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the VOLUME #54 ISSUE 3
ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL 700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003
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HALO TAKES OVER
AMERICAN GOLIATH
ENOUGH CAFETERIA
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CORN MAZES
With the release of the third instalment of one of the most lucrative gaming campaigns in history, XBox is reeling.
The great American artist Edward Hopper is showcased at the National Gallery of Art.
Editorials takes a stand on the state of cafeteria food; is change in our midst?
703-642-4229
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007
Find your way to a corn maze this fall to have fun while challenging your mind.
Seniors lament no float
WEATHERTODAY Creating an IB World Mostly Cloudy High: 79
Low: 55
LUNCHTODAY Turkey Hot Dog on Bun, Veggie Taco Hot Pocket, Chicken Fillet on Bun, Deli Line, Pizza Line, PB&J Sandwich, Salads, Yogurt w/ Pretzel
Class of 2008 opts out of flowers, takes on bikes instead
NEWSBRIEFS
BY DREW FLOWERS Staff Writer If you had attended this year’s annual Homecomng Parde, you might have noticed something missing. That’s right, this year there were only three Homecoming floats. The freshman, sophomore, and junior classes all showed exceptional school spirit while the senior class opted to not make a float this year. Every year, to kick off Homecoming weekend, AHS has a parade that circles the surrounding neighborhoods of Annandale. In the parade, you can see many groups such as cheerleading, marching band, clubs, fall sport teams, the Homecoming King and Queen nominees, and of course each class’s float. Each class is supposed to pick a theme, such as Hawaii or Red Carpet, and make a float based on that theme. The floats are then judged and one of them is chosen as the best Homecoming float. Along with the honor and pride of being the best float, then winning class also receives a cash prize towards their class fund.
Language Minority Parent Nights will be held for parents speaking the langugaes of Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese. The nights will be held to introduce parents to strategies for high school success, steps to graduation, post-graduation options, guidance services, and more. All nights except for Spanish night will be held in English, with language translators. Spanish Night is to be held on October 22, Korean Night will be held on October 23, Vietnamese Night on October 24.
ACCA to sponsor walk ACCA will sponsor a Crop Hunger Walk on October 20 at Lake Accotink. The CROP walk will raise funds for Church World Service’s hunger and disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development projects. Twenty-five percent of money comes back to ACCA to purchase fresh food items for ACCA’s Food Pantry.
IB Meeting to take place during PSATs An IB meeting is to be administered on October 17, after the half-day of PSAT administration. each IB teacher will have to serve on two evaluation committees: one for his/her subject and one additional committee, as part of evaluation. The task for each meeting group will be to fill out Section C of the porgram evaluation self-study questionnaire.
SAT Survey
Yes
22% No
Nearly half of all students take an IB class BY PAUL MATHIS Co-Editor in Chief When AHS adopted the IB Diploma program in 2001, many students shied away from the high level classes due to rumors that the workload was unbearable. Erin Albright, the IB Coordinator at AHS, said that in some cases, this was true. “The classes were harder than they had to be,” she said. With colossal 30 page readings and hundreds of math problems, students were daunted by the prospects of the program to say the least. Now, however, students are packing the gates. The diploma program is experiencing levels of participation far above any it has ever seen, let alone the levels of participation a few years back. In fact, theAHS IB program stands as a model for schools and nations across the world to emulate in terms of participation. Whereas the international average for the percentage of students per school participating in the IB program fluctuates from year to year at around 10%, AHS participation now stands at around 45%. Not only that, but 6 IB classes (out of 35 at AHS) have the highest enrollment of any of the same class in Fairfax County, with two of those classes harboring average scores on the IB exam higher than all other average scores on the IB exam in that subject in the county (two others exceeded the FCPS average scores). “I think that there is a growing awareness that the IB program is accessible to students who work hard,” said Albright. “My man-
date when I am here is making a very accessible program. If we put too much emphasis on the selectivity of the program, then the school will split.” In this sense, Albright and AHS are realizing the vision behind the IB program that was established with its creation seven years ago. Albright explained that the initial theory behind IB was that, “If you put the IB program in a school and make it successful, not only does it raise the academic standards at the top, it pulls up the academic standards of the rest of the school.” Such was the bedrock of the decision made by theAHS academic task force to morph AHS from an AP school into an IB school. Essentially, the task force had been looking for ways to benefit regular students. At the time, AHS had been an AP school, where AP classes had been provided for strong academic students. Granted, there was the ESOL program for students learning English, but the middle man was squeezed: there were few surefire academic opportunities for average students willing to work hard. With the incorporation of the IB program, AHS sought to deconstruct this conundrum. “By putting in the diploma as the highest level academic standard, we changed the philosophy of academic standards altogether,” saidAlbright. “We said, ‘let’s try to include as many students as possible.’” The point being that most motivated students, even with average academic backgrounds, are able to succeed in the IB program.
Undecided
This survey was distributed on Oct. 11 during C and D lunch. Of 500 surveys distributed, 410 were completed and returned.
“Float” continued on page 5
Series Pt. I
“IB” continued on page 5
Seemal Awan and Laith Abu-Taleb piece together the senior “float.”
ANC has open doors
AHS gets new top cop with Tippins BY MOHAMAD ELBARASSE Co-Editor in Chief A friendly new face has been gracing the hallways of AHS. Formerly a security assistant and the head coach of the softball team at Mt. Vernon High School, Chris Tippins has become AHS’s Safety and Security Specialist. Tippins has taken over Cliff Cornwell’s position, Cornwell decided to retire last year and the position was up for grabs when Tippins applied. “I did not even know that the job was open until someone told me,” said Tippins, “I submitted my resume, interviewed, and here we are. I was hesitant to put in for the job but I have confidence in myself that I know I can do it.” “Tippins” continued on page 5
Chris Tippins supervises the end of the day rush with James Carayiannis. Tippins is the new safety and security specialist, taking the place of Cliff Cornwell.
Just World holds first awareness day
57% 21%
IB program sets standard
COURTESY GWENDOLYN KENNEDY
Language Minority Parent Nights
IB Coordinator Erin Albright instructs a student on the intricacies of the IB Diploma. Participation in the program is unprecedented.
MOHAMAD ELBARASSE
On October 17 Seniors will get the day off as underclassmen are scheduled to take the PSATs. In past years, seniors have only had the morning of PSAT presentation off, but this year, the day is to be used for college visits.
PAUL MATHIS
Seniors to get day off for college visits
BY CHARLES SIMPSON Staff Writer Two billion people survive on $2 a day or less. Twenty-two million American children are chronically hungry. Washington, D.C. is the city with the fastest growing number of AIDS infected people in the U.S. Facts like these will be the fodder for awareness as the Just World Project embarks on its first Global Action Day today, world hunger day. To raise awareness, Just World holds ac-
tivities that provide enlightening and often startling information on world issues to its members and the students of AHS. “I think it is really important to spread the knowledge we have,” said communication and outreach committee leader, senior Sarah Lewis. The first movement towards awareness this year is World Hunger Week, which begins today and lasts to October 19. Just World will provide quizzes during the lunches with facts about world hunger. For example, the world
produces enough food to feed twice the earth’s population. Also, a child can be fed for 19 cents a day. Just World is carrying this fact further through a 19-cent donation program. IB coordinator, Erin Albright, started this program with the goal of raising awareness of world issues among students and giving direct aid to both local and international communities. While the program has not existed for long, it already is succeeding at this goal. “Just World” continued on page 5
BY CHARLES SIMPSON Staff Writer Today, Sharon Bulova and Tessie Wilson, Fairfax County board members, will organize a neighborhood center inAnnandale. The center will allow “local people [to] feel empowered to change the community,” says Dean of Students, Rebecca Julca. Opening on October 23, the Annandale Neighborhood Center will be in the quad located behindAHS and offer a variety of programs for students, as well as the entire Annandale community. In order to benefit the entire diverse community of Annandale, a variety of programs will be held at the center including the Hispanic Committee and Financial Consultation, Your Health, and Personal Safety programs. While the Center is not part of the school, it will hold programs aimed at AHS students including the Annandale Teen Club, Key Club, and GMU Tutoring Program. Lane Cyphers, the program coordinator, says the programs offered by the center “Will offer fun and educational activities,” as well as field trips, and services for Annandale as a whole.
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EDITORIALS
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Sarkozy’s cultural separation wall Morocco; and eight non- Arab, among which is Israel. The project is clearly designed to sort the Islamic chafe from the Islamic wheat, or “correct Islam” as Europeans define it as opposed to what one supposes must be the deviant Islam of the Gulf, and especially of Iran, Pakistan and Malaysia. In effect, it aims to create the type of strategic pocket that Samuel Huntington calls for in his “Clash of Civilizations,” a pocket of Oriental culture made in the West. Barel asks the obvious question: Is there a “Mediterranean Islam” that is different from Islam that is non-Mediterranean? Why have Turkey, Morocco and even Egypt produced a “different” Islam? The answer is apparently not inherent in Islam as a religion, but rather in the states and the regimes that determine the place of religion in a country. Clearly the Sarkozy concept of a Middle Eastern bloc is intended to regulate, if not prevent, Muslim immigration into Europe. The French president wants a defensive wall, an intermediate zone, something that is not entirely Arab, but that is not European. Its unifying factor is not so much geography but rather the cultural distance that separates its nominated members from “Arabism,” a term which has become almost synonymous with “extremist Islam.” The French concept of a Middle Eastern bloc is a weaker version of “Middle Easternism” which, in turn, differs little in its inherent attitude from “the Third World.” Yet, it is more accurate to say that Sarkozy’s “Mediterraneanism” is the “French-European version of U.S. President Bush’s “new Middle East,” a term used for countries that have to be tamed in accordance with Western criteria. However, the “broader Middle East” is not something to be tamed so much as it is something to be splintered and fragmented into disparate sects, ethnic groupings and religious denominations by shattering dominant
The French president wants to put a buffer between Europe and the Islamic world by patronizing an arc of preferred Middle Eastern states
Letter to the Editor Death of a legend In response to the article last issue regarding the plight of Palestinians during Ramadan, it appears that the recent death of Haider Abdul-Shafi (1919-2007) could not have come at a worse time. Bearing in mind the grim shortcomings of the Palestinian leadership and the lack of any serious attempt to rectify the situation, the loss of this unique and iconic leader feels all the more acute. Here was someone who always managed to transcend factionalHaider Abdul-Shafi ism and religiosity, tribal politics and self-serving ideologies, maintaining his principles through any external difficulties. He started the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Gaza in the 1970s. The resilient man also led the Palestinian delegation to the Madrid peace talks in 1991. In his fight, Abdul-Shafi was not afraid to speak his mind and criticize what disrupted the struggle for Palestinian unity and true sovereignty. Unlike Mahmoud Abbas, Abdul-Shafi did not fail his people, despite all of the hardships he had to endure. He did all that a single person can do on his own, and more. Shafi’s funeral in Gaza reportedly united Palestinians of all factions, a reminder that such a thing is still possible. The soil of Gaza has finally claimed him; the same way it claimed the bodies of many resilient Palestinian men and women, young and old. One can only hope that the spirit of Abdul-Shafi is now free to wander beyond the enclosed borders, electric fences and blocked military zones that turned that poor strip of land into a prison comparable in its isolation to that of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela and his comrades were held for many years. --Salma Mohamed sophomore
Nothing in Arab politics ought to
Itʼs good to be king encourage more hope than gradual democratization in stable nation states. Sadly, last week’s surprising results in Morocco’s parliamentary elections, which thrust that country’s democratic experience into the spotlight, demonstrates that political reform is under threat because of growing public disenchantment with the distribution of real power. Since King Mohamed VI came to the throne in 1999, a sustained process of political opening has been taking place in Morocco. But improvements have stopped short of addressing two central impediments to real democratization: the concentration of power in royal hands, depriving the legislature of any real oversight, and the absence of credible checks and balances in the political machinery. Contrary to earlier speculation, the recent Moroccan elections generated very little change. The liberal conservatives of the Independence Party, a major partner in the former coalition government, finished the race in a leading position, whereas the Party of Justice and Development finished second with a scanty four-seat gain from the 2002 elections. It appears that the parliament’s inability to play an influential role and its weakness vis-à-vis the palace led to popular disenchantment with the democratic process. Unless the monarchy and parties reach a consensus on transferring power from the monarchy to parliament, the paradox of Moroccan politics, sustained political opening amid shrinking popular participation will continue and endanger the prospects of democratic transition. --Sahar Jumailahmaidi junior Have any questions or comments? E-mail your letter to amina.mohamed@theablast.com
Oct. 16, 2007
BY AMINA MOHAMED Editorials Editor French President Nicolas Sarkozy in unity with the French government established a foreign policy which has the ability to change how the Middle East is viewed. They want to create a Middle Eastern bloc parallel to the European Union, a “Europe without Europeans” as some have called it, in order to solve the problem of Turkey’s application to enter the European Union. According to the plan, Turkey will become part of the “non-European Europe.” Behind this project lies the desire to facilitate the adoption of policies targeting Muslim immigrants, that ubiquitous demographic and cultural time bomb that is fueling mounting xenophobia in Europe and that in France voiced itself in a law prohibiting the wearing of the veils in schools. The Sarkozy plan calls for a division of the Islamic world along lines that are presumed non-provocative, in contrast to Washington’s clash of civilizations approach that pits the enlightened democratic West against Muslim extremist evil. Sarkozy’s planned division is founded on the notion of geographic proximity. According to Zvi Barel, in Haaretz, the Middle Eastern bloc will consist of 15 countries: seven of them Islamic : Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and
President Sarkozy gives a lecture in a conference discussing Franceʼs position and future roles in the Middle East and Asia.
centralized states. The difference is in their approach to the same design wherein the West, either Europe or America, is trying to dictate the conditions if not the nature of the countries that are supposed to adopt the dictate. Yet this raises the question: has the Middle East been transported to the turn of the last century, to become but a formless substance to be divvied up within the framework of grand or not so grand theories? Apparently it has. It appears that the breaking of rational political will in the homes of these Middle Eastern nations has reduced them to fodder for the policies of others.
In Burma democracy is no mantra The saffron revolution sweeps Burma as the monks of Myanmar catch the democracy bug BY AMINA MOHAMED Editorials Editor
Burma, overwhelmingly Buddhist, is a country where religion and state have traditionally been separated. The generals in the past have eschewed religion and relegated it to the cultural domain, stressing the socialist orientation of the state. The “Burmese Way to Socialism” was applauded since independence from Britain in 1948. Hitherto, Burma was administered as part of the British Raj, and the Indian and Chinese minorities dominate trade and commerce in the country. This has fueled the resentment of the ethnic Burmese who account for some 70 percent of the 45 million-strong population. Other large and restive minorities
The monks bite back. Yes, they have teeth. Moreover, they have been grinding their teeth for more than two decades as the Burmese people struggle to free themselves from the yoke of military rule. Indeed, there has been much gnashing of the teeth in Burma (now officially known as Myanmar). The Southeast Asian country has long been treated as something of a pariah state by Western nations. ItsAsian neighbors, however, have been far more accommodating. Indeed, Burma is a full-fledged member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Western nations, in sharp contrast, are vociferously condemning the ruling Burmese military junta. There is considerable hypocrisy, though, by the Western powers. They furiously castigate the Burmese authorities but are happy to do business with the oil and mineral rich country. Chevron of the United States and France’s Total SA have invested heavily in the Burmese oil sector. The Burmese people, meanwhile, have paid a terrible price. Civil liberties and freedoms are curtailed and the country has been denied the exhilarating advantage of people’s power that has transformed the political scene in neighboring countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia.
MAking the GrAde
Britney Spears loses custody
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A judge ruled that father Kevin Federline will be permanently granted sole custody of the two sons whose care he and megastar Britney Spears previously shared. The court decision occured immediately following the surfacing of pictures showing Spears driving without a license while her sons were in the car. Additionally, Spears had also neglected to take court-ordered parenting classes and refused mandatory random drug testing. She will be granted only supervised visits with her children.
Facebook embarrasses French government
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The embarrassing Facebook entries of French government’s ministers’ children have been released for public viewing. The French Prime Minister, François Fillon, has learned along with the rest of the world that his son is a member of the group titled “I am too proud of my poo,” whose 93 members debate about the 15 different varieties of poop.
Journalist films man commiting suicide
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A video reporter has been charged with with abetting suicide after he persuaded a man to drink rat poison on camera. The journalist was aware that the man had been depressed after losing a property case in court, and convinced him to commit suicide to bring attention to his court case. Thankfully, the suicide attempt was unsuccessful. The journalist is facing charges for his actions.
