Central Focus September 2009

CF

New teaching methods always arising p. 8 - The meaning of marriage p. 10 FRANCIS HOWELL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1

Contrast

New teacher overcomes expectations, experienced teacher renews reputation

Summer upset New policy angers students

Endurance

Two-a-day practices require strength from players

09.18.2009

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Visit us on the web today at www.FHCtoday.com.

Central

Focus

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FocalPoints 4

“Glee,” a comedic musical

tv series, including highschool outcasts singing and dancing, premiered on Sept 9.

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Be prepared! If the world ends, have your own acre of land on Mars! Buy now at buymars.com.

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Why even bother with computers? Get Facebook and Twitter mobile alerts right to your phone!

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Bump is a very

functional iPhone App that lets you share contacts with other iPhone users with a bump of your phone.

Kanye West stole the spotlight

at this years VMA’s, grabbing the microphone while Taylor Swift was accepting her award for best female video of the year.

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The Duggar family is having its

19th child! With kids ranging from 21 years to 8 months, another child is just another addition to the happy bunch. Their eldest son’s wife is also expecting, making the Duggars soon-tobe grandparents!

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Check out the latest reports from the iFocus team on its

Homecoming is next week! Here is the schedule of the theme days: Monday: Decade Day Tuesday: GQ Day Wednesday: Wacky Day Thursday: Superhero Day Parade and Powderpuff game Friday: Blue and Silver Day, Homecoming game Saturday: The dance-- see you there!

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The football team has won two of its first three football games! Make sure to come to the Homecoming game next Friday to support our team, and take on the Indians!

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YouTube channel.

“Emily Nicole” Struckmann, senior,

released her first album earlier this year. The album features old favorites, such as “Fever.” Be a fan on Facebook for more on Emily Nicole’s upcoming performances!

new school year means classes and has been in the district for new beginnings. A new many years. teacher begins his career; a

In order to understand the process a

more experienced teacher begins again teacher goes through daily, two reporters the cycle of impacting students’ lives.

and two photographers observed the

With both the goal to welcome and the teachers for one full school day. desire to examine new and experienced

Enjoy getting to know the teachers,

teachers alike, this issue the Central if you don’t already, or discovering Focus staff decided to profile Mr. Nick something new about them through Photo by Chelsea Carroll

Balancing his meter stick against his desk, social studies teacher Nick Renfrow prepares to organize some papers at his desk while peeling an orange. Mr. Renfrow taught at Rockwood Summitt High School before becoming a first-year teacher at FHC.

Renfrow, a history teacher who is new the reporters’ eyes. to the school, and Ms. Grace Clifford,

Sincerely,

who teaches clothing, foods, and fashion

Kayla Mugler, managing editor

Page designed by Kayla Mugler

Themed lunches excite students See page 5 | Teenagers face stress at school and work See page 6

Wired

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Photo by Kayla Boone

AP students, Paul Haluszczak and Tyler Meyer are preparing for their Mythology Pageant. For the first time this year, students were given homework over their summer break, which was to read a book, “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien for juniors and “The Power and The Glory” by Graham Greene for seniors, books that could be referenced on the AP exam.

Wanted: summer Students adjust to summer homework with Central being the last of the Howell schools to institute it

By Alaina Babb Wired editor

Some FHC juniors and seniors had a new experience this summer — homework.

After the departure of Mr. Bob Brail last year, AP Literature and Composition has new teachers. With them came new policies, like summer homework and even a new class, AP Language and Composition, for juniors.

“The difference between the two classes is the Literature and Composition class focuses on fiction, while Language and Composition focuses on nonfiction and rhetoric,” said Mrs. Katie Keierleber, a new AP Literature and Composition teacher.

This new class addition will give new opportunities to students who wish to gain more college credit sooner. Yet, many students this year

believed that it may have come with a price.

“We decided to give summer homework to the AP classes to help get students prepared for what they’ll be doing this year, to help them understand what expectations will be, and it was a sort of pre-assessment,” said Mrs. Keierleber. “The students had to read a novel, “The Power and the Glory” , for Lit. and Comp. and “The Things They Carried” for Lang., and Comp., and then write a literary analysis on it.”

However, according to many students, this pre-assessment fell short of its prime purpose.

“I definitely did not do my best because it was homework over the summer, but I got it done on time,” said senior Deanna Susek, a student in AP Lit. and Comp. “I heard that some people didn’t even read the book, they just used Spark Notes.”

This distaste does not only lie with the seniors, but with the juniors as well. “[The summer homework] was not fun,” said junior Sadie Gerau, a student in AP Lang. and Comp. “We shouldn’t have to do homework over the summer. I just felt like it wasn’t necessary.”

Despite all the resentment coming from the students at FHC, most students are excited about this year.

“Students are going to have to work harder and and put forth more effort in an AP class, but I’m really excited for this year,” said senior Ellen Huppert.

The teachers are really excited as well.

“I’m really excited to be teaching AP! It’s a new challenge and I hope students take it on as a way to experience new literature,” said Mrs. Keierleber.

Page designed by Alaina Babb

Photo by Kelci Davis

The current economic situation is emptying the wallets of many teens.

Students supporting their families have been under excessive strain.

Financial crisis hits local stores

By George Yu Staff reporter

Difficulty in finding a job, less spending, and an unwelcoming house market are all signs of the current financial crisis.

The effects are felt all over the nation. Many local stores, such as Soccer Master on Mid Rivers

Mall Drive, have had to change in unforeseen ways. “[Employees] are given less hours to work for; less hours means less money, which means less money to pay for bills,” said Tim Toolen, a Soccer Master employee. Even though most high school students Please read more | FINANCE, PAGE 6

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September 18, 2009

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StuCo labors for Homecoming

By Megan Berberich Staff reporter

Homecoming is just around the corner. The average dance-goer prepares weeks in advance, making sure their night is picture perfect.

Meanwhile, another group of students has the pressure to make this night exciting for the whole student body. This group of kids has been planning this night since last school year. Student Council has been working relentlessly over the past six months to make this Midnight Masquerade the most enjoyable yet.

“Kids have put in hundreds of hours of their own time to prepare for this,” said Vicki Pohlman, supervisor of StuCo. Lots of planning has gone into this year’s homecoming.

“We come in early and stay late just to plan,” said junior Shawn Moore, president of StuCo. Out of all of this planning have come the ideas for this year’s spirit week. Most days are similar to last year, while a couple have a brand new theme.

The spirit days are as follows: Monday-Decade Day, TuesdaySuperhero/Villain Day, WednesdayWacky Wednesday, Thursday- GQ Day, and Friday- Blue and Silver Day. The festivities will start on Monday.

The spirit week happens because of StuCo’s dedication and commitment to homecoming week.

Mrs. Pohlman and Moore both

agree that this year’s group of members are very dedicated.

“We have more involved kids than last year,” said Moore.

Pohlman is satisfied with the kids and their work ethic.

“We have a great enthusiastic group of kids this year. The officers work extremely hard and every member takes complete responsibility,” said Mrs. Pohlman.

StuCo thinks The Midnight Masquerade will be a big success this year.

“This theme is more exciting and the kids this year are more spirited,” said Mrs. Pohlman. “It will be fun but elegant as well.”

StuCo officer Jamie Downey likes the masquerade theme, as well.

“The theme is fun and different. I like the colors, also,” Downey said.

There will be more decorations this year, which is a change from last year’s Homecoming dance.

“We bought $4,000 worth of decorations this year. We have huge masquerade masks that the drama department is helping us store beforehand,” said Mrs. Pohlman.

StuCo hasn’t come across any major problems while planning the dance, but they have encountered some minor issues.

“It has been a little difficult to find decorations to fit the theme,” said Downey.

Mrs. Pohlman does not think that StuCo has encountered any diasterous problems.

Photo by Jessie DiMariano

Members of StuCo raise their hands to vote on spirit days for Homecoming Week, September 21 through 25.

StuCo has been planning Homecoming for over six months.

“

Without Student Council, our

Homecoming would consist of crepe paper and balloons.

”

— Mrs. Pohlman, StuCo supervisor

“The biggest issue has been a crunch for time,” said Mrs. Pohlman.

Even while having six months of preparation time, there is still much to do and a lot of help is needed.

“The parent club should be a big help with ticket sales. They help make it run more smoothly,” said Pohlman.

Lots of work is already done, but much more work still lies ahead this

next week.

When you find yourself walking into the gymnasium, think of all the hard work that has been done to make this dance happen.

“If you have fun at the dance, tell someone in Student Council because they put in so much of their time to make this special,” Mrs. Pohlman said. “Without Student Council, our Homecoming would consist of crepe paper and balloons.”

Increased taxes on junk food cause discord

By Brittany Kinealy Staff reporter

Today it seems the only story covered on the news is the health care debate and all of its surrounding outrage. Death panels and dozens of other crazy ideas have come to light as a result.

One important aspect in particular of this debate is its funding. How will it be paid for?

President Obama seems to dodge this issue, instead merely insisting that universal health care is a necessity. While that very well may be, the question still remains: where will America get the money?

Members of Congress have proposed a tax increase on two products most teenagers consider vital: candy and soda. Under this proposal, a one-dollar candy bar’s

price would increase by nearly ten cents.

A dime may not sound like a lot to spare on a candy bar, but over a year that could potentially place quite a dent in the wallet. That’s not even factoring in a price hike on soda, an obviously popular American beverage.

Proponents of this initiative claim that a ten cent tax increase is capable of bringing in $140 billion to the U.S. over the next ten years.

While that’s a large figure, it has been estimated that the total cost of universal health care easily could reach over $1.5 trillion.

While the tax could possibly generate some income for this country, a giant portion would still be needed to fund the proposed health care system. Thus, where

would the rest of the money come from?

“I don’t think there’s a way to fund health care without raising taxes,” said government teacher Brian Cissell. He went on to say that taxing soda and candy may not be the best option, but reforms cannot be made in this country without increasing taxes.

Supporters of the tax, such as Governor David Paterson of New York and the Center for Science in the Public Interest, also insist other benefits would follow.

They say that if taxes on “junk food” are raised, their consumption will go down.

