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WHATʼS YOUR ADDICTION?

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FAMILY CIRCUS

WEATHERTODAY

Mostly Cloudy High: 61 Low: 49

LUNCHTODAY

Oven Fried Chicken w/ Stuffing w/ Cranberry Sauce, Veggie Burger on Wheat Bun, Deli Line, PB&J, Pizza Line, Salads, Yogurt, Pretzel

NEWSBRIEFS YEARBOOK ONLINE SALES REOPENED Because many students and parents of the AHS community were having difficulty logging on to buyayearbook.com, the website has been reopened for further sales. Even if a buyer has forgotten his or her original order number, it has been wiped out of the website’s system and a future order will only require a peson’s name.

Five hundred yearbooks have been sold, and 750 will be ordered. There is a limited number of books remaining for purchase.

Approximately 500 had ordered yearbooks prior to the reopening and did not pay. All of these accounts have been wiped out of the system, and students may now log on to buyayearbook.com to purchase a yearbook.

Students and parents interested need to place their orders as soon as possible. For more information, see Yearbook Adviser, Nikki Holmes, in the publications lab.

20 U2 HITS IMAX

RAMBO RETURNS

People investigates the nature of family dynamics in the homesteads of AHS students, how the family shapes outlooks on life.

Reality shows take a new turn with the introduction of the recovering drug abuser. But are they sending the right message?

703-642-4229

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

The famous European band branches out to millions of fans by appearing in a 3D show on the gigantic screen

The kick-butt far east warrior throws punches and lunges in his fifth rumble-in-the-jungle, leaving audiences with no mercy.

Creating an IB World

The battle over advanced education

education world. Educators are hardly AHS began as an AP the coming to blows over the issues at hand but school, but its switch is some have still issued derisive of antagonism. part of intense discussion words The contest is between the

BY PAUL MATHIS Co-Editor in Chief

In IB 20th Century Topics, students are introduced to the events of the Cold War. They are presented with the intricacies of the war’s origin and duration, how the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. came to battle for the hearts and minds of third world countries, and how sometimes each monolith succeeded.

A similar standoff is being waged in

Advanced Placement (AP) and IB programs in winning over the hearts and minds of students in the attempt to define which program better prepares students for both college and participating in a globalized world.

Both upper-level high school programs introduce students to a breadth of material that they would not necessarily find in the traditional high school classroom, and

have similar methods of approach to educating students. However, the differences in structure, even intent, are manifest.

“Both programs prepare students for college…it is about choosing which program is best for an individual student,” said Erin Albright, IB Coordinator. “There is no best program overall.”

In order to make this choice some students come to understand the differences between the programs.

Albright explained that theAP and IB pro- Derrick Featherstone works on an online AP math course. He said the course was of grams “have different

Series Pt. IV

“higher quality” than his classroom IB course.

“IB” continued on page 5

It’s Academic competes, but disappoints Team falls to Maret and Stone Temple by 100 pts

BY NATHALIE SPITA News Editor

COURTESY DC.GOV

COURTESY LIFETOUCH

Speakers on careers without degrees Career speakers will be visiting Clausen Hall during Flexes today, Feb. 11 and Feb. 15, speaking on careers that do not require college degrees. Careers areas include construction, telecommunications, firefighters, landscaping, and others. The speaker sessions are open to all students from grades 9-12. Teachers are encouraged to sign up whole classes, and individuals are encouraged to sign up as well.

Ricky Adams grapples an opponent during Pack the Pit. Next year, every athlete will have to pay $100 each season to compete in a sport if Superintendent Jack Daleʼs budget reductions are passed. Charging all sports would save the county $2.7 million.

AHS affected by budget Superintendent imposes test and sports fees to help raise $50 million

Construction worker

Tax returns to lower income households On Saturday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., free tax returns will be offered to AHS parents and community members with household incomes of less than $40,000 in the AHS cafeteria. The average return is close to $2,000.

Knowing that you would have to pay an $84 fee for every AP/IB test that you take,

27% Unsure

45% Yes

28% No

Would you reduce the number of AP/IB classes in your schedule?

This survey was distributed on Jan. 31 during B, C, and D lunches. Of 500 surveys distributed, 320 were completed and returned.

PAUL MATHIS

VOLUME #54 ISSUE 8

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

BY MOHAMAD ELBARASSE Co-Editor in Chief Fairfax County Public Schools are going to face tough times financially in 2009 when significant cuts will be made to the budget. Superintendent Jack D. Dale has proposed to charge students $84 for every AP/IB test, $100 for participation in each sport and $50 for membership in each extra curricular activity.

“Its going to be disastrous,” said IB Coordinator Erin McVadon Albright, “I could not disagree with this more; it’s a terrible option for the students.” The IB Program at AHS is currently open to anyone who wants to enroll in an IB course. “We have worked very hard to create an open access

program,” said Albright.

After the real estate bubble burst, housing values dropped radically. Houses that were once valued at $1 million may now only sell for half that.

So how does all this affect the students?

Fairfax County Public Schools receive over 70% of their funding from local property taxes. If property is decreases in value, the county collects less money, which means less money is allocated to the schools. To compensate for the depreciation, The Board of Supervisors is forcing the School Board to cut programs to save money. In addition to the cuts being made, FCPS may also start charging for some programs and services that were once free.

“CUTS” continued on page 5

Where are the savings?

Budget cuts and the amount of money they will save for schools* Summer school re-design $100 fee for each varsity sport Delay textbook adoption $50 fee for each extracurricular $84 fee for each AP/IB test

5.0 2.7 2.7 2.6 1.5

*In millions of dollars

Robin Hood prepares to shoot a bull’s eye

BY NATHALIE SPITA News Editor The tongue in cheek style of Robin Hood, this year’s student and teacher-acted winter play, is soon to be showcased. The play will open on Thursday, Feb. 7.

With the show’s progress right on track, many among the theatre department have high hopes. “Opening night is going to be spectacular,” said Drama Director Vicki Farrish. “I couldn’t ask for better actors which are enthusiastic in having a good time.”

“The quality of the show is going to be

really good,” said senior Kyle Sobel, who plays the Sheriff of Nottingham, a sniveling coward. “The whole cast is really excited so I think it’s going to be above average.”

Backstage preparations haven’t been entirely smooth but set-makers and lighting technicians have been have been enjoying themselves. “The goal of this one was to have fun and it was not supposed to be stressful,” said senior Jenny Patton who plays Robin Hood’s childhood sweetheart, the charming Maid Marian. “Although like any show, it has been stressful, there is a lot of work that has gone into it and there is a lot of stuff that

has to be done,” said Patton “We have had some bumps and problems but overall I think its going to turn out great,” said Sobel.

The cast has been hard at work since they began rehearsals in early December and has continually had rehearsals form 2:45 to 4:30 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. This year’s winter performance has become a faculty and student composed play rather than a children’s play. ”“PLAY” continued on page 5

As the buzzer signaled the end of the first round at NBC Studios’ taping of the It’sAcademic competition on Saturday, Feb. 2, the AHS team was already behind.

AHS competed against Maret School from Washington, D.C. and Thomas Stone High School from Charles County, Md. The effort of the team was not enough to secure a seat in the play-off round of the competition.

It’s Academic was filmed at NBC 4 Studios, seniors Paul Mathis, Kyle Knoche, and Greg Young representing AHS. “In the scope of things the outcome was of a pretty poor quality,” said Mathis who was disappointed with the team’s overall performance.

“Yet the outcome isn’t based necessarily on our ability or what we could have done.”

Maret with 500 points came in first, Thomas Stone High came in second with 460, and Annandale fell short with 320 points.

Though the team came in last, it did not reflect the academic strength of each individual team member.

“ACADEMIC” continued on page 5

Seniors dream of beach week in February

BY GUS NIELSEN Video Editor in Chief High times await seniors on their beach week trips. The friends, the fun, and the fantastic adventure of being on their own for an entire week all draw seniors towards this tradition.

Most have already planned out their trips, reserved their houses and signed their leases.

The issues that present themselves in renting a house are numerous. The politics of organizing groups emerge in full. Group sizes range from as small as six or seven to as large as 25 or 30. Of course, students have to find a house that will accomodate group numbers.

“BEACH” continued on page 5

EDITORIALS

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Do celeb endorsements matter?

Should celebrities affect your vote?

Republican Front Runners

Democratic Top Contenders

Mitt Romney

John McCain

Barack Obama

Hillary Clinton

“No. It shouldn’t matter if they are celebrities because it is about the candidates and the issues.”

—Peter Cladera

junior

“Not really, because celebrities are normal people and just because they support a candidate doesn’t mean I should.”

—Kimberly Kirtz junior

Endorsing: Actor Sylvester Stallone Actor Wilford Brimley Former Candidate Rudy Guliani Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling

Endorsing: Singers/Actors Donny and Marie Osmond Political commenter Ann Coulter Evangelical Pat Robertson Eagles head coach Andy Reid

As we approach the end of the primary season, will the many celebrity endorsements influence the election?

“Probably not, but if I had to vote for someone based on endorsements, I would be for Huckabee and Chuck Norris.”

—Henry Taing senior

BY KAT REACH Editorials Editor “Yes, because I really like Oprah and I feel like we have a lot of the same ideals, so I would trust whomever she chose.”

—Katie Whitley senior

Kat’s Corner opinion

Let’s get a move on it, people When the bell rings at the end of class, it signals the seven minute time period allotted for your movement from one class to the next. So, on behalf of the 2,380 other students that have to walk through the hall way, I tell you, the chit chatters, hand slappers, slow walkers, jay walkers, wrong side walkers and abrupt stoppers: move.

Please, if you need to have a conversation, save it for after school or atleast stand in a way that can let people walk by you. And to you, the random stoppers, please remember that there are always people behind you that actually care about getting to class on time.

As we are approaching the second semester, even the freshmen should know how to walk in the hallway, so there really aren’t any excuses for the rest of you. Remember that the same rules that apply for driving apply for walking: use the right side. Don’t think we don’t see you little ones trying to slide across the lockers on the left side.

While you may think your size makes you exempt from using your common sense, we see you and you are one of the reasons for the traffic.

If you really have to talk, find areas that are not in the middle of the hallway or crowded around lockers. Pay attention and realize that you are only allowing a six-inch pathway for people to squeeze through going both ways.

I promise you, your social status will not change at all if you scoot the extra three feet to get out of everybody’s way.

I’m really not asking a lot of you, just to pay some attention and have the tiniest bit of respect for the people walking around you. It is simply common sense: walk at a normal speed, move for people with carts, walk on the right side of the hall, and don’t make it impossible for people to get to class on time.

Presidential endorsements are now coming from all over the place; some from Hollywood and others from the baseball diamond. By now, many have seen the infamous “Chuck and Huck” ads spread all overYouTube.com, where Chuck Norris, known for his role as the cheesy crime-fighting ranger on Walker Texas Ranger and his ability to “cure cancer with his tears,”calls Huckabee a “principle, authentic conservative.”

Hillary has gained support from handyman Bob Villa, director Steven Spielberg, adult film star Jenna Jameson and Barbra Streisand.

Republican leader John McCain recently received praise from actor Sylvester Stallone and Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling.

Crazy ladyAnn Coulter decided that Mitt Romney was her man, writing in her political blog that he is “manifestly the best candidate.” She then went on to say that McCain could not be right simply because “Democrats express their deep respect for him.”

Just a few weeks ago, on the road in Iowa, Oprah Winfrey stood on stage on Larry King Live to announce her support of Barack Obama, saying that her “support of him is probably worth more than any check.”

To me, this says that Oprah believes that her endorsement of the Democratic candidate would bring in more votes than the amount of money that she could give him.

But to what extent is that really true?

Obviously some portion of her viewer base may switch their vote, but how many of these celebrities actually

“Talking” surveillance system rejected in Florida In a South Florida town, officials voted against installing a $300,000 surveillance system, which would have monitored the beach area for people looking for sex.

When spotted, the system would shine a bright light from the camera and a speaker would sound a voice telling them not to engage in sexual relations on the beach. Prostitution is known as one of the top priorities of the South Florida police force.

Rule: Get a room Pastors to organize at local bars In Carlisle Pennsylvania, a pastor has decided to organize teams of chaplains to go into bars to lend a “sympathetic” ear to customers. The organizer, Chuck Kish, said that the chaplains will not be there to preach against drinking or to even preach at all, but rather to be there to help anybody who needs someone to listen without being judgmental.

Many of the local bartenders actually welcome the chaplains.

Rule: Don’t confess too much

Woman advertises for hitman on Craigslist.com

Rule: Some people shouldn’t have computers

Endorsing: Talk show host Oprah Winfrey Wrestler Hulk Hogan Actor Chris Tucker Actor Scarlett Johansson

know what it takes to be president of the United States of America?

Oprah, who has hosted shows with topics varying from Grey’s Anatomy to the perfect diet (trust Oprah, hers will really work), probably should not have the final say in who runs one of the richest and most powerful country in the world.

Bob Villa may have a knack for building houses, and Jenna Jameson might be good at…well…you know, but I doubt they can give an educated response to what should be done to fix our nine $9 trillion debt.

Let’s be serious, the Chuck Norris ads are a complete joke. It has Talk show host and public figure Oprah Winfrey has gone on tour through many of the been confirmed that Norris primary states with Senator Barack Obama, saying that “she knows him personally.” does not have another fist woman. Coulter and the Westboro Baptist Church should behind his beard. The man can barely move the muscles in his face much less have go find an island somewhere far, far away.

No, they should not matter, because half of the people any influence on the outcome of one of the most crucial making the endorsements don’t know the first thing about presidential elections of our time.

Don’t get me started on Ann Coulter. You may remem- fiscal policy, the surge in Iraq or the 47 million people living ber Coulter from saying such lines as “Manhattan is the without healthcare.

The bottom line is, if you decide to base your decision Soviet Union,” and walking up to a disabled Vietnam veteran and saying to him, “People like you caused us to purely on celebrity endorsements, you are depriving yourself of the opportunity to cast an educated vote. For lose that war.”

Not only that, but after a school shooting she was quoted many of you, this will be your first time making your way as saying, “Don’t pray, learn to use guns,” suggesting that to the polls. So to those of you who will vote on February if children had been carrying guns, school shootings would 12 in the Virginia primary or during the general election not be as rampant. Please, if you are going to have some- on November 4, make your own decision, do not let Holbody make up your mind for you, do not let it be this crazed lywood do it for you.

Rules of Thumb

A woman who posted a freelance job on the popular advertising site Craigslist asking for someone to kill her online boyfriend’s wife for $5,000 is in jail.

49 year-old Ann Linscott of Grand Rapids, Michigan was arrested after posting the name and work address of the wife of a man she had begun an online affair with. This is one of the first incidents of its kind, but the site has been connected to prostitution solicitation in the past.

Endorsing: Singer Barbra Streisand Talk show host Jerry Springer Ugly Bettyʼs America Ferrera Singer Janet Jackson

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

Vol. 53 No. 8 (703)642-4229 February 5, 2008 email: thea-blast@thea-blast.org fax: (703)642-4299

Staff Editors In Chief: Mohamad Elbarasse Paul Mathis

Academics Editors: Logan Miller Amy Steinbeuchler

Managing Editor: Sarah Waiter

Art Editors: Nena Buck Tigist Tamir

News Editors:

Kelly McGarey Nathalie Spita

Editorials Editors: Lara Coulter Kat Reach In-Depth Editors: Shriya Adhikary Aya Saed Sports Editors:

Walter Smith Greg Young

Webmasters: Erik Vu Matt Camilli Graphics Editor: Adam Kasdorf Video Editor in Theif: Gus Nielsen Videographers/Editors: Michael Craig, Tim Reynolds, Kyle White and Evan McGurrin

Sports Xtra Editors: Lyndsay Jacobs Marisa Tordella

Photography Editors: Matt Johnson Laura Simpson

People Editors:

Copy Editor: Kyle Knoche

Waliha Gani

Weekend Editors: Claire Bui Caroline Merz International Editors:Bewketu Tamir Annika Jessen Entertainment Editors: Jeff Dean Avery Adcock Health Editors: Vanessa Cerro Rachael Burnett

Ad Manager: Meredith Rutherford Circulation Manager: Amy Stevens Online Staff: Stacey Irwin Staff Writers/Photographers: Laith Abu-Taleb, Laura Ambrosio, Emma Whitmyre, Jerry Solomon, Adeel Shams, Charlie Simpson, Tanya Bellingham, Omar Mayassi, Carlos Garcia, Sarah Shami, Brooke Barlow and Drew Flowers Advisor: Alan Weintraut

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, 2008.

OPINION VA. Senate limits fat food access A

Mo’s

Mindset Opinion

By Mohamad Elbarasse The Virginia Senate recently backed a bill that would, over the course of an undetermined amount of time, rid schools cafeterias and vending machines of trans fats. The Senate voted unanimously on Jan. 29 to enact a ban that would affect the kind of oil that vegetables and meat are fried in to the type of chips and cookies that can be sold in the cafeteria.

Students at AHS can eat up to two meals a day in school and have unlimited access to the vending machines during school hours. If the bill passes the Virginia House of Delegates, it would effectively force students to eat healthier in school, which should ultimately carry over into their daily lives outside of school. The Senate is justified in trying to make schools a healthier place, but passage of this bill may as well lead to banning trans fats in restaurants in the state.

Although I support a healthy lifestyle in school, I do not support limiting citizen’s right to buy and ingest foods containing trans fats.

A similar bill passed the Senate last year, but died in a subcommittee in the House of Delegates.

Trans fats, unsaturated fat with trans-isomer fatty acids, are prevalent in many of the commonly used vegetable and hydrogenated oils. Trans fats are also found in butter and margarine. The advantage of using oils that contain trans fats is that it preserves the food for a longer

time, extending its shelf life. Oils and cooking additives that contain trans fats are usually less expensive than other oils such as palm oil, peanut oil or sunflower seed oil, which contain less trans fat.

Unlike other fats that are classified as not required nor beneficial to the human body, trans fats increase the risk of coronary heart disease by clogging the arteries.

Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol levels, which have been labeled as “bad” cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol levels, the “good” cholesterol. Research done in recent years has shown a correlation between high levels of LDL cholesterol and coronary heart disease.

For the past 18 months, FCPS has been phasing out the use of trans fats in the food served at lunch. The county has been struggling to find a balance between healthy food and tasty food. The county has consistently removed unhealthy items from their menus before ordered to do so by legislation. The county switched to baked chips one year before the state required schools to do so.

Fairfax County Public Schools’ lunch menus only contain five foods that still contain more than the acceptable amount of trans fats in them. A certain type of noodles, the nacho cheese, a croissant and two types of cookies all have more than .5 grams of trans fats per serving.