Inmate executed after court refuses to stay open At 10 a.m., the US Supreme Court announced it would review an appeal by two Kentucky death row inmates challenging the legality of the lethal injection. The same day, Michael Richard was due to receive the deadly cocktail at 6pm. His attorneys rushed to draft an appeal, yet when the lawyers asked the court to remain open for a few more minutes , they refused. Richard was executed an hour later.
include the ethnic Shan and Karen and it was the necessity of suppressing secessionist movements that was the principal excuse of the generals to hang on to power. It is against this backdrop that saffron and crimson-clad monks in their tens of thousands calling for democracy, political reform, and freedom of expression have become a highly visible symbol of political ferment in Burma. The ruling Burmese junta is extremely suspicious of the way in which Western powers have jumped on the bandwagon of Burmese democratization. Ever since 1990, the Burmese authorities have tightened their iron grip on the country. Aung San Suu Kyii has been languishing under house arrest since May 27, 2006. She has been under detention for 12 of the past 18 years. Protest marches in Burma have emerged as the principal means of communications between the oppressive rulers and the oppressed ruled. Demonstrations are the umbilical chord between ruler and ruled. In a twisted sort of way it gives the rulers their prestige, the pretense that some semblance of democracy is instituted and at work. Nonetheless, now they appear to be getting out of control. Western powers are tempted to make the most of the disturbances. Indeed, United States President George W. Bush this week has threatened to impose more stringent sanctions against the Burmese authorities. However, just how sincere Bush’s wish for Burmese democracy to flower is a moot point. A collapse of authority and riots would be a golden opportunity for Western carpetbaggers to move in. All eyes are now on Aung San Suu Kyii. Can she live up to her father’s legacy? amina.mohamed@thea-blast.org
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t Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003
Vol. 54 No. 3 Oct. 16, 2007
(703)642-4229 email: thea-blast@thea-blast.org fax: (703)642-4299
Editors In Chief: Mohamad Elbarasse Paul Mathis
Webmasters: Erik Vu Matt Camilli
Managing Editor: Sarah Waiter News Editors: Kelly McGarey Nathalie Spita
Graphics Editor: Adam Kasdorf Video Editor In Chief: Gus Nielsen Videographers/Editors: Amy Steinbuechler, Michael Craig and Evan McGurrin
Editorials Editors: Amina Mohamed Lara Coulter
Photography Editors: Matt Johnson Laura Simpson
In-Depth Editors: Shriya Adhikary Aya Saed
Copy Editor: Kyle Knoche Ad Manager: Meredith Rutherford Circulation Manager: Amy Stevens
Sports Editors: Walter Smith Greg Young Sports Xtra Editors: Lyndsay Jacobs Marisa Tordella People Editor: Waliha Gani Sarah Shami Weekend Editors: Claire Bui Caroline Merz International Editors: Annika Jessen Bewketu Tamir
Online Staff: Stacey Irwin Staff Writers/Photographers: Laith Abu-Taleb, Tanya Bellingham, Daniel Fishman, Drew Flowers, Brad Grabo, Joseph Ingberg, Logan Miller, Scott Plunkett, Katherine Reach, Adeel Shams, Charlie Simpson, Jerry Solomon and Jonah Williams, Emma Whitmyre Adviser: Alan Weintraut
Entertainment Editors: Avery Adcock Jeff Dean Health Editors: Vanessa Cerro Rachael Burnett Academics Editors: Laura Ambrosio Jackie Silva
Trophy Class Pacemaker Virginia High National Scholastic School Press Association 2005-2006 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.
Arts Editor: Nena Buck
CSPA Silver Crown 2004-2005
EDITORIALS The fight for SCHIP continues A
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Oct. 16, 2007
President Bush remains an obstacle in the struggle for approval of the expansion of government health care for all children
3 What do you think about the school cafeteria food?
By Sarah Shami Staff Writer “The cafeteria food is bad. I choose to bring my lunch. Most of the food is unhealthy. It doesn’t look good and it doesn’t taste good.”
—Caroline Kane freshmen
COURTESY WWW.CC.NIH.GOV
State Childrenʼs health insurance coverage – or the lack thereof – is an eminent problem facing the U.S. With over 9 million children without medical insurance, there is great need for a government-funded program. President Bush doesnʼt seem to think so. He vetoed the expansion of the State Childrenʼs Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and not because of lack of funds, but because of differences in ideology and partisanship. “I happen to believe that what youʼre seeing when you expand eligibility for federal programs is the desire by some in Washington D.C. to federalize health care,” President Bush said shortly after vetoing the bill. SCHIPis a national program founded by SenatorTed Kennedy and Hilary Clinton. The program provides health insurance for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, yet cannot afford to buy private insurance. When SCHIP was first introduced in 1997, it was the largest expansion of health insurance coverage for children in the United States since Medicaid. A proposal recently passed in the Congress to expand SCHIP from $35 billion over the course of the next five years was vetoed by President Bush. In an attempt to alleviate the lack of healthcare coverage for children, Bush has instead proposed a $5 billion increase. But it wouldnʼt even begin to cover the rising cost of continuing to cover the children already currently enrolled in SCHIP. President Bush insists that that expanding SCHIP would be a step toward socialized medicine and would ultimately cost too much. However, this makes very little sense considering that Bush passed a proposal to add prescription drug coverage to the Medicaid program. The proposal exists as one of the most expensive of all federal programs. Since Medicaid offers prescription drug benefits for its recipients free of charge, people who are enrolled in the program switch from their employerʼs private coverage to the governmentfunded program. SCHIPis not socialized medicine; it is government-paid health insurance. But most states use the money to buy coverage from private insurance companies and every state has an approved plan. States are given flexibility, and an enhanced match is paid to each state. Although SCHIP was originally intended for children who were living on the poverty line, a reform is needed, epecially as more employers are dropping medical coverage for workers, leaving even middle class families with little to no funds to cover inflating health insurance costs. Opponents of the plan argue that the bill would offer coverage for families with an average income of up to $83,000; an income they believe does not need assistance in health care. Yet
President Bush continues to deprive American children of goverment-funded health care with his recent veteo of a $35 billion increase in SCHIP.
as health care price continue rise, even an income that is considered unneccessary of financial help could in fact use the assistance. Hope for approval of the SCHIPproposal still remains even after President Bushʼunwise decision to veto SCHIP. It is possible that the Senate has enough votes to override the veto and in the House only 14 more Republican votes are needed. Therefore, it is only a matter of time before the much-needed bill passes through Congress and millions of deserving children are finally granted health insurance.
sarah.shami@thea-blast.org
cause those who are being detained are not being charged. Recently Carter has, since the release of his book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, been cast in a negative light in mainstream media because of his different, but logical, views. Why is it so reprehensible for someone to point out the flaws in an obviously imperfect system? Why is society so quick to call Carter un-American because he speaks out against what he believes is going wrong in this country? He was a president Opinion once, you know. He has broken the silence that most former members of By Mohamad Elbarasse office have preserved, mainly because the only surviving presidents have ties to the coming election. The elder Bush would never speak out against his son and Bill Clinton is reserving his spotlight to support Hillary in the coming elecWhenever our government slips up we can always count tion. Why waste energy on a has-been? on good old Jimmy Carter to be the first to quickly assert At 83, Carter is still tackling the worlds major problems himself against the country he once ran. In Carterʼs latest foray and he continues to come up with solutions. This is almost he accused President Bush of “making [his] own definition unprecedented, for a former president to stay so active so late of torture” so that Bush would be able in his life. to say that his administration does not Carter has furthered humanitarian condone such acts. Carter told CNNʼs efforts by creating organizations such Wolf Blitzer that he was sure that the we must be careful not to as Habitats for Humanity, which helps BushAdministration used illegal torture low income working people to build transcend the line between tactics. and pay for their homes. Carter and Carter moved on to the larger topic his wife also started The Carter Center, of human rights and the U.S.ʼs disre- defense and torture a non-profit organization that is aimed gard for the Geneva Conventions and at improving the standards of living in the Universal Declaration of Human over 70 countries worldwide. Rights. Both have been understood It is hard to discern what is right and as international law and both of wrong in times of distress and war, but which protect all people regardless of we must be careful not to transcend nationality from torture tactics such as the line between providing for the head slapping, simulated drowning and holding prisoners in common defense and torture. I am not advocating turning a extreme temperatures. blind eye to terrorists, but the government should have more Carter went further to accuse the fresh batch of Republican efficient and less inhumane ways of dealing with this issue. candidates of trying to “outdo each other in who wants to go to We should be accepting Jimmy Carterʼs criticisms and war first with Iran and who wants to keep Gauntanamo open suggestions with open arms and open ears. He has the rights, longer.” Gauntanamo has been the site of much controversy as does everyAmerican, to voice his opinions evne if they opconcerning human rights and the writ of habeas corpus be- pose our Commander-in-Chief. Seasoned politicians like
Mo’s
Mindset
—Evelyn Postigo junior
Carter should speak up more often in situations where the U.S. government seems to be losing its handle on some issues. I praise Carter for his continued hard work. Carter truly is a marvel for still caring about others this late in his life, I wonder if 20 years down the road if Bush will still care to voice his opinions about the governemnt and will we even care to listen?
The immorality of animal dissections COURTESY WWW.CARTERCENTER.ORG
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Former President Jimmy Carter has recieved heavy backlash for his critcisms towards the United States concerning the countryʼs dismissal of human rights and foreign policy.
Just say “No” to cafeteria french fries By Jonah Williams Staff Writer
Every student has at least once looked down at the food served in the AHS cafeteria and wondered, “What could they possibly be feeding us?” but then preceded to purchase and consume the mystery meal without giving it another thought. The truth is, after three hours of class, the only thing your growling stomach cares about is consuming a hot meal. Recently, the AHS cafeteria has attempted to improve the nutritional quality of the food available to students by removing unhealthy foods from vending machines and replacing them with healthier choices. However, these are only very small steps in the right direction, and larger steps need to be taken. The cafeteria continues to serve processed and frozen foods which are often very greasy, very fatty and obviously very unhealthy.The most notable of these foods are the french fries, which are practically thrown at students everyday as they are offered with nearly every entree. Despite a few healthy choices such as salads (which also come with french fries), the cafeteria serves mainly foods high in oil and grease. This includes fried cheese sticks, fried chicken, fried chicken nuggets, nachos and pizza. The nutritional values that are posted on the walls of the cafeteria do not include the condiments, which are readily available such as salt, ketchup and barbeque sauce. When was the last time you saw someone eating fries without at least one of these sneakingly unhealthy top-
jonah.williams@thea-blast.org
“Except for the cafeteria salads and the spicy chicken sandwiches, the school food isn’t that great.”
—Carlos Francisco senior
mohamad.elbarasse@thea-blast.org
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pings? These things constitute only a few factors which are causing what is now referred to as an obesity epidemic. The percent of obese children in America has more then quadrupled, from 5% in 1964 to 20% today. This trend is very dangerous. Obesity has been linked to one out of every eight deaths in the country. Obesity has been known to cause heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type two diabetes. These factors can lower a personʼs quality of life and cause a decrease in a personʼs life expectancy. Part of this problem is nutritional ignorance. Many teenagers do in fact look at the nutritional facts of what they eat. But do they really understand what they are reading? Do they know what a calorie actually is?The answer for most teenagers is “No.” They know them only as things to be avoided at all costs. This is not a healthy stance to take as calories are a natural and important part of a healthy diet. If teenagers are expected to make good choices in what they eat, they must first be educated about nutrition and healthy living. This includes not only learning the importance of healthy food choices, but also the value of exercise. Exercise is a necessary part of maintaining a healthy body because calories are only stored as fat if the body cannot burn them. Many adults preach to teenager that they need to start making the right choices in what they eat. A good way to encourage teenagers to eat healthier foods would be to offer them in the school cafeteria. This would allow teens to make thier own healthy and cheap choices.
—Nick Din sophomore
“The cafeteria food kinda sucks. They could definetely serve better tasting and healthier food, but choose not to.”
Carter speaks out but no one will listen
Limited cafeteria food choices takes a toll on AHS students’ health.
“I only sometimes choose to eat the cafeteria food. I notice that most students eat a lot of french frys.”
School Lunch Facts In 1946 the National School Lunch Act was approved after young men responding to the draft call of WW2 were rejected by the armed forces because they possesed serious health problems due to malnutrition. School lunches are the most important meal of many students’ day. Many children recieve 1/3 to 1/2 of their daily nutritional intake from lunch. To recieve compensation from the federal government for the foods they serve, schools must measure up to the nutrition standards of having no more than 30% of the meal’s calories being fat and less then 10% being saturated fats. •Citizens for Healthy Options in Children’s Education (CHOICE) is a organization whose goal is to encourage schools to provide healthier foods. It so far has programs in California, Hawaii and New York.
As an AHS student taking the human anatomy course, I was appalled when I found out that the class would be performing a dissection. This apparently would be a “hands-on learning experience.” But what are we truly learning from these activities other than disrespect for life?Are we learning that it is acceptable to kill animals to simply learn more about them? While some animals are raised specifically for dissection, others are taken from their natural habitats and killed for our learning. Our schools are making dissection companies rich and rewarding their cruel acts. In Mexico, it was reported that poor children were given one dollar for every dog or cat they stole off the street. These animals were later repordedly sent to U.S. laboratories. Dissections are also dangerous for the students who perform them. The animals used for dissection are embalmed with formaldehyde, which has been linked to human cancers of the throat, lungs, and nasal passages. In addition to the cruelty and health risks of dissections, it is also expensive. Our school could be saving thousands of dollars by switching to alternative computer-based lessons. AHS needs to leave dissections behind. This “learning” method has already been prohibited in grade schools in many countries. Anatomy and biology are the study of life and should teach respect for life, not devalue it by treating living creatures as disposable objects. -Mayra Navarro Staff Writer
All seniors considering military enlistment are encouraged to sign up for the Armed Services Vocationals Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) thorugh the Student Services Department. The test will be given on October 26, at 7:20 a.m. in the Career Center.An in-school field trip permission form must be completed before the exam can be given. Please stop by the Student Services Department and ask for theASVAB Clipboard. See Mrs. Wheeler if you have any questions.
SAT Season
Parents with children between the ages of 0-5 are invited to attend the weekly Easter Seals Developmental Playgroup every Friday from 12:45-2:45 p.m. at the Annandale Neighborhood Center.Activities will include singing and dancing, games, and snack. There will be information for paretns about the services provided by Fairfax County. It is also an opportunity to meet other parents. Please call Astrid Gamez at (703) 534-4596 for more information.
AHS to hold college fair
AHS will hold a Mini College Fair on Wednesday, October 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria. Colleges attending include Washington University in St. Louis, Longwood University, Marymount University, Shenandoah University, and Randolph College.
Jewish Culture Club to hold first meeting
The Jewish Culture Club will hold its first meeting on October 24 at 2:15 in Room 213.All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served. See Mr. Ramono for details.
Gay/Straight Alliance continues to assemble
The Gay/Straight Alliance will continue to hold meetings on the third Wednesday of every month. All those interested in promoting tolerance, equality, nonviolence and diversity are encouraged to attend. The club also fights against discrimination, harassment, and violence in schoools. It also creates a safe atmoshpere to talk about certain issues. If you want to get involved in the Teens United in Tolerance program, come to the meetings in room 254.
Chorus to present fall concert
The AHS Choral Department will present its fall concert, Rutter Requiem, on Tuesday, October 30. The event will commence at 7:30 p.m. at Word of Life Church on Backlick Road. Donations will be accepted at the door.
NATHALIE SPITA
First a friend and I went to the nail salon before everyone arrived at my house. When everyone came, we went to this great Japanese restaurant near Tyson’s Corner called Sakura,” said Wilkins, “After that we went to the dance, where we really enjoyed it. When that was over we all went to lake Barcroft and hung out on a boat. The night ended with a sleepover at my house.” “I didn’t go last year, but this year was so much better than freshman year’s Homecoming. My friends and I went out to dinner, hung out at my house, went to the dance, and then they slept over at my house. I have to say, my favorite part of the occasion was the decorations. They were really good,”said senior Tessie Paul.
Spirit Week ‘07 BY KELLY MCGAREY AND NATHALIE SPITA News Editors
Current high school students ready themselves for test as 2007 results announced average male score for the class of 2007 was 533 while the average female got 499. This gap is mainly credited to more The SATs are one of the most males enrolling in advanced mathematdreaded tests of a student’s high school ics classes then females. The gap in the career. Waking up early on a Saturday Critical Reading test isn’t nearly as large morning to spend a solid five and a half with a male average of 504 and a female to six hours taking a standardized test is average of 502. The Writing portion of the SAT’s was not every students dream. However, the SAT’s are necessary to get into every col- recently added in 2006 so no long-term lege, and to have a successful future, and patterns have been established. However that’s being realized by many students the difference in the scores of students that took an English Composition course around the country. “There was definately more that I compared to students that didn’t is quite could have done to prepare,” said senior noticeable. The average of the students Andy Knoll. “But I thought that the that took an English Composition course test was more about logic than straight was 521, which is 27 points higher then the overall average of the class of 2007, knowledge.” The class of 2007 number of which was 494. The gap between male SAT takers and diversity of SAT takers and female scores is also noticeable in this were at an all-time super high. Nearly portion of the SAT’s. The average male of 1.5 million students in the class of 2007 the class of 2007 got 489 on the Writing took the SAT’s and about 40 percent of test test but the average female got 500. Fairfax County takers were of a miaverages soared nority group. These above the national rising numbers show averages with that people are real- I felt that the test test was scores of 545 in izing the importance Critical Reading, of a college education more about logic than 559 in Mathematics, and are taking the and 535 in Writing. necessary steps to straight knowledge The Atoms were get one. right around the The class —Åndy Knoll national average of 2007 broke many Senior in Critical Reading barriers in numbers and Mathematics and diversity of test with scores of 505 takers but the actual scores on the tests were not on the rise. and 516. However, the Atom’s 2007 The Critical Reading scores decreased Writing average was well below the naa point from the 2006 average of 503 tional average with a 489. This rises the to a 502 or a 0.20 percent decrease. The question of how much class time should Math and Writing averages both dropped be spent on learning the necessary skills and preparing for the SAT’s. 3 points to 515 and 494, respectively. The curriculum in school’s English The Critical Reading scores have fluctuated in the past years but the Math- classes has changed drastically due to ematics scores have been steadily rising. the addition of the Writing portion of the 20 years ago the average score was 501 SAT’s. English classes now focus much and it has risen almost every year (with more on writing skills and grammar the exception of 2006 and 2007) reaching instead of reading and analyzing. The class of 2007 broke many barriers an all-time of 520 in 2005, before falling back to 515 in 2007. These increases in the overall number of test takers, the have been linked to more students tak- diversity of test takers, and test scores. ing more advanced math courses in high Many (35 percent) of these test takers school. Ten years ago only 40 percent were the first in their family to take the of students took pre-calculus in high SAT’s and attend college. This shows the school but that number has risen to 53 increasing importance put on education percent of students. There is also a very and that people are taking the initiative noticeable difference in the mathematics to get this education. scores between males and females. The
Monday: PJ Day
BY SCOTT PLUNKETT Staff Writer
ANC hosts weekly playgroup
This yearʼs celebration drew a sizeable crowd of over 800 people.
To kick off Spirit Week 2007, students were asked to get comfy in their favorite PJs. Many people, including (from left) freshman Natalie Johnson and sophomores Brett Wynn, Sonya Inerbitzen, and Samantha Dade flaunted their stylish sleepwear.
