Issue 05

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

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4 7 0 0 M e d f o r d D r. A n n a n d a l e , VA 2 2 0 0 3

LAS AB T informing the Atoms since 1954

703.642.4229

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER. 11, 2002

VOLUME #48 ISSUE 5

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GHETTO FABULOUS

THE HEISMAN HUNT

ROCKIN’ OUT

THE BIG APPLE

If you find your self saying “Jigga What?” to this phrase, get the down low on hip-hop.

Will Carson Palmer bring home the hardware after his stellar season leading USC?

Is this AHS band destined for rock and roll stardom, or will they get trampled in the music business?

If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. See how to make the most of a visit to NYC.

Today’s Weather Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain.

40º hi /30º low

Stabbing sparks security

BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in-Chief

brought to you by NBC 4

NEWS BRIEFS NHS inducts new members On Oct. 23, the National Honor Society inducted 21 new members from the junior and senior class.

Admittance into NHS is very competitive; applicants for the organization had to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA and be active in the community and in other school activities. The new members are listed below.

In what the police suspect might be a gang-related incident, junior Rueben Jolley was attacked by three Hispanic males between the ages of 18-21 after school on Nov. 21 near the track parking lot. Around 2:10 p.m., Jolley sustained a cut to the elbow and two jabs to the back of the thigh, police said. The suspects, who were last seen in a older model white Honda Civic, are still at-large and are not considered to be AHS students.

According to Officer Paul Pickett and witness senior Bobby Morgenthaler, Jolley had walked passed the track when one of the three males accused Jolley of looking at him. Jolley denied this, but soon after the three males and Jolley started to fight. The males got in their car and drove off. “...he didn’t look like he was hurt, but

when I saw his back his entire arm was covered in blood,” said Morgenthaler.

Jolley was taken by his family to Fairfax Inova Hospital, where Pickett was called. “There were probably six police cruisers [at the scene] and three responded [to the] hospital,” said Pickett.

Several phone call attempts to contact Jolley through friends and family on Monday night were unsuccessful.

Pickett said that he is unsure what was used to stab Jolley but that it was a “sharp object” of some sort. The three Hispanic males aren’t believed to be AHS students.

Jolley had to have surgery on his arm due to internal bleeding. Pickett said that the incision stretched from the wrist to the bicep.

Security around the Ossian and track parking lots has increased after the attack. Pickett and other security officers at AHS will be patrolling the area. “We’ll be up at

Ossian Park for awhile,” said Pickett. The security team has been stationed near the incident after school to keep the safety of the student body.

Students do not seem to be worried over their safety after the incident. “No [I’m not scared], with big guys like KW [Williams] and Kenny [Williams] to watch our backs, I feel pretty safe,” said senior Ryan Daggle.

BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in-Chief

ANDREW SATTEN

Construction continues

CHAE-WHA PARK

Sparks are flying as construction forges ahead. Construction efforts are being focused on the senior hallway. Upon its completion, the pockets of senior lockers that were displaced at the beginning of the year will be relocated to their original sites.

KFC/Taco Bell set to open

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW SATTEN

Copycat

Question: During this school year, have you copied someone’s homework and turned it in to receive credit?

Students psyched for Project Success ANDREW SATTEN Co-Editor in Chief With the conclusion of the first semester looming just after the winter break, many students are rushing to fulfill first semester community service obligations for either their government class or honors organizations.

In their haste, many resort to methodically organizing call numbers at the public library, tediously answering phones, or in some cases, employ the classic “Mom, can you sign off on my community service hours, I washed the dishes last night.”

Instances such as these

prompted Mary Wolf to launch Project Success four years ago, a nationally recognized organization that pairs general education teens with special education students in completing community service projects.

“Do something direct, that makes an impact on your conscience...I feel very passionately about this,” said Wolf, mother of freshman Julie Wolf who attends AHS and Jonathan Wolf who attends Robinson’s program for students with mental retardation.

This year Project Success has almost 250 members, and since its inception, over 1,000 high school kids have been involved in the organization. The students it attracts come “Project Succes” continued on p. 6

no 19%

—216 students were surveyed in C and D lunch on Dec. 3.

Freshman Julie Wolf and her mother Mary Wolf at the White House for a reception in honor of Project Success.

The SGA will sponsor an Annandale version of this summer’s hit television show, American Idol. The so-called Annandale Idol will feature AHS performers competing in a similar format as the television show. Auditions will first be held through a self-recorded CD or tape and given to the SGA committee, headed by senior Ashley Dubler, during all lunch periods on Dec. 19 and 20.

The four-person committee consisting of Chairman Dubler, seniors Karen Steinbuechler, Ehab Awadallah, Riana Bovill and Hayley Fletcher, will judge the recordings to eliminate the competitors down to 15 artists. “We were trying to think of a new activity for AHS in the winter because there is nothing big, so we were looking around at other schools, and we saw Woodson’s [Idol] and we Dubler thought it would be good,” said Dubler.

On Jan. 13 from 4-6 p.m. and Jan. 17 from 2-4 p.m. the 15 chosen will compete in front of an audience in the auditorium, where ten will be eliminated from competition by an audience vote. Following this round, the competition will again be narrowed to only two finalists on Jan. 22 from 7-9 p.m., who will perform at the Winter Pep Rally on Jan. 23.

During the competition three teachers will be judges to simulate the feel of the television show. The committee is hoping to add humor to the competition. The songs of the performer or performers, no more than a group of five, are limited to two minutes, and for every night of competition, a new act must be performed.

To vote, the audience members will be given scantron sheets. The performers will be notified in advance the same day of their act, while the school will be told over the morning announcements the following day. Tickets will be sold during lunches and at the door for $1 for the after school performances and $2 for the evening one.

The prize for winning the competition is $100 and a trophy that is funded by the SGA. The runner-up will receive an American Idol CD as well as a trophy. The winner will also perform at the girl’s basketball game against Lake Braddock on Jan. 24. “We are optimistic that we will get a lot of people to sign up and come out for auditions,” said Dubler.“We weren’t looking to make any money, just to have fun and show school spirit,” said Dubler.

SAT offerred for free to sophomores and juniors

BY JOHN REISS Staff Writer

yes

COURTESY OF MARY WOLF

CHAE-WHA PARK

Following the Dec. 5 snow storm which blanketed the D.C. metro area with six inches of snow, many students enjoyed their two days off from school on Thursday and Friday.“I enjoyed the break from school, it gave me time to catch up with my dog Bruno,” said senior Michael Nakamura. Even into this school week, the effects of the winter storm were being felt. A layer of ice and slush coated the student parking lot at Ossian causing trouble for drivers.

At the intersection of Little River and Medford, just blocks away from AHS, a combination KFC and Taco Bell is set to open on Dec. 15.

81%

Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell and teacher Bill Curran stand watch over the parking lot in wake of the stabbing.

Annandale Idol seeks talent

Dog days of winter

• Evan Ashe •Janet Partlow • John Bernhardt • Alejandro Salinas • April Brassard • Kathy Saupp • Paul Durning • Coury Shadyrac • Lauren Edwards • Sarah Sherman • Julia Ehrenfeld • Nadia A. Siles • Caroline Friedman • Julie Stone • Ted Gibson • Tracy Strauch • Katie Haines • Yonas Tedwodros • Donald Martin • Matt Wiest • Emily Miller

ANDREW SATTEN

14

What really matters when applying to a college?

GPA? SATs? Extracurricular Activities? The requirements vary from school to school, but nationally, more than 83 percent of schools require SAT scores to be included in a student’s application. So to aid students in their college pursuits, the Summit Educational Group, in collaboration with the AHS Academic Boosters, is offering a free, mock test of the SATs on Jan. 18 for sophomores and juniors.

While this seems like a full proof method to eventually get good scores on the SATs, most colleges recommend that students take the SATs no more than three or four times.

“This is a great opportunity,” said the Boosters co-chair Susan Hall Fleming. “A student gets to take a mock test and receive their test results in about two weeks.”

This is not the only way to get practice for the SATs though. Certain schools and community centers offer SAT preparedness programs to tutor students on test taking

skills for the SATs. Most of the classes guarantee a student at least a 100-point increase on their SATs and while that may help, nothing is as good as real experience.

“Anytime you can take the SATs, the more it will prepare you for the real thing,” said Robin Roth who heads the Career Center. “Once you receive your results, you can determine what your strengths and weaknesses are.”

“SATs” continued on p. 6

2 EDITORIALS Teacher planning needed the

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

“I believe the teachers should give the same, so you have more people to work with in the school.”

—Monte Moyer senior

“The same because it should be fair for all students in the classes.”

“They should make it different because then all the students will copy each other.”

—Davis Murillo sophomore

“The same because if they are doing the same course, they should do the same amount of work.”

—Joe Wilbur freshman

—Nicki Holmes English

BY KYLE SMEALLIE Staff Writer The talk between students about their teachers is inevitable: “Mrs. X’s class is simple,” or “Mr. Y’s class is a breeze.”

Dynamic teachers can keep their students’ heads off of their desk and on topic, but easy teachers can foster a lack of interest in a normally exciting course.

When different teachers of the same class teach at drastically different levels it creates an unfair situation for students.

Teachers should look to the examples set by the IB English 11 teachers, and coordinate their assignments.

When teachers change class difficulty, it has a negative effect on many students’ transcripts. Not included on this pivotal piece of information is the difficulty of the teacher, an immeasurable factor.

If a course is too easy it falls short in preparing a student for college or beyond.

On the contrary, if a class is too hard, getting a good grade is nearly impossible, which will ultimately damage one’s chances of getting into a quality school.

The discrepancy in tasks can be seen in government, taught by two different teachers. There was a similar quarter

IB Enlgish 11 teachers, Nicki Homes and Pamela Feil coordinate their lesson plans during the W8 period

assignment for both teachers, requiring students to complete three required parts of this “election project.” However, for one class, students only had to do one of five additional portions, while the other had to choose three of the five.

There are a myriad of these occurrences all over AHS, with students suffering from a lack of cohesion in class as-

signments. Nevertheless, there are some teachers who practice coordination in their classes’ assignments, and should be commended for their effort.

Admittedly, the last thing teachers need in their already cluttered schedules are more meetings.

But if all teachers of the same subjects met regularly, inconsistency in government and all other school-wide assignments could easily

be avoided.

By conforming outside tasks for the class, it allows instructors to keep their own teaching styles while keeping classes at a similar level of difficulty. For example, in IB English 11, teachers Pamela Feil, Virginia Crowley, and Niki Holmes coordinate their assignments. These three English teachers meet every W8

class period to keep their class assignments similar, thereby preventing any teacher from being “too easy” or “too hard.”

A current assignment for the IB English 11 class involves students being “Teacher of the Day.” Each student must teach and explain a certain chapter from The Scarlet Letter. This creative assignment undoubtedly sprung from the coordination between teachers.

The teachers began to meet last year, as they basically had to “design” the IB English 11 curriculum. The teachers understand that the class is rigorous not only for students, but for teachers as well.

They meet to take different duties and responsibilities for their classes; furthermore, they figure out where they are and where they need to be. “We grade our own papers, but we meet to coordinate so what I think is an ‘A’ is the same for each class,” said Holmes.

Why settle for uneven classes that mar the transcript of every student? It is time for teachers to coordinate their assignments and eliminate the inequity in Mrs. X and Mr. Y’s class.

IMAJINNOLIMIT71@HOTMAIL.COM

‘Superchristian’ Leyva gets off light

—Lesley Ngo junior

“Teachers should use the same curriculum and textbook and we all use the same grading system.

Like students, teachers are individuals capable of employing different, yet mutually effective, teaching strategy.”

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SEAN SULLIVAN

Should teachers, who teach the same course, give the same amount of workload, and keep a consistent grading pattern?

Mario ‘Tony’ Leyva got off light for his numerous sexual offenses, let it not happen again.

It is a sad time for some of to effectively relate to people, our religious institutions here evangelism has had a varied in the U.S. With the recent history. Evangelists range child molestation scandals and from passionate small-town the church’s exposed coverpreachers, to, more recently, ups, Catholics have nationally broadcast had to hang their televangelists who occasionheads in collecally implement gimmicks with tive shame. almost VegasIt is imperastyle flamboytive that, in ance. Leyva the impending was quite discases for tinctly of the these sex He Mohammad Edris Qarghah latter.

Editorials Editor offenders, would, upon we not occasion, even follow the precedent set by the don a Superman costume and case of Mario ‘Tony’ Leyva. call himself ‘Superchristian.’

Though sentenced to 20 years Despite his apparent reliin prison the unrepentant gious zeal, Leyva was not a evangelist was released on pamoral man. After thirty years role 7 months ago, after servof public speaking, he admiting a mere 13. For such a devtedly molested over 100 boys. astating crime, Leyva should Many of these boys, fatherless have faced a much sterner senor underprivileged, craved attence. tention and needed direction.

While not exactly an instiLeyva responded to these tution in and of itself, evangeneeds by providing them with lism is certainly the epitome jobs, taking the boys on the of zealous Christian religiosroad with him, and then havity. Often marked by charising them please him sexually matic speakers who know how in the name of God. For this,

Q

Commentary

Mario ‘Tony’ Leyva, sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, was released 7 months ago after serving 13.

most despicable of crimes, he served only 13 years in jail.

A murderer, can, for ending a life, have his life ended. By using his authority to sexually abuse those who turned to him for help, Leyva destroyed over 100 lives. While he has to live with the incessant public humiliation, he was sentenced to a mere year for each five

—Mary Richardson Government

“I believe that there should be a consistency, expecially for IB and AP classes.

It would benefit the students if teachers shared a similar focus.”

M a king the Gr a de Suzy Whaley to make history in golf

A

Suzy Whaley will become the first woman to enter a PGA event when she plays the Greater Hartford Open next summer. Breaking the sex barrier, this step should all more women to play in an PGA event. Whaley, in September won the Connecticut section PGA Championship over a predominately male field.

Infectious diseases fund serves as terrorism deterrent

B

The World Health Organization (WHO), a branch of the United Nations, just newly instituted a $500,000 fund for the prevention of surprise infectious disease epidemics. While not exactly ground-breaking, this new fund will bypass the necessity to raise money in the case of emergency outbreaks. Such a fund enables the immediate identification and elimination of new strands of natural and man-made diseases.

Florida State makes BCS with 9-4 record

D

Most teams with a 9-4 record would not receive a New Year’s bowl, nor an automatic bid for the a BCS bowl. But this is Florida State, and this is the BCS system. After clinching the ACC Championship, the 16th ranked team in the country is still going to the Sugar Bowl with an average record. Teams such as Notre Dame, Texas, and Kansas State, who had better records, were all passed up due to the ridiculous BCS regulations.

Man almost killed after kissing rattlesnake

F

A man who was showing off for friends by kissing his new rattlesnake was bitten on the lip and nearly died.

Matt George, 21, was hospitalized in critical condition, but was later upgraded to serious. George caught the snake on a recent trip to Arizona and was bitten by the two-foot snake under his mustache.

people he permanently scarred. That is not justice.

Humans have the ability to change, to repent, and to make up for their wrongdoings.

Leyva, however, upon being placed in jail, recanted his admittance of guilt upon the pretense that it was forced from him. He claims that he uncovered a CIA drug smuggling operation in Cuba and was imprisoned so as to keep him quiet. Over 30 testimonies by his victims would have it otherwise. Unrepentant as he is, it is atrocious that he be free once more to potentially add to his long list of offenses.

A life is a precious thing. To have youth be so basely soiled is not a minor crime, especially coming from a person of such public and religious stature. A life sentence would not be too harsh for a mere twentieth of Leyva’s crime. For those priests who are soon to face jJstice, let her, upon balancing her weights, make use of her sword.

E_QARGHAH@HOTMAIL.COM

the Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale,Virginia 22003

ABLAST Vol. 48 No. 5 Dec. 11, 2002

(703) 642-4229 e-mail: ahsablast@aol.com fax: 642-4197

Philippe Podhorecki Weekend Editors: Cameron Kynes Katherine Andrew Satten Kishyama Managing Editor: Reid Edwards News Editors: Caroline Friedman Buisness Manager: Ryan Teichler Ad Manager: Rachel Jones Abby Segall Copy Editor: Meg Nielsen Editorial Editors: Edris Qarghah Photography Edi- Chae-Wha Park Junaid Shams tor: Academics Editors: Rebecca Kraushaar Photographers: In-Depth Editors: Hayley Fletcher Morgan McEvilly, Chris Rauer, Hana Ngyuen Sean Sullivan, Andrew Menegat, Features Editors: Martha Amoako Sarah Sherman Maggie Owner Atomic Articles Edi- Sarah Bizer Staff Writers: tor: Anteneh Addisu, Kathy Ibarra, Laura Hollowell Profiles Editors: Wided Khadraoui, Laura Johnson, Saman Hussain Chris Kallander, Laura Kelly, Wala’a El Barasse Cultures Editors: Sohaib Khan, Elizabeth Nowrouz, Rachel Sinaiko Fatimah Popal, John Reiss, Erik Rooney, Evan Rowland, Saadia Sports Editors: John Bernhardt Jamil, Kathy Saupp, Amanda Jared Smith Sheaffer, Sarah Sherman, Kyle Paul Gleason Sports “Extra”: Smeallie, Sabrina Stacy, Lauren David Marin Sterlacci, Matt Wiest Atomic Athletics Evan Ashe Editor: Videographers: Entertainment Edi- Alejandro Salinas Shabier Bahramy, Stephen Benson, tors: Katie Stanton Amanuel Beyene,Rachel Johnson, Josh Lewin, Mike Mahn, Javier Crystan Blanco Arts Editors: Sanchez, Brent Sullivan, Oscar Erin O’Brien Ycaza Advisor: Alan Weintraut Principal: Donald Clausen Editors in Chief::

Gallup Award Quill & Scroll 2000-2001

All American National Scholastic Press Association 2000-2001

Trophy Class Virginia High School 2000-2001

The A-Blast is an award winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community. Published every three weeks. The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day or invades an individual’s right to privacy. Unsigned editorials represent the staff opinions which solely represent the opinion of the newspaper staff. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion which is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 225 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast Copyright, 2002.

EDITORIALS 3

the

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

Should we go to war with Iraq?

What’s in and out for

BY CHRIS KALLANDER Staff Writer

2003 IN

CHAE-WHA PARK

Nearly every person outside of Iraq would agree that Saddam Hussein poses a threat to the United States and other countries. However, there is much debate about the urgency of the threat and about what action should be taken to solve the problem. The United States should not jump headfirst into a war against Iraq. Killing Saddam would not achieve much of anything, and the United States should have more important issues on its mind right now.

One question that has been on the minds of U.S. citizens: why now? Why decide to attack Iraq now, an entire four years after weapon’s inspectors left Iraq, because they could not carry out their investigations without being harassed?

If you take a look at what’s been happening in the world recently you’d see that many issues require resolution before the Iraq “crisis.” Our economy has been at a steady decline for months now, yet President Bush has neglected to say much of anything about it.

The war on terrorism also seems to be on hold, as few stories have arisen regarding international terrorist cells, in Afghanistan or otherwise, since the Iraq situation emerged.

Additionally, Arab and Israeli terrorism issues are all yet to be resolved. North Korea, a country that isn’t exactly friendly, has recently announced its acquisition of nuclear weapons.

It seems that President Bush ought to focus less on Iraq and more on other pressing issues.

Through extensive propaganda, Saddam Hussein has successfully implanted anti-American sentiment throughout most of Iraq’s populace, which in turn has helped Saddam’s image as a fit and rightly guided leader. If we take out Saddam would the common Iraqi citizen praise us for doing so? If we do go to war with Iraq it will have to be more than just brute force. We will have to win the hearts and the minds of the Iraqi citizens if we are to truly make any progress in eliminating the threat that Iraq poses.

Although President Bush has been very frank about his views concerning Iraq, he has not been so forthcoming with his plans for dealing with the aftermath of the proposed war.

If we do take out Saddam we will have to deal with a multitude of other issues afterwards. For example, taking out Saddam could lead to an economic breakdown amongst the Iraqi people. Additionally, Iraqi politics is likely to boil down to devastating factional infighting reminiscent of post-Soviet Afghanistan. Keeping Iraq “under control” would require around 70,000 to 80,000 soldiers for long periods of

time, which of course will cost lost of money. Saddam supporters would also become an immense threat if we take out Saddam, turning their anger towards the United States in violent attacks.

The threat that Iraq poses needs to be taken seriously, but not at the expense of other U.S. interests. President Bush needs to realize that taking out Saddam will not totally eliminate the threat of an attack from Iraq, in fact it could incite an escalation of said threat. If we do go to war with Iraq it should not be on the battlefield, but in the hearts and souls of the Iraqi people.

