March 2011 Pelladium

March 1, 2011 | Volume 23, Issue 6 Visser acheives Eagle Scout rank, p. 3

Vander Horst dives into state, p. 5

Going Pro

Ver Steeg sinks free trip to the NBA All-Star Game, p. 5

Van Horn begins recovery after cancer surgery

Dunkin’ for the cause Senior Kyle Newendorp goes up for a dunk during practice before the PellaPella Christian game Feb. 8. Newendorp and his teammates wore the t-shirts as warm-ups. . “It was hard for me to wear pink but to support a great cause it was totally worth it. It was really fun to mix things up a bit as well,” said Newendorp.

Fans attending the game had a chance to wear t-shirts supporting breast cancer awareness. Additionally, team members adorned themselves with everything from pink shoelaces to pink socks to pink ribbons. According to athletic secretary Charma Vander Wert, proceeds from the t-shirt sales netted approximately $2,500 for the cancer fund.

“It was a very successful event for the first time, and we were all really thankful for PC’s participation in the event. It was great to see the two schools and the community come together for a good cause,” said Vander Wert. “It was just like the t-shirts said: ‘Rivals on the court, but united for a cause.’”

Athletic director Bill Van Horn has been scheduling opponents, for years; now, he has had to face his own opponent: cancer.

“It’s really sad that he has to battle this, because Bill is such a good guy. He’s had such a huge impact on the school and the student body. We’ve spent a lot of time with him, and he’s always handled sports situations well.

Whoever will be the next athletic director will have a lot to live up to , and I’m sure it will be hard for them to gain the same status and level of respect from the students as Bill did,” said senior Ryan Van Noorden.

Bill was admitted Dec. 31, 2010, to Pella Hospital for jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, indicating liver cell damage or inflammation. After being moved to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, doctors still were not able to diagnose Van Horn. He was once again transferred, this time to the University of Iowa hospitals.

Specialists performed a procedure testing for abnormal cells.

This led the specialists to presume cancer of either the pancreas or the bile ducts.

This suspicion provoked a Whipple surgery, performed Feb. 1. In this operation, the head of the pancreas, part of the bile duct, the gall bladder and a section of the small intestine are removed.

Van Horn was released from the operating room at 5:15 p.m., after several hours of surgery.

Following surgery, Dr. James Howe told Bill and his family that the pancreatic head containing cancer had been removed and the rest of the pancreas was clear of the disease. The cancer in the perineural tract and the dysplasia at the connection of the liver would need to be cleared with radiation and chemotherapy.

Bill showed his resilience by making strides quickly. Because his recovery progressed so rapidly, he was released from the hospital Feb.8, just one week after the surgery.

An incredible number of individuals have offered their support and encouragement in many ways. One of those is through CaringBridge (caringbridge.org/ visit/bill vanhorn). As of 2-24-11, his page had received 5,553 visits and over 464 guestbook entries.

“Bill, Margene and family, please know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I know there are hundreds (if not thousands) of people out there thinking and rooting for you.

Very few people have had the opportunity, and actually seized that opportunity, to positively impact so many young people during their career. You did. All the best and thank you,” posted Adam Kerndt, a 2006 graduate.

Van Horn will not be able to keep away from the hospital for long. He will still need to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

BUSINESS TALK. Athetic director Bill Van Horn speaks on his cell phone during a Lady Dutch softball game in summer 2010.

•Photo by Kenn Krpan

“Bill is a great man of integrity and character that we definitely miss through this time. I just miss him being around - his friendship, the camaraderie, his wisdom and his leadership. It’s shown all of us that we need to reflect on what’s

important; not get so wrapped up in other things. He’s been a fatherlike figure for me and a role model for kids and adults alike,” said coworker and friend Jay McKinstrey.

See Van Horn, p. 4

Mostly positive site visit questions diversity, languages The administration had prepared months in advance in anticipation for an event that occurs every five years. Mandated by the state, site visits are required to keep schools accredited and in compliance with Iowa law.

The site visit took place on the week of Feb. 9. The event consisted of thirteen different people, eleven of which were administrators from other school districts. Each building in the district was thoroughly observed, as well as the documents and policies that the school mandates.

Currently, there is not an actual rating for the visit, but rather a listing of the positive aspects of each school, as well as suggestions in order to make the district better. The exact results of the site visit will not be acquired for another four weeks, however curriculum director Lowell Ernst took notes over the procession and believed that the district continues to be in

“For the most part, [the site visit inspectors] were very complimentary.”

•curriculum director Lowell Ernst compliance and accredited.

“I think they were really happy with us as far as the compliance issues,” said Ernst. “For the most part they were very complimentary.

There were strengths and suggestions, some of which we are considering. We have less of concern over performance issues because we do very well, our students do a great job. “

This year, one evident concern for the district regarded its level of diversity.

“If a school does not have all 11 ethnic backgrounds represented in its student body, it may need to change its policy, clarifying that it is not discriminating against those groups or that gender; however, there is not a quota to be met. We are probably under the microscope for equity issues because Pella has a reputation for being ‘exclusive,’ though we are not. Some people make that assumption. When they look at those things more closely they realize that exclusivity is not the case, “ said Ernst.

If the district breaks the compliance issues, direct measures can be taken if they do not correct the issue within 45 days of the site visit. One issue in which the district has had problems with is the foreign language requirements.

See Site Visit, p. 2

Page Editor: Kelsey Van Tasell

March 1, 2011

Ebeling hired as superintendent, anxious to begin Pella tenure Feb. 1 marked the end of anticipation for many employees and students in the school district and also marked a new beginning for superintendent newcomer Greg Ebeling.

Ebeling, currently the superintendent in the Spencer school district, will be moving to Pella this summer and taking on a new position starting July 1. Ebeling has three children, a freshman, kindergartners and pre-kindergartener who are all anxiously awaiting the move to Pella. He will be paid $162,000 annually.

“I have a young family, so I will be engaged with high school activities as well as elementary. I have a daughter who is going to be a sophomore in the high school, and she is very involved with the fine arts, and not as involved with athletics. However, being a former coach, I am interested athletics and team sports.

I’m most excited about getting to Pella and meeting new people and building relations with the community. I want people to get to know me and have trust in me. I am anxious to get there,” said Ebeling.

The new position brings new beginnings along with challenges. With bills being presented in the Iowa congress that ban schools from increasing their budget for the next two years, budget cuts and funding for the school district will remain minimal and limited compared to years past. The ongoing debate of what to cut and what to keep is an argument in which Ebeling will play a key role in deciding.

“Budget cuts are always a tough spot with the economy as it is. Schools are always very people heavy, and eighty percent of funding is to pay the salaries of those people in school.

As a superintendent in Spencer, I tried to cut things that were the furthest away from the students so they didn’t feel any changes in their learning environment. Making changes is difficult, however building business partnerships and funding hopefully reduces these changes. I don’t know exactly what we’ll have to cut from Pella, if we cut anything at all, but it is a lot of work from a lot of people. Budget cuts are something that I can’t figure out in by myself,” said Ebeling.

Ebeling’s experience is a key component

that sets him apart from other candidates.

Ebeling first became a superintendent at a very young age of 32, and he has hit the ground running since then. He has ten years of superintendent experience, and has had to deal with declining enrolment in Spencer that has forced him to make some tough decisions. These range from cutting custodial staff to limiting foreign language options from two languages, German and Spanish, to just Spanish.

He has also dealt with complaints from parents in the Spencer district.

“The complaints I have received are usually related to a specific situation. It might be unfair grading or favoritism in athletics. My process is that I want students and parents to start at the area where the problem is the closest. Most of the time, lack of communication is the issue, and I try to help that communication process go through easier,” said Ebeling.

As well as decisions with the budget, Ebeling will take the role of any students dream: calling off school. Blustery winter days are inevitable in Iowa, and the privilege of declaring a snow day for all to hear is primarily the superintendent’s job.

“Calling off school to me is something that I take very seriously. Safety is a priority. I usually get up very early and try out the roads and make sure the roads are safe. I believe that if there is any question in the safety of students, I side with the safety side. There are times when making it up in May or June is better than risking the safety of our students,” said Ebeling.

Ebeling is not unfamiliar to the Pella area. He was a teacher and coach for the Oskaloosa school district for six years.

