Issue 5 by AHS Publications

10-11

Academics visits Bishop O’Connell HS and compares it to AHS

InDepth presents a breakdown of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict

Weekend gives suggestions on how to cure your winter boredom

Photo captures the holiday traditions of AHS

B last A Annandale High School

the

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

Informing the Atoms since 1954

Tuesday December 14, 2010 (703) 642-4229

Volume #56 Issue 5

A.J. Mccafferty

The new modular, located behind AHS, is almost complete and will likely open soon.

Modular set for move-in AJ mCCafferty

By Rebecca Malzahn News Editor

Hands run across the icy chain-link fence, which encompasses closed walls, vacant stairs and pipes bursting from the ground. Shoes kick at the dirt that lies around its perimeter. For the past three and a half months, students and teachers alike have witnessed the development of the miniature construction site. And as 2010 draws to a close, many wonder if the construction, which is between the other trailers and lies on what used to be the back parking lot, will even be finished before the end of the school year.

Heritage Night interest meeting upcoming

PTSA meeting to be held Dec. 21 The next PTSA meeting will be held on Dec. 21. Attendees should report to the library for the meeting, which will begin promptly at 7 p.m.

Class of 2013 will hold bake sale On Dec. 15, the Class of 2013 will be holding a fundraiser in front of the cafeteria. Students will be selling baked goods in order to raise money for their class.

Key Club holds a “Flippin’ Fundraiser” The Key Club will be holding a fundraiser at the Flippin’ Pizza located in Pinecrest Plaza on Dec. 20. Mention the club’s name when you purchase your pizza and help raise funds for the club.

“Modular” continues on page 5

All-American

Ahmed Bile places 14th at National Cross Country meet in San Diego By David Hookey Co-Editor in Chief When your dad is a World Champion runner, it’s tough to make a name for yourself. When you get injured in one of the first meets of the season, it’s even tougher. But junior Ahmed Bile was able to overcome both of those obstacles and do just that. Bile placed 14th in the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships in San Diego on Dec. 11. The result means that Bile is the 14th best high school cross country runner in the entire United States. “I’m really happy about the result because I did my best and there’s nothing I would really change about how I raced,” Bile said. “I was just really excited to get top 15.”

The DREAM Act affects students Photo Courtesy of Photorun.net

AHS will hold a Heritage Night interest meeting on Dec. 15. at 2:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Teachers will explain what is expected from Heritage Night participants this year and students can express interest in performing. Heritage Night will take place on Feb. 17.

Bile’s top-15 finish qualified him for All-American status, an honor reserved for only a select few runners across the nation. He finished the race in a time of 15:33, 34 seconds behind National Champion Lukas Verzbicas. “He did an excellent job,” Head Cross Country Coach David O’Hara said. “It was probably his smartest race of the year.” The course, Balboa Park, demanded a smart race, as it was very different from the flat, rolling courses most runners from the area are accustomed to. The 5k race featured a steep uphill climb that runners had to face twice throughout the event. “I was conservative [in my approach to the race] so that I could take the uphill,” Bile said. “I

By Rowan Shartel and Colleen Adenan Staff Writers Jose, whose name has been changed in order to protect his privacy, is an IB Diploma candidate with a GPA of 3.667. In addition to his full IB courseload, he is in the Hispanic Leadership Club and the Annandale Medical Association. Like most seniors, Jose is worrying about college and his future. However, Jose has an additional worry - the passing of legislation that could affect his future entirely, called the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, better known as the DREAM Act. Ledezma is considered an undocumented resident of the United States, or as some might put it, “an illegal alien.” The DREAM Act will help undocumented immigrants that meet certain requirements get into college or enlist in the military. It also will help to give those individuals a path

“Bile” continues on page 16

“Dream Act” continues on page 5

The Mousetrap earns positive reviews Seniors Victoria Gowland and Alex Galloway star in annual fall play By KL Hoang Staff Writer

Visit www.thea-blast.org for the first installment of The A-Blast All Access weekly news show hosted by Greg Nielsen and Patrick McCann.

Undocumented immigrants hope for bill’s passage

Students, parents and faculty of the AHS community flocked to see the second performance of The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, which was performed by the AHS drama students from Dec. 9-11. The play, which is set in the 1940s, has the longest opening run of any play in modern theater history; since November 25, 1952, it has been performed 24,000 times. “It’s a classic thriller ‘whodunit’. We’re in- Senior BJ Odom plays the role of Christopher Wren in the fall play, The troducing people to a whole new genre,” drama Mousetrap.

teacher George Bennett said. The Mousetrap is about a group of people snowed in a hotel run by a married couple. The situation becomes more complicated when it is revealed that they are all suspects in a recent murder. Freshman Madhav Kumar came to support his friend in the play. “I wanted to see The Mousetrap tonight because my friend is in it. He’s playing Major Metcalf,” Kumar said. Kumar also is a fan of acting himself as he played parts in the “Beauty and the Beast” and “Cinderella” in his last year at Holmes Middle School. Peter and Linda Kiemel, the parents of senior Elliot Kiemel, who played Mr. Paravacini, were also in the audience. “We’re really glad our son is in the theatre department. It’s a good outlet and full of artistic aspects. Mr. Bennett

Aj mcCafferty

Boys Varsity Basketball Record: 2-1

Classes scheduled to relocate after winter break

“Mousetrap” continues on page 4

What is your opinion about West Potomac’s grading policy? “I think that an “F” would be better. For me, an “F” says ‘look, you are failing, do something’ while an “I” just says ‘this is incomplete’.” — Kyla Robinson

freshman “I feel they will still keep getting F’s . They did some of it but they did not do all of the work. They don’t deserve anything else.” —Paula

“It’s kind of unfair if they don’t do their work, so they should get punished for it.”

— Joe Shifflett sophomore

A Blast

the

Dec. 14, 2010

West Potomac misses its mark A school without failure encourages the failure itself By Nasiha Rashid Editorials Editor Imagine a life where the letter “F” on any graded assignment ceased to exist and no assignment, no matter how bad, was called a “failure.” Sounds pretty good, right? At West Potomac High School, this dream became a short-lived reality. The letter-grade “F” was banished from the school’s curriculum and replaced with the letter “I”, which stood for incomplete. The concept was that if a student cheated or received an F on a test or graded assignment they would receive an “I”, which was an attempt by the school to practice their no-zeros grading policy. In order to make up for the incomplete grade, a student would have to complete remedial work. How touching that would be; an educational system without the word failure anywhere. But real life does not work that way - deluding students into that mindset is only setting them up for, well, failure. The traditional grading system works so well with students, as they dread failure and can revel in the “A’s” they earn. This grading system is the perfect way of commending a student for their sincere and diligent efforts and admonishing those who do not meet a teacher’s standards for their lack of work ethic. Giving students the easy way out by removing their ability to receive an “F” is only teaching them that their failures lack consequences, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Every student has tasted failure and taking that away from them is only giving them a false sense of security. Such a system would never work at AHS. We are an IB school, where students are challenged daily no matter if they are in IB, honors or non-honors classes. The entirety of the concept seems faulty, underneath that stereotype is piles of remedial work waiting to consume a student.

illustration by jordan aman

Editorials

West Potomac HS has recently changed its grading policy and decided to give students the letter grade I instead of F.

And any student of AHS can attest that more work is an even greater burden on top of all the work they already have. With AHS and in any other school, this new policy would be met with laziness by the students. As it is, AHS already offers concessions for failing grades. If a student receives an overall grade of 15 percent for example, their percentage would automatically be bumped up to a 48 percent. This is a large increase that students should be especially grateful of. Students would feel compelled to not do their work, as they would have the opportunity to make it up later. Not only that, but the grading would completely mess up a students GPA if an “I” is present, and would look questionable on a high school transcript. As it is, teachers do enough in the classroom to drill information into the minds of students and

offer help - the implementation of such a complex and extensive policy would cause their dedication to go to waste. Students have to understand that there are consequences to their actions. Allowing an easy way out will only result in more wasted time by both the student and the teacher. West Potomac retracted the new grading policy after parents and teachers began petitioning online and in person. Sharing the same views expressed above, they too believed this policy had too many faults to actually be successful. What every student should know by now is that when they receive an “F”, the reasons are blatant to the teacher. Given the circumstances, teachers can still make accommodations, but in the end, the “F” will be given because it was earned.

97.1 FM overdoes the Christmas tunes too early

“Well, it is not fair for them because other schools do not have that. But it is also good because they can go back and make up the work.”

—Michele Preko sophomore

“I wish we had that [policy] at AHS. I think if you fail, you deserve a second chance.”

— Ahmad HajAssaad junior

Greg Gripes &PatEditorials Ponders Column

By Greg Nielsen and Pat McCann All seems right as you drive down an unfamiliar neighborhood road late at night on your way home from an unspecified location. But as you round a sharp turn, temporary blindness crashes down upon you like a tsunami on a beach village. You swerve uncontrollably out of panic and raw fear, but all you can see is an intense mixture of dancing colors and tacky light-up lawn fixtures. When you regain your vision you numbly change the radio station but please, in the name of all

things holy, anything but Delilah. Much like back to school commercials in the summer, the Christmas season in the winter starts way before necessary. Thanksgiving has not even passed, yet shopping centers still feel the desire to hang ornaments on their desecrate lamp posts and ribbons in their stores. What gave the Christmas season the right to infringe upon the other holidays? To add insult to injury, Christmas goers insist on being the first to parade their light shows throughout the neighborhood. The lights are overbearing. They penetrate the sanctity of our bedroom blinds, waking us before the incessant buzz of our alarms. For some fanatics, the house is not even visible beneath the flamboyant display of stringed bulbs. No, we are most certainly not like Ebenezer Scrooge, and we won’t exclaim ‘bah humbug’ at everything-Christmas, but we are tired of the

lights, the songs and the decorations in the middle of November! December is just as long as the other months, so there is plenty of time to get the kids presents. As we slowly start to warm up to the Christmas feel, eventually everyone tunes into 97.1 FM for some holiday tunes. There’s nothing wrong with that in our opinion. But what boils our buttons is when the music fades out and Delilah’s vexatious voice seeps through our stereo speakers like a deathly disease, polluting our ear canals with sob stories and worthless mush that only worsens our current feelings concerning the holiday season. In the end, it’s not the Christmas season that we hate; it’s how early it starts. Instead of starting as soon as Halloween ends, we need at least 30 days to regain sanity before starting our holiday festivities. Let’s look into a more reasonable start date, like maybe Dec. 11?

Rule of Thumb

“I don’t think it promotes kids to succeed because failure is a very effective motivator and an ‘I’ doesn’t give the same feeling of motivation.”

Man shoots T.V. over Palin A Wisconsin man shot his television after seeing Bristol Palin on Dancing with the Stars, enraged he had to be calmed down by the SWAT team.

—Lucy Webb

“I think it’s not a good idea. I see kids that don’t do their homework that need an “F” in order to remember to do something to change their situation.”

Rule: Like the rest of us, keeping the strong dislike for the Palins toned down would be beneficial.

Santa gets a lump of coal this time

—Roberto Obando

math teacher

corrections In the Vol. 56, Issue 4: - Junior Adeeba Rasoli was misquoted for the question “What’s the biggest noticeable difference between the U.S. and Afghanistan” on page 12. Please contact The A-Blast with any corrections.

A Macy’s employee was fired from his job after making crude jokes when adults sat on his lap. Rule: Do not make adult jokes on the job, especially when you are dressed as Santa.

Women throws newspaper in trash, gets fined

A woman was fined $100 after throwing a newspaper in the trash in New York City. Go to the web to read an opinion about the DREAM Act. www.thea-blast.org

Rule: Respect the newspapers and do not throw away The A-Blast -- journalists work very hard on them.

Staff Editors In Chief: Emily Fruchterman David Hookey Managing Editor: Ndidi Obasi Editorials Editors: Jeff Shim Nasiha Rashid News Editors: Annie Curran Rebecca Malzahn In-Depth Editors: Katie Masters Erin Johnson

Lifestyles Editors: Jennifer Allshouse Erin George Health Editors: Katie Vu Gessica Azzam Photography Editors:

Emma Barker Kristen Hennessey

Ad Managers:

Rachel Coulter Daniel Park

Circulation Manager:

Rachel Baker

Sports Editors: CJ Aftergut Jake Barnes

Art Editors:

Sports Xtra Editors: Brenna O’Neill Esra Gokturk

Academics Editors:

People Editors: Kelsey Knoche Alley Adcock

Copy Editors:

Weekend Editors: Kelsey Price Helena Belay International Editors: Haumaira Safi Jayran Moridzadeh Entertainment Editors: Mackda Dinberu Mary Anne Kavjian

Jane Aman Jordan Aman Tricia O’Neill Nikki Contrino Brook Tamir Marwa Abdelaziz Rebecca Burke

Historian: Mariah Pollet Web Editor: Liz Wilson Video Staff:

Greg Nielsen Gwen Levey Patrick McCann Haben Berihu Alex Davalos

Staff Writers/ Photographers: Becca Hendrickson Lance Miller Helina Daniel Carly Bouchard Maria Suri Elizabeth Kruse Ngan Pham Viviana Valle Rocha Samir Shah Alexa Lafferty Mohamed Tunis Isabel Villarroel-Teran Alexis Gunther Arthur McCafferty Kim Long Hoang Rachel Bergen Sarah Bergen Natalie Johnson Kylee Nisker Kida Gizaw Stephanie Allshouse Carli Loeb Colleen Adenan Brekhnaa Gull Rowan Shartel Jerald Sheppard Gunner Thompson Kate Grandchamp Wisna’odom Keo Noah Fitzgerel Megan Flynn Hila Ghorzang Parker Gillcash Corinne Balicki Adviser: Alan Weintraut

William Labarca Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003 email: theablast@gmail.com

Vol. 56 No.5 Dec. 14, 2010 fax: (703) 642-4299

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. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion that 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 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2010.

Editorials

A Blast

the Dec. 14, 2010

Can you hear me now ? Good. Every afternoon we hear the announcements, but which and whose is the best?

Whose afternoon announcement do you like best? “Mrs. Higgins because she’s loud and she’s nice. I like it when she warns you to get out before you get caught in the hallway.”

By Noah Fitzgerel Staff Writer

—Sumeya Gibril

freshman

“Mrs. Higgins because the way the guys do it; they’re mean. They are like, go to a teacher or to another place. She says it more nicely, I guess.”

nasiha rashid

“The time has now approached 2:15…” That is where the similarities end between the messages that each Assistant Principal (AP) at AHS gives at the end of the school day reminding students to be somewhere; whether it be a classroom, sport or waiting for a ride home. Each AP, (Jamie Carayiannis, Pam Gravitte, Aaron Schneider, Donna Higgins and Vincent Randazzo) gives a daily reminder, each assigned to a certain day depending on the month. They all use different tactics: some are serious, some humorous and some are right in between. The question among many seems to be, which is the best? So, what do the administrators have to say about their respective announcements? Right at the beginning, it seemed that a favorite was Carayiannis. Schneider gave his endorsement to Carayiannis via e-mail. “He is extremely animated in his weekly approach to the afternoon announcement,” wrote Schneider. In fact, Carayiannis can often be heard once a week giving a humorous twist to his announcements. “I try to use humor or a non-formal format when making my announcements after school and during lunches. I feel this draws the listener’s attention to the message that I am trying to convey,” Carayiannis said. However, not only are his messages entertaining, they are informative. “To effectively communicate with anyone, I feel it’s the speaker’s responsibility to reach every listener and keep their attention so [that] they ‘hear’ the message. Insuring that the listener hears the message and understands the expectations is the goal,” Carayiannis said. To add the “icing on the cake,” not only does Carayiannis effectively communicate an informative message, but he is also able to vary the messages. This is an important component of the

Assistant Principal Vincent Randazzo prepares to make an after school announcement. Randazzo is one of five announcers.

criteria on judging the afternoon announcements. “I try and vary the method I use when communicating because I feel it keeps the listener’s attention,” said Carayiannis. “Capturing the listener’s attention, keeping the message short and sweet, and communicating clear expectations increases the chances the audience will listen. If not, everything the speaker says sounds like Charlie Brown’s mother and the listeners don’t hear a thing.” It is quite clear that not only is Carayiannis’ method effective, but that he enjoys doing the announcements himself. “Besides making my announcements and the SR&R presentation a bit off-beat, I enjoy communicating in this way because it makes it fun for me,” he said. Some other administrators, like Gravitte, seem to reflect Carayiannis’ statement. “I try to be friendly, but get the point across. If I can make someone smile while doing [it], that’s

even better,” Gravitte said. She also likes to add personal touches.“If I know of a particular event, I will try to include that.” Randazzo, too, said he tries “to keep it light.” It seems that across the board, the Administration team at AHS enjoys getting the message across through a humorous angle. Nobody wants to hear the same old announcement everyday, and clearly the administration doesn’t want to repeat the same message, or talk in a tone that is monotone and resembles the vocabulary, “blah, blah, blah.” So, kudos to the whole Administration team for the variation in the afternoon announcements! Finally, congratulations to Carayiannis, for the most entertaining and informative announcements heard in the halls of AHS thus far. Now, next time you are listening to the afternoon announcements, maybe you’d like to keep a mental tally of which you thought were the best.

