Issue 5

»

theharbinger » »

FEATURES: Mr. Fish to release album in November » PAGE 10

A&E: New Hives album disappoints » PAGE 20

small but Fuel-efficient, practical vehicle to make Kansas City debut

» daimlerchrysler

ISSUE FIVE october 29, 2007 shawnee mission east prairie village, ks

SPORTS: Miller adapts to wide receiver » PAGE 26

BY

» bernadettemyers

here are cars that get 15 miles per gallon, start at $50,000 and take up almost two parking spaces.

But now, there is a car that gets about 40 miles per gallon, starts under $12,000 and takes up only half a parking space.

In Europe, Mercedes has sold over 800,000 models of the smart fortwo, the company’s most eco-friendly car. And

in January of 2008, the car is coming to the United States.

Smart USA, the company sponsoring the smart car’s American debut, will import three different smart car models in six different colors. The company hopes the car will be a success: over 30,000 people in the U.S. have already paid the $99 reservation fee for the smart fortwo.

NEWS

2

Being

news

EVERYMAN

Theater department prepares for more technical and advanced play

BY

» samlogan

The theater department, which is usually known for their renditions of “Grease” or “Hairspray,” is gearing up for the upcoming fall play, “Everyman,” which will be performed Nov. 8, 9 and 10.

Everyman, played by senior Maggie Blake, is a character who is summoned to death by the Lord, and seeks companionship in his journey. Many characters, including Good-Deeds, Cousin and Knowledge make promises that they will be by his side, but in the end, few stay true to their word.

“The play going to look amazing and has a really good plot to it,” junior Alec Hynes said. “It will be a lot of fun to watch and hold everyone’s attention well.”

Hynes, who plays the character of Death, said that of the three main stage plays he has been in, this story allows for a more “intimate” feel.

“The other two shows I was just an extra in, but now that I have a lead role I can see firsthand how the play is going and how the audience is reacting to it,” he said.

Tech director Tom Defeo knows that the play will be a challenge for his students. “‘Everyman’ is a rarity for a high school to do,” Defeo said.

“It’s more of a college-level production that is very technical and advanced.”

DeFeo and Brian Capello, the theater department director, decided on the play last March.

“We try to coordinate with other schools so that we aren’t showing the same things,” he said. “We also had to work around the Bond Issue… We didn’t know when and for how long we’d have the auditorium.”

The classical work, written in the Renaissance age, has been reworked by DeFeo and Capello to have a more “contemporary” feel to it, rather than “thy’s and thou’s” littering the script.

“Any playwright from the Middle Ages used it at least once, including William Shakespeare,” DeFeo said.

“Because we

try and run a cycle that allows Don’t miss: “Everyman” us to do a classic every few • Everyman is Nov. 8, 9 and 10. years, we [Capello and DeFeo] figured this would be a good • Tickets cost $7 and may be time to do it. I also wanted purchased at the door or durto do something technically ing lunch. Students who have meaty to get the kids’ creative paid the activity fee receive a juices flowing.” free ticket with their I.D. The play also allowed for more technical challenges.

“It should be a show that provides a lot of cool tech aspects while being educational and funny at the same time,” junior Grace Haun, an angel in the production, said Every day for the past few weeks, except Sundays, the tech crew has been at school for at least five hours setting the stage, designing and painting, all under DeFeo’s direction.

The stage, which will all have to be scrapped after the showings, has been getting worked over by the tech crew who is creating a set that include hidden doors and a symbolic fountain.

“It’s going to be very lavish and extravagant,” Hynes said.

“When we get to perform [Everyman], it’s going to look really awesome.”

Capello has started rehearsals in preparation for the show two weeks from now.

“I hope to see what we’ll turn out be a quality production,” DeFeo said. “there are a lot of scenes that I can’t wait to see in action, also. It will be something we’ve never done before here at East. Some of the things we’re doing are more advanced than we’ve done.”

DeFeo especially anticipates the last scene.

“It will if all goes as planned, be big,” he said, “Hopefully just as big as the play itself.”

What is “Everyman?”

LEFT: Senior Maggie Blake rehearses for her role as “Everyman.” RIGHT: The technical department works on the set two weeks before opening night. » patrickmayfield

29 oct.

2007

“Everyman,” translated from Dutch, was probably written around the 15th century. God looks down on Everyman and sees that Everyman, seeking riches and pleasures, has forgotten God. God sends the messenger, Death, and bids him to tell Everyman that he must go on a long journey.

“Everyman” – East style The script was updated to give the play a more contemporary style. Humorous parts were added, and the script contains no “thou” or “thy.”

BRIEFS

Wiffleball Tournament The annual Wiffleball tournament to benefit the can drive is today and tomorrow and Nov. 5 and 6. The games start at 7 p.m. in the gym.

Can Drive The annual Can Drive is next week. Each grade will compete against the other to see who can collect the most non-perishable items. The items will be donated to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, a local non-denominational organization helping familes in need during the holiday season.

Late Start There will be a late start Thursday. School starts at 9:40 a.m.

Coin Drop This week is coin drop week as part of the can drive.

Each grade is in competition to see who can donate the most pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters into their grades’ box. Put dollar bills into other grades’ boxes to subtract from their overall amount. The coin drop boxes are in the front hall.

MORP Come enjoy an out-of-this-world MORP on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale this week for $10 before and after school and during lunch. Portions of the MORP tickets go toward the can drive, and the proceeds will go toward each class’s collective can amount.

Debate Tournament The East debate tournament is Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. and Nov. 10 at 7 a.m. The debate judge’s clinic is Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

College Connection The next College Connection date has been changed to Nov. 15. The subject of the talk is “College Applications: What are Colleges Looking For?”

Frequent Fridays The Frequent Fridays for the quarter are: Nov. 2- Anne Hundley Nov. 30- Jane Hawkins Dec. 7- Maggie Blake Dec. 30- Lindsey Vanatta

Smart

anspor es of tr

od

ative m v o n n i , -saving s a g r e f cars of

3 NEWS

w e n g n Flexi

s e l c mus

tation

» source:daimler-chrysler

continuedfrompageone “These numbers show that America is ready for this vehicle,” Ken Kettenbeil, Smart USA’s director of communications, said.

Senior Zach Zwibelman is one of those Americans that’s ready.

Three weeks ago, Smart USA’s “street smart” road show came to Oak Park Mall in Overland Park and Zwibelman stood in line with 50 other people to test drive his dream car.

“I’d been looking forward to it for months,” Zwibelman said. “I get the smart newsletter and when I saw they were coming to Kansas City, I knew I was going no matter what.”

Zwibelman is a smart car enthusiast.

He loves how it looks, the gas mileage and it’s convenience.

“I don’t need to be driving around a seven passenger van everywhere when there’s just me,” he said.

After waiting in line for 45 minutes, Zwibelman discovered he wouldn’t actually be able to drive since he wasn’t 18, so a smart representative drove while he rode as passenger.

“The first thing I noticed was how much leg room there was,” Zwibelman said. “My mom drives a Mercury Grand Marquis and I always feel so cramped, so this was a nice change.”

This extra space is due to the fact that the dashboard is farther back than usual because the dashboard is actually made all in one piece.

Attracted by many features like this, Zwibelman would pay for his own smart

car in $120 monthly installments. This good price has made the car popular, but it wasn’t created just for Americans.

The original vehicle was created to provide solutions to many European problems. The Swatch watch company came up with a design for a different kind of car and brought it to Mercedes-Benz.

The car was meant to ease congestion and traffic flow on European streets and allow for more innovative parking options.

Smart car’s design also supports the eco-friendly movement. Not only are most of the parts the car made of recyclable materials, but the production building works to reuse thermal energy and smart suppliers have to be environmentally safe, too.

According to environmental science teacher Jim Lockard, the car will become popular because of its minimalistic qualities.

“People won’t be able to have huge mansions and huge cars forever,” Lockard said. “There just aren’t enough resources for that.”

However, with huge cars being a trend in the U.S., the small size of the smart car has prompted drivers to question its safety and how well it would hold up in a car wreck.

Junior Sam Benson feels the smart cars are too small and would collapse.

“They look unsafe because they’re small and I think they wouldn’t offer any protection if you got in a wreck,” Benson said. “Really, it looks like the wind would just blow them over.”

SYMPHONY ON FIRE

Orchestra room’s temperature reaches 120 degrees BY » gagebrummer What is the temperature necessary to melt rosin or snap a violin string?

Orchestra students learned first-hand on Oct. 22: 120 degrees.

Orchestra teacher Jonathan Lane knew that something was up when he came in to work that morning.

“From six feet away, I could feel heat coming from the room,” he said.

When he went to touch the handle, he knew that the inside of the room was not its usual drafty, cold self.

“It felt like I was opening a furnace or something,”

According to Kettenbeil, the smart car is expected to receive a four star crash rating, which is the highest rating a car can get.

“It’s up there with any car in its class,” Kettenbeil said. “It has safety features that are typically only found in luxury vehicles.”

These safety features include things like the tridion safety cell which surrounds the passengers to minimize impact in case of a crash. Also, the car is equipped with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP.) This system senses when the car is about to swerve and stabilizes the car by braking each wheel individually and reducing the engine throttle.

According to Kettenbeil, one of the more unique qualities of the smart car is that the body panels are interchangeable.

“If you have a red smart car and you wanted a blue one you could bring the car into the dealership the panels could be switched out,” Kettenbeil said. “You might even be able to bring them home and do it yourself.”

Another unique feature of the smart car is its automated manual transmission.

The driver can switch between each transmission with just the push of a button.

Kettenbeil said that the smart car should appeal to four different groups of buyers: the first time buyers, like teens, because it’s an affordable price, people in large urban cities, baby boomers who are looking for their second or third car and empty-nesters who are looking to downsize because their children have left home.

Lane says of the temperature of the room when he initially opened the door.

Normally, the inside of the room is so cold and windy that many students have to wear sweatshirts and clothespin their music to their stands. Thus, the extreme burst in temperature was a surprise to everyone.

Even more surprises were to come, when orchestra students realized that the extreme heat had damaged their instruments and equipment.

The first signs of damage came when students pulled out their rosin and noticed that in place of the normal striations of use were smooth surfaces. Rosin is normally solid at room temperature, and the orchestra students rub it on the bows of their instruments for a more resonant sound.

As a driver who fits in the first category, junior Tucker Nelson doesn’t think that high school students will be attracted to smart cars.

“They only fit two people and that could be a problem,” Nelson said. “High school kids usually drive their friends around.”

However, Nelson does think the car would be a good investment because she spends about $25 twice a week on gas for her Jeep Grand Cherokee.

“I only babysit on the weekends and so I never have enough money to fill my car up all the way,” Nelson said.

Despite the cheaper gas rates, Nelson won’t be rushing out to buy her smart car in January, but thousands of other Americans will.

Smart USA is on relying these optimistic customers and its road shows to advertise for the arrival of the Smart car.

“We are trying to appeal to the grass roots and once stores open there will be no traditional forms of advertising like television commercials,” Kettenbeil said.

“Any other advertising seen will have been done by the local dealerships.”

These local dealerships will be announced on the website www.smartusa. com in November, but Kettenbeil confirmed that there will be a smart car dealership in Kansas City.

Kettenbeil believes that this eco-friendly, smaller and less expensive car will be in demand after it’s release in the U.S. “People want to be new and make a statement,” Kettenbeil said. “This could be a car that turns a trend.”

At stove-top temperatures, however, rosin melts.

In the bass and cello room, which is separated from the orchestra room by a door, there is no instrumental damage. Rosin melted, but it was in containers so that it did not affect anything around it.

Moreover, sophomore Peter Chao noticed that not only was his rosin melted, but two of the strings on his instrument had in fact snapped from the temperature.

The only idea that anyone has on why this occurred was work that was being done on the thermostat, which read 33 degrees at the time of the incident.

Lane hopes that this event will finally gain the attention that is necessary to have the climate problem in the orchestra room solved.

issue

5

Pin Patron

NEWS

4

Junior gets state recognition for exceptional DECA design BY

Other state pins

» mikecray

When junior Eric Ellwood handed in his marketing assignment, he never expected it to get state recognition.

“I was shocked.” Ellwood said. “I just kind of sketched out my pin at school between class periods.”

In Ellwood’s third hour marketing class, an overnight assignment was to create a Kansas State DECA pin design. Unknown to Ellwood, a lucky ten would be chosen to compete in a statewide election with the winner’s pin chosen to be reproduced and represent Kansas DECA. “When I gathered the pins, Eric’s really stood out,” marketing teacher Mercedes Rasmussen said. “A lot of them were done very quickly but I could tell that he spent a lot of time on it. I wasn’t surprised when the Marketing 2 students chose it.”

What Is

DEC A?

DECA is an international association of high school and college students studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service.

When 30 marketing students traveled to the Rock Springs convention to be introduced to DECA, the ten pins from East were combined with dozens of other pin designs from the different schools attending the convention.

Ellwood didn’t think his design, consisting of the letters KS, a buffalo, a tornado, a patch of wheat and a sunflower, had a chance at winning state.

“I was really surprised the other kids selected it to compete in Rock Springs,” Ellwood said. “I thought there was no way it would win state.”

After all the schools voted, Elwood learned that not only did his pin stand out to Rasmussen and his peers, it stood out to the entire convention.

“When [Rasmussen] told me I won the

competition I just laughed, but when I found out I really did I was excited because I definitely didn’t think I was going to win,” Ellwood said.

Over the 13 years this pin selection process has continued, Ellwood is the first East student to win this competition.

“It’s awesome how Eric won this award.

The pin will be worn by every DECA student in the state of Kansas,” Rasmussen said.

But his pin didn’t win him just an award.

“Because I won the competition, if I choose to compete in DECA internationals my entry fee is covered,” Ellwood said. “It’s a certificate that will save me about $75.”

Ellwood plans on competing internationals, and also plans on competing in DECA his senior year.

LOUISIANA

WASHINGTON

DELAWARE

FLORIDA MASSACHUSETTS

Ellwood on his pin:

“I really am shocked I won the whole competition. I thought I had no chance, because I’m not artistic at all.”

KANSAS’ OLD PIN

ERIC ELLWOOD’S PIN DESIGN

Go East Lancers!

