Issue 8

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THORN IN THE GAME Gambling and cheating causes controversy over baseball legend.

700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

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CARVING FACES Snowboardingʼs increasing popularity has students heading toward the slopes.

NEWS BRIEFS Sophomore Parent and Student Night

The Guidance Department as well as the Career Center will be hosting this school years Sophomore Parents/Students Night tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. in Clausen Hall.

This informative program gives parents and students advice on how to prepare for the future. Randy Doss, Vice President for Ross Enrollmnt and Campus Life at Guilford College will be present to speak to the audience about the admissions process for college. A panel of college representatives spoke at Junior Parents/Students Night which was held last Thursday.

Fantasy Dance heats up AHS

This years annual winter dance will be held this Saturday in the cafeteria.

Sponsored by the class of 2004 the theme of the dance is “What is your fantasy?

Come to the dance to find out.” The dance will be held from 8-11 p.m. and 300-350 people are expected to attend. Tickets will be sold during all lunches today as well as Thursday. The cost of a single ticket is $8 and $15 for a couple.

Auditions for the Spring musical were publicized on flyers that were posted in the hall ways.

Musical Auditions start today

Starting today at 2:15 p.m. in the Black Box theater the drama department will be holding auditions for the Spring musical, Fiddler on the Roof. Copies of the audition songs are available in the Black Box for those interested in trying out. Dancers are wanted. For more information contact drama teacher Vikki Farish.

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Administration works to counter violent events in community

BY LEKHA MENON Staff Writer After two unrelated violent events, which preceded the winter break, administrators and school security have been taking tips and threats about school safety. A tip on Jan. 6, about an alleged fight that was to take place after school in Ossian Park, landed nine police officers, including Student Resource Officer Paul Pickett, in the Ossian parking lot as school ended. The police were there to stop any violence that might have been planned.

“We always try to respond to warnings, but now just as a precaution we are calling people from outside to make sure everything’s all right,” said Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell.

Noting that the parking lot behind the church is an area of concern, as it cannot be seen from the school, administrators have increased surveillance outside the school perimeters. Awareness Aides KW and Kenny Williams, along with Pickett and other administrators, have increased their morning patrol of the parking lots, including the church area.

Administrators have realized that because the parking lots are not under constant surveillance before, during, and after school that they are a high-risk area for fights, break-ins and theft. Earlier this year Principal Rod Manuel gave permission for Cornwell to look into the use of security cameras to monitor the parking lots. The Fairfax County School Board has also given permission for the use of the cameras outside the school. Since there is not enough staff for a constant patrol of the parking lots, outside security cameras are said to be an ideal way to monitor these areas, as well as to discourage students from starting trouble.

“I don’t like the idea of placing cameras inside the school,” said Cornwell. “They would be outside looking over the parking lot. Just their presence would be a deterrent.” AHS is not the only school that is looking into outside security cameras. Many Prince William County schools have already placed cameras around their campuses.

“You hear about all the fights and thefts but you rarely

Salary increase proposed in budget ESOL teacher Michael Otting offers help in math to senior Katy Garcia (right) and junior Isaac Mancilla (left). Although math is not Ottingʼs subject, he often takes time to assist students in need. Proposed budget increases would fund a 7.1% increase in teacher salaries, specifically ESOL teachers in a county with an increasingly expanding ESOL student population.

$120 million will go to to teachers

BY STACEY MARIN Staff Writer In one of his last actions as Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, Dr. Daniel A. Domenech has proposed a $1.8 billion budget for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005.

The budget increase, $136 million higher than the FY 2004 budget, would result in a 7.1 percent pay increase

NO

YES

21%

This survey was distributed to 536 students during R3 flex Jan. 12, and both B and C lunches on Jan. 14, 2004.

for all employees, including teachers and support staff.

Fairfax County has one of the largest and richest school systems in the metropolitan area and in the country. To remain competitive with other tough school districts, salaries for teachers would need to be as high as other school systems on the same level as Fairfax.

“We are making a priority that we need to remain

competitive. If we pull back from compensation, it’s not a wise investment. Without a quality staff, you’re just not going to get the results you want,” said Domenech in a Jan. 9 Washington Post article.

One of the main reasons Fairfax is becoming increasingly competitive is due to the large number of students in the “Budget” continued on pg. 4

“Safety” continued on pg. 6

Auditorium to open Thursday

BY MOLLY STERLACCI Staff Writer

SARAH SOZIO

Workers work to prepare the reopening of the auditorium, which closed for rennovations last June.

The current construction of the auditorium is set to be finished Jan. 23. With new padded seats, wider aisles, newly placed carpet, a new paint job and stage floor renovation set to be completed, construction workers are working eight-hour shifts each day to get the job done.

On any given day, there are about fifteen construction workers on the job. One of the construction workers, Antonia Alonco said, “I work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a one hour break and I put the new chairs in place.”

“The auditorium should be fully functional in a short time for all of the spring events. It looks beau-

tiful,” said school administrator Brandon Cooley.

During the duration of time until January 23 however, the construction will continue to affect the drama department, as they do not have the space to practice and rehearse.

Drama student, sophomore Sam Rabinovitz, was impacted greatly by the construction of the auditorium, saying, “I feel it’s maddening to have them renovating because it’s taking our niche away from us. It’s like taking the football field away from football players or taking the auto shop garage away from auto technology students. It’s the place where we do our thing.

I’m sure the new renovation will give us a fresh “Auditorium” continued on pg. 6

Snow causes dangerous commute Graduates receive

BY KYLE SMEALLIE News Editor As senior Mark Bellingham’s 1996 Saab 900 SE slid around the corner of Park and Vale Street, he tapped the brakes to try to pull the car out of its skid. With caution, the icy trip continued, as the relatively light car slipped around curves and the Pirelli directional

tires rotated endlessly on the icecovered streets. Finally, after waiting in a sea of red lights on Ravensworth Road, Bellingham finally pulled into his spot at the church.

Some weren’t as lucky as Bellingham on Jan. 9, as their familiar trip to school turned into disaster.

Both teachers and students got into accidents, and some are calling for an amendment to Fairfax

County’s inclement weather policy.

One unlucky student was senior Erica Robey, whose 1994 Ford Mustang was rear-ended. On her way to school, she decided that the car could not make it to school, and decided to turn around and go back to her home. She knew that getting her car started again would be “Commute” continued on pg. 5

Students use school’s past in ‘history bowl’

BY JULIA SINGER Copy Editor A packed gym cheers as four students sprint from separate tables to a chair placed several yards in front of them. Once seated, the quickest student answers the trivia question that was asked by a selected teacher.

The first annual Annandale History Bowl proved to be a successful event. “I like learning about Annandale’s past,” said Freshman Class

Treasurer Krista Silano. “It’s fun comparing past traditions to the present ones.”

Assistant Principal Dave Tremaine read the Alma Mater, and took part in singing the AHS Fight Song along with several other teachers and administrators as an opening to the event. Accompanying the staff during the fight song were three trumpet players from the Symphonic Band.

Asking the questions were “History” continued on pg 6

TINA DOUROUDIAN

UNDECIDED

32%

Opening of new Air & Space Museum makes for a great weekend adventure.

School takes new security measures

Mad Cow Disease

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SPACING OUT

Ballet teeters between dance and art.

Winter spirit week will be held everyday this week in order to prepare students and athletes for the winter pep rally on Thursday. Today’s spirit day is pajama day, tomorrow is hat day, Thursday will be spirit day and Friday will be jersey day.

Do you feel safe eating U.S. beef products?

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TIP-TOEING TALENT

Students given chance to show school spirit

The first case of Mad Cow Disease, a disease spread when cows eat feed containing animal parts infected with a mutated protein, was found in Mabton, Washington on Dec. 23, 2003. After tracing down the cow’s origins, officials have determined it came into the country from Canada in 2001, with a shipment of 81 other animals. In an effort to contain the disease, officials are planning to slaughter 130 cows.

703-642-4229

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2004

SEAN SULLIVAN

VOLUME #49 ISSUE 7

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Senior Tracie Hiatt races to a chair in order to earn points for her team, at the history bowl.

IB diplomas

BY CHRIS SOPHER Ad Manager The first graduates of the International Baccalaureate program returned to AHS during the IB Forum and Diploma graduation on Jan. 7. Many current students attended the session for information on the new program that has drawn much controversy and many questions in recent months. IB Diploma graduates from 2003 and coordinator Erin Albright fielded questions from sophomores, juniors, and seniors considering the diploma program. The special guest of the session was Washington Post writer Jay Mathews, author of Harvard Schmarvard, a new book on college opportunities outside of the Ivy League.

Many IB students enter the Matthews Diploma program for college credit and admissions. Both Advanced Placement and IB programs are highly respected among universities, and can help help students gain admission. Students attended the forum to find out if the diploma helped last year’s graduates gain admission into top Vir“Diplomas” continued on pg. 4

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EDITORIALS

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Bush ‘alienates’ Americans Why should America reward those who have already shown gross and blatant disregard for its laws?

BY MATT WIEST Sports editor

Letters to the editor: Number of college applications climbs In your latest issue of The A-Blast distributed on Dec. 16, I associated with the article “SeniorsApplying to More Universities” by Laela Shallal. I, being a senior, understood why the quantity of colleges students are applying to is increasing.

Grade Point Averages, SAT scores, and extracurricular activities are not the only aspects that universities examine when determining which students will receive acceptance into their school. The competition has extended over the years and seniors feel overwhelmed with doubt and uncertainty. Therefore they obligate themselves to apply to as many universities as possible for reassurance.

Jan. 20, 2004

Several weeks ago, President George Bush unveiled extensive immigration reforms that could potentially be the most comprehensive changes since 1986. These broad and sweeping reforms would allow illegal immigrants to apply for three to six-year amnesty periods provided they are employed and have an employer to verify their job status. During this time, these aliens could apply for a green card or for permanent residence status and remain in the United States legally. However, with this employment-based immigration policy, Bush and company seem to be overlooking some of ramifications of such reforms.

I support much of President Bush’s policy, both foreign and domestic. This is not just another negligent episode of the “Bush bashing” trend that has seemingly swept the nation.

This time, however, Bush has wronged theAmerican people. He has betrayed public opinion for reasons ostensibly pertaining to his political strategy, an example of poor conduct that has typified many politicians on both sides of the aisle. Democrats, traditionally, have received large majorities of the minority and immigrant vote, and, in an effort to increase his popularity among these groups, Bush has reduced his immigration policy to a courtship of minority votes. Policies like this and others, supported in the past by Democrats, are detrimental to American politics, as they disregard the interests of the citizens.

Recent polls have shown that the majority of Ameri-

Your article stated that students in more demanding classes apply to more colleges, particularly those in the IB Program.Although I am not enrolled in any IB or AP classes I intend to explore the wide selection and have applied to five universities and plan to fill out at least three more applications over the winter break, totaling to eight colleges. This way I know I will at least get into one of them.

Of course I prefer some universities over others. Some are close or far away. Others have higher standards while some are less demanding. Fear and anxiety drive me to continue the application process. There is also concern over which college will be the most appropriate according me. Do I like big schools or small ones with fewer students in each class for a more individual assistance?

Do I want to be in the city, urban like atmosphere or in the country, where people aren’t seen for miles? There are so many choices and options how am I to know which one suits me best?

My strategy to narrowing my decision is to first see which colleges I get accepted to. Then I will visit each one of them.

Afterwards, I will compare campuses, money, teachers, reputation, size, environment, etc... Once I have done this I will then eliminate and make my final decision as to which college I will attend next year. Even if I get accepted into just one I will at least know that I tried my best to apply myself and considered the possibilities.

cans oppose immigration policies like that which Bush seeks to implement. A Time/CNN poll demonstrated that 80 percent of Americans want the federal government to locate and deport all illegal immigrants. Last year’s Time/CNN polls have shown that 55 percent of Americans support a decrease in immigration, while only 35 percent support the present policy and just 7 percent want in increase in immigration. This being said, Bush’s proposed reforms obviously clash with the wishes of the vast majority of people, a travesty of democratic society.

This policy poses several points of concern. First, it would legalize millions of individuals already guilty of felonies. Why should America reward those who have already shown gross and blatant disregard for its laws?

It makes no sense whatsoever to provide non-tax-paying criminals with the benefits of regular, tax-paying and lawabiding American citizens. This proposed policy seems only condone and even foster such illegal activity. With more opportunity for illegal immigrants to takeAmerican jobs, the already uncontrollable flood of illegals coming across our southern border will only intensify. As this problem gets more and more out of hand, it poses an increasingly precarious threat to our national security.

Should the U.S.-Mexico border become harder to patrol, it would allow not only millions more illegal immigrants in, but it could potentially provide a safe entrance for terrorists bent on the destruction of the United States.

As it is right now, the Social Security system and other programs that provide benefits to Americans are in dire need of restructuring. But, with the country in the midst of two wars, a recovery from several years of economic recession, and the largest federal deficit in United States history, Bush has created a plan that would extend the benefits once reserved for American citizens to illegal immigrants and their families in their native countries. This financial maneuver could not come at a worse time, and could potentially cost taxpayers $345 billion over the next 20 years.

What Bush and the American government need to

One man’s voice consolidated 12,000 years of ambitions and aspirations. “The Eagle has landed...” Man had landed on the moon. In one “giant leap” humanity would enter a world where the sky is no longer the limit.

Manned mission’s to the moon are once again in NASA’s cross hairs, with the ultimate goal of landing man on Mars. This is a tribute to the continuation of an era of exploration, and man’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

Nonetheless, with wars and deficits there are many more terrestrial issues to focus.

The recent success of landing a rover on Mars has brought light to a space program, which even after the loss of Columbia, had been steadily slipping into bureaucratic turmoil.

New hope and confidence has many NASA officials pushing for more explo-

ration and money. In a deficit economy, needless spending on purely scientific missions can be put to better use.

With all eyes gazing into the heavens, we are neglecting the fact that we are still at war. We are still in the long and tedious process of reconstruction, and men are still being lost.

When the war takes a back seat to space exploration, support will fade and morale will suffer. Bush and NASA need to recognize that we are at war.

In the hectic, uncertain time we live, there are two certainties: the war will end, and mars and the moon will be there when it does. In comparison to the Apollo program, we are not in a space race, thus, giving us the luxury of keeping such missions on the back burner.

MAking the GrAde

The NASA bureaucracy lost documents containing important calculations necessary for lunar expeditions.

This makes preparations much more time consuming. Although modern tools and experience will make the task much easier, precise calculations cannot be rushed for the fear of increasing the chance that something will go wrong. With time on our side, it you be prudent to postpone the mission.

The recent Mars mission has created a frenzy of space ambitions. However, celebration has turned into uncertainty of what’s to come. Emulation has Bush by the throat, who thinks that a plan of this sort will be flagged in his presidency—as it did with Kennedy.

This announcement is as premature and superficial as Kennedy’s. With elections slowly making its way home, Bush wants another piece of leverage to aid his chances of winning. Although this is entirely an honorable for a politician, it can not be taken as a legitimacy.

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The painstaking process of engineering such a feat is going to take years.

These years will be plagued with doubt of the program’s legitimacy. This announcement may be more self serving for Bush than anything else. What a glorious piece of reference about the administration. With the upcoming elections Bush is trying to use the mission as the method to bolster the accomplishments of his administration.

It is an attempt to recreate the name recognition Kennedy received. Recall Kennedy’s promise of reaching the moon by the end of the 60’s. Despite his sudden passing nearly nine years before the first event, it is still accredited to Kennedy.

Although we should not cease all study and exploration, with recent successes to fall back on, we do not need to push expensive, time consuming efforts into a goal that can be accomplished when the war and economy are on firmer ground.

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

Vol. 49 No. 7

January 20, 2004

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

Gibbs to return to Washington

Editors in Chief: Fomer Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs has returned to the organization to

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coach next

year. Gibbs, who retired from football in 1992, won three Super Bowls in his 12-year tenure as head coach. His return to the Redskins was quite unexpected because he had turned down previous offers to return to a head coaching position in the NFL. Nonetheless, many diehard fans see this a a great move and hope Gibbs will bring the Skins back to the glory days.

School is waxed, polished over winter break On Jan. 5 AHS students returned to school

India-Pakistan reach agree

concern themselves with is showing theAmerican people and the illegal immigrants that they are serious about our laws. Rather than grant these felons amnesty, politicians need to take an active stance in alleviating our nation’s immigration crisis. From seeking out law breakers already within our borders to cracking down on those that try each day to sneak undetected across the border, the United States must work to penalize those who knowingly violate American law. Bush’s policy does little but condone this blatant disregard of the law, extend to noncitizens the rights specifically reserved for tax-paying citizens, and jeopardize America’s state of national security.

One of these days. . .bam, right to the moon

Christina Gidwani

India-Pakistan reach agreement

President Bush meets with Mexico s President Fox to discuss the proposed immigration policy.

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after a relaxing two-week break. When the students came back they were greeted by a freshly polished, fully cleaned facility. The diligent custodians worked while teachers and student took a respite. They waxed all the ßoors and scoured the cafeteria. The staff took a day out of their holiday break to improve the aesthetic appeal of the school.

India and Pakistan pledge to work towards peace

Abby Segall

Managing Editor: Caroline Friedman News Editors: Junaid Shams Kyle Smeallie

Editorial Editors: John Bernhardt Maggie Owner

In-Depth Editors: Erin OÕ Brien

Katie Stanton

Academics Editors: Health Editors: People Editors:

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Pakistan. Leaders of the two countries

Laura Kelly

Sports Editors: Arts Editors: Entertainment Editors:

Andrew Menegat

Staff Writers/Photographers:

Sarah Bizer

Stacey Marin, Caitlin Beckett, Joseph Burke, Shayna Dublar, Edward Gibson,

Wided Khadouri

Cristian Hernandez, Bridgette Kim,

Jared Smith

Amy Mathis, Molly Sterlacci, Mike

Matt Weist

Weist, Julie Wolf, Tina Dourourdian,

Kimiko Yerik

Stuart Dubar, Jill Guerin, Matt Hubacher, Ashley Jones, Joe Wilbur, Alex

Amy Suddarth

Wahl, Chris Kallendar, Sohaib Khan, Ben Berglund

Valerie Graves, Sarah Sozio, Nigeen

John Reiss

Sadozai, Leala Shalla, Lekha Menon

Elizabeth

Videographers:

Nowrouz

Josh Lewin, Brent Sullivan

Evan Rowland Amanda Sheaffer

have pledged to work toward peace.

Sean SullivanRebecca Kraushaar

Meg Nielsen Rachel Sinaiko

Weekend Editors: Laura Johnson Sports “Xtra”:

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 Writing Coach:

Alex Silano

Cultures Editors: Kathy Ibarra

On January 7, the rival countries of India and Pakistan met in Islamabad,

Paul Gleason

Unfortunately, the countriesÕ pasts have

Web Design: Paul Gleason Adviser: Alan Weintraut

been marred by violence and hatred.

56-years ago when the Himalayan region was divided and the two countries were created.

Mad Cow disease found in U.S. cattle The fatal disease was found in a herd of

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U.S. cattle. 130 cows had to be slaughtered in order stop the infectious diease that spreads from animal to humans. The strain of Mad Cow was notice in a Washington herd; it is thought that the cows contracted the disease from Canada. The endmeic could cause hundreds of human and cattle deaths.

CSPA Gold Medalist 2002-2003

Pacemaker Finalist National Scholastic

Trophy Class

Press Association

Virginia High School

2002-2003

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

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Jan. 20, 2004

When controversy arose

There’s no room for cheaters

Reinstate the all- time

BY JARED SMITH Sports Editor

BY KYLE SMEALLIE News Editor

He holds 12 Major League records, seven National League records. He has won four PeteRosedidsomuchforthegameofbaseball.OnoneSeptembernightin1985, National League pennants, two World Series rings and is the holder of a .303 lifetime bathe received one of the most genuine moments in baseball history, when he was givting average. This man, Pete Rose, is arguably the greatest hitter of all time; however, en the nine-minute ovation after breaking Ty Cobb’s 57-year record of 4,191 hits. he is not recognized by Major League Baseball officials after being banned from the game “Charlie Hustle,” as sports writers characterized him, gave to the sport of for betting in 1989. Five years ago, MLB baseball the undeniable effort that seemed to Commissioner Bud Selig was in a press embody theAmerican dream. Despite the fact conference after the 1999 All Star game he was never the strongest, never the fastest, in Boston. Selig was asked if he would and never the most talented, Rose could never ever allow Pete Rose back into Major have been accused of not giving it his all. He League Baseball. The commissioner was indelibly sketched into baseball history replied that he would if Rose admits by his face first slide into third base, his head he bet on baseball. Last week ABC slamming the dirt as he lunged toward the bag.

News’ Charles Gibson sat down with In 1989, however, he was banned for life Rose about the reinstatement issue. from baseball for apparently betting on the “I am terribly sorry for my actions and game. For 15 years, Rose denied every acmy bad judgment in our wagering on cusation, even publicly bashing those who baseball,” said Rose. “I deeply regret found the evidence that proved he placed bets. waiting so many years to come clean.”

Now, in his most recent book, entitled After denying this fact for nearly Pete Rose: My Prison Without Bars, he offers 15 years, Rose finally came clean some of the most insincere apologies in sports to admit that he bet on baseball history. After fervently denying accusations while he was the head coach for the that he bet on baseball, he finally told the Cincinnati Reds in 1987 and 1988. sports world that he put money on the game.

As a result of these recent actions, Rose, before his book was released, went Rose should be readmitted back into the on ABC and spoke with Charles Gibson baseball world. It is evident that he is truabout his ordeal. He was more remorsely sorry for the actions he has performed. ful about being caught then about what It is a disservice to the baseball world to he did to the game; he even seems to be exclude Pete Rose from the game. looking for money out of the situation.

The man has 4,256 hits; most major “I’m sure that I’m supposed to act all sorry leaguers don’t even have that many or sad or guilty now that I’ve accepted that at-bats in their career. He needs to I’ve done something wrong. But you see, I’m be in the Hall of Fame, he needs to be just not built that way,” said Rose in the book. throwing out the first pitch in CincinLike the criminal that isn’t built for nati Reds home games, and he needs to prison, or the pauper that isn’t built for begbe as involved in the game so that little ging, Pete Rose is dreaming if he thinks he kids growing up could see what amazing can dictate how this process goes down. He aspects this player brought to the game. seems to think he has the choice to be sorry.

Having Pete Rose banned from baseTo be reinstated into baseball, Pete Rose ball would be like MJ being banned from should beg for forgiveness from Bud Selig basketball, Jim Brown removed from and other baseball officials. He needs to football, or Wayne Gretzky being elimiapologize, face to face, with every person nated from hockey. It’s just not supposed to which he looked in the eyes and lied. to be this way. The baseball gods frowned Rose has also tarnished baseball in ways upon Rose in 1989 when he was banned, that he doesn’t even realize. He stole the limebut now he has publicly apologized for light from Dennis Eckersley and Paul Molitor these actions. There should be no other as they are being elected to the Hall of Fame. Ex-baseball player Pete Rose, embarrassed after his betting scheme was uncovered. obstacles in the way of reinstatement.

