The Palabra - Journalism Class Paper February 2002

The Palabra The Palabra

John Carroll School

1

February 2002

Teachers wow students with fashion sense

photo from Katie Chlada

forgets to iron. “I don’t mind that my each morning. “Mr. Ionescus’s shirt-tie students laugh at me,” combinations are the best,” said said Mr. Blair. “If it junior Missy Phillips. helps them to relax and Another focus of focus on their work, concern for many students is in then they can go right the math department. Math is ahead.” The rest of one of the most dreaded the English Dept. subjects in the school for many offers no competition to of the students.

Mr. Blair and his You can usually spot a “style.” math teacher from miles away, However, Mr. especially considering that their Ionescue, or Mr. “I” as clothes are usually covered in he is more commonly chalk dust. Mrs. Willan known, isn’t far behind. certainly does not go unnoticed.

Well known for his Junior Kyle Leppert impersonations of the commented on one of her silk “Regis,” Mr. I will most blouses “I’ve never seen a shirt likely be found sporting Caught in the 70’s Mr. with so much parsley. Or a shirt and tie of the Blair? paisley. Whatever it is, there same color, or a dark shirt with a silky, was a lot of it on that shirt.” metallic shaded tie. However, to personalize his look, Mr. I casually slips into his loafers before attending school photo from Katie Chlada

uniforms, but when suggested to a group of teachers, the only response was It’s 8:23 A.M. You rush into class laughter. and take your seat. What is the first thing However, some students just you notice? Not what’s on the board, not can’t get over what the teachers wear what’s on your desk, but the outfit of the to school. “Sometimes I spend half the teacher standing in front of you. class trying to figure out what they were These eye-catching outfits thinking,” said sophomore, Krissy usually grab the Zerheusen. “It really attention of many JC distracts me from my students. Whether it’s work.” a wacky vest, a bright English teacher blue and pink, crazy Mr. Blair disagrees. “ I dress, or an interesting don’t understand why shirt-tie combination, anyone would think I am a the teachers certainly bad dresser. I have the best have their own unique taste in the school, and I style. dress the best. There is no According to other competition out Mr. Huber, “teachers there,” said Mr. Blair. don’t care what they Mr. Huber, you’re a sunflower Mr. Blair, also the look like.” They aren’t swaying in a gentle breeze. boy’s asst. lacrosse here to impress the students, just to teach coach, is infamously known for his vests them. One student believes in teacher and his 1970’s pants that he always

by Amy Graul and Mairead Gordon

Continued on Pg. 7

AMS bring “booty fresh”-ness to Baltimo tests the drums. He leans into the mic and says ‘test…test’ totally off beat to Although you may consider your the banging on the drums. It is so cute friend to be “super,” it is highly doubtful and definitely my favorite part of any that they can sing funktasic lyrics, pump AMS show.” mega-beats and entertain a room full of Since the late 1980s, All Mighty people all while wearing a purple brazier. Senators have been known throughout It is also wise to assume that they are t h e greater Baltimorethere for you in times of need, but how Washington area for their about when you just want to get “booty strange but fresh”? Landis Expandis Koolayd intriguing McCord (the lead singer of the local pops o u n d rock-soul band All Mighty Senators) v i b e s . assures that he is always there to be any They have and everyone’s Superfriend. been playing Mr. McCord put it best when he gigs at clubs and said, “I am a catalyst for transmissions bars not only from outer and inner space, which I throughout the United States, but also in transform into rhythm, music and light. I such countries as Switzerland, proving then project these goodies to willing that “raw power” should and can be receptors in an attempt to spread butter spread throughout the entire world. And and jelly throughout the galaxy.” with such songs as “Booty Fresh,” The band is a mix of drummer/ “Trendsetta,” “In Your Face,” and lead singer Landis McCord, bassist Jack “Power Generator,” AMS is sure to get Denning, guitarist Warren Boes, and the you grooving no matter what your music brass wizard Dave Finnell that is assured of choice is. From stoners and heavy to be anything but appropriate at times. metal fans to teenybopper middle schoolKimmie Wargo, a die-hard AMS fan, ers, everyone finds a way to get fresh shared her favorite aspect of AMS: the with AMS. “sound check guy,” Mr. A.J. Howard, During a typical show, the band “he is so sexy, but not. I love the way he members enter the stage in off-the-wall,

by Emily Lyles

homemade costumes, asking either who has a “fresh booty,” who is a “power generator,” or who is ready for a nice “culture shock,” sending the crowd into hysterics. They then inform the audience that all their glory goes to the “transmitter” and that their grooves are “not us or from this place, our beats come from outer space.” After a full set, the members will then exit the stage, but don’t you fret, they almost always return for a much appreciated encore, but only when they find the soul.

When asked his opinion of AMS, senior Andrew Lazor (a local fan) replied, “ The Senators definitely have their own sound. It’s like a crazy mix of funk and blues, and I don’t know what else...but it always makes me want to dance.”

To leave you all with a few simple words, Preacher Expandis explains: “A simple, basic truth that everyone knows but seldom practices: When you loosen up and have fun with your brethren once in a while, your daily task of problem solving becomes easier.

And don’t forget that your brothers and sisters are here to help. We must thwart those in alliance with the legion of doom at every turn.”

A Sneaky Peeky...

Editorials - Think twice before having sex with a porcupine; it’s illegal.....................................pg.3

News -Punk band breaks onto local scene with “high” expectations.........................pg. 4

Features -The making of a stalker: Marc Rothe’s obsession with Incubus..................................pg. 6

Entertainment - Britney Spears arouses controversy with sex fiend image..................................pg. 10

Sports -When fans attack...............pg.11

SECTIONS Editorials..............pg. 2-3 News.....................pg. 4-5 Features................pg. 6-8 Entertainment.....pg. 9-10 Sports................pg. 11-12

Editorials

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Law breaking parents cause backups prohibiting parking there. Apparently these parents have missed these signs, along with the paint on the It’s 2:35 and you rush out of school and get in to your car, excited curb. to get home. You reverse out of your Parking there also endangers space only to find a line of cars a their children. Once they see their mile long.. You wonder what the parent parked, they dash across the backup is while you wait impatiently. road, not stopping to think that other This traffic jam is caused by cars are driving past. These parents parents who park their cars in the won’t learn their lesson until fire lane while they wait for their someone gets seriously hurt by this. children to come out of school. They A ridiculous problem could be sit their for ten, fifteen, even twenty solved if parents would simply follow minutes reading a book, talking on a the rules. cell phone, or talking to the students.

There are a few simple solutoins.

Before the school day has ended, parents have congested the oval, not allowing other cars to pass First, cut out the oval grass in front They don’t seem to care about the trouble this is causing anyone. must be kept open at all times, no have to travel to Harford Community of the school. It serves no purpose.

They are in fact simply being exceptions.

College for practice daily. They, too, get Create another lane that goes around the lazy. Fifty yards away is a parking lot Not only that, but they are in trouble from their coaches for being oval. This will allow for traffic to move faster in and out of the school. that will easily fit fifty or more cars. Why causing backups all over campus. Seniors late to practice. not pull in there when you go to pick up who are simply trying to leave their spot Once you finally do get to the Another solution is to line up your child? Is it because if your child on the oval are bombarded by a line of top of the oval, you have to squeeze your cones along the side of the fire lane. This doesn’t see you, you might be forced to traffic that encompasses the entire oval. wait past those illegally parked cars, will create one lane where you can’t stop, get out and walk all the way up to the There is even a line to get out of the praying that you won’t hit one. What if and are forced to contiune moving. school? student parking lot. Those students who you did accidentally hit the mirror? Whose Anyone who does stop will be blocking This may not seem like a big deal have an after school job are penalized fault would it be? There would be a pretty traffic around the entire campus. to some, but they are breaking a state for being late. Angela Diapiece, a junior, good chance that the person illegally Finally, have Bel Air Police be at the school from 2:45 to 3:15 P.M. Anyone law and a school rule. Most parents said “I am late to my job every day parked could be at fault. believe in punishment for breaking school because of the traffic. You just can’t get In the years past, teachers, who stops at the fire lane, give them a rules. What happens to them? Shouldn’t out.” principles, and deans of students have ticket. This is a sure way to stop parents they be teaching by example? Fire lanes Students from the swim team been out there with cones and signs from parking in the fire lane. photo from Mairead Gordon

by Mairead Gordon

The definition of “normal”

by Katie Chlada Weird. Faggot. Loser. Freak.

