to our orchestra. After all, they’re the ones who whose hard work was mocked.

StuCo president appalled by behavior at Sweetheart assembly

On behalf of Student Council, the student body, and the entire Blue Valley community, I would like to offer my most sincere apology to Ms. Fear-Bishop and all members of the orchestra who had to experience the disrespect shown at Thursday’s assembly.

The disregard for the physical and emotional safety of the orchestra by our student body was appalling and completely shameful.

Due to the coldhearted actions by the irresponsible individuals who participated, our school missed what would have been a unique performance. I would have believed ridiculous actions like that may have happened at the schools to the North, Northwest and West of us, but never here at Blue Valley High. I never believed Blue Valley students were capable of such atrocious actions, but obviously, I was wrong.

Now I have no problem with the bouncy ball incident initially. It is a typical senior prank and was harmless. Where I start to have a problem is when the harmless incident turns into throwing spare change and a water bottle at the orchestra.

“

”

The inability to shut up and listen when the lights went out also gets on my nerves, and makes me seriously question the parenting that has happened to our students to cause them to not act their age and realize that other people deserve their attention.

If our students can’t sit still for 10 minutes and listen patiently, then maybe our student body should be denied the privileges that they have come to expect.

”

Students need to realize that the universe does not revolve around them, and if they don’t figure that out it is going to come back and bite them hard.

For those of you who were mature enough to listen, I commend you, but for those who participated in the events that happened, I hope you realize what you did and have enough moral sense to feel guilty about what you did.

Once again, I want to apologize to the orchestra for the actions of the student body, and I hope their view of Blue Valley isn’t as negative as mine.

Sincerely, Griffin Page, student body president

“

-sophomore harrison drake p anda bear.

-junior kathryn smithson puff daddy.

-juniors alexa hugunin and heidi constant boo.

m y little teddy bear.

“ i want to apologize to the orchestra for the actions of the student body. - Griffin Page

As I’m stopped at the corner of 151st and Metcalf, I can’t help but notice the silver Range Rover pulled up next to me, or more particularly, the woman driving it. She’s fully decked out in Gucci Sunglasses, a Victoria’s Secret sweat suit , blaring the latest Rascal Flatts CD at high volume. She glances over to me, turns her head and removes her $500 sunglasses to reveal a wrinkly mug that eerily resembles a rotten orange. This lady has to be at least 50.

I’d like to think that I’m not the only one who’s noticed these cliché Johnson County moms that plague our streets. These married women dress themselves in the same fashionable clothes that a typical high-end BVHS girl would wear.

For some reason they find it necessary to use their husband’s credit card to break the bank on trends designed for teenage girls. I don’t understand why they do it.

Perhaps the most commonly believed reason for these mothers’ actions is an attempt to feel young again. I can understand this in a way, but these moms’ attempt to rejuvenate their youth backs up the stereotype of our cash register county.

By the time a woman becomes a mother, her main focus should be on the welfare of her family.

It doesn’t seem right that these wom-

en waste this time shopping instead of spending quality time with their children. Sure, a nanny or daycare center may be a quick fix to buy these mothers time, but unless they’re working, it’s not fair to lock up the kids for a few hours to hit up Victoria’s Secret.

These women also dress in clothes that are designed to attract other men. It almost seems wrong when the woman in front of me at the grocery store has “Juicy” emblazoned across her butt while

at the same time sporting a diamond the size of her toddler’s fist. These ladies have husbands at home, and I can’t imagine too many of them are happy about the creepy old men staring at their wives while they’re not around.

Now I’ll be the first to admit, I love beautiful girls, but every self-respecting man has to admit there is a line that needs to be drawn when a woman comes of that age, especially when they’re hitched. These middle-aged ladies don’t

have to impress society with their trendiness; they already are accepted enough as assumed loving mothers and hopefully loyal wives.

Most people don’t expect 40-50 year old women to care as much about fashion, but rather focus their time on their kids and professions.

Every dog has its day, and for these mothers, the time of dressing provocative and sexy needs to be left as a part of their youthful past.

Students use Facebook as an outlet for self-indulgent behavior

Every day, more than 60 million kids log on to Facebook. They post new pictures, change their status to some other dramatic song lyric. They leave their friends messages so full of grammatical errors they could make the most hardened C.A. teacher suicidal.

They join a group such as ‘I LOVE [FILL IN NAME HERE]!!!’

They send out messages like “IF YOU DON’T RESEND THIS LETTER IN TEN HOURS, YOU WILL DIE.”

In short, they make idiots

out of themselves.

Yes, you say you use Facebook to keep in touch with friends, but really, everyone knows you just love to take a million pictures of yourself just so people can leave comments along the lines of “YOU ARE THE CUTEST PERSON EVER. ILY <333!”

How do you know when you should put down the camera and step away from the computer?

1. It’s the Monday after a long weekend and you post a new picture of yourself drunk and flashing a peace sign. What does it mean? You’re an idiot.

2. It’s the Monday after a long weekend and your friend tags a picture of you drunk and flash-

ing a peace sign. What does it mean? Your friends are idiots.

3. You confront said friend. On Facebook.

4. When you go out on weekends, you check to make sure you have your digital camera just in case.

All joking aside, there can be repercussions over what you post on your Facebook. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, more than 100 students at Eden Prairie High School in Minnesota were either reprimanded or suspended from extracurricular activities and sports teams for party photos posted online.

Though rumors abound that the Blue Valley High School administration watches the

goings-on of students online, that’s not actually the case, according to Campus Police Officer Dennis Randall. A parent must come in and ask for an administrator to look at a student’s Facebook or MySpace.

Whatever the case may be, just don’t be stupid. That picture of you and your BFF drunk and rolling on the floor isn’t just unflattering, you never know who can see it.

