North Star January Edition

FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH Vol. 23 Issue 5 2549 Hackmann Rd. St. Charles, MO 63303 Jan. 14, 2009 Issue

St. Louis

HOT spots

REGISTER NOW! Check out FHNtoday.com for more info.

Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of the

Registration is taking place for the 2009-2010 school year. Interested in being a part of the awardwinning student publications at North? How about trying your hand at writing for the magazine? Maybe you have a design eye that the yearbook is looking for? Spend a lot of time on Facebook or Myspace or just surfing the Web? FHNtoday.com might be a great fit. Making videos on Youtube or just at home that your friends love? Thinking about getting into broadcast? The staff’s podcast might be right up your alley. Heck, are you even interested in pursuing a career in business? Maybe you could be the next Business Manager and get real-world experience as you would be in charge of the publication’s advertising and budgeting.

Step 1: Intro Sign up and take Journalism. It counts as a 1/2 English Credit toward the four you need for graduation. In that class you will learn all you need to know to fit right in with the staffs. You also may take Digital Photojournalism but it does not count as an English credit, it does count as a Practical Art Credit though.

Step 2: Staff Pass the intro class and you’re eligible to become a member of one of the staffs. They are co-curricular classes and credit is offered.

Which one will you choose?

magazine

FHNtoday.com

podcast

yearbook

For more information contact adviser Mr. Manfull in room 026 or email him at aaron.manfull@fhsdschools.org

MAGAZINE

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HIGHLIGHT

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As newly-appointed StuCo President, Izzy Boyer will be heading the charge on Snowcoming.

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Five students and one teacher became the first ever high school Iron Chefs in early December.

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Senior Kyle Freeman has an uncle different than most: professional wrestler Randy Orton.

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LIFESTYLE

PLAYHARD Without a diving team this year, the girls swim team focus’s on improving scores.

VOICE

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With the technology of today, upto-the-minute conversations are becoming increasingly dangerous.

26

Senior Vicki Viehman explains why she loves reading and stands up against its negative outlook.

10

Making a career out of ghostly conversations, Betsy Belanger has become a paranormal investigator.

28

With the winter season in full force, one student tells why dressing modest is the hottest.

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THEWEB

Come visit us at FHNtoday.com, your #1 place for Knightly news.

FHNtoday.com FHNtoday.com has added a new application to its front page, Twitter. Don’t know about Twitter? Well check out page 13 to find out what all the fuss is about.

The weekly newsletter, FHNtoday Express, will be receiving a design overhaul next week. Stay tuned on Monday.

On Friday, the North Star podcast will be posting their newest video, featuring a segment on how to make a scarf.

page design cami wade and tyler kirk

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“Providing an open forum for Francis Howell North since 1986.”

2549 Hackmann Road St. Charles, MO 63303 Freely distributed to FHN by the North Star staff.

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Cami Wade, Tyler Kirk & Jordyn Klackner Editors News Editor: Barbara Jean Palmer Features Editor: Brittany Schulze Sports Editor: Vicki Viehman Opinions Editor: Chelsea Kaufman Dir. of Photography: Sarah Semmel Digital Media Dir.: Andrew Hairlson Copy Editor: Betsy Blanchard Marketing Director: Luke Christisen Business Manager: Nathan Bryant Ad Design Editor: Xenia Klimenova Podcast Editors: Tori Bowden and Kaila Kamp Online Editors: Katie Siebuhr, Jon Henderson and Katie O’Neil General Staff Fareeha Amir Monica Martinez Bethany Brady Gabrielle Moore Jessica Bremer Kieran Myers Elizabeth Diggs Lydia Ness Sam Dulaney Jessica Payne Ryan Firle Logan Ponche Kaitlyn Fouch Katie Robertson Pat Flynn Allison Sheffler Julia Gabbert Hanna Sherman Rachel Hunt Lauren Skinner Joe Jacobi Lauren Smith Miranda Lindquist Krissy Torkelson Nicki Wittman Adviser Aaron Manfull

THECOVER

Built in 1965, the Gateway Arch has become a national symbol of expansion, and acts as a St. Louis hot spot for locals and tourists.

www.FHNtoday.com

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This year, Student Council will be holding its second Blizzard Blackout on Feb. 21 in the Commons. Last year, this winter dance was a big success and StuCo rented black lights, neon paint and glow in the dark bubble makers to complete the theme. (file photo)

THEBRIEFS Senior Kelly Warden stretches in preparation for practice.

Winterguard’s first competition will be later this month. (file photo)

President Boyer leads first event

Winterguard has first competition elizabeth diggs

Winterguard will be attending their first competition on Jan. 31 at Missouri State University. There will be 40 other guard groups in the entire competition, with 10-12 in their class. In order to prepare, choreographer and director Duane Williams leads his 10 Winterguard members through three and a half hour practices three times a week and eight-hour rehearsals on a few Saturdays.

“We’re getting there,” Williams said. “We’re still learning the shows and we hope to have the entire show ready by the first contest.”

Two sophomores on this year’s Winterguard, Sarah Sutton and Beth Kruse, both agree that this year’s guard is faster-paced than it has been in previous years. Both Sutton and Kruse enjoy guard for various reasons and are excited to participate in their first contest of the year.

“My favorite part of guard is seeing everyone everyday and hanging out in the hotels,” Sutton said. “We are like one big family.”

Prior to the competition, Winterguard will perform at the Parent Preview on Jan. 29 in the small gym.

Robotics compete lauren skinner

Date for StuCo’s Blizzard Blackout has been made barbara jean palmer

With Snowcoming coming up, StuCo is working busily to prepare. This year’s dance will face a lot of change and many details are still in the works; however, it has been decided that it will be held Feb. 21 from 7-10 p.m.

The biggest change is that StuCo has a new president, senior Izzy Boyer.

Boyer was bumped up to president over the Winter break. All other members of the office and cabinet were bumped up as well. With Boyer as the new president, her main focus right now is the Snowcoming dance.

“My first priority is Snowcoming and getting all the details ready and the committees lined up,” StuCo President Boyer said. “I feel like I can do it. All I can do is try my best.”

Though this is a big change for Boyer, many believe in her as a leader

and see everything working out.

“I think it’s a great thing. She’s very organized, responsible and works well with others,” StuCo sponsor Jani Wilkens said. “It’s always a shame when you have turnovers like this. Grimshaw and I have been disappointed in that, but we still have great leaders who will get things in order.”

StuCo is trying their best to work together as a team and keep forging ahead with the new changes.

With the dance staying with the same theme, students can expect black lights and neon colors. Jeans and a cute top are acceptable for girls, and khakis, jeans or black slacks with a nice shirt is appropriate for guys.

To see photos from snowcoming, go to FHNtoday.com on Feb. 22.

