January 2007

Volume 50 No. 5

Blood drive successful Kathryn Bell staff writer

The process of giving blood takes about one hour.

Steps include registering, On Dec. 18 Wash- iron testing, and the actual ington students had the retrieval of blood. Cookies opportunity to save three and juice were provided to people with one donation all donors because sugar of blood through a blood levels decrease after givdrive sponsored by Adastra, ing blood. However, some Washington’s chapter of the students were more affected National Honor Society. than others.

With an original goal “Being around the nursof 140, the blood drive es all day was really cool attracted 220 ,” said Adastra donors. Low secretary, Haniron and other nah Rosenthal, variable fac‘07. “It was a tors prevented lot of work but some donations, it was worth it.” but still left 20 Many nurses people on standdrove about by to donate. two hours just Hansen “Some people could to help out with the do a double blood dona- drive since Washington tion which can save six didn’t have quite enough. people. It’s really amaz“It gives you a really ing,” said Adastra presi- good feeling knowing dent, Maddie Hansen, ‘07. that ten minutes of your The donated blood stays in time could save someone’s the area, making an even life,” said Adastra treasurgreater community impact. er , Laura Socwell, ‘07.

WHS debate riding high Madeline Lederer staff writer

events, coach, Pete Clancy, has seventh hour discussions with freshmen. All debaters Washington’s debate sea- must also turn in evidence son is “on the ups,” said updates, to make sure they coach Warren Sprouse. know what’s happening.

The team recently won the The two debate captains Dowling Tournament in are Corey Stone, 07, and Des Moines, and Patrick Reynolds, spirits are high 07. At competifor upcoming tions, there are competitions. two divisions, “We started in Novice Debate mid-September for freshmen and and have done Varsity Debate 10 tournaments’, for sophomores, s a i d Sp r o u s e . juniors, and seSprouse “Our season right now is niors. For national compeat the halfway point; we titions, typically one team have nine more trips left.” of two people will attend, Some topics of debate but for state competitions, have included positions on up to six teams will attend. the Peace Corps and military “It’s early to say, but this seadraft. To keep debaters up to son is certainly comparable to date with all of these current previous years,” Sprouse said.

News Caffeine takes a toll on Washington High School’s s t u d e n t s

January 26, 2007

Coin drive provides hope Washington students, faculty rally to help family in need Lauren Glantz staff writer This holiday season, the students of Washington High School discovered it truly is better to give than receive after presenting two of their class mates, Lewi Manirumva and Liberio Niyiragira, with a $3,700 check in efforts to relieve their family of a new financial burden.

Lewi and Liberio’s family was involved in a serious car accident in late November, while traveling home from visiting their relatives in Chicago. The injures their parents suffered forced them out of work, causing financial distress on the family.

Following the accident, Washington’s Student Senate organized a school wide coin drive in order to lend a hand to Lewi and Liberio’s family. Beginning Dec. 4, each teacher was given a bag decorated by members of Student Senate, which was to sit in their rooms allowing students to drop excess change in there daily.

Student Senate collected the money several times throughout the coin drive.

Two weeks later on Dec. 18 the change was collected as a whole and counted by members of the Student Senate.

Va r i o u s Wa s h i n g ton High School teachers were asked to dress up if the coin drive raised their personal pledge amounts.

Teachers agreed to dress up in costumes chosen by members of Student Senate.

With that goal in mind, students at Washington were eager to begin donating. When the money was counted at the end of the two weeks, students were pleased to find out that with the help of Washington families,

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Find out how Washington students feel about their jobs

photo compliments of Monument

DOING HIS BEST DINOSAUR IMITATION IS Bill Desmarais, science teacher. Faculty members dressed in various costumes as motivation for Washington students to donate money to the coin drive. The total amount raised was $3,700.

I-JAG bake sale and Luther College’s Christian organization, they had exceeded their goal and raised $3,700.

Money continued to flow in even after the coin drive was done. Students were eager to witness their teachers in disguise, but most importantly pleased to see they were able to help their fellow classmates.

On Dec. 20 students and staff gathered in the Washington gymnasium for the revealing ceremony of both the money and the costumes.

There, they witnessed Mr. Schlict in a clown costume, accessorized with a butterfly net (of course). Mr. Schnoebelen and Ms. Carter disguised as Washington cheerleaders. Dr. Plagman and Mr.

Focus Healthy ways to have a balanced and nutritious diet

Cruise both showed off their colorful new green and red hair color. Mr. Jans dressed as a biker accompanied Mr. Witte dressed as a member of Kiss. But the most memorable teacher of all, admitted many Washington students, was the infamous Mr. Yuska, who was dressed as a woman.

Following a tremendous amount applause and laughter came the real reason for the assembly. Student Senate members, Brittany Jo Welsch, and Brittany Quaid, both ‘09, presented Lewi and Liberio with the $3,700 check. After receiving the check, both Lewi and Liberio graciously thanked the Washington community, which brought Washington’s

Sports Bowling team strives for a competitive season at Washington

students and staff to their feet in a standing ovation.

The assembly for Lewi and Liberio was well advertised by local places like the Gazette and Channel 9.

The money was put into the hands of the Kusa Idea.

The Kusa Idea is an organization that will keep the families money until they find specific needs. Kusa Idea is a tax-free exempt organization which seeks to finance expenses such as rent, medical costs, car payments, and other basic costs for various amenities.

Many WHS students agreed that the coin drive was very successful and allowed Washington High School to positively give back to our community.

A&E Test your entertainment IQ in Arts and Entertainment

2

News

1.26.2007

Baking club mixes, stirs up WHS Auna McDowell staff writer Washington High School is packed with students during school hours, but the hustle and bustle doesn’t end with the school day.

Wash students have formed many different afterschool clubs which appeal to a variety of student interests. Sophomores Roland Har t and John Made have recently started W a s h i n g t o n’s B a k i n g C l u b .

Baking Club is opened to any students with an interest in cooking. The club is not exclusively for baking. Any kind of food is acceptable to cook or eat.

“We just call it Baking Club because that sounds cool,” said Hart.

Baking club was thought of by Made, who was interested in starting a new c l u b a t Wa s h i n g t o n .

Made said, “I have noticed that there has been an absence of home-ec classes in high schools... I felt there

Mary Crumley

SMILING BIG FOR THE CAMERA ARE Roland Hart and John Made, both ‘09 and founding fathers of Washington High School’s newest organization. was a need for a club that would honor the tradition of home economics.”

Members of the Baking Club held their first potluck on Jan. 12 in the cafeteria.

Each member was supposed to bring in one dish

to share with the group. The potluck was held to help Hart and Made discover how many people would be really committed to the club. The club has around 40 members.

Hart and Made are now known throughout Wash’s

Stickle sells, designs Warrior gear Erin Wahle

co-news editor

Take a look around the room. Most likely, there are probably a significant percentage of students wearing Warrior attire.

Although many may take for granted the availability of this fashionable merchandise, many students are unaware of the amount of time that goes into the production of them.

Marsha Stickle, a prominent member of the Athletic Board at Washington High School, has spent the past couple years designing and ordering most of the Washington apparel.

From sweatpants to flip flops, she has been the backing behind the wide variety of goods that are sold at Washington. Apparel is typically sold at football games,

men’s and women’s basketball games, Fall Sports Night, and teacher conferences.

Stickle also makes an effort to sell the clothing line at school one day a week, and as of now that day is Thursday. The most popular items are the hooded sweatshirts, which come in red, gray, and royal blue.

Each new school year comes with new and up-to-date designs. Stickle follows the trends that have proven to be successful throughout the school year and makes adjustments accordingly. She has the ability to order through multiple companies and utilizes the Internet for many of her designs.

“I have had the opportunity to meet so many of the students as well as our great parents at Wash. It has been one of the best things I have ever done,” said Stickle.

halls as the boys who wear aprons during announcements. The purpose of wearing aprons was simply to grab students’ attentions. Hart and Made thought most people would tune the announcements out and never

Staples of book club: reading, relaxing Molly James

staff writer

Almost a year ago, David J. Skorton, former president of the University of Iowa, was named president of Cornell University.

He official resigned from his 11 year post last July, and his position has yet to be filled.

Now in 2007, the university’s Board of Regents, headed by Michael Gartner and Teresa Wahlert, remain unsuccessful in their presidential search, and have made waves with the university’s faculty, staff, and student leaders. Particularly since Nov. 17, when the board rejected four competing finalist, and disbanded the search committee.

In December, lawmakers were prompted to question the Board of Regents, being concerned with the tight policy regarding potential successors. The problem is, those potential successors who are high profile or current presidents of other institutions don’t want their names disclosed until their positions are official.

Currently Hedrick & Struggles, a problem-solving business, is being employed to aid the search for a new university president.

In addition, the trio of Judy Haggard, Bo

Fraser, and Warren Erdman will be appointed to become part of the process.

Meanwhile, it will be hard for to seek state help. Chet Culver will likely detach himself from the controversy to begin his position as Iowa’s democratic governor on a good note. Likewise, former

staff writer

Do you love to read, but get sick of the usual high school literature? Many Washington students do, so they choose Book Club to fulfill their passion for reading.

Book Club meets about once a week and is an opportunity for students to be exposed to new books and stretch their minds.

“Being in Book Club helps you expand your book horizon, and you get to hang out in a coffee shop,” said Book Club vice president Pam Schroeder, ‘07.

These coffee shop meetings seem to be a favorite part of the Book Club experience amongst the club members.

Besides the fun of meeting at Barnes and

U of I searches for leader John Runde

hear about baking club, so they used colorful aprons and spatulas to attract an audience. All of the aprons worn belong to Hart’s mother.

“Her (Hart’s mother) aprons are some of the best I’ve ever worn,” said Made,

whose favorite apron is the one with a red poinsettia pattern.

Hart and Made have thought of many ideas for Baking Club’s future, such as hosting guest speakers to present cooking demonstrations, field trips to restaurants around the Cedar Rapids area, and an iron chef competition where members would compete to see who created the best entrée.

Baking club is also hoping to have many cooking assignments where members will all cook the same type of dish and compare their creations. With so many members, there is bound to be an abundance of food. Members will sample and share food, but leftovers will be donated to local organizations, such as homeless shelters.

Concerning these donations Made said, “We don’t want to have a group t h a t h a s n o p u r p o s e .”

From aprons to cakes, spatulas to recipe books, members of Washington’s baking club are already cooking up a fun, flavorful storm.

governor Tom Vilsack will avoid involvement and focus on his presidential campaign for the 2008 elections.

Lawmakers will also be hesitant to step in, “The bottom line is you have to trust their ability to do some things in private,” said Iowa representative Patrick Murphy.

Noble, members also greatly enjoy the main purpose of Book Club, the books. The club has read a wide variety of novels, including everything from the humorous “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett, to the eye-opening “Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini.

Although this activity seems quite t i m e - c o n s u m i n g , S c h ro e d e r a s s u re s that they do the best they can to allow enough time to read the novel casually.

“We usually try to set the dates far enough ahead and split the book up into sections, so we can have time to casually read it and get our homework done,” said Schroeder.

It’s clear that Book Club does provide a relaxed way to read new and different books.

“It warms my heart to see so many people reading for fun,” said Spencer Walwrath, ‘07,

News Linn votes for SILO Anne Brenneman

staff writer

Washington High School turns 50 years old this year and the building is beginning to show it. However, an upcoming vote in Cedar Rapids could change all of that.

There are 99 counties in Iowa, and 97 counties have SILO. Linn County is one of the counties without it. Linn County will vote for or against SILO on Feb. 13.

SILO stands for School Infrastructure Local Option Sales & Service Tax. If SILO is approved in Linn County, the sales tax would go from 5% to 6%. The extra 1% would go to the schools of Linn County.

For Washington alone, this extra money would go to replacing HVAC (heating and air conditioning systems) with geothermal systems and getting better technological systems that are faster and can acquire more information.

Also with the tax, Washington could invest in new energy efficient window walls on the front and back of the building and new doorway/window combinations.

Even though SILO presents many positive things for the community’s schools, the people of Linn County have mixed feelings on it.

Many people are in favor of SILO, “I think SILO is a good idea because Wash could use an update and 1% more tax isn’t that much,” said Jennifer Anderson, ‘10.

Others are opposed to SILO. “As I see it, the schools are dong fine now.

No need to change them. That would just take money and time.” said Dale Kennedy, a Cedar Rapids citizen.

In order for Linn County to reach all of its goals for Washington and the other schools, it will need $20.6 million for technology and $64.8 million for infrastructure at high schools, middle schools, and Kingston Stadium. $43.5 million will go toward Reduction of Debt Service Levy. This means that $43.5 million will be given back to the community to reduce property taxes. This helps offset the money citizens would be paying toward SILO. However, getting the money for all of the improvements depends on what Linn County decides on Feb. 13.

WHS students chug energy drinks who have a surprisingly strong influence staff writer on hooking others. “You go to Starbucks and feel dumb getting a hot chocolate,” S h e c o u l d n’t c o n t r o l h e r s e l f . says Hansen. Willett agrees, and said there’s “I drank really strong Greek coffee somewhat of a “cool factor” associated.

Willett also said caffeine doesn’t work. “In and a frappe. I was shaking and giddy.

It was crazy,” says Maddie Hansen, ‘07, recent studies, caffeine did not make up for sleep deprivation,” she said. “The parabout her experience in Greece. ticipants actually did worse on tests.”

Cases like Hansen’s worry exShe suggests opening a window perts. Over two-thirds of U.S. for fresh air, going outside or taking teens consume some kind of cafa break as alternatives to stimulants. feinated drink on a daily basis, Adam Hoffman, 07, however, according to the Journal of the said he can “definitely concentrate American Dietetic Association. more” after drinking a 5-hour “The appeal is great,” says Lori energy drink. “There’s no sugar, Willett, a dietician for Hy-Vee. so there’s no crash afterwards,” he As teens overload their schedsaid. Mackenzie Hartman, ‘10, has ules, the need for a late-night used soda to “stay alert and focus stimulant becomes overwhelmbetter” and reports no side effects. ing. The problems occur when The Food and Drug Administrathey become dependent on it. www.homegrocer.com Hansen described a friend who used tion is debating whether to require the amount caffeine regularly: “She tried to stop drink- of caffeine be put on labels. “Kids need to know ing coffee, and would start shaking.” the amount going in,” said Willett. A typical Other symptoms include headaches, Red Bull energy drink contains as much cafanxiety, muscle twitching and dizziness. feine as a typical cup of coffee - 80 milligrams.

