Zephyrus Issue 6

March 11, 2009

Volume 29

Issue 6

Mr. Cherkassky goes to Washington

Features

America’s Best Dance Crew

Culture

School Hierarchy

ED/OP

In-Depth

Prep Question: Book or Class

Jets and Flyers Soar

Sports

INSIDE

6754 Valley View Road Edina, MN 55439

News-InBrief In case you missed it...

photo courtesy of Star Tribune

EHS Girls Hockey Finish 3rd at State

Sean Carney staff writer The recession continues to spread through the economy, leaving no one safe. According to the Associated Press, In January alone, more than 500,000 jobs were lost in the U.S., and the near future holds no relief.

The effects are evident in our city of Edina.

Fairview Southdale Hospital laid off about 50 employees last fall, and the unemployment in Edina is 5.0% compared to the national average of 7.6%, according to The Economic Times.

The Star Tribune reports that Target has laid off 1,000 employees, Best Buy has given voluntary buyout packages to almost all of its 4,000 employees, and 3M has laid off 1,800 workers.

This spate of layoffs may impact the teen job industry, typically one of the first to be affected.

Joseph McLaughlin, research associate with the Center for Labor Market Studies, part of Northeastern University, explained that during the recession of 2001, the teen unemployment rate skyrocketted. Teens are typically the worst hit group in a recession.

“It’s very unnerving to watch your co-workers lose their hours and eventually quit working all together,” said sophomore Justin Zulhsdorf, an employee of Ace Hardware Store.

“I’m a little worried [about trying to find a job] because my whole family’s tight on money,” said sophomore Kayla Reininger, who is considering looking for a job.

Many families may be struggling to cope with the loss of jobs and the gloomy economic outlook.

“We have to work harder to find more efficient ways for our clients to advertise their business using fewer dollars,” said Jeff Barin director of a local ad agency and father of sophomore Todd Barin. “We now use more freelance people to help cut our costs of having full time employees,” he continued.

“Our family has had to eat out a lot less,” said sophomore Brett Sullivan who’s dad was laid off from a home development company in Richfield.

Being laid off, however, may not be the worst thing to happen.

Many famous people started out at a job they hated, got fired or were laid off, and then proceeded to become the star they are now.

Michael Bloomberg originally started as a small investment banker. He later got fired during a buyout and was jobless.

Instead of going back to work as a banker, Bloomberg took his cash and started his own company. He is now worth more than $20 billion and is the mayor of New York.

There may be hope in the future though. According to the New York Times, Apple told its shareholders recently that jobs will return starting this June.

Edina world languages cutting back Anders Lindquist staff writer Because of the economic recession and school funding cuts, the school system is discontinuing the Russian program and cutting middle school staff in its German program.

“The cuts to the German language program will only happen in the middle schools,” commented high school German and AP European History teacher Daniel Baron. “The idea is to make German avail-

able to ninth grade but eliminate German in the lower grades. There are three German teachers in Edina, and we will probably need to cut two.”

That the Russian Language program will be removed completely from Edina next year is not a huge shock to the teacher Yelena Hardcopf.

“The Russian Language program has been around for a long time,” explained Hardcopf. “The problem is the program is not very well developed. No strong teacher could develop the program because every

teacher has only taught a year or two before leaving. I have only been in the district for a year, and I have not had time to develop the program.”

The Russian language program has typically had small numbers. Currently fifteen students are taking the class and seven of them are new this year.

With the removal of the Russian program and the staff cuts to the German program, the students and teachers will have to switch languages and subjects if they want to continue learning a language and teaching.

In their first State apperance in EHS history, Edina Girls hockey defeated Elk River 8 to 1 and captured a third place 2A title under first year coach Laura Slominiski.

The Hornets defeated Cloquet 6-3 in their first state game to advance to the semifinals where they met fellow Classic-Lake Hopkins. The Hornets fell to Hopkins 4-1 despite outshooting their opponents 28 to 14. Katey Cowan scored the lone goal for Edina. In the third place game, the Hornets jumped on the Elk River defense early, scoring 3 first period goals, and never looked back. Sophomore Sami Reber had a hat trick, and added an assist.

photo courtesy of Erin Lanigan

Shooting at Southdale

Two teens, 15 and 18, were shot in the Southdale parking lot on Feburary 27 at approximately 6 p.m.

Edina Police say the shooting was a “gang-related incident.” The shooting occurred when a fight broke out between rival Hispanic gangs, said police Chief Mike Siitari. One of the teens, who was shot in the leg, was not seriously injured. The other victim was shot in the abdomen and had to have surgery late Friday. As of March 1, the shooter has yet to be caught. Police are looking for a young Hispanic male. Mall Security officials are working with Police to review security tapes of the incident to obtain the shooter’s idenitiy.

news 2 Girls school offers new opportunities Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 MARCH 11, 2009

ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM

Laura Jeffrey Academy, part of the single-gender movement, helps girls excel in subjects they typically fall behind in, including mathematics and science.

Laura Jeffrey Academy, we are trying to reverse this trend,” explained Reuther.

EHS has also jumped on board with the singleSingle-gender schools and classes are relatively new gender trend, offering girls-only gym and five sections among metro area schools. Imagine an all-girl’s school of boys-only literature. Mrs. Reinertsen teaches two and the cafeteria scene from Mean sections of boys-only literature. She Girls might immediately come to explained the advantages of having mind, where the women suddenly single-gendered classes available. turn savage and attack each other.

“These courses enable boys to ask Some may think that a school withquestions and participate in class without boys would be ultra-catty and out fear of embarrassment in front of competitive, with gossip swirling the girls. We also read literature that around the hallways and jealousy is more related to males’ areas of interrunning rampant. est. I think that’s why we have seen For others, like Laura Jeffrey more boys reading the books than ever Academy founder Cindy Reuther, before,” said Reinertsen. however, a more peaceful environHowever, Reinertsen explained ment comes to mind. Girls would that you have to take the good with definitely not have nearly as many the bad when you have classes such distractions without boys, right? as these.

Laura Jeffrey Academy is the “One disadvantage is that the first tuition-free, girl-focused public classroom can be quite a boisterous school in Minnesota. This charter environment with so many boys. I school opened in St. Paul in Sephave to be more of a disciplinarian tember 2008 and currently educates than I want to be,” said Reinertsen.

101 fifth and sixth grade girls.

Laura Jeffrey Academy seems to Laura Jeffrey Academy is a believe that girls would be much betyear-round school, something to NO BOYS ALLOWED: Single gender classes, like all-girls gym and ter off learning without boys so girls which most Minnesota students Guys and Literature, allow students to excel in certain subjects. can focus on their studies. are not accustomed. However, “Our ultimate goals at Laura JefLaura Jeffrey has the same number of days as a math, science, technology and engineering. frey are to create a tight-knit community and also traditional school like Edina; the breaks are just ar“There’s research that shows that girls lose in- to help the girls with their rigorous academics,” ranged differently. Students attend school for around terest in those subjects around the age of 9. At concluded Reuther.

45 days and then have a 15 day break. They also have the month of August completely off.

Obviously Laura Jeffrey isn’t concerned with going with the “norm.” The 15 staff members are committed to giving girls as many opportunities as possible in

photo by Grace Kerr

Kelsey Hansen staff writer

Legislators prepare to address economic woes Our country has been abuzz with worry for the past few months because the local and national economies are in serious need of a stimulus. President Barack Obama has authored a stimulus plan for our national economy, but what can we do locally to stem the growing unemployment rate and end other economic crises in Minnesota?

“”

The overwhelming sentiment was that there is a role for elected officials to play in the growing Minnesota economy. ~Rep. Keith Downey

the audience a federal update on the current economic situation. He focused on the importance of the combination of short-and-long-term economic stimulus, as well as that of long-term growth; the stimulus bill will bring a small reduction in payroll tax and begin to reverse the growing unemployment rate.

Along with the good, some more disappointing aspects of the bill for Minnesota were brought up. For instance, only 6% of the money Minnesota will receive will go to infrastructure and only 18% to new tax relief.

“Minnesota’s high corporate tax rate is a prime example of a policy that needs to be updated for the 21st century,” said Downey. “Taxing Minnesota companies at that rate may have worked in the 1960s and 1970s when businesses and capital moved less freely. But today, when we’re competing with everyone from Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Bangalore, India, it is essential that we don’t put ourselves at a disadvantage right from the start.”

All of the information and suggestions the legislators received during the hearing will help them make decisions during the 2009 state legislative session.

“We had a good two hours with some of the best and brightest from Edina,” commented Senator Geoff Michel. “What we heard from these employers will help us as we work on the budget in Saint Paul. And it was a good reminder that we need to work on making our state even more attractive to those who are starting or growing a business.”

Three of our state legislators hosted a hearing on February 20 at the Edina City Hall in an attempt to find answers to similar questions. State Senator Geoff Michel and State Representatives Keith Downey and Paul Rosenthal listened to speeches and presentations from different speakers and local, western-suburban business owners regarding their opinions and suggestions about how to take action during this economic turmoil.

