Issue 6 January 26, 2011

Volume 65

Issue Six

January 26, 2010

KIDS IN SCRUBS Page 4

Mr. Plano Contestants and Acts Page 9

Students express opinions on government issues

The 112th Congress convened on January 5 ushering in another year of new Congress members and promises to the American people.

Some of the issues they will address are the federal deficit, the new health care bill, and possibly immigration.

Last November, America spoke up when it elected many Tea Party candidates who ran on the platform of reducing the federal budget, which many Americans agree is on the high side, and lowering taxes across the board.

Around the time students reach the senior high school level they have either reached the voting age or about to turn 18. Many students start forming political opinions, become attached to political parties, and become passionate about their

country and its politics.

“Our economy is horrible, unemployment is dreadful, border security is poor, and yet we’re going to other countries to fight problems?” senior Grace King said. “I think that somewhere that logic is skewed.”

King is not alone.

According to the Real Clear Politics poll, which averages many major polls around the country, about 29 percent of the country thinks the country is headed in the right direction.

Luckily for Republicans and for Tea Party supporters the 112th Congress means more members from their party of choice in Washington supporting their beliefs on smaller government and deficit reduction.

“I feel pretty good about the 112th Congress

considering that the republicans won back a majority in the House,” King said. “Also, although the republicans did not win a majority in the Senate, they did win back a few seats. However, these small triumphs can be meaningless. The republicans have gotten power in the House and Senate before and not done anything. A lot of the time politicians say what they have to say to get into office, and once they do their campaign promises and ‘core beliefs’ all fly out the window. This is why I am skeptical. Although I am happy people who better represent my viewpoint are now taking back Congress, I am even happier that Tea Party candidates like John Boehner were elected.”

However not everyone shares the same optimism that King does.

Continued ON PAGE 3

Men’s

Basketball Page 6

THE CAPE REVIEW Page 12

Plano’s got Talent Page 11

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Who Cares?

What’s Inside?

By Daniel Hinson

Plano Senior High School

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

U.S. Government Repeals New Year, New Start Students dedication to resolutions Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

By Whitney Fein

By Diva Gulati

A

fter being instated for 17 years, the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy was repealed on December 22 of last year. Statistics show that the policy, which prohibited homosexuals from openly serving in the military, was opposed by the majority of Americans.

“I didn’t like [Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell] because I thought it was inhumane and unfair to have people dying for their country having to hide who they are,” junior Wajiha Rehman said. “It was wrong.”

Although the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy stated that allowing gays and lesbians in the army “would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability,” students seem to feel that sexual orientation should not be important when it comes to serving one’s country.

“I don’t see how knowing someone is gay would affect the quality of their service or your service,” junior Lauren Sankey said. “There’s more important things to worry about if you’re fighting a war, in combat, than if someone is gay. I don’t see how it’s important at all.”

In fact, there students, like junior Prashant Narayan, who completely disagree with what the policy stated.

“A military, especially within individual units, it needs a sort of camaraderie,” Narayan said. “You need a healthy relationship with your teammates. If you’re not able to be honest with them and be out as a gay person, you’re not able to form those relationships and you’re not able to be an efficient soldier.”

President Obama’s signing of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010 was met with praise and appreciation.

“I think [the repeal is] a good thing,” senior Shelby Stubbe said. “People can live their life the way they want to. I don’t think the government has a right to say [gays and lesbians] can’t tell people about themselves.”

The repeal is not only a step forward for gays and lesbians who are already in the military or for those who want to join the military, but students think that the passing of the act is something that the government too should be proud of.

“I feel that it’s a moment of greatness on part of the government

Continued ON PAGE 2

I

t’s 12 a.m. on New Year’s Day, and what do you do? Not kiss your parents. Not scoop handfuls of chips in your mouth.

You promise yourself you’re going to be a better person, or get better grades, or work out every single day.

But why do we make these resolutions?

“We make a New Year’s resolution because we see the problems that we had in the last year and we want to make them better,” senior Katie Weaver said.

“The problem is that most people haven’t thought about their new year’s resolutions and they don’t think them through to see if they are actually possible.

You can’t work out every single day, when we all have stuff to do.”

If you go to the gym to work out on January 2, it will be so packed that you have to wait in line just to use the treadmill. But if you go on February 2, the many people who said that they would work out more this year have faded away and the gym is close to empty.

“I think people feel obligated to keep their resolutions because it’s the start of a new year,” senior Hanna Hunt said. “They want to do something different with their lives and make their year that much better. I had a new year’s resolution in 2010, and I didn’t really keep it. It was to run five times a week. I didn’t really follow that, but I do now.”

Many students at school are making New Year’s resolutions of

their own.

“This year, my New Year’s resolution is to stop cussing,” Hunt said. “I’m going to try not to be as angry as much and to make up other words to say instead.”

“I’m going to try and save some of my money from work instead of spending it,” Weaver said. “In order to keep it, I’m going to have my parents hide my money from me.”

“My new year’s resolution is to get better grades, and I’m going to do that by studying a lot harder than before,” junior Brian Dale said.

Weaver, Hunt, and Dale are three of many students who want to do simple things this year. Others want to do much more extravagant things.

Continued ON PAGE 2

news Issue Six

Wildcat Tales Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Taylor Thompson

PRINT EDITORS Aleah Pushaw Julie Boyer

ONLINE EDITOR Sarah Rosselet

COPY EDITOR Anna Vicars

LAYOUT EDITOR Jamie Denison

BUSINESS MANAGER Abby Rener

CARTOONISTS Kelli Manning Ericka Lindsey

STAFF WRITERS Meital Boim Haley Bunnell Paul Burnham Whitney Fein Dayna Gettel Alex Gonzalez Laurel Guild Diva Gulati AJ Hill Daniel Hinson Lindsey Kehlmann Madison McDaniel Claire Minor Elena Nelson Michael Nicholson Meaghan Pulliam Clarissa Reeves Amber Robinson Maelyn Schramm Sapna Sharma Eilie Strecker Sofia Toohey Jessica Yee

ADVISER

Terry Quinn MISSION STATEMENT The Wildcats Tales is a student produced publication that serves to educate, inform and entertain the student body in a professional manner that will provoke thought while upholding the principles of a free press. This publication is a forum for the student of Plano Senior High School. Any opinions expressed in Wildcat Tales is the opinion of the writer and of the writer only.

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Additional and daily updates can be found at our website www.wildcattales.com READER INVOLVEMENT Students and faculty are encouraged to send in any questions, comments, concerns or criticisms to be published.

Letters to the editors can be put in the envelope in room B208.

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WILDCAT TALES IS THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF PLANO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 2200 INDEPENDENCE PKY PLANO TX, 75075 469-752-9300

Page Two

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

Continued FROM COVER

due to the fact that people can now be in the army and not have to conceal [their sexuality],” junior Mohit Patel said. “No matter where you work, you should have the right to your own freedoms and to be who you are.”

The Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell actually stated that anybody who is gay or lesbian was not allowed to be in the military, but over time, the meaning had changed. Instead, it was understood that a person could not be openly gay while he or she was serving in the military. If a person was openly homosexual, he or she would have been immediately discharged.

“If soldiers came out they were instantly discharged and that’s not fair,” Narayan said. “It doesn’t reflect anything on their military standard because there were even West Point graduates who were discharged from the military.”

With the passing of the repeal, the military could reap added benefits.

“It’s a more efficient practice in that as the military, you always want to be able to enlist more people so the fact that you can now have [gays and lesbians] in the military sort of allows you to enlist more,” Narayan said. “It’s also just good practice in terms of human relations to make sure that your employees are happy and well taken care of.”

There are numerous people who

believe that while it was in place, the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy could have even been considered to be discrimination.

“I think you should be able to serve your country as whoever you are,” Sankey said. “[The policy] was a prejudice against someone for being just the way they are. It’s just how you’re born. You can’t change it.”

Although it is unknown how long it will take for these changes to fully take place within the military, some estimate that it may be a lengthy process.