Goth. Prep. Jock. Slut. We have all heard these stereotypes and have probably said them to others in hopes of normalizing the portrait of ourselves. But what is normal? Are you normal? What is a ‘freak’ or a ‘Goth’?

The literal definition of normal is conforming to an acceptable standard or norm. We must ask ourselves though, who sets the standards or what is the norm in our fickle society.

I have observed that society has created a basis for what it feels is normal and from this has proceeded to label people negatively. Followers of the ‘norm’ fear and hate that which they don’t understand. They are lost and unsure of themselves and look to hate to ease their insecurity.

Laughing at oneself and ignoring the sneers of others can only go so far.

One of the leading causes of depression among adolescents is social isolation and rejection.

Unfortunately, the feelings of hopelessness and despair that accompany depression leave many youths feeling that suicide is their only way of being accepted. We must realize

that our hate may be the indirect murderer of someone’s self worth.

The shootings at Columbine High School are a prime example of this. The killers were classified as ‘goths’ for their trench coats, Marylin Manson t-shirts, and black clothing. This could have been avoided if there was only acceptance.

Eric and Dylan only wanted to be seen as human beings, not as outcasts.

It is perceived as normal to be clean cut, or trendy, but personally I feel trends are pointless and shallow. They lead people to believe, “If I look normal, then I am normal.”

Life soon becomes a subject of superficiality and materialism. Life would be pure monotony if we were all the same, all wearing the same brand of clothing and the newest hairstyle.

In defense of individuality and the freedom of expression, I feel each person has his or her own personal identity and should not be persecuted for it.Wearing black nail polish or Abercrombie and Fitch does not make you a ‘freak’ or a ‘prep,’ but personifies each person’s unique characteristics.

When placed in a group standard these characteristics are lost due to the need to conform to everyone else.

Everyone has their own specific group

of friends and these groups should not be labeled. We must integrate and appreciate others for who they are and not for what society pegs them to be.

In the 80’s, The Breakfast Club, dared to challenge the stereotypes and break down social barriers. The movie dealt with issues surrounding broken homes and parental expectations. It not only dared to question authority, but also demonstrated the result of respect and an open mind.

I feel the public should model their outlook to the message of this movie.

We should look at everyone with the same esteem we look at ourselves because nobody is better than anyone else is.

Discrimination in any form is pointless and boring. Hate has never accomplished anything except even more hate. Who are we to judge others anyway, for one day someone may judge us. Society must get used to the fact that everyone is different and that will never change.

The next time you feel like tormenting the “outcast,” throw aside your pride and actually talk to them.

You’d be surprised to find that underneath your blind stereotype of the ‘freak’ or ‘goody-goody,’ may lie a great person.

The Palabra John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road, Bel Air MD 21014

Editor-In-Chief Katie Chlada Editorial Editors Emily Lyles Mairead Gordon News Editors Grace Matelli Julie Ross Features Editors Jenny DeGree Laurie Krysiak Entertainment Editors John Vigliotti Sam Marll Sports Editors Amy Graul Adam Bell The Palabra is a publication of the students of John Carroll School. The views and opinions expressed in The Palabra are not necessarily the views and opinions of the Board or Administration of John Carroll School. The editorial staff invites and greatly appreciates comments from readers on any issue.

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Editorials

You can’t do that here...

by Jenny Degree

After my action-packed day filled with rebellious law breaking, I On one pleasant Sunday thought it would be wise if I found out afternoon, I decided to go see a movie at what kind of laws are out there in the the local movie theater in Baltimore. As world. You might be disappointed with usual, I brought my pet lion, Frank, along the results. with me. To my dismay, however, I was If you happen to have a fetish pulled over by a state policeman and was for wild moose, Alaska might be immediately arrested and thrown in jail. the state where you would Little did I know, it is an official first want to visit. However, Baltimore City law that taking a there are serious lion to the movies is illegal. consequences that come This ludicrous law, along with along with this fetish. several others around the While on your visit to world, has taken many peoplelike Alaska, you should be myself by surprise. aware that in Fairbanks, After I was released Alaska, it is considered a from jail, I decided to cuss out legal offense to feed an old man for tripping me. To go along alcoholic beverages to a moose. So if with my already “wonderful” day in you are feeling a little mischievous and Baltimore, there happens to be a possibly intoxicated one night, I suggest policeman standing right around the that you stay far away from moose in corner. He rushes toward me with his case the irresistible temptation arises. whole swat team and tackles me to the If you happen to become ground. extremely attached to one of the moose “You are under arrest for cursing and you want to take it home with you, inside the city limits,” the policeman said you should note the rules for bringing a while breathing heavily on me. It’s too moose on an airplane. If this moose starts bad I was unaware of this Baltimore law. to get on your nerves, and you have the

sudden impulse to throw the moose out of the plane, always remember that it is an Alaskan state law that pushing a live moose out of a moving airplane is considered an offense.

On the topic of kinky animals, you should note that if you are particularly by Julie Ross fond of porcupines, perhaps it would not It now costs fifty cents to make be wise of you to visit Florida. Written a phone call from a pay phone. That’s right in there with all of the other state right, a whole half of a dollar just for laws is the law that having sexual one little call to your mama. relations with a porcupine is illegal. I Many students are unaware of know, it’s disappointing. this change and can’t seem to get those If you happen to be in the mood darn machines to work. “Why does it for a murder, Australia is just the place keep asking me for more money?” to go. Instead of actually spending your questioned junior Brant Ross. “I put in whole life in prison for committing a the thirty-five cents.” serious crime, a life sentence in this Well, Brant, there’s been a “down under” country consists of a fifteen cent increase since the last time whopping 25 years. you used that phone.

If you enjoy being a topless Brant was not the only one who woman (or enjoy looking at them), hadn’t heard the news. When asked Liverpool, England suits you well. Even what he thought of the price increase, though it is illegal for a woman to be senior Kevin Lindemann blurted out, “It topless in public, it is accepted if they costs fifty cents to make a phone call? work as a clerk in a tropical fish store.

Really! That’s fierce.”

Now I know why those fish stores never Sophomore Grace Matelli said, go out of business.

“So that’s why the phone didn’t work when I was trying to call my mom.”

Some students expressed a dislike for this resent adjustment. “What a rip off,” said freshmen Emily Andon.

Another possibility is enforcing “That’s outrageous,” declared the “quiet law” when fans have to be sophomore Trevor Logan.

Other remarks came from quiet at games. This law would not be favorable among many fans, but if they sophomore Caroline Le’Cakes, “That’s obey the law the law might be upheld the wack,” and junior Meghan Marchiano, “That’s bad.” next year.

Even though more and more Hopefully people will start to act like adults when they go watch people are getting cell phones, it’s still recreational sporting events. If there is not fair for those of us who don’t have not some improvement in parental them to have to spend such a ridiculous behavior at games, there might be some amount of money to make a two minute phone call. serious changes.

The catch is that by paying fifty Perhaps all recreation councils in the country could do what the rec cents you get an unlimited amount of councils in Carroll and Howard Counties minutes. I guess that’s good news to did, and force people to watch the game all of us who spend hours on a payphone! in total silence.

Recreational sports are supposed to teach teamwork, build selfconfidence, and be fun… aren’t they?

Parents may not realize it, but this kind of behavior is actually hurting their children in the long run. Parents should be teaching by example, and this is definitely not the type of example they should be setting.

So the next time you’re at a sports game, watch what you say and be kind to the ref, or else.

Reffing proves challenging for youth A thirteen-year-old ref was refereeing a 7-8 boy’s basketball game Make the call, you guys stink, get when a fan just started screaming at him. your heads in the game, where’s the foul. It got much worse. The next time down These are just a few of the derogatory the court two more fans started yelling remarks made to coaches, players, at him and the boy became frustrated. referees, and umpires across the country. He found a way to shut the fans up by This screaming and hollering screaming at them and cussing them out. nonsense is not just happening at the Now that was definitely not the professional level, it is happening in travel right way to handle the circumstances, and recreational leagues also, and it needs but a thirteen-year old boy should not be to stop. put into that type of a situation.

A few recreation programs in These fans were taking a 7-8 Howard and Carroll Counties have boy’s basketball game way too seriously. instituted laws that spectators be The players at ages seven and eight don’t completely quiet while watching the really care if they win or lose, they’re game. just out to have fun.

This may sound absurd, Secondly, the ref was only in his especially when you couldn’t cheer for first year of refereeing and still had a lot your kid when he scores a goal or hits a to learn. home run. However, this is the only way Most of the refs at local rec to keep fans from verbally harassing refs councils are kids that love the game or and players. just want to make a few extra bucks.

