Features
Oscar Buzz
Edina Bands
Issue 5
Culture
Fun things to do in Edina
Volume 29
In-Depth
Protection or Prevention?
ED/OP
Deciphering Injury Jargon
Sports
INSIDE
Feburary 10, 2008
6754 Valley View Road Edina, MN 55439
Near-Abduction challenges safety at parks Catherine Kerwin staff writer On January 3 at 4:30 p.m., a group of children about nine years old, were making the best of Minnesota’s chilly weather playing at Normandale Park when a stranger approached two of them, wanting to give them a ride. The currently unidentified middle-aged, bearded man was driving a silver vehicle. Thankfully, he did not fool the children, both of whom were well educated in stranger danger—they ran off instead of accepting the offer. Over the next few days, news of the incident spread rapidly and a crime report was sent around the concerned commu-
nity. Many wondered how Edina residents could best prevent similar occurrences. Right now, extra patrols from the Edina Police have been assigned to keep a keen eye on parks, increasing security for the playgrounds. “Crime [will] go on, but we do what we can with the resources we have to prevent, serve, and protect the community,” said Edina Public Information Officer, Molly Anderson. Since this was the first incident of its kind in many years, the police are unsure how long this increased patrol will last. “It is more than likely stronger safety measures will remain in effect until more information is collected from the incident, or the mysterious man is caught,” said Kenna Dick, Police liaison at EHS. Dick also noted that though
Police-enforced security may not be at parks during all hours, nearby residents have the best eyes for noticing suspicious behavior. This proved true when the neighbors of the Normandale Park district reported the strange car they saw to local authorities. Winter is the most vulnerable time for this type of incident. People spend less time outside due to the frigid weather, so there are fewer sets of eyes to observe anything out of place. But even though neighbors can contribute by looking out for one another and the police can work their hardest to keep children safe, the most effective method to prevent a real tragedy is teaching children to make the right decisions in a dangerous situation.
Twins owner Carl Pohlad dies Recession hits schools hard Trevor Aufderheide culture editor
Matt Hussian staff writer
The billionaire dealmaker and longtime Twins owner Carl Pohlad died at the age of 93 at his home in Edina on Monday, January 5. Pohlad had become frail and in recent months had started showing up for work less than usual, often in a wheelchair. He still managed showing up for Twins games but only stayed for a few innings. In 1915, Pohlad was born near Des Moines, Iowa. He was the third of eight children and worked in corn fields during The Great Depression to support his family. Sixty-nine years later he became owner of the Minnesota Twins. Pohlad graduated from Valley high school in West Des Moines before receiving a football scholarship at Gonzaga University in Washington. Pohlad left Gonzaga after his second season and went to work at Federal Discount Corporation. In 1942, he was drafted in the army. He was a cook but started a small loan business out of his infantry tent. He later was wounded in action. (continued on pg. 2)
Plummeting stocks, failing businesses, and cheap gas prices have one thing in common; a recession. One more fixture might be joining them soon. Looming cutbacks and constraints in state and nationwide budgets make some wonder whether or not schools will feel the pinch. It’s hard to say before those spending plans are decided upon, but some in the area are preparing for the possible. Despite the lack of any actual budget cuts, the school is still staying on the cautious side of things in regards to spending. Principal Bruce Locklear said, “We have discussed the impending budget crisis and have agreed to move ahead in a deliberate manner on spending. However, at this point there is no spending freeze at our building. The district-wide reality is a little less appealing though. “We are attempting to reduce our budget expenditures by $150,000 the remainder of the school year,” said Jay Willemssen, Director of Business Services. “We are also implementing a process to reduce next year’s expenditures by approximately 2 million.” As per the District Agenda from a board meeting on December 19th, the specific procedure through which the district implements these fixes are called “BRRRG” (Budget Reduction, Reallocation, and Revenue Generation). (continued on pg. 2)
news 2 Israel attacks result in deadly consequences Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM
photo courtesy of mctcampus.com
IN RUINS: Israeli attacks caused nearly $2 billion in damage and over a thousand lost lives. Eamon Rood back page editor Israel’s Gaza campaign Operation Cast Lead, retaliation for rocket attacks by Gaza’s extremist government Hamas, ended on January 18 after both sides declared their own ceasefires. Hamas had called for Israeli forces to leave Gaza by January 25, and Israel followed through on its on declaration to withdraw by Barack Obama’s inauguration.
The latest spate of violence began on December 21, 2008 when Hamas fired over 70 rockets into Israel from within Gaza’s borders. The attacks came three days after an Egyptian-brokered cease fire expired. Israel retaliated on December 27, 2008. Israel has drawn criticism from the international community for a disproportionate response to Hamas’ attack. Over 1300 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli air strikes and artillery, including 159 children, compared to only 13 Israelis. So far an
estimated $1.9 billion worth of damage has been dealt to Gaza’s infrastructure by Israel’s assault, which Palestinian economists say could take up to five years to rebuild. Edina teacher Joel Nasset sees a moral gray area in the conflict. “I think they’re justified in retaliating, but I don’t think that proportionally they’re justified,” he said of Israel’s response. Senior Tim Burnett is cynical about Israel’s intentions: “I’m sure it satisfied their revenge, but I think they could’ve screwed them over politically.” Mr. Nasset shared this cynicism when asked about whether Israel’s offensive will achieve its goals of preventing further rocket attacks. “I don’t think that deep down they really want to. It’s to achieve political goals. To get Tzipi Livini elected.” Israel is holding parliamentary elections on February 10. Foreign Affairs Minister and Acting Prime Minister Tzipi Livini, who has presided over the current hostilities, is running for Prime Minister. Senior Eric Sannerud expressed sympathy for the Palestinians’ position in the conflict: “I feel sorry for the Palestinians, because they can’t be held totally responsible for what Hamas does.” While sympathy for the Palestinians is prominent, they too have born criticism for their part in the conflict. Hamas’ rocket attacks have been condemned by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon as “completely unacceptable.” Still, hope for a resolution remains. “It’s an opportunity for [The U.N.] to talk to Hamas and tell them, ‘if you want to be treated like a legitimate government, you need to start acting like one,’” explained Mr. Nasset, before succinctly summing up the issue. “It’s a tall sandbox - adults acting like children but with very deadly toys.”
Students take action to Edina’s recession (cont.) end genocide in Darfur Trevor Aufderheide culture editor
Christina Kosters staff writer
photo courtesy of flickr.com
Two Edina students are stepping forward and taking action for the genocide in Darfur. Through the organization Students Take Action Now: Darfur (STAND), Emma Weisberg and Shara Mohtadi hope to inform the community about the crisis in Darfur and provide ways to help. “STAND is a group dedicated to stopping the genocide in Darfur, in terms of giving humanitarian aid and raising awareness in the U.S.,” said Mohtadi. STAND is a nationwide organization and Weisberg and Mohtadi are starting a new chapter in Edina. There are five chapters in the metro area, but this is the first in a high school. It is a subgroup of the Genocide Intervention Network (GINet), which has chapters throughout the world including Rwanda, India, and France. GINet is bringing Dr. Ashis Brahma from Darfur to speak at EHS. He is the only doctor for 25,000 refugees on a camp in Darfur and will speak about the reality of the genocide and how young people can help. The genocide in Darfur involves the Janjaweed (militia group of recruited Arabs) and Sudanese government fighters raiding towns in an attempt to cleanse Sudan of non-Arabs. Villages are burned, women raped, and men are killed and thrown in drinking water to insure the town can never be inhabited again. More than 250,000 people have died in the last five years, and about 2.5 million have been forced out of their homes and become refugees. “And you’re telling me the people in America don’t know this?” asked Dr. Brahma. “Maybe it’s too much to know. But that’s what’s happening right now.” Dr. Brahma will speak to students and staff during second hour on Wednesday, February 11. He will also present his experiences at an event open to the public at 7 p.m. in Fick Auditorium. The official meetings for STAND begin February 17, the Tuesday following the occasion. Future events for STAND include a rally at the state capitol in April and fundraising and awareness activities throughout the community. A national STAND meeting will occur in November in either Washington D.C. or New York City and the dedicated members from Edina may be able to attend. In the future STAND hopes to raise awareness and money for more issues STOPPING GENOCIDE: STAND’s event will help around the world such as warrelated rape in the Congo. spread awareness for the conflict in Darfur.
BRRRG involves maximizing the utility of less expenditures (what will be cut hasn’t been decided yet) while making sure that items like transportation and the number of school days aren’t affected. Some examples of deliberation can be seen around the building in teacher activity as well. “Even though nothing has been dictated, I’ve been more mindful of handouts,” said English teacher Ms. Mohs. “I’ve been uploading more documents to Edline.” While the forecast might look grim in terms of a budget and spending, Governor Tim Pawlenty’s recent State of the State address packs more optimism. In it, he made multiple calls for increased education spending, citing the need for improved student performance. It remains to be seen whether or not Pawlenty’s promises to preserve school budgets will be kept, but in the meantime, the atmosphere is one of caution and reservedness. “Often, out of crisis we become creative, which is what times dictate,” stated Locklear. “The next few months will prove to be some of the most interesting we have faced in many years financially.”
