Winter Issue 2010

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Winter

2010 Vol. 3 Issue 2

The Nutcracker

PG. 21

PG. 23

SHES

Improv

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I came to the program

thinking I only wanted to direct.

By the time I graduated, SCC helped me become a national theatre critic, an award-winning dramaturge, an actor, and a published playwright.â&#x20AC;?

~Pasha Yamotahari Assistant to the Producing Artistic Director/ Cast & Company Management Consultant, Phoenix Theatre SCC Theatre Arts program graduate, 2008

Create YOUR future today at Scottsdale Community College! www.scottsdalecc.edu/myfuture

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SHES Contents

04 International

07 Priceless

Education

Photography

A look at the different requirements for education in countries around the world

An indepth interview with AP photographer Kelsey Price

08 Busted The consequences of illegal partying and what law enforcement officers can do.

14 Gift Giving Guide

A helpful handbook for gifts that give back. Plus, gift ideas for family and friends.

16 Dumbing Down Education

How education has changed to change with the inteligence of students.

22 Subliminal

Submission What adversisers are doing to trick you into desiring their products.

24 Ready to Rumble Warnings about wrestling and how it affects the athletes.

To read more stories visit www.chaparralashes.com

Editors

Hayley Mann Features

Emma Zang-Schwartz Editor足in足Chief

Porter Marsh Arin Segal Online Editors

Joey Fisher Arts and Entertainment Izzy Gilbert World News Andrew Kauffman Sports

Nitya Ramanathan School News Alex Shea Opinions Stacey Shcolnik Adviser

Literacy Rates

Kaz akhstan 99.5%

Australia 99.0%

Switz erland 99.0%

FROM ZURICH

Israel 97.2%

China 93.3%

Madagascar 70.7%

Hait i 62 0 . %

Mali 26.5%

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Do you think you have it hard? Around the total, it is not uncommon for Japanese world, high schools demand different amounts high school students to have 12 hour days of work from students. When compared to before homework. some other countries, it seems that we have it High school is also rigorous in Switzerland easy. where students learn three languages in school.

In Japan, high school revolves around the Students are technically done with school at age college entrance exams. The college entrance 16, unlike the average graduation age of 18 in exams are similar to the SAT or ACT but only the United States. At this age, students tend to more important and much harder. find apprenticeships in a job they are interested “Hardly anything matters but your score on the in doing. Some students who are unable to find test, so life as a Japanese high schooler is much apprenticeships attend a tenth year of school. more stressful. That’s not to say the regular Some students attend additional classes durin g schooling is harder because it probably is not, their apprenticeship in preparation for something but the amount of time spent studying is much similar to technical colleges that specialize in greater among Japanese students,” Sam Callo n, specific fields. This accounts for around 70% of a senior attending school in Japan, said.

16-19 year olds. Only around 20% of students Students must spend so much time studying attend what we would consider college. for the test that as a result, the Japanese school Switzerland and Japan’s intense schooling system is focused much more on memorization. systems produce test results that surpass the Much of this memorization occurs at Juku, or United States on nearly every front. American cram schools, which students attend in addition high school students have low scores on math to high school. and their ability to apply math skills to everyday The stress of the entrance exam does not start situations is poor according to the Condition of in high school either.

Education 2006 report by the National Center “For some kids it is very stressful even from for Education Statistics. elementary school, as they go to cram school Some claim our low test scores can be attriband study for four to six hours a day for entra nce uted to the shorter school year, only 180 days exams,” Callon commented. per year. President Obama recently stated that In addition to the incredible amount of time he would like to increase the school year to a studying, Japanese students are expected to parmandatory 200 days per year to help improve ticipate in Bukatsu, our version of club activities. our education.

Bukatsu is mainly focused on sports.

One thing that does make the American school “There are virtually no clubs that are based system stand out is nearly every student’s desir e on community service or arts and crafts like the for collegiate education. red cross club, art club, or robotics,” said Keita “I feel the American is presently more chalFunakawa, a Junior at a Hawaii high school who lenging [than the Japanese school system] grew up in Japan and still has close ties to it. because students are expected to be well-roun dEven the sports they play are different. They ed. So besides high SAT/ACT scores, many are more focused on the interactions with each selective schools also expect to see examples other rather than competition. Many of Funa ka- of leadership in clubs or student governme nt, wa’s friends were shocked to hear he had tryou ts achievement in sports, community service, a pasfor his high school tennis team and that some sion whether in arts, technology, drama, danc e, players were cut. science etc. and participation in specialized Some of Funakawa’s friends still in Japan programs,” Funakawa notes. have sports for around five hours everyday. In !"#$%&'()*('%Staff Writer

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The Sunsmart 5k, sponsored by University of Miami, was started in 2008 by two medical students. 9,000 dollars was raised for Melanoma in 2010.

Pret ty in Pink Everybody has one: The pink, blue, green, black or white “I love boobies” bracelets are on everybody’s wrist this season. But why has breast cancer support recently spiked? According to breastcancer.org, one in every eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

Therefore, 207,090 women are likely to develop invasive breast cancer in the year of 2010. People are trying to raise awareness and continue research to decrease the loss of loved ones.

“My aunt had breast cancer twice, and I don’t want to lose her, so I’m making sure that we raise money to find the cure,” sophomore Katharine Greer said.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. 39,840 women are estimated to pass away in the year of 2010 from breast cancer. However, Melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer, is

The oral cancer 5k is a small run in Pitts-;+1"$4#&.($(3$/1"($("#$9#''$+#*31.0<#6$ 6&.1#+'$3= $3+&9$*&.*#+:$$>($+&0'#6$3?#+$ 5,000 dollars last year.

the leading cause of death in women ages 25 to 30 and is expected to kill 8,700 people this year. Because of the vast amount of people whose lives will be taken from cancer, many different groups around the world are taking action.

The Avon Walk, a 39 mile walk that raises money for screening, support, and treatment, is a large supporter of the cause. One Avon Walk in Charlotte raised 2.3 million dollars from the 1,100 contributors and 120 survivors that participated. Relay for Life supports all kinds of cancer funding research, education, and services. Yet, its support is much smaller.

The NFL supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month by giving donations and having coaches and staff wear pink ribbons on the sidelines throughout the month of October. The Arizona Cardinals contributed by distributing pink

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ribbons at one of the October games.

Papa John’s pizza also released a program supporting cancer by creating a challenge between universities. Customers who order online can choose to donate one dollar from their purchase to donate to the V Foundation and the Kay Vow/WBCA Cancer Fund. The NFL’s support for breast cancer is a widely distributed campaign, whereas the Papa John’s campaign is barely known.

The “I love boobies” bracelets are very similar to Livestrong bracelets, a very popular trend in 2004. However, with the “I love boobies” bracelets costing $3.99, and Livestrong bracelets costing only one dollar, “I love boobies” bracelets raise more money for their cause.

Seventy to eighty percent of women that develop breast cancer have no genetic history of the disease. !"##$%"&'()*%Staff Writer

Since its inception in 1982, Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure has raised over 1.5 billion dollars. It raised nearly 10 million dollars in 2009 alone.

World News

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Dive Into Business

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sk a large group of seniors what they do on half days and the answers will get will probably be along the lines of sleeping, playing video games, or hanging out with friends.