In some rec councils closer to They are trying their best and don’t home, like Emmorton and Bel Air, some appreciate being yelled at. coaches and fans have lost complete A lot of the time the crazed fans control at games. don’t know the rules of the game and At a 9-10 basketball game one just start yelling when they see something coach got so mad at the officials he was that they think is wrong. asked to leave the gym. He refused and There are many solutions to help had to be escorted out of the gym and fix this nonsense. One possibility is the was forced to leave the school. rec council telling the coach that he has This kind of behavior by a grown to control his fans or he will be forced to man is totally inappropriate in front of nine forfeit the game. and ten year old kids.

by Adam Bell

Fierce fees fool phone fans

News

4

Local punk surfaces Halloween sells out about our own experiences, and despite the fact that they may be explicit at “Being in a punk band at such times, that’s who we are.” Reality a young age has its restrictions, but I Check E.P. , compiled of Come Apart, guess the glamorous life of sex and Midget, Hypocrisy Rules, Last substance abuse will come later and I Chance, and Rear View Mirror, has can’t wait,” said Trevor Hennings, lead been featured on mp3.com and an online singer and guitarist for Jacob’s Petting radio station called “East Coast Punk.”

Jacob’s Petting Zoo felt the Zoo. Jacob’s Petting Zoo, with all members at the tender age of fifteen, need to have their music heard live. burst on to the local punk scene with They played at Campus Cabana’s Teen their mix of ska and punk, and have Night, Loyola High School, Ten Car Pile successfully released their debut album, Up and many other venues. “The biggest thrill for the band was opening Reality Check E.P. The madness all started in for Supergiant at the Outer Banks.

March 2000 when Trevor Hennings got “They are two time Warp Tour veterans together with friend Jeff Csicek, current and to be that close to something so huge drummer for Fakie 96. They recruited was an indescribable feeling,” said bassist Kevin Barrett, currently a Hennings, whose dream is to be the member of Caucasion Invasion, and headliner of the Warp Tour.

“We try to incorporate as much started putting their punk interests into action. “It was great for the first five energy into our shows as we put into months, but then it was obvious to see changing interests and unfortunately we went our separate ways,” said Trevor reminiscing on his abandonment.

When Trevor entered high school, however, everything changed.

There he met current lead guitarist for Jacob’s Petting Zoo, Mike Anderson.

They began to talk about their band experiences, and Mike mentioned that his band was looking for a new singer.

Trevor, deprived of a band, optimistically offered his services.

Jacob’s Petting Zoo was complete with Trevor Hennings as lead singer and guitarist, Mike Anderson as lead guitarist, Pat Smith at bass, and as their “sick” drummer, Terry Breschi.

“From the minute we played Midget in full, I knew we had something,” said Trevor.

“I am not that interesting, and that’s half the reason I am so serious about this band. I just don’t want to be another person that fades away into oblivion. I want to be remembered for our music,” Trevor said. Jacob’s Petting something,” said Trevor, “and I hope Zoo spends almost as much time Reality Check E.P. will pave the way practicing their dance moves as they do writing songs. “It’s more of an inside for bigger and better things.”

Every band has to start joke, but at our shows we do a dance somewhere, but luckily for Jacob’s routine making fun of those worthless Petting Zoo it wasn’t in an abandoned pop bands. It gives our fans a good warehouse, where heroin was their only laugh,” snickered Trevor. Jacob’s comfort. “We actually hadn’t played Petting Zoo plays with many other local that many shows when Stickyfingerz bands, and they feel their intense but offered us a record deal,” said Trevor humor filled shows give them a unique Hennings, remembering the simplicity. quality that most bands can not capture.

“It was a big break for the band.”

Trevor said, reflecting on From then on, Jacob’s Petting Jacob’s Petting Zoo, “My band and I Zoo plunged themselves headfirst into have made a lot of sacrifices, and have songwriting. “Let’s go to a party, smoke devoted almost our whole life to this pot, get laid, and drink…screwed up you band. It feels so surreal now, and I know we’ll be, you won’t remember a know it will end sometime, but when it thing,” expresses their first single, does, I won’t regret a thing because it Midget. Trevor said, “We try to write will all be worth it.” photo from http://www.jacobspettingzoo.com

by Katie Chlada

By Jenny Degree

have to change between consecutive scenes, she will put more dialogue During the Halloween season, between dances. The most common most teenagers can be found Trick-or- way was to wear your costumes layered, Treating or perhaps going to a spooky so that you were all ready to go for the haunted trail with friends. However, for next scene.” some gifted Harford County teenagers, The performers were not the a significant component of their only people who came dressed up in Halloween season was being a part of costumes. Traditionally, young kids come the annual dance performance: Harriet’s to the show dressed up in their Happiest Halloween.

Halloween costumes to get in the spirit Held annually at Harford of the holiday.

Community College, Harriet’s Happiest As with any major performance, Halloween is an enjoyable dance there is always going to be one last minute performance suitable for people of all problem. Andrea states this problem was, ages. Each year, the main character “There was no full dress rehearsal with Harriet has a problem to solve dealing all of the costumes until the night before with Halloween, and through the use of the performance. The costume lady got many dances, she comes up with a happy sick, so we had trouble getting all the solution by the end. This year the problem costumes in and ready to go. But that Harriet had to face was that she did everything turned out fine.” not know what to wear for Halloween, One unique incident that sticks so through her many adventures in the out in Andrea’s mind during her practices mall, she had to find a suitable of Harriet’s Happiest Halloween is an costume before Halloween old story that scared many of arrived. the performers. The story This year the was that there used to be performances were held a man named Edwin who on October 25, 26, 27, was walking across the and 28, and there were catwalk one day and twelve dances overall. mysteriously fell off.

Every year, Harriet’s Today, legend tells it that Happiest Halloween sells out for all of Edwin’s ghost still lurks around the stage its performances due to its interesting and area. unique take on Halloween.

“There is a sign posted Some John Carroll students that ‘Someone’s watching you, so beware’ “, were involved in the performances were said Andrea. “A lot of people were juniors Meghan Treherne and Kristen scared to go near the catwalk during the Nevel along with freshman Joseph practices, so virtually nobody visited Murphy. Kristen’s mom, Bambi Nevel, there.” choreographed the performance.

Another incident that Andrea Fallston High School sophomore spoke about was how massages were and performer, Andrea Espinosa, said that being given out to the stressful dancers. this was her second time being a part of “Since it was getting close to the this performance, and that she will performances, many of the dancers were definetly be a part of it again next year. becoming stressed out,” said Andrea.

“I had a lot of fun, and it was a rewarding “So, we had a masseuse there to relieve experience because I got to meet new our stress. They were 15-minute friends from different schools who massages for $15. They were actually shared the same interests as me,” said pretty popular.”

Andrea.

To be a part of this performance, “The costumes and scenery also the teenagers had to put a lot of time and put an appealing twist on the commitment into it. Andrea said, “If you performances,” stated Andrea. “Some missed more than three practices in the of the costumes were leftovers from summer, then the choreographer could other performances done at the college, kick you out.” However, kids could be but most were made by the costume involved in some after-school activities designer. And they were free, so that because all of the practices were held at was pretty cool.” night.

A burning question that most Harriet’s Happiest Halloween people have is how exactly performers will surely be a favorite activity for adults can change costumes so quickly between and children alike for many Halloweens consecutive scenes. Andrea came up to come. Not only does it exemplify the with several answers to this. “It does talents of these gifted teenage dancers, take a lot of practice and dress but it also provides an exciting and rehearsals,” said Andrea. “Also, if the enjoyable activity for Halloween. choreographer knows that many people

News

5

A surge in teen faith means fun times When in need of guidance, where do today’s teens turn? Ever wonder where they go to for a good time? Church. That’s right, you heard…church. Youth ministries have become quite popular with today’s youth.

Youth ministries can offer a wide variety of activities to keep teenagers having fun and out of trouble while, at the same time, bringing God into their lives.

At the Bel Air Church of the Nazarene, located in Bel Air, MD, the “youth group” is extremely successful and energetic. The group meets ever Sunday from 6 to 7:30 in the evening.

Many of the participants will arrive early and stay late to enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

During the time that the youth group meets, many activities are provided. It is the teens that lead the fellowship, not the adults. (However, adult supervision is provided and a youth pastor will be there to offer the group any support). For the musically inclined, there is plenty of singing and guitar playing. Spirits are always high, and many will join in the musical festivities by clapping and keeping a beat. An

assortment of games are also offered.

Contests are sometimes held with a desirable prize as a motivator. “This is a time of prayer, singing, testimony, Bible study, videos, games and more,” says junior Jon Freburger, student at C. Milton Wright High School.

