JagWire | Volume 8 | Issue 5 | Feb. 2008

AN OPEN FORUM FOR STUDENT EXPRESSION

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

volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE.february2008

Moral or Not?

Oral Sex Media Influence

15

Icy Fresh Films

03

18

Two Place At State

New Jr. High News

03

Op/Ed

09

Features

15

Sports

18

A&E

21

NEWS

Athletes may need to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA A proposal regarding the WIAA may hold student athletes to higher academic standards by

MEGAN ALBERT

REPORTER

The Puyallup School District has some of the lowest standards for student athletes in the South Puget Sound League.

In an attempt to change these low standards, a district committee has proposed a new standard for athletes attending Puyallup high schools last February. The new proposal calls fo r s t ude nt s to maintain at least a C average, and pass five out of six classes in order to play a sport.

Currently, the Puyallup School District follows the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) standard for student athletes, which states that students must pass four out of six classes to participate in athletics. However, the WIAA does not have a standard for a minimum grade point average, whereas the new proposal requires students to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

“The WIAA standard is way too lax,” athletic director Dell Dittus said. “It’s basically not a standard. A student could have a GPA of 0.67 and still be eligible to compete in varsity sports.

While every high school in Washington State is required to follow the WIAA standards, many school districts have improved their standards, requiring a 2.0 GPA or a C average. The Puyallup School District, however, is one of the few districts in the South Sound that has not.

Dittus has asked coaches to do grade checks before the season starts, during the season and prior to postseason. However, these grade checks may be unnecessary if students can fa i l t w o of their classes and receive D’s in the other four.

At ER, one in six varsity football players and two of the 12 varsity basketball players received lower than a 2.0 GPA this year. However, despite these somewhat disconcerting figures, the majority of students who participate in athletics in the Puyallup School District are actually above-average students.

“Keep in mind, 90 percent of athletes

“A STUDENT COULD HAVE A GPA OF OF 0.67 AND STILL BE EILGIBLE TO TO COMPETE IN VARSITY SPORTS.”

One in every six football players and two of the 12 varsity basketball players had less than a 2.0 GPA.

wouldn’t have an issue meeting the new standard,” Dittus said. “Plus, these kids are athletes. When faced with opposition, they will rise to the occasion, put on their game face and go for it. I truly believe students would, rise up and take on the challenge.”

The only students currently at ER that will be affected by the new standard are this year’s sophomores. The proposed standard is planned to go into effect during the 20092010 school year.

“I think that it will cut down on the number of athletes,” sophomore Mitch Steed said. “There are a ton of great athletes that aren’t so good in the classroom.”

However, students that are academically challenged are not destined for doom. The new standard has three levels of probation.

The probation allows students week-long periods to raise their grades. The first week the athlete receives a warning, and a week to raise their grades while maintaining the ability to practice and participate in competitions. After the first week, if there is no change in the athlete’s grades, there is another week where the athlete cannot compete in contests, but can participate in practice. Finally, if there is still no change in the student’s academic performance after two weeks, the athlete will lose their privileges to practice and compete.

“I don’t know if the standard is going to be as big of a deal as it seems,” wrestling coach Jim Meyerhoff said. “If it’s a standard and kids really want to play, they should rise up.”

Emerald Ridge Student Store Presents:

St. Patrick’s Day Sale Fri. March 14 Photo from Jagwire archives

eas T na es! i o z h i ot Ar o f f m 5o 0s 2 5 . . $ $1

volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

03

NEWS

Fail list concerns administration Over 1,000 classes were failed first semester, disappointing staff and administration. New ideas to encourage better GPAs are being planned. by

ASHLEY O’BRIEN

REPORTER

This semester’s fail list reflects rising numbers not seen in years past with 1,080 classes failed.

“I don’t care if only a small amount of classes were failed, it will always be too many classes,” Principle Brian Lowney said. “This has become a huge problem that we need to focus on, and we need to do better on.”

Half of those classes were failed by sophomores, and the other half were failed by juniors and seniors.

The school has made goals to decrease the percentage of failing classes, and these goals have yet to be met by the students.

Last school year, the fail list reflected an 8 percent increase. Instead of decreasing these numbers from last year, the fail list increased by 12 percent just in the first semester of this school year.

The grade point average (GPA) from last year and this year are also slightly different. Sophomores’ GPA’s have gone down, juniors have stayed the same, and seniors have gone up since last year.

“The transition from junior high to high school is what is getting to the sophomores,” Lowney said. “They don’t think they are in high school in the ninth grade, but they are.”

Most of the classes failed are the classes required to graduate such as American Studies and Biology. Three out of four sophomore students are failing one of these classes.

“I was being really careless; I was lazy and didn’t do any of my work,” sophomore Michelle Lallis said.

“I want to get 10 buses and take all the freshmen and introduce them to the high school, and let them know they are already here, working for graduation,” Lowney said.

“Maybe that will be effective enough to decrease failing classes.”

The school has set up a system to help the situation.

They have different levels of intervention for Jag time. The first level: students can pick to do whatever they think will help with school.

“I chose to talk to my friends instead of getting help, I would go with them when they needed help,” Lallis said.

The second level calls for teachers to send green passes to your advisor requesting you to go get help in that class during that Jag time. In the third level, the school takes charge. The school will pull a student out of their advisory twice a week and put students in a study group with other students who need help in the same area of study. Then there are seven teachers in the room who help students with whatever you need to succeed in the class for an hour. The fourth level, the student, teacher and parent have a conference to talk about the class the student is failing.

“Hopefully talking to the parent and student at the Restaurant & Catering same time in one room will Delivery & To Go wake them up, and do better in school,” Lowney said.

These levels of intervention are designed to motivate each student to do the work to graduate.

“Every student has a different learning rate, for some it takes longer than others.

This is why we make sure

“THE TRANSITION FROM JUNIOR HIGH TO HIGH SCHOOL IS WHAT IS GETTING TO THE SOPHOMORES.”

they get the extra help they need,” Lowney said, “and this is their motivation.”

First semester: 12% decrease

1080 classes failed.

Top classes failed: Biology American Studies other required classes New system to help students: Students choose helpful goals

green passes for Jag time advisory study groups parent/teacher conference Gary Walker

253-875-0770 10224 198th St. E., Suite D Graham, WA 98338

Are you looking for adventure... friendship, new skills, leadership opportunities, lifelong Sports, and just plan fun?

Come sailing with us on the 1938, 90” yawl, The Odyssey, every Thursday night on Commencement Bay. Check out this co-ed program at www.sssodyssey.org and be prepared to make some new friends!

04 volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

NEWS

Tardy plan improves Rogers by

KRISTIN ANDERSON

REPORTER

There have been rumors heard around the high schools about tardy sweeps. It was tested at Rogers and has been warmly accepted by most teachers. Although it hasn’t reached ER quite yet, there may be a possibility.

This process is one in which all teachers lock their doors after the class bell rings. Then all students tardy are “swept” up by the teachers on their planning period and sent to an office where they relay their personal information and possibly receive a detention or, in worse cases, suspension.

The tardy sweep system was enforced by the Rogers administration – such as principal Scott Brittain. It was imposed on the students the day after Christmas break and lasted for two weeks as a trial period.

During these two weeks, students that arrived late to any class were given a detention and anyone arriving late

after already receiving a detention was then given a suspension from school. Even though this was a trial process, real detentions and suspensions were given out.

“I thought the tardy sweeps were unnecessary and too harsh for late students,” Ryan Jobe, a junior from Rogers, said. “But teachers like it because there are fewer disruptions during class.”

Teachers liked the system since they felt that it effectively works.

“I absolutely approve of it and it has helped with tardies in my class,” said Leo Keenan, Roger’s chemistry teacher.

“The only problem is it doesn’t help chronically late students.”

After the experiment was finished Rogers’ original tardy policy was strongly enforced.

“It’s easier to get to class now because people are worried about being late. Everyone moves faster and gets to class earlier,” said Rogers junior Matt Davis.

Student store increases security by

JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE

REPORTER

As the first semester came to a conclusion, the student store management added up their monthly digits and realized there was an unusually significant decrease in profit percentages. “(Theft has) probably been going on as long as mankind has been on the earth,” business and marketing teacher Randy Walden said.

The student store management realizes that theft is to be expected when running a business.

“But now it’s becoming more of an issue,” general manager senior Andrew Lane said.

Since the beginning of the year, roughly about $250 of merchandise has gone missing. Mainly, students have stolen lanyards, bandanas, cup-o-noodles and smoothies from the store.

“I would not be surprised if it happened four or five times a day,” Walden said.

However, the product that the student store management has discovered an abnormal decrease of stock in is the supply of smoothie ingredients.

“People would take receipts (from the metal spindle behind the smoothie window) and use them twice,” Lane said.

It was also said that some students would say they paid for a smoothie, when they actually didn’t. The smoothie decrease isn’t caused from just the customers, but it’s from the students working inside the store as well

because these students are on the inside, where opportunity presents itself.

“Students have been known to create their own smoothie and take it without paying,” senior vice president of finance Kristen Lukenbill said.

Two policemen were called in as guest speakers to talk to the Business 3 class about theft and its consequences.

“The police workshop upped the awareness of the store managers,” Walden said.

After the police left, the store managers sat down to decide what actions needed to be taken.

“They kind of inspired us to do something about (the theft),” Lukenbill said.

When the store management discovered that 10 percent of profit has been lost, they created new plans to control and prevent the theft.

“Shift managers are going to be regulating receipts, and the ‘Cup-o-Noodles’ are going to be moved,” Lane said.

The finances of the store are also going to be closely watched from now on. “ Every once a month we’re doing inventory,” Lukenbill said. “We used to do it once a quarter.”

Awareness from the students running the store is also a variable that needed to be considered.

“Shift managers are becoming more aware and watching closely, and the workers are being educated,” Walden said. The store will no longer tolerate theft.

Other teachers, like theater teacher Bill Wernofsky, feel that it has been a rule that is finally being strongly imposed.

“The rule has always been in place,” Wernofsky said. “It’s just now enforced and my students don’t have a hard time getting here on time. I haven’t seen it as a detriment for the day-to-day process.”