Abigail Palacios sophomore

“Mr. Carayiannis because his booming voice helps me hear the announcements clearly.”

— Diego Cornejo junior

“Schneider because he is funny. He gives the necessary details without repetition.”

IB vs. AP: not an argument AP and IB classes are too similar to compare By Nasiha Rashid Editorials Editor “I wish our school was not IB, AP is easier!” This quote reflects a common sentiment shared by many AHS students. The bane of any AHS student’s existence goes by the name of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. It is the quintessential package for the over-achieving high school student to succeed and get into the college of their dreams, but it can also be considered a deal with the devil. By accepting the IB Diploma program, a student will be guaranteed sleepless nights, copious amounts of stress, mounds of homework from the six to seven IB classes and the occasional strands of gray hair that will grace their young head. Contrary to popular belief, an IB

student has a social life, but usually with other fellow IB students. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though, because the more people to share the pain with, the better everyone feels. Despite the few negative aspects of the IB Diploma, a student will be thankful for gaining a global perspective. The program applies a more holistic view of the world in terms of education, which proves to be effective when a student leaves high school. In the end, the students will leave high school with a greater understanding of the world as it is today and as it was hundreds of years ago. For this, every IB student should be grateful, as not all high schools offer the rigorous program and instead offer the Advanced Placement classes, better known as AP classes. Although there seems to be quite a bit of debate regarding whether or not IB is better than AP, both programs are quite comparable. Both are rigorous and require commitment, good work ethic and prepare students adequately for

How is the IB program beneficial to students? college. More importantly, the programs put emphasis on college level work and education. There is no obvious distinction between which program is more beneficial to high school students because they are equal in many ways. Looking at it from an IB perspective, the tests ask more open-ended questions which require the the use of facts to support a view. On the other hand, the AP tests tend to be more fact-based, and do not typically ask questions that require extensive analyzing and merely tests whether a student is a good test taker. Another difference is that the IB program gives a total of three exams

over the course of two years, each focused on writing, content and oral presentation. This allows a student to have multiple chances while taking exams, unlike the AP exam, which is set in May, and is the only time a student can take it. The IB program is more beneficial in the sense that it complies with the increasing globalization of the world and the spread of cultures. As the world progresses, the demand for internationally-minded students will be an advantage for students who are used to the IB curriculum. In the end, is this all just a battle of prestige? Yes, of course it is, and it always will be.

hris mas, a public offense? During the holiday season, highliting one religion over another can be offensive By Noah Fitzgerel Staff Writer “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” This statement is quite applicable to this time of year, as the lights and scents remind all of us that it is Christmas time again. The holiday season, as it has come to be called, is made up of celebrations from all religions and walks-of-life. However, this is not only a month of joy, but also of controversy. For decades, there have been debates regarding the extent to which the holidays should go. These debates regard topics as large as the Christmas tree on the National Mall, to sites as small as decorations in the shopping mall. Now, these debates have come even closer to home, as some question the appropriateness of the placement of a Christmas tree in the main office here at AHS. So the age-old question arises: how appropriate is it? In a religiously diverse school such as AHS, it seems quite ironic that a Christmas tree has found itself a place in the main office. The Christmas spirit and joy that this holiday brings, along with the happiness that emanates from other holidays, are what makes this season so special. But this is not necessarily the general consensus. “It is probably a better idea not to have a Christmas tree [in the main office], because it might

—Jessie Diroll senior

offend some people who don’t celebrate the holiday,” freshman Christine Tamir said. By no means is anyone in this school trying to offend those who don’t celebrate the holiday, but instead to celebrate the joy and spread the “Christmas Spirit.” Meanwhile, there are students who do not perceive it the same way. If this area had a majority Jewish population, would it be appropriate for a Menorah and images of other Hanukkah icons to be posted in the main office? No. With this in mind, it would be more appropriate for snowflakes or images of snowmen to be posted, which encompass the holiday season as a whole. How would a solution of creating images of all of the holidays celebrated during this time go over? Just like on the National Mall, it would ease the majority’s opinion, but what do the Atheists have to say? At this point, one might be asking what the big deal is with the Christmas tree and that no one is trying to offend anyone. However, the Christmas tree is the icon for a Christian holiday, and the bottom line is that during this time of year, it is important to be aware of others and that at a diverse school such as AHS, beliefs stretch all over the spectrum.

graphic by jeff shim

“I think it is beneficial because it pushes the people. It is good for college and it looks good.” —Kevin Vargas

freshman

“It is only beneficial to schools overseas, and it is very hard to complete the IB Diploma because it takes time out of your social life.” — Raphael Miller

sophomore

“I know it is an international thing. I do not see a benefit except for being a college credit for high school.”

— Daniel Griffin junior

“I would rather have AP classes. I do not like the idea of taking all IB classes for [an] IB diploma.”

—AshbyRose Nelson senior

“It allows the student to think outside the box and it gives them an option to challenge them.” — Peggy McCain The public display of Christmas items in the front office raises questions.

health teacher

News Audience captivated in suspense

News Briefs Johnson Wales Universtiy to visit AHS

‘The Mousetrap’ shows off their nights of hard work “‘Mousetrap” continued from page 1

The College Partnership Program welcomes students interested in learning about Johnson Wales University, which will be visiting AHS on Thurs., Dec. 16. The event will take place at 1 p.m. during the first flex, in Clausen Hall. Students who would like to attend should print out a pass from their email or by going to fcps.edu and searching: family connection.

really works hard at this.” The Kiemels had seen The Mousetrap on their honeymoon years ago and were happy to see their son act in it Friday night. The actors in the play ranged from being very experienced to just starting out, but Mr. Bennett had faith in all of them. “They’re going to be at their best tonight,” he said. “I started acting when I was three and I’ve been doing it my entire life. It feels great to step in another person’s shoes and be them for a bit. I’m really excited we have a performance under our belt; we’re in a good place as a cast,” senior Tori Gowland said. Gowland played the leading role of Mollie Ralston. Junior Max Talley was another excited actor that night. “I’ve been acting for about three years and this would be my first big play. I play Detective Sergeant Trotter. Acting is a fun thing to do after

Two-Hour early release Students will be dismissed from school two hours early on Wed., Dec. 22. The early release will mark an early start to Winter Break and allow those who are traveling for the holidays to get a head-start. Students will not be returning to school until after the turn of the new year on Mon., Jan. 3.

Two members cause alterations for winter season

Alexis Gunther

For further online content, such as the stories listed below, visit: www.thea-blast.org

Students show spirit on Senior Citizen Day

A change is coming to the AHS color guard this winter, and it’s not just new flags. The color guard, a group of performers who incorporate props into their dances, recently welcomed two new members from Robert E. Lee High School. The guard, which is affiliated with the AHS Marching Atoms, has decided to incorporate their new talent this season for multiple reasons. First, Lee’s winter guard did not have enough people to have a successful program. “Our instructor, Bill Hassinger, also instructs at Lee. They have a fall program but it’s been about 10 years since they’ve had a winter program,” senior captain Edgard Santos said. “He had the idea of trying to combine both schools into one guard.” Second, the guard is welcoming the new members to create new opportunities for the students. With

Annie Curran

By Annie Curran News Editor

Junior Paulina Stehr, a third season color guard veteran, practices drop spins at rehearsal.

the additions, the guard is made up of 23 students and is now larger than it has been in the past few years. A larger guard will give more creative opportunities to the choreographers of the routines. As a sponsor of the color guard, Band Director Andrew Loft was thoroughly involved with the decision to incorporate the Lee students. Loft believes this will be a successful season for the winter guard. “Everything is still the same, we just changed the classification we are going into,” Loft said. “Those students are all marching band students. They are used to the

Strumming in a winter wonderland Orchestra, Chorus and Band hold winter inspired concerts

By Alexis Gunther, Staff Writer

Carli Loeb

By Rachel Bergen Photographer

Sportswear takes over the halls of AHS

Rachel Bergen

By Carli Loeb, Staff Writer

Spirit Week continues with Little Kid Day

Parker gillcash

By Alex Brown, Staff Writer

high level of excellence.” According to their Facebook group, the color guard is a member of the Atlantic Indoor Association Circuit and will compete in the Independent Regional A Class. They will perform to the song “Somebody to Love” and will most likely mash-up the Queen and Glee versions. The guard plans on incorporating many different types of equipment, including flags, rifles and sabers. “Mr. Hassigner works on the design side of things. He’s a talented professional,” Loft said. The guard practices twice a week for three hours in the upstairs gym

and the dance room. A usual practice consists of stretches, push-ups, “across the floor” dance work and practice with the flags. The students will learn choreography later in the season, but they are currently in the process of training “rookies” or new members. The AHS members feel they are becoming more acquainted with their Lee counterparts every practice. “It’s actually been going really well and the people from Lee are really cool. We get along well,” junior Christina Romano said. “All the new players pick it up really fast and they learn quickly.” Practices are led by Hassigner and his assistant instructor Regina Howard, as well as the student captain and leaders. “Our instructor is really good at what he does. I have complete faith in him,” Santos said. Stephanie Lewis, the director of the Orchestra department, is also a sponsor of the club. The AHS color guard has no tentative plans to continue incorporating students from other schools. Loft believes that they will remain focused on looking for good opportunities for the guard. “It’s really a year-by-year basis,” Loft said. “We’re about creating an outstanding, expressive, creative ensemble.”

If the recent snow flurries and overplayed holiday music on the radio were not enough to create the holiday spirit, then maybe the AHS music department can help. The band, chorus and orchestra departments will continue to host their very own holiday-themed concerts. Each performance will include a variety of classic winter tunes, along with pieces they have recently been working on performing. The band performance will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 14. Some songs they will play include “Festival Of Hanukkah,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Frosty The Snowman,” and “Abracadabra”.

“I’m most excited to play ‘Abracadabra’ in gold band because it’s a pretty fast piece and it sounds magical,” freshman saxophonist Kaitlin Martindale said. The last of the three annual winter-inspired concerts will be performed by the choral department. The Chorus Winter Concert, will take place on Thursday, Dec. 16. Songs such as “Masters In This Hall,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Winter Wind” will be performed. “I like holiday music because it’s fun to sing and more upbeat a lot of the time,” said junior William Bennett, who is a member of Men’s Chorale and Annandale Singers. “I love the holiday season!” freshman obist Erica Johnson said. The orchestra played on Tuesday, Dec. 7 under the direction of orchestra and IB music teacher Stephanie Lewis. Some holiday songs they played include “Festival Of Lights,” “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” “The concert ignited the Christmas spirit in

The Chamber orchestra students perform in their concert.

Rachel Bergen

The 2011 senior class has created a new fundraiser this winter season. For only $1, students can send a short message to a friend or teacher attached to a festive, candy cane. All proceeds will go towards the 2011 class funds.

By Parker Gillcash, Staff Writer

The final scene of “The Mousetrap” revealed who the murderer was and many other unexpected plot twists.

AHS color guard combines with Lee

Candy Cane Grams for Sale

Winter Spirit Week begins

school and I get to hangout with my friends,” Talley said. While the play is known for it’s twist ending, audience members are asked not to reveal what happens so that the play is not ruined for others. The audience is led to suspect various characters, like Christopher Wren, an eccentric young man who was played by senior B.J. Odom, and Giles Ralston, Mollie’s husband with a cloudy past who is played by senior Alex Galloway, and a number of other characters, any one of whom could be the murderer. After the play, audience members expressed how much they enjoyed it. “It was really good; better than I thought it would be,” sophomore Jackie Lewis said. “I thought it was a high quality production. The characters, the acting, and the costumes were really high quality. The scenes were great. Christopher Wren really made the show,” parent Karen Robinson said. After an impressive performance like that, what would be next for the AHS theater department? “I want to do a show that will excite all the kids of AHS and all the middle schools,” Bennett said enthusiastically.

AJ McCafferty

Dec. 14, 2010

the audience, and we played a very pleasing performance,” said junior violinist A.J. Janwatin. “I liked playing ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ the best, and I thought we sounded really good,” said junior violist Sabrina Romano.

News

Dec. 14, 2010

Moving into the modular

Students discuss personal experiences with bullying after new statistics released

“Modular” continued from page 1

theyseem.Eachstudentreceivedacoloredstickerontheirhand,whichdeterminedwhattable theysatatandwhotheysatwith.“Wehopethatpeoplewillmakenewfriendsthatdifferfromone another,” said Mounteer. Afterstudentsmadeanewfriend,theycouldgoupandsignalargeposteronthecafeteriawall together.“Ithinkit’sawesomeandyougettomeetnewpeople,”juniorJasonMoujaessaid.“Anyone who doesn’t participate is a loser.” Infallofthe2009-2010schoolyear,sixth,eighth,tenthandtwelfthgradestudentstookanofficial county-mandatedsurvey.Thesurveycoveredsex,drugs,alcohol,bullyingandotherunhealthyhabits. Recently,FCPShasreleasedtheresultsofthesurveywithanexecutivereportthatexplainsthetrends. Therewere42,582studentspolledin21highschools,foursecondaryschools,22middleschools,126 elementary schools and four alternative schools. Theofficialreportstated,“Youthwhoarebulliedaremorelikelytoreportcarryingaweapon; usingdrugs,alcohol,orcigarettes;beingdepressed;orconsideringsuicide.”Overhalfofthestudents

reportedbeingbulliedorteasedatsomepoint,butonlyninepercentreportedbeingbulliedover 20timeswithinthepastschoolyear.Thisisatwopercentdecreasefromthe2008-2009schoolyear. Thenumberofstudentswhostatedsomeonehastauntedthemfortheirracehasdecreased tolessthanhalfofthestudentspolled.Thereportalsostatesthatcyber-bullyingismostfrequent ineighthgradeanddecreasesasthestudentsage.Themajorityreportedthatithappenstothem lessthantwotimesayear.Lastyearwasthefirsttimethesurveyfeaturedquestionsthatspecifically focused on cyber-bullying. The survey also included questions about gang-related activities, which fell the bullying section. Less than four percent of students reported that they had ever been in a gang. This data did not change from the 2008 report. The 2010-2011 survey was distributed to students on Wednesday, November 10 and Thursday, November 11 to sophomores and seniors. Some of the questions asked whether the student had been cyber-bullied, been a cyber-bully, whether or not they would report cyber-bullying if they saw it and whether they believed they had the right to say whatever they want on the Internet. ThoughFCPSispleasedwiththedata,theyarestilldeterminedtolimittheamountofbullying withintheschoolsbecauseitisstillconsideredaproblem.TheresultsofapollpostedonTheA-Blast. orgshowthat61percentofthestudentswhorespondedbelievethatitonlyhappenssometimes, while 26 percent think that it occurs frequently. Thereareanumberofreasonsthatexpertsbelievetheaggressorsbullytheirvictims.Somebelieve thatcertainstudentsbullybecausetheywanttofeelstrongerorbecausetheywanttofitinatschool.

News Briefs Heritage Night interest meeting to be held

AHS will hold a Hertiage Night interest meeting on Dec. 15. at 2:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Teachers will explain what is expected from Hertiage Night this year and performers can express interest in performing. Heritage Night will be Februray 17 in Clausen Hall.

Drug awareness play to be performed by AHS students

AHStheater students will perform a drug awareness play on Dec. 20 and 21. The play is about young people and their experiences will specific drugs. The play will be shown tostudentsinhealthclassesandother classes throughout the day.

This is an ariel shot of the modular. At this point in time, the Administration has not decided which teachers will be moving in, but they do that rooming teachers will get priority.

Dream Act giving students hope Several students selected to represent AHS in the 20102011 Honors Choir “Guard” continued from page 1

from Nov. 17 to Nov. 19. “I am really looking forward to meeting new people,” Senior Elliot Kiemiel said about the VMEA conference. According to their website, VMEA is a “non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide mutual helpfulness to its membership and promote the advancement of music education through schools and other education institutions.” Molly Sgrecci plans to major in music education, making her an ideal candidate for the VMEA

program. “I am most excited about the two spirituals we’re singing. The conductor wrote both of them and I love singing spirituals,” Sgrecci said. “[I have been singing] my whole life. My entire family is involved in music.” Before auditioning in October, students who endeavored to become members of the exclusive choral group studiously prepared for their try-outs. “I prepared by looking at the music when we got it right away and practicing with my voice teacher,” senior Lydia Pion said. The website also states, “The Mission of the Virginia Music Educators Association is to provide leadership and professional development to ensure quality music education.” “I went out to eat with my family when I made it and was really excited [to become part of the program],” Pion said.

Second Honor Club meeting to be held

The Honor Club will hold their next meeting during R7 FLEX in the auditorium. Members arerequired to attend two meetings to get their certificate of participation at the end of the year. Students should print out a pass and get their R7 teacher to sign it before coming to the meeting.

