December 2007

2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 Volume 51, Number 4 December 20, 2007

Get to know Freshman Bachelor of the Month, Isaac Halyard page 2

A storm’s silver lining

Carter Oswood/Surveyor

Despite cancelling two days of classes at Washington, last week’s ice storm left some students to chill in the dark, literally. Power outages hit neighborhoods throughout Iowa, making it impossible for kids under house arrest to turn on a lamp, let alone watch TV. Still, Hell freezing over never looked so picturesque. The ice coated every sidewalk, lawn, tree, and twig in the city. The result: a glistening Cedar Rapids, which is hard to ignore, even while fighting First Avenue traffic.

MORE INSIDE SURVEYOR Ignoring the Geneva Convention Fatima Wagdy discusses the moral and legal implications of using “waterboarding” to interrogate POWs. page 5

What’s Hillary’s favorite TV show? or Ron Paul’s favorite superhero?

Answers to these and other pressing questions prior to the Iowa Caucuses. page 3

Page 2

NEWS

Briefly Democratic Candidates Poll Taken in Iowa on Dec. 12

December 20, 2007

Obama + Oprah event in CR attracts 10,000 area voters Following a controversial endorsment by Oprah, the Surveyor staff wondered how big of an effect her presence had on the Wash students who attended the event. These are their stories...

“I went because I LOVE Oprah!”

-Mark Stastny, ‘08

www.usaelectionpolls.com

Republican Candidates Poll Taken in Iowa on Dec. 12

“I’ve been an Obama supporter for a while; he is amazing!”

Eleanor Vernon/ Surveyor

-Lauren Sines, ‘11

“I was invited to go with a friend and after hearing him speak I realized I agreed on a lot of the same things.”

-Abby Rings, ‘09

“I was hoping Oprah would give me a new car.”

-Ian Fischer, ‘11

www.usaelectionpolls.com

Freshman Bachelor of the Month: Isaac Halyard

Megan Barnes/ Surveyor

Senior Surveyor women pose with Mr. December, Isaac Halyard, 12.

Isaac Halyard is December’s most eligible freshman.

This brown-eyed cutie loves playing baseball and hanging out with his friends. His dream date would include going skiing for the day followed by a relaxing fireside chat while sipping cocoa. Some day he hopes to be making movies like his dad, but first he has to find his leading lady. Are you smart, interesting, and pretty? If so, get in line fast — this dream boy won’t be single for long.

Barack Obama speaks to crowd at U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids on Dec. 7. His wife, Michelle Obama (left), and Oprah Winfrey (right) listen from the stage.

“I had already seen Obama speak in Iowa City and have supported him for a while now. I would have gone, regardless of Oprah.”

“I went to see Oprah.”

-Ramsey Steiner, ‘08

-Max McGee, ‘11

“I wanted to learn more about Obama and his plans.”

-Evan Smith, ‘11

Young Republicans Young Democrats start from scratch get more involved Max Ernst Staff Writer The Young Republicans Club has resumed from scratch this year, equipped with energetic new officers working to help many students get involved in fun and meaningful ways.

The political club has about 15 members and has met five times so far this year. The co-chairs of the club, Dan Peterson, ‘09, and Catherine Olson, ‘08, revived the club to help Washington High School students who associate themselves with the Republican Party enjoy becoming involved in politics.

“Many times students do not want to get involved in politics at a young age, which is why Dan and I wanted to plan fun activities. At the same time, we can try to help [Republican] candidates,” said Olson.

A great deal of the club’s action has taken place outside meetings. Young Republicans have been involved with the McCain and Huckabee campaigns on an individual basis. The officers also hope to get involved in campaign activities as a group before the caucuses. In addition, to add enjoyment to their politi-

cal focus, they had a grill-out event at Olson’s house. Their next planned club activity is a shooting contest at a local range. These activities aim to get more students involved.

“One of the main reasons to get involved in politics at a young age is so you can figure out who you want to support, discover your political beliefs, and get involved in helping the campaigns of candidates who share your beliefs,” Olson said.

K en non Me yer, ‘10, joined Young Republicans this year because of information from a friend. She agrees that it is important for young people to become involved and discover their political philosophy.

“We are the future of America, and that is the reason why we need to get involved now so we can be informed voters later,” said Meyer.

Meyer supports either Mike Huckabee or Rudy Giuliani for president and believes they are strong candidates. She has enjoyed the Young Republican meetings so far, and wants to continue her involvement to become more informed and have fun.

Kestrel Henry Staff Writer In a country where 60 percent of young voters can’t locate Iraq on a world map, a group of high schoolers are working to change that standard.

The Young Democrats have hosted several events so far this year, including a community service day at the soup kitchen and two movie showings. The group also registered voters at the Kennedy vs. Wash basketball game earlier this month.

“I think everybody should get involved, whatever their political view are,” said Ernst. ”They should just come and watch a movie and learn.”

Though they agree on many issues such as the protection of personal rights, they don’t endorse a single candidate and all members have individual political viewpoints.

“We try not to divide,” said Ernst, adding that a lot of support, however, rests with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Donald Weatherwax, ‘11, supports John Edwards and his policies on Social Security and universal health care: “It shouldn’t be something you have to pay for.”

Jack Kohn, ‘10, agrees.

“Kids can become knowledgeable about all the issues and develop opinions on the issues they can use in discussions with parents, friends, and teachers,” he said. “When they do have a chance to vote, they can make an intelligent decision on which candidate they should support.”

Ernst has brought in people from different campaign offices to talk to students and adults alike and help them understand the democratic point of view.

That point of view is what attracted Weatherwax. “I’m a Democrat because I believe there are codes of ethics that supersede laws written by men, and their party is the best at representing those ethics,” he said.

The Young Dems are planning to have a lobby day in Des Moines sometime around Jan. 3, the date of the Iowa Caucuses. They plan to speak with congressmen there and speak to a majority leader about a predetermined issue.

The group has meetings Thursdays after school in Mr. Jans’ room. “I hope a lot more people get involved,” said Ernst.

NEWS

December 20, 2007

Page 3

Jan. 3: Be there or be square.

After surveying the student population it is pretty clear that much of the student body has absolutely no idea what a caucus is and why it is so important to get involved. Here is a brief breakdown.

What is a caucus?

A caucus is a grassroots gathering of people to choose how they want to be governed. They choose the people to govern them and through a platform, they choose principles for elected officials to follow.

What’s the big deal with Iowa?

Iowa is the first state in the nation to hold its caucus and every candidate that has held presidency has won or done very well here. Because of the fairly small population it is reasonable for candidates to reach a large portion of the population.

Who can participate in a caucus?

Anyone who will be eligible to vote in the 2008 presidential election on Nov. 4.

How are caucuses run?

On the Republican side, candidate selection is done with a straw vote of those attending the caucuses. Democratic caucus-goers express their presidential preference through a show of hands.

When and where are caucuses held?

Both caucuses start at 7 p.m.

Check out the following site to find a caucus center near you: http://www.iowacaucus.org

What are the candidates really like?

Republicans

VS.

TV Shows: 24 and The Sopranos Movie: The Godfather Sports: Baseball and golf Genre of music: Opera Books: Testimony and Their Finest Hour

Democrats Books: American Gospel and Irish America Food: Pasta Movie: Chariots of Fire Exercise: Weightlifting If not a politician would be: An architect

Movies: Casablanca, The Godfather Sport: Baseball Books: The Holy Bible and To Kill a Mockingbird Hobby: Music Genres of music: Classic rock, blues, gospel, jazz, and country

Movie: Wizard of Oz Reality TV show: American Idol Exercise: Speed walking Subject in school: History If not a politician, would be: Would work for causes she cares about in a university for a foundation.

TV Shows: 24 and Seinfeld Hobbies: Hiking, fishing, boxing Sports: Football, baseball, and basketball Subject in school: History Movies: Some Like it Hot, Viva Zapata, Letters From Iwo Jima

Movie: Shawshank Redemption Music: Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen Sport: Basketball Hobby: reading and writing Subject in school: English If not politician, would be: Mill supervisor

Movie: Sicko Subject in school: English Exercise: Power walking Artist: Willie Nelson Food: Is a vegan, so fruits and vegetables If not politician would be: an architect

Color: Blue Super Hero: Bruce Wayne, otherwise known as Batman

Sport: baseball Artists: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder TV show: Sportscenter Secret Talent: Poker If not politician, would be: architect

Artists: Roy Orbison, The Beatles, The Eagles Books: Huckleberry Finn, What It Takes, Theodore Rex Hobbies: Running, reading, skiing, waterskiing, and horseback riding.

