JagWire | Volume 7 | Issue 5 | March 2007

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March 4 Tacoma Dome $63.75

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March 3 Bank of America Arena $25

March 11 Showbox $25

March 28 The Moore Theater $28, $38

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March 11 KeyArena $12-20

March 23 Director: Alexandra Lipsitz Documentary

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March 1-11 ACT Theatre $10

March 21 KeyArena $10-85

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Closes March 4 Seattle Center House Theater $15-32

March 9 Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall $25

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March 29-April 15 Tacoma Actors Guild $30

March 10 The Showbox $8

March 16 Starring: Sandra Bullock Suspense

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March 8 The Moore Theater $27.50

March 3 The Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center $26

March 9 ERHS $5 w/ ERHS ASB $6 w/o ERHS ASB

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March 9 Starring: Zack Braff Comedy

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AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION

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THE BEAT

March 23 Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar Action/Animated

March 30 Starring: Mads Mikkelsen Drama

EMERALD RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL.12405 184TH ST E SOUTH HILL, WA 98374

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Dallas – If Elton John and George Michael had a musical love child it would be the Scissor Sisters. Throw some glitter in the air, put on your rhinestone sunglasses, and bust out your boogie shoes for a gay old time. It is nearly impossible to sit still when listening to their eclectic, disco/rock beats. But why would you want to when these tunes were so obviously created for maximum bon bon shaking?

Ryan – I’m not quite sure what to think when I hear the gleeful synthesizer and slap-bass of the Scissor Sisters. Parts of me wants to try and find something appealing about it, but the rest of me is left striving to understand what the heck is going on in these musical minds. Many songs seem over refined to a point where nothing is real or pure to the ear any longer. There was, however, one piano intro in particular that I could see being forged into its own melody.

Dallas M. Welker

12

Humor

Scissor Sisters “Ta-Dah”

CK

KNO

14 >> Benefits of Humor

CK

KNO

16>>

We know that laughter makes us feel good, but is laughter really the “best medicine?” JagWire takes a comprehensive look at the physical and psychological affects humor has on us.

Hypokritz

Boys wrestling celebrates a successful postseason with three team members placing at this year’s state competition.

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Op/Ed >>09

Ryan Kusche Damien Rice “9”

Demi – This had a really good beat. I usually hate techno, but this was easy to listen to.

There wasn’t too much of a techno sound, and they had a good variety of songs. It reminds me somewhat of ’80s music.

Carlo – I give Damien Rice a big round of applause for putting a CD out, but I’m not a big fan of slowtempo music. Damien sounds like he’s being tortured. I think that if his voice wasn’t so shrill, his words could have potential to inspire someone.

Carlo – There is an up-beat tempo with a catchy and familiar ’80s sound to “Scissor Sisters.” That’s not as good as it sounds. The band is relatively new, breaking into the underground scene in 2006, not 1985. Each song is similar in lyrics, but extremely different in mood and tempo.

Demi – Wow. This was so hard to stay focused with! The music was very slow and it was kind of depressing. I thought of everything else except listening to the lyrics. His voice was very whiny. I don’t think I will ever listen to this again.

The Soundoff

four people, four cds, see what happens when they come to the roundtable Demi – Well, what am I supposed to say? I brought this CD, of course I like it! Their words are hilarious but can be a bit crude. I think this is good music to listen to with friends and when you are in a good mood. They portray the teenage life in a humorous way. The songs certainly will make everyone laugh.

21

Demi – I remember when “This Love” came out on the radio. Everyone loved the song and all my friends wanted the CD. I really like the low tones of some songs. They have some amazing lyrics and the lead singer’s voice is pretty awesome. The only problem is that all of their songs seem to sound the same.

Carlo – I enjoy the harmony that Bowling For Soup has in its songs. The lyrics also are very relatable to the teenage audience. I found myself tapping my foot throughout almost every song. Bowling for Soup has that familiar garage-band sound, but a bit tweaked to engage more listeners.

State Wrestling

Carlo Creek Maroon 5 “Songs About Jane” the comics section 24 From to the stage, “You’re A

Spring Musical

us lunch every day, you’d find there’s more to Alesia Stull than her Texas drawl and friendly demeanor.

News >>03

Dallas – At first I liked the mellow, acoustic feel. Then the singing came. I don’t know how many more whiny, brokenhearted, crybabies I can stand. Maybe Damien Rice’s parents should have hugged him more. Then he wouldn’t complain so much. While the musical talent is undeniable, the blubber-boy lyrics ruin it for me.

Carlo – The words are memorable and the lead singer has a voice that can easily be imitated, which allows the listener to be involved in the songs. Although this band isn’t my favorite, Maroon 5 would be the only out-of-genre band that I would add to my play list.

you’ve ever wondered 20 Ifabout the ladies that serve

Serving Lunch

Ryan – I’d most likely listen to this album while reading or during a car ride along a stretch of lonesome, rainy highway. Damien Rice creates an emotionally driven piece of work, while it is apparent his craft fine tunes the emotion as well. The strongest songs feature only a few instruments and have extended periods of “chillness” contrasted by extremely loud choruses. People would enjoy this CD if they take pleasure in listening to groups such as Bright Eyes or Radiohead.

Features >>17

Sports >>21

Good Man, Charlie Brown,” is a pleasantly, refreshing performance of childhood experiences and friendships.

A&E >>24

Demi Craig Bowling For Soup “A Hangover You Don’t Deserve”

Ryan – If the name Jane in the title is any allusion to the everyday sound and drudging normality of the album then I fully understand where Maroon 5 is coming from.

As a whole it sounds much like something a soccer mom aspiring to stay hip would purchase. Some tracks feature riffs that could have been Britney Spears two years ago or peculiar variations of Santana guitar licks, although other songs include vocal elements reminiscent of a young Phil Collins – which is a plus for me.

Dallas – Finally, an anthem for every soccer mommy in the United States: “1985.” Wait a tick; I’m not a soccer mom. So, why the heck do I want to listen to the story of some desperate housewife dwelling on the past? Oh, that’s right, I don’t! The album reeks of adolescent humor. Tell me when they make an album after puberty and not in their neighbor’s basement and I might take a listen.

Dallas – You come to a stoplight, roll up your window, look over your shoulder, and crank up “She Will Be Loved” so you can sing along as loud as you want. Come on now! I know I’m not the only one who has fallen victim to the guilty pleasure that is Adam Levine’s melodious story telling. You can’t help but sing along and tap your toes.

Ryan – If I were one to partake in a whole bunch of post garage-punk guilty pleasures, Bowling For Soup would definitely be high up on the list. Tactfully written lyrics are accompanied by an appealing attitude of genuine interest in making fun music – I believe these guys really do love their material, and it shows. Maybe not in the amount of groundbreaking tracks but the manner in which they make me wish I could go on tour with them and scream along to one of their choruses, reminiscing about the good old days in Texas.

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2/28/2007 9:50:19 PM

NEWS

A&E

Football seeks new coaches?

‘23’ PROVES ENTERTAINING, NOT NECCESSARILY BREATHTAKING BY

SUMMER YATES

EDITORIAL BOARD

BY

At a brief preseason meeting on Feb. 22, the entire football coaching staff – including head coach Kelly Susee – announced it would not be returning in the fall, leaving players both shocked and upset.

No official word has come from the district yet, but, according to Susee, more information will be available after a meeting with officials today.

“What I heard unofficially through a third party student was that the coaches indicated they would not be returning,” Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership Casey Cox said via e-mail.

Many players were taken aback by the sudden change in the program’s staff.

“We came in expecting to get the summer calendar,” junior running back and safety Michael O’Bryant said. “But coach Susee just stood up there and told us that as of that day, he was no longer our coach.”

MOVIE REVIEW

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The Hiroshima atomic bomb fell on Aug. 6, 1945 one star - poor | two stars - average | three stars - good | four stars - great (8+6+4+5 = 23). It takes blood 23 seconds to circulate. A person has 46 Chromo- ward when Mr. Carrey isn’t in somes, 23 from each parent.

What if your birthday, your name converted in nu- a comedy, but merical order, your social security, the time you woke up Jimbo deserves in the middle of the night, the number of pair of shoes props for this you owned, etc. added up to number 23? Are you sure role. The line between insanit doesn’t?

Welcome to the world of Walter Sparrow. The world of ity and hysteria is a fine one, the number 23 conspiracy.

Sparrow (played by Jim Carrey) receives a book for his and Carrey was birthday from his wife, Agatha (Virginia Madsen). “The able to portray Number 23,” a book of obsession, as it is called, tells the a man on the tale of a detective named Fingerling, driven mad by the edge of reason number and how it dominated so much of his life. The with a small character receives his paranoid awakening after encoun- twist of comical tering the suicide blonde whose obsession over 23 leads flair.

With Joel her to her death. This suicide passed the number off to Schumacher as Fingerling, who is now passing it off to Walter.

Walter becomes engrossed with the novel, as it does the director, I a frightfully good job of narrating his life, but ends in a should not have murder that has yet to happen. As Walter races to find the been so shocked secrets that lie in the missing chapter 23, he must come by the lack of deadto terms with his own dark past if he ever hopes to shake body-falls-out-ofthe-closet kind of his obsession with the number.

I’m not going to lie. I didn’t think much of the would-be thriller (his scrapbook thriller for the first hour. Yes, the plot was nice and dandy, includes directing the but I was too confident in my ending prediction and so 2004 version of “Phantom distracted by my quest to find the 23’s before the film of the Opera” and the 2002 thriller “Phone revealed them Booth”). to care about The most the antihero. toe-curling They were evmoments were when erywhere – the the movie stumped your s u m of t he guesses of where the answers numbers on a Walter is looking for could license plate, be found, making your mind the time, a race as fast as his to beat birth date, the the number 23 before it strikes again. price of a book, an address, etc.

However, instead of evoking a shear terror, the film But what a fool I was. Only when the puzzle pieces began to make sense did I realize the brilliance in the provokes an emotional response for it’s audience as it shows the consequences of unrequited love, and one script. ...Being a story within a story, the cast pulled double- man’s understanding that although a dark past cannot be time as their counterparts in the novel which was portrayed changed (unless you’re Winston Smith and it’s 1984) and in the classic 1940s detective film. It always seems awk- justice will prevail, mercy will follow closely after.

Mueller and Brad Mirk, and science teacher Michael Curtis all refused to comment.

“It seemed like the rest of them were going to stick with Susee either way, because they are loyal to him,” O’Bryant said.

Principal Brian Lowney also declined to comment.

“In issues of personnel we simply do not discuss them in public,” Cox said. “Most times it is personal discussions that really are between employees.

“What I can say is this: Mr. Susee and the staff dedicated many hours of their lives to Emerald Ridge High School and the students of ERHS. Mr. Susee was instrumental in the development of the team uniform, logo, and the legacy of the program, and for this the Puyallup School District owes him a great deal of gratitude.”

Though the truth is still unknown, players have formed their own opinions.

“I think part of it is because some parents were complaining about how the program is executed and that their kids weren’t play-

ing,” sophomore junior varsity quarterback and linebacker Billy Smith said. “Parents shouldn’t be complaining, though, because at the beginning of the season the coaches tell all of the players that there’s a chance that you won’t play a lot.”

During the meeting, Susee had difficulty speaking about the program, and sympathy for him was shared throughout the team.

“The whole meeting was very awkward and sad,” Bushnell said. “It was really hard to see him like that, not being able to get the words out.”

According to Athletics Director Dell Dittus, any vacant head coaching position is filled as soon as possible.

“The process of hiring a new coach varies from school to school,” Dittus said. “We’ll form a committee consisting of administrators, the athletics director, assistant coaches (from either the sport seeking new staff or another sport), student athletes and community members in order to determine the new coach.”

With Jeannine Medvedich on maternity leave and 18 years of teaching under his belt, it’s no wonder the English teacher was chosen to fill the position BY

DALLAS M. WELKER

REPORTER

....If you’re expecting nightmares for the next couple weeks, I would try “Premonition” (in theaters mid-March) instead. I would recommend watching this movie with two good friends on either side, because it makes the 23 search much better. But beware: The number 23 is not one to be toyed with. After you spend all day finding the number 23 around every corner – say your teacher writes an assignment in 23 words, or the numerical order of your name adds up to 235 (23+2+3) – you might find that you’re going a little crazy.

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There was speculation at the end of the 2006 season that Susee would not return in 2007, but Susee – who had a 16-41 record since 2001 – said at the postseason banquet that he was “not going anywhere.”

“There were rumors floating around at the end of the season, but we hadn’t heard anything definite,” junior quarterback Logan Bushnell said. “It was really shocking to hear Susee say that he was Susee not coming back.”

According to many players, Susee did not give a concrete reason for his potential leaving, other than to say that it was an “adult issue.”

Susee, who teaches at Kalles Junior High and is the only coach the school has ever had, would not comment on the situation specifically. Assistant coaches such as librarian Doug Stull, social studies teachers Matt

Rosdahl given opportunity to fill in as administrator

“BE SURE YOUR SINS

WILL FIND YOUNUMBERS OUT32:23”

LAUREN SMITH

REPORTER

26

With Assistant Principal Jeannine Medvedich gone on maternity leave, English teacher David Rosdahl had been chosen to fill her position.

Rosdahl, who has been a teacher for 18 years and is the boys soccer coach, is more than qualified to step into Medvedich’s shoes. He has earned his principal’s endorsement, which qualifies him for the position, and is no stranger to the halls of the school.

“I think part of the reason I was chosen was that obviously I am qualified for the position which is necessary so I can do the job,” Rosdahl said. “The other reason is that I’m familiar with the building and the people here and how Emerald Ridge works.”

This job is like a dream come true for Rosdahl, who has always wanted to be an administrator. He started applying for administrative jobs in 2003-2004 but was not hired after some leads and interviews. He took a break as his daughter was starting school.

“I’ve always dreamed of being in a role where I not only support students, but I get to support teachers,” Rosdahl said.

Rosdahl is not teaching currently. His students are relying

Though his new duties are only temporary, Rosdahl hopes to persue a more permanent position as an administrator in the near future.

on subs until a long-term substitute can be found.

“Were trying to find the best person to go in there while I’m down here,” Rosdahl said.

Rosdahl is expected to fill the position through April and possibly part time after that until the end of the year.

Ultimately, the decision is up to Medvedich and when she

is ready to return to work. When Medvedich does return, Rosdahl plans on seeking further employment as an administrator.

“I am going to start applying again,” Rosdahl said. “However, if I wasn’t to get one I’d continue teaching, because I love teaching.

03 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 10:03:45 PM

NEWS

A&E

getting

FAT

Plans in the works to eliminate P.E. proficiency Policy being formulated to minimize percentage of students earning P.E. credit outside of class BY

ALIESHA DRIVAS

REPORTER

Until now, students have enjoyed the option of either taking a physical education class or using the P.E. proficiency to earn the credits. Beginning next school year, students will likely be able to waive only one credit of P.E., and only if they have a suitable reason to.

What is P.E. proficiency? It is a way for students to earn P.E. credit by going to outside sources, recording the amount of hours spent in physical activity, and getting signed off by an adult, according to Athletics Director Dell Dittus.

The new policy is being discussed because the district administration believes the courses the school offers are beneficial and should be taken advantage of. Also, the teachers union has become involved because of P.E. teachers concerns with the dwindling number of students in their classes. Another reason is that the state is discussing a test on physical fitness, and P.E. instructors want students to be prepared.

“It’s past time,” Dittus said. “I, being a fitness director, know of too many cases where people don’t work hard enough to earn the credit.”

An additional reason why the policy is being updated is that teachers suspect many of the adults signing off on the hours of physical activity are uncertified. The new policy is being made to ensure qualified professionals will be able to

educate the student body.

“Yes, I do think that it’s a good idea,” P.E. teacher Lynn Wardle said. “One of the problems with going to the Y(MCA) is that we didn’t know who was signing off on the student’s papers. They may have been certified but we don’t have any way of knowing. I think a lot of the kids were just having their buddies, you know, signing it for them.”

The conditions in which students can waiver a P.E. credit are still being discussed. There is a committee meeting once a month to determine the acceptable reasons students can use to waiver a P.E. credit. The process is still developing, and there is no exact time frame for the decisions to be made.

“The frustrating thing about this is that I’m trying to tell students that I don’t have all the information, but yet I have to get them to register,” counselor Brian Maxfield said.

There is a potential issue with the new P.E. proficiency policy, since required P.E. classes could possibly take students away from academic or elective classes.

“That is a real concern,” Maxfield said. “I know that people need to work out, but I believe that there should be exceptions. Like what if a student wanted to take (Advanced Placement) world history, and couldn’t because they had to take P.E.?”

AP English teachers don’t seem to be worried about the affects the new policy will have on their students. However, other AP classes such as social studies, math, science, and electives may be more affected because they have fewer required credits than English.

Since many students disapprove of the new policy, and were required to register without much information, the counselors are expecting more requested schedule changes

with Gerry LeConte and Chase Wagner

’s s y r r e G ught Tho

ELAINE RAYMOND

EDITORIAL BOARD

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that 16-year-old Rogers student Danielle McCarthy died of an Ecstasy overdose after attending multiple New Year’s Eve parties with friends.

The man suspected of giving McCarthy the drug, David M. Morris, was arrested Feb. 15 and has since been released without charges.

“Investigators learned early on in this case that Ms. McCarthy had ingested the drug Ecstasy while attending parties with friends on New Year’s Eve,” Sergeant Don Anderson of the Edmonds Police Department said in a news release.

Students like junior Kevin Weeks will be limited to earning credits in class.

next year, according to Maxfield.

“I think that having no P.E. proficiency is ridiculous,” sophomore Amanda Wheat said. “So many people, including myself, don’t have room in their schedule to take P.E. as a class.”

’s Chase ts gh Thou

But because of potential criminal charges against those involved, the police department decided not to release this information immediately following McCarthy’s death, but postponing its release until the toxicology report had returned.

Morris was “booked into the King County Regional Justice Center on the charge of Controlled Substance Homicide,” the release said.

The McCarthy case is still an “open case,” meaning investigators have not concluded their research and there is a possibility of further arrests.

“There is potential for more criminal charges,” Anderson said in a interview via phone.

Herfy’s Burgers is a reasonably new burger joint on South Hill that in my opinion is overrated. The perfect word to describe the place ended up being “sticky.” Sticky floors, sticky table tops, and sticky condiment bottles. Herfy’s offers a random assortment of foods other than burgers, including fish & chips and teriyaki. In the end, the burgers were nothing special, and I could have easily made them better myself at home. Also, the fries were the frozen kind you can buy in bulk at Costco. Save yourself the trip.

Reccomendation: Hawaii Burger

$10 OFF

Any Body Piercing Excluding ears with gun. With coupon.

UltraBronz High Pressure 950 Tanning

3 Sessions -$49.95 With coupon. (Regularly $78.00)

STUDENT SPECIAL

One Month Unlimited Tanning -$25.00 Conventional beds only. With coupon.

10105 122nd St. E. Puyallup (Behind KFC) 253-841-4898 Must be 18 yrs. or above

04

25 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

Chase Thou ’s ghts

This is definitely my favorite Italian place in the area. Pomodoro is a smaller restaurant that combines a warm atmosphere with flawless service. The interior is gorgeous and clean. Food choices are great, lunch prices are reasonable, and dinner prices slightly more costly. Overall the restaurant holds a European feel and serves as a place to sit down with a friend for a quality conversation. Authentic and colorful cuisine.

Reccomendation: Tricolore Tortellini

3819 N 26th St Tacoma, WA 98407 Prices $7 - $20

Herfy’s Burgers #6

121 Mashell Ave N Eatonville, WA 98328 Prices $4 - $8 Service - 5 Environment - 3.5 Food - 3.5 Overall - 3.5 Photo by Nate Dumlao

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Service - 5 Environment - 4.5 Food - 4.5 Overall - 4

12011 Meridian E Puyallup, WA 98373 Prices $4 - $8 Service - 2 Environment - 1 Food - 2 Overall - 1.5

Tall Timber is a small restaurant with a Tall Timber Everyone hometown feel and home-style food. in the restaurant seemed as if they

A CUT BRONZE & BODY PIERCING

volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

Pomodoro

I’m always up for Italian food and Pomodoro didn’t disappoint. The service was amazing and our waitress was extremely helpful and friendly.

Her performance added to the cozy, welcoming feel of the restaurant. The lighting set the tone for a smooth wine bar type of environment. It is a fantastic restaurant to dine in and relax. This is the perfect environment to bring a friend, or that special someone, and connect.

Reccomendation: Sausage Fettuccini

McCarthy case still open and under investigation BY

Service - 5 Environment - 4 Food - 5 Overall - 4.5

ate there everyday, giving the restaurant even more of a homey feel. The fast service surprised me considering there was only one cook and one waitress in the restaurant.

The portions were fairly large, especially for breakfast. Tall Timber uses it’s walls to host pictures of old Eatonville from corner to corner. The photos also showed the fact that Eatonville used to be a logging town. I found it actually very interesting to walk aorund and inspect the ancient photography.

Reccomendation: Ham and Cheese Omelet

Gerry Thou ’s ghts

*Restaurants are scaled between 1 and 5, 1 being poor and 5 being perfect.

2/28/2007 9:51:17 PM

NEWS

A&E

You’re a good play, ‘Charlie Brown’ BY

ASHLEY PITIGLIANO

PLAY REVIEW

REPORTER

The comically depressing character Charlie Brown brings his gang to the Emerald Ridge auditorium for the first time in this year’s spring musical. Watching “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” is like a refreshing flashback to your youth, bringing to light the inevitable insecurities that lie within every kid.

Charlie Brown (played by junior James Knight) is striving to make it in the day-today life that is the late 1960s. Being subjected to the scrutiny of his younger sister Sally (junior Brittney Stout) and her friend Lucy (senior Jocelyn McCurtain), Charlie’s self esteem is suffering. After all, what good is a boy who has never pitched a winning baseball game, never been able to keep a kite in the air, never won a game of checkers and never successfully punted a football?

Arriving in the auditorium, I wasn’t expecting much of a show. The set had simplistic props, not unlike the original comic strip. A big red dog house for Charlie’s dog Snoopy (junior Scott Mulligan) sat off to the

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one star - poor | two stars - average | three stars - good | four stars - great

left, and a plain backdrop that changed colors with each new scene hung in the back of the stage. Little did I know that despite bare props, I was in for a pleasant surprise.

The house lights slowly dimmed on the six quirky characters as they took their places on the stage in full costume, with a comic strip hanging above their heads mirroring their appearance.

The light setting may have been a blessing in disguise, allowing the viewers to focus on the undeniable talent cast into the production. One by one, Linus (junior Jose Lopez), Sally, Schroeder (junior Kody Bringman), Lucy, and finally Charlie comment on what it is like to actually be living life in the shoes of Charlie Brown.

The amazing talent that lies within the leading roles astounded me, and the

top ten ...

NATE DUMLAO

coffee stops

Washington is the coffee state. Everyday, all day, coffee shops around this state are swamped with costumers who are in dire need of some sort of caffeinated drink to get their day started or to get a boost for a long night. Puyallup alone is home to dozens of coffee shops, each with their own unique features. This top ten list is sure to bring you insight on some of the fun coffee stops of Puyallup.

176th Starbucks – Although this coffee stop is a corporate one, the 176th Starbucks doesn’t disappoint. This Starbucks seems to be different then the rest. You can find the same chairs, the same drinks, and the same music at every Starbucks, but this one promises a sincere smile and a friendly greeting. It also has a cozy feeling and a homey atmosphere about itself.

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Fox Hollow – A soothing dark inlet in the middle of a loud bright mall food court, Fox Hollow is a nice relief for the average mall shopper. Resting inside the South Hill Mall, this relaxing café serves as a place for rest, with a bar-like

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supporting cast made the show feel real.

Knight played his role as Charlie with great enthusiasm and confidence, or lack thereof, I should say. He seemed to completely fit the part while he sang the blues of a “worthless” life, decked out in the generic Charlie Brown outfit.

Stout and McCurtain truly showcased their voices this time around. I found myself looking forward to the times when I would hear Lucy and Sally sing their gripes and displeasure to their friends.