CAK05@AOL.COM

Rampant fans tarnish college sports I love college sports. So much so, rioted after practically every critical tourthat the strength of a school’s athletic nament game prompting store owners to programs was one of my criteria for stand in front of their shops with baseball evaluating which institution of higher bats. And possibly the most disgusting exlearning I would most like to attend ample of all, University of Virginia fans next year. Nothing compares to the at- jeered Maryland star Juan Dixon by chantmosphere of thousands of frenzied ing “crack-head parents.” In his teens, spectators, many of whom are fully Dixon lost both parents to AIDS due to their clad in body paint, chanting their addiction to crack. school’s name or some other clever What is wrong with college kids these catch phrase. (My personal favorite days? If a student body was devised by the student body of is going to provoke police Austin Peay. Their best player’s last into using tear gas, at name was Fly, and throughout their least do it for a worthy basketball games they cried “Fly’s open cause such as protesting lets go Peay.”) the war against Iraq, not the Unfortunately, I have noted re- fact that their sports teams cently an ugly element to this vocifer- lost, or for some unknown reaous spirit displayed by college sports son, even when they win. fans. On Nov. 24, following Ohio State’s This ugly trend must be victory over Michigan to clinch a per- halted, as administrations must fect 13-0 season and shot at the na- take greater actions to ensure tional championship, instead of cel- that their fans behave responsibility to buck ebrating, fans chose to riot. the trend of destruction and danger posed Fires were lit, cars were tipped, the to students and fans like Mrs. Boozer, field was destroyed and students at- mother of Duke star Carlos Boozer, who tempted to injure their opponents and was clocked in the head by a water bottle state troopers trying to keep order. flung from a disgruntled fan.

Over 40 fans were arrested. The footThere should be an increased police age I viewed represence at sporting events which foster a sembled a scene climate that could yield riots. Store ownfrom the Israeliers and citizens who live Palestinian connear college campuses flict, except that it should not have to take was a bunch of the law into their own Caucasian kids hands to protect their proprunning erty. around More severe punishAndrew Satten in Aberments should be awarded to Co-Editor in Chief crombie students who act inappropriand Fitch apparel. That same week- ately at sporting events or riot in their afend, football riots were also reported termath. The administrations hold the upat Washington, South Carolina and per hand, and they should wield their California. power to discourage students from rioting.

Basketball fans are no better. Last Further, behavior such as this reflects very year, en route to their national cham- poorly on schools, and I would expect that pionship, the Maryland student body

S

atten’s oundoff

school officials would be embarrassed to have their school names trashed in the press because their student body exhibits the self control of a six-year-old.

It is a privilege for students to be able t o attend these universities. They were accepted through an extremely competitive admissions process. Therefore, if they do not act responsibly at a sporting event, possibly endangering the lives of others, they should be suspended, or for repeat offenders, dismissed from the university. They will be easily replaced. There are plenty of qualified students that will be rejected from the University of Virginia who are more deserving than those who chanted “crack-head parents” to Juan Dixon.

Another tactic that should be employed is having coaches and players speak out against the problem. Basketball coach Gary Williams executed this method with relative success two years ago when the Maryland student body was out of control. Unruly students are more likely to heed the reprimands from a respected athletic figure that they are there to watch than a school official.

It is imperative that administrations launch staunch stances to instill some class into their rampant student bodies at sporting events. Only then will Mrs. Boozer be able to rest assured and college kids can get back to channeling their energy to educational pursuits, such as how to top Austin Peay’s classic chant, “Fly’s open, lets go Peay.”

SATTDOG3@AOL.COM

Gun company must not pay

BY EVAN ROWLAND Staff Writer There’s no denying that we live in a litigious society.

From bad litigations to financial law suits involving divorces, the number of disputes being settled in civil courts is increasing rapidly. However, some cases go too far.

Pam Grunow, the widow of a murdered Florida teacher Barry Grunow, was awarded $1.2 million Nov. 14, 2000 from a gun distributor.

A 16 year-old student, Nathaniel Brazill, shot Barry Grunow to death in a West Palm Beach classroom. Brazill allegedly “stole the gun and bullets from a cookie tin hidden in a dresser drawer of family friend, Elmore McCray.”

Grunow’s lawyer sued Valor Corporation, the distributor of the gun, for $76 million.

Brazill was sentenced to 28 years in prison. Therefore, since the only culprit in this case has been sentenced to jail, no further prosecution is needed.

The gun used to shoot Grunow, a .25-caliber Raven, was purchased by the neighbor of Brazill, and Brazill proceeded to steal it from his dresser drawer. He illegally brought it to school, and intentionally shot his teacher.

All the blame in this case clearly falls on Brazill, and he has been rightfully sentenced. The case should end here. Grunow was determined to find another scapegoat to shift the blame, so she filed a civil law suit against Valor Corporation.

The decision that lead to Valor Corporation paying $1.2 million is absurd. No suit of a Citizen vs. Gun Distributor has ever turned in favor of the citizen, and there is no reason that any case should.

If one were to crash their car into the back of a stopped car at an intersection, would they blame the dealership where they purchased the car for making them slam into the back of the stopped car? No, the fault would fall on all of them for not being able to operate their car properly.

This case is analogous. A student who knew what he was doing when he stole a gun from his neighbor, brought it into school and shot his teacher is the only one at fault.

The gun was purchased legally by an adult from Valor Corporation, who brought it home and hid it in their dresser drawer. Valor Corporation is not at fault whatsoever since they are a legal business selling legal products.

Grunow has the right to be upset and seek justice, but she is looking in the wrong places. The only other possible guilty act is that of the neighbor who didn’t conceal his weapon properly. But due of a poor jury decision, she has wrongfully been presented with $1.2 million from an innocent business.

DUDERANCH14@AOL.COM

Controversy needed for student learning “This man we are reading about was very religious," said my Spanish teacher one dark and dreary W2 class. "What about you? Who here believes in God?" The comment caused me to awake from my first-period stupor and come to attention. It had been a long time since a truly interesting topic arose in any of my classes. Yet, as members of the class began to offer their beliefs and opinions, I couldn’t help but feel that we were doing something wrong by discussing such a hotly contested contemporary topic. Is there a God? And regardless, should we be talking about it in a public school classroom? For many, the answer to this question is an unequivocal no.

But should it be?

In these days of political correctness, every issue brought up in public arises controversy of some kind. For intellectually minded people, this is a wonderful state of affairs. Many live to express their opinions and exercise their powers of persuasion, and I am one of them.

Still, while the thought of dissension and argument over a sensitive issue causes many an intellectual heart to pound with anticipation, it fills the hearts of school officials with fear. I myself have seen many a class debate quelled when the teacher deemed it inappropriate for school. Now, it is true that an argument should be stopped when it loses its educational or contemporary value, or becomes heated to

the point of violence. Yet, debates that can further the education of a student and allow even the most unconventional idea to become open to the public should be embraced, not shunned, by the higher-ups in the education system. But they are. In short, if school was a color, it would be beige.

However, while many students and teachers avoid sensitive issues, the FCPS’s regulatory codes tell us to do just the opposite. Regulation 3280 of the FCPS Instructional Services Philosophy reads as follows: “It is the clear obligation of schools to promote full and free contemplation of controversial issues and to foster appreciation of the role of controversy as an instrument of progress in a democracy."

Sure, it sounds great and easy on paper, but I cant remember the last time a controversial issue was discussed openly and freely Kathy Saupp during class time. As students, we are in school to learn to become intelligent and contributing members of society. Yet, if the location in which our minds and character are forever shaped are kept so neutral and antiseptic, we will be oblivious to what makes the world turn from day to day.

Don’t get me wrong, school officials are not out to keep school from being intellectually stimulating. "There really aren’t too many issues that you can’t discuss. It's all in the way that you present it. It is important for students to see

K athy’s Q uandaries

the facts, not opinions, of not one side of the issue, but both."

Guidance Director Steve Sengstack said. "Homosexuality, presenting one religion over another, representing holidays, capital punishment, marijuana, most societal topics" are what Sengstack lists as "sensitive issues" in the school. If these issues are not brought up in school, how will we as students be exposed to them and have a chance to hear opinions and voice our own?

Now, there are curricula to be taught, lesson plans to fulfill, and the all important worksheets to be dutifully penned in by students day in and day out. Yet, what harm could a little sliver of class time set aside for an open forum on a societal issue do? Surely the regimented shove-the-SOL-inyour-face curriculum could let a little of the real world into its intricate web of rapid-fire instruction.

When officials try to "protect" the school environment by keeping the issues outside of school walls, the school, and the people in it become attached from the world, and what is really important. Like it or not, after senior year, we will all be dropped into the real world and left to fend for ourselves.

When that time comes, will it matter more if you Pass Advanced your Biology SOL, or if you know about politics and world issues? I for one would like to have a three-dimensional education.

PHILE09@HOTMAIL.COM

OUT

Mike Vick

Donovan McNabb

Parties during school

School

Vanilla Coke

Pepsi Twist

USC and Carson Palmer

Iowa and Brad Banks

Dr. Phil

Oprah

Channel 4 News

Fox News

CSI

BCS

Conan O’Brien

Jay Leno

Al Weintraut

Al Qaeda

Yao Ming

Ichiro Suzuki

Saman Hussain of A-Blast

Saddam Hussein of Iraq

Star Trek

Star Wars

Lord of the Rings

Harry Potter

Ninetendo

Sony

Rob Schneider

Adam Sandler

Avril Lavigne

Britney Spears

Subway

Quiznos

Republicans

Democrats

The “Peasant” style

The “Preppie” style

Annandale Idol

American Idol

Pipes

Ceilings

Boot cut jeans

Flare cut jeans

The Farewell Act

Sting

Things that are important

Affirmative action

Eleanor Shumaker

Eleanor Holmes Norton

Saves the Day

Save the bay

Bling blong

Bling bling

The A-Blast

the Antenna

CORRECTIONS ISSUE 4 —In the Nov. 13 issue of The ABlast, Julie Bowes’ name was misspelled under the news brief titled “Tree crushes student’s car” on page 1.

—In the Nov. 13 issue of The ABlast, junior Jonathan Kriss’ name was misspelled under the story titled “Spanning the height spectrum: tall vs. short” on page 9.

—In the Nov. 13 issue of The ABlast, senior Zarrin Chua’s name was misspelled under the a photo on page 13.

—In the Nov. 13 issue of The ABlast, senior Kari Kraus’ name was misspelled under spotlight athletes on page 16.

—In the Nov. 13 issue of The ABlast, the picture of Sheri Whited in 1987 is actually the picture of her sister on page 8.

4 NEWS SCHOOL NEWS College Scholarships are available Devry University in Illinois will offer a $3000 to one graduating senior at AHS. Depending on the students field of study the scholarship could be worth up to $9000. To be eligible for this scholarship the student must be in the top third of his class and have good math skills. Guidance counselors and the principal are in charge of this decision. This programs is for students who are first generation to attend college in their families. For more information visit www.devry.edu or visit your counselor.

The annual College Freshmen Panel arrives AHS 2002 graduates will return to Career Center on Dec. 19 during the R5 and R3 Flex periods to discuss what it is like to be a college freshmen. Come to the career center to pick up an in-school-field-trip form to find out what is going on at college campuses.

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

RATs invade AHS hallways A new committee of faculty members focuses to diminish unexcused absences at AHS

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN News Editor It’s 7:18 and you have just arrived at school. Running through the halls you still have to stop by your locker and make it to the other side of school. The bell rings and you start to run to your class. Hopefully you can sway your teacher to let you in without a late pass. After all, this isn’t an often occurrence and your R1 teacher likes you. As you round the corner you see a tall figure approach you. In their hand is the hot pink late pass that you dreaded. This will be your second tardy this quarter, which means a Thurs. detention. As you sulk off to class a passerby mumbles, “I see you got caught by the RAT.” RAT, which stands for Reduce AHS Truancy, is a team of faculty members who are committed to reducing tardiness and excessive unexcused absences. The team is made up of KW Williams, Kenny Williams, Aubrey Merchant, Bill Curran, Cliff Cornwell, Officer Paul Pickett, Brandon Cooley, Amy Monticchio and Jennifer Sharp. Curran, jokingly referred to as “the RAT King” hopes that this new program will, “get all

ABBY SEGALL

NEWS BRIEFS

the

The RAT Team is committed to stopping truancy and excessive tardiness. The team is made up of (L-R) Audrey Merchant, KW Williams, Jennifer Sharp, Bill Curran, Amy Monticchio, Brandon Cooley, Cliff Cornwell, Kenny Williams and Paul Pickett(not pictured). The team is going to be conducting random hallsweeps and keeping track of students who have an abundance of unexcused absences.

the kids in school that should be without making it into a jail.”

Each member of the RAT team plays a crucial role in stopping kids from leaving the building. Sharp mainly keeps track of students from minute to minute, Cooley keeps track of the tardies from day to day, and Curran keeps track of students who skip entire periods or days. The team

looks beyond tardies and keeps an eye on people with full day, unexcused absences.

The team is focusing on putting a stop to chronic skippers and those who have and abundance of unexcused absences. Since the program began at the beginning of second quarter, Curran believes that the main thing that has changed is that,

“the students are trying to be a little more clever in how they leave the building.” Currently, the administration is keeping a close watch on about 60 students with full day absences and about five to ten students on a week by week basis that have three or four unexcused days. In a recent tardy detention there were over 100 students present. The AHS tardy problem has turned towards harsher punishments and stricter rules.

Some students don’t see the importance in attending school, and therefore do not attend. However, under the Virginia Compulsory Attendance Act, it is a Virginia law that students must attend school. Therefore, a school can put a student under contract. This contract is very stringent and is basically a promise to attend class. If a student has more than seven unexcused absences in a year they can go in front of a juvenile detention court. A student who goes to court can be put on juvenile probation or they can be locked up in a juvenile detention center.

Every week there is a meeting to talk over the students that are being watched for truancy. Curran, Sharp, cont. on pg. 5

Red and white night focuses on drinking

BY SARAH BIZER Atomic Articles Editor

Sports marketing is United with DC soccer team Students in Sports Marketing have joined with major league soccer team DC United. In spring the marketing classes will be selling tickets to the target markets. As for now students in are going into surveys to see what types of people they should target to sell the tickets to.

Beauty and the Beast cast chosen After auditions on Dec. 2- Dec. 4, director Bayla Whitten has made her decision on the cast for the children’s play, to be held on Feb. 6, 7, and 8.

- Beauty: Coury Shadyac, U: Keris KrennHrubec - Beast/ Prince Kevin: Darrin Burrell, U: Ian McCleland - Captain Vanderhorn: Ian McCleland, U: Frank Foley - Gerta: Kelly Harbison, U: Becca Wise - Katerina: Keris KrennHrubec, U: Sara Fargo - Narrator: Emmie Blancovich, U: Tara Keller - Prince Perrin: Sam Rabinovitz, U: Jonathan Seiden - King: Frank Foley, U: Josh Buzzell - Willem: Alex Barker, U: Owen Beste - Yurko: William Akridge, U: Andrew Buzzell - Gabriella: Kathleen Croghan, U: Aubrey Welch - Snirdly: Tamara Friedler, U: Katharine Perry - Clock: Andrew Hawkins, U: Tony Sanchez - Candle: Jake Brackney, U: Micheal Weinberg - Feather Duster: Cynthia Horning, U: Ashley Pilkerton - Kip: Chris Sopher, U: Jesse Vollrath - Mrs. Kettle: Alex Mott, U: Ashley Jones - Wardrobe: Danielle Larmett, U: Amy Jacobs - Hands: Tara Keller and Christyna Kay - Arm Chairs: Ashley Jones and Amy Jacobs - Trees: Ashley Pilkerton, Chelsea Jensen, Jonathan Seiden, Morgan Barr, Katharine Perry, Laura Kelly, Courtney Fay, Tony Sanchez and Susan Lanier.

Slowly, parents assembled in the new lecture hall for the annual Red and White night meeting on Nov. 26.

The new parents wondered what was in store for them, while the ones who already had a child in a sport sat in boredom thinking the same old meeting is going happen.

“I think Red and White night is beneficial because it is important to hear from coaches about rules and regulations that may have changed,” said Kaye Orr, mother of freshmen Addison Orr. “I think Red and White night is stupid for anyone who is not a freshmen or new student because it is very repetitive, I think only freshmen and new parents should have to go,” said sophomore Diana Hollingsworth.

The meeting began as the parents expected. Angelo

Hilios gave an introductory speech, mainly explaining what the meeting was about and what was going happen. Then he warned the parents of the risk of injury, using an Annandale student as an example. He explained how this student is unable to play any more contact sports.

Hilios continued to give a list of things a student must have in order to participate in a sport. Each student has to have Academic eligibility (students must be passing five classes), a physical examination, emergency care card, and the most important is the extracurricular participation policy.

This form has now become one of the most important forms for athletes. Since the recent party which happened during the fall pep rally, the school had an officer come in to explain the alcohol issue. This is the first time an officer has come in for a red and white night.

There were flyers handed out about parents and their

Parties banned for holiday season

BY JOSH LEWIN Videographer In the past, it has been a common practice with certain teachers to hold holiday parties in order to have a celebration before winter or Thanksgiving break. These parties allow students to take a break from work before the holidays to relax.

Recently, Principal Don Clausen sent out a memo to teachers instructing them to not hold holiday parties because of the growing resentment from parents and students who feel that these parties are not non-denominational. Many teachers will now not be holding parties in an effort not to disobey Clausen.

Many teachers have felt that holiday parties are a good way to learn about various cultures and religions. This is especially important in the ESOL program, where diversity is the most present. Many others do not feel that parties are exclusive and they feel that they should be allowed.

“Students and teachers espe-

cially enjoy holidays in December, said Spanish teacher Alba Vergara. “It is nice to combine all the different traditions, especially in our multicultural community. It is fun, and it can be a cultural experience for all of us to celebrate some of our holidays in school.”

On the other hand, some students often can feel isolated by inclass holiday parties, because they do not feel as though their religion or culture is equally represented in the celebration. There is much diversity at AHS and the holiday season is just as important to Christians as it is to Muslims and Jews, as well as those who don’t practice or believe in any religion.

Many will be upset to discover that they will be unable to celebrate the holidays in class with their friends, but should remember that it is important to recognize and consider the rights and feelings of others during this season.

responsibility when is comes to alcohol and how to protect their children from alcohol.

The guest speaker was officer Harrington who is an School Resource Officer (SRO) at Marshall. He started out explaining, “It is [the parents] responsibility to watch over and protect your kids,” said Harrington. He also explained how the article in The A-Blast about the event with the seniors ended up with athletes being suspended. “The A- Blast covered the story very well, sadly the survey was true,” said Harrington referring to the survey that said many high school students had drunken once in their high school career.

This Red and White night looks like a start of more strict rules when it comes to alcohol. Bringing an officer in showed that AHS is not fooling around when it comes to alcohol.

Drama Auditions Auditions begin another drama production

BY LAURA KELLY

Staff Writer This winter, AHS will be putting on this well-known fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Everyone was invited to try out whether they were a beauty or a beast.

Senior Bayla Whitten, who has been working in the theater department for all four of her years at AHS, is the director. She is an experienced actress and directed a Class Acts play her sophomore year. According to Whitten, “I am really excited. It should be a lot of work, but hopefully, it will come together in the end.”

Almost everyone knows the basic story of Beauty and the Beast.

When most people think of this story, they immediately recall Disney’s famous movie version of the story featuring Belle, the pretty, book-loving heroine.

However, the play will be true to the original fairy tale with some important differences from the movie version. Many of the characters’ names will be different from the Disney version. For example, the heroine will be called Beauty instead

of Belle. Also, she will have two sisters, as was written in the original story but omitted from the movie.

Many students showed up in interest for auditioning for the play.

Trying out for a play can be a little nerve wracking for some. It can be rather frightening going up on stage praying that you’ll be able to perform your given lines correctly while standing on stage and having people watch your every move.

However, for others, it can be a fun and exciting experience to try out for a play and to reveal your theatrical talent. There are many people who feel comfortable while performing on stage. “I am excited about auditioning as it is always fun to try out for new roles and branch out,” said Sophomore Tamara Friedler, who tryed out for a part in the play.

Beauty and the Beast auditions were held immediately after school on Dec. 2 through 4 in the Auditorium. The performances will take place on Feb 6, 7, and 8, 2003.

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ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

Projext X helps curb drug use

BY ABBY SEGALL News Editor One of the many new clubs introduced to AHS this year is Project X located in the shop room every Wed. after school.

This new club was set up at AHS with the intent to provide an alternative to drugs through performing arts. The club offers many ways for students to express themselves like through an open mic.