Scheller, Wilkens make their mark infographic tyler kirk

The robotics club - which of consists of students from Late last year, Lindsey Scheller and Jani Wilkens joined five of their colleagues in the English department all three Howell schools - will be joining other students by becoming board certified. Scheller and Wilkens spent one year and two years, respectively, to complete from around the country on April 15 in Atlanta, Ga to see their certification, and endured a difficult process to gain their certification: who can make the best robots.

What’s it take?

Jani Wilkens, English To help with hotel and registration costs, the club Take a look at the process the Wilkens and School: Hope College in West Michigan, under grad; has received donations from major companies such as Scheller went through to become board UMSL, Master’s Boeing and Cuivre River Coop. However, in order to buy certified.

Why did you want to become certified? It’s a really the parts that they will need to build their robot, the team reflective process, so it helps me to look back and 1. Teachers must create four portfolios, each needs to raise over $1,000. decide what needs to be changed in my teaching. containing 15 typed pages, analyzing them“In the past we have won numerous awards,” selves as teachers.

How did it feel when you found out you were board Kathleen Seznak said. “Once we won an inspire award, certified? It was very exciting. It felt as good as when 2. They must submit two videos of in-class I got my Master’s degree. which really means a lot to me since I work so hard to teaching. try and pull all of the students to do their best and work Lindsey Scheller, English 3. They must take six self-evaluation tests, together.”

School: UMKC, under grad; Lindenwood, Master’s each one taking 30 minutes to complete Members hope to utilize this competition to not only Why did you want to become certified? It gives me Each of these steps is part of the difficult bring home awards, but to sharpen their skills. so many opportunities to reflect back on how I was process of self-evaluation that these teacher’s “This year I am hoping to familiarize myself with the teaching and now I know the best way to teach. endure in order to become nationally board new control system,” Francis Howell High junior John certified.

How did it feel when you found out you were board Faulkner said. “I also hope to start teaching a lowerclasscertified? I had never had to work so hard at anything in my life, so it was great to accomplish it. It was man the ways of programming so the club will have a wonderful.

For a quick preview on what robotics programmer when I go off to college.”

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members are planning on taking to the competiton in April go to FHNtoday.com on Jan. 16

page design elizabeth diggs and bethany brady

Class of ‘13 freshmen register for classes jessica payne

With first semester out of the way, this year’s eighth-graders are already preparing for their freshman year. Counselors met with them on Jan. 12 to run over course selections and decisions for their high school years.

The counselors will have a power point for the students and forms that need to be filled out and returned to the students’ current middle school counselors. “[As an eighth-grader] it was helpful to meet with counselors, because it helped me plan my classes,” freshman Shane Gleaves said. “I felt excited for all of the new chances.”

Following this is an introduction night on Jan. 20

for eighth grade students and their parents. It will be held in North’s large gym at 7 p.m. Here counselors will once again speak to the new freshmen and have another program to go over. For private school students, this will be their first meeting.

“In February we’re returning once again to meet and review the students’ course selections,” counselor Tom Daugherty said.

At this February meeting, the counselors will double check the students’ selections and finalize what they want to sign up for.

Q&A with Billy Rivers, Jake Seamon and Tommy Roam.

Fraufest Q&A Q: with band A:

What is your bands name? And what kind of music do you play?

Fraufest will be held on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Buy a ticket for $5 and see FHN bands showcase their talent for all.

For a quick recap story on Fraufest and for photos go to FHNtoday.com on Feb. 6.

Infographic bethany brady and elizabeth diggs

Q: A: Q: A:

Axium is the band’s name and [we play] heavy rock with some metal/Punk.

Have you played in Fraufest before?

ONLINE Go to FHNtoday.com for your Knightly news.

1.

Go to FHNtoday.com to see pictures from Winterguard’s first competition on Feb. 2.

2.

For a quick recap on the Clothing Drive, go to FHNtoday.com on Jan. 31.

This will be our first year, we haven’t gotten to play in the past due to conflicting plans.

When did you become a band and what inspired you to start one?

We all just decided to jam together one day and thought we should start the band.

Cooking classes compete at Central julia gabbert

On Friday Dec. 12, FHN participated in the district’s first cooking competition at Howell Central. FHN’s cooking team - composed of sophomores Danielle Schinker, Taylor MacMann, Darin Voyles, Andrew Cisneros, and junior Kayla Baker - competed against teams from Central and Howell.

“We decided on an Indian theme, so we made Bombay chicken, bosmotti rice, curried sweet potatoes, and a cucumber salad,” Schinker said.

They had been practicing both after school and on weekends since before fall break. Teams were judged on presentation, taste, the healthiness of the meal, safety, and sanitation. FHN’s team came in first place, winning certificates and gold medals.

The team was chosen through an after-school tryout.

Out of the approximately 20 students to try out, only five were chosen to compete based on their ability to follow a recipe, work together, and have a good end product.

“One thing I was very impressed with was that all of our kids but one are sophomores in their first semester of foods. The kids from the other schools are all seniors in the sixth semester. So it was like rookies vs. pros,” foods teacher and coordinator Rebecca Crawford said. page design elizabeth diggs and bethany brady

3.

For a preview of what’s to come for graduation planning for senior officers and delegates, go to FHNtoday.com on Jan. 15.

Chopping sweet potatoes, Kayla Baker rushes to prepare a meal for 30 within a two-hour time period during the Iron Chef Competition Dec. 12. (stephanie graflage)

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SEARCH & Tessie, left, is a Belgium Malimois who is a certified NASAR (National Association Search And Rescue) dog who was received as a pup by owner Patty Powell. As her way of alerting Patty she found something, tessie will run up and push her over and run back to the person. (andrew hairlson)

Tessie is seen here receiving her reward for finding a lost person: a tennis ball. Tessie is able to clear an 80 acre field in 11 minutes by making big tracking circles. (andrew hairlson)

Powell takes in canines to become part of SCCSRR Local citizen trains dogs for the benefit of the community and personal joy jamie brannan

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n a typical day in 2004, Patty Powell was sitting in her living room with her dog Dakota enjoying a nice evening of watching TV. She was flipping through the channels when she stopped at a show on police dog training. At the end of the program, a man came on the screen asking if anybody was interested in dog training to call the number on the screen. Interested, Powell called.

On New Years Eve she got a call back from a John Beck asking her to head to Nebraska for a week-long seminar. In April of 2005 Powell went to Nebraska and learned the basics of tracking and trailing training.

“It was the best week of my entire life,” Powell said. “I had so much fun. I had a blast.”

When she got back from Nebraska, she taught her dog Dakota the new tracking and trailing skills used to find someone with a scent already given to them.

She eventually came across a story in a magazine about search and rescue dogs - dogs that find someone without a scent given to them. She decided to call a number found in the story to get more information. She got a hold of her soonto-be first search and rescue dog trainer, Mike

06 www.FHNtoday.com

Weiderhold.

“Mike was one of the best trainers on this planet,” Powell said. “He really knew what he was doing.”

