October 2010 by Lassiter High School

the

laureate

inside

October 2010

Drama presented 3 fantastic nights of “An Evening of Comedy.”

Restaurant Review centerspread The

Homecoming Spirit

jff Learn how

Football Senior Night 10/29 Election 11/2

Cheerleading Regions 11/6

Thanksgiving Break 11/22-26

meet a celebrity 10% swim w/

13%

skydiving 20%

world travels 57%

The bed Bug invasion

laura brink staff writer

a&e

Academic Letter Awards 10/28 Halloween 10/31

editorials Changing Stereotypes

Lassiter High School volume XXVIII: issue two Bucket List? Hats Off! What’s Happening?

a student publication of

“Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite,” is a phrase everyone has heard at one point or another. However it is rare to have actually seen a bed bug in its robust, rust-colored glory if you didn’t live during the Renaissance period. Nevertheless, recent reports have scientists and sleepers alike questioning the comeback of the bed bug. In the past few years, thebedbug.com informs, there has been a 500% increase in U.S. bed bug sightings. The Niketown (a five story Nike sporting goods outlet) recently had to shut down after bed bugs appeared inside of the stylish sneakers and comfy running shorts on the sales racks. Boston University, NYU, MIT, the University of Vermont, The College of New Jersey, The University of Texas at Dallas, Reinhardt College, and the University of Bridgeport have all reported bed bug

invasions in dorms. If you happen to come across an itchy red bump in the morning, find black excrement stains on your mattress, or even smell a dirty, outdoorsy odor on furniture (which is extremely rare and should not be relied on) there may be a bed bug infestation. To confirm your suspicions there are easy ways to catch the vampire-like bugs. The simplest

way is to catch the bed bug in the act of feeding either on a person or an animal (popularly bats, birds, or rodents). There is also the option of double sided tape for those who are extremely determined. Placing double sided tape along the top of your mattress, on the flat surfaces of your headboard, and on your carpet will capture the bugs which are much too small to not get stuck. To treat an actual bite, first confirm the source with a doctor because bed bug bites and mosquito bites are often confused. Second, wash with hot water and soap and treat with anesthetic lotions. Before I make you too nervous let it be known bed bugs are usually found in the beds of travelers, those who stay at unclean hotels or hostels, and on refurbished furniture that was not properly cleaned before being nicely recovered. Sleep tight, Trojans, and don’t let the bed bugs bite.

Multicultural awareness a success to win $50!

2-3 4-6 8-11 12-13 jff 14-15 sports 16-17 features 18-21 in the wry 22-23

news editorials a&e centerspread

colleen purdy staff writer The Multicultural Leadership Club was created by Mrs. Richter and Mrs. Crandall to bring awareness to Lassiter about worldliness. Mrs. Crandall emphasized that “A diverse culture is important to the community because it helps to stamp out ignorance. Since the demographics are changing it is important for everyone to feel welcome and embrace diversity.” Their mission statement is to aid the community through spread-

ing cultural awareness. In preparation for the film festival, the art department at Lassiter made an exhibit of butterflies, which was and will continue to be displayed throughout mid October and mid November in the Lassiter media center. In an effort to get students involved and intrigued, the English department made extra credit opportunities for students who attended the festival. Lassiter’s new Multicultural Club ASE held one of many film festivals to come for Lassiter. On October 21, under the leadership of senior, Morgan

Traylor, the leadership club held the Hispanic Heritage Film Festival. October’s film was held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and illuminates the issue of violence against women. The film festival featured In the Time of the Butterflies, a story of Tryillo’s reign in the Dominican Republic and the revolt of three sisters, who are now honored as heroines. All proceeds went to the Make a Wish Foundation. The Multicultural Leadership Club hopes to raise $3,000 this semester so that they alone can grant one child’s wish.

lhs news Georgia’s

page

Nathan Deal

Roy Barnes

John Monds

Republican

Democrat

Libertarian

Experience

Was in army, former chair of the Health Care Subcommittee in the House of Representatives, President pro tempore in senate

Worked as a prosecutor and opened own law firm, State Senator, state representative, and then governor

Leadership skills from the finance and airline industries

View on the water war

Focus on water conservation, negotiations with the other governors to settle water disputes, create more reservoirs, and secure the water GA already has

Wants to focus on repairing faulty pipes and water infrastructure, create water reservoirs in northern Georgia, investigate underwater storage facilities

Fairly negotiate with FL and AL, admit mistake of allowing the federal government help GA build a dam, must maintain states rights

Wants to pass a law similar to the one in Arizona, believes that people seeking in-state tuition at universities and Medicaid should provide citizenship verification

Feels that the federal government is not protecting states against illegal immigration as they should, immigration laws must be obeyed for foreigners and employers of illegal immigrants

Welcomes foreigners who want a better quality of life, illegal Immigrants who are productive in American society should receive benefits but those who aren’t productive should not, the question of legal status should be handled by the federal government

Plans to create more high –paying jobs, will not raise taxes because he believes it will take away jobs, plans on creating a “rainy day fund”

As governor, funded programs without raising taxes, will restore education cuts and advance water and transportation, will eliminate unnecessary revenue loss through tax exemptions

Plans to get out of the way of the private sector, industries involving gambling and betting are willing to come to Georgia to create more jobs, he supports these companies because they could potentially bring in billions of dollars to the economy

Focus on education, transportation, and creating jobs

Improve the economy and make jobs, reduce taxes and make the government smaller

race for governor

View on the illegal immigration

View on taxes

Priorities

Create better jobs, preserve teacher jobs and keep classes small, and improve transportation throughout the state

skye rubel/editor-in-chief

Debate

onlineathens.com

The three candidates discuss major issues in the race to become governor.

Did

You Know? Boys naturally learn better from male teachers and girls retain more information from female teachers. page

compiled by julia regeski news editor While Ric hard Jeff in his ba w ckyard, a as working nother m Giacomo an c accused onfronted him a , nd him of k noc bananas off of his king the tree, wh Jeff den ied ich pointed . Giacomo supp osedly a gun at Je threaten ed to sh ff ’s head and oot. The entered poli an in Giaco d found the we ce apo mo was arre ’s nightstand. H n sted and e a aggrava ted assa ccused of ult.

cked

pa g 77 cats en are in d n fi r Afte wom ars, two y to two c al cruelt

in nim ed for a ce. being cit ennington Poli B bout by the lained a p m o c sleeping Someone women e th the g in see g with n lo a rs a c ned in their men ow d o w e h T n felines. the catsa uple of o for c s a e m ly on r ho fo g in a k were loo here was even T k un . the rest. in the tr d n u fo t dead ca

. Warnings were iss ued along the Pa cific coast to deter peop le from the beache s, and to prevent any furth er giant squid atta cks. Two Mexican fishe rmen were remov ed from their boat af ter being “chewed ” by a Humboldt squid. These cephalopod s can travel up to 15 mph and have 10 tentac les including 2 atta ck tentacles that are studded with 40,0 00 or more sharp teethlike nubs. The Hum boldts are complet ing their northern m igration and by the looks of it are no t going without a fight.

Boys go to jupiter...

Males are not earning as many doctoral degrees as women

skye rubel editor-in-chief A recent study by the Council of Graduate Schools shows that women earn more doctoral degrees than men. From the 1970’s, the number of women in graduate and professional schools has consistently risen as well. Expectations are changing for females; they are investing in their education because they are no longer required to stay home and raise a family. Traditionally, men are thought to be the breadwinners and women the housewives. With the rise in master’s and doctoral degrees earned by women, times are clearly changing. Though women now earn more than fifty percent of doctorates in the US, numbers are relatively even for male and females. Tim Chapuis, 12, stated, “Girls try harder for a safety net so they have more options in life. Guys don’t seem to need these options.” Though women are becoming progressively more educated than men, they earn only eighty-three cents to the dollar

that a man makes for the same job. High schools are also seeing the trend that women are becoming more educated. Of the 538 people who took the Advanced Placement exams in 2010 at Lassiter, approximately sixty percent were female. This corresponds with the national average as well. Jake Schaffer, 12, commented, “There are only five boys in my AP literature class. There are so many more girls!” Though women are earning more degrees, overall the trend is not consistent throughout all doctoral disciplines. They earn only twenty-five percent of degrees in engineering, math, and computer science. They earn sixty percent of the degrees in behavioral sciences and seventy percent in health sciences. Because of the economy, women are more likely to earn degrees than in the past to help support their families. When asked about this, Scott Schaffer, 12, replied, “Boys slack off way more than girls. They just don’t seem to care as much.”

healthysd.gov

Deprivation

One major cause of the slacking of boys compared to girls may be their lack of sleep.

