Issue 3

VOLUME 34 • ISSUE 3• DECEMBER 17, 2010 • KAMIAKIN HIGH SCHOOL • 600 N. ARTHUR ST. • KENNEWICK, WA 99336

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 3

2 A chance meeting with the First Lady

Braves go to state

Page 7

Page 11-14

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Some of the craziest dreams ever recorded

Adviser: Laurie Bender Editor-In-Chiefs: Natalie Elliott & Joey Flores News Feature Editor: Kaelyn Cole Sports Editor: Joey Flores In-Depth Editor: Bond Henderson Opinion Editor: Natalie Elliott Entertainment Editor: Evan Ramsey Shenanigans Editor: Nicole Goemmel Cover and Back Editor: Brittney Habel Photography Editor: Victoria DeMers Social Chairman: Cindy Gonzalez Staff Reporters: Tanner Curtis, Kyle Davis, Marissa Lindholm, Tara Halverson, Mason Hanson, Dorothy Heavilin, Mark Ingalls, Wynteria Lyons, Dalis McKenzie, Melissa Osar, Tony Pereyda, Oscar Perez, Makenzie McKinnis, Marissa Rodriguez, Dylan Wilson, Christina Woodard, Kylee Schwartz, Zach Cook, Melissa Coppinger, Garrett Doublin, Daniel Elliot, Brianna Harrod, Mckenzie Kennedy, Amanda Lampton, Amanda Ling, Sadie Machart, Amber Maiden, Ashley May, Danielle Openshaw, Hailey Paine, Alex Peterson, Devin Schell, Jose Tapia, Ernhel Tatunay, Benjamin Yaden

MISSION STATEMENT:

The purpose of the Tomatalk is to inform, entertain, and further educate the students at Kamiakin High School and the surrounding community.

PUBLICATION POLICY:

Page 16

Page 18

Pro/Con: Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays

Top 10 most unique rap artists

Content is determined by the staff. Students are protected and bound by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and other protections and limitations afforded by the Constitution and the various court decisions relative to student publications. The Tomatalk would like to be a forum for student expression and a voice for the free and open discussion of issues. However, currently, we have prior review, and sometimes prior restraint.

The staff of the Tomatalk is expected to be professional, objective, truthful, and accurate. The staff will adhere to the Washington State Law (WAC 180-40-215) which prohibits the following material to be published: 1.

Potentially libelous material 2.

Malicious attacks on an individual’s character 3.

Material which is excessively vulgar or obscene 4.

Material which encourages illegal activity

EDITORIAL POLICY

Page 23

a super cool Harry Potter Quiz

front cover by Brittney Habel

Editorials are the opinions of the individual members of the Tomatalk staff and are not intended to express the opinions of the administration, staff, nor students of Kamiakin High School, nor the advertisers in this newspaper.

As a forum for student expression, the Tomatalk will publish letters to the editor. All letters are due one week before the next publication date. The staff reserves the right to edit or omit submissions as necessary. All letters must be signed by the student submitting them. However, if a student prefers his/her name not appear in the publication, his/her name may be withheld. All letters to the editor must be 300 words or less.

In cases involving political or controversial issues, staff members are encouraged to solicit all points of view.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

3

Around theNEWS Campfire & FEATURE

Meeting some of the twins of Kamaikin high

By MELISSA COPPINGER STAFF REPORTER

Do you know the twins at your school? You’ve probably seen the identical twins, but do you know some of the fraternal? For identical twins, one could physically mature faster

Kyle & Kevin Paulson- Identical twins 1Q: What’s something you share in common?

A: Kevin: “Interests.”

2Q: What’s your differences?

A: Kevin: “Height.”

Kyle: “Yeah, Kevin’s taller.”

3Q: Do you like the same kinds of things? If so, what?

A: Kevin: “Sports and Mac and Cheese.”

Kyle: “Music.”

4Q: When’s your birthday?

A: Kevin: “Oct. 22, 1993.”

5Q: Who’s older and by how much?

A: Kevin: “I am! By a half hour.”

6A: What’s your favorite memory together?

A: Kevin: “Dominating races for cross country.”

Kyle: “Yeah, going 1 in 2 in Wenatchee.”

7Q: Have you ever switched places? What’s the story?

A: Kyle: “Yeah, we switched seats in class and I got all of his papers. Nothing really epic.”

than the other and they could even differ in height and weight. For fraternal twins, there’s a three percent chance of having them or 1 in 33. How “identical” are the identical twins and how much different are the fraternal twins?

Morgan & Calloway Erickson- Fraternal twins 1Q: What’s something you share in common?

A: Morgan: “We say things at the same time.”

2Q: What’s your differences?

A: Morgan: “I’m less worrisome.”

3Q: Do you like the same kinds of things?

If so, what?

A: Morgan: “Everything--there’s hardly anything we don’t like except the Harry Potter Movie. She liked it, but I didn’t.”

4Q: When’s your birthday?

A: Morgan: “March 26, 1996” 5Q: Who’s older and by how much?

A: Morgan: “Calloway is by 10 minutes.”

Sam & Sarah Meadows- Identical twins.

1Q: What’s something you share in common?

A: Sarah: “The same guys.”

Sam: “Our friends.”

2Q: What’s your differences?

A: Sam: “I think we have different personalities.”

3Q: Do you like the same kinds of things? If so, what?

A: Sarah: “Yeah, probably foods.”

Sam: “Our style, like we like the same clothes.”

4Q: When’s your birthday?

A: Sarah: “April 11,1995.”

5Q: Who’s older and by how much?

A: Sarah: “I am by one minute.”

6A: What’s your favorite memory together?

A: Sarah: “Going to Daytona last summer.”

Sam: “I don’t really have a favorite.”

7Q: Have you ever switched places? What’s the story?

A: Sarah: “Yes! In eighth grade we switched in sixth hour, but everyone knew we switched. I think the teacher knew, too. I took a test for Sam, but I got an F on it.”

Two Kamiakin students have experience of a lifetime

By KAELYN COLE NEWS & FEATURE EDITOR

“We got to sit at table 79, which for free is not bad at all,“ said Short. “It was an amazing five star lunch and we got Crème Brule for dessert, which is my favorite. At the end, she was at the other side of the stage from us, so we pushed to the front. Ashley yelled, ‘Michelle!’ Then she said hi and shook our hands. We told her we were in DECA at Kamiakin. She smiled and then moved down the line.”

Short was very grateful for her chance meeting with the First Lady. “It was a great experience for us, being students.

It was just cool because she is a celebrity and not everybody gets to see the First Lady every day. It was also great to see how passionate she was and how you could tell she wanted to change things. We missed the second half of the conference, but it was worth it.”

On Oct. 25, seniors Breanne Short and Ashley Bronson got the chance of a lifetime--to see the First Lady of the United States up close. They were in Bellevue for a DECA Fall Leadership Conference to teach all the area presidents how to run an effective meeting and etiquette, while President Obama was speaking at UW and Michelle Obama was having a luncheon with Vice President Joe Biden, Governor Christine Gregoire, and Senator Patty Murray.

“We were there for a leadership academy but were on a break for the next half an hour, so we were walking around when we heard that Michelle Obama was at the same hotel as us,” said Short. “We saw people buying tickets for $75- $1,500 (so expensive) for a seat at the luncheon or the chance to stand in the room. We started talking to the lady at the ticket booth and found out she was a Kamiakin alumnus. She really liked us and wanted to give us the chance to be at the luncheon, so she got us tickets.”

Bronson and Short were admitted to the luncheon and were able to experience Michelle Obama’s speech up close.

Photo By Ashley Bronson

Seniors Breanne Short and Ashley Bronson take a picture at the luncheon with Michelle Obama in the background.

Expires 1/28/11

Around the Campfire NEWS & FEATURE

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

4 Student Spotlight: Bekkah Alvarez

By MELISSA COPPINGER STAFF REPORTER

T

he holidays are coming, and that means lots of family gatherings and stories being passed around from when you were a baby. Stories like “Oh sweetie, remember when you used to dance around the house in your undies..?” Then all those embarrassing photos get brought up.

Well, one girl who isn’t afraid of her kiddy pictures is sophomore Bekkah Alvarez. She was born to dance, it’s in her blood, and in her words, “I’ll be dancing even in my coffin!”

Q: What got you started dancing?

A: when I was a baby, I would “dance” along with music. But then when I turned five, I met my friend Daniel who was a B-boy and he got me started at a studio.

Q: What’s your favorite part about dancing?

A: I love the rush I get when I’m performing in front of a crowd, hearing them cheer for my team and me--it’s the best!

Q: What’s your favorite type of dance?

A: I love street hip hop and break dancing.

Q: What’s the difference between street hip hop and other hip hops?

A: Street hip hop is a lot fiercer and “in your face”, where other hip hops are more girlie and just hitting moves.

Q: Is it true that you have a job teaching dance at a studio?

A: Yes, I teach at Studio 8 Dance across from Walker’s Furniture. It’s the best job I could ask for.

Q: What do you teach there?

A: I teach hip hop, ballet, stretch and flex, a class called Lolli-poppers and Little Angels.

Q: Do you plan on dancing outside of high school?

A: YES!!! I want to go to Hawaii Pacific on a dance scholarship through “Monsters of Hip Hop.” Q: Do you plan on teaching when you’re older?

A: Yes, I want to teach at The Edge in L.A. Q: Do you want your kids to dance?

A: Heck, yes!!! They will be little B-Boys and B-Girls. They will be on America’s Best Dance Crew and win!!

Teacher Spotlight: Amy Whitemarsh

A successful day for Jueves Gigante

By JOSE TAPIA STAFF REPORTER

With 100 boxes of pizza and very energetic students from all three of Kennewick School District high schools, Jueves Gigante was a very successful and fun night for all the people who attended. Jueves Gigante was hosted in Kennewick High this year on Dec. 2 in their auditorium. Jueves Gigante was an idea created by teachers and students to get parents and students involved in their children’s education and school activities. It explains how education is important in life and what you can do to reach your potential. Another purpose of the event is to encourage students to stay in school and tell them that it is not a good idea to drop out.

“Last year I attended Jueves Gigante. I was interested in the event, so I decided to get involved this year. I had even more fun being the model for the commercial. It was great experience being part of the event and not being just part of the audience,” said Kamiakin student, junior Lizhandy Sanchez.