Redistricting talks continue FCPS holds meeting to discuss the future of the school “Retires” continued from page 1

Evans, who represents the Mason District. “Realistically, the chances are 90 percent or above that a boundarystudywillbeapprovedbytheschoolbwoard,”Evans said.“Ifbysomemiracletheplanningstudycomesupwithanidea thatwouldnotinvolveboundarychanges,thatwouldbefantastic.” AlthoughEvansbelievesthatboundarychangesarecloseto inevitable,shestillappreciatestheworkthatARPShasbeendoing. “Ihopethattheycancomeupwiththebestsolutionpossible,” Evanssaid.“Thesidebenefitofthiscommitteeisthatithastruly involvedthemembersofthecommunity.AlthoughIwouldlove toseemorestudentscometowatchtheproceeds,afterall,they’re the ones who will be most affected by this.”

TheARPScommitteewillsubmittheirfinalreporttothe schoolboardattheendofJanuary.AccordingtoDeniseJames, theDirectorofFacilityPlanningServicesforFCPS,theDepartment ofFacilitiesandTransportation,whichtakescareofmanylogisticalelementsneededtoruntheschoolsystem,willthensubmit a report of its own. “Inourreport,werespondtowhatthe[ARPS]committee hassaid,highlighttheideasthatwebelievemostfeasibleand makepreliminaryrecommendationsastowhatshouldbedone,” James said. UnliketheARPScommittee,whichhaslimitedaccesstospecificnumbersinordertoprotectstudentprivacy,theDepartment ofFacilitiesandTransportationcantakeamoreexactlookathow any change will affect students. “Weactuallyhaveenrollmentprojectionsforthenextsixyears,” Jamessaid.“Welookatwherealloftheproblemsareandtheareas aboundarystudyshouldtargetinordertobalanceenrollment inschoolslikeAHS,PoeMiddleSchoolandFrostMiddleSchool.” Many par

Seniors Elliot Kiemel and Victoria Gowland in the Mouse Trap.

Senior Ben Wolfenstein pumps the crowd up during the winter pep rally

Photography teacher Meredith Stevens works with junior Kelly Dwyer.

Pictures By: AJ McCafferty

to see a slideshow of Theater Without Border’s performance of The Taming of the Shrew.

Would you rather have a same sex or opposite sex twin? “Opposite because I could talk to him and get advice and I would argue with another girl.”

— Amelie Trieu freshman “Same sex because it would be cool to be identical and switch places sometimes.”

—Rabeeah Raza sophomore “I would want the same sex twin because he would be easier to get along with.”

— Adam Wattenbarger junior

“I would rather not have a twin at all.”

— Bob Stevens senior

––Compiled by Alley Adcock

PEOPLE Double trouble AHS twins share their experiences as duplicates BY BECCA HENDRICKSON AND ALEX BROWN Staff Writers Before the school day begins, twin freshmen Kelly and Melissa Pratt have to wake up in the same room, look for clothes in the same closet and get ready at the same time. Although they love being together and don’t mind having to share things, some twins don’t feel the same way. “Yes, [I like having a twin] because no matter what, you always have someone to talk to and someone to be with,” Melissa Pratt said. Melissa’s sister, Kelly, agreed and said, “I like having a twin because you’re really never lonely and you can always share things with them.” The Pratt sisters are fraternal twins and are only separated by a mere two minutes. Fraternal twins are a result of two different eggs being released at the same time and then they are fertilized separately. These twins can look exactly alike or look nothing alike and can be a combination of two girls, two boys, or one girl and one boy. Juniors Sabrina and Christina Romano are also fraternal twins. “It’s cool to have a twin except when she makes me mad,” Christina said. Unlike the Pratts though, they don’t really share anything. “No, we don’t share anything, we’re actually like opposites of each other,” Christina said. Both Christina and Sabrina agreed though that they would choose to have a twin rather than not, “I would choose to have a twin because I like getting two cakes on our birthday,” Christina said. The Pratts and Romanos aren’t the only ones that enjoy being a twin. “It is really fun having a twin because you are practically never lonely and it’s like having a builtin best friend,” senior Victoria Ko said. Victoria Ko has a fraternal twin sister, Olivia, who is

Dec. 14, 2010

younger than her by 24 minutes. “We share a lot of things...clothes, shoes, etc. to name a few,” Olivia said. The most common stereotype about identical twins is that they are basically clones of each other; they look and act exactly the same, when really being an identical twin or a fraternal twin is based off of the way the twins are formed during the pregnancy. Identical twins start out as one fertilized egg then, after conception, the egg splits and forms into two eggs. This is why they generally look more alike than fraternal twins. The Craigs are another pair of identical twins, but they aren’t as fond of their

“

“No matter what, you always have someone to talk to and someone to be with.

”

Melissa Pratt freshman situation as the Ko’s. “We usually don’t share anything. Sometimes Stephen steals my shirts because he tries to be like me,” senior Andy Craig said, who is younger than his identical twin, Stephen, by only ten minutes. “If I could, I would choose not to have a twin because I don’t like him being everywhere I am and he’s really annoying,” Stephen said. Though there are identical Seniors Andy twins, it doesn’t mean that (left) and they are identical in every Stephen Craig possible way; a set of fraternal are identical twins could easily be more twins born ten minutes apart. alike than a set of identical twins. There is the common misconception since they look the same, it means that they must be the same in every other way too.

Victoria and Olivia Ko, 12

Kelly and Melissa Pratt, 9

What’s your favorite part about being a twin?

Victoria: “I like having a builtin best friend no matter what, even when we are mean to each other.”

December Celebrity Birthdays

Olivia: “I like having a builtin best friend and being able to share clothes.”

Kelly: “I like being able to share things and we help each oth er with homework.” Victoria

Kelly

Olivia

Melissa

Melissa: “I like being able to share and we have twice as many clothes.”

What do you not like about being a twin? Victoria: “It bothers me that there is such a lack of individuality.” Olivia: “People always group us together and treat us like the same person.”

What do you not like about being a twin? Kelly: “She sometimes steals my stuff without asking and since we share a room it’s annoying when we go to bed at different times.” Melissa: “When there is just one thing left and we fight over it.”

Seniors receive the gift of acceptance 1 Julie Condra 2 Britney Spears 3 Ozzy Osbourn 4 JayZ 5 Gary Allan 6 Peter Buck 7 Aaron Carter 8 Jim Morrison 9 Dick Butkus 10 Bobby Flay 11 John Kerry 12 Bob Barker 13 Taylor Swift 14 Vanessa Hudgens 15 Adam Brody 16 Flo Rida 17 Milla Jovovich 18 Christina Aguilera 19 Alyssa Milano 20 David Cook 21 Joe Paterno 22 Jordin Sparks 23 Corey Haim 24 Ryan Seacrest 25 Jimmy Buffet 26 David Sedaris 27 Bill Goldberg 28 Denzel Washington 29 Jude Law 30 LeBron James 31 John Denver

40 29 62 40 42 53 22 66 67 45 66 86 20 21 30 30 34 29 37 27 83 20 38 35 63 53 43 55 37 25 66

Students hear admissions decisions on early action and early decision applications BY KELSEY KNOCHE People Editor On Dec. 1, senior Lillian Singer sat in front of her computer, anxiously pushing the refresh button on her email. Like many other seniors this time of year, Singer was awaiting an email notifying her of her college admissions decision. When the email finally came around 9 p.m., she was ecstatic to find out she had been accepted to The College of William & Mary through their binding early decision program. “I knew that William & Mary was the best place for me after visiting throughout my junior year and from all the great reviews I had gotten from my friends who go there,” Singer said. After applying before the Nov. 1 deadline, Singer awaited her decision with anxiety. “The wait is not so bad, since William & Mary responds within a month of closing out early decision applications, but doubt can certainly make the four weeks longer than you’d like.” Because Singer applied to William & Mary through early decision, she is required to attend the school. Some seniors avoid this type of early application because of its binding nature, and even Singer experienced some uneasiness about the finality of the school’s decision. “One of the hardest parts about waiting to hear back was the occasional feeling of cold feet over whether or not

I had made the right decision committing to a binding agreement,” Singer said. Although the school released their decisions via email, the cryptic words of the messages sent made some feel uncertain. “The email never actually said I got in, it just had some quirky thing about how good things come in small packages and to watch the mail. The subject said ‘Good Things’ though so I pretty much knew I was good. It definitely made me a little nervous though because I was looking for a definite word. But I got my packet in the mail quickly so it was fine,” senior Kristen Hennessey said, who was also accepted early to William &

“

“I’m find out around Dec. 15. I’m really nervous because both are at the top of Megan Loman my list”

senior

Mary. “It feels good to be completely done with the admissions process, and I’m really excited for next year,” Hennessey said. Other seniors have received responses from colleges, however through nonbinding early action programs. Senior Paige Clark was accepted at Penn State University last month. “It took like a week and a half to hear back from them, which was nice because it was really quick,” Clark said. “I’m happy that I have the security of knowing that I got in somewhere.” “With early action, you have everything to gain

and nothing to lose,” said Career Center Specialist Robin Roth. Like Clark, senior Julia Uglietta applied Early Action to University of North Carolina Charlotte. “I’m glad that I submitted my application early, so I know I can go somewhere,” Uglietta said. “[University of North Carolina Charlotte] was a backup, but I really like it.” Senior Jake Dang was also accepted through early action, however his acceptance came from his firstchoice school. “I was accepted to my first choice (Naval Academy) and I am super excited,” Dang said. “I got acceptance, but I still have to clear some forms before I know for sure.” While students like Singer and Hennessey are already set on their plans for their next four years, many other AHS students still await decisions from their schools of choice. “I applied early to North Carolina State and to the University of South Carolina. I find out about both around Dec. 15. I’m really nervous because they’re both at the top of my list,” senior Megan Loman said. While both early action and early decision are extremely valuable for students applying to college, they also have drawbacks. “Early decision can sometimes be a more competitive pool of students than regular admissions,” Roth said. “Early decision is not for someone who knows they need financial aid since they will be committing to a school without knowing what financial aid they will get.” No matter which school seniors are awaiting word from, they are all nervously awaiting the day their school announces their respective classes of 2015. “My advice for seniors is to get everything in as soon as possible,” Roth said.

When will you know? Virginia schools deadlines and notification dates for college applicants Early Decision deadline: Nov. 1 Early Decision notification: Dec. 15 Regular decision deadline: Jan. 15 Regular decision notification: April 1

Visit www.theablast.org for a video of AHS students’ holiday wish lists.

Early Action deadline: Dec. 1 Early Action notification: Jan. 15 Regular decision deadline: Feb. 1 Regular decision notification: March 15

Deadline: Jan. 1 Applicants notified: April 1 *UVA does not have early decision or early action

Deadline: Jan. 15 Applicants notified: April 1 *VCU does not have early decision or early action

Early Action deadline: Nov. 1 Early Action notification: Mid January Regular decision deadline: Jan. 15 Regular decision notification: April 1

Early Action deadline: Jan. 1 Early Action notification: Rolling Regular decision deadline: Feb. 1 Regular decision notification: April 1

––Compiled by Kelsey Knoche

HEALTH Stay healthy over the holidays

Dec. 14, 2010

Work out, eat right, and stay fit in order to keep your pre-holiday body BY NATALIE JOHNSON Staff Writer The cold wind howls through the bare trees as the grey skies blanket the earth. The outdoors is completely uninviting which is breaching your normal workout routine. It is also causing you to hole up in your home with nothing to do but eat. The holiday season is the time for a plethora of food. Many people find themselves struggling with what to eat in order to stay in shape during the holidays. “The cold weather affects my workout routine because I can’t perform like I would normally due to all of the clothing you have to wear to stay warm,” says senior Rollan Shamdin. Despite the cold weather, the number one key to staying in shape is exercise. Try to come up with routines that you can do in your home, such as crunches, stationary lunges, push-ups, and planks. This will help you stay lean despite your holiday diet. However, in order to truly burn fat and calories you will need to partake in cardio activity such as running or biking. If the cold scares you off, go to the gym and use their machines. You can go to Audrey Moore Rec Center’s gym for only five dollars a day. Second to exercise, what you eat and the portions in which you eat them are incredibly important to staying fit. Many people let their usual diets slip over the holidays because of the amount of parties and dinners that they attend. A good tip to stay in shape while going to all the holiday parties is to not attend parties on an empty stomach. By eating before, you will be less tempted to to eat all the delicious holiday treats. “My diet is much more lax over the holidays. I have such a sweet tooth and I usually indulge it,” senior Lillian Singer said. Many people think that starving themselves all day before a big dinner will make up for the amount that they anticipate eating later. According to Better Health USA, this in fact will cause you

to feel “ravenous and consume everything there. Overindulging is never good, so try eating some lowfat, healthy snacks throughout the day in order to prevent this. Make sure that you prepare for a big meal by eating healthy on the days leading up to the event. That way, you are compensating for your unhealthy meal. “Before a big event I make sure I always save my stomach for the day and then stuff my face because I know I’m going to have tons of good food to eat later that day,” said junior Diana Nguyen. Also, balance your meals out. Do not fill up your plate with food that is calorie and sodium filled. Instead, have a little of everything including fruit and vegetables so that you can indulge, as well as receive valuable nutrients and vitamins. Lastly, stop eating when you are full. Do not feel forced to eat everything on your plate. This will cause you to over eat which is never good. “I always tend to each too much,” senior Megan Loman said. “When I feel myself getting full I know to slow down so I don’t feel sick after my meal.” Eating too much can also cause stomach aches and causes your digestive system to slow down. “I keep eating even after I get full when it gets too much I stop. I tend to pick at my food on those occasions,” Nguyen said. Everyone’s diet becomes more lenient over the holidays so do not feel guilty for indulging. If you maintain a regular exercise routine and eat healthy and proportionately for the most part, you will keep your pre-holiday body.

Religious celebrations and traditions in December Hanukkah Senior Kyle Rayo celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah from Nov. 30 Dec. 26. “We light the menora each year and eat lots of matza ball soup and potato latkas. These foods mostly consist of carbohydrates, yet are very traditional. We invite people of any religion over to our house during the holiday. My favorite part is spending time with family and appreciating our past that has allowed us to be here,” Rayo said.

Christmas Freshman Jordan Fox will celebrate Christmas on December 25, in which the birth of Jesus Christ is commemorated. Family traditions include making coffee cake and exchanging gifts within the family. “My grandmother comes over each year with her coffee cake before we open our gifts. My favorite part is definitely giving gifts to other people,” said Fox.

You should eat this.... Instead of this! Sweet Potatoes Baked sweet potatoes containsless sugar and are packed with more nutrients and fibers which can help lower blood sugar. They also have an excellent source of vitamin C which can help fight heart disease and diabetes.

White Potato Eid Al-Adha

One medium sized potato is about 110 calories. Although white potatoes have a good source of vitamin C, they also contain a lot of sugar and have a lot of carbs in each serving.

Turkey

Ham

Both ham and turkey provide an excellent source of protein, but turkey has less fat if you do not eat the skin. One serving size of 33g is about 34 calories.

Although ham may be delicioius, it contains 14.5 g of fat. It also has has 15 times more sodium (about 286 mg) than turkey, and it may contain nitrates.

Gingerbread Cookies Gingerbread cookies have half the amount of calories and sugar compared to shortbread cookies. Gingerbread cookies contain about 87 calories. Although this may be the healthier option, try to limit the amount of desserts you eat.

Sophomore Ansari Hairdari participates in Eid Al-Adha each year, a celebration to commemorate the good deeds of the prophet Abraham.. “This year it was in late November. My family usually eats dates, drinks tea and I receive a lot of money. The food isn’t nutritional but it tastes really good. My favorite part is probably the food and not having to go to school. I also like doing the special prayer.”

Winter Solstice

Short Bread Cookies

Senior Christopher Munson celebrates this holiday on Dec. 25, celebrated by Pagans without the traditions of putting a star on top of the Christmas tree or talking about Jesus Christ. “One tradition of ours is to eat honey-baked ham with the family. We eat a lot of meat that is full of protein and tastes really good. Our main purpose in celebrating is to unite with your community.”

Short bread cookies or sugar cookies contain more sugar than gingerbread cookies. One cookie has about 142 calories and 129 mg of sodium.

Egg Nog

Hot Apple Cider

Egg nog is usually made with egg and heavy cream, which contains a lot of fat. An eight-ounce glass of egg nog contains about 340-460 calories, but if you use nonfat milk, egg whites and artificial sweetener, it will only have about 200 calories per glass.

Hot cider has more nutritional benefits than egg nog, containing more vitamin C. It also has all the benefits that are from apples, including fiber. A glass of Apple Cider contains about 140 calories.

A healthier option as a quick dessert is a candy cane which has 55 calories. With a less total amount of sugar than a regular truffle bar, the best aspect of a candy cane is that they last a long time so you can savor the taste!

5meals minute

Holiday special

By Katie Vu and Gessica Azzam

Ingredients: 6 apples 1 package of invdivivallly wrapped caramels 2 tablespoons of milk 6 popsicle sticks *choice of toppings

––Compiled by Gessica Azzam

Work-outs that keep you in shape over the holidays

Truffle Ball A truffle ball has many carbohydrates with about 85 calories per ball. It is also loaded with refined sugar. If you are tempted to eat a truffle ball, consider dark chocolate because it has antioxidants that reduce cholesterol.