NATHALIE SPITA
Considering military enlistment?
Morning hair appointments, mid-day group lunches with a trip to the nail salon, and then big dinners before partying all night long. AHS does homecoming right. By about 8:45 p.m, on Saturday, Oct. 6, the jock lobby was jampacked with students waiting to see what was in store for their 2007 Homecoming. Students and dates entered the gym and found it filled with hundreds of students dancing to the mix of songs provided by the same DJ who played at last year’s Homecoming and Prom. He played everything from Kanye West’s AHS students dance at 2007ʼs Shanghai Night-themed “Stronger” to N’Sync’s “Bye, Bye, Bye,” which satisfied most Homecoming. of the student’s musical preferences. “[The company that the DJ works for is] a good company game schedule. Since there were only two home games and with every event they seem to improve their quality of in the month of October and the Homecoming dance is performance,” said Abby Kahn. always in that month, the athletic department chose the The leadership class worked hard to make Homecoming first game against Hayfield rather than the second game night a memorable one. They started planning the occasion against Lake Braddock. at the end of last year and kept in touch over the summer in Although a lot of students went to the dance this year, order to work out the details. They sold about 1,000 tickets more than 1,400 students, like senior Daniel Kwon did not overall, including couples tickets, and the theme was a hit. attend the festivities. The leadership class came up with the theme of Shanghai “This year I had to go to honors choir auditions in Nights by looking through a catalogue of a company that Farmville so I wasn’t able to go anyway,” said Kwon. “But provides decorations for events such as school dances. the thought of going to Homecoming never amused me. I “We tried to choose [a theme] that hasn’t been used in have better things to do than attend a school dance.” the past, and that would generate a lot of student interSome people, such as junior Samantha Wilkins, started est,” said Khan. The event was earlier this year than in making plans weeks before the dance. the past because it was focused around the home football “ I had been excited for a while before Homecoming.
Tuesday: Stuffed Animal Day Sophomores (from left) Sundance Krieger, Delphine Tran, Sean Smith, and Amanda Fouche, proudly display their furry friends. As a follow-up to PJ day, students were asked to bring their favorite stuffed critters to class with them.
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NATHALIE SPITA
The AHS marching band will compete in the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors’ state festival on October 20 in Winchester. The band has earned a superior rating for the last seven years, and recently renewed the title of Virginia Honor Band.
BY JERRY SOLOMON Staff Writer
Wednesday: Twin Day
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Wednesday brought the muchanticipated Twin Day. Students were encouraged to find a piece of themselves: in another person! This made for some interesting combinations.
GWEN KENNEDY
Marching band heads to states
This year’s Homecoming dance draws Spirit Week to a dynamic close
Thursday: Retro Day On Thursday, students were asked to ressurrect the attire of a decade past. Many chose to bring back the ’80s, including this group of girls (left), who celebrated with neon clothes and bold, chunky jewelry.
NATHALIE SPITA
AHS is pleased to welcome Cordell Gill back to the faculty. He will serve as the Dean of Students in the Attendance Office through December. Dill has previously served the school as a guidance counselor and coach at AHS from 1972 to 1988. He later returned to become the Guidance Director, before retiring from FCPS.
A Great ‘Shanghai Night’
Friday: Spirit Day Friday brought the annual Fall Pep Rally and Battle of the Classes. To emphasize the rivalry, each class decked out differently, with the freshmen in white, sophomores in red, juniors with facepaint and seniors in togas. (left) Juniors Ashley Swiger andAnnie Wiser show their class spirit by painting their faces before the Pep Rally.
PTSA meeting to be held
TheAHS PTSAwill hold its third meeting of the year on Tuesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. in the library. All parents are encouraged to attend.
GWEN KENNEDY
AHS welcomes new Dean of Students
Oct. 16, 2007
Homecoming Pep Rally
AHS students to take the PSATS
TANYA BELLINGHAM
AHS freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take the PSATs during their R1 class on Wednesday, October 17. Freshmen and juniors can purchase their test results for $15. Sophomores will recieve their scores for free.
AHS principal John Ponton presents a plaque honoring the late Mary Karen Reed to her father and brother. Joining him are (from left) lacrosse coach Cindy Hooke and seniors Mary Bermingham, Vicky Smith, and Elise Miles, This memorial has been placed along the edge of the football field next to a bench and a tree that was planted in her honor.
Students assembled by grade for the pep rally on Friday. During the presentation, the fall sports teams were introduced, and the dance team and cheerleading squads performed. This was followed by class vs. class flag football games, which ended in a junior victory. Environmental systems teacher Sean Miller shows his support for the facuºlty team.
GWEN KENNEDY
NEWS BRIEFS
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“Float” continued from page 1 Instead of a float this year, the senior class did something much more simplistic, but unique compared to the other classes. Seniors LaithAbuTaleb and Beth Hertel were the senior’s class float. The “float” consisted of a bicycle pulling a simple wagon. Both Abu-Taleb and Hertel rode throughout the parade and threw out candy to the spectators. “There were several reasons why we didn’t have a float this year,” said Maureen Hunt, the senior class sponsor. The main reason was the fact that the senior class could not get a flatbed for the float. “The prize money for the best float was $200, which is about how much it would take to buy the supplies, and make the float. Instead of meeting with our class to discuss and plan for the Homecoming float, we took a vote and decided to not make a float and spend our efforts to discuss and plan for fundraising and other events leading up to prom,” said senior class president, Laith Abu-Taleb “In years past, the class of 2008 has had its problems with Homecoming floats, but they were resolved and floats were made. Each year, they had similar problems to this year, like having difficulty getting a flatbed for the float; however, problems were solved and the floats were made. The class of ’08 has never won the float contest, but they have come in second place before. “We’ve gotten the floats done in the past, but they were never up to par,” said Abu-Taleb.
JustWorld Club begins well GWENDOLYN KENNEDY
Oldest class leaves little behind
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Senior Laith Abu-Taleb is the Senior Classʼs float. AHS class of 2008 did not have a float in the Homcecoming Parade because of numerous reason one of which they wanted to save more money for Prom.
NATHALIE SPITA
Oct. 16, 2007
Senior Wattana Savanh who is the Art Comittee Leader for the Just World Interact Club, hangs up posters in prepartion for Poverty Week. “If you skip a meal or even give up a snack you [can] tell how dependent you are [on food],” said Savanh.
NEWS BRIEFS Special guest to meet with PTSA
If your parents are asking , why is my teen so weird? Do your know about MySpace? Facebook? Cyberspace? What does he/she access in the Internet? and its Pros and Cons? The answers to these question will be addressed by the PTSA who will discuss options and alternatives. Anastasia Goodstein who is a well known researcher and specialist in the subject is visiting from California and will be sharing her views on Friday,October 26 from 7-9 p.m. in the Annandale Neighborhood Center located within AHS premises. They will be raffling three copies of her book “Totally Weird.”
“Just World” continued from page 1. All funds raised during Just World’s first awareness day will go towards benefitting the international commuinity. All donations will go towards feeding chronically hungry children largely outside the US. In order to accomplish this, Just World works directly with a United Nations liaison to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. This major international involvement shows the true success of the Just World program on a large scale. Just World will continue to provide awareness and action throughout the year. Programs such as the October 21 homeless shelter build, Youth Service project in April, and ‘Clean the Bay” program in June, are just a few examples of the numerous active programs hosted by Just World. Just World president, Senior Wafa Khadraoui, has proposed future campaigns that include the “Aid for AIDS” campaign, and a toy ball collection program for Darfur refugees. The Just World program is causing real change on problems found around the world. For refugees in Angola, the homeless in Fairfax county, and poverty stricken individuals around the world, all there is, is hope. Just World, and the students at Annandale that are willing to work for change are that hope. They give their available time and effort to work towards a more “just world.”
AHS sponsers Partners for Safe Teen Driving On Tuesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. in Clausen Hall there will be an informational meeting concering teen driving safety. Driver education, licensing process, insuring the teen driver, important traffic laws, and parent tips for coaching the the teen driver will all be discussed.Both parents and teens are invited!
Bus trip to Radford University
On Saturday, November 10 there will be a bus trip to Radford University and a Campus Open House. Buses will depart in four locations, 6:45 a.m. at Marshal High School,West Springfield High School at 7:45 a.m., Chantilly High School at 7:45 a.m., and Centerville High School at 7:15. Buses will return at the same locations between 9-10 p.m. Space is limited! For more information contact Mrs. Roth in the Career Center.
IB program gains traction “IB” continued from page 1 With increased, and even model participation, it seems that more would-be average students at AHS are taking the leap into IB, and challenging themselves to the level that is matched with their potentials. Still, it is an everyday fight for Albright to get more students to participate in the IB program and the Diploma program. “The biggest problem we face with our participation, and this is a nation-wide problem, is that participation in the full diploma is low,” said Albright. “We know that there are more kids that could do the Diploma than are doing it. We need to make sure that they know the benefits of the diploma.” The main obstacle, in Albright’s eyes, is the same struggle that harks back to IB’s earliest days. “The perception still stands that only a few kids can do the Diploma, and we know that’s not true,” said Albright. Albright explained that the IB program and Diploma option still suffer from the perspective that both present an unbearable workload. Now, however, teachers have largely pared down their curriculums to include only the essential materials. “We had to practice with the program for a few years before we really got a feel for it, but now we get it,” said Albright. As most IB teachers understand that every Diploma Candidate will have to take 6-7 IB classes, they adhere to the de facto mandate that only 1 hour of homework each night should be given per class. Still, many students struggle with the workload image problem. Nausheen Yusuf, a senior taking multiple IB classes but not doing the IB Diploma explained that “People made it sound like it’s really hard. I was frightened by it.” But it’s not just the workload that drives students away. It’s the workload coupled with little gain, at least in the eyes of students.Arlene Chung, a senior in IB Mathematics HL, described Senior Samiha Islam concentrates hard while taking a IB Topics test for Mrs. Richardson. The IB Diploma Participation that “It’s just a lot of work for no gain; that’s the overall view. has increased dramatically over the last few years. The goal of Mrs. Albright, the IB Diploma Coordinator, is to encour[The Diploma] doesn’t really help you any, you know? Like for age an even greater participation in the program. colleges it doesn’t really matter. It will not help you any more if academic standards high is a year to year goal that must be reformed annually. “Clearly, you did do it than if you just didn’t do it.” not everybody is cut out for IB [HL] Math,” he said. “You have to be able to do the math For Albright, explaining the benefits of the IB Diploma program and making them as well as have the drive to do the work.” clear to all students is key to attracting more students to participate. “The IB Diploma is To Evans, IB is not just about increasing participation, but increasing participation sophisticated,” she said. “It’s an ongoing battle to get the accurate info to students.” while increasing academic ability. “We would be a better school if we had more ability in The benefits are multifarious, as backed by studies done by the US Department of students, and more drive,” he said. “But just as one student couldn’t do IB Math, I couldn’t Education. In a sports metaphor, to participate in the IB Diploma program is to “practice” do IB Spanish.” at the highest academic level possible atAHS, thus allowing a greater potential for students Ultimately, Evans, as most teachers would agree, wants students challenged to the to succeed in college. Even if students take an IB class or multiple IB classes and do poorly, greatest extent of their abilities, whether or not this necessitates enrolling in IB classes. “I they will have a higher chance of succeeding in college than if they take standard classes would like to see kids take classes that work them to their potential,” he said. and do well. “They will have played at the college level,” said Albright. Beyond increasing participation in the IB program, Albright drew up the same conNor, in the push for students to participate in the IB program, has there been a sacrifice clusion. “My goal is for every student to be challenged, whether he or she is doing the IB in the standards of that academic level or the level of difficulty of IB classes in terms of Diploma or whether he or she is in the ESOL program or any other program.” meeting IB criteria. “It would be easy to only get a high number of students to participate, Still, for all of those students caught in indecision, “It’s important to remember that to or only get teachers to generate high scores,” said Albright. “It’s harder to ask teachers to take IB classes is to get the most out of AHS,” said Evans. do both, but that’s what we do.’ Maybe the question of participation will be resolved by time. “If I saw more people doing For Jim Evans, teacher of IB Mathematics HL, increasing participation while keeping it, I think I would see it as easier,” said Yusuf. “Then I would probably do it.”
For your planner! TODAY
• FCA weekly huddles in Band Room (6:50 a.m.) • Finance Technicains meeting in Clausen Hall (7a.m. to noon) • PTSA in Library (7p.m.)
WEDNESDAY
• PSAT in W2 class (7:20 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.) • Varsity Math Meet in Cafeteria (2 to 3 p.m.) • Back to School Night for parents
PAUL MATHIS
(6 p.m.)
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Friday
Saturday
• State March ing Band Festi val in Winchester, VA
Mon. Oct. 22
en • SOL retakes in Auditorium and Claus Hall continue throughtout the week. Clau• Underclassmen picture retakes in . to sen Hall continue throught week (7a.m 2:30 p.m.) Hall • Spanish Parentʼs Night in Clausen (7 p.m.)
Tues. Oct. 23
en • SOL retakes in Auditorium and Claus Hall • Underclassmen picture retakes in Clausen Hall (7a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Wed. Oct. 24
• Collaboration Day • Senior pictur e make-ups in Clausen Hall (1to 8:30 p.m.) • Math Honor Society Meeting in Cafeteria (2:15 to 3 p.m.) • Vietnamese Parentʼs Night in Career Center (7 p.m.)
Thurs. Oct
MOHAMAD ELBARASSE
“Tippins” continued from page 1 of the school. “[My transition] has been very Adjacent to the main office’s front desks sits Tippins office. Inside his office, an L-shaped good,” said Tippins, “the hardest part . . . is desk, illuminated by fluorescent lights, a table, two chairs, a computer, filing cabinet, and knowing everybody, meeting the new people one television hung directly across from his seat so that he can monitor the school using that come in. The hardest part really is trying to get to know the the security cameras. student body.” In addition to retrieving students, monitoring the hallways and “[Security asassisting with dismissal, Tippins’ job also entails crisis management. sistants] work very In case of an emergency Tippins must have a plan ready to make sure There is a lot more to do closely with the with that all the students and teachers are safe in the building. the safety and security “There is a lot more to do than being one of the assistants,” said then being to one of the office in the county,” Tippins, “we all have the same role in one way or another mine is just said Tippins, “They put a little more increased.” assistants. out stuff to us that we Tippins went on to describe his duties as dealing with fire drills, need to implement.” If gang related issues, and school-wide investigations. “This job is more, in the past few years, a lot of crisis planning with everything that is —ChrisTippins the Safety and Security going on in the world today.” Safety and Security Specialist Office in Fairfax County Safety and Security Specialist Chris Tippins employs a new safety looks over the students as they dismiss at A Safety and Security Specialist’s official responsibilities are to program for fire drills the end of the school day. Tippins is develmaintain a safe and secure environment for students, faculty and or dismissal, it would be Tippins responsibil- oping a plan to make sure that all students staff. Also, the specialist must act as a liaison between police and court officials, establish ity to make sure that AHS follows through and teachers are safe in the building. a school-wide database for a tardy sweep program and conduct searches and investiga- with the new plan. “It is going to take me a little bit to get a better understanding of the building and how tions. Tippins graduated from Mt. Vernon and afterwards he coached the softball team there the people work around here,” said Tippins’, “every building operates differently.” for 11 years. Tippins commented on the hardest part of his job being learning the layout
Thursday
• FBL Fundrai sing Kick-Off in Auditorium begins today an d continues thr the week (7:20 ou p.m. to 2:00 p.m ghout .)
• Varsity footba ll game vs Lake (7:30 p.m.) Braddock
AHS security staff adds new member
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. 25 • SOL retakes in Auditorium and Clausen Hall •Fall Orchestra Concert in Audit (7 p.m.) orium
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Oct. 16, 2007
Celebrate Fall with us!
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Oct. 16, 2007
ADVERTISEMENTS
Annandale High School is doing a crazy thing…
School Wide Fundraiser 50-Hole, Speed Golf,
Golf-A-Thon
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Monday, Nov. 5
ATTENTION: SGA, BOOSTER CLUBS, A-BLAST, THE BISTRO, STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS, ATHLETES…. Opportunity to fundraise for your organization 50% of the profit to your organization and 50% to PTSA When/Where:
Monday, 11/05/07 (Teacher Workday) Raindate 11/06/07 Penderbrook Golf Club Fairfax Virginia Registration:11-11:30
How does it work? Individuals sign up to play a crazy 50 Holes of Speed Golf. Each individual solicit pledges per hole of golf played (ex. $1.00 per hole), designate 50% of the profit to the AHS organization of choice (or 25% each to two organizations). Minimum pledges per person are $200.00 worth for a student and $300.00 for an adult. Golfers play free to include lunch, all fees, gift bag, free play at a later date coupon and dinner of pulled pork, grilled chicken and salads. Golfers will play over two times around in one day at Penderbrook Golf Club for the sole purpose of raising funds for their favorite AHS organizations and PTSA. Prizes…..Prizes!! Prizes for Closest Pin, Longest Drive and Longest Putt! PLUS…The student with the highest pledges wins an IPOD Shuffle and the adult with the highest pledges wins 5 days over Thanksgiving 11/21-11/25 in a Williamsburg resort that sleeps 6! The organization with the highest pledges wins an additional $150.00. Interested in helping the PTSA and YOUR Organization(s) of Choice? Contact Cary Vu for Your Golf-A-Thon Participation Package! Caryfvu@cox.net or 703-861-8259 Sign-Up Deadline is November 1st !
If you did not order a yearbook on the yearbook order day and want to, go to:
www.buyayearbook.com Senior Ads are available for purchase. Come to the publications lab, room 262, to fill out an order form. Deadline is Nov. 1.
ARTS
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An American Art Icon For the first time in 25 years Edward Hopper comes to the National Gallery of Art BY NENA BUCK Arts Editor
WWW.WIKIPEDIA.COM
“Chop Suey” A 1929 oil on canvas painting
“The Mansard Roof” 1923 watercolor over graphite on paper
WWW.FORTUNECITY.ORG
“Nighthawks” 1942 oil on canvas
“What is your favorite museum to visit in D.C.?”
