Issue 08 by AHS Publications

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

e h t

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

LAS AB T informing the Atoms since 1954

703.642.4229

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2003

10-11

MASTERING MOVIES

How students with learning disabilities find ways to learn.

The in’s and out’s of film making, and a look inside the Film Study class.

BY ANDREW SATTEN AND JOHN REISS Co-Editor in Chief and Staff Writer

brought to you by NBC 4

NEWS BRIEFS Students to Speak at School Board Meeting Senior Elaine Filadelfo will be speaking during Thursday’s School Board Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Luther Jackson Middle School. She will have three minutes to protest the impending decision on adding 30 min. to the end of a school day. “Adding 30 min. to the day is going to do more harm by disrupting school,” said Filadelfo.

Bone Marrow Cancer Claims Graduate’s Life Asad Darwish, 21, died Saturday after a three-year battle with bone marrow cancer. “He was a quiet student, he was very caring too, very smart...he was full of life,” said Arabic teacher Khitan Omar who had Darwish as a student. Darwish was from Palestine, and he was taking classes at Northern Virginia Community College while working to support himself. The funeral was held yesterday at Dar-Ul-Hijrah, as mosque in Falls Church.

Women Assaulted An assault occurred on the 4000 block of Medford Drive at around 8 p.m on March 4. A man entered the house and sexually assaulted a women. The man is described as Hispanic, in his early 20s, with brown hair and brown eyes, standing about 5’9 and weighing 180 pounds. Recently there have been other assaults at Springfield Mall and in Prince George’s County. Officer Sophia Grinnan of the West Springfield Police Department warned students of the possible dangers and said, “use the buddy system and be aware of your surroundings.”

Guitar Concert Friday the Guitar Club will be holding a fund-raiser concert in the auditorium from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets will go for $2 and the club hopes to raise at least $300. While there were over 26 auditions only 15 to 18 total will be playing and each group will play two to three songs. “It’s important to hold this fundraiser, but it’s even more important for the kids”, said guitar instructor Russell Kee. “The kids [need] to get the feedback and experience that they couldn’t normally get from their parents or friends.”

Terror Fears How concerned are you about a terrorist attack against the D.C. metropolitan area?

After 35 years of service for Fairfax County Public Schools as a teacher, coach, administrator, and most notably, principal of AHS for the last nine years, Don Clausen has decided to step down from his post at the conclusion of this school year. “I just feel that it’s my time,” said Clausen, who plans on volunteering with his wife Patricia in Central America, where the two met in 1967 working together with the Peace Corps. The process of selecting a new principal is already underway. A meeting will be held Thursday in the lecture hall for parents and community members outlining the

23% Not at all

Somewhat

A lot

—The survey was given to 119 students during B , C, and D lunches on Feb. 28 by The A-Blast.

English teacher Nancy Grim who has taught at AHS since 1987. “This school operates and functions on so many different levels, and he manages it all.” “He has that balance where he cares for students, and when there is a situation, he is strong enough to manage it,” said Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell who first worked with Clausen in 1988 at Marshall High School. “He cares for a lot of people, not just in the community, but in other countries too,” he said. Though his leadership style is one in which he does not generally command the spotlight, his dedication to AHS is evidenced by the sheer number of school-related events he attends. Whether it be a school play, concert, —“Clausen” con’t on p. 6

Graduation security stepped up in wake of 9-11

BY KATHY IBARRA Staff Writer From breakdancers to Korean drummers, Heritage Night is set to dazzle audiences Monday night at 7 p.m. in the auditorium after snow storms delayed its original March6 performance date. AHS’s global tapestry of talent will be represented through song, dance and performance art, and organizers are hoping to match last year’s standing room only, sell-out crowd. The SGA has started selling tickets in the cafeteria for $3 each, with a four-ticket limit per person. “There are amazingly talented students in this school and Heritage Night gives some of them a chance on stage,” said Paul Watlington, one of the many sponsors. Watlington, ESOL teacher, brought the tradition of Heritage Night from Falls Church HS, where he started it over a decade ago and continued to sell out for 11 years. This year sponsors have faced a number of challenges. “With about 20 acts from all dif—“Heritage” con’t on p. 4

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN News Editor

Freshman Donna Jove rehearses with the group Latin Girlz a combination of traditional and contemporary Latin culture. The group, sponsored by spanish teacher Bianca Mullins, choreographed their own dance.

Band receives high honors at festival BY SOHAIB KAHN Staff Writer

Junior April Brassard rehearses with the band on her clarinet.

The AHS Symphonic and Gold Bands earned top honors in the Band Festival this past weekend at J.E.B Stuart High School,where 10 high school bands from the state of Virginia performed. The performance by Gold Band started the festival on the second day at 9:30 a.m., and the symphonic band marked the end of the festival at 4:20 p.m. The Gold Band performed on grade four levels, for ten minutes on the song “Edgewood Festival” by Jim Curnow, and “At

the Apex” by Jack Bullock, while the Symphonic Band’s performance on grade six level which is the highest and more professional for about 30 minutes. The songs they played were “Army of the Nile” by Kenneth Alford; “Overture to Die Meistersinger” by Richard Wagner and “Al Camino Real” by Alfred Reed. After the performance the students were taken inside different room for the sight-reading. Instructor Jack Elgin was provided a script, which is written specifically for the students that they had to perform. They were given seven —“Band” con’t on p. 5

Due to Sept. 11 and the continuing threat of possible terrorist attacks, graduation at Constitution Hall will have heightened security including metal detectors, property and people searches. Once people have made it through the rigorous searches, they will not be re-admitted if they leave. Nancy Grim, Graduation Coordinator, said, “They [the security precautions] are the same for any other venue, whether it Grim be FEDEX Field or the MCI Center.” There will also be more precautions taken with the tickets for the June 17 celebration. In the past, tickets have been given out about three weeks before graduation, when students pick up their caps and gowns. This year tickets will be given the day before in order cut down on the number of lost tickets. The tickets will also have a special emblem imprinted on them, in order to “ensure that the people in the building are supposed to be in the building and to follow fire regulations,” said Grim. The emblem will ensure against reproduction, as in past years the tickets have been somewhat standard and NEW SECURITY held the risk of pos—Metal detectors sible being —Bag seaches copied. —Body searches Also, family members who could not receive one of the alloted amount of tickets were allowed to attend graduation and —“Graduation” con’t on p. 6

3rd quarter grades impacted by numerous snow days Students’ interims affected by few grades, school year could be reworked Staff Writer

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selection process, along with providing a forum for opinions regarding the ideal leadership style, experience and skills that the community desires that the candidates to possess. Under Clausen’s tenure, Clausen which began in 1994 following former Principal Ray Watson, the diversity of AHS has continued to expand. With a global background and fluent Spanish speaking skills, Clausen has been adept at bringing the school’s multicultural population together at all school functions. “The school will miss his even-handed balance,” said

Heritage Night ready

BY KYLE SMEALLIE

32%

Understanding steroids and performance enhancing drugs.

JOHN REISS

50º hi /23º low

STUDENT STERIOD USE

Inside advertising tactics and the minds of AHS marketers.

Principal set to retire in July

JOHN REISS

Party sunny, seasonably chilly.

YAO

DISABLED NOT DEFEATED

Today’s Weather

VOLUME #48 ISSUE 8

As inches turned to feet and school days turned into snow days, overloaded students suddenly were carefree and liberated from schoolwork. However, as the snow melts, the academic aftermath of the Presidents’ Day storm becomes obvious. One major consequence of the ten missed school days is that third quarter has been significantly shortened. Eight of the ten days have been missed during

the third quarter. This means that students have limited opportunities to, for example, raise a low grade, which makes every test, quiz, and homework assignment much more important. Senior Caitlin McKinney has felt the negative effects of the snow days, particularly on her IB Higher Level Math grade. “Since the math meets have been canceled, that extra credit is gone for me, which was a big part of my grade,” said McKinney. She added that her grade in that class had gone from an “A” to a “C.” Another effect of the snow storm is that teachers have less time to prepare for the Standard of Learning (SOL) tests, although they have been rescheduled a week later. Furthermore, next year the exams will be barrier tests, stopping students from graduation if the exams are not passed. “I am worried about the SOL’s, because I was

unable to prepare the way that I wanted,” said English 11 teacher Augustine Twyman. Some students agree with Twyman, and are very stressed about the upcoming exams. “I am a little worried about the SOL’s because the teachers are pressed for time, and it is important to do well, especially for this [the junior] class,” said junior Justine Bui. One plan to alleviate the SOL quandary involves making April 7, previously a teacher workday, into a regular school day. Also, there may be a 30-minute extension of the school day from April 21 to May 16. (See page 2 for a full explanation of the plans to make up the snow days.) “I think it’s pointless to add a few minutes to each class; it will not be productive at all. I can’t accomplish anything except talking with my friends in that amount of time,” said junior Charlene Farrell.

The alternative plan will also involve making the April 7 teacher workday into a student day. However, it will add one day to the school year, making the final day on Monday, June 23, instead of Friday, June 21. Many students favor this alternate plan. “We should add a day; I don’t want to spend time after school because I have important things to do when I get home at two [o’clock],” said junior Mark Bellingham. Junior Darren Wyatt voiced his contempt with the way that FCPS has handled these snow day make-ups. “I think the snow days we were hit with [are] going to hold us back in our SOL tests,” said Wyatt. “It’s a disgusting thing, the way that the school system has handled the snow emergency that has messed up the educational process.”

2 EDITORIALS

the

ABLAST

TUES. MARCH 11, 2003

Snow make-up plan illogical

“We should add 30 minutes to the day because it does not take as much time as a full day.”

—Hamza Amin sophomore “We should add days to the end of the year because we never do anything at the end of the year anyway.” —Nebyiu Tariku sophomore

“We should add 30 minutes because that means no one will get anything taken away. Five more minutes in each class is not going to kill —Kenneth Williams Administrator anyone.”

“We should add days to the end of the year because there is no tension and we have time to do schoolwork.” —Monira Begum sophomore

“I think we should add 30 minutes because I do not want to come to school on holidays.” —Young Lim junior

“We should add 30 minutes to the day because it would not even be noticeable. We would also not lose summer time.” —Molly Sterlacci freshman

“I think we should add 30 minutes because I do not want to add anytime or weeks to school.”

At a recent School Board meeting, the scenario of adding 30 minutes to each day has become the frontrunner BY JUNAID SHAMS Editorials Editor Thursday the School Board will consider two different plans to make up the ten days lost due to several snow storms this winter. Although students have been enjoying their time at home, including five straight days off after the Presidents’ Day weekend, it is now time to pay. Plan one, which is likely to be approved, says: April 7, which was previously scheduled as a teacher workday, will become a student day, and the last day of school will remain June 20. A 30-min extension of the school day will be added beginning April 21 and ending May 16. The alternative to this plan says: April 7, which was

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS —Under plan one, students would go to school on a teacher workday, April 7. The day would also be extended by 30-minutes from April 21 to May 16. —Under plan two, students would also go to school on a teacher workday, April 7. One day would be added to the end of the school year, making June 23, the last day of school.

previously scheduled as a teacher workday, will become a student day. One day will be added to the end of the school year, making Monday June 23, the last day of school. Under this plan, no additional minutes would be added to the school day. The alternative plan is better because the last day of school would be a Monday. Since students do not come on the last day anyway, what time is really lost? If we get any additional inclement weather makeup days, the school day would be extended by 30 minutes. Looking at both plans, the School Board should use the alternative. Ideally, we would not have to add any days, but since we can not, the alternative plan is better. Adding 30 minutes to the school day would mean that each class will be extended an extra 5-7 minutes per period. In some classes, those extra minutes would give students time to finish up a movie or a project. And these few extra minutes could help science and performing arts classes. However, foreign language and English classes need days not minutes. Students need to read novels and memorize new words. Also how many teachers will just burn up these extra minutes by just giving time to “do homework” at the end of class? If the School Board believes that students will actually learn from these extra 5-7 minutes, they are wrong. Adding these minutes will have no effect on student learning. What a student learns in a 88-minute period is the same what he or she will learn in a 94-minute period. Teachers will not try to rush and cover another topic in these few extra minutes. Since many students do not attend last day of school, and the makeup date would be a Monday, adding an ad-

“I think we should make-up teacher work days because teachers should do work on their own time.” —Emmie Blancovich junior

As the Bush administration proceeds in its global “teeth pulling” campaign for war against Iraq, anxious military commanders are standing by, planning how they will utilize the plethora of weapons at their disposal to topple Saddam Hussein. In addition to the 300,000 troops that have already been deployed to the Persian Gulf region, a host of tactical tools including spy satellites, U.S. Special Forces, reconnaissance aircraft, and language specialists have also been added to the war arsenal. Although these resources will likely prove to be tremendous assets in this military effort, are they best being put to use in a war against Iraq? That is not even to mention the price of war, which has been estimated at costing upwards of $99 billion, and in the case of a long, drawn out campaign, nearly $2 trillion dollars. Diverting these resources will prove crippling to our nation’s critical counter-terrorism effort, leaving terror cells unmonitored, allowing terror networks to resume their fund-

ing activities, and exposing Americans, home and abroad, to another attack. This downsizing of counter-terrorism is made all the more alarming in that it is taking place in the midst of an elevated code orange “high risk” terror alert that has citizens rushing to hardware stores to stock up on duct tape and plastic sheeting. The war against terrorism is not going to be won by eliminating Bush’s so called “Axis of Evil” (Iraq, Iran, and North Korea), but rather through intelligence activities and investigations that will disrupt and expose the far more dangerous global terror network. Despite the fact that Saddam Hussein may pose a threat to the United States and that it would be in our best interests for him to be removed, that should not be the foremost issue on Bush’s agenda. The attacks of September 11 were a product of Al Qaeda and

Making the Grade

In the past week, Khalid Sheik Mohammed was caught in the northern parts of Pakistan. A key Al-Qaeda member, Mohammed was in charge of the September 11th terrorist attacks. During the raid in Pakistan, the US and Pakistani authorities also apprehended Mustafa Ahmed Hawsawi, a Saudi native who allegedly oversaw the hijacking plot’s finances through bank accounts in the United Arab Emirates.

Man released after wrongfully accused

After eight years, 11 months and 19 days behind bars, the State of Maryland has finally released Kirk Bloodsworth. At the age of 24, Bloodsworth was charged with the rape and murder of a young girl in 1984. A Baltimore County judge ordered his execution, while Bloodsworth repeatedly told everyone that he did not commit the crime. Using scientific testing, it was confirmed that a stain of semen on the girl’s panties was not his.

Oriole Pitcher dies after using ephedrine

CORRECTIONS ISSUE 7 —In the Feb. 11 issue of The ABlast, junior Katie Wipf’s name was misspelled under the man of the street on page 2. —In the Feb. 11 issue of The ABlast, the frontpage article’s headline “Graduate’s death still unsolved” misrepresented the article’s content. Fanta Moses is missing, no body has of yet been found.

While students were at home enjoying their break, the baseball team had to come in and shovel the infield. This Thursday the School Board will decide what to do with the ten snow-days.

ditional day would not have any effect on many students. Instead of worrying about adding days, the School Board should worry about the third quarter. Although we have lost nearly 2 weeks from third quarter, the grading period still ends on April 11. Tomorrow you will receive your interims, and the grades will reflect only a few assignments. The School Board had never considered taking away Spring Break since these days are very popular with parents. In Maryland, many districts have voted to hold classes on Easter Monday and are also considering Saturday classes in May. These storms are once in a decade type of events. The School Board should go with the alternative plan, and consider extending the quarter. JUNAIDSHAMS@HOTMAIL.COM

War with Iraq costly on many fronts

Key Al-Qaeda members found in Pakistan

—Lindsey Mitchell freshman

CHAE-WHA PARK

Out of the possible scenarios for making up the snow days, what do you think the School Board should do?

Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Steve Bechler died on the Feb. 17 due to a heatstroke. Bechler was taking a dietary supplement containing the drug ephedrine, which many believe caused the problem. Ephedrine interferes with the body’s ability to get rid of heat, which probably caused the heatstroke. This situation is similar to when Minnesota Vikings lineman Korey Stringer died on Aug. 1, 2001, when bottles containing ephedrine were found in his locker.

Girl dies after two transplants

Jessica Santillan, died when the doctors at Duke University gave her the organs of a different blood type. Santallan then had to get another pair of donors. But after the second surgery, she received brain trauma and was pronounced dead. These types of mistakes should not occur with the doctors that we have in the United States, especially from a renowned medical center such as Duke University.

been killed. Further, just by getting rid of Saddam Hussein, there is no guarantee that an equally corrupt dictator will not seize power in the chaos of a postwar Iraq. War hawks will counter that Iraq has weapons that are in violation of international treaties, and that in the near future will have the capability or producing weapons of mass destruction. Most likely they are right. However, unfortunately at this point in time, a far more real and serious threat is the unleashing of dirty bomb, chemical agents, or biological weapon in one of our major metropolitan areas by a terrorist organization. On Feb. 28, the New York Times broke a story that plans were also in the workings for an attack against North Korea. At this critical juncture in the war on terrorism, we must pick our battle fronts carefully. Fighting a war against a nation just because they may or may not have weapons of mass destruction, and in the future may or may not attack the U.S. or one of its allies, is not a valid justification.

the global terrorist network, as there is no known connection between Saddam Hussein and the attack. A preemptive strike by the U.S. military against Iraq will be dangerously perceived in the Middle East, working only to further destabilize the region and augment hatred toward the U.S. for imposing its western influence in the region. In Bush’s address to the nation on Feb. 26 Andrew Satten to rally support Co-Editor in Chief for war, he countered that by ousting Saddam Hussein and erecting a democratic government, which some analyst believe in itself to be an impossible task considering the conflicting religious factions in the nation, a wave of democracy and peace will suddenly sweep the region. Somehow, I do not view the Iraqi people and the rest of the Middle East viewing the U.S. as liberators after Baghdad has been bombed into the ground and thousands of people have

atten’s oundoff

SATTDOG3@AOL.COM

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

ABLAST Vol. 48 No. 8 March 11, 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 Adviser: Alan Weintraut

Gallup Award Quill & Scroll 2000-2001

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 Ad Manager: Rachel Jones Copy Editor: Meg Nielsen Photography Chae-Wha Park Editor: 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, 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-Yoza, Brent Sullivan

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, 2003.

EDITORIALS 3

the

ABLAST

TUES. MARCH. 11, 2003

The time to stop Saddam is now

Letters to the Editor

There is no need to wait any longer for support from the cumbersome U.N. in a war against Iraq.

Students wear pajamas, rebel against unjust, ill-advised rule.

BY EVAN ROWLAND Staff Writer

—Courtney Thieberger senior KATHY SAUPP

Presently, war with Iraq appears to be inevitable. Every advancement comes at a cost. However, this should not be an impetus for U.S. citizens and the United Nations to turn their backs on an issue that needs resolution. President Bush made an intelligent first move when he went to the U.N. to seek support for a war against Iraq. This action allowed for us to identify who our allies would be in the conflict. According to the U.N. resolution 1441, Iraq must disarm its chemical and biological weapons. If the U.N. cannot enforce this resolution, it will lose its legitimacy. Germany and France, currently the countries that Colin Powell is strongly trying to persuade to a pro-war stance, have previously flouted U.S. efforts to control Iraq. They have ignored sanctions and provided materials to build foundries that are used for nuclear power plants in Iraq. These countries also sold Iraq actual weapons of mass destruction. Why should we waste any more time trying to persuade a pair of “back-stabbers?” The U.N. weapons inspectors have been searching Iraq for illegal materials and weapons, ever since the end of the Gulf War. Already, Iraq has been cut numerous breaks in the weapons inspections process. The U.N. weapons inspectors have yet to uncover any big evidence. This is due to the sly tactics of the Iraqi military personelle and scientists. Yes, Iraq did recently turnover several missiles and sites containing anthrax deposits, but finding little trinkets here and there is not going to disarm Saddam Hussein. Let’s not forgetHussein’s invasion of Kuwait, and tested biological weapons on his own civilians. Obviously, this treacherousness cannot be trusted. Why wait? It is not as though Saddam Hussein is sim-

This letter is to express my thoughts on the pajama rule. This new rule, however small, is far from trivial, and pajamas should not be a problem. Recently some senior girls have been wearing, “Pajamas ‘til acceptance.” Vowing to wear p.j.’s until they get their acceptance letters. This is a strong example of our freedom of speech. The administration should be more focused on much more important issues such as attendance. There are things we could wear that are much more revealing and distracting than sweatpants with patterns.