Carl Pohlad dies (cont.) Matt Hussian staff writer
Pohlad was most famous for his purchase of the Twins but was also involved in several other companies. Pohlad sold a Pepsi bottling company for more than 600 million and acquired Marquette Bank during the early 1950s. Pohlad later bought the company Twin City Rapid Transit and changed its name to Minnesota Enterprises Inc. Carl Pohlad was respected for fulfilling team owner duties with a low payroll by recruiting young players who became skilled players. He led the Twins to two World Series. Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball, mentioned “Since the day Carl Pohlad entered Major League Baseball, he made significant contributions to our game.” “I think people forget how he took them to two World Series and how he was a perfect fit for a small market team,” said Johnny Beuerlein, a family friend of the Pohlad’s. Pohlad co-founded the Boys and Girls clubs of the Twin Cites. The clubs include programs and services that promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. His family donates more than 10 million to charity annually. “Whenever you needed something from the boss ... he’d get it done for you,” said Tom Kelley, ex Twins manager at Pohlad’s induction into the Twins Hall of Fame.
Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
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features And EHS’s 2009 Oscar predictions go to... ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM
Best Picture – Slumdog Millionare Charlotte Sweetland (12): “It’s high time they let an uplifting movie win best picture. The Departed, No Country for Old Men,, the Oscars are starting to kinda depress me.”
Best ACTRESS– Meryl Streep (Doubt) Mary Nymark (10): “I like to think of it as her “Mama Mia” redemption.”
photos courtesy of http://www.oscar.com/nominees/?pn=nominees
Best Supporting Actress– Viola Davis (Doubt) Will Lidke (10): “It’s very rare that a performance can move me to tears in under twenty minutes.”
Best Actor– MickeyRourke(TheWrestler) Tommy Glass (12): “He has a true comeback story, really deserves this award. Plus, he’s ripped out of his mind. If Leonidas didn’t win, they should have at least one huge man win this year to make up for it.”
BestSupportingActor– Heath Leger ( Dark Knight) Leah Kuck (11): “Because he’s awesome, that’s why.”
Best ANIMATED FILM– WALL-E Eleanor Axt (11): “Who DIDN’T love Wall-E? It’s original, funny, beautiful and SOOO CUTE!”
photo courtesy of http://howdesvan.spaces.live.com/
Students with special needs learn everyday life skills John Lucke staff writer
The average high school student’s main concerns are getting good grades, going to college, and finding a good job. For some EHS students, however, this is not so. These special needs students spend their school day learning life skills like navigating through town or paying at a cash register. Students who have conditions such as down syndrome and autism attend school to learn skills that will serve them through life. For two to four days a week, some of these students spend a few hours working at different jobs at the places like the YMCA and Arc Value Village as a part of their life-skills education at school.
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You can see that you make a difference in their lives. It feels good knowing that you’re preparing them for life. ~Lisa Hanson Special education teacher Lisa Hanson has more than a student-teacher relationship with these kids. “We can’t just teach for inside school,” said Hanson. “By knowing how they act at home and knowing their family, it helps to relate to them.” Hanson’s relatively small class of 11 students is larger than average and almost double the size of last year’s class. Even with Hanson and 5 other staff helping in her class, it is still a bit overwhelming. “Each additional kid to my class is a big deal,” stated Hanson. “Each student takes a lot of planning because they are all so unique in their needs.” Being a teacher for special needs students takes a lot of devotion. “You can see that you make a difference in their lives,” commented Hanson. “It feels good knowing that you’re preparing them for life.” The special needs students, although they don’t attend school like most, still learn important skills specific to their lives, the same as average students.
Who was Fick? Corrin Carlson staff writer
Every year Fick auditorium serves as host to many EHS concerts and productions. It is indisputably an important asset to the high school, yet no one seems to know who the theater was named after. We’ve all wondered, who is Leo J Fick? As a sophomore I thought it was an acronym, like EPAC. However, I was wrong. There is a plaque hidden on one side of the theater bearing the face of “Leo J. Fick, educator, 1942-1971.” Fick received his BA at St. Cloud Teachers College and later his MA from the University of Minnesota. He began working for Edina Public Schools in 1942 as a counselor and later became the Edina High School assistant principal, becoming principal in 1952. Fick’s two children also attended Edina Public Schools. “[Leo Fick] put the school before everything else,” said Rollie Ring, a former Edina High School assistant principal who worked with Fick. “He helped start the tradition of excellence in Edina.” In 1958 Fick became the Director of Secondary Education, a position created photo by Matt Norris because of the rapid growth in the Edina school system. Fick also served on the EHS HISTORY: Few students know school board and retired in 1971. the origins of Fick Auditorium. “He was an absolute great person and was highly respected by everyone,” said Ed Malichar, a retired band teacher who began teaching at Edina during Leo Fick’s final year. “His door was always open to you if you had a problem.” It wasn’t until several years after Fick died from a heart attack that the theater was dedicated to him. “It was a dark day in Edina the day Leo died,” said Malichar. “The dedication of [the auditorium to] Fick was the least they could do. If anyone deserved to be honored it was Leo Fick.”
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Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
features
ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM
Abuse goes beyond the physical Maddie Krasno culture editor
Grade 12 Males Saying “Yes”
Grade 12 Females Saying “Yes”
The math is straightforward ─ one in four high-school and college-aged students will suffer from an abusive relationship. This statement, however, can be easily misunderstood because of a lack of information. Abuse that excludes physical violence or sexual demands is often 11% overlooked; however, verbal (shouting, swearing), emotional (insults, public embarrassment), mental (mind games, manipulation), or psychological (intimidation) abuse can be just as destructive as 11% physical acts. An emotionally unstable person who is abused in one of these ways can suffer from depression, an illness which 3% can produce disastrous results. 12% Men’s physical strength often dominates abusive relationships. Although there is no explanation why more women reportedly face 6% abuse, EHS Liaison Officer Kenna Dick suggested society’s traditional power roles as a possible cause. On the other hand, mediaradar.com, a website dedicated to reporting domestic abuse statistics, shows that 40 cases out of 100 involved violence by women against men. In addition, males claimed A: Have you ever physically or sexually hurt someone you were going out with? that 27% of females started the violence in their relationships. As with men, there is no known explanation for this violence. Perhaps B: Has someone you were going out with ever hit you, hurt you, threatened you, or some women, convinced that their man will not fight back, resort made you feel afraid? to violence as means of achieving dominance. C: Has someone you were going out with ever forced you to have sex or do something Sadly, abuse does not always cause people to end relationships. sexual when you didn’t want to? Nearly 80% of girls in physically abusive relationships continue to date their abuser. While ending an abusive relationship is difficult and scary, remaining in an abusive relationship can be much worse. According to a Massachusetts study, 30% of 15 to 19-year-old females murdered notes that abuse, like any other learned behavior, can be unlearned. Both the in this country are killed by their boyfriends or intimate partners. abuser and victim need help. Both Nurse Ann Little and Officer Dick stress education on abusive relationships Little urges teens to “be aware of what a healthy relationship feels like,” and as the key to understanding abuse and maintaining healthy relationships. if a relationship doesn’t feel right, not to be afraid to confront the situation. It Dick commented, “People don’t necessarily know they’re in an abusive relation- is never too late. ship.” Even if people are aware of an unhealthy relationship, “people are generally Need help or advice? Have questions? Call Cornerstone’s 24-Hour Helpline: uncomfortable labeling the relationship as abusive,” remarked Little. (612) 884-0330 Regarding abusers, Little said, “Abusive people don’t have labels. They may be going through a tough time.” *Chart provided by 2007 Minnesota Student Survey: Edina Although abuse is not excusable, Cornerstone, a local abuse support center,
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World of WarSzporn Ben Streeter in-depth editor
photo courtesy of wowinsider.com
FOR THE ALLIANCE: Torcatorc proudly defends the lands of Azeroth from the brutal horde and vile scourge.
AP Economics teacher Jason Szporn’s World of Warcraft character, Torcatorc, came into existence November 23, 2004. Born a Human Warrior, Torcatorc began questing and fighting the Scourge and the deadly Horde. A true example of the Alliance, Torcatorc (level 80) has taken on even the toughest of Horde enemies including Thrall and his countless level 70 Elite guardians. When Torcatorc was just level eleven, he became an apprentice miner and blacksmith. This might startle you, even shock you, but it is actually quite common for characters to
start work around this young age. Torcatorc is also well-known for his enhanced cooking abilities. Now with 28,536 Health, 23,219 Armor (unbuffed), and with an 8.35% chance of critical strike in defensive stance, Torcatorc is nothing to mess around with. He has killed 15,461 creatures as of January 21 and is not stopping any time soon. Names changed to protect the innocent.
