Volume 13, Issue 4

JAGWIRE MILL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL | VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 4 | DEC.14, 2012 | MVNEWS.ORG

MONEY’S NO GAME OF MONOPOLY 10-11 Everything you should know about money

NEWS 4-5

THE FUTURE OF FINALS AND FINALS TIPS

FEATURE 8

LIFE OF A MILITARY FAMILY

SPORTS 14-15

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

A&E 18

A LOOK AT NINTENDO’S NEW WII U

NEWSINBRIEF

HOSTESS GOES BANKRUPT

BY KATE SCHAU

jagwire.kateschau@gmail.com

After 87 years of producing favorites such as Twinkies, Ho Hos and Wonder Bread, Hostess has filed for bankruptcy.

The request was placed on Friday, Nov. 16, and the company officially closed for business on Wednesday, Nov. 21.

The bankruptcy was based mostly on troubles with union worker strikes, but the company had also been suffering from consumers’ increased interest in healthier snack alternatives. Before filing for bankruptcy, Hostess was $860 million in debt.

Some have been more affected by the company’s troubles than others, including those who grew up with the iconic snacks.

Sophomore Angelica Vita explains

WHAT’S INSIDE

News

3 District plan to conserve energy 4-5 Finals

Feature

7 Students in winter guard 8 Military family 10-11 Money

Opinion

12-13 Half-day finals proposal, racial prejudices, lies parents tell their kids, be thankful for a safe school, teen depression

Sports

14-15 Winter sports

A&E

16 The Flipside 18 New Nintendo Wii U 19 Crafts done cooler

Photo Essay

20 Baby Think It Over project Cover illustration by Kristina Milewski

2 BRIEFS

LEFT: The Hostess store on Shawnee Mission Parkway stands empty on Sunday, Dec. 2. Many students including senior Joe Jerome are upset over the closing of Hostess. “I don’t really mind the Hostess store going out of business, but I will miss the Twinkies,” Jerome said.

Photo by Stephanie Hudelston

why the bankruptcy is a big deal to her.

“I’m upset at the fact that something that’s been here for so long is now gone,” Vita said.

Because of the bankruptcy, 18,500 workers will lose their jobs. It is estimated that 94 percent of the employees will be laid off over the next four months.

Included in the terms of the bankruptcy was the agreement that Hostess will be able to sell its popular brands and recipes. The company plans on selling them to the highest bidder after the bankruptcy court has approved its request.

However, sophomore Jack Earlenbaugh believes that it’s not just a recipe that makes up Hostess snacks.

“Someone will buy the recipes, but it won’t be the same,” Earlenbaugh said.

“Not without the Hostess label on it.”

CHEERLEADERS COMPETE

BY AMBER NGUYEN

jagwire.ambernguyen@gmail.

The cheer team competed at the Best of the Midwest cheer competition on Saturday, Dec. 1. In the competition, teams were given either an outstanding, superior or excellent rating. The team received superior on the fight song, and outstanding on dance and chant.

The team competed at Olathe Northwest High School. Instead of the usual one-time performance, the team performed three separate times.

The cheer team has been practicing

for this competition since August. Freshman Sara Hempleman thought the work paid off. “[Our routine], turned out good,” Hempleman said. “It was solid, and we had our routine down.”

Senior Jenna Middaugh thought the most difficult part of the competition was raising enough energy and spirit with her teammates.

“Since a few of the girls were sick and not feeling well, motivating the girls was rough,” Middaugh said. “I’m a bit disappointed with a rating of two but I’m happy we pulled through.”

SOCCER COACH NOMINATED

BY CALLEE LINTON

jagwire.callelinton@gmail.com

On Tuesday, Nov. 20, head soccer coach Arlan Vomhof was nominated as a finalist for the NSCAA National Coach of the Year.

Vomhof was previously named Kansas Coach of the Year and Regional Coach of the Year in the small school division. All finalists from the regional nominations were put in for nationals.

“I was surprised with the state Coach of the Year award, let alone being a national finalist. It’s still pretty cool,” Vom-

hof said.

The requirements for the finalists were to understand the game, respect their players and fellow coaches and be involved in their community.

When talking to Vomhof, he explained his passion for the game.

“My favorite part about coaching is being around the athletes and seeing them be successful, not only in soccer but in life.” Vomhof said, “You make very good friendships that last a while.”

The winner will be announced on Sunday, Jan. 20, at a convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

WHAT’S UP

CLASS CUP POINTS* SENIORS

ROYAL BABY Will and Kate announced they’re expecting an addition to the royal family

TEXTING’S B-DAY Everyone’s favorite method of communication turned 20 years old on Monday, Dec. 3

WHAT’S DOWN

36 JUNIORS

21 SOPHOMORES

46

ROYAL PRANK Nurse at hospital where Kate stayed commits suicide after prank call

NOMOPHOBIA New studies prove this anxiety of being away from mobile technology to be a real illness

Photos from Apple and MCTCampus

FRESHMEN

31

*As of Monday, Dec. 10

DISTRICT HIRES ENERGY SPECIALIST Energy specialist employed to save energy and money

BY RYAN FULLERTON

jagwire.ryanfullerton@gmail.com

BY REGAN JONES

jagwire.reganjones@gmail.com

In order to improve energy conservation as well as save money, the district has entered into an agreement with the energy-saving company Cenergistic. Part of the agreement requires the district to hire an energy specialist who will supervise and report on district energy usage, and former administrator Dwight Stoppel was hired for the position after the agreement was approved on Monday, July 9.

Cenergistic is a company that works to conserve energy for various organizations, school districts, ministries, healthcare institutions and universities. According to Stoppel, the district hired him for this position in order for the energy specialist to be someone who maintains the success of the program. Last year, the district spent $2 million on utilities. With the aid of Stoppel and Cenergistic, the district hopes to save $4.4 million over the next 10 years in energy consumption.

Previously, Stoppel has been a substitute teacher, assistant football coach and a para-educator in the De Soto school district and as an administrator for the Osage City Public Schools and the Scott City Public Schools.

COUNTING THE COSTS

A look at the statistics behind the district’s energy plans

Stoppel’s job is to monitor the energy usage of each district building, analyze monthly utility bills, promote energy saving habits to district staff and prevent energy wasting by the district.

“Conserving energy requires a change in usage habits of every energy consumer,” Stoppel said. “Habits are hard to change without continuous support.

Other programs that leave the change solely up to the participants do not usually succeed. The individual support provided by the energy supervisor makes the program successful.”

Stoppel reports to district director of facilities Steve Deghand, whose goal is to save money that could be applied more to education than energy.

“We have a limited amount of money from the state of Kansas and we want to maximize that money for the classroom, as opposed to gas usage and electricity usage,” Deghand said.

According to Deghand, the district pays Stoppel from the energy savings. If the district does not save enough money, Cenergistic will pay the difference, preventing the district from losing money by hiring an energy specialist. Additionally, the entire program is paid for by the generated savings.

“That’s how confident they are with a full-time energy specialist that we will have savings well above [the goal],” Deghand said.

Deghand said one of the objectives of this program is changing the way people

2

million dollars spent on utilities last year

ABOVE: Checking the various temperatures throughout the school, energy specialist Dwight Stoppel makes sure the building is free of abnormalities on Tuesday, Dec. 4. “Monitoring is what I do,” Stoppel said. “[I try] to change people’s energy habits.”

Photo by Kelsey Floyd

use energy.

“This system is a behavioral system,” Deghand said. “It’s changing behavior and that’s hard to do. We’re getting people to look differently at energy usage.”