Speakers included Third District Congressman Erik Paulsen, President of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce David Olson, Chairman of the Governor’s 21st Century Commission on Tax Reform Mike Vekich, and a number of business leaders from the banking, telecommunications, medical and venture capital industries.

“The message we heard from the panelists was very clear: make it easier for Minnesota businesses to expand and grow jobs,” commented Rep. Keith Downey. “Whether it was lowering the corporate tax rate, providing more incentives for research and development or generally lowering barriers to expansion, the overwhelming sentiment was that there is a role for elected officials to play in growing Minnesota’s economy.”

LEGISLATURE IN ACTION: On February 20th at Edina City Hall, legislators discussed To begin the hearing, Congressman plans to keep businesses running and the economy as smooth as possible in Minnesota.

Paulsen gave the three legislators and

photo courtesy of www.flickr.com

Ashley O’Neill staff writer

Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

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features All you need is love, love, love ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM

Chris Greeno ed/op editor

S c h D o a o y l s

Teddy Hoffman features editor Ah, Elementary School: a loud, rather stinky place, yet a towering memorial to our childhood. To be a 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th grader again, and experience these days of our youth lost to itty-bitty lockers and linoleum floors, and nostalgia laden with smell of Pokémon cards, the texture of crayons and the taste of Macaroni and Cheese.

Do you ever wonder what it’d be like to visit those days again, free of finals, liberated from lectures and removed from romantic dramas?

And what better way to satisfy this curiosity than through an ACTUAL elementary school student? Frannie Hoffman, a 2nd grader at Highlands Elementary School. Through her eyes, we will take something of a field trip down memory lane.

“I wake up proba’ly at six,” explains Frannie as she begins her daily routine, “and then I eat brea’fest, waffles with chocolate.” After getting dressed, letting out the dogs and taking a break to watch “Arthur,” her school day begins. “I brush my teeth and my hair and at nine o’clock I go to school. My dad drives me.”

Loaded up in a large, white Astrovan, Frannie and her older sister Middy (a 3rd grader) make their way to Highlands Elementary School.

“First class is Morning Message,” continues Frannie, “like math, but not hard math, it’s like twenty-four plus fifty-three. Just stuff to get your brain working,” she clarifies.

“After that, we do Inferring. Our teacher gets a book out and he reads to us and we have to guess what happens the next day. It’s about a tadpole,” she elucidated. (What happened to the tadpole? “It grew into a dinosaur.”)

“And then we do Groups, where we read with people in our grade. We’re reading, well we finished it already, but we were reading The Green Kangaroo about a guy who was in the middle of his family.”

“Then after that, Snack. And after Snack, Math.

We do like two different things, problems and how

photo by Caroline Valenta

Every student has heard this somewhat sarcastic yet grave phrase from teachers and parents: “Teenagers can’t really fall in love.” While in many cases, teens may confuse a crush with love, some students feel that love is quite possible, regardless of age. They say that years of experience in the realm of love does not matter as much as passion.

Junior Amanda Maenner noted that though one’s definition of love may mature as he/she grows older, it is definitely possible in high school.

“Love is just being with someone who’s your best friend,” Maenner explained. And why can’t that happen in high school?

“Your definition of love will change as you grow up,” she admitted, “but that doesn’t mean you can’t be in love in high school.”

Sophomore Tony Violante expressed similar feelings and noted that while “it all depends on the kids,” teens can fall in love as easily as adults.

To most, age doesn’t seem to make much of a difference. Just look at the halls of EHS: Around every corner, there seems to be a couple or two laughing over each others’ lives or just holding each other for support.

And who says that adults know what love is themselves? In recent years, the

Census Bureau has indicated that divorce rates in the US are just over 40 percent. That is, 40 out of every 100 couples that will be married this year will have confused their relationship for love.

Maybe their definition of love has changed a bit from when they were young but that’s still a high divorcerate among those adults who make claims about teenage love.

Unfortunately, while there is no statistic, a large number of teen couples may find themselves confused over their relationships. While advocating young love, Violante also expressed that teens frequently fail to differentiate “puppy love” and real love.

This is where adults may have an advantage over our younger generation. While experience should not matter in the matter of falling in love, it does matter in identifying it.

This point may lead adults to their “no-young-love” argument.

Junior Tom Schmidt, however, is also skeptical about whether high schoolers actually understand what love is and whether or not they would feel it in the short period of time that their relationships last.

In any case, don’t let these skeptics discourage any love interests. Hang on to that girl or guy, and who knows, maybe you’ll have a Romeo and Juliet story of your own (with a happier ending, of course).

On the road again

Ben Streeter managing and in-depth editor

to use them in real life.”

After a long day of mental wake-up, interpretive reading and mathematics, it is time for sustenance to fuel the young ones for the rest of their “exhausting” education-filled day.

“We have Lunch. I eat three things normally: carrots, sandwich, jello and Juicey Juice. And after Lunch Recess, [where] me and [my friend] Alex make snowballs and give them to people that are making little houses.”

“Then we have Theme, where we learn about science stuff,” Frannie declares, “Right now we’re learning about your bones.”

Then to end the day, the partnered teachers’ classes join in a class called Family, “where both of our classes get together. Now we’re sewing and stitching.”

“Jamie [her teacher] reads us a book on a couch, and then we stack our chairs and go when the bell rings.”

“I ride the bus home, and the person who drives it is named Bob (he’s strict). I get home around 4 o’clock pretty much. And I just have an afterschool snack, do homework and go to bed.”

Thus the day ends, and our journey down memory lane halts with the period of a sentence. But keep in mind, though you’re back to walking to your next class, or writing that paper you put off to read this article (thanks), allow yourself the comforting memories of recess and days of innocence to linger for a few minutes. They’ll lift your spirits higher than the longest swing on the swing set.

art by Eliza Gabriel

Whether students are in choir, theater, band or any other activity at the school, they cannot wait for those well-known trips to escape suburbia.

Some trips are annual and regional while every few years still other trips leave the Midwest and others travel internationally.

This year the Band Department will be taking a cruise in the Caribbean with its Concert Band (mostly seniors and several juniors) while last year all three bands marched in Disney World over spring break. Most of the Jazz I band will also be featured. Since band travels over spring break, the members avoid missing any school, unlike other school trips.

Both the Concert Choir and the Orchestra Department will be taking separate trips to Chicago this spring to take part in several shows. “Last year we sang at two colleges and saw Jersey Boys and Blue Man Group,” said choir student Peter Zwickey. This year choir members expect to sing for DePaul University, the University of Chicago, and Northwestern in mid-March and students will be missing two days of school.

The theater department offers two different trips a year. One occurs in March when students go to New York City, to attend shows and workshops with professionals, including Broadway casting directors. The other trip is to Lincoln, Nebraska for the International Thespian Festival.

“It’s a lot more fun than it sounds,” said senior Tony Matthes Jr. “Each day of the week-long trip includes a show in the morning, workshops until about seven or eight, another show, and then a dance with over three thousand students from around the world.”

Despite economic troubles, these student trips are still on. “At the International Thespian Festival last year I auditioned for colleges and received 25 call backs, and this year I’ll be auditioning for scholarships,” said Matthes. “Even though the trip is expensive, it will probably end up paying for itself in the long run—not to mention it’s an amazing experience.”

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features An academic giant in our midst Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM

Trevor Aufderheide culture editor The cramped, dingy hallways may be deceiving, but EHS is home to a giant – a giant of science, that is. The six-foot-tall senior Michael Cherkassky lives among us, with his well-built frame housing an even more apt brain. As of late, the giant has awoken.

Cherkassky was named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search, a competition that began with 1600 applicants. Being a finalist means that he will be traveling to Washington D.C. to compete for one of ten multi-thousand dollar scholarships, while meeting with President Obama and several other major politicians.

“This whole experience is really exciting,” said Cherkassky. “Even if I don’t get one of the scholarships, making it this far is satisfying enough.”

Cherkassky’s prize, however, was not achieved without its due amount of labor. The Intel competition requires a research project, transcript, recommendations, and essays. “I think what’s unique about the Intel competition is that they are looking at applicants as a whole rather than solely focusing on the research project,” said Cherkassky.

For his exploratory work, Cherkassky created a series of computer models to help diagnose patients who have breast cancer and heart disease.

Cherkassky hopes the program, titled “Application of Machine Learning Methods to Medical Diagnosis,” will carry him to scholarship victory while also helping cancer patients.

Cherkassky has potent scientific lineage as well. His father, Dr. Vladimir Cherkassky, is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Minnesota. “Working with my dad on aspects of the project has been great,” said Cherkassky. “His input really helps me figure out problems I’m having with programming.”

However, the Intel competition is not the first sign of Cherkassky’s scientific prowess. During the summer 0f 2008, Cherkassky was among the few chosen to participate at a scientific research institute at the Massachusetts Institute photo by Eliza Gabriel of Technology. “The application process for that was about as hard as my college EHS’ WHIZ KID: Michael Cherkassky (12) has applications,” said Cherkassky. Getting won numerous science awards. accepted and attending the institute benefited Cherkassky in many ways. “Spending eight from MIT and Harvard, Cherkassky’s scientific weeks there really prepared me for what I’m work- path of dominance will surely continue. For now, ing on now,” he said. watch yourselves, or his big scientific feet just might Accepted to Stanford and waiting on responses tread on you.

