The Bruin- March 2007 by Wadsworth Bruin

Wadsworth High School

Newspaper II/III

March 2007

The

1870 - 2007 Wadsworth City Schools: “Celebrating 137 years of Excellence in Education”

Volume XXXII No. 6

BRUIN

Get ready for Spring Break! April 2 to April 8!

2007: Where are we now?

Thousands of U.S. troops deployed to Iraq continue to build a democracy after toppling Hussein’s reign four years ago. PHOTO COURTESY OF HTTP://ANTHONYBRADLEY.WORLDMAG.BLOG.COM

Progress, problems mark four years in Iraq BY MICHELLE MCCUNE

Four years ago, the United States and three other countries began military operations in Iraq with the objectives of ending Saddam Hussein’s rule, disarming weapons of mass destruction and freeing the Iraqi people. Nearing the anniversary of President George W. Bush’s declaration of war on March 20, amidst much controversy and with two of the three goals accomplished, the ever-changing situation often leaves many American citizens wondering what is currently happening. The drastic changes seen in the Middle East will undoubtably affect the world for years to come. Within three weeks of the initial invasion, American forces

took over Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, and toppled the reign of Hussein. One month later, on May 1, Bush announced that all major combat operations in Iraq were being ended. However, conﬂict continued and still continues today as insurgents use guerilla warfare techniques as a last stand against American forces. In December 2003, Hussein himself was captured by American troops, and three years later, on December 29, 2006, was executed for his “crimes against humanity.” Many feel that this victory is overshadowed by the loss of life American forces have suffered. While this war is comparatively less violent than preceding ones, the 3,160 American

casualties are felt very deeply by grieving Americans. This creates questions as to the justification of the armed forces’ presence. The Iraqi people held their first democratic election on January 30, 2005. It was on that day that 8.4 million people showed up to vote, and despite threats of violence, the day of the election came and went relatively peacefully. Pictures showing Iraqi citizens returning from the polls and proudly displaying their purple-stained finger, which was used to identify voters, circulated throughout the United States. Pictures and the media have played a large role in morale, as photos of flag-draped coffins and victorious Iraqi voters have created conflicting feelings.

2005 was largely a struggle of transferring power to the Iraqi government to speed up withdrawal of American troops, and a legislative election was held in December. A permanent Iraq government was established in 2006, and elected officials took office in May. Little changed throughout the rest of the year. After U.S. elections and a change in power in Congress, Bush announced an increase of 20,000 troops that will serve as a “New Way Forward” in which American forces will help the Iraqis put down sectarian violence and establish stability. January 2008 will undoubtedly bring shifts in policy as Bush leaves office, making the end of the war even more unclear.

Prince, was arrested Feb. 11 in connection with these threats. Two weeks ago, a 17-year old Michigan boy brought a gun to school and shot his girlfriend before turning the gun on himself. The bomb threats were hoaxes. The shooting, along with numerous others in recent years, was not. Often, it is difﬁcult to tell whether a threat will be real or not, causing those in charge to treat every threat as real.

Once identiﬁed, the Wadsworth teen immediately admitted that he had written the message, which was intended as a joke. The administration still acted according to the school’s zero-tolerance policy by having an extended ﬁre drill at 1:00 p.m., the time indicated on the calculator, and by calling the police. “We followed our procedures and reacted accordingly,” said Principal Brian Williams.

While some believe that taking those who make bomb threats into custody is overreacting, it is obvious that there is no choice but to act when confronted with a calculator promising “to maximize deaths.” When real school shootings and bombings have become almost a common occurrence, a joke about such a thing is less than funny, especially to a school ofﬁcial responsible for such a

$1.00

Senior trips entail possible danger BY ABIGAIL LEDMAN

Whether a senior trip is just a weekend getaway to Cedar Point or a full-blown excursion to the Bahamas, all pose a potentially dangerous threat. Careless moves, irresponsible decisions or even miscalculated travel plans can change an “Oh, yeah!” to an “Oh, no!” “I am going to Myrtle Beach in July with about 12 of my friends. It is going to be crazy fun,” said senior Elana Cole. While senior trips may be packed with adventure, fun and a new sense of independence, they equally possess dormant precariousness. Excitement heightens, adrenaline pumps and, often, carelessness can overtake the newlygraduated senior classmen. Take, for example, Natalee Holloway, who disappeared nearly two years ago, in May 2005. Holloway was on a postgraduation trip in Aruba with an estimated 125 classmates. On the evening of Sunday, May 29, Holloway traveled to Carlos’n Charlie’s, a local bar and grille near her hotel. She was last seen leaving the restaurant at one in the morning on Monday. She has yet to be found and is presumed to be dead. “With the sad events that occurred to Natalee Holloway, we will be forced to be cautious and smart in our decisions while on senior trip,” said senior Matt Wenger. Several vacation hot spots even plan for a ﬂooding of senior classmen. For example, Myrtle Beach hosts Senior Week from July 7 through July 14. Hotels lower prices and increase occupancy See Dangerous Travel, page 9

False alarms, real situations difﬁcult to distinguish; all have consequences BY LAURA MYERS

A 17-year old junior decided to write a fake bomb threat on his calculator. The message was discovered on Friday, March 9, and the teenager was sent to juvenile detention for inducing panic. One month previously, a 19year old Brunswick man was caught after calling in several bomb threats to Brunswick High School. The man, Stephan D.

Squire wins State

large number of students. “We have to take threats in a serious manner. We will never under-react to any situation,” said Williams. The Wadsworth student is wellliked by students and faculty, who say he is an intelligent teen who has never even had a detention. He has the support of many, but must still face the consequences of his action, as would anyone threatening violence at school.

Sports 2, 14

Entertainment, 16

Meet the underclassmen who have dominated winter sports

Learn about Apple’s new superphone, the iPhone.

Freshman Squire won an individual Division I State Championship on March 3. The 119pound wrestler is the ﬁrst freshman in Wadsworth history to win State. For more pictures of winter State tournaments,

Picture pages, 10-11

Editorial

March 2007

The Brewin’ Debate Should Spring Fling be changed to a winter dance because it is so close to Prom and Junior Banquet? YES

BY ZACK BUDINSCAK

The spring months are by far the most hectic time of the year for students. Whether it is seniors looking for their dream dress or juniors planning their night of junior banquet, there is too much going on in the spring to squeeze in another dance. Moving Spring Fling back a few months and having the dance in January would be a way to aleviate the hassle that goes along with the dance. Many juniors and seniors avoid the dance altogether because Junior Banquet and Prom run so close to it. Having the dance earlier in the year would not only be good for students, it would be beneficial for the school, too. The attendance would be much higher, bringing in more money for the school and improving the setting for dances of the future. Most schools in the area have eliminated dances in the spring because it has conflicted with other dances and events in the spring. I think it would just make more sense to move our Spring Fling to the winter months because of the problems and conflicts it causes right now.

BY JOSH SNYDER

Spring Fling has been a tradition at our school for a long time. Moving this dance into the winter would only cause confusion. Instead of moving the dance back a few months, our school could organize Spring Fling to be semiformal. By making it semi-formal, we could cut back the mayhem caused by girls needing more than one dress, and we may even save our students some money. If the student council were to move the dance into the winter months, many athletes would not attend. Both basketball teams as well as the wrestling team often compete on the weekends. Spring Fling allows the underclassmen to enjoy a spring dance and allows the juniors and seniors to attend another, less expensive dance before the school year is over. Junior Banquet and Prom both can turn into very expensive nights when you include tickets and various other expenses. Spring Fling is scheduled for March 30, whichgives juniors and seniors at least one month to plan for their respective dances.

Letters to the Editor I think that the Bruin needs to get a little more risky with its articles. No one really cares about the possible presidential candidates a year and a half before the elections. If they did, they would not be looking for them in this newspaper. Write something about Anna Nicole Smith or something with a little more controversy. Write about something that will sell! -Nate Miska, 12 I really hate it when I get to lunch and there is no food to be purchased in the lunch lines. Another problem is the food and spills all over the tables. It is annoying because then you have to set your books down carefully and make sure that you do not get ketchup all over it. Another thing I cannot stand is how the food is always cold in the snack line. I think things need to change. -Aimee Belford, 10 Everyone on the Bruin staff does so such a good job, I love

each and every article that is found inside of the paper. I just want to kiss the paper because I am so in love with the paper. -Matt Fritz, 11 I am so extremely sick of high school relationships. If I have to see one more couple all over each other and down each others throats I will puke. I am also sick of the clothing choices made by our student body. Do people not look at themselves in a mirror? If chains and untasteful pants and shirts are allowed why can’t holes in jeans be allowed? The school needs to stop worrying about a messy cafeteria and deal with these inappropriate students! -Alex Bryson, 11 For the longest time there has been discussion and talk about a skate park being built next to the high school. I have seen fliers and banners for it all over town, yet nothing has been done to begin building

Editorial

Self-discipline requires sacriﬁce, moderation Too much of anything is a bad thing. At least, that is what is said, but is that what people think? Surely, too much of something bad is even worse in larger quantities, but many people do not realize that the rule applies for everything; it is just the perception of something “bad” that differs from mind to mind. In today’s Christian world, Lent is a time of abstaining from certain normal practices, whether they are morally bad or not. Just because something is not immoral, sinful, unhealthful or unlawful does not eliminate its purpose in limiting its practice. In some religions, part of Lent is the abstinence of eating meat on Fridays. Obviously, eating meat is not a bad habit; it just allows individuals to be able to relate to Jesus more and experience his suffering. It also is a good way to build self-discipline. Many people would argue that

watching television is a bad thing, but it is also a nice source of relaxing entertainment. Moderating the amount of TV watched is still beneﬁcial, however, because it accomplishes the goal of selfdiscipline. Practicing self-discipline not only makes you a stronger decision-maker, but it also increases your self-control. It helps you to build your character and it conditions yourself to become a better person overall. Applying moderation to various things in daily life is a good habit, but it is rare to see many people restraining themselves on a daily basis. Constantly using self-control seems quite ridiculous, but still some of those who claim to be religious often cannot do it for 40 days. Self-improvement is an important practice in anyone’s life, and not attempting to reach your potential can be degenerative.