“Just because [the act is] a law doesn’t mean that discrimination in the military is going to end,” Rehman said. “[Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell] was a 17 year old policy. So I don’t think it’s going to change overnight but I think it will over time.”

Discrimination towards homosexuals and bisexuals is not confined to just the military. It is visible even on campus.

“Walking down the halls, you see lesbians or gays,” Stubbe said.

“Other classmates will say stuff about them and be rude all the time.

Or they’ll accuse people of being gay and make jokes out of it. A lot of people do it.”

Others, like Sankey, may have a more personal connection with people who have experienced discrimination for their sexuality.

“I have known of a few people

New Year, New Start

Continued from cover

“I really want to learn how to cook,” senior Brooke Bennett said. “My parents have traveled a lot and they always cook and I really want to learn before I go to college.”

Learning things from your parents and having them involved in your new year’s resolutions can help a lot. Although, learning how to do different skills helps you to keep your resolution, some are quite hard to keep. For instance, changing your lifestyle and the way you do things completely can be very difficult to start and especially, keep.

“This year, I am going to try and be a vegetarian,” junior Dominique Arneaud said. “I plan on doing that by eating a lot healthier this year. I’ve never done a new years resolution before, and I hope I will be able to keep it this year.”

Even staff members are making resolutions, alone or even with their whole family.

“My family decided we needed to talk nicer to each other. We wanted to establish a habit of being more respectful to the people we love most

rather than taking them for granted,” AP Psychology teacher Jeff Brooks said.

We make these promises and take on these challenges of changing and bettering ourselves, every year. But actions speak louder then words and most of us have a huge problem with actually keeping our resolutions.

“One reason is because we are creatures of habit, and breaking established habits or forming new habits takes ceaseless, persistent work for awhile,” Brooks said. “Another reason is because, though people have good intentions to change something, they never get specific or develop a plan for changing it, with small steps leading up to the big goal. On the other hand, people need to acknowledge that mistakes will happen and they will slip or have moments of weakness, so a contingency plan may be necessarysomething that will allow them to correct themselves and get back on track. And finally many goals people set require major lifestyle changes, not just a change of behavior.”

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

22 countries don’t allow

gays to serve in the military.

A total of 13,389 people were discharged from the military under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy.

More women were discharged from the military than men under

Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. in my life that are gay that are discriminated against,” Sankey said.

“People don’t treat them right and they’re rude to them and all this other stuff. It’s just stupid.”

Although discrimination problems may not be solved by passing a law, the majority of people still agree that the repeal of the Don’t Ask,

Don’t Tell policy will have a positive outcome in the end.

“The repeal is a good thing and I think it’s going to be helpful for people who want to join the army,” Patel said. “It’s one person’s choice to be gay or straight or bi or whatever they want, and to have to hide it is wrong.”

Issue Six

Page Three

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

Who Cares?

news

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Students express opinions on government issues

Continued FROM COVER

“I am a Democrat, so I don’t have much faith in the new Congress now because of that,” senior Kristina Smith said. “We lost the majority and I’m afraid that some bills might [or might not] be passed. The saving grace is that the president has to sign the bills and there’s a repeal process which has already established a precedent in the case of abortion. There will obviously be descension among the Congressmen and women; that’s life. I have a feeling there will be a political gridlock.

Even if the House and Senate pass the bill, there aren’t enough Democrats or Republicans to gain a two thirds majority should the President v e t o ” Junior Miles Hutson who is an independent shares the some of the same beliefs that Smith does with a lack of faith in the new Congress.

“I’m mostly an independent and I kind of dread the new Congress,” Hutson said.

“It is a change but the Senate is controled by the Democrat and the House is Republican which is a recipe for gridlock. It means that our government probably won’t get that much done because they are so intend on holding their party l i n e . ” There are changes in the government that King would like to see.

“First off, I am a strong believer in cracking down on border security and illegal immigration,” King said. “It is

unacceptable that we can’t or won’t implement our own laws in our own country.

Secondly, I want to see less government involvement in everything; the economy, bank bailouts, health care, everything.

So many people have forgotten that we rule the government, not the other way around.”

In 2001, former President Bush cut taxes. Those tax cuts were set to expire on December 31, but before they could expire, President Obama signed a new bill extending them for two more years. Had the bill

government projects and new reforms.

Without a source of revenue, we have no way to even think about paying people back.”

The on going wars in Afghanistan and troops still stationed in Iraq has been one of the dividing points among the America People.

August of 2010 did not end all the tours of duty of the troops stationed in Iraq. The final troops will not be pulled up until the end of this y e a r .

“I think we should stay there because we have got to end this, and these people are relying on us,” junior

expired the income tax would have gone from 35 percent to 39 percent and businesses would have had to pay a payroll tax. But one of the sticking points surrounding the expiration of these tax cuts would be the wealthier Americans would be paying more in taxes.

Some Americans agree this is the solution.

“As far as taxes are concerned, the expiration of the upperclass tax cut is definitely a positive thing,” Smith said. “Our national debt surpassed $14 trillion at the end of December in 2010, and we are ever spending more money on

Miles Hutson said. “If we pull out now then it is a bit too early. I would like us to move towards much more autonomy and allowing democratic elections to be held which aren’t weighted towards candidates that we like.”

King and Smith do not share his same o p i n i o n .

“While I deeply respect the men and women who devote their lives to protecting us and keeping us safe from dangers beyond our borders I find myself thinking that we’ve been at war long enough,” King said.

“We can’t even defend our own borders let alone someone else’s.

“We can’t even defend our own borders let alone someone else’s.

Our primary goal should be our own country...”

Grace King, 12

Our primary goal should be our own country. Yes, there are international threats in the world, but the domestic threats seem much more dire to me.”

“The war, well wars, is just a frustrating topic for me to talk about because we should never have been there looking for imaginary WMDs,” Smith said.

“History shows that insurgents outlast invaders, so our continued presence is pointless.

We are jeopardizing our soldiers’ lives because of certain people’s polical agendas.”

Social Security and its money which is going to be gone soon is a problem young people and students think should be handeled soon and quickly. At the rate money is being depleated out of Social Security, there will be nothing left for the younger generations to u s e .

“This is what happens when the government gets its hands on things that it shouldn’t be touching,” King said. “I bet many of the students here don’t even realize that we are not going to be given the same government support through social security because the government simply cannot continue to spend, spend, spend.

There will be a stopping point in the near future, and all of the money that is taken from my paycheck and so many other working Americans’ paychecks will be sucked into the black hole that is our government. We will never see the money the

government so freely takes from our paychecks. Does this bother anyone?”

Smith happens to agree with her.

“Social security will more than likely be depleated when the baby boomer generation retires,” Smith said.

“I’m not really sure what policies could be implemented to fix that.

A lot of people will be out of luck when it comes to relying on the government to hold true to its promise to take care of them. They could lower the ceiling for benefits of social security, but as long as it doles out more than it

If you have been educated here or you have served for this country I think it is right that you can get citizenship here. I think partisanship will be the primary reason that it fails. There has been talk of tacking other things onto it which end up sinking the entire b i l l . ” “I believe that all forms of affirmative action are racist, and that is exactly what this ‘Act’ is,” King said. “It is a piece of legislation formed by those who want to find a back route to amnesty for illegal immigration.

This DREAM Act is

If the Republicans have a strong candidate then, they will win because Obama isn’t exactly a people pleaser right about now...”

Miles Hutson, 11 takes in there will be a time when it ceases to e x i s t . ” The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, also known as the DREAM Act, has been a sticking point in the Immigration reform area for a while now.

This bill would allow undocumented citizens the right to become a citizen if he or she is under the age of the 35, came to America before he or she turned 15 and and must complete two years of college or millitary service.

“I really wish it will pass but I don’t think it will,” Hutson said. “I think it is a good cost.

beyond crazy.

It’s basically funding illegal immigrants to come get educated on our land and in the process becoming legal citizens.

No part of this piece of legislation screams ‘equality’ to me. In fact, I think it is downright a t r o c i o u s . ” By the years end many politicians will have announced their plans to run for president for 2012. By that time many students here will be voting.