“I found out about Jueves Gigante through our school’s advocate. It sounded like it would be interesting so I joined. I had fun and learned many things at the same time. I felt proud of myself for being involved in the school programs,” said Kamiakin student, sophomore Cesar Noguez.

Students from all three schools helped by greeting people at the doors, serving food, providing day care, registering parents as well as getting up on stage and doing a great performance like Kamiakin student, sophomore Josue Anguiano who sang and played his piano, and Southridge student, sophomore Maricarmen Garcia who with other students did a Mexican traditional dance called “Ballet Folklorico”.

“It was an opportunity to go on stage and show what I’ve got,” said Anguiano.

“This is the first time I did this type of dance, so I’m really nervous yet excited at the same time because I’m about to perform something I like to do which is to dance,” said Southridge student Maricarmen Garcia before the show started.

This has been a really successful event this year and it is hoped that many more events of Jueves Gigante will take place to show parents and students the importance of education.

By CINDY GONZALEZ SOCIAL CHAIR-PERSON

Questions 1) What high school did you graduate from?

2) What college did you attend?

3) Did you always want to be a teacher?

4) Did you play any sports?

5) What’s something super crazy about you?

Answers 1) Pasco High School in 1993 2) Eastern Washington University in 1998 3) No, I originally went to school to be a physical therapist but got kind of tired, so I decided to try dental hygienist but after getting into the practice I said I couldn’t be checking people’s mouths forever.

So I realized I knew I want to do something with health, so I became a P.E. teacher.

4) I played basketball and soccer. For both of them, I was on varsity. I was a defense in soccer and a wing in basketball. In high school and at C.B.C., I played sports.

5) I used to live in the Hood. I had bars on my windows, and I owned a Rottweiler for protection.

Yes, it is early, but we would like to know ahead of time.

What songs would you like to hear for Val-o-grams this year?

Please reply on the Tomatalk website, under ‘blog’.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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Around theNEWS Campfire & FEATURE

Teens risk their future when they say yes to pre-marital sex

By MARISSA RODRIGUEZ STAFF REPORTER

A

mong today’s youth, just fewer than 50 percent of all 15-19 year olds have had sex at least once. This would shock the generation of adults and older parents. Although statistics show that teens are waiting to have sex more than they did in 1995, it is shocking that teens are so ready to take the risk of getting pregnant or receiving sexually transmitted diseases.

Many times, teens don’t even know they have an STD until they’ve already been in sexual contact with others. For example, the STD known as Chlamydia is a nasty infection for both men and women, but most cases will show no signs at all of the disease. Chlamydia-positive people must tell their partners because some don’t have symptoms or any discomfort or pain. In fact, in some states, doctors must report Chlamydia to the Public Health Department.

Although teens are taking the risk for sex, they are slightly cautious about it. Nearly all sexually active females (98 percent in 2002) have used at least one method of birth control. The most common methods are condom usage and the pill. Despite using the pill or using condoms, a teen still has that chance of getting pregnant. And according to the Teen Pregnancy Outcomes chart, nearly a third of those pregnancies end in abortion! Six in 10 minors who have abortions do so with at least one parent’s knowledge. The majority of parents support their daughter’s decision of abortion.

Sledding stays favorite winter past time for any age

By ALEX PETERSON STAFF REPORTER

Sledding is about finding the biggest and most fun hill around. It really doesn’t even matter what you are using for a sled, as long as it gets you going fast! There are some places in town that would be great for sledding, if only they weren’t streets, like Garfield Hill, or Reata Road. There are also plenty of good hills all over town that end about halfway down in housing developments, a waste of perfectly good sledding space!

One of the best hills in town during the winter or summer is Carmichael Hill. In the winter you can get some great speed sledding down it, and in the summer, ice blocking is the way to go. Junior Taylor Chalfont said, “Carmichael Hill is the best place I have gone sledding in the winter.”

Cherry Hill is another fun place to go. It is right next to the dump in Kennewick. According to junior Dallin Oaks, he likes it because “it is where I went all the time when I was little.

It is also where I started my professional sledding career.”

Senior Evan Peterson isn’t picky about where he goes sledding. “Pick a hill, I’ll sled it,” is what he had to say on the topic of sledding. I think there are a lot of people like that. No matter where you are, if there is snow and enough of an incline, you can make sledding work.

Even if you don’t have a hill, four wheelers work just as good, if not better. Junior Walter Marozik said, “I’ll go sledding anywhere as long as it is behind a four wheeler.” To a lot of people, the definition of sledding is tying up a couple of sleds behind a quad and being drug through the snow.

There are some hills around town that could be considered mountains in the sledding community; one of them is Thompson Hill, the king of all sledding hills!

Thompson Hill starts right behind Desert Hills and continues down towards Rancho Reata area. Junior Bear Valdez said, “Thompson Hill is my favorite place to go sledding because it’s a borderline mountain.”

No matter where you go, sledding will always be a favorite winter pastime to just about anyone of any age.

10 Pregnancy Facts

1- The U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancy, birth, and abortion in the industrialized world.

2- Nearly 4 out of 10 girls will become pregnant at least once before age 20.

3- New Mexico has the third highest teen birth rate in the nation. About 4,500 teens gave birth in 2002. That’s more than 12 each day.

4- Teen pregnancy results in serious education and health problems for the mother and father.

5- Babies born to teen moms are more likely to: -have health problems at birth -be physically abused, neglected, or abandoned -do poorly in school -do time in jail -also become teen parents 6- The law can require that a boy or man take a test to determine if he is the father of a child.

If he is the father, he must pay child support for 18 years even if he is under 18. If the payments are not made, he can be arrested, have his possessions confiscated, and have his wages docked.

7- In order to receive welfare support, the mother must identify the father of the child and attend school or work.

8- The cost of childbearing to New Mexico taxpayers is over half a billion dollars per year.

9- Nationwide, teen childbearing costs taxpayers over $38 billion per year.

10- It’s better for everyone when babies are born to adult parents.

Christmas time favorites

By BOND HENDERSON IN-DEPTH EDITOR

Snow sports! Shoveling snow! Baking cookies! These are all parts of the Christmas season that everyone experiences. At Kamiakin, students have decided what they like and dislike most about the Christmas season.

Four activities were given as choices for students’ favorite Christmas activity. Those four choices were playing snow sports, spending time with family and friends, baking and eating, and sleeping in.

Of the four choices, the most popular thing to do was spend time with family, friends, and open presents. Think of all the people you could visit during the Christmas season!

The last three activities went in this order: Snow sports, sleeping in, then cooking and eating. Though the count was close, snow sports came in second. There are too many sports to choose from, too!

It’s also interesting to note that sleeping and cooking/eating came so close together, though some students actually prefer sleeping in to all the other tempting choices--Must mean that Kamiakin’s school days are far too long.

The four choices of least favorite things to do were being cold, shoveling snow, waiting to open presents, and nothing because Christmas is perfect.

Of these choices “being cold” was the least favorite thing for students to do at Kamiakin. This winter is going to be a cold one, so you better bundle up!

Out of the last three, Christmas continues to be a perfect season at Kamiakin because everyone else thought that Christmas is perfect! Of course, we can’t forget the horrible ordeals of waiting for presents and shoveling snow. Just think about all the snow we are expected to get this year!

This Christmas season is going to be filled with wonderful and not-so-wonderful things. Kamiakin is in for the best Christmas ever!

Tribal Games

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

6

SPORTS

Americans hockey players storm BCS National Kamiakin halls Championship set

By TARA HALVERSON Professional Fudge Packer

We all have noticed the group of six vampire-like guys walking around our school--attractive, always together, never really talking to many people. And you’re never quite sure how to start a conversation with them due to their intimidating vibe… Well, they’re not exactly vampires. They’re even better.

They’re Americans Hockey players! Here are some questions you might like to know the answers to (and more)!

1. How do you feel about being part of the Americans team?

Chris: Pretty chill, lots of fun and it’s a good life.

Sam: Cool and lots of fun.

Zach: It’s pretty fun and you get to skip school!

Marcus: It’s fun to play away from home.

Max: Demanding but rewarding.

Connor: It’s tough but fun.

What are some things that you think your team could work on?

Chris: Scoring.

Sam: Scoring and Power Play.

Zach: Scoring and Power Play.

Marcus: Get back on track and start winning.

Max: Scoring and Power Play Connor: Back up goal tending.

2.

What do you think about all of your fans?

Chris: We have pretty good fans.

Sam: I think they’re awesome! I really like them.

Zach: They’re very supportive and rowdy.

Marcus: They’re supportive because they come to all the games.

Max: We have great fans.

Connor: We have the best fans! I feel flattered.

3.

4. Who’s your favorite player on the team?

Chris: Connor Rankin Sam: The whole team! I don’t have a favorite.

Zach: Adam Hughsman Marcus: Tyler Schmidt Max: Connor Rankin Connor: Chris Driedger

What’s your mindset during the game?

Any pre-game rituals?

Chris: Focused; pre-game sewer ball.

Sam: Stay focused during the game; tie my pants after I put on everything else.

Zach: Stay prepared in case my name gets called; eat chicken and pasta!

Marcus: I just watch because I don’t play; put on my right skate first.

Max: Do my job; just fallow the same routine every game.

Connor: Go big or go home; eat pasta!

5.

What position do you play? What do you like most about your position?

Chris: Goalie; team relies on me.

Sam: Defense; more of a laid back position.

Zach: Right Wing; not much responsibility and easy.

Marcus: Center; always moving and I get to coast.

Max: Left Wing; I get chances to score.

Connor: Right Wing; you can go fast!

6.

Which professional hockey would you most like to meet?

Chris: Marc Andre Fleury Sam: Chris Pronger Zach: Sidney Crosby Marcus: Pavel Datysuk Max: Alex Ovechkin Connor: Matt Duchene 7.

player

Have you ever gotten in a fight during the game?

Chris: Nope.

Sam: Yes! (youtube.com -> “Sam Grist vs Brassart November 13) Zach: Yes, I hit him from behind!

Marcus: No. Max: Yes. I picked the toughest guy in the league.

Connor: Yes, it was pretty intense. The other guy got the worst of it and my hand hurt afterwards.