Weiderhold informed her if she was interested in training she should get a Malinios breed dog because of their energetic and persistent attitude. On July 6, 2006 a Belgium Malinios named Contessa, was born. That Labor Day weekend, Contessa - now known as Tess - found a new home with Powell.

“I didn’t pick Tess, Tess picked me,” Powell said. “When I went to go see the dogs, Tess kept running after me and trying to climb over the little wall to get to me. I thought that was pretty cool.”

After training Powell and Tess for awhile, Weiderhold told her about Stacy Shaver, another dog trainer who has been training for seven years and has trained over 20 dogs.

Shaver lived closer to Powell and they now get along very well.

“Oh I instantly liked her,” Powell said. “She was awesome.”

Shaver then began to train Powell for the many tests and obstacles that she will have to go through.

“First of all, its not a hobby, it’s a job. It’s

very time consuming,” Shaver says to all her first trainees. “You are out in all kinds of weather. There is heat, rain, snow, ticks, poison ivy, snakes, skunks, and so much more.”

For a dog to become a certified wilderness search and rescue dog, the trainer and their dog have to pass many tests. The tests usually consist of finding a certain amount of people in a certain amount of time in 20-160 acres of wilderness, daytime or nighttime in many different kinds of weather and terrain.

“The first time you go outside at night, it’s just you and your dog, pitch black, new territory, 40 acres,” Shaver said. “That is the test that really bonds you with your dog. You realize that they are your partner. You find out how smart dogs really are.”

Powell and Tess now work with the St. Charles County Search and Rescue (SCCSRR) along with Shaver, firefighter Kristi Thurman with her dog Coco, Terry Knipp with his dog Chrissy and Tom and Jen Rausher with their dog Nicka.

“We all are good friends,” Thurman said. “We are more than a team, we are a family. We protect and support each other.”

They all volunteer to train these dogs so that maybe one day they could actually help someone.

“Dog training is very important,” Shaver said.

page design nicki wittman

& RESCUE From left to right: Tessie, owner Patty Powell, Dakota, Boris, Linda Lott, a social studies teacher at FHN, Pepper. Boris, Dakota, and Pepper are all Rotweilers that Linda got, in 1991, for draft-cart pulling. (andrew hairlson)

“Wondering if their loved one is dead or alive ... these are things that parents go through and you just want to help. When you have a dog that can bring closure to them, it really does make a difference.”

Powell and Tess have now been working together for over two years. They have been through a lot together and have had what Powell considers a very successful year. Tess is now certified in SCCSRR wilderness and the National Association for search and rescue Area Search I, meaning Tess can be used for any missing person in a wilderness environment. Tess is currently training for Human Remains Detection.

“People say that Tess is Brilliant,” Powell said. “It is utterly amazing what these dogs do.”

Pam Seyer, a very proud friend of Powell says that this experience has changed Powell into a caring, disciplined, and sharing person.

“I don’t see her dropping this anytime soon,” Seyer said. “Not until at least she is in a walker.”

Powell agrees that she isn’t going to stop anytime soon. She loves her dogs and loves seeing them work.

“I can be so dead tired and having the worse possible day but when I am asked to train I forget about everything and train,” Powell said. “It’s the neatest experience.”

Powell throws Tessie the tennis ball after finding the “missing person.” Powell received Tessie as a pup. “It was like Tessie chose Patty,” Linda Lott said. “She just kept watching and following her.” (andrew hairlson)

What makes a search and rescue dog different from your everyday pet?

1

24/7 Disaster Search Dogs are with their handlers close to 24 hours a day, every day: at home, on the job, on vacation, wherever the handler needs to be.

2 The Nose Search Dogs are trained to focus on one scent: live humans buried under rubble. In order to find the victim as quickly as possible, the dog learns to ignore all other scents and noises.

3

Workaholics Search dogs are on a consistent routine, strict diet and exercise program are all required.

Sea

rch Res cue

4

Magic Paws The dogs are able to negotiate unstable, slippery and uneven surfaces while keeping absolutely focused on the job at hand.

page design nicki wittman

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when

‘LOL’ becomes dangerous Texting is a huge part of a teenager’s lives, and many teenagers are making the dangerous decision to text while driving. (photo illustration by cami wade)

taylor crittenden

TTYL

alternatives to texting while driving Texting while driving is becoming increasingly dangerous. Try these instead.

+Before you drive, tell your friends you will be driving so they will not text you to distract you.

+Turn your phone off so you won’t be tempted.

+Try having your passenger text for you. Have them read your received text and tell them what to reply.

+If you have to text, pull over.

page design sam dulaney

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ith all of today’s new technology, text messaging while driving has become more trendy and dangerous than ever before.

Now with touch-screen Blackberrys, iPhones and phones with built-in MP3 players, many find it hard not to get excited over it. Though these new gadgets can be fun, they can be a serious threat to safe driving.

Text messaging demands a high level of attention which when behind the wheel should be directed only towards driving. Doing it while driving causes the driver to take their eyes off the road, making them less conscious of cars around them and more likely to get into an accident.

Not only does it make the driver lose focus, but it even requires them to remove one or both hands from the wheel. However, as text messaging while driving becomes a larger danger everyday, teenagers continue to do it.

“Cell phones are convenient, but text messaging [requires] a high level of attention,” Police Officer Matt Jacobson said.

Jacobson agrees that text messaging in the car is a distraction. Even though phones are often perceived as a convenience, they can be as equally dangerous as drinking and driving. Jacobson estimates that approximately 80 percent of teens text while driving. According to parentingteens.suite101.com, nearly 50 percent of teenagers will openly admit to text messaging while driving. Jacobson thinks there should be a law prohibiting it in Missouri, but does not think teenagers would stop texting while driving entirely.

“Teenagers normally do not consider the consequences,” Jacobson said.

Parents seem to share the same views as Jacobson. Most teenagers think parents overreact about texting, while in reality many just worry about today’s young drivers, and their lack of experience behind the wheel.

“It’s not that they’re careless, it’s that they’re inexperienced,” local mother Beverly Fogliani said.

Besides law enforcement, parents also agree a law prohibiting texting while driving should be passed in Missouri.

Many think it would cause less accidents.

“I feel very strongly about having a law enforcing that you aren’t allowed to text and drive,” Fogliani said. “It’s very dangerous.”

Students, on the other hand, think texting while driving is not as big of a deal. Sophomore Cat Pherigo admitted to text messaging while driving. Pherigo thinks if its possible to eat as you drive and still pay attention, you can text because that isn’t even as messy or distracting. Many teens would agree it is not a big deal and that adults overreact.

“I can keep one hand on the wheel and both eyes on the road and still text message because I know where all of the keys are on my phone, so really it is no more dangerous than eating while driving,” Pherigo said. “Actually that’s probably more dangerous because it is messy.”

However, not all teens share this sentiment. Sophomore Chip Dozier claims he does not text while driving, and thinks it is at the top of the list of most dangerous driving distractions.

“I kind of think it should be banned because there are too many other people out there on the road not paying attention,” Dozier said. “And that’s kind of dangerous.”

