The View Issue 3

from park hill south

k o o B e h t y b es v i g l n r i u v o Li ok into +pa

lo ok h o b t e p c e d a f n i ith an w d e n i intertw

ge

eig

ht.

Volume thirteen

issue number three, october 28, 2010

south side hauntings

students share their scary stor

ies

+page thirteen.

f o n o i t evolsucary movies

do modern films outscare thosev e . i before them? p a g e f

+

Table of Contents

a bump in t he road BTW................................................

TMI FYI...........................................

OMG ...............................................

FAQ................................

LOL ...............................................

MVP..................................................... +page eleven.

w e e z y f re e d ............................ +page six.

photo by austin cosler

issue three, oct. 28, 2010

p a ra no r ma l acti vi ty

+page thirteen.

c r e e p - f re e we e k

n ati o n a l me ri t

+page eight.

s ho r t s ho rts cut sho rt + p a ge f o u r.

be s t f o ot f o rwa rd +page twenty-one.

Letter from the editor b y j esse m cginness To be quite honest, any word I write here could completely alter the perception of my standing in the public’s eye.

So, what exactly holds me to my typed up word?

Technically, I can spew any fact and bear false witness only to a list of ten --one that seems so old that it was told to be carved into stone-- and any reader would know no difference. Yet I tell the truth, and I will even go as far as to say 'I cross my heart', seeing as that is only but the most unbreakable of vows.

But, what exactly is the value of honesty? It is told that the pen is mightier than the sword, so what gives us that moralistic tug to tell the truth?

Now correct me if this perception is too limited to any

+page two.

given high school environment, but it seems that people like to blow up their own image. Whether by speaking or by a little fib written on a Facebook wall, people love to lie. For some, it’s a sense of accomplishment; for others, it’s the human tendency to polish up our own pride. Whatever the reason being, there is a logical cure to this tongue-twisting disease.

No matter how we argue our own existence, there is no skewing the fact our life is what we make of it. And in the end, we will look back to the choices and the roads that we chose and there will be one of two things to say: ‘I am proud’, or ‘I regret’. I don’t know about you, but saying how I feel not only gives me the gut feeling of moralistic approval, but when I look back, I will be gleaming in my own honest-pride.

I would only hope that you will say the same thing.

cover cartoon/design by alec russell

photo by amanda danneau-rever

+page ten.

FACE th e view st aff e d i t o r i al

2

WBWRLCYWBATUEWISHAYWBLAITE. I mean, surely you get the drift. Right?

For those of you that don’t know it yet (or do not understand the totally hip-IM speak above), herein lies the most advanced levels of communication that technology today can offer: Social Networking. Man has transcended the art of the quill and has moved on to the obviously more efficient art of making more of a statement in less of a word count.

Since every reader here is existing in this ever-changing technological state, we all know that the most popular form of keeping in touch is that of texting and FB chat. It is easy, convenient and worldly. So naturally, in this hectic day-to-day living, it seems that all we need is a convenient way to maintain a relationship. But are these techniques really the epitome of communication? Has OMG finally beat out the shocked eyebrow lift of body language?

If you have been one of many to delve into the native speak of the virtual world, it may be a bit of an understatement to say that the intended message can sometimes get lost in translation. A simple gesture of the smiley face can accidentally be transformed into a romantic innuendo. Or one of your closest friends can text you a

facebook start communicating personally or risk facing a virtual reality

genuine confession of ‘I think I <3 you’, and in the awkward confusion of whether they are being serious or not, you respond with the poor word choice of laugh-out-loud. In hindsight, many would realize that a phone conversation would have been in better taste. But alas, if awky situations are your forte, then be our guest and choose the virtual route.

Has OMG finally beat out the RAISED eyebrow lift of body language? ...Another shortcoming in the foundation of Facebook is something that is starting to become an extinct skill-set for us millenials: face-to-face communication. No longer are a smile and a wave commonly found in public places. We have gone away from the purest method of carrying out exactly what we want to say and moved to the most impersonal way of doing so. If we keep down the path that the Internet has set for

us, it may be likely that one would find a virtual invite to a virtual DP at the virtual RR. In spite of this mess of impersonal hellos and multi-meaning smiley faces, there are some upsides to the interweb. For example, Skype is a new technology that attempts to converge the new ways with the old.

With Skype, users now partake in a video face-to-face chat as if they were standing in the same room. It is built for all those who aren’t lucky enough to have all their family members under one roof. Shucks, even the newest iPhone has a face-to-face chat setting.

So, in the end, what can we do? Well, sadly, the modern world leaves no rest for the wicked and compassion is something hard to find at ease. But, if we go the extra mile, maybe the humanity of holding a door for a stranger can help us feel, well, like humans.

As it was stated in a very confusing-yetconvenient acronym at the very beginning of this editorial: We Bet With Real-Life Communication You Would Be Able To Understand Exactly What Is Said Here And You Would Be Less Annoyed In The End.

it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it

the face is capable of

250,000 expressions

there are more than

5,000 distinct hand gestures

words account for only 7% of human communication tone of voice accounts for 38% body language accounts for 55%

source: wharton university studies

+page three.

lol.

Short shorts Cut

Loss of team sports tradition saddens students b y j o n holden

I

t’s fourth block, the end of the day, and the beginning of Short Shorts Friday. The boys of team sports put on their short shorts, tank tops, tube socks and alwaysfamous headbands. They walk out into the hallway mentally prepared for an intense game of dodgeball.

But what they witness instead are the coaches looking at them in a less-than-satisfied fashion as they are told to go back and change into their normal gym attire. Short Shorts Friday has been banned forever.

Short Shorts Friday, a five-year tradition in South’s Team Sports classes, was banned, but questions still remain among students as to the reason why. P.E. teachers see it as a clear-cut issue.

