Sandpoint High School
Volume 88, Issue 5
Munchies
The king
NEWS
January 2011
Remembering the man who changed the face of the country. Recognize why Marting Luther King Day is more than just a day off school.
A&C
Page 2
Skijoring
With the Super Bowl in due course, the most steadfast way to impress friends and family is with your new found cooking skills.
OPINION SPORTS
Page 4
Controversial Changes Luna seeks drastic reform to Idaho education system concern of many teachers. “I believe human interaction and dialogue are Editor-in-Chief valuable parts of the learning process. It is important to have someone who is responsive to you as person, Idaho Superintendent of Education Tom Luna someone who can differentiate instruction, someone recently proposed a plan for complete reform of the who cares about you as an individual, and that is current educational system. The plan is intended to difficult if not impossible to replicate online,” said maximize student achievement and opportunities Brian Smith while minimizing fiscal stress upon the struggling Another contested portion of SCF is the proposed economy. increases in class sizes in order to save money. The Beginning in 2013, all incoming freshmen will larger classes are expected to save $37.8 million in the receive a state funded laptop with which they will first year. Arguments arise; however, when considering complete the two mandatory online classes. By 2017 whether that makes students come first. all high school students in Idaho will be required to “Superintendent Luna has repeatedly said that take the two online classes per the single most important factor in a student’s success is a year. quality teacher. I’m unsure how The plan, Students Come computer cannot eliminating educators, thereby First (SCF), was deemed the only A viable alternative to extensive replace the necessary face increasing class size and reducing one on one contact, is in any tax increases, said Luna during to face time students need way consistent with that point of the presentation of the idea. However, many find the plan with good teachers to be view,” Brian Smith said. Luna’s plan has many to be placing the emphasis on successful. -Debbie Smith instructors worried about the conserving money rather than increasing opportunities for history teacher retention of their jobs with the increase of class sizes and the students. addition of online courses. Luna and the state legislature “Lay-offs are always a concern. have yet to determine the kinds The Lake Pend Oreille School District is one of the of classes that will be offered online. “We must hit the reset button we must create a largest employers in the county. When a significant customer-driven education system – a system where amount of jobs are lost that money is no longer spent in the local community,” said Brian Smith. “And in the Students Come First,” said Luna. But not everyone is convinced this is the way the case of Superintendent Luna’s plan, taxpayer dollars reform should occur. The addition of the online that would have come back to our communities are requirements is the most contested portion of SCF being siphoned away to support other parts of the plan.” by teachers and administrators. Funding for SCF will also include a “pay for Sandpoint High School Principal Becky Meyer performance” bonus for teachers and administrators said, “My concern is that two mandatory online classes is not what is best for all students’ learning that show dedication to improving the quality of styles. I feel that students learn best when they have Idaho education. Upper-classmen who have met graduation requirements will also be able to highly qualified teachers present to assist them.” take dual credit courses at the The teachers agree. expense of the state. “A computer cannot replace the necessary face to face time students need with good teachers to be successful,” said history teacher Debbie Smith. President of the Lake Pend Oreille Education Association (LPOEA) Brian Smith sympathizes with the
Jessie Webster
The Numbers Proposed budgets if state legislature approves Luna’s Idaho education reform
Senior Year Dual Credit Phase in laptops for HS students
“
Pay for performance Other budgeted expendatures
Page 6
top
The
10
things to do with your new laptop if SCF passes state legislature
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Plug In because it’s necessary.
Connect
FY2012
because it’s the internet!
Wallpaper
98.8% 1.2%
unicorns and hot babes
iTunes
FY2013
transfer music to new comp. 66.7% 3.6% .67% 29%
Download possibly illegally
Stickers because they are neat
FY2014
”
A skiier or border pulled by a horse through a course with gates and other features. More information on the 700 year old sport inside.
60.1%
3.3% .6% 36%
Graphics by Max horn & Jessie Webster
Password always use protection
Runescape pretend to pwn noobs.
WoW
actually pwn noobs
Sell
ditch your old computer
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Page 2
January 2011
A day to remember
FAFSA night scheduled
Nation and school reflect on one of the most influential men in history
bLAiNe sHULtZ & JULe PAUL
SHS has been selected as a host site by the State Board of Education for the third Annual Statewide FAFSA Completion Event. The event will take place at the library from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5. It is designed to help students and parents complete the FAFSA, and skilled professionals will be available it anyone needs help. For more information visit findyourpath.idaho.gov and click on “2011 Statewide FAFSA Completion Event”.