Caffeine stays in the system for up to 14 Experts suggest cutting back on your intake slowly or experimenting with dif- hours, according to sleepeducation.com. Conferent teas to curb your addiction. sequently, drinking a latte for late-night cramCaffeine stimulates your body to release ming may mean no sleep the rest of the night.

Caffeinated soda can also increase our risk adrenaline, making your heart beat faster and pupils dilate. Energy drinks such as Red Bull, of obesity by 60 percent, according to the NaAdrenaline Rush, Full Throttle, Rock Star, tional Consensus Panel on School Nutrition.

Rage, and even one dubbed Cocaine are only a Experts are urging teens to find alternatives.

“Caffeine is a short-term fix for a long-term sampling of what awaits teens on store shelves.

Bold names like these appeal to teens, problem,” Willett says. “You can’t live on coffee.”

Kestrel Henry

How do you feel about energy drinks and their “Red Bull gives me wings.” effects on high —Kaitlin Taylor, ‘07 school students?

Duer holds ACT prep sessions for students Jenna Hackendahl co-news editor David Duer, first-year language arts teacher, felt like he was missing out on something.

“Through my work at ACT I was always working with teachers, and as I listened to what was going on in the classroom I began to think that maybe that’s where I would rather be,” said Duer.

For 17 years, Duer worked for the ACT testing company, beginning as an editor and climbing the ladder to become a language arts specialist. “ I would like to characterize my work as a shepherd.

The teachers would write the questions, and as a specialist I put them together to create the test,” said Duer. However, he became bored with his desk job and decided to start a new career as a high school teacher.

While still adjusting to his new role, Duer felt compelled to share his knowledge of the ACT program and test with Washington students.

“(I decided to offer free ACT preparation sessions because) I know everything about the test, inside and out, and I also know that there is a lot of misinformation out there. Students think, ‘This test is out to get me,’ when that is just not true,” said Duer.

The sessions are offered after school generally a week or two prior to he examination. A portion of the time is spent going over the format of the test, then, each day, students take a different section: english, reading, mathematics, and science.

“The best way to prepare for the test is to practice... ask, ‘What works for me?’ to find an individual strategy,” said Duer. The practice tests are old examinations, so students can get a rough estimate of their score and identify areas for improvement.

“I think the sessions help; I hope they help,” said Duer. Students may register for the sessions in the counseling office.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea because if you drink it at 6:00 p.m., you’ll be up all night long.”

—Lemi Tilahun, ‘09

February • 1 - s t u d e n t

p i c t u r e s

• 2 - e a r l y •3-

state

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d i s m i s s a l

large

women’s

group

track

speech

practice

•10- Student Senate birthday bash • 1 2 - e a r l y d i s m i s s a l men’s track practice begins • 1 4 -

V a l e n t i n e ’ s

D a y !

•15- Student Senate officer election • 2 0 -

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1.26.2007

co n ce r t

•24- regional mock trial competition

Quick Facts on Energy Drinks •Common Ingredients: Caffeine Guarana Ginseng

Sugar B Vitamins Creatine

• The most popular energy

drink is “Red Bull,” holding 47% of the market.

•Marketing executives generally target a younger audience, such as students and young professionals.

• Producers claim that energy

drinks will increase physical endurance, improve reaction speed, increase concentration, and boost mental alertness.

•”Jolt Cola” was the first high-

caffeine, high-sugar brand of cola that was introduced in the 1980s in the United States.

“I think they are bad because students should get energy by sleeping more.”

“Caffeine is not a good idea because it hinders athletic ability.”

—Dede Hobbes, ‘07 —Eric Schlehuber, ‘09

ITED assembly honors hard work, advances Tiffany Westrom staff writer The fruit, the candy and the anxiety are all long gone.

It has been nearly 15 weeks since Washington students took the ITEDs, but now students are finally able to be rewarded for their hard work.

At the annual ITED assembly, held yesterday Jan. 25, hundreds of Washington students were honored in front of peers, parents and teachers.

The students that scored in the top one-percent were awarded a trophy for their hard work. The seniors who were in the top ten percent of the national scores for every year of their high school career were given a WHS sweatshirt.

“Our students’ composite state and national percentile ranks exceeded district averages at every grade level.

Plus the percentage of students’ scoring at the 90th National Percentile Ranking or above remained remarkably stable at 25%,” said

principal, Ralph Plagman.

There are only two ways to earn a shirt: if student receives a better score than the score they received last year, or if they score in the 90th percentile. Nearly 800 students were awarded a shirt at the assembly on Thursday. The long-sleeved shirts were paid for by the PTA. They were handed out by all of the counselors and the PTA officers.

“I am really excited about the shirt!” said Phoebe Adolphson, ‘10.

Along with the obvious joy of getting a shirt, there was some entertainment during the assembly. Both Vivace, the freshmen show choir, and Celebration, the junior-varsity show choir, performed for the school to pump everyone up to hear how Washington students’ did as a school on the ITEDs. In recent years, ITED scores have received an increase in attention due to the inaction of the “No Child Left Behind” legislation.

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Opinions

1.26.2007

Kids waste time on computers? LOL, w/e.

Erin Becker

opinions editor

If time really is money, then they’d better recalculate those price tags on computers at Best Buy. The purchase of that new Dell may have cost $700 or $800. But what about the hours you spend sitting in front of the lovely, high-quality flat screen doing absolutely nothing? Reach into your wallet, pull out those $5 bills and put them through the paper shredder. That time is long gone.

Forget the myth that high school kids are so busy, we’re up until 3 a.m. every morning. We’re up until 3 perfecting our Facebook favorite movies list and keeping tabs on the news feed to make sure that hottie from French class hasn’t changed his relationship status yet. For those Cro-Magnons who still haven’t joined the Washington High School network: We know you’re sitting at your computer desk anyway. If it isn’t Facebook, it’s hours of deeply philosophical conversations on AIM. If it isn’t AIM, it’s sifting through your i-Tunes library to create that holy grail “Driving Around at 8:30 on Tuesday Nights when I’m Not Sure What Mood I’m In Yet” playlist. And if isn’t I-Tunes, well, don’t even get me started on YouTube.

The invention of the Internet (thank you, Al Gore) was hailed as the advent of the Information Age. But as far as middle school, high school and college kids are concerned, it’s much more about the flow of idiocy than information. The barrier between the “real world” and the “virtual world” has been shattered. Guys are asking girls out by requesting relationships on Facebook. Tennis tournaments are taking place on Wii instead of on the court. And when was the last time you received a party invite in the mail?

Wait, do they still have post offices? The famed YouTube reminds us that “you can’t text-message break up,” proving there’s still some common sense necessitating face-to-face contact. But the fact of the matter is, this new dimension in our world is here to stay. So pace yourself! Before all that time on “the Web” causes actual spider webs to grow in your brain, take this original Surveyor quiz to see if you’ve gone to the Dark Side of Internet addiction.

How lame are you?

answer Y/N to the following questions

1. You have said the words. “Omigosh, that’ so funny, I am totally putting that quote on my AIM profile.

2. You were unaware that the post office picked up letters from your house. (Fess up, Corey Stone.)

3. You are Facebook friends with people you aren’t sure exist in real life.

4. You once got in an argument about whether it was pronounced “Aim” or “A-I-M.” 5. You carry a digital camera everywhere you go, because “what’s the point of something cool happening if you can’t show it off in a Facebook album.”

6. You have actually quit Facebook before, but re-started your page within the next week.

7. You never call your friends because you can text faster than you can type.

8. You’ve spent more than an hour Googling lyrics, and you’re not sure why.

9. At any point in time, you actually had a Xanga, read a Xanga, or visited the Xanga web site in any form.

If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, you are officially lame and have no life. What? If you’re so upset, go create a Facebook group about it or something.

cartoon by Alex Pearson

Dropping the ball on New Year’s resolutions SURVEYOR STAFF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS Successful as of press time: -Stop cracking back -Don’t die -Run more often -Take vitamins daily

Already unsuccessful:

-Eat healthy food after school -Put toothpaste lid back on -Be a better big sister -Save the world!!

-No cell phone while driving -Drink more milk -Less time on computer -Use a larger vocabulary -More H2O -Eat breakfast every day

Stephanie Steimel

staff writer

It’s already been a month since the year of 2007 began, and I’m willing to bet my pinky toe that the majority of you will fail to keep your New Year’s resolution in the next month.

There’s no need to feel ashamed; this is quite a frequent occurrence. Most gyms across America witness their memberships doubling for the first month of year, only to return to original numbers by February. These temporary members, deemed ‘resolutioners,’ quickly fade out, and it’s true no matter what the resolution is.

Why does the will behind these pledges fade so quickly? The answer is really quite simple. These oaths are not made out of a true desire to change a lifestyle; they are only made out of the pressure society places on its individuals to constantly improve and never be satisfied with themselves.

Most people make resolutions at the start of each year because it’s a tradition that has been implanted into our minds from a very young age. Each year we have to come up with some way in which we’re not good enough and how we can improve ourselves.

That’s why they never last. All New Year’s resolutions do is try to please other people and satisfy standards that can’t ever be reached. A change in lifestyle can’t ever be expected to stick if it’s done for the wrong reasons.

Trust me, I know. I speak from my own personal experience.

Many times I proclaimed a New Year’s resolution that lasted for a few weeks before I dropped it almost entirely. Even if I tried, I couldn’t count the number of times I told myself I would clean up my room more, take the dogs for walks, or practice soccer every day.

However, some of these same commitments I made later and actually stuck to them. I woke up one day and decided from then on, I was going to work on touches with the ball every other day and make my bed every morning, and I did. The difference? The second time around, I made those choices to please myself, not anyone else.

If you truly want to improve your lifestyle, whether it’s by making yourself healthier, dedicating more time to your hobbies, or even just cutting back your spending habits, then don’t wait until the beginning of a new year to do so. A real desire to modify your habits shouldn’t wait or come at a time when we feel we’re required to change.

If you’re going to eat healthier, get more sleep, or stop smoking cigarettes, then just do it. Putting it off till the new year does nothing but reveal that it’s not a change you’re truly committed to making. There’s no rule saying you need to change, that what you’re doing and how you are isn’t perfectly fine and acceptable.

So if you don’t feel like you need to make an improvement, then don’t lie to yourself and make some promise that you won’t keep and will just make you feel even worse when it falls through.

The beginning of a year is really not more special than any other day of the year. We shouldn’t feel the need to make some false resolution.

All you’re really doing is helping the gym owner make a quick buck.

If you’re going to eat healthier or get more sleep, then just do it.

Opinions

1.26.2007

5

Three cheers for senior year without beer Sam Moorman

staff writer

Graduation’s drawing near and it’s time to make this last year count.

With the days passing us by, time is running out for seniors. So we’re now crunched for time to make those final memories and take as many pictures as humanly possible.

The pictures will come in handy next year and this year.

They’ll be nice next year to have so you can remember all of your friends that you parted ways with after high school.

They also seem to be serving a more practical purpose to some of our seniors now: the ones who spent the weekend too inebriated to remember anything that they did.

I’m not sure I fully grasp the concept of getting trashed every opportunity you get your senior year. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems a bit stupid to have to rely on photographs to tell me what I did last Saturday night.

Whatever, it’s senior year. The unmatched activity of our

choice is drinking and everyone knows that it’s not fun to drink unless you get drunk. What would be the point of just drinking a few, when you can have a whole case? Why stop at beer anyway, you’ve got vodka too and drinking games to go along with it.

Awesome! That’s my idea of a perfect weekend. Drinking to a point where I’m not aware of anything I’m doing, waking up not sure what I did, where I did it, who I did it with and possibly how much trouble I got myself into. You can’t top that type of weekend.

Waking up with a wicked hangover, face down in your own puke doesn’t appeal to me for some reason. It’s possible it makes perfect sense, though, and I’m just not getting it.

“We’ve got to make as many memories as possible this year, so let’s go get trashed and not remember it tomorrow morning!” Clearly that’s the unofficial motto of our class.

What does it matter though? It’s senior year. It’s one of the privileges we get. It’s our last year in high school. It’s not stupid

at all. It’s only illegal to drink when you’re under 21; do we have seniors at Washington who are 21 or over that I’m not aware of?

For the seniors under 21: it’s not like you’re running any risks, you might just be having a few beers with friends. Harmless fun – it’s nothing to get bent out of shape over. Never mind that you or the person driving you home is under the influence as long as you had a great time.

It’s not like studies have shown that driving under the influence affects your ability to control a vehicle. Not a bit. In fact, it’s possible we’re better drivers when we’re drunk than when we’re sober. I suppose that works if you equate good driving to running into trees.

But whatever. We have too many trees in Cedar Rapids anyway; taking a couple out isn’t going to hurt anyone.

If anything, we’re doing a service to our city. We’re cutting down on the labor costs. We’re heroes; we should get medals for driving drunk and doing such good deeds.

It’s senior year so pass the vodka!

It seems a bit stupid to have to rely on photos to tell me what I did last Saturday night.

Warrior Opinions

Letters To The Editors

Bush’s New Iraq Plan “The only way to get as many troops as Bush wants is to reinstate the draft, which would make the war more real to every American family.”

-Jenny Titus, ‘09 “We need to get out [of Iraq] and in order to do that we need to resolve the situation, which sending more troops will do.”

-Troy Reilly, ‘07 “Sending thousands of troops to Baghdad will incite more sectarian violence, so it won’t resolve the issue at all.”

-Greg Hansen, ‘08 “It’s sort of ridiculous how he’s throwing a whole bunch of new troops in there. But Bush is sort of cornered now... we’ve sort of dug ourselves a hole.

