The Tiger Print — November 2006 by The Tiger Print

tiger print B

6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085 Nov. 10, 2006 • Vol. 37• Issue 3

Trans Fat Battle

photo illustration by Nina Humphrey

page 3

Borat— offensive or entertaining? page 16

Grandparents, illnesses and students pages 11-13

currentevents

Nov. 10, 2006

Piece of their hearts

Seniors eager to make final performance a memorable one anitagaller

staff writer

comedy Tartuffe was, Schmidt said Piece of My Heart is fun and exciting on its own level. There are a lot of dramatic moments, but every character has her own moment. “We read through the whole script and by the end we were all crying,” Wienecke said. Though this is the last fall production for the seniors, they are eager to make it their best. This is Wienecke’s last time performing with these specific girls, and she feels very fortunate to have gotten all the opportunities here. “I have been trying not to think about it; I don’t want it to end; we Cast Members Stephanie Wienecke, Lauren Friedlander and others perform in the fall play. Photo by all have a mindset Nina Humphrey to make this the best show,” Wienecke very intense. together. said. “You can’t goof off,” Wienecke said. “I hope they think it’s cool how we The cast rehearsed everyday from Piece of My Heart, is a very realistic told the story,” Schmidt said. 3:15 to 5:30 in the Performing Arts story, but performed in a very The cast and crew are excited to see Center. Rehearsals began in September theatrical way. Schmidt says he is the reaction of the audience. and the six main leads were called looking forward to seeing all the “I can’t wait for opening night at the everyday. Rehearsals were generally technical aspects and the acting come end just waiting for that silence and then the applause,” Wienecke said. 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Those need at least 580 donors a day Blue Valley West and on the area. who were 17 years or older to supply all the hospitals in weekend of Oct. 28 and 29 the The event was not only a and in good health could need. Ninety-nine percent of teams of Megan Adams and tournament for the students, schedule a time to donate on the blood donated stays in the Megan Ritter, Brian Israel but was also a fundraiser for the BVHS website. community. and Andy Irwin, and April the club. The money collected Tracy Buker, CBC contact To help out without giving Levins and Kaitlyn Berry will fund various necessities for Kansas City, said the three blood one can make financial closed out the Blue Valley of the club such as books, CBC founders wanted to contributions by contacting North tournament receiving travel and equipment. insure a constant supply of Cathy Hedrick at (816) 968- first, second and third places, “I’m always excited about blood. 4071. One can also volunteer respectively. this tournament; it’s a fun way Since opening in 1958, over time at his local Community At Blue Valley North the for these kids to be involved,” 800,000 people have received Blood Center. Tigers won sweepstakes with sponsor Richard Gill said. blood donated at CBC. By just The CBC will seek blood a record of 20-0, the second But it doesn’t come without donating once, one is helping donations at BVHS on Feb. 27 time to have an undefeated “quite a bit of work” says Gill. as many as two people. of next semester. sweeps record in Coach Gill has a number of parents “The amount of blood Riffer’s twelve years of who helped set up chess sets, Debate needed is getting larger each coaching. tables and run the clocks. The debate team has been year,” Buker said. After the tournament, the Chess rounds during The BV goal for this year was winning 6A state champs will still have 90 units and the Community the past few weeks at The Chess Club hosted around five months to prepare Blood Center was able to tournaments. On the weekend its only home tournament for the state tournament in of Oct. 20 and 21 the debate Saturday, Oct. 28 and finished March. The club competes obtain 104 units of blood. The CBC serves over 70 team of Andy Beye and second. Approximately 120 in eight to 10 tournaments hospitals in over 70 counties Austin Quarles earned first teams, k-12th grade attended throughout the year in Missouri and Kansas. They place in the senior division at from all over the metropolitan

eniors Stefanie Wienecke, Alex Matteo, Maggie Haren and Lauren Friedlander will take their last bow in a fall production as they star in this week’s Piece of My Heart. These four girls have acted together numerous times and formed strong bonds and friendships over the years. “We are so close; it makes everything so real,” Wienecke said. The cast of Piece of My Heart opened the curtains to an audience yesterday. The play follows the lives of six women during the Vietnam War after they return home, along with other aspects of their lives. Piece of My Heart will run through Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. The production has a cast of 20 students. The cast has high hopes of making it to state this year. “We are a school that has expectations of going to state each year; we want to do the best possible play we can do,” director Dan Schmidt said. Every night of the play three different judges come to watch the show. There are around 17 to 18 plays judged and four make it to state. Though last years Tartuffe didn’t make it to state, the actors are eager to see how Piece of My Heart does. “I’m excited to see the judges sheet and see if we made it to state,” Wienecke said. While Piece of My Heart isn’t the

iger riefs

Blood Drive The vampires were out on Halloween. Seniors Megan Ritter and Megan Adams hosted the Community Blood Drive Oct. 31. Students donated blood to the Community Blood Center in the auxiliary gym from

currentevents

Nov. 10, 2006

KFC joins crusade

After consumer pressure, restaurants drop trans fats mitchsmith

staff writer

ried chicken, Oreos and McDonald’s, oh my! Oh my is exactly what consumer groups are saying in regard to the high concentration of trans fatty acids or trans fat found in these products. Until the beginning of this year, food manufacturers were not mandated to publicize the amount of trans fat present in their nutritional facts; however, that has changed with a flurry of reports due to the harmful effects of trans fats. On Oct. 30, Kentucky Fried Chicken introduced a plan that will replace trans fats cooking oils with a soybean oil in all products except for biscuits. This change will take effect in restaurants in April of next year. The decision comes as a result of a lawsuit filed against the fried chicken mogul by The Center for Science in the public interest. However, some students aren’t convinced that their chicken will still be “finger lickin’ good.” “(Fried chicken) is good for the soul; it’s fine right now,” sophomore Treveor Cornley

said. Trans fats are unsaturated fats that are known to increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease while providing no nutritional benefit. This change is caused chemically by the presence of double bonds in between carbon atoms. Trans fats also occur naturally in small amounts in mammals including cows and deer; however, their presence is negligible compared to the commercially packaged trans fats. McDonald’s and Burger King are two other fast food giants that have also been targeted by consumer rights groups. Additionally, Kraft Foods was sued in a lawsuit that was later dropped for their use of trans fats in the production of Oreo Cookies. Although known to be harmful, many students aren’t sure they want their fried food tampered with. Currently, New York City is considering a bill that will strictly limit the amount of trans fat allowed in its restaurant food. Chicago is following suit with a similar piece of proposed legislature that would also ban oils containing trans fats from chain restaurants.

However, some American cities have already moved away from the seemingly dangerous substance. In May, 2005 the city of Tiburon, Cal. became the first city in America in which all restaurants refrain from the use of trans fats. Remarkably, this program is voluntary. Some students are indifferent to these changes. “I don’t really care (about the proposed changes),” junior Brooke Piernick said. In 2003, Denmark became the first nation to strictly regulate the use of trans fats in which they banned all commercially produced trans fats. Canada is currently considering similar legislation In June of this year, both Panera Bread and Wendy’s removed trans fats from their menu offerings. However, other restaurants are yet to make the switch to nonhydrogenated cooking oil. On the other hand, some wholeheartedly support banning trans fats as they feel it will help the world’s health. “I think it’s for the best for our arteries; long live clear arteries!” teacher Tina Martinat said.

New fast-food restaurants attract area students mattkillen

news editor Tired of snacking on the usual McDonald’s, have no fear Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell are here! A new Taco Bell is being built adjacent to the McDonald’s in Stanley, and Chick-fil-A has opened in Olathe off of South Blackbob Road. This is good news for most Blue Valley students, since Taco Bell, a favorite among students, is now closer than ever. “It’s going to bring in a lot of business and I love tacos,” junior Danny Woods said. “I’m basically Mexican [because I love tacos], but not really.” Chick-fil-A offers a tasty and healthier alternative to KFC. According to the two companies nutrition charts, Chickfil-A chicken tenders are 100 calories less even with one extra tender. The addition of new restaurants has added excitement to BV. “It’s something new that a lot people haven’t had a 1,000 times yet, and it tastes good,” senior Greg Thompson said. Traffic has already escalated out of control at the Chickfil-A. During its opening week there was a police officer who helped to guide hoards of cars into the nearest Chickfil-A parking spot. Many Kansans were anxious to try out the restaurant after the Chick-fil-A in the Johnson County Community College food court enjoyed considerable success. The next-closest Taco Bell on Metcalf has seen it’s share of customers, and the new location off of 151st street will likely draw students attention as well. “It is going to be the spot,” junior Alexis Varriano said.