There was undoubtedly a vast amount of time and energy put in by everyone involved with this show, which I was able to see from the emotion and feeling portrayed from beginning to end.

Seeing this play was like having 14 of the original comic strips come to life in front of me, with all the kids singing and dancing in harmony. Though the set was a bit bland and there was no specific plot or chain of events, the production kept my attention nonetheless.

“You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” will be showing again tonight and once more tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium and

BY

REPORTER

sitting area, appetizing coffee and baked goods.

Cutter’s Point – Conveniently located between Desert Sun and the 136th and Meridian Safeway, Cutter’s Point boasts a friendly and atmosphere paralleled with a comforting radiance. Cutter’s Point, featuring strong coffee and delectable pastries, is a sure stop for the Washington spirit.

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Coffee at Home – Low on money? No transportation?

Then stay at home! There is nothing better then a freshly brewed pot of coffee and sitting down at the table to read JagWire.

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Borders Seattle’s Best Coffee – Seattle’s Best Coffee, situated inside the Borders just off Meridian, is a perfect place to sit down and enjoy coffee and a book. It’s the ideal spot to sit down with some friends, look at a fun picture book, or discuss life.

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176th Bigfoot Java – Competing with Starbucks, Bigfoot

The Puyallup School District is hit with the loss of potential improvements; it will resubmit the bond later this spring in hopes it will pass then BY

RACHEL WEBBER

REPORTER

In a ballot voted on by district residents, the 2007 Puyallup School District bond did not meet the 60 percent supermajority needed to pass, with 58.08 percent of voters supporting the bond and 41.92 percent voting against it.

If the $259.5 million bond was approved, it would have

raised taxes 29 cents per every $1,000 assessed evaluation.

For instance, the bond would cost a homeowner with a home assessed at $200,000 an increase of $58 in annual taxes.

Since the 2004 bond passed, many were surprised to find that this year’s bond was not approved.

“I assume that in 2004 there may have been more awareness concerning the need of classroom space for students.

Our challenge is to let people know that this issue still exists,” said Debra Aungst, assistant superintendent for education support.

According to Aungst, the bond would only have a positive impact on our school district.

“These projects are critical,” said Aungst. “More than 58 percent voted for the bond. It is evidence of a supportive

community. I think people supported it because they understand and value the importance of a growing student population.”

The projects are so essential that the school board will resubmit the bond again on May 15.

The 2007 school bond would have created capacity for 1,800 more students even after Glacier View Junior High, Carson Elementary, and Edgerton Elementary are built.

At Emerald Ridge, new classrooms would have been built to make space for 400 more students.

With more than 300 new students enrolling in the Puyallup School District each year, the bond would improve facilities, fulfill technology needs, and alleviate the pressure of the growing student population.

Students given more time to study for AP tests With all the missed school days, the district has decided to move the AP tests to the end of May

Charlie Brown (James Knight) seeks psychiatric help in one of the stories from the famous comic.

I definitely recommend you go see it. If you are looking for a good reminiscent laugh to get you through your Friday night, this show is going to be perfect for you.

BY

RYAN KUSCHE

REPORTER

In the fallout of missed school days, Emerald Ridge will be administering all Advanced Placement tests according to the College Board’s late testing schedule.

Instead of the regular period from May 7-18, testing will take place May 23-25.

This extra time will allow students roughly another two and half weeks for studying and preparation purposes, but might also possibly create conflicts for students in more than one AP class.

Changing to the later testing dates is a very involved process which requires

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push back as a valuable and needed tool, considering the lost school days.

“In classes where a certain amount of curriculum has to be learned, the time is crucial,” senior Austen Getchel said, who takes AP calculus, literature, psychology and government.

Courtney Covington, a junior hoping to gain college credit through the AP program, agrees.

“For a class like AP U.S. history you have to know so many historical facts and events,” Covington said. “Everything is covered on the test.”

Other courses such as AP literature rely heavily upon a student’s proficiency in analysis, reasoning and comprehension; which can only become more refined with further study.

AP language and composition teacher Jay Bates thinks that even two weeks will

greatly improve his students’ chances of scoring higher, because of the advantage other states have by starting school earlier in the year.

There are a few however, that raise concerns over the format of the late testing period.

“If you have AP gov and psych, you’re put in a bit of a bind,” said senior Nathan Loveland, who is taking multiple AP classes.

The schedule for late testing is considerably different from the regular one, having about twice as many tests given per session over the course of three days. Several combinations of overlapping tests are possible, which could mean taking the test at a location other than Emerald Ridge. Students who have conflicting tests should contact their counselor or Boulet.

Either way, students should be ready for an unusual AP testing season this May.

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24

approval from the College Board and usually comes with a hefty fee of $40 more per test.

Because of the circumstances and the large number of students testing at ER however, the cost of each test will remain at $91.

“Eventually the decision was made because of the school days missed, and we believe that students can significantly benefit from the extra time,” said Annie Boulet, AP test administrator.

The rigorous tests, which are given in May of every year, equip students with a chance to earn college credit before ever setting foot in a university classroom. Tests are scored on a scale of one to five, with colleges usually accepting a three or better for credit. Time becomes a big issue because every student in the nation competes with one another on a bell curve to determine scores.

Reactions to the change vary. Much of the AP community at Emerald Ridge sees the

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NEWS

Five student teachers educating ER BY

ALEXA BROCKAMP

REPORTER

The 2006-2007 school year has brought many student teachers to the halls of Emerald Ridge to complete their schooling before moving on to their own classrooms.

Many students feel that there are more student teachers this year than in years past; however, Principal Brian Lowney maintains that the number of student teachers has not increased this year.

“We’re working with a new system at PLU,” Lowney said. “It’s a year-long process instead of half of a year, so we have a number of teachers here all year and that might be why it seems like we have more.”

Student teachers are teachers in training who are completing the last leg of their schooling by testing their instructing skills under a certified teacher. It is a final and vital portion of getting their teaching de-

grees. During teaching, an evaluator will sit in on one or more classes and observe the teacher’s progress.

The school currently has five student teachers teaching classes. A new student teacher has just arrived in Loni Thoreson’s French class and will begin teaching in March.

“I think (having student teachers teaching classes) has had a positive impact on our student body and school,” Assistant Principal Troy Hodge said. “It has freed up our teachers to work on curriculum. It is also just a way for our educators to give back to the profession.”

Students have varying opinions on the impact of student teachers on our school.

“They’re still working on their teaching skills so they don’t know how to communicate with us as well,” junior Sara Mann said.

Mann said she has had trouble understanding subjects taught by student teachers.

“I don’t understand it at all,” Mann said.

“It affected me and it has probably affected other people as well.”

Science student teacher Jennifer Mason understands that this is a part of student teaching.

“The things that I’m learning are a lot about giving directions so that kids understand them,” Mason said. “I already knew the schedule and the way things worked but breaking things down so that they’re understandable to kids is new.”

Other students feel that the addition of student teachers is not a big deal at all.

“It honestly hasn’t affected me,” senior Alex Paterno said. “Occasionally they’ll add a different perspective than the other teacher.”

Teachers are allowed to put in requests

for schools they wish to teach at but in the end, the decision is not up to them.

“Some people got stuck in places they didn’t want to be,” English student teacher Brandon Whipple said. “One guy lives in Tacoma and he got stuck (teaching) up north.”

Although student teachers have little say in where they end up, staff has the choice to take on a student teacher. At the beginning of each year, teachers indicate whether they would like to have a student teacher alongside them for the year. Teachers must have at least three years of experience in order to have a student teacher.

“Student teachers are a good thing,” junior Tarjei Ledvina said, “because this means that our school is a place that creates more than just high school student’s futures. It creates the futures of students in years to come.”

Legislation in works to fund proposed teacher raises BY

STACIE HENSON

REPORTER

Teachers and other staff members at Emerald Ridge and other schools around the state could be receiving increases in their salary next year, thanks to Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Washington teacher salaries are below the national and west coast average.

“Funding for teacher pay raises are included in Governor Gregoire’s budget, which is currently in the legislature, and a number of other bills proposing teacher pay raises are also working their way through the legislature,” Deputy Press Secretary Kristin Jacobsen said in an e-mail.

This pay increase does not include all school employees, but Gregoire has a plan.

“There are proposals to increase salary money for a number of schools’ administrative and support staff positions due to the historical support being less for some districts than for others,” Jacobsen said.

However, next school year, teachers and other staff, including custodians and secretaries, at public K-12 schools could receive a 3.4 percent increase in salary, and a 2.6 percent increase the following school year.

By adding the 3.4 percent proposed raise to a $45,000 salary, the teacher’s compensation would become roughly $46,500, and the next year it would increase to nearly $47,800.

“She is also proposing performance-based pay for teachers and administrators who achieve certification from the

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or who teach in schools that need the most help,” Jacobsen said.

The total amount of money proposed by Gov. Gregoire is $409.6 million. The raises will come from the state general fund.

“Gov. Gregoire knows that the best teachers are essential to help students learn,” Jacobsen said. “Teachers deserve to be rewarded for achieving high standards and for the vital role they play in school and student success.”

Gregoire also was responding to Washington voters’ wishes when she proposed the raise earlier this year. 63 percent of voters passed Initiative 732, a cost-of-living increase for teachers and other staff, in 2004.

Athlete of the Month “John worked harder the last couple of months to be a solid wrestler. I’m proud of what he has done this season. He has had an offer to wrestle in college, and if he decides to pursue that, then good for him. He’s a very nice guy, and fun to talk to.”

Jim Meyerhoff, coach

When did you start wrestling and why?

I started in seventh grade because Keith Schlecht is my neighbor, and he wrestled, and he really got me into it.

What was your best experience in Emerald Ridge wrestling?

Definitely winning league and regionals this year and then going on to get fourth at state.

Do you plan on continuing to wrestle after high school?

Southern Oregon (University) wants me to wrestle for them, and if I decide against wrestling in college, I still want to stay involved in the sport.

Who is your inspiration for wrestling?

Schlecht, because he was a good wrestler and I looked up to him, and my dad, because he wrestled as well.

How much of your life is dedicated to wrestling?

Wrestling is pretty much my life, and there’s absolutely nothing else I’d rather do.

What do you do to mentally prepare for a match?

I go out on the mat confident in myself and try not to be nervous so that I can give it my all.

How many weight classes have you had to jump in the last three years?

I’ve had to jump three – 140, 145, and 152.

How do you maintain weight?

I try to eat healthy and monitor what I do eat.

What do you like to eat before and after a match?

I eat a peanut butter and honey sandwich before every match, and usually a Subway club afterwards.

What is your favorite cheer to hear when you’re wrestling?

My cheer – A, B, C, D, E, F, G, go Johnny P! What was your biggest win at Emerald Ridge?

My sophomore year against Rogers I pinned James Albert, and no one even expected me to win. Coach Meyerhoff told me that I probably won the match for us.

How do you react when you lose?

I get angry, but try to keep my composure. If I do throw something, I do it out of sight of the crowd, and sometimes I’ll just sit there and think about what I could’ve done better.

How do you react when you win?

It’s the best feeling in the world when you get your hand raised and know that all of the hard work you’ve done has paid off and you’ve earned it.

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How has wrestling affected your life?

I think wrestling has made me a better person and given me a much better work ethic.

Do you compete in tournaments or teams outside of school?

I compete for the Puyallup Freestyle Club.

2/28/2007 9:51:56 PM

SPORTS

NEWS

Gymnast wins third in state all-around competition Gymnastics improves, sending two sophomores and one freshman to state, and has hopes for next year BY

ASHLEY VINCENT

EDITORIAL BOARD

Sophomore Brianna Howe began the gymnastics season with two goals, to make state, and the state finals. After being the season’s top competitor and placing first at districts, she did just that.

Howe placed third in state in the all-around competition on Feb. 17, improving dramatically upon her 27th-place finish last year as a freshman.

She also qualified for three individual event finals, held the following day, by taking first on bars and beam, and third on floor.

“On my way there I was nervous,” Howe said, “until I got there and saw the other girls, then I was OK. I knew there were a lot of seniors that were really good so I just had fun and did my best.”

In the individual event finals, Howe placed second in

state on bars and seventh on floor. She had hoped for a better score on beam, her second-best event, but fell on her mount and placed 10th.

Howe credits her success to a better work ethic and attitude.

“I’m more dedicated this year,” Howe said. “I practiced harder, and I’m more serious.”

Howe plans to come back with the same dedication next year, take home the district title, and place first or second in state.

Gymnastics also sent sophomore Whittney Sidor, and Ferrucci Junior High freshman Taylor Wessenberg to state, competing in bars and vault.

Sidor came close to the finals, placing 12th on bars and 13th on vault. (The top 10 competitors make it.) She was unable to compete most of the season due to a pre-season knee injury, and was happy to compete at all. Wessenberg placed 49th in vault and 37th in bars.

“It will be a while before (complications from her injury are) completely over,” Sidor said. “In the beginning of the season there was huge confusion about whether or not I would need surgery. I went from thinking my season was

Swim shows spirit BY

LINDSAY NOLAN

REPORTER

The boys swim team finished the season at league with several best times and winning the 2007 Team Spirit Award. Being social and friendly with other teams has always been something encouraged by the coaching staff.

“It makes you feel good when you support your teammates and the team you are up against,” Captain Robin Stoyles said. “It’s nice that we are being recognized for something we have worked so hard on.”

Stoyles had been sick the previous two weeks, which held him back from swimming consistently.

Despite the setback, he still gave his all and swam his best time of the season. He placed 11th overall in the 200-yard freestyle. Junior Stephen Washburn swam outstanding in the 200-yard individual medley, finishing in 9th place. Washburn also swam the 100yard butterfly and took 13th overall. Senior Trevor Clark had a phenomenal swim as well in the 100-yard backstroke, dropping almost four seconds off of his time and taking 13th overall.

“I knew it was my last meet I would compete in probably for forever,” Clark said. “So I wanted to do my best and I gave it everything I had.”

Senior Nick Humlick had best times in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle. Taking 13th in the 50 and 10th in the 100, he barely missed the cut to continue on to finals. His younger brother, junior Kris Humlick competed in his first individual district

event after qualifying for league at the junior varsity competition in the 100-yard breaststroke. Senior Kendall Beckstead swam in the 500-yard freestyle and finished with a personal best time.

“We had a lot of time drops and a lot of personal bests,” assistant coach Lorri Stoyles said. “So I think a lot of people were happy with their swims and it was a good way to end the season.”

Along with individual events, the team put together three strong relays: the 200-yard medley relay, 200-yard freestyle relay, and the 400-yard freestyle relay. Each did superior and improved their time tremendously. The 400-yard freestyle relay did especially well, dropping almost 27 seconds. Clark, sophomore Nick Moser, Stoyles and junior Jacob Baudin all put their minds to it and swam their hearts out.

“Going to districts helped motivate us all to do better.” Baudin said. “It was one of those meets where everyone was pumped and psyched up to go fast.”

Next season, current coach Ray Belleza and assistant coach Lorri Stoyles will not be returning.

The new captains, junior Stephen Washburn and junior Zach Turner will help lead the team in welcoming the new coaches.

“Our motto for the year was ‘Vis Unita Fortior,’ (meaning) united strength is stronger.” Belleza said. “There were many challenges that faced the boys this past season, but our motto proved to be very appropriate for how they conducted themselves throughout the season.”

over one day to thinking I would be able to compete, but overall it was a good experience.”

“I learned a lot about team support and how to get the girls pumped, I got closer to the girls on the team, and it taught me a lesson about hard work and patience.”

As a team, gymnastics did much better this season than ever before. The team placed second in almost every meet.

On Jan. 31, the Jags competed against Puyallup and Rogers, who both qualified as teams for state, and came in third by a narrow margin. They competed next at Auburn on Feb. 1, taking second. The final meet was Feb. 6 against Puyallup, Tahoma and Jefferson, and again the team came in just behind Puyallup for second place.

At districts the girls took third behind Rogers and Puyallup, the biggest competition this season.

“We went from placing 19th (two years ago) to 10th last year to third (this year),” Sidor said. “It showed the new girls that we have a lot of potential, and I think next year will be intense. Girls are going to push themselves.”

Coaches and competitors hope to come back next season and continue building on the accomplishments they have achieved this year.

Bowlers finish season with positive attitude BY

JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE

REPORTER

The girls bowling team wrapped up the season at state with a positive conclusion, and the girls are looking forward to next year’s bowlers. At state on Feb. 2, junior Rhiannon Hughes placed 35th and senior Jessica Edwards placed 43rd out of the 71 girls who competed.

The Jags had already predicted their results before competing at state.

“I felt confident that we’d do well,” Hughes said.

While playing, the Jags looked at their matches as less of a competition, and more as an opportunity they’ve never experienced before.

“We weren’t worrying about the game, we were just glad we made it to state.” Hughes said.

The Jags’ upbeat attitude reflected on their matches as well as the other competitors.

“They had a positive influence on everyone around them.” coach Matt Mueller said.

With these results, the Jags feel very comfortable for next year’s season.

“We got our first two girls to state and next year we’re going to shoot for five and get the whole team in,” Mueller said.

The bowling team is anticipating another productive season even after this year’s seniors graduate.

“I think this year went a lot better then last year,” Hughes said. “All the seniors are going to be gone but I think it will be a lot of fun with all the new people.”

The bowling team’s second year together ended constructively and left the Jags feeling very confident for next year’s season.

“It was a great year,” Mueller said. “It was a great year to build upon.”

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22

AP classes offer greater workloads, greater benefits BY

CARLO CREEK

REPORTER

Every class demands hard work and dedication of the students that take them, but Advanced Placement demands a tougher attitude toward higher expectations.

“If you know what you’re doing and are willing to work hard, then do it,” Principal Brian Lowney said. “Students have to feel that they can do well in AP before they actually do well in the classes they choose.”

Lowney also said that students should feel more concerned than stressed when making the choice of signing up for AP, so prospective students can keep their eyes open and be think-

ing on their feet throughout the course of an AP year.

students taking an AP English course.

AP English teacher, Jay Bates, shares Lowney’s point of view.

“AP classes teach students to ask questions out of their comfort zone” said AP English teacher Becky Waller (formerly Fulton). “They teach the students how to ‘use their brains,’ and enhance thinking skills.”

“Students should feel somewhat intimidated when signing up for AP classes,” Bates said. “Any AP class guarantees hard work. If students want to attend a 4-year university, AP classes in high school are the first of many steps in the right direction.”

Some other ways that students can prepare themselves for AP classes are to take their classes as seriously as an AP class would be, and to increase their vocabulary to suit the AP exam. Writing for fun also gives a slight advantage to

Senior Andre Bhatt says that if he can take AP classes successfully, then anyone can.

“When I was a sophomore, I wanted to take an honors class, just to see if I could do well,” Bhatt said. “I have taken AP all through high school and my senior year isn’t any different. Now I am taking AP government, AP psych, and AP senior lit.”

News Briefs House Bill 1307 House Bill 1307, the Student Free Press Bill, has made it out of the Rules Committee and is going to be heard for the second time on the House of Representatives floor.

It likely will be heard and voted on by the general House by March 14, the deadline for passing it out of the House.

Even though the bill hasn’t been passed, it has made the most progress for a bill

of its nature. A similar bill, proposed in the 1990s, never made it out of the Rules Committee.

– Robin Stoyles

Daylight Savings Time In August 2005, President Bush signed an energy bill that will lengthen Daylight Saving Time by four weeks, starting this year on March 11.

Congress passed this new bill, the En-

ergy Policy Act, in August 2005. It states that Daylight Saving Time (DST) will start at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and end at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November each year. In previous years, the dates were the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October.

The change in DST has been made as an effort to conserve energy. In theory, people will use less energy because they will not

have to turn on their lights so early in the evening. The amount of energy saved in each household collectively adds up to quite a large amount.

No state is required to observe DST, however, if it does choose to, it must follow the starting and ending dates set by the law.

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07 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 10:02:24 PM

NEWS

SPORTS

Three wrestlers place at state

War on Terror JagWire revisits the war in Iraq, looking into how students continue to be affected by a war happening overseas.

Why the war should still matter

Trevor Clark

A personal commentary about having family overseas be sitting in class or on the bus, just doing nothing, and I will think of him. I start to wonder what he is doing, and then the worst possible thought comes into my head. What if, at that very moment that I was so bored, Todd was blown up or shot at or otherwise hurt? I probably would not know until much later, and at that point I would feel guilty.

While I was bored, probably complaining, he was overseas protecting our country.

Protecting you and me.

The first time that realization hit me and I thought about things besides what directly involves me, I understood that since 9/11, this war has affected me. Even after he gets back, I will still be affected by it.

And so will you. Gas prices will continue to rise and fall, eating up what small amounts of money we, as teenagers, get. Troops will continue to leave and will continue to return as different people. Worse, people we know will go overseas. What they see and do in the Middle East will change them.

But the rest of us are America’s future.

In 10 years we will be the ones who call the shots. Some say that Iraq is just another Viet Nam; if we “stay the course” and things do not change, this is highly likely. It is up to us to be involved in what is going on around us, even just in our community. You have no right to complain about anything unless you educate yourself about it and are willing to make a change.

So let us not just “stay the course.” Let us realize the potential in this world and the potential that each one of us has. Know what is going on around you. One day, you could be the one who shows a high schooler how important it is to know what is happening in the world.

23 percent of students have a family member involved in the war.

senior joins the air force

BY

JOEY CREEK

REPORTER

All kinds of students’ lives are being affected by the military this year. Either they’re participating themselves, or they’re being left behind in anticipation, waiting for their loved ones’ safe return.

Senior Trevor Clark will depart for the air force to become a parachute rescuer late in the month of July.

This definitely will take a toll on his adolescence. It’s his last free summer for a while, but then its six weeks of basic training.

After visiting home for just a short while after basic training, it’s off to technology school for about one and a half years, then it’s six consecutive years of the actual enlistment without breaks.

Clark might be worried, but he’s not apprehensive. He understands what he’s signed himself up for.

“It was fully my decision. I’m a little bit nervous about it, but I’m more excited about the new stuff I’ll be doing and the new people I’ll meet,” Clark said.

With that purely optimistic approach, his

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08

pound weight class after defeating four of his six opponents.

“It didn’t go how I expected,” Wills said. “But, things happen and I just move on.”

In his last match to decide whether he would receive seventh or eighth, Wills suffered a nosebleed midway through the match, and fell to Josh Baba of Juanita High School by a minor decision of 7-6.

“It’s really distracting when you’re trying to wrestle, and it’s just something you don’t want to happen,” Wills said.

Weber, who wrestles in the 135-pound weight class and Koppelman, who wrestles at 171 pounds, both faced elimination early, each being pinned twice Though he lost this match, junior Kyler Koppelman (right) enjoyed his experience at the state tournament. by opponents to knock them out guys place a bit higher, or a couple of more The exiting seniors have hopes that the of the tournament.

“I did poorly because I wasn’t patient placers, but that’s what happens at state.” program will continue to grow even with The wrestlers, in turn, believe that they their absence. enough, and I tried to force a throw on a “I hope in the future we keep getting guy at the end of one of my matches, which were well prepared for the postseason.

“The coaches had a lot of tips for me good wrestlers,” Gallagher said. “If we do caused me to lose,” Koppelman said. “Just being at state was a good experience though. along the way,” Halsey said. “They told me have good wrestlers and work hard, I think I wasn’t expecting to get that far at the be- it was just another match, and I was just on the program will stay strong.”

Over the off-season, the coaching staff ginning of the season, so I was happy with a mat with another guy, and it really helped my mental game.” will continue to work in order to prepare for my overall performance.”

As far as next season is concerned, the next year’s team.

Overall, the team placed 24th of the 59 team will lose some key wrestlers to graduteams in the tournament.

“We’ll take a break at first,” Meyerhoff Although pleased with the team’s effort ation, including Wills, Gallagher, and other said. “(Assistant coach Craig) Fredrikson at state, coach Jim Meyerhoff believes that varsity wrestlers Daniel Kuhn, Ryan Kusche, will keep wrestling, and I’ll evaluate what and John Lopez. there is always room for improvement. we did, what we need to work on, and do “We did OK, but we could’ve done better,” “I’m going to miss the friends I’ve made some recruiting to get more bodies in the Meyerhoff said. “We could’ve had a couple of and the experience in general,” Wills said. wrestling room.”