This piece of legislation should pass in the House and be signed into law to ensure that children going to public schools are receiving healthy meals. The state legislature should not try to pass a law to try and ban trans fats in restaurants.Although some states such as New York and cities such as Philadelphia have banned trans fats from their jurisdictions, it would infringe upon our rights as American citizens for the government to restrict a food item.

If the government began passing laws against everything that was unhealthy for us, products such as alcohol and tobacco would be illegal.

Over 40% of AHS students are on free and reduced

MOHAMAD ELBARASSE

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Feb. 5, 2008

The Senate has voted in a bill that would eliminate foods containing trans fats in school cafeterias and vending machines.

lunch, which means that nearly half of the school is receiving lunch for free or at a subsidized price. Since AHS is a public school, it is the government’s responsibility to make sure that the food is healthy. The government should not pass any law restricting products that are hazardous to people’s health outside of a governmental institution or agency.

Schools should inform students about healthier eating habits and lifestyles, but it is not the government’s place to regulate the food that goes into our bodies outside of a governmental building. mohamad.elbarasse@thea-blast.org

Swim team tradition raises debate

BY JONAH WILLIAMS Staff Writer We’ve all seen them: underclassmen wearing ridiculous, mismatched clothing with painted faces looking exhausted from the swim team’s early morning ritual known as the “Rude Awakening.” However, this obviously harmless ritual has been labeled as hazing and is being extremely restricted.

Rude Awakening has been a tradition of the swim team for years. The tradition has been that the upper classmen go to the rookie’s homes as early as 4 a.m. and wake them up by yelling and banging pots together. They would then make them wear funny clothes with face paint and a ridiculous hairstyle to school.

This year, however, the upperclassmen were banned from doing any type of rude awakening. They appealed the ban, and were instead set limits that would not allow them to mess with underclassmen attire or for purposes of humiliation. This effectively defeated the purpose of this rite of passage.

This is just the beginning of an apparent crackdown on young adult initiation rituals around the country, taking no consideration of how good-natured traditions such as the Rude Wakening may be. This crackdown is being spearheaded by organizations such as Stophazing.org and Mothers Against School Hazing (MASH) that are trying to get anti-hazing legislation passed. With their help, legislation has been passed in every state except Alaska, Montana, South Dakota, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

Hazing, as defined by Stophazing.org is “any

activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”

According to a study done by Alfred University, over 1.5 million high school students are hazed each year and 48% of them report having undergone hazing. Also, a survey conducted by Dr. Susan Lipkins showed that 95% of students would not report hazing.

Therefore the 48% could be a gross misrepresentation of the actual number of hazings taking place each year.

This is a blatant example of organizations and lawmakers overreacting and oversimplifying a situation. In an attempt to rightfully eliminate harmful hazing, they are wrongfully eliminating all initiation activities.

One of the most notable examples of abusive hazing took place at Glenbrook North High School in

TANYA BELLINGHAM

Is the AHS swim team’s “Awakening” tradition hazing or a neccesary rite of passage?

Freshmen Georgia Garney, Kelsey Price, Ben Wolfnesten, and sophomore Madeleine Irwin (listed left to right) wear shirts created by upperclassmen for the annual AHS “Rude Awakening.”

2003 during the school’s powder-puff game that took place off of school grounds and was unsupervised. In this instance, the junior girls’ team was rounded up and covered with paint, urine, and animal feces and then beaten. By the time the hazing was over, five of the girls being hazed required medical attention.

There is no question that hazing has become a big problem in the past decade, but the real question should be, where do we draw the line between protecting the youth from physical and psychological harm and eliminating the camaraderie that is so inherent to athletics, the military and both fraternities and sororities?

Rather than banning all initiation activities, these organizations should be working to end only the potentially abusive and harmful hazings such as beatings and forced illegal actions. By banning all hazing-like activities, these organizations have taken something very important away from these groups.

There is a camaraderie and loyalty that is formed through such innocent events as the Rude Awakening here at AHS that has wrongfully been limited to the point where it no longer has the benefits associated with rites of passages.

Not all activities expected of someone joining a group must have a negative effect. They can be rites of passages that can create a camaraderie by bringing a team closer together without causing any harm.

“Rude Awakening is not that bad,” said sophomore Kellie DelSignore who has been on the swim team since her freshman year. “It brought us closer together as a team and was actually a lot of fun.”

“I was shocked when they came into my room banging pots and pans,” said sophomore Madeleine Irwin. “I can’t wait until my junior and senior year when I can wake up the new freshmen.”

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Pregnancy distorted in the media Sixteen-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears, the younger sister of singer Britney Spears and star of the Nickelodeon children’s show “Zoey 101,” recently announced that she is currently pregnant with the child of her older boyfriend. She is last to follow a bizarrely large crop of celebrities who have all simultaneously announced their pregnancies. Other pregnant celebrities include actresses Jessica Alba and Halle Berry, singers Jennifer Lopez and Christina Aguilera, and famous personality Nicole Richie.

Pregnancy seems to possess a more prevalent existence in the media than it ever has before. Nowadays it is common procedure for female movie stars to announce their pregnancies as media tabloids run rampant Jamie Lynn with pictures of carefully Spears glamorized expectant celebrities and famous new moms.

Of course pregnancy to many people is a part of life, and celebrities are just as prone to getting pregnant as normal people are. But when teenager Jamie Lynn, a beautiful star of a children’s television show is expecting, how will her millions of young female fans perceive her pregnancy? Has Jamie Lynn continued to deserve her title as role model by keeping her child and not having an abortion, or is she a bad influence for becoming pregnant in the first place?

Mega-movie success Juno also plays into the media’s overload of pregnancy-related material.

Juno portrays the pregnancy of witty teenager Juno MacGuff, whose unrealistic emotional distance from her own child lacks realism and misleads young girls in underestimating the serious emotional consequences that accompany pregnancy.

The A-Blast even ran a section devoted to pregnancy in its previous issue. While it did play into the pregnancy media hype, the articles concerning pregnancy were exact in giving a realistic view of pregnancy by weighing both the good and bad. These articles were true to thier commendable intentions: spreading tolerance towards teenage mothers.

One thing is for sure; teen pregnancy rates are going up, and the media, along with a lack of educational opportunities and family resources, has played a tremendous part in this unfortunate statistical increase.

— Lara Coulter Editorials Editor

Do you think that the media has glamorized young pregnancy?

“I don’t believe that teen pregnancy is being glamorized because Jamie Lynn’s case isn’t appealing to the girls reading about it.”

—Bob Stevens freshman “I think that pregnancy may have been glamorized a little. But teen girls are not ready for the responsibility of pregnancy.”

—Hannah Flaherty sophomore

jonah.williams@thea-blast.org

“No. Just because we’re seeing it in Hollywood doesn’t make a difference, because teens have been getting pregnant forever. The media isn’t making pregnancy out to be all that great.”

Additional reporting by Tanya Bellingham

New T.V. shows document drug addiction

BY LARA COULTER Editorials Editor Welcome to the new trend in reality television, where the lure of cash prizes has been replaced with the enticement of sobriety; contestants with model-like appearances are instead drug-scarred addicts who have long passed their peak.

Rather than watching people compete in the wilderness, in a modeling competition, or in a house with seven strangers, viewers are now watching people roughing it in rehab.

A sudden burst of drug-addiction and rehab-based reality shows have appeared all over television. Could it really be possible that after witnessing dozens of televised drunken fights, disastrous dates, revolting animal organ eating contests, and vulgar rants about roommates, that we, the young American public, have finally reached the point where we have become bored with the regularities of reality T.V.?

The A&E television station was the first to introduce viewers to the realities of the process of drug addiction and recovery with its television series titled “Intervention.”

Intervention exposes the struggles and truths of substance addiction. Each episode profiles either a single or two separate addicts, documenting their everyday lives.

The documentary series leaves nothing to the viewer’s imagination, exposing everything from the person’s desperation for attainment of drugs and money, to footage of weeping family and friends, and often disturbing scenes of drug use.

Every episode ends in an intervention session, where the addict’s family and friends gather to issue an ultimatum of choosing sobriety or otherwise face isolation from their loved ones.

Now in its fourth season, Intervention has gained a significant following of viewers.

HBO has also begun its own documentary series on drug-addiction, conveniently titled “Addiction.” This ninepiece series is the compilation of short films from various recognized filmmakers with the sole purpose of examining the current trends in substance addictions and rehabilitation methods.

Though lacking the closeness that viewers feel towards Intervention’s subjects, Addiction offers a much more comprehensive look into the medical aspects of drug and alcohol addiction.

Most recent to jump on the substance-addiction show bandwagon is VH1 with their brand new reality series Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Although a predictable turn from the station that created the term “celebreality,” Celebrity Rehab manages to show surprising merit far beyond that of previous VH1 creations such as Flavor of Love and Rock of Love.

Celebrity Rehab documents the experiences of several well-recognized celebrities as they begin a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program designed by Dr. Drew Pinsky.

Pinsky, known best for his radio program Loveline, is a real medical doctor who is board certified specifically in addiction treatment. In the show, Pinksy attempts to use his medical expertise to help a group of famous addicts eventually reach sobriety.

Taxi actor Jeff Conaway’s own detox journey has so far overshadowed the entirety of the rest of the show. His wrenching experiences while going through detox for addictions to drugs and alcohol nearly kill him, and viewers watch in horror as Conaway suffers seizures, vomiting, and physical pain so brutal it causes him to admit to contemplating suicide.

At what point did Americans find the blatant exploitation of individuals in their most vulnerable state entertaining? Unfortunately, this is just a further decline in the sunken pit of reality T.V., and the lows will only get lower.

There have, however, been groundbreaking improvements from these shows in American society.

Intervention, Addiction, and Celebrity Rehab have succeeded in exposing the cruel realities of addiction in ways

—Sam Lugar sophomore “Yes, because it makes pregnancy seem like a fashion trend and that it is easy to deal with.”

—Marie Benavides junior

COURTESY OF WWW.VH1.COM

Drug addiction and recovery has become the newest trend in today’s reality television arena

“No, I believe teen pregnancy is being more accepted and understood; when you’re pregnant you get bigger and crabby.”

—Sonja Hyltoft junior

Jeff Conawayʼs rough experiences in detox, which bring him close to the brink of death, are a far cry from his “Grease” days.

that only the realness of a documentary could. Through these shows, viewers can witness that there truly is no glamour in drug taking.

These shows also have the potential to eliminate the strong discrimination society has held against drug addicts which withholds them from proper health care, job opportunities, and discourages them from looking for treatment.

Closely documenting drug and alcohol addiction also benefits the addicts themselves. These shows give their subjects a second chance at life by offering free medical support and numerous opportunities to the addicts they profile. They give worth to their suffering by allowing these addicts a chance to tell their story and give them the hope that they will affect the choices of others who could potentially follow their same terrible path. lara.coulter@thea-blast.org

“To an extent.

Pregnancy among teens is becoming more common.

Most of this is due to media influence, but it is also due to lack of life education. It also makes it seems more acceptable.”

—Abdullah Rahmamyar senior

The Atom Branch is raffling off lunch for two at the Bistro for Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Open an account, make a deposit, or withdraw money

by Tuesday, Feb. 12, and you will be eligible for a chance to enter. The Atom Branch is located in the Cafeteria, and will be open during all White Day lunches except Mondays.

From the PTSA

The county school system is in a financial crisis. The recent downturn in the economy is playing havoc on the school budget for the coming school year. Kaye Kory, our school board representative spoke at the last PTSA meeting regarding the proposed school budget.

The proposed budget cuts will have a significant impact on the services and classrooms at Annandale High School. The changes proposed by the Superintendent are targeting many of the services that support at risk students. These services are actively used at Annandale and make a critical difference in our school. . AVID program . College Partnership Program . Eliminate Parent Liaisons The following proposed changes by the Superintendent target nearly all students at Annandale: . Increase class sizes . Eliminate all late buses . Impose a $50 fee for all activities . Eliminate all freshman a teams . Fees for IB, AP and PSAT tests . Adjust building temperatures in the high schools by 2 degrees.

We need to send a clear message to the Fairfax County School Board at the public hearing that these proposed cuts will have a significant impact on Annandale students. The public hearing is scheduled on February 6 (Wednesday) beginning at 7 pm at Luther Jackson Middle School Thank you for your attention.

Norma Jean Young PTSA President

Applications being accepted for Community of Scholars

Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to apply for American University’s new summer program, Community of Scholars. This opportunity is meant for academically outstanding high school students who wish to enhance their preparation for college and a career in international service. Please go www.american.edu/sis/precollege for more info. Program dates are July 7 to July 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Deadline to apply is March 31.

Fairfax Academy to hold information night

Fairfax Academy will be holding an Information Night for interested students and parents on Tuesday, February 26 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Fairfax High School Auditorium.

Come and visit classes and meet the teachers at a “What, How, and Who” of the Academy. Learn about some of the following Academy Programs, such as Advanced Theatrical Design, Broadcast Journalism, Chinese, Dance, Fashion Design, Interior & Commercial Design, Korean, Music & Computer Technology, Professional Graphics Studio, Professional Musical Theatre & Actor’s Studio, Professional Photography Studio, and Professional Television Production.

For more details, please call (703) 2192226 or visit the website at www.fcps.edu/ Fairfax Academy.

Class available to assist in career exploration

A class to help parents assist their teens in career exploration, and for teens to learn about resources, is available to help you make decisions about your future., It will be held at the NOVA Annandale Campus on Saturdays, beginning March 29 until April 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., The cost is $75. Register now at www.nvcc.edu/annandale or call Martha Kossoff at 703-323-3168.

Atoms go green for change Environmental group works for reform in the community

BY DREW FLOWERS Staff Writer Forget about going “Green” to make a difference and help save energy. The new way to conserve energy is by going “Black.” With the goal of developing and enhancing online services by making them environmentally friendly, Heap MediaAustralia founded and developed the website Blackle.com in January of 2007.

Blackle.com, the environmentally friendly alternative to Google, was created to conserve energy used to project images and backgrounds on to computer monitors. According to studies, many monitors consume more energy when they project all white screens than then they display all black screens. To conserve energy, Blackle designed its website so that the background would be predominately black, unlike the all white background of Google.

Blackle’s existence shows that small steps taken everyday can really make a difference. If Blackle.com would be used as often as Google, then it is predicted that Blackle would save 750 megawatt-hours of power every year. To put matters into perspective, 750 megawatt-hours can light 1,500,000 light bulbs for 10 hours straight. On the Blackle homepage, the number of watt-hours saved is displayed below the search field.

Like Blackle, the GreenAtoms are also very interested in protecting the environment and making the world a better place. For example, the Green Atoms organize group “clean-ups” or trash pick-ups. Last week, the GreenAtoms, with the cooperation of the Neighborhood Center, lead a group of students and teachers in one of these clean-ups.

The clean-up took place at First Presbyterian Church of Annandale, which is located just behind AHS. The Neighborhood Center (the Quad) set up the event because it wished to use the church’s field for fun activities.

The church, unhappy that AHS students often litter and misuse their property, requested that the trash be picked up.

DREW FLOWERS

Atoms Branch raffling Valentineʼs Day lunch for two

Feb. 5, 2008

The Green Atoms members and sponsors participate in a school clean-up. This organization, AHSʼs environmental advocacy group, works for a cleaner, healthier world, and is involved in many service projects throughout the community.

The Neighborhood Center needed volunteers to help pick up the abundance of cigarette butts, fast-food trash, and the rest of the trash in the church’s field. Knowing of the Green Atoms, the Neighborhood Center quickly teamed up with the club. The clean-up was a success, there was a notable difference after the Green Atoms had finished cleaning the field in front of the church.

“I think during the fall, students ‘hung out’ more at the church, and littered a lot. The church was upset with this and I think its great that we have shown that we care about the church’s property by picking up the trash,” said Lane Cyphers, the Annandale Neighborhood Center representative.

Colleges offer aid

The GreenAtoms normally meet on the first and third Monday of every month. At these meetings, they discuss what they plan on doing in the future.

“We have a lot of planning to do for Earth Week, which is in April. We are also planning fundraisers like selling energy efficient light bulbs or water bottles,” said French teacher and Green Atoms sponsor Joelle Rudney. After business is taken care of, they are planning to show movies and serve refreshments. One of the movies that will be shown is the 2006 documentary film, Who Killed the Electric Car. With their expert blend of service and fun, the Green Atoms hope to make a difference.

Winter Remix SGA to sponsor first annual Winter Remix dance

Many AHS seniors still seeking college funding

BY CHARLES SIMPSON Staff Writer

BY KELLY MCGAREY News Editor

With books, tuition, supplies, and school fees to pay for, the cost of college is anything but cheap. With average annual costs ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, the first year at college is comparable to buying a new car.

However, based on today’s job market and available opportunities, having some form of a college degree is essentially a necessity for success.

The obvious dilemma that presents itself is that a large number of students at AHS and across the country are unable to afford to continue an education after high school.

One large, government-sponsored program that is available at AHS is the Free Application for Federal StudentAid, or FAFSAprogram. The program is available nationally, and has been offered atAnnandale for the past 11 years. Based on a lengthy list of criteria, any college hopeful can fill out a FAFSA and be considered for college financial aid.

“Colleges have no idea that you are interested in financial aid unless you fill out the form,” says AHS career specialist Robin Roth.

The application process requires paperwork to be filled out and submitted to the federal student aid office by preset deadlines. One of the more common reasons an applicant will not receive aid is because he or she failed to meet these deadlines.

Another difficulty presented by the FAFSA forms is the fact that many applicants do not speak, or are not fluent in, the English language. In an attempt to alleviate this dilemma, the FAFSA program provides paperwork and information packets in languages other than English. The financial aid programs recognize the variety of languages spoken throughout the country, and provide translations of the paperwork in Spanish, Korean, and virtually every language spoken within the AHS community.

One other way FAFSA has been made simpler is by providing the paperwork online. With the help of

After years of plans, proposals, and compromises, the SGA Leadership Class will finally hold its first winter dance. The “Winter Remix,” which Leadership members hope will be successful enough to become an annual event, comes a year after the cancellation of the Valentine’s Day Dance due to disappointing ticket sales.

Set to occur on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 8-11 p.m. in the AHS Gym, the “Remix” is being marketed as an opportunity for a fun night out for the whole student body. Flyers for this winterthemed dance have already been posted around AHS, and the ticket sale dates jave been set for Feb. 4, 6, 8, 12, 14, and 15 during all lunch periods.

“Recommended attire is nice jeans with heels or flats with a cute shirt, casual dresses, nice dress up clothes,” said sophomore leadership member Andrea Quesada.

Students are encouraged to show their style not only through their clothing, but their dancing as well.

“There is going to be a series of prizes for dancing and a raffle,” said another sophomore leadership student, Madeline Irwin.