Murraya One of Bellʼs various fantasy works
NENA BUCK
In the Area
“The Spy Museum because I want to be a spy one day.”
“The Air and Space Museum because I like the airplanes. That one is the coolest because I think the other ones are boring.”
— Ronnie McCoy Freshman
— Lisa Best Sophomore
Artist in the spotlight
Upcoming exhibits and shows in the D.C. area.
Anacostia Community Museum (D.C.) - East of the River: Continuity and Change In celebration of the museumʼs 40th anniversary this exhibition projects the vast changes through out the community.
National Gallery of Art (D.C.) - Edward Hopper Exhibit Come and view the remarkable images that drew crowds from around the world! A wonderful variation of watercolor, oil on canvas and Hoppers classic etches collected throughout his lifetime.
“The Holocaust Museum because I find it very interesting to look back on history.”
“The Corcoran Gallery of Art, because they have lot’s of cool exhibits and I took an art classes there when I was younger.”
“I like the Air and Space Museum because it attracts the progress of Aviation.”
—Brian Ma Junior
—Beth Hertel Senior
— Mr. Cooley Math Teacher
Accusations surface after photog’s death Joe O’Donnell has been accused of stealing credit for photographs BY MOHAMAD ELBARASSE Co-Editor-in-Chief
NENA BUCK
National Portrait Gallery (D.C.) - Legacy: Spain and the United States in theAge of Independence 1763 – 1848
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (D.C.) - Morris Louis Now: An American Master Revisited An exhibit of this extordinary artistʼs painting from 1950 – 1962.
“First Branch of the White River, Vermont” 1938 water color on graphite
BY ADEEL SHAMS Staff Writer Issa Thullah a senior at AHS has been creating artwork for a very long time. “I like art. I get to express myself in a lot of ways with out saying anything,” said Thullah. Thullah has been taking art since he was in seventh grade but didn’t take it seriously until he was a sophomore at AHS. In his own free time he loves to go outside and play and hang out with his friends. He plans on taking art in college but doesn’t want to do it as a career; instead he wants to keep it as a hobby. “It’s just for fun,” said Thullah. Thullah particularly enjoys drawing 3-dimensional figures, each one takes him around three hours to complete. Thullah prefers to work in a quiet environment so no one can disturb him while he is working. Thullah’s parents want him to take his artwork seriously and pursue the subject as a career instead of doing it simply for his enjoyment. Ms. Harper her former teacher says” he is most skilled in portraiture”. When he was in eighth grade he won a contest for art at his school. Out of all of his friends he is the only person that really enjoys doing art. In addition to the 3-dimensional figures, Thullah just enjoys drawing things he has observed in life as well as cartoon characters and animated people. “I have been taking art class at Annandale High School for two and half years,” said Thullah. “My uncle inspired me in doing this art work he would always show me his work when I was in Sierra Leone,” Thullah. He would love to see his work get published even if it doesn’t become famous for his artistic ability. He would be happy even if his art were just put on display at AHS. “I had never known how good I was in doing art, you should go for it because you might be better than what you are already,” says Thullah. Thullah, who likes to shade his artwork to make it more creative and real looking, does most of his art in pencil but sometimes uses pen and color pencil in his work. Ms Harper Also says,” He is technically proficient and has a good use of graphite (black and white)”. Thullah enjoys to draw so much, where ever he goes he takes his art materials with him so he can never get bored. With no grand aspirations for his artistic career, his main goal is to simply have fun and keep drawing the things he’s drawing now.
Born on May 7, 1922 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the late photographer Joseph O’Donnell captured some of the most famous moments in American history. Or so he claimed. Shortly after his passing, many claims arose that O’Donnell had taken credit for photographs that he did not take. The most controversial of the photographs is of John F. Kennedy Jr. as a child saluting his father’s coffin. The photograph was actually taken by Stan Stearns, who has only spoken out now. After the first major accusation, many old photographers researched his work and found that he had taken credit for images that they captured. His family spoke out in his defense saying that he had not gained anything from his thievery of credit and that the only reason that he would claim he had taken the pictures was a blurry memory. His family now fears that the backlash caused by the controversy will overshadow his works. Aside from the controversial pictures, O’Donnell is known for capturing the first scenes after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in 1945. O’Donnell’s health began to decline after his marriage to Kimiko O’Donnell in 1998. “He wasn’t interested in showing any of his photos,” said Kimiko to the New York Times, “He had two rods in his back. Three strokes, two heart attacks. Skin cancers. Part of colon taken out.” O’Donnell died on August 9, 2007.
SAM PARRISH
Does the name ring a bell? You may recognize her name through her vast variety of Fantasy drawings. Julie Bell is famously known to the Marvel and D.C. comic crazed fans. The Beaumont, Texas native has been soaring high as her “metal flesh” characters. Bell first made it big landing the role as an advertisement illustrator for Nike, and Coca-Cola. The past eight years her images have taken the form of book covers, calendars, posters and even trading cards. Bell’s dazzling artwork depicts the empowerment and independence longed for by many. Prior to being an artist, Bell was involved in competitive bodybuilding. This inspired the characters that she portrays as muscular individuals, each painting the human body at its finest. With her phenomenal talent we
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. proudly presents a wonderful exhibit consisting of 48 oil paintings, 34 watercolors, 12 prints and 2 ledger books. Edward Hopper, a talented artist who produced some of the most beautiful masterpieces in modern American art, shines in brilliant colors over his five-plus decade, long career. This exhibit that has been attracting crowds throughout the country since its opening in mid September, has been the nation’s capitol’s latest rave. Upon entering the museum, giant banners portraying a few of Hopper’s images hang on the sides of the building acting as a tease, to lure people in by providing a glimpse of what is inside. The exhibit’s clever set up begins by introducing viewers to a brief history of Hopper’s life and then begins the phenomenal transition into Hopper’s lifetime of creations, where his passion is clearly displayed. One of the first images is one of Hopper’s earliest works, the “First Branch of the White River, Vermont”. This watercolor image depicts the peaceful aura and serenity that can be found in nature. The great details Hopper provides each of his works with gives the viewers the feeling as though they are looking out the window into their own backyard. The same enchanting feeling can be found with “ The Mansard Roof.” This picture is a watercolor painting on graphite of an extraordinary old colonial house. With such life-like features, one can imagine feeling the gentle breeze bellowing in the painting’s trees and awning.
Attaining much of his success through his work with watercolors during the early years of his career, Hopper is currently most famous for his oil on canvas paintings. “Chop Suey”, his much talked about oil painting has gone beyond a dazzling piece of artwork. The painting’s whose predominant figures are two women sporting of fitted sweaters and cloche hats, have set a fashion trend. Young women who seek the classical look can purchase a cloche hat and recreate their version of “Lighthouse at two lights” 1929 the 1929 scene. While “Chop Suey” drew a crowd, the “New York Movie” oil painting accumulated an equally sensational vibe. Here, in this intriguing 1939 scene, an usherette is distracted from the cinema’s silver screen. She is subsequently isolating herself from the drama of the theater while concentrating on her private concerns. Perhaps it’s the lighting, the dramatic choice of colors or maybe “New York Movie” even the subjects’ body 1939 oil on canvas language that draws people to Hopper’s magical canvases. Concluding Hopper’s sensational masterpieces is one that many will recognize. “Nighthawks” portrays the scene taking place in a Philadelphia coffee shop. Inside, a couple makes small talk with the waiter, seemingly to portray an intimate moment of silence in a normally busy, chaotic environment. This magnificent exhibit will surely continue to be an entrancing sight for visitors to Washington, D.C. until its closing on January 21, 2008.
Above: Joe OʼDonnell was most famous for documenting the effects of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Below: OʼDonnell had taken claim to the photo of JFK Jr. saluting his fatherʼs coffin, but in reality photographer Stan Stearns had captured the image.
STAN STEARNS
Featured Famous Artist Julie Bell
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Oct. 16, 2007
HEALTH
Healthcare a necessity
In my opinion...
AHS famlies share their experiences of living with and without healthcare
VANESSA CERRO
BY CARLIS GALICIA Staff Writer For the fourth time since his election President Bush has vetoed an effort that would have given millions of children government-funded health insurance. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a joint state-federal effort that subsidizes health coverage for 6.6 million people, mostly children, from families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford their own private coverage. Some 45 millionAmericans under age 65 have no health insurance at all, and the number keeps growing. Meanwhile, the cost of Medicare, the government-funded health care system available to people who qualify, increases more each year. The question is whether the Federal Government should spend so much money on health care or whether it should extend health coverage to everyone. The vetoed measure sought to expand the five billion a year program by an average of seven billion a year over the next five years. Supporters believe that the approval of the legislation would have dramatically reduced the number of children that are uninsured. “Turning away millions of kids in need is a really big deal,” said senior Linda Nguyen. “We as the United States like to help people out.At the same time we are investing so much more in the war and we don’t have time to focus on the issues going on here at home.” In addition to adding $35 billion over a period of five years the legislation would have allowed an additional 4 million children into the program. It would have been funded by raising the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents to one dollar per pack. “ I think that is a good idea,” said senior Gizem Fern. “The increase in prices could discourage people from buying cigarettes. And since it doesn’t affect me because I don’t smoke, it would be an awesome idea,” said Fern. The benefits of having health insurance are extremely visible especially for senior Mayra Cardenas. “My twin brothers were born three months early. They had to be in the hospital for a little over two months and overall the cost was $1 million because of all the medication and treatment my brothers and my mom needed.” Cardenas explains how health insurance was critical during the time. “Without health insurance, it would have been crazy because we really would have been in serious debt, but in the end the insurance paid for most of it and my parents only ended up paying $20,000 for each of my brothers,” said Cardenas. On the other side of the spectrum, Fernando Morales, relative of an AHS student Zulma Galicia has suffered from lack of health insurance. “In the month previous to my diagnosis I had headaches and my vision was blurred and I just ignored all of these signs because I knew I could not afford to get ill,” said Morales. He decided to go to the hospital and was pre-diagnosed with brain cancer, but when he got surgery they found that it was only an infection due to Tuberculosis. “After the surgery I lost movement on the left side of my body so I had to go back in for physical therapy and each 45 minute session cost $140-160. Until Morales regains
Johnathan and Jovanni Cardenas were born premature by three months. Their stay at the hospital for over two months cost $1 million because of treatment and medication they needed to survive, including their momʼs stay at the hospital.
movement he cannot hold a job pay back the thousands of dollars he owes. Most developed countries already have in place some sort of system for universal health care that has been in place for many years. However, in the United States it does not have such a system, but does offer government funded health care programs that help to provide for the elderly, disabled, military, and veterans and the poor. “By vetoing this legislation Bush has failed to acknowledge the millions of people that fall through the cracks, the people they think are ‘well off’ and they are not, said senior Lauren Jimenez. “When we call it universal health care people are totally for it, but when we call it socialized medicine they say oh no we are not communists, It is ridiculous to say we are moving to a socialized medicine. It is propaganda and a way to manipulate people’s minds by making people feel bad for defending an idea they believe in.” Currently the United States spends approximately 15% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), on health care the highest in world, yet only an estimated 84.2% of all citizens have some or any form of health insurance coverage. In the year 2003, approximately 61 million adults ages 19-64 had either no insurance or only sporadic coverage. The cost of health care premiums is rising faster than the greater rate of employee wages, raising concerns among millions of Americans. “I try to take good care of myself because of my asthma. I look towards the future in a very optimistic way in hopes of a positive health care reform,” said Jimenez.
Nearly 47 million Americans, or 16 percent of the population, were without health insurance in 2005, that latest government data available. The number of uninsured rose 1.3 million between 2004 and 2005 and has increased by almost 7 million people since 2000. The number of uninsured children in 2005 was 8.3 million which increased in 2005 by another 400,000 Young adults (18 to 24 years old) remained the least likely of any age group to have health insurance in 2005. 30.6 percent of young adults did not have insurance in 2005. – Compiled by Vanessa Cerro, source: www.nchc.org
Vitamins essential to life Students take supplements in their daily diets help regulate their health BY KYLE KNOCHE copy editor
MARIA CAMARGO
It is a much-publicized fact that the average American is not as healthy as he or she should be. While there is a growing clamor about the current obesity epidemic, signs of unhealthiness are not always visually apparent. Many Americans, particularly kids and teenagers, do not consume the recommended amount of vitamins and dietary minerals through their normal dietary consumption alone. A recently published report by the U.S. National Institute of Health has found that 31.8% of children have used some sort of dietary supplement in the effort to stay healthy and reduce the risk of potential health problems resulting from a lack of vitamins. “I think taking vitamins is good because they are giving you something you need,” said senior Judy Zahra Elahi, who has been taking GNC all purpose women’s vitamins for nearly a year. “I would recommend that others take vitamins, because we all know that we probably don’t take all the vitamins we need.” “We do have a lot of high school aged kids come into the store, but they are typically athletes looking to buy protein or testosterone to enhance athletic performance; they don’t buy too many vitamins,” said senior Tim Chowdhury, an employee of the Bailey’s Crossroads GNC store. All vitamins are important to certain bodily functions such as the metabolism, the immune system and the nervous system. Additionally, vitamins are crucial in maintaining healthy skin and muscle tone, as well as providing energy. “I actually feel lethargic when I don’t take them. When I do, I’m not as tired and I think more clearly,” said junior Erika Dyer, noting the positive effects of the supplements. “The most important vitamin is vitamin C, because vitamin C stays in the body for the least amount of time. It is needed to build up the immune system,” said Chowdhury. “If you don’t think you are having enough of it in your diet, you should eat an orange.” As with most things, consuming too much of a vitamin is a bad thing, but as long as one stays within the recommended usage guidelines they should not have any serious problems. “I have been taking them every day, and the only thing I don’t like is the bad taste they leave in my mouth,” said Elahi. Although many people take vitamins simply for their overall health benefits, some take them with a more specific objective in mind. “I take iron supplements because I’m anemic,” said senior Kelsey Lynne Stewart. “When I didn’t take vitamins, I would feel dizzy, sleepy, weak, tired, and sometimes I would black out during the day.” While reaSenior Kelsey Stewart takes vitamins sons for taking them may vary, many agree because she has anemia which causes her that there is no harm in taking vitamins. to become weak.
The main issue is not whether President George W. Bush is cruel, cold hearted or without any concern for the millions of children from which he denied the benefits of affordable health care. His compassion 64% said that is not what I the question. government What I do quesshould tion is his comguarantee mitment to the health citizens of the insurance. United States. In preaching 24% said it and promotshould not ing democracy and defending source: www.nytimes.com the rights and liberties of those in the Middle East, the President so freely spends our tax dollars to improve conditions in Iraq and elsewhere. Meanwhile he refuses to spend as freely that same tax money to support children here in our own country, the very future. It is also argued that the legislation was not passed because it would also cover the children of illegal immigrants. Yet according to the 2000 census less then 10 percent of the U.S. population is here illegally. So 90 percent of kids are not worth insuring, because of the 10 percent that will get health care, that may potentially be immigrants? Part of what the State Children’s Health Insurance Program does is provide children with vaccinations. Being in favor of universal health insurance has its pros and cons, but in the end it something that is a lot more beneficial to the people. – Carlos Galicia, staff writer
Did you know... • Each year one million families go bankrupt because they can not afford to pay their medical bills.
Health Insurance Statistics in the U.S.
Johnathan Cardenas Jovanni Cardenas were brought home a little over 2 months after being born prematurely. The doctors predicted that the twins would not make it, so they do not have any pictures of them right after their birth.
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“Even though I take them for medical reasons, I think that everybody should take some sort of vitamin just because they are good for you,” said Stewart. “I think it is relieving to know that some teens care enough about their health to take vitamins on a daily basis,” said Dyer. Breaking down the data into smaller age cohorts, the study, published in the October edition of the monthly medical journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, determined that 25.7% of 14-18 year olds had used vitamins within the past month. While some may consider this number to be high, the consumption of dietary supplements is most prolific in the four to eight age group with 40.6% taking vitamins, this is followed by 38.4% of kids ages one to three. The study also went on to note that among American adults, 57% of women and 47% of men take dietary supplements.
• 18,000 Americans die each year because they lack health insurance. •Almost one third of every health care dollar goes to CEOʼs, stockholders, marking, and insurance companies generally fighting patient claims. source: www.consumercal.org.
Do you think health insurance should be fully provided by the government? “Yes, because everyone should have an equal chance of being healthy.”
—Grace Franjie freshman
“Yes, because their are less fortunate people out there who need more help than others, healthwise.”
—Susan AlSuqi sophomore “Yes, because everyone needs health insurance and you don’t feel safe without it.”
—Junior Gomez junior
“Yes, because it cost too much to pay to go to the doctors when you don’t have insurance.”
—Carlos Francisco senior “Yes, because people deserve to have insurance and we should be like other nations who provide health care.”
HeaKatya Calderon senior
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INTERNATIONAL
Q: How long are you staying in the US and who are you staying with? A: I came here in the middle of august and I can stay two weeks after school ends in June. I am staying with Ms. (Kathy) Ayers and her family.
“Italy sounds really fun. It’s a whole different culture and language, you can meet a lot of new people, plus they have fabulous designers.”
—Letitia Romero sophomore
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Have they also participated in foreign exchange? A: I have a brother who is 21 years old, and he did not do foreign exchange. He wanted to, but now he is too old.
Q: Do you like the United States? A: I love it here; everything is so lively and different. It is a privilege to come here and I am so thankful that I was able to make the trip. I also think it’s cool because everyone knows you and thinks you are awesome because you are French, like you have special things to do because of your nationality.
A: I’m just a normal person like anyone else. The only main difference is that I can speak French. I just think its weird that people think I am supposed to be special or something.
Q: How are you able to come to the United
Q: Is there anything you did, any programs or organizations you got involved in to help you adapt to the new culture?
A: My school does foreign exchange with International Baccalaureate program.You have to meet certain qualifications. You have to be an excellent student, and you must be active and motivated. You also have to be 15-18 years old.
