Issue 7

B LAST A ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the

Informing the Atoms since 1954

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2003

8

2

13

PLAYINʼ POKER

DONʼT SHORT CHANGE FDR

POLICING WITH PICKETT

Students demonstrate how poker isnʼt just for those over the age of 18.

Keep FDR on the dime.

NEWS BRIEFS School board member Kory to be present at PTSA meeting

Tonight at 7 p.m. in the library, the PTSA will be hosting Fairfax County School Board Member Kaye Kory to talk about the Atomversary and will be acting as a representative for the Fairfax County district to award AHS with an honor. Chair of the Atomversary, Cindy Hook, will also be present at the meeting in order to answer questions about the June Atomversary events.

Kaye Kory

Last week for yearbook sales

The Antenna yearbook will be closing all yearbook sales on Jan. 5, the first day back from the winter break, for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school year.

The sales will be ending early this year since the book will be in full color, orders must be placed ahead of time. No yearbooks will be sold at the end of the year.

BY JOHN REISS Entertainment Editor Two fights broke out Thursday afternoon involving four AHS students, but both of the fights were isolated events.

The first took place at the First Presbyterian Church behind the school at approximately 2:05 p.m., sending one student to the hospital who suffered a concussion and broken jaw after being struck with a golf club. At about 2:30 p.m. a student was stabbed in the neck in a gang-related incident in the

TED GIBSON

parking lot of Heritage Mall. The student was treated for minor injuries after being taken to INOVA Fairfax Hospital, and was released later that day. These two incidents are not far behind a recent increase of gang activity, but most students aren’t worried.

“I feel safe,” said junior Jonathan Silvera. “I think the school’s taken a lot of measures to make sure students are safe.”

According to eyewitness accounts, the first incident at the church stemmed from a two-week-old, out-of-school dispute allegedly involving drugs and stolen property. The dispute escalated through an argument in school during the day of the fight between two senior males.

Student Resource Officer Paul Pickett reports that a student, approximately 6’0”, left school grounds before dismissal and joined two college students at the end of the school day. The smaller student wielded a bat and approached the larger as he was walking towards his car to leave school, but dropped it and entered into a fistfight.

While the two fought, a friend of the larger student (who had brought a

Following the stabbing an AHS junior, blood was left on the side of the Heritage Mall parking lot.

“Violence” continued on pg. 6

After the events of December 11, production crews from Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS surrounded Heritage Mall. Leebon Homad was one of the many students interviewed by news crews about the event.

Homework above national average

The Annandale Atomic Dance Fushion placed first in the jazz and hip hop categories at the Prince William County Dance Competition on Dec. 13. They competed against over ten local schools. This is the best the dance team has placed in any competition. Their next competition will be on Jan. 31.

BY LEKHA MENON Staff Writer

Malvo Penalty

23%

NO

YES

25%

UNDECIDED

Lee Boyd Malvo, the 18-year-old accused of being part of the sniper shootings last year, is now on trial for one of the shootings in the area. If he is convicted he could face the death penalty. Do you think that Lee Boyd Malvo should receive the death penalty?

52%

528 students were surveyed during R1 flex on Dec. 12, 2003.

2002

After losing a number of runners, this years seniors are leading the pack.

After-school fights result in stabbing and injury

Dance team wins competition

2003

17

COMING OFF THE LINE

Student violence erupts

December SATs rescheduled

Students scheduled for the Dec. 6 SAT have be reassigned to take the standardized test this Saturday morning at the regular time. The test was canceled because of inclement weather. Students should report to their same assigned testing site. Test takers who are registered for the test and are unable to make the new date should either call (609) 771-7600 or visit http://www.collegeboard.com/ sat/hml/center_closings_alert.html and contact the College Board.

Go undercover with Resource Officer Paul Pickett

In a still frame from the short film Art of the Saber, stars Cary Ho (left) and Calvin Ho (right) fight each other. The Ho brothers produced the movie in December 2002, however it was illegally taken and submitted by Mateen Khan in the 2003 AHS Film Festival.

Alumnus plagiarized film festival entry

BY JUNAID SHAMS News Editor 2003 AHS graduate and The Jury Prize winner, Abdul Mateen Khan, has been discovered to have plagiarized his movie, “The Quest,” which was entered by Khan at the June 2003 AHS Film Festival.

“Without a doubt it’s a plagiarized movie. I am certain, and 100% positive that this movie is plagiarized despite Mateen’s denial,” said Alan Weintraut, Film Study teacher.

Originally named “Art of the Saber,” the Star Wars action movie was created by the Ho Brothers, residents of Columbia, MD, in 2001. The movie was then posted on the Star Wars Fans website, Theforce.net, in December 2002. At the 2003 Film Festival, a student of Hayfield and friend of senior Carter Wilson recognized the movie. “My friend turns around and tells me that he’s seen this movie before,” said Wilson.

Surprised from his friend’s comments, Wilson went to the website

to confirm, and then told Weintraut in October of his suspicions.

“I was shocked when I found out,” said senior Carter Wilson.

“If it wasn’t for Mateen, my movie would have won something.”

Not wanting to put Khan on the defensive of making him feel guilty, Weintraut showed him the movie when Khan came back to visit Weintraut in late October.

“He actually came to talk to “Alumnus” continued on pg.6

The Brown Center of Education at the Brookings Institute recently did a study which revealed that the national average time students in elementary and high school spend doing homework was only 19 minutes. The study also contended that only one third of high school students do more than one hour of homework per night. This study was done in response to a widespread notion that students have been overloaded with work and are spending too much time doing homework.

Although many students complain about the amount of work that they are receiving, there is a mixed response as to how useful homework really is.

“I know that by doing my work is going to help me on the tests,” said senior Janet Partlow.

Teachers stress the importance of homework as a tool to fortify concepts taught in class.

“Homework is important especially in a block schedule where you have large gaps between classes. We need homework in order to digest what is going on in class,” said IB and regular French teacher Patricia Heininge.

However, some students see homework as a waste of time and make a habit of not doing it.

“Homework is stupid because it doesn’t teach you anything. It’s just extra work,” said Christina Velz.

Realizing that students have lives outside of “Homework” continued on pg. 5

In Issue 4 of The A-Blast last year, we asked the same question in a survey.

5%

The survey was distributed to 200 students during A, B and C lunches on Nov. 8, 2002.

Domenech set to Music department performs holiday shows retire in March

BY JULIE WOLF Staff Writer

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN Managing Editor Superintendent Daniel Domenech announced his retirement from the position he held for six years Wed. Dec. 3. Domenech will be moving to New York to be closer to his family, as well as taking a new job as senior vice president at McGraw-Hill, a textbook publisher.

Domenech’s resignation is effective March 5.

Domenech was born in Oriente, Cuba, and immigrated to the United States when he was nine.

He was an advocate for minority achievement, and when he came to Fairfax Country Public Schools in 1998 he started a program called Project Excel. Project Excel took 20 of the lowest achieving elementary schools in the county and gave them funding for full day kindergarten, as well as extending the school day by half an hour, removing the half day on Monday that most County elementary schools have and it gave finding so that the “Domenech” continued on pg. 5

MEGAN BERRY

NO

YES

18%

UNDECIDED

77%

703-642-4229

TED GIBSON

VOLUME #49 ISSUE 6

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

Band Director Jack Elgin led the band at St. Johnʼs United Methodist Church on Dec. 11. The Symphonic, Red and Gold bands performed pieces to welcome the winter holiday spirit.

With the holiday break a mere three days away, the school’s musical groups are all having their winter concerts. The band, orchestra, and chorus are all performing holiday pieces to get the audience excited for the holiday season.

The winter band concert was held on Thurs., Dec. 11 at St. John’s United Methodist Church. The Symphonic, Red, and Gold bands all performed the pieces they have been preparing since the beginning of the year. The Symphonic Band played the entire Nutcracker Suite, a 25-minute piece that is split up into eight segments. The Symphonic band also played two other selections, “Green sleeves” and “Sleigh Ride.”

“It went really well, even though “Concerts” continued on pg. 5

2 Letter to the editor: They Call it Marriage They call it marriage. In fact, it is nothing unnatural bond between two persons of the same gender. The ancient institution of marriage is now being destroyed in a systematic effort to force the views of a very small minority of the population on the majority of the populace. As of the passing of the latest law in Massachusetts, only two out of the fifty states allow homosexual marriage.

However, even one state allowing such a degradation of this hallowed bond is one too many.

The thought of two men getting “married” simply for tax benefits sickens scores of people to the core. Marriage, as defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “To join as husband and wife according to law or custom.” In that definition, there is no mention whatsoever of husband and husband or wife and wife. Therefore, there is no basis to call the unnatural bond between two men or two women marriage.

Why, then, must people degrade this sacred custom by using it to join two of the same sex? To many, the reason seems simple. The only possible reason that is evident to the author is that those that call it marriage wish to destroy all that we, as a nation, used to hold sacred.

The morals of this great land are held in contempt by the “chic and stylish” of today’s indulgent society.

—Steve Skeldon. junior

Football team deserves recognition We were absolutely infuriated by the article we read in the sports section in the Dec. 2 A-Blast that was published.

The “You Make The Call” editorial by Matt Wiest was nothing short of repulsive. Nothing angers me more than to see someone trying to take away from the efforts of so many. It is appalling that an an AHS student can ridicule the beloved football program, when he himself has never stepped foot on the football gridiron.

It is a pity that Matt Wiest could not come out for the football team and run the ball on “Who’s Who” day and understand what it takes to wear the AHS football jersey.

If you have not experienced the exhausting season that is AHS football, which consists of hours among hours of physical drainage, you have no right to criticize any efforts of the team, coaches or players.

EDITORIALS

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th

Dec. 16, 2003

Do not short change FDR Secondly, Reagan’s contributions to the developRonald Reagan was recently the center of attention when CBS wanted to air a ‘controversial’ series ment of the United States are not as great as those men currently on bills and coins. Right now, the faces entitled The Reagans. Many Republiof George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew cans fervently argued that this show Jackson, and Ben Franklin—along with a few othmisrepresented Reagan and his ers—are blazoned on the currency. These men presidency. As a result of the shaped the United States into what it is today; pressure, CBS decided not Ronald Reagan does not fit into this category. to air the series. Instead, George Washington led this country to indepenthey gave broadcasting dence and became the first president. Lincoln privileges to Showtime. was the steadfast leader of the Union during Once again, Reagan is the Civil War. Jackson was the symbolic figure in the spotlight. During the of the first political party in U.S. history and past few weeks, Republicans was a champion of the common man. FDR led the in Congress have been pushcountry through one of its darkest times—the Great ing a proposal to put Reagan on Depression—and established many social prothe dime. This bill, proposed by Rep. Mark Edward (R-Ind.), has received the support of grams that our citizens still enjoy today.

Thirdly, all of the men on our currency more than 80 other Congressmen. However, there is no logical reason to change the dime. It is merely an are dead. No president’s face was put attempt by Republicans to immortalize Republican on currency before they had died. This tradition has existed ideals through the face of Reagan. for more than 211 There are a number of reason why The A-Blast Staff Vote years. When offered FDR should remain on the dime. The to have his face on first, and most obvious, reason is the coins or bills, George financial aspect. It would cost AmeriWashington declined cans taxpayers to change the dime.

66•0 because he felt that it Officials at the U.S. Mint estimated There is no logical reason that Reagan would signal the first forms of a that it would cost around $86,000 should replace Roosevelt on dime. monarchy. Two centuries of tradition just to redesign the dime. Our curshould not be sacrificed for a purely rent government’s financial status is political maneuver to idealize Reagan. already in disarray, and the U.S. has During the ’60s, countless buildings and facilities its largest debt ever. The government does not have time or resources to take on such a trivial matter. Tax- were named after John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther payer money should be put to better use such as buy- King, Jr.‚—both of whom held Democratic ideals. Reing school textbooks or paying off the national deficit. publicans of that era greatly resented how these men

and their beliefs were idealized. Now, it’s the Republican’s turn to try and get Reagan some recognition.

In 1997, a conservative group called the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project was founded to push for honoring Reagan. This group, which includes Attorney General John Ashcroft and House Majority Leader Dick Armey, wants a landmark or building in 3,067 U.S. counties named after Reagan. A few years ago, this group even pushed for carving Reagan’s face into Mount Rushmore. However, this proposal died quickly when officials from the National Park Service said that the rock could not support another face. Among the 47 dedications to Reagan in the U.S., are Reagan National Airport, the federal government’s second biggest building-only behind the Pentagon—and the International Trade Center. Does he really need a dime too?

There is a distinct reason why FDR is on the dime. During his presidency, he established the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. This foundation’s purpose was to deal with diseases that harmed babies—especially polio, which Roosevelt himself suffered from. A year after the establishment of the foundation, comedian Eddie Cantor asked Americans to mail in dimes to the White House as donations for this foundation-this became known as the March of Dimes.

The March of Dimes helped to fund the research that led to the discovery of a vaccine for polio. For such an effort, FDR rightfully deserves his face on the dime. There is no need to honor Reagan at the expense Roosevelt.

This staff editorial was written by John Bernhardt

Government’s plan leaves school in shambles

BY MAGGIE OWNER Editorials Editor Falling apart buildings, illiterate students, and teachers who are working feverishly to keep their schools from falling apart. January 8, 2003 marks the one-year anniversary President Bush signed his federal bill, No Child Left Behind (NCLB), a program implemented to help elementary and secondary school systems achieve the highest quality education possible. Below the glossy appearance of the education bill, schools across the nation are struggling to meet the government’s absurdly high standards.

The NCLB Act ensures that all teachers and aides be “highly qualified” in their area of specialty. Those who are not considered “highly qualified” must take a special test which will determine their status. If the teacher or aide fails, then they may not be hired. Some administrators believe this new benchmark makes it more difficult to find competent teachers because those who are willing to work do

not want to bother with taking a skills test; they can always find another job that pays better without the hassle.

This is causing a large increase in teacher shortages in a field where teachers are already hard to find.

The law is causing teachers to abandon their profession for another reason, standardized tests. Standardized tests are perhaps the life blood of Bush’s program; it is how the government analysis whether a school is “passing” or “failing.” Every three years the government asseses each school and checks to make sure the required amount of students are passing their standardize tests.

If the school does not pass, then it looses federal funding and is deemed “non-accredited.” By rescinding its funding the government hinders the school’s progress. School system’s, especially those who are failing, need funding in order to facilicate the students and aide the teachers.

The detriment of non-accreditation will cause the school future damage preventing it to re-accredit

MAking the GrAde

itself. When a school fails its performance test, it is posted so it can be made known to anyone moving into the community. People could possibly transfer to a private school in their area, assuming their standards of learning are higher, when in fact, private schools are not held to the same scale as public schools.

Non-accreditation might also cause in the loss of faculty. One of the possible sanctions could be the dismissal of all staff members, including teachers, administrators and aides. This would cause the students to suffer because they would lose their instructors who have gotten to know them personally. Starting with a fresh batch of faculty members would be like starting at the beginning.

Preparing for standardized tests has taken over the curriculum in many classes because everyone, teachers and students, are worried about passing. There is not time anymore for hands-on, creative learning from which many benefit; it is the monotonous instruction from previous stan-

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dardized test. The president does not even financially follow through with his program. He proudly touted providing $1 billion annually for a new elementary school reading program; however, he has failed to introduce funding. Similarly, Congress authorized $16 billion this year to be spent on school, attended by mainly poor students. Bush, however, reduced the proposal to $11.3 billion. A recent study done by New Hampshire School Administrators Association estimated that the NCLB Act will provide New Hampshire schools only $77 for each student, while costing the school system approximately $575 per student to implement.

A year after Bush’s education plan has been enacted; schools are suffering and struggling to rearrange their curriculum to meet to the government’s ridiculous requirements. The government should not place absurd hoops for them to jump through. Instead, they need to work with educational disctricts in order to help boost success rates.

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

Vol. 49 No. 6 December 16, 2003

(703) 642-4229 email: ahsablast@aol.com fax: (703) 642-4299

Supreme Court upholds ‘soft money ban

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The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the McCain-Feingold bill which limits the amount individuals, corporations and special interest can donate to political parties. Justices John Paul Stevens and Sandra Day O’Connor explained the ruling saying that money corrupts politics and individuals or groups that made large financial donations would be able to influence politics more than the average person.

Voter advocacy group takes action

b

—Justin Wade and Pat McMurray, seniors

America has one of the lowest voter turn outs among the developed nations— just above 50 percent. To quell the growing amount of apathy, an advocacy group hopes to register 265,000 voters in the 2004 election between the ages of 18 and 24. Hopefully, The New Voters Project will fix America’s problem and increase voter turn out.

Gore endorses Dean

C

Former Vice President Al Gore formally endorsed democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean. This political manuever will add momentum to the already building Dean campaing. Gore decided not to endorse Joseph Lieberman, his running mate in the 2000 presidential campaign. The decision

by Gore not to endorse Lieberman is not ‘back-stabbing,’ but Gore did not even tell Lieberman about his decision to endorse Dean.

Enron execs. have not been charged

F

It has been two years since Enron went bankrupt, but there have been no indictments against the top officials of the company. Before Enron collapsed, leaders of the company sold their stocks and made millions; however, employees of the company did not know the company was going under and kept their stocks. Thousands of employees lost much of their life savings when the company failed.

Editors in Chief: Paul Gleason Abby Segall Managing Editor: Caroline Friedman News Editors: Junaid Shams Kyle Smeallie Editorial Editors: John Bernhardt Maggie Owner In-Depth Editors: Erin O’ Brien Katie Stanton Academics Editors: Laura Kelly Alex Silano Health Editors: Meg Nielsen Rachel Sinaiko People Editors: Sarah Bizer Andrew Menegat Cultures Editors: Kathy Ibarra Wided Khadouri Sports Editors: Jared Smith Matt Weist Arts Editors: Amy Suddarth Kimiko Yerik Entertainment Editors:

Ben Berglund John Reiss Weekend Editors: Laura Johnson Elizabeth Nowrouz Sports “Xtra”: Evan Rowland Amanda Sheaffer

CSPA Gold Medalist 2002-2003

Atomic Articles Editor: Sabrina Stacy Atomic Athletics Editor: Erica Satten Business Manager: Evan Ashe Ad Manager: Chris Sopher Copy Editor: Julia Singer Photography Editors: Morgan McEvilly Sean SullivanWriting Coach: Rebecca Kraushaar Staff Writers/Photographers: Stacey Marin, Caitlin Beckett, Joseph Burke, Shayna Dublar, Edward Gibson, Cristian Hernandez, Bridgette Kim, Amy Mathis, Molly Sterlacci, Mike Weist, Julie Wolf, Tina Douroudian, Stuart Dunbar, Jill Guerin, Matt Hubacher, Ashley Jones, Joe Wilbur, Alex Wahl, Chris Kallendar, Sohaib Khan, Valerie Graves, Sarah Sozio, Nigeen Sadozai, Leala Shalla, Lekha Menon, Kaity Burdette Videographers: Josh Lewin, Brent Sullivan Web Design: Paul Gleason Adviser: Alan Weintraut

Pacemaker Finalist National Scholastic Press Association 2002-2003

Trophy Class Virginia High School 2002-2003

The A-Blast is an award-winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community. Published every three weeks. The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day or invades an individual s right to privacy. Unsigned editorials represent the staff opinions which solely represent the opinion of the newspaper staff. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion which is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 229 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast Copyright, 2003.

EDITORIALS Americans die for political gain A

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was able to push the war effort

BY KYLE SMEALLIE based on this phantom attack.

News Editor Johnson continued his string On Sunday, New York Senator of lies using the media as an Hillary Clinton expressed dismay outlet. In a news conference, he at the Bush administration’s told reporters that there would handling of the conflicts in Iraq only be a 50,000 troop increase and Afghanistan. On ABC’s This for 1965. In fact, he was planning Week, Clinton told host George an almost 200,000 troop increase.

The actions of this war devStephanopoulos that she blamed the administration for “inept plan- astated the relationship between ning” and “miscalculation” in Iraq. the government and the people “I think that the administra- of the U.S., arguably accounting tion had, from the very beginning, for the great apathy that plagues not leveled with the American election days across America.

One of the greatest legacies of people,” said Clinton on NBC’s Meet the Press. “If we’re going this era was the ability for Johnson to undertake these kinds of very and his administration to control difficult missions, we should level the media.As the first “living room with people about cost and time.” war,” the public was exposed to The government not level- the images of dying soldiers, ing with its people? Does this both American and Vietnamese.

However, this gave the media not echo the Vietnam War? When Lyndon Johnson took great power. They were able to office in 1963, his main goal was control how the people viewed the to promote “The Great Society,” war. Going back to ancient Greek or his various social programs philosophers, this type of power that he hoped would improve can present a difficult situation.

In Plato’s allegorical Myth of America. However, his plans were shattered when the United States the Cave, the ancient philosopher began its escalation into Vietnam. discusses two levels of awareHe began a pattern of com- ness: opinion and knowledge. pulsive lying, as he felt that The cave is filled with people, disguising the actual costs would chained down so they can only allow him to keep Congressional look in one direction. They are support for his Great Society. forced to look at the cave wall, For example, the administra- on which shadows cast by models tion reported that the U.S.S. Mad- of animals and objects appear, dox was attacked off the coast of shown by a brightly burning fire.

One of these fettered individuthe Tonkin Gulf in Vietnam, als breaks free and in response and is able ordered a retalsee the actual iatory attack on He North Vietnam.

It is intolerable to sunlight. returns to the The resulting “Tonkin Gulf allow the government cave and tells all of the people Resolution” was what rapidly passed to lie to its people. that they only see through Senare shadows, ate, which gave and that the the President real world a blank check awaits them authorization for full-scale war against Vietnam. if they are willing to struggle However, as reporters eventu- to break their bonds.

Although written almost two ally uncovered, there never was a torpedo that struck the ship. and a half millennia ago, Plato’s Scrambled radar reports were work is still relevant in the 21st to blame, and the President Century world. He was warning

“

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3 Do you think its unnecessary to be politically correct during the holdiay season?

“I think it’s good because I don’t want to offend anyone. Teachers are making the right decision to call it a holiday party instead.”

—Sofia Vivero freshman “I think its ridiculous because it’s an injustice to Santa.”

PHOTO TAKEN FROM CNN.COM

Dec. 16, 2003

Vice President Dick Cheney was a former top employee of Halliburton, a company that receive huge no-bid government contracts for the reconstruction of Iraq.

people to not always believe what is portrayed for them, instead to work to gain true knowledge. This is especially applicable to the War in Iraq, one in which officials have repeatedly given the people insufficient or incorrect information.

In President Bush’s ultimatum speech, which gave Iraq 48-hours to war, the President said, “The Iraq regime continues to possess and conceal some of the most lethal weapons ever devised.”

In a March 16, 2003 article in The Washington Post, it was noted that CIA officials were concerned “about whether administration officials have exaggerated intelligence in a desire to convince the American public and foreign governments that Iraq is violating United Nations prohibitions against chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons and long-range missile systems.”

So why did we really go to war?

Vice President Dick Cheney is

the former CEO of Halliburton, a company that was given a no-bid contract to extinguish oil well fires in Iraq to Kellogg Brown and Root. Usually, military contracts are put into pools of competition to find the most competitive pricing. Not with Halliburton.

The contract was open-ended, with no time limits and no dollar limits. It was also a “cost-plus” contract, meaning that the company is guaranteed to recover costs and then make a guaranteed profit on top of that. Its value is estimated at tens of millions of dollars.

Cheney continues to receive as much as $1 million a year in compensation from Halliburton. Furthermore, current executives enjoy a seat at the table during Administration discussions over how to handle post-war oil production in Iraq.

