Issue 8 by The Harbinger

The Harbinger presents THE CARTOON ISSUE

FEATURING winners of the cartoon contest

harbinger SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

ISSUE 8, DEC. 15, 2003

What’s Inside

• •

Graphic novels The semester’s best Makeovers

During the traditional Franklin Center visits, students lend children and families

a helping hand

Franklin Center childrens’ photos by Alex Helmuth

Franklin Center

more ways to help

help volunteer aid re• SHARE’s Franklin Center program to quest hours SNHSgoes SHARE the center regularlyneeds to food clothing work in the classroom Franklin Center holiday and interact one-on-one gifts presents parties with the kids. wrapping paper donate • Spanish National time money resources Honor Society runs theaid give help volunteer annual holiday visits. request hours SHARE food clothing needs • Students interested in Franklin holiday coming toCenter the center and helpingpresents in other ways gifts parties should contact Joyce wrapping paper donate Adams at (913) 321-2102 time money resources

holidays

for the

Courtney Condron

Today students were in the holiday spirit early, but not for their own benefit. The parties, presents and food were for kids from the Franklin Children’s Center. The Spanish National Honor Society sponsors this program, which aims to help out parents and children who are less fortunate. “I’ve actually had parents come in my office crying, because they wouldn’t have been able to afford the toys or clothing otherwise,” Franklin Children’s Center director Joyce Adams said. The Franklin Children’s Center provides pre-school and head start programs for kids. About 95 percent of these children come from low-income families. “The parents never feel looked down upon at East; they know that it is all done out of kindness. Just because they don’t have a lot of money doesn’t mean they aren’t hard-working parents,” Adams said. East students from SNHS visited the Franklin Center on Dec. 2 to meet the kids. Each member of SNHS is designated a child whom they get to know. “The main reason we go talk to the kids first is that we want to make sure they feel comfortable when they come here,” Franklin Center chairperson Ellen Stolle said.

Around 65 kids came to East today. Students raised money for their class’s kid, then designated students to go shopping. “I love shopping, especially when it’s to help out someone else. It’s great knowing the joy that our class will bring to this little girl for the holidays,” junior Sarah Smart said, who is doing the shopping for her class. Each kid gets a party in the classroom, where they get to open some of their presents. The rest of the presents are given to the parents to give to their kid themselves. Michael Layman’s class adopted two girls and raised over $200 for them. “My class is mostly freshmen, so they don’t really know what it’s all about, but I have one student that has done it before, and she’s really excited about it, and has been getting everything organized for it,” Layman said. The excitement is not only from students, however. The kids’ anticipation to come to East is always high, even if they are shy once they get here. “Going to East is all I hear the kids talk about from the time the East students come to the Franklin center until the kids get to go there. There is a lot of anticipation for it,” Adams said.

news 2

THE HARBINGER

Final preparation Students find various methods of studying to get the grade they need shared with freshman Will Becker. “I’m more mad than nervous, finals are evil.” Social Studies department head John Nickels believes that studying should not be necessary. “You should have learned the material ahead of time, so if you are trying to relearn it all it makes no sense,” Nickels said. There are some students who agree with Nickels on the subject. “I don’t bother to study much,” senior Katie Roberson said, “I mean, if you don’t know it by now you just don’t know it.” While Roberson doesn’t plan on excessive studying, other students are planning study times with friends. “I am going to get a study group together for some subjects,” sophomore Haley Kaufman said. “I just want to make sure that I know what I need to know for the test.” The amount of studying required for a final can vary greatly depending upon what a student’s grade is in the class. The tests can vary from 10 percent of the semester grade to 20 percent, depending on the class. When students have borderline grades, teachers recommend that students study a great deal to get a

high grade on the final and bring up their grade. When grades are on a middle level, such as an 85%, finals will do little to affect the grade in the class. Teachers around East have varying views on the importance of the finals. “I think they are extremely important,” math teacher Rick Royer said. “It’s where students synthesize everything they learned in the semester, and know they really understood it.” Finals may seem important to Royer, but to other teachers finals are not as necessary. English teacher Kelly Fast has his own opinion. “I think finals are more important in classes like history or math, where the material is built upon all year. In English I think a writing assignment would be more effective.” Fast had no words of advice for the studious students out there. “I never studied for finals when I was in high school,” Fast said. “Test taking is a skill that you need to know,” Nickels said. “You use it over and over on things like the SAT, or AP tests or medical school entrance exams.”

photo by Joanna Cross

Annie Fuhrman Snow is falling outside, and winter break is right around the corner. There is only one thing between you and that first day of sleeping in: finals. That’s not all either. There is studying, and the tests, and the worrying about your scores. It’s beginning to feel a lot less like winter break, and a lot more like an anxiety attack. Finals may seem like a load too difficult to bear, but with the right method of studying there is no reason to worry about the tests. Students can have three different types of study habits. There are those who prepare using flashcards and study groups. These students spend a lot of time worrying about finals, and even more studying for them. There are those who procrastinate and then cram all the information they can into their heads the night before a test. Last but not least there are those who sleep and don’t bother studying for the exams at all. Some freshmen are feeling a little apprehensive about their first time taking finals. “I’m afraid it will go on and on forever,” freshman Melissa Melling said. Her feelings of anxiety are not

CRAM FOR THE EXAM: Junior Sarah Hocevar chooses to take the safe way to a good grade and studies for her finals in the library.

Dec. 17 7:40-9:10 a.m. 9:10-9:20 9:20-10:50 10:50-11:40 11:40-1:10

Semester Exam Schedule First hour exam Passing Second hour exam Lunch Third hour exam

Dec.18-Dec. 19 9:20-10:50 10:50-11:40 11:40-1:10

Fourth hour exam Lunch Fifth hour exam

harbinger

cartoon SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

There’s one in every class. While the teacher is talking, they’re drawing. When you’re watching a movie, they’re drawing. Whether it be in the margins of their math notes or on a 9x12 sheet of art stock, certain SM East students love to draw. The Harbinger’s first annual Cartoon Contest

provided a means for these students’ artwork to be judged and published for all of SM East to see. The judges loved reading these cartoonists’ submissions, each one different and creative with a style all their own. Here’s what your doodling classmates have been working on.

Cade Brummer

writer artist age: 16 grade: 11 How long have you been drawing?: All my life, but I have never taken it seriously.

What are your favorite things to draw?: Things

JUDGE’S CRITIQUE: The characters in Cade Brummer’s cartoon have great expressions. Some areas are simplistic while others are more detailed, giving the cartoon good composition. The joke, although a bit old, is in your face and humorous.

JUDGE’S CRITIQUE: Michael Pope’s cartoon was politically appropriate without being malicious. His clean art style suited the cartoon, and he is obviously influenced by anime without letting it overpower his style.

Michael Pope

age: 16 grade: 11 Where did you get the idea for your cartoon?: It was

THE HARBINGER

inspired by our nation and its teenagers’ blithe disregard for the voting process.

How long have you been drawing?: Ever since I can remember, but I started to get serious about a year ago.

What are your favorite things to draw?: Mostly people

and their facial expressions.

Who are your art role models?: Bill Watterson, for start-

cartoon issue

ers. The man is a god. Also, Jerry Krahulik of (online webtoon) Penny Arcade fame.

Favorite cartoons, TV shows, etc.: I like Calvin and Hobbes, and the webcomics RPG World, Penny Arcade, and It’s Walky. Tom Toles, the political cartoonist for The Washington Post, is good. And without a doubt, my favorite cartoon TV show is Family Guy. Future aspirations?: I hope to be a writer, and maybe a political cartoonist. I’ll keep drawing, no matter what.

that are easy to make fun of.

Who are some of your art role models?: Van

Jordan Hacker Gogh, (musically) Michael Jackson, 10 years ago.

Favorite cartoons, TV shows, etc.: I love Family Guy, and the musical genius of OutKast.

Future aspirations: I hope to go to college. Beyond that I do not know. But, for me, art is just a hobby.

age: 16 grade: 11 Where did you get the idea for your cartoon?: I was walking down the hall and people were talking about the trailers. I thought, ‘Let’s make our cartoon a satire.’

Favorite leisure time activities: I like to watch the news. I also like to go mountain biking.

Future aspirations?: I’d like to go to college, probably KU. I want to go to business school.

cartoon

st place

Ian Cook

age: 15 grade: 10 Where did you get the idea for your cartoon?:

I just thought of how many times I have jumped into a leaf pile and found someone’s dog had left a little surprise for me.

How long have you been drawing?: I started drawing when I was one-and-a-halfyears old.

Who are some of your art role models?: My

father.