However, the youth group isn’t confined to meeting in just the church.

The group travels quite a bit. They have been on many trips together, in and out of state. Amusement parks, the beach, the boardwalk, and the mall (for scavenger hunts) are all places that the youth group has been together.

In addition to these recreational places, the youth group also has traveled to reach out to those in need. They visit the elderly in the church community.

“Their sole purpose is to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” said junior Missy Phillips. The group has also offered their services at soup kitchens.

On an environmental note, the youth group has planted trees, picked up trash along highways, and helped with landscaping.

Perhaps the most influential trip that the youth group takes is to the Appalachian Mountains… “Mission Trip.” It’s an eleven-hour trip, but an eleven-hour trip well worth it. The group

has to give up a lot, not just money, but their lives. also an ample amount of their time during Although there is a common the summer, time that could be spent at perception that spending time in church the beach. Yet, the teens choose to skip is boring, those who participate in youth the beach. The group helps out people groups tend to be some of the most who are in desperate need for company and repair. The trip agenda consists of b u i l d i n g additions onto h o u s e s , shingling roofs, installing new floors, building decks, building ramps for the handicapped, and most importantly, b u i l d i n g Youth group teens pose for a picture after a hard day of work. relationships.

Even though the group goes out exciting and happy teenagers around. to give something back to the people, Youth groups get kids on the right path they end up receiving more than they and ensure them with a strong could ever offer. The friendships, relationship with the church, the memories, spiritual growth, and good community, and God that will guide them times will never be forgotten. Many through the rest of their lives. come back convinced that “Mission Trip” was the best and most fulfilling week of photo from Missy Phillips

by Amy Graul

by Julie Ross Blood pressure dropping, hearts racing, breathing problems and needles being ripped out are just some of the problems nurses run into on their shift at the hospital.

Nurses today have an overload of stress. In most hospitals the nurse to patient ratio is 1 to 6 or even higher.

“Sometimes you just have too many things going on at one time and you have to make a mental assessment of what’s most important,” said one registered nurse.

During their shift most nurses are running around from patient to patient with no time to sit down and eat or even go the bathroom.

“One night, one of my patients needed two units of blood (which takes a lot of time), the other had made a huge mess in his bed and there was no nursing tech on hand to clean it up, and the third had to be transferred to St. Joseph’s hospital for a cardiac catheterization. This involved calling a report, paperwork, and arranging for an ambulance to come pick him up,” said Peggy, one exhausted registered nurse who works the night shift.

Those were only three of the seven patients she had to take care of

that night. “It was very nerve-racking,” she said.

Every now and then a nurse will have a really bad experience with one of their patients.

When Peggy first received her patient with a severe lung disease, the woman’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing were all normal. At 4:30 A.M. she began to get drowsy and “She wasn’t answering any of my questions,” said Peggy.

Her breathing rate had doubled and her blood pressure had dropped significantly. “I called Respiratory Therapy who came and assessed her but then said it wasn’t a respiratory problem.”

Peggy then called the doctor, who ordered an emergency chest x-ray and for blood gasses to be drawn. The patient then was immediately moved to the intensive care unit.

All of this was going on while five other patients had to be attended to.

Another registered nurse, Lynn, was attending to a patient with an epidural needle in his back (the needle gives the patient pain medication). Sometime during her shift he decided to pull the needle out.

“I had to immediately call the anesthesiologist who told me to put a peripheral needle in and deliver the pain

photo from Julie Ross

Nurses cope with stress

A tired nurse goes to work. This is at 10 p.m., the beginning of her eight hour shift.

medication that way,” Lynn explained.

Lynn then called the doctor to report what had happened. “The Doctor was not happy with anesthesia and made me call the anesthesiologist back to have the epidural put back in.”

The Anesthesiologist was furious when he heard the news but had the patient sent down and the needle put back in.

Thirty minutes after the patient had come back he began to complain of his legs being numb and that he couldn’t

lift them off of the bed. What had happened was the needle slipped from its proper place causing pernicious results.

“And this is just one of my patients that I had to take care of,” said Lynn.

The stress of being a nurse only increases with the number of patients they have. Hospitals need to become better staffed, especially since they are dealing with people’s lives and by not having the proper amount of nurses they can jeopardize someone’s health.

Features

6

Betzing intrigues fellow students with unique life-style

by Mairead Gordon When asked what she likes to do in her spare time, Lauren Betzing replied, “Practicing with my Indian Folklore Band, AMU, which believes in high pitched screeching and drum rolls.”

She also writes her own songs, including her newest country hit, “Shootin’s real fine if you want a good time.”

Lauren is a very outgoing and funny person, who is always telling a joke or singing a song. However, like most kids, she doesn’t turn to the radio. Lauren turns to Frank Sinatra and “Summer Winds.”

When she isn’t singing, she turns to writing. She is co-author of her own book “Vegetable Soup for the Adolescent Mind.” They are mostly death poems, focusing on issues such as depression, suicide, drunk driving, and an occasional lawn dart accident.

Like many girls, she loves to paint her nails. If she could be any nail polish design, she would be “the

watermelon, because it reminds me of my favorite summer past times.” These include going down the slipand-slide with her clothes on, and tanning in her inflatable pool.

When she wants to get away from everything, she likes to go for drives. She has been driving for eight months now, and has had only five accidents.

Lauren says, “Only four were my fault.

The other one was ‘supposedly’ my fault for cutting the man off in the other lane.”

Her biggest accident was on a country

Incubus Fanatic Invades JC

by Adam Bell

The first of these two things is an ultra rare 7-inch vinyl record “Let Me Three T-shirts, 7 posters, 2 Tell Ya Bout Root Beer.” The second DVD’s, 12 CD’s, 2 patches, 4 stickers, thing he needs is an African Djembe and one 8X10 picture of Marc and drum, which Brandon Boyd uses. Marc Brandon Boyd. This is just some of the already has an imitation of this drum, but Incubus paraphernalia that Marc Rothe he wants the real thing. has. Incubus is Marc’s Marc’s life-he is obsessed. One life is not totally night Marc even went to I n c u b u s Record and Tape Traders however. Marc at midnight so he could be enjoys doing one of the first people in other things that the country to own the teenagers do new Incubus CD. also.

“I listen to He used Incubus constantly, at to be a huge least ten hours a day,” hockey fan, Marc says. So basically before he started right when he gets home listening to from school, he listens to Incubus. He still Incubus until he goes to watches hockey bed. whenever he gets Mark still has a a chance, but is lot of other Incubus definitely not the paraphernalia. He has a fan that he was Chuck promotional mask, about four or five two vinyl seven-inch Marc meeting Brandon Boyd years ago. Marc records and one key chain. His really enjoys computer wallpaper and screensavers are watching the Washington Capitals, his also Incubus. Also three of his CD covers favorite team. are autographed by four of the five band Marc also enjoys playing golf members. Marc’s entire bedroom is filled with his friends. “I am a terrible golfer, I with his memorabilia. All of his walls have like a 30 handicap,” Marc says. He are covered with his posters. is only a beginner though and hopes to He is pleased with his collection improve over the next few years. of Incubus paraphernalia. He says that Marc is a true Incubus groupie. only two pieces are missing and his His collection of band memorabilia may collection will be complete. even impress the members of the band.

road. All the cars in front of her came to a screeching halt, but she couldn’t react in time. She ran into the car in front of her, creating a chain reaction of collisions in front of her.

Except for one incident, Lauren hasn’t had too much trouble with the police. She believes it was merely because the Bel Air Police had nothing better to do with their time than pull over innocent new drivers. The cop

begs to differ. He said that it she failed to stay in her designated lane.

Lauren loves being outside and hanging out with her friends. However, if they make too much noise, they have to go. These noises include nose-blowing, sniffling, coughing, and loud breathing.

Her biggest pet peeve of all is germs.

Lauren also loves to travel. She visited New York after the 9-11 attack on the World Trade Center. Everything was going fine until she felt something go into her eye. She was taken to the infirmary where she found out that debris from the World Trade Center had gone into her eye. She had the contents removed immediately.

Lauren also has been to Ireland with her soccer team. When asked about an incident with her bodily fluids, she replied, “NO COMMENT.” Lauren always has fun no matter where she goes, and believes in living life to the fullest.

