January 29 print issue

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Volume XC • Issue 7 • January 29, 2010

harrisonburg high school • 1001 garbers church road • harrisonburg, va 22801 • 540.433.2651 • Newsstreak.com •

Freeze Frame

Musical practice revving up Emma DiNapoli Editor-in-Chief

T Homemade. Science teacher Virginia Greenlaw works with students to make wreaths during Christmas time.

News Briefs

I-Flurtz will be on sale Monday, February 8 through Friday February 12. Come by room 444 to pick up your I-Flurtz for $2 each. The second semester Renaissance Rally will be held on March 10 in the morning. Along with the annual Boys' Dance Team Performance, Hypnotist Tom Deluca will be performing. Students must be 18 years old to be hypnotized and will be chosen

by Mr. Deluca at the beginning of the rally School will be closed on 15 for a staff development day. Help Key Club raise money for Haiti relief!

Donation boxes have been set up in every classroom.

There are also boxes in the library and guidance office.

Any donation is welcome.

Money will be sent to Kiwanis International for use in the relief effort “E.D.G.E. on Ice”! Join E.D.G.E. for ice skating at the Charlottesville Ice Park followed by going out for pizza! This event is for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County high school teens only.

Date: Saturday, February 13 Time: 11:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Meet at JMU’s Blue Ridge Hall parking lot, 601 University Blvd., Harrisonburg, across from Costco at 11:15 a.m.

Cost: Bring $5 for dinner and we’ll pay the rest (skates included)!

You MUST RSVP by Feb. 10 by contacting Amanda at 438-6738, hartzlkm@ jmu.edu, via the E.D.G.E. facebook page or via the E.D.G.E. website at http:// sites.google.com/site/edgeevents1 under the “Contact Us” tab You MUST have a signed permission slip to get on the bus! Print the form from the E.D.G.E. website or request one by email at hartzlkm@jmu.edu or by phone at 438-6738. Transportation by bus provided; will return @ 6:30 p.m. for drop off. 

Coming Up: Renaissance Rally in review.  Snowball pictures Prom preview Winter sports wrap-ups and spring sports reviews. College acceptances and senior plans for 2010-2011 Tanning beds and possible alternatives to get you looking great for spring Best classes of the second semester Super ideas for spring break - things to do in and out of town

News Balloons and Blossoms open for ValenA3 tine’s business

he HHS drama department, which performs to perennially sold-out audiences, is producing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this February.

The musical, based on the story of Joseph from the Bible’s book of Genesis, is remarkable in its almost complete absence of dialogue.

“There isn’t really any spoken dialogue throughout the entire play,” stage manager Zach McDonnell said.

“If you tune out during Quite the quartet! Narrators senior Kaiti Crittenden, freshman Kirsten Fergua song, you don’t really son, sophomore Grace Clough and freshman Nancy Carrie Logan practice a scene together during an all-day rehearsal. Photo by Phillip Bannister know what’s going on.”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat world, from a slave to head Joseph, following a role as begins as a dream in which the of the household, and we ride Barnaby in last year’s Hello basic premise is introduced— a rollercoaster of emotions as Dolly.

Joseph’s brothers are jealous his fortunes by turns fall and “[The most difficult of his coat, a symbol of their then rise, eventually coming part for me] is trying to father’s obvious preferential to a happy conclusion. distinguish from Barnaby treatment.

To prevent “The storyline can be a little from last year and Joseph Joseph from ruling them, his confusing at times because it from this year,” Goldberger brothers sell Joseph as a slave. goes back and forth between said. “They’re completely Throughout the musical, we characters,” senior Justin different characters.” watch Joseph rise through the Goldberger said. Goldberger Joseph and the Amazing ranks in the Egyptian labor stars in this year’s musical as Technicolor Dreamcoat draws see musical, page a2

Boys dance team struts its stuff in practice Tricia Comfort Editor-in-Chief

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he annual performance of the boys dance team during the spring renaissance rally has become a tradition at HHS. The first performance was during the 2007-2008 school year.

The team in comprised of boys who are a part of the Renaissance class. Participating on the team counts as part of their grade.

The first year the boys showed off their skills, they were dressed in baby pink custom made t-shirts. The next year they sported cut-off plaid shirts along with a jacket that was decorated with things see boys dance, page b7

Get it boys! Junior Thomas Wong, seniors Matt Sayre and Sam Obenshain lead a formation during boys dance team practice. The traditional performance will highlight the spring Renaissance Rally on March 10. Photo by Emily Knupp.

Dr. Ford retiring from superintendent position Maria Rose Feature Editor

H

ighland County is a town with one stoplight and a student population of 150 kids in 8th to 12th grade.

Harrisonburg, on the other hand, is a city with 86 stoplights and 1,300 kids attending high school. So you can imagine the difference it must have been for Dr. Donald Ford, when he moved from being school superintendent in Highland County to the Harrisonburg City Public School system.

Ford has been working in Harrisonburg for 12 years now, beginning in November of 1997. His total time working in education, however, is 37 years, starting as a teacher at Liberty High School in Bedford County. He then became the assistant principal at Stanton River High School, then served as assistant superintendant in Craig County for seven years, and then superintendent of Highland County for two years, before he moved here to the Valley. His interest in education as a career stemmed

Style What is fast food doing to us?

from the influence his own teachers had over him.

“I wanted to be helpful to young people,” Ford says, speaking slowly and evenly as he leans back in his office chair.

“Like many students, I had good teachers and some not so good. I wanted to be a good teacher, and that was a goal I aspired to.”

While making the transition from the smallest school division in the state to Harrisonburg was no easy feat, Ford had help in making the change. Fortunately, for him, working from positions that required a lot of work and responsibility prepared him for the job. Also, the staff that was provided for him caught him up on all the different aspects of the situation he was walking into, like the new budget he was working with—from 3.5 million at Highland County to 35 million here.

“Everything is a matter of scale. Here we have ten times as many kids and things are bigger, but I have additional support staff, which has enabled me to manage,” Ford said. “There’s a heavy workload, but it’s balanced

see Dr. Ford, page a3

Fashion A6

with supportive students and a community who appreciates education.”

He could not learn everything, though. His first visit to the old high school, now known as Memorial Hall turned out to be an adventure— he had no idea how to navigate his way around the building.

“I was walking around to just observe the classes in session, but I couldn’t find my way back to the office,” Ford laughed. “So I went outside to try to find out where I was in relation to the building, but I got locked outside and had to walk all the way around to the front to get back in.”

He paused for a moment and then with great deliberation, answered what his favorite part of working as a superintendent was.

“It’s hard to answer questions with the most, or biggest, or greatest, because this is an opportunity to be actively involved in making quality education. There are [many aspects to work on],” Ford presses his fingertips together and looks at me seriously. “But one of the best parts is when I read in the paper, or see on

Choosing the perfect outfit for your A10 Valentine’s Day date

Feature The wild, wacky world of gum.

Mercer honored by JMU for work with Hispanic youth David Proctor News Editor

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o most, Sandy Mercer is just the collaborating English teacher in room 442, but to one alumna she is a hero.

Maria Martinez, 19, was slated to be deported to El Salvador in late summer for living in the U.S. without authorization. Mercer, who had Martinez as a student, stepped to her rescue and helped her fight her battle all the way to Capitol Hill.

“She is an incredible student and her situation was not of her own making. Maria attempted to do the right thing, which brought her to the attention of the immigration officials. She would have been separated from her family, her community and her loved ones and sent to a place where she had nobody,” Mercer said.

“My heart broke when I heard her story.”

According to Martinez, she was ready to leave without a fight until Mercer stepped to her aid.

“My first reaction when I heard I was going to get departed was to pack my bags and leave. I was going to drop pre-calculus and quit on my senior service hours. I thought it didn’t matter anymore. I lost all my hope. I was in Sandy’s class and we became friends and started talking. I told her about my situation. She motivated me to fight it. She was the only one who gave me hope,” Martinez said.

Mercer and Martinez began their uphill battle by calling Virginia’s congressional delegation on Capitol Hill.

They got assigned a legislative assistant who would turn out to be invaluable.

“We got assigned a legislative assistant who gave us the name of someone who gave us the name of an affordable immigration attorney. That was the kind of networking we had to do. We had to follow up and follow every lead,” Mercer said.

From there, they had to get their message out and raise money to pay the attorney.

“We just got the message out. We let people know about her. There are a lot of generous people in this community,” Mercer said.

Martinez had similar sentiments. She claims she was surprised that people she did not even know were willing to pitch in for her cause. Mercer and Martinez were able to raise enough money to pay for the immigration attorney. They spent nothing out of pocket.

After hiring the immigration attorney, Mercer and Martinez called Senator Jim Webb’s legislative assistant daily for updates and provided him with updates from the attorney.

When things seemed to stall, they traveled to Washington in person and gave a presentation to the legislative assistants for both of Virginia’s Senators and Congressman Bob Goodlatte.

“I just wanted to tell my story. It wasn’t my decision to come here illegally and I wanted them to know about all I’ve done for my family and the community,” Martinez said.

“Maria gave a great presentation. We brought a thick stack of letters from people who sympathized with Maria and wanted to help. We told them how desperate we were. We knew our attempt was a long shot. The legislative assistants wanted us to see mercer, page a3

Photo Essay B1

Extreme sports like parkour gaining in popularity.

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January 29, 2010

The Newsstreak

Volunteer hours add up Club members tutor elementary school students Savanah Cary Feature Editor

T

his year, the DECA and Interact clubs have been tutoring fourth grade students at Spotswood Elementary School on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Teacher Mallory Cromer took on the task of tutoring the kids as a part time job, when it became too stressful to do on her own, she started taking students from the two clubs to help her.

“We tutor the students in reading, math, helping them with their homework, completing worksheets that the teacher left among other things,” Cromer said.

“It varies from week to week depending on what they are learning at the time.”

Students and Cromer tutor the same ten kids every week. The more high school students that come, the more one-on-one time they can offer to the elementary students.

Transportation to and from Spotswood Elementary is provided. Sophomore Taylor McDonnell has attended four tutoring sessions and has enjoyed it so far.

“I enjoy helping the little kids achieve their goals,” McDonnell said. She helps them practice reading and math problems. Since the tutoring started in early November, Cromer has begun to see some improvement.

“I think they have improved in math,” Cromer said. “I can see that they have improved with their flashcards and worksheets.”

Like most children, it can be hard to keep them on task.

“We try to read books like the Magic Tree House series with me reading one page and the kids reading the next, but they are easily distracted and more interested in talking to their friends,” McDonnell said.

The kids who are picked for the program usually have a slight learning disability, but rather than seeing the extra tutoring as punishment, they see it as a reward.

“The kids think that it’s a privilege to stay after school and work with the students form the high school,” Cromer said.

Like teaching at the high school, Cromer enjoys being around the kids at the elementary school and seeing how they have improved.

“I really enjoy helping out the kids and developing relationships with them,” Cromer said. tt

Spanish club headed to Florida for spring break

S

Heather Hunter-Nickels News Reporter

panish teachers Phillip Yutzy and Constanza Rojas are dedicated to helping the Spanish club do whatever they have the “drive” to do. Their most recent project is their spring break trip. This year members of the Spanish club (and anyone else who would like to go) will be traveling down to Florida.

The trip will be five days long and the itinerary is packed. First they will travel to Atlanta.

There they will be going to the aquarium, which is “spectacular” according to Yutzy. They also plan to visit CNN and if there is time, the Coca Cola factory.

From there they will travel to St. Petersburg, Florida, visit the Salvador Dali museum, and if there is time, go to the beach.

They will also be going to Orlando. This is where they will visit Universal Studios and Sea World.

“We are going on the trip for fun because it is over spring break, but it is also educational

because we are doing it through the Spanish Club,” Yutzy said.

The cost of the trip will be $700. The Spanish club is planning different fund raisers to raise at least half the money needed for each person going. Some of the students involved in making this trip possible are sisters’ freshman Cristina and sophomore Sona Luna, sophomore Mairany Gallardo, junior Fabi Almerez, senior Arlington Cruz, junior Christian Perez, senior Luis Garcia, and senior Jose Maldonado.

“Estan trabajando muy duro,” Rojas said.

“They are working very hard.”

Last year the Spanish Club made a trip to some of the same places in Florida. They visited San Augustine, which was the first permanent colony in the USA as of 1565, according to Yutzy. They went to see a flamenco dance, danced salsa, went to the beach, visited Hollywood Studios, Disney World, and the Salvador Dali museum.

Fourteen Students have already committed to going on the trip and have begun paying.

The countdown to spring break is 59 days as of January 28. tt

News A2

Clubs organize food drives Kavya Beheraj News Reporter

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eople like to help other people. Some donate to charities, some contribute to fundraisers, but this year DECA sponsor Mallory Cromer decided to run a canned food drive.

DECA participated with the Interact Club to collect cans and other nonperishable items to help support people in need.

Although both clubs held food drives at the same time, from the beginning of November to the Wednesday before winter break, the food collected went to different places. “[The cans collected by] DECA went to the 4T program downstairs,” Cromer said, “the nursery.”

Interact, a volunteer club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Harrisonburg, sent their cans to the Patchwork Pantry. There, people who are in need of various groceries can receive them free of charge.

“They go through a screening process to determine how much and what

they need,” Cromer said.

“And then they are given it for free.”

In the end, DECA collected nineteen pounds of nonperishable items. To help advertise the drive, Cromer posted flyers, made advertisements, and put a commercial on the morning broadcast. But she expected to get many more cans than she did.

“I was hoping for more cans,” Cromer said. “I was hoping for a hundred pounds.”

Next year, she plans to do the food drive again, but hopes for better results.

Her plan is to set a goal, such as a hundred pounds and see if the whole school can reach it. If Interact participates again, she believes that fifty pounds of the food will go to Patchwork Pantry and fifty to the 4T program again.

“With the way the economy is now, people need to pay the bills for heat and electricity. Sometimes they don’t have enough money to put food on the table,” Cromer said, “So we thought a food drive would be a great way to give something back to the community.” tt

Musical opens in February musical, from page a1 from a variety of musical genres and dancing styles, differentiating it from previous musical the drama department has put on.

“It [the musical] dips its toe in everything, from countryesque songs to Jamaican songs to rap, so there’s something for everyone,” senior Allison Monroe said. As one of the eleven brothers’ wives, Monroe is a primary dancer tested by this year’s ratcheted-up choreography.

“There feels like there’s a lot more for everyone to do this year, like a lot more singing and dancing,” Monroe said.

“There are a lot of really good dancers!”

Prior to staging the show, concerns had been raised about the Biblical themes of the show.

However, cast members say the show is not inappropriately religious.

“It’s not overtly Biblical,” Monroe said. “You can really appreciate the show for the diversity of the music and quality of the performances.”tt

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January 29, 2010

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Valentines gifts available here at school Madison Wilson Staff Reporter

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he Balloons and Blossom Store, run by entrepreneurship teacher Karen Allmendinger, is one of HHS’s everyday offerings. The store opened in the fall of 2008 and was originally just a balloon store.

“We learn how to run a business and what better way than to actually run one,” Allmendinger said.

Putting together an order is a long process. First, an order is placed by the student then Allmendinger calls a local florist. The florist then calls the growers, which are in the county, and tells them the order. The flowers come directly from the growers to insure freshness and quality.

The flowers are then sent to the florist and picked up by Allmendinger.

Once the flowers reach HHS, the entrepreneurship class gets to work, cleaning the flowers, trimming them, and conditioning them, using a special solution to keep the them alive longer. The flowers must sit in the conditioning water for an allotted amount of time depending on the number of flowers and the types of flowers. Once out of the conditioning water, the flowers are ready to be arranged and picked up by the student.

Arrangements vary with the holiday seasons. Thanksgiving arrangements have more green in them and are the third most popular arrangement. Christmas is more popular with orders for at least 35 to 50 for flowers. Valentines Day is the number one holiday.

“Both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day arrangements take up to an hour at least, and on some nights I stay here until nine,” Allmendinger said.

“Pricing for the store is cheaper than you will ever find at a florist,” Allmendinger said. “We don’t try to make a profit; we just want to cover the cost of the flowers. Since we don’t have to pay rent for a building and we don’t pay any other expense except for the flowers, we are able to make them very affordable.”

A dozen roses from a florist will cost up to $80, but at Balloons and Blossoms you can get them for $30. To help with the prices, there is always a Valentines Day sale. A single rose will cost $2.50. A single rose in a vase will cost $5.50, while three roses in a vase will cost $9.50.

When you place an order, you fill out a sheet that asks for your name, phone number, name and the class number of the recipient, and the date and time that you want the order to be delivered. You will also include a description of how you want your order to be. 