School Uniforms?

the park itself. Being a freshman it would be nice to get a few years use out of the park before I go to college. Any information that is available on the status of the skate park would be a great help. Many people have been wondering the status on the park but there has been no information displayed to the public. The committee should get out and let the community know what is going on with the park and when it will be built. -Brian Sarlouis, 9 During the last month, Wadsworth City Schools has probably set a record for the most snow days during a certain amount of time. We had four snow days in two weeks, and it was the best thing ever. I would like to thank Mother Nature for making those snow days possible and the school officials for calling the days off. -Robbie Kaminski, 9

Bruin Staff Editor-in-chief: Brad Mueller Associate Editor-in-chief: Ryan Renacci Copy Editor: Laura Myers Marketing Editor: Kristi Havens Front Page: Page Editor: Michelle McCune Reporters: Abigail Ledman, Laura Myerrs Editorial: Page Editor: Zack Budinscak Reporter: Josh Snyder Music: Page Editor: Aaron Krumheuer Reporter: Justin Mesick, Warren Bates Speakout: Page Editor: Nick Jack Reporter: Ben Dee Opinion 1: Page Editor: Drew Knight Reporter: Simon Russell, Dan Costello Opinion 2: Page Editor: Erin Conley Reporter: Brooke Babyak Features: Page Editor: Laura Arch Reporter: Carly McNutt News: Page Editor: Jill Edmonds Reporters: Mike Hoover Picture Page: Page Editor: Dave Kipfer Reporter/Photographer: Brittani Peltz, Alex Serfass Entertainment: Page Editor: Nick Burton Reporter: Jenny Harsh, Zach Berger Variety Page: Page Editor: Molly Brazier Reporters: Rachel Hudson Sports 1: Page Editor: Britt Busson Sports 2: Page Editor: Tommy Kaminski Reporter: Amanda Hoover, Matt Snodgrass Movie Page: Page Editor: Kat Little, Jesse Mooney Ads/ Business Manager: Garrett Weinecke, Matt Sarlouis Cartoonist: David Niedzwiecki Page Editors: Newspaper/Yearbook 1 Classes Advisor: John Gramuglia

Editorial Policy The Bruin is a monthly publication produced by the Newspaper II and Newspaper III students at Wadsworth High School. The Newspaper I class produces the May issue. The staff will do its best to inform the student body and the community of intra-school, community or national events that affect the student body. This paper provides on-the-job training for the staff members. All decisions are made by the staff members with the advice and suggestions of the advisor. The school administration works closely with the staff to ensure accuracy. We, as the students of journalism, hold the same rights and the same responsibilities as professional journalists as we strive for professional standards. These rights include the right to print any material that is not libelous, obscene, or excessively disruptive to the school process. The Bruin will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion, color, creed, or sex. The staff members accept full responsibility for everything appearing in this publication. The staff strongly encourages students to express their opinions through the letters to the editor column, which is printed every month. The staff also encourages the members of the community to express their opinion as well. Space permitting, all letters will be printed. Because the staff accepts the responsibility for the contents of the paper, we must reserve the right to edit or omit any portion of any letter. All letters must be signed, but the name will be withheld upon request.

News Residency laws for sex offenders under review BY JILL EDMONDS

There are 16 registered sex offenders in Wadsworth and 112 in Medina County, not including the ones still behind bars for their crimes. According to state laws, offenders are not allowed to live within 1000 feet of a school bus stop or a place where kids gather, which means they cannot live near schools or day cares. Neighborhoods are notified of a sex offender that is moving in, and the Medina Country Sheriff’s Office keeps all of their information posted on the Internet for the public to see. Many precautions are taken to keep offenders away from children, but people are now questioning how harmful each offender is. The new state trend is to loosen the residency laws of registered sex offenders. Georgia, Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma are among the states that are moving in a new direction and lessening sex offender penalties. Many are asking why anyone would do such a thing. Sex offenders are lumped under one category, making very minor crimes, such as urinating in public, subject to the precautions held for child rapists and molesters. Even officials are putting in their word to slacken the laws according to the offense. In Oklahoma, state representative Lucky Lamons, a former police officer of 22 years, is advocating

Oklahoma state representative Lucky Lamons was a police ofﬁcer for 20 years. He is now advocating to separate harmful sex offenders from minor offenders. PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE.IMAGES.COM

the separation of harmful offenders from the minor offenders. “We need to focus on people we’re afraid of, not mad at,” said Lamons to USAToday.com. Currently, residency laws in many other states are very strict with sex offenders. The past decade has resulted in 27 states with stern residency laws. Many states do not allow them to live in major parts of cities, resulting in offenders not registering with the local police or giving false addresses. Of the nation’s

600,000 sex offenders, it is plausible that tens of thousands of them are using false addresses. Having broad restrictions provides a “false sense of security,” said Nancy Sabin to USAToday. com. According to Sabin, 90 percent of child victims suffer at the hands of someone they know or who is close to the family. Sabin also said that the laws may prohibit some from living near a school, but it does not stop some from loitering near the school. She also said the rise of residency

restrictions happened when researchers did not provide sufficient data to prove that the laws and restrictions really worked. The real catch-22 of the whole situation is that a parolee cannot leave prison until he or she has a living place. In some areas, such as in Illinois, there are 400 people stuck in prison because of this law. Many of those held back are not even child predators. Many people are advocating for new laws to apply to the people who are not a threat to society and a new labeling system. Others, however, are trying to implement different restrictions. David Finkelhor of New Hampshire wants more checkups to be done by well-trained probation officers. Kim English of Colorado is pushing for mandatory therapy. Jill Levenson of Florida believes that polygraph testing, or lie-detection tests, will help solve the problems. Efforts are being made across the board to help those lumped under the sex offender category. “Somebody is going to end up with a huge problem unless we all get on the same page,” said Frances Breyne to USAToday.com. No matter what the end result of this great residency law debate, one thing is certain: America is having difficulty with a sensitive subject and needs to fix it. Perhaps the national government may have to step up and use its strength to help those in need.

Stanford receives funding for research BY MIKE HOOVER

Stanford University has announced that it received a $33 million donation from Lorry Lokey, the founder and former owner of Business Wire. The donation was made to aid the university in its development of a stem cell research center. Lokey, who already has a chemistry and biological sciences building named after him at Stanford, has also donated large amounts of money to other schools. Lokey previously donated nearly $50 million to the University of Oregon. He has also made contributions to Mills College (in Oakland), the Israel Institute of Technology (in Technion, Israel) and his elementary school in Oregon. In 2006, Lokey sold Business Wire to Berkshire Hathaway for approximately $500 million. The company was founded and operates on the concept of transmitting corporate press releases to the media.

Stanford announced its hope to ﬁnish construction of the research lab by 2011. The project

Larry Lokey smiles at a press conference in 2005 before announcing the sale of his company, Business Wire. PHOTO COURTESY OF UOREGON.EDU.

has been made possible largely by Lokey’s donation, the largest from any individual to the Stanford medical school. Lokey’s donation was made because of his strong personal feelings towards the positive effects of stem cell research. Lokey hopes that future stem cell research will be able to not only extend life, but also improve the

quality of life. Lokey, who is 79, also hopes that stem cell research will help elderly people who are suffering because of conditions of their age. Donations made to schools by Lokey are made through his charity, the Jewish Community Endowment Fund, based in San Francisco. The $62.3 Lorry I. Lokey Laboratory Building, which was completed in 2003, houses research facilities for chemistry and biological sciences. This building was made possible after a separate $20 million Lokey donation. In 2006, Lokey donated $163 million to various charities and organizations. He is also the 25th ranked donor on The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s list of America’s most generous benefactors. “As you go through life and draw from the Earth, so, too, must you put it back,” said Lokey, who invests more in higher education than in himself.

March 2007

From your principal

As we approach the beginning of the fourth quarter it makes me reﬂect on the school year. This year has been impressive due to the success our students have had both in the classroom and out. Academically, we have had students win awards or recognition for their work with: The Bruin, Cadd, Wayne College Writing Contest, Latin Club, Marketing, Cosmetology, Jobs for Ohio Graduates and many others. We have had seniors recognized as National Merit Finalists, and students recognized for their scores on the National Mathematics Exam. It is obvious that academically our students are very impressive. Athletically, our students continue to win state level honors including many state champs. In the area of Arts our students continue to excel; our Band, Vocal Music, Art and Drama programs continue to impress with their talent. Lastly, I would encourage the Class of 2007 to continue to work hard as you complete your last nine weeks at Wadsworth High School. Please complete your responsibilities, such as Community Service hours and fees and ﬁnes. You have been an outstanding class and one that we will all look back on with pride as you move on to the next phase in your life.

WHS Briefs •

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Juniors Zak McKee, Rachel Stoner, Mike Belair and Ben Weber, all Computer Aided Drafting and Design students, won a gold award in the National Robotics Challenge held in Marlon, Ohio. They designed a remote-controlled journey robot. The senior team, consisting of Dan Robinson, Noah Shreve, Josh Strong, Matt Toddy and Isaac Yetzer, placed 4th overall. Mr. Shipley is the CADD instuctor, and CADD is part of the Four Cities • Educational Compact. Latin Club sent 26 students to participate with 933 other students and chaperones in the 2007 Ohio Junior Classical League Convention. The event took place at the Columbus Midwest Hotel and Conference Center from March 9-11.

Eight students won awards in the creative arts contests, graphic arts projects and academic tests. Freshman Chelsea Ray who won first place for her charcoal drawing and fifth place for her Roman jewelry design and sophomore John Grimm won six academic awards including 2nd place in the Level II Latin Sight Reading contest and third place in the grammar and reading comprehension tests. Congratulations to the Marketing and Law students who participated at the DECA competition on March 11. Seniors Dana Gardner and Audrey Wallis were national qualifiers and state runnersup in the Business Law category. Seniors Jessica McCaffrey and Jordan Roberts were among the top ten finishers at the state level.