These two players competed with class, unlike Rose placed multiple bets on MLB games, while serving as manger of the Cincinnati Pete Rose was the best Rose, and now he has grabbed the spotlight Reds. thing that happened to baseball in a weak attempt to win the public opinion. in the 1970’s. It was a time in He hurt not only his team, but the which baseball was beginning to lose its flare, and then “Charlie Hustle” came sport in general. He was the personification of the American dream along with his headfirst slides and extreme power to the opposite field to truly in America’s game, and now he is giving the image a bad name. revolutionized the game. The man is the pioneer of the modern baseball world.

Pete Rose cares only for Pete Rose. He is contrite only in the sense When the next MLB Hall of Fame induction ceremony comes around next year, that he was caught. He has harmed the game in so many ways that Selig should be rolling out the red carpet for this misguided, but storied legend. the “banned for life” title should be attached to his name forever.

The ‘blind man’ and the White House the Administration and other White House officials, he was surprised that there was never a question of why Iraq? and why now? Rather there was an attiBuried on the inside of page A13 of The Washington tude on the Bush’s part of “find me a way to do this.”

After Sept. 11 focus turned to getting rid of terrorism Post’s Jan. 11 edition is an article about former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill. Many people would glance over and, in the eyes of the Bush Administration who had this article and not bother to read it. The fact of the mat- so long ago made their minds up, this meant Saddam ter is that every one should have read it because of what Hussein. Some may say that George W. Bush made up O’Neill says. O’Neill makes one ponder the question, how his mind about Hussein after assassination plans made

by Hussein and his government were can we trust our government? uncovered with his father, former The former treasury secretary President George Bush, as the target. has recently come out with many things to say about the Bush adCurrently, no one is challeng- However, Bush told the country that he had proof that Iraq had weapons of ministration.Among the most controversial and talked about is the ing Bush, therefore he is mak- mass destruction in their possession.

To this day, no concrete evidence of fact that Bush had a plan to oust Saddam Hussein only ten days ing irrational decisions. Power said weapons in Iraq has been found.

So how does one person get the after being inaugurated, months before September 11th. O’Neill also gets abused. And power abuses. idea that they can do whatever they want? If the balance of power said that Bush had a plan for a postbecomes uneven, then the person Hussein Iraq including contractors with the upper hand will overin 30 or more countries who might be interested in Iraq’s oil. This is after he had criticizedAl power everyone else and have no one to answer to.

Currently, no one is challenging Bush, therefore he Gore and the Clinton administration for partaking in too much “nation building” in the 2000 presidential debates. is making irrational decisions. Power gets abused. And O’Neill is the primary source for a book released by power abuses. But, this is not what a democracy is supformer Wall Street Journal reporter Ron Suskind. The posed to be. Bush is disengaged from his staff; O’Neill publicity for the book, The Price of Loyalty, has caused con- likened him to “a blind man a room of deaf people.”

Bush has lied to the American people. He troversy surrounding information in the book. Suskind’s book provides an inside look at the Bush administration. has had an agenda that cannot be questioned.

This book and other information being given by O’Neill questioned it. He was forced to resign.

So, how can we trust our government? We can’t. At O’Neill add evidence to the argument that Bush had decided the result in Iraq; he merely had to find a least not this one. way to get there. O’Neill said that in meetings with

3 Do you feel that school meat is safe to eat, even though there is an outbreak of mad-cow disease?

“I think it’s safe to eat because the risk of eating bad meat is unlikely.”

—Peter Flint freshman

“No. I don’t think it’s safe.”

—Will Wan sophomore

“No, because they don’t cook the meat well.

And if there were diseases, they wouldn’t be killed when the meat was cooked.”

—Birikty Hailu junior “Yeah, of course because the meat isn’t real meat anyway. ”

—Andrew Judge senior

“No I don’t, but I eat it anyway. ”

—Zander Roberts senior

“The outbreak of mad cow disease has not changed my eating habits.”

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN Managing editor

—Andy Suddarth Government Teacher

“

“I feel it’s very safe. It comes fully cooked, and we heat it to 165 degrees to kill any bacteria.”

”

—Conny Schiller Cafeteria manager

Former Treasury Secretary Paul OʼNeill was recently quoted in Ron Suskindʼs book The Price of Loyalty.

Patriot Act unpatriotic, threatens liberty Sept. 11 brought fear of terrorism and loss of liberties

liberties have been trampled in the rush to protect this country from terrorist attacks. It was the goal of the Sept. 11 terrorists to disrupt our way of life. Our Like many Americans, I took to the roads dur- government’s response to the attacks made their ing the holidays to visit relatives. My destination mission a success. The freedom of theAmerican peowas the quaint town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. ple is in jeopardy for the sake of order and security.

The most notable of On my way there, I was these laws is the USA disturbed by a sight Patriot Act—passed only that has become all too The freedom of the Ameri- 45 days after Sept. 11. familiar. A sign above Despite the sugarcoated the highway read “Report SuspiciousActivity,” can people is in jeopardy for name, this bill contains provisions that endanger and it listed a number to call. This doesn’t remind the sake of order and security. the freedoms of Americans. Under the Patriot me of the great, free Act, the FBI can legally United States I know.

Since Sept. 11, the Bush administration has monitor citizens’ phone calls, e-mails, and even liexpanded government power by passing a series brary records. Furthermore, the government is given of acts. As a result of the nationwide public fear complete access to citizens medical, education, and fiof terrorism, Congress quickly passed these acts nancial records—records that were once confidential.

A main area of concern for civil liberty groups in the name of national security. However, civil

BY JOHN BERNHARDT Editorials editor

“

”

rests with the government’s new found authority to enter its citizens property with notifying citizens that their privacy has been violated. For the past few centuries, it has been common law that the government must “knock and announce” when searching an individual’s property. The “knock and announce” principle was thought to be essential to the guarantee of the FourthAmendment. However, the Patriot Act blatantly rejects this long accepted principle and replaces it with a “sneak and peek” principle.

In addition to the increased legality of government monitoring, the Patriot Act proves even more threatening to foreigners and immigrants.

The government now has the authority to hold immigrants and non-citizens indefinitely, without having to show that they have ties to terrorism.

Abridging the freedoms of Americans is not patriotic, as they name might have you think. The government should increase security and alert the public of danger—not trample the rights of its citizens.

NEWS Ice causes accidents, disruption A

t

Jan. 20, 2003

Icy roads make a rough commute for students on the morning of Jan. 9

NEWS BRIEFS Business Law class holdsmock crime scene

BY PAUL GLEASON

BY SEAN SULLIVAN

“Commute” from pg. 1 finally forced to stop a Daimler-Chrysler PT Cruiser hit her from behind. “Usually when people drive on the roads they melt more,” said Robey. “The roads were fine at 10 a.m., so we could have gone in at nine.”

However, Assistant Principal Lisa Felix is quick to defend the officials at Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). “It’s a tough decision to make,” said Felix.

“The county has to go out very early…so given the fact that they had to make it at that time, I really can’t say [whether or not it was a good decision].”

In the current system, school officials consult weather services, the highway department, the police, and FCPS transportation staff members who are out checking the roads. They can decide to keep schools closed, open either one or two hours late, or close one or two hours early.

“While no sources dealing with weather predictions can be infallible, decisions are made with one overriding consideration—the safety of the students who ride buses or walk to school each day,” according to the FCPS website.

The decision is posted on approximately 35 radio and television stations before 6 a.m., something that math teacher Lorraine Johnson finds inconvenient.

“They should make the decision earlier, because some people have to drive a long distance,” said Johnson.

Johnson was one of many people affected by this decision to keep schools open. While stopped on the corner of Little River Turnpike and Wakefield Chapel Road, she was rear-ended. She called for at least a two-

Not enough for a delay Left: Junior Julia Bizer surveys the damage to her Toyota Corolla after she was rear-ended on Braddock Road. “By the time we went home it was clear, so a two-hour delay would have made all the difference,” said Bizer. Right: At the intersection of Philip and Greenfield Road, the yard of a home was hit over 30 times on the morning of Jan. 9, including once by senior Charlie Dickinson. “Stopping was a problem because my car [Chevrolet Suburban] is so heavy,” said Dicksonson. “Luckily I barely went onto the edge of the yard, but I could have slid further into it.”

hour delay, feeling that the accident could have been avoided if the roads were given proper time to clear.

The driving conditions weren’t the only unsafe part of Jan. 9, as the paths leading to school were frozen and slippery. “When I got out of my car I almost did a head dive into the cement,” said sophomore Suzanne Van der eijk.

Many students agree that at least a two-hour delay was necessary. “Students that drive are inexperienced, and when they are on icy roads it is a dangerous situation,” said senior Yonas Tewodros.

Charlie Dickinson, also a senior driver, felt that he was in danger. “I felt very unsafe. I was out of control

on my entire hour long drive to school,” said Dickinson.

Although Dickinson was able to avoid an accident, junior Julia Bizer was struck by another car. After spotting a car in a ditch, the car in front of Bizer stopped to help. Bizer was able to come to a stop, but the car behind her was not, despite going only 25 miles per hour.

“There was a big crunch, and there was no whiplash, but the back panel was still totally ruined,” said Bizer.

After her accident, a portion of Braddock road was closed due to the icy conditions and the number of accidents that had already occurred. “By the time we went home it was clear, so a two-hour delay would have made all the difference,” said Bizer.

Yearbook sales come to end Antenna Yearbook sales increase from last year to 1,150 exciting events and activities at school this year. This includes a yearbook that will, for the first time, be exclusively in all color.

“I didn’t buy a yearbook last year, but I bought one this year because it was the 50th anniversary of Annandale, and it is going to be all in color,” said sophomore Eric Dzatko.

There are many changes for this yearbook. The biggest will be that all yearbooks had to be sold by an earlier deadline, Jan. 5. Since most students are used to being able to purchase yearbooks at the end of the year, this change has caused some students to forget to pay on time and they are therefore not able to obtain a yearbook.

Advisor Niki Holmes goes over pictures with Antenna However, final photographers.

BY PAUL GLEASON

BY CAITLIN BECKETT Staff Writer AHS is celebrating its 50 th year in existence, and students are expecting the yearbook to be bigger and better than ever.

The anniversary, known as the “Atomversary,” is cause for many

yearbook sales went up from last year from 1,100 yearbooks to 1,150 yearbooks, as of Jan. 5.

Another difference in yearbook sales is that this year a payment plan was offered to students who were not able to pay the full $50 by the due date. This change has proven to be beneficial to students. According to Advisor Niki Holmes, many students took advantage of the offered payment plan, and this was able to boost sales.

The decision to make the yearbook in all color also meant that every yearbook made was more expensive for the students. It costs $75 to make each yearbook, but they were sold for only $50 in yet another effort to increase sales.

“It is the 50th Anniversary and its going to be all in color so I think it is worth it,” said sophomore Amy Novak.

The 50th “Atomversary” yearbook has already proved to be a success with sales exceeding those of last year.

Cafeteria food server dies since 1966 as one of its cafeteria food servers.

Klingensmith leaves behind two daughters, a son, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Suzie Krikorian, another cafeteria food server and 19-year friend of Klingensmith said, “Helen was everybody’s grandmother or mother, she was a very nice lady; hardworking, dependable and always had a smile. She took extra care of our athletes as she loved football and other sports.”

Friends and family gathered for a memorial service at Demaine Springfield-Annandale Chapel on Jan. 7. A Mass of Christian Burial was also held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Jan. 8. Klingensmith was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

BY BRIDGETTE KIM Staff Writer On Dec. 21, AHS food server, Helen Ann Klingensmith passed away due to a heart attack. Doctors also found fluid in her lungs, and pronounced Klingensmith died from congestive heart failure.

Klingensmith was a Czechoslovakian native who was born on August 9, 1923. Klingensmith had been living in Annandale since she was married to her husband of 60 years; Ronald W. Klingensmith, who passed away earlier in August 2003.

Klingensmith, had been working at AHS

SOL make-up exams given

BY MIKE WIEST Staff Writer “Good Morning, today we will be giving the SOL retake for…” Students have become accustomed to hearing this announcement each morning since the end of winter break. However, there is some controversy in the SOL retakes this year. There is a policy which requires students who are new to the state to take the Virginia version of the SOL. Many students who have had to take these SOL’s have been upset with the fact that they are being forced to take them.

Others had to make up an SOL that they didn’t pass last year.

The only SOL retakes left are biology, chemistry, geosystems, Grade 8 Math, and Grade 8 English. All of these SOLs will be finished by the end of this week.

“I had to take the Algebra I SOL, a class I took two years ago,” said sophomore Cameron Johnson. “It is disappointing and unfair how they are making students that weren’t in the area, take tests for classes that they took several years ago,” said Johnson. Johnson expressed his grief for the system later by saying, “If we passed the class, that

SOL Credits Required to Graduate Diploma Type Standard English

1

2

Standard

2

Advanced

2

2

Mathematics

1

2

Laboratory Science

1

2

Social Sciences (Hist.)

1

2

Fine/Pracical Arts Total

KEY:

5

1 6 (four of the 6 (one of the student’s choosing) student’s choosing

9

1: Classes of 2004, 2005, 2006 2: Classes of 2008 and beyond

should be enough to prove that we know the material in the SOL.” Other students weren’t so critical of this decision. When sophomore Josh Delpino found out through the mail in December that he needed to retake a certain SOL, Delpino said, “It was not a good thing to happen right before Christmas, but SOL’s are easy and painless.”

For Sophomore Jason Rutherford, “the SOL retake for Algebra 1 was a big drag.” Rutherford, like several

others, knew that the SOL was not anything to get worked up about. “I know I can pass it easily, it’s just a pain to be required to take the Algebra 1 SOL, since I took that class in eighth grade,” said Rutherford.

After taking the exam, Rutherford was confident that he would pass.

Overall, students have been upset by having to take these SOL’s, but not many are worrying about them. Students are just waiting for the exams to end.

The Business Law/Business management class held a crime scene model in order to learn more about the investigative process.

On Friday, Jan. 9, each student in Julie Healy’s class was assigned a specific role for the investigation, including photographer, interviewer and note taker. They then congregated in groups, and headed down the to the principal’s conference room. Here, they investigated the mock crime scene, with the help of Officer Paul Pickett.

The crime was of a woman hurt by a firecracker which she had stolen from a residence. She had mistaken the firecracker for a candle and hurt herself with it. Students analyzed the crime scene, taking fingerprints, photographs, and observing the minor details. After learning about the legal process, students tried to gather information about the crime scene to secure an arrest warrant.

Using his on-the-job experience, Pickett was able to provide the students with a professional edge to this learning tool. The crime is to be solved on Jan. 23.

Former teacher dies

BY JOE WILBUR Staff Writer Donatella Arndt, 48, a former Spanish and French teacher, died on Dec. 14 at her home from cancer.

She was diagnosed with the disease while teaching at AHS, but it was sent into remission in 1998 after treatment, only to fatally reoccur.

Born on July 19, 1956, in Verona, Italy, she moved to Washington with her family so her father could work in the Italian embassy in D.C. Arandt graduated from McLean High School in Farifax County in 1972 and then moved to Holland, where she would meet and later marry John Arndt in July of 1982. She and her husband, who works in the Foreign Service, then moved around the globe.

They experienced all parts of the world, having lived in Guatemala from 1984 until 1986, Frankfurt, Germany from 1986 until 1988, and then returning to her native country in Naples, Italy in 1988 until 1991.

There she graduated from the University of Naples, and came back to the Annandale area in 1991 to teach two languages at AHS for five years from Arndt 1992 until 1997.

After leaving Fairfax county and retiring from teaching, she moved to Prague, Czechoslovakia before returning to Falls Church in 1998, where her family now lives.

In addition to teaching Spanish and French, she was also fluent in English, Italian and German, although she did not teach any of those at AHS. “She was just a fantastic person,” said Debbie Estes, foreign language teacher. She will be remembered as someone who really enjoyed teaching everything she knew to her students, and as someone who really loved the students she taught. “She was an incredible lady who was full of life,” Estes said.

The faculty might remember her for her lunchtime telephone conversations in Italian with her mom, who lived with her, complete with the signature Italian expressive hand motions and movements.

“She really did love the kids,” said her husband John.

Arndt loved to stop and view the scenery in all forms: she enjoyed distance walking at home, traveling abroad, and seeing things that she would never normally have the opportunity to see otherwise through reading.

“She was fabulous teacher,” said Ingrid Hester, a former co-worker of Arndt’s, who still substitutes at AHS. “[She was] a brilliant, wonderful person.”

She was the kind of person who loved to bring her son, Richard, to work with her whenever she could. Every “Bring Your Child To Work Day” Arndt ever heard about, the faculty could count on seeing Richard with his mom.

There are no plans for a funeral or a memorial service for Arndt.

She is survived by her husband John, who still works for the foreign service, and her only son Richard, who is currently a senior at George Mason High School.

Before going to the conference room, Paul Pickett addressed the students.

“Think about what youʼre doing before you go running into the crime scene,” advised Pickett.

Students recorded their observations, as each was assigned a specific role. Each person had to be careful not to disrupt any part of the crime scene.

Pickett helps students take fingerprints of the scene, as senior Angel Scott takes notes.

Officer Pickett used his many resources to make the scene as realistic as possible. The goal of this project was to obtain the proper information to get an arrest warrant.

- All Photos by Kyle Smeallie

6

NEWS

A

t

Jan. 20, 2004

Auditorium construction comes to end “Auditorium” from pg. 1

NEWS BRIEFS

Several parent volunteers are needed to assist in giving the annual National Latin Exam. The test will be supervised by AHS teachers, but parents are needed to help distribute and collect test materials, and to help proctor the exam. The test is scheduled to be for March 11 at AHS. Help is needed from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. The approximately 200 students taking the test will be divided into two groups, some in the library and others in the cafeteria. Parents are encouraged to e-mail Mary Morgan at Mary.Morgan@fcps.edu or call her at (703) 642-4356.

All- A Honor Roll- 1st Quarter 9th Grade Nita Avary Rachel Frank Dana Hardbower Min Wook Kang Matthew Kishiyama Amanda Nguyen Helen Paterson Christine Sass 10th Grade Allan Aroyo Amaro Courtney Fay Sabina Fedrowitz Jennifer Louie Michelle Perez Erica Satten 11th Grade Katherine Littlefield Marian McLaughlin Brett Mehlman Emma Miser Andrew Molchany Kristopher Nguyen Michael Parker Caroline Shedlock Hanan Tafesse Cristina Tuluceanu 12th Grade Khalid Abul-Hawa Lauren Edwards Kevin Judson Kehkashan Khan Nhut Minh Le Coury Shadyac

KYLE SMEALLIE

Classes compete in bowl

Students from the plan ski A trip

A look back to an article from the November 30, 1979 issue of The A-Blast

BY JENNY CIBINIC Although there has been no Ski Club at Annandale for the past few years, many students are interested in planning a ski trip.

Currently, senior Scott Tobiason is organizing a trip to Sugarbush, Vermont, on the Jan. 24-28 quarter break, through Sea and Ski Travel Agency.

The agency plans a complete package including buses, chaperones, lodging,

and meals, at a cost of $179. The group would stay at The Ark, a lodge close to the resort, and would stop for breakfast and dinner on their way to and from the lifts. Lunch would be bought at the slopes.

Several local groups from local schools, including Chantilly, Woodson, Lee, and Fairfax, are also planning trips to Sugarbush on the same dates. Since this is a popular season, it will be necessary for anyone wishing to go

to the trip, to turn in a $50 deposit before Nov. 30. There is also a 35 person limit.

All those who are interested in the trip, should contact Scott Tobiason. Scott is presently looking into the possibility of having a representative from Sea and Ski Travel come to school and show ski films to promote the trip. However, the trip cannot be associated with the school because of any risk involved in the sport.

History Bowl judges Joe Valentino and Mary Richardson, history teachers, give instructions to participants.

“History” from pg. 1

Violence threat at code red Safety warning level raised after violent events “Safety” from pg. 1 hear about all the good stuff that goes on here,” said Attendance Administrator Jamie Carayiannis.

“We should try to emphasize all the things kids do that are good. There is a ton of great stuff that goes on here. Most schools in this county deal with similar issues of violence, but you only hear about it here.”

An unknown teenager is questioned by police after being caught trespassing on school grounds.

Administrators emphasize that security is of top priority. “We’re not trying to penalize you, we are just trying to help make everything safe,” said Cornwell.

history teacher MaryAnn Richardson, English teacher Bill Maglisceau, history teacher Joe Valentino, and math teacher Oscar Baker.

The first round of questions was the easiest, and as the rounds continue the questions became progressively harder. The sophomores were the first to answer a question incorrectly, followed soon after by the seniors.

Such questions were asked as where the town got its name (from a town in Scotland), how many students the school was originally designed for (800 students), and where the school got its mascot (the atomic era).

The first round ended with a two-way tie between the seniors and the juniors.

The second round, dubbed the “speed round” was possibly the most comical round of the game. A question was

asked, and whichever team’s runner got to the chair placed in front of their table first was able to attempt to answer the question before the other teams. The sophomore team’s runner, Mohammad Rahman, got many laughs when he repeatedly slipped and fell while trying to reach the chair. “No one wanted to run, so I had to run on a bad ankle.

I had no idea I was gonna fall, and the judges were biased and always gave it to the seniors because they’re so lovable,” said Rahman.

The second round ended with seniors notably ahead.

In the third and final round, teams were given three envelopes, each with answers to a different question. As each question was posed, students from each team had to arrange words to make an answer for the question. After tabulating scores from each round, the

make it a Date Abul-Hawa

Cheerleading Art Show lucrative

On Jan. 14, the AHS cheerleaders sponsored an Art Show in the cafeteria, selling about four paintings that were each in the ball park of $500.

RaAnaa Davis, who cheered this past fall, brought her mother Rosslyn Davis, into this deal with the school.

Davis, works at a company that sells art, and has combined with the cheerleaders to sell her company’s art.

Each cheerleader was given brochures to sell to family or friends, advertising the artwork of Davis’ company.

20 percemt of the sales would go to the cheerleaders, while the remaining money would go to Davis’ company.

The money made in this fundraiser will go to buying new uniforms and other things needed.

“I hope that the money we made will go toward uniforms. The varsity cheerleaders got new uniforms this year, but the JV and freshmen squads have not gotten new uniforms in a while,” sophomore Jamie Gonsalves said.

“I think that we made a good deal of money. The larger pieces of art that we were able to sell for more money helped us a lot. We should be able to buy what we need for the program with what we made,” sophomore Rynchelle Campanilla said.

space with band, so it’s temporarily crowded. With the more comfy seats, more people will probably come to events, which will boost the funds.