All students that were on time throughout the process received off campus lunch passes.

For ER, currently nothing is planned as far as tardy sweeps. Principal Brian Lowney has not been formally notified of the trial at Rogers but insists that if it works it may be taken into consideration. ER could still potentially experience the policy in its own trial or even in a total implementation.

“Anything is possible to happen,” Lowney said. “I think we have a tardy problem here. I would be negligent to ignore something that helps students to arrive on time.”

Cancer comes in a bottle by

LAUREN BARRON

REPORTER

Recent studies have shown that Nalgene water bottles can cause cancer and put toxins into the body.

Nalgene is known to sell water bottles to the community that can last a lifetime and are very durable. They are also responsible for selling bottles that fund charities for breast cancer. However, recent studies show they may be responsible for causing cancer as well.

Lexan, the plastic used to create these everlasting bottles, can seep through and store toxins into a beverage, can lower sperm count in males and lead to cancer in both genders.

The plastic material contains Bisphenol A, the destructive agent to this indestructible bottle.

Canada conducted a study last year on these bottles and found that most of their country had Bisphenol A in their blood stream, according to a 2003 study in “Environmental Health Perspective.”

MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op), one of Canada’s outdoor companies, has taken these water bottles off the shelves since December and are now recommending that consumers buy stainless-steel water bottles instead.

“The risks of these life-threatening concerns are low, but switching water bottles should be a possibility,” said ABC News stated their Web site. “There is little dispute that the chemical can disrupt the hormonal system, but scientists differ markedly on whether very low doses found in food and beverage containers can be harmful.”

volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

05

NEWS

New neighbors coming this fall by

AMANDA WYMA

REPORTER

Glacier View Junior High School will be opening its doors this fall to students from all across the district.

Glacier View is to-date the most expensive junior high school in Washington, reaching a total cost of nearly $40 million. The development of the school is on time and on budget, and the school board is extremely excited.

“I am just absolutely thrilled to be in a school district that is building schools,” Puyallup School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Apostle said at the ground breaking of Glacier View. “That is symbolic of the community support of the students.”

The new school will include many of the modern amenities the Puyallup School District has tried to incorporate in older schools, such as the sound amplifiers in the classrooms, wireless mobile laptop stations, and green efficient lighting to make the school environmentally friendly.

“Our schools will not necessarily look like the schools of ten years ago,” said principal of Glacier View Mark Vetter.

Future teachers at Glacier View are also excited about the new technology, especially those coming from other, older junior highs in the district.

“There’s going to be Smart Boards in

every class, including the weight room and the library,” said Brian Fosnick, the future English teacher and Athletic Director at Glacier View.

Glacier View has adapted what is called Breaking Ranks in the Middle (BRIM), which is the compilation of 30 years of research to make middle schools highly successful.

As a part of the BRIM system, Glacier View decided that they will be adapting the block-schedule from E.R., which will include “Yeti-Time” (similar to advisory).

The layout of Glacier View compliments the schedule adapted, with three different sections of the school for the three different grade levels.

Students in each grade level will be in groups called “houses.” Each different house has a group of kids who have the same teachers, so that teachers only have to see 90 students in a day, and students only have to see three teachers in a day.

“I’m most excited about seeing the team teachers really bond with each other and students,” Vetter said.

This is more effective because the teachers who make up each house have the same planning period, and are the advisors for the same group of kids. This way, when students have family problems or are struggling academically they can be helped by all of their teachers collaboratively.

Gacier View Junior High will have many similarities to Emerald Rigde, including the block schedule.

“Glacier View houses are similar to advisory at ER,” Vetter said. “However, the advisors the students have will change each year, and to make them more familiar, advisors will be a teacher the student already has for a class.”

For the freshmen who wish to take part of any world language, they will be able to take these classes here at ER; therefore students who are planning to take four years

of a world language can have a wider variety of choices as to which language they wish to take.

Administration and staff of Glacier View are planning how to incorporate Emerald Ridge and Glacier View together.

“We’re really excited about building relationships with Lowney and ER,” Fosnick said.

“We’d all like to thank Mr. Lowney for being so helpful and willing to work with us.”

Prospering community forces boundary changes Packed classrooms leave parents, teachers, and students with few options, forcing them to transfer while schools push to find accomodations by

NIKKI SEADER

REPORT

Adjustments to the existing junior high boundary lines will affect the 2008-2009 seventh, eighth, and ninth grade classes, due to overcrowding and the remodel of Kalles Junior High and Aylen Junior High along with the opening of Glacier View Junior High.

The Junior High Boundary Study Committee (made up of approximately 30 members – half of whom are parents and community members, and the other half of school district staff) held three public forums in May 2006.

Based off those forums, new home construction, demographics, and transportation patterns, the

06 volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

committee presented a boundary proposal to the school board. The boundary proposal was unanimously approved by the school board.

However, a lot of families are bothered by the change in boundaries.

“Anytime there is a new boundary there are concerns,” said Glacier View Principal Mark Vetter.

As with any change the boundary modification will be hard, but eventually it will prove beneficial. “(The boundary change) doesn’t sink in until it’s reality,” Vetter said.

Overcrowding in junior highs are now becoming a problem that is leaving administration and staff overworked and frazzled.

Vetter admitted to the problem of congestion, saying, “We are overfull. Glacier View is built for 800 and there are 835 students enrolled.”

Janelle Kirkpatrick, mother of a seventh and eighthgrader at Ballou Junior High has felt the tension and stress

of the school due to the overcapacity of students.

“I have seen teachers totally stressed out,” Kirkpatrick said.

When her seventh-grade son, Spencer, wanted to switch out of band, the administration was clueless as to what class to put him in; all the classes were too full.

“They had to open up five new classes; Spencer is in one of those classes now,” Kirkpatrick said.

With the high quantity of students, parents feel their children are being treated as a number and not a child.

“Sometimes you have to remind them that this is your child,” Kirkpatrick said.

Although she isn’t happy that her sons will have to transfer schools she feels that it is necessary.

“If (the boundary change) takes care of the problem with overcrowding I am okay with it,” Kirkpatrick said.

The adjustments to the boundary will be funded by the 2004 school bond and will take full effect in September 2008, just in time for the new school year.

Photo by Lauren Barron

NEWS

Musicians celebrate success

Hard work and dedication payed off as ER hosted solo ensemble. Several wins allow band and choir particpants to move on to state

BY KATIE KREMPL REPORTER

Several of our student musicians stepped up to the mic with both ambition and talent at this year’s solo ensemble competition. This year was Emerald Ridge’s first year to host solo ensemble.

According to band director Doug Minkler, this year’s regional solo ensemble was the best run we have had in years.

This was all due to the efforts and willingness put out from our students to help out in whatever way possible.

“The students from ER really stepped up to make this year stand out,” Minkler said.

The event included fifty-two separate performances and received twenty-four superior ratings.

There are two categories involved in the contest which are vocal and instrumental. In the vocalist section seniors Brittney Stout and Scott Mulligan competed with students from all around Washington to win the opportunity to compete at State.

“I had to perform in a sing-off with eight other girls,” Stout said.

Stout performed in the mezzo soprano group of the competition. She was chosen as one of two girls in a group of eight that will be moving on to state as a result of her stunning performance.

“I was the first of the group of girls to be announced as a winner, I don’t remember much after that,” Stout said with a laugh.

Both Mulligan and Stout have taken on a long haul of voice lessons, recitals and habituation to their routines to earn the chance to go to state. Stout shared how she had been preparing for solo ensemble alone since July.

“It’s scary to think of the impact you can have, you either lose or win based upon how well you sing,” Stout said.

Mulligan actually competed in solo ensemble as a tenor while he was attending Bonneylake High School and will be going to state as a Jag after transferring back to Emerald Ridge. Mulligan made a solo performance in which he sang Lonely House from street scene.

“I felt proud and like I deserved it after all my hard work,” Mulligan said after getting first place.

Those performing in the instrumental category were required to perform in a solo or group setting. The students were both nervous and excited to compete.

“It was cool because you work three or four months on one piece to get ready and it’s really gratifying when it all comes together,” solo ensemble competitor Melanie Stambaugh said.

The instrumental section did extremely well considering that they had the second largest amount of students going to state out of twelve high schools in our region. There were a total of 21 students qualified to go to state in April.

“I was very impressed with the dedication the student’s showed and how well they all performed,” Minkler said.

Money in the name of love Clubs worked hard to earn money for third world countries and for the future 2009 senior ball

BY BRI ROGERS REPORTER

To promote the holiday and increase student involvement, students participating in Key Club, DECA, and junior class officers ran fundraisers during the two weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day with the ultimate goal of benefiting a number of different causes.

The Key Club sold Valentine Grams, otherwise known as “Sweet Mail,” which made approximately $150. This, combined with the $140 they earned selling Wintergrams in December, they plan to use their profits to help struggling families in third world countries. Their proceeds will be used to purchase livestock for families in poverty through either World-Vision or Heifer International.

“We will determine which animals will be purchased – probably chickens, goats, and maybe even a cow,” Key Club Advisor Tracie Shepard said. “Then the organizations will purchase the animals and deliver them to the family.”

This donation will assist families in need of food and could possbily help in

providing income for these people.

DECA hosted an activity called The Dating Game to raise money for sponsoring state competitors. The game was similar to the common game shows on television where contestants choose the perfect date based on their answers to questions. There were five contestants, each of whom chose a date, and they were each given a movie ticket and gift card for Red Robin. The cost to attend was $3, but DECA ended up losing $60 as a result of low turn-out.

The junior class officers hosted Data Match, where students could pay to find their possible “matches” throughout the school. The cost for the survey, which consisted of 30 random questions about the participant, was $1.50. Results were sent to Data Match in Pennsylvania, and received back for their distribution on Valentine’s Day. Students were given their top ten and bottom ten matches at ER. According to Tyler Meyerhoff, one of the students in charge of Data Match, the activity went well.

“We’re not quite sure how much money we made altogether, but it was definitely a success.