Studying time by gender Girls average 1.9 hours of studying daily, while boys only study for about 1.4.

2 hours 1 hour 0 hours

lhs editorials

page

Cyber bullying- the dark side of the internet Online harassment has reached its cataclysmic high

Cory

another male were transmitted live via the internet. His roommate, Dharun Ravi, and a friend Molly Wei, the two responsible for collecting the encounters without consent, face a maximum “I work down at the Pizza Pit penalty of only five years in prison. and I drive an old Hyundai. I still live Clement’s body was found days latwith my mom and dad. I’m five foot er in the Hudson River, after he posted three and overweight…But there’s a “Jumping of the gw bridge sorry” to his whole ’nother me that you need to Facebook page. see. Go checkout MySpace.” Online harassment that drives Many country music fans recog- someone to suicide is obviously inexnize these lyrics as three-time Grammy cusable. While Tyler Clemeti’s death is Award winner Brad paisley’s 2008 hit certainly a tragedy, the cyber bullying “Online,” but few understand their phenomenon opens the floodgates for implications to a form of alternate re- similar stories. With the vast number ality known as the World Wide Web. of people on social networking sites After all, the internet is the only outlet such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitthat allows you to control every way in ter, and with little regulation on what which you are perceived. Unfortunate- can and cannot be posted for millions ly, these facades have become increas- to see, tragedies will inevitably beingly negative, as people hide behind come statistics. their computers, spewing hatred to“Online” isn’t just another song – it’s wards others they don’t know. a sad reality for today’s society, where Rutgers University freshman Tyler bullying has reached its cataclysmic Clementi committed suicide last month limits. When we are so unhappy with after the sexual relations he had with ourselves that we take others down

Shaw

Gloomy

http://www.ua.edu

Only those who have experienced it firsthand understand the severity of cyber bullying.

behind the security of a computer, we ironically say more about who we truly are than who we are presented to be. The moral of the story is to think before you post. The next time you make public a status about that “ugly kid” or the “loner” you call a friend on

Facebook, remember your secrets or flaws. Remember what being embarrassed feels like in front of a few and then multiply it by a million. Remember that time you felt lonely or ousted or controlled. Remember Tyler Clementi.

Candy ethics: take one or take advantage

This house has suddenly become an easy target. If the candy is good then all you have to do is hit this one house and you are done for the night! Of course you remember mothKatie er dearest yelling from the end of the driveway, “ONLY TAKE ONE!” and you would solemnly obey. But when you hit that long-awaited age when mama You’ve all experienced it, tak- bird let you fly from the nest….there en advantage of it, or honored your was no stopping you at these houses. morals in spite of it. You’ve been a Who knows, maybe you’d take five victim of it or a criminal because of it. pieces this year. It has brought you lots of joy or that There’s always that one kid dreaded, empty feeling in the pit of who steals the whole bowl, note and your stomach. Yes, you know what I’m all, causing delirium for other trick-ortalking about, the unsupervised candy treaters who spend precious energy bowl. and time making their way up to this It’s the bowl that your neigh- now candy-less house. Truth be told, bors leave on their front porch when the bowl, note, and candy combinathey are either out on this night of tion is just asking for trouble and giving mayhem or are merely cranky, old, kids a chance to show their delinquent and don’t like children. This bowl, side. So a word from the wise: if you filled to the brim with sub-standard want to make trick-or-treaters happy, candy, is always paired with the noto- just answer the door bearing full size rious note….“Please Take ONE.” candy bars.

Hayes

TAK

! E N EO

Did

You Know? Kids’ least favorite trick-or-treat items, according to the National Confectioners Association, are fruit and salty snacks like pretzels and chips. page

The Laureate Staff 2010-2011

HOMECOMING

Editors-in-Chief Skye Rubel Cory Shaw

laura

brink

News Editor

Natalie Kieta

A&E Editor Katie Hayes

JFF Editor Annabel Edwards

Centerspread Editor Mary Ann Staak

Features Editor Lindsay Hopkins

Comedy Editor Tyler Molinaro

Sports Editor Jack Herman

Staff Writers Jeff Ciesielski Vince Gonzalez Austin Hayes Will Morris Colleen Purdy Renee Puvvada Samantha Weissert Laura Brink

Advisor Mr. Todd Henry The Laureate is a student publication of Lassiter High School; a member of the Georgia Scholastic Press Association. Editorials reflect the opinions of individual writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Lassiter High School, Cobb County Schools, or their administrators. Financial support for The Laureate is obtained through advertising and subscription sales, and generous patron contributions.

Lassiter High School 2601 Shallowford Road Marietta, Georgia 30066 (678) 494-7863 lhspress@gmail.com www.issuu.com/lhspress

ssue:

Homecoming used to be a formal event held on the Saturday after the homecoming football game. Girls wore dresses and guys wore suits. Groups rented buses. Now, Homecoming at Lassiter is an informal occasion immediately after the game. Which is prefered by students?

will morris

Trendy

Converse blends comfort and style

will

morris

Around homecoming, we can start to expect the hair salons to fill up and the limo rental to be completely booked. Girls spend all that money to look nice while the men spend all theirs on dinner, transportation, and their own appearance (to a lesser extent). I say there’s no reason for all that effort and hassle. Homecoming should be an informal way to celebrate a new school year and a new season. Yes, there is a dance. And yes, dances are usually formal affairs. But the line should be drawn when comfort and mobility take a back seat to formality. Now I’ve never admittedly worn high heels before but, I can infer how they feel after a few hours of dancing. There’s no reason to put yourself through that torture twice a year. That’s what prom is for. The most important high school social event, prom is a time to dress up in your most formal attire and spend whatever you can afford on it. Homecoming is not. Prom is plenty for all the work that goes into it. Trying to make homecoming into the same kind of affair will be more trouble than it’s worth. To be blunt, homecoming is less important. While both are fun, prom is one high school experience that will be remembered. Why not take this opportunity to have a school dance without having to worry about staining your rented tux? Laura might argue that underclassmen shoud enjoy homecoming because it is all they get. To that I say that the underclassmen should take these two years to save their money. Prom is never as cheap as you hope. Two times to blister your feet in fancy shoes and choke yourself with ties is enough in four years of high school. Now I’m not saying that overalls or tank tops should be acceptable, but improvising your TOMS for your heels may be a smart choice that shouldn’t be as taboo as it is. The bottom line is that prom holds more weight than homecoming. Why dress up for a dance that will be forgotten by the time prom comes around? Homecoming should be fun, not frantic.

Informal

Editorials Editor

When I got the assignment to write this article, I was ecstatic. The pros for having a real homecoming dance are so obvious. Girls want to get dressed to the nines in the cutest dresses and the most superb shoes and get to enjoy the mounds of compliments that their friends will, without a doubt, rain down on them. Boys get an excuse to hold their lady close and ,every time they tell her how ravishing she looks, score oodles of points. Although it is possible that not everyone has the extreme love for overdressing that I do, everyone loves to spend time with friends. As a tribute to teenage hormones, don’t you dare pretend you aren’t dying to hold your crush close to you while the D.J. slows it down with some “Time After Time.” Will, surprisingly, came up with my next point. The Homecoming dance (when we had a formal one) was the only dance that underclassmen can attend! Just because sophomores are unsubstantial and freshman aren’t actually people doesn’t mean they don’t love an awesome dance party as much as upperclassmen. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones to be free of Cupid’s complicated arrows, then grab a friend and hit the dance floor. All you need to do is bend your knees and clap your hands to be a better dancer than the majority of your peers. Music will, in fact, make you lose control and you’ll have the time of your life. My associate, Will “unromantic” Morris, is obliviously way too much of a stud to have to worry about putting effort into wooing girls (chuckle, chuckle). But maybe he should consider how happy his mother would be to see him all dolled up. How happy the lady of his choice would be when he pulled out a guitar and romantically asked her to be his date. Don’t be selfish boys, girls love to dress up and girls love boys (simple fact). So step up your game and get your girl a dance! If you like to have fun and spend time with your friends, then a homecoming dance can provide you with all of that, plus memories that will last a lifetime.