Whether it’s your boss, a teacher, or a fellow student, it could get you (or your friends) into trouble, so just take it down.

And, please, change your status to something other than “So and So is crankin’ that Soulja Boy”.

Some women attempt to appear youthful by wearing expensive, brand name, provocative clothing

Senior Taylor Hanson uses her Sidekick to check her Facebook during study hall. Photo illlustration by Gwen Bergerhofer.

Illustration by Mary Webb.

torifreisner

myvoice

School start time affecting teen sleep patterns

Waking up early devastates students’ ability to learn, function, grow

karenliebentritt staff reporter

There are proven facts that teenagers learn and work better later in the day. With this information, people wonder why school starts so early and if students really get what they are supposed to learn out of their first hour classes.

The National Sleep Foundation says kids between the ages of 10 and 18 need between 8 ½ and 9 ¼ hours of sleep each night, but this rarely happens. Teenagers stay up late on weekends, which causes them to sleep in even later in the morning, which makes it hard for them to adjust for the week.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, only about 15 percent of teens actually get the required amount of sleep that they need and about 25 percent of teens get less than seven hours of sleep each night.

“I don’t think that school starts at a bad time, but I am never awake during my first hour,” senior Ryan McCullough said. “It might not be a bad idea to push back the time that we start.”

According to TimeTeens are on a different sleep cycle than children and adults. Children are more awake during the early morning. With that said, it would make more sense for elementary schools to start school earlier than high schools.

“It is always hard for me to get to sleep earlier than midnight,” sophomore Caitlin Jerome said. “I wish school started later because by the middle of the day I am exhausted and just can’t focus.”

Between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. is the ideal time that a teenagers brain needs

to sleep. Although, most teenagers have a hectic schedules, or some are unable to fall asleep until midnight, or later. They have a biological tendency to be up later than children and adults and also to wake up later.

“I can see the benefits of having a later start time, but it would make it harder to get homework done earlier, and also go

to work after school,” senior Amanda Donovan said.

There are a lot of positive aspects to starting school later, but there are also some negative sides. Athletic activities could cause conflict by having to be later in the evenings. Also it could be a problem for kids who need parents to pick them up from school, it could mess

up their work schedule.

If the high school and elementary times switched, then children who needed babysitters would be in need of finding a new sitter.

Although there are many sides to the issue, the bottom line is that studies show that when people are more awake, they learn better.

Snow days pile up, students question snow day qualifications

allisonkohn staff reporter

The words “snow day” float through the hall at the end of the day.

“There’s going to be a snow day tomorrow. I’m positive,” a bold student predicts. Another student’s heart skips a beat at the mention of these words.

Icy streets and frigid temperatures determine if school can go on or not. BV superintendent Tom Trigg makes the decision to call off school. By 6 a.m. that day, all major news and radio stations are notified of the final verdict. The news is also immediately posted on the Blue Valley district website.

“There are no cut and dried requirements,” Trigg said. “It depends on the road conditions and if students are able to get to school safely.”

Because he’s making a decision that affects the entire district, Trigg collaborates with the other superintendents in the surrounding area.

“At five [in the morning] all of the Johnson County school district superintendents have a conference call,”

Trigg said. “We pool together our information, and usually the decision, whatever it is, is unanimous.”

A free day off in the middle of the week is full of possibilities.

“The first thing that goes through my head when I hear it’s a snow day is ‘time to go back to bed,’” senior Malissa Wolfe said. “I spend my day being very unproductive.”

Other students have the same idea as Wolfe.

“The best part of a snow day is definitely sleeping in and not going to school,” sophomore Sarah Clancey said.

When yards and hills are covered in a white blanket of untouched snow that only means one thing: time to break out the sled.

“I hang around with friends for most of the day,” junior Kyle Anderson said. “We like to do some extreme sledding. We don’t have ramps, but we usually collide into each other.”

While students are spending their day sleeping, sledding, and not doing their homework, what do the teachers do with their day off?

“The teachers all have a calling tree so we can get a hold of everyone quickly,” math teacher Anna Toneva said. “On our last snow day, the teacher before me was supposed to call but never did. So I showed up at the school expecting it to be a normal day.”

When Toneva is aware of snow days, the day is used to finish up work that the busy week doesn’t have time for.

“On the days that I actually know it’s a snow day, I use it as a catch-up day and do all of the work I have been putting off,” Toneva said.

Snow days don’t happen very often, and lucky for the Blue Valley district, the school year has three builtin. The day off can be enjoyed without making up for it at the end of May. If all three days aren’t used, they are given back, and the school year is shorter.

This year, Blue Valley has used all its free snow days, so any we have from now on are added to the end of the school year. Think twice before you sleep with a spoon underneath your pillow and your pajamas inside out in hopes of a snow day. They’re fun while they last, but an extended school year isn’t.

With busy schedules and school starting before 8 a.m., teenagers are most likely not getting the recommended amount of sleep. Sophomore Dalton Homolka, junior Carmen Burchett, senior Brooke Thueson, junior Alex Katsorelos (clockwise from top right) illustrate what ways they catch up on their lack of sleep. Photo illustration by Ashley Stickler.

Bookworm

Junior’s dream comes true at young age

Thompson

One junior’s bad dream is now a dream come true. Shannon Thompson wrote and published the science fiction novel “November Snow” last July. This book centers around teenagers living in a corrupted society.

Thompson’s idea for the novel came from a nightmare. The dream had woken her up, and left her distressed. To help her get the nightmare out of her system, she picked up a pen and paper and began to write down what had happened in her nightmare. The story took off from there.

“I’m not usually the science fiction type, but apparently when I write I am,” Thompson said.

Thompson has been working on November Snow since eighth grade. When the book was finished, Thompson’s father contacted an editor from Eagle Publishing Company about publishing her story.

