Issue 6 by The Harbinger

the

ISSUE 6 SHAWNEE MISSION EAST PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS NOV. 16, 2009

Through the wording in applications’ privacy policies, marketing groups can access personal information, making Facebook a...

deceiving

database >>

LoganHeley Two years ago online social networking users received a scare when they found out that photos on their profiles could be seen by the likes of college applications workers and potential employers. Recently, a report by National Public Radio has brought another privacy issue to light: third parties, such as the developers of Facebook applications, gathering information on social networking Web sites without the knowledge of the user and then selling that information to marketers. When a user on a site such as Facebook wants to download an application to their profile, they must allow the operator of that application to access their information. The question to allow or cancel pops up every time a user attempts to download an application on Facebook, but that doesn’t guarantee that the user will pay attention to what they are approving. continued on page 3

>>FEATURES: Senior wins lead in school play (pg. 12) A&E: ‘DJ Hero’ review (pg. 18) SPORTS: Winter Season preview (pg. 27)

page 2 news 11.16.09

BRIEFS

Winter Sports

>> Anyone participating in winter sports should >> look for signs and listen to announcements for information on tryouts. >> Today

Counseling

Winter Musical

>> Anyone interested in auditioning for the win>>

ter musical “Footloose” should sign up outside of the Little Theatre before trying out. >> After school tomorrow and Wednesday

Crisis

District budget cuts cause department to take on an increased workload >>AnnieSgroi selors and college admissions officers, that Last year counselor Jamie Heller wrote 28 letters of recommendation for students applying to college. So far this year Heller has written 11 and that’s just for the first two early application deadlines on Nov.. 1 and Nov. 15. With four deadlines still to come, Heller expects a more hectic year. This increase in paperwork is one part of the increased workloads counselors at East are experiencing this year. According to Principal Karl Krawitz district budget cuts, resulting in a loss of one counselor are to blame for the increased workload. According to East Counseling Coordinator Lili Englebrick, the East counseling department’s student-to-counselor ratio has increased this year to 350:1 from last year’s average ratio of 280:1. Englebrick said that individual counselors have had to take on 50 to 75 new students. And it’s not just East counselors that are experiencing busier days. This year, 45 percent of public schools nationwide have had to increase the case loads of their counselors, according to the 2009 State of College Admission Report, a study by the National Association for College Counseling (NACAC). NACAC is an association of high school coun-

aims to provide research to help counselors and admissions officers nationwide better serve their students. Melissa Clinedinst, NACAC Assistant Director of Research is the primary author of the 2009 report. Clinedinst said there are two main reasons nationwide for the increase case loads: increased enrollment in public high schools and decreased budgets for counseling departments. According to Clinedinst, both of these factors increase the student-to-counselor ratio, therefore making it more difficult for counselors to spend the necessary amount of time with students. The student-to-counselor ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association is 250:1 but according to the U.S. Department of Education the average ratio nationwide in public high schools is 315:1. Senior Tara Raghuveer recently finished the college application process. She wrote most of her application essays over the summer, so two weeks after school started she began working with her counselor, Deanna Griffey. They met for an interview so Griffey could write recommendation letters and after that they kept in contact so they could of e if L e h t learn the steps of filling out the in ay Jamie Heller AD Common Application together. op dr ’s Counselor ho student w Yale University, Brown Univer. Met with a m a. 40 7: re Befo ping a class sity and Georgetown University rent t Met with a pa en ud were just a few of the schools on st a d . 8 a.m parent an Met with a Raghuveer’s list—she applied l ai m . em a. ng 9 hile checki to 10. Ate lunch (w m co re of er writing a lett . d m a. Although she and Griffey an 30 1: -1 11 mendation) t a prohad a lot to accomplish in a ou ab t en ud Met with a st short period of time, everything U . K m p. at 12:15 gram llege ran smoothly. Raghuveer said udent for co terviewed st In er tt . le m n that she knows many seniors tio da en m 12:30-1:30 p. recom dropwho are just beginning the the student ith w n ai ag Met application process and she s. . m as 1:30 p. ping a cl ent confused ud feels relieved to have her apst a ith w Met tion ACT registra plications finished. While 2 p.m. go about their t with a studen her process was efficient, ms Followed-up le ob pr al person Raghuveer anticipates the ing through 2:40-3 p.m. aor pl line career ex counselor’s schedules will Updated on s 3 - 3:15 p.m. tion resource th Grade College become more hectic soon. 10 d Ran 9th an Archer r. M “I was lucky because I ith ºw Night 9 p.m. 7-

Planning

Teacher Workday

>> There will be a 1:10 p.m. dismissal for grades >>

K-12. Also, there will not be a seminar block. >> Teachers will be available after school. >> Tomorrow

Dollar Drop and Can Drive >> Students and staff should bring in their ex>> photo illustration by Katie East >> got it done ahead of time,” Raghuveer said. “It’ll probably be pretty stressful for the counselors with the rest of the kids starting in the next few months.” Heller has experienced the stressful effects of budget cuts first hand. Her daily goal is to respond to every student that contacts her before she goes home. She hates leaving one e-mail, phone call or note untouched at the end of the day and this year she’s had to. Heller said it’s become a struggle for counselors to keep up with their new case loads, but they’re managing. “We can feel it [increase in case loads],” Heller said. ” We’re trying our best not to let parents and students and teachers feel it. We’re trying to handle it as best we can so that they still feel like they’re getting their questions answered and they’re getting the time they need.” According to Clinedinst, since the increases in case loads are tied to increased enrollment and decreased budgets due to the struggling economy, it’s hard to project whether it will slow down anytime soon. Although those factors are unpredictable, Clinedinst said there is some hope for improvement in the “Pathways to College Act”, legislation currently being considered by the House of Representatives and the Senate. If passed, the “Pathways to College Act” would allow the Secretary of Education to authorize more funding for college counseling. “It [the legislation] is a positive sign,” Clinedinst said. “There’s definitely more interest at the national level with the current administration in the counseling function of schools.” Heller said that until budgets improve counselors at East will continue to stretch their time. They’ll continue to take on more to keep up with students’ needs. “When you make cuts in education it’s within a community that is a serving community . . . you get people just to work harder,” Heller said. “They’re not the kind of people who are willing to sacrifice the relationship they have with kids or what they could do for kids even though they’re running on less support or having to do more with less.”

tra dollars for the Dollar Drop. All proceeds go to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. >> Now through Friday

>> >> Students are encouraged to bring non-per>>

ishable food items, especially canned tomatoes, to school for the annual Can Drive. Proceeds go to the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. One dollar equals three cans. >> Now through Friday

Principal and Parent Coffee

>> >> Parents will be able to meet with Dr. Krawitz and hear about upcoming events. >> 9 a.m. on Wednesday in the library

College Financial Aid Evening

>> >> All parents and students looking for infor-

mation on college financial aid are welcome to attend. >> 7 p.m. on Wednesday in the SM Northwest cafeteria

Mid-Quarter

>>>>Progress reports will be sent home with students. >> >> Friday MORP

>> >> This year’s theme is Neon Jungle.

Tickets are on sale now. They are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Johnson County Christmas Bureau. The class with the highest attendance will receive credit for all the money made for the Bureau at the dance. >> 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday in the cafeteria

Programming Competition

>> >>

Ten East computer programming teams competed in the Kansas State University Programming Competition on Nov. 4 in Manhattan. The team of seniors Qi Chen and Joe Craig and junior Spencer Brown placed first in the competition. Juniors Andrew Mohn, Pat McGannon and Russell White placed third as a team and brought home a medal.

Visit www.smeharbinger.net for new and updated coverage of East news

JUNIOR MADELINEGOSS

Q: Is it fair for Facebook application operators to release your information? A: I think it is fair since Facebook is free and we choose to use those applications. Q Do you recall a certain Facebook ad that related to interests, movies, music, etc. you provided on your profile? A: Yes, sometimes I even get ads that relate to my interests I haven’t even posted on Facebook.

SENIOR HANNAHLANG

Q: How do you feel about Facebook selling information on your profile for marketing? A: It doesn’t affect me at all. Q: Is it fair for Facebook application operators to release your information? A-Facebook is a free Web site, so they can do what they want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. Q: Have you ever clicked on an ad that caught your attention? A: There was one that said “Think You Know Twilight?” asking me to take a quiz because I think I have Twilight under my personal info section. I didn’t click on it though.

Q: How do you feel about Facebook selling information on your profile for marketing? A: It is fine with me. It’s not like there is a person sitting on a computer specifically targeting me. Q: Is it fair for Facebook application operators to release your information? A: I think it’s okay because we are giving them access by using the application, so they basically have possession of it.

SENIOR CHARLIEFREYDER

SENIOR EMMAFRITTS

>>lancervoice

Q: How do you feel about Facebook selling information on your profile for marketing purposes? A: I don’t care. It’s not big deal. Q: Have you ever clicked on an ad that caught your attention? A: No, I usually don’t read them

issue 6 news page 3

Electronic Exploitation Social networks are a gold mine for marketing groups wishing to buy information on potential clients

>>continued from page one

The “Music” application asks the user to allow it to access their profile information and “other content that it requires to work.” The main concern for users is that they do not know what information they are allowing these application operators to access. Though Facebook may offer an application, they do not necessarily manage it. A third party runs many of Facebook’s applications. For example, “Music” is run by iLike in partnership with MySpace Music. Also, these third party companies are not necessarily properly regulated by Facebook or anyone else. Facebook’s director of public policy Tim Sparapani told NPR that it is technologically possible for the writer of an application to write the application in a way that could abuse a user’s privacy. This, he said, would be a violation of Facebook’s rules and if caught, the writer would most likely face legal action. MySpace allows all its users to set their profiles to “private” and they also offer increased privacy settings for minors. Facebook announced in August that they would begin enhancing its privacy measures after working with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada for over a year. New notifications are to be released by Facebook as well as additions to their privacy policy. Facebook hopes that these additions will give their users more control over their information. Facebook states in their privacy policy that they cannot guarantee that their information will be kept private because other users may choose to violate Facebook’s terms of service. The information gathering that these third parties do has organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and also social networking users concerned. Junior Gail Stonebarger uses applications such as “Honesty Box” and “Compare People” on Facebook and said she wasn’t aware that the operators of those applications could sell her information.

“It’s really just abusing Facebook,” Stonebarger said. “The purpose of Facebook was originally for friends to stay connected with each other, its purpose shouldn’t be to help marketers gain information on people. Nobody goes on Facebook looking to buy anything, so they shouldn’t be targeted as consumers.” NPR’s report noted that people are more open on sites that seem less formal, making sites like Facebook where users can take “quizzes” an information gold mine. Stonebarger believes that anyone using Facebook should be more wary of what they are allowing on their profiles because they don’t know who else will see their information. “I think people should use common sense about the applications they put on their profile because some of them are obviously a little sketch, but I think the ones made by Facebook are usually pretty legitimate,” Stonebarger said. The groups that gather information from social networking sites are numerous. Rapleaf, a prominent information gathering database, claims to have “insights” on nearly 400 million people. They obtain these “insights” through online discussion boards, blogs, social networks, review sites and online forums. “Insights” gathered by Rapleaf may then be sold to retailers, political organizations, marketers, hotels, airlines or other groups. Those groups could, in turn, then solicit the people it has purchased information on. However, Rapleaf does have a policy of only gathering information off of public sections of the Internet. Auren Huffman, Rapleaf’s CEO, believes that his company is necessary in today’s world. “If we didn’t have data, our world wouldn’t work,” Hoffman told NPR. “You’d have to put money down to get like a cable television or a cell phone or any of those things that we take for granted today.”

How do Facebook applications get permission to use my information?

Note: Third party advertisers on Facebook have no access to your contact information stored on Facebook unless you choose to share it with them.

Before installing an application you must click the “Allow” button. By clicking this button, you are giving the application operators permission to access your information, photos and even your friends’ information.

page 4 news 11.16.09

Fuel For Thought

>>GriffinBur

Student takes a stand to be green with her electric car

>>MackenzieWylie of the constraints of reality. Beyond the limited range of electric cars, he points out that the bulk of Johnson County’s 750 cars are used by the sheriff’s department. Cars that use natural gas often have to give up some trunk space -an arrangement that is not practical for police cruisers. Another lingering issue is the fact that neither electricity or natural gas are renewable. Though electricity can come from renewable sources, the majority of electricity produced now comes from coal. Natural gas, though a cleaner burning fuel, is still a finite resource. “Ideally we’d get electricity from wind and solar power but for the foreseeable future, we’ll be burning coal for electricity,” Joerke said. Still, Jim sees electric cars as the way of the future. Charging stations would accommodate and encourage

their use, he said. “Just off the top of my head, I can name 24 other people who would use of charging stations,” he said. “I think electric cars are the next big step for our society but we’re just not there yet.” Joerke agrees that the tide is shifting towards green energy. The money for electric cars came from the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation” federal block grant -- a sign that clean and green energy are becoming more mainstream ideas. Joerke asserts that despite the difficulties of creating environmentally-friendly energy, the task is doable. “Sometimes things like this require some investment up front but in the end, they’re worth it,” Joerke said. “Electric cars aren’t perfect but they reduce dependence on petroleum. They’re a step forward.”