Formal

Julia Regeski

2010

lhs editorials

page

Lassiter lunch ladies: changing stereotypes around 50, which we all know is the new 30!! Because of this younger demographic, most lunch ladies are moms

Terry

Edwards “You’re a lunch lady…REALLY??” This is frequently the first question I get when I tell people that I work in the Lassiter cafeteria. This question, indirectly, reveals dismay. I have come to understand that these people don’t mean to be rude or condescending. I think it is just hard for some people to wrap their heads around why anyone with the educational and work background that I possess would choose to work at what they perceive as a menial job. So, let’s delve into this, shall we? I think we all can agree that lunch ladies have evolved. Yes, we still have the aprons, the hair nets and some still display the perpetual scowl. But no longer are we forced to wear the dresses, hose, and orthopedic shoes of generations past. Nowadays you can find us sporting golf shirts, flares and baseball caps. The new crop of dining divas are typically younger, hipper and more in tune with the teens of today. I think the average age of our crew is

tend Lassiter and by golly, I was going to find a way to make that happen. By taking this job, I paved the way for my daughters to graduate from this highly

natalie kieta

Family

The lunch ladies of Lassiter work together every day and are practically a family.

who have decided that they want a job that will afford them the same schedule as their kids. Many are also in need of good health insurance. Some are staying on to take advantage of retirement benefits. In my particular circumstance, I wanted my girls to at-

sought after high school. Currently, I am in my fourth year at Lassiter. I was extremely nervous during my initial days here. I joined a team of ladies responsible for feeding a student body and staff of over 2000 people. I had no food service ex-

perience at all -- I hadn’t even flipped a burger at McDonalds. But I do have a slight gift for gab, so lucky me, I was given a cashier position. That first day, I decided to post something on my computer which I hoped would resonate with people as they came through my line. I stuck a Post It Note on each side of my computer that simply said, “PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE”. It seemed to work and I made it through that first year relatively unscathed. Each subsequent year I have displayed a different virtue for people to ponder…KINDNESS, RESPECT, and this year, HONESTY. My hope is that students and staff alike will take some time to think about these admirable qualities and apply them to how they interact with us and with each other. We enjoy our jobs and the ability to forge relationships with you, our customers, and look forward to serving you during your tenure at Lassiter. And that right there, my friends, is why we lunch ladies do what we do every day! Yes, I’m a lunch lady…REALLY!!

halo reach floods teenage minds jeff

ciesielski There have been many major technological advances in the history of mankind: fire, the wheel, electricity, and Halo Reach. Halo Reach is the latest installment in the iconic Halo videogame series that has entertained the masses since Halo: Combat Evolved arrived on the original Xbox. After countless hours of playtime and two blown fuses (sorry Mom!), I can safely say that Halo Reach is the most ridiculous video game I have ever inserted into my Xbox 360. Halo Reach is a first person shooter game with two main game modes: campaign and multiplayer. In campaign, the player is cast as the roll of Noble 6, a soldier who has replaced

a fallen man on the most skilled team of soldiers in the universe. There are a variety of missions that will challenge even the most advanced Halo gamer. The multiplayer mode is equally impressive. “Load outs” is a new feature which allows players to pick preset weapons packages instead of just taking what the game assigns the player like in the first three Halo games. The “veto-system” has been improved; people now can pick from three offered game modes chosen at random. New weapons and maps really contribute to the overall experience of this modern marvel. Reactions to Halo Reach have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics and regular people agree that Halo Reach is the best game to have been released this year. Lassiter students are in agreement as well. Says sophomore James Rowe, “Halo Reach is the greatest thing to ever happen to me. I have pulled off all-nighters on two separate occasions playing this game.”

jeff ciesielski

Focused

Hardcore Halo players all over the world spend hours battling each other to become a “Halo God.”

lhs a&e

page

The top movies of the Halloween season

Halloween is definitely one of the best times of the year for movies. Scary movies—although not one of the more popular types of film—are the greatest things ever. It is a whole genre of movies that was inspired by a holiday! So, in spirit of the upcoming day of spooks, I have collected and documented the greatest Halloween movies of all time.

Creep and r y childre e n Shini d rum. So , psycho ng is unds husba li a an e vil p classic h ke a part nds, re y! or tel th at at sence in ror film a The a tacks fathe b n r— a you isolated out plete Jack N n hog fa ly ic begin insane w holson—t mily. The ur s to h past see f ile their ns comy o a to fre nd futur rebodings oung boy e. If ak y from y o a go the od p urself ou ou really lace t, Th w as c a nt to e o Para ntempora start. Alt Shining is norm h ry a o a of Th s m ugh not e Shi l Activity odern ning , the as w -day is e c een m ll. It’s an sure to g reepiness oth et ovie, court er classic you just esy o f Step Hallowaux f hen K s i h t ing. y in ge stut i l a ? e t r h e l ig l R n ! o yc lair es o Jigsaw r tak filmed b f the B uand love n one of the o r w o r n o k o H tary We all les ee st rst give umen aring ta oods, thr rness e were fi bably ever cre c w o n e d h W He pro ilde ew ssic. It movies ents. ving in th to the w th food, tant cla d s in goriest n a n r li wi r i ho mu became Witch disappea th of her , and a of a psyc into a ated, it le a t l u s a r s e le e usu dent over the t g suppli r footage nt peop e twists th c o y t n il i n in c u i ple g asing to dis g, camp r later, the at this is derer ch urer chasing peo sinessa in th f bu ort cloth a. One ye in mind one o A sleazy psycho t N . s e e r . r a y p im e r r r e c le a kea ent cam und. Ke ment g filmma r of differ an avid drug-d hroom u c o o f at d was IONAL d se youn thei man an side a dirty b ill they e king tch T h a C t I m F t in W i u b a chained ask to survive. ue. B great jo e Blair W se n r e t e w s t i e t b it at th p in tho do a with the ith a dead body nd Jigsure believe th Yay f ee s a r W , ? e y d il e or ne d e fam c o d succe l n . e a d p e o i p o a H d ere w cannibals u k g ing kidn o a v lo a i , l . ’t s m w n i e are e s o i d th with e she ally back ith chainsa chances e b r e y h t a p , s ws! i saw s. —m girls in ycho killers n the seve wood ho knows I crie n t t d w sible. S he most gr killing inno ies And ally, when I sa uesom cent ally an tears w thi e d travel ca s movi ling th her band o way pose is a me out o movie. Li r f o g fri ugh th randfa bout is. terf my ing w e coun ends are a ey i ently b ther’s grave t rorize th her bo young wo es. The which ry to her een ro yfrien man d by h b p a b i c s appa ed. On k up a liv “para d rl t norm some sor , who is t e h s e s w t w h ho qu ay, th an-frie t of follow eral act i e c k n y d i i dly ly t dump life. W ng her th vity” that emonic ing him urns to mur hitchhiker r h o a h u e de s gho soon nh be with find t at the curb rer. After the id er boyfr ut her en en hemse , wande ie t e at ni lves d the friends r over ght t a to leav nd come ire e s erted a t o s o e n they d the u an old and are a see what a camera p s s h e a e s b m o h by ho on tur two s ingly u watc leep (bri appens w on n i With a s into a nig nnocent d se lliant h wh hile lights , r h a i c t e t g and n hainsaw, a mare for th ve peop o off. By unfolds w h?), the n o e le are the e too m escape, thin empty stom m. nd of hen the ied, d e a a erry f d, kn and the fi or thi gs aren’t lo ch, iv the l s grou oking came es are blo m, p of f ra is od riends brok . en.