S M E

Even though by 2008 the United States will cover. The low-income kids that fall between and customers.” have spent $800 billion on the war in Iraq, the cracks of poverty and wealth and are so NPR’s Julie Rovner insists that Bush doesn’t according to the Brookings Institution’s Iraq often forgotten. The children that the Bush understand SCHIP’s design. Under the program, Index, President Bush draws the line on spending administration is working so hard to not “Leave the government doesn’t make medical decisions just 7.5 percent of that on American children.

Behind,” and yet is doing exactly that outside the because the children are enrolled in private The State Children’s Health Insurance Program classroom. health insurance. The funding comes from private (SCHIP), which currently provides governmentThe Washington Post reported that 72 to company grants as well as tobacco taxes and sponsored health coverage to more than 6.6 80 percent of the public supports the vetoed has the support of such groups as the American million children of low-income families that do bill. Those people not in favor of expanding the Medical Association. not qualify for Medicaid, was up for renewal this popular program claim it is too big and would Many Republicans, including Senate September.

Republican leader Mitch President Bush vetoed McConnell, see the bill as a a bill on Oct. 3 that would “Trojan horse [trying] to sneak expand the program over five government-run health care years from $25 billion to $60 into the states.” This absurd billion by taxing cigarettes, fear of socializing healthcare covering 10 million kids, seems to be a revival of the Red according to BBC News. The Scare of the ‘50s—Americans bill passed overwhelmingly fear anything associated with through both houses of words like “communism” and Congress in what many “socialism.” people considered a But don’t worry. Democrats bipartisan project, but aren’t slowly luring the country Democrats in the House of into a complete socialization Representatives were unable of healthcare. A free-market to garner the necessary votes system of insurance is great for to override the veto. many Americans; capitalism Now Democrats and their is, after all, part of what many Republican allies in makes a free country free. But Congress are scurrying to what about those who can’t develop a compromise that afford it? Those kids without Bush will sign before Nov. 15, coverage shouldn’t suffer when funding for the current social Darwinism because SCHIP program expires their parents can’t afford the altogether. skyrocketing costs of private »renli In their frantic efforts to health insurance. protect American capitalism Bush offered a meager and economic competition, compromise: he proposed increasing the program by $5 billion opponents of the SCHIP bill are rather than the popular $35 billion hurting the most fragile and over the next five years, according voiceless citizens—lower-class to the Nashville Bureau. children.

The “fiscally conservative” Those who agree with the The majority opinion of the Harbinger Editorial Board administration that is so heavypresident’s veto call the bill pork handed when feeding the bottomless money pit in barreling, saying Bush vetoed SCHIP because contribute to the federal debt.

However, unlike the war in Iraq, the new SCHIP Iraq should reconsider its priorities—especially lines buried within the bill take money from an bill would virtually pay for itself by increasing when it disagrees with the majority of Congress unadvertised source, like defense.

However, Bush has said that he vetoed it not the cigarette tax from 61 cents to $1. Public health and American citizens.

“The truth is, America’s largest private because of a hidden line item, but because he advocates predict this increase would not only worries it favors middle-class children rather bring down smoking rates, but also continue to insurance lobbying group supports this bill,” save lives by expanding the health insurance House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said in a than the intended lower class.

That isn’t the case. The Urban Institute umbrella to cover more of the estimated nine radio address. “As do America’s doctors, nurses, children’s advocates and, most importantly, 72 estimates that more than 70 percent of children million uninsured U.S. children.

“For the cost of less than 40 days in Iraq, percent of Americans.” covered by the bill would come from families Rather than leaving the poor children behind, with an annual income less than $41,300. SCHIP we can provide SCHIP coverage for 10 million is intended for families with an income up to children for one year,” House Speaker Nancy Bush should stop playing politics and start doing what’s best for the people. After all, this 200 percent the national poverty level, or about Pelosi told The Washington Post.

Bush and his supporters believe involving the generation will be dealing with a lack of Social $42,000, so the newly designed SCHIP bill would follow its original guidelines, according to the federal government in health and medicine will Security, an overheated planet and a deep federal give hospitals agendas beyond saving lives. debt.

Department of Health and Human Services.

We’re gonna need all the healthcare we can “I believe in private medicine,” Bush said in It’s intended for families that can’t afford private health insurance but also don’t qualify Pennsylvania the day he vetoed the bill. “I believe get. in helping poor people….[But] I don’t want the for Medicaid.

These are the children SCHIP is aiming to federal government making decisions for doctors

a 9 VOTE

the

for

1

against

0

absent

1: the dollar tax amount that would be put on 14: the number of votes short of overriding Bush’s veto cigarettes 35: the billions of dollars in new funding that would be 6: the millions of children that qualify to be provided in funding for the bill covered by the bill, but can not due to a lack in 70: the percent of children receiving aid that come from 10: the number of million kids that would families with an income less than $41,300 be covered by the bill

information courtesy: www.congressweb.com and www.news.bbc.co.uk/

What the bill is about SCHIP, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, was created in 1997 to provide health insurance to the growing number of uninsured children in the United States. Funding for the program will expire Nov. 15; rather than simply renewing the program, Congress hoped to expand it to cover 10 million kids. The bill is aimed at families that do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

a publication of shawnee mission east high school 7500 mission road prairie village, kansas 66208 oct. 29, 2007 issue 5, volume 49

The Harbinger is a student run publication. The contents and views are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the Shawnee Mission East or SMSD faculty, or administration.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF » lauranelson ASSISTANT EDITORS » bernadettemyers » stephennichols ART AND DESIGN EDITOR » libbynachman HEAD COPY EDITOR » adriennewood ONLINE EDITOR » halliemccormick PHOTO EDITOR » karenboomer ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR » sallydrape NEWS SECTION EDITOR » paigecornwell NEWS PAGE EDITOR » mikecray OP/ED SECTION EDITOR » natalieeisenach OPINION PAGE EDITOR » gagebrummer » michaelstolle FEATURES SECTION EDITOR » megshackelford FEATURES PAGE EDITORS » melissamckittrick » jeffrutherford SPREAD EDITOR » devino’bryan ASSISTANT SPREAD EDITOR » alexanderson MIXED EDITOR » rachelmayfield A&E SECTION EDITOR » ruthstark A&E PAGE EDITORS » rachelbirkenmeier » taylortwibell

5

EDITORIAL

SCHIP bill funding needs reconsideration Bush’s veto is reducing funds children need for healthcare plan

theharbinger

SPORTS SECTION EDITOR » clarkgoble SPORTS PAGE EDITORS » samlogan » sarahluby FREELANCE PAGE EDITORS » jordandietrich » mackenziewylie ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR » elizabethmcgranahan ADS MANAGER » melissamckittrick CIRCULATION MANAGER » katiefreyder COPY EDITORS » paigecornwell » samkovzan » bernadettemyers » libbynachman » lauranelson » stephennichols » sylviashank » timshedor » ruthstark » adriennewood STAFF ARTISTS » alexanderson » renli STAFF WRITERS » mikehake » landonmcdonald » nickratliff » timshedor PHOTOGRAPHERS » rachelenglish » marygalvin » annaleek » patrickmayfield » taylerphillips » tylerroste » norasalle » mackenziewylie ADVISER » dowtate

Letters to the editor should be sent to room 521 or smeharbinger@gmail.com.

Letters may be edited for clarity, length, libel and mechanics and accepted or rejected at the editor’s discretion.

issue

5

6 Hollywood stars are setting examples that are forcing future generations to

OPINION

S E E themselves differently

What do TV shows like Hannah Montana. She wants to be just like Hannah “Gossip Girl”, “The O.C.” Montana when she is older. and “Laguna Beach” have in An up and coming supermodel, Maddison Gabriel, was common? They’re all extremely chosen to front Australia’s Gold Coast Fashion Week. She’s popular with pre-teen and teen 13 years old. I understand that skinny, shapeless girls are girls. They all feature spoiled what the modeling industry desires, but a 13-year-old girl teens completely out of touch should not be subjected to that kind of lifestyle. with reality. And, unfortunately, And speaking of interesting lifestyles, in Cardiff, the characters on these shows England, pole dancing classes are being offered to children are the ones that young girls as young as eleven as part of a council-run initiative to want to emulate. stay fit. That’s right. 11-year-old’s are now pole dancing.

Exposure to TV A well known example I can think of is Miley Cyrus, shows like these as well as who plays Hannah Montana on the Disney show. She » devino’brien movies and pop culture where young people look more mature than their age causes a lot of kids and pre-teens to want to act older than they are. They see the people on their favorite TV shows as idols and want to be like (averages of age, height, and them, even if the character is five years older weight from soyouwanna.com) than they are, when they should focus on being MALE Age: 18 - 25 themselves and acting their own age.

I know society has always been this way to Weight: 140 - 165 some degree, but I’ve noticed it getting worse Height: 5’11” - 6’2” recently.

FEMALE Just a couple days ago I overheard 2 girls Age: 15 - 22 at Panera talking about their favorite movie, Weight: 108 - 125 “Mean Girls”, and how they wished they looked Height: 5’8” more like Lindsay Lohan. They decided not to order anything with too much sugar because they wanted to lose weight. They couldn’t have been older than 12 and didn’t weigh more than 110 pounds each. » afonsolima, sxc.hu » georgios m.w., sxc.hu My neighbor, who is eight, watches MTV. Her favorite show is “The Hills.” She loves Lauren and Audrina and tries to talk and act just like them. She has multiple CDs and DVDs out and is touring the United doesn’t know that parts of the show are scripted - she States, selling out concerts. She’s accomplished more, and thinks it’s all reality. made more money, than most people will in their lifetime.

The six-year-old girl I baby-sit wears plastic She’s only 14 years old. high heels around her house and dresses l i ke Magazine covers show Miley Cyrus and other young

anopinionof

What it takes to be a...

MODEL

teens in designer clothes, airbrushed to look years older than they are. This completely unreal image is what girls see on every magazine stand in stores. This image is what they think they should look like.

What young girls need to realize is that while celebrities like Miley Cyrus have what many of them dream of – fame, fortune and cool clothes, she’s missing out on something that most girls do have. A normal childhood. They need to realize that they are trying to act like someone who is the product of a stylist, a makeup artist, a hairdresser and Photoshop.

As a result, middle-schoolers wear tight, skimpy clothes unaware of the kind of attention they attract. People like the six-year-old girl I baby-sit wear high heels to imitate their idol. Girls start dieting before they hit puberty and spend hundreds of their parents’ dollars on clothes that will go out of fashion in a few months.

These are things adults should deal with, not young girls. Kids need to be kids. 13-year-olds should want to act 13, not 30. Childhood is short enough as it is without spending half of it wishing you were older.

It’s impossible to ignore all of the media that’s out there, but girls need to realize that that’s not what real life is like. People don’t actually look like they do on magazine covers. TV shows are fictional, and the actors have wardrobe and makeup people making them look good every day.

Trying to keep up with Hollywood standards is an absurd thing for young girls to try to do. If we don’t teach younger generations this, they will end up trying to fast-forward through an important stage of growing up.

They’ll be worrying about their appearance and clothes and weight at an age when the only thing they should be worrying about is whether or not they finished their homework from last night. They’ll be making their life more complicated than it ever has to be at a time when the simplicity of life should be valued.

Our Youth’s Role Models (and what they’ve done with their responsibility)

PARIS HILTON 29 oct.

2007

• released a sex tape • went to jail for DUI

KID BRITNEY ROCK SPEARS

• recently got in a fight at a Waffle House and got charged with simple battery with five others

» renli

•failed drug tests • up for child abuse charges

OPINION

7

e g d ju

Don’t

n o so

too

Adult entertainment stores do not deserve stereotypes

“Even though I agree with what they are trying to do, I think that, in America, that’s a constitutional right we’ve gained.”

Speak Out Do you think that the government and the courts have a right to censor what stores sell?

» rachelenglish

“I don’t think they have any place to do that. If the store sells dangerous stuff, than yeah ... but not those kinds of

Phoebe Unterman, 10

Annie Bennet, 10

Anthony Garrett, 12

“I’ve heard of people getting in [Priscilla’s] who aren’t 18, because they’ll let anyone in who will buy. Some of what they sell is pretty nasty.”

against these stores. Priscilla’s was accused of selling five sex toys and a video alleged to be obscene. Hollywood at Home was accused of selling four videos alleged to be obscene.

Otherwise, I was oblivious. I did not take into account the reasons the adult stores were arguing for their innocence. Intrigued to find out more, I found several explanatory articles According to The Kansas City Star, Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home argue that they do not violate any geographic zoning laws and comply with “contemporary community standards” of decency.

“Contemporary community standards” of decency is the definition of being non-obscene. Although the companies are located in suburban areas, they have strict policies regarding acceptance of customers. Priscilla’s does not allow entrance of people under the age of 18 years old. Hollywood at Home does not allow people under the age of 21 years to enter their “adult section.”

Furthermore, both companies must abide by the 1989 rules of conduct. The 1989 rules of conduct were determined after a case similar to that of Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home. A private group petitioned items in an adult store. The case created nine basic guidelines that outlaw the following: incestuous relationships, sexual conduct with minors, bondage for sexual gratification, torture and flagellation, bestiality, rape scenes, fetish films and sexually oriented films lacking significant line or plot. To this day, Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home have not broken a single rule, according to The Kansas City Star.

Understanding the case more allowed me to realize a simple idea that I had not seen before. Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home are just like every other business. These companies deserve the same rights that Sears does. Does the Constitution of the United States have a clause stating: ‘All companies have the rights to utilize the amendments… except for Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home.’ Of course not. They pay their taxes, pay their rent and hire their own employees. The only difference is their product line.

Before, Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home were just punch lines to me. They were the epitome of trash. Now, these stores taught me an important lesson – understand the situation before you take a stand.

Evan Mumma, 11

When I heard that two adult entertainment stores, Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home, were indicted for obscenities, joy spread across my face. I was so close to grabbing my pencil to write an article like this: ‘Yeah, convict those perverts. Banish those sex toys. Make sure we run those dumps out of town.’

Whew! That would have been some article. But let’s get back to reality.

The real issue that should be addressed has nothing to do with sex toys, pornogra» phy nor the adult entertainment industry. » jordandietrich Instead, this article should be is about why my initial logic of labeling the workers as perverts and the businesses as dumps is flawed. The indictments on Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home should be treated as any other court case – with an open mind.