Stoppel works to do this by visiting schools and monitoring the energy usage by trying to visit each school at least twice a week. “[My short term goal] is to be in the buildings daily making observations and adjustments to save energy, and talking with students, staff and administration 80 percent of my working day,” Stoppel said. “[My long term goal] is to cut energy cost across the district saving taxpayer dollars to save jobs and dollars for education.”

Sophomore Caitlin Alley thinks that an energy specialist will be beneficial.

“It’s a certain necessity we need,” Alley said. “It may not be the world’s most important job, but it may be something we need.”

Stoppel says that he is pleased to be a part of saving money for the school.

“This program is intended to help all of us: it should mean students and staff are more comfortable during class and scheduled activities, it saves valuable dollars for education, and it saves natural resources for our future,” Stoppel said.

“I’m glad to be part of this effort.”

ENERGY EFFICIENCY A look at the top five ways to save energy at school Keep doors and windows shut to prevent air flow exchange from messing up the thermostats Make sure computers and monitors are off when they aren’t being used, especially overnight The blinds are good insulators and should be kept shut if rooms are not in use.

Students and especially staff can do their best to make sure appliances not in use are unplugged Turn the lights out in the classrooms when they aren’t being used

16 30 4.4

district buildings to monitor at all times

million dollars to be percent of expected energy costs to be saved saved in next 10 years NEWS 3

FINALS DEBATE

THE

What do you think about having half-day finals?

FUTURE

Plan for half-day finals goes to the Board of Education

BY MACKENZIE ECKMAN

jagwire.mackenzieeckman@gmail.com

BY CONNOR OSWALD

“I think it is a good idea since finals week is a lot of stress for students.”

jagwire.connoroswald@gmail.com

FRESHMAN NATALIE GOLDMEN

“Great idea, it would give students time to relax after finals.”

SOPHOMORE BAILEY WEEKS

ABOVE: Social studies teacher Jeff Wieland teaches his AP U.S. History class material that will be included on their final. Wieland believes half day finals would give more remediation time to students who need it. Photo by Baylee Owen

The future of the school’s finals schedule is now in the hands of the Board of Education. The district calendar committee presented a written report on Monday, Dec. 10 regarding the 20132014 calendar, which included an option for half-day finals. The committee asked the Board to take action on the calendar by its Monday, Jan. 14 meeting.

The district is the only one in Johnson County that does not have a halfday finals schedule. When social studies teacher Jeff Wieland joined the district, he was surprised there wasn’t a half-day finals policy in place. The current schedule includes four full days of finals, alternating between study periods and finals periods.

“I used to teach in Virginia, and we had half-day finals there,” Wieland said.

“I had [half-day finals] in high school, too. Coming from the outside, I brought

it up to the teacher’s association because it was a problem that needed to be fixed.”

Though Wieland presented the idea to the De Soto Teacher’s Association, there was confusion as to how the idea should be brought up for approval.

“We didn’t know if it needed to start with the principal and work its way up through the district or if we needed to bring it up with the calendar committee,” Wieland said. “It took teacher initiative to get it brought up through administration.”

Wieland decided to join the calendar committee and was able to start a halfday finals research committee this year.

The research committee distributed surveys to staff members and student representatives and was met with resistance from some elementary school teachers.

An anonymous elementary teacher opposes the idea of half-day finals because she feels it would give high school teachers the unfair advantage of extra plan time.

“I think it’s really great for students.

They deserve a break because there is a lot of pressure at the end of the semester, but I don’t think it’s fair,” she said.

Wieland does not believe that insti-

MORE OPINIONS

Perspective from other stakeholders of the proposed plan for half-day finals

“I want them, it will be ben-

eficial to students to spend more time outside of school.” studying.”

JUNIOR HALEY HAMILTON

“I think highly of the idea. It would give students time to study at home.”

SENIOR ALEC DONN

FOR

FOR

AGAINST

TEACHER JEFF WIELAND

TEACHER LAURIE DEUSCHLE

ELEMENTARY TEACHER

“Students aren’t given the opportunity to use time as best as they can.”

“[Half-day finals would] be very good for ... teachers to develop more meaningful finals.”

“I don’t think the kids gain something that is worth more than the plan time.”

TIPS FOR

FINALS

1

Tips to get prepared

4 NEWS

TEACH SOMEONE ELSE Teaching forces you to remember what you’re supposed to be studying. Simplify study material to teach younger siblings.

2

AGAINST JUNIOR ALEX ROUNDS

“I’d be more confident going into finals if we have the class before to prepare.”

REMOVE DISTRACTIONS Websites like Getcoldturkey. com allow you to block access to certain URLs for a set amount of time so you can study.

OF

FINALS

tuting a half-day finals schedule would give high school teachers more plan time than normal. “[Half-day finals are] actually about improving finals and student learning,” Wieland said. “They allow students flexibility in preparing for their tests, and with Common Core standards rising, tests are going to require more writing, reading, etc. Teachers aren’t designing finals with Common Core standards in mind when they have to turn around and grade them so quickly.”

Calendar committee representative and math teacher Laurie Deuschle agrees.

“Students care a lot about their grades and grades sometimes ride on finals,” Deuschle said. “[Students] feel stressed and are under a lot of pressure to do well. Ideally, we would have three or four half-day finals, and I could use part of the afternoons to schedule appointments to work with students individually. The other part of the afternoon I would use to schedule study groups and review certain topics. I would use the last day for grading.”

Senior Kate Burton said half-day finals would be more beneficial than the current schedule.

Do you want half-day finals?

Survey of 17 teachers

DISTRICT COMPARISON Here’s how some area districts conduct finals

DE SOTO

“I think the study periods are a waste of time,” Burton said. “Nobody really uses them. I would study more and be more prepared [if we had half-day finals] because I wouldn’t just put off [studying] until the hour and a half ‘study period’ we get each day [of finals].”

Conversely, junior Alex Rounds thinks the hour-and-a-half study periods before each final are beneficial and it opposed to half-day finals. “[Study periods] help me any time I have questions,” Rounds said. “I can review and it makes me feel more confident going into the final. [With halfday finals] you’re going straight from one final into the next. I know there’s a 30-minute break [between them] but that’s not enough [time] to take your mind off the last final.”

Deuschle thinks it will only be a matter of time before half-day finals are approved.

“I don’t know if the board will make a decision the first time the idea is presented or if they will need time to think about it and discuss it, but I think they will approve it,” Deuschle said. “They will hear that it is what’s best for students and they will act upon it.”

How do you think the finals schedule affects how well students do?

Uses a four full-day schedule Days 1-2 : Finals for two blocks, regular class periods for two blocks Days 3-4: Finals for two blocks, study periods for two blocks

Uses a three half-day schedule Day 1: Two 80-minute finals periods; students released at 10:30 a.m.

Day 2: Three finals periods; students released at 11:30 a.m.

Day 3: Two 80-minute finals periods; students released at 10:30 a.m.

GARDNER-EDGERTON

OLATHE

Uses a three half-day schedule Day 1: Finals for blocks 5, 7, 9 with 85-minute blocks and five-minute passing periods. Students are released at 12:25 p.m. and NO lunch is served.

Day 2: Same as Day 1 with finals for blocks 6, 8,10.

Day 3: Finals for blocks 1 and 2 only; dismiss at 10:55 a.m.

Uses a two half-day schedule Day 1: Full day with Hour 2, seminar, Hour 4 and Hour 6 (three finals) Day 2: Half day with Hour 1, seminar, Hour 5; students dismissed at 1:20 p.m.

