Central Focus January 2010

Former generations hypercriticise p. 8 - Profiling picks terror targets p. 10 FRANCIS HOWELL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 13 ISSUE 5

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Turned away Students are dismayed when stripped of chance to donate blood

Hockey ostracised Hockey is denied status as part of FHC’s sports family

Say goodbye Paper becomes obsolete with the Amazon Kindle book reader

1.29.2010

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Central

Focus

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FocalPoints A game of “dare” got hot when eight teenagers in Germany were rushed to the hospital after drinking concentrated chili sauce.

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The Ford car company is now

transforming former carmaking plants into solar panel-creating factories.

Tetris has

become the mostdownloaded cell phone game with more than 100 million downloads.

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Results from a common psychological survey on teenagers claims that teenagers of today are five times more stressed than teenagers of the Great Depression.

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The FHC wrestling team remains undefeated in dual matches after winning its match against Northwest.

Parishoners and their handheld technologies are now being prayed over in a London church to be more relatable to businessmen and women in the area.

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On Jan. 18, a new theme park called Chocolate Wonderland opened in Beijing.

A 41-year-old woman in Dallas committed one of the first crimes of 2010 by biting off the lip of her boyfriend during a New Year’s kiss. Police who arrived on the scene said they saw the detached lip on the ground of the woman’s home.

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The only official survivor of both atomic bombs, Tsutomu Yamaguchi of Japan, died of stomach cancer at age 93.

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Students donated ($2,500 in one day!) so that the Desir family can have proper funerals for their relatives in Haiti. Go to FHCtoday.com for more information.

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Letter from the editor T

he turning of the decade has invoked an find timelines at the bottom of every page. attitude of reflection in the staff of the These contain what the staff decided were the

Central Focus. In this issue we explore the top 10 items of the decade related to their changing times — what is different, what has respective sections. remained the same, and the highlights of the decade.

As the old decade becomes new, step back

and take a look at where the world has been,

Lifestyle, media and political awareness, and what the country has done and how you

education are three areas that affect the daily personally have changed. Drink in 2010. lives of students. Check out the similarities and

Sincerely,

current students’ generation on pages 12-13.

differences from our parents’ generation to the Throughout the rest of the paper, you will

Photo by Chelsea Carroll

Kayla Mugler Page designed by Chelsea Carroll

As the clock turned to a new decade, the Central Focus looks back on the differences between two generations.

Teacher of the Year named See page 4 | State of the Nation discussed See page 5

Wired Withdrawn Red Cross restricts students from giving blood due to abstract lifestyle choices

By Margaret Borgemeyer Communications Editor

After minutes of waiting in line, many students were left upset at the StuCo Blood Drive last Friday when they could not donate.

Weight, iron levels and sexual orientation kept many students from helping.

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“I was actually really excited. I’ve wanted to donate since I was 14,” said sophomore Anna Gingrich.

Because of the new weight requirements, many students were unable to donate. The American Red Cross called for all volunteers to weigh at least 110 lbs.

“I went through every step, but

Please read more | BLOOD , PAGE 6

Photo by Kelci Davis

FACS teacher Mrs. Kathryn McGuire flinches as her nurse pricks her arm with a needle at the blood drive. The blood drive took place last Friday and 141 students participated in the event.

Cottleville tap water tested for cleanliness

By George Yu Copy Editor

Dihydrogen monoxide--according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this liquid causes nine deaths every day. Regardless, people immerse themselves in gallons of this substance daily.

From drowning to showering, water has a profound impact on human existence. People in developed

countries have convenient access to a seemingly endless supply of cheap and clear water.

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 maintains the purity of this water by regulating 91 common contaminants. Although hundreds of American-produced chemicals are linked to a risk of cancer in small concentrations of water, the Safe Drinking Water Act has not been

News stories of thedecade

updated since 2000.

“Missouri American water conducts hundreds of tests every day to make sure our water meets all the requirements,” said water quality superintendent Gerry Hoormann of Missouri American water. “We test the water continually as it goes through our water treatment plants, we test again at the storage tanks and finally we conduct tests at water taps

2000: “Y2K” scare of massive technological shutdown never plays out.

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throughout St. Louis and St. Charles counties.”

Missouri American water follows stricter water quality standards set by the Partnership for Safe Water.

“The Partnership is a voluntary intiative developed by the EPA and other water organizations to recognize water suppliers that consistently achieve water treatment standards that surpass

EPA regulatory requirements,” said Hoormann. “Fewer than one percent of all water utilites in the U.S. have acheived this recognition.

Organizations and business take it upon themselves to ensure safe water.

As the director of operations for the Duckett Creek Sanitary District, Rick Higgins helps to clean water.

He oversees activities to remove Please read more | WATER , PAGE 5

Sept. 11, 2001: Terrorists attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

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January 29, 2010

FHCtoday.com

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District surmounts obstacles

By Kayla Mugler Managing Editor

A closed decade calls for an examination of current status. In the Francis Howell School District, students and staff are challenged in areas of money, administration, education and family. These areas will be explored in more depth in future articles.

“The main issues our district is facing are supporting teachers in pay and workload, new leadership, meeting academic demands, and supporting parents to support our kids,” said Principal Dr. Sonny Arnel.

More money is now being taken from teachers’ paychecks and put into their 401K retirement accounts, said Dr. Arnel.

The revenue for the 2010 fiscal year is $80 million below budget, according to Kevin Supple, the chief financial officer for FHSD. Plus, less money will be available in the near future.

“Federal stimulus dollars have helped to bolster state spending, when it comes to education, but that money will not be available after next year,” said Dr. Steve Griggs, FHSD’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

“Additionally, it has been announced that Governor Nixon will have to cut an additional $200 million from the state budget this year.”

Superintendent Dr. Renée Schuster’s impending absence is creating a wave of change for the district. The selection will be made in February. According to Dr. Arnel, she has done nothing but help during this procedure of searching for someone new.

“Dr. Schuster has done a wonderful job in allowing us to have some stability in that process,” said Dr. Arnel.

Dr. Schuster made the decision to retire in October in order to give administration enough time to find a qualified replacement.

“I know that by announcing my retirement early in the year, the Board of Education will have the time it needs to successfully choose a new superintendent to carry out its vision of making sure all students learn,” said Dr. Schuster in her letter informing the public of her retirement. “I love this district and am grateful for the many wonderful experiences and challenges of being superintendent.”

Francis Howell Central’s students have reportedly developed in testtaking skills.

“We have improved in the past three to four years so much,” said Dr. Arnel. “More students are taking the ACT now, and they’re scoring higher on it.”

The school is ranked first in math

and second in communication arts out of St. Charles schools.

“I’m very happy that our student achievement has gone up so much,” said Dr. Schuster.

Though emphasis is placed on testing, Dr. Arnel wants high school to be enjoyed by students.

“We want to create an awesome environment with the focus on learning, but to not forget that it’s high school,” said Dr. Arnel. “Make it well-rounded and be involved.”

More of a society issue that trickles down to students is a lack of family support. Many students don’t have a mother and a father investing in their education.

“My best wish is for every student to have 2 involved parents,” said Dr. Arnel.

In addition to Dr. Arnel’s main points, Dr. Schuster adds calendar and construction.

A calendar task force is heading the project to write the 2010-2011 calendar, according to Dr. Schuster.

With some minor tweaking of the elementary, middle and high school schedules, the district could save $750,000, said Dr. Schuster.

“We run the buses more days,” said Dr. Schuster. “A week change in fall, winter and spring can put us all at the same spot.”

Dr. Arnel considers the Howell High School renovation to be

Photo by Kelci Davis

Buses line up to take students home at 2:20. Slight changes in calendar were predicted to save the district $750,000 because of bus scheduling.

necessary, though it may be upsetting to families of students in other schools.

“In a roundabout way, it does affect us,” said Dr. Arnel. “It looks like we’re spending all the money on another school.” The money, however, comes from bonds, not budget. The construction is expected to be done in 3 to 4 years.

Two new construction projects are scheduled to begin this spring: 4 science labs and 1 classroom at Francis Howell North and the addition of 6 classrooms and a new cafeteria at

Daniel Boone Elementary.

Dr. Schuster feels that this district is in a healthy place, despite her resignation.

“We’ve got really great people-principles and teachers,” said Dr. Schuster. “There’s a lot of strength in the district, and it’s just going to get better.”

Changes are always taking place, and the school board makes the big decisions. There will be 2 open seats in April, and students 18 years old will have the opportunity to affect change by voting.

Ricker takes Teacher of the Year

By Alli Keisker Staff Reporter

Photo by Kelci Davis

History teacher Mr. Brian Ricker smiles at his students. Mr. Ricker was chosen as teacher of the year.

History teacher Mr. Brian Ricker was chosen as Teacher of the Year for the 2009-2010 school year.

“It has been a great experience and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have participated in the process,” said Mr. Ricker.

Many teachers, including social studies teacher Mr. Nick Beckmann, are glad that Mr. Ricker was chosen this year as the winner of the Teacher

March 2003: President Bush declares Operation Iraqi Freedom a part of the War on Terrorism.

of the Year award.

“He is his own teacher and represents the faculty very well,” said Mr. Beckmann. “For a young teacher, he was always there to help me out.”

Many of the teachers in the history department are pleased to hear that he won.

“I am very excited for Mr. Ricker.

He’s always been an outstanding teacher,” said fellow history teacher Mr. Chris Barth. “He works really

hard and makes everyone here feel respected.”