Food: Peking duck Artist: George Strait Subject in school: Spelling TV Show: Fox news and ESPN Secret talent: plays the piano If not politician, would be: a baseball player for the New York Yankees, center field

Sport: Football If not politician, would be: A fulltime actor (already well known for his portrayal of New York District Attorney Arthur Branch on the NBC show, Law & Order.

Compiled by Madeline Steiner

Illustrations by Greg Hansen

Compiled by Rachel Owens

Page 4

NEWS

December 20, 2007

Bunnell leads first student trip to China Tyler Hubler Staff Writer “I saw the China panda posters around school, and thought, ‘how often do you get to go to China?’” said Allison Reisner, ’08. Reisner and her older sister are planning on going on the China trip led by Jacquelyn Bunnell, WHS ELL teacher, which tentatively takes place on June 9-20, 2008.

Along the way, the group of students will visit the Chinese “cultural capital” of Beijing (just two months before the 2008 Summer Olympic Games), the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the terracotta soldiers of Xi’an and the Great Wall of China, all capped off with a visit to “the Paris of the East” or Shanghai. Though Bunnell speaks a little Mandarin herself, a bilingual Chinese speaker and tour guide will accompany the group, as the trip is in conjunction with EF Tours.

Bunnell, a Chinese minor in college, wanted to organize the trip because she believes in getting students interested in the history and culture of Asia.

“I would like to learn more about the Chinese culture, said Darius Watt, ’08, another Wash student who is planning on taking the trip to China.

“I would also like to change the ideas that the students have about China, and for them to realize that China is becoming more industrialized and wants to interact with other countries.”

Currently the total cost for the trip is estimated around $2,500.

However, Bunnell says that interested students will have multiple opportunities to fundraise. She is open to any ideas that they may have, possibly including a t-shirt.

Upcoming informational meetings about the China trip for any students who would still like to get involved will be held on Tuesday, January 8 and 22, starting at 3 p.m. and lasting 10-15 minutes. All money for the trip is due May 15, so it’s certainly not too late to sign up.

Bunnell has also opened up this opportunity to students studying Chinese at Kennedy High School.

“It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, said Reisner,” ’08.

Eleanor Vernon/ Surveyor

Kaitlyn Oney and Sarah Novak, both ‘08, lead the varsity women’s basketball team into the gym at the Winter Sports Assembly.

Robot Club: They’re hot for bots Sam Seyfer Staff Writer There is yet another new club at Washington this year, but it is not a club commonly found at most Iowa high schools..

Robotics Club was developed and is now supervised by computer science teacher Steve Strong.

The goal of Robotics Club is to build and program a robot that needs to be able to accomplish several goals in competition with other robots from other schools.

There are competitions throughout the Midwest every month, and Strong and his team of budding engineers are preparing to compete in several of them this year.

“There is a competition in Chicago later in December, but we probably won’t be ready for it,” Strong said.

Competitions are also being held in St. Louis in January and in Wisconsin during February, and the team plans to attend at least one if not both of them.

The actual competition involves four teams from various high schools, each with one robot. The teams are split up into two Alliances, red and blue, two teams in each Alliance. The robots start out in an 18-inch cube. If they are any larger the team will be disqualified from the match.

Once the match starts, the teams control their robot via remote control throughout the 12 square foot playing field.

The goal is to move rings scattered throughout the field into specific areas on the ground or on top of several poles in the center of the field.

Obviously, building and programming these robots is very expensive and difficult. Strong needed all help that he could gather to get this program up and running. Dan

Interact continues their tradition of giving Keile Wahle Staff Writer Tis’ the season of giving, but not only in the form of gifts. Interact members are busy this holiday season volunteering their time and talents to provide the less fortunate with a more meaningful holiday.

“I want to be more involved in school by participating in a club that is for a good cause. I want to be with other people who have a selfless attitude,” said Abigail Johnson, ‘10.

Interact members attempt to participate in about 20-30 service projects a year as a way of reaching out and giving to the community. For the chilly months of winter, Interact will be bell ringing for the Salvation Army and organizing caroling expeditions for the benefit of Cottage Grove Place residents.

What is Interact? How can one become a member of the club? Interact is a club at Washington sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Rotary West. The organization is a national volunteer group of high school students and adults as well. The club at Washington consists of about 90 active individuals and continues to grow and succeed. The club meets every other Wednesday to arrange service projects and discuss what is going on in the community and at

Washington. All one must do is attend three meetings before becoming an official member.

The person then shall agree to the club’s oath and 4-way test. “Will it build good will and better friendships?” is one of the four questions in the 4-way test the Interact club members strive to answer by participating in s er v ic e proje c t s.

“Service before self” is the oath each participant promises to keep.

Interact ha s done countless service projects such as bowling with the Big Brothers and Sisters program, volunteering for Usher’s Ferry and the Science Station, setting up for the CPS auction for Johnston elementary school, pancake breakfasts, volunteering for walks for a cure and selling cookie dough along with many other worthy causes.

Club members just turned in cookie dough order forms, which will provide for their bank account. The money will go towards the club, service projects and fund scholarships for the seniors.

“I like the club. It’s a good thing to do, and freshman should definitely consider it next year!” said Kate Baustian, ‘08.

“I want to be with other people who have a selfless attitude.”

- Abigail Johnson, ‘10.

Reyner, who retired from teaching last spring, is helping with the project. Rockwell Collins made a significant monetary donation to the club . Weston Lahr, a Washington high school and an ISU engineering graduate, has also offered to help Strong and his team with building and programming their robot.

“The club is just getting started. Currently, we only have a dozen or so students, and we would like to enter more teams into the competitions.”

Strong is hoping for an increase in the number of students who are involved. He would also like to see a more variety of students, regardless of their technical programming experience.

“It doesn’t matter how much you know about programming. If you are interested in robotics, then we want you in this club,” Strong said.

Page 5

OPINIONS

December 20, 2007

Torture not American So why won’t attorney general say so?

The U.S. Army field manual on interrogations bans several methods of torture that are condemned internationally and prohibited by the Geneva Convention. Among these is waterboarding, or “controlled drowning,” to force prisoners to give information. The practice is banned Fatima domestically and Wagdy internationally.

This tactic, which Malcolm Nance, Navy instructor of prisoner of war survival programs, referred to as a “stain” on “our national honor” (Associated Press), is considered a war crime.

“The top legal officers of all the military services have testified that waterboarding is illegal under U.S. and international law.”(NPR).

So, why are there allegations of George Bush authorizing the use of waterboarding? And more importantly, why can’t Attorney General Michael Mukasey confirm the illegality of waterboarding?

During the Senate hearings to confirm Mukasey as attorney general, Mukasey claimed ignorance and refused to comment on the legality of waterboarding. How can Mukasey, the former Editorials editor of the Columbia Daily Spectator, claim he has no stance on the issue?

Now, if Mukasey had specifically said waterboarding is illegal, then Bush, who allegedly gave this torture technique a green light, could be prosecuted for war crimes.

What is even more fishy is that interrogation tapes were recently destroyed by the CIA. It is supposed that the tapes featured federally authorized torture techniques, that, under international and domestic laws, is illegal.

To me, this is not a question of whether this torture is wrong, but a question of the integrity of the government. The answer is clear.

Mukasey refuses to comment, in my opinion, to protect the status of several government officials. But also, this case is a stark defiance of the Constitution.

That is hypocrisy; how can we excuse such an evasion of the truth?

How can we as a country even have a president who would consider the practice of such injustice. Waterboarding, along with a whole list of other injustices that have been allowed through the use of the Patriot Act, Military Commisions Act and others, are a disgrace – a disgrace to our own Bill of Rights, and the ideals of democracy that we trumpet throughout the world.

The Eighth Amendment testifies against “cruel and unusual punishment.” The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to “a speedy and public trial.” Prisoners in America’s custody who are conveniently named “enemy combatents” have none of these rights.

How can the United States expect to spread democracy throughout the world if it is blatantly defying its own laws and principles?

Websites Cited: http://www.npr.org http://ap.google.com/article/ http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/

Roses & Thorns Roses to...

-Jack Frost, two days of no school!!

-Winter Break, woo hoo!

-Students performing well on ITEDs -Obama and Oprah come to CR -The Caucuses in Iowa -All our foreign exchange students -The Holidays, Happy whatever you celebrate!!