“It should be banned. There is no need for that much skin to be seen on a man, ever,” said Anthony Perry, P.E. The decision to take away the privilege of Short Shorts Friday was a department decision, as the P.E. teachers got together and decided to make the change.

“We came to a consensus, as a group,” said Karen McConnell, P.E. The P.E. teachers said they never had an issue with the idea of short shorts. It was a fun and entertaining twist

SHORT

to the sometimes long days as a coach. However, it was when students took it too far that a decision had to be made.

“It became an issue when it became too revealing in the wrong areas,” McConnell said.

Coaches may have blown the whistle on Short Shorts Friday, but the disappointment still runs through students minds.

“I liked it a lot,” said senior Mike Kegin. “I was the only junior to do it and I had a blast.”

Despite the fond memories, P.E. teachers have made a final decision.

“We write a fine line, and there are other ways to have fun,” McConnell said.

Even with mixed ideas on the new regulation in place, a rule is a rule. Short Shorts Friday is gone forever, but at the same time, it is not the first time that students have had a negative reaction to a new regulation.

All that is left to say is: R.I.P. S.S.F.

What was your favorite part of Short Shorts Friday?

“It gives a good breeze,” said Drew Hilgendorf, senior. + p a ge f o u r.

“Stretching,” said “You just feel, you know, free,” Mike Kegin, senior. said Grant Kirschbaum, senior.

Evolution of

Scary

Movies

Imagine being a psychiatrist for over fifteen years. A new case is assigned and it’s time for the magic of therapy to begin. While visiting a child in

the hospital, he opens his mouth and recites the words that would have by eliz a b e t h wi l l i a ms anyone thinking they are in way over their heads: ‘I see dead people.’

Scary movies featuring scenes like this are almost as American as apple pie. They have been a part of the American culture since the late 1890s.

Although the point of scary films has been to strike fear in the weak of heart for decades, with time, scriptwriters have become even more creative with the psychological side of the movies, as seen with “The Sixth Sense.”

Horror movies started out as nothing more than just that, horror. From the black and white ''Frankenstein'' (1931) to the ''Wolf Man'' (1941) and, of course, the unforgettable ''Blob'' (1958) that coated everything in its path with goop, the classics will continue to live on from generation to generation, ketchup-blood included.

“Some of them are kind of corny, but they’re still pretty creepy,” said Dane Taylor, junior.

To be fair, ketchup is not all that bothersome when one has the privilege of watching the monsters that were once disregarded as imaginary come to life on the big screen. “The Shining” (1988) actually made a gross income of $44 million, according to boxofficemojo.com and, according to imdb.com, “Dawn of the Dead” made $55 million--impressive considering a small child could out-jog the on-screen zombies.

Obviously, people weren’t flooding to these movies for the graphics, but for the story and the thrill. Today the thrill and mind tricks are portrayed as equal counterparts that balance one another. In other words, people don’t just watch horror movies to jump out of their seats, but to also question whether or not it’s really safe to turn the lights out at night.

“With ‘The Sixth Sense’, it’s more about psychology, not really to scare you,” said Sophie Moody, junior.

Scientists and psychologists are still unsure of why so many people love horror movies when it’s elementary that self-preservation is purely instinctual. Webmd.com reiterates the beliefs of novelist Steven King who believes people watch scary movies so that they do not actually act on violent thoughts or have violent tendencies. Although others suspect stimulation of the senses to be the reason for why people love to watch movies that can potentially generate negative feelings, sometimes the fact of the matter is, that there isn’t always a reason.

“It’s just to get your adrenaline rushing. Everyone likes that at some point,” said Moody.

Computer graphics have become a huge part of the scare industry today. Instead of making a second-rate monster from a person in costume, technicians can implant a graphic, realistic-looking monster like in “War of the Worlds” or “Cloverfield” right on screen, complete with features that would otherwise defy the laws of physics, like seven tails or three moving eyes. The art of make-up should also not be forgotten.

That department has come a long way from face paints to nylon, bringing characters like those in “Alien vs. Predator” to life.

Taylor has high hopes for future flicks, as technology can only keep advancing.

“3-D is in. I think 4-D [is next] or something where the creatures come out and attack you and bring you into the movie,” said Taylor.

Regardless of what the future brings, at the end of the day it’s all about living in the present for most movie-goers.

Before going into the next horror flick, be sure the popcorn bag is glued to your lap, as you never know what monster is going to make you jump out of your seat. >>For a review of the latest scary movie to hit the big screen, “Paranormal Activity 2,” log on to phsview.com

view tmi.

of the new tube by harrison white

$#*! My Dad Says

William Shatner is back, and no, it's not in a travel service commercial. CBS’s new show, which is inspired by a Twitter feed by Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker, is about a grumpy old man named Ed Goodson, played by William Shatner, whose son is laid off and has to come live with his father. Shatner plays the generic grumpy war veteran who scares off girl scouts and goes to bed at 8 p.m. It's funny (and even has the exaggerated studio audience so you know when to laugh), but easily forgettable.

CBS Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Raising Hope Raising Hope is a unique comedy. It takes place in the present, but in a town that's a little behind the times.

It's about a kid, Jimmy Chance, who gets a girl pregnant on a one night stand. Jimmy now has to deal with all the problems of being a single parent. ''Secret Life'' meets ''Napolean Dynamite''? Works surprisingly well.

Fox Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Hawaii 5-0 A well done remake/continuation of CBS’s long running original series, ''Hawaii 5-0''. No more Steve McGarrett; he has been replaced by his son Chris as the new protagonist.

Chris is trying to hunt down those responsible for the murder of his father, and to clean up Hawaii’s crime scene in the process. The remake is not without its references to the old show. McGarrett’s partner is still playfully called “Danno” and Steve--before his death-- managed to restore a Mercury Marquis.

CBS Mondays at 9 p.m.