-Connor O’Neil, ‘10 “Bush has no right to take any action after all his denials and contradictions. Right now we just need him to step down.”

-Justin Winkel ‘09 “I think it’s a little ridiculous, because now I have friends who are getting sent over earlier than expected, and I don’t think it will help.”

-Melanie Jonas, ‘07

Advice to younger class proves useful I am writing in response to an article published in Surveyor, September 2006.

I really enjoyed the article written by Erin Becker addressing the incoming freshmen, class of 2010, titled “High school for dummies: eight easy steps.”

I enjoyed the article because it had good advice from an upperclassman about things freshmen, like myself, should know but may have been afraid to ask.

She made some very good points about things we should be doing right now to ensure we get everything possible out of our high school “experience,” both academically and socially. It was very helpful to hear advice and opinions from her because I realized she was once in my shoes.

Some things she said may have seemed obvious to some, but it is still very important to hear many times so freshmen realize how important and helpful her advice to us really is!

I am sure there are some who would not admit it, but the article was indeed very

helpful to the freshman class. I was very thankful to be able to read and learn from it!

-Mallory Williams, ’10

Surveyor serves WHS students well During the school year, the school paper, Surveyor, has published some really nice articles. Last month, it included an article about the ITEDs that I thought was really interesting. I liked how much information it had about how these tests affect us other than having little homework and received a T-shirt.

Another article was about how pop affects students during the school day. Again, I enjoyed the extra information that people usually overlook. I liked how the article compared a day with pop in school and a day without it. It had many minor parts that kept my attention better than other articles I’ve read. I also like how many student surveys they add in the paper, and I’ve heard others voice the same opinion. Overall, my opinion is very positive; the Surveyor is a very good way to find out what is going on.

-Lauren Kelley, ’10

I enjoyed the extra information that people usually overlook.

ROSES Thorns &

-To Francis McMann, for making a deadline for asking your date to prom.

Adequate time for dress shopping is always appreciated!

-To Beyonce, for making the left “Irreplaceable.” Tough luck, righthanded folks.

-Passing the halfway mark in the school year. It’s all downhill from here... in ease, hopefully, not in grades.

-To snow. We didn’t have a white Christmas, but might just have a white Valentine’s... and a few 2-hour delays?

-To sick season. Pass the anti-viral Kleenex and the cough drops!

-To the newly locked doors in school.

Explain how locking a glass door is going to keep a heavily armed band of violent criminals out of WHS? -To TV in general. Let’s count the ways it has let us down: 1. Long breaks in the best ABC shows between new episodes.

2. Goodbye, CBS on Mediacom.

3. “The OC” stops mid season, and teenage girls in Iowa thank God they still have McDreamy.

6

1.26.2007

Opinions

Attention future rappers...

Kalese Henry

staff writer I have a great new idea for music, guaranteed to make me millions and to lift the spirits of listeners everywhere.

What’s my innovation? I am going to sing a monotonous tune and swear instead of using lyrics. Isn’t that fresh and new? Won’t it shock everyone who hears it, shame the establishment, generate legions of teenage followers, and prove that I am an edgy new talent? What could be more original than spewing obscenities and calling it a song?

The iTunes virtual aisles are packed with language that ranges from “questionable” to “lamentable” to “would smoke grandma’s ears off.” There is wonderful freedom to listen to whatever you choose in this country, even things that would cost you a hand in some other countries. I find myself asking, though, what is the fascination with writing words that turn off a large chunk of potential buyers and are so banal they give the word cliché a bad name?

Does the use of obscenities make the music more uplifting, raising the listener to new heights? This might be true if you aspire to be a foul-mouthed cop killer.

Does it relax? Perhaps it does if you enjoy dozing off to four letter words. Does it educate and provide meaning and insight to live by? Move over, Great Expectations .

Perhaps vulgarities are supposed to add to the music’s message. This at least makes some sense, since a great deal of the music seems to be telling us what yo’ ho likes (and often it’s not “a pirate’s life for me.”) Trouble is, that particular message has been there, done that since

cartoon by Alex Pearson

long before today’s wannabes were born. By embracing the foul-mouth standard language of pop, today’s music makers have given up “new” for “predictably tedious.”

Maybe today’s lyrics are meant to endear the music to future listeners, helping the music stand the test of time. Think the intergalactic transmission station will be beaming today’s tunes into the universe 200 years from now? How about from the local radio station next year? Next week? I can only wonder how Handel’s Messiah managed without a single reference to bodily functions.

More likely, the language of today’s music is simply meant to shock. This would be wonderful, but I’ve got terrible news for all the no-talent rappers out there … bad language lost its shock value in back in the 1970s. Ask your grandpa. It has been decades since the first ground-breaking musicians had their Eureka moment, realizing that “I can swear, therefore I can sing.”

Perhaps four-letter words in music are not meant to be any of these things, but rather only to express contempt for society. This position is at least defensible, but tiresome and monotonous grunts of “F-bombs” do not raise contemporary artists to the same level as contempt expressers of the past. At one time it was considered necessary to actually have a thought about something before showing disdain.

Perhaps they are just using words they can spell, but today’s performers skip the reflection on a topic and just spew at it.

Do you think the mega-rich pop singers of today will express their contempt for society without resorting to profanity any time in the near future? Do you think that an unpaid writer at a school newspaper could express her contempt for their boring and worn-out lyrics without the use of vulgarities? Wait … I just did.

Borat movie is strictly entertainment...NOT! staff editorial “ Ver y nice” and “I like” are this year’s hottest catchphrases. People across the country are speaking with a Kazakhstan accent imitating Borat Sagdiyev, the fictional journalist from the movie Borat.

Not only is the film a smash comic hit that has people praising Sacha Baron Cohen, the man behind the moustache, as a comic genius, it is also a scathing insult to much of American society. Even though Cohen’s interviews are meant primarily for comic purposes, they are also very revealing.

The insights into the highs and lows of US culture are commendable for exposing the faults in America’s moral fiber.

Borat has found a way to make Americans incriminate themselves to the public by saying outrageous comments that

SURVEYOR EDITORIAL POLICY Surveyor is established as a school-sponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining its readers. It is published nine times each school year by students enrolled in the Journalism Laboratory class at Washington High School, 2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403. The staff will report as fairly and objectively as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the staff’s best ability. Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics and Criteria of a Gold Newspaper of the Associated Press Managing Editors Association 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 opinion of the Surveyor staff and the Washington High School community.

Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials. Surveyor also welcomes any letter to the editor, provided that: 1. It is not libelous or obscene 2. It explains the material clearly 3. It is not longer that 300 words 4. It is signed.

have been a part of American culture for a long time, but have never been brought so mainstream. For instance, when Borat enters a gun store and asks for the best weapon to kill a Jew with, we would hope that the clerk would tell him that with a motive such as that he cannot sell him a weapon. Instead, the clerk enjoys the question and refers him a nine millimeter or a shotgun. What has this country come to, when citizens don’t have enough conscience not to sell guns to potential murderers?

The fact that the country needs a fictional television journalist to bring these flaws to the public attention is appalling. In a day and age when society is supposed to be more tolerant than ever, hearing Americans saying that they would like to eradicate all homosexuals shows how far we still have to go. We fought World War II to stop Hitler who wanted to accomplish these very same tasks. Destroy diversity and have one common race?

To hear countrymen 50 years later spreading the same message is disheartening. I guess the notion that society has evolved to become more tolerant than ever before is just a façade.

Even more disturbing is to see the flames of racism still popping up in the country. One of the worst scars in America’s history is racism. We have been fighting for civil rights throughout many decades and to see people still with these backward views is disgusting. With the recent holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we have seen the progress the country has made with the civil rights movement but, as Borat shows us in skit after skit, there is still more room to improve.

While Borat as a comedy was “very nice,” the more worthwhile efforts of the film are to point out the faults America still has, and how much room there is to improve before we are truly a tolerant nation.

SURVEYOR STAFF

James McMenimen, Editor-in-Chief

Cassandra Albert, Profiles Editor

Erin Becker, Opinions Editor

Katrina Houmes, Business Mgr.

Erin Wahle, Co-News Editor

Staff

Jenna Hackendahl, Co-News Editor

Meredith Bell, Sports Editor

Rebecca Dennis, Co-Focus Editor

Jackie Albrecht, A&E Editor

Anne Sullivan, Co-Focus Editor

Eleanor Vernon, Back Page Editor

Miranda Bernstein, Mary Crumley, Photo Editors

Fatima Wagdy, Back Page Editor

Emily Penningroth, Asst. Ed. Brent Gasway Laura Hart Kalese Henry Lauren Glantz Stephanie Steimel Kristina McLaughlin Molly Parker Aunna McDowell Maddy Halyard Megan Hartman Lauren Glantz Aunna McDowell Sam Moorman Emily Kopec Laura Seyfer Kathryn Bell Anne Brenneman Kestrel Henry Molly James Madeline Lederer Keile Wahle Tiffany Westrom Alex Pearson (Art) Megan Barnes (Photo) John Runde (Web)

Adviser Steve Riley

Profiles

1.26.2007

7

Get the BEST for your BUY Facts of Best Buy Surveyor gets inside from employees scoop of

benefits, negative aspects of working at Best Buy Tiffany Westrom

staff writer

With the after-Christmas lull upon us, many Wa s h i n g t o n H i g h S c h o o l s t u d e n t s h a v e t a k en it upon themselves to earn a little extra money.

There are tons of jobs in the area for youth to find work, but a good percentage of those jobs are considered just average or a dread to do. But a group of Washington High School students have found an enjoyable place to work that they love.

Best Buy is a popular place to work for Washington students. Most of the students who work there started because some of their friends work there.

“It’s a really fun job, and you get the chance to learn a lot.

The people who work there are also really fun, and it makes

“I love the people there. A lot of funny stuff happens and we laugh all of the time.”

—Stephanie O’Neill, ‘09, DQ

it easy to come to work,” said Stephanie Edmunds, ‘08.

The students usually have somewhere between 5-6 hour days on school days and 7-8 hour days on weekends. Employees are always given a 15-30 minute break depending on the length of the shift.

Employees make around $8 an hour, and they enjoy their discount on merchandise. They pay 10 percent more than the store pays for the product, which in reality, is a great discount from the store price.

There are other benefits for the employees at Best Buy. Best Buy is like a family...they are willing to help you with more than just discounts,” said Stephanie Arndt, ‘08.

It is unanimous throughout the group of Washi n g t o n s t u d e n t s t h a t t h e p e o p l e t h a t a re e m p l oye d t h e re a re g re a t a n d f u n t o w o rk w i t h .

“The repetition and menial tasks makes it boring. Hours seems like years.”

—Benjamin Sines ‘07 Hy-Vee

“I want to be a pediatrician, so I want to get used to being around kids .”

—Trent Buchanan, ‘10, Playstation

1. Average wage: $8 per hour 2. Discount: 10% more than Best Buy purchases the product for 3. Shift length: 5-6 hours on weekdays 7-8 hours on weekends 4. Break length: 15-30 minutes

“I get along with all the people there.

They’re all really fun.”

— Conner Healy, ‘08, Cottage Grove

“I’ve met people who go to different schools and get to go to meetings.”

—Jake Vermeer, ‘07 Best Buy

Top 5 places Wash students are employed 1. Hy-Vee:

Free ice cream anyone?

Working at DQ definitely has its perks, according to employees.

-Godfathers -Pizza Hut

Where there’s a helpful smile in every Rate of Happiness aisle?

Hy-Vee may want to reconsider their slogan. According to Wash students employed at Hy-Vee, it is not an en4. Retail: joyable work environment.

-Younkers Rude, Rate of Happiness stressed shoppers can ruin the job experience at 2. Cottage Grove Place: Younkers, but the The elderly benefits help make up for it. people residing -Best Buy at Cottage Grove -Aeropostale Place, along with the staff make it a Rate of Happiness friendly work environment.

Rate of Happiness

5. With Children

3. Restaurant business

-Dairy Queen

-Playstation

Who said children were angels? Whining children and de-

manding parents make working at the Playstation miserable -Nanny -Swim Instructor

Rate of Happiness compiled by Cassandra Albert Answers were based on student surveys distributed by the Surveyor

Do Wash students enjoy their jobs?

8

1.26.2007

Profiles

Vance soars above rest after completing Ground School, receiving pilot license Kathryn Bell

staff writer

No, it is not a bird, nor a plane. In fact, it’s Tyler Vance, ‘07, flying an airplane.

“It’s not like being in a boat, a car, or in a train, and it’s not scary,” said Tyler Vance. Vance has been training to be a certified pilot for the past seven months.

Saturday, Jan. 6, Vance received his full license to fly solo.

Ground School was his major focus during the past seven months.

He learned everything there is to know about flying including where the plane is in relation to the ground, land markings, the millions of buttons everyone just wants to press, and how to determine the area of where other planes are flying.

The final test to be a pilot was taken on Jan. 6, and was the toughest challenge for Vance yet.

“I studied the hardest for the test Saturday. It was the most nerveracking of all the tests, but it ended up not to be a big deal,” said Vance.

Ground School was during the first trimester of school every Tuesday night. Vance still flies about two or three times a week, depending on the week.

“I had a best friend who moved away and he was really into flying, so it kind of got me into it too,” said Vance.

Flying is fun to Vance, but there was a lot of hard work along the way in order to get the full license and fun out of it.

In order to get off the ground in a plane, you have to a follow a number of instructions on a checklist so you don’t have a possible crash.

photo compliments Tyler Vance

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S TYLER VANCE AND A PLANE. Posing with pride after receiving his pilot license is Wash senior, Tyler Vance.

Fi r s t , y o u h a v e t o g e t t h e k e y i n a bag at the front desk of the airport.

Next, you get a check list and start to confirm the steps such as the oil, the tires, the wings, etc.

Once everything is ready, you get in the plane and you have the option to either put

on a headset or not. The headset is used mainly for muffling the sound of the noisy speaker in the plane and the loud engine that is running.

“They just dampen the noise.” said Vance.

“The speakers alert me of other airplanes in the area to know where they are and where they

Have your cake and eat it too: Wash students hold Cake Day Eleanor Vernon staff writer Have your cake and eat it too!