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61 percent of students do not support the war in Iraq.

Results from a survey of 100 students

08,21.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

The postseason proved to be successful for the boys wrestling team, which sent five to the state competition – including seniors Kevin Wills and John Gallagher, and juniors Gabe Weber, Kyler Koppelman, and Erik Halsey – and returned home with three state placers.

Gallagher proved to be the most successful of the five state qualifiers, taking fourth place in the 152-pound weight class.

“I think I did well (at state),” Gallagher said. “I was happy getting fourth, it was a big accomplishment for me, and my original goal was to place in the top four.”

Gallagher, who has been a varsity wrestler since his sophomore year, won four of his six matches, including two wins over Mariner senior Corey Hendrickson twice, to secure his place.

“It felt good to be there,” Gallagher said.

“It just felt like all of my hard work had finally paid off.”

Halsey placed fifth in the 189-pound weight class; it was his first season as an Emerald Ridge wrestler.

“My personal goals were set by my coaches,” Halsey said. “They told me to aim to be a state placer, and I believed that I could be.”

Wills claimed eighth place in the 145-

family follows closely behind.

“My parents are totally 100 percent supportive,” Clark said. “They’re actually really excited for me.”

Clark’s father is confident his son made a good choice.

“We’re really proud of him. We’re not nervous at all, we’re sure he’ll do a great job,” Tim Clark said. “The Air Force will give him personal challenges – physical as well as mental. I think it’ll give him excellent training as a person and for life.”

While Clark is more than ready in regards to beginning his endeavor, those who are left behind sometimes are not so enthused – even worried. Take junior Jessica Castanon for example. Her brother is currently overseas, constantly fighting for our country.

“It’s a lot of stress to deal with,” she said. “It’s all you think about.”

As Jessica relived her daily anxiety living without her brother with her, she shared more.

“It’s not easy, knowing that you may never see your own brother again,” Castanon added, looking at the floor. “That kind of stuff gets to you.”

volumeSEVEN.issueONE

LAUREN SMITH

REPORTER

Photo by Ashley Vincent

The war. Everyone knows what that statement is referring to. It is about everrising, fluctuating gas prices, tighter security on airlines, the “war on terrorism,” and that fateful SepAlex Messner Commentary tember day.

Everyone also knows about people in the Armed Forces who devote their lives to keeping our country the way it is. Because of them, our rights, advantages, and opportunities to do as we please and be who we want are kept safe. What they do not appreciate is the gravity of having someone they care deeply about overseas.

Todd Ovnicek, my step dad, is on the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18 Convoy Security team. He is a Petty Officer 2nd Class and a gunner on a Humvee to keeps convoys full of supplies for other troops and small, Iraqi villages safe from insurgents and people who try to loot the trucks.

When I first met Todd I did not like him, but over the course of a year we got close and he became like a second father to me.

Before my mom, Jenelle, was engaged, I was just another teenaged kid with nothing on my mind but my missing math assignments and who to hang out with after school.

When Todd left for Iraq, I realized how blind I had been to what is going on in this world.

His deployment made me wonder why I had never cared before.

The deepness of this concern is difficult to comprehend. There are days when I will

Coaches satisfied with progress and state results, but believe there is always room for more improvement

21 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 9:52:41 PM

OP/ED

FEATURE

Poop isn’t art, it’s vandalism

What You Never Knew BY

NIKKI SEADER

REPORTER

Students that frequent the snack lines at school refer to her as the lady who calls them pet names. They know her as the lunch

We Can Do It

lady with her own little window, nearest the student store. They ask her for pizza and chips. They enjoy her up-beat personality.

Her name is Alesia Stull – no relation to the librarian – and she goes by Lisa.

Stull has not always been a lunch lady. When she was a child she didn’t picture growing up to be one. She didn’t go to a culinary school; chance made Stull an ER lunch lady.

At the age of 30, after her youngest son was born, Stull left her first husband and joined the army.

“I was running away from home.” Stull said. “(In the army) they called me grandma. I spent a lot of time on the ground doing push-ups.”

She went to boot camp in South Carolina, then served in Germany for six months, and afterward

Lumpia If you’re from an island family, you’ve most likely had lumpia. If you haven’t, I suggest making this meal because it is delicious. It’s the islander’s version of the egg roll and it tastes even better. Lumpia is also fairly easy to make and it’s even easier if you’re making it with someone. Lumpia is fun and its taste is different but good. If you don’t want to eat them plain, I suggest using the sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce. You can choose to make it as a meal for two to four people or as a side dish at a party.

joined Desert Storm.

“It was sandy and hot. I didn’t see a whole lot. You fly in (Iraq) and it’s dark; the females were not allowed in town,” Stull said.

Following Desert Storm, Stull was discharged from the army. She married another man, and has two daughters with him, totaling five children all together. Not including her grown stepchildren.

“I had three kids with my first husband.

He lives in Maryland now with one of my sons,” Stull said.

She has a 21-year-old son, a 26-year-old daughter in New York about to attend Yale to be an elementary school teacher, and an 18-year-old son. With her second husband, she has a 14-year-old daughter, and an 11year-old daughter.

The 14 year old attends Ballou junior high, and the 11 year old goes to Hunt elementary.

“Catherine (the 14 year old) wants to be a fashion designer, serious as a heart attack,” Stull said.

Stull also attended Pierce College to become a veterinary technician. Working with animals was something she had dreamt of as a child. She was a vet tech for six years

Cooking With David Ingredients

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound ground beef 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 bag of coleslaw mix 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 25 lumpia wrappers 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts 4 tablespoons oil 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 3/4 cup heavy cream salt and pepper, to taste 1 box (or bag) of penne pasta

before she felt she needed to quit.

“My kids were suffering when I was a vet tech,” Stull said.

Stull needed a job that she could attend within the hours her children went to school.

A local lunch lady seemed ideal because she could see her children off to school in the morning, go to work, then be home when her daughters came home.

She plans on going back to being a vet tech in a few years. She loves animals and has two Great Danes. One is dying of spondylolithesis, or wobblers syndrome, and one is a puppy.

“Animals are cute and fuzzy, and they don’t talk back. You have to figure out what is wrong with them; it is kind of like a puzzle.

I like puzzles by the way,” Stull said.

She also loves cross-stitching. She carries a cross-stitched key chain she made on her keys.

“I’m a cross-stitching junky,” Stull said.

Stull said Reba McEntire is her hero.

“We’re both from Texas and she’s got a good little drawl,” Stull said.

Stull also has a “good little drawl,” as well as charismatic personality traits several students know and love her by.

Penne Chicken Alfredo I tried a new twist on a popular Italian dish.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is known to most people but the Penne Chicken Alfredo is sure to be a hit with fans of pasta. It’s easy to make and it serves two to four people, depending on how hungry you are. I suggest eating it with garlic bread and it goes well with any kind of drink.

Experiment with different pastas, sauces and seasoning. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this. Who knows – you might invent the next big thing.

THE FINE PRINT Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th St. E. South Hill, WA 98374 253-435-6300

Chicken and Pasta: 1. Heat oil in a medium size skillet.

2. Cut chicken breast into strips.

3. Add salt and pepper.

Sauce: 4. Fry on medium heat until cooked through. 1. Melt butter in saucepan; add cream and cheese.

5. Boil pasta as on directions.

2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until desired thickness.

3. Do not boil.

EDITORIAL MISSION

As an open forum, JagWire exercises student free expression rights to their fullest extent. We pursue an unbiased truth while maintaining the highest journalistic integrity. Our top priority is to raise awareness while covering a wide variety of issues that impact our readership. By exploring different angles to make sure

Once you have made the chicken, pasta, and sauce...

Mix chicken and Alfredo sauce together. Then drain the noodles, and put the sauce and chicken over the noodles.

And Enjoy.

volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

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“

20

seems ridiculous to hear of 15-18 year olds who can’t use the restroom correctly.

Some students think it’s a joke or that it is the janitors’ job to clean it up. The janitors have to clean the whole school as it is. If students make a bigger mess, it takes the janitors even more days to clean it because they frankly don’t have the time to wipe up your poop. It also takes a long time for them to completely fix a bathroom after it is vandalized.

Having bathrooms closed slows down everyone.

And innocent students might get in trouble for being late to class b e c a u s e t he y couldn’t find an open bathroom during a passing period.

So start throwing your paper towels in the garbage, and if you miss, pick it up and try again. It is courteous. Tell anyone who isn’t taking care of the bathroom to stop, because they share it with every one else.

Most of all, use bathrooms for what they are meant for and think about how your actions, whether selfish or disgusting, have an effect on the whole school.

WHY CAN’T PEOPLE WALK IN, DO WHAT THEY CAME TO DO, WASH THEIR HANDS, AND THEN GO BACK TO WHERE THEY CAME FROM?

Photo by Brittany Gentile

1. Place a wok or large skillet over high heat, and pour in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Cook beef, stirring frequently, until no pink is showing. Remove beef from pan and set aside. Drain grease from pan, leaving a thin coating. Cook garlic and onion in the same pan for two minutes. Stir in the cooked beef, and coleslaw mix. Season with pepper, salt, and garlic powder.

Remove from heat, and set aside until cool enough to handle.

2. Place three heaping tablespoons of the filling diagonally near one corner of each wrapper, leaving a one and a half inch space at both ends. Fold the side along the length of the filling over the filling, tuck in both ends, and roll neatly. Keep the roll tight as you make it. Moisten the other side of the wrapper with water to seal the edge.

3. Heat a sauce pan over medium heat, add oil to half inch depth, and heat for five minutes. Slide three or four lumpia into the oil. Fry the rolls for one to two minutes, until all sides are golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serve immediately.

P

icture this: At the zoo, there are four monkeys in the exhibit. One monkey throws a stick. They laugh. The next monkey spits on the viewing glass. They laugh again. The next pees all over the place. They think that, too, is hilarious, so the last monkey throws his poop on the walls and smears it.

At school we don’t have monkeys, but we do have something similar at times – teenage boys.

And when they ransack the bathrooms, they are shut for the next two weeks and students have to walk all around the school to find an open bathroom.

When monkeys do it we l a u g h . W he n it’s people … it isn’t funny.

It is a common sight to see boys bathrooms locked due to vandalism. But this trend is spreading and even a girl’s restroom is closed. Students may think it is funny or that it is no big deal, but it is disrespectful to other students who use the bathrooms and the staff that cleans them. Let’s show that students can be mature by using the bathrooms properly.

It is just gross and stupid for anyone to vandalize a bathroom. Why can’t people just walk in, do what they came to do, wash their hands, and then go back to where they came from? It

”

Editorials are composed by, and are the opinion of, the JagWire editorial board. our coverage is fair, balanced and accurate, we seek to continue the publication’s tradition of excellence through self-reflection and improvement.

LETTERS POLICY JagWire will accept unsolicited copy from students, staff and community members. Only signed and dated letters with address and phone number from community members, or grade level from students, will be accepted.

Letters should be limited to 300 words and will be published as space is available.

All letters are the sole opinion of the writers, and the staff reserves the right to edit any letter for space and/or clarity.

We will not publish material that may substantially

STAFF EDITORIAL BOARD ...........................................ELAINE RAYMOND .............................................................................................. ROBIN STOYLES .......................................................................................... ASHLEY VINCENT .............................................................................................JENN WHITHAM ................................................................................................ SUMMER YATES COPY EDITOR ...................................... MARISSA MOODENBAUGH PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR ............................. BRITTANY GENTILE DESIGN MANAGER ............................................DANNY CANHAM BUSINESS MANAGER ...................................... ANDY DICKERSON CIRCULATION MANAGER ..................................... NIKKI SEADER REPORTERS ........................................................... ALEXA BROCKAMP ............................................................................................... SARA CARSON ...................................................................................................DAVID CHISA .....................................................................................................DEMI CRAIG ................................................................................................ CARLO CREEK ..................................................................................................... JOEY CREEK .............................................................................................ALIESHA DRIVAS ...............................................................................................NATE DUMLAO ...................................................................................BRITTANY ESPINOZA .........................................................................................MORGAN T. GARD ..........................................................................................LAUREN GONICK ..................................................................................... HEATHER GORMAN ......................................................................................................ALI GRABER ..................................................................................................... ALI GRUVER ........................................................................................... CHELSEA HARRIS ............................................................................................. STASIE HENSON ......................................................................................................JOSH JOYCE ................................................................................................ RYAN KUSCHE ........................................................................................... GERRY LeCONTE ............................................................................................... ALEX MESSNER ...........................................................................................LINDSAY NOLAN ..................................................................................... ASHLEE PITIGLIANO ............................................................................ JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE .......................................................................................................MIMI SISON ...............................................................................................LAUREN SMITH ............................................................................................ CHASE WAGNER ........................................................................................... RACHEL WEBBER ........................................................................................DALLAS M. WELKER ADVISER................................................................................. JEFF NUSSER AFFILIATES

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disrupt the school process.

Letters to the editor may be submitted by mailing them to JagWire c/o Emerald Ridge High School, or by e-mailing them to jdnusser@puyallup.k12.wa.us ADVERTISING MISSION The JagWire publication staff accepts advertisements for most products and services available to the public.

However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards.

Ads identifying students as athletes by photo or text (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1) also will not be accepted.

The staff will not accept advertising that is racist, sexist or illegal for high school students.

09 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 10:01:47 PM

FEATURE

OP/ED

everyone has a story

“ “ 12” 11” 10” STAFF” Give students the credit they’ve justly earned the voice of the people: Do you think P.E. should be required?

“

No. There are so many students who are passionate and involved in other areas. All it does is take up two years that could benefit them.

Angela Conti, Conti senior -Angela

“

It’s more of a fun class; you really don’t see the use of it until later in life, unless you pursue a physically demanding career.

Jose Lopez Lopez, junior -Jose

it’s the only way to slow down the number of obese people. School is supposed to take care of you.

It’s the No.1 prioroty.

-Kevin Kevin Thomson , sophomore

Considering the health of kids today, the competency of fitness is important , but it should be offered in different ways.

-Corey Corey Evans , American Studies teacher

Jennifer Humphries On life outside the U.S. and where she plans to go next Humphries has traveled much of the world, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and most of Europe, but she can’t wait to see more BY

give the option for students who will use it honestly. If a student fudges hours at the local gym and you took the option away, then he or she would take Fitness Walking and only do enough work to get credit, which isn’t much. If people are not going to do the work, then they never will.

In most cases, students do more work and learn more about health participating in a sport than if they took a P.E. class and slacked off in it. A semester of P.E. is about 65

hours minus time to suit up, suit down, and absences. Most sports teams practice two hours a day, five days a week, for 11 weeks. That is 110 hours. One measly half-credit seems insufficient for a soccer player who practices over 110 hours and probably breaks more of a sweat than a fitness walker.

On top of the number of hours these students put in, they are also learning a healthy lifestyle by having fun while being active. That lesson isn’t always learned in P.E.

class.

A student taking Chamber Choir as an elective is no different than a student working out after school.

Students should get credit for their work in sports and extracurricular exercise. It is another way students can arrange their schedule and the district shouldn’t take away this valuable choice.

Editorials are composed by, and are the opinion of, the JagWire editorial board

Emerald Ridge presents the 4th Annual

BATTLE OF THE BANDS 13 lives For FallWishes

Humphries lived in Saudi Arabia for three years, where her mother was required to wear an abaya (cloak) and niqab (veil) like the one she is modeling above.

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volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

10,19.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

She’s one of those students who is so easy to get along with, and so hard to forget. She walks the halls of school with pride and passion for what she loves. Many have seen or heard of Jennifer Humphries’ talent for swimming and helping run the student store, and have also seen her grace in the Daffodil Princess selection.

But what so many don’t know is the amazing story of her childhood and the ambitious future she holds.

Humphries was born in Hawaii and raised mostly in Washington. Her mother is full Korean and her father an American from South Carolina. She also has a brother who is 21 that will graduate from the Air Force Academy in May. While she might have spent most of her life here in Washington, Jennifer spent three years completely out of the United States.

“From the time I was 8 until I was 11 I lived in Saudi Arabia,” she said. “We lived in a company compound for my dad’s company, and all the houses are the same there.”

Humphries attended an American school, but experienced a vast change in the culture of Saudi Arabia compared to that of the United States.

“Since I was still considered a (child) there, I didn’t have as many restrictions as my mother did. She wore a black robe and scarf, and in some extreme places only her eyes could show,” she said.

If these rules were not abided, a subtle reminder

South Sound Treatment Massage

Quickdraw

10

Photo by Brittany Gentile

S

tudents can obtain physical education proficiency credits by participating in sports or exercising in their free time. The district may be changing it so students can waive the requirement for health and fitness credits, but unlike before, will not earn a credit.

The current system should continue, where students get rewarded for their work. Participation in a sport or exercising in their spare time is similar to a zero-hour class.

They should receive credits if they fulfill the required hours.

P.E. waivers may cause a decrease in physical education courses, and that can put a strain on P.E. teachers. However, the district’s concern should lie with students getting an education and being rewarded for it.

Students need 22 credits in four years, which is no easy feat. Two of those credits are of health and fitness. They have to work in required classes and what they want to take. Some students want five P.E. classes and some want to work out at the local YMCA. Obviously, not all students do the appropriate amount of work, but

SARA CARSON

REPORTER

followed them.

“In some places if a woman’s hands were showing the ‘extremist police’ would come around with canes and tap the person in the leg,” she said. “And that was their warning that they needed to cover up.”

Aside from the restrictions of dress, Humphries had some amazing opportunities while living there.

“I started swimming with my best friend who was Hindu, and from Boston,” she said. “Our swim coach was from Ukraine and was in the Olympics.”

Humphries also traveled to Egypt and most of Europe thanks to her father’s company, which paid for everything.

Living in Saudi Arabia has changed Humphries’ life tremendously. Now with the memories behind her, she has shaped her plans for the future because of it, especially when it comes to traveling.

Next year, she plans on attending the University of South Carolina for its business program, which is ranked 54th in the nation for public universities.

“It’s a pre-business program my freshman year and if I maintain a good grade point average, I get to major in international relations,” she said. “I also want to minor in Spanish or political science so I can travel the world.”

It is no doubt that she’s gone places, and she’s going places, and because of that her spare time is limited.

And when she does have it, she uses it to get the most out of life.

“I work as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and I also like working out and spending time with my boyfriend,” she said. “And I like trying to get Colin Dierkins to play basketball with me.”

She smiled.

Smiles are a dime a dozen, but a smile like the ones Humphries gives can lighten the spirits of everyone, and those are hard to find.

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19 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 9:55:20 PM

FEATURE

11

Last Time We Left JagWire JagWire...

Education isn’t limited after becoming a mother Everyday, Shaina Morgan adapts a little more to the responsibilities of her new life as a mother BY

DEMI CRAIG

REPORTER

Last year, there was an abundance of pregnancies at school. Over the course of the summer, the babies were born and now those students are at home, at a new school, have moved … or, in the case of Shaina Morgan, back at ER. Many of the girls who were pregnant may not be in school, but Morgan, a senior, has decided to finish high school and move on to college.

In October, Morgan had a baby girl at the age of 18. The baby was born early in the school year, giving Morgan the opportunity to come back.

Although the baby is important, school also is a priority. Morgan does have help minding the baby, allowing her to get schoolwork done.

“A few people take care of her,” Morgan said. “Mainly the dad’s mom, and a friend’s mom.” The father of the baby is senior Casey Smith. They do not live together, but Morgan and Smith are still together.

Taking care of a baby while still in high school requires a lot of effort. It takes a lot of passion to keep up good work and to raise a child as a young adult.

“It’s hard,” Morgan said. “Very hard … and really stressful.”

It is easy to believe her, as Morgan lives with the baby and continues to watch and grow up with the child.

“Shaina has more responsibility,” Smith said.

For Morgan, the most difficult thing she has had to adapt to is being awake for the baby. She must be awake through the night and wake up early in the morning, tending to the baby’s needs.

For Smith, it is not just one part; it is

“

having a child to care for in general.

“Having a kid makes me think more before I do something,” Smith said. This can be helpful, because Smith is encouraged to make the right decisions and keep him and his baby girl safe in the process.

Morgan and Smith seem to be doing all right, but other people may judge them differently. Sometimes, girls are looked down on being pregnant at such a young age.

For Morgan, she seems to not know of any differing judgments. Smith has an opposing idea.

“Adults judge differently, at least I think so,” Smith said. “A lot.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site, ed.gov, pregnancy is reason No. 7 on the top 10 list of reasons students drop out of high school.

“I had a lot of people who stared at me,” Morgan said. “It’s weird having people stare.”

Even though results have shown pregnancy has a high drop out rate, having a daughter and going through the experience has helped both students.

“I have matured more,” Morgan said.

...we were engrossed in an epic battle against teenage sleep deprivation...

R O M U H

Shaina Morgan gave birth to her daughter, Atalie Mckenzie Morgan, in October at the age of 18.

Every student has experienced comedy and laughter. This issue JagWire dissects humor and investigates how we laugh, why we laugh and, what we laugh about.

OF COURSE THERE WERE THOUGHTS TOWARDS ABORTION. BUT IT’ CHANGES WHEN IT’S ACTUALLY YOU IT IS HAPPENING TO.

”

— Shaina Morgan, senior

Occasionally, young couples who are pregnant think about abortion. Making a decision such as this one is considered very adult-like and can result in many mixed emotions.

“Of course there were thoughts towards abortion,” Morgan said. “But it changes when it’s actually you it is happening to.”

Students who have children at such a young age need to be aware of all the responsibility that comes with being a parent.

“I would wait. It’s so much harder than I thought it would be,” Morgan said.

Both parents have some advice for fellow students.

“I was scared and very overwhelmed,” Smith said. “But if it’s going to happen to you, relax and let it happen.”

Woo Hoo!

18

Ha Ha Ha

Fun ny!

Fun ny!

Photo courtesy of Shaina Morgan

volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

18,11.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

...Returning victorious, we seek a new challenge, to investigate one of Emerald Ridge’s defining traits...

2/28/2007 10:01:19 PM

12 BY

FEATURE

DIFFERENT JOKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS A Look at How Humor Has Changed Over the Years

MARISSA MOODENBAUGH

COPY MANAGER

TYPES OF HUMOR! BY

ALI GRABER

REPORTER

SLAPSTICK: Remember “Home Alone”? The two burglars were falling off houses and getting bricks thrown at their faces, with no real issue? Pain without consequence is a main factor in slapstick comedy. Impossible situations also fall into this category. An 8 year old wandering around New York City alone isn’t really feasible. “Tom and Jerry,” a cartoon show involving cat and mouse rivalry, always ends with Tom getting smashed with frying pans and attacked by dogs. All pain and no outcome always makes good humor.

IMPROV: Comics are usually given some prompt and, without practice, come up with an act on the spot. “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” is the best example of improvisational comedy because that is what the entire show consists of. Improv also is used in Emerald Ridge’s own comedy club, The Hypokritz. Some favorite Hypo games are Bucket of Water, Dude You Gotta See This!, and Superhero Eulogy, all involving audience participation.

KICK! POW!

you want me to make something up? improv??

SATIRE: Satire is the use of irony and ridicule to create laughter. “You can’t stay mad at somebody who makes you laugh,” says Jay Leno, famous satire comic. He criticizes celebrities and current events in almost all his shows, but in a funny manner.

Leno doesn’t say, “Haha, you’re ugly!” and laugh.

He says things like, “Politics is just show business for ugly people,” and then you laugh. He also uses self satire in his shows, another form of comedy.

12,17.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

BAM!

Colbert R epor t Bill O’Reilly

Before the release of Quentin Tarantino’s drama “Pulp Fiction,” violence was not generally viewed as a humorous ordeal, but with the film’s 1994 release, violence took on a never-before-seen comical role.

It was a first in the history of comedy, but the model would be used repeatedly over and over again in movies, stage comedy, and TV shows alike. Even the classic “Dodge this!” line from the 1999 action release of “The Matrix” tends to put a smirk, if not a smile, on most people’s faces.

TV shows such as “The Simpsons” and “South Park” also mirror the growing trend of infusing violence into the show for comical purposes, as well as the usage of crude or inappropriate language.