Logically, people will lose weight and become healthier.

Obesity is an epidemic in this country, but many call it unfair to

Page designed by Brittany Kinealy

make American citizens pay for a plan to combat the problem that may not even work.

After analyzing this, a pretty big loophole can be discovered in this initiative: if the plan is to get people to buy less unhealthy snacks, how will the government raise enough money to pay for health care?

In addition, it appears as if some members of Congress have neglected to address the possible damage this could cause business owners. If people purchase less candy, then any given candy company would lose profit and would be forced to cut employees.

Those opposed to the tax assert say that this is just another example of the government sticking its figurative nose where it doesn’t belong.

“We’re taxed enough as it is, so they shouldn’t take away even more from the youth of the nation,” said junior Michelle Howard.

If people aren’t allowed to eat the way they want to, what will the leaders of this nation try to control next? There also is the likelihood of the only opinion heard is that of Congress.

“This would be up to Congress to decide,” Mr. Cissell said. Those fighting the tax believe it would be the right of American citizens to exercise democracy on this issue; however, it appears as if Congress would get the only say.

As of right now, though, this is only a proposed initiative. Fortunately for soda drinkers and candy eaters, the issue has gained little traction so far in Congress.

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FHCtoday.com

September 18, 2009

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First of many themed lunches encourages student spirit

By Alaina Babb Wired editor

File Photo

A student stands in the lunch line to buy his food. This year, StuCo planned to make lunches more exciting by giving them a theme.

Another attempt is being made this year to raise school spirit, but it’s being presented in a new way by Student Council. On August 14, the cafeteria was adorned with various luau themed decorations, music, and games.

These themed lunches will occur the second Friday of every month, according to StuCo advisor Mrs. Vicki Pohlman.

“We wanted to increase school spirit in a fun way by making lunch more exciting,” said junior Shawn Moore, StuCo president. “We want everyone to get involved and to just enjoy school a little bit more.”

However, some students, like junior Adam Wojciehowski, believe that the games aren’t worth it, so

StuCo encourages students by giving out prizes.

“

We want

everyone...to just enjoy school a little bit more. ”

— junior Shawn Moore, StuCo president “I really didn’t like the games.

They were a waste of time,” said Wojciehowski. “They were giving out ten dollar gift cards to the main winners and little door prizes to other people. They were kind of cheesy, but it got people doing the games.”

Page designed by Brendan Kinnison

“They did a couple of games like hula hoop contest and hula dancing,” said senior Austin Baldwin. “I participated in the hula dancing, but I didn’t win anything.”

At the end of the day, StuCo and the administrators liked the results.

“I believed the idea would bomb by the first lunch, but it actually turned out really well,” said Moore.

According to Mrs. Pohlman, the principals and staff enjoyed the fist theme as well.

“The administrators have been really supportive of the whole thing and really liked the first theme,” said Mrs. Pohlman.

Many different themes have been put forward by students and luau is only one of many themes that StuCo has planned for this upcoming year according to Moore.

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September 18, 2009

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Stressed out

Homework load from advanced classes, jobs weigh students down.

Between school, homework, and work, they have time for little else during school is no exception. You must be able to balance the two.

“You just need to talk to your managers and if you have a big test coming up, you need to see if that can be worked out. You may also try doing homework on your break,” said Horton.

By Brendan Kinnison Staff reporter

High school is seen as a time of freedom and discovery, but in reality it can be a stressful roller coaster in which students try to balance work and school.

Many students take honors and AP classes while trying to balance their time with work. While trying to do homework and work, the stress may disrupt studies.

School, activities, and work can add up to create an abnormal amount of stress. With all of these things going on, students may have to take time away from other things, such as sleep. Senior Keisha Horton says she only receives five hours of sleep a night.

Just regular school can interfere with work and cause stress, but honors and AP classes pile on more work. AP classes promise an average of one hour of homework a night. Students may find themselves trapped in these classes, and they are unable to drop them. The work load can be overwhelming, according to junior Amanda Mizell.

“If you have extra time in a class, do the homework then so you’ll have less to do after work. Try to get hours that aren’t till all hours on the night,” says Mizell.

Although the stress from jobs

Finance from page 3

do not have to pay bills, the smaller paycheck results in more economical spending habits. Similarly, Soccer Master has also had to adapt to a change in customers’ spending habits. “[Customers] usually come in, look for the cheapest stuff, and buy everything at once, and they don’t come back for a while,” said Toolen.

Although many students with a job can relate to Toolen’s situation, few understand why the economy has become worse.

According to the Wall Street Journal, there was a housing market boom in the late ‘90s. House prices were constantly on the rise with little

“

You just need

to talk to your managers, and if you have a big test coming up, you need to see if that can be worked out.”

— senior Keshia Horton

Photo by Zac Hebert

Senior Katy Bruegenhemke takes notes on mythological characters who were presented by students in Mrs. Patti Shockley’s AP Literature and Composition class. On top of the work load from AP classes, many students also have jobs which take up most of their time after school is over, giving them little time for homework.

has increased, the number of teens working has decreased since 2000, from 45 percent to around 30

percent claims The New York Times.

This makes people working have to do more work since no one else is

indication of decline.

Poor people payed their mortgage with loans from banks. The banks gave these people sub-prime mortgages: mortgages with a higher interest rate.

The banks, uneasy with the poor (who are less likely to pay off their mortgage), sold these loans to companies such as AIG, Bear Sterns, and Lehman Brothers.

By this time, “for sale” signs were abundant; house prices fell drastically.

The poor were soon unable to pay off their mortgages to the big companies.

The companies had invested poorly in sub-prime mortgages.

Unfortunately for those in St. Peters, what happens at a national level affects the local economy.

Just a couple of stores down from

Soccer Master is Deals, a store that sells many items for one dollar each.

Roger Packard, the manager of Deals, has been impacted differently.

“There was a period of time where [business] slowed down, but the weather has affected us more than the economy has,” said Packard. “With all the negative aspects of the economy, I thought our business would’ve grown more.”

Packard thought that Deals would have grown more because they offer an inexpensive alternative to other products. In a bad economy, people often look to more economical means.

On the same street, Soccer Master is pushing a different approach.

“Well, we are putting out better products and just hoping the economy turns around,” said Toolen.

there to help out.

But people will always have to work; there is always a need, and

In order to work, go to school, and do activities, Mizell says students just need to talk to their manager or boss.

“I don’t have a lot going on besides StuCo, but if I did, my job doesn’t interfere with school.

My boss is extremely flexible if I have something going on,” says Mizell.

Photo by Kelci Davis

Many stores like Soccer Master have had to adapt to different customer spending habits because of the economy.

Page designed by George Yu

TV news needs to lose the bias. See page 8 | Gay marriage pro/con. See page 10

Heard Be

Believe Students devote Wednesday mornings to studying religion

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By Kayla Mugler Managing editor

E

very Thursday morning at six (yes, 6 a.m.), a group of 10 girls led by seniors Liz Caro and Mary Ferch meets at St. Louis Bread Company. While I’m certain they enjoy the bagels and coffee, these things alone would not pull them out of bed at a time when few people, let alone teenagers, naturally function.

There’s something more.

“I do it because it gets my school day started off really well,” said Caro. “Getting into God’s word makes my day Please read more | RELIGION, PAGE 9

Senior Brandi Wyatt, sophomore Claire Henderson and seniors Liz Caro and Mary Ferch enjoy breakfast on a Wednesday morning at St. Louis Bread Co. as the wait for other members of their group to bring their food and drinks back to the table. Approximately 12 girls meet each Wednesday to discuss religion.

Mother’s drinking discourages daughter

By Alli Keisker Staff reporter

Doors slammed and there were holes in the walls. All she heard was yelling, but she’d rather hear silence.

Day in and day out, she didn’t think she could take it anymore. Most days were like this for sophomore Sarah Merkle as a kid when her mom, Marilyn, would drink.

So it was up until the day she told her mom that if she couldn’t pay for the holes in the walls, then she shouldn’t be buying alcohol. That day really changed the way her mom looked at things, just because she heard it from someone who loved her.

“Both my parents drank. My dad was a drunk, and when he was alive, my parents fought every day and it was never fun to be around them,” says Merkle.

The Marin Institute says on average, 11,318 teens try alcohol daily. But, unlike most teenagers who will probably at least try alcohol before they graduate high school, Merkle won’t.

“I believe it’s their choice and my friends who drink want to stop but can’t. I feel like the better person to try to help stop them,” says Merkle.

Teens think going to parties and getting wasted is the “cool” thing to do. It’s not.

People who drink and drive aren’t thinking about their actions, but that doesn’t give them an excuse for it.

By drinking that first cup of alcohol that night, they could end up dying or taking someone else’s life.

Twenty-eight percent of teenagers killed in car crashes were drinking either before or while they were driving and most of them forgot to use their seat belt.

“It’s reckless and stupid, because people get hurt, and if you’re the one drinking and driving, then you’re putting a lot at risk,” says Merkle.

It’s not fun to get random phone calls from friends who are drunk and hear them say the things they say.

Drunk people do things they’d probably never do if they were sober.

If those people could hear the things they say and see what they do when they were drunk, they probably wouldn’t still be drinking.

Your friends probably will get sick of you if all you do is drink when they are around. Maybe the ones who like getting drunk, too, but what’ll happen if they die due to drinking?

Will that open your eyes?

It shouldn’t take that long for a person to realize what they are doing is wrong.

“It’s irresponsible and a waste of time [to drink],” says Merkle.

Why put yourself and others at risk?

Page designed by Morgan Vetter

In 1988, the United States created the law that you could only drink if you’re 21 years or older. They wouldn’t have made the law if they didn’t have a purpose.

“At least at 25 because people would be out of college and have a job,” says Merkle about raising the drinking age.

Not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic, but those who drink irresponsibly don’t know what they are putting at risk. Not every alcoholic has to be one for life, and every alcoholic has the strength and ability to quit. They just have to try.