This is not the case with Chaparral High School senior Tommy Driver, who about eight months ago, decided to start his own business with friend Cory Jensen. The two were not satisfied with typical jobs such as working at a restaurant or an ice cream shop. After one day of socializing with a friend that had a pool business, Driver and Jensen began to realize how successful they could be at a similar job. Both decided that there is always a demand for pool cleaning and service, so they co-

founded Approved Pool Service & Repair.

Jensen had already had some experience with pools, but Driver, just a junior in high school at the time, was relatively new to this area of work. Driver committed himself to being a successful businessman and worker and soon established the business Approved Pool Service & Repair. The company has been up and running since the spring of 2010. In that short window of time, Driver and Jensen have built up a reputation and now run a successful business without any assistance from their parents. Before his senior year, Tommy Driver became responsible for the sales and marketing aspect of a fully operational pool business with 80 clients and a net worth of about $250,000.

Quick Questions for Tommy Driver

Q

How do you balance everything as a student?

I keep a strict schedule. I used to hate having such a strict schedule but it is the key to efficiency and production.

Now I enjoy getting things done by living by the clock What is your daily schedule like?

Each day, I work out in the morning. I go to school but only have a half-day schedule. I have school lacrosse practice almost every day for all of second semester and have club lacrosse all year round. My shortened schedule allows me to work everyday. I am always doing something for Approved Pool Service and Repair.

Specifically, what do you do for your job?

I am in charge of sales marketing. Therefore, I network with potential clients and handle the logistics. Each employee, including myself, is also directly involved with the actual hands-on work. My entire business does weekly pool cleaning for each of our accounts, equipment repair when needed, pool remodeling, new pool building, and also installing stuff like water fountains. !"#$%&'() Staffer

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PRICELESS PHOTOGRAPHY

hotography: the process or art of producing images of objects. This is Kelsey Price’s passion. She realized how much she enjoyed photography at the end of her freshman year. With her love for the art growing, the more talented she becomes.

“It gives me a chance to be creative and to really express myself,” says Price.

Being in the photography courses at school, she has grown from learning the darkroom process to creating an AP portfolio, which includes 24 digital and traditional pictures. Out of these pictures 12 of them have to somehow be related, which is called a concentration. Price’s concentration idea is movies. Her favorite picture from the concentration is “Up,” an image that she took with her digital camera. Even though she is creative in her own right, she still needed some inspiration.

“Annie Leibovitz is a huge inspiration to me because she has a very unique way of taking pictures of people as the subjects in unique environments,” Price said.

Annie Leibovitz is a professional portrait photographer whose photographs are themed. Just like Leibovitz, Kelsey takes most of her pictures outdoors in distinctive places with people as her subjects.

“There is this one picture of these sunflowers that I like a lot, I actually won an award in the state fair,” Price said.

Not only has she won awards, she has helped organize “Make a Difference Day” where she took pictures of the event.

In the future she hopes to take family portraits as well as do photography as a hobby. !"#$%&'()*$+ A&E Editor

School News

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Teen partying has long been a common problem, but somehow the issue manages to remain under the radar.

At the high school level, it is common knowledge among students that some of their peers frequently attend parties, home to many illegal substances. But what are the consequences for attending these parties?

Many students wonder if they can get in trouble for being at a party where they are not drinking but other students are drinking.

Officer Bingham explained that consequences, Con the size of the party. If thereFs five or six people, and maybe half are doing drugs or alcohol, a police officer could easily articulate that those people are in possession of those items, because itFs right in front of them and they know itFs there. But if itFs a party with one hundred plus people, something could be happening in a separate room that you werenFt aware of Gand it would be harder for the officer to find those actually in possession of drugs or alcoholH.I So what happens if one does get issued a minor in possession KMIPM? According to Nawforkids.org, a teen issued an MIP can face probation, a juvenile court hearing, a loss of driving privileges, a fine up to five hundred dollars, community service, and/or counseling.

Of course, with the citation comes a whole slew of special circumstances. What if somebody is just holding a cup for a friend but does not drink?

CIf the cup had an alcoholic substance in it Gand you were not drinkingH, it would still be an MIP. But if you are Gunder 18 andH drinking, parents are contacted and they actually have to pick their child up, but the teen is still citedI said Officer Bingham So why do some teens attend parties if the risks are so severe? Most teens feel that the chance of cops finding a party are slim to none. However, even parties in secluded neighborhoods are fair game for the police.

CAlmost always it is a neighbor that alerts a cop to a party,I explained Officer Bingham, CTheyFll say they see

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#+!&')#$7/8

Erika Mionis, Jordie Mallace

or suspect underage drinking and thatFs all it takes for a party to come to light.I Many teens only attend parties because they misjudge the policeFs limitations. One senior assumed, Cthey canFt just barge in.I This false sense of security emboldens some teens. However, the police do have the power to Cjust barge in.I CIf the cop is able to look in a !"#$%&$'()$#**+$ window and identify any drug %,$*-)".$'()/$0!"$ paraphernalia, or see a crime 12,'$3!45$%"666 occurring inside, they can make entry into the house, and prevent evidence from being destroyed,I said Officer Bingham, Cand if the door is open they can just walk in as long as they have probable evidence of a crime.I Teens who know of these risks and still feel the need to attend parties do not only endanger themselves.

CIf an adult allowed for a party with drinking to take place, they can be arrested and fined as well,I Officer Bignham said.

So if you host a party, you and your parents will face the consequences. According to Marininstitute.org, an adult who serves alcohol is criminally liable for any injuries that may occur at the party. Even if no one is hurt, it is still illegal to host a party with underage drinking, and the adult could be arrested.

The consequences of partying truly hit home when tragedy struck in 1996. MarthaFs Xineyard Times reported the death of 18 year-old Yreg Smith in a Z[Irelated accident. Smith had been coming home from his high school graduation party, a party supervised by his friendFs parents, who were supplying alcohol to the underage students. The parents were charged for providing alcohol to a minor and soon after this accident, a law was passed holding adults responsible for directly or indirectly providing drinks.

So is partying worth the consequences?

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”

Many states have drastically different driving requirements. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a look at the varying requirements for how states answer the question: At age 14, Arizona teenagers ride their bikes, walk, or beg their parents to give them a ride whenever they need transportation. In some other states, at that same age, teens are driving.

In Arizona, there is a two-step process to driving independently: a teen can get a learner?s permit at 15 and a half years and then after six months of driving with a licensed driver over age 21, he can apply for a graduated license.

According to the Arizona Eotor Fehicle website, GTeens must have completed 20 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel daytime driving practice and 10 hours of supervised, behind the wheel night time driving practice-a total of 30 hours-before applying for a graduated driver license.K

RDY 2 DRV?

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For the first six months of driving with a license in Arizona, a minor cannot drive with more than one other person in the car on public highways or between 12 am and 5 am. After successfully completing those six months, a teen can drive unrestricted, while still abiding the state curfew, until reapplying for an adult license at age eighteen. Our system is unique compared to those of some neighboring states.

In California, the ages are the same as in Arizona. A driver may apply for a permit at 15 and after six months, when he

reaches age sixteen, he can receive a driver?s license. However, the restrictions are much harsher.

With a provisional instruction permit, a teen can only drive if accompanied by a licensed adult over the age of 25. In order to obtain a license, a teen must complete 6 hours of professional driver training (in Arizona this is optional), and have an adult verify that he has had 50 hours of practice, 10 of which must have been done at night.

