The Eyrie November Issue • 2015

THE EYRIE vol. 55 || no. 1

NOVEMBER ISSUE

Eden Prairie High School

SPOTLIGHT ARTISTS

LIGHT RAIL

MISOGYNY IN MUSIC

EAGLE VISION NEWS

Two students express themselves through different means

Light rail connects EP to Minneapolis, but divides locals

An opinion about how hip hop forgot about women

Behind the scenes: Bringing the news to life

pg. 8-9

pg. 11

pg. 24

pg. 36

LESSONS LEARNED WHILE RIDING A BIKE pg. 20

CONTENTS Staff Behind the scenes of EVN pg. 34

Editors-in-chief Elizabeth Kenyon Max Chao Managing Editor Andrew Donohue Business Manager Anthony Rosa Website Editors Andrew Donohue Claire Hassler Website Assistant Editors Anya Otterson Zenab Kashif Photography and Graphics Staff Dustin Wolf Greta Frye Rachel Johnson Sawyer Hilt Zenab Kashif

Jen volunters at AHS pg. 30

Arts & Entertainment Editor Elizabeth Kenyon Arts and Entertainment Assistant Editor Tala Alfoqaha Cover Story Editor Kristina Briant

How hip hop forgot about women

pg. 24

Cover Story Assistant Editor Sophie Brandser Feature Editor Yasmine Chavez Feature Assistant Editor Anya Otterson News Editor Max Chao News Assistant Editor Sara Michael Opinion Editor Claire Hassler Opinion Assistant Editor Emilee Jacobson Profile Editor Murphy Hullet-Nelson Sports Editor Abbey Mertz Sports Assistant Editor Kayla Albers Columnists Anthony Rosa Arun Pargal Calder Sell Advisor Jodie Flolid

2 | CONTENTS

Policies

Mission Statement The Eyrie strives to be an accurate, informative and entertaining publication for the students and faculty of EPHS. Letters The Eyrie encourages all students and faculty to share their views with the school. All letters must be signed; however, names may be withheld in certain situations.

Once received, the Eyrie reserves the right to edit letters for length or content.

Editorials Staff Editorials are staff-written and approved by a two-thirds majority of the staff. All other opinion pieces reflect the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication, student body, faculty or administration.

Multi-media To follow the Eyrie on Twitter, use the Twitter handle the_eyrie.

To find us on facebook, search for the Eyrie. For daily content and school updates, visit theeyrie.org Printer The Eyrie is printed by the Eden Prairie Schools Printing Services, 17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346

THE EYRIE vol. 55 || no. 1

NOVEMBER ISSUE

Eden Prairie High School

SPOTLIGHT ARTISTS

LIGHT RAIL

MISOGYNY IN MUSIC

EAGLE VISION NEWS

Two students express themselves through different means

Light rail connects EP to Minneapolis, but divides locals

An opinion about how hip hop forgot about women

Behind the scenes: Bringing the news to life

pg. 8-9

pg. 11

pg. 24

pg. 36

LESSONS LEARNED WHILE RIDING A BIKE pg. 20

Cover Illustration by Zenab Kashif Cover Design by Elizabeth Kenyon

Tia paints pg. 8

New clubs pg. 10

Performance team pg. 19

Letter from the Editors We chose to focus more on our website at first this year (cough, theeyrie.org, cough), which explains the unusually late arrival of the muchawaited first issue. Now that we’re officially back in the swing of things (only a week left before the end of the first term!), feel free to bury your face in the Eyrie. Read up on the light rail coming to EP, look at pictures from fall sports and find places to chill in your area. The Eyrie staff was graced with oodles of new staffers this year, all with immeasurable talent. But don’t take our word for it--check it our for yourself!

Cheers,

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 3

A&E

A SHOW AND A MURDER!

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“Curtains” cast and crew prepare for production

E

STORY AND PHOTO BY SAWYER HILT

very year the drama department puts on a musical in the fall, and this year is no different. “Curtains” is a murder mystery centering around a theater department in ahigh-school. Basically, “Curtains” is a show SHOW TIMES within a show. The show will be premiering on November 13th.

7:30 p.m. on Friday, “Curtains” will be starring Joe Keely and November 13 Riley McGlasson, who play the investigator 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the love interest in the show. “Curtains” November 14 begins with the preview of a show, and when 7:30 p.m. on Thursday the scene is over, the star of the inner show November 19 receives two bouquets, the curtains are drawn 7:30 p.m. on Friday, and she collapses. Without giving too much November 20 away, the rest of the show is surrounding the 1:30 p.m. murder investigation.

7:30 p.m. on Saturday According to the director Rolf Olson, “CurNovember 21 tains” is unique to shows like “Footloose” or $5 for students and seniors “The Boyfriend” in providing students with an experience in contemporary theater, some$7 for adults thing EPHS students have not yet had handson experience with.

“Curtains” is also providing a unique experience in that it is a murder mystery, which will allow the ending to be a surprise to audience members. Because of this, the theater tech crew as well as the cast have had to keep the ending secret, and there is little that can be revealed about the story other than the basic premise.

The theater tech for this production faced a unique challenge in creating the set without a set designer. Cammie Stein will be working with Annabelle, Olson and Rannow on set design. Jennifer Leverico said, “She’s helping plan-out and draw the whole set. She’s very dedicated in that way.”

The theater technicians are confident in the set and as James Rannow said, “The actors are going to tell the story, and we’re providing them the environment to do it in.”

Through a lot of hard work by theater technicians, actors and directors, “Curtains” is coming together. Look forward to the musical premiering on November 13.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 5

the reviews

DOGWOOD COFFEE

Coffee beans and pop art.

BY ZENAB KASHIF

Coffee shops have always been one of my favorite places to spend a lazy afternoon.

Recently, during a day off of school, I ventured into downtown Minneapolis with a good friend of mine to catch up at the infamous Dogwood Coffee. After seeing countless pictures on Instagram and Facebook, we decided it would be a perfect place for us to sip some coffee and talk.

The location of the coffee shop is nothing short of a delight. It is centered on the thriving Hennepin Avenue in the heart of Uptown Minneapolis inside Calhoun Square. When it comes to the exterior, the café has a minimalistic touch with a brick building and a bright red sign.

Contrasting to many coffee shops, this one has minimal seating outside. This makes it a little more inclusive and private, perfect for studying or working. Dogwood is the first coffee bar on the left side with H&M right next to it at the entrance to Calhoun Square.

An addition to the lovely interior, the cafe has an incredible mural painted behind the seating in the coffee shop. Covering the entire front wall, it is made from pop art and album covers. The vibrant colors and unique setup make the interior of the café both welcoming and metropolitan.

To accompany the scent of brewing coffee

and old books, the café has a large collection of coffee to select from, whether it be iced tea, hot chocolate or espressos. After thinking about it for more than a few minutes, I decided to try one of their signature mochas. Along with a good assortment of coffees and teas to purchase, the cafe also has many snacks to buy.

There are multiple different types of cookies and pastries to go with the coffee.

After receiving the coffee in a nice white mug, my friend and I sat down on a table close to the main counter. For a while, both of us didn’t try the coffee because we were in awe of how beautiful the coffee looked and were busy taking pictures. The visual appearance of the coffee was almost as amazing as its taste.

Not only was the coffee sweet, it was also very strong. The taste of the cream accompanied the coffee beans amazingly. It is perfect coffee for a person who needs that extra boost in the morning (like myself).

Although the coffee and setting is amazing, the only down side to the coffee shop is the prices. The coffee is incredible, but the prices are slightly higher than those of Starbucks and Caribou. A simple large latte in Dogwood is nearly five dollars as opposed to Starbucks, which sells their grande lattes for three. Regardless, if you are looking to stay and do your homework or you simply want to pick up a good cup of coffee, I recommend giving Dogwood Coffee a try. It is completely worth it.

New author resurrects old series

BY MUPRHY HULLETT-NELSON When I heard that a fourth book in the Millennium series was due to come out I could barely hold in my excitement. As a freshman, I had read all the books and loved them. I had seen both the movies and I was so obsessed with the series people compared me to the main character, Lisbeth Salander. I always took that as a compliment.

However, I was skeptical this new author could tackle such a dark and brooding series.

It was ambitious, to say the least, to resurrect a character from the dead author’s mind. I never in a million years thought one could ever

6 | A&E

bring this series back, but David Langecrast did bring back this dying series. This book is a definite thrill ride you will not want to stop.

Each chapter leaves you wanting more and more. Salander, the main character, develops as a person throughout the series. In this book she comes into her own in a new and fascinating way.

The author brings beloved character Lisbeth Salander back out into the open. The book also brings new characters into play as well. While being familiar with old characters, the new characters fascinate the reader. If you want a quick, “can’t put it down” kind of book, The Girl in the Spider’s Web is sure to please.

FLICKR PHOTO

Image introduces new creativity to the comic book scene

BY SAWYER HILT In the last five to ten years, the general public has been bombarded with many different iterations of Marvel and DC comic books that have been made into movies. These movies have reduced comic books to superheroes making people think the only comics available for purchase are superhero comics, and people who don’t like superheroes think that because of this they will not like comics. In reality though there are actually a lot more genres of comic books than there appear to be.

In 1992, “Image”, a new comic book publisher formed between seven different comic book creators.. In the age of overconsumption of comic books, Image set out to create a new type of a comic book publisher, a publisher where creators (writers and artists) were still valued. This publisher specialized in creator owned content, something that attracted a lot of talented artists and writers such as Brian K. Vaughan, Eric Stephenson, Fiona Staples and many more.