A: I am part of the Junior Varsity volleyball team here at Annandale. It helped me become familiar with the school and know some students before the year started. I also plan on participating in the swim team and on the lacrosse team.
States?
Q: Did your parents make you go or did you want to go, and why? A: I really wanted to go since the first day I was given the opportunity. I took the flyer home and told my parents, “I want to do this.” My parents were hesitant at first, asking me to be sure that I knew what I was doing. But each day I would tell them that I wanted to do this and
“I would go to Italy or Australia. They are so full of life and everything is extremely gorgeous over there. I have always dreamed of living there. ”
then they supported me. I wanted to come to the United States to have a fabulous experience, to be able to say that I did something different. I also want to become bilingual, and I thought that this would help me very much.
Q: Is there anything that is different about you because you are French?
Q: What languages do you speak? A: French, English and German.
—Matt McCartney freshman
Oct. 16, 2007
European students walk the halls of AHS
What country would French citizen Julie you travel to for foreign exchange Soloman came to the US two months ago and why ? “I would go to Ireland to learn about their culture. They also have delicious potatoes and cool accents.”
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Q: What is your favorite American food? A: I love Cookies and McDonalds, even though they have McDonalds over in France. But nothing can take my love away from French food.
Sophomore Julie Soloman
Q: What is the most difficult class for you and why? A: English is the most difficult because everything is in my second language. Plus the vocabulary is hard for people who speak English as a first language, so just imagine what its like for me to try to learn and use these words. Q: Is there anything else you would like to say? A: I hope that my experience here will be memorable and that I will meet a bunch of new people. I am really looking forward to the rest of the school year and everything that Annandale has to offer.
Junior Carlotta Massoni, from Italy, enjoys American Culture
—Bella Ibrahim junior “I would go to Italy for the food, the women, and the beatuiful monuments and scenery.”
—Daniel Ejigu senior
Q: How long are you staying in the US and who are you staying with? A: I came here two weeks before school started and I leave after school ends in June. I am staying with the Galvins family.
Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Have they also participated in foreign exchange?
Q: What languages do you speak?
A: I have an older brother who is 21 years old and a sister who is 15 years old. Neither of them have participated in foreign exchange before.
A: Italian and little bit of English, and I am now taking Spanish and Latin classes.
Q: How were you able to come to the United States?
World News Tehran, Iran a rare sight. Students of Tehran University protest when president, Mohmoud Ahmadinejad gives a speech. The students were shouting “Death to the Dictator.” Student protests were once the impetus for reform, so significant that they caused the Shah of Iran to abdicate. Student reformers like Mohammed Khatami were elected to the presidency in the 1990s for promising to improve the social status of women and appealing to the younger generation of voters. Student Resopse: “I think students are the driving force of democracy because they are educated and contrib uting more out to society.” ––Nick Crumpecker Senior
AFRICA In retaliation to a rebel attack that left 10African Union peacekeepers dead, the Sudanese government launched an attack that destroyed the city of Haskanita, a key rebel stronghold in Darfur. According to a UN statement, most residents of the city fled as a result of the attacks. “The only country that says there is genocide in Darfur is the United States,” said Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Akol Ajamin. Student Response: “I think that the minister said that because we had previous experiences like the Hololcaust which stresses its importance.” –––Ashleigh Nichols Senior
Junior Carlotta Massoni
Q: Are you planning on participating in any sports?
A: I decided to go, my parents supported my decision because they thought it would be a good experience for me.
Q: What is your favorite American food?
A: I like the United States, it is a completely different culture. It was really difficult in the beginning and I am still adjusting to this completely different way of life. I do not speak English very well, so everything is really hard. I only
A: I love every type of food over here, but it is totally different. Everything in Italy is fresh, while over here most of it is canned. I do miss Italian food because nothing tastes like real Italian food.
A: Yes, I plan on doing swim team in the winter and tennis in the spring. I am looking forward to taking part in sports and getting the experience of school sports in the United States. Q: Is there anything else you would like to say? A: I am definitely looking forward to what this year has in store for me. Even though it is really difficult right now, I know it will get better as I get used to everything that is happening around me. The United States is a cool country and I will definitely come back and visit when I am older. compiled by Annika Jessen
Q: What is the most difficult class for you and why?
Hispanic heritage month AHS celebrates Hispanic Heritage night with a Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 11 BY KELLY MCGERY, EMMA WHITMYRE AND BEELAN YONAS News Editor and Staff writers As many people of varying ethnicities gathered in Clausen Hall on October 11 to celebrate and attend an event for Hispanic Heritage Month, an uncanny feeling of community was tangible. Though it is not surprising, given the tradition of cultural solidary that is AHS, one might be taken aback by the vibrant display of ethnic pride that was the Hispanic Heritage Month Banquet. This muchanticipated event, hosted by the Hispanic Leadership Club, was a lively and well-planned taste of Latino culture given to the AHS community. Planning for this event began long before the start of the school year. It took “countless hours of pain and sweat” to make the evening a success, said HLC member Carlos Galacia, who acted as the MC for the evening. In order to organize such a massive effort, teams of club members worked hard during weekly meetings to create posters, outline presentations, and prepare a menu. The fruits of their tireless labor were proudly displayed around the room. Decorative informational posters from various South and Central American countries were on exhibit for curious onlookers to view. Soft music played in the background to set the mood for the evening. The formal part of the banquet began with a performance by a four-person mariachi band, Marriachi Aguila. Mariachi is a traditional genre of Hispanic music, and is domestically known as “the music of the country people.” This group drew much applause from the increasing crowd, who sang along to tradational melodies such as Amor Eterno (Eternal Love).After entertaining us with a few more tunes, they took requests from the enthused audience. Then came the food. Even before HLC members appeared bearing steaming trays of Hispanic delacacies, the pleasant aroma of “la comida” filled the room. Soon, lengthy files of people appeared to sample dishes from all across Latin America. The loaded trays were quickly emp-
tied by pleased attendees. Many from the AHS community, including Emily and Geraldine Jimenez, enjoyed their meals of pollo, yucca, and sultania. They offered their view on the night, saying, “We came for the food! It was also a good opportunity to see Hispanics and non-Hipanics coming together to celebrate.” Spanish teachers Erick Giblin and Antonio Rivadenera also offered their views on the celebration. “This is a wonderful way to celebrate the Hispanic community at AHS,” said Giblin. “The timing is very good for the banquet, because it is a high point in Hispanic Heritage Month… I love the food, and like the music! Its a great fiesta!” added Rivadenera. People were taught by helpful HLC members to enjoy the explosion of flavor that was pollo with fried yuccca. This party was made possible with food donations from local eateries, includ- From left to right , Antonio Rivadenera, and Erick Giblin enjoy the festivities ing Chicken Pollo, La Fondita, and and food provided for the guests. Victor’s Grill. They agreed to help out Facts About Hispanic Heritage Month because of the night’s positive display of Latino culture, and in exchange for the distribution of advertising fliers - It is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. by club participants. This event, now expected to become an annual venture, - Started as a result of Independence of four Central Ameriwas expected to draw a crowd of at least 100. With tickets can and one South America countries, which includes, Costa selling for $7 each, the HLC projected a profit of at least Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. $700. This money will be put towards the club’s upcoming trip to San Diego next summer. They hope to attend the - The montheventually permeated to the United States NCLR (National Council of La Rasa) conference. Next up and became a remembrance of Hispanic American who has for HLC will be the holiday Toys for Tots drive, a joint effort contributed in the lives of many Americans. with the Just World/Interact Club. All are welcome to join the club! If you would like to - According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are 44 million become involved, please see Miss Carry. Meetings are held people who have got Hispanic heritage for them it is a celebraevery Monday after school in room 278. EMMA WHITMYRE
MIDDLE EAST
Q: What is one of the major differences between your school in Italy and Annandale high school?
Q: Did your parents make you go or did you want to go, and why?
Q: Do you like the United States?
—Claudia Arevalo Sophomore
A: Chemistry and English are difficult for me because they are in English and I am not anywhere close to being fluent. Chemistry is extremely hard because of all the complicated English elements and vocabulary words.
A: My school in Italy didn’t have football games. I love the football games over here because there is so much action. Everyone has school spirit and everyone is there. There are colors everywhere and the stadium is filled with noise. The energy is incredible. Also, everyone here is so independent. This is my first time traveling out of Italy and I am all by myself. It is neat do do a lot of things by myself.
A: We decide to go, it is a part of the International Baccalaureate program. It is expensive so you have to be sure that your parents are okay with you taking the trip.
“I would go to France because I am in French class now and the culture looks so interesting. I would also like the chance to be allowed to go home for lunch and eveything.”
started learning English four years ago when I was 13, and we only had English class for two hours a a week. I miss Italy, but I know it will get better as I learn more of the language and get accustomed to the people and the schedule over here.
tion of their culture and history.
additional reporting by Bewketu Tamir
source: www.educationworld.com
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Oct. 16, 2007
Annandale Fall Festival The Annandale Chamber of Commerce held the Fall Festival on Oct. 8. The annual event features vendors, rides and activities for young kids, food from local restaurants, and a live band. The event is held at the Phillips School, which is a non-profit organization that assists the needs of children with behavioral and emotional problems and is located at the intersection of Braddock and Baclick Roads. The National Honor Society gathered volunteers to help out with the
13 Upcoming Festivals
festivities and children for service hours. Several other AHS affiliated groups also helped sponsor the festival including the AHS Band and Guitars not Guns. All profits earned from the festival were contributed to the Phillips School.
•Autumn Adventure Hayrides, a hay maze and trick-or-treating are included in this festival. Located at Reston Town Center 11921 Freedom Drive, Reston VA. •Fall Harvest Family Days This festival includes a hay bail maze as well as several different colonial reenactments. Located in Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Meorial Highway, Alexandria VA •Craftsmen’s Classic Arts and Crafts Festival More then 400 different artists and artisans show off their work. Located at the Dulles Expo Center 4368 Chantilly Center, Chantilly, VA •Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon and Wine Festival Spend a day surrounded by the magesty of hot air balloons in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located at the Long Branch Plantation through Oct. 21 830 Long Branch Lane, Millwood, VA •October Fall Farm Fest Weekends Young kids get the chance to pick pumpkins, churn butter, and help make apple cider. Located at Sky Meadows State Park through Oct. 28 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA • Theodore Roosevelt Birthday Celebration Visit Roosevelt Island to build birdhouses, visit exhibits and hike nature trails to celebrate Roosevelt’s birthday. Located at Theodore Roosevelt Island Park on Oct. 27. Potomac River, Washington D.C.
LAURA SIMPSON
LAURA SIMPSON
More pictures from the event
Sophomores Sean McKinney and Chris Fuller, volunteering for their Boy Scout troop, help a small child pick out a prize for winning a mini game.
LAURA SIMPSON
LAURA SIMPSON
LAURA SIMPSON
The festival included a multitude of events including a flea market (above) as well as many small activities for kids. Many Boy Scout troops contributed to the festival by helping run the mini-games offered to the kids.
Children and parents are warned of the possible danger of the activities, which included a rock-climbing wall.
Students from a local karate school compete to see who can run the farthest while tethered to the back of a moon bounce.
The clown offered free face paintings to the eager kids. It was amoung the most popular stands at the festival.
A karate student happily purchases some cotton candy from the food stand in the kidʼs section.
The karate students cheer for their peers as they compete to see who can run the farthest on the bungee cord moonbounce.
LAURA SIMPSON
Below, a girl waits in line for a tasty treat offered by the local restaurant SIlverados. Many other Annandale restaurants sold all different types of food to the visitors.
Two girls look to the sky where a balloon was accidently let go by their younger sibling. Many candidates for the upcoming election handed out free paraphernalia such as balloons, bags, and buttons to promote themselves to the patrons.
LAURA SIMPSON
LAURA SIMPSON
LAURA SIMPSON
On the left, a girl climbs on one of the many moonbounce structures offered to the young kids. Tickets were sold at $1 for each individual attraction.
A young boy plays in the hay that was located at the “Make Your Own Scarecrow” stand. It attracted the most visitors of all ages.
Volunteers help to serve out popcorn and cotton candy at the stand located in the kidʼs section of the festival.
All pictures taken by Laura Simpson
14
Are you addicted to anime?
PEOPLE
A
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Oct. 16, 2007
Crazy about anime?
1. You make “ayah” noises when you fall. Students express their passion about the TV version of the 2. You are always on the look out for a Japanesese comic anime and the comic books, Manga 3. After every line you say you give a ridiculous smirk that is not humanly possible.
4. You try to street race with your friends in the halls of your school.
5. You constantly stare at the sky to see if you can see a little kid on a cloud.
6. You wish your grandpa or grandma left you some sort of relic.
7. You can sing songs from your favorite shows, in Japanese, even though you don’t speak Japanese.
8. You named your dog Shinji. 9. You know the blood type of your favorite anime character.
10. You actually understand all these jokes.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be an anime addict!
What is your favorite anime and why? “Naruto because he is a very good character in the story and he’s got magic powers.”
—Abraham Rohas freshman
“It’s between Naruto and Sena. Those are my top two favorite characters because they are determined and they get the job done.”
BY WALIHA GANI People Editor Lingering over her imagination, senior Carlyn Pocalyko remembers the depiction of the moon and planets in the cartoon comic series of Sailor Moon. This, as Pocalyko recalls from third grade, is the first Japanese comic that allured her to the world of anime. “I was in third grade and people were talking about Pokemon, then I started watching Sailor Moon, after that Sailor Moon really got me into the anime/Manga world,” said Pocalyko. Like most students passionate about anime, Pocalyko’s interest in just one anime cartoon soon developed into an overwhelming passion— evolving into an everyday facet of life. “The whole story of good vs evil was just really addicting. After Sailor Moon, I just began branching out to whatever other anime there was out there,” said Pocalyko. Similar to Pocalyko, junior Rebecca Portillo was also intensely captured in the web of Mangas/anime when she first took an interest in reading it. “I was reading a romantic comedy, Fruit’s Basket.After I read it, I had tears in my eyes— I was like ,“this is so cool.” I started reading it more and more and found that I couldn’t put it down,” said Portillo. “After that, I started watching the shows and became tempted to find out when the next series would come out in a specific volume—I would look in my calendar everyday to check.” While anime is the cartoon version of a specific series, manga refers to the Japanese comic book itself. The types of stories that come under manga range from a wide array of topics—from action, romance, sports and games to historical drama, comedy, science fiction and fantasy, just to name some. Similar to any reader, it is precisely the plot that keeps most students anxious and excited in mangas. For junior Nia Valcourt, the plot is a “cliffhanger.” “The thing about the plot of Mangas is that they always leave you guessing. Something new happens every chapter—it’s very dramatic and it’s addicting to see how it all ends,” said Valcourt. “You try to put it down, but you keep wondering what will happen to this? It’s like the character is on the cliff and you feel you’re with them and you want to know how it all turns out.” While the plot is engaging, the characters used in anime are also very unique. The characters are largely non-human. They range from demons robots to animals and spirits. Characters are one of the primary aspects of anime allures anime fans. “In Manga, you learn about every character that is mentioned—you learn their past histories, everything. In American cartoons, you see only one story being told. Also, the romance in American cartoons seems to be taboo,” said Pocalyko. Portillo reads anime as a stress reliever. “I’m a realist, so reading anime suits me— it focuses a lot on the individual. The pictures are really funny and I appreciate a good laugh,” said Portillo. Pocalyko’s love for anime is not just limited to reading Manga and watching anime. She also incorporates anime in her art and attends annual conventions frequently. “Anime is just and has been a big part of my life. I’ve been to conventions and I’ve actually met one of my favorite voice actors,” said Pocalyko. It’s even inspired my art—it’s inspired me to get into graphics design and do something with that as a career,” said Pocalyko. “It just gives me something to do—something to look forward to. I look forward to the conventions and anxiously wait for next volume in a series come out,” said Pocalyko. “I’ve actually dressed up as an anime character a year ago—it gives me something I can relate to myself.” said Pocalyko.
WALIHA GANI
cat with an upside-down moon symbol on its forehead.
Junior Rebecca Portillo reads at least one Manga, the comic book version of the Japanese anime TV series, every week. Reading Manga is a stress reliever and gives her a good laugh. “The pictures are really funny and I appreciate a good laugh,” said Portillo.
—Montana Phorn sophomore “I’d have to say Inuyacha because he has special powers and can fly. He can pretty much do whatever he wants. ”
Freshman Marium Fayyaz fulfils dream of coming to the U.S.
—Van Pham senior “It would have o be Kakashi from Naruto because he rules in using his sharring gun.”
—Graig Pocalyko freshman “Ichi Go is my all time favorite because he has the power to protect his friends.”
I am a freshman in Annandale High School. My name is Marium Fayyaz. I am originally from Pakistan. I came to America last year on May 11, 2006. May 11, was a very big day for me, my dream of coming to the U.S.A came true. When Fayyaz I came out of the plane I couldn’t believe my eyes—I mean, I was really in America. This was one of the greatest moments in my life. When I came here I didn’t quit thinking about the problems I might have to face. One of the fears I had to overcome was talking to other people; I couldn’t come over this fear until I went to school and made some friends. I had the fear of saying something that doesn’t make any sense, and then everyone would laugh at me. Questions of this kind were in my mind every time before I thought about saying something. I also had little problems settling in the new environment, especially the school, but it didn’t take me long. I had to learn how to open the lockers as I never did that in Pakistan. I was late to class sometimes because of the locker. With all these difficulties, I had some really new experiences, like riding the yellow big school bus; I had never ridden a school bus before. I like America and the school systems here, but still I don’t feel at home here so I am looking forward for the time when I will go back to my mother land.
Who am I?
—David Taio sophomore
“Hagi because of his incredible powers and he’s cool.”
—KC Thomas freshman
“Ineyasha because he has good action and the main plot of the story revolves around him.”
—David Tao sophomore
• I have taught at AHS for 13 years • I attended University of North Carolina • I majored in education, with a concentration in history • In my spare time I enjoy being with my family • I like to listen to all kinds of music, especially oldies from • I speak English, but I can the 60’s and 70’s order food in Spanish • I have traveled to Asia, Eu • I was in the navy for 22 years rope and Africa • My favorite color is blue • My motto is be proactive • I like cats a lot • My favorite season is fall If you know the answer to “Who am I,” • I was born on October come to the publications lab for a prize. 25,1946 • My favorite part about teach ing is meeting new students • My pet peeve is people who are rude compiled by Sarah Shami
Senior Jonathan Siles finds new opportunties, brighter future I came from Bolivia two years and six months ago. I came because there is extreme poverty in my country. At that time, there were some internal conflicts going on between the people. I really could choose my future. On one hand there was the opportunity to start again; havSiles ing more of a chance to make more money and help my other brothers, on the other hand, I was bounded to my parents’ decision. The hardest thing about moving was giving up everything I had, like my friends, my house, even my dog. However, in a sense, I truly started a new life here forgetting my past, which now is a part of a distant old memory. Then, I had the language barrier for some months. Those days were miserable, as I could not understand a single thing I was told. Fortunately for me, there was the ESOL program in this school, that gives you a break. Adapting to this culture is a bit awkward because of all the bureaucracy in everyday life, even in school. Besides that, the school really provides me with a variety of after school activities. Well, it has been two years and seven months; I have been keeping track of time. It has been hard getting the credits needed to graduate, but I did it. It is painful to think that I would have already graduated this November if I had stayed in my country, but June is alright. As to my future, I learned not to take anything for granted since things change suddenly for the better or the worse.
Last Issue’s
Who am I? • I came to AHS 21 years ago in the fall of 1987 • I attended Lycoming College at Williamsport in Pennsylvania • I majored in English • My hobbies are sewing costumes and clothes, going to the theatre and taking care of my cat • I have lived in Taiwan for two years and traveled to many countries, including Scotland, Ireland and Japan. • I enjoy creating costumes, reading, going to the theatre and traveling • My favorite music is rock and roll • I was born in Quantico, Virginia • My motto is “live life to the fullest”
Vicky Farish
SPORTS XTRA
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Oct. 16, 2007
Pick up football
TANYA BELLINGHAM
Because the students who play at the church do not practice, and only play for fun, their skills are unpolished. Senior Eric Bridge agreed with Sells and said, “We don’t practice like [the AHS players] do.” Even though they don’t practice as much as theAHS players, Coach Scott said, “Everyone would be an asset, we need everyone we can get. The players at the church are also not under as much BY LYNDSAY JACOBS AND MARISA TORDELLA pressure as the AHS players. Volk said, “Playing at the Senior Dylan Sports Extra Editors church is all about having fun and beating your friends. It’s Volk dislonot like a school sport where there is pressure to win games cated his knee Every Friday night theAHS football team takes the field, and championships.” while playing football at the but they are not the only football players at AHS. Before Student athletes at AHS are constantly under pressure church. “I was the high school games, junior and senior to win games and maintain good catching a boys play in pick-up football games at grades. Teachers pressure students pass and was “the church.” to focus mainly on their schoolwork tackled when The games, played at the First Presby- Playing at the church is and make it their first priority. I felt my knee terian Church, are organized by friends, pop” said, On the other hand, coaches want Volk. but usually get extremely competitive. all about having fun and players to constantly put the team first. The atmosphere is a lot more laid back That is why pick-up football games are than the AHS team. Senior Dylan Volk beating your friends... usually held on Fridays or Saturdays. said, “I like playing football at the church Then, homework is not an issue, and because it does not take up as much time players can focus on playing football —Dylan Volk as AHS football. Also we get to have more senior and having fun. fun because it is not very serious.” For some AHS football players , “[The students who play at the church] “the winning tradition” of the highdon’t want to put in the time to represent school team just isn’t for them. They the school. They are also lazy and won’t give up their sum- prefer the more relaxed game of pick-up football. mers,” said Coach Bill Maglisceau. Even though these students have to organize when they Students also choose to play football at the church be- are going to play, they still are able to enjoy playing. There is cause of their friends. Senior Eric Bridge said, “[Playing at no pressure from coaches and no need to win. Simply stated, the church] is fun and everyone I know plays.” pick-up football is all fun and games. As many students know, Annandale’s football team is extremely demanding. The season begins in the beginning of August and lasts until November depending on the team’s performance. It is also time consuming due to the long practices and mandatory events. The practices generally last from 2:30 to 7 p.m. In addition, practices are extremely strenuous and leave players fatigued. Students recognize that the AHS team takes up a lot of time and want to participate in other activities. “If I played football for Annandale I wouldn’t have enough time to play on my fall lacrosse team,” said senior Zach Sells. Although the students who play at the church enjoy playing football, without practicing everyday they realize they would not be able to compete with the AHS players. “The players who play at the church could be just as good as the Senior Rehman Bhatti watches a play unfold while during players on the high school team if they practiced and played a pick-up football game he played in on Friday October 5, everyday,” said Sells. after school at the church.
AHS students choose to play pick of football at“the church” instead of for AHS’s team
“
15 Brett Favre breaks all time passing touchdown record
Brett Favre broke Dan Marino’s all time passing touchdown record of 420 touchdowns on Sunday Septmeber 30. Marino held the record since 1995. Favre first broke the record with 421 touchdowns but continues to add touchdowns to the record every game. In the same game, Favre broke another of Marino’s record when he threw the 8, 359th pass of his career. Favre has also surpassed one of Marino’s other records. Favre has the most career completions with 5,162 completions. Favre is approaching another one of Marino’s current records. Marino holds the record for most career passing yards with 61,361 yards. Currently Favre has passed for 59,027 yards. In addition, Favre also holds the record for the most career wins as a starting quaterback with 151 wins. Even though Favre has thrown a lot of touchdowns, he is also two interceptions shy of tying George Blanda’s career record for interceptions. Favre is also closing in on another NFL record for the most consecutive starts. Currently, the record is held by Jim Marshall with 270 starts and Favre has 242 starts. “Number four is the man and he is gonna keep breaking records until he retires”, said junior Martin Miller.
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SPORTS
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Oct. 16, 2007
Atoms aim for recovery AHS attempts to continue two-game winning streak against Lake Braddock
GREG YOUNG
Senior cornerback Jeff Dean lines up against a West Springfield wide receiver.
Junior quarterback Cason Kynes rushes the ball up the middle against the West Springfield Spartansʼ defense. Kynes rushed for 113 yards on 26 carries and passed for 216 yards. He threw two TD passes and ran for one in the 54-41 loss to the Spartans. Junior runningback Jordan Anderson led the team in rushing with 127 yards.
to regroup against the struggling Hayfield Hawks. After the offense struggled in the first half, the team was able to regroup and beat Hayfield, 42-19, for the third straight year. The team was helped by the atmosphere and crowd, which was significantly bolstered because of homecoming. In the game, there were TD catches by senior wide receivers Matt Johnson and Jeff Dean, two of the key players in AHS’s passing game. “Hayfield came and played well,” said Adams. “We were able to be diverse in our offense, and that has really helped us. We are throwing and running the ball very well right now.” In the next game, theAtoms were able to knock of the Lee Lancers, 10-7, prolonging the Lancer’s losing streak
at their homecoming game. Despite playing several close games in the Patriot District, the Lancers are 0-7 on the year. Lee had a chance to tie the game late, but they missed a 47 yard field goal. The game did not feature much offense from either team; the Atoms were led by Kynes’ 44 rushing yards. Kynes went 7-20 on the game, but only had 57 yards and no touchdowns. The Atoms next game is at home against Lake Braddock. The Bruins are having one of their best seasons in recent history, and are currently atop the Patriot District standings at 6-1. In their last game, they dismantled West Potomac 41-0, despite the fact that the Wolverines were ranked in the Washington Post high school football poll.
XC looks ahead
GREG YOUNG
The Atoms line up for a kickoff after the offense scored.
Maybe the panic signals were a little premature. After three straight losses, including a particularly nasty loss to the now 3-4 TC Williams Titans, several fans were writing offAHS’s hopes of making the playoffs. However, after two consecutive wins against Lee and Hayfield, the Atoms are hoping to make a late season resurgence in order to capture a playoff spot. “We are definitely coming back,” said junior running back Jordan Anderson. “We’ve just got to hang together, keep working hard, and have some fun.” One new detail that may aid in the Atoms hope to gain a playoff spot is the expanded format of the playoffs this year. This year, the number of teams that make the District Playoffs has been expanded from 4 to 8 teams. This likely means that the Atoms do not have to win their district in order to make the playoffs, unlike the last two years, where only one team was represented in the playoffs from the Patriot District. Currently, the Atoms are in fourth place in the standings. However, with AHS’s upcoming games against South County, West Potomac, and Lake Braddock-all teams that are currently ahead of the Atoms in the standings- the Atoms are hoping to make a key late season surge. However, the Atoms have been having issues on the defensive side of the ball. These issues were evident in their most recent loss to West Springfield, in which the Atoms lost 54-41. The Atoms gave up 245 rushing yards and 188 passing yards to the Spartans. Despite throwing the ball for 216 yards, junior QB Cason Kynes threw two interceptions late in the game that helped turn the tide in the Spartans favor. “Our passing defense needs to improve a lot,” said sophomore Aaron Byrd. “We need to work much harder in practice; stay focused, and work together.” After the West Springfield loss, the Atoms were able
GREG YOUNG
GREG YOUNG
BY GREG YOUNG Sports Editor
Future for Atoms looks bright, solid underclassmen already performing well and improving on varsity team
Junior quarterback Cason Kynes rolls out of the pocket to throw a pass.
GREG YOUNG
BY EVAN MCGURRIN Staff Writer
Results Player’s Name Drew Flowers Sam Tubb Jeremy Gillcash Stephen Kim Gus Nielsen Mark Spicer Team
Total 169 170 172 173 175 184 684
Annandale placed 6th in the Patriot District. These were the final standings. School Place Total Lake Braddock 1st 633 West Potomac 2nd 650 South County 3rd 655 Hayfield 4th (tie) 673 West Springfield 4th (tie) 673 Annandale 6th 684 TC Williams 7th 711 Lee 8th 829
AHS Golf performs at Districts, beats two teams Annandale shot its best scores of the year at the district tournament. This should give the players great hope that Annandale golf team can compete with other golf programs. The team improved around 14 shots from 184 (9 holes) to 170 (9 holes). Scoring around 170 for 9 holes is the best that the golf team has done in years. If the team can be around 170 next year, they should be able to win more matches. At the B team tournament held on September 27 at Pohick Bay Golf Course, Gregory Nielsen (freshman) shot a 44 and Eric Reynolds (freshman) shot a 49. They came in first and third out of a field of 14 players at the tournament.
Head Coach Dick Adams loooks onto the football field during the West Springfield game. The Atoms scored more than 40 points against the Spartans but lost by 13 points after giving up 54 points.
Volleyball loses second game in district Atoms lose to Hayfield Hawks in 4 games, but look forward to finishing season with five district games BY SCOTT PLUNKETT Staff Writer The match started between the Atoms and Hayfield Hawks with each team scoring on and off. With the score tied up at 14-14 the Atoms went on an 11-2 scoring run led by senior outside hitter Jenna McRae who hit several spikes. The Atoms looked like they had the momentum to beat the Hawks, who were atop the Patriot District, but after almost coming back from a 10 point deficit, theAtoms lost a close game two, 22-25, and the match went downhill from there. TheAtoms had good volleys and exhibited great teamwork on almost every point but lacked the ability to score, which lead to a 15-25 loss in game three and a 13-25 loss in game four. The Atoms fell to 5-9. The volleyball program had high hopes of knocking off Hayfield after all three teams, freshman, JV, and varsity, swept Falls Church the previous night. None of theAtom’s teams even lost a game against Falls Church and were shooting for a repeat against Hayfield. The freshman and JV squads both beat Hayfield two games to none but varsity gave it their all and fell short. Although the Hayfield game slowed down the varsity team, there has still been a clear upward trend throughout the season. They started out slowly with a 1-5 record and have improved to go 4-4 in their past eight games with their only losses against very challenging teams. They hope for this pattern to continue and their skills as a team to rise throughout the season so they can compete at a higher
GREG YOUNG
The Patriot District Tournament was held on September 25 and 26 at Twin Lakes Golf Club (the team played the Lakes Course). These were the results for Annandale’s players.
WALTER SMITH
The Atomsʼ defense lines up to defend a field goal attempt.
Walking through the halls of AHS, it is not uncommon to see someone wearing a shirt with the slogan “My sport is your sport’s punishment” emblazoned on the back. These shirts belong to members of the AHS cross country team, whose runners take pride in the fact that their sport is generally acknowledged as one of the hardest high school sports there is. Both the boys and the girls have improved greatly since last year, and with the improvements Coach Phil Harris has a positive outlook for the remainder of this season and the future. “I encourage the runners by providing a positive influence. I let them know where they stand and I have high expectations,” said Harris. This positive influence has been rewarded with great performance. With such improvement over last year, all varsity runners are expected to compete at the regional competitions that will be held at Burke Lake on Nov. 1. Even with such a great improvement over the last year, the team hopes to be even better next season. The girls varsity team is losing only senior Lien Vu and the boys only losses are seniors Matt Ashford and Tim Hepburn. However, these losses are being replenished with even more talent. Freshmen Olivio Ko, Victoria Ko, Natalie Johnson, and junior Rebecca Grimsely all look to enhance the overall times of the team. While Coach Harris and Coach Jessica Raynor are positive and happy with their teams’ performance, they always expect them to do better. All in all the future of the cross country team is looking extraordinarily bright. With many athletes expected to join and only a few leaving, compounded with the talented underclassmen already on the team, the coaches have a lot to be positive about.
Junior Ava Blennerhast spikes the ball in practice before the game vs. Hayfield, in which the Atoms lost 3 games to 1.
level. The Atoms are mainly comprised of upperclassmen and they are beginning to realize it’s now or never, and the team must start excelling if they want to have any hopes of competing for a place in the district tournament or even possibly regionals. Even though the Atom’s Patriot District schedule has just started, they are already falling behind and are off to a 1-2 start with big losses to Hayfield and West Springfield,
and a close 3-2 win over T.C. Williams. The team’s ultimate goal is to do well in the district tournament and hopefully move on to regionals. If they hope to have a chance the Atoms will have to perform in crucial matches coming up against Robert E. Lee on the 18, and South County on the 22 which is senior night. The Atoms also had a game last night against Lake Braddock Secondary School which ended too late for this edition.
SPORTS
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Kynes balances life
Daily Schedule for Cason
Junior QB Cason Kynes attempts to balance school and football while staying strong in his faith
6:00 a.m.- Wake Up 6:50 a.m.- Arrives at school for Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting every Tuesday. Cason is one of the leaders of the group. 7:20 a.m.- School “I try my very best in school to not go to sleep in class,” said Kynes.
BY GREG YOUNG Sports Editor
2:00 p.m.- School Ends, Cason reports to football practice. 6:30-7:00 p.m.- Football practice ends. 8:00 p.m.- Eats dinner. “My mom usually prepares dinner for me every day,” said Kynes. “It usually is the greatest.” 8:30-11:00 p.m.- Cason does his homework in order to maintain his 3.9 GPA. “I am usually tired after practice and I have to motivate myself to finish everything,” said Kynes.
Extra Pictures of Kynes: BRIAN PERRY
At first glance, it appears that junior Cason Kynes has an impossibly difficult life. Kynes is currently the starting QB of the AHS varsity football team, maintains a 3.9 cumulative GPA, and still has time to participate fully in the activities of his church youth group. It is even more remarkable that Kynes is able to balance his plethora of activities considering that he sports a personality that leaves everyone who meets him in awe of his humility and poise. “He is very well liked on the team,” said head coach DickAdams, who has coached Kynes for three years. “He speaks a little bit, but he really leads by his actions and not his words.” Throughout Kynes’ life, he has used religion as a way for him to balance his entire life and put everything in perspective. Although not overly outspoken about his religious beliefs, he believes that religion is his main motivation in his life, whether he is out on the football field or in class. “There is a verse in the bible, Colossians 3-23 that says ‘whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the lord, not for men’,” said Kynes. “That’s what really drives me in both academics and athletics, and everything I want to do I want to glorify God.” Kynes also comes from a very athletic family. He has several brothers that have played college football, and his father, Bill Kynes played QB for the Univesity of Florida. Bill Kynes currently is the QB coach for AHS, putting him in the unique position of coaching his own son at AHS. Kynes’ father has had a large impact on how his son performs on the football field; but, more importantly, he has had a large impact on how Cason conducts himself on and off the football field. “My dad plays a huge role on the field,” said Cason. “But, at the same time, the role that my dad has played in my football career is nothing compared to the role he has played in my life as a person and has helped me grow in my relationship with my family and God.” Kynes also said that his brothers had an impact on
17
Junior Cason Kynes runs the football against Oakton. The Atoms won the game 35-20.
how he plays. “Since my brothers were all football players, I grew up watching all them play,” said Kynes. “I really look up to them all of the time. It helped me develop as a QB and a person.” Academically, Kynes is far from the conventional straight A student. Kynes admits that he struggles to read and that his homework can be difficult for him. Kynes’ only non-A grade was in his Pre-IB English class, where he received a B+. “I really don’t enjoy [reading.] It takes too much time for me, it makes English class really difficult sometimes,” said Kynes. However, Kynes overcomes his difficulties in reading with his motivation to succeed in life, something that is
inspired through his relationship with God and nurtured in his family. Additionally, Kynes has a determination to try his hardest in everything that helps him to maintain sanity with all of the demands that he has academically and athletically. “It’s just having priorities,” said Kynes. “Often times, what’s important to you isn’t always what you want to do. You know, like there are a lot of times where I don’t want to stay up and do my homework and study for a test, but, you know, it’s something that I’ve got to do. I really want to work hard… and put my best effort into everything that I can.” “When the crap hits the fan, people know that he is going to produce,” said Adams.
BRIAN PERRY
Oct. 16, 2007
Kynes punts the ball against TC Williams. Kynes plays on 3 sides of the ball.