$5 for 2.25 The snack bar is now offering a choice of five fresh foods for $2.25!

Michael J. Boyer, D.P.M. Podiatrist Sports Medicine

119 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281 Phone: (330) 334-1534

Opinion 1

March 2007

Arrogance keeps our school divided

It happens everywhere; p e o p l e ’s egos get in the way of communicating with other people. It RUSSELL happens in OPINION STAFF the media, the workplace, everywhere. The most prevalent area of this ignorance happens in high schools, especially our high school. Every

day I see and hear people making fun of other people because they are ugly, underprivileged or something else of the sort. This, my friends and co-students, in the words of Dr. Phil, needs to stop and needs to stop right now! “I really dislike seeing people make fun of the less fortunate. It is appalling. It really boils my water,” said senior Gregory E. Chester. I wholeheartedly agree. I guess it is human nature to be competitive and to make yourself shine brighter than everyone else, but how about bringing yourself

Here three students heckle senior Jensen because he wears the same pair of jeans and blue coat every day. They should not make fun of him because of this, but rather because he draws creepy pictures and makes random comments. PHOTO BY SIMON RUSSELL

Ask Patty

MRS. HASKINS OPINION STAFF

Haskins’ answers.

O n c e again, Patty offers us her wisdom. Feel free to read a h e a d and become enlightened with Mrs.

SR: If you could play any instrument, what would it be? PH: In high school I played clarinet, alto sax and baritone sax, but that was a long time ago. If I could choose a new instrument it would have to be the bagpipes. My Scottish father always told me I had more than

Joshua Carman Internet Manager

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enough hot air to play them. SR: If you had one piece of advice to underclassmen, what would it be? PH: Be patient--you will turn into a human when you become an upperclassmen. As an underclassman you are lost, confused and basically unaware of the ﬁner things in life. SR: What would be your nickname if you played street ball? PH: I would have to say the “Avenging Angel” because I am extremely ruthless, but in a kind way. SR: If Pepsi was banned from the United States, what would you do? PH: Habla Espanol?

Wadsworth (330)335-1546 Toll Free 1-888-335-1549 Fax (330) 334-3315 presented. Cell (330) 573-2906 www.wadsworthford.com Email jcarman@wadsworthford.com

up without tearing somebody else down? Sure it is all right to joke, but when it gets repetitive and hateful it crosses the line. I think that before you go around and criticize other people, you should get to know them, hang out. That way you will have a chance to evaluate them, and determine if they are makefun-of worthy. First impressions can be deceiving. Just because somebody is not the best looking or not as ﬁnancially sound as you does not mean that they need to be made fun of all the time. “I have seen many a student walk through the halls of this high school, and only a select few really deserved to be made fun of,” said Mr. Lynn. So they do not dress the same or hang out with the same people as you. Big deal. Everyone makes fun of somebody sometime in their lives; I know I have before. Looking back on it, though, it was on something shallow like wearing dirty clothes or something off brand. Heck, today I wore a Pokemon shirt and Wal-Mart Velcro shoes. They are comfortable and cheap. Money should not be the reason that you make fun of someone. If you make fun of somebody, you should make fun of them because they are cocky, arrogant and basically a jerk. I think it is time the quiet shy people rise up and torment the kids that have caused so much pain for them in the past. That will show them not to mess with the strong, silent type.

OPINION BY COSTELLO

Have you ever had the feeling that you’ve just been thrown on the ground, stomped on and then had tomato sauce poured on your face? When this happens there is absolutely nothing you can do except lay on the

ground and cry. Unfortunately, this is the exact feeling I had when I discovered that my wallet was stolen from my jeans pocket in the upstairs locker room of our very own high school. Thieves have been a big problem at our school these last couple of years. I have heard many stories of students getting their wallets stolen right out of their purses when they are turned around or when they leave it unattended for one second. I do not see the need for fellow students to steal from each other, and it really grinds my gears to know that we have that many schmucks in our school who will consciously take from others with no remorse.

Truthfully, there are not many people that I have a problem with at our school, but I can honestly say that I dislike every single thief who walks this earth with all of my heart. “I turned around for one second to tell my friend something, and when I turned around my purse was open and my wallet was missing,” said senior Melissa Lauro. “I had my two weeks of pay in my wallet and I felt like breaki n g

something!” Luckily we have awesome staff members and principals like Mr. Osborn and Mr. Smith who try to crack the cases of stolen valuables in our school, but they are not always successful. So, I would suggest that if you plan on keeping your money, always keep an eye on it or keep it locked up in a locker of some sort. If you do not, you will undoubtedly have it stolen by a ninny with nothing better to do with their life than steal. And what Costello says, goes!!!

Hypocrisy lives throughout religious community, school Society is plagued with fakes, f r a u d s and falsiﬁed facts commonly accepted e v e r y KNIGHT day. This OPINION STAFF is never more evident than when common folk search for religious respect among the community. The quest for religious acceptance amongst peers has led these desperate souls to lead lives that contradict the basic concept of religion. How can someone go “get wasted” on Saturday night, have premarital relations and swear until Sunday’s sunrise, return home, lie to his parents, and then attend church? By attending church, does this take back all the scornful deeds they committed the previous night? If God accepts all “wholehearted” apologies, then the eventful weekend is completely accepted and disregarded. Now I am not saying that every person who attends church is leading an untrue life, but what I am saying is that a small minority of religious enthusiasts act quite hypocritically. Many weekly churchgoers feel that they have

the “higher” authority to judge those who call themselves followers of God yet fail to attend church. Instead of arbitrating in the affairs of others, these people need to look in the mirror and see how they are leading their lives. In some instances, people who may not visit God’s house on a weekly basis lead lives closer in Jesus’ footsteps. Judging others is, in fact, a prohibited practice throughout the Christian faith; by trying to identify others’ flaws, people are creating more flaws in themselves. Some may call me ignorant, but I find it comical when these confused souls try to preach the “right” way to live. Furthermore, I ask myself this question, ‘What is the goal of religion?’ Is the sole goal to devote every Sunday morning and a small donation to your local church? If this is true, then weekly churchgoers guarantee themselves a great afterlife. My opinion, on the other hand, sees religion as an attempt to make the world a better place. All religions promote truthfulness, care and selflessness. If a person does not attend church every weekend but leads a true and righteous life, why would churchgoers label these people unfaithful? You can go to church as much

as you want, but if you are not living what is preached, church will not mean a thing. The important aspect in religion is living the words of the Bible, not dedicating an allotted amount of time once a weekend to church. In my eyes, I see these people in a different way. I look at this small group and see inhabitants trying to give themselves self-righteousness, although it is unearned. They use church as a ploy to grant themselves self-satisfaction as people. Church does not do that for anyone; religion may show churchgoers how to live, but it is the job of each individual to take the guidelines to heart and apply the principles to daily life. Hypocrisy is happening all around us. Religious enthusiasts not living the life they preach are just a small fraction of the fakes that blurt their close-mindedness to anyone willing to listen. If these fraudulent churchgoers feel better by claiming to lead a life of The Lord, then I say they should feel free to lie to themselves and others. Going to church once a week does not make up for the unrighteous lifestyles this minority leads. Not only do I see through it, but also anyone with common sense can see beyond the hypocritical preaching and claims.

Opinion 2

March 2007

Uniform Policies in Area School Districts Akron

In 11 of 39 elementary schools 1 in 10 middle schools School board is considering expanding uniforms to all elementary schools

Canton

Some schools previously required uniforms, but gave up policy

Cincinnati In nearly all elementary schools In 5 of 15 high schools Cleveland In most elementary schools In 4 high schools Columbus In almost half of the elementary schools In 7 middle schools No high schools Dayton

In 17 of 24 elementary and middle schools

Toledo

In all schools

Youngstown In all schools, but policies vary in different grade levels

Schools conforming to uniformity I remember when I was a child being told by countless people that I am unique from any BABYAK other perOPINION STAFF son in the world. I was told that my individuality made me special. Now, with the rise of public school uniforms, educators are stripping school children of their identity More and more school districts, especially in urban areas, are considering implementing mandatory school uniforms. School uniforms are already in the country’s biggest cities including New York City, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, Memphis, Houston, Washington D.C., New Orleans and Seattle. In so many aspects of our life, we are supposed to embrace the diversity of others. We are taught that tolerance is important in a community. Clothing is one way that people express themselves. “I think it [uniforms in schools]

is unnecessary. It’s a blunt attack on self-expression,” said junior Andy Woods. If we can’t learn to accept how people dress, how are we going to accept people who are different in much bigger ways, such as religion or ethnicity? Opinions about the effectiveness of uniforms differ among many educators and researchers. While some educators cite that uniforms promote better attendance records and behavior problems, a 1998 study by a professor from University of Missouri-Columbia found that there was no correlation between uniforms and drug use, attendance or behavior problems. Another study done by sociologists from the University of Notre Dame and the University of Alabama also found that uniforms had “no direct effect on substance abuse, behavioral problems or attendance.” The study examined Long Beach California’s school district. While school administrators felt that uniforms did create a better environment, the researchers found that there were other reforms such as educational content that contributed to better

attendance, fewer behavior problems and fewer drug and alcohol problems. “The clothing we wear is hardly ever a real problem. You can express yourself in so many other ways, but that’s not to say the school isn’t making their issues with students’ dress out to be a bigger deal than they really are,” said junior Max Bruno. What students wear to school should not affect their attendance. Taking time to pick out an outﬁt will not make someone miss a whole day of school. Drug and alcohol problems can not be related to dress either. What a person wears does not dictate what choices they will make concerning drugs or alcohol. As more and more schools turn to uniforms, the students themselves become more and more uniform. Uniforms in schools could be the beginning of students losing their own identities and their own way of thinking and expressing themselves. If educators aren’t careful, everyone will be like everyone else, and we will lose the importance of the individuality that we were all told about so many times as children.