The news of this recently-announced event has been drawing mixed reactions from the student body. Freshman Carrie VergelDios expressed her excitement at the prospect of a winter dance, saying, “Since I’ve never been to a winter dance at Annandale before, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Some students are not so fond of the idea of another schoolwide social event. One common issue is the amount being charged for tickets. At $10 apiece, many find the dance rather pricey.

“I’m not going because I don’t want to pay ten bucks to dance and hang out with friends, which I can do for less somewhere else,” said sophomore Michael Fitz.

Others are still unsure whether or not to attend.

“I don’t know if I’ll go. It’s kind of expensive, but I really like to dance,” said sophomore Gwen Kennedy.

Proceeds from this event will go towards the SGA, which has several events planned for the rest of the school year. Next up for Leadership is the Battle of the Classes, and Spring Spirit Week and Pep Rally.

The Federal Student Aid Program provides an opportunity for an advanced education after high school for many who are struggling financially.

the Internet, the information forms can now be filled out electronically in approximately 30 minutes.

These information forms provide an assessment as to how much aid will be given to an applicant. For example, applicants whose families rely on their income for support will receive more federal monetary aid than those who do not.

The application process can begin whenever a high school student recognizes they may be needing financial aid with a FAFSAforecaster that determines their ‘expected family contribution’. This number is how much of their college education can be paid for by themselves or their family, and how much will be provided through aid.

The final official FAFSA forms are filled out in January of the student’s senior year. The forms are then submitted so that these students can receive be able to continue their education even after high school graduation.

Super Tuesday’s political storm Seniors set to vote Feb. 12 for candidates

BY PAUL MATHIS Co-Editor in Chief As presidential hopefuls attempt to reap in the votes today, Super Tuesday, seniors are looking forward to the chance to cast their first ballots. Many seniors who turned 18 roughly before the winter break will not have to wait until this fall to vote, but only until Feb. 12, when the Virginia Republican and Democratic primaries will be held.

Seniors are jumping on the chance to participate in a primary election that seems to be gaining as much press in recent months as traditional presidential elections. Because of the serious attention that has been given to the ballot boxes by the media, as well as attention to campaign

ads by the candidates themselves, young people are being drawn out in droves to nearby polling stations.

We have just experienced one of the worst presidencies of the last four decades,” said senior David Matthews, who plans to cast his vote for John McCain. “The American people have been demoralized, humiliated, and personally hurt. We need a president that can restore the value of the American way. We need someone who can guide us into the new state of the world.”

Every polling senior has been landing, or trying to land on a single candidate to choose during the upcoming primary.

Some have voiced both private and public reasons.

“I’m voting for Hillary because honestly I really want to see a woman as president,” said senior Jenny Phung. “I think it would be a catalyst for other women to be in the Oval Office someday. Women know how to get things organized and stable in office. Hillary would know how to keep

things together.”

“I am voting for McCain because I feel like I have a moral obligation,” said Matthews. “Hillary and Obama promote abortion and same-sex marriage, and religiously, I see that as wrong.”

When asked about how he feels about McCain’s Iraq war policies, Matthews said, “McCain can do what he wants with the war, but I can’t vote for a Democrat and sleep well at night. And honestly I don’t think McCain will have us stay in Iraq very long.”

Regardless of candidate choice, seniors generally want to change the status quo and take advantage of their newfound opportunities.

“My vote will kind of be a needle in a haystack,” said senior Zach Flynn who is undecided over McCain and Barack Obama in the primaries. “It’s just there’s so many people that are going to be voting.

But voting is this rite of passage. It’s not going to happen for another four years.”

Senior Ryan Schaedal displays his voter registration reciept.

PAUL MATHIS

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“After Bush, after the state he left our country in, I feel that all of us Americans have the duty to get out and really get someone important in office,” said Phung.

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Feb. 5, 2008

It’s Academic falls short

Many anticipate Beach Week

NATHALIE SPITA

“It’s Academic” continued from page 1.

“They know a lot more than what they showed on the show,” said Social Studies teacher Meghan Saladino, sponsor of the It’s Academic team. “ I was a little disappointed with the outcome because I know the boys knew all that information.”

The contestants on the AHS team were knowledgeable, yet their lack of experience had a negative effect on the team’s ability to come through with a win.

“We don’t get to practice in the true professional forum on a regular basis, so we weren’t ready for what we were up against when it came to the taping,” said

Social Studies Honor Society to hold meeting

“

We are looking at the outer banks. I’ve been there before and I love it.

Mathis. “Because of that we lost pretty badly. There really wasn’t a time when we came close to being competitive.”

Though the strategy used played a big role in the outcome of the game, the questions were of a certain level of difficulty.

“I wouldn’t say the questions were a lot harder than we thought they would be,” said Knoche. “You either know them or you don’t and we didn’t.”

“My advice for future competitors is to get as much exposure to the actual structure of the It’sAcademic quiz bowl game as possible,” said Mathis. “Contestants have to feel completely comfortable with getting in front of the camera and doing it again.”

”

—MicheleMcNeill senior

NATHALIE SPITA

Robin Hood has high hopes “Robin Hood” continued from page 1. “ I did it [a teacher and student show] two years ago and had a great time with it and the students and faculty,” said Band Director Jack Elgin who is playing Friar Tuck.

“It’s a different avenue for me to connect with people.”

With faculty involvement the teachers can see, behind the scenes all of the students’ hard work.

“It has been fun working with the teachers because it’s nice to get the faculty involved, they get to see what we do,” said Patton. “A lot of people don’t appreciate the work that goes into a show and when the teachers come in they realize, wow these kids do a lot of work and they are not just goofing around in the auditorium.”

The students enjoy working with other teachers, which is completely different from the typical classroom setting. “The students are learning about the faculty in a different capacity,” said Farrish. Other teacher roles include English Teachers Bill Maglisceau as King Richard, Nikki Holmes as the Sheriff’s wife and Robin Roth as the old widow.

NEWS BRIEFS

“Beach Week” from page 1.

“We have 17 people in our group, and finding a house wasn’t really a problem. They were all too big or just right,” said senior Brittany Booterbaugh, “the problem is we don’t have any couples, and all the beds are really small.” Booterbaugh’s group is renting a house in Myrtle Beach.

When talk of beach week begins, students usually think of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. However, most leases specifically prohibit groups in houses for “senior trips or the tradition of beach week.” “We are looking at the Outer Banks. I’ve been there before, and I really like it,” said senior Michele McNeill, “we had looked at Myrtle, but we liked the family feel of the Outer Banks more.” McNeill’s group consists of about 12 members.

The paramount issue for most becomes finding someone to sign the lease for the house. Almost every renting website will say “minimum renting age 25” or something of the sort. Seniors usually look to their

Seniors Kyle Knoche, Paul Mathis and Greg Young were the contestants on Itʼs Academic. Though the team has great academic strength they proved to be no match for the indomitable Maret School. “ I was a little disappointed with the outcome because I know the boys knew all that information,” said History teacher Meghan Saladino, the team sponser.

English teacher Bonnie Vining, senior Tahar Al-Suqi, Robin Roth, and Sophomore Darren rehearse during tech week in preparation for opening night.

“ We are gonna make it more corny and overact it as much as possible to make it funny,” said Elgin.

older siblings and parents as their only hopes.

“At first we didn’t think we could go, because no one would sign. We were just going to go to my friend’s lakehouse. But I guess my dad felt bad for us, so he signed for it,” said Booterbaugh.

Telling parents about beach week is no easy task.

Most parents instantly assume their child will be drinking, smoking and having sex the instant they arrive at the beach and are reluctant to let go of their children.

The overprotective parent seems to be a recurring theme with beach week groups. Most parents understand that it is an opportunity for their children to experience life on their own two months early, but some parents do not realize that their kids will be away at college in two months.

“It took a lot to get my parents to let me go, but we introduced them to everyone in our group and gave them our plan,” said senior Frank Romero, “we didn’t just ask to go somewhere for beach week, we made sure they knew exactly what we were doing.” Romero plans on going to the Outer Banks with McNeill.

By this phase of the beach week process, allocation of funds becomes an issue. Most seniors again look to their parents to pay for the trip, while others have to reach into their own pockets to fund what is supposed to be the best week of their young lives. Money for the house does not seem like too much, but factor in food and activities and most students have been set back about nine lifeguarding shifts.

“The total for each person in our house comes to $250, but that is just for the house, no food. My parents are paying for my share,” said Booterbaugh.

Proposed budget charges for necessities explained his plan to minimize summer school by reducing the number of schools from four to two and offering more online courses. Only the sports that are recognized by the Virginia High School League will be subjected to the fees.

Suppose a senior at AHS was an IB Diploma candidate, played two sports and participated in three extra curricular activities. That student’s total expenses related to school for one year would amount to approximately $854.

Although students on free and reduced lunch will not be required to pay the fees, middle class families may still find it unreasonable to pay so much money to a public school. AHS has the second highest percentage of students on free and reduced lunch, but has the most students because of its large size, with 920 students receiving aid.

Globally, AHS is continuously ranked in the top 50 IB schools and it is one of the largest worldwide.

“I think it’s pretty stupid that they would make you pay for taking advanced courses,” said junior IB Diploma candidate Stephanie Berg. “It’s going to be annoying to pay that much.”

“The problem is that it’s hitting the neediest kids,” saidAlbright about the fees.

She also added that the fees would make the IB Program exclusive. The students who would be most affected would be those who belonged to minorities.

Dale rejected many of the proposed cuts made by the principals in the county, which were prioritized in the “Principal Reduction Options,” Superintendant Jack D. Dale discusses his budget such as parent liaisons, which are plans in a press conference on Jan. 16. Among integral parts of a high school with them are charging students to play a sport. students whose parent’s do not speak Middle School on Feb. 6 from 7 p.m. to 12 English.

“I think the county has to raise its tax a.m. where Dale will hear from students, rates,” said Dale offering a solution. A pub- parents and community members conlic hearing will be held at Luther Jackson cerned about the FY 2009 budget.

MOHAMAD ELBARASSE

“Budget Cuts” from page 1.

The county has incurred a deficit of $100 million and Superintendent Jack D. Dale was told to plan the Fiscal Year 2009 budget without the expectation of any new money. Dale proposed to cut that deficit in half by making cuts to the budget for FY 2009.

When cuts are made to the budget, they either affect the schools or the central office; in this case, they affect both. The schools are experiencing a one and half percent budget cut; the central office is being three times as hard.

Dale held a press conference on Jan. 16 with local student journalists to discuss issues affecting each of the schools represented. Questions regarding the budget for 2009 and boundaries were raised.

Dale said that he was “trying to protect the schools as much as possible.”

At the press conference, Dale told the journalists that he would support imposing a fee for the tests, sports and extra curricular activities. Dale also

IB offers contiguity, AP offers open selection

The AHS Social Studies Honor Society will hold a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 2:10 p.m. in room 277. Election of officers and dicuss where the society is headed and future goals. Those members interested in running for office need to prepare a one to two minute speech stating reasons on why they are running and what makes them the best candidate.

College Fair to feature 75 Black Colleges The Annual College Fair featuring Black Colleges and Universities will showcase over 75 colleges. The fair will be held on Wednesday, February 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Vermont Avenue Baptist Church, 1630 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. For more information on the College Fair, contact Henry M. Thompson at lookuphmt@aol.com

Boys and Girls State applications needed

There are currently six applications submitted for the eleven positions. If there are no more applications submitted then Annandale will lose positions at Boys and Girls State to other schools.

If you are a junior and have leadershup qualities and has an interest in government and/or politics please see Mr. Hickman for an application.

For more information or to retrieve an application contact Mr. Hickman at Cliff.Hickman@fcps.edu or

Society of Women Engineers open house

The Society of Women Engineers at the University of Virginia will host a high school visitation weekend on February 23-24 as part of the Engineering Open House.

There is a cost of $45 to attend to cover fees, meals, and other accomidations.

For your planner!

TODAY

• Career Center Speaker in Clausen Hall (Flexes) • FCA weekly huddles in Band Room (6:50 a.m.)

• Robin Hood Tech Rehersal in Auditorium ( 5 to 10 p.m.)

Wednesday

• Club Pictures in Cafeteria (1 to 5 p.m.)

• FBLA meeting in Clausen Hall (2 to 4 p.m.)

• Heritage Night Auditions in room 213 (2 to 5 p.m.)

• Robin Hood Tech Rehersal in Auditorium ( 5 to 10 p.m.)

Thursday

• All State Audit ions/District at Hayfield • Wrestling Se eding Meeting in Clausen Hall (6 p.m.)

• Robin Hood performance in Auditorium (7:30 p.m.)

Friday

• District Choru s at Hayfield • Robin Hood performance in Auditorium (7:30 p.m.)

Sat. Jan. 9

Featherstone said that requirements are not everymeet subject requirements.

Each program has its benefits and drawbacks. While thing. “The success of a class, it seems, depends highly IB students are introduced to a specific philosophy, and are on the teacher…In terms of quality, my Stat class is of a presented with higher level work in all academic areas, higher quality I think than my IB Math class,” he said. some students who shy away from taking higher classes “It’s simply because there’s no room in the class to BS anything. When I turn in my homework in AP Stat class, at all levels will miss out on the Diploma.

On the other hand, AP students get the freedom of it’s checked for correctness. In IB Math it is not. In AP stat choosing which classes to choose, but loose the sense of it seems like you have to memorize more things, but you contiguity that IB provides. Albright commented that have overall fewer requirements.” the contiguous philosophy makes a difference. “IB is supposed to be sold as the Diploma Program, which allows students to become comfortable with the knowledge that they have,” she said.On top of this, other features of the diploma program, like CAS hour requirements, allow students to learn qualities that they might not find in the classroom. “IB teaches you that you are not just a student,” saidAlbright. “It is not just a head that teachers are dealing with, but a heart.”

Senior Jenny Phung, who takes AP and IB classes including AP Language and Composition and IB Spanish SL, felt that “It seems like we get a lot more assignments in AP classes. IB seems more detailed and I feel like IB expects more out of the students.” Still, she said that some students do not take the full advantage of IB, and though Seniors Grant Black and Peter Epley exchange ideas. IB a breadth of assignments is provided, a student has to classs are known for the dicussion based action plans. decide “if he or she wants to take it in or not.”

PAUL MATHIS

“IB part IV” continued from page 1. historical origins and different frameworks and structures intended to produce a certain product.” Senior Derrick Featherstone though, who is taking both AP and IB classes including AP Statistics and IB Math SL, said that in the grand spectrum of classes overall,AP and IB classes are not distinguishable. “I think there is no fundamental difference between IB and AP classes,” he said. “I mean, in my AP classes I feel like I have a better chance to get college credit, but other than that, both types of classes are challenging.”The AP program, begun in the 1950s, was designed to provide students with the opportunity to complete college level work in the high school classroom.

IB takes a different route.

Albright explained that the Diploma program is grounded in the post-WWII movement. “Educators were asking how do we educate students differently to make sure something like this never happens again.”

These different origins gave rise to the structural differences of the programs. AP students are allotted much more freedom in choosing the classes they want to take, and when and where to take them.On the other hand the IB student, at least the student that is participating in the Diploma Program, is confined to a certain number of classes and of a certain type. Diploma candidates must

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orium • Robin Hood performance in Audit (7:30 p.m.)

Mon. Jan. 11

Hall • Career Center Speaker in Clausen (Flexes) teria • Quarterly Ice Cream Social in Cafer (1:30 to 3:15 p.m.)

Tues. Jan 12

• FCA weekly huddles in Band Room (6:50 a.m.)

Wed. Jan 13

• Collaboration

• NHS in Claus en Hall (7:20 a.m .)

• Varsity Math meet (2 p.m. Snow Da in Caferteria te) • Math Honor So ciety in Cafeteri (2 p.m. to 3:15 a p.m • Heritage Night .)

Auditions in Cla (2 to 5 p.m.) usen Hall

Fri. Jan 15

• Career Cente r Speaker in Cla usen Hall (both flexes) • Course Selec tion Fair

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Feb. 5, 2008

ARTS

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Feb. 5, 2008

Artist spotlight: Computer Graphics

7 In the Area Art exhibits George Mason University Group or One-person Photography Exhibit Now - Feb. 15, 2008 Interpretations Group painting and sculpture exhibit.

Feb. 25 - March 21, 2008

Torpedo Factory The Kinetic Image Target Gallery The gallery’s first exhibition of 2008 contains motion and technology driven artwork.

Now - Feb. 24, 2008 The French Connection Enamelist Gallery Dazzling fire on glass paintings, sculptures and jewelry.

Feb, 5 - May 4, 2008

BY TIGIST TAMIR

Natl. Gallery of Art

Nadji created this magazine cover based on the controversial topic of plastic suggery.

“Taghridʼs artwork is very professional, especially her magazine cover. She has a good eye for composition,” said Computer Graphics teacher Ann Harper.

Najdi has a unique way of expressing her ideas with just a click of the mouse

BY LAURA AMBROSIO Staff Writer In the age of technology, computers are a source for everything, even art. AHS offers classes that intertwine a student’s passion for art and the increasing use of computers in electives such as Computer Graphics. Senior Tahgrid Najdi is currently enrolled in a Computer Graphics class.

“For only having been in the class for five months, Taghrid has developed brilliant technical skills,” said Najdi’s Computer Graphics teacher, Ann Harper.

Surrounded by fellow classmates, computers and other technical equipment, Najdi must gather her thoughts before beginning the process of turning her ideas into a work of art on the computer.

Creating graphics on a computer is much harder than most people think. There are a lot of preliminary noncomputer related steps that go into creating the graphics

Senior Taghrid Najdi, a Computer Graphics students, uses professional and expressive ways to create her artwork.

like researching and planning.All ideas from the students on a cover design for the AHS planner for the 2008-2009 must be original and personal. Once the idea is formed, school year.

“Taghrid’s artwork is very professional, especially her the students capture their ideas in a photo. Finally they take the photos to the computer to be enhanced and that is magazine cover. She has a good eye for composition. She where the magic happens. The computer manipulates the is well disciplined and works hard to meet deadlines,” said photo and enhances it by adding dimensions and depth. Harper enthusiastically.

Tahgrid’s magazine cover dis“We usually useAdobe Photoshop to played the issue of plastic surgery. create projects with the pictures we Her inspiration comes from everytake,” said Najdi. day life and her thoughts about the Computer Graphics takes art to future. “The media makes people another level. This type of art places Taghridʼs work is very more emphasis on an artist’s mind professional. She has a good want to have the perfect body and be prettier, but I think its wrong,” rather than on the artist’s hand. said Najdi. She hopes that her Computer Graphics allows stu- eye for composition. computer graphic will make people dents to focus on creativity while think twice about the media’s influletting the computer take over the —AnnHarper ence on them and hopefully produce technical aspects of the design.

