Issue 06

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

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TUESDAY, JAN. 21, 2003

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SOPHOMORES YASMEEN AL-SUQI AND BIRIKTY HAILU

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EQUALITY

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Students express their views on racial relations and issues.

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NEWS BRIEFS ANNUAL WINTER DANCE TO BE HELD SATURDAY The winter dance will be held Sat., Jan. 25 in the cafeteria at 8 p.m.

All profits made from the dance will go to the seniors in hopes of raising more money to support Prom.

Senior class President Anteneh Addisu and SGA sponsor Jack Hiatt made a deal to give the money to the senior class.

All decorations are being done by the senior class along with the SGA. The theme of the dance is Hollywood. A giant mock of the Hollywood sign in California will be made, and there will also be a walk of fame.

The annual dance is expected to raised upwards of $3,000. Tickets for the dance will be on sale throughout all lunches this week for $6. Students will not be admitted to the dance without their AHS student identification.

“I just hope a lot of kids turn out for the dance,” said senior class Vice President Andrew Satten. “It’s a real laid back atmosphere, and it’s not the type of dance that you need to worry about getting a date.”

2004 FISCAL YEAR SCHOOL BUDGET ANNOUNCED The proposed 2004 FCPS budget was recently released. The proposed operating budget is $1.6 billion with large increases to membership growth, $23.6 million; salary changes, $57.7 million; health benefit rates, $12.1 million; and the ERFC rates, $5 million. Possible reductions include textbooks, AP/IB fees, summer school, maintenance, and other department reductions.In Fairfax County, 206 schools and centers are funded by the budjet and as well as projected 166,601 students. Unlike other school divisions in Virginia who recieve half of their funds from their local divisions, Fairfax County schools’ budget is nearly three-fourths funded by the county. Teachers will get a 2% raise in addition to step increases. After a series of public hearings, the budget will be finalized in May.

War and Peace Congressman Charles Rangel, a Democrat from New York, recently proposed that a military draft be instituted.

Would you support the war with Iraq if you could be called to combat?

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RACE ACTION

SK8ER GURL

Understand affirmative action and find out how it affects students applying to college.

Check out the local ice rinks and see which place offers the best time.

SENIOR CELIA MALLORY

INS registrations put Muslims on edge

BY ANDREW SATTEN Co-Editor in Chief “I do see why they are doing it [Special Registration].

I think it will do more bad than good. People are facing being sent back to their country, and they have no one to go back to. They have settled here for a long time...it doesn’t target terrorists,” said senior Hassam Jamil.

A native from Pakistan, Jamil and his family have resided in the United States for the last 18 months on a visa. They are currently pursuing permanent residency, however, may face having to relocate in another region of the world.

Jamil, under the Immigration and Naturalization Services’ controversial program designed to monitor more closely the activities of non-citizens who reside in the United States, is required to register because his native country has a record for terrorism.

Male foreign nationals 16 years or older are mandated to participate in the program, in which they will be fingerprinted, interrogated and registered at the local INS office in Arlington. The nations that have been identified as harboring terrorists have been divided into three groups, each of which has a set deadline for registration.

“Muslim” continued on p. 6

Senior Shgreel Khan and Hassam Jamil, both from Pakistan, have concerns about the Special Registration program.

AHS struck with Idol fever Junior Lindsay Miller performs “Who I Am”

by Jessica Andrews at Annandale Idol during the Jan. 13 show. She was also voted as one of the ten finalists following her performance by the audience.

BY ABBY SEGALL News Editor Joe Millionaire, The Mole, Real World and The Bachlorette. It seems as though reality television is taking over. The Student Government decided to hold a spin-off of one of the more popular shows, American Idol with the in-school hit, “Annandale Idol.”

“I never realized how talented AHS was,” said junior Coury Shadyac about the Jan. 13 and 17 performances. “I was impressed with all my friends’ abilities.”

The first roud of eliminations occurred after the Jan. 13 show where the number of contestants was cut from 14 to 10. After the the Friday’s show, five semi-fi-

nalists were left. They are Ateneh Addisu, Christine Cox, Monica Arrington, Bobby Creger and Nikki Ogunnaike.

Contestants picked their own song to perform. Some of these were songs by Christina Aguilera, Big Pun and Selena. There were no restrictions for what type of music could be sung.

“There were a few exceptional singers,” said resource officer Paul Pickett. He was one of the four chosen judges. The others included Math teacher Gail Chmura, and P.E. teacher Kemba Ford, journalism and film teacher Alan Weintraut.

“I didn’t expect the judges to be so nice,” said junior Lindsay Miller who was one of the final ten contestants. “I was anticipating one of them to be like Simon [the obnoxious American Idol judge].”

Pickett felt he was the “honest judge” who told the truth no matter how brutal or beautiful. Pickett confessed to watching American Idol ev-

ery week last year.

“I liked Mr. Weintraut because he was cynical,” said junior Susan Lanier. Weintraut loosened up the crowd as well as the contestants by making “Simon-like” remarks. At one point during the Jan. 13 performance he joked about freshman Bristina Strzelecki’s name by asking, “could your parents not decide between ‘Britney’ and ‘Christina?’” This added the true American Idol aura.

However, the performers were still very nervous. “I can’t tell you how nervous I was backstage,” said Miller.

“My stomach was turning and I think I began to calm down when I saw my friends in the audience.” The audience could sense that they were very nervous. “I thought the majority had good voiced, but were really nervous,” said Ashleigh Wayland. “[They] needed to calm down.”

Even though many of the people who attended “Annandale Idol” “Idol” continued on p. 6

Competition Piece wows crowd 2002

Grad missing

BY LAURA KELLY

Staff Writer During Jan. 16 and 17, IB Theatre Art I performed their play, Competition Piece.

Competition Piece is a triple plot of three high schools preparing short, one-act plays to compete in a short play festival. The three groups, who are called the “Preppies,” the “Metalheads,” and the “Arties,” each choose a bizarre play and an eccentric director.

The “Arties”’s play is supposed to be reduced to a 30minute version of King Lear. Their director is totally obsessed with the theater and his idea of comitment is demanding that the actors actually live in the school for six weeks, with practically no contact with anyone.

The “Metalheads” chose an extremely depressing play about a girl who gets pregnant by her boyfriend, becomes homeless, takes drugs, and later decides to end her life by throwing herself in front of a bus. The direc“Company” continued on p. 6

BY MARTHA AMOAKO

Features Editor

Senior Meg Stoltz, juniors Andrew Winters and Ayoob Jan perform their Competition Piece for their IB Theatre Arts class.

Halls readied for renovations

BY REID EDWARDS Managing Editor

SEAN SULLIVAN

Yes 68%

No 32% —The survey was administered to 205 students during all four lunches on Jan. 16

by The A-Blast.

10-11

ANDREW SATTEN

Partly sunny, cold & crisp

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JUNIORS SEAN JOHNSON AND ANGELICA ROY

MORGAN MCEVILLY

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VOLUME #48 ISSUE 6

Materials used for the renovations cover the former guidance wing.

“The county’s policy is to go with whoever is inexpensive,” said Assistant Principal Brandon Cooley. “We’re just waiting to see what happens with the bidding, and to see who our contractor is.”

White, freshly painted walls welcomed the students and faculty to school after a two-week hiatus over the winter holidays. The white coat placed over the formerly green and brown tiles was the latest effort of Phase II of the three-phase construction process. The completion of Phase II is scheduled for Jan. 31, when the foreign language hall will begin to be renovated.

The offices across the cafeteria will be vacated during the construction process. The former occupants will move to one of three administrative offices to be constructed in what is now the foreign language hall.

The remainder of the rooms in the halls will become newly renovated foreign language and English rooms.

The timeline for completion of Phase III is undetermined. Grunley, the current contractors working on the building, will finish their contract upon completion of Phase II, and Phase III bidding will be open to other contractors. Grunley is expected to be one of the contractors to bid on the project.

According to the Fairfax County Public Information Office, Fairfax police are investigating the disapperance of 2002 AHS graduate, Fanta Moses. She has not been seen or heard from since Wed., Dec. 11.

She did not appear in court on Dec. 13 in which she was a plaintiff in a stalking case against her ex-boyfriend Momodu Jalloh. The police are are investigating him in her disMoses appearance, according to a news report by NBC4 News, citing court documents.

Jalloh is currently in jail for a separate charge, but he was out during Moses’disappearance. Moses was supposed to testify against Jalloh, her boyfriend, in the stalking case, but the charges were dropped when she did not appear in court. However, the ex-boyfriend was only mentioned in the court documents and has not been charged in relation to her disappearance.

Moses was wearing a brown jacket and black jeans when she was last seen on the Metro bus at 10:47 p.m. at the Landmark Center. Those who have any information concerning her whereabouts or when Moses was last seen are asked to call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

the

2 EDITORIALS Filming foils jury justice

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

Do you think the Illinois governor, George Ryan, did the right thing by commuting the death penalty?

“No, because the death penalty is the best form of punishment.”

Despite the fact that most Americans have little knowledge regarding the practice of law and consider serving on a jury a nuisance, television audiences continue to be captivated by programs based on the law. Whether it is Judge Judy uttering “I’m the boss apple sauce,” the latest episode of CBS’s hit series Crime Scene Investigation or Court TV, the public has watched avidly.

Yes No But where should the line be drawn? In late November, the producers of 58 6 Frontline, an influential Though there are some merits in PBS program, launched a filming jury deliberations, this documentary in which practice would be detrimental to the trial procedure as a whole. they would film the trial proceedings and the jury deliberations of a high profile capital murder case in Texas.

Currently, the project has been stalled as the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals investigates the ramifications of filming the jury deliberations.

When confronted with the notion of having the jury deliberations recorded for a television audience, the defendant, Cedric Harrison, and his attorney granted their approval. In an interview with The Houston Chronicle, Harrison’s lawyer, Ricardo Rodriquez said, “If the state of

Staff Vote

—Braxton Kppelman junior

“No, because the death penalty is deterrent to murder.”

—Jim Hamilton senior

“No, because they were murderers and they knew the consequences of their actions.”

Additionally filming jury deliberations would taint future jury pools. Most citizens are already averse to performing this civic duty. Of the 114 jurors who were interviewed for Harrisons case, 50 of them, regardless of the issue of the camera, claimed that they could not sit on the jury for other reasons. It is a natural instinct to fear a backlash from society for whatever opinions jury members hold regarding the case.

There is a reason that jurors are sequestered and shielded from the public. Jurors are not public figures or actors who crave the attention of a national television audiences. Yes, courtrooms are public places, but the deliberations rooms are not.

There is a sanctity that surrounds trial by jury, an inherent principle of our governing system that is part of the very foundation of our democracy. The jury room is not the proper forum for a media frenzy. The court system is in place to serve justice, not to entertain audiences.

If cameras are allowed to film jury deliberations, within weeks the networks will hop on the bandwagon. The promotions will read “Thursday Night Must See TV: Followed by Fear Factor, catch a gripping episode of Jury Judgment. will this malicious perpetrator get the chair?” Basing our court system on the Roman model is one thing, but adopting the barbaric Roman entertainment habits of takingpleasure in seeing a prisoner devoured by lions, or in our case, being sentenced to death, is a disturbing another.

We don’t need this kind of reality TV. This staff editorial was written by Andrew Satten

Texas wants to execute a 17-year-old, I think the whole world should be watching to make sure everything is done correctly.”

Though there are some merits in filming jury deliberations such as educating the public and ensuring jurors take their job seriously, this practice would be detrimental to the trial procedure as a whole and would threaten our Constitution’s revered principle of right to a fair trial. Justice is at stake.

Filming jury deliberations for a television audience of millions places a tremendous burden on jurors. There already is a lot at stake in deciding the fate of the defendant. Is it really necessary to augment this pressure by having the jury members’ every words, every movements and every expressions captured on camera? The Constitution requires individuals to fulfill their civic duty by sitting on a jury. Does it also say that jury members are to become public figures by having their deliberations broadcast to a television audience?

This is also an issue of privacy. Granted, it is imperative that jurors take their role seriously and not rush a decision—behavior that a camera would ensure. However, in deliberating a court case in which people’s morals, views and opinions are brought to the forefront, jurors should be granted privacy in expressing their sentiments. It is the same concept as the curtain surrounding a voting booth. People often don’t want to reveal their political stances, and the same is true for a decision on a court case.

SATTDOG3@AOL.COM

Front office decorations unjust —Gilda Villela junior

“No, because there are some crimes that deserve the death penalty, and pardoning them doesn’t pardon the crime.”

—Julia Singer freshman

“No, because some crimes deserve death as a punishment.”

—Nathan Williams sophmore

“No, because it’s a slap to the face to all of the victims families.”

—Anne Nguyen senior

BY ABBY SEGALL NEWS EDITOR Entering the front doors, in December I passed clusters of people holding bags of gifts and others bustling about. I looked around and saw wreaths, statues of Santa and ornaments dangling decoratively from the ceiling.

The Christmas spirit overwhelmed me as many things ran through my head.

“How many people must I buy presents for and am I forgetting anyone?” “Do I have enough money?” However, suddenly I realized that no, I have not entered the mall. I was at school. I couldn’t help but believe that there was something wrong with this picture.

For peer mediation, I, and a few others set up a “charity tree.” We talked to Principal Don Clausen and a few others and all made sure the tree we were going to set up was not going to be a “Christmas tree.” We had talked it over with the class before and agreed a that would not be appropriate for the school’s diverse atmosphere.

However, coming to school the next week, I was shocked when I saw the main

office covered with wreaths, ornaments from the ceiling and Santa Claus statues. Later I passed the administrators office across from the cafeteria and found the walls adorned with stockings, and desks covered with Christmas wrapping paper, which further fueled my anger to the hypocrisy of the administration.

I understand this period in time is very joyous for many Americans throughout the United States. Over 90 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas according to the statistics from the National Census, however AHS is not representative of the national average when it come to the diversity of ethnicities, religions, creeds and nationalities. AHS is known for its outstanding diversity, and a person would think the staff would be more sensitive to this. Offices, as well as classrooms, should reflect the climate and diversity of the school year-round.

Naturally, many teachers here would love to decorate their classrooms, but restrain from doing so because they are

—Janet Pfeiffer Librarian

“I disagree with the total pardon, but a total renewal of these cases should be in order. What he did (Illinois governor) was irresponsible.”

“

Christ. Obviously Christmas was not originally such a commercial holiday; it is the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

The school’s atmosphere should be focused on education, not religion. Students from over 85 different countries are present at AHS, so how can one think it is fair to stress Christmas instead of all the other holidays that AHS students and faculty celebrate? There may be an overwhelming visible Christmas presence in the shopping malls and on television, but we do not represent commercial consumerism as a school. With these decorations, the school is infringing upon the rights of those who do not celebrate Christmas.

It would be different if we were in another environment, but at AHS we represent one of the most diverse schools in the nation. It is wrong for the school to put up decorations for this, and only this holiday. If they are going to put up Christmas decorations, than how about decorations celebrating Passover, Eid, Divali, Kwanza, or Nehan? That would better illustrate the diversity of AHS and how the school is respectful and enthusiastic about its many different cultures and religions.

sensitive to the diversity of the student body.

The rule regarding religious decorations told by Principal Clausen was that there should be no religious signs hanging in the school unless they are on a bulletin board with all religions represented.

When I heard this, I was saddened by the hypocrisy of the situation. First, the school encourages us not to have a Christmas tree for my project, then the main and administrator’s offices are decorated with Christmas figures and emblems.

Second, I find out from the principal that religious decorations are not allowed unless all religions are represented.

Some who have lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas may argue that Christmas is not a religious holiday, but fact is that the root of the word Christmas is directly derived from the name of the Christian religion’s holy savior, Jesus

The school’s atmosphere should be focused on education, not religion.

ABBYISS527@AOL.COM

Making the Grade Local Teams Start to Warm up

“No, I don’t think he should have let go all of those people off death row.”

—Will Shirkey Physics teacher

In Harrisons case, 14 of the 110 possible jury members said that the presence of a camera would alter their decision.

Finally, after years of disarray, the Washington sports teams are finally starting to look good. The Washington Capitals, who are known for starting a season bad, have not lost a game in regulation since Dec. 14. The Wizards have won six of their last seven and now look like a serious playoff contender. Maryland is 2-0 in conference play, and Georgetown looks like a dangerous team come March.

A

5 Climbers Rescued From Mt. Hood

A

Rescuers battled Mother Nature to get to Mt. Hood where they reached five climbers who were stranded in a snow cave 11,000 feet up. The climbers used their cell phones to call for help. The 50-person rescue crew determined the position of the climbers using tracking devices reached the climbers by nightfall. Temperatures on Mt. Hood, 50 miles east of Portland, fell below zero.

Metro Considers Higher Fares

D

Metro officials have spoken recently and are now considering raising the subway fares, bus fares and parking fees. The base fare for Metrorail would increase 30 cents, while the Metrobus world increase 20 cents, going from $1.10 to $1.30. Many riders have said that higher fares would prompt them to drive, and the raise will have a huge effect on low-income families. The new fares would take effect July 1.

Cloned Baby all a Big Scam

F

The new discovery of a baby cloned affected all of us.

Networks across the world made the baby cloning look like the greatest discovery in history, and some ways it was. But now it is believed that the entire news was a big hoax. The Raelians, a subculture that believes that humans descended from cloned aliens, claimed responsibility for the cloned baby.

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

ABLAST Vol. 48 No. 6 Jan. 21, 2003

Editors in Chief::

Philippe Podhorecki Andrew Satten Managing Editor: Reid Edwards News Editors: Caroline Friedman Abby Segall Editorial Editors: Edris Qarghah Junaid Shams Academics Editors: Laura Johnson Rebecca Kraushaar In-Depth Editors: Hayley Fletcher Hana Nguyen Features Editors: Martha Amoako Maggie Owner Atomic Articles Edi- Sarah Bizer tor: Profiles Editors: Laura Hollowell Saman Hussain Cultures Editors: Wala’a El Barasse Rachel Sinaiko Sports Editors: John Bernhardt Jared Smith Sports “Extra”: Paul Gleason David Marin Atomic Athletics Evan Ashe Editor: Entertainment Edi- Alejandro Salinas tors: Katie Stanton Crystan Blanco Arts Editors: Erin O’Brien Advisor:

Gallup Award Quill & Scroll 2000-2001

Alan Weintraut

All American National Scholastic Press Association 2001-2002

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

Cameron Kynes Katharine Kishiyama Buisness Manager: Ryan Teichler Rachel Jones Ad Manager: Meg Nielsen Copy Editor: Photography Edi- Chae-Wha Park tor: Weekend Editors:

Photographers: Morgan McEvilly, Chris Rauer, Sean Sullivan, Andrew Menegat, Sarah Sherman Staff Writers: Anteneh Addisu, Kathy Ibarra, Wided Khadroui, Chris Kallander, Laura Kelly, Sohaib Khan, Elizabeth Nowrouz, John Reiss, Erik Rooney, Evan Rowland, Saadia Jamil, Kathy Saupp, Amanda Sheaffer, Sarah Sherman, Kyle Smeallie, Sabrina Stacy, Lauren Sterlacci, Matt Wiest Videographers: Shabier Bahramy, Stephen Benson, Amanuel Beyene,Rachel Johnson, Josh Lewin, Mike Mahn, Javier Sanchez, Brent Sullivan, Oscar Ycaza Principal: Donald Clausen

Trophy Class Virginia High School 2001-2002

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 America’s biggest threat? the

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

Who do you think is a bigger threat to the United States: Iraq or North Korea?

Korean matter complicates Iraq war effort

BY MATT WIEST Staff Writer

“North Korea because they have left the treaty and they are communist.”

—Matthew Cowan freshman

CHAE-WHA PARK

As tensions around the world continue to rise, the situation in North Korea gets ever more urgent and complex. The latest of these sudden moves by North Korea is its decision to drop out of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This United Nations treaty recognizes the threat that nuclear weapons poses to international security and the devastating effects that such weapons could have. Any threat put forth against the independence or well being of a state is in violation of the United Nations Charter.

North Korea has broken off from the nonproliferation treaty, removed monitors from its nuclear facilities, reactivated nuclear facilities that have been shut down since 1994, and revealed to a visiting United States delegation in 2002 that it had plans for a second nuclear weapons program.

Anyone can put two and two together and assume that North Korea is, no doubt, producing nuclear weapons, and therefore, is in violation of the UN Charter. Hence, this is a threat to global security and the safety of nations in close proximity to North Korea.

Having established this, several questions come to mind.

What can Bush do? What will Bush decide to do? Is it even America’s place to get involved? What will happen to our troops stationed in the “buffer zone” between the two Koreas?

All these questions do not come easy, as it is still unclear of North Korea’s motivation for dropping out of the treaty.

Given that Bush and the United States have already gotten involved in bringing an end to the so-called “axis of evil,” the U.S. must remain a key player in this situation.

However, we need to be careful that we do not further intensify the situation as North Korea boasts the fourth largest army on the planet, consisting of one million soldiers.

We already know that North Korea has two nuclear weapons along with the means to deploy them, so it is absolutely imperative that we do not do anything to further intensify the situation. Why, however, is Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s antagonistic dictator, doing this? Why has he chosen to make his move now? Why has he decided to drop out of the treaty now when he could have done the same at anytime in the

—Wilmar Cruz sophomore

By focusing on the possible threat from Iraq, President George Bush may have overlooked a more serious threat: North Korea.

past? Simple. When President Bush created the “axis of evil,” he labeled North Korea and Iraq as the two main nations, so, by nature, North Korea will be angry. Kim Jong Il knows that the United States can’t fight two wars at once.