President George W. Bush should go to war and avoid disastrous consequences. If we do not stop Saddam now, we could regret it.

ply going to hand over all of his biological and chemical weapons and then step down, allowing for a democracy to be put into place. The U.S. military has over 300,000 troops on standby in the Persian Gulf. A war plan has already been drafted, which promises a relatively quick and crushing victory. President Bush need only give the signal to begin the strike. But currently, President Bush is still waiting for the UN to decide to back the U.S. in a war on Iraq. Britain,

Don’t silence the critic rent constitution and resulted in the Bill Pride. It is almost inevitable in every of Rights. To be critical of government is prosperous nation, particularly in one as one of those founding principles. Thomas politically and economically dominant as Jefferson asserted in the Declaration of the United States. Not pride in one’s acIndependence that the people have a right complishments or one’s family, but pride to revolt against an unjust government. in one’s country. This so-called “patriotic,” Freedom of speech is also guaranteed, in borderline nationalistic pride, is perhaps the First Amendment, to assure that a the single greatest danger to our present critical voice is protected in our nation. democracy. Yet, despite the fact that we claim to A love of one’s country is not unwarvalue freedom, individuality, and indepenranted, or unwanted, as it is the key to dence, we often disdain the voice of disgood citizenship, and thus, a better socisent. An attitude often directed towards ety. However, an appreciation of one’s socritics is that of “If you don’t like it here, ciety for one’s relative well-being is often then leave.” Imagine if Martin Luther misdirected towards feelKing Jr. had taken that advice; we may ings of national, on ocstill be living in a country where white casion even racial, supremacy is a way of superiority. Unlife. checked it can also To speak out for lead to the degrawhat you believe in, dation of critical evaluation of one’s Mohammad Edris Qarghah whether in support of the government government. Editorials Editor or not, is perhaps Thus patriothe most patriotic thing anyone could do. tism has diminished to a state where it is However, there has been an insurgence nearly synonymous with nationalism, of this intolerant attitude towards dissiwhile remaining free of the negative condents as a result of nationalistic pride post notation. Patriotism is associated with an Sept. 11. Such people are often labeled unfettered support of one’s government, as “unpatriotic,” as CNN’s Hardball denot a love of one’s country. Many have scribed the recent antiwar rallies, and given to putting American flag stickers those who are so opposed to war that they on their cars, or raising them in front of risk their lives as human shields. Oththeir houses. ers, face a subtler, covert, perhaps uninThis alone is not patriotism. When tentional, social pressure to conform. the American flag is purposefully used, For verification one needs look no furas in to respect the deceased, it is comther than local businesses. Many fearful mendable. It is nonetheless dangerous ethnic business owners, particularly ones as it is a form of blanket support for one’s that prominently indicate Middle Eastgovernment. ern or Persian origin, have resorted to True patriots do not necessarily wave even more prominently displaying articles the American flag. They are those who of Americana. Each of the waiters at devote their lives to their society, not only Shamshiry restaurant off of Rt. 7, for exthe soldiers and civil servants, but also ample, wear American flags as part of the quibblers and pundits constantly optheir uniform, as well as plastering one posed to government action. These people in front of the store. may not believe in government at all, yet Nationalism is a dangerous thing. It they believe in the land on which they has resulted in numerous conflicts, most live and they voice their concerns. prominently World War I and II. In a time The wide variety of ethnicities, culwhen we are once again contemplating tures, and beliefs paired with guaranteed war, deciding the fate of our soldiers and personal freedoms are what make this countless civilians, let not our national country unique. The protection of these pride drown out our objective reasoning. principle aspects of our nation was the cornerstone of the ratification of our curE_QARGHAH@HOTMAIL.COM

Commentary

Australia, and Spain have showed that they are on our side all the way. This is adequate support, so there is no need to wait any longer for support from the cumbersome U.N.. The U.S. will attack Iraq in the near future, and will do its best to make it a quick war with as little military and civilian casualties as possible. Hussein will never give up on his own, it will take a fight. EROWLAND05@AOL.COM

Are we lounging or learning? fessional dress of students only contrib“I hate all of these rules at school. The utes partly to their teachers’ overall opinteachers treat us like we are children.” ion and level of respect, it is an initial, and This is a lament that I hear spouted from important part. If teachers see the lack of the mouths of many of my fellow stupride and self respect that dressing like a dents. Indeed, I think that in the school bum in our public forum characterizes, building, which is tantamount to our they will automatically treat the student own workplace, we as students are accordingly. treated less like employees and more like Now, I understand that clothes inmates. I for one, would like to do someshouldnt be the only measure of opinion, thing to change the way we are treated, and that any pajama-clad stuand I believe that it dent can score just as well as comes down to the way one in a three-piece suit. we are viewed by the However, the world is not staff. perfect, and students need The Student to learn now that in society Rights and Refirst impression is somesponsibilities times the only chance you handbook states get to establish yourself in that “All stuKathy Saupp the eyes of others. While an dents are exaverage school day isnt expected to dress actly like a job interview, appropriately it is the closest we will get for the next in a way that is consistent with the workfew years. place.” These regulations are made to enMany argue that pajama wearing is sure that students portray themselves protected by a student’s in a manner that is professional, and right to free expression. thus worthy of respect. The way a However, exactly what are person looks determines a viewstudents trying to express by ers first impression of wearing cotton flannels covthem, and establishes the ered in polka dots? To many basis for opinion. Why, teachers, it seems that the then, would students want message students are tryto be seen as anything other ing to state is that they than serious, professional are apathetic about workers? school, and have little It may not be their intenpride in their appearance tion, but by donning pajaand the impression they mas before heading off for give others. school students in fact deThis is the attitude crease their chances to be someone who is not socially treated as serious young adults. As a aware, like a child, would student, I appreciate the teachers that have. To that effect, if we I have who dress professionally, showwant to start being treated as adults, we ing their respect for themselves and the need to take the steps to show to teachers place they work in, as well as the stuthat we are serious enough to take on that dents that they teach. title. The first step to this is our appearHowever, what must they think ance, and the all important first impreswhen they see their students straggle sion. in each day like they have just rolled out of bed, and seemingly unprepared for the PHILE09@HOTMAIL.COM demands of the day? While the unpro-

K athy’s Q uandaries

Teenagers treated unfairly in today’s society BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN News Editor An adult walks into a restaurant for lunch with a group of friends. They order and an hour later they ask where their food is. The waitress dismisses it by saying she just put the order in. Another half an hour goes by and the waitress explains that the chef quit. The food then arrives, cold and mediocre; after all, the chef didn’t make it. After waiting around and many of these adults being late for other arrangements, the first adult arrives at home at 3:15 P.M. Almost three hours for a simple lunch! And the manager not once came to speak to these poor people? For an adult, this behavior would be outrageous and unacceptable. They would have walked out and not paid the $140 check. But for us teenagers, we are supposed to take this treatment. This happened to 11 of my friends and I when we went to lunch at the Ruby Tuesdays in Fairfax one Saturday. After my experience, I couldn’t help but be livid at the fact that the manager of this establishment not once came to our table to explain to us what was

going on, or to offer us a discount and that they probably would have done all of these things had we been adults. It led me to think of many other times where I was not treated like an adult consumer, merely because of my age. My dreadful afternoon was not the first time that I was treated unfairly because I am a teenager. Teenagers are viewed as consumers who are just there to windowshop, play around with the merchandise, try on that $50 shirt but not ever buy it, or steal something if they want it badly enough. My friends and I are constantly ignored at the Clinique counter in malls because the salespeople view us as shoppers who just want to play around with the newest line in makeup, but we won’t shell out the money to buy merchandise. Because we don’t have a yearly salary, or because we are viewed as indolent, people assume that we don’t have money to spend. Junior Cameron Wells feels that teenage shoppers aren’t taken seriously. Wells recalled a time when she was treated unfairly and said, “I tried to return something once and they wouldn’t let me because I didn’t have the receipt. But, my mom went and they let her return it [without the

receipt]. I feel like they took her more seriously because she was an adult.” Many teenagers have a source of income, whether it is doing housework, babysitting, or some other job. Our $20 is worth just as much as the adult’s $20 standing in line behind us, maybe even more. The salesperson’s job is to make customers want to return to their store. If I get respect, good service and am treated like a real customer when I am at a store, I will return to it, and I will return to the establishment for more years than someone that is 20 years older than me. Although I may be viewed as a kid and someone who will take disrespect, I am not. I should be treated just like any other person that walks through the doors of a store seeking service. Teenagers have many shopping years ahead of them and they are impressionable now. We will remember how we were treated and we will take our business elsewhere if we are not treated with the respect and equality of service as every other person that supports that business. FRIEDBCN@EROLS.COM

IRAQ TIMELINE 1920 April 25 - Iraq is placed under British mandate. 1932 Oct. 3 - Iraq becomes an independent state. 1972 A 15-year Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation is signed between Iraq and the Soviet Union. 1979 July 16 - President AlBakr resigns and is succeeded by Vice-President Saddam Hussein. 1980 Sept. 4 - Iran shells Iraqi border towns (Iraq considers this as the start of the Iran/Iraq war). 1981 June 7 - Israel attacks an Iraqi nuclear research centre at Tuwaythah near Baghdad. 1990 Aug. 2 - Iraq invades Kuwait and is condemned by United Nations Security Council (U.N.S.C.) Resolution 660 which calls for full withdrawal. Aug. 8 - Iraq announces the merger of Iraq and Kuwait. 1991 Jan. 6-17 - The Gulf War starts when the coalition forces begin aerial bombing of Iraq ("Operation Desert Storm"). Feb. 13 - U.S. planes destroy an air raid shelter at Amiriyah in Baghdad, killing over 300 people. 1992 Aug. 26 - A no-fly zone, excluding flights of Iraqi planes, is established in southern Iraq, south of latitude 32 degrees north. 1993 June 27 - U.S. forces launch a cruise missile attack on Iraqi intelligence headquarters in Al-Mansur district, Baghdad in retaliation for the attempted assassination of U.S. President, George Bush, in Kuwait in April. 1994 May 29 - Saddam Hussein becomes prime minister. Nov. 10 - The Iraqi National Assembly recognizes Kuwait's borders and its independence. 1995 Oct. 15 - Saddam Hussein wins a referendum allowing him to remain president for another 7 years. 1998 Oct. 31 - Iraq ends all forms of cooperation with the U.N. Special Commission to Oversee the Destruction of Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction (U.N.S.C.O.M.). Dec. 16-19 - After U.N. staff are evacuated from Baghdad, the U.S. and U.K. launch a bombing campaign, "Operation Desert Fox", to destroy Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programmes. 1999 Jan. 4 - Iraq asks the U.N. to replace its U.S. and U.K. staff in Iraq. 2000 Mar. 1 - Hans Blix becomes executive chairman of Unmovic. 2001 Feb. - Britain, U.S. carry out bombing raids to try to disable Iraq's air defence network. The bombings have little international support. 2002 May - U.N. Security Council agrees to overhaul the sanctions regime, replacing a blanket ban on a range of goods with "smart" sanctions targeted at military and dual-use equipment. Nov. - U.N. weapons inspectors return to Iraq for the first time since 1998, backed by a tough U.N. Security Council resolution which is reluctantly accepted by Baghdad. 2003 Jan. - Chief weapons inspector Dr. Hans Blix delivers a harsh report to the U.N. Security Council, accusing Baghdad of failing to come to a "genuine acceptance" of disarmament. —Timeline courtesy of B.B.C.

4 NEWS SCHOOL NEWS

Dixon

Chorus Teacher Awarded Carleen Dixon, Choral Director, recently was honored as one of AHS’s Teacher of the Year nominees. She has also won the Al and Winnie Hodgson Award for outstanding teaching. The award will be presented to Dixon on May 28, 2003 in front of the school board during the Teacher of the Year recognition ceremony. Dixon is very pleased to receive the award, which includes a $200 savings bond, and said, “it means so much to be recognized by your colleagues and your peers. Teachers work so hard, its nice to receive some recognition for that. I put a lot of extra hours in this job and I’ve worked so hard to build this choral department.” This is Dixon’s ninth year at AHS and in those years she has worked with the choirs to achieve superior ratings at districts festival, first place trophies around the county and in Canada, they have been able to sing at the Kennedy Center, The National Cathedral and the White House. Many of her students have gone on to be selected for All-State Chorus and Honors Choirs. “I love my students, I give a lot to them and get a lot in return,” said Dixon. Dixon was nominated by the Choral Boosters which is made up of parents. Dixon feels very supported by both the parents who nominated her and the faculty that surrounds her.

PTSA complains about Construction One hundred e-mails were sent to FCPS officials from AHS PTSA members complaining that the construction is taking too long. The officials then gave the letter to the head of the Grunley Construction Company. Already construction has been improved and the FCPS officials will present the plans for Phase III to the PTSA in March or April.

AHS gives students another chance to donate blood On March 27 in the Lecture Hall INOVA Blood Donor Services will be here to allow people 17 and over to donate blood. Donors will receive a free t-shirt, refreshments, time out of class and the satisfaction of helping people. Interested donors should sign-up during the week of March 10 during all lunches.

Brick orders extended Due to missed school the Class of 2004 has decided to extend the March deadline for brick orders to April 1. If interested in purchasing a personalized brick to be placed on the walkway of the athletic lobby Call the Brassard Family at (703) 7500023 for an order.

Scholarships Available Many Scholarships are available for seniors hoping to receive some sort of financial aid for college. Some of them are: —The NVADACA SCHOLARSHIPS are now available for all athletes, managers, athletic trainers and cheerleaders. Applicants will be judged on athletic participation, academic performance, involvement in school and community, writing skills and recommendations. Recommendations should include if there is any known financial need. The deadline for applications is March 14. AHS will nominate six candidates. See Mrs. Roth in the Career Center for more information and an application. — The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship is for seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. AHS will nominate one student. Awards are based on school transcripts, standardized tests, personal achievements and recommendations. The deadline for applications is March 14. —Ray Watson and James Finch Scholarships are available for seniors who are going to technical schools and colleges. Applications are in the Career Center and the deadline is May 12.

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Diversity to be highlighted at Heritage Night next week Cultural talent show seeks to build on popularity of last year’s sold out performance. ferent kinds of backrounds, communication and transportation can be challenges sometimes,” said Watlington. Other challenges include the weather and the auditorium time schedule. Previous to the March 10 when tickets started selling, the performers only had two opportunities to practice on stage. In the the last few days, many students have taken to the hallways to polish their acts. The late bus practice schedule has put a hamper on their practice time, but the participants are still excited about performing. “We needed more practice time but it’s still a good show. This year we have more of a variety,” said Watlington. Over a dozen dancers will perform; of these are the Caporales dancers, who will be performing a native Bolivian dance. “We’re doing Heritage night because we like to represent Bolivia,” said sophomore Norma Vidaurre, one of the several Caporales dancers. “We’re proud of what we are.” Even thought this year is Vidaurre’s first time per-

forming for AHS’’s Heritage Night, she has a history of performing at Barcroft Elementary’s Heritage Night. She has also performed in a number of festivals in Washington, D.C. “My friends and family are going to Heritage Night and it’ll be fun on stage with friends,” said Vidaurre. Another one of the performers is senior Lope Hernandez, a member of the Breakdancing Club. As a breakdancer, he has been practicing with other members since the year started. This year auditions were necessary for some groups, but not for the breakdancers. “We were supposed to audition like the others but we never did. We put on our show at the winter pep rally.” Fans of the breakdancing club are sure to be amazed by their upcoming performance. Performers and sponsors alike are hopeful that this year’s Heritage Night will have the same success as previous years. “We hope teachers, families and students in the school can support the students on stage. It’ll be a great show,” said Watlington. About a dozen other teachers and students have helped organize the event. “If a show like this succeeds, it’s because of the hard work and cooperation of the many people in this building,” said Watlington. “It takes a huge amount of time and effort to put on a show like this.”

JOHN REISS

NEWS BRIEFS

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A performer practices the Egyptian dance at one of the Heritage Night rehearsals.

AHS Black History Bowl proved to be educational for all students gela Briggs, and Kojo Asamoa. This competition was sponsored by the Jack and Jill Company, competing against Westfield, Robinson, and Mount Vernon. With Robinson being the dominate winner in this years bowl, however, AHS decided to have their own History Bowl sponsored by the PTSA and Annandale coalition. AHS was chosen to hold the competition and was honored with prizes is-

BY SABRINA STACY Staff Writer The Juniors took a sweeping lead at the first AHS Black History Bowl, held on Fri. Mar. 7 during the W2 Flex period. The students were tested on various subjects relating to black history and the winner received a cash prize. “Being involved forces them to learn about African culture, if they are motivated to learn. It would be good if they made a bowl with other cultures too,” said president of the Black Student Association, junior Angela Briggs. The grades faced off in a competition which they prepared for by studying packets of information which they completed on their own and then staying after to review the answers. The teams have been preparing since before Winter Break started, and have showed off their knowledge to the judges in black history. The questions came from four different categories: Education and Culture, History and Politics, Sports and Entertainment, and Science and Inventions. “Some of the facts were obvious and well-known, others were obscure and little-know,” said junior Marti Covington. The bowl has more of a game show atmosphere with a “buzz in” round, and each person was given their own

Security policies instituted at AHS BY JOHN REISS Staff Writer In the March 10 issue of The A-Blast (issue #7), the front page story ‘FCPS terror plan issued’ outlined the specifics of Fairfax County emergency procedure in case of a of a terrorist attack. Some of the information presented in the article was unsupported and untrue. Teachers have not been issued duct tape for windows or towels to put between sources. Accurate information is as follows. In the event of a terrorist attack, chemical, biological or otherwise, the school’s power will be shut down and all vents into the school will be closed in an effort to keep any toxic gases out. All classes, inside and out, will go into automatic lock down until teachers are noted otherwise. Also, all trailer classes will be kept in their trailers and students are not to leave. At the last staff meeting in February, Principal Donald Clausen addressed the proper procedure in case of a terrorist strike in the Metropolitan area and distributed pamphlets to teachers and staff with tips and instructions on preparedness. These same pamphlets were made available to attendants to the PTA meeting on March 4. The Fairfax County policy of “shelter in place” is still in effect if a terrorist attack were to occur. If any students are outside or exposed during an attack, they are to be separated from the rest of the school population and washed with soap and water, and if possible, provided with different clothing. Staff members will proceed to shut down roof ventilators in order to create neutral pressure and prevent outdoor air from entering the school. Beyond that point, staff members have been instructed to listen to emergency announcements from Fairfax County officials.

In case of a terrorist attack: 1) The power to the school will be shut off and all vents into the school will be closed; All classes will go into automatic lock-down. 2) All trailer classes must stay in the trailers and no one is to leave. 3) In the event that any students were outside when the attack occurred, they will be separated from the rest of the school, provided with soap and water and possibly with a change of clothing. 4) Staff members will shut down the roof ventilators to establish a neutral pressure in the building.

“

Being involved forces them to learn about African culture, if they are motivated to learn. It would be good if they made a bowl with other cultures too.

Junior Marti Covington listens intently as her teammate, Inga Mohamed answers a question on black history.

question that was classified in their category. There were alternates present at the Bowl just in case they are needed. Sophomore Darrin Barrell was an alternate in the Black History Bowl that took place at Robinson, and he was honored to be apart of that event. Members in that competition were Uba Hamud, An-

Angela Briggs BSA President

sued to them. The junior class team was made up of Marti Covington, Inga Mohamed, Mahlet Girma, and Austin Willis. None of the members of the junior class team had ever participated in a black history bowl before, but the seniors were the returning champions. All in all the Black History Bowl proved to be fun for all who participated and was an educational experience for the audience members.

Drama travels to the Big Apple Broadway strike prevented students from viewing musicals. BY LAURA KELLY Staff Writer The annual Drama Trip in which students see Broadway shows and sight-see, was originally scheduled for Feb. 28 through March 2, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather for March 79. All students involved in theater department were given the opportunity to go to New York, even though the number of people was limited. Twenty-four students attended and three faculty members including Vicki Farish, theater director. The students left on Friday, March 7th, traveling to New York by vans. Each year the theater depart-

ment is given half-price tickets to see any three Broadway shows. When the group arrives in New York, they decide on which shows they want to see. “We go to New York to see three Broadway shows, eat, and see the sights. We all have a really good time,” said Vicki Farish. Some of the sights seen were Ellis Island, the Empire of State Building, and the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero. Shopping in New York has also been a favorite pastime for the students. New York has some of the best stores and merchandise in the country, including 5th Avenue. Even so, many students preferred to shop in the small souvenir shops near the hotel. Theater going, sight-seeing, and shopping all made for a fun visit to the Big Apple. Due to the Broadway strike on Friday in which over 1,000 musicians and actors protested producers’ attempts to try and cut down on the amount of orchestra members performing at each musical, the Drama students were unable to see any musicals.

Farish

While they had hoped to see such shows as Aida, The Lion King, 42nd Street and Rent, they instead just saw regular plays like, Frankie and Johnny, Stomp, Menopause: The Musical, and Ma Rainie’s Black Bottom. These protests began the day that the students arrived and proved to cause a huge disappointment among the students and chaperones. Junior Coury Shadyac said, “because of the musicians strike, we were unable to see any Broadway musicals, but we were still able to see straight plays. Despite the strike, we still had an amazing trip.”

Model U.N. holds conference CHRIS SOPHER Journalism 1 Student The 30th Anniversary Model UN conference will be held March 20-21 at AHS, in which students from the club have worked diligently to organize the conference on their own. “This [the conference] is entirely student directed,” said Model UN sponsor and history teacher Jonathan York. The group of about 50 students will form two committees, NATO and AsiaPAC, which will meet simultaneously in the Media Center and Lecture Hall. The committees will debate a variety of topics from oil to war, and try to pass resolutions on those issues. Students will represent 40 countries, presenting their

country’s opinion on each issue and fighting to pass their resolutions. “It’s probably going to be the best home conference we’ve ever had because we’ve got a lot more people than we’ve had in the past,” said sophomore Carter Koppleman, one of the participants coordinating the conference. “I feel proud to be one of the coordinators of the in-house conference because it’s great to see all my hard work pay off.” The conference has originally been scheduled for March 13 and 14, but inclement weather and the movement of the English SOL forced postponement. The final Model UN conference of the year will be held April 4 and 5 at Thomas Jefferson School of Science and Technology.

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DECA students head to nationals On March 1 through the 2, the DECA club attended the annual Virginia States Leaders Conference in Richmond. This competition was the biggest and most exciting event of the year for DECA. Twenty-three students attended, the largest number from AHS yet. They had to compete with many other DECA clubs all across the country to earn different awards. However, little did they know they would be leaving the conference with the Fortune 500 award, the first time Annandale has ever won such an award for DECA, along with nine students on their way to Nationals. DECA took a charter bus to Richmond and stayed at the Richmond Radisson hotel and the conference itself was held at the Richmond Marriot. The students who attended had to prepare for many weeks prior in order to be ready for the competition. They had to study marketing and business for the 100 question market test and be ready to do role-playing. The students were given a market situation and they had to role-play and use their marketing skills to solve problems. They developed a business plan and convinced the judges that their plan would work. They had to present their plans for ten minutes and then face five minutes of questions.

“We really had to make good presentations of our plans and sell it to the judges,” said DECA member, junior Alex Silano. In addition to the test and role-playing, groups of students developed creative projects to promote a certain business. They presented their projects to the judges to demonstrate their business skills. Students were competing with hundreds of other students from all over the country to try to make it to the top seven. If they placed high, the students would go on to Nationals in Orlando, Florida. “This has been the largest number of DECA students Annandale has had yet to go to Nationals,” said senior DECA president, Lindsey Grant. “We did not have any last year and only one the year before.” “It has definitely been the most by far,” added junior Tracie Hiatt. The students chosen to go to Nationals were: senior Lindsey Grant, junior Khalid Abul-Hawa, sophomore Renee Tran, senior Anteneh Addisu, senior Jeannine Frank, junior Tracie Hiatt, junior Jason Bracken, senior David Marin, and junior Alex Silano. These students will be competing in Nationals located in Orlando, Florida on April 25-30. “It was all very unexpected. I never expected to be able to go on to Nationals,” said junior Jason Bracken. “It should be a really fun experience.”

Sports and Computer Junkies wanted Students who are interested in both sports and computers should see Robin Roth in the Career Center if interested in running a website and becoming the Annandale Sports Information Director.

COURTESY OF JENNIFER HENDRICKSON

BY LAURA KELLY Staff Writer

SCHOOL NEWS

Juniors Alex Silano and Tracie Hiatt won State Runner-up and were National competitors for the Sports and Entertainment Team Decision Making Event at this years DECA state conference.

Teachers move as renovations continue Construction slowly moving to phase III.

BY SOHAIB KAHN Staff Writer Construction workers have been working diligently on the most recent phase in the renovations process. This phase includes the Marketing hallway, math hallway, and the theatre. The first phase was completed earlier, which was the science rooms and the library. “It is terrific, we have had very good luck with the construction,” said

librarian Janet Pfeiffer. “The expanded space and the addition of the computer lab have enabled us to accommodate more classes at a time. The only draw back is from the computer furniture on the library floor is high and blocks visibility into the working areas.” The snowstorm this month did not effect the renovation inside the school, but the work that was supposed to be done on the bleachers of the visiting side of the football field.

“We were just like school. If the school student cannot come here, we cant either,” said construction supervisor Ted Deane. “We have got people coming in from Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia The snow days threw the workers behind the schedule., and could not get the work done that they were suppose to.” The workers are a few months behind the projected plan, according to which they were supposed to be

done with the second phase on March 1st. The renovation of the third phase will start this summer and would probably be done by fall 2004. The third phase and the last phase of the renovation project are the biggest phase includes the Auditorium, cafeteria, weight room, and the old math hallway.

On Wed. March 5, the winter sports teams gathered for their annual Winter Sports Banquet. With the auditorium being almost full during the presentations of the awards, an estimated 650 people attended the banquet. “We do an awards banquet each season because some athletes aren’t year round, and it is important to have the banquet while they are still in touch with the season. These athletes work hard for three months, the

least we can do is honor them for one night,” said AHS Athletic Director Angelo Hilios. The evening began with dinner in the cafeteria from 6-7 p.m., then moved to the auditorium where the coaches from each sport spoke about their past season. “The beginning is tough, because people don’t give the speakers the necessary respect. That is the only drawback,” said Hilios. Some highlights of the presentations were the awarding of the Scholar Athlete awards, for students who maintain a 3.5 GPA throughout

the season. The girls basketball program and the swim and dive team were also key. The girls basketball team had much to celebrate with their immense improvement and one their most successful seasons. The swim and dive team celebrated their senior swimmer, Andy Pelenberg, for his accomplishments at the state meet and qualifying himself for the All-American cut. After the awards, the teams split up into designated areas and had team meetings. “I think that the sports banquet is a good way to celebrate the season

after a lot of hard work,” said sophomore Brandon Flowers, who was a member the JV basketball team. With some of the team meetings lasting until 9:45 p.m., the teams had plenty of time to reflect on the past season and award athletes. “The best parts were the gag gifts and the food. But it was also nice to be able to reminisce about all our good times this past season,” said freshman Lindsay Mitchell, a member of the varsity swim and dive team. “The sports banquet is a great idea, a great concept, and it works great,” said Hilios.