Both Mr. Barth and Mr. Beckmann also have had Mr. Ricker as their teacher in the past; they both believe he is very deserving of the Teacher of the Year Award. “[Mr. Ricker] cares about his students and the content of what he’s teaching,” said Mr. Beckmann.

Runner-up Mrs. Jessica Bulva feels that Mr. Ricker is a good teacher, according to his co-workers

2004: Facebook and Twitter allow millions of people to be connected over the web.

Page designed by George Yu

and students.

“I am very excited for him and think he is very deserving,” said Mrs. Bulva.

Not only are teachers happy he won, but junior David Lanza also really enjoys having him in class and feels he is very qualified for this achievement.

“I [thought] he’d win,” said Lanza. “He’s a great teacher and his stories are always so captivating and interesting.”

August 2005: Hurricane Katrina causes thousands of deaths and leaves many more homeless.

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Wired

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Nation’s issues examined Students stay informed about current, pressing dilemmas

By Brendan Kinnison Staff Reporter

There are many pressing issues in today’s society, but it is in the hands of the people whether or not they stay informed and know what is going on in their country. It is their right and freedom. Why not break free from the ignorant masses?

Controversial issues seem to come and go like fads. The last major issue was abortion; now health care is on everyone’s mind. Should there be a national system? Or should we keep it private and let it develop into a more business-like field? A national system would sure stop some of the major problems occurring in the field of medicine.

“One man from Illinois lost his coverage in the middle of chemotherapy because his insurer found that he hadn’t reported gallstones that he didn’t even know about,” said President Barack Obama. “They delayed his treatment, and he died because of it. Another woman from Texas was about to get a double mastectomy when her insurance company canceled her policy because she forgot to declare a case of acne. By the time she had her insurance reinstated, her breast cancer had more than doubled in size. That is heart-breaking, it is

Water from page 3 contaminants.

“The most common waste water contaminants are food products and waste products that began as food,” said Higgins. “When too much of these things are released to the environment, microorganisms will begin to feed on these nutrients.

If there are too many nutrients in the water, the bacteria will use up too much oxygen from the water.

When this happens, aquatic life will

wrong, and no one should be treated that way in the United States of America.”

Others say a national system would put the nation in too much debt. They want to keep health care a business, just like house or car insurance... except where businesses are selling people their own well-being back to them. Some Republicans believe the system is trying to steal Americans’ money from them.

“Kiss your freedoms goodbye if health care passes,” said Foxnews. com.

“Congress recognizes no limits on its power. It doesn’t care about the Constitution, it doesn’t care about your inalienable rights. If this health care bill becomes law, America, life as you have known it, freedom as you have exercised it and privacy as you have enjoyed it will cease to be,” said FOX. Whatever the outcome may be, basic rights will not be lost.

Saying this is just a tactic used by mainstream media to confuse and win over the public.

“The bottom line is, I think we can beat this bill. The American people are with us,” said House Republican Leader John Boehner prior to the House vote.

Later, Boehner would be proven wrong as the bill passed in the House

with a 220-215 vote. However, health care is not the only issue that is currently being debated.

On January 12th, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. This was the worst earthquake to hit Haiti in 200 years. Haitians are not only faced with rescue efforts and over tens of thousands dead; they also have to now deal with how they will live.

There is no water running anymore; no stores are open; citizens are unable to do anything. The debate is about what the United States should do. Should it send help? Or leave them alone since it is not one of its provinces? Nevertheless, there were American citizens there.

“Only 100 of the estimated 45,000 Americans living in Haiti had been able to communicate with U.S. officials and verify they were safe and sound,” said CBS Broadcasting.

It is our job to help because we are a nation in need. Luckily, the American Red Cross has already pledged $200,000 in relief funds, showing that America is not as horrible and greedy as other nations believe. Many other organizations such as the Salvation Army and Yele Haiti are taking donations through texts, which is an easy and convenient way to help out. Other organizations include UNICEF, Oxfam American, World Vision and Convoy of Hope.

suffocate and the environmental and health impacts will be very negative.”

One hunderd students have learned these concepts in Mrs. Paula Pettig and Mrs. Kim Matheny’s environmental studies classes.

“Students learn how to do one of the most common water quality tests done, which is the dissolved oxygen test,” said Mrs. Pettig.

With Mrs. Pettig’s assistance, the Central Focus tested local water from Duckett Creek, located behind the Cottleville City Hall. The tested creek water contained 12 mg of

dissolved oxygen per liter. This result implies that the creek can support abundant fish populations, according to water-research.net.

With chemistry teacher Mr. John Kozlowski’s help, the Central Focus also tested the school’s tap water for hardness. The softer water is, the easier soap lathers. The sample water contained 57 parts per million of calcium. This is “slightly hard,” as determined by fcwa.org.

While both tests are measures of water quality, they do not directly detect contaminants.

“The most harmful contaminants

2008: A global recession occurs, resulting in high unemployment and government bailouts of banks.

Photo by MCT Camous

President Barack Obama discusses financial reforms on Jan. 21, 2010. He talked about narrowing the size of banks and their investment activites.

They are all doing their part.

Last but not least of the large issues taking place is the national debt and commerce. As of Jan. 18, the nation is $12,292,197,246,746.97 in debt and growing. Those interested in checking out the current debt in real-time should go to www. usdebtclock.org.

A group of 34 individuals are currently working on a plan that would put the national debt under control. The group is called the Peterson-Pew Commission on Budget Reform.

“The group’s members call for an immediate public commitment

by Congress and the White House to stabilize the public debt at 60% of GDP by 2018, followed by the

development of a debt-stabilization plan next year. They recommend waiting until 2012 to implement policy changes to avoid harming the economic recovery,” said The Wall Street Journal.They are the only group currently working on controlling the nation’s overwhelming, growing debt.

With all the issues America currently faces, Americans are working and controlling them.

They will soon come to pass and be replaced by some new “end all” issue, but that too will pass. Overall, the nation is in good hands and people should be encouraged to stay wellinformed and be able to hold a political conversation. Being on the ball will benefit people in the end.

are generally nutrients,” said Higgins. “They are the most common pollutants and do the most damage.”

The nutrients fuel the bacterial microorganisms that generate a negative impact. After removing contaminants, Duckett Creek returns the water to the environment.

“After the water is cleaned, it is discharged to local streams which in turn discharge to the Missouri River,” said Higgins. “The solids that are removed are applied to local farm fields as a fertilizer.”

Although Duckett Creek specializes in providing clean water,

there are steps everybody can take.

“Little things add up,” said Mrs. Pettig. “All the trash and chemicals that come off the parking lots make their way into storm drains and eventually into our water supplies.

Don’t use as many plastics, take your own shopping bag to the store, cut down on the bottled water reuse a drinking container. Plastics contaminate the water on earth and are virtually here forever. We take clean drinking water that is right in front of us for granted and it is a bargain compared to buying bottled water.”

August 2008: Sonia Sotomayor becomes the first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice.

Page designed by Brendan Kinnison

November 2008: Barack Obama is elected as the first AfricanAmerican President.

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Wired

January 29, 2010

Blood from page 3 when I got to the last step, the lady asked me how much I weighed and I had to leave,” said Gingrich.

Since the 1980’s, homosexual men who have had an encounter with another man since 1977 have not been able to give blood due to the HIV/AIDS outbreak, according to the Red Cross.

“When you walk in, there was a big sign with list of things that you can’t have or be to give blood, and nowhere on the sign or in the handbook we had to read did it say that if you were gay that you couldn’t give blood. If it would have been

on those things I would have only spent two minutes or so in there.

But I spent 55 minutes waiting for nothing,” said sophomore Kyle Braden.

Senior Brandi Wyatt could not give blood because her her iron level was too low. “[The workers] were just like, ‘You can’t give blood,’ and put the decline stamp on it. They printed out a piece of paper telling me why I couldn’t give blood and gave me tips of how to raise my iron level for the next time,” said Wyatt.

Ms. Vicki Pohlman said that although people were turned away, 141 volunteers were still able to successfully donate blood.

“168 kids signed up, but only 158

November 2008: Controversial Proposition 8 bans same-sex marriage in the state of California.

FHCtoday.com showed. Out of those 158, only 141 were able to donate.”

Along with sexual orientation, iron level and weight, students were unable to donate because of tattoos within the last six months and traveling out of the country. “[as for the sexual orientation], I’m sure [the Red Cross] has their reasons, I’m sure it comes from the Federal Health Acts as to why a homosexual can’t give blood,” said Pohlman.

Even with some of the students being turned away, Mrs. Pohlman believes that the Blood Drive was a success.

“There are always issues. But with 141 student donations, we saved 493 lives,” said Pohlman.

Photo by Kelci Davis

More than 141 bags of blood were donated by students and teachers at the blood drive on Jan. 22. Many students were turned away due to height and weight guidelines as well as new restrictions based on sexual orientation.

2009: Millions of Iranians protest the re-election of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

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Abusive relationships See page 8 | Airport security causes concern See page 10

Heard Be

Lost in translation D.A.R.E. program has little effect on elementary school children

By Cory Schmitt Copy Editor

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Students remember in 5th grade when police officers would come to their classrooms at least once a month and tell them about the dangers of drugs and peer pressure.

The program, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, commonly known as DARE, focused on educating students on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. At the end of the year, students received a t-shirt saying that they were committed to being drug-free and even a card showing it, as well. However, looking back on it all, the whole ceremony had no meaning whatsoever.

