Eagle's View: Volume 2 Issue 4

(VIEW Volume 2 Issue 3 December 7, 2011

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Liberty North High School Eagle’s

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Eagle’s View

CONTENTS 13

Kauffman Center The opening of the new theater in downtown Kansas City; big, beautiful and bold.

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Blood Drive Liberty North students prepare to save the lives of people around the country.

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Tim Harder The talents of a young photographer are explored.

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19 Swimming Lady Eagles’ swim team approach the starting blocks, ready to start off their season.

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OUR STAFF Haley Richardson Dylan Sanchez Ceci Kuron Kevin Page Savana Morrison Cassidy Warne Bailey Reardon Kelsea Graham

Editor-In-Chief Editor-In-Chief Photographer Photographer InDepth Editor Student Life Editor Spotlight Editor A&E Editor

Arianna Skindell Summer Prather Timmy Falleri Katelynn Downey Shelby Grego Jessica Griffith Chris Kandlbinder Ally Payne

OUR MISSION

Opinion Editor Sports Editor Sports Writer Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter

Katelen Permenter Emily Rhew Madi Saunders Cortney Snyder Benjamin Whalen Payton Wolff Brock Mitchell Mark Oyler Jennifer Higgins

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Webmaster Gopher Adviser

Our mission for the 2011-2012 school year is to create a quality magazine that informs our readers as well as provide a professional journalism experience for all members involved. The Eagle’s View is a public forum of student expression.

OUR WEBSITE www.eaglesviewonline.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!

JUST FOR FUN 12/07/11

JUSTFOR FUN TRINIDAD’S TRIVIA

HOLIDAY CROSSWORD

first to turn in the correct answer to Mrs.Trinidad in her office to win a special prize.

Which of these statements is false?

A) Remaining physically fit will help maintain your blood pressure which can add 7 years to your life B) Americans who recieve higher education live on average 6 years longer than high school drop outs C) It is recommended you eat 3 servings of fruits and veggies per day D) Americans who recieve higher education live on average six years longer than high school drop outs

Provided by dltk-holidays.com

MARK’S RIDDLES

by Mark Oyler

Mark returns with more tricky holiday themed riddles. Can you figure them out?

1. What do you call a cat on the beach during Christmas time?

2. What do you call a person afraid of Santa Claus?

3. What do you call an Eskimo Cow? 4. What did the buck say to the doe on Christmas day?

Answers:1Sandy Claus 2. Claus-trophobic 3. An Eskimoo 4.Merry Christmas, dear

Nurse Misti Trinidad retruns with another tricky trivia question. Be the

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ON THE COVER

In recent years, cyberbullying has become a more prominent problem among teenagers. “I personally think cyber bullying is completely immature and is something that people use to fish for attention. I think people need to realize how harmful it really is,” junior Taylor Diggs said. Photo by Savana Morrison.

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FOOD & LIFESTYLE Eagle’s View

THANKFUL VEGETARIANS During the holiday season, vegetarians have unique ways of still enjoying a traditional meal STORY BY CORTNEY SNYDER ass the turkey, the ham, lamb or oyster dressing. Whether it is the main course or a side,

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all kinds of animals gather on the table for Thanksgiving. Veggie lovers, who would rather eat alternative foods for Thanksgiving, ignore the traditional meal.

No matter the food preference, on Thanksgiving plates become suffocated with various food

options.

tastes horrible to me anyway. All I eat on Thanksgiving is bread and ketchup and pickles. Oh and fruit, there’s always fruit to fall back on too,” sophomore Trenton Little said.

Taking away animals from ones’ diet can slightly limit the amount of food options. For vegetarians and vegans a large dinner such as Thanksgiving can provide a wider variety to eat.

“My parents give me a certain amount of money a month and I go to the store and buy orange

“We have a huge family and they all bring sides for Thanksgiving. I usually eat mashed potatoes, vegetables and pasta. Mashed potatoes are my favorite,” senior Jayde Ogle said.

Food can influence people to change the way they look at all kinds of life, for some students that means literally.

juice, pickles, ketchup and bread. That’s really all I ever eat except at lunch I get the cheese pizza and take off the cheese. So my Thanksgiving dinner is nothing special, I put the pickles on the bread, the ketchup on the pickles and eat that,” Little said.

Being a vegetarian, however, can have its own benefits.

“I decided to be a vegetarian four years ago, I was eating a steak and it was all bloody and I just thought it was so gross,” Ogle said.

“I’ve been fully a vegan for a year now. I really just like how Gardene and soy milk taste better then the normal stuff. Then my mom wanted to go on a diet and the best way to get rid of fat is

Several people concern themselves with obtaining too many calories with their meals, but others are more conscience of the food itself, not the amount.