Fest organizers hope to top last year’s success jasonwood

journalism 1

Parent Shari Humphrey organized

a pre- Tiger Fest fundraiser Oc.t. 12 at Ambiance, a specialty store in downtown Stilwell, pictured above. Ten percent of all purchases were donated to the publication staffs on that evening. Photo by Nina Humphrey

o raise money for sports teams and clubs, Blue Valley High School will host its second annual TigerFest silent auction in the main gym and commons on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. Twenty-four groups will participate in the auction and will gather about 800 donations hoping to raise more money than last year’s total of $71,000. “Last year’s success totally blew me away,” principal Scott Bacon said. “And it would be great to have another BVHS tradition.” The groups that participated in TigerFest last year have benefited

from their fundraising. Girls’ and boys’ soccer, boys’ track, marching band and cheerleading bought new equipment, new uniforms, sponsored scholarships, paid entry fees and travel expenses and other items the groups needed. “An event like TigerFest helps groups buy and afford items that they wouldn’t be able to get if it weren’t for activities like this,” chairperson Lynne Brown said. Sophomore band member Danny Wood said the marching band benefitted from TigerFest in a big way. The band was able to purchase new equipment that the pit used to roll their instruments onto the field for performances. According to Brown, each school group asked parents and other organizations and businesses to donate money or items to be auctioned. Brown also said that

people could donate anything that the public would want to buy. She was expecting this fundraiser to raise more money than last year. Examples of items that are being auctioned are a St. Bernard puppy, a one year hunting lease on a farm, a Lifetime Fitness Club membership and a Driver’s Ed course. To kick off the evening, the TigerFest committee is providing an Italian buffet consisting of pasta, meatballs, breadsticks and salad. The cost is $9 in advance or $12 at the door. Dinner will be served from 5 to 7p.m. in the commons. Dinner reservations and bidder pre-registrations are encouraged. There are 16 people helping with TigerFest that serve on the executive committee and there are 250 to 300 volunteers that have committed to help as well. “I am very grateful for the families at Blue Valley and how supportive they’ve been,” Brown said.

currentevents

Change of scenery... kind of

New department store offers subtle change anitagaller

staff writer

t’s the end of the Jones store and the beginning of a new era. The six local Jones stores including, Town Center and Oak Park Mall, officially converted to Macy’s on Saturday, Sept. 9. Jones store and other store names where bought out by May Department store Inc. in favor of Macy’s brand. Gradually Macy’s merchandise replaced Jones store apparel beginning last August. Macy’s offers a whole line of private label merchandise such as Alfani, Charter Club, INC, and Style & Co. Popular Jones Store brands like Karen Scott and John Ashford did survive the switch. Macy’s will also include more merchandise from brands such as Coach, Ralph Lauren and Jones New York. However, there are a few brands no longer being sold. The type of merchandise sold at all the Macy’s stores is basically the same, but each store individualizes selection depending on location. Macy’s stores will have a few changes offering clearer aisles and better signage along with their affordable luxury, said John T. Harper vice chairman and director of Macy’s stores, as reported in the

Kansas City Star. Their Star Reward programs will offer many discounts and benefits. If you have a Jones Store credit card it will automatically be enrolled. While Macy’s doesn’t have as many sales as Jones, their merchandise is offered at more of a value price. With so many Macy’s stores across the country, the chain will have more power keeping prices low. “I wasn’t too happy about the change; I will miss Jones, and their prices were better,” senior Sarah Hockel said. Many students have different emotions about the change. “It didn’t bother me its almost the same; they still have a variety of brands,” said senior Lisa Cason. A lot of students didn’t notice any changes other than the name. “I didn’t even know it changed the first time I went in,” junior Lizzy Nikoomanesh said. Even though the Jones store will be missed, students are excited for the new designer fashion Macy’s has to offer. Overall students feel Macy’s offers more fashion-oriented brands Jones didn’t carry.

New fitness center caters to students jakefaber

restaurant and its open 24/7. “It’s great because there are so many machines that there’s any students have always room for everyone to found a fun, safe exercise,” sophomore Brianna and great way to DeGraeve said. stay in shape during the Not only is Lifetime fitness holiday season. Instead of the a good way to get in shape, usual push-ups and crunches it’s reasonably priced too. A students at BV are joining membership is roughly $120 Lifetime Fitness, the newest to start and then around $60 fitness club in Overland Park. each month. If one goes to the Not only is this new club gym every day after school, close to the school, it has a that is only $2 a day each lot to offer. Lifetime Fitness is month. th located at 6800 West 138 St. The childcare center gives in Overland Park. students a way to drop off Lifetime Fitness has it all, their little brothers or sisters a pool, a daycare center for while they work out, which kids under the age of 12 and many high school students a whole floor devoted to need. workout machines and yoga rooms to keep one in shape. So whether you just want to And that is not all. It’s got lose a couple pounds or tone basketball and racquet ball those muscles of yours, check courts, a climbing wall, a out Lifetime Fitness.

staff writer

Nov. 10, 2006

North Korea poses nuclear threat brianisrael

opinions editor

elcome to the club, the nuclear club that is. The eligibility requirements are simple; successfully detonate a nuclear weapon. The United States, Russia, The United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, yup all of them are on the list. Wait a minute…what’s this, someone’s trying to sneak in? Good try North Korea, but not quite. On Saturday Oct. 16, 2006, deep inside a North Korean mountain a bomb was detonated releasing what Time Magazine describes as an “unremarkable” tremor registering 4.2, similar to that of a light earthquake. If this is later confirmed as a nuclear blast, then North Korea will indeed have joined the elite nuclear club as member number nine. “It scares me a little bit because my son is in the Air Force, except I don’t think this will be a big deal, besides we have bigger things to worry about with Iran,” teacher Anita Lemons said. Many experts such as General Giora Eiland, Israel’s former National Security Adviser mention that the North Korean tests mean that Iran will now think themselves untouchable. Stroking the ego of already dangerous countries is not the only thing that is feared out of these nuclear tests. One main concern is that Jong Il transfer his weapons to other countries. “The transfer of nuclear weapons or material by North Korea to states or

nonstate entities would be considered a grave threat to the United States,” said president George W. Bush. “We would hold North Korea fully accountable of the consequences of such action.” Bush is not the only one aggravated over these nuclear tests. An Egyptian official lamented that due to North Korea’s nuclear testing and if Iran goes nuclear, others will have to act. The official stated that if Iran, Israel (already nuclear) and Turkey are all nuclear then the goal of the Arab states will shift from everything they used to do, including attempting to eradicate poverty, to attempting to develop nuclear technology. Fears such as these caused the United Nations Security Council to debate new sanctions, a problem because China and Russia aren’t open to forced inspections “I don’t think they are a threat of detonating anything upon the United States because that would be sealing their own fate,” history teacher Jason Peres said. “I am afraid that they will use this as nuclear blackmail though.” Besides top government officials and teachers the North Korea issue is making its way into the head of students as well. “I am aware of what is going on with North Korea and I think it may stretch us too thin,” freshman Tyler Kalmus said. “If this becomes a bigger problem our only solution may be to pre-empt the problem.”

Ryour

ourvoice

aise

Nov. 10, 2006

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be?

voice

Pee Wee “Herman Day

”

sophomore Paige Farmer

“ International Golfing Day ”

National Kiss a “ Penguin Day ”

junior Lauren Callison

“ Mustache Day”