Elusive staff works to keep school clean
Head custodian reveals a night in the life Megan Evans staff writer Take a moment to notice the clean floors, the nearly empty garbage cans, the full paper towel dispensers. Rest assured, Harry Potter is not in charge of these little miracles. But who is? To find out, visit the nearly empty school at night. According to head night custodian Matt Mosby, the night shift lasts from 3 p.m. to 11:30 at night. While students are cramming for the next day’s test, these heroes of the night are cleaning up our messes, preparing for the next day. Doesn’t it get creepy when it is dark? “No, we have security lights,” explained Mosby. What about ghosts? Mosby mentioned that “one guy heard voices at night during construction, but we think it was just students.” Mosby described a normal day as “generally just cleaning and vacuuming,” not to mention the hundreds of other little things, like replacing toilet paper rolls, taking out the trash, and filling the soap dispensers. He commented that the worst job is the cafeteria. What makes the night janitors different from the day team? Mosby says there is a “big difference. The day team is maintenance, repairing things and dealing with the cafeteria,” while “the night crew actually cleans.” Even better, they get to use Mosby’s favorite tool, the putty knife, to scrape gum and gunk off of surfaces. What about playing music over the loudspeakers? Mosby said when he worked at Valley View “they had the radio right next to the intercom, so we would just put on 93X.” Those guys really knew how to rock. The worst part, Mosby said, are “the late hours.” To make time go faster “some of the guys have iPods, but they can only use one ear [for safety reasons] and the best thing to do is just keep busy.” As I finished the interview, Mosby’s shift started. He waved and said, “Have a good night!” You too, Mr. Mosby.
ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM
sports
Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
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Common sports injuries explained Jack Rohkohl news editor Months later, the after shock of the loss of hockey/football captain, Zach Budish, still reverberates through the halls in the form of “what if” questions. But when you were first told of the news inevitably through the gossip highway, did you actually know what an ACL was? For all of you who still don’t, it is a tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the knee, which can be an extremely painful experience. For those of you who haven’t gotten your medical degree yet, or are still trying to decipher ESPN’s latest cryptic injury news, here are four common sports related injuries that most people don’t fully understand:
photo courtesy of www.footballtimes.org
Shin Splints Shin splints is a general term for a painful condition of the front and lower leg. Causes range from overusing muscles, stress fractures, or chronic compartment syndrome, which is a swelling inside of the anterior compartment, which reduces blood flow to the lower leg. These can be caused by a sudden increase in workout or strenuous activities like running and jumping. “Relative rest” is the approach most commonly used to treat the injury. “Relative rest” balances physical activity, with ice, rest, and antiflamitory medications.
Meniscus The meniscus is two cartilage pads in the knee in a crescent formation. It is situated between the femur (upper leg) and the tibia (lower leg) and helps reduce friction during movement. This cartilage disperses the weight of the body and provides structural integrity to the knee. The meniscus can be torn as result of a degenerative process (where over time the cartilage wears down), but more commonly in sports as a result of a traumatic injury, which usually occurs when the knee is bent and then twisted.
Sports Hernia Medically known as “athletic pubalgia”, a sports hernia is a syndrome of the groin. Technically, sports hernias aren’t actually hernia’s, but similar surgical procedures can also help alleviate them. The symptoms of a sports hernia is stiffness, and soreness after physical activities. Athletic pubalgia has many different causes, including injuries to the spine, the hip joint, and the abdomen. There is no agreed upon treatment.
photo courtesy of www.mendmeshop.com
Turf Toe
photo courtesy of www.kneeguru.co.uk
A fairly common injury among athletes who play on artificial turf, turf toe is an injury to the joint and the tissue that is located between the foot and the toes. Its medical name is “Metatarsalphalangeal joint sprain”, and is most common when something falls on the back of the calf while the affected person is on a knee, with his toes flat on the ground. This results in a hyperextension of the joint. Because it doesn’t sound serious, the injury is often incorrectly assumed to be insignificant, but it can develop into a chronic injury, because the joint never fully heals. It is very hard to properly tape or brace the joint, so to fully-recover the quickest is a daunting challenge. photo courtesy of www.hughston.com
Athlete rituals have mixed reviews Chris Greeno ed/op editor
Imagine yourself contemplating the starting line of a Nordic ski race on a field of snow. In seconds, minutes, or hours you’ll be pushing your nervously shaking skis up to it, and you had better be prepared to race. Have you eaten right, gotten your sleep, are you mentally ready? What will you do to prepare? The answer to this question varies from sport to sport and even athlete to athlete. Some choose to wing it every time, hoping they’ll be ready while other athletes have a steady and repeated ritual. Senior Boys Swimming captain, Carter Kelly, has a highly developed pre-race ritual. As he walks up to his starting block, he slips his goggles on and wets his hair. He shakes out his arms and legs and walks over to his competitors in each adjacent lane. Carter shakes his rivals’ hands and wishes them luck before returning to his lane to begin jumping up and down. He then puts his leg up on the block and focuses on the coming race. Kelly is now prepared. “I guess it just makes me focus on the race and makes me feel warmed
up,” said Kelly after noting a correlation between his ritual and his success. “If I don’t do it, I feel like I can’t focus at all.” Junior Chris Young also explained the Boys Tennis Team’s eccentric pre-game ritual. “We all go to the bathroom before we play,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s just what we do.” He shared Kelly’s sentiments, saying that “[going to] the bathroom makes you more mentally prepared.” Some athletes, however, reject the empty-bladder and other rituals. Junior Nordic Ski captain Jen Rolfes noted that “it’s stupid when people have pre-race rituals because something is going to happen [to the ritual] and they will freak out.” She told the story of a teammate who could not bring herself to race hard because she did not have the right food at the right time before a race. Rolfes held that athletes get so bent up over these rituals because, since they do it every time, “They have to do it.” Rolfes admitted, however, that the whole ski team does have a few pre-meet routines such as pasta dinners and team meetings. Team rituals are fairly common with Edina teams, but rest as sured that whatever our athletes do to prepare, they will be ready to win.
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in-depth
Whenbetterthannowtogiveahelpinghand? Sean Carney staff writer
With the recession seemingly endless, many students may be interested in helping those that are less fortunate and have been harmed by the job cuts. There are many opportunities in Edina and the surrounding areas for students to volunteer. For people who like working with toddlers and infants, and a flexible schedule, there is the Fraser preschool, at 2400, West 64th Street in Minneapolis. “I’d definitely recommend it, but only if they like little kids,” said sophomore, Kayla Reininger. When many people think of doing charity work, they think of food drives, and Feed My Starving Children does exactly that. This organization prepares “The experience at FMSC meals for starving kids in impoverished countries was phenomenal” - John Connell (10) and has three locations in the Twin Cities. Since it started in 1987, more than 90,000 volunteers at Feed My Starving Children have been under 18, and they have prepared over 43 million meals in 2007 alone. “The experience at Feed My Starving Children was phenomenal,” said sophomore John Connell “You are with a bunch of people just like you, doing really fun things. It doesn’t even seem like work.” Another option for those more suited to the outdoors would be to adopt a park through the Edina Park System. The City of Edina requires only two clean up sessions each year for two years. Some parks available include Browndale, Alden, Fox Meadow, and Braemar. People can adopt parks in groups, which can make it a fun activity to do with your friends. There are also many options for food drives and other assistance to low-income individuals. One choice is Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People. V.E.A.P has been operating for over 35 years, with over 800 volunteers for a total of more than 30,000 volunteer
What’s
hours in 2007 alone. It offers different services, each geared toward specific household problems, including a program for food, transportation, and social services. Students can find the application online at www.veapvolunteers.org. Although this may seem to be a time to save every penny you can, sometimes it is more important to think of those who have been impacted even more severely. If you want to show how much you truly care, the best way to do it is through actions, and nothing speaks stronger than volunteering.
In
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Economy got you down? Date on Young Padawan!
happening
Todd Barin staff writer
What is there to do on a Saturday night when you ain’t got any dough, and all you see is snow, snow, snow? Well, I can tell you one thing you won’t be doing if you are looking for a cheap date spot, and that’s going anywhere near Southdale. I mean seriously, $7.50 for a PIECE of cheesecake! You could get eight double beef burritos at T- Bell with that kind of mullah. Now let’s think here...what are some fun places that don’t involve going broke? At Centennial Lakes, you can play mini-golf for $4 a person and even go ice-skating in the winter for free on the beautiful lake. After your round or ice skating session, you have a choice of reasonably priced restaurants, including Q’cumbers and Quizno’s. Or you can always head next door to Jamba Juice for a snack and enjoy a relaxing time with your special someone.
Park Tavern bowling in St. Louis Park is a fun and cheap place as you can get two games of bowling for you and your partner, a pizza and drink, for less than $25. This is a great date spot because bowling is a fun activity, and almost every one likes the game, even if you score in the low 70s. The alley is a great place to talk while you enjoy your pizza and pop. More cheap hotspots include Frisbee golf, the rush tickets at any live theater like the Guthrie, The Hopkins Movie Theater, and ice skating on Lake of the Isles. “The Hopkins Theater is a great place to go,” commented sophomore Chase Claflin. “One buck to go see a month-old movie, you can’t get a better deal than that.” If you are seriously in need of something to satisfy your taste buds, you can always hit up Byerly’s on France Avenue on Friday night and try some samples. If you make multiple rounds, it pretty much equals a meal. You don’t have to go broke trying to show your companion a good time. Try-out some of these places because you will probably enjoy yourselves and hopefully end the night with some greenbacks still left in your pocket.