Word on the Street:

“I think I’m going to intern at the bakery.”

-Jules Isaacson (12)

“We’re going to bike to Canada to raise money for Darfur.

It’s gonna be pretty sick.”

-Kyle Sogard (12)

“My band’s going to the studio and recording stuff.”

-Dan Zazerra (12)

“I’m going to Colorado and working at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.”

-Alex Brower (12)

“My friend and I want to do a documentary on Steve DeSalvo. He used to be a professional wrestler.”

-Sam Thotland (12)

“A group of people and I are making articles of clothing to donate to Project Gratitude – the clothing will go to patients, soldiers, etc.”

-Alex Kelly (12)

photos by Michael Fetterman

What are you doing for Mayterm?

&

Guinness beer the color green Michael Fetterman features editor

The day swiftly approaches when many a Minnesotan – probably of Scandinavian descent – will dress in green, shamrock proudly displayed, and imbibe a large amount of Guinness beer and Bailey’s Irish Cream. In addition, the Chicago River will be dyed green, and mass parades will be held in multiple countries. We all know that these Saint Patrick’s Day festivities are a celebration of Irish culture.

But what gave rise to this peculiar revelry? Who is Saint Patrick, anyway?

The traditional Irish festival is generally celebrated on March 17 and is actually a commemoration of the life of one of Ireland’s patron saints. Until recently, this was almost exclusively a religious holiday – Saint Patrick’s Day didn’t become a public holiday in Ireland until 1903. Similarly, it wasn’t until the mid 1990s when the Irish government set up a committee called “Saint Patrick’s Festival”, designed to “project, internationally, an accurate image of Ireland as a creative, professional and sophisticated country with wide appeal.”

Though a relatively new holiday in the secular sense, Paddy’s Day is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Seven hundred fifty thousand people attended the festivities in Savannah, Georgia – the unofficial largest Paddy’s Day celebration in the States.

Paddy’s Day has been celebrated in American cities since as early as 1737 in Boston. St. Paul has held a Paddy’s Day Parade since 1851.

Little is known about the life of Saint Patrick himself. He was a Christian missionary, likely born sometime in the late 4th century and active mainly in the latter half of the 5th century.

Saint Patrick is also the subject of many legends. Among these, it is said that he banished snakes from the island and that he taught the Christian Trinity through the symbol of the shamrock. In photo courtesy of addition, it is said that he carried a staff made of ash, Associatedcontent sometimes referred to as the “Aspatria.”

Saint Patrick’s Day has undergone several fundamental changes since its inception as a celebration of Saint Patrick as a religious figure.

Although it initially existed as a religious feast in the Roman Catholic tradition, Paddy’s Day is now simply a day when everyone, regardless of ethnicity, is permitted to be Irish.

sports

ZEPHYRUSNEWS.COM

Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

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Adapted Sports display athletic prowess Robbie Latta staff writer Many students hone their athletic skills in football, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, and a host of other sports. In each, athletes pour their hearts into playing the games they love.

One group of students remains under-appreciated for the same level of spirit that they bring to their games. The adaptive floor hockey teams, the Flyers and the Jets, are comprised of student athletes from Edina, Richfield, Bloomington, and Eden Prairie High Schools. The Jets and Flyers also play soccer in the fall and softball in the spring.

These students have challenges, but “they’re really the same as all the kids out there,” explained Jackie Awsumb, the coordinator for the adaptive sports program at EHS. “They’ve got the same drive, and they’ve got the same intensity.”

Senior Jessica Campbell is new to the Jets team and enjoys hockey, but she also likes to ride horses, swim, and play basketball. Her favorite aspect about being on the Jets is making new friends and learning a new sport.

Jets player Dustin Pederson, who is currently in his third year, is the perfect example of how hard work can get you places. Pederson has been on two all-tournament teams, one in soccer and the other in softball. He is also a center for the floor hockey team.

“It’s been fun,” he said.

Regina Stelberg is one of the Jets’ most experienced members. She has been playing defense in floor hockey for six years and is known for her scrappy style.

This is Stelberg’s final year playing for the Jets. She says she will miss everyone on the team. “It’s going to be hard for me,” she said.

Sydney Barton has also enjoyed playing for the Jets. Her favorite sport is soccer and her team came in fourth place last year at the state tournament.

She also likes playing wing f o r t h e J e t s d u r i n g the photo by Robbie Latta hockey season.

STATEWARD BOUND: The Jets and Flyers players (L-R) Jessica Last but not least, ChrisCampbell, Dustin Pederson, Sydney Barton, Regina Stelberg and ter Woodley is the only player on the Flyers to attend EHS, Christer Woodley will try to cap another season at State. but “I’ve made a lot of new friends on the team,” Woodley explained. Woodley on March 20 and 21. There should be an exciting can be seen putting pucks in the net with his natural finish as the Jets are undefeated and the Flyers are goal-scoring ability. He scored a hat trick last year trying to cap off a nearly perfect season. in the state tournament.

“We definitely want to go to the state tournament This year’s State Floor Hockey Tournament will be this year,” said Stelberg. Not only do they hope to held at the Jefferson Activity Center in Bloomington go, they hope to win.

Role models or fools? Team Braemar in sync DJ Adams sports editor

Once upon a time the public would tune into ESPN to watch spectacular sporting highlights and pleasant interviews of respectable athletes. Unfortunately, it seems this programming no longer exists. Instead we watch, practically everyday, athletes break rules and thrust themselves into a world of public ridicule.

With baseball’s best slugger Alex Rodriguez admitting to use of performance-enhancing drugs, football’s exciting playmaker Michael Vick participating in illegal dogfighting, or even superhuman Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps smoking marijuana, it is becoming increasingly difficult to accept professional athletes as respectable human beings.

The worrisome notion about athletes’ misconduct is the effect is has on children. Naturally, kids desire to emulate their heroes.

But with athletes constantly violating rules of both legal and moral stature, can we trust them to set good examples?

Many adults, like English and Mass Media teacher Jessica Froehlich, think the answer is no. “Of course there are a few athletes with great brains, but too many make stupid mistakes to consider them a group of reputable leaders.”

Athletes are expected to be models of all public virtues, which frankly is an unachievable goal for any human. We already ask them to display physical prowess at an exceptionally high level, but requiring angelic behavior might be just too much to ask.

However, this media perception has made it obvious that poor behavior is not tolerated by society.

“You see people like Roger Clemens try and cheat their way to fame, and everyone hates him,” explained senior Col Erlandson. “It makes you realize the best way to gain respect is be respectful of the game, the community, and yourself.”

Certainly the doping in baseball and violent crimes in football may feel repulsive, but these few individuals do not represent the entire athletic community. Athletes have obviously progressed since the days of cigars and beers before games, and hopefully the improvements in behavior will continue.

Pros such as Derek Jeter and Tiger Woods, somehow immune to any irrational behavior, have become model citizens and inspire young people across the globe to act civilly.

So are athletes good role models? This question can be debated, but the important values the games teach us cannot be argued.

Sports provide individuals with real examples of teamwork bringing success, and fuel the inner desire to be the best you can be. Even at their worst, professional athletes rarely fail at these virtues. In this sense, they might as well be superheroes. But it would be great to see them be superheroes of responsibility off the field as well.

Taylor Turner staff writer Milan, Italy. Silver Medal. Synchronized Skating. Three ways to describe the most

160.93 points, an impressive score to achieve in Europe.

Because only three skaters on the team attend Edina High School, synchronized skating is not currently an official sport at Edina. “We used to be able to letter in

photo courtesy of Grace Littekin

ELEGANT: Team Braemar performs their routine to perfection in front of a crowd in Milan, Italy. They later won the silver medal. recent achievement of Team Braemar’s Junior Synchronized Skating team who competed in the Spring Cup 2009 in the Palasesto Arena, located in Milano Sesto San Giovanni. Noelle Pearson, Grace Litteken, and Emma Ahonen are the only three skaters on the team who attend EHS. The competition hosted by Federazione Italiana Sport Ghiaccio occurred February 14-15. This International Synchronized Skating Competition was open for Senior, Junior, and Novice teams.

In the short program (a period of about two minutes and forty seconds) the team of sixteen women landed second place, and continued on to win the long skate (lasts about four minutes). Their score totaled out to

figure skating, but they took that away because the sport wasn’t related to the city of Edina,” said senior Noelle Pearson, who skates for the team. “I feel that it’s okay we’re not an official sport, but I wish they would give our team more recognition. I mean, we go to Europe twice this year and o t h e r t e a m s a r e p u m p e d t h a t they go to state.”

Some of the team’s achievements this year include placing second at the Junior World Qualifier in Wisconsin and winning Midwesterns in Colorado. Placing in Wisconsin qualified them for Worlds in Switzerland. Nationals in Portland, Maine are also just around the corner, and afterwards they’ll head to Worlds, where they hope to medal.