Sports Editor & Staff Reporter
Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential people in American history. In 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established to honor and remember King. It is celebrated on the third Monday of January and was only the fourth federal holiday to honor an individual. His influence in the black community is eminent and still affects blacks, as well as most other races today. King believed “all men are created equal,” with which many people would agree. However, there are still many raLeiGh neWs & obserVer/ Mct racial divisions and racial tensions in ■ THE KING: Pamphlets explaining the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message scattered across the table. America and the world today. On Jan. 17 a backpack containing aThe United States celebrates Dr. King every third Monday of January in remembrance. bomb was found along the route of the commonly accepted racial stereotypes. white player is named after a person with a higher Martin Luther King Jr. march in Spokane, on the “We, as a society, we’ve built up a series of images of intellectual capacity. This is one small example of corner of North Washington Street and West Main what’ s real, what’s not real,” says Dr. Richard Lapchick, stereotyping race and equality being accepted. Avenue. Therefore, it is one’s duty to overcome these racial The FBI called the bomb a case of “domestic a professor of sports business at the University of Central Florida. “People are rarely challenged to boundaries. Every person must be accepted, free terrorism,” which was “capable think otherwise, to think from prejudice in the land of the free. of inflicting multiple truthfully.” In 2009, President Barack Obama entered office casualties.” Though the FBI You can relate Lapchick’ s as America’ s first black president. In the past two has not identified a specific comments to asking these years, many people have become more racially aware motive, Frank Harrill, an We, as a society, we’ve same people in society if and many have also become more racially sensitive, FBI agent from the office built up a series of images they believe all men are partially due to the election. in Spokane, told NBC of what’s real, what’s not created equal. They would America has certainly not changed as much as News that “the timing and all probably say yes. King and other black civil rights movement activists placement of the backpack is real. -Dr. Richard “If you accept that blacks would have liked it to, but the election of a black inescapable.” Lapchick are naturally more athletic, president shows the progress America has made As a result, the march was then you can accept that from forcing whites and blacks to sit on separate parts re-routed and delayed. No whites are naturally more of a bus, and shows that people are judged on their one was injured. intelligent.” abilities, rather than race. Even though this is an This is shown through a stereotype in the AND 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only extreme example of racial tension, there are many Mix Tape Tour where Grayson Boucher plays under there to remind Americans of Dr. King’s great other racial divisions. accomplishments and astonishing courage, but also Several sports are dominated by a certain race, the name “The Professor.” When every other player on the tour, all black, to never give up striving for equal opportunities for and these claims are often blown out of proportion. Whether jokingly or not, sports are an outlet is named after their abilities: Springs, Shane the all. As King said, “A right delayed is a right denied.” where people feel comfortable in expressing these Dribbling Machine, etc. it is of interest that the one
“
BF wins spirit competition
”
Sandpoint High School left the antlers to Bonners Ferry High School at the end of the third annual Moose Madness competition on Jan. 15. Both SHS and BFHS had school closures the Thursday and Friday prior to the competition. Neither school was able to hold the pep assembly to decide who would represent their schools in games such as the Moose Call and the Blind Folded Moose Drawing. SHS has yet to take home the trophy since the start of the event in 2009. Despite this, both of the school’s basketball teams beat BFHS teams. SHS will host the fourth annual Moose Madness next year.
Video games turned dehumanizing? Concern rises over youth being desensitized by violent, war simulating virtual worlds GArrett DUNN News Editor
Desensitization has commonly been used throughout history to make war a less traumatic experience for soldiers. In WWII, the United States used propaganda and other forms of dehumanization to make the enemy seem less human. In more modern times, rumors
have been started that the military has been using video games to desensitize the soldiers of the US Military. The idea that video games desensitize people has long been worried about, not only in the military, but also in the American youth. Killology.com states that, “When young children see somebody shot, stabbed, raped, brutalized, degraded, or murdered on TV, to them it is as though it were actually happening.” Parents have worried that because children have seen horrible things on TV or in their games, that
they will not be disturbed by similar events that may actually happen. “I think it depends on the person. If someone takes things super seriously this might be the case,” Senior Amber Jones said. There is evidence to support the idea that the desensitization is negative. However desensitization is not always a bad thing. Scienceblogs.com stated that the positive effects of desensitization can actually be useful in real life situations such as surgery. Writer Dave Munger posted an article to this site that said,
“Desensitization means that after seeing the gore of an operating room many times throughout her training process, she can overcome that natural revulsion to human innards and is prepared to do her job when it counts.” The differing opinions on the subject both agree that large amounts of exposure to this sort of violent media can affect people. However, it is unknown whether or not the military uses video games specifically for this purpose. Four out of five of the SHS students interviewed for this story thought that video games
Graphic by Garrett DUnn & Max horn
New & Used Video Games and CD’s - Wii - XBOX - Playstation -Nintendo -
TRADE-INS WELCOME
Highway 200 in the Ponderay Quonsets Mon - Fri 9:30 - 5:30 Saturday 9:30 - 4:00
would be ineffective for this purpose. Junior Chris Mann said, “With the way technology is going in terms of graphics and potential for much greater realism, I think it potentially can, but as of today, I don’t think we have games that would truly desensitize soldiers more than the first time they kill an enemy.”