All the choices! Arrangements can be customized to the customers liking. Flowers, balloons and stuffed animals can be added or subtracted, customized and shipped. Photo by Karen Allmendinger.

Know your plants Horticulture class uses multi-pronged approach to learning 1. In what state is the largest living organism in the world? a) Washington b) California c) New Mexico d) Texas 2. What is the world's most cultivated plant? a) Corn b) Potatoes c) Tobacco d) Wheat 3. Which fruit is made nearly 85% out of water? a) Pineapple d) Watermelon c) Apple d) Cucumber 4. What is the most popular fruit in America? a) Bananas b) Oranges c) Apples d) Watermelon 5. What is the first fruit to ever be grown on a farm? a) Bananas b) Oranges c) Apples d) Peaches 6. Who officially declared the Tomato a vegetable? a) the President b) the Supreme Court c) the Pope d) Congress 7. What state is known as the "Garden State"? a) California b) New Mexico c) New Hampshire d) New Jersey

Ama Ansah News Editor

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he HHS greenhouse is a familiar sight to anyone who takes the buses to or from school, as it looks nothing like the rest of the school. It remains quiet and empty most of the day until fourth block, when science teacher Virginia Greenlaw’s horticulture class comes to take care of the plants living inside it. Horticulture is a year-long class that teaches both the scientific and economic sides of the plant world.

“We focus on several different parts of horticulture. First as a science—the botany of it, how the plants grow, how you can make them grow better, what different climates plants grown in, what can we grow here. We also focus on the entrepreneurial side of it—what can we

grow in our greenhouse to sell to the local community,” Greenlaw said.

It is impossible for students to not be physically involved in the class. Students not only learn about plants but take care of them as well.

“There are a bunch of hands-on projects. It’s not notes all the time,” junior Hunter Burch said.

Senior Brianna Eagle took horticulture in her junior year because she wanted to learn more about plants. She is currently doing a mentorship with the class.

“I took the horticulture class last year and then went back to it for my mentorship class because Mrs. Greenlaw is a new teacher. I offered my help to her because I like the class and I needed something to fill my block,” Eagle said.

Students entering the class must be prepared to work with their hands and use their heads.

“Problems come up all the time and

we have to find ways to take care of it.

That’s what makes it exciting/fun. We have to learn,” Greenlaw said. “We get faced with a problem and we have to research ‘what is this bug? How do we kill it without killing the plants and ourselves?’”

Students have to be prepared for whatever weather throws at them.

“It’s cold out now. When we go out to work in the greenhouse it’s freezing,” Burch said.

Most plants in horticulture are started from seeds, bulbs or propagating.

Propagating is when you cut off part of an existing plant and use that cutting to grow a new plant.

“She gives us bulbs and we get to choose what to grow,” Burch said.

In the spring, when the plants are fully grown, the horticulture class sells them to the community. The first plant sale is scheduled for May 1. 

Answers: 1-B, 2-D, 3-C, 4-A, 5-A, 6-B, 7-D

Costa Rican exchange students enjoy visit to America Michael Johnson Staff Reporter

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his summer, a group of students and teachers will venture off to the tropical region of Costa Rica. As part of this experience, each student will also host an exchange student here. The students began their visit in mid January.

Karina Raspo Luna is one of the exchange students from Costa Rica.

“I think it is an amazing experience to come to the United States. I am going to meet new people and practice activities that we do not do in Costa Rica.

I am also excited to visit new places,” Raspo Luna said.

Raspo Luna is also eager to practice her English while she is in the United States.

“I am also excited to see what Harrisonburg High

School is like,” Raspo Luna said.

Massanutten to ski. Humberto Piedra Carro, another Ileana Aragon is another exchange student visiting exchange student, had a lot of fun skiing. from Costa Rica. She is staying with the Byrd family.

“I had a lot of fun skiing. It was my first time ever “I am excited to come to the United States so I can skiing,” Piedra Carro said. meet new people, learn the culture, Piedra Carro is staying with see how people live, and practice my Emmett Copeland and his famEnglish,” Aragon said. ily.

The most surprising thing that Ara“I think that it is a very cool I am excited to gon has witnessed is the difference experience to visit the United come to the U.S. so I between the cultures. While we can States. I cannot wait to hangout obtain our driver’s license at the age with new people and visit new can meet new people, of 16, in Costa Rica they have to wait places,” Piedra Carro said. learn the culture, see until they are 18 years old. She has Carro has never been to the how people live and also noticed that the diets are someUnited States before. He was what different in that people in Costa very excited when he got the oppractice my English” Rica eat far less meat than she has exportunity to come here.  Exchange Student perienced here.

“I like the United States very Ileana Aragon The exchange students are involved much and hope to sometime in many activities while they are here. come back here,” Carro said.  On Tuesday, Jan 19, they went up to

“

Mercer honored by JMU Dr. Ford will miss much about his job mercer, from a1 understand that things might not work out,” Mercer said.

In mid-summer, Martinez received good news. She was granted a one-year deferment until her case was reopened.

That same day she received another letter telling her that her case had been reopened, effectively canceling the deferment.

“It was really a day of highs and lows,” Mercer said.

Martinez’s attorney reapplied for the one year deferment, which she ended up receiving.

Presently Martinez is attending Blue Ridge Community College and hopes to become a math teacher. Martinez and Mercer hope that before the oneyear deferent elapses, the DREAM Act is passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama. The DREAM Act, or the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, would allow a pathway to citizenship for undocumented students who arrived to the United States under the age of 16, who have lived in the United States for at least five years, are between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time the bill is signed into law, graduated from high school and are planning to attend college or serve in the military and have “good moral standing”.

“I am a little concerned that the bill will get pushed back. Our hope is that it passes in the spring but with health care and everything else going on in Congress, who knows. That’s what we’re hopeful for now and if that doesn’t work out, we’ll try and figure something else out,” Mercer said.

According to Dreamact.com, the bill has been on the table since 2001. Since then, nearly half of the Senate and one-

third of the House have co-sponsored it. It has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee several times by a wide, bipartisan vote of 16-3, regardless of the party in power. In 2006, the DREAM Act reached the full Senate as part of an immigration reform bill. It failed to pass by eight votes, with four voters absent. However, the DREAM Act still has life. President Barack Obama along with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Howard Berman (DCA) reintroduced the bill in 2009. About 65,000 students per year would qualify for permanent residency under the bill.

The President has stated immigration reform is one of his top priorities, after passing health care reform.

While the community has learned extensively about Martinez’s situation through WHSV TV-3 and the Daily News-Record, not many have recognized the persistence of her mentor Sandy Mercer. On Nov 23, that changed. The Promise Group, an organization dedicated to recognizing outstanding teachers of Hispanics, awarded Mercer for her commitment.

Next year the organization will hand out several scholarships to Hispanic students they see promise in.

“I agreed only to accept the award to represent all teachers of this school.

This was not a “Lone Ranger” project.

They gave money and wrote letters.

They were important, too,” Mercer said.

Martinez whole-heartedly believes that Mercer deserved the award.

“She definitely deserved it. The award means something to me, too.

It represents everything we’ve been fighting for,” Martinez said.

Should the DREAM Act fail to pass or even reach a vote, the battle will resume later this year. 

Dr. Ford, from page a1 the TV or hear on the radio about the successes of our students and staff, whether it be performances or sports or academics. It’s an honor and a delightful experience to look at all of them and see them representing our schools.”

Nevertheless, Ford still faces challenges from working in a position with so much responsibility weighed on his shoulders. For example, he has had to work around numerous budget cuts while still trying to maintain the quality of programs in the school system. Also, it has proved difficult to provide room and adequate education for the immigrant populations in Harrisonburg.

“It’s not an option to say no to anyone of any ethnicity, and frankly I would never want to,” Ford says.

“But sometimes, it’s difficult for the community to understand that.”

Working around the No Child Left Behind policy has also been hard on the school system. The ultimate goal of the NCLB policy is to have 100% passing rate for all students, which is a goal that Ford finds unrealistic.

“If even one student doesn’t pass,” Ford explains, “then the entire school is judged on that basis.”

In an effort to work with this policy, Ford has invested in funding for more teachers and remedial programs after school to help students.

“We try to deal with our weaknesses so much so that they become strengths,” Ford says.

Ford, however, refuses to take credit for any of the impact he has created for the students. He feels that any success belongs to each person that works to help the students. “[Working as superintendent] involves a lot of people and if any one

part of the team doesn’t do their job, we wouldn’t have the success that we do,” Ford says.

But after 37 years of working in education, Ford feels that there are other things he would like to try in his life. It will be a strange transition for him, to change from an all-consuming full time job to one of relaxation. He already knows that he will miss working to help the students the most.

“There will come a time when I realize that I can no longer have the positive impact on students that I’ve had for most of my life,” Ford says, clasping his hands together. “It’s going to take an adjustment to wake up and realize that I’m not going to work. I will miss the student’s smiling faces, the challenges of making difficult decisions and the friendships that I’ve had on a daily basis.”

On a lighter note, one thing he will not miss at all though, is having to worry about calling school cancellations or delays. Most people do not realize that it is Dr. Ford himself who is up at five in the morning, deciding whether to have school.

“I’m up incredibly early on cold winter mornings and I have to go out and drive around on the streets or walk on different sidewalks and then decide,” Ford says. “I won’t miss that.”

In his retirement, Ford is considering working as a college professor or travelling and playing more golf. While he is not entirely sure what his future may hold, he is certain about one thing.

“I will continue to watch all school events with interest and I wish success to all students,” Ford smiles. “And I will most definitely be going to the Friday night football games. I always plan to be part of the Blue Streaks.” 

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

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Laughter really is best medicine

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Claire Sudol Managing Editor

believe in laughing.

Laughing makes everything better. Laughing takes away from pain for the few short seconds until reality sets back in.

Laughing is not complicated and there are no rules.

Laughing is just fun.

And I do not mean the laughing when you let out a giggle or two. I mean the laughing when your body falls to the floor, tears start streaming down your face, your cheeks burn so badly you try to relax them with your hands, and when you are completely out of breath.

I know it has happened at least once to everyone.

Recently it happened to me during a workout session for tennis. I was not paying attention and hit a hurdle with my foot and came crashing down on my ankle. I heard a pop and intense swelling followed the incident immediately.

I was lying in the middle of the three-lane track gripping my ankle while the trainer rushed over to me looking horrified. But I was not crying or angry, I was laughing.

I explained to her that this was my seventh ankle injury now and I could not stay mad at myself for falling. I realized and accepted the fact that I am just a klutz.

While laughing didn’t make the pain go away, it relieved the pressure in my ankle for a couple minutes.

I have learned laughing at myself is important because it shows I do not take myself too seriously.

Life is tough, but with a little laughter, you can make the best out of a bad situation. 

OP/ED A4

Old habits die hard, even in new year Staff Editorial

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tudents pride themselves on eating healthy, but their busy schedules lead them to dine regularly on fast food.

When most people hear the words “fast food” they automatically think of drive-thru lines at McDonald’s. In reality, fast food is merely “food served fast”.

So the daily non-fat, skim milk, extra foam, caramel cappuccino from Starbucks, Chicken Charlie at Mr. J’s for lunch and bacon cheeseburger with six toppings at Five Guys for dinner all constitute fast food.

This addiction is starting to take over our lives. Every day, one in four Americans waste gas, money, and the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle when they stop in at a fast food restaurant.

The McDonald’s food chain provides more than 46 million

people a day with hundreds of extra calories. If you were to consume a large Coke, large fry and Big Mac sandwich, you would have to walk for six hours straight to burn off the 1,350 calories.

Did you know that before most children can talk, they are able to recognize a McDonald’s?

Did you know that the average child views 1 0 , 0 0 0 television commercials for fast food in a year? Statistics like this make it obvious why so many people are overweight and obese.

The most unfortunate part is that many people dine on fast food because it can be cheaper than purchasing food products to make a meal at home. At McDonald’s you can get a fulfilling meal for under $5, whereas if you went

to Martin’s grocery store, $5 wouldn’t be enough to buy spaghetti noodles, sauce and meat.

But through all this appalling information, the silver lining is that we all have the opportunity to make better, healthier choices. By participating in a physical activity or preparing food at home instead of ordering takeout, we can shrink the number of calories that simply gather around our middles. As we exit the first month of 2010, and the gyms filled with resolutionmined people start to empty, do not forget that eating healthy does not mean ordering a salad from Chick-fil-a or not ordering your usual large fry and drink, it means cutting back on all fronts. Instead of calling your Papa and having a pizza delivered to your door, make your own small pizza with English muffins, pizza sauce and cheese. There are so many alternatives to fast food, and to food fast, that we should not limit ourselves to drive-thru windows and greasy, caloric food. 

Long-distance relationships limit spending time together Lauren Martin Ad Manager

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n the movies- the real tear jerker love storiesa couple can be away from one another for years, maybe even decades, and upon uniting pick up right where they left off.

I think that is a load of BS. I say this only because I am scared. I am scared that long periods of time will be just enough to screw up a relationship, regardless of what the feelings were before the inevitable separation.

When I initially found out someone I cared about a LOT was going to college in North Carolina, I had a lot of different opinions on the matter. My first thought was, “It is about time.” But then my second and third and fourth thoughts were not quite so positive.

Harrisonburg, Virginia and a particular city in North Carolina are about a five and a half hour drive away from each other; we would be almost six hours away from one another, all the time. Six hours is a lot, at least to me. And those six hours represent more than just a long drive for me. They represent everything important we will not be able to do together: every hug that will have to wait, every Spongebob marathon

that we will not get to watch together, and every fight I do not get to lose because of that stupid smile.

Now, to some, this may seem silly. And I halfway agree. I mean, I knew eventually we would have to be away from one another. I am not so naïve as to not understand that. But I suddenly found myself unprepared for the day it actually happened.

Playing Rockband with him and some of his friends the night before he left was probably better then just sitting around together because it temporarily helped both of us to forget about the fact he was leaving. He kept telling me it was not going to be as bad as we both thought and constantly reassured me that I was not the only one in the relationship that would feel like I was losing something. And that made me feel better. Just knowing he understood was enough to put me at temporary ease.

My saving grace, however, is going to be the immense technology the world has provided.

Texting, Facebook, Skype, web cams and the like are what I will be relying heavily on between visits.

Also, I plan on taking some road trips. All I need is a GPS, a really good, really long playlist and some company. Like I said, six hours is a lot. 

FAA regulations make travel difficult for average flyers David Procter News Editor

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he next time you think of flying, forget about bringing Grandma’s homemade jelly. Make sure that you remember to wear socks without holes in them because you can rest assured you will have to take your shoes off. Boys, forget the hair gel. Girls, good luck with makeup. Don’t even think about sleeping comfortably. If you’re cold, too bad! Blankets will have to be removed before landing. Have to go to the bathroom? You better make sure you go at least an hour before landing.

With the Christmas Day terrorist placing explosives in his underwear, maybe those will be banned, too.

In light of an attempted terrorist attack on Christmas, the Transportation Security Administration has added even more useless regulations to flights. One such regulation was forbidding passengers from getting out of their seat within an hour of landing. Gosh, what a brilliant idea! That’ll sure stop ‘em! I mean, what terrorist would ever think of heading to the bathroom to detonate a bomb 61 minutes before landing?

To make matters worse, the public believes that these intrusions make you safer. Do not buy the hype. Gradually we have ceded more and more of our privacy in the name of security. We allowed Congress to pass the “Patriot Act”, granting our government the right to bypass constitutional boundaries. While we may not spend every waking moment thinking about terrorism, we still live in a constant state of fear. Whenever the word “terrorism” is mentioned, we thrust upon the government’s shoulders an impossible duty: stop terrorism.

Terrorism will never be stopped. It is impossible to stop a lone cell from making a homemade bomb and detonating it. Look no further than Richard Reid, an ordinary man by all accounts, who tried to detonate a bomb in his shoe shortly after 9/11. He later admitted he was a member of AlQueda. Yet he breezed through security and was subdued by passengers…not a member of the TSA or DHS. The attempted underwear bombing this Christmas had a striking resemblance. It is impossible to win wars with the intentions of defeating an ideology rather than a nation. The government cannot be expected to know that John Doe down the street is really building a bomb out of everyday products

like batteries and hair gel. It would be “easy” if we could bomb some military targets and end war. This is not as simple.

Instead of demanding that government do the impossible, we should accept some responsibility for our own safety.

We should remain vigilant and report those who seem suspicious. As it is, our security officials are spending resources eyeing only the most dangerous potential terrorists such as James Robinson, one of the earliest additions to the Terror Watch List.