Please read more | DARE, PAGE 9

Photo by Zac Hebert

Fifth grade students who complete the program recieve t-shirts like the ones above as a reward. D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles, it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts.

Radical church spreads hateful message I’m no gay rights activist, but I do consider myself a realist; what these church members of the Westboro Baptist

By Brendan Church are doing Kinnison unacceptable.

Staff Reporter is Their behavior is disgusting and repulsive in nature.

Never have I ever witnessed or heard

about something so heartless and degrading towards other humans.

The church is located in Topeka, Kan., but they travel all around to protest anything they can, even Lady Gaga. They have even made many picketing appearances in Missouri, such as showing up at Marquette High School to protest the school’s gay/straight alliance club.

The church has a history of controversial protests and slogans.

Controversies of the decade

They are known as an anti-gay group, and just an all-around hate group. They also often show up at fallen soldiers’ funerals and protest with signs saying, “Thank God for dead soldiers.”

How heartless can one be? They believe that the death of a soldier is the punishment to America for allowing gay people to exist.

These people are not just off the wall; they need medical and

psychological help. A “normal” human does not believe such things; a person does not rejoice in death.

What about the families whose sons were killed in the war? How does it make them feel to see people outside the funeral saying how thankful they are that the boys are dead? Someone needs to do something about this church and do it soon.

Unfortunately, with the laws as they are right now, the church is

2001: George W. Bush is named President in a 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court.

Page designed by Megan Berberich

still able to do what they want, but that is slowly changing; in the home state of the church, legislators made it illegal to picket at funerals. That does not stop the church; it just goes to another state to show its feelings, and it can. It has a freedom of speech, but that only extends so far.

Members of Westboro Baptist have been arrested for disorderly Please read more | WESTBORO, PAGE 9

2001: President Bush restricts stem cell research.

Obama reverses this policy in 2009.

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BeHeard

January 29, 2010

FHCtoday.com

Staff cartoon by Zac Hebert

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Respect is essential in every relationship Abuse is a five letter word with a never-ending definition.

Believe it or not, this does

By Morgan Vetter Staff Designer happen in real life, and it carries stories that cannot be left untold. Now, we all know what abuse is, but it is about time we, as young adults, collide with the reality of this epidemic, prevent it and put offenders to justice.

Everyone knows about physical abuse, but emotional abuse can damage your self-esteem, and it is sometimes impossible to recover.

Self-esteem equals self-respect. It

Staff editorial: Generations

is not something another person should be able to take away.

In some cases, a victim may be brainwashed into thinking that what is happening is okay. In effect, a person can lose all self-worth, and the situation can become a problem as big as chemical dependency. This can potentially create a whole new issue. Some people can lose their state of mind and enter into depression, which is, in fact, a clinical illness.

As traumatizing as this situation can be for a person to experience, victims of abuse can easily become the abuser. A healthy relationship is based on trust and respect.

Unfortunately, lots of people who are abused by a boyfriend or

Your Life, Your Voice

The Boys Town National Hotline is a 24-hour crisis, resource and referral line.

Trained counselors can respond to your questions every day of the week, 365 days a year.

girlfriend believe they are abused because of extreme jealousy, lack of intimacy or broken promises.

Whatever the reason is, domestic abuse is 100 percent wrong, and 100 percent not an act of love. No questions asked.

Childhood clouds reality of situation

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early every child in America has heard the saying, “Back in my day...” or “When I was a kid...” followed by some long reminiscent speech, ultimately providing the consensus that our generation has messed up and will probably destroy the world.

However, the world has never been perfect. In the past century, there was seldom a decade our parents could have grown up in without some sort of enormous world crisis or someone in America complaining about the state of affairs.

In the world today, we are in a War on Terrorism, a recession and an unending increase on security, but we also have just as many positive aspects: advanced technology, increased world relations and better transportation than ever before.

The accomplishments of past decades cannot compare to those of this generation.

Parents from the ‘70s had the Watergate scandal and an energy crisis, parents from the ‘60s had Vietnam and the hippie counterculture, parents from the ‘50s

had the Korean war and constant threat of nuclear warfare, parents from the ‘40s saw the terrors of World War II and parents from the ‘30s expierenced the worst economic depression this country has ever faced.

Basically, certain aspects of society have never been great.

When our senior class was six years old, it was 1997 and 1998, so the worst we had to deal with was Bill Clinton’s sex scandal.

Maybe back in their day, they really did enjoy themselves a lot, but who is to say that noone in this generation enjoyed their youth? No one.

When you are six years old, you do not think about the red scare or terrorists, you just run around and enjoy life for the sake of life.

We are adolescents, we know the joys of childhood still, but we have started finding the pains of adulthood.

The truth is, adults do not remember that their childhoods were great simply because it was their childhood. It only takes a quarter to amuse a six-year-old.

The Iraq War starts in 2003.

Thousands of men and women are abused every day. The Boys Town has been helping those in abusive relationships, chemical dependancy, anger issues and school troubles.

Photo illustration by Jessica Dimariano

California legalizes use of medicinal marijuana in 2003.

Page designed by Morgan Vetter

Gay marriage law passes in Massachusetts in 2004

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January 29, 2010

HOT Priority is unduly BOX placed on weakness LOVE IT 1. “Pants on the Ground” 2. Student directed One-Acts 3. Helping the Desir family

4. Clooney hosts Haiti telethon

LIKE IT 1. Snow days 2. “Jersey Shore” 3. Obama the Musical

4. Blood drive

LEAVE IT 1. McGwire steroids debacle 2. Constant cloudy weather 3. Chicken teriyaki bowl at lunch

4. School stress

A brown-haired boy is sobbing in the street because he has fallen off of his bike for the seventh time in a row. A 16By Kayla Mugler Managing editor year-old girl is cut again from basketball team tryouts. An 18-yearold fails his algebra test, making it impossible for him to pass the class.

What are they told so lovingly, so tenderly?

“You can do anything you want to do.”

The reality is that children have been lied to from the cradle. The truth is that different people are capable of different achievements.

Not everyone will be an extreme bicyclist or a professional basketball player or a mathematician; not everyone should be those things.

Everyone has his own set of strengths and weaknesses.

The problem in America is the focus placed on weaknesses. Instead of praising strengths, people are critiqued in areas of weakness, though there they will never be fully accomplished.

The introduction of the No Child Left Behind Act into the American school system has, in fact, handicapped educators. They are required to slow the pace of the students who are excelling down to the speed of the student who sits in the corner, either unwilling or unable to learn.

Students who may have expanded their knowledge on a subject must

BeHeard

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Westboro from page 7

resort to observing a teacher spend hours explaining the most banal of concepts to a student who is not going to get it; it is not his strength nor his desire.

When the priority is placed on the weakness of the underachieving student, there is no opportunity to focus on the success of the excelling student.

The harsh reality is that some students will be left behind in some areas. It is not a teacher’s responsibility to drag them along on the conveyor belt of standard achievement,but rather to encourage their strengths.

Though it seems ironic, failure can actually push people to success.

Wired writer Scott Brown details

this process in his article, “The Fall and Rise of Alec Baldwin,” star of 30 Rock.

“Baldwin...is a failure, selfdescribed,” said Brown. “He’s also at the peak of his career, a peak he reached by scaling a K2 of catastrophe, personal and professional.”

Baldwin claimed his entire film career to be a failure, declaring that what saved it was his television career.

Mercenary acting did not work out for him, and he saved himself by “making a terrible romantic comedy,” according to Wired magazine.

The crucial point is what Baldwin took from his failures; he rerouted himself to a path where he could triumph in some way. Failure, in actuality, is the freedom to succeed.

conduct and even for stomping on the American flag. Not only is this church hateful towards others, but it is hateful to its own nation, the only nation that would allow it to do things like this.

Why complain about America when it is only in America that you are even able to express your complaints? I guess ignorance is bliss.

The WBC members also believe that every other religion is a condemnation to hell. They view the Catholic church as a “fag” church, and they believe that all priests are pedophiles.

“Every time any person gives any amount of money to the Catholic Church, that person is paying the salary of pedophile rapists,” said Fred Phelps, the Church/organization’s leader.

In another incident, someone vandalized a nativity scene with an atheist symbol. The church then decided to show up and protest. They held signs saying, “Santa Claus will drag you to hell.”

The worst part of all of this is how devastating and visual the protests are. It leaves a picture in your head, a picture that you may not erase. You see people holding up signs saying, “God hates the U.S.A,” and “Pray for more dead soldiers.” All the while they have a smile on their face, as if their message is a positive one.

Nevertheless, it is just that: their message. No one can control what they say or how they say it. As much as we wish we could stop them or make them realize the pain they have caused, the words fall on deaf ears.

I have never seen such a case of ignorance and stupidity in my life, and I will never forget it. In the end, something must be done. Someone needs to step in, and they need to be stopped.

Officers inform students that 3,000 teenagers smoke their first cigarette every day.

These troubling statistics do not have the same effect on a 10-year-old that they would have on a preteen or young teenager.

The teenage years seem far away, so they put the dangers in the back of their heads, and many of them do not think about those days in 5th

grade when they were told about the dangers of drugs when they give in to peer pressure and try them for the first time.

Therefore, it would be more effective to have the same material taught to students in fifth grade moved to a later age in middle school. Students would fully realize the dangers of drugs when they hear the troubling statistics of teens that

are their own age abusing drugs.

And with being older, the mind of a 13-or-14-year-old can absorb the consequences of making bad decisions easier than say a 10-or-11year-old.

With these changes, teens can relate to those who have suffered from drug abuse and make an educated decision to say no, and do the right things.