At Project X, students can expect to go into a pleasant environment where all students are respected by

their peers.

Parents are also invited to Project X. This gives students and parents an opportunity to discuss the issue of drugs, alcohol and violence in today’s society. Also the creative abilities of parents and students open up opportunities to interact with one another.

“It felt like something I would go to if I got caught doing drugs,” said junior Will Akridge. “Like an inner city reach out program.”

This after school activity was started in elementary schools but, with additional funds, it was adopted to a high school environment.

The founder of Project X is Kathy Lucas, who is the Director in the Arts and Education in Concert (AEIC).

Project X hopes to host a performing arts award show at some point during the school year.

cont. from pg. 4

SEAN SULLIVAN

Project X is a new club to AHS with the purpose to stop violence and drug use.

NEWS BRIEFS RAT Team halts truancy SCHOOL NEWS

Junior Mohammad Amin and sophomore Daniel Soemarko go to Project X to avoid the pressures teens face. Project X was designed to help students have an alternative to using drugs and alcohol. Project X meets Wednesdays after school.

administrators and guidance counselors involved and a court representative meet to talk over each individual case. There is no general punishment given, each student is reviewed on a case by case basis.

Another method the RAT team is using to reduce tardiness is to do periodic hall sweeps. That way, students won’t be able to sneak their way into their classrooms and instead will be given a tardy pass in the hallway.

The newly developed RAT team is trying to put a stop to truancy and tardiness. Mandatory attendance is a crucial aspect to a successful education. “We are trying to keep it positive. There are a few students who don’t want to be here,” said Curran. “ We are trying to make the best situation so that they will be here.”

Choral Performance Schedule Dec. 11: Key Center, flex periods, 9:00 a.m.; The Virginia, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 12: Annandale Christmas tree lighting, 4:30 p.m.

Dec 13: Ballston Mall, 4p.m.

Dec. 15: Performance with Washington Chorus at Kennedy Center, 8:30p.m.

Dec. 16: Leewood Nursing Home, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 19: AHS Choral Winter concert, 7:30p.m.

Dec. 22: Kennedy Center, 5p.m.

Dec. 23: Kennedy Center, 1:30p.m.

AHS experiences many fire fake-outs

BY LAURA KELLY

Staff Writer It is an ordinary day at Annandale High School. Students are sitting in class doing their usual routine when suddenly that loud, annoying siren goes off. There are several sighs of relief and a few groans coming from the students as they are forced out of the building and out into the cold, many without even a coat. Several fire trucks drive up towards the school, go inside the building, and a few minutes later, depart. Was there a real fire?

No, just some clown who pulled the fire alarm...again.

Over the past year, AHS has been subject to frequent false fire alarms.

Some students seem to enjoy getting out of class for a while; however, most students have found the disruption starts to get very annoying after a while.

It seems that the fire alarm is constantly going off and causing the entire school to evacuate the building.

The main causes of the fire alarm going off unexpectedly are malfunctions in the system and students pulling the alarm. During school hours, it seems that most of the time someone has pulled the fire alarm as a prank.

Other times, due to the construction, the fire alarms malfunction and go off accidentally.

It is particularly frustrating to students because around this time of year, the weather is so cold and many of the students have put their coats in their lockers when the fire alarm goes off. Having an unexpected fire alarm also disrupts teachers’ schedules for the day. “It is annoying because it is really cold outside and the alarms sometimes go off when you are in the middle of something important,” said Junior Elizabeth Nettles.

False alarms also are bothersome to the fire department. According to

the Annandale Fire Department, the department has made more frequent trips to AHS than to almost any other high school because of false alarms. The fire department comes more often than people think because the alarms also go off on weekends or at night due to the construction.

When the firemen arrive, they must treat the alarm as if it were a real fire.

They have to go inside and investigate where the alarm is and find out why the alarm went off. When the cause of the alarm is due to mischief, it is very aggravating and dangerous. “If someone pulled the alarm, it is very frustrating because it is taking an unnecessary risk,” said Lieutenant Raymond Griffin of the Annandale Fire Department. False alarms can also take away a fireman’s ability to respond to a real fire. Administrator Cliff Cornwell commented, “My biggest fear when the firemen come out is that there could be a real emergency going on when there is a false alarm here.”

There has been only one false alarm this school year, but everyone who was at AHS last year probably remembers that there were many false alarms. Several people were caught pulling the fire alarm last year, and one student was caught this year. Students caught pulling the fire alarm can receive suspension or expulsion and may also face criminal prosecution. Pulling a fire alarm is considered to be a misdemeanor. If convicted, a person can face up to one year in jail.

To rectify the situation, double alarm covers have been put over some of the alarms. Touching the cover will automatically set off an alarm. Some of these covers are treated with certain types of chemicals that can help identify anyone who has touched the alarm. Fellow students have also been instrumental in helping the administration locate those responsible for setting off false alarms.

With the new technology and with the help of students, it is much easier to catch the perpetrators of this dangerous prank.

AHS has more accidental fire alarms than any other school in Fairfax County

Artspeak! to inspire teens to love the arts

BY RACHEL JONES Ads Manager “Why waste my time and money seeing a play when I can go to the movies that are all action and special effects,” said senior Mike Flint. “The quality of production is better in movies anyway.”

This is the misconception that Mark Shugoll is trying to change with the Artspeak! program. Shugoll founded the program in efforts to fix the decline of artistic interest in young people today.

“Few young adults have ever gone to the theater or seen performing arts. I wanted to develop a program that would excite students about the arts,” said Shugoll.

Artspeak! is an interactive program that is designed to bring famous artists, ranging from songwriters to Broadway performers to composers, closer to students in hopes to ignite a passion for the arts.

“Our goal is not to create another artist or orchestra member, but to create an interesting and stimulating experience,” said Shugoll.

The program is funded through private donation, is entirely free of charge and occurs about six times a year.

Singer and songwriter Amanda McBroom performed and spoke with students at Poe Middle School’s lecture hall Nov. 16. McBroom, was the songwriter for the Grammy Award winning hit “The Rose.”

The featured artist at Artspeak! often sings or performs a few of their latest songs or pieces of work.

McBroom sang her latest songs, including the ones she performed later that night at a sold out concert at Wolftrap.

“I never heard her music before,” said senior Richie McCormack, who attended Artspeak! for the first time.

“But she was really down to earth and had a good outlook on life.”

Artspeak! offers an opportunity for students to meet and interact with the featured artist. Sophomore Courtney Cox, an AHS choral member, interviewed McBroom during Artspeak!, asking her about her musical career and singing style.

In a previous Artspeak!, AHS choral members were

able to perform on stage and sing original songs written by Godspell composer, Stephen Schwartz. Past performers have included Broadway actors Brian Stokes Mitchell, Alice Ripley and Kristin Chenoweth.

“I participated in arts in middle school, but I have been kind of turned away from the theater recently,” McCormack said. “Watching Artspeak! made me kind of miss it.”

Shugoll hopes more students at AHS will become involved in Artspeak!. “The theater offers something that TV. and the movies just cannot,” said Shugoll.

Shugoll founded and funds another program at AHS to bring the arts closer to the students called TheaterTrips!.

TheaterTrips! allows students to attend Broadway shows and other theatrical productions for $10.

The next Artspeak! on January 10, will feature actress Melissa Errico , who has starred in many Broadway plays such as Sunday in the Park with George and Les Miserable. She has also had roles in the movies “Frequency” and “Life or Something Like It.”

Art teacher Weinstein designs cover for CD Art teacher Joyce Weinstein designed the cover to the new “Mark Weinstein and the Jewish Jazz Ensemble” CD entitled “Shifra Tanzt.” People may purchase this limited edition CD signed by Weinstein for $15 in room 149.

Holiday Reception sponsored by Radford University On Dec. 15 inOakton, Radford University will be hosting a “Holiday Reception” to allow students to learn more about scholarships and academic opportunities for Radford. For more information, visit the career center.

Space is limited. Also, if intending to apply to Radford University, visit the career center to pick up a scholarship. Deadline is Feb. 21, 2003.

Pamplin Leader Award available for seniors Any student who is applying to Virginia Tech is eligible to win the Pamplin Leader Award. One student from every high school in Virginia will be given this scholarship. The deadline is Feb. 1, 2003. To find out more information, visit the career center.

Phillip Morris College Scholarship available now For any senior applying to a Virginia private college or university, visit the career center to pick up an application for the Phillip Morris College Scholarship.

Twenty Virginia students will be awarded this $10000 scholarship.

AHS weight room now open Athletes are now able to come after school from 2:30 to 3:30 every Mon., Wed. and Fri. to the weight room.

The students should be properly dressed in athletic attire.

Peer Mediation is collecting donations Peer mediation is hosting many different charity drives this holiday season. One of the drives is the “Charity tree” where hats, mittens, scarves and other winter items are collected at the front of the school through Dec. 13. Another charity they are sponsoring is the Toiletry Drive. Toiletries will be collected in room 227 through Dec. 13. All donations will be given to a local homeless shelter.

AB T 6 NEWS Wolf’s organization nationally recognized the

LAS

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

NEWS BRIEFS SCHOOL NEWS

Lunch schedule Wed. Dec. 11: - Pancake and Sausage on a Stick - Veggie Taco Hot Pocket Thurs. Dec. 12: - Turkey Hot Dog on Bun - Beef and Bean Burrito Fri. Dec. 13: - Double Hamburger on Bun - Double Cheeseburger on Bun - Shrimp Poppers w/ Biscuit Mon. Dec. 16: - Chicken Tenders - Beef Teriyaki Nuggets and Steamed Rice Tues. Dec. 17: - Nachos with Chili and Cheese Sauce - Chicken Teriyaki Fillet w/ Oriental Rice Wed. Dec. 18: - Pasta w/ Meat Balls and Marinara Sauce w/ Breadstick - Hamburger on Bun - Cheeseburger on Bun - Meatball Sub Thurs. Dec. 19: - Beef Tacos (2) - Beef and Bean Burrito - Pancake and Sausage on a Stick Fri. Dec. 20: - Chicken Wings w/ Muffin - Fish Bites w/ Macaroni and Cheese Everyday: - Biteable - Yogurt with pretzel - Choice of two fruits and vegetables

continued from pg. 1 from varying backgrounds, ranging from those who come to fulfill their hours for National Honor Society to those who have court mandated hours for having a run in with the law.

“It [Project Success] is unique and stands out, in that almost a third to a half of our kids have disabilities. That is what our glue is that keeps our kids coming back,” said Wolf.

Despite the fact that students from Robinson currently account for the greatest number of members, AHS students are beginning to get more involved. For Make a Difference Day, in which Project Success performed extensive renovations on the Northern Virginia Training Center, over 15 AHS students spanning all grades were in attendance, a project that drew praise from community leaders and politicians such as Sharon Bullova.

Project Success features weekly meetings in which small community service activities are conducted and ideas and plans are established for larger service efforts, all of which take place in a very social atmosphere.

For December, the organization is planning a holiday dance and is coordinating a program to provide gifts

for people with disabilities at the Northern Virginia Training Center.

“It’s not hard to get involved in, you come one time and you are really into it. The people in the organization are great. It really gives you a different perspective on life,” said Senior Mike Flint, who set up boxes around AHS as part of an effort to collect canned food for Project Success’ Thanksgiving Food Drive.

“I’m not really the touchy feely type, but you do really get to know these kids, and feel like you are making a difference,” he said.

Senior Caitlin McKinney attributes much of the organization success to its leader who she described as a “spark plug.”

“Mrs. Wolf is like the coolest adult I have ever met” said McKinney. “She has an uncanny ability to relate to kids. I also like the way the meetings are run, everyone can play an active role in the club, and every few weeks you get a letter that keeps you up on all the upcoming events.”

Wolf has traveled to national conferences with students to train professionals on how to incorporate disabled people into community service. “It [Project Success] gives people with disabilities the opportunity to show that

Construction Mock SAT on its way given in Jan.

BY KATHY IBARRA Staff Writer

continued from pg. 1

The English wing, located in the heart of AHS’ winding halls, is expected to open soon, according to Principal Donald Clausen. “We are ending our second phase,” said Clausen.

The construction in the English hall, however, had forced many of the teachers as well as their students to retreat to tiny, cramped rooms.

“You don’t have enough room to move around and you have to maneuver your way around desks and people,” said senior Katie Burton. “It makes it hard to do presentations and group activities.”

Luckily, this should all change as soon as the rooms along the English wing are completed and their corresponding teachers are able to return back to their newly made rooms.

This school year has proven to many the efficiency of the reconstruction at AHS, from the opening of the main hall, where the spanking new bathrooms are located, a much needed facelift.

The completion of these parts of AHS brings construction workers to the old guidance hall. It’s expected that four rooms will be moving this week, including two foreign language classes as well as a marketing class. “I can’t wait for them to finish the building,” said junior Kelvin Tangula. “It will just enhance my learning experience here at AHS.”

Besides the mock test that Summit is giving, they are also offering SAT prep. classes made up of eleven-sessions that consist of an initial diagnostic test, seven instructional sessions and four full-length practice tests.

The program is made to reinforce skills as well as testtaking strategies.

To attain the same test atmosphere used as the SATs, the test will be given under the supervision of administrators for several hours.

“The test last year was a joke, the answers were in the back of the book,” says senior Warren Dekker who took the mock SAT test last year. “Everyone was sitting with their friends and talking.”

While Fleming admits that these conditions do not seem ideal, she also brings up the fact that it is a free chance at the SATs, and that you can only gain from the experience.

The SAT test is being offered to all sophomores and juniors on January 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the cafeteria. A workshop session is being held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the cafeteria as well for students and their parents following it. All who attend the workshop will receive an analysis of the test taken two weeks earlier. For more information contact Summit Education Group at 1-800-MY TUTOR (1-800-698-8867) and remember the test is free.

they are resourceful, and that they can help the community,” she said.

Other notable recognition received by Project Success include being invited to the White House to meet with President Bush and Colin Powell and being honored by the Washington Redskins.

But awards and recognition aside, Project Success is truly about its members sharing a tremendous experience, helping the community and developing lasting relationships, that outside of this unique atmosphere, would likely never have the opportunity to be sparked.

“It’s finding out that you shouldn’t look at someone for what they can’t do, but look at them for what they can do,” said Wolf.

Project Success Meetings take place on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30, alternating between two locations, the Pinn Community Center, which is about a mile away from Robinson High School, and the Mott Community Center.

Meetings are also held every other Friday at the Net Teen Center from 7 to 9 pm. Project success meets today at Mott, and then the following Wednesday at Pinn. For a recording of Project Success activities and to get involved with the organization, call (703) 425-6240.

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Stuart (A) 7:00pm- Winter Band concert

11

5:30pm- JV Wrestling Quad (A) 7:00pm- V girls gymnastics v.

Hayfield/Jefferson/ Herdon (A)

12

A.C.T Drug Awarness Play

ABLAST ISSUE 5 DISTRIBUTED

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A.C.T Drug Awarness play 3:30pm-track v.

Hayfield, W. Potomac Madison (A) 4:00-7:30pmboys(A) and girls (H) basketball v. Langley

7:00pm- V girls gymnastics v.

Herdon/W&L/ Westfield (A)

4:00-7:30pm girls(A) and boys (H) v. T.J 7:30pm-Orchestra Concert 7:00pm- PTSA meeting

Interims Mailed

FLEX Flex- College Panel 7:30pm-Choral Concert

4:00-7:30pm- girls (A) boys (H) basketball v. Lake Braddock 6:30pm- V swim and dive v. T.C (A)

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ACADEMICS 7

the

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

Balancing act: a day in the life of a busy student 10 pm, and it starts all over again the next morning.

Tiffany Wattenbarger sophomore A typical day for me starts at 4 in the morning. I wake up and go to swim practice at Georoge Mason University. I lift weights from 5 to 5:30 and swim from 5:30 to 6:30.

After practice I get ready for school in fifteen minutes and then hop in the car and drive down Braddock Road towards AHS. My red and white days are equally difficult. On red days I have Spanish 3, Pre-IB English, photo 1, and PE. On white days I have honors chemistry, world history II, and Pre-IB algebra II/ trig.

After a long days at school I come home around 2:30 and do as much homework I can in an hour and a half. At 4 pm I go back to George Mason to work from 4:30 to 5:30 as a swim coach. I then practice from 5:30 to 7:30.

I get home around 8 pm, grab a bite to eat, and then finish my homework. I get in bed around

Andrew Hawkins sophomore I believe in order to have a fun and memorable high school experience you need to get involved in activities, sports, or clubs.

Being able to manage and balance your schoolwork with many activities is something you just have to learn to do.

I’m taking a few Honors/ Pre-IB courses and I’m involved in several activities in and outside of school.

In a typical week I get a good amount of homework, I practice the violin, I have a violin lesson on Tuesday, and a youth orchestra rehearsal Saturday morning.

And yes, there is time for hang-outs and get-togethers with friends and family.

However, during a theatre production the majority of the week I’m staying after to rehearse. That can run from four to five weeks at a time.

the rest of my classes I needed at least four hours at the bare minimum.

I struggle with my assignments and get the major ones out of the way. I would be lying if I said I usually finish all of my homework the night before. The unfinished homework is left to be done in flex or class downtime.

Lindsey Grant senior Coury Shadyac junior I am taking four IB classes and participate in the Key Club, Arabic Club, NHS, and Model UN. However, I am most involved in the drama department. Balancing school with after school theatre is not always easy. Pride and Prejudice rehearslas lasted from 2:30-5:30 or 5:30-9:00 every weekday afternoon, and we also worked on Saturdays and the teacher work days.

I would normally try to be in the autitorium by 2:10 so that I could begin my homework. I also completed much of my homework when I did not have any lines on stage.

I felt that the only times that I was frantically trying to finish my work was on show nights because of the stress and nerves that come with performing.

There are French club and Thespian meetings usually once a month and, plus, just about every month there is an orchestra event, whether it be concerts or rehearsals.

I love doing all this and I have a fun time.

Everybody has their own methods of doing things. To keep up with work I write down all of my assignments and try my hardest to get them done the night they are assigned (trust me that doesn’t alwayshappen).

I also take advantage of class time and flex to get work done and I make sure to get a lot of sleep.

You really have to motivate yourself. Many people are timid or just plain lazy; they don’t want to deal “with all this.” They don’t want to get involved in anything.

Let me just tell you, as long as you stay within your own limits and don’t over do it, you’ll make it ...or learn to make it.

In the end it will be worth it and you’ll be wondering to yourself what took you so long to realize what you were capable of.

I look at the clock. It’s 12 in the morning. I think to myself, “Where did the time go?”

It started at 6:40 am when I woke up and got ready for school.

After the long day, I had to stay after for yearbook because my section was on deadline.

Staying after school for yearbook was hard simply because I had to go through a whole school day and then immediately transfer to four more hours of work.

Being an editor and co-editor in chief can become somewhat overwhelming. I love it, though.

The decision making process, the responsibilities and staff interaction all make the extra hours in school worth it.

When I got home I started working on my dreaded homework from 9 pm to 12 am. I wish I’d gotten it all done in three hours, but with IB English and

Dan Kim freshman Usually to start off a white day, I rush to my 1st period class.

I spend a killing 1 hour and 45 minutes in design and tech with guys who never following directions and run around punching each other left and right. I’m exhausted from having to do homework until 1 in the morning, but never get the chance to sleep with all the ruckus they make.

When its flex time I try to flex out and go to the gym to play some ball, but teachers always insist that there is work to do even when there is nothing.

When flex finally ends I go to my W6 class with Mrs. Stoken. It’s a very easy class and I’m usually the only one she doesn’t catch with gum.

After W6 I rush to the cafeteria for B lunch, trying to aviod the traffic in the small hallways.

When I finally get there, I sit in my usual seat and wait till my slow walking friends come over. I barely have enough time to eat

Mahlet Girma junior Many students aspiring to do well in school are wary of participating in extracurricular activities, because they are worried that it might bring down their GPA or take away from their free time. But the truth of the matter is that colleges look for wellrounded students who are able to handle challenging courses, while still enjoying the thrills of being a teenager and participating in sports and activities.

As a junior pursuing the IB diploma, I am required to take six and talk to my friends. Then its back to my boring class.

After thinking its been hours in that class, I’m finally dismissed to the final class of the day...the dreaded Pre-IB history.

With Mr. Valentinos long lectures and jokes from my friend. this class usually goes by fast. Even though I try to pay attention I don’t understand everything.

At the end of the day I have to go to basketball practice. We end up running about 1/3 of the time. We run so much because no one on the team can make a freaking lay-up. We try to run some plays but us knuckle heads even have trouble running motion which is the easiest play to learn.