Page January 2011
Our View
I
t is a tragedy that 9-year-old Christina-Taylor Green’s excited attempt to see real government up-close resulted in her death on Jan. 8, and it is disheartening that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) was shot in the very district where she opposed gun control. It is unfair to say, however, that the shooting at the Arizona supermarket was a result of any political ploy. In a country with over 300 million people, we have to expect that a few of them will be completely out of their minds. No amount of gun control, political correctness or censorship will affect this. Sarah Palin’s cross-hair advertisement was meant to build support to remove from office the 20 democratic representatives who supported the health care bill in heavily conservative areas. Her choice of graphic in illustrating this goal was questionable at best in depicting Giffords’ district in cross-hairs that look conspicuously like gun sights. Even if her campaign had read, “Kill Giffords!” there would still not be proof that the suspect had encountered the advertisement, let
Controversy rises over issue of gun control for public safety
alone had been influenced by it. The Cedar Post would not need to fear being blamed for a White House bombing if we were to state that the December 2012 apocalypse would at least bring a definite end to the Obama administration. We cannot expect the political community to free itself of tasteless or outlandish statements just as we cannot expect that there will be no misinterpretation of wellintentioned words. In much the same manner, it cannot be ascertained that stricter gun enforcement would have prevented or made this calamity less likely. Even with the tightest regulation it is unrealistic to say that a man with a frightening motive would have been unable to attain a destructive weapon. This tragedy needs to be mourned because it was a shocking loss of innocent lives, not because of its implications for the greater community or the American political system. One disturbed person caused a devastating, yet isolated, event, and it should not be analyzed as more.
Cartoon by evan metz
Senioritis disease really does exist
I
had a dream last night that my mom was dropping me off at college, wherever that may be. I set my stuff down, we said our goodbyes, and then I rushed her out the door. One part of the dream crystallized itself in my mind: I sat down on the bunk, and vocalized a very large and breathy
“Thank GOD!” Aside from the longing I endure every time I think about getting out of Sandpoint, this dream brought to my attention just how pathetic I really am. I have become far too intimate with that little mind crippling virus we all eventually come to know: senioritis. Last year, I loved school so much, I had convinced myself that I was immune to this disease. Now, I wake up in the
morning and my consciousness instantaneously flits elsewhere. And stays there. I could try to lasso my straying subconscious, or lure it back with a hint of food for thought, but I prefer to let it wander. If not for the sole purpose of keeping it from suffocating under the fumes of high school education, then to allow it to keep singing the anthem favored by the class of 2011 nationwide: “Graduation, please come faster.”
BASICALLY SPEAKING What do you think about gun control? FrEShmAN Thomas Alsager
“I think it’s pret lame we can’t use gun since we live in a hun ing society.”
Be grateful for your support system
I
n the midst of trying to become someone upon whom the world will smile, and trying to impress people that surround us, we often forget who we really are. We also forget the people who nurture and help direct us. When push comes to shove, and when all else fails, it seems as though the same few people are standing there and patting our backs, holding us up, and extending their hands.
L
ast month’s editorial, “Shooting baskets or shooting up?” was found extremely offensive and completely biased to not only the leaders and athletes involved, but by number of other people with no affiliation to the matter at all. Not only is the title of this editorial completely false and blown out of proportion, but the point of view you have taken on the situation is completely uncalled for. Having an editorial, a letter, and an article dedicated to the matter was unnecessary; it’s caused quite an uproar that you have allowed the situation to be judged without having the other side of the story. I come to you as one of the alleged “offender” to tell the other side of the story, the story worth mentioning, because the students involved are not bad people, they’re some of the most genuine people I’ve ever come into contact with. I think everyone would agree with me when I say that people make mistakes, but the Cedar Post staff has deemed that from now on, everyone who was involved in the questioning of the use of illegal substances is a letdown to our peers, as well as the community, and now suffer from a “shat-
So how is it that it is so much easier to get angry and hurt at the actions of these people who love and support us the most, rather than directing our anger elsewhere, where frankly, it doesn’t matter. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony had a perfect way to describe this situation. No, I don’t particularly like them, but hey, they weren’t so bad in 2006, right? Their single, and arguably one and only hit was “I Tried”, in which Layzie Bone says, “I keep runnin’ away from the ones that say they love me the most, how could I create the distance when it’s supposed to
be close?” I think I have it, the oh-so-obvious reason that seems hidden. Even after we cry and yell and get annoying, these people still love us; it’s called unconditional love. It’s sometimes chaotic, but it’s always present. So we take it for granted. Sometimes we treat people who love us the most in ways that they don’t deserve to be treated. So some advice to all is to remind someone who loves you, and who you love, how special they are, because more than likely, they deserve nothing less.