“I’ve admired Pella ever since I was a teacher and coach in Oskaloosa.

I was always jealous of Pella because they were successful in every way.

Pella does things really well. Just looking at the extracurricular activities, it is clear that students at Pella do very well, the accomplishments are impressive and speaks well for what has been done and it sets a high bar for the future. I love that Pella has good values, integrity and character, and that it is strong in faith.”

•Madeline Meyer (mm.pelladium@gmail.com)

Academically Speaking ... Brain Lab

An entire day learning about the physical and emotional attributions of the brain Feb. 9 presented a unique opportunity for students. Anatomy students, taught by Cathy Hones joined Karen Ryals’ psychology students for the day. It consisted of constructing play dough brain models, listening to class member Gerrit Visser talk about his own brain cancer , watching informative videos and participating in a brain injury activity, including the dissection of a sheep’s brain.

“It was a wonderful interactive experience that could involve two different different subjects, and provided students with the opportunity to do a variety of hands-on activities in a unique setting. It’s an activity that the two departments hope to continue and make imrovements on,” said Ryals. •Photos by Blake Lanser

Site Visit (continued from page 1)

“An example of a noncompliance problem is the foreign language issue with our college Spanish program. The foreign language is one that we are working on. We are hoping to pass a bill and to try and change the law which will put us back into compliance with the law. We need as many people as possible to help us with the passing of the bill,” said Ernst.

If you have a negative noncompliance issue, and do not fix it within 45 days of the visit, you can lose accreditation for the school. If you lose accreditation, you are not recognized as a school by the state government.

Administrators and teachers were not the only people involved in the site visit. A handful of randomly selected students were also asked to be interviewed in the site visit. Among the selected, junior Shenstone Huang answered the questions of the visitors.

“There were randomly selected students, and we talked about a series of questions like do you feel like you are safe in your school?’ the questions were to monitor the schools progress so the state can see what the school was up to. It was strictly questions, they were very friendly. People were smiling, it was a friendly, amicable environment, and any answer you gave was accepted. I think they are going to give us a pamphlet that is supposed to be a public document for all to see the suggestions and the praise they have for our school,” said Huang.

•Madeline Meyer (mm.pelladium@gmail.com)

Page Editor: Maddy Scholten

Overcoming obstacles, Visser earns Eagle Scout

Sitting at his desk, senior Gerrit Visser Church in Pella. In a process that required rattles through the Boy Scout oath with permits, supplies and volunteers, Gerrit ease. A scout is trustworthy, a scout is loy- was able to plant over 15 trees around St. al, a scout is helpful. 13 years since start- Mary. Complete with his last requirement, ing out as a tiger cub, Gerrit has embraced all Gerrit had left was the interview. his time in the scouts, and was honored “I interviewed two days before I turned in a ceremony Feb. 6 to receive the pres- 18, which is better than my brother. He tigious and highest rank attainable of an interviewed like six hours before his. Talk Eagle Scout. about last minute. I was so nervous for the With an older brother, Phillip, already interview, but they really just asked quesin Boy Scouts, Gerrit joined at age five tions about myself, and why I decided to follow suit. Though he originally re- to stay in Boy Scouts. When I finally got mained involved because of friends, Ger- my letter telling me I was an Eagle Scout, rit realized that it was a relief. the year-and-aWith everything half he spent to that has hapreach First Class pened the past shouldn’t be put few years, I was to waste. just hoping that “I had spent so I would graduate much time just to with my class,” get to First Class, said Gerrit. and it would have Now in remisbeen a waste not sion after being to follow this all diagnosed with the way through. a brain tumor his I remember sitsophomore year, ting down with Gerrit has surmy parents, and passed unimagithey were really nable feats. He on-board with the SWEARING IN. Visser takes the Eagle Scout oath on is currently on idea of working Feb. 6 at St. Mary’s Church in Pella. •Photo submitted. track to graduate on becoming an Eagle Scout, so it was that with his class after missing almost 72 days much more encouraging to have them be- of school within one fiscal year. With the hind me,” said Gerrit. hope to one day be a teacher, Gerrit cred To become an Eagle Scout, 21 merits its the Boy Scouts with not just providing are required throughout a scout’s career. him with an after-school activity but with In an assortment of skills, ranging from a way of life. emergency aid to rock climbing, Gerrit To celebrate his accomplishment as an had to put his merits in order to deter- Eagle Scout, Gerrit was surrounded by mine what he needed to still accomplish. friends and family at a ceremony held at Having only to the age of 18 to apply and the St. Mary’s. With a menu that includinterview for the rank, Gerrit was put on a ed a colorful array of cupcakes, Gerrit rigorous plan to meet the deadline. was presented the ribboned badge by his “People don’t realize how much time mom, Stephanie. has to be put into each badge. The person- “When I placed the badge on him, I al fitness one alone took me six months to can’t describe how proud I was. It has complete, and I had to monitor myself ev- been hard, he has had to lighten his load eryday on what I ate and how I exercised. a lot, but in the last few months Gerrit has And remember, these were all done on really had a new bounce to his step. It was my own time. I also had school and every- so cool to see him up there,” said Stephathing else going on,” said Gerrit. nie.

The largest portion of the requirements To Gerrit, his time in Boys Scouts proto be eligible to become an Eagle Scout vided him with a way of life. included leading a service project that “I joined Boys Scouts because of my had to be planned and directed entirely friends, but I stayed in it because I love it.

by Gerrit. While his brother, who had It has been a massive influence in my life, also become an Eagle Scout, had created and I will never regret my involvement,” a butterfly garden, Gerrit decided that he said Gerrit. would, instead, plant trees at St. Mary’s •Megan Card(mcpelladium@gmail.com)

March 1, 2011

Williams chases dream of fame

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, and live the life you’ve imagined”.

This quote, by Henry David Thoreau, defines sophomore Fain Williams. With a life full of struggle and hardship, Williams looks past his challenges and aspires to one day become a famous singer.

Williams grew up in inner city Chicago with a family of eight. For most of his life he grew up without a mother; she died of tuberculosis in 1996. Williams has five sisters and currently lives with the eldest of the five, Tasha, after his father left his family when Williams was seven years old. After living in Chicago for 15 years, his 30 year-old sister, Tasha, made the decision to move the Williams family to Des Moines.

“It was getting really bad in Chicago with the gang fights, drugs and shootings.

We moved because it would be a better place to go to school and be safer for us,” said Williams.

After living in Des Moines for a year, Fain’s oldest sister decided they needed a change of pace. The Williams family once again changed locations and moved to Pella. Along with having cousins living here, Williams stated that Pella was a great place to raise a family, and these were the motives behind another move.

“Obviously, it’s much nicer here compared to Chicago. The society Pella creates is really warm-hearted, and I can walk around on the streets without having to worry about everyone I meet being two-faced,” said Williams.

Williams has had a love of singing from an early age. He would listen to the radio, singing along, thinking he could sing just as well as the recording artists if he tried. Over the years he practiced until about middle school he started to sing well. He decided to strut his stuff, and entered in a school talent show. Williams received first place.

When he got to high school, he started recording videos of himself singing his heart out and loaded the videos onto a YouTube account.

“I love singing, and that’s what I’m all about; it’s who I am. I want to show the world who Fain Williams is and I want to be famous. The videos are supposed to help me be discovered by someone so I can record music,” said Williams.

He may not be famous now, but he could be the next Justin Beiber; discovered through YouTube. Fain plans to be a professional singer, but he has a backup plan.

“I won’t go to college because I want to move to California and pursue my career as a singer. I have a lot of confidence, but if that doesn’t work out I’ll go to college and study to become an English teacher,” said Williams.

Although Williams grew up with a hard childhood, he never fails to keep a smile on his face.

“I’m always happy because that’s my personality. I just try to be myself and I don’t care what other people think of me. Who wouldn’t want to be happy? It would just be boring if I was serious all the time,” said Williams.

•Jill Sagers (jsag.pelladium@gmail.com) •Photo by Jillian Sagers

SIBLING LOVE. Senior Ben Palmer, sophomore Sam Palmer and freshman Tom Palmer share the joys and disadvantages of being brothers in the high school. “It was really difficult at the beginning because everyone called me Ben or Sam. A lot of my teachers still do. It’s like I can never escape them,” said Tom. To learn more about siblings in the school, visit www.pelladium.com. •Photo submitted.