Day 3: Half day with seminar, Hour 3, Hour 7; students dismissed at 1:20 p.m.

Days ending at 1:20 p.m. count as full student contact days.

How do you study for finals?

Survey of 262 students

No (0%)

Not at all (0%)

Finals? What are those? (19%)

Yes (100%)

Only a little (35%)

I cram before the exam (40%)

A lot (41%)

I study a bit at a time a couple of weeks in advance (39%) I start studying months in advance (2%)

3

MAKE FLASHCARDS For those of you tech savvy studiers, try www.quizlet.com. Type in terms and quiz yourself or play different study games.

4

Do you like the idea of having half-day finals?

Survey of 188 students

Survey of 17 teachers

Other (24%

BLUE VALLEY

A lot (77%) Only a little (18%) Not at all (5%)

REWARD YOURSELF Make sure you have motivation to study. If you look forward to something while you’re working, odds are you’ll study harder.

Scan with your QR code app on your smartphone to see more on the future of finals and finals tips on mvnews.org NEWS 5

6 ADS

ON GUARD Two senior girls chosen to be part of winter guard team

really is. We brought flags home and tried to practice some of the more challenging moves.

it’s mandatory for us to practice at home and get what we missed down by the next practice.

jagwire.katherinewhite@gmail.com

Why do you enjoy winter guard?

What are competitions like?

What is winter guard?

Brenna Iskra: It’s basically a team compiled of girls and sometimes guys that do a variety of things such as flag twirling, rifle and saber tossing.

Jordan May: Our coaches choose a song or composition that they think best suites us as a team and we interpret it through dance, flags, etc.

BI: The challenge is fun and seeing ... all of the hard work you did come together.

I was even moved by the audition pieces.

And the people are awesome.

JM: I like to speak through music and since winter guard has no right or wrong [action], I can just be overcome by the music. I can be part of something greater than just me. I can express myself in a way that words can’t.

What did you do to qualify for your winter guard team?

What does a typical winter guard show look like?

JM: We had seven of them last year, all on Saturdays, and I went to at least half of them. Usually we get there early so that we can watch some of the other groups. About an hour before we perform we sit next to each other, listen to our show music, closer our eyes and envision our performance. And then we go and perform. It gets really intense because you only have seven minutes to prepare the floor, perform our piece, and get out.

BI: [We went through] A three hour audition. We all had to learn a dance routine, and then we had the choice to either learn a rifle or flag routine.

We got the emails that said we made it [Thursday, Nov. 29].

JM: It goes with music and it is whatever you want to do using the three props and dance as long as it takes seven minutes total. It’s the creator’s choice.

Normally one section takes the floor and is the main part. You can also have every section doing the same thing.

BY KATHERINE WHITE

Why did you join winter guard?

JM: I did it because I loved color guard, but it was a completely different experience. In color guard you complement the music, in winter guard you are a part of it.

BI: I loved color guard so much I wanted to continue on. Learning that I could continue, I really wanted to do it.

I also heard that it was really fun and also a challenge and I am always up for a challenge.

What did you do to prepare for winter guard?

BI: During the summer Jordan taught me the more difficult throws. She prepared me for auditions which are different from the auditions for the color guard.

JM: Brenna and I watched a lot of videos to understand what winter guard

What is your favorite part about winter guard?

BI: Performing [the show]. I really like learning all of the bits and pieces and putting them all together.

JM: This year I really liked going back and seeing all of the people from last year. Everyone makes the show work, so you know that you are important.

What are your practices like?

JM: We practice every Sunday for three and a half hours. In a normal practice we start out with cardio work, then we do intense stretching, then we break off into our four main groups and work on the part of the song that’s our feature, then everyone practices it together.

BI: We practice at home also. If we aren’t able to go to one of the practices

What does it take to be in winter guard?

JM: Dedication. You have to have a love for what you are doing. You have to be passionate, because if you don’t get into it then it won’t be good, and it will show.

BI: Determination. You have to have the willingness to keep on trying until you get it right. And be passionate. You can do the moves but it won’t look right if you don’t care.

What kind of music goes with a winter guard show?

JM: It can be any kind of music. We did symphony music last year because our coaches thought that it was the best choice for our team. It was a symphonic version of “Yellow” by Coldplay. It could also be dance or pop though, like last year another team did “Mr. Know It All” by P!nk.

FAR ABOVE: Senior Brenna Iskra masters her flag routine on Sunday, Dec. 9.

“Every section (flags, rifle, dance and saber) has a feature that stars them for a specific moment,” Iskra said. Photo by Baylee Owen ABOVE: On Saturday, Dec. 8 senior Jordan May practices her flag feature. “[A flag feature] is a part of the song where everybody gets a flag and we all do a synchronized routine,” May said. Photo by Baylee Owen

For more coverage: http://www.mvnews.org

PORTRAYING PROPS FLAGS

-Used to bring color to the show

RIFLES

-Used to show agility

-Designed to match the theme or type of music in the show

-Spinning and tossing requires high control and precision

-Come in many different shapes and sizes

-Has four major parts: nose, belly, neck and butt

-Needs to be small enough to handle, but large enough to make an impact

-Originates from the military history of color guard

SABERS

-Used to bring a more classic look to the show -Instead of having sharpened tips, they are rounded off at the end -Has two major parts: the hilt, by which it is held, and the blade -Used in mellow parts of a show

FEATURE 7

DEALING D STANCE Military family appreciates father’s long-term service

BY HANNA TORLINE

jagwire.hannatorline@gmail.com

Many teenagers will go through a phase of wanting to spend as much time away from their family as possible. Juniors Jack and Jordan Townsend, however, know not to take time with their family for granted.

John Townsend, Jack and Jordan’s father, retired from 25 years of active military duty five years ago. He now works for the Combined Joint Task Force, a counter-intelligence program in Bagram, Afghanistan. John’s father was in the military as well, but when John decided to volunteer for the Army, eventually becoming a member of the Army Special Operations Forces, he didn’t expect to make it his career.

“At the time I joined the Army, I planned to do three years and then go back to college,” John said. “I just wanted to try something different and see the world. My parents were totally surprised.”

Because his father has served two-year deployments for the past 25 years, Jack has first-hand experience with many of the difficulties that come with being a part of a military family. Despite this, Jack is intent on following in his father’s footsteps and joining the military, but he wants to wait until after he graduates college.

“I’m getting my pilot’s license and I want to fly helicopters in the Army,” Jack said. “I plan on going to college and getting a bachelor’s degree and then going into [the Army] as an officer. I wanted to do what [my father] did in Special Forces but he gave me the idea of aviation because he has a few friends that fly helicopters who got me interested.”

When Jack first told his father he wanted to become a pilot in the Army, John was not expecting it.

“Jack has been ruminating about the military for years,” John said. “[But] up until the last year I have never considered it a possibility for him. I would hope that he takes his recent desire to fly with him, completes college and enters the military as an Aviation Officer. Regardless, I will support him and be very proud of him.”

Part of the reason Jack wants to join the military is because he is proud of his father’s important role in the Army and thinks that it largely defines the person his father has become.

“I don’t know what my dad would be without it,” Jack said. “He’s so good

8 FEATURE

WITH THE

at the things he does and the counter-intelligence stuff because he thinks ahead.

He uses statistics and facts and figures to find out where the Taliban may strike next. He’s stopped many things from happening.”

The opportunities the military affords and the lives John feels he has impacted are what make being a part of the Army worthwhile for John. “[The Army] was the best decision for me as I love to travel, love adventure, love meeting different people and experiencing other cultures,” John said. “I think I made a positive change for many people on most of my deployments. I am very proud of my family’s support while being great Americans themselves.”