tered reputation.” I’m proud to be an athlete done in the worst of a situation. at this school and I’m proud to be a leader to As one of the “offenders,” I would like to those around me. I’ve made a mistake, but assure everyone that not only are the athletes I’m nowhere near allowing one act to hold bouncing back from this situation, but we’re me back from the possibilities of excellence also giving to the community. The soccer team I have within me. I’ve taken it upon myself has partaken in voluntary community service to encourage everyone else that was involved to help give back to the community and to in the matter to set good examples for those show our motivation and determination of around them. The editorial published stated setting examples throughout the community. that, “ it’s taken years of As athletes and leaders of our school, we’ve practice, time, work, learned from our past and money to get to and moved on, and that where they all were. is setting an example in I’ve made a mistake, but I’m and of itself. Not only Was it worth throwing away?” It’s true nowhere near allowing one has the soccer team that we have put our back, but the boys act to hold me back from the given time and effort into affiliated on the football possibilities of excellence I team are enrolled in a our leadership status, and now we just have drug information class. have within me. to put in that extra I agree that as lead110 percent to build ers of Sandpoint High ourselves back up. But School we’re “idolized” isn’t that what being a as athletes and leadleader is all about? Giving that extra to prove ers, and people want to be informed of the to everyone that we might’ve screwed up, but situation that occurred. The editorial written we’re most certainly not screw ups. Being one informing students of resigning student counof the “offended” student athletes, I’m not say- cil members was necessary and appropriate. ing that we as “leaders” didn’t screw up in any What you have failed to cover as journalists, sense, because we did. But what I am saying is the aftermath of it all. Before you let your is that as leaders we have become stronger biased opinions be heard, let also the voice of people through this whole situation. If anythe defendants speak, because as you all know thing, being a part of this whole situation has as journalists, there are two sides to every made my leadership values skyrocket because story. I have seen the worst of it all, and I’ve com-Junior Nichole Pagano mitted myself to showing others what can be
“
”
SoPh
Nick Emery “We should have the right to have guns because they lessen criminal activity.”
JuNIor Brynn Prophet
“I think people a smart enough to co trol guns in their ow ways.”
SENIor Meghan Haley “I think gun control is too much government intervention.”
Editorial Policy
The Cedar Post is governed by the same legal rig as the professional press. Under the First Amendme we reserve the right to free expression and freedom of press. The student newspaper of Sandpoint High Sch is an open public forum for the students of Sandpoint H School and the community of Sandpoint, Idaho, with editorial board making all decisions concerning its c tents; it is not subject to prior review by administrati faculty, or community members. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majo of the editorial board. Letters to the editor must be signed, although the s may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserv the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all ters are subject to law governing obscenity, libel, priva and disruption of the school process, as are all conte for the paper. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of staff, nor should an opinion expressed in a public for be construed as opinion or policy of the administrati unless so attributed.
The CP strongly encourages you to voic your opinion through the student pape E-mail your letter or bring it by E8.
Page 4
Spotlight
January 2011
the
Local musical duo makes a place for themselves Jenna Faude Staff reporter
Take your clothes off. This may not be the goal of local disc jockeys, juniors Lane Smith and Edwin Olding, but it is what their musical group’s acronym TYCO stands for. “It was just kind of a random thing that popped into our heads,” said Olding about the name choice. The two boys began laying down beats together after they bought their equipment late last August. Since then they have deejayed many events together starting with the Sandpoint Homecoming Dance, then moving on to Post Falls and Coeur D’ Alene dances, and private events. “[The] Post Falls High School dance was definitely our biggest and loudest crowd,
which was super sweet. [We are] just hoping our school steps it up and gets pumped for the dances to come,” said Smith. With their energetic spirits, one can imagine their energetic music choices. They listen to techno, electro, and dubstep, which is the majority of what they mix now. Their newly developed talent has led them to great success so far. “As we started to watch these artist’s live videos, we were just like boom. That’s what we need to do. So we did it,” said Smith. “We get mad scrilla, along with the reward of super stoked fans. We have been making about $300 per show, except that is pretty much just paying for all of our equipment.” As DJs they have seen
their fair share of crazy things from the front of the room. Everything from boys taking off their shirts to random girls getting up and dancing on their table. They are definitely living their dreams. TYCO has many upcoming events anyone may enjoy. They have already mixed at the Winter Carnival Rail Jam in downtown Sandpoint on Jan. 14. “[We are] getting paid to do something we would pay to do. It doesn’t get better than that and it gives us something to do after school. Just go home, make some dank beats, then try and get some homework done,” said Smith. “This is definitely something we want to keep pursuing and progress in for sure. Just keep the love coming and check out our beats.”