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imax n m presents...

The Omnimax plays “Mysteries of the Great Lakes” Science Center projects movie on a grand scale screen until April 16

allyson rebhan

It’s hard not to notice the Science Center’s big dome.

This dome, known as the Omnimax, is used for projecting many movies. One show currently playing is titled “Mysteries of the Great Lakes.”

“I heard it was very interesting, a must see!” audience member Bill Higgins said.

The “Mysteries of the Great Lakes” is a way to experience the Great Lakes like never before: on the Omnimax screen. It has a 15,000 watt sound system and film ten times larger than a regular theater.

“The technical aspects like the broad screen and surround sound makes you feel like you’re there,” Higgins said.

This movie not only informs viewers of the history of the Great Lakes, but also raises awareness about the different animals that are near extinction due to pollution of the Lakes’ waters by the human race, and what measures can be taken to stop it.

“It’s very educational, very informative, and interesting to see on the big screen,” usher Brittany Tabor said.

The video focuses primarily on the nearly-extinct sturgeon that lives in the Great Lakes. The sturgeon has been in the lakes for 150 million years, and has depreciated by 99 percent in the last 200 years. Most of them were wiped out when the Europeans came over and burned them for fuel. Now biologists are trying to save the sturgeons by gathering eggs and relocating them to eight different rivers in the Lakes.

“It’s very enlightening and informative,” Higgins said. “It touches on a subject people don’t know a lot about.”

The show is aimed towards an adult audience, but the featured wildlife has made it an enjoyable event for younger age groups and families too.

“I think it’s for all ages,” audience member Jason Cole said. “My son loved it and he is three.”

This show will remain at the Science Center through April 16. Admission is set at $8 for adults and $7 for kids and is being played at different times between 9:30 a.m-5 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. on weekends. On Tuesdays senior citizens can view the show for $5.

“It’s not boring at all,” audience member Atlas said. “I always recommend people to see it.”

Located in the Saint Louis Science Center, the Omnimax Theatre is the home to a four-story screen which displays several different shows throughout the year. Currently, the Omnimax is showing “Mysteries of the Great Lakes”. Adult tickets are $8 and child tickets are $7. (sarah semmel)

page design barbara jean palmer

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The mysteries of the Mansion Belanger takes her love of the paranormal to the next level...

chelsea kaufman

B

etsy Belanger can communicate with spirits.

Standing under the dimly-lit, orblike lamps that hang low from the ceiling, her eyes are closed. The Monday night tour group at the historic Lemp Mansion sits in awed silence as they watch intently. In her hands is a pair of dowsing rods which face straight forward. The one in her left hand indicates the word “yes.” In the right hand, “no.”

“Is there a spirit here with us tonight?”

She asks the air around her.

The rod in her left hand begins to move

10 www.FHNtoday.com

on its own, now pointing to the side. She opens her eyes.

Yes. She has been able to do this for over 15 years. Starting out working at a local theatre, Belanger never expected her life to make such a turn.

“I have really been able to do this since I was a girl,” Belanger said. “But I never had anyone to talk to about it.”

The room has a mixed response. A woman in front begins to breathe heavily and hold her chest, asking about how claustrophobic the house will get. On the other side of the room, a group of teen boys glance at each other and role their eyes. A red-haired boy whispers something to another and they

snicker. They’re skeptical.

Betsy sets down her rods and smiles.

“Then let’s get started.”

Every Monday night, Belanger goes through this same routine. Taking a group of people through the Mansion, she explains the history of the Lemp family and the paranormal experiences that occur in their house.

As the tour draws to a close, Betsy takes the group up to the attic for the dark room experience. Here is where most of the activity takes place.

The same woman who felt claustrophobic at the beginning of the tour begins breathing heavily and lays her head on her friend’s shoulder. Scared voices around the dark room begin to fill the silenced room. page design chelsea kaufman

Located at 3322 DeMenil Place, St. Louis, The Lemp Mansion is believed to be one of the most haunted places in Missouri. The mansion now acts as a Bed and Breakfast, allowing its guests to stay overnight. The Lemp Mansion also offers a murder mystery dinner theatre as well as tours of the facility. (katie robertson)

Someone just walked in the room!”

“It’s freezing over here…”

“Did you just here that?”

A woman sitting on a bed gasps. She can feel a dog at her feet.

“Oh, that’s just the dog,” Betsy explains.

“She goes wherever people usually are.”

“Is she the one that was killed?” A voice from the corner asks.

Betsy’s silhouetted figure nods.

As the tour begins to draw to an end, guests are both shaken and excited. The group of teen boys who were seemingly skeptical at the beginning of the tour are now silent as they make their way back down the spiral staircase and back to the dining room. The red haired boy, Tyler McGuire, walks towards Betsy, who is holding a pair of dowsing rods again. page design chelsea kaufman

“That was insane.”

Belanger is not sure where what lies down the road. One thing is for certain, however: she’ll always be with what she likes to call her “ghostly friends.”

“It was an unexpected turn in my life,” Belanger said. “But I’m glad that it happened. It’s not an everyday job you hear about and always makes for a good conversation starter. I’m not sure how long I’ll do it. Probably forever. We’ll just wait and see where life takes me.”

www.FHNtoday.com

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What are you doing?

Latest: Twitter is a social networking site, like Facebook, that allows you to use 140 characters to answer one simple question: What are you doing? less than 5 seconds ago

update

FHNtoday Twitter even has its own lingo - updates are referred to as ‘tweets,’ and updaters are known as ‘tweeters.’ Also, friends are now followers.

30 minutes ago from FHNtoday.com

ljponche Unlike other networks, Twitter allows you to be personal with a smaller group. Twitter is just you, your updates, and your friends’ updates. about 1 hour ago from web

jordynklackner TwitPic adds a nice visual flair to your post. Don’t just tell, download TwitPic and let your followers see what you’re up to at the moment. about 3 hours ago from txt

bschulze Twitter is very simple - I log on, tell everyone what I’m doing, then log off. I don’t have to go through notifications about relationships. about 6 hours ago from TwitterBerry

tlkirk Unfortunately, Twitter doesn’t allow you to edit your tweets once you’ve selected ‘update.’ Once you tweet, you’re stuck with what you said. about 12 hours ago from Twitterrific betsykay When I reply to someone’s status, the comment shows up on my own page as an update and it’s hard to tell which specific status I replied to. about 18 hours ago from web

FHNtoday Editor’s note: Every sentence and/or statement on this page is 140 characters or less, including the one you’re reading at this very moment. about 22 hours ago from FHNtoday.com

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FHNtoday

140 184

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following

followers

updates

Home

Like MySpace, Twitter allows you to redesign your profile by offering many font colors, as well as the option to create your own background.

@Replies

Have something to say about a follower’s tweet? Comment on it with an @Reply, which can be seen by all of your followers and is not private.