Because it has been a constant throughout his entire life, Jack has gotten used to missing his father each time he leaves for a new deployment.

“I don’t show that I miss him as much as [my sisters] do,” Jack said.

“They make it seem like he’s never coming back. That’s not true; he’s good at what he does. And it’s not like it used to be where we’d have to wait a couple weeks for a phone call and get to talk to him for a few minutes. Now I get to talk to him every day.”

None of the Townsends think that John’s deployments are easy. But after going through so many goodbyes, John has learned how to deal with it.

“Once I was married and had kids, the traveling and deployments became very difficult,” John said. “But then again, [my family] makes coming home that much better. Serving in the military is like being with a family … another family. Everyone depends on each other just like a biological family. So [leaving is] hard ... but then [in some ways it’s not].”

In the future, John hopes to be able to see his family travel to the Middle East, the place he has spent the majority of his last 12 years.

“I would love to see the Middle East be a place where I can travel safely with my family some day and show them the wonders of this part of the world,” John said. “Both Iraq and Afghanistan have so much to offer the world if they can conquer their current … unrest.”

When looking back, Jack sees how his father’s career has impacted the lives of each person in his family.

“Now I’ve kind of been the man of the house, so I’m expected to do more,” Jack said. “But it definitely made us stronger, more independent and more responsible. If I think about it, [Jordan and I] kind of raised each other.”

Although Jordan has had to experi-

ence how hard it is to live without her father for years at a time, she knows how important the Army is to her family and wouldn’t change her father’s profession if she could.

“When he comes back I always bawl my eyes out because I’m so happy,” Jordan said. “When he leaves I cry too. But then I realize that I’ll be fine. It’s never easy, honestly, but we don’t really know any different.”

Surprisingly, Jordan realizes that even though she misses her father when he is gone, she would be OK with her future husband also being in the military.

“I’ve always thought my ideal guy would be in the military,” Jordan said.

“I think it’s just because I’m used to it.

If anything, I’d want my husband to be in the military. That way, my dad and I could both relate to him.”

While Jordan agrees that she and Jack became much stronger because their father was gone so often, she is still emotional about the time they spend apart.

“There were moments … that I wished he was here because [sometimes] we were just on our own,” Jordan said. “We probably miss him now more than ever because we are more mature and aware of [his absence]. I’ve always missed him though. But our lives would be so different if he wasn’t in the military. We’d be different people. And despite him being gone for a lot of our lives, he’s our closest family member. We adore him.”

ABOVE: Spending time with their father and step family, juniors Jack and Jordan Townsend take family photos with freshman Grace Boyle and junior Riley Boyle. “[My father] is coming home in about a month,” Jack said. “I’m looking forward to being with him. We’re going to the Dominican Republic for a week in January.” Photo by Abby Norland, Norland Studios Photography

TROOP PROGRESSION United States troops in Afghanistan in 2003, 2012 and 2014, according to CNN

2003*

represents 5,000 troops

2012 *

2014 **

* Actual ** Expected

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MY BEST BARGAIN

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MY BEST BARGAIN TRIVIA

WHAT IS CREDIT?

Credit is borrowing money which must be paid back later. If you pay it back on time, you can avoid paying steep interest costs, help build credit and receive awards

WHAT IS DEBIT?

Information from The New York Times

Debit is linked to your own bank account, making you less likely to overspend.

You aren’t required to pay interest because you aren’t paying anyone.

Student shares how saving money has affected her future

TIP

The last time senior Kaitlyn Gibson spent her money was a couple weeks ago, when she purchased a water bottle, at work, for $2.

This purchase fits perfectly within Gibson’s motto, which revolves around not spending money on items other than the essentials.

“Don’t spend [money] if you can live without whatever you are buying,” Gibson said. “If it is not food, water, or shelter, don’t buy it.”

Gibson said that she had saves somewhere over $1,000 Gibson, who is a cashier at SkyZone, has been able to go up to three months without buying anything. Thinking about how long she has gone without buying anything, Gibson jokingly refers to herself as a “money hoarder.”

While not entirely sure on what exactly she is saving her money for, Gibson knows that it is going toward her future. “[I’m saving for] a life, car, college, eventually a house, the whole works,” Gibson said.

One reason Gibson doesn’t buy much is that she feels, for the time being, she has everything she could ask for.

“It’s ridiculous to buy more crap,” Gibson said. “I’m content with what I have.”

MONEY: NOT JU

MONO

Spending cash, saving cash and losing cash: ev

BY CALLEE LINTON

jagwire.calleelinton@gmail.com

11 FEATURE

jagwire.connoroswald@gmail.com

HOW IT WORKS BUY THIS FOR LESS

BUY THIS FOR LESS

BUY THIS FOR LESS

IPHONE CASES

COZY SWEATERS

ELECTRONICS

Amazon

Savers

Vintage Stock

SAVE MONEY BY...

Avoiding impulsive buying. Follow the time rule: wait any length of time from 30 minutes to a month to see if you still want an item later. Also, don’t shop when you’re upset or with bad shopping influences

BY CONNOR OSWALD

Converting between American money and foreign equivalences ONE AMERICAN DOLLAR

=

.7653 EUROS

http://www.amazon.com

13233 Shawnee Mission Parkway

12280 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Amazon offers a ton of cheap iPhone cases; overseas sellers sell them for as cheap as $1

This thrift store sells just about everything, and you can buy a nice sweater at right around $7

Vintage Stock sells an array of electronics, used and new, ranging from movies to CDs to video games

12.9262 MEXICAN PESOS 4360.0000 PARAGUAYAN =

BY S

jagwir

$220 The estimated amount you could get if you sell your iPhone 4S in good condition to Best Buy

Tip your waiter 10-20 percent of the bill before taxes depending on the quality of your service.

Download a tip calculator app on your smart phone such as Tip Calculator Free

MAKE QUICK CASH

40% $40 You could get up to this percent of your cash back by selling your clothes to Ditto, based on the brand and condition

The estimated amount of money you get from Cash4Gold by selling them a pair of diamond earrings usually costing $180

MAKE QUICK CASH

MAKE QUICK CASH

TIP SAVE MONEY BY...

Looking for bargains; buy in bulk, shop during sales and buy things when they’re off season.

SYDNEY WILSON

re.sydneywilson@gmail.com

What are your spending habits like?

Save money and spend it on something I want (68%) Spend money when I get it (32%)

Junior Alexis Crispin has always spent more money than she has saved.

Crispin finds that more often then not, she buys either makeup, clothes or shoes.

While she doesn’t buy a lot at one store, she spreads her costs over multiple locations.

“It is not usually large shopping sprees [I go on], but a lot of small ones,” Crispin

How much hard cash do you typically keep in your wallet?

Are your purchases mostly wants or needs?

What do you spend the most money on?

Information from The New York Times

Shred any documents or mail you receive that have personal information on them.

verything you should know about the green

Student shares experiences with difficulty saving money

-The $2 bill first appeared on June 25, 1776 when the Continental Congress cleared the printing of them, with the reason “bills for credit for the defense of America” -Each bill weighs around one gram

OPOLY

AVOID IDENTITY THEFT

UST A GAME OF

said. “So [the cost] adds up.”

Crispin primarily funds her shopping with the money she gets from working at Schlitterbahn water park during the summer and her birthday and Christmas gifts.

Crispin feels that a negative side affect of her spending habits is that she is hardly ever able to purchase expensive items.