After receiving a license, young California drivers are hit with more restrictions. For the first year, they cannot drive anyone under the age of 20 without a licensed driver over the age of 25 in the car. They also cannot drive between 11 pm and 5 am until they reach age eighteen. Continued on page 10

Things to Know before Driving

How to Pump Gas

2

How to Change Tires

3

How to Check your Air Pressure

4

What to do when you get Pulled Over

5

What to do when you get in a Car Accident For more information go online to chaparralashes.com

School News

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On the West Coast, the driving laws are clearly stricter than in the Grand Canyon State, but what about on the East Coast? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You must be age 16 or older to drive in NYSâ&#x20AC;? according to the New York State D.M.V website.

This even applies to out-of-state permits.

In fact, former Chaparral student Darcy Krisa ran into some problems when she moved to New York just before her sophomore year.

She moved a few weeks before her 16th birthday, and had she stayed in Arizona, she would have received her driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license.

Instead, her Arizona learnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permit was disregarded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had to wait until I was 16 to get my New York permit, and then another six months to get my junior license,â&#x20AC;? she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drive past 9 p.m. until I am 18 and then I can drive with no limitations.â&#x20AC;?

Before they can obtain a license, New York teens must have a parent sign off that they have driven 50 hours, with 25 night hours.

GR8

Both coasts have more restrictions than Arizona by far, but what about the middle of the country? In Kansas, there are four levels for teen driving. At age 14, a teenager becomes eligible to get an instruction permit. With a permit, they must have an adult in the car at all times and cannot use cell phones.

At age 15,after completing a year of driving with an instruction permit, driver education courses, and driving for 25 hours-the driver can obtain a restricted driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license. With a restricted driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, a teen can drive only to and from work or school by themselves, but everywhere else they must be with an adult. They also cannot transport any minors who are not their siblings or use cell phones.

At age 16, the driver can move to a less restricted license. They can then drive anywhere between 5 am and 9 pm, and at any time going to or from work, school, or when accompanied by an adult. They can only drive one nonsibling passenger under age 18.

18

After having this for 6 months, or turning 17 years old, a driver is given a nonrestricted driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license. With this, they are allowed to use cell phones, transport any number of people as long as they have a seat belt, and they can drive at anytime.

In Arizona, most teens are happy with the system. But should all U.S. states have the same driving laws? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The driving age should be the same in every state, 16 or 17 is a good age,â&#x20AC;? junior Spencer Stathis said Is it fair, or safe, that in other states teens are allowed to drive at 14 years old? â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one should be able to drive at 14 years old, we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mature enough at that age,â&#x20AC;? sophomore Zach Kirshner said.

So often teens are lumped into one category and viewed as the same.

However, when it comes to driving, the state governments are clearly taking into consideration the different environments and lifestyles present throughout the United States. !"#$%&'()%%'Staffer

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How many times have tv, texting, social networking and gaming gotten in the way of students’ homework time? In the last few years, as technology has improved tremendously in the fields of gaming, social networking, video streaming, and cell phones, a shocking increase in time allotted to these entertainment outlets has followed. Well, now that all of these things can be found in cell phones, they are cutting into school and work time for teens.

Cell phones are quickly becoming capable of doing more things beyond calling and texting, such as streaming video , having an unlimited numbers of games, and accessing the internet. Now that this year the school administration has become much more lax on the cell phone policies, students now have a great deal more options for entertainment and, © ultimately distraction.

“I mean I check my Facebook© on my breaks.

Maybe tweet. Never tumble,” Matt Wasilewski said © when asked if internet on his phone affected his work ethic. © A study done by Pew Research Center showed that 65% of teens send over 600 texts a month and © 29% of those same teens send over 3,000 texts a month. Of the adults in the study, 51% sent only 30-300 a month. © Along with those numbers, Marketing Profs reported that people using Facebook Mobile increased © by 54% in just six months, from 65 million users to over 100 million users. These numbers are sure to alarm teachers across the campus. © “I think that the Internet has created a generation or generations of instant gratification.

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need, they can work on their projects faster. So I say use your technology. I’m tired of fighting kids over their cell phones,” said Jennifer Maccoll, science teacher.

With the ability to constantly to switch from website to website in seconds, as well as text without looking and stare at a fast moving videogames for hours, the concern of Internet Addiction has risen in past years. Researchers want to know if things exist and, if so, would it cause ADHD and depression in teenagers who would, otherwise, not suffer from these illnesses.

Minimal research has been done on the topic so far, but, Internet Addiction rehabs and support groups have begun to pop-up around the world, starting in the Netherlands and China. It has begun to get © much media attention. © One of the few studies done on Internet Addiction showed that only 5-10% of people use Internet to a damaging degree.

“I’m probably addicted to the Internet. I’m always © on Facebook…which is really bad,” Erica Levine, © senior, admitted.

It may be years until researchers can determine © whether or not Internet, Cell phones, and Video Games will have a negative effect on people’s well © being, but student Matt Wasilewski has already given © his prediction: “Kids are going to procrastinate so much.

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The Wonderful Wizard of Odd Scholarships

“Scholarships provide money, and it doesn’t matter where you get that money from. For lesser amounts fewer people will apply, and fewer will be eligible,” college and career coordinator Peggy Murray said.

Mrs. Murray strongly supports scholarships; the academic ones and odd ones alike.

“I’d rather get an academic scholarship than a weird one because I believe if you work hard it is easier to get and betPSU, LSU, and UCLA oh my! So many colleges to choose from, ter deserved,” senior Julie Anderson said. so little time. It is a daunting task to choose and apply to colleges Anderson is not the only student to believe unusual with so many universities and even more majors to decide between. scholarships are difficult to get and less deserved than an The top majors of the past year were Business, Psychology, Nursacademic scholarship. ing, Biology, Math and Education, according to a 2010 survey by “I have better things to do than apply for an abnormal Education Solution. These majors all fall under one very popular scholarship,” junior Ann Turinawe said. category: Liberal Arts.

When asked how she felt about the Chick and Sophie “[Liberal Arts] is the largest department found in most colleges,” Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest, a scholarship Mr. Emerson Smith, a guidance counselor on campus said. where the applicants have to use four duck calls, (hail, feed, Many students are lured by all the opportunities to study a large comeback, and mating),in ninety seconds, Turinawe didn’t spectrum anywhere from foreign language to criminal justice. Within hesitate to comment. the Liberal Arts department, business management and psychology “That scholarship is absurd. To get money for college were the most widely chosen majors by students. Because business you should do something that requires academics, or enmanagement is such a broad major, there are more job offers than tails talent.” Turinawe said. most other college majors, which is entices students.

Hardworking and dedicated students strive for the acaAs for psychology, students who are intrigued by public relations, demic scholarships, greatly believing in their worth. Weird sales and human resources would find themselves in a psychology scholarships illuminate the truth that who you are and major. what you do matters more than high school grades.

It is obvious that some schools will have more vigorous programs Bowling associations give out more than six million than others. Since many students at Chaparral have seriously dollars each season. The United States Bowling Congress thought about Liberal Arts, some schools of interest are: Pamona, Youth Membership rewards students for their good grades Baird, and Washington University. These schools received over and superb bowling skills.

22,000 applicants this year according to Wash U.com.

“My day has just become ten times better now that I An insecurity college-bound students face is the competition with know I can get a scholarship for bowling,” junior Josh other students to find internships. ASU student, and former Firebird Orem said. graduate, Patrick Murray is in a smaller major: Materials Science Scholarships that are not solely academic give students and Engineering. By choosing a smaller major, Murray believes bewho work hard at something specific the chance to receive ing trained in a smaller department will offer a whole new spectrum credit and incentive for their work. of job opportunities.