The U.S. role in Iraq has proven to play a role elsewhere in the world, as Jong Il is taking advantage of these commitments. Therefore, Bush must rally international support against the DPRK as he did against Iraq. Bush has already proven himself capable of this, and rallying support against a nuclear threat like North Korea should be much easier.

France, Russia, and the United Kingdom will play crucial roles alongside regional nations such as South Korea, Japan, and China. If Bush can get the support, or at least cooperation, from most if not all of these nations, a peaceful

solution to this increasingly precarious situation will be feasible, but less support means less security.

The United States needs to muster global support and urge the U.N. to create resolutions against North Korea’s belligerence. Taking action as a body is the best thing that nations opposing the recent aggression of North Korea can do. Maintaining an open dialogue and keeping the situation purely diplomatic will also be crucial in resolving this developing situation. We must not submit to the demands of North Korea. We cannot reward nations for belligerence and aggression. The sanctions we have imposed on the DPRK cannot change.

MWIEST77@AOL.COM

Police overstep their bounds at local bars

BY RYAN TEICHLER Business Manager Congratulations boys and girls! You live in a police state. Fairfax County cops never cease to amaze me, but this incident takes the cake. Police arrested legal adults for drinking in a bar. Yes, you read right, people were arrested for drinking IN A BAR. Pat Habib, designated driver for the night, consumed one drink at Jimmy's Old Town Tavern in Herndon. Several hours and nonalcoholic drinks later, she was accosted by police and asked to step outside to prove her sobriety. Since when has consuming one alcoholic beverage been probable cause for illegal behavior?

County officials say they arrested 12 people at restaurants and bars in Reston and Herndon as part of a month long initiative to take "trouble-drinkers" out of bars and arrest them. During the sting, undercover officers observed patrons inside while uniformed officers waited outside to administer field sobriety tests to people who were "obviously drunk." Police claim that they only removed customers who were so intoxicated that they

“Iraq because they might anthrax our country and nuke us.”

were "falling off bar stools or falling down stairs." However, restaurant owners and managers have complained that police unfairly tested patrons who had no plans of driving or showed no signs of intoxication. Virginia law defines intoxication as the condition in which a person "has drunk enough alcoholic beverages to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior." Pat Habib showed none of these symptoms.

Of the 12 arrested during the month long operation, four had intentions of driving. Police should administer field tests to people who are leaving bars and reaching for their keys. But Richard Berman of the Washington counsel for the American Beverage Licensees calls the operations "ridiculous" and "not the way the police ought to have its tax dollars spent." He later went on to say, "This is not the way it ought to have police officers deployed." I couldn't have said it better myself. A person who is minding their own business and not showing signs of drunkenness should not be subjected to invasive police tests.

This is an attack on personal freedoms. If legal adults over 21 aren't allowed to drink in a place de-

signed for drinking, then our society is in a world of trouble. Pat Habib should be able to enjoy a drink with friends after a hard day of work without being pestered by the police. If a drunk person is causing a disturbance then that is something a manager or owner will address. It is in an owner's best interest to police unruly drunks simply because drunks scare away customers.

Fairfax County says that their police force is under-funded, yet they are wasting time and money by doing a manager's job. Even the police are beginning to second-guess their actions. A review of the initiative was conducted Jan. 15.. Although the issue remains unresolved, Fairfax County Police Lt. Tor Bennett himself said, "When there is this much of a reaction, I think it would make us think again." This is overzealous police work at its finest.

RTEICH17@HOTMAIL.COM

Elitist stores discriminate

Death penalty lesson

Cheeks burning, fingers aching from the sheer weight of my purchases, I step off of the crowded Alexandria street and into one of my most favorite and fashionable stores.

All at once, my ears are bombarded with the most current pulsating pop music hit. Yet amid the din, I suddenly feel a scrutinizing silence. My scanning gaze trips over the customers and employees, their urbane dress oozing money and sophistication. I feel as if I have stepped into another world, one of high prices and the elite who can afford to pay them.

I stop, my scuffed Nikes shuffling on the cold marble floor. As an attendant approaches me, I have the urge to turn around and go to the Old Navy across the street. What was I thinking, coming into a store like this? I lament, suddenly aware of the faded sweatshirt and two year old jeans I am sporting. I don’t feel worthy of this store. I’m not even at the same level as the lowly stock girl in the back room. “Can I help you with something?” the salesgirl chirps coldly. “N-no,” I stammer nervously, slowly backtracking out of the store and its aristocratic grip.

The holidays are the time of year when we venture into the consumer world, scouring the mall for that perfect gift. Thousands of stores across the area open their doors to the holiday hordes. Yet, why is it that many of the most posh stores make shoppers feel unwelcome and unworthy? Stores should treat all customers like VIP’s, but more than once I have found myself backing out of a shop because I could sense the disdain at my younger, less extravagant presence.

This is not unlike the way that Washingtonians Veronica Harris and Zelda Wallace felt like when they set foot into a Georgetown bebe store this holiday season. As the two women tried to enter on the night of the shop’s grand opening, they were told that they needed an invitation. An invitation to shop?

The women were rightfully incredulous at the regulation. Since when has spending money become an invitation-only affair? That road-

Ray Krone came close to death. wrongfully accused, providing new Having spent 10 years in jail, for a hope that their cases might get reexmurder he did not commit, he was reamined. leased last year after DNA testing The death penalty in Maryland, as proved his innocence. He is just one in Illinois, has been brought into queson a list of 106 prisoners to have been tion. Former governor Paris released from death row in the U.S. Glendening called a moratorium on since evidence emerged of their innocapital punishment while the Univercence. Those 106 are merely the insity of Maryland performed a study in nocents saved from regards to racial discrimination. Now, death. Who knows with Ehrlich in office, the study’s rehow many countsults have reless have died as a turned, exposresult of a jury’s ing that the miscalculation. criminal jusIllinois Govtice system Mohammad Edris Qarghah has a parernor George Editorials Editor Ryan learned a ticular prolesson from those clivity to106, 17 of whom came from his own wards giving African-Americans death state. He learned that justice is not sentences. infallible and that innocent people A black person who killed a white were being held, perhaps being killed, person was shown to be more likely of as a result. That is why he lost faith receiving the death penalty then a in the death penalty, the reason why white person accused of a similar he issued a statewide moratorium on crime. Likewise, if the person who was the death sentence, pardoned four, murdered was white, rather then and commuted the death sentences of black, then it was more likely that the 156 convicted felons. His goal, to save accused would receive a death senthose wrongfully accused from paying tence. the ultimate price for the malfeasance Despite these disturbing facts, of a faltering justice system.

Ehrlich has decided to lift the moratoWhile his declared moratorium rium his predecessor imposed and rewas sufficient for as long as he was instate a system that Governor Ryan governor, more drastic measures were said “has proved itself to be wildly innecessary and warranted in order to accurate, unjust, unable to separate the assure that his successor, who took innocent from the guilty, and, at times, over as of Tuesday of last week, reracist.” spected his decision. This bold, unEhrlich should consider that takprecedented move against the flawed ing a man’s life is irrevocable. He death sentences issued by his state, should consider the innocents, the Ray should serve as an example for MaryKrones, which may be given an unland Governor Bob Ehrlich. timely end. While requesting the comRyan’s commutations may have mutation of all death sentences in saved vicious killers from death, but Maryland is a bit severe, he should at not from punishment. Most will spend least follow Ryan’s example by ensurthe rest of their lives in a 12 by 5 foot ing that no undeserving dies in place cell, without parole. However, the lack of the guilty. of such a terminal sentence provides E_QARGHAH@HOTMAIL.COM a window of opportunity for those

block wasn’t the end of their shopping odyssey.

After arguing their way into the store, Harris and Wallace were herded to a single tiny dressing room, like second class citizens, when they wanted to try on potential purchases. As they emerged, much to their surprise, they were met by uniformed police officers, who promptly accused them of shoplifting. Harris and Wallace were told that the management of the store wished to bar them from ever returning. They were forced to leave through an alley.

Harris and Wallace have since filed a racial discrimination lawsuit Kathy Saupp in U.S. District Court.

Yet, while their experience could be based upon racist employees and management, what is the basis for the discrimination I experienced in the posh Alexandria shop?

What I felt was not based upon race; it was of a very different nature. Higher-end stores today, much like the bebe store in Georgetown, tend to cater to only a small elite group. In the consumer world, there should never be castes, and by no means should a potential buyer be judged upon initial appearance. Yet, Harris and Wallace were. And I believe I was, too.

It is downright wrong, and not fiscally intelligent, to judge a potential buyer based on whether or not they look like they would drop a large amount of cash in a store. That person walking down the Street in an old tracksuit could be a millionaire, dressed more conservatively. If consumers feel they are unwelcome in a store, people with money just begging to be spent will just take their business elsewhere.

Many more expensive stores like to give the impression that they don’t need the business of anyone but the most elite. Yet, where is the logic in that strategy? By maintaining a selective, condescending attitude towards customers, no business is brought in, it is only pushed away.

K athy’s Q uandaries

PHILE09@AOL.COM

Q

Commentary

“Iraq because of Saddam Hussain, since he loves to fight.”

—Rita Amani junior

“North Korea, because they are more likely to have nuclear capabilities.”

—Elaine Filadelfo senior

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY —76 countries and territories have abolished the death penalty for all crimes.

—15 countries have abolished the death penalty for all but exceptional crimes such as wartime crimes.

—20 countries can be considered abolitionist in practice: they retain the death penalty in law but have not carried out any executions for the past 10 years or more and are believed to have a policy or established practice of not carrying out executions.

—A total of 111 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.

—The United States is the fourth most prolific executioner worldwide, after China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

—Public opinion polls indicate that support for the death penalty is about 70% nationwide.

—Canada’s homicide rate actually dropped after the abolition of capital punishment, from a peak of 3.09 per 100,000 people in 1975, the year of abolition, to 2.41 in 1980. The homicide rate has declined even further in recent years —Scientific studies have consistently failed to find convincing evidence that the death penalty deters crime more effectively then other punishments. *Information obtained from Amnesty International

CORRECTIONS ISSUE 5 —In the Dec. 11 issue of The ABlast, senior Karlyn Hixson’s name was misspelled under the personalized license plates on page 10.

—In the Dec. 11 issue of The ABlast, senior Cameron Mittleman’s name was misspelled under the story titled “Winter Track sprints towards finish line” on page 16.

4 NEWS NEWS BRIEFS

the

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

SOL retakes administered; graduation hinges on passing

It’s a Boy!

Students will perform Augustus for the VHSL Short Play Festival entry on Wed. Jan. 29 during R1 Flex. Directed by senior Meg Stoltz, Augustus is the story of a man who has a condition that allows him to speak only one word a day. This becomes a problem when he falls in love wih a beautiful young woman. He decides not to speak at all so that he can declare his love for the young woman. What will he say when he tells her he loves her? What will she say in return? Sign up now by contacting Vicki Farish, as it is a first come first serve basis.

AHS Choral Department has outstanding performance at District Chorus The AHS Choral Department sent 66 of their choral students to District Chorus. Students competed with ten other local high schools for placement in District Chorus. Victoria Benson and Alisa Kieffer received the highest score in the Soprano I category, Ester Choe received the highest in the Soprano II category and Jeanie Adkins received the highest score of in the Alto II category.

Choral Dept. News Feb 8- Students will perform at Districts at T.C. Williams. The performers will be those who won All-state chorus auditions.

Feb 21-22- AHS’s annual Broadway Desserts will be held at NOVA in Annandale.

Reflections Program Honors Participants The participants of this years Reflections Contest were honored in a reception on Jan. 16. The judges received 153 entries this year for the theme, “Signs of Courage.” First place winners received a $25 gift certificate to Tyson’s Corner Mall and their entries will be sent to compete at the Council PTA level.

Literature First Place: Katherine Stanton Second Place: Jessica Arias Third Place: Meagan Ogletree Honorable Mentions: Chelsea Jensen, Ayesha Rahmanyar, Beenisu Rehmat, Mehvish Rehmat, Janis Ross, Gina Sobel, Paul Thieberger and Oscar Ycaza.

BY AMANDA SHEAFFER

Staff Writer It’s SOL season again.

Despite the fact that it is only January and SOLs are usually taken at the end of the year, it is time for the students who either did not make a passing grade or were absent from the test last year to retake them. The tests began to be administered on Tues. Jan 7 and continued through Fri. Jan 17. Students from every grade are having to make them up even if they are a senior. These students One example is junior Chris Terapane who attended Paul VI for the past two years, and now is required to take the SOLs he missed during his 9th and 10th years.

“It is unfortunate that I have to take the SOLs because they are hard and I don’t remember anything from

freshman year,” said Terapane.

The SOLs consist of Algebra I, Geometry, World History I and II, Chemistry and Biology. The World History SOLs will be made up later this month.

Students adopt and help save the wilderness One f luent Spanish speakers class decided to adopt two polar bears in attempt to protect them from the dangers of hunters and oil drilling

BY KATHY IBARRA

Staff Writer Fluent Spanish Speakers in Antonio Rivadeneira’s class adopted two polar bears in December after learning about the importance of the environment. “All people do is talk and talk but never take action. So we decided to take action,” said sophomore Natalia Aguirre.

The polar bears were adopted through the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) web site.

For a mere $50, the polar bears’ habitat in Alaska is protected from hunters and oil drilling. The adoption process was simple and completed via Internet in a matter of minutes.

Aguirre and sophomore Joanne Laguna found out about the polar bear adoption program while completing a homework assignment for their Spanish class.

“We feel the environment is important and bears are a big part of the environment,” said Laguna. In Spanish, the kids

These are the two polar bears that Antonio Rivadeneira’s Fluent Speakers class adopted after learning about the environment. The class hopes to inspire other classes to do the same.

are learning about the importance of issues such as global warming, energy conservation, and wildlife.

Aguirre and Laguna took it upon themselves to pool money among classmates to raise enough to adopt an entire polar bear family. Unfortunately, they could only raise enough money to adopt a mother bear and her cub. Even so, students are optimistic that they can adopt again.

The class hope they can grab the attention of others to do the same. “Other people should adopt polar bears because it’s a way to care about the world’s future,” said Laguna.

To adopt a polar bear or learn more about the World Wildlife Fund visit their website at www.worldwildlife.org.

DECA does excellent at District Competition Junior Sirak Teadros won second place for Retail Merchandising Management: level distribution at the 2003 DECA District Competion on Jan. 15 at Springfield Mall. Of the students who represented AHS, six won first place, eight won second place, six won third place as well as 13 others being recongnized for extraordinary work. Many of the students who won at Springfield Mall are now invited to compete at the State Leadership Conference that takes place in Richmond during February. Refer to the margin on pg. 6 for a list of DECA winners.

Caroline’s Cliff Notes

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN News Editor

Visual Arts First Place: Leslie Badani Second Place: Lillian Jeon Third Place: Najma Chaudry Honorable Mentions: David Borowski, Alex Cherney, Robert Davis, Jake McIntyre and Ronald Vega.

SEAN SULLIVAN

Music First Place: Ryan Herold

Bi-Lingual Parent Contacts These parent contacts are available to make parents who speak different languages more aware of what is going on in the school and with their students.

Spanish contact Juan Rojas at 703-914-1577 (H) or 703-6839700 (W).

Urdu and Punjabi contact Muhammad Jamil Akhtar at 703-256-2374 (H) and 703-8552328 (M)

Over 200 students had to retake the SOLs.The class of 2004 is the first class that must pass all SOLs in order to graduate.

Paul Litwinetz is heading up the SOL testing program at AHS. Considering students are taking the SOLs during W2 and R1 periods, this causes many disruptions for the teachers as well as inhibits the learning process.

“It is real disruptive,” said Litwinetz. “There’s no real easy way [to have students retake test and not be pulled out of a class], it’s a requirement and takes much cooperation from students and teachers help.”

Over 200 students are required to retake the SOLs including some students of the senior class, even though the law does not mandate them to pass their SOLs. The class of 2004 is the first class that must pass all of their SOLs in order to graduate, and considering this, the testing atmosphere has been tense.

The Bush administration said that they would spend $2.85 billion on his “No Child Left Behind” policy. Under the law, the federal government will place students in a differet school if they are not passing. Also, many colleges are trying to stress the importance of the testing.

The Bush administration wants curriculums to focus on the essential classes, such as english, history and math.

However, most schools are refusing this idea. School deans are stating that they are trying to focus mainly on improving teaching tactics and student reading abilities.

Most teachers are uncertain about if their teaching tactics will have to be revised, and are generally against the idea of greater education regulations.

ANDREW MENEGAT

Augustus to be performed

Bush’s “No Child Left Behind” policy will hold teachers and students accountable CAROLINE FRIEDMAN

Biology teacher Elizabeth Edwards and her husband, Billy, welcomed their third child, a boy named Billy Ray, Jr., on Saturday, Jan. 11. He was born at Fairfax Hospital and weighed 10 pounds, 7 ounces and was 22 centimeters in length.

Filmmaker visits Debbie Mintz, the creator of the documentary on AHS immigrants, visited the Film Study class on Dec. 17. in which Principal Don Clausen (rear) attended. Mintz works for MHz television and came to discuss the documentary. She also had the students act as a focus group for a new MHZ program teenagers and technology. The students gave their feedback on the film and learned about the process in which it was made.

10

% off

dry cleaning

HOME OF THE ATOMS BAND UNIFORMS

On Dec. 27, a new ‘development’ occurred in the science world.

Brigitte Boisselier, head of a cloning firm called Clonaid, announced that the world’s first cloned baby had been born the previous day.

Clonaid is a derivative of the religious cult called the Raelians. The Raelians believe that a group of aliens landed on a volcano on Dec. 13, 1973, and spoke to a man named Claude Vorilhon. According to Vorilhon, the aliens, also known at Elohim, were advanced beings who could live for more than 10,000 years due to cloning.

Vorilhon claims they told him that humans descend from clones that were deposited on Earth 25,000 years ago and that now Vorilhon would be their prophet called Rael.

Rael then left his wife and children to go around and speak about what

happened to him. He gained a following of now about 55,000 people.

Boisselier is a chemist and a Raelian bishop. She runs Clonaid, which was founded in 1991 by Rael.

Boisselier has supposedly cloned more than four babies.

While many questions loom about whether Boisselier’s claims are legitimate, there is also the question of “is this even a possibility?” Some scientists believe that human cloning is inevitable, despite the fact that it is illegal in more than 24 different countries.

Boisselier claims that she cloned the fetuses by starting with the nucleus of an unfertilized egg. She then used the nucleus from another cell, such as the mother’s skin. Next she inserted the new nucleus and chemically enthused it so it began to divide. The baby will then grow to be an exact clone of the mother.

There is also another fertility expert named Severino Atinori who

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says he believes to have cloned a baby, to be born later this month. Many question whether this had to do with the timing of Clonaid’s announcement. This once again brings critics back to the question of Boisselier’s credibility.

At the start of these claims, Clonaid was willing to let DNA tests be conducted. While the media flocked over the possibility of this being valid, many researchers and scientists were much more doubtful.

Now, however, Clonaid is postponing the tests.

They say that the parents want more time to decide if they would like to go through with the genetic testing.

Although many think that the claims by Boisselier and Clonaid are a hoax, and they are very skeptical to accept the word of a group who believes in aliens. There is still much to find out as tests are conducted.

Visit Mrs. Neal in Room 227 for information

Senior, Veteran, Police and Fire Discount

NEWS 5

the

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

AHS students flock to the Bell

BY KATHY IBARRA

Staff Writer The newly constructed KFC/Taco Bell opened Dec. 17 at the intersection of Medford Drive and Little River Turnpike, giving residents of Annandale a closer location for both fast food restaurants.

Question and mystery arose when construction of the building began months ago at the shopping center, but AHS students were quite pleased to discover a joint KFC and Taco Bell under one roof so close to AHS. “I was very excited. I like the fact that I can sample south of the border and the Colonel’s famous chicken,” said sophomore Jamie Foreman.

Ever since the grand opening in December, business has been “excellent,” according to manager Christian Madrid. “The building sold itself. Basically people came on their own and applied,” said Madrid. “The KFC/Taco Bell is a popular place to

MORGAN MCEVILLY

Ten AHS students work at the Taco Bell/ KFC and students give it much business

Juniors Valerie Graves and Aubrey Welch enjoy eating at KFC/Taco Bell. The convenience of the two restaurants in one facility is sure to make it a popular spot for students. Manager Christian Madrid believes it is a “popular place to be with friends on a Friday and Saturday night.”

be with friends on a Friday and Saturday night like the mall is. People come in just to buy a taco or some chicken.”

Students at AHS are more than happy to welcome the new restaurant. “I like the zinger. It’s really good because it’s got three bold strips of

original flavor chicken,” said sophomore Eric Hickey. Normally residents of the area would have to deal with traffic in Springfield just to get a taste for a Taco Bell or a KFC. The closest place where someone could buy both KFC and Taco Bell besides the new location can be found by Lake Braddock High School. But this new one stands out from others. “It’s different because everything’s new. New machines, new staff, and a new look. It’s got a 2000 look, not an ’80s one,” said Madrid.

In addition to providing students with a place to eat, it’s a place to work. Currently about 10 AHS students work there, and the KFC/Taco Bell is looking for more employees.

The staff is hopeful that business will continue to flourish as popularity rises. “Our hope for this year is to make more sales, give customers what they want, make them happy, and give them a reason to always come back,” said Madrid. “The doors are open.”