Outsourced Outsourced is a comedy about a novelty item telemarketing company that has been outsourced to India. Ben Rappaport plays an American manager, who knows almost nothing about Indian culture. The comedy does its best to stay away from racism, but at times seems offensive to Indian culture. It has its funny moments, but is far from being re-run bound.

NBC Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.

+page five.

behind the lyrics: Sex Drugs and Rock n’ Roll “Passing the buck” is attributing another person or group with responsibility for their actions.The “buck” continues to be passed and record label and artists alike continue to be pinned as the culprit.

It is not surprising that parents are looking for someone to blame for their sons’ and daughters’ promiscuity. In the US alone around 750,000 teenagers become pregnant each year, according to Teen Pregnancy Prevention.

As the baby bottles begin to add up, so do the fingers pointing toward the music industry, specifically rap music.

It’s hard to imagine a time when sex hasn’t sold. Even when the first beat was laid down in Mr. Caveman’s cave, sex was around. It’s no new trend and it is definitely nothing that has been brought on by a new string of beats.

The only difference from now and then is no one hides it. Whether it is media or music, sexuality is being blasted louder than John Cusack’s boom box in ''Say Anything.''

If you have ever listened to rap, you are familiar with the sometimes raunchy and indisputably dirty lyrics from Plies. In Plies' song ''Headboard,'' he says, ''What you want in your stomach, a girl or a boy?'' Excuse me while I throw up.

You're entitled to your own opinion, but I find it to be completely ridiculous that people want to blame teenage promiscuity on music. Even music from our parents' generation wasn't safe. Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis were both blackballed for their hip swinging music.

But the buck doesn't stop there. Not only is the music industry taking the rap for the increase in teen pregnancy, but they are also the poster child for - drum roll please, murder.

As the party swings into full motion, the DJ puts on an Eminem song, his voice filling the room with a steady boom of the bass, ''I'm withholding my anger. Though I'd like to be the strangler.'' Somewhere in the midst of the ''DP'' a murder is committed. It may sound like a modern day version of Clue, but it is more real than you may think.

The detective arrives on the scene as a timid boy exclaims, ''It is all Eminem's fault. He made me do it.'' And after the investigation, the boy does a few years in a mental ward. As for Eminem, well,

+page six.

he would be paying millions to the family of a murderer.

No one seems to be safe from the ''buck.'' The truth is, similar court cases have been spreading like wild fire around the United States. Two 20-year-olds from California, Amber Riley and Jason Harris, said that they got the idea of murdering Taylor Terry from a Slipknot song. They told police that they had planned the murder for months, and lured Terry to Perris Hill Park, where they stabbed him 20 times and slit his throat, according to the San Bernardino County Sun. Harris and Riley said they were inspired by the lyrics, ''I wanna slit your

by ida p a t t o n

throat and F*** the wound.'' Although the lyrics might be lewd and violent, they do not say, ''Harris and Riley, I want you to go kill Taylor brutally in a public park.''

Music is the outlet to erase every bit of oppression on a person's soul. It is a friend to a kid in need. It is my sanctuary.

But the one thing that it is not, is a tool for murder or teenage pregnancy. After all, you can say that it was the gun who killed the man, but someone's finger had to be on the trigger. Unfortunately, too many people follow Ice Cube's advice: ''I can say what I want to say, ain't nothin to it, gangsta rap made me do it.''

! k c a B s ’ y z e e W After months in prison, Lil Wayne is soon to be freed b y d anny ker w in

'Free Weezy!’ You’ve seen

the shirts everywhere. These, as many know, come from the jail sentencing of rapper Dwayne Carter, Jr. better known by his rap name of Lil Wayne.

Carter began his eight month prison sentence on March 8 stemming from gun charges in 2007, and is scheduled to be released from jail Nov. 5.

People all over the country are ecstatic for his release, including students at South.

“I’m so glad he’s out. I’m pumped for his future work,” said Dylan Huber, junior.

But will Lil Wayne be as good postprison as he was before?

Joe Pearson, senior, said, “He’s had plenty of time to think. He’s going to be unstoppable.”

Pearson is not the only critic who thinks Carter will be great after time in prison.

“He’s still Wayne. Period,” said Zac Ricketts, sophomore.

Although in jail, Carter has still released songs through the help of Young Money Entertainment, his record company. “I Am Not a Human Being,” a mini-album featuring 10 songs, was released on his birthday, Sept. 27.

Cost of Free Weezy Shirts

Hot Topic = $22.00 ---------------------------------------theTshop.com = $15.99 ---------------------------------------Amazon.com = $22.00 The album features tracks of him working with other members of Young Money, such as Drake and Nicki Minaj. But now that he’s out of jail, who could be his next partner in music?

“I want to see him go country, maybe do some work with Toby Keith,” said Darren Davis, senior.

Michelle Estes, sophomore, thinks Carter works well with anyone, but prefers the Robin to his Batman.

“I want to see him keep working with Drake,” said Estes.

Carter was always prideful of being “the best rapper alive,” taking after Jay-Z’s original nickname.

But Wayne is not the only one who thinks so highly.

“Weezy’s still the best rapper alive,” said Jamir Brown, junior. “No one else is even close.”

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living by the Book an in-depth

look at

our lives intertwined with facebook

creep-free week.

Giving up facebook for a week proves to be a difficult experience

b y m alana br adf or d

The most boring week of my life began on Sept. 28, 2010: the week I gave up Facebook.

Okay, so maybe not literally the most boring week, but it was definitely a tough challenge.

My seven-day freedom from “the book” was an experiment inspired by the one constructed at the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. Facebook, along with all other popular social networking sites, were blocked for every student and staff member while on campus for exactly one week. It wasn’t a punishment for the small school, but simply a way to open people’s eyes to the amount of time they spend on these sites.

My at-home version of this experiment did just that, however, I wouldn’t say it made not logging on any less difficult.