It’s a lot prettier overall,” said sophomore drama student Ginny Burk.

In addition to all of the renovation is the electronic equipment.

The new equipment includes new lights, a new sound system, and a new black paint job on the stage. Having a black stage helps with the lighting. The new seats also absorb the sound.

Despite the inconvenience the construction is bringing to the drama department, the newly renovated auditorium is sure to create a new and fresh atmosphere in all of its uses.

TINA DOUROUDIAN

Parent volunteers needed for Latin exam

Left: The auditorium, shown here in August, was an integral part of the new $14 million construction plan. In September, the construction forced the freshman orientation to the gym. Right: Just days before renovation is completed, the auditorium has many drama, choir, orchestra, and band students excited. “The auditorium should be fully functional in a short time for all of the spring events. It looks beautiful,” said administrator Brandon Cooley.

TED GIBSON

Peter Gottwald, Deputy Ambassador and Chief of Mission from the German Embassy in Washington, spoke to Wheeler’s German II class on Nov. 24. Gottwald spoke in both German and English on topics including German customs, school system and U.S.-German relations. The visit was arranged by Terry Snell, who served as an American Diplomat in Berlin.

PAUL GLEASON

German diplomats visit AHS

auditorium, but no matter how great the new facility is, it will not have the decades worth of acting memories intoned into its walls.”

Drama students agree for the most part that there must be a connection with the stage.

“Where sports teams have a display case full of trophies, the mementos of drama department greatness can be found on stage, said Rabinovitz. “It’s the collection of small things that the cast can connect to backstage whether it is a hold drilled into the floor for a past production or a chip off of one of the stage doors.”

“The stage rooms are a lot cleaner now, but we have to share the

Sunday

Monday 18

19

Martin Luther KIng, Jr. Day (Observed) Holiday Testing (1/20-23) Clausen Hall/Cafeteria

25

26

1

2

2-4:00 p.m.

Children’s Play Dress Rehearsal (Auditorium) 2/2-4

Eid-ul-Adha

8 Jack and Jill Black History Forum (Auditorium)

Flex R1/R3

9

Career Center Speaker (both Flexes) 1:30 p.m. Ice Cream Social (Cafeteria) 7:00 p.m. Athletic Boosters Meeting (Principal’s Conf. Room) 7:30 p.m.Guitar Ensemble Concert (Auditorium)

20

Flex R1/W8

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

Student Holiday

27

4:30 p.m. F. Boys Basketball V. T.C. (A) F. Girls Basketball v. T.C. (H) 6:00 p.m. JV Boys Basketball v.

T.C. ( A) JV Girls Basketball v. T.C. (H) 8:00 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v.

T.C. ( A) V. Girls Basketball v. T.C. ( H)

Student Holiday

Thursday 21

7:30 p.m. Sophomore Parent Night (Clausen Hall) Gymnastics v. McLean,

Langley, Hayfield (Hayfield) TBA- V. Wrestling v. W.

Career Center Speaker (both flexes)

10

American Math Exam ( Cafeteria)

7:00 p.m. Orchestra Boosters Meeting (Chorus Room)

7:30 p.m. Winter Pep Rally (Main Gym)

Flex W2/R1

Saturday 23 8:00-11:00 p.m.

Winter Dance (Cafeteria)

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

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

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

29

28

7:00 p.m. Girls Gymnastics v. Robinson, Heritage, L. Valley (Robinson) 7:30 p.m. 8th grade Parent Night (Cafeteria)

Third Grading Period Begins

TBA- JV Wrestling v.

Lake Braddock, W. Springfield, Fairfax (Lake Braddock)

4

W. Pot Invitational TBA- V. Wrestling v.

Tournament (George Mason Univ.)

v. Yorktown ( H)

All-District Band (W. Potomac) 2/5-7 7:00 p.m. Children’s Play Performance (Auditorium)

Flex R5/W6 11 Career Center Speaker (Both Flexes/Clausen Hall) 2:10 p.m. Club Pictures (Cafeteria) 2:15 p.m. College Partnership Program Meeting (Clausen Hall) TBA- JV Wrestling v. W. Pot (Invitataionals/W.Pot)

12

31

30

12:30 p.m. Science fair

TBA- Varsity Wrestling

(Cafeteria)

v. W. Springfield, T.C.,

4:00 p.m. F. Boys Basketball v. W. Springfield ( A) F. Girls Basketball v. W. Springfield (H) 5:45 p.m. JV boys Basketball v.

W. Springfield (A) Girls Basketball v. W. Springfield ( H) 7:30 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v. W. Springfield (A)

5 Flex R5/W2

Pictures (Cafeteria) TBA- Varsity Wrestling

Flex R7/W8

24

TBA- JV. Wrestling v.

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

Robinson (South Run)

(Woodson)

4 p.m. F. Boys Basketball VL. Braddock (A) F. Girls Basketball v. L. Braddock (H) 5:45 p.m. JV Boys Basketball v. L Braddock ( A) JV Girls Basketball v.

L. Braddock (A) 7:30 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v.

L. Braddock ( A)

22

Woodson, Marshall, Lee

2:10 p.m. Club

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

Robinson (A) 7:30 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v.

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

Flex R7/W6

Friday

Lunar New Year

7:00 p.m. Girls

3

Flex W6/R3

7:20 - 10:00 a.m.

January/February

Wednesday

Tuesday

final scores were seniors with 630, juniors with 615, sophomores with 425, and freshmen with 560. “I thought it was very interesting that we won, but we are the best,” said senior Amy Buckles.

The History Bowl was put on as a celebration event for AHS’ 50th year anniversary.

Participating for the senior team were Chris Terapane, Billy Purdon, Caroline Friedman, Tracie Hiatt, and Ashley Jones. Participating for the junior team were Lydia Hagen, Katie Littlefield, Jamison Foreman, and Sohaib Khan. Participating for the sophomore team were Mo Salih, Mohammad Rahman, and Saad Cheema.

And finally, participating for the freshmen team were Mark Ibrahim, Taylor Chu, Victoria Clark, Kelsey Grant, and Tuyet-Nhi Le.

L. Braddock (West Springfield)

6 4 p.m. F. Boys Basketball V. Stuart (A) F. Girls Basketball v. Stuart (H) 5:45 p.m. JV Boys Basketball v.

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

Stuart ( A) V. Girls Basketball v. Stuart ( H) 7:00 p.m. Children’s Play Performance (Auditorium)

Flex Elective Fair

13

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

Robinson ( H) JV Girls Basketball v.

Robinson (A) 7:30 p.m. V. Boys Basketball v.

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

7 7:00 p.m. Children’s Play Performance (Auditorium) TBA- JV Wrestling T.C. Dist. Invitational (T.C.) TBA- V. Wrestling v. Falls Church, Hylton, Osborne (Falls Church)

14

Valentine’s Day

ACADEMICS

A

t

Jan. 20, 2004

AMANDA SHEAFFER

8MMZ <]\WZQVO Mrs. Pearlʼs first grade class gathers in a circle to sing songs to learn cooperation and interaction with each other.

BY LAURA KELLY Academics Editor In the 1990s, Gaye Stone and Virginia Crowley learned that Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology had a special program where their students would tutor elementary school children and help them in their areas of difficulty. The two of them decided that such a program should exist atAHS and set to work to create one just as good as Thomas Jefferson’s.

In 2004, Peer Tutoring has become a very popular program. Every R3 class, 22 students head for either Braddock or North Springfield Elementary Schools, split

up to tutor different grade levels and spend an hour working with the younger children, ages five to ten years old.

Many of the students who take this course are interested in becoming teachers someday. Therefore, Peer Tutors helps them to prepare for majoring in Education in college and for teaching as a career.

“Peer Tutoring is a great opportunity to work with children and give them assistance in whatever is necessary for them,” said Crowley.

Many elementary school teachers in particular are delighted to have the assistance of peer tutors.

“The best part is the feeling that you get when you first get there and all the kids run to greet

7 What do you like about your peer tutors ?

you out of excitement,” said senior Kate Bagnulo.

Some of their students may struggle in certain areas or may be new to the United States and cannot speak English very well. The upcoming SOL tests can be especially stressful for teachers because they want to be able to cover their own material. The Peer Tutors often help teachers go over the necessary material for the SOLs so the kids will be better prepared. With the help of peer tutors, elementary school students can receive the extra help they need and have fun with their tutor friends.

The children also seem to enjoy having their tutors come to their classes. They receive extra attention and have more help in areas of difficulty.

“I do like a tutor coming in because I don’t have to do my work alone, but it has to be a girl, boys scare me,” said Vanessa Menzes, a fourth grader at Braddock Elementary School.

Approximately 30 or 40 percent of students this year plan to pursue a career in teaching. This percentage should rise since more students are taking an interest in teaching.

“I have always been interested in being a teacher ever sinceIwasalittlekidinelementaryschool,andPeer Tutors helps to make that a possiblity,” said senior Julie Stone.

In addition to becoming teachers, other students may want to work in other fields that involve children. Sociology, therapy, pediatrics, day care, or child psychology are also popular fields of interest.

In order to be enrolled in Peer Tutoring, students are required to have several teacher recommendations in academic areas. Although many students in Peer Tutoring are honor students, there is no specific grade point average required.

“Nothing warms my heart more then to visit my tutors and find them actively engaged in a learning and teaching situation. Nothing is more exiting then to see smiles on faces and a real desire to learn what the [high school] student is teaching the [elementary school] student,”said Crowley.

“He’s helpful. I have fun with him.”

—Sashanka Khanal first grade

“I like when they play with me and I like when they read stories.”

—Jenny Jung first grade

“They want to sit by me and help me with hard math.”

—Sean Oh first grade

“I like them coming here and helping me with the fish.”

Learning the benefits of tutoring How difficult is it to educate elementary school children? Usually only a teacher could know these difficulties. However, in Peer Tutoring AHS students are able to experience the fun and frustration of teaching.

During R3, one student member of Virginia Crowley’s Peer Tutoring class, senior Bryce Chadwick, leaves school to go to Braddock Elementary School where he helps a selected teacher teach math and basic writing skills to first grade students. As he enters the class, the first grade students meet him with enthusiastic greetings, glad to see his face. Chadwick assists teachers in a class of 16 first grade students. He and other peer tutors are given one class where they stay throughout the year. While he contributes his time to each student, he also provides extra help to children who do not keep up with the regular learning pace, as well as the Spanish ESOL students.

Crowley keeps a consistent check on her Peer Tutoring students and feels Chadwick is an exemplary tutor.

“He encourages his students to do well and celebrates their success with them. He is wonderful with the kids.

He helps them to find the answers and gives positive reinforcements to students with a big smile,” said Crowley.

Chadwick volunteered during the summer to work with the Head Start program in a preschool where he helped children. He has been around children of different ages, from first grade to ninth grade.

“I have a lot of experience working with kids. I had a foster sister for a few years, and it was difficult to work with her, but we eventually adopted her. Working with her has helped me interact with children. I am more patient now if the kids are not having an attitude with me,” said Chadwick.

After being inspired by his friends, Chadwick enrolled in the Peer Tutoring class in order to get an experience for a possible future career in teaching.

Crowley taught him techniques dealing with the problems commonly faced when dealing with elementary school students.

“Usually there is not much problem helping elementary school students since there is not much I have to cover,” said Chadwick. “You just go over basic addition and writing. If you face some kind of problem, just keep trying to help, and do not give up.” He tries to find other ways to make them understand, such as pulling out money to explain math problems.

Chadwick’s favorite students to tutor are the class-clowns who like to make others laugh. They are glad to see Chadwick greet them every other day and look forward to his arrival. One of Chadwick’s most fascinating students is Sashanka.

“He helps me a lot. He’s a lot of fun to work with.”

—Jocelyn Bonilla first grade

AMAMNDA SHEAFFER

BY SOHAIB KHAN Staff Writer

Senior Bryce Chadwick helps tutor Shashanka Khanal, a first grader at Braddock Elementary School during his R3 Peer Tutoring class.

“Everyone thinks he is so funny. He is able to joke around with me even though he is in the first grade,” said Chadwick.

Peer tutoring is helpful for Chadwick because he looks forward to having a career in teaching.

“To be able to teach, it is important to interact with kids. I would also like to do this in college because I enjoy doing it,” said Chadwick.

Teacher helps to inspire her cadets

SHAYNA DUBLER

BY JOE WILBUR Staff Writer

English Teacher Virigina Crowley has been the Peer Tutuoring advisor class for the past four years.

—Jorge Candia first grade

Every class needs a teacher, and Peer Tutoring has found the perfect person to instruct them and to help them teach others. Virginia Crowley is both an English teacher and head supervisor of the Peer Tutoring class.

Every Red Day, she follows the students to Braddock Elementary and North Springfield Elementary schools.

Because Peer Tutoring is predominantly run by the students, Crowley’s role is different than a regular teacher. During the first six weeks, she instructs the students on how to teach effectively and deal with various situations they may face at school. Afterwards, she takes the role of an observer and helper.

She fixes any problems the students have with teaching the elementary students, and works with them if they arehaving trouble connecting with the student She feels that she takes some of AHS’s best students and gets to give them the chance to make a difference in a child’s life. She also thinks that it helps the tutors to see the “big picture,” by watching how hard those kids work at what they do, dispelling the com-

mon belief that elementary school “just happened.”

She became trained in the program while in South Carolina, but did not like the idea of Peer Tutors being an AP course. She feels that most students are under enough stress with their other AP and IB courses that Peer Tutors should be both a time to teach and to relax. .

“Peer Tutoring is one of the best things [students] can do.” It prepares them for possible teaching majors, and maybe even careers.

When she came to AHS, she took over the program from Gaye Stone who had brought it here from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. This is Crowley’s fourth year in the program.

Crowley feels that Peer Tutoring is a very beneficial program. “I particularly get excited about watching my students facilitate the learning of an elementary child,” she said. It is a self-esteem booster for the tutors: they get the opportunity to build relationships with elementary kids and have the chance to help them and watch them succeed. For Crowley, it is even a stress reliever to be able to exit the crowded halls of AHS and go outside for a while to enjoy the fresh air.

The Benefits Peer Tutoring •Peer tutoring has been proven to help a child develp self esteem •It can help to development of social behaviors and classroom discipline.

•Academic skills are further enhanced •Peer Tutoring can assist students who have learning disabilities •Students usually feel more at ease at being taught to someone closer to their own age rather than a professional teacher.

•Some teachers may not always have the time to work one-on-one with a student and therefore is not time imposing on them.

•Peer Relations have a strong emphasis on acheivement.

•Younger children can learn positive attitudes, values and skills.

•Through peer interaction, young children can learn to share, help and and emphasize with others.

•Students become more involved and will have a better understanding of the learning process.

•There is more time for students to get extra practice and more feedback on the subject.

•Students become more involved in class because they have a better understanding of the subject.

•Time spent with a peer tutor can reduce disruptive behavior.

Sources: http://wrt-intertext.syr.edu/VIII/ dabkowski.html http://www.indiana.edu/~eric_rec/ieo/ digests/d78.html http://www.coe.ohio-state.edu/ gcartledge/urbaninitiative/ peertutoring.htm

8 What was the most exciting thing about the last time you went snowboarding?

SPORTS XTRA

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Jan. 20, 2003

SNOWBOARDING

“I did a grind down a rail and it was so much fun to try and do more than once.”

—Madeleine Mejean freshman

“I followed the guys down a really steep hill, later to find out it was a double black diamond.”

—Suzanne Van der eijk sophomore “The last time I went I fell so many times that I began to use my board as a sled. ”

AHS student speaks about his snowboarding experiences

—Charles Dickinson senior

“I tried the half pipe for the frst time and flipped over on my head, it hurt really badly.”

—Brian Bagot senior “I am an expert at crashing all the time, I can’t wait for the next time I make my rounds to the slopes. ”

—Frank Cannon Auto-Tech teacher

Snowboard Equipment Boards Boards are ranged based on weight. Sizes are in centimeters from 120-180cm, usually.

Bindings There are three sizes of bindings, and two styles. There are “step-in” bindings, and “strap-in.” The sizes (S,M,L) are based on boot size.

Boots Boots are stiff and meant to provide complete ankle support due to the stress placed on the legs below the knees.

Goggles Goggles are worn beacuse eyes will tend to tear naturally at high speeds down the slopes, as wind hits them. There are a variety of lenses from clear to polarized.

Local Snowboard Shops Fairfax Surf Shop

3936 Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax, VA, 22030 703-273-0015

Asylum Skate & Snow

6671-A Backlick Rd., Springfield, VA, 22150 703-644-6655

Eastcoast Boardshop

10358 Lee Hwy., Fairfax, VA, 22030 703-352-4600

Ski Chalet

8338 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA, 22182 703-761-3040

Galyanʼs

Student plows down peaks

12501 Fair Lakes Cir., Fairfax, VA, 22033 703-803-0300

BY ERICA SATTEN Atomic Athletics Editor Flying down the slope at a dangerous speed, he swerves to avoid skiers, jumps over bumps and does numerous tricks while soaring through the air with the cool wind at his back.

This is what sophomore Eric Simmons daydreams of while he packs for his snowboarding trip the next day.

Like many other students, Simmons is escaping for a weekend on the slopes, however, he takes these trips more frequently than most. “The first

time I ever went snowboarding was on New Year’s day when I was nine or ten.

Since then I have gone about 35 times and this year I have gone twice, but I plan on going a lot more,” said Simmons. Owning a $30 mini snowboard from target was what peaked his interest in the sport.

Generally Simmons goes to Ski Liberty, near Gettysburg Pennsylvania, with his friend Matt Cowan for an eight-hour day of snowboarding. One of their parents has to suffer the long drive.

“Although it takes a while to get there, Ski Liberty is the best snowboarding place around because it makes really good snow and it is well groomed,” said Simmons.

Both skiers and snowboarders go down the same trails and usually the front side of Ski Liberty is more crowded than the back.

After snowboarding about 30 times, Simmons has picked up a number of tricks that make his trip down the slop more enjoyable. His favorite trick is called a manual, in which he pulls up the front of the snowboard and leans backwards

while going downhill. Simmons can also do a method, where he grabs the back of the board and a nose grab, in which he grabs the front of the board. “Eric is an aggressive snowboarder with a lot of talent,”said his friend Matt Cowan.

Although Simmons loves snow boarding, he will admit that it is not easy. “I think it is pretty hard to learn how to snowboard. It took me about a year until I could go down a hill without falling, but its not impossible. You just have to keep trying,” said Simmons.

Along with being difficult, this sport can also be dangerous. “On one trip I was going off a jump and I do not remember exactly what happened, but somehow I fell and hit my head and arm.

I did not cry, but when I got to the bottom and took my glove off I saw a bump the size of a softball on my wrist,” said Simmons.

On that trip he tore a ligament and broke two bones in his arm, but this did not change his opinion about snowboarding.

After this experience, Sim-

mons advises novice snow boarders to stick with the bunny slopes for the first couple of trips and wear a lot of padding.

“Waking up the next day and not being able to move from being so sore is the only bad part of the experience,” said Simmons.

It is also important to wear a lot of layers because the temperature changes a lot. It is necessary to pack at the minimum, snowboarding pants, thermal pants, a hat, a sweatshirt and two to three other shirts. He also recommends buying your own snowboard because renting is expensive and the boards that can be rented have step in bindings. “ I got mine for Christmas and it was about $700. Although that is expensive, if you go snowboarding a lot it is worth it,” said Simmons. “The most important part of snow-boarding is to be persistent and patient, because it is amazing once you get it. I feel free, kind of like I am flying when I snow-board. It’s just fun,” says Simmons.

Resorts attract snowboarders

BY EVAN ROWLAND Sports Xtra Editor The Metropolitan area has many ski resorts within a 90-minute drive. Ski enthusiasts may argue that these resorts are nothing compared to those of the West but they are convenient, inexpensive, and nearby, exactly what local skiers and snowboarders are looking for.

Ski Liberty Resort The closest place to ski is the Ski Liberty Resort. Only an hour away, Ski Liberty offers over 15 trails and 6 lifts, including a crafty terrain park and a fun half pipe. The terrain park had a recent intense makeover on Jan. 17, as a must see for all ski and snowboard park enthusiasts.

Liberty offers four bunny slopes for the beginners, and many more challenging slopes such as three different double-black diamonds. The mountain is split in two; there is a backside and a frontside. The majority of

the frontside is beginner slopes, and also the terrain park. The backside of the mountain contains mostly intermediate to expert slopes. There is a main lodge with lockers, restaurants, a ski shop, and a hotel on the top level. Ski Liberty offers rentals of skis and snowboards along with classes for whatever your preference may be.

Whitetail Mountain Resort The Whitetail Mountain Resort is a 90-minute drive from annandale. It has 19 trails to offer with eight lifts, one of which is a high-speed quad. Whitetail boasts the capability to transport 11,200 skiers up the hill each hour. Home of a cool terrain park with a variety of rails, jumps, and the region’s longest half-pipe, Whitetail is a great place to make a day trip. The total elevation of the mountain is 1,800 feet, with a 935-foot total vertical drop. Whitetail offers two restaurants, a ski shop, rentals and ski and snowboard lessons.

These are just two of many local resorts for skiing and

snowboarders, but if you’re looking for an extreme snowboarding experience, you may want to look west to the Rockies or north to Canada.

This is a Burton C-16 binding which retails for $349 a set

HEALTH

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Jan. 20, 2004

Post-holiday fitness However, now that the holidays are over, students are finding that they are still eating the same sized portions as they Just the smell of cakes, cookies, can- ate during the holidays.

“The problem is that we still have a lot dies, and pies is enough to make your stomach rumble. With more alluring, of holiday food leftover, because we got so unhealthy foods available during the many sweets. But now I keep eating them, holiday season, many students found so I keep gaining weight,” said sophomore they had gained weight upon the return Jackie Brackett.

Students also recently began to join from a two-week sabbatical from school the growing number of Americans on and practices.

The break allowed students more free structured diets such as the South Beach time than during school, causing many diet or Atkins diet.

“My mother went students to be on the South Beach less active. “I diet, so I started it, too. started a diet But we decided to wait after the holiuntil after the holidays days because ...You work so hard to stay because dieting during I seemed fat- healthy, and then it all goes the holiday season is ter because I pointless,” said junior didn’t work to waste after the break.

Michael Krzywicki. that much Not all students and slept the whole break —AlyssaNavarrete found the temptation instead,” said freshman of holiday foods to be overwhelming, and sophomoreFea few students mainreay Assefa.

“I didn’t exercise over the holidays so tained or even lost weight by choosing to I’m getting back into shape now. Doing stick to their diets throughout the holiday the dance team abdominal is helping me,” season.

“I think I stayed at the same weight said senior Janet Partlow.