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Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

in-depth

in-depth

Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

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The Hierarchy of Edina Education

Students with pow er??

Matt Hussian staff writer

Lyndsay Hage staff writer

niors and sophomores to become committee leaders and get more involved so they can know how to set up events and head activities,” said senior Lane Madich. SLC’s responsibilities include setting up pep fests and food drives.

The VP added, “We are working to be more involved financially due to the economy and give out scholarship money to students who are struggling.”

Madich who is a senior and Vice President of SLC, added that SLC also has meetings with the parent council and interacts frequently with Dr. Locklear.

“Doc Loc is the head of 212, showing up to meetings, and he is great to work with,” said Madich.

According to Dr. Locklear, “The decision to move finals over a three day period was driven by students who worked with area leaders, the principal, and the superintendent. The result was a trial of the three day final process.”

Remember when you were in ninth grade and voted for Student Leadership Council (SLC) at EHS? Some of us may still not know its roles and may still not be aware of how essential it is.

“I think that SLC members are important because they represent us,” explained sophomore John Erdall.

Student Council is a way to offer opinions about how the school is run and be part of the decision making process. The School Board uses SLC to gather student input from our school. The Board meets yearly with members to better understand students’ opinions about decisions regarding school rules and ideas for the future. Student opinions can often be a contributing factor in School Board decisions.

SLC is also responsible photo courtesy of Lane Madich for planning important activities.

Pajama Power: Student Council “We are trying to get ju-

pajamas promoting school spirit

all dressed up in

Student Leadership and 212 have a system where they must approve each others projects to make it like balance of powers at EHS. If students want to make a difference at EHS, talk to SLC members to make sure their voice is heard.

Teachers Union Catherine Kerwin staff writer

When a group of students were asked their opinions about the teachers union, the typical response went something along these lines: “The What?

Teachers Union? Never heard of it.” And why should students know or even care about it? It’s for teachers, after all. However, this little-known union affects the students more than they’re aware.

Otherwise known as Education Minnesota/Edina, the union has its very own Constitution complete with a written mission: “[We] shall provide a united voice for public education, leadership in education innovation, dedication to Minnesota students and families, and an unwavering c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e w e l f a r e of our members.”

In promoting the mission, union President Van Anderson said the more specific purpose of the union is to “[deal] with issues affecting the classroom to make it a m o r e e f f e c t i v e learning environment.”

The union is organized to represent teachers throughout the district. Each building has two or three representatives, and the executive committee has a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. But not all teachers are on this 28-member Governance Board— in fact most are not. However, Anderson said that over ninety percent of the 600 teachers are members of the union.

The union meets on a monthly basis to discuss

issues pertinent to every school. Building representatives (from each elementary school, middle school, and the high school) present information gathered at their locations. A regular meeting’s agenda can also cover topics from the union’s finances to contract negotiations between the teachers and the district.

The union’s negotiation team (Ellen Guerin, Rob Gardner, Judy Scanlon) comes up with a master agreement every two years that defines teachers’ responsibilities, compensation, and benefits. Right now, negotiations are underway to determine the contract that covers 2009-2011.

It may surprise or concern students to learn that a section of the teachers’ union—the calendar committee—is actually involved in helping make decisions about the yearly calendar, which can affect our school year and even vacations. The committee meets with administrative representatives to create calendar options, which all teachers then vote on.

So should you begin bribing union members for more days off? Union Secretary, Señor Gronberg, would advise against it, since changes will affect the number of instruction days EHS is required to complete by the state.

The teachers’ union is important for students and teachers alike. Why? As Gronberg put it, “[The union] is there to make our jobs more do-able so we can do what we love to do.” And when our teachers are happy, we’re happy.

At first glance, students might think the principal, Dr. Locklear, is the main decision-maker at EHS. Some might think the parents control various school decisions. But do we really know who is in charge of our public school’s educational programs? Who is it that the students must heed?

At the top of the food chain are the seven members of the Board of Education who are elected by the Edina public and who hire our Superintendent. They are known as the “strategic planners” and meet to discuss and oversee all decisions to be implemented by the Superintendent. They are the determiners of policies, such as the current attendance policy.

Next up is the Superintendent who is involved in hiring district-level staff. He is the budget planner and follows the policies the school board creates, such as enforcing the board’s attendance policies. With someone in charge of so much, it’s easy to think that the students would know his name, but many do not (his name is Ric Dressen).

Then there are the principals, who are the links between the students and the policy-makers. Dr. Locklear is the chief administrator of this school, and like many other principals, is directly in contact with his specific school. The principal follows through with the policies, such as the strict attendance policies, made by the board and uses them to govern the school. He also has the authority over employment of teachers. The principal is often the chief disciplinarian of the students on a more broad scale.

The more specific issues of student discipline are a concern of the vice principals. If students get into a fight, either Heidi Howard or Eric Nelson are the people who are responsible for disciplinary actions.

Our teachers are next, as we all know. They are the ones in charge of our education and are held accountable for their students for every hour that they have them. They mark us as present or absent, and if you skip class you will end up with an attendance contract.

Students may not know that there is a teachers union which represents the teachers. It makes sure that the employees are adequately paid and properly cared for.

So, what is left at the bottom of this triangle, but the masses? We students, whose education rests in the hands of our school and its officials, have little say in what our education will consist of. We may feel that the attendance policy is oppressive and more harmful than helpful, but we can’t change it easily. We do have the student council, a small group of students chosen to represent each grade, along with 212, both of which help to plan events. Still, the student council is limited in its influence.

Could Edina change this hierarchy, or are we stuck with such a distance between the decision-makers and those who the decisions affect?

Perhaps the masses are supposed to be ruled by a few adults who have no direct contact with us, or should there be a change to create more student representation at all levels of the hierarchy?

S c h o o l

What makes our superintendent so super?

Carolyn Beese staff writer

Dr. Ric Dressen may be a mystery to students at EHS, but he’s here to serve our community and look out for our education, so maybe we should learn a little about his job.

“My job is to oversee the entire district,” said Dr. Dressen, the Edina Superintendent. Dr. Dressen reports to the school board. They discuss policies and policy changes which the school board votes on and puts into action. “The school board is elected by the community, so the community is my boss.”

After the school board puts a policy in place, Dr. Dressen meets with principals to decide what action needs to be taken to ensure the best learning quality for the students. Since he meets with all the principals, Dr. Dressen is always on the move throughout the district.

For example, on the day of his interview for this article, he was on his way to visit with Dr. Locklear to discuss decisions on next year’s budget and staffing decisions.

Lately Dr. Dressen has been keeping himself busy with planning for next year, determining staffing plans and budget challenges. He will take his recommendations about these issues to the school board.

“My job has work time, scheming time, and celebrating time,” Dressen explained. “I start my day at six in the morning, [when] I usually check e-mails, completing correspondence. In the afternoon, I usually spend more time in the office. Today we are having all the support staff in the district office to talk about training, recycling, and building security,” he said.

“I also usually have evening commitments three of six nights a week. In the evening there are usually school board meetings. Also, the celebrating time of my job is when I get to go to POPS or girls hockey games,” he commented.

Edina is not the first district for Dr. Dressen to act as a superintendent. He was also the Superintendent for Waconia and Alexandria. “All three have strong community support for education, great teachers, photo courtesy of edinaunplugged.org and great students,” he commented.

Ric Dressen is doing a great job helping the Edina Public Schools Dr. Ric Dressen was hired three be the best they can be. Hopefully students can get to know him and ago by the Edina School Board help him continue doing what he’s doing.

City Council

B o a r d

size to the use of paper.”

It is the school board’s job to approve teacher resignations, leaves of absence, and shared contracts. They approve the hiring and firing The Edina Public School system is often complimented and consid- teachers and other employees such as bus drivers. ered one of the best in the nation. There are nine schools in this system It is also the School Board’s job to supervise the superintendant. with over 1000 staff, about 600 of which are teachers. Overseeing and Principals report to him and are responsible for their schools. directly affecting the actions of the whole system is the difficult job of “He is in charge of all administrative action,” said Almog. “He sets the school board. up the structure of managing the schools. He is in charge of executing It consists of seven elected members who serve four year terms and the Board’s vision and strategic direction.” are responsible for the care, management, and control of the Edina The Board handles the money raised by booster clubs and donations Public Schools. They are the governing body of the school district and from parent councils and other businesses. It approves the purchase of are in charge of major issues the district faces and changes made. They items for whatever team or club the money was given for. promote the well-being of students, communicate with the community, They allot money to areas such as food services and transportation. and have a vision for the future of Edina Public Schools.

They also approve sport or club trips for competitions, conferences, and “It has the responsibilities over budget, policies, vision, and strategic various other reasons. direction of the schools,” said Board member Idith Almog. “The most Major upgrades in the budget summary for the high school include the pressing issue is the budget, as we’re going through budget cutting improvement of the upper north field and the renovation of the east process. Another issue is open enrollment as schools are filling up, and round-a-bout by door eleven. Neither of these has yet been approved. we need to decide how many we can accept.”