Anna Nicole’s death brings out true colors The genius of many wellk n o w n artists of the past centuries went unacknowledged until after their CONLEY OPINION STAFF deaths. Anna Nicole Smith, a celebrity who is famous simply for being famous, may not be recognized as the next Picasso, but her post-death popularity continues to rise to ridiculous heights. Nearly a month after the native Texan’s death, feuds over the starlet’s body and her six-month old child continue to stir up the media. On February 8, Smith’s lifeless body was found in her Seminole Hard Rock Café Hotel and Casino hotel room in Hollywood, Florida. In attempts to save the former Playboy Playmate’s life, Smith’s bodyguard performed CPR, but the star was pronounced dead just hours later at a nearby

hospital. Prescription drugs including Valium as well as several overthe-counter medications, were discovered in the 39-year old’s hotel room at the time of her death. Although the autopsy showed no direct evidence of drug-use and the results from the toxicology test are not expected to surface until sometime in March, officials still believe that Smith’s passing may be drug-related. For the average American, safe from the insincerity of stardom, a death means a gravestone, flowers and tears. But with Hollywood, nothing is that simple. Instead, those closest to Smith are taking full advantage of the celebrity’s fame. “Anna’s death has really brought out people’s true motives,” said freshman Jason Papas. Two alleged fathers of Smith’s six-month old daughter, Dannielynn, as well as the star’s estranged mother, battled for their fifteen minutes of fame in a Bahamian courthouse on February 26. Larry Birkhead, an ex-boyfriend

Anna Nicole Smith shows drastric changes in her appearance the years before her February 8 death. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SLIDESHOW.IVILLAGE.COM, PEOPLE.COM, NEWS.BBC.CO.UK

of Smith, is demanding a DNA test while Howard K. Stern, the legal father on the birth certiﬁcate, ﬁghts to retain custody. The husband of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, Frederic von Anhalt, and Smith’s bodyguard, Alexander Denkalso, also claim to be the girl’s father. Ironically, neither von Anhalt or Denkalso showed any desire for custody of the child until information leaked of the $500 million estate of Smith’s late husband, to which Dannielynn is the only heir. Smith’s mother, Virgie Arthur, argues that the child’s interests

would be best kept away from Stern, whom she believes played a major part in her daughter’s death. Battles over Smith’s body also heated up the courtroom. Arthur and Stern continued to dispute over the location of Smith’s burial. The star’s mother believed that her daughter should have been buried in her hometown of Mexia, Texas, but Stern strongly disagreed. He claimed that Smith’s wishes were to be buried next to her son, Daniel, in the Bahamas who died suddenly in September from what is believed to a drug

overdose. Arthur’s attorney, Robert G. Mandel, argued that burial in the Bahamas would be an inconvenience for Smith’s mother because she would not only have to purchase a passport, but also spend several thousand dollars to even put ﬂowers on the grave. After days of trial, the body was handed over to Stern. Smith was buried next to her son on March 2. With what started as a playground-like ﬁght between children has now turned into the media’s main focus. The constant coverage of the Smith case on television, in magazines and on radio stations is only feeding the desires of the four people who are obviously starving for attention in the public eye. It seems like in today’s world, even a nobody can become known by an outrageous act or ridiculous publicity stunt, but using someone’s tragic death as a stepping stone for fame hits the lowest of lows. “The entire incident appears to be a scandalous affair,” said junior Sarah Pels, “It’s just a pathetic cry for help.”

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Students

I’m going to Hilton Head Island I am going to Aruba with Courtney Going to Spring Fling, and hanging with Lindsay Tenyak to see my old- Stuetzer. I plan on relaxing, getting out with friends. er sister Steph, who lives there. a golden brown tan, and many other fun activities. -Bryant Buzzelli, 11 -Jen Uhl, 12 -Chrissy Pavlik, 11 I really want to get my driver’s license. I’ve had my temps for years now. I’m like almost 17 and decided it’s time I need to have some responsibility instead of relying on my parents all the time! -Dom Oddo, 10 On spring break I plan on going to Disney Land with my mommy and sissy. It should be a real swell time, I’ll get to meet Scooby-Doo and Mickey Mouse. I might even get a hug from them because they are my total favs! -Kyle Davis,10

I remember the Junior Banquet at W.H.S. the best. We had a talent show and roasted the teachers. You could go with buddies and ﬂirt with the junior girls. It was by far my best memory of the dances. -Mr. Goddard My Senior Prom was the best. The dance was fun, but afterward we all went to my date’s house and spent the night around a camp ﬁre singing, laughing and having a good time.

Do you have any plans for Spring Break? If so, what are they? Over spring break I am going on a Royal Caribbean Cruise! -Craig Snyder, 10 Yea! I’ll be chillin in Florida, while yalls up here freezing. I’ll be swimming and tanning. Stay cool kids, I’m going South! -Elijah Straub, 10

Speakout

I’m going to watch Stargate SG-1 with all of my lady friends. -Erik Jensen, 12 I’m just hanging out with my friends! -Sarah Jack, 9 I plan on attending many ﬁestas, and sleeping greatly. -Saniga, 11

I plan on visiting the French Riviera during my break. I also plan on eating my favorite food, those amazing French Croissants. - Mary Cargill, 11 My mom is forcing me to attend a family vacation to Washington D.C. Awesome, right? - Miranda Long, 11

Teachers

What was your favorite school dance or school dance memory when you where in high school?

-Mrs. Hutchinson After-game dances in general were the best. I don’t remember a thing about our football and basketball teams, but at least the dances were fun! -Mrs. Farr

Saniga

I went to every prom. FreshmanSenior. I went to a small school, so everyone went in a large group. I loved to dress up. My favorite dress was a green velvet dress that my Grandmother made for me. I don’t remember my date, but I remember how special I felt in the dress. -Mrs. Mathews The year was 1996. The dance was Homecoming. I was a freshman. I was crazy for a particular cheerleader, so I worked up the courage to ask her out. Her reply was one I would become all too familiar with as my dating career matured: she said “no!” I went with somebody else and had a great time; however, while at the dance, the super-cute cheerleader asked if I wanted to dance with her. While dancing, she said that she wished she had gone with me. She heard I was tons of fun and her date was boring! Without a doubt, that was a special dance!

The band at Prom dedicated the Mr. Hamilton (left) with Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper from the Wonder Years. song “American Girl” to me. That My favorite high school dance mem- My favorite school dance memory was awesome because it was all ory had to be sophomore year when was when I did the “Gator.” They -Mr. Singleton Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper called it the worm on “Animal about me! went to the Spring Fling with dif- House.” I still “Gator” at weddings ferent people, but when their dates and have passed the tradition on to -Mrs. Baxley Senior Prom! It was really the only dumped them, they danced with my sons. P.S. Ask Mr. Yaggi’s stubig dance of the year and only seMy Senior Prom in ‘76. I met my each other and realized that they dent teacher, Mrs. Chapman, who niors were allowed to go. I remembeautiful wife Cindy there. We’ve still loved each other. Aaahh, young Gatored at her wedding. ber my short yellow chiffon dress love. After all this time, I still look been dating ever since. and white heels. back on those years....in wonder. -Mr. Gramuglia

-Mr. Hamilton

-Mr. Kibler

-Mrs. Lake

Features

March 2007

Hard work pays Students of the Month off for trombonist BY LAURA ARCH

With the winter sports seasons coming to an end, many big accomplishments have been attained by various sports teams. Many student athletes have become state qualifiers and are being congratulated around the school. With these accomplishments, it is easy to outshine others’ hard work. But everyone should not forget about Jason Hadgis, who has recently completed impressive accomplishments of his own. Senior trombone player Jason Hadgis competed in the U.S. Army Band’s Senior Hadgis is a main component in the Competition for youths infamous trombone suicide. 18 years and younger and PHOTO BY BRADLEY MUELLER worked his way into being chosen I play in help keep me in shape. to advance to the semi-final round Just like athletes, a musician must March 22 in Fort Myer, Virginia. keep playing to keep sounding Hadgis was one of the select few good,” Hadgis said. to be chosen to compete in this Apart from this national comnational competition. Obviously, petition, Hadgis competed in the this has not come easy for Had- International Trombone Associgis. ation’s International Gagliardi “I practice about an hour and Competition for youths 18 years a half on the week days and eight and younger. Three people were hours on the weekends. On top selected to play in the final round of that, the different ensembles and, unfortunately, Hadgis placed

Name: Losh Favorite Teacher: Mr. Varner

Name Bauer Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Beavers

Favorite Quote: “A stopped clock is right twice a day.”

Advice for Others: Make sure you take everthing you do seriously because you don’t know who will judge you.