“I don’t normally have the patience to save up for bigger things,” Crispin said.

However, Crispin manages to put some of her money in a savings account.

“I do have a savings account; it’s not that I’m entirely unable to save,” Crispin said. “But if I have it in my wallet I’m going to spend it.”

A trick Crispin uses to stop from spending her money, is to put it into her savings account as soon she can.

“If I have a check, and I put it in my savings account, I won’t spend it,” Crispin said. “But if I take the money out, it’s gone.”

TRIVIA

HOW IT WORKS

TIP SAVE MONEY BY...

$1-$10 (24%)

Clothes (27%)

$10-$20 (25%)

Food (25%)

$20-$30 (23%)

Wants (76%)

Gas (12%)

$30-$40 (9%)

Needs (21%

Electronics (12%)

$40 or more (19%)

Both (3%)

Other (24%)

Keeping a change jar or piggy bank. After a while, take all your coins to a Coinstar machine at your local Price Chopper. Every little penny counts.

Survey of 168 students

FEATURE 12

SPEAKOUT How do you spend your time during finals study periods?

HALFEDITORIAL DAYS CREATE PRODUCTIVITY

“[I plan to] study, obviously.”

FRESHMAN COURTNEY KING

“I study my notes and I look over my old tests.”

SOPHOMORE BO FISHER

Cartoon by Riley McDonald

Implementing half-day finals week would benefit students

BY JAGWIRE STAFF

jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com

“I usually draw and doodle on my notes. I think they are pointless.”

JUNIOR ALEX LAUDERDALE

As finals week quickly approaches, students and teachers are questioning the structure of the finals schedule. The current structure includes two “study times” per day where the conditions to study are not ideal.

Recently, various teachers have proposed half-day finals to the calendar committee in attempt to improve finals atmosphere. The JagWire believes that the best finals schedule for students would be half-day finals.

STAFF VOTE

AGREE

By implementing half-day finals, students can tailor learning to their own strengths or needs with a more flexible schedule. Students can prepare for finals as they see fit, such as studying in a comfortable environment or arrange one-on-one time with teachers.

In addition, finals are supposed to prepare students for a college setting, but being forced to attend study sessions twice a day is not how best to prepare students. The whole idea of finals would truly be honored if students were required to study on their own time, which would better prepare them for a college setting in the near future.

Many elementary teachers oppose half-

21

DISAGREE

2

day finals because they believe it’s unfair to give high school teachers more plan time.

We hope those opponents can respect the needs of their high school colleagues, which includes grading 100+ final exams and ensuring their students are properly prepared for exams. Upcoming Common Core standards will also require teachers to make finals more rigorous, taking more time to grade.

Students who want half-day finals should let School Board members know before the Jan. 14 meeting. The JagWire thinks half-day finals should be implemented, giving teachers and students the best chance for success on these important exams.

ABSENT

1

RACE SHOULD NOT BE A BARRIER “Usually, I socialize. I don’t study. I prepare for winter break.”

SENIOR HUGH EBB

Race of individuals should not determine social interaction

BY ALEC SANTAULARIA

jagwire.alecsantaularia@gmail.com

I always knew that my race would have a profound effect on how other people saw me. However, I never thought it would be justification for someone to call me a

12 OPINION

“spick,” which occurred to me while I was on a family vacation in Florida this past summer. Now, I can’t say that I didn’t see it coming, as I look pretty Latino. But at the same time, it astounded me that someone would be so quick to stereotype me based on my race.

Before the Florida incident, I had never really given a thought to racial stereotyping or the effect it had on me. But we attend a predominantly white school, and although there is nothing wrong with this, it has certainly led to racial divides between the students at our school.

Think about it: what race are the people you hang out with in the morning? What about the people with whom you eat lunch?

Although this is not always the case, they’re likely the same race as you, aren’t you? Now

I’m not saying we’re strictly segregated, for lack of a better word. I’m simply saying that we, as a society, have a tendency to associate with people who are the same race as us.

Yet this is where the issue originates. My question is simple: why? Why are we so willing to “segregate” ourselves when we were raised knowing it was wrong? What do we accomplish by doing so? What is the point of creating these unnecessary, and oftentimes unintentional racial divides?

There is nothing wrong with associating with people of a different race. We don’t live in the Deep South in the 1950s. But while you may think racial divides don’t exist anymore, they do. Although natural barriers still occur in our society today, it’s important to make a conscious effort to expand our social groups.

SCHOOL APPRECIATION NEEDED Other school experiences help us appreciate our own

BY DEVYNN HARRIS

jagwire.devynnharris@gmail.com

How many times a day do you hear complaints or nasty comments about our school? Whether they’re in the form of comments written on the bathroom stalls, tweets or simply remarks you hear

in the hallway, the people with the worst attitudes about our school seem to be the ones heard the most.

Believe it or not, the majority of our peers don’t think our school is the prison it’s made out to be. If you are one of the people who look down on our school, you need to understand that, even in the Kansas City area, there are a lot worse places to be.

After taking a closer look at many of the other schools around us, particularly in the urban areas, we should feel privileged to be given what our school has to offer. Because we live in the “Johnson County bubble,” it’s hard to grasp the idea that many students in other areas are afraid to go to school every day. In many of their schools, the theft rate is

high, poverty is a prevalent issue and violence often disrupts class time. The most pressing issues at our school, on the other hand, seem to deal with waking up too early, the dance policy and the few students who get caught smoking in the bathroom.

Overall, I find it ridiculous that there are people who can complain about our school, while almost everyone here is trying to help them reach their potential.

If you honestly hate our school it’s not because of the rules, teachers or administrators, it’s because you choose to take our school for granted. Take a step back and have a greater outlook on everything else that is going on outside of your life.

Appreciate what you are given and take pride in this school.

WHERE PARENTS WENT WRONG Being aware of lies parents tell you will make you wiser

BY ALANA FLINN

jagwire.alanaflinn@gmail.com

As I grow older, I crave more independence. While my parents have major influence over my current curfew, what I eat for dinner, and the location I reside in, I think I should begin to take a major-

ity of my parent’s advice with a grain of salt. It’s about time to explore the myths our parents have fed us over the years.

Myth 1: “Everything you do revolves around getting into college.” No, mom and dad, just because I received ISS once in middle school does not mean a university will not accept me. Nor will my Facebook status with a cuss word prevent me from college acceptance.

Myth 2: “Good people do well in life and bad people do badly.” If you follow any current events, then you should be well aware that the cutthroat businessmen on Wall Street have much better living conditions than those living in poverty who kept their morals intact. You have to play to win, kids.

Myth 3: “I am doing this for your

own good.” Let’s be honest, if you were doing it for my own good, I wouldn’t be upset about your decision. Parents should definitely work on the whole ‘collaborative decision’ and include everybody in the ‘for your own good’ venture.

Myth 4: If you tell me the truth, you won’t get in trouble. You are being set up for failure if you assume your parents will let you get away underage drinking if you “just tell them.” The sooner you admit to your foul, the sooner your life is over.

I’m not encouraging you to not go to college or to purposely be a horrible person, but just consider that your parents might not always know what’s best. Do not set yourself up for failure by believing the biggest lies they tell you.

JAGWIRE STAFF Editors-in-chief Austin Gillespie Kristina Milewski Hanna Torline Photo editor Kelsey Floyd Copy editor Sydney Wilson News editor Ryan Fullerton Feature editor Regan Jones Opinion editor Jack Lopez Sports editor Alana Flinn A&E/Social media manager Mackenzie Eckman Briefs editor Katherine White Web editors Alec Santaularia Miranda Snyder Ads manager Austin Gude

JAGWIRE INFORMATION JAGWIRE OFFICE 5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by the Sedalia Democrat.