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D.A.R.E. from page 7

While students knew at the time that drugs and smoking are bad, the gravity that the dangers of drugs posed was not evident to them at the time. They were too young to grasp the full effects of making bad decisions.

2005: Jose Conseco outs Mark McGwire for steriod use.

2006: Al Gore writes “An Inconvenvient Truth”, theorizing the effects of Global Warming.

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2008: Numerous banks are bailed out with government

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January 29, 2010

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New threats cause debate in security Extra security is needed

By Megan Berberich BeHeard Editor

While everyone was enjoying Christmas Day with his family, the passengers of Northwest flight 253 were moments away from death.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab made it through security at Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport with explosives that he intended to set off during the flight to Detroit, Michigan.

Just put yourself in the situation of those passengers.

Shock, horror and terror fill the plane as you witness this person about to end his life with the intent of ending all of yours too.

If extra screening could have been done to prevent this man from getting on the plane that would protect hundreds of people, by all means, it should be done.

Tensions between terror groups are only getting worse, and even top U.S. officials believe more terrorist attacks are imminent. After this attack retired Lt. Gen. Thomas McInerney expressed his concerns while on Fox Saturday News.

“In the first 30-100 days there will be a very high probability a US airliner will go down,” said McInerney.

Terrorism is not going away. For some reason or another, people have a strong hate for our country and its principles; extremists try to wreak as much havoc as they can among us.

The Transportation Security

Administration is making changes to what should be helpful in making our country safer. Obama’s administration has implemented strict security for travelers from Yeman, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and other countries that have high concentrations of Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups to be subjected to mandatory full body pat-downs and other screening methods. These new rules are commonsense ones, not ones with that are racial in nature.

It may be something that we do not want to put these citizens through, but if a large percent of terrorists live in these countries, then unfortunately the other innocent people have to go through the extra security for the sake of keeping our country safe.

We should not endanger our own safety for someone else’s convenience. If there was a threat of terrorism in another country I believe that country would have a right to search who they want if they feel someone is a threat to their country. Anyone who apparently poses a threat, old or young, man or woman, should be searched to the fullest extent to keep the country safe.

If this extra time and stress at the airport security could potentially prevent a terrorist attack, then there is no reason in the world why the United States should allow our citizens to be in harm’s way.

Editors and staff

Kayla Mugler Ted Noelker Zac Hebert Alaina Babb Megan Berberich Bryan McCreary Katie Schlimpert Margaret Borgmeyer Brett Story Cory Schmitt George Yu

Managing Editor Multimedia Editor Photo Editor Wired Editor BeHeard Editor Sweat Editor TheScene Editor Communications Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor

Allie Corrier Mollye Doering Hannah Ibos Alli Keisker Michael Jeter Brendan Kinnison Kyle Kofron Damiana McGraw Jesse Patch Morgan Vetter Chelsea Carroll Kelci Davis Jessica DiMariano

Megan Berberich

Freedom is top priority

By Brett Story Design Editor

Megan thinks we should focus on saving lives.

Racial profiling: helping security or risking freedom?

Brett Story

Brett thinks freedom should never be restricted.

Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Designer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer Staff Photographer

Mr. Matthew Schott

A man walks, slouching his shoulders, down the rows of seats.

Everyone on the way stares at him like an infliction, like a disease.

They eye him up and down, snarling in disgust. Not a sign of respect can be found in their eyes, only contempt.

The man finally ends his long trek by sitting in one of the farthest seats back, with the other passengers often glancing over their shoulders with piercing eyes cutting America’s weak racial ties.

This is not the 1960s, no, this is not an African-American finding his seat on a bus. The man is Arabic and trying to simply find his assigned seat on an airplane.

All throughout America’s history, “we the people” have combated for the free world, until we feel even the tiniest bit insecure. 2010, it seems, will be no exception to the rule.

With each word of a terrorist threat, Americans offer up their own hands, or often just the hands of others, to the hands of the state.

Plans have already been proposed to pull aside young Arabic males at security checkpoints in airports.

The real flaw in this plan is how far against the American justice system it pushes. Our justice system is based on the idea that it will allow ten criminals to go free before one innocent person Adviser

The Central Focus is produced monthly as an integral part of the Newspaper Production class at Francis Howell Central High School. Students learn all aspects of printed media production and are responsible for contributing to each issue.

The Central Focus is a public forum for the students at Francis Howell Central High School. The staff ’s editorial policy is available in Room 139.

The staff welcomes comments and suggestions from the student body. All letters to the editor must

2009: Tiger Woods’ late night crash leads to confession of affairs with countless women.

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is imprisoned or punished. With racial profiling, rights are being taken away from the innocent as well as the guilty.

The ever-expanding idea of national security is becoming a bigger threat than terrorism, at least in my opinion, to natural rights and the freedoms of humanity. If we let them know we are okay with racial profiling in airports, we open a whole new hole in national security. In extreme conditions, we would find ourselves in a world not far from Oceania in 1984. However, I have faith in the bloggers and pseudo-activists of the world to create enough of a fuss that politicians will start to worry more about their own political careers than their actual beliefs.

The current plan is to look at any young Arabic male and search them for the WMDs we could not find in Iraq. If there was ever a way to feel more violated, I would let you know, but the very freedoms we claim to defend by combatting terrorism are being breached here.

I propose a new plan. We create separate sections and bathrooms to planes just for Muslims and Nigerians. Of course, these sections will be detachable and dependable, just in case of terrorist attacks. The sections will be in the back of the plane and we’ll only clean them every couple of flights. No? Not a good plan? Oh, good. Maybe there’s hope for us after all.

be typed and no more than 300 words. Names must be included with the submission of the letter, but may be withheld at the request of the author. The staff reserves the right to withhold content at its discretion.

Francis Howell Central High School 5199 Highway N St. Charles, Mo., 63304 Phone: 636.851.5636 Fax: 636.851.4111

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InFocus

January 29, 2010

Media opportunities taken for granted

By Katie Schlimpert TheScene Editor

The Millennial Generation is fortunate enough to have the advances in technology and communication that are far superior to what existed in the generations prior. These advances have directly influenced media persuasion and have expanded the wealth of knowledge in today’s youth concerning politics and world affairs.

Senior Dylan Stover is one student who takes advantage of these media improvements every day after school.

Some, however, neglect the opportunity to obtain information.

“When I get home from school, the first thing I do is listen to my latest podcast. My iPod is always connected to wi-fi, so my podcasts update automatically. While I’m listening to my podcasts, I browse MSN, Yahoo and ESPN,” said Stover. “In a span of five minutes, I can know pretty much everything that is going on.”

In comparison to the unlimited information and download speed the Internet offers, history teacher Mr. Brian Ricker is partial to the familiarity of a newspaper.

“It just seems normal for me to have a newspaper,” said Mr. Ricker. “I’ve always been interested in politics and history. I always read Time, Newsweek, whatever I could get my hands on.”

The Millennial Generation, also known as Generation Y, is constantly bombarded with facts, stories and opinions from various media sources.

Places such as the web, magazine and television media outlets are the go-to sources for anyone looking to find up-to-date information on any controversial topic that is peaking his or her interest and more.

“The information available to me is limitless,” said senior Haley Worner. “It does not matter what I’m interested in finding out. I can always become more aware with help from the internet.”

This current generation experiences an information overload, whereas the generation of students’ parents had a significantly lacking source of media outlets. Their generation was just witnessing the birth of the television.

“Cable TV was just coming around, and even then we didn’t have 24-hour news,” said social studies teacher Mr. Brian

Cissell. “The biggest difference is access to the Internet.”

Due to lack of media outlets, a student back in the ‘60s, ‘70s or ‘80s would have had to take it upon themselves to become educated in politics.

“In our years we would have had to read a newspaper or watch the news to find out about what was going on,” said Mr. Cissell.

Today that lack of resources is difficult to fathom. Today’s youth may have access to multiple sources compared to previous generations, but the drive to become and stay informed expands over all generations yet still greatly depends on the curiosity of the individual.

“There are different sources to access, but you need the curiosity,” said Mr. Ricker. “If a kid is naturally curious, they’ll access what they need

Students today face hi on education, exper political awareness, ch Photo courtesy of MCT campus

President Barack Obama makes a statement on the economy and jobs recovery in the East Room at the White House Friday, Jan. 8 in Washington, D.C. While many students had the opportunity to vote in the election, not everyone did.

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January 29, 2010

InFocus

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Traditional schooling methods discarded

By Cory Schmitt Copy Editor

Education, the core component in shaping knowledge and communities for centuries, is constantly evolving.

Further accelerating the evolution of education in the past decades has been the arrival of new technologies, philosophies and attitudes.

While the curriculum has changed slowly over the years, the methods to approaching the material and the structure of the school environment have changed dramatically.

Junior David Lanza feels that his high school experience is not similar to what his parents experienced during high school.

“My parents have said that it was all ‘study, study, study’ for them during high school,” said Lanza. “Now, it

seems more free form.”

Science teacher Mr. Scott Dauve believes that schools do not focus on the right things anymore; they are forced to focus solely on test material.

“We used to teach a little bit about a lot of things, but now we are only supposed to teach our students what is on the test,” said Mr. Dauve.

While this prepares students to pass the class, it does little to prepare the student for life outside the classroom.

“Schools don’t prepare students as much for life as they did 20 years ago,” said Mr. Dauve.

The accountability of students to work hard in class has also decreased.