It used to be that swearing was omitted from scripts, substituted instead with a “gosh,” “darn,” or “gee golly.” Now with the recurring changes in societal standards, the usage of swear words has its own implication for achieving a comedic effect that is apparent in almost all forms of comical entertainment.

Crude language, however, is only one of the types of “crude humor” being installed in the most prominent forms of today’s entertainment.

Recent releases of films such as “Borat” and the stage performance of Michael Richards have also brought attention to the increasing usage of racial or stereotypical material in multiple forms of humor.

Unlike passive jokes and humor that made little racial or religious implications, today’s most memorable and debatably humorous performances are based on poking fun at people’s ethnicity and morality.

But, like always, humor has focused mainly on the mishaps and unfortunate occurrences of human life.

While the old slip-on-the-banana-peel stunt isn’t quite as humorous to some as it once was, the same basic elements are prevalent in almost all types of humor. Realizing this, most entertainment avenues exploit the misfortunes of people’s lives to get a laugh.

“American Idol” in all its glory, mostly gains viewers who find it more amusing to watch Simon Cowell’s malicious commentary and the comically horrendous singing in the first weeks of auditions, than witnessing the actual talent of aspiring singers.

And while almost all avenues of the comedy entertainment industry have made changes and transitioned into new, more graphic humor trends, some find it harder to find new material to entertain their audiences than others.

For example “Saturday Night Live” once was the one comical show everyone watched and enjoyed because its material was so fresh and funny. Now people are less interested in outdated, overly used material that no longer appeases society’s comical appetite, whereas “MADtv” per say, has lost none of its funny factor.

So start paying attention to what you find funny now, because more than likely in the next few years things are bound to change even more.

DARK: Events that are normally treated seriously – death, sickness, madness, terror or drug abuse – are treated in a humorous manner.

The movie “The Addams Family,” which is about a n A me r ic a n fa m i l y living life obsessed with death, is an excellent example of dark comedy.

Even with his wife’s continuous struggle with cancer, the marine resources teacher maintains a positive outlook on his life and work

My ambition is handicapped by laziness

BLUE: According to www.wikipedia.org, blue humor is described as “dealing with topics that are considered to be in poor taste or overly vulgar by the prevailing morals in a culture.”

Also known as toliet or off-color humor, blue humor often involves excessive swearing, domestic violence, or inferiority of a particular race or culture. Blue humor creates laughter by inducing a feeling of shock or surprise in the audience.

SHO

CKI NG!

Photos by Lauren Smith

While many people currently recognize slapstick humor, made famous by the likes of Charlie Chaplin and the Three Stooges, the art of slapstick and other such down-to-earth forms of humor aren’t as prominent as they once were. Instead, a growing number of comedy trends involving sex, violence, racism, etc., have become increasingly popular forms of humorous entertainment.

It used to be that on a typical evening the family would all crowd into the living room to watch another episode of “I Love Lucy,” “Gilligan’s Island,” or “Happy Days.” These shows, for the most part, abstained from using crude language and behavior, sex, or violence to create a comical effect. “I Love Lucy” even went as far as to show married couples sleeping in separate beds.

While this used to be the acceptable societal standard for portraying sexual relationships, today’s top movies and TV programming follow different societal standards.

Instead of creating unrealistic scenarios, such as separate beds, current entertainment programming portrays a more realistic version of life relationships in order to create the desired comical effect.

The increasing amount of sexual references and innuendo featured in movies such as “American Pie” and “Along Came Polly” accompanied by programming such as “Family Guy” or “Friends” has become the new standard of typical comical entertainment. But increased sexual content isn’t the only aspect of humor that’s changed.

on to life.

After graduating from Grandview High School in Yakima, marine resources teacher Gary Hibbs chose Washington State University as his post-high education, where he majored in pre-vet,

BY BRITTANY ESPINOZA since he aspired to be a veterinarian.

REPORTER “I always said that I would never be a teacher,” Hibbs said. “My parents were involved with the school so I swore Some people can say they come to school willingly to I would never pursue that.” escape problems at home, but only a few can say they do However, a pretty girl he met his junior year in college so with a smile on their face, allowing changed his mind – and life – forever. hope to guide them, because “I met my wife in that is all they have college – this beauas a way of tiful blonde girl, holding studying to be a teacher,” Hibbs said, glancing at the photos around him.

“She convinced me that being a teacher was something I would be good at.”

At the mention of his wife, tears fill his eyes as he thinks of the sensitive issue involving her and her dreams. Eena Hibbs is a sarcoma cancer survivor, but recently has been informed that the cancer has returned.

“It is the thoughts that tear at you,” Gary Hibbs said. “Just the negative thoughts of what might happen, but you just have to stay positive, and keep going – and keep fighting.”

When Eena Hibbs was first diagnosed with sarcoma, the tumor was seven centimeters by three centimeters. It is uncommon for her to have this particular When his wife, who has sarcoma cancer, or his students appear to be struggling, Hibbs simply tells them to just keep swimming. type of

----------------------------------------------cancer, as it is usually only found in people under the age of 20. Ninety percent of the time this cancer is fatal; however, she already has fought it off once. Now, the tumor is three centimeters larger than before.

The first time she was diagnosed, treatment was heavy chemotherapy – so heavy, that it began to damage her heart, and the doctors had to stop a month early. This time around, they are monitoring her heart closer and giving her only one week of treatment.

She is being treated at the University of Washington in Seattle, where Gary and her children will visit her on the weekends and will occasionally stay the night, supporting her as much as possible.

Gary Hibbs and his wife share the same type of humor and have raised their children with the idea that laughter is just as important as going to work.

“My wife and I are very funny together,” Hibbs said, smiling. “We often joke about many things.”

After 27 years of marriage, Hibbs looks after his wife with the utmost care and love, learning from her that you must take life one day at a time, saying that she always brings out the positives in the effects of cancer, believing she will survive again.

Over the years, he’s created many mindsets to get through the times without his wife, all the time keeping his mind free from negative perspectives.

“You have to visualize life ahead – afterwards,” Hibbs said. “Like visualizing the first time you see your grandkids, or when I was a track coach I would tell them to visualize themselves winning. You just have to visualize yourself in the future and know that we’ll both be there. Visualize the positive, not dying.”

Hibbs has a unique way of teaching, which sometimes corresponds with his wife’s cancer.

“When I teach summer school at Highline, I show the college students ‘Finding Nemo,’ ” Hibbs said, putting a Nemo hat on. “I used to tell the students who struggled, ‘Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.’ That’s actually something I say to my wife, too.”

Hibbs has more hope, more confidence that his wife will be all right than anyone might ever suspect. Some may call him stubborn for saying that his wife will surely live, with a 50 percent chance of her passing away, but anyone who truly believes will understand that his words are an act of determination to keep his wife alive.

17volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 9:56:27 PM

What What Makes Makes Us Us Laugh?

Laugh?

BY

JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE

REPORTER

Andy Kaufman: 1979 -- “The

16,13.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

Bill Cosby: 1980 Robin Williams: 1987

Jim Carrey: 1994

HYP!

BY

HYP!

Hypokritz!

MORGAN T. GARD

REPORTER

It’s 2:30 at the end of a long Monday, and the first thing the members of the Hypokritz comedy troupe want to do is tell jokes to one another. It reflects in the recording, in the several-minute gap between the questions asked and the answers given.

Trying to interview them all at once was a mistake.

The Hypokritz were formed in 2001 by student Scott Baxter and was originally populated by both himself and a group of his friends. The troupe was formed as a part of Baxter’s culminating project but has since become a much larger, more important part of the school’s history.

“The Hypokritz is something in this school that seriously, unites everybody,” senior Chase Wagner said. “Not everyone will go to football games, even Color Splash divides everybody, but …”

Finishing Wagner’s thought, sophomore Kevin Thomson said: “…everybody likes to laugh.”

Yet even amongst its ranks, the true importance of the Hypokritz to the school remains debatable.

“The Hypokritz will not bring about world peace,” adviser Matt White said. Though speaking facetiously, it is clear that White views the Hypokritz as less a great and noble endeavor than a terrific example of student power. “(The Hypokritz) are an example of a purely studentled organization,” White said. “Other schools have tried the same thing, but they’re drama-affiliated. We are student-led, and that was the original intent. It’s one of the few places you can be politically incorrect.”

Listening to White speak, his usage of a term so loaded as “politically incorrect” comes off as less a joke than an earnest expression of the importance of the free speech the Hypokritz enjoy.

“I put the opportunity for student voice above many others,” Principal Brian Lowney said. “Students don’t lose their rights when they walk through these front

Dave Chapelle: 2004 -- “A controversial comic whose show on Comedy Central received three Emmy nominations before Chapelle quit and disappeared in Africa.”

13

Student-Led Comedy Troupe Continues to Find Success

doors. It is worth the trouble it brings. It’s worth having. But there’s a limit. There’s a difference between political incorrectness and being offensive.”

The “trouble” Lowney refers to is, of course, the backlash the school has received as a result of some past Hypokritz shows.

The group has had more than a passing acquaintance with controversy ever since their first show, ranging from the now-infamous French Chicken Sketch (“Ze very large coq, where is she?”) to a song-and-dance number featuring the residents of Hell wondering how they could make it a more enjoyable place to be. Even a sketch as seemingly harmless as the “Mexyback” skit performed at the most recent show has received its fair share of uproar from upset students and parents.

“It is impossible to avoid offending somebody,” White continued. “If you’re going to be funny to the culture you’re trying to appeal to, someone’s going to be offended. Although, the Hypokritz have gotten to know their audience better over the past few years.”

As the humor of the Hypokritz has changed throughout the years, so too has its membership. Currently, 14 members comprise the comedy troupe: sophomore Thomson; juniors Erin Craven, Austen Wiederspan, James Knight, Nathan Wetterauer, David Frasier, and Vincent Scott; seniors Ashley Forslund, Summer Yates, Wagner, Paul Klein, Kate Gruver, and Michael Trent; and “super” senior Jeremy Duplissey.

Though many of them come from acting and performance backgrounds, their cast of players comes from all walks of life and each had their own reasons for auditioning.

Involvement in the Hypokritz has, according to several members, changed them for the better.

“I’d say it’s influenced me in a good way,” junior James Knight said, “and it’s definitely made my life happier, because of all the humor that we have during rehearsal, and during shows.”

Being involved in a group so popular does have its costs, though. The time investment around certain parts of the school year can become immense, and almost invariably sacrifices will have to be made for the good of the company.

“My brother got a 15-second phone call home from boot camp to wish me happy birthday,” senior Summer Yates said, “and I was at the Hypokritz.”

Other common sacrifices, according to many members, include money and “any hopes of dating.”

Of course, as is the case in any major time-consuming activity, whether it’s worth it becomes an all-consuming thought. In the case of the Hypokritz, the answer seems clear.

“When I think back on sophomore year,” senior Paul Klein said, “I can only remember stuff I did with the Hypokritz.”

The same kind of feeling reverberates throughout the whole of the group. There seems to be no feeling quite like being a Hypokrit.

Quipped Yates, “I could die a virgin and be happy, since I’ve been in this group.”

Back at the Hypo meeting...

Photo courtesy of BrainConnection.com

comedian held responsible for birthing today’s ‘Borat-like’ humor, Kaufman was most well known for his performance art, where he publicly mocked women and southern Americans. He never said he was joking.”

Hippocritz?

Hypocryts?

“Higher level visual centers (of the brain) are active when we are presented with visually based humor, like slapstick,” Lloyd said.

Additionally, there are two structures located deep in the brain called the amygdale and the hippocampus that regulate emotional response in the body which also plays a role in the act of laughing.

Laughing occurs when a brain signal is sent to different parts of your body to conduct some kind of response. Fifteen facial muscles contract when you laugh and the zygomatic major muscle is stimulated to raise your upper lip, causing you to expose your teeth. The respiratory system is triggered by brain signals to close the larynx in your throat halfway which causes you to gasp when you laugh.

Sometimes even, if the joke or act that you just witnessed is really funny, the tear ducts will be triggered and your face may also change color to a red or even purple tint.

A good laugh occurs not only when you see or hear something amusing, but also when you physically feel something funny. Researchers at the University of California in San Diego have even constructed a tickle machine to test why we respond to getting tickled.

When you are tickled, you respond to the sensation in a reflexive behavior. But what’s really happening is nerve endings in your skin are responding to the touch, sending neurotransmitters to the brain, and causing the surprise of being tickled to make you laugh. Ever notice how you can’t tickle yourself? That’s because no element of surprise or tension is involved. The surprise factor is so important, that even the anticipation of being tickled can make you laugh hysterically. Although your skin can’t comprehend the distinction between tickling yourself and someone else doing it, your brain realizes the difference.

No matter what the age of the person, laughter is one of the most natural means of expression. It is said that young children are estimated to laugh over 300 times daily, where adults laugh about 20 times daily.

“Humor often depends on novelty, and children experience more in their lives that is novel,” Lloyd said. “It is also possible that adults are simply better at inhibiting laughter in the same way as they inhibit other emotional responses.”

This is why a baby laughs when she witnesses her father tripping on one of her play toys.

Differences in gender also take part in what laughter sounds like. Research done by the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America shows that women laugh in a more musical tone, whereas men are more likely to grunt and snort. Investigation also shows that men are more likely to laugh longer than women, however this period of laughter all depends on who is accompanying them. It was shown that men laugh more when in the company of their friends, and women laugh more when accompanied by a male friend rather then a female one.

The science of laughter is a peculiar concept, and is still undergoing research and discoveries. Scientists are still trying to find out why exactly we respond to certain things, and why there’s such a wide difference in what makes people laugh. So next time you ask “what did I say?” when your friend bursts out laughing, you can blame it on neuroscience.

We’ve got a show coming up. How can we get Matt White fired?

Photos by Ashley Vincent

16

It’s noon, you and your friends are eating in a crowded and noisy cafeteria, and you can’t help but laugh when your best friend drops their ice cream cone in their lap while in mid-lick. And it’s more then just a subtle giggle; it’s a full gut-busting cackle because what your friend doesn’t realize is that there’s a trail of sprinkles going from their chin to the seam of their shirt.

Unknowingly, while you are laughing hysterically at your friend’s ice cream mishap, your brain has just released a series of hormones and about five parts of your brain have just worked together to produce your hyena-like laughter.

When something funny happens, an electrical wave moves through the cerebral cortex, which is the biggest part of the human brain.

“Laughter has been found to release the chemical dopamine,” said Dr. Howard Lloyd of the Psychology Department at Good Samaritan Hospital. “This is a neurotransmitter found throughout the brain but it has been particularly associated with the ‘pleasure centers’ of the brain in the prefrontal region.”

If a joke is told, the left side of the cortex analyzes the words and structures of the joke, and the right side of the cortex enables you to understand the joke. Your frontal lobe is responsible for the amount of emotional responses to the joke, and the motor sections of the brain induce your physical responses to the gag being narrated.

Research shows that the limbic system in the brain, which controls human emotion, is involved with laughter.

I don’t know... not much else has worked.

French Chicken Kissing Skit Tackle a Girl Hell musical Jag time skit Jag Jail

Yell at a small kid in the audience Mexy-Back Pelvic thrust in dances

Nudist Colony?

ASS THE EMBLE KRI TZ!

2/28/2007 9:58:05 PM

A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away JENNIFER WHITHAM

BY

Benefits of Having Humor in Your Life

How do blonde brain cells die?

EDITORIAL BOARD

Humor is used everyday to lighten the mood and help people feel a sense of happiness. And where there is humor, laughter almost always follows. But what many don’t realize is when laughter is said to be the “best medicine,” it might be meant literally.

Numerous recent studies prove just how beneficial humor can be for the body. For example, laughter helps the body with the negative effects of stress, such as high blood pressure.

Dr. Michael Miller of the University of Maryland ran a test where a group of 20 people watched two movies: “Saving Private Ryan” and “Kingpin.” Their blood flow was monitored before, after and during each movie. The subjects’ blood flow decreased by 35 percent during Saving Private Ryan and increased 22 percent during the comedy, proving that blood flow increases in the presence of humor.

A good blood flow helps keep the body running smoothly by allowing blood to reach vital organs.

Laughter also can help with depression.

When laughing, the body’s production of serotonin (a natural anti-depressant) speeds up, creating an antidote.

One man believes so firmly in the medicine of humor that he has dedicated his life to ensuring people have more fun and, in turn, stay healthy.

“I try to teach people how to focus on fun,” said Dr. Clifford C. Kuhn, the self-described “Laugh Doctor,” via telephone interview from Kentucky. “What some people refer to as human nature or sense of humor I like to call the ‘humor nature,’ which everyone has the ability to access. Just some have to work harder than others.”

Kuhn is a physician, medical school professor, comedian, professional speaker, counselor, and a personal consultant, and he knows firsthand how humor can affect a person’s health because he once suffered from what he refers to as “seriousness.” He now helps his patients by prescribing what he refers to as “the fun factor.”

“The fun factor is the opposite of the fear factor,” Kuhn said. “Fun is the perfect antidote to fear because you can’t do both at the same time. I used to be a

Mugshot courtesy of Dr. Clifford C. Kuhn; Photos by Elaine Raymond

s

ou m a F

14,15.indd 2-3

really serious doctor who took everything so seriously their jobs in a respectful manner,” Kuhn said. until my patients taught me how to have fun.”

Studies regarding fun and laughs as a good source He often prescribes to his patients what he calls for being healthy continue to grow. One of the bigthe “Ha, Ha, Ha” prescription. The first “Ha” is teachgest benefits of laughing is it’s free and does not ing one how to correct their humor attitude, such as have any negative side effects, though it is said to looking towards humor as something that can be used be contagious. in every situation, not just for recreation. The second Kuhn believes if people work harder to have more “Ha” is for reconnecting with a humor aptitude. An fun they’d be healthier and feel better. example of humor aptitude is realizing that a smile “The biggest problem in society is we take ourselves does not always have to be a result of a joke, but that too seriously and it’s one of the worst habits we have people have the ability to smile all the time. for our mental and physical health,” Kuhn said.

“Smiling is the most common humor aptitude we know. If people could just increase their smiling – what I like to call ‘smileage’ – everyday, then they are going to feel mentally and physically Laughter boosts healthier,” Kuhn said. the immune system The third “Ha” is taking appropriby raising the levels ate humor action, which means saying of infection-fightand doing anything that helps you ing T-cells and also create a deeper relationship with helping B-cells creanother human being. ate disease-destroyKuhn Another study done by Dr. Lee Berk ing antibodies. and Dr. Stanley Tan of Lorna Linda University in California examined how the immune system is affected by laughter. They found laughter to actually boost the immune system by raising the levels of infection-fighting T-cells and also helping B-cells create disease-destroying antibodies. It was also Laughter allows the proven that laughter allows the body to release body to release endorendorphins (the body’s natural painkiller), givphins, the body’s natuing people a better sense of well being.

They also found laughter to increase muscle ral painkiller. relaxation and reduces stress hormones.

Some hospitals today have introduced using fun with their patients. They now have comedy rooms that include costumes It is physically impossible and gag props, and some subscribe to comedy TV channels. to experience the Kuhn travels six to eight days every feelings of fun and fear month and gives his expertise to hosat the same time. pital employees.

“I work with nurses and doctors all around to help them bring humor into

Comedians HISTORY Throughout

dates represent peak of comedian’s career

Charlie Chaplin: 1914 -- “One of the most recognizable faces in comedy, known for being a groundbreaking actor, director, and mime.”

The Three Stooges: 1938

Danny Kaye: 1945

15

Alone!

I don’t know.

Ha ha ha!

How?

!

H C N PU

That NOT funny.

It’s offensive.

Funny or Offensive?

Where is the Line Between Crude Humor and Offensive?

Laughter helps speed the body’s production of serotonin (a natural anti-depressant) which can help with depression.

If you laugh for one full hour you can burn up to 500 calories.

Laughter increases muscle relaxation as well as reducing stress hormones.

Imagine that you’re walking down the crowded hallway. You pass some kids laughing and you overhear their conversation.

“No, dude, I got a better one! If Helen Keller fell down in the woods, would she make a sound?”

Attending a school where the American Sign Language program is so prominent and many Summer Yates students know someone who’s deaf, or have deaf Commentary family members, what is your first reaction?

Do you laugh?

We, at JagWire, had a similar experience. During deadline for the production of the paper, designing can become exhausting and boring, so we often joke around to awaken the staff and allow “the creative juices to flow,” so to speak.

Recently, a group of reporters jokingly brought up the comical events of the day, one in particular about how students in their German class raised their hands by extending their locked right arm from heart to head level, commonly known as the “salutations” from one Nazi to another. (Incidentally, when this has happened, teacher Rebecca Hagerman has put an end to it.)

I ended up falling out of my chair, I laughed so hard. I was immediately reprimanded by our adviser on my lack of comical taste, and was then questioned on why I thought that was so funny. I was reminded of how only a couple of weeks before, I was shocked when news of the swastika drawn on the whiteboard of Rod Hart, a Jewish math teacher, filtered through the hallways.

In a room where all parties involved understood that giving the heil-Hitler salute was a joke, that no harm was done – that no one really wanted to join the Hitler Youth – it seemed carefree to laugh at the joke. I claimed that the two were completely different, and pleaded my case, although I was embarrassed that I had been caught in such a sticky web.

Thinking about it now, were the two incidents so different? They both carried the same shock-value, the same content, and the same crude implication. So how can I claim that one is worthy of my most boisterous laugh, while the other leaves me speechless?

Miton Berle: 1949

Lucille Ball: 1955 -“An American comedy icon

Bob Hope: 1950

known for her four-time Emmy award-winning show ‘I Love Lucy.’”

Lenny Bruce: 1961

14

Much of comedy is no longer judged on the punchline of a joke but by its shock value and how far the teller is willing to take it.

What our culture perhaps doesn’t realize is that this double standard of poking fun at such controversial topics might only be fueling the same hate-crimes that we deem as taking a joke “too far.”

Example: We find indecent exposure to be worthy of jail time, but movies with explicit nudity or masturbation are hilarious and worthy of a Golden Globe nomination. We shudder at the thought of child molestation, yet we do not think twice about Michael Jackson jokes. We become teary-eyed when we see the numbers of children who die around the world, yet dead baby jokes are still a hit when entertaining the right audience.

I’m sure that you have had a similar experience to the one I mentioned before, and if you haven’t, perhaps you have done a quick room check before beginning a joke you know will offend someone. When there is no one around to tell you they don’t appreciate being the butt of your joke, does it make it OK to target them for a few good laughs?

The question isn’t whether these jokes are funny, or suitable, or politically correct, but whether the weight of our words – in all seriousness or in jest – contribute to a global harmony or continue to feed stereotyping and discrimination. When around close friends, one may make a racial slur in the comfort of familiarity. But when the racism in our society is so evident, one must pause to think that poking fun at such a hot topic such as this only demeans the seriousness of their reality.

Perhaps we should be thinking of the chain reaction that crude humor is leading to, myself included, and decide when enough is enough. When does the line of “too far” go too far? When do we stop laughing and start listening?

I know that I don’t have all the answers, and I understand that every once in a while we’ll laugh at a Helen Keller joke because our lower nature will always want to lean toward immaturity. This is just food for thought for the next time you have the chance to act like an adult, or actually be one. Hopefully our generation isn’t remembered for becoming the embodiment of impropriety in the pursuit of laughs.

Original SNL Cast: 1975 -- “Consisted of Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and Garrett Morris.

Head writer was Michael O’Donoghue.”

Monty Python: 1976

Richard Pryor: 1977

2/28/2007 9:57:25 PM

A Laugh a Day Keeps the Doctor Away JENNIFER WHITHAM

BY

Benefits of Having Humor in Your Life

How do blonde brain cells die?

EDITORIAL BOARD

Humor is used everyday to lighten the mood and help people feel a sense of happiness. And where there is humor, laughter almost always follows. But what many don’t realize is when laughter is said to be the “best medicine,” it might be meant literally.

Numerous recent studies prove just how beneficial humor can be for the body. For example, laughter helps the body with the negative effects of stress, such as high blood pressure.