Profit from the Data Match surveys will go straight toward the senior ball for the class of 2009.

volumeEIGHTissueFIVE

07

NEWS

Dancers on the way to districts, then to California After many long practices and energetic performances, the dance team is making it’s way to Disneyland by

STASIE HENSON

REPORTER

In May, the Emerald Ridge dance team, a total of 15 girls, will travel to Disneyland for the first time to compete against many other qualified teams from all over the United States.

“We got the idea from our coach, who went for this in high school,” junior captain Shelby Wickett said. “We thought it would be fun to try.

It was a long process, but was so worth it.”

The team spent a lot of time and put forth an excruciating amount of hard work in prepping for the auditions, and they sent in videos of various performances.

“We had to have so many routines, and we had to feel well prepared,” senior captain Sara

Mann said. “We had to video, make our dances kid friendly, and get a lot of different shots for the cameras. It was tiring, but really fun. Then we just needed to wait for a response.”

The team sent in a video of three dances, one pom dance, and two regular dances, including their competition dance from last season.

This is the team’s first year trying to dance at Disneyland thanks to coaches Jenni Muehlenbruch and Michelle Dyer, but like many previous years, its competition season is also going well.

“We got second place at the Salute to Spirit on Jan. 28 at the Everett Event Center,” Wickett said.

On Saturday, the girls will attend districts at Thomas Jefferson High School, and are working hard to qualify for state.

“Districts is kind of the end of it all,” Mann said. “We have districts next weekend, and hopefully we can qualify for State. Disneyland is more of a just-for fun thing.”

Dance Team members prepare to perform at the football game versus Tahoma on Sept. 6.

Improved automated alerts A new alarm system in the school allows staff and students to be warned of potential dangers sooner by

ALANNA NUGENT

REPORTER

The new alarm system, also known as the Fast Alert System, was introduced to the Puyallup School District in late December over Winter break, in hopes of getting staff and students to a safer place, faster.

This new system allows staff members to warn other

members and students in advance of any potential danger that may occur, such as a fire, an earthquake or an intruder drill, without anyone having to be in the front office. It gives staff and students in the school more time to get to a secure area without putting themselves in any more danger than they are in.

“It allows us to get out of the building while the automated alarm is being played over the intercom,” assistant principle Troy Hodge said.

The Fast Alert System also has the capability of contacting the other schools throughout the district and warns them

about any dangers that they may not know about.

“I like this new system,” office manager Barb Andresen said. “I still think we need more practice using it, but I like it. It’s more professional.”

The fast alert system was installed in the schools for the safety of the staff and students. This system will hopefully allow staff and students to get to a secure area faster and without hesitation.

“This system has the consistency to remind everyone of the situation at hand every 5 minutes,” Hodge said. “It’s annoying, but it’s worth it.”

Math prep classes swap by

LEXI BROCKAMP

REPORTER

The math department shuffled classes between teachers this semester to accommodate both teachers and students.

Before the shuffle, teachers had up to three prep classes to teach: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. The way classes were shuffled made it so most teachers only have one or two preps.

“The district gave us funding for one extra math teacher second semester,” math teacher Tracy Shepard said. “And

08 volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

there wasn’t anyone to hire so they bought out five of our planning periods.”

Classes were traded between teachers in order to prevent class periods from having to be moved as well.

“It was really nice of Mr. Paul to give up his top classes to make this work,” Shepard said. “Otherwise we would have had to move class periods around as well.”

Six classes of students were moved to new teachers this semester.

Teachers state that the loss of planning periods has not affected their classes.

Photo courtexy of Jenni Muehlenbruch

NEWS

District athletic standards lax Future of student athletes imperiled STAFF

T

he Puyallup School District currently enforces virtually no academic standards regarding student athletes. Unfortunately, this takes emphasis off the word ‘student’ and puts more on the word ‘athlete.’ The district and coaches need to do more to make sure that student athletes meet academic requirements so that they perform well in the classroom before their sport.

Last February, the Puyallup School District proposed a new academic standard that would require athletes to maintain a grade point average of 2.0 and pass five of their six classes to continue participating in their sport, meaning potentially that a varsity player could have four D’s and two F’s and still be eligible to play.

We understand that for some athletes school is not the most important thing, but is requiring them scrape by with just good enough grades to graduate really expecting too much?

First and foremost, students come to Emerald Ridge to learn. As students it is our job to get an education, and be prepared to lead a successful life following high school academically. After students can handle that responsibility, then they can exercise the privilege to

the fine print Emerald Ridge High School 12405 184th St. E. South Hill, WA 98374 253-435-6300

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

participate in sports. If they can not handle keeping good grades while playing sports, it is also their duty to step down from the sport and pick up on their academic slack. This may seem harsh, but it is the truth.

If the new standard is adopted athletes will need to step up academically and coaches will have to go out of their way to ensure that grade checks are being completed, but really isn’t the value of a good education worth a little extra effort?

We encourage the district to pass the new standard, and the administration, community, teachers, and coaches to support the success of all students the public school system was created to educate.

Editorials are composed by – and are the opinion of – the JagWire Editorial Board.

EDITORIAL BOARD..........................................MORGAN T. GARD . ....................................................................................... GERRY LECONTE . ...........................................................................................LAUREN SMITH . ...................................................................................... ASHLEY VINCENT . ...................................................................................DALLAS M. WELKER COPY EDITOR....................................................................MIMI SISON DESIGN MANAGER ...................................... HEATHER GORMAN BUSINESS MANAGER.................................... ANDY DICKERSON CIRCULATION MANAGER............................... STASIE HENSON REPORTERS................................................................ MEGAN ALBERT . ................................................................................ KRISTIN ANDERSON . ......................................................................................LAUREN BARRON . ........................................................................................ LEXI BROCKAMP . .....................................................................................DANNY CANHAM . ..........................................................................................KAITLIN CLARK . .........................................................................................ALIESHA DRIVAS . ...................................................................................... ADAM FANGMAN . ..............................................................................................DEVIN FLOYD . .................................................................................. KELSEY HOWLAND ....................................................................................................JOSH JOYCE . ....................................................................................................KATE KAYE . ....................................................................................KATELYN KREMPLE . .......................................................................................BRIANNA LANTZ . .......................................................................................LINDSAY NOLAN . ....................................................................................ALANNA NUGENT . ........................................................................................ ASHLEY O’BRIEN . ................................................................................. ASHLEE PITIGLIANO . ..................................................................................................BRI ROGERS .......................................................................... JULIA SERVA-DELMONTE ............................................................................................... NIKKI SEADER ................................................................................KRISTEN STEENBEEKE ............................................................................................... TESSA TORRES ...................................................................................................... ZAC TRAN .......................................................................................... RACHEL WEBBER ..........................................................................................AMANDA WYMA ADVISER............................................................................KEVIN SMYTH AFFILIATES

JEA, NSPA, SPJ, WJEA, WSJA

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

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 ksmyth@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.

volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

09

OP/ED

“

“ the voice of the people: Should student athletes be held to a higher academic standard?

“

“

Student athletes aren’t really even held to the minimum standards.

I think student athletes are capable of a lot more than what they do.

No because focusing and doing well in sports is doing the school a favor.

Student athletes should be required to pass all their classes with at least a C.

-Kelsea Dunlap, senior

-Shelby Wickett, junior

-Troy Engelbeck, sophomore

-Sam Lessard, student teacher

12 12 ”

11

”

10 STAFF

”

”

Administration inhibits spirit M any students – seniors, especially – have been looking high and low for something or someone to blame for the recently fall in spirit that has become evident during assemblies. The blame, however, cannot be placed on one person, and not even on a group of people.

Assemblies this year have failed to inspire students to do so much as display spirit when prompted.

They have been mostly tepid, if not boring, in parts, and in general do not do the one job they are responsible for doing: inspiring students to care about the school they go to.

We do not, however, point fingers at the leadership class. They work hard to put on assemblies just like we do to put out the paper, and that effort must be respected. Their labor to create worthwhile, memorable assemblies are being choked by an administration afraid of the repercussions of past assemblies.

The best assemblies in the memory of this senior class have

10 volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

been memorable because they pushed the envelope and because they were raucously out of control.

Color Splash 2006 and Gender Defender 2007 are prime evidence of this.

Yes, inappropriate things happened and this has to be recognized. But they also forced students to care about going to school, and about participating in school activities.

Spirit is not the cause of excellent assemblies – only the reverse is true. And if the student body is to be expected to show more pride in their school, then the school needs to have more assemblies that make them care, instead of simply telling them why they should care.

The extremely provocative show given by AP Junior English teacher and Jag Jacket inventor Jay Bates at the homecoming assembly is the best example of what to do right at assemblies so far this year.

It was a dose of Emerald Ridge history mixed with impressive showmanship that did more to ex-

cite students about the upcoming year than anything since. And that showmanship is integral.

The administration needs to loosen its hold and allow the leadership class to plan assemblies that once again give students a reason to be excited about ER. But even if that does not happen, the leadership class must push the envelope as far as they can to restore our school’s lack of faith in itself.

Students need to care about their school again, like they used to. And there is no other way than

to use assembles to give them a good reason to. Without that push, students in the next few years will only grow increasingly disconnected until attendance, at school and at assemblies, wanes to nothing.

The question that must be asked by everyone involved is, would students rather go to the most outrageous school, or the most boring school?

Editorials are composed by – and are the opinion of – the JagWire Editorial Board.

Tryouts coming soon:

ERHS

Battle of the Bands 2008

Oral sex is not a topic that sur faces very often within the school setting, but the fact remains it happens. In this issue, JagWire has taken a comprehensive look at oral sex as it pertains to the student body. Topics range from student opinion, media influence, psychological results, and the consequences that may arise from it.

Oral sex at ER

“

Honestly I it offers a l to the relation because you get bored if y not engaging other activitie ok because it someone I rea care about.

-Madison Freed [has pa oral se

Students are having oral sex and it is not talked about in school ASHLEY VINCENT

that this causes students to miss out on information they need to make an informed decision.

A survey of 600 Emerald Ridge “I think it is right to have it in students found that 37 percent of schools,” senior Caity York said. respondents had participated in oral “People need to be informed. Like sex. Though a third of students have the whole AIDS thing; a lot of people participated in oral sex, it is not didn’t know anything about AIDS and something typically talked about in we talked about it and it got better. the classroom environment.

