February 2007

Great ways to make a good impression

Lee’s Summit High

Volume 84 Issue 9 Best and worst gifts

Top Pick up lines

Find that special someone in ten words or less

2

Contents R U Down With Text, Page 4

The Pursuit of Perfection, Page

Get Fit, Page 22

Move Along, Page 19

HI.LIFE - February 9, 2007

Cutting Edge, Page 8

Valentines Day: Best and Worst Gifts, Page 13

CRANIUM CONVERSATION

3

Letter

EDITOR’S LETTER

3 Things I Learned From This Issue

Dear Readers, My rant for this issue came from a wrong number telephone conversation. While working at my downtown Lee’s Summit business, an elderly women called to talk to me about 3 street closing and we had a twenty-five minute conversation about the people she knew on that street and their hurting business from the construction. Starting this spring they will be closing 3 Street from Green to Jefferson. Since I was angered about all of this construction I decided to call the Main Street office to talk about this situation. When talking to the women in charge I learned about “Street Scape.” Lee’s Summit is rebuilding downtown to make it a better place to shop and walk. Although they will be closing 3, I was told that the entire street wont be closed the entire time. They will open up each block as it is finished and although you wont be able to park in front of your favorite downtown store there will still be parking included in each of the side streets. Also, there will be pedestrian access on each of the streets. To find out more about these improvements in downtown visit www.diggin.it.

Sincerely,

Courtney P. Stoddard

1 2 3

Cute couple alert! Seniors Brandon Boehm and Katie Adams have secrets shared by their younger siblings.

Page 6.

Excercise equpiment is getting so high tech now.

With the new Nintendo Wii people are learning to work out and have fun at the same time. There are a few new ways to work out which are explained on Page 19.

There is a new assassin in town and anyone who inspires to be one can easily do it with $10. Page 14.

On The Web-Up and Running www.jlabmag.com- for extra photos and interviews not seen in this issue Also check out our podcast on this site.

Contact Us! Courtney Stoddard- Editor-in-ChiefCStoddard@r7mail.leesummit.k12.mo.us Matthew Gratton- Opinions EditorMGratton1@r7mail.leesummit.k12.mo.us

Februray 9, 2007

Staff List Editor-in-chief: Courtney Stoddard Graphics Editor: Garrick Hall Photography Editor: Cameron Wiley Features Editor: Josiah Jones, Jordan Markway News Editor: Kelsey Leftwich Opinions Editor: Matt Gratton Entertainment Editors: Erik Dierking, Sydney Rohan Sports Editor: Bobby Hagedorn Fashion Editor: Crystal Lawson Webpage Designer: Greg Kinman Webcast Editor: Ashley Moran Copy Editor: Casse Oberweather Bussiness Manager:Kelsey Hedberg Writers: Aaron Hanshaw Jason Kingsolver Ryan Atkins Amber Laddish Laura Reed Ryan Williams Tyler Fromson Andrew Hoien Meighan Walsh Bethany Nonnemaker Melanie McIlroy Melanie Roberson Caitlin Swdley Caty Case Michelle Hubbard Chris Mathews Rebecca Burdant Photographers: Adrien Cappanetto David Fiser Baily Greer Chris Kinman Graphic Designer: Danny Shawbaker Advisor: Marc Russell

4

NEWS .

LEFT SIDE

R U Down With Text?

Texting conquers the teenage lifestyle By: Ryan Williams

BY: KELSEY LEFTWICH NEWS EDITOR

Hi.Life - Februrary 9 , 2007

You’ve been randomly selected for testing. It’s not testing your study skills, comprehension skills or math skills. It’s a urine test and it’s to test if you’ve had an alcoholic drink over the weekend.

Several schools across the country are adopting drug testing. They’re using government gants to step up alcohol monitoring.

The urine tests can detect whether a student has had an aloholic drink anyime in the last 80 hours.

It’s wrong to do a mass test of all students when there is no suspicion. It’s as if students have no rights at all.

Excessive drinking is dangerous, but alcohol testing could detect harmless alcohol consumption including communion wine or a champagne toast at a wedding.

The American Civil Liberties Union says it’s an invasion of privacy. I am eager to agree. A student’s life outside of school is not the business of his or her school.

Not only is urine testing an invasion of privacy, it can be incorrect in many instances. The federal government’s substance abuse experts warn that urine testing is sensitive enough to mistake consumer products like mouthwash, hand sanitizer and vanilla for alcohol.

Urine testing has not reached LSHS, but we could be next.

Schools do not have the right to monitor student behavior outside of school.

To many teachers, the sentence above would seem grammatically incorrect; yet to the students, it is just the “texting” language.

Over the past years, texting has become a new form of communication.

“I think any way of improving communication is good. I would certainly not give up my cell phone,” English teacher Susan Hitman said.

Hitman addressed the simple fact that teens of the “millennial” generation are attached to new technology.

“Without cell phones, students before had no contact with the outside world,” Hitman said.

However, with great power and technology taking over, students need to show self control in classes.

“Etiquette rules.

Teens need to be taught manners.

People in general need to be taught what’s appropriate,” Hitman said.

Counselor Rita Duvall agreed with Hitman on the communication aspect. “[Texting] doesn’t bother me.

It’s just a new way to

communicate,” Duvall said.

Duvall then went on to say that students are now more in touch, which is not always good she explained.

“Teens these days are more impatient, more immediate.

Everything these days is so instant,” Duvall said.

With students having [cell] phones at school, the urge to text is so exhilarating and can be rewarding if answers for tests are received.

“We have found that kids have been texting answers back and forth, especially in honors classes,” Hitman said.

Although The Power of Text. Over the texting in last decade, text messaging school and has gone from an extra feature being caught to a neccessity on a cell phone. results in a once for Mr. [Nate] four-hour detention, Smith and he told that doesn’t stop me I’d get a green sophomore Justin slip for my phone, Franklin from texting but he just gave me at school on a daily a warning,” Franklin basis. said.

“Yeah, I text during classes.

There was a sub

News 5

Diagnosis DNA By: Caty Case

EXPERT OPINION

Kathy Jones Sitting in a biology classroom, Kathy Jones begins a movie about genetic diseases. The movie comes to Cystic Fibrosis, a hereditary chronic disease of the exocrine glands. One of the misleading facts that the movie reveals is that people with Cystic Fibrosis rarely live past the age of 20. Jones’ heart sinks as she realizes one of the boys in the classroom was living with Cystic Fibrosis was exposed to that false fact.

“Something that is very important to remember about genetics in general is that a lot of errors can occur.

It’s important when talking to family and children to protect genetic information by not exposing yourself to drugs and alcohol,” Jones said.

While genetics continues to make leaps and bounds in breakthroughs, it faces the roadblock that is moral and ethical issues.

“Currently it is unethical if we allow humans to do that [genetic modifications], you are playing God. There is concern if people know about genetic predispositions. It effects where you can go on a personal and professional level. A person with a heart defect could pay higher insurance than someone without one,” Jones said.

Testing of genetics can lead to positive things.

Genes are able to reveal

numerous diseases that might not be able to be seen until hey began to take their course.

“If you can do preventative procedures for the disease there could be good out comes of genetic testing,” Jones said In genetics, it has become a recent step forward to genetically modifying a fetus. These advancements have not become a new rage due to ethics, but it proves how rapidly genetic science is moving.