Favorite cartoons, TV shows, etc.: I like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Futurama. The comic strips I like are Zits, Calvin and Hobbes, and Garfield. Future aspirations?: I JUDGE’S CRITIQUE: Ian Cook submitted a cartoon in the traditional form of a paneled hope to become a professional comic strip. Cook’s style is clean, and the characters’ expressions are funny and wellcartoonist or become a video drawn. He also uses great methods of drawing motion. The jokes here are funny, with a game designer. touch of cliché.

nd place

Brooke Smith age: 18 grade: 12 How did you get the idea for your cartoon?: I was stuck on what I might do, so my study hall teacher (Brian) Cappello suggested I draw the ‘new’ trailers.

How long have you been drawing?: Since the second grade. What are your favorite things to draw?: Animals, and funny, weird-

SM East’s newest addition: trailers!

THE HARBINGER

JUDGE’S CRITIQUE: Brooke Smith’s art was well-drawn, especially the animals. Their expressions are funny and their bodies are humorously exaggerated. The cartoon has an excellent use of perspective. Her attention to detail is also impressive. Smith’s joke was topical and timely without being mean-spirited.

2 cartoon issue

Smith’s love for drawing animals isn’t new. Here’s a drawing she did when she was 3 years old.

looking creatures.

Who are some of your art role models?: Definitely my mom and my dad. Both of them have made their livings as artists. My mom designs Hallmark cards, and my dad is a freelance artist.

Favorite cartoons, TV shows, etc.: I love Garfield and Charles Schulz. I like the comic book Spawn. Future aspirations?: I’m going to study art in college and see where it takes me. Who knows?

cartoon issue

THE HARBINGER

rd place

JUDGE’S CRITIQUE: Nelson’s art is delicately detailed, and the texture in her drawings give the art depth. The marriage of the unusual artwork and the offbeat humor would make this cartoon seem right at home within the pages of a newspaper like the Pitch Weekly.

Leigh Nelson age: 17 grade: 12 How long have you been drawing?: Since I first picked

up that “Purple Mountain Majesty” crayon.

What are your favorite things to draw?: Whatever suits my fancy at the given moment.

Who are some of your

art role models?: Berkeley Breathed, Edward Carlotti, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol.

Favorite cartoons, TV shows, etc.: I like the webtoons Making Friends and Neurotically Yours, and the comic strips Get Fuzzy and Guffman and Godot. Future aspirations?: I would like to be a screenwriter and direcor. I figure I’ll draw for storyboards, too.

Honorable Mention Translation

First panel- It’s a great night. Second panel- What is that in the sky? Can I jump there? Fourth panel- Oh darn! It’s not made out of cheese.

artist

writer

JUDGE’S CRITIQUE: This cartoon was written in German, and thus, stood out from the rest. The idea was original, even a little strange. The artwas well-drawn and supported the joke.

Taras Zelencheuk Matt Stoebner age: 18 grade: 12 How long have you been drawing?: Since ninth grade.

What are your favorite things to draw?: People, portraits.

Who are some of

your art role models?: (Former SM< East student) Alex Pedchenko, Dali, Van Gogh..

Do you think art will develop into a career?: Not likely. It’s just a hobby.

age: 18 grade: 12 Where did you get the idea for your cartoon?: Cows are a theme in German class, at least with me.

What are your favorite things to draw?: Graphs in math

class..

Favorite cartoons, TV shows, etc.: Peanuts, Dilbert, Get Fuzzy, Non Sequitur, Pearls Before Swine, Marvin, and FoxTrot.

Future aspirations?: I would like to be an astronaut.

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harbinger

cartoon SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

THE HARBINGER

Graham Lakey

age: 17

Who are your art role models?: Bill Watterson, Gary

grade: 12 Where did you get the idea for your cartoon?: A friend gave me the idea.

How long have you been drawing?: Since sixth or seventh grade.

What are your favorite things to draw?: People.

Larson, Wiley Womack.

Favorite cartoons, TV shows, etc.: Family Guy, Calvin and Hobbes, Futurama, FoxTrot, The Simpsons, Far Side, and Invader Zim. Future aspirations?: Hopefully something with art.

JUDGE’S CRITIQUE: Although not a typical cartoon, Graham Lakey’s art is impressive because of the realism and the composition of the piece. The arrangement of the elements makes it look like a retro 50’s movie poster. Plus, Charles the Custodian’s autograph adds just the right touch.

JUDGE’S CRITIQUE: This cartoon is a little “outthere,” but you can’t help but smile when you look at that bird. Doug Brake’s whimsical style is perfect for this cartoon.

Doug Brake

age: 17

to draw?: Things that make me

grade: 11

laugh.

Where did you get the idea for your cartoon?: It’s the recent

Who are your art role models?: Dali, Bob Ross. Favorite cartoons, TV shows, etc.: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,

dance craze sweeping the nation! It’s all the rage!

How long have you been drawing?: If you consider this cartoon ‘drawing,’ then quite a while.

What are your favorite things

Inspector Gadget, Far Side, and FoxTrot. Future aspirations?: 1. I don’t know, and 2. Yeah, sure. Why not?

Cartoon Issue Staff Cartoon Contest Coordinators.............Cynthia Goldman Annie Harrigan Photographers.........................................Raegan Brown Joanna Cross Linda Howard Roving Reporter.......................................Stephen McKim Editors......................................................Evan Favreau Lindsey Melvin Adviser......................................................C. Dow Tate

SPECIAL THANKS TO The contributors (without you, this wouldn’t have been possible! Every cartoon was thoroughly enjoyed), Cynthia Goldman, Linda Howard, Joanna Cross, Raegan Brown, Stephen “Bootsie” McKim, C. Dow Tate, Andrew Wagner (your dream was finally realized...somewhat), the makers of Family Guy, the staffs of the Harbinger and the Hauberk, and to you, the reader! If you liked this issue, let us know and there will be more on the way! If you think we erred, let us know. Or better yet, send in your own work next time!

3 news

THE HARBINGER

news BRIEFS

Youth in Government Officers for 2004: Governor: William O’Rourke Leuitenant Governor: Trey Mau Secretary of State: Brady Myers Public Advocate General: Derek Low Speaker of the House: Nathan Stepp

SHARE Holiday Party The SHARE holiday party took place on Dec. 11 during lunch, complete with cookies and soda for the share chairpersons. The main goal of the party was to raise money for a less fortunate family in the Shawnee Mission district, and to buy them gifts for the holidays. Students were asked to give donations for the four-person family with an eight-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl.

HOLIDAY CHEER: Senior Haley Holt carries around a tree with items that students can buy to help the family have a plentiful holiday.

Awards: The following East students were acknowledged for their exceptional participation: Nick Lyles as Chief Justice; Brady Myers as Best Litigate; Mary Sprouse as Best Legislator; William OʼRourke as Speaker of the House and Tehau DeBarthe as Governor. New Bills: Student Governor Tehau

DeBarthe signed two bills at the Kansas Optimist Youth in Government session: one requiring all motorcycle drivers to wear helmets and another that would make earning a GED a requirement for prisoners to be eligible for parole.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY: Senior Holly Thomas chows down on cookies in the SHARE room last Thursday.

photos by Linda Howard

news 4

THE HARBINGER

Christmas Creations Holly Garringer Treat baggies Prep Time- 20 minutes Cost- minimum $5 Maximum$20 Gift-o-meter: 7 First buy four or five bulk bags of candy. Then separate and fill them into smaller plastic baggies. Tie them at the top with a festive bow. Using colored permanent markers, you could also write the names of your friends on the bag. When making this gift remember to fill the bags with candy that your friends will actually enjoy. Dinner with boyfriend or girlfriend Prep Time- Dependent on what food you make Cost- Minimum- $10 Maximum-$30 Gift-o-meter- 9 All right, for all you young lancer lovers out there, this is the perfect gift to give that special someone. Even if you have little experience cooking, try your best. Reading a cookbook is easy, just make sure you follow all the directions. Guys, this is not just a suggestion for girls. Your female friend will really appreciate a nice homemade dinner.

With the holidays approaching, Lancers have to try and save as much money as they can. Here are some great ways to give presents to your friends but save a few bucks! The Gift-ometer scale is 1-10, 1 being crappy, 10 being awesome!

Create a picture frame Prep Time- 1-2 hours Cost: Under $20 Gift-o-meter- 10+ At any craft store, you can find plastic picture frames that are just waiting to be decorated. Using paint, or construction paper, you can make the perfect frame to hold a picture of you and your friend(s). Picture frames are a great way to preserve the memories, and it definitely adds a personal touch when you decorate it yourself. Create your own holiday mugs Prep Time: 45 minutes Cost: Under $15 Gift-o-meter: 9 Buy a plastic or glass ceramic mug and fill it with hot chocolate mix. You can find these kinds of mugs at any craft store, such as Michaels or Hobby Lobby. First decorate the mug using paint or permanent marker. As with the picture frame, you can make these holiday themed or decorate them in a meaningful way for your friends. For an added bonus, fill the mugs with packets of hot chocolate mix, tea bags, or coffee beans.