By TANNER CURTIS STAFF REPORTER

Auburn

The #1 Auburn Tigers are not the same team that they were in the beginning of the season. Need proof? In week four of the football season, Cam Newton lead his troops into a SEC battle against the Gamecocks of South Carolina; the result was a 3527 game that saw Auburn trailing 20-7 at half and 27-21 in the fourth quarter. Fast forward 10 weeks and it’s the same two teams in the SEC championship game. This time the game didn’t come down to a back-up QBs interception with under a minute remaining. The final was a 56-7 blowout in favor of the Tigers.

Sure, #2 Oregon has an explosive offense with LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner in the backfield along with QB Darron Thomas and WR Jeff Maehl, but have you heard of soon to be Heisman winner Cam Newton? I mean, the kid is sick! The first SEC QB with 2,000 pass yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season, Cam is being looked at as one of the best college players of all time--take that, Tim Tebow.

There is no doubt that the game should be a fast paced shoot out.

But Oregon hasn’t seen an offense or defense like this. Meanwhile, Auburn has torn through the SEC with wins over teams like Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, and South Carolina… twice! Simply put, when DJ Khaled made the song “All I do is win”, he had Cam Newton in mind. I would love to see Oregon win this game. I just don’t see it happening.

8.

9.

What’s your favorite part about playing hockey?

Chris: The glove saves.

Sam: Making a nice crisp saucer pass right in the middle of the ice, right on the on the other guy’s stick so he can go down and score the winning point!

Zach: Hitting people!

Marcus: Warm-ups.

Max: It’s fun and competitive.

Connor: So many thoughts running through my mind right now… But I’d have to say scoring and the cheering fans.

10. Where did you live before coming to Washington?

Chris: Winnipeg, Manitoba Sam: Victoria, British Columbia Zach: Vernom, British Columbia Marcus: Canmore, Alberta Max: Leftbridge, Alberta Connor: Vancouver, British Columbia

By ZACHARY COOK STAFF REPORTER

Oregon

Oregon is going to have a tough time beating the number one team in the nation right now. But Oregon is number one, too. The guys on ESPN said that Oregon and Auburn are an evenly matched Bowl game.

It’s going to be high scoring, and it’s going to be a very fast paced game.

Oregon is not voted to win this game. Technically, they say Oregon is the underdog. But wait.

Oregon has two of the leading rushers in yards and yards per carry.

And their names are Kenjon Barner and the almighty LaMichael James.

Oregon has a healthier defense for the long running game. Lots of substitutions results in everybody getting a break. They are always trading in and out players for the defense. They’re always ready to play, and play hard. Also, Cliff Harris, their punt returner, has nine punt returns on the year.

On defense, they have Casey Matthews, and he’s a sacking machine.

He averages three or four sacks a game. Another guy on offense is Jeff Maehl, and he is a BEAST. He can catch almost any ball you throw at him. Another one is DJ Davis. He’s another good receiver. He’s the second best on the team.

And the final player is Darron Thomas, the quarterback. He can throw accurately, and he can run like Michael Vick. He has passed for 2,518 yards this season, and he has rushed for 563 yards. He is the best quarterback I’ve ever seen at Oregon. My prediction is Oregon will win the BCS championship and take home the Heisman and the Coach’s trophy this year. Oregon is number one.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

7

Tribal Games SPORTS

Braves take trip to the Tacoma Dome

By TANNER CURTIS STAFF REPORTER

The Braves’ record breaking season came to an end Friday, Dec. 3 in the Tacoma Dome against the Bellevue Wolverines. Although the team fell just short of their goal, bringing Kamiakin our first state championship, there were many high points of the game. “Our defense played really well, but the turnovers killed us,” said senior WR Tyler Holle.

“We were also really excited that a lot of people came out to support us,” junior line man Sean Clausen added. Over 500 students made the four hour trek to support their football team in its biggest game in over a decade.

Although the final score might not show it, the game was a long fought battle. Bellevue took the opening kick-off and drove the ball 80 yards for a 7-0 lead. The Braves marched down the field looking to score when a Bellevue defender came through to hit QB Joey Jansen as he threw; the result was an interception that Bellevue converted into a field goal leaving the Braves down 10-0 after one quarter. Again, the Braves marched down

the field, this time to be halted by a fumble fighting for extra yards. Four plays later on fourth and one from their own 45, the Wolverines’ running back scampered for 55 yards and a 17-0 lead. An interception and miscue on a handoff were both returned for touchdowns leaving the Braves behind 31-0 at half time. Other than Bellevue’s second pass attempt for a 62 yard touchdown, the second half was silent, and the game ended 38-0. Thirty-one points on six turnovers seemed to be the difference in an otherwise defensive battle.

Although the season didn’t end as picture perfect as it started, the Braves had arguably the best season in the history of the school, reaching the state final for only the second time ever. That game was a 42-7 loss to Curtis in the 1995 4A title game.

Photo Left: Senior Tim White rallying the Braves as the student section cheers them on before the game.

All photos provided by Tri-City Herald taken by Kai-Huei Yau Visit www.sportstricities.com for more photos.

Senior quarterback Joey Jansen throwing a pass over the middle to one of his receivers.

Junior wide-receiver Jesse Houser reaching for a pass in the first half of the state championship game.

Kamiakin defenders taking down a Wolverine after a short run.

Coach Scott Biglin speaks to his nervous team before the game.

Senior wide-receiver AJ Griffiths evading a Wolverine defender for a Braves first-down.

Tribal Games SPORTS

8

Top 10 funny names in sports

By JOEY FLORES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Professional athletes have a hard time staying out of the public eye and getting away from unwanted paparazzi, but these 10 athletes have an even harder time getting away from the press.

Many athletes have unique names, and this list is compiled of the best of the best funny names in sports.

10. Coco Crisp- born Nov. 1, 1979, major league baseball player who has been in the league since 2002 playing with various teams including The Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians.

9. Milton Bradley- born April 15, 1978, major league baseball player who has been in the league since 2000 playing most recently with the Seattle Mariners.

8. Natalie Titcume- born Dec. 6, 1975, an Olympic softball player from Australia. Natalie is a catcher and third baseman who won two bronze medals in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics, and won a silver medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

7. Harry Colon- born Feb. 14, 1969, former Defensive Back for the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars. Colon was forced to retire in 1997 due to a condition in his neck.

6. Ron Tugnutt- born Oct. 22, 1967, former NHL goalie for several teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars. Tugnutt retired after the 2004 season and is now a coach for the OHL Oshawa Generals.

5. Dick Butkus-born Dec. 9, 1942, former NFL linebacker for the Chicago Bears. Butkus is regarded as one of the best linebackers of all time and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1979.

4. Jack Glasscock-born July 22, 1857-Feb. 24, 1947, former shortstop in the MLB. Glasscock played in the major leagues for 16 years playing for nine different teams including the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.

3. Rusty Kuntz-born Feb. 4, 1955, made his Major League debut on Sept. 1, 1979 for the Chicago White Sox. Kuntz played with three different teams in his seven year career in the pros.

2. Johnny Dickshot-born Jan. 24, 1910-Nov. 4, 1997, former outfielder in the MLB. Dickshot played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox along with other teams.

1. Chubby Cox-born Dec. 29, 1955, former NBA player.

Cox played two years at Villanova before becoming a star at University of San Francisco. Cox was drafted in the eighth round by the Chicago Bulls in 1978.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Kamiakin Cheer becomes competitive

By KYLEE SCHWARTZ STAFF REPORTER

The Kamiakin High School cheerleaders are searching for respect.

They have decided this year they’re going to take a big step and become a competitive team.

“We’re strong enough to do it as a team even though we’ve had our ups and downs with people quitting recently, but I believe in the team despite our reputation.” said returning cheerleader, sophomore Marissa Gomez. The team this year has a lot of talent and they definitely have the ability to do well in competition.

The team’s best skills would be that they have strong tumblers and strong dancers; they even received an award for best dance at cheer camp over the summer.

When winter sports come along, the cheer team gets pushed into the library for practice. Luckily enough they get to bring their cheer mats with them. In order for them to practice after school, they have to move all the tables and chairs and then roll out their mats so they can practice. It’s really time consuming.

Their competition season starts soon; they have a competition in Covington, Wash. at Kentwood High School on Jan. 8. This competition is a qualifier. Depending on how well they do at this competition tells if they get to go to state or not. They were planning on another competition, but it got cancelled. Lisa Schwartz is thinking about finding another competition to compete in but just doesn’t know if there is enough time. The state competition is on Jan. 20 in Tacoma, Wash. at the Comcast Arena.

“I feel we will do well at competition because we’re a team that no matter how hard we practice or don’t practice, we always pull things off with a good result in the end,” said Emily Ellison.

Within an hour of practice, the team is warmed up and has already moved through jumps, dance and stunting.

Their practice was fast paced and throughout the whole time, they seemed like they wanted to escalate their skills.

“I’m excited for the team to compete,” said coach Lisa Schwartz.“It’s been a few years since we’ve had the cheer team compete. It’ll be nice to get back into the competition feel of things.”

Even though the cheer team’s talent may go unnoticed at the football games or basketball games, they definitely have it, and they’re willing to show it.

Photos by Kylee Shwartz.

Above Right: Kamiakin cheerleaders after practicing their routines in the library.

Above: Kamiakin cheerleaders stunting Taylor Reavis into the air.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

SPORTS Tribal Games

9

Athlete Spotlight: Case Rada

By JOEY FLORES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Since starting as a sophomore, Kamiakin basketball player Case Rada has been viewed as one of the best guards in the league. Now going on his third year as one of the starting guards for the Braves, Rada has high hopes for the season to come. “Our whole team has high hopes for the year. We all hope to do well in State,” said Rada.

Rada has been playing basketball since he was in Kindergarten and dunked for the first time when he was in eighth grade. “My pre-game ritual has always been to stretch and listen to music. My favorite song to warm up to lately has been ‘Man I Miss My Dawgs’ by Lil Wayne,” said Rada.

The Braves ended last year’s season being ranked fourth in the state, with a heartbreaking loss to Walla Walla which closed the door on their hopes for state. With all the starters returning for the Braves, the experience and team chemistry is definitely on their side. “My favorite thing about our team is that we all get along and have been on the same team for awhile so we know how to work with each other,” said Rada.