Odd scholarships also encourage self pride. For instance, “I picked Material Science Engineering because it’s more fundacertain organizations offer scholarships for natural red mental than other engineering degrees...I will take a lot more of the heads, extraordinarily tall people and left handed students. classes I want to take,” Murray said.

Arizona Milk Producers have created a scholarship for Although students face a challenging road ahead, knowing the best students who can photograph themselves with a milk musmajor for the individual and knowing the right college or university tache and then explain why they drink milk. will help each student not only be prepared for college, but also “If kids spent an hour a day applying or just twenty minflourish in their major. utes they could get so many scholarships. What they don’t “Choosing a major is a mixture of what is practical, and most understand is that money is still money regardless of how importantly, what you enjoy learning,” Murray said. much or where it comes from,” Murray said. !"#$%&$'()*%&+$,-'Staff Writer !./&%'($%&)01$,%'Staff Writer

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Greek Row

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hen you think of the words “sorority” and “fraternity,” one of three things may come to mind. The first is a high concentration of alcohol and partying. The second is irresponsible college kids determined to indulge in every imaginable degenerate temptation. And the third, of course, is the infamous art of hazing. However, as you may have guessed, these so-called “party houses” did not start out that way.

The first fraternity was named Kappa Alpha and began in 1825 at Union College. Its main purpose was a to serve as a social club to contrast the average college dorm and fill the students’ social needs. As time went on, this home-awayfrom-home became a way to reinforce the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among members and, at times, develop an exclusive circle of friends that non-members could not infringe upon.

Hazing did not become prevalent until the 1980’s and 1990’s, giving fraternity and sorority organizations a bad name.

Today, most have anti-hazing policies

incorrect to say that these organizations and encourage other more elitist groups do nothing but party and drink. Most are to break the stereotype. incredibly involved with charities and Although they are known for being movements that are beneficial in society, select and privileged, people involved supplying approximately 850,000 volunin sororities and fraternities, including teer hours per year. those who spent the better part of their Many sororities have specific programs college years concentrating on this “secthat focus on problems with eating disond family” are full of mixed opinions. orders, academic development, and the Some gush that it is a necessary part of de-emphasis of hazing and alcohol in the college experience. Others claim it college. There are also openly gay frateris simply draining financially and that a nities and sororities trying to change the student would fair much better without discriminatory views many people have it. on the Greek system. Contrary to com“If you are going to a college with mon belief, most of these movements very few friends, [a sorority or frarequire generous funding or time put in ternity] is a nice way to meet people, from each member in order to operate. but you also have to give up some of In addition, according to a nationwide your independence,”junior AP History study of sorority and fraternity memteacher Mrs. Twyla Preising commentbers, belonging to a sorority or fraternity ed, going on to describe the quality of the relationships formed in sororities and increases your chance of graduating by 10%. fraternities.

And on the bad side of being in one?

“I think [the relationships] are long “Never getting to be yourself,” Preising lasting within the four years that you’re added as a final note, “and always havthere…they fade very quickly when you ing to be what they want you to be.” leave,” Preising said.

Whether being a part of something like !"#$#%&'()*+,&Staff Writer this is a waste of time or not, it would be

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Angel Tree

The Angel Tree project is an act of love and caring to bring cheer to many children during the holiday season

Are you looking for a way to give gifts that help others? Here are a few ways to think outside the box when giving a present this holiday season.

Heifer International Heifer International is an organization based on “passing the gift.” Animals are donated to families in poverty stricken areas. A major requirement is that once the animals mate, they must give the offspring to another family in need.

Prices: Flock of chickens, ducks or geese- $20.00 Trio of rabbits- $60.00 Pig, goat, or sheep- $120.00 Know you are helping a family have a better life- priceless

Charitychoicegiftcertificates Instead of giving your friend another Starbucks gift card, try giving them a gift card that donates money to the charity of their choice. Order the gift card online and let the other person decide which charity means the most to them. They can choose from over 100 major charities or search for local nonprofit organizations. Categories include: Animals, Children, Environment, Health, Benevolence, Cultural, Disabilities, Disaster, Elderly,

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Winter

Hunger, International, and the Homeless.

TOMS A pair of shoes with a twist. For every pair of TOMS you buy, a pair of TOMS is donated to a child in need. TOMS has also partnered with Element Skateboards and Ralph Lauren to support the One for One movement. Prices start at $44.00 (but don’t forget it is really like buying two pairs of shoes).

World Wildlife Fund Adoptions Give your friend the giraffe they always wanted as a pet but without the mess.

Many animals are in danger of becoming extinct but by adopting an animal you can help keep the species alive. The recipient does not actually get to keep the animal but they receive a picture and more depending on the selection. Packages range from $25.00 to $250.00.

Feed bags Feed projects donate much needed nutrition to children all over the world. Each bag has a designated number of kids that it helps in specified areas of the world. Some bags provide school lunches for a year, some give nutrition supplements, others donate books. !-..#&/#+01"2%3#$4,Editor­in­Cheif

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round the holidays, most people put all of their focus into what to buy for their families, friends, and coworkers. They fret about the price, the design, and the color; basically whether or not the receiver will use and appreciate the gift they purchase.

On the flip side, there are many who are less fortunate and do not have the luxury to buy gifts for their own children. The Angel Tree, an organization started in 1975 by the West Knoxville Business & Professional Women’s Club, was established to provide Christmas gifts for 70 underprivileged children. Eventually, the project’s supervision was transferred to The Boys and Girls Club, and has grown to serve thousands of needy children across the nation.

It is important to take into account that not all of us are lucky enough to have an excess. We need to take responsibility and create a better and more charitable environment for the future by sharing our wealth with those who truly need it. Taking time from your own schedule and making a donation today will help better our society for tomorrow. !"#$#%&'()*+,&Staff Writer

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Polo Ralf Lauren Sport Jacket This tan sports jacket is both classy and cool, a combina­ tion your dad will love. $129.99 at Macys

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Seven jeans are classic jeans perfect for any age group. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you will be This Canon Digital Camcorder sure to find the perfect features 337x optical zoom, a large Lancôme Tresor Perfume jeans for your mom. widescreen display, and video This Lancôme perfume $155.00 at Macys snapshot mode. Perfect for any comes with a travel size father. perfume, $169.99 at Best Buy The Confession by and lotion as well, and John Grisham is a great gift option for From the famous your mom. author John Grisham $55.00 at Macys comes this thrilling novel any booklover will enjoy. $20.26 at Target

Lacoste Cologne This cologne set comes with two bottles of perfume, as well as a hat, and a towel.

A great value that will keep your dad happy, and smelling good. $77 at Macys

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Giant Bone & Holiday Stocking Perfect for the dog lover, these snacks will be sure to please your four­ legged friend. $5.99/ $7.99 at Petsmart

Floral Skirt Your sister’s wardrobe is not complete without a flirty floral skirt. This crème and pink colored one is sure to impress your sister. $19.99 at Tillys

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Coleman Watch This Coleman Watch is stylish, versatile, Flannel Shirt and sure to please Your brother will your brother. be both warm $19.99 at Target and comfortable in this trendy flannel shirt. $29.99 at Macys V­neck T­shirt Boys always need more shirts, and this striped v­neck t­shirt is the perfect gift for your brother.