A group of Washington High School students have started a new tradition: Cake Day. While Cake Day may not be a holiday worthy of a day off of school, if you have a sweet tooth, it just might make your week.

Every Friday during first lunch, the celebrants of Cake Day gather on the floor next to the door opening to the courtyard and enjoy a different cake.

Regulars of cake day are: Eric Enberg, Wes Keene, Josh Modes, Austen Smith, Alex Taylor, Jacob Roy, Austen Smith, Jacob Wittman and Ben Woods, all ‘08.

The tradition began after Meredith Van Woert brought a home-made bundt cake to lunch for no apparent reason.

The group enjoyed the cake so much; they decided to make it a habit, or holiday of sorts.

“We decided this was

Miranda Bernstein

SHOWING OFF THEIR OVEN MITS AND BAKING SKILLS are Cake day participants. something we should do every Friday so we started a rotation among the people I sit with a few others,” said Alex Taylor, ‘09. And so, out of eggs, water, flour, sugar, and some serious elbow grease, Cake Day was born.

There is only one rule: you have to make the cake yourself.

One Friday, Ben Woods, ‘08,

brought biscotti with a Nutella dipping sauce, while Taylor prepared a triple-layer, chocolate fudge cake with a chocolate glaze for the group. So far, the holiday has been exclusively a firstlunch celebration, “but some of our friends are trying to organize their own Cake Day during second lunch,” said Taylor.

Not into holidays, but interested in baking a cake of your own?

Join Baking Club, a new group at Washington.

Many of the participants of Cake Day also participate in Baking Club which is sponsored by Wash’s new social studies teacher, Eric Thompson.

“Annie Stark duked me and asked if the Baking Club could meet in my room, I was then lured into their maze of lies,” said Thompson on how he became advisor for the new club.

Although Thompson has never been a participant in Cake Day, he did state his favorite cake as a “marble cake with more vanilla than chocolate and vanilla frosting topped with rainbow sprinkles.”

Taylor’s favorite is a bit simpler, a moist lemon cake with vanilla frosting.

While Taylor prefers to bake his cakes from scratch, Hy-Vee may be able to hook you up with a Betty Crocker special.

Watch out for Cake Day at a lunch table near you.

are going to go,” said Vance.

An example of a phrase to alert other pilots would be “Three miles north of Cedar Rapids airport at 3,000 feet.”

“You have to eyeball how far away you are from the place you’re coming from; it doesn’t say it on the plane anywhere,” said Vance.

Saying the distance from the ground is another option when you talk across the speakers, but it isn’t required.

On your practice flights, you just do a full circle around the airport or to a certain landmark and then come back. “ Yo u d o n’t j u s t d i l l y d a l l y,” s a i d Va n c e .

Vance had one just one instructor for the past seven months. Josh Foersch, Marion Airport flight instructor, has taught Vance everything he knows about flying.

“He’s a genuinely good guy,” said Vance. “My parents were also encouraging throughout this whole process.”

“He was a great student,” said Foersch. “Younger kids are very easy to teach and haven’t d e v e l o p e d a n y b a d h a b i t s .”

Most people who take the pilot class are around 20 years old. Vance being only 17 is young to get a license, and he got it in a quick amount of time.

The time it takes to earn a pilot license ranges from three to 13 months. “ Va n c e w a s b e s t a t t a k e offs and landing,” said Foersch.

Though Vance realizes that he will face several challenges in a career of flying, he is hopeful that he can continue his hobby in the sky, or as Vance would say, “the perspective of the world from above.”

Powerade cap collection has advantages: free skis, hats. etc.

Katrina Houmes business manager In stead o f drivi n g to a sporti n g goods store, buying a pair of skis, and driving home again, why not just collect bottle caps by ordering them on the Internet?

That is exactly what Lauren Mitchell, ‘09, did. She collected Power Aid caps during one of their contests.

“I wanted skis. I’m not s u r e w h y, there wasn’t any real reas o n ,” s a i d Mitchell.

T h e Power Aid bottle caps have codes on them that you

enter online and then you get sports equipment.

There is no certain flavor of Power Aid to collect from; they all have codes on them.

Mitchell has collected the caps since the end of November, or beginning of December.

With the help of her friends, she has collected more than 400 lids.

After Mitchell has e n t e re d t h e c o d e s o n line, she recycles the lids.

“I never ended up getting the skis, they were ‘sold out’ on the web site, but I did order 15 hats and about 10 wristbands,” said Mitchell.

“I’m not entirely sure what I want to do with them.”

After a brief hiatus, Mitchell plans on continuing to collect bottle caps and entering for more prizes.

Focus

1.26.2007

Diet pills: Friend or foe?

Anne Sullivan

www.raderprograms.com

co-focus editor

“Diet” and “exercise” are two of the most dreaded words in the dictionary. With weight loss in its all-time vogue, these words are bound to arise. What if there was a way to lose weight without doing any work at all?

The solution is the diet pill and one can see why they are becoming the preferred method of weight loss. As convenient as they may sound, pill popping is not the safest and most effective route.

Diet pills come in a variety of brands, over the counter and prescription. Pills of each nature come with risks of side effects varying from restlessness and insomnia to heart attacks and convulsions. Checking with one’s physician is extremely important in the case of diet pills, due to their

long list of not-so-inviting side effects.

Some dieters choose to venture off the beaten path and select an organic pill variety, thinking they are being safer. In reality, many of these “organic” pill brands are not FDA-approved and may not even contain what is written on their label.

As diet pills will help shed off a couple of pounds, when one stops consuming the pills on a regular basis, there is nothing to stop the pounds from packing back on. So unless diet pills are going to become a permanent fixture in one’s diet, better means of weight loss are in need.

Though they may seem like a quick fix to an obese problem, diet pills probably are not the answer. The average person who loses weight on a diet regains the weight in one to four years. The only true way to keep off the pounds is a consistently healthy diet and exercise.

Risky ‘roids all the rage Kristina McLaughlin

www.slapnose.com

staff writer

Originally developed to prevent the breakdown of muscles, anabolic steroids found their way into the hands of Adolf Hitler to develop his army. Joseph Stalin gave them to Russia’s athletes. Eventually they seeped into American culture, where they continue to pose a great threat to the safety of those who don’t understand their effects.

Until 1988, these athletic enhancements were legal and used by many athletes. Recent investigations have revealed evidence indicating that many of baseball’s popular players have enhanced their abilities through the use of steroids. For Mark McGwire, rumors of steroid abuse may ultimately ruin his chances to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame, as was shown

in the recent vote to induct more players.

There are two types of steroids. The harmful steroids we think of are anabolic steroids, which are used to enhance athletic performance and build muscle.

Steroids function as an artificial hormone, acting like testosterone, which stimulates muscle growth in the body giving users the opportunity to work out more as it rebuilds more quickly the tissues torn during physical activity.

Although the physical effects may appear beneficial, often those chiseled and pumped figures come at a high price. Side effects include premature balding, dizziness, mood swings (including anger, aggression and depression), and aching muscles. For teens, steroid use can create additional problems such as heavy acne or more extreme measures like facial hair on women.

Obesity: A huge problem John Runde

www.rmhokc.com

staff writer

Since adolescent obesity has more than doubled since 1970, an effort to curb obesity is long overdue. In 2005, the Government Accounting Office reported 90 percent of schools sell food from vending machines.

Washington’s own snack menu includes Little Debbies, French fries, Rice Krispie Treats.

Starting this school year, the vending machines are closed off to students from 11-1. In addition, the cafeteria staff is required to supplement main meals with healthy sides, like fruit.

Along with Iowa, Indiana and Mississippi are among the 20-odd states to reevaluate their definition of school nutrition.

However, the more telling facts of obesity are psychological. A survey showed obese

children rate their quality of life the same as young cancer patients. Due to depression and exclusion, other studies report obese children will struggle with college acceptance, marriage, and their careers.

Social isolation is a prime result of obesity. A study in 2001 asked children to rank six drawings of kids who were obese, disabled, or no disability by how well they liked each one. The drawing of the obese child was always liked the least.

In the fall of 2004, the Academy of the Sierras in California opened as the world’s first boarding school for overweight kids. Their approach to diet, exercise, and mindset has become the country’s most effective weight lost program. Due to the success of AOS, a second academy in North Carolina is set to open in 2007.

9

How To... not get sick If it is too late and you think you’ve caught a cold, try zinc lozenges.

Don’t borrow pens or pencils from your classmates. You don’t know what germs they have.

Carr y hand sanitizer in your backpack. A small container of Purel is no more than a dollar.

Load on the layers before heading outside. Being cold weakens your immune system.

Keep your exercise level up, despite the cold. It strengthens your immune system.

Take your vitamins.

Getting your necessary nutrients is most important this time of the year.

Keep your hands off your face. Your eyes, nose, and mouth are most susceptible to viruses.

If you usually get sick in the winter, try getting a vaccination. It reduces the risk of infection up to 80 percent.

Avoid the drinking fountains. You never know how close some people get to the nozzle.

If you notice someone coughing, keep your distance. Sneezing and coughing can travel up to six feet.

The myth holds true: eat chicken noodle soup religiously. Its ingredients give you a healthy boost.

Tips compiments of January 2007 Self magazine.

10

Focus

1.26.2007

E.coli scare Rebecca Dennis

co-focus editor

Beginning at the close of November 2006, 39 official cases of an e.coli infection were reported. The source of the bacteria outbreak was found to be the green peppers at a Cedar Falls’ Taco John’s chain. The restaurant has since stopped serving the vegetables.

While e.coli is typically harmless, the past year has witnessed numerous occurrences of the bacteria throughout the country, including Iowa. Certain strains of the bacteria potentially cause bloody diarrhea. However, other common symptoms include stomach cramps, a fever, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, paralysis or death.

Typically, the bacteria reside in intestines and provide many essential vitamins. If the bacteria in animal feces is exposed to meat and then undercooked, it can provoke an infection if consumed. However, it can also appear on vegetables such as lettuce and spinach.

Such was the case in September 2006. Contaminated spinach resulted in 199 infections, three deaths and 31 kidney failures.

Found in 26 different states, the strain of e.coli was resistant to the normal washing of vegetables and potentially fatal. In fact, the FDA advised the public to avoid eating all bagged spinach.

To avoid a painful illness, it is wise to avoid p i n k g r o u n d b e e f, re f r i g e r a t e l e f t ov e r s i m m e diately and avoid questionable drinking water.

The Good The YMCA

Not only is the YMCA a hot spot for Wash students after school, it also has machines for every exercise interest. If you’re under 18, membership costs only $11 a month. Also, a variety of free classes, a heated swimming pool, and a steam room are available to members.

Lots of water

Due to the fact that all cells need water to function and most of your body is water, it’s no wonder eight glasses a day is recommended. It keeps your energy level high and prevents illnesses. Many people consume more than the recommended amount by water-based foods, such as fruit.

Ban trans fat

Rebecca Dennis

co-focus editor

For New York City residents, a step toward healthier eating has been forced of the eight million residents. On Dec. 5, 2006, the Board of Health voted to ban trans fatty acid, better known as trans fat, from all restaurants, from the corner deli to international fast food chains.

This act of health consciousness is just the latest in a flurry of trans fat bans. In an attempt to fight the obesity epidemic, trans fat has been put in the spotlight as a result of its dangerous artery clogging effects. However, unlike other essential fats, there are no necessary nutrients present in trans fat.

Excessive consumption of the fat is directly correlated to higher risks for heart attacks and strokes. The FDA estimates average Americans consume 4.7 pounds of the useless fat each year. As a result, major restaurants have recently started to make amends.

In the fall of 2006, both KFC and Wendy’s switched from a cooking oil that contained trans fat to a healthier substitute. Both McDonald’s and the Walt Disney Company theme parks have made progress toward similar changes.

However, trans fat is not only found while dining out.

As a result of creating an extended shelf life, most processed food contains the dangerous fat. Common culprits include cookies, hot chocolate mix, and deceivingly healthy crackers.

Even as high school students, it is important to be on the lookout for foods containing trans fat. At least until the restaurants in Cedar Rapids are banned.

Vegetables Two and a half servings a day For leafy greens, two cups is one serving. For the rest of the vegetables, like broccoli, one cup equals one serving.

Sweets Not necessary, but let’s be realistic Half a cup of ice cream or a slice of cake is a reasonable dessert. Pass on extras like whipped cream and you’ll save calories.

Dairy Three servings a day Eat six dice-sized cubes of cheese, one cup of milk, and one cup of yogurt and you will meet your dairy requirements.

Laughing

As if you need another reason to laugh, your health is benefited with every chuckle. While dissolving your negative emotions, it also stimulates your brain. It also boosts your immune system and releases endorphins that fight pain. So try to match the average kindergartner’s daily laughs: 300.

Taking vitamins

Most people don’t receive the necessary nutrients in their daily diet, so taking vitamins is important to maintain your health. Multi-vitamins pack a powerful punch with the daily amount of multiple vitamins in one pill. If pill-popping is not your style, vitamins come in many forms, such as gum balls.

Antioxidants

While difficult to classify, it is known that antioxidants aid your overall health in more than one way.

These cancer-fighters provide a layer over the body’s cells and tissues for protection. They are found in many fruits and vegetables, varying from onions and pomegranates.

Done with your homework? Do this worksheet!

Calculate your BMI Count your calories If you had a New Year’s resolution to have a healthier lifestyle, start by getting to know your body. To find out if you have a healthy weight for your height, calculate your Body Mass Index, or BMI. For all you buff athletes out there, muscle weighs more than fat and BMI does not take muscle mass into account. So, do not take these results to be accurate for every person.

YOUR WEIGHT IN LBS

YOUR HEIGHT YOUR HEIGHT IN INCHES IN INCHES

=

703

YOUR BMI

If your BMI is...

—Less than 18.5, you may be underweight —18.5 to 24.9, you may be healthy —25 to 29.9, you may be overweight —30 and higher, you may be obese

To maintain your weight, it is necessary to know how many calories you burn doing nothing, which is your resting metabolic rate.