“My most memorable moment about Kamiakin basketball would have to be the game winner against Richland at home last year,” said Rada. Anyone who was in the stands that night can understand this as they witnessed an amazing basketball game. A white out theme for the students brought a bigger than usual amount of fans to Kamiakin that night. The students and other fans witnessed a great game that came to a buzzer beater fade away three-pointer by Rada to win the game for the Braves.

Photo by: McKenzie Kennedy Case Rada driving to the basket and drawing the foul.

Photo by Joey Flores Case Rada spinning the ball on his finger.

Sports Quiz

By JOEY FLORES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

1. How many times did Lance Armstrong win the Tour de France?

2. What season record does new Baltimore Orioles 3rd baseman Mark Reynolds hold?

3. Who did Kamiakin play in their first State championship for football?

4. What jersey number did QB Joe Montana wear throughout his career with the 49ers?

5. Which recently retired NBA player has won seven championships in his career with the Rockets, Lakers, and Spurs?

1. 7 2. Reynolds holds the top 3 highest totals for most strikeouts in a season

3. Curtis

4. 16 5. Robert Horry

ADVERTISEMENTS

10

Are you an artist and want to put your work in the Tomatalk?

Send in poems, songs, drawings etc. to laurie.bender@ksd.org or bring to room314.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

11

The inner workings of the nocturnal mind

Chief Legends IN-DEPTH

Chief IN-DEPTH Legends

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

12 Sleeping Pills: Helpful or Destructive?

By AMANDA LING STAFF REPORTER

P

eople all over the world deal with sleeping disorders or problems with sleep and have coped with it using sleep inducing medications.

But is this tactic healthy with long-term use? Eighty-five percent of teenagers are chronically sleep-deprived and 26 percent get less than 6.5 hours of sleep on a regular school night. So it seems natural to lean on pills or medications to fix this sleep deprivation crisis.

Most sleeping pills are offered without prescription, even big names such as Lunexor (the world’s strongest prescription-free sleeping pill), AmbeSleep (rated one of the best sleeping aids by consumers and staff), and RestAid (an all-natural sleeping pill).

These products are easy to purchase and easy to consume. But if they work so well, how can they be destructive?

Most sleeping pills contain benzodiazepines, and while this drug may be useful short-term, all benzodiazepines are potentially addictive. And doctors are supposed to warn potential users about the sideeffects because sleeping pills cause you to breathe more slowly and less deeply. And that can be dangerous to people with asthma, lung problems, or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

And some sleeping pills cause Parasomnia, which are behaviors or actions over which you have no control. During Parasomnia you are asleep and unaware of what’s going on. Parasomnias with sleeping pills may include sleep eating, making

Lack of sleep and its effects

By ASHLEY MAY STAFF REPORTER

To survive people need the obvious essentials: food, air, liquids, and shelter. But beyond the perceptible, there are things like protein, relationships, and even sleep. Because not everyone knows this simple thing is important, the lack of it among teens and even parents is very common. According to the American Sleep Disorders Association, the average teenager needs approximately nine and a half hours of sleep every night because hormones that are critical to growth and sexual maturation are released

mostly during slumber. How many hours does the average teen really get? Studies show 7.4 hours is what most receive, which is a little over two hours’ difference.

Senior Trenda Fawver, on the other hand, gets five hours on average every school night. Not only does she get four-and-ahalf hours less than what she needs, but she believes that amount is all she needs. “It depends on how much homework I have,” Fawver explained. “It doesn’t affect me very much.”

What Fawver and many other teenagers may face is sleep deprivation, which

Two crazy dream stories!

By BRITTNEY HABEL FRONT PAGE EDITOR

The Brilliant Parrot:

by John Lehew

“I walked into a pet store. Sitting there on a perch was a parrot. The parrot could speak, so I decided to educate the parrot. After I taught the parrot everything it needed to know, I decided to have it take the SAT. The parrot got a perfect score of 2400. The College Board wouldn’t accept the score.

The parrot was not allowed to go to college. I was upset, so I protested against the College Board for Parrots’ Rights.”

Rainbow Grinch Chase:

by Reed Draper

Drawing by: Brittney Habel

“I had some cake. Then rainbow grinches appeared. They began chasing me on a highway system in the sky. I ran as fast as I could dodging grinches and cars.

The highway twisted around itself over and over like a big 3D maze. Everything else was black as if we were in a giant black room. Eventually I got cornered by a red grinch and a blue grinch. I jumped off the highway and landed in a vast ocean of cotton candy.

phone calls, and sleep driving. And Parasomnias are difficult to detect once the pill is in effect. For short-term sleep issues, doctors may prescribe sleeping pills for several weeks. Yet after regular use, the sleeping pill may stop working as the patient builds a tolerance to the medication. Or, s/he may become psychologically dependant on the medicine. Then the idea of going to sleep without it can make the person become nervous or anxious.

The healthy alternative to sleeping pills is developing good sleeping habits and good sleeping attitudes. Good sleep habits and attitudes are the best approach for a longterm sleep problem because good habits equal gained sleep, and they produce surprising improvement for this growing issue.

can hold off side effects until an older age, depending on the person. The National Sleep Foundation side effects of sleep deprivation include difficulty waking up in the morning, irritability in the afternoon, oversleeping on the weekend, and having difficulty remembering or concentrating.

Sophomore Alex Mattinson only receives six hours of sleep, while he believes he needs around eight hours. “Less sleep makes it harder to pay attention in class,” Mattinson pointed out. “My zero hour weight lifting class gets me up early in the morning, so I don’t get enough sleep.”

To help get sleep, scientists suggest teens establish a reasonable bed time, cut down on caffeine consumption, and get two daily hours of exercise.

Sophomore Katie Patillo said school affects her sleeping rate because you “have to get up extremely early.”

Not only does sleep or the lack thereof, affect school, but your consciousness and emotions. It can cause extreme moodiness, depression, and even a higher risk of car accidents. So before you make plans to hang out with your friends late at night, think: Is this going to affect me in the long run?

Fun Dream Facts

By CHRISTINA WOODARD STAFF REPORTER

These are some fun facts about dreams that you may find interesting and useful in deciphering your late night reveries that leave you with questions.  Quite often, children’s nightmares occur after a scolding or punishment by parents.  Usually, having a reoccurring dream that happens over and over again means you’re stuck on something whether it is a relationship, situation, feeling, or action.  The most common dreams include: 1. Falling 2. Taking a test you’re unprepared for 3. Being naked in public 4. Attending Class 5. Losing keys, a wallet/purse, or briefcase 6. Riding a bus, train or plane 7. Finding money 8. Having your teeth fall out  It’s not dangerous to awaken a sleep walker; in fact it’s a good idea to do so to prevent injury.  If you dream about being a victim of something, it means you’re feeling helpless about a situation in real life. However, if someone saves you in your dream, it suggests help is available.  If you dream of your uncle or aunt, beware—sad news will soon reach you!  Dreaming of the sky symbolizes hope, vitality, and a creative force.

All these facts, and many more, can be found in The Complete Dream Dictionary by Trish and Rob MacGregor.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Chief Legends IN-DEPTH

13

Listen to music to help you sleep

By AMANDA LING STAFF REPORTER

Teenagers seem to have trouble falling asleep due to complicated thoughts at night or insomnia issues. Is there a cure besides medications such as sleeping pills or other therapies? Yes, in fact, Taiwanese researchers did a sleep study on 60 people with sleeping problems. The participants were given a choice of music to listen to before going to sleep or nothing at all. Listening to music 45 minutes before falling asleep caused physical changes that aided restful sleep, including a lower heart and respiratory rate. The people in the music group reported a 35 percent improvement in their sleep, including a better and longer night-time sleep, and these people were less dysfunctional during the day. The group reported a 26 percent overall improvement in the first

week and continued to rise as they followed through with this sleep technique.

But why did listening to music help these people? Well, your brain can be pretty busy during the day, and believe it or not, at night time, too. And listening to music can often calm down your mind and help it drift off to persuade it to fall asleep. Scientific experiments, studies, and research projects have shown that slow music can influence the heart to keep a slow rate, create a slower breathing rate, as well as bring down the blood pressure.

However, it does matter what kind of music people listen to. In one study, a direct link between muscle strength and weakness and music was found. All of the muscles in the entire body go weak when exposed to music from hard rock

musicians such as Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, Queen, The Doors, Janis Joplin, and Bachman. In addition to harmful, irregular beats in rock music, shrill frequencies also prove to be harmful to the body when trying to fall asleep.

Various people of all ages have confirmed that listening to music can help them fall asleep and create peaceful and enjoyable dreams. It can be possible to create a certain dream just by the kind of music that is played at night. This information may not be true for every individual but takes place in a substantial number of us.

Why don’t you remember dreams? The omens creeping in the night

By NICOLE GOEMMEL SHENANIGANS EDITOR

Everyone has a dream they try to remember upon waking. Hoping to remember, they soon realize they have forgotten all the details by the end of the day or lost them by the time they get out of bed. Why do we forget dreams?

“Dreams are so intense and unreal,” said sophomore Santana Piña. “You don’t think they really happen.”

Research on the subject says you dream during REM sleeping, which happens when you have a decent night of sleep. You will remember dreams if you wake up out of REM sleeping. Therefore, a lot of times when people get a poor night’s sleep, they go through stages of REM sleep, and this causes them to not recall their dreams.

Remembering dreams also depends on the importance of the dream. This importance depends on the person. Any dream could become important. It all depends on the content of the dream and how highly the dreamer takes that content.

When sleeping, it is most common that people aren’t actually aware that they are dreaming. When they wake, they know that they did dream but at the time they were not aware. The longer a person waits, after waking, the harder it gets to remember their dreams.

Now, even if you did remember all your dreams, would you really want to remember every dream, including nightmares?

“I’d like to remember all my dreams. They seem pretty interesting, I could write a book on them,” Santana states.

By VICTORIA DEMERS PHOTO EDITOR

Monsters haunt many minds of the children in the world. Whether it’s the monster in the closet or the monster under the bed, the children fear their bed times. Some people are scared to go to sleep but not because of a monster, but because they are scared of sleep itself. This is called Somniphobia.

Somniphobia is not the only disorder that affects people while they snooze, Narcolepsy is a serious disorder that terrorizes many sleepers. This disease is characterized by inappropriate and frequent daytime sleeping that occurs at any moment. People with this disorder have fragmented sleep periods during the night and have quick, brief awakenings. Narcolepsy results often in

hallucinations and sleep paralysis.