Classic . chael Complete cla feare Myers is one o ssic. Mid na m ft preye d on es in socie he most t her fr J iends amie Lee y after he f o Cu r Sure, a it was n hour an rtis and made a tad dah a c tivate in the sev heesy, but lf. enties it was d a w inspir a ed b hole chai nd it mo n y asylu m pa the esca of seque l s tient ped be “p in u w proba re evil”. T ho happe sane h five-y bly the ve e scariest ns to scene r y beg e i his ol ar old M i n n i n g whe s ic d n her r er sister. H hael Myer oom with is parents s murders the k fi nife. nd him in Scare d yet ?

mary ann staak/centerspread editor

Which one is the best? “Saw boggles the mind.” - Trenton Gantt, 10

“The Shining goes beyond normal horror films. It’s more of a psychological thrill.” - Erin Fisher, 12

“Halloween has awesome music that builds suspense.” - Nolan Helmly, 11

Did

You Know? Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain! page

Movie review: renee puvvada staff writer

new neighbor who quickly evolves into a friend and advice-giver against his tormentors. She grows to something The atmosphere is, beyond all more as Owen realizes his feelings things, chilling. What was expected to for mysterious Abby, played by Chloe be another clichéd flick about a human Moretz, go beyond just polite acquainaccidentally picking up a vampire in the tances. So far, so cute. folds of a hideously written plotline, Abby, the vampire, manages to hide instead unveiled itself as a sinister, yet her true identity from Owen for some tender, movie with a mission. time, but clips of Popular views of these seductive Abby’s carefiends of Twilight and The Vampire Di- g i v e r aries fame have been redrawn to show a n d horrifyingly sentimental monsters that could easily put Edward Cullen to work. A somewhat creepy attraction is developed towards Owen, a scrawny little kid played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, on the movie screen. Bullied constantly and neglected by divorced parents, he gains sympathy from a

even herself hunting reveal pulse-accelerating details of an immortal life. This vampire is not an angel-faced sweetheart when provoked, which definitely feeds the mounting fear. Let Me In doesn’t provide mind-bending torture and psychological thrill, but does succeed in giving the occasional surprise (i.e., jumpiness), plenty of blood, disturbing body parts, and a mysterious air. It is narrated by a haunting orchestra, that strangely keeps you intrigued. While not recommended for your next Halloween party, the emotional details around the movie truly paint a masterpiece of entertainment. Slightly slow-moving in some scenes, but beautifully choreographed, Let Me In takes you back to the real bloodsucking core of friendship.

Our rating:

B-

“It wasn’t very scary but it was somewhat entertaining.” - Scott Schaffer, 12

lhs a&e

page

Restaurant reviews : new places to eat

Studio Movie Grill

vince gonzalez staff writer Have you ever been in a movie theatre and gotten a sudden craving for a brownie sundae? You squirm in your seat and pray that your stomach can keep from growling and disturbing the movie goers around you just waiting to scream “Shhhhh!” But, of course, the main character in your show has just found his long lost relative and they have begun an awkward silence waiting for someone to speak first. At this wonderful restaurant, one would never find themselves in this terrifying dilemma. At Studio Movie Grill, there is a full menu ranging from classic nachos, to a spinach and mozzarella quesadilla. Movie Grill opened in 2008 and it became an instant hit. The main goal of the restaurant/cinema is to allow visitors to watch blockbuster movies while also enjoying delicious cuisine.

New films, brilliant classics, and kid cartoons can all be enjoyed at Movie Grill. Sharon Cantu, mother of two, visits Movie Grill on a monthly basis and commented, “My kids love being able to watch their favorite movies and enjoy some of their favorite foods.” The Holcomb Bridge location in Georgia has movies running throughout the entire day. They even have showings in 3D! “My favorite dinner is the Megaplex Burger,” said Evan Cantu, youngest son in the Cantu clan. The Megaplex burger is a colossal treat loaded with bacon, mushrooms, and three slices of melted cheese. Studio Movie Grill has something for everyone. Never have that longing for a delicious hot meal in a movie again. When asked about Movie Grill, Nick Cantu replied, “If you’re looking for a great place to take a beautiful girl, I would definitely choose Movie Grill.”

Film

ajc.com

At Studio Movie Grill, the audience can enjoy a great movie and a fantastic meal at the same time!

Nicky’s Diner tyler molinaro comedy editor

Classic

cory shaw

Nicky’s Diner offers a wide selection of classic diner foods.

“Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source.” To those of you who can name the movie and narrator, kudos. You have earned and deserve commendation, as does a new restaurant that has opened only a few blocks from our homes. Nicky’s Diner, uprooted from its original location in South Florida and moved to what was formerly the site of Backyard Burger, is a version of a classic American diner with a touch of Greek influence. The curb appeal: I went into the experience that is Nicky’s diner really WANTING to like it. This is probably because of the welcoming appearance the restaurant features, setting it apart from the likes of Donny’s diner across the street, which I have never tried and likely never will because of its foreboding darkness. Nicky’s Diner has prime location, adequate parking, windows without dark blinds, and a good general look about its outside. The atmosphere: Not many

places can get away with hanging fish and garlic cloves from the same ceiling and then proceeding to insert some hanging lamps belonging in an Artusi’s and others desperately trying to make the cut of imitations of imitations of Tiffanys, but somehow it meshes. The place was packed, providing a lively and fun environment. The dining room is central and contains a mixture of booths and tables. A The food: To be quite honest, many of the dishes my party was served were quite good and all were up to par. Not the best cuisine, of course, but, for the category of diner food, everything met or exceeded expectations. The restaurant did not skimp on the meat and has its bread baked through a bakery at an alternate location. A The all important question: “Will I be returning?” Yes. Nicky’s is definitely worth returning to. It’s just what you would expect out of a diner, with a little bit of pizzazz tacked on for good measure. Dishes served all day means Nicky’s is good all the time, anytime. Overall: A-

Did

You Know? Jack-o-lanterns came from the carving of vegetables in Ireland and Britian. They did not become associated with Halloween until 1866.

page

The new iPod Nano austin hayes staff writer

Though it may be small, the sixth generation iPod Nano supplies more bang for your buck. This new technology has the lightweight aspects of a Nano with the touch screen abilities of the iTouch. The features on this iPod are endless. The musical GENIUS lets you find a song that you like and it will automatically find other songs related to the one you chose. Matt Hull, 10, states, “It is like Pandora on the go. With one touch on the screen, this iPod turns into my own personal D.J.” Unlike many of the past iPods, this Nano has a built in FM tuner in which you can listen to your favorite radio stations to find new music. You can even tag songs you like, so you can buy them off iTunes later. A new battery has been added to this iPod which allows you to have twenty-four hours of music without recharging. This built in rechargeable battery has never been seen in past iPods. One of the best new features on this iPod is its ability to assist you during exercise. It has a built in pedometer that shows how many steps you have taken, the amount of calories burned, and how far you have traveled. Parker Goldstein, 10, explains, “I use the Nike ID attachment to my iPod whenever I go for a run. It really helps to know how far I have run in the amount of time I have gone.” Overall, this new iPod has taken the world by storm as one of the newest technologies of this year. When you get your hands around one of these things, it is very hard to let it go. So what could be expected next from Apple? The world will just have to wait.