“Back when I started teaching, students were expected to work their hardest to pass,” said Mr. Dauve. “Now accountability is so low that [teachers] have to slow down in order for everyone to understand.”

Emily Zinn, junior, feels that schools today do not focus on the right aspects of education and, therefore, this affects what she learns while at school. “[Administrators] care more about how the school compares to other schools then the quality of education students receive,” said Zinn.

While the change in focus leaves mixed

feelings, all agree that technology has greatly helped learning in the classroom.

The introduction of new technologies changes the available means for a teacher to educate his/her students.

“With smart boards, [we] take less notes and are able to learn the material in a variety of ways,” said Lanza.

Instead of note-taking all period, many modern teachers will now substitute the writing with games played on the smart boards in order to get the material to sink into their students’ minds.

“I feel like the use of smart boards keeps the students engaged,” said second-year foreign language teacher Ms. Lauren Barth. “The students never know when they will get called up to answer a question.”

Mr. Dauve believes that the smart boards have enhanced the ability for the students to grasp information.

“I can show students videos, diagrams and pictures of atoms, molecules and cells easier with a smart board,” said Mr. Dauve.

Ms. Barth also realizes the importance in keeping her students attentive.

“If it’s hard for me to focus for ten minutes while we are taking notes, I know it’s even harder for the students to concentrate,” said Ms. Barth.

igher emphasis placed rience more enabled hange typical lifestyle Photo by Kelci Davis

Freshmen students in 2nd hour honors physical science listen as Mr. Scott Thorpe lectures on the construction of velocity vs. time graphs. The students had to use a motion-detector to recreate simple graphs they were given.

Story and Kayla Mugler

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InFocus

FHCtoday.com

January 29, 2010

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Traditional family evolves through two generations

By Alaina Babb Wired Editor

it’s mom, stepdad and the kids, then the kids see dad on the weekends,” said Mr. Bohning.

Another change from the idea of our parents’ generation and our generation is the idea of recreation.

“When I was a kid, we played outside every day until the streetlights came on because TV was saved for rainy days and Saturday mornings,” said Mr. Bohning.

“Today, you barely see kids playing outside because parents are either afraid their child will be abducted, or the kid is inside watching TV or playing video games.”

This idea is very true according to National Institute on Media and the Family (NIMF). A recent study on children and teenagers ages 2 to 17 shows that over 92 percent play video games on a regular basis. It stated that children who play too much can have some problems “such as poor social skills, time absent from home, lower grades at school, less reading, less exercising and becoming overweight, aggressive thoughts, behaviors and so on.”

“Well, whatever caused the change happened,” said Culbertson. “And it’s going to keep happening because that’s what it has always done.

Things change.”

When they were our age

Today

Life Expectancy

73 Years

78 Years

Households with married couples, children

40%

25%

Marriages ending in divorce

20%

40%

Reported illegal drug use

69%

55.6%

5565.5

3016.2

Crime index

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For senior Becky Ilges, sitting down to eat dinner with her family occurs most every night. She and her family will eat and watch television together or they will talk about what happened that day.

“We’ll sit and eat and talk about whatever we did that day and then go our separate ways,” said Ilges.

However, the idea of eating dinner around a table with the entire family in today’s generation is a rare occurrence, according to junior Amanda Leonard.

“I don’t think a lot of families eat together anymore because they’re all too busy,” said Leonard. “Some families have parents who work all the time and others just don’t think it’s important to eat as a family.”

While no one really knows when the importance of eating dinner around a table was lost, a study done last year by National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University showed just how important it can be-even in today’s society.

According to the study, families who eat together will build stronger and better relationships because children

have a set time to talk to their parents.

Also, eating together as a family allows parents to reduce the chance that their children will do drugs or alcohol because they can “better direct their kids toward positive things in life, such as activities and behavior,” according to CASA. “I think that any time parents get a chance to talk to their kids at a young age, it has the chance to be a good influence,” said senior Ericka Culbertson, whose family does not always eat together as a family. “But I can say that I like the freedom with being able to do whatever for dinner or whatever else.”

The reason behind this, according to a study done by the University of California, could likely be the effect of the rise in Internet usage and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

According to the study, “in 2000, people spent about 26 hours every month with their families. By 2008, the number dropped to just 18 hours.”

While these numbers are surprising, World History and Psychology teacher Mr. Steve Bohning believes they are adequately explained.

“The idea of a family when I was a kid was a mom, dad and the kids at home. Now,

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Bigger is not better See page 16 | The art of hockey net minding See page 17

Sweat Independent Hockey succeeds dispite lack of assistance

By Mollye Doering Staff Reporter

As defined by MSHSAA, (Missouri State High School Activities Association), high school hockey is not a schoolsponsored sport.

Much like table tennis, bowling and ultimate frisbee, hockey is considered a club sport, Please read more |

15

not a school sport. According to assistant principal and assistant varsity football coach Todd Berck, this is because not enough schools want hockey to be a part of their sports family; much like the other sports not associated directly with the school. In the mind of senior hckey team captain Blake Ditch tends to think otherwise.

Independent, PAGE 17

Photo by Lydia Smotherman

Junior goaltender Zach Grabowski breaks into form to make a save against Fort Zumwalt South. The hockey team has been successful over the past years, advancing all the way to the state semifinals in their 2009 season.

Past success gives Spartans motivation

By Michael Jeter Staff Reporter

Placing in the top five in state tournaments in years past, the Spartan wrestling team looks to continue its streak. The wrestlers have to stay focused to continue to improve as the season progresses.

“Practice is the reason we do so well,” said senior Brandon Wilbourn.

According to Wilbourn, practices are more intense now than ever.

With harder workouts and more freestyle wrestling, the Spartans are looking to better prepare themselves

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for the state tournament.

Some wrestlers lose their focus when they are not in season, but many of them go to camps and tournaments to stay fresh.

“We practice hard in the offseason to get ready for our regular season,” said senior Andrew Buffa.

“Our off-season preparation is what makes us so good during the regular season.”

Their practice is paying off. With an undefeated dual meet record, the Spartans look to ride their hot streak all the way to Columbia where they hope to wrestle in the

state tournament. According to Wilbourn, placing in the top five in state the past four years cannot give the team too much confidence; they must stay focused.

“We have to keep working hard during our practices,” said Wilbourn.

“We have to help motivate each other through workouts.”

After losing several seniors last year, the wrestling team is looking for help from younger wrestlers like freshman John Wood. Wood feels that dedication is the key component for their success.

The team also look up to some

2005 Boys basketball defeats top ranked Dallas South Oak Cliff at the Scottrade Center.

wrestlers from the past.

“We try to look back at other successful wrestlers here at school and try to be like them,” said Buffa.

“Steve Dieckhaus and Kyle Bradley are huge motivators for us...we got to see them perform well and succeed.”

Coach Steve Cross believes there is work to be done.

“We’re doing very well but we still have room to get better before we go to Columbia,” said Cross. “We still need to get stronger and help our younger wrestlers develop more.”

To help get ready, the wrestlers have started morning workouts. The

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team thinks that this extra time in the gym will get them stronger and better prepared for the state tournament at the end of the season.

“Our workouts are great for us,” said Wilbourn. “It keeps us prepared for the meets.”

With only a few weeks left in the regular season, the Spartans look to win-out the rest of their season. The Spartans know that everyone has to do well in order to win state.

“State championships aren’t won by the kids on the podium. It’s a whole team effort,” said Brandon Wilbourn.

2007: Shakara Jones scores 2,439 points and is named Miss Missouri basketball player of the year.

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Making a impact Size doesn’t hold back multi-sport star athlete

By Bryan McCreary Sweat Editor

In the current day and age, athletics have grown--not in a sense that they have become a bigger spectacle, but in the sense of physical stature.

These days if you are not six feet tall and 200 pounds, you are not considered to be a truly legitimate athlete, but does size truly matter?

For senior Paul Haluszczak the answer is a quick and easy: no.

Packed into a five-foot-six, 135pound frame is an animal that has been unleashed, on nearly every sports field on campus.

Haluszczak has played three different sports for almost his entire life. He started playing basketball when he was in fourth grade, but he was playing both soccer and baseball long before that.

At the age of four he picked up the sport that he has grown to love more than any other: soccer.

“I immediately loved soccer because of the strategy involved, as well as the speed of the game,” said Haluszczak.

By the time Haluszczak was a freshman, his devotion to soccer had propelled him onto the varsity team and had gotten him noticed by many faces in the school.

Over his next three years, Haluszczak’s talent blossomed, and his junior year he helped lead the soccer team all the way to the quarterfinals in the state tournament.

Haluszczak is not just an athlete, however, he has dedicated much of his time to his studies. His schedule is full of AP classes.

His dream to attend North Carolina State University and its top ten rated meteorology program is one for which he has been striving for quite some time; however, being a Division I soccer school has instilled

0

slight skepticism as to whether he can actually pursue both a great education and also his longing to play soccer.

“I will try to walk on [at NC State],” said Haluszczak. “It can’t hurt to tryout for the team, but they have a very successful program and I’m not sure that I can get on the team.”

Even with the possibility of him not making the team at NC State, Haluszczak has found that the school has a club soccer team for which he intends to play.

“Club soccer is always a possibility for me,” said Haluszczak. “I am going to play soccer either way.”

Haluszczak is waiting to hear back from a scholarship program for a full ride to the school for his interest in meteorology. Haluszczak’s dream of attending NC State is in limbo until he is informed about this scholarship, so he is keeping his options open.