The sad part of this is that Cheney is not the only man in the Bush administration to have a con-

flict of interest. At least nine of the 30 members of the Defense Policy Board have ties to companies that have won more than $76 billion in defense contracts in 2001 and 2002.

It happened 30 years ago, and philosophers have been warning about it for millennia. We cannot let this regime, wrought with conflicts of interest, to control what we see and believe. They produce the shadows that we see portrayed on the cave we call our newspapers, TV screens, and computer monitors. We are exposed to what they want us to see.

It is intolerable to allow the government to lie to its people. Bush went into Iraq on an altogether immoral and false pretext, and as American citizens, we should not allow this to continue.

—Eric Dzatko sophomore

“It’s not a good idea because other religions won’t learn from.”

—Qais Gharibnawaz sophomore “I think it’s pointless because people shouldn’t be offended by others religions.”

—Dan Massie junior “The reason why we have winter break is because of Christmas.

So why can’t we say Christmas break?”

Coming to terms with the choices of life Hearing friends talk about college is surreal. We talk about the different lives we are planning to lead. What if we choose wrong?

Even though our diversity brings the ‘whole world,’ into our school, there’s a greater grander world of which we have little knowledge. How can we be expected to choose the right path if we don’t even know the many options out there?

I have a friend considering the Navy after graduation. He is intelligent, hard working, and a very capable individual.

He’s been applying to schools, but has a strong feeling that his grades will have him turned away. If colleges reject him, he’s going to enlist, defending this action by saying, “Well, I’ve got to do something.”

What a good reason.

This mentality is more suited for a game of chess than making life defining decisions. This idea that you have to know what you want to do right after high school is such a fallacy, we have our whole lives to decide what we want to do.

We are at the point of the year where seniors are sending in college applications or hearing back from

schools they have already applied to. Recently, students who applied for early decision at the University of Virginia found out whether they were accepted or differed.

Many of them were differed, which caused a panic.

Being differed from a school as prestigious as UVA is not the end of the world. There are so many other schools that give an equal education, which are still accepting applications. However, even if a student was accepted, this does not mean that college is the best choice.

We are lucky to live near NOVA, one of the most respected community colleges in the nation, however it is often the last choice for students. Community college is an option that allows one to remain in a familiar setting, have a relaxed learning environment while still acquiring college credits. It also allows for time to get a better idea of the world.

To be perfectly honest, it’s hard to follow my own voice of reason, with so much pressure coming from outside sources.

It seems as if people are all heading in different directions than me, like there is something everyone else understands

about the future—something that has yet to click in my head.

I have a general idea of what I want to do in the future, which makes me lucky, because most people don’t. The natural fear of the unknown has me doubting myself, but most of us are in the same position, some without even a vision of where they want to be down the road. You can’t chase the American Dream if you don’t even know where to start. Understanding which path is the best for the individual should be the focal point of life. Heading down a path with an undesirable ending is like calling someone’s bluff with a losing hand.

Thefreedomofchoicecomeswithacatch:havingtochoose.

Youmayfindtherightpathisharderthanotherpaths,butthis is better than having a dream fester like a raisin in the sun.

Where do you want to go?

What do you want to be?

How are you going to get there?

These are the questions—the nagging voices in the back of the mind—that can never be answered unless you make the effort to understand yourself. Life is not a game of chess, to be thought out so mathematically that every move needs to be planned. Life is dynamic and uncertain, but we live for that blind curve in the path.

—Helen Johnston junior “I don’t think the media should tailor to a certain religion.”

—Justine Bui senior

“I think it’s stupid because you can’t hide it. I don’t think people are offended by it. ”

—Yama Nadi senior

“I think its a really good idea because we have so much diversity at this school. It is good to keep it general, rather than label it to an exclusive religion.”

Situations in post-Saddam Iraq gone awry As the reconstruction contines in Iraq, tensions mount

rorist cells such as Al-Qaeda and former military personnel loyal to the Baath party. Both have a presence in and around Iraq, and it wouldn’t November marked the heaviest month of be surprising if they were working in unison.

The coalition forces have identified and are atcasualties for coalition forces in Iraq, indicating a sharp increase in the level of armed resistance by tempting to isolate the leadership of the extremist guerilla forces. This is rather surprising, especially organizations and are subsequently disrupting considering President Bush declared major com- the coordination that makes insurgent attacks bat operations to be over in Iraq several months effective. Not surprisingly, finding Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden ago. The cause of this have been top priorities for sharp increase in enNumber of U.S. coalition forces for countless emy activity could be Month now. Neither man attributed to a whole casualties in Iraq months has been found, and no one host of reasons, but the March 65 can be certain that apprefact that attacks have hending either of them will become alarmingly 73 April affect the level of resistance organized is the most May 37 in Iraq. Al-Qaeda is notorious important. One thing is June 29 for touting its ability to operate certain; the resistance its cells without central leadmust be quelled if the July 46 ership. This makes allocating United States hopes 35 August military resources towards to achieve its goals of decapitating insurgent orgaIraqi reconstruction September 31 nizations virtually pointless. and democratization.

42 October The enemy attacks that The enemy, so are most effective (and get the characterized by November 81 biggest headlines) are the ones random attacks after 14 December that involve ambushing an April, has become aircraft or convoy with exploextremely coordinated 435 Total sive projectile weapons such as in its military efforts.

RPGs and ground-to-air misCoordinated attacks are much more effective than random acts of sile launchers. This is an indication of the enemy’s resistance, and enemies of a free Iraq are well highly mobile nature, which makes it extremely difaware of this fact. The two primary organizations ficult for coalition forces to track and detain them.

In the months following the end of combat capable of organizing resistance in Iraq are terBY WILL AKRIDGE Staff Writer

operations in Iraq, coalition forces lost approximately 1.5 military personnel per day, 71 percent to hostile fire. Given the nature of the enemy and the accompanying statistics, one cannot help but acknowledge the situation’s similarity to that of Vietnam three decades ago. While the scale of the conflict is much smaller in Iraq, the lessons the war in Vietnam taught the world still apply. The goal here is to stop the enemy from killing American soldiers, or failing that, succumb to the pressure of public opinion and get out of the country as fast and responsibly as possible. Putting moreAmerican soldiers in Iraq will not stop them from attacking because of their zealot-like attack methods. All escalation will accomplish is the achievement of putting more American lives in harm’s way.

The poet George Santayana once said, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Approximately 109 coalition soldiers died in Iraq in November. From May to October, we never lost more then 50 people per month. The sharp increase in hostile deaths is a sign that the resistance in Iraq is on the rise. The coalition’s long term goal, at this point, should be to hand over control of Iraq to the Iraqis as soon as their armed forces are deemed capable of sustaining the inevitable military casualties the insurgent resistance will dish out. Those casualties will occur because resistance will not go away. The enemy is, as it was in Vietnam, far more determined to continue fighting in this conflict and more familiar with the territory. The American public will reach a point where it won’t tolerate further American casualties. If November is an indication of an upward curve of resistance, then that point is coming soon.

—Dave Tremaine assistant principle

Dec. 16, 2003 Corrections for Issue 5

—On page 16, in the article “You Make the Call,” Matt Wiest misidentified the Northern Region football tournament as the Patriot District tournament.

—In the article “Out with Pre-IB, in with MYP,” it was implied that PreIB and IGCSE were being replaced

by MYP. In fact, MYP will not be appearing at AHS for two years and Pre-IB will remain under MYP’s “unmbrella.”

NEWS

College Freshman Panel

On Thurs. Dec. 18, during both flex periods, in Clausen Hall, the Career Center will host the Annual College Freshmen Panel for senior students only. In this panel, the 2003 graduates come back to give their insights and share their experiences with the current seniors. The following 2003 graduates will take part in the event.

Anteneh Addisu Courtney Theiberger Zoraya Vega Nikki Oguinnaike Faezah Razjouyan Lindsey Grant Elaine Filadelfo Ashley Welch Andrew Satten Caitlin Mckinney Karlyn Hixson Heather Austin

Kwanzaa Celebration

The Black Cultural Awareness Association will be hosting a Kwanzaa celebration on Wed. Dec. 17. at 2:30 p.m. in the Clausen Hall.

Submissions needed for The Filament

With the deadline of Jan. 15, 2004; AHS’ literary magazine, The Filament, is requesting all student artists, writers, musicians and photographers to submit their original art, photography, poems, songs, and stories to Ms. Fish in room 240.

Science SOL Remediation program schedule

Geosystems Geosystems practice will be available in room 118 Mondays and Thursdays beginning Dec. 4 from 2:15 to 2:45 Chemistry Chemistry practive was started on Dec. 3 and will end on Jan. 15 from 2: 15 to 2:45 with the following teachers in the following rooms: Date Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 14 Jan. 15

Teacher Pratuch Walters Trelawney Krywy Sugimura Pratuch

Room 129 119 119 129 134 129

Biology Biology practice was started on Dec. 1 and will end on Jan. 15 from 2:15 to 2: 45 with the following teachers in the following rooms.

Date Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 8

Teacher Balestrieri Balestrieri Doll Clauss Clauss

Room 137

December Performance Schedule for Chorus Date

Dec. 16 45 p.m.

Event

Lincolnia Daycare Center, 2:

Dec. 17 Greenspring Retirement Center, 3: 00 p.m.

Dec. 18 30 p.m.

Winter Choral Concert, 7:

Dec. 20 00 p.m.

Private Holiday Party, 7:

*All events will take place at AHS, unless otherwise stated above.

SOL remediation classes Science wing prepares review sessions to help students pass the barrier SOLs

BY KYLE SMEALLIE News Editor The science wing has developed a new way to combat the deficiency in SOL scores, starting a remediation program that includes teachers from geosystems, biology and chemistry. Although each area of study has different tactics to improve scores, each has its goals set on helping all students pass the Standard of Learning tests.

The program has taken heightened significance as this year’s class will be the first to have the SOLs as a barrier exam. If the students of the class of 2004 do not pass their exams, they will not be able to graduate.

This factor is what drives teachers like Joseph Dishun to help his biology students achieve a passing mark on these exams. Dishun and other biology teachers are using individual packets that allow students to review at their own rate and bring questions to teachers at each review session. “The packets let students review whatever they are interested in; they’re self-guiding,” said Dishun.

Geosystems teachers like Carol Osborne are using a

The biology remediation session offers one on one attention. Biology teacher Claudia Matamala works with a student on the stages of mitosis.

ALEX SILANO

NEWS BRIEFS

Dec. 16, 2003

slightly different system to review. She is offering students a website, originally found by chemistry teacher Carolyn Walters,thatgivesstudentsquestionsfromoldSOLexams.

“We are there to help kids find the right answer on the test that they take online and see their errors,” said Osborne.

One observation that both teachers have shared is that there are very few students showing up for these sessions. For Dishun’s biology review sessions, he averages only “a couple of kids” and “a few minutes per session. Claudia Matamala, another biology teacher, has also seen the lack of attendance, only seeing one student in her two assigned review sessions.

Osborne seemed more concerned about the lack of attendance for her geosystems reviews. There has yet to be a student to show up for the bi-weekly reviews. Osborne hopes that students are visiting the website and not needing the help, but there were 11 of her juniors that did not pass last year. Although Dr. Shawn Hearn sent out a letter informing students that they needed to pass the selected science, many have yet to heed that warning.

The geosystems remediation site, which can be accessed from blackboard.com, can be accessed at http: //education.jlab.org/solquiz/index.html. The upcoming review session for geosystems will be Dec. 18 in room 118, for chemistry it will be on Dec. 17 in room 129, and biology it will be Dec. 17 in room 139. All will meet at 2:15.

The sessions will end on January 15, with the SOL tests soon thereafter. Biology tests will be administered on Jan. 16, 20 and 21, depending on the students’ last name. The chemistry test will be Jan. 22 and the geosystems test will be on Jan. 23.

INOVA blood drive PSAT results arrive takes place

BY STUART DUNBAR Staff Writer

BY JOE BURKE Staff Writer Senior Amanda Green walked across Clausen Hall and took a seat at one of the six donor chairs. Having just completed an interview and filling out a form concerning her medical history and health status, she was ready to donate blood. About 30 minutes and about a pint of blood later, Green was done and ready to enjoy some of the complimentary snacks and beverages. Proud to be the first student to donate at the December 12th blood drive, she said, “It feels great.”

Green is a relative newcomer to blood donation. Having given blood once before at a church blood drive, she was excited, yet anxious, about her opportunity to do it for a second time. Green said, “I was nervous. My blood pressure showed I was nervous.”

But she soon learned that she had little to be nervous about. She said, “It’s not too bad. The first stick hurts a little, but you don’t get too woozy afterwards.”

Building Engineer Michael McCarlin, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran, having donated over two gallons of blood in his lifetime. He remained calm before, during and after giving blood, knowing the experience is far less traumatic than some believe it to be. He said, “Any side effects I experience are usually pretty minor.”

Nervous or not, INOVA Blood Donor Services Team Leader Garrick Robbins wishes there were more people like Green and McCarlin in Northern Virginia. His organization, with help from advisor Jennifer Hendrickson and students in the leader-

ship program, ran the blood drive, which was held in the lecture hall last Friday. Eighty students and faculty members signed up to participate in the blood drive, but Robbins would like to see even more people giving “the gift of life,” as the INOVA slogan goes.

Supplying 15 area hospitals with blood, INOVA is the major supplier of blood in Northern Virginia. The organization often falls short of the required amount of blood in Northern Virginia. Robbins said, “[The amount of blood INOVA collects] is not enough; we must import blood from other states.” Blood supplies are of vital importance for hospitals, as they are often necessary for many people including: trauma patients, surgery patients, newborn babies, cancer patients and transplant patients.

Robbins believes the key to reaching INOVA’s goals is simply motivating more people to donate and encouraging donors to give blood more frequently.

According to Robbins, only 5% of those eligible to give blood actually do so.

Also, although they can donate blood every 56 days, many donors do it once a year or less. Robbins said, “If all of our donors did it twice a year, we’d be fine.”

Robbins believes there is little or no reason for eligible people to not give blood. He said, “It doesn’t hurt . . . Most of the time, there are no adverse reactions.” Robbins also said that even minor side effects like slight dizziness are “very rare.”

To all of those considering giving blood, Amanda Green offers this advice. She said, “It’s worth it and there’s free food.”

“The benefits of taking the PSATs (Preliminary SAT) are getting to see what kind of material is going to be on the test and getting early practice,” said freshman Margaret Crowley.

There is also another benefit of taking the PSAT, besides the practice. Sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, you could receive scholarship money, based on how high your score is.

Each year about 55,000 high school students are honored and more than 10,000 students acquire scholarships totaling $47 million for college undergraduate study.

Not all students agree with the PSAT distributing scholarship money, though.

“You shouldn’t get scholarship money for doing well on the PSAT, you should get scholarship money for doing well on the SAT,” said junior Tommy Kim. The main point of taking the PSAT is not to earn scholarship money; it is meant to help a student study for the SAT. By receiving one’s grades, the student can determine his or her strengths and weaknesses. A student can find out what categories they need help with and then they could go to a teacher that teaches their weakness. The PSAT is only one study method, though. “To prepare for the SATs, a student could get involved with SAT Prep courses here in the county, or through some private organizations,” said guidance counselor Marcelo Valencia.

Here at AHS, there are SAT Prep courses available for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Classes will be held every Wednesday from 2:45 to 4:00 after school in the lecture hall. The SAT Prep course will be instructed by teachers Ann Schwartz and Melinda Lincoln.

SAT Prep courses help you be prepared for the time when the SAT comes. “My

advice is don’t procrastinate before the exams,” said junior James Coleman.

One student, in the SAT Prep course here at AHS, who is not putting off studying until the last second is sophomore Daniel Vicco. “We [SAT Prep course participants] review special techniques and skills to eliminate problems on the SAT.” “The math was easy, but the English was hard,” said sophomore Megan Bowie.

Bowie’s statement did not match some people’s opinion after they completed the PSAT, however. “I didn’t find the PSATs hard, but if I had to choose, the most difficult for me was math,” said sophomore Jen Park.

Sophomore Beza Abebe supported Park by saying, “I thought the math part was pretty challenging; other than that, everything else was pretty easy.”

These students’opinions demonstrate that on the PSAT, some sections are harder than others in an individual’s mind. The opinions will change soon, however, due to the coming of a new PSAT and SAT. In the fall of 2004, the new PSAT will be applied to students and in the following year, in the spring of 2005, the new SAT will be given to students. The class of 2005-2006 will either have the privilege or hardship for being the first class to take the new SAT, depending on your opinion of which SAT is harder; the new or the old. Some changes made are that there are no more analogies, no more quantitative comparisons, and the new addition of a written essay.

No matter which SAT is being administered, the PSAT will always be a great resource to study from.

Today, during the R3 and R5 flexes, the juniors that have paid, will receive their results on the PSAT. The following day, on December 17, the freshmen that have paid, will acquire their results. Finally on the 18, all sophomores will be given their results during W2 and both flexes.

Thespians act in Company Play Band performs in concert

BY AMY MATHIS Staff Writer

“You baggage! You hussy! You inconsiderate jade! To do such a mad thing by choice! The wench is married, husband.” This is just an example of the bawdy wit of the drama company’s production of The Beggar’s Opera, performed on December 4 and 5 throughout the school day.

This humorous satire set out to prove that despite their social status, the upper and lower classes of the 1700s has similar motivations, biases, and mannerisms. Originally written

by John Gay, it is a restoration theater play that exemplifies the foreign division of world theater.

In the beginning of the performance, director Justine Bui and stage manager Emily Peebles welcomed the audience and introduced the plot and cast members. Senior Nick Schwind played McHeath, a captain who mingled with a variety of ladies; senior Keris Kren Hruebec played Lucy, a persuer of McHeath who goes through extreme limits to achieve him; and senior Emmie Blancovich played Polly Peachum, a daughter of a poor family who recently married McHeath. But Polly’s parents, played by junior Suzanne Patterson and senior Tony Sanchez, thought she’d make more money as a prostitute

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Senior Keris Kren Hrubec, junior Nick Schwind, and senior Emmie Blancovich (from left) perform in the Company Play.

instead of being just a wife. Senior WillAckridge played the Peachum family domestic, Filch; senior Noah Crowley took the role of Lockit; a common player was portrayed by senior Chrissy Castaldo; and senior Paige Allen played Beggar (John Gay), who interjected periodically to make comments on the play.

Throughout the three months of rehersal, the troupe practiced in class and after school. In previous years, two alternating casts were used to carry out the play, but execution and delivery had to be done differently this year given that there is now. “Given the restrictions that there were to work with, I thought we did a good job,” said Bui.

Added obstructions were caused by the auditorium’s renovation. Not only could they not perform on an actual stage, but actors were also hindered from getting costumes that were locked in an inaccessible trailer. “There were, however, a few theatrical errors such as clumsy exits, missed cues, forgotten dialogue, and improvised lines.

Consequently, the audience expressed mixed reviews. One anonymous viewer felt the play seemed “unrehearsed and rough in parts.” Yet sophomore Nabillah Nahim says, “they did an excellent job because McHeath was very sarcastic and the characters played their parts very well.”

“Winter Concert” from pg. 1 somewhat cramped. In my opinion, the band as a whole played better than we have in the past two years,” junior percussionist Max Maples said.

The Gold and Red bands combined for the concert, and played a total of three pieces; Swing Those Bells, Cross Creek, and Normandy Beach.

“Overall, it was a great display of the band’s talent,” sophomore bass clarinetist Natalie Bowman said.

This was also the only band concert of the year where an admission was charged in order to get in the door.

This admission was a cash donation or a donation of a non-perishable food item, and all of these donations were donated to local food banks and homeless shelters in order to help those less fortunate over the holiday season.

“We collect this admission every year at the winter concert,” Band Director Jack Elgin said.

“I feel that it gives the band and all of the people a sense of outreach during the holiday season.”

The winter orchestra concert will be held tonight, at Immanuel Baptist Church. The school’s orchestra program will be playing many different arrangements, many of which relate to the holiday season. Some of these pieces include Jingle bell Hoedown and Brandenburg Concerto #3.

The winter chorus concert will take place on Thursday night, also at Immanuel Baptist Church.

The women’s ensemble will be singing many holiday songs, including Pat-a-Pan, Haba Nagila, Carol of the Bells, The Nightingale, A Ceremony of Carols, Winds of Peace, Shenandoah, and an excerpt from The Messiah.

“We have had plenty of practices together, so I think that the concert will go very well,” sophomore Lindsey Mitchell said.

The orchestra and chorus will also be joining together to play two songs. The chorus will be traveling to the orchestra concert tonight, and the orchestra will also join the chorus at their concert on Thursday night.

Oral exams commence Students will have to speak for 15 minutes on a passage

Anxiously, senior Janet Partlow walks towards the cafeteria from the principal’s conference room with two of her classmates. Once they reach the cafeteria, they quickly wish each other luck, and then split into three different rooms, where the three IB English 12 teachers wait. Partlow takes a deep breath, walks in and meets her teacher, JulieHindman, and is about to take the formal oral commentary component of the IB English test.

Partlow, along with all seniors taking IB English 12 this year, take the formal oral commentary today as a part of their IB English test. The test is on one of 15 passages from any of the works studied so far this year. Students have 20 minutes to prepare, then must present that passage for at least 15 minutes.

“The students know which works they’re going to be tested on, but they don’t know which passage they’re going to be tested on from those works,” said IB Coordinator Erin Albright.

Students and teachers have been preparing for the tests for several weeks in order to make it a more comfortable process for all involved. Students prepared presentations in teams of two on passages as a preparation for the test, mainly to get used to talking about a poem or passage for 15

JUNAID SHAMS

BY STACEY MARIN Staff Writer

Jacque Footeʼs IB English students prepare for the IB Orals by doing a practice oral commentary during class. Senior Khalid Adbul-Hawa was the first student to go this morning at 7:45

minutes. The passage they will be assessed on today, though, is drawn at random.

“I think we’re well prepared,” said IB English 12 teacher Jacque Foote. “We’ve studied six works and have emphasized certain passages. We’ve gone over the rubrics and last year’s tapes, and they keep a journal to go back and review [the passages].” They have also gone over last year’s tapes of students who did well.

Despite preparations, students still admit to being nervous about the exams.

“I’m nervous, but not as nervous as I was before,” said senior Julie Bowes. “We listened to kids who did really well from last year, and they weren’t perfect, so I’m not too worried.”

While some students will prepare

until the last minute possible, others will do very little preparation prior to taking the test. “I’m scared, but I’m probably not going to prepare at all,” said senior Bryce Chadwick. “I’m worried, but I’m not going to do anything with my worry.”

The passages seniors can be tested on are from the six pieces studied this year.

They include Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Othello, poems by Robert Frost, John Donne, and T.S Eliot, and Annie Dillard’s, An American Childhood. Students giving a formal oral commentary are evaluated by their teacher according to a rubric set by the IBO, International Baccalaureate Organization, which is used by teachers internationally. It is comprised of four parts: knowledge and understanding,

interpretation and personal response, presentation, and use of language. The total score is out of 30 possible points.

“It’s very unusual for someone in IB to get that maximum score of 30. We have a range of marks. A good mark could be in the low 20s,” Albright said.

The presentations are tape recorded and samples of tapes are sent to the IB headquarters. If needed, they can request for more tapes to make sure teachers are grading correctly. This hasn’t happened with AHS, which reflects that the English teachers are grading accurately and understand how to grade these tests, Albright said.