“The number one growing field in science is genetic research. People would like for it to get to the point where you could genetically modify yourself. It wouldn’t surprise me. Any time you can make money people will pursue it,” Jones said.

Genetic diseases are common, but cannot always be seen.

“Everyone should realize a lot of what you see is genetically built in; looks and actions can’t really tell us what5 is going on. The students with genetic disorders surprise me.

Everyone should be cautious about what you say,” Jones said.

IN YOUR GENES From Turrets to Mendelian Inheritance Disorders, genetic diseases are everywhere. Some genetic disorders can be treated with genetic modification.

“People are rightfully concerned about the power [genetic modification] could yield if it was put in the wrong person’s hands, but a lot of good could come from it. It needs to be incredibly well monitored,” Jones said.

THREE DEADLIEST GENETIC DISEASES 1

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Symptoms: motor and mental retardation, poor growth rate, charactoristic odor and seizures or tremors will become evident.

Causes: both parents are carries of PKU but are not effected Group most at risk: newborns Treatments: early detection, special foods, must continue diet throughout life

2

3

Galactoremia (GAL)

Symptoms: vomiting, diaryhea, lethagy, jaundice and liver damage Causes: inherited deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down lactose and most non-soy commercial infants formulas Group most at risk: infants Treatments: strict adherence to special diet, close developmental monitoring

Tyrosinemia

Symptoms: hepatocellular damage leading to cirrhosis and liver failure, profound clotting disorder and renal tubular damage Causes: inability to process the amino acid found in most protein Group most at risk: newborns

Hi.Life - February 9, 2006

In the 1950’s scientists began to understand what DNA was made of. In the 1980’s scientists began discovering disinterring diseases and disorders that developed from genes that are passed on from family members. Now, less than 30 years later, scientists are discovering ways to read peoples DNA.

6 Features

Candid Couple

In high school, conversations mainly have to do with who is hooking up, who is breaking up and who is staying together. Rumors can start buzzing around the halls. The only way to know the truth is to go to the source, or those closest to them.

Q:

How long have you guys been together?

“We’ve known each other since elementary school but in choir last year I told him he smelled good. Then year we went to homecoming together and now we’ve been together a year and 4 months,” Katie Adams said.

A:

Q: A:

Do you care when people ask about your relationship?

“I don’t mind, I like talking about it,” Brandon Bohem said.

Brandon

Q:

Are there specific people who are more interested in your relationship?

“Our parents usually try to find things out about it. They like that we’re together though,” Katie Adams said. together

A:

Q:

What kind of things do you like to do together?

“I give Katie the best back massages and I like to go to movies. Katie would rather go to dinner,” Brandon Bohem rather said.

A:

Q:

Do you guys fight a lot?

By: Melanie McIlroy

just seem to leave them alone,” Austin Bohem said,

“We bicker about stupid things but we get over it really fast. We rarely stay mad at each other more than a few mad minutes,” Katie Adams said.

A:

Q: A:

What are your plans for the future?

“We aren’t planning on going to the same college but we are going to stay together,” Brandon Bohem said.

Q: A:

How long have they been together?

How “They’ve known each oher forever but they became closer last year when they went to homecoming together,” Erin Adams said.

Q: A:

Do you ask about their relationship?

“Katie usually tells me a lot of stuff about them without me asking,” Erin Adams said.

What kind of things do they like to do together?

Q:

“They hang out with their families a lot. Out families like having them around,” Erin Adams said. around,”

A: Q: A:

Do they fight a lot?

“No, not really. They bicker but so does everyone else. They get along for the most part besides stupid things,” Austin Bohem said,

Q:

How much longer do you think they will be together?

“I think they will stay together a lot longer. I don’t see them breaking up longer. anytime soon,” Erin Adams said.

A:

Q: A:

Do people seem to be jealous of their relationship?

“No, I don’t think people care, They

Raintree Pediatrics

A division of Leeʼs Summit Physicians Group, Inc.

Newborns through 21 yeas of age

Hi.Life - February 9, 2007

Appointments scheduled Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 to 4 p.m.

Same Day appointments are available Urgent care avalable evenings and weekends at Leeʼs Summit Physicianʼs Group Urgent Care Clinic For on-line appointment request, go to www.lsphysicians.com for Dr. Allison Henschel & Dr. Jeffrey Yannette Prenatal Consults for expectin parents can be scheduled

821 SW Lemans Lane

(at the southeat corner of Ward and M150 Hwy in Raintree Village Center

Features 7

BY THE NUMBERS $1.6 million

1,700 student deaths

average expected lifetime earnings for a graduate with an associate degree - $.4 million more than a highschool graduate earns

Longview - 100% accepted 51% women Northwest - 45% accepted 55% women Rockhurst - 74% accepted 55% women

- Business (307,000 degrees) - Social Sciences and History (150,000 degrees) - Education (106,000 degrees)

MU- 82% accepted 58% women UMKC - 74% accepted 58% women

injuries

DUE TO DRINKING BY COLLEGE STUDENTS AGED 18 - 24sd

Most Popular Bachelors Degrees Completed in 2004

CMSU - 84% accepted 55% women

sexual assault cases

599,000

“If we are on a path of getting nowhere fast, technology is allowing us to get nowhere faster and faster.�

256

-John Renesch

$2191

average annual tuition at public commnity college

Colleges in Missouri

Total Instate Expenses*: MU (Columbia) - $17,100 UMKC - $21,953 UCM - $13,530

Total Students: MU (Columbia) - 27,930 UMKC - 14,310 UCM - 10,604

SLANG Gore Effect N. Refusal of an audience to grasp even the most basic model of climate change, even after it is explained, preferring to smirk at its absurdity.

Source: urbandictionary.com

*On campus

In 2004, the average female highschool graduate made

$6400 less

anually than the average highschool male graduate.

54%

Amount of college students who pay off their credit card balances every month.

Data compiled by Melanie Roberson

Hi.Life - February 9th, 2007

Acceptance Rates:

97,000

8 Features

Cutting Edge

By: Rebecca Burandt

Truth behind the addiction

Hi.Life-February 9, 2007

The sharp pain of the blade against the wrist brings tears to ones eyes. The straight line of blood appearing when the blade is brought away.

The feeling of all the stress and emotional pain leaving.

It’s a release. It fixes things.

“Any kind of abuse to yourself [falls under the label self-injury],” counselor Rita Duvall said.

Cutting falls under the broad heading of Self-Injury, or SI. Self-injury is not just limited to cutting though. Other forms of self-injury include: scratching when there is no itch is there, burning themselves, taking drugs, any eating disorder, or drinking alcohol.

Cutting releases endorphins in the brain, which temporarily Cut it Out. Most people disagree with self-mutilation make the emotional pain (cutting), and its purposes. “What exactly does it solve?

Senior Ashton Nevins said. Photo/ Adrian Capinetto disappear, but this can lead to the need to feel that feeling again. anything that is sharp around them.

This is when the habit of cutting The most common place people cut starts. It is the need to feel better themselves is the wrist, but other that causes the addiction. But it popular places are their legs, arms, does not always lead to someone and abdomen. When these cuts to committing suicide. It is a heal, they leave long lasting scars or sign that something might cause marks. Self-injurers try to hide the suicide, but in most cases it is just scars by always wearing long sleeves to get rid of pain to avoid death or pants. They do anything to hide “[People cut] to stop the pain. what they have done to themselves.