For beginners, I was the kind of guy that just drove by those stores and rhetorically asked: Who in their right mind would go there?

Personally, I had never been in either store. I didn’t know the difference from aisle 2 from aisle 18. To me, sex toys were sex toys – nothing more.

With my lack of understanding, I placed Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home in a separate business category – not the one with ice-cream sundaes and lollipops. Ultimately, I didn’t understand these places at all.

Before I came to that realization, I merely understood the following core facts: On July 15, a Christian citizen’s group, National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families, presented a petition to the Johnson County grand jury. The petition called for the grand jury to investigate Priscilla’s and Hollywood at Home for obscenities in the view of minors. Obscenities were defined as not meeting “contemporary community standards.” The coalition’s goal was to have the “obscenities” out of view of minors.

In October, the grand jury issued more than a dozen indictments

anopinionof

k

alee

»ann

“I don’t think they should be able to monitor what stores sell. You have to be 18 to go in, so it’s not like they’re selling it to little girls.”

Comparing the charges Hollywood at Home, Priscilla’s and Spirit Halloween have all been accused of selling obscene material: videos, sex toys and costumes. All stores were indicted by a Johnson County jury this September.

Hollywood at Home: Hollywood at Home, an Overland Park business, was indicted on charges of promoting obscenity. The store was specifically accused of selling four videos alleged to be obscene.

Priscilla’s: Priscilla’s is accused of selling five obscene sex toys and a video. Their attorney said that the business would contest the charge, which is one of over 12 indictments by a grand jury after a citizens group’s petition.

Spirit Halloween: Spirit Halloween, a costume store that features a line of costumes by Playboy, was accused of selling four obscene costumes. The charges against Spirit Halloween were dropped; the store moved the costumes to a back section of the store.

issue »gavel:www.sos.nh.gov

» info:kcstar

5

OPINION

8

29 oct.

2007

Dead week debauchery

MORP’s planning tempts students to drink anopinionof

Dead week. The one week hiatus when student athletes are free from their rigorous sports. That one week between sport seasons when athletes have the opportunity to train or relax. No practice, no competition.

It is also the oneweek when athletes » michaelstolle may participate in illegal acts with less sweeping consequences. This is also when East holds the fall dance MORP. The timing of this event couldn’t be worse.

MORP is an event where scores of students arrive drunk.

The planners should consider the temptation of alcohol versus the threat of punishment from sports. To avoid this, MORP should be moved to a week where sports are in session.

Planning MORP during dead week is not a conspiracy to allow students to drink, but rather planned to gather cans in time for Thanksgiving and avoid conflicts with other events. However, the students are more inclined to drink during this time, because of the lesser risk.

If student caught drinking in season, the student is kicked off the team they are on as well as any school-delivered punishment.

However, if this same infraction where to happen in the off-season, as is during dead week, the ramifications are less severe. The student may not participate in a sport until they have completed a minimum 20 hours of community service plus any other school-inflicted punishment.

But if the same act of misconduct were to happen just one week earlier or later, the ramifications would be much more severe. Not only punished by the school, but they are also dismissed from the sport are currently involved in.

The consequences for drinking should not matter whether you are currently participating in a sport.

Without the threat of punishments from their sports team, these students are more inclined to get dressed up, knock back a few, then head to school for MORP. Students are responsible for making their own decision whether to drink or not, but the students also take into consideration the importance of athletics to them. If they choose to drink, they do so knowing full well that their decision could get them kicked of the team and possibly lose them college scholarships.

In an ideal world, a student would choose to have a night of sober fun, but this idea is unrealistic.

Having MORP during this period of lesser consequences is an invitation to out of season athletes, who in season would be less inclined to partake in illegal consumption alcohol, to do just that on the night of MORP with less serious of repercussions. It seems a meaningless temptation to have MORP during an off-season and it sets the students up to fail.

MORP should not be done away with; just reposition the date of the dance from the tempting alignment with dead week to a time when students may be less inclined to partake in these prohibited activities, because the threat of more serious consequences looms.

A anopinionof

If I had a million dollars for every loss the Royals had last season, I still w o u l d n’t h a v e enough to pay for the renovations » mikehake now underway at Kauffman Stadium. And if you know anything about the Royals, you know that that would be a lot of money.

The Royals broke ground on their $250 million renovation of Kauffman Stadium on Oct. 3, which is about the last thing the Royals should be spending money on right now. The Royals need playmakers.

Raw talent. So far, the most talented prospect the Royals have spent money on this off-season is swinging a shovel.

The stadium renovations will be paid for primarily by a three-eighths cents sales tax that Jackson County voters approved. The Royals will be kicking in $30 million of their own towards the projects at Kauffman.

I’ve always been one to analyze where my money is spent, not just because I hate working and I’ve been raised by hardcore Republicans, but also because it can be sickening at times how tax dollars and government money in general is

Mistake

spent. I’ve practically repaved 75th and Roe with speeding ticket fines, I’ve been the victim of the school’s right to almost literally stick two hands into my wallet, and, although I won’t be overly affected by the now-higher tax in Jackson County, it seems like a waste to invest a quarter of a billion dollars on a pro sports team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 1985.

The renovation will bring a brandnew JumboTron, being installed by Daktronics, Inc., which describes it as the world’s largest high-definition video display, measuring at a whopping 105 feet high and 85 feet wide.

Now you can catch part of the game while you drive down I-70. Another video board will be installed on the left-field fence that will show other MLB scores.

Sure, the improvements will make the games better, but this just isn’t a good use of money for the Royals right now. The Royals are pitching in $30 million towards the improvements to Kauffman, money that could be spent on bringing in players that will actually put runs up on the $12 million scoreboard.

The Royals appeared to be making an effort prior to the 2007 season to sign some talent out of free agency when they signed the righthanded starting pitcher Gil Meche to a five year, $55 million deal, and relief pitcher Octavio Dotel to a one year, $5 million contract. Meche had a losing record, Dotel had a mere 11 saves, and, to no one’s surprise, the Royals

Royal

Renovations Updated concession stands will give the concourses a cleaner look.

Kauffman has been for notorious for dirty bathrooms that renovations plan to fix.

had yet another losing season.

Several big bats will be available to the Royals this off-season, one being center fielder Torii Hunter, who is coming off of a career year with the Minnesota Twins. Andrew Jones, a center fielder for Royals GM Dayton Moore’s former team, the Atlanta Braves, is available as well. Either of these players would not only make an immediate impact on the Royals win/loss record, but ticket sales as well.

Designs for the renovation show a stadium with 39,000 seats, nearly 3,000 fewer than it currently holds.

Lucky for the Royals, they don’t have to worry about having too few seats. However, the renovation plans also include wider concourses with expanded concessions and restrooms, something both Kauffman and Arrowhead have needed for years.

I’ll probably still go to some Royals games next year for the same reason I always do; just for the sake of watching baseball. If the Royals expect to bring more fans out to the new and improved Kauffman, though, they better start by getting players that will put more fans in the stands. Maybe someone should show Royals owner David Glass his attendance numbers for the last five years on that brand-new JumboTron. Just imagine how clear the stats would be in HD.

A new 105 ft by 85 ft High-Definition Jumbotron will replace the existing scoreboard.

enter dia C e M yals An addition of an e: Ro c r u o outfield promenade area will s include local restaurant “Taste of KC” where fans can eat during the games.

American University Washington, D.C.

2008-2009 Undergraduate Admissions

Student Information Name

APPLYINGSTRESS

LAST (Family Surname)

FIRST (Given)

MIDDLE

Former Last Names (if any) Mailing Address

Essay

NUMBER & STREET

OPINION

Please print neatly or type. Do not staple checks or other documents to application. You are not supposed to enjoy this process. We know you are not amazing, but prove to us that you are anyway. And don’t forget that this application will change your life forever.

9

Female

Male

APARTMENT #

This is your opportunity to provide the Admissions Committee wih a glimpse of you in a way that grades and test COUNTRY VALID UNTIL scores cannot. Use this essay to express you CollegeSTATEapplicationZIPprocess becomes unbearable thoughts.

Choose one essay topic.

Write no more than 500 words on your own paper.

Telephone (include country and city code) HOME WORK SCHOOL escalates.

Is it so they can know how “smart,” “ambitious” Zzz. They’re swarming an opinion of CITY

in, zipping round my head like flies. I swat at them, but they come right back, whispering in my ear, U.S. Social Security Number telling me what I have to get done.

Date of Birth College aps make a MONTH pervasive buzzDAYthat has grown stronger over my four years at East. It’s finally reached its peak, and not only is it unavoidable, » sylviashank it’s unbearable. It’s in my classes, my friends, my parents. Just mentioning the “C” word conjures up fears of forms to fill out, short answers needing to be finished, test scores that must be sent.

I don’t care much for high school. So it follows that I should be excited for college, for its fresh start and freedoms. But I am so busy stressing out and answering the dreaded and ever-present question that the whole process has been tarnished.

“Where are you applying?” They ask.

I want to reply, “Why do you want to know?”

E-Mail Address

It happens when I hear test-score-talk in my lab or “hard-working” I am? I hate giving them Fax do Number this information because even if they don’t it partners’ conversations, or murmurs of a deadline consciously, they will label me based on which in the stairwell. Really, isn’t there anything else to talk about? schools I’m looking at.

I used to be excited about college. How come “I’m not sure if I’m going to college yet,” has become my preferred response to my doctor, dentist, now, as it is less than nine months away, everyone City/Country of Birth (me included) seems threatened by it? Why is the family, friends, friends-of-my-parents and the rest YEAR of the world who, in my 12th year, are suddenly most popular subject also the most stressful? And interested in this one aspect about me. This usually not just at East. I ran into a friend from Bishop Miege, and she feels the same. I hear a common stops the questions.

It’s assumed I’ll go to a BrandName college. My echo among my Pembroke friends as well.

We all just wish it was over. mom did (Stanford); my brother does (Wake Forest) Where is my remote-control for life? I just want and I should feel fortunate. I have the opportunity and the means to attend, but instead the constant to fast-forward to the day I receive (hopefully at talk about interviews, supplement essays and least one) acceptance letters. Who said senior year GPAs has become so stressful that the whole idea is was easy? Maybe people slack off because it’s the tainted. It’s too much! At this point, I just wish the only way to balance out the intensity of application time. process was over, regardless of where I’d be going.

So next time you run into a senior, do them a I’m sick of wondering, worrying, waiting.

“It’s the most important decision of your life so kindness. Try asking “Have you tried the pumpkin far.” “It’s the next four years of your life.” At the end spice latte at Starbucks?” “What do you think about of the day, I find myself lying in bed struggling not the MU-KU game?”

Just don’t ask “Where are you applying for to get overwhelmed by these scary voices. With so much focus on this single issue, the pressure college?”

below are test dates for the SAT and ACT. All official scores are sent directly from the appropriate testing Test Scores Listed agency to the schools. Also listed are tips to help you score the best you can on college entrance exams.

Do some research on the exam

SAT I Date

Nov. 3, 2007

Date

Dec. 1, 2007

You’ll be more confident if you know what to expect. In addition, if you’re familiar with different sections and directions in advance, you can save valuable time during the test.

Date

Jan. 26, 2008

Complete practice exams

ACT Date

Dec. 8, 2007 Feb. 9, 2007 April 12, 2008

Date Date

Taking a full-length practice test is a great way to prepare for an admissions exam, but there are alternatives. If you’re planning on taking the SAT, try your hand at a couple of samples, such as one 30-minute math section and one 30minute verbal section. To get the most out of this exercise, be sure to time yourself.

Look at your patterns and pacing

If you finished early and got easy questions wrong, slow down and read questions more thoroughly. If you didn’t finish a section, see if you can quickly rule out answers as definitely wrong. This strategy will improve your chances of picking the right answer in a timely manner.

Make a testing plan Part of your testing strategy is deciding how many times to take a particular exam. It usually makes sense to take a test like the SAT twice. Scores often go up on a second try.

Early Decision vs. Early Action

If you find a college that you’re sure is right for you, consider applying early decision and early action. These plans allow you to apply usually in November and get an admissions decision from the college well in advance. You’ll know by December or January whether you’ve been accepted.

Applying or Not Get input Application Binding Can apply early Can apply to other colleges You should apply under an early decision or early You do not have to apply early decision to other colleges under regular admissions type action plan only if you are very sure of the college you want to attend. Do not apply under an early decision or early action plan if you plan to weigh offers and financial aid packages from several colleges later in the spring. Also, you shouldn’t apply early if it is advantageous to have more of your senior year work to show a college.

Do Research

Before applying to an early decision or early action plan, research all your options to decide which college is the right one for you.

or early action; they are simply options to consider. Talk with your parents about whether it is in your best interests.

Get advice from your high school counselor and other trusted advisors before applying to a college as an early decision applicant. Your counselor is a trained, objective professional who serves as your advocate in the college search process.

Early Decision

Yes

No

Early Action

No

Yes

Yes, but must withdraw other apps if accepted Yes

Single choice Early Action

No

No

Yes

Which colleges offer early plans?

Some colleges have chosen to discontinue their early decision and early action plans because they are potentially unfair to students who rely heavily on financial aid. There is a concern that students who apply early may feel forced to make a decision without adequate time to consider all aid awards available.

» collegeboard.com

issue

5

10 With Battle of the Bands and an upcoming CD release under their belt, the band Mr. Fish is showing that it is

FEATURES

a good catch

MR. FISH TRACK LIST Hillbilly Deathcry Redundancy Octopus Ride Solvent American Hands

Venom Gimme Some Rape Let’s Go to Space The Ballad of Salad Superfamous

THE band sets up for a practice by tuning their instruments in drummer Tyler Kelly’s basement. They were preparing for an upcoming performance at Prairie Elementary School. »taylerphilips

BY

» nickratliff

The stage littered with balloons and streamers. Five high school kids in a garage band start to play. This is no ordinary show, though. Once the music starts, a boy in an alligator suit starts jumping and dancing around the stage with the band members, who clad in sequined and neon outfits.

The effect of the pandemonium onstage spreads quickly to the audience, as they start jumping and dancing too.

This is Mr. Fish.

The band has burst onto the local independent music scene with their classic rock sound and humorous lyrics, and has released all of their music and merchandise strictly by themselves, after forming at Indian Hills Middle School, and have plans of releasing their new album, entitled “Soft Serve Assault”, in the coming weeks.