Page Editor: Jocelyn Van Dyke

Van Horn (Continued from page 1) Additional submissions from CaringBridge ...

4“I am keeping my family up-to-date on your progress. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers everyday. It does not surprise me to hear of the strength and tenacity you are showing in the face of this very difficult challenge. Those are only a few of the great qualities that you posses and have shared with the countless people whose lives you have touched. Looking forward to following your continued progress and recovery!” - Dennis Dickey, posted 2-18-11 4“Billiam, the ship is off course without you here to run PHS. It takes two of us to do your job, and we only do it half as well. The people are

asking about you, Bill; you are important to a lot of folks here in Pella. Take care, and I (we) hope to see you soon. Need to get better quick, Bill. Darn liberals are taking over here without you around to straighten them out.” - Mike Ballenger, posted 2-4-11 4 “We are thinking and praying for you. My mom can’t wait to make you a rib eye sandwich without the bun at the softball games. My dad says ‘hi’ and that if you need anything, please call. Katie says hello and hope you are doing well.

For me, I miss seeing you in the hallway. Get better, Bill!” - Lisa Houser, posted 2-9-11

•Tiffany Carter (tc.pelladium@gmail.com)

March 1, 2011

Reviving Iowa’s prairie Biomass Project begins at Central

At one time, Iowa was almost 85 percent accumulation of greenhouse gases in the tall-grass prairie. Now, Iowa’s foremost atmosphere, and our reliance on foreign habitat has dwindled to a mere 1/10 of fuels is putting the United States in a one percent of its original production. One difficult position. By increasing planting Central College professor is attempting, of prairie vegetation, we can increase against the odds of urban expansion, to biomass per acre more than any other rehabilitate Iowa’s declining landscape. crop currently being used,” said Benedict.

Russ Benedict, associate professor of If biomass is increased, it can be used biology at Central, has called himself for multiple purposes, such as producing a prairie lover since high school. After ethanol and even electricity. The prairie performing plantings could research projects be grown on poor with bats and soils and require shrews, Benedict little to no water turned his water, herbicides, “This isn’t just about attention to what etc. This would he now calls the eliminate large preserving prairies, Prairie Biomass amounts of it’s about improving Project.

In a fuel needed collaboration to to maintain agriculture as well.” integrate nature plantings and and prairie with reduce the •Associate Professor conservation, amount of carbon Benedict is in dioxide being of Biology the process of released.

Thus at Central College turning 17 acres lies the primary into 350 plots goals of the Prarie Russ Benedict of 64 different Biomass Project. plant species The potential that will serve as research sites to rides high for the project, which will be improve Midwestern agriculture and the done at Central’s Carlson-Kuyper Field environment.

Station and other surrounding sites.

“I loved my shrews, but one day Though no planting has occurred yet, it dawned on me. How can I keep the plans are in full swing to develop 350 researching these animals if their habitats plots measuring nine meters a side, with are continually declining? That is where each plot consisting of different mixes the Prairie Biomass Project started from. It of plants, both native and non-native to is so hard to protect prairies, they create Iowa. what we want, and we want rich soil. “We are looking to find the best So, creating this Biomass Project isn’t mix of native plant species for longjust about preserving prairies, it’s about term production of biomass, while improving agriculture as well,” said minimizing the need for energy, water, Benedict. and agricultural chemicals. We also want What was needed for the Biomass to determine which mix of plant species Project to make a difference was to find and methods of planting and harvesting common ground between prairie growth provide the best habitat for animals with and the Midwestern agriculture that declining populations, the impact of relies on the prairie’s fertile soil. Benedict diverse plantings of prairie vegetation made this point quite clear during his and the rates of carbon sequestration by presentation at Second Reformed Church, different mixes of prairie plants,” said Feb. 8, where he gave a lecture entitled Benedict.

“The Prairie Biomass Project: Benefitting Additionally, Benedict hopes that the Prairies and Agriculture.” Benedict Biomass Project will be used not only as first addressed the intersection of three a research site, but a demonstration site problems: that tall-grass prairie is one of for farmers, agricultural leaders, business the most critically endangered ecosystems men and even school children. on earth, global warming is an undeniable “In 10, 20 years, a part from just wanting reality and the economic impacts of rising the project to still be actively running, I fuel costs are being felt across the nation, would like to see valuable information. especially from foreign sources.

By and by, the information will come, and “Prairie plants have tremendous my hope is that it creates a snowball effect potential as a fuel source. Right now, that could one day affect issues in our continent-wide, 96% of prairie has nation today,” said Benedict. been destroyed, there is an enormous •Megan Card(mcpelladium@gmail.com)

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Page Editor: Madeline Meyer

March 1, 2011

Ver Steeg shoots his way to NBA All-Star Game Being surrounded by thousands of screaming basketball fans, seeing celebrities at every turn, and watching the highest level of professional basketball in the world is not the average Sunday evening activity. For junior Jace Ver Steeg, however, that’s exactly what it was.

Ver Steeg won the opportunity to travel to the NBA All-Star game after his father signed him up to compete in a shooting contest for tickets. Ver Steeg beat out around 40 other 12-17 year olds to earn the chance to shoot for tickets at an Iowa Energy game. Ver Steeg ended up winning the competition and earned the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles for the All-Star game.

“We had airfare, hotel rooms, and tickets to the D-League All-Star game, the three point and dunk contests and the NBA All-Star games paid for. We got to stay in Beverly Hills, which was awesome,” said Ver Steeg.

They spent the first part of the weekend seeing the sights of Los Angeles, including a number of celebrities, from both in and out of the sports world.

“I ended up seeing Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Justin Beiber, Beyonce and even Ray Allen’s mom,” said Ver Steeg.

Ver Steeg and his father also got to know a couple of big names in the basketball world, including former Orlando Magic forward Bo Outlaw and General Manager of the Chicago Bulls Gar Forman.

“We saw Bo Outlaw a bunch of times, and he ended up getting me to buy a Dwight Howard jersey. He gave us his card, and said he’d get the jersey signed for me if we sent it to him. We also got to eat lunch with the Bulls GM, and he gave us his card as well,” said Ver Steeg.

Ver Steeg described the weekend as a great experience and a good way to spend time with his father and see a number of celebrities.

“It was really fun to see all of the famous people and spend time with my dad. As I watched the game, I thought to myself, it would be really cool to be here some day, playing on the D-League All-Star team or maybe even as an NBA All-Star,” said Ver Steeg.

•Jake Anderson (ja.pelladium@gmail.com)

Jock Talk

BREATHE! Senior Seth Vander Horst comes up for a breath during the breast stroke. Vander Horst was the conference champion for the 50-freestyle. Also, Vander Horst and teammate, senior Nick Shepperd were the conference champions for the 200 medly. It took 42 minutes to get to the Ottumwa swimming facility from Pella for each practice. •Photo submitted

After 14 years in the pool ...

Vander Horst continues to swim

It’s safe to say that senior, Seth Vander Horst is a gifted swimmer. He is the only person in the history of the Pella swimmers to anticipate swimming at the collegiate level.

Vander Horst, an extremely decorated swimmer, has won over 70 medals throughout his career.

Vander Horst has been swimming for 14 years, 12 with the Pella Recreational Center, two with the Ottumwa swim program. He swam the 50-free, 100-breast, 200-free relay and the 200-medley relay.

“Traveling to Ottumwa every day was stressful.

We had to drive ourselves and try to figure out when we would be able to do homework, because we’d get back to town about six o’clock. It made attending school activities difficult,” said Vander Horst.

Though swimming caused him extra stress, Vander Horst takes extra strides to make himself the best swimmer he can possibly be.

“I eat really healthy and work out a lot. Every morning while I was in season, I would run three miles and eat protein and potassium rich foods; I know that if I don’t, I wouldn’t have been able to swim as fast as I know that I can. I am a really motivated person,” said Vander Horst.

Teammate and senior Tim Michaels agrees that Vander Horst goes above and beyond protocol.

“Seth goofed around when we weren’t practicing, but he really knew how to get focussed when it was ‘game time.’ He always puts in a lot of extra effort,” said Michaels.