“I normally run on my own, but over because I didn’t eat that much. I didn’t like the break I felt no motivation to run, be- the stuff they made for me over the break cause I was sleeping in all the time,” said anyway, so I didn’t eat it. But now, I don’t have to worry about dieting like everyone senior Maryanna O’Neill.

For students traveling, it was even else,” said freshman Gracie McMurray.

“It wasn’t that more difficult to eat healthily while on hard to the road. “I ate at Burger King, Subway, and McDonald’s as I traveled to New York. We had to eat out because we couldn’t bring food in the car,” said sophomore M. J. Mayassi.

BY MEG NIELSEN Health Editor

“

”

stick to my diet, I just didn’t eat much. My diet consists of a breakfast bar for breakfast and lunch, and I ate what I want for dinner, so I wasn’t really tempted,” said junior Steve Skeldon.

As opposed to trying to beat the temptations during the break, some students are now beginning to take the initiative to return to their diets or implement new health plans since the holiday season is over and schedules have returned to normal.

“Since I ate so much over break it was really good going having to go back to basketball practice and to start running again.

I don’t feel fat anymore,” said junior Diana Hollingsworth.

Student athletes have found working off the weight easier to accomplish now that daily practices have resumed. Junior Caroline Norton said, “Over winter break I felt guilty eating a lot of food because I wasn’t working out, but now that I have swim practice again, I feel better.”

Junior Julia Bizer has tried hard to get back into peak athletic performance after having a break from swim practices and eating a lot of unhealthy food over the break.

“I feel as though I lost a lot of muscle mass and got kind of out of shape since I only had a few swim practices during the break,” Bizer said. “So now I’m working extra hard during practices to get back that

muscle and get into shape again.”

In addition to practices, classes such as weight training and physical education have helped students cope with recent weight gain.

“The first week back in weight training was really hard, and I was really sore. But

Senior Janet Partlow is one of many students who indulged over the break and is now trying to get back into her exercise routine.

Diets galore: From Atkins to South Beach, diets have been a recently growing craze, even spreading to television programs such as NBC’s Dr. Phil. But with so many options, what are the different components and restrictions of each type of diet?

What you can t eat:bread, pasta,and other starches, and foods high in carbohydrates

What you can eat: Lean meat, salads and non-starchy vegetables, eggs, and fruits that are low in carbohydrates, such as strawberries.

Typical lunch: Caesar salad with grilled chicken It is only in the first phase of the Atkins Diet that carbohydrates are restricted. Carbohydrates (in healthy amounts) are allowed during later phases of the diet.

How do you plan on getting into shape this winter?

“I’m going to go to swim practice and eat healthier foods such as more fruits and vegetables instead of potato chips.”

—Megan Price freshman “I already excercise and lift weights, so I’m not going to increase that. Other than school lunches, I eat pretty well.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION MEG NIELSEN

the abdominal workout did help me feel better about all the food I ate,” said junior Meghan Johnson.

Personal plans outside of sports for weight loss and fitness vary from simply eating more healthily to exercising more.

“I ate unhealthily over the holidays,” junior Sivan Adato said. “But I’m not going to beat myself up over it. I’ll just try to start eating healthier again.”

“After Christmas I didn’t eat anything bad,” said junior Lydia Hagen. “I am making up for Christmas by eating healthily now.”

After consuming pounds of food in combination with little activity, students are overcoming post-holiday weight by dieting and exercising now that some of the temptations are gone.

“Gaining weight over the holidays is bad, because you work so hard to stay healthy, and then it all goes to waste after the break,” said freshman Alyssa Navarrete.

Dr. Phil s Diet

The South Beach Diet

What you can t eat:Any high-fat or highsugar food, or foods that require no effort to eat, like burritos or other fast food

What you can t eat:During the strictest part of the diet, you can t eat rice,potatoes, bread, or fruit

What you can eat: So-called high-response foods, which are foods that take a lot of effort to prepare and eat, and high-yield foods, which have a lot of nutritional value

What you can eat: lean chicken, lean turkey, other lean meats, seafood, cheese, vegetables, and nuts

“I watch what I eat, and I plan to go to the gym on Saturdays and I’m only drinking water and not soda.”

—Valerie Rosas junior “I’m going to run and lift more, and eat more peanut butter for protein to get in shape for lacrosse season.”

—Adam Park junior “I plan to work out by lifting weights and running. It’s good that I eat healthy foods too, but I didn’t eat that much holiday food anyway.”

—Bilal Javed senior

Typical Lunch: Anything that “requires some effort to eat”

Typical lunch: A turkey and vegetable wrap.

On the Dr. Phil diet plan the dieter does not need to track carbohydrates, calories, proteins and fats. Instead, the dieter tracks their self-control and portion sizes.

Dieters usually lose between eight and 13 pounds within the first two weeks of starting the diet.

Student cuts carbs

BY RACHEL SINAIKO Health Editor No bread, pasta, or even fruit.

Does this sound like a difficult diet to follow? Junior Jennifer Brackett decided to give the South Beach Diet a try, and started it with her mom and dad two weeks before Thanksgiving.

“I wanted to be healtheir and feel better about myself,” Brackett said.

She stopped the diet when she got sick in December and did not stick to it over winter break “because during Christmas break we always have a lot of good, unhealthy food that I like to eat, so I couldn’t keep my diet,” Brackett said.

However, Brackett has resumed her diet. The South Beach diet is basically a low-carbohydrate and low-sugar diet. “[the hardest part of the diet] is not being able to eat bread,” Bracket said. “I love bread and pasta and I can’t eat it.”

Brackett’s usual breakfast consists of eggs. “This morning I had a ham, onion, and cheese omelot.” She usually has salads for lunch, along with cheese and sugar-free Jello. “I had chicken with seasoning, onions, grean beans, and a salad for dinner tonight,” Brackett said.

“The salads are prety good,” Brackett said. “We also have some good steaks sometimes.”

Dieters still have a lot of flexibility. Brackett is allowed to eat a lot of the foods she enjoys, and can eat as much of some foods as she wants.

“I am allowed to eat a lot of things for snacks,” Brackett said.

“I can have vegetables and ranch

—Jason Grier sophomore

Additional reporting by Sarah Sozio and Rachel Sinaiko

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION MEG NIELSEN

The Atkins Diet

9

Local gyms and health clubs Athens Gym Fitness and Aerobics Center 7060 Columbia Pike 703-914-9080 Gold’s Gym and Aerobics Center 6940 Bradlick Shopping Center 703-941-4653 Bally’s Gyms •6200 Little River Turnpike 703-658-5000 •6793 Springfield Mall 703-971-0100

Celebrities and their diets Brackett

dressing, cheesesticks, celery and peanut butter, peanuts and a quite a few other things.”

Brackett believes that her new eating habits have been effective in helping her feel healthier and lose weight.

“I think that the diet is really helping me,” Brackett said.

“It makes me eat less but I’m not hungry.”

Brackett is a member of the swim team, but eating less carbohydrates has not really affected her athletic performance. “It isn’t that bad,” Brackett said. “I don’t feel a lack of energy during practices or meets because of my eating.”

The hardest part of the diet for Brackett is not being able to eat certain foods when everyone else around her is eating them.

“My parents are on this diet, too,” Brackett said. “But my two sisters aren’t, so there is still all this food that I’m not supposed to eat sitting around my house.”

Despite difficulties, Brackett plans to stick to the South Beach diet. “I’m keeping with the diet until I reach my weight goal,” Brackett said.

Renee Zellweger lost the 20 pounds on the Zone diet that she was required to gain for her role in The Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Former president and first lady Bill and Hilary Clinton are on the South Beach Diet.

Annandale: the next Koreatown?

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

Nov. 5, 1902:

Korean emperor, Kojong, recognized the approval of Korean Immigration to the United States.

1903-1905:

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF AHS KOREAN STUDENTS BY WILL AKRIDGE; TAKEN BY MEGAN BERRY AND TINA DOUROURDIAN

The first wave of Korean immigrants came to Hawaii (6,701 men, 677 women and 465 children). They spread to various plantations and some formed a self-governing village

Jan. 13, 1903:

102 Korean Immigrants (56 men, 212 women, and 25 children) came to Hawaii on the SS Gaelic. They came looking to earn money and live a better life.

Feb. 26, 1903:

Evening bulletin in Hawaii reported “... They appear to be hard workers, yet they are paid the least.. would work ten hours from dawn to sunset for 69 cents a day.”

1912-1924:

Second wave of immigrants comes to America. Also, Korean “picture brides.”

The reason for the influx of these “brides” was, for the most part, the Korean men insisted on marrying Korean women only. Therefore the women had to send pictures of themselves and have arranged marriages. There were nearly 5,000 bachelors and most of them remained as bachelors.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: YOUNG LIM KIM, YOUNG HA CHOI, DO KIM

1924:

Korean Immigration Centennial celebrated •

1924-1960:

•

1950-1953:

•

1965:

Immigration Act of 1965.

Fourth wave of Korean immigrants came to the United States. The immigrants came with various skills and were able to obtain a variety of occupations.

Jan. 13, 2003:

Centennial of Korean Immigration was officially announced

by President George W. Bush.

2004:

•

They came to Hawaii on the SS Gaelic.

AHS students with citizenship in a country other than the United States.

70 students have citizenship in South Korea.

0 students have citizenship in North Korea.

525 students have an ethnic Asian or Pacific Island backround.

2737 students attend AHS.

George W. Bush announced January 13, 2003 as the official Centennial o fKorean Immigration to the United States

•

The Closing Ceremony for the Centennial was on October 30, 2003. It was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

•

When Korea was hit by an economic depression in the late 1990s, Korean-Americans helped the cause by sending $750 million to the country.

BY WILLIAM AKRIDGE Staff Writer

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM HTTP://MATHLAB.SUNYSB.EDU

1012

•

Korean student shares experiences, culture

About 1,200,000 Korean Immigrants now reside in the United States.

By the Numbers

to

Se-Youn Kim, AHS senior, immigrated here in 1996 from Seoul

“When I first came to the U.S., I was surprised about Korean stores, but they didn’t have very many,” said senior Se-Youn Kim. Kim left Seoul, South Korea, seven years ago in January, 1996, and came to the U.S. with her brother and parents.

“These days, everywhere you go in Annandale is Korean,” said Kim. While Annandale does have a high number of Korean establishments when compared to surrounding towns and cities, Se-Youn says the west coast contains even more Korean cultural influence than Annandale.

“In Los Angeles they have way more Korean places everywhere. There are places you don’t even need to speak English to get around,” said Kim. Kim is a diligent student. She plays the violin and piano while maintaining her academic obligations to the school.

“My parents used to be really strict Kim with my brother so I learned a lot just from watching him,” said Kim. Kim has also been the Editor-inChief of the Filament, AHS’ s literary magazine, for the past two years and takes extensive IB courses. She has a very busy schedule, with lots of homework and honors societies.

Her brother goes to Virginia Tech and is also an ardent student. The pressure, however, is not as hard regarding her personal academic matters. “My parents aren’t really strict about grades [with me]. I consider

KATIE STANTON

1965-Present:

The Korean Centennial marks the 100th year that Koreans immigrated to the United States.

The Centennial officially began on January 13.

Passports were issued Korean immigrants for the first time in 1910.

“

”

“I like a lot, but my favorite is Choon Hua Won. I don’t go very often, but its pretty cheap and there’s a huge variety of food.”

—Stephanie Choi

Now we have a stable base of customers.

As you look around the quaint, traditional restaurant, Korean paintings adorn the walls and formal teacups and plates fill the shelves behind the bar.

Each table is set for four, and the waitresses are smiling and ready to serve.

The Kims have owned their restaurant for the past ten years and enjoy the people more than anything.

“We have a lot of the same families who come in, said Kim. “They come here one time and they always come again.”

AHS students often frequent businesses in the area.

At AHS, nearly a fifth of the overall population is of Asian decent. Because the school is so multicultural, the school has four parent liaisons that help bridge the cultural gap between the school and the parents.

Because so many of the customs are different, the liaisons are able to communicate what is expected and the differences, as well as sometimes serve as a translator.

Christine Kim is the AHS liaison. “She is a big help to many people in our community,” said sophomore Hyunah Lim. Students have come toAHS for a variety of reasons. However, despite the number of Koreans in the area and at the school, many Koreans think it is not the most heavily populated area. “I will agree there are a lot, but I think there are many schools in the county with more,” said junior Christyna Kay. “Some may call Annandale a Korean town, but I do not call Annandale a Korean town,” said Moon. “If you look out there, its not just Koreans, there are a number of ethnic minorities.”

“I’ve been to Seoul Korea Food, it’s good.”

—Brian Bagot senior

“I like Sorak Garden. The food there is like no other.”

—Jonathan Kriss senior

SEOUL PLAZA

Located next to Blockbuster on Little River Turnpike, The Seoul Market resembles an American Target or Walmart. The only difference is nearly all the items are imported directly from Korea.

Two years ago, the market moved two stores down, in the same complex, in order to have more space. The market is divided into different departments. Shoes, clothes, purses, cosmetics, accessories, kitchen appliances and home furnishings fill the large store. “About 80 percent of the people who come in are Korean,” said manager MiYoung Jang.

“But we also have other members of the community who come to us because we are close.”

Located next toAMF Bowling Lanes inAnnandale, Seoul Plaza houses a variety of Korean businesses. There are all kinds of stores, from Cafe Blue to the Woori America Bank. Seoul Total Cosmetic/Super Health (shown at bottom right) is a combination of stores. This triple store houses a cell phone service, a cosmetic center and a Korean drugstore. Albeit a small location, there is a myriad of different products lining the walls and display counters in every end of the store. The cell phone store’s sales associate, who gave her name only as Kim, said that that portion of the store has been open for two years.

—MJ Mayassi sophomore

—Brittany Nelson sophomore

“I like Il Mil Buffet. I like their meats because you cook it yourself. I’d say I go twice a month.”

CAFE MUSE

Espresso bar by day, karaoke club by night.

Café Muse, located in the shopping center across from Medford Dr. (which houses a Safeway and the Seoul Dept. store), is an attractive little restaurant almost lost in the big plaza. It is owned by Sohee Kim and has been in its location for 10 years. Four employees serve coffee and drinks from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the lounge, full of lounge chairs and painted with a pretty, mint green color. Kim chose the location because “it looks like [a] Korean town.

There are lots of restaurants around,” said Kim. The restaurant has mostly Korean patrons, although Kim points out that other Asian races and Americans, “a variety” of customers visit. Karaoke hours are Friday and Sat. nights; customers can rent rooms for two to three hours.

“The only one I’ve ever been to is Nok’s Palace.

It’s cool because they cook the food right in front of you on the table.”

“I’ve gone to Yanni Total Wedding and it was really good. I had fried breaded shrimp!”

Pictures of Se-Younʼs family adorn her AHS apartment in Annandale Terrace.

myself very independent,” said Kim. Kim, like many Koreans in Annandale, is also a firm Christian, and she and her family often go to church.

Kim frequents a Korean restaurant, Joong Hwa Won, at least three times a month with her friends from church. Joong Hwa Won is located behind Popeye’s on Little River Turnpike. “I usually get ‘bok um bab.’ I guess that’s fried rice with lots of stuff in it,” Kim said.

Kim said she gets most of her Korean culture exposure from home. “Personally, I’m not into all the Korean music and movies like a lot of other people are,” said Kim. Korean musical artists such as Y.G Family and Drunken Tiger get a significant portion of their sales from Korean-Americans; Kim, in addition to other businesses, cites music rental stores in the area as more Korean establishments.

However, Korean family practices have been retained at Kim’s apartment near AHS, despite her comfort with and exposure to American culture. “All the culture is still at home, like taking off your shoes before you go in the house, that’s a must,” said Kim.

—David Kwon junior

Little River Center is home to many Korean businesses SEOUL MARKET

sophomore “Choong Wua Won is the best.

The chicken there is great. I go whenever I can, maybe once a month.”

Sahm Oh Jong, located off of Backlick Road in a large shopping center, serves a variety of Korean, Chinese and Japanese dishes.

Little River Center

KATIE STANTON

Korean War. American soldiers that were stationed in Korea married Korean girls. they were called “WarBrides” or “Peace-Brides”.

This first wave of Korean immigration brought about 7,200 people to work on sugar cane farms.

When they first arrived they were paid an average of $1 per day.

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KATIE STANTON

The Third wave of Korean immigration came to the United States. The U.S. allowed Korean students to come study in the U.S. Immigrants came after the liberation of Korea from Japan.

Korean immigrants started arriving in the United States around 1888, but the number of immigrants was less than 50. The first major arrival of Korean immigrants was in1903-1905 on the coast of Honolulu.

As you drive along Little River Turnpike, fluorescent signs glow from all sides.

There are countless businesses along this long road, especially near AHS, and as you approach one of many plazas, you realize that you can’t read what the signs say. What may seem like strange symbols to some are actually comforting symbols of home to others; Korean business in the Annandale area is booming.

For the past century, Koreans have been immigrating to America, and one of the most heavily populated areas of Annandale.

Moon The area’s economy is being pushed more and more by Korean businesses, particularly the strip of route 236 that runs between AHS and Backlick Road. It has become home to many Korean stores and restaurants.

“I think it’s the central location of Annandale that has brought many Korean businesses and offices. There’s 236, the beltway, and 395,” said Ilryong Moon, school board member at large and Korean immigrant. “It’s a very attractive place.”

Moon works out of his office at the corner of Heritage and Little River. He journeyed to the United States with his mother and two younger sisters in 1974, a year after his father came to Alexandria.

As school board representative atlarge, most of Moon’s clients are Korean Americans. “They come to see me because they feel much more comfortable asking questions and hearing advice in their own language from a person who understands their culture,” said Moon. He feels he can help Korean members who are not

understood by non-Korean lawyers, and schools gave us grants, loans, that’s can communicate with them because he how we got through college,” said Moon.

With such a heavy emphasis on understands exactly what they want. He believes he can give them advice from education, the Korean community is the perspective they are searching for. excelling in this area and, as a result, in “I think depending on how I do, [in my the work force. Koreans are affecting the job] a person can spend a whole lot of time Annandale community now more than in jail with their personal liberties taken ever. Moon in particular has a chance away, or have justice served,” said Moon. every day to directly impact the lives of When Moon arrived in the U.S. he many people through his law services.

Although Korean business in Anhad four years of English under his belt.

Moon enrolled in sophomore level classes, nandale is booming, many Koreans do including chemistry, his favorite. “There is not actually reside in Annandale. They a very heavy emphasis on the importance often will come to the area because it of education,” said Moon, discussing has a central location, live in other towns Korean culture. “Parents will drive their in the area, but still use Annandale as a children crazy saying, ‘study, study, study.’” business location. Moon believes that, while Moon attended Harvard University for many call Annandale a “Koreatown,” Kohis undergraduate education. He changed rean business is actually just as prevalent.

Perhaps the most often occurhis major four times from chemistry to East Asian studies to seminary and ring businesses are restaurants.

Korean families who come to America finally to pre-law. “When I was growing up in Korea, all bright students were looktoopenabusinesstheyknowsomething expected to go to law school, so I knew about and that is of interest to them. Food.

Located on Spring Garden Drive, Sahm I was going to law school,” said Moon.

Oh Jung offers a Moon’s father lunch and dinner was an electric momenu to a variety bile repairperson, of customers. Prices making nearly $7 I think it’s the central of the traditional dollars an hour, Korean food range while his mother location of Annandale that from $5-$20 dollars. worked two jobs: “Yoon Kim [the cleaning hotel has brought many Korean owner] worked at rooms during the business and offices. a restaurant in Koday and school rea before he came custodial duties by —IlryongMoon here, so he had night. “My parents school board representative experience in his were fairly poor business,” said Sung most of the time,” said Moon. “But, schools like Harvard Kim, assistant manager. “When he or Yale have enough money to give out first came here, he worked for someone to students, that’s how I was able to go,” else, but they went out of business so Moon’s younger sister attended Duke. he decided to open his own restaurant.”

Though the restaurant had a slow start, “With my parent’s income, you may think there is no way for them to be it is now one of the most popular places in able to send their kids to such expen- the area. “Like most restaurants, ours sive private schools, but because these took a couple of years to take off, but it did.

KATIE STANTON

United States approved Korean Immigration.

KATIE STANTON

Nov. 2, 1886:

11 What is your favorite Korean restaurant or store in the area?

Korean businesses and an increase in immigration from Korea are proving to be a significant economic force in the area.

United States and Korea signs first treaty

Korean immigration stopped due to the Korean Immigration Act. The Act was a result of the anti-Japanese feelings at the time.

IN-DEPTH

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KATIE STANTON

1882:

Jan. 20, 2004

KATIE STANTON

Major Events of Korean Immigration

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—Jenna Cho sophomore

“I like the restaurant Yechon, the food is so good.”

PsY PC

KATIE STANTON

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IN-DEPTH

PsY PC is your typical cyber café. A few rows of computers, a few rows of gamers intent on their respective monitors, and a front desk containing a cash register and a computer with access to the central PsY PC server console. Shouts of victory and defeat fill the room as round after round of Counter-Strike, the game of choice for PsY PC gamers, fly by the computer screens at breakneck speed. While their computers aren’t the state-of-the-art polygon juggernauts that have made LAN centers LANFerno and Cyber Blue Café so overwhelmingly popular, PsY PC offers an enjoyable computer gaming experience at an affordable price and these days, that’s all that matters to the up-and-coming computer gamer.

—Lizzie Do sophomore

“You are around a lot of familiar people you know, the cast parties are fun, and the high after you come off stage is great.”

—Evan Milberg freshman “It’s great when you perform and see all the little kids in a trance.

It reminds me of when I was little watching the older kids act.”

—Alex Barker sophomore “It is so much fun to work during practices and see your progress on opening night. ”

—Darrin Burrell junior

—Andrew Hawkins junior “I like the atmosphere, and the people make all the work worthwhile.”

—Chrissy Castaldo senior

Celebrity Birthdays JANUARY 1 2 3 4

The Next Broadway Director?

BY BRIDGETTE KIM Staff Writer Anybody who knows their movies has heard of Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, James Cameron; some of Hollywood’s prominent directors. How about Coury Shadyac? She’s not up there with Hollywood’s best yet, but she’s praised for her work by fellow classmates and drama teacher, Vicki Farish. Now a senior, Shadyac has been very involved with the drama program since her freshman year.

Being a director is no easy job.Actually, it’s more stressful and intense because of the responsibilities directors take on.

“The director controls everything. I have to deal with all acting portions of the play and the technical aspects, in addition to helping actors develop character, learn their lines, and give blocking (stage movements),” said Shadyac.

There is a lot more going on behind the scenes than many would think. Shadyac is also responsible for everything that is going on in the play like designing the sets, creating the costumes, setting the lights and sound, and finding props. She’s really thankful for her stage managers, who are always there to help her remain organized and to hopfully reduce her stress.