The formal oral commentary is the second oral part of the IB English tests, and is taken only by 12th graders. At the end of 11th grade, students have a formal oral presentation. In that part of the test, students know which passage they will be presenting and prepare beforehand.

The results from the formal oral presentation and the formal oral commentary are averaged, and the grade is sent to IB as 30% of the final IB English test grade.

“In IB, every subject has multiple ways to assess students on different parts of the curriculum over time,” Albright said. “In English, students are assessed on their oral ability in two different components.”

Through preparations both inside and outside of the classroom, students are for the most part ready for the exams. “We’ve seen all the passages, so if I study that, I’ll be okay,” said senior Tracy Strauch. “I’m a little nervous, but I think we’ve done a good job preparing.”

Seniors applying to more universities Some seniors are applying up to 15 unversities which could cost up to $1,000

BY LAELA SHALLAL Staff Writer Applying to 15 colleges: $650.

Average time spent on completing one college application: 5 hours.

The feeling of getting into the college of your choice: priceless.

More and more seniors are asking the question: Will great SAT scores and straight A’s guarantee admission into the college of my choice? For most, the answer is more complicated than that. Seniors are applying to multiple schools, some up to

15, to increase their chances of being accepted into the college of their choice.

A strong economy, a highly educated population and the desire to get ahead in the job market have created unprecedented competition among seniors applying to colleges. Even among the brightest students there is much anxiety and insecurity about getting into the college of their choice. “I’m applying to nine colleges for security reasons, the more colleges I apply to the more likely I’ll get into at least one,” said senior Angela Briggs.

Most students interviewed for this article agreed. Senior Lauren Sherman, applied to five colleges at first “but then I decided I might not get into any of them so I applied to four more.” According to Career Center director, Robin Roth, the average AHS student applies to five colleges. She added that “it’s busier this year because more kids are coming to me for help with their college applications.”

“Every senior wants to feel sure

that they are going to go to the right school. Applying to eight colleges provides me with added safety,” said senior Mahlet Girma. She added “seniors applying to only three colleges limit their odds. What if they don’t get into any of them, then what will they do?”

For some seniors from families with limited income, the cost of college applications can become a financial burden and can limit the number of colleges they apply to. Each application can cost upwards of $50. “Money is a factor. Ultimately, the thing between picking two colleges or four boils down to money” said Girma. For other students, money is not an obstacle. Another senior Austin Willis, who is applying to nine colleges, said that “money is not a big issue for me because my parents are paying for it”.

Students, particularly those in the IB Program, have the most number of applications to colleges. Guidance counselor Linda Wheeler said that “students in more

Children’s play auditions end Your name is called and suddenly your stomach drops, it’s time to go up and audition for the upcoming Children’s Show Princess and the Pea.You’re in a room full of people that you barely know reading a part you’ve never seen. What if you mess up a line? What if you do a horrible job? Will I do well enough? These are emotions that you feel when you audition for a show. Many people felt this way this past Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday when they auditioned for the annual Children’s Show, Princess and the Pea, directed by Coury Shadyac.

Being one of the most popular shows of the year , the children’s show attracts many to the Students look at the cast list Friday, during C casting calls. Darrin Burrell, sophomore, who lunch, to see if they had been picked. played the Beast in last year’s Beauty and Beast, although optimistic about the outcome of the play, said, “I really like to act and I enjoy doing the believes that “it’s going to be difficult, because we Children’s play because it’s so much fun.” For can’t use the auditorium and we have to share sophomore Rachel Poppy, it is her first time try- the space with the Short Play Festival (cast).” ing out for a show. Rachel wanted to do something Along with the auditioning comes the casting. different and decided to try out for the children’s Every aspiring thespian anticipates that one piece show because she loves kids. Although she’s look- of paper, waiting all week for it to be posted outside ing forward to getting into the play she says, “ of Room 156 . Everyone searches for their name, If I don’t, it won’t mean that I won’t try again.” some leave in disappointment while others leave A lot of people at the auditions agree that ecstatic. Ginny Burk a sophomore looks at the what makes the children’s show so appeal- cast list and replies, “ It’s nice to be an understudy ing is seeing the children so happy. “I like for two parts. I didn’t even think I’d get in at all.” drama, plus it’s a lot of fun to see the children Amanda Green and Keris KrennHrubec both react and laugh at us,” said senior Susan Lanier. seniors filled the two lead female parts Queen This year rehearsals for the show will be dif- Maude and Princess Olivia and the lead male ferent because the auditorium isn’t ready yet. part, Prince Valiant, went to senior Ian McLeThe cast will have to practice in Clausen Hall and land. Rehearsals start Monday, Dec. 15, 2003 the Black Box Theater until it’s ready. Shadyac, for the performances on February 4, 5 and 6.

ASHLEY JONES

BY ASHLEY JONES Photographer

Superintendent to retire “Domenech” from pg. 1 teachers could get a raise. The program was extremely successful, improving SOL scores across the board.

Currently,11ofthe20schoolsarefullyaccredited. “[It is a] great program that I am very proud of,” saidDomenech.“[Theschoolsare]nowperformingas well, and in many cases better [than other schools].”

Domenech said that the county does need to come to realize that continuing minority achievement is extremely important. He said that AHS is the perfect example of a high achieving high school. He said, “when a commu-

nity is committed to education, you get results.”

Domenech is leaving in the middle of the year “because [if I waited until the end of the year] then the process of bringing someone in would be slowed. This gives then ample time to find a new person in time for the next school year,” he said.

However, Domenech’s sudden resignation, as well as the turnover of many positions in the school district and the recent death of Nancy Sprague, leaves many people concerned about how the school system will be affected. Domenech said, “I think that Fairfax has a very capable staff and a great school system [to cope with this].”

demanding classes apply to more colleges.”

IB Student Gilda Villela, student Body vice President wanted to play it safe by applying to fifteen colleges. She said “I wanted to apply to several ‘safety schools’ and some ‘reach schools’ to increase my odds”.

Some seniors were shocked that students were applying to 9-15 colleges. “I think people applying to 15 colleges are wasting their time and money, they should be more selective” said senior Corey Davis.

Each year the competition has increased. According to CNN, the number of applications is outstripping the increase in students. That means schools can be more selective now about whom they pick.

Experts predict that this trend will only worsen in the coming years. Students will have to become more creative in their applications. It is becoming evident that they cannot rely on grades and SAT scores alone to get them into the college of their choice. “I’m just crossing my fingers that I’ll get into one” said Villela.

Homework load above average “Too much homework can stop students from having healthy social lives, which is important,” said French teacher, Patricia Heininge.

“I.B English” from pg. 1 school, teachers try to assign reasonable amount of work.

“Too much homework can stop students from having healthy social lives, which is important,” Heininge said. “As teachers we try to find a balance in the work we assign.” Heininge estimates that she gives approximately one and half hours worth of homework for each time a class meets, giving students ample time to finish the work in two nights. Many teachers such as IB and regular English 11 teacher Pam Feil and Pre IB English10, English 11, and AVID teacher Augustine Tyman use the calendar system to give their students a heads-up on upcoming assignments. This technique allows students to pace themselves and keep up with their homework The IB program is notorious for its long hours of hard tedious work. However, teachers of both regular and IB classes maintain that there is not a significant difference in the amount of work given in IB classes but rather the type of work. “IB does not mean more work it just means different work, work that is more challenging and requires more creativity,” Heininge said.

“IB classes are faster paced, more in depth, and more detailed.

That’s why their work takes longer, but I think teachers assign the right amount of work,” said sopho-

more Jared Hirsh, who is currently taking two Pre IB courses.

“We know that the IB program can work if teachers assign one hour of homework per each class time, not taking into account long term projects,” said IB Coordinator Erin Albright. “Teachers have figured out how to balance out the homework so that students are not loaded up with work.”

This does not mean, however, that regular courses are any easier or that students not taking IB classes have any less work. Senior Chanda Kim is not taking any IB classes and still finds herself spending at least two and a half hours on homework every night. “I do my homework because I learn myself and it helps me on quizzes and tests.

IB doesn’t mean more work. It just means more advanced,” Kim said.

Sophmore Jillian Rubino estimates spending about five hours a night on her homework. “For all of my three pre-IB classes I get one and a half hours of homework, but for my regular chemistry class it’s easy homework with a lot of time to space it out,” Rubino said.

Many teachers are skeptical about the amount of time students claim to be spending on homework. “They think they’re doing two to three hours of homework but in terms of when they are actually working it is only half and hour at a given time,” Tyman said.

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NEWS BRIEFS NAHS sells calenders

The National Art Honor Society will be selling an original student artwork calender for $10. Forms may be picked up from Bob Christie. Please make checks payable to AHS.

Tysonʼs Corner Gift Wrap fundraising activity

During flexes on Wed. Dec. 10 students volunteered to participate in the Tyson’s Corner Gift Wrap Center fundraising activity. To provide the service that Tyson’s Corner Center expects, all students must

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Dec. 16, 2003

Students volunteer by helping gift wrap during flexes

Homework Average The Brown Center of Education Policy at the Brookings Institution recently polled both elementary and high school students on how much time they spend doing homework each night. The Brown center found that the national average of time spent on homework is only 19 minutes per night, but in many Fairfax County schools, students spend more than this average. The A-Blast surveyed 582 students during all four lunches on Dec. 9 to find out how much AHS students spend on homework every night.

9th Grade 1.77 hrs.

Avg. homework time

1.08 IB/AP classes.

Avg. amount of IB/AP classes

10th Grade

1.88 hrs.

Avg. homework time

1.38 IB/AP classes.

Avg. amount of IB/AP classes

11th Grade

1.77 hrs.

Avg. homework time

1.4 IB/AP classes.

Avg. amount of IB/AP classes

12th Grade

1.8 hrs.

Avg. homework time

1.8 IB/AP classes.

Avg. amount of IB/AP classes

6 A recap of the fight on Dec. 11.

FCPD officer talks to News Channel 4 about the events that occurred at the shopping mall.

Fox cameraman records student interviews, while both parent and student witnesses look on.

A BLAST

NEWS

the

Dec. 16, 2003

‘The Quest’ plagiarized

“Alumnus” from pg 1 my class. I just showed him the movie and I asked, so what is this?” said Weintraut.

“He [Mateen] acted all suprised, and was shocked that someone had stolen his movie. He was very nervous, very agitated, and he said he had to leave.”

Weintraut then contacted both Theforce.net and the Ho Brothers to verify the source of the movie. After emailing Calvin Ho, the director of “Art of the Saber,” Ho confirmed that Khan had no role in making the movie and that they themselves had not gone to T.C Williams, as Mateen had claimed.

“I verified it with two other sources, I saw the original product–it predates Mateen’s completion of his movie,” said Weintraut. “This isn’t a simple case of a student-plagiarized paper for English Above is a scene from the original concept video performed by the Ho brothers. Mateen class. Mateen had a broader audience.” Khan plagiarized the Ho brother’s movie, “Art of the Saber,” which was used at the 2003 After repeated attempts to contact Film Festival Khan’s residence in New York for this edly told students that he had transferred ing to Weintraut, Khan told him, and story, the phone was immediately hung from T.C Williams High School, and many students that he was accepted up after requesting to speak to Khan. had a background in film. Stating that and would be attending the film school Attempts were also made to contact his parents were diplomats, Mateen at New York University. “I never wrote Khan’s parents at their Annandale resi- quickly became a “star” after film stu- him a letter of recommendation,” said dence. However Khan’s parents have not dents witnessed his computer generated Weintraut. “It would be difficult to get returned phone calls for this story, and movies such as, “Art of the Saber” and into a film school without having a recthe phone line is now disconnected. After “Adrenaline,” a Matrix type short film. ommendation from his film teacher.” a recent visit to the Khan’s residence, the “I liked it [“Art of the Saber”] because The Career Center records show that Khan’s also appear to have moved out. it was different than all the others and no one from last year’s graduating class “This whole thing is partially my fault,” it seemed like he had more knowledge is attending NYU. Only one student said Weintraut. “I just trusted Mateen. I about films,” said IB Film student Tim was even accepted to the university, trusted him flat out. And I thought that he Sehrer. “He made a really unique film.” and it was a Hispanic male, not Khan. had those kinds of movie making abilities.

Academically, “Mateen was a fabulous When asked about his feelings towards And he might, I mean, he might have those student and mediator,” said counselor Khan after this incident, Weintraut said, “I skills, but I know he didn’t do that movie.” Jennifer Crump-Strawderman. Accord- don’t take this personally. I just take it as Coming to AHS last fall, Khan alleg-

a crisis of conscious. I take it as somebody not really mature enough. But I take it as a learning possibility, as a way to change behavior before it gets rooted and becomes part of who you are for the rest of your life.

Our first step is not to be punitive; our first step is to help the kid, to help the student.

Even though he’s not a student anymore.”

According to Weintraut, Khan is also the main suspect for $3,500 worth of missing equipment, which includes a video camera, digital camera, microphones, memories, and batteries. Around the Nov. 1, Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell emailed Khan regarding the stolen equipment. Khan replied back by denying he had possession of the equipment and stating that he had returned the equipment.

“He doped a lot of us. I think fundamentally, he’s still a good guy, I think Mateen has a good heart and he’s done a lot for this school,” said Weintraut. “I still think that he has some skill and talent, but I’m just really sad and disappointed and frustrated that this movie ended up not being his. I just regret that I didn’t do a better job of staying on top of what he did and as a student, that I trusted him too much, and he dug himself this hole.

People make mistakes in life, but the sad thing is that he’s running away from it.”

(Alan Weintraut, adviser for The A-Blast, removed himself from the editing of this story.)

The original “The Art of Saber” movie, created by the Ho Brothers, can be viewed online at http://www.theforce.net/theater/ fxprojects/artofthesaber/index.shtml.

Student violence erupts at parking lot Officers converse as they attempt to close off the crime scene.

Officers share information to get a better understanding of the incident.

“Violence” from pg. 1 golf club) was assualted by a friend of the smaller student.

After being struck the student dropped the club, and the smaller student’s friend beat him in the head with it. The student was then taken to the hospital and stayed over night for facial injuries, a broken jaw and a concussion.

School administrators report that five students were involved in the incident at the church, however eyewitness accounts differ.

“I think the school is downplaying the fight,” said sophomore Amy Novak, witness. “They’re saying that only five people were involved, but there were a lot more than five fighting. There were probably two dozen people around the fight, and a dozen were fighting.”

However, Fairfax County reports include there were more than five individuals surrounding the fight, but only five were directly involved in it.

Pickett is leading the investigation into the church incident. It is currently believed that the scuffle at the church was premeditated because of a previous dispute, which occurred out of school. Administrators have already taken disciplinary action against some of those involved.

“The student wielding the bat has already been suspended and is being recommended for expulsion,” said Pickett. “The student who was advanced on was defending himself and attempted to avoid the conflict and is not facing disciplinary action. The injured student who arrived with the golf club may face suspension for bringing a weapon.”

While school staff members were responding to the fight at the church, Fairfax County police officers were converging on Heritage Mall to the report of a gang fight. The fight took place at approximately 2:30

p.m. as an AHS junior was walking home from school and was confronted by several other juveniles. The student produced a gang symbol to the gang members’ “territory,” and an argument ensued, resulting in the stabbing of the student. The student was able to walk to the police officer at the school crossing, where rescue personnel were summoned. He was treated for nonlife threatening injuries at INOVA Fairfax Hospital.

“The incident involved two opposing gangs, but was an isolated incident,” said Fairfax County police officer B.A. Gaydos.

The incident drew news crews from FOX, ABC and NBC, which resulted in FOX airing a report of the fight during the 5 and 10 p.m. broadcasts.

At press time Monday evening, further suspect information was still being gathered.

Despite a recent increase of gang activity in Annandale, and most recently the event at Heritage Mall, most students are not worried.

“I feel safe because I don’t really pay attention to gangs,” said sophomore Lianne Shugoll.

“Other people might be worried. I guess it kind of bothers me to know that there are gangs at our school, but it’s not so much that it distracts me.” “[The fight] didn’t affect me, so I feel safe,” said sophomore Jazzmin White. “I don’t feel like my life is on the line. I feel for the guy, but it doesn’t affect me.”

Staff members do not feel particularly threatened by the incidents of last week. “We live in an extraordinary time when security is greatly important, as is education,” said history teacher MaryAnn Richardson. “When these things happen, they seem traumatic, but we need to keep

improving our actions towards each other every day.”

While both incidents occurred close to school, they were also both isolated, and will not increase in security at school, though on Dec. 12 four additional police officers aided Pickett in patrolling school grounds.

Pickett has an understanding with known gang membersatschoolthathehopeswilleasetensionsnearoratschool.

“I just tell them, ‘You don’t come in my house and I won’t come in yours,’” said Pickett. “Incidents are going to happen, and I just try to keep them out of school by not hassling gang members.”

No arrests or legal actions have been made regarding either of the incidents, and at this time school officials and Fairfax County police are still compiling all available information on the fights. While both events were isolated, they are just two more contributing incidents to a rise in violent conflicts at AHS. School administrators are confident that neither incident will have a negative effect on the school, as they occurred off of school grounds.

In response to worries about further incidents and student safety, Principal Rodney Manuel said, “Our priority it to make sureAnnandale is safe everyday and that everyone can work confident in their safety.” Manuel sent a letter home with students on Friday for parents explaining the incident and the actions being taken to assure safety.

TheA-Blastdoesnotprintthenamesofstudentsinvolved in school disciplinary matters unless they are 18 years old and are being formerly charged with a criminal activity.

Staff Writers Stacey Marin and Lekha Menon contributed to this story.

make a Date Most of the major area networks showed up on the crime scenes. Many interviewed AHS students to gain student perspective.

Sunday

Monday 14

All photos by Ted Gibson

Tuesday 15

Drug Awareness Play Performance 12/15-16 ( Clausen Hall) TBA- JV Wrestling v.

Falls Church Invitationals

21

Winter Break

December/January

22

Flex R5/W6

Wednesday 17

16

4 p.m. F. Boys Basketball V. Hayfield (A) F. Girls Basketball v. Hayfield (H) 5:45 p.m. JV Boys Basketball v. Hayfield ( A) JV Girls Basketball v. Hayfield (A) 7:30 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v. Hayfield ( A) V. Girls Basketball v. Hayfield ( H)

Thursday

Flex W8/ R7

7:00 p.m. Girls Gymnastics v. Edison, Langley, Chantilly

18

College Panel- Both Flexes ( Clausen Hall)

(Chantilly)

7:30 p.m. Choral Concert ( Clausen Hall)

TBA- V. Wrestling v.

W. Potomac (H)

23

Friday HANUKKAH BEGINS

25

20

19

4:30 p.m. F. Boys Basketball v.

T.C. ( H) F. Girls Basketball v. T.C. (A) 6 p.m. JV boys Basketball v.

T.C (H) JV Girls Basketball v. T.C. ( A) 8 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v. T.C. V. Girls Basketball v. T.C. (A) 8:30 p.m. Swim & Dive v.

Jefferson (Wakefield)

24

Saturday

TBA- JV Wrestling v.

Woodson Invitationals ( Woodson)

27

26

Kwanzaa BEGINS

Christmas Day

Christmas Eve

TBA-Varsity Wrestling v. TBA Tournament

Winter Break Holiday 29

28

30

1

31

2

3

New Year’s Day

TBA- V. Wrestling v. North Stafford

(January)

Winter Break Holiday 4 Testing L .H. All Week 1/5-9 (Cafeteria/ Clausen Hall)

Flex W2/ R3

5

last day to purchase 50th Anniversary Yearbooks 4:00 p.m. F. boys Basketball v. W. Springfield (H) F. Girls Basketball v. W. Springfield (A) 5:45 p.m. JV boys Basketball v. W. Springfield (H) JV Girls Basketvall v. W. Springfield (A) 7:30 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v. W. Springfield (H) V. Girls Basketball v. W. Springfield (A)

6

Flex W6/ R1 7 p.m. Girls Gymnastics v.

W. Springfield, Woodson, Marshall (Marshall) 7:30 p.m. Financial Aid Workshop (Clausen Hall) TBA- V. Wrestling v.

Centerville , W&L, Herndon (Centerville)

7

8

4:00 p.m. F. boys Basketball v.

Robinson (A)

F. Girls Basketball v. Robinson (H) 5:45 p.m. JV boys Basketball v.

Robinson(A)

Flex R5/ R7

9

6:30 p.m. Swim & Dive v.

Potomac (Mt. Vernon)

JV Girls Basketball v. Robinson (H) 7:30 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v.

Robinson (A) V. Girls Basketball v. Robinson (H)

TBA- JV Wrestling v. Hayfield Invitational (Hayfield)

10 TBA JV Wrestling v.

Hayfield Invitational (Hayfield) TBA JV Wrestling v.

Edison, S. Lakes, TBA (Edison)

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TED GIBSON

ACADEMICS

A

CHE ATING t

Dec.16, 2003

Taking the easy way out

BY MOLLY STERLACCI Staff Writer “I just cheat on assignments and tests because I’m too lazy to study for them and I want a good grade,” said sophomore Charlie Mallory. Anumber of high school students choose to cheat on assignments for different reasons.

Students who receive pressure from parents or guardians to do well in school are promted by stress concerning their grades to resort on cheating as a means of both succeeding in difficult classes and pleasing their parents or guardians with their grades.

Although the parents encourage their students to work to the best of their ability and attempt to make sure their child understands that dishonesty is not acceptable, cheating can still be difficult to prevent.

Some students also receive pressure from their peers. This form of pressure can also be difficult to avoid in class, but by being firm in maintaining an honest mindset, students can simply say no, declining to show their neighbor his or her answers.

“I receive pressure from my peers to get good grades,” said junior Jessica Gray.

In past years, it seemed uncommon to hear that a cause of student cheating was encouraged by the pressure to get into a certain college or university due to the increasing competition. The mentality of some students is that to get a good grade or to get into a college can only be accomplished through cheating off of others.

More than in previous years, students are spending more time on extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports. While beneficial to students, these activities may take attention off of studies and schoolwork.

“I only cheat because I don’t make the effort to study for myself, even though I know I should,” said senior William Stroud.

A number of students do make the time to study for tests and quizzes, however when it comes test day, stress, nervousness, and even forgetfulness overcome them. Many students cannot control their patterns of anxiety and unease. They can become so overwhelmed at the thought of failing, that they blank out and decide that the only way to get a decent grade is to cheat.

In contrast to those students who do cheat are those that decide against it altogether. These are the students who feel cheating is wrong and want to earn their grades the honest way.

“I feel bad when I copy someone’s work because I can never reciprocate and give them mine,” said Mike Krzywicki.

The Writer’s Guide Style Manual refers to plagiarism as “the act of using another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source.”

Many students however abide by “The Honor Code,”and decide not to cheat.

“I don’t cheat because the honor code states that if I were to cheat, it would go on my record, I would get a zero, my parents would find out, and colleges would eventually find out. I don’t

want to take that risk,” said sophomore Meredith Miller.

While the honor code is an important factor for why some students decide against cheating, others ignore the honor code and still some do not even know it exists.

According to Fairfax County, cheating and plagiarizing are considered an “academic deception.”

The honor code states that, “Plagiarizing is falsely claiming authorship. Cheating and plagiarizing are serious offenses.”

7 What Is TurnItIn.Com? Since 1996, Turnitin.com has helped teachers in over 50 countries to prevent cheating in their classrooms. It has made it easier for teachers to track plagiarism by having their students submit term papers through the Internet.

Once a paper is submitted, “Turnitin.com” goes into action, searching every corner of the Internet for materials that students may have used for plagiarizing purposes.

This system acts as a powerful deterrent to stop plagiarism before it starts. IB History of the Americas and World History I teacher Kathlyn Berry has been an avid user of turnitin.com for the last few years.