Dr. Michael Miller of the University of Maryland ran a test where a group of 20 people watched two movies: “Saving Private Ryan” and “Kingpin.” Their blood flow was monitored before, after and during each movie. The subjects’ blood flow decreased by 35 percent during Saving Private Ryan and increased 22 percent during the comedy, proving that blood flow increases in the presence of humor.

A good blood flow helps keep the body running smoothly by allowing blood to reach vital organs.

Laughter also can help with depression.

When laughing, the body’s production of serotonin (a natural anti-depressant) speeds up, creating an antidote.

One man believes so firmly in the medicine of humor that he has dedicated his life to ensuring people have more fun and, in turn, stay healthy.

“I try to teach people how to focus on fun,” said Dr. Clifford C. Kuhn, the self-described “Laugh Doctor,” via telephone interview from Kentucky. “What some people refer to as human nature or sense of humor I like to call the ‘humor nature,’ which everyone has the ability to access. Just some have to work harder than others.”

Kuhn is a physician, medical school professor, comedian, professional speaker, counselor, and a personal consultant, and he knows firsthand how humor can affect a person’s health because he once suffered from what he refers to as “seriousness.” He now helps his patients by prescribing what he refers to as “the fun factor.”

“The fun factor is the opposite of the fear factor,” Kuhn said. “Fun is the perfect antidote to fear because you can’t do both at the same time. I used to be a

Mugshot courtesy of Dr. Clifford C. Kuhn; Photos by Elaine Raymond

s

ou m a F

14,15.indd 2-3

really serious doctor who took everything so seriously their jobs in a respectful manner,” Kuhn said. until my patients taught me how to have fun.”

Studies regarding fun and laughs as a good source He often prescribes to his patients what he calls for being healthy continue to grow. One of the bigthe “Ha, Ha, Ha” prescription. The first “Ha” is teachgest benefits of laughing is it’s free and does not ing one how to correct their humor attitude, such as have any negative side effects, though it is said to looking towards humor as something that can be used be contagious. in every situation, not just for recreation. The second Kuhn believes if people work harder to have more “Ha” is for reconnecting with a humor aptitude. An fun they’d be healthier and feel better. example of humor aptitude is realizing that a smile “The biggest problem in society is we take ourselves does not always have to be a result of a joke, but that too seriously and it’s one of the worst habits we have people have the ability to smile all the time. for our mental and physical health,” Kuhn said.

“Smiling is the most common humor aptitude we know. If people could just increase their smiling – what I like to call ‘smileage’ – everyday, then they are going to feel mentally and physically Laughter boosts healthier,” Kuhn said. the immune system The third “Ha” is taking appropriby raising the levels ate humor action, which means saying of infection-fightand doing anything that helps you ing T-cells and also create a deeper relationship with helping B-cells creanother human being. ate disease-destroyKuhn Another study done by Dr. Lee Berk ing antibodies. and Dr. Stanley Tan of Lorna Linda University in California examined how the immune system is affected by laughter. They found laughter to actually boost the immune system by raising the levels of infection-fighting T-cells and also helping B-cells create disease-destroying antibodies. It was also Laughter allows the proven that laughter allows the body to release body to release endorendorphins (the body’s natural painkiller), givphins, the body’s natuing people a better sense of well being.

They also found laughter to increase muscle ral painkiller. relaxation and reduces stress hormones.

Some hospitals today have introduced using fun with their patients. They now have comedy rooms that include costumes It is physically impossible and gag props, and some subscribe to comedy TV channels. to experience the Kuhn travels six to eight days every feelings of fun and fear month and gives his expertise to hosat the same time. pital employees.

“I work with nurses and doctors all around to help them bring humor into

Comedians HISTORY Throughout

dates represent peak of comedian’s career

Charlie Chaplin: 1914 -- “One of the most recognizable faces in comedy, known for being a groundbreaking actor, director, and mime.”

The Three Stooges: 1938

Danny Kaye: 1945

15

Alone!

I don’t know.

Ha ha ha!

How?

!

H C N PU

That NOT funny.

It’s offensive.

Funny or Offensive?

Where is the Line Between Crude Humor and Offensive?

Laughter helps speed the body’s production of serotonin (a natural anti-depressant) which can help with depression.

If you laugh for one full hour you can burn up to 500 calories.

Laughter increases muscle relaxation as well as reducing stress hormones.

Imagine that you’re walking down the crowded hallway. You pass some kids laughing and you overhear their conversation.

“No, dude, I got a better one! If Helen Keller fell down in the woods, would she make a sound?”

Attending a school where the American Sign Language program is so prominent and many Summer Yates students know someone who’s deaf, or have deaf Commentary family members, what is your first reaction?

Do you laugh?

We, at JagWire, had a similar experience. During deadline for the production of the paper, designing can become exhausting and boring, so we often joke around to awaken the staff and allow “the creative juices to flow,” so to speak.

Recently, a group of reporters jokingly brought up the comical events of the day, one in particular about how students in their German class raised their hands by extending their locked right arm from heart to head level, commonly known as the “salutations” from one Nazi to another. (Incidentally, when this has happened, teacher Rebecca Hagerman has put an end to it.)

I ended up falling out of my chair, I laughed so hard. I was immediately reprimanded by our adviser on my lack of comical taste, and was then questioned on why I thought that was so funny. I was reminded of how only a couple of weeks before, I was shocked when news of the swastika drawn on the whiteboard of Rod Hart, a Jewish math teacher, filtered through the hallways.

In a room where all parties involved understood that giving the heil-Hitler salute was a joke, that no harm was done – that no one really wanted to join the Hitler Youth – it seemed carefree to laugh at the joke. I claimed that the two were completely different, and pleaded my case, although I was embarrassed that I had been caught in such a sticky web.

Thinking about it now, were the two incidents so different? They both carried the same shock-value, the same content, and the same crude implication. So how can I claim that one is worthy of my most boisterous laugh, while the other leaves me speechless?

Miton Berle: 1949

Lucille Ball: 1955 -“An American comedy icon

Bob Hope: 1950

known for her four-time Emmy award-winning show ‘I Love Lucy.’”

Lenny Bruce: 1961

14

Much of comedy is no longer judged on the punchline of a joke but by its shock value and how far the teller is willing to take it.

What our culture perhaps doesn’t realize is that this double standard of poking fun at such controversial topics might only be fueling the same hate-crimes that we deem as taking a joke “too far.”

Example: We find indecent exposure to be worthy of jail time, but movies with explicit nudity or masturbation are hilarious and worthy of a Golden Globe nomination. We shudder at the thought of child molestation, yet we do not think twice about Michael Jackson jokes. We become teary-eyed when we see the numbers of children who die around the world, yet dead baby jokes are still a hit when entertaining the right audience.

I’m sure that you have had a similar experience to the one I mentioned before, and if you haven’t, perhaps you have done a quick room check before beginning a joke you know will offend someone. When there is no one around to tell you they don’t appreciate being the butt of your joke, does it make it OK to target them for a few good laughs?

The question isn’t whether these jokes are funny, or suitable, or politically correct, but whether the weight of our words – in all seriousness or in jest – contribute to a global harmony or continue to feed stereotyping and discrimination. When around close friends, one may make a racial slur in the comfort of familiarity. But when the racism in our society is so evident, one must pause to think that poking fun at such a hot topic such as this only demeans the seriousness of their reality.

Perhaps we should be thinking of the chain reaction that crude humor is leading to, myself included, and decide when enough is enough. When does the line of “too far” go too far? When do we stop laughing and start listening?

I know that I don’t have all the answers, and I understand that every once in a while we’ll laugh at a Helen Keller joke because our lower nature will always want to lean toward immaturity. This is just food for thought for the next time you have the chance to act like an adult, or actually be one. Hopefully our generation isn’t remembered for becoming the embodiment of impropriety in the pursuit of laughs.

Original SNL Cast: 1975 -- “Consisted of Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and Garrett Morris.

Head writer was Michael O’Donoghue.”

Monty Python: 1976

Richard Pryor: 1977

2/28/2007 9:57:25 PM

What What Makes Makes Us Us Laugh?

Laugh?

BY

JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE

REPORTER

Andy Kaufman: 1979 -- “The

16,13.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

Bill Cosby: 1980 Robin Williams: 1987

Jim Carrey: 1994

HYP!

BY

HYP!

Hypokritz!

MORGAN T. GARD

REPORTER

It’s 2:30 at the end of a long Monday, and the first thing the members of the Hypokritz comedy troupe want to do is tell jokes to one another. It reflects in the recording, in the several-minute gap between the questions asked and the answers given.

Trying to interview them all at once was a mistake.

The Hypokritz were formed in 2001 by student Scott Baxter and was originally populated by both himself and a group of his friends. The troupe was formed as a part of Baxter’s culminating project but has since become a much larger, more important part of the school’s history.

“The Hypokritz is something in this school that seriously, unites everybody,” senior Chase Wagner said. “Not everyone will go to football games, even Color Splash divides everybody, but …”

Finishing Wagner’s thought, sophomore Kevin Thomson said: “…everybody likes to laugh.”

Yet even amongst its ranks, the true importance of the Hypokritz to the school remains debatable.

“The Hypokritz will not bring about world peace,” adviser Matt White said. Though speaking facetiously, it is clear that White views the Hypokritz as less a great and noble endeavor than a terrific example of student power. “(The Hypokritz) are an example of a purely studentled organization,” White said. “Other schools have tried the same thing, but they’re drama-affiliated. We are student-led, and that was the original intent. It’s one of the few places you can be politically incorrect.”

Listening to White speak, his usage of a term so loaded as “politically incorrect” comes off as less a joke than an earnest expression of the importance of the free speech the Hypokritz enjoy.

“I put the opportunity for student voice above many others,” Principal Brian Lowney said. “Students don’t lose their rights when they walk through these front

Dave Chapelle: 2004 -- “A controversial comic whose show on Comedy Central received three Emmy nominations before Chapelle quit and disappeared in Africa.”

13

Student-Led Comedy Troupe Continues to Find Success

doors. It is worth the trouble it brings. It’s worth having. But there’s a limit. There’s a difference between political incorrectness and being offensive.”

The “trouble” Lowney refers to is, of course, the backlash the school has received as a result of some past Hypokritz shows.

The group has had more than a passing acquaintance with controversy ever since their first show, ranging from the now-infamous French Chicken Sketch (“Ze very large coq, where is she?”) to a song-and-dance number featuring the residents of Hell wondering how they could make it a more enjoyable place to be. Even a sketch as seemingly harmless as the “Mexyback” skit performed at the most recent show has received its fair share of uproar from upset students and parents.

“It is impossible to avoid offending somebody,” White continued. “If you’re going to be funny to the culture you’re trying to appeal to, someone’s going to be offended. Although, the Hypokritz have gotten to know their audience better over the past few years.”

As the humor of the Hypokritz has changed throughout the years, so too has its membership. Currently, 14 members comprise the comedy troupe: sophomore Thomson; juniors Erin Craven, Austen Wiederspan, James Knight, Nathan Wetterauer, David Frasier, and Vincent Scott; seniors Ashley Forslund, Summer Yates, Wagner, Paul Klein, Kate Gruver, and Michael Trent; and “super” senior Jeremy Duplissey.

Though many of them come from acting and performance backgrounds, their cast of players comes from all walks of life and each had their own reasons for auditioning.

Involvement in the Hypokritz has, according to several members, changed them for the better.

“I’d say it’s influenced me in a good way,” junior James Knight said, “and it’s definitely made my life happier, because of all the humor that we have during rehearsal, and during shows.”

Being involved in a group so popular does have its costs, though. The time investment around certain parts of the school year can become immense, and almost invariably sacrifices will have to be made for the good of the company.

“My brother got a 15-second phone call home from boot camp to wish me happy birthday,” senior Summer Yates said, “and I was at the Hypokritz.”

Other common sacrifices, according to many members, include money and “any hopes of dating.”

Of course, as is the case in any major time-consuming activity, whether it’s worth it becomes an all-consuming thought. In the case of the Hypokritz, the answer seems clear.

“When I think back on sophomore year,” senior Paul Klein said, “I can only remember stuff I did with the Hypokritz.”

The same kind of feeling reverberates throughout the whole of the group. There seems to be no feeling quite like being a Hypokrit.

Quipped Yates, “I could die a virgin and be happy, since I’ve been in this group.”

Back at the Hypo meeting...

Photo courtesy of BrainConnection.com

comedian held responsible for birthing today’s ‘Borat-like’ humor, Kaufman was most well known for his performance art, where he publicly mocked women and southern Americans. He never said he was joking.”

Hippocritz?

Hypocryts?

“Higher level visual centers (of the brain) are active when we are presented with visually based humor, like slapstick,” Lloyd said.

Additionally, there are two structures located deep in the brain called the amygdale and the hippocampus that regulate emotional response in the body which also plays a role in the act of laughing.

Laughing occurs when a brain signal is sent to different parts of your body to conduct some kind of response. Fifteen facial muscles contract when you laugh and the zygomatic major muscle is stimulated to raise your upper lip, causing you to expose your teeth. The respiratory system is triggered by brain signals to close the larynx in your throat halfway which causes you to gasp when you laugh.

Sometimes even, if the joke or act that you just witnessed is really funny, the tear ducts will be triggered and your face may also change color to a red or even purple tint.

A good laugh occurs not only when you see or hear something amusing, but also when you physically feel something funny. Researchers at the University of California in San Diego have even constructed a tickle machine to test why we respond to getting tickled.

When you are tickled, you respond to the sensation in a reflexive behavior. But what’s really happening is nerve endings in your skin are responding to the touch, sending neurotransmitters to the brain, and causing the surprise of being tickled to make you laugh. Ever notice how you can’t tickle yourself? That’s because no element of surprise or tension is involved. The surprise factor is so important, that even the anticipation of being tickled can make you laugh hysterically. Although your skin can’t comprehend the distinction between tickling yourself and someone else doing it, your brain realizes the difference.

No matter what the age of the person, laughter is one of the most natural means of expression. It is said that young children are estimated to laugh over 300 times daily, where adults laugh about 20 times daily.

“Humor often depends on novelty, and children experience more in their lives that is novel,” Lloyd said. “It is also possible that adults are simply better at inhibiting laughter in the same way as they inhibit other emotional responses.”

This is why a baby laughs when she witnesses her father tripping on one of her play toys.

Differences in gender also take part in what laughter sounds like. Research done by the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America shows that women laugh in a more musical tone, whereas men are more likely to grunt and snort. Investigation also shows that men are more likely to laugh longer than women, however this period of laughter all depends on who is accompanying them. It was shown that men laugh more when in the company of their friends, and women laugh more when accompanied by a male friend rather then a female one.

The science of laughter is a peculiar concept, and is still undergoing research and discoveries. Scientists are still trying to find out why exactly we respond to certain things, and why there’s such a wide difference in what makes people laugh. So next time you ask “what did I say?” when your friend bursts out laughing, you can blame it on neuroscience.

We’ve got a show coming up. How can we get Matt White fired?

Photos by Ashley Vincent

16

It’s noon, you and your friends are eating in a crowded and noisy cafeteria, and you can’t help but laugh when your best friend drops their ice cream cone in their lap while in mid-lick. And it’s more then just a subtle giggle; it’s a full gut-busting cackle because what your friend doesn’t realize is that there’s a trail of sprinkles going from their chin to the seam of their shirt.

Unknowingly, while you are laughing hysterically at your friend’s ice cream mishap, your brain has just released a series of hormones and about five parts of your brain have just worked together to produce your hyena-like laughter.

When something funny happens, an electrical wave moves through the cerebral cortex, which is the biggest part of the human brain.

“Laughter has been found to release the chemical dopamine,” said Dr. Howard Lloyd of the Psychology Department at Good Samaritan Hospital. “This is a neurotransmitter found throughout the brain but it has been particularly associated with the ‘pleasure centers’ of the brain in the prefrontal region.”

If a joke is told, the left side of the cortex analyzes the words and structures of the joke, and the right side of the cortex enables you to understand the joke. Your frontal lobe is responsible for the amount of emotional responses to the joke, and the motor sections of the brain induce your physical responses to the gag being narrated.

Research shows that the limbic system in the brain, which controls human emotion, is involved with laughter.

I don’t know... not much else has worked.

French Chicken Kissing Skit Tackle a Girl Hell musical Jag time skit Jag Jail

Yell at a small kid in the audience Mexy-Back Pelvic thrust in dances

Nudist Colony?

ASS THE EMBLE KRI TZ!

2/28/2007 9:58:05 PM

12 BY

FEATURE

DIFFERENT JOKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS A Look at How Humor Has Changed Over the Years

MARISSA MOODENBAUGH

COPY MANAGER

TYPES OF HUMOR! BY

ALI GRABER

REPORTER

SLAPSTICK: Remember “Home Alone”? The two burglars were falling off houses and getting bricks thrown at their faces, with no real issue? Pain without consequence is a main factor in slapstick comedy. Impossible situations also fall into this category. An 8 year old wandering around New York City alone isn’t really feasible. “Tom and Jerry,” a cartoon show involving cat and mouse rivalry, always ends with Tom getting smashed with frying pans and attacked by dogs. All pain and no outcome always makes good humor.

IMPROV: Comics are usually given some prompt and, without practice, come up with an act on the spot. “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” is the best example of improvisational comedy because that is what the entire show consists of. Improv also is used in Emerald Ridge’s own comedy club, The Hypokritz. Some favorite Hypo games are Bucket of Water, Dude You Gotta See This!, and Superhero Eulogy, all involving audience participation.

KICK! POW!

you want me to make something up? improv??

SATIRE: Satire is the use of irony and ridicule to create laughter. “You can’t stay mad at somebody who makes you laugh,” says Jay Leno, famous satire comic. He criticizes celebrities and current events in almost all his shows, but in a funny manner.

Leno doesn’t say, “Haha, you’re ugly!” and laugh.

He says things like, “Politics is just show business for ugly people,” and then you laugh. He also uses self satire in his shows, another form of comedy.

12,17.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

BAM!

Colbert R epor t Bill O’Reilly

Before the release of Quentin Tarantino’s drama “Pulp Fiction,” violence was not generally viewed as a humorous ordeal, but with the film’s 1994 release, violence took on a never-before-seen comical role.

It was a first in the history of comedy, but the model would be used repeatedly over and over again in movies, stage comedy, and TV shows alike. Even the classic “Dodge this!” line from the 1999 action release of “The Matrix” tends to put a smirk, if not a smile, on most people’s faces.

TV shows such as “The Simpsons” and “South Park” also mirror the growing trend of infusing violence into the show for comical purposes, as well as the usage of crude or inappropriate language.

It used to be that swearing was omitted from scripts, substituted instead with a “gosh,” “darn,” or “gee golly.” Now with the recurring changes in societal standards, the usage of swear words has its own implication for achieving a comedic effect that is apparent in almost all forms of comical entertainment.

Crude language, however, is only one of the types of “crude humor” being installed in the most prominent forms of today’s entertainment.

Recent releases of films such as “Borat” and the stage performance of Michael Richards have also brought attention to the increasing usage of racial or stereotypical material in multiple forms of humor.

Unlike passive jokes and humor that made little racial or religious implications, today’s most memorable and debatably humorous performances are based on poking fun at people’s ethnicity and morality.

But, like always, humor has focused mainly on the mishaps and unfortunate occurrences of human life.

While the old slip-on-the-banana-peel stunt isn’t quite as humorous to some as it once was, the same basic elements are prevalent in almost all types of humor. Realizing this, most entertainment avenues exploit the misfortunes of people’s lives to get a laugh.

“American Idol” in all its glory, mostly gains viewers who find it more amusing to watch Simon Cowell’s malicious commentary and the comically horrendous singing in the first weeks of auditions, than witnessing the actual talent of aspiring singers.

And while almost all avenues of the comedy entertainment industry have made changes and transitioned into new, more graphic humor trends, some find it harder to find new material to entertain their audiences than others.

For example “Saturday Night Live” once was the one comical show everyone watched and enjoyed because its material was so fresh and funny. Now people are less interested in outdated, overly used material that no longer appeases society’s comical appetite, whereas “MADtv” per say, has lost none of its funny factor.

So start paying attention to what you find funny now, because more than likely in the next few years things are bound to change even more.

DARK: Events that are normally treated seriously – death, sickness, madness, terror or drug abuse – are treated in a humorous manner.

The movie “The Addams Family,” which is about a n A me r ic a n fa m i l y living life obsessed with death, is an excellent example of dark comedy.

Even with his wife’s continuous struggle with cancer, the marine resources teacher maintains a positive outlook on his life and work

My ambition is handicapped by laziness

BLUE: According to www.wikipedia.org, blue humor is described as “dealing with topics that are considered to be in poor taste or overly vulgar by the prevailing morals in a culture.”

Also known as toliet or off-color humor, blue humor often involves excessive swearing, domestic violence, or inferiority of a particular race or culture. Blue humor creates laughter by inducing a feeling of shock or surprise in the audience.

SHO

CKI NG!

Photos by Lauren Smith

While many people currently recognize slapstick humor, made famous by the likes of Charlie Chaplin and the Three Stooges, the art of slapstick and other such down-to-earth forms of humor aren’t as prominent as they once were. Instead, a growing number of comedy trends involving sex, violence, racism, etc., have become increasingly popular forms of humorous entertainment.

It used to be that on a typical evening the family would all crowd into the living room to watch another episode of “I Love Lucy,” “Gilligan’s Island,” or “Happy Days.” These shows, for the most part, abstained from using crude language and behavior, sex, or violence to create a comical effect. “I Love Lucy” even went as far as to show married couples sleeping in separate beds.

While this used to be the acceptable societal standard for portraying sexual relationships, today’s top movies and TV programming follow different societal standards.

Instead of creating unrealistic scenarios, such as separate beds, current entertainment programming portrays a more realistic version of life relationships in order to create the desired comical effect.

The increasing amount of sexual references and innuendo featured in movies such as “American Pie” and “Along Came Polly” accompanied by programming such as “Family Guy” or “Friends” has become the new standard of typical comical entertainment. But increased sexual content isn’t the only aspect of humor that’s changed.

on to life.

After graduating from Grandview High School in Yakima, marine resources teacher Gary Hibbs chose Washington State University as his post-high education, where he majored in pre-vet,

BY BRITTANY ESPINOZA since he aspired to be a veterinarian.

REPORTER “I always said that I would never be a teacher,” Hibbs said. “My parents were involved with the school so I swore Some people can say they come to school willingly to I would never pursue that.” escape problems at home, but only a few can say they do However, a pretty girl he met his junior year in college so with a smile on their face, allowing changed his mind – and life – forever. hope to guide them, because “I met my wife in that is all they have college – this beauas a way of tiful blonde girl, holding studying to be a teacher,” Hibbs said, glancing at the photos around him.

“She convinced me that being a teacher was something I would be good at.”

At the mention of his wife, tears fill his eyes as he thinks of the sensitive issue involving her and her dreams. Eena Hibbs is a sarcoma cancer survivor, but recently has been informed that the cancer has returned.

“It is the thoughts that tear at you,” Gary Hibbs said. “Just the negative thoughts of what might happen, but you just have to stay positive, and keep going – and keep fighting.”

When Eena Hibbs was first diagnosed with sarcoma, the tumor was seven centimeters by three centimeters. It is uncommon for her to have this particular When his wife, who has sarcoma cancer, or his students appear to be struggling, Hibbs simply tells them to just keep swimming. type of

----------------------------------------------cancer, as it is usually only found in people under the age of 20. Ninety percent of the time this cancer is fatal; however, she already has fought it off once. Now, the tumor is three centimeters larger than before.

The first time she was diagnosed, treatment was heavy chemotherapy – so heavy, that it began to damage her heart, and the doctors had to stop a month early. This time around, they are monitoring her heart closer and giving her only one week of treatment.

She is being treated at the University of Washington in Seattle, where Gary and her children will visit her on the weekends and will occasionally stay the night, supporting her as much as possible.

Gary Hibbs and his wife share the same type of humor and have raised their children with the idea that laughter is just as important as going to work.

“My wife and I are very funny together,” Hibbs said, smiling. “We often joke about many things.”

After 27 years of marriage, Hibbs looks after his wife with the utmost care and love, learning from her that you must take life one day at a time, saying that she always brings out the positives in the effects of cancer, believing she will survive again.