My personal recommendation for those interested in getting into comics is to start by reading some Image comics. Image’s comics have no confusing multiverses or cross-over issues, and each story is independent to the others, meaning that it is easy to casually read just one or two series by Image without having to worry about how those series relate to any others.

With Marvel and DC, comic books have become a lot more mainstream, but new readers often find comics by the “big two” (Marvel and DC) to be intimidating. Creators have also had difficulties recently with Marvel and DC, because Marvel and DC do not value their writers and artists as much as many independent comic book publishers. For the average reader, and the creator, “Image” has proven to be the solution to these problems.

Recommendations for new readers: “Saga” by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples “They’re not Like Us” by Eric Stephenson and Simon Gene “Black Science” by Rick Remender “East of West” by Jonathan Hickman

BY YASMIN CHAVEZ Before viewing “Jem and the Holograms”, I decided to watch the trailer to get an idea about what I was getting myself into. Needless to say, I was neither impressed nor intrigued to go watch the film. I could already predict the cliché and unrealistic plot that seems to come with every “rise to fame” movie.

After almost wasting two hours of my life, I was feeling pretty confident in my fortune telling abilities because my predictions were completely right. The movie was as cliché and unrealistic as I expected it to be.

The plot of “Jem and the Holograms” centers around a girl named Jerrica Benton who is a talented singer/songwriter. She is the typical shy character that happens to become an overnight sensation after her younger sister uploads a video of her singing online.

The rest of the plot follows Jerrica’s journey in becoming a famous superstar along with her sisters and realizing what it means to find

her own voice in the music industry. But the plot takes an unexpected turn when the girls also embark on a journey to discover a hidden message within a robot that Jerrica’s father left unfinished after his death.

This weird addition to the plot was one of my major issues with the film. Most of the movie focused on the subplot rather than the major one. The lack of balance between these two plots resulted in a choppy movie that left me confused as to what the point of the film was.

Also her rise to fame story is unrealistic as she manages to become a global sensation over night (60,000 views in one single night!).

By the next morning, everyone seems to know her name. People start to wear their hair and makeup just like her even though she released one single video of her singing!

Also her shyness and stage fright seem to magically disappear overnight. She shows no fear in performing in front of a large crowd, which is odd because in the beginning of the

FLICKR PHOTO

Uncovering a worthless jem

movie it is made clear that she is very camera shy.

Even though the film was of low quality, the musical numbers and singing were not too terrible. The songs played by the Jems could easily be songs that you find playing on the radio. The costume designs were not exactly my taste, but it was clear that the costume designers put effort in creating a unique fashion style for the film. There were also some heartfelt moments and I admit some parts were funny to watch.

Overall, the movie is exactly as cliché and boring as it looks like in the trailer. It is definitely not worth the $11 movie ticket or your time.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 7

spotlight artists

TIA LANG

Expressing herself through pictures

BY EMILEE JACOBSON Senior Tia Lang’s main passion throughout her life has been her joy for art and photography. Lang enjoys expressing herself through her clothing as well as artwork. She is always pushing the limits, and working with new styles.

Lang mostly enjoys doing watercolor artwork such as landscapes and portraits. Lang said, “Art has been an outlet for me when I am stressed. I love being creative and expressing myself through my pictures.”

Other than drawing and painting, Lang loves taking pictures. She is often paid to take students’ senior pictures and has found it to be very rewarding work. Lang said the best thing about photography is “having the ability to make people feel beautiful, and see themselves in a new way.”

8 | A&E

Ever since Lang was a child, she grew up in a household where freedom of expression had always been encouraged. Her father who acted as her biggest role model, was what helped her pursue her interest in art. He is a doctor, and a part-time artist.

Since growing up with him had such a great impact, she has always wanted to follow in his footsteps. Like her father, who she considers her biggest role model, she hopes to become a surgeon as well as a part time artist.

Lang believes that her love of artwork and photography have left a major impact on who she is today. She believes that it has not only made her well rounded, but also given her a sense of creativity that most people lose this day in age. Her creativity has benefitted her in ways inside, and outside of the classroom.

Inhale Around you, the pureness of the air prevails Walls were stripped prior to your love that tipped Into my soul, where you mindlessly glued lingering pieces of my heart that were once ripped Genuine affection sincerely sent from you has always been everlasting protection Within & throughout my veins your spirit remains & I drown into your eyes every time you see through mine to memorize your reflection Relentlessly, protruding & permeating deep into your dreams that forever reveals hidden feelings Hold tight unto the eternal felicity bleeding because What we share is without ceilings Exhale

“Her laughter lingers lucidly within my mind & her passion of exuberance lives in my heart to bleed out benevolence instead of pride” -Candise Fountain

-Candise Fountain

A POET WHO KNOWS IT

Expressing herself through words

BY KAYLA ALBERS Ideas will come and go, but words are here to stay. Senior Candise Fountain has been able to prove this through poetry, using her poems as a way to make sense of the world. With pen and paper being her greatest tool, she is able to use writing and poetry as therapy in her everyday life.

Fountain has been writing poetry since she started high school. “It’s kind of like my escape from reality, everybody has their own thing to do whether it is a sport, or painting,” said Fountain. “My thing to do just to clear my head is poetry.”

Writing poems is a type of art that is not very commonly practiced among high schoolers because of the way students are expected to think in order to succeed in their classes. Fountain believes that art isn’t very common or thought of, that it is underrated because society seems to be a factor that limits creativity.

Poetry is a type of writing that can be very personal to the writer; because of this, it can be frightening to let other people in on what is so close to the heart of its author. “It is very vulnerable, especially sharing it. It’s kinda like you know what’s going on right here in my heart, in my mind, it’s all open,” Fountain said. Poetry allows people to find who they are, or even discover something new that they feel passionate about, like Fountain did.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 9

NEWS

Ukulele Club members learn a new song PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

Join the club

New clubs bring new interests to students Other New Clubs App Club Advisor: Jennifer Nelson Ballroom Dancing Club Advisor: Patti Werning Chinese Club Advisor: Ergan Xu Kindness Club Advisor: Kjersten Welter Medical Exploreres Club Advisor: Sarah Sipe Middle Eastern Interactions Club Advisor: Craig Hollenbeck Partners in Health Club Advisor: Tom Halloran Philosophy Club Advisor: Steve Cwodzinski Students Against Drunk Driving Advisor: Brian Klotz Smash Bros. Club Advisor: Sam Schurman Unique Learners Rising Above Advisor: Julie Sowatzka Young Moderates Club Advisor: Kelsey Snyder

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BY MAX CHAO

W

ith over 60 student-run clubs currently operating within the school, EPHS is always alive with student activity. On September 29, the school-wide activities rush showcased clubs that have long been a part of EPHS, and some that are making their debut.

This year, there are 12 new clubs which range in topic from the arts to software development. “We offer more than anyone in the state, maybe anybody in the country as far as opportunities for students,” said Nancy Schmitt, Activities Coordinator for EPHS. The school offers over 60 clubs and activities, not including the 35 varsity sports, five drama productions, numerous musical programs and additional independent provider programs.

One of the most popular new clubs is the ukulele club, which attracted over 120 signees at the activities rush. “That blew me away, there were way more people than I thought,” said junior Stella Lindbergh, the club’s founder.

The club’s goal is to promote ukulele musicianship amongst all students, whether they have been playing for a long time or if they just purchased a ukulele. “I, personally, think that the ukulele is the happiest instrument,” said Lindbergh. “I thought that Eden Prairie could use ukuleles.”

Another new club is the printmaking club, which explores the art of taking photographs

on film and developing them. Seniors Danika Kurisko and Abby Rechkin founded the club after taking a photography class last year. “We really liked the process of taking our pictures on non-digital SLR cameras and then going into the darkroom and developing the film and making prints, so we thought that we would start a club,” said Kurisko.

The club gives its members access to the school’s cameras and time in the darkroom, which was only previously accessible by photography students. “People are really excited about it because we haven’t had it before, so it’s something new,” said Rechkin EPHS has created an environment where student interests can thrive, and many different interests can be explored. “We do a lot here that a lot of schools don’t, and I don’t think our students realize that as much because this is what they know,” said Schmitt.

Seniors Danika Kurisko and Abby Rechkin started the Printmaking club

PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

You Should Probably Know:

Greek financial crisis and austerity measures News for teenagers, by teenagers: Breaking down current events in ways you’ll understand.

BY ELIZABETH KENYON

MAP COURTESY OF METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

Light rail connects EP to MPLS, but divides locals

BY RACHEL JOHNSON

bring in more jobs. It should bring in more restaurants, venues and things like that just The Green Line Extension of the Light Rail because of the availability for workers.” will be a high-frequency train extending from In contrast, City Council Member Brad Aho, downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, St. voted during the September 15th meeting Louis Park, Hopkins and Minnetonka. This new voted against municipal constant to the placemode of transportation will give another way ment of the light rail. Aho said, “right now our for Eden Prairie residents to commute to and parking that we have for the Southwest bus from the city. station is pretty well utilized and quite full. So On September 15, the City Council of Eden now when you have the addition of the SouthPrairie agreed to municipal consent, which west LRT, with more commuters coming there, means that one station will be cut from the I am afraid it is going to eat into our parking for route in Eden Prairie and another station will Southwest transit users.” be postponed. The light The light rail is also rail will have two stations planned to go near the within Eden Prairie near Purgatory Creek area, the Southwest bus stawhere the Veteran’s metion and one near the morial is placed. Aho said, Golden Triangle employ“I am not envisioning that ment area. it is going to enhance the - Nancy Tyra-Lukens The Southwest Extenlook of our park having sion of the light rail has caused quite a bit of that overhead [...].” The idea of noise pollution controversy within the community. Some adis also a concern for the business owners that vantages to having the light rail within the city are near the path of the light rail. include the positive financial impact, an alterOn the topic of the environment Tyranative for commuting to and from Eden Prairie Lukens said,”yes, there will be environmental and better the connection between cities. impacts but think of the impact of bumper to Economically, the light rail will make jobs bumper traffic spewing carbon dioxide all over available to the residents as explained by our roads.” She believes that although the conMayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens. Constructive comstruction of the light rail will have some impact muting will become more prominent which on the environment, over time, the light rail will allows people to read and check e-mails while leave less of an ecological footprint. traveling to their place of work. According Although construction is scheduled for later to Tyra-Lukens, the light rail “is going to be this fall, the completed light rail will not be economically a big benefit for the city. It should available until 2020.