After practice my legs feel like cement. I get home around 7, take a shower and eat dinner.

Then its homework for three to four hours. That leaves me only 5 hours to sleep.

IB classes, do 150 hours of community service and be involved in other extra curricular activities. This is my typical weekly schedule after school: MondaySAT Prep Club, French Club; Tuesday- Practice Viola for Symphonic Orchestra around 3:00pm, Practice for Varsity Cheer at 5:45pm, game at 7:30pm; Wednesday- FBLA Club meeting (every 2 weeks), French Honor Society meeting (every 2 weeks), Math Honor Society (every 2 weeks), Varsity Math Team; Thursday: Practice Viola for orchestra; FridayTutoring for Weynoke Elementary students, Practice for Varsity Cheer at 5:00pm, game at 7:30pm, Saturday-(community service) Food Pantry from 9am12pm, practice for orchestra; Sunday-catch up on IB work.

There are many outstanding students and athletes in our school who manage to do the same, and it is all for the purpose of making the most out of our high school years. It is still very important to keep up grades, but students can only make themselves look better to colleges by participating in extracurricular activities. Although being involved in clubs, sports, and honors courses is hard to manage, the results are very rewarding.

After going through the excruciating experience that is waking up, I begin planning for the workladen day before me. The most laborious days begin with my AP Government class. The tedious study of the governmental process leaves me drained even before the sun has completely risen.

Then I head over to the most difficult elective I’ve ever had. It’s not that Music Theory is impossible to bear, it just demands a great deal of solid concentration. I get a minute respite with English 12 during R5 just because it is a regular class, but it still is hard to keep your mind steady after lunch.

After that, I just pull up my reserve energy for IB Math Studies and usually manage to finish the day without succumbing to sleep.

Once school is over, I’ll either have some club or project that detains me at school or have to help my church with some event. When I get home, I begin my homework, which typically will consume me until eight or nine at night.

I’ll use the rest of the time to work on college applications, catch up with friends or engulf myself in the joys of music. Then the neverending cycle continues as I drift off to sleep.

Jorge Arias-Perez senior

ANNANDALE Check out these cyber geeks online conversion JUNAID S HAMS

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Rebexellent: sup dawg?

Grenade Shams: life sucks...huge eng paper due tomorrow...aaaaaaah Rebexellent: oh silly shamsy Rebexellent: tricks like puttin off projects till the last min are for kids Rebexellent: I know ur there Rebexellent: u r sitting at the computer staring at a blank word document w/ Christina Aguilera playin in da background Rebexellent: u know...Christina and u do have something in common...

Rebexellent: both so dirty u can’t clean ur act up. u got to stop procrastinating & start time managing Grenade Shams: ur right. i’m here Grenade Shams: dead Grenade Shams: i’m more dead than thanksgiving turkey Grenade Shams: u gotta help me. dis paper is impossible. nuttin is comin Rebexellent: whoa there cowboy. get a grip

REBECCA KRAUSHAAR

Rebexellent: like i said: u know what u need to write, but ur all stressed out Rebexellent: first off stop talkin to all those slackers online. they’re only gonna distract u. & when ur done talking 2 me get offline Rebexellent: now turn off Christina. if u want, turn on some classical music. volume low. it’ll help u concentrate Rebexellent: follow this routine: 15-3-2 Rebexellent: 15 min writin. 3 min break. for 2 min assess where u r in the essay Rebexellent: on break time get up & stretch or run up & down the stairs. get the blood flowin Grenade Shams: okay. okay. this sounds good. i can do it Rebexellent: that’s the attitude...one more piece of advice Rebexellent: if this all fails u might want to consider a sex change Grenade Shams: what!?

Rebexellent: if u were a girl this would’ve never happened

What’s your #1 piece of advice for students?

“Focus on quality over quantity.”

—Jennifer Crump-Strawderman Counselor

“Don’t procrastinate and take good care of yourself.”

—Kazue Watlington Counselor

“Discover your personal strengths and tkae advantage of opportunities to develop yourself into the best person you can be” —Patricia White Counselor

AB T 8 ARTS Amateur crafters create classic holiday decorations the

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

LAS

CHRISTMAS MOVIES

All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine Action, 200 Shot, Range Model Air Rifle, but every adult tells him he will just shoot his eye out.

Meanwhile, the Old Man gets a leg lamp and attempts to steal the turkey while Ralphie’s friend gets his tongue stuck to a phone pole. Ralphie visits the mall and tells Santa his dream gift, but does he receive it? Lets hope so.

The old man hired to be Santa Clause at Macy’s believes himself to be Kris Kringle. He has trouble convincing Doris Walker, the no nonsense special events director at Macy’s. Doris’ friend Fred Gaily arranges a formal hearing for Kringle so he can prove that he is really Santa Clause. It will be difficult and it will take the belief of all the people, but it will prove if miracles really can happen.

George Bailey spends his entire life giving up his big dreams for the good of this town, Bedford Falls. But now, on Christmas Eve, he is broken and suicidal after the misplacing of an $8,000 loan and the machinations of the evil millionaire, Mr. Potter. His guardian angel, Clarence, falls to earth and shows him what it would be like if he were never born. George realizes what he means to people, should he throw it all away now?

Based on the Dr. Seuss story, this film tells the story of the bitter old creature who resides in the mountains above a town called Whoville and what he will do to get rid of Christmas.

One little Who, Cindy Lou, succeeds in teaching the Grinch what Christmas is really about, as he experiences a change of heart.

When Clark’s family comes in for the Christmas holiday, he decides to make it into some old-fashioned family fun. His first idea to light the entire house and install a new pool is ruined due to a late bonus check and the arrival of his uninvited cousin Eddie and his family.

Although Eddie comes with good intentions, Christmas turns out to be nothing like what Clark had planned on.

Frosty the snowman is brought to life by a hat. The children find a silk top hat and place it on his head. Unfortunately, although it can keep him alive it cannot stop him from melting. Realizing he will melt unless he can get to a colder climate, Frosty and a young girl get on a freight train in hopes of getting to the north pole. Little do they know, a magician is following them, and he wants his hat back.

--Reviews by Chris Rauer

BY CRYSTAN BLANCO AND ERIN O’BRIEN Arts Editors Have you ever wanted to make your own holiday gifts but you did not know how? Have you ever been tired of spending so much money on house decorations for the holidays?

Worry no longer, the answers are here. Making Christmas decorations is easy as 1, 2, 3.

A classic holiday decoration has always been the wreath.

They enhance doors and windows in countless houses everywhere. Although they may seem ornate and impossible to create on your own, on the contrary, the homemade option is often found much cheaper and more satisfying than the store-bought.

There are many different themes you can use on each wreath. Some of the most popular themes include candy canes and a variety of bulbs. Others consist of simple bow ties or holly berries. Not one is significantly easier to make, and the result of all can be beautiful. Regardless of which theme you select, each wreath will undoubtedly be unique and original.

The first step to creating your own This ornament wreaths is to choosing the style you wish to can be created make. We opted for the candy cane wreath for less than a and a wreath with red and white bulbs to dollar and will signify not only Christmas, but Annandale brighten Atom’s spirit. After choosing our design, it anyone’s was time to go out and get the supplies. house, office or tree.

We selected two stores that were close in location and had low prices. Total Crafts and the Dollar Tree at the Backlick/ Braddock Road shopping center proved to be worthwhile stops. At the two locations we were able to find everything we needed. Spending no more than $20, we acquired two wreaths, red and white bulbs, multiple candy canes, ribbon, and a hot glue gun. It was all we needed to be on our way.

After making the wreaths appear as full as possible, we began to place the bulbs on the wreath, evenly spaced and alternating in colors. The placement took about ten minutes, next came creating the perfect bow. The gold ribbon we had purchased fit perfectly enhanced the red and white bulbs.

ERIN O’BRIEN

When Santa decides to take a Christmas off due to a cold, two of his elves, Jingle and Jangle, go out with Vixen to find children to convince Santa that the Christmas spirit is still important to everyone else. First, they have to get past Heat Miser and Snow Miser before they can land in Southtown, USA, where it never snows for Christmas. But, the Miser Brothers cannot agree to let it snow in Southtown.

However, Mrs. Santa knows their mom— Mother Nature.

Bulbs have always been a classic choice for holiday wreaths. They can have many colors or just one.

Wreath making is a good craft for children of all ages. Eighth graders Julie O’Brien and Kelsey Blanco make wreaths for their mothers as gifts.

The final step consists of gluing the materials to the wreath. Make sure you are familiar with your hot glue gun prior to use. Apply a drop approximately the size of a dime to each bulb and press firmly on the wreath until it is dry.

When the wreath is dry it is ready to be hung.

Another decoration that has become quite popular is the making of Christmas tree ornaments. Even if you do not have a Christmas tree, they can be seasonal decorations and placed throughout the house for beautification.

One of the most simple, yet pretty ornaments we made using nothing but a styrafoam ball, a piece of pipe cleaner and clear pushpins. The total cost for this was approximately a dollar.

All you need to do is begin with a ring of pushpins around the circumference of the ball, making a Saturn like shape.

Next, apply more pushpins ring by ring in the same fashion. Before you get to the last four rings at the time, be sure to add a pipe cleaner so it can hang. Once you finish adding the pushpins, your unique ornament is complete.

AHS teacher makes festive wreaths English teacher Julie Hindman explains how she got interested in making holiday wreaths and gives tips to those who’d like to start Q. How did you start making your own wreaths?

A. My sister is very artistic and she taught me how to make them.

Q. When did you start making them?

A. [I started] last year during Christmas.

Q. What is your favorite wreath to make? Why? A. Grape vine seasonal wreath—it is beautiful.

Q. How do you make it?

A. Sketch out what you want the wreath to look like, purchase the materials and become good friends with a glue gun.

Q. What is your favorite holiday? Why? A. Christmas! Because it is a time when people have more concern for others. The food, the lights and my family make it an extraordinary time of year for me, Q. What advice or tips do you have for someone who wants to start making wreaths?

A. Go to Michael's - but have an idea of the colors you would like to you, otherwise your eyes will glaze over and you will forget what it was you were looking for to begin with.

Use a variety of textures and shapes and colors that complement each other.

Tying the final bow is one of the most satisfying parts of wreath making. It finalizes your project while enhancing the beauty.

Baking cookies: fun for everyone

BY KATHERINE KISHIYAMA Weekend Editor What better way is there to show someone you care than with a fresh batch of soft, scrumptious, sugar cookies?

With the holiday season quickly approaching, many find themselves flocking to the grocery stores in herds to purchase loads of eggs, flour, sugar and, of course, icing in order to continue a tradition often associated with hours of hard labor in the kitchen. After all, it is always important to leave Santa Clause a little treat along with a refreshing glass of milk.

Each year, my friends and I hold an annual cookie-baking fiasco. Each person brings one ingredient, and we gather at one of our houses to listen to festive holiday music and bake cookies.

H o w e v e r, since none of us are expert chefs, though we all wear the “re-

quired” aprons, we rely on the help of the Pillsbury dough boy and his sliceand-bake tactics.

Just add flour while rolling the dough out, then use cookie-cutters to create various shaped cookies.

Most common among our cookies are Christmas trees, snowmen, angels, reindeer, teddy bears, and stars.

Pop the little creations in the oven and wait until the buzzer goes off. Let the baked cookies cool off for a bit; they will we very hot and the icing will not stick as well. While you are waiting it is a good idea to put the next batch in the oven.

Then the fun begins ...decorating!

A cookie is not a cookie if it is not loaded with tons of sugar-filled icing and topped with colorful sprinkles.

Of course we indulge ourselves in the cookies while we’re baking them, but when we’re finished we wrap up what’s left and take them home to our friends and family. Over the years, we’ve found that this simple token of appreciation has served as a great way to start to the holidays.

Finding inspiration through illustration “I paint life as I would like it to be,” says Norman Rockwell

Reiss’ Pieces Art Commentary by John Reiss When people hear the phrase illustration, they think of a drawing or picture inserted in a magazine or newspaper, but little do they know that Illustration is actually a form of art.

Currently there are many artists who produce illustrations, but rather than be referred to as illustrators, they have taken on the title or “fine artists.”

Fine artists derive their style from inspiration, the soul of the artist, rather than from the promise of financial remuneration. Illustration is generally associated with realism or subjects easily communicated to the public, though Illustration artists like Wayne Thiebaud and Milton

Glaser have published pieces in a modernist style.

While popular in America during the early 1900s, Illustration fell from the public eye during World War II, replaced by different form of “isms” such as expressionism. Today though, with the ever-swinging pendulums, many of the fashionable abstract “isms” are being replaced by realist “isms” and the door is opening again to Illustration.

Among the many different Illustrators in American history, Norman Rockwell is the most well known. His pieces are famous for their depiction of daily life in rural America. “I paint life as I would like it to be,” Rockwell says in his autobiography. Rockwell’s art represented his idea of an ideal America.

From the 1880s to the 1920s illustration experienced a golden age of unparalleled excellence in book and magazine illustration. It was made possible by advances in technology permitting accurate and inexpensive reproduction of art, combined with an enormous public demand for new graphic art.

One of the prominent illustrators of the 19th century was artist George Catlin. Catlin is best known for his Indian Gallery, which is currently on display at the Renwick. After the Indian Removal Act was passed in the early 1800’s, Catlin felt the need to preserve Indian culture and traveled around North America painting Indians in their natural habitat.

When you first enter the gallery, a large oil of Stu-mick-o-sucks, the head chief of the Blood Tribe welcomes you, complete with Indian garb and face paint. Throughout the rest of the gallery there are lush landscapes filled with bison, images of village life (including an early version of the sport Lacrosse played by the Indians) and portraits of individual warriors, chiefs, and women.

Catlin admired Indians as the embodiment of the Enlightenment ideal of ‘natural man.’ “I have flown to their rescue-net of their lives or of their race...but to the rescue of their looks and their modes,” Catlin wrote in his journal on why he painted Indians. The

Rockwell painted “Santa Claus looking at a map” to portray his view of an idealist Santa.

gallery gives the observer a sense of how Indian life was, untainted

by Western ideals, and the beautiful world in which they lived in.

George Catlin and His Indian Gallery is on display at the Renwick through Jan. 19 and is open daily 10 to 5:30 at 17th and Pennsylvania NW. For more information call 202-357-2700.

PROFILES 9

the

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

Former graduate returns to teach

Who am I? • I have been teaching a foreign language for five years.

• I love sports but can’t play them anymore because of an unfortunate incident in which I injured my neck.

BY MEG NIELSEN Copy Editor Class of ’97 alumnus Andy Suddarth began his teaching career at AHS last month with five class periods, two of which he team-teaches. “This first week was hectic. I hope that later I will get into the swing of things and I will be more comfortable,” said Suddarth. However, this is not Suddarth’s first return to his former high school. Last year was his first season coaching for the AHS varsity lacrosse team.

After having earned a degree in geography from Mary Washington University where he was also a member of the lacrosse team, Suddarth is currently acquiring his education degree from George Mason. “It’s funny to see how many old students come back here. I chose to come back here because this is the place I wanted to be. I’m familiar with it,” said Suddarth. “The biggest change is by far the construction. But there are still a lot of the same teachers,” said Suddarth. “The

• I studied political science in the University of Alberta in Canada.

• I moved to Virginia in 1986.

• I like travelling and writing children’s stories.

• My pet peeve is cheating

SEAN SULLIVAN

• My motto in life is to “treat others the way I liked to be treated.”

• I like to eat Arabic food and steaks.

• I think the best thing in life is to see someone reach his or her potential.

Government teacher Andy Suddarth grades papers after class.

This is Suddarth’s first teaching experience.

weirdest thing is calling my old teachers by their first names.”

“I had [Suddarth] in class in English 9 in 1993. He was an all-A student, and he carried his work ethic onto the lacrosse field,” said former English teacher and fellow lacrosse coach Bill Maglisceau. During his years here, Suddarth was an active participant in the yearbook, National Honor Society, Model UN, the golf team, winter track, and was, most notably, a member of the state-winning lacrosse team in 1997.

“Winning all those games was nice, especially beating Robinson. But the best part was the guys on the team. They were great, and many of us still keep and touch and have stayed good friends,” said Suddarth.

“He was a starting defender and won districts, and the regional and state championships. He played hard and was a great AHS contributor,” said Maglisceau.

Another perk of returning to his previous school is that he now is in the same place as his younger sister, sophomore Amy Suddarth. “I drop off my dog at my parents Andy Suddarth’s senior picture. house and pick Amy up to give her

• The saddest moment in my life was when my mother died.

COURTESY OF SUDDARTH

a ride to school every morning. It’s a lot of fun to have Amy around at my job,” said Suddarth.

His sister agreed. “It’s nice having Andy here because he gives me a ride to school. But it’s also weird to have to call him ‘Mr. Suddarth’. Also, some people think that he is my dad. I look out for him, though,” said Amy. “The best part about teaching government is that I get to talk about stuff that I’m interested in,” said Suddarth. “It’s great because I get to do what I like for my job.”

While Suddarth said he had many good teachers, no one teacher in particular gave him the inspiration to become a teacher. His incentive was that he wanted a job where he could make a visible impact. “It’s very satisfying to be a teacher because you can see the results of what you are doing. If a student doesn’t understand something, all of sudden, you see it click as they begin to understand it,” said Suddarth.

“I haven’t seen [Suddarth] in the classroom, but I have seen him on the lacrosse field. The kids listen to, respond, and respect him. Those are all things you need to be a good teacher as well,” said Maglisceau.

GREAT CUTS

Don’t forget to come by Rm 225 with your correct answer. If you’ are one of the first five correct entries, you will receive a signature A-Blast prize.

Coach Dick Adams was last issue’s Who Am I? Adams has been coaching at Annandale since 1981.

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“I will throw the biggest party of the year because its my 18th birthday, it’s special.”

—Gustavo Iriarte Senior

Last Issue’s Who Am I?

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!

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—Chris Weehgelaer junior

• I have four children, two boys and two girls.

Government Teacher

students & seniors

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• I have taught abroad and in private schools in Virginia.

I chose to come back here because this is the place I wanted to be. I’m familiar with it.

—Andy Suddarth

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16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 19 20 20

Addington Barbara9 Balun Elizabeth12 Fulcher Samantha 12 Hama Sali 11 Jefferson Wayne 9 Liechti Vernon 11 Martin Donald 11 Ogle Carl 12 Schubert Margaret9 Shahjpal Sunny 11 Adams Kendra 11 Brown Lashonda10 Gorbounov Kirill 10 Levy Jonathan11 Noorishad Kiana 11 Rowley Sean 12 Eliff Christopher 10 Espinoza Paul 9 Gab-Allah Sharin 12 Ovando Torres Maritza 10 Rathbun Frank 11 Sabotta Christine 12 Tran Phuong 12 Valle-Espinoza Danny 9 Canales Cruz Karla 11 Hiza Adhemar 11 Le Nhut Minh 11 Murphy Michael 10 Eren Sera 11 Farrell Ricardo 12 “On my birthday I will watch sports, hang out with friends, talk on the phone and sleep.”

—Chris Kwon Freshman

20 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 23 24 24 24

Mazur Catherine 11 Nasr Nida-Ul 9 Sharaf Amie 12 Sturm Megan 9 Vega Zoraya 12 Diaz Zoriano Samuel 10 Eam Huot 11 Faryad Madeeha 11 Guandique Michael 9 Rea-Candia Jesus 11 Singh Davinder 12 Vu Vincent 9 Wade Justin 11 Kwon David 9 Perez Cesar 10 Randolph Brian 10 Farid Fahad 11 Gonzalez Jenifer 10 Marte Nicole 9 Shams Junaid 11 Taher Nurhussen Saber 10 Barylski Joan 10 Guerrero Wilber 10 Mattin John 10

“I am going to watch Lord of the Rings II and hang out with my friends.”

—Christine Sabota Senior

24 24 25 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26

Pham Phuong 12 Tomic Dina 9 Ali Mohammad 10 Faryad Maleeha 12 Hussain Humera 10 Lockett Tori 11 Rocha Jhancarlo 10 Wayne Katherine 9 Choi Sangwook 10 Haggler Janae 9 Prentice Kelsey 10 Sadozai Nigeen 11

10 IN-DEPTH

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

l O l u o t R

PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATES

Who’s the owner of these tags?

FAMOUS CARS

BATMOBLIE This iconic car derives from the 1939 comic by Bob Kane. It was a staple on the famous 1989 movie, Batman, and driven by Michael Keaton, the first Batman.