senior Michael Hodges

freshman Aaron Morris

Photo poll by Gwen Bergerhofer

urkey

A magical holiday with family ellenthomas

editor-in-chief

Day

An Independence Day with turkey meganvansooy opinions editor

ho doesn’t like Thanksgiving? Food, company hanksgiving is a holiday that’s full of the three ... how students see it. and time off from school are all very positive F’s: food, family and football. You would think things in a student’s life. Many students have that Thanksgiving is every American’s favorite great memories of Thanksgiving from the creepy holiday, but there seems to be a lack of common family members sense. Why must we celebrate a day when to burning turkeys. Europeans have a peaceful encounter with With many students’ schedules being impossibly Indians? If you were to look in an American packed, having at least one day to just sit back and history textbook, you would find that this event enjoy the time with family and friends, no matter happens many times. So what makes this specific how unusual, is a gift in itself. event so special? “I like getting to see my family from Missouri and “[Thanksgiving is] like Independence Day but watching football games,” freshman Sara Patrick with turkey,” said junior Kaitlyn Lutz, “I don’t said. “It’s always really fun.” understand the point of it.” While we might not always appreciate our family, Why do Americans choose to celebrate this Thanksgiving is a time when even the most obnoxious holiday with football and parades? When most relatives can be entertaining. How often do you get people think of Thanksgiving, they usually think to see your uncle, who is always addressing you like of stuffing themselves with turkey, mashed you’re four years old, sleeping off a massive load of potatoes, pumpkin pie and of course, stuffing. turkey and mashed potatoes, while you and your We can eat these foods every single day; does cousins decorate him with festive bits of leaves and this mean that we’re celebrating eating? left-over food? Most Americans don’t even think of the events Besides a time of relative embellishment, that went on over 300 years ago that helped Thanksgiving is also a time of traditions. Some shape our country. Even though Thanksgiving students have special foods that are always present is an important holiday, it is possible that once at Thanksgiving, even though no one ever even again, Americans are celebrating holidays in touches it, while others have a special place they go an inappropriate way. For instance: what does each year. football have to do with Pilgrims and Indians? “We go to South Dakota,” sophomore Alex What do fireworks have to do with the Declaration Johnson said, “and go pheasant hunting with my of Independence? It seems like people use Thanksgiving as an excuse for stressing out over mom’s side of the family.” No matter how weird or silly they are, we will always remember that time family and cooking way too much food. It seems as if Americans put the real someone almost burned the house down or when the dog ran off with part meaning of Thanksgiving on the back burners of their minds. Thanksgiving should be a day when Americans celebrate the origin of their country and also of the turkey. “Last Thanksgiving my dad invited two Peruvian guys from work over for celebrate the unification of diversity, while stuffing their faces and watching a home-cooked American Thanksgiving, only we bought all the food from football. Haven’t you also noticed that when Halloween ends all department and Boston Market,” senior Lauren Friedlander said. “We had to hide the bags the food came in, and during dinner the guys kept saying how good the ‘home- grocery stores start getting ready for Christmas? What happened to poor Thanksgiving? It seems like we’re way too anxious to dive into Christmas that cooked’ American Thanksgiving was.” Thanksgiving really is a magical time when people who our parents tell us we forget about the holiday in between. So when you are filling your stomach with the warm goodness of the fattening we are related to, even though we know that we cannot possibly be related to people who act like that, pack into building too small to comfortably fit food that comes every year, be sure to remember the Pilgrims and Native Americans, because well, they matter too. everyone in and stuff ourselves silly. Seriously, who cannot like a holiday like that?

ourvoice

Weaver writes

Nov. 10, 2006

staff editorial I have only one thing to say to those who flunked my last test...

Sarah Weaver

I live my life ‘with a song in my heart’

fellow editor and I were discussing our thoughts on background music. The discussion began while pondering my column topic and listening to the Marie Antoinette soundtrack. “My life should have good background music, like a movie,” I said half jokingly. “Perpetual muzak would be great.” I feel as though the big events in my life would have been a little bit better with a soundtrack of various songs. For example the song “Kiss Me” by Sixpense None the Richer would be played as I stood in the woods and received my first kiss by someone we will leave unnamed. A recent event that has shaped my last couple of weeks would be the car accident I was in Oct. 6. “World Spins Madly On,” by The Weepies would have played as a 3,000-pound vehicle smashed into the car I was in. Ironically enough, this song is from the Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack. Waking up in the morning would have a different feel if Dionne Warwick’s “I Say a Little Prayer,” played loudly in my ear. The song would differ, of course, depending on the day and my mood. It’s not like I could wake up every morning and hear Warwick belting out, “You’ll Stay In My Heart.” Background music would add a lot to my daily life. The music would give me a great sense of ambiance as I walk into school. Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss,” would be played at my funeral. As sad as the song is, it would match the tragic event perfectly. I know my life is not a movie, but everybody could use a little background music every once in a while.

Idea of armed teachers causes students to worry

fter multiple school shootings across the nation, Frank Lasee, a Republican state legislator from Wisconsin, suggests an interesting solution. Lasee plans to offer legislation next year that would allow teachers and administrators to carry concealed weapons in Wisconsin schools. The purpose is to protect students from harm. Lasee’s main point is that armed teachers cut back school terrorism in Thailand, where Muslim separatists have been fighting the government for the past two years. He thinks it’ll work in Wisconsin, too. That is possibly the most brilliant idea we’ve ever heard. It all makes sense. The only way to keep guns out of public schools is to bring as many as we can in. This legislation will halt the current wave of violence and will keep children protected from lunatics who bring guns into schools and mercilessly kill students and principals. Never mind the fact that arming teachers would require some sort of training program for the use of the weapons. Weapons specialists would be needed. Put simply, a school would look more like a military barracks or a prison than a place of learning. “If they were to have guns, teachers would need to be trained; overall it’s a bad idea,” senior Ann Gorsuch said. Never mind that most teachers would simply refuse to use a gun. No one in his or her right mind who wants to be a positive example for students is

going to show up armed. “No, [I wouldn’t use a gun]. I’m afraid of them myself. I’d probably shoot myself by accident,” Spanish teacher Anita Lemons said. “I don’t think school would be a place where there should be any concealed handguns. I can’t fathom the thought of it. The proposal has not been thought through,” athletic director Bob Whitehead said. Finally, we should all just ignore the fear that would grip high school students. How many kids would feel safe when their instructor has an Uzi strapped to his or her belt? When school is supposed to be a safe place for teens, will they actually feel safe? “I wouldn’t feel safer because what if a kid got a hold of [a gun]? It would cause more problems,” junior Allie Proll said. Teachers and students alike trust the campus police officers and trust that they can protect schools. Lemons offered an interesting option, too. “The officers should have guns, yes. But teachers, no. We should have walkie-talkies instead,” Lemons said. Hmm. We’re beginning to see a pattern here. Look at all the students and teachers who hate Lasee’s idea. Weird. He’s not completely alone, though. After the Joplin shooting of Oct. 9, Gov. Matt Blunt of Missouri told reporters that the legislation was “an interesting idea worth discussing.”

7 Safety goes beyond the seatbelt

ourvoice

Nov. 10, 2006

saraster

features editor

Turning out on 159th Street can be a hassle for students because of traffic, which can be avoided using the senior parking lot.

Senior Privileges bradenmiller

staff writer

t has been a constant problem every year — underclassmen park in the senior parking lot. There are other parking spots for the underclassmen to park. The senior lot is not their lot; they should get out. A senior lot is a tradition. This is one of the many traditions Blue Valley entertains. We many not like all the traditions we have at Blue Valley, but this is who we are … tradition. Having an exclusive senior lot is a privilege, one of the few rights seniors enjoy that underclassmen do not. Seniors should reasonably expect this privilege to be honored. And besides, would you not want the same consideration when you reach that level? Additionally, when honoring the senior boundary, underclassmen will keep their cash in their pockets. They will avoid a hefty $25 fine (more than 10 gallons of gas), which increases to

B V

$50 with continual violations. The consequence for this kind of violation is a ticket for $25, but if they do not pay the money within 10 days, then that student could get their parking pass revoked. If the same student continues to park there over and over, then the fine increases to 35 then 45 and then ending with 50 dollars. “Tickets vary every week. Sometimes I write about 30 a week, and then the following week, I write a lot less,” said school resource officer Dennis Randall. The seniors cannot feel good about this problem at all with having underclassmen parking in their area. “It kind of makes me want to rip their heads off, and stuff them in a trashcan,” said senior Tim Hieber. Seniors have their own lot. That’s the way it is. It’s tradition, it’s a privilege and it may cost money to park there. Underclassmen should walk the few extra steps.

tigerprint 2006-2007

irst time drivers get in the car, put on their seatbelts, check the mirrors and gauges with the music off, of course. That is no longer the case with young drivers. The routine has changed. With musc blaring they start their cars, they check their phones for new text messages, and then they and peel out. These habits are alarming and can lead to even more alarming statistics. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, car accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of five and 33. For some young drivers the correlation between their habits behind the wheel and driving safety is a hard concept. However, being an aware and defensive driver is a major factor. Even though time and multi-taskingn are dominant elements in the lives of teenagers, these activities should not control the rules

staff

Managing Editors Ellen Thomas Sarah Weaver News Editor Matt Killen Opinions Editor Megan Van Sooy

Features Editors Sara Ster Hank Driskell Entertainment Editor Brooke Thurman Sports Editors Garrett Griffin Ian Janes

of the road. Teenagers are not known for superb driving. In 2004 out of the 8,738 people killed in crashes, which involved young drivers, 41 percent (3,620) of the teenage drivers died and 27 percent (2,391) were their passengers. Thirtyone percent (2,727) were passengers and drivers in other vehicles. Remember the other day when you were on your way to your friend’s house driving behind that mini-van? Were you really an entire two seconds behind the vehicle as stated in the “Following Rule” found in the Kansas Drivers Handbook. Grasp the value of life and decide if you should drive safely or drive like a maniac. It is your choice to put your life and the lives of other innocent drivers in danger. Next time you are in a car speeding down the road. text messaging or tailgating the car in front of you, ask yourself if it is really worth putting your life and the lives of others at risk.