Vander Horst is being recruited by Iowa schools: Loras and Luther; as well as two Florida schools: the University of Tampa and Nova Southeastern.

“I created a recruitment website to allow coaches to scout me. Since the schools are further away, I send them videos of me swimming, give them my times, and I tell them how I felt I competed,” said Vander Horst.

Vander Horst admits that although taking such steps to progress his swimming career is difficult at times, he couldn’t have done it without the support of his friends and family.

“I am so glad that my friends and parents are so supportive of my swimming. My parents came to every meet, no matter how far away it is. I always look at my mom right before I swim, and I look at her before I check my time,” said Vander Horst.

• Kelsey Van Tasell (kvt.pelladium@gmail.com)

Senior MacKenzie Anthony “This season was better because I was a senior, and I became a leader and a role model for the underclassmen. It feels good when you know that your teammates are looking up to you.

As an individual, I stepped up and boosted my confidence level, and as a team, we became one, meshing well together to get the job done.”

Senior Jesse Blauw “This season was better because I was a senior, so I made my best effort to succeed and I was able to boss everyone around.

I have greatly increased my confidence in my abilities and as a team, we have all did a better job of wrestling hard for all three periods.”

Junior Lucas Boyd “We have so much depth on the team this year. We typically play 12 guys in a game, so we’re always fresh. I think I’ve improved as an individual, but I think overall our team has improved even more. We play great together and get the job done.”

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Garden Chapel Funeral Home 1301 Main St. Pella, IA 50219 628-2430

Pella Orthodontics Dr. Kim Wass 715 Main St. Pella, IA 50219 628-9195

Kathy Kooyman, Realtor, Home Realty 641-416-0182

MidWestOne Bank 700 Main St. Suite 100 Pella, IA 50219 628-4356

Pella Pets Veterinary Clinic 411 Oskaloosa St. Pella, IA 50219 620-8880

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March 1, 2011

Page Editors: Megan Card, Jessica Salpor

Employers, college admissions monitor applicants through social network background checks

Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and others are fun and convenient ways to share, meet and socialize with new friends online.

However, students may want to be more cautious in their posts, as well as wall posts to other friends, friends wall posts, picture’s added, and your status updates can and will affect students acceptance to most colleges and employment.

“Part of Central’s interview process for an employment opportunity is to go through their Facebook page. I will go through their Facebook page and if they have their privacy settings on then I know they are smart enough to do that, but if it’s not, I go from there,” said Central College Director of Student Activity Bonnie Dahlke.

Seniors who worry about grades and scoring on the ACT or SAT, find that it is almost as worrisome as their Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter counting

against their admissions to colleges or future employment.

“If a student has something inappropriate on their Facebook page and it is brought to administrative attention it will be dealt with, not just let go. It will either be a conversation or could turn to a judicial hearing,” said Dahlke.

Employers look at social networking sites to help them decide on approval of hire or denial. A person will come into an interview all buttoned up and resume in hand, but that person, in most cases is entirely different than the “last night kegger” person sitting across the desk.

“Central College personally doesn’t look at all of its applicants Facebook pages because there are over 1,000 of applicants’ a year, but when something is brought to our attention, it will be looked at, and proper actions will be taken from there,” said Dahlke.

Bullies find new means to taunting •Graphic by Micah Zeimetz

Digital rehab becomes more Online shopping lacks proper common amongst teen gamers security to ensure safe spending “World of Warcraft”, or “W.O.W.”, as many call it was launched in 2004 and has since become the most popular Massively Multiplayer Online game in existence. In October 2010, the number of subscribers to the game reached 12 million. For 15 dollars a month, players can interact in a fantasy world, complete quests and play as mythical beings. The game has attracted people of all ages and ethnicities and one in five players is female. But for some, the draw of the game has become an addiction.

A survey in Hong Kong found that 30 percent of teenagers are addicted to video games and overall playtime has grown five times since the summer of 2010.Wellness centers for addiction that formerly dealt with things such as drugs, alcohol and shopping now deal with internet and online gaming addiction as well.

But, what’s so appealing about the game?

“I was really good at the game. I was pretty famous on the server I played in, and I felt like I was in control of something. The game would also release content weekly, so I was pretty drawn to it,” said 2010 graduate Chris Madigan, who kicked the addiction in the middle of his senior year.

Senior Cody Lutgen, who no longer considers himeslf addicted but is still an avid player had similar reasons for playing.

“It’s fun, it’s open, it’s not very obstrusted, and there’s a lot of things you can do. It’s very social,” said Lutgen.

Many start as casual players, but eventually evolve •Graphic by Micah Zeimetz

to a point where they spend a great deal of their time on the game. The problem is, there seems to be a point many players reach when it interferes with their social and occupational lives. In fact, more than a few players have died from pure exhaustion. It’s not uncommon for hardcore players to stay up playing for days, avoiding bathroom or food breaks.

“My self-esteem was pretty low, so I didn’t think people really wanted to hang out with me. I still hung out every now and then, but a lot less then I used to,” said Madigan.

Despite warnings of the allure of the game, the number of subscribers continues to increase. For Madigan, the realization that the game took control was somewhat of a revalation.

“I started feeling better about myself, and I realized that the game took up a part of my life that I couldn’t get back, and I needed to move on,” said Madigan.

He continued, “I think it can be a good escape for some people, it just needs moderation. I wouldn’t want my friends to play it though; [the] last thing I would want to see is a friend forsake life like that. The game makes you develop a fake fear of everything not involved with W.O.W. I also think society’s view on W.O.W makes them feel even worse about playing.

If you admit to playing it, someone will more then likely make fun of you, which adds to the fear and forces you back to the game.”

•Eric Moore (em.pelladium@gmail.com)

Due to its ease, online shopping has quickly

sprung to the forefront of American shopping and has even demanded its own Black Friday-esque holiday in the form of Cyber Monday. While the online horror stories can seem numerous, shopping on the internet is essentially as dangerous as the shopper makes it.

According to Kimberly Tuttle the assistant vice president of operations at Leighton State Bank, simply not using a site’s option to save information can save shoppers a lot of trouble. By typing everything in on each form the shopper can control what is going through cyberspace, while by saving their information they’re putting it in the hands’ of a website and trusting that the site’s security is adequate.

Furthermore, never shop on a public computer like one at school or in a library as the user risks the next user being able to see everything they’ve entered.

Looking for a couple things in the address bar can also assure that the website a shopper is ordering off of is safe. So, what’s the difference between safe and unsafe? Well, normally when someone visits a website, the information bounces back and forth between their computer and the site’s server. If the site isn’t secure, the information being sent and received is there for anyone to read, but if the site is secure the information will be encrypted so that any Average Joe can’t view it. One way to tell if a site is secure is to check the URL. If it reads “https:” instead of the traditional “http:” then the site is secure. Also, a padlock icon will become visible when visiting a secure site.

Some students already practice good online shopping habits.

“I always make sure it’s a safe and reliable site because I don’t want anyone messing with my money,” said junior Sam Nelson.

Another student has an alternate way to find out if a site is trustworthy.

“I check the website’s reviews and customer reviews of the site’s customer service,” said Freshman Jake Dorman.

PayPal can be an online shopper’s best friend because the shopper enters their credit card info on only one site instead of each and every website they order from. If a site offers the chance to use Paypal to pay then the chances of facing issues down the road are slimmed.

Nelson also finds that PayPal simplifies the shopping experience.

“PayPal makes online shopping easy and you don’t have to keep on typing in your credit and debit card information,” he said.

Besides using PayPal when possible, keeping online charges to one credit card is handy if worse comes to worst. It’s much easier having to just check one card for discrepancies. If a discrepancy is discovered, most credit card companies will recoup a shopper’s losses. Visa’s policy, for example, states “whether purchases occur online or off, you pay nothing for fraudulent charges.”

Other credit card companies are working to prevent credit care fraud. Mastercard offers a “SecureCode” that is specially designed for a safer online experience. In addition to the buyer entering their credit card information, they are also required to enter their SecureCode, which is essentially a predetermined password.

Those guilty of credit card fraud can face a sectrum of penalties depending on how

Credit card fraud can carry a spectrum of penalties depending on different factors.