Fall shows report card

Grade Show Comments

will morris staff writer

This show is as original as it is clever. If you can follow quick dialogue and understand moderate pop culture references, this show is for you. Going into its second season, Community has star power with Joel McHale and Chevy Chase, but more than likely you’ll fall in love with the entire cast and follow them throughout their adventures at Greendale Community College every Thursday night at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Community

This comedy takes place in a call center for novelty items located in India, managed by an American. As mundane as that may sound, this show has potential. With the pilot only airing on September 23, this series still needs time to get settled and find its place. No big-time actors in this one, though you may see some slightly familiar faces. Coming on NBC, Thursdays at 9:30 p.m., it may be worth sticking around for after The Office. If this show were to be judged solely by the first ten minutes of the pilot, the only word to describe it would be “intense.” This show centers around a dysfunctional family trying to help their son raise a child by himself after the child’s mother was executed in prison. Created by Greg Garcia, the man who created “My Name is Earl,” viewers can expect crude and at times somewhat dark humor. For those of you who are easily offended or looking for a light, simple comedy, I would watch with caution. This show airs on FOX on Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

Outsourced

BC+ No Ordinary Family Raising Hope

The title does this show justice. “No Ordinary Family” follows a family that has been blessed with super powers. While the plotline may not be exactly groundbreaking, I felt the cast members play their parts well enough to make up for it. What the acting cannot make up for however, is the dull writing. The dialogue leaves something to be desired, as it feels too real and boring to hold viewers’ attentions. A slow start for this show does not make it a must-see series in my book. Coming on ABC, Tuesdays at 8 p.m., don’t be too discouraged if you miss this one.

At first glance, it is tempting to make a quick judgment about this show. Two overweight stars, so nothing but fat jokes. Just what television needs. Luckily, that is not the case with this show. Heartwarming and sincere, this show is a light comedy you can watch anytime. Now, its not to say the weight factor doesn’t come into play at all in the series. The stars did meet at an Overeaters Anonymous group after all. However through the chubby jokes reveals a sweet show that you can feel comfortable watching with your parents, a nice change from Jersey Shore.

Mike and Molly

Top ten songs at Lassiter

1. Like a G6 (feat. Cataracs & Dev) by Far East Movement 2. Just a Dream by Nelly

3. Speak Now by Taylor Swift

4. Gonerrhea by Lil Wayne & Drake

5. Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars 6. Club Can’t Handle Me (feat. David Guetta) by Flo Rida 7. Teenage Dream by Katy Perry

8. Mine by Taylor Swift

9. Take It Off by Ke$ha

Tiny

apple.com

The new iPod nano is barely bigger than a quarter!

10. DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love (feat. Pitbull) by Usher austin hayes/ staff writer

all roads lead Zoo Day

1 Zoo Day Futuristic Day 2 Superhero Day 3 Futuristic Day

Rou

ute

010

back to... Superhero Day

Kindergarten Day

colleen purdy/staff mary ann staak/staff

lhs jff

page

Worst costumes 10. Tooth Yes, remind everyone of the dentist on the one day of the year when stuffing your face with candy is encouraged. 9. Man French Maid Kindly spare the rest of us the sight of the extra five inches of your hairy thighs. 8. The convict nun Please do not try to make those two worlds collide. 7. Adults who dress up as babies This is unbelievably creepy and weird. Babies are cute because they’re tiny. Nobody wants to be forced to think about a giant, drooling adult who is incapable of taking itself to the toilet. 6. Ghost You might as well get a tattoo across your forehead that says “Completely inept at being creative.” You’re probably the kid who only colored with black crayons in Kindergarten. 5. Adult Teletubbie There’s one too many Tinky Winky characters in this world as it is.

4. Toddler Pimp Pimpin’ ain’t easy… especially if you are five years old. Dressed in a faux-fur coat covered in money and bearing a cane used for who- knows- what, we all know that the child whose parents dressed them in this has a bright, bright future. 3. Washing Machine Congratulations on selecting the most random household appliance possible and dressing up as it! Everyone knows to stay away from the sucker who dressed up as the washing machine, refrigerator, or dryer. He’ll be knocking things over all night. 2. Baby Hotdog Whoever has the inclination to dress their newborn up as an edible object should have their head checked as soon as possible. 1. Poo Poo Platter For the small sum of $29.99, you, too, can look like poop! This is not a costume. This is a recipe for blackmail.

compiled by annabel edwards/JFF editor

Contest Rules Hidden somewhere within this paper is the logo of Lewis Electrical Contractors (shown below). If you are the first one to email lauerate@leciga.com with the page number in which it is located, you win $50! Participants must also include their name and address to receive the check. One entry per person.

read

find

money

Lewis Electrical Contractors ...is a proud sponsor of The Laureate

They should be a couple julia regeski news editor

ment, out of respect for his dedicated relationship with her. Mary Ann may be known for It’s the classic high school love her stalker-like qualities, but accordstory: all star ing to Hutquarterback son that just falls for… the adds to her fat-animaladorability. loving “Lit“Every game tle One”? So you play, maybe this every night isn’t exactly you stay, I’ll what you be watching would exyou.” Hutpect for the son may be ideal couple. wrong on But these this one. As two are desevidenced tined for by the coueach other. Serene The couple could find peace and ple’s song, happiness in the countryside. Besides, hand-picked Athens isn’t THAT far away. by Mary Ann, a keen eye and constant As soon as Mary Ann saw her attention is a major component in this man throw his first touchdown, she love-fest. knew he was the boy for her. “I had to Now some may say that these discover this messiah of Lassiter foot- two will never last, but that’s just crazy ball. I heard he shared my love of uni- talk. How could two people so meant corns and Disney Princesses, so it was for each other even dare to think of a a match made at the Frank.” future without their counterpart, their Mr. Mason is now a thriving matching puzzle piece, their cheese freshman at the University of Geor- to each other’s macaroni, and Mary gia. When questioned about his un- Ann’s Cinderella to Hutson’s Prince dying love for Mary Ann, the bulldog Charming? blushed, smiled, and refused to com-

~Sudoku~

Did

You Know? In a 2009 Halloween survey, men between the ages of 18-34 were planning to spend the most on Halloween costumes at $72 a person.

page

annabel edwards

Dear Mary Ann and Tyler,

I’m struggling with getting the most out of senior year. I’ve never really been one for going to football games and such, but homecoming has come and gone and nobody asked me to go with them. I didn’t end up going and I’m worried that nobody will ask me to prom or other senior activities and I’ll miss those, too. This is my senior year and I really don’t want to miss out on things like this. How can I make sure I don’t waste my last year of high school? Sincerely,

Unsatisfied Senior

Guess who?! 1.

My Dear Unsatisfied, Oh, honey. Come on, it is senior year. Let me be the first to tell you, this is what you’ve been waiting for for a looooong time. About prom and homecoming dates: it’s really not a big deal. I know that everyone says it is and it seems like if you don’t have a date you aren’t “dateable” and blah blah blah. No, no, no. If you want to go to prom with someone, go ask them! What’s the worst that could happen, they say no? No harm done. Shake it off. They aren’t going to plunge their hand into your chest and rip out your beating heart when you ask. Just don’t completely abandon your senior prom because Prince Charming didn’t ask you to go with him. Now for problem two: You aren’t going to football games?! And you’re a senior?! Really?! I’ve been attending football games religiously since I could call myself an official “Trojan” freshman year, so take it from me: you’re missing out! Football games are a blast. Especially as a senior. From painting up to screaming so loud you lose your voice, you are making memories at a Trojan football game. And everything else goes for that, too! Senior Luau, senior formal, senior night on the green, etcetera. Take it from a fellow senior: if you don’t try to keep up with your senior year, it will pass you by like the cross country boys team. So get out, make some friends, and attend those senior bonding experiences. I can assure you that in May you won’t regret it. Good luck this year, and I hope it’s a blast! Don’t forget to help win the spirit stick at pep rallies…remember, juniors have won it in the past. ;) With lots of love and senioritis, Mary Ann

Guess which LHS teachers these Halloween cuties grew up to be?

Student ads Happy 17th birthday Ellyn Mikkelson! Love, Mom, Dad, Emily, and Grace To Ryan Rones, My love for you bears no boudanries; therefore, I express my affection for you with no restraints. My love, if you were to take my hand in eternal friendship, I would be unconditionally loyal. Signed, Your secret admirer

LHS Chorus: Thanks for working so hard! You’re amazing. -Michaela Desrosiers

Holy Water Foundation Help us build a well for an Aids Orphanage in Kenya. Bracelets are on sale for $4. Check us out on Facebook or contact Julia Miller or Colleen Purdy for more information about how you can purchase a bracelet.