Homemade Winter Wear Prep Time- At least a few days Cost- $5-$10 Gift-o-meter- 8 This suggestion is only for those that having sewing abilities. Make your friends winter scarves or hats. Have them pick their favorite color yarn, and put your knitting or sewing skills into overdrive. Not only is this gift useful, but your friends will love being able to tell people that the scarf they are wearing was made by you. Gift Certificates Prep Time- 20 minutes Cost- $0 Gift-O-Meter- 6 This gift is probably better suited for parents or siblings. Simply make gift certificates of services that you can offer to your family at any time they so wish. Some examples might include “ Good for one free lawn mowing,” or “Good for one trip to the movies.” This gift is a really good way to get creative. Think about all the things your parents hassle you about doing and make them into gift certificates. Although it may not seem like much, they will really appreciate it.

5 letters

THE HARBINGER

Eastonian apology was not sincere “Underground Apology” (Issue 7, Letters to the Editor) made me angry. After talking about it with many people, I found we all agreed that it was not at all heartfelt. It was obviously a writing imposed on the editors by angry parents and administrators. While I neither support nor condone the writings of the Eastonian, this “apology” exasperates me. I may have believed if there had been a more sincere way of presenting it. I truly doubt that anyone believes that they are sorry for what they wrote (I sure don’t). I know adults at East must approve all publications, but if they are so blatantly dictating the things we read I might as well start my own underground paper.

L E

etters to the ditor

Hillary Carlson, junior

Readers respond to “Drunk Thriving” Students should be responsible for their actions Dear Fellow Lancers, During my four years at Shawnee Mission East, I have witnessed many things, and I have been both impressed and dismayed by the actions of my fellow students. For example, I was very impressed by Holly Garringer’s article in the December 7th Harbinger. I believe that actions speak louder than words; it was not her detailing of the drinking problem at East, but rather her willingness to say something that many do not want to hear, that impressed me. Although I have heard countless discussions of the problems at East, I am convinced that most conversations miss the real problem, which is a lack of responsibility. Many students simply do not take responsibility for all of their actions. Responsibility involves making careful decisions and being accountable for your actions. This decision-making comes in many forms. In the classroom for instance, it is your responsibility to maintain academic integrity by doing your own work. You make a decision: do I cheat or not? Being responsible is choosing not to cheat. Being courteous at school also demonstrates responsible behavior. It is your choice whether to exchange a smile and say “hi” or to shove that loser out of your way. Finally, there is responsibility in regards to drinking. In case anyone is unaware, consumption of alcohol by persons under the age of 21is illegal in the State of Kansas. This is a law, and it exists for a reason. As I see it, a student has three basic options in regards to drinking: they can choose not to drink (the responsible and law abiding choice), they can drink, or they can drink and drive (the most despicable and irresponsible choice). Although this is not the only decision a high school student must make, it is one of the most significant. Two of the most infamous events of this school year occurred because of irresponsibility on the part of certain students. No one coerced the editors of the Eastonian to produce their underground publication, and no one forced the varsity cheerleaders to drink. These students made irresponsible decisions, and they suffered the consequences. But, it would be a mistake to confuse their consequences, writing apology letters and more, with responsible actions. Responsible behavior would have prevented these incidents in the first place, and the apologies would never have been necessary. This is why responsibility is so important: because every

action has consequences. No one wants be remembered for what happened because of their irresponsible actions. No one wants to be responsible for the results of their poor decisions (for example, the deaths of others because they chose to drink and drive). Many adopt an attitude of “it won’t happen to me.” Well, here is an undeniable truth, it happens to someone and that someone could be you. Responsible behavior is important because our actions affect not only our lives, but also the lives of those around us. It is our responsibility to make good decisions, because we are accountable for our actions and their consequences. So, let’s all make an effort to be more responsible in the future. Respectfully, Matthew Stoebner, senior

Harbinger should not lecture students Holly Garringer’s article called “Drunk Thriving” is a perfect example of the complete crap that the Harbinger has turned into. Is the Harbinger’s purpose to find something new to complain about every week? Who is Holly Garringer to write such an ignorant, nagging and condescending article? Well, I can say that she is, at the very least, extremely naïve for thinking she can lecture the school about her opinions of our so-called reckless behavior. It is ridiculous to think that her article actually changed a thing except to make the students that much more annoyed. Don’t expect to hear “Oh, thank God I read that article! I will never drink again!” Last time I checked, the Harbinger’s writers have no business trying to act as our parents. Sure, it is perfectly fine for everyone’s opinion to be heard, no matter how outnumbered they may be, but it is kind of important to know what you are talking about before you go spitting out your opinion, especially when it is based on how you think things might work. For someone who is so against drinking, it is surprising how well she thinks she knows how it all goes down. I don’t know what would make her think that she can address the school in a “my opinion is better than yours” kind of way, but she really needs to get it out of her head that she is better than us. Maybe she thought she sounded clever, but her sarcasm only made her look uninformed and cynical. She definitely could have at least expressed her opinion in a way that she didn’t sound like “Daria.” We can decide for ourselves what we think is fun. Thanks. -Stephanie Schmidt, junior

�� Alex Abnos Dianne Smith Libby Nelson Annie Harrigan Lindsey Melvin

Editor-in-chief Assistant Editors Art and Design Editor Head Copy Editor

Stephen McKim Copy Editors Corban Goble Carson Black Patrick Menihan Andrew Finnerty Corban Goble Courtney Condron Cynthia Goldman Barrett Emke Gordon Culver

Photo Editor Editorial Section Editor Opinion Section Editor News Section Editor Features Section Editor A&E Section Editor Sports Section Editor

Katie Patrick Ian McFarland Joe West Joanna Cross Gordon Culver

Ads Manager Asst. Ads Manager Business Manager Subscription Managers

Patrick Haverty Ian Stanford Evan Favreau Carson Black Tierney Weed Alex Helmuth

Sports Page Editors A&E Page Editor Features Page Editor Photo Essay Editor Asst. Photo Essay Editor

Barrett Emke Staff Artists Cynthia Goldman Ian McFarland Jessie Fetterling Staff Photographers Linda Howard Joanna Cross Jessie Fetterling Staff Writers Annie Fuhrman Patrick Ryan Paul Thompson David Vranicar Holly Garringer Dow Tate Adviser

Got something to say? The Harbinger welcomes reader letters Send them to Alex Abnos, Editor-in-Chief, in Room 512 or e-mail them to us at smeharbie@hotmail.com Letters must be signed and may be edited for length and clarity. Publishing of letters is up to the editor’s discretion.

opinion

THE HARBINGER

Deja Vu?

Set in Stone:

US occupation of foreign countries is nothing new. Their towns are in shambles and morale is low. Everyone is angry and c o n fu s e d. Pat Ryan America has just come from halfway around the world and insists on sticking around even though the war is long over . Sounds like modern day Iraq, but alas, the country I am describing is 1945 Germany. The events that transpired after WWII in Germany are similar to what is happening today in Iraq. Bush intends to rebuild the war-torn country and eventually turn it into a democratic and peaceful nation. Unfortunately, judging from the strong resistance of the militant Muslim population, success could take many more years than ever before. In Germany, it was in our interest morally and economically to “fix” the war-torn country after the tumultuous reign of Hitler and his Nazi Regime. Though the Germans distrusted us, they slowly learned to accept our occupation. It took one year for them to accept defeat and, under our close eye, craft a democratic constitution. We created a powerful democratic state and ally that has since been economically affluent. Thus began their age of American commercialization and peace. Today, Germany is one of Europe’s wealthiest nations. History is once again repeating itself as we linger in Iraq trying to retain some kind of social order. But this time, the circumstances are somewhat different and much more dangerous. There are thousands of anti-American Muslims who would like nothing better than to see all Americans hang. Part of that resentment is due to our wealth and determination to spread our influence everywhere. After all, we managed to oust their tyrannical dictator, but have yet to give them true freedom (they are not yet autonomous). We attempt to create an Iraqi police force, but insist on applying our own system of justice (machine gun bullets). Though the war has officially ended, is seems as if the fighting has just begun. The Iraqis distrust us and look at us as tyrants, much like Saddam Hussein. The only way to

establish a civilized social order is for us to gain their trust. It can be done if we work hard enough at it. Throughout history, as America occupies a country, it turns them into its workhorse. After we gain their obedience, we toss a McDonalds on every corner and a Starbucks behind it. We utilize those countries’ natural resources and take away their power to fight back (Japan isn’t even allowed to have a national army). But though our imperialistic ways seem to do nothing but make us richer, it is important to consider that if we succeed in creating a democratic state in Iraq, we will be sprinkling the barren landscape with all sorts of American business. While those businesses will succeed in fattening out corporate wallets even more, we are going to give Iraqi citizens the opportunities to have jobs. Don’t think that companies like Wal-mart and Coca-Cola are going to want to pay the dough to accommodate American workers to live and work in their Iraq division. Allowing the Iraqis to earn stable paychecks is the key to jumpstarting their potential capitalistic machine. By Americanizing the people of Iraq, we give them the ability to make money and feed their families. Doing so will help both our economies. It is obvious that Bush is interested in Iraq economically due to its vast amount of oil, but he is not planning on stealing it and leaving the Iraqis for broke. Doing so would be politically incorrect and would indefinitely hurt America’s reputation beyond visible resolve. It can be argued that we are imperialistic and greedy. We seem to do whatever we can to flex our political muscle as far as we can across the earth. But our international efforts are not entirely parasitical. We gave and continue to give the countries we occupy democracy. Two of our success stories, Japan and South Korea, if compared to the overwhelmingly poor countries surrounding them, set a glaring example as to what we are capable of. We introduce countries to capitalism. While our efforts in the middle east may seem hopeless, there is a glimmer of possibility. We have the ability to give them middle classes, jobs, systems of free enterprise, and a reason to live in this weary world. After all, we’ve done it before.