Did you know that some people have been reported to kick and flail in their sleep?

This isn’t just coincidence. This strange disorder is PLMD (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder). The involuntary twitching and movement of their arms and legs have caused many people distress while sleeping. Some researchers believe that this movement is due to strange brain activity while they sleep.

Forty million Americans have long term sleep disorders. Sleep disorders happen due to a lack of health and wellness. Are sleep disorders preventable? Living a healthy life will prevent such disorders and grant you good sleep for the rest of your life.

Foreign exchange students: languages and dreams

By BRIANNA HARROD STAFF REPORTER

Have you ever wondered what language people dream in if they speak more than one language? Well, we wondered, and in order to receive clear answers, we talked to people who would know: our foreign exchange students, some of whom have been studying more than one language since elementary school.

Name: Lina Schroeder From: Berlin, Germany Learned Languages: • German when she was born, My parents speak Japanese, so I understand it.

• English in third grade, eight years old • Spanish in seventh grade, 12 years old Do you dream in more than one language?

• Yes. Dreams: “I never dreamed in Spanish. I just dreamed in Japanese and German when I was little. The first time I dreamed in English was Thursday (Nov. 18) this year.

Name: Lok-Bong Wu From: Hong Kong, China Learned Languages: • Mandarin since six years old • English since six years old • Cantonese when I was born Do you dream in more than one language?

• Yes. Dreams: “I usually dream in Cantonese. But after I came to U.S., I sometimes dream in English.”

Name: Polina Aksenova From: Omsk, Russia Learned Languages: • Russian when born • English from first grade, 7 years old • French from fifth grade, 12 years old • Started Spanish here at Kamiakin Do you dream in more than one language?

• Yes. Dreams: “Sometimes I dream in English but mostly in Russian. I miss speaking Russian so much, but I can still dream in Russian.”

Name: Blagoja Srbov From: Macedonia, Skopje (the capital city) Learned languages: • Macedonian as mother language when born • English, second grade, seven years old • German, sixth grade, 11 years old • Greek, eighth grade, 14 years old • I can understand most Slavic languages.

They are similar to mine.

Do you dream in more than one language?

• Yes. Dreams: “I have dreamed in my language and sometimes English, but since I am in the U.S., I dream more frequently in English.”

Chief IN-DEPTH Legends

14

Different stages of sleep

By DALIS McKENZIE STAFF REPORTER

Sleep research is still relatively young, although in 1953 REM sleep was discovered when new machines were developed to monitor the brain. Before the discovery, it was believed that brain activity ceased during sleep. Usually sleepers pass through five stages: 1,2,3,4 and REM (rapid eye movement). A complete sleep cycle lasts an average of 90 to 110 minutes. The first sleep cycles each night have relatively short REM sleeps and long periods of deep sleep but later in the night, REM periods lengthen and deep sleep time decreases.

Stage one is a light sleep where you drift in and out of sleep and can be easily awakened. In this stage, eye movement and muscle activity are slow. During this stage, many people experience sudden muscle contractions preceded by the sensation of falling.

In stage two, the eye movement stops, and brain waves become slower with the occasional burst of rapid brain waves. In stages three and four, the brain waves become extremely slow. They are called delta waves and are interspersed with smaller, faster waves. The brain then produces delta waves almost exclusively. Stages three and four are referred to as deep sleep or delta

sleep. In these stages, it is very difficult to wake someone. In deep sleep, there is no eye movement or muscle activity.

In the REM period, breathing becomes more rapid, irregular and shallow. The eyes jerk rapidly and limb muscles are temporarily paralyzed. During this stage, brain levels increase to levels experienced when a person is awake. Heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, males develop erections and the body loses some of its ability to regulate body temperature. During REM, dreams become more relevant, and if awoken during REM sleep, a person can remember dreams. Recent theories link REM sleep to learning and to the memory. Most people experience three to five intervals of REM sleep each night.

Many factors affect the stages of sleep. Going to bed on time and getting up on time prevents insomnia or sleeping in, which in turn resets your sleep cycle. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages (coffee, nonherbal tea or alcohol) and some drugs. They act as stimulants and cause frequent night time awakenings and decrease total sleep time. Extreme temperature changes disrupt sleep. Following a certain “bed-time” routine helps the body fall asleep and waking up at a regular time keeps the body in track with its internal clock.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Not all myths are true

By TERIA LYONS STAFF REPORTER

Have you ever dreamt that you were falling but you never hit the ground? Or that you somehow died? It’s said that dreams can be prophetic. For instance, if you die in a dream, then you’ll soon die in real life. Maybe you believe that you

never dream in color but dream in black and white and only remember them in color. But how many actually believe in these dreams?

When asked if he’s heard any myths about dreams, senior James Luey replied, “[Only that you] can’t change it.” We also asked Paul Pierson, but he had no answer.

But we also asked if they could control their dreams and both of them said yes, disproving the myth that you can’t control your dreams. And though not everyone can control their dreams whenever they want, anybody has the ability to, depending on the situation in the dream and the sleeper’s willingness to accept that it isn’t really happening.

If you realize that you are having a dream, then you have the ability to control the dream and do whatever you want. When you realize you’re dreaming or you’re controlling your dream, it is called lucid dreaming.

Also, it is said that you only dream when you’re in a deep sleep. Actually, you can only dream when in a light dream because when you’re deeply asleep, your brain is much less active than in a light sleep.

So do you believe in any myths about dreams? If you do, what are they? Send in a letter to the editor explaining what you believe – or don’t believe – about dream myths.

Kamiakin Poll: Funniest and scariest dreams!

By SADIE MACHART STAFF REPORTERS

AND AMBER MAIDEN

Funny:

Tim White: “I was chilling in the bathroom watching TV and eating a sandwich when SpongeBob Square Pants came and flushed me down the toilet.”

Chad Vickery: “I went into my parents’ bathroom and on top of a toilet was a sleeping sheep.”

Blake Snyder: “I was walking to my grandma’s when a car drove by. Then there was a hole in the middle of the street and I fell in and an alligator ate me.”

Hannah Nicholas: “I woke up one day and my belly button was off to the side, so I had to have surgery to move it back to the center.”

Corrine Park: “I was being stalked by a killer in the mall during a lock down and all the stores were closed, so I had nowhere to go.”

T.J. Tolliver: “[I was] falling into nothingness in my dream.”

Tyler Holle: “I was running through the woods with Peter Pan. A witch was chasing us with a knife. A guy with a bow and arrow shot at her but missed. Then the witch stabbed me.”

Joe Hunt: “The little guy from the Lord of the Rings was chasing me-Gollum.”

Scary:

Zach En’Wezoh: “Sean and I were stuck inside Nolan’s hair salon.”

Amanda Garner: “Ron Burgundy took me on a date and played his jazz flute.”

Tanya Castellano: “I was being followed by a giant taco truck. A creepy man was driving it.”

T.J. Tolliver: “[I was] falling into nothingness in my dream.”

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Tribal Talk

15

Photo Poll:

Christmas Traditions

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Entering the Word Of Dreams

Taylor Chalfont

By VICTORIA DEMERS PHOTO EDITOR

T “ We open one present on Christmas Eve and the rest at 5 a.m. on Christmas day. Also we go to the mountains and cut down our own tree.”

Brittani Garcia “Christmas Eve I go to my dad’s side of the family with my brothers. Then Christmas day I go to Sunnyside to my grandparents’ house, eat dinner then wait until like nine to open presents.”

he idea of inception is a widely known idea presented in the recently debuted popular film Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

This idea includes the entering of other people’s dreams. What if this idea of inception became a reality? Not only would we be able to share ideas, but we would be able to explore the world of dreams where time seems endless.

Our subconscious mind is a place where I have come to believe is where the past, present, and future happen simultane-

ously. This opens our world to a false reality which many teens use as an escape from their true reality by sleeping.

We shouldn’t necessarily steal ideas or implant ideas into the dreams of others, but we should definitely be able to enter others’ dreams.

How cool would it be to enter a friend’s dream and experience an adventure you couldn’t have in the real world? And when you come back, it doesn’t matter what happened in the dream because it didn’t happen in real life and you wouldn’t have to worry about making and having the consequences

in real life. This creates a place where you can consciously make mistakes and learn from them without ruining your whole life. At the same time, it’s not only the extreme mistakes you get to experience; it’s the extreme impossible that you get to experience too.

Whether it’s riding a cloud, or if it’s running around the world in less than 10 seconds, your dreams can become a vacation from life’s harsh realities. Only five minutes in the world of unreality is a long adventure that won’t be a waste of your time when you’re in the world of dreams.

Tracy Cook “Our tradition is every year on Christmas day, we have an all day party that everyone is invited to.”

STUDENT AD SURVEY

Bring this survey into room 314 (Mrs. Bender) for a FREE PIECE OF CANDY! 1) What grade are you in?

A) 9

B) 10

C) 11

D) 12 2) How many days a week on average do you go off campus for lunch?

A) 1 Time

B) 2 Times

C) 3 Times

D) 4 Times

E) 5 Times 3) How much money on average do you spend per week on lunch?

A) $0-$10

B) $10-$20

C) $20-$30

D) $30-40

4) How much money on average do you spend on clothing per month?

A) $50

B) $100

C) $150

D)$200 or more 5) What type of coupons would you most like to see in the Tomatalk?

A) Food

B) Coffee

C) Clothing 6) What vendors would you like to see advertise in our paper?

Other Comments:

Tribal Talk

OPINION & EDITORIAL

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

16

Merry Christmas VS. Happy Holidays Two reporters battle out the age old argument one more time...

T T

By BOND HENDERSON he Christmas holiday is one of cheer and IN-DEPTH EDITOR joy. Throughout history, Christmas has been the number one most celebrated holiday of the year. But, as time has gone on, it seems that people have forgotten the origins of Christmas and the foundation with which our country was made.

People are being limited to what they can say during the holidays. Now, more than ever, people are concerned with offending each other with a simple holiday greeting. Throughout schools and in public settings, people are required to say “Happy Holidays” rather than the original “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas” should be able to be said with ease in any public setting without the worry of offending anyone.

Think about all the parts of Christmas. There are Christmas trees and Christmas ornaments, Christmas presents, and Christmas songs.