Please read more | DRINKING, PAGE 9

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BeHeard

September 18, 2009

FHCtoday.com

Staff cartoon by Damiana McGraw

TV news stations report with bias

By Brett Story Design editor

Staff editorial: Teaching styles

New style latest fad for teachers

T

he word assessment has disgusted students for years now, possibly before we even understood its meaning. What comes to mind when one hears the word assessment? Everything from an eye exam to a final exam—don’t forget the ever-looming ACT. Certainly, teachers should use this to their advantage. We flinch at a quiz and sweat for a test. We may scoff at the term “quest,” but we nearly pee our pants at the mention of finals.

Teachers and administrators have decided to implement this subtle form of torture by introducing a new style of teaching. They call it—haven’t you guessed?—classroom assessment.

Essentially, this involves an evaluation of students’ previous work, including comparisons with work that is what they “should be” doing. On a simple level, it’s showing students they should be improving.

Last year, Marzano strategies were all the rage with the administration.

Teachers hated them; students laughed at them, everyone complaining all the while. We believe it has been established that these methods are, at

the least, ineffective in most settings for high school students.

Marzano methods have not died, so refrain from celebrating just yet. The best bet is to wear that cap and gown, and then you can say a bittersweet farewell to analogies and daily objectives; you know that while you hated every minute of it, you didn’t want to really challenge yourself, either.

Venturing further back, we see the traditional lecture style of teaching.

While perfected by the best, it is also known to induce drooping eyelids and a slight drooling effect.

What is best? Will we ever really know? We could continue to base our entire educational system on standardized test scores, or we could traditionally allow teachers to use whatever style of teaching they deem most effectual. We can continue to drag students along against their will, or let them fall where they may.

The important thing to keep in mind in all of this is that if you don’t like the current teaching fad, you should just stick through it, make fun of it if need be, and realize that in the end, there will always be another Marzano.

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America is in the middle of a long voyage. We’re crossing vast seas, into the great beyond, into our future.

To our dismay, it seems we have Leonardo DiCaprio aboard our ship, and Fox News is commandearing this ship into an iceberg.

I’m actually beginning to think that there aren’t any real journalists that work for Fox. Let me break down Fox News’ line up for you.

There are the short periods where Fox decides to report real news, usually on something insignificant or overly dramatic, never something useful.

Then they do some politics, where they twist every story to make Democrats out as devilhorned demons and Sarah Palin as Alanis Morrisette in Dogma.

Now, in-between all this hogwash, we’ve got Glenn Beck claiming President Barack Obama is racist (really), Sean Hannity telling us we’re going down (not up), and Bill O’Reilly shouting at his enemies until they get so annoyed at his unintelligible arguments that their heads explode (also known as the Bill O’Reilly Syndrome).

Now I know what you right-

wing Fox viewers out there are thinking: “Oh boy, Brett, they have a right to free speech just like you, and we all know the other news networks are liberal hippies.”

Yes, every network seems to have a bias, and yes, they all have the right to free speech.

The problem is that, liberal or conservative, biased news is bad.

Very bad.

If the only perspectives we get from the world are from

biased news networks, we’re going to lose the insight to realize that not all Muslims hate freedom (yes, Fox viewers, not all Muslims hate your freedom, I know it’s a surprise) and that not all Republicans are crusty old white men waiting to suck the soul from America (yes, MSNBC viewers, Abraham Lincoln was a Republican).

Fox News’ journalist school graduates effectively twisted Betsy McCaughey’s editorial in

Page designed by Morgan Vetter

Bloomberg until the conservative half of America believed that Obama’s health care plan contained “death panels.” Oddly, it did not.

Beyond that, MSNBC’s programming is blatantly biased in the other direction.

On MSNBC’s program, “Countdown,” its host Keith Olbermann mocks the GOP, and even shoots his voice to a whiny, annoying pitch when quoting Sarah Palin.

Oh, and of course when the actual news segments of MSNBC appear, all of their “experts” are fairly liberal on the subjects of which they have expertise.

It’s bias like this that is completely destroying journalism in America.

Have your view points in real life, argue with friends and enemies, but don’t opinionate the news.

News is fact. News is what happens, and why, its not what you feel about it.

Get your opinion out of my news channel, get out of my TV sets, and stop complaining about heightened taxes when you made $10 million in 2008, according to the Washington Post.

If the video killed the radio star, and the TV killed the paper press, I’d like to throw something large at my TV set.

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FHCtoday.com

September 18, 2009

HOT BOX

from page 7

LOVE IT 1. Spirit Week themes 2. FHCtoday.com!

3. Lovely weather

4. “Rock Band: The Beatles”

LIKE IT 1. Football season starting 2. Video Music Awards 3. Germ-X dispensers in rooms

4. Spartan Regiment’s success

Photo by Chelsea Carroll

Sophomore Claire Henderson highlights a verse in her Bible while senior Mary Ferch reads a verse aloud.

About ten girls meet every Wednesday morning at St. Louis Bread Company to have Bible study and pray for each other.

LEAVE IT 1. Kanye West at the VMA’s 2. Swine flu precautions 3. Bus radio

4. Obama speech hubbub

How will Missouri’s new law against texting while driving affect you?

58.1% “I never text while driving anyway.”

9 Drinking BeHeard

Religion from page 7 more fulfilling.”

I understand why some people could see this as crazy. I, personally, think it’s just crazy enough. A small group of girls making a statement, sticking together, and loving people can start a movement.

“I have a support system of girls at school. It’s hard to find them here,” said Caro. “We’re all striving for the same thing. We have common ground on the foundation of Christ.”

Where I see a problem is the way people view things like this. I’m not saying these girls are getting stones

pelted at them, by any means. It’s how people view religion.

One morning in my accounting class, we were discussing careers and values (because this is pertinent to accounting), and the topic of religion was brought up.

“Why wouldn’t you want to say you value religion?” asked accounting teacher Bill Myers.

“It’s embarrassing,” replied a student.

If you would be embarrassed to stand up for your faith, then I am sorry you value it so little. If religion isn’t your thing, I understand, but can you try to wrap your mind around the fact that it does matter to some people? I care little to

nothing about vegetarianism, but I’m not looking down on you if you’re a vegetarian. I respect that you value that.

I don’t mean to be condescending.

I’m not judging you. I am simply asking for more awareness.

Some people love theatre.

Some people love marching band.

Some people have an unhealthy obsession with sports, but that’s okay. Why? Because they’ve found something they love, and they’re better for it.

If you want to throw stones, let’s talk. Just understand that I will not be silenced by apathy. If that’s how you view religion, then I see why you haven’t given it a second glance.

...“My mom became a drunk after awhile. She’d yell at me and we’d get into fights, like, every day. I’d get grounded for stupid reasons, and I know we both said things we didn’t mean, but when she stopped drinking she became the sweetest person I know, and we created a strong mother-daughter relationship,” says Merkle. That just shows what one voice can do to make a difference.

Believe it or not, Sarah is not alone. Many people know someone who is an alcoholic, but the way they react to it is their own choice.

Sarah tried to help her mom and got what she wanted. Her mom stopped for her and her brothers. As long as they hear it from the right people, then it could help them with their problem.

If drinking can make you lose friends, respect, brain cells, and maybe even your life, then why not stop? Why not be one less?

“

I know we

both said things we didn’t mean, but when she stopped drinking, she became the sweetest person I know, and we created a strong mother-daughter relationship.

”

— sophomore Sarah Merkle

New York prison program is cancelled

By Kayla Boone Staff reporter

In today’s economic state, it’s difficult to make ends meet and even problematic for non-profit organizations such as food kitchens.

For much needed help, many food pantries have turned to local prisons and have started using non-violent, short-term offenders to help them gather food.

This program is beneficial not only to the inmates, but to society as a whole. It teaches prison

inmates to be proper, hardworking citizens and to work for the benefit of others.

They help in the food kitchens, serving and making food. They are also taught valuable farming skills in order to help harvest previously harvested fields.

These farming skills help them re-enter the workforce upon their release. This boosts the morale of inmates, and helps them feel like they are a part of the community while they are behind bars, which

makes their transition into society after their release go much smoother.

Sounds like a great idea, right?

Wrong.

According to the New York state government, the farming skills acquired by the inmates who are a part of this program are impractical to the real world once they are released.

What kind of ridiculous argument is that? Impractical?

Teaching prison inmates to be proper, hard working citizens is

Page designed by Kayla Mugler

impractical? Helping to ease their transition into society, instead of forcing them into situations where they could revert to their life of crime, is impractical?

That is the most absurd, illogical statement I have ever heard. There’s absolutely no logical reason to cancel this program. None. Nada.

Zilch.

So why in the world are these New York inmates being held back from such a great opportunity to better themselves?

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Meaning of marriage remains fuzzy Choice shouldn’t allow nuptials

Arguments fail to hold water

When it comes to marriage, a homosexual couple simply cannot Staff reporter and Communications editor fulfill the role of husband and wife; Two people of the same sex can love those roles cannot ever be completely each other as a brother, sister, or friend, fulfilled without two people of opposite but no more than that. It seems that sexes. today’s culture has confused attraction The Bible states that marriage is a and infatuation with love. union between a man and a woman.

Homosexuality is a choice brought “Now I want you to realize that the on by someone’s desire to be different head of every man is Christ, and the and to rebel. head of the woman is man, and the Homosexuality is a state of mind; head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians you can convince 11:3). yourself that you’re In a biblical attracted to people marriage, you It seems today’s of the same sex, need a man and a just like someone woman to fulfill all culture has can convince your duties. confused attraction themselves that However, it also they are ill, or states not to judge and infatuation happy, or sad, or anybody unfairly. angry.

“Do not pervert with love.

Your mind has justice; do not the power to trick show partiality you in ways you to the poor or couldn’t imagine; it can even trick you favoritism to the great, but judge your into thinking that you are attracted to neighbor fairly” (Leviticus 19:15). someone.

In the Bible, it tells Christians to Dr. Neil Whitehead, coauthor of love their neighbors as themselves; if the book “My Genes Made Me Do your neighbor is gay, you love them, It — A Scientific Look At Sexual not what they do.

Orientation,” research shows that As an example, if your friend is genetics have no control over some doing something you disagree with, one’s sexual preference at birth. It is you don’t stop being friends with them; merely a choice. you simply don’t think it is right.