The next step in game boarding tec hnology : Chatterbox Ashley O’Niell staff writer photo courtesy of www.fmsc.org
Shopping here, shopping there Taylor Turner staff writer
in-depth
Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
relaxing shop with lunch and maybe a movie.” The Edina Theater on 50th and France isn’t your typical stadium-seat theater like you find at Southdale’s AMC. It is one of three Landmark Theaters, known for its artsy, independent and foreign films. “Their films are generally more interesting and give you different ideas and perspectives,” commented Redpath. Students who are less into the clothing side of shopping may find something more tasteful at Crate and Barrel’s new location at the Galleria. It has a feel similar to Pottery Barn or Williams-Sonoma, offering items from bedding to home décor. Others who prefer the outdoor walking experience of 50th and France can check out the only Sur La Table in Minnesota, which opened within the past year and stocks a variety of kitchenware. The Galleria’s Barnes and Noble is a sure pleaser for bookworms and magazine fanatics and is also a great place for gift shopping. Whether you’re on the hunt for clothes, gifts, or just a place to walk around and hang out, Edina’s got something in store. If all else fails, the new Super Target is also a tried and true option. It’s all about knowing where to go for what you desire.
Southdale. The Galleria. 50th and France. These are common places in every Edina shopper’s vocabulary. For students who think they’ve seen everything Edina has to offer, look again. From bargain hunters to shoppers who love one-of-a-kind stores, there’s something out there for everyone. Just because “Edinans” have been referred to as “cake-eaters” doesn’t mean we all frolic in money and spend cash right and left. Considering the economic rut in which our nation has immersed itself, the pricey stores in Edina are becoming less appealing. “[I like] 50th and France because there are a lot of good stores, even though they can get a little expensive,” commented sophomore Brooke Jones. When it comes to saving dough she said, “I look in the racks by the dressing rooms to see if there are any clothes that aren’t other places in the store, and if I find something with a tiny, fixable tear, or a minor flaw, I bring it to the attention of the sales clerks so I can get a discount (usually 10-15%).” Stores like the Len Druskin Outlet in Southdale, the clearance coun- photo courtesy of www.phototour.minneapolis.mn.us terpart to its sister store in the Galleria, offer sales prices up to 90 percent off. “I love that they have designer pieces at way better prices and they have some great accessories,” said sophomore Reed Mosimann. The fairly new Bumbershute on 50th and France is another great place for those who crave designer apparel. Just around the corner is Cos Bar, a store completely dedicated to make-up, next to the Aveda New Reflections Salon Spa which carries environmentally friendly hair care products. 50th and France is also home to one of only two Flagship Salons for Monique Lhuillier store, the other residing in L.A. The Galleria has the first BCBG Max Azria store in the upper Midwest (with the Macy’s of Southdale being one of few to carry their merchandise), as well as the only Oilily’s store, which, according to Junior Liv Redpath, has a nice selection of scarves. General Sports at 50th and France is unique for the well-known “Edina” merchandise it offers. Possibly one of the biggest hits on 50th and France is Anthropologie. The store offers everything from furniture and bedspreads to lotions and books, aside from their wide selection of clothes and accessories. “I love their style because it’s really cute and a little bit vintage...Also they have great accessories for any room!” gushed senior Molly Russell. Observing the strengths of each location are the key to an optimal shopping experience. Junior Emily Liebman said, “I like Southdale for shopping for clothes, but I like 50th and France when I’m looking for a
Edina Southdale Shopping Center
This weekend’s plans? Pretty much the same every weekend—going with a few friends to a movie, stopping at Perkins or Lee Ann Chin, then sitting around at someone’s house. Seriously, we need somewhere new to catch up with friends! Thankfully, new buildings and restaurants have recently been popping up all over Edina, and one of the most attractive is the Chatterbox. It is Friday night in January, and Chatterbox is brimming with people of all ages. The restaurant, located at 4501 France Ave. S, may become the new Edina hot spot. Situated just a short distance from many Edina students’ homes, the restaurant provides a casual place to have fun with friends. But the restaurant really stands out because it provides games for customers to play while they wait for their food, everything from old Sega games and Mrs. Pac Man to old favorites like Sorry! and Uno. There are even a few retro couches set up around TVs to play $2 video games, or you can play board games at your table for free. For sports fans, some of the TVs show sports games. The cool blue interior adds to the whole experience, and the atmosphere overall is bright and cheerful. “I liked the decor and the interesting flavors that were offered,” observed junior Hannah Mirman of the menu that consists of a variety of comfort foods, like grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, and delicious lemonades and fruit drinks.
“I think I would come back with friends, it’s a pretty cozy place.” Another restaurant-goer, sophomore Irini Lappas-Grigoraki, commented, “I liked the games, it was fun. But I think they would work better for smaller groups of people.” The Chatterbox offers a pretty inexpensive way to have fun, but if you’re looking for an even less expensive way to have a good time with friends, rummage through the storage at your house to dig up some old games to play. Whether you and your friends are just bored with your usual Saturday afternoon or stuck inside on a rainy day, the Chatterbox offers some old-fashioned entertainment that will never get dull.
photo courtesy of Esquire.com
Feeling hungry? lets get some chow Caroline Valenta photo/art editor Restaurants. You hear the word and probably think of your favorite places to eat, of great conversations and laughs with friends and family. If you aren’t a fan of eating out, the word may bring thoughts of overpriced food, long waits, and awkward conversations (especially on a first date). However, you’re probably familiar with the phrase muttered by a friend, “Can you pick the restaurant where we’ll eat tonight?” Whether you are fluent with restaurants or burdened by this factor, Zephyrus has compiled a list of great local restaurants for a first date, or just a simple dinner with your family. Before a movie- California Pizza Kitchen (6601 France Ave S). It is located right next to the AMC movie theater, so you can plan your meal around the time when your movie starts. “My favorite thing to get at CPK is the Barbeque Chicken Pizza… because I love barbeque!”- Molly Wolfe (11) Fast-food Service (without the grease) – Noodles & Company (7630 Lyndale Ave S). Your meal is ready within 5 minutes of ordering. “I like the Chinese Chop Salad because people don’t usually get salad when eating at
noodles. Also you get the crunchiest carrots and wontons on top!” –Devin Cavanor (11) Dinner with the Family- Granite City (5500 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis). The portions are family sized… big enough to share with everyone. “I usually get the Parmesan Chicken, it’s cooked really well.” –Andrea Paetznick (12) For a first date- Big Bowl (3669 Galleria). It is very noisy in the restaurant. In case your conversation lags, at least there isn’t an awkward silence to ruin the date. “I get the Sesame Chicken because the flavor will never let me down.” – Matt Carlson (12) Date for a more serious couple – Ciao Bella (3501 Minnesota Dr, Bloomington) It’s located in a place far away from noisy traffic of large crowds, with a dark-romantic feeling to it. A perfect quiet dinner for two! “I like the Filet Mignon Steak with fries. Basically because the fries are amazing!” –Matt Schroeder (12) Dinner with a big group of friends- Chili’s Grill & Bar (7801 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis). They have a menu option called “unlimited chips”, so the whole table will be able to have however many baskets of chips for just one price. “I like the Bacon Cheeseburger or Endless Chips and Salsa, because it tastes good and it’s cheap.” –Andrew Fink (12) So for all of you Zephyrus readers out there…. Next time you are asked to pick the place to eat for the night, you’ll have all sorts of options right at your fingertips!
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Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
in-depth
Whenbetterthannowtogiveahelpinghand? Sean Carney staff writer
With the recession seemingly endless, many students may be interested in helping those that are less fortunate and have been harmed by the job cuts. There are many opportunities in Edina and the surrounding areas for students to volunteer. For people who like working with toddlers and infants, and a flexible schedule, there is the Fraser preschool, at 2400, West 64th Street in Minneapolis. “I’d definitely recommend it, but only if they like little kids,” said sophomore, Kayla Reininger. When many people think of doing charity work, they think of food drives, and Feed My Starving Children does exactly that. This organization prepares “The experience at FMSC meals for starving kids in impoverished countries was phenomenal” - John Connell (10) and has three locations in the Twin Cities. Since it started in 1987, more than 90,000 volunteers at Feed My Starving Children have been under 18, and they have prepared over 43 million meals in 2007 alone. “The experience at Feed My Starving Children was phenomenal,” said sophomore John Connell “You are with a bunch of people just like you, doing really fun things. It doesn’t even seem like work.” Another option for those more suited to the outdoors would be to adopt a park through the Edina Park System. The City of Edina requires only two clean up sessions each year for two years. Some parks available include Browndale, Alden, Fox Meadow, and Braemar. People can adopt parks in groups, which can make it a fun activity to do with your friends. There are also many options for food drives and other assistance to low-income individuals. One choice is Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People. V.E.A.P has been operating for over 35 years, with over 800 volunteers for a total of more than 30,000 volunteer
What’s
hours in 2007 alone. It offers different services, each geared toward specific household problems, including a program for food, transportation, and social services. Students can find the application online at www.veapvolunteers.org. Although this may seem to be a time to save every penny you can, sometimes it is more important to think of those who have been impacted even more severely. If you want to show how much you truly care, the best way to do it is through actions, and nothing speaks stronger than volunteering.