Field Hockey falls to TC on Senior Night West Springfield, and South County. Annandale lost its games to Lake Braddock and South County. They played West Springfield last night, but the game was played too late for this edition. Lake Braddock is possibly one of the toughest oppoBY WALTER SMITH nents in the district, as they onlyhave one loss so far on Sports Editor the season. The Bruins, coached by Diane O’Miller, lost to Senior Night is one of the best occasions for the senior Langley High School in early September, but they have girls on the field hockey team. It is the last home regular won every game since then, allowing only one goal during season game for the seniors, full of festivities and excite- their 11-game win streak. The Bruins beat the Atoms 1-0 ment. Members of the team decorated their cars and gave on October 4. South County Secondary School is another gifts to the senior members of the team. team that poses a tough match-up for the At“The cars were really cool, but they got ruoms. The Stallions, coached by Leah Conte, ined by the rain the night before,” said senior have a record of 8-5-2 with their only district Tiffanie Le. losses coming against Lake Braddock and West Going into the game, the Atoms had won Springfield. South County won in a well-played three of their last four while outscoring their opgame against theAtoms, finishing 1-0 in overtime. ponents 8-2. TheAtoms had all the momentum The Stallions last game is tonight against the going into Senior Night against T.C. Williams. Tiffaine Le Hayfield Hawks. TheAtoms played tough against the Titans, West Springfield, who played against Annandale last but fell short and lost 1-2. The loss dropped the Atoms to a 6-7-2 overall record and 3-3 in the district. Junior Amy night, has a record of 8-2-2. The Spartans, coached by ShanSteinbuechler scored the lone goal. Overall, however, the non Matheny has lost only one district game on the season, to the Lake Braddock Bruins. Their other loss came against AHS Seniors still enjoyed their night in the sun. “Amy’s amazing goal really made my night,” said senior the Robinson Rams. The Spartans played the Atoms last Tiffanie Le. “I really enjoyed the gifts from all the people on night in their final game of the season, but the game finished too late for the results to be published in this edition. the team and It really got me pumped to play.” The enthusiasm is still there going into the game Author Email: walter.smith@ thea-blast.org against West Springfield and the first Districts match against the top seed of the district. Of the seven opponents in the district, possible top seeds include Lake Braddock,
BRIAN PERRY
Field Hockey enters playoffs after a 6-7-2 season
GREG YOUNG
The
Final Word Sports Column
By Greg Young
Longevity is something to be admired in the NFL. In this age of bigger and faster defensive players, athletes aren’t supposed to last much longer then five years, ten at the absolute most. So when a quarterback comes along and plays until he’s 43, it should be admired as an accomplishment not only of brilliance and talent, but of toughness and determination. Surprisingly, I’m not talking about Brett Farve, who is at the rather youthful age of 38. Rather, I’m talking about Vinny Testaverde, whose long and dignified career signifies everything that the NFL stands for, from toughness to an unrelenting desire to perform at a high level no matter the odds against him. On Sunday, the Carolina Panthers allowed Testaverde to start for the team, after injuries to Jake Delhomme and
Atomic Athletics
Above: Juniors Amy Stevens and Ellie Pretsch and Sophomore Monica Athey fight for the ball during practice. Below: Junior Meredith Rutherford fights for the ball. The Atoms are 6-7-2.
10+ seasons, but not Testaverde. Most sane human beings would have figured that they had no value as an NFL player after being cut by a team at the age of 43, but not Testaverde, who fought back after being cut by the Patriots earlier this year. In fact, most sportswriters didn’t even acknowledge at the fact that Testaverde had been released, assuming that he would finally retire after a long career. There is something funny about Testaverde though: he takes humor in the fact that he’s taken numerous beatings in his career. He jokingly stated that “If you hang around long enough, you come back in style. Some of the clothes I have in my closet can attest to that.” His character was revealed in the 2005 season. With the team far out of contention, and Testaverde only needing one more TD pass in order to break the record of most consecutive seasons with a TD pass, he said that there was “no competition” for the Jets starting QB, arguing that the utterly unremarkable Brooks Bollinger should start because he was playing well at the time and was the future of the team. However, sometimes nice guys do win. Herman Edwards, then the coach of the NY Jets, let Testaverde get the
JV Field Hockey: 5-3-1 Freshman Field Hockey: 5-3-3
GREG YOUNG
JV Football: 3-2
Testaverde defies age, logic in comeback David Carr. Against all odds, in his first start ever with the Panthers after spending only 3 days with the team, Testaverde played well, recording 207 yards and 1 TD pass with no interceptions. Ironically, Testaverde started against another ageless wonder, Kurt Warner. Unfortunately for Warner, he played his age, getting sacked twice and forced to leave the game after Julius Peppers nearly took his arm off on a play. Testaverde Testaverde threw his first career NFL pass in 1987. Yes, that is correct: Testaverde has been playing for over 20 years in the NFL at quarterback, a position that regularly takes some of the biggest hits in the NFL. In fact, if you do the math, Testaverde has overcome being sacked 408 times and intercepted 261 times. Throughout his long career, Testaverde is a testament to the athlete that keeps coming back, no matter the beating they’ve taken. Most normal athletes would have retired after they’d torn their Achilles heel after playing for
Kynes advances the ball against TC Williams. The Atoms lost 21-3.
one TD pass he needed in order to keep his streak alive on the final game of the season. Edwards even allowed Testaverde to continue the streak in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football, the last MNF game ever shown on ABC (and very likely the last MNF game that the legendary John Madden will ever announce.) At first glance, it’s easy to overlook Testaverde. Besides his longevity, he was largely a bust for the team that drafted him with their first pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who at the time were known, along with the infamous New Orleans Saints, as the laughingstock of the NFL. He only has 10 more TD’s then INT’s and he’s been sacked 1.8 times per game. However, using statistics to judge a career and a person as determined and as humble as Testaverde is missing the point because there is no statistic that can accurately measure the heart and character that Testaverde has shown throughout his NFL career. Author Email: greg.young@theablast.org
Freshman Football: 2-3 JV Volleyball: 4-6 Freshman Volleyball: 5-5 All records taken annandaleatoms.com
from
Remaining Schedule Football: 10/19 vs. LAKE BRADDOCK 10/26 at WEST POTOMAC 11/2 at SOUTH COUNTY
Volleyball: 10/18 at LEE 10/22 vs. SOUT H COUNTY 10/24 at WEST POTOMAC
Field Hockey: 10/18 vs. FIRST ROUND OPPONENT (TBD)
18 Top five reasons to buy Halo 3
#1
#2
#3 #4 #5
The Campaign
As Master Chief takes the fight to earth in Halo 3, the campaign is chockfull of surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat. It offers a major battle just about every 30 seconds and has a playable online co-op with up to four players.
Online Multiplayer
Halo 3 offers an online multiplayer that lives up to its expectations. There are two separate match types to play, ranked, and the less competitive social matches. Organized by rank and level, players are matched up with opponents by their skill level.
Graphics
Halo 3 is the first of the Halo games to be made specifically for the XBOX 360, and with all new technology and graphics cards it is no wonder that Halo 3 some of the best graphics of any game.
New Lobbies
The new Theater lobby allows a player to review his last 25 games. Players may cut particular clips or take screenshots from virtually any angle. The Forge lobby allows a player to design their own level any way they like by placing weapons, vehicles, or objects 0 just about anywhere.
New equipment
New equipment gives players a number of advantages over the other team but the way the Bungie has formatted the game, it’s still fair. From vehicles of extreme speed to fiery grenades, Bungie has created a game enjoyable by all over 17.
ENTERTAINMENT The campaign ends with the trilogy to the Halo series
all the Halo video games. Halo 3’s campaign will keep you on the edge of your seat and the controller vibrating in your hand. The designers made it so that every 30 seconds you are involved in a major battle and the surprises will keep you hooked until the very end. BY TIMMY REYNOLDS Halo 2 set the bar extremely high for Videographer online gaming; with it’s easy commuOn a Friday night many AHS students are out with nications, gamers were able to friends at the mall, or maybe catching a movie. But some play online with their friends in a matter of students are in their houses enjoyseconds. Halo ing the widely anticipated new 3 has done this video game released by Bungie and and more. Microsoft, Halo 3. I play about two hours Gamers “I play it about two hours everyacross the couneveryday, so it’s like 14 day, so it is like 14 hours a week,” try anticipated said freshman Coulter Stehl. So hours a week. the new Halo what is it that makes Halo 3 so like kids wait appealing? —CoulterStehl for Santa on The Halo trilogy is almost six freshman Christmas years in the making with the remorning. lease of Halo 1 on Nov. 1, 2001 up The to Halo 3’s release date on Sept. 25. People have been waiting for the conclusion of this trilogy makers focused most of for a long time, so it is not unexpected for it to have all of their attention on making the online gaming experithis success. Master After the first week, Microsoft Corp. raked in an aston- ence even better and Chief ishing $300 million in sales. Microsoft also reported that many people who have is the the sale of the XBOX 360 console doubled in that week and the game already know main this.According to Bunthey attribute that to the release of the game. character “It’s a fun game,” said senior Frank Romero, who beat gie, within the first 24 in the Halo the game in about eight hours. The storyline in the Halo hours players logged triology. trilogy is extremely deep. Set 500 years in the future, the an astonishing 3.6 Halo 3 made hero, Master Chief, must save Earth from being destroyed million hours of $170 mil. in by the deadly Halo weapons. If activated they cause damage gameplay which inthe first 24 on a galactic scale. Halo 3 probably has the best storyline of creased almost elevhours.
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Upcoming movie releases 1. 30 Days of Night 2. Bordertown 3. The Comebacks 4. DarkBlueAlmostBlack 5. Gone Baby Gone 6. Jimmy Carter Man From Plains 7. Out Of The Blue 8. Rendition 9. Reservation Road 10. Sarah Lamdon and the Paranormal Hour
enfold to 40 million hours in the first week, the equivalent of 4,500 years of continuous gameplay. Halo 3 also has added new features to the main menu called the Theater and Forge. In Theater players are able to watch their last 25 games from virtually any angle and take screenshots directly from the game they watch. In Forge players are able to redesign levels by placing weapons, vehicles, or objects wherever they like. Bungie also offers a downloadable level with nothing on it so players can create their own level. Halo 3 has also introduced brand new pieces of equipment that give the person using them a slight edge over their opponent. One example is the regenerator which allows a player’s shields to rise as soon as they start going down making them somewhat invincible. The shield drain is thrown to lower an opponent’s shield in order to kill them faster. Additional equipment allows you to jump higher or blind your opponent, but all of them give you a slight edge over your opponent. Halo 3 has also added new weapons, grenades, and vehicles to the gaming experience. A mongoose is an extremely fast two man vehicle that will get you across a map in a matter of seconds. The new Spartan laser will blow up just about anything in one shot and the spike grenades will stick to absolutely any surface. So with all that Halo 3 has to offer it is no wonder it’s the biggest release ever in entertainment history, beating out the release of Spiderman 3 and even the last Harry Potter book. But with all of Halo’s success and the way that the game ends, it begs the question: will they make a Halo 4?
Players who can’t put down the controller MARCUS MAVLIAN Grade: 11 Hours played per week: 10, only on weekends Favorite aspect: online play Tips for new players: Do not start playing online right away, play with your friends because you will get killed. Their rating: A Are you a Halo nerd? No, I’m no Max Augliere. How has Halo 3 improved? It has better weapons, graphics, and new levels. Favorite Halo moment: When I got a kill frenzy.
COULTER STEHL Grade: 9 Hours played per week: 14 Favorite aspect: The new maps because they are different from the maps in Halo 1 and 2. Tips for new players: You need to buy it because it’s amazing. Their rating: A+ Are you a Halo nerd? No because I can’t play that much. How has Halo 3 improved? There are better graphics on the 360 and there are new weapons and vehicles. Favorite Halo moment: When I got a killtacular online with an SMG.
FRANK ROMERO Grade: 12 Hours played per week: 6 Favorite aspect: I like the multiplayer best because it’s fun to interact with other people and kill your friends. Tips for new players: Get XBOX live Their rating: A Are you a Halo nerd? I got it at midnight when it came out. How has Halo 3 improved? graphics and online multiplayer Favorite Halo moment: When I beat it in eight or nine hours.
MAX AUGLIERE Grade: 11 Hours played per week: 20 Favorite aspect: Pwning N00Bz Tips for new players: Go big or go home, watch your clips on the assault rifles. Their rating: A++ Are you a Halo nerd? I consider myself a Halo god. How has Halo 3 improved? Next generation AI and graphics Favorite Halo moment: Sniper headshot.
DAVID BUZZELL Grade: 12 Hours played per week: 15 Favorite aspect: the new shotgun pistols. Tips for new players: Shotty snipers never stand still. Their rating: A Are you a Halo nerd? I stood in line for three hours to get it, stayed up all night playing, and wore a Halo 3 shirt, wristband, and dogtag. How has Halo 3 improved? I really like the fact that they narrowed the gap because of button combos. Favorite Halo moment: Assasinating a sniper.
Still Feels Good sounds even better Ave’s Favs By Avery Adcock
1.Soulja Boy Tell’ Em—Crank That (Soulja boy) 2. Kanye West— Stronger 3. Britney Spears— Gimme More 4. Timbaland Featuring One Republic—Apologize 5. Timbaland Featuring Keri Hilson—The Way I Are 6. J. Holiday— Bed 7. Colbie Caillat— Bubbly 8. Alicia Keys— No one 9. Fergie— Big Girls Don’t Cry 10. Kanye West Featuring TPain— Good Life
Oct. 16, 2007
Halo 3 mania reaches AHS
Entertainment Review
Download This
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After Feels Like Today, Rascal Flatts maniacs thought it simply could not get any better. The upbeat country- pop songs about pretty girls on country roads made us all yearn for a cowboy hat as we were “praying for daylight” These loyal followers would agree that Still Feels Good is anything but a letdown. Could it be the family history
that creates such upbeat and dance-to melodies? Or is it the undeniable band chemistry that has sold millions. Whatever it is, Rascal Flatts has mastered the art of catchy, feel-good country songs this time around. Their number one hit, “Take Me There” anchors the album. Not surprisingly, Kenny Chesney collaborated on this one and it shows. The song stays true to the pop country tunes that made so many listeners eager for more. The album sold 500,000 units in the first week. Not surprisingly, this was the top selling debut week for any country group this year. With three years between their last album fans had been anticipating Still Feels Good for months. Country diehards have always said that Rascal Flatts is not truly country because of their tendencies for up-beat and “popular” sounds. Takes Me There illustrates the versatility and growth
of Rascal Flatts as a group. There is a definite maturity in their music. Most notable of all, however is the songwriting. “Reins,” “Take Me There,” and “Still Feels Good,” are all lyrical masterpieces. They tell the story of love in a whimsical and upbeat way. “Bob that Head,” would lift up the most depressed of spirits. Sometimes songs about riding in tricked-out trucks while blasting the radio are all you need to brighten your day. The one thing I love the most about these dynamic musicians is the fact that they tackle real and sometimes controversial topics, considering most of their fans’idea of a good Rascal Flatts time is getting drunk in the back of a Still Feels Good pick-up truck. The last song on the album, “It’s Not Supposed to Go Like That,” deals with guns, teens and drunk driving. Still Feels Good will have you feeling good all day long.
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Famine ridden Africa, saved by the book Aside from providing a general history of the continent in The Fate of Africa, Meredith sets out to disambiguate the African political situation: he shows, rather than tells his readers, that Africa, just like every other continent, is rife with the rule of law, order, and benchmarks for foundational societies. Meredith describes in a convincing way how the world came to forget about Africa as a whole. The Fate of Africa is divided into four main parts: Africa at independence (1960s), the rise of Big Man politics (1970s), corruption Book Review of rule and economic failure (1980s), and the struggle for democracy in the post-Cold War era (1990spresent). If there were a Bible on contemporary African politics, Thus, the book achieves vastly more than Martin Meredith’s The Fate of Africa would be it. Not only the goal of educating its readers; it provides does the journalist/historian capture nearly every major a reason to reconsider the state of Africa as point of African history in the post-independence era; he a whole. African tribal and political conflicts does so with fluid and effable writing, that is at times as have been muddled so significantly by engrossing as any great historical novel. modern media that western society now The Fate Of The Fate of Africa defines Meredith’s place in tends to believe that no political system Africa historical literary history for multiple reasons, exists in Africa today to the degree that mostly due to the pervasive effect that the book the nations of the continent could build has had and will have on its readership, espesubstantial governments. cially in re-centering current views on African Even if, especially in the post-Cold politics in the realm of reality. War era, it is true that African political For far too long, the world has forgotten parties have risen and fallen in expedient fashions, about Africa as it forgets about most rotting Meredith provides enough facts to convince the reader that carcasses littered throughout deserts. Africa has been there is some method to the madness, and a reason behind written off as too complex a political and tribal mess to all political action. deal with in a civilized, albeit Western fashion. Meredith is especially keen in debunking the myth that
Paul On Prose
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the currentAfrican political mess is a result of ancient tribal conflicts, exacerbated by the Age of Imperialism. Rather, contemporary African political problems, as Meredith discusses, stem mostly from events in the last half-century, not primarily the last 100 years. Instead of Western imperialism being at fault for throwing African tribes together for arbitrary reasons, it was more the fault of the west in establishing current African political problems by allowing African countries to gain independence without substantial governmental systems already in place in the 1960s. On top of this, Western nations largely caused the downfall of all major African countries by supporting, and thus providing the lifeblood for, African dictatorships throughout the Cold War. In addressing these issues, The Fate of Africa achieves two pivotal goals, left out of reach for most portraits of contemporary African politics. Firstly, it shows readers that all of Africa’s current political problems make sense, and are the result of faulty politics employed by nations on numerous different continents. Secondly, it provides readers with the framework for knowing Africa cannot be forgotten; Africa is not lost, and is not in anarchy. Politically, it must be reconsidered, if the world is ever to embrace the continent’s potential.