Students to visit Germany in summer AHS Choir students are offered the chance to take a trip to Germany this up coming summer

BY SABRINA STACY Staff writer The AHS choir is preparing for their trip to Germany for this summer. Going back to the wonderful time that the host families had with them on their adventurous stay in America, the choir students will get a taste of what a foreign country is like and have the opportunity to do some site seeing as well.

The trip goes from June 23 through July 7 in summer 2003. The prices will range from about $1,200-$1,300 including airfare, accommodations, some meals, and tours.

The choir will spend a week in Eppelheim and will perform with the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Gymnasium Choir.

There will be additional concerts in Heidelberg.

The students however, do not only perform. They will be doing a lot of site seeing. Students will go touring in Salzburg, Munich, Dachau, Black Forest, Rothenberg, Strasbourg, France, and additional concerts will be performed.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to enhance their music, and it will be eyeopening experience for the students,” said chorus Exchange programs and teacher Carleen Dixon. study abroad will have The choir is going to try students traveling to and stay with the same Germany. families that they had come to them, so they can get the experience of seeing their house, and way of life in Germany.

Going tot Germany are the women’s ensemble, men’s ensemble, Annandale Singers, as well as some alumnus

who shall return to the choir, such as graduate Ryan Walsh.

This trip is related to the German Exchange program, similar to when the German students spent two weeks with the AHS choir students. This has been a great way to exchange the culture in music and the way of life in the households. This trip will be an experience that helps students get a feel for the environment and very special for the selected alumnus who are coming on the exchange trip.

“I have never been out of the country and it will be a good experience to see their lifestyles,” said sophomore Molly Jepsen.

As well as the choir taking the voyage to Germany, the American Association of Teachers of German is also offering to take high school students to Germany. This program, however, will offer a summer study program in Germany for four weeks with host families. In this program the students will take language courses, meet locals and go on numerous excursions. Guidance counselor Linda Wheeler will accept applications through March 1.

Beauty and the Beast set for early February

BY SAADIA JAMIL

Staff Writer Beauty and the Beast is in its final preparations for its performances on Feb. 6, 7 and 8. With winter break, snow days and other school holidays, it has provided a challenge to the cast and crew to pull the production together.

This production of Beauty and the Beast will not be based directly from the Disney version of the classic tale, however it will incorporate aspects of that version with a more traditional storyline. Beauty and the Beast was first written by Charles Perrault in the mid-17th century and has been adapted by 1993 AHS graduate Krista Brown and senior Bayla Whitten. The play is based on the original plot of the story with only minor changes to attract the audience.

A young and lovely woman, Beauty, played by junior Coury Shadyac, saves her father, Captain Vanderhorn, played by junior Ian McLeland, by putting herself in captivity with a frightful but kindhearted beast, sophomore Darin Burrell. The Beast’s respectful affection and melancholy overcome her aversion to his ugliness, and she consents to become his bride. Being freed from enchantment, the monster assumed his form as a young and hand-

some prince.

Characters appearing in the play, not seen in the Disney version are two evil stepsisters, played by juniors Keris KrennHrubec and Kelly Harbison. However, popular characters from the movie such as live chairs, talking wardrobe closets, a clock and a candelabra, will appear in the play.

The children’s plays are chosen every year on the basis of good subject and with many characters so that new people can be given an opportunity to perform. “I was chosen as a director last year and I had to decide the stories for the play. I chose the stories that had more characters so that more people could get a chance [to be cast in the play],” said Whitten. Beauty and the Beast teaches children many different morals such as “ugliness can mask great goodness,” “quality or character of a person is more important than their appearance.”

Whitten and producer Vicki Farish both have great expectations for how their play will turn out. “I think that

“

every one is going to be really great because they are taking things seriously,” said Whitten. “They all respect me too so I would not expect them to let me down.”

The cast and crew have rehearsals from 2:30-4:00 on weekdays. They may also practice on weekends and teacher workdays for more perfection and the best performance. “I know that with our talented cast and crew, Beauty and the Beast will turn out perfectly,” said Shadyac.

Farish also has high hopes for this years children’s Coury Shadyac play. “I think that Junior the play is going on very well,” said Farish. “Bayla did a wonderful job in casting the show and the actors fit nicely.”

Tickets will sold during all lunches the week prior to the play dates. Tickets are $4 pre-sale and $5 at the door.

I know that with our talented cast and crew, Beauty and the Beast will turn out perfectly.

NEWS BRIEFS SCHOOL NEWS

Senior dues must be paid

By Jan. 29, seniors must have either paid their graduation dues or be on the payment plan.

This is mandatory for all seniors who will attend the graduation ceremony in 2003. The senior dues are $45. Seniors that need to pay or start payment plans should see Mary Wolfe or Nancy Grim in across from the cafeteria.

Teacher Award Nominations sought Students, parents, staff or anyone in the Annandale community is asked to submit nominations to AHS for Above and Beyond. This is a program that rewards faculty at AHS who have gone out of their way to help their students. Applications can be found in the office and should be turned in as soon as possible.

All American Award

The Savage Award

The A-Blast wins awards Over the last six years The ABlast has won Trophy Class for the Virginia High School League (VHSL). When a high school receives Trophy Class for five of the last seven years it receives this award. Only three other schools have won the Savage Award, named after a veteran yearbook adviser in Virginia, Charles Savage. The A-Blast also won the National Scholastic Press Association “All American” award.

IB Film studies to be offered next year For the year 2003-2004 IB Film studies will be introduced for students. This program is only available to six high schools around the world including one school in Canada, one European and four in the US. IB Coordinator Erin Albright and teacher Alan Weintraut wrote a proposal to the IB program in order for AHS to receive this new class. The class will be taught by Weintraut. More information will be available when students register for classes in March.

Musical Auditions to be held Auditions for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum will be held at 3 p.m. today, Wed. Jan. 22 and Thurs.

Jan. 23 in the auditorium. Music for the auditions can be picked up in room 160. See Ms. Farish for details.

Heritage Night Tryouts Sign your group up for a time slot for Heritage Night Auditions. Stop by room 216 after school and sign up for times between 2 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Tryouts are Wed. Jan. 22 and Wed. Jan. 29.

6 NEWS

the

The show generally has two debaters, one from each party. They debate different issues from the stance of each party. The issues debated on Jan. 10 were the new congress session, a new book entitled 1421, and the new Miller Lite commercial.

“There was a lot of lively exchange,” said Gisch, who attended the show.

“There was a pretty hard-core republican, and that made the debates more lively.”

“I think that the discussions both on the show and at our meetings make students more aware of issues in politics from both sides, and that will help them later on. It was fun,” said Richardson. With the first trip being such a success, another trip is a possibility for the spring.

SCHOOL NEWS Orchestra Dept. News Feb 11- Orchestra Booters meeting at 7:30pm in room 158.

All parents are invited.

March- The Pre-Festival concert will be held in the AHS auditorium on the 4. Also Distric Orchestra Festival will be held on the 7 and 8 at Falls Church.

On the 28-30 they will take their spring trip to New York City.

Band Dept. News Jan 31- Feb 1- All-District Band performances at hayfield Feb 22- All-State VA Band Auditions at JMU Feb 27- Band Pre-festival Concert March 7-8- District Band Festival All concerts are open to everyone.

MORGAN MCEVILLY

Joined clubs visit Crossfire

Juniors Justine Bui, Kate Bagnulo, senior Bayla Whitten, and junior Ian McLeland perform Competition Piece.

Stereotypical piece “Play” from pg. 1

tor is a football coach who has been fired and drills the actors as if they are sports team. The “Preppies’s” play mainly contains extreme kissing scenes, but the actors and their director become overly emotional and emphasize the simplest actions too much.

All the plays could not be performed in their entirety, so each play is in fast-forward motion. In other words, the audience sees each play, but they do not hear the speaking lines and see everything in fast motion. Even though the plays that the

different groups are doing are meant to be serious, it still looks hilarious seeing the actors going in fast motion and knowing how absurd their plays are.

In the end, none of the plays win, but all of them consoled themselves with the fact that they did their best, the judges really did not know much about theater anyways, and they would try again next year.

“It was a very positive experience,” said junior Will Akridge. “I think it is good the school is taking more of an interest in the theater.”

“Muslims” from pg. 1

January 10 marked the initial deadline for visitors from Afghanistan, North Korea and 11 other nations, however, confusion regarding the process prompted INS last Thurday to extend the deadline until Feb. 7. By Feb. 21 foreign national from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will also be required to register. Considering the extention, INS officials said that those who do not comply with the process will face deportation.

The metropolitan area boasts a population of over 114,000 whose nationalities are found on the list, the fourth largest Muslim concentration in the nation.

Former FBI Assistant Director and Chief of Counter-Terrorism Steve Pomerantz believes the program is essential for our national security, and will play a critical role in disrupting the terror network within the United States.

“We have allowed over the years our nation to become a haven for terrorists, terrorist infrastructures, terrorist charities and illegal aliens of all kinds. This is an effort to identify, we need to get some control over our border and the integrity of our country,”

IB Orals administered BYANDREW SATTEN Co-Editor in Chief Hamlet........6 soliloquies Othello........4 passages Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man........4 passages Robert Frost....4 poems John Donne.....3 poems T.S. Eliot..........5 poems 15 minute I.B. English Oral Exam........priceless Well, priceless was probably not the word that came to mind for the 63 I.B. English II students the night before their oral exam. Maybe more like painful.

“This was a first in testing for AHS,” said I.B. English teacher Jackie Foote. Instead of taking a written test, the comprehensive I.B. testing system includes an oral, 15 minute analysis of a passage of literature. This test makes up 15% of each student’s overall I.B. grade.

The tests took place on Jan. 8,9, and 10 in the library, in which each student was set aside a 35 minute block. Students had 20 minutes to prep their selection, and then entered a separate room and talked into a tape recorder in the presence of the two I.B. English II teachers, Jackie Foote and Virginia Hale. During the 15 minute period, students did not have the option of having the tape paused.

“I was really tense, much worse than any other test, 15 minutes is a long time to talk for,” said senior Mike Flint.

The literature selections were completely ran-

DECA students rated highly in District Competition The following students were recongnized for their acheivement at the District DECA Competition -Renee Tran, 1st place - Yodit Gebreyes, 1st place - Virak Kchao, 1st place - Michelle Perez, 1st place - Jared Hirsh, 1st place - Tammy McCoy, 1st place - Yonas Tewodros, 2nd place - Anteneh Addisu, 2nd place - Sam Boyd, 2nd place -Ashley Miller, 2nd place - Paul Baldwin, 2nd place - Anthony Ortiz-Ateca, 2nd place - Paola Ledezema, 2nd place - Ashalul Hassan, 2nd place - Susan Kang, 3rd place - Natalie Wallace, 3rd place - Chris Henry, 3rd place - Khalid Abul-Hawa, 3rd place - David Marin, 3rd place

Muslims forced to register

dom, and student chose from 24 passages and poems for which they had prepared for throughout the first semester.

To prepare students for the exam, Foote and Hale placed an emphasis on students having an organization plan, in which students had a focus and then proceeded to analyze their key points in a logical order.

Twice during the first semester students gave an oral presentation to the class, one an analysis of a poem and another on a topic related to James Joyce’s Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man. During junior year, instead of a traditional final exam, student gave an oral presentation.

For easy access, student kept all of the literature pieces that they were to be tested on in a journal, and were strongly encouraged to color code and highlight for studying purposes. Students also focused on the I.B. rubric for the exam, in which the highest possible score one could attain was a 30.

After the three days of testing, Foote and Hale reflected on the notes that they took during the oral tests and assigned two grades, one an I.B. grade and another according to the standard FCPS grade scale. A portion of the tests will then be shipped to an undisclosed location to be evaluated by an I.B. grading official. The graders will determine whether or not the grades assigned by AHS’s teachers were on target, and will then adjust all of the oral exam grades accordingly.

“There was a lot at stake. The test counted as both an I.B. Exam grade and also as a 200 point mid-term for the class. But I did what Mrs. Foote told us to do, followed her advice, and she said I did a good job. When Mrs. Foote says I did well, I believe it,” said senior Lindsey Grant.

Senior Faisal Mohamud, a native Somalian, echoed Pomerantz’s sentiments to an extent, “I don’t think it is racist, but it is too much. It is an important matter though. They are trying to protect people.”

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the FBI, INS and other government agencies have attempted to scrutinize more closely suspected terrorists within the United States through racial profiling, often prompting protests from civil liberties organizations.

“Now when you hear ‘terrorist,’ everyone automatically thinks that it’s an Arab,” said senior Ehab Awadallah.

“I don’t think it is a violation of anybody’s civil rights,” said Pomerantz. “There is this notion that anywhere you are born in the world, you are suddenly endowed with all the protections of the U.S. Constitution whether you are not a citizen, here legally, or illegally.”

Nationwide, 15,000 foreign nationals registered, out of which 500 deportations resulted.

Many local Muslims have been left concerned about their futures, pending expired visas or immigration law infractions. Immigration law offices have been

Annandale Idol heats up “Idol” from pg. 1

seemed to think their peers did a good job singing, there were also people who thought differently. “I thought the judging was a little silly,” said Lanier who also felt “that every single person up there could not sing.”

Even though there was not a lot of publicity for “Annandale Idol” the students seemed to know about it anyway.

“For not advertising as well as I wanted to, we got a good amount of money,” said Wayland. The list will be cut down to two contestants on Jan. 22 and the final two Bobby Creger is one of the five semi-finalists will perform at the pep rally to have the winner revealed by the end of the night.Wayland has high hopes for the Student Government next year. “I think [the SGA] will do it because it seemed popular.” Let’s just hope reality television is still popular in the year 2004.

CHAE-WHA PARK

NEWS BRIEFS On Jan. 10, 18 members of the Young Democrats and Young Republicans of AHS went to George Washington University to view a live taping of CNN’s political debate show, Crossfire. AHS teacher Jonathan York sponsors the Young Republicans and Mary Richardson sponsors the Young Democrats.

After the first meeting of the year was held together, the students decided that they would rather stay together at meetings, instead of holding them separately. At the meetings, students are presented with topics and then they debate them. “The meetings are pretty entertaining, because Mr. York and Mrs. Richardson are pretty ferocious,” said member of the club, senior Preston Gisch.

The students were audience members and they got to see how a television talk show is produced.

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

Check a Date 19

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Matin Luther King Jr. Day No School

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FLEX: W2/R3 7:30pm- Guitar Solo & Ensemblel Concert

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Third Quarter Startts Tech RehersalChildrens play

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4:00-8:00pm- F, JV, V Basketball v.T.C Williams Girls (H) Boys (A) 7:00pm-PTSA meeting 7:30pm- Sophomore parent night ABLAST PUBLISHED

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4:00-7:30pm-F, JV, V Basketball v. Robinson Girls (A) Boys (H)

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6:00pm- JV wrestling Trimeet (H)

2:30pm Musical

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FLEX: W6?R1 End of Second Quarter

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FLEX: W2/R3 2:00pm- Dress Tech RehersalRehersal- Cildrens Childrens play play 4:00-7:30pm- F, JV, 6:00pmJV, V V Basketball v. West Wretsling TriPotomac Girls(H) meet v.Marshall, Boys (A) Lee 7:30pm -IB ni night VLT Testing

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FLEX: R7/W8 7:00pm- V Girls gymnastics v. West Springfield/ Herdon/Chantilly (A) Auditions

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3:30pm- V Track v. Falls Church/ Robinson/ Wakefield (A) 4:00-7:30pm- F, JV, V Basketball v.

Lake Braddock Girls (H) Boys(A)

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Student Holiday

Student Holiday

7:30pm- 8th grade paret night

4:00-7:30pmF, JV, V Basketballv.

West Springfield Girls (A) Boys (H)

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FLEX:R5/W8 7:00pmChilderns play

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9:00am- JV Wrestling Jamboree 2:00pm- V Wrestling QuadMeet Winter Dance

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7:30pm- V Track v. Lee, Hayfield, Langley 9:00pm- JV Wrestling Jamboree

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1:00pm- V Report Cards Mailed Wrestling QuadScience fair Meet-Falls 4:00-7:30pm- F, JV, Church, Osburn V Basketball v.

Hayfield Girls(H) Park, Broad Fun 7:00pmBoys (A) 7:00pm- Cihldrens Childrens play play

ACADEMICS 7 Reaching for the STARs and an ‘A’ in physics the

ABLAST

TUES. JAN 21, 2002

Still haven’t taken those SATs yet?

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STAR program brings innovative approach to academic assistance Field trips, prizes from McDonalds and Tower Records, 16 state of the art computers with internet access and college tours? This does not sound like one’s typical day at school, but for students involved in the STAR program, this is what awaits them each day at school.

First introduced three years ago, the STAR program is designed to give assistance to students who exhibit a need for a little extra attention. But don’t get STAR confused with remedial classes, it is focused on students who are noticed to be talented and able. Each student in the program has one class period of STAR, plus highly recommended after school sessions on Mon. and Wed.. During this time, students are given an extra emphasis on the curriculum in their regular classes, with tutorial help from three certified teachers. In addition, they are free to use other time to complete homework and work on projects.

“STAR helps me because I have time to study for tests or do my homework,” said sophomore Stephanie Portillo. The classroom has all the working

materials you could possibly need, ranging from colored pencils to calculators. There is rarely homework for STAR. The STAR program is very goal oriented, and each student is expected to make both short term and long term goals, and do their best to achieve them. For meeting these goals, prizes like gift certificates to places such as Tower Records and McDonalds are rewarded, in addition to eligibility to attend the frequent field trips. This year, students will be going on a two day long college tour, a trip to the Kennedy Center, and outings to downtown Washington, D.C..

Here at AHS, the roughly 87 students enrolled in the program are guided by three teachers: Ms. Claiborne is the math teacher, Mr. Gidada is the English teacher, and Ms. Frazier is the all purpose counselor. They work individually with each student and in small groups to help each student achieve his or her personal best.

To be accepted into the STAR program, a student must be recognized as a worthy candidate. Not only must he or she be in need of academic assistance, but they also have to be seen as someone who will take advantage of the opportunities offered. Some teachers will recommend a student who they think could be doing much better, but they

ANDREW MENEGAT

BY ELIZABETH NOWROUZ Staff Writer

The following SAT resources are available in the Career Center.

Questions? Ask Mrs. Roth.

Sophomore Yasmeen Al-Suqi tutors sophomore Birikty Hailu on Wed. after school. Staying after school is a requirement for the STAR program.

are not getting the private attention they need. Also, a counselor who feels the same way can recommend a student for admittance into the program.

Once accepted, a student will continue until they graduate.

When they enter the program, students are given a test to assess their strengths and weaknesses.

John Carwell, the area program director, has a large role in the overall management of STAR in Fairfax County.

“From those [assessment] results, we target the skills students need support in. We target math

and english mostly, and our main goal is to have students pass the SOL,” says Carwell.

The class counts as one elective and one credit, so if the student began as a freshman, they will idealy stay with the program until they graduate. The classes also stay primarily the same.

“The best way to teach kids is to build their relationships,” said Ms. Frazier. Because the group stays unchanged throughout the years, students have a better base and feel more secure and able to do their best, which is the primary goal of the program.

Students involved are aware of

the enormous advantage they are being given. Julius HansonTakyi, who has been in the program for two years, cannot think of a thing he dislikes about STAR. The computer use is most valuable to him and is a big help in getting all of his homework done.

Fairfax County is the only Virginia school system to adopt the STAR program. There are four schools involved. Falls Church High School is a member, along with Holmes and Luther Jackson Middle School, which are part of the middle school version of STAR, called COMET.