Annual winter sports banquet had remarkable turnout

will be taking more of an interest into making sure all clubs in the area will be up to safety regulations. “I’m not afraid to go to concerts now because since the fire all clubs are being pressured by the government to make these things safe,” said junior Katie Wipf. When Wipf heard the Great White was to be playing at JAXX next stop on their tour she was concerned more about the management handling the situation then an actual fire. “JAXX is a horrible club anyway. If you’ve ever played there you know that the management is not very accommodating.” JAXX was unavailable for questioning on their safety regulations. “It’s pretty scary that they were going to play at JAXX next,” said Miller. “It’s scary when things like that occur, especially so close to home.”

Band excels at Districts “Band” from pg. 1

Northern Virginia Community College Information Night will be held on March 27 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the career center. Seniors interested in attending NOVA should attend to gather more information about their programs, financial aid and registration process.

practice and students lost nine rehearsals and practice concert. There are four band classes provided at AHS, each representing different levels. The first class is the beginners’ class where the students learn how to use different band equipment. Red band class teaches the students how to play different type of music. Gold band and Symphonic band are the last two levels for band performance where higher level music is performed.

minutes to look at it and then the students were spread into different positions and played the script. The performance at the festival was a group performance by the two bands. Mr. Jack Elgin conducted the band while the three judges graded the students on a 1 to 5 scale. 1 being the superior, 2 being excellent, 3 was fair followed by fair and poor for 4 and 5. The performances by the two bands were taped and recorded on the cassettes. The judges had a rubric-grading sheet, which had different captions on which they graded the performance. The judges followed the music, and checked if the script was followed properly. The snow af- AHS band members performed at districts this past Saturday fected the band and took home superior ratings.

During today’s flex a representative from Liberty College will be present to answer any questions. See Mrs. Roth in the Career Center for a flex pass.

Documentary on AHS students to be shown in DC On Tues. March 18 at 7 p.m., for one night only, there will be a chance for people to come to Visions Cinema in DC to see the film based on five AHS students in “Teens in Between”. The cost is $6.50 for one ticket. The movie is based on recent student immigrants who are trying to fit in. The movie follows these students for one high school year. For more information visit www.visionsdc.com/dyno/ filmdetail.asp?filmID=208.

In search of a new principal there will be a Cluster III presentation. All parents are invited to come to learn about the process.

Promise to write an essay The Annandale Community Coalition is sponsoring an essay contest, “Prom Promise” for all seniors to enter and say what is cool about being drug free. The winner will receive a free limo ride and dinner for six to eight friends on Prom night. The essays are due March 14 to Senior English of Government teachers.

National Latin Exam to be held

JOHN REISS

On Feb. 20 the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick, RI not only grew concern in RI, but also at AHS. 99 people have died and nearly 200 more were burned by the fire that ignited after a band, the Great White, used pyrotechnics in their performance. The fire started on the stage and expanded throughout the entire club because of highly flammable foam covering the surrounding walls of the club. AHS students were also concerned because the Great White’s next stop was to be at a local nightclub, JAXX. One student, junior Colin Agnew was planning to attend the JAXX concert. “I think JAXX is a lot safer than the club that burnt down and doesn’t tend to overcrowd,”

said Agnew. “I think it’s really scary that something like that could happen,” said junior Emily Miller. “The band completely disregarded their own safety and that of their fans.” Even though the fire was the fourth worst club in U.S. history and some students still don’t feel a need for major precautions. “I don’t think that I am going to take any extra precautions at the next concert I go to because I put it in the best interest of the people putting on the concert to watch out for my safety,” said junior Erica Robey. “But I would pay attention to where there could be exits.” However, Miller feels the need to think twice about the concerts she attends. “It will definitely make me think more about going to concerts,” said Miller. Others feel because of the club fire, the government

NOVA to hold information night

Informative Principal Selection meeting to be held Thursday

Fire in Rhode Island concerns AHS students BY ABBY SEGALL News Editor

On Thurs. March 20 at 7:30 p.m., representatives from the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, West Point, Coast Guard Academy and Merchant Marine Academy will be visiting the Lecture Hall to talk to any underclassmen who are interested in obtaining a military education. One representative from Congressman Davis’ office will be available to answer questions as well.

Students interested in Liberty College

Sports honored at winter banquet BY MEG NIELSEN Copy Editor

Military to talk to Underclassmen

The National Latin Exam will be on March 13 during R7 flex. The Latin students will be bringing their teachers a purple pass for that day. About 200 students will be taking this test and attendance will not be taken. Due to the snow students who are also planning to go the International Fashion Show may encounter complications.

PTSA to Elect New Board Members of the PTSA should contact the nominating committee- Liz Segall (elizsegall@aol.com), Janet Petty (j1009@aol.com) and Randy Hixson (khixson@starpower.net)if interested in being involved on the PTSA board next year.

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TUES. SEPT. 3, 2002

Clausen retires after 35 years in FCPS

Lunch Schedule Tues. March 11 - Nachos w/ Chili and Cheese Sauce - Hot Ham and Cheese on Croissant - Beef Barbecue on Bun Wed. March 12 - Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce or Marinara Sauce w/ Breadstick - Hamburger, Cheeseburger OR Veggieburger on Bun Thurs. March 13 - Oven Fried Chicken w/ Rice - Meatless Lasagna w/ Marinara Sauce and Breadstick Fri. March 14 - Chicken Wings w/ Biscuit - Fish Fillet on Bun Mon. March 17 - Chicken Nuggets - Pork Egg Roll - St. Patrick’s Day Treat Tues. March 18 - Nachos w/ Chili and Cheese Sauce - Cheese Sticks w/ Marinara Sauce Wed. March 19 - Pancake and Sausage on a Stick - Chicken Fillet on Bun Thurs. March 20 - Turkey Hot Dog on Bun - Roast Turkey w/ Wheat Roll Fri. March 21 - Steak Sub -Steak and Cheese Sub - Shrimp Poppers w/ Biscuit Mon. March 24 - Chicken Tenders -Beef Teriyaki Nuggets - Steamed Rice Tues. March 25 - Nachos w/ Chili and Cheese Sauce - Chicken Teriyaki Fillet w/ Oriental Rice Wed. March 26 - Penne Pasta w/ Marinara Sauce OR Meat Sauce and a Breadstick - Hamburger OR Cheeseburger on Bun - Meatball Sub Thurs. March 27 - Beef Tacos (2) - Beef and Bean Burrito - Southwestern Rice Fri. March 28 - Chicken Wings w/ Biscuit - Fish Bites w/ Macaroni and Cheese Mon. March 31 - Chicken Nuggets -Pork Egg Roll - Steamed Rice

FBLA New York trip canceled Students in FBLA assigned to go to New York had to cancel their plans because of a shortage of people. Only 23 students signed up to go, however, 40 were needed. Traditionally, the organization attends a trip to New York. See Monica Bentley for more information on the business program.

— Nancy Grim English teacher

sporting event or science fair, his environmentally-sound Hybrid Electric Toyota Prius is a familiar sight in the AHS parking lot. “The thing that is the most fun is watching student success, whether in school, on the field, or performing. It is a big reward knowing that you had some part in it,” said Clausen. Clausen has been commended by his staff as being a tremendous person to work under, and many have cited that they initially came to AHS based on their experiences with him. “For the teachers their opinions have always been valued, and that’s one of the reasons teachers like to work here,” said Assistant Principal Barbara Fugate who first worked with Clausen 15 years ago at Marshall High School. (She is also retiring after this year.) “His leadership style is one in which he presents what needs to be done, and then lets his people be selfdirected,” said Grim. She also added that he has a great sense of humor. “It’s a very dry wit, he has these great one-liners that you just don’t expect. Sometimes its a tension release, or that we shouldn’t take ourselves so seriously all of the time, and that we have to laugh about things,” she said. Clausen was a key player in the launching the I.B. program and orchestrating the school-wide renovation. In November he the recipient of the Met Life Foundation’s Bridge Builders Award, an honor bestowed

AMANDA SHEAFFER

“Clausen” from p. 1

“His leadership style is one in which he presents what needs to be done, and then lets his people be selfdirected.”

During his retirement, Principal Don Clausen plans on doing volounteer work in Central America. While working in Fairfax County, he has been a teacher, coach and administrator. He became principal of AHS in July 1994.

upon only five principals nation wide for developing strong connections with the community and for raising student achievement. Clausen grew up in Iowa, and attended Valparaiso University in rural Indiana where he majored in Physical Education. At Valparaiso, he played football and baseball. During his career he has coached high school football and baseball and also umpired baseball at the high school and college level. From an early age he knew that he wanted to do something related to coaching or teaching.

During the Vietnam War he was not drafted, and later went on to work in the Peace Corps in Central America, an undertaking that was a departure from the homogenous environment that he was accustomed to. He felt that the Peace Corps organization is critical in how the United States is perceived globally. During Clausen’s 35 years with FCPS he has also held positions at Langley, Kings Park Elementary, Oakton, Marshall and Thomas Jefferson. In reflecting on his teaching career at AHS, Clausen said that he

New graduation rules outlined

The A-Blast editor named journalist of the year BY ABBY SEGALL News Editor Announced on Tues. March 4, senior Philippe Podhorecki won the Journalism Education Association (JEA) High School Journalist of the Year Award. Podhorecki, the co-editor in chief of The A-Blast, was among about a dozen other high school student journalists in Virginia to apply for this award. “I feel very honored to have recieved this award as past A-Blast editor in chiefs have,” said Podhorecki. “It was nice to see that my three years of working on the newspaper was recognized as the best.” The winner of this award had to have many requirements including a 3.0 GPA or higher, having had been on the newspaper staff for at least two years, and finally the nominee

had to commit to major in journalism in their college career. To apply, Podhorecki also had to compile a 35page portfolio of his best work and write an autobiographical profile on himself. Podhorecki now has a chance of winning the National High School Journalist of the Year, in Portland, OrPodhorecki egon where the winner will be announced. “Phil is very qualified,” said Podhorecki’s journalism teacher and The A-Blast adviser Alan Weintraut. “He could do anything: layout, take pictures, write. He demonstrates the best in scholastic journalism, and he consistently proves how invaluable he is to the staff.” Weintraut also added how Podhorecki took an extra step to al-

has had no regrets and believes that he has made a lot of stronger connections and that the image of the school has positively changed. Cornwell also highlighted the “Prom Promise” program he participated in at Marshall High School, in which he worked for a day on the school’s roof after students pledged to be alcohol and drug free the night of Prom. Cluster Director John English will be heading up the selection process for the new principal. Through the process, the human resource office will solicit input from the students, teachers, parents and the faculty to distinguish what qualities an ideal principal should possess. The next stage is a rigorous interview process made up of a panel of teachers, students and parents, which will likely take place by April or May. The new principal should be in place before school is out. Clausen has two children, both of whom are getting married in the spring. When asked if he ever viewed himself making a comeback to the educational world, he affirmed that he only would do so informally, such as through tutoring or teaching support. Though Dr. Fugate asserted that AHS is the type of school that will rally around whoever assumes his position, she stated that “A new principal will have a hard act to follow.”

“Graduation” from p. 1

ways do what he could for his journalism career, if it meant visiting any play he could at the Arena Stage or doing an internship for six weeks over last summer for The Connection newspapers. Podhorecki submitted clips of past newspaper stories, pages, and pictures from The A-Blast which allowed him to win the award. Weintraut also added how “this year was tougher than most.” “The portfolio was a lot of work simply because of the number of stories I had to read through before deciding my best. I liked writing the profile because I designed my own magazine design,” said Podhorecki. Though none have placed nationally, AHS students have won the Virginia High School Journalist of the Year award six of the last eight years.

stand in the back or sit in designated seats. This will not be allowed this year. While the precautions are understandable, some feel that it might damper the celebratory mood of graduation. “I agree with the metal detectors and the searches,” said senior Ehab Awadallah. “I definitely think the precautions will affect the mood. The precautions will get in the way of the celebrations because people will be concentrating on the security.” While some students are upset and believe that the security precautions will get in the way of their high school graduation celebration, others feel that it won’t get in the way. “I will still enjoy graduation knowing that I am finally done with high school,” said senior Noor Khazali. Another change to graduation is that the camera boxes, which were once used for parents to get closer to the stage in order to take pictures up close, have been removed. Therefore, parents will only be able to take pictures from their seats. This poses a problem because only graduates and faculty are allowed on the floor of during the ceremony; family members will be seated in balconies. The new precautions might alter the mood of this celebratory day, but if families cooperate with the new security regulations then the process should go smoothly. “Come earlier because of the heightened security,” said Grim. “Because, no matter what, graduation starts on time.”

Check a Date Brock

English teacher wins theater award English teacher Bill Brock was nominated for the 2002 Washington Area Theatre Community Honors Award. The awards ceremony was on March 2 at the Birchmere in Alexandria. Brock was nominated for his “outstanding achievement in 2002” as “outstanding featured actor in a play” for his role in “I Hate Hamlet.” “I Hate Hamlet” ran during September 2002 in Alexandria.

9 16

Science Fair winners Naval Awards: Andrew Gisch & Nadia Siles. First Place winner in... Botany:Jull Guerin and Elizabeth Eckert Biochemistry: Chris Sopher and Sam Rabinowitz Chemistry: Warren Dekker Computer Science: Nadia Siles Earth and Space Science: Lydia Hagen Engineering: (grand prize) Andrew Gisch Enviornmental Science: Doug and Donald Martin Medicine and Health: April Brassard Physics: Sukho Night Zoology: Matt Dandy and Eric Dzatko

23 30

Interims mailed 7:00pmAthletic Boosters Meeting

St. Patricks Day FLEX: R5/R1 5:30-7:15pm- JV, V, Lacross v. Herdon Boy(A) Girl (A)

4pm- Tennis v. Robinson 5:30-7pm- JV, V soccer v. Westfield girls (H) boys (A) 7pm- Spring Trip Meeting

FLEX: R1/W2

FLEX: R3/W6

7:00pm-PTSA Meeting

FLEX: R7/W6 5:30-7:15pmJV, V Lacross v. Chantilly girls (A) boys (H)

4-Tennis v Hayfield (H) 5:30-7- JV, V soccer v Edison boys(A) girls(H) 5:30-7:30- JV,V Baseball/softball v Robinson G (H) B JV(A) V(H)

Varsity Math Team

FLEX: National Latin Exam R7/W8

FLEX: R7/W6 4:00pm- V Tennis v.Lake Braddock

Company Day

4pm- Tennis v. TC FLEX: R5/W8 5:30-7:30pm- JV, SGA Blood Drive V baseball/softball 5:30-7:15- JV,V Lax v. Centerville boys(A) girls (H) boys girls- english JV(A) V(H)

FLEX: R3/R5 6:00pm-girls JV, V Lacross v. Centerville (H)

District Orchestra Festival 7:00pm- Guitar Club Concert

Company Day FLEX: W2/R3 Muslim Student Assn. 4:00pm- V Tennis v. W.

tournoment

5:30-7pm- JV, V soccer v. Chantilly boys (H) girls (A) 5:30-7:30- JV, V Baseball/softball v West S.(A) B JV(A) V(H) v

5:30-7:15- JV, V 4-Tennis v West Lacross v West Potomac (A) Potomac boys(H) 5:30-7- JV, V soccer v girls(A) Herdon boys(H) girls(A) 5:30-7:30- JV,V Baseball/softball v T.C G (A) B JV(H) V(A)

District Choral Festival

29 Orchestra/Chorus Spring Trip

ACADEMICS 7

the

ABLAST

TUES. MARCH 11, 2003

Learning disabled, not defeated BY ELIZABETH NOWROUZ Staff writer Get up, get ready, eat some breakfast and head off to school for another day. So begins an average day for a student with a learning disability. This doesn’t sound much different than any other highschooler’s morning. That’s because students with learning disabilities are in most ways just the same as their general education or even “gifted” classmates. Freshman Julia Singer is an exceptional example for a student who excels with her learning disability. Julia was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 5th grade. “My parents always placed me in advanced classes to keep me going, but my ADHD makes it hard for me to concentrate in all of my classes. Reading comprehension is also tough.” Julia’s chemical imbalance causes her ADHD. In order to help minimize her ADHD, Julia sees a psychiatrist two times a month, and takes Aderol and Affexor. Singer is one of 270 AHS students who receives services from the special education department, yet she is also very intelligent, according to her teachers. This weak area of the brain has difficulty receiving and processing information that comes into the brain, causing those with learning disabilities to sometimes respond to information in ways that may not seem appropriate. Students with learning disabilities often have unbalanced skill levels. The

drastic levels of difficulty and ease at different subjects can create a hard learning experience and may throw some students off and make them frustrated. Sophomore David Vollrath said, “It’s a challenge but it can be overcome.” Vollrath was diagnosed in 5th grade with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), but he is not in any special education classes and takes Pre-IB Government. Vollrath takes Ritalin, an increasingly common medication to help concentration. There are many different forms of learning disabilities, with a wide range of symptoms and treatments. ADHD, Freshman Julia Singer is one of the many AHS students affected by ADD, and Dyslexia ADHD, but soars past expectations are a few of the most people can overcome this disabil- sess the personal needs and potential learning disabilities ity almost completely. of each person. The doctors can then with names. Many Sophomore Jamison Foreman was make a recommendation that the stuothers are just dediagnosed with mild dyslexia as a child. dent be treated for their disability, in a fined by their areas Though this proved to be a challenge, variety of different ways. of need, such as viForeman overcame this obstacle and After there has been a diagnosis, sual/ auditory, mowent on to excel in many areas, such learning disabilities are usually dealt tor coordination, as carrying on a full Pre-IB work load with in one or both of two ways. The and math and computation. and being a valuable member of the first and most often used method is Dyslexia is more rare, and until very Annandale Singers. Compensation. This involves working recently went unnoticed and unad“Before I was diagnosed, it was very to strengthen their weaker areas by dressed. In the not so distant past, difficult to maintain good grades. Af- using the activities that students strive many people with Dyslexia were conterwards, I talked with a specialist and in. This helps students gain experience sidered “dumb” because they someit really helped.” He still copes with in ways other than the regular classes times could not read very simple things. the disorder, though. “Sometimes I tend offer. Gwen Stefani, lead singer of the to mix up words either in writing or The second approach is called Defipopular band No Doubt, was diagnosed when I speak,” said Foreman. cit Simulation where students work with Dyslexia after years of thinking How exactly, would a person know intensely on their areas of need as much that she just could not understand what if they were learning disabled? Accord- as possible so that they no longer hold her peers did. ing to the National Institute for Learn- them back. Dyslexia is concentrated in the ing Disabilities, the road to being diagWhile this method is more difficult, person’s ability to read information nosed is not a short one. There are a it has a much better advantage in the clearly. Often the numbers and letters series of formal and informal tests per- long run. Compensation may help to become jumbled in the journey from eye formed on the person, all done by a find other ways to work around the to brain, making understanding writtrained psychologist. problem, but deficit simulation adten words difficult. However, with corThe purpose of these tests is to as- dresses the problems and works to rection and occasionally medication, eliminate it.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA KRAUSHAAR AND LAURA JOHNSON

Students are able to conquer their disability with medication and counseling

We sat down with Special Education Dept. Chair Adam Entenberg and asked him about the program here at AHS

15-20% of Americans have a learning based disability.

Quiz: What type of learner are you in class? 1) You’re taking another vocabulary quiz, but there is one word that you forgot how to spell, do you... a) try to visualize the word b) sound out the word phonetically c) write down the word

4) You transfer into a new class with students you don’t normally hang out with. You make friends with the two guys sitting next to you, but when you see them again in the hallway a few days later, you are able to remember only... a) their faces or where you met them b) their names or what you talked about c) what you did with them

If you answered... Mostly A’s You are a visual learner, and learn best through a teacher’s body and tone expression. You like to sit at the front of the class to avoid things obstructing your vision. Videos, pictures and charts are your game because they assist your thinking process the best.

5) When reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets or another exciting cliff-hanger, do you... a) often pause to imagine the action that’s occuring b) enjoy the dialogue, or hear the characters talking and their voices c) fall asleep. Reading is boring.

Mostly B’s You are an auditory learner, and learn best through lectures and discussions. Reading information is not completely clear to you until you hear it out loud. You are able to interpret underlying meanings of speeches due to your sensory perception through your ears.

2) You’re telling a group of friends about an upcoming party, do you... a) describe it using words such as see, picture and imagine b) illustrate the event with words like hear and think, but are often impatient to talk c) use gestures and expressive motions, and elaborate with such words as feel and hold

6) Between classes your friend tells you about a 3) You’re listening to another biology lecture, but are easily distracted by... a) the clutter in the classroom and the teacher moving around b) the sounds and noises of the construction workers in the hallway c) your friends passing notes around

complicated project that your history teacher is going to assign next period. When the teacher gives instructions, you would rather... a) he use the projector and pass out examples of last year’s projects b) be given verbal instructions or talk to a fellow classmate about the project c) have few boundaries or regulations

ANNANDALE

Bytes

Mostly C’s You are a tactile/kinesthetic learner, and learn through moving and touching. Hands on approaches are best for you because of your need for activity. You may find it hard sometimes to sit still for a long period of time, though.

Compiled by Academics editors Laura Johnson and Rebecca Kraushaar

Check out these cyber geeks online conversion about students with learning disabilities

LAURA JOHNSON

Rebexellent: u know what my biggest pet peeve is? L2theAura: Deodorant L2theAura: i know u don’t like the stuff, but it’d be good 4 u Rebexellent: double ouch...i thought the dr. took u off those mean pills L2theAura: aww...rebexellent, sorry. i’m just under a lotta stress right now Rebexellent: what’s da prob? L2theAura: i’ve got this group government project and i’m paired w/ this guy that has ADD Rebexellent: huh? what’s that? Acute Deodorant Disorder? L2theAura: noooo... r u serious? ADD is Atention Deficit Disorder Rebexellent: ohhh...is that where you get really jumpy and hyper? L2theAura: kinda...my partner for the project is super smart, but he has trouble concentrating and he can’t take notes L2theAura: but he’s a really good artist, and I can’t draw if my life depended on it, so im gonna let him do all the pics for our project Rebexellent: why can’t he read well? L2theAura: i dunno... i think it has something to do with his brain L2theAura: like he has sum chemical imbalance where he can’t

REBECCA KRAUSHAAR

process things like every 1 else Rebexellent: oh man that sux, how does he cope w/ school work? how does he pass? L2theAura: actually, he’s doing better than me...he really knows a lot about gov. and he always has a lot of intelligent things to say L2theAura: but, I know that he’s in a team taught English class w/ Maglisceau and Ms. Rufe. He has a case manager who makes sure that everything is going smoothly in all his classes Rebexellent: but how did he know that he had ADD? L2theAura: his parents noticed something different about his learning style, so his they set up some meeting with a doctor, and they diagonosed him Rebexellent: a psychiatrist? L2theAura: yeah thats the one, you should see 1 some time too.. Rebexellent: oh Laura im hurt! L2theAura: lol im sorry L2theAura: hey i g2g, gonna call my buddy bout da project Rebexellent: ok, ttyl my super soph L2theAura: cya

Entenberg

Q: How long has the Special Education Dept. been at AHS? A: It has been here since 1974 when federal law mandated appropriate education for all youth with disabilities. Before then students were served in a more informal manner. Q: How many students and teachers are in the program? A: There are 270 students and 25 teachers in the program. Q: What’s the program’s philosophy? A: We empower students to understand and utilize their strongest learning style. Q: Whom do you serve? A: Students who have learning disabilities, speech and language impairments or emotional disabilities. Some students with physical or visual impairments also receive intermittent support from a resource teacher. Q: How do you define a learning disability? A: It’s a discrepancy between ability and achievement in an academic area due to an information processing deficit. Q: How is a learning disability detected? A: Most learning disabilities are detected in elementary or middle school; only 6-10 students are screened every year at the high school level. Any teacher, guidance counselor or parent can recommend a student for evaluation. They are tested to determine whether the student exhibits a processing deficit and area of underachievement. Q: What services does the school provide? A: A special ed teacher/ case manager, parent, general education teacher, special ed coordinator, and the student meet to draft an IEP. An IEP is an Individualized Education Program that outlines specific goals, objectives, accommodations and services for a student with disabilities. They will also decide what classes the students should be put in. Q: What are the different classes offered? A: Self-contained classes are smaller regular studies classes of about six to 12 students that offer more individual attention. Some students are in team taught classes of two teachers- a general teacher and a special ed teacher. A basic skills elective is also offered that focuses on organization skills and study strategies.