What President Obama and the 112th Congress do between now and Election Day next year might change the political landscape even more drastically than it

is

now.

“The election is in 2012, which is far off, so I haven’t really thought about it much, not to mention that I will more than likely be voting on the incumbent,” Smith said.

“In about a year’s time campaigns will be starting up and people will have decided to run. By then, I will start looking at who believes what and start planning who to vote for.”

Hutson believes that Obama has a decent chance of winning if he comes up against a weak Republican candidate simply because people are dissatisfied with him but aren’t exactly pleased with the Republicans either.

“If the Republicans have a strong candidate then, they will win because Obama isn’t exactly a people pleaser right about now because he hasn’t exactly delivered on all of his promises,” Hutson said.

“And he has been seen as a let down for both blacks and Hispanics.

They have largely been ignored, and you can’t guarantee that they will turn out and vote for him like they did in the 2008 election.”

For the election of 2012, Smith is most excited about her ability to vote.

“I’m thrilled to finally be able to vote. More young people need to take part in the process,” Smith said. “The young voter turnout has been abyssmal in years past.

We need more informed young people to quit complaining about not having a voice and take action.”

wildcats Issue Six

Page Four

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Building Blocks of Life

By Laurel Guild

Economics is boring. Let’s face it; there is no fun part to it besides spending. From balancing checkbooks, to learning about the United States financial system, economics teaches students how to handle their money.

But, thanks to administrators and teachers, our school has come up with a new solution to the problem: Urban Planning.

Urban Planning is a new class that was introduced at the school this year that is a three week session of a different aspect of economics. Brandon Nelms is one of the many teachers who are instructing this new introduction to economics.

“Basically students are being asked to re-develop a deteriorated part of a fictitious town,” Nelms said. “They are given a set of challenges and they use laptops and Lego’s and things to help try and create a simulation in which they come up with the best solution for the given problem.”

Instead of what most

Urban Planning Class is more than fun and games

people think, the class is not in place of economics; instead it is only a short term course that starts out the class.

“It’s a class that is really the exact same as anyone taking economics, except the first three weeks of the course is different,” Nelms said. “They’ll be solving the problem, putting the Lego’s together, and doing the laptop stuff and working together for three weeks and then after that, they will catch up with the rest of the other economic classes and by the end of the Spring Break, they will be doing the exact same stuff as the regular economics class.”

The class is put in place for teachers to be able to more easily explain concepts and use examples from the beginning of the Urban Planning session.

“After urban planning, for the rest of the semester, we will go back and use examples from it for concepts that we introduce after that,” Nelms said.

One thing is for sure;

the class is undoubtedly advantageous for later on in life.

“The real world applications are countless in this class, from small things like what to wear to a job interview because at the end of this session, you are supposed to present an idea or a solution to a group of strangers, a group of city council members that you don’t know so you have to get dressed up and you have to feel that pressure that goes along with trying to present yourself in a job interview situation,” Nelms said. “And there are a ton of other ones too, working in teams, working with people that have different opinions than you, that’s life, that’s college, working with your roommate or working with your coworkers, you have to work with people that might think different than you.”

As to what Nelms individually thinks of the class, he has yet to really experience the teaching of it, therefore is enthusiastic to see how it turns out.

“I’m excited about teaching it,” Nelms said. “From what I’ve seen, it’s a class that puts a lot of economic concepts into action and encourages problem solving and all of the stuff that we try to inspire in our students.”

In the student’s perspectives, senior Mackenzie Belair is eager to be testing the class for the first time.

“I’m excited for the class because it’s better than doing worksheets or other stuff that the regular economics class does,” Belair said.

“I think we’ll learn more and have more hands on experience with economics.”

This year is the first year that the Urban Planning session was tested. They are testing it to try to see if the class will be kept for next year and others.

“We want to see how it works this year, it is a pilot program so we are trying it out,” Nelms said. “So far I think it has all of the key success in it and that is the goal that we want to continue for many years to come.”

The Scrub Life

By Maelyn Schramm

You see them all around school, those kids in the scrubs. These students wear scrubs because certain courses they take require the students to wear them. Some of these courses are Clinicals, Childhood Development, and Vet Tech.

“A very strict dress code is involved with these scrubs, more than just the blue pants and shirts you see, this dress code extends to our socks and fingernails,” junior Elizabeth Chernykh said.

“However, we are taught that when we are in these scrubs we are ‘professionals’; we need to think and act in very mature manners.”

The scrubs aren’t worn only because they are very sterile and easy to clean, but also because they remind the students of their future plans.

Without the scrubs, these students would appear more as kids on a field trip, rather than hopeful adolescents desiring to learn about their future occupation.

“The class rotates us through nursing homes in the beginning, teaching us how to help people who are dependent on others and gain a whole new perspective on what health care is like, not all of it is about tearing people open and fixing what’s wrong with them, but it’s also about compassion, understanding and just having someone there,” junior Sushen Sehgal said. “The class also rotates us through hospitals where we get to see a lot of areas of health care that we may or may not be interested in and narrow down what we really want to do like cardiology, nuclear medicine, etc. we even get to see real live surgeries!”

Clinicals is a beneficial course for students to take if they are interested in working in the medical field. It allows the students to have handson experience with real-life doctors and nurses.

“You learn so much from people from all walks of life and it’s something that I could spend the rest of my life doing,” Sehgal said.

This course not only helps students understand what medical employees do, but also how to deal with struggling patients, and learn from their personal experiences.

“We learn how to talk to individuals and how to help them with respect to privacy, safety, and infection,” junior Rachel Knapp said. “In the class we learn more than the basic sills, though. We learn responsibility, time management, empathy, and how to act as a professional. I have learned so many lifetime skills in Clinicals.”

These courses help teach the students the importance of character, respect, and maturity. By experiencing the work environment up close and personal, they realize how important hard work is, and how it leads to great success.

“They look at your grades, especially in science, study your people skills by interviewing you because they want to make sure you’re good with patients,” senior Masie Comen said.

Vet Tech is a course similar to Clinicals, where students are able to help out at different veterinary clinics. They learn about the different tasks vets have to do as a part of their job.

“I personally think it will help me in the future because I want to study a veterinarian medicine and go on and get my license to be a doctor in veterinary medicine,” senior Taylor Mathis said.

Childhood Development is a class for those who pursue an occupation involving kids such as an elementary teacher, or childcare worker. The students learn how to interact and bond with children.

“I love it,” senior Claire Prestemon said. “For the preschool at Plano I literally teach lessons to the three and four year olds it’s really awesome and so it’s exactly what I will be doing with my own class hopefully one day in the future.”

Photo by Sofia Cedeno

Junior Connor Shanklin participates in a blindfolded activity in Clinicals.

Issue Six

Page Five

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

wildcats 2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Students transfer from inner city rivals

By Elena Nelson

New semester means new classes, and even new students.

Maroon and white seem to be the new colors to sport, or at least with all the transfers coming from East and West it’d be hard not to think so.

Whether students moved here for friends, the school environment, or the curriculum, one thing is for certain; they’re now part of the Wildcat family.

“All my friends from Clark transferred here instead of going to East, so I decided to come here,” junior Garret Litwin said.

Transferring here from another high school can bring many differences. One of them being, the curriculum taught by the teachers, and the pace at which a class learns its material.

“A lot of the curriculum we learned at East we’re just now learning here,” Litwin said. “We just started the World War II unit in my new U.S. History class, and at East we’d started it before winter break.”

Teaching techniques vary from school to school as well, which can be difficult when different students learn better in different kinds of ways.

“So far West has been harder because the teachers weren’t as good as the one’s here,” junior Abraham Yun said. “They didn’t give many instructions, and here teachers explain things more in depth, the learning is more hands on.”

Another difference when students are transferring schools is the buildings. Our buildings and general school layout differs from those at East and West. Sometimes the buildings are smaller, or can contain different classes.

“Most classes here are in A and B building,” Litwin said.

“At East you can have classes in any of the 5 buildings.” “It takes less time to get to class when your core classes are only in two buildings.”