So, homosexuality is absorbed by Our views on homosexuality are someone from viewing it in today’s that, although we don’t agree that it is culture, not how they were “born” or right; we love them just as much as any were “meant to be.” straight person.

By Cory Schmitt and Margaret Borgmeyer

“

”

By Damiana McGraw Staff reporter

Cory Schmitt and Margaret Borgmeyer believe that true love can only exist between a man and a woman.

The topic: Gay Marriage Should people of one sex be allowed to marry?

Damiana McGraw thinks the government doesn’t have the right to tell responsible adults who they can marry.

Somehow, homosexuality has become a big, bad boogie monster in the cultural closet of the United States. Every time it creeps out the door, people run and scream and make a ridiculous fuss.

Certain people don’t want to see it, don’t want to hear about it, don’t want to think about it. The fact is, there is no real reason to allow some adults to marry but prevent others.

Some people call upon religion as legal grounds. This, by it’s very nature, doesn’t work, whatever your argument may be.

If you want to argue that homosexual marriage is frowned upon by your god(s) or goddess(es), you can do that. You may convince people that they are going to meet a horrible fate in the afterlife. But that has no place in legislation.

Your religion is not everyone’s religion; do not force it on others. The majority does not get to tell the minority how to live: this is a little thing called separation of church and state.

That said, many popular religious arguments still hold no water; for instance, marriage is not sacred, holy, or created by God between one man and one woman.

Marriage today is many things, but if you still think it’s sacred, then quite frankly, you’re off your rocker.

No part of marriage has been left unviolated: Britney Spears got married and then divorced within 48 hours, just for fun.

Honestly, trying to prove that marriage is or isn’t sacred is a fruitless venture.

Marriage is a legal contract; civil unions aren’t sufficient because as a different kind of legal contract, they do not offer legal kinship.

That means no emergency-room hospital visitation for partners that may have been together 30, 40, 50 years, among many many other things.

Slippery slope proponents are spouting hot air: gay marriage will not lead to the marriage of children or animals, since neither may enter into a legal contract. Society doesn’t deem them able to take the responsibility.

Homosexuality is not going away. It is not a choice; it is not a fad. But whether or not it is a choice shouldn’t matter as far as gay marriage is concerned.

In this country, once you’re 18, you’re an adult. You make your own decisions as long as they don’t harm others.

Once you are a responsible adult, who you choose to marry and when you choose to marry them is your own business; it’s a private matter.

Marriages succeed; marriages fail. But, for some inexplicable reason, responsible adults who want to marry someone their gender are prevented from doing so.

Why on earth is this? How can who they privately decide to marry affect anyone else in so negative a way that it is against the law? Where is the evidence?

I find none, and am left asking the only thing I can: What is the real reason?

Until someone can tell me different, the conclusion I’m forced to draw is simple, intolerant squeamishness-which we all knew all along.

Who won the Point-Counterpoint argument? Go to FHCtoday.com to cast your vote for the winner!

Did we make you mad?

Yell at us in print or online!

Letters to the editor can be submitted at FHCtoday.com or in Room 139.

Let your school, and the world, know what’s on your mind!

Editors and staff

Kayla Mugler Managing Editor Zac Hebert Photo editor Ted Noelker Media editor Alaina Babb Wired editor Katie Schlimpert TheScene editor Bryan McCreary Sweat editor Brett Story Design editor Megan Berberich Staff reporter Kayla Boone Staff reporter Margaret Borgmeyer Staff reporter Chelsea Carroll Staff reporter Allie Corrier Staff reporter Kelci Davis Staff reporter Niki Diller Staff reporter Hannah Ibos Staff reporter Alli Keisker Staff reporter

Brendan Kinnison Domi McGraw Ryan McPartland Jesse Patch Cory Schmitt Morgan Vetter George Yu Mr. Matthew Schott

Staff reporter Staff reporter Staff reporter Staff reporter Staff reporter Staff reporter Staff reporter Adviser

Letters policy 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

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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 be typed and no more than 300 words. Letters may also be submitted at FHCtoday.com 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 editorial 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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September 18, 2009

BeHeard

FHC Publications would like to introduce

FHCtoday.com bloggers Brett Story will be writing about music most of the time, but he will often write on whatever is making him upset at the moment.

Kayla Mugler will document her odyssey through reading about, applying to and, ultimately, selecting a college.

Kayla Boone will be writing about healthy food and where to find it in St. Charles.

Katie Schlimpert will be writing about the interesting things she sees while she is out and about.

What you can expect at FHCtoday.com Breaking news: We’ll get information you need to know about FHC and major breaking news events as soon as we can.

Daily Homecoming coverage: We’ll have galleries of each Spirit Week day and event up the next day.

Blogs: Currently, we have four students blogging about different aspects of teenage life. They’re to your left. Check ‘em out.

Photo galleries: We’ll get photo galleries of major events - sports, dances, club activities - as soon as we can each week. Eventually, you’ll be able to purchase your favorites. iFocus: You can check out our twice monthly video podcast from FHCtoday.com or from our YouTube channel.

Facebook us! Do you take awesome photos and want to share them with everyone at school? Do you have ideas for stories that we should cover? Let us know about them at our Facebook page.

Do you Tweet? Get daily updates and reminders about events on FHC events by following us on Twitter!

Letters: Use our online form to write a letter to the editor to inform the school about your thoughts on what goes on at FHC. Current reviews: We will review movies, albums and TV shows as soon as they hit the theaters or airwaves.

Sports stats: We’ll get statistics from as many school sporting events as possible so you can know how school teams are doing.

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September 18, 2009

Arrogant

World History and American Government teacher Nick Renf

Brash

Teac confident

Photo by Chelsea Carroll

Mr. Renfrow points his meter stick into the air to call on students. He used his meter stick to push microwave buttons, as well.

Rookie makes impression

By Kayla Mugler Managing editor

From the moment they lose their first baby tooth, some people believe they know what they want to do with their lives. Some follow through, and others completely change their course.

For Nick Renfrow, the new world history and government teacher, it was the latter.

“I did not even think about teaching as a career until my last year at Mizzou,” said Mr. Renfrow, who was, until that time, pursuing law school.

“My mom said I should get a job I was guaranteed to get.”

The sudden change in plans has not had a negative effect on his teaching, according to junior Krystal Etter, a student in Mr. Renfrow’s seventh hour government class.

“He knows what he’s talking about,” said Etter. “He makes [history] fun and makes it apply to everyday life.”

Being the new kid on the block reportedly has not diminished Mr. Renfrow’s confidence. According to world history and psychology teacher

Steve Bohning, Mr. Renfrow “most definitely” has potential as a teacher.

“He’s brash, arrogant, cocky, and confident,” said Mr. Bohning. “And I believe these are good qualities, because they’re qualities of a veteran teacher.”

Mr. Bohning, who met Mr. Renfrow when he arrived here this school year, discloses that one key to teaching — to being a leader — is to have a certain degree of sureness and believability.

“That’s one thing any teacher needs to exude—a degree of confidence.

You’ve got to be believable,” said Mr. Bohning.

Mr. Bohning admits that Mr. Renfrow, as well as every other teacher, is not perfect. However, he sees tenacity in the new history teacher.

“I don’t think he’s afraid to fail, but I think he’s smart enough to learn from any mistakes he makes,” said Mr. Bohning.

Despite what one may deem an impetuous decision to choose teaching rather than law his senior year at Mizzou, Steve Stull, Mr.

Bohning’s student teacher this year, believes that this is the right spot for Mr. Renfrow. “[Mr. Renfrow] is really dedicated to this,” said Mr. Stull, who attended UMSL with Mr. Renfrow. “His main purpose is for the betterment of the students. I see a lot of potential in him.”

Though he loves his job, Mr. Renfrow sees a flaw in the students that he teaches. While teaching his third hour government class about the Enlightenment philosophers, he commented on an advantage that he believes they had. “[Enlightenment philosophers] get to teach only people who want to learn, completely different than public education,” said Mr. Renfrow.

Mr. Renfrow, in addition to making a name for himself this year, hopes to give his students at least a portion of the passion he feels for history.

“I’d like to get involved with the school as much as possible,” said Mr. Renfrow. “I’d like to be more than just the teacher with the meter stick, and

hopefully give the students some of the interest I have in history, that it’s a subject they love and not one they hate.”

The first-year history teacher likes his subject because it provides him with insight into the past and the future.

“I love understanding where we came from, and it helps me understand where we’re going,” said Mr. Renfrow.

“To understand government, to understand your role in the world, you have to understand where we came from.”

In addition to inspiring interest in his students, Mr. Renfrow enjoys how teaching affects him.

“I get to learn about it as I teach students, and I get to help them become better people who are more well-rounded,” said Mr. Renfrow.

Etter could find nothing negative to say about her government teacher.

“He’s not afraid of getting in trouble, because he doesn’t do anything wrong,” said Etter. “I don’t know if there’s anything not to like about him.”

Reporters o days of two t new, one ex

Ms. Clifford scoops oatmeal chocolate sheet to demonstrate a lab for her Fo the most efficient way to bake many

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September 18, 2009

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Photo by Chelsea Carroll

frow explains government corruption via a political cartoon.

Relaxed

h

Experienced

chers tenergetic

Photo by Zac Hebert

observe the teachers: one xperienced

Ms. Clifford writes an assignment on her whiteboard for students. She taught her class how to prepare for a college budget.

Expert stands her ground

By Alaina Babb Wired editor

Photo by Zac Hebert

e chip cookie dough onto a cookie oods I class. She taught her students different types of healthy cookies.

by Brett Story

When we return to our 10-year FHC reunions, we will no doubt be asking each other what teachers were our favorites and which we remember.

Ms. Grace Marie Clifford, because of her great rapport with students and her many years here at FHC, will certainly make that list.

“She’s really relaxed, energetic, fun, and she’s the type of person who can have fun and talk with students like we’re people, not just students,” said senior Toni Haberkorn, who has Ms. Clifford for Senior Survival.

Ms. Clifford’s journey to teaching, and eventually to FHC, began in Washington D.C. where her father NCO Fredrick Clifford was stationed at the time of her birth.