8 ARTS 1. Citizen Kane (1941) Orson Wells uniquely displays the life of newspaper Citizen Kane and the resemblance it holds to that of William Randolph Hearst.Ł

2. Casablanca (1942) Rick Blaine, a callous nightclub owner in a waystation, has his world turned upside down when his lost love, Ilsa, returns.

3. The Godfather (1972) A Mafia boss' innocent son gets involved in the bloody family business when his father is critically wounded in a mob hit.

4. Gone with the Wind (1939) An Łepic story of a woman who can cope with everything in the U.S. Civil War except losing the love of the man she wants to another.

5. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) The true story of T.E. Lawrence, who united and led the various disconcerted Arab tribes to victory over the Turks in WWI.

6. The Wizard of Oz (1939) Dorothy Gale is swept away to a magical land in a tornado and embarks on a quest to see the Wizard who can help her return home. Ł

7. The Graduate (1967) A young man just out of college doesn't know what to do with his life. However, he does learn that being involved with a young woman and her mother is probably not the answer.

8. On the Waterfront (1954) An ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses. Ł

9. Schindler’s List (1993) Oskar Schindler uses Jews to start a factory in Poland during the war. He witnesses the horrors endured by the Jews, and starts to save them. Ł

10. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) A silent film production company and cast make a difficult transition to sound.

Filmmakers flourish at AHS required, it may be difficult for students to succeed in the class if they do not have a large interest in the subject, as the production process takes several hours of hard work. “Many students take Film Study because they think it will be an easy elective,” said film teacher Alan Weintraut. Additionally, the IB class will award students with an additional .5 to their grade once the IB testing is complete. Like many other IB classes, there is both a higher and standard level offered. Because next year is the first year, only the SL will be offered and there will be no IB test. However, beginning fall 2004 students may enroll in the HL and will take an oral exam at the end of year to meet their testing requirements. For students working to achieve the IB diploma, IB film will not only meet their requirement for an art elective, but give them a good experience to take high level course with a fun and creative twist. “As someone having just taken photography, tak-

BY ERIN O’BRIEN Arts Editor ŁStarting next fall, AHS will be adding IB Film Study to its list of available courses. The one or two year course is designed to teach students about the art of filmmaking by exposing them to famous films as part of the curriculum. The class will also feature a strong production element, allowing students to create and produce their own films. AHS already offers a one-year course that can be taken at any grade level called Film Study. It is aimed at teaching students about classic and revolutionary films such as Citizen Kane and Casablanca. “I would recommend taking Film Study to anyone; it sparks a real appreciation for cinematic expertise,” said senior Javier Sanchez-Yoza. So what is the difference between regular Film Study, and the new IB alternative? ŁIB Film plans to offer a more hands-on angle to the film world for dedicated, hard-working students. AlSenior Javier Sanchezthough a preYoza requisite is not

ing IB Film will provide me with a new medium to expand and develop my creative talents,” said sophomore Kelly Beam. ŁWhat gets AHS students excited about film? The film festival. The annual event showcases the talents of the Film Study students in the form of original videos. "Last year's film festival was a good learning experience for me; it was a lot of fun because I got the chance to create something people would enjoy," said Sanchez-Yoza. ŁThis year Annandale is hosting two film festivals, one in the early spring for the Film Study graduates, who are the current producers of the video yearbook, and another at the end of the year for current Film Study students. “It's a rewarding experience for us as filmmakers to be able to create a piece of work that can be enjoyed by not just us, but the AHS student body as well,” said sophomore Josh Lewin. While the process may sound intriguing, it is not for everyone. Despite having a knack for film, the required effort is too much for some. “I’m really into making movies, but there is no way I would do IB Film next year,” said junior Brent Sullivan. “The work load is too much and I don’t want that when I’m a senior.” On the other hand, AHS’s film buffs’ excitement continues to grow for the new class. “I think IB Film will be fascinating,” said sophomore Stephen Benson. “Actually creating movies is what its all about. I know it will be a lot of time and hard work, but I’m ready.”

Major movie making moments The stroboscopic device, the Zoetrobe, was invented and patneted by British inventor William George Horner. It was 1834 a rotating cylinder with illustrations inside so the viewer could watch “moving” drawings.

The popularity of comedies soared with Charlie Chapman. Beginning with The Tramp, silent comedies earned a place of their own in the movie world. Chapman also acted in the 1919 films Keystone, Essanay, and Mutual before his career took off.

Nickelodeon was the first storefront theater converted to view films. One-reel 1905 shorts, silent films, melodramas, or comedys were usually accompanied by piano playing and sing-a-longs. Standingroom only shows usually lasted between ten minutes to an hour. Admission was a nickel

The 1930s introduced a new type of suggestive films through actress Mae West. First appearing in She Done Him Wrong, West’s performances combined sex, ver1933 bal lust, and comedy, spurring the movement for the greater movie censorship by the mid 1930s.

Twentieth Century Fox 1933 signed 5 yearold Shirley Temple and profited greatly from their investment. Temple was the number one box-office star from 1935-1938. However, in 1939 she was overtaken by another young star, MGM’s Mickey Rooney.

The ‘50s brought about the age of Rock and Roll and a new younger market of teenagers. TV’s American Bandstand became a mainstay for rock group performances by 1957. 1957

1946 was Hollywood’s greatest financial year in history. Weari1946 ness from the war years left America in need of something lighthearted and simplistic. Musicals filled with basic plots, elaborate production numbers, and singing and dancing became hits.

Due to the popularity of the new home VCR, work-out aerobic videos could now be produced and viewed at home. Jane Fonda 1982 evoltionized the work-out videoŁ in 1982.

During the ‘Ł70s, onscreen entertainment was able to be moved 1975 into the home. With the new VCR, viewers could watch films in the comfort of thier own home. The first VCRs and videocameras sold at the price of $2,000 in 1975.

1993 Revolutionary in movie special effects, Jurassic Park created life-like dinosaurs by inovative technology.

Future directors finalize film festival flicks BY REID EDWARDS Managing Editor This is the time of year when Alan Weintraut’s film study students begin working on their film projects that will be put on display during the Fourth Annual Film Festival later this year. These students have gone through a rigid process of realizing the vision of their own film that begins with a concept and is concluded with the help of editing software. Film projects this year range from sophomores Steven Benson and Josh Lewin’s “The Paper Trail” to senior Erik Rooney’s video documentary of the AHS band, The Farewell Act. “We were just tossing ideas around when we came up with the concept of a movie about an A-Blast reporter,” said Lewin. “We came up with a treatment, which is a brief description of what the film is about, then we got feedback from Weintraut about some of the shots in the movie.” After the first step of coming up with a concept and a treatment for the film, Benson and Lewin set off coming up

with a detailed script and a cast of characters. To play the film about The Farewell Act, which is made up of four juniors lead character they got sophomore Jamison Foreman, who at AHS. Because his movie was a documentary, Rooney went plays an A-Blast reporter by the same name. Additionally, through a much different process than Benson and Lewin. they cast Don Clausen to play himself in For Rooney the cast of characters the movie and is featured in many scenes were already set and the script was with his wife. Once Lewin and Benson besimply what naturally happened in gan to actually shoot the film, the process three locations in which he shot. was relatively smooth, with a few minor “Instead of doing a concept video, impediments. I wanted to do something that lets “Initially we had some problems with the viewers see the band behind the the actors remembering their lines,” said scenes,” said Rooney. “It lets them Lewin. “We had some audio problems as know what really goes on with a well.” band.” Lewin and Benson are currently in the Rooney is currently editing footprocess of editing their film, in which they age from the three locations which trim and arrange the scenes as well as balinclude practice at guitarist John Sophomore Stephen Benson edits footage ance the audio to the point in which it is of his latest film. Students spend several Bernhardt’s house, a live show at ready for public viewing. drummer Will Stroud’s house and a hours editing a film that can only end up Rooney, also in the editing stages, is being a few minutes. recording session at Bias Record Stucreating a non-fiction, documentary type dio in Annandale. MORGAN MCEVILLY

In 1996, 1,500 members of the American Film Industry created a list of the top 100 movies from the first 100 years (1896-1996) of cinematography.

ABLAST

TUES. MARCH 11, 2003

ANDREW MENEGAT

AFI’S TOP 10 FILMS

the

Spielberg: years of success, still going strong A look inside the revolutionary mind that brought us Jurassic Park and Minority Report

“Man, I loved that movie, the actduce a number of timeless classics.Ł ing was incredible!” One of his earliest projects as a profes“I know dude, I didn’t even know sional director was with the 1975 computers could do that stuff!”Ł thriller Jaws, which redefined movie Too many times a movie is recogmaking techniques.Ł nized for either its actors or graphics, After changing the rules with Jaws, never the man (or woman) behind the Spielberg proved that he could repeat camera. The the magic by most note worcapitalizing on thy of these the post Star cases being Wars craze for S t e v e n all things extraSpielberg, who terrestrial with was born in 1977's Close EnCincinnati, counters of the Ohio on DeThird Kind. By cember 18, the time 1947. Spielberg reArt Commentary by John Reiss From an leased 1982's early age, E.T.-The Extra Spielberg was a cinema fanatic, winTerrestrial, he had cemented his repuning his first award at age 13 for a 40tation as one of Hollywood's most talminute war movie titled, Escape to ented and successful directors. Nowhere and then at the age of 16 he A collaboration with the Star Wars produced Firelight, which was aired at creator George Lucas produced anseveral local movie theaters. Spielberg other hit in Raiders of the Lost Ark. had hopes of entering a traditional film More box office success would produce school, but he was denied and attended the movie's two sequels and an adapCalifornia State University instead. tation of Alice Walker's The Color While in school, Spielberg produced Purple. More came through projects Amblin, which although it was 24 minthat he did not direct, but instead proutes long, got him a contract with Uniduced or executive produced. Some of versal Studios and he became the these films are "Gremlins,” Back to the youngest director ever to be sign a longFuture, and Who Framed Roger Rabterm contract with a major Hollywood bit. studio. Spielberg would come to proGiven Spielberg’s huge success,

Reiss’ Pieces

some missteps were inevitable. The failures of 1941, Empire of the Sun, and Hook proved that he wasn't invincible at the box office. The wild triumph of Jurassic Park was hailed as something of a return to form for Spielberg, although there remained a clique of critics who groused that for all Spielberg's prodigious talent he remained too heavy handed and too willing to take on projects without a center in favor of breathtaking effects. He wouldn't shake the reputation until Schindler's List opened in 1993. His black and white paean to the German industrialist who saved the lives of over a thousand Jews in Poland and Czechoslovakia during World War II was met with nearly unanimous praise

Stephen Spielberg is one of the greatest directors of all time. From E.T. - The Extra Terrestrial to the recent Catch Me if You Can, his films have been box-office hits.

and earned him his first Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director. He won more critical acclaim for his direction of Amistad in 1997 and another Best Director Oscar came for his pioneering camera techniques in Saving Private Ryan. In 1995 Spielberg gained more clout in Hollywood by partnering with former Disney chief Jeffrey Katzenberg and music industry impresario David Geffen to form the Dreamworks SKG production company. He leveraged this clout by producing several more blockbusters with other directors and directing Stanley Kubrick's unrealized A.I.: Artificial Intelligence project. Given Spielberg's unassailable position at the top of the Hollywood heap and tireless work ethic, the hits are likely to keep coming for the virtuoso director. Most recently Spielberg has found success in his adaptation of Minority Report, a science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick, Catch Me If You Can, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks and even a cameo in the summer blockbuster Goldmember. Despite this very impressive resume, it does not seem as Spielberg will be slowing down anytime soon, with a fourth installment of Indiana Jones to soon be in the works. That’s a wrap! (Information from www.filmmakers.com and www.topbiography.com)

FEATURES 9 AHS’ top ten hottest colleges the

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THE TOP FIVE

COLLEGE LIST

9. COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY

BY MAGGIE OWNER Features Editor It is college crunch time for juniors, as the approaching spring break provides an excellent opportunity to investigate possible college options. Here are the profiles of the top ten colleges applied to by the AHS class of 2002, and what they thought of them. 1. GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

Location: Harrisonburg, VA. Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 13, 620 Men: 41% Women: 59% Caucasian: 84% Fraternities: 11% Sororities: 13% Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Freshman Retention Rates: 90% SAT Verbal: 540-620 SAT Math: 540-630 Tuition & Fees: In State: $4,094 Out-of-State: $10,606 Room & Board: $ 5,458 JMU is consistently ranked among the top two or three public regional universities in the South. A majority of JMU students have great pride in their school, as is seen in the school’s retention rate. Founded in 1908, JMU is about two hours from Annandale. The 472-acre campus is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The JMU Dukes are in the NCAA Division I.

3. VIRGINIA TECH UNIVERSITY Location: Blacksburg, VA. Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 20, 961 Men: 64% Women: 36% Caucasian: 81% Fraternities: 12% Sororities: 11% Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Freshman Retention Rate: 87% SAT Verbal: 530-630 SAT Math: 550-650 Tuition & Fees: In State: $3,664 Out-of-State: $12,488 Room & Board: $3,770 Virginia Tech has one the best academic programs, particulary it’s “top-notch” engineering and science program. Approximately four hours from Annandale, Blacksburg is a small town with plenty to do. The Virginia Tech Hokies are a member of the NCAA Division I Athletics. What a senior thinks: “V. Tech is a bigger school and it’s a school that’s a little more diverse and coming from AHS diversity was what I was looking for. I’ve also never lived in a small town so I wanted to see what country life is like,” said Richard McCormack.

4. VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY Location: Richmond, VA. Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 12,048 Men: 41% Women: 59% Caucasian: 64% Fraternities: 6% Sororities: 3% Student/Faculty Ratio: NA Freshman Retention Rate: 77% SAT Verbal/Math: 520/510 Tuition & Fees: Instate: $3,675

Out-of-State: $13,855 Room & Board: $5,355 VCU has one the best art programs in the state. Psychology, biology and mass communications are the largest programs of study. The 126-acre campus is located two miles west of downtown Richmond. Students have the opportunity to spend time in the state’s capital. VCU promotes a sense of community by hosting campus events such as First Fridays and the Annual Fall Block Show. VCU is around an hour and a half away from Annandale. What a senior thinks: “I chose VCU because it’s in the city, and diverse. It wasn’t big enough to be known, but I could spread my wings there. And they have a medical and arts program, I’m going to be studying medicine, and continuing to Medical School,” said Danielle Rumber.

5. RADFORD UNIVERSITY Location: Radford, VA. Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 7,526 Men: 41% Women: 59% Caucasian: 89% Fraternities: 10% Sororities: 10% Student/Faculty Ratio: 21: 1 Freshman Retention Rate: 79% SAT Verbal/Math: 499/492 Tuition & Fees: In State: $3,069 Out-of-State: $9,208 Room & Board: $5,233 RU, located in a small town, is approximately four and a half hours away from Annandale. Despite the medium size student population, RU’s student/faculty ratio is not as good as other colleges in Virginia. The 21:1 ratio does not allow the students to connect with their professors on a more intimate level. Even though 40% of the student population lives on campus, due to the town’s small size, the school maintains it’s close-knit community. What a senior thinks: “[I was attracted to Radford because] I had friends that went there,” said Jaclyn Dimitres

6. OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY Location: Norfolk, VA. Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 8,741 Men: 42% Women: 58% Caucasian: 67% Fraternities: 10% Sororities: 6% Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1 Freshman Retention Rate: 77% SAT Verbal/Math: 510/510 Tuition & Fees: In State: $4,022 Out-of-State: $12,392 Room & Board: $5,364 ODU offers great career opportunities to college students such as their co-op programs, guaranteed internships, study abroad in 16 counties, and a work-study program. ODU’s campus allow the students easy access to the beach and the city of Norfolk. ODU has a diverse community, of which 77% commute. ODU is roughly three hours from Annandale. Biology and interdisciplinary studies (education and teacher preparation) are the largest programs of study. What a senior thinks: “I visited there and I liked the fact that they guarantee internships and it’s pretty close to Virginia Beach, and there are plenty of things to do down there. I like the environment and the friendly setting,” said AJ Hill.

7. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA Location: Charlottesville, VA. Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 12,527 Men: 45% Women: 59% Caucasian: 71% Fraternities: 30% Sororities: 30% Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Freshman Retention Rate: 96% SAT Verbal/Math: 650/ 670 Tuition & Fees: In State: $4,236 Out-of-State: $18,268 Room & Board: $4,970 UVA boasts it’s competi-

tiveness and says that academics are, and always have been, their number one priority. Unfortunately, UVA’s stringent honor code has been the source of some controversy in the past years. Due to their number of students and their student/faculty ratio they warn the individual attention per student may not be as good as other schools. Charlottesville is about two and a half hours away from Annandale. What a senior thinks: “I really like the campus and I think it will provide a lot of opportunities to meet new people and further my education,” said Mary Burke.

8. CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY Location: Newport News, VA. Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 4,041 Men: 38% Women: 62% Caucasian: 80% Fraternities: 5% Sororities: 4% Student/Faculty Ratio: 22:1 Freshman Retention Rate: 81% SAT Verbal/Math: 530-610/510-590 Tuition & Fees: In State: $3,112 Out-of-State: $9,134 Room & Board: $5,750 Located on the Chesapeake Bay, CNU is a small school with an average class size of 25. CNU is considerably new, founded in 1960, so the buildings do not have the Gothic look most of the other colleges feature. The 150-acre campus is situated in a suburb roughly two hours and 45 minutes from Annandale. Business, psychology, and government administration are the largest programs of study. Despite its great location CNU’s student/faculty ratio is might be a flaw. The 22:1 ratio limits the student body from having a personal experience with the faculty. What a senior thinks: “I first heard about it from a

Information gathered from Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges and The Unofficial, Unbiased Insider’s Guide to the 320 Most Interesting Colleges.

Dear Food Editor, I am not in the habit of writing a letter to anyone about a restaurant (even one I enjoy), but this gem of a family restaurant deserves someone to toot its horn for it! I hope you will consider trying “DaVinici Family Restaurant” in the Barcroft Shopping Center on Columbia Pike. This place could easily define the term “family restaurant.” The minute you walk in, you are greeted as if by an old friend by the owner, and several employees, even if it is your first visit. As you order and wait for your dinner, it becomes obvious that indeed, many of the patrons are regulars, and know not only the owner and his employees, but have come to know one another as well. This place feels homely in the best sense of the word. You feel relaxed, catered to, and leave a very satisfied consumer. Not only is the atmosphere comfortable and pleasant, but the food is terrific! Serving a blend of Greek, Italian, and American fare, this is a place even my picky family can find something on the menu that everyone will love. All the food I have tried here has been outstanding, but the baklava was to die for. I’ve lived in four states, and tried baklava all over the U.S, but both my husband and I agree that we have never tasted anything so divine as served at DaVinci’s. The dessert managed to have a hint of sweetness, but didn’t overpower the nuts. It was also the perfect texture (not too sticky or gooey, which is the fatal flaw in many baklavas) allowing the pastry to be flaky and shine as another integral part of the dessert. In closing, I encourage all my friends to try this homey restaurant. No matter where you are coming from, it is worth the drive. Nancy S. Hoeser

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www.princetonreview.com

What criteria do you look for in a college? “I already know the school I want to go to, V. Tech, because most of my friends go there and they say it’s fun. ” —Patrick Vogel freshman

“History, music and drama [majors].”

small population allows small class size; the average class size is 22. The academic programs at MWC are generally demanding. The students are, for the most part, distraction free due to the lack of sororities and fraternities. In addition, students may complain that the town of Fredericksburg is unexciting. MWC’s 176-acre campus is about an hour away.

DaVinci Family Restaurant

OFF

Best Quality of Life 1. Hollins 2. University of Richmond 3. Dartmouth College 4. Smith College 5. Brigham Young University

—Katie Burton sophomore

friend and he gave me some information. I went to the campus and I fell in love with it. I felt very comfortable there,” said Justin Gray.

Most Diverse Student Population 1. Seton Hall University 2. University of Maryland, Baltimore County 3. University of Chicago 4. Barnard College 5. Emory College

10. MARY WASHINGTON COLLEGE Location: Fredericksburg, VA Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 3,393 Men: 33% Women: 67% Caucasian: 88% Fraternities: 0% Sororities: 0% Student/Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Freshman Retention Rate: 88% SAT Verbal/Math: 611/590 Tuition & Fees: Instate: $3,340 Out-of-State: $10,010 Room & Board: $ 5,692 This small college, founded in 1908 was a woman’s college up until the early 1970s. MWC’s

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2. JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

SEAN SULLIVAN

Senior Cynthia Alban discusses her financial aid applications with Amanda Roth. As the director of the Career Center, Roth helps students with the college admissions process.

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Location: Fairfax, VA. Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 11, 301 Men: 43% Women: 57% Caucasian: 62% Fraternities: 3% Sororities: 3% Student/Faculty Ratio: 16: 1 Freshman Retention Rate: 79% SAT Verbal: 480-580 SAT Math: 490-590 Tuition & Fees: In State: $3, 792 Out-of-State: $12, 696 Room & Board: $5,400 Why is GMU the number one applied to school? Well, GMU is less than ten minutes away from Annandale, allowing students and their parents to not have to pay room and board. The 677 acres of wooded campus has the most diverse student population of these ten schools. GMU is mostly a commuter school; about 15% of students live in on-campus housing. The school boasts that they hold a lot of school activities to promote a sense of community. One of the popular activities is GMU’s sports teams. The GMU Patriots are a member of the NCAA Division I Athletics. What a senior thinks: “[What attracted me to GMU is that] it’s closer to home and cheaper [than other colleges],” said Andrew Stanton.

Location: Williamsburg, VA Type of school: public Full-Time Undergrads: 5,444 Men: 43% Women: 57 % Caucasian: 84% Fraternities: 30% Sororities: 30% Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1 Freshman Retention Rate: 95% SAT Verbal/Math: 680/660 Tuition & Fees: In State: $4,687 Out-of-State: $16,904 Room & Board: $ 5,096 Possibly the most selective college in Virginia, the academic atmosphere at W&M is considered intense and competitive. W&M is the second oldest college in the country, founded in 1693. Although the town is beautiful, full of old colonial buildings, it is geared more towards tourists than students. However, the college is situated near Busch Gardens, which the students flock to during the fall. Varsity sports are not as popular here as they are at other schools. W&M is about two and half hours away from Annandale. What a senior thinks: “The size of the school attracted me, it’s not too large, not too small. There is no TA [program], you know your professor, and it is very personal,” said Heather Austin.

Most Selective 1. Stanford University 2. Princeton University 3. Cooper Union 4. Harvard University 5. Yale University

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“Mostly where they are located, curriculum, their difficulty level, and mainly if I can see myself fitting in there.” —Janet Partlow junior

“Girl/Guy ratio is nice; I like looking and seeing what the atmosphere is like.”

—Jamie Nickerson senior

—Debbie Estes AVID teacher

“[Students looking at colleges] need to be looking at a school that fits their learning style...they need to find a school that they can succeed in. ”

10 IN-DEPTH TOP TEN TV COMMERCIALS OF ALL TIME

Apple Computer’s “1984” television commercial that heralded the introduction of the Macintosh is the number one TV commercial according to A&E. With its distinctive Orwellian vision, the spot depicts an athletic young woman, chased by helmeted storm troopers. She proceeds to burst into a dank auditorium with hundreds of brainwashed consumers. The heroine, wearing bright red jogging shorts and a white Macintosh teeshirt, smashes the screen with a sledgehammer that uncovered “the light.” In the closing shot, a solemn voice said, “On January 24th, Apple Computer will introduce Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like 1984.” The commercial only aired once during the 1984 Super Bowl and is the first example of “event marketing.” The goal of the commercial was to create a promotion so anticipated that it deserves as much coverage as the product itself

Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Green,” commercial from the 1980 Super Bowl is considered by many to be the most popular sports commercial ever made. In that spot, a young boy gave the football star a Coke and got a jersey in return. The commercial resonated with viewers for it depicted a fallen hero in a compromising condition. Viewers sympathized with the ailing defensive lineman.