JUNIOR BRIAN BAGOT’S 1989 FORD MUSTANG

SENIOR MIKE PEYTON’S 1996 CAMARO Z-28

KATHY SAUPP

A. Karlyn Hickson B. Jen Gleason C. Brian Bagot D. Melissa Sielaty E. Kari Kraus F. Jeannie Adkins G. Stephanie Lugar H. Cheryl Kraus

IN-DEPTH 11

the

Life under the hood—Auto Tech class JOSH LEWIN Videographer

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

As I enter the Auto Tech classroom, one thing becomes immediately evident to me: This is one of the most active and dynamic high school programs that I have ever seen.

Everyone is busy, and not a single person looks bored with what they are doing. This is because Auto Tech is one of the most engaging classes that students can take. It not only provides students with a possible career opportunity for the future, it also gives them with the basic knowledge that will prove invaluable in the future such as practical and cost-saving repair skills.

Every month, individuals from the school community donate an average of three to four cars to the Auto Tech program. The donated cars give the owners a tax deduction and the students get the opportunity to learn and gain hands-on experience with working on a car.

In addition to the classroom aspect, Auto Tech is also a full-service auto shop, capable on doing a full spectrum of repairs for customers.

For those who may be skeptical of having work done on the cars, no job is accepted unless the instructors feel it is within the students’ ability to complete the task. As a result, many people take their cars to the Auto

Why did you take auto tech?

Tech program for service. The class charges the customer the list price for the parts, and $10 service fee. This is a far more budget-friendly alternative to overpriced garages. By the end of the year, the program has completed about $25,000 worth of automotive work.

The Auto Tech program is divided into three levels, the first being a simple introduction to automobile maintenance for those who want to do their own repairs on their cars as teens and college students. It is oriented to those looking to save money on mechanics fees, or anyone who desires general knowledge in the automotive field. Auto I is not a prerequisite for Auto II, for those who already have a basic knowledge of automotive work.

Auto II and Auto III are similar programs, which instruct students in the major systems of an automobile. These range from engines, to transmissions, to clutches. Students are even allowed customize their own cars. The higherlevel courses are designed for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive field, or the transportation industry in general, which is the largest industry in the country.

With 18 years total experience in teaching, Joe Desio is one of the Auto Tech teachers. He is dually certified in technology education and vocational education, and he has taught her for 15 years.

Desio usually spends one to two days

stresses college to all of his students, because he realizes that later on in life those who enter the automotive field are going to find that they will move on to fields requiring a higher education. “You see plenty of 70-year-old doctors and lawyers, but you don’t see any 70-year-old mechanics,” said Desio.

The AHS Auto Tech program is one of the largest and most successful of its kind in the county. It is regularly the largest contributor of students to ASSET, a Ford sponsored program which provides students with jobs for eight weeks at a dealership, and than sends them through eight weeks of studying at NOVA. A student can receive an associate’s degree within two years with the ASSET program.

Just from the sight of the classroom, it’s apparent that Auto Tech is one of the most involving and rewarding programs available. Even if students don’t pursue a career in the field, they have gained the basic automotive knowledge that no person should be without. Every Friday is tie day, because Mr. Desio wants his students to encounter the professional aspect of the field. In addition, he tries to get his students automotive jobs, so that they can expand on the knowledge and skill that is given to them.

JOHN REISS

1.

Juniors Mark Bellingham and Justin Courtney work on computers during Auto Tech class. Their assignments are to report on historical cars like a ’69 Pontiac TransAM or ’64 Thunderbolt.

Approximately 50 percent of the auto tech class is work done on the computers while the other half is spent working on cars.

a week having the students do book work in order to increases their technical skills mentally, in addition to under-the-hook work. “I strive to have kids realize that they have to work with their minds, and not just their bodies,” said Desio.

Desio’s goal for Auto Tech is to have students discover if they have a current interest in the automotive field and

build upon that interest and turn it into a career opportunity. “[Auto Tech] is great. It’s a life-skill that I can carry on with. It also saves money because I can do the work by myself instead of paying to have it done,” said junior Brian Bagot, a second year Auto Tech student.

About 25 percent of Desio’s students end up in the automotive field. He

By the Numbers 63%

Percent of males whose parents bought the car they drive.

46%

“I chose to take Auto Tech II because it is more advanced and I can learn applications that will help me in the future.”

—Justin Courtney junior

“I’m taking Auto Tech because I have a strong passion for cars and it allows me to grasp the fundamentals of engines, dynamics and gears.”

“I really wanted to learn how to work on cars. I plan to use my experience on my own car not on the field of auto mechanics.”

—Nick Peyton junior

—Ric Farrell senior

“Taking this class will probably save me money in the future because I now know how to perform basic operations on my car. Mr. D. is the best.”

—Brian Bagot junior

1. C. Brian Bagot 2. E. Kari Kraus 3. G. Stephanie Lugar 4. B. Jen Gleason 5. H. Cheryl Kraus 6. F. Jeannie Adkins 7. A. Karlyn Hickson 8. D. Melissa Sielaty

s d i K h wit s car

“I really like my car, not only is it reliable, its a really bright color.”

26% Never

Total number of juniors and seniors surveyed on Dec. 4th during R1 classes and lunch periods. Approximately 350 surveys were distributed, 243 were returned.

35% Always

39% Sometimes

88%

Percent of females whose parents bought the car they drive.

Females with cars:

Males with cars:

60% drive to school with parking spot 23% drive to school without parking spot 17% do not drive to school

37% drive to school with parking spot 38% drive to school without parking spot 25% do not drive to school

Soup up that hoopdee CHRIS RAUER Staff Writer

“I don’t want to have to depend on a guy to change a flat tire or my oil. I want to be able to do these things by myself.

The classroom environment is great, and I never feel like an outcast even though I am the only girl.”

54% Percent of students who own cars

Percent of students who do not own cars

Ever wonder what is actually in and on the Honda, Acura, and Nissan cars that are involved in import racing? Thousands of dollars worth of car parts, hours of labor, and a finished product go into the car that can race a quarter mile in ten seconds or less.

Beginning with the engine, nothing other than a top of the line DOHC Vtec will suffice. After acquiring the engine, add some headers to improve the horsepower and torque are needed.

Replace the camshaft, pushrods, timing sets and valve train components to increase performance. For superior performance, replace the pistons and rings, air cleaners, water pumps, distributors, ignition coils and wire sets, crankshafts, and oil pumps. Think you’re done after that? You’re only a quarter of the way there.

Want a faster engine with better performance? Throw in a supercharger or a turbocharger, super intake manifolds, and plumbing items (Teflon hoses, hose ends, adapter fittings, Temp-A-Cure coolers, and Pressure Master gaskets). After throwing that $10,000 into the car, you’re still in for another five grand. Now that you’re done

7.

ANSWERS

243

With hours of work and just a few thousand dollars, you too can have the ultimate racing machine

—Zoraya Vega senior

8.

Do you pay for gas?

“My sports car is kickin’.”

“Two words: Jeep party!”

—Jake McIntyre senior 1989 Nissan Stanza

—Jose Gonzalez senior 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee

WEINERMOBILE This vehicle is the most famous product-shaped car in the world. It was created in 1952 in Dearborn Michigan and is sponsored by Kraftfoods Inc. The Weinermobile is driven and operated by “Hotdoggers,” common, everyday people who apply for this children-oriented occupation. For more information on how to become a “Hotdogger,” visit kraftfoods.com.

“I’ve gotten into a lot of fender benders, but I never tend to pay for them.”

ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH In the 2002 sequel, Die Another Day, James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) drives a stylish sports car whose top speed ins 190 m.p.h. and costs a hefty 160,000 pounds. The car can also become invisible to escape enemy spies.

—Zhiela Ashtianipour senior 2001 Toyota Celica

—Andy Pelenberg senior 1994 Mercury Sable

“I’m really enjoying my new car, its my third one in six months.”

“Yellow is the best color for cars, everyone should have a yellow mustang.”

—Liz Tran senior 1995 Honda Civic

—Jason Altunez senior 1995 Ford Mustang

THE DELOREAN With doors that open vertically, this car is best known for transporting Marty McFly back in time in the Back to the Future series. In real life, the car was an early 1980s luxury item created by John DeLorean.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG This magical flying car is depicted in the 1968 British film of the same name.

Chitty is based on the popular children’s book by British author, Ian Fleming.

with fixing up the engine, begin to work on the rest of the exterior.

Replace the wheels and their bearings, put HyperStop brake line fluids and pads on them, and maybe some 20” rims.

Swing yourself underneath the car and install a cat-back system with a sport compact exhaust tip. Replace the connecting rods, track bars, and lower the car 2-3 inches. Then replace the hood, doors, and trunk with fiberglass parts and put Lexan windows in place of all exterior glass. Now that all of that is almost done, you’re almost there.

Begin to work with the ignition by adding MSD digital ignition system, a NGK spark plug and Magnecor ignition wires to get a sure start every time. Install Altezza taillights and some clear bumper covers. Then, replace the windshield wipers with PIAA performance wipers and blades. Staying with the PIAA line, buy fog lights for about $250 per pair.

Now for the interior. MOMO RS competition seats, RAZO pedals, racing steering wheel, some tachometers, a few small cans of NOS (Nitrous Oxide System), and computer display screen that monitors the VTec engine and the NOS output will fill out the inside of your car. Before attempting to race with NOS, loosen all screws so that the NOS doesn’t tear your car apart. Pay $250-300 on neon lights for underneath the car and on the interior. For more interior parts, add a nice head unit with a CD player, an amplifier, and some subwoofers, which will set you back approximately $1,000-2,000.

After close to $20,000, hours upon hours of labor, and mind-bending techniques to hook up your car that originally cost $17,000-18,000, do you still want to fix it up?

—Michala Miller senior 1998 Volkswagon Jetta

“Chicks dig the family sedan.”

LOVE BUG “Herbie” the Love Bug is known as the car with feelings. It is the central character in the 1960s films “The Love Bug,” “Herbie Rides Again,” “Herbie goes to Monte Carlo,” and “Herbie goes Bananas.” The Love Bug is a 1968 volkswagon beetle and is the first of its kind to sell 100,000 cars a year.

“Volkswagon” translated into English literally means “the people’s car” and the beetle is Volkswagon’s most popular vehicle.

“l really like this car because I’m allowed to take it out whenever I want.”

—Christine Sabota senior 1999 Honda Accord

12 CULTURES Holiday season begins with Eid and Hanukkah the

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

ESSENTIALS FOR HANUKKAH AND EID

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI Staff Writer

Driedel This type of top is used in a traditional Hanukkah game. The driedel is spun and the letter facing up when it stops determines a player’s move.

Gelt These small chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil are modern representations of the traditional Hanukkah gift of gelt. Gelt is the Yiddish word for ‘money.’

M’amool These round cookies are filled with dates, or nuts and cinamons and covered with powdered sugar. They are usually eaten with tea and coffee on the day of Eid.

The fasting is finally over and it’s time to celebrate! Eid il Fitr, which celebrates the end of Ramadan, was celebrated by millions of Muslims all around the world on Thursday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 6.

Many Muslim students at AHS had large family gatherings, prayer and food.

The first snowfall in the Annandale area was also celebrated, and caused some disruption to student’s festivity plans.

“The snow messed up [the] day because we didn’t get to go pray at Washington D.C. and we were supposed to go over to my aunt’s and uncle’s house, but we didn’t because my mom didn’t want to drive in the snow. But Eid turned out okay, I had my friends over instead,” said sophomore Nura Abu-Ghannam.

For over 250 Muslim students at AHS this past Ramadan was a very special time. During the month of Ramadan students fasted from sunrise to sundown. It is a time for increased devotion to God, inner reflection and self-control.

“Ramadan and Eid are the only celebrations we get, so we try to make a big deal out of it,” said junior Samsam Jama.

Eid is a day when Muslims show

their joy for their health, strength and opportunities of life, which Allah has given them to fulfill their obligations of fasting and other good deeds during the month of Ramadan. It’s also a time for forgetting old hostility and ill feelings towards fellow human beings. The word ‘Eid’ means continual happiness or festivity which was shown according to all the activities that occurred in this area.

There were many activities planned for the Eid holiday, including a prayer and bazaar at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, hosted by the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) and the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). It transpired without much intervention from the snow, an estimated 15,000 people showed up.

Although some private parties were postponed, the celebrations did not die out. “For Eid I went and prayed at Mustafa Mosque, but the Eid party that my parents were supposed to go to got postponed until Sunday,” said junior Ayoob (AJ) Jan. One of the main activities for Muslim teenagers included joining the family for a trip to the mosque, and then calling up cousins or friends

and going straight to the theaters.

“I chill with my cousins every year, and the snow this year did not make it a difference. We watched Die Another Day. It was pretty good,” said sophomore Mohamud Mohamud.

Eid had a definite ‘getting together’ type of air, either with family or friends. “A lot of people thought Eid was on Friday, so the snowfall on Eid kind of surprised me, but our annual trip to the Islamic Center didn’t change. But the late Thanksgiving/Eid get together with my whole family got postponed until Saturday, and even then my aunt from North Carolina couldn’t make it,” said senior Fanta Sesay.

The basic messages throughout this Eid were the getting together of families and friends and enjoying quality time with each other’s presence, to also to be thankful for the completion of fasting, and expressing thanks any method possible.

Mazel Tov! Students celebrate Hanukkah

BY RACHEL SINAIKO Cultures Editor

K’ak Like Ma’mool, Ka’k is also filled with dates but is not as sweet. K’ak and Ma’mool are essential to the Eid holiday.

RACHEL SINAIKO

How did you celebrate your religious holiday?

We ate good food and lit the menorah.”

Sophomore Amy Jacobs reads from the Torah, the Jewish holy book, before lighting her menorah during Hanukkah. A candle is lit on the menorah for each night of the holiday.

—Rachel Seiden Freshman

WALA’A ELBARASSE

Junior Rohina Hussain came to the Convention Center looking for a bargain and a good time. “I came to see my friends and also try to find a good deal on jilbabs, which are imported from the Middle East.” Local area stores set up booths, and sold everything from Barbie dolls to clothes.

When students think of Jewish holidays, Hanukkah is probably the first that comes to mind. While it may not be the most important holiday in the Jewish religion, it is one of the most celebrated. Hanukkah, which means ‘dedication,’ is first celebrated on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev, and lasts for eight days. It started on Nov. 30 this year.

The story of the ‘Feast of Lights’ originated around the 2nd century BC. After the Jews in Judea defeated a Syrian tyrant, they held festivities in the Temple in Jerusalem. While they were cleaning the temple, the Jews found only one small cup of oil to light their holy lights. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. This ‘miracle of lights’ inspired the tradition of lighting one candle for each night of Hanukkah.

Modern day Hanukkah consists of gift giving and contributions to the poor. Presents are usually given on each day of the holiday. Sophomore David Vollrath summed up his feel-

ings about this practice: “I like Hanukkah because I get presents for eight days instead of just one.” Part of the Hanukkah tradition includes the lighting of the menorah and the accompanying prayer. A menorah is a type of candelabra that contains nine candles.

Eight of these candles are grouped, with the ninth separated. This separated candle is used to light the others.

For Jewish students at AHS, Hanukkah is a family-oriented holiday.

“For Hanukkah, I get together with my family and exchange gifts,” said senior Gina Sobel. Sobel enjoys the lighting of the menorah, and the Hanukkah parties she attends during the holiday.

Freshman Sam Rabinovitch believes Hanukkah is a cultural tradition.

“Hanukkah is more of a cultural than religious meeting to my family because it is part of a tradition and culture that has been practiced by my family in earlier years. Now we are continuing the tradition,” said Rabinovitch.

Sophomore Amy Jacobs also appreciates the family time that comes with Hanukkah. “It is a big family holiday.”

Jacobs believes the holiday carries significance, because “having your family

together is important.” The story of Hanukkah also has a special meaning for Jacobs. “For me, Hanukkah is a time of celebration.”

For freshman Rachel Seiden, Hanukkah also carries importance. She enjoys going to her grandparents’ house to enjoy what she considers a “gathering of family.”

Other traditions associated with Hanukkah include playing with tops called dreidels. “Playing with driedels is great,” said Rabinovitch. The Hebrew characters on each side of the dreidel stand for the statement ‘A great miracle happened there.’ Latkes, potato pancakes, are also commonly eaten during Hanukkah. Latkes are fried with oil, so they relate to the burning of oil in the story of the holiday.

“Basically, Hanukkah is a time to be with family and reflect,” Jacobs said, summarizing her feelings about the holiday. “If I had to use one word to describe the holiday, it would be ‘joyous’,” Sobel said.

Latkes, fruitcake, and gelt; oh my!

“For Hanukkah, I lit the candles and ate Jewish food.”

—Max Maples sophomore

‘I chilled with my boys and girls, and had a little after party for Eid that night.”

—Anas Mansour junior

“I went to the Convention center for the Eid celebration, and later on that night I smoked shisha till 4:30 in the morning.”

—Fardeen Chowdhury senior

BY JOSH LEWIN Videographer Winter is commonly associated with the holidays; Christians celebrate Christmas, Jews celebrate Hanukkah, Muslims finish the fasting for Ramadan and then celebrate Eid, and African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa. However, many students who attend Annandale come from families where the parents practice two different religions.

As a result, these people grow up experiencing two cultures within their own homes, and become even more aware of their roots during the holidays.

A very common combination of religions within a household is that of one Christian

and one Jewish parent. Children of these marriages often grow up accepting the religion of one parent, but celebrating the holidays of both. “I practice Catholicism, but because my dad is Jewish, I get to celebrate all of the holidays and learn more about Judaism,” said sophomore Sivan Adato.

Students who have two parents of the same religion are often at a loss when it comes to understanding or identifying with other religions.

For students who come from multi-religious backgrounds, this is not as much of an issue, and they are more accepting of, and knowledgeable about, other reli-

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Most people associate the holiday season with presents, and naturally assume that those who celebrate two holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah are at an advantage because they stand to receive twice the gifts. It is important to remember that these individuals gain more than just physical entities for the holidays; they have the chance to experience two worlds in one household, and are made more open and accepting people because of it.

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PHOTO 13

the

ABLAST

Wed. Dec. 11, 2002

S ome AHS families have two

DOUBLE TROUBLE

or more Atoms attending school at the same time. Usu-

AHS’s other twins

ally, depending on the relationship between the siblings, sharing home and school can

Ikhra Ahmed, 12 Mohamud Ahmed, 11

be mutually beneficial.

TION TRA LUS TO-IL PHO

SIBLING CAMARADERIE

Nicole Barrentine, 11 Victoria Barrentine, 11

Senior Erik Seubert always tries to take care of his little sister, freshman Lauren.

Even for this picture, he carefully piggybacked her because she had recently had back-surgery. In the beginning of the school-year, Erik tried to be helpful and walked Lauren to her classes and introduced her to people in the halls.

Matthew Dodson, 10 Nicholas Dodson, 10

“

Eva Garcia, 9 Joana Garcia, 9

Having a big brother who’s a senior is awesome because I found out all the information about where classes are to how freshmen are treated the first few days. I don’t think I would have survived the first few days of high school without him.”

Jose Garcia-Ferrer, 9 Miguel Garcia-Ferrer, 9

—Lauren Seubert freshman

Matthew Halkyard, 11 Stephanie Halkyard, 11

“

Abbas Kandeh, 10 Alusine Kandeh, 10

SEAN SUILLIVAN

It’s nice to have a sister in school because if I miss a day, she can pick up my homework for me.”

CHAE-WHA PARK

—Megan Barr senior

Freshman Shayna Dubler is following in her sister, senior Ashley Dubler’s footsteps as a cheerleader. This winter, Ashley is on the varsity squad and Shayna is on JV. After dinner, identical twins Megan and Morgan Barr, seniors, relax on their couch to watch TV together.

SUBMITTED BY KAREN STEINBEUCHLER

“

We meet and know a lot more people because our two groups of friends, being so close to age, mesh well.”

—Karen Steinbeuchler senior

Junior Billy Steinbeuchler found adapting to high school a lot easier because teachers already knew his sister, Senior Karen Steinbeuchler.

“

I don’t like it when people call me by my sister’s name, but I’ve learned to answer to both names now.”

—Morgan Barr senior

“ “ Mandy drives us everywhere. In school, she always come over and bugs me during lunch.”

It’s easier for my parents because we’re all on the same schedule.

We all get along very well. We’ll go get something to eat after swim practices.”

—Jennifer Brackett

—Mandy Brackett

CHAE-WHA PARK

sophomore

Identical twins freshmen Daniel and Stephen Stalcup play Play Station 2 together in their basement. The twins share more than the same looks. They actually have the same Pre-IB History and band classes. The two both played freshman football and are currently also on the JV wrestling team. Aside from these similarities, the two are very different. For example, Daniel plays the trumpet while Stephen, the saxophone, and only Daniel plans on playing soccer in the spring.