“I can’t eat meat, that’s why I’m a vegan. My dad’s side of my family is Jewish so I decided not to eat pork, then I learned when I was four that I can’t digest meat so why not be a vegan? Meat

by not eating a lot of protein. So we decided to try it and it just stuck with us,” junior Madison Grove said.

There is no real right or wrong answer to what people eat on Thanksgiving, or any other day of the year for that matter. Besides, adding some vegetables to the plate never hurt anyone.

˜ PEPPER JELLY VEGETARIAN JALEPENO What you need:

How to do it:

1 Package of Cream Cheese Jalapeno Jelly with Jalepeno Seeds Any kind of Crackers

Put the Jalapeno in a pot.

Stir on Low heat for a few minutes or until warm. Do not completley melt the topping. Place the cream cheese on serving dish and pour Jalepeno topping over cheese. Serve and eat with crackers!

Health Facts: 25 Calories Total Carbs 7g

From the Kitchen of: Cortney Snyder

India has the number of vegetarians in the world 1 out of every eat tofu and treat it as a “meat-like” substance Anyone can become a and have a healthy, nutrient-rich life without eating meat.

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SPOTLIGHT 12/07/11

TIM

GOES

HARDER

Senior Tim Harder shows a snapshot of his picture perfect hobby

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STORY BY BEN WHALEN

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extremely dedicated to his work with photography.

talented behind the camera lens.

times until he achieved the prefect effect,” said Harder’s

hotography is a common hobby for many, but few people would actually consider it as a possible career choice. However, senior Tim Harder is

not just an average guy taking pictures; he is extremely “When I was younger, my parents would get me little point and shoot cameras and I would play with them all the time,” Harder said.

During Harder’s sophomore year, he decided to take creative photography because he thought it would be easy. However, the class was not just an easy A, and it turned into a hobby.

“In Advanced Photography, the yearbook staff asked our class to take a specific picture. That picture was of the cow in the front of the school and I took it. That got me into yearbook second semester of junior year and ever since then taking pictures has just been really fun for me,” Harder said.

People often have hobbies that they wish could be their careers. The few lucky people who are talented enough at their hobby and get the opportunity to have it as their career feel as if they never work a day in their life.

Harder loves photography and has considered a future career in it.

In addition to being highly talented, Harder is also “Tim always set the bar high in advanced creative photography. He would do an assignment multiple photography teacher, Ms. Harvey. Tim goes above and beyond with his photography.

After visiting the campus last year forJ-Day, a tour and awards ceremony for the best high school journalism staffs inthe state, Harder made his decision to attend the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

“If I could go through Mizzou and become a professional photographer, my dream job would be to take pictures for National Geographic and take pictures all over the world,” Harder said.

Harder’s not just a great photographer; he has a plan for the future and is a very nice person.

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“Tim’s always thinking of other people. He is quite possibly the nicest person I have ever met. He is the kind of person who would be there whenever you needed him,” said senior Brennan Canuteson.

Harder is great at taking pictures, but his kindness and dedication is what really makes him stand out at Liberty North High School.

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A picture of Harder’s mini camera on his key-chain. “That is my mini-camera key-chain. Everytime I bring it with me, everyone grabs it and plays with it in class. I’ve gone through three already,” Harder said. Photo by Tim Harder.

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Tim’s father took a picture of him while playing guitar. “I had just gotten that guitar, and also I had gotten a photography studio in my house, and my dad took that picture in our new studio, “ senior Tim Harder said. Photo by Tim Harder.

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A picture Harder took of a skateboard he took for his Advanced Creative Photography class. “The skateboard picture was one of the pictures that was in my series for my photography final, last year. I like it because it is simple and people can relate to it,” Harder said. Photo by Tim Harder.

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STUDENT LIFE Eagle’s View

10 TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE SNOW Safe driving in the winter weather keeps the driver safe as well as passengers and others on the road

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STORY BY EMILY RHEW

Check the windshield wipers to make sure they are working properly. It is essential to wipe off oncoming snow or sleet while driving.

Use snow and ice tires if the car does not have them already. Driving with regular tires in the snow can cause more accidents and also, sliding off the road.

Braking lightly will help prevent going off the road or sliding into cars. Drive slowly to leave extra space between the car ahead.

Winter Driving Checklist •Windshield scraper to remove snow and ice off of the windshield in order to see •First aid kit in case of injury •Warm clothes to keep insulated if the car breaks down

Keep the gas tank at least half full to ensure the availablily of using the heater in case the car breaks down. Using the heater also helps reduce the windshield fogging over.

•Have a phone charger and a mobile phone to call if any emergencies occur

Keep the seatbelt on at all times when driving. If an accident occurs, the seatbelt will keep the passangers inside the car and reduce the risk of injuries.

•Have tools such as a flashlight and a tow rope available for use

Adjusting the speed on slick roads is important.

Accidents can be avoided as well as the car sliding off of the side of the road.

Use the heater inside the car to keep the engine and the passengers warm. If the engine gets too cold,the car will stop working.