Over the years, he’s created many mindsets to get through the times without his wife, all the time keeping his mind free from negative perspectives.

“You have to visualize life ahead – afterwards,” Hibbs said. “Like visualizing the first time you see your grandkids, or when I was a track coach I would tell them to visualize themselves winning. You just have to visualize yourself in the future and know that we’ll both be there. Visualize the positive, not dying.”

Hibbs has a unique way of teaching, which sometimes corresponds with his wife’s cancer.

“When I teach summer school at Highline, I show the college students ‘Finding Nemo,’ ” Hibbs said, putting a Nemo hat on. “I used to tell the students who struggled, ‘Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.’ That’s actually something I say to my wife, too.”

Hibbs has more hope, more confidence that his wife will be all right than anyone might ever suspect. Some may call him stubborn for saying that his wife will surely live, with a 50 percent chance of her passing away, but anyone who truly believes will understand that his words are an act of determination to keep his wife alive.

17volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 9:56:27 PM

FEATURE

11

Last Time We Left JagWire JagWire...

Education isn’t limited after becoming a mother Everyday, Shaina Morgan adapts a little more to the responsibilities of her new life as a mother BY

DEMI CRAIG

REPORTER

Last year, there was an abundance of pregnancies at school. Over the course of the summer, the babies were born and now those students are at home, at a new school, have moved … or, in the case of Shaina Morgan, back at ER. Many of the girls who were pregnant may not be in school, but Morgan, a senior, has decided to finish high school and move on to college.

In October, Morgan had a baby girl at the age of 18. The baby was born early in the school year, giving Morgan the opportunity to come back.

Although the baby is important, school also is a priority. Morgan does have help minding the baby, allowing her to get schoolwork done.

“A few people take care of her,” Morgan said. “Mainly the dad’s mom, and a friend’s mom.” The father of the baby is senior Casey Smith. They do not live together, but Morgan and Smith are still together.

Taking care of a baby while still in high school requires a lot of effort. It takes a lot of passion to keep up good work and to raise a child as a young adult.

“It’s hard,” Morgan said. “Very hard … and really stressful.”

It is easy to believe her, as Morgan lives with the baby and continues to watch and grow up with the child.

“Shaina has more responsibility,” Smith said.

For Morgan, the most difficult thing she has had to adapt to is being awake for the baby. She must be awake through the night and wake up early in the morning, tending to the baby’s needs.

For Smith, it is not just one part; it is

“

having a child to care for in general.

“Having a kid makes me think more before I do something,” Smith said. This can be helpful, because Smith is encouraged to make the right decisions and keep him and his baby girl safe in the process.

Morgan and Smith seem to be doing all right, but other people may judge them differently. Sometimes, girls are looked down on being pregnant at such a young age.

For Morgan, she seems to not know of any differing judgments. Smith has an opposing idea.

“Adults judge differently, at least I think so,” Smith said. “A lot.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site, ed.gov, pregnancy is reason No. 7 on the top 10 list of reasons students drop out of high school.

“I had a lot of people who stared at me,” Morgan said. “It’s weird having people stare.”

Even though results have shown pregnancy has a high drop out rate, having a daughter and going through the experience has helped both students.

“I have matured more,” Morgan said.

...we were engrossed in an epic battle against teenage sleep deprivation...

R O M U H

Shaina Morgan gave birth to her daughter, Atalie Mckenzie Morgan, in October at the age of 18.

Every student has experienced comedy and laughter. This issue JagWire dissects humor and investigates how we laugh, why we laugh and, what we laugh about.

OF COURSE THERE WERE THOUGHTS TOWARDS ABORTION. BUT IT’ CHANGES WHEN IT’S ACTUALLY YOU IT IS HAPPENING TO.

”

— Shaina Morgan, senior

Occasionally, young couples who are pregnant think about abortion. Making a decision such as this one is considered very adult-like and can result in many mixed emotions.

“Of course there were thoughts towards abortion,” Morgan said. “But it changes when it’s actually you it is happening to.”

Students who have children at such a young age need to be aware of all the responsibility that comes with being a parent.

“I would wait. It’s so much harder than I thought it would be,” Morgan said.

Both parents have some advice for fellow students.

“I was scared and very overwhelmed,” Smith said. “But if it’s going to happen to you, relax and let it happen.”

Woo Hoo!

18

Ha Ha Ha

Fun ny!

Fun ny!

Photo courtesy of Shaina Morgan

volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

18,11.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

...Returning victorious, we seek a new challenge, to investigate one of Emerald Ridge’s defining traits...

2/28/2007 10:01:19 PM

FEATURE

OP/ED

everyone has a story

“ “ 12” 11” 10” STAFF” Give students the credit they’ve justly earned the voice of the people: Do you think P.E. should be required?

“

No. There are so many students who are passionate and involved in other areas. All it does is take up two years that could benefit them.

Angela Conti, Conti senior -Angela

“

It’s more of a fun class; you really don’t see the use of it until later in life, unless you pursue a physically demanding career.

Jose Lopez Lopez, junior -Jose

it’s the only way to slow down the number of obese people. School is supposed to take care of you.

It’s the No.1 prioroty.

-Kevin Kevin Thomson , sophomore

Considering the health of kids today, the competency of fitness is important , but it should be offered in different ways.

-Corey Corey Evans , American Studies teacher

Jennifer Humphries On life outside the U.S. and where she plans to go next Humphries has traveled much of the world, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and most of Europe, but she can’t wait to see more BY

give the option for students who will use it honestly. If a student fudges hours at the local gym and you took the option away, then he or she would take Fitness Walking and only do enough work to get credit, which isn’t much. If people are not going to do the work, then they never will.

In most cases, students do more work and learn more about health participating in a sport than if they took a P.E. class and slacked off in it. A semester of P.E. is about 65

hours minus time to suit up, suit down, and absences. Most sports teams practice two hours a day, five days a week, for 11 weeks. That is 110 hours. One measly half-credit seems insufficient for a soccer player who practices over 110 hours and probably breaks more of a sweat than a fitness walker.

On top of the number of hours these students put in, they are also learning a healthy lifestyle by having fun while being active. That lesson isn’t always learned in P.E.

class.

A student taking Chamber Choir as an elective is no different than a student working out after school.

Students should get credit for their work in sports and extracurricular exercise. It is another way students can arrange their schedule and the district shouldn’t take away this valuable choice.

Editorials are composed by, and are the opinion of, the JagWire editorial board

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She’s one of those students who is so easy to get along with, and so hard to forget. She walks the halls of school with pride and passion for what she loves. Many have seen or heard of Jennifer Humphries’ talent for swimming and helping run the student store, and have also seen her grace in the Daffodil Princess selection.

But what so many don’t know is the amazing story of her childhood and the ambitious future she holds.

Humphries was born in Hawaii and raised mostly in Washington. Her mother is full Korean and her father an American from South Carolina. She also has a brother who is 21 that will graduate from the Air Force Academy in May. While she might have spent most of her life here in Washington, Jennifer spent three years completely out of the United States.

“From the time I was 8 until I was 11 I lived in Saudi Arabia,” she said. “We lived in a company compound for my dad’s company, and all the houses are the same there.”

Humphries attended an American school, but experienced a vast change in the culture of Saudi Arabia compared to that of the United States.

“Since I was still considered a (child) there, I didn’t have as many restrictions as my mother did. She wore a black robe and scarf, and in some extreme places only her eyes could show,” she said.

If these rules were not abided, a subtle reminder

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10

Photo by Brittany Gentile

S

tudents can obtain physical education proficiency credits by participating in sports or exercising in their free time. The district may be changing it so students can waive the requirement for health and fitness credits, but unlike before, will not earn a credit.

The current system should continue, where students get rewarded for their work. Participation in a sport or exercising in their spare time is similar to a zero-hour class.

They should receive credits if they fulfill the required hours.

P.E. waivers may cause a decrease in physical education courses, and that can put a strain on P.E. teachers. However, the district’s concern should lie with students getting an education and being rewarded for it.

Students need 22 credits in four years, which is no easy feat. Two of those credits are of health and fitness. They have to work in required classes and what they want to take. Some students want five P.E. classes and some want to work out at the local YMCA. Obviously, not all students do the appropriate amount of work, but

SARA CARSON

REPORTER

followed them.

“In some places if a woman’s hands were showing the ‘extremist police’ would come around with canes and tap the person in the leg,” she said. “And that was their warning that they needed to cover up.”

Aside from the restrictions of dress, Humphries had some amazing opportunities while living there.

“I started swimming with my best friend who was Hindu, and from Boston,” she said. “Our swim coach was from Ukraine and was in the Olympics.”

Humphries also traveled to Egypt and most of Europe thanks to her father’s company, which paid for everything.

Living in Saudi Arabia has changed Humphries’ life tremendously. Now with the memories behind her, she has shaped her plans for the future because of it, especially when it comes to traveling.

Next year, she plans on attending the University of South Carolina for its business program, which is ranked 54th in the nation for public universities.

“It’s a pre-business program my freshman year and if I maintain a good grade point average, I get to major in international relations,” she said. “I also want to minor in Spanish or political science so I can travel the world.”

It is no doubt that she’s gone places, and she’s going places, and because of that her spare time is limited.

And when she does have it, she uses it to get the most out of life.

“I work as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and I also like working out and spending time with my boyfriend,” she said. “And I like trying to get Colin Dierkins to play basketball with me.”

She smiled.

Smiles are a dime a dozen, but a smile like the ones Humphries gives can lighten the spirits of everyone, and those are hard to find.

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OP/ED

FEATURE

Poop isn’t art, it’s vandalism

What You Never Knew BY

NIKKI SEADER

REPORTER

Students that frequent the snack lines at school refer to her as the lady who calls them pet names. They know her as the lunch

We Can Do It

lady with her own little window, nearest the student store. They ask her for pizza and chips. They enjoy her up-beat personality.

Her name is Alesia Stull – no relation to the librarian – and she goes by Lisa.

Stull has not always been a lunch lady. When she was a child she didn’t picture growing up to be one. She didn’t go to a culinary school; chance made Stull an ER lunch lady.

At the age of 30, after her youngest son was born, Stull left her first husband and joined the army.

“I was running away from home.” Stull said. “(In the army) they called me grandma. I spent a lot of time on the ground doing push-ups.”

She went to boot camp in South Carolina, then served in Germany for six months, and afterward

Lumpia If you’re from an island family, you’ve most likely had lumpia. If you haven’t, I suggest making this meal because it is delicious. It’s the islander’s version of the egg roll and it tastes even better. Lumpia is also fairly easy to make and it’s even easier if you’re making it with someone. Lumpia is fun and its taste is different but good. If you don’t want to eat them plain, I suggest using the sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce. You can choose to make it as a meal for two to four people or as a side dish at a party.

joined Desert Storm.

“It was sandy and hot. I didn’t see a whole lot. You fly in (Iraq) and it’s dark; the females were not allowed in town,” Stull said.

Following Desert Storm, Stull was discharged from the army. She married another man, and has two daughters with him, totaling five children all together. Not including her grown stepchildren.

“I had three kids with my first husband.

He lives in Maryland now with one of my sons,” Stull said.

She has a 21-year-old son, a 26-year-old daughter in New York about to attend Yale to be an elementary school teacher, and an 18-year-old son. With her second husband, she has a 14-year-old daughter, and an 11year-old daughter.

The 14 year old attends Ballou junior high, and the 11 year old goes to Hunt elementary.

“Catherine (the 14 year old) wants to be a fashion designer, serious as a heart attack,” Stull said.

Stull also attended Pierce College to become a veterinary technician. Working with animals was something she had dreamt of as a child. She was a vet tech for six years

Cooking With David Ingredients

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound ground beef 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 bag of coleslaw mix 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 25 lumpia wrappers 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts 4 tablespoons oil 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 3/4 cup heavy cream salt and pepper, to taste 1 box (or bag) of penne pasta

before she felt she needed to quit.

“My kids were suffering when I was a vet tech,” Stull said.

Stull needed a job that she could attend within the hours her children went to school.

A local lunch lady seemed ideal because she could see her children off to school in the morning, go to work, then be home when her daughters came home.

She plans on going back to being a vet tech in a few years. She loves animals and has two Great Danes. One is dying of spondylolithesis, or wobblers syndrome, and one is a puppy.

“Animals are cute and fuzzy, and they don’t talk back. You have to figure out what is wrong with them; it is kind of like a puzzle.

I like puzzles by the way,” Stull said.

She also loves cross-stitching. She carries a cross-stitched key chain she made on her keys.

“I’m a cross-stitching junky,” Stull said.

Stull said Reba McEntire is her hero.

“We’re both from Texas and she’s got a good little drawl,” Stull said.

Stull also has a “good little drawl,” as well as charismatic personality traits several students know and love her by.

Penne Chicken Alfredo I tried a new twist on a popular Italian dish.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is known to most people but the Penne Chicken Alfredo is sure to be a hit with fans of pasta. It’s easy to make and it serves two to four people, depending on how hungry you are. I suggest eating it with garlic bread and it goes well with any kind of drink.

Experiment with different pastas, sauces and seasoning. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this. Who knows – you might invent the next big thing.

THE FINE PRINT Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th St. E. South Hill, WA 98374 253-435-6300

Chicken and Pasta: 1. Heat oil in a medium size skillet.

2. Cut chicken breast into strips.

3. Add salt and pepper.

Sauce: 4. Fry on medium heat until cooked through. 1. Melt butter in saucepan; add cream and cheese.

5. Boil pasta as on directions.

2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until desired thickness.

3. Do not boil.

EDITORIAL MISSION

As an open forum, JagWire exercises student free expression rights to their fullest extent. We pursue an unbiased truth while maintaining the highest journalistic integrity. Our top priority is to raise awareness while covering a wide variety of issues that impact our readership. By exploring different angles to make sure

Once you have made the chicken, pasta, and sauce...

Mix chicken and Alfredo sauce together. Then drain the noodles, and put the sauce and chicken over the noodles.

And Enjoy.

volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

20,09.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

“

20

seems ridiculous to hear of 15-18 year olds who can’t use the restroom correctly.

Some students think it’s a joke or that it is the janitors’ job to clean it up. The janitors have to clean the whole school as it is. If students make a bigger mess, it takes the janitors even more days to clean it because they frankly don’t have the time to wipe up your poop. It also takes a long time for them to completely fix a bathroom after it is vandalized.

Having bathrooms closed slows down everyone.

And innocent students might get in trouble for being late to class b e c a u s e t he y couldn’t find an open bathroom during a passing period.

So start throwing your paper towels in the garbage, and if you miss, pick it up and try again. It is courteous. Tell anyone who isn’t taking care of the bathroom to stop, because they share it with every one else.

Most of all, use bathrooms for what they are meant for and think about how your actions, whether selfish or disgusting, have an effect on the whole school.

WHY CAN’T PEOPLE WALK IN, DO WHAT THEY CAME TO DO, WASH THEIR HANDS, AND THEN GO BACK TO WHERE THEY CAME FROM?

Photo by Brittany Gentile

1. Place a wok or large skillet over high heat, and pour in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Cook beef, stirring frequently, until no pink is showing. Remove beef from pan and set aside. Drain grease from pan, leaving a thin coating. Cook garlic and onion in the same pan for two minutes. Stir in the cooked beef, and coleslaw mix. Season with pepper, salt, and garlic powder.

Remove from heat, and set aside until cool enough to handle.

2. Place three heaping tablespoons of the filling diagonally near one corner of each wrapper, leaving a one and a half inch space at both ends. Fold the side along the length of the filling over the filling, tuck in both ends, and roll neatly. Keep the roll tight as you make it. Moisten the other side of the wrapper with water to seal the edge.

3. Heat a sauce pan over medium heat, add oil to half inch depth, and heat for five minutes. Slide three or four lumpia into the oil. Fry the rolls for one to two minutes, until all sides are golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serve immediately.

P

icture this: At the zoo, there are four monkeys in the exhibit. One monkey throws a stick. They laugh. The next monkey spits on the viewing glass. They laugh again. The next pees all over the place. They think that, too, is hilarious, so the last monkey throws his poop on the walls and smears it.

At school we don’t have monkeys, but we do have something similar at times – teenage boys.

And when they ransack the bathrooms, they are shut for the next two weeks and students have to walk all around the school to find an open bathroom.

When monkeys do it we l a u g h . W he n it’s people … it isn’t funny.

It is a common sight to see boys bathrooms locked due to vandalism. But this trend is spreading and even a girl’s restroom is closed. Students may think it is funny or that it is no big deal, but it is disrespectful to other students who use the bathrooms and the staff that cleans them. Let’s show that students can be mature by using the bathrooms properly.

It is just gross and stupid for anyone to vandalize a bathroom. Why can’t people just walk in, do what they came to do, wash their hands, and then go back to where they came from? It

”

Editorials are composed by, and are the opinion of, the JagWire editorial board. our coverage is fair, balanced and accurate, we seek to continue the publication’s tradition of excellence through self-reflection and improvement.

LETTERS POLICY JagWire will accept unsolicited copy from students, staff and community members. Only signed and dated letters with address and phone number from community members, or grade level from students, will be accepted.

Letters should be limited to 300 words and will be published as space is available.

All letters are the sole opinion of the writers, and the staff reserves the right to edit any letter for space and/or clarity.

We will not publish material that may substantially

STAFF EDITORIAL BOARD ...........................................ELAINE RAYMOND .............................................................................................. ROBIN STOYLES .......................................................................................... ASHLEY VINCENT .............................................................................................JENN WHITHAM ................................................................................................ SUMMER YATES COPY EDITOR ...................................... MARISSA MOODENBAUGH PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR ............................. BRITTANY GENTILE DESIGN MANAGER ............................................DANNY CANHAM BUSINESS MANAGER ...................................... ANDY DICKERSON CIRCULATION MANAGER ..................................... NIKKI SEADER REPORTERS ........................................................... ALEXA BROCKAMP ............................................................................................... SARA CARSON ...................................................................................................DAVID CHISA .....................................................................................................DEMI CRAIG ................................................................................................ CARLO CREEK ..................................................................................................... JOEY CREEK .............................................................................................ALIESHA DRIVAS ...............................................................................................NATE DUMLAO ...................................................................................BRITTANY ESPINOZA .........................................................................................MORGAN T. GARD ..........................................................................................LAUREN GONICK ..................................................................................... HEATHER GORMAN ......................................................................................................ALI GRABER ..................................................................................................... ALI GRUVER ........................................................................................... CHELSEA HARRIS ............................................................................................. STASIE HENSON ......................................................................................................JOSH JOYCE ................................................................................................ RYAN KUSCHE ........................................................................................... GERRY LeCONTE ............................................................................................... ALEX MESSNER ...........................................................................................LINDSAY NOLAN ..................................................................................... ASHLEE PITIGLIANO ............................................................................ JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE .......................................................................................................MIMI SISON ...............................................................................................LAUREN SMITH ............................................................................................ CHASE WAGNER ........................................................................................... RACHEL WEBBER ........................................................................................DALLAS M. WELKER ADVISER................................................................................. JEFF NUSSER AFFILIATES

JEA, NSPA, SPJ, WJEA

disrupt the school process.

Letters to the editor may be submitted by mailing them to JagWire c/o Emerald Ridge High School, or by e-mailing them to jdnusser@puyallup.k12.wa.us ADVERTISING MISSION The JagWire publication staff accepts advertisements for most products and services available to the public.

However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisement that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards.

Ads identifying students as athletes by photo or text (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1) also will not be accepted.

The staff will not accept advertising that is racist, sexist or illegal for high school students.

09 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 10:01:47 PM

NEWS

SPORTS

Three wrestlers place at state

War on Terror JagWire revisits the war in Iraq, looking into how students continue to be affected by a war happening overseas.

Why the war should still matter

Trevor Clark

A personal commentary about having family overseas be sitting in class or on the bus, just doing nothing, and I will think of him. I start to wonder what he is doing, and then the worst possible thought comes into my head. What if, at that very moment that I was so bored, Todd was blown up or shot at or otherwise hurt? I probably would not know until much later, and at that point I would feel guilty.

While I was bored, probably complaining, he was overseas protecting our country.

Protecting you and me.

The first time that realization hit me and I thought about things besides what directly involves me, I understood that since 9/11, this war has affected me. Even after he gets back, I will still be affected by it.

And so will you. Gas prices will continue to rise and fall, eating up what small amounts of money we, as teenagers, get. Troops will continue to leave and will continue to return as different people. Worse, people we know will go overseas. What they see and do in the Middle East will change them.

But the rest of us are America’s future.

In 10 years we will be the ones who call the shots. Some say that Iraq is just another Viet Nam; if we “stay the course” and things do not change, this is highly likely. It is up to us to be involved in what is going on around us, even just in our community. You have no right to complain about anything unless you educate yourself about it and are willing to make a change.

So let us not just “stay the course.” Let us realize the potential in this world and the potential that each one of us has. Know what is going on around you. One day, you could be the one who shows a high schooler how important it is to know what is happening in the world.

23 percent of students have a family member involved in the war.

senior joins the air force

BY

JOEY CREEK

REPORTER

All kinds of students’ lives are being affected by the military this year. Either they’re participating themselves, or they’re being left behind in anticipation, waiting for their loved ones’ safe return.

Senior Trevor Clark will depart for the air force to become a parachute rescuer late in the month of July.

This definitely will take a toll on his adolescence. It’s his last free summer for a while, but then its six weeks of basic training.

After visiting home for just a short while after basic training, it’s off to technology school for about one and a half years, then it’s six consecutive years of the actual enlistment without breaks.

Clark might be worried, but he’s not apprehensive. He understands what he’s signed himself up for.

“It was fully my decision. I’m a little bit nervous about it, but I’m more excited about the new stuff I’ll be doing and the new people I’ll meet,” Clark said.

With that purely optimistic approach, his

BY

Coming sailing with us on the 1938, 90’ yawl, The Odyssey, every Thursday night on Commancement Bay. Check out this co-ed program at www.sssodyssey.org and be prepared to make some new friends We’re waiting for you!

For more information contact us at 1-253-925-0958 Photo by Nate Dumlao

08

pound weight class after defeating four of his six opponents.

“It didn’t go how I expected,” Wills said. “But, things happen and I just move on.”

In his last match to decide whether he would receive seventh or eighth, Wills suffered a nosebleed midway through the match, and fell to Josh Baba of Juanita High School by a minor decision of 7-6.

“It’s really distracting when you’re trying to wrestle, and it’s just something you don’t want to happen,” Wills said.

Weber, who wrestles in the 135-pound weight class and Koppelman, who wrestles at 171 pounds, both faced elimination early, each being pinned twice Though he lost this match, junior Kyler Koppelman (right) enjoyed his experience at the state tournament. by opponents to knock them out guys place a bit higher, or a couple of more The exiting seniors have hopes that the of the tournament.

“I did poorly because I wasn’t patient placers, but that’s what happens at state.” program will continue to grow even with The wrestlers, in turn, believe that they their absence. enough, and I tried to force a throw on a “I hope in the future we keep getting guy at the end of one of my matches, which were well prepared for the postseason.

“The coaches had a lot of tips for me good wrestlers,” Gallagher said. “If we do caused me to lose,” Koppelman said. “Just being at state was a good experience though. along the way,” Halsey said. “They told me have good wrestlers and work hard, I think I wasn’t expecting to get that far at the be- it was just another match, and I was just on the program will stay strong.”

Over the off-season, the coaching staff ginning of the season, so I was happy with a mat with another guy, and it really helped my mental game.” will continue to work in order to prepare for my overall performance.”

As far as next season is concerned, the next year’s team.

Overall, the team placed 24th of the 59 team will lose some key wrestlers to graduteams in the tournament.

“We’ll take a break at first,” Meyerhoff Although pleased with the team’s effort ation, including Wills, Gallagher, and other said. “(Assistant coach Craig) Fredrikson at state, coach Jim Meyerhoff believes that varsity wrestlers Daniel Kuhn, Ryan Kusche, will keep wrestling, and I’ll evaluate what and John Lopez. there is always room for improvement. we did, what we need to work on, and do “We did OK, but we could’ve done better,” “I’m going to miss the friends I’ve made some recruiting to get more bodies in the Meyerhoff said. “We could’ve had a couple of and the experience in general,” Wills said. wrestling room.”