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Bath and Body Works Gift Set This gift is sure to please any sister. Who wouldn’t love lotion, shower gel, body mist, and crème all in the same scent? $30.00 at Bath and Body Works

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Either way, your sister will be sure to love it. $59.99 at DSW

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Dumbing Down

Question&Fail

What religion are Buddhist monks?

“Jewish” They are Buddhist

How can there be SELF-help “groups”?

“What are those?”

“A Highway” How many sides does a circle have?

“1” the answer is 0

Name a COUNTRY that starts an “A”

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“...Africa?”

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h The typical American, in a foreigner’s eyes, is an overweight, overconfident and under educated blob.

Many foreigners have dared to make the journey to America and interview some of the finest dummies the world has to offer.

These are their stories.

Various foreign news casters and blogs such as the Truth 2 Power Project, look at us Americans, as well, a joke.

Let’s be frank here. George Bush, Iraq and Afghanistan, our education plum!"#$%$&'(&)*+,&-#+. mets, and lack of knowledge about the outside world really does set off negative cues towards the United States. After watching interrogations and interviews on YouTube about the typical idiotic American, the journey to wonder the halls of our school campus and malls and to interrogate began.

Warning: what you’re about to read, may cause severe thoughts about stupidity and idocracy. The names of the interviewed will be kept anonymous. Reader discretion is advised...

Roaming trough the school campus various questions such as, “what is the state capital of California,” and what religion are Buddhist monks, were distributed amongst the masses. However, the results ended up being negative statistics. Who could have know, that Buddhist monks were “ Aribicain”, and that Uganda was a U.S. state? That’s surely new information for the lot of us, more than half of the interviews failed nearly half of all questions at hand, and luckily the kids at our school were ranked the highest.

Why is our population so uneducated? Interviewing teachers and kids revealed first hand opinions on what our education system is truly lacking.

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“I have seen education dumbed down, yet all students must learn the material at hand, and I believe that we haven’t set the bar high enough for this age of students.

Technology plays a big role nowadays in learning, and us teachers, well, we aren’t quite; into all this brand new technology, which probably would be beneficial to the students,” Junior and senior English teacher Mrs. Herring said.

Can technology really help our students better learn the material? Maybe a little trip to the mall could suffice, and better help us understand normal American stupidity? Once there, an interesting group of shoppers seemed perfect to interview, when asked their opinion on technology in a high school setting, “What is that,” Was the first reply.

After losing all hope in the mall-rat society, moving to our school seemed like a much better idea at the time. “ I believe technology in a school setting can help us students out a lot more, I’m a visual learner and I think it would help me out a little bit,” Junior Michelle Gasparino said.

According to The Kingsland Plan for Real Reform for Public School, 20 years ago the United States of America happened to be the number one ranked in high school diplomas and college degrees in the entire world. Sadly we have greatly dropped in ranking, now were ranked at 18th place out of 24 inusdrilazed nations, not too bad right?

All of the statistics at hand were shocking. How could Americans be this stupid, were we really this far behind on the world track? This could not be happening, not to the nation that landed men on the moon, and won both world wars! Yet it did happen, and we are left in one gigantic mess.

However, there can be a stop to this nonsense ladies and gentleman! What it comes down to at the end of the day is this, sure our generation may be lacking in some areas, but there is always room for improvement in this growing world. What happened to the county, who created the first television, set the first man on the moon and to the first country that created a vaccine for polio? Our time will come again; we cannot afford to be known as the lazy generation. We can change the opinions of what others think of us, break through the stereotypes, and create a new basis for American education. It’s up to us to make the difference !"#$%&'()*%!"#$$ %&'(")'

There Is NO Such Thing As a Stupid Question...

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Twyla Preising, History Teacher Opinions

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Yogurt Craze I scream, You scream, We all scream for Yogurt?

Frozen yogurt has become a supercraze, both locally and abroad. But why is it just becoming successful now? Frozen yogurt has been around for decades, but just recently it has been experiencing a spike in popularity.

Sales increased 15.6% over the last fiscal year in the U.S., and almost 200% internationally. But that’s not all. The National Yogurt association projects sales in 2013 to increase by $ 1 billion (since 2008.)

For older, more stable businesses like Ben & Jerry’s, sales are increasing at a more “slow and steady” pace, but will they, in the end, win the race?

Unilever, the company that owns Ben & Jerry’s, reported that it’s sales for early 2010 rose 7.4%. However, the company has to continue to find new ways to draw in customers. Dairy Queen, for example, just launched a new line of mini-blizzards.

“Our Blizzard treat brand continues to have a positive impact on our sales and the addition of the Mini will only enhance those numbers,” Michael Keller, Dairy Queen’s chief brand officer said.

Larger businesses have to release new “hooks” in order to compete with the frozen yogurt’s popularity.

But why do people like frozen yogurt so much?

“I think it’s successful because it’s a health trend and a lot of celebrities go there. A lot of it also has to do with the whole ‘self-serve’ appeal.

People can come in and get pretty

Û Winter

much whatever they want,” Heather Finn, junior and former Yogurtology employee said.

Getting frozen yogurt is simple: walk into the shop, fill up your cup with the right amount of yogurt, add toppings, and weigh it. Self-serve is a trend that larger businesses like Dairy Queen are lacking. At a traditional ice cream store, you have no control over the exact amount of toppings or the price, and you can’t taste test the flavors to see if you like them. Plus, add-ins usually cost extra. So it’s a lot more hassle to pick up some of your favorite ice cream.

Frozen yogurt also has a larger variety of flavors and toppings, letting its customers create infinite combinations like fruity yogurt for adults, sweet for the kids, and novelty options like gummy worms. This variety allows frozen yogurt to cater to a larger range of customers.

Dairy Queen will always remain a classic due to its success in the past, but what is the future of fro-yo?

“There are a lot of regulars who come in multiple times a week. They also change the flavors every week, so people keep coming in to check when their favorites get put out,” Finn said.

So frozen yogurt will stay successful. It has its die-hard customers who insist on coming in to get their daily dose, just as ice cream shops do. But it may never match up to the worth of corporate giants like Dairy Queen.

Still, so far it looks like frozen yogurt is here to stay. !(*++,)'-&,).'!"#$$ %&'(")'

A Craze that Lasted

There are some things that American teenagers of the twenty first century will always remember: Skinny jeans, Ipods, and texting, but at the top of the list is one of the longest-enduring crazes, Starbucks Coffee.

How did one small store in Seattle, Washington become a national phenomenon monopolizing the coffee business?

Starbucks started out as nothing more than a simple coffeehouse in Pike Place Market of Seattle.

There were no fancy drinks or food in the store, only pure coffee.

It slowly expanded in Washington until 1987 when the six store company was bought by ambitious Howard Schultz. Later that year, the company opened its first store outside Seattle, in Chicago, IL. In 1995, the first Frappuccino drink was sold. And the boom began.

So what is it that makes Starbucks so popular? Is it the atmosphere of the coffee shops?

The fact that the nearest Starbucks is never far away? Maybe people just like saying “tall” instead of “small.”

Now, Starbucks has over 15,000 stores in 50 different countries, proving that it is a fad that will not fade. !"#$%&'()%%'!"#$$ %&'(")'

Ju st Ju stice?

Aaron Vargas was sentenced to nine years in prison for the murder of Darell McNeill. Vargas accused McNeill of molesting him.

Daniel Kovarbasich

Duane Hurley

Daniel Kovarbasich sentenced to five years probation for the murder of Duane Hurley, who he accused of molesting him. Kovarbasich stabbed Hurley 55 times.