Keep both hands on the steering wheel to keep control.

Using only one hand will reduce control over the car and creates the possibility of an accident.

Use the headlights on low beam while driving to help prevent reflection and glare on the road. This will also increase the visibility on the road.

Be prepared to deal with many different problems while driving in the snow. Using extra caution will allow the drive to be more aware of situations while driving.

Snow piles up against the Liberty North High School sign outside of the parking lot. “I was driving last year and ran into a huge pile of snow, it was very scary and nerve racking,” sophomore Montana Grizzle said. Photo by Pam Barrett

STUDENT LIFE 12/07/11

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‘TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING Saving a life is a productive way to give during the holiday season STORY BY SHELBY GREGO

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ith the holidays arriving, many people are

ID and must be 16 years of age (with parent permission).

looking for ways to help others during the

Also, students looking to donate should weigh at least

season of giving. A very special way to give

115 pounds and must be in good health. In order to

back at Liberty North is the upcoming blood drive,

make the donation process run smoothly donors should

which is sponsored by the AP Biology classes. The blood

be hydrated and should eat properly both the day before

drive is scheduled for Friday, December 9.

and the day of the blood drive,” Coogan said.

Donating blood is crucial to help the community.

Students looking to donate blood should be aware

The blood donated is used for people who have been

of these factors so they are prepared for the donation

involved in accidents or people with diseases such as

process.

cancer or heart disease.

“Human blood cannot be artificially created, therefore

Many students at North are excited for the opportunity to donate blood and help others.

the only way for someone in need of a transfusion

“I am looking forward to donating blood at this blood

to receive blood is from a donor,” senior Kortney

drive because I know that someone needs it more than

Neiderhauser said.

I do, and I would love to help them out,” junior Josh

It is very important to replenish hospital’s blood

Koch said.

supply in order to continue to save lives.

Many students are looking forward to donating blood.

“For every donation made, the lives of two people

Though some have never been exposed to this type of

can be saved. Because components of the blood are

experience before, most students agree that saving a life

separated, they can be given to people for different

is enough reward for the pain.

reasons, depending on the situation,” chairman and AP Biology teacher Mary Coogan said.

Blood banks are always looking for more donors to keep the supply of blood high for patients. Blood can be

“I have given blood before and it doesn’t hurt too bad, just a little pinch at first, but after you get done it is all worth it knowing you helped save someone’s life,” sophomore Bryce Shepard said.

donated at County Health centers, as well as hospitals.

Though there may be some pain, saving the lives of two

“Our goal for this blood drive is to get at least 250

people is a thing many students are glad to do. Several

volunteers to sign up, but even more would be amazing,”

students at North agree that it is very significant to help

Neiderhauser said.

save the life of someone else in need, especially during

There are several things that donors should be aware of before signing up for the blood drive.

the season of giving. Students still looking to sign up can sign up until Friday during the blood drive.

“Everyone who donates will be required to have a photo

Students sign up for the blood drive druing their lunch period.

“We have a large population at our school, therefore we are helping more people and it is cool that even at a young age we can get more involved,” sophomore Darian Jackson said. Photo

by Ceci Kuron

REASONS PEOPLE NEED BLOOD

HOW MUCH IS NEEDED

Cancer

Car accidents: 50 units of blood

Heart or blood vessel disease

Heart surgery: 6 units of blood and 6 units of platelets

Disease of the gastrointestinal tract Emergencies like car accidents or burns

Burn: 20 units of platelets Organ transplant: 40 units of blood, 30 units of platelets

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INDEPTH EAGLE’S VIEW

Cyberbullying

NUMB3R$ 1 in 3 kids have been bullied online 1 in 5 bullying incidents have been reported to law enforcement

Over 25% of teens are repeatedly bullied through cell phones and the Internet Studies show that girls are more likely to be bullied online than boys Out of 157 LNHS students surveyed, 144 have a Twitter or Facebook account Out of 154 LNHS students surveyed, 66 said there was a cyber-bullying problem at LNHS *All statistics from www.foreignpolicyblog.com

The effects of bullying can haunt someone for the rest of their life.

“I see bullying on facebook all the time; I deleted my facebook because I was being bullied” sophomore Katelin Walker said. Photo illustration by Savana Morrison.

A CYB3 PA

R

INDEPTH 12/07/11

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BU\\Y’$ ADISE

Online sites increase the amount of teenage bullying STORY BY JESSICA GRIFFITH hile sitting down at the computer on Facebook the status box is up and ready

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“If cyber bullying outside of school is brought to our attention, we can intervene if

to type. Hands float quickly along the keyboard in anger and agitation. Ugly

we believe it is affecting a student educationally; it will be investigated and reported

words and phrases appear on the screen like it is playing in a horror movie.

and dealt with,” Principal Dr. Marty Jacobs said.