Thorns to...

-Crazy parking in the jock lot -Downed power lines -Crunch time for seniors with college applications -What happened to twoweek-long winter breaks?

-Crazy shoppers on Black Friday -Earlybird classes. It’s just too darn early

Greg Hansen/Surveyor

STAFF EDITORIAL

Where’d the school spirit go?

What happened to good ol’ Washington High School?

This school has gone through a tremendous transformation from when the class of 2008 first arrived. Our respect for our peers has hit rock bottom and our school spirit has plummeted along with it. We used to be a school brimming with leaders, people incredibly involved and amazing in their particular field.

We are now a school of scaredy-cats worried that if we try too hard at something we might look “different” and someone might make fun of us. This is obvious with the Surveyor surveys we hand out each month. The responses are becoming increasingly bland and anonymous.

Somewhere in these past four years we have forgotten how proud each of us should feel as a Warrior. Forget about all the famous alumni and top-notch sports teams we have this year. In 10 years a new group of students will walk the halls and won’t remember those accomplishments. So let’s make our own mark on these great halls. A

Have we somehow become embarrassed to show off our red, white, and blue? mark that even they will still be talking about.

Additionally, Our sporting events have become embarrassing. We have one of the best women’s basketball teams in the state, but that still can’t bring in the crowds.

The people who do show up often sit down, don’t cheer, they talk during the National Anthem, and don’t even bother to wear their Warrior apparel.

Have we somehow become embarrassed to show off our red, white, and blue?

Something has to change. Washington High School will only be as good as each individual student chooses to make it. So let’s get ourselves out of this rut and realize that every day is a great day to be a Warrior.

Surveyor Editorial Policy Surveyor is established as a schoolsponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining readers. It is published nine times each school year by students in the Journalism News class at Washington High School. The staff will report as fairly and well-balanced as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the best of the staff’s ability. Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics as the basis for good journalistic ethics.

Editorials and reviews that appear under a byline are the opinion of the writer, not necessarily the staff. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the Editorial Board. The Opinions section is designed to provide a forum for the opinions of the Surveyor staff and the Washington High School Community.

John Runde Editorin-chief

Letters and guest editorials Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials.

Surveyor also welcomes letters to the editor, with these guidelines: ■ It is not libelous or obscene.

■ It explains the material clearly.

■ It is not longer than 300 words.

■ It is signed.

Eleanor Vernon News editor WRITERS Caitie Allen Maddy Becker Anne Brenneman Matt Ceryanec Alexis Guess

Fatima Wagdy Opinions editor

Laura Hart Profiles editor

Maddy Halyard Co-focus editor

Alex Taylor A&E editor

Megan Hartman Kestrel Henry Tyler Hubler Molly James Allie Johnson Lauren Kelley

Lauren Glantz Co-focus editor

Greg Hansen Graphics editor

Megan Barnes Photo editor

SPORTS EDITOR John Runde COPY EDITOR Aunna McDowell PHOTO STAFF Carter Oswood Sky Smith Lauren Hoth Jessica Wohlers

Emily Kopec Aunna McDowell Rachel Owens Molly Parker Sam Seyfer Abby Varn

Keile Wahle Dan Williams Mallory Williams Tiffany Westrom ADVISER Steve Riley

December 20, 2007

OPINIONS

Page 6

Iowa Caucuses: Turning 18? Enjoy freedom to vote What do some Warriors think?

Will you vote?

YES “If I could vote, I would want to because I want someone in office who I support, who I believe will support me as a citizen.”

-Abby Rings, ‘09

NO “I don’t really care for politics.”

-Quinn Wicher, ‘08

What is the importance of the Iowa Caucuses?

“The Iowa Caucuses set the bar for all the other states.”

-Hannah Philgreen, ‘11

“It gives Iowa a purpose.”

-Sean Leeper, ‘09

What impact do you think young adults have on the election process?

“The same as everyone else because a vote is a vote, no matter your age.”

-Ariel Odeen, ‘09 “We decide the future and we’re deciding our own on who we vote for.”

-Stephen Daves, ‘09 “We could potentially have a huge impact if we would actually take the initiative and step up to say that we actually care about our future and the well-being of our country.”

-Celia Garner-Prouty, ‘11

I’ve recently discovered that 18 is a big number; maybe not in terms of dollars or math, but in terms of responsibility. For many of you, the “freedom” of slightly venturing out on your own, will (or already has) come at age 18.

While this “freedom” can benefit you personally, it can also have an impact on the world you live in today. After realizing that, I, a politically naive individual, will be 18 come the 2008 presidential elections, decided to learn about the potential candidates so that I can make an informed vote next November.

Let’s start by taking a look at the curAllie rent Democratic frontrunners: Barack Johnson Obama and Hillary Clinton. Barack Obama’s campaign has largely emphasized the ending of the Iraq War and the implementation of universal health care as his major political objectives. He served in the Illinois State Senate from 1996 to 2004 and then the United States Senate from 2005 to 2006. Obama has been an advocate for people, especially underprivileged children, since the start of his career. He highlights his religion, Christianity, as being very important to him as a man, and a political leader. Obama was a varsity basketball player in high school, is a smoker and a self proclaimed poker champ.

Hillary Clinton is one of America’s foremost advocates for American families and children. In the 1990s, she traveled around the world as the first lady, leading efforts to

make adoption easier and trying to transform schools. She was elected into the United States Senate in 2000 from the state of New York, and since then has called for greater homeland security and improved veteran health benefits.

Twice she was voted as one of the most influential people in America. As a child, Clinton wrote to NASA asking for advice on how to become an astronaut. (NASA replied that girls could not be astronauts).

Now, let’s examine two of the major Republican candidates: Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney. Huckabee, who recently moved into a frontrunning position, served as the governor of Arkansas from 1996 to 2007. In 2005, Huckabee was praised for being one of the five best governors in America by Time magazine. He has also received the AARP impact Award for “doing something extraordinary to make the world a better place.” He is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and a bass guitar player in the rock and roll band, Capital Offense.

Mitt Romney was elected to the United States Senate in 1994 and to the Massachusetts governor’s office in 2002.

He has fought to reform education, lower employment rates, and create more jobs with higher wages. Romney ensured that every Massachusetts citizen would have health care without raising taxes. He is a businessman at heart and is the CEO of Bain & Company, a management consulting firm, and was the CEO of the 2002 Winter Olympic games in Salt Lake City, Utah. Romney is of the strong Mormon faith and his first name is actually Willard, but he went by Billy in kindergarten.

Take walk on the wild side What if the “greatest public health opportunity that we’ve had in a century” could: ■ improve your cardiovascular health; ■ help the environment; ■ reduce your chances of developing osteoporosis, dying in a car crash and getting depressed; ■ and took just three very easy steps.

Would you do it? Of course you would, especially after you heard that all you had to do was step out of your car (step 1), step forward (step 2), and repeat for 30 minutes (step 3). Heck, it’s so easy a caveman could do it.

Dan The two main areas this tiny amount Williams of walking would help are obesity and global warming. Two seemingly unrelated subjects with not too much in common other than you hear about them every other day on the news. But who knew that if all Americans between the ages of 10 and 74 walked just half an hour a day instead of driving, it would cut America’s carbon dioxide emissions by 64 million tons?

Plus, we would save 65 billion gallons of gas, and shed a total of 3 billion pounds.

Now I know this comes at a bad time when the weather’s cold and you’re afraid Mr. Witte will videotape you slipping on the ice…but come on, even in the winter, is the 30 second drive from Cork and Fork to CVS really necessary? I think not.

And while we’re on the topic of Cork and Fork, another really easy way to help out the earth is to eat less red meat. Sounds crazy, huh? But think about it, all those cows sitting around, eating, pooping, and eating again…not a pretty sight, and it so happens that methane is one of the main greenhouse gases, and guess where

lots of methane comes from? Think cowpies, frozen cowpies.

There’s also all that fertilizer that’s needed to grow the massive amounts of feed that cows eat, not to mention the energy that’s used in the transportation of live cattle and dead meat.

Now I’m not saying become vegetarian (but that would certainly help even more, as it takes much more energy and land to produce meat than fruits, vegetables and grains), but just go to Burger King less often, you know? Another positive edge is that by changing your diet to include less red meat, your body will feel better and your arteries will thank you in 20some years.