Kudos on your excellent first issue of The Laureate. Superlative writing, editing, and layout! Signed, Meredith Rubel, unbiased mother of err... Jane Doe. Yeah, that’s it... Jane Doe!

2. Answers: 1. Senorita Allen 2. Ms.Adams 3. Senorita Allen

Dear Unsatisfied, Wake up. This may come as a surprise, but IT’S SENIOR YEAR. It is your last and most important year of your school career event-wise. Don’t allow not being asked to a dance like homecoming or prom keep you from going, and don’t let laziness prevent you from having the best year of your life to date. Yes, it is ideal to go to prom with a date but if nobody asks you, go anyway. Get together a group of friends in the same boat as you and all go together. It is more than likely that you will have a great time, and you better believe that if you sit out all of these high school traditions, rites of passage, and senior opportunities, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Now for the other senior events. If you don’t have school spirit already, you better get some fast. That train left the station sophomore year so you better run to catch up. Get into the football games. Go crazy and get a class t-shirt. Scream at pep rallies. But do not under any circumstances sit back and watch your last year of high school float by without participating in it. If you haven’t gotten involved in school thus far, you might be shy or think you’re too busy. Well, the time for those things is over. Done. Finished. Through. Got it? It is high time to break out of your shell. The point is, senior year is a time to be rabid, crazy, and ridiculous spirit-wise. In the immortal words of the morning announcements, “Wave your flag.” I’m not kidding when I say that you will regret not taking the opportunity to participate in the senior experience. Don’t let senior year pass you by, because it will if you let it. Good luck, T-Money

lhs sports

page

Volleyball: another successful season skye rubel editor-in-chief

“Our low point was probably when we Aside from the competitive asplayed Wheeler. Our loss to them was pect of volleyball, the varsity team is pretty bad, but I think it taught us a lot known for being a great group of girls. As the season comes to a close, about what our team needs to work Because of their camaraderie and their inside joke, bibble, Chrissy commentthe varsity volleyball team has much on in the state rounds.” The volleyball team is greatly ed, “It’s been, without a doubt, one of to be proud of. With a respectable record, the players take pride in knowing looking forward to the region and the most fun seasons at Lassiter.” that they gave it their all against some state tournaments comof the top ranked teams in the state. Chrissy Ricketts, Kaele John- ing up soon. son, and Krista Miller are the captains To prepare, pracof the varsity team. When asked about they the season, Krista, 12, responded, “Our tice everyday team has worked so hard and even after school though it’s still young, everyone is do- and condition ing their job well.” The team includes on Fridays. two sophomores, Kendal Smith and Some of the Megan Presswood, as well as juniors, true volleylike Sarah Young and Becca Ardnt, who ball fanatics have been dubbed as the MVP’s by the even practice on the weekcaptains. This season has been filled ends by gowith ups and downs for the volleyball ing to clinics. team. A high point of this year was The team’s playing extremely well at team camp. dedication is courtesty of krista miller They also had the privilege of beat- u n m a t c h e d ing Kell High School on their very own by any other Teamwork Krista Miller, Chrissy Ricketts, and Kaele Johnson are captains this year. senior night. Chrissy, 12, commented, sport.

By the numbers

8 3 4 9 12

their rank in the state

the number of team captains on varsity the rank in the coaches poll

the number of years Coach Hodge has coached at LHS the number of players on the varsity squad

sting Fact

I nt

e re

During the period ranging from 1990 to 1999, Bobby Cox’s Braves won 925 games, the most during that time.

page

Lassiter’s own creates legacy For senior offensive lineman Alex Gonzalez, the celebration had begun two days prior, when it was officially announced that his father would be the next head coach of the ajc.com Atlanta Braves. Fredi Goncory shaw zalez is left with one unimaginable task: filling the shoes of the fourtheditor-in-chief winningest coach in Major League On a night in which seniors Baseball history. The announcement celebrated their final homecoming, came less than 48 hours after the the Lassiter Trojan football team had a Braves lost an eighth-straight decisive decisive 31-0 victory against Wheeler. home playoff game against the San

age

2,504 wins .556 winning percentage

6 number

Francisco Giants. The match seemed fitting as Cox and Gonzalez were Braves coaches together from 2003-2006. Once Gonzalez was fired from the Florida Marlins after 3 and ½ seasons under the realm, it was only a matter of time until the announcement became official. Cox, who will still be an active member in Braves upper-management, said of Gonzalez, “I’m going to be in the background. There are always new starts, and Fredi’s getting a great start here.” Despite a painful end to the 2010 playoffs that included team-proclaimed regular season hero Brooks Conrad’s four errors and an insurmountable number of injuries to key players such as Chipper Jones, Martin

Cox or Gonzalez

age

Prado, and Billy Wagner, it is a safe assumption that the buzz around Lassiter has never been so positive for the home-town team. To senior Nate Clark, the Lassiter-Braves connection is something to take great pride in. He proclaims “There are only 30 Major League Baseball teams. For Alex’s dad to be the manager of now two respectable franchises should mean a lot to all members of the Lassiter community.” Alex commented, “Nobody can fill Bobby Cox’s shoes. He is one of the best managers- and people- of all time. I think my dad will do his best to keep the winning tradition Bobby has brought to Atlanta.”

276 wins .497 winning percentage 33 number

Bobby Cox’s departure ends an iconic era While the Giants knocked out Cox and the Braves, his legacy with the team is strong. jack herman sports editor For twenty-five years Bobby Cox has been at the helm for the Atlanta Braves. He has spent time as a player, general manager, and manager. With all of his illustrious credentials he is a shoo-in first ballot Hall of Famer. With over 2,500 wins (4th all time), 153 career ejections (1st all time), and a record 14 consecutive division championships, there is no doubt why we love Bobby. He truly related to us and gave the fans a feeling of comfort. He understood the little things that endeared him to us. Bobby always had a strong relationship with his players. In a sense Bobby was the dream boss. Not only was he understanding, but also he gave players time to perform and prove their worth. Bobby wasn’t quite Father Time, but he has always inspired us and made the blood course through our veins. From his “Let’s go O”, or “Come on Gilly”, Cox has always brought out the little league, sand lot,

hard-nosed approach. Some question his managing tactics. Well to those who doubt what he did in Atlanta, I pity you. He did something no any other team can say they have done in the modern era. The Braves went from being a laughing stock to the class of the game, and they did it the hard way, developing and growing their own talent. Lassiter Junior A.J. Perez comments, “Bobby Cox has been a symbol for Atlanta Braves baseball. He consistently brings a winning mentality to the ball park.” A.J.’s statement resonates through out the state of Georgia. From players like Matt Diaz to front office personnel such as Frank Wren, Bobby was always “their manager.” They all knew that on any given day Bobby Cox would be on the first line of defense with them, and I must say, I would do the same for him. After Bobby Cox clinched his final playoff berth as the Wild Card, he stated, “Our guys were ready. This is a pretty good group. They work hard. They’re professional. All of them are professional guys. It’s

a team that any manager could have managed, and not had a problem.” I would like to say thank you Bobby. From his 2,500+ career wins as a manger, to creating a dynasty, words can’t describe my appreciation.

He treated everyone with respect and for that, the players worked their hardest for him. His playoff run may have ended up short with a first round oust, but his legacy will live forever.

mlb.com

Ejections Bobby was ejected 153 times throughout his Braves career.

lhs features Seniors

page

Homecoming King and Queen!