Are You Looking for Adventure...

Friendship New Skills Leadership Opportunities Lifelong Sports And just plain fun?

61 percent of students do not support the war in Iraq.

Results from a survey of 100 students

08,21.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

The postseason proved to be successful for the boys wrestling team, which sent five to the state competition – including seniors Kevin Wills and John Gallagher, and juniors Gabe Weber, Kyler Koppelman, and Erik Halsey – and returned home with three state placers.

Gallagher proved to be the most successful of the five state qualifiers, taking fourth place in the 152-pound weight class.

“I think I did well (at state),” Gallagher said. “I was happy getting fourth, it was a big accomplishment for me, and my original goal was to place in the top four.”

Gallagher, who has been a varsity wrestler since his sophomore year, won four of his six matches, including two wins over Mariner senior Corey Hendrickson twice, to secure his place.

“It felt good to be there,” Gallagher said.

“It just felt like all of my hard work had finally paid off.”

Halsey placed fifth in the 189-pound weight class; it was his first season as an Emerald Ridge wrestler.

“My personal goals were set by my coaches,” Halsey said. “They told me to aim to be a state placer, and I believed that I could be.”

Wills claimed eighth place in the 145-

family follows closely behind.

“My parents are totally 100 percent supportive,” Clark said. “They’re actually really excited for me.”

Clark’s father is confident his son made a good choice.

“We’re really proud of him. We’re not nervous at all, we’re sure he’ll do a great job,” Tim Clark said. “The Air Force will give him personal challenges – physical as well as mental. I think it’ll give him excellent training as a person and for life.”

While Clark is more than ready in regards to beginning his endeavor, those who are left behind sometimes are not so enthused – even worried. Take junior Jessica Castanon for example. Her brother is currently overseas, constantly fighting for our country.

“It’s a lot of stress to deal with,” she said. “It’s all you think about.”

As Jessica relived her daily anxiety living without her brother with her, she shared more.

“It’s not easy, knowing that you may never see your own brother again,” Castanon added, looking at the floor. “That kind of stuff gets to you.”

volumeSEVEN.issueONE

LAUREN SMITH

REPORTER

Photo by Ashley Vincent

The war. Everyone knows what that statement is referring to. It is about everrising, fluctuating gas prices, tighter security on airlines, the “war on terrorism,” and that fateful SepAlex Messner Commentary tember day.

Everyone also knows about people in the Armed Forces who devote their lives to keeping our country the way it is. Because of them, our rights, advantages, and opportunities to do as we please and be who we want are kept safe. What they do not appreciate is the gravity of having someone they care deeply about overseas.

Todd Ovnicek, my step dad, is on the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 18 Convoy Security team. He is a Petty Officer 2nd Class and a gunner on a Humvee to keeps convoys full of supplies for other troops and small, Iraqi villages safe from insurgents and people who try to loot the trucks.

When I first met Todd I did not like him, but over the course of a year we got close and he became like a second father to me.

Before my mom, Jenelle, was engaged, I was just another teenaged kid with nothing on my mind but my missing math assignments and who to hang out with after school.

When Todd left for Iraq, I realized how blind I had been to what is going on in this world.

His deployment made me wonder why I had never cared before.

The deepness of this concern is difficult to comprehend. There are days when I will

Coaches satisfied with progress and state results, but believe there is always room for more improvement

21 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 9:52:41 PM

SPORTS

NEWS

Gymnast wins third in state all-around competition Gymnastics improves, sending two sophomores and one freshman to state, and has hopes for next year BY

ASHLEY VINCENT

EDITORIAL BOARD

Sophomore Brianna Howe began the gymnastics season with two goals, to make state, and the state finals. After being the season’s top competitor and placing first at districts, she did just that.

Howe placed third in state in the all-around competition on Feb. 17, improving dramatically upon her 27th-place finish last year as a freshman.

She also qualified for three individual event finals, held the following day, by taking first on bars and beam, and third on floor.

“On my way there I was nervous,” Howe said, “until I got there and saw the other girls, then I was OK. I knew there were a lot of seniors that were really good so I just had fun and did my best.”

In the individual event finals, Howe placed second in

state on bars and seventh on floor. She had hoped for a better score on beam, her second-best event, but fell on her mount and placed 10th.

Howe credits her success to a better work ethic and attitude.

“I’m more dedicated this year,” Howe said. “I practiced harder, and I’m more serious.”

Howe plans to come back with the same dedication next year, take home the district title, and place first or second in state.

Gymnastics also sent sophomore Whittney Sidor, and Ferrucci Junior High freshman Taylor Wessenberg to state, competing in bars and vault.

Sidor came close to the finals, placing 12th on bars and 13th on vault. (The top 10 competitors make it.) She was unable to compete most of the season due to a pre-season knee injury, and was happy to compete at all. Wessenberg placed 49th in vault and 37th in bars.

“It will be a while before (complications from her injury are) completely over,” Sidor said. “In the beginning of the season there was huge confusion about whether or not I would need surgery. I went from thinking my season was

Swim shows spirit BY

LINDSAY NOLAN

REPORTER

The boys swim team finished the season at league with several best times and winning the 2007 Team Spirit Award. Being social and friendly with other teams has always been something encouraged by the coaching staff.

“It makes you feel good when you support your teammates and the team you are up against,” Captain Robin Stoyles said. “It’s nice that we are being recognized for something we have worked so hard on.”

Stoyles had been sick the previous two weeks, which held him back from swimming consistently.

Despite the setback, he still gave his all and swam his best time of the season. He placed 11th overall in the 200-yard freestyle. Junior Stephen Washburn swam outstanding in the 200-yard individual medley, finishing in 9th place. Washburn also swam the 100yard butterfly and took 13th overall. Senior Trevor Clark had a phenomenal swim as well in the 100-yard backstroke, dropping almost four seconds off of his time and taking 13th overall.

“I knew it was my last meet I would compete in probably for forever,” Clark said. “So I wanted to do my best and I gave it everything I had.”

Senior Nick Humlick had best times in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle. Taking 13th in the 50 and 10th in the 100, he barely missed the cut to continue on to finals. His younger brother, junior Kris Humlick competed in his first individual district

event after qualifying for league at the junior varsity competition in the 100-yard breaststroke. Senior Kendall Beckstead swam in the 500-yard freestyle and finished with a personal best time.

“We had a lot of time drops and a lot of personal bests,” assistant coach Lorri Stoyles said. “So I think a lot of people were happy with their swims and it was a good way to end the season.”

Along with individual events, the team put together three strong relays: the 200-yard medley relay, 200-yard freestyle relay, and the 400-yard freestyle relay. Each did superior and improved their time tremendously. The 400-yard freestyle relay did especially well, dropping almost 27 seconds. Clark, sophomore Nick Moser, Stoyles and junior Jacob Baudin all put their minds to it and swam their hearts out.

“Going to districts helped motivate us all to do better.” Baudin said. “It was one of those meets where everyone was pumped and psyched up to go fast.”

Next season, current coach Ray Belleza and assistant coach Lorri Stoyles will not be returning.

The new captains, junior Stephen Washburn and junior Zach Turner will help lead the team in welcoming the new coaches.

“Our motto for the year was ‘Vis Unita Fortior,’ (meaning) united strength is stronger.” Belleza said. “There were many challenges that faced the boys this past season, but our motto proved to be very appropriate for how they conducted themselves throughout the season.”

over one day to thinking I would be able to compete, but overall it was a good experience.”

“I learned a lot about team support and how to get the girls pumped, I got closer to the girls on the team, and it taught me a lesson about hard work and patience.”

As a team, gymnastics did much better this season than ever before. The team placed second in almost every meet.

On Jan. 31, the Jags competed against Puyallup and Rogers, who both qualified as teams for state, and came in third by a narrow margin. They competed next at Auburn on Feb. 1, taking second. The final meet was Feb. 6 against Puyallup, Tahoma and Jefferson, and again the team came in just behind Puyallup for second place.

At districts the girls took third behind Rogers and Puyallup, the biggest competition this season.

“We went from placing 19th (two years ago) to 10th last year to third (this year),” Sidor said. “It showed the new girls that we have a lot of potential, and I think next year will be intense. Girls are going to push themselves.”

Coaches and competitors hope to come back next season and continue building on the accomplishments they have achieved this year.

Bowlers finish season with positive attitude BY

JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE

REPORTER

The girls bowling team wrapped up the season at state with a positive conclusion, and the girls are looking forward to next year’s bowlers. At state on Feb. 2, junior Rhiannon Hughes placed 35th and senior Jessica Edwards placed 43rd out of the 71 girls who competed.

The Jags had already predicted their results before competing at state.

“I felt confident that we’d do well,” Hughes said.

While playing, the Jags looked at their matches as less of a competition, and more as an opportunity they’ve never experienced before.

“We weren’t worrying about the game, we were just glad we made it to state.” Hughes said.

The Jags’ upbeat attitude reflected on their matches as well as the other competitors.

“They had a positive influence on everyone around them.” coach Matt Mueller said.

With these results, the Jags feel very comfortable for next year’s season.

“We got our first two girls to state and next year we’re going to shoot for five and get the whole team in,” Mueller said.

The bowling team is anticipating another productive season even after this year’s seniors graduate.

“I think this year went a lot better then last year,” Hughes said. “All the seniors are going to be gone but I think it will be a lot of fun with all the new people.”

The bowling team’s second year together ended constructively and left the Jags feeling very confident for next year’s season.

“It was a great year,” Mueller said. “It was a great year to build upon.”

volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

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22

AP classes offer greater workloads, greater benefits BY

CARLO CREEK

REPORTER

Every class demands hard work and dedication of the students that take them, but Advanced Placement demands a tougher attitude toward higher expectations.

“If you know what you’re doing and are willing to work hard, then do it,” Principal Brian Lowney said. “Students have to feel that they can do well in AP before they actually do well in the classes they choose.”

Lowney also said that students should feel more concerned than stressed when making the choice of signing up for AP, so prospective students can keep their eyes open and be think-

ing on their feet throughout the course of an AP year.

students taking an AP English course.

AP English teacher, Jay Bates, shares Lowney’s point of view.

“AP classes teach students to ask questions out of their comfort zone” said AP English teacher Becky Waller (formerly Fulton). “They teach the students how to ‘use their brains,’ and enhance thinking skills.”

“Students should feel somewhat intimidated when signing up for AP classes,” Bates said. “Any AP class guarantees hard work. If students want to attend a 4-year university, AP classes in high school are the first of many steps in the right direction.”

Some other ways that students can prepare themselves for AP classes are to take their classes as seriously as an AP class would be, and to increase their vocabulary to suit the AP exam. Writing for fun also gives a slight advantage to

Senior Andre Bhatt says that if he can take AP classes successfully, then anyone can.

“When I was a sophomore, I wanted to take an honors class, just to see if I could do well,” Bhatt said. “I have taken AP all through high school and my senior year isn’t any different. Now I am taking AP government, AP psych, and AP senior lit.”

News Briefs House Bill 1307 House Bill 1307, the Student Free Press Bill, has made it out of the Rules Committee and is going to be heard for the second time on the House of Representatives floor.

It likely will be heard and voted on by the general House by March 14, the deadline for passing it out of the House.

Even though the bill hasn’t been passed, it has made the most progress for a bill

of its nature. A similar bill, proposed in the 1990s, never made it out of the Rules Committee.

– Robin Stoyles

Daylight Savings Time In August 2005, President Bush signed an energy bill that will lengthen Daylight Saving Time by four weeks, starting this year on March 11.

Congress passed this new bill, the En-

ergy Policy Act, in August 2005. It states that Daylight Saving Time (DST) will start at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and end at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November each year. In previous years, the dates were the first Sunday in April and the last Sunday in October.

The change in DST has been made as an effort to conserve energy. In theory, people will use less energy because they will not

have to turn on their lights so early in the evening. The amount of energy saved in each household collectively adds up to quite a large amount.

No state is required to observe DST, however, if it does choose to, it must follow the starting and ending dates set by the law.

–Ashlee Pitigliano

Do you need to see a doctor?

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07 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 10:02:24 PM

NEWS

Five student teachers educating ER BY

ALEXA BROCKAMP

REPORTER

The 2006-2007 school year has brought many student teachers to the halls of Emerald Ridge to complete their schooling before moving on to their own classrooms.

Many students feel that there are more student teachers this year than in years past; however, Principal Brian Lowney maintains that the number of student teachers has not increased this year.

“We’re working with a new system at PLU,” Lowney said. “It’s a year-long process instead of half of a year, so we have a number of teachers here all year and that might be why it seems like we have more.”

Student teachers are teachers in training who are completing the last leg of their schooling by testing their instructing skills under a certified teacher. It is a final and vital portion of getting their teaching de-

grees. During teaching, an evaluator will sit in on one or more classes and observe the teacher’s progress.

The school currently has five student teachers teaching classes. A new student teacher has just arrived in Loni Thoreson’s French class and will begin teaching in March.

“I think (having student teachers teaching classes) has had a positive impact on our student body and school,” Assistant Principal Troy Hodge said. “It has freed up our teachers to work on curriculum. It is also just a way for our educators to give back to the profession.”

Students have varying opinions on the impact of student teachers on our school.

“They’re still working on their teaching skills so they don’t know how to communicate with us as well,” junior Sara Mann said.

Mann said she has had trouble understanding subjects taught by student teachers.

“I don’t understand it at all,” Mann said.

“It affected me and it has probably affected other people as well.”

Science student teacher Jennifer Mason understands that this is a part of student teaching.

“The things that I’m learning are a lot about giving directions so that kids understand them,” Mason said. “I already knew the schedule and the way things worked but breaking things down so that they’re understandable to kids is new.”

Other students feel that the addition of student teachers is not a big deal at all.

“It honestly hasn’t affected me,” senior Alex Paterno said. “Occasionally they’ll add a different perspective than the other teacher.”

Teachers are allowed to put in requests

for schools they wish to teach at but in the end, the decision is not up to them.

“Some people got stuck in places they didn’t want to be,” English student teacher Brandon Whipple said. “One guy lives in Tacoma and he got stuck (teaching) up north.”

Although student teachers have little say in where they end up, staff has the choice to take on a student teacher. At the beginning of each year, teachers indicate whether they would like to have a student teacher alongside them for the year. Teachers must have at least three years of experience in order to have a student teacher.

“Student teachers are a good thing,” junior Tarjei Ledvina said, “because this means that our school is a place that creates more than just high school student’s futures. It creates the futures of students in years to come.”

Legislation in works to fund proposed teacher raises BY

STACIE HENSON

REPORTER

Teachers and other staff members at Emerald Ridge and other schools around the state could be receiving increases in their salary next year, thanks to Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Washington teacher salaries are below the national and west coast average.

“Funding for teacher pay raises are included in Governor Gregoire’s budget, which is currently in the legislature, and a number of other bills proposing teacher pay raises are also working their way through the legislature,” Deputy Press Secretary Kristin Jacobsen said in an e-mail.

This pay increase does not include all school employees, but Gregoire has a plan.

“There are proposals to increase salary money for a number of schools’ administrative and support staff positions due to the historical support being less for some districts than for others,” Jacobsen said.

However, next school year, teachers and other staff, including custodians and secretaries, at public K-12 schools could receive a 3.4 percent increase in salary, and a 2.6 percent increase the following school year.

By adding the 3.4 percent proposed raise to a $45,000 salary, the teacher’s compensation would become roughly $46,500, and the next year it would increase to nearly $47,800.

“She is also proposing performance-based pay for teachers and administrators who achieve certification from the

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or who teach in schools that need the most help,” Jacobsen said.

The total amount of money proposed by Gov. Gregoire is $409.6 million. The raises will come from the state general fund.

“Gov. Gregoire knows that the best teachers are essential to help students learn,” Jacobsen said. “Teachers deserve to be rewarded for achieving high standards and for the vital role they play in school and student success.”

Gregoire also was responding to Washington voters’ wishes when she proposed the raise earlier this year. 63 percent of voters passed Initiative 732, a cost-of-living increase for teachers and other staff, in 2004.

Athlete of the Month “John worked harder the last couple of months to be a solid wrestler. I’m proud of what he has done this season. He has had an offer to wrestle in college, and if he decides to pursue that, then good for him. He’s a very nice guy, and fun to talk to.”

Jim Meyerhoff, coach

When did you start wrestling and why?

I started in seventh grade because Keith Schlecht is my neighbor, and he wrestled, and he really got me into it.

What was your best experience in Emerald Ridge wrestling?

Definitely winning league and regionals this year and then going on to get fourth at state.

Do you plan on continuing to wrestle after high school?

Southern Oregon (University) wants me to wrestle for them, and if I decide against wrestling in college, I still want to stay involved in the sport.

Who is your inspiration for wrestling?

Schlecht, because he was a good wrestler and I looked up to him, and my dad, because he wrestled as well.

How much of your life is dedicated to wrestling?

Wrestling is pretty much my life, and there’s absolutely nothing else I’d rather do.

What do you do to mentally prepare for a match?

I go out on the mat confident in myself and try not to be nervous so that I can give it my all.

How many weight classes have you had to jump in the last three years?

I’ve had to jump three – 140, 145, and 152.

How do you maintain weight?

I try to eat healthy and monitor what I do eat.

What do you like to eat before and after a match?

I eat a peanut butter and honey sandwich before every match, and usually a Subway club afterwards.

What is your favorite cheer to hear when you’re wrestling?

My cheer – A, B, C, D, E, F, G, go Johnny P! What was your biggest win at Emerald Ridge?

My sophomore year against Rogers I pinned James Albert, and no one even expected me to win. Coach Meyerhoff told me that I probably won the match for us.

How do you react when you lose?

I get angry, but try to keep my composure. If I do throw something, I do it out of sight of the crowd, and sometimes I’ll just sit there and think about what I could’ve done better.

How do you react when you win?

It’s the best feeling in the world when you get your hand raised and know that all of the hard work you’ve done has paid off and you’ve earned it.

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How has wrestling affected your life?

I think wrestling has made me a better person and given me a much better work ethic.

Do you compete in tournaments or teams outside of school?

I compete for the Puyallup Freestyle Club.

2/28/2007 9:51:56 PM

NEWS

A&E

You’re a good play, ‘Charlie Brown’ BY

ASHLEY PITIGLIANO

PLAY REVIEW

REPORTER

The comically depressing character Charlie Brown brings his gang to the Emerald Ridge auditorium for the first time in this year’s spring musical. Watching “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” is like a refreshing flashback to your youth, bringing to light the inevitable insecurities that lie within every kid.

Charlie Brown (played by junior James Knight) is striving to make it in the day-today life that is the late 1960s. Being subjected to the scrutiny of his younger sister Sally (junior Brittney Stout) and her friend Lucy (senior Jocelyn McCurtain), Charlie’s self esteem is suffering. After all, what good is a boy who has never pitched a winning baseball game, never been able to keep a kite in the air, never won a game of checkers and never successfully punted a football?

Arriving in the auditorium, I wasn’t expecting much of a show. The set had simplistic props, not unlike the original comic strip. A big red dog house for Charlie’s dog Snoopy (junior Scott Mulligan) sat off to the

10

ÌÌÌÌ

one star - poor | two stars - average | three stars - good | four stars - great

left, and a plain backdrop that changed colors with each new scene hung in the back of the stage. Little did I know that despite bare props, I was in for a pleasant surprise.

The house lights slowly dimmed on the six quirky characters as they took their places on the stage in full costume, with a comic strip hanging above their heads mirroring their appearance.

The light setting may have been a blessing in disguise, allowing the viewers to focus on the undeniable talent cast into the production. One by one, Linus (junior Jose Lopez), Sally, Schroeder (junior Kody Bringman), Lucy, and finally Charlie comment on what it is like to actually be living life in the shoes of Charlie Brown.

The amazing talent that lies within the leading roles astounded me, and the

top ten ...

NATE DUMLAO

coffee stops

Washington is the coffee state. Everyday, all day, coffee shops around this state are swamped with costumers who are in dire need of some sort of caffeinated drink to get their day started or to get a boost for a long night. Puyallup alone is home to dozens of coffee shops, each with their own unique features. This top ten list is sure to bring you insight on some of the fun coffee stops of Puyallup.

176th Starbucks – Although this coffee stop is a corporate one, the 176th Starbucks doesn’t disappoint. This Starbucks seems to be different then the rest. You can find the same chairs, the same drinks, and the same music at every Starbucks, but this one promises a sincere smile and a friendly greeting. It also has a cozy feeling and a homey atmosphere about itself.

10

Fox Hollow – A soothing dark inlet in the middle of a loud bright mall food court, Fox Hollow is a nice relief for the average mall shopper. Resting inside the South Hill Mall, this relaxing café serves as a place for rest, with a bar-like

09

supporting cast made the show feel real.

Knight played his role as Charlie with great enthusiasm and confidence, or lack thereof, I should say. He seemed to completely fit the part while he sang the blues of a “worthless” life, decked out in the generic Charlie Brown outfit.

Stout and McCurtain truly showcased their voices this time around. I found myself looking forward to the times when I would hear Lucy and Sally sing their gripes and displeasure to their friends.

There was undoubtedly a vast amount of time and energy put in by everyone involved with this show, which I was able to see from the emotion and feeling portrayed from beginning to end.

Seeing this play was like having 14 of the original comic strips come to life in front of me, with all the kids singing and dancing in harmony. Though the set was a bit bland and there was no specific plot or chain of events, the production kept my attention nonetheless.

“You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” will be showing again tonight and once more tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium and

BY

REPORTER

sitting area, appetizing coffee and baked goods.

Cutter’s Point – Conveniently located between Desert Sun and the 136th and Meridian Safeway, Cutter’s Point boasts a friendly and atmosphere paralleled with a comforting radiance. Cutter’s Point, featuring strong coffee and delectable pastries, is a sure stop for the Washington spirit.

08

Coffee at Home – Low on money? No transportation?

Then stay at home! There is nothing better then a freshly brewed pot of coffee and sitting down at the table to read JagWire.

07

Borders Seattle’s Best Coffee – Seattle’s Best Coffee, situated inside the Borders just off Meridian, is a perfect place to sit down and enjoy coffee and a book. It’s the ideal spot to sit down with some friends, look at a fun picture book, or discuss life.

06

176th Bigfoot Java – Competing with Starbucks, Bigfoot

The Puyallup School District is hit with the loss of potential improvements; it will resubmit the bond later this spring in hopes it will pass then BY

RACHEL WEBBER

REPORTER

In a ballot voted on by district residents, the 2007 Puyallup School District bond did not meet the 60 percent supermajority needed to pass, with 58.08 percent of voters supporting the bond and 41.92 percent voting against it.

If the $259.5 million bond was approved, it would have

raised taxes 29 cents per every $1,000 assessed evaluation.

For instance, the bond would cost a homeowner with a home assessed at $200,000 an increase of $58 in annual taxes.

Since the 2004 bond passed, many were surprised to find that this year’s bond was not approved.

“I assume that in 2004 there may have been more awareness concerning the need of classroom space for students.

Our challenge is to let people know that this issue still exists,” said Debra Aungst, assistant superintendent for education support.

According to Aungst, the bond would only have a positive impact on our school district.

“These projects are critical,” said Aungst. “More than 58 percent voted for the bond. It is evidence of a supportive

community. I think people supported it because they understand and value the importance of a growing student population.”

The projects are so essential that the school board will resubmit the bond again on May 15.

The 2007 school bond would have created capacity for 1,800 more students even after Glacier View Junior High, Carson Elementary, and Edgerton Elementary are built.

At Emerald Ridge, new classrooms would have been built to make space for 400 more students.

With more than 300 new students enrolling in the Puyallup School District each year, the bond would improve facilities, fulfill technology needs, and alleviate the pressure of the growing student population.

Students given more time to study for AP tests With all the missed school days, the district has decided to move the AP tests to the end of May

Charlie Brown (James Knight) seeks psychiatric help in one of the stories from the famous comic.

I definitely recommend you go see it. If you are looking for a good reminiscent laugh to get you through your Friday night, this show is going to be perfect for you.

BY

RYAN KUSCHE

REPORTER

In the fallout of missed school days, Emerald Ridge will be administering all Advanced Placement tests according to the College Board’s late testing schedule.