Art Teacher change.

“Artists in 2008 need computers.

As for Nadji’s future plans It’s just like breathing; you need it,” she says, “I really like art, but I don’t said Harper.

Najdi has always liked art and enjoys drawing and know if it’s something I would do professionally. Right now taking pictures, so deciding to take this elective was easy. it’s just a hobby.”

Art still plays an important role in Najdi’s life. “I think “I wanted to learn the skills for designing art on the comart is unique. There are many different forms of art. When puter and I was interested in Photoshop,” said Najdi.

So far this school year, Computer Graphics students you set your mind to it, art can be whatever you want it have created self portraits, practiced filter alterations and to be,” said Najdi. designed magazine covers. Currently they are working

“

”

Show us what you got . . .

2008 Regional Scholastic Art Award winners re vealed Jessica Camilli

Jocelyn Winkler

Grade: 9 Art class: Art 1 Title of Work: Life on Pause Category of award - Drawing Award Type: Commendation Work description: “It was a black and white portrait of me with a crazy background. It was all chalk.”

Impressed by Light: British Photographs from Paper Negatives Renwick Gallery Displaying nearly 120 works from British artists, many who have not yet graced U. S. galleries Feb. 3 - May 4, 2008

Jules Olitski

Color as Field: American Painting, 1950 - 1975 Renwick Gallery First becoming popular in the 1950s, Color Field painting is the outpouring of vibrant paints onto a canvas using various techniques to creat abstract art. This exhibit consists of 40 eye catching paintings.

Feb. 29 - May 26, 2008

Other 2008 Regional Scholastic Art Award Winners Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding artwork:

Junior Kyle Mills

Grade: 11 Art Class: Art 1 Title of Work: Abortion Category of award - Printmaking Award Type: Commendation

Award Type: Silver and Gold Key

Work description: “I did a print on the abortion issue, I did two of them.”

Award Type: Silver Key

Seniors Arielle Balicki Samy Said Award Type: Commendation

Jennifer Schwarz Award Type: Gold Key

Amanda Krause Grade: 11 Art Class: IB Visual Arts Title of Work: Oral fixation Category of award - Printmaking Award Type: Commendation

Work description: “It’s two mouths and its about oral fixation, it’s a print. I did it because my IB theme is facial espressions and I fixated on the mouth.”

Guillermo Viorel Grade: 9 Art Class: Art 1 Title of Work: Alone Category of award - Drawing Award Type: Commendation

Work descriprion: “I used chalk and stuff. It didn’t have that much color, it was mainly black and white.”

Rethink

by Kyle Mills

PEOPLE

8

Number of family members in student’s families at AHS

All in the family

Feb. 5, 2008

5-7

38%

2-4

52%

A

t

7+

10% This survey was taken in B, C and D lunch on Jan. 29. Out of the 400 distributed, 375 were returned completely.

Back row, from left to right: Douglas Pollet (father), Nicole Moore, Christina Pollet, Abby Pollet, Brittney Pollet (mother) Front row, from left to right: Isaiah Pollet, Sandi Pollet (step mother), Candice Moore, Mariah Pollet [Nicholas Pollet not pictured].

While two generations of the Pollet family have attended AHS, this is the only Pollet family of this size.

Q: What is a family?

∞ 47%

said that it is a group of people, related by blood or marriage and living in the same residence

∞ 21%

said that it is a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption and living in the same residence

∞ 18%

said that it is a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption and may not be living together

∞ 15%

said that it is a group of of people living under the same roof How important is the role of family in your life?

∞ 47%

said that family is the foundation of their life and they influence most of their decisions in life

∞ 28%

said that family is important, but they do not have much influence in their decisions

∞ 15%

said that family is not important to them. It is just for food and shelter.

Source for family definitions: www.dictionary.com

How is your family unique?

“I have some Incan, Mayan, Spanish,, and Italian in my family.”

—Jennifer Ibarra junior

“I was adopted when I was six from an orphanage in Latvia. Before my parents had kids, they adopted my brother, sister and me.”

—Alexander Layton senior

“Even though we are spread out, we find ways to keep in touch. I have family all over the world, in Mexico and China.”

Freshman Mariah Pollet’s family falls into the small 9.8% of the American population with five or more family members

BY WALIHA GANI People Editor From the depiction of family in The Simpsons to the illustration of a super-family with special powers in the Disney movie The Incredibles, family is embedded in our minds as the backbone of life.

Shoes lying on the ground, the unbearable cries of a five year old blaring, and the dog chanting his morning growls, this description most probably does not fit the setting inside the typical American family.

Yet for freshman Mariah Pollet, with nine family members in her immediate family, chaos somehow seeks its way into most days.

“It’s really chaotic most of the time, especially the mornings. Everyone is running around and no one is in one place,” said Pollet.

While two generations of the Pollet family have attended AHS, this is the only Pollet family is the first to be this large. With two biological brothers and sister, two step sisters and one half sister, Mariah’s and Abby’s family falls into the small 9.8% of the American population with five or more family members.

With two bathrooms and four bedrooms, how does this family manage?

“You have to share a lot. No one can be selfish. Compromises have to be made on nearly everything,” said Pollet’s sister, junior Abby Pollet.

After the baby boom of the 1950s, when it was fairly common for women to have four kids on average, the average family sizes have been shrinking.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28.9% of American families consisted of two members. In 2003, this figure increased to 33.3%.

Though the Pollet family is considerably large in its size, the same source of love, security and support is in this family like most families at AHS. In a student survey conducted on Jan. 29, more than half the students, 52%, said their family size consists of two to four members.

“Family is my strength and my courage. Family is your heartbeat. When you lose your heartbeat—you become nothing. All that is left is an empty body without a soul and spirit,” junior Khadeja Salem.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, communication is the driving force to healthy, successful families.

For Brittney Pollet, Abby and Mariah’s mother, maintaining communication with her nine children is one the most challenging aspects of a large family.

“It’s really hard to be a Christian family. I have to make sure everyone keeps their morals and ethics. I have to make sure each child is receiving attention—that no one is failing, everyone is doing their homework,” said Pollet.

Some students feel easier to communicate with one parent than the other.

“I have a really strong relationship with my mom, but it’s harder to talk to my dad,” said senior Jasmine Windley.

1970

2003

20.9%

26.4%

15.8%

33.3%

17.3%

16.1%

28.9%

14.3% 9.8%

17.1%

source: U.S. Census Bureau Since the 1970ʼs, the average American family size has been dwindling. The number of persons represents the family size and the percentages represent the total American population of that family size in 1970 and 2003.

Dynamics of a family What is your brother diagnosed with?

My brother is diagnosed as moderately mentally retarded

sophomore

WALIHA GANI

FromAbu’s illness, do you learn What was your initial about anything else? reaction at finding out that you He teaches me about patience. were adopted?

More importantly, he teaches me I was so happy because when that people are different, but it’s she told me, I was in first grade and possible to love each other despite since my real mom always visited our differences. I feel that he’s a me and I was close with her, I was blessing from God. I was recently glad that she was my mother. When watching a show about a boy who you watch movies, you see the evil couldn’t talk and his sister was talkstep mother and I’m just glad that’s ing about how she wonders what not me. I love my aunt and I’m glad he’s thinking about. The doctor was Senior Amber Mccoy was adopted at the age she’ s my mom. talking about how God sends people of one. “My mom and I are just like any other mother-daughter relationship,” said Mccoy. like him on Earth to teach others.

What do enjoy doing with your Sophomore Sabrina Hassan describes her Abu teaches me about love, about bebrotherʼs disorder as rewarding. mom the most? ing thankful.

Shopping. It’s a common mother-daughter thing and we share our opinions. She tells me what looks good, I tell her what’s nice on her. Shopping also sparks more conversation Have you ever been embarassed? between us too, and it’s an all day thing.

I’ve never been embarrassed. I love my brother. People sometimes don’t understand because they expect him to be normal. It’s frustrating to see how people can be ignorant Have you every felt angry or hurt? because they expect him to act normally when he’s not.

For me, that’s never been the thing. I’ve never known the circumstance behind why What do you like the most about him? my mom couldn’t raise me and I still don’t. So I’m just happy that I still see my mom and His smile. People always compliment him about his smile and the energy he gives out. talk to her frequently.

WALIHA GANI

—Lydia Pion freshman

How would you describe your relationship with your adopted parent?

My aunt [biological mom’s sister] and I have a mother-daughter relationship. I call her “mother.”The thing with us is that we try to make it work as much as possible because she’s been there for me. When I think back it, I know she has done so much when she didn’t have to raise me at all.

How would you describe living with a handicapped sibling?

It’s challenging at times. He talks a lot and repeats the same thing over. It’s rewarding, too, because he Abu is happy, cheerful and energetic all the time.

“My family has red hair. My brother, mother and I do.”

—Patrick Khoueiry freshman

Number of persons

Sophomore Sabrina Hassan learns value For senior Amber Mccoy, adoption brings of life from handicapped brother her closer to her biological mother

—Juliana Leventhal

“My mom is Muslim and my dad is Christian.”

ForjuniorSumraAhmad’sfamily,religionguidestheroleeachmemberplaysinthefamily.

“Islam states the importance of family and family roles. It says “Heaven is beneath the feet of your mother,” junior Sumra Ahmad. “It outlines the role of the mother, father and child.”

For the Pollets, even the simplest acts, such as taking a family photo, can become nerve-racking.

“Things that most families could do so easily become hard for us because there are so many people. It’s very broken up—kind of like a war—everyone has their opinions and ideas,” said Abby Pollet.

Mariah quickly added, “But even then, we have a lot of fun. The craziest things end up being a lot fun.”

Most students value and look for love, security, and support in their families, but what does family mean?

Traditionally, family meant a mother, a father, and a child living together. Now families are much more dynamic with single parents raising a child or adopting children.

For junior Ashley Lawrence, this definition is most fitting to her idea of family for shelter and food is the most fitting definition of family.

“They don’t influence any decisions in my life. I make my own because I just don’t agree with anything they say,” said Lawrence.

For Mariah, family is everything.

“Family will always be there for you, unlike friends. They give you love, protection and security. Having more makes it all the much better,” said Mariah Pollet.

SPORTS XTRA

A

t

Feb. 5, 2008

Carrying on the tradition Family legacies, Berminghams get it done year after year

BY JOE PANTHER Staff Writer

Kathy Bermingham played field hockey at AHS just like her three daughters.

COURTESY OF THE BERMINGHAM FAMILY

COURTESY OF THE BERMINGHAM FAMILY

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

The Bermingham family, well known for their skill and talent in multiple sports has been present at Annandale for two generations. There are three Bermingham girls who currently attend AHS. Although they are well-known, some may not know their parents graduated from AHS in 1981. Kathy and Bob participated in athletics while attending AHS. Bob played football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and track in the spring, while Kathy played field hockey in the fall and soccer in the spring under the current field hockey and lacrosse coach, Cindy Hook.

Mary, Maggie and Kate all currently play sports for AHS. Mary, who will graduate this year, plays varsity field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. She will attend Old Dominion University on a $6,000 a year scholarship to play D1 lacrosse. Maggie, who is a sophomore this year, plays all the same sports.

“The Bermingham family are very good athletes, I have gotten to know Mary and Maggie the past two years in basketball and they are very talented individuals,” said Senior Mary Bermingham plays feild hockey under girls basketball coach Cleveland Williamson.

Cindy Hook, the same coach that her mother had.

“I really don’t feel intimidated by being the youngest in the family that plays sports at Annandale because we like to help each other out in sports,” said freshman Kate.

Kate played junior varsity field hockey, varsity track and plans on playing lacrosse in the spring.

“We are all very similar in playing styles, our whole family is pretty fast and all very aggressive in games but not too much to get out of control. We pretty much have the same attitude towards sports, we all love to play and participate in sports,” said Mary.

“We pretty much support each other in our family by talking about [sports] and by receiving lessons and tips from our parents and each other,” said Mary.

Bob Bermingham played football when he attended AHS from 1976 to 1981.

Kynes brothers excel in sports at AHS

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

GREG YOUNG

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

BY DREW FLOWERS Staff Writer

Above: Junior Cason Kynes plays quarterback for AHS and is coached by his father, Bill.

Upper right: Cameron Kynes, a 2003 AHS graduate, played sports at AHS. Lower right: Cason Kynes is currently active with AHS athletics by assisting the freshman boys basketball team.

It must be in the genes. Family dynasties are not an uncommon tale at AHS. Junior Cason Kynes is part of an athletically successful family.

Cason is the youngest of four Kynes brothers. Cason is well-known for being starting quarterback and also plays safety. After football season, Cason stays active with other sports. This winter, he is playing basketball for a public league, however in previous years he has played for the AHS basketball team, where he made the varsity team as a sophomore. During the spring, Cason is a defender for the AHS varsity lacrosse team.

Cameron Kynes attended and graduated from AHS. Just like the rest of his family, Cameron played varsity football for the Atoms where he was a linebacker.

Cameron also participated on theAHS track team. He graduated fromAHS in 2003, and then also attended the University of Florida. Cameron is now in Prague, Czech Republic, where he is teaching English.Yet his plans for next year are to attend the University of Virginia and study Law. In addition, their father, Bill coaches at AHS. He works exclusively with Cason because Bill is the quarterback coach. His experience comes from playing football at the University of Florida, where they also have a dynasty. Cason’s grandfather and other brother, Matt also played at Florida.

“I think the part of football that we all like the most is the hitting and tackling, but I think I got a little bit of everything from my brothers. I learned from them and my coaches,” said Cason.

Cason does not yet know where the future will take him, but based on the talent of this family, he will no doubt be a success.

Kruse siblings dominate AHS athletics on the field, mat and track

9 Professional sports legacies Cal Ripken, Cal Ripken Jr. and Billy Ripken: MLB Both Cal Ripken Sr., Cal Ripken Jr., and Billy Ripken played for the Baltimore Orioles.

Tiki and Ronde Barber: NFL TikiBarberplayed for the New York Giants and Ronde Barber played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning: NFL

Arhie Manning played for the Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. Peyton Manning currently plays for the Indianapolis Colt and his younger brother Eli plays for the New York Giants.

Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr.: NASCAR Dale Earnhardt raced for Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt Jr. races for Hendrick Motorsports.

Steven and Zak Deossie: NFL Steven Deossie played for the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants. His son, Zak plays for the New York Giants.

Do you feel as though you have to follow in the footsteps of your parents?

“No, because my parents are the way they are, I dont want to be like them.”

—Eric Reynolds freshman

BY CONNER GOOLRICK Staff Writer

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

“Not really, I can be myself and not exactly like them.”

Senior Jesse Kruse wrestles for AHS just like his brother Joe did when he attended AHS.

—Jeremy Gillcash sophomore

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

GREG YOUNG

The name Kruse is one of the most recognizable in AHS. If you have ever been to a sports activity, you have heard the name “Kruse” ring through the loudspeaker several times. The so called, “sports dynasty” has been praised for their athletic prowess.

From football to track, the Kruse family has covered almost every sport at AHS. The Kruse athletes are Joe, Jesse, and Stephanie. Each of them played three sports. Joe played football, baseball, and ran track. His brother Jesse, now the only Kruse left at AHS, plays football, lacrosse, and wrestles. The oldest Kruse, Stephanie, played basketball, ran cross country, and track.

The two Kruse boys, have two primary similarities relating to sports. One similarity is that they really do not like to lose. The other is that Joe and Jesse are both very competitive.

“My brother and I were always very competitive as children,” said Jesse.

With all other similarities, they also have some differences. Mostly, the differences pertain to their playing styles. Jesse, plays with a more physical approach, especially when wrestling, he has little option but to use strength to his advantage, while Joe always played with a tactical, smarter strategy.

Usually, when you are a well-known name in the sports scene, you may consider going to college to play sports, but some do not. Joe, an ‘06 graduate, is currently enlisted in the Marines. Jesse is also planning to serve others by becoming a firefighter.

“I probably wont have a future in sports because I am not going to a college where I can play.” said Jesse.

Some families are born to play sports, the Kruse family is one of them. Even though the boys chose not to pursue a career in sports, it is very likely that their children will also be great athletes.

“No, because I am my own person and I can make my own decisions.”

Above: Stephanie Kruse was the first in the family to play sports at AHS. Below: Joe Kruse was also an AHS athlete.

—Spencer Smith junior

The Adams are always in charge

“No, because I want to make different choices than them.”

Dick Adams coached wrestling in 1985 and led the team to the championship of the Christmas Tournament.

MARISA TORDELLA

COURTESY OF DICK ADAMS

BY KELSEY KNOCHE AND ALLEY ADCOCK Journalism 1 Students

Ricky Adams wrestles for AHS, just like his father did. Dick Adams is currently the coach of the JV wrestling team.

Mention AHS football and what comes to mind? Certainly for most students, rambunctious coach Dick Adams. What most do not know about Coach Adams is that he, like his son Ricky, was an Atoms athlete.

From 1972-1975 Coach Adams excelled at football, wrestling and track at AHS. Coach Adams said there are some similarities and some differencecs. For instance, Adams said, “Now there are a lot more choices of sports. The demographics and student makeup have changed dramatically.”

RickyAdams, plays football, wrestling, and runs track. While both played the same sports, they have very different demeanors. While Coach Adams is boisterous, Ricky is more calm and collected.

“We both really want to win and are very competitive,” said Ricky. It is that drive that allows them to be very successful in multiple sports.

Following his career at AHS, Coach Adams played football at the University of Richmond. As the current coach of the varsity football team, he has led the Atoms to Patriot District championships in both 2005 and 2006 and also is the coach of theAtoms junior varsity wrestling team.

Most people think having your father as a coach or teacher would lead to problems.

Not necessarily, said Ricky. “On the field he’s just my coach and at home he’s my dad.”

When asked about his dad being a teacher at school Ricky said, “It’s just like having my dad at school.”

“I have coached him less in football than in wrestling. I am very impressed with him and I constantly ask him if he is comfortable and happy, and he is. All I want is for him to be happy,” said Adams.

—Chris Brosnan senior

“No, because she is a nurse and has different interests and goals then I do.”

—Chris Santamaria senior

Feb. 5, 2008

PHOTO

A

t

“Check out my ride!”

13 What is your dream car and why?

“AFerrari because I get to go really fast and feel the wind in my hair.”

—Zeni SaifeSelassie freshman

“A Jeep Wrangler because it is cute and you can take off the sides and top.”

—Maggie Craig sophomore

“The Oscar Meyer Wiener mobile because then I would get all the ladies.”

—Max Auglier junior

“Ferrari F430 because it goes super fast and it is a rich people car.”