MEMBERS OF Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association The 2012 JagWire was named an AllAmerican newspaper by the NSPA and earned an All-Kansas rating from KSPA. The Mill Valley News website was named a Pacemaker finalist by the NSPA in 2012.

CENSORSHIP POLICY Kansas Senate Bill 62 guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for professional journalists.

These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights, including the rights of freedom of speech and the press, insofar as published items may not contain libelous, slanderous or obscene statements, may not incite or promote illegal conduct and may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity.

EDITORIAL POLICY We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or letter to the editor for the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or the print Staff journalism room (C101). Additionally, you Annie Crouch may email any member of the staff with Devynn Harris opinions, as well as tweet us at @millvalStephanie Hudleston leynews. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have Ashley Kitchen the right to edit all copy that runs in this Callee Linton publication.

Amber Nguyen Connor Oswald SOCIAL MEDIA Baylee Owen Twitter: @millvalleynews Kate Schau Facebook: Mill Valley News Artist Riley McDonald

TEEN DEPRESSION: A BATTLE NOT FOUGHT ALONE Rise in teen depression and suicide not to be taken lightly

BY JACK LOPEZ

jagwire.jacklopez@gmail.com

Today, more than ever, depression and even the idea of suicide is given far too much negative attention. Victims are often blamed for a health problem that they have no control over, leading them to hide it until it is too late. Depression is not simply “being sad,” it is a disease

caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain and it is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

If you are suffering from depression, the first thing you should know is that you are never alone. According to a survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 percent of young people admit to considering ending their own lives and eight percent report that they have tried. You are not the only one fighting a hard battle, nor are you fighting it without the support of the people who love you. There are people who are more than willing to help - all you have to do is ask for it.

The second thing for you to know is that only you know if you need help. You are not weak, you are not crazy, and you are most definitely not worthless. You are a human life with worth, and if what you need is professional help, you need to

get it. Typically, men are more reserved about talking to others about depression and seeking help. The CDC reports that a whopping 81 percent of depressionrelated fatalities between the ages of 10 and 24 are young men while 19 percent are female. Guys, you will not be considered “unmanly” for talking about how you are feeling. The first step on the road to recovery is admitting that you are in a dark, dangerous place. Later, you will look back and thank yourself that you did.

The last - and most important - thing to remember is that you are loved, unconditionally, by someone. Regardless of your situation and what you are going through, the people who love you will be by your side through it all.

We are not made to live in constant darkness. You do not have to walk this road alone; get the help you need.

For more information on teen depression: 1. www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention 2. www.nmha.org 3. teenmentalhealth.org/for-families-and-teens For help with depression and suicide: 1. National Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE 2. Kansas City Teen Connection: 913-281-2299 3. American Youth Hotline: 1-877-YOUTHLINE

OPINION 13

SEASON D BOYS BASKETBALL

BY ALANA FLINN

jagwire.alanaflinn@gmail.com

For junior point guard Wyatt Voorhes, basketball has defined almost every aspect of his life.

“My entire life has revolved around playing basketball,” Wyatt said. “The game makes me happy and that’s why I dedicate so much time to it.”

Wyatt began traveling with a competitive basketball team in seventh grade and then chose to be home-schooled in the eighth grade to focus more time on basketball.

Wyatt’s competitive team traveled to Arkansas for the Real Deal on the Rock tournament in both his eighth grade and freshman year, where they won first place both times among 100 teams.

In the ninth and tenth grade, he entered the private school system and played varsity for Bishop Miege High School.

Wyatt said he chose to transfer to Mill Valley his junior year for the basketball exposure. However, due to transfer regulations,

14 SPORTS

he will not be eligible to play varsity until the second semester. Currently, Wyatt plays junior varsity.

“At Miege, basketball wasn’t the main sport for most of the players,” Wyatt said.

“I heard there was a really good program [at Mill Valley] and the players were more devoted, so it seemed like the best choice.”

Wyatt’s mother, Kathy Voorhes, said that basketball has been Wyatt’s main focus in life.

“I don’t know [Wyatt] any other way than playing basketball,” Kathy said. “It’s just been his whole life and it’d be hard to see him doing anything but basketball now or in the future.”

While Wyatt acknowledges that he has made several sacrifices for basketball, such as not having free time during the summer due to traveling with competitive teams, he said that he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Traveling and meeting all of the people is much more fulfilling to me than just sitting in Kansas and not playing,” Wyatt said.

“I wouldn’t exchange any of the unique experiences I’ve had for the world.”

E WRESTLING

BOYS BOWLING

BY JACK LOPEZ

BY ANNIE CROUCH

Junior Kali Gracy is a unique athlete.

Out of approximately 50 members on the wrestling team, Gracy is the only female wrestler.

Gracy began wrestling at the age of five with the goal of following in her brother’s footsteps and eventually surpassing him.

“I’ve just kept it up because I like beating up guys,” said Gracy.

Being a female in a male-dominant sport like wrestling can potentially create compromising situations. Although the boys she wrestles against “sometimes grab in awkward places,” Gracy said she wasn’t uncomfortable wrestling anyone.

“I’ve had a guy cry because they didn’t want to wrestle me,” Gracy said. “But it doesn’t bother me [to wrestle guys] because we’re both the same weight and the same ability.”

jagwire.anniecrouch@gmail.com

For seven years, sophomore Nick Cain has had a passion for bowling.

Nick’s mother, Jennifer Cain, signed him up for a bowling league in third grade.

He has been practicing and improving in the sport ever since.

“Nick enjoyed bowling as a family activity,” Jennifer said. “[The] league was a way for him to participate more regularly.”

Playing for the school, Nick hopes to continue improving his skills and have a higher average than previous seasons.

“My goal is to bowl consistently and have a 190 average,” Nick said.

Jennifer also has high hopes for Nick for the upcoming season.

“I would like to see Nick enjoy the upcoming bowling season with his coaches and teammates,” Jennifer said. “And a 300 game wouldn’t hurt either.”

jagwire.jacklopez@gmail.com

SPORTS STATS BOYS BASKETBALL BIGGEST SHOE SIZE ON THE TEAM:

16, as worn by sophomore Patrick Muldoon

GIRLS BASKETBALL AVERAGE TEAM HEIGHT:

5 feet, 6 inches

WRESTLING

B

U

T

GIRLS BOWLING GIRLS BASKETBALL

BY ANNIE CROUCH

BOYS SWIMMING

BY ANNIE CROUCH

Sophomore Maridee Weber began her bowling career in third grade when her mother signed up her and her brother, 2012 graduate Robbie Weber, to join a summer bowling league. Last year the two both joined the school’s bowling team.

Robbie enjoyed the unique bonding experience with Maridee.

“I really enjoyed bowling with my sister,” Robbie said. “It was a cool experience because not many siblings can compete in a sport together.”

Maridee has set goals and hopes for another successful season. Last year, she bowled varsity every game and made it to regionals.

“This season, I hope to make it to regionals and letter again,” Maridee said.

Robbie also has high hopes for Maridee this season. “[This season] she’ll be better and more dominant on girls varsity,” Robbie said. “I can’t wait to see her rock the lanes.”

BY KATE SCHAU

jagwire.anniecrouch@gmail.com

As captain of the girls basketball team, senior forward Stephanie Lichtenauer values her teammates’ drive to win.

“There isn’t a better feeling in the world than winning a tough game and knowing that all of your hard work paid off,” Lichtenauer said.