It is still a big problem so I think if “Honestly, I usually do not bring it we talk about it more people would up unless I am asked about it,” health be better informed.” and physical education teacher Lynn According to the survey the averWardle said. “The (sexual education) age age of ER students when they unit we teach is very generic and first participate in oral sex is 15, clinical and I’ve never really talked freshman or sophomore year, and about oral sex.” it is not discussed in high school Wardle’s approach is not uncomclassrooms. So for many students mon; in fact it is encouraged by the oral sex education comes from Puyallup School District. Their curfriends or worse, other persuasive riculum familiarizes students with participants. their bodies and “I would rather how they work in they learned about elementary school, urrently there this stuff from me and includes a than from their sexual education is no curriculum friends,” Wardle unit in eight grade said. health. This unit approved by the Pe r c e p t i o n s consists of a state of oral sex have mandated HIV/ district that spe changed drastiAIDS program and cally between a lesson on ab- cifically discusses the generation stinence, sexually before this one transmitted dis- oral sex and today’s teeneases (STDs), and ager. Senior Philip contraceptives.

Westfall has parCurrently there is no curriculum ticipated in, and sees no problem approved by the district that specifiwith oral sex. cally discusses oral sex.

“We did it just because we decided “I believe the sky could be the we wanted to get intimate and we limit on what some would say is apwere not ready for the real thing,” propriate or inappropriate to teach,” Westfall said. “It is more casual than said Rick Wells, Puyallup School actual sex. And, no, I don’t regret District director for K-12 Health doing it.” and Fitness. “I would venture to Other students are of a completely say that every human being has a different opinion. line of what is too much to teach.

“I think it is awful,” senior Kate So whose line do we stand by? Do Gibson said. “Being a high school we throw sensibility and caution to female, I don’t think it is safe or the wind and use the furthest to the healthy. A lot can come of doing that left as the line, or do we put our just one time, so why risk it?” heads in the sand and take a total Student perception of oral sex is abstinence viewpoint on the right? widely varied, but there is a common We as a district have to take into factor. Every student interviewed said consideration the sensibilities on that oral sex is something that is left both ends of morality.” out of classroom discussion which, The district does not want to if covered, would ultimately give subject innocent students to explicit students enough background to make lessons, but there is some concern that decision for themselves. by

EDITORIAL BOARD

1in 3 stud

at ER have h

oral se

“

I do not think oral s sex is an appropriat to strengthen a rela Sure it might provide intimate connection doesn’t automatica your relationship to a different level.

-Joey Creek [has not parti oral sex or sex

C

-

.

12

Photo by Gerry LeConte

National perceptio

The media and pop culture may be

by

KRISTEN STEENBEEKE

REPORTER

In the early days of television, it was considered highly racy for a couple to be seen lying in bed together, no matter what their marital status was. On the 1950s show “I Love Lucy,” main character Lucy and her real-life and television husband, Desi Arnaz, were portrayed to be sleeping in separate beds. Also, though her character gave birth to a child, the word “pregnant” was not allowed to be used.

Now, in the 21st century, teen television shows hint heavily at unmarried teens having sex. Magazines headlines say, “Ways to please your man in bed.” Presidential sex scandals show up across every newsstand. Ask a child or teen about the Iraq war and they give a blank stare; ask them about Paris Hilton’s sex tape and they give you a full synopsis.

Parents may ask themselves, “How has it gotten so bad?” The answer is exposure. Whether positive, negative

or informational, topics like oral sex have becom in the media and many teens have fallen unde In 2005, an article by the Washington Pos that over 50 percent of teens, ages 15-19, hav in oral sex. The article also stated that nearly o teens who are abstinent from sexual intercourse have participated in oral ex sex. An article in USA Today clearly insists that teens are viewing oral sex in as a more casual sexual act, while their parents believe it to be more intimate visio than intercourse. Because pregnancy is not a risk in instances of fellatio (oral sex per a male) or cunnilingus (oral sex performed on all other risks involving disease or emotional t disregarded.

It is possible that the rise of sexual referen media has lent to the rise of alternative sexual Though magazines such as “Seventeen” and “Co

S

6

feel like lot more nship u kind of you’re g in es. It’s t’s with ally

”

dle , junior articipated in ex and sex]

dents had

ex

sex or te tool ationship. e a more n but it ally take a

”

k , senior icipated in x]

Consequences by

“

When people just rush into it, like me and Kevin we waited a year (and a year is a really long time). I thought we waited the perfect amount of time because I was ready.

It’s not something I want to regret. I don’t really regret anything like mistakes and I don’t think it was a mistake.

-Whitney Higgins, senior [has participated in oral sex and sex]

DALLAS M. WELKER

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhoea, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes, HIV, syphilis: Are you ready for oral sex? For far too long adolescents have viewed oral sex as a safer form of sex, not taking into consideration the numerous sexually transmitted diseases that can be passed through it.

Herpes: The two most affluent types of herpes simplex virus (HSV) are HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. Type 1 usually results in cold sores around the mouth and type 2 usually results in a genital herpes sore. HSV type 1 around the mouth can be transmitted through oral sex to the genital area resulting sores.

The same is true for HSV type 2.

eases to be asymptomatic (showing no symptoms).

Genital warts: An infected person may transmit the papillomavirus which causes genital warts to the active person (person giving oral sex). This would results in warts in and around the mouth.

Hepatitis A: (contained in human faeces) can be contracted through anilingus (“rimming”, oral-anal contact)

Gonorrhoea: passed by giving or receiving oral stimulation. Gonorrhoea in the throat is almost always naturally cleared out by the body within three months. Gonorrhoea in the genital tract usually requires antibiotics to be treated.

Chlamydia: (Less common) passed in the same ways gonorrhoea is. Both can be characterized by a sore throat.

However, it is common for both dis-

”

Syphilis: can be acquired by the active partner if the receptor (person receiving oral sex) has an open sore or rash caused by the infection and the active partner’s mouth comes into contact with the sore or rash.

“

I was 15. I was horny. It wasn’t really a relationship at that point. I’d known the guy for a week.

-Mikaela Bates, senior [has participated in oral sex]

Hepatitis B: (contained in sexual fluids and blood) transmitted by similar method as HIV.

”

Hepatitis C: (contained in blood) transmitted if blood is present during oral.

HIV: (infection is unlikely since linings of mouth and throat can resist viral infections) passed from HIV positive receptive partner to an HIV negative partner when active partner gets fluid (semen, vaginal fluid, or blood) in a sore, cut, or inflamed area in the mouth or throat.

on and influence

“

We’d already been going out for a year and we were in Mexico.

-Kevin Weeks , senior [has participated in oral sex and sex]

”

e changing the values of today’s teenager

me rampant er its spell. st revealed ve engaged one in four

take all measures to provide protection advice and STD warnings, the mere presence of sexual themes is still available for young teens. Some teen magazines draw in readers even younger than 12, who are now being constantly exposed to articles, advice columns and questions regarding oral sex.

Aside from the news and xual content appears magazines, sex and oral sex percent of all tele also appear abundantly in movies, television and music videos. The organization on programs “Common Sense Media” rerformed on leased a study on media exposure in teens, which revealed a female), that sexual content appears in 64 percent of all television turmoil are programs, and only 15 percent of these programs include messages about risks such as STDs or pregnancies. It also nces in the stated that, “On average, music videos contain 93 sexual l practices. situations per hour, including 11 ‘hardcore’ scenes depictosmoGIRL!” ing behavior such as intercourse and oral sex.”

64

-

.

Shows such as “Sex and the City” advertise sex as casual, fun and completely risk-free. Though intended generally for adults, many parents are oblivious to the general theme of their children’s shows and the palpably sexual content.

In the past 10 years, oral sex has also become a topic of national discussion due to the Clinton scandal in 1995.

When the media acquired news in 1998 of president Bill Clinton receiving oral sex from White House intern Monica Lewinsky, arguments arose as to whether oral sex could be considered “sexual relations.” However, it seemed that Lewinsky was almost glorified after the scandal – she became a representative for Jenny Craig dieting program, hosted a reality show called “Mr. Personality” and attempted to design her own line of handbags.

A scandal also arose in 2006, involving R&B singer Ne-Yo. Cell phone video footage was leaked onto the internet involving a backup dancer of the singer giving him oral sex. When rumors came out that she was fired, Ne-Yo

admitted to the sexual act but told the press, “Why would she get fired? She’s one of my dancers. She’s also a good friend of mine.” As a role model and idol of teens, Ne-Yo has set an example of casual oral sex.

Oral sex has also appeared in the novel industry.

Though it is classified as a “cautionary tale,” Paul Ruditis’ teen novel “Rainbow Party” exposes the details of parties during which girls don various colors of lipstick and perform oral sex, therefore giving the boys a rainbow of rings around their penises. In the end of the novel, the girl throwing the party acquires gonorrhea and no one attends her party. Though these types of media influences can deter sexual acts such as oral sex, they also have the ability of planting ideas in adolescent minds.

An article from Guttmacher Institute by Lisa Remez states, “[Adolescent health professionals] stress that teachers and parents need to do a better job at helping children interpret the context-free messages of sexuality they are bombarded with in the media.”

Psychological

14

A body’s reaction to oral stimulation by

RACHEL WEBBER

REPORTER

Is oral sex moral?

More and more teens today believe oral sex is a way to show their love for one another in a safe and moral manner; meaning, a majority of teens are now slipping into an immoral dive, creating a generation of clueless beings.

The increasingly casual practice of oral sex will result in nothing but eventual degeneration of our society’s core morals and values that help us differentiate between right and wrong.

Oral sex is just that – sex in the oral variety.

Even the simplest of third grade English exercises will show you that ‘oral’ in this context is the operative adjective and ‘sex’ the noun. By definition and by nature, oral sex is sex. To say that oral sex is a way to remain abstinent and demonstrate your love in a safe manner makes as much sense as saying that an overdose of sleeping pills is a healthy and effective way of achieving a fitful sleep.