The “Takes a Lickin’ and Keeps on Tickin’” from Timex is the third best commercial of all time. This commercial aired in 1960s and the motto has stuck with the company for over 35 years. Timex attributed its success as the most popular and recognized watch brand in North American history to this commercial.

The fourth TV commercial of all time goes to Alka Seltzer and its “Plop, Plop, Fiz, Fiz, Oh What a Relief It Is” spot. After first airing in 1976 the catchy tune has stuck with consumers for decades. The commercial featured the animated Alka Seltzer spokesperson, Speedy, who has become a staple in television Americana.

First airing in the 1970s, Life Cereal’s “Mikey” commercials left a heartwarming impression on viewers for decades. Life Cereal was introduced in 1961 by the Quaker Oats Company as a cereal which “would help kids grow strong.” The company eventually became famous for being the cereal that even Mikey, a finicky little 4-year old who “hates everything,” loved to eat.

The number six commercial of all time is Noxzema’s “Take It Off, Take It All Off” spot. The commercial advertised the company’s soothing shaving creme and was considered revolutionary because it reached a male audience with a predominantly female product.

the

The cost of TV commercials

McDonald’s “You Deserve a Break” campaign hit television in 1971 and advertised convenience. The company showed average Americans of all ages enjoying burgers and French fries while taking a break from their hectic lives. McDonalds conveyed a message that eating at their restaurant should be thought of as a treat.

amusing audiences

Marketing students develop skills

pushing products

Since coming to AHS two years ago, Jennifer Hendrickson has been a major part of the marketing program. She and the marketing team have been elevating the presence of marketing and DECA through the formation of the “Zoo Crew.” On March 3, staff writer Amanda Sheaffer caught up with Hendrickson to discuss the program.

In-Depth Editor

Thirty seconds. That’s all it takes for a company to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars just to manipulate the audience’s mind to buy a product. Is it a waste of time and worthless to spend so much money? Some may think so, but how much do networks really charge for their commercials? How much do different events cost for just a 30-second time slot? During an average hour of broadcast the cost of a 30second commercial usually ranges from $225,000-$275,000. However, different primetime shows or special events lower or significantly raise that standard. Fox’s Feb. 17 finale of Joe Millionaire nabbed a recordbreaking $550,000 for a 30-second commercial. The highest rated series for advertising rates was Seinfeld, which collected more than $1.5 billion in 1998 alone, solely from cable and local stations eager to carry reruns of the sitcom. The top three events are that consistently charge the most for the commercials during their event is the Superbowl, Academy Awards, and the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Over the years the Superbowl has increased the price significantly. Ten years ago the price was less than $900,000 per 30-second time slot; this year advertisers shelled out $2 million per commercial. Many people tune in to the Superbowl solely HOW MUCH? for the commercials, because they are supposed • Average price range for a 30second commercial: to showcase the best and $225,000-$275,000 creative spots. Attitudes • Top three events that towards commercials consistently charge the most during these events are for commercials during their considerably different event: 1) Superbowl, 2) Academy Awards, 3) Sweet compared to regular half 16 of the NCAA Men’s hour programming when Basketball Tournament people usually flip chan• Top three networks that nels or get up from the receive the highest revenue TV during commercials. from sporting advertising: 1) NBC: $1.2 billion, 2) ESPN: Sporting events usu$935 million, 3) ABC: $575 ally bring in the most admillion vertising revenue. Ac• Superbowl XXXVII commercial cording to Forbes magaprice: $2 million zine, the total number of • Highest price ever paid for a advertising revenue in regular series show: $550,000 sports tallied up to $4.8 for a 30-second commercial during the finale of Joe billion. Different netMillionaire on Feb. 17th. works receive more profit from the different sport-

Q: What’s the Zoo Crew? A: It was a tactic for us to get students interested in marketing and curious. The name was made, because there is constantly so much going on that it often feels like a zoo.

ing events. NBC was the top seller in commercial sales with $1.2 billion, from sports that include college football and basketball, golf, the NFL and the NHL. ESPN was a close runner-up with $935 million. ABC received a total revenue of $575 million from advertising alone. Many of these commercials target the certain audience that is watching the specific sporting event. At first glance it may seem ridiculous to the amount of money spent in advertising but considering the amount of viewers it is sure to pay off. For Super Bowl XXXVII, an average of nearly 89 million viewers tuned in. According to a TiVo analysis, 80% of the audience stayed with the game even after the game was no longer competitive. Arguably, they stayed just to watch the commercials. This is why companies barely hesitate to spend so much of their money of these popular events. With inflation we can only expect the prices and competition between companies to increase in future years.

Popular Commercial Stills

Q: How many students are in marketing? A: We have close to 400, and 125 of which are in DECA, but in order to be in DECA you must be in marketing. Q: What does DECA teach? A: There are 4 basic principles • Civic courteousness, like community service • Social intelligence, how to network • Vocational training, like applying marketing skills • Leadership development, how to become a member of the academy

At 7’5”, basketball star Yao Ming towers above all others in celebrity testimonial advertisements. Michael Jordan has always made more money off the court from commercial endorsements than he did on the court. How many of these other favorite famous celebrities and caricatures do you recognize?

Staff Writer

Britney Spear’s “Joy of Cola” - This commercial debuted during the 2002 Super Bowl and was the most anticipated commercial during the annual football championship. The spot depicted the pop singer traveling through time periods ranging from the 1950s to present day. Following the footsteps of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Ray Charles, Spears became among elite entertainers to receive a multi-million dollar contract from Pepsi.

Jackie Chan and Michael Jordan’s “Go Tagless” Hanes Campaign - The chemistry between Chan and Jordan was relayed in their commercial for Hanes underwear that pitched the new line of tagless shirts. The commercial debuted during the 2003 Super Bowl and wanted to highlight Chan and Jordan’s incredible athleticism and engaging personalities.

Terry Tate’s “Office Linebacker” Tate’s commercial for Reebok has created a stir among viewers because it portrays paying retribution to some inconsiderate and lazy office workers. The commercial has aired during the 2003 Super Bowl as well as American Idol and is also available on the internet. Since its inception, the Tate commercial has received more than 1.6 million downloads off the web.

Tiger Woods’ “I Am Tiger Woods” With a wide smile, looks, charisma, and youth, Woods is currently one of the most marketable athletes. The Nike commercial, which shows children saying “I am Tiger Woods” is trying to permeate the consciousness of the public. Nike is not only trying to sell shirts and shoes but trying to ingrain itself into the psyche of the American people. Woods was reportedly paid $8 million a year for five years for his Nike campaign.

Q: What advertising methods are taught? A: Promotional tools, how to promote a product. How marketers make decisions between newspapers and magazines, and radio. Q: What are some projects and assignments that are given that connect marketing and the ex-

periences at AHS? A: • The marketing research project with D.C. United. • Fashion Marketing is working with the trends of Annandale students, which helps show the fashion industry • Next year students will promote AHS sports • International Marketing is working with the diversity of AHS and the different ways of producing. Q: What are some advertising projects? A: A major project is the partnership project with D.C. United. Students are promoting attendance to United games by creating an advertising portfolio and media kits. Q: What are different majors in college for marketing? A: • House and business school • Management • Sales • Advertising • International Marketing Q: How many students follow through and pursue a career in marketing? A: So far we have not kept track, but we probably should have, but we have been lucky with the amount of students that have come back to us and told us how much our class prepared them. The program has changed and has grown, and it’s not done yet, but we are awaiting the results.

Teens targeted to spend, spend, spend BY SARAH SHERMAN

PROBLEMS WITH PEPSI

BY HAYLEY FLETCHER

The “Where’s the Beef?” commercial of 1984 created a catchy slogan, which heralded Wendy’s as a fast food’s premier place to find a large amount of meat in their burgers. The attentiongrabbing slogan was part of a humorous spot that featured senior citizens. The Bartles & Jaymes wine cooler commercial of 1984 ranks tenth. It features the founders of the company sitting on a porch advertising their production in simple terms. The commercial boasted that the company spoke “your language.”

IN-DEPTH 11

TUES. MARCH 11, 2003

ADVERTISING

In 1959, Maxwell House Coffee released “Good To the Last Drop,” which appealed to consumer senses. The commercial featured two dozen musically arranged notes that later became known as the “percolator music.” The commercial represented classic Americana and depicted the average American family waking up to freshly-brewed coffee.

ABLAST

TUES. MARCH 11, 2003

The hallways at AHS—or any high school in the country for that matter—are full of walking ads: teenagers decked out in big money brand names, like Gap, Old Navy, Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Fubu. On any given day I’m likely to be wearing everything from my boots to my shirt from American Eagle without realizing it. After school many of us will go home to watch TRL on MTV, or listen to our Nelly CDs, or flip through our Seventeen magazines, or even surf the net. Meanwhile we are being exposed to over 3,000 advertisements per day. By the time we’re 18, we’ll have seen over 10 billion advertisements in our lives. Seem a little unsettling? The truth is there is a whole other motive to the marketing cultures, and over the past decade, it’s been made clear that teenagers are where the money is. But why exactly? What tactics do companies use to create mass consumers out of teens? It’s the fact that we are the “typical teens” that makes us such an asset to marketing companies. For one, those awkward teen years are the time in which manipulation is easily pulled off by big companies. If an adult sees a commercial for a new model of a digital camera, for example, the adult is likely to take some time to research the product before purchasing it. But the typical teen, the notorious impulse shopper, knows that he or she wants a camera, and since the ads show the camera as new and efficient, the teen is sold. Which leads into the next reason why teens are targeted. Today’s youth maintains the highest degree of disposable income. The cash flows regularly from the parents via allowance, credit card, or just spending cash. With little or no financial obligations, teens are free to spend as much money on whatever they want, whenever they want. In 2001 alone, teens spent more that $150 billion on clothes and “toys,” with their parents spending another $50 billion on their children’s “ex-

penses.” Unlike financially independent adults, their savings go towards what they want, not what they need. Today’s youth makes up not only the largest generation (larger than their parents, the baby-boomers), but the most technologically aware generation as well. Over 75 percent of teens across the country have their own television in their room. Teenagers are the age group most exposed to the media, thus, the message put forth by companies is heard a little louder by the average teen. Finally, companies look to not only use teenagers while their ripe for manipulation in their youth, but they plan to keep these customers as life long consumers, patrons that will be buying American Eagle or Nike when their in their 20s and possible 30s (when they have the most financial freedom anyway). THE HUNT FOR COOL How do they do it? Marketing research has expanded from hiding behind the screen watching test audiences to exploring the depths of the typical teen’s own bedroom to get ideas. Culture critics often compare the market study of teenagers to an anthropologist’s study of ancient culture. The rituals, the styles, the music, the hopes and dreams, the fears and interests. Today companies not only appeal to their audience, they study and eventually mirror their audience. This risky expedition into the minds of today’s typical teen is not always easy. Companies are in the constant quest for what is “cool” right now. The only problem is, what was cool 10 minutes ago may not be anymore. So, many companies have created their own teenage anthropologists: the “cool hunters.” Often referred to as “marketing correspondents,” “cool hunters” are exactly as their label reads. Companies hire typically young, outgoing men and women to talk to teens, go behind enemy lines and report back to base with the analysis: what

WHY TEENS? 1. They are exposed to more media than any other age group. 2. Most of their income is “disposable” and not needed for bills or life’s necessities.

In early February, mogul Russell Simmons and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) called upon the hiphop community to join the “Campaign for Respect” to challenge what they call “cultural disrespect” against rapper Ludacris. Last year, Fox News Channel’s opinionated anchor, Bill O’Reilly denounced Pepsi Cola for signing Ludacris to an advertising campaign. O’Reilly called the rapper a “thug” who “espouses violence, intoxication, and degrading conduct towards women.” The following day, Pepsi dropped Ludacris as its new spokesperson. This incident upset many in the hip-hop industry who have decided to boycott Pepsi and a recent ad campaign featuring Jack, Kelly, and Ozzy Osbourne. Simmons states that the boycott will continue until three demands are met: Pepsi must make a public apology to Ludacris, the soda company must donate $5 million to the Ludacris Foundation, and the pulled commercial must be reinstated.

CLIO AWARDS The Clio Awards is the largest and most famous advertising awards program in the word with over 17,000 pieces of advertising submitted for judging each year. The Clio Awards recognizes advertising excellence worldwide in areas of TV, print, radio, integrated media, and design. This show has been aired on the FOX network and in previous years was hosted by Kelsey Grammer.

ANTI-WAR COMMERCIAL CONTROVERSY The battle over the Bush administration’s planned war in Iraq is filtering through to the advertising industry. Many celebrities including Martin Sheen and Susan Sarandon have joined an anti-war coalition called Win Without War (WWW). WWW is a loose coalition made up of groups such as Greenpeace, the NAACP, and the National Organization for Woman. The group has tried to perpetuate their message of peace by placing commercials on mainstream TV stations. However, many pro-war groups have heavily criticized WWW for using celebrity status to influence public opinion. Commercials from Win Without War have been rejected from television networks such as CNN.

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3. Their purchasing habits haven’t been fully formed. Corporations seek to turn them into lifelong consumers. 4. Teens are impulsive and more easily manipulated through advertising.

hair styles are hot, what CD is in everyone’s CD player, who shops where and who’s eating what. These “culture spies” allow companies to take a different angle in advertising their product. Instead of outright show-and-tell, companies appeal to what makes the teenager different, “cooler,” from adults. They use certain types of music, celebrities, and events to promote their product. That way, their product gets across without anyone outright saying “Buy this!” Product placement is common on TV and movies as well. Jennifer Garner drives a Ford Focus in her hit show Alias...all of the sudden Ford Focus sales improve dramatically. Coincidence? MTV AND POP CULTURE No research done by any company today comes even close to the techniques done my MTV. With a typical age range in viewers of 12 to 29, MTV has something for everyone. It’s biggest success and trademark, Total Request Live (TRL), has taken a more democratic approach to selling to teens. The supposed control that TRL places in its viewers to call and vote for the music video they want to see is remarkably similar to the test audience methods many companies used to use in promoting a product. The product

on TRL? There are several: up and coming bands, new CDs, movies, television shows, clothing styles, and perhaps the most successful product, the “pop” culture that teens either praise or lament. With TRL’s recent promoting of “punk” and “rock” stars like Good Charlotte, Limp Bizkit, and Avril Lavine, a new wave of pop has emerged: the concept of rebellion against conformity. TRL has already reaped in the profits for this so-called revolt against pop. The only difference between the two? Different methods of marketing by MTV. Punk will be the new pop, and the vicious cycle continues: a new “cool” has been implemented, and companies will reap the benefits of punk as well. “Rebellion” = cool = profit (for now). Sigh. Almost depressing. It seems that today’s teens have little to call their own; their lives have been mirrored through tele-

v i sion, t h e Internet, M T V, and difPP U HY SA BY KAT ferent DRAWN clothing styles by big money companies. With the constant changing of the definition of cool, companies will continue to be on the hunt for the hottest item to sell it right back to hungry teens. While watching TV at night, my show is interrupted by commercials. Penelope Cruz comes on, drinking an entire Coke and letting out a little burp at the end. I watch the rest of my show, unaffected by Cruz’s million dollar burping deal with Coca-Cola. Today few people pay attention to advertisements on TV; they’re often thought of as a nuisance. But later that night, I stick my head in the fridge for something to drink, only to find myself yelling: “Hey mom, do we have any Coke?”

Mike Perucci junior

Class: Advanced Sports Marketing Biggest Marketing Inf luence: “The marketing teachers, because they make the class exciting and worthwhile. Marketing is the only thing that keeps my attention. It is something I actually want to learn about.” Future Plans: “This summer I’m trying to get an internship with the Washington Freedom to see how the different departments run during the game days. Next year I will be taking two marketing classes. I also plan to attend college and study marketing. Favorite Event: “This year during the elective fair I got to dress up as the eagle mascot for the Zoo Crew. All four elective classes were filled with people so the Zoo Crew marketing strategy worked.” Quote about the class: “It’s a lot of fun, it doesn’t seem like school. The teachers are cool and the field trips are fun. Your learn a lot and it’s laid back.”

12 CULTURES

—Wala’a “Wally” Elbarasse

How are you observing Lent? “I’m giving up profanity for Lent because it will make me a better person”

International Fashion Show prepares AHS students gear up for the International Fashion Show, showcasing traditional clothings from around the world BY WIDED KHADROUI Staff Writer Thursday’s International Fashion show will mark another celebration of AHS’s unique student and staff body. The International Fashion show will be performed during W8 flex. Teachers must sign up for thei classes to attend. With more than 23 countries and nationalities represented, and 60 students participating, it’s guaranteed that the International Fashion Show will mirror the diversity that inspired the show. Georgiana Tomisato, one of the two sponsors of the International Fashion show, is an ESOL teacher that came to AHS two years ago. “[Tomisato] was the one organizing the International Fashion Show at Thomas Edison High School, so she has plenty of previous experience,” said history teacher Joel Jepson, a cosponsor of the event. The show will begin with introductions from senior Heather Austin and junior Kojo Asamoa and will lead into a global tour that represents some of the differences prevalent at AHS. “I’m really nervous, yet I’m really proud to a represent Mohawks and be a full blooded Native American,” said junior Ashley Martin. “I’ve lived for 10 years on a reservation...I’m

W rld fashion Assistant Principal Intern Aimee Monticchio will be representing Spain. “I’m orignially Italian, but I lived in Spain for four years. I’m wearing a flamenco dress, usually worn during the flamenco dance and native festivals,” said Monticchio.

going to wear a traditional dress and have a Native American traditional rabbit song playing while I’m walking up there.” The International Fashion Show will briefly go throughout the continents, presenting a song with every country. Starting off with North America, and slowly moving across the globe, stopping at Central and South America. Following Europe, African countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Sierra Leon will be represented. “My outfit is going to consist of an African patterned design on a skirt, blouse and head wrap, also known as a “duku” in the Asante culture. I am so proud to represent Ghana; it gives me a sense of belonging and origin,” said sophomore Jo Ann Ephraim. Asia will be the next region represented. Students will be representing Korea, Vietnam, Japan and Afghanistan. “I’m so happy about having the International show, not only does it show our culture, it shows our music and dancing,” said sophomore Hosai Yusif. Middle Eastern countries will be represented, such as Palestine and Pakistan. “To represent my country through our dress is a representation of my people,” said sophomore Kanwal Chavdry. Students are not the only participants of the program; some faculty members will also take part in the show. Science teacher Claudia Matamala will represent her home country, Chile. “I’m going to be modeling two costumes, one is the elegant and the other is the peasant one,” said Matamala. “I’m thankful for Ms. Tomisato organization of the whole affair. I am really proud of the kids’ willingness,” said Jepson.

Fun-filled fashion ESOL teacher Georgiana Tomisato instructs science teacher Claudia Matamala, who is representing Chile, at the International Fashion Show dress rehearsal. “I’m wearing the wasa costume, usually worn for the national dance,” said Matamala. The International Fashion Show will be held on Thursday during W8 Flex.

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE FASHIONS AT AHS’ FIRST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FASHION SHOW Freshman Yoon Jung-Lee will be representing Korea. “I’m wearing a hanbok, it is a traditional Korean dress, worn to parties,” said JungLee.

Chemistry and history teacher LaVada DelConte will be represnting Lakota Native Americans. “I’m wearing the traditional Lakota Indian outfit, and carrying a hawkfeather fan. My grandfather was a full blooded Lakota,” said DelConte.

Junior Noorul Huda will be representing Pakistan. “I’m wearing a green shalwar kameez, usually worn to parties and weddings,” said Huda.

Ash Wednesday launches the season of Lent

—Juliya Seay freshman

“For Lent, I’m giving up fattening food because it gives me the most pleasure.”

BY SABRINA STACY Staff Writer

—Jackie Brackett freshman

“I’m giving up seafood because I would be practicing religion and saving whales.” —Marian McLaughlin Sophomore

Ash Wednesday, also known as the ‘Day of Ashes,’ marks the start of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. On Wednesday, seven weeks before Easter Sunday, at church Christians have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross. Putting a ‘cross’ mark on the forehead is an imitation of the spiritual mark or seal that is put on a Christian in baptism. Many Christians give up things for the period of Lent to

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symbolize Christ’s sacrifices. “Giving up things [during Lent] reminds you of what Jesus gave up for the world,” said sophomore Diana Hollingsworth. “I’m giving up chocolate for Lent because I like it a lot and you’re supposed to give up temptation,” said freshman Nicole Mott. “I’m going to try and stop the gossip, as well as put aside time everyday to read the Bible,” said senior Cecilia Mallory. However, making sacrifices for 40 days and 40 nights is not the sole purpose of Lent. Many churches now observe the beginning of Lent with a church pancake breakfast or other church meal. To show unity, congregations eat together

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WALA’A ELBARASSE

Catholics fast at Lent, Jews at Yom Kippur, Muslims at Ramadan. Likewise for Baha’is, who fast for nineteen days as part of their annual cycle of holy days, which began March 2 and concludes with the Baha’i New Year’s celebration, Naw Ruz, on March 21. During this period Baha’is all around the world, an estimated 5 million followers, voluntarily abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset in order to refresh their spirituality. Senior Zarrin Chua, named after a martyr of the Baha’i Faith, is observing this fasting period for the first time. “It’s a voluntary thing, I didn’t do it before because I was really active in sports,” said Chua. The Baha’i Faith, a monotheistic faith originating in Iran, is the youngest of the world’s religions. It is now Chua established in 235 countries and territories throughout the world, and its followers come from 2,100 ethnic, racial and tribal groups. Baha’is believe that each of the great religions brought by the Messengers of God–Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, Mohamad– represents a successive stage in the spiritual development of civilization. Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, is considered the most recent messenger in this line. During the fast, Baha’is are encouraged to pray more then the usual three times a day. “We have to pray before we eat, in the morning and evening,” said Chua. “I also try really hard to perform my ablutions.” Chua will not be missing school for Naw Ruz, “I can’t afford to miss a day of school, [our celebration] will probably be at night,” said Chua. “We’re going to eat and have devotionals.” For now, Chua prepares herself everyday for the long day ahead by eating before sunrise. “If I get hungry, I try to distract myself,” said Chua. “I feel good about myself.”

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Up ’n ATOM

Spring sports sports tryouts tryouts Spring began as as scheduled scheduled on on began Monday, Feb. 24, despite Monday, the debilitating debilitating 20 20 inches inches the of snow snow that that canceled canceled school school the the entire entire of week of of Feb. Feb. 17. 17. Athletes Athletes have have been been week stuck conditioning conditioning indoors indoors until the stuck fields dry dry up. up. Competitive Competitive spirit spirit ininfields tact, the the Atoms Atoms took took their their game game inintact, doors. doors.

Sophomore Jose Coronello tries to get past Junior Mike Perucci during the joint boys’ Varisty-JV soccer tryouts. The players were divided into smaller teams and scrimmaged against each other. The majority of players who showed up were Hispanic Atoms trying to claim their place on either team.

PHOTO 13 DO YOU WANT MORE SNOW, OR SPRING?

“I’m “I’m really really looking looking forward forward to to more more snow. snow. II don’t don’t think think II can can stand stand six six weeks weeks of of un-interrupted un-interrupted school school before before spring spring break.” break.” — —Michael MichaelFlinti Flinti senior senior

All players trying out for baseball were required to come out and shovel their infield so that they could practice outside.

“Spring. I want to be able to wear summer clothes and be able to get a tan.” — —Itzel Itzel Perez Perez senior senior

On the first day of girls lacrosse tryouts, about 48 hopefuls showed up. After having been trapped indoors, these lacrosse ladies made sure to stretch thoroughly. Especially with severely cold weather, it takes muscles more time to loosen and more likely to tighten unless adequately stretched.