And what about osteoporosis? Well, multiple studies have shown that exercise (which includes walking) helps build stronger bones, which also means less bone injuries during the sports season. How about dying in a car crash? Surprisingly enough, you are less likely to die in a car crash if you’re not actually in a car. Depression? Even something as simple as getting some fresh air and sunlight can make the day feel better.

All in all, what’s good for our bodies is what’s good for our air, our environment, our neighborhoods, and our communities; it’s all connected. It doesn’t make sense to try to tackle one problem at a time when we could easily fix all of them at once. Be cool, walk to school.

“...we could easily fix all of them at once. Be cool, walk to school.”

No cookies for cookie monster?

A huge bird is just roaming the streets. Something green is crawling out of a trash can. Some guy with an ovalshaped head and a unibrow is passing a fellow who is outrageously happy and talking in a little kid voice. His friend is having fruit shoved on him instead of the cookie he really wants.

This scenario is nothing like the street norm we are used to, and yet most of us as children were mesmerized by all the hubbub in this corner of the world. We learned Tiffany good values and morals from an amusing Westrom bunch of monsters that lived on Sesame Street.

The children’s television show Sesame Street has entertained children since 1969 and will probably continue to do so. This program has become a household name because it has been teaching kids about growing up for a long time. Tracy Mooney, the Spanish 2 and 3 teacher at Wash, admitted her favorite was always Snuffleupagus Even though this program has done so well over the years, some changes are sparking controversy among parents and former viewers. You see, the Cookie Monster can’t eat cookies anymore.

The infamous Cookie Monster, who has been gobbling up cookies ever since the show started, has now been

stripped of his legacy by only being allowed one cookie a day and only after he eats the fruits and vegetables that now surround him. The show’s producers decided that they should take a stand for the obesity problem in this country by teaching Cookie Monster a lesson in moderation and, therefore, teaching kids the same.

A DVD set of older Sesame Street shows actually warned that the shows were not meant for young kids, and one of the reasons was cookie monster was too unhealthy.

Well, what is a Cookie Monster without his cookies?

True, it was a nice effort to do their part to try to help this country’s weight problem. But it is up to the parents to teach their children healthy eating habits. It is extremely unlikely that one segment occasionally shown to kids is going to influence them more than the world around them.

In short, this alteration has been more trouble than it’s worth and made former viewers including myself wonder why they ever did it in the first place.

The children of this generation will lead the next generation. It is important that parents bring up children with good values and morals. Who knows? Maybe they will find a cure for obesity, solve global warming, or provide a government with less controversy if they are raised right.

That may very well include Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Elmo, and the rest of those lovable monsters.

PROFILES PROFILES

December 20, 2007

Page 7

‘Aida’ production deserves a ‘Toney’ award for actress Abbey Gesing Staff Writer

compliments of Len Struttmann

Erica Toney, 08, sings with soul during a performance of Aida.

In the past month, Erica Toney, ‘08, has been featured in The Gazette and the local news due to her outstanding performance in Washington’s musical Aida.

Toney hit Wash’s stage with a storm as Aida, the main role in Aida. However, this is not her first time performing on stage. Toney was very involved in the drama department at Metro, starring in Sweeny Todd and a few other productions. Toney said she enjoys singing and performing on stage but more importantly, she loves her involvement in Praise and Worship Choir at her church.

Toney attended Washington for one trimester her freshman year before switching to Metro. After spending some time there, Toney decided to give Washington another shot.

With more determination than ever, Toney came back for senior year. Fortunately for the drama department, she came at the right time.

When asked about the transfer she replied, “At Metro, I was a lazy student, but since I’ve come to Washington I’ve been a much more focused and successful person. I’m so lucky I came right in time for Aida.”

Toney feels the quality and confidence of her voice has improved since her time at Washington. Prior to Aida, she received no voice training, but merely “sings from the heart”.

When speaking with Dr. Kreitzer, the musical director of Aida, he said, “Erica was so dedicated that the first day I started working with her, she had almost all of the songs memorized. That has never happened in all my time at Washington. She was so bound and determined to succeed.”

When Toney’s peers were asked about her singing voice, many replied that her voice is an inspiration to anyone listening.

Trevor Johnson, ‘08, said “My first impression of Erica was obviously that she had

Stegmann spends Christmas in the states Tiffany Westrom Staff Writer

Christmas season is different in the United States versus Germany, he said, “It is pretty similar to Germany. Maybe here you guys are more stressf u l about buying presents Stegmann, ‘11 though.”

Weinhnachten, Noel, Navidad, well, whichever word you use, people all over the world will be celebrating the Christmas season.

But how would you like to spend Christmas thousands of miles away from your family, friends and your home?

S eba st i a n Ste gma nn, 11, w i l l be E v e n one student in the though he is spirit of the season unsure about this December who what he wants will be experiencing f or C h r i s tjust that. For the past mas he is still four months, Stegpretty excited mann has been getfor it. Stegting acquainted with m a n n se em s the way Americans do -Sebastian Stegmann ‘11 to be looking things. He is looking forward to the forward to participatN e w Ye a r s ing in Christmas in holiday more. the states. Stegmann is the German foreign exchange student Stegmann, as well as many others, favorand he will spend Christmas with his host ite part of Christmas is getting all of the presents, of course. family, the Canfields.

He has enjoyed his time in America Stegmann and his family are Catholic, so to celebrate Weinhachten (the German and as a student at Washington.

“It is nice to be at this school, and I word for Christmas) in Germany they usually go to church, have a traditional appreciate how nice everybody is to me,” meal. When asked if preparing for the said Stegmann.

“It’s [USA] pretty similar to Germany.

Maybe here you are more stressful about buying presents...”

an amazing voice. Then, during Aida I had the chance to get to know her. She has an awesome perspective on life and doesn’t let any situation get her down. Erica is so consistently upbeat and confident she can face anything life throws her way. “ S o w h a t ’s ne x t f or t h i s superstar? You can see Toney competing with the speech team this Februar y.

She is performing a scene from Spring Awaken-Trevor Johnson, ing where she plays the mother of Catherine Blades, ‘11. They are also taking a few scenes from Aida to the competition as well.

Next year, Toney plans to go to a college with an interest in performing arts or nursing.

“...She has an awesome perspective on life and doesn’t let any situation get her down.”

‘08

Toney’s Favorites Color: White (symbolizes purity) Food: Baked chicken with rice and gravy Movie: The Notebook Music: Fred Hammond, anything Gospel Hobbies: Sing, act, read, write and poetry Inspiration: Friends & family

Kwanzaa: a short and sweet overview When the Surveyor staff surveyed Washington High School students on the religious holidays celebrated, no one responded for Kwanzaa. Here is information on Kwanzaa: According to Wikipedia.com, Kwanzaa is a seven day celebration of the African American heritage. Activities such as candle lighting and the pouring of libations, (a ritual of pouring drinks to honor the gods) are performed during this week of celebration. Kwanzaa is mainly celebrated in the United States and began in 1966 by Ron Karenga. The days of celebration are from December 26t to January 1. Whether you will be celebrating a religious holiday or just enjoying the break with family and friends, Surveyor wishes that everyone has a safe break! See you in the new year!

Laura Hart

FOCUS

Page 8

Page 9

Aquarius

Capricorn

The Goat December 22- January 20 Positive Traits: Practical, Patient, Careful Negative Traits: Pessimistic, Grudge-holding, Fatalistic

Terrance Dillard, ‘10, does read his horoscope. He said, “Yes, I do read it sometimes, but I also think it’s purely Sagittarius The Archer coincidental.” November 23- December 21

The Water Carrier January 21- February 19 Positive Traits: Friendly, Honest, Intelligent Negative Traits: Unemotional, Detached, Unpredictable

Pisces

The Fishes February 20- March 20 Positive Traits: Imaginative, Compassionate, Selfless Negative Traits: Idealistic, Secretive, Vague

Aries

The Ram March 21- April 20 Positive Traits: Adventureous, Enthusiastic, Courageous Negative Traits: Selfish, Impatient, Quick-tempered

Taurus

Positive Traits: Optimistic, Honest, Freedom-Loving Negative Traits: Overly Optimistic, Careless, Irresponsible

The Bull April 21- May 21 Positive Traits: Patient, Reliable, Loving Negative Traits: Jealous, Resentful, Greedy

Hone in on your

Scorpio

The Scorpion October 24- November 22 Positive Traits: Determined, Exciting, Powerful Negative Traits: Jealous, Obsessive, Secretive