While having the heavy responsibility of being a director of a full length play, Shadyac manages to keep up with her four IB classes. She stays at school everyday late into the night,

After meeting with shirt designers, Coury Shadyac gets the opinion of the cast as to which colors they should use for the annual casting T-shirts the actors wear around school to promote the play.

Mondaythrough Thursday for rehearsals and then begins her homework. A director’s work continues even when she is at home. After finishing her school work, she records what happened at rehearsals and what can be improved.

Although she is a prominent director, when she graduates Shadyac would like to study liberal arts or political science.

She wouldn’t mind directing on the side but she doesn’t see directing plays as a career. When asked if she liked acting or directing better she said, “It’s different. Directors have all the control, and it’s nice to have it at times, but it’s

Verne “mini-me” Troyer, 35 Cuba Gooding, Jr., 36 Mel Gibson, 48 Michael Stipe, 44

Aspiring senior actor Ian McLeland is what directors call a triple threat. He can act, sing and dance. In addition, his willingness to try any role has made him a versatile and favorite among his peers and teachers.

“I cast him because of his ability, talent and responsibility” said drama department teacher Vicki Farish.

“He makes the characters he plays his own. He has good instincts and is not afraid to speak his mind.”

“Ever since freshman year acting has been a major part of my life,” said McLeland. With four IB classes he manages his time well between school work and the hours of acting. Eager to pursue an acting career, McLeland has applied to colleges with theater in the forefront. “I’m not yet sure if I want to go into film or live theater. It all depends on how much I like film.”

In his four-year acting career McLeland has won Best Actor for last year’s Class Acts as well as Best Supporting Actor in this years Class Act play, Check Please.

Every actor has a memorable character and for McLeland its Jack Worthing in The Importance of Being Earnest. He always finds his joy in the role because “it’s a big male lead.” Farish agrees that McLeland’s performance as Worthing was “one of his best.”

“I’m always cast for the nice guy roles,” said McLeland. “It’s kind of disappointing to always get the same roles, but I’m getting parts. That’s why

5 6 7 8 9

Mariyln Manson, 35 Nancy Lopez, 47 Nicolas Cage, 40 R. Kelly, 35 Dave Matthews, 37

Ever been in a production, you know that one of the most important parts is having the right costumes. Without them the show won’t have the same feel. Sometimes costumes make the whole show! Here atAHS, Keris KrennHrubec is in charge of making sure that all of the costumes are measured, sewed, hemmed and ready to go.

Vicki Farish is proud to see how much KrennHrubec has improved in her sewing skills and loves the fact that when anyone ever needs a button sewn on or elastic added to their dress or pants they can call out “Keris!” and she’ll just do it...no questions asked.

Justin Timberlake

George Foreman, 55 Mary J. Blige, 33 Howard Stern, 50 Orlando Bloom, 27 LL Cool J, 36

ASHLEY JONES

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Keris KrennHurbec fits Susan Lanier with her costume during a rehersal.

Mary J. Blige

17 22 23 25 26 31

Muhammad Ali, 62 Diane Lane, 39 Brendan Shanahan, 35 Alicia Keys, 23 Wayne Gretzky, 43 Justin Timberlake, 23

I admire Jason Isaacs (Captain Hook in the newly released Peter Pan film) so much. He can be cast as a nice guy or a villain,” said McLeland.

“The curtain call has to be my favorite part of acting, it’s something about the rush and adrenaline I get from it,” said McLeland. “Acting has also taught me to be calm and feel comfortable to talk in front of an audience, so its improved my public speaking skills.” But acting is not all fun and games. It’s hours of rehearsals and memorizing lines, over and over and over again.

McLeland said, “The toughest part of being an actor has to be the rehearsals. They get really tedious and you don’t get the praise you would from a live audience.”

Ian’s peers and parents support his acting by attending performances and helping him out on set when they can. He’s also known to crack jokes during stressful times and “convinces the audience of what he’s feeling,” said Farish. “He’s a very expressive actor, you can see exactly what he’s feeling when he is on stage.

He’s also very funny,” said senior Keris KrennHrubec.

To prepare for upcoming parts McLeland finds Ian McLeLand performs his lines on a classmate to it useful to observe professional actors. “I encourage prepare for the upcoming childrens play, The Princess all the actors to view other productions, but I don’t and the Pea. want them to copy the characters,” said Farish.

McLeland, he hopes that someday students from AHS On the upcoming drama department New York trip, students will get the chance to see several Broad- will be going up to New York to see him perform on stage. way and off-Broadway productions of their choice.

“It’s a great opportunity for the students to learn acting and theater techniques,” said Farish. As for

Dressing things up

BY ASHLEY JONES Photographer

Orlando Bloom

also a lot more stressful than an actor.”

Shadyac’s cast and teacher, Farish, have much respect for her as a director and student.

“Coury is one of my top three students that I have had in 28 years. She is tremendous and prepared 99.9 percent of the time. She is willing to try anything and everything. She is just an exceptional student and her work ethic is amazing, she is just a terrific all around student,” said Farish. She also admires Shadyac’s style of directing and said, “what I like about her directing is that she comes to me if she has a problem and allows

me to help her vision come alive.” Some students that are under her direction weren’t far off from what Farish had said.

“She’s a very patient director and finds every detail that needs to be critiqued, I enjoy working with her it’s a lot of fun,” said Sophomore Alex Barker.

Freshman Evan Milbreg said “She is honest and likes to get things done. She knows what talking about; she’s fair and has a purpose for what she says.”

In addition, Shadyac’s uncle, Tom Shadyac, is a prominent director in Hollywood. He has directed a number of movies including Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura, Dragonfly, Patch Adams, Liar Liar, and The Nutty Professor. He also recently produced the show 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter. “He gave me my first glimpse into acting and production,” said Shadyac.

Shadyac started out as an actress in Theatre I when she enteredAHS and then slowly started developing her skills as a future director. She has directed at least one play every year since she was a freshman. The first play she directed was the Aesop’s Fables, during her sophomore year she directed the class act, Monster Soup, junior year she directed The Company play, Tartuffe, and to start off her senior year she is currently putting together the children show, Princess and the Pea.

Aspiring AHS actor looks to NY

BY LAELA SHALLAL Staff Writer

“I really enjoy working with people and performing, and the whole experience is priceless.”

Jan. 20, 2004

KrennHrubec, a senior, has been a part of the theater program for four years and has being helping out with costumes for about three years.

Not only does she rummage through the costume room to find specific fabrics and accessories for every show, she also creates and makes them as well. Farish, the drama teacher, said, “She helps me tremendously because she knows the costume room so well. She can just climb in [find what she’s looking for] and just as quickly climb out.”

The most extensive costume work that KrennHrubec has done has been for last years Children’s Play, Beauty and the Beast. “It was

the most fun I had with costumes because I got to be creative through using my own ideas and seeing the finished product,” said KrennHrubec.

Also and actress, KrennHrubec afton carries a lead role in many of the plays. For almost every show she’s had a lead role. Doing both sometimes can be stressful for this busy senior “Sometimes when I’m on stage doing my part, I’m thinking about costumes that I need to find,”she said. And lately with the construction on the auditorium ,it’s been hard to get into the new costume annex.

Being one of the costume mistresses doesn’t involve only sewing. KrennHrubec searches through existing costumes to see what needs to be made and does a lot of organizing. “Keeping the costume room organized and helping rent our costumes to other schools who need them helps me out so much,” says Farish.

Senior Coury Shadyac, the director of the upcoming children’s show and also a costume mistress, calls Keris her better half.

“If I didn’t have Keris, I’d lose my sanity.

Miss Farish calls us two halves of a perfect person. We make a good team,” says Shadyac.

Not wanting to take all of the credit for the costumes seen onstage, KrennHrubec also gives mention to her mom who helps make many of the costumes, Farish who’s “very good at finding a simple way to make [costumes] look the best. And of course she gives credit to Shadyac, “Coury and I split things, sometimes 60/ 40...Coury having the 60 and me having the 40.”

Although very modest, many others in the theater department feel that without KrennHrubec their plays wouldn’t be what they are. “[Having KrennHrubec helping with costumes] gives me the ability to worry about the artistic concepts rather than the material,” saidTony Sanchez, a director for the third quarter company production.

Having a reliable costume mistress such as KrennHurbec has not only helped the productions look better, but also has helped the future drama productions because the program reuses costumes for other shows. Thanks to KrennHurbec and her team of sewing queens, the futures of Annandale’s costumes are looking bright.

ASHLEY JONES

What is your favorite part about participating in the school plays and why?

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PEOPLE

Who Am I? •I have been a teacher and working at AHS for 19 years •I teach Spanish •My motto in life is, “You are only as happy as you make your mind up to be.”

•My pet peeve is people who always seem to think they are entitled •My hobbies are reading, listening to music, and going to spin class •I have lived in Virginia for 41 years •My favorite sport to watch is college basketball •My favorite part of my job is the students I get to work with, I always learn something from them.

•I do not have any pets •My favorite musician is Mary Chapin Carpenter •My favorite food is my mom’s fried chicken •My favorite subject in school was always Spanish •My favorite color is Carolina Blue •I started teaching right out of college

•During college I worked at Memco and for the county doing summer recreation •I expect everyone to do their own work ... no copying, no cheating

•I attended James Madison University (I majored in Spanish with a minor in Secondary Education) •My favorite restaurant is Silverado’s •I grew up in Annandale If you submit the correct answer to the “Who Am I,” comee to the A-Blast room (233) to receive your prize

Last Issue’s Who Am I? Shirley Altonian was last issue’s Who Am I? •Her main pet peeve is when people laugh at others.

•Her motto in laugh is “Work hard and enjoy.”

•She has worked at AHS for 14 years.

No one correctly answered last issue’s Who Am I?

Jan. 20, 2004

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PHOTO

Tales of Unusual Tails

13 Top 5 Interesting and Unusual Pets 1.) Piranhas -Piranhas live up to their reputation as vicious fish that will not hesitate to nibble off the hand that feeds it. This isn’t a pet for the faint of heart, only experienced pet owners should take on the piranha as an in home pet.

2.) Tarantulas -Contrary to popular belief, Tarantulas are not usually dangerous or even aggressive.

These pocket sized, hairy arachnids are gaining popularity in the pet world as exotic and low-maintenance pets.

3.) Wallabies -The Australian wonder, the wallaby, is a miniature version of the kangaroo. They are affectionate, playful and mischievous pets. As lovable and as a faithful dog but with a certain Aussie flair.

4.) Madagascar hissing cockroach -The Madagascar hissing cockroach is no ordinary pest. For one thing, it can grow to up to 3 inches long and over an inch wide. They do not bite, and make great exotic pets for children and aspiring entomologists.

Information provided by Pet Place.com

Famous dogs in recent history

PHOTO PROVIDED BY FLYINGDREAMS.ORG

Scales, spikes and claws that can shred. Reptilian pets, especially iguanas like Spot, can be a hassle to take care of and costly to keep healthy and happy. Junior Carter Koppleman constructed a habitat to house his Iguana, with dimensions that accommodate its size.

Full grown, adult iguanas can be 5 to 7 feet in length, and in order to suitably house these reptiles, owners must spend at least $100 purchasing materials to build their own habitats or spend $200-$300 buying premade habitats. These scaly critters are very loyal to their owners and can grow quite attached. Once those claws grab a hold of someone, it could take a while to get them off.

5.) Potbellied Pigs -Potbellied pigs, native to Asia, are easily trained and have an alert curiosity and affectionate nature. They’re smarter than the most intelligent dogs, and just as appreciative of a good belly rub. The one drawback to these pets is their potential to turn from cute piglets to huge full grown pigs weighing 70 to 150 pounds.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ABCNEWS.COM

Flying around the room and bumping his head into nearly every object he encounters, Petey, followed by his mate Mrs. Pablo, gets a little fresh air outside his cage.

Freshman Miguel Capacho Escobarʼs flirtatious parakeets, “who are constantly making-out,” require only a few tasks to be done in order to keep them physically well. Birds in general, especially parakeets, require only a clean cage and a clean food dish in order to stay healthy. These tasks take time and effort to complete, not to mention being able to get the birds back into their cage. Although they seem harmless, parakeets have sharp beaks which can cause “an excruciating amount of pain” said Capacho Escobar.

Lassie was the beloved collie and companion to both litle Timmy and to television audienceʼs of the 1950ʼs.

Originally a character in Eric Knightʼs Lassie Come Home, Lassie was adapted to the small screen. This responsible and caring canine wowed audiences season after season and soon became one of the most popular shows on television.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PRESIDENTIALPETMUSEUM.COM

Taco Bell burst into the mainstream and became a major contender in the fast food business world thanks to one memorable phrase: “Yo Quiero Taco Bell.” This lovable Chihuahua stole the hearts of pet lovers everywhere and left them craving grilled stuffed burritos.

Multi-pet owners often have to contend with in-house fighting between different species. Cats and dogs, the most commonly depicted feuding species, are one of the more likely combinations. Slightly more unusual is the combination of an Albino rabbit named Scottie and an orange Persian cat named Rolliebear. Senior Kyle Gaines, along with his sister Randi Gaines, have owned a wide variety of pets over the years, including a domesticated squirrel. However the squirrel refused to be seen due to itʼs recent recess into hibernation.

ALL PHOTOS BY SEAN SULLIVAN

Barney, the newest addition to the White House staff, has risen in the popularity polls after taking the U.S. public on a virtual tour of the White House during the holiday seasons. He also starred in a recent holiday film set in the White which co starred his owner, George W. Bush. The first Scottish terrier of the United States also has his own active chat site in which you can ask all the important questions from his role in the White house to his love life.

14 Traditions bringing luck for a new year Fireworks

Shooting off fireworks is believed to send the old year away and to welcome the new year.

The house

At midnight, all the windows and doors are traditionally opened in order to let the old year out.

Many sweep the house New Year’s Eve, throwing the dust out the back door of the house. They don’t sweep the floor New Year’s Day, as they believe doing so can sweep away good fortune.

Good luck

Flowers blooming on the new year is considered good luck, as well as hearing and seeing songbirds, especially red ones.

Wearing red is also good luck, as it is a bright color bringing in brightness in the new year.

Avoid bad luck

Using knives or scissors is thought to cut away fortune in the new year.

In order to prevent washing away good luck away, washing your hair on New Year’s Day is not recommended Crying on New Year’s Day means you will be crying for the rest of the year.

It’s suggested that all debts should be paid before the new year.

Iran: Jan. 20, 1981 On this day in 1981, Iran released all U.S. hostages, over 50 total, held in captivity since November 1979. In April of 1980, the U.S. attempted to rescue the hostages but were unsuccessful. The hostages were held for a total of 444 days.

¿Que ha pasado con Cuba?

El 1 de enero de 1959

A resulto de la poder militar de Castro, Batista sale de Cuba. Castro es el nuevo dictador de Cuba. Los partidarios de Castro incluye professionales jovenes, estudiantes, trabajadores de la ciudad, y algunos granjeros.

El 17 de abril de 1961

Una fuerza armada de 1,500 exiliados cubanos ingresaron en la costa de Cuba en la bahía de Cochinos. Los exiliados habían sido entrenados desde mayo de 1960 por la Agencia Central de Inteligencia (CIA). El ataque fue un fracaso y dañó las relaciones entre los Estados Unidos y Latinoamérica. Los 1,113 exilios detenidos fueron liberados por US $53 millones en comida y medicina.

Octubre de 1962

Durante la guerra fría entre los EE.UU. y la Unión Soviética, ésta comenzó a construir misiles en Cuba. El presidente de los EE.UU John F. Kennedy ordenó a la marina americana que interceptará todo John F. Kennedy armamento o cargamento de procedencia soviética. Eventualmente Khrushchev lo aceptó y retiró los misiles de Cuba.

Septiembre de 1964

Todos los paises de Latinamerica rompieron sus relaciones diplomáticas y políticas con Cuba.

CULTURES

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Jan. 20, 2004

Lunar new year approaching

BY ALEX WAHL Staff Writer While most of the world celebrates the New Year on Jan. 1 in China and Vietnam the New Year has always been between Jan. 19-Feb. 21, depending on the lunar calendar. As the Lunar New Year approaches, people of Chinese and Vietnamese cultures are planning and preparing for the festivities.

The Lunar NewYear is the most important celebration of the Chinese culture, a time for a new beginning. This year the Lunar New Year is on Jan. 21 in the U.S, and inAsia it falls on the Jan. 22.

Sophomore Elizabeth Do and her family will be celebrating the Lunar New year this year as they have done in the past.

“We usually celebrate the day of and the weekend following,” said Do. She celebrates as Vietnamese traditions suggest, but Chinese traditions for the New Year are very similar.

Before the festivities begins, Do and her family follow the yearly routine to prepare for the New Year.

“I like the whole idea of how you prepare for it, “ said Do. Her family cleans the house and pays off debts to get ready for the holiday. This is all to ensure good luck and fortune for the year to come. “It’s a fresh year, fresh start,” said Do, so coming clean in many aspects of life gives everyone a brand new start for each year.

Even though the celebrations for the NewYear usually continue for two weeks, on the day and/or night of the actual new moon, families get together and have a great feast.

Last year it was held at T.C. “We have a big party with lots of food,” said Do. [Williams High School],” said She and her relatives and family get together, Do. This year the parade sometimes coming from all over the U.S, to was held early during the have a big dinner with Vietnamese food. weekend of January 9-10.

Some of the foods special to the “Lots of different communioccasion are rice cakes and moon ties hold their celebrations cakes, along with meats such as in different places,” said Do. pork and duck. A rice cake, as The Chinese Lunar caldescribed by Do, is rice, mung endar is a 60-year cycle bean, and different meats all that has been used by the wrapped in banana leaves. Moon Chinese for thousands of cakes are desserts that are made years. “The calendar flour, sugar and mung bean. rotates through 12 aniThe cakes usually have mals, this year being the designs on them of monkey year, and it can be the symbol for a bad or good year for your the new year; Chinese zodiac sign, this year is based on when you the year of were born,” said Do. the monkey The Lunar New and the Year is a time that element of wood. is celebrated with One custom that is common family and is rich with both cultures is to have the with tradition. Do adults and elders give small red enlikes the celebravelopes of money to the youngsters tion because it is of the family. The youth can decide a chance to get to spend or save the money, and it away from everyis basically given as good fortune day life and spent for the new year from the adults. time with family Aside from the family celebrations, to enjoy a bright Do also participates in a festival through start to a NewYear. her church, Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Church in Arlington, VA. There is a pa- In ancient China, cats were believed to bring good rade every year. “Within the parade there luck, as they had the ability to repel evil with a are different plays about the new year. single glance.

Iran earthquake shakes up AHS Disasterous earthquake causes thousands of deaths and touches students

BY LEKHA MENON Staff Writer Over winter break a devastating earthquake hit Iran on Dec. 26. The estimates of the people killed range more than 30,000 and 70 percent of the houses and infrastructure have been destroyed.

Telephone, electricity and water supply lines have also been cut off due to the tremor, making relief efforts even more difficult.

“So many people died and now they’re homeless so it’s very sad for them,” said sophomore Tahira Sayed. “I’m very sorry for the families who lost their loved ones.”

The historical Iranian city of Bam, the epicenter of the earthquake, was destroyed. Bam, about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) south-east of Tehran, was on the Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites. Bam is an important regional center in the 16th and 17th centuries; it contained many ancient buildings that were not built to withstand the ferocity of this type of earthquake.

The area suffers earthquakes on a routine bases with small tremors happening almost daily. The 6.7 magnitude

earthquake, one of the deadliest this part lapsed, crushing many staff members, of the world has seen in over ten years, and remaining hospitals are full. Many was not an event that relief workers in of the injured are having to be flown the U.S. could ignore. Despite numerous elsewhere for treatment. A huge relief political differences, the U.S. has sent operation involving ordinary Iranians, the army, around 100 Islamic government volunteer relief groups and workers local rescue to Iran. teams is As the under way. death toll Just continues to two days rise, many after the survivors earthquake were still hit, a squad buried alive of rescue under piles workers of rubble from Fairfax and debris.

County Families landed in have been Bam, a cultural city which experiences small tremors Iran to help torn apart daily, was almost the epicenter of the earthquake in Iran search for and a great . Tremors were felt as far away as Tehran. survivors. number of The reschildren have been left orphaned. cue squad, which consists of Fairfax Two of the city’s hospitals have col- County firefighters, doctors, paramed-

ics, structural engineers and a team of four search dogs, is also helping in select search and rescue missions. Many other countries such as Russia and the U.K. have joined the U.S in aiding the Iranian government in the form of humanitarian aid, supplies, and relief workers.

SophomoreKaitlinMolavi,who’sfather is from Iran, said “I don’t have any close family in Iran, but I feel bad for the people who had to experience it [the earthquake].”

Financial donations can be made by making a donation to Islamic Aid Emergency Relief Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support to those in affected by the Iran earthquake.

InformationcanbefoundatIslamicAid.org.

Flag of Iran

45 años desde el regime de Castro ESCRITO POR CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Escritora El 25 de Noviembre de 1956 Castro, su hermano y el Che Guevara partieron de Mexico para comenzar la lucha contra el ejército de Batista. Tres años después, el 16 de Febrero de 1959 Castro asumió el poder en Cuba.

El próximo 16 de Febrero van a ser 45 años desde este evento. Para la sorpresa de muchos, Castro todavía es el líder de Cuba y su revolución sigue viva.

Pero su revolución apenas puede alimentar a la gente de su isla.

Poco tiempo después de tomar el poder se convirtió en un decidido marxista.

Castroexpropiólas tierras de la isla y las Fidel Castro en 1959 distribuyó entre los pobres de Cuba. Al contratrio de lo que muchos piensan, Castro no es del todo malo. Gracias a él, el pueblo tiene acceso gratis a la educacion y a la salud . “El tenía buenas

intenciones, pero fue corrompido por el poder,” dijo sopho- tiempo en el poder. Los Estados Unidos han intenmore Oscar Medrano. Pero con estos beneficios tambien tado matarlo muchas veces. Pero nadie se ha podido deshacer de él. Castro ha durado en vinieron las consecuencias de cualquier esel poder por 45 años sobrepa-sando tado comunista; los derechos individuales cambios políticos en todo el mundo. y humanos fueron destruidos para todos Castro ahora tiene 78 años de edad. los cubanos. “No me gusta lo que hace a y la pregunta que todos quieren saber, la gente,” dijo sophomore Doug Canales. es que va a pasar con Cuba después de Viajar a Cuba es como viajar en el la muerte del dictador. “Yo creo que va tiempo a los 50’s. Cuba se ha quedado a haber mucho caos y confusión. Gente en el pasado cuando se trata de la ecocon diferentes intereses van a querer nomia. Solo carros antiguos andan por controlar a Cuba. Los extranjeros a las calles. Estos carros son privilegios ya quiénes Castro les quitó la tierra van que la gasolinal es muy escasa. Con el a querer reclamar sus derechos,” dijo embargo americano, Cuba no ha podido la profesora de español Lilia Jimenezprogresar. “Yo creo que la economía fue Herrerra. Otros piensan en la posiafectada especialmente por el embargo bilidad de que su hijo tome el poder. americano,” dijo sophomore Jason Torres.