Spring sports’ tryouts were stranded indoors. For the first day, teams spent most of the time taking care of administrative business due to the limited available facilities. The Spring Track team met in the Jock Lobby. Shot put and discuss throwing coach, Coach Sykes calls everyone’s attention for announcements.

(Top) Freshman Kaitlyn Molavi tries to juggle the balls as Sophomore Leslie Curren plays defense during soccer tryouts. More than 65 players continued to show up for tryouts. Candidates were divided into two groups that practiced on alternating days. (Above) Returning varsity seniors Kara Burney and Ashleigh Wayland gear up with shin-guards and knee socks.

(Far Right) Seniors Cecilia Mallory and Katie Burton partner up for this agility-conditioning exercise. For 30 seconds, Burton holds a squat position that strengthens her quads and gluttiusmaximus. This exercise prepares players for getting down low to easily obtain ground balls. Mallory continuously jumps over the elevated lacrosse stick, working to quicken her feet and enhance agility. (Right) Coach Hook gathers these returning lacrosse players to talk “defense.” The fifty-some players trying out make the best of the constricted space to practice all skills. “I don’t like practicing indoors because it doesn’t really prepare us to play on the field. The feel outdoors is a lot different. I can’t wait for the fields to dry up so that we can start getting our cleats dirty,” said senior Torrie Higgins.

—Johnna Hairston junior

“I want more snow because I like to frolick and sled, and I have stopped trying at school.” —Vincent Keung senior

Softball utilized their time in the upper-gym by having stations. They practiced quick throwing, ground balls and their batting technique as well by using this soft-batting net. Sophomore Sivian Adato-Soph keeps her eye on the ball tossed by Sophomore Anna Sciullo.

“Spring. It is just too cold and I walk to school everyday.” —Melissa Cox senior

“Spring. I want school to close [on time] and to not have to make it up.” Snow plows were hired to move the heaps of snow blocking access near the tracks. Plows also had to shovel out the snow out of the parking areas so that students could park their cars. After a week of the wintry blizzard the week of Feb. 17, AHS still has lingering snow piles that block the side walks.

BACKGROUNG PHOTOS OF AHS’S ICY TRACK. PAGE LAYOUT AND ALL PHOTOS BY CHAE-WHA PARK

“I’d rather have Spring because when it snows, it’s cold, and even if we’re out of school, you can’t enjoy it because of snow.”

—Jennifer Robinson freshman

14 PEOPLE “My birthday will probably just be a family thing. My mom is going to make me a cake.” — Madeeha Tanwir senior

“I’m not planning on doing a lot, I’ll probably just hang out with friends.”

ABLAST

TUES. MARCH 11, 2003

Who am I?

Coming to America: life in a new land

• I have previously taught at Gaithersburg HS, Madison HS and Fairfax HS. • I attended New York University for my undergraduate studies and went to George Washington University for my masters. • I like cooking, reading and going out with good friends. I also talking on AOL Instant Messenger and staying in touch with five students from my first year of teaching.

— Meredith Miller Freshman

“I’m going to go out to eat with my friends.” — Faiza Khan senior

“I’m going to invite a whole bunch of friends to my house on my birthday.”

“When I first got off the airplane 15 days ago, I felt two main things: ecstatic and terrified, though I was mostly terrified,” said sophomore Majdalarab Abed. Migrating to the land of opportunities in hope of prospering and gaining a valuable education, Abed left Jordan, her homeland, less than a month ago. Her father had been living in Virginia prior to the rest of the family’s arrival. “When I left I was afraid that I’d be all by myself, without any friends,” said Abed. Yet Abed has managed to make friends, mostly of Arab descent, “people I can relate to.” A language gap separated her from others. “I didn’t know much English, not that I know that much more now,” said Abed. “But my little sister who is five, already

“

America is all right...[though] it’s nothing like my culture. What I experienced growing up with was very different.

— Karim Aly senior

“I’m going to go clubbing, man!”

—Majdalarab Abed sophomore

— Ashley Rossi senior

speaks fluent English, barely any Arabic.” After living in the United States for a month, she has already developed some definite opinions about it and what she expects from it in the future. “Growing up in a somewhat conservative Muslim family and society, some things that are normal here are a total shock to me,” said Abed, clearly surprised at the sharp differences in the culture of her homeland with that of American. “This whole concept of freedom without limits, and just doing whatever you want, it is weird to me,” said Abed. Dealing with the difference in education, accommodations and life there is a huge culture shock that she has to deal with. “America is all right, but there’s no respect,” said Abed. “It’s not my culture, what I grew up with is very differ-

“I’m going to be livin it up because my birthday is on a weekend.” — KW D. Williams administrator

“My birthday is on a Friday, so hopefully I’ll catch a lot of skippers at school and go home and eat a lot.” — Bill Curran administrator

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Lil’ Bow Wow

MARCH

CHAE WA PARK

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI Staff Writer

Sophomore Majdalarab Abed talks to a friend during class. Abed came to AHS from Jordan less than a month ago and is gradually adjusting to her new environment.

ent,” Abed says. Coming from an Arab country where the culture is not big on socializing, the environment here is quite different. “We don’t have much freedom in Jordan. I don’t go out, hang out with my friends,” Abed says. Here however, she hangs out after school with her mostly Arabic speaking friends. “Coming to America has been my biggest fear, not being able to speak with other people, but obviously I don’t have a problem with it,” she said. Like most teenagers, she engages in conversations about movies, music and school work with her friends. The main topic is usually boys, more specifically the film industry heart throb. For example, she has her long time crush, a Bollywood film star, Shahrukh Khan’s picture plastered all over her locker. “I know all of his movies and songs by heart,” said Abed. She also has a huge CD and cassette collection of Hindi and Punjabi songs, which are her personal favorites other than Eminem. “Oh my god! On my god! He’s my habibi, (sweetheart), I know his songs, and besides that he is beautiful,” she gushes. Some of her other obsessions include chocolate and pizza. “It’s not like I just discovered pizza here or anything, but I really like. Anyway, who doesn’t like chocolate?” said Abed. Although growing up differently in a completely other society, Americanization will soon aid Abed in succeeding with life here, “I don’t plan on going back, yet I’ve only been here a month, so who knows, but I like it so far.”

• I dislike disorganization, rudeness and cold weather. • I love to eat chocolate and carbohydrates and anything spicy to go on pasta and bread. • My motto in life comes from my second grade teacher who said, “Work hard, get done, play last and you will have more fun.” • I have been teaching at AHS for 12 years, and my room is decorated with an identifiable color.

If you think you have the right answer, come by Room 265 to claim your signature A-Blast prize.

Last Issue’s Who am I? Officer Paul Pickett was last issue’s Who Am I? Pickett has been working at AHS for two years. He served in the Army for two years, and his favorite activities include football, volleyball, bowling and traveling. No one correctly named last issue’s Who am I. The signature A-Blast prize went unclaimed.

Catchin’ up with Coach Christiaan Segaar In a recent interview with Christiaan Segaar conducted by People Editors Laura Hollowell and Saman Hussain, the new varsity boys soccer coach revealed his passion for sports and his decision to return to his high school as a teacher. Q. What college did you attend and what did you study? A. I attended Segaar Virginia Tech and majored in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in Sociology, Economics and Biology. Q. What influenced you to return to AHS? A. Good question, I am good friends with Coach Adams and he told me about a teaching offer that I should apply for because I could also coach football with him. Plus, I liked the idea of being able to be around students, people and sports all at the

After graduating in 1994, Segaar returned to teach and coach at AHS.

5- Niki Taylor, 28 5- Luciano Burti, 28 6- Shaquille O’Neal, 31 8- Freddie Prinze Jr., 27

same time. It’s something that I hope makes a difference at the end of the day. Q. What classes do you teach and what interested you in teaching these subjects? A. I teach Active Physics and Geosystems since I have a background in Biology. Q. What sports were you involved in when you attended AHS? A. I have always been into sports, especially when I was in high school. I was involved in track, football, soccer and basketball. Q. Do you remember any teachers that taught here when you were a student? A. There were a lot of them. Ms. Feil, Ms. Grim, Ms. Hook, Mr. Lamons, Ms. Farish, and basically all of the football coaches. It’s kind of weird how Mr. Lamons used to be my teacher and now I teach with him. Q. How has AHS changed

since you went here as a student? A. Well, Annandale was somewhat diverse when I went here, but I have noticed that it is even more diverse now, which is a great thing. This is because you grow up not fearing or creating prejudices against different cultures. Also, the construction is making the school a lot bigger. Other than that, everything is basically the same. Q. What are some of the things you do in your spare time? A. I like to just hang out with friends, and I still play sports all the time. I play video games, go to bars, play pool and recently I have been spending a lot of time with my family because my brother just moved back into the area. Q. What made you decide to coach boys soccer? A. I played at Tech and also have played professionally. I coached a

SAMAN HUSSAIN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

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Christiaan Segaar stimulates his science students during a class lecture.

women’s national championship team for about 12 years. Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? A. Hopefully in the Bahamas, retired with my lovely wife.

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Pitcher’s death linked to use of Ephedra

The Feb. 17, death of Baltimore Orioles pitcher, Stever Bechler, has raised consciousness of the dangers of performance health supplements, and other dietary supplements. After dying from heat stroke in a mere 84 degree temperature at spring training camp, questions have been raised about the safety of the supplement Ephedrine. Bechler had been taking the supplement so that he could be in the best physical condition for the season. Although the drug has been banned by many other professional athletic organizations, Major League Baseball has yet to do the same, although they are now considering in light of recent events.

A little stronger, a little faster for a little longer... The desire to have that key edge over the opposition has many athletes turning to performance enhancing supplements to bulk up and gain strength

PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUPPLEMENTS

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF JOSE VARELA BY PAUL GLEASON AND MORGAN MCEVILLY

Risks come with supplements BY KYLE SMEALLIE Staff Writer Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler reported to training camp ten pounds overweight. After being pulled out of conditioning drills because he was out of shape, Bechler, told his teammate, "I messed up. I just want to change.” A day later, Bechler again failed to make it through the drills, this time collapsing. Twenty four hours later, a young baseball player with an ephedrine bottle in his locker was dead. Bechler's sudden death has raised many questions about the safety of supplements that athletes take both at the professional level and at the high school level. One popular substance, especially for high school athletes, is Creatine. This supplement claims to increase muscle mass, delay fatigue and improve high power performance of short duration. Research shows, however, that this unregulated substance does not increase endurance nor replace training. It is most effective when used with high intensity training for an increase in muscle mass. However, there are numerous side-effects from this relatively untested enhancing drug. For example, athletes have reported an increase in muscle cramping, strains, and pulls. Also, because Creatine takes plasma water into muscles with it, large doses may be a hazard in the heat. Ephedrine, a more dangerous supplement, has over 800 FDA documented side-effects and more than 100 deaths attributed by this substance. Although manufacturers of this drug claim that it

improves body fat loss and athletic performance, research has shown that it has no effect on strength, endurance, reaction time, anaerobic capacity, or recovery time after prolonged exercise. There are many effects that the FDA has released on Ephedrine, most notably death. Other side effects include elevated blood pressure, heart attack, seizure, dizziness and psychosis. According to a New York Times Article released March 4, Tommy Thompson, the secretary of Health and Human Services was considering banning this substance outright. However, law stipulates that “the government must prove must prove an unreasonable risk of harm to ban a dietary supplement.” This article attributes problems with the lucrative supplement industry to loose governmental regulation of the products. Under current laws, supplements can be marketed without the proof of safety, unlike substances labeled as drugs, which must be proven safe to the FDA before placed into the consumer market. The loophole is found at the manufacturing level. As long as supplements do not claim that their products cure or treat a disease, it is not regarded as a drug therefore, it is not necesscary to have to prove it safe to humans. Xenadrine, a weight loss supplement, uses thermogenic technology to help athletes to get an edge by shedding some precious pounds. Xenadrine uses ther-

mogenic technology to increase the body’s heat production, increasing the number of calories “burnt” during exercise and rest. Many harsh side-effects come with this substance. There have been reports of anxiety, numbness, nausea and increased heart beat. Furthermore, because it raises the body’s heat production, there is increased sweating and a need for more water. Androstenedione, popularly known as Andro, was launched into national fame when former home run king Mark McGwire used the substance during his record setting season. Since then, many people have taken this anabolic supplement to promote muscle growth. However, a recent study done by East Tennessee State University has found that there are many negative side effects to Andro. Like many other steroids, when the body has testosterone there can be adverse affects towards many bodily organs. For men, the testosterone converts to estrogen which can cause breast tissue to develop and the testicles to shrink. Also, the study showed that Andro causes a decrease in levels of HDL, a beneficial form of cholesterol, which helps to fight artery-clogging plaque in the bloodstream. Samad Sheikh, Manager at Little River General Nutrition Center, feels that in order to help combat the risks of health supplements, there needs to be more education at the store levels. “In my opinion, this trade should be regulated and health care qualified people should be appointed to supervise and distribute,” said Sheikh.

Coaches discourage use of enhancers Despite the many benefits, coaches do not support the use of supplements for their athletes

BY DAVID MARIN AND JAVIER SANCHEZ-YOZA Sports X-tra Editor and Videographer At the Feb. 1 district meet, senior Andy Pelenberg stepped up to the block for the district final of the 100yard breaststroke. Four years of hard work rode on this moment. He bent over, grabbed onto the starting blocks and listened for the start. The starter began the race, and Pelenberg swam as hard as he possibly could. With a time of 59.62, Pelenberg just barely shaved twotenths of a second off the district record held by Olympic gold medalist Ed Moses. Despite swimming six days a week and weight lifting three days of the week, Pelenberg still thought that he could do better. When practicing and lifting just weren’t enough, he turned to a controversal method of achieving his goal. Since his freshman year, Pelenberg has been taking Creatine and protein

known short term side supplements to help effects are not good for him improve. These your body.” supplements are not Side effects are perbanned by the Virginia haps the biggest conHigh School League cern of coaches. A re(VHSL), so it was legal cent example of the for Pelenberg to use dangerous side effects them. is the death of BaltiPelenberg is among more Orioles pitcher dozens of AHS athSteve Bechler. Bechler letes who take Creatwas taking a suppleine. He has been lucky ment that contained not to experience any Pelenberg the drug ephedra to of the possible side eflose weight. Former fects that come when pro basketball star Charles Barkley taking such supplements. He began also has admitted to using a suppletaking them in hopes that it would ment containing Ephedra in order to give him an edge in swimming, which lose weight. they did. He doesn’t regret taking The drug has been banned in orthem, and says that he would sugganizations such as the NFL, NCAA, gest them to another athlete that was and the Olympics. Other organizalooking for that edge. tions such as Major League Baseball However, coaches at AHS don’t are considering banning the drug in agree with Pelenberg’s endorsement. light of recent events. The Food and “I would tell my athletes not to Drug Administration (FDA) has also use them,” said football coach Dick began to explore banning the drug Adams. “I would instead recommend because of the unknown side effects. that they eat properly. Protein and However, other supplements such as carbohydrate supplements should Creatine and protein supplements only be used for people that are ill or are not likely to be banned. cannot eat properly. The body can Many coaches are actually not faonly use as much protein as it can miliar with the side effects of Epheabsorb, so most of it is excreted out dra. Possible side effects include inof the body.” creased blood pressure and dehydraAthletic Trainer Kathy Ayres tion, which can lead to severe health agreed, saying, “It’s strongly not recproblems. ommended. The long term side “I think that it is really scary,” said effects are unknown, and the

girls basketball coach Lori Barb. “Not enough research has been done on their long- term side effects.” “The FDA needs to step in and regulate these supplements because not that much is known about them,” added Ayres. Pelenberg agreed, saying, “Bechler misused it, which led to his death. If he hadn’t overdosed it might not have happened.” It is against FCPS policy for coaches to suggest to an athlete to use any of these supplements. In fact, many AHS coaches are totally against the idea of using them. “I do not support the use of any supplements at all for my athletes. It may be helpful for professional athletes, but high school athletes have no business using them,” said swimming and diving coach Bruce Fisher. However, football coach and physical education teacher Jamie Carayiannis has a different viewpoint. “If its legal and comes from natural sources, I believe its fine for high school athletes to take body enhancers because every athlete aspires to have a better physique, like that of body builders. But, when it comes to illegal steroids, high school athletes should not be going near them. Teenagers have so much growing to do.”to and developing to do. Why rush it?”

Supplement:: Xenadrine Purpose: To be an effective aid in weightloss and fat burning by increasing the number of calories one burns during exercise and resting time. Side effects: Anxiety, shaking, light headedness, cramps, numbness, headaches, feeling faint, increased heart rate, rapid heart beating, increased sweating, nausea, upset stomach, and dehydration are the most common side effects affiliated with Xenadrine. Extra information: Xenadrine uses thermogenics, which is a method that increases the body’s heat production, to burn the calories. Supplement: Creatine Purpose: To increase muscle mass Manufacturers claim: Creatine adds a higher concentration energy producing phosphate in muscles during muscle contraction Side effects: A short term affect noted with Creatine is weight gain, believed to be caused by a large storage of water in the body. Although manufacturers claim that there have been hundreds of clinical studies on the supplement, most have not losted longer than three months. Long term effects are unknown. Supplement: Androstenedione Purpose: Similar to a steroid in that the purpose is to increase the levels of testosterone, Androstenedione contains the hormone DHEA, which causes the body to increase testosterone production. Cilinical studies: Men failed to show any signs of strength, size or testosterone. The long term effects are still unknown. Extra information: Androstenedione became a well- used drug after Mark McGwire set the home run record in 1998. However, the NCAA and the International Olympic Commitee, and the NFL have banned the use of the supplement. Supplement: Ephedrine Purpose: When mixed with caffeine there is supposed to be an increase in energy, loss of appetite, and an increase in metabolism with little or no exercise. Ephedrine’s numerous and dangerous side effects are only increased with the addition to caffeine to one’s diet. Side effects: Insomnia, anxiety, irrability, nervousness, rapid heart rate, nerve damage, psychosis, stroke, memory loss, and an increase in blood pressure. Ephedrine is also known to be an addictive substance. Extra information: Having been banned from the NCAA, the International Olympic Committe, and the NFL, it is now being considered for banning by Major League Baseball after the recent death of pitcher Steve Bechler.

16 SPORTS Woods is back on track Tiger Woods won the Accenture Match Play Championship last weekend by defeating David Toms in the final round 2&1. This is the first time Woods has won this event in three years of participation. This win is Woods’ second in his last four tour events after coming back from knee surgery over the offseason. The next event Woods’ will be playing in will be the Masters in early April in which he will be trying for his 3rd Masters victory in 4 attempts.

Girls basketball loses in regionals BY ERIN O’BRIEN Arts Editor

Winter stars repeat in AllDistrict/Regional honors Senior wrestler Ehab Awadallah earned his second straight 1st team all-region honors for his success on the wrestling team. Awadallah was also awared all-region honors for linebacker and guard during the football season. Also, senior guard Travis Johnson earned secondteam all Patriot District for boys basketball. This honor marked Johnson’s second all-district honor this year, his other coming in football for QB.

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETES

Dorsa Hassas Grade: 12 Sport: Softball Position(s): Pitcher Personal Achievements: 2nd Team AllDistrict last year In your CD player: “Vanessa Carlton, I wish I could throw the ball 1,000 miles.”

Johnny Eklund Grade: 11 Sport: Soccer Position(s): Midfield/ Forward Personal Achievements: 1st Team AllDistrict as a freshman In your CD player: “50 cent, I like to pop in my jamz before I hit the field.”

SEAN SULLIVAN

Georgia fires assistant coach Harrick Jr. The Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team fired their assistant coach Jim Harrick Jr. becuase of allegations that he passed on of his players in a class that the player never attended for an entire semester. Georgia’s head coach, and Harrick Jr.’s dad, Jim Harrick Sr. did a successful job in keeping his team focused throughout the controversy as the Bulldogs defeated the No. 3 ranked team in the nation, Florida, the day after the news broke.

Senior Danielle Rumber practices her free throws during practice. Rumber is the only senior on the team this year which means the majority of the team next year will be made up of returning veteran players.

Grade: 11 Sport: Girls Lacrosse Position(s): Center Personal Achievements: Freshman year- 1st Team AllDistrict, 2nd Team All-Region; Sophomore year- 1st Team AllDistrict, 1st Team All-Region In the CD player: “Britney Spears, I’m a slave for her.”

The Lady Atoms suffered a devastating 69-57 first-round regional loss to the Chantilly Chargers on Sat. March 1, bringing their otherwise successful season to an end with a final record of 9-15. The Atoms played the #16 Chargers to the best of their ability, but were unable to come through with the win. “We played extremely well, but we started to run out of gas at the end,” said coach Lori Barb. Down by only one point at half, the Atoms kept it close for most of the game. “We went out feeling like we fought hard,” said junior Angela Briggs. “It’s nice to know that if we lost to anyone, it was the defending regional champs, and that we were right there with them.” Freshman Nicole Finney contributed an overwhelming 24 points from the post while junior co-captain Becca Frece added an additional 11. “Having a legitimate point guard is something that has really helped us this year,” said Barb. “In the past we’ve had other guards playing the point, but Becca can get in there, take control, and get things done.” Sophomores Sam Muchmore and Nakia Williams also had six points apiece. The Atom’s tournament play began Fri., Feb. 21 at Lake Braddock where

Boys basketball ousted in first round of districts BY MATT WIEST Staff Writer The boys varsity basketball team concluded their disappointing season with a loss to West Springfield in the district tournament. The 96-64 defeat on February 21 knocked the Atoms out of the single elimination tournament and ended their season at 5-17. The Spartans jumped out to a 23-10 first quarter lead, and added to that lead with a 33-point third quarter. “We could have performed better,” said Coach Pat Hughes, “but West Springfield is a strong team.” AHS had the youngest team in the district this year, with possibly one of

“

“We had games that should —Pat Hughes Head Coach have been wins that ended up losses. I think it will be a completely different story next year.”

the most difficult non-district schedules having to face South Lakes, northern regional champ, Woodson, and Langley who also were in the regional tourney. Still, however, this season comes as a disappointment to some. “We could have done better,” said Hughes. “We had games that should have been wins that ended up losses. I think it will be a completely different story next year.” Other team members, like junior Chris Terapane, shared similar opinions. “This year was a rebuilding year. We’ll have a much better season next year. We’re going to win the district,” said Terapane. Expectations are high for next year’s season, as the Atoms will return all of the Varsity squad except for senior Travis Johnson. “We’re going to work towards high goals next year and I think we’ll have a legitimate shot at the district championship,” said Coach Hughes. “We’re going to have kids up from the junior varsity team and there will be some tough decisions. I think we might see some new faces, and some people that were on the team this year might not be back.” The 10-6 junior varsity team showed promise this season, coming up with some big wins and finishing above the .500 mark. The Atoms’ season may not have lived up to the expectations of some, but the team has definitely shown prospective for positive growth and all of the teams returning players are confident about next year and are looking to have a productive and hardworking offseason. “We’re going to be a lot stronger next year,” said junior Billy Purdon, “I think we’ll definitely finish near the top next season.”

they faced the Hayfield Hawks for the fourth year in a row to compete in the first round of Districts. Beating Hayfield 55-50 was the girl’s most exciting win of the season as it put them in the regional tournament for the first time in four years. Not starting out as strong as they would have liked, the Atoms made an incredible fourth quarter comeback to seal the victory. “[Sophomore] Stephanie [Frece] got us on a role by hitting her free throws and the rest of the team began to step it all up a notch, allowing us to win,” said Barb. In the second round, the Atom’s endured a 39-68 loss to the West Springfield Spartans, ending their district play for the season. “We played with a lot of heart,” said junior Amy Merrill. Despite a solid performance from each player, the loss seemed almost predetermined. “We put forth a lot of effort, but we also went into the game knowing we had already made it to regionals. As a result we ended up getting it handed to us,” said Frece. Although the Atom’s final two games resulted in losses, the season was a true success. “We learned how to play as a team,” said Barb. “No one was selfish, everyone was united.”