Something else that is well observed between schools is the

amount of freedom students are given, or the lack thereof.

“The only real free feeling thing at West was being able to have backpacks, and off campus lunch,” Yun said. “I like Plano a lot more, it’s a more chill environment and it feels less uptight.”

The age old debate on which school has more friendly people has yet to die out. From what students have been saying, our school wins that competition.

“I like it here more because there are new people and there’s a variety of people here, not just one type of clique,” junior Chyna Smith said.

Environment plays a huge part in the popularity of a school. The environment here varies from those at other schools.

“Other than the colors, the people and the environment are very different,” Smith said.

“It’s very well blended with lots of different types of people, there’s a lot of diversity.”

Lunch and how it operates is a big deal to students at any school. Off campus lunch is something that remains constant here as well as anywhere else. The one thing other schools lack is a place where they can go all day to get snacks.

“Car Corner is the best, we have something kind of like it at West but the lunch ladies never open it,” Yun said. “It’s nice to be able to eat something whenever you want.”

Tradition plays a huge part in every school’s popularity, and our school is the oldest out of all three high schools “At West it was easier for people to make it onto sports teams and here it’s more of a competition. Here people actually want to be on the sports teams, and I feel like it has to do with tradition and school pride,” Yun said. “At West more people would walk around wearing maroon then they would blue.”

HOSA Students Show Obesity Who’s Boss

By Madison McDaniel

As soon as the clock strikes 12, a new year has started and new resolutions are being put into action. Most of which include the promise to not procrastinate on homework assignments, and the inevitable diet. But while many children and teenagers focus on only the surface of healthy habits, competitors in this seasons HOSA competition, juniors Tahera Abdulali and Revian Chang are teaming up to teach children how to fight childhood obesity.

Abdulali and Chang share the same concern for the rising issue of obesity among children today and will be showcasing their interest in getting across to a younger demographic of how important maintaining healthy eating and exercising habits are at a young age.

“We chose to compete in an event called Community Awareness, where you expose the community to a rising health issue,” Abdulali said.

“We found that childhood obesity is a growing concern in countless communities at a local, state, and national level, so we made it one of HOSA chapter’s major concerns for

the year.”

On Thursday, January 27, Abdulali and Chang will be taking a trip to raise awareness among elementary students and their families in order to instill some factual and fun ways to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“In order to gain awareness in our community about childhood obesity, we are going to host an event at Davis Elementary School, called Battling Childhood Obesity,” Abdulali said.

Focusing on childhood obesity for their event in the upcoming HOSA competition means that Abdulali and Chang have done lots of research and preparation in order to spread their topic.

“Childhood obesity is a condition that has tripled in the past 30 years, and is prevalent in about 30 percent of the American youth, today,” Abdulali said. “Its three major causes are an unhealthy diet, a sedentary lifestyle and genetics.

Childhood obesity can cause diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and various emotional breakdowns.

Although nothing can be done regarding

genetics, families can improve their children’s diet and lifestyle, by eating healthier and exercising.”

With high hopes to help kids attending the event turn back from their unhealthy ways regarding junk food and lack of exercise, both Abdulali and Chang have conjured up several ways to get them involved and motivated in pledging a healthier lifestyle.

“We are trying to get friends from marching band, football, dance, and maybe soccer and taekwondo to show the kids how being healthy and fit provides a lot of benefits in fun activities,” Chang said.

“The Plano students who are also participating will also tell the kids some factoids about childhood obesity, nutrition, and exercise.”

Not only will Abdulali and Chang provide information and tips for kids to be healthy, but their message concerning a well balanced diet and fun ways to improve their lifestyle will be shared with their parents as well and how they can take charge together in commanding a healthy routine.

“Parents and children

are invited to learn more about childhood obesity and its causes, problems, and solutions,” Abdulali said.

“Different physically active groups and organizations will encourage the kids to be as active as they are, and parents will be introduced to healthy dietary options.”

Representing HOSA, Abdulali and Chang hope to encourage the children, as well as their parents, attending the event to take charge of their health and strive to live more nutritionally day to day with the help of their advice and guidance.

“Our main goals are to promote healthy living for the kids and to encourage them to exercise,” Abdulali said. “By exposing them to different active organizations, such as football, dance, and marching band, we hope that they are inspired to follow these students and become active in their everyday lives. Also, we want to educate the parents about healthy diet options that can help reduce the risks of childhood obesity.”

sports Issue Six

Page Six

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Women’s Soccer

By Michael Nicholson

Girls soccer is at it again, with the new season already under way, the players are ready to prove their talent in upcoming games.

The season, which started January 8, is off to a good

start, winning the Doctor Pink tournament.

“Our expectation is to make it back to the playoffs this year,” Coach Diane Davey said. “We made it two rounds last year.”

Davey said that the soccer team is looking forward to this season and hopes to prove its might in its upcoming scrimmages and tournaments, this years girls soccer team is stronger than

ever, and the team hopes to prove their talent as they begin their new season.

‘This year’s team has experience. They have played together for three years,” Davey said. ‘We always say, this team will play like the heart of a wildcat, it’s one that is resilient, it has depth, it has natural leaders.”

Junior Madison Bahe said the girls really enjoy being on the team, and it shows on the field. The girls’ teams are consistently among the best in their class because the athletes are doing what they love with people that they love to be with.

“I like playing girls soccer at the school better than playing on other soccer teams because you get to play with all of your friends, it’s less serious than club, so

it’s more fun,” Bahe said.

The girls soccer team doesn’t only promote girls physical growth as athletes, it also promotes moral and personal growth in students.

“Whether its soccer or any sport,” Davey said. “It gives women, the participants the chance to feel empowered and to develop leadership skills, and to carry that team attitude throughout their life and to build life experiences” Girls soccer teaches students how to become great athletes and people, and helps them find new opportunities in their college careers, many girls soccer team members eventually move on to playing soccer at the college level and are among some of the most sought after high school players around.

“[I expect my players] to put their beliefs and their family first,” Davey said. “To be a good student, to act like a lady, and to be respectful of others. Then they can be an athlete, when they have all the things that they should have in order in life.”

Soccer games are Tuesday’s and Thursday’s; home games are at either Clark or Kimbrough stadium.

“Theres a lot of excitement out there,” Davey said. “We have a number of our students who are very dedicated to coming [to games], people just need to come out, join us, and enjoy the game.”

Basketball, in it to win it

By Sofia Toohey

The ball bounces down the court, a swift pass, another, a basket, two points! Boys basketball has been a legacy in the past and is looked up to by many student athletes. The season is already underway and looking strong with a record of fourteen and six.

“It’s going really well,” senior Sean Powers said. “We’ve already won more games this year than we did last year.”

Grant Schauer, a member of the JV squad also recounts the year so far.

“Varsity is doing pretty good this year,” Schauer said. “JV is not doing as well, but is still above 500 so that’s good.”

This isn’t basketball’s first time to have a great season either.

In 2006, the team won the state championship. Many wonder if the 2010-2011 team will have the same opportunity.

“I do believe we

have the potietial to do that,” Powers said. “It’s going to take a lot of dedication and heart.”

The 2006 team serves as inspiration to the current players, each and everyday.

“We have a banner of their season hung up so that we see it all the time,” Schauer said. “They do in a way, make us all work hard.”

Many of the athletes not only play school ball, but also play club. This requires much time and effort.

On our team 99 percent play club,” Powers said. “It’s a good way to keep working out during the summer.”

But, according to Powers, the two are quite different.

“In club there’s not as much plays and organization,” Powers said.

“It’s more just free lance.”

Focusing on the current season, before this

team can make it to state they still have some tough rivals to face.

“Plano East is probably our biggest rival,” Schauer said. “That is the typical rivalry for our school and they are pretty good.”

However, the boys seem confident thaqt nothing will stand in their way. The love for the game in each of the players is very obvious.

“I’ve been playing basketball since I was little and going through the school system, Rice, Jasper, I’ve always wanted to be on our school’s team,” Schauer said. “It’s always been something to look forward to for me.”