Otros quieren verlo muerto o en Miles y miles de cubanos han arriesFidel Castro ahora prisión.“Lo deben poner en una prisión. gado su vida en las últimas 5 decadas Le deben quitar el poder,” dijo sophopara poder escapar a esta miseria.

En teoría el comunismo debe crear un es- more Julio Irazabal. Esto no se ve como una posibilidad. tado de igualdad. Las clases sociales deben desa- Muchos cubanos ahora esperan la hora de su muerte. parecer. En Cuba la mayoría de la población es Nadie sabe exactamente lo que va pasar con el gobierno extremadamente pobre. Sin embargo, miembros de Cuba. En los Estados Unidos muchos americanos de del partido comunista disfrutan de estos privilegios. descendencia cubana odian intensamente a Fidel . Dijo Casi nadie esperaba que Castro durara tanto sophomore Erika Esantanilla, “El es un dictador falso.”

1980

Castro permitó a más de 125,000 personas a emigrar a Florida desde Mariel en Cuba.

1991

Cuando la URSS cayó, Cuba sufrió porque era dependiente de la URSS para su economía.

1998

El papa Juan Pablo Segundo visitió a Cuba.

2002

El expresidente Jimmy Carter visitó a Cuba

¿Qué va a pasar con Cuba cuando Fidel Castro no esté en el poder?

“Pienso que el país de Cuba será mejor porque Castro no deja a los cubanos salir del país.”

“Yo creo que los cubanos van a progresar más porque van a tener más libertad.”

“Sin Castro Cuba no va a ser nada porque sin su control toda la organización politica se viene abajo. ”

—Omar Ramirez freshman

—Marcio Remos sophomore

—Gladys Martinez junior

“Va a ser mejor porque habrá libertad para la gente de Cuba.”

—Susan Caicedo senior

“Supuestamente vendrá la Libertad. Libertad de hablar. Libertad para circular. Libertad de negocios propios. Y más respeto a los derechos humanos.”

—Noel Koffi Spanish teacher

ARTS

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Jan. 20, 2004

What do you enjoy most about ballet and what are the benefits?

Moving to center stage

BY AMY SUDDARTH Arts Editor Have you ever wanted to meet a star on Broadway or in Hollywood? Two rising stars atAHS are trying to make their way.

Juniors Emma Misner and Jamie Foreman are both enrolled in dance classes and a ballet company to help propel them toward their dreams in the spotlight. Although Foreman and Misner have different goals to reach, both study ballet to help them along the way.

Misner has been dancing practically since she learned to walk, and has been taking classes for about 12 years. “My mom signed me up and I was hooked immediately,” said Misner.

Foreman, too, got his push from his mother and soon felt the itch. He began five years ago to stay in shape and help him in theatre. “I was chubby in middle school, so my mom signed me up. I enjoyed it from the beginning. It’s lots of fun and there’s lots of girls,” said Foreman.

Although the dance style they focus mainly on is ballet, Misner and Foreman have extensive backgrounds in other forms of dance as well.

Misner

Junior Emma Misner performs an arabesque.

has studied tap, jazz, modern and ballet, but has centered her focus on ballet with a little modern. Foreman has also studied tap, modern and ballet. He enjoys ballet the most, though, and is making it his primary focus.

Both Misner and Foreman are members of the Arlington Center for Dance and the Center Dance Company. The Arlington Center for Dance is where they train and work on techniques, while the Center Dance Company is where they put on their shows and concerts. Misner previously danced at Swan Ballet in Fairfax, but chose to leave with hopes of going professional.

The Center Dance Company is known for puting on excellent concerts, but not without hours of hard work from everyone involved. Both Misner and Foreman agree that being serious in ballet means giving up most of your free time. “We take class for about two and a half hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Then we have rehearsals on Friday until about 9:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1-8:30 p.m.,” said Misner.

The dancers use their classes to improve their skills and techniques. The rehearsals are for the actual concerts put on by the dancers. The Center Dance Company puts on three concerts every year, and have concerts coming up in April at a local theatre. “We do them [concerts] at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre.

Granted it’s not the Kennedy Center, but westillputonagreatconcert,”saidMisner.

Besides these long hours during the school year, Misner and Foreman also work on their skills in the summer. Misner attends various camps and auditions for dance companies.

Foreman auditions as well, but only auditions to see if he has what it takes.

15 “The benefits were that I had really good balance. The fun part was the recitals and I made a lot of friends.”

His real focus is in the-

—Mary VanDyke freshman “I enjoyed getting dressed up in the costumes and performing for my parents at the recitals. It shows your coordination and poise.”

atre, so he

takes summer courses for that as well.

Though they are both highly involved in dance, Misner’s and Foreman’s goals for the future differ. Misner wants to focus solely on dance and hopes to go professional.

She hopes to join a professional company right after high school and has been looking at companies such as Richmond Ballet, Balletmet, Ballet Austin and Dayton Ballet. As for college, Misner is still working that out.

“I might be able to take night classes, if that doesn’t work I’ll probably just go later and, heaven forbid, if I don’t get into a company, I would go to college and try again later. I want to stay professional as long as I can, as long as I still love it and as long as my body lets me,” said Misner.

Foreman also has professional goals, but his are more theater oriented. He wants to have a career in musical theater, but says that in order to make it you have to be able to sing, dance and act.

He hopes to further

—Elizabeth Eckert sophomore

his education in the field of arts after high school via college. “I want to go to college to major in musical theater. I’m thinking about NYU or Fordham in New York, or Catholic or GMU here in Washington,” said Foreman.

Foreman and Misner do not understand many of the stereotypes associated with dance. They dance for excerise, pleasure and to help them achieve their goals in arts they have for their future. “It bugs me sometimes, especially because in other countries there aren’t nearly as much stereotypes about dance. Ballet is huge in places like Cuba,” said Foreman.

All the hard work that Foreman and Misner put into their work does pay off, though. “They [our concerts] are really professional,” said Misner. “I really wish more people from school would come to our concerts because otherwise they don’t get it.”

Both Foreman and Misner have high hopes and goals set for their future. They have been working toward their goals for a number of years now and are finally seeing their dreams come within reach.

“I enjoy dance because it’s a lot of fun and it’s going to help out because I want to be an actor.”

—Madeline Pelkey sophomore

“I loved meeting lots of new people and wearing cool outfits and makeup!”

—Julie Bowes senior

“Contrary to belief, the only time I’ve ever worn tights has been for performances. Also being 1 of 2 guys in a room of girls has its benefits.”

5 basic steps every dancer should know

—Colin Agnew senior

Upcoming ballets in the Washington area to watch out for 1st Position This is formed by putting both feet next to each other so that your heels touch and your turn feet outward. Try to get your feet to face as opposite from one another as possible and continue practicing to keep them turned out.

2nd Position This is very similar to first position, but in this position, your feet should be separated.

Place both feet next to each other and turn them out, just as in first, but separate your feet at least shoulder-width apart.

3rd Position In this one, you do not keep your feet parallel.

Your feet are still to be turned out, but you place the heel of one foot (usually the right) against the arch of the your opposite foot.

4th Position This is the least like the other positions. Your feet, as always, are still to be turned out. However, one of your feet should be placed in front of the other. They do not touch and should be about a foot or so apart.

5th Position It is formed by putting one foot in front of the other (generally the right). The heal of your right foot should be lined up with the toe of your left. Both feet should be kept turned out as well.

Ballet through the ages-past and present The transition from classical to modern ballet styles Sure, everybody has heard about ballet, but do you ever wonder about where this dance actually came from? Ballet originated as a popular dance in the courts of Renaissance Italy. The entertainment that was performed for the royalty of the Italian courts simulated the popular dances of that time period.

The popularity of the ballet in the Italian courts soon spread to the courts of France as well. In 1581, the first ballet with a complete score was performed, Le Ballet Comique de la Rhine, which means The Queen's Ballet Comedy. This ballet was performed in the capital of France, Paris. The ballet was performed in the court of Queen Catherine de M,dicis. The amateur ballet dancers were only accompanied by a violin and a dancing master. The ballet not only entertained the royal family, but other spectators as well, who looked on in galleries from all three sides of the hall where the ballet was being performed. Queen Catherine was not the only monarch of France to support this new dance. King Louis XIV also was a huge supporter of the arts as well.

Louis XIV, who ruled France from 1643-1715, took ballet to a whole new level. Under his reign, ballet reached its peak and began to gain publicity. King Louis XIVs popular nickname, "The Sun King," was due to one of the roles that he danced in a ballet. Not only did the king himself participate in ballet, but he

MEGAN BERRY

BY KIMIKO YERICK Arts Editor

Junior Emma Misner laces up her shoes and prepares to begin practicing a few of her many dance exercises.

supported others who wished to become dancers as well. In 1661, the Acad,mie Royale de Danse was founded by King Louis XIV. This academy was created in order to accomidate the dancing masters of the time, and was considered a professional dancing organization.

The history of ballet has changed immensely. The traditional ballets were only performed by male dancers.

If the performance had the need for a female role, a male would take these positions as well. However, this was changed in 1681 when the first female dancer took the stage. Le Triomphe de l'amour (The Triumph of Love)

was the first professional ballet danced by a woman. In 1920s and 1930s, there was another drastic change in the performance of ballet began to develop in the U.S. and Germany. This new form of dance called, modern dance, was a way for the dancers to show off their talent.

These dances captured the expression of the dancer, as well as the new movement styles that had been created.

Ballet continued to flourish, and in the 1930s, the symphonic ballet was created by Massine. These ballets featured music by famous German composers such as Ludwig Van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms. Other popular dance forms began to add to the excitement of the ballet, as it grew more popular among the American citizens. In 1944, Fancy Free was created by the American choreographer, Jerome Robbins. Fancy Free was a completely different type of ballet, because it was based on the jazz-dance style.

In the mid-1960s, the popularity of dance in general greatly increased. The influence of ballet on a younger audience soon began to appear. The themes and style of ballet intrigued this younger audience. Now ballets were not only accompanied with the classical music of Beethoven and Brahms, but with popular songs of the day, which included both jazz and rock-and-roll.

The history of ballet is apparent in the variety of styles that can be found today. The traditional form of classical ballet can be enjoyed, as well as the modern-dance forms of the new generation of ballet. The fact that these various forms can coexist allow people from all over to enjoy ballet.

The Kennedy Center Opera House —Jan. 27 - Feb 1, 2004 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater —Feb. 3 - 8, 2004 American Ballet Theatre —Feb. 25 - 29, 2004 Hamburg Ballet —March 3-7, 2004 New York City Ballet The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater —Jan. 21-25, 2004 The Washington Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Montgomery College —March 27, 2004 Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s Coppelia NOVA —April 17-18, 2004 The Classical Ballet Academy of Northern Virginia Cinderella

Sports News

Marbury to Knicks in blockbuster deal

Brooklyn native Stephon Marbury was traded to the New York Knicks from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster eight player trade which also sent Moochie Norris and Antonio McDyess to the Suns. This deal comes only two weeks after new Knicks president, ex all-star guard, Isiah Thomas took over the reigns for the struggling Knicks.

While the Knicks came out on top in finally finding a true point guard with the ability to score and run the offense.

This is a luxury the Knickerbockers have not had since John Starks was cut loose after the 1997-98 season.

Winter Pep Rally

The winter pep rally will be held Thurs. in the main gym at 7:30 p.m. During the pep rally, the student faculty basketball game will be played in addition to performances by the Atomic Dance Fusion and the freshman, J.V., and varsity cheerleading squads.

Player Profiles with Jared Smith

Jan. 20, 2004

Boys travel to West Pot

Gibby returns for second term

After coaching the Washington Redskins to three Superbowl victories in the ‘80s, Head Coach Joe Gibbs gave up his NASCAR career and returned as the head coach of the Washington Redskins only one week after ex-head coach Steve Spurrier resigned. Gibbs returns to a Redskins team which has won a combined 12 games in the past two seasons and has been decimated by disciplinary and injury problems.

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BY STACEY MARIN Staff Writer

Senior forward Brandon Betz put up a season high 25 points in the Atoms’ 51-49 loss to Oakton on Jan.13.

The 6-7 Atoms’ will travel to West Potomac tonight for aPatriot District match up, tip-off at 7:30 p.m.

“We’ve had some problems playing at West Potomac in the past,” said Head Coach Pat Hughes. “Hopefully we’ll be motivated and anxious to get a win.”

With half the season under their belts, the Atoms look to continue their strong play for the remainder. With some tough match-ups against Patriot District rivals coming up in the next few weeks, the Atoms hope to keep their momentum rolling into the district playoffs.

In the most recent game, the Atoms faced the Oakton Cougars, a nondistrict foe, at home on Jan. 13. Despite leading through the third quarter and into the fourth, the Atoms fell to the Cougars in the last few minutes of the game, 51-49.

“It was a grind-out game,” said Hughes.

After the Atoms pulled ahead early in the first quarter, scoring 17 of the first 24 points, the Cougars came back in the second to within three points at half time, as the Atoms led 29-26. After the third quarter. the Atoms held onto a slim 36-35 advantage.

Late in the fourth quarter, with two minutes left to play, the Atoms trailed 45-43. AHS forward

Brandon Betz was fouled and made both free throws to tie the game at 45. After a defensive stop, Betz was fouled again, and once more, sank both foul shots.

Following a layup by junior Bobby Terry, Oakton converted on 3 of 4 free throw attempts, to give them a 2 point lead, 51-49. Despite attempts by Terry and Betz, the Atoms could not hit a tying basket and the final horn sounded.

Betz finished the game with 25 points, including 3 three-pointers.

“We should’ve won the game.

We learned a lot, but we need to clean up our game. We have a promising future,” said Betz, the high scorer of the game.

“They did some good things,” said Hughes. “But they also made some mistakes that helped Oakton stay in the game, but they played better than their last game. It got us back on the right track, and it should definitely serve as motivation to win our next few games.”

In the week prior to the Oakton game, the Atoms faced two Patriot District rivals. On Jan. 5, the Atoms faced West Springfield and came away with a 51-39 win.

They also played Robinson, but fell 61-40. As of Jan. 15, the Atoms have a 1-3 record in the Patriot District, and a 6-7 record overall.

The Atoms last game against district foe Lake Braddock on Jan. 16 was too late to be published.

SEAN SULLIVAN

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Senior point guard Chris Flowers guards the ball away from an Oakton defender in the Atomsʼ 51-49 loss to the Cougars on Jan. 13. After the loss, the Atoms record dropeed to 6-7 overall. The Atoms next district game, Jan. 16 against the Lake Braddock Bruins occured after deadline. They will travel to West Potomac tonight to take on the Wolverines.

Over winter break, the Atoms traveled to Orlando, Florida, for a nationwide tournament. The Atoms won two of three games, playing teams from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, and came in second in their bracket.

Atoms steal two out of three at Edison

BY TED GIBSON Staff Writer

In addition to starting at point guard for the basketball team, senior Cory Daise was a standout on the football team, leading the entire secondary in tackles.

“Football definitely. It is more physical, especially for someone my size. But basketball can be challenging too especially rebounding in the post.”

What is your most exciting AHS basketball memory?

“Finishing in second place during our winter break tournament in Orlando. We really came together as a team, and it was a great experience.”

What are your college plans?

“I plan to play football in college.

I was already accepted to Hampton University, and I’m sending them tapes of me playing. I might also play at Mason.”

Which coach is more difficult to play for, coachAdams or coach Hughes?

“Coach Adams, nobody compares. He demands so much out of you. Don’t get me wrong coach Hughes is also intense, but Adams is the toughest.”

What was going through your mind before you blocked the game winning field goal attempt on senior night to secure the victory?

“I was upset because I just got a pass interference penalty against me. I wasn’t going to allow them to make that kick.

I wanted to win.”

What is the definition of clutch?

“Coming up big when your team needs you the most.”

SARAH SOZIO

Cory Daise Senior What is the most challenging part of basketball season?

“We had a great game,” Hughes said. “The only negative side was that we had no chance to practice, but we adjusted on the run. [However,] the bonding and coming together [as a team] was worth it.”

Senior Sean Johnson practices his mat manuvers during wrestling practice. Johnson is the no. 1 wrestler at the 215 lb. weight class. The upper weight classes came up big for the Atoms in their most recent meet.

Johnson and heavyweight wrestler senior Noah Crowley both won all three of their individual matches in the Edison meet on Jan. 10.

The Atoms finished 2-1 in a non-district tournament against the Edison Eagles, the South Lakes Seahawks, and the Paul VI Panthers held at Edison High School on Jan. 10.

Notable individual performances from seniors Noah Crowley, heavyweight division, and Shawn Johnson, 215 weight division, contributed three victories to tack on to the Atoms’ team score. The tournament results improved the Atoms’ record to 8-4.

“We’re a solid team,”said juior Enrique Huambachano. “All we need is confidence, knowing that we can go into any match and compete to win. If we do that and turn up our intensity, we have a good chance to win districts and place high in the Northern Region.

Freshman Oscar Santos, 103 weight division, finished 2-1 with a loss to his Edison opponent, and sophomore Morgan McNeil, 125 weight division, finished with two victories and a loss to Paul VI. “I was very pleased with our performance on Saturday. Even though I didn’t place individually in the tournament, I’m hoping to work harder in practice and help contribute to the team in

upcoming tournaments,” said sophomore Stephanie Malguy, the Atoms sole female wrestler.

Overall, the Atoms’ team effort defeated both Edison and South Lakes, but was not enough to conquer a tough Panthers team.

“This year’s team is going to do really well in

“

We’re a good team. All we need is confidence and the ability to know that we can go into any match and compete.

”

—EnriqueHuambachano junior

districts. I think we are one of the best teams in the region, and we are looking forward to bigger and better things,” said senior Dan Boyd.

Tomorrow, the Atoms travel to Woodson High School to face off against the Marshall Statesmen, the Lee Lancers, and the Woodson Cavaliers in another non-district tournament. The time of the event is TBA.

Midseason report: NCAA hoops update Jared’s Jargon Today is Jan. 20, that means that there are only 44 days left until selection Sunday (March 14), and only 46 days until March Madness begins (March 16).

With these key dates approaching, the college basketball contenders are beginning to take shape. There are two major conferences which are leading the pack: the ACC and the Big East. These two conferences make up eight of the ESPN/ USA Today Top 25 (UConn, Duke, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, UNC, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Providence), with UCconn, Duke and Wake holding the top 3 spots respectively. I would not be surprised to see the Final Four this year be made up primarily of ACC and Big East teams.

These two conferences hold the defending national champion Syracuse Orangemen, and two undefeated squads in Pittsburgh (15-0) and Wake Forsest (10-0). And in my opinion, the top team in the country comes is a tie between one team from each of these conferences. First of all, the Connecticut Huskies have the best high low games in the country, with All-Americans at the point guard and center positions.

Ben Gordon and Emeka Okeafor are the cream of the crop, but have yet to be tested this year other than their one loss in the opener to who else, an ACC team, the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets.

Down Tobacco Road there are three teams vying for the ACC title, Duke, UNC, and Wake Forest, but only one will capture the crown. This year the Duke Blue Devils look much too strong to be dethroned as the kings of theACC. Chris Duhon is back for another year leading the team at the point and new com-

ers like Luol Deng have been nothing but solid for head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

The Blue Devils have not been to a Final Four since winning the national crown in 2001 and with J.J. Redick, Deng, andAllACC center Sheldon Williams averaging over ten points per game, and senior Chris Duhon dishing out 6.5 dimes per game, Duke looks primed to make a title run.

Although these two conferences are the favorites to cut the nets down in the Alamo Dome on April 5, there are many other teams which are valid contenders for this year’s crown. Out west in the Pac10, there are two contenders who will battle it out, Arizona and Stanford, ranked

Wiest’s Wisdom The NCAA season is approaching the halfway mark and conference play has set into full swing. So who are the stand out teams? What’s the best conference? And who will be the No. 1’s come tournament time?

Naturally, there’s UConn, ranked No. 1 in almost all the preseason polls.

The Huskies have just one loss thus far, coming to Georgia Tech, and they have perhaps the best guard-forward combination in the country in Ben Gordon and Emeka Okafor. But UConn is NOT the best team in the country, so who is?

You Make the Call Sports Banter

By Jared Smith and Matt Wiest three and four respectively in the polls.

Stanford, who recently beat the Wildcats on Jan. 10 82-72 in Tempe, are led by 6’8’’ All-Pac 10 guard Josh Childress, who dropped 19 in the win over ‘Zona. But don’t count on Arizona giving up anytime soon, Hassan Adams is not only leading the team in points (16.6) but also blocks per game (2.1). The sophomore forward has been the leader of the team thus far, and new starter Andre Iguodala has been the most consistent player for Lute Olsen’s cats, averaging 12.7 points, 9.3 boards, and 5.7 assists per game. The Cardinal and the Wildcats will meet one last time on Feb. 7 at Stanford.

So get ready SanAntonio, March Madness is coming, and its going to be a doozy.

Well, there are two: Duke and Wake Forest. Undoubtedly, Duke has the best starting five in the country. Deng, Duhon, Redick, and Ewing are some of the most productive players in the nation, but Shelden Williams and Shavlik Randolph lack the ability to dominate inside like some of the big forwards. And Duke lacks the depth that Wake Forest has, which could prove troubling for Duke should any of them starting five get into foul trouble.

However, the advantage that Duke has lies in the fact that they have two big men that have the potential to play tough basketball, despite that fact that they might lack the raw ability that some others have.

Wake Forest is the deepest team in the country. With experienced players from last year’s squad playing behind some of

this year’s starters, the Demon Deacon team has the formula for success. However, their success does not rest on their depth alone, as they have a starting five that can hang tough with any team in the nation.

Chris Paul, a McDonald’sAll-American and one of the top freshman in the country, provides all the necessary production in the point guard position. Averaging 13.2 points per game and 5.6 assists per game, Paul has all the tools for productivity in a point guard. Sophomore Eric Williams, who puts up 17 points with 6 boards a game, proved he was easily one of the best centers in basketball when he held nationally-acclaimed UNC center Sean May. Junior Jamal Levy, perhaps the most underrated player in the ACC, is not to be overlooked. Contributing 11 points and 9 rebounds every game, Jamal Levy has produced more than his fair share at the forward position. Guards Justin Gray and Taron Downey, both more than adequate three-point shooters, create a formidable threat from the outside for the Demon Deacon offense.

TheACCtitlewillinevitablycomedown to a matchup between the “Tobacco Road” schools, Wake Forest, Duke, or UNC. Look for the ACC Champion to make a run at the national title come March and April.