On March 4, 2010, in North Ridgeville, Ohio, Daniel Kovarbasich, 16, was indicted for two counts of murder and two counts of felonious assault.

He plead guilty to the charges.

Kovarbasich met Duane Hurley when he was only 12 years old and did chores for Hurley for payment, usually in money. Eventually the chores became questionable favors Hurley asked Kovarbasich to do, starting at leaving the bathroom door open when using it and quickly escalating to oral and anal sex in exchange for money and use of Hurley’s corvette.

When asked why he continued working for Hurley, Kovarbasich replied, “I felt like I had to. Like I couldn’t get away from him… If I didn’t [go over to Hurley’s house], he’d come find me. If I tell him no, then he was going to say something.”

Eventually, Kovarbasich’s frustration with the situation continued to increase until one day, he snapped. Enraged, Kovarbasich grabbed a pickle jar and crashed it on Hurley’s head.

Daniel then left the room, got a knife and stabbed Hurley. When the knife broke, he went back into the kitchen, retrieved a second knife and stabbed Hurley an additional 50 times.

Daniel was sentenced to five years of probation on account of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault.

But is the sentence just? For years Kovarbasich allowed the sexual interactions to occur, thus encouraging the intensification of his and Hurley’s physical relationship. Was the sentence too lenient?

Junior Julian Herring comments: “I believe that the probation sentence was fair because the kid is only 16 and we should give him some slack… he was probably uber confused and didn’t know what to do.”

Sophomore Jackson Parker begs to differ.

“He absolutely should’ve gone to prison because he killed someone. If you kill someone you go to jail.”

A similar case is that of Aaron Vargas.

Aaron Vargas

Darrell McNeill

In Ukiah, California, Vargas was molested by Darell McNeill throughout his childhood and into adulthood.

In February 2009, 31 year-old Vargas went to his molester’s house and shot him with a pistol, while McNeill’s wife watched.

Throughout the case, over 10 men testified to being molested by McNeill when they were children. Even with the testimonies of the other men, Vargas was sentenced with nine years of prison.

But was this sentence fair? Kovarbasich was sentenced with five years of probation while this man was sentenced with nine years. Even though Vargas killed his molester as an adult, whereas Kovarbasich killed his molester as a teen, both were sexually assaulted when they were of similar ages. So why are the verdicts so different and which one is more appropriate? !"#$%&'()*++&%(!"#$$ %&'(")'

Opinions

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As all things must come to an end, the beloved Toy Story franchise ran its course this past summer. The heartwrenching third story follows the toys’ lives when they -,5).%,#5)6 are cast aside as Andy, their owner, goes to college. The movie perfectly caters to both the young audience and the old due to the wonderful direction of Lee Unkrich.

The initial concept for the story budded from an event in Unkrich’s personal life according to NPR. During a move, his wife asked of the location of her childhood toys that she had placed in a garbage bag. Upon hearing her inquiry, Lee told NPR, “I immediately realized what had happened: I had thrown all of her stuffed animals away in the dumpster behind our building.”

Unkrich further told NPR that by putting this story line into the movie, he hoped to immortalize his wife’s stuffed animals.

Cinematic Synopsis

“You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.”

7(&$8%/,( Such is the theme of the mind-bending movie, Inception. The film surrounds the task of implanting ideas in the minds of others through dreams Of course the strange concept could not have done so successfully had it not been for its director/screenwriter Christopher Nolan.

Nolan has built quite the career for himself with Memento, Batman Begins, and The Dark Knight. Inception, though, is his first film based on his own material, according to ScreenCrave. com. The final product, unsurprisingly, is what some consider the film that will save Hollywood, according to Slashfilm.com.

Nolan’s plan of action was to make both the best and most interesting film possible.

Commenting on its outcome, he told MTV Movies that Inception is fun because the idea behind it does not need a screen to thrive.

Û Winter

While 500 million people were wasting time posting nonsensical statuses and writing on friends’ walls, The Social Network was busy becoming the top movie of the year. This movie is based on Mark Zuckerberg’s path that led him to create the ever-popular facebook.

The director of this film, David Fincher avoided letting this story be cast aside by hiring a star-studded cast. Along with this decision he chose also to have Trent Reznor score the movie.

“I’ve got a contract for two hours and 19 minutes. I have final cut at two hours and 19 minutes. As long as I can make it in that time, I can do whatever I want. I held this 166-page script in my hand, I got the first nine pages, handed them to [screen writer] Aaron Sorkin, took a stopwatch out and said: ‘Talk.’ He did it – it was funny,” Fincher said to IFC News.

Although the fast paced talking was funny, it was also a great indication to the audience of how to watch it. Fincher’s decisions resulted in both an entertaining and powerful movie.

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Alden Cormany & Lane Gray “I saw the first show freshman year and became interested in Improv. Then I joined Tech and heard that someone needed to run the work behind the scenes, so I stepped up,” Senior Alden Cormany said.

This is Cormany’s third and final year of running the Improv show. Her dedication and loyalty is openly apparent when one considers all the work she has put into the show over the past few years. Cormany runs the lights so that each member of the cast has the opportunity to step into the golden spot light for their fifteen minutes of fame. She is in charge of the sound system which means she plays the video and music at the beginning of each show so that the cast can get their nervous jitters out, and the audience can get their enthusiasm on. Then, of course, Cormany sets up the stage and chairs so that all the lovely viewers can see and be seen in the comfort of the Black Box. Sophomore Lane Gray is the other member of the two part team. He helps turn on lights, set up, and make sure everything runs smoothly. However, one may be surprisingly shocked to learn that Gray has only run one show in his life, the very first Improv show of this year. He, like Cormany, took initiative and stepped up.

He really enjoys the technical aspect of the work, setting up the lights, and just running the show. !,#-.'/%0'()$.&'12#34'Staff Writer

Behind the Pineapple

Every month or so, students flock to HomeImprovment. With the show costing five dollars, where does all that money go? People know how funny the show is but usually that’s all they know.

“Between the cost of admission and all the concession sales, we make anywhere from 800 to 950 dollars per show,” sophmore Ian Gruys said.

They make a huge of profit considering the only expense to running the show is the cost of the seven custom shirts they wear the day of the show. Because Improv is part of the theatre department, all the revenue goes back to the theatre department to help cover the costs of producing the school plays. The money can be used to buy theatre necessities such as wood for sets, electronics like lights and sound equipment and costumes.

Improv has been supporting the theatre department since 2006 when it was created as a fundraiser.

From 7 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, we know where the cast of Improv. will be, but what about the other 167 hours of the week? The cast has practice two days every week for two hours each time. The week of the show, they increase practice from four hours a week to ten hours the week leading up to the show.

They practice being able to create scenes on the spot without any forewarning as to what the scene will be about. To make sure the show is really improvised, Mizel does not let any of the cast know what games will be played or who will be playing what.

While the seven cast members are on stage, many people are working behind the scenes to make sure the show runs smoothly. Chris Masucci , another thespian, is in charge of all the finances. He makes sure the money gets to Mr. Como and the theatre department. “[Masucci is] really supportive and he really helps. He goes to practice and he makes and edits the videos,” junior Santiago Sanchez said.

Masucci is the one who makes all the promotional videos that go on the announcements. In addition to Masucci and the seven actors, there are two people who sell the tickets and concessions and there is one or two more collecting tickets. !"#$%&$'()$*+'Online Editor

Arts and Entertainment Û

Subliminal Submission “Subliminal messages are a visual or audial effect in media that uses words, images, or colors that evoke an intended subliminal response from the audience. There is always a persuasive element in it to make someone do, think and feel something and act upon it,” Carolyn Herring, AP Language and English IV teacher, said.