Gemini

The Twins May 22- June 21 Positive Traits: Witty, Intellectual, Lively Negative Traits: Nervous, Tense, Superficial

Horoscope

Cancer

The Scales September 24- October 23 Positive Traits: Romantic, Charming, Sociable Negative Traits: Indecisive, Gullible, Flirtatious

Virgo

The Virgin August 23- September 23 Positive Traits: Modest, Shy, Practical Negative Traits: Fussy, Overcritical, Perfectionistic

Leo

The Lion July 23- August 22 Positive Traits: Generous, Warmhearted, Faithful Negative Traits: Pompous, Bossy, Intolerant

The Crab June 22 -July 22 Positive Traits: Loving, Imaginative, Sympathetic Negative Traits: Moody, Touchy, Clingy

Star Sightings: Match the stars with their signs 4. George Clooney 5. Bruce Willis 6. Julia Roberts

7. Cameron Diaz 8. Angelina Jolie 9. Oprah

10. Mel Gibson 11. Brad Pitt 12. Will Smith

A. Aquarius B. Pisces C. Aries D. Taurus

E. Gemini F. Cancer G. Leo H. Virgo

I. Libra J. Scorpio K. Sagittarius L. Capricorn

Madonna-G Pamela Anderson- F Mariah Carey- C Bruce Willis- B Julia Roberts- J Cameron Diaz- H Oprah- A Mel Gibson- L Brad Pitt- K Angelina Jolie- E George Clooney- D Will Smith- I

Libra

1. Madonna 2. Pamela Anderson 3. Mariah Carey

Rosslyn Roach, ‘10, does not often read her horoscope. She said, “I don’t really know if it matches because I don’t read it, but when I do, it is usually a 60% chance that it matches.”

Page 10

FOCUS

December 20, 2007

America’s next top pop Coke vs. Pepsi

By Lauren Kelley Staff Writer

Wash students supporting Coke: 1. People have grown up with the beverage.

2. It’s not as sweet as Pepsi.

3. It came before Pepsi and is thus considered to be the original.

Of all the sweet, refreshing and addictive pop choices, Pepsi and Coke are probably two of the biggest rivals. Some say Coke trumps Pepsi because it was made first. Some say Pepsi is better because it has a sweeter taste. But is there any really difference? The students at Washington High School have their own opinions.

This past month, students took a survey to see which soft drink is most popular in the halls of Washington. Out of 140 surveys tallied, 57% prefer coke, 29% prefer Pepsi and 14% do not like either.

Many surveyed said Coke does not go flat as rapidly and Pepsi’s aftertaste is not very pleasant. Taste plays a large role in Jason Krusie’s, ‘11, decision.

“Coke is more crisp and less syrupy,” said Krusie. “It’s a taste that never lets me down.”

Several students said Pepsi was too sweet for them, whereas others, such as Phoebe Adolphson, ‘10, chose Pepsi because of this factor. “Coke’s not as sweet as Pepsi, and I’m all about the sweet!” said Adolphson.

However, the taste is not the only reasoning behind students’ decisions. The creative commercials and colorful icons also tend to draw students in. Some say the logo and new designs on the Pepsi can are what tempt them. Others say the polar bear or Santa Claus on the Coke cans attract their interest. Some, such as Christina VanderZee, ‘12, have chosen their favorite through different motives.

“I like Coke because I come from Texas, and we say coke for every pop type,” said VanderZee. Several students share that they simply drink whichever brand is in the house and have grown up with it that way. Still others have their own unique reasons as to why they drink the brand they drink.

“Ever since someone told me you can clean some kind of pipe in your car with Coke, I have become less attracted to it!” said Megan Stevenson, ‘10.

Though many students at Washington have opposing opinions concerning the two brands, some do not like either. Most students who did not favor either beverage made their decisions due to sports. One student shared that she stopped drinking pop for a fall sport and just never started again.

Wash students supporting Pepsi: 1. It tastes sweeter than Coke.

2. It stays fizzy longer than Coke.

3. It has more sugar and supposedly gives people more energy.

FOC

PROFILES

CUS December 20, 2007

Page 11

It’s more than just Christmas time Novick shares Hanukkah customs Matt Ceryanec Staff Writer Lighting the Menorah, saying blessings, and preparing various traditional foods are among Cassy Novick’s, ‘09, fa mily traditions for t he Hanukkah season.

“Hanukkah foods are some Facts of my favorite foods in the about world,” Novick said.

Hanu Some examples include -kkah Latkes (potato pancakes), Sufga niyot (jelly f illed doughnuts) and Gelt (chocolate coins).

1) A side f rom t he fo o d , Hanukkah Novick’s favorite Hanukkah comes ga mes is dreidel. Not to from the mention, I Had a Little Dreidel Hebrew

by Adam Sandler ranks as word Novick’s favorite Hanukkah “Khanu” song. meaning “We used to decorate the “and they house a lot more when I was younger,” Novick said. rested.”

However, she still has most of the traditional decorations 2) Hanukkah in her house. These decorations include; a light up menorah, also happy Hanukkah signs, and comes even Jewish stockings. from the Novick’s temple (temple Hebrew Judah) puts on a Hanukkah date of party for the younger kids every year. Booths are set Kaf Hey, up for face painting, video which equals 25 games, moon bounces, dreidel tournaments, and even a play is put on. Novick usually runs the edible dreidel booth where she helps the kids make dreidels out of marshmallows, f ros t i n g , pre t z e l s a nd a Hershey’s kisses.

“My favorite part about running the edible dreidel booth is that I get all the left over frosting when the party is

“I don’t really feel much different or left out celebrating something different.”

Elsheikh embraces Muslim holiday Important dates: Dec. 5: Hanukkah begins

-Cassy Novick, ‘09 over,” Novick said.

Although you wou ld t h i n k i t ’s h a rd for a teenage girl to be doing somet hing c ompletely d i f f e r e n t Novick, ‘09 f r o m everyone else, Novick doesn’t mind.

“I don’t really feel much different or left out celebrating something different from everyone else,” said Novick.

“Overall, I just see it as being unique and that doesn’t bother me”.

Novick likes that people are accepting, and makes it easier for her to celebrate something different from everyone else.

The one thing that Novick didn’t feel comfortable about growing up was singing the religious Christmas songs worshipping Jesus. “[But] don’t get me wrong, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Walking In a Winter Wonderland are some of my favorite songs to sing,” Novick said.

Dec. 11: Hajj Pilgrimage December 12: Hanukkah ends December 19: Day of Arafat (day of fasting and prayer) December 20: Eid al Adha December 24: Eid al Adha ends December 24: Christmas Eve December 25: Christmas

* Jewish * Muslim * Christian

Abby Varn Staff Writer The month of December offers us Christmas music, lights, decorations, clothing, and the list goes on. But what if you didn’t celebrate Christmas? What if all the holiday spirit surrounding you gave no attention to your traditions?

For senior Alaa Elsheikh and her family, this is the case. The Elsheikh family celebrates Eid al-adha, a holiday sta r ting Dec. 20. The holiday is meant to honor the time when the prophet Ibrahim was stopped by Angel Jabrail from sacrificing his son, along with remembering the last day of the Muslim pilgrimage, the Hajj.

“I t h i n k it’s tot a l ly cool. I’ve grown up here so it’s become something I’m completely used to,” said Elsheikh, when asked how she feels about all of t he Ch rist ma s hy pe i n December.

Eid is typically celebrated over more than one day.

“Here in the U.S. you can only take so many days off of school. But Muslims in Arab countries get like four days off of school, which is nice for them. It’s a lot of friends and family time,” said Elsheikh.

Presents have become one of the main trademarks of the Christmas season in many families. However, the Elsheikh family has a different approach.

“Children get gifts from

relatives. Unlike Christmas, you don’t have to give your parents or siblings anything,” explained Elsheikh.

W hile many families gather their families together around a large h a m a nd e xc h a n g e gifts with Jingle Bells Elsheikh, ‘08 in the background, the Elsheikh fa mily a nd ot hers have different traditions.

“There’s a big meal; where of course we eat lamb, which you may have slaughtered.

Basically it’s a lot of lamb eating and we love to eat,” explained Elsheikh, “People may also bake festive Eid cookies and pastries too.”

“There are some Eid songs that kind of get everyone in the spirit. Some people might put up lights too, but it’s not standard,” she said.