Once you know that number, it is possible to find the number of calories you need to intake to maintain your current weight.

Calculate your metabolism: YOUR WEIGHT IN LBS

=

BMI<24, use 11 BMI of 25-29.9, use 10 BMI of 30-39.9, use 9 BMI>40, use 8

YOUR RESTING METABOLIC RATE

Find your calorie needs: YOUR RESTING METABOLIC RATE

=

Rarely active, use 1.2 Sometimes active, use 1.3 Frequently active, use 1.4 Daily active, use 1.7

CALORIES TO MAINTAIN WEIGHT

Complients of the January 2007 Glamour magazine

Focus

Proteins Two servings a day A portion of proteins, such as chicken or steak, should be the size of a deck of cards.

Grains Six servings a day Most people overload on carbs because one slice of bread and a half cup of pasta are each one serving.

Fruit Two servings a day One piece of fruit is usually equal to one serving, which is one cup. Thirtytwo grapes is also one serving.

The Ugly Sleep deprivation

With papers to write and studying to do, many teens frequently go to bed past midnight. However, not getting eight hours of sleep causes decreased memory, a weakened immune system, and the tendency to eat more. Sleeping for long time periods on the weekends doesn’t compensate, either.

1.26.2007

11

Surveyor asks: What is your favorite way to stay healthy?

“I drink a lot of water because sometimes people mistake thirst for hunger.” —Jenna Pierson, ‘07

Smoking cigarettes

While taking a huge chunk out of your wallet, more importantly cigarettes are harmful to your health.

They discolor your teeth, cause your clothing and car to smell, and increase your risk for cancer. Plus, they’re becoming more unpopular as public places continue to ban smoking.

Tanning beds

Even in the middle of an Iowan winter, many people maintain their golden tan through the habitual use of tanning beds. However, the dangerous UVA rays tanning beds use are related to skin cancer, specifically malignant melanoma. Not too mention the similarities of some to an Oompa-Loompa.

Caffeine

The most commonly used drug is sold at most stories. It’s caffeine. Causing in an increased heart rate and alertness, it’s followed by a crash including dehydration and occasionally headaches. Some people can even become addicted to it. Moderation is key so limit your consumption.

“I play football and soccer.”

—Lucas Adolphson, ‘09

“I don’t eat fast food very much.”

—Amanda Muehlemann, ‘07

High-fructose corn syrup

This sweetener, comparable to sugar, is featured is most processed foods, especially soda. Some studies have found a link between high fructose corn styrup and obesity, due to its artificial nature. Look for it in the ingredients; it’s found in everything from peanut butter to granola bars.

Students share sweat secrets Wo r k o u t gyms nowadays are becoming as popular as Starbucks, popping up everywhere.

One of those gym rats is Alex Dorman, ‘08, who keeps his body in shape by lifting weights and playing recreational basketball. Dorman exercises four to five times a week. His daily routine includes working his legs, his chest, his shoulders, his biceps, his triceps, and his abs. His exercises include squats, calf raises, shoulder presses, skull-crushers, and hang cleans.

Dorman aids his workout by eating healthy. He tries to stay away from bad foods, eat food with high protein, and tries to take in a lot of calories to help build muscle for next year’s football season. He also drinks two protein shakes a day, one with breakfast in the morning and the other before he goes to bed.

Dorman’s favorite place to workout is at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA downtown.

He also gets a workout in by being involved in early bird lifting at school.

One of the most intense athletes at Washington is John Williams, ‘07. Williams swims for the Warriors and the Cedar Rapids Aquatic Association (CRAA). Williams’ six days a week workouts include lifting, swimming, or a form of dry land activity in the morning for an hour and a half and swimming after school for up to three hours.

He tries to complete 7,000 to 11,000 yards. “ I l i k e Wa s h’s p o o l a l o t b e cause I spend so much time there, it’s like my home now,” said Williams.

Williams’ intense swim season doesn’t stop after high school state, his season’s last year round. In February, he will be going back to practice with CRAA to prepare for the state and sectionals meets. After that, he will take a month off and then continue practices in the summer for CRAA, ending in August with a short break before his fall season.

Williams said, “I enjoy working out because it keeps me healthy and gives me more energy, and there are too many people in America... and out of shape from lack of being active.”

Another Wash student who finds staying healthy and working out important is Madd y Be c k e r. ‘ 1 0 .

Becker is a very dedicated runner at Wash who works out everyday of the week When not apart of the cross country or track team, her workouts consist of running four to five miles. Sometimes Becker also lifts weights or does abs along with running. Becker is a member at the local YMCA, as well, but her favorite place to run is on trails outside.

To acquire the energy to complete her strenuous workouts, she eats the appropriate foods. Some of her favorite food to help her stay in shape are eggs, for its protein, and bananas. Becker is an athlete who believes working out is not only good for the body, but it’s good for the mind, too.

“Whenever I’m in a bad mood, running improves my attitude and helps me feel more energized,” says Becker. “Staying healthy is important. You live life to its fullest and it helps with goal setting.”

“I enjoy working out because it . . . gives me more energy.”

John Williams, ‘07 All stories written by Emily Penningroth

“I go running and am in weightlifting.”

—Abby Varn, ‘10 “We wrestle and we don’t eat to make weight.”

—Connor O’Neil, Ethan Erdenberger, Shaun Welsh, all ‘10

“I eat well-rounded meals.”

—Sarah Novak, ‘08

12

Focus

1.26.2007

Personalize your workout

aerobics YOGA Kickboxing Dance Benefits:

Benefits:

Benefits:

•Increases endurance •Strengthens heart •Increases coordination •Releases endorphins •Raises energy levels and alertness

•Increases flexibility •Eases pressure on joints •Cleanses mind, body, and soul •Strengthens core •Elongates muscles

•Is an outlet for stress •”Fergalicious”

by Fergie •Provides self-defense •”Twist and Shout”

by The Beatles •Total body exercise •”Everytime We Touch” •Increases energy level

by Cascada •Very productive •”Walk This Way” workout

by Aerosmith

Playlist:

Photos by Anne Sullivan

PTA congratulates 9th grade fall Honor Roll Phoebe Adolphson Caitlin Allen Mariah Althoff Jennifer Anderson Erica Arndt Gunjan Arora Christopher Barber Emily Bartels Matthew Bartels Madeline Becker Isaac Behrens Amanda Bekeris Kathryn Bell Alexandra Bergman Cassandra Bertch Alexandra Bissell Joel Bixby Alec Bjornsen Catherine Blades Alexandra Blanchard Anne Brenneman Erin Briggie Katherine Briggie Haley Broadie Stephanie Buckley Susan Buckley Charles Burgess Filipe Camarotti Brenna Canfield Curt Carson Emma Caster Kyia Conway Tracey Cook Jeremy Corbett Cassondre Corrington Kylie Drahn Shayma Elsheikh Julia Emery Marion Epperson Maxwell Ernst Joseph Gallet Joel Gasway Lana Godlewski Cierra Graesch Stephen Gray Melissa Grimm Alexis Guess Isabella Hamby Alyssa Hamilton

Heather Harris Mackenzie Hartman Kestrel Henry Miranda Hill Tayler Hines Alyssa Hoekstra Lauren Hoth Sarah Houser Tyler Hubler Alannah Hufford Alyssa Isaac Shelby Iverson Molly James Abigail Johnson Bradley Johnson Krista Johnson

Sharon Kann Lauren Kelley Joey Kennally Brooke Klasson Allison Knockle Jack Kohn Shelby Kottal Emily Kratovil Madeline Lederer Chase Lehrman Kenzy Lewis Gabrielle Lisinski Mathilda Loeffelholz Andrew Loggins Cameron Loushin Emily Lower

Lauren Manninen Elizabeth Matus Lillian McBride Madison McGrath Morgan McVay Kennon Meyer Moriah Meyer Spencer Micka Sara Mochal Stacey Moore Erika Narhi-Martinez Kallie Nauholz Mark Nielson Matthew Nielson Maggie Norman Marci Novak

Sadie Nunemaker Connor O’Neil Eric Owens Rachel Owens Zachary Owens Zachary Pilcher Trevor Polk Samantha Puk Elizabeth Reichert Andrew Rizer Crystal Roach Rosslyn Roach Kristin Rops Bailey Sande Mary Kate Schmitt Dylan Schulte

Carolyn Warner Jack Shey Nicole Waters Skylar Smith Maria Welch Tambre Smith Margaret Wenndt Hyemin Song Tiffany Westrom Jeffrey St. Clair Mariah Steinburg-GarnerHannah Wheeler Ellie Whiteaker Drew Stevens Daniel Williams Evan Tarkington Jackson Williams Caitlin Thirnbeck Mallory Williams Caroline Thome Jessica Wohlers Spencer Thornton Emily Woods Colin Thorson Banning Young Emily Vander Zee Madeline Young Abby Varn Meg Zmolek Keile Wahle Peter Wang

Profiles

1.26.2007

13

Thirnbeck, Brown, Mescher families learn of their heritage at reunion in homeland Aunna McDowell

staff writer

Many Americans have European blood running through their veins, but only a select few actually have the opportunity to visit the country of their heritage.

Hannah Brown, ‘08, Jon Brown, ‘07, Tom Mescher, ‘08, Joey Mescher, ‘10, Kaitlin Thirnbeck, ‘10, and Tyler Thirnbeck, ‘07, are among these select few.

The family went to Ireland to become familiar with their Irish heritage. They also went sightseeing in London, England They traveled with 27 members of their extended family to enjoy a big family reunion.

The family is close-knit and just being together was their favorite part of the vacation.

Hannah said, “I really liked being there with my whole family because it’s not very often we all get to be together.”

Traveling throughout Europe, the cousins enjoyed spending time together and, in the words of Tyler, “bringing the town to its knees.”

The majority of the trip was spent in Ireland. The cousins spent three days in Dublin and five days in Killarny. The family stayed in a manor house, cottages, and a hotel while in Ireland. The Irish hotel was quite different from American hotels. It was set up in an apartment style with each floor holding one room.

Driving on Irish streets proved to be one of the group’s biggest challenges. The American drivers had to get used to driving on the other side of the road and roundabouts, the European-style intersection.

The students spent their Christmas in Killarny, a small Irish town. The town was decorated much like America during Christmas time. Christmas trees lit houses up with hope, and lights brought cheer to the streets.

However, the quietness of the town on Christmas was quite surprising for the cousins.

Around 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, all the shops began to close. The townspeople all went home to be with their families and go to church, not returning to work until Christmas was over.

Jon said, “It’s (Christmas in Killarny) a little bit more subtle, and it’s more religious. There are more Masses, and everyone’s going to church.”

Ireland was an enjoyable place for the family to stay. Beautiful scenery and friendly people brought even more to their stay.

Hannah said, “People in Ireland are so friendly. They’re more comfortable with meeting new people (than Americans are)...

It was so beautiful. Everything is so green.”

Tyler also loved the European people and said, “I learned that everyone there (in Europe) is just generally really nice and easy to talk to...(Europeans are) more laid back.”

The family also spent time in London, England. They quickly viewed the city from tour buses. Crown Jewels, London Bridge, and Big Ben were among their tourist sights.

When they weren’t out on the streets, the family stayed in a cozy, old-fashioned hotel.

The New Year was brought in with a big bang as the family watched fireworks on London Bridge. Thousands of people engulfed the bridge, and Big Ben could be seen in the distance.

The family met some local teenagers on the bridge, and they all enjoyed singing popular American radio songs together. The London teens shared English stereotypes about Americans.

According to the teens on London Bridge, Americans are known throughout England as ignorant people.

London proved to be extremely different from Cedar Rapids. London is much older than Cedar Rapids, filling it with a rich history.

Tyler said, “London was off the chain...

It’s such a big city with so much history.”

In Europe, the family noticed the differences between European and American

photo compliments Tyler Thirnbeck

ENJOYING THE SCENIC IRISH MOUNTAINS AND PASTURES ARE WASHINGTON SENIORS Jon Brown and Tyler Thirnbeck. fashion. The Europeans dress hipper and are not afraid to be bold in what they wear. Hannah noticed a lot of straight leg jeans, boots, and big sweaters on the European women.

Hannah said, “You never see anyone in just sweat pants.” Jon said, “Everyone was dressed a little trendier than Americans.”

Europeans may have Americans beat as far

as fashion goes, but the U.S. is much cleaner than Europe. Jon noticed a lot of trash littering the city streets and disturbing public restrooms that were obviously not cleaned often.

Despite somewhat dirty conditions, the family enjoyed their stay in Europe. From bridges to clocks, and fashion to culture, a love for the land of their heritage developed in their hearts.

Exchange student finds Cultural Differences comfort at Washington Sweden England Ireland Kristina McLaughlin staff writer Living only hours away from both sea and mountains, life in Iowa among Wash’s extreme school spirit was not among the expectations of Johan Ansterus when deciding to be an exchange student.

Surviving the initial culture shock, Ansterus found it easy to “be new” due to how polite and friendly people have been. His seven years of English paid off, allowing him to adjust quickly to the potential language barrier.

“The first week was tough, but eventually you start to think in English. It’s just hard sometimes to express yourself,” said Ansterus.

Adjusting to several aspects of American life, the most different was the educational system. In Sweden, Ansterus enjoys a more relaxed schedule. Students have a different schedule, including the stop and start times for school much like what American students face in

college. Sometimes school can start as early as 8 a.m. and end by 2 p.m. or start as late as 10 and end at 5 giving them time to come and go as often as they please. The emphasis of the grades doesn’t lie within class participation or work completed during the class, but instead almost entirely on the tests. This gives the classroom a more relaxed feel.

Also rather than the three main levels for school, students go through four different levels of schooling.

They attend elementary school, a middle school and then high school for grades 7-9.

In 10th grade, they attend what they call “gymnasium.”

This is a local school of their choosing which allows them to prepare for their intended career path or major they plan to pursue in college.