“The light rail is going to be, economically, a big benefit for the city.”

Greece is having a bit of a meltdown; financially, that is. Technically, they have been for a long time, but it was only in the last year that they’ve faced the very real threat of being kicked out of the Eurozone if they can’t get it together.

The Eurozone consists of countries in Europe that all use the same currency.

The system was launched on Jan. 1, 1999 because of the many advantages it offers, like lower exchange rates between countries. It also encourages people to travel and shop FLICKR PHOTO in other countries.

Sounds like a blast! At least, Greece thought so. Back in 2001, Greek political leaders wanted in on Club Eurozone so badly that they pushed some expenses under the rug to make it look like they had their budget under control. Surprise! They didn’t.

Regardless, they were accepted into the Eurozone and spent like there was no tomorrow. Eventually, when they were already hundreds of billions of dollars in debt, they had no choice but to ask international creditors for help. The country was bailed out, but the relief came with some austerity measures.

Everyone and their proverbial mothers know that Greece is not a fan of austerity measures. At all. Austerity measures are attempts to tighten a government’s budget in order to control debt. After being bailed out, the country had to deal with tax hikes, layoffs and pension cuts. Because of this, more than a quarter of the population is unemployed, and living standards have been down.

A new political party called Syriza was elected to power earlier this year on the promise to rid the country of the such-despised austerity measures. Do you hear that?

That’s the sound of the rest of Europe rolling on the floor laughing. As if!

Still, the new leaders argued for months with their creditors over the terms for yet another bailout.

The end result? More austerity measures.

Womp, womp.

Greek powers made their bed. Now they have to pay for it.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 11

New pool name to commemorate Sydney Galleger

BY ANTHONY ROSA Sydney Galleger was an involved student at EPHS. She participated in Alpine, synchronized swimming, and volunteered regularly.

Most importantly though, she was set to be the captain of the EPHS Swim and Dive team for her senior year. She had been diving since the seventh grade and was one of the coach’s favorites. Diving was her true passion. Unfortunately, back in June, Galleger passed away due to complications during wisdom teeth surgery.

The community was devastated.

Coincidentally, the Eden Prairie Community Center was in the process of building a new pool, which is where the EPHS Swim and Dive team practice. The new pool needed a new name, and that seemed like the perfect opportunity to commemorate Sydney’s life. Longtime family friend of the Gallegers, Jennifer Nerison, commented “The timing of the pool renovation nearing completion & the opportunity to name one of the pools, made it all seem like the perfect way to honor her legacy for years to come. There’s something so special about her memory living on in the place where she found her love for the sport of diving.”

However, naming rights aren’t cheap. In fact, to name the pool after Galleger had a price tag of $75,000. This is because Team FoxJets, a competitive Eden Prairie swimming team, heavily lobbied for the pool. Consequently, the city of Eden Praire required that FoxJets raise half a million dollars to help pay

Photo by Zenab Kashif

for the pool. Naming rights were part of the way to get to that sum of money. Parks and Recreation director, Jay Lotthammer, further explained, “Team FoxJets committed to raising $500,000 towards the new aquatics addition through fundraising and naming rights. The process that was established for the naming rights of the pools listed them as a value of $75,000.” Nerison was the individual who spearheaded the fundraising campaign for the naming rights. She was aided by a plethora of community members and businesses generously willing to help. The majority of donations

were made through the website epcommunityfoundation.org and the goal was quickly reached. Nerison showed great appreciation for the communities efforts, “I am so proud to be a part of this community that goes above & beyond to embrace the Galleger family with love.”

The entire pool project has an anticipated completion date of sometime in mid December of this year. The pool will bring joy to many swimmers and divers to honor a girl “who had a big heart and an even bigger smile, never to be forgotten.”

School favorites return to Prairie Grounds

BY ANTHONY ROSA When one ventures into the Prairie Grounds Coffee Shop, they have the ability to purchase a giant chocolate chip or cinnamon scone.

They are hugely popular and are the number one item at EPHS’s coffee shop.

However, last year new federal health regulations put limits on sugar and sodium content, and required that all grain products sold in public schools be whole grain. This resulted in the popular scones being replaced by new whole grain scones from California.

The old scones were not going out without a fight and have made reappearance this year, which raises the question, how are the old scones being sold if they don’t meet federal health regulations?

According to Roxann Roushar, the Director of Child Nutrition for Eden Prairie Schools, the new scones did not sit well with students. Additionally, in a survey of 100 students in the new commons, 95 out of 100 of the respondents preferred the old scones to the new ones.

Consequently, school item sales, like the scone’s sugar content, took a massive whole grain slice. In fact, the school lost so much money from the change that they applied for a waiver from the state of Minnesota to

12 | NEWS

Photo by Dustin Wolf

allow them extra time to find a replacement for the beloved scones.

The waiver was granted, and the school was given an extra year to find a product that slims down our students and fattens up their sales report.

While the old scones have made a comeback, it will be short-lived.

Unless the school somehow attains a second waiver or the federal health regulations weaken, the old scones will be dumped for good. Seeing as to how both those solutions are highly unlikely, students should take their time saying goodbye to the revered product and enjoy them while they last.

2016 Homecoming formal cancelled

BY TALA ALFOQAHA When it comes to homecoming festivities, EPHS has always been slightly unique.

Most of the neighboring high schools such as Chanhassen High School, Chaska High School, Holy Family and Edina hold only a formal homecoming dance, while EPHS has traditionally hosted two, both a formal and an informal.

This tradition will continue no longer, however, as next year’s homecoming formal dance has officially been cancelled.

Principal Conn McCartan explained that in past years, attendance to the informal dance surpassed that of the formal due to its laidback atmosphere (no date or dress necessary) and convenient timing that fell immediately after the homecoming football game.

Nevertheless, most students would’ve been quick to explain that the higher attendance didn’t necessarily mean the informal was the preferred dance. Junior Sophia Manicor said, “The informal dance is more accessible, but I definitely enjoy the formal dance more. There are so many events surrounding it that make it more memorable than the informal.”

Unfortunately, it seems these events are precisely the issue. Junior Elsa Dahlman found that the homecoming formal’s allure was derived from events surrounding the dance such as group pictures, dinner, after-parties and, perhaps most infamously, party buses, as opposed to the dance itself. “I do believe the events around it kind of overshadow the dance,” said Dahlman, “except I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. It’s fun.” Senior Ben Giles believed that “taking away our homecoming formal dance is like taking away our celebration of what our school is all about.”

However, some students such as junior Varun

Photo By Sawyer Hilt

Kamath felt differently. “I feel like the dance is more of an afterthought,” said Kamath, “most people only stay for twenty or thirty minutes and then leave, so I don’t think canceling it is that big of a deal.”

McCartan believed that with shrinking budgets, EPHS ultimately lacked the resources to host two homecoming dances. Furthermore, finding enough adult volunteers and chaperones for two separate dances posed a whole new set of obstacles. McCartan said that the question soon shifted from if a dance should be cancelled to which dance should be

New behavioral rules crack down on bullies

cancelled, and took credit for proposing the formal dance. The low attendance of the formal dance proved to be a pivotal detail, and McCartan cited it as one of the main reasons that the informal was spared.

Upon being asked whether this decision was subject to change between now and next year, McCartan said that while “no decision was irrevocable,” it would be highly unlikely for any change to occur. All other homecoming festivities will take place as normal, and while there may not be much hope for a homecoming formal next year, the years after are full of fresh possibilities.

BY MURPHY HULLET- NELSON

New bullying rules are coming at Eden Prairie High School this year.

The rules are mainly are about the privacy of students in the digital age.

One of these new rules states that you may not film a student or staff member without their consent.

Another addition as of this summer is that even if the bullying happens outside of school grounds or is not on school computers, students still will be held responsible for their actions. Principal McCartan clarified that “Every bad thing that happens to you is not bullying”. So, don’t worry for now if you had a one-time beef with someone online. McCartan also says that “We are doing our best” in the cases of bullying in the school and outside of the school.

Dean Kane says that all teachers went through a video training session and quiz to enforce anti bullying. She continued, “Sometimes people just say they’re joking; it won’t be dismissed anymore. It’s hurtful and not ok”.

Senior Emily Corpuz says, “it isn’t the school’s place, but it is goo to protect our students. Most students like the idea of having a no tolerance stance in schools.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 13

SPORTS

A rising star

Casey Mittlestadt aims early for the University of Minnesota

BY ANDREW DONOHUE A junior with sweet skills on the ice, Casey Mittelstadt is a hockey star in the making. A University of Minnesota commit before he even played a minute of high school hockey, Mittelstadt has a bright future ahead of him as seen by his 26 goals during last year’s season.