With so much Christmas talk, we often disregard the variety of holidays celebrated in our country. Families like the Elsheikh family are a great reminder that the holidays may change, but certain things will never change: family, food, and celebration.

“I think it’s cool how we all have different holidays that gives people a chance to try something new or just enlighten them about different holidays or religions,” said Elsheikh.

Wolgast’s worst and strangest Christmas present Molly James Staff Writer It’s hard to expect a ridiculously cool or completely in style gift from Grandma.

In fact, many grandchildren prepare for the rather unattractive knit socks. There are a select few teenagers, however, who are privileged enough to receive totally random and odd gifts from Grandma each holiday season.

Consider Kirsten Wolgast, ‘08. Her grandma is known to be a little nutty. Wolgast, along with the other grandchildren, have become accustomed to expecting the unexpected when it comes to gifts.

They have received pencil holders and sharpeners, among an array of school supplies. However, Wolgast’s most memorable gift from her grandma she received not too long ago. Wolgast was graced with duct tape and a “What Would Jesus Do” bracelet.

“We all just kind of knew it was coming because she has been doing this all of our lives,” said Wolgast. “It’s just really weird.”

Wolgast’s interesting and kooky stories about her grandma have become some of her friends’ favorites. One

of the most unusual seems to be when their family was in church around Christmas, and her grandma leaned over and said, “Kirsten, do you want a baked potato?”

What is even weirder is she actually had one with her.

“They [my friends] think it is really funny and they just think my grandma is crazy,” said Wolgast.

Wolgast, ‘08 While some kids are dreading the annual wool socks from Grandma, Wolgast has an unpredictable and abnormal gift to look forward to each year.

From Post-It-Notes to duct tape to religious bracelets, she never quite knows what to expect.

Wolgast admits her grandma usually just ends up giving everyone money, which is probably the best present she has given them.

“It’s her own humor,” said Wolgast. “We’ve never really gotten anything good, but we all just keep them to make her happy.”

Facts about Christmas: 1) The word Christmas is Old English; a contraction of Christ’s Mass.

2)“Rudolph” was actually created by Montgomery Ward in the late 1930’s for a holiday promotion. The rest is history.

3)Holly berries are poisonous.

Facts about Eid Adha: 1) Means “Big Feast” 2) Falls at the end of the month of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) 3) Commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s sacrificial offering of Isma’il

Page 12

A&E

December 20, 2007

Short on cash and time? No worries!

Wahle shares helpful hints for last minute holiday shoppers Keile Wahle Staff Writer SI T UAT ION 1: Ima gine Christmas is less than 48 hours away! Festive aromas of your mom’s holiday cooking fill your nose. Christmas songs have taken over your ears. What more can you ask for? But wait, you just realized something... you haven’t purchased a present for your mom!

Oh, what an awful present to forget about! She is the reason you can even experience Christmas!

Your first instinct is to race to your piggy bank, grab some money and hurry along to the store. You accomplish the task of locating your piggy bank, but soon find out there is only one item left in your bank! A gum wrapper, claiming you owe your friend Jeffrey $10.

What are you going to do?

Don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to solve this problem!

You are just going to have to be creative and still manage to come up with an amazing gift. Think about it, most moms typically appreciate homemade presents, not

expensive gifts made in China.

Always remember, it’s the thought that counts.

So what gift is amazing and creative at the same time? Well, you could make an ornament, bake something sweet, or find a fun picture to stick in a homemade frame. However, if you really don’t classify yourself as artistic, and are not allowed near stoves, you could simply give her a piece of paper. Not just any scrap of paper; this paper can say whatever you want. Perhaps something along the lines of promising you will do something special for your mom. In other words, mimicking a coupon.

Here are a couple examples: “I will shovel the whole driveway five times,” or “I grant you five hours of service by me for you to utilize whatever way you prefer.”

If you really wanted to be brave, you could write something about not complaining for a week or so.

(Note: a really cool homemade card should accompany whatever gift you decide on.)

SITUATION 2: Have you ever

been clueless when it comes to buying a gift for that picky friend who is impossible to shop for?

Or that friend who is difficult to please with a present?

You probably don’t want to worry about it and decide to put off buying their gift until the last minute. There is a pretty simple answer to that sort of situation.

The one popular gift that you can’t go wrong with, is buying a gift card. Whether you are able to figure out their favorite store or not, stores such as Target, Best Buy, and department stores offer a wide variety of items to choose from. Another advantage to buying gift cards is how they don’t require a tax to pay on them. If you have exactly $15 and not a penny more, you can buy a $15 gift card without having to pay the additional dollar or so for the tax.

Also, if you are concerned that an envelope with a gift card will reveal the contents merely by its appearance, find a big box. Stuff it with Kleenex, wrap it and fool your friend into thinking they are getting a huge gift!

4 Awesome Gifts Under $20 iTurbo iPod Charger www.degadget.com

This nifty little gadget will add hours to your iPod’s battery life. $20 at CVS Pharmacy.

Knitted Accessories

www.hermanweb.com

Give a gift that’s both fashionable and functional! Needles, yarn, and a “how to” book from Michaels would be well under $20.

iTunes/ Gift Card

www.amazon.com

You know what they say: a gift card is always the right shape size and color, or, in the case of an iTunes gift card, the right sound.

Baked Goods

www.bayareaveg.org

Baked goods are cheap, easy to make, and impossible to hate.

You can’t go wrong with a piping hot plate of chocolate chip cookies or a pan of fresh fudge!

Madrigals spread the love Megan Hartman Staff Writer Most people spend the holidays decorating, sledding, or cramming in holiday shopping, but not members of Washington’s choir group Madrigals.

Madrigals have around 20 performances this holiday season, which is their busiest time of the year.

That leaves members with little time for school work and other activities.

“It takes initiative to get all the school work we miss and stay caught up with everything,” said Kellar Elliott, ’09. “It’s not as bad as it seems, we just have to stay on top of things.”

Madrigals perform at var-

ious places, from churches to business meetings. Performing for diverse audiences ensures the performances aren’t as redundant. The 30 members are split into two groups so they don’t have

fun to sing for people and make them happy.”

Although Madrigals is a big-time commitment, it’s also fun for the members.

The performance hours also count for volunteering, which makes the performance time more valuable.

“I enjoy the performances,” said Hannah Colton, ’09. “I really like the music, but it does get really hectic at times.”

There’s a lot of time -Kellar Elliott, ‘09 put in around the holiday season, but it all pays to go to every performance; off for the members while however, it’s only a couple singing.

“People really like us and less performances.

“The schedule sounds seeing us make people happy bad, but it really isn’t,” said makes it worth it,” said ElElliott. “It’s actually really liott.

“It’s actually really fun to sing for people and make them happy.”

Sky Smith/ Surveyor

Steve and Megan Ginsberg (left and right center, respectively) preside as king and queen at the annual Madrigals Dinner. Their loyal servants Jason Alberty and Doug Elliott sit to their left and right respectively.

Black Friday shopping mania Molly James Staff Writer The day after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, also known as Black Friday. Huge amounts of people line up outside the doors of Target, Wal-mart, Best Buy, and other retailers at all hours of the morning.

The term Black Friday is used because it was the day when retail- • ers went from being unprofitable (“in the red”) to profitable (“in the black”) when account records were • kept by hand.

Because of the day’s extremity, stores such as Target must treat Black Friday much different than • a normal day. Target is open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. instead of 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., they are double staffed, and employees must take their breaks at a designated time in order to always have the same amount of workers on the floor.

These special arrangements are made because of all the eager customers waiting outside the doors long before Target opens to rush in and get the best deals.

spots they must be in before the doors open, and as she stood at her “post,” Carstensen realized her walkie-talkie was dead. She had to get new batteries, and as she was about to cross the main aisle and return to the shoe department, a security guard said, “Stay there, don’t move, they just opened the doors.”

Looking down the aisle, Carstensen saw a 250About 100,000,000 Americans shopped the pound, 5-foot-7 man along with three other weekend of Black Friday people sprinting to the About 25% of Black Friday shoppers started electronics department.

Had she kept walking, it could have been a nasty shopping before 5 a.m. collision.

The average Black Friday shopper spent “You have to put up with a lot of different $347.55 over the course of the weekend people’s attitudes,” said Carstensen. “You can’t they entered the store, most customers take it personal; you can’t let it get to headed to the electronics department for you.” the popular X-Boxes and Wiis.