Caramel Apple-

An easy holiday dessert Complete the Circle: In order to do this exercise, you need to lay down on your back and lift your legs 45 degrees off the ground. Keeping your knees together, move your legs in a circular manner.

1. Butter a baking sheet. 2. Remove the stem from each apple and push a popsicle into the top of each apple. 3. Unwrap caramels and place caramels and milk into a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. 4. Roll each apple (quickly before caramel hardens) into the caramel until well coated. 5. Place coated apple on a prepared baking sheet, and enjoy! *Optional: Coat caramel apple with any topping of choice (M&M’s, oreo pieces, peppermint pieces

COURTESY OF 1800FLOWERS.COM

Candy Cane

1 . D R AW T H E D E S I G N S : Whether the design is black and white or full color, the design can be as complex as the artist wants to make it.

Screen Gems The art of screenprinting is everywhere, it just depends on how you see it By Jane Aman Arts Editor

However, one thing to keep in mind is that each color gets its own screen, or stencil, and thus a seperate template needs to be drawn for each color.

It’s everywhere– your t-shirts, posters, snowboards, CD covers and even skateboards. It’s screen printing and it is the king of the advertising world. A generally underrated process, screen printing can range from very complex designs to simple words on your favorite band shirt. The very prominent graphic design company, Morning Breath, Inc. works with all kinds of media and surfaces. According to their interview in Juxtapoz magazine, founders Doug Cunningham and Jason Noto admit that their primary medium is “a combination of acrylic paint and silkscreen.” Morning Breath, Inc. is a testament to the true struggle in the graphic design industry to mix art into every day things. They also work to remind the public of how much work goes into the creation of a poster, especially those like the one that will be featured in their upcoming exhibit at London Miles, a well known art gallery in London. This exhibit will show that screen printing is not only functional, but artistic. The history of screen printing dates back to Ancient China, when the first screen prints were made. Now, despite the advent of the computer,

2. CREATE THE TEMPLATES: Each color in the design needs to have its own screen.

Jordan Aman

The emulsion painted on the screens to create the stencils is light sensative, so each template is drawn in thick black sharpie on clear overhead transparency or sheets of acetate.

This is the AHS screen printing machine. It can be found in the graphics lab near the art hallway.

3. CREATE THE SCREENS: The screens are painted with a thin layer of light sensative emulsion. After drying in the dark, the templates are placed on the screens and set in a vaccum press light box.

manual screen printing is not a simple process. Manual screen printing begins with a design, which can be drawn, painted, photographed, made on the computer, or any other means of creating an image. The image is then made into a screen by transferring the image to a transparency and burning the image to the screen using light sensitive emulsion and a light table. After the screens are made, they act as a stencil, and the image can be printed as many times as necessary until the artist is satisfied, or the print requirement is fullfilled. This process takes a fair amount of time and a lot of focus, thus the little use that AHS’s screen printing machine gets. It is important to take notice of how often this medium is taken for granted. It is what makes you want to buy the t-shirt, its the cool design on the bottom of skateboards and snowboards and the artistic process keeping the advertisement industry afloat.

morningbreathinc.com

This light essentially “burns” the image into the screen. After burning, the un-burned emulsion (blocked by the design) is washed out with a pressurized hose, leaving a clean stencil. 4. PRINTING: The screens, after washing, are finally ready to use. The apropriate screen is placed on the screen carousel, beginning with the lightest color. Ink is poured at the top of the screen and test prints are made by placing paper under the screen and wiping he ink across the top using a squegee.

morningbreathinc.com

How To Screenprint

Dec. 14, 2010

T-shirts (pictured left) are often printed on because the designs are often simple and can be blocked out in one or two colors. The cover of The cover of Amanda Blank’s “I Love You” album (far left), done by Morning Breath, Inc. is a perfect example of screen printing in everyday life.

This image is part of Morning Breath, Inc.’s upcoming exhibit at London Miles. It is a screen printed poster with influence from 1950’s advertisements.

These skate board decks, which were designed by Morning Breath, Inc. for Zoo York skateboards, are another example of screen printing in everyday life. Many take for granted the impact that screen printing has on their lives. However, without screen printing the advertising business wouldn’t be what it is today.

After the artist is content with the consistency of the prints and the solidness of the design, final prints are made, usually in an “edition” or set of 10 or more (comercially, hundreds of prints are made in an edition). After one color has been printed and dried, The next color is printed, so on and so forth.

morningbreathinc.com

Arts

Artist in the Spotlight: Kevin Muller

5. DISPLAY: Before prints can be displayed, a BAT, or Bon-a-Tirer (french for “good to pull”) is selected as the best print.

Muller uses oil paints to express the natural beauty in what is deemed “ugly”

Each print is compared to this and the prints are numbered: number of print / total number of prints. The prints are then signed and titled. Now the prints are ready for display.

“We have been taught, throughout time, to have certain standards of beauty whether it is physical, spiritual, or psychological. With my work, I aim to challenge this idea,” senior Kevin Muller said of his artwork. The above piece is titled “Difference is the Only Thing We Have in Common.”

Want to be featured in the A-Blast? Send us your artwork at jamnjane592@gmail.com

Go to the web to find an exclusive video interview with senior Kevin Muller at www.thea-blast.org/arts

Senior Kevin Müller’s portfolio features a wide variety of media, including this pencil drawing titled “Caleb.” His aim is to show hipocrisy in today’s society.

and exciting. His technique and concepts are mature and sophisticated,” IB Art teacher Catherine Stark said. Initially interested in artists the likes of Salvador Dali, and his dreamscape depictions, Muller began painting self portraits in wild colors and

courtesy of kevin muller

– Jordan Aman Arts Editor

Senior IB Art student, Kevin Muller is an artist with a mission. Set out to change people’s perceptions of beauty and humanity, Muller has created a portfolio comparable to that of a working studio artist. “My new theme has to do a lot with the hypocrisy of society on their perception of humanity.” Muller said. “In my opinion, I believe that many people have lost their sense of what it means to be human.” Muller’s work is both controversial and beautiful, while he focuses on the “other side of beauty” to show that there is an attractive aspect to the “ugly side.” “We have been taught, through out time, to have certain standards of beauty whether it is physical, spiritual, or psychological. With my work, I aim to challenge this idea.” Muller has a very unique style, which has morphed drastically through his exploration as an artist On that note, it is important to remember that Muller’s artistic exploration began in the spring of 2008 in an Art 2 course with his first acrylic painting of a dog. “Kevin Muller’s work in IB art has been rare

courtesy of kevin muller

The above image is a finished screen print done on AHS’ screen printing machine

Jordan Aman

By Jordan Aman Arts Editor

This painting, “Mi mama...,”made up of four individual canvases is part of Müller’s mission to show the beautiful side of what is normally considered ugly.

settings. Quickly Muller developed an interest in the human form and through his work in IB Art over the past year and a half has created an extensive body of work. More recently, he has been asked by an aspiring gallery owner if he would exhibit in her gallery-to-be in Alexandria, VA. His imagery is often dark and sharp, although highly realistic. Working mostly in earth tones, Muller’s work is organic. However, some imagery, shown by censor bars and morphing backgrounds give an industrial aspect to his work. “Another subject that I’m focusing on has to do with the irony of how a lot of people are able to see violence and be okay with it, but they cannot look at a painting of a nude human body without giving destructive criticism,” said Muller. “On this matter, my work is intended to convey the message that what people believe is inappropriate is only a part of life and society.” This point was proven last school year, when Muller’s painting of a nude woman on a table was taken off the walls, and off display in thoughts that it was “inappropriate.” This incident has sparked Muller’s drive to create the pieces above as part of his mission to change this perception.

Academics A day’s worth of differences

Dec. 14, 2010

First Person account of a typical day at Arlington’s Bishop Dennis J. O’Connell High School By Nikki Contrino Academics Editor Last Tuesday, I got in my car to start my school day at eight o’clock and, ready to start my day as an exchange student, drove the 20 minute distance to Bishop O’Connell High School. After walking around the three-level school about four times, I finally found the activities department and was greeted by a smile from Activities Director Robert Buckreis along with the senior I would be following for the day, Joanne Johnson. Johnson led me into a tiny room containing nothing but a bookshelf, a few chairs, a microphone, and a huge Bible spread out on a stand. As the school’s treasurer, Joanne reports straight here every morning to conduct the school-wide prayer, leaving her without a homeroom. Therefore, unlike the rest of the O’Connell student body, our schedule started out with first period English with Diane Cerniglia. Morning Walking into English, a sea of gray, blue and khaki filled the room. Students were all decked out in their winter uniforms, which consisted of khaki skirts with gray sweater vests for the girls and khaki pants with gray sweater vests and ties for the boys. As part of their privileges, seniors wear dark blue sweater vests and a tie of their choosing. The English class only consisted of 16 students: 15 girls and one boy. Glancing around the room, it became obvious that I was not at AHS anymore. Catholic icons filled the room and were infused in the book the class was reading. It became apparent to me that Religion was a major theme in every class and in some ways an extension of their theology. The class was not as strict as stereotypes suggest. Cerniglia sat with her students in a circle, while students spoke in conversational tones, but remained quiet unless called on. My phone buzzed inside my bag, but unfortunately texting was difficult without a place to hide it inside my desk. The bell sounded, signaling a transition to Government, taught by Sr. Maureen Christopher Dusterhoff; Sr. Mo to everyone else. Oddly enough, this happened to be the only class we did not say a prayer in before class actually began. Students sat down in class, and immediately took out their notebooks to begin taking notes off of a powerpoint. The government classroom was filled with a count down to Christmas and Christmas decorations, but there were no textbooks to be found. O’Connell students must purchase their own personal textbooks at the

Glimpses of O’Connell

beginning of the year. As I had already taken Government my sophomore year, I followed along silently. Struggling to whisper low enough to escape the notice of the teacher, a senior with straight brown hair, sitting behind Joanne leaned over and mouthed, “call me,” handing over a note with his number. Then, the bell rang for a very long time interrupting the nun mid-sentence. As we completed the rest of that morning’s classes, leaving towards the cafeteria for lunch, we stopped by Johnson’s locker. She was one of few students to receive a full-sized one. Afternoon We walked into the tiny cafeteria, which smelled of the chicken tenders and macaroni the menu was offering in addition to the salad line that day. I sat down next to Johnson and several of her friends, who began to rattle off the happenings of their classes that morning. Compared to AHS’ sometimes deafening cafeteria, it seemed quiet. Then, without a word, the tall senior sitting directly across from me stood up, revealing his boxers which sported the Jamaican flag, and strutted out to a thunderous round of applause from onlooking students. While I stifled a laugh, Johnson, turning red with embarrassment, turned to me spewing out an apology, “I am so sorry. This doesn’t happen every day, don’t worry.” With that, we were off to Art with teacher Rebekah Zitron and seven other students. After placing her bags at her table, Johnson made her way to the supply table to gather the supplies she would need to finish her abstract painting. While students began their work, I admired the casual atmosphere of the class, which was a refreshing change to the sometimes rigidly structured classes of my own. As Zitron wandered around the class providing feedback to students, I listened as she encouraged students and made suggestions. “This looks great, Joanne, I can’t wait to see your piece once it’s finished.” I began to notice a pattern of students walking out of the classroom and returning a few minutes later. I eventually realized that students were going to the bathroom- at O’Connell no passes are required. As we rushed to our next class, calculus with teacher Nadine Schiavo, I realized how difficult it was to get to class in only five minutes. Arriving to calculus, a little out of breath, students sat down and immediately retrieved their Gameboy Colors and paper to play hangman. “Are there any ‘A’s?” a short blonde girl guessed, as the hum of students whispering letters to each other interrupted my concentration. Time passed by quickly as our 45-minute class period quickly dwindled down to five and the endless rounds of hangman came to a halt. Dismissal Following Calculus was the class I had been anticipating: Theology. Students recited new prayers they had learned and paid tribute to the story of “Our Lady of Guadaloupe” and discussed the objects they would be willing to sacrifice. The final bell approached as the clocks ticked towards 2:50. I had one last class to attend, Student Council Association. This class was solely for members of Student Council and served as their elective. It was also where I met senior Gray Posey, who summed up what I had gotten a glimpse of during my seven hour visit: “Here at O’Connell, it’s all flowers and rainbows.”

How Catholic and public schools compare:

Students post intentions on this board as a way to ask for other students prayers.

Students attend mass in the school’s chapel once a month and on religious holidays.

This tiny cafeteria hosts school dances, parent-child events, as well as the everyday lunch crowds.

SAT Words to Know Match the word to the definition to test your knowledge of these SAT words 1. Abrogate 2. Culpable 3. Diaphanous 4. Encumber 5. Furtive 6. Goad 7. Insipid 8. Modicum 9. Punitive 10. Querulous

Definitions A.(adj.) secretive, sly B. (adj.) deserving blame C.(adj.) dull, boring D. (v.) to abolish, usually by authority E. (v.) to urge, spur, incite to action Students have the option of attending Confession certain days. Confession is a sacrament during which Catholics confess their sins to a priest and are, in turn, forgiven.

Classes are sometimes taught by priests and nuns. Sister Mo, a government teacher, is one of six clergymen and women teaching at Bishop O’Connell.

At Catholic and private high schools, students are required to wear uniforms to schools every day. Dress code guidelines are also much more strict, as they limit the length of boys’ hair, the shoes worn and even prohibiting facial hair.

O’Connell High School was named after Richmond’s seventh bishop, Bishop Denis J. O’Connell. The school was opened in1957.

F. (adj.) whiny, complaining Crucifixes adorn the walls in every classroom, serving as a constant reminder to students to follow God’s law. This cross is hung on the wall of Bishop O’Connell’s chapel, where students attend mass on a monthly basis.

Prayer and religious education are a large aspect of Catholic school education. At the beginning and end of the day, as well as the beginning of most classses, students set aside time to pray together. Due to the smaller student populations at Bishop O’Connell and other Catholic schools, class sizes are smaller. Several classes are even designated as “all girls” or “all boys.” The administration began this in order to see how it affects student’s grades.

G. (v.) to weigh down, burden H. (adj.) involving punishment J. (adj.) light, airy, transparent K. (n.) a small amount of something

Answers 1: D; 2: B; 3: I; 4: G; 5: A; 6: E; 7: C; 8: J; 9: H; 10: F

To see more photos from Bishop Dennis J. O’Connell visit www.theablast.org

10 Do you think the State of Palestine should be recognized by the U.S.?

No 35%

In-Depth

Dec. 14, 2010

Under one roof,

Yes 39% I do not know 34%

Do you think the Israelis have a right to occupy privately owned land on the West Bank?

No 35%

Yes 28%

How educated do you feel about the IsraeliPalestinian conflict? Somewhat educated 33% Very educated 28%

Not at all educated 24% Not very educated 17%

This survey was distributed on Dec. 8 during all lunches. Out of the 500 surveys distributed 400 were returned and counted.

Working towards awareness Surveys show that AHS students do not understand conflict By Katie Masters In-Depth Editor It is a well-known fact that AHS possesses a highly diverse student population, one that represents 84 different countries and 57 languages. It therefore seems surprising that only two AHS students come from Israel, and only one from Palestine. Most Middle Eastern AHS students hail from countries with an anti-Israel stance in terms of the conflict in the area. This fact contributes to the findings of a recent survey, which revealed that a greater majority of students show support for the Palestinian side of the issue than the Israeli. This view contradicts that of the U.S., who has taken a strong pro-Israel stance in its foreign policy since 1948, when Israel first officially declared itself a nation. As a high school located so closely to Washington, D.C., one might expect that the majority of AHS students take the stance of the federal government and support the Israelis. However, surveys have shown that 27 percent of the student body shows support for Palestine in comparison with

2,593

students officially enrolled, a population

that represents

different

countries. Out of all these people, only

AHS student is from Palestine,

and only

Apx. 1000 B.C. The Israeli kingdom splits into Judea in the south and Israel in the north.

not knowing,” he said. “The whole country doesn’t pay enough attention to international conflicts in general, or to conflicts in individual areas.” Hawes also acknowledges that the crisis is not accurately represented by the media. The many issues concerning America and other countries often subjugate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the sidelines of media reports and activist attention. When it does receive attention from the press, bias or inaccuracy tend to be present in the report. “I don’t think the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is represented accurately in media reports,” Hawes said. “I think that as part of our knowledge of overall world affairs, we tend to simplify issues and don’t deal very well with complex problems.” For many students at AHS and for many people throughout the world, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a major tragedy and extremely prevalent issue. No easy resolution seems to be in reach, despite the best efforts of negotiators from many different countries, and the U.N. itself. To many, including Romano, the fight over land seems futile to begin with. “If you think about it, we’re all born on this earth and really live for a very short time before passing on,” he said. “In this way, the land we live on is really only on lease to us, we’re simply borrowing it for the time being. When you think about it that way, there’s no reason why the Israelis and Palestinians can’t share the land, because they will never be able to hold onto it forever.”