One of the things that has catapulted the band to success around the school and area is the funny nature of their oct. songs, which is evident with songs like

29

“Galaga” and “Hillbilly Death Cry.” “Our sound is kind of like a band called They Might Be Giants,” sophomore guitarist Nathan Goldman said. “They have humorous, funny lyrics and that’s what we kind of do. We try not to take things too seriously.”

Another component that draws many fans to Mr. Fish’s shows is the fun, colorful environment of their performances, which they draw from one of their biggest influences, The Flaming Lips.

As the band develops a following, they want to start taking their unique act to different locations around the area.

“We kind of want to start getting into the Lawrence music scene a little bit more,” Goldman said. “Kansas City has a pretty good local scene, but we kind of like Lawrence’s a bit more. We just want to keep progressing any way we can.”

The band took a big step in their growth this summer with the recording and the

soon-to-be release of “Assault”. The band projects a Nov. 17 release date.

“We got the actual album done a few months ago,” Goldman said. “We just had a problem with the album art, people didn’t meet deadlines and stuff, but we should be releasing the album very soon. We’re thinking about having an album release party when it’s all done.”

The band has come a long way from their middle school roots when Goldman, SM South sophomore Kyle Little and Tavakolinia started jamming together and playing small parties at Indian Hills.

The band felt ready to start playing bigger shows once SM North junior Alex “Fish” Friend joined the group, but there was only one problem: the band had no drummer.

That problem was solved in the form of Tyler Kelly, who Little met at a blues jam in Bonner Springs. On the band’s MySpace page, Kelly is described as an “incredible

drummer despite only being five feet tall.”

With the drumming expertise of Kelly also came a place to regularly perform.

“Tyler’s dad plays with a lot of bands around the area,” Goldman said. “The band he was in was doing regular shows at this place in Bonner Springs, called Mac’s, and they needed an opening band. So, when we got good enough, they asked us to open for them.

Mr. Fish still plays Mac’s frequently, as well as many “battle of the bands” shows and friends’ parties.

As for the future, Mr. Fish has no immediate plans, other than to play more shows and maybe record another album.

“Fish [Friend] is a junior, and he’s graduating early this year, but he thinks he’ll go to UMKC, so I don’t think that’ll affect the band,” Goldman said. “I think we’ll still be able to play shows and stuff. I don’t know about the future though.”

BBQ bonding BY

»rachelbirkenmeier

As far as the eye can see there are tents, the sweet smells of barbecue wafting out. Junior Jack Booton stirs a pot of his dad’s special barbecue sauce, and douses it onto some ribs. It is Saturday, but the grills have been going since Friday night and Booton has been helping his dad. Because in just a few hours, hundreds of hungry people will be lining up to taste some of that good ol’ American Royal barbecue.

“I really enjoy it because we get to hang around together and there are lots of people there,” Booton said.

The American Royal has been around for 27 years, and is the largest barbecue contest in the world.

Booton has been helping his dad and friends at the American Royal barbecue since he was in eighth grade.

“He invited me to come and hang out and learn how to cook,” said Booton. “I really got to understand the processes of cooking meat.”

The contest stretches over a span of one weekend, and the public is allowed to taste food from every booth.

“ M y dad’s speciality is probably his pork tenderloin,” Booton said. “He also makes this spicy barbecue sauce.”

Booton’s dad’s sauce ended up getting their team, Ball Team, seventh in the sauce competition.

Junior Devin Vincent’s father, Rick, also competes at the American Royal. Vincent has been helping her dad prepare since she was in kindergarten.

“I help him set everything up, basically,” said Vincent.

But one of the most memorable moments for Vincent was when her dad came in as a Reserved Grand Champion.

“Reserved Grand Champion is basically like second place,” said Vincent. “He had just gotten a new phone, and he called us so when they announced his name over the loudspeaker we could hear that he won.

It was just really exciting.”

11

FEATURES

Grilling at the American Royal has students and their dads

History of the American Royal BBQ Contest •The first American Royal Barbecue was held in 1980

•The original rules mandated the contestants had to cook at least 10 pounds of beef, pork or lamb •Judges were asked to consider the entries on a scale of 10 “Super Excellent” to 1 “Not For Me!” •Psychiatrist Rich Davis was thinking about giving up his medical practice in favor of marketing his own “KC Masterpie ce” barbecue sauce. The judges thought that was a fine idea and awarded him first prize •The American Royal Barbecue is the opening even t of the American Royal and the season finale for the competitive circu it

Tips from the chef Rick Vincent offers grilled chicken advice

source: www.americanroyal.com

» courtesy of the 1. Take a half empty can of your favorite soda and sprinkle some of your favorite spice into it.

Then sprinkle some of the spice on the inside and outside of the chicken

Bootons

LEFT: the Bootons show off the ribs they turned in to be judged at the American Royal Barbecue Competition.

BELOW: Junior Devin Vincent and her dad, Rick, who is a Reserved Grand Champion. Vincent helps her father prepare for the competition.

2. Place the can inside the bottom of the chicken and a potato in the opening where the head is. Place on a grill or in an oven.

3. Wait until the chicken is fully cooked. The soda will have given your chicken a hint of sweetness. »photos by mackenziewylie

issue

5

FEATURES

12

Disregarded

DESIGN

In spite of the addition of a new building, the ‘Nelson’ is receiving anything but the proper recognition

The new Bloch Building, right, runs along the east side of the original Nelson-Atkins Building, left. The new addition is meant to house contemporary art, while the original building holds more traditional pieces. » marygalvin BY

» renli

O’Keeffe, Rembrandt and Degas are just a few of the big names found at the Nelson-Atkins. Unfortunately, such painters mean little to today’s generation. Yet with the addition of the new Bloch Building, the Nelson Atkins is drawing in more of Kansas City’s youth. What is it about the Bloch that makes it so attractive?

What first caught senior Lee Conrads’ eye was the building’s architecture: “[The Bloch] is totally different,” Conrad said. “It’s very, very contemporary and the coolest thing is that it almost glows at night, which normal buildings don’t do. I’m not sure how it works. It looks like a warehouse [during the day], but at night it’s really cool and elegant. At night the [building’s] glass walls emit light.”

Senior Paige Smith, who visits the Nelson specifically for the Bloch, also noticed the building’s unique lighting.

“When it’s illuminated, it’s an amazing effect,” Smith said.

“As for the galleries, they’re mostly contemporary except for the specialized exhibits.”

To Smith, the Bloch’s contemporary galleries are what keep her coming back. “[Classic paintings] are all right, but as far as ideas go, it just doesn’t do it for me,” Smith said. “I like the abstractness and the part of contemporary art. It’s more spontaneous and

Happy

Halloween

it gets you to think.”

It was the Bloch’s atmosphere that first attracted senior Clay Showalter, who visits, on average, twice a week.

“The Kansas City Sculpture Garden is on the left side,” Showalter said, “and the shuttlecocks, of course, are an icon.

The Bloch building is more lively and open. It’s a completely different feeling [from the Nelson-Atkins building].”

Yet Showalter also understands why more people don’t visit.

“The museum is generally free, but people are scared off by the formal idea of museums,” Showalter said. “The guards just stand there and watch you, and it scares people away. It’s a formal feeling that people find uncomfortable and a little weird.”

As for what will attract more visitors to the Nelson-Atkins and keep them coming back? Conrads, Showalter and Smith all agree that the answer is the Bloch’s contemporary galleries.

“I would recommend the contemporary exhibits,” Smith said. “The Bloch is really the best part of the museum in my opinion.”

Showalter adds, “I’ve never been interested in art history, and when it comes to classical art it tends to be a lot more history. Modern art still has that, but it’s stuff I know, stuff I usually can relate to.”

Bloch Building Design Architecture as landscape Slender and elongated, the majority of the Bloch Building exists underground along the East side of the original Nelson-Atkins Building. Rising from the building’s 840-foot expanse are five free-standing structures, or “lenses”, that emerge from the ground to create an undulating and varied interplay between architecture and landscape.

Infused with light The Bloch Building features a stunning lobby and soaring curved walls. The galleries’ floors drop in harmony with the slope of the south lawn. In opposition, as each gallery level steps down, the ceiling of that level peaks into a glass-enclosed lens that rises above the ground level.

The art of our time in the building of our time The Bloch Building will house the museum’s collections of contemporary and African art and features new galleries for rotating exhibitions of photography.

Source: www.nelson-atkins.org

THEN AND NOW:

Some things haven’t changed

years of EAST

With photos from the school’s 25th anniversary memory book, we’ve found that a few traditions have lasted the years PEP ASSEMBLIES

Each issue, to honor East’s first half-century, the Harbinger will run a story or a photo essay focusing on an aspect of a school steeped in tradition.

Here is this week’s edition.

DURING the 1981-1982 school year, when this picture (below) was taken, Pep Club was divided into Boys’ and Girls’ clubs, totaling with about 1,000 members. Today, Pep Club runs pep assemblies, which include performances by the drill team and cheerleaders. At left, senior Michelle Parsons danced at the Sept. 21 assembly with the Varsity Lancer Dancers.

GIRLS SWIMMING AT right, girls compete in a swim meet in 1973. The team, coached by Carlyn Howard, won State two years later. The boys won State that same year. Below, members of the 2007 girls swim team cheer during a meet. The team won league for the third year in a row. »hannahgillespe

13

FEATURES

celebrating

» sallydrape

RIGHT: A float from a Lancer Day in the 70s is just as decorated as the floats from today. There is no reference to the origin of the Lancer Day parade, but it started not long after the school’s founding in 1958. FAR RIGHT: Seniors Joe Townsend, Drew Kane and Hayley Mallen laugh from the seniors’ Marti Gras float.

LANCER DAY PARADE

»rachelenglish

Go East Lancers!

S M E

SPREAD

14

A trip worth taking?

SALVIA BY

» megshackelford

Senior Michael Jones* felt like time was repeating itself. He imagined that all of his limbs were beams of light while he was traveling through a tunnel he couldn’t get out of.

He was tripping on salvia.

The trip only lasted for 30 minutes. It was longer than previous experiences, but this time he was outdoors where he was able to run around wildly.

“When you’re on it, it’s not good to be confined to small spaces,” Jones said. “I thought it was so much better out in wide open spaces. I was laughing uncontrollably and climbing trees. It’s nothing I would want to do routinely, but I’ll probably do it again.”

Similar to LSD, Salvia-divinorum is a powerful hallucinogenic herb. It’s a controlled substance – meaning one cannot possess or distribute it without permission – in 11 states, including Missouri where it’s considered a felony. It remains legal in 29 states, one being Kansas.

A relative to the mint family, it was originally grown in Oaxaca, Mexico. In Oaxaca, the Mazatecs and other Mexican-Indians used it for generations as part of their healing rituals and other religious purposes.

Now it has reached the United States where teenagers and young adults, including a handful of East students, are experimenting with it. Type in “salvia” on YouTube and numerous pages pull up where people broadcast, “Insane salvia trips!!” These sometimes frightening, psychedelic

visions, or “scary trips,” cause people like senior George Roberts* to never smoke salvia again.

Roberts can only remember bits and pieces of previous trips, but this third one was the most intense experience. His trip began while he was still taking the hit.

“I freaked out,” he said. “About eight of us were sitting at Loose Park in a circle. All of a sudden everyone morphed into my parents and other authority figures. I felt like they knew everything about me, including the weed in my pocket. I threw it away, and afterwards I couldn’t remember where I put it so we had to search forever for it. I’ll never do it again after that.”

According to Kyle Smith, the Director of Public and Governmental Affairs at the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Board of Pharmacy in Kansas hasn’t seen salvia as huge threat, nor have they seen a lot of its abuse.

“The Board of Pharmacy passes their information on to the legislators to address and that’s how it would become regulated,” Smith said. “Until then, salvia is just seen as a drug of potential abuse and it’s not considered a controlled substance in Kansas.”

According to Smith, under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, a federal law, all drugs are separated into “schedules,” or lists, based on their severity. For instance, drugs like heroin that have no additional value are Schedule 1 drugs. Painkillers

such as Oxycontin and Percocet follow in Schedule 2 and potentially abusive drugs are Schedule 3, 4 and 5.

Unlike Kansas, where salvia is seen as potentially abusive, it is a Schedule 1 drug in Missouri and a felony as well.

Smith says that right now, the Board of Pharmacy and legislation in Kansas are waiting to see if it is serious enough to be restricted.

However in Missouri it is a regulated drug. According to Smith, if anyone were to buy salvia in Kansas and use it in Missouri, they would be under Missouri law. According to Doug Dorley, a special DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent for the Kansas City Police Department, if anyone were caught possessing more than one gram of salvia, they could be sentenced to no more than 20 years in prison since it is a hallucinogen.

“We’ve never arrested anyone for salvia,” Dorley said. “But we’ve arrested people on other hallucinogens like LSD. People on hallucinogens are extremely difficult to deal with. They get very agitated and their symptoms are similar to schizophrenia.”

Since salvia is not a prescription drug, nor is it FDA approved, neither the FDA nor the DEA would give out information to the public.

“The DEA does consider salvia a drug of concern,” Smith said. “For it to be a federal law, the DEA would have to see widespread abuse in at least 34 states.”

There is even a law specifically

granted to salvia in Delaware called “Brett’s Law.” It was named after 17-year-old Brett Chidester who committed suicide after his mother claimed he smoked too much salvia.

She alleges the salvia was beginning to reshape his mind and after awhile “something just happened to his brain.” She is now speaking out to try and ban salvia nationally. But Daniel Siebert, a pharmacologist and expert on salvia, argues that it’s inconceivable for a salvia experience to result in suicide.

Salvia is both sold and advertised over the Internet, but East students prefer driving 45 minutes to “headshops” in Lawrence to buy the herb.

Lining Massachusetts St., shops like Herbs, Creation Station and Third Planet sell the herb to 18-year-olds only.

With a pungent stick of incense burning, Michael from Herbs—who chose to withhold his last name— walks behind a shelf display to pull out a small Ziploc of salvia.

“It’s probably what we sell the most of,” he said. “I’d say about 15-25 people come in and buy some each day. Sometimes we get call-ins.”

According to Michael, one-fourth of gram of salvia will produce a high feeling or trip. Herbs sells salvia by the gram, but it all depends on how much extract, or potency, it contains.