In the end, the peril of online shopping ultimately comes down to one person: the shopper. “[Shopping online] is as safe as you want to make it,” said Tuttle.

“Shopping online is as safe as you want to make it,” said Tuttle.

•Benji McElroy (bme.pelladium@gmail.com)

Feelings of torment, humiliation, embarrassment,

constant harassment and hateful threats, are symptoms of a disease spread by teenagers throughout the United States. This disease is not a physical ailment. Instead, it is inflicted through social networking in the form of malicious attacks on each other.

Cyber-bullying, a growing problem that endangers the well-being of others, is rampant.

The main difference between this and bullying in the form of physical harm, involves the use of internet, digital technologies and mobile phones.

These outlets are then manifested into weapons that cyber-bullies use to harm others. In recent generations, this form of bullying has risen due to texting and the immense popularity of social networks such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter.

Teenagers are motivated to bully because of many reasons. Anger and frustration are common causes; kids feel the need to seek others out for the cause of their problems. Another point of motivation is sadly prevalent: pure entertainment.

Social networks effectively let everyone know what is happening, and the harassment of one may be perceived as funny and amusing. With everyone’s eyes possessing the ability to notice the actions of others, teenagers may feel social pressure to keep their mouth shut against such injustices.

“In middle school, I was harassed through MSN by other students because of my mom’s job as a music teacher. They took their anger out on me by calling me names. I blocked them, but they kept sending me emails. Online, anything can be said; it takes a lot more courage to say things face-to-face,” said freshman Sarah Mueller.

The victims of cyber-bullying often find school as an emotional battleground as well. Feelings of anxiety and apathy towards schoolwork may lead to a decreased educational performance, as well as negative behavior patterns that can rub off on peers. The longterm effects from cyber-bullying can be devastatng for any young adult. Like any form of bullying, it can lead to many different levels of depression, from slight to manic. This could eventually lead to affecting job opportunities and social interaction as an adult.

“It’s probably a bigger problem than I realize nowadays with students interacting through social networking. In the case that we know that a student is being harassed, we usually talk with the kids in conflict and tell them to stop. If this doesn’t work, we will pursue further disciplinary action,” said Assistant Principal Jon Muller.

For victims, the best plan of action is to stop the source of bullying by being assertive. Direct confrontation can sometimes work, but the assistance of a school staff member may help mediate the situation further.

The worst thing to do is to not tell anyone and suffer unnecessary pain.

“The whole situation can be tough because of our school’s limited jurisdiction. It does fall under jurisdiction if kids commit these acts during school hours. It definitely is a growing issue; I get a student, about once a week now coming to me about this,” said Muller.

• Michael Ge (mg.pelladium@ gmail.com)

• Illustration by Mitch Shepperd

According to “business-insider” online, roughly 22% of employers will look at social networking sites to make sure employees are not drinking too much, underage, illegally smoking, their clothing and behavior outside of the work site.

“Social media is technology, don’t say anything you wouldn’t want attributed to you. Use good media judgment. Communicating online can live on forever. Think about it. What I can tell you is that as a company overall, we expect our employees to use respect in and out of the work place. People tend to forget that they can’t think in the moment, but they should be considering the long term implications of their actions,” said Pella Corporation Publications Manager Kathy Krafka-Harkema.

• Whittney Reinier (wr.pelladium@gmail.com)

Top 5 Ways to Stop Cyber-bullying Do not open or read emails that they suspect are from cyberbullies. What you read won’t hurt you. Dump this toxic waste in the trash and don’t think twice about it.

Talk to the school. If the cyberbullying is coming from another student, contact school officials immediately to determine if a policy is in place to deal with the bully.

Don’t share your passwords or personal information with anyone. One of the fastest-growing types of cyber-bullying is breaking into people’s accounts and berrating them from within their own personal media.

Take advantage of the available technology. Take the time to use your technology in chat rooms or other social networking sites to eliminate the possible bullies. Filter out the unwarranted company and stay bully-free.

Be willing to contact the police.

Make sure to gather evidence throughout the offense to bring to the police. This would be a second resort after contacting the the school, but if this is ineffective, don’t be afraid to let the police in on the problem.

Especially if the bully has made threats to your health or well-being.

Information according to cyberbullyalert.com •Megan Card(mcpelladium@gmail.com)

Page Editor: Benji McElroy

March 1, 2011

Alternative News

Editorial Cartoon

Egypt is the new-age-revolution

•Eric Moore (em.pelladium@gmail.com)

Staff Editorial Be leery of internet threats The internet is like gravity. We accept it, embrace it, and downright depend on it, yet we’ve no idea exactly what it is, why it is, or how it works. The digital world is an expanding monstrosity with an enigmatic nature that exceeds any one person’s understanding. As with many things we can’t quite absorb, we’ve developed a comfort with our naivety, and by doing so, have turned a blind eye toward the many dangers lurking within this boundless utility. Having analyzed these inherent perils of cyberspace for this month’s in-depth feature, we, the staff, urge you to consider the following advice.

First, recognize the anonymity of the internet. Online, you can assume any identity you wish. So can the rest of the world. Convicts and drug addicts and child abusers can all easily maintain spotless cyber personas. Cases of internet predation through forged profiles are more abundant than one might imagine. In 2004, “NBC Dateline” produced an investigation where detectives posing as minors online were able to lure dozens of pedophiles to a single address in a suburban area. Be weary of communicating with strangers online, and never disclose your full name, age, address, or other personal information to an unfamiliar person.

Second, understand the permanence of digital content. The worldwide web is a vast rat maze of wires and processors, circuit boards and storage space. Information inputted into this virtual labyrinth will remain their indefinitely, for it is impossible to weed it from every cache, every hard drive. The truth is, when you upload something, regardless of how damaging or negligent it may be, regardless of how private you may feel it remains, it will forever be accessible and forever linked to your name.

Reportedly, many employers, universities and government officials now admit to using simple internet searches as key sources in investigating applicants’ history. To put it simply, don’t pollute your future by contributing to cyberspace inappropriate and unprofessional content.

Finally, refrain from over-digitizing your life. While the internet is a marvelous tool, it is not a viable passion. The cyber world is designed merely to enhance, not supplant, the healthy workings of a genuine lifestyle. Facebook and World of Warcraft cannot pass for socialization; likewise, the Google search bar cannot replace reason. Cherish technology and reap its rich benefits, but do not allow virtual obsessions to impede your development as a real world human.

(The Pelladium staff voted in favor 19-0 of this editorial)

If you didn’t see Egypt in the news this month you live under a rock. The media caught fire when Egyptians flocked to the streets a little more than a month ago to protest President Hosni Mubarak’s 30 year reign. The protests were enough to end Mubarak’s presidency and put the military in charge until a plan for the future is developed.

The protests were ignited by the Tunisian revolution and opposed a multitude of issues such as a lack of free speech, free elections, low income, police brutality, low minimum pay, high unemployment and corruption. To counter act, the Government had replaced policemen with restrained military personnel. The replacement of the police force led to a lot of chaos and looting. However, amidst all the chaos came unification. Through that unification the Egyptians found a new yet obvious way to speak out against Mumbarak and the police force, Facebook.

Networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter may have reached their full potential during the protests. From these social networking sites Egyptians have organized groups, communicated with foreigners, and used them as fuel for their protests. What’s more amazing is that the government had expected that the internet would be a crucial factor and shut it down, yet civilians hacked their way around the government’s firewall. It seems that Facebook could be remembered as more than just a place for friends but as a place for revolution.

One particular group focuses on the death of a man named Khalid Said. Said was beaten to death by the police, after he was pulled from a web cafe. Shortly after his death, a Facebook page was but up in his memory. It has become a rallying point where citizens share outrage for the government and morn for Said.

Not only did social networking work for the Egyptian revolution it is also helping new revolutions get started in other countries, such as Bahrain and Iran. The networks are going to face a lot of resistance in Iran, no one has found a way around the governments firewall. In Bahrain the revolution has been called a “non-Facebook revolution”. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the civilians aren’t speaking through Facebook, but that it is more focused on people assembling.