You can check out the online version of

The Palabra

and every issue of The PATRIOT at http://techcord.loyola.edu

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7

Features

Airport security rises across nation since 9-11 attacks

by Sam Marll

“Sir, are you carrying anything illegal with you?” A lifetime ago, airport security was, much like the question often asked by airport security guards, an incredible inconvenience. Drugs, guns, and literally tons of other fun toys for the kids regularly passed through the metal detectors and incompetent security guards, while you were held up at the line to board the plane, because of your metal key chain. However, this is about to change. As of now, Uncle Sam is completely in charge of airline security.

But what exactly has President Bush and his “Action Administration” been doing?

A surprising amount, actually.

On November 16, the House of Representatives and Senate passed the Aviation Security Bill by a vote of 410-9.

What does this mean to the average person? Before the September 11th tragedies, airline security procedures were focused on the concept of “convenience for the customer.”

Now, a person is lucky to get nail clippers through the metal detector. A new division in the Department of Transportation, called the Transportation Security Administration has been charged with implementing the changes called for in the Aviation Security Act. The Republicans feel this new agency will be more than able to increase airline security.

Florida Representative John Mica believes that the new agency would have “unprecedented power for cutting through red tape and bureaucracy and putting security rules in place.”

The most prominent change is the decision made by the government for all baggage screeners to be brought under the federal payroll in less than one year.

Before the Security Act was passed, airline companies employed “low-paid, poorly motivated workers that were responsible for numerous and serious security breaches,” said Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott.

About 28,000 screeners will now work for the Federal Government, with airline companies having a choice to opt out of the federalization of airline security after three years. However, airline security will remain under federal supervision permanently.

Less notable changes include an

increase in the number of undercover sky marshals onboard all flights, unarmed and small arms combat training for pilots, upgraded screening technology, and fortified cockpit doors.

New developments in technology look promising.

Airports now have 60 days to expand inspection of baggage. Within two years, all baggage must be inspected.

Originally, the Security Act called for cameras to be placed in both the passengers’ area and the cockpit, to monitor suspicious activity, but the pilots’

this new system will work.

Aside from private contractors and Republicans in the House of Representatives & Senate, the Security Act has found itself with tremendous support from everyone, especially the public.

A CBS News poll conducted after the New York airliner crash found that 56% of the public feel that the government has not done enough to improve airport security, and 67% says that federal security would be preferable to private security companies.

The government hopes that the salary increase to approximately $35,000 a year for federal airline supervisors will help stimulate the fragile economy, which has taken yet another blow with the destruction of the World Trade Center.

However, any airline security employees working for the government will not have the right to strike, which has concerned some labor unions.

Before the suggestion of federalizing airline security surfaced in Congress, no plans had been made to drastically change airline security. Many viewed it as infringing on civil rights, or union worked vigorously to drop that as throwing taxpayer money out the segment of the bill from the legislature. window. The private security companies To handle the costs for these are quick to point out this sudden increase drastic reforms, the government has of support for federalization of security. instituted a “security tax,” a $2.50 fee “Three months ago, no one even per passenger, which can be raised to a considered something of this magnitude, maximum of $5.00 per person. and now, everyone is for it. Is this really The private security companies an effort to improve security, or is it just have taken an understandably less an act of the government to shake the optimistic fears of the public?” stance on the asked William Vassell. hree months ago, no one bill that will Private security even considered somebasically rob companies are also them of thing of this magnitude, and skeptical of the business. government’s ability to now, everyone is for it. Is this “The increase security really an effort to improve government is measures, taking a “You security, or...just an act of the essentially can talk the talk, but can governement to shake the taking away you walk the walk?” my business,” fears of the public? stance. said William Even so, the public still Vassell, the thinks this may be a wise - William Vassell Chairman and move, WTC tragedy or C h i e f no. Before the Sept. 11th Executive of Command Security tragedies, security companies conducted Corporation. He pointed out that there token security checks that seemed more are many “good companies that can do focused on satisfying the government the job. Raise the standards and fire the with a minimum of expenditure, than companies that don’t meet them.” actual safety measures.

Many private security The government had put companies are essentially losing an entire mounting pressures on the airliners to field of business to the government. improve security for years, despite limited The private sector isn’t the only results. Specially designed explosive group against the federalization of airline detectors that had been given to every security. The Republicans initially airport in the country were hardly being resisted the bill, not wanting to create used. These explosive detectors had the another drain on the country’s resources. ability to scan 350 bags an hour, but only They eventually gave in to overwhelming scanned about 225 a day. pressure from all sides, which believe that Arab spokesmen have spoken

T

out against these new measures, claiming that these added measures are an act of racial profiling. “If a white person had hijacked the flights that destroyed the World Trade Center, would we be hearing about this Aviation Security Act? I do not think so,” said Khabu Arafar, spokesman for the Anti-Defamation League.

All in all, these changes are soon to have a major impact on airline security.

Whether or not these changes will be effective, remains to be seen.

Teacher’s Fashion Cont. from Pg. 1 “This isn’t a fashion show,” said Mrs. Willan, “I get up and put on the first thing that I see. If they don’t like it, then too bad for them.”

Another student, who also wishes to remain anonymous, wonders if “they picked out their outfits in the dark. I am not trying to criticize any of the teachers, but I am just curious.”

The Department of Language Studies is also home to many teachers who possess a unique sense of style.

Mrs. Baker (not to be confused with the chemistry teacher) has traveled to many Spanish-speaking countries.

There she has been able to see and incorporate the styles of those in South and Central America.

“One day I walked into class and I thought that I was going to go blind because of this bright pink and blue dress that Mrs. Baker had on,” said Junior Shannon Seipp.

Miss Buppert, a former teacher and student of JC, possessed a style of simplicity. Miss Buppert coached track and taught Spanish at JC for two years before leaving to pursue other career opportunities.

“I envied her sense of style.

She could wear a straight summer dress with sandals and look like a million bucks,” said one John Carroll administrator. “She could definitely have been a part of the fashion police,” said junior Lauren Betzing. JC certainly lost a stellar dresser the day Miss Buppert left.

The teachers at JC can be adequately described as unique.

Whether they’re garbed in paisley, vests, Regis shirts, or loafers, they possess a style all their own.

Features

8

Coed sleepovers increase among teenagers Are they friendly get-togethers or acts of hedonistic debauchery?

Aisling Finck, a JC sophomore, stated, “My dad hates boys so the thought of a coed sleepover is out of the question.

Promiscuous sex, extreme drug I think the main reason for his anxiety is use, and alcohol abuse are the first the sex issue among teenagers today.”

However, the stereotypical thoughts that come to many parent’s minds when their child asks, “Can I have preteen is also impulsive and more a coed sleepover?” It has been a susceptible to peer pressure than any controversial issue between parent and other time in their life. Margaret child that has been growing over the last Sagarese, a researcher of preteens at the decade.

University of Ohio, said, “What a child Traditionally, coed sleepovers will do in a group is totally different and are not the norm, indeed, not even a trend out of character from what that child will among preteens. Professionals and do alone. It can really take parents by researchers say they hope they never surprise.”

The manner in which teens will will be. Coed sleepovers highlight just how developmentally contradictory be able to handle a sexual experience if children this age are and how confusing it comes their way frightens some parents. parenting them can be.

Debra Haffner, a sexuality educator, said, “It’s a horrible trend, and “Since neither we nor the preteen know parents need to just say no,” said Diane when sexual curiosity will come along Fenner, who has two sons at an and they lack the emotional maturity to Arlington, VA high school. “I think it’s a handle it if it does, why provide the bum deal having them all in the same opportunity?” room like that. I have good friends who Games like Lemon (follow disagree and let their kids do it. But I directions from separate pieces of paper think these kids are getting one over on that tell you whether to kiss, lick, or touch us.” She worries that the sleeping a boy/girl’s specific body part) and Wild arrangement may lead to sexual activity. Kiss (a boy and girl on either side of a Many fear boyfriends and circle wrestle each other to either deliver girlfriends will have the urge to go further or avoid receiving or giving a kiss) just than “just kissing. I believe that there confirm the fear of most parents of a are far more good kids out there than sexual revolution among adolescents.

Even if some teens Do you think co-ed sleepovers are appropriate? have been friends for a long time, m a n y parents feel that this is no excuse for allowing a c o e d sleepover.