To transfer the pain from one When people begin cutting, it is not place to another,” Duvall said. generally something they plan ahead People cut themselves in order of time. It is something that starts in to cope with feelings or emotions an instant. When it starts, people are that are too painful to deal with normally feeling un-natural amounts in a healthy manner. According of emotional pain. They feel that the to kidshealth.org, some people only way to make it go away is to do it for attention or because cause physical pain to take the focus of the pressure created by their off of what is causing the inward peers. There is no one reason pain. Cutting is often referred to as that teens are cutting themselves; an “unhealthy coping mechanism”. it is a personalized drug.

It is the way people deal with what People often use razor blades, safety is going on in their head instead of pins and earrings. Less commonly actually working to fix the problem. used items include roofing or “You can get an infection. It fingernails, glass, and about

Problems that lead to cutting keep growing and teens do not know how to deal with them on their own. Here are some resources to help someone in or falling into this addiction.

Websites: www.twloha.com: This website tells a true story about a girl who is into drugs and cutting. It describes her struggle to get sober. www.metanoia.org/suicide: This website gives encouraging tips and things to thik about. It gives other goood resources to help people dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts

Books: Cut by Patricia McCormick is a good story about a fictional girl who is in rehab to get over her cutting addiction. It describes in detail the difficulties associated with opening up about thoughts and feelings.

Blade Silver by Melody Carlson is about a girl who falls into cutting because of her abusive father. The book tells about her journey to being cut free.

can make you very ill,” Duvall said.

Slitting the body does not always just draw a little blood. If the cut is too deep, it may require stitches and can result in hospitalization. Sometimes the cut can become infected.

“Talk to a trusted adult, because a young person needs the help of an adult,” Duvall said Getting help is the best way to go if someone is cutting, or suspicion arises that someone is dealing with this addiction. Losing a friendship is a small price to pay for a life.

The Memory Pill

Features 9

Imagine being able to take a pill so that the memories of a traumatic event will be erased from the mind.

Now it might be possible because the scientists at Harvard University are trying to develop a new drug called propranolol. It is made to lessen the strength of memories of a painful event and reduce the amount of emotions the memories evoke.

“When a traumatic thing happens, adrenaline is produced which causes post-traumatic stress disorder,” psychology teacher Debbie Baanders said.

When a person experiences a traumatic event the body releases adrenaline; a stress hormone that prepares the body to run from or attack the aggressor.

“The scientists accidentally invented the pill when they were trying to make a medicine that treated stage fright and hypertension,” Baanders said.

Dr. Roger K. Pitman, MD was experimenting with propranolol, the drug that is being used to treat hypertension. He says since propranolol blocks the action of adrenaline; he thought it might prevent the affect the memories have on the victims.

“I was impressed with the outcomes with the experiments the doctors tried,” Baanders said.

The scientists tried different experiments with propranolol. One of the experiments a woman took propranolol while thinking about her traumatic event so post-traumatic stress disorder would occur, and another was a woman who had to think about happy things while taking the pill so post-traumatic stress disorder would not occur. The fist experiment was a woman who was a driver of a subway and had witnessed a man jumping in front of the train.

She took the pill while thinking about this specific memory. Soon the memory started to blur. She could still remember it but not enough to affect her the way it use to. The second experiment was a woman who had gotten raped repeatedly by her doctor when she was twelve. She took the pill while she was watching a comedy

on TV and not thinking about that memory.

It worked on her too.

Scientists suspect that even though she was not directly thinking about the memory, it was still processing in her brain to make the pill work.

“At first I thought taking this pill would not be good because you learn from Pill Prodigy.The memory pill does not make you foryour memories and get the memories of the tragedy you encountered but experiences, but then it lessons the traumatic thoughts from the event. The pill also helps prevent post traumatic stress.

Photo/AP I thought about it and why make them suffer?” dramatic,” Baanders said.

Baanders said.

There are two different types of Some people feel that taking this memory, episodic and semantic. pill will help people who have a lot of Episodic memory is the recollection of emotional pain from an event, it will event. This includes time, place, and help the victims be able to get over associated emotions, which affects the the fear they have and be able to live quality of the memorization. Semantic for the future and stop living in the memory refers to the memory of past. meanings, understandings, and other “The pill could get out of hand factual knowledge. and could become harmful because “I would not take it because criminals and attackers will start scientists still do not know the brain using it on their victims so the victims one hundred percent and using the will not remember what happened,” pill could damage the brain,” Martin anatomy teacher Roy Martin said. said Gina Scaramella, executive director of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, has concerns about having her clients use the pill. It is important for a woman to feel in control when they are recovering from a sexual assault, and taking propranolol means giving up that control. Other ethicists say that propranolol could erase the anger the victims need to prosecute their attacker.

“I would take it because the scientists said that it would not erase all the memory (of the event), just make it less

FREE HAIRCUT

Free haircut with Anna!

Limit one coupon per person

Hi.Life - February 9, 2007

The Pill That Takes Away The Memory Of An Event

10 Features

Technologic

The overstocked electronic section goes to empty shelves in less than an hour, with angry customers fighting over the last new device left.

“I have a PSP (Play Station Portable) that my parents bought me in December,” sophomore Justin Franklin said.

A PSP can play music, games, videos, and movies. It can also hold pictures and has access to the Internet.

“I use my PSP like everyday and definitely think it’s worth the money,” Franklin said.

The PSP is around $250. Games and movies for the PSP are about $25 depending on where you get them.

Franklin says the music is free and you can put CD’s on them just like iPods.

“Probably the only thing I would change on them is the speaker. I would make the speakers a lot louder, but that’s it. The PSP is better cause it plays games and has the Internet, not like an iPod,” Franklin said.

A Zune plays music, videos, holds pictures and tunes into the radio. The cost is the same as an iPod video, about $250, and the Zune has 30 gigabytes.

Consumers crave new electronics By: Caitlin Swadley

“I got my Zune for Christmas from wanted new stuff like a bigger screen my parents. It was definitely worth the and a touch screen,” Stoddart said. money, especially since I didn’t pay Math teacher Cathy Battles for it, but it is really cool. I would rather upgrades her Apple equipment every have a Zune than an iPod because time a new version comes out. Battles the Zune has a bigger screen, a radio, has loved Apple ever since she got Internet, and I wanted something her iPod when they first came out. different,” freshman Patrick Stoddart “I don’t update it every year, only said. when a much better version comes Stoddart wishes the Zune was a out, and it’s not that I buy the products little bit smaller, but he likes that the just to do it, I need to because it makes screen is big for pictures and videos. life much easier,” Battles said.

“The outside cover of it is cool too, When better systems come out, because it doesn’t scratch easily at all. Battles sells or gives away her older There is also this Internet thing where stuff to get the new products. you can share pictures and songs with another Zune that is like 50 away from yours,” Stoddart said.

Stoddart also has a Sony Cyber Shot camera that is around $375.