He’s eight.

Yes. You read that correctly, an eightyear-old is on the terror watch list. Security officials are obviously too busy making sure the real troublemakers—children— do not smuggle aboard a Capri Sun. Yes, we must remain vigilant and on the lookout, but we cannot afford to rely on bloated government agencies (The TSA exploded from 12 employees in 2002 to 60,000 in 2009—a staggering 500,000% increase) that have repeatedly shown how woefully inefficient they are. A determined terrorist will strike no matter what ridiculous federal regulations are put in place. Allowing fear to predominate our lives comes at far too high a price: the loss of freedom. 

You can’t judge people by their tattoos Emily Knapp Style Editor

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nyone who knows me is aware of my love for dark art (no Harry Potter pun intended). I have a strong infatuation with Tim Burton and have recently stumbled upon an artist who identifies herself as “Cuddly Rigor Mortis.” All of her work is similar in that it features people with bulbous heads who appear to be cute until you notice that they’re crying or missing an eye or section of their head. I think blood is fascinating and beautiful. I like to look for beauty in sadness.

And I am always drawn to anything that’s just a little “troubled.” It’s no wonder, then, that I fell in love with TLC’s “LA Ink.” The show centers around Katherine Von Drachenberg – better known as Kat Von D –

who runs a tattoo shop in West The shop has seen people such Hollywood and she’s more than as a man who pulled his friend a little different. The artist quit out of a fire and was told that school when she was fourteen the burns gave him a zero and began tattooing two years percent chance of survival, later. She is literally covered a woman who experienced from head to toe in body art. the tsunami in Taiwan, and Most notable are the stars many individuals who have that frame her left overcome severe eye and the word eating disorders and WHAT YOU THINK “Hollywood” cancer. While they Would you get a tattoo that appears to receive their art, given the oppertunity? be written with these people tell Von lipstick across her D and her employees stomach. She also their stories. The owns a hairless artists always cat that is lovingly listen with open named Ludwig hearts, occasionally 155 people in all grades were after one of Kat’s allowing themselves polled on Jan. 5 2010 favorite musicians, to be brought to

by Andrew Morrell Beethoven.

The tears. most stunning thing about her At first glance, it may not life, however, is not the fact that seem like the people who she stands out in a crowd or work at and visit Kat’s shop can produce breathtaking art; “High Voltage” are the best it is the fact that Von D doesn’t choices for friends. They have apologize for who she is. piercings everywhere, ear As shown on the show, most gauges, unnaturally colored people want tattoos if they hair, split tongues and, of have gone through or are still course, copious amounts of struggling with a big event. tattoos. They appear to be the

YES NO 80 75

kind of people you wouldn’t want to run into in a dark alley. However, once you are able to see past that façade, it’s apparent that they are more likeable than the “average” person.

None of us are who we appear to be. To people who don’t know me, I am seen as a scary, cynical ice queen. I’ve heard rumors that I don’t date and that I hate hugs, both of which are extremely false. I can’t count the number of times I’ve talked to someone who ends up admitting, “I always thought you hated me.” This persona – like tattoos and other taboo body modifications – is merely a wall by which I guard myself. And while Kat Von D often has a cigarette between her dark red lips and a look that says, “Don’t mess with me,” under her rough exterior is a loving, beautiful individual.

All anyone ever needs is someone to look beneath their troubled veil. 

The Harrisonburg High School Newsstreak The Policy The Newsstreak is published by the students of Harrisonburg High School every three weeks. Reproduction of any material from the newspaper is prohibited without the written permission from the editors. Advertising rates are available upon request.

It is the policy of the Harrisonburg City Public School Board to comply with all applicable state and federal laws regarding non-discrimination in employment and educational programs and services.

The Harrisonburg High School City Public Schools will not discriminate illegally on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability or age as to employment or educational programs and activities.

Editorials appearing without a byline represent the majority opinion of the staff, but not necessarily the opinion of the adviser, school administration, or the school system.

Signed editorials are accepted from people on the staff, but are subject to editing according to published guidelines and policies. Editorials may be edited for special reasons.

Letters to the editor are encouraged and must be signed and a telephone number must be given. Names may be withheld if the editorial staff feels there is a just cause.

The Newsstreak reserves the right to edit and may refuse to publish ads or letters deemed inappropriate, libelous, or obscene. Please drop your letter by room 444 or give them to any staff member. Letters may also be sent to the high school.

The editors and staff : Editors in Chief: Emma DiNapoli, Tricia Comfort Managing Editors: Kim Antonio, Claire Sudol Section Editors: News - David Proctor Opinion - Jessica Strickler Style - Emily Knapp Feature - Alison Domonoske Sports - Claire Sudol Fun Director: Meagan Kelley Business/Advertising Managers: Lauren Martin, Molly Denman Photographers: Emily Jamieson, Rafiqa Haji, Maria Rose, Paulina Rendon, Olivia McCarty, Phillip Bannister Cartoonist: Vivian Tejeda Page Designers: Ama Ansah, Phillip Bannister, Christine Choi, Diana Gutierrez, Olivia McCarty, Maria Rose, Savanah Cary, Vanessa Ehrenpreis, Jack Burden, Aidan Newcity Staff Reporters: Kavya Beheraj, Ethan Blackwell, Emmett Copeland, Mitch Depoy, Heather Hunter-Nickels, Michael Johnson, Shane McMahon, Ryan Maphis, Emily Payne, Alex Rendon, Christy Stearn, Will Turner, Conner Whitehouse, Madison Wilson Freshmen Reporters: Emilee Burke, Mark Duda, Alex Hickman, Gabe Hoak, Vera Shindyapin, Chris Sokolyuk, Katrina Sokolyuk, Michael Tower, Julia Trotsyuk Professional Affiliations: The Newsstreak participates as a member of several journalistic evaluation services including the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA-2009 Gold Evaluation and 2005 Silver Crown Winner), Quill&Scroll Journalism Honor Society (2009 First Place International Award), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), the Virginia High School League, Inc. Trophy Class Award, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association All Southern Ranking. newsstreak.com opt out notice: If you do NOT want to allow your student’s full name or image to appear on the school newspaper site, please send an email to vkibler@harrisonburg.k12.va.us stating: I understand that the school newspaper, newsstreak. com, now has an online version of the publication. I DO NOT want my son/daughter (place student’s name here) to have his or her name or image published on this online venue.

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

Op/Ed A5

Democrats want more action Emma DiNapoli Editor-in-Chief

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resident Barack Obama’s first year in office has just ended; 2009 was a tumultuous year, with economic struggle, further strife in the Middle East and divides appearing within the Democratic Party. Four key issues can define Obama’s first year, deservedly or not: healthcare reform, his handling of military affairs, environmental issues and the economy.

B: Healthcare reform—President Obama took a risk in introducing one of the most comprehensive healthcare reform plans since President Truman. A president’s legacy is often shaped by the legislation he (or she) pushes through Congress in the first 100 days. Notably, his legislation will increase the cost of healthcare for Americans by less than one percent, which does not constitute a significant financial burden on the general population.

Unfortunately, Obama has failed to moderate debate on the bill, allowing his legislation to become watered down, particularly in regards to abortion and a government option. Whatever the ultimate result, Obama will have succeeded in breaking the barrier for future healthcare reform and providing e v e n t u a l healthcare coverage for all Americans, a major accomplishment.

A: Military involvement— As recent polls have shown, Americans generally support Obama’s handling of affairs in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to a CNN/Opinion Research poll, 53 percent of people approve of Obama. In early December, Obama ordered an additional 30,000 troops into Afghanistan—to make a total of 100,000 troops by Christmas— to defeat Taliban insurgents and bring leader Osama bin Laden’s reign of terror to an end. Though I am skeptical about Obama’s promise to bring the troops home in less than 18 months, Obama effectively had no choice but to continue the work begun

by President Bush, and I respect his decisions.

B-: Environmental issues—On the campaign trail, Obama promised legislation to bring green technology and jobs to the United States, as well as to preserve the natural resources of our country. After the past year, I have been very disappointed in Obama’s commitment—or lack thereof—to the environment. Since his election, clearcutting in Alaska eliminated 381 acres of rainforest, additional mountaintop removal sites have been approved and the United States failed to take a stand at the Copenhagen convention on climate change. At the same time, Obama’s administration has provided billions of

stimulus dollars for a green economy and overturned several Bush-era changes to environmental policies. Obama has had to fight against an unwilling Congress on several fronts; unfortunately, the environment has had to take the backseat for a year.

B: Economy—The unemployment rate across the United States is almost uniformly 10%, a sign that the economic recession is in its final throes. While recreating jobs could require a further governmental spending spree, the Obama administration has successfully prevented a full-blown economic depression. Budget deficits, a gift from previous administrations, remain a significant problem facing both the federal and state governments, but Obama must be commended for his continued efforts in creating new jobs, as well as his refusal to single-handedly save irresponsible automobile and banking corporations despite pressure.

President Obama has not been the change I thought he would be, I’ll admit it. He’s been over-handled since entering office, often absent from the public eye, and seems generally unwilling to defend the policies he truly believes in. Pressure from a Congress worried about midterm elections has Obama upsettingly silent about the issues he ran his campaign on. Obama should worry less about reelection; why not burn some bridges?

I would rather our president look at himself every morning and know he stood up for his beliefs than win another election after being just another politician.

President Obama deserves a “B” grade for his first year in office for being partially successful yet too passive. 

Democratic Report Card

B Health Care Reform C+ A Military involvement B B- Environmental issues C Economy B B

Republican Report Card

Obama’s first year:

B OVERALL GRADE C+

Republicans weigh in on first year Conner Whitehouse Staff Reporter

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s President Barack Obama’s first year as head of our nation draws to a close, we find ourselves looking back at things that he has done for our country.

Whether or not we agree with what he has done or mostly has talked about doing, it’s hard to deny the fact that he is taking some dramatic steps to bettering our nation.

Sure there have been several issues that have ruffled some feathers even to the extent of full political brawls, but every leader endures these things.

The healthcare reform being one of the greatest of his attempted reforms, this and military involvement in Middle East, environment issues, and finally the economy have all been major points in President Obama’s campaign and political agenda since his inauguration.

C+: Healthcare reform- As one of his moves in office it’s clear to see this reform is very important to President Obama.

It also finds itself being one of the most controversial bills to date. At first, most all Republicans were against it, and it even caused a rift in the Democratic party. Regardless it met a large amount of opposition and where it might be a start to a good idea, there is serious work that needs to be done on it. The reform itself is somewhat socialistic in nature and for that reason it intimidates many Americans.

Steps are being made though and that’s what warrants the C+ grade.

B: Military involvementThis was an issue that was greatly incorporated in Presidents Obama campaign.

And frankly I haven’t seen much change. We’ve come to realize that we cannot simply pull all troops and equipment from the Middle East for fear of the large backlash that we could face. It seems that we

haven’t taken steps to even begin the process though, the extra 30,000 troops justify this. Now the extra soldiers might be a necessary addition in order to clear things up quickly so the promises will be kept. Though the way Middle Eastern countries and their neighbors have been acting, it will be interesting to see if we pull out as soon as we would like.

C: Environmental issuesIn a year filled with economic chaos and war. It’s no wonder an issue such as environmental sustainability would take the year off. President Obama used the Green Initiative to help drive his campaign, so it is odd that he would almost forget these issues. Mountain-top removal has continued almost full force and no move has been made on wind, solar, or nuclear power to clean up emissions and get us in a healthier energy standing. Minor bills have been approved on car emissions and states rights to regulate it, but nothing very major has been

done.

B: Economy- Despite the government money that had to be spent to get the major banks and automobile makers back on their feet after years of unwise spending, the Obama administration has handled the crisis very well.

It is unfortunate that we were put in a deficit by previous administrations, but the new guys have showed cunning and wisdom by avoiding a full economic failure and creating jobs. The economy is getting stronger and it’s safe to say that it will continue to improve over time.

All in all, I do not believe that President Obama has lived up to the hype and praise of the media and citizens. In his defense he has only had one year so far, and shows plans for the future, but thus far there has not been too much action and more talking. I’ll give him a C+ on the year since the positive have far outweighed the negative. Inaction could get old after a while, though. 

It’s a great time to make your high school bucket list My high school bucket list

by Emily Jamieson

1. Be on TV. 2. Go to a concert/ festival outside from Harrisonburg.

3. Take a picture that represents the day I have.

4. Rekindle an old friendship.

5. Go on a road trip.

6. Change someone’s day, even if it’s just for two minutes.

7. Give a hobo a Subway meal.

8. Get a job.

9. Get something published on mylifeisaverage.com.

10. Leave “You are beautiful” in 100 random places.

What are your goals before you graduate?

Emily Jamieson Staff Photographer

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hinking back over break I noticed that I had not done anything except for bumming around in my sweat pants, playing my Wii and occasionally hanging out with friends. Then I saw the commercial for the new show “The Buried Life” which is about these four guys who were tired of not doing anything in their lives and decided to make a list of all the things that they want to accomplish.

That is when I got an idea to make my own bucket list, a high school bucket list. Though I am not dying, I thought that I should do all these things before I finish high school, just to feel like I did something while in school (other than learning things that I might use in my life).

On my list is all the things that I have wanted to do to feel accomplished, or feel like a better person, which include some cliché things like: Change

someone’s day, even if it is just making them smile when they are having a bad day and give a hobo a full meal from Subway.

Then there are things that I need to do like get a job, pay off my car and get my license.

There are also random-andprobably-impossibleuntilI-am-a-senior, things like: Be on TV, take a road trip, go to a concert far away from Harrisonburg and other things that I have to be eighteen years and older to do without a chaperone.

I have established many things on my list, but still have a long way to go until I am done. I am constantly adding to my list making it longer and longer. While doing some of these things, I have found out that it actually makes me feel better about my day and myself. I have actually committed to doing something in a short period of time and accomplishing these things is probably one of the best feelings in the world.

I just started with a list of things, in no particular order,

that I needed to do before a certain amount of time then I started adding things that I wanted to do and just random things that I would like to do.

The thing about this is you do not have to be successful to be able to check it off your list, you could just attempt whatever it is and if you feel like you tried your best , then you can check it off. You can erase as many as you add onto your list, it is YOUR list, and there are no rules to what makes you feel like a good person.

I suggest everyone do this, make your own high school bucket list. The things on your list can range from the smallest things, like keeping your room clean for a month, to big things like changing someone’s life by volunteering.

It helps you feel good and sometimes even others feel good about themselves.

Accept my challenge and make a difference in your world and the world of the people around you every day. We could really make a tremendous impact. 

Hot, Not Ex I-Flurtz arrive

Winter Olympics American Idol Avatar and The Hangover win big at Golden Globes Superbowl Sunday Conan leaves NBC for $40 million+ Second Semester Glee not back until April Late night comedy wars Missing college app deadlines Redskins go 4-12 Senioritis Underwear bomber Haiti Earthquake

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

Food A6

You really ARE what you

EAT

In our effort to find the best burger value in Harrisonburg, we ranked the following establishments based on taste, cost and time it took us to have our order prepared.

1. Five Guys 6min 22sec $5.54 Burger tasted homemade, thick and juicy, lots of topping choices for no added cost, and was pretty big. Best burger overall.

2. Wendy’s 1min 21sec $3.10 Medium size, with a controlled amount of greasiness. Uniqueness with square burger that’s never frozen.

3. Hardee’s 2min 54sec $1.43 Tasted good, the charbroiled taste (unique to Hardee’s) added something that the other fast food restaurants didn’t have.

Overall pretty good.

What’s your fave fast food?

30 Cheeseburgers 19 Fries 13 Chicken nuggets 6 Tacos 5 Ice creams 5 Pizzas 3 Subs 3 Spicy chickens 2 Cheesy fiesta potatoes 2 Chicken sandwiches 2 Gordita supreme 2 Chinese foods 2 Snack wraps 1 Crunch wrap supreme 1 Fruit and walnut salad McDonald’s 1 Hot dog 1 Milk shake 1 Burrito 1 Chicken shrimp basket 1 Cinnamon roll Infographic by Vera Shindyapin

Consider making same thing at home Christine Choi Feature Editor

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n a country with so much accessibility to fast food and quick meals for less than $5, we are bound to get tempted. Although the dollar menus and cheap burgers seem like an affordable and tasty meal, in reality they are extremely unhealthy and often cost more than meals that could have been prepared at home.