Last season, Lichtenauer was named first team all-league and honorable mention allstate. But beyond her personal achievements, she has set goals for the team as a whole.

“Some goals for this season are to make it to state and to win the Kaw Valley League title,” Lichtenauer said.

Lichtenauer has had an ongoing passion for basketball since the second grade.

“I play basketball because I love the game,” Lichtenauer said. “I love being with my teammates ... We are all in sync with each other and we make some great plays.”

jagwire.anniecrouch@gmail.com

jagwire.kateschau@gmail.com

For senior Aaron Akin, this winter sports season marks the end of a nearly four-year period of waiting to represent his school through his sport, swimming.

Akin had been swimming on club teams for eight years and wanted to contribute to his school through something that’s important to him.

“I’ve been waiting for a swim team the entire time I’ve been here,” Akin said.

With three school records under his belt so far, Akin has nothing but enthusiasm for the rest of the season.

“I’m excited,” Akin said. “I finally get to represent my school my senior year.”

Although dedicated to his team, Akin admits that he isn’t extreme in his methods.

“I’m pretty dedicated,” Akin said. “But I don’t go all out and be like ‘let’s shave our legs’ before a swim meet.”

MOST NOSE BLEEDS:

47 last season by sophomore Bryan Burnett

BOYS BOWLING MONEY SPENT ON LANE RENTALS IN A YEAR:

$300 by sophomore Nick Cain out of league bowl

GIRLS BOWLING AVERAGE SCORE OF TEAM LAST SEASON:

1,918.14

BOYS SWIMMING CALORIE INTAKE:

4,410 per day by senior Aaron Akin SPORTS 15

16 A&E There probably just won’t be a party.

Well, there will probably be a lot of smaller parties, just not for me and Kendall.

What are you going to do if you don’t find a place?

It’s really just an excuse to have a big party. We don’t really have to worry about the consequences the next day since the world is going to end. [Also,] it would be nice to have everyone together one last time.

Why did you decide to have this party?

[Senior] Kendall Short and I made a Facebook event in 8th grade and invited all our friends. It’s pretty weird now, because we don’t have a plan or a place for it. We talked to a bunch of people and they’d be [mad] if we didn’t have it. Kendall and I are scrounging for a place for it.

How did this party come to be?

Senior Skyler Windmiller to host end of the world party

PARTY PLAN

May 21

@britneyspears Britney Spears You guys dancing till the world ends?

–Britney

May 21

@1capplegate Christina Applegate So you think the dude who said today was the end got unfriended a ton on facebook?

Celebs tweet about rapture scare earlier this year

TRAGIC TWEETS

jagwire.sydneywilson@gmail.com

BY SYDNEY WILSON

jagwire.katherinewhite@gmail.com

BY KATHERINE WHITE

jagwire.kateschau@gmail.com

BY KATE SCHAU

When you decide which movie to watch before the world ends on Friday, Dec. 21, let’s not forget the vast

The next ice age comes early in this chilling movie

Photo from imdb.com

array of apocalypse movies. The best movies made to unsettle you about the possible destruction of Earth are based on actual theories. For this reason, “The Day After Tomorrow,” directed by Roland Emmerich, would be your best choice. This movie finds its origin in the hypothesis brought about by Art Bell and Whitley Strieber’s book “The Coming Global Superstorm.”

The idea presented in “The Day After Tomorrow” is that global warming will backfire and end up causing the next ice age. It follows a family who works to survive the disaster. The father of the family trav-

The Long Count Calendar was used by the Mayans as a regular calendar, but it also extended many hundreds of years into the future.

The calendar ends after 13 b’ak’tuns (about 5200 years), which would be on Friday, Dec. 21. Many people think that the world will end on this day due to the “world ages” myth. According to this legend, the world has ended and restarted four times. The last time it did this was supposedly at the end of another 13 b’ak’tun cycle.

There are a number of other theories as to how and why the Long Count Calendar predicts the end of the world. However, there is no evidence that the Mayans thought the world would end on this date.

RAPTURE REVIEW

A NUCLEAR WAR Another theory for the end of the world is a nuclear war that would likely obliterate everything, making the Earth uninhabitable. Some people fear that, due to rising tensions around the world, a war of this type will be happening soon.

While wide-scale war is a legitimate concern, it is unlikely that nuclear weapons will be used to fight it. These weapons are designed simply for destruction and aren’t really practical in any sort of extended warfare. Also, there have been strict bans on the production and stockpiling of nuclear weaponry since 1963. The countries that have been most vocal about threatening nuclear warfare are also the countries with the least amount of nuclear weapons, so their threats aren’t too serious.

THE MAYAN CALENDAR

els across a frozen America to reach his son stranded in New York City while storms appear across the world.

Even though the movie was made in 2004, its special effects are more than believable. For those of you avid about surviving, the movie includes many helpful tips, like how to fend off hypothermia. The acting is also amazing, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Emmy Rossum. In my opinion, the only bad thing about this movie is that it makes you feel really cold.

This movie makes a great addition to any end-of-the-world survival kit, so make sure to pick up a copy (and maybe a blanket, too).

Illustrations by Riley McDonald

This theory claims that the Earth’s north and south magnetic poles will suddenly switch places.

On it’s own, this wouldn’t be too terrible, but believers of this theory proclaim that this switch will coincide with a series of strong solar flares. These two things combined would crash satellites around Earth and expose the surface to harmful radiation.

Although this one sounds scary, it’s really not. The north and south poles can and do switch places, due to the shifting of the Earth’s core.

However, this process takes thousands of years and doesn’t weaken the magnetic field in any way. Also, solar flares happen all the time and most of them aren’t harmful because of the magnetic field.

ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIFT

Many foresee the world ending soon, controversy lies in how event will take place

APOCALYPTIC PREDICTIONS

Your sideways glance at the end of the world

FLIPSIDE

THE

SENIOR COLE CLAY

“I would accomplish all 300 ways to get kicked out of Walmart.”

JUNIOR JOE GUNTER

“I would take up fire breathing as a hobby.”

SOPHOMORE VAL STUERMAN

“I would stop the apocalypse from happening.”

FRESHMAN T-YING LIN

“I would barricade myself in the largest library and read as much as I could.”

What do you want to do before the world ends?

WORLDY WORDS

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ADS 17

Wii U SHOWS POTENTIAL Wii U is an improved version of Nintendo’s original interactive gaming system

Nintendo’s new game console, the Wii U, sold out in retail during its first week out on the market. The main feature of the new console is the GamePad, a large controller that includes features like a screen and motion control. It also allows you to play games without the use of the TV. Best Buy employee Andrew Buckley believes that the Wii U deserves its popularity.

“It’s ... a very powerful gaming system,” Buckley said. “It [has] a faster processor than the PS3 or the Xbox 360.

It’s able to do a lot more than the old Wii. Plus it has all the hot titles like ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Assassin’s Creed.’”

Electronics store Vintage Stock employee Andres Sanchez also thinks that the games are going to be a positive addition to the Wii U. “The [old] Wii is really great, but the games are more for little kids,” Sanchez

jagwire.katherinewhite@gmail.com

said. “[The Wii U’s] games ... look really nice.”

Freshman Patrick Gambill agrees that the Wii U is a step forward for expanding the gaming community.

“I think it’s great Nintendo released another console,” Gambill said. “I hope that it appeals to a lot of different audiences.”