“I’m a big believer in enabling students to do what they’re interested in,” Thompson’s father Robert Thompson said.

The editor that chose to take on November Snow wanted to make sure the young author knew what she was getting in to.

“I told her she didn’t want to be an author,” November Snow’s editor T.L. Mc-

Cown said. “It’s hard work, and it takes a lot of dedication and perseverance. But Shannon was persistent and said ‘Yes I do,’ so we got to work on editing.”

McCown is Thompson’s full time editor and helped November Snow reach the printing press. Thompson is the first author to work with McCown.

“I was drawn to Shannon’s story because of her enthusiasm,” McCown said. “I wanted to teach her everything I knew.”

According to McCown, being an author takes a lot of discipline. Thompson works with McCown up to four hours a day, three days a week. The author and editor work on brainstorming, editing and putting the newest additions together.

Thompson began writing at a very young age when her mom encouraged her to write.

“She has been wanting to dabble [in writing] since she was ten years old,” Thompson’s father said. “She’s got amazing presence with it and a natural knack for creating stories,”

Thompson uses her writing skills as a way to relieve the stress that every teenager goes through.

“After my mom passed away, I used writing to cope,” Thompson said. “It really helped me through. It kept her alive in a way.”

Although Thompson is able to relieve stress through her writing, the ideas don’t always flow easily.

“I have days where I can’t write at all, then there are times I wake up at 3 a.m. and just start writing,” Thompson said.

Besides her first book, this young author also has a sequel to November Snow in the works along with three other stories still in the writing process. The sequel to November Snow, called April Roses, was easier for Thompson to write.

“I wrote the second one [April Roses] in about a month because I really knew what I was doing this time around,” Thompson said. “But so many things have to be edited out, and I go back and change and add things.”

Thompson’s fan base has also grown. The author gets requests for her book all over the country and even close to home.

“I’ve had a few people ask for my book from [Blue Valley] West, from Texas and other cities,” Thompson said. “I’m just getting started.”

Thompson’s perseverance and dedication to her writing has really paid off. Thompson has earned well over $3000 from her profits.

Looking in to the future, Thompson sees herself continuing to write and publish many more books.

“I will support and fund and see her career in writing fulfill itself,”

father said.

With Thompson’s perseverance and dedication to her work, her nightmare has truly become a dream come true.

Junior Shannon Thompson is editing some of her newest writing with editor T.L. McCown. Her second novel is in the works and Thompson plans on publishing the sequel. “Rising to the challenge of writing a novel isn’t easy,” McCown said. “It takes intense perseverance.”

Photo by Kelly Aubuchon.

allisonkohn staff reporter

Thompson’s

publishes her first science fiction novel, “November Snow”

How to purchase a book

Junior realizes importance of AP classes thirst for

mitchsmith news editor

While many of junior Emma Smith’s peers ll their schedules with senior study halls, early releases and late arrivals, Smith loads hers with several Advanced Placement and honors courses. Unlike many of her classmates, Smith had avoided AP classes until this semester, when she nally enrolled in AP Communication Arts III. Next year, Smith hopes her tough schedule and activities ranging from volleyball to swimming to marching band will help her shine in college admissions o ces.

“I didn’t think [taking advanced classes]was necessary,” Smith said. “They’re called honors courses, but if everyone takes them, they’re not that special.”

Smith, however, has been surprised as her opinion of advanced classes has morphed over the past weeks.

“I feel that now it’s helpful, so it will be less of a shock once I get to college,” Smith said.

After more than two years of counselors and teachers urging her to try honors courses, Smith nally made the transition this semester. Now, she said she can see a di erence in the rigor in the curriculum and regrets not getting on an honors track sooner.

Smith’s AP CA teacher Teresa Schulte sees many students who just aren’t mature enough to handle an honors class as a freshman succeed later in their high school career.

“Some kids just aren’t ready for an AP class when

they’re freshmen,” Schulte said.

Schulte also believes that taking advanced courses in high school helps prepare students for their future endeavors.

“I think that, generally, it’s better preparation for college than a regular Communication Arts class because of pacing, rigor and depth of discussion and just more writing,” Schulte said.

Smith said the importance of taking advanced courses became apparent to her as she began considering her post-high school plans.

“I didn’t think it was a big deal,” Smith said. “But when I started looking at colleges, I didn’t want to be rejected because of my rigor.”

Smith’s college and career goals involve attending an out-of-state university and studying either science or the arts. She is considering, among others, the University of Maryland, the University of Maine and California Polytechnic State University. Smith is also interested in joining the Navy following college graduation to prepare for a possible career as a commercial airline pilot or an astronaut.

Although she is hopeful about her admissions prospects, Smith worries her lack of AP and honors courses may not help her in out-of-state admissions o ces. “I’m mentally preparing myself now,” Smith said. “But I’m telling myself I want to go out of state and be able to choose.”

Junior Emma Smith now spends her time challenging herself in AP courses.

Photo by Ashley Stickler.

Photo by Ashley Stickler.

Fish oil proves beneficial 3

Acne, dull hair and brittle nails will soon be things of the past. The elixir for such everyday ills has arrived. Fish oil is supposed to be this miracle medicine, and is all the rage of the beauty industry.

Retailers have made a fortune, a projected gross of $310 million in 2008, on the yet-tobe-proven antidote. Both teenage girls and middle-aged men stockpile it in their bathroom cabinets in hopes of unlocking its various benefits. Although it does have many cosmetic uses, fish oil is especially valuable to the health care industry.

“As you may have noticed most vegetable and animal oils solidify at room temperature,” said Uttam Garg, the director of clinical chemistry and toxicology labs for Children’s Mercy. “This is due to the fact that they are saturated fats. In the body they deposit along arteries and blood vessels, which leads to heart disease. Fish oil is an unsaturated fat so it absorbs much better. Taking fish oil also prevents other oils from depositing and is very beneficial for the heart.”