“ﬁrst runner-up,” or fourth place. “I was a little disappointed, but I did beat two Eastman students and that counts for something,” he said. As college is coming up fast for Hadgis, he needs to know where he stands in the world of music as a trombone player. He recently auditioned at the Eastman School of Music, which is one of the most prestigious colleges in the nation, both musically and academically. Eastman will only accept four trombonists this year and students auditioned

Coaster wins space award BY CARLY MCNUTT

Every year, students take the time to prepare for the science fair. At the science fair, Lockheed Martin distributes the annual space camp prize to one lucky student. Junior Zak McKee won the prize this year with his outstanding roller coaster project. McKee signed up for this contest just because he thought that he might have a chance to win, but he had no expectation of actually winning. During his weeklong experience, he will be able to learn about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts must face. Fields of study covered at Space Camp include engineering space technology and aerospace science. “I do not know exactly what to expect out of this trip, but I believe that it is going to be fun just by the looks of the pictures,” said

Junior McKee built a roller coaster for his Science Fair project, winning ﬁrst place and a trip to space camp. PHOTO BY CARLY MCNUTT

Space Camp is held in Huntsville, Alabama, every week in the summer for kids who want to experience life as an astronaut. PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.FUNDACION. TELEFONICA.COM

McKee. McKee made a roller coaster for this year’s science fair project. He spent a lot of time and money on this project to get the grade and awards he received. He thought of this idea because he wanted to do something that might benefit him in the future. McKee hopes to become an engineer at Disney World and design rides. The idea of this project was to design a roller coaster that conserves energy. He used natural physics to propel the train forward. Mckee began his project in early November with the sketches and drawings of how we would build it. In December, he searched for ways to fund his project which, in total, cost over $1000. Businesses such as Parker Hannifin and the Wadsworth Eagles Woman’s Auxiliary helped him fund some of his project. Parker Hannifin provided the aluminum stanchions and the Women’s Auxiliary donated $500. His dad

also supplied $800 for the stainless steel tubing used to build the track. McKee brought the whole experiment to the science fair early, as it takes approximately 35 minutes to set up with about ﬁve people helping him. He will also be taking his project to the district science fair and possibly making it out to the state competition. McKee believes that he has a good chance to go far with the project, due to the complexity of it. “I would really like to win state because it would give me a chance to show off all of the hard work I put into this,” said McKee. McKee not only had fun doing the project, but also gets to share the what he learned to many other people that might be interested just like him at space camp. He hopes that the knowledge he gained throughout the experiment will now help him in the future with his plans of becoming an engineer.

from all over the world. Although the chances of Hadgis getting accepted are slim, he says that it was worth a try. After his audition, the two professors complimented him and said that he could possibly be one of the four trombonists accepted. He is still waiting to hear from Eastman. Steven Hadgis, the band director at the high school, had nothing but good things to say about his son. “Of course I am happy about my son’s accomplishments. However, going into music is not real-

ly about winning something, it is about creating and sharing something with others. It is also about communicating, connecting and promoting aesthetic value in every person, and about working hard to achieve a goal,” he said. To summarize everything about his musical career so far, Hadgis said, “Since all these good things are resulting from my constant practicing and music study, I just keep working as hard as I can and hope for the best. It is a good feeling when you know your hard work pays off.”

Dangerous travel Continued from Page 1 levels. Clubs are packed and promoters for dance clubs and beach parties run wild. Students partake in the nightly pursuits at the several boardwalks. Such places are marked with encouragement of new tattoos and piercings. Just remember, Mom and Dad are still paying for college, right? Often, students resort to hiring companies who are in the business of planning senior class trips. Benefits of using planning firms is cost efficiency and safety. These companies generally offer reduced rates for parties of twelve or more. Additionally, such businesses are affiliated with specific

hotel and restaurant chains. Plus, transportation is always guaranteed. Such organization leads to hassle-free trips and safe fun. However, with such arrangements come contracts that students must sign in order to agree to obey all rules and regulations to ensure the greatest possible safety. Travelers must abide by safety systems that warrant no student will be lost or left behind. The number one priority in planning any trip should be safety. If traveling with a group of friends, create a buddy system to make sure nobody is ever left alone. Most importantly, make an effort to enjoy the memorable nights with unforgettable friends.

March 2007

Wrestling State ‘07

Picture Page

The trip to the State Wrestling Tournament in Columbus for the Grizzly wrestlers was a very successful one, with a 4th place overall finish, which was good enough for another Banner for the West Gym. Additionally, a Grizzly was crowned state champion for the third year in a row. Freshman Squire won the 119-lb State Championship Finals, defeating Ryan Fields (Lakota West) 2-0 in overtime. (Pictures 3,5,7) Senior Foore’s ongoing rivalry with Sean Nemec (St. Edward) ended with a State Runner-up title in the 160-lb weight class. Foore had a very successful season and career. He ended his senior year with a 45-2 record and broke the all-time wins record of 165, held by Timmy Miller.Derek finished with 170 wins. (Pictures 1,2,4) Sophomore Foore wrestled in the 103lb weight class. He placed 4th overall, finishing the season with a 37-9 record.(Picture 6) Buzzelli, the only freshman above 135 lb who qualified for the Division I State Tournament, lost both matches.

Picture Page

March 2007

The Wadsworth Gymnastics team went to State for the first time in 1998 and then again in 1999. Back then the team was led by now first-year coach Bethany (Mooney) Kovacevich. The 2007 team returned to State after a short hiatus on Friday, March 2. in Columbus. They scored a 132.35 placing 8th out of the 12 teams in the one division team competition. Junior Lindsey Otanicar qualified individually on floor and beam. Individual competition was on Saturday; Otanicar was unable to compete because of an injury that occured the night before in the team competition. The team’s record this year was 19-2, a tremendous accomplishment.

Gymnastics State ‘07

5. 1. Senior Thomas goes through her floor routine at the State meet. 2. Floor competitors wait for the judges’ signal to compete. 3. Junior Otanicar shows off her dance during the floor competition. 4. The team is introduced at the State Gymnastics Meet in Columbus. 5. Senior Mooney waits for the beginning of her floor music. 6. The Wadsworth Gymnastics team takes time out of their busy schedule to pose for a picture.

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Sophomore Baughman, and the rest of the 2006-2007 Varsity Grizzly Basketball team, who never gave up and made believers of the entire community.

March 2007

Senior Foore who chose to wrestle above his weight class at the GIT so he could push himself to the limit.

Freshman Squire whose skill, determination and hard work drove him through a perfect season.

Sports 1

March 2007

Underclassmen make statement, ﬁnd success

BY BRITT BUSSON

The future is looking bright for winter sports teams. With many freshmen and sophomores playing a big part on the wrestling,

swimming, gymnastics and basketball teams, all are looking forward to a continuing tradition of excellence. Of the four varsity wrestlers that qualiﬁed for the State Tour-

Freshman Schrock defends a Barberton player in the District Semi-Final, which the Grizzlies won 49-46. PHOTO BY BRITT BUSSON

nament this season, two were freshmen and one was a sophomore. Freshman Brad Squire placed first in the state at the 119-lb. weight class, and he finished the year undefeated at 30-0. Ben Buzzelli, also a freshman, qualified at the State Tournament, but did not place. He finished the season with a record of 29-10 as a heavyweight. Danny Foore, a sophomore, placed 4th in the sate at the 103-lb. weight class and finished his season 34-7. In addition to the three underclassmen Sophomore Foore (103), finished 4th in the state to Jerome Robinson from St. Ignatius. PHOTO who qualified to state, BY MATT SHIARLA six freshmen and two sophomores started on the var- along with freshmen Ali McNutt, ing in 13 games, Schrock helped sity wrestling team. All but three Amber Shivak and Amanda Palli- the team make it to the District Fifinished the season with winning ja. Both Pallijas, Richards, Con- nal game for just the second time records. With an extra year of nolly and McNutt made it to the in 12 years. Fellow underclassexperience under their belts, the District Tournament. man Chad Baughman, a sophoteam is sure to uphold the winFreshman gymnasts Amanda more, has also played a big part in ning tradition next season as they Stuetzer and Ginny Gegick had the team’s impressive tournament did this season. an impressive season and both run. Baughman, averaging eight The boys swim team was led qualified for Districts. Though points, one assist, and one steal by sophomore Logan Ware this neither Stuetzer nor Gegick made a game, also has started for most season, who placed 12th in the it to state, both will be better pre- of the team’s 24 games this sea100-yard freestyle at the state pared mentally and physically to son. Anthony Lorubbio and Alan meet. Ware also swam the 200- compete at a higher level next Sheppard, both sophomores, also yard freestyle at state. Freshman year. gained some experience this seaJoe Vargo was also a big contribFreshman Anthony Schrock son, making appearances in some utor to the team’s success. The made quite a statement this season varsity games. girls swim team also had strong by earning a starting position and With such athletically strong underclassmen. On the varsity averaging four points and four re- classes as the freshmen and sophteam were sophomores Taylor bounds a game for the boys varsity omores have for winter sports, the Connolly, Kelsey Richards, Chel- basketball team. Though injured teams are surely headed for sucsie Palecek and Allison Pallija for most of the season, only play- cess next season.

A T H L Of The Month E T E S *Squire placed ﬁrst in the State at the 119-lb weight class as a Freshman.

Squire

*He went undefeated in this season with a record of 30-0. Favorite Quote:

“Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.”

*Smith led the boys team to victory in the District Semiﬁnal game against Barberton with an 8 point run in the fourth quarter. *He scored his career high of 18 points in a victory over Firestone on February 20.

Smith

Favorite Quote: “It’s not the size of the dog in the ﬁght, but the size of the ﬁght in the dog.”

15 High price paid for being straight forward Sports 2

OPINION BY TOMMY KAMINSKI

John Amaechi has recently made headlines in the sports world for his retirement from the NBA. Well, not quite his retirement, but what he has come out to say since retiring. Amaechi has been described as brilliant, introspective, complicated, brave, eloquent, generous, and now, gay. Before the coming out of his book, Man in the Middle, Amaechi himself came out and spoke of his life in the NBA as a homosexual. In Amaechi’s book, he writes about the way both players and coaches alike were so against homosexuality. Not everyone, however, is against an NBA player being gay. Current Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban believes, “From a marketing perspective, if you’re a player who happens to be gay and you want to be incredibly rich, then you should come out, because it would be the best thing that ever happened to you from a marketing and an endorsement perspective.” He goes on to say that an athlete who came out would “be an absolute hero to more Americans than you can ever possibly be as an athlete, and that’ll put money in your pocket.”Amaechi respects BOYS TRACK The boys track team looks promising for the 2007 season. The team is lead by an outstanding senior class that is showing how hard work and commitment do pay off. Kenny Owens returns with a 6th place ﬁnish at the 2006 state meet in pole vault.