Never before has the internet played this big of a role in a revolution, much less social networking. The countries revolting now may want to follow Egypt’s example and make the internet a cornerstone to their plan of action. This is a preview of future revolutions and protests. While what is happening may be a little bit frightening we now know that social networking isn’t just a waste of time, its a pretty powerful revolutionary tool.

•Evan Jones (ej.pelladium@ gmail.com)

What

you think

It proves that Facebook isn’t just a waste of time, it’s a place where things can start.

-Senior Kyle Newendorp

It’s cool that people are standing up for what they believe in and using a different tactic to do so.

-Freshman Emily Yee

It shows how the world is becoming more modern and how the generation has new capabilities.

-Junior Brannon Johnson

Pelladium Staff Executive Editors: Megan Card, Nathan Kooker, Eric Moore, Kelsey Van Tasell Page Editors/Reporters: Tiffany Carter, Michael Ge, Benji McElroy, Madeline Meyer, Taylor Rennich, Jessica Salpor, Maddy Scholten, Jocelyn Van Dyke Visuals: Marielle Gaiser, Eric Moore, Jillian Sagers, Mitch Shepperd, Micah Zeimetz Reporters: Nick Dorman, Mark Dykstra, Adam Gromotka, Evan Jones, Sarah Muller, Shaun Sokol, Haley Sytsma, Whittney Reinier Adviser: Ann Visser The Pelladium is a monthly tabloid produced by the high school journalism department to serve as an informative, educational and entertaining communications media and to provide an open forum to students and readers. •Letters to the Editors are welcome and encouraged. These letters must be signed and should, in no way, be libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters must have verified facts and should deal with issues. The Pelladium reserves the right to edit grammatical errors, libelous content or length due to the space limitations. Letters may be brought to Room 201 or sent to Pella Community High School, Box 486, Pella, IA 50219. •The Pelladium will strive to deliver information in a fair and truthful manner. The Pelladium will function in accord with all applicable laws, both in regard to the rights and restrictions of journalism. •The views expressed in this publication are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of the Pella Community High School Administration or the Pella Community Schools Board of Education. The Pelladium will make retractions in the event of errors made in the content of printed stories. Retractions will be printed in the issue immediately following the issue containing the errors. •The Pelladium is a member of the Iowa High School Press Association.

Page Editor: Eric Moore

Brink of Sagacity Eric Moore (em.pelladium@gmail.com)

It starts in elementary school. You’re sitting in a small plastic chair, amongst 20 or so little kids. You start learning things about yourself you never knew. The teacher’s saying things like “We bombed Japan in World War 2 and killed hundreds of thousands of people”, or “We enslaved African-Americans in the 1800s.” I couldn’t have been the only kid thinking, I didn’t do any of that.

Yes, I’ll admit, what led me to this column is a rather trivial thing in the grand scheme of things; the commonly used “we” when referring to things the U.S. government has done in a classroom setting. But this annoyance made me think about bigger things: nationalism, foreign policy, the role of government.

The common perception of American government is so varied. One side is full of gun-slingin’, homilyspewin’, cowboys, and the other includes a bunch of progressive, pot-smokin’, twenty-somethings, plus everyone in the middle. (By the way, I’m aware of the stereotyping there, but I made fun of both sides.)

Everyone’s got a different view, and some are more or less willing to share it with you or force it upon you. But simplistically, we’ve got people who love our government, people who hate our government and those who couldn’t give a rat’s caboose what our government does. Now, I wouldn’t say that “the man” has always made the best decisions, I’m well aware of that. But-and as a journalist, this is probably obvious-I think one thing most people can agree they got right was the first amendment. You don’t have to be a nationalist to appreciate the rights citizens have. Sure, some of the things they do may not sit well with you, but at least you have a right to complain about it. There are a lot of things that suck about living here, but I believe it would be

extremely difficult to find a better place.

Also, it could be a lot worse.

Another unique thing about America is that it isn’t restricted within its own borders. Like it or not, foreign involvement has always been prevalent: the world wars, Vietnam, Iraq. Sometimes it seems as though we’re giving them too much money, or things are desolate enough in the U.S., and other times, most people feel it’s “our duty as a country to help those in need”. Until recently, I’d always possessed the opinion that worrying about citizens back home was more important than sticking our noses into other people’s business.

Then, I saw the turmoil in Egypt.

People, under a government supported

by America, fighting for change due to a government fueled by hate and often oppression, with an almost non-existent economy, by a leader who has been in power for 30 years. Who knew? If you’d asked be a few months ago what I knew about Egypt, I’d have said, “The Capital is Cairo, and they built some pyramids”. I knew they weren’t as affluent as most countries, but I certainly thought the apparent lack of news from the country meant things were at least reasonable.

It’s inspiring, really, to see them out there, with their signs and their words of hope and change. People here voted for change in 2008. In Egypt, they’re literally fighting for it. They deserve human rights, and if the U.S. has the ability to help that, it’s what should be done. The progress they’ve already made is amazing, and it made me realize that unlike situations of the past, this is something happening now, something relevant to me, and it’s something I can care about. It’ll be in the history books someday, and I’ll talk about how we...oh wait.

I guess I’m a hypocrite.

ACTION REACTION

March 1, 2011

Reading Is Dangerous Nathan Kooker (nk.pelladium@gmail.com)

January 22, 2011. I woke up with a scratchy throat. By nine o’clock it had evolved into a blunt soreness deserving of several cough drops. Come eleven, I was enduring a pain somewhere between having my esophagus tattooed and swallowing a lit cigarette. When I finally came home after an agonizing morning of volunteerism, I was determined to see a physician.

“I think I have strep throat. I need medicine,” I told my mom as I walked in the door, ending the wheezy statement with a pitiful, labored swallow. I was well aware that such weekend afflictions required uninsured trips to the urgent care center, but I figured surely a loving mother like my own could desire nothing more than to see her ailing son pumped full of amoxicillin without delay.

Her hasty reaction: “We can get you to the doctor’s office on Monday. Take some Tylenol.”

It wasn’t quite the sympathy I was looking for, and I soon understood why.

There was a more pertinent issue in the Kooker household, one warranting care more urgently than mine. She explained the dynamic timeline of my family’s morning with the solemn tone she normally reserved for informing me of a relative’s unexpected death.

Apparently, Mr. Whiskers had been rushed to the cat hospital. Usually bolting upright at the first pungent whiff off fresh cat food, he had stopped eating (and moving) very abruptly the night before.

I’ve seen “Marley and Me.” Strange, unprovoked behavior is a telltale sign of an animal’s looming demise. Though, this fact evoked more distress from my sister than from me, especially after she found him this morning, wallowing in his own vomit. When the vet informed my parents of the animal’s acute urinary blockage, it was surely she who pushed for immediate operation. According to my mom, Whiskers was on the table as we spoke. It

was now my turn for a cold reply.

“You’re spending $350 on surgery for a cat?” I was utterly disgusted on three levels: Foremost because the malady of the overweight furball that lives in our garage was taking priority over my own, secondly because my family was so consumed by a gratuitous concern for said obese furball and finally because I hadn’t been appointed medical proxy for the obese furball which, for all intents and purposes, was my pet.

I am fond of the animal, but he is old, fat and less than immortal. Most things bestowed with these characteristics tend to expire more sooner than later. Yet, the weeks have unfolded, and thanks to my family’s rash decision making, Whiskers has thus far evaded his impending peril, and endures to limp around the garage for days to come.

Had I been home to witness the ordeal, the feline would have undergone a much different fate. Should I have even conceded to taking it to the vet in the first place, it would have been euthanized, the fiscally wise option. Unethical? I think not. The piteous creature was enduring excruciating pain, and now revitalized, will continue to suffer for several weeks of recovery. My family denied that sorry cat the privilege of unconsciousness. They impeded his path to painlessness, and it was all because of their very human fear of death.

Indeed, we are the only creatures who recognize our own mortality. Whiskers would accept a lethal injection carelessly, for the tiny brain within his misshapen skull is programmed strictly to survive, not to contemplate survival’s alternative. The animal lives to eat, sleep and procreate.

Then, on a day no different than today, he will die, unknowing and unafraid.

Medicine is for people. Veterinary medicine is for irrational people.