“We learned how to play as a team; no one was selfish, everyone was united” —Lori Barb Head Coach

Swim goes out with a splash BY ANDREW MENEGAT Photographer The boys and girls swim team finished in winning fashion with a victory over the West Potomac Wolverines in the last meet of the season. The boys finished the season 2nd in the district with a 5-2 record, while the girls completed the season with a 4-3 record. “I think the team performed well this year. I didn’t really know how the boys would do because we lost so many swimmers, but they really stepped it up,” said coach Bruce Fisher. The kids helped motivate one another to compete, which really improved team performance. “I think the one thing that hurt the team was the schedule they had to deal with. Having to swim the top three teams in the district right off the back is demoralizing if you’re not prepared,” said Fisher. En route to winning seasons, the team

put over 40 swimmers in districts, approximately 21 in regionals, and nine in the state meet at Virginia Beach. Top performances included John Krietler’s 3rd place finish in the 50 meter freestyle at the State meet. In addition, Andy Pelenberg finished first in all three meets in the 100 meter breastroke with a new school record of 58.12 seconds. Pelenberg also qualified for All-American honors with his breakthrough swim. For the upcoming season, the team will lose 11 swimmers. The boys team will lose seven and the girls will lose four. Fisher is hopeful for a great season next year too. “I think our girls team will be strong if not stronger next season,” said Fisher. “They’re primarily freshman and sophmores that will only get better with another season under their belt. For the boys, you can’t lose an All-American swimmer without losing a little from the team.”

Winter Track Ends Season BY ELIZABETH NOWROUZ Staff Writer As the season comes to a close, the winter track team reflects on the past few months. They draw on their difficulties, and are putting their best forward to represent us in the statewide competition. At the regional competitionon on Feb. 8, AHS performed well, competing against some of the best schools in Northern Virginia. Among those were senior Brian Williams and junior Ayoob Jan. Among those students who will be moving on to States later this month, three of them are, senior and co- captain Mike Flint, who will be competing in the 1000 meter race, junior Elizabeth Gill will be doing the pole-vault, and junior Lauren Edwards will also be running the

1000 meter race. With the loss of many seniors, this season was one full of new traditions. The team was very young this year, comprised mainly of underclassmen. Sophomore Ben Berglund is a second year runner and was there to witness both the older team of last year’s season, and the new one this year. “We did okay this season, but we lost a lot of seniors last year; all in all we did well, considering this was a rebuilding season,” said Berglund. Overall, the this winter track season was a success, but not without its difficulties. The transition from this year to next will be less harsh, with a relatively low number of seniors. The team is getting ready for states and looking back on a season of fun, challenge, and reward.

Young wrestling team prepares for next season BY LAUREN STERLACCI Staff Writer

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While beating out a majority of the teams in their past three meets, the Atoms have been dominating their competitors coming out with some crucial wins over highly ranked teams and holding an 8-5 record and 3-3 in the district. On Jan. 29, the Atoms faced their most recent challenge, Jefferson and Edison. Coach William Stravino said, “At the Edison meet the lightweights really pulled through to win with great performances by sophomores Brett Mehlman and Justin McCoy.” Freshman Morgan McNeill said, “I’ve been having a really good time this season and getting a lot of experience for the upcoming years, in which I hope to succeed in very well.” On Jan. 25, the team went up against Lake Braddock, T.C. Williams and West Springfield. They defeated Lake Braddock and T.C. Williams, but lost to West Springfield.

Senior Ehab Awadallah said, “This season has been going really well, and I have a good feeling about how we will do for the rest of this season. Everyone has really stepped it up, and as a team we have been setting goals for ourselves. If we work hard enough, we can accomplish them.” On Jan. 18, the Atoms faced Mount Vernon, Chantilly and Hayfield in their first Quad meet. They managed to beat the #6 team Chantilly along with #9 Mount Vernon, and had a loss to #2 Hayfield. Coach William Stravino said, “Junior Edgar Jorge really showed how well he’s been playing although he is injured now. Along with him, juniors Sean Johnson and Noah Crowley beat out ranked guys, so that was definitely a great success for the two of them.” Coach Stravino said, “We had the most success at Mount Vernon because it gave us a lot of experience. One of my goals is to take the whole team to qualify for the regional tournament.”

VALERIE SMITH

SPORTS NEWS

the

Senior Ehab Awadallah practices his wrestling moves on the mat. Ehab was one of only two Annandale wrestlers, along with Jegs Peralta, to make it to the VHSL Wrestling state tournament last month.

the

SPORTS 17 Spring Sports Preview

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ATOMIC ATHLETICS

Softball

Baseball

Boys Lacrosse

Girls Lacrosse

BOYS FRESHMAN B-BALL

Mike Lusby Senior captain and starting CF Loren Sexton

Coach: Matt Caudle Last year’s record: 10-15 Last year’s tournament play: Ad vanced to district finals, lost in 1st rd. of regionals vs. Falls Church. Key returners: Travis Johnson, Bobby Morganthaler, Loren Sexton First game: March 17 vs. Wakefield @ home, 6:00 p.m. Season Outlook: “We want to be feared by the other schools instead of them thinking they will get an easy win against us. Win the ‘ship!” said Loren Sexton

Girls Soccer

Senior captain and starting SS/C Lindsay Grant

Coach: Rick Neaves Last year’s record: 7-5 Last year’s tournament play: Lost in 1st rd. of districts to West Springfield Key returners: Lindsay Grant, Dorsa Hassas, Erin O’Brien First game: March 20 vs. Mt. Vernon @ home, 5:30 p.m. Season Outlook: “We have talented re turners so we hope to improve on last sea son. Also, Robinson and Lake Braddock lost a lot of their key seniors.” siad Lind say Grant

Spring Track

All-District Defender Pat McMurray

Coach: Bill Maglisceau Last year’s record: 10-5 Last year’s tournament play: Lost in regional semis vs. Oakton Key returners: Ehab Awadallah, Pat McMurray, Ryan Teichler, Jordan Groom First game: March 17 @ Herndon, 7:15 p.m. Season Outlook: “For this season to be successful we need our midfielders to do well on groundballs and our goalie to be smart on clears.” said Coach Maglisceau

Boys Tennis

Starting forward, junior, Lindsay Miller Coach: Cindy Hook Last year’s record: 10-5 Last year’s tournament play: Lost in regional semis vs. Robinson Key returners: Lindsay Miller, Julie Stone, Haley Fletcher First game: March 17 vs. Herndon @ home, 7:15 p.m. Season Outlook: “How much we can rebuild this season on defense will be key, I see us going further than we did last year in the regional tournament.” said Lindsay Miller

Record: 1-15 Captains: none Result of last game: Loss to TC Williams, 103-64 Players Quote: “The high point of the season was definetly beating Robinson at home. I was really proud of the play from guys like Andre Beharrie. Andre’s work ethic and size I think will help him succeed at the varsity level in high school,” freshman Billy Rathbun.

BOYS JV BASKETBALL

Boys Soccer

Angelo Maku

Returning senior letterman Kathy Saupp

Coach: Mark Boger Last year’s record: 2-8-1 Last year’s tournament play: Lost in 1st rd. of districts Key returners: Mary Burke, Riana Bovill, Karlyn Hixson, Kathy Saupp, First game: March 20 @ Oakton, 7:00 p.m. Season Outlook: “It has been hard run ning tryouts indoors, but disregarding that fact I believe this team will go deep into the district and regional Tournament. Also, I believe in this team and the girls believe in each other.” said Coach Boger

Senior hurdler Bryan Williams

Coach: Greg Row Last year’s tournament play: Sent 3 people to states Key returners: Bryan Williams, Lauren Edwards, Mike Flint, Publio Agrafas, A.J. Jan, Elizabeth Gil, Alexis Pak, First game: April 2 vs. Lake Braddock/ West Springfield, @Lake Braddock, 5:00 p.m. Season Outlook: “We feel our retruners need to step up and lead the younger kids which will put us in a position to win dis tricts, at least” said Brian Williams

Excuse T he Interjection M a r ch M a d n

ess Preview

Sports Commentary on the latest issues from Jared Smith, John Bernhardt, Reid Edwards, Matt Wiest and Ryan Teichler

March is finally upon us, and the Men’s Divison 1 NCAA tournment is about to kick off. The tournament is all full of suprises and upsets. What “bubble” teams will make the tournament, and which teams are going to make a run for the national championship? Jared: There is at least one team in every conference that can make a run at the national championship this year. But it all comes down to who • Which teams is hot in March, and have the talent right now that team is the and leadership K e n t u c k y Wi l d c a t s . to come out on They don’t have that top in this one big star like a Jason years Men Gardner or NCAA tourna- aPriceHollis but they have a ment? lot of key role players who helped the Wildcats to win 19 straight games at one point this season. Keith Bogans, Jules Komara, and Marquis Estill are all key contributors and with an experienced coach like Tubby Smith who has already won one national title back in ’97, they are my favorite to go all the way. Another team which has Final Four written all over it is the Syracuse Orangemen. They have the best diaper

Topics Of Discussion

dandee duo in the country with Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara averaging a combined 40 ppg. Recent road victories at Notre Dame and at Michigan St. proves to doubters that they might be young, but they have the tools to make a run in the big dance. As for some bubble teams/mid-major teams I think Creighton could go extremely far. The Blue Jays’ all around star Kyle Korver is lighting it up from outside and could carry that team to a Sweet 16 berth for the first time in school history. Another sleeper to look out for is Xavier. They aren’t playing in the strongest conference but with David West as a player of the year candidate expect them to win the A-10 tournament, get a high NCAA tourney seed and go deep into March. Reid: This year in the later rounds expect to see mostly teams from this year’s most competitive conferences, Big 12 and SEC. Kansas has a solid backcourt with Aaron Miles and Kirk Hinrich and is solid up front as well with Nick Collison. Hinrich and Collison also provide some stable senior leadership to carry them throughout the tournament, a luxury that Syracuse lacks with Anthony, a freshman as their leader. From the SEC teams like Kentucky and Georgia should be solid as well as Florida who may be more competitive in the tournament then in past years. Potentially representing the Big 12 in later rounds could be Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

Returning junior Braxton Koppleman

All-District F junior Matt Hubacher

Coach: Albert Steppe Last year’s record: 7-5 Last year’s tournament play: SinglesBraxton Koppleman and Kalid Ebrahim (lost in first round). Doubles- Braxton Koppleman/Tatsuya Nakamura and Kalid Ebrahim/Thang Pham (lost in first round) Key returners: Braxton Koppleman, Kalid Edwards First game: March 19 vs. Lake Braddock @ home, 4:00 p.m. Season Outlook: “Just from the people that clean the courts, we’re going to have a lot of guys with commitment this season.” said Coach Steppe

Coach: Chris Seager Last year’s record: 8-3 Last year’s tournament play: Lost in 1st. rd. of district tourney Key returners: John Kriss, Johnny Eklund, Jesus Kayua, Miguel Mamani, Matt Hubacher, Alfred Smith, Dino Garcia, Mike Perucci First game: March 24 @ Westfield, 7:00 p.m. Season Outlook: “The team looks very skilled compared to last season and the competitiveness is high aswell. I don’t thiink the inddor practices hurt us at all.” said Coach Seagar

Low seed teams that c o u l d make a major run this year are Minnesota and Mississ i p p i State. Minnesota has the talent to be the top team in the Big Ten this year, but never really pulled it together during the season. Sophomore Rick Rickert and junior Mike Bauer are two big men that can nail the three, both shooting around 40%. Look for Bauer and Rickert, two relatively unknown players, to make a splash in the tournament and really elevate their NBA Draft status. As for Mississippi State, they have been up against tough competition from other SEC teams all year. Power forward Mario Austin and guard Timmy Bowers have both put up huge numbers under scoring and rebounding and could provide the leadership to take the Bulldogs far into the tournament. John: This year has had its share of big upsets and changing No. 1 teams; however, it has remained clear that the Big 12 is the dominant conference in the country. I would not be suprised if Kansas, Texas, or Oklahoma brought home the championship. Once again the SEC will get more bids than they deserve, but only Kentucky will last through the first two rounds. When it comes down to it, I believe its Arizona’s turn to win it all. They have senior leadership and tournament experience in PG Jason Gardner and PF Luke Walton. Their coach, Lute Olsen, also has tournament experience from their championship game versus Duke in 2001. Like every year, there are suprises when they announce the teams that get the tournament bids. This year I think “bubble teams” NC State and Gonzaga will make the Big Dance. NC State has had big wins over Maryland and Duke, and Gonzaga has a reputation for being the “dark horse team.” Matt: I expect to see the Kentucky Wildcats in the championship this year. They have star power in Keith Bogans, and more than adequate depth and versatility is provided by Estill, Camara, and several others in the Wildcat lineup. ŁTubby Smith’s defense is prime to bring

a title home to Lexington. Also look for Kansas to make a strong showing in the tournament, as they are a legitimate prospect for the Final Four. The frontcourt-backcourt combination of Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison is perhaps the best in the country. Despite the loss of Wayne Simien, the Jayhawks should make strong showing in this year’s big dance. I am also confident that Xavier will make an appearance in the Final Four this year as David West and Romain Sato, like Collison and Hinrich, may be another one of the best one-two punches in the nation. One of this year’s biggest surprises is Creighton. The Bluejays, probably a four or five seed, should make a run into the Sweet Sixteen, and possibly even the Elite Eight. Kyle Korver, a near 50% three-point shooter and strong inside and outside player provides plenty of scoring for this team, and help from House and Lindemann should also strengthen Creigton’s chances. Ryan: I am a firm believer of the ethos “offense wins games, defense wins championships” and the best defensive team hands down right now is the Kentucky Wildcats. Tubby Smith has his boys playing terrific basketball and I don’t see them losing in the tourny until at least the Final Four. The other team I am very impressed with is the Arizona Wildcats. They are beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the field as the team to beat. How great would it be to see an all Wildcats final. It would be as Dicky V. says “super sintilating sensational baby!” For the first time in a long time the ACC will not have a No. 1 seed this year. Hey they might not even have a No. 2 seed. I don’t see anyone other than Maryland, Duke, and Wake Forest making the big dance from the ACC. I think Creighton will make it despite thier low RPI. Former #1 Alabama is now fighting to make it but I think they will recieve an at large bid if they perform well the SEC tournament. With Kentucky and Arizona as they only dominating teams right now, this year’s tournament is certain to be full down to the wire games and huge upsets.

Record: 10-6 Captains: Bobby Terry, Brandon Flowers, Vinnie Athey Result of last game: Win over T.C. Williams, 69-58 Player’s Quote: “We had great games against teams like Wakefield. There were a lot of games were I thought we would play poorly; however, are leaders like Bobby and Nate stepped up and did a great job,” said Angelo Maku.

GIRLS FRESHMAN BASKETBALL

Kassie Davis

Record: 4-12 Captains: None Result of last game: Loss to TC Williams, 42-36 Next Game: Friday @ T.C. Williams, 4:30 p.m. Player’s Quote: “I think we improved a lot this year, and everybody learned a lot. Our best game was beating West Springfield at home, when Elyssia [Zormelo] hit the winning basket at the buzzer,” said freshman Lori Sims.

GIRLS JV BASKETBALL

Dina Tomic

Record: 8-8 Captains: None Result of last game: Loss to T.C. Williams, 32-38 Player’s Quote: “We went 8-8 overall, and 6-6 in the district which isn’t to bad considering our competition. I think the team played hard in every game and never quit,” said sophmore Anna Sciullo.

JV WRESTLING

Casey Campbell

Record: 5-0 Captains: None. Last game: Losses to Hayfield and West Springfield at JV District meet. Player’s Quote: “JV had a good year this year. The team was mostly freshman but we did well despite that. I think in the future guys like Eric Dzatco will have an impact on varsity,” said freshman Morgan Mcneill.

18 ENTERTAIN COMING SOON

the

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From

TEARS OF THE SUN

CAST Bruce Willis, Monica Belucci SYNOPSIS Bruce Willis stars as Lt. A.K. Waters, a loyal Navy S.E.A.L, who’s sent into the heart of Africa to rescue Dr. Lena Kendricks (Monica Bellucci), a U.S. citizen who runs a mission in the countryside. RELEASE DATE March 7

PROZAC NATION

CAST Cristina Ricci, Jason Biggs, Jessica Lange. SYNOPSIS Based on the best selling novel, set in the mid 1980’s before the prevalence of anti-depressants, it follows a young working class woman’s (Ricci) bout with depression during her first year at Harvard. The film explores this generation’s struggle to navigate the effects of divorce, drugs, and sex. RELEASE DATE March 14

PHONE BOOTH

CAST Colin Farell, Katie Holmes, Kiefer Sutherland SYNOPSIS In this intense drama, which takes place in and around a single phone booth in New York City, a man who is being watched by a rooftop killer with a sniper rifle must use the phone to save his life or else risk the consequences of leaving the booth. RELEASE DATE April 4

HONEY

character with no real special abilities. Aumovie guaranteed a sequel which will be reThe Incredible Hulk. diences were drawn to this new type of suleased on Memorial Day. Directed by Ang Lee, and starring Jenper hero and the film, directed by Tim BurSimultaneously, production on Spidernifer Connelly and Erik Banna, the film has ton, went on to gross over $251.2 million. man, Daredevil and the Hulk began. already begun to generate controversy: the Whether it’s books, cartoons, or real life Batman returned to action in 1992. With Within weeks of its release, Spider-man movie exceeded its initial budget and the events, Hollywood is constantly searching most of the original cast back, including quickly became a phenomenon, grossing over digitally created Hulk has had a rather negafor new movie ideas. With recent movie hits Michael Keaton as Batman, the movie eas$403.7 million. Starring modern day film tive reception from fans. Deemed as a “Shrek like The Hulk, Spider-man and Daredevil , ily became a hit. stars and aimed at a teenage audience, on steroids,” many believe the digital moncomics have proven to be an invaluable Hollywood exploited the Batman saga younger generations embraced a new comic ster lacks the emotional characteristics of a source of inspiration. through endless merchandise and two new book hero. The success of the film catapulted true super hero. Superman was Hollywood’s first attempt films, Batman Forever and Batman and stars Tobey McGuire and Kirsten Dunst to to cash-in on the comic book hero Robin, released within two years of each superstardom and fueled the return of comic Top Grossing movies taken phenomenon. Already the other. book heroes to the big screen. nation’s most popular hero, from comics Results were less than favorable. Despite Daredevil, starring equally successful Superman, starring Chrismajor stars, both movies did not generate stars, brought in $70 million and was the topher Reeves as the man 1. Spiderman (2002) $403.7 expected revenues. Batman and Robin nation’s top grossing movie for two weeks. of steel, attracted large (1998) tanked terribly, failing to even cover Although far less successful than Spider2. Batman (1989) $251.2 audiences and quickly the studio’s expenses. man, Daredevil has served to prove that aubecame a major suc3. Batman Forever (1995) $184.3 During this time other films based on diences are willing to embrace lesser known cess. comics were also released with disastrous heroes. In fact, Fox, the studio responsible Superman 2 was 4. X-men (2000) $157.29 results; Spawn’s dark themes and graphic for Daredevil, has already announced both a released two years afscenes earned the movie an R rating, isosequel to be released next year and a spinter the first one and 5. Batman & Robin (1997) $107.3 lating younger viewers and limiting its auoff based on the character Elektra Natchios, enjoyed similar sucdience. a deadly ninja, played by Jennifer Garner. cess at the box office. From Variety.com The Avengers, based on a comic book The next comic book hero to hit theaters? The man of steel franseries about two suave British chise seemed indeagents, on the other hand, structible. was too obscure to be noHowever, by the ticed by mainstream autime Superman 4 was diences. released (1987), the As a result of these flops, novelty had worn off Hollywood turned away and audiences’ tastes from comic heroes and sevhad changed; people eral projects, including a began to accept a difnew Superman movie. ferent prototype of It wasn’t until the debut of super hero. X-men in 2000, that movie stuAfter a two year dios embraced comic book hehiatus, Hollywood roes again. X-men was both was back with a new a commercial and critihero: Batman. Uncal success, grossing like Superman, Halle Berry, James Marsden, Anna Paquin and Hugh Jackman return as Storm, Cyclops, Rogue and Wolverine in XBatman was a Jennifer Garner will star in a Daredevil more than $150 milMen 2. lion. The success of the much darker spin-off based on Elektra Natchios. BY ALEJANDRO SALINAS Entertainment Editor

The mediocre ‘life of David Gale’ “The Life of David Gale... illustrates the existing moral debate over the death penalty.”

STUART DUNBAR Journalism I student Based on the book written by Christopher Randolph, The Life of David Gale is a suspenseful thriller starring Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslet. The film, directed by Alan Parker, tackles the controversy behind the death penalty by eloquently illustrating the existing moral debate. Set in Austin, MOVIE REVIEW Texas, the THE LIFE OF DAVID movie exGALE plores the life of university professor David Gale ( K e v i n GREAT CONCLUSION, BUT Spacey), a MAY BE DISTURBING TO fierce oppoWEAKER STOMACHS. nent of the

a series of flashbacks, and as the story progresses, Bitsy doesn’t know what to believe. Is Gale innocent or guilty? The acting is remarkable. Kate Winslet gives a great performance as the reporter investigating Gale’s case, and Kevin Spacey masterfully portrays a tormented man with a hidden agenda. Additionally, the Kevin Spacey stars in The Life of David Gale, a hard hitting movie features some look at the moral question of the death penalty. extremely disturbing scenes; Constance’s murder is unnectoo predictable. essarily graphic. Audiences with Paying close attention is exweak stomachs should beware. tremely important in this movie, or Although the ending may shock else the ending will leave you dumbyou, at times the movie’s plot becomes founded.

A ‘cloud’ of innovation and style BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in Chief

CAST Jessica Alba, Lil’ Romeo SYNOPSIS Jessica Alba stars as Honey Daniels, a dancer and choreographer working as a bartender and record store clerk until she gets that one break. When she finally succeeds, it feels too good to be true. And it is—until Honey gets a new dream fueled by the exuberant energy of a group of neighborhood kids who bring her back to the sheer joy of letting it all out on the dance floor. RELEASE DATE June 2

death penalty. Gale continuously rallies against executions and usually goes on TV to showcase his stance to the public. Gale’s life takes an unexpected turn after attending a school party. During the party, Gale has a brief encounter with an expelled female student, Berlin (Rhona Mitra), who later accuses him of rape. Although charges are dropped, Gale soon finds himself invovled in anothe controversy when he is charged with the murder and rape of fellow abolitionist and friend Constance Harraway (Laura Linney). Gale soon finds himself on death row with only four days left before his execution. Gale contacts reporter Elizabeth “Bitsy” Bloom (Kate Winslet), who has three days to interview Gale (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), for 2 hours each day. The story is narrated by Gale through

Don’t let the jovial, gleeful, cartoon-shaded characters fool you; Level 5’s Dark Cloud 2 is no kid’s game. The sequel to one of the PlayStation 2’s first RPGs sports a thoroughly polished and updated georama system and an extremely accessible weapon upgrade method that make this game one of the most easily approachable and fun RPGs released. While the story is the tried GAME REVIEW and true DARK CLOUD 2 “save the world” plot, slight touches give the game’s UNIQUE AND INNOVATIVE. story a THIS GAME NEVER STOPS BRINGING THE FUN. unique feel, unmatched by most other games. It revolves around Maximilian

(Max for short) and his quest to both help his hometown, Palm Brinks, and find his mother. Early on, a girl from the future named Monica joins Max on his

HUN WITH HIL

Philippe Podhorecki Co-Editor in-Chief

journey and informs him that they must restore the world in Max’s time to save the world in her time. It may seem a little complicated, but the game includes beautifully simple cinema scenes filled with wonderfully performed voice acting. The characters (and there are an awful lot of them) have their own unique traits that endear them to the player. Graphically, there are few games that match the detail and sheer beauty of Dark Cloud 2. Possibly the best “toon-shaded” game released, it brings the story

and characters to life. The relatively new technique, first made famous by Sega’s Jet Grind Radio for the Dreamcast, creates the visual effect similar to that of a cartoon. What’s so amazing about the graphics is the detail that goes into every aspect of the game. One of the early dungeons is atop several canyons; at the bottom, shrubbery and water is clearly detailed and defined—no fog is used anywhere. From the characters to the weapons, every object is exquisitely designed. Gameplay centers around two main aspects: dungeon crawling and georama use. The combat takes place in real time, and experience is gained on each weapon (two can be equipped per character, a gun and blade). The dungeons are randomly generated but have a set number of levels, which can be accessed at any time once they have been passed. Combat is intuitive, slightly reminiscient of The Legend of Zelda series on the Nintendo 64. A machine that Max drives, called the Ridepod, can also be used for fighting. With the press of the button, Max instantly transforms into a larger more powerful robot.