“I use [turnitin.com] so students can avoid plagiarism in the future,” said Berry.

Teachers have turned to this new method of collecting written works to teach students the correct way to write a paper.

“It is not so much trying to catch them in the act as it is letting them know that a citation is missing or to change around their bibliography to include missing information,” said Berry.

With this, students learn from the beginning the “do’s and don’ts” of plagiarism and how to avoid it, even in accidental situations. It is not meant to be a tool used for punishment, but instead, for understanding the potential consequences of cheating, and how it can affect students later in life.

“I think that turnitin.com is a good concept because it raises the level of education in the country and helps prepare kids for college term papers,” said senior Muhammed Siddiki.

Have you ever cheated on any assignment in high school?

Ninth Grade

Juniors Brandon Flowers and Adam Park and World History teacher Mary Keating

no

66%

33%

no

Tenth Grade

yes

that efforts made by teachers to thwart cheating are many times ineffectual.

“Giving people zeroes doesn’t prevent them from cheating in the future, because nine times out of ten they won’t get caught, and the one time doesn’t matter,” said sophomore Matthew Dandy.

Many students agreed that measures taken by teachers ould probbaly be ineffective in preventing others from cheating.

The effort by teachers to prevent cheating in the classroom is many times useless because the students themselves do not understand the importance of doing their schoolwork truthfully. Students need to be aware of the future implications of cheating, and sometimes getting this message through to them can be more effective than any other punishment.

In May 2001, the biggest cheating scandal in university history took place at UVA, after 148 students were accused of copying term papers from a homemade computer program in an introductory physics course. Eight of those students left the school after admitting to plagiarism.

Many have been kicked out of school.

As cheating in American schools grows, so do the consequences. However, in many instances the use of punishments by teachers have proved to be unsuccessful since students do not fully understand the reprecussions of their actions. The final decision of whether or not to cheat lies in the consciences of the students themselves and whether or not good grades are more important than honesty.

80%

20%

Eleventh Grade

79%

21%

“Cheating is good because it can help you get good grades on tests or assignments.”

—Francisco Villatoro freshman

“Yes, cheating is good sometimes because it can improve your overall grade if it is bad.”

“No I don’t think [cheating] is okay. It might help you now but in the long run it only has negative effects.”

“No, because then the grade that you get is not really the one that you deserve.”

“Morally, cheating is wrong, but sometimes it comes to the point were it is necessary in order to do well.”

—Rafael Iriarte freshman

—Tiffany Merchant junior

—Hallie Hubbell sophomore

—Valerie Smith senior

no

Twelfth Grade

yes

Do you think that it is ok to cheat on an assignment if it means getting a good grade?

gets through to them by saying how they will be affected by cheating in the long run, such as when trying to get recommendations for college.

Many teachers give zeroes on assignments when students cheat, and some stand over their students while taking exams to ensure that cheating does not take place. History teacher Jonathan York feels strongly about making sure students do not cheat in his class and tries to prevent it by keeping an eye on them during tests and quizzes and providing alternate versions of every test and quiz.

“I think [cheating] has become a big problem not only in Annandale, but everywhere,” said York. Although, he knows that as much as he tries to inhibit cheating in the classroom, punishment doesn’t always prevent the act. York proposes a rule be made in the school that the third time a student cheats in a class, he or she will fail the class. York also recommends that a documented record should be kept which gives every teacher access to a folder that documents every student’s past cheating record.

Many more teachers strongly believe that cheating is becoming an increasing problem, but do not know how it can be effectively prevented to the point where students will no longer cheat. Students also believe

no

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TED GIBSON

Cheating: it is a word taken more and more lightly by students acrossAmerica, from elementary to high schools. The main problem is the fact that students do not understand both the short and long term effects and consequences of the ac-

tion. Most teachers are enforcing the consequences of cheating upon their students, but students interpret cheating in different ways. Many students have different definitions of cheating than their teachers, and some believe that things such as copying homework and using online devices like cliff notes are not cheating.

“The biggest difficulty is that student’s definition of cheating is different than the teachers, because students believe that there are different degrees of cheating, but really cheating is cheating,” said Spanish teacher Debbie Estes. Estes emphasizes the importance of not cheating on her students from the first day of school.

She

yes

BY CAITLIN BECKET Staff Writer

yes

Operation eliminate cheating: teachers’ strategies

73%

27%

269 Students were surveyed during W2 and R7 English classes on December 10, 2003

HEALTH

A

t

Dec. 16, 2003

9 Q &A with the school nurse

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF SENIOR AUBREY WELCH BY SARAH SOZIO

With winter coming on, more and more students are coming down with the flu and colds. Photographer Sarah Sozio interviewed the new clinic room aide, Libby Granigan, to discuss how winter ailments affect students.

With flu and colds on the rise and flu vaccines running low, students are forced to choose between school and their health

for the team. According to Fisher, three out of 17 male swimmers, were out sick with the flu. Because of this, all but two team members were entered in four events each.

The outbreak of illness on the team forced to Fisher to make major readjustments for the meet and put a major strain on some swimmers.

Fisher believes that sickness and missing practice will force his athletes to play catch-up. “It takes a week to recover [from illness]. . .After being out with the flu for a week, it takes the swimmer a week to get back to where he or she was before the illness. You really miss two weeks,” Fisher said.

Ironically, some at AHS welcome sickness for the very same reason others detest it. Many students are relieved by their congested throats and fevers because they give them the opportunity to stay home from school and relax. School and extracurricular activities can be so stressful for some that they would rather stay at home, even when very sick.

“I’m taking AP Government, IB Psychics and IB Higher Level Math,” said senior Vernon Liechti. “It’s so stressful that I need time off from it once in a while.”

It is likely that the sickness trend will continue and the school will continue to see many illness-related absences. This

rolled in four IB classes and one AP class.

He often finds it a burden to make up the work and learn the material that he must As junior Max Tholenaar-Maples miss when he is forced to stay home from walked to his front door after parking his school. “The IB program demands you car last Monday night, he began to notice be spending about 50 percent of your free symptoms that many students are finding time working on something for school. I all too familiar. His nose was running, don’t really have a problem with that, but he had an unbearable cough, his head when you get sick and miss one or two throbbed with pain, and he later discov- days, it’s kind of tough to recover and get all of your work done, especially if you miss ered he had a fever.

Tholenaar-Maples is just one of the a test,” said Tholenaar-Maples.

Another major responsibility of many students who have been plagued by illness during this early stage of students is their commitment to their winter sports team. winter. With the Practices for the varsity frigid weather swim and dive team have this area has been sparsely populated been experienc- It’s kind of tough to recover in the past several weeks, ing lately, cases of the common [if you get the flu] especially according to sophomore Cara Talley. “I’ve seen cold, the flu and a lot of people missing, other infections if you miss a test. probably from sickness. with flu-like It really hurts our swim symptoms have —MaxTholenaarMaples team,” said Talley. been on the rise. junior Swim coach and With many math teacher Bruce students having Fisher agrees and is extremely busy schedules and varied responsibilities, worried about all the absences the swim temporary physical debilitations like team must deal with. The team’s first a bad cold can have very far reaching meet was scheduled for Dec. 5 and was canceled due to inclement weather. The consequences.

Tholenaar-Maples for instance, is en- cancellation was in some ways a blessing

BY JOE BURKE Staff Writer

“

”

How do you deal with winter illnesses?

“I just try to let it pass.

But I also drink a lot of green tea and that helps soothes my throat.”

“I just sleep a lot and take a lot of decongestants. I still go to school, so I don’t get behind.”

“I sleep a lot, eat a cup of noodles and take alka-seltzer. The broth from the soup soothes my thoat.”What is

—Natalie Zuniga freshman

—DJ Orem sophomore

—Daniel Borras junior

Shots sting students Brittany Nelson.

At a recent flu shot clinic at Fairfax Inova Hospital on Dec. 6, approzimately Just count. One… two... and it’s over. 300 children and high-risk adults were Those two seconds of pain could prevent vaccinated. However, lines were so long two weeks of exhaustion and misery due that approximately 500 people were to the influenza virus, commonly known as turned away.

According TheWashington Post, this the flu. In the wake of the sudden deaths of nine, possibly 11, children in Colorado, new strain of the flu is causing outbreaks in an unprecedented number of people find Colorado as well as in Texas, and is known themselves rushing to get their annual as the Fujian strain. It is not one of the strains prevented by the flu vaccine. Howflu shots.

“I’m glad I got my flu shot early because ever, the flu vaccination can provide some I won’t have to wait in long lines at the last protection and help reduce the symptoms of this strain. minute,” said sophomore Marie Pierce.

Some teenagers receive flu shots annuAccording to The Washington Post, Virally because ginia has recently of other been included in a medical list of twenty four conditions states that have that could reported flu outworsen the breaks. flu if they According to were to the Center for get sick. “I Disease Control, get a lot of 10 to 20 percent colds in the of Americans winter albecome infected ready,” said with the flu sophomore each year. It is Jackie annually responBrackett. sible for 114,000 lines await people waiting to get their flu shots at “So my mom hospitalizations Long Fairfax Hospital. The lines were so long that shots were made me get and over 20,000 limited to only children and high-risk adults. a flu shot.” deaths, mainly Yet the fear the elderly.

With the increasing demand for vaccines and anticipation of the shot is too much for comes the risk of a depletion of supplies. “My some students, and they choose to risk getmom is making me get a flu shot soon be- ting sick over getting the shot. “I’m mortified cause she heard that they are running out of of needles, so I refuse to get the shot. I don’t really worry about getting sick though, bevaccine,” said freshman John Derrickson.

The two producers of the vaccination for cause I don’t get sick that often,” said junior the United States have already declared Jessica Griffing.

Yet many students realize that a small that they have shipped all their supplies, and are uncertain about how long the sup- sting in the arm is worth to stay healthy.

“I don’t want to get sick for a week, so plies will last.

“My mom made me go get it becauuse getting a shot didn’t really bother me,” said of the kids that died and the fact that they freshman Gracie McMurry. may run out of the vaccine,” said sophomore MEG NIELSEN

BY MEG NIELSEN Health Editor

flu season is almost universally expected to be more intense than those of the previous several years, and according to some reports will be the worst in three decades.

Some estimates of deaths from the flu run into the thousands. Although some experts believe that these numbers are exaggerated, it is clear that students most take special care to protect themselves from illnesses or else they may face even worse outcomes than mounds of makeup work or missed sports practices.

“I have already gotten sick this year,” said junior Jennifer Brackett, who has missed several school days and swim practices. “Getting sick is just part of winter,” said Brackett.

“I have gotten used to it.”

Additional reporting by Rachel Sinaiko and Meg Nielsen

“I usually just try to stay active because if you sleep, the sickness will overtake you. But if you stay active it will eventually go away.

Fight fire with fire.

“I don’t really get that sick because I take Zicam to prevent getting sick. I try to stay away from all the sick kids, and I watch my hands.”

—Kojo Asamoa senior

—Mike McMarlin Building Engineer

The flu vs. the common cold Many people consider the common cold and influenza (the flu) to be the same illness. Although these viral infections share many of the same symptoms, they are actually very different. Check your symptoms on this chart to see if you have the flu or are just suffering from the common cold.

The flu •Caused by the influenza virus •Lasts a week to 10 days •Causes a high fever •Highly contagious •Causes muscle pains and chills •Starts with a dry feeling in the nose and throat •Symptoms show up one to two days after infection •Could lead to death in extreme cases

The common cold •Caused by many different types of viruses •Usually lasts one to two days •Causes a mild fever •Not very contagious •Starts with a runny nose •Symptoms show up three to four days after infection •Always clears up, even without treatment

Symptoms: Symptoms: • usually a mild fever •usually a high that lasts only about two fever of about 102 days that lasts from •it rarely causes headache three to four • mild muscle aches days.

• mild tiredness •sudden and •no extreme exhaustion severe headache • often causes a runny nose •usual and severe muscle •often causes sneezing aches • often causes a sore throat •two or more weeks of tiredness • causes a mild hacking cough •sudden and severe exhaustion •sometimes causes a runny nose •sometimes causes sneezing •sometimes causes a sore throat •usually causes a cough, which can become severe Information compiled from www.betterhealth.vic.gov www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases, and from the Center for Disease Control

Do you see a lot of kids come in with flulike symptoms in the winter and have to send a lot of kids home?

Yes, a lot go home, but some stay even if they’re running a fever and they can’t get a hold of anyone.

What are these symptoms?

Fever, cough, wheezing, dark colored phlegm, and aches and pains.

Should stuGranigan dents get flu shots?

Yes, it is better to be safe than sorry.

What is the best way to not get sick in the winter, besides getting a flu shot?

Washing your hands is the most important thing people can do.

Is there anything else important students and faculty should know about winter illnesses?

Stay home 24 hours after your fever stops, so you don’t infect anyone else. People are just infecting each other by not being careful, not covering their mouths, and not washing their hands.

Why get a flu shot?

Although it has been proven effective in protecting people against the flu virus, many people will not get the flu shot, for fear that it will make them sick. Here is a brief explanation of the flu vaccine and how it works.

What is the flu vaccine?

There are two types of flu vaccines. The flu shot is actually a killed flu virus.

People are injected with the dead virus, which should provide protection against active flu viruses. The second type of flu vaccine is given through a naThe flu virus sal spray. The nasal spray contains weakened flu viruses and is only given to healthy people between 5 and 49.

How does the flu vaccine work?

The dead or weakened viruses cause antibodies to build up in the body. The antibodies then provide protection against the flu virus.

What are side effects associated with the flu vaccine?

Some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, become sick after getting the flu shot. They become sick with the flu or flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches and fever.

Can you still get the flu even after getting vaccinated?

Yes, since the vaccine may be a different strain than some of the active flu viruses. The effectiveness of the vaccine also depends on the age and healthiness of the person.

Who should get the flu shot?

Anyone who wishes to prevent themselves from the flu can get a flu shot, but people who are considered at high risk of severe illness should make sure that they receive the vaccination.

Who is considered at high-risk for illnesses?

People over the age of 65, children ages 6-23 months, and children, teenagers, and adults with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

The best time to recieve the flu shot, especially for people at high risk and for those who could spread it to high risk people, is in October and November.

However it is not too late to get your flu shot in December or January.

Information courtesy of www.cdc.gov/about/ qa/fluvaccine.htm

10 What kind of charity do you like to give around the holidays?

“My church, Christian Assembly, helps the homeless.

We feed them and have canned food drives.”

Dec. 16, 2003

A BLAST

IN-DEPTH

the

Dec. 16, 2003

There’s no place like home

Key Club

A closer look at the Sullivan House

“I go to INova Commonwealth Nursing Home with my sister.”

—Gbassay Joroma freshman

“I participate in the Salvation Army Angel tree as well as the Giftwrap fundraiser with DECA. I feel fullfilled after I help other people.”

—Khalid Abulhawa senior

“I go caroling with my latin class. My church, Colombia Baptist also goes caroling.”

—Ashley Pilkerton sophomore

“I go to Providence Prespeterian and we make stockings filled with toys for homeless children.”

—Emily Sanders freshman

IMAGES TAKEN FROM “THE ROAD TO MIRACLES” PROVIDED BY ARLINGTON-ALEXANDRIA COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, INC.

BY KATIE STANTON AND ERIN O’BRIEN In-depth Editors

KATIE STANTON

At first glance, the non-descript building looks like any other. There are no signs advertising its presence, no identifying information on the door. The tall, brick edifice stands in a small parking lot in an average neighborhood, and could easily be passed by. Once one finds the entrance, a small door in the back of the building, there are only two pieces of paper on the wall: one asks to ring a buzzer before entering, and another warns that donations left outside will be thrown away.

Katanya McCauley (left) and Pat Boyd work at the Sullivan House. Boyd is a shelter case worker, and stays at least one Homeless shelters and other places of need gain night a week to accept new cases and help with clients at all hours. McCauley is a substitude shelter staff member. even more public recognition and donations during the holiday season, and this shelter is no exception. The Sullivan House of the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for lies, and that’s most of who TACTS serves,” said Moreau. clients leave the House, and individuals often stay in conThere have been extreme cases at the Sullivan House, tact to take advantage of its donations and employment the Homeless, or AACH, is located on 9th Street North in Arlington, and houses up to 15 families at any one involving abusive family members and causing the direc- services. They also call for financial consulting and aid.

To get them into housing, the House analyzes their fitime. Executive director Ed Rea said, “The aim of the tors to call law enforcement. Moreau has worked at the shelter is to get people into permanent housing and to Sullivan House since it was created in the mid-1980s, and nancial situation, sometimes obtaining credit reports and get into their own apartment.” Out of respect for the remembers assorted extreme cases. “There was a woman looking to see “what debts we can help them pay down over dignity and confidentialty of the clients, no comments that we had whose husband was in law enforcement and time to make them potentially look better in the eyes of a from the clients of this facility were included in this article. he was abusive, so that was particularly hard for her,” said landlord,” said Moreau. Clients also receive a type of account The House provides all the basic facilities, including Moreau. “She had to change her name, she got a new social for them to sign over whatever checks they may receive, and the money is budgeted kitchens and living space in apartments, donated food security number, just so he would have a hard time tracking her... out. Some set aside and clothing and free laundry Most of the battered women that for a housing fund amenities. The governmentwe have here do have protective and the rest goes for funded building, however, needs orders sent out.

We try to push regular expenses and public support throughout the that with them as much as posany other debts. Any year for these services. The food sible, and the TACTS safe house other counseling and and clothing comes from varied is pretty good about doing that, services necessary, like sources. “We get a fair amount especially when it’s an extreme mental health counof people who have known about physically abusive situation. It seling and substance us over the years and continue just gives a little bit more legal abuse programs, are to bring things by,” said Sullivan leverage there and hopefully is a very important House director Mark Moreau.

Moreau somewhat of a deterrent if the part of clients’ stay.

“We definitely get more in the way The Lifeworks of food and gifts for the kids around the holiday period. The person does show up... We have had situations where the guys have building, which is churches here inArlington do a lot through the year for us.”

Apartments at the Sullivan House feature kitchens, bedanother building Aglance into an apartment reveals a comfortable space [shown up] but usually we’re able rooms, bathrooms and living rooms, as shown here. located across the for a small family; on the left, a modest living room with to call the police and then they’ll street from the Sulblue couches and baby supplies. To the front sits a cozy come. This is Arlington County property, so the police are very supportive.” livan House, was donated for the employment program. kitchen, stocked with food, and on the right, two bedrooms According to Moreau, there have also been cases where a It has computers and offices for clients to look for places of and a bathroom. The area seems inviting, and much different from the common perception of homeless shelters. member of an intact family has been abusive; in these situ- employment and get references. There is also a kids area Sullivan House is a 10-unit, 50-bed apartment style ations, the police have come to remove the person and the with toys and activities; the House has weekly skits and shelter, and last year served over 100 people. “For some of remainder of the family is kept in the house. There have also storytelling for the children staying there. This also acts as the bigger families, we may have them in their own apart- been cases of a family coming to the house to escape abuse, daycare while their parents go to work in the day or night.

Finally, another significant service is providing the chilment,” said Moreau. “The smaller families, which usually but the person has followed them there. Law enforcement consist of a woman and children, we may have one family officials and the Sullivan House keep a close relationship dren who come in the opportunity to go to the same schools in case of instances like this. they have been attending. “There is a legal requirement in each of those bedrooms in People at the Sullivan that homeless kids have to be, assuming they’re still in the a two bedroom [apartment].”

House have many opportu- same area, where their last school was. They have to be Clients at the house are nities and assistance to get given the opportunity to continue in their same school,” said referred by social workers and them into their own homes. Rea. “When you get homeless, well, the thing is that you’re human agencies in Arlington, The head of the household moving around a lot and the worst thing in the world for including services for subis assigned to one of the any kid is going to be, right in the middle of the school year, stance abuse, mental health, four shelter caseworkers, suddenly you’re in a different school, and then maybe a few the Crisis Assistance Bureau and they meet with them months later you’re in another school... The notion is to keep and child protective services. every week to make sure them and make sure that... they stay in the same school.”

They usually stay in the Sullithey “are addressing the Recently there has been a lack of rental space van House for an average of five issues that brought them for clients. “Sometimes the stays have gotten longer, months. “It’s somewhat case by here,” said Moreau. Pro- at least over the last few years, because of the difcase,” said Moreau. “We do have grams include those for ficulty that we’ve had getting people into housing, more flexibility because we’re a employment, LifeWorks, because of the tight rental market,” said Moreau. longer term program. We’ve the SKIT (Support for Kids “There’s just a shortage of available housing, not just had people here almost 10 in Transition) program and in Arlington and Alexandria, it’s area wide and it’s namonths... But the stays have Laundry facilities are provided in the House free of Adopt-A-Family, which is tion wide,” said Rea. “There’s just not enough housing gotten longer, at least over the charge for all the families living there. one of the most important. that’s availably to the population that have low income.” last few years, because of the “[It] is a post-shelter Other problems exist in the skepticism of landlords to difficulty that we’ve had getting transitional program.

It can help clients anywhere from accept clients, because of a bad credit history or difficult people into housing, because of the tight rental market.”

The majority of clients come from emergency shelters like 12 to 24 months after they leave the shelter. The catch is, financial situation. Programs like TACTS and the House’s the TACTS (TheArlington Community Temporary Shelter) though, that they’ve got to get their own rental housing so financial services aim to help with these sorts of troubles.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Safe House and ASPAN (the Arlington Street People’s As- they’ve got to be approved and have a lease,” said Moreau.

The program includes a one to three year follow-up after Services, up to 600,000 people go homeless every night in sistance Network). “We prioritize battered women and famithe United States. People who are homeless must face tough decisions between paying for shelter, food or anything else they or they families may need. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a single worker Of the 227 students who Do you participate in any type working 87 hours a week for minimum wage would have do participate in a charity: of charity during the holidays? just enough to pay for a two-bedroom apartment and other necessities. “Addressing their financial situations is really a Do you continue this charity top priority because if that isn’t under control, then they’re throughout the year? never going to get into their own apartment,” said Rea. Yes The House targets a 70% success rate, and has several Yes No types of practice or training to help clients prepare for the hoNo meowner’s world. In 2002, according to theAACH website, 51% 49% 61% of clients moved directly into permanent housing, and 41% 70% were employed fulltime by the point of their discharge.

Shelters and centers in the area The Salvation Army: Adult Rehabilitation Center and Thriftstore 6528 Little River Turnpike Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone: 703-642-9270 Fax: 703-642-3556 Social Services Office 107 E. Bellefonte Alexandria, VA 22301 Phone: 703-548-0579 Fax: 703-548-8789 Transitional Housing 1804 Mt. Vernon Ave Alexandria, VA 22301 Phone: 703-836-2427 Fax: 703-548-8789 Emergency Shelter 2355B Mill Rd. Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: 703-329-2050 Fax: 703-548-8789 http:/www.salvationarmysouth .org/VA.htm

Ways to donate: •Make a credit card donation online at https://secure3.sa lvationarmy.org/donations.nsf/ donate?openform.

•Donate online to other US programs like the Angel Giving Tree at http: //www.salvationarmyusa.org/.

•Sign up to volunteer at organizations in the DC Metro area at http://www.salarmydc.org/uss/ www_uss_natcaparea.nsf.

•Shop at the Salvation Army Thrift store; 100% of proceeds go to the Adult Rehabilitation Center.

Chances to give arise during the holidays

With whom do you do the charity?

Family Friends Church School Independently Other

The LifeWorks center offers computers and caseworkers to assist clients in finding and keeping employment.