This luridly sexual act is a gateway drug in the gray path of immorality. And while the question of immorality and communal decency as it relates to life is a different argument, it remains the biggest consequence of practicing oral sex.

If you don’t subscribe to moral reasoning on the topic, by all means, ignore the moral aspect.

Strictly speaking, an action is defined as ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ from the consequences which results from it. The practice of oral sex can lead

to some pretty disgusting outcomes. While I won’t delve into detail, itchy, crusty STDs on faces and in throats should be selfdescriptive. It can also result in a feeling of degradation, guilt, and it could taint every other sexual Andy Dickerson experience, possibly with Immoral another person, in the future.

A repeated act of a sexual nature has been shown to produce unsatisfactory pleasure when practiced casually and with multiple partners.

This could then lead to the loss for intimacy.

Oral sex is based entirely on what the individual believes to be the boundary of foreplay and sex. If, in your opinion, partaking in a sexual activity in which climax in one or both partners is reached – one of Webster’s many definitions of sex – does not entail the loss of virginity or the breach of abstinence then have a syphilis-filled rainbow party.

In a society where every freedom is attempted enough it is no wonder why every teen should believe everything involves a choice. There is no choice here. A condom cannot protect morality or faith, emotions or future experiences and a mouth certainly won’t do much better.

Even though society may see oral sex under the shadow of despicable acts, such as a certain United State President committing infidelity via a certain female intern exploring sexual escapades under a desk, there is no legitimate reason to target the act in itself, and deem it immoral.

The specific act of oral sex is not Gerry LeConte Moral immoral. There is nothing wrong with one person giving another person oral sexual pleasure or sexual stimulation. The only time this act becomes degrading, hurtful, or unsafe is when it is practiced by irresponsible people, or in irresponsible settings.

The problem with society today is that oral sex is too frequently seen as immoral because of the situation in which it is often found. It has become a common occasion to see a news story about teens that were found performing oral

The brain: it’s good for thinking, good for remembering and critical for sex. Because more and more teens are having oral sex, it is important for them to know what is happening inside of their bodies when they are engaging in sexual activity.

A variety of chemicals are activated in the brain before and during sex. When two people are physically attracted to each other, a hormone called oxytocin is released into the brain. Oxytocin has a calming effect, allowing partners to have a better connection with each other.

Once oxytocin levels begin to decrease, the connection between two people starts to decrease as well.

“Oxytocin is released as a consequence of breast or genital stimulation in both sexes,” Marty Lobdell, Professor of Human Sexuality at Pierce College, said. “Oxytocin is released as part of the orgasmic response in both sexes regardless of the source of the orgasm; oral, vaginal, etc.”

Eye contact often results in an increase of oxytocin. This increase causes feelings of tranquility, allowing a person to feel more affectionate than normal.

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, activates the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system increases a person’s heart rate and increases blood flow to their muscles during sex.

Another neurochemical that is released into the human body is penylethylamine.

“A little known chemical PEA (phe-

sex, or a survey saying that teens are performing oral sex at even younger ages.

Unfortunately, everyone wastes time and energy complaining about sexual stimulation involving the mouth.

We involve the penis, vagina, clitoris, hand or earlobe in sexual stimulation, and we’re okay. But get anywhere near the mouth, and hold the phone, because our youth is going down the toilet.

When it comes to the morality of the act itself, the majority fail to separate the action from its circumstance and deem oral sex, in general, immoral. By doing this, society has placed oral sex in a bubble of association, full of despicable acts that are frowned upon by the general population. This is simply inaccurate and foolish.

In 2003, a 17-year-old football player from Georgia had consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl and video taped the act. When this got out, the community was up in arms and the 17-year-old was brought up on child molestation

nylethylamine) is released early in relationships and seems to result in the “high” people report when they first fall in love,” Lobdell said. “PEA is also found in chocolate but is broken down in one’s stomach and does not impact the eater.”

Phenylethylamine releases dopamine, which then travels to the pleasure centers in the brain and is at a high during an orgasm.

“When humans orgasm, dopamine pathways in the brain are activated, resulting in high levels of pleasure,” Lobdell said.

Orgasms trigger a release of serotonin, an endorphin, which acts as an antidepressant. The neurochemical discussed earlier, oxytocin, is released during an orgasm as well.

“Endorphins are also released during sex, often as a consequence of dopamine pathways being activated,” Lobdell said.

In both men and women, testosterone is a critical factor in the sex drive. Testosterone causes in the body a rush of aggressive emotions as well as sexual arousal.

Contrary to popular belief, pheromones have not been shown to affect arousal or attraction.

“What does seem to impact attraction for women is the scent of a man who has a moderately different immune system.”

According to Lobdell, this is also sensed by men when they are exposed to a partner with the “right” immune differences carried in their saliva.

“Kissing most likely allows one to sample their partner’s immunological make-up,” Lobdell said. “People who taste good have the right mix.”

charges, which resulted in a ten-year sentence in prison.

Unfortunately, the sentencing was aided by a disgusted community and it wasn’t until 2007, five years later, that the decision was overturned and he was released.

I would have to agree that the 15-year-old giving oral sex is immoral, but is it fair to say that in this situation, the specific act of oral sex itself is immoral? If it were a 32-yearold woman and 34-year-old man would this be a problem?

Would it be on the news? Would anyone care?

No. Oral sex was not and is not the moral issue. It isn’t even close.

Society needs to stop blaming and labeling oral sex as the degradation of our youth or sexual integrity. To try and send the message that oral sex itself is immoral is a futile and utter waste of time. People enjoy it as it brings them sexual pleasure. Instead, there should be more focus on stopping casual, unsafe sex of any kind throughout teens, because that is where the real problem lies.

FEATURE

The Future of Film: Ice Jaguar Productions Jeremy Cathey and Aaron Hines, two juniors, have ventured into the world of film, making their own movies and aspiring to become well-known Hollywood film makers by

LAUREN BARRON

REPORTER

While most kids at Emerald Ridge are watching movies with their friends, Jeremy Cathey and Aaron Hines are actually making movies with and for their friends.

Though this started as only a hobby in junior high, filming movies is now their claim to fame.

They both agree that making movies is rewarding.

“Mainly, just the excitement of getting a new movie up for entertaining people is what we like,” Cathey and Hines both established. “Why? Because we really like to see and hear what other people like about our films. We want to know their reactions.”

Cathey has been interested in making movies since the sixth grade, but his only creations were short videos of himself and family members. Hines started in the eighth grade, but they soon found themselves collaborating and making movies together.

Their production company, Ice Jaguar Productions, can be seen all over YouTube and their individual websites.

From their short films including 12:12, Inhuman and C-Man, to their cover of Casino Royality, it is difficult for them to pick their favorites.

“Every new movie we work on eventually becomes our favorite, so we really can’t choose one,” Cathey said.

However, earlier this year, Ice Jaguar Productions decided to go their separate ways.

“We weren’t necessarily disagreeing on things, just we knew in the future we wouldn’t be working together,” Cathey said.

“We wanted to see what we could do individually,” Hines said.

“But we still make movies together for class.”

Now on their own, both are having success with their online film industries.

Video Productions teacher Gary Osborne only has a couple of students that stand out from the others every couple of years, and Jeremy and Aaron have been rewarded with that title.

They put more time and effort into their movies which, in the end, the better the movie will be,” Osborne says.

Though effort and time shine in the forefront, it is passion that drives the whole scheme from behind.

“Passion will take you where you want to go,” Osborne said.

You got to want it.”

There is no doubt in their minds that they will go far. Each want to study at LA Film School after high school, and continue to do the things they love.

“I want to be in the heart of Hollywood eventually,” Hines said.

“Hopefully one day my name will be on the big screen.”

Both have been taking Video Productions to advance their dreams and Cathey has even taken acting classes.

“I like to be in front of the camera more than behind,” Cathey said. “Aaron is more behind the scenes with directing and editing movies.”

When it comes to their inspirations in this business, each had their different answers.

“I look up to the fellow video-creating peers that are doing the same thing as me,” Cathey said.

Hines on the other hand looks up to one of the highest paid

Photos by Julia Serva-Delmonte

directors in the business.

“I’m a Steven Spielberg fan. Most of the movies I watch are directed by him, he is a very talented man,” Hines said.

When not making movies, they are just regular kids hanging out with their friends and playing video games.

“We are just one big, happy family,” Junior Caleb McCan said.

“Hanging out and just messing around is what we do.”

Maybe one day the world will see their names roll up the credits screen after a big movie premiere.

“I plan to be making the big bucks in Hollywood doing what I love to do,” Cathey said.

Juniors Jermey Cathey and Aaron Hines founded Ice Jaguar Productions.

volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

15

FEATURE

Math Teacher over Star Soccer Player

Familar face, Sarah Cypher, discusses the forks in her road to academia

only few remaining teachers who my Kansas. I haven’t left. I haven’t gone anywhere. I married still bother to stand outside their somebody I went to junior high and high school with!” classrooms and greet each student Josh Cypher thought that Sarah was “super hot” when he with a handshake. first saw her in P.E. class in junior high and, like most boys “It’s nice having such a welcom- would do, teased her endlessly then and still makes things ing face greet you every time you hard for her now. They are devoted parents whose obvious come in,” said Erin Craven, a senior delight in and unconditional love for their children show in in Cypher’s AP Calculus class. “That the little things they do. makes you feel like she really wants “Last night,” Cypher said with open exuberance, “I dressed you here; she really wants you to my daughter up in her dance clothes and she was dancing. succeed, and (in fact) she has been I was trying to dance with her and she told me, ‘Mom you a big part of my success.” can’t dance with me. You don’t have dance clothes and It is a way of gauging whether you’re not a kid.” students grasped the subject It is moments like this that remind Cypher of the reason matter that day and/or detecting why she chose the path in life that she did. if anything is going on at home and granting a student some slack.

“I feel like if you don’t have a relationship with the students they don’t really respect what you’re At one point, Cypher, her mother and sister all attended ER as a teacher, a secretary, and a student. teaching them, or respect you as a person,” Cypher said.

by MIMI SISON Though her teaching style is marked with flexibility, her REPORTER disciplinary style is…well, let’s just say don’t let yourself The French philosopher Albert Camus once said, “Life is get caught cheating on one of Cypher’s tests.