Fish oil can do this because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, fats that the body needs for proper function. Omega-3 fatty acids give the body better brain function, a stronger immune system, better vision, more energy and healthier skin.

“My mom’s doctor recommended that she take (fish oil) for her heart,” freshman Lindsay Hale said. “Sometimes she puts in the dog’s food because it’s supposed to be good for the skin.”

Eating nuts and fish can also induce these results. Salmon or swordfish are among fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

“It is more beneficial to eat fish than take

fish oil because eating fish provides you with vitamin D and protein,” Garg said. “But some fish have more fatty acids than others so taking fish oil is more convenient.”

When the production of this quick and easy remedy is examined controversy occurs. The journey to the capsule begins when fishermen catch small fish, like anchovies, with fishing nets. These nets are the focus of many animal rights groups. According to PETA representative Pulim Modi hundreds and thousands of seals, whales, porpoises, and other marine mammals every year become entangled in nets and drown.

“Personally, I wouldn’t ever use it or buy it,” junior Kaitlin Gould said. “I don’t think any animal should be killed for cosmetic use.”

The Environmental Protection Agency says that the nets are then shipped to processing plants where they are dumped in freezing water. After that the fish are canned and exposed to temperatures 100 degrees Celsius and above. This process causes the fish to die and cells of the fish to burst, draining the water and oil out of it. The dead fish are subjected to a screw press where all of the remaining liquid is pressed out.

The pressed liquid and the liquid from the heating process are then combined. An acid is added to the solution to release all the oil. This mixture is strained and purified so that only the fatty acids remain in the oil. Once all of the sanitary precautions are taken, gelatin and other chemicals are added to get it into pill form. These pills are packaged and sent off to consumers all around the world.

Just like any medication there are both benefits and risks to taking fish oil. Those who want to take the product have to carefully consider whether those risks are ones that they are willing to take.

kinds of fish oil

standard fish oil

This oil is processed from the flesh of the fish. This is incredibly unsanitary since the flesh is exposed to the pollutants of the ocean and the deck of the fishing boat. To put it simply, consuming standard fish oil is like consuming everything that the fish has ever been in contact with.

Sold at Target, The Vitamin Shoppe, and American health.

cod liver

The least sanitary of the three is cod liver oil. This oil, made from the fish’s liver, may contain high levels of pollutants due to a short purification process. It is also possible to get vitamin A poisoning from consuming this because it contains high levels of vitamin A and D.

Sold at K-Mart, Rite Aid, and GNC

high-grade concentrated

Experts agree that the best option for fish oil is highgrade concentrated fish oil. This oil has to go through the most rigorous purification process and contains the highest amounts of EPA and DHA, the two most essential omega-3 fatty acids. Because of this high concentration of omega-3 the daily dose would only be three to four capsules a day as opposed to the standard five to six.

Sold at Sam’s Club, Walgreens, and Costco are all retailers of high-grade concentrated fish oil.

noopergoelstaff reporter

Photo illustration by Nina Humphrey.

Getting life on track

nathanlindshield staff reporter

It has been a long and laborious day at school. While most students head to their respective after-school activities, junior Bret Pilney has a separate life out on the track to worry about. This however, is not the track most people think of. This is the track where Pilney begins his long evenings perfecting jumps and other intricate routines. These routines would not be possible without an unlikely friend of Pilney’s, his horse.

Pilney’s interest in horseback riding started when he was in sixth grade after he watched one of his friends ride. It was not until eighth grade that his interest led him to purchase a horse of his own and become an avid rider.

He has gained some valuable perspective on life “Horseback riding gives me a chance to develop a strong connection between my horse and I,” Pilney said. “For example, the more time I spend with my horse, the more I become aware of how exactly to treat it.” Riding also allows me to meet new people at the horse shows that I go to.”

Aside from the grueling hours competitive horseback riding demands, there can also be some rewarding moments that accompany it. These moments often occur while Pilney is on tour competing in a series of skill-related events. Including jumping over barriers with the horse or weaving around obstacles while being timed.

Before each competition nerves and tension can have a tendency to rise.

“Because I am so nervous right before the show starts, I

try to find something to do to keep myself busy which helps take my mind off of the show,” he said.

With a hobby that requires harnessing such a large animal’s power, there can be some hazards involved. It is important to always stay within the capabilities of the horse and not demand from it more than it is capable of doing. Demanding too much from the horse can often lead to retaliation from it. Pilney recalls a close encounter he had with his horse.

“I was preparing for a show one time and my horse bucked me off,” he said. “I flew into the railing of the fence that lined the track. Fortunately, I just came away with a couple of scratches and bruises. I will never forget the look on my dad’s face after that experience.”

For Pilney’s mother, her first proud moment arrived as Pilney was at his first horse show. He conquered his first jump with perfect form.

Pilney thrives on the support of his loved ones to be successful in his competitions.

“I take pictures, I encourage him, I watch him practice, and I go to every horse show with him,” his mother Nancy Pilney said.

“Sometimes I ride with him but don’t do the dangerous jumps like he does. I lend him my car so he can go to the barn whenever he wants to. I am glad that he is so interested in animals, and I hope someday he can make a career out of it. I appreciate his hobby even more because I also have a love for horses,” she said.

While riding is clearly an integral part of Pilney’s life and could

indeed dictate what opportunities his future might hold, he is keeping his mind geared towards becoming a better rider with each competition that he

attends. Riding has also allowed Pilney to experience a side to life that many teens have not had an opportunity to experience.

On the outside, Pilney seems like the average teenager, but when it comes to life outside of school, he is a teenager with a unique pastime.