March 2007

Cuban’s opinion, but he believes the exact opposite. Ameachi feels that if a player were to come “out of the closet” while playing in a professional sport, they would take the chance of losing money. Other than Cuban, owners, managers, or coaches might not want to have a gay player on their roster for a number of reasons. Just having a homosexual on the team would bring more press into the locker room and create more distracting off-court stories. In his reasoning for not coming out while still playing Ameachi says, “I worked really hard to get where I was. I started playing basketball when I was 17 in a country that doesn’t play basketball. I was a fat kid that sat in the corner of the library, and six years later I was starting for the Cleveland Cavaliers. I left my family, my mother, when she was very sick with cancer, to do this thing. I thought I deserved to have my full shot at being a part of the NBA.” By saying “full shot” he obviously believes that being an openly gay man in the NBA would have changed things substantially. In his description of life in the NBA, he describes it more like hell than a fun way to become

How would you react if a teammate openly admitted to being homosexual? I would make sure I wouldn’t change not to change clothes my attitude towards around them. him at all. -Mike Richards, 12 I would be a little stand-ofﬁsh at ﬁrst, but eventually I would get used to it. You can’t change who you are!

I would be very uncomfortable, especially in the locker room. I probably wouldn’t change in the same room.

-Kelsey Stallman,

rich. You get a taste of what he felt for ﬁve years in the pros from a short excerpt from his book: “During one home game, I got slapped with a three-second violation.” His coach then called him numerous profane names. “The notion that he could motivate by name-calling showed how out of touch he was. Perhaps that tactic works with scared schoolkids. “We were grown men,” said Amaechi.

GIRLS TRACK The 2007 girls track team’s goals are to win League for the fourth year in a row and to qualify as many athletes as possible to regionals and state. The girls are working hard and have a great focus for success.

-Rachel Demita, 11

Sports Previews

It is easy to see that Mr. Amaechi didn’t enjoy his time as a professional athlete like most people imagine. Who’s fault is this, though? Is it not Amaechi’s fault that he had to live a life of secrecy, and keep such a low proﬁle when going out after games. Amaechi recalls not being able to go to teammates parties because he was hanging out with his gay friends. Whose fault is that? I respect the fact that AmaeBOYS BASEBALL The baseball team returns four seniors, Josh Snyder, Nick Jack, Nick Flannigan and Dan Costello. The Grizzlies have been working hard during the off-season and look to be a top contender in the league this year.

-Josh Peters, 11

chi has decided to come out of the closet and let everyone know that he is gay; but he needs to respect the fact that not everybody believes being gay is right. If he wants respect, he needs to give respect to those who don’t share the same beliefs as him. The most recent repercussion of Amaechi’s coming out is an endorsement deal with a razor company called HeadBlade, Inc. All is not bad for Mr. Amaechi. GIRLS SOFTBALL The Lady Grizzlies return six letter-winners, but have four positions that need to be ﬁlled. Returning are seniors Aimee Bassett, who set school records for batting average and home runs, and Jessica Ellebruch, who set the record for most doubles.

Gymnastics team ﬂips to State BY AMANDA HOOVER

Eight years ago, the gymnastics team had a year of excitement and success. The Lady Grizzlies finished with the best regular season record ever in school history of 21-1 and a trip down to the State Tournament. The 1999 team placed first at Districts, and only placed tenth at the State meet. Two girls from the team also qualified for the individual competition. One of the two girls placed first on vault, second on bars, and third all-around. Other than qualifying for the state meet, the ‘99 team broke the Wadsworth High School record for most points in a single meet with a score of 139.9, which beat the old record by 6.4 points. Another member of the 1999 team was Bethany Mooney. She has now found her way back to the world of gymnastics. As an alumni of the WHS gymnastics team, a first year coach, teacher and now a wife, Mooney, now Kovacevich, was a part of the team the two years that they made it to State, but those were not the last. She came back as a coach and found herself traveling back down to Columbus for the State meet.

The team was in doubt at the beginning of the season because they were not sure if there was going to be someone to coach. Along with a new coach, there was an increase in the amount of girls on the team. This year, 17 girls came out for the team, almost double the amount in previous years. The team included: freshmen Ginny Gegick, Amanda Stutzer, Jess Miller, Kalee Curtin, Steph Pitz, Brenna Magnason and Lisa Kaufman, sophomore Jess Heller; juniors Rachel Hudson, Lindsey Otanicar, Amanda Hoover and Aly Stano; and Seniors/Captains Kathy Little, Jen Thomas and Jess Mooney. The team this year ﬁnished their season with 20 wins and only two losses, against Brecks-

ville-Broadview Heights and Magnificat. At the District competition, the top five teams qualify for the State competition. With high hopes of being one of those teams, Wadsworth came in fourth place. All of their hard work had paid off. After a long season of sweat, tears and injuries, the girls had achieved their team goal. Other than working hard in the gym and finally getting some recognition on what the team can do, they always find time for fun. Whether they are playing Dance Dance Revolution, Twister, bed olympics or doing elevator handstands they are never boring. The team is looking forward to next year’s season with high hopes of making it all the way to the state meet again. TOP The 2007 State qualifying Gymnastics team BOTTOM The 1999 State qualifying Gymnastics team

Entertainment

March 2007

Apple still ripe with revolutionary iPhone BY NICK BURTON

Let’s just say your computer decided to run away one day. On its search for a purpose in the world, it runs into a cell phone. After a couple romantic nights and a one-way ticket to Vegas, they find themselves happily married. Before you know it, the cell phone begins to cheat on the computer with an iPod…because we all know how reliable cell phones can be. To make a long story short, in nine months you would witness the birth of the iPhone. During a keynote address at the Macworld Conference & Expo on January 9, 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced the highly anticipated information regarding their newest product; the iPhone. Apple’s state-of-the-art technology has enabled them to create a multimedia/Internet equipped cell phone that can be compared to some high tech gadget used a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Although the sales of this product may go at light speed pace, the scheduled United States release date is June 2007 and will be available from the Apple Store and from Cingular Wireless. The Apple iPhone has a planned launch price of $499 for the 4 GB model and $599 for the 8 GB model, based on a two-year service contract. The iPhone is packed with more gadgets than a Swiss army knife, or Buzz Lightyear for all of you Disney fans. It’s a perfect combination of three remarkable products – a touch sensitive wide screen iPod, a revolutionary mobile phone with a 2-megapixel camera and Internet features that allow you to email, text message and browse the web. Pretty much a computer, an iPod and a cell phone tightly packed into one small. 4.8-ounce handheld device. Surfing the Internet with a couple clicks of a mouse will just be a thing of the past. With a 3.5-inch (8.9cm) display (320×480 px at 160 ppi) touch screen, everything can be controlled with a single touch of the finger. There is even a multi-touch sensing feature that allows you to operate using multiple fingers. Built-in Google and Yahoo! searches make web browsing easier than ever. You can even read web pages while downloading your e-mail, for

anybody that is a fan of multitasking. For everybody who has had their ﬁll of Verizon’s Chocolate phone, you will be happy to hear that the iPhone is supported by Cingular Wireless. Cingular of-

such a perfect child. I’m sure once all the legal matters such as custody and child support gets worked out, the iPhone, despite its rough childhood, will have a promising future ahead of itself.

A cell phone, a wide-screen iPod and an Internet communications device - you couldn’t ﬁnd a better combo than this even if you were looking at Arby’s value menu. PHOTO COURTESY OF YAHOO.COM

fers new features such as Visual Voicemail, which will allow you to view a list of current voicemail messages onscreen without having to call your voicemail box. Call holding, call merging, caller ID and integration with other cellular networks are just a couple more of its features. This time around though, the music library layout is different from the previous iPods. A photo library similar to the Cover Flow of the current models show album covers as you scroll-through the photo library. Just like the fifth generation iPods, you are able to watch TV shows and film. You can also use a two-fingered tap to switch between wide-screen and full-screen aspect ratios. Overall, the sections are more clearly alphabetical, displayed in a larger font and scrolling is still achieved by swiping a finger across the screen. Going back to the story about your runaway computer and its love triangle, it almost seems like they were all a perfect match for each other after all. Who would have thought that an unfaithful cell phone, a lonely computer and a promiscuous iPod would create

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‘Dreamgirls’ sing their way to top at Academy Awards BY JENNY HARSH

This year’s Academy Awards made for a very exhilarating night in the Kodak Theater. The first Academy Awards took place on May 16, 1929 and only cost $5 per ticket. At the time, only 270 people attended this ceremony. Today, only the the stars and the press are allowed to be present. Of the many awards that were presented that night, one movie made an outstanding appearance throughout the whole show. Dreamgirls received eight nominations, the most out of any other film. Based on the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name, Dreamgirls is about three young girls who desire to become pop stars. Once they get their wish and become backup singers for James Early (Eddie Murphy), they begin their journey to become stars. Jennifer Hudson won Best Supporting Actress for her appearance in Dreamgirls, playing the role of Effie. She has gone very far since she was last a part of American Idol. Her talent and singing ability have really taken her a long way. Murphy was also nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for playing his performance

as Early. Along with all nominees, the soundtrack to this movie excelled as well. The famous song sung by Beyonce Knowles, “Listen,” was nominated for the Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures.”Love you I Do” and “Patience” were also nominated for this award. Achieving more than just these nomination, Dreamgirls also won the Achievement in Sound Mixing award. Overall, this musical achieved a great deal of accomplishments.

Jennifer Hudson gladly accepts her Acadamy Award. PHOTO COURTESY OF

HTTP://WWW.POPMATTERS.COM

Gaming with Zberg BY ZACH BERGER

It has been a while since the days of great role-playing games like Diablo, Quake, Doom, and Might and Magic. Now there is another era. One of the most popular massive multiplayer online role-playing games ever, World of Warcraft, has started a phenomena. Similar to WOW, Guild Wars adds to the recent success of these games. Guild Wars involves completing missions in the mythical world of Tyria. The game is online play only, so there is constant interaction with other players. Missions can be completed with other players by joining a party before the mission starts. In the beginning, there are ﬁve different characters to choose from. There is the Warrior, Ranger, Mesmer, Elementalist, and Monk. Each one having their own special abilities. The Warrior specializes in close combat, using powerful swords that can cause emmense amounts of damage. The Ranger uses a bow and can charm animals to ﬁght on itsside. The Mesmer uses spells to cause damage and take away energy from the enemy. The Elementalist uses nature to cast spells.