These communications have been placed in various works of art, be they films or music.

See No Evil

Hear No Evil

! ! ! Disney began the implementation of subliminal messages when, according to hubpages.com, animators became upset because Walt Disney did not add their names to the credits. They began their retaliation by making characters in the Goofy shorts named after the artists, but the messages continued into further works. In The Rescuers, Bernard and Bianca, the two mice, are flying through the city on Orville the albatross, and for two frames a topless model is visible in the background, which caused Disney to recall the movie. However, not all subliminal messages in Disney films are sexual. When Quasimodo of The Hunchback of Notre Dame sings “Out There,” the camera pans over to the people on the street. One can see Belle walking as she reads a book, two men carrying Pumbaa and a man shaking out the carpet from Aladdin. In addition, Finding Nemo includes a Buzz Lightyear doll lying in front of the toy chest in the dentist’s office, and Boo’s, the child from Monsters, Inc., mobile can be seen inside the chest. Furthermore, a boy sitting in the waiting room is reading a Mr. Incredible comic book and Luigi from Cars drives past the dentist’s office.

Outside the Disney spectrum, Gladiator employs a subliminal message through film splicing, the act of adding a frame or frames to a reel of film.

According to subconcious-mind.org, “Kennedy” flashes for a moment on the screen during the scene in which Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, is “taken to be killed.” The name flashes again when Commodus, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, stabs Maximus in the back.

Subliminal messaging also finds its way into music. The method commonly used is backward masking or “backmasking,” which reversespeech.com calls the “deliberate insertion of backwards messages, as opposed to reverse speech which is naturally-occurring. This form became controversial in the 1960s with the Beatles when rumors spread about Paul McCartney’s death in 1966.

The rumor was Paul McCartney died in a car accident and the record company brought in a look-alike replacement, so the remaining band members were leaving clues in their music. Beatles fans analyzed the music and cover art for these clues with the song “Revolution 9” being the most analyzed.

According to turnmeondeadman.com, the “most noteworthy” part of the song is the repetition of the phrase “Number 9.”

When “Number 9” is played backwards, it sounds like “turn me on, dead man.”

Backward masking also appears in Led Zepplin’s “Stairway to Heaven.”

When played backwards, the song says “[h]ere’s to my sweet Satan” and “he’ll give those with him 666.”

The controversy over these dark messages and satanic references found its way into preachers’ sermons.

Reversespeech.com says that “religious fundamentalists” of the 1970 and 1980s believed the Devil possessed the singers, which then caused them to put the messages in their music.

Û Winter

But Is It Evil?

Awareness of subliminal communications in advertising became public in 1957 with Vance Packard’s book, The Hidden Persuasion, which discusses various methods of influencing consumers to buy different goods. The book also mentioned an experiment performed by James Vicary. Snopes.com states the Vicary put a tachistoscope, a machine used to present images in a short amount of time, in the projector room of a New Jersey movie theater.

He flashed different messages, such as “Drink Coca-Cola” and “Hungry? Eat popcorn,” on the screen every 5 seconds, each image lasting for 1/3000th of a second. The results were an 18.1 percent growth of Coca-Cola sales as well as a 57.8 percent increase of popcorn sales.

This led to radio and television stations implementing subliminal advertisements and two failed congressional bills to ban this advertising form. In addition, the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters prohibited its members to use subliminal messages.

In 2006, Johan Karremans retested how effective subliminal messages were.

Karremans and his team made the volunteers thirsty before having them view the flashing words “Lipton Ice.” After the viewing, Karremans and his team asked the volunteers if they would prefer to drink Spa Rood or Lipton Ice. The result: 80 percent chose Lipton Ice. According to ezineartiles.com, Karremans concluded “priming only works when the prime is goal-relevant.” "#$%&!'()**!Staff Writer

A Nutcracker Story It’s Christmas Eve in Germany, in the home of Herr and Frau Stahlbaum and their children, Clara and Fritz. This preface appears in countless renditions of the Nutcracker around the world, including the production by Ballet Arizona. Year after year, thousands of people count on the show to bring pleasure, not only for the dancing, but also for the creative sets and the many touches of stage magic unique to Ballet Arizona.

The company began in 1986, showcasing some form of this world-renown ballet since that year. However, I. B. Anderson rechoreographed the show a number of years ago, increasing attendance and greatly improving the overall appeal of the production.

Students at the School of Ballet Arizona are also asked to perform in the production of the Nutcracker, such as senior Madeline Arendt.

“I dance about 35 hours a week at Ballet Arizona, and will be in the production this year,” Arendt said. The ballet itself is traditional, but the stage changes and detailed sets and costumes make the show into a spectacular performance for all ages.” Aremdt said.

“The choreography is rather traditional, but I look for the execution and passion in the dancers. That’s what makes it a special show for me,” Professional ballet dancer Slawomir Wozniak said.

The Nutcracker production plays a large role in the holiday festivities in the Phoenix area, but many other traditions and events occur as well.

The Phoenix Symphony hosts various concerts in the holiday spirit, including Home for the Holidays, Candlelight Messiah and Handel’s Messiah with Soloists.

“My mom and I go every year. I guess it makes me more ready for the holidays and is kind of a tradition,” sophomore Tennyson Holloway said about the holiday symphony shows. !"#$%$&'(&)$*(&+,-#*.

!"#$%&$'(#))'Features Editor

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RE ADY DO WRESTLERS GO TO EXTREMES TO LOSE WEIGHT? RUMBLE

I

n certain sports, weight has always been an issue. Gymnasts and dancers are given strict diets that force them to lose weight. Jockeys =can literally grow out of their jobs.? Swimmers and figure skaters =have been slaves to the scale.? But with this comes competition that athletes thrive on. No matter how dangerous the risks are, athletes will go to any extreme to be the best.

In wrestling, it is no different. Wrestlers will do anything, even risk their lives, to make a certain weight.

Following the deaths of three collegiate wrestlers in 1997, colleges and high schools employed a rule to eliminate dangerous weight loss programs by implementing a =bottom bar? for a wrestlerJs body fat. The rule states that no male athlete can wrestle if he is less than seven percent body fat. But, like many rules, there is a loophole.

If, prior to the season, a wrestler does not meet the body

MRI of torso in wrestlers undergoing rapid weight loss

1 month prior to match

1 week prior to match

fat requirement, he can still wrestle with permission from a doctor. This was the case for former Firebird wrestler, Mouis Banen. =I dropped eight pounds in three days and had already been well below seven percent body fat, but somehow I still got permission from my doctor,? Banen said.

During this time, Banen went from the 119 weight class to the 112 weight class. He was well aware of the risks he was taking, but he knew he would perform better in the lower weight class. He went through three days of agony, restlessness, and hunger, but still conditioned everyday at practice. =I ate no carbs, no calories, only fruit, and I minimally

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hydrated myself,? Banen said.

Banen went on to make varsity in the 112 weight class and did well enough to wrestle in the state meet. =It was definitely worth it,? Banen said.

For Banen, everything turned out okay, but others were not so lucky.

On November 9, 1997, Billy Saylor was a freshman wrestler at Campbell Sniversity in Buies Creek, North Carolina. He had four and a half hours to get from 201 pounds to 195 pounds. After riding a stationary bike and denying any liquids, he died of cardiac arrest.