Direct Messages

As you know, anything you post on the internet is pretty much on the Web forever. Direct Messages can easily keep your conversation private.

Favorites

If you come across a brilliant or hilarious tweet, mark it as a favorite and it’ll go here, allowing you to look back on it when you’d like.

Everyone

If you find yourself bored with the people you’re following, take a look at what everyone else is doing with these up-to-the-second updates.

add

Following

Not every tweeter is boring, mind you. Some of your favorite celebrities take a few seconds out of their day to tell you what they’re up to. lancearmstrong The seven-time Tour de France winner keeps you updated on his excursions, sending many pictures via the Twitter-friendly photo site TwitPic. diablocody The Oscar-winning writer of “Juno” let’s you into the far corners of her odd mind, mostly offering hilarious depictions of what she’s up to.

jimmyfallon This former SNL funny man comedically fills you in on his day-to-day encounters/experiences and frequently replies to his followers’ tweets. darthvader Even the Sith master tweets.

Luke’s masked father lets you into his hilarious life on Earth, often falling victim to simple, everyday tasks.

View All...

Device Updates phone

off

You can even tweet when you’re away from your computer with mobile Twitter and iPhone/iPod Touch applications like Twitterrific and Tweetie.

www.FHNtoday.com

13

Bored?

You don’t have to be...

This month the North Star looks into a few places in the STL that can tame your winter boredom

Located a few minutes away from the Arch, Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym contains 10,000 square feet for climbers of all skill to test their abilities.

Classes are also available for those who want to get more serious about climbing or get belay certified. (sarah semmel)

People pass by the display dinosaur at the Saitn Louis Science Center. The Science Center also has a Build-A-Dino store where visitors can make their own stuffed animal dinosaurs. Visiting the Science Center is free to all visitors. (sarah semmel)

Brianna Bernardy SCC Dual Enrollment Participant Francis Howell Central Alum, 2008 Freshman at Truman State University

Need help with your ACT, SAT testing, AP Classes, or CLEP testing?

All you need is your library card. Visit:

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“Thanks to SCC, I am prepared for college, and have taken a leap forward in my four-year plan.�

Register Today.

To enroll at SCC, call 636-922-8000 or visit www.stchas.edu.

Click on the links LearnATest & Testing & Education Reference Center -Immediate Scoring -Complete Answer Explanation -Individual analysis of your Results.

MEET THE TEAM PLAYER SPOTLIGHT, You know them, you love them, and you support them, but you don’t always know who’s who. Each month the North Star will highlight an athlete from each team. We asked these players about their favorite part of their sport and what their season goals are.

Fiona Brooks,11 “Being with my friends on the court. It’s a very social sport. You see a lot of friends from other schools too.”

Years played: since age 8 Season goal: “To be the best I can on defense and contribute to the team however I can.”

Knightline

Katie Stepanek, 9 “My favorite part is bonding with all the girls and getting to know them better.”

Years played: since age 9 Season goal: “I just want us to do the best we can at Nationals, and I want to spend as much time with the girls as I can.”

Wrestling

Season goal: “I just want to make it to the end of the season without quitting.”

Boys Basketball

“I love getting to meet new people and being a role model for the freshmen on the team.”

Years swam: since age 14

Harold Ritchie, 10

Cheerleading

Girls Basketball

Girls Swim

Lizzie Johnson,11

page design ryan firle

“My favorite part of hockey is the speed of the game. The nature of how fast the game is played is what I love.”

Years played: since age 7 Season goal: “As a team we just want to win the Wickenheiser Cup, which is our end of the year tournament.”

Season goal: “I want to be in the top three in state this year.”

Andre Wooten, 10 “I just love the to play the game, and I love its intensity.”

Years played: since age 10 Season goal: “My goal is to average 12 points a game.”

Katy Sullivan, 12 “Pretty much keeping the spirit up for the whole school is my favorite.”

Years cheered: since age 14 Season goal: “I just want to improve our communication and tumbling to overall improve everything we do as a squad.”

Kyle Buxton, 10

Bowling

Hockey

Robby Friedlein, 11

“I like that no one else can ruin it for you.

It’s all on you.”

Years played: “I’ve been into it my whole life because my dad was coaching even before I was born.”

“I like hanging out with my friends while I’m bowling.”

Years played: since age 9 Season goal: “I want to get a 165 average by the end of my season.”

www.FHNtoday.com

19

THEBRIEFS Knightline dances to Nationals

On Dec. 12 junior Joey Julian defends FHN during the FHN vs FHC hockey game. Julian has been playing hockey for more than five years.

The Knights lost to the Spartans 9-1. (kaitlyn fouch)

ryan firle

On Saturday Dec. 6, the Varsity Knightline squad participated in a dance competition held at Lindbergh High School against many schools around the area.

“It was our first competition of the year,” junior Ellen Ransom said. It was fun.”

The squad performed two dances at the competition. They received a fourth place honor for their jazz routine to “State of Shock” by Michael Jackson, and they received a third place honor for their hip hop routine that was choreographed by junior Rachel Hunt.

“I think we did good, but it wasn’t to our full potential,” junior Lauren Buxton said. “We can do better.”

Since they will be performing the same jazz routine when they head to Nationals in Disney World on Jan. 29, this competition allowed the girls to see their mistakes and work on the little things that make a big difference such as more difficulty, more floorwork, and more showmanship.

“The competition was a great learning experience on all levels for these girls,” Box said. “We were able to get an idea of any changes that may need to be made and they hopefully finally realized how important [showmanship] is.”

Check out FHNtoday.com to see the results of Knightline’s National competition in Disney World

Hockey team improves with support bethany brady

This year’s team is younger than ever before; consisting primarily of sophomores and juniors with just a few seniors, the team’s rough start has been serving as fuel to get the season going.

Tim Wilkinson has coached the hockey team for two years. He’s really enjoyed developing the team, teaching the players, and helping them excel.

“I think such a young team is beginning

to improve,” Wilkinson said. “They’re battling, but will develop better in a couple of years. By the end of the year they will be better than last year.”

Many on the team feel as though a larger audience would encourage them to perform better.

“Players really appreciate the support when it’s there,” goalie junior Robby Friedlein said.

Their next game is Jan. 19 at Affton against CBC and begins at 9:15 p.m.

Check out FHNtoday.com on Jan. 20 for a recap of the game against CBC

Girls basketball team hopes new year brings changes betsy blanchard

After winning their first home game against Fort Zumwalt East, the Lady Knights placed fourth in the Rockwood Summit tournament with a 1-2 record.

“We learned that we are better than we played, we need to go out and play our game and just pull together as a team to get there,” junior Dianna Prost said. “But we are slowly getting there! We will just do a lot better and adapt to the changes we’ve made.”

Head Coach Dawn Hahn feels that the team needs to work primarily on rebounding

20 www.FHNtoday.com

and getting back defensively.

“We have so many players with not a whole lot of experience,” Hahn said. “It’s been a big focus to work on both of those things at practice.”