Powers agrees and explains what the team is really all about.

“Our team symbolizes tradition and legacy of winning,” Powers said. “The 2006 team won the state championship and we hope to do the same.”

Issue Six

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Page Seven

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

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fine arts Issue Six

Page Ten

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

Time is of the Essence:

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

A look at students with their art concentrations

By Sapna Sharma

Creative minds, passion, and commitment are just some of the characteristics that an AP Art student possesses. This class is not for the weak at heart. One of the many vigorous activities that they go through is the second semester art concentrations.

“It’s during the second semester, you have to make 12 pieces and pick a common theme or a common median to keep using throughout them,” senior Madeline Kaulbach said.

The purpose of this project is to help widen the horizons of the students. Unfortunately it is not met with open arms.

“It’s hard because

it’s difficult to find a concept to make 12 compositions about and it needs to be cohesive,” senior Julie Yue said.

However, there is still a minority that has indifferent feelings. For the minority that enjoy it, they can feel growth artistically.

“The thing is, for me, I’ve noticed that as I go throughout the time, I’m getting faster and better so I don’t really think about it I just go with it,” senior Janani Jeganathan said.

A big role in these students’ projects is the idea of a main central theme. These students creativity starts to shine through with the inception of their concept.

“My theme is about

people in our existence and our society and how as great as we are we are going to fall at some point,” Yue said. “So it’s society and crowds and then it’s a progression to nature.”

The varieties in these central concepts show how different each of these students are in their own way.

“My theme is portraits with a certain style similar to Klimt with lots of patterns and oil designs,” Kaulbach said.

Due to the ability for the students to have free reign on what they get to do this semester helps ignite their passion.

“I think I’ll probably have a better grade this semester because I can

pick what I want to do,” Kaulbach said.

Of course, along with its negative points there are also negatives to having free reign.

“It’s difficult because usually you’re so use to getting assigned subjects and stuff you have to actually think of stuff on your own,” senior Meghan Wallace said.

Although the class tests the students’ limits with its painstaking projects, it is sure to be worth it in the end.

“It can be. It depends because some people over think it and some people just go with whatever they have,” Jeganathan said.

Issue Six

Page Eleven

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

fine arts 2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Traveling Performance Choir Plans A Trip For Broadway Show

By Jessica Yee

As spring semester arrives, all the Fine Arts groups get ready for their annual school trips to participate in competitions or performances away from home.

“It is our spring trip to Branson, Missouri.

We are in the opening act of a show,” choir librarian and senior Karis Beekman said.

“The choir had done the same thing two years ago, they danced, sang, and performed.

The choir got invited again which will be us this year.”

To most students, Branson sounds like a pretty unfamiliar place as compared to places like New York City or Disney World.

Sometimes the best events and moments can happen in the most unheard of locations.

“We found out the Tuesday back to school

it’s a country western dance,” choir historian and senior Chance Allen said. “At first I was kind of upset with it not being like New York or something. But now that I think about it, it’s going to be a blast.”

More well-known places sound exciting for trips during the school year, however going to places that aren’t as big as the top travel spots can be known the same way. It may be similar to other cities or vacation places.

“The performance is exciting because it gives the choir an opportunity to sing something other than the normal classical literature,” associate choir director Doug Council said. “Branson is like the Vegas of the central states. Lots of lights and shows from country, rock, and

Broadway, to a Beatles tribute band.”

The choir will get to enjoy and be involved with more than just regular shows. Various types of performance are great entertainment, especially when it gives them a chance to sing outside of theaters.

“We heard that there will be dinner at a steamboat and we’ll get to perform on the steamboat,” Beekman said. “Half of us will eat dinner and half of us will be performing.

The choir trip not only serves as a place for the choir to encounter a Broadway experience, but also create memories and bonds between the whole group. Everyone will become more of a family than just a group of singing students.

“I think we’ll get real close as a choir wherever we go,”

Talent Show

By Eilie Strecker

Beekman said. “We emphasize family a lot, coming together and enjoying each others company.”

While students will have fun making memories with all their musical friends, they’ll also be learning in an educational and professional view.

When they take their performance with them to share with audiences, they’ll be able to grasp a wider field of music.

“This trip will broaden our view in music,” Beekman said.

“We’re always told to really perform in performing arts and emote.”

Although the trip is till a bit of ways away, the students and directors will be sure to be ready to get started and prepare anything necessary to practice.

The choreography will even require some

help from non-choir students.

“We’ll push for contest, and when that’s over we’ll prepare for our trip,” Beekman said.

“Learn the motions and have help from drill team members for choreography.”

Whether the trip is to Branson, New York City, or anywhere else, the choir will be willing to step up and show more than their best.

The songs, shows, and performances they push for can bring them to new heights for performing arts.

“Thirty years of excellence has gotten us this far, being led

by Brookins who has the mindset of being the top,” Allen said.

“Certain songs or hitting a note makes my body shake because it’s powerful.”

This years annual talent show is going to be filled with performances, laughs, and maybe even a little magic. National Honor Society will be hosting the event on January 28.

In the past, the performances turned out to be slightly difficult to handle.

“Last year some of the performers stripped,” senior, Janice Kim said. “They took off their clothes and wore swim suits so that was interesting, but it was approved. There were also beach balls that people threw off the stage, so that was a problem, but we hope none of that happens this year.”

However NHS members are optimistic that the performers this year look very promising.

“This year we have 15 acts,” Kim said. “So some people perform by themselves and some are in groups, so it’s going to be really fun like every year.”

Though it’s sure to be a fun night the upcoming talent will make the show a new and special event.

“Every year is unique,” sponsor Matt Highfill said. “This year is a lot of senior song writers but we do have some variety, including dancing and we have some rapping.”

Although NHS is working frantically to organize this upcoming event, between ticket sales and seating and finding judges, their views are very optimistic for the talent show.

We want to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Highfill said. “There’s always going to be your little hiccup, things that will happen backstage. I spend most of my time

backstage because I feel that’s the most important part for the viewers, making sure that all the acts go on, that we have sound and lighting, and making sure that everything is working properly.”

Through all the chaos NHS is very excited and is anticipating a great show.

“It’s going to be great,” senior, Alex Rubin said. “It always goes pretty well and it’s for charity, so that’s another thing that brings out a lot of people.”

So how are the performers to be judged?

“We have guest judges, those are the teachers, and they rate the performer’s performances,” Kim said. “Then, we also have a donation contest where after the show there are little buckets, and then people will donate to the act that they like the best, so what ever performer gets the most donations wins.”

The donations will be given to a local charity for teenagers.

“Everything raised during the show, ticket sales, the food sales, everything goes toward City House, which is the only teen shelter in Collin County,” Kim said.

Overall, the annual talent show is a much anticipated event which will allow students to show off their talent.

“I’m excited to see how the show turns out,” Rubin said, “and what people will think of it afterwards, so I hope everyone comes!”

review

Issue Six

Page Twelve

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

By Alex Gonzalez

By Anna Vicars

On the Fox network this season, there is finally an original new show. Based in the jungle of South America, the show starts off with three chosen doctors saving a man with a stingray tail through his ankle. WARNING: If you are sensitive to blood or intense pain, this show is not for you. (Try Jersey Shore perhaps).

Although everyone knows about Doctors Without Borders, there has never been a show created in its honor, until now. This new drama looks to be a “Grey’s Anatomy-in the jungle”.

There have been several doctor shows created in the past, but this is different. It has all the drama of Grey’s and some of the comedic relief of Scrubs.

In the first scene, a handsome Aussie doctor, played by Martin Henderson, assists the three doctors in removing the tail from a tourist’s ankle. He holds the tail steady while he distracts the tourist by punching him square in the nose while he yanks the tail out of the man’s ankle. This gory first scene serves as excellent prey for the new viewers.

By Daniel Hinson

I have been looking forward for the season premiere of The Cape on NBC forever.

I was so excited when the show started I couldn’t even contain my emotion. I was practically squealing with excitement (and if you know me that is not something I do very often). Finally a show that looked promising on NBC that wasn’t on Comedy Night Done Right.