RS creates controversy When someone picks up a Rolling Stone, there is a certain level of shock value they can expect. “Which risqué pose do they place (insert pop

Corban Goble

star) in?” is often the case, but when you read this particular, Bible-length Rolling Stone detailing the 500 greatest albums of all time, the surprise comes from within its commemorative covers. Skipping all the news briefs, I slammed right into the list, to see (not to my surprise) The Beatle’s Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, is ranked first(after all, it has sold 12 million copies). What is the makeup of the word “great?” A little bit of influence, a lot of mastery of their genre, and the quintessence of a time or a place. Clearly this is what makes Sergeant Peppers so great; heck, it wasn’t even the Beatles best album (Revolver). But this is not what shocked me as I thrashed through the thickets of the next 499 albums. The surprise came when a sole album RECORDED in the nineties-ONE-made the cut into the top 100. Nirvana’s Nevermind accomplished that feat at number 17. Nevermind has it all--influence, timeliness, and overall, it’s a cutand-dry Generation X album. According to RS, only one nineties

or zeros album made it into the top 100, although the list was pretty much from the1950s on. Was this some kind of mistake? How could they so poorly account for the last 15 years of music, about more than a quarter of the range that the list spans? Yes, of course there is a bevy of other nineties albums in the top 500, but their deliberate absence from the peak of the list leaves a lot of questions. I, of course, concede to the classics--Pet Sounds, Born to Run, and Let It Bleed. They still sell records, and they still set guidelines for performers today. However, in the top 200 of the list, whether meaning to or not, is completely lacking nineties influence. Is that justified? Most certainly not. Modern music has made much more an impact than anyone will admit, even the trendy Rolling Stone, which feature the capers of the White Stripes and the Strokes nauseatingly often. There is a great number of albums, that I feel, according to influence alone (a great factor on the ranking in this list) deserve to be rubbing elbows with Bobby D. and Mick. Radiohead’s Ok Computer, which I envisioned in the top thirty, sits at lowly 162. Pavement’s Slanted and Enchanted is positioned at 134, and even that is low for one of the most important (at least lyrically) 90’s albums. Pavement’s albums have spawned sound-alikes, knock offs; they are essentially

the Indie Beatles. How could their albums be buried in the middle to latter part of the list? Modern music is so very insignificant on this list that you may believe the list itself was made prior to the nineties. There are two bands that stand out in my mind as frontrunners to the development of the great acts of today (Radiohead and Pavement). Radiohead, whose OK Computer was the number one nineties album on a pitchforkmedia.com rebuttal, with most of Pavement’s albums not far behind. If Rolling Stone wants us to be thoughtful, decisive connoisseurs of music, then the list should be structured much differently. Look, this is our generation. I will remember everything about it, including the soundtrack. Is it not significant, or is there just a lack of like-minded panelists? Probably the latter. A lot of the early nineties stuff on this list flew off the shelves (think Nevermind, Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream), but our most modern, great albums are not ones that enjoy such commercial success. Beck’s Sea Change is a highly significant album-- an album of pain and quiet acquiescence. Should it be overlooked? I don’t think so. Should our generation be spat on by Rolling Stone? I don’t think so.

7 opinion

THE HARBINGER

erfect aradox:

Courtney Held

With thoughts of approaching finals and college applications dominating my brain, I can’t help but think I just might be stretching myself a bit TOO thin by trying to become the “perfect student.” Only 15 days are left until finals begin, and I’ve already started the organization of hundreds of pages of notes for each class and a detailed study guide for each one as well. Being the grade-obsessed kid that I am, I find setting aside a half hour to an hour EACH night for EACH class thoroughly prepares me for that 1 1⁄2 hours of torture. Studying for 4-7 hours a night might sound a little insane, but if it means seeing that pretty little A on my transcript, then so be it. Along with an over obsession with grades, being the “perfect student” means being involved in more activities than there are hairs on your head. It seems like these days, to stand out in the thousands of college applications means being an all state quarterback who feeds hungry children in Rwanda on the weekends all while playing the harp in the city orchestra and being the president of your own thriving pet grooming company.

Not only are there the expectations of your teachers and admissions people, but of your parents as well. To them, the “perfect child” repaints the entire exterior of the house, does the laundry, handles the taxes and cooks dinner for four – VOLUNTARILY. In other words, the perfect child could be described as a people pleaser. Even if you accomplish all of the afore mentioned absurdities and get into your college of choice, will you really be truly happy? Probably not, because you’ve lost much more along the way. You’ve turned into a work-a-holic, a machine that turns in A paper after A paper, puts on smile after smile only because you’re supposed to. You don’t even WANT to smile, but you do because it’s expected of you. You forget how to just go out to the driveway and shoot some hoops with you sister or go out to dinner and a movie with friends (if you even still have any at this point). Most importantly you lose sight of what’s really important to you because you’ve become too focused on others’ needs and wants. You have lost yourself in your work. You’re no longer the person that finds the time to send

One teen strives for perfect grades, extra-curriculars, and life. your sick grandma a card or babysit the neighbor’s kids while she runs to the grocery store. Now that’s not what anyone wants. In the process of trying to become the perfect child, we lost not only our true sense of self, but the fun of being a high schooler. We can become so frustrated with those two numbers on our rough draft of an English paper that we totally forget how we can make it better. We want to believe so much that every assignment is right the first time, and when it isn’t, we don’t even care about fixing it. The learning process is abandoned, and the art of arguing with teachers for a better grade is taken up. In our grade-driven people-pleasing minds, it’s all about the destination, and we forget about the journey. That’s the most important part! Seeing your mistakes and fixing them, learning how to deal with failure and finding out your strengths and weaknesses help prepare us for similar events in the future. We can’t let that component slip through our fingers, or where will we be in 50 years? No place I want to be, that’s for sure.

P.E. DARWINISM P.E. Response I like to think of P.E. as, “Physically (or socially) weeding out the weak” education. No, I’m no Hercules, but I passed P.E. with little effort, and some fun too. The fact is Physical Education is a microcosm of Social Darwinism. As Herbert Spencer once said, “The ultimate result of shielding man from the effects of folly is to people the world with fools.” I can rest easy knowing that Mr. McFarland’s genes will be weeded out of the social gene pool. You see the Social Darwinists teach us that those who don’t conform won’t have their genes “passed on” into society. Heck we can even apply this to good ol’ regular

Editorial

Briefs --Al Sharpton’s appearance on SNL was canceled because of possible influence in future Missouri primaries. Of course this is fair, which is almost upsetting. How much would you like to see a Wesley Clark variety show? The staff would enjoy it. We’ll see the Reverend enough, anyways.

Darwinism. Ill be able to outrun, say, a pack of ravening wildebeasts thirsting for my blood, while Mr. McFarland would get devoured and left in the dust. I like Physical Education, because I know that natural selection, both physical and social, will run it’s course. -Brady Myers

etters to the ditor

--Al Gore chose to endorse Democratic candidate Howard Dean. The Bush camp is preparing only for Dean, which is quite a statement. Look for some scintillating Dean vs. Bush debates, if all of this comes to pass. --The Lancer’s Boys Basketball team is 2-0 after two exciting wins. The bedlam after J.D. Christie’s buzzer beater is something we’ll never forget.

Who will win the Democratic nomination for 2004?

ELECTION

2004 Kelly Fast, Teacher

Eli Page-Goertz, Senior I think it’ll be Wesley Clark. He’s got the military history, and he came late to the game. He avoided the early pressure. Having a military man against a candidate who just waged a war should be interesting.