“I saved up for about three months for this camera, and I use it all the time. The reason I got the Cyber Shot is because I had enough money and Tech Specs: junior Ashley Keith Feels like technology is relied I wanted to buy a nice on too much but agrees that it is necessary. “It’s more sufficient camera. I had been looking than reading a book,” Keith said. Photo/ Adrian Caponetto around at cameras and I

Hi.Life - February 9, 2007

25 tanning beds Aromatherapy Aquamist discounts for students with valid ID

2 weeks Unlimited Tanning for $14 level 1 beds only

3rd & Ward (Hyvee Center) M-F: 8am-10pm Sat/Sun: 9am-9pm

Airbrush Tan only $15 certified technician

3 tans for $15 Must be usedin one week

One Time Offer

1 level 1, 1 level 2, 1 level 3

$21 off regular price

11 Features

Sugar Free By: Bethany Nonnemaker

The way a diabetic lives everyday does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar and starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. So both types of diabetes can be dangerous but most people live long, healthy lives.

“To check my blood sugar level, I have to poke my finger with a needle then put it on a test strip and the monitor reads where my blood sugar level is at,” Donnell said.

There are two blood tests that people with diabetes can use. One of these tests is called an A1c test, which reflects your blood sugar control over a period of three months. The other is called SMBG, or self-monitoring

816.554.2400

to grow up quicker than expected.” Strope said. Photo/ Adrian Caponetto.

of blood glucose. This is the test where Donnell pricks her finger and puts her blood on a test strip to see where her sugar level is. Every person with diabetes will probably always have a blood glucose monitor.

“My body will tell me if my sugar level is high or low,” junior Julie Strope With valid student said.

Both Julie and Cori can tell whether their sugar level is high or low. If the sugar level is high then they feel tired and grumpy. Usually if the level is low they feel shaky and lightheaded.

If they start getting this way they know they should probably check their blood sugar level as soon as possible.

“If I didn’t take insulin my blood sugar would rise and I could get Keytones, and if the Keytones were too high I would have to go to the hospital,” Strope said.

There are many beans roasted daily. things that can happen 352 SW Blue Parkway if someone who has Located by Price Chopper

15 % DISCOUNT

Fresh

Quick Prick. Junior Julie Strope takes a prick to the finger. “I think that it (the diabetes) has taught me to be more responsible and it has caused me

FREE WiFi

diabetes does not take their medicine. If someone does not take the medicine and does not do anything about it, it could lead to death.

“I still can play any sport or do any activity I want to,” Strope said.

Having diabetes is not a type of disease that does not allow the body to work in some way. Strope is involved with many activities including volleyball and the varsity basketball team. She just has to be careful not to overwork herself, especially when her blood sugar level is high or low.

“You can’t prevent Type I diabetes but you can prevent Type II,” anatomy teacher Roy Martin said.

Type I diabetes is genetic so if it runs in the family then there is a chance to get diabetes. The best way to prevent diabetes is to have a healthy lifestyle.

Three important things to remember is to maintain a healthy weight, eat healthy, and exercise.

Hi.Life-Februray 9, 2007

People with diabetes have to poke their finger with a needle before lunch or an activity to make sure their blood sugar is at the right level. People with diabetes have a monitor stuck in their body to regulate their insulin intake. People with diabetes have to sit out of an activity if their blood sugar level is too high or low. Sounds hard but there are some students at LSHS that live like this everyday. “ I have Type I diabetes,” sophomore Cori Donnell said.

There are two types of diabetes, Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes means the body does not produce enough insulin. In Type II diabetes, either the body

12 Features

GIFTS FOR

Best

VALENTINES DAY Girls

Wo

By: Michelle Hubbard & Laura Reed

Boys, Do not let your girl down this Valentine’s Day. Here are some sweet gifts to make her heart melt.

Lacy Knipp, 9 Good: Roses and a teddy bear.

Bad: Cheap box of chocolates.

Courtney Stanger, 10 Good: Something heart felt that has a lot put into it.

Bad: Candy and flowers.

11

12

Good: A CD of songs that he wrote for me diamond ring.

Bad: Chocolate and flowers because ther thought put into that and it’s not being ori

Emily Gildehaus, 12

10

Good: A diamond ring that is at least 2k people when you flash it at them.

Bad: Whenever you don’t have anyone to a gift.

9

Boys

Lindsey Ripley, 11

Continued

Girls, gift tips to make your man the happiest he has been on Valentine’s Day.

Alex Giddings, 12

Hi.Life- February 9, 2007

Good: A steak dinner with mashed potat maybe some corn on the cob.

Bad: A sweater that is red with white hea pastel pink with light blue hearts, or just cleaner.

Tyler Stewart, 11

11

9

Good: Some kind of sports or concert ti up close seating. Nothing shafty where y see.

Bad: A fish or probably clothes because don’t like what other people pick out for

David Gerke, 10

10 12

Good: Just to spend time with my girl.

Bad: Flowers, and a sushi dinner.

Kory McEnaney, 9

Good: A box of chocolates and maybe s money.

Bad: Nothing at all.

orst

UP K C L I PI

N

E

S

<<

Features 13

“You must be a thief, because you stole my heart from across the room.”

“If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put U and I together.”

of thought

“You know what? Your eyes are the same color as my Porsche.”

“Baby you must be tired because you’ve been running through my mind all night!”

e, or a big

re is not iginal at all.

k and blinds

o give you

“Are you an overdue book? Because you’ve got FINE written all over you!”

11

Ways to Make a Good Impression

1.Be prompt. Arriving on time is good, but arriving early is ideal.

2.Dress accordingly. Don’t over do it,

“If you were a new sandwich at Mcdonalds, you’de be called McGorgeous.”

it’s not cool to make your date feel out of place.

“I would say God bless you but it looks like he already did.”

3.Stay up beat. Smile; always appear to

“It’s a good thing I have my library card, because I’m checking you out.”

4.Think before you order. On a first

“Your daddy must be a hunter because he sure caught a fox!”

be having a good time.

date a pricey meal looks greedy and a puny meal makes the payer feel cheap.

5.‘SilenceAll’.Keepyourcellphonequiet.

Make the date feel like the priority.

“Do you know karate? Because your body is really kickin’.”

6.Develop a plan. Know what you are

“Baby, if you were words on a page, you’d be what they call FINE PRINT!”

7.Lookresponsible.Makereservations

icket with you can’t

“Are you religious? Cause you are the answers to all my prayers.”

8.Knowconversationstarters.Keep

I usually me.

“You’re like a dictionary, you add meaning to my life!”

toes and

arts or baby a vacuum

some

“Can I take your picture? (Why?) Because I want Santa to know exactly what I want for Christmas.”

“Do you have a BandAid? I just scraped my knee falling for you.”

going to do next.

and have enough cash on hand.

conversation going, awkward silence is not necessary.

9.Speak proper. Do not use slang.

10.Keep the past behind you. Don’t bring up former relationships.

11.Bambi rule. If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.

Hi.Life - February 9, 2007

“You must be the reason for global warming because you’re hot.”

14 Features

Live Like an Assassin

By: Adrian Caponetto People in Lee’s summit are known to complain about there being a lack of things to do that would keep them entertained. The solution to this problem is being brought to you by one of our own. Senior Gabe Gonzalez is holding a water gun assassination tournament.

Gonzalez is notorious for holding events all over Lee’s Summit. He has held video game tournaments, as well as a paint ball tournament and several other little get-togethers. In the future he plans on holding car shows, parties, et cetera.

Gonzalez doesn’t work through any promotional firms. He got tired of working with them because they beat around the bush too much and made events too confusing, so he opened up his own firm. It’s called Black Hat Promotions.

Gonzalez just wants to make Lee’s Summit fun and more exciting.