Not having the opportunity to return home for Christmas, Ansterus was able to enjoy a traditional American Christmas with his hosts, the family of Caitlin Allen, ‘10. Although not entirely

Quick

2. Hometown: Linköping, Sweden

Government: -Constitutional Monarchy -cabinet that consists of 22 ministers -Prime Minister: Herr Bajsbyxa

3. Favorite food: pasta and meatballs

Celebrity: Marie Fredriksson

4. Favorite Movie: Apocalypse Now

Meal Traditions: -rarakot fried potato pancakes often eaten with lingonberry jam

Facts: 1. Age: 17

5. Hobbies: skiing, wakeboarding, tennis, and playing the guitar and the drums different, Ansterus had the chance to try new foods, but had to wait to open presents until the Dec. 25 unlike the Swedish tradition of opening gifts on Dec. 24.

However, he was sad to miss a unique Swedish tradition of watching Donald Duck on the television wish him a Merry Christmas at 3 p.m.

Celebrations: -Saint Lucia’s Day Dec. 13 marks beginning of Christmas season girls wear white dresses and crown of candlestick

Government: -Parliamentary Monarchy -Head of monarch: Queen Elizabeth -Prime Minister: Tony Blair -cabinet that consists of 20 members -Privey Council that has 450 members.

Government: -Prime minister: Bertie Ahern.

-President: Mary Mealeese -has a cabinet

Celebrities: -Julie Andrews -Orlando Bloom -Beatles -Keira Knightley -Kate Beckinsale

Celebrations: - St. Patrick’s Day A special holiday for Ireland.

It is an Irish holiday that is celebrated with a five-day festival.

Celebrations: -12th Night take down Christmas decorations so bad luck isn’t placed on the house -Harvest Festival they celebrate this in place of Thanksgiving

Celebrities: Colin Farrell Bono from U2

Cites: -Cathedrals One of the largest is St. Patrick’s Cathedral compiled by Megan Barnes facts compiled from W i k e p e d i a . c o m Browseireland.com UKsuperweb.com

14

Sports

1.26.2007

Warriors shoot for two championship titles Men hoop it up with style Molly James

staff writer

Most players, coaches and fans seem to agree that the men’s varsity basketball team record of five wins and five losses so far this season does not represent the team very well.

“I feel like we should be 8-0 with the talent we have on this team,” said Keenan Davis, ‘09.

“We have the best athletes in the whole state, but we have to play together like a team.”

The Warriors have faced some tough teams, especially in their conference.

Their current conference record in 3-4 against five teams ranked in the top 10.

“We weren’t used to playing with each

M a r y

C r u m l e y

JUMPING UP TO REBOUND are men’s basketball players.

other, and we didn’t really know what it took to win games,” said Barney O’Donnell when asked about their games before break.

This str uggle changed when the mighty Warriors defeated the No. 1 team in the state, Iowa City West, 76-67.

“Our best game was the Iowa City West game when they were No. 1 in the state because it was a confidence builder and it showed the rest of the state that we are a contender,” said Malcolm Moore, ‘09.

Davis agrees with Moore, saying, “They were No. 1, and we said, ‘Nope, not in our house.’”

Although this victory instilled a great deal of momentum in the team, the Warriors continue to fight to do better.

“There is room for improvement in all aspects,” said Chad Christensen, ‘09.

“We have to keep getting better and working hard to get to state in March.”

Like Christensen, reaching the state tournament in Des Moines is on everyone’s mind. It will require a lot of hard work, but is very much attainable for this team.

Sa i d Mo o re , “ We w a n t t o b e a state worthy team, and I think we will be if we continue to play like we can.”

“Our goal is to beat both Iowa City teams and go to Des Moines again and do better than we did last year,” agreed Christensen.

Overall, expectations for the Warrior team are high, and the coaches are ready with their game plan for the rest of the season.

“The Warriors are getting better every week, and my goal is to peak in February and play our best basketball near tournament time,” said Rick Williams, coach.

“I can’t see us losing many more games,” said O’Donnell. “We’re on point now.”

Besides working hard and striving for state, the players genuinely enjoy many of the aspects of the team.

“I love the attitude of the team,” said Moore.

This positive attitude is led by the many great seniors that really fuel the players and teach the younger classmen a lot.

Said Christensen, “My favorite part is being able to watch all of our seniors and learn from them. They lead our team.”

Teammates agree that with the seniors’ leadership by the varsity team this year, the men are well on their way to a victorious end of the season.

“I just enjoy playing with a new team, and I think I’ve made a good choice in being a Warrior,” said Moore, “maybe the best decision of my life.”

M a r y

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GETTING THEIR GAME ON DURING A SCRIMMAGE are members of the Warrior men’s basketball team. The athletes play lights-out, both during practice and in games.

Women shoot with attitude

M

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C

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ON THE PROWL is Renesa Smith-Taylor, ‘08, practicing tough defense on powerhouse point guard Andrea Freeman, ‘07.

Brent Gasway

staff writer

Despite the two tough losses the Warrior women’s basketball team had against Iowa City West and Sioux City North, their ultimate goal of taking home the state title still remains in hindsight.

“The team goals have remained unchanged. Get better today. Win our next game. Win the conference. Win the regional.

Win state. All five are still there, and will always be there,” said Mikaela Fisher, ‘07.

Coach Frank Howell, said, “I feel pretty good about our successes so far. It’s good to be at the top of our division and hopefully we can keep staying strong through this conference run.”

After losing big to Sioux City North, the team bounced back against Cedar Rapids Kennedy 73-48, and then Cedar Rapids Jefferson 64-41.

The team’s luck changed in their next game against Iowa City West, ranked No. 11. West went 8 for 16 from the threepoint line, which was almost half of their total points scored. Wash, ranked No. 3 at the time, ended up losing 50-47.

Kaitlin Breitbach, ‘07, said, “I think that it is always hard to lose, but they have shown us that there is always room for improvement.

They also make us that much more hungry to succeed. We are going to practice even harder and now we have more motivation to win the upcoming games. I think that we will rebound stronger because of this loss.”

“Iowa City West played really well. We need to make sure that they don’t get as many wide open three-point looks,” said Howell. “We have to rebound the ball. When teams get second chances they will eventually make you pay.”

Coming off of the loss to Iowa City West, the team defeated Cedar Rapids Prairie 54-44 at Prairie. Kaitlin Armstrong, ‘08, scored a game-high 20 points.

One thing the team has really been focusing on is the concept of desire. Rebounding, blocking out, and seeing the whole floor are a few of the key ideas. They have also kept with the concept that they should improve every time they practice and play, and are continuing to learn new things each day.

Something the team has enjoyed the most this year is the strong support of the Warrior crowd.

At games both home and away, the fans have been cheering large and loud.

Fisher said, “The crowd support is truly phenomenal. We seriously appreciate it so much and it really gets us going and sets an awesome atmosphere. We love you guys.”

“...They have shown us that there is always room for improvement. They also make us that much more hungry to succeed.”

—Kaitlin Breitbach, ‘07

M a r y

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SINKING A THREE AND ON ‘D’ are KK Armstrong and Katelin Oney, both ‘07.

Sports

1.26.2007

15

WASHINGTON ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Representing their sport with Warrior pride Lauren Chase, ‘07 Girl’s Basketball Laura Hart

Taylor Drahn, ‘07 Men’s Wrestling Laura Hart

staff writer

staff writer

Nathan Barnes, ‘07 Swimming Eleanor Vernon

staff writer

The words “reliable” and “helpful” come to the mind of Coach Frank Howell when referring to senior women’s basketball player Lauren Chase, ‘07.

Chase has a few of her own personal goals for the 2006-2007 season that will not only help her, but the entire team.

“Because this is my last year, I try to do everything I can to the best of my ability...no regrets,” said Chase.

Teammates and coaches applaud her willingness for contact on the court, solid picks on offense and her hard efforts.

“Lauren is punctual to all team practices and functions and conscientious in doing the best that she can,” said Howell.

Mikaela Fisher, ‘07, said, “Aside from [Chase] bringing so much height to the team, she also brings her desire to keep going and not give up. ” Before games, Fisher reads a prayer about being Warriors to the team. The team listens to Hope by Twista before every game and before they come out to the floor, they say their famous chant, “Who-Ha, We feel...Who-Ha, feel good!”

Chase has personal rituals before every game as well.

“I like listening to rap and hip hop music because the upbeat tempo really gets my blood flowing faster,” said Chase. It also puts me in the mindset of winning.”

Howell said, “Chase stops by the classroom each morning to check our practice schedule and writes our thought for the day so the players know what it is before practice. She has been very easy to get along with, and I will miss her after she graduates.”

Returning varsity wrestler Taylor Drahn, ‘07, has high hopes for the rest of the wrestling season.

“I hope to qualify for state this year, which will be a challenge because there are three top ten rated wrestlers in my district (including Drahn), and at state, I hope to place 5th---that would be amazing.”

The wrestlers work in preparation to dominate the competition in their next meet here tonight, and again on Feb. 1 against Jefferson High School.

Before games, Drahn enjoys listening to music and “chilling out” because he feels nervous thinking about what he needs to do.

“I always get butterflies before meets--I just tell myself to have fun out there. Alex and I drill and get warmed up together, which gets my mind off some things, and gets me ready.”

Drahn has picked up valued techniques from previous wrestlers and teammates who push him in practice, and also putting extra time into the season.

At the home duals, Drahn and the team go up to the wrestling room an hour before to warm themselves up.

“As a team, we all try to pump each other up,” said Drahn. “We run, do drills and stretch, and just get prepared mentally and physically for the meet.”

Drahn does not plan to wrestle in college, but has plans to go into the Air Force ROTC program at Iowa.

“I want to fly planes someday, or at least get some of college paid for through the militar y.”

The Warrior swim team has gotten off to a good start with the help of Nathan Barnes, ‘07. “[Barnes] is doing very well this year, and is a ver y good leader in the pool who l e a d s b y e x a m p l e ,” s a i d C h r i s C r u i s e , c o a c h .

Winning all but one of their dual meets, the Va r s i t y’s m o s t r e c e n t v i c t o r y a g a i n s t K e n n e dy was by an almost one hundred point margin.

You may have recognized members of the men’s swim team by their bleach-blonde hair and crazy hair-cuts, just one of the traditions the swim team partakes in every year.

“We have a lot of smaller traditions, but our biggest tradition is winning, and we plan to do a lot of that this year,” said Barnes.

As a junior, Barnes placed second at the district meet in the 200 and 500 freestyle, qualifying for state in the 200 and 500, and was also a member of the 400 free-relay team that placed seventh as state.

This year, Barnes shows no signs of slowing down.

Barnes is already ranked 16th in the state for the 200 freestyle and 8th in the state for the 500 freestyle.

Barnes hopes to place in the top five in the state in both the 200 and 500 freestyle by the end of the season and be a member of two relay teams.

The men’s swim team will have their next meet Feb. 2 at Iowa City West, ranked No. 15 in the state while the Warrior Men are ranked No. 2. Barnes hopes to lead the team to a swift victory.

Malcolm Moore, ‘09 Men’s Basketball

Alexia Weaver, ‘07 Warrior Bowling

Katie Chase, ‘07 Dance Team

Emily Kopec

Meredith Bell

staff writer

At first glance, many will not believe their eyes when they see Malcolm Moore, ‘09, a 6’ 7” 15year-old basketball player running up and down the court.

Moore is a transfer student from Prairie and has come to play for our Washington Warrior Men’s basketball team.

“Moore is already starting on the Varsity basketball team at center position,” said Rick Williams, coach. “He as been a great benefit to the team and will help lead the Warriors to the championship. Malcolm is a very positive payer and puts a lot of effort into the game. Curently he is our leading scorer and our second leading rebounder. He has played very well so far and will continue to get better as the season continues.”

Along with being a noble player, Moore is also a good teammate and is enjoying being on the team as well.

“Being on the team is definitely a lot of fun,” said Moore. “We all seem to have a really good time together.”

“Moore is a very good teammate. He has a good character not only on the court but off the court with his friends, too. That’s a very good asset to have in an athlete,” commented Williams.

Some choose the bowling alley as their place of fun and entertainment, while others make it a part of their daily or weekly routine.

Alexia Weaver, ‘10, competes as an athlete on the Warrior bowling team, and has put forth effort in committing and improving her team.

Weaver joins the rest of the team every Monday and Wednesday at May City Bowl and Cedar Rapids Bowl, where they work on keeping their bodies straight and aiming to hit as many pins as possible.

“I go and I have fun and I bowl--that is all we really do,” said Weaver. Weaver was coaxed into joining the team by friend and teammate Joey Kennally, ‘10.

“I think she is really improving,” said Tracie Mooney, coach. “It has been a learning season and there is always room for improvement. We’ve been focusing on the pick-up, and not always on the strike.”

From now until the end of the winter season, the athletes will work on different drills and strategies on how to release the ball and find their mark.

Men’s Swimming Schedule Date

Time

Jan. 27 Feb. 3

12:30 PM MVC Conference 12:30 PM MVC Frosh Conference 12:30 PM IHSAA Districts 12:30 PM IHSAA State Champoinships

Feb. 10 Feb. 17

sports editor

Opponent

Host ICW DH CRW MTN

Meredith Bell

sports editor

Receiving a Division I earning and No. 6 ranking at state, our own Warrior dance team has worked its way to the top of the ladder. Katie Chase, ‘07, has played a key role in the development and improvement of the team this year, as the dancers continue to provide entertainment at basketball half times.

“We get along really well--we have done a lot more bonding activities this year,” said Chase. “It really has helped me realize I want to do dance team at the University of Iowa.”

Chase, along with the others, enjoys the close atmosphere that the team seems to have. This summer, the team enjoyed a vacation together when they traveled for a fun-filled trip at Adventureland.

The dances for the half time shows are all choreographed by LD Kidd, with the exception of the dance competition choreography done by Megan Witte.

“I thin kit’s gone really well this season,” said Chase.

The team practiced every day before their competition, and now have moved practice to every other day during their team season.