A history of

AHS statistics AHS has

the 12 percent who support Israel. In addition, 28 percent of the students surveyed agreed that Israelis do not have the rights to occupy Palestine, and 39 percent say that Palestine should be recognized as an independent nation. Considering the diversity of AHS, the opinions of its students represent a broad international outlook on the conflict. The survey, however, best represents an unfortunate truth about AHS students. Only 28 percent of students describe themselves as knowledgeable about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and most students are unaware of the situation and events occurring in the area. Of the students polled, a whopping 74 percent described themselves as either somewhat aware of the conflict or not aware at all. Gabe Romano, a health teacher at AHS and sponsor of the Jewish Culture Club, was taken aback when told about the high percentage of students unfamiliar with the situation. “I’m surprised, to be honest, because we have such a diverse population at AHS,” he said. “I can assure you that many of the students have parents who know about the conflict, or are even here because of it. It’s very surprising that our student body isn’t more educated about the situation.” John Hawes, who teaches Government and IB Theory of Knowledge at AHS and sponsors the Muslim Student Association, was not surprised by the large percentage of unaware students, but felt that it was indicative of the country at large. “I think that it’s not so much a problem of AHS

Aj McAfferty

I do not know 37%

600 A.D. Muslim Arab armies conquer Palestine.

61 B.C. Roman troops invade Judea and make it a client state of Rome. They name the area Palaestina.

1897 The first Zionist congress is held in Basle after many Jews flee to Palestine due to oppression. They wish to establish a jewish homeland in Palestine.

1517 Palestine becomes part of the Ottoman Empire

1930s Persecution of Jews in Eastern Europe causes an increase in Jewish immigration to Palestine.

1922 The British release a mandate that makes the boundary of Palestine limited to the area west of the river.

1939 The British issue the White Paper, decreeing that 15,000 Jews will be allowed to enter Palestine each year for five years.

are from Israel.

135 B.C. Romans drive Jews out of Jerusalem

Go to the web at www.thea-blast. org to view

586 B.C. Babylonians conquer Judea and destroy Jewish temples and the city of Jerusalem.

1798 Napoleon conquers the land. Many Arabs and Jews flee. 1099 Christian Crusaders first invade Palestine and capture Jaffa and Jerusalem, slaughtering many Jewish and Muslim people.

1936 The Arab Revolt begins, consisting of widespread rioting. 1916 The Sykes-Picot Agreement calls for part of Palestine to be ruled by Great Britain and for Syria and Lebanon to be given to France.

1939-1945 The Holocaust occurs in land controlled by Nazi Germany. Many Palestinian Jews join the fighting against the Nazis.

In-Depth

Dec. 14, 2010

the divided stand

Do you think there can be peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the near future?

AHS student perspectives A Muslim student reacts By Samar Faris Special to The A-Blast

Over the summer break I traveled to Turkey for a month or so, where I met a young Palestinian named Daniyah Alamein. She is a 19-yearold college student who had recently emigrated from the West Bank. She was kind enough to share her story with me. Daniyah gave me a personal account that shed light on the human aspect of the situation. During her time in the West Bank, Daniyah lived with her eldest brother. Her father was killed after it was discovered that he was a member of a Palestinian terrorist group, and her mother died the year after from cancer. “It’s like the world has forgotten about us,” she said. “Every day we look for a reason to live.” Poverty and unemployment are two of the major issues in the area. As a result, many terrorist organizations were formed. Israel responded to Palestinian violence at the begin-

ning of the Oslo accords, which were a series of negotiations, by limiting the flow of Palestinian workers to Israel to prevent infiltration of terrorists and by strict border checkpoints. The border closing drastically reduced the Palestinian standard of living. Palestinians who did come to work were often subjected to humiliating searches and very long waits at checkpoints. For many of the youth living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, terrorist attacks have become symbolic of the internal upheaval and repression within the region. Daniyah told me at one point she considered joining one of these groups. “I wanted to make an impression,” she said. “I wanted a purpose.” Daniyah is currently hopes to return to her native West Bank to help mediate discussions with the Israeli government. “I think the conflict has elevated; it has become more than a territorial issue. If we can look past the politics and understand that behind this conflict there are every day people paying the price on both ends. It’s not about winning or beating them, it’s about the future of Palestine,” said Daniyah.

A Jewish student explains By Ben Wolfenstein Special to The A-Blast We can’t solve the problems in the Middle East. There’s no way. And the West just made it worse when we created Israel in 1948. There is nothing that makes people angrier than taking their land. In close second is a conflicting religion. The Palestinians did not take well to the Jewish homeland and rejected the split country early on. After various wars and constant turmoil, the situation in Israel is the same as it ever was. The Israelis want a Jewish homeland and the Palestinians want the Israelis out. To make matters worse, Israel partitioned off the Gaza Strip and, to a lesser extent, the West Bank. Westerners wonder why it can’t

work, well, to a people who still remember the Crusades of hundreds of years ago; the current situation won’t soon be forgotten. The Israelis have made themselves perennial enemies of Palestine. So the question becomes how to keep the peace. I would propose that the people of Israel/Palestine choose one of two governmental solutions. The first one being much like the original set up in 1948 of two countries: Palestine and Israel. Palestine would be the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with some other small areas around them connected by a road. Jerusalem would become a free city. My second idea is to have almost a split government. There would be two executive leaders, one Palestinian and the other Israeli. They would be in charge of their respective Parliaments and would jointly make decisions for the country.

“I don’t see any reason for two groups of people to be fighting over an invisible man living in the sky.”

—Tom Updike sophomore “Peace is not impossible, they should work towards a peaceful resolution.”

Jason — Moujaes junior

“The rest of the world isn’t taking a step to fight back and end this horrible ‘war.’”

—Adeeba Rasoli junior

For the full story, go to www.theablast.org

“It’s wrong that they continue fighting. As a Palestinian I feel the Israelites have gone too far.”

Key players

The area

Nisreen — Al-Suqi junior

Mahmoud Abbas Tel Aviv

–Affiliation: Palestinian –Current President of the Palestinian Authority as of January 2005 –Elected to serve until January 2009, but extended that deadline for a year and has since continued in office –Does not want any Israelis living on Palestinian land –Was elected president of a future Palestinian State in 2008

West Bank

–Control: Israelis –Population: 400,000 –Over 90% Jewish –The location of the ancient port of Jaffa –The financial hub of Israel. –Nicknamed “the city that never sleeps”

–Control: The Israel government –Population: 2,500,000 –Residents are mainly Palestinian –Israelis have been setting up settlements on the West Bank, a practice thought to be illegal after international law by the United Nations

Gaza Strip

–Control: Disputed. Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that since Israel withdrew from the area in 2005, it is now under Palestinian control. However, Israel keeps control over its airspace and sea –Came into existance in 1949 as a result of the 1948 ArabIsraeli War –Has been hotly contested over because roughly 1.4 million Palestinians live there

–Affiliation: Israeli –Current Prime Minister of Israel as of March 2009 –Opposed the Oslo Accords –Does not approve of a seperate Palestine, but has endorsed a demilitarized Palestinian State –Lived in Pennsylvania during the 50’s and 60’s

The IsraeliPalestinian conflict by the numbers

Ismail Haniyeh

Jerusalem

–Affiliation: Palestinian –Disputed Prime Minister of Palestinian Authority as he was elected Prime Minister in 2006 but was dismissed by Mahmoud Abbas –Senior political leader of Hamas

–Control: The Israeli government –Population: 763,000 –Holy city to Jews, Christians, and Muslims –56% Jewish, 32% Muslim, and 2% Christian –The capital city of Israel, but is not internationally recognized as such

Shimon Peres

–Affiliation: Israeli –Current President of Israel as of July 2007 –Born in Poland in 1923, but immigrated to Tel Aviv in 1932 –Was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain

Controlled by Israel Under Palestinian Authority

Source: mideastweb.org

1979 Egypt and Israel sign a peace treaty after meetings at Camp David with President Jimmy Carter.

1967 The 6-Day War begins with Israel’s attack on the Egyptian Air Force.

—Jimmy Cullen senior

Benjamin Netanyahu

7,514

The number of Israelis and Palestinians who have been killed in the conflict since October, 2000.

7,000,000 The amount in dollars that the U.S. has provided Israel with in military aid per day in 2009.

the conflict 1947 The United Nations issues a resolution recommending that Palestine be divided into an Arab and a Jewish state.

“It doesn’t concern me, it’s their business not ours.”

295

1993 Oslo Declaration of Principals. Israelis and Palestinians recognize the rights of the other to exist within the borders of Palestine/Israel.

1982 Massive Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

The number of Israeli and Palestinian children killed in 2009 due to the conflict.

24,145

The number of Palestinian homes that have been destroyed since 1967.

2005 A ceasefire is announced in Gaza, The Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon, pulls Israelis out of the Gaza Strip.

41.3%

The Palestinian unemployment rate in the Gaza Strip.

16.3%

The Palestinian unemployment rate in the West Bank.

1948-1949 Neighboring Arab nations invade Palestine and Israel. The Arabs are defeated. May 14, 1948 The Jews in Palestine proclaim the independent State of Israel, and the British withdraw from Palestine.

1973 The October (Yom Kippur) War begins after Egypt and Syria launch an offensive against Israel.

2002 Israel conducts a defensive shield in the West Bank due to an increase in Palestinian suicide attacks on civilians. 1988 The Hamas Islamic Brotherhood is founded, advocating the destruction of Israel. The State of Palestine is declared but not recognized by many states.

65 121

The number of UN Resolutions that have been passed concerning Israel.

Today Proximity discussions have been held since May, 2010 but no progress has been reported.

Sources: mideastweb.org, ifamericansknew.org, israelpalestine.procon.org

The number of Jewish-only settlements on confiscated Palestinian land.

Source: ifamericansknew.org Updated November 16, 2010

•

A school in Mexico City is closed after attackers set the school on fire. The organization responsible claims it was because the teachers had refused to give up their bonuses as a “protection fee.” Though authorities say they are investigating the incident, some say that they still are not doing enough to bring safety to the school.

•

On December 5th, a woman from Germany died from a shark attack in Sharm el-Sheikh, an Egyptain resort. The attack was recorded by a tourist and said that the woman was screaming for help while the shark kept biting her. After a total of four people were attacked by the shark, the beach was closed in order for the shark experts to inspect the area. The beach will not be opened again until the shark is found.

What would you incorporate in your wedding to make it unique? “A ten foot wedding cake.” —Josh Keller freshman

The Royal Wedding sparks students to think about their future traditional weddings By Carola Rojas staff writer Weddings can be stressful to plan, as the multitude of options for a cake, reception and guest list can often be overwhelming. However, the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton may hold different stresses. They have scheduled their wedding date for the 29th of April 2011.With the upcoming news of the highly popularized wedding, students start to think about their own future weddings. The way weddings are celebrated throughout the world varies widely and usually depends on traditions, cultures, and beliefs. Everyone has their own dream wedding whether it is something small and simple or big and traditional. Students were asked about how their culture traditionally celebrates weddings and what they would like for their own weddings. Junior Adeeba Rasoli from Afghanistan gave several reasons why Afghan weddings are different from American weddings. The night of Henna is typically the night that vows are exchanged in a mosque lead by an Imam. Usually, a shawl is placed over top of the bride and groom, who are then handed mirrors so that they can see their reflections which symbolizes that they are now united as one. The bridesmaids also prepare months in advance to create a special cultural dance in honor of the bride. Although Rasoli disagrees with Afghan weddings being really exciting, she enjoys seeing the bride and groom happy together with family and friends by their side. “It’s still special regardless of how boring it may be sometimes because it’s an unforgettable memory,” Rasoli said. In Vietnam, weddings do not have many differences from an American wedding. The formal wear for the bride is a long silky dress that does not necessarily have to be white. They also wear a type of gold crown that is decorated by colorful gemstones. On the other Above: Like many other students, Adeeba Rasoli attended a traditional Afghan wedding where there were unique hand, the grooms wear a typical tuxedo on for traditions, clothing, food, and the bridesmaids performed a special traditional dance for the guests. Bottom right: his wedding. Vows are exchanged at a temple The bride and groom of the Afghan wedding pose for pictures in their wedding attire. where family and friends are welcome. A like king and queen.” reception is followed after the bride and groom signifies that the marriage will last as long as the glass is broken. Some couples send the If it were up to Uriarte, she would choose exchange their vows. not to have a wedding, much less a huge festive “[The food was] not exactly [significant] broken pieces of glass to close friends Indonesian wedding due to the fact that the but it is a tradition to kill a whole pig to and family as a reminder of their wedding. Many Indonesians have their own ways and ceremony is too conservative and serious for serve at the wedding. They also put a lot of customs for weddings her taste. However, Uriarte looks forward Vietnamese candy into a as well. Before the to attending Indonesian weddings because red bowl for the invitees” reception begins, the she gets to enjoy the food and happiness that said sophomore Kimberly Theres such a wide guests normally stand surrounds her. Huynh. variety of marriages around in a long line, waiting Students commonly have the same concern Apart from cultural the world and so many to greet the bride and with keeping their own weddings as traditional weddings, there are also interesting customs that go groom. What guests as their countries or to instead prefer to have religious weddings such along with those marriages... w e a r t o a w e d d i n g a move modernized wedding. There are many as a Jewish weddings. The depends on the time of students and faculty who want to have, or have chupah is traditionally a Holly Miller the party. If it is in the been, to weddings that are very nontraditional. canopy under which the afternoon then men can Anthropology teacher Holly Miller recounts an celebration occurs and Amthropology teacher wear long-sleeved casual American wedding that she went to. symbolizes the bride and shirts and women can “The wedding party sang and danced down groom making their home together. Instead of vows, Jewish weddings have a contract called the wear casual but nice clothes. If the wedding is the aisle” said Miller. AHS students have ketubah, which is read by the rabbi after the ring held in the evening then formal wear is worn. the benefit of living in a country where an ceremony. The newlyweds commonly frame An Indonesian wedding is mostly conservative impressive amount of different cultures reside. and nothing should be too revealing. The Interaction between people from two different their ketubah and display it in their homes. bridesmaids hold fans instead of flowers and countries allows each to get insight into the Photo teacher Meredith Stevens had their dresses are very colorful with lots of other, which increases understanding between a Jewish wedding three years ago and prints and patterns. them. Like Uriarte, one may be descended from explained a couple things that are typical in Junior Marissa Uriarte, who is of Indonesian two different cultures, but choose to have only a Jewish wedding. “There’s chair dancing, and Peruvian descent, said “I love the way the one of them portrayed in their wedding. Also, where the bride and groom are lifted up on bride is dressed up so elegantly with lots of gold there may be people like Rasoli, who would chairs and the guests dance around them” jewelery and make-up along with how happy choose to break off from tradition by having Steven said. Near the end of the ceremony, she looks next to the groom, they get treated their wedding outdoors. the groom breaks a glass with his foot, which

COURTESY OF ADEEBA RASOLI

On December 3, President Obama payed a surprised visit to troops stationed in Afghanistan and gave them his holiday greetings. Additionally, Obama gave an inspirational speech about fighting the war against extremists and that, even though many protest the war, the troops deserve support and thanks.

“

“I would make it peacock themed.”

—Hilla Haidari junior

“I would marry a groom that I wouldn’t divorce; that would be unique.”

Jessica Bitner — senior

”

“I would incorporate a guest appearance by Gucci Mane because it will be balling.

—Edcel Arguetta senior

Adjusting to change from South Korea “I would make

it themed in the 50’s.” Steven Fenchel — Biology teacher

Compiled by Alexis Gunther

To l i s t e n t o more podcasts of Annandale American Stories, go to www.thea-

By Jiyeon Bang from South Korea Do you know how South Korea and the U.S. are different? Every country is different and their school is different, too. Some things are the same and some things are different. Some differences here include customer service, school and food. When I came to the U.S. the customer service was very slow. Something happened to my phone or Internet. I had to call someone to help and fix it. But I also had to talk for over 30 minutes to tell them what happened. Some customer service people did not know much, so they transferred me to another customer service person to talk about it. One day they needed to come to my house. They came to our house three days later. I could not use my computer and phone. South Korea customer service is much better because they know what problems they have to fix. We don’t have to talk for more than 30 minutes. It is not complicated. When they needed to come to your house, they came to your house one day later. South Korean service is much better and faster. The school is more difficult in my country. The teachers are more helpful in the U.S. when I don’t understand class work or homework. I can stay after school with my teacher and I can ask my teacher to help me, so I can get good grades. The U.S. schools are freer. South Korean school has too many rules have to follow. South Korean teachers are not like U.S. teachers. They are stricter in South Korea. South Korean students are wearing uniforms everyday. We can’t grow our hair past our shoulders. Girls’ skirts can’t be over the knee and boys’ hair can’t cover their ears. South Korea schools have people who check students’ uniforms and hair. If they think uniform or hair is not correct, you will get detention. The U.S. school is much bigger than my country’s school. The U.S. school divides 4 lunches. They have 2 big

JAYRAN MORIDZADEH

•

Dec. 14, 2010

COURTESY OF ADEEBA RASOLI

Did You Know...

the

HAUMAIRA SAFI

International ABlast Unique traditional weddings

Sophmore Jiyeon Bang plays sports in her physical education class.

gyms and more classes to study and more teachers. The U.S. school is better than my country school. The foods are very different to my country foods. My country people eat more vegetables. We eat meat too but not that much. In the U.S. foods are more meats and oils. First time I came here, I ate pizza. It was so salty and greasy. I think the cheeses were different. Most of Korea foods are spicy or not salty. Korea foods are healthier because the cholesterol is lower than America foods. My country foods are taste better because it is not salty and greasy. So it’s healthy for your body and Korea foods have more kind of foods. My country foods are healthier than America foods. Moving to a new place is not easy. There are too many things to get used to so I can live here. Now I understood the U.S. customer service, school, and foods. I like it here, but I miss my country too.