PHoto By Dylan Vogel
n Digital turning: Colaborative D.J. Duo TYCO (Lane Smith and Edwin Olding) mix beats at the Spar Lounge above Oishii before a dance party. There were two dances hosted by DJ TYCO during the fall.
The Gutteral Gamer
With Max Horn and Evan Metz
Blizzard’s latest cataclysmic release reviewed
S
W
elcome to the munchies! This week we will be showing you how to make a mexican delite. Guacamole is an essential part of every Super Bowl PARTTAYY!! Impress your friends and family by making this delicious dish from scratch with our quick and easy recipe. You will need these items to begin crafting: n 2 ripe avocados n 1/2 red onion, minced (about 1/2 cup) n 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely chopped n 1 tablespoon of fresh lime or lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt n A dash of freshly grated black pepper to taste n 1 teaspoon of Tabasco n 1/2 cup ripe tomatoes, seeds and pulp removed n Chopped jalapenos (Optional) 1. Begin by cutting the avocados in half and removing the pit. Skin the avocados and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Using a fork, mash up the avacado, then add the red onions, cilantro, lime juice and salt and pepper while continuing to mash. 3. Right before serving, mix your tomatoes and the Tabasco into the concoction to add a nice kick to your smooth guac. 4. If you are feeling adventurous, you can add jalapenos to your preference. 5. Bust open a bag of chips and get down on that guacamole.
ince the cataclysmic release of Blizzard Entertainment’s latest World of Warcraft expansion, over 12 million of Azeroth’s finest have logged on to explore and conquer the now re-constructed world. Any regular player would tell you that the game was in serious need of an update, but Blizzard may have taken too many risks to try and freshen up the experience. The most noticeable aspect of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm is the altered landscape. The enitre planet is now open to those with flying mounts, so the irritating “closed zones” are now unveiled and the game’s entire landmass has been updated for full exploration and visual appeal. The new zones are anything but an eyesore, and the infamous grind has been made slightly more bearable partially because of this, and partly due to all new quests in nearly every zone. Initially the new game is lovely, but with continued
McDonald’s
v 524 Church Street, Sandpoint, ID 83864 v v Phone: (208)265-5553 v
Stop by McDonald’s after the game and receive a small dessert with any purchase of a value meal. -Must show game stamp 250 Bonner Mall Way, Ponderay - 208.263.5814
play, you begin to find that some of the changes are just plain irritating. After spending a couple days making my way to 85, the new level cap, I found that I couldn’t do anything beyond regular dungeons. Heroics now have a minimum item level requirement. This didn’t bother me at first, but I was upset to discover that Heroic dungeons were still nearly as impossible as any role other than DPS, even with an average item level well over the minimum. Once you hit level 85, look forward to a long span of your time spent doing daily Regulars for Justice Points. PvP isn’t in the cleanest of states either. Honor points can’t even buy anything other than baseline superior quality resilience gear and heirlooms anymore. Players are required to grind off daily battlegrounds for days to obtain an ungodly amount of conquest points, the new currency required for PvP Epics. The fact that it takes
time to get the gear isn’t the issue, the issue is that those players that didn’t have the time to raid before used to be able to PvP and still get he endgame experience without the time commitment. Now you have to dedicate hours upon hours to stockpiling tokens just to keep up with the pack. Not everything is a letdown, though, and the earlier parts of the game have greatly improved. Modified talents trees and slightly increased experience gain means that players can enjoy their character earlier without having to get to level 20 before noticing any change from level one. Overall World of Warcraft: Cataclysm is a lovely game, and knowing Blizzard and their commitment to their most profitable creation, the sloppy areas will be cleaned up soon, and there has never been a better time to get into the game. Guttural Gamer gives World of Warcraft: Cataclysm a 4.2 out of 5.
Page 5 January 2011
Show time
a c i r f C
Student plans
A
ar ly
Ph o Sto to by Gra ry by Sydne yM Phi Mac o K cb y G enzi rriS rah e Jo n aM co e S le
Of f t o
that before she gets home, she’ll know someone,” said Bainbridge-Fill. Bainbridge-Fill will be traveling with her boyfriend, who currently lives in Canada. He will be funding the trip for them both. When her boyfriend first asked to join her on her expedition, she said no. “Originally I just wanted to go by myself as an independent work thing,” she said. “Then he came over and interacted with all my siblings, including the girls from Ethiopia, and I saw that he worked really well with kids, and I admired that a lot.” After he came to visit, she invited him to join her. Bainbridge-Fill is assigned to a branch of Projects Abroad called CARE, where people can either work in an orphanage or a day care. “Kids don’t go to school for the first time until they’re about 10. It’s hard, education is really lacking there,” she said. Bainbridge-Fill chose an orphanage because of her family background. She will help dress the children, cook for them and play with them. “Their biggest neglect is love, and it’s something everyone needs, so we will be trying to supply them with that more than anything.” When asked if she felt it important for everyone to help out in Africa, Bainbridge-Fill responded, “I understand that it’s not in our hands to go out and help them, but I think if we were in that situation, we would want someone to help us.” Bainbridge will be returning home on March 1.