Finally, the Monk uses holy powers to heal itself and its allies. What makes Guild Wars so great is that not too long into the game, the player can add a second profession. Therefore, they can have the abililies of two different classes. For example, a player can be a Ranger and Elementalist. Once a character is created, the player starts off in Ascalon City and must venture to various cities throughout the country of Ascalon to complete the quests. Once they have been completed, the character then leaves Ascalon to ﬁght the Charr, enemies of Ascalon. While the player is gone from the country, the Charr invade and destory everything. Now the character returns to Old Ascalon and begins a new series of quests to save what was left. While these quests are being complete, the character is gaining experience. Once it obtains a certain amount of experience, the character will grow a level. This earns them attribute points to add to the skills of their character. The player can then go and change or rearrange their attributes whenever they please. Perhaps the greatest ability in this game, interaction with other characters adds a whole new dimension. Not only can players join parties and complete quests, they can trade with other players. Since there is a constant need for

better items, trading can be an asset or a liability depending on if the player is giving or receiving. The downfalls to the game will not ruin the game, but some make it annoying. If the player is on a quest and cannot complete it before they must quit, they will then have to redo everything to complete it at a later time. Everytime the player exits, when they return everything will be back to how it was. Another problem that may be annoying to some and not to others is that some of the creatures attack you while others do not. It is inconsistent. The ﬁnal problem involves the requirements. The requirements involve a lot of RAM and a powerful graphics card. Without these, the game can get very laggy. Those few problems do not outshine all of Guild Wars though. It is a great game with a ton of different adventures. It can be played over and over with new characters. There are also two newly released expansions to the game, which add more quests, lands, and characters to choose from.

Zberg’s Rating:

3.8/5

Music

March 2007

U PC OMING

SHO WS

March 31 - Bury the Messenger Akron’s own B.T.M. will play at The Spot in Elyria with Secreta, Wall Between and more unannounced bands. The show starts at 8pm.

April 12 - Chevelle Finger Eleven and Chevelle will play at the Agora in Cleveland at 8pm. Tickets cost $20 through Ticket master. April 17 - Yo La Tengo Yo La Tengo will perform at 8pm in Cleveland at the Beachland Ballroom. Tickets to the show cost $20 through Ticketmaster. April 18 - Hit the Lights Hit the Lights will be performing with Valencia, Fogive Durden and Love Arcade at the Grog Shop in Cleve land. Tickets are $10.

Gym Class Heroes puts fans in a ‘Chokehold’ BY JUSTIN MESICK

Rappers say they are too rock for hip-hop and rockers say they are too hip-hop for rock; fans, however, like Gym Class Heroes just the way they are. This New York rap-rock band has recently been known for its song “Cupid’s Chokehold,” one of Billboard’s Top 10 singles. The song was on their ﬁrst album, The Papercut Chronicles, but was put on their new album after it was released. The band’s new album, As Cruel As School Children, released in July 2006, was re-released in November 2006 with the added favorite “Cupid’s Chokehold.” “Gym Class Heroes is something new for the music industry,” said junior Kelly Collins. “It is not too often that you see a mixture of rap and punk-rock.” The band was formed after lead singer Travis McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley became close friends in Physical Education class, which is probably how the band’s name was chosen. They then joined forces with guitarist Milo Bonacci and bassist Ryan Geise. They ﬁrst started playing at

birthday parties and other local events. Not too long after, they made appearances at Warped Tour and other larger venues. As time passed, members Bonacci and Geise left the band. Guitarists Disashi Lumuba-Kasongo and Eric Roberts joined the group to ﬁll in these spots. The album was co-produced by the band’s good friend Patrick Stump, lead singer of popular band Fall Out Boy. In the song “Cupid’s Chokehold,” Stump makes an appearance in the vocals of the song’s chorus. “In my life I have heard all sorts of music, the good and the bad, and after listening to Gym Class Heroes I really liked their music,” said junior Jean Coleman. “My favorite song of theirs has to be ‘Cupid’s Chokehold’ because the ﬁrst time I listened to the song, it put me in a chokehold.” The band is currently headlining the Daryl Hall for President Tour of 2007, which also includes the bands RX Bandits, k-os, and P.O.S. The tour will last until the beginning of April. Later this year, the band will be opening for Gwen Stefani on her Sweet Escape Tour in Australia.

Gym Class Heroes’ “Cupid’s Chokehold” helps get them to Billboard’s Top 10. PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES

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Chevelle records comeback album

BY WARREN BATES

After nearly three years, Chevelle has announced their much anticipated return to the main stage. Scheduled to be released on April 3 of this year, Vena Sera is expected to satisfy current fans as well as introduce the sound of the new and improved Chevelle. With the addition of an all new bass guitarist, Dean Bernardini, the dynamics of the band have been dramatically altered. “(Bernardini) blew me away with his knowledge of the material, and he sings really well, which is something we’ve never had. He’s a music fan, a musician, and a really talented performer,” said lead singer Pete Loeffler. Now, with Berdardin’s contribution, Loeffler intends to explore the reaches of his talent. This time around, Loeffler is deciding to take more liberty on the album. “I wanted to sing more and get into those upper registers of my voice. I’ve done a lot of screaming in the past and I wanted to get away from that,” he said. But, devoted fans, fear not. According to the band’s website, Vena Sera is Chevelle’s heaviest, catchiest, most dynamic and

The band members of Chevelle have great expectations for Vena Sera. PHOTO COURTESY OF WWW.TROUBLEBUNCHMUSIC.COM

most expensive album to date. The songs are still driven by the familiar crashing beats and blasting power cords. At its core, the band is still the same old Chevelle with dark, stomping grooves, but the melodies are more uptempo and ﬁlled with vibrant harmonies. The only distinguishable difference may be the bandmates. Rather than ﬁnding a secluded location to focus on recording their album, Chevelle chose a different path from most artists. They opted to cruise Las Vegas in a Lamborghini, and the process of producing their new album was a

great deal more play than work. “It was a totally different vibe,” said Loeffer about the different environment. The new unity of the band was evident in the making of the CD. More than any other album, Chevelle’s members are optomistic about their new product. Vena Sera represents the full realization of Chevelle’s potential. Both the producers and the band members themselves expect nothing less than the best album they have ever created to be the ﬁnal result. Mark your calendars for April 3.

the band members beautifully express themselves over the 11 tracks of the record. Carrying the group is an array of strange instruments. Along with a standard guitar and bass, intent listeners can pick out the sound of church organs, a few accordions, various horns, violins and other strings, assorted percussion, and a harp. With this many instruments, one would assume the music would

a picturesque view of the landscape they were about to paint. “Black Mirror” does just this for the album; it perfectly leads the listener into what type of portrait the band intends to create. It’s a haunting track and sums up the overall feeling of Neon Bible. Booming organs usher in “Intervention” three tracks later. Easily the highlight of the album, this song truly showcases what Arcade Fire is capable of. Butler’s disparaging lyrics about religion are sung with great enthusiasm and are perfectly complimented with resounding echoes from the rest of the band. The eventual crescendo into a chorus of “you’re working for the church while your life falls apart” is stunningly powerful. Soon after, “Antichrist Television Blues” drums up as an oddly upbeat track. The words to this song reference the 9/11 terror attacks and a man’s prayers to make his daughter a pop star. It seems the band is trying to convey some of the irony at the heart of American culture, and the country-sounding guitar lick repeated over the song adds perfectly to this theme. There are more memorable tracks to the album, including the accordion-driven “No Cars Go” and “Ocean of Noise,” an eerie, slow-driven tune with words that sound ambiguously like a love song. Almost all of the songs on this album work well together to form a thoughtful and complete piece of art. Fans of Arcade Fire’s best selling Funeral can appreciate the album as a fresh change of pace for the band. Neon Bible is also a very accessible introduction for newcomers to the group. Arcade Fire set out to create something honest, and from the ﬁrst track to the last, they succeeded.

Neon Bible glows with success REVIEW BY AARON KRUMHEUER

Imagine a band of eight very different members, each with aspirations of forming an orchestra, and a sensitive lead singer fronting the group with a somewhat jaded view of society. This group wants to create haunting, epic music and talk a little about their worries for the future. This is Arcade Fire. Arcade Fire sounds like a very strange mixture of carnival and church music echoing through an ancient cathedral and layered with ethereal noise that muddies the sound into a kind of dark drone. Win Butler, their lead singer, whispers and yells over this strange noise, sometimes sounding ghostly like the voice on a scratchy blues record and sometimes sounding like an early Bruce Springsteen. Their drummer, Jeremy Gara, plays four-on-the-ﬂoor dance and jazz beats, grounding Arcade Fire’s sound loosely in rock and roll. After their best selling Funeral came out in 2004, the group picked up droves of loyal fans that patiently waited for more recordings. The band set out to self produce their new album, Neon Bible, last summer and ultimately created a success. This album is a complex mixture of very honest emotion, and

Album art for Neon Bible.

get bogged down in instrumental self-indulgence. However, somehow they have pulled off making relatively short, catchy songs. Neon Bible starts off with a roar. The sound of black clouds rumbling in the sky builds into their ﬁrst track, “Black Mirror.” Historically, a black mirror was a small convex glass used by artists to enhance color tones and obtain

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March 2007

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March 2007

Junk of the month

BY MOLLY BRAZIER

Senior Singleton’s 1991 Dodge Spirit, better known as “The Turkey Mobile,” has certainly seen its share of wear and tear. In fact, it has had more than 16 years of abuse on and sometimes off the roads. “I gave up on keeping it in good shape a long time ago,” Singleton said. Looking at the car, this becomes obvious. With fenders comparable to tin foil, a busted taillight and a paint ball-ammo covered hood, the Turkey Mobile goes far beyond the typical “junk of the month” criteria. When Singleton’s brother owned the car a few years ago, it was not in such a bad condition. “He bought the used car for about $1,000. After driving it around and ﬁxing it up some, he sold it to me for $200,” said Singleton.