I suppose I picked a bad week to do this because I started the Monday after Homecoming. Nobody will ever know how hard it was for me to not get on and obsess over every one’s newly-uploaded dance pictures. But I eventually got over it and found new ways to pass the time.

Instead of spending hours refreshing my FB homepage to see new statuses and people poking me, I cleaned my house and read novels. On the third day of the long week, I even went to Barnes and Noble and bought two books just so I had something to do. I think everyone and their mothers would agree that I got more accomplished without this Internet distraction, but that doesn’t mean I’d give it up for good.

facebook - 359

+page eight.

There are 500 million active facebook users in the world. 500 million people cannot be wrong! I will admit that perhaps Facebook isn’t the best way to spend my time, and “face-stalking” isn’t a real hobby, but Facebook does have its perks.

For example, the average user has 130 friends, according to facebook.com. That’s 130 people you might otherwise not be in touch with. Facebook is a way to keep in touch with family and friends, and even meet new people. Or, in my case, you may actually be forced to have a face-to-face conversation with someone, to find out what’s going on on FB. Another thing I personally love about Facebook is that it is now socially acceptable to be creepy. Let’s be honest, how often did you hear the word “creepin’” before the world of Facebook was created? Now it’s an everyday thing.

If nothing else, keeping up with your Facebook makes it easier to manage. For example, six days without it (yes, I cheated, and got back on a day early) resulted in 47 notifications, 12 pokes, eight friend requests and two messages. Checking all of those was such a hassle.

I suppose not everyone creeps as hard as I do. But whether you get on Facebook once a week, or 10 times a day, the experiment is an interesting concept and not as easy as you might think.

So I challenge each and every one of South’s Facebook users to give it up--for a day, week or even a month. See what you get done. After all, there is more to life than your status. facebook - 360

teens between s p e n d a p p r o x im t h e a g e s o f 1 5 - 1 7 at online evereyl yw1 9 .9 h o u r s eek

The face of our generation

omg.

Get the real story of how facebook came to be the center of our lives

WH4T’5 UP?

H3LL0!

[

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by jo

bouc n a d r

acking into Harvard University’s

erty main frame, stealing intellectual prop and revolutionizing the way we all communicate all led up to one thing: e from our go-to activity when we get hom the if w kno to d nee we n school or whe actually person sitting next to us in Biology ld’s wor The d. frien boy her broke up with largest social network.

That little thing called Facebook. ion in Topping the box office with $23 mill k” wor Net ial Soc “The , kend wee its opening book lays out the history and origins of Face tor crea s ship hard and s acle and the obst e Mark Zuckerberg faced when and whil doing so.

According to rottentomato.com, “The Social Network is impeccably scripted, beautifully directed, and filled with fine performances.”

They failed to acknowledge all the tered clever comments and dry humor scat hed laug elf, mys throughout the script. I, k wit out loud a couple of times at the quic and sarcasm written by screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. by But don’t get too excited. This isn’t as such ies mov to ble para com any means d love verfore “Wedding Crashers” or the This

edy. com to es com it n whe d” “Superba us serio e mor a on drama-filled biopic takes n utio evol the s show and s eed proc tone as it our of all rols of the one thing that cont lives using intellectual

get dialogue and a story line that you’ll lost in. d At the beginning, I felt overwhelme past get but ts, at all the smart commen bt, that and this movie is, without a dou ding inclu rs, acto amazingly written. The tor Jesse Eisenberg in the lead role of crea a did Mark Zuckerberg, also phenomenal job.

With the run time topping two hours, though, it probably shouldn’t be a top choice to see at a late viewing on a Wednesday night.

The few drug and sex scenes keep you ity, interested and pull you back to real ple peo iant brill e thos reminding you that age aver e thes t Tha ge. colle in are just of Joes aren’t that much older than all that g thin the nted inve they us and allows us to publicize our personal lives is hard to believe--although the truth of this movie is still debated among the people involved.

I wouldn’t say this was my “favorite for movie of all time” but it has promise a for ing look are others. If any of you on a good movie to see with the family or sure for ld wou I t, uneventful Friday nigh recommend this one because it won’t disappoint.

You never know--maybe that person sitting next to you in Personal Finance could be the next Mark Zuckerberg.

s consume k oo er 700 onthly b e ov sm fac n minute billio

source: facebook.com/stats

500

million

people use facebook

nd fourteen a n e e t ir h t f o 54% year olds have a facebook +page nine.

S p r e a d i n g the word faq.

Senior uses his own experience to educate about the reality of eating disorders

b y st ep h a ni e gri ffi t h

Pale, skinny girls who do not eat anything and spend time in rehab learning to love themselves again is the image of eating disorders portrayed by the media. But that is not always the case. At South,

one student stepped forward with his own story to educate and help other students.

At first glance, senior Chris McCarthy looks like a healthy, 17-year-old high school student. He is not pale or sickly looking, but McCarthy struggles every day with his weight and body image. Last year he was diagnosed with bulimia.

“It doesn’t go away,” said McCarthy. “[Eating disorders] are treatable, not cureable.” …..

Bulimia is a disease which involves binging, meaning that a person takes in a large amount of food, and then purging, meaning he I still have to look in the or she expels the food from body almost mirror and tell myself-- their immediately after eating. ‘you are who you are During the summer of and you look fine.’

2009, McCarthy admitted to binging and purging once a day. This habit continued into the school year and grew until McCarthy passed out after gym class. After being discovered by a teacher, he was taken to the nurse’s office, but McCarthy said he hid the truth from them.

“After that, I told my mom when she picked me up from school. She spazzed,” McCarthy said.

His mother contacted VITA--an eating disorder treatment facility in Kansas City where, in September 2009, McCarthy spent three weeks for in-patient counseling and treatment.

“It was not fun. At VITA, you don’t control anything that you do,” McCarthy said.