ENTERTAINMENT
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Oct. 16, 2007
Farrelly Brothers stay flat Latest Farrelly Brother’s and Ben Stiller film uses past techniques with a few scenes that make you shriek The
Dean’s List Movie Review
By Jeff Dean
Perhaps it was the fact that it was a lazy Sunday night, or the fact that there were far too many previews before the feature presentation, but onething about this movie was different then other Ben Stiller romantic comedies. Finally, it came to mind, that the reason this was different was because of the numerous raunchy scenes and gimmicks that left you shocked and saying “Did they really just do that?” These scenes will not be explained in
any detail because by doing so I could have this newspaper sent to the burners faster than people began to sweat as they walked into the humid Homecoming dance (seriously, that was gross). Aside from the startling and often awkward scenes that must have been rejected scenes from American Pie or Superbad, the film was as advertised. Ben Stiller, veteran of similar comedies Along Came Polly, Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers, stars as Eddie Cantrow, an over 40-year-old man who sees his romantic life slipping away. As luck would have it Eddie stumbles upon a damsel in distress. Lila, played by Malin Ackerman, is the exuberant cute, David Bowie underwear wearing girl that Eddie had been waiting for. After falling in love, via a montage of make out scenes, Eddie and Lila rush into a marriage and go to Mexico to honeymoon. Eddie finds out that Lila isn’t the girl who he’d thought he married and is actually an immature and ,quite frankly scary (its rated R for a reason) wife. Eddie still manages to find love on his honeymoon, except it’s not with his wife. Miranda, played by Michelle Monaghan, is the charming girl that Eddie should be with. Eddie then must learn how to juggle these two girls and must work his way towards his ultimate goal of
The Farrelly Brothers and Ben Stiller have been involved in many films all similar to the style of The Heartbreak Kid:
Farrelly Brother Films
•The Ringer” (2005)
(produced only) •Fever Pitch (2005) (directed only) •Stuck on You (2003) •Shallow Hal (2001) •Osmosis Jones (2001) (directed only) •Me, Myself and Irene (2000) •Outside Providence (1999) (screenplay only) •There’s Something About Mary (1998) •Kingpin (1996) (directed only) •Dumb & Dumber (1994)
Ben Stiller Films
•There’s Something About Mary (1998) •Meet the Parents (2000) •Keeping the Faith (2000) •Zoolander (2001) •Duplex (2003) •Meet the Fockers (2004) •Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004) •Starsky & Hutch (2004) •Along Came Polly (2004) •Madagascar (2005) •Night at the Museum (2006)
19 Horoscopes Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)
You are tempted to look abroad for companionship. Be patient and settled down. Perhaps what you’re looking for is in fact closer than you believe.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Your compassion and spirituality will lead you to easy decisions today. You will have the ability to help others as long as you are willing to take the harmless plunge.
Eddie Cantrow (Ben Stiller) and Lila (Malin Ackerman) star as honeymooners who above are trying to make it through one of the many trying times in Mexico.
is rated R for a reason). happiness. Two Comedy Central products, Carlos The film has its highs and its lows, but overall it is a funny movie, and is currently Mencia (Mind of Mencia) and Rob Cordorry competing with a weak selection of films, (formerly of The Daily Show), fill in needed which makes it a top movie option for the gaps of humor. Mencia, who on his show is not afraid to make fun of racial stereoweekend. The three lead roles of the film are all types, plays a stereotypical thrifty and played solidily. Ben Stiller probably can weird Mexican hotel worker. Just like the rest of the movie, he is safe in this tally this character as a forgetrole, knowing that he will dole out table one when compared with his other characters, while The Heart- some laughs. Rob Cordorry is able to play Michelle Monaghan and Malin break Kid the foil to Eddie Cantrow is Ackerman each starred in their bachlerhood, and joyfully speaks biggest roles to date. of rebellion behind his wife’s back Ackerman displayed a wide while trying to help Eddie with range of acting skills through the his peculiar situation. Cordorry dynamic Lila, and is co-starring in has appeared in numerous other the upcoming romance 27 Dresses comedies holding only very minor with Katherine Heigl. These two films show the progression of a career that roles. Despite the strong performances by said was once highlighted by a role in Harold & supporting actors, this Farrelly Brother’s Kumar Go to White Castle. The best moments in the film are sup- directed movie does little to separate itself plied by supporting actors Jerry Stiller, Car- from its predecessors. The same kind of los Mencia and Rob Cordorry. Jerry Stiller comedy can be found in any of the Farrelly stayed in his usual role of an uncomfortable Brother’s or Ben Stiller’s other films. The father figure, this time to his real-life son Heartbreak Kid gets a solid B, but does little Ben Stiller. As with the rest of the movie to go above and beyond expectations. This film is rated R for strong sexual he is is effective, but also awkward when talking to his real-life son (again, this movie content, crude humor and language.
B
iTouch keeps Apple ahead of the pack
Aries (March 21-April19) There is no need to focus on what your heart or eye seeks today.You must use the presence as a time to better yourself. Don’t force anything because it will only cause stress.
Taurus (April 20-May18)
Aesthetics and arts will be your focus of the day.You will impress others with what you already know. Make sure not to get carried away with your knowledge.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
While being the center of attention you will attract more than just people’s attention. Your active liveliness could turn a friendship into a romantic interest.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
This period should be a time of discovery. Stick to the path that you have found for detours can be dangerous. A Libra has made a long-lasting connection.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
YouTube, the famous video website which allows reguthe iTouch has the same capabilities as the iPhone, except for being a phone. Additionally, the Internet connectivity lar people to broadcast their own videos on the website, is of the iTouch is dependent upon the availability of a WiFi one of the most popular features of the iTouch. “I love YouTube and now I get to connection. watch it as I go, so it’s even better,” “My friends think it’s the iPhone, said junior Ronny Kitmetou. but I always have to tell them it’s not Similarly to the normalYouTube and they can’t keep their hands off of website, the version on the iTouch it,” said Khouiery, ““I already had a allows users to view their favorite L7 silver for a phone, and my had BY OMAR MAYASSI videos on the five inch LCD touch iPod broke.” Staff Writer screen. The touch screen capabilThe clock application is one of Innovation is the key to the future, and Apple is the ity allows users to increase the more practical applications beand decrease magnification future of innovation. The first iPod was a revolutionary “...what I love the cause of the number of functions it device that maximized people’s ability to listen to music with a quick slide of the finer, provides. It has an alarm clock, a most [about the on the go by allowing all of their music to be stored on one so as to be able to read stories in stopwatch and world clocks that a more aesthetically pleasing small device. iTouch] is going display the time in cities across manner. The iPod was an instant success and was the world. The combination of on the Internet Apple’s first step towards becoming a leader in iTouch “I use the stopwatch applicamusic, Internet and the innovation. Since the original in 2001, Apple has and checking my tion when I go jogging,” said touch screen is what released many related devices such as the iPod Khouiery. attracted Khouiery to fantasy football shuffle, iPod mini, photo, video and the iPhone. Like all iPods, the primary feathe iTouch over other teams.” Now there is the iTouch, a unique device based tures of the iTouch are its photo, products offered by heavily on the iPhone that allows users to listen video and music applications. The Apple. to music in a whole new fashion. iTouch with an eight gigabytes of “It’s the newest -Pierre Khouiery The iTouch consists of one big touch screen storage space sells for $300 and the thing. It’s sleek, black, thin, device that is equipped with a couple of remarkable appli16 gigabyte version sells for $400 cations for a handheld device. In addition to the standard and has music, Internet, and and can be found at most electroneverything,” said Khouiery. “I calculator, calendar, contacts, clocks, photos, music and ics retailers. also knew someone at videos, the iTouch also has Safari, YouTube, and offers The advantages of the iTouch Circuit City so I got it at access to the iTunes Music Store. can easily be seen through a better price.” The combination of all these applications Khouiery’s daily use of the iTouch. “I like to use my makes the iTouch attractive to people like seThe sleekness and combination of iTouch for numerous nior Pierre Khouiery. “I use it after school, multiple applications makes the things, but what I love especially on Sundays for NFL scores. I use iTouch one of the latest and most the most is going on it for my music and for the WiFi iTunes store. innovative products on the market. the Internet and I don’t even bring it to school because I’m checking my fantasy football teams and sports The only thing keeping this from an A is the presence of afraid I will lose it or it will be stolen,” said the iPhone. scores.” Khouiery. Safari is an Internet browser that allows users The most revolutionary aspect of the iTouch to surf the web wirelessly. It is a marvelous applicais not the variety of applications, but, as its name imAdditional Reporting by plies, the touch screen capabilities. The fact that the iTouch tion that allows users to check their e-mails, Myspaces, Kyle Knoche has no physical buttons gives it an innovative edge. Still, Facebooks and the news.
Latest innovative Apple product provides swift allin-one toy for Senior Pierre Khouiery
B
Sudoku
Despite a lazy feeling persisting, now is the time to be on your toes. Challenges will be offered from varying angles, and can only be answered with strength.
Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)
Romantic opportunities arise at seemingly every corner, but you must test your patience today for romance can be dangerous when it is a one way street.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Busy days lie in wait, but your true test will be with your friends. Your words are needed to comfort the people closest to you, but don’t worry because you can say no wrong.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Patience is easier to preach than to practice. New tasks will be delegated today, but pace yourself. You can’t try to run a marathon in only an hour.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Pain looms large for the future, and you will be tested to see if you will get back on the horse again. Perhaps, it is best to never get off the horse in the first place.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Directions
WWW.DAILYSUDOKU.COM
WWW.DAILYSUDOKU.COM
The objective is to fill out all the empty boxes with the numbers 1-9. In each square you cannot reuse any number twice. In each row or column you cannot reuse any number.
Now is the time to pursue that romantic interest. Rid yourself of the doubts or negative thoughts that have delayed your pursuit. Power and influence will be found in your voice.
20 What does Fall mean to you?
WEEKEND
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Oct. 16, 2007
Have an a‘MAZE’ing time
Temple Hall Farm has one of the largest local corn mazes
“Fall means Spirit week, football games, dancing at half time, the homecoming dance, and warm winter clothes.” —Jennifer Oakes sophomore “The Redskin season and the post-season race to the Superbowl” —Alex Fernandez junior
“Fall means a lot of football, Halloween, and getting ready for college.” —Daniel Ejigu senior
“Pumpkin hunting with my mom every year.” —Kathleen Dion English teacher
Upcoming Concerts
Pumpkin Points -Total U.S. pumpkin production in 2006 was valued at $101.3 million.
The Academy Is
w/ Armor For Sleep, The Rocket Summer, Sherwood Wed., Oct. 24 9:30 Club 6 p.m, Price: $19.99
- Pumpkins are grown primarily for processing with a small percentage grown for seasonal sales through you-pick farms, farmers’ market and retail sales. - Around 90 to 95% of the processed pumpkins in the United States are grown in llinois. - Pumpkins are 90 percent water. - Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
Colbie Caillat w/ Brett Dennen Mon, Nov. 5 9:30 Club 7 p.m. Price: $20
The Spill Canvas Wed., Nov. 7
Recher Theatre 7 p.m. Price: $13
Alicia Keys Thurs. Nov. 8 Love 7 p.m. Price: $30
- The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds
What’s On The Menu Restaurant Guide
By Claire Bui and Caroline Merz
help preserve the quality of the maze. “This way we’re trying to give everyone a better experience,” he said. The journey towards opening day is a long one for the staff of Temple Hall Farm. Over the course of the winter and early spring, the staff decides on a theme for the maze. Last year, the maze celebrated the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. This year the maze honors Temple Hall Farm itself, designed with a large barn, featuring mumerous farm animals. Corn for the maze has to be planted months in advance so that there is a sufficient amount of the crop to fill the area. Cornfields for Temple Hall are usually set up in late June, which is late in the season for corn. This way, the greenest corn can be acquired. Once the corn is planted and the design is decided upon, the ideas for the corn maze are sent across the country to a Utah-based company, The MAiZE, owned by Brett Herbst, who has done all eight of the farm’s mazes. Using the computer, Herbst and his team plot the pattern of the maze. In early July, they came out to Leesburg to cut out the design. It took four men around seven hours to measure the field, lay out the maze and cut the corn down by hand. A herbicide is used to lay the plants, according to Moore. “The paths are only about 5 feet wide, so we don’t lose too much of the corn,” he said. While the goal of the maze is to get lost and find your way out, there is another aspect to the process that both entertains and helps visitors. People have the option of acquiring passports that include trivia questions with corresponding numbers. The trivia categories range from United States history to sports and entertainment and Bible scripture. Several numbered stations are set up throughout the maze. When maze goers get to a station, they are to answer the corresponding question. If the question is answered correctly, visitors are sent in the right direction. If not, they will get lost until they find another numbered station. General daytime admission (including the maze) is $10 for adults over 12 and $8 for seniors and children ages 6-11. Nighttime admission (to the maze only) is $8 and $6 for seniors and children. Hours are Tuesdays thru Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. children 5 and under are admitted free. York style pizza. “ The main reason to eat at Joe’s is for excellent pizza!” The Washington Post said. In addition, the variety of pasta dishes available can accommodate anyone. Customers may choose to create their own dish by choosing between spaghetti, fettuccine, ziti, or linguini noodles, and their choice of sauce ranging from plain tomato sauce to eggplant to meat sauce. Baked dishes and subs are also available. Seven days a week from 11 am to 3 pm, Joe’s features an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet special for only $7.99, and every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, an all-you-can-eat dinner special for only$8.99. The restaurant atmosphere is family-friendly, featuring large photographs of Italian life. Desserts sit behind a glass case for hungry children to awe, and pictures line the hallway to the restrooms, displaying the owning family, frequent customers, and social events held at the restaurant. Arcade games keep fidgety children occupied while they are waiting for a table. During the week, there are usually no crowds unless an event is being hosted, and on Friday’s and weekends the wait is up to twenty minutes, making it very easy to plan for groups. Prices are very reasonable and the staff is very friendly.
The feeling of Naples, Italy is brought close to home with big portions of homemade ravioli, fresh lasagna, chicken parmigiana and generous helpings of hand-rolled meatballs on top of a heaping pile of spaghetti. Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, located in four different locations in the Washington Metro area, is a family Italian restaurant that has been run and operated by the same family for 28 years. In 1970, they left Italy and moved to New York to master the art of New York style pizza. Each dish is made with fresh ingredients and family recipes. Fresh foccacia bread comes to each table, hot and fresh, as a free appetizer while customers puruse Joeʼs is a family-friendly restaurant with a fun, italian feel The most popular item and original recipes. on the menu is their New
Temple Hall Farm
15789 Temple Hall Lane Leesburg, VA 20176 (703) 779-9372 http://www.nvrpa.org/parks/templehall/ index.php
Directions To: • From Washington Beltway I-495, Tysons Corner • Take Route 7 or the Toll Road and Greenway west to Leesburg • At Leesburg take Route 15 Northtoward Frederick MD. Go 5 miles. • Turn Right on Route 661 (Limestone School Road), Go 3/4 mile to Park entrance on left.
CAROLINE MERZ
—Doreen Bond freshman
Walking into the Temple Hall Farm’s corn maze it’s easy to forget that highrise office buildings, rush-hour traffic and fast-food restaurants are anywhere nearby. Instead, corn is all the eye can see and the rustling of the stalks in the wind are all the ear can hear. Until Nov. 4, residents from Loudoun County and all around Northern Virginia will come to Temple Hall Farm off of Route 15 to get lost for a little while in the twisting, identical paths that draw thousands of people every fall. “It’s a really fun experience for people,” John Moore, Temple Hall Farm’s farm manager, said. “It has brought a lot of people out to the farm. And then they come back and visit again.” The maze, which opened to the public Sept. 21, is run by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA), which owns the Temple Hall Farm. Founded in 1810 by William Temple Thomson Mason, a nephew of George Mason, the 286-acre working farm is five miles north of Leesburg and features sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, turkeys and peacocks, among other animals. Visitors can also check out the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, try the corn cannon, or purchase a souvenir from the country store. In addition, hayrides transport farm-goers about the venue. The stars of the wagon rides are Darcy and Junior, Shire horses that weigh approximately 2,000 pounds each. New this year is a separate “Barn Yard Fun” area for children where they can play on inflatable slides and take pony rides. The idea of the Temple Hall’s maze originated from Moore’s mother after seeing one in Pennsylvania. This year’s maze is the largest they’ve ever had, covering 14 acres of the farm’s land with 40,000 corn stalks per acre. “We started out with 4 acres and it just grows every year,” Moore said. This year, plot actually holds two mazes: one that is open during the day, and a second for nocturnal maze-goers. The decision was made to have separate mazes because of the difficulty keeping mazes in years past clean. “The staff would have to go in and clean in the hours that the maze was closed,” said Brian Bauer, the head of marketing for NVRPA. “It gives staff the opportunity to clean one maze when the other one is open.” According to Moore, with the thousands of people expected at the farm this year, it will
CAROLINE MERZ
“Football games, hanging out with friends, and school.”
DREW FLOWERS
BY CLAIRE BUI Weekend Editor
Left, Top: In addition to the maze, the farm also offers a pumpkin patch that allows visitors to pick their own pumpkins. Left, Bottom: Hayrides transport Temple Hall visitors around the venue. Left: This year, the Temple Hall maze honors Temple HallFarm itself, designed with a large farm, sunset, a horse, cow, and sheep. The maze has been built for 8 years, and this year the farm produced two, taking seven hours to cut the maze path, meaning 10-15% of the total amount was removed. 560,000 carn stalks were planted. The maze totals 14 acres and an additional 18 acres is dedicated to a pick-youown-pumpkin patch. This year, approximately 12,000 people visited the maze in 2006 and the expected number of visitors this year is expected to be the same or more. Above: In addition to the maze, the farm also offers a pumpkin patch that allows visitors to pick their own pumpkins. Left, Bottom: Hayrides transport Temple Hall visitors around the venue.
A salad bar and lunch buffet are available on certain days, for very affordable prices.
Location 3922 Old Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22003 (703) 691-0222
Food: Service: Decor:
out of 4 stars