In
7
Economy got you down? Date on Young Padawan!
happening
Todd Barin staff writer
What is there to do on a Saturday night when you ain’t got any dough, and all you see is snow, snow, snow? Well, I can tell you one thing you won’t be doing if you are looking for a cheap date spot, and that’s going anywhere near Southdale. I mean seriously, $7.50 for a PIECE of cheesecake! You could get eight double beef burritos at T- Bell with that kind of mullah. Now let’s think here...what are some fun places that don’t involve going broke? At Centennial Lakes, you can play mini-golf for $4 a person and even go ice-skating in the winter for free on the beautiful lake. After your round or ice skating session, you have a choice of reasonably priced restaurants, including Q’cumbers and Quizno’s. Or you can always head next door to Jamba Juice for a snack and enjoy a relaxing time with your special someone.
Park Tavern bowling in St. Louis Park is a fun and cheap place as you can get two games of bowling for you and your partner, a pizza and drink, for less than $25. This is a great date spot because bowling is a fun activity, and almost every one likes the game, even if you score in the low 70s. The alley is a great place to talk while you enjoy your pizza and pop. More cheap hotspots include Frisbee golf, the rush tickets at any live theater like the Guthrie, The Hopkins Movie Theater, and ice skating on Lake of the Isles. “The Hopkins Theater is a great place to go,” commented sophomore Chase Claflin. “One buck to go see a month-old movie, you can’t get a better deal than that.” If you are seriously in need of something to satisfy your taste buds, you can always hit up Byerly’s on France Avenue on Friday night and try some samples. If you make multiple rounds, it pretty much equals a meal. You don’t have to go broke trying to show your companion a good time. Try-out some of these places because you will probably enjoy yourselves and hopefully end the night with some greenbacks still left in your pocket.
The next step in game boarding tec hnology : Chatterbox Ashley O’Niell staff writer photo courtesy of www.fmsc.org
Shopping here, shopping there Taylor Turner staff writer
in-depth
Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
relaxing shop with lunch and maybe a movie.” The Edina Theater on 50th and France isn’t your typical stadium-seat theater like you find at Southdale’s AMC. It is one of three Landmark Theaters, known for its artsy, independent and foreign films. “Their films are generally more interesting and give you different ideas and perspectives,” commented Redpath. Students who are less into the clothing side of shopping may find something more tasteful at Crate and Barrel’s new location at the Galleria. It has a feel similar to Pottery Barn or Williams-Sonoma, offering items from bedding to home décor. Others who prefer the outdoor walking experience of 50th and France can check out the only Sur La Table in Minnesota, which opened within the past year and stocks a variety of kitchenware. The Galleria’s Barnes and Noble is a sure pleaser for bookworms and magazine fanatics and is also a great place for gift shopping. Whether you’re on the hunt for clothes, gifts, or just a place to walk around and hang out, Edina’s got something in store. If all else fails, the new Super Target is also a tried and true option. It’s all about knowing where to go for what you desire.
Southdale. The Galleria. 50th and France. These are common places in every Edina shopper’s vocabulary. For students who think they’ve seen everything Edina has to offer, look again. From bargain hunters to shoppers who love one-of-a-kind stores, there’s something out there for everyone. Just because “Edinans” have been referred to as “cake-eaters” doesn’t mean we all frolic in money and spend cash right and left. Considering the economic rut in which our nation has immersed itself, the pricey stores in Edina are becoming less appealing. “[I like] 50th and France because there are a lot of good stores, even though they can get a little expensive,” commented sophomore Brooke Jones. When it comes to saving dough she said, “I look in the racks by the dressing rooms to see if there are any clothes that aren’t other places in the store, and if I find something with a tiny, fixable tear, or a minor flaw, I bring it to the attention of the sales clerks so I can get a discount (usually 10-15%).” Stores like the Len Druskin Outlet in Southdale, the clearance coun- photo courtesy of www.phototour.minneapolis.mn.us terpart to its sister store in the Galleria, offer sales prices up to 90 percent off. “I love that they have designer pieces at way better prices and they have some great accessories,” said sophomore Reed Mosimann. The fairly new Bumbershute on 50th and France is another great place for those who crave designer apparel. Just around the corner is Cos Bar, a store completely dedicated to make-up, next to the Aveda New Reflections Salon Spa which carries environmentally friendly hair care products. 50th and France is also home to one of only two Flagship Salons for Monique Lhuillier store, the other residing in L.A. The Galleria has the first BCBG Max Azria store in the upper Midwest (with the Macy’s of Southdale being one of few to carry their merchandise), as well as the only Oilily’s store, which, according to Junior Liv Redpath, has a nice selection of scarves. General Sports at 50th and France is unique for the well-known “Edina” merchandise it offers. Possibly one of the biggest hits on 50th and France is Anthropologie. The store offers everything from furniture and bedspreads to lotions and books, aside from their wide selection of clothes and accessories. “I love their style because it’s really cute and a little bit vintage...Also they have great accessories for any room!” gushed senior Molly Russell. Observing the strengths of each location are the key to an optimal shopping experience. Junior Emily Liebman said, “I like Southdale for shopping for clothes, but I like 50th and France when I’m looking for a
Edina Southdale Shopping Center
This weekend’s plans? Pretty much the same every weekend—going with a few friends to a movie, stopping at Perkins or Lee Ann Chin, then sitting around at someone’s house. Seriously, we need somewhere new to catch up with friends! Thankfully, new buildings and restaurants have recently been popping up all over Edina, and one of the most attractive is the Chatterbox. It is Friday night in January, and Chatterbox is brimming with people of all ages. The restaurant, located at 4501 France Ave. S, may become the new Edina hot spot. Situated just a short distance from many Edina students’ homes, the restaurant provides a casual place to have fun with friends. But the restaurant really stands out because it provides games for customers to play while they wait for their food, everything from old Sega games and Mrs. Pac Man to old favorites like Sorry! and Uno. There are even a few retro couches set up around TVs to play $2 video games, or you can play board games at your table for free. For sports fans, some of the TVs show sports games. The cool blue interior adds to the whole experience, and the atmosphere overall is bright and cheerful. “I liked the decor and the interesting flavors that were offered,” observed junior Hannah Mirman of the menu that consists of a variety of comfort foods, like grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, and delicious lemonades and fruit drinks.
“I think I would come back with friends, it’s a pretty cozy place.” Another restaurant-goer, sophomore Irini Lappas-Grigoraki, commented, “I liked the games, it was fun. But I think they would work better for smaller groups of people.” The Chatterbox offers a pretty inexpensive way to have fun, but if you’re looking for an even less expensive way to have a good time with friends, rummage through the storage at your house to dig up some old games to play. Whether you and your friends are just bored with your usual Saturday afternoon or stuck inside on a rainy day, the Chatterbox offers some old-fashioned entertainment that will never get dull.
photo courtesy of Esquire.com
Feeling hungry? lets get some chow Caroline Valenta photo/art editor Restaurants. You hear the word and probably think of your favorite places to eat, of great conversations and laughs with friends and family. If you aren’t a fan of eating out, the word may bring thoughts of overpriced food, long waits, and awkward conversations (especially on a first date). However, you’re probably familiar with the phrase muttered by a friend, “Can you pick the restaurant where we’ll eat tonight?” Whether you are fluent with restaurants or burdened by this factor, Zephyrus has compiled a list of great local restaurants for a first date, or just a simple dinner with your family. Before a movie- California Pizza Kitchen (6601 France Ave S). It is located right next to the AMC movie theater, so you can plan your meal around the time when your movie starts. “My favorite thing to get at CPK is the Barbeque Chicken Pizza… because I love barbeque!”- Molly Wolfe (11) Fast-food Service (without the grease) – Noodles & Company (7630 Lyndale Ave S). Your meal is ready within 5 minutes of ordering. “I like the Chinese Chop Salad because people don’t usually get salad when eating at
noodles. Also you get the crunchiest carrots and wontons on top!” –Devin Cavanor (11) Dinner with the Family- Granite City (5500 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis). The portions are family sized… big enough to share with everyone. “I usually get the Parmesan Chicken, it’s cooked really well.” –Andrea Paetznick (12) For a first date- Big Bowl (3669 Galleria). It is very noisy in the restaurant. In case your conversation lags, at least there isn’t an awkward silence to ruin the date. “I get the Sesame Chicken because the flavor will never let me down.” – Matt Carlson (12) Date for a more serious couple – Ciao Bella (3501 Minnesota Dr, Bloomington) It’s located in a place far away from noisy traffic of large crowds, with a dark-romantic feeling to it. A perfect quiet dinner for two! “I like the Filet Mignon Steak with fries. Basically because the fries are amazing!” –Matt Schroeder (12) Dinner with a big group of friends- Chili’s Grill & Bar (7801 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis). They have a menu option called “unlimited chips”, so the whole table will be able to have however many baskets of chips for just one price. “I like the Bacon Cheeseburger or Endless Chips and Salsa, because it tastes good and it’s cheap.” –Andrew Fink (12) So for all of you Zephyrus readers out there…. Next time you are asked to pick the place to eat for the night, you’ll have all sorts of options right at your fingertips!