n atio du gra
atherine BainbridgeFill, a senior at Sandpoint High School, will travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Jan. 29. Bainbridge-Fill will graduate early on the day before her departure. Bainbridge-Fill is Ethiopia-bound through a program called Projects Abroad. Projects Abroad has volunteer opportunities all over the world. Her sibling’s ethnicites are what motivated Bainbridge-Fill to choose Ethiopia. “My mom adopted four kids from China and two from Ethiopia, and we’re currently adopting another from Ethiopia,” she said. Bainbridge-Fill’s soon-to-be sister is also in Addis Ababa; however she lives at a different orphanage than the one at which Bainbridge-Fill will be working. “Part of the reason I’m going is that I’m going to visit her so
to t rav el a fte re
Mime and Masque hosts dinner theater Sadie WilliamS Editor-in-Chief
Sandpoint High School’s drama department will be putting on a dinner theater called “Kevin Tucker’s Graduation” toward the end of February in order to raise money. The tickets will be pre-sold by the drama department. Money raised will pay off the catering and go towards the production of the spring musical “Bye, Bye Birdie”. “This is a very positive step because it shows that we don’t just do plays, we’re more than that,” Vice President of Mime and Masque Riley Langton said. “This will most definitely happen in future years.” “Kevin Tucker’s Graduation” will be mainly improvised on the part of the actors with a few exceptions such as speeches. The objective is to help the students learn to develop characters beyond what they see on their scripts. “We have to be so in tune with our character that we know how to react in any situation,” senior Maggie Miller said. The cast will be made up of advanced acting students. Kevin will be played by junior Caleb Nishimoto, and his parents will be played by senior Joey Eich and junior Osaze Ogbeide. The rest of the students will fill characters of their own creation that are somehow involved in Kevin’s life. “It is going to be amazing because we interact with the audience and they will sit amongst the characters as the hilarious and eventful evening of Kevin’s graduation party unfolds” Ogbeide said. The production was inspired by the long running show “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” in which audience members celebrate the couple’s marriage.
New Seth Rogen comedy is worth seeing!
T
here’s nothing like a pleasant surprise. It’s pretty nice to go into a movie with the lowest possible expectation, and realize it isn’t completely terrible. “The Green Hornet” was a surprisingly excellent experience. Going into this movie, I couldn’t help but assume writer/actor Seth Rogen had contracted Will Ferrell syndrome, a terrible affliction that ruins funny careers with movies similar to “Kicking and Screaming” or “SemiPro”. Surprisingly; however, the Green Hornet was an excellent blend of action and humor. In the Green Hornet, Rogen plays a rich,
arrogant owner of a newspaper who decides to fight crime. The real success of the movie is Rogen’s interactions with Jay Chou, an excellent martial artist and the real hero of the movie. Chou plays a brilliant mechanic who works for Rogen’s character. In tandem the two are unstoppable. They are hilarious together, and they kick a lot of people in the face. Rogen and Chou become a crime-fighting duo and attempt to bring down the biggest crime lord in the city. Their main weapon of destruction is their car, and this makes for some exciting chase scenes throughout the
movie. One of the main problems I found with this movie is the invincibility of the heroes involved. On multiple occasions, drug dealers and thugs shoot at Rogen at short range with full-automatic weaponry and fail to achieve even one hit. This hurts the believability of the movie, but it is still very enjoyable. Unlike some certain Will Ferrell films, Rogen kept me interested and humored throughout the entire movie. Rogen co-wrote the movie, and he did well. Rogen has not yet contacted the syndrome, and if he keeps making this caliber of movie,
Eve’s Leaves
First in Fashion Proud to be an SHS Alumna 326 North First Avenue Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 (208) 263-0712 - Fax (208) 265-2490 Email: marilyn@eves-leaves.net Marilyn Dalby Sabella Owner
he never will. This column writer would suggest the Green Hornet to any human who loves cheesy Kung Fu and snide humor.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8a.m. - 7p.m. Saturday 9a.m. - 6p.m. Sunday 10a.m. - 5p.m. 703 W. Lake Street - Sandpoint, Idaho (208) 265 - 8135 - www.winterridgefoods.com
Page 6 January 2011
Skijoring makes debut in Winter Carnival Matt Smart introduces European phenomenon to Bonner County outdoor enthusiasts EddiE OglE
Co-sports editor Close to 700 years ago, two Scandinavian men started the phenomenon of Skijoring. The concept of this sport involves one horse, one horse rider, one long rope and one skier or snowboarder. The rope is attached to the saddle, and is used to tow the skier/ snowboarder around a course consisting of jumps and gates they must navigate through. “It literally started as two guys with horses and skiers on a bet to see who could get from point A to B as fast as possible,” said Matt Smart, who is leading the charge in Sandpoint’s skijoring community. “After that it started being more of