Homemade food and food from a drive thru have different results and tastes. When made at home, you do not have to worry about whose hands or what could possibly be in your food. From a grocery store, all the ingredients to make a taco costs $12.36. Those ingredients consist of taco seasoning, twelve taco shells, beef, lettuce,

sauce, cheese, and sour cream.

For twelve tacos from taco bell, it would cost $11.88. although it is not a significant difference, for a mere $.48 you can be more nutritious.

Sure, you do not get the same 5-minute fast food you would if you were to make the meal, but you get the satisfaction of fresh lettuce, non-mystery meat, and tacos personalized to your liking.

Junior Brandon Baxter eats McDonald’s fast food on a daily basis with fries, sweet tea, and wraps being his favorite.

“McDonald’s is my favorite fast food restaurant to eat at because it’s got the best stuff on the $1 menu. It’s sooooo good! I’ve watched Supersize Me and heard disgusting facts about fast food, but it doesn’t hold me back from eating fast food,” Baxter said. 

4. Burger King 1min 19sec $1.10 Small patty, okay taste, fast service, and okay toppings. infographic and photos by Olivia McCarty

5. McDonald’s 4min 46sec $.99 Really small and thin bun, could tell that it was just a frozen patty burger thrown onto the grill to cook, flavor was lacking.

Supersize me! affects viewers Ama Ansah Staff Reporter

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ow far will you go to prove a point?

We all know fast-food is bad for you, but Morgan Spurlock attempted to prove just how detrimental to your health it can be. In 2006, Spurlock embarked on a month long experiment. He decided to eat three meals a day, all bought at McDonalds, not eat anything that was not McDonalds and try everything on the menu at least once. He would only Super Size his meals when asked.

The result? Super Size Me, a monstrously successful documentary revealing the dark side of fast-food, which spawned plenty of controversy, and made Morgan Spurlock a celebrity.

Spurlock was inspired to make his documentary when he heard about two teenage girls filing a lawsuit against McDonalds for making them fat. The judge decreed that their lawyer would have to prove that they had eaten McDonalds for every meal every day.

Spurlock traveled the country interviewing an eclectic group of Americans whose lives had been affected by junk food, positively and negatively. The film’s focus is not entirely on McDonalds. Spurlock touches on the issue of American obesity and the nutrition of school lunches as well.

“I like the way they depict a lot of different things. I think in today’s society, where people constantly want entertainment value, it never focuses on one thing alone. They purposefully switch it up, interviewing different types of people to get a nice variety,” physical education teacher Amy Wheeler said.

The documentary does a great job of showing just how horrible fast food can be to your body. Before the experiment began, Spurlock weighed 185.5 lbs. It took him 52 minutes to finish his first Super Sized meal, which he promptly vomited back up in the parking lot.

He gained ten pounds in the first week. By the end of the film, he weighed 210 lbs.

Seventh grade science teacher John Youngdahl used to show Super Size Me to his class.

He no longer does this because the health teachers show the film to their classes, but hestill discusses it with his students.

“I truly feel that seventh grade is a very

crucial time in the development of our future leaders. You guys will eventually be the people making the important decisions in this country. I want you to be well-informed,” Youngdahl said.

The film is popular with health and physical education teachers.

“It covers so much. It covers disease, nutrition, [food] abuse, obesity rates, physical activity. It covers so many topics. That’s why I like to use it at the end of my class. Because it wraps everything up so nicely,” Wheeler said.

Though the film came out in 2006, it is still very relevant. It seems like everyone saw the movie when it came out, but did it truly change their lives? Did the ‘heavy users’ see the documentary? Did it change their habits?

“It made you not want to eat fast food for a long time,” librarian Susan Thacker said. “I thought it was a good thing to scare people into ‘Oh, that’s what can happen?’”

“I think that a lot of times, the food is so good that we don’t really think about what makes it so good or why it’s so bad for you,” sophomore Joanna Hernandez said.

Neither Thacker nor Hernandez ate fast food very often before they saw Super Size Me and still do not.

When Wheeler shoes the film to her health class, she hears many different reactions.

“You always hear the comment ‘I’m never eating McDonalds again,’ or some people will go on the opposite side and say ‘This makes me crave McDonalds.’ There are always comments every year on both sides,” Wheeler said.

Youngdahl has had similar experiences with students.

“I do feel that this movie has an impact on some of the seventh graders. Even if it only makes a few students think twice about their diet, then it is valuable,” Youngdahl said.

Everyone agrees the film is successful in that it makes viewers think about their food.

“You are constantly bombarded by commercials for low-quality food via all forms of mass media. It is often a rare event that our youth are exposed to many of the truths about the food supply in our country,” Youngdahl said.

If this film does not make the viewer change their eating habits, they will at least walk away from it informed. 

Finding great shakes in the ‘burg Ethan Blackwell Staff Reporter

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hen looking for a cool summer treat around the city of Harrisonburg, the options are unlimited. It seems every year there is another shop selling smoothies, milkshakes, ice cream, or other delectable treats that people of all ages will flock to devour. But when someone has a hankering for a phenomenal milkshake, and wants to know where to get the best bang for their buck, there are several major contestants that can do exactly that.

Around town there are multiple big-name shops that have milkshakes on their menus. Places like Kline’s, Cold Stone, and Chick-Fil-A appear as well as simpler locations like McDonalds and Wendy’s.

Comparing each location against each other would not do justice for the shop, so when milkshakes are on the mind, one should ask whether they want a cheap and simple milkshake, or if they want to dish out a little more money and have a more complex milkshake experience.

If what the taste buds are asking for is a simple yet good chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry milkshake, save yourself the cash and visit a fast food chain like McDonalds or Wendy’s. It is fairly simple to receive the euphoric effect in teh $1-$3 range.

When a group of taste testers went to the locations senior Daniel Shenk found that each product was fairly similar.

“They seem to be very thick and concentrated,” Shenk said. “Almost as if they set some ice cream on a shelf to soften it and then poured it in a cup.”

Though none of the tasters were disgusted with either milkshake, all felt that it served its purpose as

a cool drink. But they also felt that the flavors didn’t complement their predestined taste they had hoped for.

“I feel that for the price range, the product won’t disappoint.” senior Brendon Cummiskey said. “As for the true milkshake aficionado it will not be what you are expecting from the shake.”

As for the other stores (Kline’s, Chick-Fil-A, and Cold Stone) if price is no option and you are willing to pay $3-$5 for a milkshake, then there is no limit to what your milkshake can be. Costing around $3.50 for a small shake, Kline’s can offer a customer a large assortment of flavors, as well as blends and other specialty drinks to indulge themselves on. Senior Justin Goldberger, one of the taste testers, felt that Kline’s was the overall best.

“In every category Kline’s seems to stand out to me, the richness of the flavors, mixed with the quality of products used produces an exquisite taste on the palate,” Goldberger said.

Cold Stone was also a reigning contestant among the taste testing group. For about $4.50 a customer can receive a small shake that according to Cummiskey tastes identical to the tab.

“When tasting the Cake’n’Shake milkshake, it literally tasted like cake batter, though eventually it was sickening because of how sweet it tasted,” Cummiskey said.

Chick-Fil-A, the last contender in the taste testing, was a hit with Shank.

“It’s perfect. It blends perfectly the simplicity of a drive-thru and the quality found of a shake in an ice cream shop.

Though Chick-Fil-A’s price point was around the same as Cold Stone and Kline’s, the quality of shake was close to unbeatable. Containing large amounts of strawberries in the strawberry shake, and having the options of festive flavors, ChickFil-A was the allaround favorite among the tasters. 

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

pop culture A7

Top 10 songs of decade

1.

The Wa l k m e n – The Rat B e y o n d awesome...

Just listen to Peter Norment the drums.

2. Radiohead – Idioteque Awesome…

3. Sufjen Stevens – Casimir Puleski Day I love a good depressing song.

4. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – The Skin of my Yellow Country Teeth Catchy, unique, clever lyrics… What else do you want?

5. Guy Clarke – Magnolia Wind Simple love song that is also my son’s favorite.

6. Eddie Vedder – Society If you listen to the lyrics, I think we all feel this way sometimes.

7. Iron + Wine – Such Great Heights Postal Service wrote the song, but Iron + Wine’s cover is better… And it was the first dance at my wedding. A week later it was on an M&M commerical. That’s not the song’s fault.

8. Tom Waits – Cold Water Tom Waits has such a unique, gritty sound. You can actually hear the dirt in the room 9. The Rapture – House of Jealous Lovers During my dancing phase, this song was the best.

10. Flaming Lips – Do You Realize? My wife hates his song; she says it’s like a toothpaste commercial. What does she know?

1.Common A Dream Positive rhymes from a guy who has been kicking it since the early Dave Loughran nineties with many of poetic heroes: (A Tribe Called Quest, for one). On this song he works it out with Will.I.Am and sound loops of Martin Luther King.

2. Eminem – Without Me Dre beats and an attention to sound devices that would make the famous poets of the cannon jealous.

3. Galactic (featuring Gift of Gab) – The Corner New Orleans funk band with several album under their belt, my favorite drummer, Mr. Stanton Moore, and a genre-bending ability to add DJ’s, rhymers, and anymone else who might make their music better.

4. Michael Franti & Spearhead – A Little Bit of Riddim Many good songs from Franti, but I’ll give this one the nod for its reggae – simple mantra “A little bit of riddim makes the world go round” and the always useful reminder that we are all human beings.

5. Jurassic 5 – I am Somebody If only they’d make more albums (sigh): “Who said ghetto rap was all about a dope sack? / A pimp slap or big black gatt / F* around and get jacked / For your rhymes where I live at / Uh, I’m not a gangsta but I boogie wit beates

1. Linkin Park - Numb “This masterpiece has an unforgetable ending of their second album Meteora. This song mixed old and Martin Vichnar new sounds of the band. Absolutely the greatest song of the decade.”

2. Eminem - When I’m Gone “Yeah, he is crazy sometimes, but when he raps about his only one love in his life, his daughter, it’s always a great emotional experience. This song is the saddest and greatest one of those... Even though he has many other songs that made

/ No gang affiliation in my lyrics or speech / But still keep it street, hood-hop techniques / South Central Fundamentals / J5 emcees.”

6. Outkast – Funkin’ Around Andre 3000 and Big Boi have been sent from outer space to bring you beats and beyond from beyond. They claim to be futuristic, and it’s true. As this song tells you: “Tomorrow sounds like right now.”

7. Robert Randolph & The Family Band – I Don’t Know What You Came to Do There really are no other current pedal steel guitar players around in pop/rock, but even if there were, RoRo would be the best. This song, at almost 15 minutes longs, puts you in a Pentecostal/Revival sweat.

8. Roots – Guns are Drawn The Roots, and poet Black Though are the most important hip-hop artists of our generation. Unfortunately, they receive little air-play and seek little spotlight, so too few kids are exposed. This song is one of many, but is their tighest beat of their tighest album, Tipping Point, of the decade.

9. Shooter Jennings – 4th of July Walyon’s son unloads an alt-country classic!

10. Soulive – Steppin’ Keys, guitar, and drums make the backbone of this modern funk/ soul/jazz combo who often bring in outside rhymers, singers, and horns to their music.

rap history... Lose Yourself, Like Toy Soldiers, Superman...”

3. 3 Doors Down - Here Without You“ Brad Arnold’s singing and guitar skills are beautiful. They beat every boyband and pop artist and made the best love song of the decade.”

4. Linkin Park - Leave Out All the Rest “I love the piano in this song and Chester Bennington’s vocals. The absolutely best song from their third album Minutes to Midnight.”

5. Three Days Grace - Never Too Late “Another great rock song.”

6. US5 - Rhythm of Life “It is a boyband, but this song really makes me dance

Golden Globes !

2010 Nominees (Winners bolded)

Best Motion Picture

Best Motion Picture

Drama

Comedy/Musical

Best Director Motion Picture

1.

Nickel Creek – Sweet Afton Just making the cutoff, N i c k e l Creek’s selfBeth Houff titled album from 2000 features some of the most beautiful harmonies and instrumentation on the radio. A blend of voices, violin, mandolin, and guitar, this trio creates my favorite sounds of the decade. There’s not a track on this album that I do not love.

2. Regina Spektor – Fidelity This song makes me want to dance. I love it! Regina has an unique sound and “Fidelity” is by far, one of my favorite songs of the decade.

3. Ingrid Michaelson – The Way I Am You may know this song from the Old Navy commercial a few years back: “If you are chilly, here take my sweater.” It may just be the cutest love song of the decade.

4. Ben Harper – Blessed to be a Witness This song reminds me why I do what I do. It also reminds me that there are problems in the world so much greater than mine.

5. Pink (featuring The Indigo Girls) I love music with great harmonic part-singing, and nobody does it better than The Indigo Girls. They joined forces with Pink and created a song that not only boasted beautiful harmonies, but also

every time I hear it. Their best song.”

7. Fort Minor - Believe Me “Mike Shinoda took a break from Linkin Park in 2005 and made an awesome rap song that I used to listen to very often.

I hope he’ll have a new solo album in future.”

8. Linkin Park - Faint “Their fastest and most energetic song with famous intro and strong guitar riffs. It is my favorite Linkin Park song which contains rap parts. Shinoda and Bennington blend together better then anyone else in the music world.”

9. Limp Bizkit - My Way “Check, Check out my melody”... Very famous

expressed the questions and worries of so many people in our country, as we endured the political extremes of the 2000’s.

I appreciate their willingness to say these words… To ask the questions that needed to be asked.

6. Imogen Heap – Hide and Seek I love artists who can really sing well. Imogen sings well. She writes well, too. This song has awesome harmonies.

The more I learn about Imogen, the more I like her.

7. Yael Naim This is a feelgood song. I love Yael’s voice and distinct style.

8. Jason Mraz – I’m Yours We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things is another album that never gets old. I think Jason Mraz is wicked smart and his guitar skills never cease to amaze. I love when he freestyles, I love that he loves his audiences, and I love his sidekick who sings the harmonies in “I’m Yours”.

9. Fiona Apple – Extraordinary Machine This is not your typical Fiona Apple song.

When she came on the scene in the 90’s, she was dark and depressing, but “Extraordinary Machine” is anything but that!

Listen to it!

10. Sara Bareilles – Between the Lines Sara Bareilles album, Little Voice, is a Favorite of mine. Her single, “Love Song” topped to the Billboard Charts for weeks, but I prefer the reflective lyrics of “Between the Lines.”

begining of this song which is on the best Limp Bizkit album, “Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water”. It was his no.1 hit in 2000 and Fred Durst and his band did the best job of their music career.

10. The Game (featuring 50 Cent) - Hate It or Love It “Former friends made this song in 2005 as a remix of the original The Game song and it was much better than the original one 50 cent was on top of his career and his parts made this song much better.

Our take on who was nominated and who took home the trophies!

Best Actor Best in Actress in Motion Motion Picture Picture

Best Screenplay

Best Best Best Television Television Animated Sereies Series Feature Comedy Drama Film

Avatar The Hurt Locker Inglourious Bastards Precious Up in the Air

The Hangover (500) Days of Summer It’s Complicated Julie & Julia Nine

James Cameron, Avatar; Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker; Clint Eastwood, Invictus; Jason Reitman, Up In the Air; Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Bastards

Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart; George Clooney, Up In The Air; Colin Firth, A Single Man; Morgan Freeman, Invictus; Tobey Maguire, Brothers

Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side; Emily Blunt, The Young Victoria; Helen Mirren, The Last Station; Carey Mulligan, An Education; Gabourey Sidibe, Precious

Up In The Air The Hurt Locker District 9 Inglourious Bastards It’s Complicated

Glee 30 Rock Entourage Modern Family The Office

Mad Men Big Love Dexter House True Blood

Up Coraline Fantastic Mr. Fox Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs The Princess and the Frog

Avatar- it is just one of the coolest movies in general.

The Hangover- I could watch that one hundred times in a row and never stop laughing.

James Cameronbecause he had the idea twenty years ago, he waited and made an awesome movie.

Morgan FreemanHe was born to play that role.

Sandra Bullockbecause the story is very awesome and she just took it to a whole new level.

District 9- it took an overly used topic, alien invasion, and put a new twist on it.

The Office- because Steve Coral is a comedy genius.

True Blood- because it is a very awesome show, there is a little something for everyone.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs- It was very good and stuck closely to the original book.

Avatar- Best movie EVER!

The Hangover- it is funny and has probably happened to a lot of people.

James Cameron, Avatar- This movie was amazing!

George Clooney- he is one of my favorite actors.

Sandra Bullock- She is a great actress, in all of her movies.

Inglourious Bastards- I heard that this was really good.

The Office- because it’s funny, everyone says that Glee is good, but I haven’t had a chance to watch it.

Dexter- because its really interesting, he is a serial killer who kills serial killers.

Princess and the Frog- because it’s Disney and it’s really cute.

Avatar- This was an awesome movie.

The Hangoverdefinitely the funniest movie I have ever seen.

James Cameron, Avatar- The movie was really beast!

Morgan Freemanbecause he is the man!

Sandra Bullockpeople keep telling me how good the Blind Side is and how good she is at this role.

Inglourious Bastards- I like World War II and it would be a fun movie to be in.

The Office- because I have watched since the beginning and it’s hilarious.

True Blood- because it’s about vampires and that is intense.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs- because that was my favorite book when I was little.

Avatar- It was very compelling and the animation was insane, 3D made it even cooler.

The Hangoverbecause it was ridiculously funny and amazing.

James Cameron- He directed the best movie ever.

Morgan Freemanbecause he is a very good actor and portrays a character very well.

Sandra Bullockbecause she still looks extremely good for her age.

District 9- because I thought it was extremely funny and very real.

Glee- because they have a good sound track.

House- because the guy is really smart, he shows people up, and he always knows what to do.

Up- I didn’t see this movie but it sounded good.

Up in the Air- It was a very cute movie.

Nine- I love that this movie is cute.

The Hurt Locker.

George Clooneybecause he has been in a lot of good movies and has done well.

Sandra Bullockbecause she is really good and has been in a bunch of cute movies.

District 9- It looked really good.

The Office- It is really funny.

House- Because house is a funny and smart guy.

The Princess and the Frog- I just love princess movies, and it is nice that they have come out with a new one.

Precious- It was emotionally riveting.

The Hangover- it is the first movie I have ever paid to see twice.

Quentin Tarantinohis mind refuses to conform to the norm.

Morgan Freemanbecause he is one of the best actors!

DUH!

Sandra Bullockbecause every role she plays makes you fall in love with her.

District 9- It’s a stunning modern parade.

30 Rock- it has four of the best characters on TV right now.

Dexter- Dexter is the most complex character in TV history.

The Princess and the Frog- the frog reminded me of my cousin.

Avatar- It was a really good movie.

The Hangover- I haven’t seen any of these movies but this one looked really funny.

Jason Reitman, Up in the Air- it was a good chick flick but guy were still able to enjoy watching it.

Morgan Freemanbecause he can really play with your emotions when he is given a good role.

Sandra Bullock- she can play a variety of roles and fits in all of them.

Up in the Air- because I haven’t seen any of the other movies, but this one looked like the best one.

Glee- because the music is great.

I haven’t watched any of those shows.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs- because it was really cute.

Avatar- It is the best movie of the year!

The Hangover- I heard that this movie is really funny.

James Cameron- It was a really good movie and everything had a reason.

George Clooney- he does a wide range of roles and is good at all of the.

Sandra Bullockbecause she is really good in movies and does a good job in all of them.

Up in the Airbecause it looked really good and funny.

Glee- because I love the music and it’s really funny.

House- because I like how the show keeps you guessing until the end.

The Princess and the Frog- because it is neat to see a new Disney princess movie.

Patrick Turner

Claire Glick

Landon Turner

Michael Clopper

Sarah Schick

David Loughran

Niki Strickler

Caitlin Kelley

January 29, 2010

The Newsstreak

Calling all phones

P

Heather Hunter Staff Reporter

hobias exist for just about everything, including cell phones. Cell phones have become extremely popular, especially with teenagers, and as a result, a new illness has evolved, Phone Phobia. There are two types of this fear. One is losing cellular contact and the other is being scared to talk over the phone.

Losing contact with family and friends can be scary for some teens like junior K e v i n Lumbi .

“If I lost cellular contact, I would die,” L u m b i said.

“I would just be lost.

I wo u l d n ’t

know what to do because I need it (phone).”

Lumbi does not have a true case of phone phobia, but he does show some symptoms.

With the increase in the popularity of texting, one might assume that calling is slowly slipping under the radar. This especially applies to teens.

Teaching assistant Lynda Blackwell thinks the “young” tend to overuse texting which tends to eliminate emotions.

“Texting is easier, you can ignore them,” junior Marissa Charles said. Not only is it easier to ignore, but there is more time to think of what one wishes to say and how.

On the other side, junior Marwah Banihani thinks texting has improved communication. “It is easier and it takes the pressure off talking to people.”

But like Blackwell, Banihani believes teens text more than they should. “Some people don’t even leave their phones,” Banihani said.

Senior Brandon Strother added, “People are too lazy to call each other.”

He went on to explain that texting saves money and time because one would not have to waste minutes that are paid for. 

VS. Meagan Kelley Fun Director

W

ith the recent release of the new Motorola smart phone, the Droid, Apple has been presented with more competition for their renowned iPhone. The Droid is similar to the iPhone in many ways but is supposedly faster and has a clearer picture because of better resolution. With cell phone companies battling one another to produce the most advanced smart phones, it is up to the consumers to determine which company has the best phone for them.

Junior Ryan Fletcher has chosen the Droid.

“The Droid has a full keyboard and a touch screen which I like,” Fletcher said.

“I don’t like when phones only have a touch screen.”

Junior Morgan Wheatley, who used to have an iPhone, agrees.

“It was hard to text on the iPhone with the touch screen,” Wheatley said.

The iPhone and the Droid are very similar, from the look of the phones to the types of applications that they have.

Both are small, black and rectangular with most of the phone being by a

large screen. Both phones have 16 GB of memory; however, the Droid can be expanded to 32 GB. Both phones have wifi, voice command, and GPS. The phones even cost the same, starting at $199 (not including a phone plan.)

“The iPhone has a really good camera and I had all of my iTunes on my iPhone,” Wheatley said.

Although the iPhone and Droid are almost exactly the same, a few things do set them apart. The battery life of the Driod has 6.4 hours of talk time and 270 hours of standby time, while the iPhone has 5 hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby time.

Both phones have video recording but only the iPhone has recording and editing. While the iPhone has video editing, which the Droid lacks, the Droid has 5.0 megapixels for video compared to the iPhone’s 3.0 megapixels.

The Droid also has substantially faster internet than the iPhone along with different internet capabilities.

Fletcher uses the internet mostly to check his Facebook.

“The Droid is like a really tiny

iPhone laptop. I like that when I am on the internet and I get a text, I can respond to the text and still be online at the same time,” Fletcher said.

The most popular feature of the new smart phones is the applications.

Apple has the popular phrase “There’s an application for everything” and when they say this, they are not kidding. There are currently 93,200 available applications for the iPhone and 10,000 for the newer Droid. There are applications for everything from the weather to a stapler simulator for those of us who have always wanted to sit and constantly hit the stapler.

The iPhone applications are available from the iTunes App Store while the Droid applications are available from the Android Market. Most of the applications for the Droid are free while more of the iPhone apps have a cost. Fletcher enjoys being able to get free ringtones and backgrounds for his phone from an application.

“My favorite app is the app for pickup lines,” Fletcher said. “The best one is ‘Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?’”

With such advanced phones that have been developed to do the craziest things, we just do not know what will come out next. Fletcher quotes the Droid commercial saying “It’s not just a cell phone, it’s a robot” saying just how advanced the new smart phone is. The Driod and iPhone are very similar but depending on what you are looking for, one may be better than the other. 

Technology a8

How much do they cost?

Family plans Unlimited (unlimited talk, text, and web browsing) Verizon- $269.98 at&t- $254.98 T mobile- $139.99 Virgin mobile- $189.99 Sprint- $189.99 Individual plans Unlimited (unlimited talk, text, and web browsing) Verizon- $139.99 at&t- $144.98 Tmobile- $79.99 Virgin Mobile- $99.99 Sprint- $99.99 Basic individual plans (minimum number of minutes, pay per text and megabyte of web browsing) Verizon- $39.99 (450 minutes) at&t- $39.99 (450 minutes) T mobile- $39.99 (500 minutes) Virgin mobile- $39.99 (400 minutes) Sprint- $39.99 (450 minutes) Basic family plans (minimum number of minutes, pay per text and megabyte of web browsing) Verizon- $69.99 (700 minutes) at&t- $59.99 (550 minutes) T mobile- $59.99 (750 minutes) Virgin Mobile- $60.00 (600 minutes) Sprint- $69.99 (700 minutes) Unlimited phone plans Blackberry tour (Verizon)$164.99 per month Droid (Verizon)-$164.99 per month iPhone (at&t)- $149.99 per month Palm Pre (Sprint)- $99.99 per month

Blackberries start new trends Diana Gutierrez Feature Editor

T

echnology has already proved that there is no end to the extremes of communication and entertainment. Cell phones are in some sort mini-computers;

they come with internet, messenger, games and communication overall.

Blackberry is one of the more popular and advanced phones on the market and competes with other phones such as the Droid, iPhone and Palm Pixi.

Blackberry also has many choices such as the Storm, Storm2, Curve, Curve 2, Tour and Pearl.

art by Vivian Tejeda

Decade of Cell Phones

Year: 2000 Model: Nokia 5110 Features: 3 Games 1 Color Voicemail

Junior Sofia Cabrera chose the Curve for many reasons such as the fast internet.

“One of my friends had it and I thought that it was less complicated than a regular phone once you get used to it,” Cabrera said. She enjoys the blackberry messenger, yet the phone has a few flaws.

“I wish it had more games, like when I’m bored, there’s only one game,” Cabrera said, “You can’t message people that don’t also have the blackberry.”

The Blackberry phones are either keyboard or touch screen but have the same applications.

“I got the Curve because of the keyboard and the internet is really fast, also it has a big screen that is easy to read,” junior Emelyn Jimenez said.

Junior Zack Dean also wanted a phone with a full keyboard.

“My brother showed me all the apps it had, so I figured why not get it for $50?” Dean said. Dean enjoys the Blackberry’s multitasking ability as well.

“With Sprint you can have the everything plan and it has a keyboard,” Dean said.

Some Blackberry phones have trackballs which navigate the cursor unlike regular phones and features such as GPS system, free radio and email. Applications range from Pandora music to Wi-Fi. 

Year: 2002 Model:Nokia 6510 Features: Text Messaging Personal Alerts 4 Games

Curve The Blackberry Curve has become one of the most popular phones for teens, businessmen and multitaskers. Photo by Phillip Bannister.

Tour The Tour is a slimmer version. Photo

by Phillip Bannister.

Year: 2005 Model: Sagem my401x Features: Text Messaging Internet Access VGA camera

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

Ads a9

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FAMILY DENTISTRY OFFICE HOURS

BY APPOINTMENT

2342A BLUESTONE HILLS DRIVE HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA 22801

TELEPHONE (540) 433.3625 FAX (540) 433.0403

563-A Neff Avenue next to Williamson-Hughes Pharmacy (behind Costco)

563-A Neff Avenue al lado de Williamson-Hughes Farmácia (atrás de la Costco)

There’s no place like home!

¡No hay lugar como una cas medical!

Call for an appointment.

All types of insurance accepted including Medicaid.

No insurance? You may qualify for reduced fees.

Lláme para pedir una cita.

Todos seguros medicos son aceptados incluyendo Medicaid. ¿Está sin seguro medico?

Puede calificar para servicios rebajados.

Harrisonburg CHC is trusted, affordable and nearby

540-433-4913 Family Practice - Pediatrics - Internal Medicine see our website for more information www.hburgchc.org

GO STREAKS!

Harrisonburg CHC es de confianza, asequible y cercano

540-433-4913 Práctica familiar – Pediatra –Medicina Interna Visita nuestro sitio del Internet para más información www.hburgchc.org

¡Vaya STREAKS!

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

Fashion A10

What’s your favorite cologne/perfume???

Members of our staff did a blindfolded sniff test to determine our favorite scents. Here’s what we found: Olivia McCarty

Savannah Cary

Will Turner

Michael Johnson

Jorge Colin

Phillip Banniser

David Proctor

Ralph Lauren: 4

Ralph Lauren: 8

Ralph Lauren: 8

Ralph Lauren: 8

Ralph Lauren: 6

Armani Mania: 5 Calvin Klein: 8 Lancome: 7 Vera Wang: 9

Armani Mania: 7 Calvin Klein: 5 Lancome: 7 Vera Wang: 5

Armani Mania: 9 Calvin Klein: 7 Lancome: 10 Vera Wang: 8

Armani Mania: 7 Calvin Klein: 3 Lancome: 7 Vera Wang: 4

Armani Mania: 5 Calvin Klein: 6 Lancome: 5 Vera Wang: 7

WINNER: Lancome

Calvin Klein Eternity: 1.7 oz.

Estee Lauder: 1. Oz

Juicy Couture: 1.7 oz

Ralph Lauren: 1 oz

Burberry: 3.4 oz

$50.00

$42.00

$59.95

$39.50

$70.00

AlisonDomonoske Jessica Strickler Diana Gutierrez AVERAGES Gapscent: 6 Gapscent: 3 Gapscent: 7 Gapscent: 7 Gapscent: 6 Gapscent: 7 English Leather: 2.2 English Leather: 1 English Leather: 2 English Leather:1 English Leather:1 English Leather: 6 Burberry: 4.6 Juicy Couture: 4.8 Burberry: 1 Burberry: 5 Burberry: 6 Burberry: 2 Burberry: 9 Hummer: 5 Juicy Couture: 7 Juicy Couture: 6 Juicy Couture: 4 Juicy Couture:1 Juicy Couture: 6 Hummer: 5 Hummer: 4 Hummer: 5 Hummer: 3 Hummer: 8 WINNER: GAPSCENT

Estee Lauder : 3

Vera Wang Price: 1.7 oz.

$57.00

Estee Lauder :8

Estee Lauder : 7

Estee Lauder : 5

Estee Lauder : 3

AVERAGES

Ralpph Lauren: 6.8 Estee Lauder: 5.2 Armani Mania: 6.6 Calvin Klein: 5.8 Lancome: 7.2 Vera Wang: 6.6

Valentines alentines day Date: What to Wear?

For a casual look, Senior, Whitney Glover wears a cashmere scarf which makes any first date outfit look elegant and sophisticated.

Senior, Patrick Toohey shows off his pinstripe blazer, which elongates the body and creates a modern look for men.

A women’s version of the blazer is shown by senior, Courtney Bowman.

Bowman’s look is funky and eclectic by pairing the blazer with a green and blue tank top.

Senior, Oscar Martinez wears a red button-up dress shirt and a striped white and red tie. This outfit is perfect for a first date.

She won’t be able to take her eyes off you.

171-A Neff Ave Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 433-9966

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

feature B1

Love is in the air...

Have a hot Valentine’s Day on a budget Christy Stearn Staff Reporter

V

alentine’s Day is coming up and love is in the air.

Picking out the perfect gift can be difficult, especially if you are on a budget. The key to choosing a special Valentine’s Day present is finding one that is sentimental. A memorable gift does not always have to cost a lot.

Making your date dinner is an easy and cheap idea for Valentine’s Day. He or she will appreciate the meal you prepared for them and enjoy eating dinner together.

“It is more meaningful to make dinner than to go out, plus it is cheaper,” freshman Ahmad Salehi.

If you are not a great cook, consider treating your date to dinner at their favorite restaurant. You can impress them by knowing what they like.

Instead of getting your girlfriend roses, try buying her a different type of flower bouquet. Other flowers, such as lilies and carnations, are not as expensive as roses. They are more unique, too.

“I would get a dozen lilies or some

other type of flower bouquet because they are different and my girlfriend is different,” said freshman Trent Sosa.

A great way to spend time together during the holiday is buying your date one of their favorite DVDs and watching it with them. Pick out a movie that both of you will enjoy watching.

A simple but personal present is making a mix CD of songs your date likes. Spending time creating a playlist that they will enjoy lets them know how much you care about them. It also gives you an opportunity to show how much you know about them without spending a ton of money on a gift.

You can never go wrong with a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. To make this gift special, spend a little extra on brand names, like Russell Stover, Whitman’s, and Godiva.

Getting your guy something that he will love can be tricky. If you want to get something he will really like for Valentine’s Day, keep his

hobbies and extracurricular activities in mind when picking out his present. Getting him an accessory for his favorite sport would really impress him.

“If I had a boyfriend, I would probably get him one of those Phiten necklaces for basketball or baseball that is supposed to relax your muscles,” sophomore Kelsey Manor said.

Jewelry is a girl’s best friend. Guys that are searching for a present to get their girlfriends should consider a birthstone necklace or bracelet. Look for discounts at department stores to save money.

“I would get [my girlfriend] a necklace with her birthstone because it is sentimental,” sophomore Howard Zuo said.