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Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 Febuary 10, 2009
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zephyrusnews.com
Safe sex or no sex for EHS? 3 days, 2 tests,
photo by Linnea Bullion
PROTECTION OR PREVENTION: Edina must decide whether to promote safe sex and provide protection or support abstinence by making it clear that not having sex is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy.
DJ Adams sports editor It may not be morally or legally accepted, but let’s face it: High school students have sex. Under most circumstances, the individuals involved do not plan on reproducing. Instead, their actions are merely for pleasure, making birth control and condoms necessary. Schools are then faced with a difficult question: Is it better to have contraceptives available for students in case they need them, or would it be more beneficial to promote abstinence by refusing to hand out such items? At first, a large bin of condoms in a nurse’s office might seem like a poor attempt at immature humor. Whether it’s a student’s lack of money, however, or a deficiency of courage, birth control is not always easy to obtain. That public basket of condoms could actually be a comforting image. Now imagine you are the parent of a sick high school student who has spent the entire day in the nurse’s office. When entering the room, you notice the large bin of colored contraceptives on the desktop. One can only assume a reaction filled with disgust. The notion of a potential grandkid while your own child is still earning his or her education is terrifying. With both costs and benefits to contraceptives in public schools, where should the line be drawn? Why is it that certain schools nearly promote safe sex with their hefty bins, while at EHS condoms are nowhere to be found? Let’s be honest, it is quite obvious that a “Top 100” high school would not exactly prefer to have its nurse’s office decorated with bins of birth control devices. Such a reality would certainly tarnish our image. We are not immune from teen pregnancy issues, however, just because we are an illustrious high school. An equally important criterion to a school’s success is its ability to provide a comfortable environment for all students. A complete lack of sexual protection materials implies that EHS only supports abstinence. If sex is on a student’s mind but the school favors abstinence, a conflict will brew. Sex is such a disastrously touchy topic that it is difficult to pick a clear side. Therefore the best policy, and the one that EHS should follow, is compromise: No public condoms on display, yet the nurses will keep some behind the counter just in case of a desperate need.
1 choice for Edina Alison Dirr editor-in-chief Finally, a break from finals. On January 21, 22, and 23, we took two finals per day, instead of the traditional three, and were released at 12:20. The new schedule resulted when last year’s Student Council President Jack Jorgensen pushed the school board extend finals. Jorgensen brought up the concept last year after winter exams. “I noticed that during my third final on the Thursday of finals week, I was almost apathetic to the test I was taking because I was mentally exhausted from having taken two earlier in the day,” explained Jorgensen. “We did not think it was fair that finals, which are critical for students in that they can significantly affect students’ futures after high school, are crammed into such a short period of time.” Many students also take AP classes– the equivalent of college courses. While numerous universities have a “dead week” during which no classes are scheduled so students can study for exams, many times at EHS the last project or test is crammed into the week prior to finals. We do not even have time to think about final exams until the weekend before. Is this how we should go about tests that can account for twenty percent of our grades? Unfortunately, the three-day finals schedule is not set to continue at the end of second semester. Part of the problem is that the state requires schools to keep students in the classroom for a certain number of hours per day and days per year. Because of the noon releases, the administration had to cut staff-centered late starts. However, the school district must also have a certain amount of time for staff development; we cannot just slash late starts. According to English teacher Martha Cosgrove, this is a small sacrifi ce. Teachers must facilitate tests while correcting those from previous classes – no easy task with written exams. English teachers might correct 60 essays per class (if there are 30 students who each write two blue books). Multiplied by five classes, that is 300 essays that they may have to read over the weekend. If we are mentally exhausted, imagine reading those essays. A three-day finals schedule seems to be best for students as well as teachers. We need to follow Jorgensen’s example and talk to administrators, tell them to keep this schedule so that finals are not as stressful and exhausting as in the past.
Missile strikes in Gaza: Israel is justified tion, Israeli forces did not blindly bombard Gaza, hoping to hit a Hamas target. Israeli forces took measures to protect Palestinians by urging them to evacuate their homes and Rockets and shells rained down on hospibuildings while Hamas targets were destroyed. tals and schools as Palestinians of the Gaza Hundreds of thousands of leaflets were dropped Strip barely held on to family members and from planes to Gaza’s 1.5 million residents their own lives. There is blood in the streets warning that attacks would be escalated, and as an air strike had just reduced an office suggesting that Palestinians take cover. building to a pile of rubble. However, it is nearly impossible to tell In the longstanding Israeli-Hamas conflict who is a member of Hamas and who is an that has left almost 1300 Palestinians dead, innocent citizen. In the case of the UN-run many of them innocent civilians, a question school that Israeli’s attacked on January 6, must be asked: Should this be happening in troops reported there were militants in the the 21st Century? building. Of the 1300 deaths, the number of The constant barraging of the Gaza Strip Hamas members killed has been reported by Israeli gunfire and air strikes may seem to anywhere from 100 to 700. After both sides be no more than an outrageous act of aggresreached a ceasefire on January 18, Israel is photo courtesy of hsj.org sion. This “Holocaust,” however, committed now committed to improving the humanitaragainst the residents of the Hamas-controlled DESTRUCTION IN GAZA: A Palestinian ian condition in the Gaza Strip. Gaza Strip is not comparable to the atroci- woman contemplates the work of Israeli Preventing Israel from avenging its sufferties committed against the Zionist country, ing is similar to giving in to its enemies. The missiles on a city in the Gaza Strip. a completely Jewish state, over the greater world must support Israel in its cause to protect part of the last century. destroy Israel and replace it with an Islamic state. its citizens and ensure its religious freedom. Over the 61 years that Israel has been recognized, What about the innocent people killed in the Despite the gruesomeness of this conflict, Israeli its residents have been the target of many Islamic Gaza Strip due to the air strikes and rocket fire forces did what was necessary to keep their counextremist terrorist groups like Hamas that wish to by Israeli forces? Contrary to some media’s depic- try free from terror and destruction.
Robbie Latta staff writer
Zephyrus Staff
editors-in-chief: Alison Dirr, Lizzy Meller managing editor: Ben Streeter copy editor: Kenzie Miller photo editor: Caroline Valenta advertisement managers: DJ Adams, Matt Norris circulation manager: Christina Kosters news editors: Jack Rohkohl, Anna Waldo features editors: Michael Fetterman, Teddy Hoffman sports editor: DJ Adams in-depth editor: Ben Streeter ed/op editors: Chris Greeno, Kenzie Miller culture editors: Trevor Aufderheide, Maddie Krasno back page editor: Eamon Rood staff writers: Todd Barin, Carolyn Beese, Corrin Carlson, Sean Carney, Megan Evans, Lyndsay Hage, Kelsey Hansen, Matt Hussian, Catherine Kerwin, Christina Kosters, Robbie Latta, Anders Lindquist, John Lucke, Tony MatthesAshley O’Neil, Taylor Turner photographers/artists: Eliza Gabriel, Lindsay Hage, Tess Jensen, Olivia Kavanaugh, Grace Kerr, Maddie Krasno, Robbie Lehman, Cindy Pyles, Sharanya Srinivasan webmaster: Matt Norris advisor: Van Anderson Zephyrus is a monthly publication produced by students of Edina High School; 6754 Valley View Road; Edina, MN 55439; (952) 848-3800 x3087. Zephyrus is an open forum for student expression that recognizes the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of the press, and abides by Tinker standard. Opinions published in Zephyrus do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff, advisor, administration, or entire student body. Submissions and letters are printed based on the space available. Anonymous letters may be printed only if a Zephyrus advisor or editor knows the author’s identity. Letters should be mailed to the school or given to the advisor or a staff member. Zephyrus reserves the right to edit any letters for clarity and length.
9 “Senior slide” enticing, but definitely not worth it ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM
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Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 february 10, 2009
photo by Grave Kerr
if they choose to drop their A.P. courses and switch into regular-level classes. Colleges want students to continue to The most monumental take those difficult courses and time in a high school stustrive for perfect grades. dent’s life is the moment Other seniors are still waitwhen a student chooses a ing impatiently for their coluniversity to attend (inlege admittance letters to come sert sigh of relief here). in the mail. Frustrated senior The dreadful process of Matt Schroeder is currently colleg e a p p l i c a t i o n s i s wait-listed at the University of over, and good students Minnesota. can finally put their feet “I have been wait-listed for up for the rest of senior about two months now and so far year, right? it’s been really rough,”explained Sadly, this is not the Schroeder. “I would love to relax case. Seniors need to and take easy classes, but I can’t continue to work hard, because the U needs to see that so they can keep their I’m still working hard.” hard-earned college acSo whether seniors know ceptances. where they’re going next year Students look forward or are still waiting to hear, they to what has been dubbed TIME OFF, ON THE ICE: Senior girls enjoy a weeknight getneed to buckle down and keep “the senior slide” for years, together, relaxing and skating on a nearby outdoor ice rink. their grades up. As much as their when seniors who have minds want to be on vacation secbeen accepted into the colond semester, they need to keep lege of their choice basically stop working and allow their grades to drop. working hard in order to go to the college of their choosing next year. “Senior slide,” however, is a bad idea because competitive colleges such “Students need to continue to be focused, and the rewards may not be as the University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin-Madison immediate. But in the long run, I promise, working hard will pay off,” are telling students who have been accepted that they are not welcome advises counselor Bill Hicks.