Sagarese s a i d , “Precisely because they know each other so well bad, but even good kids can fall into trouble without meaning to. and because they’re lying in a sleeping Why would we even want to give our bag in their PJs on the floor in the dark, children (no matter how responsible they there’s a degree of intimacy that allows may act, they are still children) the them to say something like, ‘I’ve always temptation?” wondered what a penis looks like,’ or, ‘I Shulamit Kahn, a Brookline wonder what it feels like to kiss.’” mother whose daughter can’t attend This obvious curiosity impairs an coed sleepovers said, “Sometimes when adolescent’s mind leading to irresponsible they are just standing around in my decisions. Mrs. Hebert, a JC English kitchen, I can feel the underlying sexual teacher, said, “I don’t see any reason to tension. The way the girls hang out have these sleepovers. There are many when there are boys is very different other activities a teen can engage in from the way they hang out when there without such a heavy weighted are only girls around.” responsibility on their shoulders.”

by Katie Chlada and Jenny DeGree

On the other hand, some parents and adolescents feel that coed sleepovers are acceptable in a clean and controlled environment. J.D., a teenager from VA, said, “It’s the newest thing.” He explained how twenty of his closest friends—male and female—would spend the night playing Ping-Pong, talking

coed sleepover reasoned it was safe because the kids had been best friends since before kindergarten. An 18-yearold student from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois protested that the sleepovers “give rise to wonderful experiences-sexual or platonic. The bonding that occurs in the early morning

Would you (parents) host a co-ed sleepover?

and watching movies in the basement until the sun rose.

Some feel that coed sleepovers are another option for kids. “Kids always used to rent hotel rooms,” said Joan Graham, a journalism teacher in Maryland. “I guess with these parties, parents think, ‘Well, they are at least under my roof.’”

Many of those who go to the parties say they obey parental rules carefully because they are grateful for just being allowed to attend. “It’s almost like there’s a little voice on their shoulder,” said Dan Pisner, who has let his son hold several coed sleepovers.

Elliot Pisner agreed, “It’s true.

You feel happy you are allowed to just be together and have one. We usually spend a lot of time talking and listening to music all night.”

Another parent supported the sleepovers by saying, “My 18-year-old daughter has been doing this with her group of friends, taking turns at everyone’s house, since she was 15. No harm. It is good fun. They call it ‘movie night’ because they sit and watch movies, usually scary ones, all night long. It is good, harmless fun. And no one in this group is a pregnant teenager. No one is a drug user.

No one is an alcoholic. No one is suicidal.”

A Brookline mother who allowed a

hours, and perhaps in the arms of your significant other, can last a lifetime.”

Some parents and teens are strongly convinced that coed sleepovers can work. They feel that they can be fun, memorable occasions, but only if parents take an extremely active and responsible role.

An online survey of 841 parents provided that 70.27 percent said they would allow their child to go to a sleepover for a little while, but would not allow them to sleepover. Another 19.38 percent said they would forbid their child to go. 6.42 percent would allow their child to go with no concern, and 3.92 percent would allow them to go even though it made them uncomfortable.

Sex, drugs, and irresponsibility seem to be synonymous with coed sleepovers in the minds of many parents, but with the proper supervision many parents agreed that such a get together could be tolerated. However, the debate over coed sleepovers is far from over.

The days of innocence are quickly being abolished, and good intentions are quickly forgotten.

9

Entertaiment

Lord of the Rings is lord of the box office in the book. The performance of the almost all of their own stunts. actors is astonishing, as the actors Peter Jackson, the writer/ rehearsed archery, horseback riding, and director/ producer of the film, created a swordsmanship with Bob Anderson, a film that followed the book faithfully, with the character’s lines and appearances impressive quoted right from the book.

The characters even learned the Elvish language using an appendix in the back of the books to create the true authenticity of the movie.

Walking out of the theater, I was glad that I had not gone along with my first impression of the movie. This movie truly captured my attention and, even though it was three hours long, I was never bored. If you pay attention to the movie, it is not extremely hard to follow, but it would probably help to read The Hobbit before seeing the movie, as there are many references to the book in the movie. photo from http://www.google.com

the ring’s history by his friend, the wizard Gandalf (Sir Ian McKellen) , Frodo and After seeing the preview for The his hobbit friends Sam (Sean Astin), Pippin Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of (Billy Boyd), and Merry (Dominic the Rings about a month ago, I thought Monaghan), travel to the town of Bree. that the special effects looked pretty good, There, the hobbits meet Aragon (Viggo but I did not really think that I would go Mortensen), the exiled king of the land and see the movie. However, a week of Gondor disguised as a ranger. after the movie opened, I found myself The five companions then travel sitting in the almost full theater, thinking I to Rivendell, the home of the elves, was about to see a movie that would be where they are reunited with Gandalf and a Harry Potter with different characters. are introduced to the dwarf warrior, Gimli What I saw was the total opposite.

(John Rhys-Davis), the prince elf-warrior The Fellowship of the Ring i s Legolas (Orlando Bloom),and a man, the the first movie in the Lord of the Rings son of the Steward of Gondor, named trilogy. The series tells the tale of a dark, Boromir. Together, the nine companions powerful ring that was created in the land became the fellowship of the ring. After of Mordor in the fires of Mount Doom the battles against the goblin-elves created by a dark lord called Sauron to rule over by Sauron called orcs, the death of the elves, dwarves, hobbits, and men of Boromir in battle, and the disappearance the middle-earth. After Sauron was of Gandalf, Frodo and Sam travel to defeated, his ring was lost for 3000 years Mount Doom. Legolas, Gimli, and before being found by a creature called Aragorn go off to rescue Merry and Gollum, and then a hobbit named Bilbo Pippin, kidnapped by orcs.

Baggins (Sir Ian Holm).

The Fellowship of the Ring was The Fellowship of the Ring tells filmed over two years in New Zealand of how the powerful ring is passed to on a set that was hand-made by Bilbo’s nephew, Frodo (Elijah Wood), and crewmembers of the film, which explain Frodo’s journey to Mount Doom to the beauty of the sets of the detail that destroy the evil ring. After being told of almost exactly resembles the descriptions

by Laurie Krysiak

Frodo (Wood), the hobbit, graces the cover image.

legendary swordsman in Hollywood noted for his work in the Star Wars movies, for four months before shooting so that they would be able to perform

Music propels movie to cult following Joe (Anthony LaPaglia) left covering up the loss when the bank comes around.

Meanwhile, the other employees “Empire Records” is another go through their day oblivious to the chaos teenage-based movie lacking a strong that lingers ahead. There is the young plot, significant dialogue, and overall Harvard-bound Corey (Liv Tyler) who substance. However, these very aspects is driven by her overbearing father to a speed addiction and is have propelled a cult following in constant debate whether to give her among adolescents dependent on the innocence to MTV star Rex Manning movie’s drug, sex, death, and most (Maxwell Caulfield), who is visiting the store importantly, musicrelated issues. that day. AJ (Johnny The 1995 Whitworth), a striving Moyle production artist, seeks to express is based on the his love for Corey but Generation X goes through a period complex where of self-doubt. Then we body piercing, have the slut, Gina tattoos, and a free (Renee Zellweger), spirit rule. The who sleeps with any movie begins and every man she can when an employee The cover image portrays the constant for comfort, including named Lucas diversity throughout the film. her best friend’s dream, Rex Manning.

(Rory Cochrane) discovers that their beloved Empire There is also the local Goth girl, Records is selling out to the conformist Deborah (Robin Tunney), who glorifies and money hungry chain, Music City. In death and depression by her suicide a “get rich quick” scheme, he takes the attempt, personifying her rebellion by store’s daily earnings to Atlantic City. shaving her head. Mark (Ethan Embry) Lucas proceeds to loose all of the money is the spacey, hash brownie addicted and leaves storeowner and father figure, employee who hallucinates he is being

by Katie Chlada

photo from http://www.google.com

eaten by his favorite band GWAR. Lucas is the smart, alienated individualist with an oblique sense of humor. He launches the story into conflict and can be considered the only notable performance.

“Empire Records” is one of those movies where in a single day, a single music store, every conceivable problem surfaces in every diverse character, and at the end of the day everyone is a lot wiser and the problems are resolved. Only here can the business of the store be put on hold in order to hold a mock funeral for Deborah. The reality of life tries to break through the surface, but the struggle is evident throughout the movie.

Despite the movie’s predictable outcome, the mainstream music that illustrates that time has propelled the “Empire Records” soundtrack to be one of the best selling of all time. With bands like the Cranberries, Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Better than Ezra, the music has become the basis for the movie’s popularity. “This music is the glue of the world,” Lucas said, “It holds it all together.”

Top Records of 2001 : (According to Billboard.com)

1) The Beatles - 1 2) Shaggy - Hotshot 3) Backstreet Boys - Black & Blue 4) Various Artists - Now 5 5) Limp Bizkit - Chocolate Starfish 6) Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory 7) Staind - Break The Cycle 8) Enya - A Day Without Rain 9) N’Sync - Celebrity 10) Nelly - Country Grammar 11) Creed - Human Clay

Vicki Stevens REALTOR (410) 515-0300 BUSINESS (410) 515-0301 FAX (443) 313-4041 V.M.