The School Board is in charge of many behind-the-scenes actions Other issues on the school board’s agenda include the cost of AP test- taking place at EHS. They are also reforming the 2009-2010 calendars ing, laptops in school, student making days off consistent through attendance, new courses and all grades. the evaluation of teachers.

When changes happen at the “Budget Reduction, Realhigh school, they are often initiated location and Revenue Genby of the School Board. Their j u eration (BRRRG) is a very big risdiction directly affects our issue that will bring about schools. change,” said Board member “The Board is responsible Peyton Robb. “The BRRRG for the equitable delivery of edudiscussions have a potential photo courtesy of District Newsletter cation for all Edina Public School impact for a number of things School Board in action: Members discuss budgets and students no matter what school at the high school, from class they attend,” said Robb.

Christina Kosters staff writer

present upcoming plans for Edina schools

years

Christina Kosters staff writer

Edina is home to over 45,000 people, people who have complaints, deal with road construction, and want to live in an amazing city. Edina’s City Council handles all of these situations.

The City Council of Edina represents all Edina residents and is responsible for many of the decisions that affect the city “We are elected by the community to represent them in making sure we have a great city today and in t h e f u t u r e , ” s a i d c o u n c i l member Scot Housh.

They foster the well-being of the community by addressing citizen’s issues, complaints, and special requests.

If the house going up next-door seems too big, if your neighbor is planting things in your yard and the zoning seems wrong, go the City Council.

Though the City Council has extensive community jurisdiction, it does not govern the Edina Public Schools and can’t directly affect activities at the school. Changes or issues faced at the high school, middle or elementary schools are handled by School Board. On the other hand the City Council does handle school-related topics that d i r e c t l y a f f e c t t h e c i t y , e s p e c i a l l y i n terms of construction.

“The school wants to build a maintenance building by the football field, and City Council has to approve

a conditional use permit for that to happen,” said City Council member Joni Bennett.

The Council has five members elected by Edina residents. Mayor James Hovland is one of these five and presides over meetings and signs contracts. They also elect a city manager who performs day-to-day operations of the city.

“We depend on him and his staff to carry out the policies which are determined by the Council,” said Housh.

Regular meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of every month and are open to the public.

At a typical meeting the Council discusses city development type topics first such as conditional-use permits.

Then members open the meeting up for public comments which must be topics not on the current agenda. Staff then reports on what has been resolved at past meetings and recommendations for future topics and they end with any miscellaneous issues. Council meetings have been known to go as late as 2 a.m.

One major issue the council has addressed recently is how to manage Edina during this economic situation.

“We have always been working to maintain and improve the city, but the financial stress is new,” said Bennett.

In spite of the economic downturn Edina is considering a new idea that will potentially affect high school students: a new bike trail running through Edina, the “Nine Mile Creek/Three Rivers bike trail.”

“Bike lanes or paths that connect one city to another are generally considered good things by our city and by its elected officials,” explained Housh.

No decisions have been made, but it’s possible that it will run right past the high school and will ultimately connect to a regional system. It will either be a new path or a side path on roads, similar to a bike lane. The amount of park land is being looked at but according to Bennett, “other communities have worked it out.”

6

Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

in-depth

in-depth

Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

7

The Hierarchy of Edina Education

Students with pow er??

Matt Hussian staff writer

Lyndsay Hage staff writer

niors and sophomores to become committee leaders and get more involved so they can know how to set up events and head activities,” said senior Lane Madich. SLC’s responsibilities include setting up pep fests and food drives.

The VP added, “We are working to be more involved financially due to the economy and give out scholarship money to students who are struggling.”

Madich who is a senior and Vice President of SLC, added that SLC also has meetings with the parent council and interacts frequently with Dr. Locklear.

“Doc Loc is the head of 212, showing up to meetings, and he is great to work with,” said Madich.

According to Dr. Locklear, “The decision to move finals over a three day period was driven by students who worked with area leaders, the principal, and the superintendent. The result was a trial of the three day final process.”

Remember when you were in ninth grade and voted for Student Leadership Council (SLC) at EHS? Some of us may still not know its roles and may still not be aware of how essential it is.

“I think that SLC members are important because they represent us,” explained sophomore John Erdall.

Student Council is a way to offer opinions about how the school is run and be part of the decision making process. The School Board uses SLC to gather student input from our school. The Board meets yearly with members to better understand students’ opinions about decisions regarding school rules and ideas for the future. Student opinions can often be a contributing factor in School Board decisions.

SLC is also responsible photo courtesy of Lane Madich for planning important activities.

Pajama Power: Student Council “We are trying to get ju-

pajamas promoting school spirit

all dressed up in

Student Leadership and 212 have a system where they must approve each others projects to make it like balance of powers at EHS. If students want to make a difference at EHS, talk to SLC members to make sure their voice is heard.

Teachers Union Catherine Kerwin staff writer

When a group of students were asked their opinions about the teachers union, the typical response went something along these lines: “The What?

Teachers Union? Never heard of it.” And why should students know or even care about it? It’s for teachers, after all. However, this little-known union affects the students more than they’re aware.

Otherwise known as Education Minnesota/Edina, the union has its very own Constitution complete with a written mission: “[We] shall provide a united voice for public education, leadership in education innovation, dedication to Minnesota students and families, and an unwavering c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e w e l f a r e of our members.”

In promoting the mission, union President Van Anderson said the more specific purpose of the union is to “[deal] with issues affecting the classroom to make it a m o r e e f f e c t i v e learning environment.”

The union is organized to represent teachers throughout the district. Each building has two or three representatives, and the executive committee has a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. But not all teachers are on this 28-member Governance Board— in fact most are not. However, Anderson said that over ninety percent of the 600 teachers are members of the union.

The union meets on a monthly basis to discuss

issues pertinent to every school. Building representatives (from each elementary school, middle school, and the high school) present information gathered at their locations. A regular meeting’s agenda can also cover topics from the union’s finances to contract negotiations between the teachers and the district.

The union’s negotiation team (Ellen Guerin, Rob Gardner, Judy Scanlon) comes up with a master agreement every two years that defines teachers’ responsibilities, compensation, and benefits. Right now, negotiations are underway to determine the contract that covers 2009-2011.

It may surprise or concern students to learn that a section of the teachers’ union—the calendar committee—is actually involved in helping make decisions about the yearly calendar, which can affect our school year and even vacations. The committee meets with administrative representatives to create calendar options, which all teachers then vote on.

So should you begin bribing union members for more days off? Union Secretary, Señor Gronberg, would advise against it, since changes will affect the number of instruction days EHS is required to complete by the state.

The teachers’ union is important for students and teachers alike. Why? As Gronberg put it, “[The union] is there to make our jobs more do-able so we can do what we love to do.” And when our teachers are happy, we’re happy.

At first glance, students might think the principal, Dr. Locklear, is the main decision-maker at EHS. Some might think the parents control various school decisions. But do we really know who is in charge of our public school’s educational programs? Who is it that the students must heed?

At the top of the food chain are the seven members of the Board of Education who are elected by the Edina public and who hire our Superintendent. They are known as the “strategic planners” and meet to discuss and oversee all decisions to be implemented by the Superintendent. They are the determiners of policies, such as the current attendance policy.

Next up is the Superintendent who is involved in hiring district-level staff. He is the budget planner and follows the policies the school board creates, such as enforcing the board’s attendance policies. With someone in charge of so much, it’s easy to think that the students would know his name, but many do not (his name is Ric Dressen).

Then there are the principals, who are the links between the students and the policy-makers. Dr. Locklear is the chief administrator of this school, and like many other principals, is directly in contact with his specific school. The principal follows through with the policies, such as the strict attendance policies, made by the board and uses them to govern the school. He also has the authority over employment of teachers. The principal is often the chief disciplinarian of the students on a more broad scale.

The more specific issues of student discipline are a concern of the vice principals. If students get into a fight, either Heidi Howard or Eric Nelson are the people who are responsible for disciplinary actions.

Our teachers are next, as we all know. They are the ones in charge of our education and are held accountable for their students for every hour that they have them. They mark us as present or absent, and if you skip class you will end up with an attendance contract.

Students may not know that there is a teachers union which represents the teachers. It makes sure that the employees are adequately paid and properly cared for.

So, what is left at the bottom of this triangle, but the masses? We students, whose education rests in the hands of our school and its officials, have little say in what our education will consist of. We may feel that the attendance policy is oppressive and more harmful than helpful, but we can’t change it easily. We do have the student council, a small group of students chosen to represent each grade, along with 212, both of which help to plan events. Still, the student council is limited in its influence.

Could Edina change this hierarchy, or are we stuck with such a distance between the decision-makers and those who the decisions affect?

Perhaps the masses are supposed to be ruled by a few adults who have no direct contact with us, or should there be a change to create more student representation at all levels of the hierarchy?

S c h o o l

What makes our superintendent so super?

Carolyn Beese staff writer

Dr. Ric Dressen may be a mystery to students at EHS, but he’s here to serve our community and look out for our education, so maybe we should learn a little about his job.