The show was absolutely ………well I really can’t think of a word to put there. I don’t think there is a word to put there. Yes I was disappointed. Yes I felt like it was a rip off of batman.

But I was pleased, and kind of satisfied.

The Cast of the show was an odd collection nobodies.

The main character Vince Faraday is played by David Lyons. He might be recognized as Dr. Simon Brenner to all you ER fans out there; it is nice to see that NBC is keeping him employed (although I must say I was a fan of his Australian accent). And his partner in crime, Max Malini, is played by Keith David (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Crash, Armageddon Agent Cody

The synopsis of the show is simple: three American (non-bilingual) doctors, chosen by the head of the operations in the South American country to work in limited conditions, but with a plethora of resources to their advantage. The Americans have a bit of a language barrier, which is crucial when an elderly woman comes in complaining of a fever, headache, and nausea. The blond American doctor, Mamie, played by Mina Minard, tells the woman that it’s just the flu that’s going around and sends her home.

Feeling as though the young American doctor is wrong, the woman stays in the makeshift hospital until she falls on the floor and stops breathing. This is obviously not the flu. Mamie hurries to save the elderly woman by sticking an Epi-pen into the woman’s thigh. It turned out the woman was Asthmatic.

Despite the language barrier this new show proves to have a successful pilot episode. If you’re an avid Grey’s watcher, you’re sure to enjoy the drama, and the McAussie.

On the series premiere, Harriet Korn, played by Kathy Bates the main character is fired from a patent law firm, after 32 years of dedicated practice.

As she walks out of the building, a man falls on her from out of the sky, causing her unconsciousness. While she is at the hospital, the man, played by Aml Ameen, reveals that his name is Malcolm. The building was only six feet high, so Harriet comes to the conclusion that Malcolm was jumping off the building as an attempt of suicide.

When Harriet is released from the hospital, she walks around a neighborhood and sees an office with a “for rent” sign. A brilliant foreshadowing of the possibility of her opening her own practice, however, as she’s walking towards the office, she gets hit by a car.

This shows that she tends to be accident prone, which, is somewhat laughable.

Once again, she is in the hospital, but no damage is done, because the driver mostly hit soft tissue and Harriet landed on a mattress that was being unloaded

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Harry’s Law

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS

from the back of a truck.

When the driver, Adam, who is played by Nate Corddry, comes in to apologize, he realizes that Harriet is a lawyer, whom he once was in a court case against.

Once Harriet is released, she rents out the office and begins her own practice.

Jenna, her blonde assistant played by Brittany Snow, notices that the previous owner left behind several pairs of designer shoes in the office, and she gets the idea of having the office double as a shoe store.

Harriet immediately rejects the idea.

Malcolm then enters her office and admits that he was attempting suicide in order to avoid facing jail time after purchasing cocaine from an undercover agent.

Malcolm wants Harriet to represent him in court because he is a freshman in college, and is the first of his family to do so, and if he goes to jail, he would lose everything. Initially, Harriet is skeptical because, this is Malcolm’s third drug offense, plus, Harriet mainly has experience in patent law and not criminal law. Despite

this, Harriet decides to represent him and because of her wit and cleverness, she is successful in the trial.

At the end of the episode, Malcolm is hired as paralegal the camera zooms out from Harriet’s office window, which says “Harriet’s Law & Fine Shoes”, revealing that she accepted Jenna’s idea.

Judging by the pilot episode, Harry’s Law looks like it’s going to be a great show. Harriet’s no nonsense personality, and the quirkiness of her

The Cape

Banks). The other characters of the show include Mr. Flemming played by James Frain, Orwell played by Summer Glau and Dana Faraday who is played by Jennifer Ferrin.

This show is set in the fictitious city of Palm City, which is awesome because it happens to not be a rehashed New York City. In fact it is located four time zones away in California.

This is a good sign already.

The show starts out with Faraday his wife and son on the morning of Palm City receiving a new police chief. You can really tell that Faraday and his son Trip share a special bond that most fathers would love to share with their son.

Less than three minutes into show the police chief is dead, killed by a strange chemical, and a plot line should have been born.

But it wasn’t. No one really seems to care they he died at all. It turns out that a masked man by the name of Chess was responsible for the crime. With the murder of the police chief, the final straw is drawn for the Mayor and he decides to hire a

private police force by the name of ARK. I couldn’t help but wonder if America should hire private police forces to lower our deficit.

Mr. Flemming then frames Faraday for the crime and the overall plot for the show is born.

There was one scene in the episode that I took issue with. Faraday and Orwell are going to work together to rescue Max while trying to stop Mr. Flemming from blowing a ship rigged with L9(an explosive) up which would destroy half the city. I’ll let you figure it out if the succeeded or not.

Since Orwell is a blogger so she stays at her base while Faraday goes out to take down Mr. Flemming.

That whole scene I felt like was a knock off from The Dark Night where Batman (Faraday) is at the building (on the boat), Joker (Mr. Flemming) is going to blow up the ferries, (blow up the L9) with a cell phone (with a cell phone) and Mr. Fox (Orwell) is on his computer trying to find the Joker (is on the computer trying to jam cell phone service). Exact parallels.

Overall the acting was decent.

The dramatic scenes were well played in my opinion. The action scenes were absolutely terrible. They looked so fake. But when you are NBC and your budget isn’t that great that’s the best you can do. Sometimes the scenes were quite random and didn’t make any since, these characters would do impulsive things and the plot seemed rushed at times. The writers tried to do too much

in the first episode. Some times scenes would be about ten seconds long, and I’m not kidding. Trip, Faraday’s son, will probably be a show stealer. He is a great actor and the father son relationship, even thought it was short lived, was priceless. It was probably my favorite aspect of the show.

The episode ends with Faraday now known as the Cape in a convenient store that is being robbed. After killing the robber the owner

sidekicks create a serious but loose setting. Harriet has a sarcastic, Sue Sylvester-esque persona, and is not really emotional. After winning the trial, Malcolm’s mother tries to hug her and she says “I’m not a hugger!” Overall, I am looking forward to Malcolm’s future, and more sarcastic quips from Harriet.

Be sure to catch Harry’s Law Monday nights at 9:00 on NBC.

of the store asks what his name is and Faraday replies “The Cape.” The owner then says “Really, work on it.”

That is exactly what needs to happen. The Cape looks like a promising show.

The writers should re-watch the pilot and put a plot line where a plot line should be, use character development, and try to stay away from scenes that are already in a Batman movie.

Issue Six

By Aleah Pushaw

Page Thirteen

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

Envious for Envy How often do you see raw food fly infront of your face? It was a first for me as Sushi Envy, north down Preston before 121 on the right, serves their food on a white, fairly paced, conveyor belt.

As you walk into what seems like a holein-the-wall, and sit at the marble bar, it’s already a unique experience. There is a menu with pictures and descriptions of each individual sushi they prepare right infront of you taped onto a panel of the bar right under the conveyor belt.

If it’s your first time, the waitors and waitresses are kind enough to explain the process to you. The belt doesn’t rotate too fast, but in the time it takes to identify what you see and what the ingredients are, it passes by. But if you missed something you wanted to try, don’t fret, it’s coming back.

If you choose something that doesn’t fit your tastebuds, they have a variety of drinks to wash it

PILLOW PETS

By Amber Robinson

There are three things that I will never understand.

One, why America is so fascinated with the life of Lindsey Lohan. Two, why people feel the need to make fun of 16-year-old girls who are Girl Scouts. And three, the teenage population’s new obsession with Pillow Pets.

It is understandable for a wide-eyed child watching their Saturday morning cartoons. I’m sure a Pillow Pet looks great in comparison to the other thousands of infomercials selling random pieces of junk like color changing pens or blankets with sleeves. However, when looking at the grand scheme of things, that little kid doesn’t really need a Pillow Pet, and neither do you.

Of course, this musthave product is much more than an over-priced pillow.