The lowest dose they sell comes in a bag of “5 x” (or extract) and costs $6 and “20 x”—the highest dose—is $18.

According to Dr. H. Westley Clark,

the Director of Cent Abuse Treatment Abuse and Mental Association (SAMH the extract smoked, t the trip will be.

That was evide who took a hit of 40 these trips are sim hallucinogens like LS happen to be salvia But unlike LSD, whe for six hours or more stays in effect for 15 Clark says salvia is n or “party drug” that clubs or other social would Ecstasy.

“When most pe they are silent most immerse into an in said. “They start to aren’t there. If they go or an open window, would happen.”

Roberts doesn’t l after his bad trip.

“You have a lot yourself,” Roberts sai to do a chore right couldn’t because y something and get different mindset.”

Salvinorum A is th in salvia, acting par part of the brain c opiod receptors, wh sensations. When sa the kappa, there’s a relief, and in high do

History of salvia 1945

Blas Pablo Reko reports a “magic plant” called “hoja de adivinación” (leaf of prophecy), used by Cuicatecs and Mazatecs to produce visions. It was probably S. divinorum.

29 oct.

2007

1962

Dec. 1962

Wasson and Hofmann collect flowering samples for identification. Carl Epling and colleagues identify it as a novel species and give it the name “Salvia divinorum”

Sterling Bunnel brings the first live S. divinorum plants to the United States from Huautla de Jiménez.

1975

1982

Ortega publishes a paper des pound from Salvia divinorum

Ott and Diaz both observe persons smoking dried Salvia divinorum leaves in Mexico City.

15

U.S. states with current bans or legislation pending to ban salvia or salvinorian: Alaska California Delaware Georgia Illinois Iowa Louisiana

ter for Substance at Substance Health Services HSA), the higher the more intense

ent to Roberts 0 extract. Often, milar to illegal SD or PCP, which a’s counterparts. ere trips can last e, the salvia herb 5 minutes or less. not a recreational t people take in settings like they

eople take salvia of the time and nner state,” Clark o see things that ot near a balcony who knows what

like salvia at all

less control of id. “If you wanted t afterwards you you would see in a completely

he main chemical rticularly on the called the kappa hich target pain alvinorum-A hits a feeling of pain oses it can cause

Maine Missouri New Jersey New York North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma

hallucinations. Initially, the chemical blocks out the receptors so the user feels things that aren’t there.

“Morphine also affects the kappa-opiod receptor,” Clark said.

“But salvia’s properties don’t cause addiction like morphine does.”

While it doesn’t cause addiction, Dorley says it does slowly eat away at the brain.

“Each time you take it, it does some damage in these receptors that the brain cannot repair or recover from,” he said. “It can cause irreversible damage.”

Roberts’ trip was only intense for two minutes and then he just felt an anxious sensation for 10 minutes after.

It’s possible to feel mild to moderate headaches afterward, but Roberts just felt motion sickness. He was sitting the whole time.

“We want to stress that no matter how much people take of salvia they’re prone to injuries,” Clark said.

“You have absolutely no control and extremely impaired coordination and disorder of thoughts.”

Like drunk driving, salvia does not mix with vehicles at all. Dorley says that a driver under the influence could feel sensations of acceleration, slowing or turning when they are doing none of these.

“Salvia is not a casual thing like weed is,” Roberts said. “I would even say that it’s worse than ‘shrooms.’ It’s incomparable.” *Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the source.

Oregon Pennsylvania Tennessee Texas Utah Wisconsin Wyoming

SPREAD

Key

Legislation Pending Controlled Substance At the time of printing all states not listed either have not banned Salvia or have failed legislation courtesy:Erowid.org

Students describe their salvia experiences: t.” e n a l rp e h t o an n o s wa I e k i l “I felt

moking.”

to quit s e m t a g in ll e ll around y

peared a

thority ap “People of au

“I felt like I was one with na

ture ... everything was happ

“I freak ed out and ran “Enj away.” oyab le.”

ening for a reason.”

Effec

ts of

Salvi

Visua Expe l alterat Drea riencing ions or vi Sens m-like ve multiple sions reali e of t neer ties ota ov Se Sens eing or b l confusi er the wo e of fl on or ecom rl Feeli ing p ying, mad d n Feeli g of bein floating, art of a t ness un ng tw g Feeli of being immerse isting, o nel r d n c turn g o i n n o Appe necte a f bein arin d to n energ ing gu Beco g to trav ndergrou a larger y field el ming n “ inani to other d or und whole” er mate p objec laces and water / ts (a wall, or times stair s, Sourc

a

e: Ero wid.o

rg

scribing their isolation of a novel comm, which they call salvinorin.

1990s

2005 Louisiana becomes the first state in the US to ban human consumption of Salvia.

Courtesy: Erowid.org

Salvia becomes available commercially online and its public visibility dramatically increases.

issue

5

16

FEATURES

Not champs yet

Eight seniors prepare for college debate

BY

» mackenziewylie

»natalieeisenach

Rubbermaid tubs filled with expandos, multiple egg timers and stacks of cards; all of these are a necessity in the life of a champ style debater. At East there are only eight seniors who participate in this elite style of debate, taking them across the country to summer camps and tournaments in Dallas, Iowa and New York.

Champ or collegiate style debate is highly competitive style of policy debate. It is a very similar to college debate and students involved in it are preparing for college debate.

It emphasizes the use of evidence and research and less on the delivery; ironically, one common defining characteristic of Champ style debate is the fast paced deliveries of arguments.

The intense experience that these seniors are receiving in high school champ debate is preparing them for the world college debate. Ross Ringer and Michael Perbeck are interested in Wake Forest’s debate program and Danny Mapes is looking at Northwestern’s program.

The majority of coaches and judges at the champ level of debate are college debaters because they are the most qualified to follow champ debate’s fast paced speeches and philosophical content. High school debaters receive exposure to college debaters at tournaments. There is no scouting process for college debate so it is important that prospective students impress the judges and solicite themselves to the schools they are interested in.

Continuing debate in college is extremely difficult. All debaters are at a certain competitive level and the on average college debaters put a minimum of 40 hours in each week researching and are gone traveling for tournaments.

“You have to have a passion: just doing it as a hobby won’t cut it. If you don’t put in the time and work 40-50 hours each week you will end up having to stop,” said Mapes.

High school tournaments are mostly comprised of qualified, competitive teams however, there are easier rounds with less qualified teams. In college every team has the competitive drive and each round is a challenge. “ The skill level of every team you debate is at a expected to be at a certain level. Every round is a fight to win the [debate],” said Perbeck.

Besides the fact that debate in college is extremely

competitive, it can become overwhelming and time consuming. Students often are forced to choose between debate, schoolwork, social activities – it is nearly impossible to balance all three as high school debaters can easily do.

“Lots of debaters [in college] don’t take school as seriously as they should, and they have to take more years of school to get things done,” said Ringer. “ It’s about your grades in college and if you want to go to law school – which many debaters do – you have to do well in school.”

While college debate can be very taxing on its students schedules it can pay off. Former debaters have gone on to do great things in politics and law, such as. College debate opens windows for internships and jobs after college, which appeals to senior Danielle Lipsman, who has ambitions of going to law school.

East students who are considering debate in college are dedicated to pursuing champ debate in high school. In traditional, varsity, high school debate, students master the eloquence and persuasion within their speeches. Since spread style debate, another name for champ, started being used by students the arguments became more intense.

The speeches in a spread styled debate are delivered at a faster pace, over 300 words per minute. Debate jargon like “disad” (disadvantage) or “link to the k” (relates to the critique) is used to make arguments more concise so more evidence can be fit into the time. “ You want to speak fast so you can get more arguments in,” said Mapes. “It’s like a running back who runs faster and can out run the other team – it’s the same idea”.

Champ debate is a style of policy debate, which involves a current national question. This year’s resolution is “The United States federal government should substantially increase its public health assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa”.

Partners are required to debate both sides of the controversial topic.

“The collegiate style of policy is debate in which debaters emphasize the substance of their arguments over the precise articulation,” said senior Brad Crist.

Like most debates, there are timed limits, constructive arguments, cross examinations and rebuttals in collegiate debate. Students are awarded individual points in each

Visit the

Harbinger Website smeharbinger.net For more stories, pictures, and blogs

round instead of simply wining or losing the debate as is done in varsity debate. Besides this, there are no limits in Champ style. Debaters use different methods of delivery, including poetry, rap, film, music, and even fake eulogies.

Kansas has put many limitations on Champ style debate and usually does not allow the use of electronics in rounds.

However, even at out of state tournaments East debaters do not stray from the traditional style of policy debate.

“You have to be at a certain level to do that and not look dumb,” said Lipsman. “It would look like we were making fun of [the teams who rap] or trying to be like them which would make us look bad, It’s not our style. We play by the rules.”

Teams also disclose their case lists before the rounds so their opponents can see what they will be discussing. This makes the debates more challenging, but because the teams have time to organize and plan for their rebuttals the debates become more advanced and intellectual.

“People are willing to give up their information to have a better debate instead of keeping it hush-hush just so they can win,” said Lipsman.

The debates reach can reach higher levels of discussion because they reach a more philosophical level. Debaters reference Machiavelli and Benthum to support their arguments. Nothing is assumed in champ style either; every part of an accusation must be backed up by evidence and research.

“Debaters shouldn’t have an ‘ends justifies the means’ mentality in debate,” said Crist. “Everything must be explored and defined to support your point.”

In the end, the overriding force that drives East’s students to continue traveling and competing in national champ debate tournaments is their love for the thrill and challenge of debate. Perbeck and other senior champ debaters realize that continuing on with debate would be a great sacrifice.

Perbeck’s passion for debate is what feeds his desire to pursue debate in college.

“When it comes down to it people stay with debate because they love it.”

[

ALL.IN.THE. [ the page about...pumpkins ] Pumpkin cookies: Add to the decor of a Halloween party by bringing these scrumptious snacks.

Available at Hen House

Pez Dispenser: A fun gift for trick-ortreaters or friends to celebrate the holiday!

Available at Target

Pumpkin Bread: For a sweet treat, try Tippin’s pumpkin bread.

Available at Hen House

Dress up a table with festive, Halloween accessories like these pumpkin napkins. Available at STUFF.

Hot Chocolate: Get into the Halloween/fall mood with orange hot chocolate with pumpkin spice.

Available at Better Cheddar

Scented Candles: Want to add a spicy scent to your house?

Try pumpkin spice candles.

Available at Target.

» renli

Pumpkin Tea: Need a break from the cold weather? Try Pumpkin Spice Tea. Available at Hen House

ALL THINGS

PUMPKIN BY

» rachelmayfield

Pumpkin Spice Latte and Scone: For a not-so-light treat, go on a calorie splurge with these seasonal goodies.

Available at Starbucks

» tylerroste Pumpkin Peeps: A chewy snack that’s festive and delicious!

Available at Hen House

Tippin’s Pumpkin Pie: This original pumpkin treat is a great desert for a dinner party or fall related event.

Available at Hen House

Pumpkin Lotion: Can’t get enough of the smell of pumpkin spice?

Try Caldrea hand lotion.

Available at Drug Stores

ABOUT

5THINGS FAVORITE FALL

Got a craving for ice cream and something pumpkin? Try Edy’s Slow Churned Pumpkin Ice cream.

Available at Hen House

MIXED

[ MIX

17

Jack Stout

Jeff Soptic

Spencer Barnhill

Caroline Dellett

1. Football games 2. Halloween 3. Nice weather 4. Thanksgiving 5. My birthday

1. Thanksgiving 2. Eating mallomars 3. Sweater weather 4. Long walks in my sweater 5. Seasonal cookies

1. Soccer 2. Thanksgiving 3. Apple cider 4. Football games 5. Lots of days off school

1. Halloween 2. Thanksgiving 3. Colorful leaves 4. Wearing jeans 5. Cool weather

senior

junior

sophomore

freshman

issue

5

18

in 4 restaurants

A&E

Around the BY

Blue Nile Cafe—Ethiopian

» paigecornwell

I had an epiphany in Chipotle.

It happened as I sat in those metal chairs, with American music playing in the background and clutching my oh-socomforting but oh-so-familiar burrito.

The different categories of food are not limited to Chinese, Italian, American and Taco Bell, I suddenly realized.

There’s a whole world out there, and in most places, they eat food. I decided I wanted to step away from my chicken and rice with no beans burrito, go to a few restaurants with unique menus, and experience the world.

Or at least taste it.

20 East 5th Street

Caspian Bistro—Persian 8973 Metcalf Ave.

When I first walked into the Caspian Bistro, I imagined I would be seeing a menu offering food similar to Greek, with lots of feta cheese and olives.

Apparently I need a lesson in geography, because the food served at the Caspian Bistro was nothing like what might be featured at Mr. Gyro’s. Instead, it was mostly Iranian, consisting of combinations of rice and meat, with lots of herbs and spices.

What makes the Caspian Bistro so appealing is their wide range of choices for the culinary adventure seeker, but also the person who can’t stand the taste of saf-

fron. All lunch specials come with basmati rice...or french fries. They have a Caspian hamburger and chicken strips, but they also have fesenjon, a stew of walnuts cooked in pomegranate sauce, mixed with boiled beef, if you’re feeling bold.

I started with the appetizer buffet of salad, chicken and grilled vegetables that comes with the lunch specials, which was nice, as it tided me over but still left me hungry. The entrees arrived fast, and all of the food was beautifully presented on decorated plates, like the chef cared about how it looked, not just how it tasted. The lamb gyro with basmati rice was my favorite, the lamb being tender but not greasy, the rice with just enough spice. When we were finished the waiter brought out a tray of deserts ranging from cheesecake to rose water ice cream. I chose the zoolbiah, a pastry resembling a funnel cake and saturated in honey. Though the dinner rate runs higher, I spent under $20 for a great lunch, and a lesson in geography.

{

Choga Korean—Korean

}

There is no silverware on the tables of the Blue Nile Cafe. Sure, the waiters will offer forks and spoons, but there’s only one recommended utensil: your hands. Such is the experience at the Blue Nile Cafe.

For a beverage, be sure to try the ginger juice. Ginger juice is like lemonade with a kick, a kick that slightly burns the back of the throat and clears the sinuses. I started with the veggie sambusa for an appetizer, a pastry packed with lentils, carrots and cabbage flavored with herbs and spices.