“My job is to oversee the entire district,” said Dr. Dressen, the Edina Superintendent. Dr. Dressen reports to the school board. They discuss policies and policy changes which the school board votes on and puts into action. “The school board is elected by the community, so the community is my boss.”

After the school board puts a policy in place, Dr. Dressen meets with principals to decide what action needs to be taken to ensure the best learning quality for the students. Since he meets with all the principals, Dr. Dressen is always on the move throughout the district.

For example, on the day of his interview for this article, he was on his way to visit with Dr. Locklear to discuss decisions on next year’s budget and staffing decisions.

Lately Dr. Dressen has been keeping himself busy with planning for next year, determining staffing plans and budget challenges. He will take his recommendations about these issues to the school board.

“My job has work time, scheming time, and celebrating time,” Dressen explained. “I start my day at six in the morning, [when] I usually check e-mails, completing correspondence. In the afternoon, I usually spend more time in the office. Today we are having all the support staff in the district office to talk about training, recycling, and building security,” he said.

“I also usually have evening commitments three of six nights a week. In the evening there are usually school board meetings. Also, the celebrating time of my job is when I get to go to POPS or girls hockey games,” he commented.

Edina is not the first district for Dr. Dressen to act as a superintendent. He was also the Superintendent for Waconia and Alexandria. “All three have strong community support for education, great teachers, photo courtesy of edinaunplugged.org and great students,” he commented.

Ric Dressen is doing a great job helping the Edina Public Schools Dr. Ric Dressen was hired three be the best they can be. Hopefully students can get to know him and ago by the Edina School Board help him continue doing what he’s doing.

City Council

B o a r d

size to the use of paper.”

It is the school board’s job to approve teacher resignations, leaves of absence, and shared contracts. They approve the hiring and firing The Edina Public School system is often complimented and consid- teachers and other employees such as bus drivers. ered one of the best in the nation. There are nine schools in this system It is also the School Board’s job to supervise the superintendant. with over 1000 staff, about 600 of which are teachers. Overseeing and Principals report to him and are responsible for their schools. directly affecting the actions of the whole system is the difficult job of “He is in charge of all administrative action,” said Almog. “He sets the school board. up the structure of managing the schools. He is in charge of executing It consists of seven elected members who serve four year terms and the Board’s vision and strategic direction.” are responsible for the care, management, and control of the Edina The Board handles the money raised by booster clubs and donations Public Schools. They are the governing body of the school district and from parent councils and other businesses. It approves the purchase of are in charge of major issues the district faces and changes made. They items for whatever team or club the money was given for. promote the well-being of students, communicate with the community, They allot money to areas such as food services and transportation. and have a vision for the future of Edina Public Schools.

They also approve sport or club trips for competitions, conferences, and “It has the responsibilities over budget, policies, vision, and strategic various other reasons. direction of the schools,” said Board member Idith Almog. “The most Major upgrades in the budget summary for the high school include the pressing issue is the budget, as we’re going through budget cutting improvement of the upper north field and the renovation of the east process. Another issue is open enrollment as schools are filling up, and round-a-bout by door eleven. Neither of these has yet been approved. we need to decide how many we can accept.”

The School Board is in charge of many behind-the-scenes actions Other issues on the school board’s agenda include the cost of AP test- taking place at EHS. They are also reforming the 2009-2010 calendars ing, laptops in school, student making days off consistent through attendance, new courses and all grades. the evaluation of teachers.

When changes happen at the “Budget Reduction, Realhigh school, they are often initiated location and Revenue Genby of the School Board. Their j u eration (BRRRG) is a very big risdiction directly affects our issue that will bring about schools. change,” said Board member “The Board is responsible Peyton Robb. “The BRRRG for the equitable delivery of edudiscussions have a potential photo courtesy of District Newsletter cation for all Edina Public School impact for a number of things School Board in action: Members discuss budgets and students no matter what school at the high school, from class they attend,” said Robb.

Christina Kosters staff writer

present upcoming plans for Edina schools

years

Christina Kosters staff writer

Edina is home to over 45,000 people, people who have complaints, deal with road construction, and want to live in an amazing city. Edina’s City Council handles all of these situations.

The City Council of Edina represents all Edina residents and is responsible for many of the decisions that affect the city “We are elected by the community to represent them in making sure we have a great city today and in t h e f u t u r e , ” s a i d c o u n c i l member Scot Housh.

They foster the well-being of the community by addressing citizen’s issues, complaints, and special requests.

If the house going up next-door seems too big, if your neighbor is planting things in your yard and the zoning seems wrong, go the City Council.

Though the City Council has extensive community jurisdiction, it does not govern the Edina Public Schools and can’t directly affect activities at the school. Changes or issues faced at the high school, middle or elementary schools are handled by School Board. On the other hand the City Council does handle school-related topics that d i r e c t l y a f f e c t t h e c i t y , e s p e c i a l l y i n terms of construction.

“The school wants to build a maintenance building by the football field, and City Council has to approve

a conditional use permit for that to happen,” said City Council member Joni Bennett.

The Council has five members elected by Edina residents. Mayor James Hovland is one of these five and presides over meetings and signs contracts. They also elect a city manager who performs day-to-day operations of the city.

“We depend on him and his staff to carry out the policies which are determined by the Council,” said Housh.

Regular meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of every month and are open to the public.

At a typical meeting the Council discusses city development type topics first such as conditional-use permits.

Then members open the meeting up for public comments which must be topics not on the current agenda. Staff then reports on what has been resolved at past meetings and recommendations for future topics and they end with any miscellaneous issues. Council meetings have been known to go as late as 2 a.m.

One major issue the council has addressed recently is how to manage Edina during this economic situation.

“We have always been working to maintain and improve the city, but the financial stress is new,” said Bennett.

In spite of the economic downturn Edina is considering a new idea that will potentially affect high school students: a new bike trail running through Edina, the “Nine Mile Creek/Three Rivers bike trail.”

“Bike lanes or paths that connect one city to another are generally considered good things by our city and by its elected officials,” explained Housh.

No decisions have been made, but it’s possible that it will run right past the high school and will ultimately connect to a regional system. It will either be a new path or a side path on roads, similar to a bike lane. The amount of park land is being looked at but according to Bennett, “other communities have worked it out.”

ed/op 8 EHS Censored: Unfair to prepare for the SAT? Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11. 2009

Behind the scenes of censorship and controversy in the drama departemnt Megan Evans staff writer

To many people, (especially those in publications) the word “censorship” causes fiery debate, and with good reason: our First Amendment allows for freedom of speech. I used to believe that there was absolutely no reason for censorship anytime, anywhere. After talking to thespian department head, Tony Matthes, however, I began to understand reasons behind censorship and what it means.

Edina’s thespian program is amazing, no debate.

But what makes them so good, and how do they treat controversial subjects? Those who got to see My Favorite Kind of Pretty may have noticed a fairly edgy sexual side. Certain plays can be a source of controversy and discomfort for many audiences, but Edina has certain ways to minimize controversy.

Matthes answered some questions on the topic.

Starting with the basics, we wondered how plays were chosen. Matthes explained that “plays are chosen to challenge the students… I look at their strengths.” Matthes handpicks the plays and decides from there what to do with them.

Why are plays, especially school plays, censored?

“You have to consider the audience at all times. You don’t want to lose their support. You don’t want the message [of the play] to be lost on some of the audience because there was a swear word.”

But how does Matthes know where the line is and when to make a cut? “I knew I had to ask Dr. Locklear, and he said, ‘if you have to ask, you know [the answer].’” Matthes also mentioned that as a parent himself, he knows where the line is for a lot of people.

Matthes explained what his ideal censorship program would be a community standards committee.

“Let them read and determine plays, so if anyone had an issue, it would go back to the committee.”

Plays on Broadway can be performed just the way they are written, but public schools are another matter entirely. “In my dream world, I would do them just the way they are written, but I know I can’t,” said Matthes. “It’s not right or wrong - that’s just the way it is.”

art by Olivia Kavanaugh

Zephyrus Staff

zephyrusnews.com

Additionally, prep classes give those with money an unfair advantage. Although Prep Classes only account for a small increase in score from those who use books, that extra step could be the difference between receiving an accepted or a wait-listed letter for applying students.

In recession-hardened times, we all try to be more Because Prep Classes are so expensive, only those with fiscally responsible and limit our expenditures. So when enough money can participate; their scores will inevitably juniors and seniors approach their SAT or ACT test date, average be slightly higher, because they may be slightly betthey must decide between taking prep classes or saving ter prepared. This small deficit can make a difference in money and teaching themselves. the opportunities between The best option is to buy a the scores of the rich and the book and get to work. Before I poor. Because of this slight took my first ACT four weeks ago, difference, those who can afI bought a book, read it, and then ford classes essentially “buy” took the included practice tests. an inflated score and this This approach seemed to be a makes preparation classes successful strategy, as I felt aptly a machine of injustice. prepared. Books like The Real Although they set up an ACT Prep Guide are up to the unfair advantage between challenge of preparing students, the rich and poor, it would be and they won’t leach upwards of crazy to call for destruction a $1000 from your wallet. of Prep Classes. Instead, the Classes like Ivy Insiders are prices should be dropped in an enticing option for those with order to close this discrepthe money. They advertise an ancy. This step would open a average improvement of “254 bigger market for their prodSAT points” but with a rate of uct, thus generating more almost $20 per hour (based on Ivy revenue than before.