Small is the new Smart Smart cars are an alternative to electric cars for fuel efficiency

40 mpg

1,800 pounds

6 ft. 2 Danny Clark of the NY Giants is a smart car driver

>>msnbc.com

Sophomore Emily Donovan has a choice to make: which car to drive to school. She can borrow her mom’s gas-powered car and pay about $0.90. Or, she can borrow her dad’s electric car and pay about $0.05. The choice is an easy one - Emily hops in her dad’s car and makes the drive. The downside: most gas-powered cars can go 300 miles before refueling. Emily’s electric car can go 40. After that, she has to recharge, which takes about two hours. With no public charging stations, this poses a problem. But that problem could be on its way to being solved, says James Joerke, Johnson County Sustainability Program Director. The Johnson County government is installing six electric car charging stations in the next 12 to 24 months. All six will be at various government buildings -- two stations each at the 6000 Lamar Location, the Sunset Drive office building and the main office building in Olathe. Additionally, the Johnson County government is incorporating electric and natural gas cars into its 750 car fleet. The stations will cost roughly $5000 to $7000, not including installation labor and materials. The county has not yet chosen a contractor, so the exact cost remains unknown. Users will pay for the electricity with a credit cards or a “swipe card” system. While none of the stations proposed are in Prairie Village, Assistant City Administrator Dennis Enslinger said that the city would welcome them “if the opportunity arose.” Enslinger notes that the city has a good track record on the environment already -- the city established curb side recycling and plans to eventually use solar panels on the city hall building. Though these initial steps are incremental, Joerke says that these measures are “tests to see how things go.” If there is enough demand, Johnson County will likely expand the number of stations. Joerke remains cautiously optimistic about the project. “We know that many more electric cars will be made soon,” Joerke said. “We think people will be more likely to buy [electric cars] if there are places where they can be charged.” Emily, who doesn’t drive often, wouldn’t get much use out of charging stations. But, she concedes that more frequent drivers could make good use of the stations. One such driver is Emily’s dad, Jim Donovan. Jim owns four electric vehicles and is a cofounder of the Midamerica Electric Automobile Association (MAEAA.) For Jim, the need for charging stations is imminent. His job requires driving on trips as long as from Olathe to the Northland. Such trips require charging in between. “As it is now, I’ve had to develop relationships with people in various parts of town so I can plug my car in,” he said. “Tell me where [the stations] are and I’ll visit those parts of town more often.” Beyond environmental benefits, Joerke says that “green” energy is often more cost efficient. According to him, nearly every project his department is working on will eventually reduce costs. “That’s literally the definition of sustainaiblity: balancing the environmental benefit with the cost,” Joerke said. “Once the public hears that [green energy] lowers costs, they’re pretty supportive.” Jim Donovan agrees, saying his main motivation for driving electric cars is the cost rather than the environment. Emily also says that cost efficiency is the largest benefit -since her parents pay the electric bills, her total cost for the car is zero. Still, she says that the environmental benefits are an added bonus. “For me it’s more an issue of not having to pay for gas money,” she said. “But, the whole ‘saving the planet’ thing is convenient.” Despite the benefits of green energy, Joerke is also aware

8.8 ft.

5 ft.

issue 6 news page 5

Barkers B eware A new city ordinance will allow police to impound barking dogs as a last resort in Prairie Village

>>BobMartin

Doggy Debate Obscure dog laws from across the nation

Missouri

A person may legally pursue and take the life of a dog that has recently engaged in the killing of a sheep or other domestic animal providing that the killing of the dog does not take place in an enclosure on the property of the owner of that dog.

Alaska Any dog that habitually annoys a wild or domestic animal or bird such as a reindeer or a fowl may be killed by any person. If the owner can be reasonably located, then they are allowed to try to restrain the dog before the killing of the dog.

Colorado A $200 fine must be paid by the owner of any dog seen to be harassing any type of wildlife in state parks. Also, a wildlife officer may capture or kill any dog they deem to be harassing wildlife provided that the dog is not under direct personal contact of a person.

Minnesota

Late night barking is now a bit riskier for man’s best friend. A new ordinance passed by Prairie Village city council on Oct. 19 allows police officers to impound dogs who are barking too loudly at night and generally disturbing neighbors. While they will continue all efforts to resolve the issue with the owner, as a last resort scenario, officers will impound the dog as seen necessary, leaving owners to pay a small fine the next day in order to pick up their pet. With the new ordinance, officers will first judge how much of a nuisance the animal is causing, and if the owner is non-compliant or not home to deal with their pet, they will then decide whether or not to impound the dog. Dogs will be taken to local pounds like the Animal Medical Center on 75th and Wornall. After seeing that the city’s old system was flawed, city council members decided it was time for a change. Prairie Village police chief Wes Jordan helped organize how the ordinance would work. “Before, we would put a door hanger [on the person’s door] and said ‘please contact us in regard to your dog barking’ and if they didn’t call us, there wasn’t much [we could do].” Jordan said. Despite the small percentage of animals causing the problem, city council still felt something needed to be done about the noise after using ineffective measures for so long. Sophomore Jason Pugh’s three dogs frequently spend time outside at his Prairie Village home. He isn’t too worried about the new ordinance affecting them, but he thinks the ordinance is reasonable. “Only one of my dogs is ever really out for extended periods of time, and it’s not a very loud dog.” Pugh said. “[But] if it’s a really big problem, enough for someone to

complain about it, I guess it’s reasonable.” Jordan said that the new ordinance will take more effort on behalf of the police to enforce, something that will be difficult with only two animal control officers city-wide devoted to these issues. This being the case, he doesn’t believe that responsible dog owners should be too worried about the changes. “My guess is it’s gonna be one of those ordinances that’s rarely enforced, but we will use it as a tool,” Jordan said. Jordan believes that the key to the ordinance is really the underlying message it delivers, and that is what he thinks will keep the noisy animals inside. The rare enforcement is largely a result of the special procedures a nonanimal control officer must go through to impound a dog. To take an animal in, the officer must first return his squad car to the station and take a special animal control vehicle to pick up the barking animal, something Jordan believes that not many officers will want to deal with. So far, Jordan has seen a mostly mixed public reaction. He said that while many are glad the noise will come to an end, others are concerned by what Jordan calls “sensationalized reports” that came out shortly after the ordinance’s passing. “I think people thought, ‘The police are going to come in anytime my dog barks at a squirrel,’” Jordan said. “It’s not like that.” From what Pugh’s noticed in his own neighborhood, animal noise really is not much of a problem at night or any other time during the day. Still, the new ordinance is one that all dog owners will be forced to take note of, and while it has already taken effect in Prairie Village, no animals have been seized yet.

No person is allowed to train a hunting dog on public land between April 16 and July 14 of each year unless they receive a special permit. Also, trainers are only allowed to load guns with blanks while the bird hunting season is not open.

>>photo illustration by LindseyHartnett

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RECYCLE YOUR HARBINGER

An Acceptable Sale

issue 6 editorial page 7

Users should pay more attention before accepting apps that can sell personal information

The

VOTE

the

10 1 0

situation is to give a more specific disclaimer before a user adds an application. The current warning before adding an application reads: “Allowing ‘This application’ access will let it pull your profile information, photos, your friends’ info and other content that it requires to work.” A more specific statement garnered to each application warning of the risks of profile sharing would be helpful to users looking to use an application. This could clear up the somewhat ambiguous statement that is in place now. It would ensure that users knew exactly what could happen with their profile information. In today’s world, privacy is a thing to behold. A minute rarely passes where people aren’t under bombardment by emails, texts, calls or wall posts. To make sure that personal Letters to the editor information isn’t should be sent to room 521 or ending up in undesirable places, a user smeharbinger@gmail.com. should think twice Letters may be edited for clarity, before adding appli- length, libel and mechanics and accepted or rejected at the cations.

a publication of shawnee mission east high school 7500 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208

Editors-In-Chief >>Tim Shedor >>Phoebe Unterman Assistant Editors >>Sam Logan >>Kevin Simpson Head Copy Editor >>Andrew Goble Art and Design Editor >>Michael Stolle News Editor >>Logan Heley News Page Editors >>Kennedy Burgess >>Kiki Sykes

nov. 16, 2009 issue 6, vol. 51

Editorial Editor >>Lilly Myers Opinion Editor >>Duncan McHenry Opinion Page Editors >>Kat Buchanan >>Raina Weinberg Features Editor >>Annie Sgroi Feature Page Editors >>>Kathleen Ireland >> Molly Troutman Spread Editor >>Aubrey Leiter Asst. Spread Editor >>Ian Wiseman

editors’ discretion.

A&E Editor >>Mac Tamblyn A&E Page Editors >>Colleen Ireland >>Christa McKittrick Mixed Editor >>Emma Pennington Sports Editor >>Sam Logan Sports Page Editors >>Corbin Barnds >>Conor Twibell Photo Editor >>Mackenzie Wylie Assistant Photo Editor >>Katie East Freelance Page Editors >>>Maddy Bailey >> Sarah McKittrick Copy Editors >>Andrew Goble

>>Grant Kendall

Top5facebook applications

FarmVille

Mafia Wars

>>Logan Heley >>Jack Howland >>Sam Kovzan >>Annie Sgroi >>Tim Shedor >>Kevin Simpson >>Michael Stolle >>Phoebe Unterman

>>Sam Logan >>Lilly Myers >>Annie Sgroi >>Tim Shedor >>Kevin Simpson >>Michael Stolle >>Mac Tamblyn >>Phoebe Unterman

Staff Writers >>Griffin Bur >>Grant Kendall >>Alex Lamb >>Bob Martin >>Haley Martin >>Shannon McGinley >>Ian Wiseman >>Alysabeth Albano Editorial Board >>Griffin Bur >>Andrew Goble >>Logan Heley

Photographers >>Jeff Cole >>Lindsey Hartnett >>Taylor Odell >>Dan Stewart Staff Artists >>Kennedy Burgess >>Morgan Christian Circulation Manager >>Matt Gannon Ads Manager >>Morgan Christian Online Editors

Causes

Cafe World

Happy Aquarium

>>www.allfacebook.com

During the popular Facebook application “FarmVille,” players build and grow their own farms, competing with friends to see whose can become the most successful. But when signing up for FarmVille, like any Facebook application, users agree to give application writers access to their profile information, photos, friends’ information and other content necessary for the application to work. According to “The End of Privacy,” a recent series on National Public Radio (NPR), this information can end up in the hands of third-party groups, who can use the information for marketing data and demographics. Although most of this information ends up being shot back in the form of spam email, the danger resides in the fact that personal information is being put on the open market. Facebook, the application writers or the third-party groups are not to blame for this exposure of privacy. Rather, Facebook users are at fault. If users are not interested in profile information being exchanged outside of Facebook, they should use greater discretion when giving applications access to their profiles. A conscious decision needs to be made by the user as to whether their personal information is more or less important than a Facebook quiz. Items like age, religious preference and sexual orientation may not be the most sacred of facts when displayed on a Facebook profile, but they can be used as gauges to sort through masses of profile information that third-party groups collect. Facebook is free to everyone. It makes its money from companies buying advertising on the site. Since this is the case, users have no say in how Facebook operates, and they should not. Facebook never discloses profile information outside the personalized social network, and according to NPR, efforts are being made by the Web site to stop third-party involveThe majority opinion of the ment. These measures Harbinger Editorial Board will take around a year against absent to finish, so information for is still being jeopardized for at least that amount of time. One thing Facebook could do to improve the

>>Taylor Haviland >>Elizabeth McGranahan Webmaster >>Joe Craig >>Pat McGannon Online Section Editor >>Evan Nichols Online Staff Writer >>Christopher Heady >>Haley Martin >>Katy Westhoff Online Photographer >>Max Stitt Anchor/Vlogger >>Andrew Goble >>Tom Lynch Videographer >>Alex Lamb Adviser >>Dow Tate

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

page 8 opinion 11.16.2009

wardrobe by design Sophomore believes many East students rely on designer clothes for their self image an opinion of

Peer pressure comes in many forms. At East one only has to look at the insignia on students’ shirts to see the unspoken peer pressure in the halls. One of the most appar>> EmmaPennington ent changes that students go through is their sense of style. Students go from wearing American Eagle and Abercrombie in middle school to wearing Lacoste and Vineyard Vines in high school. I don’t think we are wearing these outrageously priced clothes because they are better quality. And I don’t think we look better when there is a whale (Vineyard Vines) or a man riding a horse and holding a stick (Polo) on the front of our shirt. When students look around at school they see loads of these designer brands, thus they feel pressure to wear them. Where does this peer pressure come from? I don’t ever recall having a conversation with a friend that included slamming a classmate because of the off brand they wear. Maybe before spending $200 on a pair of pre-distressed, studded, ripped, skinny jeans we should ask ourselves why we are spending so much on something we could probably buy for a lot less. Chances are when you think about it you will realize you’re buying these clothes for the image they portray. You’re not given a handbook of ‘what to wear at East’ at student orientation. But as you walk down the hallway the first day of school it’s hard to miss the Lilly Pulitzer dresses, Vera Bradley backpacks, Uggs, Northface jackets, and Rainbow sandals --- the East mentality is thrown in your face. If we dress from Target it’s not as though people will treat us like a pariah. I suspect if we blindfolded students and put them in t-shirt from Target, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren and Lacoste only a few could feel the difference. Yet lots of East students still spend loads of money on these clothes.