In fact, he is so in demand that the University of Minnesota is trying to get him to graduate a year early to come play for them.

Minnesota’s hockey coaches contacted Middlestadt this past summer and brought up this idea. “They had the idea that I could come play early for them, they have done this before for a couple of other players so it is not a new idea,” Mittelstadt said.

Obviously, this is difficult to do. EPHS has a list of requirements every student must meet in order to graduate. Some of these classes are only offered to seniors in school so Middlestadt is forced to take extra classes online in order to graduate early. “Right now, I’m taking English 12 online, and I’ll have to take a couple other classes later in the year,” he said.

This is a lot of additional work, which is why Mittelstadt is considering not graduating early, “I’m trying to graduate early, but I’m not sure. I don’t know if I’ll have enough time to do all the work once the season starts.”

Mittelstadt is well along the path to stardom either way. His road to the University of Minnesota began in the summer after 9th grade when he first started to be recruited. Playing for the U of M was always a dream for him, so it did not take much to convince him to commit.

This past summer, he was selected to

Mind Games Examining the mental side of injuries 14 | SPORTS

Casey Mittlestadt scores the winning goal at the 2015 state championship.

PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

represent the United States at the International Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup, a huge honor.

Mittelstadt was also voted one of the captains for this year’s EPHS hockey team and hopes

to lead the team to glory. He believes this year could be the year to win a state championship.

After playing at the University of Minnesota, Mittelstadt wants to continue his hockey career in the NHL.

BY ARUN PARGAL

Francis’s injury was about six months including the rigorous physical therapy portion. Francis said, “It was tough during the process, but rewarding afterwards.”

In order for Francis to be able to remain emotionally calm during the long months of recovery her parents and personal trainer were key. “My parents were more there for moral support, and my personal trainer was there for the physical side of the recovery,” said Francis.

Despite these setbacks, Francis has kept working hard and will participate in track and field in the spring.

Mike Grant, the varsity football coach at EPHS, tries to minimize injuries by not hitting during practices. “We want to have our best players available for the games” said Grant.

“We have the best trainers in the state and they deal with when the player can return to

Injuries are extremely painful whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. With professional athletes getting bigger and stronger year after year, the speed of games is intense and it is easy to get injured.

All you need to do is flip on the TV for two minutes on a Sunday afternoon and it is likely that another player is being carted off the field.

This is not just for football; every sport is evolving because of advances in sports science.

While professional athletes are getting bigger, stronger, and faster, high school athletes are too.

Senior Mollie Francis has torn her ACL three times in her high school career and knows all too well the dangers of high speed contact sports like soccer. The recovery period for

This is the first year of Eden Prairie Performance Team. It is led by captains Anna Soderberg, Jen Aksoz, Mackenzie Blauert, Kenzie Goodburn and Olivia Freehill.

PHOTO BY ANYA OTTERSON

Bringing together two competitive teams T

he Eden Prairie Dance Team and the Eden Prairie Pom Squad merged this year to become one team for the fall season. This team is now known as the Eden Prairie Performance Team.

The team was formed as a result of the EPDT fall coach, Jessica Howells, switching to the winter team coach position last year. The switch left the fall dance team in need of a coach. Anna Itman, EPPS’s head coach came up with the idea of combining the EPDT and the EPPS.

practice or game situations.”

Grant spoke about how injuries differ from athlete to athlete “depending on their injury history and what their doctors tell them”.

Senior Sean McNiff, who plays football for Grant, tore a ligament in his shoulder called the labrum during two-a-day practices before the season started and had to work extra hard in order to return to action.

McNiff said the hardest part was “missing the first game and being unsure about when I’d be back to football.”

McNiff listened to his trainers and waited two weeks to return to game speed. “By the time I got into the game, I wasn’t even thinking about it. I was ready,” he said.

As athletes continue to get bigger, faster, and stronger it is vital that they follow the advice of trainers and doctors for their safety.

Senior captain Mackenzie Blauert shared her insight about the EPPS and EPDT combining. Blauert said, “If you think about it, there’s never that kind of competitiveness in the fall.

Both teams really don’t have different purposes during the fall season. We both perform at football games, at soccer games and at pep fests. There’s nothing we do differently in the fall besides different types of dances.”

Since this is the first year of the Performance Team’s existence, the dancers have had to adjust to the new system. “We sort of adopted each other’s traditions and it has worked out really nicely. It has definitely been different

since I came from Pom Squad, which is a group of 14 girls, to a group of 60 girls. It has just been an adjustment for everyone,” said Blauert.

Coach Anna Itman is this season’s EPPT head coach along with assistant coaches Paige Borth and Caroline Byrd. Also, senior captains Anna Soderberg, Mackenzie Goodburn, Jennifer Aksoz, Olivia Freehill and Mackenzie Blauert led the team this fall.

The EPPT performed at home football games, pep fests, home soccer games and a fall showcase. The EPPT will continue to lead our school by cheering on athletes for the rest of the fall during the 2015-2016 school year.

Junior Jermaine Johnson gets injured at the game against Lakeville South.

PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

BY ABBEY MERTZ

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 15

Junior Kelly Fuhs sprints towards the ball playing defense in the semifinal game against Lakeville North.

PHOTO BY CALDER SELL

With no option left, Senior Jackson Randle runs the ball down the field. The Eagles unexpectedly lost their first playoff game against Totino Grace on October 30th.

PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

16 | SPORTS

The

play book

Meet The Playbook, the new Eyrie sports column and your source for unfiltered Eagle analysis

BY ANDREW DONOHUE

Alaina Lewis takes a leap of faith for the ball.

This season, senior captains Ashley DiBias, Briley Nichols and Ashley Brueggeman lead the team.

PHOTOS BY SWYER HILT

The girls volleyball team huddles up between plays to discuss their game plan.

PHOTOS BY SAWYER HILT

Eden Prairie High School has a history of athletic success. We have won four consecutive state championships in football and look destined for a fifth. Both the boys and girls lacrosse teams have won state championships in recent years and seem primed for future dominance. The girls soccer team has been to the state championship in back to back years.

The list of teams going to state would span this entire column. We are truly privileged to attend a school with this level of athletic achievement.

But are we beginning to get spoiled with all this success? Is it possible that we are becoming immune to the feeling of winning? Is The Aerie no longer the fortress it once was? Do students really care anymore? I believe that this kind of complacency is beginning to creep into the walls and hallways of Eden Prairie High School.

I have noticed a definite lack of enthusiasm surrounding sports so far this year. Beyond the die-hard fans who will attend the games no matter what, fewer people are going. Even when they go, often times they will leave early.

These people are at the game, not to support the team, but to just hang out. They feel like the outcome of the game is inevitable and so do not even see the point of watching.

This is known as the “Disease of More.” After winning multiple championships, winning can begin to seem routine and boring. Teams are expected to win-and by a lot.

This can make games seem boring because the outcome is pretty much known before the game even starts. Obviously, this feeling is only possible because our teams win by such overwhelming margins, which is a great tribute to them. However, we are doing these great teams a disservice by trivializing their accomplishments.

The current mood for the majority of students seems to be I’ll go if it is nice out and I have nothing else to do. Our teams deserve better than this. We have some of the most passionate fans in the state, but too few of our students are fans. The Eden Prairie student section should be feared by opponents, and it can be. We as a student body should strive to support our classmates out on the field, on the court and in the water.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 17

Senior Tyler Hurley sprints towards the goal. The team is led by captains Mike Watson and Andrew Donohue.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Junior Annika Skogg swimming backstroke at the Wayzata dual meet.

The team is led by captains Hannah Albanese, Isabella Haeger, Kayla Albers and Kirsten Nelson.

PHOTOS BY SAWYER HILT

Sophomore Karly Albers diving at JV Conference.

PHOTO BY GRETA FRYE

18 | SPORTS

Girls cross country places fourth at the Lake Conference Championship.

Girls cross country is led by captains Caroline Frichmon, Haley Anderson and Maxine Fusaro.

Boys cross country is led by captains Jake Thies, Jacob Hammer and Kevin Jeter.

Runners race to the finsh line at the Victoria Lions Invitational.

Cross coutry girls huddle up to prepare for their race.

PHOTOS BY ESMEE VERSCHOOR

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 19

COVER

Lessons learned while riding a bike

20 | COVER

I

BY CALDER SELL

have no idea how bikes work, I cannot explain the difference between a derailleur and a fork blade, I don’t understand what happens when I shift gears on my bike and I haven’t the slightest clue where my training wheels went. However, I do know that I am able to ride a bike.

This past summer, I rode my bike as much as I could. I rode it to get places, I rode it to get away from places, and I rode it to fill the long spells of nothingness that summer seems to provide.

With these bike rides, I gathered several insights that helped me understand biking more, not to mention some serious tonnage in the calf region.

As I picked up on these insights, I slowly started to see an incredible resemblance between bike rides and life moments.

So, I kept track of them and am here now to share them along with a series of stories from other high school students.

Life presents itself in interesting ways. For me, I found enlightenment when I took bike rides. For these students, life came to them in a wide variety of experiences. No matter how much our stories differed, we seemed to line up on the lessons we learned.

You can bike with any bike I don’t think anyone could have encountered a dorkier biker out there this summer than me. I’m glad there are no pictures of me on my tiny bike with my weird-looking helmet.

Side note: If you decide to engage in “riding a bike”, you should make sure you are using “proper protection”—but that is another conversation entirely. In life, we are all born into an environment that we have no control over. It is easy to complain, it is easy to flaunt, but doing those won’t lead to anything. It is what one does with what they are given that ultimately has meaning.