Before the thought ever crosses the mind, the send button is pressed, posting those

Privacy of students is a big deal, and some complain or worry of not getting enough

degrading words for the whole world to see and hurting whomever the message is

of it from parents and school. Many students have their own opinion on whether or

aimed at, causing emotional distress.

not the school should be involved at all and when they should get involved with out

In today’s generation, it is typical to find a teenager on a computer, cell phone,

of school internet use.

iPod or any other electronic devices using a social media site. Bullying is seen in so

“I think if it comes into the school, then the school should be involved but if not, the

many shapes and forms, the most recent form--cyber bullying. Sites like Facebook

parents should deal with it as a family and at home. But if it was me, I would probably

and Twitter can be places for bullies to terrorize other, their own paradise.

deal with it myself and not involve anyone else,” senior Chris Gonzales said.

“I believe cyber bullying is when a person hides behind their computer to hurt

Solving cyber-bullying issues is not easy. Most of the time the physiological effects

others by using Facebook statuses and making rude comments on a person’s

attached with cyber bullying are very hard to mend. When a person is told over and

pictures. And tweeting has become a big problem with cyber-bullying, like it has

over what is bad about them, they start to believe it and it can be hard to reverse. And

at Liberty,” junior Anna Carter said.

once it is on the Internet it cannot be taken off, leaving the victim with a constant

Cyber bullying is a way for people to say what is on their minds without getting in

reminder of what someone said or did to them.

trouble for it. Many times the bully feels strong and powerful; they feel safe online

“When I was little my teachers and friends would say ‘sticks and stones may hurt

because they do not always have to take responsibility for their actions. For the

my bones but words will never hurt me’. Words do hurt though, they hurt a lot;

person receiving the bullying, it is not always easy to deal with. There are

sometimes even more than being physically bullied. Words stick around forever. It is

many side effects from being bullied that make the person feel alone and confused about life.

“I deleted my Facebook account because a few of my ‘friends’

hard to let go of things like that,” sophomore Kayla Stegeman said.

With cyber bullying becoming such an epidemic in our society, students need to know what to do if they are being bullied.

from Texas would not leave me alone about an ex-boyfriend

“If you’re being cyber bullied, tell somebody, you can sometimes blow it off but you

and I felt like I was alone and could not trust anyone including

need to tell someone, you cannot go though it by yourself,” counselor Jill Brock said.

my so called ‘friends’ because they had hurt me,” sophomore

Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks have become a part of

Katelin Walker said.

today’s society, leaving bullies with yet another way to be mean and rude to other

It is not always easy to admit that a student has been

students. While on the Internet, students often forget that what they say does affect

cyberbullied and many people usually do not tell anyone what

others, pictures they take as well can ruin someone’s life. Moving to press the send

has happened to them because they feel ashamed or afraid.

button a short thought comes to mind, the thought of how the message will affect the

Every now and then, a case of cyber bullying is brought to

person receiving it and how anything that is sent can never be taken back. Instead of

attention of the school, but even so some Liberty North students

pressing that unforgiving button, stop and delete the digital drama and avoid being

do not know what the school policy is on cyber bullying.

put in that situation.

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A&E Eagle’s View

ALBUMS OF THE SEASON

YOUNG JEEZY:THUG MOTIVATION 103 Genre: Hip-Hop For Fans Of: 50 Cent JAY-Z

As the weather gets colder, prepare to snuggle up by the fireplace and listen to what will become your new favorite album Young Jeezy’s long awaited fourth album, Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition, is STORY BY PAYTON WOLFF

said to “have brought his old swag back.” This album will drop on December 20. With popular rap singles like “Win” and “.38”, this album is sure to make the listeners excited.

RICK ROSS:GOD FORGIVES, I DON’T

MONICA:NEW LIFE

Genre: Hip-Hop

Genre: R&B

For Fans Of: Notorious B.I.G Lil’ Wayne

For Fans Of: Ciara Kelly Rowland Beyonce

The popular single “You The Boss”, featuring Nicki Minaj, will be on Rick Ross’ new

Set to come out February 21, 2012, this album holds low beat records like “Anything”

album God Forgives, I Don’t. Released December 13, it will include slow paced rap to

featuring Rick Ross and Lil Kim and “Until It’s Gone”. Monica said this album is “to prove

upbeat pounding music. This album has great sound effects added to the music for a

[herself]”. Her music has a slow pace and relaxing feel. The lyrics from her songs normally

little extra flare.

have to do with loving others and loving yourself.

FUN:SOME NIGHTS

THE CHROMATICS: KILL FOR LOVE

Genre: Alternative

Genre: Electro

For Fans Of: The Format Panic! at the Disco Two Door Cinema Club

For Fans Of: Glass Candy Crystal Castles

The alternative music group, Fun, is releasing their new album February 20 2012. With the unique voice of the singer and different style of music, the album is sure to be a hit. “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae from Kansas City will be on the album for all the listeners.