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8 FEATURES a. very — 63% b. somewhat— 27% c. slightly— 2% d. uncomfortable— 8%

2. If someone of a different race than you approached you at your cafeteria table, would you: a. pretend not to see them —9% b. welcome them —46% c. allow them to sit with you but do not talk to them —9% d. have no reaction —36%

3. Would you consider dating someone of a different race than you? a. yes, and we would have a public relationship —72% b. yes, but we would hide it from family and friends —4% c. yes, but would hide it from family — 8% d. no — 17%

4. Do you think that AHS is a friendly environment for other races/cultures? a. yes —72% b. no —28%

5. How often have you witnessed tension between different races/cultures at AHS? a. often —22% b. sometimes—47% c. rarely —29% d. never —2%

6. Do you believe that AHS students tend to socialize with others of the same ethnicity or race? a. yes—65% b. no —11% c. don’t know —24%

RACIAL MAKEUP OF FAIRFAX COUNTY White —71.3% Black —8.2% American Indian & Alaska Native — 0.3% Asian —13.0% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander —0.1% Some other races —4.2% Two or more races —2.9%

REGION OF BIRTH OF FOREIGN BORN CITIZENS IN FAIRFAX COUNTY Europe — 9.9% Asia —50.5% Africa —7.4% Oceania —0.4% Latin America —30.5% North America —1.3%

the culture and whether you are a forraces. They don’t see the differences as eigner. It’s hard for native-born Amerimuch,” said senior Richard McCormack. cans to reach out to those who were not “Yet, if you say that AHS is completely born here, because they don’t undercolor-blind, then you’re idealistic. stand them,” said said senior Faezeh You’re looking and hoping for Razjouyan. something that won’t hapHowever, separation among some pen.” students doesn’t necessarily transDespite their cultural late into a negative connotation. and ethnic differences, AHS “People have their own racial cliques. students are generally able But students don’t do it on purpose. to interact with each other

BY MARTHA AMOAKO It’s natural instinct to be with othpeacefully. However, some Features Editor ers like you because you share the students believe that some of same background,” said sophomore their peers tend to socialize “It was great to walk into a school full of Chelsea Jensen. with people within their raso many different styles and cultures that At the same time, not all stucial or ethnic group. “I’m not contrasted with each other because it gave dents observe or adhere to this selftotally uncomfortable with me a sense of how no style is better than all segregation. “I don’t think that people outside my race, but styles and no culture is above all cultures,” there is any problem between stuI, myself, find that I tend said sophomore Enwei Liber. dents of different cultures and to gravitate towards Opened in 1954 in the then segregated races. When you walk down the people who are miFairfax County, AHS was composed of Cauhallway, you see so many difnorities like me casian middle-class students. However, the ferent kinds of people interbecause I feel racial makeup of the school changed draacting with each other,” said like we share matically in the ’80s and ’90s during a large senior Courtney Thieberger. the same life growth of immigration to the Fairfax However, there is a genexperiences. I County area. Many of the students came eral consensus among stuwon’t feel from countries ravaged by war, economic dents that AHS’s diversity alienated or be depression, and religious and ethnic tenoffers an attractive environquestioned sions. Although it was initially difficult, the ment. “My personal philosowith them,” faculty worked hard to create a respectful phy is that the more varisaid Sesay. and accepting environment in which stuety you have in your life, the This selfdents of divergent backgrounds could interhappier you are. Because segregation is act and co-exist peacefully. you have the chance to particularly Throughout most of her elementary and learn new things. I only evident during middle-school education, senior Hana hang out with people I’m lunch, where Sarsour attended a predominantly Caucacomfortable with regardless students desian school. As a first-generation Palestinof their race, age, or income sire to be in a ian, Sarsour felt like an outsider because level,” said Briggs. relaxed and her Arab culture did not correlate with the “We get different opincomfortable Juniors Shawn Johnson, half-black and half-white, and Angelica Roy, white, are just two examples of American culture. However, once she began AHS’s diversity. ions from people from dienvironment. to attend AHS, she no longer felt as if she verse backgrounds, which makes us more “We’re forced to interact with each other, comfort zone,” said Briggs. had to assimilate to American culture in oropen-minded than other people,” said senior but we’re not forced to really get to know On the other hand, some students beder gain acceptance. “Annandale’s rich diJohn Kapoor. each other,” said senior Danielle Briggs. lieve that race is not the sole dividing force. versity made me feel less like an outsider.

“People at AHS have a unique opportuWhen she was young, junior Susan Kang “The segregation is evident, however it canIt taught me to embrace my culture,” said nity that all of America doesn’t get to expehad several friends from a diverse backnot be completely attributed to racial issues.

Sarsour. rience. We should take advantage of this ground. However, as she grew she observed Socioeconomic conditions and the classes “Coming from Costa Rica to Annandale, opportunity and learn as much as we can differences between people outside her eththat students take divide students more. It it was easy to adjust because there were about different cultures. It will make us nic group that caused her to gravitate tojust happens that race is tied to those causes many people who shared a similar culture more open-minded and accepting,” said ward those of the same Korean background of racial segregation,” said senior Liz Tran. as me. I felt comfortable and accepted,” said Sarsour. as her. “It’s weird that even in this diverse “It’s not just race that separates us. It’s senior Kevin Ocampo. environment, I still get the feeling that I’m different, but sometimes I want to turn back time and hang out with other races to see how it would change me,” said Kang.

Students share similar views about the forces that attract some of their peers into familiar ethnic or racial groups. “It’s easier for me to be accepted by someone who is African than someone of another ethnicity,” said sophomore Lilian Tetteh.

“People of the same culture Fanta Sesay Senior will not question your beliefs, personality, or actions because when they look at you they might Yet, even in this accepting environment, not see that much of a difference from themsome AHS students feel that a person’s race selves.” and culture does matter. Most students be“Our generation has been brought up in lieve that AHS is more accepting of racial a diverse environment and we are used to and cultural differences than the general other cultures, but it comes down to life expublic, but the school is not color-blind. periences. If you can’t relate to the experi“People are forced into a diverse setting at ences of others regardless of race, then it AHS, but they have their own preconceived becomes more difficult to understand othprejudices —whether they are black, white, ers,” said Sesay. That’s why minorities in Hispanic, or Asian. It makes them more rethe school get along with each other because luctant to open themselves up beyond the we share common life experiences outside classroom,” said senior Fanta Sesay. of the American culture.”

“The sheer number of minorities has Many students, including juniors Susan Kang and Chanda Kim, take lunch to hang out with people “People are afraid to step out of their made people desensitized toward other of similar ethnic backgrounds.

AHS students share their views on racial diversity

“

...It comes down to life experiences. If you can’t relate to the experiences of others regardless of race, then it becomes more difficult to understand others.

SEAN SULLIVAN

1. How comfortable do you feel with people outside of a different race than you?

Clear as black and white?

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SEANSULLIVAN

This survey was given to 300 students during lunch and flex on Tuesday, January 14.

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

What’s race got to do with it?

BY ABBY SEGALL News Editor At AHS there are students from over 80 countries represented and over 2,400 students overall. When it comes to dating, there are many opportunities for a teen romance.

But what about dating outside your race? “I feel that AHS’s environment for interracial dating is great, in the sense that it is a multicultural school,” said senior Enrique Meija. “You get to experience different cultures of the world.”

AHS is one of the most diverse schools in the nation, and some people just assume dating out of their race is accepted. “I think that Annandale responds pretty well because there are so many different races that it would be hard not to be OK with it,” said junior Erica Robey.

“I don’t even think it is an issue with people at school because there are so many different cultures in Northern Virginia that people become immune to the different ethnicities,” said sophomore Diana Hollingsworth.

Junior Marti Covington also agrees that AHS is has a very good climate for a mixture of races. “Interracial dating is such a common thing at Annandale that I doubt

are happy, who are we to try and make it seem wrong?”

Juniors Aubrey Welch, Caucasian, and Phil Borras, Hispanic, have been dating on and off for one year and a month.

Welch said that when they began dating, she did not consider race. “He spoke my language and we got along well,that’s all that mattered. He plays the guitar and I liked that.” Although Welch and Borras might not have a problem with their relaDepsite their racial difference juniors Aubrey Welch and Phil tionship, others raise some eyeBorras, are just as affectionate as any other couple; race does brows. “People would say in that not affect their relationship. tone “He’s Spanish?” said Welch.

AHS boasts a diverse population, but that anyone even cares anymore,” said how frequent are interracial relationships?

Covington. “It would be more rare to see It is a “myth if you look around, there retwo people of the same race together than ally isn’t a lot of [interracial] dating around. it is to see two people of different races toIt’s acceptable, but it just doesn’t happen,” gether.” said Welch.

When asked, these students were also However, senior Ally Reina disagrees. very quick to answer that if the two people “I think it happens often because [AHS] is care for each other, then there should be diverse. We are open, people are comfortnothing wrong with them dating. “I think able, there is not pressure from other that interracial dating is fine, because if groups.” Reina, Hispanic, has been dating the two people really care for each other, junior Braxton Koppelman, Caucasian, for the color of their skin or background two months. Reina and Koppelman have shouldn’t matter,” said Robey. Covington not encountered any tension from family “As long as two people like each other and MAGGIE OWNER

AHS SURVEY

the

or friends. “[Our race] was never really a problem. We never really discussed it,” said Reina.

Although AHS has a large diversity, of course it is not the only school in the Northern Virginia area that accepts interracial relationships. When asked if there was much interracial dating at Woodson, junior David Lawson replied, “Not really, we are a very white school, and if there is, I don’t know about it.” However, he did make sure to mention that if there were to be dating within different races at Woodson, people would not look down on it.

Senior Mark Cummings, from Falls Church High School, agrees that here in the Northern Virginia area, dating oustide someone’s race is no longer taboo. “I think interracial dating lets a person get a taste of everything,” said Cummings. When asked if there was any interracial dating, he responded with a quick, “oh yea.”

Junior Katie Wipf believes that interracial relationships have become integrated into American society. “I don’t think race has a lot to do with having an interracial relationship because it’s not as stigamatized anymore. The only obstacle would be mutual friends. It just depends on how much you hang out with each other. The only limiting factor in interracial relationships would be social groups, not race itself.”

the

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

Computer Graphics classes soar with possibilities

CHRIS RAUER

Have you ever thought about the advertisements on posters you see in the theatres, malls and on everyday cars? Do they come from a different model every year? How are they designed and created? They are designed through computer graphics.

“Computer graphics offer another medium to aid the graphic artist in expressing his/her imagination,” said computer graphics teacher Ann Harper.

AHS provides different classes in diverse fields of computer technology. Different electives are available for students to learn the everyday advancements in technology. The computer graphics class is the most common elective chosen by the students at AHS. It has seven sections and each class consists of about 28 students. Robert Christie teaches five out of seven sections and Ann Harper teaches the Sophomore Kris Ngyuen shows how to mount artwork on a backboard once a rest. Computer

graphics has been taught here at AHS for the last five years.

The student has to be a sophomore or higher in order to fulfill the requirements of this course. “I took computer graphics because it helps me express myself through my art,” said junior Monica Hesham.

During the first year of the four-year course, students get familiar with Photoshop tools. They sketch self-portraits called Metamorphics or personal visions, a term for changing from one thing to another. This also helps in getting familiar with filter tools. Students also make CD covers, video cases, write lyrics for their own songs, create band names and write movie scripts.

During the second year of computer graphics students learn video editing to create music videos, design web pages and work with 3D software. In the third year, through the class students design web pages, work on advertising, computer animation, graphic design, and prepare portfolios for college.

Desktop publishing classes only spend a portion of class working on computer graphics. This class does not make sketches, and the pictures are taken through the camera. It uses the four-step principle of design as guidelines, helping students who are not artistic.

“Actually, most of the work I do in Photoshop helps me in computer graphics. Photoshop helps me in expressing my creativity in computer graphics. Photography really teaches you how to plan things better,” said senior Michelle Felker.

Christie has seen the computer graphics program grow

DISNEY AND PIXAR TIMELINE May 1991 Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures formed the Feature Film Agreement. The agreement would produce up to three computer animated films that would be advertised and distributed by Disney. Thus came Toy Story.

February 1997

CHRIS RAUER

BY SOHAIB KHAN Staff Writer

ARTS 9

BY SAADIA JAMIL Staff Writer There is a large range of computer software used around the world to assist artists in communicating their ideas. The software allows them to accentuate their imaginative ideas on a level not reachable by handdrawn work. “In computer classes the advanced software is like an artist’s best friend.

They let them create the exact image that is in their mind,” said senior Atiqa Raja. With access to the advanced computer technology, AHS uses some of the leading software to enhance their classroom experience.

In recent years, the demand for professionals in computer related fields has greatly increased.

Employment rate for computer experts has gone up as well. “Computer software offers unlimited tools of creativity, along with a tremendous increase in job opportunities,” said computer graphics teacher Ann Harper.

The software is being updated frequently by the school administration to meet the industry requirements, and give the students the best possible education. The advanced features of the software used in computer classes make the student’s work more efficient and accurate. The high compatibility and friendly interface make the software the most advanced ones in the market. “Software provides you the number one way to be a creative person and also to become familiar with the latest technology. No matter if you are going to be an artist or not you should learn to be creative,” said computer graphics teacher Robert Christie.

The most common software used

in computer classes (computer graphics, desktop publishing, business computer programming etc.) at AHS to perform professional jobs are: * Adobe PageMaker 7.0: This software is the ideal page layout program for business, education, and small- and home-office professionals who want to create high-quality publications such as brochures and newsletters. * Adobe Premiere 6.5: Delivering unmatched hardware support, this software is the most adaptable DVediting tool on the market today. Whether you want to edit digital video or work with multiple layers of analog footage on a professional, hardware-based, real-time system, Adobe Premiere is the hands-down choice for desktop video editing. * Adobe Photoshop 7.0: This soft-

ware is the professional image-editing standard, and helps you work more efficiently, explores new creative options, and produces the highest quality images for print, the Web, and anywhere else. It allows the user to create exceptional imagery with easier access to file data; streamlined Web design; faster and professional-quality photo retouching. * Bryce 5: It is used to create breathtakingly realistic 3D landscapes and animations. Striking an optimum balance between power and ease of use, this innovative software is an ideal way to integrate 3D technology into the creative process. * Illustrator: This vector graphic creation is software for print media and web, allowing the user to produce works of art by using 16.7 million colors. * Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office helps you complete common business tasks, including word processing, email, presentations, data management, analysis, and much more. * Microsoft Visual basic: provides Visual Basic developers with the most productive and powerful tool for addressing today’s pressing application development challenges.

“Different software allows students to be more creative on the computer than they were five years ago,” said Desktop Publishing teacher Jennifer Stansbury. These Software programs help to teach students the concept of computer technology more efficiently so they can be more innovative and imaginative. Software is chosen to be used at the school by finding out the ones that professional companies use to do their jobs so that the students can learn the subject at an international level with higher knowledge .

Reiss’ Pieces

A Bug’s Life was released.

November 1999

over the years. For his students who exhibit a strong interest in computer graphics, he also sponsors the National Art Honor Society.

Computer graphics not only fulfills student’s fine arts requirement, but also helps them get in touch with their creative side which will pay dividends in the professional world.

November 2001

Enhancing animation

BY CHRIS KALLENDER Staff Writer Computer graphics have come a long way since they first appeared in the fully 3D film Tron. Companies such as Pixar and Lucas Films have pioneered the computer graphics field and have managed to dazzle us with aweinspiring, retina bending, visual masterpieces. But with ever-increasing visual feats, customers are expecting more bang for their buck.

T h a t said, almost Shrek was one of the most popular movies every movie of 2000. It is adored by all age groups. The that makes it impeccable animation brought the film to to the big life. screen today has undergone some sort of computer enhancement. In fact, some movies draw in crowds specifically because of its visual delights. Take, for instance, the movie Spiderman. It defines great computer animation and superb special effects. On the other end of the spectrum, there are movies such as Nark and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which does not incorporate computer enhanced effects at all.

Movies that center completely on computer graphics are increasing rapidly these days. Films like Shrek and Toy Story continue to push the boundaries which separate reality with virtual reality. These movies usually take anywhere from two to three years and are very costly. A company called Industrial Light and Magic deals with the computer effects of a movie exclusively. They’re responsible for the magnificent computer generated dinosaurs of Jurassic Park and the metallic menace in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Naturally these creatures are never captured on film, but are digitally inserted with a PC long after a shoot is done. Or sometimes it’s the other way around, like in The Matrix, where programmers digitally edited out wires that suspended “Neo” in his famous bullet-dodging scene.

With moviegoers on the rise, films are only going to become more and more dependent on computer graphics. With the computer industry growing swiftly and not showing signs of letting down only the future can tell what marvelous new grounds they will pioneer.

Technology makes films “Pixar” perfect Since the release of Toy Story, Comseveral different actors and the best one puter Graphics Company, Pixar, has is kept for the movie. For the fifth stage, brought such movies as A Bug’s Life, a reel is made, which is a flowing verthe Golden Globe winning Toy Story 2 sion of the storyboard that gives aniand most recently, Monsters Inc. mators a base for creating the movie.

Pixar joined with Disney in 1991 After the reel is in place, artists bring to collaborate on the first all computer characters and props to life on paper animated motion picture. This project for the computer animators to model spawned into the Academy Award winin 3D form on computers. When the Art Commentary by John Reiss ning Toy Story, released in 1995. Toy sets have been created, animators Story was a revolutionary picture, in“dress” the sets by putting in such corporating computer animated charthings as chairs, lamps and tables. acters with voices by actors Tom Hanks Now the animation process begins, and and Tim Allen. all the characters and scenes are put into motion. For the The process to create these flicks is very involved, spanfinal steps, the scenes are shaded to give off an appearance of ning from storyboard layouts to the final product. First, a natural light and all the scene are rendered into one film reel.

Pixar innovator comes up with an idea for a film and then After the movie is made, editors go back to make minor adgives it a text treatment (a short summary of the idea) and justments to it. present it to the staff at Pixar. If the idea is accepted, a The product of such a long winded process is incredible, storyboard is created which lays out the movie scene by scene, but it could not be done without RenderMan software. showcasing characters and their different emotional states.

RenderMan is a program which is used to connect and inteOnce the characters are solidified, voice-overs are done by grate scenes together. Besides Pixar, RenderMan has also

November 1998

Junior Katie Payne works diligently on her most recent computer graphics project. She is working on the animation of a tree.

Computer graphics is the most widely taken elective at AHS, with seven sections. Some of the class’ activities include designing CD covers, movie posters and advertisements.

project is completed.

High-tech software brings fantasy to reality

The Feature Film Agreement was overridden by the Co-Prodution Agreement. In this agreement, five original computer-aminated films were to be co-produced, cofinanced, co-owned by Pixar and Disney. Both companies would share profits of each film and their merchandise. The first pictures to be released were A Bug’s Life and Monsters Inc.

been used in movies such as Spiderman, all three of the Lord of the Rings movies, and both Harry Potter films.

Throughout the last decade computer graphic companies such as Pixar have created numerous films which have entertained and amazed people of every age group.

Released in 2001, Monsters, Inc. was nominated for an Academy Award. It also reached over $100 million at the box office in nine days, making it the fasted grossing animated film in history.

Toy Story 2 was released, and although it was produced under the Co-Prodution Agreement, it did not count as one of the five.

Monster’s Inc. was released.

January 2003 No other films have been released by Pixar and Disney as of yet. Finding Nemo is expected to go into theaters later this summer. Both companies are working on the remaining two films to be produced under the Co-Prodution Agreement.

DECADE OF BREAKTHROUGHS 1991— Beauty and the Beast Beauty and the Beast was the first animated film to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture. It was also the first film to extensively and effectively intergrade 3D computer graphics with 2D animation.

1991— Terminator 2: Judgement Day T2: Judgement Day was the first film to model organic chrome and metal. It was also the first to extensively animate realistic human motion

1993— Jurassic Park Jurassic Park was the first film to use animals that were created solely by computer animation.

It used no models or robots.

1995— Toy Story Toy Story was the first full length fully computer animated film. More computer power was applied to this film than any other film in history. Over 400 models were used as well as 800,000 machine hours.

1996— Dragonheart Dragonheart used over 170 computer animated shots.

Dragonheart is the most complex generated character to date.

1999 — Toy Story 2 This film broke many openingweekend box office records, not just in the US, but worldwide as well. Toy Story 2 also won a Golden Globe award for Best Picture, Musical and Comedy the same year it was released.

2001 — Monsters, Inc. Monsters, Inc. earned an astonishing $100 million in the box office in it’s first nine days.

It was the fastest grossing animated film in history Information retrieved from http://www2.pixar.com

10 IN-DEPTH

IN-DEPTH 11

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TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

TUES. JAN. 21, 2002

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICIES IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS?

—Tiffany Wattenbarger sophomore

“Whoever has the better school record, grades, athletic ability should get in not just because they’re Spanish, black, or something.”

SENIOR BRIAN PARK, SENIOR LILLIAN JEON, JUNIOR GREG LOEWL, SENIOR DANNY HADDAD, SOPHOMORE JEMSHAID SHAMS, SENIOR MELINDA INTHAVONG, JUNIOR KATHY MARTINEZ, JUNIOR NARITH KIM, FRESHMAN WALIDO MUKHTAR, JUNIOR JARIUS STYLES

“It’s not fair.

If I’m just as qualified as [people of other races] are. I should have the same chance as them.”

—Edgar Sorto junior

—Ashleigh Wayland senior

“That outright disgusts me.

They should accept you for your intelligence and how much money you have.”

I S I T F O R Y O U?

— M. J. Mayassi freshman

“I think its unfair solely to be judged only on your color.”

—Chuck Dickinson junior

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY HANA NGUYEN

“I think it is bad because people should be measured by their intelligence not by their skin color.”

U. OF MICHIGAN CASE

“[Affirmative action] offends me because everybody should have the same chance of getting into the school of their choice no matter what their race.”

Weighing the pros and cons

BY AMANUEL BEYENE

BY ANTENEH ADDISU

BY SARAH SHERMAN

Videographer

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

As I was completing my college applications, one section caught my attention, the optional ethnicity and race box. I checked the appropriate box, “Black or African American.” The simple question is a topic of much debate. Should the United States Supreme Court prevent race or ethnicity from influencing the admissions process?

No. Affirmative action provides a unique opportunity for college students. It creates a diverse student body that improves the educational quality one receives at a university. This is something we take for granted at AHS. Colleges strive to maintain a diverse student body because it provides an excellent environment where people of all backBeyene grounds can meet and understand each other’s culture and views.

To simply eradicate affirmative action would ruin the environment. A trend will occur in many universities that begin with a sudden drop in the number of minorities in freshman classes. The following year, minorities researching universities will quickly rule out applying to colleges that are not diverse. The downward spiral will continue. Only with heavy recruitment and perhaps unique programs—such as in California where the top four percent of high school students are accepted—will diversity have a chance.

The common headline and chant from opponents of affirmative action is “reverse discrimination.” It is followed by “how is it fair that a black student can be accepted over a white student even though the black student has a lower SAT score and GPA?” The simple truth is blacks and Hispanics in general are disenfranchised by the public educational system. We need only to look across the river to Anacostia and Southeast D.C. to find inequities in public schools. Is an Annandale education the same as a D.C. Public Schools education?