Everything surrounding the holidays in December has to do with Christmas!

So, why not call it Christmas?

The holiday of Christmas originated from the birth of Jesus Christ who of course, is the central figure in Christianity, but he was also important in many other world religions. For example, in Islam, Christ is considered a prophet. Though there was no known date of Christ’s birth it was set on Dec. 25 because the winter months were already a very celebrated time of year. As the Reformation came in the 16th century, Christmas became even more celebrated.

The term “Merry Christmas” became even more widely known after it appeared many times in Charles Dickens’ famous novel A Christmas Carol.

Since the novel was so popular, the phrase “Merry Christmas” became more widely spoken.

The founding fathers and the first presidents of our nation celebrated Christmas. Their religious beliefs and beliefs in Christmas were so strong that our Constitution was written with the same beliefs. Our country was built on the phrase “Merry Christmas.”

This phrase “Merry Christmas” is usually inappropriate to use in a public setting such as work, school, or at public events. This was started by the idea of political correctness. This brought the umbrella expression of “Happy Holidays” to include all religions. Political correctness is a very difficult term to understand. The term “Merry Christmas” is forbidden because of offending people. But in the Constitution of the United States, the First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Doesn’t this mean that we can say whatever we want because we are protected by the Constitution?

The students at Kamiakin have all contributed their point of view on the matter. A poll taken shows that 76 percent of students think that “Merry Christmas” should be said.

The other 24 percent think that “Happy Holidays” should be said. Kamiakin students know how important “Merry Christmas” is to everyone.

Students and teachers at Kamiakin, employees, and managers shouldn’t be restricted about what they can and can’t say.

By DYLAN WILSON STAFF REPORTER

here are a total of 22 different world religions from Christianity to Islam, as well as Atheism, Hinduism, Chinese tradition, Buddhism, Judaism, and even Scientology with 500,000 people, as well as 14 other religions known to American citizens around the United States.

So then why would you just say “Merry Christmas?” It would be more polite to other religions to say “Happy Holidays”, or even just give a greeting to their religious background would even be nice. Do you think it would be respectful for a Catholic to walk up to a Jew and tell him “Merry Christmas”? No, it wouldn’t.

Muslim teacher Sabiha Khan said, “If I want to wish a Christian a wonderful greeting, I would say ‘Merry Christmas.’ But since I am a Muslim, I would rather like to hear ‘Happy Holidays’ instead of ‘Merry Christmas.’ But if someone wanted to wish me a ‘Merry Christmas’ then I would be totally cool with it.”

Even though Mrs. Khan prefers “Happy Holidays” to “Merry Christmas”, she feels that it is going overboard to actually become offended by the “Merry Christmas” greeting. “If someone wonders if it’s just a nice greeting to someone, then why would someone get upset?” she said.

Lots of holidays occur around the time of Christmas. In fact, that is how Christians first decided on the date of Christmas. Now days, we have Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Nicholas Day, Ramadan, Eid, Juletide, Winter Solstice, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, and so on. Many of these are cultural, like the African American holiday of Kwanzaa and Chinese New Year, but some are from other religious affiliations, like the Muslim holidays of Ramadan and Eid. Christ was probably born in the spring. The only reason Christmas occurs in the winter is because traditionally, people celebrated mid-winter holidays.

Even the Native Americans had mid-winter celebrations that coincided with Christmas long before they met Europeans. Choosing mid-winter for Christ’s Mass (later Christmas) assured early Christians that Christ’s birth would be commemorated, So many other holidays were occurring at the same time, and this made it easier for people to remember.

Junior Wesley Preston, who is Jewish, celebrates Hanukah instead of Christmas. Preston says, “I would like for people to say ‘Happy Holidays’ because holidays are always right around the corner from each other. It’s just easier.”

Junior Garrett Martin, who is a Christian, says, “Since I am Christian I would like for people to wish me a Merry Christmas, but I wouldn’t go up to Mr. Preston and wish him a Merry Christmas knowing that Mr. Preston is not a Christian but a Jew. I would wish him a Happy Hanukah, not Merry Christmas.”

In the United States, we are becoming more and more pluralized. Before 1990, 87 percent of adults identified themselves as Christian. Since then, there has been a shift in attitudes. More and more adults have disaffiliated themselves with Christianity and have become secular. By 2008, only 76 percent of American adults identify themselves as Christian, and the decline is continuing.

Since Christmas is a Christian holiday, and since so many other holidays occur the same time of year, it would be more correct in our increasingly secular society for people to use the greeting “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.”

Mascot Poll Results

By KYLE DAVIS STAFF REPORTER

Kamiakin, your results are in.

Overwhelmingly we are in favor of having a mascot in an Indian outfit with a tomahawk.

Sophomore Kyle Deatherage said that it would be cool for the mascot to “lead us in the tomahawk chop”

which is why a lot of people wanted the mascot to have a prop.

They want him to run around on Friday nights at the football games but are open to other events as well.

Another poll is on the way though because we have a disagreement over the name. To the side is some food for thought:

Mascot Ideas o o

Caveman Joe the Brave

o o

Chief Kamiakin An Indian name of some kind

Dr.Ghguse@gmail.com Choose one and submit to Room 314 or email Ka.Kyle.Davis@ksd.org your choice to one of three emails: laurie.bender@ksd.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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State brings Our View: students together

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since 1995, the team made it to the state finals, e the best you can be.” Many thoughts only the second time in school history. All of a come to mind when a Kamiakin Brave sudden this year, we had something to be proud thinks of this saying. It’s our motto; it’s of, something that brought the school together really what we should all be reaching for in our as a whole. everyday lives. But in truth, most of the time it Seniors will never forget this, a once of a lifejust seems like a cheesy statement that is used time event that just happened to occur in their to “motivate” students and put on school stalast year of high school. The younger classes tionary. It’s only once in a blue moon that we will remember it actually put a lot forever too, seeing of thought into this All of a sudden this year, we had the top spot finally statement. within our grasp.

This fall we really something to be proud of, someSo let’s hold our saw a glimpse of thing that brought the school heads high, knowwhat it is to be our together as a whole. ing that we are the best when seeing Braves, the best we how well our footcan be, together ball team did. Sure, through thick and thin, and now with the baswe did not win state, but our boys caused everyketball season underway, who knows what we one to turn their heads. will accomplish in the winter?

“Going to state really brought Kamiakin to“Going all the way to the big game in football gether showing us that we really can reach our I think will translate to basketball,” said senior goals and accomplish something,” said senior Tyler Holle to the Tri-City Herald. “I think we’ll Ashley Bronson. be able to handle that pressure better.”

It’s disappointing of course, to lose the big So basketball, let’s keep the eyes on us and give game, but in the long run, the football team gave them another team to look at. their school a great experience; for the first time

“

Tribal Talk

OPINION & EDITORIAL

New airport security; the ups and the downs

By MELISSA COPPINGER STAFF REPORTER

Most of us have heard in the news about all the new procedures going on in airports around the world. These new procedures include pat-downs and body scanners, but are these new rules that are supposed to make us safer too invasive? Some say no, for they are just more sure ways for our law to make sure we don’t have another moment like the “Underwear Bomber.” But for others, it’s a yes.

Before these new rules, the officers who performed the patdowns used the back of their hands and didn’t go near body privates. Now they use the palms of their hands and are asked to perform even more invasive searches around women’s and men’s private areas.

The thought of having random people come near me is sickening.

The new scanners they have produced take a 3-D picture of your body under your

clothes, sending it to a room for officers to examine. But these pictures are showing your body naked. While it’s not the best picture quality, you can still depict certain areas.

In England, the Guardian (news source) learned that the new scanners are on the breach of breaking child pornography laws. Or for frequent fliers, they risk long term radiation exposures. Even some of the creators of the machine say that if another person was to hide an explosive powder somewhere on their body, the scanner would not see it.

So are these scanners and new pat-downs what they are cracked u p to be?

W i t h the i n vasive touching and risks they portray, I will be flying through smaller airlines from now on.

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Exchanging donations for grades morally wrong?

By MAK McKINNIS STAFF REPORTER

With the economy plummeting, money has become tight, causing global stinginess. Most people are keeping a watchful eye on their finances and without the motivation to donate, charities will be overlooked and people will be in need more than ever. Some people say that the exchange of donations for a grade is an ethically wrong form of bribery, but I say it’s doing more help than hurt.

Some people take advantage of this opportunity, donating cheap toys for an easy ‘A’. These people bring out the bad in this meaningly selfless act. I agree the way those individuals donate is morally wrong and unfair, a point that needs emphasizing since many people believe that all students have the funds to give back the same way.

But I believe that by giving kids an incentive to give, it will promote their donating in the future.

Not only does it encourage a generous attitude in the future, but it also promotes healthy competition by motivating kids to partici-

pate in various charity challenges.

This can also give kids a sense of being able to make a difference, all by themselves. Donating does not always require money; your time is always appreciated.

These opportunities presented at schools help not only the giving but also the receiving.

Contrary to popular belief, giving away your gently used items to charity is not like getting rid of all your ‘junk’. At a yard sale, people are willing to pay for the things you no longer need or want, so what’s the difference in giving it away? Some of the things people take for granted, others never even have the opportunity to have or do. Remember, one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

It seems as though adults today are afraid to donate in fear of regretting giving the Salvation Army Santa $5, or even $1 for that matter. They obviously never had the opportunity to give back to their community as a child because as we all know, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

d e n n a C Food

Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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Top 10 best unique rap artists

By TONY PEREYDA STAFF REPORTER

Since the early 1970s, the rap music became a big influence mostly with the African American and the Latino race. Rhyming lyrics while being chanted to an instrument or musical sound or rap is a talent that only the chosen have.

Out of all the rappers, there are 10 who have surpassed them all. Starting from the top, T.I. will be number 10. Rapping since he was nine, Clifford Joseph Harris Jr, has become a famous King of the South rapper. The Game would be considered number 9 and Ludacris number 8 but out of these 10, Snoop Dog emerges as number 7.

Snoop Dog’s career started in 1992 performing with Dr, Dre. His Doggy Style album came out in 1993 under Death Row Records. Cordozar Calvin Broadus or Snoop Dog is mainly known as a freestyler, not a writer. 2pac comes next with Dr. Dre following and 50 Cent behind them and then Nelly. Cornell Iral Haynes Jr, from St. Louis, Missouri or Nelly has been a well known rapper since 1993, who has also won two Grammy awards so far in his career.