LAURA SIMPSON

LAURA SIMPSON

Where can you get the chance to sit behind the wheel of a Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari all in a span of less than an hour? The Washington Auto Show of course! Between January 23 and January 27, the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association held it’s 66th annual event.

The show’s major theme was featuring cars that are on the verge of going “green.”

Many of the models that were shown were advertised as using alternative fuels and pollution-reducing technology.

There were a total of nine acres of exhibit space, 700 new models of cars.

Next year, for anyone who missed it, the Auto Show will return February 4-8.

Auto-tech teacher Joe DeSio attended the VIP showing on Jan. 22 before the show was opened to the public. The show was set up for congressmen and appetizers were served for the visitors. “It was a night on the town for people to enjoy the cars,” said DeSio.

—Hanna Navarette junior

“A Subaru WRX STI because it is a fast and beautiful car.”

LAURA SIMPSON

LAURA SIMPSON

—Carlos Francisco senior

The famous Rolls Royce was one of the many expensive cars featured at the show. It was roped off so no onlookers could touch it.

Groups such as the Sports Car Club of America were at the show featuring their fansiest race cars.

LAURA SIMPSON

LAURA SIMPSON

Lamborghinis

The race cars were roped off and no one was allowed to pose or get into the cars.

Senior Janine Radinski checks out the all new 2008 Audi S5.

Lamborghini is one of the most well known Italian car makers. The cars are known for their fast speeds, with one of them topping out at 219 MPH

LAURA SIMPSON

LAURA SIMPSON

LAURA SIMPSON

Senior Janine Radinski and junior Hanna Navarette point out their favorite Ferrari, the F430.

The section of Ferraris was sealed off and visitors had to wait in line in order to get into the section.

The FA 26 above has been involved in many races for the club, its highest speed was recorded at 135 MPH.

A representative from the Laborghini dealership in Washington explains the features of the Lamborghini to a visitor.

LAURA SIMPSON

Test it Out!

Junior Hanna Navarette tests out the 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Coupe. “I think the car is really cute and I like the color a lot, but Iʼm not really a big fan of Mitsubishi cars,” said Navarette.

LAURA SIMPSON

LAURA SIMPSON

LAURA SIMPSON

The Lamborghinis were in a separate section, where visitors had to wait in line and few were allowed in at one time.

Senior Zach Sells gets behind the wheel of a Lincoln SUV and pretends to drive it around.

Just for fun, junior Hanna Navarette hops on a Suzuki ATV. “I am really surprised they have an ATV at a car show but I think theyʼre really cool and want one,” said Navarette.

Compiled by Laura Simpson

14 What is your favorite international food and why?

INTERNATIONAL A Students share favorite recipes t

Savory fire beef is a common Korean meal Dish: Fire Beef, Recipe: Galbi Marinated Fire BeefA marinade is prepared of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, pear juice, minced garlic, and black pepper powder.

Sliced beef or pork is then marinated in the mixture, and added to sliced onion while cooking.

Galbi, meaning rib in Korean, is eaten across the Korea. It can be added to soups, or stews, and is commonly eaten during lunch similarly to a sandwich here in the U.S. The beef is marinated to soften the meat, and allow it to be more easily manipulated with chopsticks.

“Korean fire beef is mostly a side dish,” said junior David Lim.“In Korea you eat a lot of side dishes, we usually eat soup with it,” he said

“Chinese, because it is a delicious food and I enjoy going to chinese restaurants and eating their food.”

—Hermela Yemnaeberhane freshman

“Afghan, because I am Afghan we have that food to eat at home, and it is the best.”

—Ayesh Loynab junior The main difference between American and Korean food is the degree of spiciness in Korean dishes.

David Lim

“Pizza, because because it is juicy, and makes you fat.”

—Steven Rojas junior

“Chinese food, because I love the way they fry their chicken, and the rice.”

— Gilbert Chen senior

“I like sushi. It is not only delicious, but it is also aesthetically pleasing and Mr. York doesn’t like it.”

—Tim Kelly social studies teacher

World News Middle East Astudent journalist, Mazar-e-Sharif, was sentenced to death for distributing a paper around the Campus of Balkh University in Afghanistan that demeaned the Islamic people. According to sources, the journalist was sentenced to death for a crime that was actually committed by his brother. The court hearing was done behind closed doors and the deputy provincial prosecutor warned if any one tried to support the journalist they would be arrested.

Student Response: “I think it that it is unfair he got sentenced to death, beacuse he did not really do it, his brother did.”

--- Lavonna McCurdy freshman

AMERICAS A Nazi flag was found hanging on a wall of West High School in Bakersfield, California on Matin Luther King Day. According to ABC 23, many people were shocked to find cevidence of hate crimes on a day that is symbol of freedom and equality.

The investigation is still underway to find who is responsible for trespassing and doing this act.

Student Response: “I think some kids did it to get attention, people this days are creaving for attention,they would anything to get attention.”

-----Brandon Mitcherner Sphomore

Feb. 5, 2008

Traditional, scrumptious, popular: Pelmeni Dish: Pelmeni,Recipe: - Make a dough out of four cups of flour, one egg, one teaspoon of salt, and milk.

The dough is then to be rolled very thin and cut into the approximate shape of circles. A combination of minced pork, onions, salt, and pepper are spooned on to the dough which is then folded to create a filling. The filled dough is then boiled until the meat is completely cooked.

Pelmeni, a traditional Russian food, is often served with sour cream or soy sauce.

The dish is almost always made by hand as a family activity in Russia, where whole families work together

to make hundreds of Pelmeni.

Junior Kate Strijova enjoys preparing the traditional dish with her family as well. “I love this

it just takes time,” she said.

dish. It’s a tradtional Russian food and eaten all year round. It’s not hard to make,

Massoni passionatley describes Pasta Con Calamari as a dish that is most enjoyable Recipe: Pasta Con Calamari- Fry olive oil and garlic in a pot and then add calamari to cook for five minutes. Next, add wine and allow it to evaporate.

Leave the oil, garlic, and calamari in the pan on the heat for approximately 20 minutes. Then add tomato sauce and leave to cook another 15 minutes.

Combine the calamari sauce with your favorite pasta.

What the hamburger is in America, pasta is in Italy. Pasta is eaten across the world but is most famously eaten within this country. To accompany the dish, various recipes for very differing sauces have Pasta con Calamari is extremely popular during the summer when families travel to the beach. been created by Italian chefs.

In the North, pesto style sauces are in the U.S. from Italy, eats pasta regularly. most common, while red sauces, commonly On special occasions, more intricate sauces eaten here in America, are found in Central are prepared for any guests her family might Italy, and oil or seafood sauces can be found in be hosting. the South where the Mediterranean makes “My mom makes the pasta,” she said, seafood plentiful.

‘This recipe is just a special dinner, when Junior Carlotta Massoni, spending time you have some guests.”

BY MEHAK BASHIR Freshman It all began on December 8, 2006. My mother and my two brothers and two sisters all set out for a long journey towards America. Through long flights, short stays and random people, an adventure took place.

We began by going on our flight from Lahore, Pakistan to Dubai, U.A.E. This flight took three hours. It was not that bad because our excitement for America was at its peak. After we landed in Dubai we had to stay for 12 hours. We went straight to the hotel to catch up on some sleep and have a little snack. We also made calls to our families to let them know we were Ok. Then we headed back to the airport to catch our next flight to London. The flight was about four to five hours long and seemed like forever because we were getting jet lag. They served us food on the flight but I did not like the taste of the food, so I skipped the meals. I kept myself entertained by talking to my siblings and mother.

Finally we made it to New York. After a five-hour flight we arrived at the New York airport. I thought that the trip was

over but to my surprise we still had another twohour flight to Virginia.

We were really tired and had to lug around our luggage until we could catch another flight to Virginia, where we could meet my father. I had not seen my father for about eight years. That was very sad for me. I missed my father very much.

We missed the flight we were supposed to take because it took us so long to get all our stuff together so we had to wait another hour for the next flight so we could finally meet my father and aunt.

My first impression ofAmerica was very good because my aunt was already here.

My aunt and cousins told me everything about how to act in school and how to talk to other people. I am really thankful for my aunt and cousins.At first, I felt scared when I talked to people in English. They laughed at me so I felt very sad and lonely. I think now everything was good.

Tiramisu is a popular dessert in Italy that can be found in local restaurants such as Magianos. This dish can satisfy most anyoneʼs sugar cravings.

Italian Tiramisu tantalizes taste buds Dish: Tiramisu, Recipe: Divide egg yolk from the four egg whites in two different cups. Then add the yolks to 80g of sugar and 500g of mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese. Beat the egg whites until they are soft and mix all of this together to create the Tiramisu’s creme. Next, dip the sponge fingers of soft biscotti into coffee and layer with the creme, then cool.

Tiramisu means ‘to be happy’ in Italian, and is a favorite within the country, especially in Northern Italy. The cake is a fairly recently created recipe from Italy, and has quickly spread to become one of the most popular deserts there, and around the world.

“I love sweet stuff,” said junior Carlotta Massoni, an Italian, “It doesn’t take a long time so I can usually make it. Everyone loves tiramisu,” she said.

Strijova and Ansary enjoy foods from the Middle East and Central Asia

Kate Strijova and her family cook Pelmeni on special occasions along with other traditional RusKate Strijova

Carlotta Massoni

Dish: Plov, Recipe: two onions are roasted until dark at which point meat and salt are added during frying. After two to three minutes of cooking, carrots are added to be fried for another ten minutes.

One liter of water is then added and allowed to boil in order to cook a half a kilogram of rice in the mixture. The water can then be boiled until it has all evaporated. Spices Back home in Russia, the whole Kate Strijova family contributes to the makincluding cumin ing of this delicious dish. seeds, basil, and salt are mixed in she explains.

Sophia Ansary and allowed to sit Although plov is very similar to foods for ten minutes before eating.

Plov is known across the Middle East found here and in other countries, many and very popular in Russia and Central dishes in and around Kyrgystan would Asia. Plov is somewhat difficult to pre- be considered unusual to the Ameripare and requires a good deal of time can palette. “Some families eat cow due to the necessity of boiling off a liter tongue,” remarks sophomore Sophia of water. The result however, is a colorful Ansary, whose family is originally from neighboring Pakistan. In fact, plov does and very flavorful dish.

Junior Kate Strijova, originally from not have to be made of more American Kyrgystan, enjoys the dish. “We eat plov meats like beef or pork, but can be made often. I love the taste and for holidays with tongue. we have it,” however because of the difficulty of the dish, “everyone has to help,” stories written and compiled by Charles Simpson

BY JAHOSVELKA GOMEZ Freshman Did you know that here in the United States there are 281,167 Nicaraguans? I am one of them. My country is the most beautiful country that I have ever seen. I lived in Managua, which is the capital of Nicaragua. I miss my country so much.

First of all, before I came here I did not know that on November 14 I would be leaving my house. My mom called my aunt and told her that I would be coming here and then she told me a week before I left the same thing that she had told my aunt. I was so sad to leave my country. I went to school to say good-bye to my friends, but that was after I went to a party that my friends planned for me. I miss all my friends, but I am glad to have good friends in this country.

It took me 15 days to get here. I left my house at 4:00 a.m. and went to the bus stop. I took the bus to Honduras and slept in a house where my mom’s friends lived.

At 6:00 a.m. I got on a bus for Guatemala and I stayed there for three days. Then, it took me two days to walk up a mountain. I went to Mexico after seven days and stayed

there for five days. My trip was not so bad since I was with my aunt. After that, I passed through the

border and was free.

I stayed in Houston for two days because we were supposed to catch an airplane, but we missed it. I finally made it to Virginia and saw my mom. I was happy to see her again. I cried with her and my brothers. I was so sad because I thought I would never see my sister again. We went to a buffet to eat and enjoyed eating the food with each other. My mom was so happy and cried the whole time. When I saw my mom I saw her differently than when she was in my country. I am glad to see her again. I felt happy to be with my mom and brothers. My sister is now here in the United States with us. She came after I came. Now my family is here and we are glad to be in the United States together and have many friends. To be here is an honor for me.

ACADEMICS Honors students compete in fair

AMY STEINBUECHLER

Students wait by their projects for the judges to enter the Science Fair.

Jason Hallameyer explains his experiment to Joel Cooley in an attempt to receive a high score. The event took place on Feb. 1 inside the cafeteria. Over 100 honors students partici-

their own chance to exhibit their knowledge of their own experiment. To complete their day at the fair, the participants were required to be evaluated and graded by at least two judges.As the judging came to a close and the boards were folded, the files turned in and the students left, the judges stayed behind.

There was still more to the puzzle of that day.

Everything for the Fair fit together perfectly and smoothly with the guidance of the men in charge. Science teachers Isaac Boakye and Steven Fenchel took the lead during this day to make it happen.

The judges congregated together and chose the first and second place winners and decided which two lucky students from each category would be joining other regional winners from around Fairfax in Fairfax County’s Regional Science Fair.

2008’s Science Fair has come and gone, but the planning has already begun for next year. Annandale students demonstrated their creative and mind-boggling innovations during this year’s Science Fair and proved to the judges what they are capable of.

Ryan Bates

Jennifer Oakes

sophomore

Q: What is your project on?

A: “How to build an electronic arm that can manipulate eggs.”

Q: Why did you pick this experiment?

A: “I’m interested in programing and mechanic engineering.”

Q: How long did it take you to finish?

A: “I worked on it for a few days.”

Q: Was it difficult to find time to do this project?

A: “No, it’s just another assignment.”

BY CONNER GOOLRICK Staff Writer

What was your science fair experiment and how is it valuable to the real world?

“The effect of dissluted oxygen on worms. It helps hospitals learn what the can do for patients.”

“Students are taught the severity of crashes,” said Hughes.

Some videos shown in the class depict frightening glimpses of the real world. Many videos show gruesome pictures and film clips of accidents and deaths of those who do not practice safe driving.

The number of teen deaths in the U.S. as a result of auto accidents is enormous. In 2004, 4,767 teens, ages 16-19 were killed in car crashes, and in 2005, almost 400,000 teens 16-19 were involved in a crash and suffered severe, non-fatal injuries. One of the greatest factors of auto crashes is alcohol. About 39% of all fatal car crashes involve this deadly substance.“I see people drive drunk all the time, especially after Redskins games,” said Mitchell.

Although intoxication is a major cause of accidents, it is not the only cause. Young drivers depend on parental guidance as a source of learning. The main problem with that source of knowledge is that some parents do not do a good enough job in reprimanding their kids’ driving.

AMY STEINBUECHLER

There are a number of requirements that citizens under the age of 18 must meet to get their driver’s licenses. There are tests, behind the wheel, age, and of course, Drivers Education. Since its establishment in 1954, AHS has offered its Drivers Ed. program as a part of Physical Education. Every year, Annandale’s sophomores are taught the rules and regulations of driving over the course of a quarter. Located just to the side of the jock lobby, the Drivers Ed. room is a place that students learn how to become better drivers.

Sophomores are scheduled for the course according to the date of their birthday. Many students dislike the fact that you are only eligible to attend during your 10th grade year.

“I got my learners permit during my freshman year, so it would have been more convenient to have taken DE then, as opposed to now,” said sophomore Nathan Mitchell.

Other 10th graders get their permits during their sophomore year. The ages of the students are, for the most part, synchronized with the school year and the timing is just right.

“I had already been through Drivers Ed. before I got my learners permit,” said AHS alumni Alex Doumbia, “ I don’t think that the timing could have been better.”

Teaching Drivers Ed. the right way is a very difficult job. The responsibility to D.E. teacher Patrick Hughes show students the cormake sure that the kids understand driv- rect way how to make a successful right turn. ing lessons is very difficult. Pat Hughes, “The number of teen driving related the Drivers Ed. teacher in AHS, has been deaths is extremely high,” said Mitchell. “I teaching sophomores the rules of the road for many years. Most teachers have a dif- think that if teens weren’t so poorly taught ficult time getting through to teenagers, and by their parents, that number would be finding ways to effectively communicate with much lower.”

Drivers Ed. teaches kids more than just them can seem impossible.

“I use humor to get through to the kids and how to avoid accidents. Right now, students try to connect with them by using stories and are learning about street signs and road markings. Drivers Ed. also helps young videos,” said Hughes.

Using humor is a great way to attract drivers understand the technical aspect students’ attention, but another method is of driving such as road signs and laws, as the exact opposite. Shock value is one of the opposed to actually teaching students how to biggest ways of making sure that the students drive. Without Drivers Ed., Virginia would not be as safe of a place to drive as it is. are paying attention.

Q: What was you project title?

A:“Homemade calorimeter, calories per.”

Q: Why did you choose this experiment?

A:“I wanted to learn about the fundamentals of calories.”

Q: Would you do this experiment again?

A: “Yes, I would do it again next year.”

Q: Any other toughts or comments?

A: “I thought that Vitamin Water would make plants grow but they all died.”

BY AMY STEINBUECHLER Academics Editor

Additional reporting by Logan Miller

“The dissolution rate of overthe-counter medicines. It helps because it gives you information on the type of medicine your taking.”

--Eunice Tchawi sophomore “To see if soil could conduct electricity, which could help farmers and gardeners.”

---Zan Chaudhny sophomore

Students play Twister to test the laws of probability

“Board problems get boring, games are more interesting,” said math teacher Diane Briggs about her recent experiment to teach students using the exciting game of Twister.

She used this interactive game to teach her IB Math Studies classes that math can be more then just textbook problems, but fun. Briggs’ students learned the difference between conditional probability and independence of events playing this game of probability.

She believes that using games will help her students, “understand it better, enjoy it, and remember it longer.”

Her idea of teaching her students through games became a reality in November. Briggs described the event, which took place in her trailer as being very tight with desks packed tightly together. Despite the claustrophobia of her trailer, Briggs is confident in her approaches to teaching. Her students also think highly of their teacher and her style.

“She always makes a lot of eye contact with us, and it makes me feel like she’s really connecting with us,” said senior Linda Nguyen. “She’s really engaging and enthusiastic about math which makes it more enjoyable.”

Briggs also likes to have her classes engage in interactive activities both inside and outside of the classroom.

“To analyze statistics, we tested how many licks on average it took to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop,” said Nguyen. “It was a fun homework assignment and I learned that it took 233 licks for me to get to the center of my Tootsie Roll Pop. “ Briggs hopes by doing this, she will interest more people into IB Math Studies. No matter what method, she hopes to bring joy to learning, and get students excited for the real-life appliance to math.

---Rebecca Tong freshman

sophomore

Right hand red, left hand blue

Preparing students for the road ahead Hughes teaches the importance of safe driving on the roads

15

AMY STEINBUECHLER

Students, waiting in anticipation, stood by their experiments for the arrival of the judges. Experiments and projects, one by one, were placed upon the many bright red lunch tables in the cafeteria. After weeks of planning and working, their projects were finally going to be judged. All they had to do was answer the grueling questions and evaluations of the judges.