Dark Cloud 2 star Monica battles with one of the many monsters of the lush and detailed game.

Monica can transform into monsters in similar fashion. Weapons gain levels through combat. After a level is gained, synthesis points are granted that allow other items to be synthesized into the weapon. Confusing at first, the system is easily explained through a tutorial system. Dark Cloud 2’s predecessor featured an innovative georama

system. The system is back with improvements. Georama has the player build towns by making the necessary pieces (such as houses) from items found throughout the journey. The towns must be rebuilt according to certain criteria depending on the area, to change the future. One of the prettiest and unique, games ever released, Dark Cloud 2 will last a long time and never gets

ENTERTAINMENT 19 How to win a love life the

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HOROSCOPES

BY KATIE STANTON Entertainment Editor It’s only another wave of the massive Reality TV phenom sweeping the country, but Married by America holds its own type of twisted appeal. It, along with so many others, is like a modern-day gladiator ring, pitting the lonely, desperate dregs of American society against their own self-respect, in front of millions of people. Things just can’t get any better. Fox can’t expect to live up to the standards set by classics like Survivor; the thought of watching despondent, white 20somethings prostrating themselves for sake of money, exposure or even (we can only hope) love has to be distasteful to some majority of the population, unless it’s true: the American capacity for the degradation of all that is honorable in society has reached an unspeakable level. But we’re still watching. For those who, by some strange blessing, have never heard of this, the basic premise is that five singletons will each be matched with a group of suitors, narrowed down by their family and friends. This “engagement phase” lasts for the first three episodes, until viewers vote for the final couple, who first propose, then meet. For the next five weeks the potential life partners get to know each other and plan their weddings at a 300 acre estate, taking place

in early April. In the grand finale, couples decide if they want to get married (after which they exchange vows live on Fox), dump each other or have more time. The contestants are even more questionable then the idea. The five lucky, desperate singles, Joe, Steven, Billie Jeanne, Jennifer and Matt, have exciting occupations like “Restauranteur” and “Artist.” The assorted suitors, some voted off just minutes after introducing themselves, may never have another chance with any kind of significant other. They range from moronic to lonesome to perky to downright creepy. Take, for example, Jeremy, a 30something who (and these facts are key) lives with his mother, went to a strip club with his parents, and wore a pink shirt the first moment we saw him (needless to say, he’s off the island-I mean, show). Or, how about Xavier: tall, dark, and handsome with a French accent. Perfect for blonde, Georgian, real estate agent Jennifer? Oui, oui! Married by America inspires the voyeur in the best of us; as much as we don’t want to admit it; we as a country are mesmerized by this kind of display. Done in true Fox style (flamboyant, cheesy, over-the-top, scripted, blatantly mind-numbing and interrupted by commercials once every three minutes), it is a celebration of knowing that hey, at least you haven’t sunk this low.

These desperate hopefuls have one last chance for romance.

BY KATIE STANTON Entertainment Editor What does it take to be a successful rapper? Is it the image? Your personal history? The people that back you? Or could it be... talent? Apparently not the latter, if you happen to be the rap world’s latest offering, 50 Cent. Born and raised in Queens, N.Y. as Curtis Jackson, 50 spent most of his life on the streets, orphaned and fighting for survival on New York Avenue. In April of 2000, 50 was shot 9 times as his career was similarly under fire, when he was dropped from Columbia Records months after the incident. A year later, Eminem, the everpopular distressed white man regularly flaunting his freedom of speech, signed 50 to Shady Records and has been publicly celebrating him ever since. The only question in this listener’s mind, however, is whether 50’s success has anything to do with his actual rap ability. The CD in question, Get Rich or Die Tryin, debuted on Feb. 6 and sold more than 850,000 copies in its first week of sales. With all the hype even clandestine rap listeners expect to get a well-written, well-produced album. Yet Get Rich sounds like every other new album out there. Full of sexual innuendo, boasting rhymes, defensiveness of the gangster lifestyle, ref-

Curtis Jackson, ortherwise known as the overhyped 50 Cent.

erences to a past on the streets and with beats that could be mistaken for an Eminem album, 50 is a manufactured pet project of a long-famous millionaire and his white prodigy. And that’s really all there is to it. A perfect example is CD REVIEW the fourth 50 CENT and fifth t r a c k , “Many Men ( W i s h Death)” and “In Da DISSAPOINTING; ALMOST Club.” 50 A HOKEY EMINEM has the poPARODY. tential to really make an album that means something, to produce tracks that tell of his obvious emotional pain, and in “Many Men” he tries. But it feels like there’s something missing to this whole story; lyrics that try to be pensive (a la “Some days wouldn’t be special, if it wasn’t for rain/Joy wouldn’t feel so good, if it wasn’t for pain”) could be, if the song wasn’t immediately followed by a party track talking about drinking in a club. It’s all about the production; part of the reason Eminem makes such an impression is that every song he writes has some kind of a message. 50 Cent is disposable. He also can’t enunciate. From the first track to the last, 50 slurs his words together like he’s perpetually inebriated, and speaks in nothing but street slang. Even if his songs actually meant something, the listener still wouldn’t be able to understand. Add that to speaking slowly and thickly, and the entire combination makes one want to throw the CD across the room, especially when Eminem or Nate Dogg or any other gifted rappers jump in. The comparison is just too strong for words. 50 Cent is the perfect stereotype of a rapper: he’s backed by and produced by famous people, his past is exploited on and makes him and his image somehow more “real” than everybody else, and his songs celebrate the thug life to its utmost. Yet, if his career depended on his rapping prowess alone, who knows where he might have ended up?

Gemini (May 21- June 21) Difficulties with relationships have left you even more bitter than before; can’t some people ever learn? Apathy is your best policy, ‘cause in the end, the people that know what’s important succeed the most. Let reality TV and love wash your worries away.

Interpol uses a variety of music styles to create a whole new sound.

Indie rocks your socks BY SUSAN LANIER Guest Writer In an industry where pop trash runs the airways, it’s hard to find bands that matter—except, of course, in the nonexistent indie section at your local record store. Fortunately enough, the indie (independent) rock scene is growing and the world of unsigned bands has slowly become more accessible. Artists like Interpol and Frank Black have cracked open the doors for those interested in lifesaving indie rock, not brand-name fashion. Interpol Don’t let these fellows’ appearance fool you. The snazzy drab that hangs off this four-piece band’s shoulders appears to be a well-contrived formula, calculated only to sell records. Black suits and ties may be the epitome of emo-rock fashion, but behind the image is an innovative band with an original sound. Besides, if these guys were really so hung up on style and money, they would have signed onto a major record label by now. Interpol formed in New York in 1998 when Daniel Kessler (guitar) approached Greg (drums) and began jam sessions. Paul Banks (vocals, guitar) and Carlos De. (bass) joined the duo to form the beginnings of Interpol. In 2000, Greg left the band and Sam Fogarino joined soon after, adding an aggressive punk edge to the dynamic. With the release of Turn on the

Bright Lights in 2002, Interpol flew in under the radar and shocked the industry with one of the most exhilarating albums of the year. Turn on the Bright Lights is to an indie fan as heroin is to a junky. The raunchy guitars, catchy hooks, and bizarre percussion intertwine with melody to create an oddly perfect mixture of despair, loss and hope. Interpol isn’t done there. They are currently concluding a two-month long headlining tour in the U.S. with appearances on Jay Leno and Carson Daly’s Last Call. Interpol also expects to tour Europe through the end of April. Frank Black Charles Thompson first blessed the world with the Boston alternative rock group The Pixies, performing under the stage name Charles Black. After feuding with Pixie bassist Kim Deal in 1992, he set out with a new solo career and a new name, Frank Black. In 1994 Black’s first solo record, Teenager of the Year, was released. He has since independently released seven other records, including the most recent: Devil’s Workshop, a straightforward, unpretentious collection of well-crafted punky tunes. While unfortunately remaining obscure, the album proves the saving grace in the power of rock music. Frank Black is currently touring the U.S. with Catholics Launch through the end of April, and has plans to re-release Frank [Black] & The C-Notes’ 2001 full-length Dog in the Sand.

Ferrell gets down and dirty in Old School “There is no shortage of jokes— or... nudity...but they all contribute to the humor.”

BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in-Chief Funniest movie ever? Quite possibly. Under the simple premise of three guys in their 30’s forming a fraternity, Mitch (Luke Wilson), Frank the Tank (Will Ferrell), and Beanie (Vince Vaughn) turn laughable situations into some of the most memorably hilarious moments in movie history. After MOVIE REVIEW M i t c h OLD SCHOOL c o m e s home to find his wife in bed with two others, his ENOUGH LAUGHS TO two best MAKE YOU PEE YOUR friends dePANTS. cide to throw their buddy the house-warming party of a lifetime: Mitch-apalooza. When the Dean of the college located next to Mitch’s new house explains that the property has been zoned for college use only, the trio decide to form a fraternity where

anyone can join. Comedy ensues when the pledges are chosen, and then even more humor when the pledges rush. One of the funniest (if not obscene) scenes entails the pledges tying a cinder block to their “private area” and dropping it from the top of a building. Most of the movie is carried by Ferrell, who fits perfectly in his role. As the former alcoholic (who becomes drunk early and goes streaking) Ferrell provides constant jokes, much like his days on Saturday Night Live. Anyone who’s seen Ferrell’s humor stylings on SNL will know what to expect in Old School. Trouble arises when their fraternity status is revoked by the Dean (Jeremy Piven). The frat members must unite to compete in a series of competitions. These include a debate and a gymnastics battle royale, where the fat kid has to do a hurdle. There is no shortage of jokes—or gratuitous nudity. Ferrell’s streaking scene is filled with male nudity, until his wife and her friends see him streaking down the road. The “R” rating is rightfully awarded as the movie is filled with lewd jokes, and

Aries (March 21-April 19) Feeling lucky? You’ve been offered many chances for fun and adventure in the last week, but prepare for a big decision coming up. Lately you can’t decide if you’re lazy or frustrated. Try to focus on what’s important right now, and don’t forget to keep moving. The right decision will be made clear soon.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Change is good, but being in control is better. Be grateful for the successful relationships in your life, and don’t be afraid to tell somebody that they crossed the line. Selfrespect is just a part of getting a grip.

50’s success makes no ‘cents’ “...50 is a manufactured pet project of a longfamous millionaire and his white prodigy.”

If today is your birthday: You have an inventive mind and are inclined toward progressiveness. You also tend to lie. On the other hand, you are inclined to be careless and impractical, causing you to make the same mistakes repeatedly. Did you know you were this complex? Look for advice and comfort from close friends, but remember your familial relationships. Lucky numbers: 5, 12, 13.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) You expect entirely too much from people. Yet, you’re entirely too sympathetic. If you keep going like this, you’ll never be satisfied, much less get very far. Hopes and dreams really aren’t worth anything if you’re afraid to try. Do you really have anything to lose? Leo (July 23-August 22) So secrets, desires, romance and betrayal have all become a big part of your life. Good work! Life can’t be interesting without a little trouble. Knowing your aggressive, arrogant self, be conscious of your effect on others. Youth is a rollercoaster, and believing it only gets better never hurt anybody. Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22) Mars brings you a new sense of sensuality and passion today, combined with a complete lack of fear to get what you want. Take it and run, but be as calm as possible. You may be excited, but that doesn’t mean you should rush into things. Eat healthily and watch what you say to strangers. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Your love life has finally quieted down, leaving some room for introspection, frustration and change in the workplace. No matter what you do, the world keeps turning, so you might just have to deal with it. Today, you might finally end a relationship you’ve grown tired of. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Use good judgment in decisions regarding family and friends in the next month. Uranus will enter your romance sector soon, bringing a little more excitement. You’ve started to get bored, though, with almost everything else. Take up a hobby or musical instrument. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) To combat stress, consult Mother Nature—or just take some time to breathe. Rapid financial flow should start today if you play your cards right; don’t spend it all in one place. The world in your head and the world you live in could seem like the same thing, but don’t let a return to romance ruin your sense of reality. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Honestly, can you name one really influential Capricorn? Take charge of what’s going on around you; granted, most of it isn’t your business, and you’re afraid of making it even more complicated, but you’re looked up to a lot more than you think. Judge people by their words and their actions.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You need to think for yourself. Strictly avoid disagreements that don’t directly concern you. Explore a new way to help your environment, and enjoy meeting new people that may or may not fall in love with you. That’s really ok. Will Ferrell stars, co-founding a fraternity and inevitably ending up completely nude.

sexual innuendos—but they all contribute to the humor. The only part of the movie that falls short is the ending, which fails to wrap up several loose ends, and slapdashedly resolves the romantic plot. Sadly, a possible subplot involving Mitch’s boss and his daughter

was never fully exploited; one can only hope the DVD is filled with more deleted scenes. Old School provides cheap laughs that never get old and will entertain Ferrell-followers. Just be warned, some of the jokes are obscene and lewd—but in a funny way.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Happy birthday! Use your newfound courage and energy to take a stand for what you believe in. By next week life should be full of excitement. So much is happening right now that you don’t know where to look; here’s some advice: one step at a time.

20 WEEKEND Service is golden: the battle of local theaters TUES. MARCH 11, 2003

the

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WEEKEND UPDATE SURVEY

Which movie theater do you usually attend? The Hoffman: 41% University Mall: 1% The Multiplex: 24% Fair City Mall: 1% The Uptown: 1% Springfield Mall: 23% The Hoyts at Potomac Yards: 1% Skyline Mall: 5% Other: 3%

MATINEE RATES Hoffman: $7.00 Potomac Yards: $6.00 Springfield Mall: $6.00 Multiplex: $5.25 Skyline Mall: $5.50 Fair City: $5.00

PRIMETIME RATES Hoffman: $9.00 ($7.00 with student ID) Potomac Yards: $8.25 Springfield Mall: $8.00 Multiplex: $8.00 Fair City: $8.00 Skyline Mall: $7.50 University Mall: $3.00 ($1.50 on Tuesdays)

OTHER THEATERS Cineplex Odeon Uptown: • One main screen 40ft. high and 70 ft. long • Stadium seating for 840 people • Price: $8.25, $6.00 matinee • Location: 3426 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20008

Each weekend students flock to the movies. Several movie theaters are located in the Northern Virginia region. Each has its own distinct qualities, but what is it that makes each one unique? See how they

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI Staff Writer

THE HOFFMAN Located on Eisenhower Ave. in Alexandria, Virginia AMC the Hoffman is a fairly new movie theater, opening June 15, 2001. Hoffman is a huge theater, in fact, the largest multiplex in Northern Virginia. It features 22 screens, digital sound and stadium seating. The complex is divided into two levels, the second level is available by either escalator or elevator. The first level has 10 auditoriums and holds a large lobby connecting with a concession stand, plenty of bathrooms (including family bathrooms) and a small arcade. The Hoffman also has various ATM machines for ticket purchases and advance-ticket pickup. Prices for movie tickets usually are $9.00 unless you’re a senior, student, or are seeing at matinee where tickets are discounted to $7.00. Besides its immense structure, the Hoffman is known for its cleanliness and comfortable seating arrangements. Chairs are cushiony and reclinable plus, retractable armrests can be moved to create love seats. The Hoffman usually shows the newest releases coming out of Hollywood. Older movies, foreign films, or classics are not normally featured.

UNIVERSITY MALL On the contrary, sometimes discounts are what draws the crowds in. The second-run University Mall theater offers great deals to make up for their adequate theater. Most people who attend are either looking for cheap entertainment or are looking to see a movie that is no longer shown in regular theaters but hasn’t been released on VHS or DVD. The University has an extremely good deal on Tuesdays. Every Tuesday, all shows are only $1.50. However, prices on normal days are $3.00, but for children, seniors, and George Mason University students are discounted at $2.00. While the theater offers great movie rates, it only has one large auditorium and two small ones, with adequate sound as well as seating. The concession stand offers a typical choice of snacks, coffee, iced tea, hot chocolate and cookies.

THE MULIPLEX ON LEE HIGHWAY Old drive-in theaters used to be popular way back in the day, but when technology advanced, so did movie theaters. The Multiplex Cinemas is the product of such advancement. The theater was built on an old drive-in site just like the Multiplex Cinema in Mount Vernon. The theater looks like a huge storehouse from the outside, but once entering the building you will see a large concession stand in the center with ticket counters on the left and right of the entrance. Tickets are usually $5.25 for shows before 6 p.m., seniors, and children. However, shows after 6p.m. are more expensive. Multiple ATM machines and large cardboard cutouts promoting future movie releases line the sides of complex. The 14-screen theater (including six small screens, four medium sized and four large auditoriums) can house 4,000 audience members. Each theater is equipped with the latest sound system, Dolby Digital or Dolby Stereo, ensuring clear crisp sound. The chairs are reclinable and wonderfully comfortable. Local fast-food places are also located around the theater on Lee Highway.

THE HOYTS AT POTOMAC YARD With the Potomac Yard Shopping Center so close by, you can both shop and catch a movie at the Hoyts Potomac Yard Cinema 16. It’s one of the few theaters around that offers stadium seating as well as digital sound. The two larger screens can house 800 viewers combined. Potomac Yards also presents a self-serve concession stand as well as a coffee care which features everything from Arctic Blasts to biscotti. Tickets can be bought either in person, over-the-phone or on ATMs for $8.25. However, shows before 6 p.m. are $6.00. The senior and children rate is discounted at $5.50. Four sets of men and women’s bathrooms eliminates any chance of long lines.

SPRINGFIELD MALL A movie theater by a mall is good, but a movie theater in a mall is better. The theater complex is split into two different locations in the mall (16 and 7-10). Cinema 1 has 660 seats,

Visions Cinema/ Bistro/ Lounge:

KATHARINE KISHIYAMA

367 students were surveyed during all lunches on February 26. See graph in story “Service is golden” for additional results.

Automated ticket machines and a grand escalator line the entrance to the Hoffman movie theater. The Hoffman is the largest movie complex in Northern Virginia.

while theaters 2-6 only have 225 seats. All are equipped with SDDS for sound and have THX certification. Unlike other movie theaters, the AMC at Springfield Mall sells Starbucks beverages at the concession stand. Both parts of the theater are located near food courts, so catching something to eat before of after the movie is convenient. Cinemas 710 have similar features, seating 400. Ticket rates are normally $8.00 however matinee shows are $6.00. If you show your student ID you will receive a discount and only pay $6.00. Senior tickets are also $6.00 while child tickets are $5.00. Springfield usually features the newest releases and along with other popular movies.

SKYLINE AMC Similarly, another AMC theater is located at Bailey’s Crossroads in the Skyline Mall. While the mall is much smaller than Springfield, it still has an arcade and plenty of restaurants. The Skyline theater has 12 screens which are divided into two groups (1-6 and 7-12) which are located in different parts of the mall. Screens 1-6 usually are generally larger and has about 245-287 seats per theater. This is where new releases and popular films are usually shown. Screens 7-12 are smaller and seat anywhere from 108-216 people. Gen-

erally, older first-run films are shown here after they have already been out for some time. While the seats are basic, they’re still comfortable. Generally, Skyline Mall attracts smaller crowds than Springfield Mall. As a result, Skyline is cleaner and the floors are less sticky. Compared to other theaters, Skyline’s prices are a little cheaper with matinee films costing $5.50 for adults and $4.50 for children. After 6 p.m. adults admittance is $7.50, senior admittance is $5.50 and child admittance is $4.50.

CINEMA ARTS THEATER AT FAIR CITY MALL The Cinema Arts Theater is a more intimate and original movie theater. The theater reopened in August 20, 2000 and appeals to a different fan base. The theater now specializes in independent and foreign films. New target techniques can be seen since the theaters reopening. For example, the concession stand which, features atypical snacks such as humus and raw vegetables with yogurt dip. The six theaters are all equipped with a new Dolby SR sound system, new screens and new highback seats. Tickets cost $8.00, but $5.00 for shows before 6 p.m. and children and seniors. The theater is located in the corner of the Fair City Shopping Center across the street from Woodson High School.

And the survey says...

• Only independently owned theater in Washington, D.C. • Devoted to bringing independent, foreign and art films to the metro area • Bistro specializes in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian tapas-style foods, along with a wide assortment of beverages, including smoothies, coffees, teas and juices. Also offers popcorn and moviemunchies • Features a full bar • Location: 1927 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009 • Price: usually $8.50 with $2 discounts for seniors, military and students

KATHARINE KISHIYAMA

The Hoffman 58%

Which movie theater is your favorite?

University Mall 2% The Multiplex 14% Fair City Mall 3% The Uptown 2% Springfield Mall 11% The Hoyts 2% Skyline Mall 5% Other 3% —367 students were surveyed during all four lunches on Feb. 26 by The A-Blast.

The AMC movie theater at Skyline Mall in Bailey’s Crossroads is a less popular movie complex, but offers slightly cheaper prices and clean facilities.

FUN FACTS 1960: $0.69 1970: $1.55 1980: $2.69 1990: $4.23 1999: $5.08 Movie theaters rely on concession stands to make profits.

Nestle studied frequent moviegoers habits and found that: • 87% buy concessions • 78% buy a drink • 68% buy popcorn • 43% buy candy 18-34 year-olds make up almost 40% of the audience that attend movies more than once a month. —http://www.amug/org/~scrnsrc/ theater_facts.html

A mysterious ‘Book of Days’ Comedy and drama collide in a vulgar piece showcasing contemporary life BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in Chief Amid classic plays like The Misanthrope and South Pacific, Book of Days provides a contemporary setting with more complications and intrigue than either of the classics. Lanford Wilson’s play about folks from rural America provides a provocative look into the lives of different people with their own hidden troubles. What begins as a jolly, humorous story radically changes to a depressing drama with mystery and intrigue to the very last line. The two acts are as different as night and day, the first entertaining the crowd with lighthearted jokes and the second giving a gloomy look at betrayal and corruption. Michael Brown’s set design is exquisitely designed as model buildings represent the location of each scene. Hanging pieces, such as a window and archway, come down from the ceiling depending on the scene as well. The stage design combined with the stage direction al-

plot centering on the discovery of a character’s murderer. Both a benefit and a flaw, there is coarse language and general vulgarity in both themes and innuendos. While it does set the mood and realism of adult rural life, the vulgarity can easily unease the audience because of the constant and extreme use. The themes and language would likely earn the play an “R” rating if it were a movie. The acting is superb as always at Arena Stage, and features a wide variety of characters that can either appeal or enrage the audience. Ruth Hoch (Jennifer Mudge) and Len Hoch (Brian Keane) are wonderfully acted, providing the Ruth Hoch (Jennifer Mudge) presents her theory on the death of one of the innocent family characters. James characters in front of the church congregation, who are leary to believe her. Bates (Scott James) is the antithlows every audience member, no matter which side of esis of the duo as his mysterious character is revealed the stage, to feel like an integral part of the events ocand his true intentions are shown. curring on stage. Book of Days is at the Fichandler theater of Arena The play revolves around a group of characters as Stage until March 30. For tickets and information they struggle through lies and indecencies, with the core visit ticketmaster.com. COURTESY OF ARENA STAGE

Average cost of a movie ticket: