Issue10

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Scattered Showers

Hamburger on Bun Cheeseburger on Bun Macaroni and Cheese Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Yogurt w/Pretzel

Today’s Flex This Day in History 1513— Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León sights Florida 1980— Mount St Helens becomes active after 123 years 1997— 39 Hale-Bop cult members commit suicide

NEWS BRIEFS 2007 Atoms 5K Run/Walk

The annualAtoms 5K Run/Walk will be held this year on May 12. The race will begin in front of AHS, on Four Year Run, at 8:30 a.m. The race course is identical to last year, winding through the neighborhood around AHS and ending on the track, This year, participants of the race will receive T-shirts.Additionally, all people who register for the race will be entered to win random prizes. Refreshments will avaliable upon completion of the race.

Trophies will be given to the top three men and the top three women who finish with the fastest times. In addition, there will be trophies for the first male and female AHS student. There will also be medals for the first and second male and female finisher in each age group.

The prices this year will be the same as they have been for the past three years. the cost is $18 for participants who register prior to April 30, and $20 thereafter. There is a reduced rate of $12 for current AHS students. All money raised will be benefit the AHS athletic programs and college scholarships.

The race is sponsored by Jim and Sheila Connor. The Connor’s are parents of former AHS students and members of the Annandale community.

To register for the race, go to www.annnandaleatoms.com and follow the instructions given on the website. Contact Steve Price (SPrice@washgas.com) or Jim Connor (jconnor3@cox.net) for additional information.

Snow make-up day to be held on Friday

Friday, March 30, which was originally scheduled to be the first day of spring break, will now be a school day. Because of all the the snow days which occured this year, Friday will be used to make up for the days which were missed.Additionally, Friday will be a white day, with the flex R1/W8. All students are expected to attend school.

Unsure 12%

Not a problem 15%

Not too serious 24%

Somewhat serious

How serious of a problem is global warming?

36%

With new games on the market like Xbox and Wii, computer games have almost completely lost their appeal.

‘A taste of Spanish culture’

BY EBONY CHAMBERS Staff Writer

Tues., March 27— W6/R3

Very serious

Baseball and hockey begin to fade from the athletic spotlight.

First event held by Spanish Honor Society helps to educate students on Hispanic culture

Today’s Lunch

13%

18

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

This survey was distributed on March 22 during B, C and D lunch. Of 500 surveys distributed, 427 were completed and returned for inclusion in this graph.

The Spanish Honor Society hosted “ATaste of Spanish Culture” yesterday in the cafeteria. This was a free event which was held to help people better appreciate and understand the Hispanic culture.

There was food, music, dancing, games, and fun.

“We want people to be more connected to one another through having fun,” said senior Michelle Tran, president of the Spanish Honor Society.

‘A Taste of Spanish Culture” was an original idea of the Spanish Honor Society Students inspired by ‘Taste of Arabia’ that the Arabic students held a few months ago. It is a way to expand the minds of students and open them up to a culture that they might not know much about.

“Each member signed up to do a different job. Then on the day everyone did their part. Some members cooked and others “Hispanic culture” continued on page 5

EBONY CHAMBERS

Low: 46

15

GOING, GOING, GONE!

Spanish Honor Society members set out food before the event. “A Taste of Spanish Culture was held to help people better appreciate the Hispanic culture through food, music, dancing, games, and fun. “We want people to be more connected to one another through having fun,” said senior Spanish Honor Society President Michelle Tran.

Tournament frenzy at AHS

Senior wins scholarship Outstanding character helps senior enter Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame

Students and faculty participate in March madness pools by filling out brackets

BY ALYSSA NAVARRETE Co-Editor in Chief “I never ever, ever would have thought he would still be with the football program. I never thought he would be in this position, I never thought he would have this kind of character, not in a million years,” said assistant director of student activities Richard Adams. “He is a tremendous role model.”

This year, senior Antwaun Broxton was inducted into the Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame. This accomplishment is not only noteworthy, but it also awards a financial scholarship to Broxton.

“The scholarship is for me showing my leadership and playing well out on the field,” said Broxton. “You need grades [for this scholarship] but I got over that, I guess I mostly got it because I played well.”

To qualify for this scholarship good grades, strong leadership and significant athletic ability are needed.

According to Adams, Broxton excelled in all areas except inside the classroom.

“This award, the Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame, gives out four scholarships a year. Those are totally based on being a great person and a super student,” “Broxton” continued on page 5

BY CHARLIE WINTERS Staff Writer

Assistant Director of Student Services Richard Adams and senior Antwaun Broxton accpet Broxtonʼs scholarship check from the Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame.

The Big Dance,” “March Madness,” “The House,” “The only tourney that matters,” and many other names refer to the consummate collegiate sports championship event: The NCAA Basketball National Championship Tournament.

The NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship Tournament is a single elimination tournament held every March, in which sixty five teams battle for three weeks to be the final victor.

The teams are chosen by their status in their own conference tournaments, and a special ten-person selection committee appointed by the NCAA, made up of athletic directors and conference commissioners throughout Division I men’s and women’s basketball. On selection Sunday, which fell on March 11 this year, the NCAA College basketball tournament participants were announced, placed and seeded accordingly. Both CBS and ESPN covered the selections for the men’s tournament live. Selection Sunday also marks the date in which millions of fans start to fill out their tournament brackets.

“Brackets” continued on page 5

Annual spring musical cancelled The Music Man to be replaced with Story Theater

BY KRISTA SILANO Managing Editor This year’s annual spring musical, The Music Man, by Meredith Wilson, scheduled for April 19 through 21, was canceled on Tuesday, March 20, at the end of an after-school rehearsal. Participants began rehearsing for the musical in late February, under the direction of Drama teacher Vicki Farish with seniors Nicole Swiger and Lauren Cordova and junior Ella Quimby as stage managers.

Farish explained that she “chose the wrong musical for numbers,” and that while the talent for the musical was there, the students participating were involved in too many other activities which made it hard to get things done.

Additionally, she stated that there was not “the right range of voices” needed for the musical. “In my 29 years as director, I have never had to do this,” she said.

Farish does not, however, look at the cancellation of The Music Man in a negative way and instead sees it as a learning experience.

“It’s important for students to know Farish that not everything is going to be a success in your life and you have to deal with your difficulties,” said Farish. “When something does not go the way you planned, you dust yourself off and see what you can accomplish.”

In fact, this is just what the drama department has done. Immediately after the musical was canceled, plans for a new production were made. The department will now present Story Theater by Paul Sills on May 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Story Theater is a series of stories from Aesop’s’Fables and Grimm Brothers’fairytales with a twist and many students who were cast in The Music Man have decided to participate.

“Musical” continued on page 5

EMILY SAMPLE

High: 65

9

Students design their Myspace pages to match their personal tastes.

Islam wrongly viewed as religion of terror by the public

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TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007

WEB PAGE PERSONALITIES

MISCONCEPTIONS DISPELLED

Today’s Weather

700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

COURTESY OF RICHARD ADAMS

VOLUME #52 ISSUE 10

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Annual AHStival guitar concert held

Senior Colin Webb performs during the guitar concert. Webb was one of 12 acts which were performed during the show. There were 128 tickets sold for the event. This generated about $256 for the Guitar Club. Money will be put towards new instruments.

EDITORIALS

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March 27, 2007

Terrorism now on wheels

Cell phone use addressed

WWW.IMAGES.BUSINESSWEEK.COM

The Virginia General Assembly recently passed a law saying that teens who talk on cell phones while driving can be cited for that as a second offense. Yet, for some reason, the limit stops at age 18. Are adults somehow more adept at multitasking while driving?

The sad truth is that while I am driving around and I see someone making a dumb maneuver, I make sure to catch a quick glimpse. The results are remarkably consistent: nine times out of ten, the driver making the error was talking on a cell phone.

While cell phones were developed, we never as a society stopped to think about appropriate times to use and not use them. We concluded that as long as they left another hand open for driving, they were fine. The simple truth is that you cannot have your attention focused on two complex tasks as driving and speaking at the same time.

To you mavericks out there who insist you, in fact, can, then go ahead and play with fate. The odds are against you, as study after study has shown. The move by the General Assembly was a good first step, but they must extend it to all drivers to be the most effective. Trust me —that call really can wait.

—Tim Yuskavage Copy Editor

Grey’s Anatomy disgraces professional medicine I am so tired of all my friends saying how great Grey’s Anatomy is. The people who like that show are the kinds who go from show to show, enjoying whichever one is more “hip” at the time. Just two years ago, Grey’s fans were worshipping Desperate Housewives, and now have switched loyalties just like that.

Instead of wasting time on the same old network TV, perhaps viewers should watch something more engaging, like the History Channel, or PBS or even perhaps read a book! I can assure you that Henry Gray would be rolling over in his grave if he knew that the title of his book, Gray’s Anatomy (a high quality medical book) was slandered by being attached with such a horrible show.

—Emmanuel Goldstein Special to The A-Blast

Issue 9, March 7 corrections

The FBI released a statement on March 16 that sent chills through the parents of all school-children: suspected terrorists from extremist groups have been signing up to be school bus drivers. They did not specify when or how this terrorist plot was to unfold. The FBI then released another statement: “Parents and children have nothing to fear.”

Nothing to fear? A mother’s beloved child boards a school bus that might be driven by a terrorist, and the FBI says there is nothing to fear? Are we supposed to feel safe on our school busses now?

“There are no threats, no plots, and no history leading us to believe there is any reason for concern,” said FBI Special Agent Rich Kolko. A memo that was sent between the Homeland Security Department and the FBI read “[the FBI] has no information indicating these individuals are involved in a terrorist plot against the homeland. Most attempts by foreign nationals in the United States to acquire school bus licenses to drive them are legitimate.”

Sounds like there is, in fact, nothing to fear. So why release a statement saying our school busses are dangerous, only to be hypocritical and claim that they are safe and that no such threats exist? The FBI and Homeland Security Department need to stop putting fear in American’s hearts.

Ever since the horrid September 11 attacks took place, the government has instilled fear in the citizens of this country. These allegations of terrorist school busses are the perfect example.

On behalf of the FBI, Kolko stated that the information was merely released as an educational tool to help local police identify and respond to suspicious activity. He said this on behalf of the FBI, even though he said “there are no threats…[or any] history leading us to believe there is any reason for concern.”

If there is no reason for concern, then on what basis did the FBI come to the assumption that dangerous terrorists are driving our nation’s school busses? Should the FBI also warn us that terrorists might be infiltrating our bakeries, pubs and barber shops?

If the FBI has no evidence that threats among school bus drivers ever existed, then why make such accusations? In this country, where we are innocent until proven guilty, false allegations must not be made by a top government agency.

Not only are these statements ridiculous on the political level, they are also a strain on a personal level. Parents will now be worried sick sending their kids on the school bus. They will now want a phone call from their students letting them know that they reached school safely. But schools do not allow students to make calls on their cell phones; so the parents will be worried until the child The FBI has reason to believe insurgents are becoming public comes home at the end school bus drivers, but say parents have “nothing to fear.” of the day.

With the way that the media blows things out of proportion, I would not be surprised to see traffic double on Four Year Run throughout the week with more students getting rides from their parents.

Why must the government insist on keeping its citizens on their toes, wondering when the next attack will happen? This anxiety that is fed to us by the people in charge is definitely detrimental to one’s psychological stress.

On the other hand, it is in fact crucial for us to know about terrorist attacks before they happen. But, according to the FBI, we “have nothing to fear.” So why release this frightening information to the general public?

The FBI needs to stop this high school gossip and false rumors. There are more important things to worry about in the world today than bootleg terrorists driving our busses.

WWW.SPIWAKS7.PHOTOSITE.COM

BY LAITH ABU-TALEB Staff Writer

author’s e-mail: laith.abu-taleb@thea-blast.org

Islam misconceived by media

BY WALIHA GANI Internationals Editor Assalam Alaikum —peace be with you —ladies and gentlemen. Here is the question of the day: When you hear the word “Muslim” or “Islam,” what images pop into your mind? A man with a thick, husky beard, eyes filled with venom, and armed with a heavy loaded gun, in a position to shoot? Or perhaps you instantly visualize a child living under oppressive and stringent rules. If your answer equates with any of these commonly known misconceptions named about Islam, then you happen to belong to the majority of the American population who is widely misunderstood by the factual teachings of this religion.

Ever since the tragic events of 9/11, the teachings of Islam and its followers have been utterly tarnished. As March 19 marked the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War, these and many more false myths have only proliferated around the Western world. Former Muslim Hirsi Ali, a Dutch feminist and author of the novel Infidel, a book mocking the Islamic teachings, has arrived in Washington after years with the Dutch parliament to share her malevolent views on Islam.

After reading up on Ali and how she is highly esteemed by many Westerners for her false interpretations of Islam, it truly saddens me to know that the religion that has taught me about faith and possessing high morals and values is now poorly misunderstood today by so many as preaching violence and spurring hate. I hope that by the end of this article, you will have gained some new understanding about Islam.

While the insurgency in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan increases, most Westerners associate Islam to be a religion of terror.A“jihad” in Islam is not just a holy struggle as many think it to be, but a struggle that one faces against himself when fighting against one’s worldly desires.

While most misconceptions develop from how the media portrays the religion (by only focusing on one small group of extremists Muslims), some misinterpretations are a result of the Muslim community themselves. Hirsi calls Islam “a culture that that has been outlived.” Islam is a religion, not a culture. Many Westerners wonder, “Why are women given an inferior place in society?” This superficial interpretation of Islam only touches upon how this religion is sometimes mixed with culture —how people take the religion and twist it with their own beliefs that stem from one’s culture, when people become oblivious to draw a distinct line between culture and religion.

Islam says a woman’s marriage should be compatible with her consent, that the woman has a right to have a clear say in the marriage, but the culture might say that it is preferable for a woman to be forced to marry at the will of her parents.

Born in Pakistan, I have grown up on the basic teachings of Islam. It is not complicated or “too hard and strict” to follow, as many of my non-Muslim friends say. It’s not just about how many times a day I pray or how many verses of the Quran (the Muslim holy book) I can memorize - it’s about faith, personality, and about clearly understanding what the Quran is saying, and how I can become a better person through its teachings.

Islam does not preach violence. It does not teach women

MAking the GrAde

Twenty-seven cents for a gallon of gas

A B D

On page 14, Tyson Seslay’s name is misspelled in the rail.

F

A gallon of gas sold for $.27 at a gas station in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The radical price adjustment was caused by a computer glitch, but word spread quickly as the news of the world’s cheapest gas station was disseminated on local radio stations such as 93X. The glitch was reported by a police officer when he noticed a line protruding from the gas station.

Half ton squid to be microwaved A gigantic squid, believe to be the largest ever caught, was caught in a net in the Ross Sea off of Antarctica. The only problem that researchers have with the 1,089 pound, 33-foot long, squid is that it is still frozen, on the inside at least. To defrost the squid naturally by leaving it outside could take days, which is enough time to rot the outer core of the squid. Scientist are now looking at alternative methods including an industrial microwave to melt the frozen beast from the inside out.

Toddler found high on cocaine An 18-24 month unidentified toddler was hospitalized for cocaine abuse. The toddler, who attended Promise Land Preschool at First Baptist Church of Mandarin, had a loss of appetite and was uneasy on her feet. The drugs were not connected to the church and the toddler’s parents had no trace of cocaine in their systems. Promise Land director Maxine Williams stated that the preschool would remain open. The toddler is expected to make a full recovery.

BBQ KC mouster-piece chips An eighth grader in Colorado stood in line in the cafeteria and purchased a bag of Frito-Lay barbeque chips. The Lewis-Palmer Middle School student opened his bag of salted potato skins to find someone, or rather something, had gotten there first. A mouse had chewed its way through the bag and died in a grave of spice and tang.

Lewis-Palmer Middle School has removed all chips from its vending machines temporarily.

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to be treated like working animals, or any other myth you might have heard. The underlying message of every word in the verses of the Quran says the exact same meaning over and over: “Follow the right path of life, simple of living, commit righteous deeds, and you will live a peaceful, pacific life.”

Religion is what you make it. To me, the core of many religions, whether it is Hinduism, Daoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism or Islam, lies in teaching about faith, morals, and values. It is not about which God you and I believe in, or who Jesus was or when he was born.

It is about faith and following the right path in life. However, people have come to only focus on where religions differ; creating discrepancies, misunderstandings and hate against each other.

The clash that Samuel Huntington has predicted between the East and West is inevitable if today’s youth and the generations after continue to be misinformed about this religion. Just like the extremists who capture more attention out of the rest of the Muslim community worldwide, Hirsi and her false teachings are bound to spread among Westerners, creating more misunderstandings about this religion. Do not fall into the trap of myths, what the media shows, or even what others, not familiar with Islam, profess about this religion. Do your own research. Talk to someone who knows.

For questions, clarifications, or any interest in the teachings of Islam, an excellent website to visit is www.islamhelpline.com author’s e-mail: waliha.gani@thea-blast.org

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

Vol. 53 No. 10 March 27, 2007

Editors in Chief, Print: Alyssa Navarrete David Sherman Editor in Chief, Online: Erick Vu

(703)642-4229 email: thea-blast@thea-blast.org fax: (703)642-4299

Photography Editor:

Margaret Crowley Julianne Simpson Sports Editors: Avery Adcock Greg Rosenstein

Managing Editor: Krista Silano Copy Editor: Tim Yuskavage Online Editor: Bryan Krzywicki Design Editor: Kevin Leach

Sports Xtra Editors: Jeff Dean Matt Johnson In-Depth Editors: Paul Mathis Chrissy Osipchak Graphics Editor: Adam Kasdorf Weekend Editors: Kate McCormack Circulation Manager: Kyle Knoche Tim Shadyac Online Staff: Saman Janparvar Amy Steinbuechler Ad Manager: Amy Stevens Marisa Tordella Academics Editors: Michael Craig Matt Camilli Cason Kynes CJ Sidener Taylor Hobson Emily Vincent Videographers/Editors: Gus Nielson Spanish Consultant: Antonio Rivadinera Drew Wildes Staff Writers/Photographers: Ben Hendrickson Bud Ireland, Daniel Fishman, Arts Editors: Lyndsay Jacobs Rachael Burnett, Ebony Chambers, Charlie Laura Simpson Winters, Lucas Higgins, Lea Nicherson, International Editors: Vanessa Cerro Meredith Rutherford, Julie Tumasz Waliha Gani Brandon Williams, Greg Young, Nathalie Editorials Editors: Shriya Adhikary Cladera Carrera, Claire Bui, Nicole Swiger, Mohamad Elbarasse Aya Saed, Caroline Merz, Cristian Roldan, Laith Abu-Taleb, Amina Mohamed Entertainment: Layluma Hotaki Adviser: Alan Weintraut Jenny Jacobs Health Editors: Becca Grimsley Sarah Waiter Trophy Class News Editors: Michelle Risse Pacemaker Virginia High CSPA Emily Sample National Scholastic School Silver Crown People Editors: Julie Baker Press Association 2005-2006 2004-2005 Lindsey Downen 2005-2006 The A-Blast is an award winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community. Published every three weeks, The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day, or invades an individual’s right to privacy. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion that is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2007.

EDITORIALS

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March 27, 2007

Bong hits for everyone Mindset Opinion

By Mohamad Elbarasse “Bong hits 4 Jesus.” This meaningless phrase has sparked uproar in the Alaskan capital of Juneau. Or at least it did in Jan. 2002 when the Winter Olympics Torch Relay passed by Juneau-Douglas High School, and a group of rambunctious, limelight-hungry students hoisted a banner with the nonsensical phrase “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” blazoned in duct tape.

The main culprit, Joseph Frederick, 18, had skipped school that day, perhaps to construct the 14-foot banner.

But his schoolmates were with him to hold up the banner because the principal, Deborah Morse, had allowed the students to leave early to view the torch relay.

Upon viewing the banner, Morse reacted angrily and authoritatively, quickly seizing it and suspending Frederick initially for five days for supposedly violating the school’s anti-drug policy. But his punishment was later upped to ten days when Frederick refused to name his accomplices.

But here is the catch: Frederick wasn’t on school grounds and he did not attend school that day. So what authority does the principal have over a student outside of school?

A creative ploy to get on television has turned into a full-fledged, Supreme Court case fight for the freedom of speech. Frederick filed suit against the principal and

WWW.WIKIPEDIA.COM

Mo’s

has appealed his case all the way to the Supreme Court.

This is a clear violation of freedom of speech. The student was not on school property and had not attended school that day. The principal, in no way, shape, or form, had the authority to tell him to take down the banner – let alone suspend him.

In the Supreme Court case of Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, a group of students wore black armbands with peace signs on them to school in order to protest the war in Vietnam. When the school board caught wind of the protest, they banned all armbands from schools under their jurisdiction. And so the case of Tinker v. Des Moines was born. In the end, the court ruled that public schools had to Joseph Frederick, 18, has appealed a case against the principal of Juneauprove that the symbols were disrup- Douglas High School for displaying the “Bong hits 4 Jesus” banner pictured above. tive, which they failed to do. phrase that Frederick read off of a bumper sticker on a It is no one’s place to tread upon our rights as citizens; skateboard and thought it would attract attention. Boy, no one can make us do anything we do not want to do, did he get more than bargained for. theoretically. Our freedom of speech is limited to reasonFreedom of speech is one of the most fundamental able bounds such as obscenity, slander, libel and evidence First Amendment rights guaranteed to all citizens of of clear and present danger. However, I do not want to the United States. Unless whatever is said is profane live in a world where people can extend their authority or threatening, your rights remain protected. Join me when they find it convenient. in celebrating our rights. Bong hits for Jesus – hell, bong And honestly, cases such as this have been heard over hits for everyone. and over. Is it really necessary to waste the valuable time of the Supreme Court Justices on such a juvenile case? I will say it again; the United States government needs to author’s e-mail: mohamad.elbarasse@thea-blast.org prioritize all of its engagements.

What does “Bong hits 4 Jesus” even mean, you ask?

You would be quite shocked if you knew. Are you ready to find out? It means nothing, absolutely nothing. It is a

Government owns climate?

Expert scientists estimate that in some 50 years, the world as we know it will cease to exist as many of the coastal lands around the world will have sunk into the ocean. The issue? Global warming. The culprit? You, me and every Opinion human being that inhabits

By Shriya Adhikary the earth.

But the rising water levels will be just one of the many catastrophic problems we will have to deal with in the looming future. Surprised to find this out so suddenly?

Well you would not have been so greatly surprised if the government had not been withholding and editing vital information about government climate reports from you. As far as the current reports show, the Bush administration has been editing climate reports released to the public as far back as 2001.

To add insult to injury, the man responsible, White House official Philip A. Cooney, made edits and recommendations with what he personally believed to be the most authoritative and current views about the issues. Cooney does not have any scientific background that qualified him to make these judgments. The edits he made were intended to lessen and downplay the human effect and role on global warming, and sought to alter evidence that correctly proved such a role. Cooney admitted at a March 19 House hearing that he had made these changes to coincide with the Bush administration’s stated policy on climate change.

It is common knowledge that the Bush administration has done little to lessen the carbon emissions that helps to further global warming, and, in some instances, has even refused to acknowledge scientific data about the issue. The administration has been reluctant to agree with the scientific findings for obvious reasons, such as the problem of government funds for any special programs formed.

So while it is not a complete surprise that there have been alterations in important data about climate changes, it is shocking that the administration has stooped so low as to throw sand in the public’s eyes.

One of the specifics that the administration is blocking from the public’s knowledge

Shriya Says

“

is a scientific theory that states that the world has just ten years to reduce greenhouse gases before global warming reaches a tipping point and becomes impossible to stop.

Although this is just a theory, it is one that has been researched thoroughly and then proposed by very capable and adept scientists who have studied the issue for many years. The Bush administration and Cooney certainly do not have the information and facts to rebuke this theory or present the information and facts differently to the public in their climate reports.

Are not their efforts to limit information to the news media and the public a kind of censorship? The public has every right to learn all there is to know about this very pressing and consequential environmental issue that could change the lives of all future generations. These changes made by Cooney only seek to muddle public knowledge and create confusion about the issue of climate changes and global warming, which ultimately harms us and does not do anything to initiate solutions to the problem.

In the long run, we will be negatively affected by the Bush administration’s attempts to undercut and down play this issue. Other countries around the world are undoubtedly doing all they can to learn about global warming and organize solutions for the problem. When the majority of the United States citizens don’t know about the problem, how can we effectively combat it? We will be dangerously far behind in the world-wide struggle against global warming if our country’s leader continues to act the way he does in regard to this issue. Considering that the U.S. is a leading world power, we should take responsibility accordingly.

It is astounding that it has taken until 2007 for the case against Cooney to be brought to a hearing. The sickening point in Cooney’s case is that he had been in the White House with the nation’s supposedly trustworthy leaders for years before anyone received wind of the administration’s deceit.

Can you sleep better at night knowing that the environmental issues that will affect your and your grandchildren’s futures are being horrifically distorted by the top dogs in the White House?

Cooney claims edits were made based on the administration’s views on global warming.

”

3 How do you feel about the government editing and withholding information about global warming from the public?

“I don’t think it’s right because they have to let people know what’s happening. ”

—Alexis Sanchez freshman

“I don’t really think it’s that big of an issue. If it doesn’t affect my lifetime then I don’t really care.”

—Brett Wian freshman

“Why should the government hide it when, eventually, people are going to find out?”

—Sammy Rababeh sophomore

“The government shouldn’t be withholding or editing any information pertaining to the future of the world.”

—Anita Obasi sophomore

“I don’t think the government should do that.

It’s sort of messed up.”

—Yenil Wi sophomore

“It ticks me off even worse than when I found out that they were withholding information about UFOs, because this affects me directly.”

author’s e-mail: shriya.adhikary@thea-blast.org

School conditions: gross at best Opinion

By Tim Yuskavage A few weeks ago, on the way to history class, I could not help but notice that there was something up with the ceiling on the first floor by the culinary arts area. As it turns out, there was a leak coming right out of the ceiling tiles. The source? Well, there just happened to be a bathroom at that spot on the second floor above the leak.

The smell was foul enough to give away the fact that it was not water that was falling out from above.

The sight of all of that running liquid naturally makes one thirsty. I am very lucky in the sense that, at the band room, where I have my R5 class, there is a water fountain right next to the door. To call it convenient is an understatement. However, one day, when I went to get a drink, lo and behold the drinking fountain was inoperable. Pressing down on the lever simply would not yield any water.

While that was without a doubt annoying, things happen, right? Just taking another short walk down the hall to the next fountain would solve my problem, right? Meet the new water fountain, same as the old water fountain.

Now, what should be a one-step trip out of the band room turns into a much longer trek that invariably cuts down on the time I can spend in class.

Yes, it is a fact that things break, things go wrong and things need repair. But there are also some things that are inexcusable. The fact that students must avoid leaking

At the beginning of the year, we all signed the old yellow Student Rights and Responsibilities booklet. So, I suppose it would be fair to steal a quote from it: “Students have the right to expect a safe school environment in which to learn and a climate within the school that is conducive to learning.” We all know what happens when one of us students violates the yellow book – what will be the case for the administration?

“I don’t see why they do that because we are going to find out eventually.”

—Wade Akridge senior

author’s e-mail: tim.yuskavage@thea-blast.org “I feel it is unnecessary and the government should let the people know exactly what is going on.”

—Moe Alafrangy senior

PHOTO BY SHRIYA ADHIKARY

Tim’s Take

bathroom liquids, with the students not even quite sure about what they are dodging, is gross at best and appalling at worst. The fact that one water fountain breaks is expected, the fact that two consecutive ones break is frustrating, but, the fact that those two have been unusable for months now – I know because I told people in the main office – is nothing else than a sign of negligence Our principal, John Ponton, likes to remind us that often times, our reputation is all that we have. This is indeed true. How many of us have heard that after telling a friend that we go to school at Annandale, they say “I’m sorry,” or, “Isn’t that the ghetto school?” Well, suppose someone with that mindset was in our school, and either had to dodge a mixture of water and human waste, or were unable to do something as simple as get a drink of water. While it is unfair that someone might judge a school on something like that, the truth is that people do just that. What sort of impression would the situation just described leave on a visitor of AHS? Students are held to enough rules as it is. We are expected to be herded around like cattle for four years of our lives, be subject to more rules than anyone should be subjected to and be studious workers, all while keeping up with our extracurricular activities. The least the school could do is make an effort to make sure that our work environment is adequate. If something like this happened in the corporate world, someone would be held accountable and action would be taken.

Once again, let me repeat that the administration shouldn’t be blamed for these failures of these school facilities; they are inevitable and will happen over the course of time. What is inexcusable is that nothing, to the knowledge of the average student, is being done to fix the issues. Either the leaders of our school have been ignoring the problem, or have been keeping the students unaware of any steps being made to fix the issue.

—Bradsby Grabo junior

A frustrated sophomore Michael Rosenstein tries to get a drink of water at one of the many water fountains that have not been functioning properly all year.

Varsity Math meet held

One day out of each month, the Varsity Math Team meets to compete against one another in math problems. The math team is lead by math teachers Joel Cooley, Cathy Furlong, and Jim Evans. The school chooses the top five scores and submits them to the Fairfax County school board. They then see how the stack up against the other schools in the county, how ever they always seem to fall short to Thomas Jefferson High School.

The club hosts a total of nine competitions throughout the year, and the most recent one was the eighth as the season comes to an end. The six-question test that the students take normally ranges in difficulty as the test progresses. The club usually has on average about 45-50 members who show up to the meets, out of the projected 200 total members. “ The majority of the time the same people show up, but we sometimes get new people, which is always a pleasure to have,” said Cooley. He says that this is a good program for the kids to just do math problems and get refreshments.

To be in the program participants must be in Algebra 2 Honors or higher.

“This is a good practice for taking timed test like the SATs and ACTs ” said Mr. Cooley.

The main purpose of the program is to get students to be more encouraged about math. The students receive extra credit for all the meetings they attend as well.

—Brandon Williams Staff Writer

Marquez family aid

Dennis Marquez and his family recently lost their town home in a fire. However, the PTSA and students have contributed greatly to the family. About $400 worth of money and gifts cards were collected and given to the family, along with backpacks, school supplies, and toiletries. The support and donations from theAHS community is greatly appreciated.

Arts and Crafts Club meets

The Arts and Crafts club meets after school on Wednesdays in Room 242. Learn how to knit and create other small homemade crafts. Please bring $5 for supplies.

FCPS wins awards

Fairfax County Public Schools have been awarded eight Telly Awards for 2007.

The Tellly Awards recognized exceptional nonbroadcast cable programming. These awards are some of the most sought-after awards in the television, commercial and video industry. FCPS has won 51 Telly Awards since 2001.

Communication seminar held for students and parents On April 10, AHS will be hosting a seminar “How to communicate with your high school student.” This seminar is for students, parents and members of the community. The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. with a pot luck dinner. Social worker Sondra R. White will lead the presentation beginning at 7 p.m. The presentation will address the effective ways of how to communicate with teenage students. The presentation will be held in Clausen Hall and will last until 9 p.m.

For more information call Vida Sanchez or Patricia Quezada (703) 642-4270 or (703) 642-7411

Leadership applications due

Anyone interested in being a part of the leadership class next year should see Ms. Khan as soon as possible in Room 132 or Trailer 6. Applications are still being considered.

District Chorus Festival

All four AHS choral groups received a superior rating at the District 10 chorus festival on March 17. The Men’s Chorale and Annandale Singers received straight I’s from all of the judges.

This year, AHS has been awarded as a VMEA Blue Ribbon School for the state of Virginia because of the superior ratings at the District Festivals for chorus, band, and orchestra received.

College Updates

Any seniors that have received good news from colleges are encouraged to go to the career center and share the news with Mrs. Roth.

“Itʼs Academic” on NBC4

The AHS “It’s Academic” team will appear on NBC4 on March 31 at 10 a.m. The team went to the studio on Feb. 10.

Guitar concert held

March 27, 2007

The Guitar Club students perform musical renditions at annual concert

BY DAVID SHERMAN Co-Editor in Chief

The restless crowd came to a silence as the house lights in the auditorium dimmed.

Out of the darkness, Minus M, each of the four members decked out in jeans and black shirts, slinked toward the front of the stage.

The Guitar Club held its annual guitar show on March 23 . In total, 128 tickets were sold, raising $256, which will be put towards purchasing new instruments for the Guitar Club, according to club sponsor Russell Kee. “The overall performance was good,” said Kee. “It’s always a good time.”

There were 12 acts in total, most of which played one or two songs. Minus M, a hardcore metal band, kicked off the show. As in past guitar shows, however, extremely loud songs with screaming vocals never seem to play over very well with the audience.

The next act, however, seemed to mellow out the crowd a bit. Theresa & Co., headed by junior Hamd Arzoo and seniors Sarah Contey and Mina Pham, played a light version of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’on Heaven’s Door.” Two solo acoustic sets showcased the acoustics of the auditorium, with senior Mustafa Es-haq playing John Mayer’s “Why Georgia,” and senior Alvin Siv playing Black Star’s “Exit Music.”

“I sort of messed up one or two times during my song, but I think I did pretty well,” said Es-haq. “The show was great overall.”

Perhaps the performance of the night was an instrumental version of Queen’s “Bo- Senior Josh Monroe and sophomore Martin Miller perform “Rum is for Drinking, Not for Burnhemian Rhapsody,” played by seniors Sebastian Valenzuela on keyboard, Luan Cao on ing” at the Guitar Club concert. bass, Sarah Bracken on violin, Drew Wildes on drums, and Siv on the guitar. Because Paul Bernfeld, who delivered an amazing performance on the drums. their version was instrumental, Valenzuela invited the audience to sing along and they The show wrapped up with Shred-tastic, featuring senior Michael Sheppard and juniors were happy to oblige.

Bryan Espejo and Edison Zavala. While their vocals were seemingly too intense for the Senior Josh Monroe, lead guitar, and sophomore Martin Miller, rhythm guitar and audience, the guitar work, especially by Sheppard, was outstanding. vocals, later delivered a crisp acoustic rendition of Senses Fail’s “Rum is for Drinking, Not “I think this show was one of the better ones I’ve seen,” said Keady. “I was nervous for Burning.” Miller would later sing for two other acts: Misfits Jr. with Monroe and seniors going into it, but it turned out great.”

Tim Shadyac and Shane Keady; and Barbara Wire with sophomores Smith Norton and EMILY SAMPLE

NEWS BRIEFS

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Boys and Girls State students chosen held at Liberty Univesity and Girls State will be held at Longwood University.

Being selected as a nominee is an honor, but a candidate is required to have good grades and extra and co-curricular activities.

“I’m a pretty good candidate for Girls State because I’m a pretty well-rounded person,” said Janssen. “I’m an IB Diploma candidate, I play four varsity sports, and I’m involved in a lot of extra curricular activities. But I think it was my leadership

BY MICHELLE RISSE abilities that really got me in because that’s what Girls State is about.”

News Editor Although the main purpose of these summer programs is to involve and It is an honor to be chosen to be a participant in the summer programs educate adolescents about our government, it is also a social event. “I’m pretty of Boys State and Girls State. This year, AHS has chosen four junior girls excited about going to Girls State because a lot of the people who have gone have and seven junior boys to participate in this event. said it was a really rewarding experience,” said Janssen.

TheAmerican Legion andAuxiliary sponsors this educational program Student who participate in this week long event gain knowledge, confidence every year. Boys and Girls State is a summer leadership and citizenship and important life skills. program that is held across the country in all 50 states. The objective of “I expect that I’ll come out of Girls State as a stronger leader or at least a this rigorous leadership program is to develop a working knowledge of the listener. I also expect that I’ll meet some great people,” said Janssen. structure of government and to stimulate a keen interest in the detailed This summer, 11AHS students were selected to attend this program. Juniors Janssen study of the US government.

Jennifer Patton, Wafa Khodraoui, Katie Janssen, and Emily Ainsworth have been Junior Katie Janssen is one of the students chosen for this summer’s Girls State. selected for 2007 Girls State. Juniors Paul Mathis, Mohamed El Barasse, Fernando “I’m hoping to improve my leadership skills, learn about our state government, and Castro, Omar Mayassi, Stuart Ruiz, Bhadru Nair, and Carlos Galicia have been selected meet some new people that I might go to college with. I also hope that it will improve my for 2007 Boys State. chances of getting into a good college,” said Janssen.

The program lasts for one week and is held on a college campus. Boys State will be

Eleven juniors are selected to participate in this summer’s Boys and Girls State

Sophomore class wins Battle

question before circling an answer. The juniors won so I don’t think I got any wrong either,” said Stalp.

Despite the class of 2008’s victory in the intelligence contest, both the juniors and sophomores failed to sign up for the dance contest, losing them points and leaving the freshmen and seniors to compete for a direct win. “Double oh seven” not only got the crowed involved with their recreation of N’Sync’s hit, “Bye Bye Bye,” but earned themselves a

BY CLAIRE BUI victory in the event, as well.

Staff Writer The sophomores went on to redeem themselves in the freestyle contest and basketball The music was blaring, the cheering was strong, and sophomore Allen Stalp was slid- shootout, sweeping the board with the most points and receiving the title of class champions. ing across the main gym trying to intercept a pass. The intensity was felt both on and Moreover, they earned a considerable amount of money to go toward their class prom. This off the court, as classes took on one another during the basketball is contrary to previous years, where the upperclassmen are usually shootout at the Battle of the Classes pep ralley, held on March 13. declared the overall winners of the battle of the classes.

Unfortunately for everyone else, the sophomores played a physical “I feel like the sophomores should have won and we did, so I’m and often overpowering game. At the end of the competition, the I feel like the sophomores should glad,” said Stalp. class of 2009 upset the ‘07 seniors with a close defeat and moved on In contrast, junior ChesterYavari felt that the upperclassmen were have won and we did, so I’m to disgrace the faculty and the leadership class. more entitled to the victory.

“The basketball seemed like the highlight of the event and “It should have been the juniors or seniors who won. Freshglad. everyone was screaming and getting into it. It was fun because men and sophomores don’t deserve to win it because they I was one of the representatives for the sophomores and I had a have not been here not nearly as long as we have,” he said. good time just playing in front of the whole school,” Stalp said.

—AllenStalp Battle of the classes was organized and run by members of the The rally began at the start of R5 flex as students noisily poured sophomore leadership class. into the gym. Bleachers sectioned off to each class quickly filled “The event was a great success, I think everyone had and rivalry rapidly commenced as the crowd sparked with general a good time,”said senior leadership member John Chu. enthusiasm in each competition. In addition to the basketball shootout, the Battle of While there is definitely truth to Chu’s words, some students criticized that battle of the the Classes included an academic relay, a dance contest, a musical chairs event and a classes was too consumed by the basketball shootout. freestyle competition with the topic of “How cool is Mr. Ponton.”

“The leadership class had to decide things like what activities to have, and how each Academic relay participant junior Ryan Schaedel, was pleased with his class’ would work and be run,” said junior Erik Etherly said. “We put a lot of time and hard work s success. into the event, and I think everything paid off in the end.”

“It was incredibly easy. I remember sitting down and barely thinking about each

Class competition and pep rally brings a victory to the sophomore class

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Students travel during the spring Chorus, band, and journalism take spring trips for competition knowledge

BY EMILY SAMPLE News Editor Senior Robin Hertel was one of 41 publication students that traveled to New York for the CSPA journalism convention on March 14-16.

“Some friends and I looked online and found some cute little boutiques, so we tried to get to Mid-town East,” said Hertel.

The publications of AHS were the first of several groups to go on their spring trip. The yearbook and newspaper staff traveled to New York City March 14-16. On the trip, the group saw the Broadway musical Chicago, toured the NBC studios, visited the “Top of the Rock” observation tower, and had free time to tour the city.

Chorus went to New York City as well a week later.

Seniors Erika Rodden and Joe Carpenter sat together on the bus, which left at 5:30 a.m.

“I sat next to Joe so I could sleep on him,” said Rodden.

“First, we had a ‘90s singing party then we both just passed out.”

The choral group also saw a Broadway musical, Hair-

spray, toured Ellis island and the Statue of Liberty, followed by dinner at the Empire State Building on Saturday.

“I really liked singing at St. Paul’s chapel at Ground Zero. It was really cool, and really moving,” said Rodden.

Band is the next group to leave theAHS campus for a short sojourn. One hundred and nine students, the biggest group by far, is traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, leaving at 11 p.m. on March 28 for a 13 hour bus ride. Sophomore Ella Quimby is looking forward to getting away from Annandale for a little while, as well as seeing a new city with her friends.

“I’m looking forward to hanging out down there, and getting to see the Coke factory.

That should be really cool,” said Quimby.

The main reason that groups take these trips is to enter themselves in festivals and competitions to earn prestige and awards to bring back to AHS. The publications groups went to compete in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

Neither the The A-Blast nor this year’s Signal yearbook decided to compete, but members attended 5 “classes” a day that lasted 45 minutes each to learn new tips on making the publications better.

The chorus competed in the Heritage Festival at Riverside Church with the Men’s Chorale, Womens’ Ensemble, Annandale Singers and a concert choir that encompasses all groups. The band is competing in the Fiestival in the Symphonic concert band, Marching Band, indoor guard, indoor percussion ensemble and jazz band divisions.

Journalism students traveled to Columbia University to attend the CSPA Journalism convention March 14-16.

COURTESY OF NIKI HOLMES

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AHS celebrates Spanish culture

5 NEWS BRIEFS Teachersʼ colleges on display

Papers showing where the AHS staff went to college are now on display in the cafeteria. Each sheet has the teacher’s name, subject they teach and major, as well as their schools mascot, colors and nickname. The schools location, size and why each staff member attended that school is also on display. So stop and take a look!

Junior Kat Miles and seniors Teresa Pham and Tina Le stir Spanish rice before serving the group.

“Hispanic culture” continued from page 1 decorating,” said Tran.

They have been working on this for about two months. They have all had a part in preparing for this event. “Teresa Pham put in a lot of time and effort into this event, she suggested to us that we do a taste of Spanish culture similar to the taste of Arabia,” said Tran.

“We’ve been working so hard to prepare for this event, everyone signed up to something, some people signed up to bring food and others signed up to make posters for all the Spanish countries, and some had to practice for the dances that they are going to teach people during the event,” said senior Kathleen Choi, a member of the Spanish Honor Society.

The students of the Spanish Honor Society put this entire event together, from the cooking to the decorating, with the help of their sponsor, IB Spanish teacher and soccer coach Antonio Rivadeneira.

During this event there was food, games, music and dancing. There was food from different Spanish speaking countries such as Bolivia, El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Brazil and Puerto Rico.

The menu consisted of quesadillas; pupusas, which are tortillas with meat and cheesed mixed into them; arepas, which are round corn bread; salteñas, which are shaped like foot-

EBONY CHAMBERS

EBONY CHAMBERS

March concert held in memory of 2000 alumna

Science teacher Claudia Lemus instructs students on dance steps. Students learned the salsa, bachata, merengue and cumbia.

balls and filled with meat, cheese, and potatoes; yucca asada, which are potatoes that are grown in warm countries. There were also Spanish dessserts, like flan, and a pinata.

Throughout the event, music played and students danced with each other. The music was put together by senior Yamen Hama. They had dancers teach different types of Hispanic dances like salsa, bachata, merengue and cumbia.

The first activity was the presentation of the posters of more than 20 Hispanic countries such as, Peru, Guatamala, Hundruas, Uraguay, Mexico, Cuba and Columbia, that were made by the students. The posters lining the walls were informative and gave details about each Hispanic country represented. This event consisted of tasting the food that the students made from different countries. After the tasting, the third event was a raffle.

There was an open space by a stereo where students and teachers were teaching each other different dances.

The event is to also be supportive of the soccer team. They will be playing against their rivals, West Springfield Spartans. According to Rivadeneira they will be attending the event after practice.

“It is going to be instructional, informational, and interactive, plus very fun,” said Rivadeneira.

Tournament brackets do not follow basketball, college or otherwise. Some students have one college that they want to follow and fill out the brackets just because they can. For most, it is simply a way to interact with friends and to test one’s luck.

“I like to follow college basketball,” said senior Luis Ferreira when asked about why he filled out a bracket, “but I also do it just to see if I can make some cash-money.”

Ferreira, as well as others, has participated in pools and place friendly bets over the tournament.

On March 15, the tournament kicked off, and students got to see whether the teams they chose to win actually did. Many were disappointed, crumpling up the pieces of paper that they had strove to make perfect. Many were

ecstatic, their brackets all correct, some of whom completely guessed and didn’t really know one team from another.

One big favorite, the University of Wisconsin, lost in the second round of the tournament, causing many problems to people who picked them to go far, On March 31, the Final Four, the last four teams standing in the tournament, will take place in Atlanta, Ga. between the winner of each region. This year’s members of the Final Four are defending national champion University of Florida, the Ohio State University, UCLA and hometown team Georgetown University. After that game, everyone will know whose brackets survived “March Madness.”

Musical Broxton honored for effort replaced by shorter play “Musical” continued from page 1 “It was gratifying to me that so many kids wanted to be a part of this,” said Farish. Story Theater “does have some music and it is more fun and cost-wise than The Music Man.” Farish also explained how finding a replacement for The Music Man was especially good for the soonto-be-graduating seniors. “I didn’t want to leave a bad taste in my mouth,” she said. “[Cancelling The Music Man] was not easy but I know I made the right decision in the long run.”

Junior Thomas Barylski also thinks

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—VickiFarish drama teacher that the cancellation of the musical was a good idea. Barylski was a salesman in The Music Man, as well as part of the tech crew.

“Story Theater seems significantly more fun. The Music Man was lively, but so is this one. The rehearsals for The Music Man were going slowly and they weren’t really focused. People were showing up but they just weren’t there.

On our first read through of Story Theater we were really enjoying reading it,” he said. Barylski will now play a robber and a parson in Story Theater.

Elisabeth D’Amico, also a junior feels the same way. “Story Theater is so much better for everyone and it is less stressful.

A musical takes a lot of work,” she said.

The Badminton Club will meet every Monday and Wednseday in the upstairs gym. Participants are reminded to bring proper shoes, equipment and a sign emergency care card. Only memebers signed up will be allowed to play in the gym. For more information, see Joel Jepson in room 277.

Parent volunteers needed

Parents who speak the following languages are needed: Vietnamese, Arabic, Urdu, Ethiopian and Somali. Volunteers are needed as translators. For more information or if willing to volunteer, call AHS’s school-community partnership program coodinator, Vida Sanchez, at 703-642-4270 or e-mail at Vida.Sanchez@fcps.edu.

On April 6, Radford will hold its annual open house to juniors interested in Radford University. Radford will supply both transportation and food, but space is limited. See your counselor or Robin Roth in the Career Center for the website.

Ethically Speaking Ethics Advice

By Layluma Hotaki

Dear SEC, My sister and I always fight about the most random things. If she even takes a single piece of clothing, I fight with her. I know that I shouldn’t be petty with things because she is my sister, but I just hate her looking in my things and using them. Plus, she never asks either. I always have to ask her if she’s seen something of mine in order to find it again. I don’t do this to her, so I don’t think she should do it to me. What should I do?

Sincerely, Sister in Trouble Dear Sister, Try to be calm about things. You’re sister is probably your most trusted friend and family member. If she uses your things, she probably only does it because she feels so close to you and feels she is allowed to do so. Try to keep an open mind about things.

If you really wouldn’t like her to do that, you can talk to her about it. Let her know you don’t like it and don’t want her to do it. Don’t lose your temper and fight with her. Good luck!

Sincerely, The SEC

ROBIN HERTEL

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It was gratifying to me that so many kids wanted to be a part of this.

Badminton Club begins

Annual open house at Radford

“March Madness” brackets take over “Brackets” continued from page 1 The brackets now seem to be the trademark of March Madness. Students in Annandale, as well as most other high schools, can’t seem to get enough of them. In recent years especially, friendly wagering and competitions on the event have become something of a national pastime, spawning countless “office pools,” and now ,Facebook groups, that attract expert fans and novices alike. Parents, students and teachers are all drawn into the hype.

“I think its fun. It doesn’t bother me at all that so many students fill them out,” said science teacher Neal Jarvis. “I like to do the brackets because I like basketball for one, and just because I want to try my luck.”

Many students who participate in filling out NCAA

On March 17 the first annual March concert scholarship benefit was held. This concert featured 10 different marchesplayed by the band. All money that was collected from ticket sales was donated to the scholarship to benifit a senior in the memory of Jenny Bernhards. She died of brain cancer in October of 2006 after a four year battle.

Senior Antwaun Broxton, number nine, fights for the ball during the 2006 Fall football season. “He didnʼt miss a minute this year, he wasnʼt late, I didnʼt have to criticize him at all about lack of effort or lack of leadership,” said coach Richard Adams.

“Broxton” continued from page 1 said Adams. “But what about a guy like Antwaun Broxton?

He just isn’t that kind of student, but he’s a great guy who’s made huge life changes.”

Adams made a phone call to an acquaintance that worked with the Football Hall of Fame on Broxton’s behalf.

He explained how, at the beginning of high school, Broxton had struggled with disciplinary issues, but now he is a role model and a leader on the football team. Adam’s phone call was convincing enough to earn one of the four scholarships for Broxton to put towards his college education.

Adams first met Broxton in the fall of 2003. Broxton was playing freshman football at the time.According toAdams, he stood out as a good player among the new freshman. However, at this point, Adams did not consider Broxton to have any potential to become a future leader on the team.

The following season, Broxton decided not to return to football. But after many of his friends made the varsity team, he quickly changed his mind.

“I’ve never let anyone start football [as late as Antwaun],” said Adams. “But we decided to give him a shot because he was mixed up.”

According to Adams, in the first few years of high school, Broxton was far from the role model he is today. “He was in and out of making some bad choices,” Adams said. After his sophomore year on the football team, Broxton made a complete personality change.

“He didn’t miss a minute this year, he wasn’t late, I didn’t have to criticize him at all about lack of effort or lack of leadership, it was just the opposite. I was shocked,” Adams said.

“He was the first one here and the last one to leave and he played his brains out.”

At the end of his senior football season, Broxton’s leadership paid off. Not only did he receive the Football Hall of Fame scholarship, he also received the AHS Sigholtz award for his outstanding performance on the team. The players on the team choose the recipient of this award.

“This award isn’t for the MVP, it’s for the player that is respected the most,” said Adams. “Almost unanimously our team of 50 some guys picked Antwaun. There’s no way they would have picked him a few years ago.”

Though Broxton has received many awards this year, Adams is most impressed with Broxton’s personality change and his leadership qualities.

“We had a brawl back in the cafeteria back in the fall and Antwaun was in there trying to break it up,” saidAntwaun. “A few years ago, he would have been involved in the fight.”

Because of Broxton’s incredible transformation, his leadership and his athletic ability, Adams believes Broxton is a role model for all students.

“I’m a role model because I came from nothing,” said Broxton. “Other people that come from nothing can look at me and see that I got a scholarship and I’m going to college.”

Dear SEC, I’m a freshman and my friends and I are just getting adjusted to high school and the meeting new friends part. One of my friends told me she liked a sophomore. I asked if I should talk to him for her and she agreed with that. When I talked to him about her, he said he was vaguely interested in her, but really was interested in me and wanted to hang out with me. Do I tell her or no?

Sincerely, Wandering Freshman Dear Wandering, You are in quite a predicament. Choosing between a friend and a guy can be a hard decision. If you like the guy, talk to your friend and see if she will understand that you both like each other and she could find someone else. If you know your friend well enough to know that she won’t be comfortable with it, don’t bother telling her. Here’s where you make the decision – if you want to choose her or this guy.

Think about who will be there for you through more things. It will be difficult, but good luck with it!

Sincerely, The SEC If you have an ethical dilemma and would like advice on how to handle the situation, submit your questions to layluma.hotaki@thea-blast.org. All submissions will be confidential.

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Celebrate Spring with us!

March 27, 2007

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ACADEMICS

Is multitasking taking its toll?

BY CASON KYNES Academics Editor Freshman Monica Athey takes multitasking to the extreme.

“Sometimes, I find myself sitting at the computer with my e-mail up, talking on AIM, talking to someone on the phone, and I even turn the TV my direction so I can watch it, all while I try to do my homework,” said Athey.

“Oh, and I’ll have something to eat or drink. Sometimes I’ll even do my nails.

Athey is a part of what is being labeled the “Net Generation.” Like never before, students have access to instant information, immediate communication, and constant entertainment because of today’s advanced technology. Television, cell phones, and of course, the World Wide Web are giving students the desire and the opportunity to alter the way they do their school work.

Multitasking has become a way of life for many members of this technology-driven generation.

You may want to stop whatever else you are doing and pay attention to this article, because recent studies have shown that the effects of multitasking could be drastic. The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke has reason to believe that teenagers’ ability to analyze information will be damaged because of their multitasking habits.

“Introducing multitasking in younger kids, in my opinion, can be detrimental,” said Chief of the institute, Jordan Grafman, according to the Washington Post. “One of the biggest problems about multitasking is that it’s almost impossible to gain a depth of knowledge of any of the tasks you do while you’re multitasking.And, if it becomes normal to do, you’ll likely be satisfied with very surface-level investigation and knowledge.”

“One day, I tried to sit down and do my biology homework with no distractions, and I simply couldn’t do it because I just couldn’t focus,” said Athey.

“I started thinking about my day or the coming week. I gave it an honest try, but it didn’t work.”

Athey’s multitasking study habits do not appear to have a negative effect on her grades. She has consistently earned mostly As with the occasional B+ on her report cards. Besides being more entertaining, Athey finds her multitasking very useful.

“It helps me get homework done in class while paying attention to the Monica Athey studies while watching TV, talking on AIM and eating Cheez-Its with the teacher at the same time,” telephone ready to be answered. said Athey. time. The basal ganglia takes care of walking and eating The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a re- while the prefrontal cortex controls the talking and the port which stated that when students are at their ability to learn and memorize (homework). For the same computers “studying,” they are also doing other reason, it is extremely difficult for someone to talk on the things 65 percent of the time. The foundation phone and do their homework at the same time, although also found in their study that girls are more many students still make an attempt to. likely to multitask than boys.

In many areas, Athey would be unable to function The prefrontal cortex is the section of the without multitasking. brain that multitaskers rely on, but in reality, “One hundred percent of the time I listen to music it can only perform one task at a time. Essen- while I read. If I don’t listen to music, I cannot concentrate tially, when people multitask, their brain is on what I am reading. I will read four pages before I realconsciously paying attention to various tasks ize I haven’t been paying attention to a single word,” said in rapid succession, but not at Athey. “I can’t think about things when it’s too quiet.” the same time. This has its “If she didn’t get such good grades, then I probably disadvantages. Switching wouldn’t let her do that,” said Marge Athey, Monica’s between tasks requires the mother. brain to refocus on each Technological advancements have not only increased task, which wastes time. the amount of distractions, they have also altered the The effect is that tasks way students do their schoolwork. Dictionary.com has take longer and are not replaced those large books that were once used to find the done as well. A recent definitions of words, and Wikipedia.org has surpassed the study done by Joshua Encyclopedia. Information is now only a click away.

Rubinstein and his as“I use Google all the time for research. And if I’m sociates David Meyer having a lot of trouble with a Spanish assignment, I and Jeffrey Evans, sometimes use freetranslation.com,” said Athey, hoping scientific researchers her Spanish teacher does not read this article. at the University of MichiInstant access to information is a relatively new thing gan, determined that when subjects have to for students. switch from one task to another they lose time “When [my older brother] was in high school about in the process. Their conclusion was that mul- five years ago, we didn’t even own a computer, but now titasking in the workplace is counterproductive. it is a necessity,” said Athey.

It is reasonable to assume that the same is true Technology has changed the way students spend for students and their schoolwork. their time and do their work. With so many different Multitasking, however, is not always a bad things vying for a student’s attention, multitasking thing. Some simple and familiar tasks can be often seems unavoidable for many of the members of performed by another section of the brain, the the “‘Net Generation.” The effects of multitasking are not basal ganglia, which controls activities that require little fully known, but so far they do not seem to be positive. It to no thought. This allows people to walk and talk on the may be a good idea to do one less thing at a time. phone or eat while doing their homework at the same

Students with perfect SAT scores Math: Rory OʼConnor How did you feel after taking the test?

I felt confident. I thought I got close to an 800. I thought I got a perfect score, but I wasn’t sure. I was about as confident in the other sections too.

How did you prepare for the test?

I got a surgery where they implanted a small calculater chip in my head. I still have migraines. I also took a lot of practice tests so that I would be used to taking it when I finally went.

What advice do you have for others preparing to take the test?

I would tell them to do as This is a logo on a shirt that OʼConnor many practice tests as you can. wears to remind him of his strategies on the math section of the SAT. If you’re stuck on a hard question, move on to the next because they are all worth the same amount of points.

What distracts you from doing your homework everyday?

“I get tired and all I want to do is go to sleep.”

—Tsedeye Daniel sophomore

CASON KYNES

Technological advances are changing the way students manage their time and work

7

Verbal: Paul Mathis How did you feel right after taking the test?