WHAT NOAH DID ON THE 41st DAY Photo Editor Nina Humphrey Cartoonist Garrett Griffin Reporters Jake Faber Anita Galler Mitch Smith Brian Israel

Photographers Morgan McMahon Gwen Bergerhofer Advertising Manager Sara Ster Circulation Manager Braden Miller Adviser Susan Agee

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 necesarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District #229

spotlight

Nov. 10, 2006

Sophomore makes sacrifices to pursue ballet

Boyes aims to be professional ballerina through intense dedication mitchsmith

staff writer

ocial life, sleeping in, family dinners and school activities. These are all activities that high school students treasure. Why would one student be willing to give up all these things and more? For sophomore Julia Boyes the answer is simple, ballet dancing. According to Boyes, she spends about four hours a day, six days a week dancing at the Legacy School of the Arts in Olathe. However, this commitment is not without significant sacrifice. “I have no social life,” Boyes said. However, she says that the sacrifice she makes for dance is worth it. “I love it,” Boyes said. Boyes has been involved in dance since she was three years old and became more dedicated and intense about the activity when she was 12. Traveling is a very important part of Boyes’ dancing, as well. Last summer, Boyes traveled to New York City with members of her extended family to take lessons at a nationally renowned facility. Also, Boyes traveled to Virginia two summers ago to take dance lessons with prestigious instructors. In addition to dancing, Boyes takes on an additional responsibility within her family. She lives with her parents and her brother Michael, who is mentally disabled. Michael will graduate this year from the Blue Valley Access House at Blue Valley Academy. According to Julia, she plans to take care

of her brother when she is an adult and her parents are no longer able to do so. “I try to be there for (Michael) as much as I can,” Boyes said. Boyes is also very dedicated to her faith. She attends the Church of the Resurrection where she participates in the youth program and Michael receives special needs services. Despite the fact that dance takes so much of her time, Boyes remains very dedicated to her studies. She takes a rigorous schedule that includes five advanced classes and was on the Principal’s Honor Roll last year. Although Julia is very interested in academics, she plans to join a dance company immediately after high school. “I want to be a professional ballerina,” Boyes said. According to Boyes, she will likely be only be able to dance professionally for about 10 years after high school, and does not want college to interfere with that period. “My career comes first,” Boyes said. Despite the commitment necessary to continue her dancing career, Boyes continues to focus on the aspects of her life that she finds most important.

Sophomore Julia Boyes dances four

hours a day, six days a week at the Legacy School of the Arts. Photos by Gwen Bergerhofer

Meet the new teachers.. the finale “ I’ve been rafting in Zambizi,

The last three teachers wrap up the Tiger Print’s spotlight on the 15 new hires.

Africa.

Special Services Laurie Rue

” “

compiled by Morgan McMahon and Gwen Bergerhofer

My most embarrassing moment would be usng the men’s faculty restroom at my old high school, and the principal was waiting to use the same restroom. Com Arts Hether Lytton

”

“

My biggest pet peeve is when students tap on the desks.

Enrichment Jennifer Johnson

”

Nov. 10, 2006

YES

teenvoting

oting Students

Students believe voting important; yet, some students choose not to vote brianisrael staff writer

moking. Marriage. Complete use of every one of the amendments in the Bill of Rights. All of these are common characteristics people associate with turning 18, but what about voting? Once upon a time, the numbers of young voters, aged 1825, used to increase every year, but recently, there has been a downward spiral. The downward trend in young people voting can be attributed to many things. In a poll taken of 100 Blue Valley High teens who decided not to vote, the three main reasons were laziness, fear of political responsibility and lack of education. “I feel there is only one good excuse not to vote, and I don’t even feel it is that good,” junior Michael Rawitch said. “It is a civic duty that we are all obliged to and laziness is not a valid excuse for not defending what your country believes in. Fear of political responsibility is also a ludicrous excuse. The idea of saying don’t blame me, I don’t vote, just doesn’t seem logical to me. The one excuse that does seem logical to me is education.

If you don’t know anything please don’t vote, but please do learn more about the subject. Frankly speaking, if you don’t vote, you’re an idiot.” Interestingly enough, Blue Valley High School pales in comparison of percentage “idiots” to the nation. In another recent poll of 100 eligible or soon to be eligible seniors at Blue Valley High School only 18 percent claim they will not vote. “I think that that 18 percent of students should never have the right to complain about a single political issue,” eligible senior Anthony Shultz said. “I’m going to vote because if things don’t turn out my way, I want to complain, that and it’s a civic duty.” This lack of teen voting is causing a large dent in American democracy, a reason that America was ranked as the 119th democracy in the world according to CNN. Ever since this problem was noticed, people have been trying to take action. MTV has been creating ads compelling young people to vote. Schools have been giving seniors time purely to register for voting, and politicians have been trying to target their campaigns to a younger fan base.

Students encounter pet peeves everywhere

Annoyances from gum smacking to the sound of bread bother students sarahweaver editor-in-chief

hate it when people are making out on my locker,” junior Jessica Gnoza said. Gnoza is not alone, and she is describing what some may call a pet peeve. The phrase ‘pet peeve’ was first printed in 1919. Some people tend to be more irritated by little things while laid-back people can be found unbothered by these annoying actions. Why we let the little annoyances get to us is hard to tell, but one thing is for sure, people allow pet peeves to get under their skin. Going through a normal day one is bound have annoyances,

and after a while, pet peeves add up and aggravate. The girl in Algebra II is constantly smacking her gum as she works the quadratic formula, and what is one to do? The constant smacking and sound of saliva hitting and swishing around makes one cringe. Smacking gum is one of the most common pet peeves, according to a survey of 100 students. In high school, one is bound to know someone who is as smart as his peers, but acts no smarter than the chair he sits in. He asks questions in class that make heads turn, jaws drop and a quiet snicker comes from the “brainiac” in the front row. These people

are acting stupid. “I don’t like stupid people,” junior Blake Lickteig said. In a survey, stupidity was repeated many times as annoying. Sometimes students act stupid for attention or to entertain people, according to junior Lizzy Nikoomanesh. Acting stupid is not only bothersome but often not appealing. “I hate it when girls aren’t dumb, and they act stupid,” sophomore Shelley Sparling said. Other pet peeves can be seen as odd or illogical to others. “I hate the sound of bread,” junior Katelyn Dunahoe said. To some this response

may seem ludicrous, but to Dunahoe the sound of pulling apart bread is an annoyance that gets under her skin. Annoyances can also make one nervous or uncomfortable. “I hate countdowns. They make me nervous,” junior Brianne Burlin said. According to Burlin, the last few seconds of a varsity soccer game are the worst. With the clock counting down so quickly, her nerves run high. To her this is quite annoying; therefore, it is her pet peeve.

As different as people’s pet peeves may be, these little annoyances bother everyone in some way.

spotlight

Nov. 10, 2006

Junior Prank

WAR

Students may quit pranks for fear they’ll go ‘to far’ brianisrael staff writer

owntime. Few of us have it, and when we do, we don’t know what to do with it. Multiple members of the junior class, however, have found themselves a new activity when they have nothing to do, and thus the 2006 Junior Prank War (J-POW) was born. The first battle in the war occurred at approximately 2:26 p.m. on Oct. 5 by Danny Woods when he taped a junior girls locker shut with industrial strength adhesive. The war now consists of two teams, team Knight Ninja, led by Woods, as well as team Crazy Crackle led by Jessica Eltomi. “This all started pretty randomly,” said Eltomi, leader of team Crazy Crackle, “Danny attacked me, so I said sure…let’s go to war, and we did. I definitely think I’m winning this though, because he has the quantity, but we have the quality.” Team Crazy Crackle believes it may be winning; however, the Knight Ninjas believe the victory would be a default. “It’s true that we might quit,” a member of Wood’s team said. “The reason we may quit though, is because we think we may go too far with this, because we are just so good at this prank thing.”