The Chromatics are bringing it back January 12, 2012 coming out with their newest album. The band’s music includes techno beats with an old, classic playoff. This dark dance-pop twist album is the first of the band’s since 2007 and they are ready to bring it back for their fans.

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A&E 12/07/11

WELCOME TO THE KAUFFMAN Liberty North’s play production students experience Kansas City’s extravagent Kauffman Center STORY BY MADI SAUNDERS he lights of the all-new Kauffman Center lit the stage on opening night. Members of the

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audience experienced the feeling similar to entering the famous Sydney Opera House. The Kauffman Center was opened on September 19, 2011 in downtown Kansas City.

“I went to the Kauffman Center because I’m in the play production class with Mr. Young and we

went to go see the opera, Cosi fan tutte that they were putting on,” junior Cynthia Rodriguez said.

The new center features a new elegant theater where the arts can perform. Before it opened, operas were performed in the Kansas City Lyric Hall, which was very tight fitting in the house seating. Ballets will also have a new home to perform.

“I really liked the architecture and they had translator screens on the seats, which made it easier to follow the opera,” senior Tori Citro said.

With a modern building for the performing arts in Kansas City, many people can not wait to see

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what the inside of the center holds.

“The building is built really cool and the seats are really nice, and I didn’t really dislike anything about it,” Rodriguez said.

Many people agree that the new performing arts center is extravagant. The building itself is a masterpiece including the color scheme, the stage and the technology available in order to able to put on a show.

“We went there because we have the play production class and it allowed us to see the different types of production for opera and plays. I didn’t, however, like the color scheme of the house, it was too colorful. Other than that the center is really nice.” senior Max Workman said.

The reason Kansas City built this new center for the performing arts was to give the arts a new home where more people would be able to enjoy them without being so tightly fit in the house seating.

“It brings more theater to Kansas City, we will have a more rich cultural environment,” Workman said.

Because of the new and bigger Kauffman Center, Kansas City will have more entertainment besides the notorious Chiefs and Royals.

“Attendance at performing arts events will increase significantly because people will want to see

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a show at the Kauffman Center. It’s considered by many to be the finest performing arts facility in the world.” theater teacher David Young said.

People from all over will now be able to enjoy more performing arts in the center. After the lights faded in the Kauffman Center, the audience was left with a feeling on anticipation of coming back to the center soon to see another performance.

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The Kauffman Center left many students gawking was really amazing and the windows of it were neatly designed,” Junior Landon Walters said.

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Students gather around the Kauffman Center for a photo. “I liked how the space outside the theater was white because the people added color. It was so

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K A U F F M A N S TAT S

over the view. “The design of the Kauffman Center

3,400 total seats 40,000 square feet of glass 1.93 million pounds of plaster

artistic and contemporary,” junior Kenzie Tree said.

11 rehersal and warm-up rooms

The inside of the theater is as nice as the outside. “I

285,000 total square feet

am in love with the Kauff Center. I think its gorgeous.

There’s so many different performances that can be put on there,” Senior Michelle Boyer said.

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OPINION 12/07/11

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A STARBURST WITH LEGS For my whole life, I had this idea that I was a very optimistic

How this came to be, I will never know. I was raised to not

person: always seeing the glass half full, the world is made of

tell lies, and yet somehow I manage to unintentionally lie to

sugar plums and gum drops, la-dee-da. But recently, I came to the

myself everyday by pretending to be some sort of killjoy. I am

realization that I am so far from that notion that the only thing I

quite possibly the farthest thing from a cynic; I laugh at the

am actually optimistic about is my level of optimism.

most unfunny of things, smile while I work (because whistling

High school takes its toll on everyone; it has the power to turn a goody-two-shoes into a hardcore rebel, a bookworm into a jock, an

is simply not my forte), and just generally love life. But the complaints keep coming and I fear they may never stop.

optimist into a complainer. And I, for one, am not immune. I catch

Fortunately, my formerly optimistic self has not entirely

myself constantly droning on and on about how terrible everything

disappeared, as I have found a silver lining to this otherwise

is and complaining sometimes just to hear myself talk. Most of

messy situation: my ceaseless complaining may tone down

the time it is nonsense criticisms regarding excessive school work

my happy-go-luckiness to a more tolerable level, thereby

or the sudden disappearance of time, but every once and I while

insuring my survival in the event I am ever kidnapped by the

I somehow weasel my way into full on rant mode. However, my

Grinch. Thank goodness for that.

newfound “Debbie downer-ness” is not what bothers me; it is the

Maybe one day I will grow out of my grumbling ways, but

fact that amidst my cynical jabber, I am still smiling! I am like this

until then I have decided to accept this quirky attribute of

walking contradiction (a Starburst with legs, if you will)—a whiner

mine and keep right on complaining—with a smile, of course.

HALEY RICHARDSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

who is cheerful beyond belief.