Anonymous student at EPHS

BY CLAIRE HASSLER A senior at EPHS has had a difficult life, having two parents that suffer from addiction. This summer, two of her close family members died from overdose. “[Overdose] is more common with the life that my dad lives because that is what he surrounds himself with,” she said. Through all of this, the student remains optimistic.

“It’s easy to go through your life feeling sorry for yourself or victimizing yourself… I may not have won the birth lottery but I don’t have to go through it alone,” she said.

Smile at everyone you pass Emily Bohlig

BY KRISTINA BRIANT Some of my bike rides this summer were meant to take a break from crummy stuff. Smiling was tough for those rides. The thing that helped was when others smiled at me. When passing other bikers and walkers, it is tough to avoid eye contact. Unlike those awkward encounters in a school hallway, these quick interactions do not allow time to decide whether to put on a sly smile or subtly, but quite obviously, avoid eye contact . So, they often result in an exchange of genuine smiles. Smiling can make someone else happy, make yourself happy, or have no effect. It doesn’t have any negative effects. So try putting some more smiles on your face, even on the bad days.

Smiling is contagious. A smile can brighten someone’s day and can even make you feel better by smiling. Senior Emily Bohlig, went through the unthinkable this past summer. Losing her best friend, Sydney Galleger, was one of the hardest things she ever had to go through. Bohlig remembered that Galleger was always smiling, laughing and having a positive outlook on everything. Bohlig said that from the passing of her best friend, she has spent more time to let the people she loves know that she cares about them and try to not think about life so negatively. She said, “Do what makes you happy because life is too short to waste it on things that don’t affect your life positively.” Although a multitude of tears were shed with Galleger’s passing, Bohlig is able to smile now and remember all of the good memories and optimistic things life has to offer.

BIKE continued on pg. 22 >>

GRAPHIC BY TALA ALFOQAHA

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 21

<< BIKE from pg. 21

If you look too long behind you to catch a glimpse of a bunny, you will fall off the trail and into a pile of twigs This epiphany came to me when I looked behind and caught a glimpse of a bunny and fell off the trail and into a pile of twigs and branches. The only “accident” of the summer. It is easy to fall into the land of the past, always looking back at the good and bad times and wishing for a different outcome, or the same outcome repeated. Looking back on your past constantly will fog up the present and won’t allow progress for the future.

Turning corners is scary Jacob Hammer & Joel Benson There is nothing scarier than approaching a turn on a bike. I’d like to rephrase that. There is nothing scarier than approaching a turn on a bike, except for clowns. Anywho, there is always a moment before the turn where I think to myself, “What if something just comes out of nowhere and crashes into me?” That doesn’t happen often, but the fear is so strong that I think about it every time. Likewise, the moments prior to life’s major turns seem to have a similar chilling effect. We get stuck in one place because the fear of what could go wrong tells us that continuing isn’t worth the risk. Deciding whether or not to commit to the idea of turning away from our current paths is the hardest part because we know what is ahead on a straight path. However, once on the turned path, all of the worries you had become silly.

Soon after, you will start looking for another corner, realizing the turns in life are what makes living so exciting.

BY CLAIRE HASSLER Seniors Jacob Hammer and Joel Benson used to be followers. During middle school and the early years of high school, they were mainly concerned about fitting in and making friends. It wasn’t until later in their high school careers that this mindset changed. “I was introduced to people who helped me think outside the box and problem solve and figure stuff out,” Hammer said.

After Hammer and Benson branched out, they became leaders and their learning was greatly impacted. “The question ‘why?’ gets you so far,” Hammer said. Hammer and Benson began to question everything, and this changed their outlooks on life. “We’re not always going to have all the right answers, we just need to focus on doing our best,” Benson said. According to Hammer, their advice to younger students is simple: “Keep an open mind, become a leader, you’re in charge of yourself.”

When passing walkers/runners, you will need to yell multiple times to catch their attention When you are able to produce the unbelievable speed I do, you are going to end up passing a lot of people on bike paths. However, many bikers, runners and walkers have headphones in, so when you alert to pass them, they can’t hear. Sometimes it

takes two or three times to catch their attention. So call out early and call out loud. Similarly, if you have something you want people to hear, keep calling out, people will turn around eventually.

Life has turned into a constant bike ride for me. I don’t know where my stops will be, I don’t know how many twists and turns I will come across and I don’t know what I will see. I am cruising down a path not knowing how I am living, but simply knowing I can live.

22 | COVER

Handcrafted personal pizzas

16518 W. 78th Street (corner of Hwy. 5 & County Rd. 4) Eden Prairie, MN 55346 November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 23

OPINION

Staff Editorial: Light rail

O

n September 15, the Eden Prairie City Council, along with three other cities, approved an updated proposal for the Southwest Green Line Extension, which connects the cities to downtown Minneapolis. The proposal has been a source of major controversy within the community since its approval in 2014.

Factors such as the cost and however the possible benefits of the project outweigh the drawbacks.

The most obvious benefit of the light rail is the increased ease of access to Minneapolis. The rail will have one train every 10 minutes operating in both directions during peak hours, with a predicted travel time of 35 minutes from the Southwest station in Eden Prairie to the Nicollet Mall station in Minneapolis, according to the Metropolitan Council. This will not only be helpful for daily commuters, but will also make travel to Minneapolis a viable option for suburban teens. Easy access to the city will open a whole new array of cultural and professional opportunities to these teens who previously had no easy way into the city.

This ease of access to the city will not only make it easier for workers to commute between the two places, but also businesses. One effect

that has been observed in many communities that have implemented a similar rail system is an increase in jobs and development. The Metropolitan Council is predicting a 37% increase in employment in areas within a half mile of the stations in Eden Prairie and Minneapolis. During construction even more jobs will be created in the form of construction and southwest transit employees.

Despite all of these apparent benefits, many people still strongly oppose this project, and some have logical reasons. Construction will be long and expensive, with a predicted completion date of 2020 and a cost of $1.77 billion dollars. However, some anti-rail activists have put forth the notion that the rail will bring criminals from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie causing crime rates to increase. Not only has this been proven false many studies, including a 2002 study by the UCLA department of urban planning, it also perpetuates some negative stereotypes about urban citizens.

When all of the facts are considered, expanding the light rail is a smart move by the City Council. Although completion is still years away, the project marks a new step in the right direction for EP.

How hip hop forgot about women

BY TALA ALFOQAHA

“To be a woman in love with hip hop at times is to be in love with your abuser. Because the music was and is that,” tweeted Ava DuVernay, director of “Selma.” As my sister blasted a quintessential song of modern day hip hop, Juicy J and Big Sean’s “All I Need,” in the car radio and passionately sang along, DuVernay’s words were given new life.

I’ve always enjoyed hip hop, loved the passion and the power of the songs. Yet when I actually listen to the lyrics, the genre slowly loses its luster. Within the first two lines of “All I Need,” Juicy J dutifully informed me that I will no longer trust my “bitch” after tonight, and promised that he will make aforementioned bitch “whore out.”

Within three minutes, women had been referred to exclusively as bitches a total of 12 times, with the occasional “skank” and “hoe” thrown in just to mix things up. Unfortunately, this song isn’t an exception or an outlier, it accurately represents the objectification and dehumanization that women are subjected to in most hip hop songs.

While misogynistic (women hating) lyrics definitely aren’t confined to hip hop, this rapidly-expanding genre states it more explicitly than any other. In Chief Keef’s song “You” he threatens to kill a woman unless she performs oral sex. Rick Ross brags about how he drugged a woman, took her home and “enjoyed that” in his song “UOENO,” and Bizarre boasts an equally disturbing story in “Amityville” where he raps, “My little sister’s birthday, she’ll remember me / for a gift I had

24 | OPINION

Armstrong found that a whopping 78% of Eminem’s lyrics contained vivid, violent misogyny. One song of his, appropriately entitled “Kill You,” contains this line: “Slut, you think I won’t choke no whore / ‘Til the vocal cords don’t work in her throat no more / Shut up slut, you’re causin’ too much chaos.”

A 2009 content analysis of hundreds of hip hop songs found that 22%-37% of all lyrics contain some sort of misogyny. In other words, a quarter of one the most popular musical genres in America is still dedicated to glorifying violence against and objectifying women.

Ever since the rise of hip hop in mid 80’s to early 90’s, general attitudes towards this issue have been regressive, with listeners increasingly concerned about preserving the authenticity and origins of the genre rather than reforming outdated aspects within. Music is a reflection of our society as a whole, and allowing such a prevalent genre to become a safe spot for rape culture and misogyny under the guise of art is dangerous.

I’m not suggesting that boys who listen to Eminem will grow up to become abusers and rapists.

However, I am suggesting that repeated exposure to songs with crass ten of my boys take her virginity.” GRAPHIC BY TALA ALFOQAHA allusions to violence and rape that identify women solely as “bitches” or Not that subtle misogyny in mu“hoes” normalizes the ongoing objectification sic is acceptable, but songs that blatantly and that women have been trying desperately to unapologetically broadcast tales of rape and escape and desensitizes listeners to a struggle violence against women leave a much more that women are constantly fighting. I’m not profound effect and reach a much wider audiasking you to stop listening to hip hop, quite ence—anyone, any age can listen to the lyrics the opposite: I’m asking you to listen—actually and understand exactly what is being implied. listen.

A 2001 study conducted by Edward G.