Hayley Schneider, Nick Law, Eli Long, Taylor Bradley, Alex Gonzalez, Will Prosperi, Lindsay Hopkins, Libby Butgereit, Meredith LeVan, Sammie Bosma

Juniors

Spencer Roush, Mitch Reaves, Will Morris, Jack Herman, Sarah Mayer, Avery Sechrest, Britney Colburn, Blair Barron

lindsay hopkins features KING ELI LONG:

Sophomores

Eddie Printz, Trenton Gantt, Veronica Ulicny, Zoe Kakou, Marcie Merriman, Zac Daly

Freshmen colleen purdy

Jack Marchand, Corey John, Maddy Epperly, Copelyn Jue

courtesy of francesca rocca

QUEEN LIBBY BUTGEREIT:

Were you surprised when they called your name? Were you surprised when they called I am still surprised and can’t even wrap my head around the fact that I your name? won. I am so surprised and thankful Totally! I thought Nick Law would that I actually won! sweep the polls with his raw good What was your reaction to Eli being looks and amiable personality. What was your reaction to Libby be- crowned? I’ve always loved Elijah since the day I ing crowned? Extremely excited because I knew that met him so I was very excited for him! But I mean I wasn’t shocked at all. being queen meant a lot to her. Look at that stud… he’s been wearing What was your favorite part of the a crown since the day he was born! night? Shutting out Wheeler’s football team What was your favorite part of the night? 31-0! Have you ever been on Homecoming My favorite part of the night was after I was crowned and all of Lassiter Court before? nation ran up to me and hugged me. I have been on basketball court the past three years, and football the past Also when I got to see all my boys come out of the locker room with two years. smiles on their faces from a win that What is your favorite memory from night! Homecoming since Freshman year? Getting to throw candy to the seniors How would you describe the night? Thug-tastic!! with Mrs. Day at the pep rally!

I nt

e re

sting Fact Every year, an average of 820 students are killed in school bus accidents, but only 2% of them are bus passengers.

page

those things, besides just one musical per year.” Through discussion, the student coordinators have decided that requirements include involvement in either the Concert Chorale or the Women’s Chamber Chorale, so that the auditions (already conducted) have selected a premier group of the most eligible fifteen girls at Lassiter to perform the shows at the chorus concerts. Even though many details of this group are still undecided, the founders renee puvvada of Lassiter’s show choir are prepared staff writer for the hard work ahead. “The name Just like the students of Wil- and the specific song we are doing liam McKinley High School from the have yet to be announced, but we’re hit Fox television show “Glee,” LHS will really excited. There’s so much talent soon catch show choir fever. Thanks to in the group,” Lauren Tuma explained. juniors Mary-Ellen Norwood and LauSo what exactly does Lassiter have ren Tuma, choral numbers will soon hit to look forward to? “Our songs are gothe stage for Lassiter to enjoy. ing to be sung a capella, and they’ll A show choir is a group of peo- have original choreography too,” Lauple that uses a combination of choral ren said mysteriously, refusing to elabsinging and dance movements, some- orate in order to hide any surprises the times within the context of a story, group may be concealing from an imto entertain. Just as a play or movie patient audience. “I hope we can bring would. Think of all the off-Broadway it all together and make this an aweexcitement, only scaled down. some choir.” “Lauren Tuma and I have been However, one thing is for certalking about it for years,” Mary-Ellen tain: Trojans love fresh ideas, and a Norwood explained. “We never really new glee club brought to the table will had a group that could connect both of certainly not disappoint.

The life of a bus driver natalie kieta editorials editor The noisy alarm goes off. It is 4:30, time to rise and shine. They make their morning cup of coffee and head out the door. They drive to work and then its time to get into another vehicle… a big yellow bus. Some bus drivers say their shift starts as early as 6:45 and ends at 5:30. Bus drivers don’t haul themselves out of bed at 4:30 for their personal gain or for the benefits of the job; they do it for the little tykes. Although a bus drivers’ work may seem like just another government job that pays the bills, bus drivers deserve to be seen in a new light. The difficulty of their jobs is right next to that of firefighters, surgeons, and tree cutters. Bus drivers have to put up with surly, crabby kids in the morning and deliver them safely to school. Then, in the afternoon, they have to deal with the same kids, who are at that point extremely rambunctious and obnoxiously over-eager to go home. They have to say “sit down” time and time again for those really hard-headed children who

enjoy being difficult and defiant. The bus drivers of Lassiter are sweet, simple people who love children and have lots of patience. When asked what their dream vehicle would be, they all answered, “Something with air conditioning!” They all agree that they like the color yellow for buses, and might only change it to something more visible like lime green. But the vehicle and its color really

don’t matter; the most important thing is getting the students to school safely and on time. Harriett Patterson says, “I just feel like I’m everyone’s grandmother and the kids are all my grandchildren. I love it!” Big thanks to: Harriett Patterson, Angela Houston, Phil Brownlee, and Fred Turner.

lhs features

page

A trace of Halloween traditions

“I don’t think there’s really a valid reason for Halloween. It’s just a fun holiday,” explained Samantha Bayer, 11, when asked about Halloween. The truth is, this holiday comes from ancient European traditions and rituals. The Halloween that we celebrate in America is a mix of these customs and a true product of the “melting pot” of our country.

samantha weissert/ staff writer

Trick or Treating

on ways that trick-or-treating There are many different ain een h something called t. One such practice was am betw this ou ab me ca S f n to town askl o dary rred ns would walk from tow tia ris Ch a .” ng uli “so v u n n l re pieces of ee c festi bou me b ich were really just squa wh s ke ca ul so for w ing more llo elti the eca and kes someone received, the bread. The more soul ca of Ha the C that ad b fices, emers mb me family have to pray for the dead to eved e de sacri ct th ns th uld wo y the k bread. th er ac eli te ma wi those who gave them the d b ple b and , off o pro e Ro ded ame e ec em lso th len rac eo ing res s t e t st. P e liv rn fi l skin hen as b ity b Nov as a fore b n a . W w tia ed s w be an 31 f th bu Carving Pumpkins It c ober lds o ould f anim pirits hain hris dubb.” Thi night .” C s m r w t o y e The Celts believed that on November 1, spirits from Oc e woThey mes evil s, Sa s. As pope s Da d the s Ev t t an ow the afterworld came to the real world to cause th ht. stu the Cel day the ain ll nig ar co from the holi rful, “All S ows,” ll Ha mischief and damage crops. In order to drive away r e l d w lves ere the owe 1st Hal d “A the evil spirits, they would leave food and burn huge e o l r l p l se nqu l e re b d “A s ca piles of crops to scare them away with the lights. co mo le wa cal However, they sometimes lit candles or carved lanterns out of squash to light the way for good spirits. Also, children in Ireland used to carve out potatoes or turnips and light them for Halloween gatherings. The name Jack, in Jack O’Lanterns, comes from an old Irish story called “Jack the Irish Villian.”

Nowadays, it doesn’t really matter where Halloween comes from. It’s just an excuse to dress up and disregard our dental health. Whatever the case, it makes fall a little more exciting!

cosmo fitness ad

I nt

e re

sting Fact In 1911, the University of Missouri is said to have held the first homecoming ever.

Battle of the

page

Homecoming Halls

Homecoming Route 2010 battle of the halls! Two weeks ago, students dedicated their weekends to decorating the school in attempt to create the best hall. After hours of hard work, students voted for their favorite hall. Seniors and Juniors were close, but in the end the Senior New York City won the competition!

Seniors!

Juniors!

49% 42.5% Sophomores!