Participants had thought of a experiment topic, created a procedure and experiment, and wrote their final conclusions. Friday was the day when they showed off their work.

It started like any other white day. Classes were normal and homework was piling up.

At 1:30 p.m. those participating in this year’s Science Fair were excused from class and sent to the cafeteria for the official event.

Judges were assigned categories to judge and met in the science lounge to receive their judge ribbons.

Meanwhile, students from grades 9 through 12 set up their presentation boards and examples of their experiments and began their competition against the many creative innovations of other students. There were so many interesting and fascinating projects. The students searched for their friends and glanced over each other’s work and made comments and wished each other good luck for the presentation they would give to the judges.

“It’s fun to see everyone else’s projects and

DIANE BRIGGS

BY EMMA BARKER Staff Writer

to see the effort that was put into it,” said freshman Olivia Ko. When the judges made their entrance through the doors, stomach butterflies flew and nerves wanted to be settled. Some students, however, did not experience the nerves as much as other did. One of these fortunate students was freshman Maha Shah.

“I knew my project pretty well. I did a lot of research, so I was not as nervous. Many people used note cards, but I did not because I was familiar with my project.”

The judges made their way around the 14 different categories: astronomy, behavior and social science, bio-chemistry, biology, botany, chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary science, environmental management, environmental science, medicine and health, micro-biology, physics and zoology.

The projects ranged from an analysis of popcorn and kernels to a mechanical Lego arm that could carry egg. Even though the Science Fair was a requirement for Honors Science students, it was sensed that they were proud of their work and even enjoyed performing their experiments.

Diana Rosario, the Alcohol and Drug Youth Services counselor, judged eight projects. “I’m just so impressed by the level of knowledge and creativity. It was my first time judging and I was blown over,” she said.

So many teachers, who were also judges, including social studies teachers Joseph Valentino and John Hawes and science teacher Xiara Davis, looked at the projects and presentations in awe and amazement.

Davis was very impressed and said “the concept was pretty amazing. The students’ work and thought process was more developed than I thought it would be.”

As the judging was occurring throughout the cafeteria, hopeful participants waited for

Ankanksha Rawat, Terance Dang, Tigist Tamir and Almas Nadri test probability.

“Testing bioswales. Our aim was that the ground water wouldn’t be as polluted.”

---Jocelyn Winker junior

Science Talent Search for high school students One competition high school seniors have the opportunity of competing in is the Science Talent Search, or STS, in which only forty finalist from 20 states are chosen to present their science projects to judges and leading scientists in Washington, D.C. In the 2007 competition, 17 year-old Mary Masterman won this first place prize and received a $100,000 scholarship. Masterman, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, built her own spectrograph system (a spectrograph that measures wavelengeths of light). She was able to built a conclusive spectrograph with an inexpensive laser. Masterman’s spectrograph cost her $300 to make compared to the “$20,000$100,000 cost for commercial units,” according to intel.com/ education.

The second place winner, John Pardon from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, created a project that created a “new approach” to solving a geometric problem and received a $75,000 scholarship.

All A Honor roll Students

DIANE BRIGGS

Participants design and test hypotheses to impress judges

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Tigist Tamir and Elise Miles discover for themselves that color and body part are indeed independent in Twister.

DIANE BRIGGS

Feb. 5, 2008

Tigist Tamir uses a tree diagram to show that the probabilities of color and body part are independent.

9 Alchaar, Nadia 9 Bhandal, Navjot 9 Centellas, Polette 9 Clark, Paige 9 Frank, Mitchell 9 Kavjian, Mary Anne 9 Le, Thuy Trang 9 Mohamed, Haila 9 Pizarro Delgado, Anais 9 Sanborn, Jacob 9 Webb, Lucy 9 Yeboah, Paul 10 Arevalo Villarroel, Claudia 10 Keller, Cassady 10 Mustafa-Zeballos, Yussef 10 Pelkey, Rebecca 10 Rodriguez Cabrera, Nancy 10 Suarez Egues, Jorge 10 Tran, Phuong 10 Vargas-Nogales 10 Venkat, Aishwarya 11 Escudero Gutierrez, Eslyn 11 Kim Ah Reum 11 Kynes, Cason 11 Lee,Irene 11 Lee, Da Hye 11 MacMillan, Imran 11 Rabinovitz, Jane 11 Salomon, Julie 12 Awan, Seemal 12 Knoll, Andrew 12 Kwon, Daniel 12 Lim, Sang Mi 12 Mathis, Paul 12 Randolph, Nicole

SPORTS

Track and Field continues recent improvement As the Atoms Boys Varsity Winter Track Team nears the beginning of District and Regional meets they continue to work very hard to do well at the most important time of the season. The hopeful team has done extremely well with the 4 X 400 yard relay team earning a spot at regionals. The 4 X 400 team consists of senior Daniel Ejigu, juniors Ki Lee and Tim Hepburn and sophomore Daniel Blasser. If they place at the Regional meet then the team will move onto the state meet which is to be held at George Mason University on February 29, and March 1st.

In addition, the 4 X 800 team is vying for an important spot at the Regional meet. The Atoms have done well this year despite having a young team. Ki Lee said, “The regular season has gone really well.”

“With Districts rapidly approaching the team must train harder than ever before,” said Daniel Blasser.

The 4 X 200 yard team must also do well at Districts to have a shot at the regional meet. “The team has done well,” said sophomore Robert Potts. Nathan Clayton said, “that the regular season ended on a good note.” Districts begin on Feb. 6 at Episcopal High School.

- by Bob Stevens and Jake Scott

Feb. 5, 2008

Atoms swim to States

Girls’ relay and Smith perform well, make State competition

BY SCOTT PLUNKETT Staff Writer The AHS swim team continued their upward trend these past two weeks competing in the Patriot District and Northern Region meets. Several records were broken at the district meet as the girls team qualified four individuals and all three relays for Regionals and the boy’s qualified six individuals as well as their 200 medley relay.

The girls team finished fourth in the district behind West Springfield, Lake Braddock, and South County, led by junior Rachael Burnett who scored a combined 34 points for the team. Burnett broke her 100 yard freestyle school record for the third time this year with a time of 52.49 seconds, just missing the All-American consideration time by eight onehundredths of a second.

The 400 yard freestyle relay team of sophomore Annika Jessen, freshman Anna Smith, sophomore Maggie Craig, and junior Rachael Burnett broke a 15 year-old school record with a time of 3:43.07 and qualified for the VHSL State Meet. The relay then bettered their school

WALTER SMITH

16

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Sophomore Sean Smith and Senior Adrien Henric stretch before their 400-yard freestyle relay during the Northern Regional Meet at Oak Marr. Their season ended after the relay fell short of the state cut.

record with a time of 3:42.17 at the Northern Regional meet to finish fifth overall. The 200 medley relay also qualified for the Virginia State meet at Regionals, placing ninth with a time of 154.29, improving on their district time by nearly four seconds.

“We’re hoping for both relays to finish in the top 16 and for the 400 free relay to make it to finals, or finish in the top eight,” said head coach Bruce Fisher.

The girls team finished 11th

in the region to slightly improve on their 12th place finish last year. Burnett swam the 200 yard individual medley and the 100-yard backstroke at Regionals, breaking both school records finishing fourth in the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 59.90 and finishing second in the 200 IM with anAll-American consideration time of 2:07.53. Burnett will be swimming the 200 yard freestyle hopefully defending her state title in the 500 freestyle at the state meet.

“The 200- and 500-yard freestyle races are her strongest events and my goal is that she defends her title and wins again,” said Fisher.

Jessen barely missed the state qualifier in the 200-yard individual medley relay by just over a second to finish 11th in the event, but hit the state auto in the 100-yard butterfly to finish tenth.

The boy’s finished third at the District meet behind Lake Braddock and West Springfield.

The Atoms where led by senior Walter Smith’s combined 29 points and sophomore Alex Johnson’s combined 27 points.

The boy’s team also had a district champion in the one meter dive; sophomore Sean McKinney.

McKinney earned an All-American consideration score of 421.68.

McKinney’s season-long unbeaten streak ended at the Northern Regional meet where he finished third with anotherAll-American consideration score of 408.85.

McKinney was limited on his dives by a minor ankle sprain and hopes to improve on his score at states.

“He’ll be attempting all his dives at states so obviously he’d like to win,” said Fisher.

Smith managed to squeak into the state meet in the 50yard freestyle by exactly hitting the qualifying time of 22.29 seconds. The boys 200 medley relay came up one second shy of the state qualifier like they have many times previously in the season.

The teams sent a total of four individuals and two relays to states, improving on last year when they sent four individuals and no relays.

The Atoms will be competing in the VHSL State meet Feb. 8 and 9 at George Mason University.

Boys Varsity Basketball T.C. Williams

10-0

Annandale

8-2

Hayfield

7-3

Lake Braddock

5-5

Robert E. Lee

4-6

West Potomac

4-6

South County

2-8

West Springfield

0-10

Girls Varsity Basketball T.C. Williams

10-0

Robert E. Lee

8-2

West Springfield

8-2

Annandale

5-5

Lake Braddock

4-6

Hayfield

3-7

South County

3-7

West Potomac

0-8

CoEd Swim and Dive West Springfield*

14-0

Lake Braddock

12-2

Annandale

10-4

South County

8-6

Robert E. Lee

6-8

West Potomac

4-10

Hayfield

1-13

T.C. Williams

1-13

Note: All of the records listed are district records. Non-district opponents are not included.

Records were washingtonpost.com

obtained

* - District Champion

Three tight games bring girls team to 9-9 McRae scores 25 in OT win, but Atoms suffer injuries to Bermingham, Hennessey

BY WALTER SMITH Sports Editor In only the second overtime game for AHS varsity girls basketball this year, Head Coach Cleveland Williamson and the Atoms girls kept the game close and prevailed over the South County Stallions 65-63. Senior Jenna McRae led the Atoms to their second win over the Stallions with 25 points, completing the sweep against South County.

Tonight, theAtoms play the Lake Braddock Bruins at home. In the previous game, theAtoms won 41-36, which was their third win in four games in early January. With a win, the Atoms would have a winning record for the second time this season.

Coach Williamson kept his players cool and ready for overtime.

“I told them ‘We’ve been here before in overtime,’” said Coach Williamson, referring to the close loss to West Springfield a little more than one week ago. In that game, theAtoms lost on a controversial double dribble call against McRae in the final seconds of OT. “We had the [overtime] experience for this game; and it helped.”

But the game was not without its losses; two key Atoms were injured. Sophomore Maggie Bermingham and freshman Kristin Hennessey both suffered injuries in the game, the more serious one affecting Bermingham.

Bermingham, a starter in the post, dislocated her shoulder

in the first half of the game and is expected to be out for averaging more than 10 points per game. McRae, specifia minimum of two weeks, possibly missing the rest of cally, is having a fantastic season, averaging 17.6 points the season. Hennessey had a leg injury, but the time she and 8 rebounds per game. She is also hitting more than will miss is still undetermined. These injuries add to the 70 percent of her free throws.

Even more impressive is the fact that McRae is only already injured sophomore Tamika Jones, who suffered a sprained ankle in practice on Jan. 24, the day before the 40 points away from reaching the 1000-point milestone in her high school career. She would be the first 1000-point game against West Springfield.

Fortunately, a transfer student recently added depth player that Williamson has coached and the first that to the post position that Bermingham plays. Junior Annandale has seen in a long time.

Ashley Vente moved to Annandale from Keller, Texas. Her addition deepens the roster at just the right time.

“She will be another good player coming off the bench,” said Coach Williamson of Vente.

“With Maggie out, there is a good chance that Ashley and Robin [Scott] will see more playing time.”

The victory over South County was the third consecutive close game for the girls. They had two tough home losses to district foes, West Springfield and T.C. Williams. The Atoms lost to the Spartans 43-44 in their first overtime game of the season on Jan. 25 and then lost to district-leading Titans 55-64. Both games were improvements from the previous match-ups. In the previous games against West Springfield and T.C. Williams, the Atoms lost 45-54 and 42-63, respectively.

Along with these advancements, the girls have not scored less than 40 points in any of their district games, something that the Atoms were not able to do last year. Much of that has to do with the play of two key players, senior Jenna Head coach Cleveland Williamson instructs his team during a game McRae and junior Alexis Williams, who are both against South County. The Atoms won the game, 65-63.

WALTER SMITH

Patriot District Standings

improve as much as I have.”

In the seeding event, the Atoms had two individuals qualify for the number After starting out the season 0-8, the one seed, senior Jesse Kruse in the 189 Atoms have recently began to pick up lbs. division and sophomore Ricky Adams their game and have evened their record in the 135 lbs. division.

“The wrestling team has worked very at 13-13 on the year, with the district meet hard this year, and we are hoping that it on Friday.

For districts, it is divided into two carries over into the District Tournament,” categories, team and individual. Before said Sholders.

The team, which has considerable the district meet, the grappling Atoms youth, has have to compete shown consistent in a seeding event, improvement which took place throughout the last Saturday. year.

“We have poten“We are looktial for a lot of kids,” ing to break our said head coach opponents each Keith Sholders. time we go out,” “Everyone has a said Sholders. chance to advance “It all starts with to Regionals. We me. We preach a want to win and lot of activity in are looking for 14 the weight room individual chamand making sure pions.” they think about “We expect to win,” said senior Atoms Wrestlers work on form during practice. what they are doing. We’ve also Jerry Chiles. “We The Atoms are 13-13 on the year. made the pracare working very hard throughout the season, and we’re tices harder and pushed the potential out of our kids.” hoping that it pays off.”

Despite the teams improvement, Chiles has been one of the Atoms wrestlers that has improved throughout Sholders still believes that the team can get better before districts. the year.

“We can definitely get a lot better before “I pay attention more in practice and do what the coaches tell me,” said Chiles. “I the district meet,” said Sholders. really focus more and that has helped me

BY GREG YOUNG Sports Editor

GREG YOUNG

Senior Daniel Ejigu runs duriing practice. Ejigu is on the 4X200 relay that hopes to make Regionals

“It has been a mix with me,” said John Shultis. “I show her different activities and if she is interested, I push Senior Emily Shultis, recently a her to do well.”

Throughout her volleyball tenure starting volleyball player, has accepted a scholarship to play Division 1 NAIA at AHS, Shultis has shown consistent volleyball at Mountain State University improvement.

“I saw a lot of potential,” said AHS in West Virginia.

Shultis was a two-year starter for varsity head coach, Sam Tooke. “She AHS and also played on travel teams has an aggressive style and her serving throughout high school. Before Shultis is strong. [Mountain State] is getting even starts training for college, Moun- an aggressive middle hitter with good tain State is asking her to put on 15 movement and a quick serve.”

One important factor in Shultis’ pounds of muscle.

This year, Mountain State won development has been her little sister, KIAC Volleyball title in its first year of Teppi Shultis. Teppi, a freshman, competed on the JV volleyball team last competing at KIAC. “I am really excited,” said Shultis. “It year.

“It’s like having a little me, but took a lot of the pressure off, and I got she’s been playing longer, so she has recruited pretty early.”

Besides athletics, Shultis is looking an advantage over me,” said Emily to pursue culinary arts, which was one Shultis. “I wish I had started playing of her deciding factors in picking Moun- a lot sooner.”

However, Shultis has had to overtain State.

“I tried to find a school that had culi- come some adversity while at AHS. In her sophomore year, she broke her ankle nary arts and volleyball,” said Shultis.

“I’m very proud of her because playing softball for AHS. “It took her she can do the a little work to things that she gain most of loves,” said John her strength Shultis, Emily’s back,” said father. “I also am Tooke. very pleased with “I am rethe programs.” ally glad that John Shultis Emily doesn’t has played an have to worry important role about getting in Emily’s develinto college,” opment in volsaid Teppi. leyball and other Emily Shultis with her family and Atoms Girls hobbies.

Varsity Volleyball head coach, Sam Tooke.

BY GREG YOUNG Sports Editor

GREG YOUNG

GREG YOUNG

Shultis gets D1 chance Wrestling to districts

SPORTS

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Feb. 5, 2008

Boys knock out S.C.

BY GREG YOUNG Sports Editor At the start of the season, there was a lot of doubt about how good the AHS boys basketball team would be. They were led by a great player in senior Erik Etherly, but the supporting cast was very young and unproven. Additionally, head coach Anthony Harper was coming off of his first season in which the team had stretches where they lost nine games in a row.

Even at the start of the season, there was room for doubt. The Atoms started the year on a three-game losing streak, and were 3-5 at New Years. After the Atoms recent six-game winning streak to improve their record to 9-6, with all of the wins coming in the Patriot District, perhaps Harper has finally established himself and Annandale as a force to be reckoned with in the Patriot District.

“I’ve tried to be more patient,” said Harper. “I’ve had a lot of the people on the team for longer, so they know what to expect and what I’m looking for.”

“It’s been good to win a lot of games this year,” said junior Allen Stalp. “Last year we only won six games, but this year we have gotten used to winning and that has really helped.”

Senior Erik Etherly prepaares to shoot a free throw against West Springfield.

In the game, the Atoms won despite allowing Spartans guard Bryan Renner to score 18 points in the first half.

Currently, the Atoms are 10-7 after a win against South County

GREG YOUNG

Men fall to T.C., but rebound with win, face Bruins next on Tues.

The Atoms had a chance to stun the Patriot District and T.C. Williams when they traveled to T.C. on Tues. They had the momentum of six straight wins and were up by three points with less then four minutes to go. However, the Atoms could not sustain their momentum and fell to the Titans, 59-67.

Against the Titans, the Atoms were led by junior Jordan Anderson with 16 points, including 10 in the third quarter that helped propel Annandale to the lead.

“That’s just how I play basketball,” Anderson said in an interview with Digitalsports.com, “I came out ready to play.”

For the Titans, the win kept them undefeated in the Patriot District, while the loss for AHS halted a six game winning streak. One of the areas the team has improved dramatically is in rebouding.

The Titans had only more more rebound than theAtoms, which was a marked improvement over the Atoms previous loss to the Titans.

“We have been working on rebounding a lot more in practice,” said Harper.

“We do a drill called the war drill where it is four people on each side and they fight for the rebound with no rules and whoever loses has to run wind sprints.”

After the T.C. Williams game on Tues., the Atoms had a chance to turn around their fortunes with a game on Friday at home against South County.

The Atoms were guided by solid play from senior Erik Etherly, who led the team with 22 points, and beat the Stallions 90-77. The 90 points they scored in

the game was their second highest total of the season, their highest coming on Dec. 23 against the 2-15 West Springfield Spartans. Additionally, theAtoms added 22 points off of 19 Stallion turnovers and had 22 assists as a team.