Ethiopian food is known to include lots of spices, including rosemary, nutmeg, garlic, ginger and cardamom, and the veggie sambusa was no exception. For an entree, I recommend either the vegetable or meat platter, which provides a sampling of other

» norasalle

The first thing I noticed once I sat down at Choga Korean was that my water didn’t taste right. However, when I asked my waiter if there might be something wrong with it, he assured me that it wasn’t water I was drinking, but corn tea, which is made from slightly toasted corn boiled in hot water. It was then that I realized this wasn’t the average Asian restaurant, like Bo-Lings or Pei Wei. There is nothing Americanized about this restaurant. On the menu, the Korean words come before the English, and chop sticks sit next to the forks and spoons on the table. The prices ranged from $8.95$34.95 for entrees, and even though I had the Dduk Gook, which cost $8.95, I still felt that I had more than enough food, as each entree comes with six (yes, six) side

29 oct.

2007

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{ } poor {

} fair {

} solid {

{

}

Island Spice Caribbean—Jamaican 10 West 39th Street

6920 W. 105th Street

dishes. Dduk Gook is a traditional Korean soup consisting of bite sized rice cakes, chunks of beef, egg and seaweed, served in a huge bowl with an extra long spoon, because a normal sized spoon wouldn’t be able to reach the bottom. It tasted like a very peppered egg drop soup, only with meat and rice.

The side dishes were a vegetable and fruit salad, kimchi, bean sprouts, egg rolls, cooked radishes and tofu. The vegetable and fruit salad consisted mostly of apples and celery, like a Korean Waldorf salad, the kimchi, a pickled vegetable dish, was spicier than anything at Chipotle. The bean sprouts were just that: cold beans and sprouts and the tofu tasted like a souffle of green onion, beans and black sesame.

The egg rolls were nothing like the staple of any Chinese restaurant, but rather more like a fried egg patty with a strand of squid (it tastes good!) in a spiral to the middle. I’m not sure what the cooked radishes were like, as they were in a red pepper sauce, and with one bite the person that I was eating with started tearing up.

In the end with an entree and six side dishes, I was set back only $10. Next time, I’m going to try to octopus. { }

entrees, including gomen (collared greens spiced with onion, ginger and garlic) tibbs watt (tender cubes of beef simmered in a spiced sauce) and atiklett (a vegetarian dish of cabbage cooked with potatoes and ginger with yellow onion). The most unique part of Ethiopian food is Injera bread, which is used to pick up food. Injera bread resembles a Mexican tortilla or a French crepe served rolled up, and then torn to scoop up the different choices. Injera bread is made of teff flour, native to Ethiopia. The flour is mixed with water and fermented overnight, giving it a slightly tangy taste. Injera also lines the plates it is served on, like a tablecloth that you eat. The different foods are served in small samplings, but it didn’t matter that it was small, after three bites I felt full. The meat was filling, and the injera bread felt like it was expanding in my stomach. My favorite sampling was the doro watt, which had an interesting taste of lemon, nutmeg and cardamom, with a kick of red pepper.

For desert I chose the bean pie, which had a course texture and was very dense, like a protein-packed pumpkin pie, only with more nutmeg, gloves and ginger.

I left the Blue Nile Cafe happy and full, wanting just a little more of the injera bread and realizing that forks and spoons really aren’t that necessary.

Sitting on a corner with a small sign, Island Spice Caribbean is easy to miss, but once I found it and heard the reggae music, saw the fake palm trees and the smelled the jerk chicken and pineapples, I felt like I was a foot away from the beach, even though it was 40 degrees outside. On the walls are signed posters of reggae artists including Luciano and Freddie McGregor and framed pictures of the different island specialties

} excellent {

with a story of the origin of each food.

The food is straight from the island, and though the curried goat, ox tail and cow feet sounded...interesting, I decided on the safe picks: jerk chicken wings ($3), beef wrap ($3), fish soup ($3), vegetable medley ($3) and fried plantain ($2). Because the food is made to order, it took about 15 minutes to come out, however they offer a call in and carry out option if you want to ensure that your food is made before you get there. I got five jerk chicken wings with my order, and they tasted more sweet and succulent (and were cheaper) than anything offered at Wing Street. Both the beef wrap and fish soup were nothing out of the ordinary, except spicier, as is common with most Jamaican dishes. The fried plantain, however, was a fun new experience. A plantain is a fruit like a banana, but usually firmer and lower in sugar content. Fried, they taste like a sweet french fry, only brown and banana shaped.

The restaurant is small, having only three tables covered with fruit-print table clothes and chairs that occasionally stick to the floor, so I recommend taking advantage of the carry out service so that the great food can be enjoyed in a more comfortable setting. Either way, you’ll leave the restaurant humming Bob Marley and wanting to go to the beach. { }

} masterpiece Star ratings based on writer’s opinion

A&E

19

Wilco wins over KC Forget Elton John. Wilco delivered a preformance that blew fans away, ending with a two-set encore and a euphoria of fireworks

BY

» mackenziewylie

» stephennichols

The best concert last week brought a big crowd, devoted fans and a huge set list that entertained for over two and a half hours.

And no. It wasn’t you, Elton John.

Wilco came to the Crossroads on the same night that the Sprint Center had its christening. This did nothing to faze Wilco — they played a captivating set to end the Crossroads’s first season.

Chicago-based Andrew Bird opened just as the sky, which had threatened with rain earlier, grew dark on a beautiful crisply clear night.

Bird’s last name couldn’t be a coincidence. He incorporated so much whistling into his songs that I cast my eyes expectantly upward for a flock of exotic waterfowl to land on his violin bow. The whistling, mixed with his picked violin

melodies, strummed guitar and Keaneesque vocals, worked to create some uplifting melodies.

Wilco took the stage at 9:15 p.m. and proceeded to indulge the crowd in an enormous set that pulled from every album in their collection.

Right from the start, with “Via Chicago,” Wilco sounded tight, all led by their cowboy hat-toting lead singer Jeff Tweedy. They seemed content on playing right through the set, but about five songs, Tweedy started to loosen up and make jokes with the crowd.

With the bright spotlights of the Sprint Center shining in the sky behind, it was obvious that there would be only one man Tweedy would poke fun at tonight.

“Boo! Boo, Elton John, you suck,”

Tweedy joked. “I hope he hears us, he’s going to be so sad.”

Maybe Elton couldn’t hear them, but Wilco seemed to try their hardest to make it a reality. A fuzzed-out “I am Trying to Break Your Heart” and the hard rocking countrified “Casino Queen,” were highlight tracks that tested the decibel levels on the amps.

They played without much conversation, which didn’t make them seem so much distant as focused. However, they did stop before “Walken,” one of the track off their new album Sky Blue Sky, because Tweedy’s mic stand fell. According to him, it wasn’t his fault.

“Elton has strang magic powers!” he said with a smile as he picked it up and slammed through the track.

Tweedy might be the face of Wilco, but lead guitarist Nels Cline has to be the attitude. He blew up during “Handshake Drugs,” working his strings so hard that his actions resembled a conscious seizure.

He continued to bring an infectious energy that the crowd fed off the entire night.

Wilco came out for an encore, then another, that left the crowd amazed after four additional four songs. Not to be outdone by the Sprint Center, Wilco had fireworks of their own, which exploded overhead as they ripped through the closing song “Spiders (Kidsmoke).” As the last sparks faded from the sky and the song came to a crescendo close, Tweedy smiled, looked towards the Sprint Center and made one last attempt to his voice heard.

“Take that Elton John!”

{

}

Set List 1. Via Chicago 2. Company In My Back 3. You Are My Face 4. I Am Trying To Break Your Heart 5. Pot Kettle Black 6. Handshake Drugs 7. Side With The Seeds 8. A Shot In The Arm 9. She’s A Jar 10. Impossible Germany 11. Pick Up The Change 12. Box Full Of Letters 13. Jesus, Etc.

photos courtesy of: www.wilcoworld.net

starscale

{ } poor {

} fair {

} solid {

} excellent {

14. Too Far Apart 15. Walken 16. I’m The Man Who Loves You 17. Hummingbird 18. Hesitating Beauty 19. Hate It Here 20. Heavy Metal Drummer 21. Red-Eyed And Blue 22. I Got You (At The End Of The Century) 23. Casino Queen 24. Outtasite (Outta Mind) 25. Spiders (Kidsmoke)

} masterpiece Star ratings based on writer’s opinion

issue

5

Unarousing ‘Rendition’

» www.movieweb.com

A&E

20

Torturous dialogue leaves actors stranded in mediocrity

BY

» landonmcdonald

» www.hives.nu

“Rendition” would love to think of itself as this generation’s “All the President’s Men,” a revealing and inflammatory expose of political conspiracies and undermining government deceit. But the film just isn’t up to the challenge.

Despite the involvement of three Oscar winning actors and a sensitive, timely subject, “Rendition” never feels poignant or provocative enough to elevate itself above the slew of recent Hollywood political pot-boilers.

It’s a thriller without a pulse.

For those who haven’t argued its merits endlessly in debate class, extraordinary rendition is the extremely controversial American practice of transferring suspected terrorist detainees to countries where the Geneva Conventions don’t apply and paying those nation’s governments to illegally torture them and extract information for us to use.

The film begins with the secret airport arrest of Anwar El-Ibrahimi (Omar Metwally), an Egyptian bio-chemist who’s an American citizen with a wife and young son in Chicago. Anwar soon learns that he’s been detained because his cell phone contains a message from a number related to a well-known terrorist cell which recently claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that killed a CIA agent in South Africa.

Anwar soon finds himself being tortured overseas by a sadistic local official whose teenage daughter, unbeknownst to him, is romantically involved with a terrorist trainee. This strange subplot seems completely irrelevant to the rest of the movie, at least until the plot’s one high

BY

» stephennichols

The Golden Rules of The Hives: 1. Play it loud. 2. Pack it with high-voltage energy. 3 If it can’t be said in less than four minutes, forget about it.

The Hives have long stayed true to the rules and be-

29 oct.

2007

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{ } poor {

} fair {

point, a startling climax packed with unforeseen revelations.

Before long, the dead CIA agent’s novice partner Douglas Freeman (Jake Gyllenhaal, “Zodiac”) arrives to eagerly observe Anwar’s interrogation. Soon however, Freeman begins questioning the morality of his involvement, a questioning that will lead to an eventual defiance of the laws he once held so dear.

Meanwhile, back in the states, Anwar’s pregnant wife Isabella (Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon) frantically searches for her missing husband with the help of her politically-connected ex-boyfriend Alan (Peter Sarsgaard, “Flightplan” and “The Skeleton Key”), who’s an aide to the influential Senator Hawkins (Oscar-winner Alan Arkin).

Isabella’s search eventually leads her to devious defense administrator Corrine Whitman (Oscar winner Meryl Streep), the conniving bureaucrat responsible for Anwar’s imprisonment. Their eventual confrontation brings to light both the life-saving pros and the ethical cons of rendition, leaving the audience with much to ponder afterwards.

The movie I’ve just described probably seems pretty gripping and meaningful, and I’d like very much to see it someday.

But “Rendition” is a lot more interesting to write about than it is to watch. Don’t get me wrong, the action is excellent, the pacing seems right, the tone is suitably dark. But the script doesn’t know what to do with its characters and their emotions.

Reese Witherspoon, who proved her acting ability as

June Carter in 2005’s “Walk the Line,” seems like she’s tiredly going through the motions here. The shallow script never allows her to make Isabella a truly compelling character. The audience sympathizes with her plight, but only because it seems right to. There’s no real emotional connection, no sense of true understanding. She’s just there to throw fits and stare off hopelessly until the disgustingly trite Hollywood ending comes around. You can almost here the sitcom laugh track go, “Awwww...”

Meryl Streep, definitely one of the finest actresses working today, is also brought down by her character’s lack of depth and unoriginal dialogue. Streep has played this scheming politico part before, with a sharper tongue and scarier motivations, as the ruthless senator/brainwashing mother in 2005’s “The Manchurian Candidate” remake.

Seeing her play an inferior version of an old character is sad to watch. It’s shameful to waste such a talent.

“Rendition” could have been great, but it lazily settles for just being average.

Director Gavin Hood, who made last year’s Oscar-nominated foreign film “Tsotsi” about roaming South African street gangs, seems to think Americans need their movies dumbed down and stripped of complex emotion to really enjoy them. I hope for our sake he’s not right.

For American cinema that doesn’t shy away from real power and emotion, go see “Gone Baby Gone” or “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.”

Both are now playing locally.

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can’t follow their own rules

cause of it, they have churned out some of the catchiest garage-rock music to date.

But with their new release “The Black and White Album,” it’s disappointing to see a band that’s got it right for so long get it wrong. The rules that they once held sacred are haphazardly strewn across the album and only occasionally do they connect to create a truly rousing track.

Luckily for them, they open with a killer.

“Tick Tick Boom” opens with textbook Hives.

Fast guitars, unified “Yeahs!” and an explosive touch that is expected with such a track title. If they could have kept that momentum throughout the entire album, they would have another “Tyrannosaurus Hives” or “Veni Vidi Vicious.”

Unfortunately, it’s hit and miss from there.

Starting with the worst­— “A Stroll Through Hive Manor Corridor.” Two words. Hives instrumental. And a slow-paced one at that.

I usually understand the use of an instrumental: it’s a break to set up the second half of a CD. Here’s why the Hives shouldn’t have used one. They pride themselves in being able to work fans into a frenzy. To do it, they rely on upbeat background beats with lead singer Pelle Almqvist’s mesmerizing voice that rattles and breaks

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so often it makes puberty stricken middle-schoolers feel better about themselves.

An instrumental not only brings the momentum of the CD to a grinding stop but instead of acting like a deep breath that powers a second half howl, The Hives deliver a whisper with few highlights.

Not to mention,the CD is 45 minutes long, and the Hives run out of things to say. Granted, their previous albums combined don’t even touch the hour mark. The thing was the old albums packed every single track with tasty hooks and vibrant energy.

There are glimpses of that energy in tracks like “Won’t Be Long,” which is filled with a beguiling string section and a pulse that rushes throughout helped along by the simple drums and Pelle’s pointed delivery.