Capital Area Food Bank: 645 Taylor Street NE Washington, D.C. 20017 Phone: 202-526-5344 Fax: 202-529-1767 Executive Director: Lynda J. Brantley Media Contact: Monica Testa www.capitalareafoodbank.org •National Coalition for the Homeless: 7535 Little River Turnpike Annandale, Va 22003 Phone: 703-642-0700 www.nationalhomeless.org

•Homestretch, Inc. P.O. Box 141 Falls Church, VA 22046 Phone: 703-573-0359 Fax: 703-573-0359 Email: hmcrafts@aol.com •Community for Creative Non-Violence 425 Second St. NW Washington D.C. 20001 Phone: 202-393-1909 Fax: 202-783-3254 http://users.erols.com/ccnv/ •Shelter House, Inc P.O. Box 4081 Falls Church, VA 22044 Phone: (703) 536-2155 Email: volunteer@shelterhou se.org http://www.shelterhouse.org •Stand-Up for Kids — Alex andria P.O. Box 1953 Alexandria, VA 22312 Email: WashDC@standupf orkids.org http:// www.standupforkids.org

Social worker discusses AHS homelessness

resources to arrange transportation to the school. “I had to help work out transportation for a couple this year. The school Every year counselors deal with two or and county pays to transport them from three students that are homeless. “There wherever they are staying.” said O’Hearn.

Help for these students can be found all are four that I know of,” said Officer Paul Pickett. Though it may seem strange to thoughtout the school. “I have sent them to many, homeless students attend AHS with the women’s shelter over at Bailey’s,” said most other students. It is not likely that Officer Pickett. The social worker arranges a homeless student will share his or her for students to receive free or reduced price unfortunate state due to embarrassment lunch. Gym clothes can also be provided or gravity of the situation. They are often at a reduced price. Guidance can provide reluctant to share that part of their lives. school supplies if needed. “I help them find Homelessness can be the outcome of a shelter and arrange for them to live with a relative,” said guidance varied events. A student’s family counselor Linda Wheeler. may lose a job placing the family Students in these situin a tough financial situation.Aloss ations are often reluctant of the parent that provides the foreto share their state. “ It is a most income for the family is also very unhappy and embaranother factor. Some families are rassing time in their lives, no longer able to pay their rent and kids don’t generally want become evicted from their homes. to talk about it. They don’t “One student was homeless due to want their friends to know change in the employment situaabout it, they are very tion, and the person not being able uncomfortable discussing to pay the rent for several months OʼHearn it. They don’t like people before they were evicted,” said social worker Constance O’Hearn. Some to know, they generally don’t say anystudents who are over 18 can choose to thing,” said counselor Nicole Low. Each student deals with the situaleave their home, “I have seen students who live in cars before,” said O’Hearn. tion differently. “Nine out of ten times a Physical abuse can also lead to tem- student is not going to tell you they are porary homelessness. Students may feel homeless,” said Low. “Generally when a threatened at home; they may not want to kid is homeless they have an attachment go home at all. In that case, students are issue,” said Low. There are some kids who placed in foster homes or arrangements are rebel, and try to draw attention to themmade for the person to go live with a rela- selves. “Depression is a common thread.”

“We have kids who are fairly stable tive or friend. In physical abuse cases child and others who have protective services imsome denial issues, mediately takes over. and chose to ignore “If child protective serit,” said Low. Having vices take a child out Nine out of ten times the worked at a homeof the home, than the less shelter before, child would be put in a student is not going to tell Low has dealt with foster care situation,” young homeless said O’Hearn. Stuyou if they’re homeless. kids in the past. dents may be homeless A number of for 2 months or many months, depending —NicoleLow young people are unon the situation. counselor aware of the growing social problem homeIn cases like these, lessness in becoming students’ lives are turned upside down. To lessen the blow, in the U.S. Over the years, homelessness has Congress has passed a law allowing stu- increased in America. Each year there are dents to remain in their old school, even more and more people left homeless. Stuif their home is not stable. Homelessness dents can do their part to help out the poor. is not sufficient to separate a student from Donating time in a homeless shelter can go a his/hers normal school environment. “No long way. By getting involved in the political matter what county their shelter is in, they process students are given the opportunity come back to their original school,” said to impact people who are in an economically O’Hearn. This helps the students have difficult situation. “People need to become a constant in their lives since everything more active politically, or go to the shelters else is chaotic. The county will provide to help in a hands on way,” said O’Hearn.

BY CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Staff Writer

“

”

Holiday donations help charities, people

59%

464 students were surveyed during all lunches on Mon., Dec. 8.

Helping the Homeless: Every other Friday, members of the Key Club volunteer at the Bailey’s Crossroads Homeless shelter, cooking dinner and serving it. The students also talk to the people who come in and out of the shelter. On average, 8 members volunteer each visit.

DECA

KATIE STANTON

—Dan Kim sophomore

11 AHS Organizations who Contribute:

Homelessness draws special attention during the holidays

KATIE STANTON

“I volunteer at the Leewood Center Nursing Home once a week. It has a nice environment and you get to talk to a lot of different people.”

—Shawn Hearn Administrator

the

The Sullivan House, a transitional housing center in Arlington, provides services and programs to help the homeless get back on their feet

—Eric Ober senior

“I help organize gift and food baskets for indigent families with my church [Glennarden Baptist Church].”

A BLAST

IN-DEPTH

BY JULIA SINGER Copy Editor With the holiday season comes a significant increase in the charity efforts around the world. Whether it be with a religious group, school group or family, chances are most people have been a part of, or at least witnessed, one charity related program.

A majority of charities are performed through various churches. The most common contributions churches make are food and clothing donations, visits to nursing homes and caroling.

“I do charity throughout the year with my friends and

with my church youth group,” said freshman Kelly Pilkerton.

The options within youth groups are often plentiful. “Two years ago, I went on a trip to Montreal for two weeks with my church youth group.

My charity work was babysitting kids, and other people did stuff like taking care of old people and picking up trash,” Pilkerton said.

For people who prefer not to be involved in religiously affiliated charities, there are also many options to do charity solo or with family, school and friends.

Many people choose donating cans to canned food drives or donating

clothing to clothing drives for homeless shelters in the DC metropolitan area.

“With Key Club we go the the Bailey’s Crossroads Homeless Shelter,” said senior club president Julia Ehrenfeld. “We feed them... they are so appreciative.”

Other options include working at food banks such as Capital Area Food Bank, located in Washington D.C. Food banks collect cans from canned food drives and at the bank and prepare them for distribution to the needy in the community.

One of the most popular charity activities is working in soup kitchens. There are several top-

notch facilities throughout the DC metropolitan area such as SOME, Martha’s Table, and House of Ruth.

Charity is gratifying in many ways. Senior Kojo Asamna contributes with his church, End Day Glory.

“We get in contact with families in need and buy things for them that they could not provide for themselves in order to help them have a better holiday,” said Asamna. “It is a very gratifying experience. They are grateful for what we do and seeing the smiles on their faces brings more of a smile to my face than any gift could.”

Gift Wrap: DECA spends five days of the holiday season at Tyson’s Corner mall giftwrapping. About 75 total students participate in this activity, along with students from other FCPS schools. Each school is assigned different days to work at the giftwrap center, located outside the first floor entrance of Bloomingdale’s. The DECA students went through training on Tues. Dec. 9 to learn the techniques of “seamless wrapping” using double-sided tape. This year, the AHS chapter of DECA will be working Dec. 13, 14, 19, 21, and 24.

Angel Tree: On Thurs. Dec. 11 DECA traveled to Springfield Mall to participate in the Salvation Army Angeltree charity. The students pick an ornament from the tree that has the name and requested gift of a needy child. DECA then goes to J.C. Penney to purchase the clothing for the children and to K.B. Toys to buy the toys. They put the gifts back under the tree for the children. About 20-30 AHS students participate in this event every year. DECA spends a couple hundred dollars on this fundraiser every year.

SGA

Clothing Drive: SGA collected clothing to donate to the Salvation Army.

About 30 bags were collected and given to the Salvation Army on Little River Turnpike. The clothing drive ran from Dec. 1 - Dec. 5.

Winter Blood Drive: The Winter Blood Drive was held Fri. Dec. 12 in Clausen Hall. From 7:30-2: 30 nearly 80 students donated their blood.

A Notable Cause: Homestretch Transitional Housing

Homestretch is a transitional housing program located in Falls Church. It helps about 60 families in Fairfax County, particularly City of Fairfax and Falls Church. It offers additional services including employment counseling, credit counseling, child care, ESL, drug services, help with taxes, and domestic violence classes. 50% of the families come from 22 different countries; 50% are local families. It provides not only child care for children, but also helps them buy school supplies, and receive gifts around the holidays. Families are most often referred to Homestretch through child protective services or community services. The family first talks to a client or agent and is assessed for the type of assistance they will need. Families involved in the program also receive help with their taxes and eventually buying home, if their credit allows. Homestretch has an 88% success rate.

P.O. Box 141 Falls Church, VA 22046 Phone: 703-237-2035

“I participate in dance because it is fun and it’s good excerise.”

—Whitney Clark freshman

“I’m in the College Partnership club because you get a lot of information on colleges and you get to visit some campuses.”

—Yesenia Tobar sophomore

“NHS, MHS, SCA class president, swimming and softball because they are a way to give back to my school while having fun at the same time”

—Jennifer Bracett junior “Track, because it gives me a good workout and builds my muscles and endurance.”

—Philip Warren junior

“Football, soccer, car racing and the NBPL because I like to stay in shape and because they all interest me.”

—Jon Kriss senior

Celebrity birthdays DECEMBER 1- Bette Midler, 58 2- Britney Spears, 22 3- Ozzy Osbourne, 55 4- Jeff Bridges, 54

Bette Midler

5- Little Richard, 71 8- Kim Basinger, 50 9- Kirk Douglas, 87 12- Frank Sinatra, 88

Brad Pitt

13- Dick Van Dyke, 78 15- Don Johnson, 54 16- Steven Bochco, 60 18- Brad Pitt, 40

Dec. 16, 2003

Student jump starts auto career

BY LEKHA MENON Staff Writer

After 12:30 p.m. when most students are taking notes in their W8 class, senior Abdi Rashid Dahir can be found working at the Main Street Shell station near Woodson HS. At 2 p.m. he punches in and his work schedule starts. Specializing in general tech work, including but not limited to oil changes, tire rotations, and car diagnosis, Dahir is one of a few students who participates in a co-op program with the auto mechanics class.

Dahir completes hands-on work at the shop and earns credit for his Auto 3 class.

As a child Dahir always liked working with his hands. “If you take it apart, you should be able to put it back together,” Dahir said. “That’s called man-made.”

Dahir first noticed his interest in cars and auto mechanics when he took Auto II as an elective his freshmen year. “When I was 16 I just took the class for the fun of it. Now I decided to go ahead with it and do more,” Dahir said. Noticing his skill and dedication, he was encouraged to pursue his obvious talent in car mechanics.

Following the ABC (Always Be Careful) rules of his work place, Dahir had learned and mastered the basics needed to repair almost any make of

SEAN SULLIVAN

What after school activities do you do and why?

A

t

Abdi Dahir works on repairing a car engine at the Main Street Shell station near Woodson High School. Dahir does general tech work, oil changes, tire rotations and car diagnosis.

cars, though he cites Japanese cars such as Hondas and Toyotas to be his favorite cars to work on because they are less complicated than other makes. Dahir’s extensive knowledge of auto mechanics has its roots atAHS, but he also learned on the job. “I learned a little here and a little in the workshop itself,” Dahir said. As a senior looking for higher level instruction,

Dahir has been offered further classes in auto mechanics which his job will pay for to help him pursue his interests.

Dahir acknowledges the strict rules he has to follow at work, emphasizing the seriousness with which he takes his job. “The minute you get into the shop you hear all these noises. There is a lot of stuff, but you’ll never see things spilled

on the floor or anything,” Dahir said. At his workshop each auto mechanic has the responsibility to clean up around his area and to wear protective eye wear at all times. It is Dahir’s responsibility to stay late to clean up the shop.

Dahir brings to his AHS classes the strictly enforced work habits he has picked up at his workplace. “Anybody who just wants to fool around, it’s just not for them,” said Dahir of his work.

Dahir’s work is not just about putting pieces together and fixing cars, but rather about understanding the problem and being able to solve it. Relating to customers on a daily basis, Dahir must be able to explain the problem to his customers. “You have to know and understand what’s wrong because they [the customers] don’t just want to pay money, they want to know what’s wrong and what you did to fix it,” Dahir said.

Born in Somalia, and having lived in Pakistan makes Dahir fluent in several languages, which often makes communicating with his customers a lot easier.

“I like working on cars because it’s fun and I get paid to do something I like,” Dahir said. He encourages students to bring their cars into the auto shop because it gives the students practice and helps them to perfect their skills.

Harbison plans for a musical future

BY ERICA SATTEN Atomic Athletics Editor On Tuesday nights for the last 12 years, senior Kelly Harbison has taken piano lessons from instructor Valerie Sharp. For a year and a half she has attended voice lessons from Laure Nelson on Sunday nights. Throughout her entire life, her mother has taught her about music.

Harbison is one of many students who participates in the choral program, but it’s her love for music that is truly unique. “My interest in singing began in first grade when Mrs. Jones was my music teacher. I also started to sing in church, but I have been singing for as long as I can remember,” said Harbison.

In addition, both of her parents are musicians. “My parents really support my passion for singing, but they say that I can do anything I want,” said Harbison. “Ever since I was little I can remember sitting next to her while she played the piano and sang.

Harbison’s friends also support her singing by attending her choral performances. “Kelly has a lot of talent. I know she is going to make it big, and she rocks my world,” said senior Mandy Brackett.

Like most seniors during this time, Harbison spends a lot of time on college applications. However, unlike a majority of her peers, Harbison is looking for a school with a solid program.

She hopes to double major in vocal ers still go to AHS and are in the chorus performances and music education. program. “It is great to be surrounded Her top four colleges include Ithaca by so much talent,” said Harbison.

Although she loves music, there College in New York, Eastman School of Music in New York, Peabody Conser- have been times when she has doubted vatory in Maryland and JMU. “I have putting so much time and effort into her to do all of the regular applications and also an interview for each school. It is kind of like double duty and it is very stressful,” said Harbison.

The auditions in which Harbison most prepare for are in January and February. Harbison has one almost every weekend.

“I plan on maintaining composure and not getting as stressed by just being prepared to the best of my ability, working on pieces now and memorizing everything,” said Harbison.

She is shooting for a merit scholarship which is rewarded based on the talent that one displays at an audition.

Many of Harbison’s friends are singers and Kelly Harbison sings Latin Christmas carols during the are pursuing music first Latin Club caroling event held on Dec. 8. majors in college. OthSARAH SOZIO

12

PEOPLE

singing. “Sometimes I wonder why I am doing it because there is always someone better than you, but you just have to have faith in yourself,” said Harbison.

Being involved in music for so many years, Harbison has been in lots of performances. She thinks her favorite aspect of singing is that a person can get up and relay to the audience what the artist was feeling when he or she wrote the piece.

“I can not think of any one performance that is my favorite, but the best performances are when you work really hard to prepare and know that you did a great job.

Every performance is a new experience and it is always different,” said Harbison.

Although Harbison does get nervous before every performance, she does no let it get the best of her. She feels that being nervous is actually a good thing because it gets the adrenaline going and makes one concentrate.

In addition, Harbison believes anyone who likes to sing should. It is Harbison’s belief that, “If you can walk, you can dance and if you can talk, you can sing.”

Singing has really helped Harbison to grow as an individual. “I have learned a lot of life lessons, especially about competition and how everyone has something to offer. Singing has taught me to be less nervous during both public speaking and presentations. Now I do not mind getting up and talking in front of a lot of people,” said Harbison.

Who Am I? •I have been working at AHS and in FCPS for 14 years •I am an office assistant •My motto in life is “Work hard and enjoy” •My hobbies are cook -ing, shopping and swimming •My pet peeve is laughing at others •My favorite food is fish •I have lived in Virginia for 24 years •My favoite sport is tennis •Before I began work, I was a housewife •My favorite part of my job is the interaction with students and faculty members •When I was little, I wanted to become a nurse when I grew up •I don’t have any pets, but if I were to get one I would want a fish because I like to watch them swim •On the weekends I like to go shopping and relax

•My favorite musical group is the Beatles •I played volleyball in high school •I attended college overseas •My favorite subject in high school was drama because I enjoyed acting •My favorite color is red •My motto in life is “Work hard and enjoy” If you submit the correct answer to the “Who Am I,” come to The A-Blast room (233) to receive your prize.

Last Issue’s Who Am I?

Britney Spears

19- Alyssa Milano, 31 22- Robin Gibb, 54 24- Rickey Martin, 32 25- Dido, 32 28- Denzel Washington, 49 29- Mary Tyler Moore, 67 30- Tiger Woods, 28 31- Anthony Hopkins, 66

Jonathan York was last issue’s Who Am I? •Despite his short stature, basketball was the main sport he played •His main hobbies are fishing, hiking, hunting and working on projects around the house Gloria Chan and Jedy Chai correctly answered last issue’s Who Am I?

Dec. 16, 2003

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A day in the life of a not so “Average Joe”

13 Did you know? with Paul Pickett Jr.

How long have you been a police officer?

This will be my 15th year.

When were you assigned to Annandale?

Three years ago.

VALERIE GRAVES

Have you worked as a SRO at any other school?

Before I came here to Annandale, I was assigned to Robinson Secondary, but I only stayed there for five months. There were conflicts with the administration What is the most enjoyable aspect of your daily life?

Each day has it’s ups and downs. Some days its enjoyable working here, sometimes it’s not so good. When kids come up to me to complain about tickets or fines it is really annoying because I do not personally write the tickets. But it is nice to know that people value your opinion everyday.

What is your typical day consist of?

Roll call is at 6:30 a.m. I arrive at Annandale around 7:00-7:30. At this time I circle around the perimeter of the school making sure no one is heading in the wrong direction, and if they are I direct them back to school. After this I check and reply to all of the e-mails I received from the teachers and administrators.

These e-mails are mostly from concerned teachers about problems they are facing with possible gang members in school, or questions they have about possible signs of drug use. After tending to my e-mails, I patrol the school and attend all the lunches. After school, I am usually in the jock lobby or the front lobby.

SEAN SULLIVAN

MORGAN MCEVILLY

What was your most adrenaline pumping event as a police officer?

There have been many tense moments during my 15 years. While training a new recruit, I received a call that someone was attempting to commit suicide on the hill at the corner of Braddock and Backlick. When we arrived at the scene, the man pulled a gun on me. I pulled my gun as well, but the man was directly in front of oncoming traffic. If I did have to open fire, the bullet would have passed through the man and headed directly for an innocent motorist. The man later shot himself in the head after a three-hour standoff. Every night I can still see it. I never broke down in public, but that was the closest I have ever come to breaking down. In the privacy of my own home: that’s a different story.

Monitoring the hallway outside the cafeteria during A-lunch, Paul Pickett Jr. normally must eat on the run. Pickett patrols throughout the entire school during and after school, normally where a large number of students tend to congregate.

Students complain about the early hours in which they have to wake up in order to prepare for school. As a typical student may say “7:20 is way too early to start school.”

Pickett and his fellow officers have to attend roll call at 6:30 a.m. at the West Springfield Government Center. With each student resource officer across the county in attendance, many of whom have to travel 30 minutes to arrive at the government center, these officers must start their day off while the rest of the student body in Fairfax County are sound asleep.

What do you do during your free time?

I bowl, play flag football on a championship team, play in a organized volleyball team at the Sports complex, play softball and teach kick boxing in the mat room every Wednesday after school.

Do you have any decorations or medals?

I received an accommodation for preventing a suicide on the Woodrow Wilson bridge.

SEAN SULLIVAN

Describe the path to becoming a Student Resource Officer You must first attend a week-long course on how to handle the stress of being in a school by yourself and how to handle problems in a school environment. Then you must pass an oral exam. It is just you and three higher ranking officers in the room.

SEAN SULLIVAN

During the daily roll call held in the West Springfield Government Center, Pickett jokes around with his fellow Student Resource Officers. These officers use his time to pal around and poke fun at each other in order to start their days off with a smile and a joke. However, this meeting is not all jokes. The purpose of the meeting is to address the pressing concerns of the county especially within the schools. Pickett, acting as the senior officer, announces police bulletins concerning local gangs and upcoming drug awareness seminars held by the Fairfax County Police Department.

SEAN SULLIVAN

After school and out of uniform, Pickett instructs a kick boxing class in the upstairs mat room every Wednesday afternoon at 2:00.

The class begins with a light jog around the perimeter and then goes on to technique and pad work. Putting on the gloves and punching pads along with his students, Pickett not only provides the students the opportunity to sweat off their frustrations and tensions, but also an understanding of self defense.

You work with kids all day. Do you have any children of your own?

I have three kids and I am working on my fourth. My oldest son is 17, and my two daughters are 14 and 2. Our third daughter is expected to arrive in February.

What has been the most graphic scene you have seen?

One day I was called to a scene where an older woman backed her car out at too high a speed and ran into a baby carriage. The child in the stroller was with a friend of the mother, who was inside the store. The child was hit so hard it was instantly killed and its brain membrane was all over the windows of the store and on the back window of the car. I was the first to arrive even before the ambulance came.

14 ¿Cúal es su restaurante favorito en el área?

“La Granja de Oro porque la comida peruana es deliciosa. Mi plato favorito es el lomo saltado.”

—Oscar Natera senior

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Dec. 16, 2003

Experiencia la comida hispana Restaurantes hispanoamericanos en el área ofrecen cultura con la comida

inmensa variedad de restaurantes peruanos Cuando manejes por la Columbia Pike y bolivianos, pero en Falls Church y enArlington, verás una al mismo tiempo variedad de restaurantes latinoamerica- muchos de estos nos que representan la comida nativa. Hay restaurantes no un restaurante que se llama Cuzco, que han mantenido la ofrece comida peruana como ceviche. En dedicación a su coel otro lado de la calle hay un restaurante cina tradicional,” llamado “Pollo Campero”, que siempre dijo la júnior Antiene una línea para comprar pollo frito gélica Ramírez. originario de El Salvador. Ironicamente, “Nuestro cultura aunque ambos son restaurantes latinos, es rica como hay una diferencia entre los dos. Este nuestra comida.”

Un restaucontraste es que un restaurante original como el Cuzco ofrece una experiencia rante que ofrece cultural con la comida. “Pienso que los una experiencia restaurantes de cadena como Chipotle y bicultural con la el Pollo Campero no siempre son autén- comida chifa es ticos y tradicionales. Parece que los res- el restaurante taurantes que son originales son mas au- Kampo,localizado ténticos,” dijo la júnior Angélica Ramírez. en Falls Church.