Sa i d C h a s e , “ I ’ve h a d s o m e o f m y b e s t e x p e r i e n c e s a t Wa s h o n t h i s t e a m . ”

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1.26.2007

Swimmers dive toward goals Emily Kopec

M a r y

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SWIMMING IN THE ZONE, COMING UP FOR AIR IN THE FLY is Peter Visser, ‘07.

staff writer

As the Warrior men’s swimming team is coming closer to the end, the team is working as hard as they can, so they are prepared for their last meet. The team started with a 6-4 record and hopes to finish strong.

“So far, we have swum pretty well. We have seen some things that will help us out quite a bit by the end of the year and we feel pretty optimistic about our chances for success at the end of the year,” said Chris Cruise, coach.

For the end of the season, both Cruise and the team have goals that they hope to accomplish.

“Our championship season consists of some very hard swim meets,” said Cruise. “We have very good chances to win MVC, sophomore MVC, and to win state. We have an excellent chance to win districts.”

Peter Visser, ‘07 said, “I am really looking forward to state and districts. We should definitely win districts

because we have won every time in the past 42 years.

I also hope to place top two at state. We all have been working really hard and I know that we can do it.”

As the season splashes on, the team takes different measures to prepare for their big meets. This is the part of the season where rest is a very important factor in performance.

They drop the early morning practices, so no more lifting weights. Cruise reduces the yardage in the pool, which is called taper. Everyone starts to focus on the little details, such as starts and flip turns, so they can perfect their race.

“I really like this part of the season. The hard practices aren’t nearly as difficult and there aren’t any morning practices.

That’s definitely my favorite part of taper. At the end of the season I also tend to get really excited and nervous because I know how close State really is,” commented Ryan Phelan, ‘07.

In the championship season there are four meets.

They consist of MVC, sophomore MVC, Districts, and State. The MVC meet is Jan. 27, sophomore MVC is Feb. 3, Districts is Feb. 10, and State is Feb. 17.

Wrestlers worry 8th hour weightlifting little over weight benefits Wash students Anne Brenneman

staff writer

You may think that girls are the only people worried about their weight in high school, but Washington High School’s wrestling team would disagree.

The boys on Wash’s wrestling team have to maintain a certain weight throughout the season. This is so that when they have a match, they can wrestle against someone their size.

In past years, the boys have only had to have a body-fat test at the beginning of the year to determine what weight class they should be in. From there, the wrestlers would watch their weight and lose or gain accordingly to stay in their weight class.

Now, the team has to follow a new state rule. This rule states that each wrestler has to follow a daily or weekly weight loss plan. This plan lets the wrestlers know what they should weigh every day as well as how much weight they should be able to lose each week. The rule was made to eliminate crash

dieting and irresponsible weight loss. Along with the body-fat test, the wrestlers now have hydration testing at the beginning of the year.

To maintain their weight, the boys have to work out and follow a strict diet.

When asked how well the boys maintain their diet, Matt Hatcher, coach, said, “Some have trouble. Moderation, discipline, and mental toughness are key.”

This motto seems to fit how the boys feel, too.

Dylan Schulte, ‘10, said, “Maintaining your weight is kind of difficult. The fact that you have to watch what you eat all of the time is kind of hard, but once you get used to it, it just becomes part of your daily routine.”

“If it gets to be a problem, we move the kid up a weight class, “ said Hatcher, “I think the new rule is good for the sport as far as health and safety. It also eliminates a lot of the weight cutting myths that come with the sport of wrestling.”

Overall, Washington wrestlers feel that the new rule is a good addition to the program.

Brent Gasway

staff writer

Do you feel the need to be stronger, faster, more athletic? Do you just feel the need to get out of gym?

If so, there lies an opportunity here at Wash: students are able to lift weights as a part of the P.E. curriculum.

The class is held eighth hour in the weight room and taught by Frank Scherrman and Maurice Blue.

In eighth hour weightlifting, the class starts with some activities to raise heart rates and then everyone is free to work out at their own pace and weightlifting regimen. Some of the heart-raising activities include ladder exercises and cardio work with a medicine ball.

“I’m taking it to get buff,” said Taylor Williams, ‘07.

The class has two main purposes. The first is simply for kids to stay in shape and get stronger, and the second is to prepare athletes for their specific athletic seasons. Most students training for a sport have a specific lifting schedules to prepare them for the sport they are participating in.

“I’m taking the class so I can get big... bigger,” said Justin Hataway, ‘07, when asked his reason for taking the class.

H a n n a h Va r n , ‘ 0 7 , s a i d , “ My f a v o r ite part is being able to work out on my own terms in a fun environment with friends.”

The class has helped kids stay on track to reach their workout goals. Many students in the class enjoy the regularity of the class and feel that it keeps them on a schedule to keep their bodies in shape.

When asked about the results the class brings, the vast majority of students replied that it was an effective class and has helped them stay in shape and get stronger.

Sarah Kiburz, ‘07, said, “I would suggest it to a friend because it helps you get into shape and it is fun. I feel much stronger.”

M a r y

C r u m l e y

SQUATTING TO KEEP HER BODY IN GOOD SHAPE IS Sarah Kiburz, ‘07.

Bowlers strike victorious Keile Wahle

Miranda

Bernstain

STRUGGLING TO ESCAPE A HEADLOCK are members of the Warrior men’s wrestling team.

staff writer

Whether it be a spare, a strike, or a gutter, the Washington bowlers continue to work hard and keep improving throughout their first season.

Washington bowling is a new sport that was introduced this year. The team is divided into four groups: boys varsity and JV teams, along with girls varsity and JV teams. Each of the four teams has six bowlers and one sub.

The sport is separated by gender because bowling is a sanctioned sport for girls, and only a club sport for boys. Spanish teacher Tracy Mooney coaches the team. The bowlers practice Mondays and Wednesdays at May City and CRVC bowling alleys. The team has a meet every Friday.

Bowling is an individual sport where every man is for himself. Every practice, the bowlers work hard to improve their average score. Their score determines what place they stand on the

team, and they can move up if their average increases.

It does not take a lot of effort in order to join the bowling team. All one needs to do is sign up, come to practices and be passing all of your classes.

“The nice thing about bowling is it isn’t too timeconsuming and allows the students to be in their own bowling leagues outside of school,” said Mooney.

“Our team’s goals and expectations are set low simply because it is most of the students’ first time bowling, we are more focused on learning the basics right now,” said Mooney. The team’s record is 0-5.

Mooney has taken interest in bowling and has been bowling since she was 9 years old. She participated in her high school’s bowling team.

Unfortunately, Mooney had to take a break during her college years, because there was not a bowling alley in sight. She eventually ventured back to her bowling career and is currently in an adult league.

“Bowling is a very social sport; a lot of the members are good friends and have a great time at practices and meets,” Mooney said.

A&E

1.26.2007

17

Iowa’s best clarinet player walks Wash’s halls Maddy Halyard staff writer Countless hours are spent staring at notes and sheet music, accompanied by sore fingers, aching lungs, and a determination to succeed. This is the process many band and orchestra students go through for the hope of a prized chair at the All-State Music Contest.

For many, this dream is attainable, but not at the level desired. However, the story of Tim Colton, ’07, is one of a different nature.

Colton recently made first-chair clarinet at AllState. For those unfamiliar with the language of band, this is the highest honor one can achieve at the state level.

Anyone in the state who would like to try out must prepare an audition that includes a solo piece of choice and two required pieces. The district auditions take place, followed by another advancement for chair placement.

Colton’s placement of firstchair clarinet at the state level ultimately makes him the finest high-school clarinet player in the state of Iowa.

S t e v e S h a n l e y, o n e of Colton’s band teach-

ers, has high praise.

“Tim Colton is probably the finest clarinet player we have had at Washington High School. Tim is a great role model for other students because he does such an incredible job of setting goals and working toward them,” said Shanley.

Despite what many may believe after such great accomplishments, band is not the only activity Colton is involved in at Wash. He is also involved in Rotary Interact, Adastra, Momentum’s backup band, and still finds time for clarinet and saxophone lessons.

Colton has been musically involved since sixth grade.

“I like playing together with the band, and the best part is working hard at our final concert. We’re getting some pieces together for IBA (Iowa Band Association) and those sound really nice, which is satisfying,” said Colton.

Colton’s best band experience in high school was the All-State contest of 2006.

“It was great because I did get a high chair placement, but it was also a weekend of hanging out with my friends.

It’s sort of a big party.”

This is just one demonstra-

Megan Barnes

PRACTICING HIS CLARINET AFTER A WIND SYMPHONY REHEARSAL IS Tim Colton, ‘07. Colton has been a member of Wind Symphony for four years. tion of how band is also a large social aspect of Colton’s life.

“I met most of my friends in band and am still really good friends with them,” said Colton. “Band is a chance to have one class period with a bunch of people who I’m good friends with every day and also get to do stuff out of school with them. We

usually go on trips every year and that’s a lot of fun, so it’s definitely a social thing.”

Despite his great achievement at the All-State competition, Colton’s favorite memory of band was the last marching band show of the year in Ankeny.

“It was exciting to go out there and per form

for the last time, and we a l s o d i d r e a l l y w e l l .”

Shanley also has fond memories of Colton, but at a different time in his life.

“My favorite memory of Tim is not from his time at Washington High School. It is from my teaching time at Franklin Middle School, and I was working with Tim and Patrick Berry in a clarinet lesson. After the lesson, they demonstrated their enthusiasm for marching band by marching around my room while playing one of the pieces from their lesson. I told them they would have a very successful and enjoyable career in their Washington High School marching band, and it turned out to be true!”

James Miller, Colton’s Wind Symphony director said, “For Tim to be sitting on the first chair in the AllState band is nothing short of amazing. We are extremely proud of Tim and his tremendous accomplishments.”

While we wish Colton luck pursuing his musical talents in the future (he plans to continue playing clarinet or saxophone in concert and jazz band), there is no doubt the band room will seem emptier without him.

Q&A Fav. food: salmon Fav. color: green Fav. movie: Snatch Fav. TV show: The Office Fav. music: Classic rock Fav. class: APES Fav. sport: Football Fav. Holiday: Christmas Fav. ice cream: Peppermint

Washington’s show choirs: Revolutionists, Jazz Also settling into swing of things Rockin’ to a stage near you Lauren Glantz

Megan Barnes

PLAYING MUSIC FULL OF SYNCOPATION are saxophonists from the Revs, the top jazz band at Washington.

Keile Wahle

staff writer

Although January is starting to wind down, Wash’s two jazz bands are just getting into the groove of things. The Revolutionists and Jazz Also are working hard and also having fun preparing for their competitions.

“My favorite thing about being involved in jazz band is getting to work with other people who love music as much as I do,” said Pam Schroeder, ‘07.

The Revolutionists are in preparation for the big season to come with their goals set high.

Schroeder is a significant member in the band and musical programs at Washington.

She has been an active member of the jazz band for four years and is currently in the Revolutionists jazz band, playing trumpet.

The Revolutionists, or Revs as they are more commonly known, are directed by Steven Shanley and contains 18 members.

The Revolutionists will perform at the State Jazz Band Festival, Tall Corn Jazz Festival at UNI, Coe College Jazz Summit, NEIBA Jazz Competition and possibly the Iowa Jazz Championships in Des Moines. Depending on how their season goes will determine whether or not they go to the Jazz Championships competition.

“Mr. Shanley prepares us very well, and I hope our hard work will pay off,” said Schroeder, “The outcome of the competitions doesn’t matter as much as knowing that we played the best we could at that time.”

The band goals are to work hard during the pre-season in order to perform well at their competitions. Right now is crunch time; the jazz band awaits their big season and is polishing up their tunes and perfecting their show.

“My individual goals are to make it into Jazz All-State and to be able to hit the high notes in one of the tunes,” said Schroeder.

Auditions are required in order to participate for either jazz band. You must also be participating in band class to be eligible for the horn sections. However, you are not required to be in band class to be apart of the rhythm section.

A unique tradition in the trumpet section of the Revolutionist jazz band is not wearing shoes during performances. “I began taking off my shoes last year, for comfort because I always wore heels, and then it became a superstition that if we wore our shoes, we wouldn’t perform as well,” said Schroeder.

“Our dedication and love to the band and music is what makes it an a we s o m e g ro u p,” s a i d S c h ro e d e r.

staff writer

Early mornings, late nights, sweat dripping down your face as you do exercise after exercise in effort to develop your coordination and agility. No, not basketball, or football. The sweat and time consuming practice is what Wash’s show choirs experience throughout their competition season. Although some may not consider it a sport, after witnessing a rehearsal many would change their minds.

Vivace, Celebration and Momentum have all been working since mid-August trying to perfect their dancing and tune their vocals.

A week long show choir camp began their season. There, they learned the bare bones of their show, and continued to rehearse every other day when they returned to school and either Monday or Tuesday evenings. A fall concert was the first of their performances.

There, they realized there was a lot of time, sweat and sore feet in the months to come.

Practices intensified as competition season crept nearer. Celebration and Momentum had two all-day practices over Thanksgiving and Christmas break. Celebration then continued to practice everyday after getting back from break in order prepare for their first competition on Saturday, Jan. 6. Celebration kicked off their competition season with a trip to La-

crosse, Wis., where they competed at Viterbo University against many challenging varsity groups. Celebration performed seven numbers including: Celebrate, R.O.C.K in the USA, Mr. Pinstripe Suit, All the Wasted Time, Get Ready, Big Spender and It’s too Darn Hot. Celebration left Viterbo with great comments, suggestions from judges and a will to work even harder. “ Singing and dancing are two of my favorite things,” said Emily Covington, ‘09, “and I love the competitions. Being with friends and competing is a great environment.”

Momentum began their competition season on Jan. 20 with a trip to the Milton, Wis., Milton Correlation competition. There they performed six songs including: Hold on, Lightening, Canned Heat, Sunday, Rhythm of Life and Stepping’ Time. Momentum and Vivace will continue their competition season with a trip to Kennedy’s Show choir competition along with Momentum’s largest competition of all, The Heritage Festival. This year the competition will take place in San Antonio, Texas. The members of Momentum will travel and compete over spring break.

Show choir may not be the most popular sport, but it takes just as much effort. The three show choirs have been hard at work since August and will continue until the end of their season. So make sure to watch for them as they rock the stages near you.