I felt good about the entire test when I came out of it. I didn’t think that I had scored perfectly on verbal due to the fact that I hadn’t known the definitions of a few words, but I ended up guessing correctly.

How did you prepare for the test?

I started preparing for the test in ninth grade, when my parents bought my sister an SAT study book. I took the book for myself for a long time, and just got hooked on the skill sets. However, I started seriously studying for the test in the fall; I took a preparatory class, and that significantly improved my practice scores.

What advice do you have for others preparing to take the test?

The only advice I have in terms of doing well on the verbal section is that students should try to identify arguments within the text. If you get the gist of what an author is saying about a subject, and understand his or her feelings towards the subject, you can sometimes completely skip reading the passage and just answer the questions.

“Women! My mom, grandma and girlfriend always bother me. They always distract me by telling me to eat or take a shower.

And my girlfriend always calls me about nonsense.”

—Stephen Kim junior

“I get distracted when girls call my house and when the television is on.”

—Carlos Francisco junior

“AIM distracts me because I get to talk to my friends online.”

—Brandon Healy senior

“The Internet in general is a major distraction because it is unlimited access to a billion things much more interesting than my Trig worksheets.”

-Trish Eggerton senior

Three Tips for Staying Focused Plan Ahead Set deadlines and enforce them. Make a calendar of due dates and of nights when you are going to work on projects. Stay on top of your nightly homework, but do not forget to work on projects prior to the night before they are due. Include non-academic activities on the calendar so that you will be able to anticipate crunch times.

Set Your Space A good, clean, distraction-free workplace is important to staying on task. Have a place that is set aside for homework so that when you sit down your mind knows it is time to work. Be in a place that is well lit to reduce strain on your eyes. Have work materials handy. Keep things you need to work close by so you do not have to waste time searching for them.

Take Breaks Sit down and do work for an allotted amount of time before taking a break. Reward yourself for working hard. Plan your breaks. Do not make them spontaneous.

Physical exercise is a great way to keep your mind fresh. Get a change of scenery for a few minutes.

Source: www.kidshealth.org

INTERNATIONAL

8

What was your favorite performance at Heritage Night?

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March 27, 2007

Students show their culture, skills, and talent at the annual Heritage Night

—Michael Enriquez freshman

“The martial arts because it was really unique and amazing.”

—Edward Imperati sophomore

“The belly dancing and Sabor Latino because the Sabor Latino brought a lot of energy on stage.”

As the audience prepared itself for another fabulous performance, sophomore Nora Elhak heard her name introduced and felt a mix of anxiety and enthusiasm wash over her. Just then, the curtain opened up and the courageous Egyptian belly dancer began her solo performance at AHS’s sixth annual Heritage Night.

Heritage Night, one of the most important and well-attended school events of the year, took place on March 15. Just like the past six years, an enormous crowd was present at this cultural festivity as the tickets sold out. Heritage Night has become an enormous event forAHS, in which students representing cultures from all over the globe work hard to share their heritage with the rest of the school.

“At first I was really nervous because it was my first time, and I was doing it all by myself, but then when I was up there, the audience was just so great that the fear turned into fun,” said Elhak.

The fear that turned into excitement for Elhak is exactly what the founder and six year sponsor, Paul Watlington, had hoped to achieve through this event.

“When the stress becomes excitement, I know we have a good show,” said Watlington.

“Heritage Night is a big event for the kids and family.”

This popular school wide event presents the immense diversity of AHS. “Annandale shows so much genuine enthusiasm. The enthusiasm of the crowd is on peoples’ faces. They want to be there, all their spirit really shows that they want it to work and learn about other cultures,” said Watlington. “We walk on diversity.”

Some of the performers have been in this for all four years of high school. Nonetheless, senior Eleni Liagouris, who performed an Afro-Peruvian Dance, feels that each year, it just gets better.

“Out of the four years, this year was the strongest because I had my entire group

—Judy Elhai junior

WALIHA GANI

—Marie Hon senior

Sophomore Nora Elhak performs the Egyptain belly dancing, which emphasizes belly movement.

“My favorite performance was Sabor Latino because I was proud of them and how hard they worked. But also I thought they were sync. ”

WALIHA GANI

“I liked the Incredible India and the martial arts because it was entertaining.”

Seniors Bethlhem Teshame Yemeserach Techane perform the Ethopian dance called Dekena, which requires lots of shoulder movements.

WALIHA GANI

BY WALIHA GANI International Editor

“The Incredible India because they had a creative dance routine. ”

The Golden Sunrise Dancers perform an elegant dance representing a mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese cultures.

with me, and we created our own music live, not on a CD,” said Liagouris. “Each year,had new experiences with the dance, group, and the staff.”

The planning and effort that goes into the performance and preparation for this special night is tremendous.

“We have been practicing since October, meeting together almost every two or three weeks,” said junior Navila Rashid, who represented the Bangladesh culture with two other students. “Ismina and I are amateurs, so it took us a long time to learn the dance because we’ve never done something like this before.”

Senior JenniferAcevedo and her group of ten people performed the Rafces de Bolivia dance, which also took practice and dedication.

“We began practicing in January, three days a week. We had to put all our ideas together and the choreography was difficult, but there was just so much teamwork,” said Acevedo.

“At first I was nervous. I kept thinking I might mess up, but then you just give all you’ve got, and when you get up there, all the nervousness turns into energy,” said Acevedo.

The dedication and time Acevedo and her group gave to their performance showed at the night of the event.

“Before we got on stage, all of us had prayed together. We wanted everyone to be like ‘wow.’ In the end, it really did turn out be really good,” said Acevedo. “All the hard work really paid off.”

While the seniors will miss this memorable night, the underclassmen have already begun thinking about next year’s show.

“I’ve already begun thinking about what I did wrong this year, and how I’m going to fix it, or the new steps to do for next year. It’s just so much fun. I’m definitely doing it next year,” said Elhak.

“I’ll miss all of it a lot, Heritage Night just became a routine for me,” said Liagouris.

“I always remembered March as the month of Heritage Night.”

W rld Fashion —Jennifer Carey English teacher

Apparel is key in representing the culture of the dances of Heritage Night Freshman Sophie Ansary performs the elegent Rakhs-o-attan dance, an Afghan dance initially performed as a victory dance after war. The dress, originally made centuries ago in Afghanistan, is made out of gold embroidery with lots of beadwork.

The long sleeves facilitate the movements of the dance.

War Casualties

Senior Namirah Hasan represents her Banghali culture in the Uttalika dance. Her dress, a traditional sari, is a 12 yard long cloth intricately wrapped around the body. It is filled with embroidery and classic designs.

The dance movements matched the lyrics of the song.

65,246 Total number of Iraqi civilians killed as of March 23

Total number of U.S. soldiers killed as of March 23

Quick timeline of Iraq war • March 19, 2003: Bush invades Iraq • April 9, 2003: Saddam Hussein statue toppled • Dec. 14, 2003: Saddam is captured by U.S. forces •Oct. 25, 2005: U.S. military death toll reaches 2,000 • Feb. 22, 2006: Bombing of the Shitte Golden Mosque, Samarra, incites violence • Jan. 19, 2007: The war budget reaches $8.4 billion per month March 2007: Pentagon announces to deploy an additional 7,200 troops.

• March 14, 2007: The Pentagon acknowledges that Iraq is a civil war

Senior Carola Andrade performs the Tabos Dinastia dance, which is an intricate Bolivian dance of the hunters. The dance requires lots of jumping and energetic movement. The unique costume is a combination of feathers and cloth, representing the simple life of a hunter.

Junior Ivy Adu peforms the Classic Ghanaian dance with her two sisters and cousin.

Their dance was a traditional Ghanaian dance mired with hip hop, in which they moved along with the music beat. All four girls are professional dancers.

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY WALIHA GANI

3,197

Iraqi students reflect on war Senior Jwan Shamdin: a Kurd What do you think about the current situation in Iraq?

The war is just crazy. It’s gone too far. It should stop now. The troops need to come home.

In your opinion, how does today’s Iraq compare to what it was four years ago?

I have cousins living near Baghdad. Every time my mom calls Shamdin them, they tell us of a new tragic incident. Just a couple months back, their neighbor exploded in a car bomb. Some days they tell us about the dead bodies they saw. People overall have no feelings or emotions about anything. The war is just something they are so used to.

In what ways has the war helped?

I think that Bush accomplished his goal to take down Saddam, but everything else is just bad. The electricity and water is always running out. Sometimes they have to wait for weeks to take a shower. My uncles have lost their jobs, and they have a curfew for daily routines; everyone has to be in by 6:00 P.M. There isn’t a life anymore. They don’t go out of home much.

What do you think about the current Sunni/Shiite/Kurd situation?

They need to unite.

How do you see Iraq in the future?

It makes me happy to think that it might change, but I don’t think that Iraq will ever be fixed again. It’s been too damaged.

Interviews compiled by Walhia Gani

Sophomore Sahar Jamialahmadi: a Sunni What do you think about the current situation in Iraq?

I think it’s in a really bad situation. There is way more loss than gain.

In your opinion, how does todays Iraq compare Jamialahmadi to what it was four years ago?

Iraq is a much worse situation than it was ever before. Under Saddam, there was at least order. Now, there is just disorder everywhere.

In what ways has the war helped?

I don’t think it’s helped at all. The Saddam Hussein execution wasn’t even just. So much of the population is gone, and some one right now is dying at this second.

What do you think about the current Sunni/Shiite/Kurd situation?

I think they have just lost their faith. Things could be so much better if they would put their differences aside.

How do you see Iraq in the future?

I really don’t see a future for Iraq. Iran or the Americans are just going to take over, but I really hope things do get better somehow.

PEOPLE

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March 27, 2007

My hobby: Myspace

BY MEREDITH RUTHERFORD Staff Writer In the busy 21st Century of laptops, iPods, cell phones and the Internet; teenagers are spending more and more time using modern technology. Myspace is a popular online choice for most teenagers. Most people are drawn to Myspace because one can interact with friends through online conversations, share and view pictures, and listen to a wide variety of music. Myspace allows a user to set personal backgrounds and leave comments. When a friend visits the account, one will see the user’s selected background, photos, and songs.

Sophomore Morgan Williams juggles a busy life of school, friends, family and sports but she still finds time to use her Myspace daily.

“I probably spend about two to two and a half hours a day on Myspace.

I go to friends pages and leave them comments or picture comments. I change my songs a lot. I also have conversations and change my page around.

I can never keep the same page layout or background for more than a week,” said Williams.

Myspace is arranged so that the user can have a list of friends that can be added or deleted at any point. The “Friends Page” is helpful to keep track of people and talk to

9

Blogging Safety Tips

friends periodically. Williams has acquired many friends on her page through her use of Myspace.

“I have over 150 friends on my Friends Page but I don’t talk to all of them. I put my closest friends on my Top eight list and I like how I can order them how I want based on how often I talk to them online,” said Williams.

Teenagers have found that Myspace is not only fun but it also works well for multitasking. Freshman Andrea Quezada often does her homework, watches television, or listens to music while using Myspace.

“I comment and have full conversations [on Myspace], but I mostly listen to music. There are so many different bands to listen to on Myspace,” Quezada said. While both Williams and Quezada enjoy several hours of Myspace, their parents do not.

“My parents don’t let me go on during the week anymore because it interferes with homework and other stuff,” said Williams. Quezada’s parents feel similarly and “threaten to delete it all the time.”

Myspace is a fun and easy way to visit with friends and find out more about others while sharing one’s own interests through a personal account.

Whether one uses it every day or once a week, Myspace remains a popular pastime for teenagers.

What does your Myspace look like?

• Use a “friends” list so that you can control who can visit your blog. Be very careful before adding strangers to your list and be extremely careful about the information you post that can be accessed by people outside your friends list.

• Avoid getting together with someone you “meet” through a blog unless you are certain of their actual identity. If you do meet them, arrange the meeting in a public place and bring some friends along.

• Be very careful about photographs you put on your blog. It’s best to avoid photos that can make it easy for people to recognize you. It’s a very bad idea to post photos that are suggestive or sexual in nature. Before uploading a photo, ask how you would feel if that picture were seen by your parents, a college admissions counselor, a potential employer, a future boyfriend/girlfriend or, perhaps, your grandparents. What if you were to run for office someday? What you post on the Internet can be downloaded by others and can hang around forever.

• Avoid postings that could embarrass you, your friends or family members now or later.

Remember, what you post on your blog can be copied and stored and could come back to haunt you years later.

• If you allow non-friends or strangers to post comments to your blog, check the comments regularly to make sure they’re appropriate and, if not, remove them. Never allow messages that are mean, threatening or embarrassing to you or others. Never respond to such messages either. Just delete them and, if possible, block that person from visiting your blog.

Senior Rory O’Connor

Junior Debbie McCoy

How does your page display your personality?

It shows my love for the Redskins, especially Santana Moss because he is my favorite.

How much time do you spend designing your Myspace?

My theme is pretty much timeless, so I don’t need to spend time recreating it.

When and why did you create a Myspace?

I made it about a year ago with my friend because he said I really needed one. I also made it because it’s a good way to keep in touch with friends from other schools. It’s the easiest way to stay in contact with those people because you don’t have to be on at the same time to send messages to each other.

How does your page display your personality?

I usually choose beach and summer type layouts because summer is my favorite season and I have an outgoing personality. The song on my Myspace right now is “Sweet Escape”

by Gwen Stefani. There are a lot of pictures of my friends on my page, because they are a big part of my life and I love spending time with them.

How much time do you spend designing your Myspace?

I go onto Myspace usually once a day or every other day. I dont like to change my background very often because it takes up so much time, but I do change my songs frequently.

When and why did you create a Myspace?

I made a Myspace my freshman year. I really like Myspace because it’s an easy way for me to keep in contact with friends. With instant messaging your friends are not always online, so I like how you can leave people messages on Myspace and they can get back to you quickly.

• Do not lie about your age when you sign up for a blog. Age limitations are there for a good reason. Claiming that you are older than you are could get you into trouble and put you at risk.

From BlogSafety.com (a site operated by CBS technology consultant Larry Magid)

Atoms who matter Most Likely to be Online “I’m always online because I have my cell phone set up so when I’m off of the computer I can still receive messages from people who are on AIM.”

—Brandon Healy senior

Junior Ngan Hoang How does your page display your personality?

I am a fun and outgoing person so my background is always something really funny. I like all kinds of music so usually I have a wide variety for my song choice. I get bored easily so my page design is constantly changing. If I really like a song I will keep it for only a week.

My favorite band is Hellogoodbye, so they are my main graphic for my page.

How much time do you spend designing your Myspace?

I check my Myspace regularly, but I only go on for about five minutes at a time. If I want to change the layout, then I usually spend around 15 to 20 minutes.

When and why did you create a Myspace?

I made it at the beginning of my freshman year because I got tired of my Xanga, which was popular then. I like how Myspace lets you display your personality more than blogging or facebook. I use it to keep in touch with friends from middle school or elementary school that don’t go to AHS.

Freshman Michael Arauz

•I attended the University of Florida •I like to shop for antiques •I love dogs, reading and traveling

•I majored in business •My hobby is exercising •In my spare time I take care of my kids

•I like listening to music that is quiet,

and take them to my husband’s basket-

December 28, 1970

“I stay online so that I can talk to friends. Mostly I wait for people so that we can work together on homework and ask each other questions.“

•I have lived in Turkey and Germany,

•I like listening to R&B and hip-hop

•I was born in Baltimore, Maryland on

—Skylar Leslie junior

—Michael Rosenstein sophomore

soft and relaxing, usually classical.

ball games

want to be treated”

Who am I? for 18 years

•I attended James Madison University

“I just moved away from Kodiak, Alaska so staying online is a great way to get together with friends. Since we are in different time zones it’s the easiest way to be able to talk to everyone. “

Last Issue’s

•I have been teaching at AHS

•I have taught at AHS 10 years

•My motto is “treat others the way you

—Theresa Pham senior

How does your page display your personality?

It shows what I am interested in because my background is The Simpsons. I watch The Simpsons every night, they’re funny and it would be cool to have them in my family. I like the Simpsons because I am drawn to people and things that make me laugh.

How much time do you spend designing your Myspace?

I don’t redesign my page a lot, but when I do it usually takes about 30 minutes. Overall, I am on Myspace about five hours a week.

When and why did you create a Myspace?

I created it at the end of last year. I made it because everyone else had one and my friends were pressuring me to make my own. I also created it to keep in contact with my family and friends that are far away.

Who am I?

•I have traveled to Hawaii

“I leave my AIM up while I surf myspace and do my homework so it shows that I’m online for long periods of time.

It’s easy to multi task everything and I want to be able to be in contact with my friends.”

and have traveled to Europe, Canada,

Compiled by Bud Ireland If you know the answer to “Who am I,” come to the publications lab.

and Mexico •In my spare time I like to get together with my friends and go shopping •My favorite season is summer

Virginia Crowley

•My pet peeves are students who do not work •My favorite kind of food is Mexican •I was born in Miami, Florida “a long time ago”

“I like to stay online [on AIM] as much as possible, even if I’m away, so if any body needs to get in contact with me, they can.”

—Kristina Berry sophomore

Houses done Wright The notorious architect of the past, Frank-Lloyd Wright, has work all over the world; the Pope-Leighey House is one of many buildings preserved in memory of his work.

“The bathroom because the toilet seats are soft and have padding. There is also soft toilet paper.”

—Nomin Amibukh freshman “The closet in my computer room because it is up high and a good place to read a book and eat chips and salsa.”

— Jules Ismail freshman

HTTP://MEDIX.MARSHALL.EDU/~LEVSTEIN1/IMAGES/DSC00026.JPG

This house, Fallingwater, is recognized as one of Wrightʼs most acclaimed works. It was voted the Best All-Time Work of American Architeture in 1991 by the American Institute of Architects.

“The kitchen because there is a window on the ceiling with a skylight and when it snows, the snow looks gray.”

— Juline Leventhal freshman “My master bedroom has stairs leading to a bed and the patio.

I think older house are laid out better than newer houses.”

—Humma Mahmood sophomore “My room because it is quiet, peaceful and no one is allowed inside unless they knock.”

Taliesin West and is located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Wright used this house as his winter home and school from 1937 until his death in 1959.

—Valerie Conable junior

HTTP://WWW.PETERBEERS.NET/INTERESTS/

“My basement because you can sing at the karaoke, it’s very feng shui.”

—Jin Lee junior

“My new addition because it is big and it has very nice crescent windows.

HTTP://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/IMAGE:WFM_ROSENBAUM_HOUSE_INTERIOR.JPG

Information compiled by Amy Steinbuechler, Web Staff Writer and Amy Stevens, Ads Manager

This is the interior of Wrightʼs Rosenbaum House in Florence, Alabama. The Rosenbaum House is a single-family house which was designed for Stanley and Mildred Rosenbaum. This shows Wrightʼs Usonian house design.

Dallas Theater was built as the Kalita Humphries Theater by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1960s. It is one of the two Wright buildings in Dallas, and his only theater design.

The geometric architectural statues, Biltmore Sprites, were created by Wright in 1914. They are now located at the Arizona Biltmore Sprites Resort and Spa.

The Arthur Heurtly House, located in Oak Park, Illinois was built in 1902. It is one of Wrightʼs “prarie style” houses. It is only a few houses down from Wrightʼs own home and one of many of his designs on the street.

The Allen Lambe House, which was the last of Wrightʼs prairie homes, was designed and built in 1918 for then-Kansas Governor Henry Allen.

—Shane Kaedy senior

The Pope-Leighey House is only 1,200 square feet and is composed of concrete, brick, glass and wood. Its unique window designs, shown here, are random cut-outs with each cut-out being diffrerent from the other Usonian houses built like this one.

WWW.DALLASCITYHALL.COM/.../DALLAS_THEATER1.JPG

HTTP://STUDENTS.CADGIS.LSU.EDU/WMONK1/PHOTOGRAPHY/FALLING%20WATER

A side view of the back of the Pope-Leighey house, located in Alexandria. The house is memorable for being so small but looking large to an outside viewer.

HTTP://PHOENIX.ABOUT.COM/CS/FAMOUS/A/SPRITES01.HTM

—Mouaaz Elkhebri freshman

HTTP://WWW.BLUFFTON.EDU/~SULLIVANM/OAKPARK/OAKPARK2.HTML

LAURA SIMPSON

“The living room because I have a 60 inch TV and there is lots of space in the room.”

Today, the average family home is 2,349 square feet; imagine having to build a house twice as small. Frank Lloyd Wright, one of America’s premier 20th Century architects, was able to design a house that was only 1,200 square feet while keeping it comfortable enough for a family to live in. He called this type of house the Usonian House, and designed it with the goal of making it affordable, well designed, and compatible with its surrounding environment. The Pope-Leighey House is one of 532 buildings designed by Wright. It is located in Alexandria and is a prime example of the type of housing that was built in the 1940s for middle class families.

The house had two owners, the Popes and the Leigheys. The Leigheys donated the house and furnishing in 1964 to the National Trust for Historic Preservation when it was scheduled for demolition to make way for I-66. The house was then partially taken apart and placed in its current location in Alexandria. However, in 1996 the preservers encountered a problem—the hill the house was placed on began eroding. Constructors had to move the house 30 inches over in order to save it from the erosion. The entire process cost a staggering $750,000 to move the house a little more than two feet.

The house is a reflection of the very meticulous mind Wright had with each of his designs. The house is made of Cyprus wood, which is impenetrable. Today, Cyprus is protected by the government and cannot be used because of its scarcity. The house has other tiny quarks, like all the screws in the house are horizontal simply because Wright felt they were more reliable that way. The house starts off with a “carport,” a word that Wright claimed to have invented, that is just less than seven feet tall, but opens with an eleven-foot high living room.

“This feature brings nature to eye level when inside of the house,” said one of the guides along the tour. It does not have a basement or attic. Wright designed pipes to go underneath the house where hot water could be pumped into them in order to heat the house.

The house was built with numerous windows to make it seem bigger on the inside and to add a good amount of natural light.

“It really does look bigger on the outside. I love how the windows open out in the corners of the house,” said a passing viewer of the design of the house. Small windows litter the sides of the house and are each uniquely designed cut-outs by Wright.

The interior of the house really shows off Wright’s talent of making a small area seem bigger by using overlapping rooms. There are two bedrooms, the master bedroom and kids room, and one bathroom. The living room is the biggest, most spacious room in the house because Wright wanted the family and visitors to be compelled to gather in that room. The kitchen was built very small, and was called the “workspace” for Mrs. Pope to cook. Mrs. Pope complained about the size of the kitchen being too small, but Wright’s argument was that it was the same size as a train’s kitchen, and if the chefs can prepare a meal for 200 people in that small space, Mrs. Pope can prepare a meal for her family.

The house is an easy drive off of the Fairfax Parkway and takes about 15 minutes to reach. Tours of the house are offered every half hour from10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the price of $3.00 per student and $7.50 for adults. The house is quietly located far from the parking lot and surrounded by woods. Benches are set up outside for viewers to sit and enjoy the careful thought and design that went into the house.

Wright’s design style was heavily influenced by his life, and he remains one of the most influential architects in the world today. Many people worldwide study his “organic architecture” philosophy, which is an out of context design, but is most importantly about the relationship between the site and the needs of the client. Many architects and designers have been trained at his architecture schools.

Wright and wife, Olgivanna Lloyd Wright, established the Taliesin Fellowship in 1932. It was a community of 30 apprentices and architects who could learn and practice Wright’s organic architecture philosophy. The students practiced the architecture by sharing work, building construction and relating arts. Wright’s Taliesin School in Spring Green, Wisconsin and Taliesin West in Phoenix,Arizona, were the home to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to perpetuate the Fellowship. The Fellowship is still in existence today and Wright’s legacy lives on.

While mostAmericans were influenced by European styles during the 1900s,Wright changed that ideology. Wright showed Americans a new way of design, getting them out of their box-like houses and into using wide-open spaces. Many of Wright’s designs can be found in a large proportion of Americans homes today.

Most of what Wright designed were single-family homes.Although he was very diverse in what his designs, developing houses of worship, skyscrapers, resorts, museums, government offices, gas stations and bridges; including the Price Tower skyscraper and Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

After working for architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee at the start of his career, Wright drafted his first construction of his first building, the Lloyd-Jones Family Chapel, also known as Unity Chapel. One of Wright’s most famous and well known homes is Fallingwater. It was created in 1935 for the Edgar J. Kaufmann family, even though it was not completed until 1939. Since the family had such a love for a waterfall on Bear Run in Pennsylvania, the house was placed 30 feet over the falls.

On April 9, 1959, at age 92, Wright died at his home, Taliesin West in Phoenix,Arizona. By this time Wright had become recognized throughout the world for his innovative style and contemporary designs. Wright never retired and worked till his death.At that point he had created 1,141 designs, of that only 532 were fully completed.

LAURA SIMPSON

BY LAURA SIMPSON AND LYNDSAY JACOBS Arts Editors

—Omid Shabon freshman

“My backyard because it is very natural with lots of flowers and trees. It’s very peaceful and relaxing, sometimes I eat out there.”

March 27, 2007

The Hollyhock House, built from 1919-1921, was Wrightʼs first project in Los Angeles. It was built for the oil heiress Aline Barnsdall. The Hollyhock house was the basis of a theater community on a 36 acre site.

HTTP://WWW.B-LEVI.COM/STUFF/TRAVELS/IMG/MINNESOTA/TALIESIN_01.JPG

What is your favorite feature about your house?

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After returning back from Europe, Wright got his mother to purchase land in Spring Green, Wisconsin, where he built Hillside Home School, also known as Taliesin, in May of 1911.

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March 27, 2007

The Blood Flood

We interviewed senior Scott Prosch about his blood donation

Sixty-five units of blood were donated to the INOVA Blood Donor Services on March 20. Approximately 90 AHS students donated and were sporting colored bands and blue tshirts for the rest of the day. Questions about medical history and personal activities were asked to make sure the donorʼs blood was safe. The INOVA staff members made 16 deferrals.

“I believe the blood drive went very well. The only reason we didnʼt have as much student involvement was beacause of spring sports,” said Leadership sponsor Abbie Kahn.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

13 Q. Why did you decide to donate blood?

A. It is so easy to donate since they come to Annandale, so why not help save lives to get out of class?

Q. Was this your first time giving blood?

Much preparation is needed before one can give blood. Donorsʼ arms are prepared by using a rubber strip to locate a vein and then iodine is rubbed on the area to sterilize where the needle will enter.

A. No, my first time was the last blood drive at Annandale.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

Q. How would you describe your experience with donating blood?

Junior Donald Suver lies patiently as his blood is taken. The entire process of giving blood took around an hour.

Q. Were you scared? Why or why not?

MARGARET CROWLEY

JULIANNE SIMPSON

A pint of blood is taken from each donor. It took an average of 10-15 minutes to collect the blood.

A. I feel satisfied helping save lives with putting so little effort into it.

A. No, I wasnʼt scared because I have done it before and Iʼm not really scared of needles anyway.

Senior Adam WIrdzek fills out paperwork before donating blood.

Q. How long did the entire process take?

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A. The entire process from signing in and filling out paperwork to after donating blood took about an hour.

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Each blood donor was given a stress ball to keep the blood flowing through their veins.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

Q. What were your feelings, mental and physical, after you were done?

A. My arm was a little sore afterwards, but I didnʼt feel dizzy at all, and I am happy with the experience overall.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

Senior Taylor Hobson gets her temperature and blood pressure measured before she donates.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

MARGARET CROWLEY

Senior Scott Prosch looks on as his arm is tied with a rubber strip, making his veins more visible.

Sample tubes of blood are taken to test for HIV and other diseases before taking a full pint. Labels on the tubes correspond with the donorʼs bag of blood to trace any complications.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

The Lecture Hall was filled with students and volunteers, donating their time and blood.

MARGARET CROWLEY

MARGARET CROWLEY

JULIANNE SIMPSON

Pictured above are some of the tools used by the volunteers. Each donorsʼ arm was wrapped with gauze and bandaged after they were done.

Leadership students hands out and collects paperwork from donors before they give blood.

Junior Debbie McCoy distracts herself by reading as she gives blood.

Senior Rachel Navarrete must answers questions from a volunteer and get her iron, blood pressure and temperature tested before she can donate blood.

A Fairfax Hospital volunteer prepares senior Shakia Branch to give blood as she watches anxioiusly.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

MARGARET CROWLEY

Senior Raquel Aguirre asks the Leadership students a question before entering the Lecture Hall to donate blood.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

Senior John Chu cringes in fear before the volunteer sticks him with a needle

MARGARET CROWLEY

Blood was kept in coolers until the end of the day.

JULIANNE SIMPSON

JULIANNE SIMPSON

Paper work must be filled out by every donor before giving blood. Each donor must answer questions about their weight, height, medical and sexual history.

Recovering donors were encouraged to munch on these goodies.

HEALTH

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March 27, 2007

The darker side of tanning

New Smoking Study

Though tanning may seem to have good effects initially, it can cause detrimental problems to your health in the future

What do you think of the future availability of male contraceptives?

“Male contraceptives would be a good idea because they would help to eliminate unwanted pregnancies.”

—Hasib Iqbal freshman “I don’t think male contraceptives would be a good idea, it sounds unhealthy in my opinion.”

—Mark Spicer freshman “I’m in favor of male contraceptives because the responsibility of birth control should be for both men and women.”

BY MEREDITH RUTHERFORD Staff Writer

Type I: Always burns, never tans; sensitive (“Celtic”) Type II: Burns easily, tans minimally Type III: Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown (Average Caucasian) Type IV: Burns minimally; always tans well to moderately brown (Olive Skin) Type V: Rarely burns,tans profusely to dark (Brown Skin) Type VI: Never burns; deeply pigmented, not sensitive (Black Skin)

As warm weather finally reaches the wind and snow blown areas of Northern Virginia, people all over are becoming more active. Some people drive with the car windows down and the music loud. Others pack away the sweaters and pull out the desired skirts and short sleeves, while others go for leisurely bike rides or runs in the warm and sunny outdoors.

When warm weather rolls around, teens and adults alike begin to think about working Source: www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tanning.html on their tans. A popular way to get the desired golden glow is by using tanning beds or sun lamps. However, there are several risks to using such methods.

Ultraviolet rays come from the sun; exposure to the rays causes skin pigmentation said Ibrahim. or coloring. Small amounts of sun are needed for the body to make Vitamin D, but the A common myth among young people is that sun exposure and tanning is not hurting amount needed is much less than the amount needed to get a tan. their skin because the results are not showing. Effects of sun exposure do not show for There are two types of UV rays, UVB and UVA. The sun emits only UVB rays. several years. Other than temporary tans or sunburns, one cannot know the extent of UV radiation, which can be found in tanning beds and sun lamps, can cause several the harm the sun does to one’s skin. types of skin cancer. A misconception among the general public is that using a tanning Although most tanning parlors claim that the exposure to the tanning lights is less bed is safer than tanning outdoors. This is not true. Tanning beds use UVB and UVA harmful than the sun, this is not true. The light still affects the skin, and the more tanning rays, which are both dangerous. one does, the more he or she is at risk of getting skin cancer.

It is even possible to get sunburned in a tanning salon if you are not careful. Damage “It’s ironic, people use sunbeds because they think they’ll look better and yet they will to the eyes can occur if the tanning salon does not provide protective eye coverings. probably end up looking old prematurely and possibly getting skin cancer,” said Vivienne “Every time we have a blistering sunburn before the age of 18, we increase the chance Nathanson from the Board of Science and Educawe will develop melanoma,” said Dr. tion, according to www.fda.gov.

Jeffrey Lee of M.D. Anderson Cancer The Food and Drug Administration, the Center, according to www.fda.gov.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recent research shows that too and doctors all encourage people to spend less much sun exposure can cause maligtime in the sun and not to use tanning beds nant melanoma. Melanoma is the most or sun lamps. serious type of skin cancer.

It is best to avoid the sun during its stronEven moderate tanning can cause gest radiation period, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. effects of skin cancer, such as wrinkles, Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen also help premature aging and tough, leathery protect from some of the sun’s harsh rays. skin.

People with very light skin may want to It is estimated that 38,300 people wear long sleeve shirts and pants if they are will be diagnosed with melanoma skin going to be outside for an extended period cancer within the next year. About of time.

7,300 of these skin cancer cases will Sophomore Isabel Bodrog is careful with result in death due to the cancer. This the amount of sun exposure she gets. does not include the nearly one million “I make sure to put on a lot of sunscreen people diagnosed with other skin canbecause I have light skin and it burns really cers as well. easily,” said Bodrog.

Sophomore Isabel Ibrahim enjoys However, safe and easy tanning options being outside, especially in the summer. do exist. Sprays or lotions are approved by She does not allow the sun’s dangerous the FDA and do not involve radiation. These rays to stop her from having fun outsunless tanners darken the outermost layer doors. of skin cells, giving off the look of a light tan.

“I am pretty careful about the The results, however, do not last very long amount of tanning I do. Normally I because the human body constantly replaces tan for an hour or so when I am on the skin cells. beach. Sometimes I accidentally fall In order to prevent your skin from looking asleep in the sun, and I almost never old before its time, avoid excess exposure to put on sunscreen unless I am going to A woman with skin that is already severely devastated by the sunʼs harmful effects contines to the sun and avoid tanning salons. be out in the sun for over three hours,” bask in the dangerous ultraviolet rays. It is recommended that you avoid the mid-day sun, as PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM: WWW.SAFETYCENTER.NAVY.NIL

Before a recent study by Dr. Yolanda Helfrich of the University of Michigan, it was thought that smoking only aged the skin of the face. However, the truth is, smoking ages skin all over the body, including skin protected from the sun, such as the underarms. Smoking wrinkles the skin and can make it yellow.

It also causes the blood vessels to constrict, which reduces blood supply to the skin.

What skin type are you?

well as lather up with a high SPF suncreen and wear a visored hat.

Avoid streaks and turning orange: tips for applying sunless tanners —Ismael Ramirez junior “I don’t think guys would like the idea. It’s a pride killer for them.”

Sunless tanners are a great alternative to harmful ultraviolet rays. They are completely safe and will not harm your skin.

An instant tanning spray can give you a quick tan.

—Lucia Schaefer senior “I think that ultimately, the responsibility falls on the woman, and that male contraceptives would be a good second choice, but women still need to be responsible.”

A sunless tanner and bronzer that fades like a real tan.

Male birth control soon to be a reality The future will allow men to be more responsible with a form of male birth control

—Rebekah Ralston English teacher

Food for thought Spinach may seem like it is a leafy green vegetable that is only suitable for cows, but it has amazing benefits.

The large amount of Vitamin K in spinach can protect against osteoporosis. It also has VitaminsAand C which helps prevent heart disease.

Additional nutrients in spinach reduces the risk of colon cancer, arthritis and other diseases.

For a sweet and healthy snack, make a spinach salad with spinach and your choice of apples, strawberries, or mandarin oranges.

WWW.WHFOODS.COM

Source: www.whfoods.com

BY SARAH WAITER Health Editor Believe it or not, men may soon have use of hormones, such as testosterone a new decision to make when it comes to and progestin to temporarily stop sperm birth control. This safe, effective, and revers- production.

While many men are pleased to know ible male contraceptive will be available in the near future if funding for research they soon may have another option, others are skeptical about the contraceptive. continues.

“With all the side effects of birth control “The technology is there. We know how it would work,” said Dr. Andrea Coviello, for women, why do they think they can who is assisting in the effort to test vari- improve it for men?” said senior Jeoffrey ous male contraceptives at the Population Jospitre. “The condom works fine.”

In contrast, junior Carlos Galicia is in Center for Research in Reproduction at the full support of male contraceptives .

University of Washington in Seattle.

“I think it is a great Coviello and her idea. If women have to partners have found bear the side effects that contraceptives of birth control, men which release testoster- If women have to bear the should have to also,” one over a three month said Galicia. period are a poten- side effects of birth control, As research contintially safe and practical ues and other forms of method of preventing men should also have to. contraceptives such as pregnancy.

“It’s a good idea be—CarlosGalicia pills, patches and gels cause birth control can’t junior are tested, senior Graham Prosch awaits [fail],” said a senior further information who wishes to remain before making a decianonymous.

Coviello has tested an effective male son about whether he would use male birth contraceptive by way of an injection under control in the future.

“If I knew more about it, I might conthe skin.

One subject reported experiencing few sider it,” said Prosch.

The decision is up in the air for many noticeable side effects, and a small amount of weight gain, while other subjects experi- men. While some may consider the option, enced no side-effects at all. The contracep- others refuse to take any part in it, believing tive lowered one subject’s sperm count to that birth control is solely the responsibility zero. After three months, researchers say of the woman.

“If you’re going to do the deed, and a the sperm count will return to normal.

Male contraceptives will potentially kid is the result, you have to take care of it. work the same way as female contracep- There shouldn’t be any way out of it,” said tives. The contraceptive will involve the junior Audri Knudsen.

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• Do not shave your legs prior to application • Take a shower and make sure to dry yourself throughly • Apply the tanner to one section of your body at a time • Wear gloves to prevent your palms from tanning • Use an exfoliant if your skin becomes streaky in places • Do not get dressed until at least 15 minutes after you are done applying the tanner

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March 27, 2007

SPORTS XTRA

Sports lose popularity

Baseball and hockey have been in decline in recent years and have struggled to adapt “major league” sports.

But, unlike baseball, hockey never comEmpty bleachers, deserted dugouts, overgrown out- manded a large percentfields; each of these is a sign that Americans are hanging age of the sports market. up their gloves. The national pastime is losing its popular- Hockey’s decline can be ity while other sports, such as football, are thriving. The attributed to its poor National Hockey League (NHL) and the sport of hockey in television statistics, lack general is suffering a similar fate, and neither sport’s future of widespread youth is certain. Can either of these age-old classics revive their interest, and a limited market for the sport. public image? Only time will tell.

A sport’s popularity Fifteen years ago a story about baseball’s popularity would be glittering with praise because baseball seemingly in the media is often a owned the major sports market in the United States, but good indicator of its after a decade and a half of limited exposure, falling youth overall popularity, and numbers, and the rise of other sports, baseball seems to for hockey, it is not doing too well. Hockey’s ratbe left in the dust.

During the early 1990s baseball was still climbing in ings were consistently American pop culture as attendance numbers reached abysmal throughout the an all-time high in 1993, but when a labor dispute in the 2006 season, and the summer of 1994 caused the cancellation of over 900 games, Stanley Cup was no exincluding the World Series and the playoffs, people seemed ception. The final game to lose interest. In the years following the strike, attendance of the Stanley Cup Finals numbers fell and have only recently recovered to around (which should, theoretitheir pre-strike numbers. This means that the attendance cally, draw a large crowd) at many games is still strong, but why is baseball losing only achieved a 3.3 rating and a six percent the popularity war?

The major answer to this question lies in the media. share of the total televiAlthough baseball is a sport that is geared for high atten- sion audience. These dance numbers, it’s outside in the summer’s warm weather, numbers were down and held when a lot of people have time; the exact opposite by 21 percent from the when it comes to television. Baseball and television just do 2004 Stanley Cup (the not seem to get along. Baseball is held at night during the last Stanley Cup before summer, which is hardly the peak hour for most people to the labor strike).

Even without a conbe watching a game. Other sports, like football, seem to be made for television. Football is held during the fall and trolling influence in the the winter, when most people are inside and do not want media, a sport still has to go outdoors, and is captured in a much better way on hope through the youth television than baseball is. With all these factors playing of the nation. But even against baseball, it’s no wonder its TV ratings have gone in this market, hockey is failing to attract large down. “[Baseball] is sort of a slow paced game, and during it’s numbers, and youth season there are more exciting sports and people need that hockey is hard to find in many places. This can be excitement factor,” said junior Kat Reach.

Another indicator of the decline in baseball’s popular- attributed to several fac- Empty bleachers are becoming a more common scene at baseball parks around the nation ity is the decline of children playing baseball. As stated tors, including the cost of The final nail in the coffin for hockey was the labor strike the equipment that hockey requires, the times before, with the ratings of during the 2004-2005 season. The strike lasted 310 days that children often have access to rinks, and baseball TV falling this also from Sept.16, 2004 to July 13, 2005, which cancelled the simply the scarcity of leagues for kids to play means that children are not entire season. This was the first time since 1919 that the in. Without influence on the youth culture, watching as much. The games Stanley Cup was not awarded and also was the first time hockey is failing to create life long hockey are also played at night, further [Baseball] is just a slow that a major sport had cancelled an entire season. With an fanatics. complicating children’s ability paced game and there are already failing league, the cancellation of an entire season Hockey also lacks widespread marketto watch a game. Without this was detrimental. Hockey lost a whole year’s worth of media ability to many demographics. Hockey opportunity, kids do not develop other games that are more coverage, ticket, and product sales. lacks the ability to reach the lower rungs of the desire to play Little League, Despite having a very solid group of fans, these two society because of the limited number of kids and this eventually makes the exciting. sports have failed to expand their fan base. While baseball next generation of adults unin—KatReach who have the ability to play. Because of how and hockey have not capitalized on the huge media expanterested in baseball. junior much it costs to play youth hockey, many less sion, other sports are stealing potential fans. Unless these fortunate youth never have the ability to exBaseball’s decline appears sports find new ways to attract fans, and more importantly perience hockey first hand. Without exposure miniscule in comparison to the the youth, they will continue to decline in popularity. popularity of the National Hockey League. Both hockey to all these people, hockey loses a large market and thus and baseball have a storied history and are the two oldest loses popularity.

Would you rather watch or attend a game of baseball or hockey?

“Hockey, because I do not like baseball. Hockey is fun to watch.”

—Aimme Jennings freshman

“I like baseball becasue it’sAmerica’s pasttime.”

—Matt Flowers sophomore

“Hockey, its more exciting and it has fights.”

—Tim Reynolds junior

MATT JOHNSON

BY MATT JOHNSON Sports Xtra Editor

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Baseball strikes out 1876

American Baseball league is established and is the other “Major” league that still exists First radio broadcast of baseball game

1917

Due to a lack of business as a result of WWII, the NHL that had expanded to ten teams was reduced back down to six teams

The National Hockey League is established in Montreal and is made up of five teams

1942

1967

Average attendance of Major League games: 8,211 people

1947

In 1967, six teams were added to the NHL as a result of the competitive Western Hockey League and the desire for a big TV contract

1972-1974

1980

The 1994 strike led to 938 games and the World Series being canceled

Average attendance of Major League games: 5,836 people.

1921

1930

Brooklyn Dodgers sign AfricanAmerican player Jackie Robinson, the first black player in the Majors

National Baseball league is established and is considered the first “Major” league

1901

1909

Hockey is ice cold

The 1980 World Series, Royals vs.

Phillies, had one of the highest TV audiences: a 32.8 Neilsen rating

1994

2006

The Nielsen rating for the 2006 World Series fell over 20 points in 20 years to 10.1

Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One,” plays for 20 seasons, and becomes a superstar and the face of NHL

—Julie Tran senior “I like watching ice hockey because it is more fast pace and there are fights.”

— Joel Jepson history teacher

MLB World Series Nielsen TV Ratings Year

Nielsen Rating

1968

22.8

1970

19.4

1972

27.5

1974

25.6

1976

27.7

1978

32.7

1980

32.8

1982

28.0

1984

22.9

1986

28.6

1988

23.9

1990

20.8

1992

20.2

1994

N/A

1996

17.4

1998

14.1

2000

12.4

2002

11.9

2004

15.8

2006

10.1

Statistics from http://www.baseballalmanac.com/ws/wstv.shtml

1979-99

2004-05

Over the past two years, nine franchises either did not improve or decreased their value

Four more expansion teams are added to the league in response to the World Hockey Association being created

“I like hockey because it is more intense and it is not about running around and stealing bases.”

2007

A labor dispute leads to the cancellation of the entire season, and severely hurts the popularity of the game

SPORTS

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March 27, 2007

Spring sports rundown

The Atomic Challenge

Boys Lacrosse: 1-0 Boys Soccer:1-1

BY TIM YUSKAVAGE Copy Editor

Even though they had to deal with delayed scrimmages and rained-out games, lacrosse came out strong in their first game at Fairfax on March 23 with a winning score of 9-4. Senior Bryan Krzywicki scored three goals alone. Juniors Michael Craig and David Waiter added two, while junior Dylan Volk finished it off with one goal. Senior captains Drew Chadwick, Trevor Daggle and Sean Armstrong are ready to finally defeat West Springfield in the fight for the district championship.

Members of the AHS athletics department took to the track on Thursday, March 22 at 3 p.m. at the main track as part of the Atomic Challenge fundraiser.

Athletes participating in spring sports were ordered to run up to a total of 13 laps around the track, the equivalent of over three miles. According to Athletic Director Angelo Hilios, this is the largest fundraiser of the year, netting on average, anywhere from 20,000 to 35,000 in the form of donations from outside parties.

The laps run by the athletes serve as an incentive for donation from those giving contributions. Hilios said that this event has been going on in some regard for the last seven years, with the largest amount of funds being raised two years ago, when the athletic department raised 33 thousand dollars.

All spring sports athletes were expected to participate, and according to Hilios, the track team had “over 75 people,” and with the other spring sports, he expected anywhere from 200 to 300 participants. Not all students, however, were sharing the enthusiasm of Helios with regards to this event.

Several students expressed their displeasure with running so much, stating that they thought it was a waste of time, as they would most likely run in their regular practices anyways.

[Junior Ryan Schaedel, a member of the track team, said, “I think it’ll be kind of boring, 13 laps is crap.”

Despite some objections, the vast majority of athletes turned out to run under the Thursday mid-day sun.

Despite a close 0-1 loss to Falls Church, the boys rebounded with a strong comeback.

On March 21 the Atoms defeated Mount Vernon by a score of 4-0. Despite having a good showing, the Atoms are in for some tough games ahead. Lake Braddock and West Springfield are among some of the best teams in the region, and if the Atoms can secure a win against any of these powerhouse teams, then the Patriot District is in for a surprise.

Softball:2-1

Tennis: 2-1

The Atoms had 2-0 start to the season, but ended their winning streak with a 0-4 loss to West Springfield, the defending district championships, on March 23 at home. With the loss of junior pitcher Emily Shultis due to a broken nose,the Atoms will be forced to bounce back. Eight varsity players have returned this season, ensuring the chemistry and raw talent needed in this year’s roster.

Both the girls and boys tennis teams are taking the Patriot District by surprise.

Both teams had convincing wins against West Springfield and Hayfield. The boys have new talent in the form of freshman.

The girls have continued to improve their record from last year and have not let down, despite the fact that they lost 10 seniors last year. However, neither team could overcome the South County Stallions on March 23.

Boys lacrosse crushes Fairfax in a big way

BY CAROLINE MERZ Staff Writer

AVERY ADCOCK

Junior Erik Vu checks a Fairfax player during their 9-4 win over Fairfax.

Boys soccer wins early and hopes to keep streak alive

AVERY ADCOCK

Boys Lacrosse:vs Fairfax on March 23; AHS:9 FHS:4

BY AVERY ADCOCK Sports Editor

JESSICA BENETIZ

AVERY ADCOCK

Members of the lacrosse team huddle before the game against Fairfax.

Junior Erick Vu faces off to start the game.

Junior Chris Santamaria leaps across the goal to save a ball in practice at Mason District Park. The Atoms defeated Mount Vernon with a score of 4-0 on March 20 at home.

Girls Tennis:vs Hayfield on March 21; AHS: 5 HHS: 4

JOSH MILLER

Sophomore Erika Anderson warms up before a match.

Sophomore Lauren Kinch hits a forehand volley.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIFETOUCH

Softball:vs W&L on March 12; AHS: 5 WLHS:2

Senior captain Beth Sass looks to make a double play after getting an out.

Girls and boys tennis come out strong in matches

BY AVERY ADCOCK Sports Editor

BY AVERY ADCOCK Sports Editor

The first home game opener against the defending district champions: a pretty tall order. That is what the varsity softball team was faced with on March 23 against West Springfield.

The game ended with an AHS defeat with a score of 0-4. Despite the loss, the Atoms started the season 2-0 against Falls Church and Edison.

“We think we are going to have a pretty good season. We are working hard and improving, but having our home opener against the district champions from last year was a struggle. We made a few stupid mistakes that cost us the game and we were too intimidated, and we know we need to have a comeback,” said junior Debie McCoy. TheAtoms are led by their three senior captains: pitcher/third baseman Kelsey Grant, shortstop Beth Sass and second baseman Taylor Hobson.

Coach Abbie Kahn believes that the Atoms started off the season in a very positive way.

“We are off to a really good start. We have done really well in non-district play. We have a good group of girls this year that are working really hard. Even when we losse they are not negative,” said Kahn.

Senior first baseman Lindsay McCafferty thinks that even though they lost they can learn a lot from it.

“We have a really solid defense, so as long as we are able to keep our defense strong, our batting should come around,” said McCafferty.

Something has sure set the AHS tennis teams on fire, and whatever it is the Atoms need to continue to bring the heat. Despite their most recent loss to South County, theAtoms are looking to the future and hope that they will continue to do well in the district.

Both the girls and boys varsity tennis teams have started their season with two wins against West Springfield and Hayfield, and a dissapointing loss to South County on March 23. The boys rebounded from a less than successful season last year to beat some of the Patriot District powerhouses early.

Standout senior, Samson Belay thinks that boys tennis has the potential to beat anybody and everybody this season. “ We only lost one top six player last year and we also gained two new players that are really helping us to win. Coach Scott is our new head coach and really is pushing us to work hard,” said Belay.

“We are playing really well and we won our first two scrimmages and first two games. Our team is really deep,” said junior Taher Al-Sugi.

Both the girls and the boys have new coaches this season.

“We have a good group of guys that are working really hard and are getting better in practice,” said coach Mike Scott.

However, the girls are not letting the boys pass them up.

“We have a lot of younger girls on the team this year but they are stepping it up. I think we will continue our winning record Freshman Torie Deible hits a backhand in a doubles match. from last year,” said sophomore Erica Andersen.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIFETOUCH

JOSH MILLER

Softball starts out 2-0 but falls to West Springfield

It is no secret that the boys varsity soccer team had a less-than convincing season last year. This season they hope to change that.Armed with a new attitude and new strategies, the Atoms hope to improve their record and change the opinions of many across AHS. The Atoms gained some much-needed confidence against Mount Vernon on March 30 when the Atoms defeated the Majors 4-0. They are currently 1-1 heading into regular district play.

The Atoms are anchored from seniors midfielders, Jai An, Amadu Fullah and sophomore forward Issa Thullah.

The Atoms are in for an up hill battle to prove to AHS and the community that soccer in general at AHS is not a joke.

“It is not like we are bad, it is just that the players in the region are so good,” said junior Jon Reid. The fact is that the Patriot District is one of the hardest districts for soccer in the region. Junior goalkeeper Christopher Santamaria believes that a few wins will change a lot. “I think we have a good team this year that is willing to change our reputation at AHS for not being successful. Our practice is really helping us because we are starting to work more as a team,” said Santamaria.

Jai An thinks that its not that they cannot beat teams with individual talent ,but can when they work together. “ We have really bonded and unfortunately lost our first game, but we will get better the more we work together,” said An.

Junior Debbie McCoy hits a line-drive to second base in a scrimmage against W&L that the Atoms won 5-2.

JOSH MILLER

Game Pictorials

The boys varsity lacrosse team had its first game on Friday against the Fairfax Rebels at Fairfax. The game ended with a 9-4 victory for the Atoms, bringing their record to 1-0.

“We started off slow on offense, but we stayed in there and got almost every single groundball and put up some goals, not to mention the defense played great,” said junior defender Chester Yavari. Senior midfielder Bryan Krzywicki and junior attack player Michael Craig each had three goals and senior Drew Chadwick was able to get a lot of big ground balls. Other key players were senior Sean Armstrong and juniors Zach Sells and Kevin McCracken The Atoms went into the game with the strategy of keeping the ball on the offensive side and going after all ground balls.

“We don’t really have any big rituals [before going on the field], but I like to tell everyone to gets to fryin before the game,” said senior captain and attack player Trevor Daggle. He has been on the team for four years.

Some players do individual preparation before games. Senior captain and defender Drew Chadwick said he uses silent meditation to Next game: vs. get ready.

Hayfield “Some of us have good luck charms,” said When: 3/30/07 Chadwick, “Dae-Hwan has a little jade Buddha Where: home he rubs.”

Time:7:00 p.m.

Unfortunately for the team, they have two important players with injuries. Sophomore defender Cason Kynes is suffering from a small crack in his right collarbone and junior attack player Matt Johnson suffered from a concussion from a scrimmage earlier in the season.

“They are both key players and it’s definitely a loss not having them, but it has forced some other guys to step up play on the level they need to,” Daggle said. “[The team works] surprisingly well together,” Chadwick said, “where we don’t have the experience we make up for it with raw desire and athleticism.”

SPORTS

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March 27, 2007

Lady Atoms start season strong

Track and Field improves on slow start Although the runners are fast, the track season has gotten off to a slow start. All spring sports were slowed due to the inclement weather. In addition, the track team was held up again when their first meet, scheduled for March 21 against West Potomac, was rescheduled.

Because of the circumstances, the team’s first meet will be on March 28 at home against Hayfield, West Springfield, and T.C. Williams.

Despite these setbacks, the Koppelman athletes have been able to improve greatly. One of the track members who is improving rapidly is sophomore Ki Lee, who still hopes to further improve. By the end of the season Lee hopes to run the 400m in under 55 seconds.

“My teammates are the best motivators for improving,” said Lee. “I would hate to let them down by not working as hard as I can.”

Sophomore Emily Koppelman is one of the leaders of the field portion of the track and field team. The main event she specializes in is shot put. Koppelman said she learned about shotput when she attended a clinic with the coach from the Virginia Military Institute.

“I plan to improve more by lifting weights and practicing with intensity everyday.”

The next event for the team is on March 31 at the Legard Relays at Westfield High School.

GREG ROSENSTEIN

BY TIM YUSKAVAGE Copy Editor

Senior Ben Hendrickson foul tips a pitch during the Atoms 4-0 loss to West Springfield on March 23. Coach Ron Abrigoʼs squad is 0-2 on the season and face Patriot District rivals Hayfield and South County this week. “The wins will come as we play more games.

If we just stay focused we should be fine,” said Abrigo.

Swing and a miss Atoms hitting woes lead to troubling 0-2 start of season

BY GREG ROSENSTEIN Sports Editor With five returning players who batted over .340 last season, the last thing Coach Ron Abrigo thought he had to worry about was hitting. But after opening the season with 0-8 and 0-4 losses to Langley and West Springfield last week, concerns from the plate have risen.

“We are trying to be aggressive. Senior Will Wade works on pitching drills in Trying to make it happen,” said Abrigo. practice last week.

“But it just wasn’t going our way. This week we’re going to get to work, back to game suspension that kept five starting players—seniors Ben Hendrickson, basics.”

“We just couldn’t hit the ball,” said se- Jon Andersen, Will Wade and David nior David Valentin. “We just have to wait Valentin, and junior Eric Bridge—on the bench rather than on the field. As a on it and be more patient at the plate,” “As a team we just have to get used to result, the Atoms were forced to rely on getting back into the game,” said junior backup fielders and, more importantly, Jeff Dean. “We hit a good amount of balls, freshman pitchers Ryan Schubert, Nabut they were going right at people. I’m than Clayton and Nathan Reel, to face Langley Saxons, considered one of the top sure [the hitting] will be fine.”

Another issue that held back the five teams in Northern Virginia. Reason Atoms in the first game was the one- for the suspensions were undisclosed.

—Marisa Tordella Online Staff

Sports

Spotlight Sports Column

Compiled By Greg Rosenstein

KELSEY GRANT

Year: Senior Sport: Varsity Softball Note: Had 10 strikouts in 7-3 victory over Falls Church on March 14.

Player Quote: “During the game, all I wanted to do was keep playing well and help the team win. I think the team will do pretty well this season. We will definately surprise some people.”

The girl’s varsity soccer team started off its season strong with a 2-0 win against Falls Church on March 12 and a 0-0 tie against Mount Vernon on March 20.

“So far the season is going well, but we still have a lot more games to play,” said junior Bethany Hertel.

This year the team has been faced with new changes in the girls soccer program including a new coaching staff. Additionally, ten new players have joined the varsity squad including two freshmen.

“We have been working hard at practice every day so we can have a more successful season this year. The coaches challenge us more than in the past and we are working on coming together as a team,” said senior Kelly Scrivener, who is also a

captain along with seniors Madeleine Mejean and Julianne Simpson.

Sophomore Leslie Burns also agreed that the new coaches, Janeen Westphal and Gretchen Hamm, are making significant improvements to the program.

“They are keeping us all together and trying to eliminate all drama that may occur,” said sophomore Leslie Burns. “They want us to play to our highest potential,” The team is looking forward to recovering from last year’s losing record of 3-8-2.

“Although there is room for improvement, we are doing well this season and have a good chance of winning lots of games and having more success in the district,” said junior Kathleen Whitley.

The team played West Springfield on Monday night, which was too late for press time. The team’s next game is home against Fairfax on Wednesday, March 28.

Freshman Nikki Clarke passes the ball during practice last week.

Hoya Paranoia: back and better than ever The

Extra Point Sports Column

By Greg Rosenstein The Final Four is one of the greatest sports spectacles of the year. Nowhere else do you get the David vs. Goliath match-ups that bring every fan to the edge of their seat.

And the games in Atlanta this year will surely not disappoint. Here is my analysis breaking down the semi-final games: UCLA vs. Florida Frontcourt: Much of the defending champion Gators’ success the past couple of years can be attributed to their fantastic interior play from juniors Al Horford (13.4 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game) and Joakim Noah (12.1 ppg. and 8.4 rpg). Along with senior Chris Richard off the bench, Florida is a great rebounding team that dominated the glass against smaller opponents Butler and Oregon in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight.

UCLA’s frontcourt is led by junior Lorenzo Mata (6.7 ppg. and 5.5 rpg.) and sophomore Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (8.3 ppg. and 7.5 rpg.). Both big men are tall, longarmed and good defensively.

But down low is where the Gators need to exploit in order to win. Mata is UCLA’s tallest player at 6’9”, but Florida has four different players that size or taller. If either Mata or Mbah a Moute gets in any kind of foul trouble early, UCLA fans should be in for a long night.

Advantage: Gators Backcourt: With star power in both point guard Darren Collison (12.4 ppg. and 6 assists per game) and Pac-10 Player of the Year junior Arron Afflalo (17.2 ppg.), the Bruins will only go as far as the backcourt takes them. After filling in for current Los Angeles Laker Jordan Farmar, Collison has blossomed into one of the country’s premier playmakers.Afflalo is fantastic at creating his own shot and at 6’5” is great at exploiting favorable match-ups.

For the Gators, it will be important for guards Taurean Green and Lee Humphrey to establish themselves from beyond the arc early in the game, to take pressure off of Noah, Horford and junior Corey Brewer. Both backcourt players are smart with the ball and are capable of hitting the tough shot, especially Humphrey who is almost automatic when left alone beyond the three-point line.

Advantage: Bruins Outcome: In the end, Florida’s post players are too big and good offensively for UCLA’s gritty defense to contain.

If Horford or Noah gets going early, shots eventually will open for Humphrey and Green, enabling the Gators to get back to the Championship game.

GEORGETOWN vs. OHIO STATE Frontcourt: You asked for it, and you got it. In one of the best match-ups of the year, 7’0” freshman man-child Greg Oden of OSU (9.5 rpg. and 3.3 blocks per game) will

face 7’2” junior Roy Hibbert of Georgetown (6.8 rpg. and 2.4 bpg). Each has strong post moves in their repertories and are very good defensively with their ability to alter or block shots. But there are other intriguing players to watch from both teams in the frontcourt. For Georgetown, Big East Player of the Year junior Jeff Green (14.2 ppg; 6.1 rpg; and 3.2 apg) has been phenomenal, hitting big shot after big shot in the tournament, and freshman DaJuan Summers has played beyond his years.

Small advantage: Hoyas Backcourt: The reason the Buckeyes are so good is because they have a lot of guard talent to compliment the low-post presence of Oden. Freshman Mike Conley Jr. (10.1 ppg; 6.4 apg.) and senior Ron Lewis (11.3 ppg. and 3.5 rpg) can hit the open shot and are not afraid to penetrate the lane. Just ask Xavier fans.

With such talented big men, the guards for the Hoyas have been underrated all season long. Junior point guard Jonathan Wallace (11.2 ppg; and 2.9 apg.) is deadly from long range and is one of the most efficient floor generals in all of college basketball (with a 2:1 assist-to-turnover rating). Sophomore guard Jessie Sapp is equally as talented and is very good at finding open looks for both Hibbert and Green.

Advantage: Even Outcome: The Hoyas will upset the Buckeyes. Georgetown has one of the top three defenses in the country and Hibbert, if he does not get in foul trouble early, will contain Oden enough to help get the win. To get to this point, Ohio State has had to come back from large deficits. They won’t be able to do it again.

MATT KISHIYAMA

Year: Senior Sport: Tennis Note:BeatWest Springfield’stopseeded player 10-1 in a singles match, and with sophomore Carson Wahl, won their doubles match 10-1.

Player Quote: “Carson and I worked well in practice together, and it really made a difference in our match. As a team, we are expecting to win more than last year.”

GREG ROSENSTEIN

BY EMILY VINCENT Online Staff

GREG ROSENSTEIN

Despite the loss, Abrigo was still pleased with the freshmen pitchers’ effort last Wednesday night. “[Schubert, Clayton, and Reel] pitched like they have been there before,” said Abrigo. “They did not pitch like freshmen. It gives us a glimpse of the future of AHS baseball.”

With all of the original starters back against West Springfield, the Atoms were solid defensively. Pitchers Hendrickson and Anderson provided a strong outing. But according to Abrigo there is much room for improvement.

“Errors and not playing well a full seven innings are still plaguing us,” said Abrigo. “We play well for five innings.

We just need to make plays and go hard the entire game.”

Next in line for theAtoms are Hayfield and South County (who finished second and fourth, respectively, in the Patriot District standings last year), followed by a spot in the Hanahan Invitational Tournament over spring break in Charleston, South Carolina.

“It’s very important to get a couple wins under our belt going into the tournament,” said Abrigo. “We are very confident in our pitchers. The wins will come as we play more games. If we just stay focused we should be fine.”

Defense enables early success The Lady Atoms start their season off without a loss

Freshman Tamika Jones works on stick handling in preparation for an upcoming game. The Atoms are 3-2 on the season.

GREG ROSENSTEIN

Like the rest of the AHS spring sports programs, the girls varsity lacrosse team has had to deal with inclement weather to start the season. However, this problem continued as an invitational tournament scheduled for Mar. 16-18 was cancelled due to rain. Thus, the Atoms opened their regular season at Mount Vernon, winning 14-3 on Mar. 21.

“We communicated well, it was a team effort and I think it paid off in the end,” said sophomore attacker Eileen Callahan.

The ladies followed up that rout with a 16-5 victory over Fairfax in their home opener on Mar. 23.

Following up those two strong performances, AHS hosted the first makeup day of the tournament on Mar. 24, with the Atoms playing three games. The Atoms went 1-2 against tough competition from both private and public schools. Against Osbourn Park, AHS won again with a strong offensive showing, winning 15-7. Against their two private school opponents, the team continued with its impressive offense. However, they fell short in both contests: 7-12 against Bishop O’Connell, 7-8 against Elizabeth Seton. The tournament will conclude on April 14th at AHS. Following their strong performances, head coach Cindy Hook believes that the experience will come handy for the team’s district schedule. The Atoms begin their Patriot District competition Mar. 27 with a game against West Springfield at home. Following spring break, the team will travel to South County on April 12, which will then be followed by the second makeup tournament day.

The outlook on the season is optimistic, with all three of AHS’s matches against public schools resulting in one-sided blowouts.

The only two losses, coming against private schools, which usually compose the elite of lacrosse teams, were both well-played games by theAtoms. The team has shown its balance, as ten different players have scored a total of 60 goals. This offense prowess has resulted in an impressive 12 goals per game to start the season. The defense has been reliable too, allowing only 35 goals, which come out to an average of seven goals per game.

Coach Hook believes that the leadership of captains, junior Mary Bermingham and seniors Krista Silano and Emily Vincent, has been evident both on and off the field. The players share the same enthusiasm. “The season looks promising because we work well as a team and have fun,” said Callahan.

17

KELLY SCRIVENER

Year: Senior Sport: Soccer Note: Has not allowed a goal in first two games of season against Falls Church and Mount Vernon. Team is 1-0-1 thus far.

The game against West Springfield last night was too late for publication.

Player Quote: “I have been training a lot over the past year to get where I am now.

We seem to play with a lot more heart and intensity in games.”

Atomic Athletics Records of JV Sports around AHS

JV Boys Lacrosse

1-0 JV Girls Lacrosse

2-1 JV Boys Soccer

2-0 JV Girls Soccer

2-0 JV Baseball

1-0 JV Softball

Record not reported All sports records taken from www.annandaleatoms.com

18 Georgetown gives birth to a new author JERRY SOLOMON Staff Writer It came to him while walking down 18th Street one late night, when he caught a glimpse of a lonely Ethiopian shopkeeper.

“No one comes into the store anymore.”

That was the sentence that got the ball rolling for new and local author Dinaw Mengestu. As a creative writing professor at his alma mater, Georgetown University, Mengestu, 28, has come up with his first piece fictional genius, The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears.

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March 27, 2007

Pre-Wii: Where are they now?

What happened to the games of our past and the people who played them?

BY JENNY JACOBS Entertainment Editor In the haze of improved technology and increased entertainment, it is sometimes hard to look back and remember the simple days when entertainment could be found in a good book or a simple board game like Candyland or Monopoly.

In: advanced gaming systems with motion sensors. Out: passing go and getting $200. But what happened to the entertainment that came between the classic cardboard box games like Twister and the wires that engulf the time and energy of kids of all ages?

The computer games and original gaming systems that we spent hours on in the past, whether it was to build elaborate homes for our “Sims” or to choose whether or not to risk sending your wagon across the river, are long gone, and invariably, we got bored of finding out where in the world Carmen San Diego really was.

“I haven’t played Sims since eighth grade,” says junior Erin Huff.

“But I loved the Sims, there was once a time when one of my Sims was ruining a relationship I was trying to fix, so I paused the game and built a little room around him where he was stuck and couldn’t do any more damage, but he did pee himself.”

The Sims is a computer game where players simulate “real life,” hence the name, and build their Sim people houses, get them jobs, and control every aspect of their everyday life. The player has to command each Sim and tell them when to eat, use the restroom, sleep, answer the phone, and every other task from the seemingly miniscule to the vital decisions that are necessary to keep each Sim healthy, happy and alive.

As the Sims world became more popular, there became ways to expand the computer packages.

“I had the Hot Date, Pets, Magic and Sims2 expansion package. Me and my friend Katie Whitley were obsessed with it back in seventh and eighth grade. When I was really into it I played every day,” said Huff. “At the height of it I would come home from school and start playing every day until I went to bed.”

Sims was not the only game taking up the time of students in the past. Junior Edd Mewborn was, and is, still obsessed with the original Nintendo and other gaming systems. He plays it “pretty much every other day,” and has since sixth grade, until recently when his original Nintendo broke and he is now waiting for it to be repaired. He never wants to grow out of his gaming addiction.

“I still have Pacman hooked up to my TV and I love the original Nintendo. I hope I never grow out of it because it is fun. It’s fun to stop doing homework and shoot people in other galaxies,” said Mewborn.

Even though Mewborn is still into past gaming systems, it doesn’t mean he is not saving up for the Wii. When comparing gaming systems, Mewborn seems to be the expert and he claims that the older games are better because “they are harder, they are actually a challenge and they make you think.”

In retrospect, the games and entertainment systems of the “good old days” have been surpassed by higher technology and more appealing, and expensive, systems to steal students time away. Yet, there will always be a lasting fondness for the games of our youth, and the games that shaped every spare moment available. And the classics are just that…they will never go out of style.

300: A bloody good mess Mengestu writes a tale about an Ethiopian immigrant, Sepha Stephanos, who fled from his homeland at the young age of seventeen, trying to escape the chaos caused by the political hostilities of the 1970s. He would never forget the Ethiopian revolution because of the brutal beating and murder of his father right in front of his very eyes. Stephanos then runs away to America, where he finds himself running a small grocery store in a run-down African American neighborhood in Washington D.C. Feeling great nostalgia for his homeland, the only companions he has to share his life with are two fellowAfrican immigrants, but then a shed of light flashes upon him. When new neighbors move into the house next door, a spring of hope comes following along. Judith, a white woman, and her biracial daughter Naomi reinstate the past beauty that used to consist of their new house and end up giving off a small glimmer of radiance to the neighborhood. Being around them gives Stephanos a feeling that he has not felt in a while, having the love of a family somewhat filling that void of nostalgia. But along with the hope they bring comes disturbance brought on by racial occurrences causing Stephanos to be at the risk of losing everything he has, and having to start all over again.

The

Drew

Review Movie Review

By Drew Wildes When director Zach Snyder first decided to adapt Frank Miller’s graphic novel 300, he had a lot ahead of him. Just two years prior, Robert Rodriguez set a high standard for films adapted from Miller novels when he made Sin City. The computer animated visual style of Sin City set the groundwork for Snyder, but he had to do better. He can now safely say that he his out of the Sin City shadow after marching 300 to the largest opening weekend ever in March grossing $70,885,301 million in the U.S. What hasn’t been mentioned so far is the job Warner Bros. did to advertise the film. Snyder originally wanted to make the film three years ago but movies from the same genre (Alexander, Troy) were both scheduled around the same time.

They decided to push the filming of 300 back a year or two in order to have a broad enough audience willing to watch men in togas march around with swords

again. The first trailer I saw for 300 was in early October of 2006. That was five months before its scheduled release. The buzz started right then and there.

I would be willing to bet that half of the people that saw that trailer went right home and starting pounding the web for more info. Someone badly deserves a raise.

By Christmas, hard core Miller fans were already preparing there shields and swords for the midnight showing on March 8th. My only worry stepping into the theatre was if the movie was going to be as good as the trailer.

The film simply leaves you breathless, for two reasons. One; you have never seen anything like it before, and two; you need someone to tell you what just happened. If you are not familiar with the background of the battle of Thermopylae in 480 B.C., then you probably won’t understand the plot at all, because it is very fast paced and doesn’t wait for stragglers. But history buffs should be impressed, the film stayed very true to the true story of the 300 Spartans (led by King Leonidas) who died fighting the Persian army (led by Xerxes)

300

B-

in order to give time for Athens forces to mobilize. But remember, the film is based on the battle; it is not the exact re-telling of the battle. The plot line does leave out certain facts (the Spartans were aided by 1,000 soldiers made up of certain city states in Greece), but most events from the movie actually took place on a bloody battlefield thousands of years ago.

The film moves too fast at some points and relies on unclear dialogue much too often, but people, how about those battle scenes? I mean if you step into watch 300 expecting Gone with the Wind, you need to get out more. 300 provides what every American needs at some point: good old fashioned blood shed. And Snyder provides plenty of blood (just watch the scene where the Spartans build a wall using dead Persians as adhesive). Overall, while a bit flawed, 300 became what it promised to be in October; a unique account of 300 men who stayed and fought when no one else would, and defended their country... but don’t forget the blood.

Adventures of Brew By Drew Wildes & Ben Hendrickson

Mengestu

Not having witnessed the events from the revolution himself because of his early departure at the age of two, Mengestu turned to his family members, interviewing each of them and listening to their almost unbearable stories. Fekade Stephanos, Mengestu’s uncle said, “ Most of the events in the story were based upon real life experiences of mine and Dinaw’s father, Tesfaye Mengestu.” Fekade Stephanos was the one whose father was beaten to death by the Ethiopian government. “ The whole revolution was that of a communist government trying to take over the monarchy ruled by our king at the time, Haile Selassie.” Mengestu drew upon the situations that Fekade had to face by running away and becoming a refugee at such a young age.

At the many book signings Mengestu had all over the country, mainly the ones in Washington, D.C. and in Northern Virginia, people would stand up from all over the room and praise him for his good work. Because there is such a shortage of Ethiopian authors willing to inform people of the terrifying genocide that had occurred, the Ethiopian people who were at the book signings, in Washington D.C. and Baileys Crossroads, were truly appreciative to him and glad that he could inform others of what they had to go through when they could not do it themselves.

Fekade Stephanos stood up and said, “ I feel very proud, because you have put my unexplainable feelings into words that really touched my heart.”

Philosophy clarified for amateurs All of philosophy is interpre- well as explicative, such as when Palmer draws tation. With some of the densest, charts to help explain theories.

Palmer does relatively well in his balancing smallest, and most complex texts in all of literature, philosophy act, trying to keep the philosophy clear, but at merits itself as one of the most the same time convey the full force of the original on highly misunderstood, misin- works. He is helped in his pursuit by inserting terpreted, and misapplied of all certain quotations from various works of actul philosophers. doctrines.

However, Palmer sometimes falters. SomeThis is why Donald Palmer’s Book Review times his language is no more clear Looking at Philosophy than the language of the original is so completely engagBy Paul Mathis Looking at author. ing: his interpretation is Philosophy More often then not, though, he clear and his explanaslips not in explaining the literature tions are contiguous. clearly, but in not explaining it to its However, Palmer’s look at philosophy is almost too much the self-in-itself (as fullest extent. This concept is diffiin Heideggerian terms), meaning that Palmer only takes a glance at philosophy. cult to put down in words. Perhaps Though his explanations are clear, his lack of examples and spelling out the it should be left to pure sensation. “vision” detracts from the philosophy’s clarity, and does not give the philosophy Initially, when I first took a course he studies the magic that it deserves. in Heidegger and other existentialLooking at Philosophy is more than just a look. Palmer takes his readers through the entire history of philosophy, from Democritus and the atomists to Lacan ists, my professors explained philosophical theories and the post-structuralists. He investigates the philosophy of some of the biggest names to such real life examples that I was questioning every moment of my life for months, in the field, including Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Hobbes, and Sartre, as well as the more asking seemingly stupid questions, such as why my spoon even existed while I ate cemodern, less well-known philosophers such as Levi-Strauss and G.T. Moore. Palmer real. Palmer does not do this. He does not apply philosophical theories to their greatest always stays in context and movement, and so his descriptions of various philosophies extent, and does not explain philosophical doctrines to their full force. He leaves this to the reader to discover. This is fair enough, considering Palmer probably wanted to keep always flow nicely together, with one movement clearly influencing another.

If all of these names (structuralists, continental analytics, empiricists) mean nothing to his book short, at a concise 400 pages, and not overly explicative. But at the same time you, it is no problem. Palmer makes all of the movements very clear, at least their general this takes away from the magic of the philosophical concepts themselves.

On top of this, Palmer sometimes displays his cards face up, meaning he makes it clear ideas. In all, Palmer deals with over 50 philosophers. Palmer’s style, at first humoristic, is in fact very engaging. He spells out philosophical theories in plain English, although which philosophical theories he favors and which ones he puts into disbelief. For instance, many times Palmer is simply trapped by the complexity of the original literature. Even Palmer is incredulous when it comes to Nietzsche, describing the philosopher’s theories if an amateur with no philosophical background read this book, he or she would come as if they are jokes. At the same time he definitely favors such feminist philosophers as off with a general idea of each philosophy and philosophical movement. On top of that, Iraguay, deciding to focus on her to represent the post-structuralist movement rather Palmer’s book is littered with many comics, which are both mocking and humorous, as than the more renowned, and perhaps more insightful, Foucault.

Paul Prose

C+

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March 27, 2007

Music opens many doors listen to different music at different times of the day. It all depends on my mood.”

Antwi is not the only one who feels this way. Many teenagers feel the same. Most consider music as a way to release their anger or a way to relieve stress.

“Whenever I get really mad about something, I usually go to my room, or if I’m in the car, I blast music,” said senior Andrew Awadalla. “It really helps me out because it

BY LAYLUMA HOTAKI drowns out everything else. I can just sit Entertainment Editor back and chill.”

What is on high school students’ minds at all times?

Many students are affected Could it be their boyfriend or girlfriend, parents, work, or by music every day. Singers maybe even schoolwork? For senior Jarrae Antwi, music and artists are viewed as is the first thing that she thinks of when she wakes up in role models. the morning.

Students are not the “I am always listening to music,” said Anonly ones who use music twi. “The only time I’m not listening to it to help them. Teachers is when we’re in school and that’s only listen to music also, after because they don’t allow it.” all they are humans. SpanAntwi not only loves music, ish teacher Bianca Mullins but music players. She has three takes lots of time out different iPods including the of her day to Mini iPod and video iPod. Each listen to music. of them has music ranging from She listens new artists such as Lily Allen to when she old school rappers like Tupac. “The is in the car iPod never leaves my side. I always on the way have at least one of them on me,” to work, said Antwi. while she “I’m always open to listen to difexercises, ferent kinds of music,” said Antwi. “I Sophomore Martin Miller shows off his iPod that he listens to andwhen

AHS students and teachers tell how music affects their daily lives

everyday. “You wonʼt ever see me without it,” said Miller.

How often do you listen to music and what does it do to help you?

she grades papers.

“When I grade papers I listen to classical music because it helps me focus,” said Mullins. “It helps especially when I grade IB papers, to be exact.”

For some, music is just the white noise in the background. Junior Kat Reach feels this way.

“I listen to classical music when I sleep,” said Reach. “I don’t get sleep without music.”

For others, music is a way of life. Sophomore Martin Miller, who mostly listens to punk rock, is in a rock band and plays constantly with his band mates.

“I spend hours with those guys,” said Miller. “It never gets old.”

When he wakes up, before he eats breakfast the music is turned on and plays while he gets ready for school. On the way to school, music is playing either in the car or in his headphones. During school, headphones and music players are always off. After school, any chance he gets he listens to music (or plays it), and after dinner he listens to music until it is time to go to sleep.

“Music, for myself, is something I can always count on,” said Miller.

“Whenever I turn on a song, I can sing along and no one is there to hear it.”

Turns out, music is a gateway to a lot of things such as relaxation, anger release, a form of amusement, and many others. It is open for everyone to listen and hear and is a prevalent source of entertainment for many. “[Music] relaxes me because I can either concentrate or get up dance,” said Mullins. “I could jam to Spanish music really easily.”

19 Download This: 1. Beautiful Liar, Beyonce ft.

Shakira 2. What It Do, Rich Boy 3. Outta My System, Lil Bow Wow 4. Buy You A Drank, T-Pain 5. You Save Me, Kenny Chesney

Horoscopes Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)

If you feel like you aren’t trying enough, don’t. You do things that most others cannot do and you do them with ease. Your ambitions will make the best of you. Keep wearing your integrity.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

You’re engaged in one of your most favorite activities: dreaming and wondering about the next step.

Welcome the familiar restlessness like you would an old friend.

Aries (March 21-April19)

In business, the rules of engagement are clear. But in personal matters there is no official rulebook. Love and respect are your most guiding principles.

“I listen to music everyday. I listen to R&B, Hip-hop and Reggaeton.

It just calms me down whenever I’m mad.”

“I listen to every type of music. It gets me moticated when I play soccer.

It makes it easier to play, I guess you could say.”

“I listen to music all day, everyday; 24 seven. It takes me away from drama. I listen to everything, whatever sounds good.”

“From morning to night.

It starts my day off right.

I play guitar on red days and I have Chorus on white days, so I’m always surrounded by music.”

—Rico Duran freshman

—Smith Norton sophomore

—Denzel Haskins junior

—Nina Mai senior

“I mainly listen to salsa. I listen to the radio station 99.1. Actually, I gave up listening to music in my car for lent. It helps take my mind off of everyday stress.”

—Claudia Lemus biology teacher

Stone introduces herself for the third time

We all have things we want to accomplish before we turn 19. Get into college, have our first kiss, travel without our parents… who knows? Everyone has different goals.

For singer Joss Stone, her 19th birthday came after she had sold more than 7.5 million albums worldwide. She had also been nominated for four Grammy Awards; appeared onstage with James Brown, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Patti Labelle, Mavis Staples, Donna Summer, and Smokey Robinson; sat for an interview with Oprah Winfrey, starred in two major ad campaigns for the Gap; and performed for more than 200,000 people at the 2005 Live 8 Concert in London, according to her official

website.

Now she is releasing her third album, Introducing Joss Stone. For the first time, Stone has contributed to the lyrics and the music herself—after being isolated on a Caribbean island for one whole month. From this comes the fresh new album from this young British soul singer.

The lyrics that flow from this album are a melting pot of stereotypical rock, R&B, a little bit of angst, and lots of soul. But what catches the listener is her voice. Listening to all 15 tracks, it is difficult to tell just where this girl got that voice!

Deep and soulful, Stone’s face gives no hint as to what sound is able to come out of her mouth. In fact, after showing Stone’s picture to my partner in crime, she couldn’t believe that the voice in the headphones belonged to her! The voice was closer Joss Stone to Macy Gray than to a blonde British Introducing bombshell. But somehow, this voice Joss Stone works for her and she rocks, especially in this new album.

In her top song, “Headturner,” she sings about how not only is she a headturner, but that any person can be

B+

a headturner if they choose. The song is about female empowerment as she proclaims, “No one can love you like I love you/No one can do the things that I would do to you/I’d do something about it if I were you/Or feel my heels as I’m walking over you.”

Another song in the same vein is “Bruised But Not Broken.” She reveals a softer side, but keeps the tone of the empowered female. She sings about how much lost love hurts, the tears she cried and the pain she felt, but reassures herself and the listeners that, “I’ll rise above it/And I’ll pick myself up/And I’ll shake the rain out of my heart.” This song also gives her a perfect time to showcase her soulful voice in a slower, softer attitude.

This is definitely a girl album—sorry boys. Unless you have a great appreciation for a great singer, and the stomach for an album of “girls rule!” then this isn’t the music for you. But it might be a great gift idea for that funky feminist in your life.

Download This: “Headturner,” “Bruised But Not Broken,” and “Baby Baby Baby”

First half of the songs heavy; second half low

Sudoku

A

You are ready for a change of pace. Although it may be hard for you to get out of this groovy rut you have made for yourself, you must keep trying. Ask a Leo or Sagittarius for help.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

With hermit-like powers of concentration and devotion, you follow through on a project.

This could be the most important thing you’ve done all year. Soak in whatever praise you get.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You are like a sailor now.You know that wind and weather are unpredictable, so you use calm waters as a break from everything.

Keep those around you happy and steer clear of worry.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You’ve chosen to apprentice under the toughest taskmaker ever imaginable – your higher self. Luckily, you are also the most understanding mentor around.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)

You resemble an exotic orchid, needing a specific kind of attention. Only a prize flower grower understands that. Look to a Cancer to find the expertise.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You may be in mild danger of losing touch with your inner child. NO! Don’t let it happen. Children and those who act like them are of particular value to you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You pick up on a pulse of a conversation in a heartbeat. Rely on this amazing talent to find out which one of your friends are real and not real.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Fill in the blank spaces in the grid so that every vertical column, every horizontal row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9, without repeating any. There is really only one solution to each puzzle.

This puzzle is based upon reasoning and logic. It does not require any arithmetic.

easy

WWW.DAILYSUDOKU.COM

Not very often are a bunch of rookies ordained the flagship band for a label. In fact, it almost never happens.

In the world of metal, new bands receive skepticism from every direction, and veteran bands receive the benefit of the doubt. That’s just the way it goes. At least, that’s how it is until that new band can prove themselves.

With their surprisingly and pleasurably intense major-label debut, HeavyHeavyLowLow indeed proved themselves. With absolutely zero musical training, it’s a wonder HHLL can pull off some of the sequences that can be heard throughout the album. Everything’s Watched, Everyone’s Watching is guaranteed unlike anything you’ve ever heard before. Now, you may hate it, but it is undeniably original.

Vocals that range from what sounds like drunken whining to death metal growling, guitars that squeal and groan, drums that seem to make no real formulation of a beat.

That’s what the first minute or so of “Mall

to be a collective, “what the hell was that?” from the Nutrition” is like. The first time you hear HeavyHeavymetal community. But that should not deter you, o’ it, you’ll probably despise it. You may even LowLow loyal metalhead, from checking these kids out. (The find yourself asking, “How does this qualify Everything’s as music?”

Watched, Every- reference as kids is appropriate considering all band Well if you can last until exactly a min- one’s Watching members are under the age of 21.)

The thing about HHLL that you must underute and ten seconds into the song, you’ll see stand is that they are so young, and so new at this, how. For a band with no musical training, that they don’t even know what real direction they the last 50 seconds of this song are beyond want to take themselves long-term. Normally, you impressive. Which, of course, is the beauty of would think a band lacking direction would be a the song. The second half of it is so good, you will learn to love the first half. I’m not going to describe it; bad thing, but it is actually working in their favor, because I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Many of HHLL’s songs they can experiment as much as they want. Everything’s Watched, Everyone’s Watching sounds like a concept album, have this effect.

A track that is much easier on the ears but but I think the real case is that HeavyHeavyLowLow is a still packs a pretty tasty punch is “I Forgot 2 concept band. They are never going to put out something and a Half Days.” This one manages to at least that sounds similar to the rest of the scene.

Even if you can’t bring yourself to love this band, you’ll be melodic throughout the chorus and some of have to learn to appreciate them. the verses.

Download this: “Mall Nutrition,” “I Forgot 2 and a Half Ferret Music is taking a major chance when signing with HHLL because of just how different Days,” and “Eating the Porridge and Killing the Bears” they are from everything else. I guarantee the majority of the reaction to this album is going

WWW.DAILYSUDOKU.COM

BY LUCAS HIGGINS Staff Writer

Taurus (April 20-May18)

medium

Unconventional moves aren’t favored in business.

Be diplomatic when dealing with important people. It will lead you somewhere.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

You always begin on a bright and cheery note, especially where romance and social interests are concerned. Don’t let minor aggravations upset you too much.

Alphabet Game: Go through the alphabet using signs on the side of the road, the first person who gets through the whole alphabet wins. You can also play this game using license plates.

Alphabet Memory: Have somebody in the car start off saying a word starting with the letterA, for example,Apple. The next person says a word starting with B but they also say the A word before it, for example,Apple, Banana. This game goes on until you can’t remember anymore words in a row. Whoever remembers the most words wins.

Beaver Bites No Bites Back: Every time you see a car with fake wood paneling on the side, you get to pinch another passenger.

Car trip checklist: Create a checklist before leaving on your trip, look for the things listed on the checklist, such as cows or trucks. iPod shuffled: Play your iPod for all of two seconds in the middle of a song and then push pause again, then have the other people in the car name the song.

I-Spy: The person who starts picks out an object that everyone can see and then says “ I spy something….” and gives a clue. The other players ask questions and the answers are only “yes” or “no.”

The first player to guess right is the new spy.

License plate game: Try to find all 50 states license plates. Whoever does first,wins.

Punch Buggy: Whenever you see a VW Beetle you get to hit another person in the car, but you have to say “Punch Buggy savings no punches back.”

Story time: Each person says a word in order forming sentences, it’ll turn into a funny story.

Twenty Questions: This is a game in which one player thinks of something, it could be a celebrity, a location or whatever they want, and everybody in the car can ask a total of 20 questions to figure out who it is while the person answering can only give “yes” or “no” answers.

Upcoming Concerts 9:30 Club

Cold War Kids Wed., March 28 Ted Leo and the Pharmacists Thurs., March 29 Virginia Coalition Fri., April 6

Anti-Flag Sat., April 7

Lily Allen

Sun., April 8 Aqualung Mon., April 16

The State Theater Soldiers of Jah Army Sat., April 7 Bob Schneider Fri., April 13

The Birchmere Buddy Guy Tues., April 3 Lunasa Fri., April 6

Verizon Center

Christina Aguilera Mon., April 2

March 27, 2007

VA campus visits

Spring is a popular season for college visits, as underclassmen must now begin selecting the schools that they will apply to. Spring break is an ideal opportunity to take visits.

Virginia Tech

University of Virginia

“I chose Virginia Tech because they have a good engineering program and it’s in-state, so tuition would be cheaper. Tech is also really big so I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet new people and take part in the school pride that surrounds the campus. There is also really good food!”

— senior Scott Prosch Distance: 261 miles; 3 hours, 55 minutes Surrounding area: Situated in the town of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech lies within Montgomery County, the heart of the New River Valley that is bordered by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. At the

southwest corner of Montgomery County is Radford University, about 30 minutes from the Tech campus.

Number of undergraduates: 21,627 Male to female ratio: 58% to 42% Average GPA and SAT for freshman: GPA – 3.74 SAT - 1195 Sports: Virginia Tech is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. NCAA Division IA .

Most popular majors: Communications studies; Engineering, Best restaurant to eat at while on campus: Buffalo Wild Wings Favorite hangout: Top of the Stairs (a small bar and deck)

“I chose UVA because it had a really good architecture program, which is what I want to study. I also liked the atmosphere and scenery of the college, and the courses they offered really interested me.”

— senior Yamen Hama Distance: 180 miles; 2 hours, 5 minutes Surrounding area: Charlottesville is located in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and is a small, thriving city. The downtown area consists of small shops, restaurants convention center, ice-skating

George Mason University

“I like George Mason because I’m interested in International relations and they have a good program for that. Also it’s close to DC and I like the suburban urban atmosphere.”

— senior Kelly Scrivener

Distance: 8 miles; 15 minutes Surrounding area: Northern VA, Washington D.C., suburbs.

Number of undergraduates: 17,529 Male to Female ratio: 46% male 54% female Average GPA and SAT for freshmen: GPA-3.41 SAT- 1015 Sports Division: Division I-AA. There are 20 men’s and women’s Division I sports: baseball, basketball,

cross country, diving, golf, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field.

Most popular majors: Business Marketing Best restaurant to eat at while on campus: Brion’s Grill Favorite hangout: Fraternities

Radford University “I chose Radford as a starter school; I want to eventually transfer to Tech. I really like the RU campus though.

It’s not too big but it’s really nice.”

— senior Matt Un Distance: 265 miles; 4 hours, 20 minutes Surrounding area: Radford University is student centered and situated in the New River Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While Radford is a small town, Blacksburg is only about 30 minutes away, and is home to Virginia Tech.

Number of undergraduates: 8,173 Male to female ratio: 42% to 58% Average GPA and SAT for freshman: GPA – 3.13

SAT - 1035 Sports: RU has club and intramural sports and NCAA Division I athletics, which include eight men’s and 11 women’s sports. Radford is a member of the Big South Conference (D1) and Northern Pacific Field Hockey Conference (D1). Soccer, basketball, baseball are among the favorite athletics at RU. Four percent of students participate in intramural sports.

Most popular majors: Business; Nursing; Education; Criminal Justice; Exercise, Sport and Health Education; Psychology; Media Studies; Biology Best restaurant to eat at while on campus: Highlander Pizza Favorite hangouts: BT’s, Macados (local bars)

rink, multiplex theatre and new amphitheater. The countryside around Charlottesville has been ranked among the most beautiful sites in the nation. The area offers numerous Civil War sites and historical road markers.

Number of undergrad: 16,086 Male to female ratio: 45% to 55% Average GPA and SAT for freshmen: GPA-4.07 SAT- 1360 Sports: UVA competes in NCAA Division I. The University includes 13 men’s and 14 women’s intercollegiate sports. Basketball is among one of the favorites at UVA, as the men’s basketball team has been to the Final Four twice, and the women’s squad has been three times. The college football and soccer teams are also historically notable.

Most popular majors: Psychology; Economics; Commerce; History; English; Foreign Affairs Best restaurant to eat at while on campus: College Inn Favorite hangout: Mellow Mushroom

Christopher Newport University “I picked Christopher Newport because it’s close to the beach, the campus is really pretty, and I like that you can walk everywhere on campus, so you don’t need a car or bus for transportation. Plus, I’m interested in doing cheerleading when I’m there and I can do it without it being super competitive.”

— senior Lisa Ottenheimer Distance: 180 miles; 3 hours Surrounding area: Urban; less then an hour away from Virginia Beach.

Number of undergraduates: 4,800 Male to Female ratio: 44% to 56% Average GPA and SAT for freshmen: GPA-3.4 SAT- 1165 Sports: Division 1-AA Most popular majors: Business Marketing Best restaurant to eat at while on campus: Cheeseburger in Paradise Favorite hangouts: Two freshman dorms lawns and the Great Lawn.

Old Dominion University “I like ODU because of the diversity and how it’s close but not too close. It’s not very expensive because it’s in state and it’s also really close to the VA beach.”

— senior Luis Ferreira Distance: 186 miles; 3 hours Surrounding area: Urban; close to VA beach Number of undergraduates: 14,209 Male to Female ratio: 44% to 56%

Average GPA and SATs for freshman admissions: GPA-3.3 SAT- 1053 Sports: NCAA, Division I, CAA Most popular majors: Criminal justice; psychology; communications.

Best restaurant to eat at while on campus: Pizza Inn Favorite hangout: Kaufman Mall, a four acre lawn in the heart of the campus.

Chow Down

chicken kabob is a favorite among customers along with the lamb kabob, known as Chopan Kabob.

All kabobs are served on a large piece of flat bread with sides of rice and vegetables.

Food Corner Kabob also has kabob dishes which are served in different sauces with each having different types of rice as a side.

To enjoy Food Corner, one must have a slight tolerance of spice and garlic, but these flavors do Restaurant Guide not overwhelm the food.

By Kate McCormack and Tim Shadyac Food Corner Kabob has become a very popular spot for AHS students to eat and is still growing in popularity.

After a short period of renovations, Food Corner KaThe interior of the restaurant is casual and workbob has been reopened and continues to serve Middle ers are receptive to customers that do not understand Eastern style foods. When one catches a glimpse of the Middle Eastern dishes.

Food Corner, they might judge it by its mediocre exteThe service at Food Corner Kabob is often the rior. If given the chance, Food Corner will surprise and most appealing part of customers dining experience. impress its customers.

One can often find the same workers and even get to Many Middle Eastern know them, but all foods can have too many workers are always ingredients that some are energetic and exnot accustomed to, but Food tremely helpful.

Corner Kabob simplifies Food Corner Katheir foods for customers bob has three differwho are not used to heavy ent locations which spices and garlic. are easily accessible Food Corner offers cus- Food Corner does not have an impressive exterior but their from Annandale, one tomers a variety of meats, food and service are superb. actually being in such as beef, chicken and Annandale. lamb, but also caters to vegetarians with dishes such Monday through Saturday Food Kabob is open from as grilled and broiled vegetable kabobs and salads.

11 a.m. to at least 9:30 p.m., and is open on Sunday While the vegetarian menu may be appealing to from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. some, Food Corner is known for its meat kabobs. The

TIM SHADYAC

Kill some time with these road trip games:

A

t

TIM SHADYAC

20

WEEKEND

Food Corner chicken kabobs are often customers favorite choice.

Locations: 7031 Little River Turnpike Plaza, Annandale, VA 7031 Brookfield Plaza, Springfield, VA 8315 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA

Food: Service: Decor: out of 4 stars