But it is tracks like “Giddy Up!” that bring down the whole CD. Descending UFO wails and uninspired guitar mixed with nonsensical lyrics (Giddy Up! Said obnoxiously for three minutes) even by the Hives standard makes this one a tough one to get through.

My expectations were high for The Hives. This is their first new release in three years and I was surprised by the lack of quality cuts in the album. If it takes them another three years to make a new album, I only have one piece of advice: Follow the rules. { }

} masterpiece Star ratings based on writer’s opinion

A&E

21

‘AMERICAN’ SUCCESS Writer Steve Zaillian brings a hit with ‘Gangster’ BY

»mikehake

My expectations couldn’t have been any higher for “American Gangster,” as I walked into the packed pre-screening at the Ward Parkway AMC. I left the theater inspired, as my friend Steven put it, to “be Frank Lucas.” Then I remembered that I go to East, where I’ve already been threatened with juvenile racketeering charges.

Denzel Washington stars as Lucas, the real-life heroin kingpin from the streets of Harlem, NY. Russell Crowe plays Richie Roberts, an honest cop on a police force full of crooked ones, devoted to taking down Lucas’ drug racket. The film was written

by Steve Zaillian, who also wrote the underworld classic “Gangs of New York.”

The movie follows Lucas on his rise to the top of New York drug trade in the early 1970s, a time when heroin was rapidly gaining popularity. After taking over his former boss’ operation, Lucas has the idea to go straight to the heroin supplier in

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THE A&E PANEL

Bangkok. He then smuggles his product back to the U.S. in army planes, hiding hundreds of kilos in the coffins of American servicemen of the Vietnam War. As Lucas’ empire expands through the major boroughs of New York, his wealth skyrockets, but the deaths of several heroin addicts gains the attention of detective Roberts, thus leading into the movie’s main conflict.

The storyline was somewhat predictable, as it had the same sort of “American dream” theme as many other gangster movies, but Zaillian’s writing succeeds at keeping the audience interested. Zaillian uses dramatic irony well as the movie progresses, as we begin to realize that Lucas, like his mother warns him, is pushing his luck and needs to quit while he’s ahead. The dialogue was very well written, which made Washington all the more believable as Lucas.

Washington’s acting was dead-on,

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as he played the part of a crime boss to perfection. In a defining early scene for Washington, he shoots an incessant loan shark in the head on a busy street, then proceeds to nonchalantly leave him the money he owed in a small glass by his dead body. From this point on, the audience can’t help but be flat-out mesmerized by Washington’s on-screen presence.

Crowe delivers his best performance since “Cinderella Man” in the supporting role. His crooked peers regard Lucas as a major cash cow for bribery, so he often finds himself torn between investigating Lucas’ operation, and leaving him alone, as his colleagues have advised him to do.

Crowe brings the part to life, and makes the pressure of his job seem extremely real.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is solid in his small role as a flashy New York club owner, and rappers T.I. and Common also do well with minor parts in the Lucas family.

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The music in “American Gangster” stayed true to the time period with plenty of good 70s soul classics, and, at the end, some Public Enemy.

The fact that Lucas’ is a true story makes the movie even more incredible. My jaw nearly dropped to the floor at the end of the movie when they showed the actual dollar amounts (approximately $250 million) and numbers of Lucas’ empire, which was one of the largest international drug-smuggling rackets ever.

This is an excellent movie that completely lived up to my expectations.

Out of respect for Marlon Brando and Al Pacino, I’ll restrain myself from comparing it to “The Godfather,” but when it comes to crime movies, it won’t get much better than this. I would strongly recommend seeing “American Gangster.” As for “being Frank Lucas,” I’d wait until college.

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WHAT SHOW DO YOU WATCH RELIGIOUSLY?

WHAT MOVIE SHOULD EVERYONE SEE BEFORE THEY DIE?

WHAT’S UP WITH BRITNEY SPEARS?

SPRINTER CENTER: YAY OR NAY?

WHAT BOOK CAN YOU NOT STOP THINKING ABOUT?

RUTH STARK a&e section editor

Grey’s Anatomy

Wizard of Oz

She’s a horrible mother

Yay

Gossip Girl

RACHEL BIRKENMEIER a&e page editor

Grey’s Anatomy

The Breakfast Club

She’s disgusting

Yay!

Gossip Girl

CHARLIE KLINE guest panelist

Friends

The Lion King

I don’t really care

Nay

Ender’s Game

JEANETTE BONJOUR guest panelist

Heroes, only because Lost isn’t on yet

Amistad

Too much, too fast and nobody around her willing to tell the truth...and Colagen

Total apathy

Poisonwood Bible

we weigh in on what’s up in entertainment

}

issue

5

22

FIFA 2008 Proves to be...

A&E

A Soccer Spectacular BY

»

alexanderson

» easports

Being out on the grassy soccer field with the wind blowing across your face, desperately trying to steal the ball from another player and score that winning goal before the time expires. It’s a feeling that soccer video games have failed to capture.

But with FIFA 2008, EA Games’s newest edition to the long-running FIFA soccer franchise, we may have found a soccer game that actually captures the spirit of the game with real-life tactics.

I started my experience by sitting down for my first game with my boys in green and white, the Celtics from the Scottish Premiere League, against our arch rivals the Rangers.

Only seconds after the opening kickoff I could immediately tell this was a far different game than I was accustomed to playing.

The opposing defenders constantly stole the ball and my dribbling tactics failed time after time. And that was just on offense. Trying to play defense on very smart opposing players was also a challenge; my tackles constantly missed and I was constantly playing catch-up to mark the Ranger forwards. I threw my controller multiple times in frustration, culminating in a Ranger forward smashing a 40-yard goal into the upper corner of the net.

After losing the match 4-0, I decided that I needed to revise my tactics. The pace of the game was significantly slower and my players took eons to pass the ball or fire off a shot. And forget dribbling through all the defenders and scoring: it’s a thing of the past. I revised my tactics to include less dribbling and more passing with a focus on possession—exactly how professional soccer is meant to be played.

My frustration eased and after about an hour, I could give the computer-controlled teams a game.

Past FIFA games have suffered from too fast and unrealistic game play. FIFA 2008 fixes this problem with ease, slowing down the game play and forcing a more accurate possession-based soccer simulation.

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It’s the new modes of play where the game has changed most. FIFA ‘08 has six offline modes of play as well as five online modes. First and most anticipated is EA’s newest creation, the “Be a Pro Mode.” This mode puts you in control of one player on the field. The game scores players on how well they perform in the position you choose. You gain points for scoring, passing and stealing the ball. Lost points come from being out of position, missing steals and not passing the ball. The game guides you with arrows to help players stay in position and circles opposing players that you need to guard. This mode can be a whole lot of fun, but it does have some minor flaws. First off it’s much more fun to play a forward than it is to play a defender. Also, even if players make the right decision on a play sometime, the game interprets it as a mistake and subtracts from the score.

Other notable modes include the lounge mode and league mode. The lounge is a mode in which players locally select a team and the game randomly assigns matches. You gain bonuses like game restarts and other game-affecting attributes. It’s extremely fun and a great way to enjoy the game.

Another feature added to FIFA 2008 is the video upload feature, which allows players to record highlights from games and upload them to the EA website to share with friends.

All these modes wouldn’t be nearly as fun if the game didn’t look incredible. Every player looks almost lifelike; the stadiums are living breathing reproductions; even the grass looks like considerable time was spent on making it look real. The soundtrack includes excellent music from a variety of artists which really adds to the game’s overall atmosphere.

The new modes, especially “Be a Pro,” make FIFA 2008 a definite buy for past fans of the series. Although the steep learning curve may turn some casual fans away, FIFA 2008 is an addicting game that presents one of the most realistic soccer experiences available today.

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Go East Lancers!

S M E

BLOODY

A&E

23

BORING Although sometimes exciting, ‘30 Days of Night’ can only be so good. Face it: the vampire genre has bled dry.

BY

» landonmcdonald

Since the dawn of cinematic horror, vampires have always been the most popular and diverse of movie monsters.

More actors have played Count Dracula than any other character in film.

1931’s stunning “Dracula,” starring the immortal Bela Lugosi, effectively brought psychological and physical horror to North America and influenced films as diverse as “The Silence of the Lambs” and “From Dusk ‘til Dawn.”

More modern vampires in movies like “Blade” and “Underworld” started the action-horror genre.

There are so many versions of the vampire movie out there now that the genre’s basically bled dry. But now, comic book vampires are getting their day in the sun.

First up is “30 Days of Night,” based on a renowned three-part comic, starring Josh Hartnett and Ben Foster and directed by David Slade, whose previous credits include the incredibly intense pedophilic revenge thriller “Hard Candy.”

The story unfolds in the small town of Barrow, Alaska. Once every year, the sun disappears and the community is plunged into darkness for an entire month.

On the last day before the long night, a creepy stranger (Ben Foster) shows up in town. He starts killing sled dogs, destroying helicopter and plane engines and messing with people’s vehicles. The local sheriff Eben Oleson (Josh Hartnett) and his deputies think he’s just crazy. They don’t realize he’s cutting off their only means of escape.

The stranger, like Renfield from the original “Dracula,” is actually the ghoulish servant for bloodthirsty Eastern European vampires hellbent on feeding on the town’s entire population before month’s end.

Once night falls, bloody carnage ensues as the entire town is overrun by the living dead. A small, desperate band of survivors, including Eben, his kid brother Jake (Mark Rendall), Eben’s estranged wife Stella (Melissa George) and a helpful hermit named Beau Brower (Mark Boone Junior), band together to make it through the

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30 days alive.

Taken as an action movie, this film impresses—think “300,” low budget.

The initial siege, seen from above to maximize the mayhem, is memorable.

A climactic fight concludes in a gutwrenchingly violent end. Explosions and “Evil Dead”-level gore abound, although the cartoonish digital blood looks black, which is frankly just weird.

Still, solid action scenes all around, including a huge bulldozer plowing through a mob of the undead.

Taken as a horror movie however, “30 Days of Night” disappoints. It relies too much on cheap jump-out moments and hidden shapes in darkened corners. The vampires, despite gaping mouths full of needle-like fangs and curved, catlike claws, just aren’t scary.

There’s only one truly horrific moment: a hideous vampire child attacks the survivors during a grocery store raid. Let’s just say shakey-cam hasn’t worked this well since “The Blair Witch Project.” Still, the evil-monsterkid shtick’s been used before, and in scarier films like “28 Days Later” and “Eraserhead.” So, no points for originality there.

The acting is very wooden of course—remember, this is a horror movie—and the dialogue fails to impress. The vampires, with the exception of their fearsome leader Marlow (Danny Huston), just growl, howl and speak in angry Slavic with subtitles. But Foster and Hartnett do their best with what they’re given, and Foster in particular looks like he’s having a lot of fun playing the psychotic stranger. He’s definitely reason enough to see this movie. I just wish he were in more of it.

But despite its cliché vampires, “30 Days of Night” is still a fun Halloween treat for horror fans. Executive producer Sam Raimi more then redeems himself for last summer’s atrocious failure “Spiderman 3” and Slade proves that he’s ready for bigger films.

Please see this instead of “Saw IV.” You’ll thank yourself later… and so will I if you ask me to.

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} masterpiece Star ratings based on writer’s opinion

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SPORTS

24

it runs in the

family

Senior Owen and sophomore Joe Craig are the first pair of brothers to play soccer for East since Coach Kelly and his brother in 1992

BY

» photo illustration by taylerphillips

» sarahluby

When they were younger, senior Owen Craig would push sophomore Joe Craig off the ball and foul him. Joe would get mad, kick the ball over the fence and run back into the house.

The Craig brothers have been playing soccer for as long as they can remember, whether playing on their premier teams or having fun in their backyard when they were kids.

That was the only time that they were able to play with each other.

But that’s changed. They are now playing together on the same team.

“I was really excited because I’d never had the chance to play with him before.” Joe said. “He’s a really good player and he makes me want to work harder.”

Owen thinks differently.

“It’s bad because we spend more time together,” Owen said. “We don’t get along too well because we are both stubborn and Joe is always wrong about stuff.”

On the way home from games and practices, they play their game. The game. The game where they turn on the radio and the first person who knows the artist asks the other person if they know who it is. If the person doesn’t know the singer, then they get punched in the shoulder, hard.

“I’m always the one who gets hit,” Joe said, “Owen know everything about music, so I never get to punch him.”

When Owen isn’t criticizing Joe about his music

knowledge, he’s pointing out to Joe what mistakes he’s making, along with giving him a hard time about it.

“I feel more comfortable with him,” Owen said, “So I know I can criticize him more when he makes mistakes.”

Even though they are brothers, on the field they view each other as just another teammate.

“On the field, it’s strictly business.” Joe said, “But off the field he always rips on me and treats me like a little brother.”

“

On the field, it’s strictly business,” Joe said. “But off the field he always rips on me and treats me like a little brother. ***

$

Advertise with the

Harbinger!

4

sept.

2007

”

Two brothers have not been playing, let alone starting, on the same varsity team since 1992 when current head coach Jamie Kelly and his younger brother, Andy, did.

“It brought us closer together,” Kelly said. “We had never played on the same team before.”

Both Jamie and Andy played forward. This, Kelly believes is why they got into so many disagreements on the field.

“We would yell at each other on the field during games.” Kelly said, “We were really intense.”

Even though Owen and Joe start together, there isn’t much interaction during the games. Owen is a defender

smeharbinger @gmail.com

and Joe is a forward. But during practice there is no hesitation to make fun of Joe or give him a hard time.

“He’s always on my case,” Joe said, “But that just makes me want to work harder because if I slack off, Owen will be the first to let me know.”

Although Kelly says there are many differences between the Craig brothers and his brother and him, Jamie believes the main similarity is their competitiveness.

“You can see it in their eyes,” Jamie said. “They hate to lose and just want to win.

***

Even though they argue and fight, Joe knows that he’ll miss his brother next season when he’s off at college. He knows that Owen showed him the ropes and gave him a good reputation with the team. But the most important thing Joe believes that Owen taught him, was how to be a physical and aggressive player.

“Owen’s given me the knowledge and skills to really improve my game,” Joe said. “He taught me how to be a badass.”

The most valuable thing that both Owen and Joe will miss about this year is their talks on the car ride home after a game.

“I’ll miss having someone to ride with,” Joe said.

“Yeah,” Owen adds, “especially the name the artist or you get punched game.”