Rosa

RANTS

A new look on obesity

BY ANTHONY ROSA

GRAPHIC BY RACHEL LARSON

Demonstrations detract from more serious issues

F

By Zenab Kashif

eminist movements, such as The Slut Walk and Pro-Choice demonstrations, are currently filling social media feeds and the daily news. Along with events like such, Free the Nipple is one of the most prominent movements and is well known in the United States. The movement is rooted at the injustice women receive for being topless in public; it seeks to bring society away from the tendencies it has to sexualize the upper body of a female.

Lina Esco, the activist and filmmaker who started the movement, focuses on the double standards of censuring female body parts (breasts in particular) and wants this movement to empower women. When it comes to the main premise of the campaign, I couldn’t agree more. The empowerment of women is incredibly important in order to become closer to a more equal society.

Online censorship is common in social media platforms such as Facebook and in Instagram. But, as the movement has made clearer, this censorship is more towards women than it is towards men. Women such as Miley Cyrus have received much more hatred for posting exposed chests than celebrity men.

The exposing of a women’s chest is considered more provocative than those of men.

Although I am a deep believer of the equality of men and women, the issue of women not being able to walk shirtless is less of an issue than it has become.

There are bigger issues such as the fact that less than 20% of our elected officials are women- a number I find outrageous. I accept that women should be able to expose as much as men, but is it really empowering women?

As much as I agree with this movement, I believe that there are more consequential women’s issues to which supporters and their resources should be devoted. I don’t consider the fact that women can’t roam around without a shirt a bigger problem than the fact women are paid less than men and are under represented in government.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey concludes that two of three adults in the United States are overweight or obese. One out three students is also obese. This has led to the United States’ surge in diabetes, heart disease, and gastro related illnesses. Upon arriving to health class at EPHS, facts like these are constantly spewed out to us, informing about the dangers of unhealthy body weight. However, later on in health class, we arrive at the topic of self-confidence and body image. During this unit we are told that it does not matter what you look like, everyone is beautiful, and it is on the inside that counts.

Unfortunately, for many, what are on the inside are clogged arteries. You would never hear this said in a school though because we are so politically correct that we would rather have a student live a dangerous, unhealthy life than have his or her feelings hurt.

Obesity is one of the few health issues that we whitewash and if every health problem were addressed in the same touchy manner, one would soon realize its ridiculousness.

Think about how aggressive the educational campaign has been against smoking. Advertisements, such as billboards in Time Square, depicting how second hand smoke kills babies is neither kind nor sensitive. But, advertisements like this have been effective, being linked to upwards of a 30% decline in smoking, according to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention. The sensitive and apologetic campaign against obesity hasn’t just been ineffective, obesity rates have risen 15% in the past 30 years. Obesity has now become the number one preventable cause of death in the United States and costs Americans a staggering $190 billion dollars every year to treat.

Being obese is not acceptable, it’s killing Americans every day, and it hurts the economy as a whole. There is nothing beautiful about it.

The education system needs to take a more aggressive approach in condemning the disease of obesity and protect posterity from the health problems that being overweight comes with.

Some might say that taking a forceful stance against obesity could lead to obese students developing mental health disorders. Well, it is hard to be mentally healthy if you’re dead from obesity. Also, the CDC has stated that obesity actually causes depression anyways. So, we can protect students’ feelings in school, let them become mentally unhealthy, and die; or we can be aggressive and fix the problem. Which option really sounds more kind, sensible, and humane?

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 25

Where is the honor in NHS?

BY ANTHONY ROSA The National Honors Society club at our high school does not effectively promote higher education, leadership skills, or moral volunteering. True scholars would find a better organization to join.

For one, NHS does not encourage students to challenge themselves academically. Their academic requirement is a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This means that a student who takes all regular classes, and does well, qualifies to be a member while a student who takes all AP classes, and struggles, doesn’t. But which one of those students is truly the scholar?

Secondly, it claims to promote community service, but all-inclusive clubs like Key Club double NHS’s volunteering efforts.

So the fact that it is an elitist organization completely contradicts one of the national group’s key tenants: improving the community. Also, students are not admitted into NHS because they volunteer frequently, as only ten hours of service are required up front, but they volunteer solely to be part of the

Fear the mirror

BY KAYLA ALBERS It is a difficult task to live up to the expectations given to high schoolers in today’s society.

We are under pressure in just about everything we do. Be a straight A student, take multiple AP classes, join clubs, be a good athlete, volunteer, have a job. It is a lot to have on your plate as a student. With all of these things to think about constantly throughout each day, it becomes almost impossible not to feel as if

26 | OPINION

club. While practically, this might not change the product of volunteering, it most definitely chips away at the club’s moral authority.

Thirdly, National Honors Society does virtually nothing to actually improve leadership skills. From its website, the only things that teach leadership skills are LEAD Confer-

students to be challenged academically, does not maximize volunteering efforts, and does not build leaders why does the club even exist?

It exists because it makes students feel good about themselves and they think that it looks good on a college resume. It is essentially a “pat yourself on the back” club where students can say, “Hey, I’m moderately good at school and believe that I should be acknowledged for it for no real reason.”

There is hope, though. According to a Huffington Post article referring to If the club does not incentivNHS, “The actual membership is a nonize students to be challenged factor in terms of ‘weight’ over other potential activities.” This essentially means academically ...why does the club that colleges don’t actually care if you even exist? are in NHS. They only care that you are passionate about the clubs that you participate in. Stand up to what has become the moderate intelligences’ norm and don’t join NHS. Refuse to join a culture of self-praise for being decent at school. Chalences, which are only held in three locations in lenge yourself and welcome academic failure. the country, and State Summits, also solely in Let’s join together and say no to a club of elitselect locations. ism, exclusivism, and ineffectiveness.

So, if the club does not incentivize

“

”

An inside look on why we compare ourselves to others and why we shouldn’t your classmates are better than you.

Especially in a school as big as ours, it is extremely difficult to stand out as an individual and sometimes that is what causes us to want to be more like someone else. In other words, to change. Because then, maybe we will actually be noticed. Due to this fact we are constantly comparing ourselves to other people. Subconsciously, we know we shouldn’t do it because we are who we are. We should be proud of that. Yet, we would rather be someone else anyway. But, why?

We would rather be more like someone else because it is easy to notice the great qualities in others that we may not have. Whether they have a better grade in school, they are better at drawing, they can eat more grapes in one sitting than you can, or whatever it may be.

The comparison between us and our peers is simply a mental game and it is not as easy to avoid as one would think.

What is stopping us from seeing the greatness in ourselves? Everyone has a passion, everyone has good qualities and everyone is

good at something. Even if it is small and useless, like knowing every word of every line to each high school musical movie. It is something special to you, and that matters.

Rather than focussing on what we can’t do, we should focus more on what we can do. It should make no difference in the world if one of your friends is a good singer and you aren’t.

That is great for them, but you shouldn’t dwell on the fact that you can’t sing. Embrace the fact that you are the master of ping pong instead.

Whatever makes you happy is yours. Nobody can take away what makes you exceptional, so embrace it and be who you are without feeling like you need to change because, trust me, you don’t.

My hope for everyone in this school is that we can look past the competition and the constant wishing that we were someone else.

This way, we can take more time to notice the things that make us unique. With that, I leave you with this: When you get up in the morning and look into the mirror, who do you want see?

You or me?

point/counterpoint

Date... or nah?

The perks of dinner and a movie

The perks of Netflix and chill

BY EMILEE JACOBSON

BY CLAIRE HASSLER

In our generation, it seems that traditional dating has been forgotten, and “hook ups” have taken its place. The time that used to be spent getting to know someone and actually showing an interest before deciding to be sexually involved is no longer a necessity.

Rather than taking the leap of courage to ask someone on a date, it’s a simple snapchat or text message asking to “hook up.” Instead of going to dinner, people stay home to “Netflix and chill.”

Our generation has completely revised what should’ve been one of the best parts of our youth.

People participate in this “act of pleasure,”without even really knowing the person. Nothing is long term, and all that’s wanted is something physical.

My question is: What made our generation so terrified of the word “commitment”?

Maybe I have seen and over analyzed too many romantic comedies, but honestly, where did the romance go? I don’t understand what made all of us so hyped about the idea of not being committed to someone. There are a few perks to being single and messing around, but traditional dating has even more.

In a relationship, you have a best friend and partner tied in one. There is someone to be there for you on your good days and still care for you on your bad. You have set plans every Friday night, and a date to every stressful high school dance.

Other than having a little more responsibility and the common fear of putting your heart on the line, there is nothing unattractive about “traditional dating.”

Unfortunately, since our generation is progressively changing, I feel like we skipped one hundred steps that even our parents got the chance to take. They worked harder to get what they wanted, therefore making dating even more rewarding.

Although people now move faster than they used to, there’s nothing wrong with going slow. Taking the time to learn about a person intellectually may actually end up making them more physically attractive. Remember that the best kisses are the most anticipated ones. If you finish everything at once, what is there to look forward to?

Dating can be just as great as a hook up if you actually take the time to try it. I hope teenagers begin to realize that this new hype of “hooking up” is beginning to get old, and that dating is something that needs to be brought back.

It’s a tale as old as time: A guy and girl hook up, and then are endlessly put to shame by their peers. The girl is referred to as a slut, and the guy becomes a player.

Why, EPHS? Hook ups seem great, and they are paving the way for relationship dynamics in the future.

The definition of “hooking up” that I am referring to is this: Going as far as one is willing to go with a person without being in a relationship with said person.

We’re teenagers, why do we have to engage in serious relationships at this point in our lives? Can’t I just focus on my ACT? Relationships are filled with ups and downs that require a lot of time and effort to sort out.