“I’m open to suggestions, if there’s anything in Lee’s Summit that you want to happen, let me know, and I’ll do my best to make that happen,” Gonzalez said.

Black Hat Promotions Proudly presents

The tournament is a two-week long, single elimination tournament. It starts on President’s Day. It is similar to the well-known paint ball tournaments and air-soft tournaments, except your ammunition is H2O instead.

Admission will cost $10, which will go to the cash prize.

The playgroud is the entire city of Lee’s Summit. Other players have the ability to wait for you while you work, camp outside your house To play, all one needs is a water gun, water balloons, or any other medium that could make a target considerably wet. The rules of the game are simple.

You are given a target, which is another person, to hunt down. When you win that battle, you are given their target.

Eventually you work your way to the top.

The player who receives the target profile with his or her own information on it, wins. The surviving player will receive a cash prize. The players with the greatest number of kills and unique and successful kills will also get an award.

See you at the dance for couples pictures!

Hi.Life-February 9, 2007

Fashion 15 The shoes of every girls closet By: Crystal Lawson

Beyond the closet doors of most shoe-crazy women lay shelves stacked with shoes of every kind. From luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors, eye-popping patterns, and a multiplicity of heel types, comes an average shoe wardrobe. Most would deduce this as a serious shoe problem, but to the most experienced and shoe-obsessed this is heaven. It is true that some shoes stand in a league of their own, however, it takes a person to wear it to perfection. While simply considered a finishing touch, shoes hold the power to turn a chic stylish outfit into a mediocre mess. Follow these tips to hit the stylish mark with every outfit.

.Flats.

The world of flats is inhabited by the tallest girls, those who have an overt fear of falling off their heels, and those who are trying desperately not to tower over their boyfriends. Flats are a perfect finisher for skirts, capri’s, and even jeans. They add a polished, yet simple touch to a spotless wardrobe. While they work for some, not everyone is flatcertified. Flats can make some legs look even shorter or simply cut them off at the ankles making calves look wider. When choosing these shoes it is important to remember that there is nothing wrong with showing a little foot. Flats should, by no means cover the top of the foot completely. Remember that flats are about style as much as comfort, so choose wisely to avoid looking like an orthopedic nightmare.

.Stilettos.

Stilettos: not for the balance impaired. These heels can tower from terrifying heights, while still producing a walk that is as light as air.

Always remember that stilettos are sassy and should offer an effortless glide through any room, not an angry stomp. If you are brave enough to wear these obscene displays of power, then do the world a favor and learn how to walk in them. These shoes are not only cute; they double as a weapon. They cover and re-shape the foot so wear them with skirts that come no higher than just above the knee. The point is to look fierce and elegant at once, not like a street-walking floozy.

.Sandals.

Sandals, while restricted to summer usage and island vacations, can take on many forms. Sandals can be worn with every summer-time outfit. While gauging sandals it is important to know the difference between sandals and flip-flops. Flip-flops are an inexpensive, and very basic, alternative to sandals, but they do not work on every occasion. Wear flip-flops with cotton dresses, and other extremely casual outfits. For a dressy look go with basic or jeweled sandals. To make the shoes the focal point, pair glitzy sandals with a basic color dress. Always remember to infer between dressy and casual to find the perfect shoe and avoid looking like a hillbilly.

Hi.Life - February 9, 2007

.Wedges.

Wedge heels, while often artistic in structure, can also be comfortable.

Wedge heels offer the height of a stiletto without the risk of twisting an ankle. A wider and more supportive heel can ultimately make calves appear slimmer. These shoes are versatile and can be added to almost any outfit. When wearing these shoes with skirts make sure that they have an ankle strap to avoid the obvious cankle cliché.

These shoes are broken up into seasons and come in all different forms. From peep toes to t-straps, these shoes are great year-round.

16 Opinions

Bark at the Moon

Letters to the Editor

By: Matthew Gratton America, I have recently been blessed with the ability to see into the future, and unfortunately, ours does not look promising. Global warming has been an issue throughout, well, the globe, for some time now.

Though it seems the populace, that is America, has failed to recognize the significance it will play on the lives of our children. It seems this is the way we always deal with things.

Take World War II, for example, the Americans ignored the eventuality of a war for a few years and Time Magazine even named Adolf Hitler as Man-of-the-Year. Then America was deeply concerned and exploded after a million or so Jews seemed to disappear into nowhere. After that I’m sure everybody freaked and jumped into action. And sure, just like today, there were a select few that felt like they had been telling everybody ‘I told you so.’

I hate to toot the horn of Al Gore, but he’s right in the end. It’s going to end just like slavery did, just like the revolutionary war, just like every other American institution ends. They all follow the same ideals and rules. A progressive democratic nation can not, not can a little, or for a little while can pass, it can not survive without moving forward to help the future.

Our grand kids are at stake, their livelihood, and all anyone can think about is: ‘stupid hippie tree huggers, trying to take away my fast car, and my gas powered tools, and my ability to spray aerosol cans into the air as I please.’

The point is, every one in the future is going to be blaming it all on their previous generations, singing: ‘We didn’t start the fire,’ but the thing is, neither did we. But we did not stop the fire when we had the chance.

Greg’s Editorial

Dear Editor, My problem is with the length of classes, they are too long.

I find that on advisory days, when the class is shorter, I pay better attention. The class does not drag.

My solution is for classes to be between 43 to 45 minutes, then the extra time can be used for lunch or longer passing periods, and I would pay better attention in class.

-Sophomore Steven Sanders Dear Editor, My problem is walking from the very top of A building down to the bottom of B. I could get there in six minutes without any students in the hallway, but once the bell rings, kids are running out of the classroom to be the first ones down the stairs. Four other people in my class are from A building, and are always tardy with me.

My solution to this problem is to get a longer passing period, but at least one minute, so students wont have to run just to make it on time.

-Sophomore Nicole Schmidt Dear Editor, A problem I have noticed would definitely be the school lunch. By the time fifth lunch shift is here all the food is cold and gross. The lunch room is always packed, and people just don’t know how to move quickly.

The solution, for this problem, would be to make people bring lunch from home, or try not to talk to people in the halls before lunch.

-Sophomore Jaclyn Bender Have a problem in the Lee’s Summit community? Have something to say about one of the articles? Want to express that with other people through the Hi.Life? Write a “Letter to the Editor” or a column and drop it off in Locker A 423 or Room 227.

By: Greg Kinman Hi.Life - February 9, 2007

Does anyone remember a few years ago, where they had all the hubbub in South Carolina or Georgia about flying the confederate flag at the capitol? There were two factions, one who decried the flag as an inflammatory, racist symbol against black communities, and another side who said that the flag was a part of southern history and should be kept aloft.

Now I realize I may be a few years late on the issue, but I don’t think so, because I still see the old stars and bars on everything from hats to rear windows. Personally, I don’t have much against the South. I mean, it’s a place, you can’t feel too much animosity towards, it’s nice and warm, and the countryside can be rather beautiful, if not a bit too much to drive over. It’s some of the people of the South that can occasionally be the problem. Sure, they act normally, they have a cool twang in their voice, but there are some that are still under the impression that they will ‘Rise Again’. Something

I find entirely peculiar. What exactly are they trying to rise back to? Slave-owning plantation rulers?