The top two contender rappers that emerge at the front of the line is D-12, who comes in second, but Eminem wins it all.

Eminem or Marshall Bruce Mathers the Third whose stage name became the two m’s in his name is the best rapper of all time. Born on Oct. 17, 1972, now 38, he gained his popularity in 1999 with his album The Slim Shady LP. The album The Marshall Mathers LP became the fastest sold album in the U.S. Out of Eminem’s career, the D-12 project was created. With 11 Grammys and 13 number one singles worldwide in his career, Eminem is the best unique rap artist of all time.

Dare to try something new to eat

By DEVIN SCHELL STAFF REPORTER

Most people eat normal somewhat bland food. Very few venture off and eat really strange abnormal recipes. The people who don’t go on adventures for their taste buds probably don’t even know of the Ramen Omelette or what has been called the Heart Stopper.

The Ramen Omelette is the delicious mixture of Top Ramen and an omelette. To make this, you cook the noodles, mix the eggs and seasoning together, mix the noodles into the eggs and then cook it like an omelette. The Ramen Omelette is a very interesting thing. It has the flavor of Top Ramen (whichever flavor you use), but it also has the consistency of an omelet.te It may sound disgusting, but it actually isn’t that bad.

Just ask someone who has tried it. “I was bored one day, so I decided to try something new. I found this recipe on the In-

ternet, so I made it, and it is now one of my favorite things to eat,” said sophomore Kyle Nordhause.

For the people who have ventured out into the world of flavor, there is what has come to be known as the Heart Stopper. It is a simple recipe. You weave bacon together, cook it to where it is done but still soft and fill it with cheese. Melt the cheese on it, then roll the bacon into a burrito and chow down. Just as it sounds, this is a very greasy meal and should be consumed with caution. There are some people who have actually tried this. “I was looking for something new to eat. A friend told me about this, so I decided to try it. After I had finished it, I felt as though I was going to die,” said sophomore Ivan Roman.

For all you bland food eaters out there, just remember there is good food waiting to be tried.

You just lost the game!

By TERIA LYONS STAFF REPORTER

Have you ever lost The Game? You know, someone, quite possibly sophomore Collin Bjorklund, yells, “You lost the Game!” Oh, and by the way, you just lost The Game. Anyway, we asked freshman Kayla Ingalls and sophomore Chase Halverson if either of them have ever won The Game.

Halverson simply replied, “Never.”

But Ingalls said, “I don’t think I’ve ever won The Game because of Collin [Bjorklund].”

Is it even possible to win the game? Unless you’re Chuck Norris, then you probably can’t. But it’s still fun to go around and make others lose the game. When asked how many people he’s made lose at one time, Halverson asked how many people ride our bus, which is roughly 25 to 30 people,

!

A

H A

and he said, “About that much.”

Ingalls replied, “Probably like 15 people when we were at lunch. I felt pretty special.”

It’s almost too easy to make others lose The Game. But when you make a large group lose The Game, it is a pretty special moment. Bjorklund is both experienced and talented at making people lose The Game, and when asked how many at one time he’s made lose, he said, “I announced it at a football game [freshman year],” which is a few hundred people.

When we asked about how often Bjorklund makes people lose The Game, he said, “Every hour… Aw c’mon, marching band was like ‘I lost the game!’ [then] ‘Shut up, Collin!’”

Right: The cheese filled heart stopper sits oozing with with grease and wrapped in another heart stopping ingedient, bacon.

H

If you are reading this... you just lost the game

Left: A Ramen omeletteconsists of cooked ramen noodles folded inside an omelette.

Pretty much sounds epic.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Power rangers v. x-men

By EVAN RAMSEY BUFFALO SOLDIER

W

ho is the greatest fighting force of all time? Besides Chuck Norris and his three fists (the extra ones under his beard). Maybe the U.S. military; there are over a million soldiers in the U.S. armed forces, not even including the reserves. That seems fairly powerful, but they don’t even have super powers. Now super heroes have powers, but one super hero doesn’t really make a team, but an entire team of super heroes would make a team, duh. When the average person thinks super team, the first group to come to their mind should be the X-Men. The X-Men are the epitome of a super human

team. The “X” in X-Men stands for the X gene found in mutants, but it originally meant “extra human”. The XMen are good, but to be the best, you have to beat the best.

What group of individuals could possibly put up a fight against five super humans? Six teenagers with the ability to summon gigantic robots and super suits making them capable of almost everything. They are called the Power Rangers. More specifically the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. They consist of six teens chosen by some floating head (Zordon) and a dorky robot (Alpha). Their power was given to them instead of being born with it at birth.

When called for, the five teens “morph” into the power rangers; usually when their city is under attack, no big deal. They always seem to be in trouble until the last minute or so when they decide to call their zords (giant robots). After that they save the world and go back to school.

Over the last four decades, many X-Men have been added to the series, but the original five consisted of Cyclops, Angel, Beast, Iceman, and Gene Grey. So this makes it an uneven six on five match-up. The original Power Rangers were Rocky (red), Adam (black), Kimberly (pink), Aisha (yellow), Billy (blue), and Tommy (white).

The X-Men hold strength in their abilities; the Power Rangers hold theirs as a team. Individually, the Rangers would have trouble taking on any X-Men, but they have

strength in numbers. Taking on a whole team of X-Men calls for a little more attention. Neither team seems to have lost, so thinking of a way to beat either one is difficult. Hand to hand, it should be clear that the Rangers’ karate skills are a little too elementary for the mutant marauders. Even with the addition of the Rangers’ weapons, I’m not confident in them to overpower legitimate super humans. Seven out of 10 bouts of fisty cuffs result in dead Rangers. They didn’t stand a chance.

X-Men versus Power Rangers was essentially Kobe versus a kindergartener. There was no hope from the start. Five adult super humans stand over six teens who lay bloodied on a war torn field. That is until the Rangers make a phone call and six zords, each the size of an office building, come barreling towards them and simply stomp the X-Men to death. The Rangers regain composure and once again are back to school thanks to their zords. Ro- bots win err day.

Bands you’ve never heard of and probably never will again

By Daniel Elliott STAFF REPORTER

So many bands go unnoticed in this world, pushed down by all the mainstream artists that hog the spotlight. My goal is to find the hidden gems of the underground music scene and bring them into the public eye. One of my favorite bands, Lubricated Goat, is the definition of hidden gem.

Hailing out of Sydney, Australia, Lubricated Goat was formed by musician Stu Spasm and his friends. After playing a number of small shows, they got noticed by John Foy at Red Eye Records and soon got signed with Black Eye Records, a branch of Red Eye Records made for these crazy types of bands.

If you ever see Lubricated Goat live, you would instantly know that they are pushing the limits of hardcore punk, if you can even label that as their sound.

The noise that comes out of their speakers is a mix of yelling, grunts, groans, and guitars that sound like they want to be different instruments. The music on each album differs though, as Stu Spasm has a lot of musical influences, from punk to jazz. One thing that is very interesting about Lubricated Goat is their large amount of instrumentals. They are very well put together and truly open your eyes to what can be done with instruments if your mind is open enough, or if

you’re Australian enough.

The music isn’t the only amazing thing about Lubricated Goat though. Their stage presence at live shows is hard to believe. They really get involved with the crowds and make sure they always leave satisfied.

Junior Richy Elledge had this to say about the band, “They are truly a band sent from the heavens. They’re like a modern day Black Sabbath. Their fans will remember them even when they finish playing shows.”

Some of Lubricated Goat’s most popular songs are “Spoil the Atmosphere,” “Six Feet Deep,” and “Gargoyles.” So put down the newspaper, and go listen to some Lubricated Goat. It will definitely be worth your time.

Minaj has her Moment By

You probably will not recognize the name Onika Tanya Maraj as a celebrity, or mainly, at all. But the name you will recognize for this woman is Nicki Minaj. She is from Southside, Jamaica, but she grew up in Queens, New York. Interestingly enough, Nicki is of African American, Trinidad and Asian descent.

Despite her incredible popularity, Minaj did not have the perfect home life. Her father was addicted to many types of drugs and her mother was a struggling parent.

Although she had this poor disadvantage, it did not keep her from excelling. In her younger years, Nicki participated in a drama program at a school specializing in music and visual and performing arts. As a teenager, she worked at Red Lobster Restaurant in the Bronx.

At the beginning of her music career, Nicki created some mix tapes and appeared in XXL magazine. In 2008, she ended up winning the Female Artist of the Year award at the Underground Music Awards. This was just the kick off of her career. In October 2010, Nicki became the first artist to have seven songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously. She has been featured in many popular artists’ videos, such as Lud-

MARISSA RODRIGUEZ STAFF REPORTER

acris, Sean Kingston, Trey, and many more.

Nicki Minaj is one of the most popular female rappers, and she hasn’t even dropped an album yet. She is the inspiration of many young hip-hop girl fans, particularly teenagers. Her music today is among the most listened to by our older youth.

Above: Featured pop-star Minaj poses for a photo. Minaj won the 2008 Female Artist of the Year award at the Underground Music Awards.

Tribal Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 20 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Review

By KAELYN COLE NEWS & FEATURE EDITOR

H

ere it is, the beginning of the end. These are the characters we’ve grown up with, the story lines we have connected with, the movies we have waited for hours to see. When watching a Harry Potter movie, our generation feels nostalgic even if it is entirely new.

The story picks back up after the tragic death of Albus Dumbledore leaving Harry, Ron, and Hermione who must run from the constant looming presence of the growing power of Voldemort. The three students wander alone across the countryside after a narrow escape from the Weasley’s home and a legion of Voldemort’s followers, also known as Deatheaters.

The three main characters are in search of the mysterious and elusive Horcruxes that are Voldemort’s only ties to immortal life.

Something this movie does well is making the characters seem real even in this very surreal story line, especially the two boys. The main fallout of this movie was the main fallout of the book: it can get boring.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Any scene that is not filled with glorious action and near-death experiences is not well received by the audience. But the truth is that these monotonous times are the truest to reality. In real life, the hopelessness of feeling like you have no idea what you are doing is very genuine.