Junior Bret Pilney takes second place as he makes his first 18-inch show jump in his first show on April 30, 2005 at Lawrence Fairgrounds. “I felt like I was on top of the world,” Pilney said. Photo courtesy of Bret Pilney.

fact or ction

Fact: Short-haired pets aren’t any better for your allergies than long-haired animals.

People react to the dander and other particles that animals’ skin produces, so the length of hair doesn’t matter.

Fiction: If you don’t have allergies as a child, you won’t get them as an adult.

Allergies can develop at any time in life, although children with allergies are more likely to have them as adults, too.

Fact: Only a relatively small number of foods cause the majority of food allergies.

Eight foods — milk, eggs, sh, shell sh, wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts — cause the vast majority of food allergic reactions.

Fiction: A severe cold can develop into long-term allergies if the cold is not treated properly.

Although colds and allergies may have similar symptoms, the two are completely di erent.

Fact: The most common type of skin allergy is a reaction to poison ivy, poison oak and sumac.

Two-thirds of people have an allergic reaction of itchy, red bumps and blisters from the oil in the plant.

*According to American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

Number living with allergies rises

because there is a lot of dust, it causes me to have more problems.”

Currently, 50 million citizens of the United States test positive to one or more allergens. Furthermore, it is the third-leading chronic disease among children under the age of 18. Just 10 years ago, only 17 million people in the U.S. were living with allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.

Scientists are beginning to search for reasons as to why the number of people living with allergies has almost tripled.

Sophomore Jordyn Hodge recently discovered she has dust mite and other air allergies. She is the rst generation in her family to su er from this chronic disease.

“My allergies became more intense starting last year,” Hodge said. “Some nights I can’t sleep because my nose is so stu ed up, and I can’t breathe. I think

With the number of students living with allergies on the rise there is no clear answer as to why.

The hygiene hypothesis is a belief that the western world has become so obsessed with cleanliness that the immune systems of children are not being challenged su ciently and become more susceptible to diseases.

Quinten and Adler Boten both attend Blue River Elementary and are severely allergic to nuts. Their mother, Lisa Buckler, worries about her kids being exposed to nut products, and with good reason. Peanut allergies are responsible for more fatalities than any other type of allergy.

“My biggest concern about the boys and their allergies is that someone will not be paying attention and they will get ahold of peanuts,” Buckler said. “If the boys do get ahold of peanuts they basically have eight minutes for someone to give them their epi shot or they’ll

die.”

An epi shot, otherwise known as an epinephrine shot, is the most common emergency treatment given to people who come in contact with their allergen and have a severe reaction.

The reason the boys have allergies could be explained through another theory that states antibiotics used to terminate childhood infections could be the culprit, according to Dr. Paul Williams of the Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center. He said the antibiotics could be hindering the development of friendly bacteria, which aid the immune system in warding o allergens. Or is could be as simple as doctors diagnose more allergies now than in previous generations.

Although the answer is not known yet, researchers are currently looking for one. They are also searching for ways to prevent allergies or at least lessen their severity. For now, the best treatments are avoiding allergens and taking prescribed medications.

stephanieroche staff reporter

Footloose: Musical mixes rock anthems, 80s style, wild dancing

The school musical. Blue Valley students hearing this word will automatically think of the typical storyline: a new guy in town who is different inspires the townspeople to be different or stick up for a cause, with random bouts of singing and dancing. So what makes Footloose, this year’s school musical, so much better than all the rest?

“This musical is different from the past musicals we have had,” senior Sarah Cline said. “In our past musicals, the characters have all been adults. But Footloose is all teenagers and something everyone can relate to.”

Originally a contemporary movie, Footloose burst onto the stage on Oct. 22, 1998. For the first time in the District, Footloose will be attempted on stage.

Undertaking this task is new director Brian McGinness. Vocal teacher, Marsha Moeller, asked McGinness to direct Footloose

“Brian and I have known each other for 12 years,” Moeller said. “We’ve worked together on three different occasions at Theater in the Park. I asked him to direct because I thought he’d be the perfect man for the job, this is a hard musical to take up.”

How to do the Footloose dance

Step One Step Two Step Three

McGinness has been a choreographer at Blue Valley North for 12 years. He has majored in musical theater and speech and did professional dance in the 80’s.

Footloose has the storyline of a stereotypical musical, but with a twist.

“The music for Footloose will have a kind of rock twist to it,” junior Pete Marten said. “Since the music originally was made for the movie from top rock artists of the 80’s, the style will be able to relate to teens in that era, as well as ours. The pit will be great with blaring guitar solos and other awesome things.”

”Footloose has a cast of 23 and an ensemble of 47 students.

“I have extremely high expectations for this musical,” senior Cameron McCallie, who plays Willard Hewitt, said. “I have done the musical for four years and this one is definitely my favorite. I expect this to go farther then any musical Blue Valley has ever done.”

The first show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14 and last performance at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16. There will also be a 2 p.m. show on Feb 16.

“These kids have worked incredibly hard throughout this entire show,” Moeller said. “I have no doubt in my mind that this play will blow people away and set a new definition to the term High School Musical.”

signature dance of the musical

Step Four Step Five

Senior Cam McCallie gives senior Hayley Black a kiss on the hand in the show Footloose. The musical is based off of the 80s movie that was turned into a Broadway show in 1998. The first performance of the show went on last night. The next three performances will go on tonight at 7:30 and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Photo by Nina Humphrey

andrewfiori staff reporter

Photo illustration by Ashley Stickler

Senior Katy Bantham demonstrates the

“

i expect this to go farther then any musical Blue Valley has ever done.

- Cameron McCallie

Thin is in Apple releases Macbook Air computer, sta er points out pros, cons of super-skinny laptop

stephanieroche staff reporter

Features

• 13.3 inch LED display

• .76 inches wide

• Full size keyboard with backlighting

• Intel Core Two Duo processor

•Price: $1,799

It can slide under a door, ts into a manila folder and I am sure if it is thrown hard enough, can slice an object in half. Maybe not, but Apple’s newest and sleekest laptop, the MacBook Air, is extremely thin.