Insiders Classroom course) and But in the mean time, $700 for a full round of sessions, juniors and seniors should Prep Classes seem to cost more avoid Prep Classes, unless than they are worth. Although they are making a serious they will likely be a little more attempt at high end schools in-depth and interactive than like Harvard. They will books, does the $670 price difphoto courtesy of collegeboard.org suck money right out of your ference warrant the number of wallet and leave you with additional points gained? only a slightly better score.

A BETTER OPTION: Some would say For many, especially those who that SAT/ACT prep books are a fairer Instead, use a book. Not can’t afford classes or those who only is it much cheaper, but and more economical alternative to are self-sufficient enough to selfit doesn’t get mad at you exorbinantly priced classes. teach, it just isn’t worth it. when you miss a session.

Jack Rohkohl news editor

Wireless wall: Woes at Edina When EHS opened up its wireless network to students two months ago, I was one of the first to log on.

I was excited to finally be able to boot up my own computer at school.

As an experiment, I typed words relevant to my classes: “Obama”, “Edina”, “Shakespeare”, “Roger Ebert”, “economics”, and “media” and the filter gave me this message: “Access has been denied for the following reason: banned combination phrase found. Categories: Pornography”. Luckily DansGuardian

Edline or grab an important assignment from your email, too bad. These problems are even worse for users of Firefox, which barely functions at all on the network. Because of DansGuardian, Firefox occasionally falls into a glitch where it repeatedly asks the user to input his or her school username and

Imagine my surprise when I first took the new network for a spin and learned that what I was getting was a restrictive and buggy version of the internet, capable of only a fraction of what the school’s wired network can do.

The first problem with the network is the filtering software. The wireless network does not use Chaperon, the reasonable filter used by the school’s computers on the wired network, but stricter and stronger software called DansGuardian. This new filter not only bans websites from being displayed on a computer, but it bans certain words from being searched on Google as well.

is not only restrictive, but ineffective as well, as the block on Google can be easily circumvented by using Google. ca (Canadian Google) or another search engine such as Yahoo or MSN. DansGuardian also restricts what you download. Certain files, like .exe files (the type that runs programs on a computer), cannot be downloaded.

That means if you want to try a new internet browser or download a useful program like Open Office (a free alternative to Microsoft Office), you better do it at home.

Along with DansGuardian the network also has a host of technical problems. Sites that require users to log in do not work at all, so if you want to check

password while completely preventing him or her from using the internet at all.

Apple computers do not work with the network at all, so Mac and iPod Touch users are out of luck.

Even though the student wireless network has its problems, it is wonderful that the school even offers it. Many public schools do not have this opportunity. The wireless makes doing individual work a lot easier, but because of the blocks and the bugs, it’s hard to access dozens of legitimate educational websites. I am sure the situation will improve over time, but for now students will just have to use the wired network if they want to get to sites that don’t work with or are blocked by the wireless.

Tony Matthes staff writer

editors-in-chief: Alison Dirr, Lizzy Meller managing editor: Ben Streeter copy editor: Kenzie Miller photo editor: Caroline Valenta advertisement manager: 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 Matthes, Ashley 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.

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Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

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Human genome: When is science intrusive? and gene therapy has the possibility to cure debilitating or even fatal genetic mutations by inserting helpful genes into the cells and tissues of the body.

But then there is the issue of healthcare. If more and more people are discovering the truth about What if you could discover everytheir genomes, it gives insurance thing about yourself? Every last deproviders an opportunity to pick tail from the diseases you are prone and choose clients based on these to develop to your personal tastes in predictions of clients’ health. food or music. Sound impossible?

Then there is the social issue Think again. regarding the cost of purchasing In 2003, the Human Genome your genome. Buying an analyProject fully sequenced a human’s sis of your DNA is a reality, but DNA. T h e f a c t t h a t i t t o o k o v e r it’s pricey. For about $350,000 a decade to produce final results only a privileged few can afford serves as evidence to the comto purchase their entire genomic plexity and variety of an indisequence. For those less able or vidual’s chemical makeup. There willing to pay a small fortune, are three billion chemical base there is the option of buying a pairs that make up the DNA, and sample of traits, disease risks, within a single strand lay 20,000 and ancestry data for the more to 25, 0 0 0 g e n e s . affordable price of $399.

These past years of research now Biology and Comparative allow ordinary people the chance to photo courtesy of www.dnaofgeorgia.net/investigation.html Anatomy teacher Colleen Raasdiscover more about themselves than ch feels that it is ethical to disphoto photobybyKenzie KenzieMiller Miller cover your genome, but would they ever could before through the purchasing of genetic information. While not choose to find her own. “I this possibility raises potential ethical CUSTOM...BABIES?: Within the human genome discovery wouldn’t want to know [what my and social questions, the purchase of is a burgeoning industry of prediction used to create “custom genome is] because no matter your genome should be more promoted fetuses.” Will the next generation be a product of our design? what, you should live your life and affordable because it can lead to to the fullest,” she asserted. further advancements in the medical field. It should not just be a luxury for It is most likely the individualized purchasing of the human gethe rich, but rather a common advancement for the well-being of all. nome will become an even more widespread trend in the future, so The recent discovery of the human genome opens the door on issues will people become obsessed with predicting their future health? As regarding genetic testing and gene therapy for which there are both Raasch said, people shouldn’t change their way of life based on the pros and cons. results of a DNA test, and yet knowing our genomes will change our Genetic testing lets people know of potential mutations in their genes, lives—for the better.

Catherine Kerwin staff writer

The double standard about weight Megan Evans staff writer English teacher Rachel Tholen made an astute point last year: Over the ages, as women’s sizes have fluctuated and changed dramatically, so have their social standings. Slowly but surely, women have gone from the flapper to the full-bodied-curve look, and a new trend is set every decade just as every decade brings changes in the power women have.

Today, however, the public is taking the weight obsession too far. When Jessica Simpson’s weight gain makes the front page of at least three magazines, and will assuredly be mentioned in every other female publication, we have stretched the weight issue way too thin.

Health Coordinator Ann Little is passionate about this issue. “I just think it’s terrible… even with this Jessica Simpson thing. She is definitely within what would be considered

healthy.” Still, we keep prodding and poking until women can fit into the tiny, emaciated mold we have built for them.

The pressure women face from the media about their weight is not within reasonable range. Little explained that “the standard for what makes a woman pretty or hot is not even healthy.” Which begs the question: Why is that our standard?

Women and men have hugely different body types, starting at the skeleton and moving outwards. A healthy fat percentage for men is 20%, while 24% is what women are expected to be around. But that doesn’t explain why women have to deal with an inordinate pressure aimed at their bodies. Why are only women affected by this weight-watching obsession? Few men in the media have to deal with a media frenzy aimed at their weight.

With the difference in women’s and men’s physiques, sports may also contribute to the gap between the genders. Men’s sports are much more popular than women’s sports, which

may lead women away from healthy, realistic body role models. “There are some really good female athlete role models,” said Little in reference to Venus and Serena Williams.

Meanwhile, we focus on the stick thin models who adorn the runway.

Not for long, though, according to recent actions across the pond, On April 16, 2008 French MPs passed a law illegalizing the promotion of anorexia. The bill would bar any form of media such as magazines, billboards or websites that promote severe weight loss. This revolutionary legislation may help the entire world learn to accept a healthy body standard. If America is such a leader in world affairs, why haven’t we done something like the French?

Women throughout the world and time have withstood all kinds of injustices. Now, however, we are bringing it upon ourselves.

Until we can learn to accept every body type, and maintain healthy standards, we will have to suffer the media tidal waves that degrade our bodies.

photos by Kenzie Miller

culture 10 A new look at the old love story: Romeo & Juliet Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

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Corrin Carlson staff writer The 70s-gone-hippie courtyard is bathed in a dim yellow glow from the strings of tea-lights hanging just above the rooftops.

“A plague a’both your houses!” screams the wounded Mercutio as he stumbles up the front steps of a ramshackle two-story stucco building.

Romeo pushes his way through the audience, passing inches from us. He is so close we can see the worry lines etched in his forehead.

“He’s dead!” yells Benvolio, oblivious to the gasps from the crowd pressed around him.

This is not your average production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The play, showing on The Children’s Theatre Company’s (CTC) Cargill Stage from February 13 through March 15, is done promenade-style - no seats, no stage, so the audience is in the middle of the action as the drama unfolds, physically following the actors as the play progresses.

Before the play on February 12, the audience was buzzing with excitement waiting for the show to start, but it did not start in the typical way. There was no dimming of the lights, no

request over the speakers to refrain from taking pictures. The actors simply entered the small performance area. With no raised stage and no seats, the whole room became the play’s courtyard.