“I was born a military brat, so I moved around a lot,” said Ms. Clifford.

“I moved from Washington D.C. to Germany to Indiana to Texas to Guam to Oklahoma, and finally here to Missouri.”

Some of Ms. Clifford’s classroom

management styles may stem from the influence of military organization in her young life.

“She’s really rule-oriented for smart rules; if they’re dumb rules, she’s like, ‘Forget that!’” said senior MK Jacobi, who serves as TA for Ms. Clifford.

“I just want them to have some fun but still be respectful and learn to cooperate and participate,” said Ms. Clifford.

While her father was based in Guam, Ms. Clifford graduated from Enid High School in 1977 with 450 other kids.

One of her most prevalent memories was her P.E. uniform.

“We had the most god-awful uniforms ever invented by man.

They were these one piece navy blue bloomers and you had to wear leather soled shoes, so that’s probably why I took such an interest in fashion. It was the uniforms,” said Ms. Clifford.

Ms. Clifford then went onto Oklahoma State to study fashion design, but her advisors recommended that she become a teacher because she

was always teaching those around her.

Her ability to problem solve with others continues to this day.

“If you ever make something wrong, she is really creative at making it work,” said Jacobi.

“One of my favorite moments in teaching is when I see the lightbulb go off. You know when you see a student really gets what you are talking about,” said Ms. Clifford.

After changing majors, Ms. Clifford graduated from Oklahoma State in 1981 with a teaching degree, which she first used as a substitute and paraprofessional.

Thirteen years later, Ms. Clifford found her way into the Francis Howell School District.

“I remember it was a Sunday afternoon and a woman came into Dillards, where I was working, and told me about the last minute teacher placement in August.” Ms. Clifford gathered up 10 dollars for 30 resumes and went to the event where many schools were searching to fill open positions where she was directed to

the FHSD booth. “I remember Dr. Russell told me that I’d have to be a substitute, but when I got home I had a message on my answering machine that basically said that there’d been a FACS teacher resignation and that I had gotten the job.”

Ms. Clifford worked part time at Francis Howell Middle School and then taught full time at Francis Howell Central when it first opened.

“The students here have definitely changed a lot over the years, but I still love getting up and coming to school in the morning,” said Ms. Clifford.

Currently, Ms. Clifford teaches Clothing I through VIII, Foods I, Fashions I, and Senior Survival.

In her classes, she uses simple techniques like balloon animals to help students in Senior Survival understand active and passive learning.

“She really wants everything to be fun. That’s her main goal,” said Haberkorn.

Even students who are not in Ms. Please read more | CLIFFORD, PAGE 14

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Ms. Clifford from page 13

Clifford’s class believe that they can come to her for advice.

“She’s really helpful. Even if you’re not in her class, she’ll help you if you’re trying to make a dress or something,” said Jacobi, who goes to Ms. Clifford often for help with patterns and sewing tips.

Ms. Clifford enjoys teaching and helping her students learn.

Sometimes the rewards for her teaching ability come from unsual places.

“You walk down the hall and hear someone not in your class talking about something you did in your class that day is great!” said Ms. Clifford.

It is because of her easygoing personality that she develops such close relationships with her students.

“Sometimes I go down to her

room just to talk to her about how she’s doing,” said Jacobi.

In her spare time, Ms. Clifford enjoys a variety of activities like going to the gym, playing with her two dogs, and reading.

“I’m also an internet shopaholicI’m looking for a good 12 step program, and I QVC, which basically means that I watch the QVC channel and look for things to buy,” said Ms. Clifford.

Ms. Clifford’s alarm goes off at 3:15 every morning. First she walks her dog and then she gets ready to come to FHC for her 29th year of teaching.

“I really, really love everything I do,” said Ms. Clifford.

Her passion and success as a teacher show through the positive experiences of the many students who have sat in her classroom or even just passed by her door.

T H A N K S T O S T. C H A R L E S C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E , Y O U R S E A R C H FOR THE RIGHT SCHOOL JUST GOT A LOT EASIER.

19th Annual ST. CHARLES COUNTY REGIONAL

Photo by Zac Hebert

Ms. Clifford sports her Clifford the Big Red Dog apron while explaning how the class would use baking soda in baking. Ms. Clifford’s Foods I students were going to make oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

College Fair 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20 College Center SCC Campus www.stchas.edu/collegefair

Guaranteed Satisfaction.

Guaranteed Style.

Visit our location in

Mid-Rivers Center 286 Mid-Rivers Mall Dr. (636) 970-3825 and get a great haircut at a great price!

Hours: M-F 9a-9p Sat. 8a-6p Sun. 9a-5p This coupon good for $9.99 HAIRCUT expires 10-2-09

Representatives from nearly 100 colleges will be on hand!

For more information, call 636-922-8226 or e-mail mgrimm@stchas.edu

Page designed by Kayla Mugler

How much abuse can your body take? See page 16 | What does it take to win a game? See page 16

Sweat Twice as hard Grueling practices help prepare team for long season

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By Bryan McCreary Sweat editor

T

hree o’clock on a sunny summer day, helmets in hand, 52 high school athletes come filing out of the locker rooms, ever so reluctantly gliding down the steps to the football field. They are ready for the four hours of intense heat and grueling physical strain that they are about to endure. It is time for two-a-days.

Silent and seemingly focused on the task at hand, the Spartan varsity football team takes to the field ready to begin the day.

Please read more | TWO-A-DAYS, PAGE 18

Two members of the Spartan football team take a water break during pratice. All summer long the team endures the heat during their two-a-day practices.

Photo by Kelci Davis

New offense brings new hope

By Cory Schmitt Staff reporter

Many would agree that over the past few seasons, our varsity football team hasn’t exactly been top-notch.

However, according to head coach Travis Wilson, this year will be better for the Spartans and the team’s troubles will be fixed this season Wilson believes the problem over the past few seasons wasn’t because the players lacked talent or willpower.

“The players were just too young.

Now our sophomores and juniors are a year older and wiser,” said Wilson.

He believes that this year they (the players) are bigger and wiser and that this will help the team succeed.

Coach Wilson has also done a lot in the off-season to improve this year’s team. The team participated in a summer camp at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

The players also participated in weekly 7-on-7 scrimmages to

prepare for this fall’s season.

The main change during the offseason was a switch from spread offense to an option offense.

Coach Wilson made the change because he believed that an option offense would better suit the personel he had to work with.

A spread offense focuses on the quarterback being in a shotgun formation a majority of the time. The option offense uses running plays most of the time and Wilson hopes

it will be very effective at managing the clock so the other team doesn’t get possession of the ball as often.

By keeping the opposing team from having possession, it increases our team’s total possession time which increases our chances of scoring more and decreases the opposing team’s time to score and implement their offense. “[We] can do really good with the offense, and score a lot of points”, said sophomore Josh Wade, safety

Page designed by Bryan McCreary

and wide receiver.

A better offense will allow the team to score more and got out ahead of the opponent easier.

While the team has had problems adjusting to the system at first, they have kept and will keep working in order to improve at the new offensive style. There was not really any big trouble during the switch.

“There were a few missteps but pretty much everybody got it right quickly,” said Wade.

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Awaiting the hike, the Central Spartans defensive line prepares to sack the opposing team’s quarterback. The Spartans failed to receive possession on the play and Zumwalt West went in for a touchdown.

Offense, defense work together Coaches Hogan, Wilson discuss which game element they value most

By Cory Schmitt Staff reporter

Players, head coaches, assistant coaches and even fans have argued over one single point over and over again: what wins games? Nearly every person would give you a different answer; some would say that the power to score gives offense the advantage. Others would say the strength of defense to stop the other team from scoring is the reason why a team succeeds.

“Defense wins championships,” said varsity football coach Travis Wilson.

Defense is vital to winning a game, because a high-scoring offense could

lose a game if they can not stop the other team from scoring.

Junior Kaleb Cooper, a varsity full back and linebacker has his own thoughts on the topic. He believes that defense is more important to be proficient at in football.

“Defensive turnovers win games,” Cooper said.

Varsity soccer coach Dan Hogan took a more compromised stance on the subject.

“You need both to win. You need a defense to stop [the other team] from scoring and you need an offense to score and win,” Hogan stated.

He also believed it would be hard to field a winning team without

“

Offense

wins games.

Defense wins

championships... ” — Coach Hogan

having a good offense and defense.

“You need both,” said junior and varsity defender on the soccer team Daniel Rozycki.

While Coach Wilson believes defense is more important, he also

concurred with Coach Hogan that you really need a good offense and a good defense in order to field a winning team.

“You will be a horrible team if you only have one or the other,” said Daniel Rozycki.

An offense alone is not enough to win a game if the opponent outscores the team, just as only having a defense inhibits a team from scoring and getting the victory in the game.

“You need to be sound in all three areas (offense, defense, and special teams),” Wilson said.

Dan Hogan and Travis Wilson both agreed that, if you only had time to improve one or the other

near the end of the season, defense is what the focus would be.

“Offense wins games. Defense wins championships,” said Coach Hogan.

The ability of a team to stop their opponent from scoring is what separates good teams from championship-caliber teams.

“Defense: you have to be able to stop the team from scoring on you,” said Coach Wilson.

If the opponent can be stopped from scoring, even a mediocre offense can bring victory to the team.

“Sometimes, your best defense is a good offense,” Coach Wilson added.

How many hits can you take?

By Margaret Borgmeyer Communications editor

G-forces, forces usually used when speaking of fighter pilots or astronauts, are now being used to describe the force of a tackle in football. Whereas simply walking is one g, an extremely large hit during football has been seen to go up to 150 g’s. Although teams have changed their padding over the years, a large amount of the force is still going on the player.