“I knew it would be good and perhaps arise a chuckle or two; I didn’t think it would start a war though,” Woods said. “I love pranking around, but I’ve never really been challenged, until now.” The challenges Woods refers to are the pranks in which the other teams, of 15 or so people, attempt to pull upon Woods and his team members. The most recent prank from the J-POW included a prank covering a Knight Ninja’s truck with spoiling raw fish. “The fish was a nice touch,” Knight Ninja Michael Borgerding said. “I think Danny led our team of about nine through an excellent retaliation, however, we layered [her] windshield with an inch of ketchup after removing her washer fluid and wipers.” The pranks in the war have gone back and fourth utilizing every prank in the book from, “bananas in the tail pipe” to replacing all the contents of a locker to removing the garage door windows of pranksters. With all this “to do” about a prank war, even some teachers are starting to take note and to get worried. “I don’t understand how students always complain about not having any time to do school work and then

Nov. 10, 2006

grandparents

Grandparents For Granted

Grandparents affect students in different ways, bringing great highs, lows

Being grandparents sufficiently removes us from the responsibilities so that we can be friends - Allan Frome

Nina Humphrey

anitagaller

staff writer

e all love our grandparents. They are the loveable people who visit us on holidays, send us birthday money and spoil us with clothes, money and tons of delicious food. This is what grandparents represent to most students. Do we take them for granted? Is this all we expect from them? We may not understand until they are gone and out of our lives for good. Senior Sara Miller realized what a blessing her grandma was on her life, after she passed away last month. “I took for granted how close my Meme and Ampa lived,” Miller said. Miller lived two hours away from her grandma who lived in McPherson, Kan. “I should have gone and visited her so much more before she got really sick,” Miller said. Students often realize how important grandparents are in their lives when it is too late. Students whose grandparents live close still usually only see them on holidays or birthdays. After the loss of both her grandmas, Miller realizes just how lucky she was. “I wish I could have done something to help so I at least could have a grandma at my graduation or wedding,” Miller said. Being close with grandparents has no disadvantages. They are great people to go to for advice. They are always willing to listen, and also have lived long lives and have many experiences to share, along with many words of wisdom. “I would say the relationships I had with both my grandmas influenced my

life,” Miller said. “I think that’s where I got my drive to want to be a nurse.” Many students are sometimes close with one set of grandparents over the other either because of where they live or how much they see them. Whatever the case, keeping a strong relationship with your grandparents is very important, especially if they love being involved. It keeps them young inside. “They loved being around us; we kept them more active and kept them moving,” Miller said. “They would always ask me what was in and what was cool.” According to Miller, her advice to students is to always be there for their grandparents. They won’t be around one day and you never know how soon it’s going to be. Just being in their lives is the best thing you can do for them. “I will miss all those long talks we had about school, work, boys and sports,” Miller said. “My Meme was always so supportive of me no matter what I did.” Now that Miller’s grandma is gone, special occasions will never be like they used to be. Holidays and birthdays will be missing something very special. “Holidays will never be the same,” Miller said. Miller will greatly miss the little things, like her grandma’s cooking and all the conversations they had together. “She was so proud of every single one of her grandkids,” Miller said. Losing her grandma made Miller realize how big an influence she was on her life. She will remember all those moments she shared with her grandma for the rest of her life. “I was so lucky to have had her as my Meme,” Miller said.

grandparents

Nov. 10, 2006

The Grandparent Identity

Grandparents enjoy active role they play in grandchildren’s lives

ellenthomas

editor-in-chief

ccording to many movies and other popularly held beliefs, grandparents are simply old people who are clearly not aware of their surroundings and in desperate need of taking up residence in a “home.” That may be true in the movies but not in real life. Two teachers and two office personnel at BVHS are grandparents who are necessary in their grandchildren’s lives for purposes beyond entertainment. Spanish teacher Anita Lemons is one of these grandparents. She has three grandchildren. According to Lemons, grandparents, like her, give vital support to their grandchildren. “Grandparents have a lot more patience by the time they are grandparents,” Lemons said. “I think they also see the big picture. I think it’s important for kids to have that kind of support, because it’s a tough world we live in. They need all the support they can get.” Besides giving support to their grandchildren, grandmother and bookkeeper Pat Fry also believes that children need to see all age levels when growing up. “It’s extremely important to have grandparents involved in their grandchildren’s lives,” Fry said. “It’s important for a whole community to be there for a child. They need to see all levels of growth.” Another stereotypical view of grandparents is that they are just rich old people

who have nothing to do but spend money. While one cannot generalize about all grandparents, grandparents do tend to be a little easier on their grandchildren. Secretary Margaret Upchurch personally believes that she is easier on her grandchildren than what their parents want her to be sometimes. “We are much more lenient,” Upchurch said. “We try not to interfere but tend to want to be more lenient with them than their parents sometimes are.” While math teacher Sherry Spotts has only recently become a grandparent, she already has experienced some of the joys of being a grandmother and getting to slightly spoil her new granddaughter. “I get to show her lots of attention and support,” Spotts said, “all without having to worry about the laundry or cooking. I even got to read her her first book, which was not a math book.” In the movies, grandparents are often depicted as the people you want to leave but won’t take the hint. In real life grandparents can be quite the opposite, helping them grow and learn. “I get to give him presents, help him walk and talk and take care of him when his parents are out,” Fry said. “He’s my pride and joy.” While grandparents many be seen as smelly and obnoxious in movies, the grandparents here are anything but smelly and annoying. Unlike the Hollywood grandparents who are often moldy and the exact picture of what students do not what to turn into, most grandparents are loving, committed people, who just want the best for their grandchildren.

Good Times

Students recall favorite memories with grandparents

“I was with my grandfather in Jamaica and this drunk woman started hitting on him; he was clueless.” -junior Steve Meyers

“We used to go to the pond and pock frogs with pods and catch tadpoles with nets.” -junior Rebecca Gibbs

“At my grandma’s farm we played in the creek and had mud fights with my grandma.”-junior Amanda York

The price of old age Number of seniors will grow as our baby boomer parents age ninahumphrey photo editor

Life

with

Grandparents Gwen Bergerhofer

Dave Driskell, age 72, talks with seniors Miles Jaben and Brock Souders at

football practice on Nov. 6. Driskell is the father of coach Eric Driskell and the grandfather of senior Hank Driskell. Dave has not missed a Tiger football practice this year and can be seen supporting the Tigers every game. Dave stays active by being involved in the Tiger football program, working on his farm in LaCygne, Kan. and playing with his grandchildren.

Grandparents really are grand. They are who we run to when Mom or Dad is mad. They are walking history books. They are great storytellers. However, we all know they aren’t around forever. Students learn to cherish grandparents for what they are, friends. Students also learn to deal with the pain that is old age, and sometimes the loss of their loved ones.

grandparents

Nov. 10, 2006

hey were raised by parents who served in World War II; they survived the Cold War and Woodstock; they are the baby boomers, the generation primarily made up of those who range from the ages of 40-65. They are also known as our parents. The boomer generation is now 27 percent of the U.S. population. The circumstance of this statistic concerns everyone of us. This means that millions of American families who are currently caring for relatives with dementia or other health related issues will dramatically increase in the in the next 20-40 years. Our generation will be required to support those baby boomers when they retire and grow physically incapable of taking care of themselves. Current national studies report many parents, the boomers, feeling frustrated having to handle ill parents and care for their children. These children will face the same dilemmas as their parents. “My mother has to see him (her father) every time he gets a surgery,” junior Rebecca Gibbs said. Many report that giving care has been a positive experience because it gives them a sense of purpose; however, it is more likely for the caregivers to experience severe depression and complicated grief. “It makes me feel bad because I look at my grandpa and he has scars on his face. He loved to travel and now he can’t because of all his surgeries,” Gibbs said. This social role reversal when a child takes care of a parent, has a financial impact, too.