This controlling environment motivated McCarthy to get out. Once cleared medically, he still secluded himself from friends at school because he continued to struggle.

“I still have to look in the mirror and tell myself--’you are who you are and you look fine’,” said McCarthy.

Almost a year after being diagnosed, McCarthy decided it was time to stop hiding and take his experiences to help others. The topic of eating disorders is not commonly talked about because McCarthy said he thought people found the subject “awkward and uncomfortable.” He thought it was time to shed light on the disease.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from an eating disorder, contact one of these centers Midwest Center for Eating Disorders at Research Medical Center 816-276-3880 Helpline for the National Eating Disorders Association 1-800-931-2237

+page ten.

“I don’t care if people know now,” said McCarthy. “It made me a stronger person.”

After talking to Amy Schneider, health, he set up times to give a presentation about eating disorders to the freshmen health classes. His presentation left an impression on some freshmen like Ashton Anderson.

“I learned what people really go through,” said Anderson.

At first, Anderson felt shocked because McCarthy was so comfortable with the subject matter.

“I always thought of [eating disorders] people who looked pale,” said Anderson. “He looked so healthy.”

McCarthy has taken his presentation to all four health classes in first quarter and done two middle school presentations at Lakeview as well. But the point of his speeches are not to publicize his own life or draw on sympathy from others; he said his intention has always been to educate students and hopefully prevent someone from going through the struggle of eating disorders.

“At the end, I ask the class to raise their hand if they learned something new about eating disorders,” said McCarthy. “They all raise their hands.”

Scholastic S e m i- Finalists

Students recognized for academic achievements by austin c osler

D

uring the month of September, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NAMSC) began to make announcements regarding its annual scholarship program based on results of the PSAT. Three South seniors, Emily Foltz, Abhijit Gullapalli and Julia Zhao, made the qualifications for the semi-finalists.

“I’ve always known I’ve wanted to be a doctor, and I know there’s no way my parents could pay for my education. So this will really help ease the burden,” said Gullapalli.

The seniors will now start the procedure to compete for positions as finalists in the program. If awarded a finalist position, a student could earn up to $2,500 in scholarships for in state colleges. Upon receiving a scholarship, the students’ choice of colleges are made a little easier.

“Wherever you thought you were going to go to college, stretch it out,” said Dr. Dale Longenecker, principal.

Of the 1.5 million entrants, the students who do not make it to the semi-finals or finals but still score higher than average on the PSAT are recognized as Commended Scholars for being in the top five percent of all the students who participated in the event.

Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses.

Three more seniors, Timothy Lee, Michelle Royle and Dillon Ryel, were awarded by receiving this letter.

This marks the most students ever recognized at South by the NAMSC in a single year.

Raising Dough from Cookie Dough

Foreign Language Department fundraises for change b y c ydney conner

The second pod of the senior hallway is all about language. With

French, Spanish, German and even Chinese calling the pod home, there is always something new and interesting to learn.

However, with little budget help from the district, the foreign language department is taking matters into their own hands.

Starting Sept. 29, the foreign

money! in every langauge Dinero = Spanish L’argent= French

Geld = German

Qián =Chinesse

language department began selling cookie dough, along with other things including magazines, food and holiday-related items, to raise money for learning supplies. Also, they accepted donations from families and students that just wanted to help.

“The purpose of the fundraiser is to raise money for the department curricular needs that cannot be met with funds from the district and/or state,” said Mary Anderson, Spanish.

The department is not new to fundraising. They fundraise every two to three years, in order to ensure they do not have the same customers.

“These are items that help make the learning more realistic, updated, cultural and to help fund our foreign language scholarship we provide a senior each year to continue studying foreign languages or to compliment someone who has done a great

d a o p i R m n t he u It’s Ju st a B

btw.

job studying a foreign language,” said Meredith Williams, German.

As for some of the students, they are going above and beyond to help the department. Jordan Burch, junior, sold 21 items for the fundraiser. Burch said it was not hard at all to sell the items, as she just gave the packet to her mom, grandma and boyfriend’s mom. They picked out what they wanted and then turned it in, raising $216 for the department.

“All languages need money. It is not a we-versus-them thing,” said Williams.

The fundraiser ended Oct.12. Not quite reaching their goal to sell 1,000 items, teachers said they are still happy with the results. Whether it was selling cookie dough or candy, they took action in promoting the education of foreign language students.

traffic mayhem causes confusion b y b l a ke reser

A

major population of South students and teachers take both Brinkmeyer Road, High Drive Road and the bridge in Parkville to get to the school. Getting from home to school for class, games, meetings and clubs has been more of a challenge latley due to the construction of these roads.

Many South student live in Thousand Oaks and Hidden Valley, which are located on Brinkmeyer Road. Instead of these students and teachers being able to drive straight toward Parkville, they have to take an alternate route. They have to go around to the other Brinkmeyer Road past The Station, and then get back on Highway 45.

“Going all the way around takes almost another seven minutes extra,” said Andy Keefer, social studies teacher.

According to MoDOT.com, Brinkmeyer was supposed to be done by August 2010. Since the road hasn’t been finished on time, now locals are faced with the challenge of having to find different ways to travel.

Not only does this construction make the drive longer but traffic tends to build up in the mornings, because there is only one way to get out of these two big neighborhoods.

“I usually leave around 5:30 a.m. so I can avoid the crazy traffic,” said Keefer.

High Drive and the bridge in Parkville have also been hit with some construction. High Drive leads to the back gate at South,

and although still driving on that road is okay, there have been many machines blocking the way making the road one lane, which causes traffic problems.

“The mornings are just annoying because there will be traffic that builds up to get into the school because they are trying to repave all that road,” said Miranda Henderson, junior.

MoDOT.com also reports that White Aloe Branch Bridge was supposed to be under construction no later then July 14, but that never happened.