At the age of forty-five, Tom McHale was found dead in his apartment at 9:19 am. McHale was in the NFL for nine years before retiring. It was found that McHale died from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), meaning he had

major brain disease brought on by head trauma. Due to repeated concussions received on the football field, damage is caused not only to the “superficial aspects of the brain, but ... deep inside.” said Dr. Ann McKee. Research shows that the brain damage isn’t turning football players into the stereotyped “dumb jocks,” but is rather “[affecting] the parts of the brain that control emotion, rage, hyper-sexuality, even breathing, and recent studies find that CTE is a progressive disease that eventually kills brain cells.” said David Pescovitz Originally found in boxers, CTE has moved on to NFL Players. Before, concussions weren’t able to be seen on

an MRI or CT scan. Now, using tissue from retired NFL athletes, scientists can actually see the tremendous damage that concussions have on the brain. The findings and affects long term that CTE is having on brains is similar to those in Alzihemers.

It seems that although many parent’s would want to prevent this in their student’s life, there is no point at which scientists can be sure exactly when the disease really takes place. The only real prevention is to be careful, and take the proper precautions after taking a hard hit.

Even though football is important to the players, coaches and fans, some will have to choose between playing and their long term health.

Page designed by Cory Schmitt and Kayla Mugler

Photo by Dallas Tobin

As the Spartans go in for a tackle, Zumwalt West player goes down with the ball. Their were many tackles which ended in injury by the end of the game.

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Giants Facing the

High school freshman fights to succeed in a career where control matters over size

Photo by Kelci Davis

Freshman Danny Boruff speaks out about his experiences in fighting and how his training for a mixed-martial arts career once he turns 18 has affected his school work and social life.

Boruff is learning several different fighting techniques while practicing against opponents who are much larger than him.

By Maragret Borgmeyer Communications editor

Weighing in at a whopping 90 pounds, standing at five feet and two inches tall, freshman Danny Boruff prepares for yet another fight.

Inspired by his father, Boruff has wanted to fight as a career since age eleven.

On the outside, Boruff seems like your typical high school freshman, but in reality he’s a fighter, chasing his dreams of being an MMA fighter at age 18.

Boruff ’s father taught him self-defense when he was six; having boxed for many years, Boruff has now moved onto practicing jujitsu and muay thai, training under Mark Brickham, Mark Crozier, J.W. Wright and Jason Solufo.

“My trainers are all around cool [guys], not really inspiring, just cool guys,” Boruff said.

Having taught Boruff the “gentle art” of jujitsu, Wright says Boruff ’s small stature doesn’t get in his way.

“Danny is very advanced for

his age. He is a great example of small stature that can control anyone larger than him with concentration.”

Jujitsu is all about technique; the fight is not only physical, but mental, according to Wright.

“In jujitsu there are no excuses, whatever the match takes you can do, just concentrate. [You have to] train your body; instead of training 30 minutes, you’re training three hours,” Wright said.

With different opinions on fighting, Boruff ’s mother doesn’t like that he fights. On the other hand, his father likes that Boruff is fighting, having trained in martial arts for many years.

Instead of worrying about their child playing too much video games, or getting in with the wrong crowd, Boruff ’s parents may be more concerned with grades.

Although, Boruff is a smart kid, MMA is a time consuming sport that could certainly put any teen behind.

“Grades come first, then you

“

I try to relax; I’m thinking

about what he is going to bring.

”

— freshman Danny Boruff make time for sports,” Boruff said. “Grades have never really been affected by boxing or MMA.” Boruff shares that although he hasn’t had suffered any major injuries, the most pain he feels is in his knuckles and ankles.

Wright told reporters while interviewing that jujitsu doesn’t normally have many injuries; ironically while being interviewed a student disloacted his shoulder.

Despite the irony of the situation, Wright would tell you that it is highly irregular for an injury to occur in a calm sport, such as jujitsu.

When it comes to boxing, many fighters would want to get pumped up before a fight.

But in jujitsu, meditation and relaxation seems to be more helpful to a fighter.

“I try to relax; I’m thinking about what he (the other opponent) is going to bring,” says Boruff about his prefight rituals. “[Wright being] a calmer person, meditates; preparing mentally going over the fight as to make sure I can make what I’m doing in my mind during the fight,” Wright says.

Boruff has some obstacles in his way; his small stature, his young age, and his schooling, but Boruff certainly doesn’t let any of that stand in the way of him following his dreams.

“I want to be an MMA fighter when I turn 18,” says Boruff.

It seems as if Boruff won’t be slowing down anytime soon; he’s a determined, young fighter.

Boruff has a strong passion for his fighting, proving that he could face and defeat any giant.

Page designed by Margaret Borgmeyer

Photo by Ryan McPartland

Boruff is thrown by another team mate while training.

Jujitsu, the “gentle art,” is a very technical sport.

Not focused on size or power, jujitsu is focused on controlling your opponent.

Photo by Margaret Borgmeyer

Boruff holds an opponent on the ground, during training. Muay Thai, also called “The Art of Eight Limbs”, uses eight strike points of contact. Hands, shins, feet, and knees.

18

Sweat

September 18, 2009

FHCtoday.com

3 Weeks

Why now?

By: Bryan McCreary

By: Cory Schmitt

Michael Vick is one of the best

I am sick and tired of the

athletes who has ever stepped on a

continuing coverage of players who

to play until Week 3 of the NFL

steroids all the way back in...2003?

football field, but he is not allowed season.

commissioner Roger Goodell. Let’s face it, what Vick

Baseball fans and reporters need to focus on today’s

doing way worse things and being put under this kind of punishment.

decade ago. The past is the past.

No amount of coverage, or ridicule could change the

received a sentence of only 30 days behind bars for killing

when ESPN and other sports network continue to report

On top of that Goodell is advising his reinstatement

then. And it continues to give baseball a negative image on the use of steroids back in the day.

Obviously using steroids is bad, but do we really need

after this season. People make mistakes, but it is time

to focus all our attention on the players that used them

completely unfair.

not.

that we look at the big picture and admit that this is

particular positions. The coaches split up, and run drills for their position of expertise and work the players that fill those positons. According to Wilson, this is where the team works out as many kinks as they possibly can.

As the first practice draws to an end, after an hour and a half or more, the team comes together in the hallway for a team meal. According to senior Chad Denney, it is a good team building experience, which is an extremely vital point to a team’s success.

“

games and players, not about steroid use over half a

effects the use of steroids had on their performance back

a man!

“It’s a great day for football, gentlemen,” says Coach Travis Wilson trying to fire his team up.

As they begin the long practice, the team comes together and stretches.

They count in unison and mentally prepare themselves for the work they will be encountering.

Many people believe stretching is not all that important for athletes before a practice or physical activity; however, according to senior Zack Degrande, when it comes to a twoa day, there may not be a more crucial part of the practice.

“Stretching at the start of the practice is so important, especially during two-a-days, because you put so much strain on your body, and you need that time not only to get your body ready, but also so you can mentally ready yourself for the day ahead,” said Degrande, one of the starting cornerbacks for the Spartans.

After the team has geared up for the heat, it is time to start the practice. Generally each of the two practices have specific needs that are addressed: the offensive side of the ball or the defensive. During team drills, the players run, receive, pass, block, and defend according to their

what can be done now?

Donte Stallworth of the Cleveland Browns, while

driving intoxicated, struck and killed a pedestrian. He

from page 15

C’mon, that was over 6 years ago.

Sure, World Series titles may have been affected, but

did was indeed wrong, but there are players in the league

Two-a-days

tested positive, or admitted to using

After 18 months in a federal prison for dog fighting

Michael Vick was penalized for another 3 weeks by

It will all pan out

to make us a better team, and that’s

what we want. ” — Micah Alsobrook

“We all sit and eat and talk,” said the senior kicker. “After a long first practice, it’s nice to sit with the guys and take a break.”

After that break, the team wastes no time jumping back in to the practice. Whatever the first practice’s focus is, offense or defense, the other

is concentrated on during the second practice.

“We work on everything,” said Degrande. “We never skip anything; we even work in special teams almost everyday during practice.”

After four hours of extreme heat and severe strain on every muscle of the body, there is one more step to the completion of a two-a-day: conditioning. Senior linebacker Micah Alsobrook explained it as the worst part of the practice.

“After such a long practice, having to do 30 minutes of conditioning is not fun,” said Alsobrook. “Still, it’s important so that when the season comes around we are in shape and ready to play.”

Following their long day, many of the athletes have nothing on their mind more than going home and passing out. Many of the athletes say that their bodies ached and it was hard to walk after practices somtimes.

“It’s very tiring,” said Degrande.

“Even though it’s in the summer, a lot of the times I would just go home and sleep.”

Sleeping may have been very prevalent at the time, but after a good nights sleep, it is time to wake up, and get to the field again.

“It will all pan out to make us a better team, and that’s what we want,” said Alsobrook.

C F

way back in the late 1990s and early 2000s? Definitely

Is golf a sport?

By Brittany Kinealy Staff Reporter

Time and time again, the question is posed, “is golf a sport?” Talk to people and you’ll find yourself with a wide range of opinions. Some deem golf a true sport, while others call it merely recreational. However, after analyzing the elements of golf and what it takes to become wellversed in the sport, it is clear: golf is a sport.

Now, obviously I have to concede that golf doesn’t require as much physicality as other sports like football, basketball, and so forth.

Yet it still calls for a specific set of physical skills, of those being good hand/eye coordination, flexibility, and balance (to mention only a few).

In fact, a typical game of golf includes nearly five miles of walking, which is much more exercise than I ever expected golfers got from playing the game.

Though it isn’t necessarily aerobic, golf can make you sweat (and not just because it’s hot outside, either).

Secondly, consider Tiger Woods, easily the greatest golfer of all time.

Ask around and I can guarantee that the vast majority of those you talk to would say Woods is an athlete. There you go; athletes play sports, don’t

Page designed by Morgan Vetter and Brittany Kinealy

they? Yes. Golf requires strength, exercise, etc., all skills athletes possess.

After interviewing golf coach Bob Storts, it became apparent how much skill golf actually takes.

“It requires a lot of practice, and it takes a long time to get good at,” Storts says. He started playing the game at age eight, and asserts that it has taken a build up of much skill and learning of strategy to improve.

It is by no means something anyone can automatically excel at.