For those who are not available to care for their sick parent, they must hire services to help. “My grandmother had a stroke and each time we visit grandma in the nursing home we have to reintroduce ourselves and tell her of all the good things that have happened,” senior Samantha Lyman said. Medicare doesn’t always cover the services, so it may be a serious financial burden. Information from the Centers of Medicare Services in 2005 estimated that $1.9 trillion was spent on health care for seniors that year. Falls and depression are two serious hazards that children of seniors must deal with. Broken hips and head injuries often result. Each year almost 5,000 senior citizens die from falls in their own homes. People of the ages 65 and above have the highest suicide rate of all age groups. Doctors believe that suicide is an effect of the numerous amounts of medications creating a mental shift in the brain. Many organizations are now available to help seniors; however, some diseases are impossible to determine or go undiagnosed. Alzheimer’s for example, affects 84 percent of women who are 64 years of age, and nearly half were caring for their spouse while they had it. Today more than ever, the people born as baby boomers are consistently involved with their parents’ lives because of a sickness. As we watch our parents diligently care for our grandparents, we may wonder and fear the threats of inheriting these diseases, though there are some preventative measures. In-depth studies have shown a much lower risk Alzheimer’s disease in those who play chess and dance on a regular basis because those skills demand a constant coordination between body and mind. How are you going to prepare yourself for the aging of the largest generation in history? The baby boomers are currently caring for millions. Will you carry out the legacy of caregiving?

grandparents

Nov. 10, 2006

The Grandparent Identity

Grandparents enjoy active role they play in grandchildren’s lives

ellenthomas

editor-in-chief

Good Times

Students recall favorite memories with grandparents

“I was with my grandfather in Jamaica and this drunk woman started hitting on him; he was clueless.” -junior Steve Meyers

“We used to go to the pond and pock frogs with pods and catch tadpoles with nets.” -junior Rebecca Gibbs

“At my grandma’s farm we played in the creek and had mud fights with my grandma.”-junior Amanda York

The price of old age Number of seniors will grow as our baby boomer parents age ninahumphrey photo editor

Life

with

Grandparents Gwen Bergerhofer

Dave Driskell, age 72, talks with seniors Miles Jaben and Brock Souders at

grandparents

Nov. 10, 2006

spotlight

Nov. 10, 2006 Senior Paige Watson practices Cutting Horse

for the American Royal. at the National High School Rodeo in Springfield, Ill., July 2006 Photo courtesy of Paige Watson.

oyal merican R A

Watson, along with other students, competes annually in the American Royal anitagaller

staff writer

t is 6 a.m. and sleepy Paige Watson, senior, rolls out of bed and drives over to Kemper Arena to feed horses, clean stalls and saddle 10 horses. After she finishes, she takes her horse down to the arena and ropes for hours till it’s her turn in the Cutting Horse competition. She repeats this routine for the next three days. Watson has been involved in the American Royal for the past five years. Her family donates money every year to the Royal, and her mom is a governor on the board. Watson’s family helps with events that occur during the royal, along with numerous volunteer projects. They are also in charge of finding sponsorships for their events. “My mom started the cutting event and is in charge of it now,” Watson said. Watson got involved because she thought it was a good cause, and because she is constantly involved with rodeo and horses. “I wanted to educate people because it’s important to me that people know what the American Royal is about,” Watson said. The American Royal is a non-profit organization that celebrates our region’s agriculture heritage through competition, entertainment and education. It helps educate children about farming and agriculture. The American Royal is held every year from September to mid-November Watson have been a regular participants and educator of the American Royal. “ I have participated all through high school,” Watson said. Watson has been involved in the Cutting Horse

competition, which involves the horse and the rider separating a particular cow from a herd. “I have won the Cutting Horse competition three years in a row,” Watson said.

A merican R oyal

facts

•Started in 1899 as the National Hereford Cattle Show • The Kansas City Royals got their name from the American Royal • Held annually Sept. 30 through Nov. 26 at Kemper Arena • One of the nation’s largest Bar-B-Que contests • Six Horse shows are held every year Watson doesn’t have to put in as much practice as others do, because of her involvement with rodeo and other events. Watson participates in the Kansas High School Rodeo, Quarter Horse Association,

National Barrel Horse Association and the U.S. Team Roping Championship. She is involved in at least one of these events during the year. Her favorite events include team roping, barrel racing and cutting. “I love working cattle and it’s still really important in everyday use,” Watson said. Watson said the hardest thing for her to prepare for is the Cutting Horse competition. “I really want to be prepared because I have won three years in a row,” Watson said. This year though, according to Watson, her biggest challenge will be singing the National Anthem at the event in front of around 10,000 people. The American Royal is a huge event that draws people from all over the country to Kansas City, Mo., each year. Every year they have concerts and the world’s largest barbecue contest. “People come from all over,” Watson said. Watson said her most memorable event of the American Royal was taking a group of kids around on a tour and teaching them about the American Royal and agriculture. “They were all so adorable,” Watson said. Other BV students are involved in the Royal including, Mandy Christ and Gabby Mellon. Mellon has been participating for the past couple years in the Hunter-Jump competition. This will be Mellon’s ﬁrst year not participating. The American Royal has attained the position as one of the oldest and best-loved traditions in Kansas City and is one of the largest combined livestock, horse shows and rodeo in the nation. “I think it’s an important event and a huge part of our heritage,” Watson said.

redcarpet

Nov. 10, 2006

A Look Back A Second Look Here’s a tribute to TV shows that never get old brookethurman

entertainment editor

o Go Power Rangers, you Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers. It’s a song like this that sticks in students’ minds. It’s these theme songs that got us through our childhood. It was back in the days of Doug, Are You Afraid of the Dark and Legends of the Hidden Temple, but now these shows are considered outdated and these memories from our childhood are considered “old school.” Back in the 1990’s television shows kids watched became goals for their lives. Every girl at some point had an obsession with the pink Power Ranger; every boy was probably dreaming of being the red, blue, black or white rangers or a Ninja Turtle. Then, there was the group who knew that they were destined to go on Guts or Global Guts and bring home a “glowing piece of the radical rock.” There were the families who had planned vacations to go to Universal Studios in Orlando just to try and be on Double Dare and tackle the 60-

second obstacle course. Then there were the small few who had a secret talent that could have possibly been revealed on Figure It Out. It wasn’t just the game shows that everyone remembers, though. It was also the comedic sitcoms, series and cartoons that many loved. Every night many sat down to see how mean Angelica was going to be on Rugrats, if Shelby Woo would solve a new mystery and if Clarissa really would explain it all. The days of these childhood shows are gone. The Rugrats are all grown up; Clarissa is married and has a child; the power rangers have gone turbo and beyond; the only Ninja Turtles around are fans who wear costumes to resemble them, and the rest of the shows have all found late night time slots on premium cable channels. However, even though the shows are gone and not returning, they’re never forgotten. When one is feeling like he or she is losing his memory of these precious shows, he should just say three special words, “It’s Morphin’ Time.”

Some movies need sequels to tie themselves together morganmcmahon story line, they would much needed. The Grudge staff writer

left you wondering what was going to happen hich is better? next and ended very A movie that abruptly. Sequels that gets the whole are good provide a better plot and story out all in understanding of what one session, or several happened in the previous movies with the same movie. Sometimes it idea dragging out into just takes that extra $8 sequels? Is the original to see what movie better really happens than the ones in the “end.” that follow after? Sequels to movies are Opinions on You can’t really sequels are stupid. They just repeat blame the bigpretty diverse. time studios for what already happened. Some people running with -junior Karen Liebentritt believe that it sequels until the is completely horse is well, stupid to drive truly flogged. But to the theatres, as often as not, pay $8 for a pointless they are pretty awful with Junior Karen Liebentritt movie that you’ve pretty “Sequels to only a few improving the agrees. much already seen. original. There is rarely movies are stupid. They While others think some a case where the second just repeat what already or third film following happened and there is movies need sequels to the first is better. If film no point in sequels.” complete the story, most Sequels aren’t always movies don’t need a producers can make sequels to stories but a bad thing though; sequel and the producers have a bit of a different sometimes they are very just need better ideas. probably be pretty good, but then again why not just make a new movie? These days you can’t have a movie without a sequel; it’s almost inevitable. Most sequels are very unsuccessful and pointless.

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redcarpet

Nov. 10, 2006

Cohen Strikes Again

British comic turns his comedy into controversy with his next endeavor

mattkillen

Pop Culture Grid

news editor

ou may have heard recent reviews praising Sacha Baron Cohen’s movie for its audacity, and satirical genius; oddly enough these are the exact same reasons that the movie has been under fire. Borat: Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, a comedy starring SachaBaron Cohen (Talladega Nights), has raised some eyebrows, and sparked controversy regarding the limits of comedy and pranks. The movie is already banned in Kazakhstan for being offensive to its people. Its website has also been blocked out in Kazakhstan, because it carried Kazakhstan’s domain name on the end of it. The movie is also under fire with gypsies. The European Center for Anti-Zigantism Reasearch, claims that the movie insults the gypsies and apparently brings suggests violence towards them. The Borat character was first delevoped on HBO’s Da Ali G Show. The character has served primarily to expose outrageous beliefs of others, rather than to simply offend people. The Borat movie is a satire of sorts, on third world society. The movie portrays Kazakhs as sexist and racist people who drink horse urine. Strangely enough, Baron Cohen’s character is based on a Russian, who the British comedian met. Kazakhstan has also offered up a light-hearted alternative to protect the nation’s pride. Kazakhstan is

sending its most popular entertainer Jantemir Baimukhamedov, to attend a movie preview in London. Jantik, as he is known in his homeland, will play Borat’s brother and hand out free horsemeat sausages. The plan is to play along with Cohen’s character, but tell the truth about Kazakhstan. According to BBC News reporter Ian Youngs, nothing is sacred to Cohen. He appeared in an interview as Borat with three members of Veteran Feminists of America, an actual women’s rights group. According to Youngs, the women thought they were part of a documentary to help third-world women. Eventually, the women’s rights activists caught on after Borat started to talk about women having smaller brains than men and after he asked the women’s rights activists to lift up their shirts at the end of the interview. During one visit to a rodeo in Virginia, according to the Roanoke Times Borat stated, “ I hope you kill every man woman and child in Iraq, down to the lizards… and may George W. Bush drink the blood of every man woman and child in Iraq.” Borat sang

Favorite Reality Show Favorite Power Ranger

the Star Spangled Banner, ending it with “your home in the grave.” Borat was escorted out of the venue for his own safety. The Borat movie does have a scene where he visits a

rodeo, whether or not it was the same rodeo has yet to be mentioned. The movie opened last Friday, but only opened in 800 theatres in America for the premiere. Twentieth Century Fox, said that lack of publicity in America has led to the decision, and that eventually the movie will open in 2,200 theatres across the United States.