CHAE-WHA PARK

junior The Brackett sisters, junior Mandy, sophomore Jennifer and freshman Jackie “always have someone to talk to in school,” said Mandy. But being so close in ages, the sisters get along well and can enjoy a game of UNO together.

The sisters are on the swim team together this season. Mandy swims the breast stroke, Jennifer, back and Jackie, freestyle.

Anthony Ortiz-Ateca, 12 Monica Ortiz-Ateca, 12 Deepak Pathak, 10 Sunil Pathak, 10 Stephanie Rodriguez, 9 Victoria Rodriguez, 9 Ezra Tilaye, 10 Mahelet Tilaye, 10 Cynthia VasquezSaavedra, 11 Karla VasquezSaavedra, 12

14 FEATURES TOP 10 CLASSIC HIP-HOP ALBUMS 1. 3 Feet High and Rising —Del La Soul

2. It takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back —Public Enemy

the

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

Hip-Hop ’til you drop, influence felt far, wide Not just a brand of music, HipHop defines culture through a mix of beats, rhymes, people

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI

Staff Writer

3. The Great Adventures of Slick Rick — Slick Rick

4. Criminal Mind — Boogie Down Productions 5. The Low End Theory — A Tribe Called Quest 6. Midnight Marauders — A Tribe Called Quest 7. All Hail the Queen — Queen Latifah 8. The Chronic — Dr. Dre

“In Hip-Hop you can’t pick up one thing and leave the others behind, it’s all one package. You don’t necessarily have to do all of the activity, but you have to acknowledge them and what they stand for,” said sophomore Charlotte Simms.

What is Hip-Hop? It is a culture, a way of dress, a way of living. It’s a form of self-expression so powerful and moving that it touches virtually all aspects of life.

“Hip-Hop is a sport,” said junior Isaac Frankline. “You throw your whole heart into it.”

Hip-Hop is a generational marvel that emerged out of the neglected community of the Bronx, New York. It evolved from hard, raw creativity that smacked mainstream America in the face.

Although Hip-Hop’s foundation came from a mixture of many musical genres, mainstream America whether black or white did not know how to receive this unique melodic breed of music.

The impact that Hip-Hop has had on the teen subculture of America is astounding. Hip-Hop components can be found on clothing, language, and even the way of thinking among teens.

Hip-Hop is even considered a philosophy among some teens. “Hip-Hop influences how I dress, the music I listen to, and also choosing the friends I hang out with. I think it has a lot of influence because many people can relate to it,” said sophomore Hosai Yusufi.

“I admire Hip-Hop because it describes how many individuals feel, and although I don’t follow the lifestyle, I appreciate its honesty,” said sophomore Enwei Liber.

The four elements of Hip-Hop include the following: emceeing, deejaying, bboys and tagging.

Djaying starting off by just scratching, then things got more complex, djs began juggling beats then doing “live remixes.”

Emceeing is the most promoted form Hip-Hop. It is a verbal skill that is practiced and honed among rappers.

Each mcee exhibits different quirks and attitudes.

It is different for everyone, some rappers are more poetic while others are political. Bboying (commonly known as breakdancing) is a form of dance, started from the Bronx Boys. Lastly, tagging is graf-

N

fiti “art” in which artists try to leave a piece of themselves behind.

Some students feel that HipHop artists have forgotten about how the music evolved. Several mainstream rappers about the same repetitive things: pimps, hoes, and cash, while underground artists try to heighten admiration for the African culture and inIVA

ULL

NS

SEA

cite teens’ interest in the world around them.

“I think that underground Hip-Hop exhibits the raw creativity and honesty that mainstream lacks. It represents the voice o f the unheard and oppressed,” said senior Fanta Sesay. “It is an outlet for the emotional turbulence of the urban world.”

“All that stuff that you see on TV isn’t HipHop, they capitalize on the art of Hip-Hop. I don’t like commercial aspect of Hip-Hop because it’s fake,” said junior Amandeep Singh.

However, some students admire both mainstream HipHop and underground HipHop. “I like them both. I like the realness of underground and the sound of mainstream,” said freshman Matt Lindsley.

Several students are disappointed by the negativity that they believe mainstream Hip-Hop artists display.

“If I could change anything in the HipHop world I would dissociate all the negative influences in Hip-Hop so we could have better role models,” said sophomore Nathan Williams.

Most students share a general agreement that Hip-Hop is a complete package.

One cannot embrace one of its components while rejecting the others.

Senior Anthony Ortiz-Ateca displays his breakdancing skills which is one essential element of Hip-Hop.

9. In Full Gear —Stetsasonic 10. Critical Beatdown — Ultramagnetic www.allabout.rap.com

TOP TEN HIP HOP ARTISTS 1. Ice Cube

Who is the most influential Hip-Hop artist?

“Jay Z, becuase his rhymes are deep and he is getting married to Beyonce.”

—Tim Tan freshman

2. Will Smith 3. Beastie Boys 4. Lil’ Kim 5. Lauyrn Hill

6. Busta Rhymes 7. Eminem 8. Public Enemy

9. Eric B. & Rakim 10. Da Brat www.top10links.com

Student flirts with stardom

BY MARTHA AMOAKO

Features Editor At the age of 16, junior Gloria Manana is attempting to accomplish something astonishing—she is trying to break through the gender gap to make an imprint in the rap industry.

Raised in the Bronx, New York, Manana was greatly influenced by the dynamic music scene there. “My friends were really into rap. So, I wanted to see if I could rhyme too,” said Manana.

Manana was particularly inspired by female rapper, Remy Martin. “The way she rhymed was much better than other female artists, such as Lil’ Kim and Eve. She’s hard-core. That’s the way I am too.”

After her inspiration, she began to write several songs while simultaneously working on her technique. She acknowledges that her sound and style has changed dramatically since she began rapping.

In the beginning, her emotions guided her, but she gradually had to incorporate other elements to Gloria Manana improve the content and flow of her rhymes. With time and practice, she developed her own distinctive and poignant sound. “Right now it’s harder than before because I have my own technique. Before it was just like writing poetry.”

Since she moved to Annandale in her sophomore year, Manana has demonstrated her freestyle skills to several students. “Sometimes I can be good depending on my emotions.

But if someone gets me with some comment that is true and shocking, sometimes I black out.

“Not only she can rap, but Manana can also sing. She is a former member of Divine Souls, the R&B group made up of AHS students. The group cut their first single, “Tell Me Boy,” last year. However, the competitive nature of the R&B music scene has made Manana leary of pursuing a career in the industry.

Currently, Manana is the only female member of the rap group Reekans. The group has made several demo tapes and sent it to major record companies such as Erista, Columbia, and Sony. Although Manana is dedicated to rap, she is realistic about her chances for success. She intends to go to Long Island University and become a financial analyst. “If I got the option to go to college and rap, I would. But if I had to choose, I would choose college because I don’t want to be a one hit wonder.”

“P. Diddy, because he respects people’s views and he knows how to sing.”

“Eminem, becuase I like his songs, he is famous and his songs are interesting.”

—Hawa Bangura freshman

—Mohammad Amin junior

“Notorious B.I.G., .. he didn’t just rap about the same old thing everyone else did.”

—Jose Varela senior

“Eminem, becuase I heard my daughter got a lot out of his movie.”

—KW Williams awareness aide

WHAT’S YOUR HIP-HOP IQ? 1. According to music historians, Hip-Hop was born on the streets of ... a. Compton, CA b. Bronx, NY c. Brooklyn, NY d. St. Loius, MO 2. Which two people are considered to be the fathers of Hip-Hop? a. Grand Master Flash & Kool Herc b. Kool Herc & Afrika Bambaataa c. Afrika Bambaataa & Grand Master Flash d. Russell Simmons & Kurtis Blow 3. What are the four essential elements of hiphop? a. bling-bling, djaying, profiling, and breakdancing b. djaying, profiling, graffiti writing, and pro filing c. bling-blinging, mceeing, graffiti, and pro filing d. djaying, breakdancing, mceeing, and graffiti 4. Which was the first Hip-Hop album to win Album of the Year at the Grammys? a. The Marshall Mathers LP b. Ready to Die c. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill d. All Eyez on Me 5. Which group revolutionized Hip-Hop lyrical content with such politically charged songs as “Bring the Noise” and “Don’t Believe the Hype?” a. The Roots b. Public Enemy c. The Wu Tang Clan d. De La Soul 6. Who is known as the Queen of Hip- Hop Soul? a. Ashanti b. Angie Stone c. Mary J. Blige d. Angie Stone 7. The state that Arrested Development rapped about in 1992 was... a. Tennesse b. Florida c. Kentucky d. Wyoming

8. “Rapper’s Delight” was recorded by which group? a. RUN DMC b. Sugar Hill Gang c. UTFO d. Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five 9. Who made original version of the hit song “If I Ruled the World? a. Nas b. Kurtis Blow c. Kool G Rap d. LL Cool J 10. What song did Queen Latifah record in the 1980s that celebrated womanhood? a. “Ladies First” b. “Queen’s in the House” c. “Sister, Sister” d. “Girl Power” 11. Which rapper was killed in Las Vegas? a. Big Punisher b. Notorious BIG c. Eazy E d. Tupac Shakur 12. Which of following rappers is not a member of The Wu Tang Clan? a. Redman b. Method Man c. Ghostface Killah d. Raekwon

Score your hip hop IQ 7 or above EXPERT -You are know as the reigning champion of beatboxing. Daily, you amaze your friends with your knowledge of the lyrics of new and old-school artists. Great job, you have successfully mastered the art of Hip Hop 4 - 6 WANNABE-You buy the occasional Lauyren Hill CD and can sing the words to the latest P. Diddy song. You’re a fan of old school hip hop but when someone mentions Grand Master Flash you say “huh?” Nice try, but you’ve got some brushing up to do until you’re a pro.

3 or less NEWCOMER-“Eminem, do you mean a M&M?” Have you been living in a cave the past twenty years? Maybe you should get advice from a hip hop ANSWERS: 1.b 2.b 3.dmaster.

4. c 5.b 6.c 7.a 8.b 9.b 10.a 11.d 12.a

the

ABLAST WED. Dec. 11, 2002

y r r Me

PORTS XTRA 15 Fitnes s

Best ways to slim down and build muscle in 15 minutes

It’s that time of the year again. Large holiday feasts are being devoured, and everyone is becoming conscientious about their sudden weight gain. Maybe it’s time to put some thought into joining that gym down the street.

Annandale has a large assortment of health clubs; from those that include racquetball, a pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, aerobic or strengthening classes, to those that are just basic workout rooms.

The Sport & Health Club The Sport & Health Club in Annandale, a chain of 28 locations in the metropolitan area, has just about anything one would look for in a gym. When you walk in, you are greeted by a nice staff as you check in. From the lobby you are able to view the many tennis courts on the left, and the workout room on the right. They offer several indoor tennis courts, racquetball courts, and a workout room that includes cardiovascular equipment, free weights, and a fitness and aerobics center where classes are conducted. The Annandale Sport & Health Club also provides a childcare service for parents that come to work out. They offer an in-house massage, a sunroom, and a sauna in each of the men and women’s locker rooms, as well as a free towel service.

The Sport & Health Clubs are currently running a special holiday deal where if a one-year membership is purchased, there is no initiation fee, and no fees are due for December.

Audrey Moore RECenter A good competitor of the Sport & Health Club in Annandale is the Audrey Moore RECenter (formerly Wakefield RECenter). They are a branch of the Fairfax County RECenters. Most people may not usually think of the Audrey Moore RECenter when one is looking for a gym to join, but it should not be forgotten. They have plenty of options that would catch the eye of anyone, including an indoor pool, a fitness room, indoor basketball courts, handball and racquetball courts, and several outdoor tennis courts.

In their fitness room, the Audrey Moore RECenter has an interactive computerized trainer called FitLinxx for all their members.

When you arrive in the fitness room, you enter your personal id number and then FitLinxx tells you how much weight to put on, and how many reps to do. A big difference between the Audrey Moore RECenter and most other gyms is their membership options; they have daily, monthly, and yearly passes without any initiation fees.

Athens Gym As you walk in the door, you quickly notice that Athens Gym in Annandale is strictly a workout center. Athens Gym is equipped with a designated room for aerobics, body toning, and kickbox-aerobics classes. They have vast amount of cardiovascular equipment, free weights, and weight-lifting machines. Athens Gym offers month-to-month, three-

month, and yearly memberships with no initiation fees.

Gold’s Gym They may be new to Annandale, but with over 650 gyms worldwide, their name is no stranger. Gold’s Gym, a chain that started in Venice, California in 1965, is wellknown for the stereotype of having big, strong, muscular, body-building members. But don’t let this intimidate you for the Annandale Gold’s Gym has a huge workout floor with lots of free weights, cardiovascular equipment, and weight lifting machines.

Like Athens Gym, Gold’s Gym in Annandale is strictly a workout center without a pool or any tennis courts, but they make up for it with their generous amount of floor space in their workout center. “We’re just a gym, but we were voted number one in the Washington-Metropolitan area,” said fitness consultant Andrew Chanthaphone.

Gold’s Gym offers monthly and yearly contracts, and they have a student discount for AHS students.

If one is looking to join a gym with more than just fitness equipment, such as a pool, tennis courts, and racquetball courts, then the Sport and Health Club and the Audrey Moore RECenter are good options. But if you’re looking just to get in shape and tone your body, then Gold’s Gym and Athens Gym are probably the better buy, (see the chart for prices).

But, of course, don’t forget about the AHS weight room, which is free for students and parents.

TheArms Race

BY DAVID MARIN Sports Xtra Editor

DA VID MA RIN

Senior Nick Asante lies down on the bench. Above him lies 315 pounds of metal. He takes a deep breath and counts to tell his spotter to lift the bar. He slowly inhales as the bar comes down to his chest, then he pushes the bar back up.

Asante has just done a personal best for his maximum lift in the bench press. The fact that he is able to do this is not just some mere coincidence either.

Asante has been working out since 7th grade. He works out two times a week during his weight training class and after-school.

While in the weight room Asante

NickAsante, senior, works on his biceps with a dumbells in the weight room after school

bench presses, does squats and works out his arms and legs. His maximum squat is 435 pounds. He also competes in Power Lifting meets in the spring held at high schools in the area. All of his hard work paid off; he now has six percent total body fat.

“I work out to achieve my ultimate goal of playing football in college,” says Asante. “Lifting weights, along with running track in the spring, help me make myself a better athlete. Also I want to look good for the ladies.”

Ashley Welch has also been lifting since 7th grade. She has a different workout than others. Hers includes lifting weights as well as swimming and running. Welch swims five times a week and lifts weights twice a week for two hours a day. On days that she doesn’t swim

or lift weights, she runs a 2-3 miles for her daily exercise.

“I try to work out every single day,” says Welch. “Working out helps me relieve stress and feel good. But most of all it helps me stay healthy and makes me better at swimming and in track.”

When working out Welch lifts weights as well as using a total gym at a friend’s house. She lifts weights in the school’s weight room using the bench press and squat racks, as well as the dumbbells and exercises bikes.

Both Welch and Asante continue their work out programs every week.

They continue to work out because they want to be better in their respective sports and they want to give themselves every edge possible. They are examples of what happens through hard work in the weight room.

Best health clubs for students GYM NAME Aurdrey Moore Rec center

COST

EXTRAS

Daily: $3.75-5.50 Monthly: $56.35 yearly: $507.15 “fast pass” $87-121.80

Aerobic class, “KitLinx”(computerized trainer) Cybex equipment

FACILITIES

OVERALL

Mon-Fri: 5 a.m.10 p.m.

Sat 7 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Sun 8:30 a.m.9 p.m.

Racquetball, tennls, pool, cardio eqipment gym, basketball

Cheap and accessible, without a strong commitment. Nice pool, gym, very nice lifting equipment, but not many machines.

Monthly $50 tri monthly $108 yearly $299

Aerobic classes, body toning classes, kickboxing aerobics

Everyday 5 a.m.11 p.m.

Variety of weight Small gym, with a variety of machines, 10 treadmills equipment. Similar to golds and 10 stationary bikes, gym but much smaller. Offers aerobic room aerobics

monthly $24.95-54.95 student monthly $39

Aerobic classes, student discounts, trainers availible

Mon-Thurs: 5 a.m.11 p.m.

Fri: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sat: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sun: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Large amounts of cardio vascular and weight machines

Monthly $49.95-79.95 Yearly $79.95-104.95

Aerobic classes, towel services, massages(extra fees)

Several tennis Mon-Fri 5:30 a.m.-10 courts, large weight p.m. room , soon to be Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-8 renevated locker p.m. rooms

A large club, that offers many different activites. With a friendly staff and overal pleasant atmosphere, your money is well spent

Free

none, besides the class

Mon, Wed, Fri 6:15 a.m. to 7 a.m.

After school(if not in use by team) until supervisor leaves

No fees, nice equipment, no contracts. If you want to work out but don’t have the dough, AHS is the place you’re looking for.

8100 WBraddock Rec. (703)321-7060

HOURS

7060 Columbia Pike (703)914-9080

Gold’s Gym

6960 Braddock Road (703)941-4653

7317 Ravensworth Rd. (703)256-6600

AHS Weight Room 4700 Medford Drive

New weights, and machines, track, tennis courts

Large gym, that is accessible at many different locations, but only offers weight lifting and cardiovascular equipment.

The push up is one of the most effective types of workout and relatively one of the simplist. It helps the back, the chest, the shoulder, and the tricep muscle. It requires no equipment to do pushup

DAVID MARIN

BY EVAN ROWLAND Staff Writer

DAVID MARIN

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF BY PAUL GLEASON

The sit up is another effective tecnique to build muscle and burn fat. The sit up works the abdominal, and lower back muscles. No machines are required, although, as shown in the above picture, it can be done using weight or dfrom a decline position

How do AHS students work out?

“I work out in the weight room after school.”

—Jon Kriss junior “I exercise every day, and do 8 minute abs.”

—Liz Tran senior “I play football, wrestle and baseball. I also work out in the weight room after school.”

—Chris Barnes sophomore

“I lift weights, swim, ride the exercise bike, and do a lot of stretching.”

—KW Williams awareness aide

16 SPORTS Travis Johnson Ends Record Breaking Season Senior QB Travis Johnson broke 7 AHS football records this season and tied two others: Season: -Most Passing Attempts: 243 (Pete Conaty, 216, 1972) -Most Completions: 109 (Pete Conaty, 108, 1972) -Best Per-Pass Average: 15.27 yds. (Rick Ellson, 9.5 yds., 1967) -Most Points Kicking: 53 (Mike Walker, 47, 1981) Game: -Most Passing Attempts: 44 vs.

Oakton (George Knox vs.

Marshall, 35, 1970) -Best Per Pass Average:19.36 yds. vs Westfield (Johnson vs.

Westfield, 18.07, 2001) -Most Completions: 19 vs.

West Springfield (TIED with Rick Ellison vs. Stuart, 19, 1968) Career: -Most Passing Attempts: 446, 2001-02 (Rob Anderson, 435, 1974-76) -Most Points Kicked: 90, 200102 (Tied with Mark Lenert, 90, 1983-84) Teammate, Senior RB Monte Moyer also broke 2 AHS records Game: -Most Kickoff Return Yardage: 160 yds. vs. West Springfield (Brian Mullen vs. Mount Vernon, 106 yds., 1974) -Best Kickoff Return Average (2 or more): 61.5 yds. vs.

Robinson (Brian Mullen vs.

Mount Vernon, 53 yds., 1974

Boys fall to Woodson in openers

BY MATT WIEST Staff Writer

Despite 80-65 loss, Atoms hopes still high

The varsity boys basketball team opened the season with an 80-65 loss to the W. T. Woodson Cavaliers last Tuesday. Woodson jumped out to an early lead with strong play from their guards. Strong team shooting allowed the Cavaliers to maintain a solid lead throughout the game.

“We all played hard but Woodson is a tough team. We need more experience as a team,” said junior Matt Hubacher.

Junior Brandon Betts was Annandale’s high scorer with 23

“

I have a very positive outlook for this season. We should do good things as long as we maintain consistency in our play.

—Pat Hughes

Head Basketball Coach

points.

Despite the loss, the Atoms played well and put on a strong performance at Woodson.

“I definitely saw some positive things,” said Coach Pat Hughes. “We played well and fought hard, and I think it would be better to play Woodson later in the season when we have more experience as a team.”

Annandale is looking forward to a positive season this good season this year. With no players returning from last season and only a couple seniors, the team has the opportunity to build a brand new foundation and form new team ties.

“I have a very positive outlook for this season. We should do good things as long as we maintain consistency in our play. They key to this season is understanding the system.”