“Iowa State is another school with a great meteorology program, and I am very interested in going there as well,” said Haluszczak.

Iowa State, unlike NC State, is lacking a soccer program, but has a club program that Haluszczak reportedly has every intention of joining if he decides to attend.

Though soccer is his first love, Haluszczak has also been a part of the boys varsity basketball team for what is now his second full season.

According to Haluszczak, his athletic premise is not something that comes easy. He works out in the offseason nearly six days per week, he attends summer camps and summer practices and he hones his skills by practicing on his own time.

2008: Steve Dieckhaus becomes a Spartan state champion.

Photo by Zac Hebert

Photo by Zac Hebert

TOP: Senior Paul Haluszczak looks to pass the ball to Shayne Heskin against Troy Buchanon. BOTTOM: Haluszczak dribbles the past a Howell defender.

“Paul is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met, he never stops working,” said longtime friend and teammate, Shane Kozlowski. “From the time practice starts to the time it ends Paul is busting his butt, and I have never met anyone like him when it comes to work ethic.”

According to another teammate, senior Chase Stoneking, Haluszczak works harder than anyone on the team.

“Paul is insane,” said Stoneking.

“He never stops trying to get better, he is always striving to perfect his dribbling skills, or passing skills.”

As Haluszczak nears the end

2008: Pierre Desir sets numerous school records.

40 Page designed by Morgan Vetter

of what has been described by his coaches as an extremely impressive and well-earned career at Francis Howell Central, he looks forward to what is ahead of him, but he will never forget the great experiences that have been such life building moments in his life.

2008: Cheerleading team scores a second place finish in the Missouri state competition.

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FHCtoday.com

January 29, 2010

Sweat

17

Ten things you need to know

Tending the net according to Zach Grabowski

1

Always be, mentally and physically prepared for each and every game. It is extremely important to be focused.

Make sure your equipment is ready to go before every game.

Equipment is one of the most important parts to your success.

3

Know that you are quite possibly the most pressured person on the team, and know not to let that get to you. If you are nervous, you won’t be as successful.

When you are in the net, you can’t be afraid of the puck. When you are afraid of the puck, you won’t make as many good saves.

5

2 4

You have to be alert at all times when you are a goalie. If you lose focus, even for just a second, you could let someone score on you.

Move as little as possible. Stay in position, and don’t leave the net unless you are absolutely forced to retrieve the puck to keep it in your team’s possession.

6

Photo by Lydia Smotherman

Junior Dillon Holmes lowers himself to his knee in order to block an opponents pass. The Spartans have been led by both upper and lower classmen all season long.

Independent from page 15 “I bet it has to do with the cost factor,” said Ditch. “We have to pay for ice time and it doesn’t come cheap.

Unlike the football and basketball teams, we don’t have an area to practice at for free. Plus we have uniform and equipment costs. We pay for everything ourselves.”

Others, like sophomore Chase Rey, believe that violence and the liability risks that come with the sport are major factors as to why it is not a school sport.

“I’m sure that the school doesn’t want to fund us due to the insurance issue,” said Rey. “It would look bad if someone got into a fight during the game because the school would be responsible for it. However, football has just as much contact as hockey does, but you don’t see them paying

0

for their games.”

For not being school-sponsored, it has about 30 consistent spectators at each game. Other than the players’ parents and the cheerleaders, it has a few dedicated students who show up to every game to cheer on the team.

“We cannot fund hockey,” said Berck. “It is a volunteer-operated sport. We are allowing them to use the school name so there are expectations from them, but that’s all we are allowed to do. We don’t fund club activities.”

According to activities director Terry Kasper, the school cannot pay for it because it is not approved by the board so the money for this club comes out of the pockets of the players and their parents. They do participate in pizza fundraisers and have some of the parents work at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater when there are concerts to help raise money.

However, a large chunk is coming out

2008: Boys soccer team makes it to quarterfinals in state.

of their bank accounts. According to their treasurer, David Rey, prices range from $650 for the C-Team and $1,200 for the varsity team. Although it is not all being taken at once, it is still being paid by the players and not the school.

“I, personally, do not know how much they are asked to pay,” said hockey coach Kenny Daleo. “I do know, however, that players and parents will spend thousands over the course of the year for membership fees and equipment.”

MSHSAA has left the hockey players with unanswered questions.

Nowhere on its website (mssha.org) does it explain why some major and minor league sports that students want to participate in for school are not associated with their program.

In order for a club sport to become a school-sponsored sport, they have to talk to the MSHSAA board and see if it will allow hockey.

2009: Softball makes run in the state tournament.

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Page designed by Bryan McCreary

7

If you don’t have good posture you won’t stop as many pucks.

Remember to keep your posture good and don’t look like you are slumping.

Even if the puck is headed straight for your face stay in the way. Never give up a goal just to save your body.

8

Photo

by Kelci Davis

If you allow a goal don’t let it discourage you. If you lose your confidence the game will only get worse and you will only allow more goals.

When you’re a goalie, you have the opportunity to be a hero, but don’t let the pressure break you down. Everyone’s eyes are on you. Don’t disappoint them.

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2009: Hockey makes a run to the state semifinals in memory of former player Adam Litteken.

3

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Sweat: Editorials

January 29, 2010

FHCtoday.com

Chasing perfection With so many great teams this college basketball season, and so many 1-and-2 loss teams this late into the season, one team still has the distinction of being undefeated, the No. 1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats. At 19-0, the Wildcats are pursuing something that hasn’t been

By Cory accomplished since the 1976 Indiana Schmitt Copy Editor Hoosiers. Perfection. While I honestly do not believe that the Wildcats can run the table, it is good to dream that it can be done.

The Wildcats play well against every opponent they face.

While not always dominating, the closest a foe has gotten during conference play is five points.

The combination of Wall, Cousins and Patterson are a formidable force to every team the Wildcats have faced this season. With a combined average of over 48 points per game, these three account for over half of the team’s scoring.

However, this is also Kentucky’s weakness. These three talented athletes carry the team on their shoulders. If an SEC opponent can somehow shut down the trio, Kentucky is not any better than any other team in its conference, or in the nation for that matter.

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Early beginnings Every single year in the NFL draft, there seem to be more and more students leaving their colleges to pursue their lifelong dreams of becoming professional athletes in the National Football League.

This year is no exception to that growing trend; a record-breaking 53 non-seniors

By Bryan declared themselves eligible for the draft McCreary Sweat Editor and are leaving their illustrious college careers behind in order to take the next step in their football lives. At some point, this situation has to be controlled.

Students are choosing money over education, and in many cases this can be a wise choice; however, more times than not nowadays, the players are dropping to the second and third round where the money is not worth throwing knowledge away.

Staying just one more year could provide these young athletes with not only a more complete education, but also with more money in the long run.

This type of decision is a life-altering one that should not be left to the players that allow money to talk. The NFL needs to implement a rule to avoid this inclining problem for the athletes and to help make their time spent in college more meaningful and more important.

McGwire comes clean

By Cory Schmitt Copy Editor

On Jan. 12, Mark McGwire finally told the baseball world what had been suspected for nearly a decade: he had used steroids during his career.

In a rather emotional interview, with McGwire coming to tears multiple times, McGwire admitted that what he had done was wrong. However, he also defended his numerous statistics and records, including his 70 homerun season in 1998, by stating that the steroids did not affect his playing ability, only his health.

If you had only heard this interview, you would see a remorseful man being caught in the wrong era., the wrong time. But some of McGwire’s actions over the past few weeks, months and years have made his ‘only for health’ stance seem deceitful.

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For one, on the morning of his confession, McGwire called the family of the late Roger Maris to apologize for his actions. McGwire had surpassed Roger Maris’ homerun record in 1998.

This completely contradicts McGwire’s statement that the steroids were purely for health purposes and did not increase his playing ability.

McGwire would have no need to apologize to the Maris family if the steroids supposedly only kept him in playing shape.

McGwire also contradicts himself with his own logic. By using steroids to stay healthy, he is already impacting his ability to play, whether he admits or realizes that it does.

Along with these holes in his logic and actions, by denying use to the

2009: Boys volleyball places second in the Missouri state volleyball tournament.

public, and by avoiding the question in front of Congress, McGwire now does not only look like a cheater, but also a liar.

Growing up, McGwire was my idol and hero. I perfectly remember the night he hit that 70th home-run and the excitement he brought back to the game of baseball. Finding out that he used steroids and cheated over the course of that season and his career gives me the same kind of feeling I received when I found out Santa was not real — disheartened and betrayed.

In my opinion, confession or not, his future and any hope to land in the Baseball Hall of Fame or to regain my respect is lost. He cheated the baseball world, lied to millions of fans and tried to make it seem just a little better with his logic during his confession.

Photo by Chris Lee for MCT Campus

St. Louis Cardinals hitting instructor Mark McGwire works with infielder Brendan Ryan during a training session in Huntington Beach, California, on January 13, 2010.

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Page designed by Michael Jeter and Mollye Doering

2009: Terrell Wilbourn becomes second wrestling state champion in school history.

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New movies in 2010 See page 20

| Why bands break up See page 21

Scene The

Fighting the chill

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By Hannah Ibos Staff Reporter

It is the height of winter and the cold weather seems to be here to stay for a while. Now is the time to break out those delicious hot-food recipes to keep warm during these frigid months.

Spicy entree warms up cold days

Please read more |

When it comes to warming you up, what helps you ward off chilly weather better than chili?

There are a lot of tasty recipes for chili out there, and all of them can surely bring some heat to these freezing days.