Instead of the regular period from May 7-18, testing will take place May 23-25.

This extra time will allow students roughly another two and half weeks for studying and preparation purposes, but might also possibly create conflicts for students in more than one AP class.

Changing to the later testing dates is a very involved process which requires

05

Java is a coffee contender that hosts a double drive-thru feature for fast coffee stops and easy accessibility. Located next to key hotspots Hollywood Video and Desert Sun, Bigfoot can brag about its amazing service and interesting coffee names and combinations, using Dillano’s coffee.

Endicott – Located off of 136th and Meridian, Endicott is a quaint little cafe that is perfect for an afternoon study session with friends. It is loaded with cookies and other snacks to keep you energized.

04 03

Austin Chase – Located next to the 176th Fred Meyer, Austin Chase is snuggled nicely next to Baskin Robins.

Austin Chase is a relaxing bungalow of fun experiences and espresso drinks.

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02

push back as a valuable and needed tool, considering the lost school days.

“In classes where a certain amount of curriculum has to be learned, the time is crucial,” senior Austen Getchel said, who takes AP calculus, literature, psychology and government.

Courtney Covington, a junior hoping to gain college credit through the AP program, agrees.

“For a class like AP U.S. history you have to know so many historical facts and events,” Covington said. “Everything is covered on the test.”

Other courses such as AP literature rely heavily upon a student’s proficiency in analysis, reasoning and comprehension; which can only become more refined with further study.

AP language and composition teacher Jay Bates thinks that even two weeks will

greatly improve his students’ chances of scoring higher, because of the advantage other states have by starting school earlier in the year.

There are a few however, that raise concerns over the format of the late testing period.

“If you have AP gov and psych, you’re put in a bit of a bind,” said senior Nathan Loveland, who is taking multiple AP classes.

The schedule for late testing is considerably different from the regular one, having about twice as many tests given per session over the course of three days. Several combinations of overlapping tests are possible, which could mean taking the test at a location other than Emerald Ridge. Students who have conflicting tests should contact their counselor or Boulet.

Either way, students should be ready for an unusual AP testing season this May.

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Forza – Located a short way down the hill near Pioneer Park, Forza can be found in a subtle, but cozy building inlet. A large fireplace and comfortable couches helps make this destination a unique one. With bagels, cookies, and of course coffee, it’s a necessary stop for the coffee addict.

Photo by Ashley Vincent

24

approval from the College Board and usually comes with a hefty fee of $40 more per test.

Because of the circumstances and the large number of students testing at ER however, the cost of each test will remain at $91.

“Eventually the decision was made because of the school days missed, and we believe that students can significantly benefit from the extra time,” said Annie Boulet, AP test administrator.

The rigorous tests, which are given in May of every year, equip students with a chance to earn college credit before ever setting foot in a university classroom. Tests are scored on a scale of one to five, with colleges usually accepting a three or better for credit. Time becomes a big issue because every student in the nation competes with one another on a bell curve to determine scores.

Reactions to the change vary. Much of the AP community at Emerald Ridge sees the

A Head of Times

Oasis Café – At the bottom of the Sunrise Boulevard hill, nestled into the Sunrise Medical campus, Oasis hides with a jaw-dropping view of Mt. Rainier. This coffee stop is home to a plethora of mouth-watering sandwiches, smoothies and soups. Every morning from 6:30-7:30 Emerald Ridge students are given discounts on their drinks.

volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

24,05.indd Sec1:2-Sec1:3

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05 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 10:03:09 PM

NEWS

A&E

getting

FAT

Plans in the works to eliminate P.E. proficiency Policy being formulated to minimize percentage of students earning P.E. credit outside of class BY

ALIESHA DRIVAS

REPORTER

Until now, students have enjoyed the option of either taking a physical education class or using the P.E. proficiency to earn the credits. Beginning next school year, students will likely be able to waive only one credit of P.E., and only if they have a suitable reason to.

What is P.E. proficiency? It is a way for students to earn P.E. credit by going to outside sources, recording the amount of hours spent in physical activity, and getting signed off by an adult, according to Athletics Director Dell Dittus.

The new policy is being discussed because the district administration believes the courses the school offers are beneficial and should be taken advantage of. Also, the teachers union has become involved because of P.E. teachers concerns with the dwindling number of students in their classes. Another reason is that the state is discussing a test on physical fitness, and P.E. instructors want students to be prepared.

“It’s past time,” Dittus said. “I, being a fitness director, know of too many cases where people don’t work hard enough to earn the credit.”

An additional reason why the policy is being updated is that teachers suspect many of the adults signing off on the hours of physical activity are uncertified. The new policy is being made to ensure qualified professionals will be able to

educate the student body.

“Yes, I do think that it’s a good idea,” P.E. teacher Lynn Wardle said. “One of the problems with going to the Y(MCA) is that we didn’t know who was signing off on the student’s papers. They may have been certified but we don’t have any way of knowing. I think a lot of the kids were just having their buddies, you know, signing it for them.”

The conditions in which students can waiver a P.E. credit are still being discussed. There is a committee meeting once a month to determine the acceptable reasons students can use to waiver a P.E. credit. The process is still developing, and there is no exact time frame for the decisions to be made.

“The frustrating thing about this is that I’m trying to tell students that I don’t have all the information, but yet I have to get them to register,” counselor Brian Maxfield said.

There is a potential issue with the new P.E. proficiency policy, since required P.E. classes could possibly take students away from academic or elective classes.

“That is a real concern,” Maxfield said. “I know that people need to work out, but I believe that there should be exceptions. Like what if a student wanted to take (Advanced Placement) world history, and couldn’t because they had to take P.E.?”

AP English teachers don’t seem to be worried about the affects the new policy will have on their students. However, other AP classes such as social studies, math, science, and electives may be more affected because they have fewer required credits than English.

Since many students disapprove of the new policy, and were required to register without much information, the counselors are expecting more requested schedule changes

with Gerry LeConte and Chase Wagner

’s s y r r e G ught Tho

ELAINE RAYMOND

EDITORIAL BOARD

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that 16-year-old Rogers student Danielle McCarthy died of an Ecstasy overdose after attending multiple New Year’s Eve parties with friends.

The man suspected of giving McCarthy the drug, David M. Morris, was arrested Feb. 15 and has since been released without charges.

“Investigators learned early on in this case that Ms. McCarthy had ingested the drug Ecstasy while attending parties with friends on New Year’s Eve,” Sergeant Don Anderson of the Edmonds Police Department said in a news release.

Students like junior Kevin Weeks will be limited to earning credits in class.

next year, according to Maxfield.

“I think that having no P.E. proficiency is ridiculous,” sophomore Amanda Wheat said. “So many people, including myself, don’t have room in their schedule to take P.E. as a class.”

’s Chase ts gh Thou

But because of potential criminal charges against those involved, the police department decided not to release this information immediately following McCarthy’s death, but postponing its release until the toxicology report had returned.

Morris was “booked into the King County Regional Justice Center on the charge of Controlled Substance Homicide,” the release said.

The McCarthy case is still an “open case,” meaning investigators have not concluded their research and there is a possibility of further arrests.

“There is potential for more criminal charges,” Anderson said in a interview via phone.

Herfy’s Burgers is a reasonably new burger joint on South Hill that in my opinion is overrated. The perfect word to describe the place ended up being “sticky.” Sticky floors, sticky table tops, and sticky condiment bottles. Herfy’s offers a random assortment of foods other than burgers, including fish & chips and teriyaki. In the end, the burgers were nothing special, and I could have easily made them better myself at home. Also, the fries were the frozen kind you can buy in bulk at Costco. Save yourself the trip.

Reccomendation: Hawaii Burger

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04

25 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

Chase Thou ’s ghts

This is definitely my favorite Italian place in the area. Pomodoro is a smaller restaurant that combines a warm atmosphere with flawless service. The interior is gorgeous and clean. Food choices are great, lunch prices are reasonable, and dinner prices slightly more costly. Overall the restaurant holds a European feel and serves as a place to sit down with a friend for a quality conversation. Authentic and colorful cuisine.

Reccomendation: Tricolore Tortellini

3819 N 26th St Tacoma, WA 98407 Prices $7 - $20

Herfy’s Burgers #6

121 Mashell Ave N Eatonville, WA 98328 Prices $4 - $8 Service - 5 Environment - 3.5 Food - 3.5 Overall - 3.5 Photo by Nate Dumlao

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Service - 5 Environment - 4.5 Food - 4.5 Overall - 4

12011 Meridian E Puyallup, WA 98373 Prices $4 - $8 Service - 2 Environment - 1 Food - 2 Overall - 1.5

Tall Timber is a small restaurant with a Tall Timber Everyone hometown feel and home-style food. in the restaurant seemed as if they

A CUT BRONZE & BODY PIERCING

volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE

Pomodoro

I’m always up for Italian food and Pomodoro didn’t disappoint. The service was amazing and our waitress was extremely helpful and friendly.

Her performance added to the cozy, welcoming feel of the restaurant. The lighting set the tone for a smooth wine bar type of environment. It is a fantastic restaurant to dine in and relax. This is the perfect environment to bring a friend, or that special someone, and connect.

Reccomendation: Sausage Fettuccini

McCarthy case still open and under investigation BY

Service - 5 Environment - 4 Food - 5 Overall - 4.5

ate there everyday, giving the restaurant even more of a homey feel. The fast service surprised me considering there was only one cook and one waitress in the restaurant.

The portions were fairly large, especially for breakfast. Tall Timber uses it’s walls to host pictures of old Eatonville from corner to corner. The photos also showed the fact that Eatonville used to be a logging town. I found it actually very interesting to walk aorund and inspect the ancient photography.

Reccomendation: Ham and Cheese Omelet

Gerry Thou ’s ghts

*Restaurants are scaled between 1 and 5, 1 being poor and 5 being perfect.

2/28/2007 9:51:17 PM

NEWS

A&E

Football seeks new coaches?

‘23’ PROVES ENTERTAINING, NOT NECCESSARILY BREATHTAKING BY

SUMMER YATES

EDITORIAL BOARD

BY

At a brief preseason meeting on Feb. 22, the entire football coaching staff – including head coach Kelly Susee – announced it would not be returning in the fall, leaving players both shocked and upset.

No official word has come from the district yet, but, according to Susee, more information will be available after a meeting with officials today.

“What I heard unofficially through a third party student was that the coaches indicated they would not be returning,” Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership Casey Cox said via e-mail.

Many players were taken aback by the sudden change in the program’s staff.

“We came in expecting to get the summer calendar,” junior running back and safety Michael O’Bryant said. “But coach Susee just stood up there and told us that as of that day, he was no longer our coach.”

MOVIE REVIEW

ÌÌÌÌ

The Hiroshima atomic bomb fell on Aug. 6, 1945 one star - poor | two stars - average | three stars - good | four stars - great (8+6+4+5 = 23). It takes blood 23 seconds to circulate. A person has 46 Chromo- ward when Mr. Carrey isn’t in somes, 23 from each parent.

What if your birthday, your name converted in nu- a comedy, but merical order, your social security, the time you woke up Jimbo deserves in the middle of the night, the number of pair of shoes props for this you owned, etc. added up to number 23? Are you sure role. The line between insanit doesn’t?

Welcome to the world of Walter Sparrow. The world of ity and hysteria is a fine one, the number 23 conspiracy.

Sparrow (played by Jim Carrey) receives a book for his and Carrey was birthday from his wife, Agatha (Virginia Madsen). “The able to portray Number 23,” a book of obsession, as it is called, tells the a man on the tale of a detective named Fingerling, driven mad by the edge of reason number and how it dominated so much of his life. The with a small character receives his paranoid awakening after encoun- twist of comical tering the suicide blonde whose obsession over 23 leads flair.

With Joel her to her death. This suicide passed the number off to Schumacher as Fingerling, who is now passing it off to Walter.

Walter becomes engrossed with the novel, as it does the director, I a frightfully good job of narrating his life, but ends in a should not have murder that has yet to happen. As Walter races to find the been so shocked secrets that lie in the missing chapter 23, he must come by the lack of deadto terms with his own dark past if he ever hopes to shake body-falls-out-ofthe-closet kind of his obsession with the number.

I’m not going to lie. I didn’t think much of the would-be thriller (his scrapbook thriller for the first hour. Yes, the plot was nice and dandy, includes directing the but I was too confident in my ending prediction and so 2004 version of “Phantom distracted by my quest to find the 23’s before the film of the Opera” and the 2002 thriller “Phone revealed them Booth”). to care about The most the antihero. toe-curling They were evmoments were when erywhere – the the movie stumped your s u m of t he guesses of where the answers numbers on a Walter is looking for could license plate, be found, making your mind the time, a race as fast as his to beat birth date, the the number 23 before it strikes again. price of a book, an address, etc.

However, instead of evoking a shear terror, the film But what a fool I was. Only when the puzzle pieces began to make sense did I realize the brilliance in the provokes an emotional response for it’s audience as it shows the consequences of unrequited love, and one script. ...Being a story within a story, the cast pulled double- man’s understanding that although a dark past cannot be time as their counterparts in the novel which was portrayed changed (unless you’re Winston Smith and it’s 1984) and in the classic 1940s detective film. It always seems awk- justice will prevail, mercy will follow closely after.

Mueller and Brad Mirk, and science teacher Michael Curtis all refused to comment.

“It seemed like the rest of them were going to stick with Susee either way, because they are loyal to him,” O’Bryant said.

Principal Brian Lowney also declined to comment.

“In issues of personnel we simply do not discuss them in public,” Cox said. “Most times it is personal discussions that really are between employees.

“What I can say is this: Mr. Susee and the staff dedicated many hours of their lives to Emerald Ridge High School and the students of ERHS. Mr. Susee was instrumental in the development of the team uniform, logo, and the legacy of the program, and for this the Puyallup School District owes him a great deal of gratitude.”

Though the truth is still unknown, players have formed their own opinions.

“I think part of it is because some parents were complaining about how the program is executed and that their kids weren’t play-

ing,” sophomore junior varsity quarterback and linebacker Billy Smith said. “Parents shouldn’t be complaining, though, because at the beginning of the season the coaches tell all of the players that there’s a chance that you won’t play a lot.”

During the meeting, Susee had difficulty speaking about the program, and sympathy for him was shared throughout the team.

“The whole meeting was very awkward and sad,” Bushnell said. “It was really hard to see him like that, not being able to get the words out.”

According to Athletics Director Dell Dittus, any vacant head coaching position is filled as soon as possible.

“The process of hiring a new coach varies from school to school,” Dittus said. “We’ll form a committee consisting of administrators, the athletics director, assistant coaches (from either the sport seeking new staff or another sport), student athletes and community members in order to determine the new coach.”

With Jeannine Medvedich on maternity leave and 18 years of teaching under his belt, it’s no wonder the English teacher was chosen to fill the position BY

DALLAS M. WELKER

REPORTER

....If you’re expecting nightmares for the next couple weeks, I would try “Premonition” (in theaters mid-March) instead. I would recommend watching this movie with two good friends on either side, because it makes the 23 search much better. But beware: The number 23 is not one to be toyed with. After you spend all day finding the number 23 around every corner – say your teacher writes an assignment in 23 words, or the numerical order of your name adds up to 235 (23+2+3) – you might find that you’re going a little crazy.

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There was speculation at the end of the 2006 season that Susee would not return in 2007, but Susee – who had a 16-41 record since 2001 – said at the postseason banquet that he was “not going anywhere.”

“There were rumors floating around at the end of the season, but we hadn’t heard anything definite,” junior quarterback Logan Bushnell said. “It was really shocking to hear Susee say that he was Susee not coming back.”

According to many players, Susee did not give a concrete reason for his potential leaving, other than to say that it was an “adult issue.”

Susee, who teaches at Kalles Junior High and is the only coach the school has ever had, would not comment on the situation specifically. Assistant coaches such as librarian Doug Stull, social studies teachers Matt

Rosdahl given opportunity to fill in as administrator

“BE SURE YOUR SINS

WILL FIND YOUNUMBERS OUT32:23”

LAUREN SMITH

REPORTER

26

With Assistant Principal Jeannine Medvedich gone on maternity leave, English teacher David Rosdahl had been chosen to fill her position.

Rosdahl, who has been a teacher for 18 years and is the boys soccer coach, is more than qualified to step into Medvedich’s shoes. He has earned his principal’s endorsement, which qualifies him for the position, and is no stranger to the halls of the school.

“I think part of the reason I was chosen was that obviously I am qualified for the position which is necessary so I can do the job,” Rosdahl said. “The other reason is that I’m familiar with the building and the people here and how Emerald Ridge works.”

This job is like a dream come true for Rosdahl, who has always wanted to be an administrator. He started applying for administrative jobs in 2003-2004 but was not hired after some leads and interviews. He took a break as his daughter was starting school.

“I’ve always dreamed of being in a role where I not only support students, but I get to support teachers,” Rosdahl said.

Rosdahl is not teaching currently. His students are relying

Though his new duties are only temporary, Rosdahl hopes to persue a more permanent position as an administrator in the near future.

on subs until a long-term substitute can be found.

“Were trying to find the best person to go in there while I’m down here,” Rosdahl said.

Rosdahl is expected to fill the position through April and possibly part time after that until the end of the year.

Ultimately, the decision is up to Medvedich and when she

is ready to return to work. When Medvedich does return, Rosdahl plans on seeking further employment as an administrator.

“I am going to start applying again,” Rosdahl said. “However, if I wasn’t to get one I’d continue teaching, because I love teaching.

03 volumeSEVEN.issueFIVE 2/28/2007 10:03:45 PM

Dallas – If Elton John and George Michael had a musical love child it would be the Scissor Sisters. Throw some glitter in the air, put on your rhinestone sunglasses, and bust out your boogie shoes for a gay old time. It is nearly impossible to sit still when listening to their eclectic, disco/rock beats. But why would you want to when these tunes were so obviously created for maximum bon bon shaking?

Ryan – I’m not quite sure what to think when I hear the gleeful synthesizer and slap-bass of the Scissor Sisters. Parts of me wants to try and find something appealing about it, but the rest of me is left striving to understand what the heck is going on in these musical minds. Many songs seem over refined to a point where nothing is real or pure to the ear any longer. There was, however, one piano intro in particular that I could see being forged into its own melody.

Dallas M. Welker

12

Humor

Scissor Sisters “Ta-Dah”

CK

KNO

14 >> Benefits of Humor

CK

KNO

16>>

We know that laughter makes us feel good, but is laughter really the “best medicine?” JagWire takes a comprehensive look at the physical and psychological affects humor has on us.

Hypokritz

Boys wrestling celebrates a successful postseason with three team members placing at this year’s state competition.

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Op/Ed >>09

Ryan Kusche Damien Rice “9”

Demi – This had a really good beat. I usually hate techno, but this was easy to listen to.

There wasn’t too much of a techno sound, and they had a good variety of songs. It reminds me somewhat of ’80s music.

Carlo – I give Damien Rice a big round of applause for putting a CD out, but I’m not a big fan of slowtempo music. Damien sounds like he’s being tortured. I think that if his voice wasn’t so shrill, his words could have potential to inspire someone.

Carlo – There is an up-beat tempo with a catchy and familiar ’80s sound to “Scissor Sisters.” That’s not as good as it sounds. The band is relatively new, breaking into the underground scene in 2006, not 1985. Each song is similar in lyrics, but extremely different in mood and tempo.

Demi – Wow. This was so hard to stay focused with! The music was very slow and it was kind of depressing. I thought of everything else except listening to the lyrics. His voice was very whiny. I don’t think I will ever listen to this again.

The Soundoff

four people, four cds, see what happens when they come to the roundtable Demi – Well, what am I supposed to say? I brought this CD, of course I like it! Their words are hilarious but can be a bit crude. I think this is good music to listen to with friends and when you are in a good mood. They portray the teenage life in a humorous way. The songs certainly will make everyone laugh.

21

Demi – I remember when “This Love” came out on the radio. Everyone loved the song and all my friends wanted the CD. I really like the low tones of some songs. They have some amazing lyrics and the lead singer’s voice is pretty awesome. The only problem is that all of their songs seem to sound the same.

Carlo – I enjoy the harmony that Bowling For Soup has in its songs. The lyrics also are very relatable to the teenage audience. I found myself tapping my foot throughout almost every song. Bowling for Soup has that familiar garage-band sound, but a bit tweaked to engage more listeners.

State Wrestling

Carlo Creek Maroon 5 “Songs About Jane” the comics section 24 From to the stage, “You’re A

Spring Musical

us lunch every day, you’d find there’s more to Alesia Stull than her Texas drawl and friendly demeanor.

News >>03

Dallas – At first I liked the mellow, acoustic feel. Then the singing came. I don’t know how many more whiny, brokenhearted, crybabies I can stand. Maybe Damien Rice’s parents should have hugged him more. Then he wouldn’t complain so much. While the musical talent is undeniable, the blubber-boy lyrics ruin it for me.

Carlo – The words are memorable and the lead singer has a voice that can easily be imitated, which allows the listener to be involved in the songs. Although this band isn’t my favorite, Maroon 5 would be the only out-of-genre band that I would add to my play list.

you’ve ever wondered 20 Ifabout the ladies that serve

Serving Lunch

Ryan – I’d most likely listen to this album while reading or during a car ride along a stretch of lonesome, rainy highway. Damien Rice creates an emotionally driven piece of work, while it is apparent his craft fine tunes the emotion as well. The strongest songs feature only a few instruments and have extended periods of “chillness” contrasted by extremely loud choruses. People would enjoy this CD if they take pleasure in listening to groups such as Bright Eyes or Radiohead.

Features >>17

Sports >>21

Good Man, Charlie Brown,” is a pleasantly, refreshing performance of childhood experiences and friendships.

A&E >>24

Demi Craig Bowling For Soup “A Hangover You Don’t Deserve”

Ryan – If the name Jane in the title is any allusion to the everyday sound and drudging normality of the album then I fully understand where Maroon 5 is coming from.

As a whole it sounds much like something a soccer mom aspiring to stay hip would purchase. Some tracks feature riffs that could have been Britney Spears two years ago or peculiar variations of Santana guitar licks, although other songs include vocal elements reminiscent of a young Phil Collins – which is a plus for me.

Dallas – Finally, an anthem for every soccer mommy in the United States: “1985.” Wait a tick; I’m not a soccer mom. So, why the heck do I want to listen to the story of some desperate housewife dwelling on the past? Oh, that’s right, I don’t! The album reeks of adolescent humor. Tell me when they make an album after puberty and not in their neighbor’s basement and I might take a listen.

Dallas – You come to a stoplight, roll up your window, look over your shoulder, and crank up “She Will Be Loved” so you can sing along as loud as you want. Come on now! I know I’m not the only one who has fallen victim to the guilty pleasure that is Adam Levine’s melodious story telling. You can’t help but sing along and tap your toes.

Ryan – If I were one to partake in a whole bunch of post garage-punk guilty pleasures, Bowling For Soup would definitely be high up on the list. Tactfully written lyrics are accompanied by an appealing attitude of genuine interest in making fun music – I believe these guys really do love their material, and it shows. Maybe not in the amount of groundbreaking tracks but the manner in which they make me wish I could go on tour with them and scream along to one of their choruses, reminiscing about the good old days in Texas.

27

2/28/2007 9:50:19 PM

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March 3 Bank of America Arena $25

March 11 Showbox $25

March 28 The Moore Theater $28, $38

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March 11 KeyArena $12-20

March 23 Director: Alexandra Lipsitz Documentary

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March 1-11 ACT Theatre $10

March 21 KeyArena $10-85

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Closes March 4 Seattle Center House Theater $15-32

March 9 Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall $25

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March 29-April 15 Tacoma Actors Guild $30

March 10 The Showbox $8

March 16 Starring: Sandra Bullock Suspense

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March 8 The Moore Theater $27.50

March 3 The Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center $26

March 9 ERHS $5 w/ ERHS ASB $6 w/o ERHS ASB

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March 23 Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar Action/Animated

March 30 Starring: Mads Mikkelsen Drama

EMERALD RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL.12405 184TH ST E SOUTH HILL, WA 98374

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2/28/2007 10:04:14 PM