Kelsey Hansen staff writer
Sex: the age-old waiting game?
Is the “text-social” anti-social?
and I find out my wife has had sex multiple times, I will be okay with it. Before she meets me, she is single, and able to do anything she wants. If it did bother me that she had sex when she was single, I would seem like a hypocrite because her personal life before I came into it is really none of my business.” Waiting : “For me, it is important to wait until marriage to have sex because of what I believe in. I am a strong Christian and believe that God created the Earth for people to be intimate with each other, but not with any random person. I think you should marry your partner, and then when you do have sex, it means much more to you than if you were to have sex with any random person. I think a person who is waiting until marriage to have sex, like me, should try and find another person who is also waiting. I committed myself to waiting when I was 13 years old. I got a promise ring from my parents from my thirteenth birthday and that was really when I committed myself to celibacy.”
art by Maddie Krasno
having sex before marriage. According to newvision. com, 74% of men have sex before marriage, while 47% of women wait. The EHS student poll shows that by the end of high school, 49% of guys have not had sex Sex, sex, and more sex. According to snopes.com, nor have 61% of girls. men have a sex-related thought every seven seconds. Two senior boys at EHS have their own opinions Sciencedaily.com shows that men tend to be much on sex before marriage. One student is determined more focused on sex than women. This could be a to wait until that perfect girl comes into his life. The result of hormones, and in some cases men having other believes that love can be shown physically, even no control over their emotions. Many men end up if you are not married to your partner. Naturally, you will determine your own actions regarding this issue, but I would keep reading to discover what two of your classmates said about the Teddy Hoffman importance of remaining features editor celibate until marriage. Not Waiting: “I startThe buzz in your pocket prompts you to immediately investigate its source. ed having sex when I was “Hey, wanna hang out?” blinks your phone. You look up, eyes skimming the dark 16 years old. I was in a basement room, which is lit dimly only by the glowing LCDs of other phones, silent relationship for about 4 save for the soft white noise of clicking in the background. months and then it just You respond, “Can’t right now, with friends.” happened I guess. We Text social (noun): a rude, anti-social practice of texting while with never had planned on friends, frowned upon yet practiced by all. having sex, but we were “I text WAY too much. All day. I go crazy if I don’t have my phone on both comfortable with it, me,” commented texting-specialist junior Eleanor Axt. “But I know when it’s and then we did it. a bad time to be texting and when it’s a good time.” I think sex is a perUnfortunately, many students don’t share Axt’s texting etiquette. “Once sonal thing between two in awhile is fine, but getting exposed to it all the time just makes me want to people, and it should be take [my friends’] phones and be like ‘LISTEN!!!’” she exclaimed. both partners’ decisions “If you are trying to have an important conversation with someone, and to have sex before you they won’t stop texting it gets really annoying,” said a frustrated Axt. “They actually do it. can make you feel like what you have to say isn’t important.” For me, I was express But putting away the phone is easier said than done. This author admits ing my physical affection to violating the basic social code and knows it is a difficult habit to break. So towards my partner, and what’s a poor cellular socialite to do? it felt right. In today’s technology-obsessed society, it seems ridiculous to suggest keeping the phone I am not religious, so at home. After all, what if there was an emergency? But would it really be THAT difficult after I had sex I did not to leave the phone off while you’re with friends? You could at least put it on “silent” so feel like a sinner or rebel. cheesy chimes won’t interrupt chats with your chums. If anything, I felt fantasIf worse comes to worst and your phone can’t go on silent, just leave it be. tic. If you have sex with “Give your fingers a break,” advises junior Mira Leon. Your phone isn’t going someone, you should not anywhere, so unless there’s some looming crisis, there is no need to constantly feel obligated to marry read and reply to every received message. them. I do not believe it Regardless of how neat your new phone is, or how quickly you can text, it is just is necessary to show your plain rude to treat your nearby friends as if they come second to your “preoccupied” social love for your partner in existence. Unless there’s an emergency, there’s no excuse. So next time your phone starts that way, unless you are buzzing and humming, shun it and spend some time with real, tangible people. absolutely positive she is the one. If I get married,
Todd Barin staff writer
TEENS’ TO-DO LISTS: EHS male students are divided on the moral and religious implications of sex before marriage.
culture 10 A slightly bitter Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
note to the DJ Teddy Hoffman and Maddie Krasno features editor and culture editor
ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM
YouTube’s unique symphony Carolyn Beese staff writer YouTube brought you Charlie the Unicorn, the Evolution of Dance, Potter Puppet Pals, a Sneezing Panda. And now the ability to participate in an actual symphony? That’s right. “Play your part in music history,” the YouTube Symphony Orchestra home page claims. The deadline to submit videos was January 28. YouTube commissioned composer Tan Dun, known for his works in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, to compose a piece that was posted on YouTube. On the YouTube homepage, the column located on the right includes a link to the YouTube symphony. On the page, registered YouTube users over the age of 14 could download the part for their instrument from Dun’s Internet Symphony No. 1 ‘Erotica.’ After downloading the sheet music, they could practice the piece using the online video tools, such as a video of Tan Dun conducting, and a performance of the piece by the London Symphony Orchestra. Then the participant recorded a video of themselves playing and uploaded it to YouTube. Now that the deadline has passed, around 200 finalists will be chosen to play Internet Symphony No.1 ‘Erotica’ at Carnegie Hall in April as the real Symphony Orchestra. Some people view this as a revolution; others see it as the destruction of music. “It sounds like a really cool way to bring people together,” remarked Orchestra Director Julia Bartsch. “I wish they could have sent it out to music teachers,” she continued. “It’s typical, cheap, American gimmickry; we have to be very careful of how we protect music as an art form,” said Band Director Paul Kile. “It also changes the audition process,” remarked Kile. For professional symphonies the audition process is blind, and only the best may try-out. “It opens up the audition process to the masses!” exclaimed Kile. We will all just have to wait and see what the fate of this radical music movement will come to. Who knows, if this goes well, maybe we’ll have another online symphony? Edina students should keep their eyes peeled and perhaps participate in the next one.
EHS’ Video game rewind photo by DJ Adams
AWKWARD MUCH?: Hoffman (11) and Krasno (12) experiencing the awkwardness of an EHS slow dance. The steady chord of violins reverberates across the elegantly decorated (yet sweaty) school cafeteria. It’s time, thinks Teddy. He stealthily saunters through the mass of swaying hormones. At long last he finds her: Maddie, his friend from Zephyrus. Must dance, he thinks while approaching her. Oh dear God, thinks Maddie, there’s that Teddy kid from Zephyrus. Don’t ask me to dance... “May I have this dance?” inquires the ever-so-charming Teddy. “Do I have a choice, hahaha…?” asks the not-really-joking Maddie. With that, he meticulously places his hands at her waist, while she hesitantly puts her arms around his neck (and backs away as far as possible). They start to rock back and forth, when SUDDENLY a pulsing, other than Teddy’s heartbeat, courses through the room prompting everyone, including the awkward couple to stop, shake their heads in confusion, and jump up and down. Damn. What a terrible song choice, thinks Teddy as he bobs to the techno beat, smiling outwardly while crying on the inside. Maddie cannot be found, for she has taken the opportunity to sprint to safety. Though our make-believe situation is slightly exaggerated, we’ve all experienced some part of this story. Slow dances: the bane of existence for all “non-involved” high school students. Let us begin with the music: The song choices are horrendous. Is it really that difficult to find a good slow dance song? Here we are, preparing to cool down and share a tender moment with our date when BAM, the rap or techno starts blasting. Or sometimes people don’t even realize the song is a slow dance until half-way through. Inevitably, these poor song choices cause confusion on the dance floor, arousing several haunting questions. With a slow rap song, do you grind or do you sway? Or do you craft some awkward hybrid of the two? Some people choose to make the best of the situation. If you’re in a steady relationship, slow dances can be quite enjoyable and intimate. However, this intimacy can sometimes be a bit…distracting (hence, the dress code). This leads us to P.D.A. (People Dancing Awkwardly). While some people avoid each other like the plague, linked only by fingertips, others are impossible to pry apart, even with a crowbar. Apparently, some groups didn’t go out for dinner before the dance and promptly decide to “eat face” to satisfy their hunger. Regardless of these…happy…couples, it’s safe to assume that the majority of EHS dance-goers are not thrilled with the slow dances, and that all we want is a decent song to sway to with our date (whether they like us or not). We’ll even settle for some moldy oldies. We’d take Dean Martin’s gentle crooning over Pretty Ricky’s lazy rapping any day. In short, give us a good slow dance, or just don’t bother.