6% Freshmen! 3.5%

natalie kieta

lhs in the wry

page

Camelbak attack

annabel edwards staff writer

Lassiter High School has been cursed with an infestation. Much worse than bed bugs, more dangerous than hair lice, the current threat has students obsessively sipping water wherever they go. Spill-proof, BPA-free water bottles, also known as Camelbaks, are spreading like wildfire. Some say a conspiracy is in the making. Camelbak brand has, in fact, had “mishaps” in the past. They perfected the evil design through the years, starting with a bottle posing as a device for hiking and biking. Attachable to the wearer’s back, the cordlike drinking apparatus was notorious for strangling its victims and then making the events seem like accidents. The latest deadly water devices in Camelbak’s lineup have found their way into the backpacks of almost every student who walks the halls of Lassiter. Why has their invasion been so successful? The answer is simple. They have a seemingly fun, even pleasant appearance, and their way of delivering water to the mouth hooks students like sandpaper hooks flies. “They just bring a joy to drinking water! The top is so squishy and fun!” Clair Thibaudeau proclaimed exuberantly. Poor Clair doesn’t realize that

it’s all fun and games until the Camelbaks rise up and take over. Once you acquire one of these water bottles, there is no getting rid of it. Do not let the seemingly “squishy” top fool you; the bottles are tough and nearly impossible to destroy. Some have likened the virtually indestructible bottles to vampires of drinking wear. It will take more than boiling water, freezing temp e ra t u r e s , or even high altitude environments to annihilate a single Camelbak. Simply tossing the bottle into the trash is not enough e i ther. Like mummies that rise from the dead, the bottle will simply be recycled, and the plastic reused. The specially shaped bottle fits nicely in your hand and almost any cup holder. Available in an array of bright colors, the water bottles certainly have visual appeal. They appear innocent, but experts say that if they continue to gain power, a catastrophe is possible. Remember how innocent the Nalgene bottles seemed? I think we all recall how badly that turned out. These similarly innocentlooking bottles that swing so easily from the crook of your finger may soon outnumber the students of Lassiter; when this happens, the next step will be their take-over of the school. You may scoff at the signs, but in an apocalypse, remember: you were warned.

The soliloquist saga: a very Mary meeting

laura brink and tyler molinaro tyler molinaro/ laura brink in the wry editor/staff writer

The Sienna pulled cautiously into the secret location where Deep Nose was waiting. J was filled with nerves and grasped tightly to her juice box while T, never one to have a hair out of place, added gel to his already rock hard hair-do in anticipation of the meeting. He hummed an off-tune version of the Mission Impossible Theme mindlessly. J gripped her juicebox harder still. “J, can you do this?” T put a loving arm on his comrade and searched for reassurance in her eyes. With a confident nod from J, the two stepped out of the Sienna, waved goodbye to T’s mom, and looked around, full of anticipation. They waited. T checked his wristwatch. J texted. A tumbleweed blew across the road. Both sleuths checked their bubble-guns. T began searching all around for any signs of Deep Nose. The only sign in sight was a rather unusual stop sign. “Haha,” chuckled T, poking J. “Do you know who that reminds me of?” A giggle emerged from around the corner of a nearby building. “Tell me it isn’t…” pled J, glancing at the sign and then to the source of the unnerving giggling.“HEY GUYS!” Deep Nose bellowed in the faces of T and J. “Ann Mary?” The two agents were now unbelievably confused. The so called informant standing in front of them was actually Ann Mary Kaats, T and J’s former assistant who was fired after being arrested for harassment. “Seriously? SERIOUSLY?” J was overcome with a powerful fury. “Ann Mary,

we have a VERY specific restraining order against you! Enough following us!” Ann Mary whimpered at her idol’s outrage. “But… J… please I miss you so much. T? T, my only true love, you want me to stay, don’t you?” T whipped out his cell phone and dialed with agitation pouring from every inch of him (all 48 of them), “Mom could you come back? Ann Mary is here. Again.” T thanked his mother then turned his attention to the strange girl with the wide smile staring at him. “Ann Mary, listen,” he began, “Following people is not an appropriate way to make friends. You know this. We’ve talked about this. There was counseling… And a seminar! ... And jail time!” The confused creeper sighed sadly. J, still furious, had no patience for T’s sympathy. “T we now have no leads! How will we find Cho when we’re wasting all our time on crazies!” T had nearly forgotten about their mission. Ann Mary had not only irked the investigators, she took away their only lead. “Where is Alex Cho? How will we ever find him?” whined T. “Hehehehe Alex Cho. . . Chinatown,” giggled Ann Mary absent-mindedly. The swashbuckling protagonists exchanged a surprised glance. Actually, J looked to be a bit more dreading than perplexed.Okay,” sighed T. “Let’s go.” “Can I come?” asked Ann Mary. In response, J and T made a break for the incoming car. “Phew, that was close,” exclaimed Ann Mary, sticking her head through the sun roof as the Sienna peeled out of the parking lot. J’s juice box exploded. To be continued…

Did

You Know... Did you know the U.S. government has a battle plan called “Project Nalgene’s Revenge” in case the Camelbak invasion worsens?

inrad and M o C s k o ro B on?...” “What do ve in comm a h n o s k c a apparcheal J love for no g a r a e w They both ent reason.

SFL

.” ML

“F L. FY

page

d ox an

eb r juic

u in yo that k c ti the into “So s .” t i t e t g i suck w do we o h t Bu box… juice

“I just lost my mood ring. I don’t know how I feel about thi s.” I’m feeling a little purple about it.

“Maybe every owl wants laughter.” Confirmed: Every owl does want laughter.

reams.” ildhood d unch c s in u r t “Walmar ed the bo e they nix c in s s a h And face. ing smiley

AP (undead) language: grave danger

laura brink staff writer

“For the last time, Ned, Mrs. Morgan is not a zombie back from the dead to torture you.” Sally huffed at the most recent excuse her younger brother had come up with to explain his despicable AP Lang grade. “You suck!” Ned barked at his nosy sister as he stalked off to his room, slamming the door behind him. That evening when Sally entered her room she found a neatly typed stack of papers on her bed. She scooped up the papers with immense curiosity and began to read. MRS. MORGAN: THE ZOMBIE A scientific report proving Mrs. Beth Morgan, AP Lang teacher, is a zombie. By: Ned Mrs. Morgan presents herself daily as an everyday high school teacher, but beneath the façade she is, without a doubt, an undead being returned from the grave to personally torture me, Ned, in a variety of manners. Do not think I am a bitter student, for I am nothing more than

a scientist of the paranormal. The evidence is overwhelming. For one, Mrs. Morgan’s classroom is significantly colder than the rest of the classrooms. Extremely low temperatures are the most common sign of the undead. Another sign of the presence of paranormal activity is sudden chest pressure or nausea, which I and many other

students most certainly felt when we had to write an in class synthesis paper that 98% of students completely forgot. And third is the repetition of phantom sounds such as Mrs. Morgan’s use of the word “Alright.” The woman is clearly a zombie. I fear for my life every day as I enter her icy room and feel the ferocious cruelty in her gaze when I inform her that my homework has once again been eaten by my pet liger, Jamal. The evidence of paranormal activity is extremely apparent in the constant phantom behavior s u r -

rounding her. Because she is a zombie she is jealous of my young, agile, living body, and therefore is failing me out of jealousy. She has manufactured my so called “F’s on every assignment,” under false pretenses. I hope the science community and my jerky spoiled sister take this haunting reincarnation as seriously as I do. As the siblings walked into the Lit hall the next morning, Sally reprimanded her brother for creating such an elaborate scheme when he could have just done his homework during that time, and for making up Jamal. “Bickering again?” Mrs. Morgan cackled as she walked by. And though Sally tried to pretend it did not happen, she could swear the air chilled when Mrs. Morgan spoke.

*A big thank you goes to the very much alive and not-haunting Mrs. Morgan for being such a good sport during the creation of this story.*

Applicatio

Myth 1: Senior year doesn’t count.

Pay application fee

Fact 1:

Send transcript and counselor form

Even if you have already been accepted, colleges can reject you after seeing your senior grades. Myth 2: Once you attend a certain college, you must graduate from there.

Send SAT and ACT scores Request teacher recommendations

What’s the

There is often great confusion between early decision and early action. Early decision plans are binding. This means that if you get into the school, you must go there. Early action is nonbinding. If you get into a school after applying early action, you can still choose not to go to there.

hs and facts

College myt

difference?

Seniors

n checklist

Fact 2:

If you don’t like the school, you can always transfer. One out of five students transfer. Myth 3: Only A students get financial aid.

Fact 3:

Most schools give financial aid based on financial need and academics.

Sen or Luau cory shaw

skye rubel

skye rubel cory shaw

skye rubel