It is a sad and truthful statement that blacks and Hispanics are more likely to be born in poverty which is perpetuated by attending poor public educational institutions. How can affirmative action be reverse racism if it attempts to assist a group of people being oppressed in society? Those who oppose affirmative action often don’t remember their history. For over 300 years, blacks were systemically denied access to the basic freedoms in life. Slaves were killed for learning how to read. We then suffered under a “separate but equal” doctrine. African Americans were finally allowed to go to school, but often had to walk miles and miles to the “black school” where textbooks and sometimes indoor plumbing were in short supply. Even FCPS wasn’t fully integrated until 1971—that’s barely two generations that have been given access to a quality K-12 education. If FCPS is a model school district, imagine how far behind some of our nation’s inner city schools lag.

“I was denied from my first choice university because of affirmative action,” many students have claimed. That argument is ludicrous. Many factors influence the college process. Race is only a small factor. If a minority is accepted to a university such as Harvard, then the fact is he or she deserves to go to Harvard. There was something special about that candidate that stood out from the rest and it wasn’t race. Many of the factors include activity record, essays, recommendations, talent and in the case for Harvard, the interview.

Affirmative action is a significant aspect in college admissions and simply ending the program will solve nothing. It will hurt instead of help students, particularly minorities.

Is affirmative action really the remedy it was intended to be? When applying for college, I fill in African-American for the race option, as do my counterparts in Anacostia and other less privileged areas around the country. Affirmative action will play a role in both of our college admissions. We will be looked upon in the same manner, despite our socioeconomic differences and our resources. I know for a fact that I was given immense opportunity growing up here in Fairfax County. However, I also know that many are not as fortunate and are stranded in inferior inner city school systems.

How do we ensure that those deprived of equal means to education can succeed? Affirmative action is not the answer.

Addisu Currently, affirmative action is a policy that often admits under-qualified minorities in college. African-Americans have a 65-70% college dropout rate. Clearly, the policy in its present capacity is more detrimental than beneficial.

Colleges are accepting less qualified minority students who often end up dropping out.

There is a difference between using diversity as a factor in admissions and simply letting in African-Americans due to the color of their skin. Members of the AHS community can appreciate the value of diversity. It is a necessary component of a sound college experience. When diversity is just a small factor in admissions, diversity may sometimes be the deciding factor between an equally qualified African-American applicant and his Caucasian peer. Admitting a minority applicant who legitimately falls below the normal standard of that college is not the solution.

All things considered, I do not believe immediate removal of this policy is beneficial either. This was proven at U.C. Berkeley, where California abolished affirmative action, and minority attendance dropped drastically. Rather, the solution is a combination of actions. The University of Florida is a good example. The state of Florida did away with affirmative action, but preserved its diversity through minority outreach programs.

Affirmative action is not the solution, it is merely sweeping the dirt under the rug; the dirt still remains.

The dilemma lies in the inner cities, where educational opportunity is poorer than its inhabitants. These students have had their wings clipped in advance. Perhaps if the K-12 educational system were mended, the cry for affirmative action would be silenced.

Often in this aspect, the playing field is not level. Improve the public education system to provide greater opportunities and minority outreach programs, and the cries of the playing field not being level will be muffled by the sweet sound of success.

I myself bubbled in “African-American” on all of my college applications. I realize what will happen when my applications are received, and how I will be looked at through the “gracious” eyes of affirmative action itself. Individuals like me need not such assistance, but my colleague in Anacostia could use some help. But don’t throw him in some college that he was not prepared for, just because he’s black.

Affirmative action has served its purpose, and it’s time for change. Maybe diversity can be maintained while simultaneously meeting the dire need of bringing the education status of minorities up to par. Perhaps I have overlooked a key aspect of this issue, nonetheless, justice is currently not being served to the people for whom this institution was designed. The truth remains, an insufficient remedy lurks, and it has a first and last name—affirmative action.

When completing college applications, many students run across a very controversial section that indicates race or ethnicity.

After filling out several of these boxes, many AHS students wonder, why does it matter?

Will my race give that extra boost which will secure a spot among the freshman class next year?

Why does it matter? This question has taken a new meaning as the widely discussed college admissions issue of affirmative action has recently come under fire at the University of Michigan. (See upper right margin of this page for more details.) While many stu-

PRO

How much consideration should be given to one’s race when applying to colleges or universities?

—Jon Kriss junior

Understanding the issue

This survey was conducted during FLEX on Jan. 14. 400 surveys were distributed, 326 were returned.

CON

Females 4% 18%

Males A great deal of consideration

25%

53%

20% 21%

Some consideration Little Consideration No Consideration

9%

53% GRAPHS BY HANA NGUYEN

“

As an African American, I can’t say that discrimination does not exist in the United States, but it’s up to [minority] communities to better themselves instead of getting a helping hand with affirmative action.

tion has been challenged in state courts and Supreme courts.

CALIFORNIA VS. BAKKE In the 1978 U.S .Supreme Court case Regents of the University of California vs. Bakke, affirmative action was challenged by a white male who was not admitted to the medical school while “disadvantaged” minorities were. The school had a separate policy for admitted minorities and reserved 16 of 100 spots for minorities.

Believing his refusal of admission was based on his race, he took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court and was admitted to the school after the trial. However, the court refused to recognize that he was not admitted at first simply because of his race. The Court did, however, give universities the right to consider race in their admissions policies. It denied the school’s attempt to set an inflexible quota.

Many believe the purpose of affirmative action is to make up years of segregation and racial discrimination against minorities in education.

“A lot of areas [in the United States] still need affirmative action,” said senior Jennifer Stewart. “Whites kept other minorities out of public schools

out instead of being helped. Under the United States Constitution, all men are created equal and deserve equal treatment. Should minorities be given special treatment because they’re minorities?

Students at AHS keep questions like this in mind, especially when filling out college applications. Many students simply check off “Not Applicable,” or skip the question if optional.

“Why is my race such a big deal? Will it make a difference for my chances?” asked senior Jose Varela. “I don’t think affirmative action really helps students in college. Its like it’s almost encouraging students to put a lot of faith in their race for college. It’s not fair.”

While many universities and colleges do not have specific affirmative action programs, it is rarely a deciding factor in choosing a college. “It’s not really something you ask for when applying,” said AHS Career Center Advisor Robin Roth. “Most kids know that they are good students. While their race or ethnicity may give them a break with the admissions board, it is rarely a deciding factor. Colleges want their campuses to be diverse. It’s not really an issue of racial preferencing, but to create a diverse environment.”

dents and colleges view affirmative action as an equal opportunity policy, created to help less fortunate races or ethnicities who would otherwise not be admitted to college, a dissenting opinion against affirmative action has gotten louder and louder.

DEFINITION Technically, affirmative action is a system composed of programs and policies that grant favorable treatment on the basis of race (and sometimes gender) to government-defined disadvantaged individuals. First on that government list of disadvantaged individuals are African Americans, followed by Hispanic Americans and Native Americans. With the help of affirmative action, students of these races who don’t have the means (and sometimes the grades) could receive aid to go to college.

PROBLEM Herein lies the problem. Dissenting opinions ask what constitutes being disadvantaged? As the problem of barring students because of their race is not necessarily the problem anymore. For years affirmative ac-

CONCERNS ABOUT THE CONTROVERSY Affirmative action is surrounded by controversy and evokes a variety of feelings from a diverse school like AHS. Many students are skeptical as to how affirmative action helps diversity if it singles out races.

“I disagree with the idea of affirmative action, simply because it is exaggerating discrimination instead of eliminating it,” said senior Abdul Mahmoud. “As an African American, I can’t say that discrimination does not exist in the United States, but it’s up to [minority] communities to better themselves instead of getting a helping hand with affirmative action.”

Others are concerned with the “reverse racism” factor that affirmative action evokes.

“It completely reverses discrimination,” said senior Torrie Higgins. “Instead of minorities being discriminated, it’s whites who are on the receiving end. I’ve heard that a lot of colleges like boys and minorities, which puts a lot more pressure on white girls, or non-minorities in general, to stand out to colleges.”

The battle of pros and cons rages on around the issue of affirmative action. Both cases circle their argument about racial discrimination, which makes it a double-standard issue. While some students do not mind saying their race matters, many wonder does it really come down to this—my ethnicity?

for decades, we’re only now beginning to give everyone an equal opportunity. It’s what it was started for in the first place.”

ADARAND VS. PENA In another Supreme Court case, Adarand vs. Pena, the “disadvantaged” list was created with the outcome of the trial in 1998. This list today is still being debated.

Many individuals of the “disadvantaged” races feel they are being singled

1960

1969—Richard Nixon initiates the “Philadelphia Order” which is a forceful plan to guarantee fair hiring practices in construction jobs. Nixon states that “We would not impose quotas, but would require federal contractors to show ‘affirmative action...’”

1970 March 1, 1961—President John F. Kennedy makes the first reference to affirmative action when he creates the Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.

June 28, 1978—The Regents of the University of California vs.

Bakke. This Supreme Court case ensures that affirmative action policies helping minorities would not come at the expense of majority applicants in higher level education institutions. Race can be considered, but not by using inflexible quotas.

WHAT? The main issue at hand is whether race should be used as a factor in admissions to a state-funded college to increase diversity in the student body. Precedent lies in the 1978 Bakke case (see timeline). Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell said in that case, “The goal of achieving a diverse student body is sufficiently compelling to justify consideration of race.”

PRESIDENT BUSH’S VIEW The Republican Party states, “We believe rights inhere in individuals, not in groups. We will attain our nation’s goal of equal opportunity with out quotas or other forms of preferential treatment.”

A long-awaited response from President Bush was issued on Jan. 16. The President said, “I strongly support diversity of all kinds, including racial diversity in higher education.

However, the method used by University of Michigan to achieve this goal is fundamentally flawed. The program amounts to a quota system that unfairly rewards or penalizes prospective students solely on their race.”

It is difficult to receive specific policies on affirmative action concerning college admissions. However, the University of Maryland College Park responded to our requests. It said the use of race as a part of college admissions is only one of two dozen parts to the admission process. They do not use points or weighting in their process. A student who has academically stronger qualifications is ultimately a stronger candidate. Race and diversity are important to the University of Maryland, to provide a unique experience with different perspectives. It does not have a specific stance on the Michigan case and does not know if they will have to modify or make changes to their admissions policy.

KATHY SAUPP

Feb. 25, 1987—United States vs. Paradise. A federal court finds that the State of Alabama Public Service Department of Public Safety systematically discriminated against blacks in the hiring process. The court ruling ordered specific racial quotas for the hiring system.

1980

The plantiff represents herself and all others similarly situated consisting of all students who are members of those racial or ethnic groups, including Caucasian, that the defendants have treated less favorably in considering their applications for admission to the Law School.

COLLEGE RESPONSE

Affirmative Action Timeline July 2, 1964—The Civil Rights Act is signed by President Lyndon Johnson. This is the most significant civil rights legislation since Reconstruction and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

The plaintiff and the class action suit claimed she did not receive equal protection of the laws under the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which forbids giving one ethnic group or culture special advantages over another. She, therefore, sued the school, which included the Dean of Admissions, Jeffrey Lehman, for using “unfair standards to admit lesser-qualified minorities.”

WHO?

—Abdul Mahomoud senior

Grutter vs. Bollinger. Barbara Grutter is suing the University of Michigan for “unlawful discrimination” and “discriminatory policies” when she applied to the Law School. Lee Bollinger is the university’s president.

January 15. 2003—President Bush plans to declare opposition to the University of Michigan admissions policies that give preference to black and Hispanic students.

1990 November 3, 1997—Proposition 209 is enacted in California. A state ban on all forms of affirmative action is passed in California on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

2000 February 22, 2000—Florida bans race as a factor in the college admissions process.

The results of Grutter vs. Bollinger will be announced in the spring of 2003.

Until then, the higher authorities like these mentioned can be very influential towards the case.

AB 12 CULTURES Students prepare for Black History Month celebrations the

TUES. Jan. 21, 2003

LAST

Gail Devers Devers overcame thyroid disorder in 1989 that almost made her lose both of her feet. She went on to win Olympic gold in the 100 meters in 1992 and 1996 and the 100 meters hurdles in 1993, 1995, and 1999.

Toni Morrison Morrison is a Pullitzer and Nobel Prize winning novelist whose books portray African-American life. Her novels include Beloved and Paradise.

Gordon Parks Parks is an award-winning photographer, writer, and filmmaker. He has published 12 books and also composed several film scores.

AHS will honor Black History Month by holding a Black Histroy bowl, which will test students’ knowledge.

BY SABRINA STACY Staff Writer To celebrate Black History Month this February, AHS is recognizing the contributions and accomplishments that famous African Americans have made throughout the years by testing students’ knowledge with Black History bowl.

“The purpose of Black History month is to remember and celebrate the contributions of the African Americans,” said English teacher Augustine Twyman, the sponsor of the Black Student Association.

The Black History bowl will be held in the auditorium on Feb. 28. Four students from each grade level will be competing against each other for prize money. Questions will relate to African American contributions in education, sports, and entertainment. “The bowl will test you on how well you know great accomplishments by African Americans,” Twyman said.

AHS will also take part in other Black History competitions that will be held at Robinson High School on Feb. 9, while competing against Robinson, Westfield, and Mount Vernon.

“This competition will also show how well students know their Black History in academics,” Twyman said. “I’m looking forward to the Black History competition because it will be fun and will educate people about Black History,” sophomore Darrin Burrell said.

Black History Month is unique in a

BLACK HISTORY QUIZ Test your knowledge on influential African Americans.

Refer to the information to the left if you need help.

Andrew Young Young served as a Democratic Representative from Georgia and was a U.N. representative under Jimmy Carter. Young also served as mayor of Atlanta.

Mae Jemison Jemison was the first African American woman to enter space when she served on the crew of the American spaceship Endeavor in 1992.

Sidney Poitier Poitier was the pioneering black actor of the 20th century. He was the first black actor to be nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award (1958 'The Defiant Ones), and was the first black actor to win that award (1963 Lilies On the Field).

1. I was the first African American woman to enter space when she served on the crew of the American spaceship Endeavor in 1992. a. Mae Jemison b. Toni Morrison c. Gail Devers

100 meters in 1992 and 1996 and the 100 meters hurdles in 1993, 1995, and 1999. a. Gail Devers b. Mae Jemison c. Toni Morrison 5. I am an award winning photographer, writer, and filmmaker. I published12 books and also composed several film scores. a. Thurgood Marshall b. Toni Morrison c. Gordon Parks

2. I paved the way for other black actors in Hollywood by winning the the Best Actor Academy Award for my 1963 movie Lilies On the Field. a. Sidney Poitier 6. I am one of the most b. Thurgood Marshall well known figures in the c. Andrew Young history of American civil rights and the first Black 3. I served as a DemoSupreme Court Justice. cratic Representative a.Andrew Young from Georgia and was a b. Thurgood Marshall U.N. representative c. Sidney Poitier under Jimmy Carter. a. Gordon Parks 7. I am a Pullitzer and b. Andrew Young Nobel Prize winning c. Sidney Poitier novelist whose novels, such as Beloved and 4. I overcame thyroid Paradise, portray African-American life. disorder in 1989 and a. Mae Jemison 1900, and went on to b. Gordon Parks win Olympic gold in the c. Toni Answers: 1.a Morrison 2.a 3.b 4.a 5.c 6.b 7.c

way because it requires a reassessment of the social and academic climate that prevailed in the Western world, and especially in North America before 1926 when Black History Month was established.

Between 1619 and 1926, African Americans and other peoples of African descent were classified as a race that had not made any contribution to human civilization, and on average an African American was lynched every two and a half days. “Black History Month is about celebrating the culture of African Americans,” said Burrell.

Today, countries all over the world are recognizing black history for the entire month of February. The month is also recognized for pioneers’ birthdays such as Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes and the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

This years theme is “The Souls of Black Folk: Centennial Reflections.”

The theme, which is decided on by the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) since 1926, reflects on the evolving scholarship that W.E.B. DuBois expressed in his book The Souls of Black Folk and throughout his prolific career.

ASALH’s mission is to promote, research. preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community.

Black History Month takes on a sig-

RACHEL SINAIKO

INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN AMERICANS

Sophomore Darrin Burrell studies for the upcoming Black History Bowl. “It will educate people about Black History,” Burrell said.

nificance as we approach the 21st century. Civil rights laws and celebrations such as Black History Month have exposed the legal consequences of discriminatory practices and racial harassment. The struggles for independence by African countries in the 20th century have shown the strength, the humanity and the contributions of Africans to the human civilization.

Black History Month should be the classified as a struggle and determina-

tion to change attitudes and heighten the understanding of the African experience. “It's inspiring, and its good, and there should be a black history year,” said freshman Beza Abebe.

For more information about the Black History Bowl, see Augustine Twyman or Florence Currie in Room 258.

Meet the President of the Black Student Association Staff Writer Kathy Ibarra recently caught up with the junior Angela Briggs, president of the newly formed club the Black Student Association, to dicuss future events to celebrate Black History Month.

Q. When was the Black Student Association created?

A. This is the first year, so we’re starting off with high expectations, and we’re going to continue it next year. So we have to set a good precedent.

Q. Why was your club created?

A. So that other African Americans in school could get to know other people like them and get to know their history and their background.

Q. Why did you decide to run for president of the club?

A. Because I like leadership, and they needed someone who was interested in black history. I was also interested in learning about my culture as well and getting to know the people in the school.

Q. Currently how many members do you have in the club?

A. Consistently about 20. We have 30 people who come for an event, maybe 40. It goes back and forth.

Q. What is AHS and the Black Stu-

dent Association doing to celebrate Black History Month?

A. We’re going to have a black history night where we have speakers, a step show and dances and things of that Briggs nature to show black history. We’re also going to have a black history bowl where there is a competition on who knows the most about black history facts. Different classes will compete against each other, the prize will be money.

Q. How often do you meet?

A. Right now, because of our planned events for Black History Month, we’re going we’re meeting every week. We also have a competition outside of the school that’s competing with other schools about knowing facts about black history. So they’re studying for that. Then you have people who are in the steps and the dances. So it’s every week, but it’s a different parts of the club that’s meeting.

Q. What should we get out of this month?

A. Learning the culture and appre-

ciation for Blacks and African-Americans and everything they’ve been through to get where they are now.

Basically, learning our culture.

Q. How are you going to prepare for Black History night?

A. We are planning to have speakers come in. We also have students practices for the dances with Ms. Ford and Ms. Twymann and Ms. Currie. They’re all helping out with the step and we’re sell candy to raise money.

Q. Who do you consider to be an ideal role model for African Americans or an African American role model for everybody?

A. Well you have the stereotypical Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks.

Of course they are role models, but I think like even more recent like politicians or actors. Anywhere from Halle Berry to Denzel [Washington] to the new judicial person in Virginia. Just the recent people in the limelight like Tiger Woods and in tennis, you have a lot of role models now.

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Tue. Jan. 21, 2002

WINTER WEAR

Which do you prefer, winter or summer fashion?

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful,” but the fashion sense inside Annandale is quite delightful.

CHAE-WHA PARK

When the cold winter weather sets in, Annandale athletes begin to sport teamwear, such as sweaters and sweatpants.

Senior Andrew Mcquillen is wearing his Atoms football fleece zip-pullover for warmth but also silmulataneously displaying his school spirit. This year, fleece is a fashion “yes” but also a smart choice for the practical reasons of insulating body heat.

“Winter. You get to wear more stuff, and everyone loves a scarf, or at least I do.”

— Andy Chaisiri

sophomore

CHAE-WHA PARK

Senior Zhiela Ashtanipouris wearing a peacoat and scard from Gap. The coat, which was originally $128 was purchased with a 30% Friends and Family coupon. “In the winter, you get more clothes as gifts because there’s Christmas and also a lot of good sales,” said Ashtanipour.

CHAE-WHA PARK

“I like winter fashion because I love to layer my clothing. However, I love capris so this is a hard question.”

Seniors’Administrator John Frederickson displays his keen fashion sense by matching his forrest green tie with polka dots with a Christmasy-colored plaid shirt that could be spotted from across the cafeteria. He and fellow Administrator Dr. Barbara Fugate, who is styling in a trendy, now-in-fashion shetland sweater, converse while on cafeteria duty.

Sophomore Andrew Hawkins relaxingly reads a magazine while waiting for his club pictures to take place. Hawkins’s scarf, a Christmas gift from his mom, was part of the highly publicized fashion trend from this past Christmas season, Gap’s stripes. His scarf complements his Gap cordouroy jacket with fleece lining, also a gift, which was purchased at a sales price of $50 as opposed to the original $88. “It’s a nice scarf because it’s warm. But I also like the colors and it matches the clothes that I have.”

— Danielle Briggs

senior

Winter clothes are usually more expensive than summer clothes, which are made of less material. For example, Junior Nicholas Veizaga dished out $170 for his American Eagle sherpa jacket and $80 for his tan Sketchers shoes. But these purchases are evidently well worth it and keep Veizaga warm while still keeping him up to date in the fashion world. Veizaga feels that “fashion is fast moving and you always have to keep it in style.”

— Emma Misner

sophomore

CH

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HA

PA

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CHAE-WHA PARK

“I like winter fashion because I love wearing scarves, hats and accessories like that.”

Junior Aubrey Welch is smart and wears an Aeropostale ski cap, which she bought for $14.00 and a matching scarf for $21.00. In frigid weather, the body’s heat is lost mostly from the head.

CHAE-WHA PARK

Freshmen Hawla Banqura (left) and Hawa Sankoh both keep their winter jackets on while eating lunch because the of the recent drastic drop in already chilly temperatures. Sankoh opted to go for the good deals and bought her white suede jacket at Ross for $19.99.