Dr. Dale Longenecker, principal, sent out an initial e-mail to South parents about how the bridge would be closed on September 24, but the construction has yet to begin and has now been delayed until spring.

Since the timing of the road closing on Highway 9 has been so unclear, teachers and students have decided to take alternate ways to school, such as taking I-29 up to the Riverside exit and going in through the back gate on the side where they are not doing construction.

Despite the inconvenience, some drivers do not mind the construction due to its benefits.

In Keefer’s opinion, “There isn’t too much construction going on. Construction is progress and progress is good.” >>for additional construction coverage, visit phsview.com

+page eleven.

When

LOL

Becomes

OMG

New stats on texting while driving question texting bans

The state of Missouri roads may have been altered significantly on Sept.

28, when a national traffic safety conference was held here in Kansas City.

One of the main topics of conversation was texting while driving, a discussion fueled by some new information that may make lawmakers reevaluate the laws currently in place.

Thirty-eight states have passed laws restricting texting behind the wheel, including Kansas and Missouri. In some studies it was found that a few states (Louisiana, California and Minnesota) actually saw the number of crashes increase after the ban was instituted, with some experts pointing out that drivers now must hide their phones to dodge the law while still attempting to pilot a vehicle at the same time.

The discrepancy goes against many of the studies used to outlaw texting in the first place, but are not necessarily conclusive. In fact, some government officials, including US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood,

told various media sources that the study [claiming the bans caused more crashes] was “misleading and rife with flaws.”

So does that mean that it is safe to text and drive?

Not quite. Just ask senior Kelsey Lindberg, who herself was a victim of distractions behind the wheel. Her accident occurred over the summer after a brief lapse in concentration.

“I looked down for a second [at my phone] just to see who the text was from,” Lindberg said.

That second happened to be the difference between stopping at a stop sign and missing it. Lindberg ran the stop sign and rear ended the car in front of her.

“The worst part about it was that my brother was in the car,” Lindberg said. “It was scary to know I put his life in danger.”

According to an article from The Kansas City Star on Sept. 28, cell phones were the biggest reason for distracted drivers in 2009 in Missouri.

Even still, these stats may represent a small number of multitasking drivers.

School Resource Officer Matt Westrich made it clear that catching drivers on their phones is harder than it looks.

“It’s difficult for police officers,” said Westrich. “Did an independent witness

[observe] a driver texting when their eyes should have been looking forward to the roadway? If not, then there won’t be an accurate method of reporting texting as a probable contributing circumstance to an accident.”

Not only that, but Westrich’s problems are exacerbated by the Missouri law that only enforces the texting ban to drivers under 21.

“I personally believe the law was poorly written and executed. The lawmakers should be ashamed of themselves,” Westrich said. “This law should apply to all drivers, not just target a certain age group.”

Not enough data has been collected for Missouri to come to a conclusion whether its ban, created in August of 2009, is effective or not. But many, including Lindberg, agree that there are better ways to solve the problem.

“After my accident, my parents and I agreed on a rule to keep my phone in the trunk when I’m driving,” Lindberg said.

“They always tell me -- and I agree -- that the phone can wait.”

As Lindberg has learned, the phone will always be there when she gets out of the car. The trick is being able to get out of the car at the end of the ride.

2,539 AVERAGE TEEN >>3, 339 teen females >> 4,050 teen males >>

txt per month

by da n n y jo n es

txt per month

txt per month

Source: Nielsen Study 2010

will play in NYC in the spring Marching to New York Members of band andbyorchestra m alana br adf or d

F

For the first time ever, South’s symphonic band and orchestra members are traveling to New York City to play at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. They were selected to be one of nine schools that will get to play for the Heritage Festival.

At the end of last year, the students went to a recording studio and recorded CDs of themselves playing. After that, the recordings were sent in and entered for the chance to play in NYC. They found out this summer that they had been selected.

Jennifer Marks, senior, has been playing the violin for the school orchestra since seventh grade and is traveling to NYC. Marks said, “I’m really excited. Everyone wants to play there, and we get to see a Broadway play!”

Tyler Obico, junior, who plays the saxophone in South’s symphonic band, and said the best part of going to New York will be missing two days of school and getting to be with his friends.

Marks said, “[I know we’ll have fun because] we’re one big dysfunctional family.”

While in New York, the students will visit Ellis Island and Central

+page twelve.

Park, see either “Wicked” or “The Lion King” on Broadway and go shopping, according to Obico.

All of this doesn’t come cheap. The price for each student to go on the trip is roughly $1350.00.

Ben Andersen, junior, said, “A parent group has been deciding on fundraising ideas, but nothing is set in stone.”

Andersen plays cello for the symphonic orchestra and is also excited for the trip.

“It’s going to be pretty awesome. It’s my first time to New York,” said Anderson.

Obico agreed with Andersen and also said this will be unlike any field trip he’s been on, mostly because they are taking a plane instead of a bus.

If for some reason all the sight-seeing, flying Delta and playing at Carnegie Hall is not entertaining enough, Andersen has another idea to pass the time.

“Pulling pranks on the freshman at the hotel,” said Andersen.

All the excitement happens in April, so be sure to congratulate and wish luck to the band and orchestra students.

“We’re one big dysfunctional family.”

south side haunting

paranormal activity at south

P

fyi.

b y ma ri e h a h n

eople have always questioned what lies behind the to unknowing babysitters, South has seen it all. unexplained slam of a door, the creak of a swing on Laura Sickman, junior, was only trying to earn some a calm, wind-free night, the eerie noise you swear extra cash with her job as a babysitter, but no sum could you heard but nobody else did. Some may call it compensate for what she and her friend Erica Welch a coincidence, others blame it on the paranormal. Despite experienced babysitting at a mansion in The Bluffs. how a person perceives these occurrences, nearly everyone “It had a really creepy driveway and was just a scary experiences something that cannot be explained. Students looking house,” said Sickman. at South shared countless stories of their own, from Ouija The girls had heard that the man who had lived in the Board experiences gone too far, to unwanted, unseen house beforehand had constantly talked to his dead visitors in homes. Each story left one thinking of a possible relatives in one of the rooms. Rumor had it the man had logical solution, but none could be found. eventually killed himself in the house.