Dean. He garnered up support. The other candidates have already conceded Iowa and New Hampshire (Primaries) to him. Gore was huge for him. He’s Southern. He’s a name. I would vote for Kucinich, though, he’s the most liberal.

to be continued.....

a&e

Ian McFarland Stuck On You starts out in familiar territory for directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly (Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary) with cheap laughs, but then it takes a turn into a movie about the characters. At first it sounds like a classic pitch for these traditionally gross-out comedy brothers. Walt (Matt Damon) and Bob (Greg Kinnear) decide to ditch the small grill they own in Martha’s Vineyard and move to Hollywood so that Bob can try to make it big. But there are small qualities to the characters that don’t seem to fit into this Farrelly movie. For instance, Walt has occasional panic attacks that aren’t filmed comically, but rather dramatically and appropriately uncomfortable. Another

Movie Review

about how dirty it was. Matt Damon is sincere in his performance as Walt. Walt’s the kind of guy who’s nice (sometime so much that he sacrifices himself), Damon is just the guy who can do this. Greg Kinnear is overly charismatic at times but overall pulls off the job MORE OF THE SAME: Cher, playing herself, with ease. They’re not unexpectedly helps the twins in the film great but they manage to portray the brothers in their good times and their bad times. The same goes for the rest of the cast except for Seymour Cassel. His character Morty is so over the top he doesn’t have to worry about being grounded in his acting. As Bob’s ancient agent, he brings in some of the funniest movies on his motorized scooter. Eva Mendes isn’t bad either in this movie, but it’s not all that difficult CRAZY MORTY: Seymour Cassel plays Bob’s to play a lingerie model over-the-top agent in ‘Stuck on You’ bimbo. There are a few supposed to be an all-out comedy or if half interesting cameos form Cher and Meryl of the movie is a mini-tearjerker. It never Streep. Cher is pretty pointless in the film makes you cry so much, but it does make but Meryl Streep yields a chuckle at the you look at these characters and realize end of the movie. that they need each other more than STICK TOGETHER: When all is said and anything else in the world. Just don’t walk Walt and Bob are done, this is an all right into the theater expecting another Dumb conjoined twins in movie. I never really and Dumber. ‘Stuck on You’ discovered if the movie is

out-of-place element is Rocket, a mentally handicapped man who works at the brother’s grill. The last time the Farrelly brothers filmed mentally handicapped people was in There’s Something About Mary, and that resulted in derogatory and insulting jokes that people still remember today. But Rocket is only made fun of once, and his taunters are shunned from the restaurant by both the employees and the customers. Perhaps the Farrellys have finally reached maturity at ages 45 and 46. The real heart of this movie is well, the heart. After Bob & Walt decide to go their separate ways as best they can, it becomes apparent that they need each other more than they ever thought that they did. They realize that they don’t really know how to function without their brother’s constant involvement in their own life. This movie contains almost none of the prepubescent humor the Farrellys are known for. There is some innuendo, but unlike most of the their previous movies, you don’t come out of the theatre thinking

Photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Slighty ‘Stuck’

THE HARBINGER

9 a&e

THE HARBINGER

‘The Last Samurai’ places first Evan Favreau

troops are decimated and Algren is captured by Katsumoto. However, he is not killed and I know. You see the trailers for The Last instead taken to the samurai village. During Samurai and you see Tom Cruise holding a his time there, he befriends many of the th samurai sword in 19 century Japan. You villagers and learns of their life. say to yourself, “Tom Cruise Director Edward Zwick can not be the last samurai.” (Glory, Shakespeare in But the truth is that he Love) paces the film well is not the last samurai. Ken besides a slow start and Watanabe, appearing in his a somewhat drawn out first major American film, is ending. The audience’s the last samurai. And in the interest is never lost as end, this film is about him, not we see Algren adapt to the Tom Cruise’s character Nathan Japanese village and learn Algren. their customs. Algren, an American and Tom Cruise shows veteran of war, is hired by the that he can actually act Japanese emperor to train his when supplied with a infantry in modern weaponry. well-written script and The emperor’s subordinates, a suitable director. He is however, hope to eradicate very believable as a Civil the remaining samurai. These War veteran tormented warriors, led by the emperor’s by past actions. But the former teacher Katsumoto (Ken real star in this film is Ken Watanabe), are fighting the Watanabe, who deserves modern expansions of railroads KATSUMOTO: Ken an Oscar nomination and telegraph lines that threaten Wantanabe plays for his portrayal of the their traditional life. the leader of the samurai leader. Hopefully During the first battle against this film will serve as a the samurais, the Japanese remaining samurai

Movie Review

FRIEND OR FOE? Tom Cruise befriends his enemy’s people stepping stone to future roles for him. This film is not without it’s problems though. This movie is a little too long, with the ending being drawn out too long. And in a war epic such as this, violence is to be expected. Even so, one slow motion shot of brutality felt unnessecary. Finally, some of the wide shots of troops are obviously green-screen, taking away from the

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otherwise beautiful cinematography. Some people may be turned off by this movie due to the fact that Tom Cruise acts like a samurai. This really shouldn’t be the case since Algren is really not the main character. Katsumoto is the real center of this story and he is the reason to see this film. He is the last samurai.

Keep Your School Clean!

features 10

THE HARBINGER

• Before

Bailey Armstrong

• Freshman Bailey Armstrong’s frequently wore her thick, dark blonde hair in a bun. “I just can’t do anything with it,” she said. Because she runs cross country and plans to try out for soccer, Bailey needed her hair long enough to be able to put it up in a ponytail. Bailey had never highlighted or dyed her hair but was open for change. before photos by Tierney Weed

• “I’ve always wanted to be the person to get [a makeover] like off of those talk shows.” Senior Nicole Oswald said. “I’m ready for a change that will be easy for me to manage but show the real me.” Nicole had been growing out her hair for two years and was ready for a new look. She plans on donating her hair to Locks of Love, a charity that makes wigs for chemotherapy patients.

Nicole Oswald

“Change my look.” “Transform my image.”

“Make me over • The Harbinger and Mitsu Sato Salon gave two girls the chance to do just that.

• During • Nicole will

• Hair stylist Lis Mitchell cut both girls’ hair after the dye process was complete. Nicole (below) cut off more than 10 inches while Bailey (right) maintained the same length.

donate her chopped-off ponytail to Locks of Love.

• Owner of Mitsu Sato Salon and hair stylist Mitsu Sato examines Bailey’s hair to determine which hair style will match her hair type.

• Hair stylist and makeup artist Sara Schneider applies dye to Nicole’s hair. Once the dye is applied, Nicole must wait 40 minutes to complete the dye process and then her hair will be washed. during photos by Megan Shay

11 features

THE HARBINGER

• After

r.”

• THE EYEBROWS: An eyebrow wax thinned Nicole’s previously thick eyebrows. Lis also colored Nicole’s eyebrows to match the new hair color and to accent the overall look.

• THE MAKEUP: Sara applied base to Nicole’s olive skin. A light pink blush with some tangerine tones blended well with her skin tone. For eyeshadow, Sara used nuetral colors with pink hues to bring out the warmth in her skin and hair. She also applied black mascara and navy blue eyeliner to bring out her eyes. Sara also chose a lipstick that went well with her clothing and complexion.

• THE COLOR: Because of Nicole’s dark complexion, Lis added an auburn brown tone as a base with cooler highlights on top to accent the warm brown color of her hair.

• THE CUT: Nicole now has texture at the bottom of her chin-length cut with framing pieces around her face falling below her cheekbones. With her new cut, she can blow dry it straight or flip it out with a curling iron.

• THE COLOR: Bailey now has four colors in her hair — two highlights and two lowlights, including her natural dark blonde. The two highlights, a lighter golden blonde and a warmer copper blonde, add contrast on top and accent her hazel eyes. Lis chose warmer tones as a way of following the seasons. Recent style calls for a contrast between top and bottom layers of the hair, so Lis added a light brown color underneath to contrast the highlights on top. • THE CUT: Lis cut shaping layers around Bailey’s face and longer fringe around her forehead for an edgier, more contemporary look. Bailey’s hair previously reached just below her shoulders and now sits right above her shoulders.