Spending a lot of money on the ideal Valentine’s Day gift is not necessary. Some of the best gifts cost the least. Finding something your special someone will really love is all about keeping their interests in mind.

Top hot spots in Harrisonburg for great dates Ryan Maphis Staff Reporter

U

nless you have a job or a parent who is eager to spend money for you, dating in high school can be pretty expensive. More so for chivalrous high school guys who will actually pay for a meal or for the whole date, in which case girls have lucked out.

Add into the equation the fact that we live in a mid-rural area, and picking out a place to go on a date can involve some thinking. But when thought about, it is easy to see that Harrisonburg is loaded with restaurants and unique spots to take your special someone.

So, here, in no particular order, are the top date spots in “The ‘Burg”.

Massanutten Resort: This location is really many date spots in one, that is, if you don’t mind the drive to the mountain or the slightly higher cost than an average date. A day of snowboarding or skiing on the slopes is not only picturesque, but a guaranteed good time. Massanutten

has mini-golf and go-carts as well for warmer days and a cheaper date.

The mountain is dotted with restaurants and quick stop shops for food, or for some hot chocolate after your day in the snow.

A day in Downtown Harrisonburg: As classic and unoriginal as that may seem, downtown is really growing. Window shopping can be fun on a first date; you get a taste of what your date likes. New shops and restaurants are constantly being added downtown. Plus, after walking around, you have many options as to where to grab a bite to eat.

Stargazing: A pro to living in a rural area is the stars that cover the sky at night. Taking your date to go stargazing is not only free, but extremely cute. The EMU hill is a great spot to rest and look up into the sky, as well as a perfect placed to watch the sunset.

The Aboretum: Living in a town with a university also has its advantages as far as dating. JMU has provided many spots for even high school students to spend their time.

The arboretum, right behind Costco provides the perfect spot for pic-

nicking, walking, or just lounging around in the sun.

See a movie: Not up for spending your date outdoors? Movies are always a great way to spend a date, however they don’t allow for much socializing or getting to know one another. The other disadvantage is the price. Regal Cinema in Harrisonburg offers movies for $9.50.

Grab a bite to eat: The time before or after a movie could allow for a snack or maybe even dinner. Great date spots to grab a bite to eat in Harrisonburg are plentiful. Restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings (B-Dubs) and Hams are almost guaranteed to be filled with people from HHS, so if you’re looking for a more private date, avoid those. Ruby Tuesday’s and Applebee’s have big menus with good prices. Their meals are also big enough to split, saving you some money.

Class it up a bit: If money isn’t an issue, or you just want to do your date “right”, Harrisonburg has many classy restaurants such as Beyond, Local Chop and Grill House and The Joshua Wilton House. 

Couple’s Quiz: 1.) What is Charity’s middle name? Madeline Her Answer: Madeline 2.) Who is Charity’s best friend? Morgan Her Answer: Rachel 3.) What is her favorite food? Milkshake Her Answer: Milkshake 4.) Charity’s favorite movie?

Up Her answer: Up 5.) Charity’s favorite book? Twilight Her answer: Twilight 6.) What is her favorite sport? Baseball Her answer: Baseball 7.) What are the names of her siblings? Joey, Brendan, Peter, Rachel Her Answer: My sibling’s names are Joey, Peter, Rachel and Brendan 8.) What is her lifetime career goal? To become a chef Her Answer: Undecided 9.) Charity’s favorite hobby? Reading Her Answer: I like dancing 10.) What is her favorite subject in school? English Her Answer: English 11.) How did you meet?

Soccer game Her answer: we met at the soccer game 12.) What is your favorite memory together? Meeting at the soccer game Her Answer: Meeting at the soccer Game was a good memory 13.) What is her favorite color? Purple Her answer: Purple

14.) What elementary school did she go to? Stone Spring Her answer: I went to Stone Spring 15.) What college does she want to go to? UVA Her answer: UVA 16.) What is the color of her eyes? Blue Her answer: My eyes are blue

17.) What is Charity’s favorite TV show? Grey’s anatomy Her answer: Grey’s Anatomy 18.) What is her favorite clothing brand? American Eagle Her answer: AE 19.) Name of her pets? Peanut Her answer: Peanut 20.) Color of her room?

Blue Her answer: My room is blue

Junior Charity O’Connor and senior Chris Lacey have been dating for 21 months.

The Newsstreak asked to see how well the two know each other...

1.) What is Chris’s middle name? Timothy His Answer: Timothy 2.) Who is Chris’s best friend? Drake His Answer: Drake Cary 3.) What is his favorite food? Sausage Biscuits His Answer: Sausage Biscuits and Gravy 4.)

Chris‘s favorite movie?

Up His answer: Up 5.) Chris’s favorite book?

Harry Potter His answer: Harry Potter 6.) What is his favorite sport? Football His answer: Football 7.) What are the names of his siblings? Amber, Clara, Preston and Bryan His Answer: Clara, Bryan, Preston and Amber 8.) What is his lifetime ca-

reer goal? To be a pilot His Answer: Pilot 9.) Chris’s favorite hobby? Wakeboarding His Answer: Flying 10.) What is his favorite subject in school? History His Answer: History 11.) How did you meet?

Soccer Game His answer: Soccer Game 12.) What is your favorite memory together? Meeting at the Soccer Game His Answer: The soccer game 13.) What is his favorite color? Green His answer: Green 14.) What elementary school did he go to? Keister His answer: Keister 15.) What college does he want to go to? JMU or CNU His answer: JMU 16.) What are the colors of his eyes? Blue His answer: Blue 17.) What is Chris’s favorite TV show? Criminal Minds His answer: Criminal Minds 18.) What is his favorite clothing brand? Quicksilver His answer: Quicksilver 19.) Name of his pets?

Misty and Casey His answer: Misty, Casey 20.) Color of his room?

White His answer: Beige

TOP 10 LOVE MOVIES 1. The Notebook- The story of two teenagers from vastly different background who start a summer romance but unknowingly dive head first into a love they will never truly forget.

2. P.S. I Love YouAfter the death of her husband, a woman keeps moving through life due to the letters her husband wrote before his death and has delivered to her after he is gone.

This movie is proof that when a loved one dies, they are never really gone.

3. Romeo and Juliet- There is no love story more class than Romeo and Juliet, the two “star crossed lovers” who find a way to make their love work against all odds, even death.

4. Titanic- The story of Jack and Rose, two young people aboard the maiden voyage of the Titanic, is one of historic proportions.

It shows that love can strike anywhere, at anytime… even when the ship you’re on strikes an iceberg.

5. Time Traveler’s Wife- A genetic disorder that sends a man hurdling through time at a moments notice is not even enough to put a halt on the everlasting bond he forms with his sweetheart.

6. Beauty and the BeastDisney’s greatest love story is by far this story of a young woman, who spares her father from a horrible beast by agreeing to be his forever.

Over time, the two form a love that is magical.

7. The Lake HouseTwo down-ontheir-luck people living in two years apart form a bond through their lake house that leads to a love that withstands the hands of time.

8. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- When a man is born to age in reverse has an encounter with the girl of his dreams, they are forced to hold on to love they have for each other until time catches up to both of them 9. Save the Last Dance- When two teenagers from very different world find love within the passion they share for dance, they beat all odds to stay true to their selves and one another.

10.

Wall-EWhen a lonely robot finds a newfound friend in the search robot EVE, the thought of losing her becomes to great for him to bear and Wall-E sets out to recapture the only friend he has ever infographic by Lauren Martin known.

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

Feature B2

What’s in a name?

Todd named after religious figures

Unique names are difficult to find...

Jauan Brooks enjoys having a different name, despite misspellings

Mark Duda Staff Reporteer

Savanah Cary Feature Editor

problems with people misspelling and mispronouncing her name, she would not change it.

“I can’t think of any reason to change my name. My parents gave it to me, and I will keep the way it is,” Brooks said.

English teacher Verity Caron also has a unique name.

“My mom got my name from the Agatha Christie novel, Nemesis,” Caron said. “I was named after the dead chick in the novel. She liked the name because it sounds pretty and because everyone liked the girl in the novel.”

Although Caron likes her name now, when she was younger she pictured herself with a different name.

“I used to want my name to be Ashley, but now I like my name because it has meaning,” Caron said.

“When I was younger, I wanted a popular name because I thought it would make me popular.”

Other than seeing her name in the credits of movies, Caron has met one other person who shares her unique name.

“The best friend of a girl I met at college had the same name as me,” Caron said.

“It was unreal when she introduced us.” Although Caron used to not like her name and it is frequently mispronounced, she would not change it.

“I love the meaning of my name and I would not change it,” Caron said. 

S

T

Parents choose names for multiple reasons

Who are you named after?

tudents can be named after ancestors or political figures. Some are given their name for its meaning and because of how it sounds. Some children are even named after their parents’ favorite fictional characters.

But senior Anthony Todd is named after figures from his religion.

Todd was named after two significant figures in Christianity: St. Anthony of Padua and Joseph, husband of Mary and father of Jesus, in the Bible. “My parents named me after St. Anthony and St. Joseph because I come from a Christian family, and Anthony Joseph Todd worked well together,” Todd said.

St. Anthony, the influence for Todd’s first name, was an abbot from Portugal who was one of the most celebrated preachers of all time. He also sacrificed a good education to join the abbey against the wishes of his family.

“I’m kind of like him because I like to debate and he was a good public speaker,” Todd said, “I don’t really mind that the name is that common because it fits me well and I have a good reason for having it.”

“I don’t like the name Joseph very much by itself, but I think it works well after Anthony and before [Todd]. I don’t really feel one way or another about the last name Todd, but it’s kind of cool having three first names,” Todd said. 

Katrina Sokolyuk Staff Reporteer

ames are used to identify people and things and often have special meanings behind them.

"My mom liked the meaning [of my name]," junior Desta Hansen said. "It means 'Joy' [in Portuguese]."

A child's name is often well thought out and can carry a certain significance.

"My parents liked [my name] because [it] means 'born on Christmas'," junior Natalie Warner said. "And that was supposed to be my due date even though I was actually born two days later."

Several parents decide to give their child a family name. Freshman Lindsay Halling's first name is simply something that her parents liked, but her middle name is noteworthy.

"My great-great-great-great grandma on both my mom and dad's side was named Elizabeth, so that's how I got my middle name," Halling said.

Some names are chosen through family preference.

“My parents got my name from my grandpa,” freshman Jawad Ahmed said. “He picked it out, and my parents like it.”

“Originally I was going to be named Christopher, or Chris. Then, my parents realized that you could not really say that in Spanish-- in other words, no translation,” senior Rafy Carbajal said. “In Spanish, ‘Christopher’ is ‘Cristoban’, and I am guessing they wanted more of a ‘Chris’. Therefore, to make it easier for my relatives to call me by name, they named me after both of my great grandparents. My full name is Alvaro Raphael Carbajal. That’s where I get my nickname ‘Rafy’.”

“My mom really liked the name ‘Michael,’” senior Mike Atkinson said. “She used to name everything ‘Michael’ like dolls and pets and stuff, and Raymond [my middle name] is a family name. Everyone on my dad’s side has Ray or Raymond somewhere in their name.”

“My dad said it was a good Scottish name, and I looked like a ‘Heather’,” freshman Heather Graham said.

Freshman Samantha Heitsch was named because "there are too many 'Jessicas'," Jessica was going to be Heitsch's name until her parents decided that there were enough Jessicas in the world ('Jessica' was the most popular name in 1994).

According to Parents.com, the most popular names for girls and boys in 2009 were Isabella and Aiden, respectively. 

Name change process: a name change in a le1: File gal court and pay the filing 2: 3:

fee.

Publish in the notice section of the local newspaper of your name change and inform any people that might be personally affected.

The court will then host a hearing for the Name Change Petition and allow people who might be personally affected to comment. If there are no reasonable objections, the court will approve.

http://www.legalzoom.com/name-change-guide/name-change-process.html

Paul Harrison, 9 named after Paul the Apostle, from the Bible

Dryden LaBarge, 9 named after John Dryden, poet

Jose Pina, named after Lalo More, Mexican musician

John Lee, 10 named after John Travolta, American actor

Michael Ryan Fletcher, 11 named after Michael Jordan, NBA star

Familial, religious heritage influence student’s names

H

Ethan Blackwell Staff Reporteer

aving a name is nothing unordinary in today’s world. Without names the world would consist of cavemen and women grunting and banging their clubs to get someone’s attention. Having a name is your personal identification that can never be changed. Name popularity changes yearly: for instance in 2008 the top three male names were, Jacob, Michael, and Ethan. In 1880, the top three names were John, William, and James.

Senior Felipe Daniel Shenk-Moreno is from El Salvador. His mother is El Salvadorian and his father is American. They met when his father traveled to El Salvador.

“My name is a mix between my mother’s El Salvadorian heritage an my father’s American heritage,” Shenk said. “Felipe is comparable to Philip in English and

Moreno comes from my mother’s maiden name, whereas Shenk is my father’s family name.”

Senior Aakash Tandel also has an interesting background to his name. Tandel’s name comes from the written language Sanskrit which is one of the oldest written languages in the world. His name means “open space, open sky.” This name, though it originates from Sanskrit, is fairly common in Tandel’s native country, India.

“Aakash is almost like the English Charles, it is fairly popular among a large group of people in India, though as you look at American’s names, Aakash rarely comes up,” Tandel said. “My little brother Sid is an even more popular name which is short for Siddhartha, which also happens to be Sanskrit for “one who accomplishes goals.”

Names of all types are unique, whether they are an example of your mixed heritages or are defined by the oldest written language. Each has its own characteristic and can be deciphered by first, middle, and last names.



TOP NAMES of 2009 1 Ethan Isabella 2 Jacob Emma 3 Noah Olivia 4 Aiden Ava 5 Logan Sophia 6 Jackson Madison 7 Jack Chloe 8 Ryan Abigail 9 Jayden Emily 10 Matthew Addison 11 Liam Ella 12 Joshua Lily 13 Tyler Mia 14 BenjaminGrace 15 AlexanderAlexis 16 William Avery 17 Gavin Samantha 18 Lucas Elizabeth 19 Evan Hannah 20 Nathan Natalie 21 Mason Taylor 22 Michael Alyssa 23 Dylan Sarah 24 Caleb Hailey 25 Andrew Riley

If you could change your name, what would you choose and why?

N

he name your parents give you can change many things about your life. Art teacher Jauan Brooks has noticed some changes to her life based on her name.

“My parents got my name from one of the sponsor-a-childfrom-another-country programs,” Brooks said. “My name is part of the girl’s name that they sponsored.” Brooks likes having a unique name, but she also notices some problems.

“If I hear my name, I always know they are talking to me,” Brooks said. “However, when I was a kid, I could never find things with my name on them.”

She also had trouble with people misspelling her name.

“My junior year of high school, my name was in the yearbook eight times, and it was spelled wrong differently every time,” Brooks said. “Another funny thing that happens is that when telemarketers call they ask for Mr. Juan, so I can honestly say that Mr. Juan is not here.” Originally her name was going to be Marissa Jauan. At the last minute, her parents switched it so that Marissa was her middle name and Jauan was her first name. Although Brooks has

“I like my name.

I guess if I had a choice to choose my name, it would be Colby” Addison Shepard, 9

“I like my name. I wouldn’t change it.”

Emma Peifer, 9

“I think my name is okay. I wouldn’t change it though.”

Ethan Johnson, 9

“I like my name, but if I could, I’d change it to Theodore.”

William Imeson, 10

“I like my name. I wouldn’t change it” Daniel Briones, 9

“I like Abby better than Abigail.

Abigail sounds oldfashioned. If I could, I would change my name to Isabelle, which is my French name, or Audrey.”

Abby Rutledge, 9

“Sometimes it’s weird to have the name Alex, because it can be a girl’s name too. I like it Alexander better than Alex. When I write papers, I write ‘Alexander HunterNickels.” Alex Hunter-Nickels, 9

infographic by Katrina Sokyluk

Get your special someone a Valentine’s Gift from Balloons and Blossoms!

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

Do You

Chew?

What type of gum lasts the longest?

Orbit

44% Trident

30%

Feature B3

When it comes to gum, we all have our

Favorite Flavas Vera Shindyapin Staff Reporteer

E

veryone has their favorite type of mints or gum. Whether it is just the joy of chewing or making their breath smell good, people enjoy it. Freshman Paul Hairston loves to chew gum and particularly blowing bubbles.

“My favorite brand of gum is Bubblicious because I am a bubble blower and it allows me to blow the best bubbles,” Hairston said.

Hairston started liking gum when he was in the first grade and now chews it very frequently.