Photo

ABlast

the

Dec. 14, 2010

Home for the holidays

Best of Show

Houses in the community decorate for the holidays

With December comes the holiday season. With food, decorations and ceremonies, AHS students display their unique customs and family traditions at their houses.

Emma Barker

Christmas at the Oakes’ This wooden display of Santa’s Workshop is outside of a house on Duncan Drive in Wakefield Chapel. The display also includes Christmas music.

Sophomore Stephen, senior John and 2010 alumnus Jennifer Oakes are definitely excited for Christmas time at their beautifully decorated home. The decorations which consist of garland, white lights, berries and bows all started with a sit-down Christmas dinner for over 70 people. Their home was designed professionally for this big party. They have kept the same decorations, but keep adding something new to the adornments each year.

Sophomore Stephen Oakes places baby Jesus into his manger. The Oakes’ Nativity scene sits on top of their mantel every Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Oakes decorated their articifical Christmas tree on the first weekend of December.

Wreaths, lights, and garland fill the entire floor of the Oakes’ house during the Christmas season.

A bowl of Christmas ornaments rests on the table in the living room for decoration.

Emma Barker

This house on Arlen Street near AHS features a life size nutcracker.

Some houses decorate more religiously with Nativity scenes such as this house on Tarheel Way in Wakefield Chapel.

Senior John Oakes takes his turn at placing the animal for that day on to their Christmas calendar as they count down the days until Christmas.

Hanukkah at the Singers’ Senior Lillian Singer and her family celebrate Hanukkah during the holiday season. It starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev and lasts eight nights. Each night, as they light one more candle, they recite the prayer, “Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tziavanu I’hadlik ner shel Hanuka.” This translates into “Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.”

Singer lights the fifth candle of Hanukkah as she recites the prayer.

Emma Barker

Courtesy of Lillian Singer

The other side of this Tarheel Way house features this lighted polar bear.

This is one of the many different designs of the Menorah, the name for the candle holder used during Hanukkah. The Menorah has eight candle holders in addition to one for the “Shamash” which is used to light the other eight candles.

The blow up snow globes, such as this one on Nutting Drive in Ravensworth Farm, are a popular decoration.

— Photos by Kristen Hennessey

The members of the Jewish Culture Club played Dreidel and competed for gold coins at the Hanukkah party on Dec 1.

Singer reads the story of Hanukkah during the Jewish Culture Club Hanukkah party. Singer is the President of the Jewish Culture Club and enjoys organizing meetings and parties for the club.

Emma Barker

Before beginning, each player starts with 10 or 15 coins, and then each player puts one in the pot. Before spinning the dreidel, each player deposits a fixed proportion of the amount received into a “kupah” or kitty. One of the players spins the dreidel. The dreidel stops and lands with one of the symbols facing up and the appropriate action is taken. Emma Barker

Emma Barker

The Rules of Dreidel

Go to www.thea-blast.org to see pictures from the Arlington Scottish Walk that took place in Old Town on Dec 4.

Dear Natalie, My problem is that I have a boyfriend, but the thing is that my parents don’t allow me to have a boyfriend and my grades are bad. My mom is in my space every second, so sometimes I feel really bad because I just don’t know what to do and get more confused then I already am. Then there’s my older brother. He’s been trying to find out what’s up with me and my new boy and it’s awkward. He promised to not say anything until I raised my grades. I just feel like its way too much to handle but I don’t want to break up with him. Can you please help me figure out how to get my grades up and be all right with my parents, brother and my boyfriend?

—Secret Boyfriend Dear Secret Boyfriend,

Have a problem? E-mail Natalie at natalie.johnsonn@gmail.com

What’s on your holiday wishlist? “A Starbucks gift card and a Shane Dawson t-shirt.”

Lizeth — Laime freshman

“A new Itouch because my old one broke.”

—Paul Helfgott sophomore

“I want Taylor Lautner for Christmas.”

Gaby — Taboada junior

Kylee Nisker

This is a lot to handle and I completely understand why you are so stressed out about it. First, I would focus on your grades. Stay after school with teachers if you feel like you don’t understand their material or feel like you are falling behind in their class. Also, try prioritizing. You should put your schoolwork ahead of hanging out with your boyfriend. I would not keep your boyfriend a secret for too long, however. If your parents find out before you have a chance to tell them, they will think you were sneaking around and lying to them. If you are honest with them, tell them that he is a good influence for you and that you feel like you are responsible and mature enough to handle a relationship. They will be more likely to agree with you ,or at least come to a compromise with you. Finally, in dealing with your brother, that is never easy. He will always be a very overprotective person in your life because he feels that is his job. Try to think of it as a compliment and realize that he is only trying to help you. —Natalie

Colleen ADenan

By Natalie Johnson

Yoga pants are really comfortable and great for physical activity and for just lounging around. You can buy yoga pants in a series of styles like cropped, leggings or as the flaired pants. Sophomore Shaima Najim wears yoga pant leggings with another trend, UGG boots. You can buy similar leggings at Victorias Secret and sports stores.

Rain jackets are stylish, comfortable, and are perfect for harsh weather. They have a waterproof outside coat to protect you from water and wind. The inside is nice and cozy to keep you warm during the cold winter months. Sophomore Jonathan Pratt wears a rain jacket by the popular The 0North Face brand.

Riding boots are becoming more popular throughout the oncoming winter season. Junior Angelica Padilla wears hers with a pair of ripped jeans. These neutral color boots can go with just about anything. UGGs, like last year, are just as popular because of the warm fur on the inside. These boots can also be bought in neutral colors, which work well with any outfit.

The new face

The South Butt is a popular and ironic knock-off-brand of The North Face By Rowan Shartel Staff Writer Amid the sea of students making their way from class to class in the halls every day, it is not uncommon to see people sporting many jackets and backpacks with the familiar upward-curving three small stripes that mark the logo of the widely recognized brand, The North Face. One thing that is not seen as often, but is slowly becoming more popular, is an alternate logo, with two small stripes curving downward. This brand, The South Butt, has been turning heads since its creation in 2007 by Jimmy Winklemann, a teenager from Missouri. “I think [The South Butt] is really funny,” sophomore Skye Lindberg said. The brand was created because Winklemann wanted to encourage people to look outside the box, according to a report on the ABC News website. Their logo, “Never Stop Relaxing,” mocks The North Face’s “Never Stop Exploring.” “I really want one because they make me laugh,” junior Bekah Zorn said. Besides being entertaining, the apparel offered is more affordable than its

competitor. The Denali Fleece Jacket, one of the most popular items from The North Face, sells for $165, while fleece jackets sell for $70 from The South Butt. “I like it because it’s unique and it’s a funny pun off The North Face apparel,” sophomore Julia Copenhaver said, who owns a South Butt shirt. While some students see it as just a pun, others do not. “I think that The South Butt shouldn’t be sold because it is an idea stolen from the original The North Face. It’s selling without the consent of the owner,” junior Amiel Terry said. The North Face took this further. According to ABCnews.com, in late 2009 they threatened to sue Winklemann for trademark infringement. Though he has not backed down, responding with an offer that The North Face could purchase The South Butt for $1 million. Since then, he has withdrawn the offer and no further legal action was taken, although tension is still high between the companies. For now, The South Butt remains an interesting idea created by a student that is gaining recognition across the country.

“I want a disc with Old and New Bible Testaments to listen to.”

—KW Williams security specialist Compiled by Sarah Bergen, Daniel Park and Corinne Balicki

Rowan Shartel

Go to www.thea-blast.org to read about the struggles couples in different grades face.

Sophomore Julia Copenhaver shows off her pink T-Shirt from the knockoff North Face company, The South Butt.

Freshman Yesenia Blount wears a bracelet with “I love boobies” written in a colorful design on a plastic band. These popular bracelets were designed to raise awareness about breast cancer. The Keep A Breast Foundation is a nonprofit organization that sells these well-known bracelets. They also carry other bracelets that say “Check yourself’”and “Glamour kills.” You can purchase these bracelets on www.keepa-breast.org as well as t-shirts and totes that support breast cancer research.

5 Erin george

Advice Column

The top 5 trends of 2010

Rowan Shartel

Nag Natalie

Dec. 14, 2010

Colleen Adenan

Lifestyles

Bright nail polish seems to be quite a hit this year; lots of teens wear all sorts of colors. The most popular colors seem to be the neon blue and neon pink. Freshman Jaskiran Kaur unzips her pencil pouch with her bright neon green nails. You can buy cheap nail polish from companies such as NYC, Wet and Wild, and Sally Hansen or go for more expensive polish from O.P.I. and Piggy Polish.

Sports X-tra

ABlast

the

Yoga heats up around AHS

FiveFinger shoes take over fitness world

AHS students move their winter workouts indoors to burn off holiday calories in recreational centers

By Esra Gokturk Sports X-tra Editor

You rush inside, trying to avoid the cold winter winds as much as possible. You turn the door knob and open the door, only to have the warm, 95 degree heat hit your numb face. You have just entered the classroom of a grueling hot yoga session. Hot yoga is basically like regular yoga with one major change - the class is held in about 100 degree climate. The thinking behind hot yoga is that the heat helps cleanse the body and mind and makes muscles, tendons, and ligaments more flexible and therefore it is easier to perform the different exercises. “I like [hot yoga] because it is very calming, and I like it more than regular yoga because it feels like more of a workout,” senior Kate Bermingham said. Some benefits of hot yoga include improving the immune system, toning muscles, and increased weight loss. “My favorite part of hot yoga is where I literally sweat off five pounds a session. Score!” senior Kate Nguyen said. Although this is not always true, sometimes when a beginner comes to a class the instructors will make them sit for a few sessions to allow them to build a tolerance to the heat before they join in and start attempting the different poses. When asked how she first heard about hot yoga, Bermingham responded, “I heard about it from my mom’s friend and it sounded interesting so I decided to try it out.” “The fact that you have to withstand 105 degree weather and continue to exercise is definitely the hardest part of hot yoga,” Nguyen said. Many gyms and yoga studios around AHS host this program and once you have joined a classroom all you’ll need is a water bottle, comfortable clothes and yoga mat. “I go to a studio in Alexandria and I think the most fun part of yoga is just the way the instructors teach, it is really funny sometimes,” Nguyen said. Although this is a relatively new trend and not everyone knows about it, many people were enthusiastic when they were asked if they would want to join a hot yoga class.

Esra Gokturk

By Betsy Kruse Staff Writer

Many students around AHS, typicially girls, participate in hot yoga classes in various recreational centers in the area, ususally with groups of friends to get their exercise.

“I definitely want to try hot yoga because it seems like a great way to lose lots of calories and improve your flexibility,” sophomore Connie Tran said. Of course, nothing is perfect and there are some potential risks to hot yoga. Although, usually there is nothing to worry about, sometimes the heat will allow muscles to stretch so much that they can become damaged. To prevent that from happening, you should keep in mind that you should not push yourself too hard. “I would totally recommend hot yoga because it is a great way to relieve your stress and it is healthy for you too,” Nguyen said. So remember to bring your water and get ready to sweat when you head to your next session of hot yoga.

Audrey Moore winter break workouts December 2010-January 2011 Dec. 25

Dec. 24

Dec. 23 10:15 a.m.: Fit to the Core 5:00 p.m.: Power Pump Basics 6:00 p.m.: Cycle Challenge

Dec. 28

8:00 a.m.: Cycle Spiin 9:00 a.m.: Cycle Challenge

9:00 a.m.: Butt n Guts 10:15 a.m.: Abs, Back, and Stretch 6:00 p.m.: Boot Camp Basics

Dec.26

No classes- Enjoy your holidays and your winter break!

11:00 a.m.: Yoga Basics

Dec. 29

Dec. 27

9:00 a.m.: Cycle Challenge

9:00 a.m.: Cardio Sculpt

9:00 a.m.: Winter Wind Down (family yoga)

12:00 p.m.: Cycle Spin

10:00 a.m.: Winter workout

Dec. 30

Dec. 31

9:00 a.m.: Hi/Lo

9:00 a.m.: 100% Step

5:30 p.m.: Strength and Lengthen

10:15 a.m.: Fit to the Core

7:00 p.m.: Cycle Challennge

7:30 p.m.: Hip Hop Hustle

9:00 a.m.: Sculpt, Strength and Tone 10:15 p.m.: Pump Fusion 6:00 p.m.: Yoga Basics

6:00 p.m.: Step it up

Jan. 1 7:30 a.m.: Cycle Spin 9:00 a.m.: Total Toning 10:00 a.m.: Kickboxing 101

There is always a new pair of shoes on the market, each one claiming to be even better than the previous version. However, after you, along with millions of others, go out and purchase the newest trend, you realize those new shoes are very similar to your old pair. This is especially true with athletic shoes. It can be hard to find the right pair for your sport and foot type. Sorting through the hundreds of options big name brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour provide is tedious. Each one declares that the newest model from its brand will help you achieve the highest level of athletic performance possible. Well, Vibram footwear has put an end to the repetitive athletic footwear dilemma. It is an international brand known for its soles, which maximize safety, protection, comfort and durability. Vibram provides shoes for outdoor activities like mountain climbing, to industrial strength shoes for firefighters, to every day casual shoes. Recently, a new pair of shoes has become the latest craze among outdoor athletes and adventurists. Named the FiveFinger shoe, it has a unique quality that stands it apart from all other athletic footwear. It has five slots for each toe, which basically act like gloves for your feet. These FiveFinger shoes are designed to mimic a barefoot experience while providing protection for the bottom of your feet. However, the odd appearance of the shoes may hinder their selling ability even with the quality materials. “I think they’re ugly but they look like they could be comfortable and helpful,” Senior Syed Alli said. Other AHS students think that the appearance should not matter, and people should focus on the capabilities of the shoes. “I think that if the shoes can be beneficial to athletes and improve fitness, then it shouldn’t matter that they are ugly,” said junior Jessica Hotter. In addition to its exceptional design, the shoes can be worn for a multitude of activities. The shoes are advertised for high performance in running, kayaking, boating, yoga, hiking, mountain or rock climbing, or even as casual footwear. They are even used for swimming as water shoes, giving them the nickname mermaid shoes. The peculiar shoes not only protect your feet, but are said to improve balance, strength, agility and overall health. Some studies have come from observing the increased performance of certain tribes that do not wear shoes,. This leads to the belief that shoes imitating a barefoot lifestyle are best for the body. Vibram FiveFinger shoes are a refreshing new trend compared to generic athletic brand footwear, and despite their appearance are shown to improve physical fitness and athletic ability.

Courtesy of CitySports.com

Dec 14, 2010

What workout class is the best for me? Cardio

Cycle Spin/Challenge: This is a cycling class for all levels with an instructor for the riders (45 minutes). Challenge: (55 minutes). Cardio Sculpt/Total Toning: Focuses on cardiovascular endurance and strength. May use weights (55 minutes) 100% Step/ Step it up: Intense step aerobics class that challenges your body (55 minutes). Hi/Lo: An aerobics class with flexibilty on exercises (55 minutes). Hip Hop Hustle: A dance class for all levels (55 minutes). Kickboxing 101: Improves cardiovascular strength, endurance and agility. Includes cardio drills (55 minutes).

Strength

Power Pump Basics/Pump Fusion: Improves muscular strength, definition and tone in body- uses weights with a choreographed instuctor (55 minutes).

FiveFingers shoes all have a slot for each toe and come in various sizes and colors.

Abs, Back and Stretch: Less intense than Pilates. Exercises core muscles to help with strength, flexibility, posture and form (55 minutes). Butts n’ Guts: Toning workout that that concentrates on core strength and lower body definition and performance (55 minutes). Fit to the core: Core exercises to improve posture (55 minutes). Boot Camp Basics: Boot camp style class which incorporates running drills, jump rope, plyometrics, boxing, and core exercises (55 minutes). http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/

Go to the web to see a new reveiw of the latest Washington Capitals game.

Sports

The place in which Bile finished of the forty runners that competed in the Foot Locker National Finals, held on Dec. 11 in San Diego, California. Bile’s time of 15:33 earned him All-American status.