When you step back and think about it, it seems a little crazy that we buy a velour track suit that costs close to $300 just so we can zip up with a “J” and have the word “Juicy” written on our ass. It’s just another way students waste their parents’ money. Yes, waste. And yes, your parents. Because I can just about guarantee that you don’t need a pair of velour sweats. And I highly doubt that you have a few hundred dollars just laying around. But somehow we Johnson County kids have a way with words when it comes to getting what we want from our parents. No one ever says, “Go buy some True Religion jeans, they are so comfortable.” Because they’re not any more comfortable than throwing on a pair of jeans from the Gap. No student wants to admit that the sole reason they wear these clothes is for the self satisfaction and security. By wearing the most expensive clothes people think they will be accepted or thought of as a “cooler” person when really most people don’t pick their friends based on if they are wearing Seven jeans or not. The peer pressure is not direct but the fact is we are surrounded by this image. When so many people dress a certain way it makes others want to follow. If we are all so adamant on having the most expensive brands then why not get these items at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Or heck, go to the thrift store. What’s wrong with buying a polo that is $12 rather than full price, close to $75? These are still the same products, they just cost less money. There is no logical reason to spend about $60 more on the same item. I think it is passed down year to year. We SMEasters are known for being a school with an above average family income, so we perpetuate that image. I think that students at East are too self conscious about their appearance and how other students view them. If you want to wear designer brands, go for it. I won’t stop you. But at least think of why you dress this way. If the reason is, “because everyone else does,” then it seems pretty ridiculous to spend thousands of dollars on clothes just because you want to fit in. Many generations ago this tradition began. They dressed the part then so now we continue to wear the finest money can buy. Is that right? No, but it is reality -- at least at East.

clothing comparison The Designer Outfit

True Religion jeans

$262

Lacoste shirt $45

Ralph Lauren polo $75

The Generic Outfit

Gap jeans $54.50 Katie East

>>Dan Stewart

team shirt $10

Gap polo $25

North Face jacket

$100

=$482

Old Navy jacket $29.75

= $119.25

an opinion of

As AMC Town Center 20’s tickets have become i n c re a s i n g ly overpriced >>AlexLamb and unaffordable since May 2008, I’ve had to adapt my movie-going habits to the theater’s costly environment. I was able to handle and find ways around the jump from $8.50 to $10 for weekend evening shows - like sneaking into a second film after the first, feeling that would be the only way to get my money’s worth - but their latest increase crosses the line. Twelve dollars is a ludicrous amount for a regular movie, and I refuse to return to the theater as long as that price is in place. On Oct. 30, AMC 20 introduced a new reserved seating amenity for every show on all its screens, where instead of waiting in line for a film, you can buy your tickets beforehand and specifically pick what seats you want. Reserved seating has gone over well at the extravagant AMC Mainstreet in the Power and Light District, so the Kansas Citybased AMC decided it would be a good addition to Town Center, their theater that sells out most often in KC. While this may sound like an improvement and eliminates waiting in line for a good seat, on the whole it only creates more problems for film-goers, chief among these a higher, outrageous cost. Both weekend matinee and evening shows jumped $2 in price, meaning the $7.50 afternoon showings now cost $9.50 and the $10 films after 4 p.m. have gone up to a record $12. All weekday tickets

yet unnecessary additions in the theater (all seats and rows are now numbered and lettered, like at a concert), some technological renovations and more needed ushers, who actually help viewers find their seats now. And if you get into the theater and want to move because you don’t like the loud, raucous teenagers around you, want to be closer or farther from the screen or see some friends you want to sit by, you’ll have to make the trip all the way to guest services and change your seat there. As opposed to simply just getting up and moving, like it’s always been and still should be. An additional downside resulting from this change stems from the ushers, since they will actually be another source for teens’ dissatisfaction with Town Center theater. Teenagers under the age of 17 sneak into R rated films often at AMC 20 (I’ve sure done it countless times), as it’s always been a pretty easy cineplex for doing so, with few employees ever on guard. Most of the time it’s only been difficult with movies that have a hard R, which I find understandable. Sadly, now it’s often nearly impossible for teens to sneak into R rated movies at all there, or any film they don’t have a ticket to. This is due to the ushers usually stationed at both sides of the cineplex, waiting to assist ticketholders find their seats. And, whenever possible, AMC places all of their R movies at one side, where viewers suspected to be under 21 are carded upon entering the section. This regrettably makes it so teenagers have virtually no chance of getting into any R rated films if they’re below 17. I’m sure

also have an effect on business, reducing the number of teen patrons to AMC 20 even more; that is, if the price increase wasn’t already enough to scare them off, as the case is with me. In fact, I’m certain AMC 20 will see a decrease in profit; what worked at Mainstreet won’t pan out at Town Center, seeing as the two theaters cater to different markets. Mainstreet is the premium movie experience in the area, so customers expect to pay a lot. Town Center, on the other hand, is aimed at the more common movie-watcher, who expects reasonable prices for a normal experience. Which is why I think the only films AMC 20’s reserved seating should apply to are the big blockbusters, whatever movies are playing in the four main theaters and those still in their first two weeks of release. These are the only films it can be difficult to find a good spot in anyways, while all the rest are easy to obtain seats for, hardly ever filling up. Especially during the weekdays, when every theater has ample room, reserved seating would prove to be pointless, so there should be general admission Monday through Thursday. And anything over $6.50 for a matinee and $8.50 for an evening show on the weekends seems like too much to me, especially since a medium popcorn and drink will set you back another whopping $10.75 at AMC. If I wanted to spend nearly $23 on films, I’d rather buy a $10 movie poster at Vintage Stock, a $6 DVD at Borders and a ticket to an evening show at Cinemark Merriam for $6. Under the new system, I just can’t afford to continue seeing films at Town Center, and I won’t submit to or accept the ridiculous prices. Now I’ll more frequently go to Ward Parkway and Studio

issue 6 opinion page 9 than I’d like, I can retain my old habits and sneak into R rated and other movies after my first one. Hell, I’m even going to start driving to Cinemark Merriam, even though its about 20 minutes away from where I live, because they have the fairest prices in town. At only $4 for a matinee and $6 for an evening show (every single day of the week might I add), the extra time and gas it takes to get there is nothing compared to the money saved on tickets. It’s a shame Town Center did this, because AMC 20 was my regular theater, and I’ve always really enjoyed its friendly, hospitable atmosphere, close location and strong selection of films. Now I don’t have much reason to hang out at Town Center plaza either, since the theater was always my main destination. Without a movie to see, I’d only be walking around the area in circles, never with anywhere to go. AMC says they’re trying to make seeing a film at Town Center more of an experience with the reserved seating, but the only difference in experience I’ve noticed is that now it’s a bad one. I’m sure other moviewatchers have recognized this too, and if they react similarly to me, AMC 20 will adjust the system and prices to more adequately fit viewers’ needs. Although if customers just stand by and fail to reject the system, it will expand across the nation. So until AMC Town Center 20 makes another in-depth evaluation of their prices (which very well may not happen until after this holiday season), and hopefully realizes and amends the flaws in their new business plan, I urge all my fellow film-goers to avoid the theater and its horrendously overpriced tickets, instead choosing a theater that won’t clean out your entire wallet.

Ticked about tickets

Sophomore feels that AMC 20 is charging too much for movie tickets Lindsey Hartnett

page 10 features 11.16.09

The Lancer Chess team won more state championships than any other school during the 1990’s.

SME 50 Years of Excellence

“Observations from the Midwest”

Just as Aruthur was healed at Avalon, so too are many young Lancers nourished by the act of giving. Computers became omnipresent and still play a major part in instruction and research, whil major renovations helped bring the school up to code for the oncoming millennium.

love of writing

1960-61. 1986 students attended East, with 18 Merit semifinalists. John F. Kennedy spoke at East, accompanied by Robert Kennedy. 1961-62. 2437 Lancers signaaled for the new school. Shawnee Mission West opened the following year. The Lancers won their first and only Sunflower League Title in footbal. 1962-63. Out of 2217 students,

>>Dan Stewart

6 author

“72 Lifestyles”

1988-89, First football district championship in school history. Girls golf, girls tenis and boys golf all won state titles. 1989-90. 13 National Merit Semifinalists. Boys golf and the boys swim teat won state

musicals

“The history of Shawnee Mission East may divided into five eras: the Age of Camelo, in which the new school established its reputation; the Age of the Round Table, in which the new school welcomed others to the quest for exellence; the Age of Chivalery, in which East solidified its standing as one of the

rock chalk modern revue skits

In 1922 Shawnee Mission Rural HIgh School opened its doors to serve northeastern Johnson County, Kansas. By 1958, overcrowding led the Shawnee Mission School Board fo finalize plans for a new senior h

Inferno

The fourht decade of Shawnee Mission East continued educational journey twoards excellence. Dr. Marlin Sanb a stern taskmasker, led teh way for several years, they w replaced by affable Dr. Angelo Cocolis, who won the hea the students with his compassion and

literature

“The Timeline”

“The Lancers have moved to a new block schedule, tiered learning, differentiated instruction, and cooperative teaching with a multi-faceted skills approach to teaching. Implementing the spirit of No Child Left Behind to the fullest, the Shawnee Mission East

author an unpublished

>>LillyMyers

AP Government and Theory of Knowledge teacher Nick Paris wakes up ready on a sunny summer morning. The craziness of his day hasn’t begun yet. The world is quiet. Paris sits down to do what he loves: write. This last summer, while others were sleeping in until noon and tanning by the pool, Paris was compiling a timeline. He wasn’t paid for it. The final product wasn’t bound and sold at Barnes and Noble’s across the nation. Initiated by a student’s curiosity, Paris put together the timeline of famous literature, art, music, and more coinciding with major events from year 1000 to present for fun. An unpublished author, Paris has put his passion for writing into six books. Curious students, classic novels, and student suicides are among the unexpected sources in his life that help Paris generate ideas for writing. Before being inspired for his first book, Paris found a love for writing at KU, where he wrote Rock Chalk Revue skits. He carried this love over when he began teaching at Trailridge Junior High. After writing educational plays for his eighth grade classes, the principal approached him about writing the school’s spring musical. Though he had never taken any theater classes before, Paris channeled his experience with Rock Chalk Revue and wound up writing, directing, and producing six musicals for Trailridge. “I loved to see my words come alive like that for the young people,” Paris said. “That kind of fed my desire to write.” Since then, Paris said he has evolved from middle school musicals to more meaningful books to him. His first attempt was a contemporary parody of Dante’s Inferno. New torture techniques in Paris’s Hell included laser beams, asphalt steam rollers, and dentists drilling eternally on a nerve. “It was actually kind of therapeutic,” Paris said jokingly. “I put my ex-girlfriend in a circle of hell so she could suffer forever for

rejecting me.” A bachelor at the time of his Dante parody, Paris could simply turn off the television and stereo and be in the mood to write. However as Paris’s family grew, his time alone for writing shrunk. Mornings became the time for him to put pen to paper. The one thing that hasn’t changed through his years of writing is his technique. Whenever Paris gets an idea, he runs with it, hardly even stopping for plot development, and least of all editing. “That’s one of my weaknesses,” Paris said, “and it’s probably why I haven’t sold anything. I sort of get it all out there on paper and do a little bit of polishing.” The only two books Paris has ever attempted to sell were his Dante parody and “72 Lifestyles,” a book addressing the dangers of teenage behavior. But publishers weren’t looking for what he had to offer. Receiving rejection mail from the numerous publishers was an obvious discouragement for Paris. At the time he was ready and waiting for his big break. Now, he realizes the difficulty in getting a book published for a beginning author. Though few outside publishers and his family have read Paris’s books, those in Theory of Knowledge received copies of his timeline. Paris has even incorporated it into his teaching. “He assigns us either a decade or a century, and then we have to choose eight events and do summaries on each one,” senior Jordan Dietrich said. “Basically, TOK has changed because of the timeline.” While the far-off dream of a best-selling book will always stick around, Paris sees the absence in himself of what all publishers want: an appeal to the masses. The fact that the market for his books doesn’t extend far isn’t enough to stifle his love of writing. “I’m not really an author in the sense of a professional writer,” Paris said, “but i just enjoy writing. I’m proud of it.”

Eras of East

Paris describes the five different ‘ages’ of East’s history in his book ‘50 Years of Excellence’ The Age of Camelot 1958-68 SME was formed after overcrowding in Shawnee Mission Rural High School. Columbia blue, black and white became the school’s colors and the lancer became the mascot. East strove for academic excellence from the beginning.

The Age of the Round Table 1968-78 District leaders, or the “round table,” encouraged the expansion of the district that would come to include the five SM high schools in the district today.

The Age of Chivalry 1978-88 East was involved in the big reorganization of junior highs and high schools. Throughout this transition, the school remained commited to academic excellence and accepting of changes.

The Age of Avalon 1988-98 Through the SHARE program, East students bceame commited to helping the community. Computers became a big part of learning and major renovations occurred throughout the decade.

The Age of the Holy Grail 1998-08 During this past decade, East has sought the “Holy Grail of Education.” East ranked at the top of all metro schools in standardized test scores.

>>50 Years of Excellence

issue 6 features page 11

making a

PROMISE After eleven years as a troop, six sophomores make the commitment to earn their Girl Scout Gold Awards

>>ShannonMcGinley

From Daisies to Brownies, Girls Scouts have been a part of every young girl’s life. After a few exciting years of cookie selling and badge collecting, many girls quit, but not for six dedicated sophomores. Girl Scouts Andrea Erickson, Abby Moore, Heather Hartong, Ellie Walker, Paige Kovarik, and Carolyn Wolff chose to pursue it. Forming a troop in the first grade, these Girl Scouts have been working hard ever since to complete all of the requirements to achieve their Gold Award. The Gold Award is the highest and last award any Girl Scout can receive, like the Eagle Scout for Boy Scouts. Before working on their Gold Award, the troop had to work on their Bronze and then Silver Award, and in between all of the fundraising and community service, they participate every summer in campouts and Girl Scout Day Camp as OWLs, which are counselors to the younger girls. The troop originally formed in the first grade and many have left and joined since. The troop advisor, Lisa Erickson, has been with the girls every step of the way. The real challenges started for the troop in the fifth grade when the Girl Scouts were named Juniors, which meant that it was time to start work on their Bronze Award. They chose a project and were required to put in 20 hours of community service. “In grade school you do a lot of camp-outs and sell cookies and earn badges and patches,” Andrea said. “ When you’re an older Girl Scout you have to do separate fundraisers to earn money for your Silver and Gold Award.” In order to receive the Silver Award, the troop had to complete a booklet and several self evaluating prerequisites, plus a small project was required with 50 service hours. They chose to volunteer at the Kaw Valley Center where they did a sock and underwear drive for foster children. The scouts also played with the children at picnics and events, once even setting up face paint booth for them. In order to help fulfill their other requirements, the troop formed a group called CSA (Cadette Senior Ambassador). “It’s a brand new group they formed for teen girls who want to work together to organize events for the girl scouts in our service unit,” Erickson said. CSA organized and worked a Service Unit camp-out where they were in charge of young Girl Scouts while camping. They also organized an International Fair where young Girl Scouts pick a country, study it, and can do a dance from that culture on stage, make a craft, or bring food. After the Silver Award, which prepares scouts for the Gold Award, was completed, the girl scouts immediately started the planning processes for their Gold Awards, which were to be done individually and required 65 service hours. “After the Silver Award, a lot of troops split up and so they are kind of on their own for the Gold Award, which is really difficult,” Andrea said. “ If you have a troop to back you up it’s so much easier because they can help you with to with ideas and fundraising.” In order to have a project for the Gold Award, each of the scouts had to appear before the Girl Scout Council where

>>DanStewart they introduced their project, which was then evaluated by the council and approved. “They don’t want it just to benefit Girl Scouts, they want it to benefit the community,” Erickson said. “The requirements say ‘the best projects are those that touch people’s lives and inspire others to continue the work that you have started.’” For her Gold Award, Andrea chose to build a sensory garden for the blind at the Overland Park Arboretum, which is filled with gardens and trees. She decided on the Arboretum after volunteering there with her grandmother multiple times noticing that they had open space. “They have provided me with two tables and an area in the children’s area,” Andrea said. “ I am getting a bunch of plants that contribute to the five senses, planting them, and painting the tables.” After Andrea completes her Gold Award, she plans to continue being involved in community service, camp-outs, and eventually being a troop leader when she is a mom. Since part of her Gold Award requires two years of maintenance after completing the project, Andrea hopes to make a badge that Girls Scouts can receive after they replace the plants that have died at the Arboretum. For Kovarik, who has been involved since the second grade, painting a mural and throwing a party for The Institute for the Deaf was the perfect project to complete her Gold Award. She got the idea from her art class last year where a few of her peers were deaf, and she thought it was the perfect plan. “There are so many causes to do and I think this one is one that is often overlooked,” Kovarik said. Being in the troop is fun for Kovarik, who loves the girls and giving back to the community while representing a great cause. “I definitely want to pursue it past the gold award because it’s good for college and it’s really fun,” Kovarik said. “So maybe, when I am a mom, I will be a troop leader.” Working with Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Belle of the specialeducation rooms in East, three scouts-Heirtong, Walker, and Moore-will complete their Gold Award on similar projects. Redoing spaces in one and a half special-education rooms the girls will decorate, create a reading nook, and purchase educational games and media. “Basically we are just redoing their rooms and providing for them what the district hasn’t.” Hartong said. “One of our ideas is painting the ceiling tiles, if we can get approval.” With her mom working at KVC, Wolff, who is still undecided, is looking into working with little kids for her project. She plans to involve KVC and the little kids who are involved in the center through various drives, one involving getting supplies for school. Remembering Girl Scouts from when she was little, Wolff’s favorite activity was the campouts. “You make a lot of new friends and help people, I remember going to Girl Scout Camp and thinking that I wanted to be one of those older girls,” Wolff said.

Meeting once a month, the troop works on different activities and paperwork for the Gold Award. Since the scouts have already completed their prerequisites and badge requirements, the troop is now working on paperwork and forms that are due. Along with the paperwork, they have to work on their timeline, their budget, and their project proposal. “Prerequisites are a requirement and it helps them figure out what they are interested in and develops their leadership skills so that when they get to the Gold Award project, they are prepared,” Erickson said. The troop’s goal is to complete their projects by March of 2011, in time for the Gold Award Honors Ceremony with all of the girls in the service unit. “You gain so many life skills from it and I probably wouldn’t volunteer as much,” Hartong said. “I think it forms a great person.”

GOING FOR THE GOLD A look at the steps to complete the Girl Scout Gold Award

PREREQUISITES Complete 3 Interest Projects:

This process helps girls narrow down areas to focus their Gold Award project on.

Complete one STUDIO 2B Focus book:

Focus books provide writing activities to help girls learn about topics from business to relaxation.

Log 30 hours in a leadership role Log 40 hours of career exploration

2 ADVISORS

A Personal Advisor

Girls select a Troop Leader to help them along the way.

A Technical Advisor

Girls select a representative of the organization their project will benefit to help them.

3 PROJECT PROPOSAL

Girls submit a written proposal of their project to their local Girl Scout Council. They then meet with a Gold Award Committee.

FINAL REPORT

After they have logged 65 hours of work on their project, girls reflect on the success of their project and have a final meeting with their Project Advisor, a member of the Committee who is assigned to the project.

page 12 features 11.16.09

Overcoming Obstacles Senior moves past struggles and lands the lead in Grapes of Wrath

>>KatBuchanan

“Man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up the stairs of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments.” - -John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, Ch. 14 Senior Kaevan Tavakolinia stands on the far right of the stage, just in front of the navy blue curtain. He yanks his cap off of his head and runs his fingers through the tuft of bangs swooping across his forehead. His figure is still as he stands with his hand in his hair for a long moment until he turns and places the cap back in position. As the auditorium dims into darkness and the curtain rises, Kaevan disappears. When he returns to the stage he is Tom Joad, the lead character of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. Tom Joad speaks in a comforting Southern twang. He wears a light blue button down shirt, light wash work jeans and clunky outdoor boots. He speaks tersely but often. He’s brooding. He doesn’t take much from other people and loves his family deeply. He lives in the present moment, using what the world gives him. He’s been through ups and downs, highs and lows. The future does not concern him. He believes that mankind is connected, that we as humans have responsibility to one another. Kaevan Tavakolinia has no trouble relating to his character.

***

>>photo illustration by LindseyHartnett

“[He’s] got a-holt of somepin, an’ it’s too big for him, an’ it’s too big for me.” - John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, Ch. 6 Kaevan is eight years old, sitting in his sister’s room. His sister Angela is a teenager, 11 years older than him. Band posters cover the walls of her room, Jimmy Hendrix and Metallica frozen in poses of perpetual rock. Lava lamps glow lazily around the room and the string of chili pepper lights covering the frame of the window clangs against the glass. The room is familiar to Kaevan. Angela nods her

head to the music coming from her CD player, smiling at Kaevan and motioning for him to get up and dance. Despite their age difference, the two had always shared a strong relationship. Kaevan had never lived with his sister. She stayed at their grandparents’ house while he lived with his parents and younger brother, Kamran. Though the two were split apart, Kaevan still found time to go over to Grandma’s and see Angela. He told her all about his newfound love for Pokémon and she introduced him to South Park, a show he wasn’t allowed to watch at home. The two bonded over Nana cookies - “the best cookies in the world” - cookies made for them by their grandmother. Elementary school was difficult for Kaevan. At Highlands Elementary he was the big, fat kid. He struggled with selfesteem and became introverted and quiet around his peers. He would spend his time at his grandparents’ house, listening to his sister’s band play and talking with his family members. He alternated between his own home with his parents and younger brother and his getaway at his grandparents’. His family took him as he was, especially his mother Denise Tavakolinia. “You know when your neighbors get used to seeing kids running around your yard dressed in crazy outfits, wacky colors, rocker duds, or in drag, then you have a performing arts kid,” Denise said. As he grew older, Kaevan joined the choir at Indian Hills Middle School. Soon after, he became an active member in the theater and began taking drama classes. Being around other people that shared his same interests helped Kaevan to come out of his shell. He started making friends and being himself at school. Performance was the main way that Kaevan could connect with his peers. Being a part of something bigger than himself was different for him. Kaevan loved the feeling of being around people, he loved forming relationships. He began telling his friends everything, letting them into his life. He came to East eager to join the theater, eager to continue building his friendships and meeting new people. He trusted anyone and everyone. Making friends came easy to him once he joined theater and he was taken in by the seniors and his peers. He landed a major role as Señor Morales in “Wild Oats” during his first semester at East and he began to feel as though he belonged. He knew what he wanted to do with his life. As soon as Kaevan had become comfortable, things began to change. His social life gradually declined as he completed his freshman year. His friends stopped wanting to spend time with him; they found his outgoing side to be overbearing. “All my friends were starting to think I was weird because I was being loud again and kinda being myself and being obnoxious Kaevan and just doing my own thing,” Kaevan said. He found himself in unhealthy relationships that ended with hurt feelings on both sides. His grades fell and he struggled with his own self condemnation. He took a break from his fast-paced life.

***

“In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage.” - John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 25 Kaevan’s room is dark. His curtains are drawn. Music plays softly from his computer. He lies in his bed, curled into fetal position under the covers. He’s crying.

The detachment Kaevan had felt in elementary school was back. He was clinically depressed, wanting nothing to do with other people. He was isolating himself from everyone he loved. “I think a lot of my depression came from being so... dependent on people. I would become so attached and I would like, be in love with people, and be like, ‘I’ll do anything! I’ll be your best friend!’” The depression had started during Kaevan’s sophomore year and continued off and on throughout high school. His group of friends had rejected him, all at once. He was left empty, with no one to talk to about how he felt. He stopped participating in theater activities after a “falling out” with the people involved. “I trusted everyone and it left me in a very vulnerable place, but I was okay with it because I cared about people. And whether or not they meant to, they usually ended up hurting me. And I couldn’t blame them for it because I was the one who put all the information out there,” Kaevan said. At the end of his junior year when the depression was at its peak, Kaevan started going to therapy. His sessions with his social worker, Jane, helped him through his lows. He liked having “a person to talk to that was completely unbiased.” He began taking antidepres sant medication and getting him self back on track for his senior year. In September, he auditioned for the East production of “The Grapes of Wrath.” He read a few chapters of the novel and memorized some lines from the script ten minutes before his name was called. He recited the lines with ease, and a few days later he checked the cast list that was posted. “Kaevan......Tom Joad” Performing arts teacher Brian Cappello has watched Kaevan grow as an actor and recognizes Kaevan’s talents on the stage. Capello says that Kaevan’s performance is “everything he wants” for the role of Tom Joad. “Tom is a complex, advanced role and Kaevan’s done enough experience wise (to handle it),” Cappello said.

>>oncontinued page 16

issue 6 features page 13

>> Mac k

enz

ie W ylie

With players having difficulties completing standardized tests and college applications, coach helps to implement a new

Study

Strategy GREGWELSH

“I think it’s a good idea. tance. [Sherman]’s all “When I about helping started coaching you and also I always thought you doing work that when a kids yourself and I think everyone on the team signs on with feels like he can help.” you, they sign on for the long term,” Sherman “I’ve already said. “I’ve always finished my felt I could help ACT tests, but kids make that Sherman’s transition from working on my program to writing me a the workforce teacher letter of reccomendation for a few or college or the colleges. I think it is really big that a coach is military or whathelping with all this and not just conselors.” ever they want to do.” While this is a new experience for the football team, it’s nothing new for Sherman. He’s made it his business to lend a hand wherever possible in all 30 years of his career as a coach and teacher- whether it’s getting glasses for a student or buying insurance for a kid in need of dental work. “In 30 years you’re going to run into everything,” Sherman said. “Many, many situations you can never plan for.” And that’s why Sherman likes to remember this saying: “In a world of billions, in a country of millions, one person can make a difference.” In the coming months, you can be sure to find Coach Sherman working with his seniors and making a difference in the next four years of their future.

“I think it is good because it is someone you associate with athletics that is helping with academics, its more than just your parents wanting you to succeed.”

KIRKDOERR

Senior players give their opinion on Sherman’s help

JOEBARAHONA

The score was 42-14. East had the ball on Olathe North’s 40 yard line. With only enough time to run one last play, there was no chance they could pull out this playoff win. After an off-tackle play, a blow of the whistle, and a congratulations to the victorious Eagles, Chip Sherman’s first season as head coach- and the 2010 seniors’ last season- was over. Most coaches wouldn’t work with their senior players ever again. But not Sherman. Even though his season is over, Sherman hasn’t stopped coaching. Now, though, he’s preparing 23 players for a different kind of challenge than running a multiple set offense against tough D. He’s preparing them for college. Sherman has offered to help his seniors with their college applications this year should they need assistance, making himself available as a source of information and guidance. “I’ve kind of put coaching and counseling together,” Sherman said. “My season’s not over ‘til we get [the] kids settled. My job is to get them through the end of the school year.” If a player needs a letter of recommendation, he’ll write it. If a player wants to play football in college, he’ll make the required phone calls, send the tapes and arrange the meetings. If a player needs to take the ACT or SAT, he’ll make sure it happens. He’s even got booklets with sample questions, and will pay testing fees if necessary. Players and parents are grateful for the assistance, and think it reflects on the type of person Sherman is. “I think it shows that he’s not just a football man, but that he’s really concerned about our future and about developing us into men,” senior lineman Jake Fleming said. Jake’s dad, Mike Fleming, agrees. “The first semester of senior year, football players spend more time at school and practice than they do at home...and by having Sherman, who I consider to be an excellent role model, [help out] it’s a win-win situation for everybody.” While Sherman appreciates the kind words, recognition and praise are not the reason he chooses to offer his assis-

What the players think

BROOKSANTHONY

>>MorganChristian

“[Sherman] puts football first but he said that once you’re with him, you’re with him for life, and I think that’s the same reason he is trying to help the players.”

>>all photos by Mackenzie Wylie

Average SAT scores for 2009 college-bound seniors Nationwide

Kansas

Critical Reading

501

581

Mathematics

515

589

Writing

493

564

>>www.collegeboard.com

page 14 spread 11.16.09 Amenities:

Senior Brooks Anthony // //Basement

Western Theme

Sauna Ping Pong Table

Take a look at some of East

Leawood, Kansas >>Mackenzie Wylie Senior Brooks Anthony’s basement isn’t your typical basement. Sure, it has couches, a television and a pool table, but it also has a unique western theme that fills the walls to the very inch. The basement has many different rooms with various western themes. The bar area is known as the saloon. The saloon features a large square-shaped bar trapping in the bartender, with bar stools surrounding it. To leave the saloon area, there are swinging doors that read “Pool Hall” on them. The pool hall is equipped with a pool table and a score keeping device above. Another set of swinging doors that say “General Store” leads to a workout room with a bench press and weights.

All the walls are decorated with extraordinary art that illustrates different parts of the western world, including include a horse stable, Bonneville bank and Pittman Palace Hotel. Anthony’s favorite part of his basement is the bathroom. The outside reads “outhouse,” and to flush, a string must be pulled above the toilet. The basement was conveniently already like this when the Anthony family moved into the house in 2006. “My parents were looking at houses one Sunday and came to this one,” Anthony said. “When they saw the basement, they automatically knew they had to have it.”

Amenities:

Junior Torry Spencer //Backyard

Pool Tennis Court Somerset Lake Leawood, Kansas MaxStitt Stitt >>>>Max

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...

MTV CRIBS

MTV Cribs is a reality television program on MTV that features tours of the houses and mansions of celebrities. The first show aired September 2000. As of April 26, 2005, Cribs has featured tours of the homes of over 185 celebrities, musicians, actors, and athletes over the course of 13 seasons. The most watched and replayed episode of Cribs was a special one-hour edition touring Mariah Carey’s New York penthouse. A re-edited version of the program with archived Cribs segments featuring only celebrities in the country music field and those in Southern culture airs on MTV sister network CMT.

>>http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/MTV_Cribs

With a tennis court, a swimming pool and a small lake, junior Torry Spencer’s backyard has everything she wants. When the Spencer family moved to the Leawood home six years ago, the view from the back patio sold them. Spencer’s parents would watch as she fished in the lake, which contains catfish. She would also borrow her neighbor’s paddle boat frequently and take it for a spin around the lake. Being part of the tennis and swim teams at East, the tennis court and pool obviously come in handy.

“It is very convenient having a tennis court in the backyard,” Spencer said. “I practice on it during the tennis season, and it’s nice to be able to do that without having to get in my car and drive somewhere.” Spencer uses the pool a lot in the summer to hang out with friends and just relax. Her pool is gated, has plenty of lawn chairs and a diving board. Spencer also enjoys how the view and the surroundings of her backyard provide a feeling of peace and far-away seclusion.

issue 6 spread page 15 Amenities:

Junior Emilie Block //Garage

Holds three cars

t s a E M

Indoor basketball court Apartment

t student’s coolest rooms. >>AubreyLeiter

Amenities:

Mission Hills, Kansas

Junior Caroline // Miller //Closet

Max Stitt Stitt >>Max

A typical garage holds cars, lawn equipment and other household items. Junior Emilie Block’s garage, however, goes a step further. The regular part of the garage holds the Blocks’ cars, but beside it is a staircase. Atop the staircase is a miniature apartment with a couch, television, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Block uses the apartment as a place to hang out after school and just relax. Also connected to the apartment is a balcony that overlooks her backyard.

Tile floor Bathroom within Printer

Below the apartment is a gym. This is Block’s favorite part of the garage, and when she has friends over, they hang out in it. “I love the gym, because it is a huge room to do whatever,” Block said. The Blocks’ garage is not connected to their house and sits at the end of their driveway. Block loves her garage, and says she is in it weekly.

THE BEST OF CRIBS Holds over 600 guests

Mission Hills, Kansas Max Stitt Stitt >>Max

There is a toilet in junior Caroline Miller’s closet. In the spring of this year when Miller wanted to get her bedroom redone, the architect who was designing her new room had a unique idea to make it so that Miller’s bathroom and closet were in the same room. Miller had her doubts, but decided to trust the experienced architect. “I thought it was weird at first, “Miller said. “Having my bathroom in my closet was hard to picture.” But now, half a year later, Miller loves the closet. She loves how conve-

nient it is to be able to take a shower and get completely ready without leaving the comfort of the room. The pink and white closet is equipped with tons of shelves, tile floor and plenty of room for her clothes. Miller also uses the closet as a place to store her school books, fashion magazines, accessories and even her computer printer. “I didn’t have a place for my printer in my regular room by my computer,” Miller said. “I don’t mind that it’s in my closet, [even though] it is random.”

50 Cent

Shoe Closet

Includes a room lined entirely in Gucci leather Connecticut

Shaquille O’Neal

Indoor basketball court

House is equipped with Superman logos Bought for 19 million dollars Miami, Florida

Comes with a team of stylists

Currently lives in a penthouse New York City

Mariah Carey

Salon

>>MollyTroutman

page 16 features 11.16.09

Amateur Ambition

Shortwave hobbyist goes head-to-head with other HAM radio users in official competitions

“Da dit da dit dit da…” freshman Duncan MacLachlan taps out his morse code call sign, identifying himself through radio waves around the world. In the past year his conversations with an astronaut, a sailor in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle and an operator sitting on a remote island have crackled through his Yaesu FT 8970 radio. Anything is possible. Sitting on his bedroom floor he leans in, gently turning the dial. He listens, hearing call signs as he flips stations, “CQ CQ this is golf three with p julia x-ray,” “CQDX CQDX this is W7BRS whisky 7 Bravo Radio Sugar standing by.” Grabbing up the paddles he taps in the call sign as he waits for the contact to send it back. Tonight the operator is VP6DX located on Ducie Island in the far reaches of the South Pacific. Duncan has made contact. HAM radio is a hobby that HAMs, amateur radio operators, use to communicate worldwide. HAMs can choose to use morse code or two-way voice communication, similar to a telephone. Using dots, dashes, short and long sounds to represent letters and numbers, Duncan can communicate with any HAM in the world. “It’s the Swiss army knife of HAM radios,” Duncan said. Using morse code or two-way he can get the contact’s identifying number, known as a call sign, and location. Mostly competing in morse code competitions, Duncan feels it’s hard to hear or understand people in other countries using voice competitions. ‘Dit’s’ and ‘da’s’ of morse code have an unchanging pitch regardless of the distance. “Sending and receiving morse code basically is like learning a foreign language or reading sheet music,” Duncan said. “When you get really good at it you hear the letters instead of the ‘dit’s’ and ‘da’s.’” During competitions he will compete with hundreds of thousands of other HAMs around the world for 24 hours.

“People learn about [the competition] years before it actually happens so when that day and time comes around there’s hundreds of thousands of people on the air at that moment,” Duncan said. Points are gained depending on location of each contact. The farther away a contact is made, the more points are awarded. For months after the competition, officials will cross check every contact to make sure no cheating has taken place. “When you meet them in person it’s friendly talk but on the air it’s battle,” Duncan said. Most break off into groups to compete, and the competition is intense. Duncan often joins a group of friends at KU to use their HAM Shack, or radio room. “What happens is we’ll get a pileup, a bunch of people that want to [contact] you,” Duncan said. “It’s like football when you’re on a drive and you’re just gaining, you keep moving forward but there’s no one trying to keep you from gaining those points.” Duncan records all contacts on his computer and uses the radio in his HAM Shack. “[HAM radio clubs] tie in with volunteer public safety emergency response,” said Dunacn’s father, Lawerence MacLachlan. Duncan feels it’s important to spread the word about the benefits of HAM radio. Visiting grade schools, he speaks on behalf of his newfound hobby. As a scout himself, he introduces younger scouts to a new pastime. “What’s important about HAM radio is you learn about people skills,” Duncan said. “Radio competitions are a good way [for kids] to compete constructively.”

To watch a soundslide of MacLachlan of connecting with other hobbyists and discussing his penchant for the shortwaves, visit smeharbinger.net.

OBSTACLES: ‘Grapes’ lead finally makes the cut >>continued from page 12

The idea of being the lead didn’t sink in automatically. It took time for Kaevan to realize the meaning of the role and to tap into his connection with the character. He took the responsibility in stride, practicing his roughly 400 lines with peers and reading chapters from Steinbeck’s novel. He stopped focusing on homework in other classes, leaving weeks of work undone. Kaevan’s mother was fully supportive. She was used to Kaevan’s constant drive towards achieving his goals; she raised him and his siblings that way. “I tell them that no one is going to believe in them if they do not believe in themselves,” Denise said. “They are their own best advocate or worst saboteur, it’s their choice.” Once again, Kaevan Tavakolinia became a part of something bigger than himself. He finds it frightening sometimes, but he knows it’s what he wants to do for the rest of his life. He wants to continue to perform, to connect with other people on a real level. “There are so many artists that have done things for me

and helped me through different times in different ways that have no idea that I exist,” Kaevan said. “I’d like to be one of those people, I’d like to matter to someone.”

***

“Maybe it’s like Casy says. Maybe a man don’t got a soul of his own, but a small piece of a bigger one.” - John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, Chapter 28 Through reading the script and practicing his lines, Kaevan has found deeper meaning in the play. He’s formed a deeper relationship with his character. “This play has very much to do with the fact that we’re all connected and that humans in general have responsibility to one another, and that’s kind of gone by the wayside now,” Kaevan said. “I just feel that this is an important piece because it shows that when you hear that a person died, or a person’s house got burnt down... that’s a person. That’s not just a number, it’s a person.” Kaevan Tavakolinia speaks in a loud, friendly voice. He

wears Pokemon jackets and torn-up Converse sneakers with song titles scribbled on the sides. He rambles confidently. He’s welcoming. He doesn’t take much from other people and loves his family deeply. He lives in the present moment, using what the world gives him. He’s been through ups and downs, highs and lows. The future does not concern him. He believes that mankind is connected, that we as humans have responsibility to one another. Though the future is illusory, Kaevan has quiet confidence in his own. He will continue to pursue acting and music, not for monetary gain, but because it’s what he loves to do. He will continue to perform as a way to relate with others. “That’s what I wanna do for the rest of my life,” Kaevan said. “Be with people.”

You can have your cup cakes *and eat them too... >>

issue 6 a&e page 17

KikiSykes

CUPCAKE

NATASHA’S

Mulberry and Mott

Mission Farms 10573 Mission (913) 341-0300 A twist of white icing is formed on top of the cupcake, like a swirl of vanilla ice cream. As I bring the cupcake closer to my mouth I notice golden brown streaks that have been torched on top to resemble a roasted marshmallow. I note the creative design of this cupcake and take the first bite, not fully prepared for what was to come. I was at a loss for words as I swallowed my first bite of this cupcake. The chocolate cupcake was like nothPrairie Village 6974 Mission Road ing I have ever eaten before. It was light (913) 236-4111 and succulent and I could have eaten a whole cake of just this. On top of that lays Nestled between Village Flower a layer of chocolate ganache (an icing-like Shop and Starbucks sits a one-of-a-kind topping made with chocolate and cream) bakery, Dolce Baking Co. Although it that was slightly melted creating a mouthmay be easily missed as most watering flavor. After this layer comes the people run into either Starmarshmallow icing that towers over the bucks or the neighboring $ 2 .25 cupcake. TCBY on their quick trips to each After eating this astounding cupcake, flavors the village, one trip inside no other could really compare. I tried the include: and you will never skip by basic vanilla & buttercream cupcake and bred velvet, it again. utterwas slightly disappointed. It tasted pretty scotch Inside, deep brown paint , bland, but then again there isn’t much fresh lemo smothers the walls. Splashes n you can do to spice up vanilla cake. It of color in the paintings and was hard to go from a delectable chococeiling lights accent the walls finishing late flavor to good old vanilla. The icing, off the classy look. Upbeat music flows if you can call it that, really tasted like a gently from the speakers completing the huge scoop of whip cream. It was airy comforting environment. If the warm atand sweet, not your typical thick cupcake mosphere of Dolce doesn’t capture you icing. Still, it tasted pretty good, but it was enough, the display case is impossible a disgrace compared to the S’mores cupto turn away from. Rows and rows of cake. fresh desserts sit on the shelves calling The cupcakes I tried match the fancy, out to be eaten. The cupcakes especially white-and-gold atmosphere of the store, caught my attention. for they too were artsy and perfectly craftWhen I went, there were four differed. Although I have definitely had better ent flavors available. Dolce has eight vanilla cupcakes, the S’mores cupcake flavors of cupcakes that change each was to die for and I plan on making rouday. I immediately decided I had to try tine trips to Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott to the red velvet cupcake. The cake wasn’t eat this wondrous cupcake. exactly one you can crumble up dry, but it definitely wasn’t melt in your mouth moist. However, the vanilla icing makes a perfect pair with the red velvet cake. Although this cupcake didn’t quite live up to its decadent appearance, it was pretty good. As soon as my teeth sunk into the chocolate cupcake, I knew I could never go back to the red velvet again. The cake was sweet and savory. Thick icing was also swirled in a perfect spiral on top, but that spiral was soon ruined as I set out to eat every last glob of icing. The chocolate cupcake definitely outdid the red velvet, but both were very pleasant. I will never be able to walk by this shop again without craving a chocolate cupcake.

DOLCE Baking Company

$3.50 each

flavors include: vanilla & chocolate buttercream, S’mores

| | Not so sweet|

| Sugar Coma |

A La Mode

West Plaza 1209 W 47th Street (816) 960-1900 One display case. Two rows of cupcakes. 20 different flavors each with their own unique name. Cupcake a la Mode’s display case is filled with rows of tantalizing cupcakes varying in every flavor and color. The creative names range from Love Doctor Westport 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue to Hawaiin Honeymoon to French Vanil(816) 531-9600 la OOH LahLah. These original names Not an inch of paint can be seen behind are a little detail that prove how much the rows and rows of plants and flowers dedication and work has been put into making up one of the walls at Teadrops. this cupcake shop. The workers care This was the first thing I noticed as I for every last detail in both the flavor of walked in. I had never before seen the wall cupcake and the presentation. of a store purely dedicated to shelves of After about five minutes of debating plants. Anywhere else, this may look out over which cupcake to try, I decided on of place, but at Teadrops, it complements After Dinner Mint and the classic Chocothe cool, urban atmosphere well. late Obsession. As I took my first bite of The modern black couches the mint cupcake, I knew I had made and chairs set up around the the right choice. The After Dinner Mint $2 e ac restaurant look inviting and really is the perfect post-dinner dessert. flavors h comfortable, the perfect place in The moist, fluffy cake practically melts re clude: d velvet to sip a cup of tea and eat a cup, in your mouth, as the minty icing com- lemon , cake. Instrumental music comv a nilla, plements the flavor perfectly. However, pletes the chic setting of Teads as delicious as this was, it still could not trawberry rops. An enticing smell fills the compare to Chocolate Obsession. air. I took one more gaze around Chocolate lovers out there -- this the shop and finally turned to the source one’s for you. The light cake was warm of the fresh smell: the cupcake display. and decadent. These cupcakes sit at There were six different flavors of room temperature, unlike the chilled cupcakes available. After talking to the Teadrops’ cupcakes, creating a less refriendly server, I decided to go with his freshing but equally flavorful taste. The two favorites: strawberry and fudge. The chocolate icing was smeared smoothly strawberry cupcake looked the best with on top, creating the perfect icing to cake swirls of thick, rosy pink icing. Sparkly ratio for each bite. sugar crystals were sprinkled on top. The Cupcake a la Mode wins hands down fudge cupcake had heavy icing smeared as the best cupcake store I have ever on top. been to. I can’t wait to make more trips The combination of strawberry cake out to this store until I have tried every and strawberry icing on the berry cuplast flavor. If they taste anything like the cake was almost too much for me. I think two cupcakes I tried, my money will be this cupcake would have been better if it well spent. had strawberry icing with vanilla cake instead, to help calm down the intense berry flavor of the icing. The icing completely overpowered the cake, so I felt as though I was eating pure frosting. I did enjoy this cupcake, but not enough to buy it again. I saved the fudge cupcake for last, thinking the chocolate would beat the berry flavor. However, the fudge cupcake didn’t quite do it for me either. The cake tasted slightly dry and it wouldn’t have been good at all if it weren’t for the sugary flavor of the icing. On both cupcakes, the amount of icing smeared on top was a little too much. But if you are the type of kid who always eats the corner pieces of cake to ensure you get the most icing possible, well then a Teadrop’s cupcake has your name all over it.

TEADROPS

$3 each

flavors include: marshmallow fondue, PB&J

| Icing on the Cake |

|Cherry on top!

page 18 a&e 11.16.09 >>A Turntable Triumph

New video game puts the player in the DJ booth.

>>AndrewGoble

he video game climate has Goble’s favorite parts of ‘DJ Hero’ changed. Peripherals, add-on controllers like guitars or drums, FAVORITE DJ are here, and they don’t plan on playing their last encore anytime soon. Games dedicated to interactive gaming like “Guitar Hero” or “Rock Band” fly off the shelves, as do consoles like the Wii. Graphics, storyline, gameplay — these are no longer important. If it flicks/ strums/drums, it sells. But these games need to step aside. “DJ Hero” is here, and it has set the new standard. Where Guitar Hero/Rock Band covered the rock and alternative Some of the DJ’s provide their own music, such as DJ genres, DJ Hero successfully covers everything else. There’s Daft Punk and Grandmaster Flash adding his “Here comes my DJ” the Aranbee Pop Symphony Orchestra, to Gary Numan’s “Cars.” These mixes work perfectly Jay-Z’s “H.O.V.A.” and “Play that Funky because, well, they’re real recorded mixes. Music,” and all in-between. The turntable, which is just a little FAVORITE GAME FEATURE wider than my lap, has several buttons to hone your mixes with: there’s the cross-fader, the mixer, and most importantly, the vinyl for your scratching. It all feels pretty solid for plastic, and the buttons have nice grooves for my restless fingers. The green, red and blue buttons on the vinyl control what source plays on your “mix.” This isn’t just rap, people. This is “mixing,” and it makes you feel more connected than any guitar solo ever will. The scratching is one of the best parts. You have to Once I turn the turntable on, there isn’t a follow the up-and-down patterns, but the end result is chance I stop scratchin’ before midnight, totally worth the physical anguish even if it puts my homework on the side. Sorry, AP American History homework FAVORITE ARTIST — mixing the Jacksonian Revolution with the Market Economy doesn’t sound nearly as good as mixing David Bowie with 50 Cent. You play through the world of a disk jockey, combining two Daft Punk is a recipe for great mixing. They make appearances in at least 12 songs, and they even are characters you can DJ with later on.

songs into a delicate mix. Let’s say you have Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” and the Beastie Boys’ “Brass Monkey.” Pressing the green button brings in the baseline and beat of Brass Monkey, while the Queen comes in with the first verse. Then it switches. And then it switches again. Just when you get comfortable, the mix takes the song a new direction. You feel like you’re in charge of these pre-made mixes, with parts of the song that allow you to spin the mixer around and “Freestyle Mode,” where you can make the red button represent all sorts of various DJ vocal callouts. The red button, which is in the middle of the green and blue, also helps add guitar or keyboard riffs that help smooth out some of the mixes. Sometimes, I’d be playing the game when I was exhausted, just to hear the music. I’ve never really been that interested in mixes, but I found myself playing sometimes just to hear the new songs. There’s Cut Chemist, DJ Grandmaster Flash and the late DJ AM giving their masterpieces to the game, along with 102 other quality songs. By the time I returned back to songs I’d already played, I forgot I’d played them. Playing songs you’ve never heard before gives it a lot more replay value than any other music game. Some of my favorite songs mixed the old with the new. There’s the Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” vocals mixed with the melody from Third Eye Blind’s “ S e m i -

Charmed Life, and I was thrilled when I figured out you can even hook up a Guitar Hero guitar to play the baseline of Wild Cherry’s “Play that Funky Music” while your friend mixes in some Gang Starr on the turntable . Who needs real Xbox controllers, anyways? The game works so well because the controls are so close to actual DJ-ing. Sure, you can’t just scratch whenever you want, but hitting the exact scratch patterns (i.e. up, down, up, up, down, etc.) makes the songs merge as if they never could exist alone. The cross-fader can be difficult on Expert mode, but it just adds to the experience. The mixer lets you be creative, bringing parts of the song in and out of the main track, and giving songs like Jay-Z’s “Change Clothes” that out-in-space kind of feel. If I had one caveat, it would have to be the ergonomics of the whole deal. I know I’m no professional DJ, but even when I tried to follow the instructions for holding the thing, my hand ended up throbbing after an hour. When you move to Expert mode, one song can have you shaking your wrist as if you just wrote a two hour essay. The game is great, but for marathon gamers like me, it might be better to break it up with other things — even homework, I guess. To avoid unnecessary hand cramps, I’d suggest getting a table to rest it on. Or a good Orthopedic Surgeon. Trust me, it’s worth it.

FAVORITE MASH-UP

My favorite songs are ones that mix generations of music together -- Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and the Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.” is an awesome mix when you finally nail it.

STAR SCALE| |Glitches Galore|

|Simulate it|

|Legit|

>>djhero.com

|Gamer’s Paradise

issue 6 a&e page 19

How far would you go...

...to earn a million dollars >>MattGannon

Richard Kelly (“Donnie Darko,” “Southland Tales”) is a writer/director known for making very bizarre, perplexing thrillers that audiences either love or hate. His latest effort, “The Box,” continues this style. This adaptation of an old Twilight Zone episode, full of outlandish themes, is one of his most puzzling films to date. “The Box” begins regularly enough, in Arlington, Virginia, with NASA scientist Arthur Lewis (James Marsden) and his wife Norma (Cameron Diaz), awakened in their 1976 suburban home by the chilling ring of the doorbell. When they open the door, they find a black car slipping into the morning fog and a small package on their doorstep. Inside is a wooden box, with no wiring, radio, or batteries, with only a glossy red button covered and locked by a glass dome. Later, the family is visited by the mysterious yet mannerly gentleman, Arlington Steward (Frank Langella), who has come to offer the family a baffling business deal. Steward, who has a extravagant bloody gash slicing across with face, explains to Arthur and Norma that if they push the button on the box, two things will happen. First, they will receive $1 million. Second, someone in the world, who they don’t know, will die. The deal is rather sketchy, but in desperate need of money, they slam the button. Their lives then take an insane twist for the worst, and delusional events put the family through hell on Earth. It is far too late to take back their mistake. Bizarre people begin to stalk the couple like zombies with unexplainable nosebleeds. As the couple investigates Steward, Arthur is shown a glimpse of the afterlife through a water portal, and Nora learns of Steward’s previous experience with a lightning strike. The details are unclear in this part, but I was still excited to see where it would go. One of the most thrilling scenes is when Arthur is in the car with a new friend, when suddenly they see a man dressed as Santa standing motionless in the snowy road. They stop and wait for him to move, but he stays frozen, ringing his bell. While Arthur ponders if he should get out of the car a truck slips by Santa and smashes into them, causing screams throughout the audience. Kelly creates a masterful puzzle with hints, riddles, and misleading tidbits for the audience to try and sort through days after seeing the movie. He mixes the ideas of religion, outer space and ethics all into this murky thriller, which makes it at times difficult to comprehend why things are happening throughout the film. With the uncanny plot, the acting does a decent job of adding to the exhilaration of the story. Diaz, even with all of her crying and screaming, is very mature throughout the film. It was interesting to see her in a serious role of a mother, rather than her more com-

STAR SCALE| |Stay home|

Two paranomial recent releases, ‘The Box’ and ‘Men Who Stare at Goats,’ envliven theaters mon roles as the ditsy blond or the pretty girl. She excelled in her scenes with the couple’s son, where she could both playfully tease him and cry with him when times were tough. Marsden did surprisingly well in a leading role, finally starting to break out of his usual supporting parts. He was no where near as serious as Diaz, and even added a tiny bit of humor into his dialogue, but through the final scenes he played his part with plenty of passion. The problem with both Diaz and Marsden is that their suffering throughout the film isn’t very authentic, which is a big part of a thriller. But the best actor in this movie is easily the frightening Frank Langella. He made Steward disturbing, yet somewhat likable. His dialogue was delivered in a calm tone, and with clever humor twisted in. With an elegant coat, hat and gaping lower jaw, Langella created one of the most distinguished antagonists that I have ever seen. Even with all of its outlandish and sometimes incomprehensible subplots and an abrupt ending, I knew what Kelly was striving for and he did a nice job executing it. Anyone who sees his film and expects an everyday thriller will probably be disappointed with this movie because of the craziness and confusion. Personally, I was engaged and entertained from the beginning, but at times I was also overwhelmed. With all of the mind-bending madness, “The Box” might draw a large cult of fans much like “Donnie Darko” did, even with all of the negative criticism from casual viewers.

|Rental at best |

...to uncover government secrets >>TomLynch

In its trailer, "The Men Who Stare at Goats" had a man jumping off a roof, George Clooney flying through the air with imaginary daggers, it even had a goat keeling over apparently having been killed psychically. After watching it, one wouldn't have more than a faint idea of the story that was told. That's not a problem, trailers do this all the time; they're called teasers. Low and behold, this wasn't a teaser. It was the movie in 1 minute and 14 seconds. The film tells side-by-side stories. One is of how a journalist and an ex psychic spy's different quests for redemption intertwine. And a second of the development and eventual decline of the psychic battalion of the United States Army. One story is of journalist Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) and an ex "psychic spy" Lyn Cassady (George Clooney). The two meet each-other at a hotel in Kuwait where Cassady is about to embark on a secret mission, and Wilton is waiting to go into Iraq in an attempt to win back his ex-wife. Wilton sees Cassady as his ticket across the border, but once the trip begins, Wilton realizes that he has stum-

|Worth seeing|

bled upon the story of a lifetime. Cassady recounts the events leading up to Bill Django's (Jeff Bridges) creation of a psychic division of the Army, the First Earth Battalion. Cassady tells of the unconventional training methods of Django including guessing the contents of cabinet drawers, attempting to run through walls and even dancing. Cassady and another recruit, Larry Hooper (Kevin Spacey), quickly develop a rivalry. This rivalry creates the contention which the lackluster plot revolves around. The director, Grant Heslov, did what has now become commonplace for creators of comedies and horror films in Hollywood: they put the best parts in the trailer, leaving nothing for the viewer to enjoy while at the theater. That's not to say that this movie didn't have it's moments, it had a few. Although not very often, this movie did manage to make me laugh. George Clooney's drama meets comedy performance was fantastic, as usual. I enjoyed Jeff Bridges performance, which was reminiscent of "The Big Lebowski." Kevin Spacey hit all his marks and portrayed the snide and arrogant villain very well. Even Ewan McGregor was able to hold his own among these acting greats. The performances weren't the problem. As I watched the film, I continued to wait for the plot to pick up. I waited to become entranced within the story. But alas, all I kept thinking was: how long is this? That's the real problem. This movie had no story. The entire premise on which the movie's plot rests is that in the 80s, the Army had a division that attempted to kill mammals with their minds. Sure that's sort of strange and it's sort of interesting, but it isn't something you make a movie about -- not when there isn't a specific story to go with it. The story, or lack of one for that matter, comes from the book of the same name by Jon Ronson. But if the book is anything like the movie, then I wouldn't waste my time with it. It seems as though the author and later the screenwriters found it so absurd that the military would commission such a strange department, that they forgot to include a decent and compelling story to pull the audience through. Instead the lifeless story is told within a frenetic atmosphere of highly energized characters and forced action. Their attempts at shocking the films heartbeat back into a lively rhythm are fruitless. You can't fix a weary heart; you can only prolong its life.

|Instant Classic

page 20 a&e 11.16.09

COUGHING WEEZING and

Abandonment of their old sound along with a Lil’ Wayne cameo leads Weezer astray on “Raditude” >>DuncanMcHenry Since Weezer’s debut album in 1994, the band has been

known for its trademark grinding electric guitar and straightfaced, geekish image. Lead guitarist Rivers Cuomo, with his signature pair of thickly rimmed black specs, has been the mastermind behind hard-hitting alternative rock classics such as “Hash Pipe,” and also several successful pop songs like “Island in the Sun” and “Beverly Hills.” Rivers’ imagination and “You take your car to work / I’ll take my board” mentality has always been the heart of Weezer. But with their new album “Raditude,” Weezer has lost their creativity and sound more like contestants in a middle school battle of the bands. The best way to describe the majority of “Raditude” would be as swimming pool rock. Imagine walking barefoot on wet concrete as a kid, eating a drumstick and pretending to look at the diving boards that happen to lie just beyond the older girls sunbathing in bikinis. Then recall the pop rock song playing on Mix 93.3 in the background. Diehard fans would probably retort that part of Weezer’s charm has always been the catchiness and simplicity of their songs. On “Raditude,” they’ve kept the simplicity but none of the old emotion or creativity. The album’s second song, “I’m Your Daddy,” should be the theme song for the guy at every rock concert who seems like he gorilla-glued his hands to his girlfriend’s stomach before the show. From cheesy lyrics like, “I swear I ain’t like those other boys, I’m a spemovethatjukebox.com cial kind” to the monotonous melody, >>

Weezer Walk-Through

>>nme.com it’s the kind of thing Weezer has done before in a much more original way with songs such as “Buddy Holly.” Even after that, I kept telling myself that the band was just warming up with a couple of guaranteed radio hits, until I heard the fourth song, “Can’t Stop Partying.” With hardly any guitar playing and a synthesizer looped over a popping beat a la Lady GaGa, it initially seems like Weezer is making fun of all of the hit factory songs crowding the FM today. But then Lil’ Wayne’s croaking voice appears out of the blue for all of 30 seconds to remind the listener for about the millionth time that he also parties pretty hard and needs to “stop mixing alcohol with pharmaceuticals.” It’s possible that they added this to strengthen the humor of their take on a formulaic party song, but it comes across as a serious attempt to make it onto everyone’s Saturday night playlist. I’ve come to expect the “let’s throw Lil’ Wayne in for a few verses and it’ll automatically be a hit” strategy from artists like Jay Sean, but it’s completely out of place on a Weezer album. The first three songs on “Raditude,” while nowhere as good as classic Weezer songs like the fluently syncopated “Say it Ain’t So,” are okay if taken for what they are: simple pop songs. But with “ Can’t Stop Partying,” Weezer takes selling out to a whole new level.

“Weezer (The Green Album)”

“Weezer (The Blue Album)”

STAR SCALE|

The fifth disc received mixed reviews. Some critics said the group went back to their older sound, but others said it was just no good. “Beverly Hills” and “Perfect Situation “ received the most radio play.

2008

2002 This record took a more hard-rock approach to songwriting. Critics were receptive, but it remains as Weezer’s least sold album.

|Borrow it |

2005

“Weezer (The Red Album)”

“Maladroit”

Their sophomore effort was not nearly as well received as its predecessor. Notable songs include “El Scorcho” and “The Good Life.”

| Press ‘skip’|

“Make Believe”

Tracks like “Hash Pipe” and “Island in the Sun” led to a resurgence after a few years of hiatus.

Weezer’s critically-acclaimed debut included hits like “Undone The Sweater Song,” “Buddy Holly” and “Say it Ain’t So.”

1996

| |

2001

1994

“Pinkerton”

The other song on “Raditude” that really misses the mark is the seventh track, “Love is the Answer.” With rhythmic Indian drumming, a sitar and a high-pitched female voice singing in Hindi, it would be hard to tell that this song is even by Weezer if it weren’t awkwardly sandwiched in the middle of the album like a psychedelic Sergeant Peppers interlude. It’s not a terrible song, but like “Can’t Stop Partying,” it’s nothing compared to the quirky, hard-rocking Weezer that I’ve always loved. While Cuomo does rip out a cool solo on the ninth track “In the Mall,” and the second to last song “I Don’t Want to Let You Go” has an interesting three part harmony and a doowoppish bass line, it’s too little too late. “Raditude” is mostly a swimming pool pop rock album with a couple of incredibly boring songs such as “Put Me Back Together,” which sounds like it was written by an overly emotional humpty dumpty. I’m all about hearing my favorite bands experiment with new things musically, but Weezer has definitely gone in the wrong direction with “Raditude,” which is the latest in a string of questionable albums for the band. Their other latest releases, “The Red Album” and “Make Believe” have failed to reach any popularity beyond their initial singles. Ironically, “Raditude” definitely isn’t radical, and has very little, if any attitude. Hopefully Weezer can write this off as an experimental album and get back to the crunchyyet-witty brand of rock that they do best.

|Download it |

Weezer broke away from traditional song formats on this record, hence the jumpy “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived (Variations On a Shaker Hymn).”

|Auditory Brilliance

Discounts, coupons, and exclusive deals below!

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4x6Don’tgiveup

issue 6 mixed page 23

{the page about life}

where to buy morp clothes Johnson Drive

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Mission Rd.

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n aw

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ion

iss

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ay rkw

ge a lar of s i t f ri s R Th th lot ssoi Majw c ac e . e stor es and through h t e k o s clo to loo w sh of e f s e e ck ri er n ra re w h The ack upo y whic r s n but es. Ma MORP’ h o t t e m . clo t in ld fi gle” the u o w n jun “neo

Nieman Rd.

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Shawnee Mission Parkway

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The fair Salva l t sm y sma ion A rmy alle l l a clo thin r sele nd ha is sa is c g it em tion of still of s . a i T mu tems, sele here ch the as but n ction av ot item other ar as s ar store iety a s eu nde s. Mos r $5 t .

Salvation Army

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MORP MUST HAVES

You must wear something on your head. A hat, animal ears, head band—anything works.

Accessories such as suspenders and necklaces are a must have. They add to the gaudiness of the outfit.

Look for a glittery shirt or leotard, something you wouldn’t wear everyday. This is not the time for your Vineyard Vines, so go more for the ‘thrift store look’.

Everyone’s little sister has an old tutu, just throw it on over the rest of your outfit. No need to match.

>>Jeff Cole Having a good pair of crazy leggings or tights always make the outfit perfect. They are inexpensive and definitely worth a few bucks.

Wearing fun shoes or boots is always a plus — just make sure you can dance in them.

What do you think of the movie Superbad?

I love it, I think it’s amazing, so funny and outrageous.

>>Max Stitt

Yes, half the people I meet say I look like him and I sorta agree but not totally. They always want me to do impressions of McLovin.

What is your favorite McLovin quote? “It’s in...”

Protein Drinks “I drink protein to get big.”

Take a look inside senior Max Sweet’s trunk.

Jonathan Dawson

What do people say about the movie to you?

Stitch Hat “I use the hat at drive-thrus when I order food.”

junkinthetrunk

seconds with... junior

Do people say you look like McLovin? Do you agree with them?

Lacrosse Shoes “I have my shoes in here from practice, I just leave them in here all the time.”

Energy drinks “I work all the time so I have to drink tons of energy drinks to stay awake.”

Nerf Guns “My friend and I were really bored one day so we went and bought three nerf guns.”

Lacrosse glove “I play Lacrosse so I have lots of gear in my car.”

page 24 sports 11.16.09

Taking

Last year I was on C-Team for soccer and I just didn’t want to do that again,” Kerr said. “And I want to run track in the spring, so I’m just doing soccer for fun. I really just don’t want to play it at the competitive level. This is more the recreational level.” Diane Hannerman of All-American Indoor Sports, the premiere local recreational soccer fieldhouse that offers league play for anyone between tiny-tots and soccer moms, said that the complex hosts approximately 230 adult teams between 47 leagues. Games start anywhere from 6 a.m. to midnight each day. “[Most people play indoor soccer] for exercise, and for the tranquil state of mind to get you out of the work place,” Hannerman said. “Inside, you don’t have to worry about weather. You don’t have to slow down for corner kicks or throw-ins. It’s an hour of solid exercise.” After the Cross Country team saw record crowds on its roster, the appetite for open-ended athletics is even more noticable with recreational teams dotting the team roster at AAIS. Although Hammerman says their peak season for teens is between October and March, the leagues still see die-hards playing year-round. And it doesn’t end there. Dead week sundries can be booed away by climate-controlled sports like cold hockey at Pepsi Ice Midwest or warmer play on the wooden planks of Skate City. Sports City of Blue Springs, Miss. boasts a full indoor football field and blacklit “galactic golf” for rental. And for those less interested in group sports, Ibex rock climbing, also of Blue Springs, includes sky-high plastic hand-holds that challenge the strong and exhaust the weak. “I don’t play under the sun, but when the lights are on, the game is on,” sophomore Stephen Sundberg said, a seven-year veteran of Pepsi’s Metro Ice Hockey League. “We get more fans [than outdoor sports]. We fill up at least three-fourths of the bleachers.” But there’s a catch — the price tag. Kovarik’s team paid roughly $75 each for eight games at AAIS, and Ibex costs $26 for equipment rental and a day’s climb. Most gym or

INDOORS

field rentals charge around $100 per hour. But the end result is worth it. “It was intense,” Kovarik said of the match-up between Chillahs and Pwnage last Friday. “Both teams had been talking trash [in the week leading up to it]. And before the game we tried cheers. It was really loud in the stadium.”

Team Name: PWNAGE

W ho

Carolyn Welter, Hallie Beck, Emily Frye, Molly Jennings, Maggie Thomas, Paige Kovarik, Jack Kovarik, Jake Little, Jake Seitz, Tucker Styrkowicz,Josh Winter, Rhys Raglow, Christa McKittrick.

What

PWNAGE will kick off against similar teams from the AllAmerican soccer League in games featuring fast paced drama filled action.

>>Max Stitt

>>Tim Shedor

s the outdoor excitement of the fall sports season fades and the lull of dead week precedes the most competive try-outs of the year, an alternative arises to challenge the winter blues. A sport that promises all the camaraderie and exercise of a school-sanctioned activity, but boasts the inclusivity and schedule-stable security of a club team, indoor recreational soccer has become the latest and greatest way to fight back lethargy. Played between plaster sheets and buried-through-thewall goal boxes, the all-season sport has rapidly gained popularity among several East students. Looking for another weekend outlet, sophomore Jack Kovarik and several friends decided to form “Pwnage,” a 12-man squad. It was the perfect way to stay in shape between the soccer and track seasons. “We weren’t really playing any winter sports so we decided to start our own indoor soccer team to stay in shape and have fun,” Kovarik said. “We’re not taking it too serious. We shot around, a couple shooting drills. But we mostly just messed aorund, so it was fun.” Indoor soccer isn’t an average kick around. With a smaller field than outdoor regulation and walls that keep anything from going out-of-bounds, it’s typically fasterpaced than an outdoor game. Indoor teams are also half the size of their 11-man counterparts, making substitutions are also more free form – players point, yell and hurdle the boards surronding their benches when they swap a teamate out of play. After Kovarik made his bid for soccer stardom, word spread fast and soon the bottom of Kovarik’s roster was covered in scribbled names. A spin-off team was created as the large group of friends discussed life on the field over tie-dye shirts and pizza. Sophomores Emily Kerr and Kiki Sykes led the spin-off team, the uniformed all-black “Chillahs,” against Kovarik’s tie-dyed team in their first match on Nov. 6. Despite the Chillah’s loss, the teams were able to rejoin at a Sheridan’s for a post-game toast. “This year I decided to just take off and do it for fun.

Where When

All-American Indoor Sports

Friday Nights

As the fall season ends, students look to indoor soccer as an alternative to the harsh winter season >>Jeff Cole

UN‘SUIT’ABLE >>ColleenIreland

For the past few years, high school swimmers have been allowed to wear swimsuits that cover a majority of their bodies. This vastly helped swimmers when they would use them in the important meets because they are proven to cut time. In August, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) outlined new requirements for the type of swimsuits that would be allowed. “The rules of swimming have always prohibited the use or wearing of items that would aid in the swimmer’s speed and/ or buoyancy,” Becky Oakes, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee, said in a recent article on the NFHS Web site. “The technical suits and styles had evolved to a point where there was little, if any, compliance with these basic rules.” According to the changes to Rule 3-2-2 swimmers are limited to one swimsuit, which is to be constructed of a woven/ knit textile material, permeable to water and air, constructed so it does not aid in buoyancy, and does not contain zippers or other fastening systems. The suit must also be built so that the style/shape for males does not extend above the waist or below the top of the kneecap and for females does not extend beyond the shoulders or below the top of the kneecap, and it does not cover the neck. “Some team members didn’t swim any faster in the suits because they didn’t feel like the skins would make them go faster,” girls’ swim coach Rob Cole said. “But then there were swimmers that thought they made them superstars, so they’d swim like superstars.”

Before the rule change, swimmers would sometimes wear two swimsuits in races which could drastically change times because they added buoyancy. “The change kind of upsets me because at least for the big meets I’ve worn the ones that go to my ankles,” senior and varsity swimmer Jack Logan said. “I do see where they’re coming from though, because some kids would wear two of the suits so like with the Blue Seventys it would make them more buoyant.” Blue Seventy is a brand that offers designs to aid swimmers looking for something more than an entry level suit. The Blue Seventy Nero Comp design offers an extremely tight fit and is constructed out of Yamamoto SCS fabric with hydrophobic skin that has a drag coefficient, the resistance quantity of an object in a fluid environment, of only 0.032, which is over 50 times lower than that of skin. The Reaction Long John design that they offer incorporates Air-cell neoprene which is a closed cell foam synthetic rubber, containing millions of tiny air bubbles, that forms a buoyant and thermally insulating material. “You definitely feel a difference between when you have the Blue Seventys and a regular swimsuit on, because they’re smoother and faster,” senior and varsity swimmer Taylor Burkhead said. Each swimmer is responsible for purchasing their own suits and with the swimskins ranging in price from $100 to $300 for a suit that might only be used four or five times it depends on how much parents or the swimmers are willing to

issue 6 sports page 25 High-tech swimsuits will be banned this season because of a change in national rules

spend. Without the purchase, swimmers would rely on themselves and their natural ability. But because the swimmers bought their own suits, the rule change won’t affect the swim team’s budget. “I don’t think we will have to change our training in any way because [the change] will affect all of the teams pretty equally, because a majority of the really good teams use them at least at finals,” Logan said. With the new rules there are a few things that swimmers will be able to do to give themselves a leg up in the competitions. One way the team trains is by using drag swimsuits towards the end of the season after their skills have peaked, to minimize resistance that can be lost. Drag suits increase water resistance in practice, making it more difficult to swim so that when the swimmers wear their slick and snug suits in meets they are able to go faster. “The increased drag forces you to think of your technique more and kick faster in order to stay on top of the water, so it helps both mentally and physically,” Cole said. Another way to decrease drag is to shave. Though this might seem like a trivial time reduction method, in big meets, when even fractions of a second can determine a swimmers fate, anything helps. Swimmers usually only shave for finals, and not for minor meets. Not shaving also builds up a small amount of added resilience in preparation for the big meets. “It’s not a big deal that we can’t use the suits anymore because I think swimming should be based on your skill and not your suit,” Burkhead said.

>>CorbinBarnds Junior Branden Schoofs watched in silence as the state swim team for East was handed their third place trophy. Then a sophomore at Blue Valley Northwest, Branden knew the trophy was a letdown for a team that had made a habit of winning state. He knew because ever since he learned how to swim his father was in his ear raving about the Shawnee Mission East swim program and their coach Wiley Wright, a longtime friend and a former coach when he was on the Shawnee Mission East swim team. After the state meet that spring, Branden began to notice something different around his house. In the basement, pictures were hung, walls were touched up and clutter from the eight years the family had lived there was cleaned up, a strange occurrence in the Schoofs’ household. Branden knew something was up. Soon enough Branden was told the news: he was moving to the East district, an area the Schoofs have always wanted to return to. “When my parents told my sister and I that we were officially moving, I was excited but sad at the same time,” Branden said. “I was leaving all of the people I had grown up with. I had been comfortable living out south with all of my friends and it came as a shock when I realized that there was no turning back, the deal was done. That being said I also knew that SME was going to be the place for me, and that I would fit in with the people there.” Returning to the area, Greg grew up in and calls home was one of the major reasons for the move but having his son swim for Wiley was a bonus in the decision. Although Branden had always had great coaches, Greg had always wanted Branden to swim for Wiley like he once did.

When Wiley Wright stepped onto the Shawnee Mission East pool deck for the first time in the fall of ‘85, he knew the hole left by former coach Jerry Sprague who suddenly died of a heart attack - would be nearly impossible to fill. The previous season the Lancers led by Sprague were state champions by an unheard-of 80 points and Sprague was much loved by the team. Greg was a sophomore at the time and he saw the challenge ahead for his new coach. “The challenge facing Wiley at that time is common in coaching, that he had his coaching philosophy, yet it takes time to implement and get the buy-in from the guys,” Greg said. According to Greg, Wiley was on a first name basis with anyone who knew him and never came across a person with whom he couldn’t crack a joke and have fun with. In Wiley’s first season as the Shawnee Mission East coach, the team quickly adapted to his personality and began to want to succeed for him. “Early on you felt a sense of wanting to succeed individually as well as a team, as much for him as yourself,” Greg said. Greg was a junior when Wiley was going into his first season. The team opened the season as the favorite to win state but from the start of the season it didn’t seem meant to be. Two of the top swimmers were injured in a car wreck, ruining their seasons and maybe the team’s hopes of de-

likeFATHERlikeSON Junior Branden Schoofs transfers from Blue Valley Northwest and follows in his father’s footsteps, swimming under coach Wiley Wright

fending the title. At league the team began to come together and everything clicked. Going into state they had a shot. Each race was significant and the championship came down to the last event, the 400 relay. Beaten by a touch, the Lancers lost by two points. “Everyone who was a part of that team still feels some pain from that moment,” Greg said Heading into his senior year Greg was aware of it being a rebuilding season but the freshmen bought into Wiley’s system early and worked hard as the team managed to pull out a league championship. That group of freshmen molded and mentored by Greg’s class was the class who handed Wiley his first state championship four years later. “There was quite a bit of young talent on that team and I am proud of the leadership opportunity this presented as we worked together to build the foundation of the program that has proven to be so successful,” Greg said. In high school Greg was the type of swimmer that could swim any event and do it well. Primarily swimming the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke, Greg placed in the top six at league and state in both of those events. “He was a natural leader in that all the kids on the team looked up to him, because he put the team first then personal goals were second,” Wiley said. “As a result of his leadership the team were two time Sunflower League champions, and State runner-up in his junior year.” Greg went on to swim for Northwestern for the next four years after spending two seasons with Wiley, Greg wanted to make sure he never lost contact with his coach and a longtime friend. “He is a great guy and a great friend,” Greg said. “We can laugh about many of the tribulations but I also enjoy following the team. He knows swimming and he knows how to teach, two key ingredients that do not always go together. It’s no coincidence that he has become the most successful high school swimming coach in the area.”

At the end of Branden’s sophomore season at Blue Valley Northwest, he was on pace to be the best sprinter in the state come his senior season. Placing eighth at the state championship meet, Branden was the sole underclassman in the finals, a clear shot at the title in a couple years. With the upcoming season at the door-step, Branden has his mind set on placing top three at state in the 50 but the new opportunity of being on a team with a completely different mind set had him looking forward to what’s coming. “There were only a handful of truly strong swimmers and we didn’t Greg really focus on winning state,” Branden said. “I can say that we [Blue 100 Back Valley Northwest] looked at SME with envy -- all of the guys looked “Winning league senior year like they had a mission and each of them wore their letter jackets and when we were big underdogs” sweat suits. They looked like they “I did the 1000 once in college were ready to throw down and destroy everybody in the pool, which and don’t recommend it. is what they always did.”

Comparing Branden and Greg in high school: Branden Best Event:

50 Free

Best Meet:

2009 East Kansas League (won 50 free)

Least Favorite Event:

“Anything over 100 yards”

JUNIOR Branden Schoofs stands by the pool with his father, Greg, who swam for coach Wiley Wright in his first season at East. Schoofs hopes to help the Lancers win a state title this winter.

>>photo illustration byJeff Cole

page 26 sports 11.16.09

Branden’s transfer to East is a shot in the arm to a team already loaded with talent. Before the acquisition the Lancers were looked upon to be apart of a two team race for state with the other being Blue Valley North; but adding in Branden, being seeded second in the 50 freestyle in the state right behind another Lancer Clay Finley, could be what throws the deciding punch against Blue Valley North. “I hope Branden will find his own niche’ within the swim team”, Wiley said. “After visiting with him I see very similar traits that Greg had, which first is how can I help the team, second my personal goals are this. He dearly wants to help the swim team continue the success we have enjoyed the past years at East.” Returning core members of last years team seniors Clay Finley, Hunter Stevenson, Jack Logan, and Jack Walker, the upcoming season is looking to be maybe one of the best teams in East history, which includes 10 state titles. Branden is looking forward to the possibility of an 11th. “Personally, I think that winning state as a team would be the coolest thing that has ever happened in my life,” Branden said. “The boy’s SME swim team has a strong team spirit and is unique in that sense. I consider myself lucky to be a part of it. If I place in the top three at state in the 50 then that would be icing on the cake, but ultimately I want the team to succeed and dominate the swimming pool.”

WORLD OF

winter sports

issue 6 sports page 27 The Harbie sports crew gives you an idea of what to expect from the next four months of school sports... From a new-look basketball roster to an experienced swim team, these five squads will represent East in a winter season destined for success.

>>SamKovzan & KevinSimpson BOYS’ BASKETBALL

East looks to regroup after losing seven seniors and key starters. Senior guards Scott Kennedy and Ryan Olander are the only returning players who have seen significant varsity action in their careers. Junior Sean Cameron and senior Anthony West, a 6-6 transfer from SM South, will help fill the void in the post left by 2009 graduates Curran Darling, Jack Slaughter and Clark. Another key player who could factor into the starting five is senior Jackson Harter, who returns from last season’s roster that took third place in state, the second-best finish in school history. In his last four years as head coach, Shawn Hair has gone 71-23 with two Sunflower League titles. He expects his squad to display the same tough, defensive-minded attitude the program has become known for. Coach Hair’s Take: We lost seven very good seniors. It was a good class and those are tough losses, but we are at a point in this program where we have high expectations for ourselves every time we step on the basketball court. A lot of people will say we won’t be very good, but we’re going to coach the heck out of the kids we got, and we’re going to be a very good basketball team. Senior Ryan Olander’s take: I expect for us to be good, as always. I think people are going to underestimate us because we lost a lot of seniors from the third place team in the state. People say that about us each year, but we always come out in the top half in the Sunflower League. We’ll just do what we always do - work hard and play defense. Biggest games of the regular season: vs. SM South (Dec. 4), vs. Grandview (Dec. 19 - HyVee Shootout at Avila), vs. Rockhurst (Jan. 29).

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

2009 was a memorable year for the Lady Lancers, who won 18 games and ended a 19-year state tournament drought. With seven varsity players returning expectations are higher than ever for Rick Rhoades’ squad. Senior Janna Graf, who topped the Sunflower League charts in scoring and rebounding last year, has committed her college basketball future to Yale. The roster will receive an additional boost from Anna Seilund, a foreign exchange student who played on the Denmark U-16 women’s national team. Rhoades plans to maintain his full-court style of defense which gave opponents fits last season, as the Lady Lancers led the league in steals. The senior-laden team has plenty of varsity experience, so don’t be surprised if East advances even further into March this time around. Coach Rhoades’ take: I think we’ll have a chance to win every game we play in, and hopefully we can do even better [in the state tournament] than last year. The girls have confidence and work as a cohesive unit. Our biggest challengers in the league will be Olathe South - they have five or six college recruits. Senior Janna Graf’s take: I just want to win state - that’s my personal and team goal. We have a really tough schedule this year, but there’s going to be a lot o senior leadership. That will help us a lot at the end of the season. Biggest games of the regular season: Springfield Tournament (Dec. 28-30 at Springfield, Mo.), at SM West (Jan. 14), vs. Olathe South (Jan. 19).

BOYS’ SWIM & DIVE Despite the loss of several key members of last year’s third-place team, don’t expect these boys to miss a beat. With the addition of junior Branden Schoofs, a BV Northwest transfer, the team is geared up for a deep run into the winter months. Schoofs won the 50-yard freestyle at the Eastern Kansas League meet last year, and he’s not the only talented freestyler on the squad. Seniors Clay Finley and Hunter Stevenson were part of last year’s 200-yard freestyle relay team that seized the state title. The dive team will be led by junior Peter Frazell, who finished 11th at state last year. This group can make a splash as well, tossing in some critical points at the state meet in February. Look for these Speedo-wearing splashers to reclaim the state title that was theirs for four years until Olathe East won it last winter. Coach Wright’s take: We return a strong group of kids that really want to continue the past traditions set out by previous classes. This group possess the same qualities of previous groups in that they are willing to work hard, be unselfish, and want to be a part of a great tradition at East. Senior Clay Finley’s take: It’s a fun group of guys. We always goof around in practice and we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We have a chance to do very well. We’ve got a really good team with a lot of good sprinters, and it’s one of the deeper teams we’ve had in a while. Biggest meets of the regular season: vs. Olathe East (Dec. 5 at California Trail), SME Invitational (Dec. 14) at BV North (Jan. 19).

WRESTLING

East has won back-to-back regional championships under the guidance of head coach Chip Ufford. Senior Tanner Johnson leads a squad that returns five state qualifiers from last year. Although injuries hampered his junior season, Johnson is fourth in the state preseason rankings at 145 pounds. He will share the captaincy with Jeff Rutherford, who is making a jump to the 171 pound weight class. According to Ufford, who has coached nine state placers and five Sunflower League champions since taking over in 2006, juniors Chase Woofter (152 pounds) and Carter Kerr (125 pounds) are the likeliest to join the senior duo at February’s state competition in Wichita. Only four seniors - Johnson, Rutherford, Cap Welsh and Pete Uhl - are on the team, but Ufford is excited by the number of younger wrestlers who will compete at the varsity level, especially at the lightweight classes. Coach Ufford’s take: It’s a pretty young team, but we have many wrestlers with state experience. The seniors will provide a model in practice that will create a competitive wrestling room, and that will make weekend meets seem easy. Senior Tanner Johnson’s take: I don’t see why we can’t win regionals and the Sunflower League. We’ve got some new lightweights this year, and our middleweights are all solid. As far as the [preseason] rankings go, I’ve got thee guys ahead of me, so I don’t feel that much pressure. Biggest meets of the regular season: Rockhurst Dual (Dec. 8), Johnson County Classic (Dec. 18-19 at Blue Valley), Bobcat Invitational (Jan. 15-16 at Basehor).

BOYS’ & GIRLS’ BOWLING Second-year head coach Patti Kennedy led the boys’ team to a ninth-place finish at state last season. The lone returning qualifier from the squad is junior Johnny Sheahan, who bowled an average of 190 at state. Junior Ali Dees will once again lead the girls’ team, as she finished 20th in Kansas her sophomore season with an average of 193. Tryouts start the week following Thanksgiving Break at AMF West, with practices beginning after the New Year. Any students wishing to join the team must meet with Kennedy prior to tryouts and must have a physical form on file. Though it hasn’t been an official team sport at East for a long time, the squad has grown throughout the years and proved itself as a legitimate contender with their finishing at state last year. Look for a roster that returns key bowlers and experienced state placers to lead the Lancers to success. After not qualifying for state last year while she did during her sophomore campaign, Dees will be back to place even higher individually and boost the team scores through her play. Coach Kennedy’s take: Some people would say bowling isn’t a sport, it’s just a game. But what people should know is this isn’t rock-n-bowl, we’ve got some skilled athletes on the team who are going to do some really good things. Biggest meets of the regular season: Baker Meet (Jan. 13 at Park Lanes), Sunflower Meet (Feb. 20 at Olathe East).

page 28 photo essay 11.16.09

fruits labor

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of their

East theater students prepare for the production of ‘The Grapes of Wrath’

FAR ABOVE: Playing Tom and Ma Joad, seniors Kaevan Tavakolinia and Kat Jaeger rehearse one of their scenes. This is Tavakolina’s first lead role in an East production. ABOVE: Senior Kat Jaeger practices a scene in the new Dan Zollars Auditorium for the play, which was performed through last weekend.

>>all photos by Mackenzie Wylie

ABOVE: Senior Kylie Morrow gets her hair done in preparation for the show. Morrow plays Granma, Pa Joad’s mother and Tom Joad’s grandmother. LEFT: Preparing for her role of Elizabeth Sandry, senior Kelsey Summers receives the finishing touches of her make-up.