DJ Adams sports editor Based on a poll of 200, we have determined EHS students’ top five favorite classic video games. 1. Game: Mario Kart 64 Console: Nintendo 64 Year Released: 1996 The much anticipated sequel to Super Mario Kart for Super Nintendo, this game became an instant racing classic. Mario Kart 64 was the first racing game to use three-dimensional graphics that allowed for features such as rising elevations and curving walls. With eight classic characters (Peach, Bowser, Yoshi, Toad, Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Donkey Kong), gamers could choose their player based on quickness or turning ability. Sixteen levels added much needed variety to the original that even today have maintained their entertainment value. 2. Game: Super Smash Brothers Console: Nintendo 64 Year Released: 1999 Super Smash Brothers established its own genre. A game based on the simple idea of pure melee, gamers can choose from sixteen classic Nintendo heroes to brawl until a final victor is crowned. Instead of the usual health bar (counting the number of blows), percentage counters measure the level of damage received. The several multiplayer modes are certainly still a fantastic way to spend a Friday night art by Tess Jensen with friends.
3. Game: Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Console: Nintendo 64 Year Released: 1998 The fifth and most famous installment of the illustrious Legend of Zelda series, The Ocarina of Time sold about 8 million copies. The player controls the character Link from a third person perspective as the player attempts to save the Hyrule kingdom from the evil Ganondorf. Even the ocarina itself, a musical instrument resembling a flute in the game, can be found in music stores now. The graphical genius and spectacular storyline contribute to make this game incredible. 4. Game: Halo: Combat Evolved Console: Microsoft Xbox Year Released: 2001 In perhaps the greatest first-person shooting series of all time, the first game was revolutionary, to say the least. Selling over 6 million copies worldwide, its engaging story has obviously been recognized by the consumer. Players battle aliens as they attempt to reveal the mystery of the eponymous Halo, a ring-shaped structure. Equally important is the brilliant multiplayer aspect, which can connect up to sixteen people at once on different televisions. 5. Game: Pokémon Red/ Blue Console: Nintendo Game Boy Year Released: 1998 A franchise that has sold millions of units, the Pokémon handheld games were a teenage sensation for many years. A classic role-playing game, the gamer controls a young boy destined to become the world’s greatest Pokémon master. Response was nothing but stellar to the original 151 creatures based on real animals. Versions are continually being created, yet today the fad is not nearly as strong as in its height.
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Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
Jamnesty bands party like rockstars Lyndsay Hage staff writer
tenance at Twin Town Guitars.” Another successful band is the relatively new Come and Watch the Pretty Lights., whose instrumental sound is fresh and new. With epic build-ups and eerily melodic chords, Come and Watch is definitely a band to watch. The band members have recorded a few Extended Plays, which are available on their Myspace.
Students could pay tons of money for mainstream music CDs and Mp3s, but we don’t have to go too far to find good quality, and inexpensive, local tunes. Anyone who attended the Environmental Jamnesty on January 9 would agree that Edina musicians are talented. Music-cravers may want to support our local artists rather than just the rich and overplayed ones on the radio. A big star at the Jamnesty was the Kelpies. The seven members and their massive numbers of instruments create organic and silly melodies that give off a warm and welcoming vibe. Their music is a sort of indie folk rock that sounds as if it’s the love child between The Shins and Nickel Creek that belongs on the soundtrack of the movie “Juno”. They are hoping to come out with a CD soon, but a few of their best songs have been recorded in their band member Paulie Erling’s basement and can be heard on their Myspace page. Another local group is A Cardboard Heart, a band consisting of sophomores. They may be an all-girl band, but their sound is nothing like the Spice Girls. These ambitious young women consider themselves a mix of indie and hard rock. The oldest of the Jamnesty ROCKIN’ OUT: Helmets Not A Chair, consisting of frontman Ben Streeter (12), lead guitarist Doug Justice Bands, Helmets Not a Chair (12), bassist Matt Schroeder (12), and drummer Dan Zazzera (12) light up the stage at First Avenue. (previously known as The High Society and Render), was started when the members were in eighth grade. Senior Ben Streeter, There are still some bands or soloists who have not recorded a single track. lead singer and songwriter, considers his band hard rock, and for $5, you can Watching them play live at places like The Depot or The Garage is a great hear their five-song EP “Haul Ass or Nothing.” way to support their art. Just as people support local businesses in these hard “We try to rock on a regular basis, depending on how much rock the world economic times, so should we support, go see, and listen to some of the really needs,” commented Streeter. “Sadly, our rock-o-meter is currently under main- talented local bands.
The iTunes price game
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Michael Fetterman features editor
On January 6, 2009, users of Apple’s iTunes Store heard news that was music to their ears. On that Tuesday, Apple announced that the iTunes store would be completely DRM-free by the end of the month. DRM (digital rights management), is meant to limit the usage of copyrighted digital media. This technology has been implemented at the record companies’ insistence, despite Apple’s opposition. Now, however, a deal has been made: Apple will sell music on the iTunes store without the limitations of DRM, and in exchange, will adopt a new ‘tier-based’ pricing system. Songs will be priced at 69 cents, 99 cents, or $1.29, with the record companies choosing which songs receive which price tag; the higher price will be assigned to new releases and billboard toppers. Most industry analysts agree that these changes were expected, given that other online music stores – notably Amazon and MySpace Music – have been selling DRM-free music with tiered price schemes for many months. Senior Brent Radewald, a frequent customer of the iTunes Store, was pleased with the news. “I don’t really buy the songs on the top 20 list – I’m generally into lesser-known bands, so I definitely like the tiered pricing.” In addition, he said that he was excited about the removal of DRM, as it would make sharing and copying music easier. Other students don’t feel as though the changes will affect them personally. As one student said, “I steal most of my music, so I don’t really have to worry about prices and copyright protections.” This student did, however, say that he liked the idea of a DRM-free iTunes with tiered pricing. “I’m generally not a fan of the musical mainstream, so the pricing is good for me. I have some iTunes gift cards that I might be inclined to use now.” With the changes announced on January 6, iTunes increased its appeal to high school students. Music, an important form of communication and self-expression, plays an important role in the life of almost every high school student – so naturally, with lower prices and greater ease of sharing, students have little reason to complain.
back page 12 The new roses finally bloom Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 5 February 10, 2009
ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM
Ben Streeter managing editor
Twenty years and nearly a dozen different band members separate Guns N’ Roses’ freshmen hit Appetite for Destruction and the long awaited Chinese Democracy, which came out last November. With singles like “Better” and “Chinese Democracy” already beaming in from local radio stations, there is no doubt that the thirteen years Axl Rose and his new band members slaved in the studio were hardly a waste. Already #3 on the US Billboard 200, Chinese Democracy appears a solid reward for a lot of hard work and over $13 million worth of studio time. There are two possible albums for comparison: Guns N’ Roses’ Greatest Hits, which encompasses their previous five studio albums, and the album that got it all started, Appetite for Destruction. In 1987 the Los Angeles music scene exploded as Guns N’ Roses took the field, playing crowded joints on the Sun Set Strip. The world felt the aftershocks as Appetite for Destruction hit the shelves, landing #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1988 and 1989. Tracks like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Paradise City,” and “Welcome To The Jungle” sound familiar even to the most reclusive of photo courtesy of www.daily mail.co.uk music listeners. The upbeat and gritty riffs, the catchy, incredibly annoying yet annoyingly incredible vocals shocked 80s hair metal and On iTunes “Chinese Democracy” was the #1 rock song glam rock to their foundations. in the U.S. as well as the #1 general song in several EuCan Chinese Democracy do the same? Can Axl Rose ropean countries when it was released shortly before and six new musicians convince the world that Guns N’ the album. Roses is still beating strong? Even if you don’t like the singles that have overflowed
the radio waves these last few weeks, no doubt you’ll find something tasty within the 14-track album. With thirteen years of production and recording, Guns N’ Roses didn’t want to disappoint. Ballads like “Sorry” and “This I Love” bring the listener back to Use Your Illusion I and II days, while “Scraped” and “Shaklers Revenge” (which can be found on Rock Band 2) bring in a more modern hard rock sound that couples well with the band’s late 80s sound. There is, however, a pointed difference between this new GNR record and Appetite for Destruction: the method of recording. The latter was recorded in tape, hand cut for overdubbing parts and then set back into the reel. Appetite for Destruction is known as one of the last great records before digital technology changed the recording scene, thus altering the aesthetics of audio. This method, and the raw unfiltered grit of five young men in their early 20s trying to make due in an already noisy Los Angeles, helps place Guns N’ Roses’ freshmen album above Chinese Democracy. With Appetite for Destruction having sold over 28 million copies as of September 2008 and being certified Diamond (over 8x platinum), the new GNR installment, it would appear, has some yardage to cover if GNR wishes to genuinely shock the world once more.
C r ossword de l a m o r 13 Arrow
ACROSS
2 Care 3 Overdone 6 Festivity 7 Coquette 8 The color of 10 Obsession 11 Ear Candy DOWN
1 Crowd 2 Affair 4 Lovely ain’t 5 Boyfriend
and Girlfriend
9 Dedication 12 Trading “...” 13 Orange soda
15 Enjoyment 16 “__Rain” 17 28 days of... 18 Extravagence
19 Cardiac muscle
21 “A__by
any other name”
23 Sweet 24 Music
Man
cherub
passion
slinging
14 To go out 17 Companionship 20 Fancier 22 Charm 24 D, D___ Revolution