So, despite the neigh-sayers who claim golf is just recreational, just a way for rich white guys in whacky plaid pants to pass the time, golf indeed is a sport. You can’t just pick up a club, start swinging and find yourself a champion. Obtaining a proficient score (low 70s or so) calls for an array of both physical and mental skills. Tiger Woods has shown us all what great dedication golf requires, that one must put forth actual effort to succeed.

I found it worth noting that at the end of my interview with Coach Storts, he added, with a wise tone in his voice and a profound look in his eye, “it’s more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle.”

Popular TV shows, new hits start new seasons. See page 20 | One hit wonders. See page 21

S Scene The

Delish!

The difference from one vegetarian to another

19

By Hannah Ibos Staff reporter

T

he term ‘vegetarian’ is one that is probably familiar to most people.

The image associated with the term is also probably familiar to most people: those people who skip out on the meat and eat a lot of vegetables.

However, this is not exactly a true depiction of what an actual vegetarian lifestyle really looks like. In fact, this is only part of a vegetarian diet, and that just begins to scratch the vast surface of the world of vegetarianism.

Please read more | VEGETARIAN, PAGE 23

Grilled eggplant salad with herb and caper vinaigrette is an option for those choosing to eat vegetarian meals.

Photo by MCT Campus

By Jesse Patch Staff Reporter

Call me, tweet me The real deal behind the twitter craze

What is this thing called Twitter? You hear it around the lunch table and on the television. Celebrities are all about tweeting. Even emergency rooms have a Twitter. So, what is this Twitter that everyone keeps talking about?

Twitter defines itself as a free social networking service asking the question: “What are you doing?” You then have 140 characters to answer the question or put anything you please. Then, every person who is following you will receive your message, along with messages from others they are following.

Twitter prides itself on being simple and user friendly, but at first glance, it can look a bit intimidating. You’ll be reading somebody’s tweet – the message they send out – and they will add a symbol in it like “#” or say “RT”.

The “#” sign has to do with what Twitter calls Trending Topics. It’s Twitter’s way of keeping tabs on what’s popular. Everyone who is talking about a certain topic will place the # symbol right before the topic they are talking about. Then, if someone wanted to read all the Tweets about that one topic, they can search it and that’s exactly what they’ll get.

More Twitter terminology includes “RT”, which stands for ReTweet. This is just when someone wants to share something that one of their friends said with their own followers. It’s basically the same as forwarding an e-mail. The copied message is placed right after the RT. Many people are skeptical when they first hear about Twitter. “I remember when my friend first told me about Twitter. I thought it was stupid,” said a

Page designed by Katie Schlimpert

twittering senior, Blake Hiza.

Despite many doubts, Twitter has become popular among some groups of students.

“It makes the world seem like a smaller place,” said junior Charissa Stone. “It’s fun to see what other people are thinking.”

Twitter also has practical uses, like getting news and weather updates sent straight to your phone. Twitter seems like the next cool thing, but could Twitter be a bad thing for our society?

“I think Twitter is harmful for our culture because people will stop communicating face-to-face with one another,” said Jordan Kurdi.

Twitter is becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives and it is up to the public as to whether they embrace it or not.

20 tune in volume my style delish

New TV seasons show promise

By Megan Berberich Staff Reporter

Photo by MCT Campus

Jane Lynch plays Sue Slyvester in new series Glee. The pilot premiered in May.

“Heroes”

Hiro has inherited a power that is killing him. The evil Sylar has killed Nathan which allows Sylar to shape shift into him. Sylar then shakes hands with the President, allowing him to then become the most powerful man in the world. Mind reader Matt Parkman finds Sylar and erases all of his memories and makes him believe he is actually Nathan.

“Dancing With the Stars”

This fall season of television series is bringing viewers equal doses of comedy, drama, and suspense. The variance in new shows will be sure to attract more viewers than previous years. “Glee,” “Community,” and “NCIS: Los Angeles” are just a few of the new shows appearing this fall.

The new fall show “Glee” premiered its pilot in the spring and will show the rest of the first season this fall. This quirky dramedy has a cast of very relatable characters. It revolves around the fictional group of William McKinley High School’s glee club members.

“The satire seems like it will draw people in. The story seems cliche and silly but still really fun to watch,” said senior Kristina Herrera.

Another up and coming show is “Community” on NBC, starring Chevy Chase and Joel MacHale.

“I will watch Community because I love Joel MacHale because he’s on the Soup and he is absolutely hilarious” said senior Ellen Huppert.

Community may seem like just another show in a comedy block, but expect more than that. The producers were those of Arrested Development and The Sarah Silverman Project, which means these guys have experience. On the other side of the spectrum, NCIS: Los Angeles will be a new show riding on the high expectations from the already popular NCIS. NCIS: Los Angeles is a spin-off from the original NCIS. “I will watch NCIS: Los

Angeles. I watch the regular one anytime it’s on. I saw the episode where the usual cast was working in LA. They pretty much opened up a plot for it in the episode and I liked the characters almost as much as the originals,” said senior M.K. Jacobi.

Jacobi hopes that this show will not turn into the dozens of other spin-offs that are similar.

“I do think it’s a little sad that NCIS is falling in with the Law and Orders and CSI’s in just starting to make a bunch of spin-offs, but that’s not going to stop me from watching it,” said Jacobi.

The new Jay Leno show has a lot of people frustrated with the new television line-up.

Jacobi does not like the Leno show being much earlier than when he was on Late Night.

“I liked it later. I watched it after the news and now Conan’s there, and I don’t really like him much,” said Jacobi.

Herrera i s

frustrated that the season is altered and does not think Leno deserves this time slot.

“I do not like this time slot at all.

The NBC season is now split in half and I have to wait to see my favorite show, Chuck, until March. I don’t even think Jay Leno is that funny.

Four comedians on one channel is way too much,” said Herrera.

Senior Emily Dorn agrees with Herrera.

“Jay Leno doesn’t need a new show. If it really is a new and creative show that is suppose to be different than late night, then why is it still being shown five nights a week?” said Dorn.

“House”

House is dealing with major personal problems. House believes he is in a relationship with Cuddy.

One day he announces it in front of the whole staff and Cuddy fires him.

House believes when he reaches into his pocket he will pull out her lipstick, when in reality it is a bottle of Oxycodein, which House has been overdosing on unknowingly.

House remembers what had happened and Cuddy brings him to Wilson’s office, who drives him to a pyschiactric hospital.

“The Office”

The annual Dunder Mifflin company picnic is under way and Michael is hopeful to rekindle his love with Holly. Meanwhile, the Scranton branch is participating in a volleyball match and Pam is hurt. Jim takes her to the hospital.

Michael never gets to tell Holly his true feelings. At the hospital, Jim enters Pam’s room and hears news not pertaining to her injury.

Not much will change with the basis of this show. Singers Aaron Carter and Mya, UFC fighter Chuck Liddell, and football player Michael Irvin are just a few new faces.

Photo by ABC.com

Kathy Ireland and Tony Dovolani practice for this upcoming season. Season eight winners were Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas.

Photo by MCT Campus

Jay Leno stars in his own comedy show this fall during prime time television. He has had his own show on late night for seventeen years.

Page designed by Megan Berberich

21 tune in volume my style delish

Do you ever wonder?

Popular songs tend to be by one-and-done artists

By Kayla Boone and Jessica DiMariano Staff Photographers

Turn on your radio to any of the popular radio stations, and you’re bound to hear one of those songs that everybody knows.

They are the songs that get stuck in people’s heads, and are ridiculously overplayed. They are the ones that leave listeners wanting artists to come out with something new after awhile, because that one song just isn’t enough.

They are the songs that disappoint loyal fans by fading into the background, and are never heard from again. These are the tell-tale signs of today’s one-hit wonders.

These artists have a lot going for them, it seems, at first. They have catchy beats that often, as before mentioned, get played frequently on the radio, increasing their popularity.

Everyone wants to hear their song, download their song, and buy

their CD. The popularity of their song spreads like wildfire. This makes it to where they are temporarily successful.

Sometimes their temporary success turns long-term, but generally, they fade away. On occasion, some one-hit wonders become successful after the fact.

“Even though some one-hit wonders [are] unknown bands, they can help set off a career for the band,” said senior Brian Myers.

This temporary success is one of the factors that one-hit wonders of the past share with one-hit wonders of today, but that’s one of very few things they share.

The differences are glaringly obvious. The main thing that makes today’s one-hit wonders different from the one-hit wonders of the past, is the quality of music.

“Technology has improved the quality of music for one-

hit wonders,” said senior Tyler McBrayer “[There was] poor quality in the past.”

In addition to being different from one-hit wonders of the past, there are many things make successful bands...well, successful, that one-hit wonders lack. “[More successful bands] have the ability to produce more songs, although they may not be as popular as one-hit wonders,” said junior Ashley Werle.

Not only that, they have had time to develop a following, and more people are interested in hearing more from them than with one-hit wonders, who often fizzle out after the popularity of their song dies down, which often relates to flare ups in cultural trends.

A lot of one-hit wonders are spurred by cultural trends. American Idol is a prime example. Without this show, many one-hit wonders would never have gotten a start.

“Contestants get support from the popularity of American Idol during the season. Once the season ends, it’s up to the artist without the show’s popularity,” said communication arts teacher Whtiney Harper. “It’s difficult to extend that fame.”

Popular American Idol onehit wonders include Bo Bice, Josh Gracin, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, and Taylor Hicks, and there have been multitudes of artists that have spurred from this show, like William Hung, who did not make it through the auditions.

“I’ve seen a lot more pop-rock musicians, the pop songs are really catchy, so they get stuck in people’s heads,” said Werle. “Everyone has different views on bands, and onehit wonders get old.”

Staff reporter

In 1969, artists such as Country Joe and Fish, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, and The Who came together on a 600-acre farm in the township of Bethel, New York to celebrate music, peace, and love.

Paired up with their guitars, artists and bands made history. Then, in August, bands came together once again for the 40th reunion of Woodstock. Santana and The Who made a re-appearance alongside of Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Crosby, Credence, and The Grateful Dead.

So what’s the big deal about it

anyways?

“No one thought half a million people would show up! No one thought it would be a success,” said senior Emily Vivio.