Hispanos distfrutan sopa wonton, una de los platos que Kampo ofrece como parte de su menú chifa. Kampo La experiencia cultural de los restau- Su dueño Juan está localizado en Leesburg Pike y Columbia Pike, cerca de otros restaurantes como Cuzco, Edyʼs, y My Bakery, rantes es diferente entre los ‘de cadena’ y Chia ha vivido algunos de los otros restaurantes que ofrecen comida latina junto con cultura. los originales. Chipotle, por ejemplo, es un en los Estados restaurante que dice que es mejicano que Unidos por más que hay restarauntes animiado y vivo. En y espacio para bailar. “Tenemos una ofrece fajitas que muchas personas disfru- de 30 años desde 1972. Kampo tiene una las noches de los viernes y del sábado estos variedad de gente que vengan por las tan, pero al mismo tiempo los precios son variedad de comida, como la rellena nativa restaurantes ofrecen una mayor variedad noches. Los viernes tenemos gente entre altos y solo ofrecen comida tradicional de Perú y el pollo con vegetales de China. de entrenimiento. Muchos restaurantes los años 18 y 21 y los otros noches tenque no es propiamente la original. “Pienso En 1996 ha abierto su restaurante, que del área ofrecen música en vivo y espacio emos gente mas mayor,” dijo Lopez. Como que la influencia hispana ha sido fuerte ofrece amobos comida peruana y comida para bailar. En la mayoría de los Kampo en Falls Church, la mayoria de china. “He decidido a abrir un restau- restaurantes regulares se crea porque hay una la gente que vengan son latinos. “Es un rante chifa porque soy de Perú, pero una atmósfera diferente para experiencia cultural porque soy chino tambien,” dijo Chia. que sea más entretenida. hay un mixto de comida “Hablo inglés, español, y “Muchos restaurancon la baile y la música.” chino.” Noventa por ciento tes tienen bailes Es obvio que hay una de sus clientes son de en la noche de diferencia entre restauPerú como él, y el otro los sábados. Es rantes de caden y las diez por ciento es un diferente de lo restaurantes originamixto de personas. Hay que tienen usualles de el área. “Son más muchas decoraciones mente, que es un recibientes,” dijo Ramirez. differentes en el res- hombre tocando la KATHY IB “Teniendo una restaruante ARR A taurante que refleja la guitarra y cantando, hispana da a los latinos una ambiente relajada y bi- pero en los poquito de su país.” cultural. “La arte y los sábados tienen Churrasco a la cubana es uno de los platos Kampo Restaunativos del Perú. decoraciones son un conjuntos,” rant está localizada combinación de típico dijo Ramírez. en 5884 Leesburg Perú y típico China,” Algunos de estos son Casa de Campo, Pike en Falls Church. Su nudijo Chia. “[El resta- que la familia de junior Stephanie Lopez mero de teléfono es 703 - 578 - 4017. rante] es muy bien y son los dueños. Por el dia Casa de Campo Casa de Campo está localizada en estamos muy bien.” es un restaraunte normal, pero en la noche 3209 Washington Blvd en Arlington. Su El restaurante Kampo tiene su nombre en China, reflejando los Desde otro punto se transforme en una club, completa con numero de teléfono es 703 - 248 - 8300. elementos chinos que el restaurante incorpora en su atmósfera de vista, se observa músican con un DJ, noches de kareoke, bicultural, combinando ambientes peruano y chino.

ESCRITO POR KATHY IBARRA Editora de cultura

—Leslie Bragayrac junior

“Pollo Rico porque la ensalada que tiene para comer con el pollo es rica.”

—Ariel Gamboa freshman “Cecilia’s tiene comida boliviana y me gusta la salteña.”

—Gerald Pardo freshman

“Las tapas. Me gusta la comida y la ambiente.”

—Bianca Mullins Spanish teacher

KATHY IBARRA

KATHY IBARRA

“Cuzco porque sirven comida peruana y ofrecen ceviche de pescado.”

CULTURES

Ethiopian eatery offers ethnic experience Most of the various dishes are sauce-like in consistency and are usually eaten with bread, folded up, and torn into little pieces an used to scoop the “I usually come here because of my friends. They gather sauce.There are no plates or cutlery of any kind, and here every week and we sit together and eat, and to some it’s typical to eat with one’s hands, and the overall extent the atmosphere makes us feel as if we are back experience is very communal.

The food also includes an home in Ethiopia. I would love it Ethiopian tomato salad, with if it was larger,” said Ted Ross, a numerous dishes mixed with a regular customer who visits the bean and lentil paste, chicken, Skyline Cafe Ethiopian Cuisine lamb and beef in spicy sauce, to meet his friends, talk and eat.

I love Ethiopian food...you cabbage salad, greens, beet salad The Skyline Cafe Ethiopian Cuisine provides an ethnic eat it with your hand and it’s and much more. Ethiopian cuisine is very vegetarian friendly, Ethiopian atmosphere for custasty. God, what else! probably vegan friendly as well. tomers which usually includes The Ethiopian spices are a large number of regulars as an attraction to people from well as people who want to —HananTaffyse not only Ethiopia but also from discover the mainly vegetarian junior other countries. “We both like cuisine. The restaurant has a and eat Ethiopian food and relaxed atmosphere as well as we visit Ethiopian restaurants Ethiopian cuisine that remains frequently. Vegetarian comstrictly Ethiopian, which is spicy and revolves around the heat of the meal, and is bination is one of our favorites,” said Ross.

In addition to the food, the restaurant provides a usually served with Injera, a type of bread. The restaurant specializes in Burbere, a spice made in Ethiopia. welcoming environment for the customers, especially The restaurant offers a variety of vast Ethiopian native Ethiopians. “The place is less noisy. The music dishes including Sambusa, a homemade pasty shell they play is very relaxing and it is a home-like environfilled with lentils and green pepper. Another exquisite ment that makes it seems as if we are back home in dish is Kuanta, a dry sliced beef meat treated with Ethiopia,” said Hilina Getachew. As customers enter salt, hot sauce and spice, and Sinng Karea, fresh Skyline Cafe, they are fascinated by the captivating green peppers stuffed with mixed onions. Two of the Ethiopian decorations and intriguing Ethiopian art most famous dishes that the restaurant provides are that demonstrate the history of Ethiopia and its chicken wings marinated with spices and Kitfo. “I people. Other drawings show an Ethiopian way of life.

Along with the food and atmosphere, the cuisine is a had Kitfo today and it’s one of my favorite food in this restaurant. It’s made of raw meats with seasonings,” spot of attraction for many Ethiopian locals and other peosaid Salem Petros, a frequent customer of the cuisine. ple who like Ethiopian music. The restaurant arranges live

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI AND SOHAIB KHAN Cultures Editor and Staff Writer

Entering the new restaurant Remember to be open to new experiences.

Follow the instructions provided at the entrance. Be patient with the waiters because at times they’ll only speak their native language, considering that it is an ethnic restaurant.

When ordering your meal Ask questions, especially if you are unable to comprehend the menu due to the language barrier. If you are unsure about what a specific dish is or contains, don’t be afraid to ask.

Be aware of different tastes you may not be familiar with, such as how spicy a dish is. Don’t forget that you are in a restaraunt that is new to you and try something different.

When receiving your meal Be gracious. Don’t judge your food on the basis of what it looks like. Remember that their food is culturally different from what you might normally eat and therefore it may taste different from what you expected.

When eating your meal If you don’t like it, don’t feel as though you have to finish it. It’s understandable that you may not like it.

However, there is no need to grimace.

If you like it, give your compliments to the chef like you would any other restaurant.

Most cultural restaurants take pride in their food and will be more than happy to know that you enjoyed it.

“

”

The Skyline Cafe Ethiopian Cuisine, located only minutes away from AHS, offers a cultural experience that is remeniscent of Ethiopia. “...to some extent the atmosphere makes us feel as if we are back home in Ethiopia,” said regular customer Ted Ross.

‘Neisha ’ offers tons of tasty Thai treats

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI Cultures Editor In Thai the word “Neisha” means “individualism,” and “uniqueness,” characteristics of precious gems found in Thailand. This theme is prevalent of Neisha Thai Cuisine located on Leesburg Pike. Entering and dining at Neisha’s makes one feel as though a reel culinary treasure has been found. Thailand’s delicious flavors and exotic aroma will delight both the eyes as well as the palette Thai cuisine is essentially the careful blending of the East and Western influences. Many countries border Thailand, so the cuisine also has influences from Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian influences.

The cuisine of Thailand is well known for its harmonious blend of flavors, spicy and bland, sweet and sour and fresh herbs used in correspondence to dried spices.

Rice, or kao, is a staple component of Thai cuisine, as it is of most Southeast Asian cuisines. Highly aromatic curries, stir-fries and other dishes, incorporate

WIDED KHADRAOUI

Dining etiquette for new, cultural restaurants

Ethiopian music for customers on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Skyline Cafe Ethiopian Cuisine has been thriving for the past ten years and hopes to continue providing and pleasing their customers with delicious Ethiopian food and an inviting atmosphere.

Skyline Cafe Ethiopian Cuisine 3821 S George Mason, Dr. Falls Church, 22041 703 - 820 - 0240

Neisha Thai Cuisine artistically presents the theme of the restaurant Gems.

large quantities of chilies, limejuice and lemon grass, accompany Rice or noodle dishes. Many Thai dishes use kaffir lime leaves, usually fresh.

Its characteristic flavor appears in nearly every Thai soup, stir-fry or curry.

In Thai cuisine, kaffir lime is fre-

quently combined with garlic, galangal, ginger and fingerroot, together with liberal amount of chilies. Fresh Thai basil is needed for the authentic fragrance.

At Neisha the most popular dishes for beginners to Thai cuisine include passion beef, strips of sizzling beef served

with ginger on top; pineapple fried rice that embodies the different elements of Thai cooking by incorporating pineapples, cashews nuts, and dried pork.

A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by nonspiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within each individual dish and the entire meal.

Thai cuisine is extremely aromatic as well as pleasing to one’s senses palatte and is amenable to anyone open to a cuisine dramatically different from the average Western diet. The wonderful gastronomic experience Thai cuisine has to offer at Neisha where the clean and friendly environment will aid in forming a new obsession.

Neisha Thai Cuisine 6037 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, 22041 703 - 933 - 3788

ARTS

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Dec. 16 2003

Adventures in ArtSpeak!

Famous performers come and speak to the community at local middle school

Poe is the only local school which has these facilities. Another reason Shugoll changed the location was because he was trying to reach middle and high school Want to get an up close and personal look at students rather than simply elementary school students. some of today’s well known and rising stars at no He wanted to gear ArtSpeak towards an older group of charge in a location just minutes from home? Al- students as he felt they would benefit the most from it.

As of now, Shugoll is attempting to spark involvethough this may not sound realistic, ArtSpeak is a local program created for that very purpose. ment in high school students, especially those at AHS. “A great deal of the information presented at Seven years ago Mark Shugoll, an AHS parent, establishedArtSpeak at a local elementary school with the these is targeted at the older students, and we rehelp and sponsorship of his company, Shugoll Research. ally are trying to engage them more,” said Shugoll.

ArtSpeak is the only program of its kind in the Shugoll was concerned about the lack of interest in the arts among adolescents and wanted to make country, and is receiving a greater amount of attention a contribution to his community. He is very active in as time goes by. The program draws notable guests from the arts and serves on several local theatre boards. His a wide variety of professions in the performing arts.

Through the personal involvement and the participaintention in creating ArtSpeak was not to persuade children to become performers or entertainers them- tionofShugollResearchinvariousprograms,hehasdevelselves, but to instill an appreciation in the arts in them. oped many contacts with others who are active in the arts.

Shugoll serves on a few major theatre boards “I know few kids who are actually into the ArtSpeak cast members sign autographs for enand he tells the other members and thusistic arts and this is a way to reach and excite them fans before the start of the performance. performers he meets about as well as those who aren’t,” said Shugoll. the ArtSpeak program. ly Modern Millie. She has also been in Throughout the years ArtSpeak has kept the Whenever Shugoll needs many traveling shows around the country. same basic structure for it’s events. At the beginIn 2002, Kristin Chenoweth visited ArtSpeak, a guests, he either calls them ning of each ArtSpeak, Shugoll gives an introor just goes up to them multi-faceted performer with experience in Broadway, duction of the program itself and some broad himself. He explains the television and recording. Locally, she was inArena Stage’s information on that evening’s guest(s). Then program and most of the production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. She a student from the school, who is selected prior starredinherownNBCsitcomforatimeandhasreleased time, they agree to make an to the event introduces the guest(s) for that night. appearance at the school. an original album which has been critically acclaimed.

When the guests come out, they give Marvin Hamlisch is a well-known composer with A well-known ArtSpeak background information about guest in 2003 was Kate Bald- credits such as writing the music to The Chorus Line and themselves and their most win, a musical theatre The Way We Were for Barbara Streisand. He visited Poe recent or upcoming projects. acress. She for an ArtSpeak in 2000. He also had a small cameo role The floor is then opened had a star- in How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, a 2003 romantic comup to the audience ring role edy starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. for their own quesMany schools nationwide have gotten in in Ford’s tions and sometimes touch with Shugoll asking for an ArtSpeak in Theatre’s a single studenttheir area, but the program is kept rendition guest interview takes place. in Fairfax County because that of This interview and question/ is where Shugoll enjoys the arts. answer period makes up No other school in the U.S. has the bulk of the evening an ArtSpeak, or one which enjoys such and after this is finished, success and recognition. Shugoll won the Helen time is given for the stuHayes Award from The Washington Post for Indents to get autographs from novative Leadership in the Theatre Community, the guests. All in all, the night which is given annually to people who enhance the lasts about an hour and a half. theatre program in the Washington D.C. area.

From its modest beginning, ArtSpeak has only had two cancellations throughArtSpeak has grown and is becom1776. out the years that it has been providing performances ing increasingly successful. There She also for highschools and middle school throughout the are generally about six ArtSpeaks had Broadway area. It is not only entertainment for today’s genper year. The first two years were held at appearances eration of students, but also continues to be a favorite Columbia Elementary School, but in 1999 including among veteran students, parents and teachers alike. it was moved to Edgar Allen Poe Middle The Full In this way, art continues to play a School. One of the main reasons why the Actress Karan Kendrick from the cast of Crowns Monty and part in the lives of both the young and old. location of the ArtSpeaks was moved to Poe serenades the audience with a song from the Thoroughwas because of its large, tierred lecture hall. play.

What was your favorite part of ArtSpeak?

“I liked their singing and advice to people who want to do music as a career.”

—Lianne Shugoll sophomore

MEGAN BERRY

BY ELIZABETH NOWROUZ AND AMY SUDDARTH Weekend Editor and Arts Editor

15 “I just liked going to see the cast of Crowns. It was a different type of music and people than are usually at ArtSpeak.”

—Emily Dean junior

“I like ArtSpeak because you can see artists who have been successful in show business and see how it affected their lives.”

—Kelly Harbison senior

MEGAN

BERRY

“My favorite part was when the performers sang their songs.

They all had powerful, amazing voices and it was a pleasure to meet them.”

The Sounds of Music at PoeMiddle School

BY BRIDGETTE KIM Staff Writer

MEGAN BERRY

Why would over a hundred teachers, students, and parents go to Poe Middle school at 7 p.m. after a long day of work and school? The reason was to enjoy the entertainment and the question and answer session with the cast of Crowns at ArtSpeak! Crowns is a musical that will be playing at Arena Stage from Dec. 12- Feb 15.

On Thursday, December 4th, the Crowns ArtSpeak! was truly worthwhile for the audience, who took time out of their day to come see the cast. It was a very entertaining and enjoyable night for

Two members of the cast of “Crowns” discuss their experiences with acting during thier performance of the play.

everyone. Poe’s small lecture hall was inundated with people listening and watching the cast of Crowns and some members of AHS choral department perform.

E’Marcus Harper, John Crowley, Karan Kendrick, Linda Gravatt and Denise DuBose are from all over the United States and they have all come together for one reason, to perform Crowns. The night began with AHS’s Kelly Harbison welcoming the cast with the song “Stars and the Moon” from Songs for a New World. The audience and especially the cast were dazzled by Harbison’s performance that began the high momentum, which carried on through the evening.

Sophomore Robin Zaht later serenaded the audience with the classic “Till there was you” from the Broadway musical The Music Man. Along with Harbison’s and Zaht’s performances, AHS’s Colin Agnew and Jonathan Seiden performed “Lily’s Eyes,” a duet from Secret Garden.

The final performance of the AHS students was an outstanding duet performance from Emily Dean and Danielle Larmett singing “How the Other Half Lives” from Thoroughly Modern Millie.

This was only a taste of what the crowd would experience as the night went on. E’Marcus Harper, one of the music producers for Crowns, played the piano while the rich voice of John Crowley filled the lecture hall with “Touch the Hem of His Garment” while the women of the cast sang background vocals.

Crowley’s animated performance excited the crowds’ spirit and left them hungry

for more. Desire DuBose’s mellow voice calmed the excited crowd with “I’ve Got Joy Like a Fountain” that is also sung in Crowns, but the audience wanted more.

The embracing talent of the cast and ability to capture the crowd led one of the audience members to ask the cast to sing one more song. This time Karan Kendrick had the audience impressed and clapping in unison, while performing The cast of Crowns performs one of their songs for “Swinging Shepherd Blues.” the finale of ArtSpeak!

Harper started singing in church and As the song came to a close, Kendrick began scatting, a type of Jazz continued on pursing the arts in music singing iin which improvised, meaning- at Howard University. Karan Kendrick less syllables are sung to a melody . is a native ofAtlanta and began her trainThis type of expression was used ing in drama at Spellman in Atlanta. She a lot during the Harlem renaissance has also opened up a theatre arts center through jazz and blues artists. A “scat in Atlanta to give back to her community.

Unfortunately, the night had to come off” began between Kendrick, DuBose and Crowley, which was something new to a close, but it didn’t end without a closfor most people, hyped up the audience. ing song from the entire cast of Crowns Based on the cast’s performances accompanied by Harper on piano. from Thursday night, there is no doubt ArtSpeak ended with a standing ovathat Crowns is going to be a performance tion and loud applause from the crowd.

Art Speak was a musically filled that will be hard to forget. The legendary Linda Gravatt is a member of the cast, and entertaining night. There was who started off her career in the original not a dull moment or silence during production of The King and I in the 1950s. the whole evening. ArtSpeak deserves She was originally a dancer but then be- a big two thumbs up and hopefully came an actor later on in her life. John the next ArtSpeak will live up to the Crowley worked as a social worker for reputation that it left on Thursday night.

17 years and only sang in church and his college choir. Like Crowley, DuBose and

Atomversary Art Contest Winners for First Contest The results from the first Atomversary visual arts contest were announced approximately two weeks ago. The first contest deadline was October 31, 2003 and the topic was the 1950s. These are the first and second place winners: First Place Winner: Artist: Farina Zeb Medium: Drawing Class: Freshman Prize: $30 gift certificate to Springfield mall Second Place Winner: Artist: Stephanie Hackyard Medium: Computer generated image Class: Senior Prize: $20 gift certificate to Springfield Mall

—Susan Rauch junior “My favorite part is hearing how the artists came about their careers because it helps kids who are thinking about pursuing the same career.”

—Alisa Kieffer junior

Notable ArtSpeak!

Guests This a list of the many famous guests who have appeared or will appear at ArtSpeak! throughout its seven year career.

2003-2004 season Liz Callaway The cast of Crowns Judy Kuhn Ann Hampton Callaway 2002-2003 season Sherry Edelen Melissa Errico Peter Cincotti Amanda McBroom Kate Baldwin Matt Bogart 2001-2002 season Brian Stokes Mitchell Stephen Schwartz Kristin Chenoweth Brad Oscar Alice Ripley Colette Williams 2000-2001 season Marvin Hamlisch Jeremy Kushnier Donna Migliaccio Liz Lerman Alexandra Foucard 1999-2000 season Norm Lewis Jose Llana Sally Mayes Maruice Hines Nick Olcott 1998-1999 season Molly Smith Oran Sandel Robert Prosky 1997-1998 season Ming Cho Lee Eric Schaeffer Norman Allen

Sports News

Tejada signs with Orioles

Ex-Oakland Athletic shortstop Miguel Tejada signed a 6 year, $72 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Sun. The deal is the first of many the Orioles expect to make after they cleared out salary cap room at the end of last season.

Tejada won the AL MVP in 2002, leading the A’s to a division title.

Last season Tejada hit .278, with 27 HR’s, and 106 RBI’s.

T.C. game canceled

The girls varsity basketball game against T.C. Williams scheduled for this Fri. Dec. 19 at T.C. at 8 p.m. has been canceled due to the Titans change in plans regarding a winter tournament. The boys game scheduled for the same night at home is still on as planned. No make up date for the girls game has been announced as of yet.

Westfield wins State title in football

The Westfield Bulldogs capped off their undefeated 14-0 season by defeating Landstown 35-14 in the state title game on Dec. 13. This is the first state title in the brief three year history of the school. The Bulldogs defeated Northern Regional rival Robinson handily 28-7 in the regional semis and then went on to knock off the defending Virginia AAA state champion Hylton, 24-14, to capture the regional crown. The Atoms fell 24-11 to the Bulldogs in the first game of the season, on Sept. 5.

Hayfield Hawks (3-1)

7:30 p.m. Hayfield High School

BY STACEY MARIN Staff Writer The 3-1 Atoms look to start district play tonight against the second ranked team in the region, the Hayfield Hawks.

“Hayfield is good, the best in the district,” said Head Coach Pat Hughes. “As long as we play hard, we have a great shot at winning.”

The Atoms were able to improve their record to 3-1 as they defeated non-district opponent Washington and Lee 62-44 on Fri. Dec. 12. After being tied 31-31 at halftime, the Atoms took control of the game, out scoring the Generals 20-2 in the third quarter on their way to victory.

“We got off to a decent lead,” said Hughes. “Then we got away a little from what got us the lead. We had a nice defensive effort in the third quarter by holding them to only two points. We put up a good team effort; the kids played pretty well.”

The Atoms were led by seniors Chris Flowers and Billy Purdon, and junior Mike Torbert, who had 14 points each. Senior Brandon Betz chipped in an additional 10 points.

The night before, on Thurs., Dec. 11, the Atoms took on Robinson in round two game in the Tip-off Tournament. Despite hard play the Atoms fell to Robinson 5951. The Rams had a few key free throws at the very end of the game to stop theAtoms’ late drive. Although Robinson is a district opponent, the game did not count in district play because it was a tournament game.

The last round of this tournament will take place on Sat. Dec. 20 at Lake

Junior Brandon Flowers defends the inbound pass by a McLean player. The Atomsʼ forced many turnovers in their sloppy 49-41 win over the Highlanders on Dec. 9.

Coach Hughes has focused on minimizing turnovers on offense and forcing turnovers on defense in order to prepare for the key Patriot District opener against No. 2 ranked Hayfield tonight.

Braddock High School against the Chantilly Chargers. This game will cap off the three-week tournament in which the Atoms went 1-1 in, defeating Jefferson which preceded the loss to Robinson “We didn’t play very well, but we played hard,” said Hughes. “We played

BY TED GIBSON AND MATT HUBACHER Staff Writers

SARAH SOZIO

Who or what got you into pole-vaulting? Why? “Ashley Welsch got me into pole-vaulting. It’s not a typical female sport. I’m only the third female vaulter in AHS history.

It’s weird that she convinced me to do it considering she has lost three teeth since becoming a vaulter.”

Did you ever consider any other event in track?

“I used to participate in the 55m and 300m hurdles. Also, sometimes the coaches ask me to run in the 400m relay.”

What goes through your head right before your about to make a jump?

“I don’t think too much. I just get ‘in the zone’. Mostly I think about my form and visualizing a successful jump.”

What is the most important thing in making a successful jump?

“Making sure that you plant your pole in the box on time. This is the most important factor in jumping at your peak.”

What’s your highest jump ever? Do you expect to break it this year?

“In practice I have cleared 11 feet. In an official meet my best is only 9 feet. I do plan to break these records this year especially if I expect to make it to regionals.

Specifically, I expect to break 10 feet in a meet.”

well defensively, and we came away from the game knowing we can beat Robinson.”

On Dec. 9, the Atoms took on McLean for the first home game of the season.