Justin did some repair work on it as well. In fact, he does a lot of repair work on cars. Since Singleton was ﬁfteen years old he has been working on his own 1983 Monte Carolo. With a faster engine, new door panels, spark coils, and extensive interior and exterior work, he has practically rebuilt the vehicle. However, the Turkey Mobile has not been anywhere near as fortunate. In fact, it is abused and neglected in comparison. Until recently, he mostly used the Turkey Mobile in the winters when the Monte was being worked on. “I never like taking the Monte out in the winter when there is salt on the roads because of rust. It’s too important to me,” said Singleton. “I did some work on the Turkey Mobile’s engine to practice for mechanical school, but that’s about it,” said Singleton. The Turkey Mobile’s nick-

name is as much a part of its legend as is its notoriously bad shape. One slow day, Singleton took a medal turkey medallion and welded it onto the front of his car, thus giving it its nickname. “The car is beyond repair, and I’m way passed wanting to repair it,” said Singleton. In fact, he says, he plans to get rid of it for good when he goes to school in North Carolina for mechanics at the end of next summer. “The windows don’t even roll down on their own,” said Singleton. “I have to get out of the car and push them down every time I want to go through the drive-thru,” Singleton said. “At least,” he added in, “my Turkey Mobile is fun because no matter what happens to it, it really will not phase me. The thing is a piece of junk.”

SeniorSingleton stands along side his beat up “Turkey Mobile” which was recently rear ended smasking out one of the back tail lights. PHOTO BY MOLLY BRAZIER

Saint Patrick’s Day meanings change MOLLY BRAZIER

A holiday familiar to nearly all Americans falls on March 17. Typically celebrated by wearing green and spending time with friends and family, Saint Patrick’s Day is rankable with the more popular of American holidays. In fact, Hallmark sold at least ten million cards last year, making it the 8th best card-selling holiday. Not only that, but the majority of Americans, 84.3 percent, admitted to having worn at least one article of green to celebrate. Despite all of this, it seems that few people in today’s American society actually know the reason Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated. In America it is typical-

ly an ode to Irish ethnicity and history. In Ireland, however, Saint Patrick’s Day is something more. Saint Patrick was the patron Saint of the Irish, known for bringing Christianity to Ireland around the year 461 A.D. According to legend, March 17 is the day of his death. The symbols of Saint Patrick’s Day also have unknown meanings. According to legend, the shamrock, or clover, that is typically seen as a symbol of Irish pride and was used by Saint Patrick to explain the trinity. Like the trinity, it is three parts in one. Yet throughout the 19th century, the shamrock grew to sym-

bolize Irish luck. Green, the traditional color of the holiday, is the most evolved of Saint Patrick’s Day symbols. In fact, the original color of Saint Patrick was blue. Yet as the holiday devloped and evlolved in the ninteenth century, the color changed to green. Also, due to Ireland’s landscape and climate, the color is now a symbol not only for Saint Patrick’s Day luck, but for the Emerald Isle country and their national pride as a whole.

A.P. History students take on challenge

A.P. students are enthralled with the fascinating tales of history that Mr. Knapp has to tell. The new class enrolled 30 students this year. PHOTO BY RACHEL HUDSON BY RACHEL HUDSON

Advanced Placement classes are designed to challenge students who are ready and willing to work hard in a complex college-level course. This year, the school has added Advanced Placement United States History to its list of electives. Over 100 students signed up to take the new A.P. class, taught by Mr. Jason Knapp. This is Knapp’s first year teaching an A.P. course. Because of the large amount of students interested in the class, the students were required to take a test to prove their academic background on American history. “The test was not easy at all. The entrance exam was actually difficult and I did not think I would get in,” said junior Kelly Mumaw. Over 60 students were accepted into the class, but by the beginning of the school year, many had dropped. Most of the A.P. U.S. History students are juniors and seniors. “The test was difficult because I had not learned much of the information. However, passing it was possible, considering that students are taking the class,” said junior Matthew Zhu. Over the summer, the students were required to read four books. Two books were mandatory: A People’s History of the United States and The Roads to Modernity. The other two books were chosen from a list. On the first day of school, papers on all four books were due. The students were given a course syllabus, which mapped out what had to be done each week. Most of the syllabus consisted of reading assignments and a research report due April 13. Keeping up with the course syllabus “can help on the mul-

tiple-choice portion of the tests,” said Zhu. Many of the students say that the multiple-choice portion of the tests are the most difﬁcult. “The multiple-choice exams are kind of brutal!” said senior Ashley Patrick. The tests in the class consist of multiple-choice questions, essay questions, and document based questions. “The tests are anything but easy and a lot is expected from you, but I think Mr. Knapp is really preparing us for the college setting,” said Patrick. Knapp enjoys teaching the course, which is obvious to his students. “You can tell how excited Mr. Knapp was to have an A.P. history class,” said Mumaw. Knapp said that he likes to teach the students that love to discuss great topics. National History Day is March 24, and the students had to do a project related to history. Their projects were due February 28. The students had a choice of doing an exhibit, a paper, a website, a documentary or a performance. For future years, Knapp plans to give out more reading assignments and allot different books over the summer and throughout the year. At the end of the year, the students will be studying hard and preparing for the A.P. U.S. History Exam. “This course could be worth college credit if students pass the A.P. Exam,” explained Knapp.

March 2007

Unforgetable Movie Quotes 1. “I’m going to make him an oﬀer he can’t refuse.” — Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), The Godfather (1972)

2. “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.” — Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), The Wizard of Oz (1939)

3. “Go ahead, make my day.” — Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood), Sudden Impact (1983)

4. “May the Force be with you.” — Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Star Wars (1977) 5. “You talkin’ to me?” — Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro), Taxi Driver (1976)

Movies

300 prepare for glory in battle BY JESS MOONEY

where between 200,000 and 2,000,000), led by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro).

Although the Spartans did not Imagine being outnumbered win the battle, they dealt seri300 to 2,000,000, and ﬁghtous losses to the ing a battle which directly afPersians, which fects history. The movie 300 contributed to the is exactly that. It is a retelling defeat of Xerxes’ of the Battle of Thermopylae, forces a year later which took place in 480 B.C. at the Battle of Although the particulars are Plataea. clouded in legend, the facts For 300, direcare not in dispute. An infetor Zack Snyrior number of Spartan solder, stuck to the diers (generally accepted to graphic novel be 300), under the command written by Frank of King Leonidas (Gerard Miller. The movButler), held out against Some of the members of the council of Sparta who oppose the war ie focuses on the a vastly superior Persian as King Leonidas leads his “body guards” to battle. mythology aspect PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM force (estimated to of the battle, rathbe anyer than seeking historical accuracy. The resulting movie is more like the war scenes in Troy. 300 is about heroism in

the face of overwhelming odds. It is a combination of images, style and manhood. It captivates the eye and gets the blood pumping. It is heroic spectacle at its ﬁnest. As the audience watches the action- and adventure-ﬁlled movie, they sit in awe. Once it begins rolling, the war-focused movie rarely takes time to catch its breath. Knowing the fate of the Spartans does not diminish the bloody excitement of getting there. From a visual standpoint, 300 (like Sin City before it) exists at a vertex where comic books and motion pictures intersect. 300 may not offer historical accuracey, but it is a storytelling in a conventional sense. However, it is hard to beat as a spectacle and that makes it worthwhile to watch it for all.

6. “E.T. phone home.” — E.T. (Pat Welsh), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Thriller about a teenager who finds himself trapped between the worlds of the living and the deceased, and becomes invisible to others, due to traumatic events.

7. “Bond. James Bond.” — James Bond (Sean Connery), Dr. No (1962) 8. “There’s no place like home.” — Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Young married couple is stranded at an isolated motel, and finds hidden video cameras in their room.

9. “Show me the money!” — Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Jerry Maguire (1996) 10. “You can’t handle the truth!” — Col. Nathan Jessep (Jack Nicholson), A Few Good Men (1992)

Premonition, reality, just a nightmare away BY KAT LITTLE

What if you were given a chance to beat fate and change your future before it ever happens? In the thriller Premonition, housewife Linda Hanson (Sandra Bullock) is given that chance. Linda lives with her husband, Jim (Julian McMahon), and two young daughters. Linda ends up living out her worst nightmare when she is told her husband has died in a fatal car accident, but did he? When Linda wakes up the next morning, she ﬁnds her husband alive and well. She tells herself it was just a nightmare, but soon realizes it was too vivid to have been a dream. Linda sets out to avoid the tragedy and beat fate. Bullock plays suburban house wife and mother Hanson as she frantically tries to save her husband. Bullock has been recognized mostly for her comedic style. Such movies include Miss Congeniality and Two Weeks Notice. In recent years, however, Bullock has tried to broaden her acting styles and has step out into more dramatic roles. Her

most recent ﬁlms include Crash and The Lake House. Australian-born actor McMa-

hon is most recognized by his fans as Cole from television’s Charmed. He is also known as

Dr. Christian Troy on television’s Nip/Tuck. McMahon’s biggest ﬁlm accomplishment was as Dr. Doom in Fantastic Four. Bullock and McMahon lead an all-star cast through this thrilling drama. Another major star in this movie is Nia Long.

Long stared as Sherri in both Big Mamma’s House movies. Premonition earned a Los Angles premiere at the ArcLight Hollywood Cinerama Dome on March 12. The ﬁlm debuted to the rest of the world on March 16.

Sandra Bullock and Julian McMahon star in the thriller Premonition. PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

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