Also recording good games were junior Allen Stalp had another solid game with 18 points and 6 rebounds, and senior Nick Bush, who chipped in with 13 points and 6 rebounds.

“We picked up our defensive intensity in the fourth quarter,” said Harper. “If we can learn to play defense for the entire

game, we should improve.”

“In the fourth quarter we really picked it up,” said Stalp. “We started to push the ball more and played better defense.”

The Atoms play on Tuesday night against Lake Braddock. TheAtoms beat the Bruins in the last game against them, but expect a strong effort from the Bruins in their second meeting.

“They are a smart team,” said Stalp.

“We just have to play smart and not have too many turnovers.”

The freshman boys basketball team began its season with an eight game winning streak. The only losses have been the most recent three against West Springfield, West Potomac, and TC Williams.

The coaching staff has the difficult challenge of adapting to the constantly changing group of new arrivals each year as well as determining whether or not those athletes will be a beneficial additions to varsity teams later on.

“It’s challenging because each year you never know what you’re going to have to work with,” said freshman basketball coach Kevin Fox. Fortunately, this year it seems what he was given to work with was an above average group of freshmen.

“This is one of the better freshman classes I’ve seen,” said Fox, “even after maybe nine years of coaching they’re one of the most hardworking and talented groups I’ve come across.”

Two freshman, D’Angelo Boyce, a guard, and Melvin Robinson, a forward, were placed on the varsity basketball team despite this being their first year of high school. The freshman basketball team they were moved from however, was still far from lacking in talent.

“We started great, eight and zero, and the past three we’ve played hard but not smart and it cost us,” said Fox. The first loss of the season to West Potomac served both as a potential mental block to the freshman ath-

The

Final Word Sports Column

By Greg Young

Immediately after the New York Giants stunned the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, 17-14, fans and prognosticators alike immediately tried to explain why they had all been wrong about the Giants.

Some proclaimed that Tom Brady’s ankle injury was the reason that he wasn’t throwing the ball downfield with any sort of accuracy. Old age was used as an excuse when the Patriots defense broke down at the end of the game and to justify the offensive line giving Brady no time all day.

Whether it was the pressure that finally got to New England, or the fact that the Giants have been playing better football then the Patriots during the playoffs I don’t know. But at the end of the day, it really is simple; the Giants came to play, and the Patriots didn’t.

Throughout the game, there were moments where it seemed that Giants wanted to win more than the Patriots.

Freshmen Boys Basketball Head Coach: Kevin Fox Record: 9-3 Next Game: 2/5 at Lake Braddock Players to Watch: Greg Nielsen, Ronnie McCory, Henry Cooper, Jordan Cowles Cowles

Head Coach: Daniel Porter Record: 5-7 Next Game: 2/5 at Lake Braddock Samey

Players to Watch: Joseph Turner, Yousef Samey Player Outlook: “The season has not been going very well,” said Samey. “We should have won some of the games that we lost and we are really inconsistent. We need to work in playing better defense, executing plays, and not choking under pressure.”

Freshmen Girls Basketball Head Coach: James Ynson Record: 5-6 Next Game: 2/5 vs. Lake Braddock Players to Watch: Britney Terry, Jenna Balicki, Adrian Williams Rapani

The freshmen boys basketball team works on dribbling during practice. The team is currently 9-3.

practice hard to improve on this and other issues. They hope to correct on their mistakes and continue to improve where they are strong in short-term preparation for the upcoming district championships.

They will need to defeat teams they have lost to before if they hope to win the approaching district event. These improvements will also help on the long run, when in a few years the class of 2011 begins filling more slots of the AHS varsity basketball team.

NY Giants K.O. the imperfect Pats How else can you explain Eli Manning escaping a seemingly inevitable sack with 59 seconds left and throwing a 32 yard bomb to David Tyree? (Side note: Tyree’s catch may be the greatest ever in Super Bowl history. To go up against two defenders, somehow catch a ball that may have been 3 feet over his head, and to not let the ball touch the ground while preventing it from slipping… Simply amazing. That’s what the Super Bowl is all about.)

In fact, the game showed how much Eli Manning has developed throughout the playoffs. Manning went into the season with an erratic reputation, and didn’t do much to disprove of that with a league-high 27 turnovers. However, since week 17 against these very same Patriots, Manning has flipped from being erratic to being an upper-echelon QB that everyone has expected him to be. For him to do this in the playoffs and win 4 games only shows how resilient he is as a player. Some may mistake this as cowardice, but at its essence, Eli is a quiet leader. He will never be as outspoken as his brother, Peyton, but he shows a quiet type of confidence that his teammates relied upon throughout their miraculous playoff run.

On top of all that, Manning beat arguably the best Super Bowl quarterback of all time by outplaying him when the

A glance at the AHS JV and freshman sports

JV Boys Basketball

GREG YOUNG

BY CHARLES SIMPSON Staff Writer

letes and a reminder that they will need to continue to work hard and improve if they were to succeed later on.

The following games against West Springfield and TC Williams also ended in defeat.

“It was hard coming back from the West Potomac loss,” said freshman Jordan Cowles.

During the most recent game Annandale was defeated when TC Williams made a three point shot in the final seconds of the game.

“We were intense at the start but not at the end,” Cowles said.

“We had a good game,” said freshman Henry Cooper, “We just couldn’t take care of the ball at the end.”

The team plans on correcting this by playing with “intensity” from start to finish.

“We need to work harder, show more heart, and play with intensity every game,” said point guard Ronnie McCoy. The coaches seemed to see another problem that prevented these defeats from being victories: making free throws.

The team was given plenty of chances to widen their lead during the game by making free throws, but missed the shots. “The last three games we could have won but we missed the free throws,” said Cowles. The coaches have recognized this problem and has increased the focus on these important shots.

“We’re not making our free throws,” said Fox, “during practice we get them [the freshman athletes] tired so we know what it’s like shooting when you’re not fresh.”

This hopefully will help the team make shots both during free throws and towards the end of the game where they tend to lose momentum.

The freshman boys basketball team continues to

Stars Of The Future

Player’s Outlook: “We started off strong, but we need to pick up the intensity,” said Cowles, “The future looks bright, but we had a drop in intensity in the last 3 games. Our defense needs to improve, as well as running our offense and communication.:””

Freshman boys basketball strong Atoms start year on 8 game winning streak

17

game mattered most. I’ll give you that play, often hitting Brady right as he was the Giants played better defense, but for about to throw. They even caused one someone as inexperienced in the spotlight critical fumble to stifle a Patriots’ drive as Manning to play as well as he did is before halftime.

One player that I feel obligated to simply incredible.

Besides Manning, the game featured mention is Giants DE Justin Tuck. the most dominant defensive line this Before the game, ESPN.com’s Jeffri Chadiha said that Tuck would year. Throughout the two be a critical player for the Giants week buildup to the Super to cause pressure on Brady. He Bowl, myself, like many sure nailed that pick, as Tuck others, understood that the had 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and a Giants led the league in the forced fumble and was a game regular season in sacks, yet changer throughout. figured that Bill Belichick, However, one must mention the wizard of pre game Belichick’s interesting decision preparation, would figure to go for it on fourth and thirout a way to counteract the teen in the middle of the first Giants speed on the defenManning half, rather then attempt a 48 yard sive line. But no matter what field goal. Granted, Belichick didn’t the Patriots did, the Giants had know at the time that the margin of dean answer.

Throwing screen passes is a common feat would be 3 points, but his decision to way to combat an overaggressive offen- go for it was questionable at best.

Throwing aside Belichick’s strange sive line. However, New England tried several screen passes during the game, decisions, the game was simply won by but the defensive line batted several the better team that Sunday, and on Sunballs down and busted a few more in the day, Feb. 03, 2008, the NY Giants were better then the New England Patriots. backfield for losses.

In the end, no matter how brilliant Writer Email: gsy987@verizon.net Belichick is, he could not game plan for the speed of the Giants’ defensive line. Getting 5 sacks against Brady is impressive enough, but even when they didn’t sack Brady they would disrupt the

Player’s Outlook: “We have improved dramatically,” said Jessica Rapani. “We beat TC for the first time in 8 years and we have won 3 games in a row. Our coach was really happy that we won, because it was his birthday and it made a good present.”

JV Girls Basketball Head Coach: David McRae Record: 8-4 Next Game: 2/5 vs Lake Braddock Yaroch

Players to Watch: Tania Ghods, Jane Aman, Izzt Yaroch, Alley Adcock Player’s Outlook: “Its been a really good season so far,” said Yaroch. “We have been getting a lot better. We are working together and there is no drama this year, so our basketball skills have been improving.

However, we need to improve our passing and communication.”

JV Wrestling Head Coach: Dick Adams Record: N/A Next Match: Season Completed Sandborn

Players to Watch: Yari Mizouri, Bryan Pazo, Jake Sanborn Player’s Outlook: “We’ve done pretty well, but we still have areas where we can improve,” said Sandborn. “Some guys have a little more talent then others, so they are more successful, but everyone works hard.

We have to work harder and practice and go full speed at all times.”

All records taken courtesy of www.annandaleatoms.com

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AHS’s favorite Oscar Nominees AHS’s pick is in red

ENTERTAINMENT

O B M

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BEST ACTOR George Clooney— Michael Clayton Daniel Day-Lewis—There Will be Blood Johnny Depp— Sweeney Todd Tommy Lee Jones—In the Valley of Elah Viggo Mortensen—Eastern Promises

Phillip Seymour Hoffman in Charlie Wilsonʼs War

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY Diablo Cody—Juno Nancy Oliver—Lars and the Real Girl Tony Gilroy—Michael Clayton Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava, Jim Capobianco—Ratatouille Tamara Jenkins—The Savages BEST EDITING The Bourne Ultimatum The Diving Bell Ellen Page in and the Butterfly Juno Into the Wild No Country for Old Men There Will be Blood BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Beaufort The Counterfeiters Katyn Mongol 12

There Will Be Blood

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY TheAssasssination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Atonement The Diving Bell

and the Butterfly No Country for Old Men There Will be Blood

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE No End in Sight Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience Sicko Taxi to the Dark Side War/Dance MAKEUP La Vie en Rose Norbit Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

Moviegoers cringe and squirm as Sylvester Stallone tries to reprise Rambo role

The action and deadliness of Rambo that I expected to entertain and awe was a large let down.

Rambo’s most impressive feat was shooting people with a machine gun, which in a Hollywood context is very tame. Yes, he was shot, but what action hero has not been shot? The film needed fewer bullets and more scenes showing Rambo’s pure brutality and strength. I know Stallone is 61, but if Rocky Balboa taught me anything its that Stallone can still do hand to hand combat, and also that he should not do any more remakes.

It was more entertaining watching the hands and fingers of my fellow moviegoers draped across their eyes then Rambo systematically mowing down the enemy.

Moviegoers did not see Rambo for it’s cinematography, they wanted high quality action that Rambo did not deliver.

What was more shocking than the lack of quality HolMovie Review lywood violence was how grotesque the film was. The film became more of a display of genocide and the brutality

By Jeff Dean of war than Hollywood violence. While this brutality did make Rambo want to kill the Burmese, that was going Warning: If you cannot handle watching bodies being to happen anyway, and it became extremely unnecesblown apart or adams-apples being ripped off or a woman sary. The film definitely should have been rated NC-17 trying to understand and appreciate the heart of a 61 year- because the film was far too grotesque to have been rated old action hero or even if you simply cannot handle bad a leisurely R. movies all together, then this film is not for you.

One of the most peculiar lessons that the film tries It was early in the film as the opening credits rolled to present is whether or not killing is a good thing. Acand I realized the director and writer were both Sylves- cording to the film, murder is the most effective way to ter Stallone when I concluded that I had just wasted $10 get your message across because if you do not have any and about two hours of my life. But before I pull a “Gus’s weapons, “then you ain’t changin’ anything.” If you ask Garbage,” I would just like to acknowledge one of the film’s me Rambo is just being thick headed, no really, Stallone many lessons. Wrapped up in all of the flying bloody parts, has a huge head. rape and explosion was the lesson: be true to who you are.

Eventually, one of the missionaries reveals the answer So in Rambo terms, if you are a trained killing machine to this question, after he sheds his primeval peaceful ways then kill. That said, do not confuse this movie to have and kills a Burmese soldier. If he had just remembered anything resembling internal conflict. the first lesson (remember Rambo is always At the beginning of the film our hero, John right) then maybe he could have saved some Rambo, is living the simple life; catching cobras of his buddies.

Rambo and pythons in Thailand. That is until some Other than the thick-headed Rambo, and the Colorado missionaries, who ignore Rambo’s adeven sillier missionaries (what characters do not vice of not going into Burma, convince Rambo like killing, come on its a Rambo movie, get with to lead them into the war-torn and genocidal the times) the mercenaries offer an annoying discountry. The film then teaches us our first lestraction. It is almost as if Stallone picked a bunch son: Rambo is always right, as the missionaries of characters out of a hat. There is no plot, no good get captured by the abusive Burmese army, after dialogue and even no good fighting. the army proceeds to not kill, but decapitate the So in summary, to save you time and money, local villagers. be who you are, kill or be killed and please, do not even Rambo, who feels an obvious yet amazingly inexpli- think about seeing this film. cable connection to one of the female missionaries, joins In the end the film is about Rambo killing, and he a bunch of mercenaries who were hired to rescue the absolutely killed any chance of a Rambo V. So thank you missionaries. Rambo and the mercenaries then attempt Rambo for saving us once again, this time from yourself. to rescue them against an army of a hundred strong, and the killing ensues.

F

BEST ACTRESS Cate Blanchett—Elizabeth: the Golden Page Julie Christie—Away from Her Marion Cotillard—La Vie en Rose Laura Linney—The Savages Ellen Page—Juno

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Cate Blanchett— I’m Not There RubyDee—American Gangster Saoirse Ronan— Atonement Amy Ryan—Gone Baby Gone Tilda Swinton— Michael Clayton

gives no mercy to audience

Dean’s List

BEST DIRECTOR Julian Schnabel— The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Jason Reitman— Juno TonyGilroy—Michael Clayton Joel and Ethan Coen—No Country for Old Men Paul Thomas Anderson—There Will be Blood

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR CaseyAffleck—The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Javier Bardem in Javier Bardem— No Country for No Country for Old Old Men Men Philip Seymour Hoffman—Charlie Wilson’s War Hal Holbrook—Into the Wild Tom Wilkinson—Michael Clayton

Feb. 5, 2008

The

BEST PICTURE Atonement Michael Clayton No Country for Old Men There Will be Blood Juno

Keira Knightely in Atonement

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Rambo stalks his prey in this latest edition of Rambo, but despite his victimʼs demise, the audience felt the most pain.

Hannah Montana is the greatest ‘Rockstar’ Montana finds unexpected fan base from older teenagers

BY OMAR MAYASSI Staff Writer The same time last year if someone were to the say the name Hannah Montana, most people would just draw a blank. But today if someone were to say Hannah Montana, or her other persona Miley Cyrus, people would start flipping out screaming how much they love her, but why? Why does everybody love her?

What is so good about her?

She is only15 years old with millions of dollars that has sold out concerts, with the tickets costing upwards of thousands of dollars. Hannah Montana, or if you prefer, Miley Cyrus, is a teen pop sensation, and her star has just begun to shine.

Students at AHS have gone nuts for this girl, and some have even professed their love for her.

“I love this girl,” said senior David Waiter, “and if I ever got to meet her my dream would come true. I think she is probably the most talented, cutest, and innocent girl I have ever seen.”

It may seem odd for a high school senior to be obsessed with a 15 year-old Disney star, but Waiter likes her not only for her looks, but for her talent as well. Other AHS students may not love her music like Waiter, but they cannot resist her bubbly personality.

“She is really funny,” said senior Michelle Panlaqui, “but she cannot sing that well. She seems very down to earth and she is really adorable.”

She not only sings, but she acts as well in her own Disney show Hannah Montana.

This show is arguably one of the most popular shows for kids of the time, not because it is funny and entertaining but because it teaches you a lesson in every show. “It’s addicting,” said Waiter “her shows teach you a lot about growing up and how to deal with teenage dilemmas.” “I have not missed an episode yet, and I don’t plan on it.”

“Her songs make her so popular,” Panlaqui said, “and also she is a great role model to the young kids.”

Waiter was fortunate enough to have one of his dreams fulfilled, he went to a Hannah Montana concert.

“It was Christmas day and my sister gave me a big box and when I opened it I could not believe it, they were Hannah Montana tickets and I started freaking out,” said Waiter. “When I went to her concert it was one of the best nights of my life because

it was so great, awesome, and a lot of fun.”

Despite the high prices Waiter would love to go back again, but others are much less willing to pay.

Junior Natalie Lalande said, “The prices for the tickets are ridiculous, who would actually pay that much?”

Hysteria before the concert for tickets reached an all time high when local D.C. radio morning show Elliot in the Morning held a dare competition for the last remaining tickets. Fathers of Hannah Montana crazed girls abused and embarrased themselves to win the tickets. The winner was a father who tazed himself in a sensitive place.

Hannah Montana is also trying to take her stardom into a new media with her movie The Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus Best of Both World 3-D Concert.

“I cannot wait,” said Waiter, “this is almost a dream come true. I am going to go on opening day and I will bring my 3-D glasses with me so I can experience the movie to its fullest.”

This is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, as showings on the premier night have been soldout for days before. This movie should spread her popularity and allow those who could Hannah Montana and/or Miley Cyrus has not afford or manage to get their hands on found a suprising fan base in high schoolers. tickets to experience her concert.

Raymond Carver shines in a restricted forum Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? The latter half of the collection is made up of stories from Carver’s later volume Cathedral, which Carver created largely without the help of Lish. Also included are newer stories of Carver’s, many of which were first published in the New Yorker.

It is clear from the outset that Carver not only is a master of English minimalism, evoked in his short stories, but that he grew over time to harbor a style much of his own, that not only carried the brutal realism of his earlier short stories but also included more detail, and I would say thus, power.

Book Review Unfortunately, I feel that I was never able to inspect Carver’s first short stories

By Paul Mathis without a side of disappointment, due to the New Yorker collection, in that it is clear I was prompted to investigate the works of Raymond that Carver is being sliced and diced, and Carver due to an article, accompanied by a short story, that he could provide so much more that that were both published in the New Yorker recently. The he is withholding. Stories end, it seems, article, entitled “Rough Crossings,” detailed numerous when they could go on and be more giving, yet still have the same force exchanges between Carver and his then editor, of reduction.

Gordon Lish, portraying the fact that Lish had Where I’m But whatever is lost in the encouraged Carver to cut about 40% of his stories in Carver’s original volume of short stories, What Calling From early stories is made up for in the stories in the latter half of We Talk About When We Talk About Love. Immethe collection. Carver focuses diately following the article was the original, uncut primarily on a series of central themes in all version of Carver’s story of the same name, which of his stories. he originally entitled “Beginners.”