Now that we have three of the No. 1’s, who’s going to steal the final one?

If all goes well for Tubby Smith in the SEC, Kentucky could find itself sitting on top of one of the regional brackets.

However, it has a tough road ahead, with games against Vanderbilt, Florida, and perhaps toughest of all, Mississippi State. If the Wildcats continue to play up to their potential, they should find themselves with the last No. 1 spot come time for the Big Dance this March.

SPORTS

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Jan. 20, 2004

Girls clawed by Cougars

BY ERIN O’BRIEN In-Depth Editor The Atoms will have their first home gameinoveraweektonightastheytakeon the West Potomac Woverines at 7:30 p.m.

In their last game, a hard-fought battle led to the Lady Atoms 50-46 defeat at the hands of the non-disrict rival Oakton Cougars, bringing them to 7-5 overall.

“

We had a very strong first half. We started strong from the first whistle and didnt’t let up.

”

The Atoms came out strong from the get-go. Senior co-captain Becca Frece stole the ball for a fast break lay-up in the first minute, scoring the first two of her 15 points. Freshman Denay Wood hit a 3-pointer to give AHS the lead at the end of the quarter.

“We had a very strong first half,” said junior Diana Hollingsworth. “We started strong from the first whistle and didn’t let up.”

Wood shut down Oakton’s leading scorer, Jasmine Thomas, holding her to only 7 points in the first half. “She [Wood] is our best defender, and they’re also best friends, so I think that got in her head a little bit,” said Head Coach Lori Barb.

TED GIBSON

—DianaHollingsworth junior

While her team stretches, Head Coach Lori Barb discusses the previous nights’ 50-46 loss to the Oakton Cougars with standout guard Rebecca Frece watching on. It is tradition the day after for the Atoms to discuss every detail, good or bad, of the previous nightsʼ game. Not only does it help them correct their mistakes, but it also helps them become more prepared for their next match-up. The Atoms are at home tonight and will take on district rival West Potomac at 7:30 p.m.

The Atoms dug a 10-point hole in the third quarter and entered the final 8-minute period down, 35-45. “We do that a lot, we’ll have a strong first half, but then let up in the third quarter,” said Hollingsworth.

Hustle and heart allowed the girls to fight back, bringing the game within two with 1:30 remaining. Frece and Wood led the fourth quarter rally.

“We hustled a lot on both offense and defense,” said Frece.

“Unfortunately, we get fired up at the end, we wait until we get down,” said Barb. “We’re trying to figure out what we can do to fix that.”

In the game on Jan. 12, the Atoms traveled to T.C. Williams. Although battled on defense, they could not

come through with the win. Despite a great comeback, fueled by senior Angela Briggs, the Atoms lost 57-51.

The Atoms last district win came on Jan. 8 with an exciting 41-39 victory over the hated Robinson Rams.

The Atoms were down 39-37 with only seconds remaining when Freece drilled a 3-pointer off the glass to give the Atoms the lead for good. The scoring was also led by Frece who put up 21 points.

The Atoms last game, versus district rivaled Lake Braddock was occurred after press time.

Over winter break, the team traveled to San Diego and participated in the Surf and Slam Tournament. The Atoms went 2-1 placing 3rd of 6 overall.

“The first game was tough, I think we were tired and jetlagged,” said Barb. “We dug a hole first half and couldn’t get out of it, but the second and third game we really got it together.”

The girls worked hard all summer and fall to raise the $15.000 they needed to take the trip.

“The trip was the best thing for our team,” said junior Samantha Muchmore. “We went to Sea World and we all really got to know each other, it was a good bonding experience.

Senior leadership has been a key part of the team this year. “Angela is a great complement to Becca,” said Barb. “They’re the ones who get the team motivated.”

“Angela hustles more than anyone else outthere,”saidFrece.“Shekeepsusgoing.”

One-two punch,T.C. and West Pot fall Jefferson, on Dec. 19, the team suffered a tough defeat from the Colonials falling 115 to 200 for girls swim, 96 to 216 for boys swim, 10 to 19 for girls diving, and the only victory of the night, 23 to 5 for the boys dive squad. The boys team was shorthanded during this meet because junior Brian Tordella, an Olympic contender, was not able to attend because of a conflicting U.S. National meet. On the upside, many outdid their best times by 2 seconds in this meet.

In addition, McKinney scored over 200 points and qualified for regionals. “For the girls, it was our best meet,” said head coach Bruce Fisher.

After the two district wins, the team now holds a 2-2 record for boys swim, 3 to 1 for girls swim, and both dive teams stand with unblemished 4-0 marks. So far in the four meets thus far this season, the swim team has foughtsome stiff competition but gained a lot of experience overall. The next two meets for the Atoms are certainly the two toughest tests of the season. On Jan. 16 the Atoms took on district rival Lake Braddock, results occurred after press time. Also, Fri. the Atoms will take on the defending Patriot District champion Robinson Rams before starting the district tournament the week after. “The fact that the team won their last two meets gives them confidence to win against Lake Braddock and Robinson,” said head coach Bruce Fisher.

TINA DOUROUDIAN

BY AMY MATHIS Staff Writer

Junior Jason Martin swims the 100 butterfly in the Atomsʼ meet against the West Potomac Wolverines Sat. Jan. 10. The boys team improved their district record to 2-2 with the 187-121 win over the district rival. The Atomsʼ meet on Fri. Jan. 16 against rivaled Lake Braddock was too late to publish in this issue.

The Atoms experienced their first winning streak of the season as they successfully defeated district rivals West Potomac and T.C. Williams on consecutive nights. The victories against the Titans and Wolverines gave the team a boost of confidence entering the meet with their tough district rival Lake Braddock on Jan. 16, which occurred after press time.

In the meet against West Potomac on Jan. 9, the team came up with the complete sweep over the Wolverines. The girls swim team won with a score of 220 to 95, the boys swim team won 167 to 145, the boys divers won 22 to 4, and the girls divers won 27-22.

“It was exciting,” said junior diver Stephanie McKinney. “It was my first meet so that was cool because I had missed the first two meets.”

The meet the next day, the team wonby a landslide with scores of 217 to 94 for girls swim, 187 to 121 for boys swim, 23 to 3 for boy and girl divers respectively. Boy members, including senior Chung Lee, senior Jason Bracken, and sophomore Chris Sopher, and divers, such as junior Stephanie McKinney and senior Ben Orchard, performed exceptionally during these meets clinching the Atoms victory over a district opponent for the second consecutive night.

ThelastmeettheAtomshadagainstThomas

Track pushed to limit Patriot District Update About halfway into the season, the winter track team has been working hard and giving their best efforts at practices.

The team has competed in a total of three dual meets and one scrimmage, with one cancellation. Runners have been dropping their times; shot put participants have been throwing longer distances; and jumpers have been jumping farther than ever.

“With every week, we’re improving,” said freshman shot putter Theresa Pham.

Many team members seem to agree. Every one of the track coaches has been pushing the team members to the limit in practices, in order to improve performances at the upcoming meets. But many can already see that the team may suffer because of its age.

The team this year is young, made up primarily of freshmen and sophomores.

“It is a young team, but we have some very solid individual

athletes,” coach Bob Sykes said.

Some of these key young athletes includesophomoreBryanPlunkett,andfreshmen Hannah Tubb, and Alessia Ripani.

The team has come together to support each other at meets and other events, offering the opportunity to grow as individuals and as athletes.

“The track team is very positive, and we have been cheering each other on since day one,” freshman Raquel Aguirre said.

So far this season, some of AHS’s top runners have put up district-qualifying times. In the boys 1,600-meter, sophomore Ismail Ahmed has posted a time of 4:51.16 and junior Brian Burke has run a 4:52.22. On the girls side, senior captain Lauren Edwards ran a districtqualifying time of 5:35.60. For the boys 1,000-meter, junior Zach Sykes and sophomore Brian Plunkett have posted times of 2:51.76 and 2:52.10, respectively.

Overall, the team is proud of their accomplishments and look toward a great rest of the season.

As the winter sun fades, sophomore Tabatha Casalaspro, and seniors Lauren Edwards and Ayoob Jan participate in practice by jogging around the track. All three of these runners were on the cross country team in the fall.

MEGAN BERRY

BY JULIE WOLF Staff Writer

17 Atomic Athletics A wrapup of Freshman and JV Sports

Freshman Girls Basketball

“So far we have been working well together as a team, and as soon as we start executing our plays, we should win some games,” said freshman Emily Vincent.

Coaches: Nora Mahn and Gabriel Romano Key Players: Tory Clark, Emily Vincent, and Allison Bracket Record: 0-7 Next Game: Today vs. West Potomac @ 4 p.m.

Last Game: Fri. Jan. 16 @ Lake Braddock occurred after press

Freshman Boys Basketball

“I hope we go all the way this year, and right now we are 5-2. The game against Robinson will probably be tough,” said freshman Tyreece Martin.

Coaches: Tony Harper and Kevin Fox Key Players: Jeff Adgate, Robert Pearson, and Tyreece Martin Record: 5-2 Next Game: Today @ West Potomac @ 4 p.m.

Last Game: Fri. Jan. 16 vs. Lake Braddock occurred after press time

JV Girls Basketball

Our team is working really hard, and we look forward to any competition that comes our way,” said sophomore Sophia Dillon.

Coaches: Christa Long and Kennetra Wood Key Players: Sophia Dillon, Margaret Crowley, Caitlin Beckett Record: 0-5 Next Game: Today vs. West Potomac @ 5:45 p.m.

Last Game: Fri. Jan. 16 @ Lake Braddock occurred after press

JVBoys Basketball

Standings Boys basketball

Girls basketball

Hayfield

11-1 (4-0)

West Springfield

11-1 (3-0)

Lake Braddock

8-3 (3-1)

Hayfield

11-2 (3-1)

T.C. Williams

10-2 (2-1)

Robinson

7-6 (2-1)

Robinson

7-5 (2-1)

T.C. Williams

8-3 (2-1)

West Springfield

7-4 (1-2)

Lake Braddock

6-4 (1-1)

Annandale

6-7 (1-3)

Annandale

7-6 (1-4)

West Potomac

1-10 (0-4)

West Potomac

3-7 (0-4) *Updated through 1/15

Schedule Boys basketball

Girls basketball

Wrestling

Tonight - @ West Potomac 7:30

Tonight - vs West Potomac 7:30

1/21 - vs. Woodson, Marshall, Lee

1/23 - vs. Hayfield 7:30

1/23 - @ Hayfield 7:30

(@Woodson)

1/27 - @ T.C. Williams 8

1/27 - vs. T.C. Williams 8

1/23-24 - George Mason Tourna-

1/30 - @ West Springfield 7:30

1/30 - vs. West Springfield 7:30

ment

2/3 - vs. Robinson 7:30

2/3 - @ Robinson 7:30

1/31 - vs. West Springfield, T.C.

2/6 - @ J.E.B. Stuart 7:30

2/6 - vs. J.E.B. Stuart 7:30

Williams, Lake Braddock (@West

2/10 - @ Lake Braddock 7:30

2/10 - vs. Lake Braddock 7:30

Springfield)

2/13 - vs. West Potomac

2/13 - @ West Potomac

2/4 - vs. Yorktown (Pack the Pit)

2/16-19 - Districts @Lake Braddock 2/16-19 - Districts @ TBD

2/7 - vs. Falls Church, Hylton,

2/23-27 - Regionals @ Top Seed

Osborne (@Falls Church)

2/23-27 - Regionals @ Top Seed

Team Leaders

Look Ahead

Girls basketball Player

Fri. Jan. 23

No. Year PPG RPG APG Boys

11.3 6.0 3.4

Rebecca Frece

5

Sr.

Nicole Murray

42

So. 14.3 7.8 0.3

Stephanie Frece

3

Jr.

2.2

1.5 0.5

Nakia Williams

24

Jr.

8.3

4.3 0.5

Sam Muchmore

15

Jr.

3.6

3.3 0.2

Denay Wood

11

Fr.

6.8

6.0 0.4

Angela Briggs

30

Sr.

3.4

4.5 0.5

Marie Pierce

20

So. 3.2

1.5 0.6

#8

@ 11-1 (5-0)

Girls

@ 7-6 (1-3)

Boys basketball not available

6-7 (1-3)

11-2 (3-1)

Itʼs been one full month since both the boys and girls teams fell in their last meeting against the district rival Hawks. The boys team get another crack at the eigth ranked team in the Metropolitan area after falling 61-52.

The girls will try to avenge their 37-49 loss to the Hawks back on Dec. 16.

Both contests will at 7: 30 p.m.

We got off to a fast start this season, and we are looking to keep it going throughout the rest of the year,” said sophomore Michael

Coaches: James McNeill Key Players: VinnieAthey, Michael Risden, and Billy Rathbun Record: 3-4 Next Game: Today @ West Potomac @ 5:45 p.m.

Last Game: Fri. Jan. 16 vs. Lake Braddock occurred after press time

JV Wrestling

“The season is going great so far.

In our tournament last weekend we had several wrestlers get first place in the Northern Region,” said freshman Patrick Elliott.

Coaches: Keith Shoulders, Mike Scott Key Players: Patrick Elliott, Baha Awadallah, and Sam Clark Record: n/a; not scored as a team Last Meet: Sat. Jan. 17 Annandale Invitational occurred after press time Next Meet: Sat. Jan. 24 The West Po-

ENTERTAINMENT

A

18 TV keeps it real Box Office Top 5

Week of 1/12/04 - 1/16/04

1. LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING Peter Jackson’s third installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy starts Elijah Wood, Ian Mckellen Orlando Bloom and Viggio Mortensen. In this film, Men and Elves fight for the freedom of Middle Earth. (PG13, 200 mins). Cumulative Gross: $312,320,936

BY JOSEPH BURKE Staff Writer Do you find storylines of primetime dramas trite and boring? Do you think that most sitcoms are tired and dull? Are you having trouble identifying with the fictional characters on all the big networks? Would you much rather become engrossed in the lives of real, live, extraordinarily attractive people while they tackle such everyday problems as “immunity” challenges and team showdowns? It seems that millions of Americans agree with you.

Unless you’ve been spending the last four or so years watching Sanford and Son reruns on UPN 20, you have more than likely noticed an alarming trend.

This trend is reality television.

The way reality television works is simple. Producers for a potential show find normal people and put them in ridiculous situations (see Fear Factor) or they tackle the normal life of people that are just rich, famous, and made feeble by decades of enough drug use to make any situation ridiculous (see The Osbournes).

Donald Trump, from The Apprentice.

TV networks turn to reality TV

One movie to rule them all

2. BIG FISH Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Albert Finney, Jessica Lange and Ewan McGregor, Big Fish is about a man trying to learn more about who his father really is. Directed

by Tim Burton. (PG-13, 125 mins). Cumulative Gross: $23,386,775

4. COLD MOUNTAIN Starring Brendon Gleeson, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Nicole Kidman, Cold Mountain plays off the Oddysey as a soldier returns home to his wife. Directed by Anthony Minghella. (R, 155 mins). $55,340,445

Dear Abby Advice Column

By Abby Segall

5.

SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE Starring Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton and Amanda Peet, Something’s Gotta Give is a teen movie for grown-ups. It chronicles the love lives of a few adults as they are caught up in life’s foibles. Directed by Nancy Myers. (PG-13, 123 minutes. Cumulative Gross: $92,515,314 Source: New York Times

Dear Abby, There is this boy who I was friends with, and he asked me out, and I didn’t like him more than a friend. I started dating him anyway and soon after he started calling me a lot after school to tell me he loved me. I started to freak out when he told me this and did not answer him when he told me, but instead I started to laugh uncomfortably.

Then after we were dating for about a week, he began to get angry when I would hang out with other boys and to get back at me he would hang out with other girls. We broke up after four weeks of dating and have continued to be friends. The problem is now I want to date him again because I still have feelings for him. At this point do you think I should try dating him one more time or is it better to stay friends even though I still feel for him?

—Rollercoaster of love At this point in the relationship I think it would be a bold move to try to become boyfriend-girlfriend again. I am one to believe it was either meant to be or

Paris Hilton, from The Simple Life

are everywhere. And If you think that

BY CHRIS KALLANDER Staff Writer

With the success of it’s two predecessors, The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King had certain expectations placed on it; it met those expectations. From the acting to the directing to the special effects, Return was spectacular in every way.

Return of the King once again featured all the stars from Fellowship and Two Towers, including Elijah Wood as Frodo, Ian McKellen as Gandalf and heart-throb Orlando Bloom as sharp-shooting elf Legolas.

While Return of the King is rather long (200 minutes), it doesn’t drag. J.R. Tolkein’s plot is compelling enough to keep viewers engrossed even during the scenes that don’t feature epic battles to decide the Movie Review fate of Middle-Earth. Such battle scenes are common, however, as the battle of Pelannor Field and the battle Return of the at the black gate make up a large portion of the plot.

King These battles feature the coalition of men and elves versus Sauron’s forces: orcs, evil men, mountain trolls, giant elephants and siege engines pulled by rhinocGreat Acting, plot, direction eros-looking creatures. The fighting happening further and special effects made away from the camera was scripted by incredibly comthis movie a masterpeice. plicated computer AI, allowing for groups of different sizes (ranging in the thousands) to engage each other.

Several subplots also exist for the audience’s mind to toy with. From Aragorn and Arwin’s love story to Perigrin “Pippin” Took serving in Gondor’s army, watchers are sure to have as much characters and plot as they want. It is these subplots that weave together with the main storyline of the destruction of the ring and war for Middle-Earth that makes this tale so classic.

The special effects in Return are just right. Peter Jackson was focused enough to not develop Lucas syndrome, but still managed to wow the critics with fantasy.

The giant mountain trolls in Sauron’s army were as real-looking as the humans they fought against. The Naz-Gul, or Ring Wraiths and the winged creatures they rode struck fear into both heroes and audience as they served their master Sauron. And of course, the dagger Sting’s blue glow warned whenever orcs drew near.

Not even the harshest of critics could possibly deny the quality of Return of the King. The only mentionable problem with the movie is the cult fans who warn eachother against “splitting the fellowship” as they get up to get snacks.

Legolas, Gandalf and Aragorn await the coming battle.

she will marry an oafish and rude man.

Don’t think that only the top broadcast networks are the only ones offering these 30-minute chunks of reality.

MTV has begun airing the latest season of the perennial favorite The Real World and will premiere the second season of the hit series Newlyweds, that follows pop stars Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson through the hard times of new marriage, such as confusion over the correct pronunciation of “platypus” and the true identity of “Chicken of the Sea.” You can also watch Ashton Kutcher and company perform practical jokes on famous people on the show Punk’d.

As you can see, reality tv shows

Final Fantasy goes online

BY BEN BERGLUND Entertainment Editor

A

3. CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN Starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt, Cheaper by the Dozen is about a large BradyBunch-Style family fathered by Steve Martin.

Directed by Shawn Levy.

(PG, 98 mins). Cumulative Gross: $101,147,842

shows not only because they’re very popular, but also because they are cheap to make. A traditional drama or situation comedy requires a staff of actors and writers to create the stories, but with reality shows all they need are real people and a camera crew to follow them around. This may be a hyperbolic simplification, but reality shows have much lower production costs.

Start clicking through your channels and before you can say “voyeurism” you’ll come upon a reality TV show. For example, NBC ran four different reality programs in its primetime line up for the week of January 12-18, including the graphic staple Fear Factor, the beauty contestant meets Joe Schmoe program Average Joe, and two episodes of the new series The Apprentice. These constituted nearly a fifth of their primetime schedule that week. ABC also has a large supply of reality-based programs; their air waves are dominated by such modern day masterpieces as The Bachelorette, Extreme Makeover. Millions of people also tune in to ABC to watch such big stars as the girl who played Carol on Growing Pains and the host of NBA Inside Stuff duke it out in Celebrity Mole.

Rounding out the top 3 networks is CBS, birthplace of Survivor and thus arguably the father of the current craze. In addition to Survivor, this network is also responsible for bringing us Big Brother, a show accounting the stress of living under Orwellian supervision.

Perhaps the king of absurd reality TV shows is the Fox network. They brought America The Simple Life, a show in which viewers watch rich Beverly Hills socialites Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie attempt to live in a small country town. Fox airs an unscripted practical joke entitled My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé. In the show, a beautiful young woman tricks her friends and family into thinking

Jan. 20, 2004

Final Fantasy, probably one of the most renowned video game series in the industry, delves into the MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online RPG) genre with Final Fantasy XI. Despite SquareEnix’s track record as a console developer exclusively, its first attempt at the online world proves that it can make an immersing nonlinear game without sacrificing much of what made the series so popular in the first place. However, despite all the things that Final Fantasy XI did right, it still A player casts a summon-type spell to proves to be overly complicated at vanquish his opponent. times and is definitely only for those who enjoy cooperative online play.

Final Fantasy XI is an online only game and requires a fairly high end if you’re tired as playing as a certain system to run, plus a broadband con- class you can simply start another nection. It also costs $13 a month and character while keeping your previan additional dollar for every charac- ous character in reserve. This ensures ter you’ve started. The first character that the player wont needlessly spend is on the house. Since FFXI has been more money on new characters every out for nearly two years in Japan the time he/she wants to start a new one. servers are noticeably better then other Graphically FFXI easily surpasses services and the game is the competition with patched pretty frequently fantastic environGame Review some to ensure that new content ments and incredibly and bugs are constantly Final Fantasy XI detailed and well-renupdated. It’s a good thing, dered character models. too, as the steep 13 bucks The frame-rate remains a month makes FFXI the Revolutionary MMO play, surprisingly smooth even most expensive MMORPG combined with Squawhen hundreds of other reEnix’s typically great to date, not to mention characters start to fill your gameplay grants Final added character costs. screen. Unfortunately the Fantasy XI a B+ Gameplay wise, FFXI audio can be a little bland is your standard MMORat times, although it PG fair. You’ll pick a class does help to convey the battles a little (warrior, monk, thief etc.) and edit its appearance as you see fit. However, better, it ultimately feels uninspired.

While it’s definitely a game not to be what sets FFXI apart from its kind is its “job” system. For instance, if you’ve played alone, FFXI is hand over fist the played through a large portion of the best online game to date. There’s so much game as a warrior and have reached a to do that even the most jaded MMORcertain level, then you can opt to incor- PG fan can enjoy the innovative and porate another “job” into your current nonlinear gameplay that FFXI delivers.