Key players this year for the Atoms include junior Billy Purdon, senior Travis Johnson, junior Chris Terapane, who played last year at Paul VI High School, junior Brandon Betts, and sophomore Davis Murillo.

With strong play from the entire team, the Atoms should have a successful season.

“We all need to work together this season,” said junior Chris Terapane.

“It’s important that we function as a team and all work to win as many games as we can.”

Annandale has a few big games coming up, namely, against Centreville on Wednesday and Langley on Friday. Wins here would be huge for the team and would put them at 2-1 for the season as well as put them in good shape for district play.

“These games are big,” said Coach Hughes, “If we can win these then it takes a lot of tension of our backs.

We’ll be able to concentrate on playing basketball instead of thinking about losses.”

BY KATHY IBARRA Staff Writer

SPOTLIGHT

SEAN SULLIVAN

Caroline Shedlock

Grade: 12 Sport: Winter Track Event(s): 500m and 1000m Honors: Was a member on regional champion 4x800 relay Personal: Attends Bible study and church every Sunday

Senior Cameron Middleman and junior Kevin Judson run laps during practice.

Long distance runners train to increase their endurance.

had the outstanding protection from a nationallyrenowned offensive line, also like that of the Miami Hurricanes. No Miami player should be given the Heisman as the team is loaded with talent, and no player could perform as well as they do without the strong support from others on the team.

Other candidates, such as USC’s senior QB Carson Palmer a guest column by staff writer Matt Wiest Penn State running back Larry The Heisman trophy is given lar performances in Johnson and Iowa quarterback each year to the best college footbig game situations.

Brad Banks have not put up numball player in the country.

Included in Palmer’s exceptional bers as impressive as those of With the selection this Satseason are his 31-42 (74%), 448 yard, Carson Palmer. Larry Johnson, a urday night, the nation’s 5 touchdown performance in the hometown hero for Penn State sports fans will be waiting to Trojan’s victory at the University of fans, managed to put up only defind out the winner.

Oregon, his 32-46 (70%), 425 yard, 4 cent numbers against Central Quarterback Carson touchdown display in the 44-13 vicFlorida, a team that is certainly Palmer of the fourth-ranked tory of USC’s bitter rival, sixth-ranked not known for its football (or any University of Southern CaliNotre Dame (at the time, USC was sport for that matter), as he had fornia is my pick. Palmer has ranked seventh), and a 22-32 (69%), • who are the 18 rushes for 92 yards and only lead the 10-2 Trojans to their 317 yard, 4 touchdown performance one touchdown. Also proving top contenders best season since their last at Stanford. For the season, he was Johnson’s weakness is his poor Rose Bowl appearance in 288-458 (63%) with 3,639 yards and performance against the Iowa for this year’s 1995. Palmer’s senior year 32 touchdowns. Proving he can throw Hawkeyes, one of only two Big Ten has been his standout year, up huge numbers both at home and teams that is ranked in the BCS Heisman one that USC fans have been on the road, in big games and in not polls, as he ran for just 68 yards waiting for after mediocre so important ones, Carson Palmer has and one touchdown off 18 rushes. seasons that in the past. shown his capabilities and is, no doubt, With help from a talented quarWorking with his fourth offensive the best player in the country, regardterback in Zack Mills, wide recoordinator in his four years (no less of what the final outcome may be. ceiver Bryant Johnson, and a other Heisman candidate can claim Although Palmer’s receivers have strong offensive line, some credit such a difficulty) at USC, Palmer helped him achieve such dazzling stamust be given to others on the managed to live up to expectations tistics, none of these receivers have rePenn State team, as “LJ” has not and repeatedly stun crowds at the ceived national attention such as those carried his team like Carson Coliseum and elsewhere with stelof University of Miami. He has not Palmer has. Penn State, unlike

Excuse T he Interjection

Topic Of Discussion

Stephanie Frece Grade: 10 Sport: Girls Basketball Position: point guard and shooting guard Honors: Geometry Personal: Started on varsity basketball as a freshman

number of participants remains relatively the same. “Standout players this season are SeThe indoor track team has been awaiting nior Mike Flint and Senior Lauren Edwards, the advent of the winter season with the first both middle distance runners” said assistant meet originally set on Dec. 7 at Episcopal High coach Bob Sykes. “The indoor team is definitely School. But the development of last week’s a younger, too.” Although there are more freshsnowstorm set the men and sophomores than upperdate back another classmen, the mood among firstweek to Dec. 15 at year players is much like those Episcopal, filling who have been doing track for participants with years now. “The best part about Our chances are remore anxiety, much meets is beating people in races,” ally good this year. We have a like a runner waits says Freshman John Galvin, who fine team and we’ve been workfor the shot to start also ran cross-country this year. ing very hard off a race. Even so, “People should do track because the track team, in—Don Mercy it’s fun and you meet new people.”

Assistant coach cluding the coaches, According to team members, has high hopes for track is unlike most sports, in that the upcoming seait’s mostly an individual sport, but son. at the same time it’s still a team sport. AHS’ “Our chances are really good this year. We indoor track team seems to be united to cheer have a fine team and we’ve been working very everyone to do their best. “Track strengthens hard,” said assistant coach Don Mercy. “The you mentally and helps your determination,” team has a desire and willingness to overcome said Sophomore Adam Park. “You get the exobstacles like weather.” perience of being part of a team and you have As compared to last winter’s track team, the that bond.”

“

ATHLETES

Publio Agrafas

Juniors Billy Purdon and Chris Flowers run full court lay-up drills during practice.

Winter Track sprints towards finish line

Also sophomore WR Davis Murillo tied the most pass receptions in a game (9) previously set my Tom Fadden vs. Stuart in 1972.

Grade: 10 Sport: Swimming Event(s): 100m and 200m Freestyle Personal: Has a Terrier named Mindy

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

MORGAN MCEVILLY

SPORTS BRIEFS

the

USC, is not ranked in the BSC standings, so while Johnson has run well against the decent teams, he has proven that he can’t run with the “big boys” of the Big Ten. Like Larry Johnson, Iowa quarterback Brad Banks has caught the eye of many college football analysts around the country. Brad Banks has been hesitant to throw the football, as he went just 155-258 (60%) on the season for 2,369 yards and 25 touchdowns, and despite 200 less attempts, he still had a worse completion percentage than Carson Palmer. With no stand out games as a passer and several mediocre games against fair-atbest schools, such as his 8-19 (42%), 154 yard game against Michigan State, a team with talent that just couldn’t pull themselves together in the midst of a miserable season, and his 9-17 (53%), 100 yard performance against Minnesota, a team that never has had a strong football program. However, some may claim that Banks is a “rushing quarterback” with a style similar to that of Michael Vick, but stats of Brad Banks don’t even begin to compare to those of the former Virginia Tech star, with Banks rushing for no more than 65 yards in one game and just 358 on the season. Such tepid quarterback statistics are by no means worthy to receive player of the year honors.

Carson Palmer is hands down the best player in college football.

His leadership, accuracy, and overall effectiveness as a quarterback despite the adversity that he has overcome at his career at USC makes him the best candidate for this year’s Heisman trophy.

SPORTS 17

the

ABLAST

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

Girls fall short in season opener On Friday, Dec. 6, the Lady Atoms were defeated by the W. T. Woodson Cavaliers in the traditional varsity double header with a final score of 47-59. Despite the fact that the girls lost, it was a battle to the end.

“We played our hearts out,” said sophomore Samantha Muchmore. “I believe this is going to be a hard fought season.” In the past, the Atoms have not been able to always put four quarters together and get the wins, but this year is already proving to be different. The girl’s ability to stick with it and keep playing hard will be key in deciding games for the remainder of the season.

“

If we want to win, we need to be able to take the little tasks like that and execute —Becca Freece Sophomore

Many feel the loss on Friday night was an attribute to having a young team. “We lost because we missed easy shots and we had defensive breakdowns,” said Coach Lori Barb. “These are characteristics of young players, but they are problems that can be fixed with time.”

It is difficult to come out and win the first tough games with a young team, but it is part of building the program and incorporate the younger players. “Being the only

senior, we obviously have a young team. Right now we are all just trying to get on the same page, but it is definitely coming together,” said senior Danielle Rumber.

The girls looked to comeback in the second half. “We knew what we had to do. We came out and were able to win the second half,” said Rumber.

Still, the little things prove to be key. “We did not shut down their leading scorer,” said junior Becca Freece, a returning starter. “If we want to win, we need to be able to take the little tasks like that and execute.”

The outlook for the upcoming games is very positive. Due to the snow day last Friday, the Atoms will host Centreville on Wednesday night in the second varsity double header.

“These next games should be better than our first. We know more about what to expect and how to play with each other,” said Frece. The Atoms also host Langley on Friday.

“Centreville and Langley will be tough games, but we are up for it,” said Barb. One of the main focuses in the girls basketball program this year is attitude. The coaches are looking for girls who are willing to come out and do their best and give everything they have on the court. “This is the best I’ve ever felt going into a season. All our kids are focused and ready to work hard,” said Barb.

This year the coaches will be looking to the returning girls to step up and lead the younger players. The girls are determined to be successful. “We are not willing to give up. We are all very enthused and I know we will be happy with the outcome of our season,” said Muchmore.

The Atoms had their home opener last night against Stuart, however the results were too late to be included in this issue.

Brandon Burton

BOYS FRESHMAN B-BALL Record: 0-0 Captains: None as of yet.

Result of last game: Game played yesterday at Jeb Stuart.

Results to late to publish.

Coach’s Quote: “We’re looking forward to a good season. Our goal is to finish around .500,” said coach Harper.

SARAH SHERMAN

BY ERIN O’BRIEN Arts Editor

Girls JV coach Rocky Carter lends advice to one of his players. A number of different offensive and defensive sets are used to during the games.

Grappling Atoms hit the mat

SARAH SHERMAN

BY LAUREN STERLACCI Staff Writer

During practice, two wrestlers practice their holds and maneuvers. Technique is a vital component of being a sucessful wrestler.

ATOMIC ATHLETICS

With the Atoms looking at a strenuous wrestling season, many new up and comers are providing the hopes for a winning season.

Last year the Atoms finished with a 12-7 record, finishing 5th in the district, 8th in the region and 11th in the state, while players are looking to best that this year.

Coach William Stravino who is coaching for his 8th season and his third at AHS said, “This year is about rebuilding a lot and getting the starters Varsity experience.”

The team led by senior captain Ehab Awadallah along with seniors Jegs Peralta and returning district champion Miguel Mamani. “We are deep at every weight, but a very young team. I have no doubt we will be successful but we don’t have any untested at several weights. A big factor is looking for the younger guys to step up to the Varsity position.”

The Atoms scrimmaged at Herndon and then at Lee District.

Senior Ehab Awadallah said, “ It’s really exciting to see so many people coming out this year. There are about 30 returning players and about 40 that are first year freshman or just coming out now. As a team we want to go to states. Mentally and physically we need to win our matches individually to help our team win overall.”

Coach Stravino said, “We need to work on minimizing

our mistakes, defense on our feet and the set-up for shots.

Last year we had much more experience as a team but this year we are in better shape. This year we are really looking at a very consistent lineup.”

Mamani commented, “Hopefully as a team we can place in districts, even in the top three-we do have some individuals that are capable of fulfilling that task, Ehab, Jegs and myself. We are definitely looking good as a team and will continue to do so as the season progresses.”

The Atoms had their first match at NOVA classic on Dec. 5 and are steadily working towards accomplishing their goals there.

Stravino said, “The guys did much better than anticipated. It was pretty impressive for the first time they experienced a real Varsity scenario. They made a couple of mistakes which they hopefully learned from, but overall I was very pleased.”

Senior captain Ehab Awadallah said, “It was great to see the competition out there and exceed them and be better as the season goes on.”

Captain Ehab Awadallah will go to the semi-finals at Fairfax High School and if he wins that he will advance to the finals and face a wrestler ranked in the state.

Coach Stravino said, “So far we have a lot of enthusiasm hopefully which will really come forth throughout the rest of the season. We were off to a rocky start but we are sure to have success if everyone commits and puts forth the work.”

Brandon Flowers

BOYS JV B-BALL Record: 0-0 Result of Last Game: Played yesterday at Jeb Stuart. Results were to late to be published.

Key Players: Brandon Flowers, Vinnie Athey, Nate Williams, Bobby Terry Coach’s Quote: “We’re looking to play hard and be highly competitive,” said coach Washington.

Lori Sims

GIRLS FROSH B-BALL Record: 0-0 Captains: Lori Sims, Alicia Oben Key Players: Lori Sims, Ellie Zormello Result of Last Game: Played yesterday, hosted Jeb Stuart.

Results to late to publish.

Coach’s Quote: “We have a strong team, with a lot of depth.

We have a lot of height and some fast guards,” said coach Amy Lipicky.

Swim team off to a splashing start feat at the hands of the Spartans.

“Even though we lost a lot of seniors I feel we will fare well in disThe boys and girls swim and trict competition because of our dive team kicked off their season in strong contingent of younger swimimpressive fashion earning three mers,” said Fisher.

Both dive teams had impressive victories against the returning district champion West Springfield finishes the boys beat West SpringSpartans. The boys swim team won field 15-14 and the girls annihilated 189-126 with individual victories by the Spartans with a 20-6 score.

Up next for the atoms will be the senior Andy Pelenberg in the 100 breaststroke and sophomore John Robinson Rams. “They have always Kreitler in the 50 freestyle and 100 been our toughest opponent,” said Fisher. “We got beat last year in a backstroke.

“We swam how I expected,” said close match but we are looking to head coach Bruce Fisher. “I figured have a strong showing this year West Springfield would be strong against them with great perforbut I feel that we performed up to mances by our more experienced expectations.” The girls team swam swimmers.” well but suffered a 175.5-136.5 deBY JARED SMITH Sports Editor

Charlotte Sims

GIRLS JV

ANDREW MENEGAT

B-BALL

Head swimming coach Bruce Fisher gives senior Ashley Welch instructions for practice. Practices are held at the Wakefield Rec Center.

PHOTO BY ROBERT CHRISTIE

Swim team begins season on a positive note

The fall sports banquet was held on November 20. After a lengthy ceremony in the auditorium, each team went to a separate location in the school to hand out individual awards. The cross country team met in the new lecture hall. Over the course of the year, runners kept logs of the distances they ran. At the banquet, every runner that ran over 400 miles was inducted into the elite “400 Mile Club” and received a T-shirt.

Preseason Record: 2-0 Captains:Anna Sciullo, Megan Johnson Key Players: Maggy Purdon, Megan Johnson Next Game: Coach’s Quote: “The girls are working hard, I think they’ll have a good season.” -Coach Wood.

Morgan McNeil

JV WRESTLING Result of Last Game: Scrimage at Lee High School Key Players: Chris Jenkins, Morgan McNeill Next Game: Match at Centerville Coach’s Quote: “We’re looking for a lot of young guys. We’re ready to wrestle,” said Will Stravino.

ENT

NEW RELEASES

Behind the wheel with Cabsie

MAID IN

BY A LEJANDRO SALINAS

Entertainment Editor

MANHATTAN

Presently most bands, both pop and rock acts alike, form under the idea of becoming famous; its members dream of gracing the cover of every music magazine, and engaging in the flamboyantly extravagant life-style of the rich and famous.

True, Cabsie, formed by Kenan Marks, Erik Zottnick, Jorge Arias, Paul Durning, and Quang Vu, aspire to gain recognition. Yet it’s their interest for playing music what really fuels Cabsie to continue.

Cabsie’s origins can be traced to Erik Zottnick and Kenan Marks, who met and became friends during the sophomore year. “We shared a common interest for music.” Said Marks. “So we decided to practice together.” After a couple of these practice sessions, which were alternately held at each others house, Zottnick and Marks decided to recruit a few other friends and try to form a band. “ I knew Paul [Durning] from band class,” said Marks. “I knew he was a good percussionist.” With Durning on board, Marks and Zottnick began their search for a bass player.

During their search, Marks came across Jorge Arias, whom he had previously met during junior year in AP History class. When approached, Arias was asked to join the band as a bass player. Although he does play bass, Arias was interested in playing lead guitar.

His ability with the instrument and his knowledge on musical equipment

GANGS OF

A GUY THING

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALEJANDRO SALINAS

NEW YORK

Kenan Marks, member of Cabsie, practices during one of the group’s weekend sessions.

Annandale boasts an eclectic ensemble of talented artists. From emo to alternative to a group of dancers, these are the people you should look out for in the future...

Rising Dance Stars

DAREDEVIL

CAST Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farell SYNOPSIS Marvel’s legendary comic hero comes to the big screen.

Attorney Matt Murdock is blind, but his other four senses function with superhuman sharpness. By day, Murdock represents the downtrodden. At night, he is Daredevil, a masked vigilante stalking the dark streets of the city, a relentless avenger of justice.

RELEASE DATE February 14, 2003

BY WALA’ A E LBARASSE Cultures Editor Ten years from now while flipping through your 150+ channels on television, you notice a familiar face from high school, Chanda Kim, and you cant help but wonder how it all began...

“I’ve been dancing ever since I was in sixth

grade,” said junior Chanda Kim. A modern dance class offered through a summer recreational center sparked her interest in dance.

Currently, Kim is enrolled in a dance class in Fairfax High School, “They teach us modern, hip-hop, ballet, tap, and jazz dance moves,” said Kim. One of Kim’s favored styles is ballet, which gives her an opportunity to dance in a way she has never been able to before. Her favorite ballet move is the “battement frappe,” where one kicks the foot out to an extended position a few inches above the floor with the toe pointed, allowing the ball of the foot to brush the floor during the outward motion.

Kim is testing out her skills through a newly formed hip-hop dance group, consisting of two other members: senior Monica Ortiz and junior Somali Ry. “We’ve been wanting to do it since my freshman year, but we just got the chance,” said Kim. Kim, Ortiz, and Ry are hoping to start practicing at least twice a week, “We’re trying to get ready for the heritage talent show,” said Kim. As for the future, “we see ourselves as stars,” said Kim.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KATIE STANTON

CAST Jason Lee, Julia Stiles, Selma Blair SYNOPSIS Paul Morse (Jason Lee) is a good guy. When his friends throw him a bachelor party, he just wants to keep his conscience clean - which is why he’s shocked when he wakes up in bed with a beautiful girl named Becky (Julia Stiles) and can’t remember the night before.

Worse than that, she also happens to be his fiance’s cousin.

RELEASE DATE January 17,2003

Chanda Kim dances to the rhythms of hip-hop, ballet, tap, and jazz dance.

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impressed Marks and Zottnick who decided to invite him anyway.

Despite the addition of Arias, Cabsie still lacked a bass player.

This problem was finally solved when the members came across senior classmate Quang Vu. With a solid formation (Marks on guitar and vocals; Zottnick on guitar; Durning on drums; Arias on lead guitar; and Vu on bass), Cabsie has been rehearsing every weekend. “We try to get together every weekend,” said Zottnick. “After the holidays and after all the college applications issues are over, we plan on getting together more frequently.”

Unlike many of their contemporaries, Cabsie’s members have opted for alternative rock as their signature style, citing bands such as the Beatles, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Weezer as pivotal influences. “Smashing Pumpkins is the first band I ever listened to, Radiohead is another really good band.” Said Zottnick. This eclectic combination of styles, give Cabsie a special edge. “The backbone of our music is alternative rock, but we are also influenced by punk, blues and British rock,” said Arias.

Although they don’t really have future plans, Cabsie is currently composing and recording songs for their debut album, which will be recorded using a special recording program. “This band is really like a platform for garnering experience in playing,” said Zottnick.

“But it’s nice we’re not another emo band or another “the” band or Avril/Sum 41.”

Cabsie member, Erik Zottnick plays acoustic while composing

Say hello to The Farewell Act

BY ERIK ROONEY Staff writer Every great band must start somewhere. For the Rolling Stones, it was London, England. For Less Than Jake, it was Gainesville, Florida, and for The Farewell Act, it was Annandale, Virginia.

This band of four hometown musicians, with juniors John Bernhardt on lead guitar, Paul Gleason on guitar and lead vocals, John Reiss on bass and Will Stroud on drums, boasts a garage or basement style sound, with hard emo vocals and a mix of ska and punk guitar cords. The band was formed out of the chance meeting of John Reiss and John Bernhardt. Bernhardt noticed Reiss, who at the time was playing bass for the school band at freshmen orientation, and, as the rock gods had ordained it, they had English together.

This set the wheels in motion, but there was still the question of the two remaining members. Longtime friend Stroud, whose band had broken up, would eventually become the drummer of Farewell Act, after the band’s original drummer could not continue. This was not the first time that Bernhardt and Stroud played together. Some may remember their performance at the Poe Middle School talent show, in which they played “All the small things” by Blink 182.