Banqura did likewise and purchased her poofy, down-filled black Timberland jacket at Marshall’s for $60.80.

“I prefer summer fashion because less is better, and you can mix and match.”

Maria Banqali senior

MORGAN MCEVILLY

CHAE-W

HA PARK

Junior Paul Baldwin was made for the camara, but not just because of his wink and smile.

He is fashionably in an Abercrombie & Fitch zip up sweater with snowflak-like designs.

“I like summer clothing because it’s more comfortable. I love wearing skirts, shorts and shortsleeve shirts. Summer clothes have vivid colors, which put me in a good mood.”

Seniors Mariko Carrington and Nikki Ogunnaike are both clad in this winter’s hottest fashion statement, pop singer J-Lo’s signature velvour jump suits. Different color variations are available in numerous stores, including Gap, Target, AE, Urban Outfitters and Charlotte Russo.

Hong-An Tran-Tien senior

CHAE-WHA PARK

14 PROFILES D.C. united partners with DECA

the

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

Who am I?

• I am a Math teacher who teaches Geometry and advanced math.

• I have been teaching for 20 years. The first four years of my teaching were spent at Thomas Jefferson High School.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

“I’m going to sing at Annandale Idol and later go to Georgetown with my boyfriend.”

—Nikki Ogunnaike senior

“I’m going to have a party and hang out with my friends on my birthday.”

—Ben Berglund sophomore

“I’m going to go to Annandale Idol and the basketball game.

My friends are throwing me a party on Saturday. ”

Club president launches effort with soccer team

• I grew up in up in a small city in upstate New York.

• I am married and have two red-headed sons.

BY LAURA HOLLOWELL Profiles Editor Her determination has proven successful once again. Senior Lindsey Grant, president of DECA, along with other club members has managed to participate in a partnership with the owners of D.C. United to try to yield higher student attendance at the D.C. United men’s soccer games.

The D.C. United soccer team has recently started a partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools. This partnership is sort of a contest between a few county high schools to see who can get the most students to attend the May 3 D.C. United game at RFK stadium. The school that sells the most tickets gets free gear from D.C. United.

Grant, as well as three other DECA members, are the head of a committee to make sure AHS is in the running for the prize. “Lindsey is such a motivated girl,” said Amie Sharaf, DECA mem-

• My favorite book is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.

• I consider religion to be a very important part of my life, and I am very involved in it.

Grant discusses the yearbook with senior Jennifer Stewart. She generously dedicates a vast portion of her time to the challenging position of editor in chief of the school yearbook.

ber. “Plus, she is very determined on what she wants to achieve with the club.”

The partnership is only one project that in which DECA is involved. The DECA marketing program is a club that incorporates the idea of marketing on a high school level. Members of DECA are eligible to participate in conferences, meetings and special events. DECA also performs community service acts like gift wrapping, buying gifts for needy kids, and visiting a day care center. “Helping out in the community is something I’ve always wanted to do; doing it through DECA is great,” said Grant.

As president, Grant has strived to get more people motivated and engaged in DECA functions. “My goal is to promote a better understanding of the club and try to stimulate more students into participating in club activities,” said Grant. In the past, Grant

—Ashley Dubler senior

“I’m going out to have dinner with my mom on my birthday.”

—Matt Ebner junior

“I’m going skiing at Timberland this weekend to celebrate my birthday.

—Jonathan Mauer sophomore

SAMAN HUSSAIN

“I’m going to watch a midget drag show in New York and hopefully they will ask me to star in it with them.”

—Justine Bui junior

• I graduated from the University of Michigan.

SAMAN HUSSAIN

What do you plan to do on your birthday?

Grant

endorsed DECA Day by including students at lunch to play games and win prizes. “Getting people excited about marketing will hopefully encourage new memberships,” she said.

Grant is exceptionally involved at AHS. In addition to being DECA President, Grant is also secretary of the FAST (Female Athletes Stronger Together) club, editor-in-chief of the yearbook and is a captain of both varsity field hockey and softball.

Even with her many extra-curricular activities, Grant manages to find time to keep up her grades, deal with the normal pressure of being a senior, and hang out with many friends. “It takes a lot of time management and is stressful at times,” said Grant. “But it’s really rewarding when my hard work pays off.”

TIFFANY NAILS SALON

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT!

• I love to teach because I like being with the kids. I like seeing them learn and thinking that I can help them.

• My motto in life is “Be your best and try your hardest to be good and considerate of others.”

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.

Last Issue’s Who Am I? Arabic teacher Khitam Omar was last issue’s Who Am I? Omar has been teaching at AHS for five years.

All Eyes On You...

Every issue The A-blast will choose a student that stands out among his or her fellow peers in a variety of fields from academics and sports to drama to music. If you think someone should be put under the spotlight, write down the student’s name and grade and drop by your nomination, addressed to the Profiles Editors, at Rm 225.

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• I dislike rude and inconsiderate people and brussel sprouts.

Workload: IB English, IB Higher Level Math, IB Physics, AP US History, Latin 3, German 1 and Psychology

EExcellent Professional Services Relaxing and Joyful Environment

Awards: 3.5 Sports Award, Atomic Achievement Award, Latin Silver Medal for National Latin Exam.

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Junior Lauren Edwards is an exceptionally dedicated student who has accomplished a greal deal in her three years at AHS.

Athletic involvement: Cross country, winter track and spring track.

Time management secret: I set my schedules for myself so that I work after school before practice and also when I get home.

Study environment: I like studying in a a quiet room, prefer ably with classical music in the background.

Future plans: I want to go to college and major in a History related field. I may run track, too.

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the

ABLAST

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

Places to go skiing or snowboarding Bryce Mountain Virginia

The best Mid-

Atlantic ski resorts

BY PAUL GLEASON Sports Xtra Editor No matter if you go on a day trip or if you go for a long weekend, different ski resorts will give you different experiences. There are many different resorts in reasonable proximity to Northern Virginia, and some are better than others.

Some resorts are pricier than others, some have more slopes, some are large and some are small, so it is pretty important to which resort is the best for the most enjoyable experience.

Whitetail and Ski Liberty are the two most popular resorts, and ones where students generally go. Whitetail and Ski Liberty are both close by and the drive is about the same amount of time: an hour and a half to two hours. Both have terrain parks and half pipes.

Whitetail is generally a nice resort.

For the size of the resort and how popular it is, lift lines can sometimes be quite long and the trails can be congested.

Whitetail’s terrain park has its good parts and its bad parts. There is no toe rope, so you have to ride the lift every time, unless you want to walk. The ramps are all gener-

ally nice compared to other resorts, but there aren’t as many. The half pipe is one of the largest on the East Coast, but is one of poor quality. The slopes are all about the same and there aren’t many discrepancies between the different runs.

Whitetail is not the best resort in the Mid-Atlantic, but for a day trip it is a nice resort.

Ski Liberty is a similar resort in size and popularity. Because Liberty and Whitetail are both owned by the same company, as well as Roundtop, the prices are the same. Liberty and Whitetail are quite close to each other and offer almost the same things. The runs at Liberty seem to vary a little more than the runs at Whitetail do. The terrain park is a bit larger than Whitetail’s and its ramps are of about the same quality.

Ski Liberty and Whitetail are okay resorts, nothing really to praise. Because they are so close, they are quite satisfying for a few day trips. The problem with the two is that they are owned by the same company, and some of the closest to the D.C. area, so the two’s rates can tend to be higher than other resorts. Also, for the fact that you have a major city close by, you get many people

from the city and the suburbs heading out to the resorts for a day of skiing.

Some alternates to Liberty and Whitetail are Bryce Mountain and Massanutten. Both are a bit farther away than Liberty and Whitetail, about an additional hour or so. However, because they are both close to a few Virginia colleges, so a students looking at different state schools can go skiing and check out schools during a long weekend.

Bryce is a resort that many people visit when they want to spend a long weekend on the slopes. The resort is small compared to many other Mid-Atlantic resorts. Although Bryce is small, it is a feature that many people enjoy about the resort. Some may call the resort “cosy.” The rates tend to be much cheaper than those of Whitetail and Liberty. One of Bryce’s major flaws is that it has no terrain park. Some seasons there are a few ramps here and there and maybe a rail or two if you’re lucky. This deters many people from going to Bryce and choose to go to Massanutten which is not much farther away.

Massanutten is much larger than Bryce, Liberty and Whitetail. The terrain park is much larger and offers more

obstacles like rails and fun boxes. Although the park is large, some of the ramps are poorer quality. For the size of the resort, there aren’t enough lifts. Because Massanutten is so popular, the lift lines can be quite long, and for such a large resort lifts with only two seats tends to make lines much longer.

There are many other resorts in the Mid-Atlantic region. Ski Liberty, Whitetail, Bryce, and Massanutten are some of the most popular resorts of those in the region.

If you plan on taking a day trip, or you would like to go skiing during the next long weekend, these are a few of the resorts suggested to choose.

Snowboarding equipment

BY KYLE SMEALLIE Staff Writer So you’ve hit the slopes with that old rental board, but now you’re ready for some equipment of your own.

But where do you start? There are a myriad of products for snowboards, and choosing them can be a tough process.

There are three main parts of a snowboard: boots, bindings, and the board. The boots are probably the most basic part of the set up. Since most boots are made fairly well, the most important aspect to consider is how well they fit. Although this is personal preference, it makes buying boots in a store a much better option.

For people with larger feet (around size 11 and above), snowboard boots can hinder their performance.

If the boot is larger than the width of the board, they will experience toe drag. This is when the toe hangs off the side of the board, coming in contact with the snow. The friction causes the rider to go slower. One way to reduce toe drag is to position the bindings farther away from the neutral position (where both feet are perpendicular to the board). This can, however, make it more difficult to ride.

Another important aspect to consider when making this purchase is the boot liner. The liner keeps warmth inside the boot, making your experience atop a mountain much more enjoyable. Many companies make boots with the liner built-in, allowing for a smaller size. However, if the liner is not built in the boot, then a larger one is needed. This can, once again, create problems with toe drag.

The next step is to choose bindings. The bindings keep the boots attached to the board. However, these can be one of the most pivotal pieces to the set up, as they have the most moving parts and can break the easiest. This makes it pivotal to buy a good pair of bindings, because a cheap pair may last only a few years on the slopes.

There are two main types of bindings: the tradi-

What is your favorite place to ski and snowboard?

“I liked Wintergreen because of all the places to go and things to do.”

—Alex Wahl freshman

tional strap in system and the newer step-in models.

The strap in bindings involve putting one foot in the base of each binding, bending down and buckling two to three straps across your boot to secure them to the snowboard. Conversely, the step-in bindings require the rider simply to press the boot into specially fitted grooves on the bindings.

Each system has its pros and cons. The innovative step-in system is quick and easy, but there are a limited number of choices, because boots and bindings must be sold together. Also, these bindings are more expensive and can make tricks more difficult because bending the ankle and foot is harder. The customary strap bindings are cheaper than step-ins, and there is a better selection of boots and bindings, as they are sold separately.

The last and most important part of the

TER RY A SHE -AS SOC IAT ED PRE SS

“I like to go to Massanutten because of the quality of the trails and the other things that you can do there.”

—Chris Barnes sophomore

“I liked Massanutten because of all the hot girls and I went with my friends from school.”

—Edgar Sorto junior

snowboard is the board itself. Before you go and buy the board, it is imperative to know what kind of riding that you plan to do. There are three main styles in snowboarding: freeride, freestyle, and freecarve. Most snowboarders are either freestyle of freeride, while race boards (freecarve) are more rare. Freestyle boarders focus more on tricks, while freeriders mainly try to make it down the mountain.

Snowboard length and width are also very important aspects to consider when making a purchase.

The length is dependent on the rider’s height, weight, style, but for most people, a board that reaches about the chin will suffice. Most racing boards are longer and freestyle boards shorter, but in many cases, it is a matter of personal preference.

For width, men with small feet and most women prefer a narrow baord, while people with larger feet should buy a wider board.

The last item to consider is the price of the board.

Snowboards for beginners tend to be heavier, and are specifically designed for less aggressive riders.

These range from $225 and up. Intermediate boards ($350 and up) are lighter than entry level boards, and satisfy an occasional rider. Finally, boards designed for advanced riders range from $425 and up, and are usually very light and help the rider keep an edge at high speeds.

There are many local stores where you can purchase snowboards and snowboard accessories. Ski Chalet, located at 2704 Columbia Pike, is mainly focused on ski products, but has a section of the store dedicated to snowboards. East Coast Board Company, at 10358 Lee Highway, has a variety of snow and skateboard products with a knowledgeable staff.

Galyans is a sporting goods retail store that offers snowboards, but does not specialize in them. Also, there are many online stores that have a wide variety of products, but does not have the customer service of a local store.

Hours: 9 a.m— 4:30p.m Rates: $38— 4 hour flex $42— 8 hour flex Rentals: $18— weekday $22— weekend Overall: A small resort that doesnt offer much, but is good for a weekend get away, because of small crowds, and nice runs.

Contacts: (540) 856-2121 www.bryceresort.com

Ski Liberty Pennsylvania

Hours: 9 a.m— 10 p.m.

Rates: Half day pass— $36 All day pass— $44 Rentals: Skis— $21 all day Snowboard— $24.60 all day Overall: An averaged sized resort that is great for a day trip.

A nearby resort and not quite as crowded as Whitetail, Ski Liberty is a good resort choice.

Contacts: (717) 642- 8282 www.skilibertycom

Whitetail Pennsylvania

Hours: 8:30a.m— 10 p.m.

Rates: $44— weekdays $51— weekends Rentals: Skis— $42 all day Snowboard— $48 all day Overall: An average sized resort, that is one of the best resorts for a day trip.

The resort is good enough to please you for a few visits but for regular visitor can become boring.

Contacts: (717) 328-9400 www.skiwhitetail.com

Massanutten Virginia

“Vail, Colorado, because it has the best slopes and always has fresh powder.

Plus, it’s not as crowded.”

—Erik Seubert senior

“Alyeska in Alaska. becuase I went with my family and we had a good day on the slopes.”

—Joel Cooley math teacher

Hours: 9 a.m.— 10 p.m.

Rates: $42— weekday $57— weekend Rentals: $28— weekday $33— weekend Overall: A larger resort, by MidAtlantic standards. The lifts are some of the worst of all of the resorts mentioned. Due to its location its good for a weekend get away, but not for a day trip.

Contacts: (540) 289-9441 www.massresort.com

AB T 16 SPORTS Boys fall to no. 15 Hayfield the

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

LAS

BY MATT WIEST Staff Writer

Caps and Jagr tie franchise mark Jaromir Jagr tied the Capitals franchise record with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in last Sat. win over the Florida Panthers. The Capitals also tied a franchise mark for goals with 12. The Caps defeated the Panthers by a score of 12-2 the biggest margin of victory in the NHL this season.

Flowers all heated up After being on the bench for most of the season, junior point guard Chris Flowers is starting to find his rhythm on the court in the Atoms last three games. Flowers has been a key contributor and is emerging as head coach Pat Hughes’ all star point guard.

Coming off a great week where Flowers knocked down 10 points, 2 three-pointers and an absolute schooling of West Potomac guard Darren Baker in the Atoms 66-62 win over the Wolverines, Flowers and the rest of the basketball team looks to gain some momentum down the stretch into the district tournament.

With a 3-2 district record, the boys b-ball team is primed to make a postseason run

The Atoms fell to 5-8 (3-2 in the district) on Jan. 14 as they lost to the Hayfield Hawks 66-62.

After jumping out to a quick 12-4 first quarter lead, AHS fell behind in the third quarter and were not able to regain the lead. The Hawks’ domination in rebounds was a key aspect of the game.

“If we’re going to win games against big teams like Hayfield, we’re going to have to get more rebounds.

We can’t afford to give up so many second chances,” said Coach Pat Hughes.

Despite the loss, the team still feels strongly about their performance. “I think the team really came together against Hayfield and we should begin to win those games as the season goes on,” said junior Chris Terapane.

The strong showing against Hayfield shows the team’s improvement so far this season, as they were able to play close with the regionally ranked Hayfield Hawks.

“We’re definitely improving,” said junior Chris Flowers. “If we keep working hard, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the district.”

In another victory at home, the Atoms outplayed the West Potomac Wolverines 60-56 on Jan. 10. “It was a close game and we had a lot of players hit a lot of crucial shots down the stretch,” said junior Matt Hubacher.

This was a big win for the Atoms as they were coming off their first district loss to West Springfield on Jan.

McGahee and Johnson to enter NFL Draft The NFL draft in April will add two more Hurricanes to the mix. Junior WR Andre Johnson and sophomore RB Willis McGahee will both enter the draft. The only shock from this is that McGahee underwent surgery to repair his two torn ligaments in his knee that he suffered in the Jan. 3 Fiesta Bowl and is not going to test it out in college next season.

Most scouts believe this will drop him significantly from a first round lock to a later round.

8, 60-77.

AHS began the New Year with a 78-76 overtime victory over the Robinson Rams on January 6 at Robinson. Clutch performances from the Atoms’ shooters played a large part in the late game rally, but the entire team had a strong showing.

On Dec. 20, the Atoms hosted the Lake Braddock Bruins in the last game before the winter break. Once again, Annandale took a commanding lead early in the game and were able to hold on to defeat the district rival Bruins 58-55.

The Atoms feel good about their performance so far this season. Districts aren’t too far out of sight if they can continue to play like they are.

“We’re doing very well so far, but we’re going to have to win the close games if we plan to compete for districts. We have to play together as a team and bring our ‘A’ game almost every night. This season will be more successful if we can function as a team and work hard,” said Hughes.

“Close games are going to decide where we finish this season. If we can win the close ones, I think we have a shot at districts. We’re going to have to step up our performances in the games that go down to the last few seconds,” added Terapane.

AHS plays at T.C. Williams tonight and at Lake Braddock on Friday. Back-to-back wins could put the Atoms near the top of the district standings.

The results of last Friday’s game against South Lakes were too late to be published this issue.

BY LAUREN STERLACCI Staff Writer

SPOTLIGHT

SARAH SHERMAN

ATHLETES

Grade: 11 Sport: Varsity Basketball Position(s): Point guard and shooting guard Classes: Takes AP U.S. History and IB Math Methods. In IB Math, he sits next to both A-Blast sports editors.

Lauren Edwards Grade: 11 Sport: Winter Track Event(s): 1000m, 1600m, 4x800m, 4x400m Classes: IB Physics, IB English, AP U.S. History, IB HL Math Pre-race routine: “I like to listen to my hiphop mix.”

Ehab Awadallah Grade: 12 Sport: Wrestling Weight Class: 189 lbs..

Honors: Finished 2nd in District and 5th in Region last year.

Favorite Athlete: Coach Stravino, he’s my idol.

Pregame Routine: “I get into a corner and close my eyes and think about what I got to do.”

Junior Billy Purdon goes for the ball on the opening tip against Hayfield. Although the Atoms lost to the Hawks, they were competitive against the no. 15 team in The Washington Post.

Wrestlers pin Wolverines; improve in district .

Chris Flowers

SEAN SULLIVAN

SPORTS BRIEFS

Junior Dan Boyd practices a hold on a fellow teammate. This is Boyd’s second year on the team and is looking to make Districts.

With the Atoms in the middle of a vigorous season, they blew out West Potomac on Jan. 15 with a staggering 64-14 win.

Coach Will Stravino said, “The JV team wrestled Hayfield on Dec. 21, and they wrestled extremely well. They wrestled well against Hayfield and Lake Braddock. I was very surprised by sophomore Kelvin Medrano, who has won 30 matches. He’s very soft-spoken, but he does his talking on the mat.”

“There was also a tremendous performance by senior David Borowski who went 2-0, as well as sophomores Corey Angleton and Nick Schwind.”

Freshman Morgan McNeill said, “We came out allright and we’ve been giving a superior effort this week, and we hope to have 14 guys to fulfill the requirement for districts.”

The team is looking for a win in the upcoming quad match against Chantilly, Mount Vernon and Hayfield. Although each of these teams are ranked

Excuse T he Interjection Sports Commentary on the latest issues from editors Jared Smith, John Bernhardt and Reid Edwards

Topics Of With the college basketball Discussion conference play beginning we • Strongest NCAA B-Ball Conference?

• NFL Draft Prospects

are starting to see who the top teams are and who the best players are, but which conference in college basketball is the strongest?

Jared: In my opinion the best conference in basketball is the most underrated conference in basketball, the Big East. They have 3 top 10 teams and another top 25 team.

The top team in the Big East, the No. 3 Pittsburgh Panthers’ (12-1) PG Julius Page is absolutely lighting up the scoreboard and is going to probably lead Pitt to its first no.

1 seed in the NCAA tournament for the first time ever. Also notable is no. 6 UConn Huskies (10-1), the reason they are good is their inside

game with C Omeka Okefor averaging 17 boards per game and 4 blocks.

Also no. 10 Notre Dame (13-2) is starting to raise some eyebrows with the sweet shooting strong of guards Matt Carrol and Aaron Thomas. But one of the most underrated teams in the Big East is no. 25 Syracuse (10-1), after dropping their first game of the year to Memphis the Orangemen have won 10 straight with a recent manhandling of no. 11 Missouri 76-69 last week. Freshman sensation Carmello Anthony is the leading scorer in the Big East and is a shoe in for freshmen of the year. And Jim Boeheim coached teams are always disciplined and are always playing deep into March.

Reid: Looking through the latest top 25 AP poll, the conference that

above the Atoms, Coach Stravino said, “They will do very well even though we are going into these matches as the underdogs. We have a lot of holes that are filling in, and the team is getting stronger with each and every day that goes by.”