He buys his gum at Costco with each pack costing $2.

Sophomore Chad Keck is also a chewer.

“My favorite brand of gum is Trident because the flavor lasts a long time,” Keck said.

Keck has liked Trident ever since a friend gave him a piece at the beginning of the school year. He buys his gum at Food Lion about twice

a week. One pack costs about $1.

“I chew Trident every class period. I chew about four pieces a day,” Keck said.

Sophomore Eddie Hedrick also chews Trident gum.

“My favorite brand is Trident because the flavor lasts in my mouth a long time,” Hedrick said.

Hedrick was not a big gum chewer until one year ago when he had Trident. He now buys gum at gas stations about once every month.

His favorite flavor of Trident is strawberry lime and the flavor that he hates is spearmint.

Sophomore Connor Floros also chews a lot of gum and is a fanatic.

“Juicy Fruit is my favorite gum brand because I like the juiciness of the fruit,” Floros said.

Floros has liked gum ever since he was seven.

Whenever he runs out of gum, he rushes to his local drug store to buy more.

Each person has a different opinion on which brand is better and which flavor is the best.

Some are big chewers and others just have it on a rare occasion to savor the flavor. tt

Extra Chewing gum annoys, distracts students

16%

5

10%

100 Students polled by Julia Trotsyuk

Custodians aren’t appreciative of bad gum habits Emmett Copeland Staff Reporteer

A

s much fun as chewing a piece of Gonzo Grape gum can be, at some point, unless you bought it from Willy Wonka, it will lose its flavor.

The question then arises: what to do with your gum once it has become a blob of tasteless rubber? In our school, the popular answer is to fasten said gum to any hard surface.

While sticking gum to the halls is creative, the Virginia Health Department does not condone this art form, so we hire employees to eradicate the gum that is so devilishly tricky

to remove.

“It’s gross,” custodian Chris Shifflett said. “And yes, [it’s inconsiderate].”

Shifflet reports that the most common havens for unwanted gum are the undersides of the lunch tables, hallways, and bathrooms.

“Sometimes we just have to stick our hands up into the commodes,” Shifflet said. “No fun.”

All three of the aforementioned locations are infested with available trashcans, and yet in studying the undersides of the lunch tables, the densest inundations of gum are the closest to the garbage receptacles.

Some like junior Patrick Turner have the drill down, “I love gum. I love to chew it. I’m chewing some right now, and when I’m finished with it, I’ll spit it out into the closest garbage can.”

Others, however, like senior Jesse Deavers admit to having discovered alternative end locations for their chicle.

“I love gum, it’s very chewy. When I’m done with it I always spit it out and then I kick it [in midair] and try and get it into people’s hair.” However after further contemplation Deavers conceded, “Maybe I should more deeply consider other peoples actions before I act.”

The custodial staff has a very kind attitude considering the amount gum smeared on the walls.

“Students should be allowed to chew gum,” said custodian Luz Giron. “We are all grown-ups here; they just need to put it in the trashcans.” tt Yuck! Custodians have to deal with the disgusting places that HHS students leave their gum like in water fountains, under desks and on the lips of trash cans.

said.

Freshman Cinthia Cabrera agrees. “I think it’s gross when people chew their gum, then when someone asks for gum and that person takes it out of their mouth and gives it to the other I hate when people chew gum like cows, person,” Cabrera said. and you can see it sloshing around in their Unlike HHS, some schools have rules to mouth,” junior limit chewing Lovell Delves gum. Students who said. Some students have attended Thomas Chewing gum rules of etiquette: set standards within Harrison Middle themselves not to do School have dealt 1.

Don’t chew gum with your mouth open. gross or annoying things with these types No one wants to see that. with their gum. However, of rules. Junior 2.

Don’t chew gum like a cow or make things still happen and Simone Johnson weird noises.

No one wants to hear it people have a lot of pet experienced the either. peeves when it comes to repercussions of 3. Don’t spit gum on the sidewalk or chewing gum. chewing gum at the anywhere where someone step on it.

“What’s really middle school.

4. Don’t let your gum hang out of your annoying is when in “When I was mouth. class, people sit behind in middle school I 5. Don’t chew gum at weddings, funerals, you and chew so had to scrape the and other quiet places.

Be polite, someone loudly. It’s so annoying bottom of every just died.

I just feel like turning table and every 6.

Don’t talk to people and try to chew around and punching chair.”

Johnson gum at the same. Especially on phones!! them. Especially in an said. “My science 7.

Don’t stick it under tables, desks, chairs, interesting class,” senior teacher, Mrs. etc. No one wants to accidentally touch it.

Rebecca Shindyapin said.

Harper, had a rule Not only do students that if she caught get annoyed, teachers do us chewing gum too. “What annoys me? she would give us When students get bored and start popping lunch detention, then if she caught us again their gum,” gym teacher, T.J. Butler said. she would make us scrape the bottom of every Not only do people get annoyed, they get table and chair. I was caught twice. I collected disgusted, “I think it’s disgusting when people so much. On every table there were at least five take the gum off under tables, and chew it after pieces.” tt it’s been chewed,” freshman Jonas Zimmerman Vera Shindyapin Staff Reporteer

“

Sunflower seeds, mints serve as alternatives to gum Mark Duda Staff Reporter

S

tudents are finding new things to chew on other than gum. For reasons such as rules, braces, and simply not having any gum left; there is always a time and place where gum cannot be chewed.

One popular alternative to gum is sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds are encased in an inedible shell, so some practice is needed to eat them.

“I chew seeds because they taste good and are something to chew on, but you need somewhere to spit them. In school I prefer gum, though,” freshman Bryce Baughman said. If you need something other to chew on other than gum, then sunflower seeds may be for you, but they do not freshen up your breath as gum does, which is why many students turn to mints.

Mints leave you with better smelling breath,

How to Blow a Bubble Step 1: Place the gum on your tongue and stretch it out in your mouth until it is flat.

Step 2: Using your tongue, push the gum between your teeth.

Step 3: Use your tongue to push the stretched out gum out from between your lips.

Step 4: Blow air into the bubble until it reaches desired size or the bubble pops.

Step 5: Pull the gum back into your mouth and go back to step one. Repeat.

and can last a long time, but sometimes lack in flavor. Some students, such as freshman Ben DiNapoli, prefer sour, spicy cinnamon, or citrus flavored mints for their taste. “I love how spicy altoids make your mouth tingle and they make your breath feel good,” DiNapoli said.

What students use as an alternative usually depends on why they chew gum in the first place, whether they chew gum for fresh breath or for the flavor. Usually students will be able to satisfy one of these requirements, but nothing besides gum can really satisfy both.

While gum may be the only thing that fully accomplishes both, some things do come close.

Dried fruit is one popular option, especially mango and banana. The downside is that it is filling which may turn off students who just want something to chew on for a while without eating. For people who may just want something to have in their mouth, hard candies that last a long time, such as jawbreakers, may suffice. tt

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

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The Newsstreak

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The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

Runnin’ like the wind

Sports b6

With the addition of new young team members and multiple strong returning athletes, the HHS Indoor track team continues to stomp the competition

Hyser helping to rebuild pole vault crew Track Veterans HHS’s best runners share their Emmett Copeland Staff Reporter

S

ophomore Raymond Hyser took a mental pause to contemplate his life, “Why am I here?” he thought to himself, “Why do I do this anyway? How will I feel in about a second when I hit this rough rubber runway that I know is rushing up to meet me?”

The answer to his last question turned out to be: not fantastic, as he said later, “It’s kind of like rubbing your back against really rough sandpaper.”

But why was the young Hyser crashing out of the sky on to the HHS pole vault runway?

In spring track, runners like Hyser are given the opportunity to try their hand at pole vaulting; the ama-

teur vaulters attend special practices and sometimes compete in meets without the rest of the team.

“David Love bet me a cheeseburger I wouldn’t try pole vaulting with him. I got the burger,” Hyser said. He also found out that he really liked pole-vaulting. “I want to be like Tim Beierle [a former HHS pole-vault star and state AA champion],” Hyser said. “Also it’s amazingly fun.”

Currently pole vault is one of HHS’s weaker field events, but there is a vault team coming together for the spring season and years to come, including juniors Joseph Roth, Maria Rose, Pavel Makayed, and Joey Glick. Being able to put athletes in all events gives the team a chance of scoring or blocking important points from the other schools.

Last year, Hyser joined the ranks of HHS’s spring track pole vault

team after running distance races in indoor track. He is back this year, pole-vaulting for indoor track with plans to compete in spring. His personal record last year was 8.5 feet.

This year, his goal is 10.5-11feet.

Hyser’s advice to beginners is, “You have to keep running no matter what, otherwise you’ll end up on your back. Also push [the pole] never pull or you will, once again, land backward.”

Hyser’s more senior teammate Joseph Roth is positive about his future, “Give that kid some more coaching and practice and he’ll be going crazy,” Roth said.

Coach David Loughran is of the same opinion, with a slightly more patient attitude, “With time his strength and speed will come to match his work ethic and perseverance.” 

New runners hope for great first season Falk, another new member of the team, also decided to run to get into shape. Falk enjoys running middles distances.

“I have been running the mile, but I hope that I get to run the 800 or 400 soon,” Falk said. “I prefer those his season the HHS indoor track team welcomed distances.” many new, inexperienced members, bringing the Adams was surprised with how her running career roster to almost 70 participants, their largest team turned out. ever. The new talent has brought depth to the “I did not expect to high jump or hurdle,” Adams said. team and has shown signs of filling many holes that last “Coach Bugg saw my drills during practice and thought years seniors left empty upon graduating. Coach David that I should try the events.”

Loughran had similar expectations “Taelor’s ability to learn special to last year and was pleased with the techniques for hurdles and jumping has newly added talent. set her apart,” Loughran said.

“This year, we expected to have a lot Johnson had a lot of fun at the team’s of post season qualifiers and to maintain first meet of the season on Dec 17 at our strong boy’s team,” Loughran said.

Eastern Mennonite University.

“We expected a number of new people “At first, I was really nervous for the because word has spread that we have high jump,” Johnson said. “I didn’t know a lot of fun and are really successful as Nike or Adidas what I was doing but then I figured it a team.”

Relay or Individual events out.”

Junior Jake Johnson is one of the Hurdles or Normal events Falk hopes to win some races this year new indoor track team members.

High jump or Triple jump and improve in all of his events a s much “I decided to run because I wanted 55m dash or 300m dash as possible.

Snowboarding or Skiing to get faster for football and baseball,” “I hope to get better by practicing Chocolate or Vanilla Johnson said. “Also, my friend Ryan more and doing core exercises,” Falk Books or Movies Fletcher told me that it was really fun said.

Rock or Rap and laid back.”

Johnson did not have any trouble Gatorade or Powerade “I’m impressed with anyone who Call or Text keeping up with the order of events can come and suffer through this Run or Walk because of the events sheet that is given weather,” Loughran said. “Jake’s a TV or Computer to each team member with the event that terrific all around athlete and he is Mac or PC they are running highlighted along with going to be able to help the team out in Away or Home games the order of events. a lot of ways.”

Xbox or Wii “I want to win at least one race,” Winter or Summer Johnson was also told that coaches Johnson said. “Just one.”

McDonalds or Subway David Loughran and Gary Bugg were Winning more races however would Water or Soda really fun and he agrees saying that probably not disappoint. Johnson hopes Cat or Dog both are hilarious and make practice that the team is able to win both regionals fun. Johnson’s events include the 55 and states this year to finish off a great hurdles, the high jump and triple season. jump, the 300 meter run, and the 400 meter run.

“Indoor is a great opportunity for athletes who want “I like these events because I am more of a sprinter to improve their fitness and speed instead of sitting than a long distance runner,” Johnson said. around all winter,” Loughran said. “At this point, routine Freshman Isaac Falk and Sophomore Taelor Adams and expectations have been set and the team needs to be also decided to run to stay in shape. self sufficient which they have been this year, making it “I wanted to keep going with the conditioning I had much easier on us, the coaches.” in cheerleading until softball starts,” Adams said.

Meagan Kelley Staff Reporter

T

This or That with Jake Johnson

Top 10 tips for running 1 - Stay Hydrated- You will have more energy and perform your best if you are hydrated.

2- Stretch out before and after you run. You do not want to pull or strain a muscle.

3- Eat healthy- Eating junk food will do nothing to improve your abilities, instead try eating plenty of fruits and veggies.

4- Dress accordingly- If it is cold outside throw on your sweats, if it is hot wear shorts and a t-shirt. You don’t want to get hypothermia or have a heat stroke.

5- Open your stride- Do not take little baby steps when you run. Lift your knees and reach with your legs.

6- Use your arms- Pumping your arms can keep you balanced and improve your technique.

7- Set goals- If you have something to push for you are more likely to try your hardest.

8- Run with others- Running with other people lets you pace yourself, and makes it more fun.

9- Push yourself- Test your limits. When you accomplish one of your goals, set a new and harder one.

10- Do your best- At the end of the day you can only be the best you can be, so don’t try and compare yourself to Usain Bolt.

Attention Spring Sport Athletes!

Make sure you have a current VHSL physical on file before the first day of tryouts Forms are available in the athletic office and main office

personal records and goals for the season Senior Tricia Comfort1600m Personal record- 5:30 Season's goal- "Qualify for states in the 4x800m relay, and in one other event."

Sophomore Vanessa Ehrenpreis 300m PR- 44.08 (school record) 55m PR- 7.83 Season's goal- "Go to states for the 300m, and break one school record."

Senior Dasha Love 1000m PR- 3:37 Goal- "Qualify for states and finish senior year out strong."

Junior Keith Thomas 1000m PR- 2:42 Goal- "Run a sub 2:40 1000m for states" Sophomore Nevin Heckman 500m PR- 1:13.7 Goal- "Go to states and beat Troy Jones and Wayson Lee" Junior Troy Jones 300 PR- 36.9 (school record) Goal- "Break the school 300m record and go to states in all my events.

Infographic by Conner Whitehouse

The Order of Events Although track meets can run on different schedules, this is the common order of events. Girl’s events are always followed by the boy’s.

Field events such as the long, triple, and high jump run throughout the meet.

1st- 4x800m relay 2nd- 55m hurdles 3rd- 55m dash 4th- 4x200m relay 5th- 1600m 6th-500m dash 7th-1000m 8th- 300m dash 9th- 3200m 10th-4x400m relay Infographic by Vanessa Ehrenpreis

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

The Rendon Report

Tiger will be forgiven Alex Rendon Staff Reporter

A

s quickly and as far as Tiger Woods has fallen (think Fridge Perry jettisoned out of plane), he can rest easy knowing that there is still one demographic that has his back. Male adolescents tend to support Tiger or at least, we lean to the “hescrewed-up-but-it-doesn’t make-a-huge-difference-tome” side of the coin.

Women aren’t as lenient; they pretty much all hate him. Fortunately for Tiger, we all forgave Kobe, and he was accused of sexual assault. In fact, I remember one game where Kobe had a hearing in the morning in Colorado, then drilled a game winning shot in L.A. later that night. The crowd went nuts. The moral: forgiving and forgetting is a whole lot easier when your fan base consists of young male adults and your performance doesn’t wane.

Despite the fact that the Tiger story gets weirder every day, most young adult guys sympathize with Tiger because we’re the ones that revered him in the past.

He screwed up big time.

He pulled an OJ, a Britney and a Kobe all in one (okay, maybe not an OJ but Tiger was a god before all this and his fall from grace might be equally meteoric).

But as heinous as his “transgressions” may have been, teen guys find it easiest to let go and heal.

Mostly because we don’t care about many things that don’t end in “-ball” or “-mote.” Also, because we’re the ones that screw up the most in society with “transgressions” like that or basically any other kind of transgression.

As terrible as his actions were, we guys realize that not much good is going to come from despising the man, and we will continue to watch the PGA tour only when he tees off. At this point, however, we still don’t know when that’s going to be.

Society as a whole is pretty forgiving but it will definitely take women a LONG time not to cringe when Tiger appears on the cover of S.I. or Golf Digest.

In all honesty, that may never happen.

What Tiger has to do to win his moderate supporters back is to settle his thing with his wife, Elin, address the public when he feels ready to and then hit the links.

He can’t worry about his detractors yet. It was easy to dislike him in the past with his stern demeanor and aloofness toward his fans.

All they needed was one little thing to completely trash him. Fortunately for Tiger, golf is an older man’s game and he’s got plenty of time.

I’m not necessarily a Tiger apologist. He showed a lack of judgment that is almost unparalleled from a man as high up on a pedestal.