Two years ago, Jake Wickersham and his mother and sister “The boy we were babysitting kept wanting to go play decided to visit the Warner House downtown. The Warner right next to the door where the man had killed himself,” House is supposedly haunted by the Mayor of Kansas City said Sickman. “We thought that was really creepy.” in the 1800s, along with his five children. All of the family The boy was around 4-years-old, right around the age members died in that very house, with one of the daughters where children begin to know how to recite the alphabet. passing away in a fire. People who visit the Warner House The babysitters put the boy to bed, and soon after, Sickman today cannot not go to the top floor of the house, because said she could hear the boy reciting his ABC’s from his the family room “really is said to creepily, almost still be possessed.” living there.

They went back Wickersham upstairs and and his asked him who family were shown a tour of the he was singing the alphabet house, and were fascinated by its to. He replied George, and the history. girls assumed George was his On the way home from the tour, imaginary friend. Sickman and the family stopped at the Marriott Welch told the boy to get to bed, Hotel to eat. Wickersham’s and left. sister and mother went to the The girls heard the boy singing bathroom before leaving, where his alphabet two other times, they had their first terrifying and each time the boy was encounter with the spirits from confronted, he would deny doing the Warner House. As they walked so. By the third time, the girls out of the bathroom stalls, the became more firm with the boy, six faucets in the room turned saying it was really time he went on what they said felt was only a to sleep. At that moment all of foot behind them. As they turned the books on the bookshelf flew around, nobody was there, and all to the floor. was silent again.

“We started screaming, we The creepy encounters did not were terrified,” said Sickman. end there. Wickersham had been Though it is not unlikely that with his friends that night, when some occasions of unexplained he got a phone call from his panicphenomena can be pushed to stricken sister. the back of the mind, some “She told me she heard the students at South have had little girls in her room again. experiences in which one could Apparently she was sitting up in only believe that there is, in fact, her bed scared, when suddenly a paranormal world. something flew under her bed. >>watch video of more students We think the girls from the Sauer Castle, in Shawnee Mission, Kan. recounting their paranormal Warner House followed us home Photo by Austin Cosler experiences at phsview.com that night,” said Wickersham.

From supernatural seekers

sickman said she could hear the boy reciting his abc’s from his room “really creepily, almost possessed.”

+page thirteen.

mvp.

Love For Our Boys in Red The Wins, The Losses, The Controversy

Sept. 13 could have just been an average autumn day, but the thing that made it special was the rise of the scoreboard in the Chiefs’ favor.

The Chiefs faced the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead and many fans did not predict a win.

“I didn’t think that we would have had this strong of a start,” said Rayven Blum, junior.

The smell of victory hung heavily in Arrowhead Stadium thanks to the 2114 victory. That day, Kansas City bled red and yellow.

“I have never been more proud to be a Kansas Citian than after a game like that,” said Hayley Barr, junior.

The Chiefs had not only an undefeated start but their 3-0 record was also the best in years.

Blum said, “After the first three wins I really began to believe they had a chance to go all the way.”

However, the 3-0 record was short lived. In their fourth game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts, the

Chiefs walked away from the game with something to be humble about. Though many critics doubted the Chiefs’ ability to take the win, some fans still remained on the red and yellow side.

“I really did think they had a chance to take this game after their good season start,” said Paul Distefano, math.

To contradictory prediction, the Chiefs gave sports fans everywhere a run for their money, holding the Colts to a 9-9 tie for the first half of the game, but did not hold up long. The Chiefs walked away from the Lucas Oil Stadium with a hard-fought game, but a loss of 9-19 just the same.

Blum felt that although the Chiefs went home with a loss, they still deserved to revel in their small success: stopping the offense of Peyton Manning. “[Although they lost] they played well, and our defense held [the Colts] to only one touchdown,” Blum said.

Along with the ball, their record was also dropped, as Dwayne Bowe dropped the ball more than once. As the Colts headed into the last few minutes of the fourth quarter with a 9-6 lead, the Chiefs

by ida pat t o n

made a last-second attempt to take the win. Matt Cassel’s pass soared toward the hands of Bowe, who dropped it. No touchdown, no lead, no fourth win.

Chiefs fans everywhere put their heads down and wondered where it went wrong.

Joe Cornejo, junior, and Blum felt that the loss mainly came down to two players: Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe.

“That drop was almost as bad as Cassel’s throwing,” said Blum.

Many fans pointed an accusatory finger toward Dwayne Bowe. Michael Kincaid, sophomore, and Miguel Gonzalez, security, also felt that Bowe was to blame for the 9-19 loss.

Kincaid said, “Dwayne dropped the ball that would have been a touchdown. It would have [also] put us in the lead.”

Kincaid and Gonzalez both agreed that despite the loss, the Chiefs are having a promising start and hope that through the remainder of the NFL season, they will be able to take what they learned from their loss against the Colts to the top--maybe even all the way to the playoffs.

BEST STARTS IN CHIEFS FRANCHISE HISTORY 2003

9-0

1996

4-0

just a bit

OUTSIDE DJ2 T

1994

3-0

3-0

2010

3-0

What’s it like to go to school with someone with the same name? Pretty sweet, actually. by danny jones

his fall, Panther sports aficionados have probably heard about (or may hear about) Daniel Jones, #2 on the football team, making plays as a defensive back and kick returner. Devoted fans may also hear about Daniel Jones, #5 on the soccer team, scoring goals as a center mid (if he gets lucky once in a while).

One of those is me. One of them isn’t. But I don’t mind if you’re confused.