This brings me back to my original point, the flying the confederate flag, wearing it on a hat, pasting it on your bumper sticker, sewing it onto your shirt, whatever. I think it’s a fantastic idea. Not only does the right of free speech come into play, something I whole-heartedly support, but it’s a great way to identify people.

They say that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but we all know that’s not entirely true. If someone chooses to sport this particular flag, you can usually bet one or all of a few things, they’re very Southern, very ignorant, or just plain unsavory.

It’s like a sort of jerk radar. Why else would they want to wear something so purposefully inflammatory? For history? Sure, the Antebellum South was nice, but when they flew the Confederate flag, they were technically committing mass treason against the United States, over the right to own other people. It seems kind of silly. One can’t pick and choose what something represents, and for many, the Confederate flag represents the institution of slavery. It’s not exactly a fun image to be associated with, so why not just leave it in the past?

Staff Editorial

Opinions 17

We have a total of five buildings that make up our school: A Building which is attached to C building that connects to B Building and then D and E building (or the metal buildings as some people call them). Needless to say our campus is huge.

With a campus such as ours, students have found shorter ways to class by going outside during passing periods. In the winter months it gets harder to take those shorter ways to class because of the freezing temperatures or snow and ice. The most frustrating thing is when you have taken the time to brave the bad weather and you have arrived at a door that is locked.

Those of us on the Hi.Life staff agree that the school should do something about this problem. There is the option of putting locks on the doors that allow the teachers and students to simply type in their school ID number or swipe their school ID card and enter the school. This allows the doors to stay locked,

Animated Outlook

but also allows students to obtain access to their class in a shorter amount of time.

They could simply just leave the doors unlocked as well. This way no money has to be spent and students can still access the school from the doors that would cut down minutes to their class.

However, between these two options, a set of ID locks would be the safest choice. This would allow not only the students to be able to get to class on time year-round, but would keep unwanted intruders locked out. The locks can be placed on some doors or all doors but either decission would not effect the other. So, until we are at a time when we are able to either teleport to class or something in the same fashion, ID locks would have to be the best solution. After all, with taxes as high as they are shouldn’t the money go towards keeping the

By: Drew Levota

Man on the Street Inconvienence, its also good they protect us.

Inconvienence, if people wanted to get in they would find a way.

-freshmen Karlie Swan

-sophomore Kevin Bugress

Inconvienence, we have to walk all the way around and not get to class on time.

-junior Ramaad Morris

Locked Doors: Neccassary procaution or just an inconvience?

Necessary, I think they are a neccessary procaution -senior Alice Hans

Hi.Life - Februray 9, 2007

The Hi.Life is an open forum to provide up to date and pertinent information compiled by high school journalists. The magazine exists to credibly explain all facts in a professional, yet entertaining manner. We will be a bold and trusted publication that raises the bar of high school journalism.

The Hi.Life newsmagazine is a student led publication. Our obligation to readers is to provide credible information to the student body. None of the opinions in our publication reflect the views of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. The Hi.Life is composed of the original ideas and opinions of our staff.

The Hi.Life strives to create a professional news magazine that provides accurate insight and entertainment with confidence and excellence, with an obligation of creating an unbiased and reliable publication.

18

Entertainment

The Shock Effect Theories explain use of fright for fun By: Tyler Fromson

Hi.Life - February 1, 2007

The bloody, gnarling creature stares out at the audience. The caged psycho sits in the corner, waiting to be freed. The young, innocent blonde cries out helplessly, as a serial killer is chasing her. These are all characters of a typical scary movie. They all have one purpose…to scare us, of course.

Without humans, and without fear, these films would be lonely little specks in cinema history, collecting dust in the back rooms of movie theatres. But that does not happen…because people keep crawling back to be scared, always wanting more.

“We enjoy the fact that it’s exciting,” psychologist Mary Richardson said. “I think it also helps us confront our own fears.”

According to Stephen King, author of Danse Macabre, the reason why people like to be scared so much is for validation. Through horror movies, people can experience things that they will probably not ever experience on their own.

In scary movies, there is always a sense of uncertainty and doubt that can cause fear in the audience. The people watching the films feel the need to be scared so they can feel better about themselves.

“We know how to prevent the bad things from happening by knowing more about them. We think to ourselves, ‘maybe we shouldn’t have gone outside alone’ or ‘he shouldn’t have done that in the dark,’” Richardson said.

Humans, especially teens, enjoy fear because it gives them a rush that they can only get from being one step away from danger. People take risks in order to feel that rush, most often in extreme

sports, like mountain climbing. Teens watch scary movies so they can laugh at the cheesy parts or cheer on the bad guy; they don’t fully expect it to be a “good” movie, they just want to be scared and have a fun time.

People also watch scary movies because they know that what they are watching is not real. People feel that because of this, they are safe. However, The Blair Witch Project, which was released in 1999, quickly became one of the highest grossing independent films ever made. People thought this movie was real because it went beyond the typical aspects of a scary movie; it used techniques ordinarily seen in a home video.

Another reason people watch scary movies is curiosity. This relates more to real objects, like pictures taken of a horrible car-wreck or home video of someone being killed. This natural attractiveness to death is called ‘morbid curiosity’, which rises up into people’s minds whenever they see death, blood, or maybe even a scene in which a natural disaster, such as a fire, has destroyed a house.

One of the most recent examples of this is the hanging of Saddam Hussein caught on tape. On sites like You Tube, different versions of this clip have been passed around, with as many as 1 million views.

“I think (death in the news) could affect why we watch scary movies. I think we’ve developed a sort of morbid fascination with it,” Richardson said.

Just like a most beautiful picture, like a beach, shown before a face, or a deer caught in headlights, humans can not take their eyes off of things their brains

Top 10 Grossing Scary Movies – Hollywood.com

These films illustrate the immense popularity of scary movies.

Jaws

1975

7.95M The Exorcist

1973

6.86M The Sixth Sense

1999

3.57M The Mummy Returns

2001

2.21M Jaws 2

1978

2.15M

∏ tell them are especially difficult to comprehend. This can be most frankly put as ‘shock.’

Since death and destruction is constantly in the news and in movies, it is not surprising that humans are naturally drawn to death in any form, no matter how gruesome it really is.

“I just think it’s a way to confront our fears...and to know more about them,” Richardson said.

RTAINMENT

Move Along

Entertainment 19

New games can improve health

By: Meighan Walsh Photo’s courtesy of AP

It is a little known fact, if someone plays video games the majority of the time, they will start to have bad health because there is no moving around, except to get another soda. That’s not with these three new game systems, which require you to stand up and shake things up. DDR made for most game systems, Nintendo’s Wii, and PlayStation’s Eye-toy are new technologies, which have helped gamers become healthier.

The Wii

Description: DDR is a one to two player game. The player stands on a dance pad and follows the arrows on screen.

The dance pads hook up to a PlayStation or Xbox.

Cost: $59.99 Size: The dance pad is around 3.5 feet long and 3.5 feet wide.

Average Game Cost: How it burns calories: Constant movement of the feet causes a cardiovascular workout rivaled by running.

There is even a workout mode on most games.

Games: There are different versions of DDR, such as DDR Max, DDR Extreme, and more.

Extra dance mats and CD’s are available for purchase.

Where to buy Dance Dance Revolution: Available at Best Buy and other electronic and gaming stores.

Bonus: Arcades also have DDR machines available for play for the price of a dollar.

Eye toy

Description: It looks like a little web-cam that plugs into the USB port of Playstation 2.