AUTOTUNED NIGHTMARE I hate to be “that” person, but someone needs to say it: modern day pop music is horrible. The Billboard Hot 100 is quickly

I do not want to hear Ke$ha ramble through a song acting like

becoming a list of generic, talentless hoaxes with very little—if

she is drunk. I do not want to listen to Britney Spears’ robot-voice

any—musical credibility.

destroy another song. And do not even get me started on the

I am not going to rant about how this music is too “mainstream”

DYLAN SANCHEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

hit the music industry like a tornado.

horror that is LMFAO.

for my taste and how you should listen to all these other bands

I do not mean to put down anyone that listens to this music. We

that you have “probably never heard of,” because that is not what

are products of a generation; this music is made to appeal to us.

I believe. I believe in listening to good music and not being force-

Like an assembly-line product, it is made to brainwash us in order

fed radio-friendly songs that mask how awful they really are with

to sell millions of copies on iTunes, and I would be lying if I said I

mass amounts of production and editing.

have never fallen for it before.

I take no shame in admitting how embarrassed I am to be from

If this is the kind of music you like, than that is great for you.

this generation, a generation where anyone with the right about of

However, it should not be forgotten that artists of generations

money and connections can have a hit song. If you are seeking an

past had true talent. They shall not be ignored.

example, give Willow Smith’s atrocity “Whip My Hair” a listen. I

Today’s pop artist only wish they could live up to the legacy

wish we could go back a few decades to the time when you actually

of artists like David Bowie, Kate Bush, and Annie Lennox—true

had to have skill to get a recording contract: a time when music

artists who once ruled the top of the music charts, and earned

was actually an art.

every bit of notoriety they received. These are artists whose fifteen

Not every song has to be a club anthem, not every rapper has to

minutes of fame never really ended and are not just cashing in on

degrade women, and not every woman has to degrade herself, but

a couple hit songs. Unlike the garbage flooding MTV these days,

that is all you hear on the radio. Unoriginality is a curse and it has

this is what music was really meant to be.

(16 )

OPINION Eagle’s View

REAL

FIR real?

When you think of the holiday

If you have ever had an actual

season, what comes to mind? If you

chopped-down Christmas tree

are imaginative, you can almost

in your living room, you would

smell the crisp aroma of fresh-cut

know how terrible they are. Pine

pine trees. You can picture them

needles are an endless sight: just

draped in shimmering ornaments,

trying to put the tree up throws

needles falling onto the carpet

them everywhere. Sticky-sweet

as their grand trunks tower over

sap is smeared on the walls and

little boxes, red and green and

furniture from dragging the tree

bound with ribbons. Even if you

through your house. Here is a

do not see such a vivid scene,

way to avoid the huge mess:

you certainly do not imagine the

artificial Christmas trees!

FAKE

plastic stench of PVC pipes and

KATELYNN DOWNEY REPORTER

fake garland tickling your nostrils.

Not only do you have to keep

Putting up a naturally grown

the forest-fresh trees watered

Christmas tree should be an

so they do not rot or dry out,

essential tradition for every family

they are also a huge struggle to

celebrating the season of giving.

decorate. It is much easier to

ALLY PAYNE REPORTER

buy a pre-lit artificial tree from Real Christmas trees are a beautiful display of family traditions and thoughtful

Wal-Mart. There is a huge variety of colors to choose from—you can have sparkly

decisions. A family cannot just go to a department store and purchase any old pine

silver or hot pink! Artificial trees are also available in any size, so you can buy a

tree. Together, they must go to the right tree farm and hunt for the preferred type

ceiling-height tree or just a mini one for the table. You still get all the cheesy family

of tree: a Douglas fir with a sweet fragrance and thick bark, a grand Fraser fir with a

fun of decorating the tree together without the frustration and hassle that comes

pyramid shape and its branches pointed upward, or one of the many other types of

with decorating a real tree.

trees. Once the quest for a tree has come to an end, every member of the family can celebrate by helping to decorate their prize. Finding a real Christmas tree can be a bonding experience for the whole family.

With a fake tree, you are not blessed with the smell of the pine lingering through your entire house after Christmas, nor are you blessed with the wondrous job of the picking up the needles once they fall on the floor. Instead, your task is to haul a heavy box filled to the brim with plastic back up to your attic, which is much more unpleasant than just running a vacuum.

Artificial trees simply do not look as festive and heart-warming as real trees.

Walking into a wonderfully decorated room with Christmas decorations galore is so pleasing to the eye, but then you glance at the sad, green toilet-wand in the corner of the room and suddenly, you’re not feeling very festive.

It is frustrating when teachers hand out assignments left and right and all you can think about is how many trees died so you could record your Inner Voice for some boring novel. If we are already destroying the environment, why needlessly massacre extra trees every year? Instead, buy an artificial tree that will last you for years to come. We have had the same tree in my family since my parents got married, and I am 16 – do the math.