(Funny Calculus Quote) the sum of all your choices.”

“I guess it could be a good thing and a bad thing,” said For the principle-driven Sarah Cypher this meant that 99 Cypher, who’s a Christian, “but I percent of future decisions were already made the moment am so a black and white person. the equation of life appeared before her.

You could pretty much bring up She chose to pursue a degree in both math and education anything and I would know (in at Washington State University, instead of continuing her terms of) right and wrong.” career as a ranking soccer player at George Fox University.

Her beliefs were largely develShe thought about becoming either a FBI or a CIA agent, oped here in Puyallup where she but decided that being married to a 70-hour job was not as has lived all her life. worthwhile as being married period.

“I grew up in Puyallup,” Cypher She also decided that a six-figure profession debugging said, “and I teach in the Puyallup Xbox games at Microsoft was not as fulfilling as the mother/ schools next to someone (social teacher combo. studies teacher Ben Muehlenbruch) And so here she is: the mother of two, and teacher of AP who I went to school with from calculus and Leadership at Emerald Ridge. The nature of her first grade on. It’s a little awkward. job allows Cypher to get the best of both worlds.

Not really, ‘cause I like him and we “I wanted to be a mom, and teaching allows a little more get along. It’s just that…” flexibility,” Cypher said. “There’s a lot of people out there She pauses, conflicted over that work from 9 to 5 o’clock and don’t get to see their kids whether to continue. until 6 o’clock at night.”

“This is horrible, and I probably A snapshot of Cypher’s family life is visible in a 16-by-21 shouldn’t say this, and you probably inch portrait splashed across her desk. It portrays her hus- shouldn’t quote this,” she said and, band, Josh, sitting beside her, as well as eight-month-old son in a voice simultaneously pained Xander and three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Kennedy. and conspiratorial, continued “but “It’s important to get that ‘half’ in ‘cause you know she’s you know how they say in Kansas three and she wishes she was 14,” Cypher said chuckling. everyone marries their cousin?

To her students, Cypher is known for being one of the Sometimes I feel like Puyallup is Sarah Cypher and Ben Muehlenbruch went to school together starting in the first grade and now they teach side by side.

I used u for ∫e x and it was so wrong but it felt so right

16 volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

Photo by Mimi Sison

FEATURE

everyone has a story

Taking life one breath at a time by

KAITLIN CLARK

REPORTER

Although Junior Brandon Petersen has had to overcome many obstacles as a young child, he is now a high achieving student with hopes of one day becoming a pharmacist.

Petersen is very talented, especially in the area of music-making. He has been playing the trombone since fifth grade, the piano since seventh, and the euphonium for a little less than a year.

However, even though he loves music, playing the trombone is sometimes difficult for him due to his asthma.

“I’ve had asthma for as long as I can remember,” Petersen said. “I could play so much better because I’d have better breathing support.”

Asthma isn’t the only health issue that has posed a challenge in his life. Petersen also had many other medical problems as an infant.

“I was hospitalized many times for pneumonia, and other things,” said Petersen.

Conveniently, Petersen’s mother Terri Petersen is a registered nurse.

“They even thought I might be deaf.”

Said Terri Petersen, “After Brandon was six months old he continually had episodes of upper respiratory infections, fluid in his ears, bronchitis, and pneumonia.”

Between the ages of six months and four years old he had tubes put in his ears, had his tonsils and adenoids removed, received corrective surgery for a blocked tear duct and had speech therapy.

Petersen could not hear clearly nor was he able to speak. Since then, he has always been an excellent student who takes rigorous courses.

“Today, Brandon is an achieving, contributing student who wasn’t allowed to give up because of early illness or lack of hearing and speech,” Terri Petersen said.

Doug Stull, Petersen’s advisor chose to give him a Very Industrious Student Striving for Achievement (VISSTA) award this year.

Photo by Julia Serva-Delmonte

“Brandon did a really good job during world week as our Head of State,” Stull said.

When he gets out of school, Petersen has plans to become a pharmacist. He is taking classes that will lead him down field, including Medical Terminology.

“I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field.” Petersen said. “Then, when I job shadowed a pharmacist I thought it was really cool.” He plans on attending Central after high school.

“Sometimes he’s punk,” said Petersen’s good friend Pamaldeep Dhillon. “Sometimes he’s preppy, sometimes he’s rocker, he’s just Brandon.”

Junior Brandon Petersen wants to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals after high school.

“SOMETIMES HE’S A PUNK, SOMETIMES HE’S PREPPY, SOMETIMES HE’S ROCKER, HE’S JUST BRANDON.” volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

17

SPORTS

Two wrestlers place at state Despite senior placers, boys wrestling returns home with disappointing results that fail to live up to past performances by

LAUREN SMITH

EDITORIAL BOARD

Though it sent five competitors to the state tournament on Feb. 15 and 16, the Jag wrestling team brought home only two state placers in senior 285-pounder Braedan Binkiewicz who placed 6th and senior 140-pounder Gabe Weber who placed 7th. The lack of placers left the Jags with a 29th place overall finish – which made for the team’s worst finish since the 2003 season when it took 44th.

“We didn’t do well at state because we had some injuries and some other things going on that kept us from doing well, it just was not a good state tournament,” coach Jim Meyerhoff said.

The “other things” Meyerhoff referred to included injuries of seniors Kevin Mooney (152 pounds) and Kameron Munroe (160), and the disqualification of senior 119-pounder Nick Tennison at the regional tournament on Feb. 8 and 9.

Tennison, who competed at state in the 112-pound weight class last year, did not show up for the second day of competition, which ruined his chances at a state berth.

According to Tennison, he failed to appear because he had exceeded the weight limit in the 24-hour period after the day one weigh in.

“It would’ve been embarrassing to step on a scale when I was four pounds over the weight limit,” Tennison said.

Barring the situation with Tennison, the team finished adequately at the regional tournament where it took 4th and sent Binkiewicz and Weber, seniors Erik Halsey (189) and Kyler Koppelman (215) as well as sophomore Mitch Steed (171) to the state tournament.

Binkiewicz overcame numerous injuries during his high school wrestling career to attend and place the highest of the Jags at the tournament.

“Getting hurt has kept Braedan out of the postseason which is tough because he could’ve been a two-or-three time state placer,” Meyerhoff said. “He’s a strong wrestler and he didn’t get to show that in the last few years.”

In the first round, Binkiewicz pinned junior Jake Reinhard of Snohomish in one minute, 48 seconds, but lost in round two to senior Tevyn Tillman of Decatur – who later went on to place first. He won in both the third and fourth rounds with a pin over Heritage junior Steven Forgette in 39 seconds and a 3-2 victory over Rogers senior Allan Thompson.

Unfortunately, he lost in both the fifth round and final round to take 6th place.

“I’m glad I had the opportunity to wrestle, but I felt I could’ve placed higher,” Binkiewicz said.

Weber was the only other Jag wrestler to qualify for the second day of the tournament. He won his first match 8-4 over Davis junior Kido Espinoza, but fell into the third place bracket after losing the eventual champion senior Brad Perry

18volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

Senior Gabe Weber defeated Oak Harbor junior John Tuttle 10-7 at the state tournament on Feb. 16 to secure seventh place at 140 pounds.

of Snohomish who pinned him late in the third round.

“Gabe was beating a kid (Perry) who placed last year and won this year, but he got caught in something and ended up losing,” Meyerhoff said. “If he would’ve beat that kid who knows how high he could’ve placed, but it’s a tough tournament for a reason.”

After splitting his next two matches with a win in the third round and a loss in the fourth, Weber secured 7th place with a 10-7 victory over junior John Tuttle of Oak Harbor.

Steed was eliminated late on the first day of wrestling due to a seemingly careless error by a referee. Steed was trailing senior Sean Haschak of Lake Washington 4-5 in the third round of the match and was not awarded two takedown points when he had full coverage of Haschak’s body – much to the disappointment of both Steed and Meyerhoff.

“We thought he had won, but he didn’t get a good call,” Meyerhoff said. “Mitch deserved to win that match.”

Though he placed 6th at the 189-pound weight class last season, Halsey was unable to duplicate. He was aware he would have stiff competition heading into the state tournament, but as both the sub- and regional champion at his

weight class, Halsey felt confident.

“I knew I had a big challenge ahead of me, and to almost overcome it but then fail was heartbreaking,” Halsey said.

After defeating senior Isaac Fry of Lewis & Clark 9-5 in the first round, Halsey lost to the eventual champion, senior Tim Hester of Shorewood 6-4, and senior Logan Bowman of Central Valley 5-4, thus eliminating him.

His losses shocked both his teammates and coaches.

“In theory, we thought he could be our first state champ,” Meyerhoff said. “But, he didn’t lose to a couple of chumps; he lost to some quality kids who really know wrestling.”

Koppelman was not able to defeat any of his opponents and was eliminated in the second round.

Yet, even with the loss of key wrestlers next season, Meyerhoff looks to build the team up again in the coming years to restore its former glory.

“We’re losing a lot of seniors so we’ll have a young team next year,” Meyerhoff said. “We have some sophomores coming in and some guys who wrestled this year who will be better next year, but we’re like every other school who goes through a rebuilding year, we’ll bounce back.”

Photo by Ashley Vincent

SPORTS

Gymnastics set a precedent A first state win is taken home by gymnastics team by

MEGAN ALBERT

REPORTER

The state gymnastics meet proved to be an extremely exciting weekend for Emerald Ridge gymnasts, juniors Whitney Sidor and Brianna Howe. Howe became the first athlete to win a state title since ER opened eight years ago, and Sidor competed incredibly as well.

Howe, coming off a first place finish at the district meet had high hopes entering the state competition. At the state meet, Howe continued her success placing first on the uneven bars (9.525), the floor exercise (9.675) and tying with PHS junior Katie Bubnich on the beam (9.600). To cap off these three state titles, Howe finished first in the all-

around category tying Lake Washington’s Sienna Viltz with a 37.300 score.