Black Friday is definitely one of the With such a crazy crowd, it is ex- most stressful and tiring days for Target pected that employees have some horror employees. Although Carstensen says stories. Carstensen clearly remembers that Target makes it easier and helps a close run-in with some quick-paced relieve stress by supplying lunch and customers from Black Friday last year. scheduling more checkers, Black Friday A ll employees have designated is still “constantly go, go, go.”

S U D O K U

“Everybody literally runs in and races to whatever department they want,” said Target employee Kris Carstensen.

Carstensen estimated that about 30 people were lined up at both sets of doors, with most being young parents ranging from 25 to 31 years of age. As

Black Friday at a glance

Confused? Just fill each row, column, and 9-by-9 square with the numbers 1-9. Easy enough, right?

Well, give it a shot anyway. Answers are on the following page.

A&E

December 20, 2007

Page 13

Deck the hall with boughs of H O L L Y W O O D

www.lovefilm.com

www.exposay.com

Elf

A Christmas Story

If you’re looking for a hilarious Christmas movie to watch with your family or friends this holiday, Elf is a great choice. Elf stars Will Ferrell, a refreshingly funny comedian, whose character, Buddy, is a human who crawls into Santa’s toy sack as an orphaned baby. He then is raised in the North Pole by Santa and his elves. When Buddy grows up, he learns that he is really not an elf and was born in New York. Determined to meet his father, Buddy travels to NYC, keeping us all laughing at, “Buddy the elf from the North Pole,” walking the streets of New York in his ridiculous elf costume. -Mallory Williams

Parks, Eric*

Albrecht, Jaclyn*

If you’ve never watched A Christmas Story, you are missing out on a classic and comical Christmas movie. Made in 1983, A Christmas Story has kept us laughing for 25 years. The main character, Ralphie, really wants a BB gun for Christmas but his mother keeps telling him , “he’ll shoot him eye out!” Not only does he have an overprotective mother to deal with, but a loud, cursing father and an annoying little brother. Ralphie does a great deal to ensure he gets what he wants for Christmas, going to lengths such as writing an essay in school and going to visit Santa in person. Find out if Ralphie’s Christmas wish comes true by watching this hilarious classic! -Mallory Williams

Aossey, Tiffany*

Becker, Erin*

Patzwald, Zachary

AP Scholars with Honors

Peterson, Daniel

Anderl, Michael

Clair, David

Barnes, Kevin*

Poland, James*

Barnum, Sasha*

Colton, Timothy*

Bazzell, Sheldon

Randall, Stephanie*

Bleau, Jordan

Davenport, Desieee*

Bernstein, Miranda*

Reynolds, Patrick*

Chase, Kathleen*

Dennis, Rebecca*

Brawner, Allyson

Rings, Abigail

Crumley, Mary *

Gannon, Michael*

Brown, Hannah

Roy, Jacob

Deshaies, David

Gillon, Peter

Caves, Michael*

Sauter, Elizabeth*

Falat, Nathan*

Hansen, Madeleine*

Colton, Hannah

Schroeder, Pamela*

Hart, Stella

Hartman, Vanessa*

Comer, Justin

Shah, Nikhil

Huk, Brian*

Hidalgo-Wohlleben, Antony

Davenport, Stephanie

Shaw, Katherine

Jones, Evan*

Johnson, Trevor

Engmark, Danielle*

Siebels, Kathryn

Logan, Jeremiah

McDaniel, Rebekah*

Epperson, Charles

The Grinch was a very popular animated movie that was recently remade into a nonanimated movie a few years ago. The Grinch, played by Jim Carry, lives in a town called Whoville and hates Christmas because he has a heart that is too small. When he plans on stealing Christmas from the people of Whoville, a little girl named Cindy Lou Who befriends him and tries to show how special Christmas really is. Can one little girl really convince a mean, old, green Grinch to not go though with his plan and save Christmas for all the Who’s of Whoville? Watch The Grinch and find out! -M allory Williams

Simmons, Alicia*

McLaughlin, Kristina*

McDowell, Jason

McMenimen, James*

Nielson, Jeffery

Gasway, Brent*

Squires, Caroline*

Merrick, Nathan *

O’Neil, Keegan

Gesing, Abby

Steiner, Madeline

Rhame, Laurel

Pearson, Nathan*

Hackendahl, Jennifer* Steiner, Ramsey

Rops, Benjamin*

Reilly, Troy*

Hammond, Katherine Sullivan, Anne*

Schulte, Connor

Rosenthal, Hannah*

Hoffman, Adam*

Taylor, Alexander

Thornton, Brent*

Roush, Natalie

Howk, Robin *

Tharp, Dylan

Varn, Hannah*

Roy, Steven*

Jacobo, Samantha *

Thornton, Kelsey

Visser, Peter*

Scheidt, Sabryna*

Krewer, Rebecca

Trevallion, Kollin

Walrath, Spencer*

Shea, Brian*

Land, Douglas

Troendle, Julie*

Welch, Elizabeth

Sines, Benjamin*

Liabo, Miriam

Tucker, Cheryl

Willey, James

Steimel, Stephanie*

Loeffelholz, Margaret

Vernon, Eleanor Wagner, Josh

AP Scholars with Distinction

Stone, Corey*

Luebe, Grant McPartland, Molly*

Warner, Brett

Albert, Cassandra*

Wagdy, Fatima

McVey, Emilia

Willett, Amy*

Appleby, Christine*

Walling, Katherine

Meyer, Jennifer

Wittman, Jacob

Barnes, Nathan*

Weatherwax, Jonathan

Mohni, Audrey

Woods, Benjamin

Baustian, Kate

Wilwert, Lee*

Olson, Shondra

Zalewski, Kassia*

Beardsworth, James*

*2007 Graduates

Van Heukelom, Mark*

It’s a Wonderful Life made in 1947, is still a Christmas classic today. The main character, George Bailey, dreams of being rich and getting out of his small town.

George marries his childhood sweetheart and they have four children. But George begins to wish he was never born when he feels he hasn’t accomplished his goals in life. He’s depressed, owes lots of money and is ready to give up. Luckily for him, when he’s feeling particularly bad on Christmas Eve, his guardian angels comes and teaches us all the true meaning of life and family. -Mallory Williams

A N S W E R S

Chase, Victoria

Gallet De Saint, Elise* Socwell, Laura*

It’s a Wonderful Life

The Grinch

The PTA would like to congratulate all 2006-2007 AP Scholars Abel, Karly

www.bergen-filmklubb.no

drbdictisafraud.files.wordpress.com

A&E: Teacherʼs Choice Dawson reveals her entertainment faves Molly Parker Staff Writer Boyz to Men and Jars of Clay might not be two bands you’d group together, but they are the only concerts that Akwi Nji-Dawson, Washington language arts teacher, has attended.

Dawson says that she’s never been big into the c onc er t s c ene .

“I’d much rather spend my money on a new pair of shoes,” she said.

Dawson is hardly a TV zombie. Poetry is a passion of hers as well with Taylor Mali, Sterling Brown and Black Ice her favorite poets.

And what music accompanies her to work?

Mostly movie soundtracks because Dawson likes how you get a taste of many styles of

music. Her top three CDs are the Four Brothers Soundtrack, Miles Davis Kind of Blue, and Thomas Monk’s Greatest Hits.

Most recently Dawson went to the theaters to see This Christmas but her heart belongs to Morgan Freeman movies, namely Shawshank Redemption. Blood Diamond is also a movie she describes as, “so good!” Now you k now a little more about Dawson and her Arts and Entertainment faves.

In her free time, Dawson keeps up w it h her favorite shows almost every Alex Taylor/ Surveyor night: Sunday: Desperate Housewives Monday: Dancing with the Stars Tuesday: Dancing with the Stars Wednesday: Private Practice Thursday: Grey’s Anatomy

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SPORTS

December 20, 2007

The menu of a Washington wrestler =

Anne Brenneman Staff Writer

Candy

Vegetables

=

Wrestler Friendly

“You eat crap, you wrestle crap,” said Alex Lindquist, ‘08. As Lindquist and his fellow wrestling teammates begin their season, they have to focus more than ever on maintaining a healthy diet.

At the beginning of the season, the wrestlers take a body fat and hydration analysis.

From these results, the state provides a meal plan for each individual to follow. Wash’s wrestling coach, Matt Hatcher, also gives the boys and overall assessment of what percentage of carbs, fats, and proteins they need to achieve the results they want.

While almost every boy follows some type of diet, each diet is the wrestler’s own.