• THE MAKEUP: Sara first applied ivory foundation to Bailey’s fair skin. The eyeshadow was a blend of grey, peach, pink and white tones. Pink blush hinted with tangerine hues accented Bailey’s cheekbones. Sara used a fuschia lip pencil to fill in Bailey’s lips then toned doen the bright color with a nude lipstick. Black mascara and loose powder completed the look. after photos by Dianne Smith

a&e

THE HARBINGER

Movie Review Lindsey Melvin

‘Love Actually’ wins hearts Movie proves to be ‘ultimate romantic comedy’

For a romantic comedy, “Love Actually” isn’t cheesy. It’s real. It’s powerful because it gives glimpses of all different kinds of love through several stories. At the beginning, Hugh Grant sets the mood by saying, “General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed—but I don’t see that—seems to me that love is everywhere.” Love Actually illustrates the beauty of love and all its complexities. Love is inconvenient. The Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) falls in love with his maid (Martine McCutcheon) the first day on the job. Love knows no boundaries. After getting his heart broken, a writer (Colin Firth) escapes to France and falls in love with a foreign woman who does not speak English. Love hurts. A married woman (Emma Thompson) gets her heart broken when she suspects her husband (Alan Rickman) is having an affair. Love is surprising. A man is in love with his best friend’s wife. Love means making sacrifices. An office woman (Laura Linney) might finally get to be with her longtended crush, but her unstable brother needs

as that. Laugh a little, cry a little, her. The movie is not without its laughs. A crazy, and go home after a predictdrugged out rock star (Bill Nighy) cuts a new Christable ending. mas song, and a young man (Kris Marshall) is sick But the amazing thing of snobby British girls and decides to go to America about “Love Actually” is that to find the ladies. There are also a couple slams on with so many different love stoAmerica. The sleazy president of America (Billy Bob ries all rolled into one, Thorton) makes a move toward the Prime Minister’s people can maid, and the Prime minister cuts his ties with actually find America and calls it a “bully.” one they There are many different plots all happening can relate at the same time. They don’t all connect, but to. It defies NO MORE MR. BEAN: Rowan they all have their own endings. It was unlike the clichéd Atkinson anything I’d seen before. It’s a good love story mulformula. The tiplied by twenty. Because there were so many differ- stories themselves aren’t far from reality—that’s the ent story lines, I never got bored. I admire the angle whole point. It’s as if the writer chose to illustrate the screenwriter Richard Curtis (“Four Weddings simple little love stories he observed as he was walkand a Funeral,” “Notting Hill,” “Bridget Jones’s ing down the street one day. Many people have gone Diary”) took at defining the unique aspects of through the heartache of a spouse’s affair. Many have love. had that office crush for years and kept it inside. It’s A lot of romantic comedies follow a paint- those simple moments in life that screenwriter Curtis by-number type of formula. There’s the main has chosen to highlight and call beautiful. It doesn’t guy and the main girl and they must overcome have to be far-fetched to be love. an obstacle to get to each other. In “NotLove Actually is a complex and thought-provokting Hill,” also with Hugh Grant, the ing movie full of emotional and truly touching moobstacle is the fact that the girl he ments. It was a refreshing to see a holiday movie loves (Julia Roberts) is a movie so full of—love. Unpredictable, unconditional, real star, and he’s not. Most love stories love. are as simple

PRIME MINISTER: Hugh Grant

Movie Review

‘Timeline’ movie fails to live up to book Ian McFarland

“Timeline” is the latest example of a movie that sucks in comparison to the top-rate action book it’s based on. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad. The plot is what you would expect from your basic action movie. Four archeological students are sent back in time to save their professor. Action ensues. But unsurprisingly it’s the adventure that makes the movie, not the story. It’s not a revolutionary tale, but the action is just as good as most of its peers in the genre, and in some places it goes beyond the competition. And with cheap thrills thrown into it, the movie manages to keep your mind from wandering off as this kind of movie is prone to do. There’s no reason to see this movie for the acting. Everyone does a decent job of portraying his or her character, but nothing great. But what can you expect

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when you have Paul Walker playing the lead? For those of you who read the book, don’t expect the on-screen version of the book. Most of the subplots are cut out. It feels like the plot of the book was chopped up and remains were reassembled or cut out, but it works. The only big letdown is Robert Doniger, the CEO of the company that sends the kiddos back to 1357. The book makes him the tech-genius we love to hate. The movie just makes him mean. If you liked the book, this movie might be worth the price of admission, but the book is definitely better. But in the end this movie proves to be the classic Saturday matinée. Don’t expect too much out of it. But if you walk in with lowered expectations, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised.

OUT OF TIME: Characters in “Timleline” prepare for time travel

13 features

THE HARBINGER

Internet Teen Titan Patrick Ryan The rumors have been flying around the halls at east: “I hear he has 3 Porsches, the guy’s a millionaire, he has his onw house in the Florida Keys.” Junior Austin Hurst simply sits back and smiles. As the CEO of one of the biggest web development firms in the city, he can’t help grinning at his success. His firm, “Dominant Design Group” (DDG), has designed over a hundred projects so far and shows no sign of slowing down. He created the site in 2002 with the intention of marketing himself as a free-lance web site developer. His initial aspiration led to the creation of a team of 26 employees who handle 3 to 9 projects per month and have already tackled around 120 projects. It all started with his fascination with computers, especially when it comes to the internet. “When I was 10, I was a competitive gamer and my internet gaming team needed a website so I volunteered to see what I could come up with,” Hurst said. Hurst gained experience from that initial project and acquired a wealth of information that eventually enabled him to create professional sites for a living. Before he could afford to do so, he worked at a local Price Chopper bagging groceries until enough funding could be attained. He then

Junior’s web firm banks the bucks

rented a small server to host his future company’s web site. All that he had to do was maintain it and pay the annual domain fee. The site now serves as his company’s virtual portfolio so potential clients can view his team’s work. The site now gets over a million hits, or visits, per month. He originally intended to be the only employee for his site, but after seeing the amount of work that web creation required, he quickly sought out additional help from 20-year-old Rick Flowers, whom he made the Director of Art. As business increased, Hurst sought out many other talented computer technicians such as 21year-old John Jawed. ““I think the business is a successs... we have learned to always strive for a more complicated and better standard at design in each project we tackle. Austin keeps the projects rolling in as we conquor higher and higher feets. I enjoy working for Austin and he is a fair and fun person to work for.” Hurst has a Network Operations Center in Houston, Texas, where he stores his 650 “Vario Gigabit” servers. They help to maintain all of the sites that DDG creates. Basically, his firm gets in touch with those companies who are interested in having professional

websites built for them. Those companies might have heard about DDG through search engines, business cards, or simply the word of mouth. If the company wants to cut a deal, DDG then offers them an estimate based on “what that company can afford and what [can be done] for them”. If the company accepts, a contract is written, with the help of his lawyer from Ohio. The junior is very excited about his current prospect, Frito-lay, which is interested in his services. “A client of their magnitude wanting our help is a great showcase to what we can do,” Hurst said. Austin attributes his success to his good sense of business and naturally skill of design. His talents have propelled him to the top of a competitive market. Being a student as well as a CEO can be challenging for Hurst, who sometimes experiences a clash of the two tasks. For instance, his financial success has allowed him to own a Nissan 350-z, but is unable to drive it to school, in fear of car molestation. He as also been known to have trouble managing the weight of both tasks. “It’s stressful when I have a lot of work for school and I’m in the middle of 5 internet projects,” Hurst said. He plans on finishing high

In school, recycling stuff is awesome!

school and attending a prominent design school in California. Unlike many students, he has the ability to pay his own way into any school he’s interested in. “I take comfort in the fact that I am financially secure and could pay my own way through Harvard,” Hurst said. He is strongly supported by his twin brother Zach, who is interested in the company, but would rather watch his brother work than have to work himself. He instead borrows money from his brother and uses it for things like DVD movies, HARD DAYS WORK: Hurst checks which he downloads off websites in development from any computer he can get his hands on the internet. “I like the fact Austin said. that my brother is Though Austin doesn’t know successful, but I just like to mooch what he wants to do with his life, off of him,” Zach said. Austin’s future is unclear, for one thing’s for sure: Dominant he doesn’t yet know if he wants to Design Group is on top of the game. remain the CEO of DDG forever. “I can see myself selling sometime down the line, or even making it go publicly traded,”

introducing

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features

THE HARBINGER

475 students took part in a survey, ranking the top 5 events and entertainment from various parts of the semester. Here is what was chosen as

SEMESTER’S

BEST

NEWS Michael Jackson

The molestation allegations recently brought against the King of Pop rocked the world, casting a weary eye upon the singer--for the second time.

2.War in Iraq The seemingly neverending Middle Eastern crisis hit home as a vitually unexhaustible topic--in school, at home and all over the news.

Kobe Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers NBA star drew the media’s and students’ attention when a young woman accused him of rape. Admitting to commiting adultery, the married man’s reputation was forever scarred by this incident.

Jessica Lynch

After being rescued from Iraq, former Prisoner of War Jessica Lynch was cast as an American hero, but many claimed the Army unfairly treated her better than others because of the media.

California Recall

When Californian governor Gray Davis was recalled, an unlikely slew of candidates sought to replace him, with the Terminator himself taking first in the race.

MOVIES

School of Rock

SCHOOL Cheerleaders

When many Varsity Cheerleaders were kicked off the squad for drinking, the entire school had heard about it in a few mere minutes, and people still haven’t stopped talking about it.

2.Trailers

Elf

3. Love Actually

4. Kill Bill Vol. 1

The Matrix: Revolutions

The school’s addition of trailers due to overcrowding was the butt of many jokes and the biggest change to arrive at East this year.

Adding Machine

The Theatre Department’s fall play was a surreal journey into the heart of one man, and it was an instant hit to be remembered as one of the best productions to ever be performed on the East stage.