On the other hand, senior Alex Reeves has doubts about the Wii U’s long term success. “[The Wii U] has potential but Nintendo’s lack of third party support will make the potential go to waste,” Reeves said. “[The Wii U] relies a lot on local multiplayer [playing with someone in the same room], and I think that online multiplayer [playing with someone else over the Internet] is better.”

Sophomore Emily Koeckeritz is curious about the future of the Wii U. “I’m interested in seeing where Nin-

BY SYDNEY WILSON

jagwire.sydneywilson@gmail.com

tendo is going and whether this will be a failure or a success with the new features,” Koeckeritz said.

The Wii U is similar to the old Wii, but there are several new features.

The GamePad controller is new, but old Wiimotes from the original Wii can still be used with the Wii U. In addition to the GamePad’s motion control, it also has a front-facing camera, a microphone, a stylus and stereo speakers.

The graphics are also a great addition to the Wii U. “It [has] graphics that are as good as the Xbox 360 and the PS3,” Buckley said. “And it will blow the Wii out of the water graphic-wise.”

The Wii U is available as a basic set, which is white and has eight gigabytes for $299.99, or a deluxe set, which is black and has 32 gigabytes for $349.99.

SHOP SMART

CONSOLE COMPARISON

Comparing the original Nintendo Wii with the new gaming system

Decide whether or not you should buy these games full price or used

ASSASSIN’S CREED III: BUY NOW

OLD WII:

WII U:

CONTROLS: The Wii uses handheld

CONTROLS: The Wii U has added the

motion-sensing remotes that have various attachments for different games.

GamePad, a touchscreen controller, as well as the Pro Controller, a standard gaming controller.

GAMES: The Wii’s games were

GAMES: The Wii U appeals to different

meant to be fun for the whole family, but it didn’t have much for the hard core gamers.

types of gamers by introducing games like “Call of Duty” while continuing the classic Wii games.

PERFORMANCE: Though they were

PERFORMANCE: The Wii U has some

decent when it first came out, the Wii’s graphics and processing power quickly became outdated.

of the best graphics on the market, a faster processer than other consoles and lots of room to store data.

Photos from gamestop.com

18 A&E

BY KATHERINE WHITE

For PC, Wii U, Xbox 360, PS3

This game is about an assassin during the Revolutionary War and it has something in it for everyone, whether you’re a history buff or simply just like to kill bad guys. If you’re new to the series, this is a great place to jump in. If you’re a fan of the series, then you’ll definitely want it as well, thanks to the new features like naval warfare and online multiplayer.

FAR CRY 3: WAIT TO BUY For PC, Xbox 360, PS3

The premise of this game is that you are going to an island to party but you are captured by the crazy natives who plan on selling you into slavery. The objective is to take over the island, save your friends and escape in one piece. The gameplay is great but this game is not for you if you have a weak stomach. “Far Cry 3” has great graphics, which come at the expense of some very descriptive scenes of violence.

MATERIALS

MEDIU

M

-A pair of earbuds -Different colored string -Scissors

PROCEDURE 1. Start at the plug-in end of your headphones

EARBUD WRAP

2. Begin knotting the thread around the headphones. Knot these like you would a friendship bracelet. After awhile you will see a natural spiral form from the knots.

3. Pick a point that you choose to end a color and knot tightly.

4. Continue knotting with another color of thread.

{ { Don’t limit yourself to boring do-ityourself projects. Take a stab at some

CRAFTS DONE COOLER

BY CALLEE LINTON

jagwire.calleelinton@gmail.com

BY AMBER NGUYEN

5. When you reach the part where your headphones split in into separate parts to your earbuds, tie off the knot and continue down each one separately until you reach the end.

jagwire.ambernguyen@gmail.com

MATERIALS

6. Continue doing this until you reach the earbud part of your headphones. You now have a cool new pair of headphones.

1. Carefully lay out and design what pattern or design the crayons will be glued into.

CRAYOLA ART

3. Allow the glue to dry completely before melting the crayons.

WINDOW CLINGS

4. Take the blow dryer and melt the crayons downwards until they start to melt and drip down.

2. Place your design inside the baggie.

Trace the outline of your design on the outside of the baggie using the fabric paint.

3. Sprinkle with glitter while the paint is still wet.

4. Shake excess glitter in the trash can and set aside to dry.

5. Once the paint is dry, carefully peel the final product off the baggie.

The fabric paint gives a small sticky back, making it a great window cling.

* * *

-Feathers -Wire -Wire cutters -Earring hooks -Jump rings

PROCEDURE 1. Start with two feathers.

2. Puncture a small hole in the top of the feather stem with a needle.

EARRINGS

3. Take a jump ring and slide it through the hole of the feather.

4. Connect the other jump ring onto the first one to allow space between feather and earring hook.

5. Close the jump rings around the earring hook.

6. Tighten the jump hooks around the earring hook.

HARD

MATERIALS

2. Use the hot glue gun and glue the crayons in the order and design you had already placed out carefully.

PROCEDURE

M

7. Shake out the earrings to make sure they are secure.

PROCEDURE

-Ziplock Baggie -Computer Paint -Fabric Paint -Glitter

1. Draw a simple and easy to draw design on the piece of computer paper.

M

- Canvas - Hot glue gun and glue sticks - Crayons - Blow dryer

EASY

MATERIALS

MEDIU

MEDIU

MATERIALS

-Broken mirror pieces -Frame from broken mirror -Water colors -Hot glue gun

PROCEDURE 1. Paint the coffee filters in tie dye design and then let them dry.

GLASS ART

2. Glue them to the background piece of your frame.

5. When finished melting, allow time to dry until wax is cooled and hardened.

3. Allow the glued down coffee filters to dry.

Optional: Hang your canvas up as a new piece of wall art decoration.

3. Get your broken glass and assemble glass pieces to spell out something or design what you want them to look like. Break glass as necessary.

CRAFTING QUICK TIPS: Use a heat gun or a blow dryer on a hot setting to melt away messy hot glue strings Clean as you go; it is less of a hassle to clean up later

4. Hot glue them on top of the coffee filters.

5. Bunch up extra colored coffee filters and use them as flowers.

6. Let the piece dry over night.

Cover your workspace with newspaper so you can wrap up your trash in it and throw it away when you clean up A&E 19

THINKING IT

OVER

Students take care of lifelike baby dolls in order to learn the responsibilities of being parents

ABOVE: Sitting with the Baby Think It Over, junior Holly Peterman realizes the aggravating part of having a baby. “The most frustrating part was when it would cry just to cry,” Peterman said. Photo by Kelsey Floyd

ABOVE: Taking her Baby Think It Over to Price Chopper on Sunday, Dec. 9, junior Stephanie LeBlanc gets a feel for what it’s like to care for an infant.

“I learned that babies are a lot more hard work than I thought they would be,” LeBlanc said. Photo by Devynn Harris BELOW MIDDLE: Sophomore Rebecca Dennis takes care of her baby on Sunday, Dec. 2. Students receive points for correctly taking care of the baby. Photo by Riley McDonald

ABOVE: Swaddling the Baby Think It Over, junior Holly Peterman practices the skills she learned in her Human Growth and Development class on Saturday, Dec. 8. “I learned that being a parent isn’t what it seem’s,” Peterman said. Photo

by Kelsey Floyd ABOVE: Stopping to feed the Baby Think It Over as it cried, junior Stephanie LeBlanc experienced the difficulties of being a teen mom. RIGHT: Ignoring the stares from other shoppers on Sunday, Dec. 9, LeBlanc felt judged, even though the baby was not real. “I tried to make it apparent it was fake, especially at church,” LeBlanc said. Photos by Devynn Harris

20 PHOTO ESSAY

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