In the first two games of the season, the varsity boys basketball team was able to overcome sluggish starts to defeat Wakefield and J.E.B. Stuart High Schools. On Dec. 10, however, the team dug itself too big of a hole and never could overcome a 13-0 start by South County, falling to the Stallions, 65-58. “Some of us didn’t come out to play at the beginning,” Head Coach Anthony Harper said. “We were sleepwalking for part of the first quarter but I wanted to try to let [the team] work it out. But I probably should have called a timeout.” Despite the slow start, the Atoms were able to fight back and cut the deficit to eight points at halftime. “We changed to our zone press which got us turnovers and easy buckets, which is what you need to go on a run like that,” Harper said. “Senior leadership from players like D’Angelo Boyce also helped because he really began to take over the game.” Boyce finished with a game-high 27 points, while fellow senior Melvin Robinson was the only other Atoms

Bile’s winning time from the Virginia Cross Country State Championships on Nov. 13. Bile won the race by only two hundredths of a second.

15:27

The number of miles Bile ran in one of his workouts prior to regionals. Head Cross Country Coach David O’Hara biked alongside Bile in what he described as one of his hardest workouts.

The number of weeks Bile was forced to sit out after spraining his foot in the first meet of the season. Bile did not return to competition until the district meet, held just over six weeks prior to nationals.

Junior Ahmed Bile follows in World Champion father’s footsteps as All-American

By Rowan Shartel Staff Writer The AHS Swim and Dive team pulled their record up to 1-1 for both boys and girls following their meet on Dec. 10 against T.C. Williams High School at Mt. Vernon Rec Center. It was a successful night for the team, as the boys won 211 points to 103 points and the girls won 225 points to 81 points. “I think the swim meet went very well,” Assistant Coach Donna Kruse said. The team is just starting out their season and has only competed against one other school so far, so the win was a solid way to improve their record after their loss to South County on Dec. 3. According to most members of the team, it was something of a “fun meet” because AHS has generally had a solid winning record against T.C. Williams. “There was a lot of spirit,” sophomore swimmer Jenny Jessen said. Key races included the boys 200 meter freestyle, which swept, meaning that all swimmers from Annandale finished before any T.C. swimmers. Another interesting race was the girls 400 meter freestyle relay, which had an upset. The girls A-

“Bile” from page 1 had to save a lot of energy [for the hill], so I didn’t have as much energy on the kick.” In the final leg of the race, Bile started his kick and moved up several places to take 14th place out of the 40-person field. “It was a 2-loop course with a huge hill, so I wanted to make sure he didn’t go out to fast,” O’Hara said. “A lot of the guys running have been nothing but first so it is natural for them to want to get out quickly. I wanted [Ahmed] to be around 20th for the first lap around the course; and he was 21st so it was perfect. He just started moving up and picking people off [in the last half of the race].” It “runs” in the family

Rachel Bergen

Visit www.thea-blast.org for video coverage of swim and dive’s pre-season training and more boys basketball photos.

player in double figures with 14 points. “The intensity was there [the whole game] but the defense wasn’t,” senior Melvin Robinson said. Boyce leads the Atoms with an average of 18.3 points per game. Robinson averages 13.3 per game and fellow senior Ronnie McCoy averages 11.3 points. Sophomore Sanar Shamdeen rounds out the leading scorers with 11.0 points per game. The offensive production should improve for the Atoms with the return of senior Karl Ziegler, who has sat out the first three games of the season with a fracture in his foot. Last year, Ziegler was the leading scorer for the team and is expected to begin practicing this week. “[Getting Ziegler back] will help tremendously,” Harper said. “He’s a very important part of this team. Not only will [opposing] teams have to worry about D’Angelo and Melvin, but also him because he’s a big offensive threat. Defensively, [he’ll help because] he can match up well with the better players on other teams.” The Atoms have high hopes this year, with eight seniors on the team. “We want to win the District Championship and then get past the semi-finals [of regionals],” Robinson said. With the return of Ziegler, the Atoms will be in good position to achieve these goals.

Senior Melvin Robinson looks toward the basket as he prepares to make a lay-up during the Atoms’ loss to the Stallions.

Family tradition of running excellence

Swim rebounds with wins over T.C.

team (meaning the team comprised of swimmers with the fastest times) lost to the girls B-team, which was an exciting turn of events. Sophomore Harris Fitzgerel was a swimmer in the boys 500 meter freestyle event, and said he feels satisfied with his performance. “[The 500 meter] isn’t as hard as it seems, but it’s still long,” Fitzgerel said. Sophomore Tessa Iglesias was participating in her second high school swim meet ever, having only joined the team this year. “The team did really well against T.C.” Iglesias said. “We worked together and all had really great relays.” While winning races and earning points is encouraged because it guarantees a win for the team as a whole, improving personal times is also an important aspect of swimming. “We had some very strong swims and a lot of the swimmers shaved many seconds off their previous times,” Kruse said. On Dec. 17 the swim team will face off against Lee High School at 6:30 p.m. at Audrey Moore Rec Center in their next district meet.

Basketball unable to erase early deficit in first loss of season By David Hookey Co-Editor in Chief

B i l e ’s p l a c e i n t h e Foot Locker South Regional, held on Nov. 27 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bile’s time of 15:02 was seventh best of those recorded by national qualifiers at their respective regional competitions.

Junior Andrew Risse warms up before competing in the 100 meter butterfly event. Risse also participated in two relays during the team’s win against T.C.

Boys fall to 2-1 vs. Stallions

A.J. MCCafferty

Ahmed Bile By the Numbers

Dec. 14, 2010

Bile’s performance should not come as a surprise for those who believe that athletic success is passed down from generation to generation. Abdi Bile, Ahmed’s father, was the 1987 World Champion in the 1500-meter race. He was also the first Somali runner to ever achieve the title of World Champion in this event. Despite Abdi’s accomplishments, however, he did not push Ahmed into running. “I just played soccer [as a kid],” Bile said. “[My dad] encouraged me in soccer, so I played that for eight years. I was interested in running but I didn’t like it nearly as much as soccer.” Abdi is not the only Bile to have garnered success in the running world. Ahmed’s uncle (Abdi’s brother), Jama Bile, was a national champion in high school in the one-mile and placed 23rd at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in 1991. “There’s a bit of pressure in every race because everyone asks about my dad,” Bile said. “And it doesn’t help that all the newspapers always reference it too.” Before the race, the two decorated runners had plenty of advice for Ahmed, both having competed in pressure-packed races before. “My dad and uncle told me to run smart and to just enjoy myself and have fun,” Bile said. “They said how there was a lot more pressure to win states, and that everything afterward was just icing on the cake.” His dad and uncle do not, however, train

Ahmed to become a better runner. “My dad gives me tips here and there, but [training] is pretty much all with coach O’Hara,” Bile said. The Journey to All-American When Bile entered high school, he did not have his sights set on becoming an All-American runner. In fact, running wasn’t even going to be his main sport. “I was a soccer player freshman year,” he said. “I started running at the beginning of sophomore year to train for soccer.” Running as a form of training did not last, however, as Bile quickly developed into one of the fastest runners at AHS. “I was pretty average with cross country sophomore year, but indoor [track] is where I got remotely good,” he said. During the indoor season, Bile placed second in the Northern Region in the 1000-meter run. He

“

There’s a bit of pressure on me in every race because everyone asks about my dad. - Ahmed Bile

”

continued his success in the subsequent outdoor season, where he won events at multiple levels. “I won the district mile and district 4x8[00 meter relay] that outdoor season,” Bile said. Not only did his 4x800 relay win the district, but it also broke both the school and district record. At regionals, Bile won the 800-meter race, as well as the 4x800 relay and at the state meet, he placed second in the 800 and fifth in the 4x800. For his efforts, Bile earned All-Met Honorable mention. “Our 4x8 was about as close as you can get as a relay, so seeing him have all this success is like watching a family member do something incredible,” Class of 2010 graduate Michael Ejigu said. Ejigu, along with Daniel Blasser and Yohan Calcuttawalla, were the other members of that 4x800 relay team. Heading into this cross country season, Bile had high hopes to continue his success from the outdoor season. These hopes, however, were severely hindered when he sprained his foot at

the beginning of the year in a small meet against TJ. “It was like the equivalent to a scrimmage,” Bile said. “I just stepped the wrong way on a rock or something. I couldn’t feel it during the race, but I couldn’t walk after [the race].” The injury forced Bile to sit out seven weeks of the season and made it so his first race back was the Patriot District Championship; a meet in which he placed fourth. “I didn’t feel the injury physically [at districts], but in terms of fitness I was out of shape so I raced pretty bad,” he said. The injury, however, did not affect him as much at the Northern Region Championships or the State Championship. “I think the injury [ended up being] a benefit because everyone else was running tired, so it was nice to be fresh,” Bile said. Bile won both the Northern Region Championship as well as the Virginia State AAA Championships. In doing so, he qualified for the Foot Locker South Regional in which the top 10 runners advanced to Nationals in San Diego. At the South Regional, Bile placed fourth out of runners from 13 different states. “It really was a dream season,” O’Hara said. “We weren’t sure if there even was going to be a season and now he’s the 14th best runner in the entire country.” Bile was not always this good of a runner, though. “He had no idea what he was doing [when he first started],” O’Hara said. “[During a race] he sat behind someone for awhile and then with a lap to go he would just kick. Now he’s got great race poise and good race strategy.” “He had the obvious natural abilities and I just gave him the confidence to have the patience to not go too hard too quick,” he said. The future remains bright for Bile, who will be able to run for five more seasons in his high school career. O’Hara doesn’t want him back into the hard workouts just yet, though. “I’m shutting him down for 3-4 weeks,” he said. “He needs a rest because he’s been at it since August.” Bile just hopes he can continue what he has started at Nationals next year and further crawl out from his father’s shadow. “I’ll know the course a lot better and have the experience of running it,” he said. “I’ll know when to ease up and when to make a move.” For now, however, Bile can relish in his storybook season and continue to make a name for himself in the running world.

Lack of consistency problematic for 'Skins Aftergut’s Afterthoughts Sports Column

By CJ Aftergut Extra points in the National Football League (NFL) are supposed to be made. They are often considered a given, and require only the execution of a simple play. They may even prove to be the difference in a game, and if not executed properly, could have haunting consequences. Such a botched play came back to hurt the Washington Redskins, who fell 16-17 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 12. With only seconds left in the game, Washington holder Hunter Smith was unable to handle a high snap on the point-after attempt, bringing an end to the Redskins’ hopes for a comeback victory. This failure to execute not only cost Washington the game, but also demolished any hope the team had for a playoff birth. In a season characterized by constant instability and unpredictability, it was just

one more play gone wrong for the Redskins. What began as a promising season, with a 4-3 start and victories over both the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, is now meaningless, and the team is fighting only for a respectable record. They are now 5-8, and have fallen to third place in the NFC East, four games out of first and just one ahead of the last-place Cowboys. They have both defeated first-place teams and fallen to those with losing records, which leaves fans questioning who is to blame for their disappointing streak. It is easy to put the blame on the Redskins’ kicker, Graham Gano, who although not at fault for the failed extra point, missed two short field goals earlier in the game. Gano has now missed eight field goals on the season, which puts him 37th in the NFL in terms of field goal percentage. However, Gano’s total of 21 field goals is seventh best in the league, which in itself makes it hard to place the blame on Gano alone. So, who is at fault for the Redskins’ recent losing streak? This question is hard to answer, as the team as a whole has slumped in recent weeks. Washington is currently ranked 20th or lower in terms of total offense and total defense, due in part to a number of injuries on both sides. Still, there must be some reason why the team has had so much trouble

producing. With a typically strong defense, the fact that the team is 22nd in points allowed per game is much of a letdown. More disappointingly, however, has been the performance of the offense, whose lack of a running game has left it reliant on quarterback Donovan McNabb. In his first season as a Redskin, McNabb has faced much criticism, but except for a poor touchdown-to-interception ration, has performed well for the team. So, if not McNabb, who deserves the blame for the Redskins’ disappointing performance thus far? Truth is, the blame cannot be forced upon the shoulders of any single player. The team as a whole is in a state of re-building, and has been for the past several years. Within 11 games they had improved on their 4-12 record from last year, which in itself shows that they have already made positive developments. At this point, the team’s main goal is improvement, and despite the injuries they have faced, they have shown progress throughout the year. Now all the Redskins must do to establish themselves as a competitive program is achieve a level of stability and consistency that will enable them to contend with any team in the NFL.

Dec 14, 2010

Girls fall to Stallions “We have to make sure we start off the game focused,” Head Coach Patrick Hughes said. “We got caught up in the momentum of the game.” The loss on Dec. 10 by 10 points with a final score of 49-39 to the, no. 20 team in the Metropolitan area, South County Stallions. The team struggled on defense and couldn’t get rebounds early on. As a result the lady Atoms broke their two game winning streak and received their first defeat of the year. “I thought it was a good game and everyone played well together; we just couldn’t get the win,” junior Hailey Brown said. Offensively, the Atoms were unable to make a 3-point shot throughout the whole game, while junior Jackie Beathia had 12 points and lead the Atoms in scoring. This lack of production proved fatal for the Atoms as they were unable to come back. “We need to cut down on our silly turnovers and need to get more focused on beating the team, rather than just

Girls Basketball vs South County 12/10

A.J MCCAFFERTY

By Jake Barnes Sports Editor

competing with them,” senior captain Kelly Hughes said. Hughes had 7 points on the night. “I definitely think we did some good things, we fought to get back into the game and I think we could have beat them,” Hughes said. With the loss against South County, the Atoms move to third in the district falling behind No. 1 West Springfield and the two teams tied for second, T.C. Williams and W.T. Woodson. Prior to the loss against the Stallions, the Atoms dominated the JEB Stuart Raiders by a score of 70-23. Beathia led the team in scoring with 29 points and Hughes added 12. It was the second straight year that the Atoms scored 70 points on the Raiders. This year ’s team is very young, consisting of four seniors. The rest of the team is five juniors, two sophomores, and finally a single freshmen, Ally Mastrota. On the season, Beathia leads the Atoms in scoring with 18 points per game. Sophomore Diana Hurtado is second on the team in scoring with 9 points per game and Hughes is third on the team with 8 per game. The girls’ next game is on Dec. 14 at Herndon High School. AHS is currently 2-1 and will face off against the 2-2 Hornets.

A.J MCCAFFERTY

In first leg of doubleheader Atoms turnovers lead to defeat

Sports

Junior Lorraine Turner forces a jump ball. Turner scored 2 points against South County.

Sophomore Gaby Ripani drives to the hoop during the Atoms loss to the South County Stallions. Ripani scored 4 points in tne game.

Wrestling cuts the fat over winter break The age-old struggle with adequate hydration and performance renews as wrestling begins

Winter track starts off strong with key early wins over district rivals West Springfield and Robert E. Lee High By Parker Gilcash Staff writer Boys and girls winter track remain undefeated after the first meet of the season on Dec. 4. They both easily beat West Springfield and Lee to acquire a 2-0 record. “[It was a] great start to the season; we had some good early season performances,” Head Coach Sean Miller said. One athlete that shined was senior shot-putter Paul Phongsavan. “I threw my best throw I ever have: 42 [feet],10 [inches].” However that was not quite enough, as he came in second. “I got second, [but] my goal is to make it to regionals,” Phongsavan said. Junior Dylan Van Balen also had a strong performance in the meet, as he came in first in his 300-meter race. “I did well, but I didn’t quite make my goal time, but it’s still early in the season,” Van Balen said. However, not everybody did as well as they had hoped. “I thought I did alright. I hope to improve over the season. My goal is to help the team win districts,” senior Patrick Goodman said. The boys winter track team won the Patriot District Championship two years ago and also won districts in spring track last year. Their goals are just as high this year. “I think we are going to win districts and possibly be in the top three in the region,” sophomore Abner Casillas said. Van Balen seemed just as optimistic. “The team is looking really good this season. I think we have a strong chance of winning districts and being competitive in the region.” The Atoms next meet is against Wakefield and West Potomac on Dec. 17. They hope to remain undefeated in the regular season, ultimately leading to another district championship.

wrestlers register their scratch, or competition, weights. Wrestlers consume copious amounts of whole grains (bread, pasta, and granola) and protein (sources include chicken, fish, and beef) prior to meets. The focus on nutrition, largely composed of avoiding alluring sodas and chips, is not the sole concern of wrestlers. “Once you start working out, maintain a regular schedule for wrestlingonce your weight goes down, it’s really easy to cut weight because your body is used to the exercise and you can begin to gain muscle,” Vo said. Junior Andy Stratton, who competes at the varsity level, said he got in shape for wrestling by doing sprints, bleachers, and log rolls. Stratton also did summer wrestling to condition for this year’s football and wrestling seasons. The first meet of the wrestling season took place at Forest Park High on December third. Annandale lost 15 to 60. Freshman Dominic Maier, who is a member of the JV team, won his match. “You win by pin, which means I kept his shoulders on the ground for more than two seconds,” Maier said. After practicing from 2 p.m. to 6:30 pm for six days a week, the only relaxation wrestlers get comes from sitting in the bleachers at a two hour meet until their name and weight class are called to compete.

Coach’s Corner

LANCE MILLER

Varsity wrestlers senior Jon Le and junior Dane Harlowe practice from referees posittion during practice. The two compete at the 112 and 118 weight classes.