“We’ve been taking huge steps forward. We started off with only three varsity guys so there was a holes to fill with a lot of inexperienced guys,” said senior captain Ehab Awadallah. “We have a lot of guys really stepping up and finally achieving their goals in this season. I’m really looking forward to the matches against Chantilly, Mount Vernon and Hayfield, it will be a good chance for the team to really come together and step up to plate against these higher ranked teams.”

Coach Stravino said, “We’re still a relatively young team with great team leadership. We have a lot of work cut out for us and our emphasis is mostly on the post season with districts, regionals and states.

I have high hopes for Ehab who is placed 2nd in the region and will wrestle the 3rd, 4th and 5th in region which will help him prepare him for state tournament.” Due to publishing deadlines, the results of the Jan. 18 meet were not able to be printed.

comes up most often is SEC. Not only does this conference have great representation in the top 25, but they have been the source of the most competitive games as of late, including the LSU-Mississippi St. and Alabama-Mississippi St. games. Florida, however, is inarguably the standout team in this dominant conference. Led by sensational freshman, David Lee and Matt Walsh, Florida is ranked sixth in the nation with a 13-2 record. Additionally, the SEC is a conference packed with star-power that includes Erwin Dudley of Alabama, Mario Austin of Mississippi St., Walsh and Lee of Florida, Keith Bogans of Kentucky and Justin Reed Ole Miss, while being fine upstanding southern gentlemen off the court. The SEC will likely have the biggest representation of any conference in the NCAA Tournament.

With Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Georgia, Mississippi St. and possibly Ole Miss and Auburn, the SEC could potentially have 8 of their 12 teams appearing in the tournament.

John: Well, the lack of knowledge about college basketball from Jared and Reid is apparent. The ACC is, by far, the most balanced conference in the country—Duke, Maryland, Wake Forest, Virginia, N.C. State, Georgia Tech and Clemson. This year, the last three teams to have remain unbeaten were Duke, Wake Forest, and Clemson—all from the ACC. At this point, Duke still re-

mains undefeated and boasts the no.

1 seed. In addition, the returning NCAA champion Maryland Terrapins, are in the ACC. I will concede that year, the ACC does not have the most teams in the top 25. However, teams from the ACC always fend well in the NCAA tournament. Reid claims that the SEC will have the most NCAA tournament bids. Although this may be true, SEC teams are known to choke when it comes to crunch time. Like last year, the SEC had number of teams in the tournament, including no. 2 seed Alabama. However when all was said and done, not one team from the SEC made it to the Final Four.

NFL Draft Prospects Reid: Look for lots of quarterbacks to be taken in the top half of the 2003 draft including USC’s Carson Palmer, Marshall’s Byron Leftwich, Louisville’s Dave Ragone and Florida’s Rex Grossman.

Bengals will probably take Palmer, Leftwich, Michigan State’s Charles Rogers or Penn State’s Jimmy Kennedy with the first pick.

Jared: A prospect to watch this year out of the NFL Draft is Ohio St. SS Mike Doss. He is the only undisputed All-American. Also QB Kliff Kingsbury from Texas Tech has all the tools to be a great NFL quarterback; decision making, a good arm, smart, and a good work ethic. Plus, he could go cheap knowing how many other quarterbacks there are entering the draft.

John: A number of highly skilled running backs will be in the upcoming drafts. Look for Penn State’s, Larry Johnson, Georgia’s Musa Smith and Oklahoma’s Quentin Griffin. Miami running back, Willis Magahee, will most likely drop in the draft as a result of his knee injury during Fiesta Bowl game against Ohio State.

SPORTS 17

the

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Girls B-ball suffers tough loss The Lady Atoms suffered a 65-41 loss at Hayfield on Jan. 14, bringing them to 1-4 in the district and 4-8 overall. Despite the loss, the Atoms fought hard.

Leading 23-21 at half, they went into the locker room feeling good and came out ready to play once again. Remaining strong throughout the third quarter, the girls chances for the win were looking good. Unfortunately, they were unable to carry their level of play into the fourth quarter and let the win slip away.

This is a characteristic of a young, growing team which is exactly what the Atoms are this season. With only one senior and three juniors, they have plenty of room to grow and that is exactly what they’re doing.

Dec. 29, 2002, marked the first of the threeday Annandale Winter Classic, the winter tournament hosted by the Lady Atoms. Eight teams traveled from as far as California to participate.

Performing adequately the past two years, this year the Atoms took a large step, earning a spot in the tournament championship against the Thomas Jefferson Colonials. Although the Atoms were defeated, they kept it close until the end. “We were excited to face T.J. for the second time. We played as a team and held them, especially considering we were missing two starters,” said Coach Lori Barb.

Junior co-captain Becca Frece was one of five players to earn all-tournament recognition, the only AHS player.

After the break, the Lady Atoms hosted

BOYS FRESHMAN B-BALL

West Springfield, falling to the Spartans by 15. The girls played tough defense and stuck together, but were unable to come through with a victory.

On Jan. 10, the Lady Atoms rose to the occasion at West Potomac, defeating the Wolverines 61-42. The Atoms were led by freshman Nicole Finney who contributed a careerhigh 21 points and 10 rebounds, as well as junior Becca Frece who added 14 points. Junior Angela Briggs and sophomore Sam Muchmore also gave big efforts in the post, earning 8 points each. This victory was the girls first district win.

Although the Lady Atoms do not have a winning record, they are continually showing a lot of improvement. “We have a really good squad this year. We all worked a lot in the off season on improving our game and its helping,” said sophomore Nakia Williams.

Teamwork and dedication will be what takes the girls far this year. “We have a lot of team spirit which is something I’ve never experienced in my past three years here. We’re all having a lot of fun together, that’s what keeps us going,” said senior co-captian Danni Rumber.

The Lady Atoms will host the T.C. Williams Titans tonight as the final first round district game. “Now we have a good idea of what we have and what we stack up against everyone,” said Barb. “We get another chance at Lake Braddock on Friday. With the home crowd and only a five point loss last time, it should be good. The girls are excited.”

Results from the Jan. 17 game against South Lakes were not able to be published in this issue.

Andre Beharrie

Record: 0-8 Captains: None as of yet.

Result of last game: Game played Fri. vs. South Lakes were unavailable at press time Next Game: Today @ T.C. Williams 4:30 p. m.

Coach’s Quote: “We’ve come a long way. We’re in the process of growing, molding and shaping our players,” said Coach KW Williams.

BOYS JV BASKETBALL

Sophomore Diana Hollingsworth practices her form while shooting free throws. Although the Atoms lost to West Springfield, Hollingsworth had a standout game.

Swimmers win, but commitment questioned

ANDREW MENEGAT

BY ANDREW MENEGAT Photographer

Senior swimmer Ashley Welsh practices her form on the butter fly stroke. Welch is a captain for the girls swim team, and she swims to 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

The boys and girls swim teams continue their impressive performances this season.

Most recently, on Jan. 10, the boys and girls were victorious over Westfield. The boys won 160-150 and the girls 172-140. In the relays, the boys outscored Westfield 28-26, and the girls 39-15. Individual victories include sophomore Tiffany Wattenbarger in the 100 fly, junior Sarah Bizer in the 100 breaststroke, senior Mike Mahn in the 100 backstroke, senior Andy Pelenberg in the 100 breaststroke, and sophomore John Kreitler in the 50 freestyle.

The team also lost a hard fought meet against the Lake Braddock Bruins the following day. The scores were 141-173 for the boys and 140.5-173.5 for the girls. “The difference in the meet against Lake Braddock was we didn’t swim as well in the relays,” said Coach Bruce Fisher.

The boys and girls dive team both had strong meets as well. The boys defeated the Bulldogs 15-12 and tied the Bruins 14-14. The girls won both meets, defeating the Bulldogs 18-8 and the Bruins 15-14. In addition, sophomore Stephanie Mckinney pulled within four points of qualifying for regionals.

Although the team is showing signs of improvement, team commitment seems to be lacking. Coach Bruce Fisher believes in the credo by Jeff Grace which says, “When you’re

Mohamud Mohamud

interested in something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”

Lately the team has been lacking in attendance at optional afternoon practicesr.

Coach Fisher said, I would like to see a stronger commitment to the team. Working hard and coming to the practices will only equate in performing better.”

Over the winter break, only 8 swimmers attended the optional pratices. “When they’re told they don’t have to come, they don’t come,” said Coach Fisher.

“It’s tough, said Fisher, “Because what can I do in a situation like this? School work always takes priority over extra curricular activities.”

Even though swimmer attendance isn’t at what it should be, both the boys (3-2) and girls (2-3) team are having an extremely good season. Performances have improved and the team is getting better.

“We have the potential to win every meet from here on out. If we slip a little bit, the next few meets will be tough,”said Fisher.

The Atoms swim against West Potomac on Fri., Jan. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Vernon.

The results of the Jan. 17 meet against Hayfield were unavailable at press time.

Big shoes left to fill for track team “Even though we have a young team this year, I’m sure we’ll do fine in districts.”

—Bob Sykes Shot-put Coach

Staff Writer The winter track season has so far been one of major rebuilding and many surprises.

In the next meet on Jan. 24 at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, AHS will have solid competition against Falls Church, Robinson and Wakefield.

After a great influx of younger and lesser-experienced athletes, many of the standouts have unsurprisingly been the upperclassmen. Distance runners and seniors Publio Agrafas, Anthony Ortiz, and Mike Flint have made a considerable impression this year, both already qualifying for district competitions in February. Also junior Chanda Kim and the girls 4 x 200 relay has gotten a great deal of attention, and is doing very well.

In addition, the winter track program welcomed two new coaches to their ranks. With the departure of Coaches Mike Brown and Jordy Fister after last year’s season, Don Mercy has come to work with the sprinters, and Bob Sykes has taken over the position of shot-put coach.

They made a quick adjustment and are contributing to the success of the team in many ways.

Because of such a changed team dynamic from last year, coaches were unsure of their goals for the season. But sprinting coach Don Mercy is concerned overall that

winter track will be a rewarding experience for all students involved. “In the long run, it doesn’t really matter if they are the ultimate elites, or if they are running for the first time in their lives,” says Coach Mercy. His goals for the team this season have been “to have as much improvement as possible and to also have fun.”

This season, the track team’s strongest events have been mostly concentrated in the distance section.

The 4 x 800 boys relay has been doing well, in addition to shot-put and pole vaulting. Sophomore Enwei Liber scored a personal best in her two-mile race at a recent meet against Mt. Vernon, Lake Braddock, and Edison. Most meets are held on Saturday mornings at Episcopal High School in Alexandria. In addition to Liber, there are more than a few u p and com-

ing underclassmen, including sophomore Katie Littlefield and freshman Caitlin Molavi in events such as the 4 x 200 girls relay and the girls long jump, which she has a district qualifying jump. Co- Captain Flint said, “It has been a really good season considering there were a lot of new runners and a new coach. There were lots of changes, but I think we did well.”

As for districts, the team is confident. “Even though we have a very young team this year, I’m sure we’ll do fine in districts,” s a i d S y k e s .

Looking at the rest of the season, Coach Mercy’s hopes are simple but important. “I

hope to do as well as we possibly can and have as many people get to districts as we can,” said Mercy.

Though the team is very young, they have proven themselves through hard work, discipline, and determination.

Coach Mercy, one of this season’s new additions, sums up the attitude of the team best, “whatever happens for the rest of the season, believe every participant out here is a winner.”

Sophomore Spencer Wise stretches his hamstring muscles before a strenuous practice.

During pratice, runners are divided into long distance or short distance groups.

Record: 5-3 Captains: Bobby Terry, Brandon Flowers, Vinnie Athey Result of last game: Last Fri. vs. South Lakes were unavailable at press time Next Game: Today @ T.C. Williams, 6:00 p. m.

Coach’s Quote: “They’re progressing well, I feel we’re ahead of schedule. I’m proud of them because they play hard every night,” said Coach Washington.

GIRLS FRESHMAN BASKETBALL

Sophia Dillon

Record: 1-7 Captains: None as of yet.

Result of last game: Game played Friday at South Lakes.

Results were unavailable at press time.

Coach’s Quote: “I think we’re playing well. We’re playing great as a team. Players are starting to step up,” said oach Amy Lipicky.

GIRLS JV BASKETBALL

Marie Pierce

Record: 3-4 Captains: None as of yet.

Next Game: Today vs. TC Williams at 6:00 p.m.

Result of last game: Game played Friday at South Lakes.

Results were unavailable at press time.

Coach’s Quote: “We’re beating the teams we should beat, and loosing to the teams that right now are a little bit better than we are,” said Coach Rocky Carter.

JV WRESTLING

MORGAN MCEVILLY

BY ELIZABETH NOWROUZ

ATHLETICS

JARED SMITH

BY ERIN O’BRIEN Arts Editor

ATOMIC

balin.

Girls bball i s balin.

Girls

Wilmar Cruz

Record: 3-0 Captains: None as of yet.

Next game: Friday, “The Jamboree” @ home Result of last game: The results were unavailable at press time.

Coach’s Quote: “We have a great core to add to next year’s varsity squad,” said Coach Will Stravino

18 ENTERTAINMENT NEW RELEASES DARKNESS FALLS

CAST Chaney Kley, Emma Caulfield SYNOPSIS As a young boy, Kyle Walsh (Chaney Kley) claims to have accidentally woken up out of his sleep just in time to see the Tooth Fairy trying to kill him. Years later, he returns home to confront his past and save his childhood sweetheart and her brother from an unrelenting evil that has plagued the town of Darkness Falls for over 150 years.

RELEASE DATE Jan. 24

“Foreign films allow viewers to open their eyes to problems in which the world is still involved. ’”

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI Staff Writer Movies made in Hollywood seem to continuously share the same object, actors, directors and beliefs. The battlefield of cinema is broken into two teams: Hollywood versus the rest of the world.

Foreign films, however, embark on their art in a format rarely observed in American moviemaking. While Hollywood focuses on “show business” and creating the next big hit, films from abroad have true storytelling: foreign films allow viewers to open their eyes to problems in which the world is still involved.

Most foreign films strive to deliver a message, and although some directors choose different means of expressing themselves, each film effectively expresses a point. Although not all foreign films are quintessential examples of exceptional storytelling, even shoddy ones tend to have more moral substance then some Hollywood “blockbusters.”

What differentiates foreign from American movies is the way in which

James Nesbitt and Tim Pigott-Smith star in Bloody Sunday, which tells the story of the massacre from the perspectives of civilians and the military.

THE RECRUIT

CAST Colin Farell, Al Pacino, Bridget Moynahan SYNOPSIS James Clayton (Colin Farell), one of the smartest seniors graduating in the country, is recruited into the CIA by Walter Brooke (Al Pacino), who teaches him the ropes and rules of the game. James quickly rises through the ranks but realizes that the CIA’s old maxims are true: “trust no one” and “nothing is what it seems.”

RELEASE DATE Jan. 31

BIKER BOYZ

CAST Laurence Fishburne, Derek Luke, Kid Rock SYNOPSIS A contemporary Western on wheels with desperados who live live everyday on the edge. In the world of underground motorcycle clubs, the undefeated racer known as Smoke (Laurence Fishburne) is the undisputed “King of Cali.”

But Smoke’s dominance of the set is about to be threatened by a young motorcycle racing prodigy who is determined to win the coveted title RELEASE DATE Jan. 31

TUES. JAN. 21, 2003

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Wordly and worthy foreign flicks

FINAL DESTINATION 2

CAST A.J. Cook, Ali Larter, Michael Landes SYNOPSIS When 19-year old Kimberly (A.J. Cook) has visions of a terrible car accident, she deliberatly plants her SUV so that the accident cannot happen, thus thwarting death. However, she soon begins to realize that although she’s safe for now, she’s still meant to die.

RELEASE DATE Jan. 31

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the story is narrated. Movie directors in other parts of the world allow their characters to exhale and their storytelling techniques to be noteworthy, reaching beyond the cookie cutter format that usually hits the box office.

Independent movie makers are much more likely to incorporate elements considered taboo in the big Hollywood business, giving viewers a chance to discover different viewpoints and other philosophies.

Independent films made outside of the United States may have a smaller budget than Hollywood, but they’re worth spending some time on. Most deal with the same issues as Hollywood films but add an extra zing of flavor.

Many foreign films contain the culture of the native land the movie was made in, which often comes in contrast with American movies.

One of the best foreign films this year would be Y Tu Mama Tambien, a coming of age narrative set in Mexico.

Spoken in Spanish, the film illustrates class distinctions and how friendships struggle with social restrictions. The Mexican culture is authentically portrayed, revealing social aspects, such as a traditional Mexican wedding, often ignored by major films. This is one of the many that represent the world’s cultures and traditions.

Among other topics often incorporated into foreign plots are isolated political conflicts, which are frequently ignored by big U.S. corporate movie makers. A perfect example is Bloody Sunday. Set in the U.K. and Ireland, the movie discusses the fragile relationship between the two countries. Characterized as drama, the movie is told in

Maribel Verdu and Gael Garcia Bernal star in Y Tu Mama Tambien, a sexy story about two teenagers’ journey of self discovery.

a true-story format, consisting of protest marches, Irish civil-rights movements and the strained relations that still are prevalent today.

Other remarkable foreign films include the inocently sensitive French film Amelie, which stars Audrey Tatou, and Spanish director Pedro Almodovar’s latest masterpiece, Talk to Her. Unfortunately, most foreign films receive only limited releases, due primarily to their lack of major commercial appeal. For those interested in en-

joying the pleasures of international films on the big screen, DC is the perfect destination. Visions, located on 1927 Florida Avenue, is a combination of a bistro, cinema and lounge, and exhibits independent films from around the world as well as some American small-budget films. Other great destinations include The American Film Institute in the Kennedy Center and Cineplex Odeon at Shirlington: these two locations present indie flicks with a combination of both contemporary and classic foreign films.

Love is won and lost in the Hindi blockbuster Devdas

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI Staff Writer If there is one word that can describe the Hindi movie Devdas, it would unquestionably be “haunting.” The film captivates all possible human emotions and allows the viewer to empathize with the ill-fated lovers, Devdas and Paro, grovel with anger at life’s unfairness, laugh at the comedy of Devdas’ trustee Chuni Babu and cry at the tragic ending.

Devdas is Bollywood’s (Bombay’s Hollywood) most expensive film to produce on record, with lavish sets, exquisitely designed costumes, and co-starring top Indian actors, including the beautiful Aishwaya Rai as Paro and Shah Rukh Khan as Devdas. The plot revolves around these two childhood sweethearts: Devdas is a lawyer who returns from a London education while Paro remains at home in India, lighting a candle to represent their eternal love.

When Devdas returns from abroad, he first goes and visits Paro instead of greeting his mother, which further strains the families’ re-

lationship. The barriers between Paro’ family and Devdas’ are clearly illustrated in a confrontation between Paro’s mother Sumitra and Devdas’ jealous mother, Kushalya. Sumitra is publicly snubbed when she proposes a marriage between her daughter and Devdas, and in return curses Devdas’ love life and Kushalya’s pride.

MOVIE REVIEW DEVDAS Devdas is developed as a very arrogant and educated man with one weakness: Paro. His role allows him to be a dediAN EXQUISITELY cated son, a romantic ROMANTIC lover, an honorable PRODUCTION. gentleman, and a great alcoholic. Paro is also dynamic, portrayed as an individual with her own mind and as an arrogant female whose own pride gets in the way of true happiness.

Devdas is much like a Hindi Moulin Rouge, packed to the max with songs and dances that express the many alternating emotions present

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throughout rather long movie. The mini-music videos within the film provide a chance for the viewer to breathe a sigh of relief before the unfairness and ache of the movie returns.

The ending is absolutely breathtaking, leaving the audience stunned. But a word of warning: English subtitles are required for the Hindi-spoken film.

If you’re interested in watching the film, it’s available at Shivam, an Indian store located at Seoul Plaza.

Devdas costars popular Indian actors Aishwaya Rai and Shah Rukh Khan.

Crimson Sea: red hot action fo’ ‘Sho’ “...Crimson Sea features super fast fighting, welldesigned graphics, and an exciting storyline.”

tance and no slowdown at anytime For its latest game, Koei has comduring the game. With more than 100 bined its wildly popular Dynasty Warenemies moving around on-screen at riors series with RPG elements to once, this is create Crimson Sea for the both quite a Microsoft Xbox. Set in the fufeat by the ture in a sci-fi world, Crimdevelopers son Sea features super fast WITH and quite a fighting, well-designed challenge for graphics, and the player. an exciting But the storyline. best part of The game Philippe Podhorecki the game lies follows Sho, the Co-Editor in-Chief in the leader of the Ggameplay itself. Basically, Crimson Squad, a group that fights mutons Sea is Dynasty Warriors 3 on steroids from taking over the universe. with better levels, weapons, and Though not the most original plot, it customizable abilities. Unlike Dyproves to be exciting. Cinema scenes nasty Warriors 3, however, guns can serve as the driving force of the story, be used in connecting the game before and after addition to every level, and sometimes mid-level.

GAME REVIEW a blade.