When I go to football games, my name is shouted out all the time -- “Daniel Jones on the stop!” “Daniel Jones on the return!” “Touchdown, Daniel Jones!” -- even though I’ve never played under the lights at Preston Field, ever.

That’s because I don’t play football. But the other Daniel Jones does.

Anyone who doesn’t know there’s two of us thinks I am a two-sport athlete. I can tell people I don’t even know to listen for me at football games.

“Yeah, I have a soccer game in the morning, but I still have time for some plays in the third quarter. Oh, look, there I go!”

So far, DJ2 has had a pretty successful season: a combined 22-8 record along with 20 total points (in goals/touchdowns).

And there are still games left to play in November.

Maybe if it works out, we’ll score on the same night.

Then in the paper the next day, “Daniel Jones” will make headlines:

+page fourteen.

1995

DANIEL JONES HAS CAREER NIGHT WITH GOAL AND TWO TOUCHDOWNS FOR MULTI-SPORT STUD. Who would be the wiser? Our names are spelled the same.

We’re in the same grade. Like The Star would look it up anyway. They’d be as impressed as anyone.

“Did you hear about this Daniel Jones kid? I just got a call that he intercepted three passes tonight.”

“No kidding! There’s a Daniel Jones who had two assists in a soccer game tonight! Get that kid a scholarship!”

Heck, maybe I’ll get lucky with some schools. All that has to happen is a continuation of Daniel’s play on the football field and a minor error in some admissions office and I’ll be at some Division I school on a full ride at my first day of tryouts.

Coach: “Daniel Jones? Our info says six feet, 180 lbs. And you can bench 250.”

Me: “There must have been a mistake.”

But seriously -- how often do you run across someone with the same name as you? The whole point of a name is to differentiate you from other people. When you and someone else have the same name, what’s the point, right?

Wrong. That’s what’s awesome. Daniel Jones and I, wherever our paths may take us in life, will always have our name -- the one thing designed to make every person unique -- in common.

And there will be no confusion about that.

>>watch the other daniel jones’ reaction at phsview.com

Boy’s soccer KICK S THE competition to the curb With 15 new faces added to the roster, the varsity boys’ soccer team has anything but an amateur record.

by je sse m c g i n n e s s

forward.

ph ot o by ca s ey wood

Putting The Best Foot

2

to play together,” he said. “They began playing together as early as this summer, where they started on a club team.”

Tyson McGuire, senior and As of press time, the boys captain, said he believes the have held up a 17-5 record and record is a reflection of the according to Joe Toigo, head team’s heart and constant coach, luck has played very little practice. into the teams success.

“Despite how many younger “The boys’ success this year players we have, we work well is due to their sheer willingness as a team because we all want the same thing. The more practice there is, the more closer Record: 17-5 you become, and ultimately the more chemistry there is on the field,” said McGuire.

Cap t Although South has seen nothing short of a winning record from the ai Dan ny ns: igo o T team, the coaching has been one variable that has remained the same.

J T y o son n Joe McG es ch: “We coach the same way we teach: instruct and evaluate. If somebody a o u C ire didn’t get it, we go over it again,” said Toigo. “If we feel that we [as a team] have gotten something down, we move on.” tant When it comes to the future, McGuire and Toigo both agree that Assis hes: c a Leadin o there is talent among the younger players.

C kin g Sc t Sem ett t a Sean orer: “There is no building year in soccer, only a building month: M Hill Benn Josh ohning September,” said Toigo. “From that point on, you have your team, Bob B and that is team you have for the rest of the year.”

ANTHER SOC P CE 0 01 R

>>browse our soccer photo gallery

online at phsview.com

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.com

exclusive web content posted daily:

Art Space, Breast Cancer Awareness, Club Updates, Getting Paid for Grades & much more!

- weekly polls - browsable PDF of print copy - events calendar +page fifteen.

g2g.

S

+log on to phsview.com for a full, up-to-the-minute events calendar

T

M

31 1 Halloween

At 3 2SprintMuseCenter 7:30 Kansas vs.

Emporia at Kansas 7:00

7 Chiefs 8winter 9 Vs. Raiders at oakland 3:15

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sports BEGIN

14 15

16

10 17

the view staff fall 2010 Editor-in-Chief Art Director Copy Editor Business Manager Web Editor Photo Editor

Jesse McGinness Alec Russell Danny Jones Ben Andersen Tiernan Eiberger Austin Cosler

Reporters

Jordan Boucher, Malana Bradford, Cydney Conner, Stephanie Griffith, Marie Hahn, Jon Holden, Danny Kerwin, Ida Patton, Blake Reser, Harrison White and Elizabeth Williams

Adviser

Megan Hughes

T F S 29 30 28 Pick up the View

4

No School

5

Mayday Parade crown center beaumont club ice rink opens 6:30

Grilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s/Boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s XC Sectionals

6

11 12Last Chance13 to go to The Beast/Edge of Hell Haunted Houses

19 18 George Lopez at Midland 8:00

Next Issue of the View!

The Park Hill South High School newsmagazine, The View, is a part of the educational curriculum of the Park Hill School District. Although The View is a product of the newspaper class, material may be submitted for consideration from students who are not enrolled in the course. Student submissions should meet guidelines set forth in the board policy and regulation IGDB, copies of which are available in all Park Hill School District buildings.

In addition, readers are encouraged to voice their feedback and/or commentary on a timely issue by submitting a Letter to the Editor. Letters should be 250 words or less and must be submitted with the name(s) of the responsible individual(s). Bring letters to room C200 or e-mail Editor in Chief Jesse McGinnesss at jesse.mcginness@gmail.com.

Any submissions that exceed the maximum length and/or have issues with grammar, spelling or unprotected speech will be returned to the writer for revision and resubmission.

The View is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and Missouri Interscholastic Press Association.

The View is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kan.