Lancer Day

Lancer Day always proves to be a day of festivities, sometimesfaulty floats and upperclassmen rivalry--and this year was certainly no different than those before.

Whiffle Ball

As usual, the annual Whiffle Ball Tournament was a huge success, giving students the chance to hit those signs on the gym wall while supporting the Can Drive.

features

THE HARBINGER

475 students took part in a survey, ranking the top 5 events and entertainment from various parts of the semester. Here is what was chosen as

SEMESTER’S

BEST

NEWS Michael Jackson

The molestation allegations recently brought against the King of Pop rocked the world, casting a weary eye upon the singer--for the second time.

2.War in Iraq The seemingly neverending Middle Eastern crisis hit home as a vitually unexhaustible topic--in school, at home and all over the news.

Kobe Bryant

Jessica Lynch

After being rescued from Iraq, former Prisoner of War Jessica Lynch was cast as an American hero, but many claimed the Army unfairly treated her better than others because of the media.

California Recall

When Californian governor Gray Davis was recalled, an unlikely slew of candidates sought to replace him, with the Terminator himself taking first in the race.

MOVIES

School of Rock

SCHOOL Cheerleaders

When many Varsity Cheerleaders were kicked off the squad for drinking, the entire school had heard about it in a few mere minutes, and people still haven’t stopped talking about it.

2.Trailers

Elf

3. Love Actually

4. Kill Bill Vol. 1

The Matrix: Revolutions

The school’s addition of trailers due to overcrowding was the butt of many jokes and the biggest change to arrive at East this year.

Adding Machine

The Theatre Department’s fall play was a surreal journey into the heart of one man, and it was an instant hit to be remembered as one of the best productions to ever be performed on the East stage.

Lancer Day

After being rescued from Iraq, former Prisoner of War Jessica Lynch was cast as an American hero, but many claimed the Army unfairly treated her better than others because of the media.

California Recall

When Californian governor Gray Davis was recalled, an unlikely slew of candidates sought to replace him, with the Terminator himself taking first in the race.

features

Get graphic Lindsey Melvin Comic books used to be the shutterupper for the kids in the back seat on a road trip. Or the cheap reading to be used on the toilet, then tossed in the trash. Or nothing more than a collector’s item. But now, with the growing variety of graphic novels, comics are becoming not only more respected, but also very popular. Last fall our librarians were informed that the theme for Teen Read Week was “Get Graphic at Your Library.” Not knowing what that meant, they researched graphic novels and purchased ten. Now we have about 60. The term “graphic novel” is about 30 years old. Graphic novels are stories written and illustrated in comic book form, not on cheap paper, sold in book stores. They are usually larger, with more content in a sturdy binding. “Graphic novels can teach, they’re good for the imagination, and they’re entertaining,” said Jeff Clem, who works at 1,000,000 Comix. Clem came to SMEast on Oct. 28 to talk to whoever wanted to hear more about graphic novels—new titles, the different aspects, etc. After he came, they started getting checked out more. And they seem to be enjoyable to both boys and girls, freshmen through seniors. Annie Harrigan, senior, had always read comics in the newspaper, but in seventh grade when she came across the Bone fantasy series at the Corinth Library, her love for graphic novels was born. She has a whole shelf full of them. “I wish graphic novels were part of the high school curriculum,” Harrigan said. “They strengthen visual memory and teach people how to utilize illustrations. They make my mind spin. It’s funny— people think comic books are for the less intelligent. It shouldn’t be that way,” Harrigan said. Graphic novels aren’t replacing

regular novels. They’re really an enticement for some kids to read at all. Junior English teacher Ms. Kramer isn’t worried. “Books are like food. You don’t eat one kind all the time,” Kramer said. Graphic novels are much more engaging for the mind than other forms of entertainment, such as television. With graphic novels, you put in the voices. “Just because they involve words with pictures doesn’t make them less literate,” Clem said. In fact, the graphic novel Maus by art spiegelman won the Pulitzer Prize. It’s the story of the Holocaust in which the Jews are the mice and the cats are the Nazis. There are also other historical graphic novels such as 9 -11 and Fax from Sarajevo . Harrigan recently enjoyed Goodbye Chunky Rice by Craig Thompson—a graphic novel about a bunny and a turtle learning how to say goodbye. “I started bawling. Black and white pictures can touch you more than you know,” Harrigan said. Senior Zander Reusch also reads all different types of graphic novels. He became instantly hooked one day, wandering around while his mom was working at Borders. His favorite graphic novel is Sandman by Neil Gaiman in which the sandman represents a personification of dreams. While he enjoys comics of adventure, he also reads the historical ones (such as Maus and 9 -11 ). “I find them inspirational. I have a plain old sense of awe for heroes that go beyond their call of duty, whether they are an actual superhero or a firefighter,” Reusch said. Reusch also likes Japanese graphic novels such as Manga . He likes how the Japanese culture is so different than ours, and he finds it fun to try and stay on top of what’s happening in the comics. However, other students do not share his enjoyment in the cultural leap.

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Graphic novels are growing in popularity in libraries everywhere “I don’t understand Japanese graphic novels, and I don’t like the art. I hate the idea that the entire country draws the same way. Have you ever seen the characters’ faces and eyes in a Japanese comic? They all look the same,” said Simon Kass, junior. Kass liked the movie “Road to Perdition,” and when he found that it was based on a graphic novel, he read it and looked for others. He thinks reading graphic novels is good escapism, and he loves the exceptional art. “I draw so much because of them. It gives me more ideas. It makes me more creative. I’ve considered going into comic book illustrating because I love reading them so much,” Kass said. Even though graphic novels have become more popular than ever before, they still aren’t as widely read as in other parts of the world. In Europe, they love comics and honor the writers. But in America, people have been looked down on for reading comics, especially adults. Comics have been considered “kid stuff.” Truth is, Clem says that more adults come into 1,000,000 Comix than you’d think; not just to collect and sell them. And because they are hitting the shelves of high school libraries in big numbers, graphic novels are starting to be taken more seriously. “Nothing is like reading a graphic novel. They can do what movies can’t. They can take you places movies can’t,” Clem said. “And on a smaller budget.”

All books mentioned in this article and more can be found at your library!

One of the most famous graphic novels, Maus, is a story about Vladek Spiegelman and his son Art, both Jewish survivors of Hitler’s Europe. In this novel, the Nazis are represented as cats, and the Jews are mice. This book has won a Pulitzer Prize and is so good, it’s on the reading curriculum in some states. This is a story about a turtle Chunky Rice, and his mouse friend Dander. The book is about his journey and the finding of his inner self. It’s a great story that features even better artwork. This book is part of the batman saga and is about the destruction of Gotham City, ten years after the retirement of the Dark Knight (a.k.a. Batman).As he sees his city falling he returns to fight off all of the crime with the new Robin, a girl named Carrie Kelley.

Have A Great Day! Shelley Fisher Realtor Assocaite

7200 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS 66210

913.663.2555

4002 W 83rd Street Prarie Village, Kansas 66208 913-385-9612

Office: 913-451-1990 Fax: 913-451-1234

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Fast Start

After winning their first two, the Lancers have tough tests upcoming on the schedule Gordon Culver

The Lancers are coming off two opening season wins including a 68-67 win over SM South in the season opener and then a 57-49 win over Blue Valley in the second game of the year. These two wins have allowed the team to become the number six team in the state of Kansas. This coming Friday the team travels to Olathe to take on the unranked Olathe East Eagles. The Eagles, though unranked, are a very dangerous team in Kansas. The Eagles have only played one game to date, a three point loss to Blue Valley North, the thrid ranked team in the state. They will also be playing in a tournament in Emporia over the weekend of the 12th. The Eagles are coached by Jim Super who is in his tenth year at Olathe East. “We will have to play the best defense we will all year,” Coach Shawn Hair said. “Our guards will really have to play tough defense to make sure we stop them.” The leader of the Eagles is Joey Mundweiler. He was selected to the first all league team last year. He averaged over 20 points per game. He is known for his excellent shooting from the perimeter. The Lancers need to make sure that Mundweiler is their first priority becasue he is the key to the Eagle’s offense.

BACKING DOWN: Trying to get inside position, Pat Sullivan attempts to keep Robbie Jones at bay while getting open to recieve the ball.

WIDE OPEN: Michael Duval calls for the ball in the middle of practice. The hard practice has resulted in a early 2-0 start.