After holding auditions for singers and going back and forth between lead singers, it looked as if it was curtains for The Farewell Act. Fortunately, Gleason’s former band had a falling out, which left him open for the spot

Now that the band was a reality, they began rehearsing and holding private shows out of Bernhardt’s basement. After honing their skills, it was time to make their mark with their first CD: This Mic’s Not On, produced by Bias Recording Studios.

With the CD made, the band was ready to promote it. For the CD promotion party/show, The Farewell Act chose John Reiss’ house for its outdoor stage. The band played a high-intensity, eight-song set (with the occasional musical allusion to The Blue Oyster Cult) and sold its ten song CD for a more than reasonable four dollars each. The Farewell Act has already attracted fans and even a few groupies, like juniors Alex Silano and Andrew Menegat If you like The Farewell Act’s hypnotically-stirring, wailing guitar accompaniment and hard bass lines, you may appreciate the bands that have influenced it’s music: Saves the Day, Fair Weather and Boy Sets Fire. The band is currently working on a web site, at http:// www.thefarewellact.com. For all who are interested in The Farewell Act, contact any of the band members or their manager, Andrew Satten.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALEJANDRO SALINAS

CAST Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes SYNOPSIS Maid in Manhattan is the story of Marisa Ventura (Jennifer Lopez), a single who works as a maid in a firstclass Manhattan hotel. By a twist of fate and mistaken identity, Marisa meets Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), a handsome heir to a political dynasty, who believes that she is a guest at the hotel. Fate steps in and throws the unlikely pair together for one night.

RELEASE DATE December 13

CAST Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, SYNOPSIS Director Martin Scorcese takes on historic New York City in this film, which examines—in full-blown drama—the formation of the opposing Irish and Italian immigrant groups which would come to be known as the New York mafia. The movie, set in the mid-1800s stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the son of the leader of a gang called the Dead Rabbits, facing off against his worst adversary (Daniel Day-Lewis) for a chance to avenge his father’s death.

RELEASE DATE Dec 20, 2002

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ALEJANDRO SALINAS

18 ENTERTAI

the

Will Stroud, drummer of The Farewell Act, performs during on of the band’s shows.

ENTERTAINMENT 19 New movies heat up holidays the

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WED. DEC. 11, 2002

HOROSCOPES

Winter movies offer fun for everyone, from hobbits and orcs to Spike Lee and more

BY REID EDWARDS Managing Editor The holiday movie season is typically one of the most exciting times of the year for blockbuster movies, often including several Oscar contenders, especially The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Gangs of New York , two of the most prominent movies being released.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Two Towers is director Peter Jackson’s follow-up to The Fellowship of the Rings, released last year, in the second film of a trilogy to be completed in 2003. Much of the old cast is returning for the sequel including Elijah Wood as the protagonist, Frodo Baggins, as well as Ian

Viggo Mortenson is Aragorn, fighter of evil, in The Two Towers.

McKellan, Viggo Mortensen and Liv Tyler. The plot is a conglomeration of non-sensical ramblings and made up words such as Saruman, Urukhai and Orthanc, but continues the fellowship’s journey to travel to Mount Doom and destroy the One ring.

Two Towers will be released on Dec. 18.

Gangs of New York December brings legendary director Martin Scorcese’s (Taxi Driver, Goodfellas) epic story of gang wars between Irish immigrants and British natives in mid-19th century New York City. The film stars Leonardo Dicaprio as Amsterdam Vallon, a member of the Irish gang the Dead Rabbits. Vallon, whose father was killed by the rival gang leader Butcher Poole (Daniel Day Lewis) seeks vengeance on his father’s death by killing Poole.

Gangs of New York will be released Dec. 12.

25th Hour The latest Spike Lee joint stars Edward Norton as heroin dealer Monty Brogan, who is about to serve a seven year prison sentence. The film details the last 24 hours of Brogan’s life before he is scheduled to serve his sentence in prison. Bro-

If today is your birthday: Recent outings with friends are reassuring: your happiness is guaranteed. Keep your personal business private, and only tell secrets you want people to know. You are easygoing and fall in love quickly, but you fall out of it just as fast. Learn to appreciate the little things.

Lucky numbers: 3, 4, and 11.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis star in Gangs of New York, directed by Martin Scorcese.

gan spends his final day with friends Frank (Barry Pepper), Jakob (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) and girlfriend Naturelle (Rosario Dawson). Many critics feel that 25th Hour seems the ideal vehicle for Edward Norton to win his first Oscar.

25th Hour will be released Dec. 19.

The Hot Chick Rob Schneider’s latest movie is one comedy that could be lingering around throughout the holidays.

Schneider’s previous films were con-

sidered critical failures but were decent at the box office. In a season weak on comedies, The Hot Chick could be a popular fil. It follows a curse that switches the bodies of a popular high school girl (Rachel McAdams) with a 30-year-old male loser (Schneider). The comedic hijinx that ensue are expected to be nothing less than the sheer brilliance that we have come to expect from Schneider.

The Hot Chick will be released Dec. 13.

Rockin’ releases for 2003

BY KATIE STANTON Entertainment Editor 2003 is sure to bring countless cd releases, but some are a little more notable than others. Watch out for the following releases from the big names in rock, both good and bad.

A Perfect Circle Reuniting after the band’s temporary end, A Perfect Circle has already written most of the music for their new full-length album, set for release in the summer of 2003. The style will be much like their last record, Mer de

Trent Reznor has kept busy in his Nine Inch Nails hiatus with collaborations and new projects, but NIN might release another record for the new year.

Noms, which was out in 2000 and has since gone platinum. Mer de Noms also became the first Western rock album to be cleared for release in China since Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion I and II records were approved in 1997. During their break, members left to work on other projects and Maynard James Keenan, the lead singer, reunited with Tool to release Lateralus. No name has been chosen for the new record, but it will hopefully be more melodic and better mixed than APC’s last effort (which, while beautifully made, tended to drag on, and on, and on...).

Tapeworm This may just be the most expected collaboration ever: Tool’s frontman Maynard and Nine Inch Nail’s forlorn lead singer Trent Reznor are uniting to create Tapeworm, a band that’s sure to be... revolutionary? In the works for years now, the record combines vocals from both singers with NIN guitar and 12 Rounds bass, drums and keyboards; fans have gotten a sneak peek of the creation as A Perfect Circle made a point of debuting “Vacant” at their concerts, much to Reznor’s chagrin. A name for the record has yet to be chosen. Not much can be said for what the band will sound like, but unless the two rock stars decide to enter the thug-rap world, or choose to compete with similarly innovative pop stars, Tapeworm will be nothing more than just another rock band.

Zach de la Rocha The former frontman of Rage Against the Machine has been working on his new album for the past two years, and it’s slated for its release (finally) in 2003. With the help of Trent Reznor, the Roots’ ?uestlove, DJ Shadow, Cypress Hills’ DJ Muggs and more, Rocha seems to be planning a high-energy, hip-hop- and techno-influenced record to complement his rapid-fire vocals—a big change

Nintendo’s latest member of the Metroid family offers stunning graphics and music worth dying for: Metroid Prime is a mindboggling first-person shooter, full of fun and excitement for the whole family.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Control your emotions, since hotheaded words will have strong effects on your loved ones. An uncomfortable situation may arise; handle it with aplomb, and you’ll make it with barely a scratch. Make friends with a Sagittarius.

Gemini (May 21- June 21) Take the more adult perspective on recent complications; it pays to be mature. Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. A Cancer who is close to you may ask you to make an important decision for them; stick to your instincts.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Judging others has never gotten anyone far. You’re more than happy to fix other peoples’ problems, but sometimes you need to take care of your own first. Make the first move in a blooming romantic connection with another Water sign.

Leo (July 23-August 22) You’re on a search to discover the truth, but some things are better left unknown. Expect a new relationship near the end of this month; yet don’t compromise it by refusing to share. An Aries is your saving grace if you let them be.

Zach de la Rocha has been planning a new solo record for years, but he might just finally complete his goal in 2003.

from his heavy, politically-influenced rock days. In the space of time between Rocha’s split from Rage in October and now, Rocha has contributed drumbeats on a song for a 12-inch release from DJ Shadow, vocals for Blackalicious’ second album Blazing Arrow, and he has recorded with Company Flow’s El-P. His bandmates have also kept busy, collaborating with Chris Cornell and (of all people) DMX. No one knows what the true name or release date of the album will be, but there are two possibilities for Rocha’s success: either he will gain the same amount of attention as Rage did and run with it, or he will flounder in his attempt to regain a position in the rock music world he left behind.

New Metroid is ‘prime’ gameplay Easily the best game of the year, Nintendo and Retro Studios’ Metroid Prime delivers one of the deepest and most well-polished games ever to be released.

The newest iteration in the Metroid franchise, which Nintendo has seemingly ignored since the SNES days, is a fully 3D game filled with great graphics and superb sound that compliments the well-designed gameplay. The transition into 3D w o r k s well for the g a m e , maintaining all the jumps, shooting, and exploration that previous editions were popular for.

This spectacular game suffers from one fault: awkward controls. The use of only one analog stick feels misplaced at first since the game takes place through a first-person perspective and is reminiscient of a first-person shooter, where dual analog control has become the norm. However, once these feelings dissipate once it becomes clear that the control scheme works perfectly for the amount of jumping and exploration the game incurs.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Fiery Rams are always willing to pursue a challenge, but sometimes you need a little R&R too. Step back and watch what happens; you don’t always have to be the first in line for everything. Look to an Aquarius for emotional support.

Other than this minor probcome unlocked for the player. The lem, Metroid Prime proves to be pace of exploration and upgrades the best game since The Legend is intertwined so perfectly that of Zelda for the time flies by, Nintendo 64. Aesthetiand the intriWITH cate puzzles cally this game is like the Sistine Chapel are actually compared to all fun; unlike others across all many other platforms. The poor excuses to level of detail extend game found in every Philippe Podhorecki time, Metroid Co-Editor in-Chief room is unPrime’s puzzles paralleled. No are sprinkled wall seems quite the same as the into the game to break from the last, and boss enemies are utterly exploration process. jaw-dropping.

Metroid Prime hosts a decent The sound is even better than amount of unlockable items but the graphics: odd sci-fi beeps and hosts no mulitplayer mode (which tones mixed with eerie music in this case is actually a good bring the feel of an area perfectlu thing) to add to the game’s lonto life. There has yet to be a game gevity. The main quest is lengthy that matches the feel that the and fun, and upon beating the music and sounds bring in game a harder difficulty becomes Metroid Prime. an option. To coincide with But gameplay is Nintendo’s GameBoy GAME REVIEW what really counts, and Advance release of METROID PRIME Metroid Prime is simply Metroid Fusion, amazing to play. Unlike Nintendo included most first-person shootbenfits for linking the ing games, jumping, two games up, including puzzle-solving and the new suit featured in THE BEST GAME morphing are key parts Fusion as well as the AVAILABLE ON ANY of the game. Surprisoriginal NES Metroid.

NEXT-GEN CONSOLE. ingly, jumping in firstRetro Studios’ game person is executed well, proves to be a step (or as is the instant morph ball abiltwo or three) above the rest. ity that integrates seamlessly Metroid Prime is long-lasting fun into the action. Exploring new arfor anyone and never gets old. eas for finding cool weapons and Metroid Prime is available upgrades allows more areas to beonly on Nintendo Gamecube.

HUN HIL

P

A+

Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22) Even if a new venture didn’t work out, you’ll get another chance.

Financial rewards will come soon, as long as you keep working. A good time to dazzle your loved ones should come up; stay reassured that a Leo still cares.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Lower your standards, even just a little, or relationships may suffer.

Business opportunities arise; don’t take advantage unless you have a backup plan. There is a Virgo in your life that will make you believe in destiny.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You really don’t have to be a pushover if you don’t want to.

Efforts to remain mysterious may break down if you don’t watch your words. Make the most of your youthful energy, but be patience in romance. Pisces plays a role.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Happy birthday! Enjoy personal freedom lately, since lots of people depend on you. Avoid giving into outside influences; trusting your gut has never failed before. A Gemini helps your esteem by month’s end.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Creativity wins respect. You’ve adopted an assertive nature lately; if you’re worried about finances, don’t be afraid to pursue something unusual.

Hostility between you and a close friend may arise before month’s end. Taurus plays a role.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Honesty is the best policy. You may have to work harder, but this can only lead to positive things.

Large and small changes will happen mid-month, and your optimistic attitude will help you survive. Capricorn can help.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Not everything has to be out in the open, but you seem to think so. You will be financially secure for the holidays by mid-month.

Prepare for the worst; it’s better than getting a nasty surprise.

Spend time with a Scorpio you care about.

20 WEEKEND

I

WEEKEND UPDATE

Heavy downpours and temperatures plunging into the low 40s could easily deter eager fans from attending ball games but could not discourage me from taking the five-hour drive to New York City.

As my car exited the highway, I saw the skyscrapers of the city begin to creep over the small suburban buildings. The hustle and bustle of the Big Apple could already be felt as I made my way through the suburban outskirts and into the heart of New York.

Chinatown The first place I visited was Chinatown, a tightly packed yet sprawling neighborhood that is the largest chinatown in the United States. This was arguably one of the most crowded areas of New York. Smells of authentic Asian cuisine permeated the air as I walked shoulder to shoulder down the narrow sidewalks of Chinatown where small stands selling tourist gifts and trinkets stood in front of every store.

While the shopping was great above the ground, traveling below the streets into the underground markets is where the “real” shopping happens. The underground market, one of the noisiest places I have ever encountered, was filled with an array of designer knockoffs as well as Asian clothing. All of the shoppers bargained and heckled with the shop owners, who can sense the inexperienced, timid tourist from a mile away. Be prepared to haggle with the venders for they have no qualms with ripping you off and taking your money. Most items down here were priced five to ten dollars above what the vender will actually give you the item for. Negotiation is just part of game.

—Go see the Naked Cowboy in Times Square —Visit the MTV Studio —Ride the elevators to the top of the Empire State Building —Visit the Chrysler Building - Ice-Skate in Rockafeller Center

—Shop at the Virgin Records Store —Walk through Central Park

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New York

BY HANA NGUYEN In-Depth Editor

THINGS TO DO

the

WED. DEC. 11, 2002

Sights In addition to Chinatown, Times Square is another “must-see” in New York City. Known as one of the busiest areas in the world, the population of Times Square did not disappoint its reputation. A sense of urgency could be felt in the air. Everyone in this area seemed to have a set idea of where they wanted to go, and were all willing to fight for the limited sidewalk space.

Times Square is a mix of commercial propaganda and serious business.

Billboards with album releases such as pop singers Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera could be seen floating next to the Nasdaq stock quotes. This combination of in-your-face commercial advertising and strong business appeal created a diverse environment that paralleled the diversity of the people in the city.

Within Times Square, there are many buildings to visit such as the MTV studios and Radio City Music Hall. The MTV studio contains the now iconic music countdown show, TRL. However, if you are dying to stand outside in the frigid winter air and cheer for your favorite music video, you must venture to Times Square on a weekday. Remember to make reservations two weeks ahead of time if you want to be part of the studio audience. Along with the MTV studios, Radio City Music Hall, a historic landmark where music legends have performed, is a great place to go on a rainy day. Tours were being given all day for a small fee and gave tourists a warm place to go and depart from the city clamor.

While Times Square may be a symbol of American prosperity, I still caught

—See a show on Broadway

—Visit Madison Square Garden —Visit Ground Zero

BY HANA NGUYEN

—Visit the Radio City Music Hall

glimpses of homeless people lingering down Broadway. The average stockbroker can be walking with a tourist on his left and a hobo on his right. This observation astonished me and only further attributed to the accuracy of life in the city.

Along with all of the amusing places to visit in the city, taking the time out to look at Ground Zero was an eye-opening experience. I was not able to really grasp the enormousness of the gaping hole that was once the twin towers until I saw it for my own eyes. A picture may be known to tell a thousand words but all of the pictures of Ground Zero could not possibly encompass the eerie sadness that embodied that area. As I peered over the ledge and gazed upon the leftover debris, I captured a sight that will forever pierce my memory.

The fusion of art and the city was also extremely prevalent in my visit to New York. SoHo, known for its contemporary art galleries had many exhibits to offer including the Angora Gallery down 415 West Broadway. In addition to tangible art, Broadway shows such as Rent and Chicago were also up and running.

Shopping While taking the time out to view the many outdoor attractions, it was also important to take a break and explore the great indoors that New York has to offer.

Just as any other city, NYC is driven by its commercial success. This can be seen through the many shops that are targeted towards tourists. Eager shopkeepers are always on hand to lure tourists in with their New York paraphernalia.

In addition to the regular “I heart New York” t-shirts, the city offers an abundance of one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Traveling down the streets of SoHo, I saw cramped shops piled upon one another that sold the unique clothes and accessories of up-and-coming designers.

Along with the major pricey labels such as Channel, Coach, Ralph Lauren, and Armani that littered the streets of SoHo, more inexpensive stores such as H&M and Daffy’s offered many reasonably priced, fashionable items. There were about four H&M locations in the city that presented sweaters ranging from $20 to $60.

Food After a long day’s adventure in the Big Apple, I took the time out to seek out some of NYC’s finest restaurants. Some of the best and cheapest places to eat can be found in Chinatown where Asian meals ranged from $4 to $6 per person. Homestyle mom and pop establishments can be found in every corner of the city and some of the best hot dogs can be consumed at Gray’s Papaya, located at the corner 71st and Broadway.

The MTV Studio is a popular attraction for teenagers visiting the Big Apple. Kids crowd the surrounding streets in hopes of getting on TV during the daily taping of Total Request Live.

As the day drew to an end and the cold night air set in, the “city that never sleeps” continued to stay active as nightclubs opened and restaurants began to serve the late party crowds.

Just as I prepared to leave, I got distracted by the sounds of Cornell University’s marching band, which was rehearsing off Madison Avenue. As I watched the band play, I realized that this was a fitting end to my journey in New York.

The Empire State Building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, with over 100 stories.

—Shop at Macy’s Department Store

—Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge —Take a boat to the Statue of Liberty

TRANSPORTATION Car Price: $20 (for gas) Time: 4 hours

Airplane Price: $143 (round trip) Time: 1 hour 5 min

What would you do in New York?

“I would go to New York just for the greasy cheesy pizzas, but I would like to see Ground Zero and Central Park”

Bus Price: $70 Time: 6 hours —The Greyhound bus leaves every two hours for New York from the Springfield station.

—Janet Partlow junior

—Ramean Naghdi junior

—Jordan Graves senior

“I would go shopping in Times Square and see a Knicks game in Madison Square Garden.”

“I would like to see Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty and Ice skate in Central Park.”

—Rebecca Hughes sophomore

—Shawn Pitt freshman

Flavorful Soul Food K

YNES’ UISINE

CAMERON KYNES Weekend Editor

Train Price: $68 Time: 4 hours 30 min

“I would go Christmas shopping in Times Square.”

“If I went to New York I would go see a musical on Broadway, preferably “The Lion King”.”

The service is poor, the bathrooms are dirty, the tables aren’t clean and the store front is run down, basically if the food wasn’t good no one would step foot in the door.

But people do come because the food is good.

Start off with a side of canned yams, black-eyed peas, and collared greens, followed by the backbone of soul food, finger lickin’ good fried chicken with cornbread and topped off with a southern favorite, sweet potato pie.

Flavors: Soul Food offers all this and more to those who are looking

for something different than the usual cheeseburger and fries. Its as far from McDonalds as one can get.

Satiate yourself with steaming BBQ pork. Indulge your senses in spicy buffalo wings.

Don’t take a girl here for your first date, the smell of grease exudes from every inch of the place. You smell it before you close your car door.

As soon as you step on the scene, the hearty sensation captivates the taste buds. Your stomach growls, and you lick your lips, because you know a homestyle cooked meal awaits.

The best item on the menu is the smoked BBQ ribs. After a ten minute wait, grab the whole box of napkins, pour on the extra BBQ and dig in.

The prices range from $5 to

$10, but the portions could feed a small country. The food is piled on paper plates with sauce oozing off the sides. But, don’t worry about cleaning up after yourself, its obvious that its not required.

There is plenty of seating and the four television screens playing any and all sporting events ease the wait. The bar in the back is usually empty with most patrons opting for the booth seating.

The kitchen is always moving, the deep fryer is always bubbling and the food is always savory at Flavors: Soul Food.

Flavors is located in Bailey’s Crossroads. The phone number is (703)5783663.

CAMERON KYNES

—Bargain with street vendors and small shops

Flavors offers a variety of southern favorites. The restaurant is filled with character not found in the usual dining destination.