The girls are aware of their weaknesses and are looking to improve both individually and as a team.

“Since there are only three returning full-time Varsity players from last year, it was a learning process having us step up to play varsity and play together,” junior Stephanie Agre said. “I think of the three years I’ve played, this is the season I have the most hope for.”

Junior Stephanie Agre prepares to shoot one of her foul shots against opponent Fort Zumwalt East Dec. 9. The Knights were triumphant, winning the game 61-20. (andrew hairlson)

page design rachel hunt and pat flynn

ONLINE

Boys basketball returns to the court krissy torkelson

The boys basketball teams returned to the gym on Jan 3rd. for the first home game of the season.

The teams played against St. Charles West and JV basketball took the court first at 5 p.m. The Varsity team played at 6:30 p.m. The first home game was originally supposed to be held on Dec. 15, but had to be rescheduled as a result of a snow day. The teams have been practicing everyday in order to perform at their best during the games.

“Our main goal for this season is to get back on the court and play better,” coach Bill Moyer said.

There were no new players on the court for the first time. However, there were players on Varsity this year that have moved up from the JV level from last year. The players tend to anticipate home games more than away games.

“Having our fans back created excitement and intensity for the game,” junior Stefen Whitehurst

said.

There are eight players on the JV team and ten on the Varsity level. Although the first home game is over, the coach still has hopes for the rest of the season. The team record as of Jan. 6 is 3-5.

“I hope that we win many games and play with more intensity,” Moyer said.

Junior Wes Simone dribbles the ball during the game against St. Charles West on Jan. 5. The Varsity Knights were defeated by the Warrriors with a score of 48-23. (lydia ness)

Go to FHNtoday.com for your Knightly news

1.

Check out the results from the girls swim Timberland/ FHHS TriMeet on Jan. 13.

2.

Wrestlers faced off in the G.A.C. tournament on Jan. 10. See results and pics on FHNtoday.com

3.

Senior Vicki Viehman swims freestyle at the varsity meet against FZN at the St. Peters Rec Plex on Jan. 6. Despite the pool being closed from Dec. 19-23, the team succeeded at their first meet back. The team is now 3-1. (fareeha amir)

Swimmers take on new strategy for season rachel hunt

After beginning the season this year with two new coaches, the girls swim team has already started introducing an entirely new strategy for their season. The girls will no longer put any focus on the diving category at regional meets; instead, the team will solely work to improve swimming scores.

“Coach Ramach and I both feel we can be better used as swim coaches for the girls, than to put all of our attention onto one single diver,” head coach Chip Crow said.

In previous years, one diver, even on a full team of swimmers, would occupy all of one coach’s time, while the other coach would focus on swimming. However, to have a team of only swimmers, like this year, would mean page design rachel hunt and pat flynn

both coaches putting full attention on swimming alone. Consequently, not participating in the diving category at meets is slowly hurting North’s scores. However, the points lost by not participating in the diving category are now earned back with increases in other swimming categories, due to this new strategy.

“It can bring our scores down sometimes,” junior Lizzie Johnson said. “Just swimming helps us to stay more focused as a team though. It brings us together.”

Check out FHNtoday.com to see the results of yesterdays TriMeet with Timberland and Howell

Check out results from the girls basketball Warrenton Tournament held Jan. 12-17 on FHNtoday.com

4.

For scores from the 1/15 game against Parkway North check FHNtoday. com

www.FHNtoday.com

21

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BECOMING A LEGACY

WWE wrestler Randy Orton poses in front of part of his collection of title belts.

He displays the belts for his family to see including his nephew, Kyle Freeman, a senior at North. (photo submitted )

“My favorite match was in 2004 at Backlash against Mic Foley,” tanding in the ring, in front of Orton said. “It was a hard core match thousands of people, holding where anything goes and I tried to the World Heavyweight Title slam him into a bed of about 10,000 proudly over his head, WWE super- tacks but I ended up with them all in my back.” star Randy Orton has become the Shortly after the match against youngest champion at the age of 24.

It all started when he was a child Mic Foley, Orton won the World Heavyweight Championship for the watching his grandfather and father first time against Chris Beniot. He wrestle, being backstage around his favorites such as Jake the Snake, has since won that title two more and seeing how the business works. times and prior to that title he was the Intercontinental Champion and a Although he was involved in the wrestling lifestyle, after high school Tag Team Champion also.

Wrestling isn’t all fun and games he wanted to do something different though. He endures a heavy travel and joined the marines. schedule, traveling 600-1000 miles “ I was in the Marine Corps for in four days and is only home three a year and a half and decided that I days a week. Traveling all over the really wanted to wrestle instead,” world some of his favorite places to Orton said. wrestle are in Manchester, England, After the marines, he moved to Wellington, New Zealand, and for Louisville and began training for the troops in Iraq. They perform another year and a half, and then about four shows per week unless in 2000 he was given a chance to they are overseas where they could wrestle for the WWE, where he became known as the Legend Killer. possibly do six or even seven shows.

But now that him and his wife SaHe earned the nickname by taking mantha have a baby girl things have down some of the biggest names in history such as the Undertaker, Sgt. changed.

“Now I see what’s more imporSlaughter, and Shawn Michaels. kyle freeman

S

23 www.FHNtoday.com

tant, everything is more in perspective and things couldn’t be better,” Orton said.

When Orton is out of town, Sam stays at home to take care of Alanna.

Also she makes any appointments that Orton may need when he comes back home. To help Sam, her parents Michelle and Michael Speno come over to give a hand.

“I like to be around her,” Michael said, “If it helps them out then it’s just a by-product.”

Although Orton may be out of town a lot, it’s not different than any other job. He is home during the middle of the week instead of being home on the weekends.

“Nothing really is different,” Sam said, “every job you have to make sacrifices.”

On WWE Raw, Orton’s character is an arrogant person and is better than everyone else. But at home he is a completely different man.

“He’s a very good person, ”Michelle said, “he’s a kind hearted good person, a great family man.”

Where Can

YOU SEE Randy?

- Jan. 25 Randy will be participating in the annual WWE Royal Rumble on pay-per-view

- Feb. 15 Randy will be participating in the WWE “No Way Out” on pay-perview

- April 5 Randy will be in WWE “Wrestlemania 25” on pay-per-view

- April 26 Randy will be participating in WWE “Backlash” on pay-per-view

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Don’t miss the boat luke christisen

L

ife is a harbor, full of coming and going. A place where people can take advantage of their time and take a boat out into the world and explore. It’s also a place of choice, choosing to take that ride out onto the open ocean of an uncertain future, or staying safe on land never really getting your sea legs.

In life opportunities arise for each of us, whether it be going on a church mission trip, taking part in an art show, or even auditioning for that dream part in the play. Walking down that jetty to the boat can be scary but once we stop worrying and step onto the deck the rewards can be life-changing. It’s not worth the time spent wondering “what if?”

Life is not going to wait for anyone.