Wrestling Coach Keith Sholders Q.Coming off of a District Championship last year what are your goals for the team this year to repeat your success? A. “I want to get kids to fight hard and to repeat as Patriot District Champions.” Q. What new workouts has the team been using to increase your success? A. “Nothing. Same Workout. Same Plan.” Q. What is your outlook for this season? A. “District Champions.”

DAVID HOOKEY

Early success indoors

Freshmen Ally Mastrota takes a charge from a South County player. JAKE BARNES

This holiday season, middle-aged women aren’t the only ones watching their weight. The AHS wrestling team must monitor the scales as well for the winter sports season. “You know what really helps when trying to cut weight? Your mom bringing home Oreo brownies… thanks mom,” senior Tyler Jackson recently posted as his Facebook status. Jackson’s frustration stems from having to drop pounds in order to fit into a more advantageous weight class. The athletes, who are weighed in before every meet to be matched fairly with opponents, constantly endeavor to be at the heavier end of a lighter weight class, rather than at the lower end of a higher weight class. “[As a way to cut weight], what I like to do is to chew gum. [This way] I have some taste of flavor [in my mouth] so I am not tempted to eat a lot after working out. I also run,” varsity sophomore David Vo said. Whether in the 103-pounds-and-below Featherweight class, or the 215-pounds-and-above Heavyweight class, hydration plays a key role in wrestlers’ weights. The hydration test conducted before every wrestling season by the AHS athletic trainers measures how hydrated an athlete’s body is and, when calculated with weight and body fat, shows how much weight an athlete is able to lose per week. “Losing weight too fast is very bad and unhealthy,” Vo said. “[I] can possibly lose about 3.6 pounds per week.” The W-1 form expertly monitors the weight of these athletes state-wide. The Virginia High School League (VHSL) Wrestling Weight Control Program, begun in 1989 and officially organized by 2002, issues the weight certification forms, which are a requirement for all participating wrestlers before every meet. “Hydrate [doesn’t mean drinking] soda or Red Bull. Get hydrated on water, milk, Gatorade, Powerade, or 100 percent fruit juice,” Vo said. Vo’s knowledge coincides greatly with the Hydration Tip Handout found on the VHSL Wrestling Weight Control Program’s website, a form that, ironically, encourages pushing fluids to flush waste out of the body before

A.J MCCAFFERTY

By Kate Grandchamp Staff Writer

Go to Thea-blast.org to see Isabelle Yaroch commit to Queens College for softball.

What is your favorite gift you have ever received? “My greatgrandfather’s watch that I got when I was twelve.”

—Ali Imran freshman

“Last summer, my dad bought me a PS3 for having all A’s and B’s for fourth quarter.”

Entertainment

A Blast

the

Entertainment gift guide

The best presents to get your loved ones this holiday season Book worms

Gamers

Amazon has recently released a new Kindle, which has 3G wireless and WiFi, so users can connect to the internet anywhere. While purchasing a kindle for $189 is out of the average high schooler’s budget, there are many accessories that a kindle-owner would appreciate. There are various silicone and leather cases, which are great for protecting Kindles from daily wear and damage. For those on your gift list who still like to read real books, bookmarks and book lights are great standard gifts that can range from $5 to $25.

The newest video game trend is the Kinect for Xbox 360. This sensor is Microsoft’s controller-free response to the success of the Nintendo Wii. Players can simply follow the motions on the screen, and the Kinect sensor can read the movements. The sensor alone can be as pricey as $250, but there are many other more wallet-friendly gifts this holiday season. For Washington Capitals fans, NHL 11 for PS3 and Xbox 360 runs at the more reasonable price of $50.

Movie lovers

—Hamza Waseem sophomore

“When I was eight, I got a dog for Christmas named Blue.”

Andrew — Clarke junior

—Becca Sponga junior

“My favorite gift was a love sac from my dad that I got just last month.”

Nick — Doumbia senior

“When I was twelve, I got a Karaoke machine for Christmas.”

Music aficionados

One of the biggest movies of the year, Toy Story 3, came out on DVD recently. A great gift for a movie lover is the full set of the Toy Story trilogy on DVD, as the first two movies were released before DVDs were common. However, buying the films as a set can be as costly as $65. Making a full set by purchasing each movie individually will be around $40, saving roughly $25. If your movie lover is not a Toy Story fan, a portable DVD player is sure to be a great gift. While nicer varieties can be found for prices as high as $150, many types can be bought at the affordable price of $50.

No matter what genre of music you are looking for, there are plenty of great box sets to fulfill your needs. Ranging from The Beatles to the Phantom of the Opera, box sets can be found for everyone. Although there are some (such as The Beatles seventeen-disc collection) that sell for as much as $150, many can be found for under $20. Alternatively, there are many new iHomes, which are clock radios that can play and charge an iPod. Now many are compatible with iPads and can even provide bluetooth wireless technology for the iPad, iPod touch or iPhone. These are around $200, so some of the older models may be a wiser and less expensive purchase at $25.

Spreading Christmas cheer for all to hear There is nothing bad about a little holiday spirit arriving early

“My Promaster 35 mm camera that I got for Christmas.”

By Carly Bouchard Photographer Come the start of November, most kids are suffering from post-Halloween stress disorder, which frequently causes them to mope around the house with nothing to do. I, on the other hand, am joyously skipping around my house filled holiday spirit. It’s time for the the shopping, music, decorations and spirit! I don’t care what others think, Christmas time begins the day after Halloween. If you don’t agree with me, just go check what day Starbucks began using their holiday cups. Don’t be a Scrooge, this is a good thing. I am part of the particular breed of Americans that, unlike the majority of the public, has too much holiday spirit to simply bottle it up until Black Friday. What’s the point? If I were to do so, I would only have about 35 days to celebrate whatAndy Williams deemed “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” That is not enough time to accomplish my long list of Christmas festivities. Before the mocking begins, take a moment to acknowledge that I am not alone. “The mall decorations and music put you in a good mood,” junior Evelyn

Jaramillo said. “You can’t be in a bad mood around Christmas.” vjian Anne Ka “I agree,” sophomore Jonathan Pratt said. “Everything is a lot by Mary Graphic more upbeat and happy.” Nothing is wrong with beginning the holiday season earlier than most, in fact, it’s probably more efficient. When I begin shopping early, there is a greater chance that the stores will have what I am looking to purchase. If I wait until Black Friday, the stores will be a wreck and it is simply impossible to find clothing in the right size. A frequent complaint I hear among students with less spirit is that the music starts too early. Yes, 97.1 WASH FM begins the tunes in midNovember, but that is one station. Leave the station that caters to my needs alone, and go listen to one of the dozens of other stations that plays other genres. Remember, as Buddy the elf would say, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Many people think that commercialism takes away from Christmas, but I believe it helps people prepare for the holidays by reminding them that the big day is approaching. Additionally, Santa made a naughty and nice list for a reason, and by spreading my exuberant cheer around the halls of AHS, I know that I am climbing my way up the nice list. For those of you that try to stop me, just don’t be surprised when old Saint Nick leaves you a lump of coal in your stocking in a few weeks.

zSzUzDzOzKzUz

—Caroline Kane senior

“When I was made head coach of the boys soccer team at AHS.”

Stephen — Howes Personal Fitness teacher

Dec. 18 Holiday Classics Marathon 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on ABC Family Dec. 22 12th Annual Home for the Holidays 8 p.m. on CBS Dec. 24 A Christmas Story 8 p.m. on TBS

Go to thea-blast.org to read students’ reactions to the Grammy nominations.

websudoku.com

Dec. 14 It’s a Wonderful Life 8 p.m. on NBC

Top ten of 2010 Top ten song picks

Top ten movies

1. California Gurls - Katy Perry 2. Love the Way You Lie - Eminem (feat. Rihanna) 3. Nothin’ On You - B.o.B. 4. Airplanes - B.o.B. 5. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum 6. Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars 7. Break Your Heart - Taio Cruz 8. OMG - Usher 9. Bad Romance - Lady Gaga 10. Rude Boy - Rihanna

1. Toy Story 3 2. Alice in Wonderland 3. Inception 4. Shrek Forever After 5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 6. Eclipse 7. Iron Man 2 8. Despicable Me 9. Clash of the Titans 10. How to Train Your Dragon

From MTV.com

From Box Office Mojo

Top ten must-reads

—Compiled by Stephanie Allshouse and Betsey Kruse

Holiday specials on TV

Dec. 14, 2010

1. The Passage - Justin Cronin 2. The Irresistible Henry House - Lisa Grunwald 3. Country Driving - Peter Hessler 4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest - Stieg Larsson 5. The Big Short - Michael Lewis 6. Matterhorn - Karl Marlantes 7. The Imperfectionists - Tom Rachman 8. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot 9. Just Kids - Patti Smith 10. The Lonely Polygamist - Brady Udall From Amazon.com

Top ten video games 1. Red Dead Redemption for PS3 and Xbox 360 2. Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Wii 3. Battlefield Bad Company 2 for PS3 and Xbox 360 4. God of War III for Xbox 360 5. Mass Effect 2 for Xbox 360 6. MLB 10 The Show for PS3 7. 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa for Xbox 360, Wii and PS3 8. Splinter Cell: Conviction for Xbox 360 9. Blur for PS3 and Xbox 360 10. Alan Wake for Xbox 360 From Complex.com

A Blast

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Dec. 14, 2010

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Top 10 Holiday Specials on TV 1: Dashboard Confessional 2: Carbon Leaf

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4: My Favorite Highway 5: Dashboard Confessional 6: Carbon Leaf

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By Ben Wilson Staff Writer Aliquatie conulla feu feugait velent irit ver sequissi. Ros dolenibh et utpatet iuscilissit wis et at adio odo er alissi tie eriurem in henim et, vullandre min eu faccum illan erat, vel ullaor si. Amet iriuscin heniat, vullamc onsequis adio od tionsed molorerilit wismolum numsandit luptatummy nullaore dolum er si. Uptation henim do con esse magna conullaore commolobor iniat, volorem veriliq uismolorem nullan ullaor sequipsum ipit am quis augait, sisim vullametuero cor iriusto eu faccum ipis dionulla facincidunt lorper autet lum nonsequisl ulputem nos nonsed elesto odit euisi exerit praessi bla cor autpat lamet nim inim quamet velit nos at. Ut nonsequat, consequat volorpe rillaor at. Ut dipit vullaor sustis num am, venibh etue dolesenim exer suscin utet wisi. Na feuis nulla consecte feu feuisi. Volumsandre corem dunt velessent volut ad estis ex esequam, quat. Na faccum illa feugait nit ut nulla commodip estis et aliscin ea aliquat pratincidunt irit, quisis nit la corpero dipit alit ad dolorerit veliquam

quis ad dion endre facincil estrud enim vel ullan vel irit lam, conse et aut augait vulla cor sed er sisisim quatetu msandre facin euguerit niatum aut lorem eu faccum vel ipit atum zzriusci exercillan velit nim ver ing euipsum sandipisi. Pero od molortis accum ing eliquipit lum dunt alit ut wis aci eum nibh et, conum volortissi. Odit alit utate vel eugiatuerit iure corer sumsan et, sim vent luptat. Ecte modolor am, vel el incipsusto odit vulluptat dolutpat utpatue riureraessi. Wis nullandre tat aliquamconse eraestie molendr eraesto dolesequisi. Sum dolesed duisi. Ipsum iure velenim do dolorperilit loreet adit, venibh euis dolenibh eu feu feuisci blan utem vulput augue delit, velenit wisl exeriustrud et, quat praesse tie vel ulputat dolortie magniam consendreet velent landit loreraesto dolore magnim in henis nonsequipit non volorer alit wis dolese min euisit ing estrud minis estrud dit augue minit nonsequi te eu feumsandigna feu feu faccum dolesecte velenis iscinisisi. Tat. Senim delit, susto odio od elit nostrud min exeros adit wis num inci blandio ea aliquat, ver iustio

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8: My Favorite Highway 9: Dashboard Confessional 10: Carbon Leaf

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Top 10 iTunes Downloads of the Week 1. Like a G6 (feat. Catarcs & Dev) Far East Movement

2. Just the Way You Are Bruno Mars

3. Just a Dream Nelly

4. Only Girl (In the World) Rihanna

5. Club Can’t Handle Me (feat. David Guetta) Flo Rida

6. Back to December Taylor Swift

7. Speak Now Taylor Swift

8. Dynamite Taio Cruz

9. DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love Usher

10. Teenage Dream Katy Perry

20 Beat the winter break Weekend

Dec. 14, 2010

What to do and where to go to make the most of your ten-day holiday vacation

Hang with friends at Reston

Couple’s corner

Reston Town Center is a hub for young adults and teenagers with a variety of restaurants and retail stores available. Only a 20-minute drive from AHS, this new hot spot is filled with holiday events for the duration of winter break.

For those looking to spend some time away from school and with that special someone, Old Town, Alexandria offers the perfect balance of activity and serenity. The picturesque landscape, coupled with seemingly endless shops and restaurants, offers many possibilities for date night. Take advantage of special events in December where you can celebrate the holiday season over winter break.

1. Così Eatery

Carly Bouchard

This chain of successful upscale delis in Northern Virginia offers a unique dining experience for its customers. For those looking to chat in a relaxed atmosphere, try ordering the S’mores. Servers bring graham crackers, chocolate wedges and marshmallows to your table, where you can make them yourself over a miniature fire pit.

1. Rock N’ Skate

2. Take the King Street Trolley This transportation service is not only free, but it also gives visitors a chance to tour all of Old Town without exerting any effort. It picks up every 20 minutes at numerous locations. If you board at the Potomac Waterfront stop, you will get the opportunity to see the harbor and the local artists who frequent the area.

3. The Reston Christmas Tree Kelsey Price

Every Saturday, from 2-7 p.m., Reston is offering horse-drawn carriage rides. This activity is a bargain as it only costs $5 per person. The line can get very long, so it is best to get there earlier rather than later if you are looking to see all that Reston has to offer. For those who can, we recommend taking a nighttime ride to glimpse all of the brilliant holiday lights around the city.

Kelsey Price

All through December, the Reston outdoor ice rink will be hosting a Rock N’ Skate event every Friday evening beginning at 8 p.m. This is the perfect activity for a large group of friends who want to jam out to some great songs while skating. A DJ booth even gives skaters the opportunity to request their favorite songs. The total cost for skate rentals and tickets is $12, but is good for three hours.

2. Carriage Rides

4. Window Shopping

No matter your religious denomination, the beautiful, 30-foot Christmas tree in Reston’s central square is a sight to be seen. Large ornaments reflect the dazzling white lights that cover every surface of the exterior. This is a great spot for taking group pictures with friends to remember your night out in Reston.

Reston Town Center is home to a variety of retail stores, which are perfect for window shopping. Many currently have holiday displays in their storefront windows, adding to the festive atmosphere of the central plaza. Popular stores include Anthropologie, South Moon Under and Pottery Barn. Take advantage of the holiday sales.

2011 class bulletin Candy Cane Grams will be sold during lunches in the Cafeteria.

Senior graduation countdown: 184 days

Look on the Family Connections page for scholarship information.

Visit us on the web at www. thea-blast.org to view an exclusive “Last Weekend I...” slide show.

Culinary Conquests Restaurant Guide

By Kelsey Price and Helena Belay From the first moment we walked into La Tasca, we were transfixed by the warm and rustic décor. The walls were painted vibrant orange and decorated with paintings, frames, candle holders and fresh flowers. More impressive than the atmosphere of the place, however, was the food. As it was our first attempt at eating tapas, our waitress kindly explained the idea. Essentially, tapas are smaller, appetizer-sized portions of a meal that are meant to be shared. Therefore, ordering two or three per person is not only acceptable, but recommended. The tapas menu was split into three different categories: vegetable, meat and seafood. We ordered five dishes to split consisting of all three different kinds. The Setas al Ajillo was a mushroom dish sautéed in garlic and olive oil. While it was fairly tasty, we realize many would be reluctant to try such an adventurous choice. If you prefer more traditional cuisine, we recommend the Patatas Bravas as well as the

Empanadas de Carne. The Patatas are diced potatoes fried up in a golden batter and covered with a rich, creamy sauce. They had a slight kick added to them from the tomato sauce that sat in the bottom of the dish. The Empanadas de Carne dish was very traditional, with meat and cheese stuffed into a thick pastry shell. The Brocheta de Gambas y Vierias dish absolutely blew us away with its incredible spice. Though the name won’t roll off the tongue, the savory flavor will. The plate arrived with steaming shrimp and scallops wrapped in bacon and drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. We had devoured the entire plate before our waitress even had a chance to refill our water glasses. Each dish cost between $6 and $8, which is the perfect amount if you are looking to split a meal with a friend or go on a date. A variety of dessert plates and appetizers are also available to round out your meal. Overall, the service at La Tasca was fabulous and the food was delicious.

Above: The Patatas Bravas are golden brown potatoes in a bed of spicy tomato sauce with cream on top. Right: The Brocheta de Gambas y Vierias was the best dish of the meal. Below: The authentic Spanish feel comes through in La Tasca’s decorations.

La Tasca Restaurant

A+

2900 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201 ––All photos by Kelsey Price