10

Entertaiment

Spears’ new image too adult for some fans

by Laurie Krysiak When Britney Spears’ first single ...Baby One More Time was first released in 1998, she was only sixteen.

But age did not seem to matter for Spears, whose music became popular almost overnight, especially with preteens and teenagers.

However, Spears remained a grounded girl and thankful for her fans’ support. At least, she was at the time.

When Britney Spear’s first album, ...Baby One More Time, hit stores, she was already known by many as one of the girls from the Mickey Mouse Club.

She also looked the part of a regular girl with her innocent smile and normal style of midriff-baring shirts and jeans.

Critics wrote that Spears’ music had the “sweet, bubblegum sound” that for which pop music was known. Parents did not mind that their children listened to Spears’ music. She already had a large

fan base that was growing quickly, and she stated that she “ hoped that she could be an example for kids to follow their dreams.

When Spears’ album went platinum and she won her first awards, her speeches seemed to express much gratitude. She thanked her family, friends, management company, and her fan” for supporting her and helping her get where she was today.” Parents were even starting to admire Spears, and did not mind their kids listening to her albums.

Their opinions would later change, and with good reason.

When Spears’ next album, Oops...I Did It Again, was released in 2000, Spears had changed noticeably. She was almost always wearing revealing clothing and her new lyrics contained more “ suggestive language.” At a 2000 awards show while performing a song from her album, Spears stripped down to a flesh colored body suit beneath her

trench coat.

What did Spears have to say about her latest album and performance?

“I’ve matured a lot since my last album and Oops shows that.” Matured is not exactly the word for it, and change does not seem to come close either.

Corruption seems to be an accurate word to describe Spears’ changes.

Spears’ third album, Britney, showed the same “changes” as her second album, but to a m o r e extreme measure.

S h e rarely wears what would be described as a decent outfit, and while performing a song from her new album recently, she danced in a live tiger’s cage with a sevenfoot python around her neck.

Spears’ new album contains material that most parents would not approve of their young children listening to, namely curses. What did Spears have

to say about this? “ Well, if kids’ parents don’t want them listening to the album, then I guess they just want to buy it for their kids.”

This may seem surprising coming from the girl who has so many young kids looking up to her, but Spears claims,” I never asked to be a role model and I’m not going to act based on that.”

Fame and fortune does change people, even the young, and Britney Spears is an example of that.

She has only been around for five years, but her ego has grown to show it. It even seems to be blocking her mind, because she seems to have forgotten that she expresses a desire to be an example for these kids. She has also forgotten that the kids she told not to buy the album are the same ones that bought her first albums, making her the person she is today.

Behind Enemy Lines serves action without plot along with a faded grayish color theme that was employed in Saving Private Ryan. Onboard the USS Carl Vinson, where Reigart’s side of the story takes Photo from http://www.google.com

no one cares about,” Burnett toys with the idea of resigning. His CO, Admiral Generic. Clichéd. In a less Leslie Reigart (Hackman), who is patriotic climate, these words would have angered by his cynicism, sends him on a been used to describe Behind Enemy routine patrol on Christmas morning to Lines , a gung-ho action film starring spite him.

Owen Wilson and Gene Hackman. Now, During the patrol, Burnett “thrill ride” and “adrenaline rush” are records illegal Serbian troop movements being used in place of more accurate in an officially demilitarized zone. The descriptions.

Serbs, realizing that this knowledge could The plot, though mildly disrupt the fragile NATO peace treaty in interesting, is mostly window dressing for the area, shoot Burnett’s fighter down. the action, and was inspired by the Reigart quickly attempts to form adventures of Scott O’Grady, an Air a rescue mission, but his commander, a Force pilot shot down in Bosnia- sniveling French (of course) bureaucrat Herzegovina in 1995. Taking place in named Admiral Piquet (Joaquim de the same location at an undisclosed time, Almeida), nixes that idea, worried that a the movie is focused on the exploits of a rescue mission could further jeopardize disillusioned Air Force lieutenant named the NATO peace treaty. Thus, Burnett must somehow escape the Serbs who are Chris Burnett (Wilson).

Tired of doing nothing but “eating ruthlessly tracking him down, and make Jell-O and acting as a beat cop in a place it back to friendly territory completely alone.

Even though the plot is unoriginal, first-time director John Moore does a good job of keeping the movie short. At only 105 minutes, there never seems to be a lull in the seemingly endless action.

Lots of Matrix-type special effects, and quick camera cuts are used on Burnett’s side of the story,

by Sam Marll

Burnett (Wilson), stranded in Bosnia, desperately radios for help.

place, things take a more subdued, tranquil tone, with a strange urgency underlying everything.

Owen Wilson brings an

Everyman quality to Lieutenant Chris Burnett, and his sarcastic wit appeals to nearly everyone. Hackman also plays well as Reigart, having served with the Marines for three years. Joaquim de Almeida does a superb job playing the role Admiral Piquet, the desk jockey commander who’s never seen action.

Olek Krupa gives a mediocre performance as the Serbian commander who attempts to kill Burnett, and cover up the illegal troop movements. Vladimir Maskov does very well as Sasha, the silent, ruthless assassin who will stop at nothing to make sure that Burnett never makes it home alive.

However, the men who play the Serbian troops that are attempting to kill Burnett come across as the standard cardboard cutout bad guys who fire thousands of bullets, but never hit their mark.

A lifetime ago, this movie would have gotten a thumbs-down rating from nearly every film critic on the planet.

Now, with the patriotic frenzy that is sweeping America, everybody who has seen Behind Enemy Lines seems to love it. However, if you’re searching for anything more than big explosions and a tired plot covered by a thin shell of patriotism, you’ll have to look somewhere else.

11

Sports

Playoffs or payoffs: BCS problems

by John Vigliotti

and for this reason, for the last couple years, has been using the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) program to decide the Bowl match-ups. The BCS program is a computer program. This system has not been a problem until this year. The University of Miami (11-0) has proven

handed Nebraska their only loss on November 23, defeating Nebraska 62-36.

The obvious selection so far is Colorado.

The players battling on the field Then, after defeating Texas 39-37 to close are MEN. The coaches calling the plays out their season, it seemed apparent Coloon the sidelines are MEN. The officials rado would play Miami in the Rose Bowl. controlling the game are MEN. Even the But, despite every sports fans’ and anabroadcasters announcing the game lysts’ prediction, the BCS are MEN. The sport is played, conprogram chose Nebraska trolled, and dominated by MEN. But to play in the Rose Bowl yet, a computer program is deciding instead of Colorado. the future of the MEN’S NCAA “...Nebraska could have Football Bowl Games. paid off for all we know,” Football fans across the said long time football fan United States look forward each Jay Mullin. year to the December-January bowl So is this fair? Can we games. Two successful teams batreally allow a computer to tling it out in different stadiums across the country. Each team fightmake this important of a decision? Is the computer ing for their individual bowl championship. So when all is said and done making an honest decision? Can we tell? These we know whom the best team in NCAA football is, correct? Wrong. are the questions that every football fan ponders.

Now presumably, the victor of the Miami’s Andre Johnson catches a pass in the Rose Bowl.

Rose Bowl is considered the best The answer to each of team in college football for that particu- themselves worthy to play in the Rose these questions is another simple queslar year. But how can we guarantee that Bowl. But who deserves to challenge tion. Why doesn’t college football just have playoffs? “Playoffs make the seathe two best teams are playing in the Rose them?

The two teams in question are son,” said John Carroll freshman Mike Bowl?

This is a simple concept on top Nebraska (11-1) and Colorado (10-2). Tagliaferri. “I’m playing football now so of a much greater conflict. Who de- Now when taken into consideration each that one day I can play on a competitive serves to play in the Rose Bowl? NCAA teams’ schedule difficultly, Colorado had level. Unfortunately our league does not football does not have a playoff system a much tougher schedule. Colorado also have playoffs...college football should.”

Uncontrollable fans cause chaos

by Mairead Gordon

However 15 minutes later, the remaining seconds of the game were played out.