“I was excited,” Howe said. “I set it as a goal to take first at state, and there’s a ton of satisfaction in achieving a goal. I was blessed by having a good day, and an amazing meet.”

Howe didn’t just win one title; she received four state titles at the state gymnastics meet, which has only happened a few times in the history of the Washington Interscholastic Association of Athletics.

“It’s so big, and so infrequent to have a state champion,” Principal Brian Lowney said. “I think it’s hard to understand the work student athletes put in, and it’s really important to recognize these special accomplishments.”

Sidor had a great meet as well, tying for second place on the vault (9.600) and placing fourth on the bars (9.325).

Sidor finished eighth in the all-around competition with a

score of 36.175.

“Vault was really exciting,” Sidor said. “Plus, Bri did amazing. I was really proud at how far I got, knowing where I came from with all of my injuries this past year.”

Junior Brianna Howe performs state routine in the assembly on Feb. 22.

Lady wrestlers qualify for state match, none place Girls have high hopes for next season by

LAUREN SMITH

EDITORIAL BOARD

Girls wrestling sent its first competitor sophomore 160-pounder Kaylee Carr to the state tournament on Feb. 15 and 16, Though she did not end up placing.

“It was good because finally we got someone to state, and in the next year we hope to get more to state and some state placers,” Meyerhoff said. “It’s like with the boys. The first year we got one girl to state, and the next year we got six girls. Their

program will continue to grow as the boys program has.”

Carr secured the fifth and final statequalifying slot at the regional tournament on Feb. 9 with a pin in four minutes, 45 seconds over Rochester junior Kimberly Morgan.

“It’s a good feeling,” Carr said of being the first girl in Emerald Ridge’s history to qualify for the state tournament. “Hopefully next year more girls can go and the team can go as a whole.”

In the first round of the state tournament, Carr was pinned by Inglemoor senior Rowan Pilger – who later went on to place third.

In the second she received a bye, and in

the third defeated junior Tina Alter of Oak Harbor, 7-0.

However, Carr was eliminated in the fourth round of wrestling after being pinned

by Elma sophomore Michaela Ecklund in three minutes, 32 seconds – a loss which kept Carr from placing by only one match.

“It was a little disappointing, but if you’re doing your best and giving it your all you can’t really be disappointed in yourself,” Carr said.

Senior 130-pounder Madeline Hyatt finished 6th at the regional tournament to qualify as an alternate at the state tournament, however she did not get to wrestle.

“I only started last year and made it to state as an alternate, and I was proud of that,” Hyatt said. “It would’ve been great to wrestle, but to go there and to be a part of it was good enough for me.”

The team as a whole also won the first sub-regional tournament in the team’s history on Feb. 2, sending advancing seven of the nine girls to the regional tournament.

Junior Dallas Welker won the team’s first sub-regional title at 112 pounds, Hyatt and Carr, as well as sophomores Lauren Cross (125 pounds) and Taylor Myhre (145) each placed second and senior Samantha Caldwell both placed fourth.

Bowling to state Boys swim raises competition bar by

LEXI BROCKAMP

REPORTER

The girls bowling team sent junior captain Kerriane Davidson and freshman Allison McCormack to the state competion on Feb. 2. Davidson took 35th and McCormack 38th in of a pool of 57.

“It was nerve-racking at times,” Davidson said. “I know I could have done better, but I’m proud.”

Each girl bowled six times throughout the competion. All six rounds put together brought Davidson to a total score of 894 and McCormack 839.

“We had no idea what to expect,” Dittus said. “They both bowled three really good times and three not so great. They’re excited and ready for next year.”

Photo by Lauren Smith

State competitors leave swim team excited by

LINDSAY NOLAN

REPORTER

The boys swim team finished the season successfully, sending two swimmers to the state competition on Feb. 15 and 16. Freshman Tanner Kuestermeyer and senior Ryan Renggli both competed in two individual events, with Renggli competing in finals as well.

Kuestermeyer competed in the 200-yard individual medley and the 500-yard freestyle. For preliminaries, he was seeded 20th in the medley and 19th in the freestyle. Although Kuestermeyer’s races were close to his best times, he barely missed top sixteen placements for finals: 22nd in the medley (two minutes, 8.89 seconds) and 21st in the freestyle (five

minutes, 10.35 seconds).

“I went out there and swam my best,” Kuestermeyer said.

“I am bummed I didn’t make it to finals, but at the same time making it to state as a freshman is a big enough accomplishment for me.”

Renggli competed in the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke. He placed eighth overall in the backstroke (54.82 seconds) and 14th overall in the freestyle (22.91 seconds).

Renggli is still trying to recover from his collapsed lung, and was also sick with a sinus infection during the meet.

Despite these setbacks, he was just off his best time in the backstroke of 53.90 seconds.

“It was tough to keep a positive mindset with everything that has happened,” Renggli said. “Had I been on my best time in the backstroke, I could have been up in top three or four at finals.”

volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

19

SPORTS

Bri Howe

Athlete of the Month and Gymnastics State Champion

As a prominent gymnast and the first athlete to win a state title in Emerald Ridge history, junior Bri Howe discusses her past, present and future in gymnastics, as well as her ground-breaking accomplishments in athletics at ER.

ON B E I N G A G YMN A ST How long have you been involved in gymnastics?

I’ve been doing it since I was five. I had a lot of energy and was outgoing as a kid, so my mom put me in it.

What is your best event?

Floor, but I don’t practice it much because we can only use wrestling mats at school. I do what I can on those, and when we practice at Puget Sound on Fridays, I get to practice the skills that I’m not able to do on the wrestling mats.

How do you pick a song for your floor exercise?

I’ve had the routine I have now for five years. When I used to be in club there were a bunch of CDs to choose from with songs that didn’t have words (because if you have words in your song you get docked points) and I just picked a song that I thought fit me, and I have stuck with it ever since.

How long does it take you to memorize a routine?

Not long. I can pick up dance routines easily because I use a lot of dance elements in gymnastics in general. I actually helped one of the girls on our team choreograph her floor routine, and I choreograph my own beam routine.

What do you do to keep in shape over the offseason?

Freshman, sophomore and this year I haven’t practiced outside of school at all. But, next year I’m going to start practicing at Puget Sound three or four months before the season starts because I’ll be a senior and if some colleges are looking at me, I want to show them my best effort.

What future do you see for yourself in gymnastics?

I try to keep my goals realistic, for instance: this year my goals were to take 1st at districts and then at 1st state. So, for next year I want to stay realistic and focus on doing well at state and hopefully do gymnastics in college.

ON B E I N G A STAT E C H A MP I O N How does it feel to know that you are the first state champion in the history of Emerald Ridge?

It’s great to start something from the ground level and to show people that we have good athletes and programs at Emerald Ridge, and we do have something to offer.

STATE SCORES

Do you think that your achievement will bring more of an appreciation to gymnastics at Emerald Ridge?

Yes. A lot of people say that gymnastics isn’t a sport because it doesn’t have physical demands like football, but they don’t realize how hard it actually is. It takes a lot of physical and mental strength to do what we do, and I hope this showed people that.

All-around: 37.300, tie for 1st place Bars: 9.525, 1st place Beam: 9.600, tie for 1st place Floor: 9.675, 1st place

On Feb. 22, Howe performed her state-winning floor routine for her piers at an assembly thrown in her honor.“I knew before going into state that if I were to win that Mr. Lowney was going to have an assembly,” Howe said. “He told me that when he became the principal he said he would have an assembly in honor of ER’s first state champ.”

20 volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

What do you think your chances are at repeating as a champion next year?

I know there will be more competition from the gymnasts I was up against this year, because they will want it just as much as I do. It would be nice to win back-to-back titles and I think have a good chance at it, but if it doesn’t happen then once is good enough for me.

Photo by Ashley Vincent

A&E

Don’t be cruel to ‘be kind’ Marketing of ‘Be Kind Rewind’ has given a good movie bad press with reviewers by

REVIEW



MORGAN T. GARD

Editorial board

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

In any given well-made movie, there are two main ingredients: heart and soul. The acting, special effects and overall quality of the film are negligible, granted it has even a dash of heart and a pinch of soul thrown into the mix.

Such is the theme of “Be Kind Rewind,” the newest film to come out of the very weird, very French mind of writer-director Michel Gondry, whose previous credits include the utterly heart-wrenching and mind-bending “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Gondry is one of a few directors who seem to enjoy making movies on the merit of the art. Whereas most people working in that wing of the industry nowadays seem stuck on things like expensive sets and special effects that border on eye-gouging, he is the rare

director with a passion for the medium and all of the various caveats that go with it.

Gondry directs to a clear, identifiable theme every time and does his best to make magic happen without an FX budget involved. In “Eternal Sunshine,” for example, a single-shot scene of Jim Carrey standing in two places at once was done by having him stand up and sit down in different places in between pans.

“Be Kind” is doomed to forever be divisive, the kind of movie that pretentious film buffs and casual filmgoers argue about concerning its true quality. Make no mistake, “Be Kind” is a terrific, well-made and brilliantly executed movie, with its biggest flaw being in its marketing, but it is also one with flaws that John Q. Likeshimagoodmovie might not

be able to ignore.

Most obvious is the level of humor. “Be Kind” is indeed hilarious, but only in parts, and the absolutely side-splitting segments come only now and then, and are all but relegated entirely to the movie spoof segments. They are easily the most enjoyable part of the movie, but they are not the most important part.

“Be Kind” follows the misadventures of two idiots, played by Jack Black and Mos Def. Their ultimate goal is to halt impending demise of Def’s VHS rental shop following the accidental erasure of all the tapes, by remaking (or “sweding,” a phrase that only makes sense when paired with the lengthy explanation in the film) their own 20-minute version of famous films, less out of desire than necessity.

The plot relies more on cause and effect than on any clear villain or deadline like is typical in most films. It just follows the general formula that one bad thing leads to another bad thing, and the solution for that leads to another bad thing. It’s excel-

lent writing, but it does lead to a lot of slow parts and some poor pacing around the middle. There’s nothing too bad, or even especially boring, but there are lulls that some might hate in a movie that’s supposed to be – or at least has been marketed as – a knee-slapper.