He chronicles broken love, confused love, I decided to pick up Carver’s volume, Where love tortured by alcohol and bankruptcy, the I’m Calling From, which draws together his best stories from the entire span of his writing career. Most haunting love that never goes away even when a person of the first half of the collection is comprised of Carver’s seems to leave, and the maladies of trying to make ends stories in What We Talk About and his first collection, meet in low-rent American suburbia, which today would

Paul on Prose

B+

be coupled with double-mortgages and eviction by the IRS. Carver never misses a beat in capturing the inherent sadness of this lifestyle, but also the beauty of cleaning up and moving on. Carver never gives up too much, and his descriptions are barer than those of Hemingway, descriptions that fostered the beginning of a new literary movement; dirty realism in the 1980s.

Carver makes the ordinary seem incredibly evocative and meaningful, such as in “Collectors,” when the simple act of a free carpet-vacuuming becomes an investigation into a man’s discarding of the unrequited love of his ex-wife. Carver, of course, leaves this up to the reader to discover, but the undeniable mystery and meaning of each situation is clear.

Carver had a clear penchant for tackling such topics, in that he suffered from alcoholism (a prevalent motif throughout his stories) and numerous heartbreaks. But he is far from being a morose griever. He seems to be trying to tell his readers to look at their lives, and consider the importance of every connection of love that they retain.

Comparing the highly edited What We Talk About When We Talk About Love to the uncut Beginners, though, I can only wish that a posthumous edition of all of his original stories could be published.

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Feb. 5, 2008

ENTERTAINMENT

Idol ignites renewed interest America cannot get enough of the ridiculous antics

BY AVERY ADCOCK Entertainment Editor Many people may want to pull their hair out at the thought of another season of American Idol.Well, it may be time for those people to invest in a good wig, because American Idol is here to stay.

At the start of season seven, viewers predicted it would be another season of great singers not getting through, and a season of Sonjaya jokes making it to the finals.

This season, expect more entertainment than any other.

Those who are looking for Idol to return to its season one roots of actually having great singers getting to the finish line may want to turn the channel, because it is not going to happen.

With more and more colorful characters appearing you ask yourself, is this really a singing competition? The answer to that question is sort of. Producers, and by that I mean Simon Cowell, are actually making bank on those who make you want to pay for singing lessons yourself.

American Idol would have the process down, if they just would not let some of the amazing singers get voted off. Too many timesAmerica sides with the great personality or the crazy attitude because that is what makes great T.V. In actuality, some amazing and truly talented entertainers have emerged from the cultural icon that is American Idol. Kelly Clarkson, Jordan Sparks, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia Barrino and ClayAiken have all capitalized fromAmerican Idol, regardless of the results of the competition.

As long as at least a couple of singers like these make it through, the loyal American Idol followers will continue to watch.

The phenomenon has reached an unbelievable level

The good...

that it will continue to ride on. In the last episode from Omaha, there was a myriad of performers from all walks of life. Singers like London Weidberg had enough talent to make it to Hollywood, whereas others did not seem to have the mental capacity to even get on a plane.

The star of the show however, is without a doubt Paula Abdul. I am pretty sure that viewers around the nation did not dare turn the channel at the mere possibility of missing Abdul’s antics and intoxication levels rise.

Auditions were delayed in the beginning because Abdul’s plane was “late.” The fact of the matter was that producers were hoping that she would be sober enough to avoid a lawsuit from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

She could not even keep her head up and was so obviously under the influence that viewers did not even pay attention to the singers.

Her hiccups and unbelievable comments were hilarious and surely entertaining to anyone who was watching. You have to wonder, do the producers really want to change the focus to Abdul, because one thing is for sure: she will continue to shock.

One of the biggest differences that I can tell about this season is that the intros for each singer

A new special someone will come into your life this month. Don’t let this person go. Make sure you treat them the same way you would want to be treated.Allow special time for this person.

Aries (March 21-April19)

The helpless...

Name:Renaldo Lapuz The writer of Brother’s Forever, Lapuz put on a stellar preformace, with the help of Randy Jackson in front of his hero, Simon Cowell. Much like William Hung, he sings from his heart and hopes to sing a record deal.

His original lyrics and costume made American across the country fall in love. When Paula asked him why had Simon’s name on his hat he replied with, “ Everywhere I go, television, radio, everyone speaks the name of Simon.” There is no doubt hat Brothers Forever will be an instant YouTube hit. People like him make American Idol so amazingly entertaining.

Bedingfield’s second, a super success

By Avery Adcock If there were an award for the most over-played song of last year it would surely go to “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. The fresh songwriter had a lot riding on her second album but one thing is for sure, she has not disappointed anyone. Her sophomore album, Pocketful of Sunshine continues with the up-beat, sing-a-long melodies that America has loved.

As a whole, the album is definitely better than her last, however there are some songs I could do without. The most popular hit, “Love Like This featuring Sean Kingston” was released early to give listeners a taste of what the album would be like. The song is by far the best on this album and the collaboration is nothing less than amazing. The album has an aura of freshness and creativity that many songwriters today seem to be lacking.

“Pirate Bones” and “Backyard” are too much like the other tracks. Despite the lyrics, they just do not have the flair that the other songs have. The album would have

Horoscopes Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)

Written by Avery Adcock

Entertainment Review

February 8— Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins —Fool’s Gold —The Hottie and the Nottie —The Band’s Visit —Spiral In Bruges

You are very good at solving problems.

Someone will need your help with this. Take care with this situation and you will be rewarded.

Take everything one day at a time.

Name:Shannon McGough She works at her parent’s meat market and loves to belch.

Don’t be fooled by her appearance, because her singing is anything but good. Her song, Cry Baby was so bad you have to see it for yourself.

You can tell that when she said no one has ever told her that she is bad at singing she actually believed it. She tried so hard belt out a song that she could simply not handle. I liked her back story but she was horrible. However, American Idol would not be the same without this horrendous hopefuls. The reason that millions tune in is for people like her.

Ave’s Favs

New Movie Releases

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

The bad...

Name: Robbie Carrico Aformer boy band singer, Carrico definitely wants to escape his days of pop-tunes and continue on to rockand-roll stardome. Of all the Miami auditions only 17 received tickets to Hollywood. By far he had the best male audition with his rendition of Simple Man. He definitely has the best voice so far and is sure to make it to the finals. He is going for the rocker thing, however his look is a little too grunge. The producers will surely change that the first chance they get. His voice is both soulful and powerful and would melt any girl’s heart away. It’s good to finally hear an actual singer.

are twice as long as the actual audition. The life stories seem to be more important than the actual song.

As the seasons go on more and more hopeless performers make it through. I hate to say it, but I love watching the people who you cannot help but laugh at, however, the actors should not be making it through. Too many times, people looking for airtime, make it over those who actually care. It is becoming harder and harder to decipher whether people actually believe what they are saying or are just looking for a TMZ shout out.

No matter if you have not been hooked on American Idol before or even care, this season is worth it to watch.

There is no doubt that the audition episodes are the best, but this season I can tell there are going to be many William Hungs among the contestants.

Even if you hate the auditions, Paula provides more than enough entertainment.

19

“Unwritten” and “Love received an A if it were like This” that are not for these outliers. great. I cannot tell you With songs about how nice it was to listen “apple bottom jeans to a real musician for a and boots with the while. Sure, Lil Mama fur” by Flo rida and Soulja Boy are fun Bedingfield’s speak to listen to, but as far as to a slightly more mabeing real musicians I ture audience. After am not so sure.

I listened to the first Bedingfield has the track, “Put Your Arms perfect combination of Around Me” I looked pop melodies that evoutside expecting to eryone will love, and see a bright sunshine, but was disillusioned to find that the slush was still melting soulful ballads. There is no doubt that it takes a certain listener to really enjoy her newest album, however, I can and there was nothing in the sky but clouds.

The title track, “Pocketful of Sunshine” has a slightly say that I was hooked at the first song.

Guys may not go crazy over her tracks but girls will soulful tone that is definitely more mature than tracks on Bedingfield’s previous album. The premises of her songs certainly fall in love with them. Bedingfield possesses an would inspire even the dreariest of souls. “Pocketful of unexplainable aura of light-heartedness that was very Sunshine” speaks of fighting against the pessimists and apparent in this album.

Previously, Bedingfield had mostly ballad-like songs rising above the doubts of others. When Bedingfield sings “Do what you want but you’re never going to break me, with little backround accompaniment. However, this album has more instruments that add to the overall sticks and stones are never going to shake me, no,” effect. Even if you have been living under a rock you actually believe it.

How can you listen to “A face without freckles is Pocketful of for the last couple of years and have not heard Sunshine of Natasha Bedingfield, this one is a sure-fire like a sky without the stars” in the song, “Freckles” hit. The album speaks to a variety of issues and not feel the least bit happy? The songwriting is that listeners can identify with. The lyric and truly amazing in this sophomore effort. “Soulmate” songwriting illustrates that of a fifth or sixth is a great song and will have you pressing the repeat album, not the second. button the first time you hear it.

The album also comes with acoustic versions of

B+

Sudoku

Compliment someone and the favor will be returned. Your friends will notice your kindness this month. Try to stay away from friends that get you into trouble.

Taurus (April 20-May18)

There will be turmoil this month.

Instead of overreaching take in the criticism.

If you allow yourself to let go you will be rewarded with a time of relaxation.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Your fun-loving personality brightens everyone’s day. Keep smiling. No matter the situation don’t let anything get you down.

Your creativity will be noticed.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Plan a party for your friends. You will have fun by making others happy. Invite those who you had disagreements with because a relationship will begin.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

This month seems to be busier than ever. Have as much fun as you can, while not hurting anyone’s feelings.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)

Solve a disagreement with a friend. This friend is worth it, which you will soon find out. If things don’t work out try again. You will have this friend for life.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Make sure that you treat the people around you with care.

The more you think positively the more the people around you will be inspired. Keep a positive attitude.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

You will have an influx of money this month. Make a careful decesion as to how you are going to spend it. Take a friend out to lunch or go to the aquarium.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

medium

WWW.DAILYSUDOKU.COM

easy

WWW.DAILYSUDOKU.COM

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

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

Don’t let yourself down. You have worked very hard to succeed so don’t let up.

The more you work the better your reward will be. Make someone in your family proud.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Take a day to promote your mind, body, and spirit. Take a stroll in the park or a few minutes to center your thoughts.

The more you relax the better you will feel.

20 U2 Discography • Boy Sept. 1980 • October Sept. 1981

• • • •

War Feb. 1983 Under a Blood Red Sky Sept. 1983 The Unforgettable Fire Sept. 1984 The Joshua Tree Feb. 1987

WEEKEND

U2

A

t

Feb. 5, 2008

hits new elevation on the big screen

With high definition cinematography and state-ofthe-art digital surround sound, the Johnston IMAX Theater’s U2 in 3D is the sweetest thing

BY CAROLINE MERZ Weekend Editor

• • • •

Rattle and Hum Sept. 1988 Achtung Baby Oct. 1991 Zooropa June 1993 Pop Feb.1997

• The Best of 1980-1990 Oct. 1998 • All That You Can’t Leave Behind Oct. 2002

“Uno, dos, tres…catorce!” is the infamous number sequence screamed by Bono at the beginning of the song “Vertigo,” the opening number to the exciting new IMAX that hit the Johnston theatre at the Museum of Natural History Jan. 24.

U2 3D is a breathtaking film of eye-popping proportions that captures its audience through extreme sight and sound. Sandy Climan, executive producer, uses the 3D IMAX experience to take an already thrilling U2 concert to new heights.

It made its debut Jan. 24 and it will stay in the museum for at least the remainder of February, if not longer, according to Smithsonian information.

The total 80 minutes is purely concert footage shot from 7 different shows, using the most 3D cameras for any single project, with some of their most famous songs on the playlist.

Every aspect of a concert is brought straight to you, minus the body sweat and beer. An average U2 concert goes for $76-130 and boasts about their highest grossing of the first half with ticket sales of $69 million (ABC News).

Audiences do not have to deal with the ticket prices, food, parking, or any expenses, only the small fee of $12.50. Not only cheap, but the movie takes viewers on sight with the best seats in the house.

As cameras zip across the top of the crowd, one moment you are in the back of the audience, jumping to the beat of “Beautiful Day,” and the next you are up close and personal with Bono; the sweat dripping down his face and the energy from his powerful vocals encompass the room with the use of the theatre’s wraparound digital surround sound.

The IMAX presents such a clear picture that it is as though the latest HD (high definition) picture from the living room television has been blow up to a screen sixty feet high by 90 feet wide –excellent cinematography!

The playlist consists of thirteen of U2’s greatest hits, a compilation from their 15 produced albums, including “In The Name of Love,” “Love and Peace or Else,” and “Sunday, Bloody Sunday.”

Everything dating from 1980 to today, a perfect sample of the not-so-flash-in-the-pan band.

Each hypnotizes people in the audience (both on screen and in the theatre) into dancing, clapping, tapping their feet, nodding their heads,

and singing in unison with Bono.

“The difficulties of the past will not prevent us from making a better future,” said Bono, following the song “Where the Streets Have No Name.”

Beyond the lyrics, beyond the visuals, beyond the beat, there is a very powerful message. In an effort to promote world peace, the band has incorporated “Coexist” into the delivery of their performance; living in harmony, all religions.

Bono even takes it a step further by putting on a head bandana with the words printed on it. Each letter is represented by different religious symbols such as the crescent moon and star as the C, the Star of David as the X, and the cross as the T etc.

Their message will grab you, but not bore you. It is not overdone with preaching and the music just reiterates the point but won’t distract you from the excitement of the concert.

Suitable for all ages; music for the 80s generation, the 90s, and today. Relive the memories from your first U2 concert, or share the experience with family and friends who have never had that opportunity. For more information visit the band’s official website at U2.com or the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History at www.si.edu/imax.

Meet Paul Hewson aka Bono

Upcoming Concerts

Matchbox Twenty Fri. Feb. 8 Patriot Center 7:30 p.m.

Price: $55-75

Toby Keith

Sun. Feb. 17 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore 7:30 p.m.

Price: $43.75-60.75

Excited crowds wave and cheer in anticipation of each upcoming song. As part of the audience, viewers are brought not only into the crowd, but actually on-stage with the band as they perform 14 of their most famous songs from their chart-topping 15 albums. The show will run through the month of February and tickets are $11 for youth and seniors and $12.50 for ages 13 and up.

What’s On The Menu Restaurant Guide

By Claire Bui and Caroline Merz

Spartans Linkin Park

w/ Special Guests Coheed and Cambria Tues. Feb. 19 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore 7 p.m.

Price: $38.50-54

Spice Girls

Thurs. Feb. 21 Verizon Center

7:30 p.m.

Price: $72.50-122.50

In most restaurants, when asked to seat yourself, it is usually implied that there are enough seats so that you are able to seat yourself. Not typically are you asked to sit, wait, and search out the next available table when that party of six finally signs their bill.

It was an interesting game of musical chairs and many customers appeared a little concerned when asked if they were close to finishing up by one of the anxious, standing parties.

So seating could be improved, but don’t let that be a turn off from the family friendly restaurant that is Spartans. Is it Greek or Italian? Naturally I would assume Greek (Spartans…Greek…300 etc.) but I don’t know, seeing as I was a bit taken aback by their large menu section “Italian”.

Yet again, these little quirks did not hinder my curiosity and I proceeded to order an appetizer: Tzatiki. I was surprised when a large bowl of sauce came out followed by another bowl of pita bread. I had ordered cucumber dip.

It came decadently adorned with olives and garnish and it was the perfect appetizer; satisfying, but light enough to keep you hungry. It was a shame I went overboard with their Xenia’s favorite pita, a white greek pizza topped with spinach and feta cheese. Both recommended, but only go for one.

Birthday: May 10, 1960 Marital Status: Alison Stewart Hometown: Dublin, Ireland Children: Jordan, Memphis Eve, Elijah Bob Patricus Guggi Q, and John Abraham.

Other Occupations: Activist, screenwriter, orator, and amateur thespian.

Band Position: Vocals, guitar, harmonica, piano Appearances: Can be spotted in the D.C. area. Travels often on trips to promote his world united movements.

Fun Fact: Originally named Paul Hewson, he was nicknamed ‘Bono Vox’ by his school friend, Guggi, and it was by coincidence that it is cockeyed latin for “good voice.”

For our party of five our entrée options were scattered among the menu.

I ordered the shishkebab, but at my table we also had a gyro, lasagna, fried shrimp, and a grilled cheese. Clearly, a diverse spread.

No complaints in the food area. Spartans is extremely generous with their portions. A cup of coffee comes as a pot and a carafe of wine will come filled to the brim. Those with small appetites may be in for a shock.

The shishkebab, a beautifully huge filet mignon, was cooked perfectly, served with warm, fresh, vegetables, and hot brown rice.

With the gyro, we made many references and comparisons to Chipotle, the popular burrito joint, in terms of size. It was difficult to pick up, yet perfect for silverware (no fun, I know).

The lasagna was mediocre; very fresh and warm, but lasagna, and fried shrimp was not a surprise when we located it on the menu –with such a smorgasbord of other tastes it fit right in there.

It was our fault that we ordered too much but it is very easy to stuff yourself silly. I had to force myself to drop my fork and call it quits after completing the first half of the enormous shishkebab. We opted to end all of the madness and of course…order dessert.

Enough variety to please a crowd, Spartans offers everything from baklava to simple ice cream scoops with chocolate pudding and cheesecake with blueberries and/or strawberries in the middle. It is not recommended to order more than one…you will make yourself sick. The food is delicious but you do not want to overdo it.

It’s name says it all: family appropriate. Make sure your family does not exceed six though or you will find yourself standing for the majority of your visit in search of seating.

Perfect for couples, plenty of two seat booths and tables.

But as noted by a fellow diner, it would be ideal for a first date if you do not plan on having a first kiss; onions and garlic are very key ingredients in a number of the dishes.

Prices are also favorable for this type of outing. Also a

CAROLINE MERZ

• The Best of 1990-2000 Oct. 2002 • How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb Nov. 2004 • U218 Singles Nov. 2006

The Greek Gyro combines fresh lamb, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and feta, dressed with a light sauce and wrapped in a warm pita.

fun setting for family, hence the name ‘family restaurant’, or for a fun Friday night out with friends.

Located right outside of Annandale on Burke road, minutes from Lake Braddock High School and only ten minutes from Annandale High School.

Location: 9542 Burke Rd Burke, VA 22015 703-503-5800

Food: Service: Decor: out of 4 stars