But many things bloomed from the festival. Many musicians, such as Santana, shot to stardom--musicians that are now major influences to many of the bands that we listen to, to this day. Also, new fashions spurred from the festival.

“I’ve noticed a lot of the hippie bands around the head” said sophomaore Caitlin Eshenroder.

Some of the styles include head bands tied around your head, tye-

dyed clothing, and things revolving peace and love.

“It’s cool, [like] your own personailty,” said sophomore Taylor Ray. Many of the musicians, like Sly & The Family Stone, The Band, and The Doors’ music can be found on I-Tunes. In addition to posting CD’s and videos of these artists on the internet, director Ang Lee made a movie about our dear friend, Woodstock.

The movie is set in 1969 and is about a young boy named Elliot Tiber and his family, who inadvertently played a pivotal role in making the famed Woodstock Music and Arts Festival

into the happening that it was. The movie debuted on August 29.

“I think it is going to be freaking awesome,” said junior, Cara Huelskamp.

But do people really appreciate it to this day?

“People look at it like it was giant drug fest, and maybe it was, but still, magic happened on that day. History was made, along with great music,” said Emily Vivio.

Many different brilliant minds came together and did what they lived for, making music.

“You can never re-create that. It’s so liberating,” said Vivio.

Online

music reviews

2. “Barbie Girl” -Aqua 3. “Stacy’s Mom” - Fountains of Wayne

Fortieth anniversary renews interest in Woodstock

By Allie Corrier

1. “Shake It” - Metro Station

4. “Ocean Avenue” - Yellowcard 5. “You’re Beautiful” - James Blunt 6. “Bad Day” - Daniel Powter 7. “Around the World” - ATC 8. “Why Can’t I” - Liz Phair 9. “Boys of Summer” - The Ataris 10. “The Reason” - Hoobastank

Upcoming local shows 09/23

Motorhead @ The Pageant “Bad Veins”

by Bad Veins

“Love Drunk”

by Boys Like Girls

“A Rhythm in Cages”

by The Taxpayers

See full reviews on our website, FHCtoday.com Page designed by Kayla Boone

09/29

Blink 182 w/ Weezer @ Verizon Wireless Amp.

09/28

Benfolds @ The Pageant

09/30

Kings of Leon @ Scottrade Center

22 tune in volume my style delish Hard economic times call for clothing budgets

By Katie Schlimpert TheScene Editor

In times of economic struggle, it can be hard to find clothing to keep up with the style changes from season to season. The time for shorts and tanks is coming to an end as fall draws nearer, and thoughts of fall fashion are creeping onto the scene as previews of cooler weather start to come around.

Finding a fall style of your own these days isn’t a problem, but paying for it definitely is.

What are people scoping for a cheap fashion fix discovering more and more? It’s the convenience that is Plato’s Closet.

“I buy all my clothes there. I haven’t really been to a mall in who knows how long,” said senior Ally Voss.

Plato’s Closet has an array of consumer friendly clothes, accessories, purses, movies, lotions, scarves and much more. Basically, if people are buying it, Plato’s Closet probably has some version of it available to purchase.

“It’s all cheap and they have everything,” said junior Jennifer Faron. “I like to go everyday after school so I can have new things to wear all the time. Even if you only have $10 to spend you can get some really good stuff.”

Everything put on sale in Plato’s Closet is hand picked, so it’s the best quality available for secondhand clothes, and they’re always

looking for new pieces to sell.

“The most I’ve gotten for bringing in my clothes is $50 at one time. My friend got about $70 for his,” said Faron.

Probably one of the best things about Plato’s closet is that it’s not hard to find expensive clothing up for grabs at extremely cheap prices.

“I just bought these Plastic jeans by Gly. Normally, they’re about $120, but I only paid $14 for mine,” said Voss.

Plato’s Closet isn’t the only option for finding great clothes at cheap prices.

Many girls swear by Forever 21. They sell real style with really cheap price tags, and they’re almost certain to have something for everyone on its racks.

Also, shopping online can have its perks.

Not only are there more choices in color and size online, there can sometimes be useful discounts and coupons.

“I always go online to the website before I go to a store. You can print off coupons, and it makes everything a lot easier on the piggy bank,” said senior Lydia Rudigier.

Perhaps an unconventional way to save money shopping is to take advantage of having friends in the work force.

“If you have a friend who’s an employee, pay them to use their employee discount on clothes you want,” said senior Erin Richey.

My Style

Photo by Margaret Borgmeyer

Junior Maddie Mendel models a fashion forward outfit. Students have started to take an interest in cost when it comes to buying clothes.

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

Custom Jewelry and diamond setting 309 South Main O’Fallon, Mo. 63366

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Visit FHCtoday.com/index. php/ifocus and the iFocus Studio channel on YouTube

23 tune in volume my style delish Vegetarian from page 19

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) defines vegetarian as “avoiding all animal flesh, including poultry and fish”.

However, this is only a basic definition. What does being a vegetarian mean in the eyes of a vegetarian?

“Vegetarians don’t eat meat,” said senior and former vegetarian Rebecca Ilges. “That doesn’t mean they only eat vegetables, though. They still eat a lot of other foods, like tofu.”

While the definition is rather basic and simple, there is nothing basic about the number of reasons why people become vegetarians.

“The main reason I was a vegetarian was because Americans eat too much meat. We have meat at every meal, and lots of it,” said Ilges. “A lot of people are also vegetarians because they feel that humans are greedy. We think we can control everything, including our animals and food.”

Another reason why people decide to become vegetarians, according to the PCRM, is because people think that health benefits increase as the amount of meat and animal products in the diet goes down.

However, this reasoning may not be justified.

The United States National Library of Medicine states that while vegetarian diets are high in some valuable nutrients, such as fiber and vitamin E, they are also considerably low in vitamin B12, calcium, and

most importantly, protein and iron.

In fact, iron levels can become so low in a

beans, seeds, nuts, and soy. Foods high in iron include leafy green vegetables,

vegetarian that they are forced to give up the meat-free diet.

“People always think it’s the lack of protein that’s really unhealthy in a vegetarian diet,” said Ilges. “But it’s actually iron. That’s why I had to stop and go back to meat.”

However, there are ways to supplement both protein and iron in a meatless diet.

Foods high in protein include

whole grains, tofu, and most dried beans.

Also, vegetarian diets that include eggs and dairy, called lacto-ovovegetarianism, provide a sufficient amount of these nutrients, according to the Medical Plus Medical Encyclopedia.

However, this lactoovovegetarianism isn’t the only type of vegetarianism.

There are, in fact,

six completely different types of vegetarianism, which can be seen on the chart below. It is clear that there is a variety of vegetarian types, all with specific guidelines, and all requiring specific foods. That doesn’t mean the food is hard to find, though.

“You can get a lot of vegetarian food at the grocery store,” said Ilges.

“In fact, there are tofu chicken nuggets that are always sold out because they’re so popular.

Most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes too, especially Mexican restaurants. For example, you can get beans instead of beef.”

With vegetarianism being so popular, most restaurants do in fact cater to meatless diets, and there are over 30 restaurants in the St. Louis area that cater specifically to vegetarian diets. A complete guide to vegetarian dining locations in the area can be found at vegguide. org.

Delish

Types of Vegetarianism LactoOvovegetarian

Lacto-ovovegetarians do not eat any meat, including poultry and fish, but do eat dairy and/or eggs. The variations are: lactovegetarian, a person who consumes dairy, but no eggs; and ovovegetarian, a person who will eat eggs, but no dairy. Lacto-ovovegetariansim is the most widely known and practiced form of vegetarianism.

Vegan

Veganism includes abstaining from eating all meat, eggs, dairy, and any other food that contains any animal derived products. Some vegans also stay away from other foods, like honey as well, as they require living creatures to make it.

Veganism is also a commonly practiced form of vegetarianism, though not nearly as popular as lacto-ovovegetarianism.

Raw Vegan/ Raw Food Diet

This diet includes only unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 degrees. Foods heated above that temperature have lost a significant amount of their nutritional value and are therefore harmful to the body. This is a very rare form of vegetarianism and not commonly practiced.

Pescetarian

This diet is similar to the lacto-ovovegetarian and similarly popular as well. It follows the same no meat guidelines, but does allow the consumption of fish and most other seafood.

Flexitarian/ Semi-Vegetarian Macrobiotic Vegan

This diet also follows the guidelines of the lacto-ovovegetarian diet but allows the occasional consumption of meat, typically for health purposes. A flexitarian can also eat just one type of meat.

This is the most restricting type of vegetarianism. It includes only unprocessed vegan foods and avoids all sugars and refined oils. It also includes many Asian vegetables, such as Daikon and seaweed.

The chart above describes the six very different variations of vegetarianism. Although there is a variety, the majority of people who practice a form of vegetarianism practice either lacto-ovovegetarianism or veganism.

Page designed by Hannah Ibos

Photo by www.e-Cobo.com

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FHCtoday.com

September 18, 2009

Photo Story

24

One band, one sound Photo by Dallas Tobin

Preparing to perform at halftime, the drumline talks and discusses their routine. The drumline performs a warm-up beat for the Spartan football players as they enter the stadium.

Francis Howell Central Spartan Regiment performs at many of our home football games and places high in competitions

Photo by Dallas Tobin

Playing the quints, Abby Baldwin and Drew Anderson are enthusiastic.

The drumline recieved second at the O’Fallon Township Competition.

Photo by Ryan McPartland

As the trumpets play to introduce the Spartan colorguard, the rest of the band joins in the song. The marching band and the color guard often perform together on the football field during halftime.

Photo by Dallas Tobin

Getting ready to take the field, Francis Howell Central marching band walks around the perimeter of the football field. The band performs during halftime at the football games.

Photo by Dallas Tobin

Signifying his band is ready, Cameron Aldrich salutes the stands. This is Aldrich’s second year as the Francis Howell Central Spartan Regiment Drum Major.

Photo by Ryan McPartland

The members of the marching band point to their right. The band does this to signify the end of its performance.

Page designed by Dallas Tobin and Zac Hebert

Photo by Dallas Tobin

Falling into formation, the Spartan Regiment gets ready to perform. The marching band creates unique patterns within its quadrants.