One of the best things about Christmas is the smell. The scent of candy canes, evergreen trees, and fresh-baked cookies lets you know that the holidays are near.

If you think the only way to enjoy the smell of trees is to get an authentic one, you’re wrong. A fan of that obnoxious, sappy aroma leaking from pine trees can just buy a wonderful holiday-scented Yankee Candle and problem solved.

Ultimately, the choice of the trees is your decision. Real trees have a better

Christmas trees are a part of the holidays; the season just doesn’t feel right without

appearance all around and are more economically savvy! Just weigh the options of

them. However, if you are annoyed by the pine needles, the lack of assortments

which you and your loved ones would rather prefer during the holiday season.

from chopped-down trees, or the hassle of decorating a real tree, fake trees are definitely the way to go.

( R E A L OR FA K E CHRISTMAS T R E E S ? )

OPINION 12/07/11

(17)

THE LEGEND OF AWESOME on my heart), Nintendo released the series’ newest

blue mushrooms. You feel like you’re staring at a piece

installment, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, on

of art when you play Skyward Sword. This presents the

November 20th. Since that day, Zelda, Link, and I have

inherent problem of playability, since many “pretty” and

been oh so happy together.

highly conceptual games tend to lack good mechanics.

I will admit that I have yet to finish Skyward Sword— there is roughly fifty hours of game to navigate our

tear you away from this adventure. In Twilight Princess,

tunic-clad protagonist through—so my praises might

drawing your sword meant waving the clunky Wii-mote

be subject to change. However, there isn’t a Zelda game

like a baboon brandishing a stick, but Skyward Sword

that I genuinely dislike and, thus far, the three Skyward

relies on improved Wii Motion Plus technology to

dungeons I have triumphed over have made my love

make the Wii controls precise. The result is a thrilling,

affair satisfying indeed.

immersive experience. You can soar through the skies

The storyline is similar to other Zelda games (Link

ARIANNA SKINDELL OPINION EDITOR My being in love with a twenty-five year old might

But fear not, Zelda lovers! Inept Wii controls will not

on a Loftwing using real flapping motions, and steer a

saves Zelda and the whole world from an omnipotent

mechanical beetle through tight spots in dungeons. Even

force of evil), but Skyward Sword’s graphics and

better, the interface captures the most minute gestures;

controls are unique. The game’s visuals were inspired

Link’s mighty sword is an effortless extention of your

by Impressionist art and use a mixture of cinematic

own arm and slices through hoardes of enemies like a

elements from the first Wii Zelda, Twilight Princess,

knife through butter.

not bode well with my parents, but if that twenty-five

and the cartoonish, cell-shaded graphics from The

year old happens to be The Legend of Zelda, I think they

Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The result is a

that Triforce on the back of my hand like a wedding

will find a way to manage. Even if they do not, Nintendo

fantastic watercolor world filled with kaleidoscopic

band. Yes, I yelled “Duh-nuh-nuh-nuh!” and raised that

certainly does not disapprove of our love, so we will

sights and lush landscapes. I was most impressed by the

paper sword over my head when I finished making it,

not be turning into Romeo and Juliet anytime soon. To

Skyview Temple, a crumbling stone building sparsely lit

and yes, I am not ashamed of that. Zelda and I share

celebrate Zelda’s quarter-century reign as the ultimate

by golden sunlight peeking through cracks, flooded with

a love that is anything but starcrossed: it is a legend of

role-playing-game franchise (and its decade-long grip

aquamarine water and overgrown with shocking electric

awesome that will carry on as long as I live.

(

All in all, Skyward Sword makes me proud to wear

SHOULD SCHOOLS INTERVENE IN CYBER-BULLYING?

Cyber-bullying is sending or posting harmful and cruel text or images using

)

towards the school for interfering with something that is not their business.

Internet or other digital communication devices. Social networking sites such

The Eagle’s View staff believes that schools should have the right to intervene and

as Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace have been affiliated with the cyber-bullying

should take action in cyber-bullying incidents; however, they should only do so

problem.

when that the bullying is affecting a person or a group of people directly associated

Studies show that cyber-bullying has quadrupled in the past five years. These

with the school. That way, students and others affiliated with the school will be

studies have also showed that 42% of adolescents have been bullied online before.

protected from the harms caused by cyber-bullying. One function of schools is to

Cyber-bullying has been known to happen inside and outside of school and often

provide a safe environment for members of a community, so this is a protection

involve people who go to the same school.

that students and teachers deserve.

Cyber-bullying incidents have prompted many to question whether schools

In this manner, the school will not be intervening with incidents that do not

intervene with cyber-bullying that happens outside of school. Schools have to

have a direct connection with schooling and the school will be staying within its

be careful about staying within their boundaries or punishment could be issued

boundaries, while still taking care of the problem of cyber-bullying.