McDreamy or Finn?

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com

Star of Borat:

Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is Sacha Baron Cohen, who is working on many projects.

Favorite Channel

Azadeh Taghizadeh Teacher

The Bachelor

Blue

Alex Freeman Senior

Two-a-Days

Red

McDreamy

Alexis Varriano Junior

The Duel

Pink

McDreamy

MTV

Kelly Nichols Junior

Top Chef

Blue

Finn

Nickelodeon

Ben Kerkhoff Sophomore

Two-a-Days

Blue

Luke Rampy “ESPN the ocho”

Laguna Beach

Pink

McDreamy

Katie Lewis Freshman

Finn

ESPN Local Education

MTV

redcarpet

PiCkS oF tHe MoNtH Nov 10, 2006

Movies

When someone hears the word “monster” he screams and thinks it has to be scary. But Monsters Inc. is a story of a big blue monster named Sulley and his little green sidekick Mike. In the movie, a little girl, who gets named Boo, sneaks into Sulley and Mike’s work and causes havoc among the monsters. The monsters think that little kids are deadly, but once Boo makes friends with Sulley, the monsters learn that laughs are better than screams.

Restaurant

Many students ﬁnd that they always need a quick Mexican meal. Some go to Taco Bell while, others go for a healthier choice and head to Chipotle. Chipotle is known for its enormous burritos and their assortment of ingredients that add up to a healthy and delicious Mexican meal.

Actress

According to most guys at school, Jessica Alba is just really hot. But what they don’t know is that she can act too, just watch some of her movies: The Fantastic Four, Sin City, Into the Blue, and Honey. Alba also starred in the hit TV series Dark Angel.

Show

Video Game

Guitar Hero is a high stakes video game that lets people play some of their favorite rock songs. Some of the song choices include: “Get ready 2 Rokk” by Freeze Pop, “Ace of Spades” by Motorhead and “Spanish Castle Magic” by Jimi Hendrix. And for those of you who don’t want a challenge, there is always “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple.

Law and Order is an oldie that is still going strong. Law and Order: Special Victims Unit focuses on sex related crimes.With different versions of the show it, has become very popular among all ages. Law and Order: SVU is the most interesting. Pictures courtesy of imbd.com and Gwen Bergerhofer

tigerturf

Sports injuries

Nov. 10, 2006

Aches and pains change team chemistry ianjanes

staff writer

ason Browar had just hit the ball into the right center field gap. He could see third base coming closer and he began to slow down because he had a stand up triple. He heard a pop and felt an intense pain in his knee. He lay on the ground between third and home knowing that his baseball season was finished. “I started to slow down on my way to third, and my knee just popped and I knew it was over,” Browar said. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, high school athletes are injured at the same rate as pro athletes. The difference between the two is that the high school athlete is not fully developed yet. What would normally be a sprain in an adult could end up being a break or ligament damage in a high school athlete. Most injuries occur in high contact sports like football, but some occur in the overuse of muscles groups in sports such

as baseball and gymnastics. “I have to ice my arm constantly and take pain medication just so I can perform at the top of my game,” senior baseball player Tim Hieber said. Injuries to teammates can affect both a team’s win-loss record depending on the player, and their attitudes on the field. The soccer team, before its final regular season game against Emporia, hadn’t played with its top starting lineup since the third game of the season. With their full strength starting lineup available, they defeated Emporia, 9-0. “Injuries don’t necessarily affect a team’s win-loss record as much as they do its continuity,” head boys soccer coach K. Dean Snell said. Sometimes, athletes try to come back too early from their injuries because they want to play so badly. In these situations, the athletes severely risk injuring themselves again. Also, when they come back too early, the injury will linger longer because it has not been given

proper time to heal. “I tried to come back too early from a severely sprained ankle that I got during rec basketball. Because of it, the injury didn’t go away and I had to get treatment on it every day, all season,” senior Alex Sandmoen said. Treatment and rehab are essential in the healing process. If an athlete follows the treatment schedule, it makes his or her return much more likely. However, there is the temptation to ignore those steps while injured. This is the worst thing an athlete can do because without the treatment, injury is much more likely to occur again. “I basically had to start all over again. It took a long time to get the strength back in my legs, and even now I have a long way to go,” Browar said. A question that an athlete has to ask him or herself is whether or not coming back from an injury early will help or hurt the team. The team comes first, and if athletes are not at 100 percent, then they probably should not return.

A nurse at Shawnee Mission Medical Center demonstrates the

process of applying and removing a cast. Photo illustration by Nina Humphrey

Running to finish Cross Country runners compete at state; three reach top 25

jakefaber

staff writer

Under a bright sun, Krista Chesley (center) begins the Rim Rock meet on Sept. 30 Photo by Karen Melton.

unners lined up, starting gun at the ready and the fans on the sidelines. To an innocent bystander this would seem like any other race, but for freshman Alyssa Luker, junior Devin Wiegers and senior Patrick Cooley this was the most important race of the year, the cross-country State Championship at Rim Rock, Oct. 28. Sadly, the runners were only a couple places from finishing in the top 20. Luker placed 21st, Wiegers placed 22nd and Cooley had a time of 18 minutes and two seconds but did not place. Cooley, Wiegers and Luker had to qualify for the state championship at the Regional Meet at Shawnee Mission Park. The top nine runners from each team got up around 6 a.m.

on a Saturday to drive out to Shawnee Mission Park, but for three crosscountry runners, that was a small price to pay for their reward. Cooley placed seventh, Wiegers placed ninth and Luker placed 12th in the regional meet, which earned all three of them their chances to compete at the State Meet at Rim Rock. “All three athletes were very deserving of the honor, they all worked hard all season to get to state,” assistant coach Scott Kreshel said. It was not a surprise to have runners qualify for state, seeing that every single runner on the team improved his or her time from the beginning of the season. Even though the coaches are proud of these runners, their goal for next year is different. “Our goal for next year is to qualify as a team,” Kreshel said.

tigerturf

Nov. 10, 2006

The volleyball girls play against Blue Valley Northwest in the Huskies’ gym Sept. 6. The Tigers lost both games in the match, 25-17 and 25-24. Photo by Karen Melton.

Volleyball girls make coach Habberly proud through losing season Despite 16-19 record, team comes together under strong leadership ianjanes

staff writer

“

hen Chrystyn Habberly walked into the gym on the first day of volleyball tryouts, she knew that Blue Valley was where she wanted to be. “I am really proud of my In her first year as head varsity seniors; they have really volleyball grown from both a leadercoach, she had ship and a volleyball perboth senior leadership and spective.” very young, coach Chrystyn Habberly solid talent. The only thing she had to do was mold all the talent into a team. “I was looking for a school with great academics and a volleyball program that would apply well to my coaching style,”

”

Habberly said. A key component that Habberly brought for her players was her ability to relate well with her players. Her players hold her in really high regard and at a lot of different points this season it has been reflected in their play. “I think she has done an awesome job this season, and I really like her because she does a great job relating to our team,” senior Andrea Morris said. Habberly admits that in the beginning she had trouble deciding which seniors were going to step up and be the leaders on the team. What really surprised her was the contribution of all five of the seniors. “At first, it was difficult for the seniors to lead, but as the season moved forward, you could tell the seniors were really starting to step up,” Habberly said. Seniors Sam Martley, Liz Minoofar, Sarah Flynn, Andrea Morris and Alyssa Urso were the five seniors that made up the 2006 volleyball team. And at some point or

another, Habberly recalls each and every one of them stepping up and taking over some type of leadership. “I am really proud of my seniors; they have really grown from both a leadership perspective and a volleyball perspective, since the beginning of the season,” Habberly said. Senior leadership was one key, but the other four players on the roster also played a huge role. Sophomores Lindsey Muller and Lindsey Petrick were two of the team’s top contributors. “Muller and Petrick are great teammates; they really do a great job,” Morris said. The volleyball girls entered regionals with a 16-17 record. They faced Blue Valley North in the first round of the regional tournament. The girls lost two tough ones, 25-21 and 2518. “We entered regionals expecting to win, no excuses,” Morris said. They grew as a team since the beginning of the season, but fell short in the end.