Many students feel chili

Chili, PAGE 23

Photo by Chelsea Carol

Hannah Ibos reviews Chili recipes to help bring some spice to heat up the incredibly cold winter season. FACS teachers Bethany Bear and Kathryn McGuire gave their chili recipes for students to try on their own.

Kindle transforms reading experience

By Damiana McGraw Staff Reporter

We are entering a new age.

Not to be dramatic, but when I am sitting here with a device in my lap the size and shape (and weight just exceeding that) of a Goosebumps novel, paging through “Animal Farm” one moment and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” the next, it is a little awing.

The Amazon Kindle I am holding is in a snazzy little black leather outer

covering. The tablet itself is matte white and silver, very much echoing Mac fashion as of late. It has a little keyboard and simple buttons—next page, previous page, menu—your grandma could work it.

Your grandma could carry the libraries of the world in her purse.

Think about that.

The screen itself is not backlit, like an iPod, and the design is pretty ingenius. Battery power is only used when changing screens—miniature

Culture of the decade

cells of a sort are converted from black to white and back again by a simple electrical charge. One charge can last for days.

Not to mention the 3-G wifi, all the time. For free. (Yes, it has been hacked to be a web browser before.

Hitch-hikers’ Guide to the Galaxy, anyone?)

You can have a virtually unlimited number of books and read them all at the same time, and the Kindle will save your page for every one.

Are you one of those people who writes in the margins? Puts sticky notes all over? Put the cursor wherever you want to, and start typing. Are you constantly looking up words in the dictionary? Move the cursor to the word and in a few seconds the definition appears at the bottom of the screen. There is even a Wikipedia option (you could also get a dictionary. Not to mention a “real” encyclopedia, for those so inclined.).

Speaking of getting books,

2001: The iPod revolution enables everyone to carry his entire music collection with him everywhere he goes.

Page designed by Katie Schlimpert

yes, they do cost money, but the Amazon Kindle store is far from the only place you can get Kindle books (not that they want you to know that).

Oh, and by the way—the classics are all free. You could get the complete works of Shakespeare, Orwell and just about any old dead writer without spending a dime and probably a thesaurus … I should look into that.

Who needs books?

The introduction of the 2007: With the app store, Ipod changed music the iPhone becomes the forever. biggest tech craze of the decade.

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January 29, 2010

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Sequels stir excitement

By Allie Corrier Staff Reporter

“Alice In Wonderland”, “Toy Story 3”, and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part I” are just some of the promising new movies coming out in 2010.

Senior Alex Nedyalkov anticipates the release of “Toy Story 3”.

“I grew up with ‘Toy Story’ and now it’s like this huge comeback,” said Nedyalkov.

It is the third installment in the Toy Story series and is scheduled for release on June 18, 2010 in the United States.

Andy is departing for college and his toys, including Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), are going to be put in the attic. With some plot twists and adventure, the toys try and adapt to a whole new world.

“Toy Story was my go-to movie when I was a kid, I’m excited for the next one,” said sophomore Charles Hall.

Another movie that has gotten much attention is the highly anticipated remake of “Alice In Wonderland.” A sequel of Lewis

Carroll’s original story, the movie has Alice Kingsley, now 19, attending a party at a Victorian estate, only to find that a rich suitor is about to propose marriage to her in front of hundreds of snooty society-types.

Instead, Alice follows the white rabbit back into the world of

“

Toy Story was

my go-to movie as a child.”

— sophomore Charles Hall Wonderland, and re-discovers the world of adventure and wonder.

“Everything about the movie looks interesting. It’s got great actors like Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. [They’re both] great actors,” said Hall.

The film will use a technique combining live action and motion capture. The film will contain popular actors such as Alan Rickman, Anne Hathaway, and the rising star Mia Wasikowska.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part I” is set to premiere Nov. 19, 2010.

The final chapter in the Harry Potter series begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione leave Hogwarts behind and set off on a journey to destroy the final Horcruxes and discover the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and power.

“Harry Potter looks absolutely incredible. Seriously, everything about that movie just looks good,” said junior Sam Holder.

This movie has gotten so much attention since the very beginning, way back when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone first came out and America was introduced to Harry Potter.

From action figures to Legos to tshirts, Harry Potter has grown into quite the fad.

“I’ve loved Harry Potter since it first came out. The Sorcerer’s Stone was awesome. It just sort of got you hooked and then you couldn’t wait for the next one,” said Hall.

“I really cannot wait any longer for these movies. They are going to be phenomenal,” said Hall.

Photo by MCT Campus

Harry Potter looks intensly into the camara as if casting a spell on the audience. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince came out in 2009.

Third dimension hits big screens TOP: “Avatar” uses cuttingedge 3-D technology never before seen by an audience.

“Avatar” was the highestgrossing movie of 2009.

BOTTOM: A battle rages as the humans try and take over Pandora while the Na’vi defend their homeland. The movie kept people on the edge of their seats.

By Alli Keisker Staff Reporter

Over the years, the number of movies featured in 3-D has increased. In 2009, 3D movies such as “Up”, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Avatar”, “My Bloody Valentine”, and “Toy Story 2” have appeared in theaters.

While numerous movies are expected to appear in 3-D later this year, students have a range of opinions on the effects of movies in 3-D. “I saw ‘Up’ in 3-D last year,” said sophomore Kristen Kochmann. “It was really exciting. You got glasses that weren’t like the normal red and blue ones, but were like the old man’s glasses in the movie.”

Viewers feel that having movies in 3-D makes the movie more interesting and just

overall better than regular movies because of the 3-D effect. For movies that offer 3-D, customers usually pay extra for the effects. At local theaters, the 3-D version of “Avatar” costs $12, compared to its regular $8 counterpart.

“I wouldn’t see every movie in 3-D since you have to pay more for them, but if my favorite movie, Iron Man, was in 3-D, then I’d definitely go see it,” said Kochmann.

“Even if it was a bazillion dollars.”

While some were excited to hear that more 3-D movies will be in theaters this year, senior Steven Donahue has another view on them.

“The only movie I’ve seen in 3-D has been “Up”, other than “Bug’s Life” when I was at Disney World a few years ago,” said Donahue.

2001: Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Drinks human blood

Rings premieres. Two others follow within the decade in the popular trilogy.

Page designed by Allie Corrier

Some viewers feel that 3-D movies are not what most would expect to see. A 3-D movie is supposed to be things ‘popping out’ at you, but in some movies, that is not how they are.

“3-D movies cost more, but you get to see movies in a way you haven’t seen before,” said Donahue. “The only reason I went to see ‘Up’ was to see things popping out at me, but that wasn’t the case. There was like one or two times that happened.”

Business are capitalizing on the enthusiasm for this phenomenon by introducing many more 3-D movies in the upcoming years. DreamWorks Animation expects there to be 12 to 18 3-D feature films by the end of 2010, according to SlashFilm.com.

2001: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone premieres, adding to the already popular craze.

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January 29, 2010

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Breaking up Issues force bands to call it quits before their time Filling in the spot of a late band member is a difficult process. There are many legal issues, and adjusting to the change can be very emotional.

“Bands are never the same when a member dies. They can’t be replaced,” junior Rich Hosmer said.

Great bands such as Sublime and Avenged Sevenfold have been effected by a death in the band. Bradley Nowell, Sublime’s Vocalist and guitarist died in May of 1996. Although he died of a heroin overdose, band mates were emotionally effected.

In 2009, the band attempted to replace Nowell’s spot, but Nowell’s family and executors of his estate threatened a lawsuit if the newly reconstructed band was called Sublime and if they used the well known Sublime sun logo. Time will only tell if off springs of these legendary bands will be created.

Many bands have made history, but these bands have succeeded to become household names. But it seems as if the good bands never last too long. Their songs will live in us forever, and they will live in many generations to come.

By Morgan Vetter Staff Designer

Friendships are lost, promises are broken, and choices are made for the better... or worse. It is more than just the game of working in the music business; it is one of the ever-so-popular choices that many well known bands these days have made. Many bands decide to break up just as they get recognized.

Most people think these moves are made because of the typical hard life fame puts on their shoulders. Most think break-ups are due to sex, drugs, and alcohol; it is much deeper than that.

“All the good bands seem to call it quits at the peak of their popularity,” senior Ruben Aizpurua said.

Take Blink 182 for example. Mark Hoppus, the band’s vocalist and bassist, felt betrayal when guitarist Tim DeLonge and drummer Travis Barker formed the band Box Car Racer. The band mate’s friendship was at stake. However, the band reconciled differences and got back together in 2009 when Barker announced the band’s reformation.

“Blink 182 has been my favorite band since I was like seven. Bringing them back is like bringing back old memories,” sophomore Barrett Hanebrink said.

2003: Myspace emerges and bands use the site as new source to promote their music.

2000: Illegal downloading programs such as Limewire rock the music industry.

Online

music reviews

Feel good

Playlist

By Katie Schlimpert

1. “Horchata” The Vampire Weekend

2. “Lover” DeVendra Benhart 3. “Don’t Let Me Down” Eskimo Joe 4. “Better Things”

Passion Pit

5. “Too Young” Phoenix 6. “No Floods” Lady Gaga 7. “Boy with a Coin” Iron and Wine 8. “The First Day of my Life” Bright Eyes 9. “I Was Watching Your Eyes” Of Montreal 10. “Skinny Love” Bon Iver

Upcoming local shows Loop Underground The Pageant

“Contra”

by The Vampire Weekend

“Ghosts on the Boardwalk”

by Bouncing Souls

“ Of the Blue Colour of the Sky”

by OK Go

See full reviews on our website, FHCtoday.com Page designed by Morgan Vetter

The Color Purple The Fabulous Fox

February 12

February 2-7

Switchfoot The Pageant

George Straight & Reba McEntire Scottrade Center

February 15

February 18

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January 29, 2010

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Coats for all shapes, sizes

By Margaret Borgmeyer Communications Editor

The pea coat, also known as the pilot jacket, is a universal jacket, worn by both men and women.