I recommend saving that for marriage. You’ll have your whole life to deal with that rubbish.

High school is the perfect time to experiment and learn what type of partner you are most compatible with for the future. How are kids supposed to figure out the personality they are attracted to if they stay in one relationship for all of high school?

Here’s a harsh reality: Odds are you won’t marry your highschool sweetheart. So why invest in a close relationship just to go through a harsh break up when you go separate ways after graduation?

What are some great things about hook ups? They’re low key and require no commitment. They’re as chill as netflix and chill. Also, you won’t have check in with your partner, who could scrutinize your actions. And a third party will not scrutinize your actions “because you have a boyfriend.”

Another brutally honest fact: Teenagers are horny. It’s part of growing up. Why can’t kids make out with each other and not get flack for it?

The high school years are when we carry the least amount of responsibility on our shoulders. Teens should live up their youth while they can and take advantage of these freedoms. This bliss won’t last forever.

The way humans interact is constantly evolving with the increased use of technology and social media. Part of this evolving interaction includes the dynamic of young couples.

For example, when I was a freshman in high school, the dating concept of a “thing” did not exist. Nowadays, “things” are commonplace.

Teenagers are moving away from traditional relationships and towards the low-key life of hook ups.

63%

37%

Student Poll

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 27

Sparking no help

BY YASMIN CHAVEZ There is no question that Sparknotes is considered the holy grail for high school students. It’s a website that students across the country constantly visit whenever they are assigned to read a book in English class. But can it be considered a beneficial or a reliable tool for students to use?

Sparknotes can be a great tool to study and review for an exam, but if you rely on it as a replacement to reading the book you have been assigned, then shame on you. For one thing, Sparknotes only provides a quick summary of the novel and often glosses over details that are important to the plot or theme of the story. Not to mention that the analysis section of Sparknotes is weak and provides no helpful information while writing an essay.

One of the biggest reasons Sparknotes is not beneficial to students is that as a reader you completely miss the experience that comes with reading a novel. You miss the message the author is conveying to the readers and in the end you don’t learn anything by looking it up on Sparknotes.

If it’s a book assigned for class, teachers are giving the assignment for a reason. If you are not capable of reading a book or analyzing it, can you really say that you deserve to pass and receive credit for that English class? Don’t be lazy, pick up a book, and read for once!

The cold is getting old

BY ABBEY MERTZ I walk into my classes, and all of the sudden a huge surge of polar air overtakes me. It aggravates me that our school is freezing on a daily basis. I think many students can agree with this. During three out of four of my classes, I have goose bumps and I’m shivering. In one of my classes, I’ve debated bringing a warm blanket to keep me content for an hour and a half.

EPHS custodians must fix this since so many students are frigid while trying to learn. The custodians just need to bump up the thermostat for the sake of students and staff. Maybe it’s expensive, but the things EPHS spends their money on are irrelevant if students are complaining about being cold. It’s unfair that I’m uncomfortable in my classes while I’m trying to retain information.

I know it’s proven that students pay attention more when it’s cold, but the temperature some of my classes reach has clearly crossed the line.

I can’t focus at times since I’m solely concerned about warming up. It’s such a minor issue that can be fixed with a push of a button.

Lower the cost of the parking pass

BY SARA MICHAEL Is it just me or have you also wondered why the school parking passes are so expensive? Here’s the real, logical explanation on why they’re so costly… well, actually, there isn’t any reasoning.

In fact, out of all the high schools in Minnesota, EPHS charges the most amount of money for its student parking passes. On average, EPHS students pay about $350 per year to occupy a parking spot at school. If you think about it, $350 could be used as a down payment on a car.

Purchasing the school’s parking pass is just another way for the school to profit an excessive amount of money off of its student’s educational needs.

Sure, you could take the bus to school, but what happens when you have to be at the DECA meeting at 7:15 am and your parents have to be at work at 7:00 am, you’re out of luck.

Approximately, the school makes roughly $218,000 off of student parking passes per year. This makes up about 1.5% of the EPHS total budget. If the school could find a way to cut out at least .75 of the 1.5% it would make purchasing parking pass more accessible for all and lift the financial burden off of EPHS families.

GRAPHIC BY RACHEL JOHNSON

28 | OPINION

Why no Democratic candidates?

BY ANDREW DONOHUE

PHIC

GRA

While the Republican presidential pool often feels claustrophobic since there are so many candidates, the Democratic field by comparison is a wide open space.

There are currently 15 candidates still running for the Republican nomination, not even counting the several big names like Scott Walker who have already dropped out. This number is somewhat unwieldy giving rise to “JV” stages at debates because there is not enough room for all the candidates on one stage. However, this high number also provides for a real contrast S O HOT of ideas and offers voters KR P /FLIC OLF multiple options.

W STIN

U

BY D

This is a sharp contrast to how the Democratic race has been going. Democrats have a puny field. Basically, there are two real candidates, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

These are the only two options voters are given, especially after Joe Biden declared that he will not run. How did we get to this point?

Why do Republicans have so many candidates, while Democrats can’t seem to find any?

This is a serious problem. The lack of candidates means that many will view the race as a foregone conclusion. Hillary Clinton will eventually triumph over the upstart Sanders due to both her overwhelming advantage among elites and more moderate position.

This should not be the case. Primaries are a time to offer voters several serious options for office. By failing to do this, the Democratic party is doing a disservice to their constituency.

Politicians like Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden and Andrew Cuomo need to run so that voters have legitimate choices at the ballot box.

Democrats deserve a candidate who is battle tested, not one who coasts to the nomination because there are no alternatives.

The whole story of Planned Parenthood

BY ARUN PARGAL One topic that has gotten a lot of media attention during the lead up to next year’s presidential election is whether Planned Parenthood should continue to receive funding from the federal government.

The issue has gotten a lot of publicity because of the group’s selling of fetal tissue and organs from abortions that they provide. Many people find these actions, along with abortions in general, against their religion and ethics.

I’m not going to argue whether either of these things are right, however I find it unfair that the public isn’t shown the other amazing services and education that Planned Parenthood provides. Abortions are only three percent of the services they provide. Their services include: sexual health, body image, and pregnancy.

Millions of low-income men and women rely on their services in order to be sexually healthy and get products that they wouldn’t

be able to get otherwise. One GOOGLE IMAGE out of every five women in the US have visited a Planned Parenthood clinic at least once in their lives. These things should get as much or more press coverage than their abortion services.

The decision whether to fund Planned Parenthood should be made without consider-

ing the massive amounts of people that rely on their services. The result of defunding Planned Parenthood will unquestionably lead to worse sexual health for millions of young people and a spike in the rates of STD’s and unintentional pregnancies. If the government is looking to cut spending Planned Parenthood is one of the worst places to do it.

In response to calls to defund Planned Parenthood, many have taken to Twitter to voice their support for the organization using the hashtag: #istandwithplannedparenthood.

They share personal experiences showing the positive effect that Planned Parenthood has had on their lives. These personal experiences show how necessary these services are to millions of people.

My hope is that I have been able to show the full extent of Planned Parenthood and not three percent of what they do so that the country can make an informed decision regarding this issue.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 29

PROFILE

30 | PROFILE

A Dog-On Good Time Jennifer Liberko’s adorable and amazing volunteer work

A

PHOTOS AND STORY BY ANYA OTTERSON

midst the sounds of barking and jangling collar tags, senior Jennifer Liberko ran to check the records of a dog that a family was considering for adoption. Back outside, she explained to the family that the dog, Five, had an owner at one time, but she didn’t know why Five was surrendered. “We get animals from anywhere and everywhere,” she said later. “A lot of them come from the South, where there are more puppy mills and looser restrictions. We don’t know every detail.”

DOG-ON continued on pg. 32>>

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 31

“I love it,” she said. “It’s like they say, ‘if you love your work, it’s like you’re never really working.’ Everyone’s really nice, the atmosphere’s good and I get to play with puppies” Missy, an employee at the humane soci In the next kennel, ety, expressed her appreciation for volunanother family was playing with a teers like Liberko. “It takes a lot of heart,” she small hound named Fern. said. “Everyone here loves and cares about

“How are we feeling?” animals. We love our volunteers who come asked Liberko. and get nothing in return but getting to play

“We love her,” said the with animals.” mother, over her daughter happily In addition to volunteering for the humane chanting, “Let’s keep her, let’s keep society, Liberko works in her church’s nursher!” Just like that, another dog ery, competes with the alpine ski team, is a found a loving home with Liberko’s member of the National Honor Society and and the other volunteers’ help. does tech for the high school drama depart Back inside, she ran ment. The activities in her busy schedule through a list of questions with the often overlap, but she’s found that this year parents and their daughter, asking easier is than last year. about things like other pets and the Liberko explained that for her, the hardest little girl’s age to help ensure the part is working with some customers who best placement possible for Fern. have a hard time accepting that the shelter

At the Golden Valley doesn’t know every detail of the animals’ branch of the Animal Humane pasts.

Society, Liberko is a volunteer in The process can also be emotional, as it’s dog adoption. She takes families through the kennels to choose a dog to play with, and if they’re interested, they can either adopt it that day or not hard to get attached to the animals, but it’s rewarding for the volunteers and staff see them go to good homes. put it on hold. After just an hour and a half, someone could have a new

“The best part is getting to hand a dog to someone and say pet. goodbye and watch them take it home. It’s like, ‘I did that,’” Liberko

“Jen has a big heart for all animals. We have had a dog since Jen was young. Max was our first dog,” said Liberko’s mother. Eventually, said, watching and smiling as a woman and her son fall for a small black puppy. “It’s a heartwarming process.” the Liberkos got another dog, Oliver.