Hatcher said, “It’s not going to be very effective if we tell every kid to eat the same foods.”

Although each wrestler has a different diet, common foods among the wrestlers are fruits, vegetables, and high-carb foods, while common drinks are water and Gatorade.

There are also foods the wrestlers should avoid. The things that top this list are pop, fast food, and candy. Connor O’Neil, ‘10, said, “Wrestlers shouldn’t be eating saturatedfat foods, and pop is not an option. McNuggets are also probably a poor decision, despite their golden grease appeal.”

Wrestler Deadly

Although staying away from unhealthy foods is sometimes hard, the wrestlers have gotten used to eating healthy. “I used to eat anything that was there. But the fact that I have to watch what I eat now, it’s all become healthy foods.” said Lindquist.

Keegan O’Neil, ‘08, said, “I don’t really eat much of the no-no’s anyway, but I’m especially strict in the winter. No athlete should really have these very often anyway, though.”

Throughout the season, the coaches make sure the dieting is done properly. “We check everyone’s weight every day before and after practice. We also observe the intensity of their workouts. Their overall mood is a good indicator, too. If these things start to go downhill we know something needs to be addressed,” said Hatcher.

Along with the coaches, the wrestlers are confident in their dieting habits. Will Hart, ‘10, said, “Wash, unlike some, does not promote unhealthy weight cutting.”

Connor O’Neil, ‘10, added, “I’m confident that the crash dieting stories that people hear about are from those who are reckless and naive with their diet. I asked Coach Hatcher, and he set me up with a safe and consistent diet as opposed to those who assume it is simply not eating.”

Saturated Fats

Fruits

Pop

Pasta

Fast Food

Water/Gatorade

SPORTS

December 20, 2007

The Pack is back and the Bears are hibernating On Aug. 21, the ESPN analysts attemptSam ed to Seyfer guess all 32 of the NFL teams’ records at the end of the 2008 season. For the NFC North, they said it would be the worst division in the entire National Football League. They guessed the Bears would win the division with a record of 13-3, the Vikings would be second with 9-7, the Packers third at 8-8, and the poor Lions would finish at 3-13.

With the Packers way ahead in the division and on their way to home-field advantage in the playoffs, and the Bears about to be the third team in eight years to not make the playoffs the year after losing the Super Bowl, the analysts could not be more wrong.

Many people are trying to understand what is wrong with the Bears, but quite frankly, there is nothing right about them. The easiest scapegoat for the team would be Rex Grossman and the rest of that horrid quarterback lineup. However, they managed to get to the Super Bowl last year with Grossman, so there has to be some other reason. Well, it has got to be their defense. Their defense is absolutely atrocious. They went from third in the league last year to 26th this year.

They have joined the ranks of the “great” defenses, like the Dolphins and the Cardinals. Brian Urlacher, where are you?

The only reason the Bears have managed five wins is because the opposing coaches are idiotic and kick to Devin Hester.

Plus, Cedric Benson leads their running game, and he’s not good at all. You won’t win games without a substantial running attack ... unless you’re the Packers.

Page 15

Save the cookies for Santa

Wash students share how they keep in shape during the holidays Maddy Becker Staff Writer

Obviously, barely anyone expected them to win 10 games, and they already have 11 through 13 games! Being led by that 38-year-old quarterback Brett Favre, they are on their way to the playoffs. They are the youngest team in the league, but it seems that Favre has gotten them riled up for a shot at the championship. Everything has gotten better for them: the O-line, the D-line, their wide receivers, and even their rushing attack.

I feel I should mention the Vikings, since they have the rookie sensation Adrian Peterson, but the Packers beat them 34-0 at the Metrodome. I’m not going to talk about the Lions because Jon Kitna is an idiot, and Lions will always suck.

So you may think that I just to rip on Chicago, and I must admit that I do, but why are all of their sports teams so bad?

Even the Bucks have a better record than the Bulls. I guess Wisconsin is just better than Illinois. Case closed.

Sometimes, it’s hard for teenagers to break away from watching TV on the couch and get moving. During the dark and cold winter months, our motivation to exercise can plummet even more.

Even though it may seem grueling to change out of warm sweatpants and leave a cozy house to exercise, it’s still important to stay in shape. If you take December, January, and February off, it’s likely that you will lose a lot of strength and stamina. Working out can also help you to feel more positive and happy by preventing the winter blues.

Many Washington students who work out during the winter like to avoid the chilly weather by breaking a sweat at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA. Youth memberships (17 and under) cost $14 per month, with an additional $15 the first month.

Junior Caitlin Bruggeman, drives to the gym regularly with a group of friends to use the elliptical and bikes. She also likes to swim in the YMCA pool, but said the lanes have been busy lately.

Bruggeman usually lifts weights after her cardio exercise, but sometimes gets frustrated with it.

“Adults push you around or men laugh at you,” she said. “I usually get told, ‘you can just leave those weights on, I’m just going to add to them,’ or ‘why are you working out?”

Now playing: Surveyor’s iWorkout Playlist

1. Lose Control Missy Elliot ft. Ciara 2. Eye of the Tiger Survivor

Spirit squad roars

3. New Workout Plan Kanye West

4. Toxic Britney Spears 5. Smooth Criminal Alien Ant Farm

Lauren Hoth/Surveyor

Have no fear, spirit squad is here! This year, a brand new coach, L.D. Kidd, has combined the cheerleaders and the dance team into an ultimate spirit squad. The object of this group is to promote more school spirit in sports, assemblies, dances, etc.

“I created the spirit squad because I am the coach of both the cheerleaders and the dance team and I thought it would be a good idea to put them together,” said Kidd. “Our main goal is to boost overall spirit at WHS and to get more students involved.”

There are 35 girls participating in the spirit squad ranging from freshmen to seniors.

The group does a variety of activities, such as performing during halftime at basketball games and cheering on wrestling meets to get everyone pumped up. Also, along with promoting spirit, the squad is also working on a school mascot that will hopefully be here in the future.

Despite her frustration, Bruggeman keeps her workouts fun by enjoying the company of her friends and rewarding herself with a delicious Nutrismoothie afterwards.

Even without a gym membership, it is easy to get a good workout in during the winter.

Ice skating, snowball fighs, and sledding are all fun ways to burn off the extra calories taken in from Grandma’s sugar cookies and pumpkin pies.

Abby Shey, a freshman, plans to stay healthy between her fall cross country and spring track seasons by running this winter.

Shey said it can be hard to get a good run in without her whole team and coach alongside her.

“When I run with my team, they push me harder and keep me from stopping,” said Shey.

Possibly the most difficult aspect of staying trim during the holiday season is avoiding all the sweets and treats at parties and family gatherings. It’s easy to slip into bad eating habits when you’re not training for a big athletic competition and you don’t have a coach to remind you to stay away from soda and Little Debbies.

It’s especially difficult for Bruggeman to avoid unhealthy food, since she works at the mall. She usually tries to eat Subway as a more nutritious alternative to greasy pizza or other fast food.

“During the season, I’m in shape and just run off anything bad I eat the next day,” Shey said.

Athletes in the Warrior weight room keep their winter workouts enjoyable by listening to music. The tunes help students to stay positive during their tough lifting sessions.

Joel Gasway, a football and basketball player, likes listening to Tupac and other rap music when he lifts weights.

“I can lift without music, but I like it for motivation,” he said.

“Louder is better.”

Gasway also mentioned that classical music can help him stay relaxed during workouts.

The sophomore women’s basketball team also uses music to stimulate more productive workouts. While in the weight room, they often listen to Christmas music on 104.5 KDAT. “It started as a joke,” said Mary Kate Schmitt, a player on the team. “At first, I thought, ‘Are we seriously listening to this?’ But now we all sing and dance to it on the way to our next machine.”

Schmitt says the peppy Christmas music helps to keep the players lively and creates a cheerful atmosphere for the team.

6. Higher Ground Red Hot Chili Peppers 7. Lose Yourself Eminem

8. Since U Been Gone Kelly Clarkson

9. Just Like A Pill Pink 10. Running on Empty Jackson Browne

Go Warriors!

From the office of Dr. Knutson and Dr. Johnson

Page 16

BACK PAGE

December 20, 2007

Images of the season

Surveyor photos by Carter Oswood and Sky Smith

Top: Ice and snow linger from the ice storm that shut down school for two days.

Above and left: Washington show choir performers and elementary students participate in Cocoa and Carols on Dec. 8 at the school.