Near the end of January, citizens in Egypt began protests demanding new government and more human rights. This sparked a list of revolution through both northern Africa, as well as the Middle east. Peaceful protests have turned violent, and as of Feb. 16, more than 365 causalities have been reported in the area. The world waits to see how the actions of citizens and politicians will affect these countries, as well as the global community.

What do you think of the riots and protests happening in the Middle East?

“I think it’s good that the people want to better their country. I hope it doesn’t affect the U.S. negatively.”

-Freshman Sami Wassenaar

“I think it’s pretty crazy. There needs to be a solution to the riots. They need to make the people happy, and the government work.”

-Sophomore Kyle Langstraat

“I think that it’s good to see things changing, because people have been oppressed, but I’m not sure how it will turn out. I hop it’ll be they will have a more republican system.”

-Junior Ramya Puliadi

“It’s a great time of opportunity, what happens in the next couple months will determine the next 20 or 30 years of Middle Eastern politics. I think this will be the defining moment of Barack’s presidency, based on how he handles it.”

-Senior Will Loux

Page Editor: Tiffany Carter March 1, 2011

Listen. “Bad Books”

Favorite Gentlemen artists Manchester Orchestra and Kevin Devine have formed a new collaboration project entitled Bad Books. Their debut album is self-titled as Bad Books.

For a strong fan of both MO and Devine, Who? Manchester the album presents an almost “perfect album” Orchestra and shadow looming around it, before it’s lent an ear to listen at least. After the 10 songs on the track Kevin Devine list, 5 written by MO front man Andy Hull, and the other half by Kevin Devine, have been given a clear listen, it’s easy to see that the album is not Why? Hear a without flaw. Although Bad Books is considered compilation of a collaboration, unfortunately, it is more or less two favorites. just an album where two friends each wrote five songs on their own and decided it was an album.

The tracks written by Hull, like “Texas” and “I Begged You Everything”, show his acoustic side, and they are preformed well. They tie too closely to his former project “Right Away, Great Captain”. Devine’s writings, Like ‘Easy Mark and the Old Maid’, have the similar problem, primarily mimicking his solo project.

At a glance...

Watch. The Bachelor

Two songs in the track list save the album from completely sinking: “How This All Ends” and “You Wouldn’t Have to Ask”. These two gems provide a window to where the album could have gone, equally incorporating both Devine and Hull’s talents and providing a nice mix of voice and style instument wise.

Though the album doesn’t quite live up to the anticipated Hype, it does bring a few new ideas to the fans and gives them some hope that maybe a future album collaboration may be better. Also, this release provides fans with a little something to sing along to while they are waiting for new material from both groups. As an avid listener of Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra, I had higher expectations, •Graphic by Marielle Gaiser but overall, it was mildly enjoyable.

•Shaun Sokol (ss. pelladium@gmail.com)

Watch. Pretty Little Liars At a glance...

Who? Hint:

As millions of viewers tune in each week to witness America’s latest love story, drama and heartbreak At a glance... ensues. Yes, I’m talking about the hit television show, “The Bachelor,” and as much as everyone loves a good love story, they certainly love the drama of a good love When? The show airs story even more.

It all begins with a charming man who Mondays at has everything from flawless teeth to a chivalrous 7 p.m. on ABC demeanor. The only thing missing, however, is that special someone with whom to share his storybook life. At the premiere of this matchmaking show, the Why? Who doesn’t bachelor is presented with 25 eligible bachelorettes and love a quality as the weeks progress, he must choose who he wishes cat fight over a to keep and who to send home.

Amidst the beauty of these bachelorettes, claws are rose? hidden beneath the perfectly manicured nails. With the 15th season of “The Bachelor” already in full swing, the claws have certainly begun to come out. The real fun occurs when the competition heats up, and everyone’s true feelings start to emerge. The crazies reveal themselves as the pressures of the show become almost too much. Jealousy and good oldfashioned cat fights become the norm as a single man is left in the ruins to figure out the complexities of the female mind. Some ask why he even bothers to put up with it all, but if it’s all in the name of love, why not?

Despite the overflow of emotions, “The Bachelor” also offers a plethora of entertaining dates and exotic destinations.

Whether it be a helicopter ride to a rooftop in the city or a trip on a yacht to a secluded island, the places the bachelor takes his admirers are endless.

All in hopes of finding a potential wife and soul-mate, all in the name of love, “The Bachelor” serves as an avenue for one lucky guy to have 25 gorgeous women vie for his attention. It’s a matchmaking show full of juicy melodrama that certainly deserves five of five stars for the entertaining love story it offers. Tune in •Graphic by Jilevery Monday at seven to see if it all ends in a fractured fairytale lian Sagers or with a happily ever after.

•Jocelyn Van Dyke (jvd.pelladium@gmail.com)

they’re pretty and they lie.

Why? You’ll feel better about your daily drama.

The title says it all. The girls in the books are pretty.

And, yes, they also lie.

Many of those reading this have seen the TV episodes based on the books, “Pretty Little Liars”.

While the show is very entertaining and drama-filled, this is nothing compared to the books. The books take everything to the next level: the lying, the cheating, the relationships. If viewers are hooked on the show, they are sure to become hooked on the books as well.

Alli, Aria, Spencer, Emily and Hanna were best friends, but their lives were completely changed when one summer day, Alli goes missing. The series of books continue to tell the tale of the lies left behind after Alli’s death, and how the four remaining friends have to deal

with the consequences.

As one continues to read through the series of books, the problems become more difficult, the situations more dangerous. Reading just one chapter in the book will fill up the reader’s drama capacity for the day.

However, if one is reading the book series, and are also in the middle of the TV series, the events can get confusing. One starts to wonder if the chapter in the book was a part of the episode just aired last night. Sometimes it can be confusing to know what’s going on, because the TV series does not follow the same plot line that the books do. Sure, in both the show and books, the four best friends are being tortured by the same anonymous stalker, threatoning to ruin their lives as they know it, but the book describes much more intricate interactins between all of the characters. Another big difference between the TV series and the books is the relationships between the former friends brought together by a common enemy. The TV series portrays the girls being best friends and very close to one another after they reunite. Yet, in the book series, there is a certain coldness and distance between each of the girls. The hurt from the death of their former friend, and the new fear of being exposed for what they truly are, are more evident in the books.

The books are well written and provide a great amount of suspense that keep the reader interested. Issues that other girls can relate to are a part of the books, but put in a more extreme, and yes, dramatic, light.

•Taylor Rennich (tr.pelladium@gmail.com) •Graphic by Jillian Sagers

Silver Lining 733 Franklin St. Pella, IA 50219 628-3650 Sports Page Grill 1111 W. 16th St. Pella, IA 50219 620-1149 Sports Page Sporting Goods 1562 Washington St. Pella, IA 50219 628-4999

Stravers True Value/ Radio Shack/ U.S. Cellular 818 Main St. Pella, IA 50219 628-3330 Subway 714 Liberty St. 412 E. Oskaloosa St. Pella, IA 50219 628-8923 628-3054

TD&T Financial Group, P.C., CPA’s 606 Franklin St. Pella, IA 50219 628-9411

Taco John’s 911 West 16th St. Pella, IA 50219 628-8818

Tri-County Vet 650 Hwy T-14 Pella, IA 50219 628-4040

TK Concrete 1608 Fifield Rd. Pella, IA 50219 628-4590

TRIUMPH Martial Arts 308 SE 9th St. PO Box 41 Pella, IA 50219 866-648-8480 Ulrich FordLincoln-Mercury 1130 West 16th St. Pella, IA 50219 628-2184 Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home 615 West 1st. St. Pella, IA 50219 628-2540

Vander Ploeg Bakery 711 Franklin St. Pella, IA 50219 628-2293 Dr. Gregory Vannucci, D.D.S, P.C. 2601 Washington St. Pella, IA 50219 628-2011 Vermeer Sales and Service 661 Hwy. T-14 Pella, IA 50219 628-2000

Work Systems Rehab & Fitness 308 SE 9th St. Pella, IA 50219 621-0230

Catch up on the latest news at

pelladium.com Always a New Issue

Page Editor: Michael Ge

March 1, 2011

Fish & Sheps • Mitch Shepperd

We’re all spoiled brats... at least

compared to our parents and other similarly ancient generations. These people watched a microwave for kicks and giggles; I can’t even bear to stand by the microwave for 30 seconds while my food cooks, let alone watching the thing for a prolonged period of time and actually enjoying it. I guess that explains why they’re always spazzing out on us young whippersnappers, though. I mean, they did grow up having miserable and boring childhoods.