It weighs only three pounds and at its maximum closed height is only .76 inches. MacBook Air also has a full size keyboard and a 13.3 inch, wide screen display.

The notebook was optimized for the

wireless world. It comes standard with WiFi2 and Bluetooth 2.1 technology. Because of this, the creators at Apple did not feel the need to put in an optical drive, where the CDs go in. They felt most users would not have the need for one with all of the powerful wireless capabilities.

However, if there is a need for an optical drive, they created a MacBook Air Super Drive that plugs into the USB port. Apple has also created the new Remote Disk that lets you wirelessly access the op-

tical drive of another PC or Mac. The software for the Remote Disk comes standard with the MacBook Air.

The design of the Air is also very innovative. The notebook turns on automatically the second you open it up. The display uses LEDs for backlighting. The keyboard has backlighting that automatically illuminates from behind when a decrease in ambient light is detected.

Located above the display screen is the built in iSight video camera and

microphone, which you can use for video commenting or just having fun taking pictures.

If I were rich enough to have a play computer, this would be my rst choice. I would not recommend this notebook to be anyone’s main, work related computer, however it does look like a lot of fun.

The MacBook Air is available at Apple retail stores, the Apple on-line store and other retailers who sell Macs.

Faults

• 2 GB memory

• 80 GB hard drive, with optional 64 GB solid-state hard drive for an extra $1,000

•No optical drive

•Only one USB port

•Price: $1,799

Blue Valley Students

Don’t miss out on -Incred-A-Bowl’sDaily Specials

Tuesday- School Night- three games of bowling, shoe rental $10.00, 8 p.m.- midnight

Wednesday- Cosmic-Bowl for two hours in that time frame$13.00, 7 p.m.- midnight

Friday

From the moment the decapitated head of the Statue of Liberty crashes into a city street, it’s obvious that J.J. Abrams and crew are messing with minds again. This time, it’s the thriller Clover eld. Abrams, famous for producing TV shows such as Lost and Alias, has a knack for strategically smart thrillers with more twists than a Pull-and-Peel Twizzler.

In the midst of a going-away party for Rob Hawkins thrown by his brother’s girlfriend Lily, a monster attacks New York City.

The movie, shot mainly from the perspective of Rob’s best friend, Hud, portrays their attempts to ee the city along with their friend Marlena. In a classic Abrams twist, they must get to the other side of the city to save Rob’s love, Beth, from the high-rise apartment where she is trapped.

Shot mainly by a shaky hand-held camera, this movie isn’t for those who easily succumb to motion sickness. If that doesn’t bother you, this movie is great for fans of War of the World type thrillers.

by tori freisner

Hear It Here!

Jay-Z American Gangster

Modern-day hip hop legend Jay-Z’s November release, “American Gangster,” follows the movie of the same name. The album is a satisfying follow-up to Jay-Z’s poorly acclaimed release, Kingdom Come, and tips a hat back to Jay-Z’s drug rap roots that made him a modern day hip-hop legend.

Rivers Cuomo Alone

Weezer frontman, Rivers Cuomo, frees himself from his previous pop-music cliché in “Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo

“Despite the super cial, positive attitude portrayed on Cuomo’s previous endeavors with Weezer, the album ventures into the often unseen lifestyle of the nerdy rock singer.

vs. Juno Jamie Lynn

Pregnant teenager lm receives praise, media criticizes real-life situation with Nickelodeon star

Just the other day, I was trying to avoid doing homework, mindlessly ipping through channels trying to nd something to watch on TV. When Jamie Lynn Spears’ face appeared on the screen, I gured it was just another one of those gossip shows talking about her unexpected pregnancy. But after watching it for a few seconds, I noticed it wasn’t. It was her show Zoey 101. Now, I’m not going to lie, it was one of the cheesiest and worst written shows I’ve seen in a long time. But the thing that struck me most was how unbelievably childish it seemed.

I keep hearing things about how her pregnancy is such a disgrace because she is a role model for 9-12 year old girls, but I haven’t thought much of it. Until I saw her show. Yes, her show is geared towards elementary and middle school girls. Yes, she is a role model for them.

And yes, getting pregnant at 16 probably was not the greatest move for her image. But does our society seriously not have anything better to do but to bash her for her mistakes?

voice

Recently, a new movie titled Juno immediately became a hit in the box o ce. America fell in love with the story of a 16-year-old outsider, Juno, who unexpectedly gets pregnant after a one-night stand. Though this may sound sleazy at rst, the lm is anything but. It shows normal, everyday challenges that teenagers face—and it shows the consequences as well. Juno has to make the decision of whether or not to have an abortion, keep the baby or give the baby

up for adoption. In the end, she chooses what she thinks is best for her child.

It seems to me these two girls have quite a lot in common. Why are the same people who love the movie ing Jamie Lynn? Both of these girls faced a very important decision. Of course, if Juno chose the abortion route, there would have been no story. However, I can’t help but feel some respect towards Jamie Lynn. She could have secretly had an abortion and kept her image as the “good girl Spears.” But she didn’t. Instead, she took responsibility for her actions, even though it may have cost Spears her reputation.

I’m not saying getting pregnant at 16 isn’t irresponsible, and I’m not saying abortion is wrong. All I’m saying is—give the girl a break. We all make mistakes; and taking responsibility for our actions requires dignity and deserves respect.

amandablue

my

End is near

Writer’s strike affects award ceremonies

stephanieroche staff reporter

et the curtain open. After 100 days, the Writers Guild of America and the studio moguls have come to a tentative agreement. The talks for a new deal between the WGA and the moguls had been running smoother since last week and now with the conclusion of the strike, writers can help with the Oscars. The 80th annual Academy Awards will have a show with stars at 7 p.m. on Feb. 24.