Sports Profile

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Tigers upset East, can’t beat North ianjanes

staff writer

Senior Joel Hill Cross Country Do you have any pre-game rituals? Listen to crazy techno music

Who is your most bitter rival? Bishop Miege

Favorite Stadium, complex or track? Rim Rock

What are you most likely to do during your free time? Listen to music, play the bass or write music

Favorite Athlete: Brian Urlacher

Favorite Professional Sports team:

Nov. 10, 2006

he soccer team ended its season against Blue Valley North in the second round of regionals Oct. 10. They lost the match 6-2, with both goals scored by Michael McDonald. North ended up taking second place in 6A losing to Blue Valley Northwest, 2-1, last weekend. Although the Tigers make no excuses, the difficulty of the EKL showed in the state playoffs. Both Blue Valley North and Blue Valley Northwest finished one and

two in the 6A bracket. St. Thomas Aquinas finished as the state champion in 5A. Both Bishop Miege and Blue Valley West advanced to the second round of their particular regionals both losing. There were three playoff matches between EKL teams highlighted by the state championship between Blue Valley North and Blue Valley Northwest. The Tigers made it to the second round with a 2-1 win over the Shawnee Mission East Lancers in the first

I would like to see Bob Ross do interpretive ice dancing.

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? 680 newtons

Words to live by:

“Veni Vidi Vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered.)

Favorite Movie:

Fried Green Tomatoes

Valley West for a second time this season on Oct. 10. They lost the game 2-0. The injury-plagued tigers also took care of Lawrence Free State on Oct. 5. Stula added a hat trick and goalie Nick Zabeck recorded a shut out. McDonald led the team in goals this season with 16. Ramahi was second with 11. Ramahi also led the team in assists with six. Overall, Ramahi led the team in total points with 22. The soccer team finished the season with a 7-10-1 record.

Who is your favorite sports icon?

Retired sports heroes who still make an impact on kids’ lives today

he year is 1996, and I’m seven years old. I get out of bed and begin to get ready for another big day at Stilwell Elementary. I brush my teeth and comb my hair so I look good for the little ladies. But for the final touch I go to my closet to pick out my wardrobe. There I am faced with the toughest decision of the day; what jersey do I wear? Well the decision was tough, but it was one that had to be made. But what jerseys were we reaching for during those years? One name that cannot be denied as a sports hero of the 1990’s is the iron man of baseball, Cal Ripken Jr. Many children could be spotted on playgrounds around the nation with a big oriole-orange number eight on their back. Ripken was easily admired, spending his entire career with the Orioles. He was the definition of a team player. Another name that commonly comes up is Michael Jordan, the man who made the number 23 famous. MJ is arguably the best player of all time and most definitely the best player of our time. Almost everyone had a red and black Bulls’ jersey. Tiger Woods exploded onto the professional golf scene in 1996. Kids everywhere picked up golf

clubs and began to play when Tiger turned golf into a “cool” sport. While it was hard to find a jersey for Woods, his sponsor, Nike, made plenty of apparel. There was one player in the National Football League that could be admired by people of all ages. Kansas’ own Barry Sanders was one of the best running backs of all time. However, his play was not the only thing to be admired. He conducted himself with a strong sense of respect for football, other players and himself; that was most admirable. There is no doubt that there were many more heroes. These are just a few that made an impact in our elementary school lives. Almost all of the sports figures of our young lives have long since retired. However, they will live on forever in our memories as the sports heroes of our childhood.

USA women’s curling team

Would you rather watch interpretive ice dancing or Bob Ross paint?

round. Quinton Liberty and Andy Heyen scored the two Tiger goals. The Tigers closed out the regular season against Emporia High School. It was the first time since the opener that the Tigers starting lineup took the field. The Tigers handled Emporia 90. Marshall Stula had a hat trick, Mohammad Ramahi had two goals and Craig Cook, Heyen, Chris Martin, and McDonald each added a goal of their own. The soccer team faced Blue

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Call Me Hank

Hank Driskell

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Nov. 10, 2006

Football Team has its way again, continues in playoffs

he Tigers began their postseason run for the state championship Nov. 3 as they hosted the Bishop Miege Stags in the first round of the 5A playoffs. The Tigers beat the Stags, 41-10. Quarterback Zach Rampy was unable to finish the game because of a rib injury after the first offensive series and touchdown. After Rampy left the field, the offense got off to a slow start committing five turnovers. Then the defense stepped up and changed the tide of the game. Trey Hobson returned an interception for a TD. The

defense ended up allowing only 50 yards to the Stags. The second round of the playoffs is tonight at home where the Tigers will face the Turner Bears. The Tigers earned their first trophy of the year when they were crowned district champions after their 52-13 defeat of rival Blue Valley West, Oct. 27. The Tigers could also call themselves EKL champions after the win. The Tiger offense racked up over 250 yards rushing, while the defense held the Jaguars to 174 total yards. The football team faced its

second district opponent Oct. 20 at home when the GardnerEdgerton Trailblazers came to town. The Tigers dominated the game, 56-0. It was the fourth shutout by the Tiger defense this season. To kick off district play the Tigers traveled to Ottawa High School to take on the Cyclones. Seven different Tigers caught the football from three different quarterbacks. Also, the Tigers had 283 yards of rushing offense.The football ended up winning the game 68-0 after scoring an amazing 28 first quarter points.

Blue Valley 9-0

BV Bracket

Bishop Miege 3-6

Turner 5-4

Lansing 4-5 Blue Valley West 5-4

Blue Valley

Turner

Blue Valley West

Semifinal 11/17

State 11/25

Tigers roll to early lead, whip Miege

Shawnee Heights 6-3

Wyandotte 4-5 Aquinas 8-1

Aquinas

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Nov. 10, 2006

upcoming

Nov. 10, 2006

November December 2006

photos by Jay McPhail, Karen Melton, Morgan McMahon and Nina Humphrey

sunday

monday

Get out your really cool survival gear that you’ve never used before! Marooned without a Compass Day

Go BV! Go BV! Go!

tuesday

wednesday thursday

“And I’m going to die- here in Vietnam.”

Have a bad day Day

Break a leg, not literally though Musical rehearsal begins- 3-6 p.m.

Give your roof a great big hug today! National Roof-OverYour-Head 3 Day!

We. Could. Go. All. The. Way. Substate Football game

Only three Native Americans were actually invited to the first Thanksgiving, but over 90 others also showed up. Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Break Break No School No School

Who knew this was a celebrated holiday?

She shoots, she scores! Varsity Girls Basketball4 p.m. at Emporia

FYI- for waving at concerts, lighters are out, cell phone backlights are in. Band Concert 7 p.m. in the 5 PAC

saturday

Let’s burn that fern and win!

Piece of My Sectional Heart- today football game and tomorrow, 7:30 p.m. in the PAC

Do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, to!

Musical Winter tryouts 3-8 Sports Begin p.m. today, tomorrow and Thursday

friday

Going once, going twice, sold to the creepy man in the tiger suit! TigerFest 7- 9 p.m.

Time will only tell who we will beat 5A State Football Championship

Take the pie back from math teachers National Pie (NOT π) Day

December issue of the Tiger Print 8comes out!

And there was much rejoicing-

rts

pictureperfect

A nd w h a t d o yo u d o ?

On Nov. 2 the students in the Visual and Performing Arts displayed their skills to teachers and students during Tiger Time, called the Arts Potpourri. Clockwise: Megan Adams, Austin Quarles, Megan Ritter and Andy Beye debate over the distribution of soda in schools. Next, Alexandra Matteo and Jill Haer perform a scene from the fall play, Piece of My Heart Center: Students from the junior class observe art students making pottery. Bottom right: Samantha Martley throws on the wheel. Lastly, artwork from the painting class is showcased next to the Gallery of the Arts. Photo Essay by Nina Humphrey

the

Nov. 10, 2006

Art