BY

SPORTS

Sabre-ingthemoment

25

» halliemccormick

Sophomore Jake Parleman twists his torso, rolls his ankles, shakes his wrists and cracks his knuckles—he picks up his sword. The sword looks like something that should be for sale at a costume store during Halloween; it has a long thin blade and a bubble handle to fit your hand into. He fences a warm-up. It consists of quick taps on opponent’s headgear, sword blade and shoulder. Tap head twice, tap sword once, harder tap on the shoulder. Alternate.

Parleman has been fencing for almost eight years. He began because his older sister and brother had done it and he wanted to give it a try.

“Fencing isn’t a sport like soccer where someone tells you here are the rules, now go play.” Parleman said “It’s much more complicated.”

The postures, scoring and manners all need to be memorized in order to become a nationally ranked fencer. Parleman is now ranked 23rd in the nation and is working towards 16th. With at least a 16th ranking, he is able to compete in national competitions in Poland and Brazil, getting him closer to his goal of attending his dream fencing school University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In the beginning, Parleman had to start with the basics; but instead of learning them within a week, it took a year. The blade work, stance, manners, footwork—all have to be manipulated and tweaked to be in condition to compete.

Parleman meets three times a week at a Jewish temple to practice. The practices are held on a basketball court with floors covered in thin, brown carpet with yellow and blue tape zig-zagging across it to serve as boundary lines. The coach, Kelly Williams, watches as the fencers scurry back and forth practicing new arm moves, and perfecting footwork.

“Our goal here is to build people.” Williams said, “You learn problem solving skills by trying to minimize your weaknesses, and maximize your strengths.”

By practicing to “minimize his weaknesses and maximize his strengths”, Jake placed

third in a competition in Albuquerque. This feeling he had when he was 14 keeps him competing today.

“I think: ‘If I keep competing, I can have that same awesome feeling again while standing up there on the podium,” Parleman said.

The team usually goes out to celebrate at local restaurants after tournaments, but this time Parleman needed to leave right afterwards; nothing was planned because they didn’t expect him to do so well. He called his mom at the airport to tell her how well he’d done.

“She was ecstatic.” He said.

At Kansas City Fencing Center (KCFC) they say they want their athletes to “build character before they’re a fencer.” This is because of the amount of respect correlated with the sport. Certain protocols like bowing before a bout, and shaking hands after are required and can result in disqualification if not done.

“There are times when I get very angry after losing,” Parleman said, “but I’ve learned to suck it up and shake my opponent’s hand on the strip; there’s nothing else I can do about the situation at that point.”

Williams expects this behavior at practice and tournaments as well as at school. If members of KCFC aren’t doing well academically, Williams sits them down and explains school’s importance. School always comes before fencing.

“This is a gentleman’s game.” Williams said, “[Fencing] encourages people to assess situations with their different strengths.

This can be applied to any situation-fencing or not-to give a person a fair amount of success.”

Fencing has helped Parleman’s schoolwork with experience to discipline. Paying attention to the intricate rules and the dedication expected at practice are applied to his academic classes. “[The environment] is not like school though,” Parleman said, “There’s no one telling you ‘hey be quiet and listen.’ Here, our instructors are also friends.”

SOPHOMORE Jake Parleman has jumped from beginning fencing just seven years ago to being ranked 23rd in the nation.

Practicing three times a week, he is pushing to gain at least a rank of 16th, a spot that would allow him to travel around the world for tournaments.

»rachel english

All about the outfit Behind the mask Fencing equipment contains three kinds of swords: Sabre, Foil and Epee The outfit is made of tough cotton or nylon, and often times kevlar- the same material used to make riot squad gear and bicycles

Outside of fencing, Parleman participates in the theatre department as a member of the tech crew. Some of his work will be in the upcoming show, “Everyman” Parleman is in a band with some of his sophomore friends

Most attire must be white in order to allow judges to have a better view of the action.

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SPORTS

26

Time for

Change

Senior Forrest Miller talks about his transition from starting quarterback to a back-up wide receiver

SENIOR Forrest Miller looks to catch the ball during a recent practice. Miller has been practicing at the wide receiver position, as well a quarterback for the past month. »sallydrape BY

29 oct.

2007

»clarkgoble

Last year, then-junior Forrest Miller, starting quarterback, didn’t understand what was so tough about being a wide receiver. They stood around during practice. They didn’t make any decisions.

Heck, someone else had to make a good play to make them look good.

Now he understands. Well, he’s trying to understand.

Miller has been running through team offense as a wide receiver, along with doing his usual QB drills, for the last month with no prior experience except some as a tight end in sixth grade. He found the position different than he expected.

“I thought it was easy,” Miller said. “It’s a lot more physically challenging than I thought it was going to be.”

But both Coach John Stonner and Miller agree that he has been picking things up quickly.

“Even though I’m not as fast as the other receivers, I happen to get open, which is nice,” Miller said.

However fast he’s picked things up, he’s still used to being “The Man” for most of his football career.

The guy who starts every play with the ball. The guy who has to be able to tell the difference from a blitzing safety to one playing Cover 2.

The quarterback.

But after the decision to start junior Curran Darling at QB, Miller had to find a different way to contribute, even if that meant moving outside the tackles and looking to someone else to get him the ball.

Coach Stonner thinks Miller will have no problem with the position the rest of the season, however long that may be.

“He knows all the plays,” Stonner said. “Some of the receivers will run a curl route and just stand there with a cornerback right on them, but [Forrest] understands that you have to move and give the quarterback a window [to throw].”

Stonner also hinted that he may use Miller’s passing skills in a trick play or two.

For the most part, Miller says there are only a few changes from being the starting quarterback to

being a wide receiver vying for playing time with senior Daren Chesbrough, senior Duncan McDonald, sophomore Kevin Hertel and sophomore Stewart Jensen. There’s less pressure, for one.

“But the biggest thing is probably not playing quarterback on Fridays,” Miller said.

While Miller was disappointed that he would not be the starter, he realizes he did not play very well in his five games as the team’s QB. He threw 12 interceptions and the team won one game, against the 1-8 Leavenworth Pioneers.

“I didn’t play great,” Miller said. “But I don’t think you can put it on one player, whether it is me or anyone else.”

Miller says his relationship with the new starter, junior Curran Darling, hasn’t changed since the switch.

“I’ve tried to help [Curran] as much as I can, whatever that’s worth,” Miller, who last year threw touchdown after touchdown to Bobby Miller, said.

But has Miller’s enthusiasm for the game changed since the switch?

Judge for yourself.

Miller was the first one on the field chest-bumping teammates after a defensive goal-line stand against South. While talking about Chesbrough’s interception against South, Miller has a beaming smile, most likely because Chesbrough’s pick came during his first time playing defense at the varsity level. Would a player who doesn’t care about the game anymore do any of these things? Probably not.

No matter the case, Miller cares about one thing, and that’s winning the game.

So what if he doesn’t see the field the entire game except to play up-back in punting situations, which he tried in the victory against South? So what if he doesn’t catch a ball the entire game? So what if he catches the game winning touchdown?

“I just want the team to win,” Miller said.

“Whatever (the coaches) want me to do, I’ll do it. I just love playing football.”

How they PAD up Wide Receiver

Wide receiver padding is made lighter so that the wide receiver can carry and catch the ball without interference.

VS.

Quarterback

Quarterback padding protects all around, most importantly the rib cage.

4

80 minutes wasn’t enough for this battle against the #1 ranked team in state at the time, BV North. Usually, the game would have ended a tie, but since this was a tournament, it continued on. It went to penalty kicks, and after each team made four, it went to sudden death penalties. BV North missed wide, and senior Jeremy Wolf stepped up with the game on the line. “It was a huge win,” senior Owen Craig said.

“They are a great team.” The soccer team ended up 9-7 and a sixth seed in the Northeast Regional. They defeated SM South in the first round of regional play.

Goal-line stand vs. SM South

With the season on the line, the defense held strong on a fourth-and-goal attempt. Senior Matt Baker, who already had plugged holes in the Lancer defense numerous times throughout the game, was key on the stop. The defense held the shutout as the Lancers won 7-0 and kept their playoff hopes alive.

Gymnastics reaches goal

For the last few seasons, the gymnastics team’s goal hasn’t been to win state.

That would be unrealistic, especially with Lawrence’s Abby Jones winning almost every event in her four years. Their real goal? To score over 100 points. They did just that at regionals, coming in » karenboomer with 100.525 and a third place finish, qualifying them for state. Freshman Hannah Quillec and sophomore Amanda Pierce (above) have been standouts for the team.

Volleyball marches to state They might have lost on Senior Night, but they came to play Oct. 20. They beat SM North and » tylerroste SM West to advance to the state tournament.

Results of state came after our deadline, but the Lancers were the eight seed going in to the tournament. A Lancer state championship would be a huge upset.

point COUNTERPOINT YES NO ISSUE: Was Trey Hillman, the new Royals’ manager, a good hire?

The last time the Japanese invaded I am not pleased with this move. Who is this guy?

America, we all know how that turned out.

I don’t even know his name. And he hasn’t had Though this isn’t Pearl Harbor, and even any major league experience. He’s only coached though Trey Hillman isn’t exactly Japanese, he comes from in the minors and Japan. What makes me even angrier is that the Nippon Ham Fighters, contenders for the World Series the Royals didn’t even interview former Marlins manager Joe in the Land of the Rising Sun. The Ham Fighters, like the Girardi. Girardi almost took a Marlins team riddled with very Royals were a team that lost a young talent to the playoffs, won lot, and were the mockery of Want to debate an issue with a member of the sports staff NL manager of the year and then Tokyo. After Hillman was hired, for the next issue? Send an email to smeharbinger@gmail. got fired. He would’ve been faced com and describe your stance on an issue. If one of us the team became a threat to strongly disagrees, we’ll debate you. with the same situation in KC, but teams like the Tokyo Giants, again the Glass family cared more the equivalent to the Yankees. about Wal-Mart than putting out In his fifth year as the Fighter’s manager, he’s taking them a winning team on the field. Why own a sports franchise if to the World Series to defend their title. Hillman comes you’re not going to do what it takes to help them win? Now the to Kansas City as a fresh face to the major leagues, but Yankees have the potential to get Girardi, and just like usual, an experienced member of the baseball community that they steal someone from us. With our luck, Girardi might take could recreate this franchise. Expect a royal kamikaze to them to the World Series next year, if the Yanks hire him. -Nick come. -Sam Logan Ratliff

fantasyland Week 9 Top Players QB- Tom Brady @ IND RB- Joseph Addai vs NE WR- Terrell Owens @ PHI TE- Tony Gonzalez vs. GB K- Adam Vinatieri @ PHI DEF- Baltimore @ PIT

5

Girls’ golf takes regionals East took second place in regionals, led by freshman Sarah Genton’s 86. Genton, along with her twin sister Kristina, shot the same score, 98, at state the next weekend. Senior Catherine Ward, sophomore Caroline Sheridan, sophomore Caitlin Benson and freshman Elizabeth Ward made up the rest of the team.

coach’s clipboard

2 3

Penalty kicks vs. top ranked BV North

27

SPORTS

51

moments that mattered this fall sports season

Ace 26 Stretch Reverse X

X XX X X X X X

X

X

A little trickery can be useful now and then. This play, Ace 26 Stretch Reverse, is tricky enough to confuse a defense but easy enough to not confuse the offense. The halfback runs a stretch to the right side (the “2” in “26” represents the running back, the “6” the hole he is supposed to run) and pitches the ball to the wideout making his way through the backfield. The lineman must do a good job faking the stretch so that the left defensive end commits to the run. That way, the receiver will have room to run past him and down the field for a touchdown. Hopefully.

we diagram a successful Lancer play... without giving too much away

We give you our fantasy football tips, from who to trade to who to acquire Harbinger League Standings as of week 3

Jordan Dietrich 6-1 899.22 pts.

Clark Goble 5-2 801.66 pts.

Alex Anderson 4-3 811.52 pts.

Sam Kovzan 4-3 731.62 pts.

Nick Ratliff 3-4 854.96 pts.

Auto-Draft 3-4 742.86 pts.

Sarah Luby 2-5 632.20 pts.

Sam Logan 1-6 551.26 pts.

BUY

players who will be better than their stats suggest

QB Phillip Rivers, SD RB Cedric Benson, CHI WR Chris Chambers, SD WR Calvin Johnson, DET WR Donald Driver, GB DEF Green Bay

SELL

no-name big game? waiver-wire wonders

QB Trent Edwards, BUF RB Selvin Young, DEN- Travis Henry is about to go RB Kenton Keith, IND down for marijuana usage, and Young would start.

WR Roydell Williams, TEN WR Sidney Rice, MIN- With Adrian Peterson slashing QB Derek Anderson, CLE WR John Broussard, JAC up defenses, the Vikings passing game will open up.

QB Eli Manning, NYG WR Patrick Crayton, DAL who’s hot who’s not Week 9 Bye Weeks WR Kevin Curtis, PHI QB Tom Brady, NE QB Carson Palmer, CIN Chicago, Miami, NY RB Adrian Peterson, MIN RB DeShaun Foster, CAR WR Roddy White, ATL Giants, St. Louis TE Dallas Clark, IND WR Wes Welker, NE WR Joey Galloway, TB issue players who you need to trade while their stats are good

*picks are consensus of sports staff

5

PHOTO ESSAY

28

An Emotional Finish The girls’ varsity cross country team competed at the regional meet on Oct. 20, qualifying two team members to move on to the state meet on Oct. 27.

Left: After finishing her race, sophomore Mallory Kirby hugs her coach, Trisha Beaham. Kirby did not qualify for the state meet.

» sallydrape

Below: Junior Allie Marquis greets her friend, senior Kelsey Whitaker, after the race. Marquis qualified for state again this year after placing fifth at regionals. Freshman Hannah Jane Stradinger also qualified.

» karenboomer

Above: Senior Meg Sterchi cheers on her team during the girls’ race.

» karenboomer

Left: The girls’ 4k race started with the sound of a gun. The varsity girls were (from left) junior Allie Marquis, sophomore Mallory Kirby, sophomore Leah Chesbrough, freshman Hannah Jane Stradinger, sophomore Jessie Sykes, sophomore Maddie Rich and junior Melissa McKittrick.

» karenboomer

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29

oct.

2007

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