STAFF EDITORIAL

(18 )

SPORTS EAGLE’S VIEW

MAKING A SPLASH

The swim and dive team hopes to make their second season something special STORY BY TIM FALLERI he freestyle, the medley, the relay, the backstroke, the butterfly, the dive,

this year, the girls look to improve on every aspect of their game. North’s swim

the breaststroke; whatever the race may be, the women’s swim and dive

team is excelling, with grit and determination, coming to a brand new school

team is ready to show North what they can do. As the season veers towards

and having so much success. Their team knows what they have to do in order to

T

its first competition, the ladies know what they have to do to improve on a stellar first season.

make the second year special.

“The Liberty North dive team has lots of promise. Shannan Sanderford is

“We are getting a lot of new freshmen this year. That will help boost the morale

coming back for her senior year. Shannan is coming off a great year where she

of our team this year. I expect at least a relay to go to state. There will be more

finished 13th at state, which is all-state honorable mention. Liberty has a great

state qualifiers this year, and better placing at conference in individual event,”

tradition with divers and I’m hoping to continue the tradition at North,” head

sophomore Emily McFadden said.

diving coach David Robinson said.

A majority of these athletes are coming off very encouraging first seasons. For

Like Sanderford, there are a number of swimmers coming back this year that

now only, North’s first year can be the base of how this team is perceived. With

showed promise during North’s first season. Expectations continue to grow for

such a positive start, many look forward to seeing what this team is capable of

each swimmer as their preparations come closer to the real action.

doing.

“Since this is our second year, the swimmers and divers will have clear expectations of what Coach Harvey expects. Also, we will begin lifting weights

“This season we are going to be a bigger team. We have seniors to lead the way.

We had several new swimmers last year. This year they have a year under their belt and they know what to expect,” senior Hannah Brackett said.

during the season, so are swimmers will gain strength throughout the season

North Girl’s Swim and Dive are looking to start this coming season very strong.

and be stronger for conference and state,” assistant swim coach Mark Warner

No holding back, these swimmers know that there is only moving forward with

said.

North’s second year of athletics. It is girl’s swimming’s turn to shine, attempting

With a new weight lifting regimen that will be taking place for every swimmer

to show what they are fully capable of accomplishing.

The team is extremely excited for their upcoming season. Expectations are high. “This season is looking great and there is always something fun to look forward to, every night,” senior Hannah Brackett said. Photo by Ceci Kuron.

WINTER ATHLETE PROFILES An in-depth look at four winter athletes

zachary

Basketball

STARR

STORY BY KATELEN PERMENTER

kane

HELLMAN

Wrestling

Years Playing: 14 years

Years wrestling: 5 years

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Color: Baby Blue

Favorite Color: Blue

Goals for the Season: To compete in every game and win a district championship.

Goals for the Season: As a team, work together as a group and win more duels and individually, to make it to state

Practices consist of: Running, position breakdowns, shooting drills, and defensive rotations

Practices consist of: A lot of conditioning and drills to improve in technique

Favorite Place to Play: Home Offseason Workouts: Agilities, ab workouts, running, cardio, and drills for both posts and guards “I play basketball because I’ve been playing ever since I was a little boy and I grew very fond of it. I love how it’s fast paced and there’s always something going on. I also love the competition,” Starr said. Photo by Kevin Page.

shannan

SANDERFORD

Swim/Dive Years Diving: 12 years

Favorite Food: Pork Burritos Favorite Color: Purple Goals for the Season: As a team, to win conference and get more girls qualified for state. And individually, to make all state again Practices Consist of: Stretching, a workout routine, jumps, and working through a list for whatever meet is coming up Favorite Place to Dive: Florida and also MU, they have a great pool Offseason Workouts: Stretching everyday, ab workouts, and getting on a diving board as much as possible

“I dive because I love that it’s always a challenge. It’s never easy, I always have to push myself to become better and better. I also love to flip and twist, it gives me a thrill,” Sanderford said. Photo by Ceci Kuron.

(19 )

SPORTS 12/07/11

Favorite Place to Wrestle: At home because you have the home crowd cheering you on and you have more of a desire to win Offseason Workouts: Working out to stay in shape “I wrestle because it is a sport that have I have found myselft to be the best at. I like going places to wrestle and have good competition,” Hellman said. Photo by Ceci Kuron.

audrey Basketball

WOOD

Years Playing: 11 years Favorite Food: Peanut Butter Favorite Color: Purple Goals for the Season: To win districts, it’s a very achievable goal Practices consist of: Stretching, fundamentals, shooting, and defense Favorite Place to Play: At our home gym because the crowd gets really loud Offseason Workouts: Conditioning, weights, and shooting

“I play basketball because I love being apart of a team and I love the whole aspect of the game working together. There’s a lot of different parts you can work on to always make yourself better,” Wood said. Photo by Kevin Page.

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