<<DOG-ON from pg. 30

32 | PROFILE

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Behind the Scenes

PHOTOS BY ANYA OTTERSON

FEATURE

Bringing the news to life The team runs weekly meetings to review the previous show and brainstorm new ideas for the next one.

Looking out over the game, senior Noelle Ballantine mans the scoreboard while senior Josh Lamberty directs.

34 | FEATURE

T

BY RACHEL JOHNSON

he EVN Studio bustles with brainstorming ideas, sorting through video clips and recording voiceovers. Each week students are shooting segments, coming up with new ideas and collaborating with other staff members in order to produce an episode Eagle Vision News.

EVN is the student news broadcast that airs every week during Connections informing students about events all over the school. Each week the staff members take on different roles to bring high school news to the student body.

Advanced Broadcasting provides students the unique opportunity to produce a news program, said senior Sarah Bowyer. From developing story ideas to filming the actual show, each student develops new skills such as editing, interviewing and reporting. The process the crew goes through to produce a show is all student run. The anchors compile numerous story ideas and write their own scripts each week. Behind the scenes, many

students experiment with different equipment to create EVN. Some students involved in EVN are exploring occupations in the journalism field. The array of jobs needed to be done each week include three camera people, two directors, anchors, audio crew, graphic designers and many more. The process of putting a show together takes under a week and filming takes place every Monday.

Senior Josh Lambert has taken on the role of producer for this term and works with the whole class to insure everyone has a job.

“The equipment that I am able to use and the experience I am able to gain out of this class is just phenomenal,” said Lambert. The producer’s role insures that all story ideas are school based and helps Rolf Olson, the advisor of broadcasting, assign jobs and verify each student works together efficiently.

The wide variety of students who work together during EVN filming nurtures an atmo-

“The equipment that I am able to use and the experience I am able to gain out of this class is just phenomenal.”

Junior Shelby Evans worked at the sound panel before the game to make sure everything is in working order.

sphere for creativity. Junior Shelby Evans said, “You can make so uniquely yours. We have a standard template, but you get to build off of that and do what you want with it.” The production of the packages and segment reveals individual style and her approach is “short and sweet,” she said. Interviewing and editing the footage gives individuals the opportunity to showcase their personality.

Although the EVN studio brings fun and work together, the stress of creating a show each week can be quite daunting. Bowyer said, “When there are issues, the stress of not breaking that track record of putting a show out there is probably the most stressful.” The reward of airing the episode and the student body’s reaction to the stories reminds the EVN team why they put in all their hard work, she said.

Members can submit packages to the Student Emmys for awards. This year, EVN won four awards and was nominated for seven.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 35

10.

Styling into winter

BY SOPHIE BRANDSER AND SARA MICHAEL 1. Joggers ($15-$35)- Target, Gap, J Crew. Joggers are great for any occasion. They can be dressed up or down. Wear them to workout or for a comfy day at home.

2. Ankle Boots ($25-$150)- DSW, Von Maur, Macy’s. Fun and trendy, pick up a pair of these boots for wintertime.

3. Fashion Vests ($35-$60)- Target, Old Navy, Gap, J Crew. Great to match with cute jeans and a flannel, dress them up or down.

4. Loafers ($45-$109) DSW, Macy’s. Coming back into style, totally retro. Loafers look super cute with some trendy tights and a fun skirt.

5. Poncho Wraps ($30-$75) Old Navy, Gap, J Crew. Casual wear, pair with jeans and ankle boots. Poncho wraps are totally in.

5.

6. Boyfriend Jeans ($35-$200) Old Navy, Gap,Lucky. Wear these with anything, especially a big sweater.

7. Flannels ($20-$30) Target, Old Navy, Urban Outfitters. Casual and cute, throw one on when you are running short on time in the morning 8. Cross-Body Bags ($15-$300) Fossil, Marc Jacobs, Nordstroms, Tj Maxx. You can dress these up or down! Good for any time of the year, especially in the winter with some cute tall boots.

2.

9. Pixie Pants ($35-$60) Old Navy, Gap, Target. Professional attire, cute in solids and patterns.

10. Fur Vests ($35- $200) Target, J.Crew. New trend, fur is in. Pair them with jeans and some cute wedge booties.

3.

7.

36 | FEATURE

PHOTOS BY GRETA FRYE

Expressing yourself through clothing STORY AND PHOTOS BY SOPHIE BRANDSER Through the generations fashion trends have changed. New trends come and go, but with every trend we express ourselves. Fashion has always been a way for people to express what they cannot say.

“To me fashion is just another form of art and expression. Every outfit has its own palette and every day is a new canvas.” said junior Tala Alfoqaha.

Your personality can also be reflected by what you wear, and how you wear it. “I express myself through jewelry and shoes. My clothes are fun, and I like to have fun,” said sophomore Elizabeth Buse.

What you wear sets you apart from others; it gives you a personal identity. “I like to be different and wear clothes that no one else has,” said sophomore John Welsh.

Having your own personal identity makes you feel confident in yourself. Style is more than just clothes; it is a way to promote individuality.

As humans, we are able to choose how we want others to view us. One way we can do that is expressing ourselves through our clothing.

“I express myself through jewelry and shoes. My clothes are fun, and I like to have fun.”- Elizabeth Buse

“I like to be different and wear clothes that no one else has.”- John Welsh

Learning one culture at a time

How exchange student club is creating new experiences and memories for students around the world

BY KRISTINA BRIANT The exchange student club is a unique social club led by junior Davey Rivers and senior Lili Zubar. According to Rivers, the exchange student club is a great way for exchange students to meet the student body and immerse themselves in the American culture.

The club helps exchange students by creating a comfortable environment where they can make friends, ask questions and create close-knit groups as they go through the same American experience.

The students participate in various games and activities during the club meeting. Rivers and Zubar encourage the exchange students to teach their home country’s traditional games that they enjoy while EPHS students teach them typical American games. This helps all of the students come together as a cohesive

group and learn about each other’s cultures.

The club meets most Tuesdays during zero hour and spends time planning fun events to go as a group outside of school. Their first event of the year was pumpkin carving for Halloween. It was a fun activity for the exchange students to experience because Halloween is not a holiday they celebrate in their home countries.

Advisor Deb Bjerke provided insight about the benefits of being apart of the exchange student club at EPHS. She said, “Even those in EPHS who are lucky enough to travel outside the U.S. usually don’t get to meet and really know the locals.”

All students are encouraged to come to the meetings and participate in the activities the exchange student club partakes in. Rivers said, “People are welcome anytime!”

Humor Column

Old man and the tree

By Calder Sell and Arun Pargal As a thick cloud of mist carries itself across the early morning horizon, a figure appears. Up in a 20-foot tall willow tree we capture a rare sighting of Old Man McGregor dangling his legs from a branch with a slip of paper on his lap. He speaks.

“Sweet cream and raisins! A note from a high school student asking for advice. What excitement. (turns to a twiddling robin) Remember when I went to high school? I learned a lot through my 24 years there. Maybe I’ll take some time out of my busy schedule to answer these questions…(the robin quickly flies away and builds his home elsewhere.)

My hot crush is in my English class and I don’t know what to do? Help me Old Man. Give me your wisdom.

You know, back in the day, I was into the cold crushes myself, but I can take a stab at a hot one.

What I have seen, heard, and smelt in my days is that crushes really like being ignored. Take the peacock, for example. Do the male peacocks put on a big show to try to impress their fellow peahens? Of course not! So why should you?

Completely avoid contact in any form with your crush. Once he/she notices you not noticing him/her, a date will soon follow. Don’t be afraid, I have some great tips to help you with that as well.

Wear something bold and memorable. I remember my first date. I wore my dazzling turquoise pocket square and nothing else. You know, just to add a splash of color and increase the breathability. I think we would have gone on another date if it weren’t for the squirrel incident.

Don’t show your teeth. A common misconception is that one should smile to show happiness on a date. Wrong. Showing teeth is a sign of aggression and should be avoided at all costs.

Order the most expensive thing on the menu.

It does not matter if you are paying or not. This is a nice, subtle way to show your date that your stomach can handle the most delectable food around, a highly sought after trait.

Don’t try to be cutesy and joke around. You have one goal in mind, to have a successful date. You have to stay focused. Laughing is only socially acceptable when the moon is highest in the sky or you are making a quality rice pudding.

Don’t pay too close attention to what your date is saying. I never said a single true statement in any of the dates I have ever been on, so it is too much to expect others to stay completely honest.

Good luck, young bean sprout.

November 2015 -- theeyrie.org | 37

photo essay

Places to chill Need a new place to study or just sit back? Check out these chill spots to do just that!

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY ANYA OTTERSON

38 | FEATURE

Hang out with friends in the comfy rooms upstairs or have a long study sesh in with seasonal drinks in a laid-back atmosphere at Dunn Brothers Coffee (Eden Prairie).

Complete with a cafeteria, plenty of cozy rooms and open patios, the Arboretum is the perfect place to relax in nature (Chanhassen).

Chill in the quaint shops and restaurants, see a movie or relax in the park by Lake Minnetonka (Excelsior).

Spend the day in little stores, restaurants and coffee shops along the shores of Lake Minnetonka (Wayzata).

Unwind in the Agra Culture coffee shop or in one of the many art halls, and take in some fantastic art at The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis).

Try one of the many local restaurants on Eat Street and unwind in unique shops like Glam Doll Donuts and Spyhouse Coffee (Minneapolis).

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