a competition.” This unique sport finally came to America about 50 years ago in Colorado, and its popularity spread up to the Northwest. Smart, who has known about skijoring for several years, became involved with it about two years ago in Whitefish, Mont. where he started to compete. A year after competing he brought the sport to Sandpoint. “It puts my two favorite things together, horses and skiing,” Smart said. At the 2011 Sandpoint Winter Carnival, Smart organized the skijoring event. It was hosted at the Bonner County Fairgrounds with three divisions: Open, Sport and Style. Open consisted of the
most experienced skiers and the fastest horses. Sport was designed for beginners, less intense than the Open division. The Style division was for the freestyle skiers who were judged on their performance on numerous features including jumps and rails. Senior Michael Lorden competed in the Style division. When asked about skijoring during a practice, Lorden said, “I just found out about it a couple days ago, and I think I can do well in the style course.” “We have a lot of support and people right now,” said Smart. He plans on making skijoring a more prominent activity in Sandpoint, and building a program for more future skijoring.
Skijoring fast facts • No handles allowed on rope • Rider must hold rope through finish line • No landings for features • Rider must go through gates n Above: Senior Mike Lorden catches air during a practice run at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Lorden wants to enter more skijoring competitions. n below: A local female skijoring competitor takes a lap through the course. She competed in the Winter Carnival skijoring events.
Matt Smart
Mike Lorden
Age: 37
Age: 17
Occupation: Skijoring Organizer
Occupation: Student Favorite hobbies: Skiing and knitting
Favorite hobbies: Riding horses, skiing
Skijoring: 1 month
Skijoring: 2 years Division: Open
Photos by Connor griesemer
Division: Style
Skiing accidents take toll on students Action on the mountain leads to problems for SHS students EddiE OglE
Co-sports editor Although skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular activities in North Idaho, they are also arguably the most dangerous. Yearly, numerous shredders are unexpectedly injured. During winter break, a few students at SHS were unfortunate victims of the mountain’s harsh side. Senior Stuart Sater had an unexpected fall while in the terrain park at Schweitzer Mountain. After coming off of a feature and landing with his skis uneven, he ejected from both skis forcing a painful crash.
“I landed on my a**, on my ski, and then slid down the edge of it... So I cut my a** open.” Sater commented. Even after this blow, he wasn’t immediately aware of the situation. Once completing his run, he was approaching the lift for another run when a friend noticed the gash on his backside. “After I noticed the hole in my pants, I took them off and saw the huge gash!” Following a visit to medical help, Sater’s laceration was sewed up with a grand total of 32 stiches. Another student, Junior Damen Rodriguez, was also involved in a major wreck at Schweitzer. After colliding with a
less experienced skier, Rodriguez suffered a severed patellar tendon in his knee. “A friend of a friend, who is very good [at skiing], was following me pretty close through some trees. We came around a tree at the same time, and he tried to jump over me,” Rodriguez said. Rodriguez is now on the lengthy road to recovery. Although he has spent close to a month in a wheel chair, he plans to graduate to a walker this week, and hopefully walk without assistance before summer. Another major injury occured during break when Sophomore Rory Hernandez broke both his
wrist and arm while attempting a 720 off of a jump in the terrain park. “I got the rotation, but I got really off axis before the landing, and just didn’t land,” he said. Now, Hernandez’s arm is stuck in a cast until healed and cleared for more fast paced activities. Shredding is activity full of insane fun and thrills for the participant. Weekly, enthusiasts put themselves through countless risky situations on the snowy mountains hoping “the juice is worth the squeeze”. As these students found out that knowing the risks doesn’t always prevent the consequences.
Photo by JasPer gibson
n GettinG Around: Junior Damen Rodriguez makes his way to class in the crowded hallway. He is recovering quickly.
Page 7
The Profile
January 2011
Q
Sophomore Mac McGarry is a local competitive freestyle skiier. Every weekend he is on Schweitzer progressing, and most importantly, having fun.
: Did you ever consider competitive freestyle skiing as a career?
Q Q
: So Mac, when did you first start skiing?
A: Not really, there’s just too many doing it that are better and a lot more determined.