The voice-acting is surprisingly well CRIMSON SEA Most weapperformed and aides in the ons that can storytelling. be purOther sounds and music work well c h a s e d to portray the feelings of the levels. have both a The musical score includes many THE GAME’S GRAPHICS ARE AMONG THE BEST blade mode speedy rock beats that fit the highDEVELOPED FOR XBOX. and a gun speed pace of many levels. Overall, mode. Deeven the slower pieces fit the game pending well because they are so wonderfully upon the weapon and the other orchestrated. customizable parts, weapon stats can Graphically this game takes adbe changed to reflect a player’s fightvantage of the Xbox hardware. The ing style. A rapidfire weapon built characters are all beautifully designed around speed and range can be just with cool costumes; Bosses are big, as effective as a gun-only weapon that sometimes huge, and exquisitely defires slowly but powerfully. tailed.

For every weapon, there are three The game reaches its paramount parts that can be changed to create a during huge battles in open areas. powerful combination. As a player There is barely, if any, draw-in dis-

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HUN HIL

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Designed by Koei, monsters like the one above plague every level of Crimson Sea.

progresses through the game, new parts become available to make the weapons even more powerful. Fortunately, the enemy is good enough, at least later in the game, to prevent a weak player from winning. Both the blade and the gun must be used in tandem for some of the more complicated and difficult levels and enemies.

Though the game is relatively short, taking less than 7-10 hours to beat on standard difficulty, the fun lasts far longer by varying by skill level and fighting tactics. After any

level is completed it is unlocked, thus allowing it to be played and the records changed. This adds a great deal of replay value to a game that already deserves several story mode completions.

Crimson Sea is a near-perfect mix of hack n’ slash fighting and customizability that remains fun and engaging from the start until long after the finish. The only needed addition is two-player mode; otherwise, this game is one of the most well-designed games available for the Xbox.

ENTERTAINMENT 19 Grammy noms set ‘records’ the

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HOROSCOPES

Nelly attract major attention, and having these people together guarantees great ratings.

Regardless of the reasons behind When the nominees for the 45th this radical change, it’s important to Grammy Awards were anrecognize the Academy’s efforts. Afnounced three weeks ago, ter all, this transformation has led one thing was made obviartists like Michelle Branch, Ashanti, ous: this would not be and John Mayer to receive multiple your average Grammy nominations in important catshow. With newcomegories including Record, Alers Avril Lavigne bum and Song of the Year and Vanessa respectively.

Carlton competing Some of the artists against musical legscheduled to perform inends like Bruce clude Santana with Springsteen in the Michelle Branch, Avril Best Record of the Lavigne, Norah Jones, JOhn Year category, this Mayer and Bruce year’s show promSpringsteen.However, ises more spunk some of these perforand less convenmances are still open to tionalism. change.

2003’s surThe show will be held prise list is headed

by The famous Grammy, which will be on Feb. 23 at Madison eight artists, handed out to the worthy nominees Square Garden and broadcasted live on CBS. i n c l u d i n g at the 45th Annual Awards show.

Ashanti, Sheryl Crow, Eminem, Norah Jones, Avril Lavigne, Nelly and Bruce Spingsteen, who topped the nomination list with five nods each.

After years of neglecting popular teen music and artists, the Recording Academy finally decided to recognize the work of many talented newcomers. But there could be motives behind this sudden decision.

Although the Academy claims that this year’s surprising nominations reflect the diversity and eclectic transformations music is currenlty experiencing, the timing seems rather peculiar. For the past years, the Ceremony’s ratings have been droping despite the Academy’s many efforts to boost them back. It Nelly and Ashantli, seen here at the takes no marketing genius to know Grammy nominations, are both up for that names like Avril, Eminem, and a record number of awards.

If today is your birthday: Learn to control your temper; you may be stubborn, but sometimes you have to compromise. You appreciate beauty, especially in others—do yourself the same favor. You are an intellectual, and are adapted to do many things. An Aries, Leo, or Sagittarius may play an important role in your life. Lucky numbers: 1, 5, 6.

WWW.GRAMMY.COM

BY ALEJANDRO SALINAS Entertainment editor

Mayer, Lavigne and other assorted nominees gather at Madison Square Garden for the nomination announcements.

WWW.GRAMMY.COM

Grammy Nominees Album of the Year: Home, Dixie Chicks The Eminem Show, Eminem Come Away With Me, Norah Jones Nellyville, Nelly The Rising, Bruce Springsteen Song of the Year: “Complicated,” Avril Lavigne & The Matrix “Don’t Know Why,” Jesse Harris (Norah Jones) “The Rising,” Bruce Springsteen “A Thousand Miles,” Vanessa Carlton “Wahere Were You,” Alan Jackson New Artist: Ashanti Michelle Branch Norah Jones Avril Lavigne John Mayer Female Pop Vocal Performance: “Soak Up the Sun,” Sheryl Crow “Don’t Know Why,” Norah Jones “Complicated,” Avril Lavigne “Get the Party Started,” Pink

25th is Lee’s final hour “A very entertaining aspect of 25th Hour is that it has many other parallel stories and conflicts...”

“Overprotected,” Britney Spears Male Pop Vocal Performance: “7 Days,” Craig David “Original Sin,” Elton John “Your Body Is a Wonderland,” John Mayer “Fragile,” Sting “October Road,” James Taylor Female Rock Vocal Performance: “Steve McQueen,” Sheryl Crow “The Weakness in Me,” Melissa Etheridge “Sk8er Boi,” Avril Lavigne “Gnawin’ On It,” Bonnie Raitt “Alone,” Susan Tedeschi Male Rock Vocal Performance: “Slow Burn,” David Bowie “45,” Elvis Costello “The Barry Williams Show,” Peter Gabriel “Darkness, Darkness,” Robert Plant “The Rising,” Bruce Springsteen Rock Album: When I Was Cruel, Elvis Costello C’Mon, C’Mon, Sheryl Crow Dreamland, Robert Plant The Rising, Bruce Springsteen Head on Straight, Tonic

The best in 2002

BY ERIK ROONEY Staff Writer As I sit in the theater wondering why director Spike Lee refers to his movies as “joints,” the lights begin to dim and I sit back and prepare myself for yet another great Edward Norton performance.

Norton, who plays Montgomery “Monty” Brogan, is one of New York’s most infamous, friendly neighbohood heroin dealers, with 24 hours until he goes to the big house.

This movie, based on David Benioff’s novel by the same name, is the story of one man and one night in which he must tie up loose ends and atone for years of lying and dealing. His lifelong friends Jacob Elinsky (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Francis Xavier Slaughtery (Barry Pepper) are at his side until the bitter end, Jacob offering optimism and Frank as the voice of harsh reality.

These are but two of many people who Monty must make amends with: he must also talk to his girlfriend, Naturelle (Rosario Dawson), who adds (like most girlfriends do) a new set of complications when Monty hears through the grape vine that Naturelle was the one who turned him in to the police, and finally his father, James Brogan (Brian Cox).

The movie begins with the gutwrenching sounds of a dog being beaten half to death. When Monty and his Russian mob buddy, Kostya Novotny (Tony Siragusa), find the poor creature, Monty decides to keep the dog even though the mangled mutt is tortured and violent. As the movie progresses, this dog becomes symbolic for Monty’s hope.

A few months later, Monty is now on the way out of the business and is feeling at peace. Just then, three DEA agents bust into his cushy Manhattan apartment and find money and heroin stashed in the house.

A seven-year jail sentence makes a man do strange things, as portrayed in the remainder of the movie, which is spent with Jacob Elinsky and Frank.

A very entertaining aspect of 25th Hour is that it has many other parallel stories and conflicts. Frank, a cocky, wall-street self-proclaimed “lady killer,” is Monty’s oldest friend and one of the more dynamic characters in the film. In the first half of the movie Frank is Mr. Rational: he’ll miss Monty but “he’s a drug dealer.

He got what he deserved.” But as the movie progresses and the clock winds down, Frank’s true feelings are revealed and more human emotions

Aries (March 21-April 19) Don’t isolate yourself from the people you care for. Your lifeoutlook will change soon; focus on important issues and remember to be worthy of respect, but not arrogant. You are loved by a Virgo.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Patience will be a key virtue, especially when it comes to financial stability. Your reputation will remain intact after handling a difficult situation.

When looking for an answer don’t leave any stone unturned.

Gemini (May 21- June 21) The end of the month will be an emotional time; seek support from your loved one. Creativity will play a major role in current projects. A Capricorn may not be as trustworthy as you once thought.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Personal cleanliness is important for self-esteem and respect. Optimism is best near the end of the month; you’re not always responsible for what happens to others.

Leo (July 23-August 22) New and exciting pastimes are just waiting to be explored. Learn to share your feelings or a new relationship could be compromised. Letting your guard down isn’t the same as being vulnerable. Your friends know the real you, anyway.

Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22) Your efforts will not go unrewarded. You will be feeling attractive and emotional at the end of the month. Make some time for some personal pleasure— you deserve some time well-spent.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) You have great ideas, but don’t expect everyone to agree with you all the time. Spend time with people you connect with at the end of the month. You will find a playmate soon.

Revel in your natural beauty, and don’t hide behind your insecurities.

Edward Norton stars in 25th Hour, playing (big surprise) an emotionally distraught former heroin dealer.

come to the surface.

Jacob Elinsky, the lonely English teacher nerd, is pathetically stagnant. Jacob is Monty’s conscience, and the only one with any sense of morals... except for the twist: Elinsky is sexually obsessed with Mary D’Annuzio ( A n n a MOVIE REVIEW Paquin), one 25TH HOUR of his students. This presents itself as a Good acting and moral dicinematography, but lemma for excessive use of Mr. Elinsky, WTC shots. for not only does he have to say good-bye to his close friend for seven long years, but he has a preadolescent vixen in a training bra trying to get better grades in return for sexual favors. Who said being a teacher was easy?

Director Spike Lee, as to be expected from someone who walks out in the middle of The Patriot, comes off as a little heavy handed. I recognize and respect the fact that he is not just making movies to make money, but he may want to consider a more subtle and artistic way of incorporating his personal gripes. It is almost gratuitously full of 9/11 shots and an entire scene describing the aftermath of emotions. Granted, when making a movie in post-9/11 New York, a director can’t help but have something about it in his movie.

But when you use shots of the WTC site to fill blank space between scenes or to heighten the already-racing emotions of the movie, it cheapens the film and overwhelms the reviewer.

That said (and my personal gripes against Spike Lee out), if you are looking for a movie that showcases Edward Norton’s acting ability at its best, you will enjoy 25th Hour.

B

Spiderman was last year’s biggest grossing movie, earning over than $ 400 million at the box office.

Biggest domestic films (in millions) 1. Spiderman— $ 403. 7 2. Attack of the Clones— $310. 3

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You’re feeling witty and in control, but others’ criticism won’t hold you back. If you decide to grace others with your company, make sure they’re worth the time. Old friends are closer to you than you think; acknowledge them once in a while.

3. LOTR: Two Towers— $283. 4 (still playing) 4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets— $255.4 (still playing) 5. My Big Fat Greek Wedding— $230, 876 (still playing) *FROM VARIETY MAGAZINE

Top selling indie films* 1. Amelie 2. About a Boy 3. Much Ado About Nothing 4. Y Tu Mama Tambien

According to IMDB, Amelie was last year’s most succesful foreign film.

* ACCORDING TO THE INTERNATIONAL MOVIE DATABASE

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Your financial status is soon to improve, but only due to scandalous endeavors. Enjoy the money, but don’t enjoy it for the wrong reasons.

Keep your bubbly personality shining through; your friends love your company.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Don’t take too much offense at criticism that’s not honest. Secrets you discover near the end of the month may be so full of scandal, you won’t know what to do. Consult a loved one who’s always helped you out for advice.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Enhance your conversational skills with some new foreign phrases. It could help you with some new relationships that you’ve been turning over in your mind—if used correctly. Utilize your talents to spend money wisely.

Top Selling albums of 2002 (in millions) 1. The Eminem Show— 7.4 2. Nellyville— 4.8 3. Avril Lavigne, Let Go— 3.9 4. Dixie Chicks,Home— 3.4 5. 8 Mile, Soundtrack— 3.1 *FROM BILLBOARD.COM

Eminem had last year’s most succesful music star, selling a record number of copies.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Your self-confidence is returning, just in time to accomplish something big. Fly through the rest of the month on the heels of your success, acknowledging relationships important to you. Use your vast intellect to advance your ultimate goals.

TUES. JAN. 21, 2002

WEEKEND UPDATE

and older, $5.50-5.75 for 12 and under, $4.50-4.75. Standard skate rentals are $2.50, and hockey skate rentals are $3.50.

Fairfax Ice Arena Zambonies their ice Though you may not be Michelle rink “about every hour,” said Manager Kwan, don’t let that intimidate you from Henry Weisiger. He explained that, “the choosing ice skating for a weekend activZambonie has a blade to score the ice, it ity. The Metro area offers many indoor and then picks up the shavings, and outdoor ice skating facilities. puts down water to freeze over.”

Fairfax Ice Arena Weisiger feels that the adLocated on 3799 Pickett Road, vantages of the Fairfax Ice Fairfax Ice Arena is the closest Arena over competing ice rinks place to go skate. is that it has “a controlled temIt offers a 200x85 ft. indoor ice perature being that it is indoors, rink which is very commodious therefore allowing us to control and will always guarantee a good the quality of the ice. There is amount of space for you to skate. also never any wind, rain or Fairfax Ice Arena has a full-serother inconvenient interfervice skate shop that will tailor to Manager Henry ences.” your needs from blade-sharpenWeisiger Due to their spacious ice ing to purchasing new skates. rink, Fairfax Ice Arena is able They also provide several to offer a designated area in the center vending machines which sell snacks, hot for figure skaters to practice their techand cold beverages, and a variety of arnique. cade games for taking a break from the Reston Town Center ice.

If you’re looking for a nice outdoor ice Prices are as follows: $6.00-6.50 for 13 rink then the Reston Town Center ice

BY EVAN ROWLAND Staff Writer

What’s your favorite way to keep warm in the winter?

“Hot chocolate because it has marshmallows and chocolate, my favorite.”

—Britney Nelson freshman

“I like to wear my sweatshirt and drink lots of hot chocolate because the heat runs to your face.”

—Chelsea Jensen

“I like to purchase hand warmers to put in my gloves because it’s so cold on my walk to school.”

—Christopher Terapane

EVAN ROWLAND

sophomore

Students have a few choices when going ice skating in the area. Reston Town Center (above) is a great date place. The surrounding shops make for a fun night.

rink, on 1818 Discovery Street, is a great option. Manager Matt Curran said, “we offer a great family atmosphere, and a good product [the ice rink].”

The busiest time of the season for the Reston Town Center ice rink is during the holidays, Thanksgiving in particular. “There is no one most popular age group that I see. We have a variety of age groups from possibly 85 year old’s to two year old’s,” said Curran.

Prices are as follows: Adults $6.50, 12 and under - $5.50, 55 & up - $5.50. All skate rentals are $2.50.

Reston Town Center ice rink makes its ice at the beginning of the season by using water out of a fire hose, and in order to maintain the ice being frozen, it uses a big refrigeration module run by methanol.

“Ice skating is a great place to bring friends or a date because instead of like going to the movies where there is no communication between friends, they came ice skate and socialize simultaneously,” said Curran.

A mother from Ashburn, Virginia, Susan Mezzullo comes to Reston Town Center to ice skate because, “it is a compact place where she can keep watch of her kids while having fun skating herself.”

Reston Town Center also has an abundance of shops and restaurants to indulge in before or after a session of skating.

Pentagon Row Fairly new to the Metro-area, Pentagon Row Ice Rink, on 1101 South Joyce Street, is a compact outdoor rink.

Very similar to the Reston Town Center, the Pentagon Row Ice Rink is surrounded by a variety of stores and restaurants, as well as Pentagon City Mall. Prices are as follows: Adults - $6.50, Kids - $5.50, Skates $2.50.

There are many choices of places to skate, but it all depends on what options

junior

the

ABLAST

you’re interested in. If you’re looking for a night with fun skating and then possibly a movie or shopping afterwards, Reston Town Center or Pentagon Row is the way to go. But, if all you’re looking for is a generously-sized ice rink and skating for a while, then the Fairfax Ice Arena has all you could ask for.

CAMERON KYNES

20 WEEKEND Sharpen your skates

Senior Celia Mallory enjoys ice skating at the Reston Town Center. She likes the outdoor environment and the surrounding restaurants.

BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in-Chief

senior

“The fireplace because it’s romantic.”

—Steven Sengstack Director of Student Services

UPCOMING CONCERTS Jan.24— Sister Hazel w/ Von Ray @ 9:30 Club $15.00 Feb. 10— Fastball (Acoustic Duo) @ Rams Head Tavern $19.25 Feb. 18—TRUST company w/ Blindside @ 9:30 Club $15.00 Feb. 27—Cher @ the Baltimore Arena $55.5075.50

South Pacific Snapshot Bloody Mary (Lori Tan Chinn) and the sailors stationed on her island sing and dance during South Pacific. The musical features many popular songs like “There is Nothin’ Like A Dame” and “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-A My Hair”.

Buffalo wing factory serves the hot stuff

K

AT’S

ORNER

KATHARINE KISHIYAMA Weekend Editor

Looking for a lively restaurant that is satisfying and entertaining? The Buffalo Wing Factory & Pub is just the place you’ve been searching for.

With its sports bar-like atmosphere and famous flatliners (buffalo wings covered in extremely hot sauce) this restaurant will have you wanting to come back for more. The only downside is its location.

Located in a tiny strip mall in Sterling, VA, at first the restaurant is not what you would expect. But never judge a book by its cover.

Once inside, the lively atmosphere will soon take over your doubts. The factory’s casual, laid-back atmosphere is unique. Some tables are filled with large families overloaded with little kids while the next table is crammed with a group of noisy teenagers. Televisions hang from the ceilings, allowing sports addicts to keep up with the latest coverage. In the back of the restaurant is a small bar and

video arcade.

The Buffalo Wing Factory is most famous for their fiery hot flatliners. If you are able to withstand the burning pain and successfully consume ten of these suckers, you can be inducted to the hall of fame by adding your name to a list posted on the restaurant wall.

Only after watching two of my friends attempt to accomplish this and trying a bite myself, do I know how good the service is. Upon ordering a platter of flatliners, the waiter immediately questioned our order. Before he jotted down our request, he offered a word of advice: don’t touch your face or any other body parts before washing your hands thoroughly.

Later, he returned frequently to check up on us and bring hand-wipes, extra water, packets of sugar, and whatever else we may have needed to cool the burning sensation in our mouth.

The factory also offers other less spicy flavors of wings such as teriyaki, honey BBQ, spicy crab, buttermilk ranch, 911, torrid zone, and sweet and sour (to name just a few). Each platter comes with a few stalks of celery and some dressing.

The restaurant also offers other dishes like chicken fingers, subs, sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, pizza and

more. Appetizers range from $3-$7 and line visit http://www.restaurant.com/ a main course ranges from about $6-$16. b u f f a l o w i n g f a c t o r y 2 / Their specialty buffalo wings are the index.asp?nav=menu. best, but their other choices are almost just as satisfying.

So to mix up your nightlife a little, venture out of the Annandale territory and head to Sterling to check out the Buffalo Wing Factory & Pub and enjoy the delicious food and entertainment it has to offer. Make sure to order a platter of flatliners (if you dare) to spice up your visit. Unfortunately, our trip was unsuccessful because we were only able to finish four of the 10 flatliners we ordered.

For directions, visit mapquest.com. The factory is located at 45529 West Church Rd. Sterling, VA 20164. Make sure you have change if you take the toll roads.

For more information Seniors Andy Pelenberg and Jack Shea take a big bite into wings covered in flatliner sauce, the hottest flavor of call 703-406-0505 or to buffalo wings on the menu . Flatliners are only one of the 28 varieties check out the menu on- of wing sauce the Factory offers.

KATHARINE KISHIYAMA

—Erik Seubert

Until Feb. 2 the Arena Stage will be performing one of the most well acted musicals—South Pacific. Director Molly Smith’s version features a beautifully utilized stage and exquisite dance sequences that enhance the humor and romance in this oft-told play.

South Pacific follows Ensign Nellie Forbush, performed by Kate Baldwin, as she meets and falls for a man on some island in the South Pacific during World War II. However, the play also contains Lt. Joseph Cable, played by Brad Anderson, and his covert mission around the small island distance from the war. Their two paths cross as Cable entices Emile (Richard White), Nellie’s newfound love, to aide him in this mission. Of course their tribulations are much more complicated and told with a lot of humor and songs.

Perhaps the most wonderful part of the musical, other than the music, is the art design of Smith. The Polynesian tropical world comes alive through colorful trees and grass skirts, the latter of which provide for several laughs. The versatile stage

deftly changes for each scene, whether it be an office, a mansion, or backstage during the talent show, the stage brings the feel of being in the middle of the action at all times.

Directed by George Fulginiti-Shakar, the music is superbly orchestrated. The songs are catchy for anyone, even newcomers to musicals. The dancing is incomparably fantastic during several songs, as is the singing.

The best score is credited to the men of the play for their dancing of “There Is Nothin’ Like A Dame.” The ballet-like moves are performed in unison and provide quite a chuckle.

Baldwin’s portrayal of the outgoing Southern belle Forbush is spectacular.

Her singing is energetic and her acting is enthralling. White’s Emile is equally impressive with his deep, booming voice giving wonderful contrast during duets to Baldwin’s voice. Lawrence Redmond’s slimy yet romantic representation of Luther Billis is hilarious too.

South Pacific is a magnificently orchestrated musical that features great acting, singing, dancing, and beautiful music.

COURTESY OF ARENA STATGE

Sail to Arena Stage to see ‘South Pacific’

“I like to wear hats with hoodies because its a double layer of warmth (40% of your body heat escapes from your head).”