The biggest mistake made when wearing a pea coat is fit.

Whether you’re tall, curvy, petite, or pear shaped, the right pea coat can be the perfect coat for all sizes.

The long pea coat, similar to a trench coat, is meant for a taller, leaner male or female. The long pea coat adds a more serious, sophisticated feel to any look. Make sure that when buying a long pea coat that it has a belt that hits at the waist. The coat should hit either your knee or mid-shin, depending on how long you want it to be.

For a fun, funky look, go for a pea coat that hits right at the hip. Not only will this accent your backside, but if fitted at the waist, it will make you seem thinner and give the impression that you’ve got more curves.

To get rid of curves, find a coat that accentuates the smallest part of your torso, and then falls away from the rest of your body. A coat that comes in at the waist, then flares down to the mid-thigh, creates a very slim feel, while hiding your bigger curves.

The collar and neck line can make or break a pea coat. Too tall of a collar can make your neck seem incredibly short, and a neck line that ends right by

the collar bone will seem very vampirelike. By getting a long v-neck and a shorter collar, the coat will elongate your neck, rather than shorten in.

When it comes to buttons, aim for three to five (it all really depends on the length of the coat). Make sure that buttons are good distances away from each other — you don’t want it to look too busy.

Avoid buttoning all of the buttons all the time; the shorter the jacket, the less you need to actually button.

Many celebrities or models don’t button any; by simply putting their hands in their pockets, the jacket still molds to curves.

Pattern is important too. While a pea coat can look sophisticated in strong, bold colors, wild patterns can make you look bigger than you are. Avoid multiple bright, neon colors; while those colors are good accent colors, they aren’t the most appealing as a jacket.

When looking for a pea coat, find something that accentuates all of your best features. Whether it’s a shorter coat or a different pattern, the pea coat is something that can work in every person’s closet.

2000: The UGG Boot becomes a popular trend in the United States.

Girls:

u Add a

colorful scarf or bulky necklace. u Tuck the scarf into the neckline of the coat, for a cozy feel and look. u If wearing a pea coat that hits at the hip, wear a floral skirt!

Boys:

u Wear a

While this solid black pea coat is not form fitting, it still narrows the body in all the right places.

The collar and placement of buttons create a slimming look.

bright, long sleeved shirt underneath the coat, letting the sleeves hang out. u Boys can wear scarves too! Find a plaid or striped long scarf to wear over the pea coat.

Photo illustration by Margaret Borgmeyer

2004: The “scene” trend reimerges.

Check out yourscenesucks. com.

Call Toll Free (636) 978-1953 or at (636) 281-1953

Custom Jewelry and diamond setting

Visit FHCtoday.com/index.php/ifocus and the iFocus Studio channel on YouTube Page designed by Margaret Borgmeyer

“We Make Quality Affordable”

309 South Main O’Fallon, Mo. 63366

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January 29, 2010

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Chili

Snow treats

from page 19 “I like chili,” said senior Emily Beckmann. “But it shouldn’t be too spicy.”

Other students have more specific chili tastes.

“I like Texas style chili,” said senior Katie Harding. “It’s thick and meaty. Chili should be all meat, not a lot of vegetables or anything.”

Students are not the only ones who enjoy this meaty meal. Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teacher Mrs. Bethany Bear knows a thing or two about making this hearty dish.

Mrs. Bear was a semifinalist in the National Crock-Pot Recipe Contest in 2005 and her original “Burn Your Bear Butt” chili (recipe below) helped her get there.

Another FACS teacher, Mrs. Kathryn McGuire, also has some experience making this treat for winter warming up. Making this simple chili (recipe below) is a great way to supply some heat to these frosty winter days. However, Mrs. McGuire feels that chili does not necessarily need a recipe at all.

“Everytime I make chili it’s different,” said Mrs. McGuire. “Making chili is

By Katie Schlimpert The Scene Editor

Every winter there is bound to be a snow storm, and snow days are not the only good thing that can come from these storms. Here are a few classic snow treats to help aid in the enjoyment of winter’s wonderland.

Snow Cream

Ingredients:

1 gallon snow (clean) 1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 cups milk

Photo by Chelsea Carrol

Chili is a great addition to any winter meal. The hot temperature it is served at and the slight spiciness of the chili peppers and other ingredients make it a tasty way to ward off bitter-cold temperatures.

about using your imagination and using what you have on hand. You can add corn or use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. I make substitutions depending on what I have in my house.

I just use what I have.”

Other good chili recipes can be

found on the internet as well, from sites like famouschilirecipes.com and goodchilirecipes.com. These sites offer a wide variety of recipes from plain beef to vegetarian to lowcarb to seafood. You can also check general food sites as well, such as

foodnetwork.com.

There are even recipes designed just for making during this chilly winter season. A “Winter Chili” recipe can be found on famouschilirecipes. com, and features in-season winter veggies.

“Burn Your Bear Butt” Chili

Simple Chili

Courtesy of Mrs. Bear

Courtesy of Mrs. McGuire

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 lb. ground pork 1 onion, diced 1 can green chilies 3 tbsp. hot chili powder 2 cans beef stock 1 tbsp. cumin 2 cans diced tomatoes 1 tbsp. smokey paprika 1 tbsp. ancho Chile powder 1 tbsp. Mexican oregano 2 tbsp. red chili flakes 1 tbsp. olive oil Kosher salt Cracked pepper 1 lb. chuck steak (cut into 1/2 inch cubes) 5-7 jalapeños or other chilies, sliced (do not remove the seeds) The first step towards making this great chili is to combine olive oil, salt, pepper and chuck steak in a large bowl. Once the steak is coated, brown the meat in a large skillet. Then, brown the turkey and pork, separately, and season with salt and pepper as it browns. Transfer each meat into the crock-pot after it is browned. Make sure to brown the meat in smaller portions so it browns but does not steam. Add the remaining ingredients to the crock-pot and cook for seven to nine hours. Stir occasionally to break up the meat as it becomes tender. Once the chili is fully cooked, it is ready to serve and enjoy. This dish can really warm you up on a cold day and would be great to serve at Super Bowl parties as well.

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. ground sirloin (lean ground beef) 1/2 lb. hot pork suasage 3 tbsp. chili powder 1 whole white onion 2 cans black beans 2 cloves of garlic 2 cans chili beans 1 can kidney beans 2 cans tomatoes 1 can tomato sauce Splash of hot sauce Splash of worcestershire sauce The first step towards putting this delicious chili together is to brown the beef in a pan on the stove. Place the browned meat in a crock-pot. Then, drain all of the beans and add them to the crock-pot as well. Next, put all the remaining ingredients into the crock-pot and mix them together. Make sure all the ingredients are fully mixed. All that is left to do now is to cook the chili on low for about six hours. Once the chili is fully cooked it is time to serve it up, warm up, and enjoy this simple, delicious meal. This chili is great to make for any family dinner.

2004: ‘Super Size Me’ becomes the reason behind the fast food chain movement to abolish the super size option.

Page designed by Hannah Ibos

Preparation:

Place a large size bowl outside as soon as it begins snowing.

Add ingredients and stir together.

Serve immediately.

Photo by Kelci Davis

Vanilla is a simple ingredient that can turn snow into a real treat.

Snow Icee

Ingredients:

1 gallon snow (clean) 1 can Coca-Cola or preferred soft drink

Preparation:

Place a large size bowl outside as soon as it begins snowing. Add your choice of soft drink to collected snow. Serve immediately.

2005: The addition of the Food Network to cable television changes the way Americans approach food.

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FHCtoday.com

January 29, 2010

Aperture

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Photo by Margaret Borgmeyer

Photo by Margaret Borgmeyer

Junior Kelsey Nagel applies eyeliner while preparing for Student-Directed One Acts. On Wednesday Jan. 20, teachers and parents got in to see the show for free.

Photo by Chelsea Carroll

Senior Lindsay Gingrich plays a sassy waitress serving sophomore Kayla Kammermeyerin in “Girltown.” The cast spent over six weeks, including weekends, in preparation for One Acts.

Acts

Senior Erin Richey attempts to seduce junior Damon Stark for information. In “Whacked,” Richey played a detective trying to put away a long time enemy.

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The Spotlight Players change up One Acts by presenting in January

Photo by Margaret Borgmeyer

Junior Mickael McPartland points a gun at junior Damon Stark. In the One Act “Whacked,” McPartland played a mob boss, who had a good handle over the actions of Stark.

Photo by Margaret Borgmeyer

Photo by Chelsea Carroll

The cast of “Girltown” concludes their show giving the audience a sweet “good night.” The show featured the lives of six girls with different problems and how they got through.

Photo by Margaret Borgmeyer

ABOVE: The cast of “Whacked” takes their bows on Wednesday, Jan. 20. “Whacked” was written and directed by senior Steven Donahue.

LEFT: Junior Kevin Switzer plays a drunk Father Charlie in the show “Whacked.” His comedic tone captured the audience every performance.

Page designed by Chelsea Carroll and Margaret Borgmeyer