No attachments or remotes, the movement of the players’ body are recorded and he or she sees him or herself on screen doing the tasks.

Cost: $31.99 Size: The size of an average web-cam. It can fit on top of a person’s hand Average Game Cost: $29.99 How it burns calories: Your constantly moving to keep up with tasks on screen. You have to move your arms, legs, and any other part of your body in order to win the game.

Games: EyeToy: Play is a collection of twelve minigames including puzzles, dancing, juggling, football, and boxing.

Where to buy the Eye Toy: Eye toys are available at most gaming and electronic stores, such as Best Buy.

Hi.Life - February 9, 2007

Description: The Wii is a little white box that is meant to become an integral part of the home entertainment system. There is one loading bay for all discs. Four Wii remotes can be connected to the system at one time. The Wii connects to the internet via a wireless network or the Wii LAN adaptor.

Cost: $249.99 Size: 8.5 inches by 6 inches by 2 inches (about the size of three DVD cases.)

Average Game Cost:$49.99 How it burns calories: The player holds a remote and moves around to make their player move. The motion sensitive remote then knows where they want to move their player on-screen.

Games: The Wii can play GameCube games as well as Wii games. It comes already packaged with WiiSports, tennis, golf, baseball, bowling, and boxing.

Dance Dance Revolution

20 Sports

Super Sophomores

Underclassmen having big impact on basketball team By: Jason Kinsolver year and that is winning some games, The boy’s basketball team has been off to a rough start. Their current record is 2-14. Although the record may not show it they have several talented underclassmen, who are contributing to the team. Currently sophomore Anthony May leads the team in points.

“I’ve been doing pretty good, I’m the leading scorer on the team and I get the team started most of the time,” May said.

May thinks starting varsity, as a sophomore is exciting.

“I like to get my name called,” May said.

Even with being the team’s leading scorer it is still not enough to put the team ahead.

“I try to keep the team in games, I do what I can to win,” May said.

Sophomore Luke Sealer also does all he can to help the team win. “ I like to get open and pass the ball, and shoot three’s every once in a while,” Sealer said.

May has some simple goals for this

Sealer think they will perform well at the end of this season, but he thinks they will do well in the seasons to come.

“I think we will be a very good team,” Sealer said.

After high school May has some big goals he want to go Division I but does not know where at currently. “ I plan on playing basketball, and I would like to go division I,” May said.

So as the young players on the team continue to improve the Tigers look to turn the season around in time for the district tournament.

he also has some individual goals he would like to reach. “ I want to make all conference,” May said.

Going into games as the underdog May has one major goal going into the game. “ I just want to show people up and prove them wrong,” May said.

So far this year May considers their greatest accomplishment their victory over Park Hill. “ We played as a team against Park Hill,” May said.

Going into districts Sealer thinks the team will perform well. “ I think we’re going to play pretty well during districts.

We’re getting better every day,” Sealer Loose Ball. Sophomore Anthony May dives for a loose ball in a game said. against Fort Osage. The Tigers lost the game 70-67. “We are struggling Not only does right now, but I think we will improve,” May said. Photo by/ Chris Matthews

Memorable Matches Wrestlers describe great matches By: Craig Williams

HI.LIFE - February 9, 2007

As the wrestling season that draws to an end and state competition is closely approaching varsity wrestlers share their favorite matches of the season and what they feel they will remember most.

Nauseas, worn out, and in shock; these are the only words that came to mind for Senior Zach Hubbard (7-7) for what he thought is his most remembered match this season.

“He was a returning state champ and I was the underdog,” Hubbard said. “I was down the whole match until the third period when I out worked him and got the win.”

Sophomore Jose Reyes’s (20-12) favorite match was

when they beat cross-town rival Lee’s Summit North.

“It was close the whole match,” Reyes said. “The score kept going back and forth until the end. I pulled ahead by a few points and held onto the lead and won the match. I love being able to beat a rival school, especially one as big as North.”

For some wrestlers the most memorable match is determined who they beat but for others it was the match itself that they remember most.

“It was finals and in the second period. We were locked up two to two when I pulled a reverse and rode the match out for the remaining seconds,” Campbell (26-3)

Pin Down. Senior Joe Aguilar attmepts to pin opponent in a recent match. “My goal this season is to make it to state, so I have been working really hard,” Aguilar said. Photo by/ Kaye Roby

said. “The overtime was sudden death, which meant the first to score wins the match. I got a take down for the win. It’s a great feeling when you know you worked that hard for that long and came out winning.”

For Freshman Spencer Courier (20-10) his first varsity match was the one he found most meaningful.

“It was against St. Joe and I was down one point going into the last minute of the third period,” Courier said.

“I looked up at the clock and there was only fifteen seconds left so I knew I

had to make something happen. I went for the take down and I got it just in time to win the match.

I remember after the win just yelling and jumping.

I was so excited.”

Courier was happy that he won the match but he was even happier with what he showed his team.

“I feel I really showed the other wrestlers what I got for the rest of the season.

I proved to them that I won’t quit and I’m here to win,” Courier said.

Sports 21

The NBA at Mid-Season By: Aaron Hanshaw and Andrew Hoien

Q& A

Who is the MVP of the NBA so far?

Nash

Hoien: Steve Nash is a shoo-in for the MVP title. He is averaging 20 points and 11 assists per game this year, and his level of play makes the Suns the best team in the NBA. There is no other point guard in the league that puts his team on his shoulders night after night like Nash does. He is easily worth 10 to 15 extra wins a year for Phoenix. To not reward him with the MVP would be a big mistake by the voters.

Hanshaw: I agree that Nash has carried his team this year, but ignoring Dirk Nowitzki for MVP would be a crime. Nowitzki is putting up almost 25 points, 10 rebounds a game and his Dallas Mavericks are at the top of the Western Conference. Without Nowitzki, the Mavericks have little, but the Suns would be fine with a different point guard. They have all-stars Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire, and without them making shots, Nash would not be getting all of those assists.

Hoien: True, the Suns have more all-stars than Dallas, but you have to account for the fact that, aside from their starting five, the Suns are shockingly thin benchwise. The Mavs on the other hand, have one of the deepest benches in basketball. No doubt, losing Nowitzki would be bad for Dallas, but they have survived before without him. Without Nash the Suns are nothing more but an average Western Conference team. Before Nash the Suns were average, but with him, they have become the best team in the NBA, that is the epitome of an MVP.

Photo/AP

Hoien: Sure, let’s talk about scoring, and how the Suns lead the NBA in points scored, at 111 points per game. Now who is their point guard again? Oh right, Nash is, which means that Nash is the focal point of the leauges most potent offense. It is Nash that gets these guys going every night, you can not argue another point guard could run the Phoenix offense, it’s like saying any defensive coordinator could have run the ‘85 Bears defense. You also mentioned Arenas, and while everything you said is correct, I have two words for you: Eastern Conference. There is no way the MVP comes out of the East. It is going to come out of the West, and Nash is going to win it.

Photo/AP Nash

PPG APG RPG FG% FT%

19.3 12.0 3.3 53.7 88 Nowitzki

PPG APG RPG FG% FT%

25.3 3.2

9.6 50.1 90

Hanshaw: What we have not gotten to yet is defense. What about defense? Nash is worthless when he has to play some D. Nowitzki, on the other hand is a presence on defense. He can guard almost anybody on the floor and makes people work for their points. He intimidates players into taking bad shots and his intensity level is unmatched. Overall though, Nowitzki can just flat play the game. All of his stats are impressive and he is ridiculously versatile. Just look at his 90% shooting from the free throw line. Just look at his 50% field goal percentage. He deserves the MVP at this point, that is obvious.