It has its advantages. It’s unbelievably soft, squishy, and has a cute little face looking at you. Not only

that, but there is only about 100 different kinds of Pillow Pets. You could buy a purple hippopotamus or an adorable bumble bee that even has little black antennas! With all of the different types they have, why would you ever need a real life pet again?

But come on people, let’s put two and two together. If you truly want to sleep with a Pillow Pet, then get your pillow, and fall asleep next to your, oh I don’t know, real life dog? Bam! Problem solved. Not only have you refrained from neglecting your actual dog, but you have also managed saved the $19 to $32 dollars that you can spend on the next fad, which I’m sure will be over within a month.

For some, that could be a predicament. You may not have a fuzzy dog or cute little kitten to cuddle with, and if that’s the case, there is another solution: pick out an insanely cool pillow case,

and use that instead. Not only does that solve your problem, but you have an unlimited amount of prints, colors, and patterns to choose from, making your pillow as unique as ever.

There is this strange urge for teenagers who see a Pillow Pet. They are reminded of their childhood, and instantly feel the need to buy one. However, before you jump in line to purchase this item, think about that giant cardboard box in your attic. Yes, that one. The one over flowing with all of the stuffed animals, Snuggies, Wiki-Stix, and Furbies you just couldn’t stand to throw away, but could never let your friends see.

So, go ahead and get in line to buy that Pillow Pet, but keeping those stuffed animals in mind, ask your self, “Do I actually need a Pillow Pet? Do I really even want one?”

Think about it.

review

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

down with: Pepsi products from the foutain, hot green tea, iced tea, and Japanese soda Ramune.

This sushi bar lets you choose what you want, at anytime you want, costing as cheap as two dollars a plate and two dollars for a drink with free refills.

There is a period of time every Wednesday when they place trays of the ever so popular and free California Rolls in the front, for you to snatch between five and seven p.m., and they have a buffet every Monday and Tuesday night $17.50 for adults, and $9.50 for children 12 and under.

If you don’t like the sushi on the belt, or you want a certain roll that you just can’t manage to find, you can personally order a plate with no extra fee. If you don’t like sushi overall and you were dragged by your girl friend in the first place, order some

chicken wings or dumplings because they make those fresh as well.

There is a wide variety of sushi to pick from, but even coming from a sushi lover and experimentator, I had to be careful with what I chose.

Although the plates are kept covered while on the never ending belt, there’s no telling how long it’s been making its rounds.

The atmosphere is great, with four widescreen TV’s placed on the north and south wall shinning sports channels to keep the men happy.

To end the night on something more filling than sushi, they have homemade cheesecake, flan, green tea ice cream, mango ice cream, and fried ice cream available.

Overall I rate Sushi Envy at 3 rolls out of 5. Warm raw fish doesn’t suit well with my systems down below.

opinion Issue Six

Page Fourteen

A World Forgotten

By Madison McDaniel

I walk past one after the other; transfixed by the rows and rows of display cases; each one holding the season’s designer styles, and latest gadgets. Each one unique and filled with their own creations, like a treasure chest waiting for someone to discover all it holds. I can’t help but stare at the pristine setting that showcases the crowning “jewels” of Northpark.

I’m peering into the back of Anthropologie when my mom tugs on me to snap out of it as I almost bump into the oncoming traffic of the mall. “Hello?” she asks, pulling me out of my trance. “Where did you go? Come on now. We still have a lot of our Christmas shopping to do!” We are walking from each end of the mall focused on presents that still need to be bought and I can’t help but gaze into all of the stores, making a mental note of the cutest things. I love the mall, don’t get me wrong, but passing the most expensive stores and seeing tons of the stuff I love and can’t buy gets a little depressing after a while.

Especially during the holidays when everyone brushes past you with an armful of Bendel’s and Kate Spade bags, it’s practically torture.

“Okay.” I groan and take a final glance at my favorite store. “I’m coming. I just wish that I had enough money to buy the really good stuff. You know?” I look at my mom and wait for what I knew she was going to say as soon as the last word spilled from my mouth.

“You’re a very lucky girl,” she begins to preach the same monologue I’ve heard a thousand times. “You have a beautiful room filled with great things. We live in a nice house; you have wonderful friends and a loving family.” I sigh and wish I had just kept my mouth closed. “Honey, just be grateful for all of the things you have. There are so many people in this world…” She continues to talk but I’ve zoned out. I hear an occasional snippet about third world countries and start to tune back into the conversation. “All I’m saying is that maybe going into downtown Dallas will do our family some good.”

. . .

The car slows down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and I know that we definitely aren’t in Plano anymore. I can feel the eerie sense of discomfort while we drive down the dark alleys. I look in the backseat and see the dozens of packaged blankets that my mom has put together to hand out. My brother and I share a crazed look of doubt as my mom reaches for a blanket and looks out the car window, scanning the street for the homeless.

“Here sweetheart, you can hand one out this time.” She passes me the colorful blanket and I hesitantly roll down my own window. I notice a mob of homeless men walking down the streets, a look of sadness yet emptiness in their eyes. It’s only a week before Christmas and these men are roaming the streets; their home. “Sir would you like a blanket?” I shout to the closest man. He practically runs towards the car. I start to get nervous, but that melts away when the biggest grin crosses his face in gratitude. He reaches for the blanket and looks at the bow and card that lay on top and then looks into our car. “Thank you so, so much! It’s getting pretty cold out there!”

He beams.

“You’re very welcome! Merry Christmas!”

My family calls out to him. All the while his smile never fades as he turns and walks away. Even though he didn’t say much his appreciation for something as small as a blanket was enough. My own worries suddenly seem so insignificant, and with that one smile, we continue driving down the street and hand out the rest of the blankets.

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

Cat Quips 1 6

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

By Eilie Strecker

Ricky Gervias (host of the Golden Globe awards) has recently gotten ridicule for being too personal and rude while hosting. What, referring to Bruce Willis as Ashton Kutcher’s dad is too personal?

2

American Idol season 10 has kicked off with two new judges! So we’ve got Jennifer ‘everyone deserves a chance’ Lopez and Steven ‘cool man, cool’ Tyler.

3 4

Scream 4 is set to come out this April 15th. I scream, you scream, we all scream 4!

Jersey Shore’s Snookie and Jwoww are shooting a pilot all about them. Yes! Exactly what America needs! I always wanted to know more about their thrilling lives.

5

Sacha Baron Cohen is going to be in another film similar to Bruno “The Dictator”. I say we skip the middle step and go ahead and put that on “Worst Movies of 2011” list.

Japanese movie theaters are cutting ticket prices from $21.88 to $18.23. Whew! Big Savings! $3.65! Now there is money left over for exactly 12 pieces of popcorn. Without butter.

7 8

Jesse James and Kat Von D are now engaged! I hear Sandra Bullock is taking it really hard as she falls crying into Ryan Reynold’s arms… right.

Recently Cathy Marrero was at the mall and fell into a fountain while texting. She is now suing the police for getting it on tape and leaking to YouTube were the video has gotten nearly 2 million hits. Let’s make it 3 million people, seriously go watch it.

9

This year’s Mr. Plano pageant roused the crowd with a few surprising laughs. It really had a nice touch this year… a good element if you will… Helicase anyone?

10

Facebook Quote: “I like gospel music and canned applesauce, cause it doesn’t remind me of anything.”

Wrap of 2010

By Lindsey Kehlmann

It is 2011. We’re one year closer to our second freshman year, one year away from the dreaded 2012. 2010 came and went faster than we would like to think, but it left us with some fond memories that we will not soon forget whether we want to or not. It was a good year; the year of Betty White, of Avatar 3D, and of all sorts of entertaining mischief from the shiny world of the celebrities. Before we leave it behind us in a scrapbook or a facebook note, I’d like to take a moment to remember some of the top stories of 2010.

While last year may have come to a rocky start, even the earthquake in Haiti couldn’t dampen our spirits. Soon Apple released the legendary iPad. While we may never actually come to own one, we take comfort in knowing we can sneak into the Apple store and play demo games to our heart’s content. At the close of January though, glitches in technology lurked behind Toyota’s trusty image. As Toyotas accelerated unexpectedly, so did the new car sales for other manufacturers, eventually smoothing over the dip in car sales across the board by the end of the year.