This movie has a slightly different feel and look than all the preceding Harry Potter films. It is more forlorn and can cause some confusion for those in the audience who have not read the book. It also goes so far as to have the story of the Deathly Hallows in a silhouetted animation, which I think was a very interesting innovation for the series.

There are a few scenes in this film that make it absolutely necessary to have a PG-13 rating and are inappropriate for younger audiences. They do not go so far as to be called vulgar, but they do leave you a little surprised they went so far.

The most difficult part is knowing that it is only the first part of the film, so to judge it would be unfair. But knowing what is to come, I am very excited for July.

Easy A gets an easy A The Crucible an enchanting bewitchment

By CHRISTINA WOODARD STAFF REPORTER

Easy A is easily one of the funniest movies of the year. The plot is witty, silly, and charming, with an awesome performance

by Emma Stone. The film shows us what can happen to a white lie in high school.

Olive (Emma Stone) is a smart girl who is completely anonymous at her high school until she lies to her best friend, Rhiannon, (Alison Michalka) about losing her virginity to cover up what she really did that weekend, which was absolutely nothing. Olive’s confession is overheard by Marianne (Amanda Bynes), the head of the school’s Christian/Abstinence society who doesn’t want Olive’s weekend to go unnoticed.

By coincidence, Olive’s English class just so happens to be learning about the Scarlet Letter and Hester Prynne’s public condemnation for adultery. Feeling great about finally being noticed, Olive’s lies about being easy spread around, and she starts wearing the letter “A” on her clothing, similar to Hester Prynne.

Olive uses her strange new rank among her peers to help out those less fortunate and discover things about herself and what price she’s willing to pay for the loss of her good reputation.

The acting and script are outstanding. I highly recommend this if you want a good laugh. 9/10.

By NATALIE ELLIOTT EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

This fall, Drama Club put on The Crucible, a classic play written by Arthur Miller. The play was based on the Salem Witch Trials, and the story was changed into a fictional tale, full of adultery, deceit and confusion, much like the modern movies and TV shows of today.

The play opens to Betty Parris (Samantha Wilson) laying in a coma-like state in her father’s, Reverend Samuel Parris’ (Collin Bjorklund), house. Betty fell into this state the night before, when her father caught her and other girls dancing in the woods. The girls are accused of witchcraft but deny the accusation to no end, knowing that it would be the end of them if they are found out. They then begin to accuse the women of Salem, and one by one the women are tried and sent to jail or death.

The leader of the accusing girls is Abigail Williams (Laura Howland). Abigail is thought to be out to get Elizabeth Proctor (Taryn Meacham) because she fancies Elizabeth’s husband, John Proctor (Thor Cleppe). Throughout the play, the audience sees John’s struggle to abstain from his adulterous ways and Abigail’s constant pursuit of what she wishes to be hers.

Another conflict of the play is between Mary Warren (Cassie Johnson) and the gang of girls. Mary debates whether she should keep lying to stay in the powerful gang’s good graces, or tell the truth, therefore saving the life of Elizabeth Proctor whose family employs her.

Though not thought to be a funny play, some scenes were indeed laughed at, for instance in one scene where Tituba (Meghan Woffinden) and Sarah

Good (Kaelah Phipps) are in jail, and seemingly just want to get drunk before they are hanged, with the aid of John Willard (John Lehew). The women are sliding around the stage, talking to the devil and dreaming of going to wonderful Barbados, where it is warm and perfect for the devil to join them.

As far as acting goes, as in all student productions, there were some mess-ups and confusions, but overall, it was a very good performance. Both Laura Howland and Cassie Johnson did a great job in their roles, both being able to convey emotions that could be confusing if not displayed correctly.

Above: Thor Kleppe and Taryn Meachum are photographed in the play The Crucible.

Meachum’s character has just been accused of being a witch.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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SHENANIGANS

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

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Shenanigans Scavenger Hunt

By Victoria DeMers What gets bigger the more you take away?

1. The second letter of the name of a brilliant animal that lives in a dream.

2. The wizard’s first letter of his first name that is the main character in a recently debuted movie.

3. The first letter of the section of the newspaper where students express what they think.

4. The second letter of most teenagers’ favorite pastime. (Hint: In-Depth Section) 5. The first letter of the job both Natalie Elliot and Joey Flores hold in our school newspaper. (Hint: Page 2)

___ 1

___ ___ ___ ___ 2

3

4

5

Which Ninja Turtle is your favorite?

By Ernhel Tatunay

Rybecca Ruffin

“I like Raphael, the red ninja turtle because red is the best color and his headband makes him look gangster.”

Emery Boehnke

“Leonardo. He is the leader and is really cool, but not as obnoxious as Rafael and Mikey. His double katana is really cool, too.”

Tannyn Cowlishaw

“Donatello is amazing only because he wears purple, and his weapon is a staff; you can conquer anything with that. BAM!”

Tasha Dow

“Donatello (purple) is my favorite ninja turtle not only because he’s the purple one but because his weapon is the staff; that’s a hardcore weapon that takes skill to use.”

FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School

Tribal Amusement SHENANIGANS

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THE WORLD’S GREATEST

QUIZ Q1: How many goal posts are there on a Quidditch pitch?

A. 12 C. 6 B. 4 D. 8 Q2: Where was the boa constrictor going when Harry let him out at the zoo?

A. Argentina B. Brazil C. Mexico D. Bahamas Q3: How many points is the Golden Snitch worth?

A. 50 C. 100 B. 500 D. 150 Q4: What number vault held the Sorcerer’s Stone at Grigotts?

A. 813 C. 713 B. 616 D. 114 Q5: Who took offense to the symbol Xenophillius Lovegood wore to Bill and Fluer’s wedding?

A. Arthur Weasley B. Auntie Muriel

C. Hagrid D. Victor Krum Q6: Who was killed by the Basilisk?

A. NearlyHeadless Nick B. Moaning Myrtle C. The Grey Lady D. The Bloody Baron

Q7: What was Lee Jordan’s radio name on Potter Watch?

A. River C. Rodent B. Royal D. Rapier Q8: Who betrayed Harry’s parents?

A. Lord Voldemort B. Sirius Black C. Peter Pettigrew D. Albus Dumbledore Q9: How many players are on a Quidditch team?

A. 7 C. 8 B. 5 D. 10 Q10: Who is the Hogwarts flying teacher?

A. Madam Prince B. Madam Pomfrey C. Madam Hooch D. Mister Filch Q11: What do ghosts do on their death day? (it’s like the opposite of a birthday) A. They throw a party B. They disappear for 24 hours C. They play a trick on the living D. They decide if they still want to be a ghost Q12: Which house was Cedric Diggory a member of?

A. Slytherin B. Hufflepuff C. Ravenclaw D. Gryffindor Q13: On the train to Hogwarts, whom did Scabbers the rat bite?

A. Crabbe B. Malfoy C. Longbottom D. Goyle Q14: Which Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was a follower of Voldemort?

A. Lockhart

By KAELYN COLE NEWS & FEATURE EDITOR

B. Lupin C. Quirrell D. Snape Q15: What did Rita Skeeter turn into to obtain information at Hogwarts?

A. Tree C. Wolf B. Beetle D. Rat Q16: What is the name of the leader of the spiders?

A. Attagog B. Ohmigod C. Kogog D. Aragog Q17: What phrase does Mad Eye Moddy always say?

A. Constance Vigilance.

B. Never cry wolf.

C. Sleep with one eye open.

D. Hard work and no play makes Harry a dull boy.

Q18: What did Hagrid name his pet baby Dragon?

A. Harry B. Norbert C. Noland D. Talon Q19: Which person was the first out of Voldemort’s wand when Harry and Voldemort dueled at the graveyard?

A. Lily Potter B. James Potter C. Cedric Diggory D. Albus Dumbledore Q20: How much did Arthur Weasley win in the Daily Prophet Grand Prize Galleon Draw?

A. 1,000 galleons B. 700 galleons C. 10,000 galleons D. 1,700 galleons

Q21: What school did the Dursley’s say Harry was attending?

A. St. Brian’s Secure Asylum for Incurably Criminal Boys B. St. Brian’s Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal boys C. St. Brutus’s Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys D. St. Brutus’s Secure Asylum for Incurably Criminal Boys Q22: What fruit do you have to tickle on the painting in order to enter into the kitchens?

A. Pear C. Grape B. Apple D. Banana Q23: What school does Dudley go to?

A. Eton B. Grunnings C. Harrow D. Smeltings Q24: Which Professor of Hogwarts was a dueling champion when he was young?

A. Snape C. Lockhart B. Flitwick D. Sprout Q25: How many staircases are there at Hogwarts?

A. 142 C. 214 B. 68 D. 1000 Q26: What is the name of the first Centaur Harry meets?

A. Nidan C. Ronan B. Shodan D. Batlor Q27: Which Professor is an Animagus capable of turning into a cat?

A. Snape B. McGonagall C. Evan Peterson D. Flitwick Q28: What book does Flourish

and Blotts refuse to ever stock again?

A. Unfogging the future B. Death Omens: What to do When You know the Worst is Coming C. Broken Balls: When Fortunes Turn Foul D. The Monster Book of Monsters Q29: Who is the Ravenclaw House ghost?

A. Nearly Headless Nick B. The Grey Lady C. The Bloody Baron D. Moaning Myrtle

Q30: Who is constantly playing tricks on the students of Hogwarts?

A. Nearly Headless Nick B. The Kitchen Elves C. Peeves D. The Bloody Baron Q31: What type of wood is Draco’s wand?

A. Elder C. Cherry B. Ash D.Hawthorne Q32: What is Crabbe’s First name?

A. Vincent C. Justin B. Gregory D. Marcus Q33: Match each of these names to the nicknames that belong to them: James potter Moony Peter Pettigrew Wormtail Remus Lupin Padfoot Sirius Black Prongs

Potter-Prongs, Peter Pettigrew-Wormtail, Remus Lupin-Moony, Sirius Black-Padfoot

Answers:1. c 2. b 3. d 4. c 5. d 6. b 7. a 8. c 9. a 10. c 11. a 12. b 13. d 14. c 15. b 16. d 17. a 18. b 19. c 20. b 21. c 22. a 23. d 24. b 25. a 26. c 27. b 28. d 29. b 30. c 31. d 32. b 33. James

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FRIDAY, DEC. 17, 2010 The Tomatalk • Kamiakin High School