When opportunities come up they should be embraced whole-heartedly because they may not come back.

The waves may be rocky and storm winds might buffet the sail but by pressing onward making way across life’s waters a magical thing happens: a legacy is born. Making the most of time spent is the only way to live forever, and by carving a path others are sure to follow.

We are all given plenty of chances and if for some reason one is missed, there is nothing to do but to wait for the next great thing. It’s this cycle that makes life great. It’s a never-ending spiral of opportunities. Only we have the power to control our own destinies through choices made. Looking back later in life should not be a mystery of wondering about how things might have been. Simply cast off and apply for that dream school that seems out of reach, or submit that artwork for a contest. Follow dreams and follow passions, and let the future unfold.

Don’t miss the boat.

26 www.FHNtoday.com

Give reading a chance vicki viehman

S

o many kids complain about how they hate reading, how they would rather have any other assignment than a book. The thing is, those kids have only read the stories that teachers assign to them.

There are so many other types of books and readings out there. Books aren’t just horrible assignments that teachers give out to torture us. It’s true, some books aren’t as exciting as playing video games or being on the computer, but there are some really entertaining books that can keep you busy for hours.

You have to go beyond what is given to you at school and find what interests you. Once you find a style of writing that you like, the whole world of books and stories opens up for you. It’s as simple as going on to Amazon.com or any other bookstore web site and seeing what new books are out there.

With so many new books being published every day, your choices change constantly.

Reading sometimes comes off as dorky or boring. I disagree. I read all the time - before bed, while I’m eating, and even on long car rides.

Just because reading books isn’t as cool as watching a movie or being on the computer, it’s one of the most intelligent activities you can do for fun. I’ve learned a lot of what I know from reading books and applying it to everyday life. Once, on a test, there was a word I didn’t know in a question.

I thought back to a book I had read,

Senior Vicki Viehman expresses her love of reading. Viehman is a firm believer that reading is a suitable replacement for games, movies and other electronics. (fareeha amir)

Silver, and that word had been used there too. I remembered how it had been used in the book and applied it to my question. Thanks to that book, I got the answer right.

Books are easy to bring with you too. You can just stick a book in your bag and it doesn’t need charging or batteries. You can read wherever you go and not disturb anyone around.

You can bring one to class and most teachers won’t yell or take it away.

There are so many different types of books out there, if you read one you don’t like, just toss it and find a new one. It doesn’t hurt to try all kinds of stories. For instance, I read Twilight and I didn’t like it. Some of you may be shocked or scream, but it just didn’t grab my interest. So I stopped reading

it and picked up a new book.

Before you complain about how much you hate reading and how boring it is, try some new books.

Look up what kinds of books are selling big and go to the library and check one out. You may actually end up liking it. If you really don’t like books, there are other reading materials out there. Open up a magazine and instead of just scanning the stories, read them. There is a reason for places like libraries, bookstores, and Amazon.com: to give us more ways to find something to read. More and more people are becoming writers and the only way their stories will be read is if we keep reading. New stories come out every day and it’s up to you to explore them.

illustration

jon henderson

page design monica martinez

the

North Star Be the change take: you want to see

W

ith 2008 gone and a new year starting, many changes lie in store for us. Future President Barack Obama will be taking office by the end of the month, and with his inauguration comes the change he has promised America. And although he will be taking the step to change the country, he will not be the one to change us.

Every year, thousands of people declare, on the stroke of midnight, their New Year’s resolution.

Countless times we watch as these individuals state how they want to get into shape, start a new hobby or just change themselves for the better.

And countless times we see these people fail to follow through with their plans.

People need to take the time to

photo illustration

remind themselves that change is not something that just happens. In order for you to change something or acquire something you want, you have to take the initiative.

Throughout our lives, we are going

jon henderson

to be faced with choices and opportunities. We’re going to decide on colleges and jobs, marriage and overall life.

If there is something you want, it’s your job to make it happen. Unfortunately for us, life is not such where we

can hold on to our parent’s hand everyday and have them make our choices for us. It’s our job to make the change we want. It may have worked that way ten years ago, but we are all old enough by now that it’s us that needs to take the step to make it happen.

With change in store for the country, comes change for all of us as individuals. It’s time we stopped just talking about what we want and sit back and wait. It’s time that we step it up and make the progress.

It’s time we make the change happen.

on behalf of the

North Star editorial staff

Don’t let spirited decorations become trashy celebrations tyler kirk

P

lease, tell me they’ll disappear for a while.

Please, tell me they’re going to be replaced by something a little easier on the eye, something fresher. Please, tell me they’ll be gone soon.

No, no, not the Bush administration – your Christmas decorations.

Does your home still glow from dusk to dawn with small LEDs, strewn together by latex-covered wiring?

Is a miniature, plastic baby Jesus still sleeping in your front lawn, surrounded by Joseph, Mary and the Wise Men? Do you still have a mangled tree displayed proudly in the front room of your house, as to let passer-bys catch a glimpse of your holiday spirit?

You disgust me.

To me, it seems that Christmas’ meaning and intentions have been completely altered over the last couple decades or so.

What started out as a day to celebrate the birth of Christianity’s spiritual leader has become a gaudy, tacky day of greedy gift receiving.

page design miranda lindquist

And leaving your epileptic shock-inducing decorations to hang from your roof after their demise is obviously due, well, that’s a disgrace to everything that Christmas should represent.

It’s January, your holiday décor isn’t going to make the new year’s Christmas arrive any faster; your ornaments will still be gathering dust, waiting for rescue while the next 11 months pass.

So, please grab the ladder out of your garage, mount it against your gutters – maybe find a spotter, too – and get to that un-decorating you’ve been wanting to get to.

Head into your family room and begin the disassembly of the enormous plastic bush resting in front of your window.

And please, just go ahead and throw away those awful depictions of ol’ St. Nick standing on your mantle.

It’s time for every ornament to be wrapped in tissue paper and stuffed into cardboard boxes, because I’m sure Santa wouldn’t appreciate this abomination of Christmas.

Besides, Christmas decorations are so last year.

Senior Tyler Kirk wrestles with a strand of Christmas lights after the holidays have passed. “Christmas lights are a bad display of what the holiday season represents,” Kirk said. (sarah semmel)

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sam dulaney

I

t’s January, so naturally it’s cold outside. I walk into school with a hat, a coat, a scarf, long pants and boots.

Why? Because the temperatures are only reaching about 20 degrees and I want to stay warm.

I look around and see girls in mini skirts and boots and think to myself, “Do the boots really make up for the lack of clothing from ankle to thigh?”

They can’t be warm in that. But girls still want to wear mini skirts that aren’t practical, just because they’re cute.

Guys are not exempt from wearing impractical clothing either. They want to sag their pants because it’s the cool way to wear their jeans. OK, that is their choice, but when their jeans are so low on them that they have to hold them up just so they can walk, isn’t it just a bit more practical to wear a belt?