The Golden Globes looked to be the beginning of a very joyless award season, but with the Academy Awards getting help from writers and stars agreeing to show up, many show biz fans are smiling.

The Globes was an hour long press

conference with a host who showed no emotion. She would announce the category, nominees and finally the winner. The show was duller than dull. It brought in an estimated 4.8 rating versus last year’s Globes which had a 16.0 rating. A rating point represents 1,128,000 households.

With everything panning out in the Academy’s favor, Jon Stewart will host the Oscars to a large audience.

Although the writers refused to cooperate with the Globes, they did show their support of the Screen Actors Guild by allowing the SAG Awards to go ahead full steam.

It was a glamorous night that all the stars showed up for. Winners were there to give speeches, which I never thought I would be happy to hear again.

As the Writer’s Strike has finally come to a close, Hollywood cannot wait to get back to work. There are many new movies that need to be written for the next award season.

Golden Globe Winners

The WGA and studio moguls have reached a tentative agreement that has ended the strike. While the writers were on a hiatus the Golden Globes were mind-numbing because of a lack of an audience. The actors showed their support of the WGA by boycotting the Globes. Now that the writers strike has concluded, the Oscars will run with the same glitz and glam from previous years. Photo by Ahsley Stickler.

SAG Award Winners

Actor in a Drama: Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)

Actress in a Drama: Julie Christie (Away From Her)

Actor in a Musical or Comedy: Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd)

Actress in a Musical or Comedy: Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose)

Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men)

Supporting Actress: Cate Blanchett (I’m Not There)

Male Actor in a Leading Role: Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood)

Female Actor in a Leading Role: Julie Christie (Away From Her)

Male Actor in a Drama Series: James Gandolfini (The Sopranos)

Female Actor in a Drama Series: Edie Falco (The Sopranos)

Male Actor in a Comedy Series: Alec Baldwin (30 Rock)

Female Actor in a Comedy Series: Tina Fey (30 Rock)

Grammy Winners

Album of the Year:“River: The Joni Letters” by Herbie Hancock

Record of the Year:”Rehab” by Amy Winehouse

Male Pop Vocal Performance: “What Goes Around...Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake

Rock Album: “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace” by The Foo Fighters

Rap Album: “Graduation” by Kanye West

Giants super bowl victory ruins perfection

When preparing this editorial, I expected to be writing about the Patriots’ undefeated season, just summing up something the national sports media has been talking about since almost week one of the NFL season. The New York Giants surprised the nation when they put a stop to the Patriots’ historic run as they upset the Patriots in Super Bowl 42, in Glendale, Ariz., 17-14.

With the loss, the rst 18 games of the Patriots’ streak were almost meaningless because the Patriots were not perfect. The Patriots were the rst team in NFL history to go 18-0 and they only had to win one more game to go undefeated.

Even with all of the records the Patriots broke this season, their season will be remembered as a failure.

The 1985 Chicago Bears and the 1984 San Francisco 49ers are the only teams that went 18-1, along with the Patriots. But the Bears’ and 49ers’ seasons will always be remembered as successful seasons, whereas the Patriots season will not be remembered as successful because they didn’t win the Super Bowl. In the end, that’s all that matters, winning the Super Bowl.

This game had everything riding on it and the Patriots choked. It’s hard and near impossible to do what the Patriots accomplished this season and give them credit, but they didn’t win the biggest game of the year, which matters most.

Just as the Patriots’ perfect season

came to an end, a new star emerged. Quarterback Eli Manning has been under re his entire career. Not only did he have to live up to his brother (Peyton) and his father (Archie) but he also had to live up to being the rst overall draft pick and the New York media and fans.

This regular season, Manning tied for the most interceptions thrown, but in the postseason, Manning came through when it mattered most. He led his Giants to three straight road playo victories and set up a rematch with the Patriots. This was an opportunity to nish what they had started when the Giants nearly upset the Patriots in week 17 of the regular season, losing 38-35.

The magic of Super Bowl 42 came in the last three minutes of the game. The Patriots had just gone up 14-10 and the

Giants had to score a touchdown. Manning directed his team down the eld with a 12-play, 83-yard touchdown drive that put the Giants up 17-14, with 35 seconds left. Manning kept the drive alive by escaping a sure sack and then throwing it to wide receiver David Tyree, who made an unbelievable catch, probably the best catch ever in Super Bowl history. The spectacular Giants defense stopped Tom Brady and the high powered offense as they clinched the Super Bowl victory.

This Super Bowl will always be remembered as a game where the Patriots could have made history, by being the the rst team to go 19-0, but I think people should give the Giants a lot more credit because the Patriots didn’t lose the game, the Giants won it.

Lauren Mitchell Steven Cox

Senior Lauren Mitchell is living the dream by continuing to play soccer at Baker University.

“I chose Baker because I like the atmosphere and the small classes,” Mitchell said. “I’m very excited to go.”

Mitchell has been in uenced by her friends, family and coaches all throughout her soccer career and hopes they will continue their support even though she’s away from home.

“Our hope was that she’d learn lifetime lessons,” father Gary Mitchell said. “I’m extremely proud in her accomplishments in club and high school soccer and Baker will give her a great education.”

Mitchell has always been known to be a hard and tough worker at everything she does and it shows tremendously.

“She’s a left footed player and great at crossing the ball,” club coach Jon Parry said. “She is a very hard worker and she has a tremendous work ethic.”

Mitchell still has her senior year to nish strong before moving onto a tougher atmosphere.

Silpada Designs

Hostess

All February Hostesses will receive an additional $50 credit toward FREE jewelry!

Senior Steven Cox was another athlete that signed to a college, but it wasn’t soccer. Cox signed to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO to continue to play football.