The Highlanders led the Atoms 8-4 after a sloppy, mistake-filled first quarter. But as the Atoms took a 19-12 lead into half-

time they did not let up as they knocked off the Northern Region foe 49-41.

“It was an ugly win, but we’ll take it anyway,” Hughes said. “We made mistakes, but they were mistakes that helped us win. We gutted it out, and got it done.”

Late in the fourth quarter against McLean the Atoms had two key full court passes which resulted in easy points for the Atoms. The first was from junior Bobby Terry to Torbert, and resulted in a basket by Torbert. Just a few seconds later, Torbert passed to Purdon, who dunked the ball over a McLean defender with just over a minute and a half remaining. With less than ten seconds remaining in the game, Torbert and Brandon Flowers combined for three points from foul shots to seal the win for the Atoms.

As the season progresses, the Atoms prove to be coming together as a team as well as being successful on the court.

“It’s always a team effort,” Hughes said. “One night it might be one guy, and another night it’s another.

The guys pick up for each other.”

“We’re getting a lot better,” said senior point guard Corey Daise. “We’ve grown up since last year when we were all sophomores and juniors. We’re older this year. It’s going good, and we have high expectations for the year.”

Over winter break, the Atoms will travel to Orlando, Florida, to compete in a holiday tournament with teams from all over the country. Their first game will take place against a team from Spokane, Washington.

Atoms finish 8th in delayed NOVA Classic

with Jared Smith

Elizabeth Gill Senior

(3-1) Annandale Atoms

VS.

#2

Player Profiles

In addition to track, Gill is a member of the volleyball team.

Dec. 16, 2003

Boys soar into Hawks’ den

Heisman winner

The ballots are in and the 2003 Heisman Trophy winner is quarterback Jason White of Oklahoma. White won the trophy by 128 votes over Pittsburgh wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The win for White is controversial coming off of his 35-7 thrashing at the hands of the Kansas St. Wildcats in the Big 12 Championship game Sat. Dec. 6.

Many feel White is deserving his numbers were solid, 40 touchdown passes this season after coming off ACL surgery last year.

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SPORTS

The wrestling team conditions after a long day of practice. Practices begin with study hall at 2:15 everyday and then long hours on the mat and in the weight room before finally finishing with a brutal conditioning regiment.

The conditioning is vital in order for the wrestlers to have enogh stamina to compete in each match.

The Atoms will open the district season tomorrow, at home, against West Potomac, in the first dual meet of the season.

As for the last meet, the annual NOVA Classic tournament, was held at Fairfax High School Dec. 6 and 8, the Atoms finished 8th overall out of 32 teams. Except for the Hayfield Hawks, last year’s district champions, the entire Patriot District attended the tournament. Senior Sean Johnson placed 4th in the 215 lb. weight class, and senior Noah Crowley earned 5th place in the heavyweight (215+ lb.) class, and freshman Oscar Santos was the runner up in the 103 lb. division.

The NOVA Classic proved to be a promising start for the Atoms “I’m proud of how our guys finished in the NOVA Classic,” said Head Coach Keith Shoulders. “ We seem to be off to a great start.”

The two-day event was rescheduled to Dec. 6 and 8 due to inclement weather. Because of this change, the brackets were single elimination.

AHS has a relatively young team this year, having graduated two key seniors, Ehab Awadallah and Jegs Peralta. Johnson and Crowley are expected to be the top seniors, along with junior Chris Barnes in the 145 lb. class.

Though a freshman, Santos, is ranked 2nd overall in the northern region for his weight class.

“I had to lose a lot of weight for the tournament,” said Santos. “But all the hard work has definitely paid off in competition.”

This season the Atoms have added sophomore Stephanie Malguy to their previously all-male roster. Although she was unable to compete in the NOVA Classic, she is ready for her first career match.

“Being on the wrestling team proves that girls are capable of competing with guys and handling the physical demands of such a challenging sport,” said Malguy.

Coach Shoulders has high hopes to take his team deep into the post-season, and plans to help further develop the promising underclassmen.

“We’re facing some of the toughest teams in Northern Virginia,” said Shoulders. “But I’m confident we’ll finish in the top of our district.

Playoffs?!?! Replacing the BCS Jared’s Jargon First of all let me be the one millionth person to say that the BCS is an absolute fraud in picking the two best teams to play for the national chamionship. Mr. Tranghese (BCS commisioner), what were you smoking when you put this system together? It completely takes away from the integrity of the game.

Think about it, LSU, SEC champion, USC, Pac-10 champion,Oklahoma, second place in the Big 12. Now out of those top 3 teams, who deserves to be in the Sugar Bowl? I have to give credit to USC coach Pete Carroll; immediately following the announcement that his team was screwed out of the national title game, he was very cool and composed in saying how no matter what bowl his team is placed in, his team is the best in the land, which they will prove on Jan. 1 as they take out their rage on the Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl.

Now that we’ve gotten the bashing out of the way, it’s time to discuss changes. Two words, Elite Eight. Just like in March Madness, the NCAA football executives could use this catchy slogan to rake in loads of dough for their postseason. Just imagine if the four BCS games this year, Ohio St.-Kansat St. (Fiesta Bowl), Florida St.-Miami (Orange Bowl), Michigan-USC (Rose Bowl) and Oklahoma-LSU (Sugar), were just the first round of three in a playoff system.

You could have such upset specials such as Michigan vs. Kansas St., or a rematch of last year’s title game of Miami vs. Ohio St., or even the correct matchup for this year, USC vs. LSU. The possibilities are endless,

and so are the marketing opportunities.

It’s simple, take the eight top teams in the nation, based on the voter polls, and seed them one through eight, and simply go through a three-week playoff in which the last team standing is the champion of the NCAA. No more BCS blunders, no more split champions. Since 1998 this system has been in place and half of the time, the wrong team has been in the championship game. The last time this happened was in 2001, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers lost 62-32 in the Big 12 Championship game to the Colorado Buffaloes, but as like what happened this year, the second place team in the Big 12, the Cornhuskers, went to the Orange Bowl to face the eventual national champion Miami Hurricanes in what was

Wiest’s Wisdom The BCS shocked the college football world last weekend with its decision to snub the University of Southern California, ranked No. 1 in both the “human” polls. Using a complex computer formula, the BCS point system takes into consideration just about every aspect of the season.

However, when it comes to college football, there seems to be no perfect system. Yes, the BCS missed the mark by quite a long shot this time, but one mustn’t forget why the BCS was created in the first place.

Every year since its inception, it has produced an undisputed national champion.

While I do disagree with the fact that

You Make the Call Sports Banter

By Jared Smith and Matt Wiest a laugher of a title game. And the before that, the Florida St. Seminoles with a regular season record of 10-1 got into the championship game against Oklahoma over the 11-1 Miami Hurricanes, who beat the ‘Noles earlier that year. But obviously one team beating another isn’t enough proof for the BCS that team is better. If the BCS changes to this eight-team format, there will be no more championship triangles where one team is in when the other team deserves to go.

It is a joke. The BCS has to go, and even if it’s a coin flip that decides who wins, it sure beats the system we have now.

USC will not be playing in the Nokia Sugar Bowl for the national title, it seems to be an inevitability that at least one team will get slighted. There could be five teams with just a single loss, but only two can compete for the title. One of the only viable solutions in the event of a questionable BCS ranking where the competitors in the national title game are disputed would be a four team playoff system, where the winner of the top two bowls compete for the national title in a national championship game.

Part of what’s special about college football season is that each and every game could potentially mean the season

for any given team. More games equates to a devaluation of each game, making it okay for teams to lose a game or two without having to worry about it necessarily costing them the season. With a set of bowl games such as the BCS, a loss could result in elimination from contention for a major bowl game. It’s something unique about college football that would be a shame to take away. Any addition of large scale postseason tournaments should be out of the question.

Like anyone else, I am disappointed at the results from this season. USC earned its spot on top, losing their only game on the road at a tough California team in overtime. The fact that they won the Pac10 Championship just adds to their case.

However, it makes LSU and Oklahoma no less deserving since both of the latter have had more than their share of success. LSU defeated the Georgia Bulldogs not once but twice, a feat that few other teams in the nation could accomplish. In addition, they won the championship in arguably one of the best conferences in football. And Oklahoma had been destorying teams all season (like Texas A&M, whom they annihilated 77-0) before they lost in the Big 12 Championship to Kansas State.

In college football, it seems like no system can be perfect. For the time being, however, it seems that the BCS deserves another chance. No matter how many teams are chosen to compete in bowl games, someone is going to be cheated, as the college football season is among the shortest in sports. Some slight modifications to the BCS, such as elimination of the computer-based point system and two game playoff in the event of controversy, should be able to remedy the college post-season.

SPORTS

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Dec. 16, 2003

Ladies defeat Generals Tonight the Atoms will open district play at home against the Hayfield Hawks. Hayfield comes in with a 3-0 records, the Atoms are currently 3-1.

The Atoms were able to obtain this 3-1 record with a 49-29 win over Washington and Lee on Fri. Dec. 12. With key performances from senior co-captain Becca Frece, freshman Denay Wood and junior Nakia Williams, the girls easily defeated the Generals at home.

The Atoms used tenacious defense as their weapon to shut down the W&L offense. Occasionally using a full court press, the Generals had trouble maintaining possession of the ball on offense.

“We played extremely strong defense,” said junior guard Stephanie Frece. “Everyone was where they were supposed to be when they were supposed to be there.”

Coming of a hard 44-22 loss to Madison last Thurs., the Atoms really stepped up their level of play for W&L. “There was a lot of hustle, and a lot more focus,” said sophomore Marie Pierce.

“We were more motivated and energetic,” said Williams. “We worked more as a team, especially on defense.”

Along with hustle and hard work, taking advantage of opportunities is a reason the Atoms are succeeding.

“We’re shooting a lot,” said head

coach Lori Barb. “We work on the shooting machine in practice and never quit.”

Perhaps one of the not so fortunate events on Friday night was the injury of sophomore forward Nicole Finney. When making a pass in the second half, Finney planted her foot the wrong way and could have a possible tear in her Achilles tendon. She could be out for up to six weeks. Finney is coming off an all district performance last season.

“One of the hardest things will be finding someone to replace Nicole [Finney],” said Barb.

The Atoms will play their first district game at home tonight when they take on the Hayfield Hawks at 7:30 p.m.

“I think we match up well against them,” said Barb.

The Hawks have a very young, but energetic team with three starting freshman.

“Although they lost their star player to graduation [Anesha Smith] their freshman will bring us a good game,” said junior Sam Muchmore.

“They will bite and scratch for every loose ball,” said Frece. “Both teams will be running the entire game.”

The Atoms got their first win of the season in a 44-22 victory over the McLean Highlanders on Tues. Dec. 9. The Atoms’ were led by the now injured Nicole Murray who contributed 21 points, and senior all-district guard Rebecca Frece who added eight points.

Atomic Athletics A wrapup of Freshman and JV Sports.

Freshman Girls Basketball

Freshman Erika Soriano

Coaches: Nora Mahn and Gabriel Romano Key Players: Julianne Simpson, Victoria Clark and Sara Quinn Record: 0-2 Next Game: Dec. 16 @ home vs.

Hayfield, 4 p.m.

Last Game: 8-29 loss to Washington and Lee Player’s Quote: ““I think we might do well this season. The girls are cool and friendly. It is going to be a really good season,” said freshman Erika Soriano.

TED GIBSON

BY ERIN O’BRIEN In-Depth Editor

Sophomore forward Nicole Finney-Murray prepares for her free throw in the Atoms 62-47 loss vs. Madison on Dec. 11. Murray was the Atoms leading scorer with 21, in the Atoms 44-22 win over McLean on Dec. 9. Along with senior Rebecca Frece, Finney has led the Atoms in scoring the past two seasons and are returning all-district players.

These two are key as the Atoms take on district rival Hayfield tonight.

Hawks hand Atoms two crushing losses

TINA DOUROUDIAN

BY AMY MATHIS Staff Writer

Head swimming coach Bruce Fisher, along with assistant coaches Sally Bizer, and Meghan Hall time the players on Sat. Dec. 13 in the meet against the Hayfield Hawks.

Both girls and boys teams fell to Hayfield. The girls team with a score of 148-64 and the guys 204-111. The Atoms look to improve on their record (1-1, girls; 0-2 guys) as they take on Thomas Jefferson in a dual meet on Dec. 19 at the Audrey Moore Recreational Center at 8:30 p.m.

Seniors lead by example As the other winter sports at AHS are practicing in the comforts of a cozy gymnasium, the track team battles the elements. They have been practicing outside in for over a month straight in preparation for their first meet of the season.

“The team is looking strong, but we may suffer because we are missing a bunch of our star runners from last season,” said sophomore John Galvin. Regional qualifiers Mike Flint, Publio Agrafas, and Bryan Williams all graduated, but the team members, both boys and girls, are still keeping their hopes high, looking toward a strong season ahead of them.

“With the strong performances of a few keyplayersontrack,theteamwilldobetter this season,” said senior Stephanie Kruse.

One of these key runners is senior Lauren Edwards, the captain of the team. Edwards is recognized by her teammates and coaches as the undisputed leader of the team.

“She leads by example,” said ex-teammate and current sprinting coach Publio Agrafas. “She takes

charge everyday by getting everyone excited and keeping team upbeat and enthusiastic. She is the best person and athlete that we have,” said Agrafas.

With Edwards, the standout in distance running, Julio Vilatoro is the numer one shotputter on the team, coming off of his 8th place finish in the district during the spring season.

“Julio did very well on spring team last season,” said head shotput coach Bob Sykes, “We expect him to improve throughout the year.”

Julio has improved almost three feet from last season, going from 44 feet 6 inches to 47 feet, and is currently ranked third in the district.

“If I can improve my form I will go to states,” said Vilatoro.

With the exception of other key players such as top female shotputter senior Stephanie Kruse and regional qualifying pole-vaulter senior Elizabeth Gill, the track team is young and inexperienced, but improving everyday.

“Although we have a young team, we will remain very competitive in the district. We have some very solid individual athletes this season,” Sykes said.

Ex-player, now head sprinting coach Publio Agrafas readies the sprinters for agility work. The sprinters including the vaulters participate in agility work every day to improve their speed and quickness in preparation for the meets.

MEGAN BERRY

BY JULIE WOLF Staff Writer

17

The girls swim team fell to 1-1 and the boys fell to 0-2 as both squads lost to district rival Hayfield on Sat. Dec. 13. The girls lost with a score of 148 to 64 while boys were defeated 204 to 111.

This loss comes as a disappoinment to the young Atoms team that was expecting to repeat their threepoint defeat of the Hawks last season.

“The team tried their hardest,” said junior Tiffany Wattenberger. “We looked tired from the meet on Friday night.”

The previous night, the Atoms’ took on another district rival, the West Springfield Spartans, with varied results. The girls won in a close score of 158 to 156 points, while the boys suffered another tough loss of 188 to 124 points.

Head Coach Bruce Fisher believes that the boys team is struggling this season because of their lack of experience “Improving our attitude and the way we swim is what’s most important for this season,” said Coach Fisher.

Both boys’ and girls’ sides of the dive

team achieved success on Dec. 13 The boys won with a score of 22 to 7—placing first, second, third, and fifth overall in individual performances. In that same meet, the girls tied Hayfield with a score of 13-13.

Against West Springfield on Dec. 12 both the boys and girls dive teams defeated the Spartans with scores of 16-13 and 16-12 respectively.

On Mon., Dec. 1, the team underwent time trials. Coach Fisher could already see improvement in many of the younger swimmers, including sophomore Chenhui Wan and freshman Chris Fitz.

This year the key seniors for the Atoms are few, including Evan Ashe and Jason Bracken for the boys, and Sara Bizer and Miranda Brackett for the girls.

“We have a lot of depth,” said Wattenberger. “We have a lot of potential especially on the girls side. I expect us to have a winning record this season if we keep our heads in it.”

The first meet of the season scheduled for Fri. Dec. 5 against T.C. Williams was canceled due to the snowstorm. The meet has been rescheduled for after the winter break.

Freshman Boys Basketball

Freshman Graham Prosch

Coaches: Tony Harper and Kevin Fox Key Players: Timothy Shadyac, Scott Prosh, and Graham Prosh Record: 2-0 Next Game: Dec. 16 @ Hayfield, 4 p.m.

Last Game: 62-48 win over Washington and Lee Coach’s Quote: “We are working hard and I am looking forward to us giving 110% every time we step on the floor,” said coach Tony Harper.

JV Girls Basketball

Sophomore Ellie Zormelo

Coaches: Christa Long and Kennetra Wood Key Players: Ellie Zormelo, Monica Arrington, Elizabeth Sass Record: 0-2 Next Game: Dec. 16 @ home vs.

Hayfield, 5:45 p.m.

Last Game: 27-41 loss to Washington and Lee Coach’s Quote: “We are hopeful that we will have a great season,” said coach Christa Long.

JVBoys Basketball

Sophomore Vinnie Athey

Coaches: James McNeill Key Players: VinnieAthey, Michael Risden, and Andre Beharrie Record: 2-0 Next Game: Dec. 16 @ Hayfield, 5:45 p.m.

Last Game: 75-71 win over Washington and Lee Player’s Quote: “We have overcome many challenges already within our team and if we continue to do so we will have a very successful season,” said sophomore Vinnie Athey.

JV Wrestling

Freshman Nick Alvarez

Coaches: Keith Shoulders, Mike Scott Key Players: Luke McCoy and Nick Alvarez, Drew Chadwick Record: N/A Next Meet: Dec. 20, @ Woodson H.S., Woodson Invitational Coach’s Quote: “We have the biggest JV team in the region so we have high expectations and the kids are working hard,” said coach Keith Shoulders.

18 Box Office Top 5 (12/4 - 12/6)

1: The Cat In The Hat Starring Mike Meyers, Kelly Preston, Alec Baldwin and Spencer Breslin, The Cat In The Hat is about a mischevious cat, wearing a hat who gets a brother and sister into trouble. Directed by Bo Welch. (PG, 78 mins). Cumulative Gross: $85,279,270

2. The Haunted Mansion Starring Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Tilly and Marsha Thomason, The Haunted Mansion is about a realetor who is summoned to the Gracey Mannor. Directed

by Rob Minkoff. (PG, 88 mins). Cumulative Gross: $45,974 $45,974,409 409

3. Elf Starring Will Ferrell, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart Mary Steenburgen and James Caan, Elf is about a human baby who is adopted by elves, but goes back to the ‘human world’ after not fitting in to try to find his real father. Directed

by Jon Favreau. (PG, 97 mins). Cumulative Gross: $139,527,719

4. Gothika Starring Halle Berry, Robert Downy Jr., Charles S. Dutton, and Penelope Cruz, Gothika is about a psychiatrist who becomes possesed, then stays at her own facility for the criminally insane after being suscpected of killing her husband and boss. Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz. (R, 96 mins). Cumulative Gross: $49,545,578

5. Bad Santa Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Tony Cox, Lauren Graham and Brett Kelly, Bad Santa is about a shopping-mall Santa who robs stores. Directed by Terry Zwigoff (R, 91 mins). Cumulative Gross: $27,138,311

ENTERTAINMENT

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Dec. 16, 2003

Holiday movie madness

BY ABBY SEGALL Co-Editor in Chief

With the upcomming holiday season, movie producers are releasing the best of what they have stockpiled. Here’s a look at some of what you can expect to see this winter holiday season.

Paycheck stars Ben Affleck, Aaron Eckhart and Uma Thurman and opens on Dec. 25. In the movie, Michael Jennings (Affleck) works for a top-secret government agency and after each job his memory is erased to ensure secrecy is kept. However, when he finishes his last job and

expects a large paycheck, all he receives is an envelope full of random objects. It happens that these objects are clues to his past and he is forced to put these clues together to discover why his

Dear Abby Advice Column

By Abby Segall Dear Abby, I like this boy and he likes me too, but he is six inches shorter than I am. On the phone he always tells me he loves me, but in my face he doesn’t say anything about loving me or liking me. He wants to go out with me, but I think he is too short for me. What should I do?

—Too tall for romance Before you begin to worry about how he feels about you, you need to really determine how you feel about him.

It seems as though you want him to clarify that he is very interested in you, but at the same time you are uneasy about having a relationship because of a physical attribute. At this point you should probably have some oneon-one time with yourself and decide whether his height is going to bother you to the point where you will not allow yourself to see his personality.

“For some people certain physical traits are important, but at the same time, would you lose sight at the good characteristics because of his height?” said guidance counselor Kazue Watlington. “Get to know him better. What [you] find in the individual could be more important than height.”

Before talking about a romantic relationship with this boy, establish if you could have a good friendship first. Spend some time by yourself to think about whether you are truly interested in him. Somewhere inside of you will be the answer.

Dear Abby, People say that this girl is angry at me and wants to fight. If she does try, I will have to fight her back and I don’t even know why she is upset with me. What can I do without looking wimpy?

—Feeling wimpy

employers want to kill him. Although this sounds a lot like his friend Matt Damon’s hit movie, Borne Identity, do not be mistaken. People who loved Borne Identity are sure to find interest in this year’s mind-erasing epic, but if it means seeing Affleck reenact Damon’s movie, then skip paying the money for this soon to be rentable.

Cheaper by the Dozen might be exactly what you are looking for if an action-filled film is not for you. This family film stars the always amusing Steve Martin, teen queen Hilary Duff, Smallville’s Tom Welling, as well as Piper Perabo and Bonnie Hunt with a cameo from Ashton Kutcher. Tom (Martin) and Kate (Hunt) are the parents of 12 children, and when they decide to move houses for Tom’s new job, chaos erupts within the large family. Filled with humor and a positive moral (“They must choose not to have it all, but to love what they do have”) this movie might be worth the theaters high price if you’re looking for a family movie.

The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King will First of all, do not feel wimpy because these situations occur all the time where two people are angry with each other, but neither really wants to fight. To make a choice not to fight you are being the stronger person because it shows that you do not need to waste your time with a petty issue.

Secondly, there are many ways you can avoid the conflict without feeling weak. “Try talking with her. If this doesn’t work out, then try talking with a teacher or counselor and they can connect you to peer mediation,” said Peer Mediation teacher Jeannine Neal. “Avoid fighting with her because then both of [you] will be in trouble, even if [you] are off school grounds.” Many times these conflicts have to do with miscommunication.

Make sure your friends know you have no interest in fighting her so they will not try to worsen the situation by talking “trash.” Hopefully the girl will forget about the situation as time moves on and concern herself with more important issues.

Dear Abby, I am the girl from Maryland who had problem with getting friends. I just wanted to say thanks so much and now I have many friends and I don’t even know how many. I have even met a guy who I am in relationship with. He is a very nice, cute and caring person. I just want to tell you, you make difference in many people’s lives and I’m one of them.

—Grateful at AHS Thank you so much for your comment. Sometimes you just need another perspective to see things a little more clearly. I am happy to know that I was actually of some help.

Dear Abby was originally written

by Pauline Phillips and is written in The A-Blast by senior Abby Segall.

To contact Abby with your questions, e-mail her at Abbyiss527@aol.com or drop your question off in the Publications Lab, room 233.

open tomorrow. Return of the King is the third and final installment to the JRR Tolkien series and promises to be worth the money. The Dark Lord Sauron’s army, filled with malicious orcs and ringwraiths, is continuing to grow strong as the raging war of good versus evil prepares to come to a climatic end.

With the intention of eliminating most of the human race and enslaving the rest, Sauron’s forces have landed in the heart of Middle Earth, Gondor, and the once great kingdom is finding itself in dire need of a King. By this last installment, one of the many unanswered questions (that is, unanswered unless you have read the book, yes there was a book) is, will Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) be able to fill his ancestors’ shoes, become the Kind of Gondor and “save the land from being covered in a second darkness?”