And, being January, boxers can’t be that great against the cold either. Is it really worth sacrificing warmth and comfort for fashion?

I see the girls in their mini skirts and the guys sagging, and they’re all shivering. I can’t help but shake my head and feel a bit warmer with all of my winter gear, and continue to trudge along to school.

Modest is the

hottest

Sophomore Sam Dulaney dresses up for winter to voice her opinion on what she believes is appropriate attire for the winter season. Dulaney is fond of wearing fashionable yet functional attire. (katie robertson)

What the new year brings 2009 has come Jordyn and Chelsea debate whether changes should be dreaded or anticipated chelsea kaufman

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jordyn klackner

t seems that each time the end of one year rolls around, we already start looking forward to the next year. It’s almost as if we don’t have time to wait for what’s coming.

This time it’s 2009; a year a lot of us have looked forward to for forever. But now that it’s finally here, I feel a little different.

For seniors, this time of year marks the beginning of an end; an end I’m not ready for. While some are thinking they only have five months left and then they can be free, some of us have the “I only have five months left and then they’re forcing me out,” feeling.

Think about the friends you’ve made, the memories that have shaped who you are, and just living the life of a high-schooler. Now, write 2009 at the top of papers and think that for some in five months it will all be past.

Although most of us still celebrated, to me New Years was less of an excitement and more of the mark of a ticking clock. I’m going to have to work to make this year incredible until the clock stops and my time is up. The future is nice to think about, but I’m not ready to leave my past, and reality has set in that it’s right around the corner. That’s what 2009 means to me.

ith the New Year finally here and 2008 out the window, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief that 2009 is finally here.

Over the past year, everyone has had their share of hardships, laughter and moments that will forever be held as memories. Let’s keep them memories.

It’s time for a new year and a new start. With upcoming events such as Prom, Graduation, and summer, we shouldn’t be saddened by the end of a long year. We should be excited for a new one. Sure, some of these things may frighten us, but we shouldn’t be afraid to move on. For seniors, many of us will be going off to college soon and starting a new chapter of our lives.

We should always keep the memories of our times past, but we shouldn’t continue to live in them. It’s time to look ahead and figure out what we want from the New Year, not continue to dwell on the happenings of the past. It’s time for a change.

Goodbye, 2008. Hello, 2009.

Changes for the

better

miranda lindquist

W

e all like New Years Resolutions, but only half of us keep them. We all like bettering ourselves, but we sometimes always fall short. We all would like a little change, but sometimes change seems to be impossible.

A New Years Resolution is a commitment, a commitment that an individual makes to reform their lifestyle. There is always something in life that is seeking change, it could be from eating better and running more to not eating chocolate or drinking soda. Some of us set the bar too high when making our New Years Resolutions. If you have too high of expectations for yourself, they are a lot harder to follow. The way I see it is slow progress is still progress, slow change is still change and slow improvements are still improvements. New Years Resolutions aren’t about trying to make your life perfect, or trying to be better than someone else. They are about improvements, and changing to better yourself, and to be able to look into the mirror and feel better about living. If you can do it, that is a reward in and of itself. If you can’t, then set your bar lower because a little change can actually be a lot of change in the end.

So instead of worrying so much, just enjoy yourself.

Want to

see

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photos by katie robertson

page design krissy torkelson

GIVE Things

giving you the low-down

THEREVIEWS DRINK

Healthy Balance Juice allison scheffler

As I scanned the juice row at the grocery store, a bottle I’ve never seen before caught my eye: Healthy Balance by Old Orchard. I thought to myself “Can juice even be considered healthy?” So I picked up the bottle and read the label.

Six grams of sugar, six grams of carbs, and 30 calories. OK, not bad. I decided to give it a try. Since I love apple juice, apple was the flavor I chose. I poured a glass and had a little sip, knowing I wasn’t going to like it.

But as soon as it hit my taste buds, my mind set changed. Not only was the juice healthy, but it tasted exactly like “unhealthy” juice.

Usually you pay more for healthier products, but it was priced the same. My mom was happy about that. I was just glad that it didn’t taste disgusting. Now I think I found a new favorite juice!

page design lauren skinner

When it’s time for friends birthdays or a present for your significant other for valentines day don’t you want to find the perfect gift without paying the price? As a teenager I know, I don’t have a lot of money to spend on fancy things, but I want to give gifts with meaning. Things Remembered is a great place to get a reasonable priced gift but with a lot of meaning. There’s a Things Remembered in Chesterfield, Mid Rivers and West County malls. You can bring in something bought from somewhere else to get in engraved. Personally I brought in a leather-man knife to get a name engraved on. It was only $16 for the engraving and took a little over an hour. If you don’t already have a gift they sell things like bracelets, photo frames, key chains. I also bought a flask for my dad and got a quote engraved on it. It looked great!

The flasks range from $20 to $35 and then engraving was $10.

Things Remembered is a great place to get personalized gifts for any holiday or occasion.

Nikon Coolpix 7560 molly jasper

If you want a camera that is pretty much like a photoshop on wheels, the nikon coolpix 7560 is just the camera for you. It is also the first touch screen camera out! The high quality 10 mega pixel pictures move across the screen just as an iphone does. After you take a picture you can crop it, change the color, remove red eye or even draw and put stamps right onto your picture. You do not even have to take the time to transfer your pictures onto your computer. Everything is right there! I still have not figured out all of the accessories on the camera, which is probably the biggest downfall. It is a great new piece of technology and definitely worth the price. Get one while it is at the top of technology and learn to be your personal photo expert.

PLAY Wii Fit

Oxy wash

Up until a year ago when a dermatologist prescribed it to me, I had no idea that Oxy Wash face wash it existed. It worked like a charm. Since my experience with this face wash, I have almost no reason to wear make-up. After trying just about every other cleanser, none of them worked as well as Oxy Wash did. Oxy Wash doesn’t dry out my skin like other cleansers do. It also doesn’t make it oily. This is definitely a five star product.

nicki wittman

SNAP

WASH lauren skinner

Remembered

Katie O’neil

Last year Nintendo came out with the Wii Fit, a game and balance board combination to exercise with.

The game is great fun and you are definitely exhausted after playing the game for a few minuets, however I’m not convinced that you should retire your gym membership just yet. There is no alternative to getting in shape with a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine. I’m not saying that the game is not great. The game is fun to play for all ages. It’s fun to watch others play if they don’t mind, because the game really does tells you your weight, but it is really only a one player game. You can compare your scores to other people who play and compete to be at the top of the list if you need the extra competition.

Nintendo has a great game here but keep in mind, it’s just a game.

WATCH

Step Brothers josh ahrens

Just released on DVD, 40-year-olds Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are forced to be brothers in an epic comedy: "Step Brothers." In the DVD, the special features page is filled with extras that make the movie even more satisfying. In this is the making of the movie, along with excluded jokes and scenes. The commentary section explains each scene of the movie from the director and actors' point of views. The features on this DVD will keep you laughing long after the movie is over!

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