At the beginning of February, the New Orleans Saints took the title of NFL champions for the first time in franchise history. It was an event so surprising that Dick Cheney suffered a heart attack, disproving the widespread theory that he has no heart. But just as we learned of Cheney’s softer side, Tiger Woods revealed, well, much more than he, his wife, his mistress, his mistress, or his mistress would have liked America to see.

To keep in the Tiger Woods state of mind, in March, full body scans and pat downs were made mandatory in many airports across the country, but when April rolled in it was put on the backburner as British Petroleum’s oopsie spilled across the headlines. Though they attempted to clean up the gulf and their reputation, neither endeavor has been completely successful.

First Exxon, now BP… you’re next Shell.

The US government found itself in an embarrassing situation in July when Julian Assange leaked confidential documents and conversations onto the internet through his website, WikiLeaks. The government had a lot of damage control to do for several months after.

“I feel you, bro.” said Mel Gibson.

Person of the Year Mark Zuckerburg was the next target for the media as The Social Network debuted in September.

After the movie was released, portraying him in a negative light, Zuckerberg promptly donated $100 million to Newark public schools, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase, “saving face(book)”.

On October, 33 Chilean miners were rescued after being trapped about half a mile underground for two months.

“Let me back in!” one cried after seeing Lady Gaga’s meat dress.

Of course the shenanigans of 2010 are countless, but so far 2011 shows great promise. I want to assure you that no matter how good your resolutions are this year there is no shortage of people out there for you to laugh at.

Happy New Years America.

Issue Six

Page Fifteen

January 26, 2010

Plano Senior High School

opinion 2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Barbie Dream Home Wii vs. KINECT

By Meaghan Pulliam

By Dayna Gettel

Every little girl imagines their dream house as a gorgeous white house with many windows, beautiful flowers and little details everywhere. The furniture inside was to be perfectly arranged and each room would look as if it was done by an interior designer.

I had a dream of this house for a long time when the time to move came around. My parents went house hunting, trying to find the perfect house for my siblings and me to continue our Disney-like childhood.

Finally they told us the exciting news that we had gotten a new house! I hoped anxiously for it to be the Barbie dream house I imagined.

The house wasn’t white and it didn’t have too many windows, but every single aspect of it seemed just right. After living in it for 10 years nicks and scratches came and went, but nothing ever lasts. The house was perfect in my mind, something right out of a dream.

It made it through every day of the year, except one.

Just like every year before, Friday the 13th came and everyone dreaded its wrath. On such a dreadful day came a huge miracle, the birth of my baby nephew.

Unfortunately, the birth wasn’t world record pace, so the entire family was at the hospital for nearly 10 hours waiting. Family members left to check on things at home, but quickly came back so they wouldn’t miss a thing.

At 11 o’clock, the baby boy was finally born. After congratulations took place, I left the hospital returning home at midnight. As I pulled into the garage my car slid on the wet ground. I thought, “Why is the ground wet? It didn’t rain…” Slowly I walked into the house and stepped in a huge never ending puddle of water. The house has flooded. After freaking out for a good 2 minutes, I called my dad who told me what to do. A pipe had burst in a toilet downstairs and water

flooded into the downstairs level, ruining all the tile and carpet. The bottom floor of the house was a disaster, having to be under construction for a good two months.

On such a happy day, the birth of a new baby boy, a new addition to the family, came such a tragedy. The perfect house, my dream house, was ruined. But then a new thought came to mind.

That day the hospital was full of so much love from my family and friends, it almost became a temporary house.

Even the largest and most amazing house couldn’t be a real home without any family or love. I realized as long as I had the ones that cared about me most with me, any place could be my Barbie dream home. With seniors going off to college and looking towards their futures, it is vital for them to realize it is not the look of the house that makes the home, but the people in it.

In my childhood memories, no game in the world can ever top Nintendo 64 Golden Eye. However, with amazing advancements in technology, there are some pretty close runner-ups.

One of the most revolutionary gaming systems of our time is the Wii, made

by Nintendo, which was the first motion-detector-based gaming system created. My mind was blown when I first played it a few years ago at a friend’s house, and now I’ve got one of my own. I have to say that Mario Kart on the Wii is pretty fun, and it’s great for little kids, too. The game really comes in handy while babysitting. The standard games that come with the Wii including, bowling and tennis are very easy to use while maintaining the golden Nintendo standard.

The Wii can be frustrating just because sometimes I might get too into tennis and accidentally step out of the range of the motion-detector and lose because of it.

Then, I demand a rematch.

However, after this revo-

lutionary gaming system was created a few years ago, the makers of Xbox thought it would be prudent to invent one themselves. Thus, the Xbox Kinect was born. I’ve only played on this system a few times at a friend’s house, but I have got to say that this system tops the Wii in several ways. There are no controllers needed at all.

An amazing idea after the problems many people had involving Wii tennis and a huge crack in their fiftyinch flat screen television.

Many of the games like Dance Central and Dance Masters are similar to the middle school classic, Dance Dance Revolution. They are updated and refined versions without all the lame equipment needed to show off your sick dancing skills.

Plus, they actually use real dance moves instead of pressing multicolored arrows with your feet and don’t frustrate you when you don’t pound on the mat hard enough and then lose your 507 perfect move streak.

Other games crated to

compete with the Wii include the Xbox version of Wii Fit, which is aptly named EA Sports Active. In comparison to the Wii, Xbox has more active games including Motion Sports, The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout, Zumba, and Kinect Sports.

The Xbox Kinect is just starting out so they are lacking a wide variety of games.

The biggest thing Wii has over the Xbox Kinect is all of the classic Mario and other Nintendo games that we all cherish from our childhood memories.

Both the Wii and the Xbox Kinect are great gaming systems; it just depends on what kind of gaming you plan on doing. The Wii has more traditional games that are the stereotypical video games we all think of while the Xbox Kinect has more mature and advanced games which aren’t really suited to fit younger kids. I enjoy both of the systems, but nothing will ever top Nintendo 64 Golden Eye or Mario Party.

‘I w a s h sto ma ch ungr y a nd m y s I didn’ t art e d gro wli ng tg t h e noi et fo o d b eca . use se dinos a u s o und s lik e t wo rs sto ma ch Fight ing in si de m y ”.’ s enio r , M ich a el W il k in s o n

“Today at lunch I ordered the 50 chicken nugget meal at McDonald’s . I counted them, and there were only 48. What a rip off’’

My senior, Chris Cornelison Life Unscripted

By Aleah Pushaw and Jamie Denison

st aring P O H I it t ing at s s a w d Int eri a s “I t i d en u, a n m k es . It e a h c t n a t a P f ouse o H l a n o i sho ut e d t I na o s , e hit m INS N A E s u ddenl y OP M H ‘I , d u USE o O H o ut l L T IONA A N R E T AKES” C N A P OF tr ee

Crab n e r u a L , j unio r

“I u s carri e d to h a e a nd d it aro v e a p e t h u fell e j ump nd m y cra wF is d e h up s e o w n t h d o ut o o u s e o h . I n f t e t ho u a nd cri st air s . m y h a e d a y , e nd s Iw up d ght he w d t h at a s r eall a nd night y ing a s y o ff .” a n y w g oing b to d eca u s e I ay b ie . eca u s e h H e end is cl j unio a w ed r, G fell ra nt P iep er

Issue two

Page Sixteen

January 24, 2010

photo essay

Plano Senior High School

2200 Independence Pkwy Plano, Tx 75075

Nothin’ But Net Plano vs. Allen Basketball Game

By AJ Hill

#10 Clayton Parlin dodges an Allen defender

#5 Austin Mitchell dribbles down the court and looks for an opening

#3 Daniel Slaughter bides his time while planning his next move

#5 Austin Mitchell shifts his stance to make his next move

#24 Rashad Smith predicts his opponents next move

#10 Clayton Parlin takes his shot!