Miranda Bernstein

TWIRLING AND SINGING UP A STORM ARE members of Momentum. Momentum is the varsity show choir at WHS.

18

A&E

1.26.2007

Speech Team takes on Districts

‘Noises Off’ takes a trip backstage in February second scene takes the audience backstage during the play, where the audience is able to experience the actor’s feelings. During the fiMost people can probably say they’ve nal scene the stage is turned around again for seen a play. However, most people prob- opening night where Murphy’s Law seems to exist and everyably can’t say that thing that could they’ve seen a play go wrong does. within a play.

“Noises Off ” Wa s h’s d r a m a February 15, 16, & 19 will be showing department newon Feb. 15, 16 est undertaking • 7:30 p.m. in the Aud. and 19 in the is “Noises Off.” auditorium. The “Noises Off ” •Tickets sold week of play c a s t i n c l u d e d is a play about an D a v i d C l a i r, awful English play •$3 for students Paul Owen III, that is done by a $4 for adults Eleanor Vernon, dreadful compa$2 for senior citizens all ‘08, Bryan ny of actors. It’s a C o n n o r, A l e x side-splitting com•Runtime: About 105 Gassman, Madedy that is divided minutes plus intermission die Hansen, Kainto three scenes. lese Henry, Adam Mr. Cervantes, Hoffman, and the director, deMolly McPartscribed the play a l l ‘ 0 7 . as, “The funniest play I’ve ever seen, ever!” l a n d , Tickets for “Noises Off” will be on sale The play is divided up into three scenes. The first scene is set in the play’s the week of the show and will cost $4 for rehearsal, showing how the actors prepare adults, $3 for students with an activities for their big opening. The transition from pass and $2 for middle/elementry students the first to second scene includes a 40-foot and senior citizens. Go support the drama turntable recycled from Wash’s production department by going to see “Noises Off,” of “Les Miserables” three years ago. The and you’ll also be in for a entertaining night.

Molly Parker

staff writer

•

Miranda Bernstein

REHEARSING A SCENE IN A ONE ACT PLAY IS Natalie Keene, ‘07. Keene is a member of language arts teacher Danny Yuska’s speech team. Large Group Speech Districts took place Saturday, Jan. 20 in Monticello. Speech groups spent many hours preparing for the speech contests.

Quick Facts

Who will be Broadway’s next Sandy and Danny?

“Grease: You’re the One that I Want” Genre:

Reality TV

Premise:

A talent competition to find the leading roles of Sandy and Danny for a Broadway production of “Grease”

Channel: NBC

Airs:

Sundays at 7p.m.

Similar to:

“American Idol”

Jackie Albrecht

Q: What do you get when you cross “Ameri c a n I d o l ,” B r o a d w a y a n d p o o d l e s k i r t s ?

A: You get the premise of America’s newest reality TV show, “Grease: You’re the One that I Want.”

“Grease: You’re the One that I Want” is a new talent competition in search of the next Sandy and Danny. America chooses two people to play the leading roles in a new Broadway production of “Grease” set to open in the summer of 2007.

“The idea of this is that Broadway traditionally is a pretty closed shop, and this is the biggest open casting call in Broadway history,” said Al Edgington, the coexecutive producer of the series, in an MSNBC article.

Unlike other reality shows, this one has a real, concrete prize at the end: starring on Broadway. So, the process won’t come without nerves and pressure.

Like “American Idol’s” first round of episodes, “Grease: You’re the One that I Want” will have one or two episodes that have a collection of the auditions. Auditions will be sure to promise great talent, and also sometimes talent only a mother could appreciate.

February A&E Events 2-11

“Cash on Delivery” @ TCR

6-8

“The Producers” @ Hancher

10

Lisa Lampanelli @ the Paramount

13

Orchestra Concert @ 7:30

13-14

Aquila Theatre Co. presents “Romeo and Juliet” @ Hancher

15

“Harriet Tubman & The Underground Railroad”

15-16 & 19

“Noises Off”- 7:30 @ WHS

16

Tall Corn Jazz Festival @ UNI

17

All-State Speech Festival @ ISU

20

A&E editor

Winter Band Concert @ 7:30

The auditioned round will lead to 55 hopefuls proceeding to Grease Academy, a one week training program. Then the group will be cut to 24, who perform for a live select audience.

Then it is cut to 12 finalists-six girls, six guys-who compete during six live shows to try to become the next Danny and Sandy.

At the end of each live per formance show, viewers vote for their favorite performers.

Billy Bush, “Access Hollywood” co-host, and Denise van Outen, a UK morning show host, are co-hosts on this reality TV show. There are also three judges that will give the performers hints and probably some criticism. The three judges are: judges are Kathleen Marshall, Dean Hendler and David Ian. Bush said that “Grease” is “the original high-school musical, a story that’s endured forever. ... It’s just a classic and I knew with a prize this big, people to win the lead roles on Broadway, it had to be a hit, and it had to be a lot of fun! I think it could be really, really, really, really exciting.”

This show sounds like it is just another spin-off of FOX’s “American Idol,” but it could provide some entertainment. Especially, the episodes that have the auditions.

Be sure to tune in to NBC Sunday nights at 7 to see if these hopefuls go together like rama lama lama ka dinga a dinga dong.

A&E

19

1.26.2007

Find yourself singing the wintertime blues?

Indulge in a cool treat at new Cold Stone Emily Penningroth staff writer Ice cream, shakes, smoothies, ice cream cakes. You name it, you got it at the new Cold Stone Creamery on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids. The new Cold Stone opens Feb. 10 at 4701 First Ave. SE, in the new shopping area next to Dick’s Sporting Goods, Red Robin and Lindale Mall.

What makes Cold Stone so tasty and different from getting ice cream anywhere else is how they make it.

Each time you order, they customize what you like on literally a cold granite stone. With over 35 different “mix-ins” (“mix-ins” are any topping such as sprinkles, brownies, marshmallows, candies), and an ample supply of original ice cream fla-

vors you can order anything you can imagine! Their ice cream flavors are something that sets their ice cream apart from any other vender; you can choose crazy flavors from cake batter to coffee.

Did you know Cold Stone has so many toppings and flavors that they can make 11.5 MILLION possible creations? If all the flavors and mix-ins are too much for you to handle, you can simply (or not so simply) choose one of the Cold Stone Creations.

The Cold Stone Creations are some of the most famous and favorite creations customers buy; some of those include the Germanchokolatekake (chocolate ice cream, pecans, coconut, brownie and caramel), the Strawberry Banana Rendezvous (strawberry ice cream, graham cracker pie crust, white chocolate

411 on NEW Cold Stone Opens: Feb. 10

Location:

4701 1st. Ave. NE

Near:

Red Robin Dick’s Sporting Goods Lindale Mall

Hours:

http://www.northparkcenter.com

chips, strawberries, and bananas) or the Birthday Cake Remix (cake batter ice cream, rainbow sprinkles, brownies, and fudge), to name a few.

Once you create your dream ice cream, you can order it in either the Like

It (about the size of a tennis ball), the Love It (the size of a baseball), or the Gotta Have It (the size of a softball). The prices may be a bit extensive, even for the smallest order size, but the quality and taste make the

Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. once in a while treat worth it.

The staff is also very friendly, which can make you want to sit down and enjoy your ice cream at the café-type chair and tables they have in the store.

If you don’t have time

to sit and enjoy, you can order a Cold Stone To Go. The to go containers come in different sizes that can serve up to six people and each tub of to go ice cream is made on the stone, and can have it any way you like it.

Think you’re an entertainment rockstar? Can you name that...

6. I’m king of the world!

TUNES

5. You are my fire / The one desire.

MOVIES

5. Nobody puts Baby in a corner.

1. Anchorman

4. I do wish we could chat longer, but I’m having an old friend for dinner.

2. Borat

4. You got mud on yo’ face/You big disgrace.

3. Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates.

3. Forrest Gump

3. I have a tendency to wear my mind on my sleeve/I have a history of taking off my shirt.

2. What is up Vanilla Face?

4. Silence of the Lambs

1. I’m in a glass case of emotion.

5. Dirty Dancing

1. Everything you own in a box to the left.

2. When you take a sip you buzz like a hornet / Billy Shakespeare wrote a whole bunch of sonnets.

ANSWERS

1. Irreplaceable Beyonce 2. Summer Girls LFO 3. One Week Barenaked Ladies 4. We Will Rock You Queen 5. I Want It That Way Backstreet Boys

MOVIE?

6. Titantic

TUNE?

‘Freedom Writers’: Hard-core, uneducated gangsters transition (one inspirational speech later) to open-minded diary keepers Alex Taylor

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/

Freedom Writers Pros -Has some moments of inspiration

Cons -Characters are pancake-flat -Familiar story line that has been made several times over

Rating

★★✩✩✩

staff writer

Freedom Writers, directed by Richard LaGravenese, follows the story of first year high school English teacher Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) as she struggles to unite a racially divided classroom of inner-city students from Long Beach.

The students are deemed unteachable by the school’s indignant, all-white staff who still grieve their school’s academic decline after the district implemented a strict integration policy that changed the school’s racial composition from nearly all middle- and upper-class white to a majority of impoverished blacks, Asians, and Hispanics. Gruwell begins to implement radical teaching strategies to promote racial tolerance, and is immediately met by opposition from not only her class, but also the other staff, her father (Scott Glen), and her husband (Patrick Dempsey, a.k.a. Dr. McDreamy).

As a part of her invented curriculum, each student is required to keep a diary in which they are allowed to discuss anything. Most students, though, discuss domestic violence, gang life, and poverty. In writing the diaries, the students come to realize their similarities and become a sort of family. At the end of their sophomore year, the students compile their diaries into a book called Freedom Writers.

Sound familiar? Maybe because it’s a true story and maybe it’s because you’ve read Freedom Writers. But that’s not likely. What is more likely is that you recognize the story line because you’ve seen Dangerous Minds or Music of the Heart or Coach Carter or Stand and Deliver or countless other movies. This is not a new concept, and Freedom Writers goes to no great lengths whatsoever to freshen it up. In fact, it capitalizes on the clichés that these other, like-minded movies created. We already know most of the characters,

so why should we be interested to learn about them again?

It certainly doesn’t help that each of the characters are pancake-flat. Every single piece of dialogue spoken by every single character throughout the movie goes towards the purpose of advancing the plot and the individual stories of each character. Screenwriters underestimate the importance of “small talk” in giving depth to characters.

What a character says when they are unconcerned with the issues of the plot defines who they are as people as well as their relationships with the other characters. Because Freedom Writers lacks in this category, the characters are not memorable, and neither is the film.

This hurts especially hard with Gruwell’s husband and father, two characters who feel more like plot devices than actual characters. The Erin Gruwell character is almost as bad.

Her white-girl lingo and naive idealism quickly become annoying; it’s not cute, funny, or inspirational; it’s just annoying.

Some elements of the film fail for other reasons. Over the course of the film, we see a classroom of multicultural gang members with fifth-grade reading levels become a sweet little, racially tolerant family with at least eighth-grade reading levels. Upon first seeing Freedom Writers, I had no clue that it was a true story, and walking out of the theater I never would have guessed it due to the unlikely and lightning-fast way in which the events unfolded on screen.

The film spends about a third of it’s running time convincing us that these students are hard-core gangsters. Then, one inspirational speech later, their loving’ their neighbors and keeping diaries.

Freedom Writers does have its moments, but they are largely overshadowed by its flaws. I would be more willing to go easy on this film if it hadn’t been made several times already. It seems that the American film industry needs a maverick like Erin Gruwell more than American audiences do.

Back

1.26.2007

Blast from the Past:

Yahtzee A Canadian couple invented the game and called it the “Yacht” game because they always played it on their yacht.

In 1956, they approached a toy maker, Edwin S. Lowe, to make a few samples for their friends.

He liked it so much that he renamed the game “Yahtzee” and mass pro-

duced

Average Salary? $5,600

Elvis

20

Page

Inventions that debuted the same time as WHS

it.

1

9

5

1.26.2007

TV remote The television remote first entered American living rooms in June of this year. The Zenith “Space Command,” as it was called, used ultrasonic waves and would be used for the next two months

6

On Jan. 27, 1956 Elvis Presley released the hit single “Heartbreak Hotel.” The song was later ranked as No. 45 on the Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest

Songs of All Time

and won Presley a Grammy and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of F a m e .

GAS? 30 cents

1

9

5

Dr. Seuss Theodore Seuss Geisal, under the pseudonym Dr. Seuss, first published “Cat in the Hat” in 1957, a book that became a classic over the years. Seven point million copies were sold in the United States alone.

It was the 9th best selling children’s book of all time.

Soon after, it became one of the most popular children books in the country and around the world.

JIF

First introduced by the J.M. Smucker Co. in 1956, “choosy moms and dads” have been choosing Jif for over 50 years now. Since then, they have come up with six varieties, including kinds like extracrunchy, smooth, low fat, and others.

Stamps? 3 cents

The Pink Flamingo

I Love Lucy The popular television series “I Love Lucy”, starring slap-stick comedian Lucille Ball, went off air on Sept. 24, 1957 after a six-year run with a total of 179 episodes. This show was loved by America during its run and continues to be played on TV 50 years later. The show was controversial at the time because it featured a white woman as a main character married to a Cuban.

7

House? $17,800

The first pink flamingo was born to suburb an lawns in 1957. The pink flamingo was created to fill a void in American lawns in the 1950s.

Natural lawns were no longer in style - instead the mowed lawns were treated with chemicals and covered with plastic.

This pop culture icon was created by sculptor Don Featherman.

Velcro George de Mestrel, a swiss engineer, received his patent for velcro in 1957. He got the idea from Burdock seeds, which always stuck to his clothes. This revolutionary idea focused on the hook and loop fastener idea. He named it velcro after the French word velours, which means velvet. Velcro is now a registered trademark and has its headquarters in Manchester, New York.

Frisbee The Frisbie Baking Company in Bridgeport, Conn., was popular among hungry college students. They discovered the empty pie tins could be used for hours of entertainment by flinging them back and forth. In 1956, the pan was mass produced as a toy known as the Frisbee.

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