PPG = Points Per Game, APG = Assists Per Game, RPG = Rebounds Per Game, FG% = Field Goal Percentage [made], FT% = Free Throw Percentage [made]

Hi.Life - February 9, 2007

Nowitzki

Hanshaw: How do you win basketball games again? Oh yeah, you have to score more than the other team. Nowitzki is a much better scorer than Nash and can play several positions while Nash can only run the point. While we are on the subject of scoring, we have to bring up Gilbert Arenas. Arenas is dropping 30 points, 6 assists a game. He is not as valuable as Nowitzki, but if we are going to talk about points, he should at least be brought up. Scoring is important after all.

22 Sports

Get.Fit

Eight easy steps to tone your body

By Amber Laddish

Photos By David Fiser

“Beep beep beep!”

Step 1: Find some floor space with a lot of room and get a stopwatch.

HI.LIFE - February 9, 2007

Step 2 (1st minute): Crunches Start the stopwatch, and begin with a normal crunch. Bend your knees and rest your feet on the ground, and lift yourself with your stomach muscles (not your neck) until your shoulder blades come off of the ground. Continue for the first minute.

Step 3 (2nd minute): Flutter Kicks Lying on your back with your hands flat on the floor, lift your legs until they are about 45 degrees off the ground. Flutter your legs and lift your head for the rest of the minute, without letting your head or legs rest on the floor. Continue until the minute finishes.

Step 5 (4th minute): Right crunch Switch over to your right side, and raise your head and torso until your left elbow touches your left hip, then go back down.

Continue until the minute finishes.

Step 7 (6th minute): Toe touches Lift your legs straight in the air, and reach your arms to your toes until your upper back is completely off the ground, then come back down.

Continue for the rest of the minute.

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Screams the alarm. It’s 5:15 and junior Johanna Merwin sluggishly rolls out of bed and quiets the alarm.

Instead of starting off her morning routine with a cup of coffee, she wakes up by getting her body into shape.

Merwin does seven-minute abs in the morning to keep her body in tune, and has shared step-by-step how to obtain a flat stomach in the comfort of your living room.

Step 4 (3rd minute): Left crunch Roll over onto your left side, and raise your head and torso until your right elbow touches your right hip, then come back down. Continue this process until the third minute is finished.

Step 6 (5th minute): Lemon squeezers Roll back onto your back, and put your elbows behind your head. As you begin to raise your head and chest, tuck your legs and bring them into your chest until they touch your elbows.

Step 8 (7th minute): Leg raises Place your hands to your side, and lift your head off the ground. Raise your legs until they are 45 degrees off the ground, and then lower them until they are inches from the ground, but without ever touching the ground.

Continue raising and lifting legs for the whole minute.

Sports 23

Court to The Pursuit of Perfection Lady Tigers pursue perfect season and state championship Field By: Chris Matthews

This last weekend marked the end of the football season and for me it was a disappointing end to a very exciting season.

The Super Bowl is supposed to match up the two best football teams in the league, however this year’s game left little to be desired. With the exception of the opening kickoff return, by Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears, the game was very poorly played, in my opinion.

The game featured terrible tackling by both sides, as well as the vaunted Bears defense leaving receivers simply wide open for touchdowns.

The game featured a staggering eight turnovers combined. Yes, you can say that it was raining, but it’s not like these players have never played in the rain before. The players from both sides looked nervous and unprepared to play in the biggest game of their life. However, it was the Colts who eventually gained composure and captured the victory.

It was just a disappointing performance from a game that has been hyped for two weeks and not to mention the commercials and the halftime show did not seem to be up to the usual Super Bowl standard.

in Kansas, St. Thomas Aquinas the team has gained a lot of confidence.

Beating quality teams and working hard is what they must do to be successful the rest of the season and in the playoffs.

“We have to take it game by game and prepare ourselves because it only gets harder,” junior Julie Strope said.

With only a few games left before the district games start, the team has been working hard in practice to get ready for the very tough district schedule ahead.

“They will all be good and we have to play our best,” Strope said The district is made up

of five teams including Lee’s Summit West, Lee’s Summit North, Raytown, Raytown South, and the Tigers. The toughest game would probably end up being against West which is one of the better teams in the state. This is just the first step to Columbia for the state championship.

The Tigers have been getting closer and closer to a state championship, but the regular season means nothing when districts come around.

“It would be great to win State. That was one of the goals we set for ourselves before the season started,” Simonin said.

Hi.Life -February 9, 2007

By: Bobby Hagedorn

Undefeated, number one in the state, ranked 7th nationally, and number one in Kansas City are just a few of the accolades the girls basketball team has received this season. The girls basketball team has exploded to a 20-0 season and look to continue their winning ways throughout the season.

“We have been playing really well and we play together as a team,” junior Kelsey Knoche said.

They have been playing very well and they are perfect so far this season.

That record is due to the their ability to play as a team and work hard in practice. Their perfect record has given them the #1 ranking in Kansas City.

“It feels good. We have worked hard to get where we are,” junior Lizzy Siminon said.

Not only have the Tigers got their name out in the state, but they are getting their name out nationally by getting ranked 18th in the nation according to Maxpreps.com. With all of the hype and publicity they have gotten, doesn’t seem to be affecting them at all.

“There isn’t that much pressure. We are always motivated to play every game,” senior Danielle Adams said.

Staying motivated will not be a problem. With a #1 ranking and a Division 1 recruit, the Tigers are going to get everyone’s “A” game.

“As we win, we become more confident,” junior Taylor Simpson said.

The Tigers confidence is very high now. After a big win against previously undefeated, and #2 team

Going Up: Senior Danielle Adams (34) goes up for a shot over two Park Hill defenders. The Lady Tigers won the game 58-18. “Our season is going great we are undefeated so far,” Adams said. Photo/Alex Giddings

24 Back Page

The Importance of SEEING Earnest Old Humor for a Young Audience

4

Photos By Cameron Wiley 1.

5

2.

3

Oscar Wildes “The Importance of Being Earnest” is filled wih witty one liners, mischief, and deceipt. When Jack, played by Max Smith, falls in love with Gwendolen, portrayed by Johanna Merwin, but is soon found out for lying about his name, hilarity ensues. Algernon played by Ben Braselton decides to “bunburry”, or play games with Jackʼs plan to marry Gwendolen, Jackʼs life is turned upside down. Throughout the entire play, all of the characters find out more and more about who they all are. “The Importance of Being Earnest” continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

HI.LIFE - February 9, 2007

1.Jack tells Algernon about his real name and why he goes by two different names.

2. Jordan Hazelwood applies makeup to Rev. Canon Chaseble played

by Matt Sweeten before the show.

3. Jack proposes to Gwendolen against her mothers will.

4. Between studying German, and writing every thought in her diary, Cecily played by Lauren Shipman daydreams about her ʻvery bad uncle Earnestʼ.

5. Gwendolen and Cecily gossip about Algernon after they find out the truth about him.

6. Cecily takes her ʻvery bad uncle Earnestʼ by the chin and inquires about the truth behind his name.

6