It takes an astronomically high level of comprehension to even understand how people communicated back in the 20th century. If I want to hit up a honey, I can just text her whatever I want, throw a smiley face at the end, and boom, hook/ line/sinker. Without texting, I fail to see how any relationships were initiated.

And, how did old folks even organize chill sessions with their pals? Did they use one of those unmobile phones and hand dial each and every friend? If I had to do that to hang out with people well, screw them, I’ll go back to watching the microwave. At least teen celebs living in the Stone Age would find it nearly impossible to have scandalous pics leaked. That is, unless they took a picture with one of those Civil War-era cameras and then snailmailed it to their 20-year-old boyfriend. So, it’s rather unfair for old folks to yell at us for being promiscuous sinners when they didn’t even have the opportunity to get their skank on.

Not having Twitter is just adding insult to injury. How neat would a Neil Armstrong tweet from the moon be? “@jfkennedy 1 small step 4 man 1 giant leap 4 manknd” Or what about Richard Nixon’s tweets during Watergate?

“Bad day twitter fam #caught”

I can’t even begin to imagine having to watch anything but high-def television.

How can you even consider Marliyn Monroe a goddess when she didn’t have to undergo the trials of HDTV? Even Anne Hathaway would look good on a staticky-10-inch-television. Also, I’m sure there are tons of 70-somethings out there that would trade their last kidney and a comatose wife to see Marilyn Monroecleave in HD. Dr. Drew would’ve had a heyday exploiting a drugged up Elvis if reality television had existed. Depressionera “Survivor” would’ve been off the hook and the prize could’ve been a singular dollar instead of a million. Those people would’ve killed each other for a dollar, and if you watched “Flavor of Love,” then you know the best reality shows are the reality shows where people will kill each other for something.

Cut the guy across the street a break when he yells at you “to get off his lawn.” He grew up in the dark ages of fun for crying out loud. Take a step back, remembering these old people had horrific childhoods.

High School Hazard • Jillian Sagers

Congratulations!! You are the one millionth reader of this Frustration Station!!! Just kidding! It’s difficult to visit a web page or explore your e-mail inbox without being exposed to some sort of unwanted garbage.

Spam is no longer that last resort excuse to include protein in a meal; it’s an annoying part of our everyday lives.

Adam: The internet is a wide street full of fun things to explore.

However, your next outing on Facebook might be fraught with street performers trying to steal your attention.

Increase the Size of your

Engine

Green Supporters...

Jake: The same goes with visiting your inbox. It seems that for every one e-mail I actually want to read, there are three of little importance. They get instantly deleted.

A: What’s worse is that deleting them often times involves clicking “select all,” and going through hundreds and hundreds of lines, deselecting the ones that you don’t want deleted. It’s a tedious process.

Applebee’s, 1600 Washington St., 620-8646 Bos Landen Golf Club, 2411 Bos Landen Dr., 628-4625 Braafhart’s BP Amoco, 834 Washington St., 628-2474 Central Cellular, 1530 Washington St., 628-9520 Comfort Inn & Suites, 910 West 16th St., 621-1421 Dutch Meadows Landscaping, 100 1/2 Vermeer Rd.,628-4450 Eyecare Partners, 823 Franklin St., 628-9225 Jansen’s Decorating & Kitchens, 614 Franklin St., 628-4247 Leighton Processed Meats, Leighton, 626-3211 Nick’s Greenhouse & Floral Shop, 219 Oskaloosa, 628-2230 Oriental Express, 706 Main Street, 620-1199 Pella Implement Company, 655 Hwy. T-14, 628-2131

J: Maybe that’s because you don’t take a proactive stance in maintaining your inbox. It’s not that difficult you know.

A: All negative but truthful analysis aside, the important factor is that I wouldn’t have to deal with this problem if spam didn’t exist in the first place!

J: I’m happy to report that the school has protected us from spam for a while by giving us school e-mails. My only fear is that when I need to get a real e-mail address, I’ll be inundated with spam.

A: Maybe we should all just get off the internet so the spammers go somewhere else. I’ll post this genius plan on Facebook right now!

J: I don’t think... Nevermind. Whatever your tactic is, you had better take the job seriously. Because dilegence is the only thing that will keep all of those beautiful Russian brides and Nigerian princes off your case. And that’s a fact.

•Jake Anderson (ja.pelladium@gmail.com) •Adam Gromotka (apg.pelladium@gmail.com)

Pella Implement Company, 655 Hwy. T-14, 628-2131 Pella Printing Co., 1190 West 16th St., 628-4941 Prudential First of Pella Realty, 601 Franklin St., 628-9840 Sadler Sign & Design, 203 SE 16th St., 628-9889 Van Maanen, Sietstra and Meyer, P.C., 705 Main St., 628-3737 Van Maanen Seed & Chemical, 2073 Eaton Ave., Leighton, IA, 626-3471 Windmill Cafe, 709 Franklin St.,621-1800 Windmill Mall Antiques & Collectibles, 637 Franklin Street, 628-1095

Page Editor: Taylor Rennich

March 1, 2011

February Features

9

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HANDS ON. Senior Nick Shepperd dissects a sheep brain during an anatomy/psychology joint workshop. “[Dissecting the brain] was better than regular class. It wasn’t that difficult, but it was awesome being able to cut it up,” said Shepperd.•Photo by Blake Lanser

GAME ON. Sophomore Christian Stafford prepares a scoreboard for a game during Gina Linn’s English 10 class on Valentine’s Day. “The best part about the game was that [it was a] battle of the sexes; it was a great way to relax and have fun on Valentine’s Day,” said Stafford” •Photo by Taylor Rennich

FOCUS. Senior Sidney Pezley participates in an anatomy game during Excellence in Electives Feb. 17. Anatomy studentsset up many activities during the night, including testing grip strength, labeling bones and testing balance. “All the [anatomy] activities seemed to go very well with the people there, especially the puzzles,” said Pezley. •Photo by Tiffany Carter

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NIGHT OF EXCELLENCE. The jazz band, orchestra and show choir performed at different points throughout the Excellence in Electives night. Left, junior Rachel Fyfe, sophomore Hannah Burch and junior Hanna Martin perform a set for show choir “I had a really fun time [performing]. It wasn’t a really intense performance; it was pretty relaxed and fun, because it was in front of my peers,” said Martin. Center, Junior Laura De Penning plays a solo in a Jazz I performance. “Jazz band is a fun way to be involved in band, and playing during Excellence in Electives night is a great way to share the group with the community,” said De Penning. Right, freshman Kayla Bouwman plays the chello for orchestra. “I thought [the orchestra performance] went really well. My favorite song was either ‘Grease’ or ‘Phantom of the Opera’,” said Bouwman. •Photos by Tiffany Carter , Taylor Rennich

CELEBRATE. Seniors Jake Anderson and Nick Dorman and junior Jesse Merk take a break from layout night for the Pelladium to celebrate Scholastic Journalism Week. Each member of the staff brought his/her favorite food to the “Favorite Things Dinner.” Other ways journalism classes celebrated during the week included locker signs, wearing staff t-shirts and having a dress-up day. “This was the first time I got to take part in Scholastic Journalism week, and it was a ton of fun, especially eating all of the food that we brought,” said Merk.

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STATELY POSE. Freshmen Greg Frommelt, Nathan Clayberg, Jack Parisee and Aaron Van Maanen pose at the all-state speech event Feb. 19. The freshman improv. group was the only entry to make it to the elite event. “It was really cool just being [at state] and seeing all the really skilled speech teams there. Also, it was awesome to be representing Pella as a freshman team,” said Parisee. •Photo by Mitch Shepperd

PERFORM. Senior Mika Hrdlicka plays the bassoon during her performance at Perry Band Olympics Feb. 19. Forty-six students received ‘I’ ratings at the competition; 19 received first through fifth place honors. “I really like the uniqueness and the variety that [playing the bassoon] provides me. Perry went pretty well, and interestingly to boot,” •Photo by Jessica Salpor