He’s obviously been a terrible husband and it’s okay to dislike him for that, but once he starts playing again, I, like many other adolescent male golf fans, will empathize with him.

His job is to play golf and he does it better than any other person on Earth.

So many other facets of his character need work and he’s aware of that. He knows his father would be supremely disappointed in him. He knows his public image has been dealt a mortal blow. He knows all the right things he has to say or do. As for teenage male golf fans and any other fans of Tiger, we know what we have to do. Watch him play and try to forgive. 

Sports B7

Boys dance team pumped for annual performance boys dance from a1 like pink feathers, rhinestones and sequins. This year the boys are planning to wear sporty, Soffee brand skirts with a tiedyed tank top shirt. Each year the girls of the Renaissance classes decorate the outfits. During class while the boys are practicing their routine, the ladies work on the wardrobes for the big performance.

Current and past members of our schools dance and cheerleading teams including juniors Bianca Jerlinski, Sofia Cabrera and Emily Blatt coach the team.

The coaches not only come up with the routine, but they teach it to the boys and choose the music that will go along with

it. In the past the boys have strut their stuff to songs such as “Single Ladies” by Beyonce. This year the performance will feature different songs including “Shut up and Drive” by Rihanna and “Chillin’” by Wale. The coaches (along with help from the girls dance team) get ideas for the routine from Youtube videos and other performances they saw on TV. The choreography will include several different styles of dance such as the traditional kick line, a class battle and some oldies dancing.

“I love how into it they get,” Jerlinski said. “They seem scared at first but then they start to love it and they really work hard.” This is Jerlinski’s second year coaching the boys dance team.

Since the boys practice during the school day, there is limited space for them.

The P.E. classes usually occupy the main and auxiliary gyms, so the boys have turned the Multi-Purpose room into their practice area.

“The hardest part is keeping their attention, they like to play around on the wrestling mats,” Jerlinski said. Even with their short attention spans, the boys always pull through in the end and put on a very entertaining show.

“Chris Lacey is my favorite person to watch because he tries really hard and he’s actually really good,” Jerlinski said. “I’m also excited to see the younger boys perform for the first time.” 

Things every gymnast needs during a meet There are four different events at a gymnastics meet: uneven bars, balance beam, floor (made of 7 blue strips of mat), and vault (has a runway leading to a table and a springboard in front of it). Every gymnast competing on the team rotates through the events and the team score is calculated by adding the six scores on each individual event.

GRIPS- piece of fabric. chalk is rubbed on the grips to prevent rips on handsfrom the uneven bars.

TEAM SWEATS- matching sweatsuits are worn over leotards during meet while not competing.

LEOTARD: worn during practice and meets, like a one piece swimming suit made for gymnastics and preferably made of stretchy material.

WHITE CHALK- used on bars to prevent rips and blisters on hands and absorbs sweat making it easier to swing.

WRIST SUPPORT- preferred brand of wrist support- tiger paw.

Piece of platic and straps around hand to keep wrists from bending back too far and to prevent injuries.

HAIR SPRAY or adhesive spray- sprayed on to keep leotard in place.

HCPS School Board passes new eligibility requirements for VHSL athletic, extracurricular participation

I

n an effort to raise expectations and student academic achievement the Harrisonburg City School Board has increased the Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement for all Harrisonburg High School Students to participate in Virginia High School League (VHSL) extracurricular activities. Therefore, effective for the 2010-2011 school year all high school students will be required to maintain a 1.5 GPA to participate in VHSL extracurricular activities.

Process & Implementation Guidelines 1.The first calculation of GPA for high school students is at the end of the first semester of 9th grade. Therefore, rising 9th grade students will be eligible at the beginning of their freshman year for participation during the first semester.

9th graders whose GPA at the end of the first semester is less than 1.5 will be placed on extracurricular probation for the second semester.

2.Participation of 10th, 11th and 12th grade students for the 2010-2011 school year will be based on their GPA’s from the spring semester of 2010. 3.Any current student in grades 9 – 11 whose 2010 spring semester GPA (not cumulative GPA) falls below a 1.5 will be placed on extracurricular probation for the fall semester of the 2010-2011 school year.

4.Students on extra-curricular probation will be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities for one semester.

They must then raise their GPA to at least a 1.5 in order to be eligible to participate in VHSL extracurricular activities for the following semester.

5.Grades will be checked at the end of each semester to determine who will be on extracurricular probation and who will be ineligible to participate in VHSL extracurricular activities. All coaches and sponsors of VHSL extracurricular activities will be responsible for checking on the eligibility of students to participate in activities and will notify the administration of students who either need to be placed on extracurricular probation or who are not eligible to participate in extracurricular activities.

6.School administration will compile a list of students whose GPA falls below 1.5 to expedite this process. This list will remain in the school office, will be kept confidential, and will be made available to coaches and mentors only for its intended purpose.

7.In any case in which a student is being placed on extra-curricular probation, a meeting will be held with the parent and student to explain the probation, the expectation for improvement, steps that can be taken to improve aca-

demic performance, the consequences of not improving and the availability of any remedial programs or tutorial services.

8.An appeal process will be developed to consider extraordinary circumstances that directly impact a student's academic performance.

9.Please contact the high school principal, Mrs. Reynolds or the athletic director, Mr. Carico for further questions regarding the implementation of this new policy.

VHSL Extracurricular Activities Include: Academic Competition Team, Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Debate, Drama, Football, Forensics, Golf, Gymnastics, Newspaper, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Volleyball, Wrestling and Yearbook.

Examples: 1. A current 10th grade student who has a 1.4 GPA for the semester ending June 12, 2010 • The student will be placed on extracurricular probation in the 11th grade and allowed to participate in extracurricular activities for the August 2010 – January 2011 semester.

• The student’s GPA does not improve to at least 1.5 by the end of the August 2010 – January 2011 semester. The student will therefore will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities for the following semester. Furthermore,

the student will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities until they meet the 1.5 GPA requirements.

2. A current 11th grade student who has a 1.4 GPA for the semester ending June 12, 2010 • The student will be placed on extracurricular probation in the 12th grade and allowed to participate in extracurricular activities for the August 2010 – January 2011 semester.

• The student raises his/her GPA to 1.6 for the August 2010 – January 2011 semester. This student is no longer on extracurricular probation and may continue participating in extracurricular activities.

3. All current 8th grade students will be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities in the 9th grade for the August 2010 – January 2011 semester.

• The student’s GPA declines to 1.3 during the August 2010 – January 2011 semester as a 9th grader and is placed on extracurricular probation for the following semester. The student remains eligible to participate in extracurricular activities during the January 2011 – June 2011 semester.

• The student raises his/her GPA to 1.6 for the January 2011 – June 2011 semester.

This student is no longer on extracurricular probation and may continue participating in extracurricular activities. 

Get psyched! the Spring Renaissance Rally coming March 10 will feature

The HHS Boys Dance Team and hypnotist Tom Deluca

The Newsstreak

January 29, 2010

Sports B8

New swim coaches enjoying season Vanessa Ehrenpreis Sports Editor

A GO! New swim coaches, Jessica Lee and Meghan Heil, cheer on a freestyle swimmer during a meet. Photo by Jim Newcity.

fter getting a new coach last year, the HHS swim team has had to readjust again due to their two new coaches this year. Jessica Lee and Megan Heil have replaced last year’s coach Brian Moore.

“They are definitely more upbeat and bubbly [than our previous coach]. Practices are different and we focus on different things than we used to,” sophomore Joanna Hernandez said.

Hernandez, a member of last year’s swim team likes her new coaches encouraging attitude, even if their workouts are difficult to handle at times.

“We are working a lot more on IM stuff. We are doing all the strokes opposed to just the ones

we compete in,” Hernandez said.

“I think they [our new coaches] are good at making you stronger, and making you work harder than you think you can. They are also really encouraging. When you are waiting at the wall to start swimming they are always there saying ‘You can do this,’ or ‘Good job’.”

Sophomore Conner Hegg thinks that the coaches do too much dry land work, but appreciate how supportive they are.

“My favorite thing about our new coaches are how friendly they are,” Hegg said, “They are more fun and spend a lot more time with the team than our previous coaches.”

Hegg even wants them to come back and coach again next year, although he’d change a few thing about their methods.

“I’d like them to coach again, but they need to develop more focused practices and do less dry land

Strickler among freshmen swimmers Shane McMahan Sports Writer

A

fter swimming for ERRA’s summer league team since he was in kindergarten, freshman Sam Strickler decided he would continue the family tradition when he decided to join the HHS swim team.

“I decided to join the swim team because I love swimming, and my sisters have both had fun with it over the past few years,” Strickler said.

Senior Jessica Strickler has been on the swim team since her freshman year.

Nicki Strickler, a junior, has also been on the team since her freshman year.

“We all have a lot of fun being on the swim team, mainly because it

is an extremely relaxed environment,” Strickler said.

Sam Strickler, whose main stroke is the 200m Freestyle, also swims in different relays and Medleys.

He made it very clear that he will definitely be swimming for HHS during the rest of his high school years.

“I plan on being a part of the swim team until I

graduate high school,” he said.

He plans to continue being a part of the ERRA swim team during the summer.

Emma Peifer and Lydia Hatfield are the other freshmen on this year’s swim team. Like Strickler, they both enjoy swimming very much and hope to continue throughout high school. 

Stroke! Above: Freshmen Emma Peifer swims the breast stroke in a home meet.

Right: Freshmen Lydia Hatfield swims back stroke. Photos by Jim Newcity Breath! Freshman Sam Strickler swims the butterfly stroke in an event at a home meet. Photo by Jim Newcity

Penrod sports 9-1 record at 103 lb class Mitch Depoy Sports Writer

W

hen it comes to sports, some kids enjoy the team aspect of them.

The old saying is that you win and lose as a team, although in wrestling that statement can’t be true. For sophomore wrestler Keller Penrod that statement is backwards.

“I enjoy wrestling because you are the only one on the mat, if you win, you can take all the pride and if you lose it’s all on you,” Penrod said.

This year Penrod is on the HHS

wrestling team for his second year.

“I have been wrestling since 6th grade,” Penrod said. He has very fond memories of his first year of wrestling.

“I won my very first match in 6th grade,” Penrod said. From then on he was hooked. For Penrod it helped a lot to get the first win that he started his career on, and gave him that extra drive to continue on.

Now, when you look at him you wouldn’t think that he is much of a wrestler. Standing and 5’5 and 109 pounds he is one of the smaller guys on the mat most times.

“I wrestle the 103 weight class,”

Biggest and Smallest Wrestlers: Landon Turner and Keller Penrod

Penrod said. He is also having one of his better seasons through-out his 5 year stint as a wrestler. “Right now I’m 9 and 1,” Penrod said. With his only lose coming against a kid from Tabb in his last tournament.

Wrestling also takes a certain state of mind. “Wrestling is a very hard sport, and I would consider it the hardest sport in the school,” Penrod said. With practices every day, it gets very tiring. “We do lots of running, and the workouts are the hardest parts,” Penrod said. Also, the coaches are very tough on the wrestlers. A typical practice in the day of a wrestler is some partner drills. “Sometimes we have to get one of our teammates on our back and carry them down and back the length of the mat,” Penrod said. There is also lot’s of running involved.

As for Penrod’s favorite part about wrestling, it would have to be winning. “I love getting on the mat and pinning someone down to get a win,” Penrod said. He also loves to wrestle at home. “My favorite meet is the Harrisonburg Tournament, it’s a blast to wrestle at home and fun to see everyone come out and cheer us on,” Penrod said. 

Keller Penrod, Landon Turner,

Shoe Size Hand Size Height Weight Breakfast Lunch Mile Time Bench Press Bicep Size

10th Grade

11th Grade

9 1/2

17

5 ft. 5 in.

6 ft. 5 in.

103 lbs.

285 lbs.

eats nothing

eggs

usually a sub

salad

7:11

7:40

100 lbs.

325 lbs.

stuff,” Hegg said.

Hernandez admits that it was difficult for the team to adjust to their two new additions, but they have settled in nicely.

“It was hard at first because they [the coaches] were not there for a lot of the time. They were gone over Thanksgiving and Christmas break.

But when they came back, they got really involved and were accepted into the team pretty quickly. They are easy people to accept,” Hernandez said.

Hegg agrees that it was difficult for the team to adjust, “Yeah it was hard because they are so different from our coaches last year. Their personalities are completely different.”

It is currently unclear whether Heil and Lee will coach again after this season, but for now the team is just enjoying time with their new coaches. 

Faulkner inducted into Hall of Fame at HHS Jack Burden Sports Editor

O

n September 25, 2009, 19 former Harrisonburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were recognized at a Harrisonburg High School football game. The next day they were officially inducted at a luncheon held in the high school cafeteria, with each honoree receiving a plaque made from the old high school’s bleachers.

The Hall of Fame, which was created last year, is open to any former Harrisonburg I do {feel athlete who was a clear standout honored}. I played during their high basketball when school career. people didn’t In addition to think girls could being an excellent do sports, but athlete during their high school sports everyone always career, each person said i ‘played like a has to meet two boy’,’” other requirements.  Spanish They have to have graduated from Teacher HHS, and to have Nancy Faulkner been out of school for at least 20 years.

Nancy Faulkner, a Spanish teacher here at HHS and former girl’s basketball standout, was one of those who met these criteria, and was therefore inducted in 2009.

For over half of the twentieth century women were considered inferior to men. This ideology applied in almost every situation: the workplace, the household, and at many social events. The sports world was no exception.

Faulkner, who played for the Blue Streaks from 1966 until 1976, experienced some of this gender discrimination. Named Most Valuable Player and leading scorer her sophomore, junior, and senior years, Faulkner had what most would describe as an excellent career here at HHS. However, she did not have the opportunity to compete in tournaments or play college basketball because there was no NCAA for women. Faulkner doesn’t seem to mind, though.

“I do [feel honored]. I played basketball when people didn’t think girls could do sports, but everyone always said I ‘played like a boy’,” Faulkner said.

David Loughran, an English teacher at HHS, was a track athlete at Mount Lebanon High School from 1993 until 1996. He was all-state in cross country and outdoor track, where he ran the 3200 meters, or the two mile. Although his high school does not have a hall of fame, he still believes that having one is a good idea.

“It’s a great idea for the athletic community to have [a hall of fame] because it’s good for kids of this generation to understand those athletes that came before them,” Loughran said.

Athletic Director Joe Carico believes that that will change.

“The people who are inducted into [the Hall of Fame] really appreciate it, and over time I think people will appreciate it more,” Carico said.

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January 29, 2010

2009-10

HHS

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Extreme Sports

January 29, 2010

The Newsstreak

Photo Essay B10

Ninja style! Spotswood High School Senior Addison Newberry does a human flagpole which is a part of the sport parkour. Photo by Rafiqa Haji

Getting some air! Senior Armeen Pirooz rides the rail up at local and very popular ski resort Massanutten. Photo by Rafiqa Haji Ready-set! Junior Bao Pham prepares himself for take off on the slopes atMassanutten Ski Resort. Photo by Rafiqa Haji.

Do your thing! Senior Addison Newberry performs a wall jump at Purcell Park . Photo by Rafiqa Haji.

Getting the job done! Senior Addison Newberry performs a precision jump, a parkour technique. Photo by Rafiqa Haji.

Candid! Junior Bao Pham stands in front of the lounge at Massanutten waiting for friends before hitting the slopes. Photo by Rafiqa Haji

Get prepared. Senior Josh Thomas fixes up his bindings on his snowboard before riding in Massanutten. Photo by Rafiqa Haji.

Good stuff! Junior David Gray practices snowboarding at Massanutten. Photo by Rafiqa Haji.

Hitting the slopes! Junior Bao Pham practices snowboarding routines several times a week at local ski resort Massanutten. Photo

by Rafiqa Haji.

Look at him go! Spotswood Senior Addison Newberry performs a walking handstand on a picnic table, a parkour technique. Photo by Rafiqa Haji.

Perfect form! Senior Addison Newberry ends a walking handstand off Freerunner. Senior Addison Newberry doing a two step wall flip off of the side a stairwalk perfectly. Photo by Rafiqa Haji. of a swing at local park Purcell Park. Photo by Rafiqa Haji.

Shreddin! Senior Armeen Pirooz, known for his risky snowboarding techniques, rides freely down the slopes of Massanutten in order to relax. Photo by Rafiqa Haji.

Impressive! Senior Addison Newberry performs a back Wow! Senior Addison Newberry does a handstand off the top of the flip off at Purcell Park. Photo by Rafiqa Haji. castle section of Purcell park. Photo by Rafiqa Haji.