The

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Girls Basketball

Points Jennifer Franklin 20 points per game Rebounds Jennifer Franklin 7 rebounds per game Assists Meg Stewart 6 assists per game Steals Maggie Cobb 2 steals per game Results vs. SM Northwest 64-48 Win vs. Washington (scores not available)

The Eagles also have another solid guard, Anthony Parks. He complements Mundweiler well to create a very talented back court. The Eagles also present a very interesting matchup because the strength of the Lancers team is inside with sophomore J.D. Christie who is averaging 26 points, including a 30 point performance against Blue Valley and senior Ryan Hintz who is second on the team in scoring, averaging 15 points. The Lancers will need to make sure that they own the boards and control the scoring in the paint if they want to win the game because the Eagles’ inside play is not as talented as its guard play is. It is also important for the team to make sure that they get senoirs Jack Keller and Michael Duvall involved in the offense. They can be big contributers if they can get their offensive game on track. The resposibility of running the offense falls on the shoulders of senior BJ Adams. If the offense is going to function smoothly Adams will have to be on the very top of his game against the talented guards from Olathe East. The Lancers will be the favorite in this game and if they can execute the way they are capable, they should win.

Boys Basketball

Points J.D. Christie 26.5 points per game Rebounds J.D. Christie 6 rebounds per game Assists J.D. Christie 4.5 assists per game Steals J.D. Christie 3 steals per game Results vs. SM South 68-67 Win vs. Blue Valley 57-49 Win

Boys Swimming

State Qualifiers 200 Free Brandon Barnds 1:55:78 John Cook 1:57:33 200 I.M. Mike Stalzer 2:14:71 FIGHTING FOR THE BALL: Sophomore Meg Thorpe and 50 Free Bryan Sayler 22.78 junior Sarah Parker battle over the ball in practice. 100 Fly Bryan Sayler 56.64 500 Free Mike Stalzer 5:18.91 Girls’ Basketball 100 Breast Josh Bayless 1:06.37 Coming off a 16 point loss to SM Northwest, they hope Diving Ian Hutchingson 230 pts that they can find their outside shot to propel them to There was a meet on 12-11, qualifiers victory. They also hope that they can get the inside game from then are not listed working so they can push for another league title.

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Put wrestling to rest Paul Thompson

fault of Sanderson, however, it’s In 2002, one of the most his sport. In today’s America, impressive feats in NCAA the majority of the people don’t athletics history was completed. care about wrestling. I mean, he ERAn athlete finished his college recorded an undefeated career. career without ever losing. He 159-0. And now, I’d have a better tore apart his opponents, never We offer 15%chance off of seeing him at the local even surrendering an offensive 711 than on Sportscenter. highlights or color for point in his entire senior year. The problem with wrestling This superstar athlete is that it’s not attracting new firstended timeallclient with but five of his matches before the fans. The general public would end of regulation.new Whotalent is this stylist rather see some guy called ‘The uber-athlete? His name is Cael Undertaker’ break opponents in Sanderson. Not familiar? That’s half than watch fierce competitors probably because Sanderson grapple for position on a mat. And competes in the most boring of all it’s hard to blame them. The sports collegiate sports. Wrestling. world is all about entertainment. Although tabbed as the biggest That’s why baseballs are juiced thing his sport had seen in a and the shot clock is shortened in quarter century, Sanderson is still the NBA. The fans want action, and anonymous to most Americans. the leagues want fans. Wrestling is The lack of popularity isn’t the different though. It doesn’t cater

Have a great winter break!

sports 19 The fierce sport of wrestling has seen better days and it is time for it to be taken out of high school

to fans. When a sports’ greatest athlete is less recognizable than the latest Survivor cast-off, it has definitely lost touch with its fans. While it’s quite certain that old time wrestlers get sick to their collective stomachs seeing the WWE make millions off their overdramatized plot lines and made for TV stars, it’s undeniable that the ‘fake’ wrestling has amassed a much greater fan base. While ‘fake’ wrestling stars like Hulk Hogan or The Rock are making millions off films and endorsements, even the best college and Olympic wrestlers are unknowns on a national scale. The bottom line: People don’t care about wrestling. If the best collegiate athlete in wrestling history is nothing more than a great trivia question, than it’s high

time to illuminate the feats of the past and put out the lights on the future. The most baffling thing about wrestling is the fact that schools still sponsor it. Despite the fact that only a select few colleges are actually serious about wrestling, hoards of high schools still participate in the sport. At Shawnee Mission East, wrestling has and always will play second fiddle to both boys and girls basketball. Hell, going to wrestling meets is a punishment for being absent in gym class. It’s right up there with running track or swimming laps. Personally, I’d rather swim laps in the Arctic Circle than watch high school kids administer headlocks while rolling around on the floor.

With so many new, nonsponsored sports arising around school, its time for wrestling to step aside as a school sponsored sport. Hockey, rugby, and lacrosse are all sports than aren’t school sponsored. Why not make wrestling work as those sports do? Adding a new school sport would create renewed interest in East athletics. If that interest came at the expense of the wrestling program, then so be it. If competitive wrestling ended today, would anyone care? Would anyone even notice? Why do we continue supporting a sport that creates so little interest? Wrestling has become irrelevant, and it’s time to turn this competitive sport into an intramural.

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The Ex-Files

Job security in sports is

Win and you’re in...maybe More coaches are getting fired after shortened stays

David Vranicar Nebraska football used to be a machine. They captured six conference championships in the ‘90s. They won back-to-back national titles in 1994 and 1995. Nebraska fans patented the phrase “It ain’t bragging if it’s true,” and it was all true. But while the wheels haven’t fallen off the football program in Lincoln, they are certainly squeaking. Nebraska is shopping for a head coach following the firing of Frank Solich, who found himself jobless at a 9-3 season’s end. His unceremonious departure came despite winning over 75 percent of his games in six years with the Huskers while twice being named Big XII Coach of the Year. Solich’s firing shows what being spoiled did to the athletic department and fans

at Nebraska. His predecessor Tom Osborne, who picked Solich for the job of successor, exited by winning three national titles in his last four seasons. Anything Solich did short of permanently etching Nebraska’s name on the Sears Trophy would have failed to appease impatient Husker fans who had grown accustomed to dominating the football world. But it’s not just greedy Cornhuskers whose lofty expectations and short time tables lead to early departures for coaches. The life span of the average coach seems to last about as long as one of George Costanza’s jobs. Zealous fans, presidents and owners who have grown accustomed to getting rings to go along with wins – or those who don’t yet have the jewelry to prove they’re the best – make sure that a coach’s hot seat never cools. If a coach looks at wins as job security, he could soon be looking for a new job. Coming within a game of the

NBA Finals in a coach’s second season usually lands them a contract extension; ex-Detroit Pistons’ coach Rick Carlisle got a trip out the door. Carlisle led the overachieving Pistons to two 50-win seasons while winning two divisions titles and Coach of the Year honors in two seasons. It takes most new NBA headmen two years to get bad enough to land a lottery pick and start getting good. And while most of the questionable decisions that come out of Washington come via the White House, it’s not the only place in DC where choices need to be secondguessed. Redskins’ owner Daniel Snyder’s unrealistic expectations are the reason for the Skins’ revolving door of head coaches, one that welcomed a new headman for each of Snyder’s first four seasons as team president. Current Skins victim Steve Spurrier should expect to earn his red slip out of Washington after his second straight losing season. Buy hey, if Spurrier wants to come back and coach

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college, there’s a pretty big vacancy in the Big XII. Firing coaches who win games but not championships doesn’t make sense. There are too many things that can conspire against a coach to prevent them from going all the way. If “close but no cigar” wasn’t good enough, then Roy Williams would be collecting welfare right now despite being the NCAA’s winningest active coach. And coaches need time to mold teams into contenders. Dick Vermiel went 13-19 in two seasons with KC before running out to a 9-0 start this year. If he hadn’t been given the time to acquire the right players and establish his kind of team, the Chiefs would still be at the bottom of the AFC West, not comfortably atop of it. So if it’s any consolations to Solich, he’s not the only coach whose success got him nothing but the boot. He’s just the most recent – but certainly not the last.

Frank Solich 98-03, Huskers

Record: 58-19, .753 Big XII Titles: 1 Best Season: 2001, lost in championship Today: Retired Behind the Stats: Many believe that Solich was fired because he failed to live up to Tom Osbourne, his predecesor.

Steve Mariucci 97-02, 49ers

Record: 57-39, .594 Seasons in Playoffs: 4 out of 6 seasons Best Season: 1997; lost in NFC Championship Game Today: Head coach of Detroit Lions with 4-9 record Behind the Stats: 49ers owner claimed that the reason for Marrucci’s firing was because of “philosophical differences.”

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photo essay

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Big Moves, Little Feet

The Drill Team taught 200 elementary and middle school students dances in their Lancer Dancer Clinic. photos by Tierney Weed and Alex Helmuth

Simon Says: (above) Junior Kayla Meyer plays a game to entertain the kindergarteners as they arrive at the Lancer Clinic. Learning the Moves: (below) Junior Tina Fancher teaches girls a dance to be performed at the Dec. 8th Girls basketball half- time show.

Getting to Know You: (above) Juniors Kayla Meyer and Rebbeca Rodriguez greet girls as they arrive at the clinic and take them to their age group.