However, do not fret if the struggle with Aragorn is not of interest to you because there are many more storylines to follow in the 3.5-hour movie with Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Frodo (Elijah Wood) as well as his hobbits, and of course Gollum (who some may refer to as Smeagel).

Ending the trilogy with grand and elaborate battle scenes (that’s right, there are more than one), Return of the King promises to bring the viewer everything. There is ro-

mance, action, drama, and comedy. The people who will see this movie are the nerds, jocks, preps, romantics, punks, thrill-seekers and all of their friends as well. The effects are sure to make for an excellent movie experience that no one could possibly be disapointed by, even the harshest of critics. .

Max Payne 2: The Fall givable. Max moves and feels like some sort of zombie, which hinders his ability during gunfights. The camera also poses a big problem as being either too Though a disappointingly short- lose or not fit for its surroundings. You’ll lived experience, Max Payne 2: The Fall constantly be rotating the camera in a of Max Payne proved to be an instant useless attempt to get a better view of hit on the PC. Its whole dark story- the action. This is especially annoying telling way combined with slick slow in small rooms where having control motion gun battles proves Max Payne over the camera doesn’t help anything.

The highlight of the original game 2 isn’t selling copies based merely off its predecessors’ success. Unfortunately its was its bullet-time effect, which essentially let Max slow much-anticipated PS2 port down time while still letsimply doesn’t do its PC Game Review ting him aim in real time. counterpart justice. Pretty Max Payne 2 Now, however, Max can much everything that made The Fall of Max not only aim in real time Max Payne 2 so much of a Payne with bullet-time in effect, joy to play on the PC sufbut he can also move freely fered severely in translaas well. This makes Max tion to PS2 and Xbox. nearly invincible during Max Payne 2 picks up For Inexcusable graphics, gun battles, detracting seshortly after the end of and monotonous gameplay verely from the strategic original and immediately element that was so previmmerses the gamer in the alent in the first game. constantly thickening plot.

While the PS2 obviously isn’t as Max is now a NYPD officer, and trying to uncover more about his past while graphically capable as a fully decked trying to solve a murder case. Fans of out PC, the fact that Max Payne 2’s visuthe first Max Payne will be pleased by als were degraded so much during its the underlying tones of the script and translation is inexcusable. The once inwill get far more out of the story line tricate textures are now dull and bland. than someone just starting Max’s tale. Max himself looks respectable but other However well-conceived Max Payne character models are mediocre at best.

2’s story may be, its gameplay is unfor- The frame rate also lags during even minor combat. As soon as you run into a few bad guys the frame rate sometimes dwindles to a slide show.

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is a great game in many respects. It’s just unfortunate that such little time and effort went into making sure that it stayed that way for its console brothers. Now while the satisfied PC gamer indulges in some intense Max Payne action, you’re stuck with a stripped-down version of what was once an exceptional gaming experience.

BY CHRIS KALLANDER Staff Writer

C

Max tries to find a way out of his prison cell.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Dec. 16, 2003

TV’s West Coast passion Fox’s newest drama, The O.C., is burning up ratings and television screens

BY ALEX WAHL Staff Writer “Hot guys, California, humor, and ‘realistic’ scenarios,” are what draws sophomore Suzanne Vandereijk to FOX’s new hit drama, The O.C. The show’s popularity has been growing exponentially as more people discover this dramatic series.

Airing every Wednesday 9 p.m. on FOX, The O.C. portrays the lifestyles of a group of California teenagers.

Besides the show’s location and steamy scenario, the show draws in viewers through its stars.

Like most teenagers, each one comes from a different background and faces common teen problems such as social issues, awkwardness, around the opposite sex, and longing to grow up and reach a point of adult maturity. “I like it because it’s like a soap opera, but without the old farts, with younger people,” said sophomore Tucker Wells.

Ryan Atwood, played by Benjamin McKenzie, is 17 year-old Mischa Barton plays known as “the Marissa Cooper, who finds herself atoutsider” to tracted to bad boy Ryan Atwood.

Newport Beach. In the first episodes, Atwood has a hard time with the locals; mainly because he threatens their positions in the Newport Beach social ladder. “He is like me; strong and handsome,” said Wells. That aside, Ryan refuses to take any harsh treatment from Newport Beach residents, and he never adjusts to fit in.

Marissa Cooper, played by Mischa Barton, is a local Newport Beach resident. She has friends, money, and a beautiful house. When Marissa meets Ryan though, she begins a new chapter of her life.

She leaves her boyfriend Luke (Chris Carmack) for Ryan, which leads her to more tough choices. Outside pressures force Maria to make choices and stand up for herself as she grows into a mature woman.

Ryan’s new-brother, Seth Cohen, is played by Adam Brody, a comical guy who lives the life of any other local.

He has always lived with the Newport Beach crowd, and heir to the lifestyle of huge vacations, sailboats, grand parties and lots of other luxuries. As one who usually deals with rejection from the ladies, Seth is surprised when he finds two interesting girls, Summer (Rachel Bilson) and Anna fighting over his love.

Deep down, Seth wants to find something outside of Newport Beach, but is not sure what he is searching for.

Witheverycharacter’suniqueproblems,andpersonalities, the series seems to be incredibly attractive to the average teen. Almost everyone can find a character to relate to.

The show also offers teenagers the unrealistic life of the rich that some teenagers dream about. For many, the fashions, scenery, and heavenly beach setting in Orange County are enough reasons to watch it every week.

Tomorrownightwillbethefollow-upepisodetotheaction packed Chrismukkah episode which aired two weeks ago.

In that episode, the Cohens prepared for their holiday season with high spirits, while Ryan only felt depressed because of past holidays that were never too happy for him. Although the fact that he gets to spend this year with his girlfriend, Marissa, helps his mood.

On the way to the party, Seth is distracted

by Summer and Anna, who spend the evening fighting over him, making Seth choose if he would rather just be friends with the girls.

Before The O.C., several of the shows stars had experience in acting, involving the theater, but for many them The O.C. is their first big break. McKenzie is a UVAgraduate with a major in Economics, who started in off Broadway performances before moving to Los Angeles, landing the lead role in The O.C. Barton, only 17 years old, has been in show business since age nine, with roles in several movies, such as “The Sixth Sense” in 1998.

“The O.C. is definitely my favorite new show, although it is incredibly sleazy, it is the best escape from reality there is,” said senior Katherine Haines.

No name actors and actresses on The O.C. are now hot topics in Hollywood, thanks to the successes of the new show. The setting, and real life problems the actors face contributes to its massive popularity.

HOROSCOPES Sagittarius (Nov. 2-Dec. 21) Your mind is in full flight, but your body won’t move an inch until you so command it. Lending your money to others today may result in serious financial losses.

Look for your financial situation to improve next week.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Someone may give you an unexpected compliment later in the day, but don’t let them know that it caught you off guard.

Don’t spend too much time alone, go out with your friends and have some fun.

Lucky numbers: 14, 1, 5.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18) If you’ve been feeling lonely, have hope: your social dry spell is about to end. Use the holidays as an excuse to party hearty. You need something different; maybe a haircut? Beware of pressures to do something you don’t want to.

Ryan Atwood, played by Benjamin McKenzie, is the star of FOXʼs new hit

The O.C.

Fairweather’s goodbye Shows for the season Dec.5 marked the final performance of Fairweather. as they played its last show at St. Andrew’s Church Music Review in College Park, Maryland, which By John Reiss was celebrating its reopening as a venue after two years.

AfterAge of Ruin finished its set, the crowd began to scream loudly, pushing towards the stage, even before Fairweather had taken the stage. As the band took the stage, lead singer Jay took the stage and welcomed the crowd back to the church before going immediately into their song “Blood on the Pages.”

For the next hour, Fairweather

poured out guitar chords, blending a mix of itsolder, more familiar music, with the newer material.

Throughout the show, fans hoisted themselves above the crowd to reach the stage, only to jump back into the crowd moments later. For those fans packed close to the stage, they often received a microphone towards their face, to join Jay in singing.

Fairweather has been bringing music to the Northern Virginia/ Washington D.C. area for four years, and those present at their last show will not soon forget it.

Live Wire

Fairweather has been making music since 1999 and have released three albums.

BY KAITY BURDETTE Staff Writer This season, television networks delivers viewers their favorite holiday classics, plus a few new ones you don’t want to miss.

Secret Santa: Dec. 18, 9 p.m. on NBC. A made-for-television movie in which, Jennie Garth portrays a young journalist whose cynical take on Christmas lands her in a small town on assignment to uncover the identity of a mysterious philanthropist, “Secret Santa.” In the process, she begrudgingly learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Robbie Reindeer: Dec. 20, 8 p.m. on CBS. This computer-animated movie follows the adventures of Robbie as he trains for the Santa’s ‘Reindeer Race’ to see who will lead his sleigh on Christmas Eve. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Dec. 20, 8 p.m. onABC. Charles Schultz’s popular catoon Peanuts brought to animated life where Charlie Brown and his friends learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Dec. 21, 8 p.m. on Cartoon Network. The classic cartoon adventure of Dr. Seuss’ classic story book about the mischievious deeds of the Grinch.

Jim Henson’s The Muppet Chirstmas Carol: Dec. 22, 8 p.m. on Cartoon Network. A remake of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring the Muppets.

Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge .

It’s A Wonderful Life: Dec. 24, 8

p.m. on NBC. A beloved yuletide classic about a disheartened man who is given a remarkable “gift” — to see what the world would be like if he had never been born. Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.

Walt Disney World Christmas Parade: Dec. 25, 10 a.m. on ABC. Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa will join Mickey, a colorful cast of Disney characters and Team Santa to celebrate the holidays from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida during the Walt Disney World Christams Parade.

AChristmasCarol:Dec.25,10a.m.on NBC. Allistar Sim stars as the unpleasent Ebenezer Scrooge as he is taken on a journey about family and compassion, in this movie of Charles Dickens’ classic novel.

A Christmas Story: Dec. 25, 1 p.m. on NBC. An American Christmas classic in which Ralphie has to convince his parents and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gunwould make Chirstmas perfect.

Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2004: Dec. 31, 10 p.m. on ABC. Dick Clark hosts his annual show, now in its 32nd year, from Times Square, New York. Clark will introduce performances from Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Elton John, KISS,Avril Lavigne and Tim McGraw. For the countdown, Clark will be joined by Newlyweds stars Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey.

The holiday season this year offers viewers a variety of specials and movies to bring joy to everyone.

Freedom Rings

BY MATT WEIST Staff Writer “One of the principal drawbacks of freedom is that it is inherently vulnerable to attack. By its very nature it permits, and perhaps even invites, assault from within and without.

But freedom is worth dying for, and Americans have always risen to the challenge.

So we must. And so we will.”

In his book Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty over Liberalism, Sean Hannity articulates America’s position in a post-9/11 world. The events of that tragic day forever changed the meaning of being American, and it is now more important than ever for us to defend democracy and protect our freedoms.

With clarity and fluency, Hannity informs and expounds how to take down the forces that threaten, whether intentionally or not, to take down America.

Hannity seeks to provide answers for two “fundamental questions” which all Americans face: first, “are we truly prepared to fight terrorism...no matter what it takes or how long it takes?” and secondly, “are

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we...prepared to teach our children the values that make this country worth fighting for, living for, and dying for?”

His answer: conservatism.

The solution to our nation’s quandaries lies in the principles of conservatism, the very same principles upon whichAmerica was founded.

The greatest challenge America faces, says Hannity, is not one from terrorists overseas, but “the slow compromising of our national character.”America’s defense has been jeopardized by many of the nation’s leading Democrats, as Hannity particularly attacks the flawed policies of the Clinton-Gore Administration.

In Let Freedom Ring, Hannity lays out his case for the protection ofAmerica. It is winning this war against the internal and external forces that threaten the well-being ofAmerica on which we must focus; we must fight to bring down those that “foolishly and relentlessly” attack and undermine “the very policies and institutions that have made our country a beacon of liberty and prosperity.”

Let Freedom Ring. Regan Books. Copyright 2002, Sean Hannity. 338 pages.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Instead of focusing on what you don’t have, try to be thankful for what you have been given. Be careful how you deal with your colleagues today.

They may take your criticism the wrong way.

Aries (March 21- April 19)

You don’t have to go along with anything that you think is wrong or makes you uncomfortable.

Take care of any medical problems that have been bothering you recently. You can’t be too cautious when it comes to your health.

Taurus (April 30-May 20) All necessary information is available if you consult the right sources. It’s a great day to try new things, and you’ve got the energy to make it happen.

What has seemed too difficult to you in the past may be achievable today.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Buoyant with confidence, you embrace the moment even as you throw yourself into the uncertain future. Everything you do today will be part of a learning curve.

Remember to make the most out of the time which you are given.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Private life resonates this evening. Now is a good time to make an attempt at quitting some of your bad habits.You have a great deal of self-control today. Use this to your advantage and get done that which you have always wanted.

Leo (July 22-August 22) If you’re paying attention, the next time around you might see something of long term value. It may be difficult for you to hold on to your cash today. Keep your wallet someplace close to you. Lucky numbers 3, 4, 5.

Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22)

As glamorous as it might be, don’t let your career run your life. The people who have been intimidating you lately have just as many flaws as you do. Push away any bad feelings.

Lucky numbers 7, 19, 8.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Instead of going for it all, you might have to settle for a little less than normal. If you are looking for some answers, don’t be afraid to come right out and ask for them, you may find it surprising.

Lucky numbers 24, 9, 25.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) If you falter, you may be the only one who’s surprised. You want to share your opinions, but avoid making a scene. Communicate your concerns quietly to the most appropriate people.

Lucky numbers 13, 3, 4.

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WEEKEND

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Dec. 16, 2003

Winter wonderland Students always have big plans for winter break, see what other students have planned

The holidays of winter break are some of the biggest in the year for many cultures and religions. Here is a little bit of background on them.

Christmas— the annual holiday in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

It is celebrated by Roman Catholics and most members of the Protestant faith.

The traditional Christmas story of the three wise men and the baby Jesus in a manger is taken from the biblical book of Matthew. For those who celebrate Christmas, it has become a time for family gatherings, generosity and gift giving.

Hannukah— Also known as Chanukah (Hebrew for “dedication”), is the Jewish Festival of Lights. When the Maccabees’ temple was burned down, their fuel was only expected to last one day, but it stayed lit for eight days. Hanukkah is the celebration of that miracle, and is commemorated by lighting the menorah, eating special foods, and practicing other sacred traditions.

Kwanzaa— observed by African communities, its modern celebration was begun by Maulana Karenga, anAfrican activist. It is celebrated through poetry, music, and lighting the candles on the mishumaa on each night of the seven day festival. The festival ends with introspection on each person’s worthiness in family, culture, and community.

-WWW.ENCARTA.COM

Upcoming Concerts DECEMBER 19 Cyndi Lauper with Nelly McKay— 930 Club, $35.

DECEMBER 28 Janeʼs Addiction, the Used, Marilyn Manson— George Mason UniversityPatriot Center, $48.50 (general admission) 7:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 30 B2K— D.A.R. Constitution Hall, 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 30 Catch 22, Fall Out Boy, Big Wig, Punchline— IMP, $12, doors open at 7:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 31 Super Diamond, The Neil Diamond Experience—930 Club, $35, doors open at 9 p.m.

JANUARY 11 Sevendust, Ill Nino, Ele ment Eighty— 930 Club, $20.

BY MOLLY STERLACCI AND MIKE WEIST Staff Writers “It’s my first time going down to North Carolina,” said freshman Danielle Savage.

Savage will be traveling down to North Carolina for the first time to see her relatives over the winter break. While there, Savage and her family have many activities planned. Over the past few winter breaks, she and her family have decided to visit some other relatives in Mississippi.

“I think I’m going to like North Carolina a lot more than Mississippi,” said Savage.

While visiting in North Carolina, they have several fun activities planned. Some of these activities include going to the mall, and to the recreation center with her cousins.

“My cousins are a lot of fun to be around, and spending time with my family helps put me in a good holiday spirit,” said Savage.

These things are going to be a lot of fun for her, but Savage said, “the drive is going to be really long and boring.” The weather is also a thing that Savage anxiously awaits in North Carolina. “I am looking forward to the warmer weather in North Carolina,

since it is getting so cold up here,” said Savage. This trip will be the highlight of Savage’s winter vacation.

Junior Ayesha Jama has mutually decided with her family to make a sojourn out of state during the winter break holiday to Minnesota. She too is planning to see her relatives, particularly her cousins and aunt.

“Last year I went to Columbus, Ohio to visit my little cousins and that was a lot of fun. Hopefully the trip to Minnesota will be jus as much fun,” said Jama.

While in Minnesota, she plans on catching up on old times with her cousins by spending some quality time with them. It seems her cousins also have some activities in mind for her and her family’s stay, with hopes of showing them the city and all of the hot spots within it. Being that it will be Jama’s first time going to Minnesota, she is very “anxious and excited to get away from school for a couple of weeks and spend time with my cousins at the same time,” said Jama.

To make the Christmas Eve dinner special, her close relatives will be joining her.

“These Christmas dinners are always fun for me because my family is fun to hang around with, and this makes the dinner exciting,” said Jama.

Also, while in Minnesota, Jama plans

to take many pictures because it is a hobby of hers.

Sophomore Natalie Gilbert will be traveling to up-state New York for winter break.

“I am going up to NewYork with a group of my friends to go snowboarding,” said Gilbert.

She will be visiting Lake George, which is the same place that she went to last year, with the same group of friends. While on the five-day trip, Gilbert will be snowboarding four of the five days, and then on her day off she will be hanging out with her friends, going shopping, and they might even hit the cinema to catch a movie.

Along with taking the trip up to Lake George, Gilbert will also be spending time with her family for Christmas.

“I have a lot to do to get ready for Christmas this year,” said Gilbert. “I need to do nearly all of my Christmas shopping because I haven’t gotten the chance to get much yet, said Gilbert.

“I need to help my mom get some last minute Christmas decorations up around the house too.

But other than that, I’m totally psyched about the holiday season between snowboarding with my friends and a fantastic family Christmas holiday,” said Gilbert.

Calendar of activities to do over the break Monday 22 Itʼs the first real day of winter break! Catch up on some welldeserved sleep and get excited about the holidays and the next two weeks off!

29 Reston Towne Center is an excellent day trip idea. It has an outdoor ice skatiing rink, tons of shops and stores, a movie theatre and lots of outdoor art making your stroll an enjoyable one. From I-66, take Dulles Toll Road to the Reston Parkway exit and then a left on New Dominion Parkway

What are your plans for the holiday break?

Tuesday 23 Silverado is a local favorite restaurant located in the heart of Annandale. The western theme and quality food make for an excellent meal at fairly low prices. Located at 7050 Columbia Pike, it is recomended that you phone ahead at 703-354-4560

30 Bowling is always a great group activity. Go bowling today at AMF- Annandale Lanes. They have group rates and flexible hours. They are located at 4245 Markham St. in Annandale.

703- 256-2211

Wednesday Thursday

Merry Christmas! Open your presents, relax with your family around the tree and sing some Christmas carols.

31 Celebrate the New Year! Bring in 2004 with some great resolutions and party like itʼs 1999!

Happy New Year! Start off the new year by carrying out your resolution and get ready to have a great year!

“I am going to sit back and relax, and my family might go snowboarding at Whitetail.”

“I will go skiing with my family in New York, and I also plan to give to the needy.”

—Beth Sass freshman

—Tucker Wells sophomore

Visit a new and interesting museum such as the International Spy Museum. The hours for the Spy museum are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 -18. Advanaced reservations are recommended.

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Relax on the day after New Yearʼs, go see a movie at the Hoffman Center in their stadium style theaters. Adult tickets are $9, however with a student ID you can get in for $7, Matinees are also $7. AMC Hoffman Center is located at 206 Swamp Fox Rd. in Alexandria, 703-998-4AMC.

—Helen Johnston junior

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An old fashioned winter tradition is found at Fairfax Ice Arena.

Weekend admission rates for 13 and older are $6.75 and skate rental is $2.50. Fairfax Ice Arena is located at 3779 Pickett Road close to Fair City Mall.

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“People are coming over for Christmas and I’m spending it with my relatives, and we are going to watch the fireworks at Myrtle Beach for New Year’s.”

Sunday

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Happy Kwanzaa! Start off the festival and light your mishumaa candles and take pride in your heritage.

1 2004

Saturday

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Happy Hannukah! Itʼs the sixth day of Hannukah, so light the sixth candle on your menorah and open your presents.

Mazel tov!

Friday

Lake Accotink has its Cruise by Candlelight today from 4 to 5 p.m. Take a peek at some local wildlife and learn the history of the lake on this romantic trip. Tickets are $5 per person, call 703-569-0285 for details.

Winter Break is almost over. Make sure you have all your homework done, get to bed early, and start counting down the days until Spring Break!

“I have to work all day every day until January 1st. And on my free time I have to do my IB homework.”

“We will be spending a week in Las Vegas, then I will be visiting my daughter and her family in Indianapolis.”

—Khalid AbulHawa senior

—Donna Erickson math teacher

Travel south of the border to Coyote Grill day, but the service was impressive nonetheless.

For an appetizer, we chose the guacamole, which was supRestaurant guide posedly prepared

By Elizabeth Nowrouz and Laura Johnson fresh at the table.

The guacamole is their specialty The Main Street Marketplace in Fairfax restaurants’ are known for dish, and one of the weekend editors having interesting and good qual- has sampled the homemade guacamole ity food in friendly environments. before, and she was impressed by the Looking in the windows, the Coyote originality and creativeness that it Grille immediately jumped out at us. brought to her dinner. It was brought From the street it looks like just an- to us quickly, but contrary to the menu, other small restaurant, but looking in the there was no table-side preparation so windows we spotted funky Mexican and we assumed that it was a dinner special.

While this was depressing, it was our western furniture decorated with Christmas lights. Various Mexican artwork is only great disappointment of the trip.

We ordered the Taco Platter, which also on display which gives it a more ethnic flavor. There was a tasteful bar has an option of beef, chicken, fish, with a television. It was a quiet Monday pork, crab or shrimp filling and soft or afternoon, so there was no wait and only hard shells. We chose the chicken tacos, a small crowd occupied the dining room. which contained lettuce, grilled chicken, We were immediately seated and given cheese and sour creme on the side.

It was excellent, as was the Southwarm tortilla chips with zesty homemade salsa. We received our menus, ordered west Chicken Sandwich, topped with our drinks, and heard the daily specials. homemade barbeque sauce, cheese, The hostess came back in less than various vegetables and a choice of threee minutes asking if we were ready fries, salad or red beans and rice.

The prices are reasonable and comto order. Granted, this was a slow business

NOVA Nibbles

LAURA JOHNSON

Winter Holidays

For savory Mexican food with an authentic Mexican atmosphere, the Coyote Grille located in the heart of Fairfax is the place to go.

pare well to restaurants such as Silverado, with appetizers ranging in price from $5 to $8, and dinner entrees from $11 to $15. Most meals came with a choice of one or two sides, which were also available for purchase separately for about $2.

The service was speedy and affable, and our orders were taken correctly and efficiently. Our drinks never got below being half-full.

However, the restaurant wasn’t even half-full so the service wasn’t

pressed for time. The entire menu is available for carry out as well.

The restaurant also offers live music periodicallyandhasapopularSundaybrunch.

Their hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Coyote Grille Cantina is located on 10266 Main Street in Fairfax. Their phone number is (703)-591-0006, and they can be visitedonthewebatwww.CoyoteGrille.com