Those are really the only two major flaws, but they are enough to deter most.

If you allow poor word-of-mouth from the misinformed to prevent you from seeing “Be Kind,” though, be wary that you’re missing out on one of the best movies released so far this year.

Gondry makes the funniest character dramas around, and “Be Kind” is no different.

The characters may be dumb as bricks, but their relationships are complex and welldeveloped, not to mention well-played. There is an earnest heart and soul in everything the characters do for each other, to protect what they love and ultimately to show the community what they can do for it.

And that’s all “Be Kind Rewind” is, really – a great film with heart, and soul.

Mattress opens, music plays, a princess finds a pea Clockwise from far right: The Queen and the wizard (sophomoreTaylorWilson and junior Jay Girard) devise a way to test the ingenuity of the princess.

Princess Winnifred (senior Brittney Stout) arrives at the castle. King Sextimus the Silent (senior Scott Wo o d r u f f ) m i m e s a lark to the minstrel and jester (sophomores Kalen Rounds and DJ Pirolo).

Prince Dauntless (junior Josh Larsen) is impressed

by Winnifred.

Photo by Ashley Vincent

volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

21

A&E

FAT getting

with Gerry LeConte and Zac Tran

Primo Grill 601 South Pine Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 383-7000

Gerry’s Opinion Environment: 4 Service: 2.5

Food: 3.5 Overall: 3.5

Throughout my year of Getting Fat, 6th Avenue of downtown Tacoma has become a breeding ground for delectable restaurants.

If someone comes to me about a dinner idea, chances are the restaurant I tell them is located on this street. Primo Grill only enforces that.

I was surprised by the overall atmosphere of Primo Grill, because of the awkward place-

ment of the establishment. After walking up and down 6th Avenue searching for the place, we finally found a wooden fold-out standing in front of an inconspicuous door.

If I wasn’t looking for it, I doubt I would have found it.

Inside the elusive door, you’re flowered with modern Mediterranean cuisine and culture. The restaurant isn’t necessarily large, but it houses quite a few guests. Everything is very open, and you can see the whole restaurant from any seat, which I found to be quite pleasant..

The food did not disappoint. I order the Spaghetti Bolognese just to give the restaurant a challenge. Could they reinvent such a household dish? Yes, yes they can.

The chefs showed me how much fresh herbs and ingredients can improve a dish. Fresh basil, fresh Grana parmesan, fresh beef, fresh pancetta, fresh everything. This was by far the best spaghetti I had ever eaten.

Although the service was sketchy, they

10ten

were extremely hospitable. They ran the hoops of fresh ground pepper and extra parmesan for the whole table. I would have liked it if our waitress was a little more comfortable with her menu. At times it seemed like she was a little unsure about a lot of the dishes.

From the open grill, equipped with two clean chefs, to the chalkboard donning the day’s specials, to the stacks and stacks of available wine, this restaurant knew what people go there to do. Eat.

Zac’s Opinion Environment: 4 Service: 3

Food: 3.5 Overall: 3.5

The lively strip of 6th Avenue in Tacoma offers a variety of restaurants that please everyone. Last week Gerry and I ventured around and heard about a place called Primo Grill. Located right off of 6th next to a Starbucks, Primo is a contemporary hole in the wall.

The advertising was just a small, propped up folding sign placed outside the restaurant. The inside offered a totally different experience, switching from the streets to a spacious room that resembled a lounge. The sweet smell of apple wood sets the scene at Primo Grill with the tables spread out across the middle of the room including booths on each side, and finally the apple wood grill

and oven in a vibrant display kitchen.

Primo is owned by chef Charlie McManus, with his wife and partner Jacqueline Plattner.

They offer such a great selection of tasty foods, ranging around Mediterranean cuisine both grilled and roasted, and there’s always a daily fresh fish special. I’ll have to be honest with you: there wasn’t one thing in the menu that I would not have tried. Everything sounded mouth watering. To go along with the prestige of the environment, you truly are paying for the quality of your food. An average price for a paste entrée totaled around $15, appetizers around $10, and for major courses around $20-$32. Honestly, whatever your choice is, there will definitely be enough bang for your buck.

I looked around, glanced here and there, and finally decided upon the Freshly Made Fettuccine combined with smoked salmon and lemon asparagus cream sauce. Everything was just so perfect that I gulped it all up. Everything on the menu will satisfy anybody. In addition to the food, and if you’re the right age, Primo also offers over fifty different kinds of wine. However, if under 21, get some fresh squeezed lemonade that’s paired up with sparkling soda.

Primo Grill is truly a cozy dining room with an amazing atmosphere, complete with friendly and knowledgeable service. Primo provides an environment for any occasion ranging from a casual night out to the most festive celebration.

top

1 2 3 4 5

DANNY CANHAM REPORTER

Watergate: It was among the first widely publicized presidential scandals to bring light to the power the press wields. Too bad for Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky it also wasn’t among the last.

Elections: It happens every four years like clockwork, but it always seems to be a big deal.

Oh, right, choosing the leader of the country.

Technology: People, especially men (as stereotypes would lead one to believe), love all the latest gadgets.

Disease: Heard of MRSA? Avian Flu? Cancer?

These topics bring in viewers because all but the apathetic care about their health.

Drugs: When the media talks about drug wars, they usually mean the kind between the Man and drug usage.

22 volumeEIGHT.issueFIVE

8

6 7

Angelina Jolie: At first she was just your everyday scantily-clad action superbabe, but then she got involved in humanitarian causes and started stealing (err, I mean adopting) Asian children, African children and Brad Pitt.

Natural Disasters: “If it bleeds, it leads,” goes a famous newspaper saying. Natural disasters cause a lot of bleeding.

Social Networking Sites: Apparently a lot of parents (and national media) can’t wrap their minds around what so many teenagers safely do everyday, so every few weeks bring another exposé covering the hidden dangers the nation’s youth are exposing themselves to.

9 10

Sex: Statistics say teens think about sex all the time anyways. So of course it follows that they also want to read about it.

Pop Divas: Whether you love them or hate them, they’re still crazy, but what can you expect from someone under lecherous public scrutiny since before they hit puberty? Here’s to you, Britney.

Lauren

Lexi

¡Viva la Cobra!

Room For Squares

Cobra Starship

John Mayer

Lauren – Oh Cobra, Cobra, Cobra. How I love Cobra Starship. They are a real party, just go to a concert and you will find that out. You too will fall into the Cobraliciousness of this disco-punk band.

Lexi – I found myself dancing along to this. A lot. It doesn’t always make sense but it’s upbeat and it makes me want to roll down the windows in my car and sing along.

Megan – This is funky and a fresh new sound. Cobra’s music carries a Latin feel combined with disco madness.

The beats make me want to bob my head, but the lyrics are so random that, sometimes, none of it makes sense.

Dallas – I expected more than half-baked lyrics and indie-techno. The lead singer Gabe’s undeniable hotness doesn’t make up for his lack of natural talent.

He should take a few lyrical cues from my boy Weezy.

Lexi – John Mayer is the best thing that ever happened to me. I’m unnaturally happy at the moment. I never want to listen to anything else. All I can think of is to get in my car, open the sunroof and drive.

Lauren – Let’s just say his music is beautiful. John can be my town “Mayer” any day.

Megan – I love John Mayer’s unique voice and sweet guitar riffs. Seeing him live is incredible, but I can settle for listening to him from my room 364 days out of the year.

Dallas – John, I’m single. But you can fix that. His music puts me in the mood … a happy one. Its upbeat melody has me swooning with every acoustic strum.

The Soundoff Four people, four cds – see what happens when the come to the round table

Megan – This is a different sound for Jack, but I love it – and him. His pure, relaxing voice, along with his sweet lyrics, make me want to lie on the beach then go rally for peace.

Dallas – Weezy baby! He’s the poo, take a big whiff. Tell me he’s not, and my Cash Money (Records) posse and I will be forced to go hood on your cakes.

Lauren – I feel like I’m in a psychedelic dream with rainbows and unicorns with the sweet sounds of his guitar. I want Mr. Johnson to sing me to sleep.

Lauren – I really hate this rapper. He sounds like everyone else in the (c)rap business. I would rather hammer nails into my ears than listen to this whole CD.

Lexi – I’m so instantly relaxed. The music is so real.

He sings about real things that would normally make me think … but I’m not really listening anymore. Just daydreaming.

Lexi – They say cussing is a way compensating for lack of a real vocabulary. This would be a problem if he had anything interesting to say. Thankfully, I’m not missing out on anything but his bad smoking habits.

Dallas – His sound has totally changed from the “Banana Pancake” days. It’s less upbeat, and doesn’t have the same percussive elements which made up his previous albums. But props for branching out.

Megan – These lyrics are repetitive, vulgar and that’s just not my style. The beat is good, but the world may be a better place if people weren’t listening to this.

Jack Johnson Sleep Through The Static

Megan

Lil Wayne The Leak EP

Dallas

Mamma Mia! Mar. 18-23 - Paramount Theatre $25-77 Little Women Mar. 21-Apr.27 - Village Theatre $25-55 George Lopez Mar. 14 - Paramount Theatre $46-56 Frog and Toad Mar. 14-16 - The Moore Theatre $17

Theatre

The Other Boleyn Girl PG-13 - Feb. 29 Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who PG - Mar. 14 10,000 B.C. PG-13 - Mar. 7 College Road Trip G - Mar. 7

t a e B e Th

Movies Sports

The New Seattle Golf Show Giving you the Mar. 15-17 low down on the South Sound Qwest Field Event Center - $10

Matchbox Twenty Mar. 8 - Key Arena - $39-72 Duke Ellington Orchestra Feb. 28-Mar. 2 - Jazz Alley - $29 Schoolyard Heroes Mar. 15 - Hell’s Kitchen - $10 311 Mar. 31 - Paramount Theatre $39

Seattle SuperSonics vs. Miami Heat Feb. 29 - Key Arena $10-106 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Kelowna Rockets Mar. 1 - Key Arena $12-20 PBR: Professional Bull Riders Mar. 15-16 - Tacoma Dome $20-100

Concerts