This is just another example of Imagine that atmosphere of a how rowdy fans are ruining the game for football game; the sound, the excitement, the players. This behavior does not only the fans, the plastic beer bottles being take place at football games, but at all thrown at the referees. This is what many professional, college, high school, and of the spectators even recreational sporting experienced on December events. They are taking the 16, 2001, as a questionable enjoyment of the game away call by the refs led to from other fans who are out chaos. there simply for their passion It was a regular of the sport. season game between the Last year, a girls’ club Jaguars and the Browns. soccer team was suspended With only a minute and for one year from WAGS eight seconds left in the (Washington Area Girls game, the referee stopped Soccer League) due to the the game to review a catch behavior of the fans. The that happened just fans screamed at him the moments earlier. whole game, mocking and ridiculing him, He concluded that wide receiver and even waited for him at his car at the Quincy Morgan of the Browns didn’t end of the match. actually catch the ball, but bobbled it as What kind of example does this he fell to the ground. set for the children that are out there This created an eruption among simply to learn the game and have fun? the fans, especially in the “Dawg Pound” The parents are taking it one step too section. They began throwing plastic far. bottles and other objects from the stands.

Ultimately, they are only hurting The referee immediately ended the game. themselves and their children in the end.

Someone needs to take control of these unruly spectators.

Professional sporting games are almost always associated with alcohol.

When one watches a game on TV, the first commercial is usually a beer company promoting its drink.

So how do the sponsors of that company feel when they turn on Monday Night Football only to see their beer cups lying all over the field?

Alcohol at sports games is always a threat. A person has one too many drinks, gets a little out of hand, and the next thing you know, someone is hurt.

It creates an unnecessary danger.

However, even the thought of banning alcohol at a game would be shunned.

Owners would rather have an injury or two rather than lose thousands of dollars because of the lack of fans, or the income brought in by the purchasing of beer, at five dollars a pop.

What should the punishment be for theseunruly fans? A small fine, being banned from going to future games, or even alcohol classes? The commissioner of football needs to come up with something fast.

As much as the NCAA likes to please their fans, it would be near impossible to implicate a playoff system. The Bowl Games are a tradition that has been withstanding longer then most NCAA board members have been alive.

A playoff system would involve a conference re-alignment. But with the conferences and schools set the way they are, a conference re-alignment would be extremely difficult. So if the idea of playoffs MUST be thrown out, how do we guarantee the two best football teams are playing in the Rose Bowl? The truth is, we can’t.

Sports have always been full of mistakes, miscommunications, and bad calls. Many fans argue that this year is an example of a bad call. Unfortunately for MAN, this mistake was made by our computer program.

A system in which we as football fans trust to make our Bowl Games as even as possible. Many say Colorado has been cheated. Many disagree and say Nebraska deserves their Rose Bowl bid. Either way, Miami probably doesn’t care.

As of now, without playoffs, and hopefully without payoffs, we are forced to remember this simple line - In BCS we trust.

Aegis Athlete of the Year

by Amy Graul Morgan Russell, captain of the women’s Varsity girls soccer team, has been named the Aegis’ woman athlete of the year.

As a four year veteran of the varsity soccer program, Morgan has aquired the skill and the experience of a great player. Morgan plays the position of sweeper, and directs the team from the back.

Morgan has the qualities of a true leader. She utilizes her abilities to physically overpower her opponents.

Morgan also has been named first team all-county and second team IAAM all-league.

Not only does Morgan play soccer, she also is about to start her fourth year playing lacrosse. She will be attending UNC next fall on a lacrosse scholarship.

12

Sports

True Spirit of Cheerleaders

by Amy Graul The typical stereotype that cheerleaders receive is the flighty blonde image — a girl that is solely concerned with her looks and the captain of the boy’s football team. However, when the “sport” (cheerleading was just recently declared a sport) is given a closer look, the cheerleaders, both male and female, possess many athletic qualities.

Once you get past the skimpy attire, curly hair, and multi-colored ribbons, those cheerleaders have what it takes to compete. Competition.

Cheerleaders live and die for it. Most believe that cheerleading is simply limited to high school and college sporting events, and N F L football games, however, the “squads” train year round to be able to successfully compete in competitions nationwide. “ The only reasons I tried out for cheerleading were because I thought it would be easy, it would look good on my college application, and I’d have a spot in the yearbook... but, boy, was I wrong!

Competition has given me the opportunity to travel and meet new people,” said 17year-old Melodie Stanford.

In order to participate in a competition, a squad must be nominated.

Therefore, all those who attend competitions are quality squads. Squads compete with other squads in front of a panel of judges. The judges decide which squads will move on to the next round.

The cheerleaders are judged on their dancing techniques, strength, variety, creativity, voice projection, neatness, and appearance. All you football players, just try and top that.

Cheerleaders at a home football game.

Preparation is key for the success of the squad. At C. Milton Wright High School, in Bel Air, Maryland, the varsity cheerleading squad practices 3 to 6 on weekdays and 9 to 2 on Saturdays.

Their workout consists of laps on the track, weight training, suicides, cardiovascular workout, pushups, sit-ups, and constant routine work. “After the fast week of practice, I though I was going to die. As the season went on, the practices only became more difficult and time consuming. However, the end result was definitely worth it” said C. Milton Cheerleader, Nikki Nelson.

Despite the stereotype, all cheerleaders are not alike. The cheerleaders serve different purposes on the team. Without one, the team would crumble. Cheerleading is a teamwork sport. “There are flyers, who are the ones who are tossed around in the air; there are the bases who support them; the back spots who lift them up, and the front spots who keep them steady” says retired cheerleader Missy Phillips.

Not only is cheerleading a great way to stay in shape, it also helps kids leam the value of support, friendship, and spirit. Those who participate in cheerleading form close-knit friendships with each other. If one on the squad is upset, it’s understood that the rest of the team will be there and offer their help.

The most unique aspect of cheerleading is the spirit the cheerleaders possess.

Whether it’s at practice, in school before a big game, or just on the weekends, the cheerleaders are overflowing with it.

Cheerleading is a path to excellence.

A Man for the Seasons When asked which of the sports Mr. Snyder liked to coach the most, his During after-school hours, most answer was both. “With JV basketball, teachers are likely to be found grading I am the head coach, so I get to make all papers, attending meetings, or going of the decision. However, when I was straight home. However, this is not the the assistant for Varsity baseball, there case for Mr. Snyder; a teacher who was a higher level of competition. Also, dedicates himself to coach school teams since I wasn’t the head coach, I wasn’t year-round. all about discipline. I could form a more At John Carroll, Mr. Snyder personal relationship with the players.” coaches the girl’s Powder Puff team in Mr. Snyder has a profound view the fall, is the head coach for the Boy’s as to what he looks for in a player. “The JV basketball team, and is also the main thing for them is to be able to listen assistant coach for the Varsity baseball and learn. They need to understand that team. in order to succeed, it isn’t all about Mr. Snyder went to high school scoring. It’s all of the little things that in Philadelphia, where he played Varsity count.” baseball and Mr. Snyder said basketball among that if he was given many other the choice to teach or sports. “I always coach, he would liked basketball choose teaching. He better, but I knew said, “Although I that I was better would miss the at baseball,” competitiveness of stated Snyder. coaching, I would still Right have the opportunity after attending to come in contact the University of with all different kinds Delaware, Mr. of kids in the Snyder landed a classroom. If I were job at John confined just to Carroll. He said, coaching, then I “I wanted to would only come in teach, so I applied contact with the to many schools athletic kids.” up and down the Along with East Coast. John coaching, Mr. Snyder Carroll was the most attractive to me.” plays basketball in his spare time. On Mr. Snyder has been coaching Tuesdays and Thursdays, he plays all three of these sports since his arrival basketball in the gym with fellow John at John Carroll in the fall of 1997. When Carroll teachers. Mr. Snyder also wants asked what his initial incentive was to to get the chance to help out with the coach year-round, he stated, “A teacher rugby team. He said, “Although I don’t is done with school at 2:35. What am I know anything about the sport, I will try going to do for the rest of the day? it out if Mr. Barker wants me to. Besides, Besides, I like to compete and I get the I would love to take on Mr. Scholl just to chance to work with kids as much as I set him in his place.” can.”

Although Mr. Snyder is content These are not the only in where he is right now, he doesn’t see motivations for his coaching though. himself in this position in the future. He “Another reason that I like to coach is said, “In 40 years, I don’t want to be that I enjoy working with the other doing the same thing. I still want to do coaches. When I was the assistant for something else with my life.” Whatever the boy’s Varsity basketball team, I got Mr. Snyder decides to do with his life, to learn from the head coach, Mr. Burton. however, it can be certain that he will do He really understands the coaching it whole-heartedly. perspective, and it was a great learning experience for me,” stated Snyder.

Mr. Snyder also enjoys coaching for the sake of the players. He said, “What all coaches should realize is that coaching is not about us, it’s about the kids.”

by Jenny DeGree