Q
: Then what is your motivation when competing?
A: I started skiing when I was 2. : What about competitively?
A: Have fun, but I’m also there to make a good showing.
Q
: What’s your favorite part about skiing?
A: Actually, I started 2 years ago. A lot of my friends were doing it so I thought I’d try it out.
Q
: When was your best showing?
A: I really like the friendly environment out there, and I also like deep powder days.
A: Last year, at the Whitefish stomp games, I had a solid first run, but on my second, I didn’t quite clear the gap, and hit the knuckle, and apparently knocked myself out by hitting my head. (Laughs) They had to carry me off in front of everyone.
Q
: Will we see you you competing this year?
A: I plan on being at the Whitefish Stomp Games again, so if you’re down there, you should see me.
GraPhiC By max horn
Alternative exercises attract teens
Trash Talk
Zumba, yoga, and kickboxing emerge as new workouts Molly RickaRd and MaRia Guida Staff reporters
Photo By Connor Griesemer
n namaste: Seniors Katie Chambers, Susan Williams, and junior Courtney Windju practice hot yoga in a local studio. Hot yoga has gained popularity among many students.
Bulldog Bench Supporting SHS athletics
Good job Bulldogs!
Where Henry gets his hair cut!
Contrary to popular belief, pumping iron and working the elliptical for half an hour at a time is not the only way to stay fit during the winter. Many fun workout alternatives are offered in the Sandpoint community. Amongst these are Zumba, pilates, various styles of yoga and kick boxing. Zumba is a workout that incorporates Latin, African, Indian and belly dancing. This high energy class is taught by a few local women in various locations around Sandpoint, including SWAC, Studio One Dance Academy, Evolutions Fitness and Xhale Pilates. Local Zumba instructor Kathy Chambers said, “Zumba is a full hour of non stop dance and a constant flow of energy.” Pilates is a core intensive workout that increases flexibility and muscle tone. This mind-strengthening workout allows whatever body movements are safe for you. A sensation that has swept all ages in Sandpoint is the practice of yoga, which is offered in the form of the traditional pose holding and meditation. Yoga can be utilized in studios or even in the comfort of your own home. A high intensity workout offered in local fitness clubs in the community is kick boxing. This is a challenging cardio workout which features boxing moves. It serves as a great stress reliever that is safe on your body. “To be in good heath you need multiple aspects of working out. You can’t get fit only doing one type of workout. You really must include strength, flexibility and aerobics,” said Chambers.
Car For Sale
1997 Pontiac Sunfire Coupe. Great for a teenager! Runs well, handles great, also has good tires and is very clean. $1600. Call Theresa Giddion 208.265.5660
Photo By JasPer GiBson
With Blaine Shultz and Eddie Ogle
W
hat might have really happened to Cam Newton... (inception style) “It’s impossible. I tell you not to think of elephants and what do you think of?” “Elephants?” “Exactly. True inspiration is impossible to mimic.” Dom Cobb finally raises his head from what seemed to be deep thought. “It can be done.” It took a moment for Arthur to speak up, taken aback by the confidence in his statement. “How do you know?” “I took LeBron James’ talents to South Beach,” Cobb replied sternly. Mr. Saito realized he was the man for the job. “We need Cam Newton to leave behind money from Mississippi State and beat Oregon in the National Championship.” Arthur looked back and forth between the two men when he finally spoke up, “That’s a tall order.” “It’s your ticket home, Cobb,” retorted Mr. Saito. “Don’t you want to see your kids?” And so the deal was on the table, Cobb forced to assemble a team and “incept” an idea into the mind of the Heisman Trophy winner. As Cam Newton tried to get rest on his way to Glendale, Cobb and his team struck... Although Cobb’s crew didn’t know that Oregon would have defense in the 1st level, Newton’s inception proved successful. Cam Newton deserves respect on the field following his monster junior year, but don’t be fooled that we’re fans. Go Clemson (Eddie). Go Idaho (Blaine).
Page 8 January 2011
issuu.com/cedarpost
cedar post
According to MSNBC, high school students spend a total 16.7 hours on the internet a week. So what are they doing while getting wired? They’re doing things like listening to music, playing games and blogging. Here, we’ve assembled some of our favorite sites for your favorite computer activities. Go out and enjoy them! CP
MUSIC
PHOTOS
thesixtyone.com dylanvogel.posterous.com (coming soon: dylanvogel.com)
little-people.blogspot.com
boston.com/bigpicture
stereomood.com
uwall.tv
GAMES
BLOGS
isleoftune.com urbanprankster.com
adultswim.com
makesmethink.com stuffwhitepeoplelike.com
englishbanana.com
Interested in keeping up with the Cedar Post all of the time? You can now friend us on Facebook.