Note: This review is for the PC character. Theoretically you can mix and match any two classes you want, version of the game. The release while still basically retaining the type for the PS2 platform is scheduof class you originally started as. Also aled to be released in the spring.

it wasn’t and the way this relationship began, if you were to attempt dating him once more, things could become potentially disastrous. “Given the somewhat alarming possessiveness he showed during your brief dating period, I would be careful about getting back into a dating relationship with him. This should be kind of a red flag about down the road this person could be increasingly controlling,” said guidance counselor Linda Wheeler. Watlington is also concerned about the way he treated you during your relationship. “He was a little controlling,” said Watlington. “I don’t know if you want to go back to that.” It seems that while you were dating him you were unsure about your feelings, which may be a sign that you were meant to just be friends. “Before you do anything, have a candid talk with him. If his response is not good, then do not dive back in,” said guidance counselor Kazue Watlington.

Dear Abby, I am not a virgin, but all of my friends are. I have not told any of them yet and a couple of days ago my best friend asked me whether I was or not. I am scared if I tell her that she will think less of me.

—Feeling like a virgin You took a large step in your life to become sexually active with another person and it is understandable that you don’t know how your friends will react to this news. “The fact that you say you are scared implies that you think she will think less of you or look down on you,” said Linda Wheeler. “Your friend will most likely not think less of you, she will probably just be curious about your experiences.” If you do not want to tell your

B+

best friend because you feel ashamed of your actions, then maybe you can learn from this experience and decide to wait until you become sexually active once more. “Often girls become sexually active and regret it after,” said Wheeler. What teenagers seemed to be confused about lately is the importance of losing one’s virginity and becoming sexually active. You Often girls become sexually have to ask yourself why you chose active and regret it after. to have sex and what led up to this decision. Kazue —Linda Wheeler guidance counselor Watlington says, “To me, lying to a best friend sounds difficult if it is a real best friend, but at the same time it is something personal and you have a right to disclose or not disclose.” Wheeler feels that maybe this is a good time to come clean and express your feelings. It might make you feel better to have a person to talk to. In most cases, a best friend will not judge you for your sexual activities, so try not to worry.

Hopefully she will be able to accept your decision.

“

”

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.

A

t

Jan. 20, 2004

ENTERTAINMENT

Tim Burton’s Big hit confronting his father after the wedding ends up not speaking to him for two years.

The story picks up with Will’s mother There’s no comparison to a well-told Sandra (Jessica Lange) summoning him story. That’s the idea that forms the prem- home from France because his father ise for director Tim Burton’s latest film, is on his deathbed. Will realizes that Big Fish. What emerges is exactly that, this could be his last chance to learn a well-told story. Fortunately for theater- the truth behind his father’s stories, goers, Burton practices his own maxim, in order to separate fact from fiction and weaves a tale through the course of and discover the man he never knew.

Ed Bloom is not the the film that leaves the sort of man to give up audience spellbound. his tale telling. Instead The title, “Big Fish” Movie Review of capitulating to his is, in fact, a metaphor Big Fish son’s wishes, he ends up for the story’s protagodelving head first into nist Edward Bloom the history of his life.

(Albert Finney and At this point, Burton’s Ewan McGregor). It flair for fantasy kicks in, also refers to a giant For an innovative story line which and the movie becomes catfish that is caught

by Bloom on the day of combines dreams and realities into one the mythic tale of one his son’s birth. At least and includes stellar performances from man’s quest for a world that can contain him. according to him that is.

Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney.

Throughout his Big Fish is the story travels, Ed encounters of one man’s tall tales, a giant, an enchanted and his undying compulsion to tell them. He replaces the bulk forest, a tiny utopia called Spectre, of his life with these fantasies, each story Alabama, conjoined twins and Danny grander than the last. His son Will (Billy DeVito. Throughout his travels though Crudup) is not amused when his father there is one constant: his uncanny steals the show at his wedding, telling the ability to master any challenge. This “story” of his son’s birth (the one where he is where the film finds its pace, and wasn’t there because he was out catching, where Burton moves in between mythic you guessed it, a big fish) to the delight of narrative and an endearing love story.

Burton, who’s known for taking a all of Will’s guests. Will sees his father as no more than a pathological liar, and after dark approach to his own tale telling, has

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Don’t make a big deal out of anything and you will find that your personal life will open up to all sorts of new possibilities.

If you are feeling under the weather take time out.

A

Ewan McGregor plays the young Edward Bloom in dream-like piece, Tim Burton s Big Fish.

The movie follows the life of an ailiing Edward Bloom, who is reknowned for his tall tales about life. His son, played by Billy Crudup, is on a quest make amends with and find out the truth about his father before he dies.

lightened up a bit, and ends up delivering a story that seamlessly blends dark and light, action and comedy, love and conflict.

Big Fish is the story of a man who loves his father, despite their numerous

conflicts. What Will comes to learn is that Ed has created a world that everyone loves, and whether it’s real or not is not important, because sometimes all people want to hear is a well-told story.

Are you listening to the year’s best albums?

Live Wire

A look back at the year’s best albums

a dysfunctional family $1 million deal with is brought to the edge DreamWorks Reof ruin and back. Hail cords. Lead singer to the Thief is more Jesse Lacy’s lyrics tuneful and melodic are what drive this than Radiohead’s past album to greatness. releases, and delivSongs such as “The ers a record which Boy Who Blocked 5. Thursday His Own Shot” - War All the Time and “Play Crack When Thursday the Sky” stray from released Full Collapse the band’s harder in 2001, no one ever roots, and deliver thought they would go acoustic tracks that on to become one of the draw tears from the biggest bands of 2003. eye. Lacey primarWar All the Time is the ily draws his lyrics product of all the band’s from a depression The two sides of Outkast on Speakcumulative talent and he suffered while erboxx/ The Love Below was the skill as musicians. finishing Entendu year s top album.

Despite the suggestive on a tight deadline. title, the album is not 4. Radiohead politically fueled, and does not stray from - Hail to the Thief Over the last decade, Radiohead has the band’s emo roots. With musical styles proved itself to be one of music’s best ranging from hardcore rhythms, to a radiokept secrets. Although the band rose in read hit and a full blown ballad, War All popularity with 2000’s Kid A, they kept the Time showed the world that the ‘sumtheir alternative rock roots and didn’t let mer of emo’ isn’t over, it’s just beginning. fame get to them. Hail to the Thief was written in the late 2002, while Britain and America were brooding over Iraq. Thom Yorke, an outspoken opponent of the war, paints an image of an Orwellian world for the listener. He even assumes the voice of Big Brother in “Sit Down, Stand Up.” The album acts as a journey into the soul. In “A Wolf at the Door,” Radiohead sings about the impossibility of escaping one’s demons and in New Jersey punk rockers Thursday surpassed the dying “A Punch-up at a Wedding” emo trend and released a stellar album this year.

Crowns: a performance worthy of kings

BY PAUL GLEASON Co-Editor In Chief While many writers strive to create pieces that “march to their beat of a different drum,” director/playwright Regina Taylor’s latest work, Crowns, is a piece that marches to the beat of just about anything that makes a sound. From the first beat to the last note,Crowns transgresses the line that divides musicals from concerts, and leaves you in awe from sheer natural talent.

The play was adapted from the book, which was written by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry, and revolves around Yolanda (Desire DuBose), who’s mother forces her to leave Brooklyn to live with family in the south after her brother was murdered. When she goes to live with her family she is lost and confused. In time, however, she discovers her roots, and in the process discovers herself and her own individuality.

The story changes focus from character to character, as each tells Yolanda of their experience. Each character is unique to themselves but are linked to one another by a single common interest: crowns (hats). The stories’theme focuses on southern African American Baptist women in essence get ready for church seven days in advance, in an effort to sport their finest hats. Yolanda, hesitant at first, begins to grow an appreciation for the tradition

and starts to understand its significance.

The relative small cast, is an exchange for quality over quantity; each performer is glowing with talent. Each member is so able that most play a number of differing roles, during the changing flashbacks, throughout the performance.

The Preacher (Steven Crowley), who is the only male cast member, gives an amazing performance, and stands out like a beacon for all actors to follow. With his remarkable ability to play a spectrum of roles, he is able go from portraying a lively middle-aged preacher to a teasing high school student, then from a senseless elderly man to a penny pinching husband.

Changing in and out of character in a few mere seconds, he is able to keep the audience convinced of each role. His powerful tenor voice balances the six female voices, each powerful in their own right.

With his tall stature and large build he is perfect for a role of this nature; he is jolly yet dominant, and he is young but old.

As outstanding as Crowley - if not more so - is musician/percussionist David Pleasant. Positioned near the audience, stage right and spotlighted, Pleasant plays as important a role as any of the actors. Balancing the traps, guitar and a harmonica, he is a one man band playing Gullah Island music, and gives the show rhythm and style. At times the acting on stage is upstaged by the energy with which Pleasant plays each instrument

HOROSCOPES Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18) Things may not be as cut and dry as you would like but if you stay in the loop and talk your way through any problems that arise things should be smooth sailing.

Lucky numbers 4. 22, 64.

BY JOSH LEWIN Videographer

in his album. His single, “Hey Ya,” was one of the year’s biggest hits and can be found on the top of many ‘Song of the Year’ lists. While some may think that the release of a split from Outkast signifies the end of their legacy, however they’ve denied all such accusations. HowMusic Review ever, if this is to be Outkast’s last album,

By John Reiss they couldn’t have left in a better way.

2. Third Eye Blind - Out of the Vein On Third Eye Blind’s third release, Out of the Vein, they band lives up to its status as one of music’s most progressive rock bands. Largely fueled by lead singer Stephan Jenkins’ break up with actress 1. Outkast - Speakerboxxx/ The Charlize Theron, the band draws from the Love Below So much musical talent can be found musical strengths of its first album, Third within the members of Outkast, Andre Eye Blind, and combines them with rock 3000 (Andre Benjamin) and Big Boi style solos and moving vocals. On tracks (Antwan Patton) that they found it hard such as “Blinded (When I See You)” the to contain their music to one CD, releas- emotional hardships of Jenkins’ life shine through, or on “Forget ing the double-CD Myself” where Jenphenomenon Speakkins repeats, “I keep erboxxx/ The Love Beon forgetting myself,” low. The rapping-duo over and over. Howseparated themselves ever, Vein is not solely in the studio for the a rock album, and album and each were brings out the band’s responsible for their talent as ballad writown CD. Big Boi’s ers with songs such Speakerboxxx most as “Anything.” Out of closely resembles the band’s breakthrough Stephan Jenkins sings loud during one of the Vein shows Third their concerts to support Out of the Vein.

Eye Blind at its peak, 2000 album, Stankoand will not leave your nia. Drawing from CD player for days. influences of funk, Boi sticks the closest 3. Brand New - Deja Entendu to traditional rap with bass-driven, upDeja Entendu, the second release tempo beats. Speakerboxxx also include many guest vocalists, such as Ludacris from Long Island’s Brand New has and Sleepy Brown on “The Way You brought the band a long way from playMove.” Comparably, Andre 3000 re- ing shows in their neighbor’s basement. defines himself by incorporating piano Named Rolling Stone’s Hot Band of the and jazz, while concentrating on singing Year, Deja Entendu led Brand New to a

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(some as random as a sporting baton).

The talent and music carries the story which, whilie well written, is trite and far from original. Although told in a unique manner, the only way to label the story about African Americans forgetting their roots is underlying plot how many African Americans are forgetting the matriarchal society in which their roots, and pride lays.

Although the story is told in a rather unique manner, stories about roots and heritage are so common that Art from the play Crowns, now at the Arena Stage Theater the only way to ten so only those familiar with the culture label Crowns is: garden variety. would understand. The story loses its The target audience is most definitely value to those unfamiliar with the culture of an older age-elderly African American and have not lived in a time of oppression.

Despite the tepid story, the muwomen who dress up and wear their own sic, talent, performance, and overfavorite crown, of course. The message is about 20 years late and the jokes are writ- all experience are unforgettable.

Aries (March 21- April 19) You will be on edge today.

Stay occupied and refrain from taking your frustrations out on the ones you love. You need a purpose today, so figure out what you can accomplish.

Taurus (April 30-May 20) You’ll be on a roll today and should be able to finish what you start. Creative ideas will result in all sorts of interesting projects.

Love is apparent, so if you are single get out and mingle Gemini (May 21-June 21) You may end up in an argument with someone you live with if you are too candid about the way you feel. Push any talks back until late in the day if you want to get good results.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) You will discover all sorts of interesting information that will help you in the future. Your excellent memory will enable you to put an end to any sort of hearsay that is filtering through your circle of friends.

Leo (July 22-August 22) Learn from your experiences especially where money matters were concerned. You can make a difference to your financial future if you follow a direction that you haven’t before.

Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22) You will be thinking big today but that doesn’t mean that you should overdo it in any way shape or form. A partnership could turn sour if you refuse to compromise.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Challenge will be the theme for the day but if you are swift to make your move and you can stop procrastinating you shall overcome.

Moneymaking deals will be on the table.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Your receptive attitude towards people who interest you could turn out to be more than just a passing fancy.

Relationships will develop into something very passionate.

Sagittarius (Nov. 2-Dec. 21) You may have to watch what you say today. Embellishing information will lead to more trouble than what it’s worth.

You must stick to the truth or keep your thoughts to yourself.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Get a grip on what it is you are trying to do and push it through as early in the day as possible. Disagreements will escalate quickly later in the day. Travel down the information highway.

WEEKEND

20

Jan. 20, 2004

The Enola Gay Controversy Recently, the NationalAir and Space Museum completed the restoration of the Enola Gay at Udvar-Hazy Center, the museum’s new companion facility near Dulles Airport. The complete restoration of the plane took about 20 years and over 300,000 hours of labor.

The Enola Gay is best known as the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945, prompting Japan’s surrender and the ending of the war in the Pacific. It was also a cargo plane of sorts, as it could carry much more weight than others, transporting supplies and bombs to the Allied troops overseas.

Since 1994 when the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum drafted an exhibit entitled, “The Crossroads: The End of World War II, the Atomic Bomb and the Cold War,” a controversy has risen over how history should represent dropping an atomic bomb.

“Whether your opinion is that the Enola Gay was destructive or helpful it is still an important in American history,” said junior Andrew Molchanny.

There are strong differences of opinion on the topic, posing the general question of whether the exhibit should make veterans feel good or make visitors think about the consequences of war.

“I think it should be displayed because it is an important piece of history,” said junior Diana Hollingsworth.

After about ten months of being open and withstanding continuous controversy, the Smithsonian gave in to pressure by canceling the original exhibit and replacing it with one less controversial. The act was duly scorned and praised. The controversy over the proposed Smithsonian exhibit put “history on trial” and continues to be a deeply intense argument among those involved.

New Dulles Air & Space Museum is open

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY PAUL GLEASON

LAURA JOHNSON

Driving Directions:

Hundreds of planes land at Dulles InternationalAirport every day, but recently an influx of historical spaceships and planes have landed, most of them in pieces.

The new Steven Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum opened on Dec. 15. The new site is located across the field from DullesAirport, and 28 miles from the originalAir and Space Museum’s flagship building in Washington D.C. on the mall.

Steven Udvar-Hazy donated $65 million to help build and furnish the new Air and Space Museum. He is the CEO of International Lease Finance Corp.

The museum had a train station architecture in its spacious circular ceilings and covers 760,000 square feet.

The overpowering structure emphasizes the importance of the elevated aircrafts.

Walking in the front door, visiters are greeted by the overwhelming sight of the SR-71Blackbird,agreatintroductiontothe aeronautical wonders of the past and present on display at the Udvar-Hazy center.

The museum is separated into two different hangars, the aviation hangar and the space hangar which includes the space shuttle Enterprise. The bulk of the aircrafts are in the aviation hangar, and it contains ten different exhibits, which highlight the peak points of flight.

One of the most apparent features of the new center is clearly visible from the outside. The Donald D. Engen Observation Tower is suspended 164 feet in the air, and visitors can have a bird’s eye view of Dulles International Airport’s takeoffs and landings.

The museum features 80 historic aircrafts and 65 large space artifacts.

One out of the ten exhibits is the Commercial Aviation section, and it features the Boeing 367-80 which was the first successful commercial jet. The Boeing 367-80 first took flight on July 15,1954, and this brown and yellow aircraft served as the prototype for the 707 jet.

Another exhibit is the Business Aviation and it contains the famous Air

France jet, the Concorde. It was also flown by BritishAirways and holds the title of being the fastest and only Western supersonic jet to fly for commercial purposes.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the fastest jet in the world, and is featured in the Korea and Vietnam exhibit.

When entering the museum, it is the first attraction to be seen, with its nose pointed straight toward the front doors.

The Blackbird was developed during the Cold War era, and first flown during the Vietnam War. Its maximum speed tops 2,200 miles per hour.

Also featured is the shuttle This aerial shot of the new Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum shows the many levels and Enterprise, which is located angles at which the planes are displayed. directly behind the SR-71 in the James S. McDonnell Sapce a screen. The rider is then subjected culture and their effects on the world, Hangar. The Enterprise never made a trip to an interactive voyage into space. as opposed to the aircrafts themselves. to space, but was the prototype for many The museum also has an IMAX Passengers visit the International of the recent shuttles and performed Space center, which is a collaborated Theater which shows high adventure, many tests to see how other shuttles effort by more than 16 countries and exhilarating movies on large-format would fare against certain conditions. is set to be completed in the near screens. Admission to the films is $8 for The most famous aircraft present future. The ride is very educa- adults, and $6.50 for children and seniors. at the Udvar-Hazy Center, though, is Currently, the IMAX theater at the tional, but short and a bit cramped. the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola After waiting in line for a short Udvar- Hazy center is showing films such Gay, which dropped the first atomic period of time , each passenger as “Straight Up! Helicopters in Action.” bomb on Hiroshima in World War II. The museum offers 90 minute tours receives a complementary pair The Enola Gay is in one piece for the of 3-D glasses for their ride. twice a day, but there are also perfirst time in 40 years. Many people In addition to fighter planes sonal media tours throughout the day. think that showcasing an aircraft that There is a subway sandwich shop and spacecrafts, the museum also caused so much death and pain is a explores the other elements of air located at the far end of the main misrepresentation of the United States travel, including hot- air balloons. museum chamber, and the gift shop and promotes war and violence. Take a Artifacts from the 18th Centu- near the entrance/ exit sells “space look at the sidebar to read more informary are on display in the museum, food,” or freeze-dried food in addition to tion about the Enola Gay controversy. ranging fom teapots to furniture memorabilia, books, and videos about There are many mankind’s journeys through the sky. embroidered interactive aspects to Parking is available for the steep with images the museum, one dipicting the price of $12 per car, but admission is of the most interfirst pas- free, as with all Smithsonian museums. esting being the Round trip shuttles are provided besenger balFlight Simulator. loon, which tween the two museums for $7 as well.

The ride costs The museum is open daily (except took flight $6 per person, and in 1783. Not December 25) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. lasts about eight YoucanvisittheNationalAirandSpace particularly minutes. The chamber scientific in Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center’s website holds about 16 people nature, these at www.nasm.si.edu/visit/udvarhazy/ per ride, and the front objects tell hiswall is covered with tory through LAURA JOHNSON

BY LAURA JOHNSON AND ELIZABETH NOWROUZ Weekend Editors

Upcoming Concerts JANUARY 25 3 Doors Down @ DAR Constitution Hall, starting at 7:30 p.m.

JANUARY 29 Anti-Flag with Rise Against, Against Me, None More Black, New Mexican Disaster @ 930 Club starting at 7 p.m.

JANUARY 30 O.A.R. and Robert Randolph @ DAR Constitution Hall starting at 7:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 7 Enrique Iglesias @ DAR Constitution Hall starting at 8 p.m.

FEBRUARY 8 MxPx and Simple Plan, with Sugarcult @ 930 Club starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Air France Concorde, the fastest commercial jet ever to fly, is on display in its entirety.

Chipotle serves up style and freshness NOVA Nibbles Restaurant guide

By Elizabeth Nowrouz and Laura Johnson Simplicity. This could very well be the mantra of Chipotle Mexican Grille.Almost everything you see and experience has an air of simplicity to it, from the dining area to the menu. But simplicity is not to be confused with mediocrity.

Chipotle prides itself on its simple but quality selection and atmosphere, and rightly so. With a modernesque feel to its architecture, and the front counter has a glass cover, a la Subway, so that customers can pick their own ingredients. A handful of southern-inspired artwork is on display, including a hand-carved Mexican dragon.

An ode to simplicity in itself, the, menu has only four meal options, burritos, fajita burritos, burrito bols and tacos. Afajita burrito substitutes vegetables in place of beans, and a burrito bol is a burrito in a bowl instead of wrapped in a flour tortilla. The menu has an option to substitute rice with romaine lettuce, creating a salad. Each of the items comes with a choice of meat, beans, vegetables and rice.

And that brings us to the ingredients. Chipotle offers a plethora of fresh ingredients, ranging from romaine lettuce to grilled vegetables. Four different kinds of salsas are offered, from quite mild to knock-your-socks-off spicy.

All cooked with care and prepared fresh to order, the salsa, guacamole and beans are a way for each customer to

add their own individual taste to their meal. Adelicious cilantro- lime rice is offered, which is included in all burritos, fajita burritos and burrito bols. Marinated chicken, steak and shredded beef are available for inclusion in meals.

Also offered is Carnita, a Chipotle specialty. The pork is specially seasoned and braised for hours fo the perfect taste. Chipotle maintains close contact with its farmers, and have very explicit demands for the raising and diet of their livestock for maximum quality.

In the line of refreshments, Chipotle has fountain sodas, bottled juices, domestic and imported beers and margaritas. The modernesque image of the Chipotle in Fairfax adds to the originality of their If you are not a fan of appearance and service, not to mention their fabulous and fresh Mexican food. burritos or tacos, then Chipotle is definitely not the place if you like quality burritos and tacos, yours will be too. for you. It can be difficult to please everyone if you are Owned by Mcdonald’s Chipotle is quickly in a big group, but the food is all well- made and tasty. making a name for itself and many resWith prices under $6 for most meal items, taurants are popping up all over the area. the cost at Chipotle is qutie reasonable. The burThere are multiple Chipotle locations in the Metro ritos and tacos are about $5, the appetizers be- area including Northern Virginia, D.C., and Old Towne tween $1 and $3, and the beverages all under $3. Alexandria. The one we visited was in Fairfax, within The selection at Chipotle Mexican Grille leaves some the Fair Lakes shopping center on Grand Commons to be desired, but what is offered is quite impressive. Avenue. Their phone number is (703)- 222-7344. They Our experience at Chipotle was quite satisfying, and can be reached on the Internet at www.chipotle.com.

ELIZABETH NOWROUZ

MAP FROM NASM.SI.EDU/VISIT/DIRECTIONS

This WWII P-40 Warhawk nicknamed “Lopeʼs Hope” and reached its peak soaring the skies over China. Underneath it is the famous Lockheed Blackbird Sr-71, the fastest jet in the world.

LAURA JOHNSON

ELIZABETH NOWROUZ

From I-66 West, take Route 28 North (Exit 53B). Follow Route 28 for approximately 5 miles and follow the signs to the Udvar-Hazy Center.