“I chose Southwest Baptist because of their business school,” Cox said. “Football was just a plus.”

Cox was the only senior football player to sign to a college to play football. Cox was a defensive lineman all throughout high school and will continue playing that same position next year.

“I am really excited for next year,” Cox said. “I can’t wait to hit someone.”

Numerous athletes all have somekind of in uence that keeps them motivated to keep playing or to play harder and in Cox’s case, his parents are his number one supporters.

“My parents are always there and they push me to do better in anything I do,” Cox said.

Cox is really excited to be playing football next year and can’t wait for the 2008 season to start.

Photo by Tess England.

stevenreno

myvoice

Photo by Nina Humphrey.

Winter sports get ready for postseason

Class competition increases student interest in games

This basketball season, at every home boys or girls game, students are chosen to compete for spirit points. During half time, each student is given five free throws and the class with the highest total made, wins.

Athletic Director Bob Whitehead proposed the idea at a student council meeting. The purpose of the free throws was to increase the students’ interest in the games and have the student body be more involved.

The new class competition brought more fans to the basketball games, both girls and boys, and raised some tiger spirit.

by Allison Kohn

Made Free Throws

Junior captain Austin Wright has qualified in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle and has a consideration time in the 100 meter backstroke. The 200 meter relay team, consisting of Wright and juniors Daniel Goergen, and Kyle Peterson and freshman Cameron Gallet also qualified for state.

The state competition begins today in Topeka and continues tomorrow.

by Braden Miller

Two wrestlers rank high in KS, prepare for postseason

The EKL Tournament marked the start of the wrestling team’s postseason on Feb. 9 at Blue Valley West, where three Tigers became EKL Champions.

have a pretty good chance at regionals which would set them up well for state because at state anything can happen,” Ortman said.

Madl is ranked second in the state at 119 and Newell is ranked third at 171.

Regionals are tomorrow at Blue Valley North and State is on Feb. 22-23 at Charles Koch Arena on the Wichita State campus.

by Steven Reno

Boys basketball looking to future with junior class

After a disappointing first half of the season, the boys basketball team’s record is 3-12.

team looks towards a successful season next year.

by Jake Faber

Girls basketball ranked No. 1 in state, EKL champions

Girls clinch EKL for the first time ever in BV history with huge victory over Bishop Miege 51-31 on Monday. The girls are ranked first in the state and recently was named Hyvee High School Team of Week last week. The girls play Blue Valley West tonight at West. With a 16-1 record, their successes are evident. Their victory over St. Thomas Aquinas on Jan. 31 was an accomplishment.

“Aquinas was one of the toughest teams we play,” senior Taylor Hanson said.

Seniors- Juniors-

Sophomores- Freshman15 13 18 12

Qualified swimmers ready for state tournament

As the postseason gets closer and closer, the swim team is anxiously awaiting for the state tournament. One swimmer and a relay team have qualified for state in their respective style.

Sophomore Parker Madl (119), junior Brett Newell (171) and senior Andrew Scarlett (189) won their respective weight-classes at EKL. Sophomore Nick Pearch (215) also placed third.

“We had three guys sick and another at a funeral who couldn’t wrestle at EKL, so for having to throw in a lot of people without a lot of varsity experience we did pretty well,” coach Matt Ortman said.

The Tigers hope the success at EKL is a sign to come at the regional and state tournaments.

“All four guys who did well at EKL

“Our goal is what it has been all year, to play our best and do the best that we can in February,” head coach Chris Hansen said.

But the Tigers aren’t just focused on the present; they’re looking to the future with a strong junior class, who will be the Tigers’ strong returning core.

The Tigers started the month of February on a sour note with an 11 point loss against St. Thomas Aquinas

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the Tigers took on Schlagle, where they suffered a tough loss, coming up short 50-56 with juniors Ryan Magdziarz and Josh Wormington leading in scoring. With high hopes, the

As the girls were down at half time, 1623, they fought back and took the lead with Hanson’s winning three with under a minute left. Aquinas had two chances to score and take the lead, but failed to score. With tensions high, senior Morgan Matile rips down the game winning rebound as the buzzer called. The Tigers walk away with a 44-43 victory.

“It was a big win,” Hanson said. “We knew if we could get through this week we could go far. Not splitting with Aquinas was a big challenge to overcome.”

by Sarah Weaver

Slushies and Drinks

Dance the night away.

2 p.m. at Lyric Theater. Tickets start at $30.

Girls & Boys B-ball Presidents Day

No school.

vs. Turner. Girls at 5:30 p.m. and boys at 7 p.m.

Ellen Page Birthday Boys Wrestling State

“WHOA DREAM BIG!”

Times to be announced. Relay

At 7 p.m. until tomorrow at 7 a.m.

Matchbox Twenty

7 p.m. at Sprint Center.

Jonas Brothers

Check with scalpers for prices!

7 p.m. at Sprint Center.

Leap Year KC Brigade

Out of 1,400 students and 140 staff members, none of us were born today.

vs. Tampa Bay Storm.

5 p.m. at Sprint Center. Tickets start at $9.

Dr. Seuss Birthday

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”

Unique Names Day

This must be a holiday for children of celebrities. Congrats Apple and Coco.

Name Tag Day

I wear one of these everyday in case I forget.

International Womens Day

In 1908, 15,000 women walked through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights.

Get Over It Day

They actually have parties to celebrate this day.

Boys Tennis

vs. Shawnee Mission West

Boys Tennis

vs. Olathe South

KC Ballet

Walking through the spirit

The annual Sweetheart hall decorating contest brought out creativity, competition and CocaCola. Each class decorated their hall to go along with the American Bandstand theme of the sweetheart dance. The seniors won first place.

Photos by Gwen Bergerhofer.