Just two weeks later, on November 21, Joseph MaWosa, a senior at the Sniversity of Wisconsin-MaCrosse, needed to cut four pounds to qualify for the 153 weight class. For two straight hours he rode a stationary bike dressed in a rubber suit. When he was still one and a half pounds over the

Weigh In

competition

1 week after match

needed weight, he drank water, and proceeded back on the bike. Shortly after, he collapsed and died of a heat stroke.

Finally, on December 9, 1997, Jeff Weese, a junior at the Sniversity of Michigan, died of kidney failure and heart malfunction. Weese had begun a program to lose 17 pounds in =a couple of days? in order to be eligible for the 150 weight class. He had worked out for two hours in 92-degree heat in a rubberized wet suit when his body consequently shut down.

According to livestrong.com, a wrestler can safely lose 10 pounds, =but it should be done over a six week period and not in the final days before a match.? Mosing weight too quickly can cause major health issues. Wrestlers that dehy-

In The Ring WITH COACH TILLETT drate themselves can face organ damage, kidney failure, or even a heart attack. Those that starve themselves are at risk of harming their liver and brain as well as stunting their growth and development.

For wrestlers above seven percent body fat trying to move into a lower weight class, the AIA recommends losing two pounds per week, or roughly one and a half percent of their body weight. The AIA has also suggested the use of the optimal performance calculator, or the OPC. This is an online resource where athletes can construct a customized diet that matches his own weight loss plan.

CEssentially, the OPC evaluates an athleteEs body fat, weight, and hydration levels to determine a Fgoal competition weightE and a safe weight loss plan,G the AIA website notes.

Favorite TV show: Smallville

Favorite meal: Steak

Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Hometown: Houston, Alaska

Favorite workout for my athletes: Full body circuit

Total Muscle Area Total Fat Area

Favorite thing about the sport of wrestling: Anyone can win no matter the size

Favorite quote “Those who are on top of the mountain did not land there.”

Even with the rule changes, it is probable that wrestlers will continue to drop weight. According to an article in the New York Times, CThe theory is that a 160-pound wrestler who cuts his weight to 150 is stronger than a wrestler who competes at his natural weight of 150.G Neight cutting also makes it easier for coaches to fill a complete weight-class roster by putting the best wrestlers in selected weight classes.

Time will tell whether the unique culture of wrestling, along with the mental and physical toughness required of its weight-cutting rituals, will suffer from or adapt to ongoing rule changes. !"#$%&'()*+,,-*#(Sports Editor

Ideal vacation: Chilling out somewhere on the beach

Things I can’t live without: My wife

Top three things on my bucket list: 1) Win state as a coach 2) See my children get married 3) Have grandchildren !./0#(1*%2&%(Staff Writer

Sports

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!"#$%#&'(!) OF FANTASY Two 14-2 football teams clash with the championship on the line. One would think the two teams playing would be the Cardinals and Steelers, or possibly the Eagles and Jets, right?

Wrong. Fantasy sports are making dream scenarios like this come to life.

No one can pinpoint the origin of fantasy sports, but lately, its popularity has skyrocketed In a poll done by Sports Business Journal, 42 percent of respondents had played fantasy sports in the past year; 39.7 percent played fantasy football with ESPN. com, the most popular site on which to play.

But what’s the intrigue with fantasy sports?

“I really play because I like to play with my friends,” senior Jake Allan said.

Statistics back up Allan’s views. In a 2006 Challenger poll, 65 percent of people said they play with people with whom they are well acquainted. The competition of trying to prove which friend reigns is too much of an opportunity to pass up.

Football is not the only popular sport. Baseball (30 percent of users) is second most popular, while NASCAR (26 percent), basketball (20 percent), and hockey (12 percent) round out the top five, according to pantagraph.com.

Fantasy sports are creating more passionate sports fans. According to the Sports Business Journal, 70.3 percent of fantasy football players have become more avid NFL fans since they started. Even a whopping 44.6 percent said they feel worse when their fantasy team loses compared to their NFL team.

However, senior Connor Chilton is among those who care about his NFL team more.

“My favorite team is the Minnesota Vikings, and I would much rather have them win than my fantasy football team,” Chilton believes.

Fantasy sports are taking over the lives of many. Allan spends about an hour a week with his baseball, basketball and football teams. Chilton, on the other hand, estimates he spends a whopping 20 hours a week on his two basketball and three football teams.

Fantasy has become a multi-million dollar industry throughout the years. It has captured the minds of young and old alike.

Fantasy has an undeniable influence on sports fans and will only increase in the future. !"#$$%&'(#)*+,&Staff Writer

Top Fantasy Team Names Team Name

Ranking

1

Somewhere over the Dwyane Bowe

2

Watcha Talkin’ Bout Hillis?

3

Corn on the Schaub

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Guide To Guidelines BASKETBALL Basketball is a thrilling, fast-paced game, but with the excitement comes an unclear rulebook. One of the more basic rules of basketball is the three-second rule. Sophomore Elaine Boustila, who has been playing basketball for more than eight years, admits that the three-second rule can be unclear.

“The offensive players can’t have their feet in the key [the rectangle under the basket] for more than three seconds, and if they do then it’s a violation, and they turn the ball over [to the other team],” explained Boustila.

Even more baffling rules include distinguishing between fouls and shooting fouls and blocks versus charges. In high school basketball, players are only awarded with free-throws after a shooting foul has taken place. According to NBA.com, a shooting foul occurs when the defender fouls an offensive player in the act of shooting. If the offensive player is not in the act of shooting, then no free-throw attempts are awarded, but instead the ball is in-bounded from the sideline.

Blocking versus charging is another very difficult call for referees to make. NBA.com defines a block as a defensive player that impedes an offensive player’s progress. A block is only called when the defensive player is not “established in a legal position.” Contrary to this, when the defensive player is “established in a legal position,” a charge is called. A charge is a foul on the offensive player, resulting in a loss of all points potentially scored during that play, and the other team gets the posession of the ball.

Blake Mankin What sport do you referee for?

Baseball What is your favorite part?

Little kids and seeing them with their friends happy and carefree

SOCCER Soccer is one of the school’s most consistently competitive sports, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams frequently having a successful season. However, many students that attend the game admit that they do not know as much about the sport as they should. Junior Emily Bell, a referee for a children’s soccer league, says that one of the most confusing rules she is forced to call is offsides.

“Kids don’t understand it when they’re younger, and it’s hard to explain, so it’s something that they have to learn over time,” she explained. “An offside is basically if an attacker is behind the second to last defender when the ball is passed. The referee stops the game and the defending team gets a free kick.” This means there has to be two defenders behind the offensive player.

Yet another rule Bell mentioned is the goalkeeper’s sixsecond rule, which states that the goalkeeper may not be in possession of the ball for more than six seconds.

FIFA.com defines possession as when the ball is “between [the goalie’s] hands or between the hand and any surface (e.g. ground, own body), while holding the ball in [the goalie’s] outstretched hand, or while in the act of bouncing it on the ground or tossing it into the air.”

Though a description of the rules can be very helpful, the best way to learn the ins and outs of a game is to play the game, or just watch it with some clued-in friends.

“Sports are really confusing sometimes, but learning the rules actually makes the game really fun,” senior !"#$%&'($)*$+'Staff Writer Clarissa Rodriguez said.

Xavier Crawley What sport do you referee for?

Soccer What is your favorite part?

The money and I get to yell at kids Sports

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