They taunted each other while standing on wagons and the front porches of the houses over the heads of the onlookers.

The audience really felt as if they were a part of the play since, during the show, we moved through the courtyard-theatre. The actors themselves invited the audience members to dance and play right along with them, which contributed to making the bard’s tale so relatable.

“This is a play that never stops speaking to us about the failure of the adult world to comprehend what is happening in the lives of young people, about how passions can spin out of control and about the power of love in our lives,” said CTC Artistic Director Peter Brusius in a CTC publication.

Doing a show in this manner is incredibly difficult for the cast because there is no way of separating themselves from the audience. They had to be completely immersed in their character to make the show believable while rubbing shoulders with the audience.

CTC’s production of Romeo and Juliet is a cleverly performed play. This stunning production and very talented cast is a must -see for anyone who enjoys Shakespeare’s work and viewing a play in a new way.

photos courtesy of Children’s Theatre Company

THE DOOMED LOVE STORY: The Children’s Theatre Company allows viewers to get up close and personal with the actors and actresses through the play’s intimate setting.

Spring concert preview: stars visiting Minneapolis Maddie Krasno culture editor

photo courtesy of www.allposters.com

*March 13 – Howie Day – Varsity Theater - $20 *March 15 – Missy Higgins and Justin Nozuka – First Avenue - $21 March 18 – Plain White T’s – Varsity Theater - $15$17 *March 23 – Lady Gaga – Fine Line Music Cafe - $23$25 March 24 – Katy Perry – First Avenue - $17 March 27 – Cute Is What We Aim For with Meg &

photo courtesy of www.katyperry.com

photo courtesy of www.metrostation.com

Dia, Breathe Carolina, Every Avenue, Anarbor – Station 4 - $16-$18 April 3 – Britney Spears – Target Center - $37.50-$125 April 6 – The Ting Tings – Varsity Theater - $15 April 7 – Nickelback with Seether and Saving Abel – Target Center - $43-$73 April 11 – Jack’s Mannequin and Matt Nathanson – Myth - $22-$25 *April 11 – Lily Allen – First Avenue - $24 April 15 - Death Cab For Cutie - Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre - $33 April 23 – New Found Glory, Bayside, Set Your Goals, and Verse – Myth - $16.50-$19.50 May 11 – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band – Xcel Energy Center - $65-$95 May 17 – Fall Out Boy with All Time Low, Cobra Starship, Metro Station - Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre - $34

*18+

photo courtesy of www.ladygaga.com

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Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

3D movies offer new cinematic experience ing. But technology has improved, and the quality of 3D movies has increased.

Coraline could very well be one of the best animated films of the year. Even without 3D, it is still an excellent movie; it is gifted with a good plot and witty humor. The third dimension adds a magical, surreal touch, and the stop-moThe movie first appears ordinary - blurs fly by on the screen, senseless action tion animation plus 3D is absolutely wonderful. takes place as usual - but suddenly, from the screen, an axe comes flying at the auBut fancy effects aren’t all that people are looking for in movies. Often times dience, nearly slicing 3D movies focus photos courtesy of www.flickr.com more on visual efoff your left ear.

I cannot comprefects rather than hend why anyone the message of the would want to see movie itself. certain movies in 3D; “3D movies are horror movies, like usually action or My Bloody Valentine horror that rely 3D and Jonas Brothon the shock value ers: The 3D Concert from the 3D,” said Experience are terriArt of Film teacher fying enough in only Tim Klobuchar. two dimensions.

“What’s more “I didn’t want to important is the see Coraline because overall quality of I was afraid the 3D the movie itself.” would make it really “If moviemakscary,” admitted juers keep moving nior Ruth Fogg. in the direction of Nevertheless, 3D Coraline, 3D could movies have had a be much more acs u d d e n b u r s t i n RISE OF 3D: Several movies both in theaters and on DVD can now be viewed in 3D. claimed,” predicted popularity, and now Klobuchar. several such movies are soon to be or already have been released in theaters, 3D isn’t just limited to movie theaters. Under the Sea 3D is now playing in such as Coraline and Monsters vs. Aliens. Disney plans to re-release several old IMAX theaters and has already been widely acclaimed. The effect of a giant classics in 3D, including The Nightmare Before Christmas and Toy Story, and screen plus the 3D literally sweeps the audience into the movie.

Pixar’s next film, Up, will be in 3D. Watching movies magically lift off the screen and come within arms’ reach After remembering Spy Kids 3D, with its tacky graphics and the distracting blue is certainly intriguing. From the looks of it, we’ll soon be seeing many more and red outlines from the 3D glasses, I didn’t find the idea of 3D movies very entic- movies in the third dimension.

Anna Waldo news editor

photo by geocities.com

SILVER SCREEN SENSATION: Movie goers across the world find themselves entranced by the ecstasizing allure of 3D movies.

Talented crews flaunt their moves in dancing show Todd Barin staff writer America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC) is a hit among many high school students. Produced by American Idol judge Randy Jackson, ABDC is a street dance competition where crews from the United States compete for a grand prize of $100,000 and a touring contract. In each episode of ABDC, twelve crews perform within the one-hour segment. The MTV program is judged by former N*sync member JC Chasez, female rapper Lil’ Mama, and hip-hop choreographer Shane Sparks.

Currently, ABDC is in its third season, having had great success the past two. In the first season, San Diego’s JabbaWockeeZ were declared the winners after defeating Boston’s Status Quo in the season finale.

“The JabbaWockeeZ were actually a really good dance team,” said sophomore Kevin Zickert. “They consistently came up with creative dance sequences and nailed every performance.”

The featured dance crews demonstrate nearly impossible synchronization. Just ask Hip-Hop Dance Club member Cloe Zacharkevics.

“Yeah, trust me,” she said, “it is as hard as it looks. Each dancer has a different sense of style, so they might hit the beats differently. During the routine, the audience doesn’t usually realize one of the members being off beat, but when you are dancing, you see every mistake your crew makes.”

ABDC proved a huge hit in the TV world on January 15th, the show’s season premiere, when, according to the Los Angeles Times, the show averaged over 1.56 million viewers ages 12 to 34. “This season should live up to its hype,” remarked ABDC judge Shane Sparks before season three had begun. “I am

excited for this year to get started, and the talent coming out this year is phenomenal.”

Tune in to the hip-hop dance show on MTV Thursday nights at 9 p.m. to see all-new episodes. Who knows, there could even be a surprise appearance by the JabbaWockeeZ.

photo courtesy of www.fanpop.com

DANCING HIT: Crews from across the U.S. come together to compete in ABDC.

back page 12 St.Paul has a dirty little secret Zephyrus Volume 29, Issue 6 March 11, 2009

Kenzie Miller copy editor When you think “mob,” you probably think of Capone, prohibition, and the alltoo-popular fedora-wearing, heavy-browed, stogie-smoking Italian mobster. Or maybe you think of the Gangs of New York, cut-throat, lilting Daniel Day-Lewis depiction of an Irish mafia member on the streets of late 19th century New York City.

“Mob movies are some of my favorites,” gushed senior Joe Wagner, “the drama and the action mixed with a little corruption…perfection.”

But what if these depictions weren’t as removed as MINNESOTA NOIR: St. Paul was a hub of we thought? What if, instead of being buried in history books and in far gang activity. away cities like Chicago, New York, and The king of Irish mob operations in St. Boston, these dramatic crime families were Paul was “Dapper” Danny Hogan, who aractually, say, down the block? rived in 1909 and took the city by storm.

Dig a little, and you’ll find that the ac- Hogan was revered as one of the keenest tion depicted in Gangs of New York truly criminal minds of his time. During his wasn’t that far from home. St. Paul, for reign in St. Paul, he oversaw the Irish mob many years, served as a hub of Irish family in numerous armed robberies and ran the

History of an icon Teddy Hoffman features editor

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tributed to his close relationship with St. Paul’s crooked Chief John O’Connor, who allowed Hogan and his associates to operate in St. Paul if they paid appropriate bribes and promised not to kill within city limits.

His dominance came to an abrupt end on December 4, 1928, when a car bomb, allegedly planted by Hogan’s under boss, Harry “Dutch” Sawyer, exploded and induced a lethal coma. Sawyer’s motives? The $25,000 bail debt Hogan had yet to repay or the cut he never received from a casino deal? You choose. Bottom line, we have more history than the movies about the St. Paul mob (or lack photo courtesy of www.flikr.com thereof) give us credit for. mob activity during Prohibtion.

St. Paul offers history that, if we reach out, we can experiGreen Lantern, a saloon-turned-gambling ence firsthand. Wagner described his tours casino-turned speakeasy (in the days of through the Mississippi caves and hideouts prohibition) on Wabasha Sreet. for the mafia as “incredible. I saw bullet Hogan took advantage of the corruption holes, the whole nine yards.” within the police force, using a system of So, EHS, dig a little deeper, and you briberies and internal threats to aid his might just find that our state has just as service as a kingpin in the Irish mob for much dramatic mafia history as any of the decades. Hogan’s success was mostly at- others. All we have to do is look for it.

it: the history of the icon of early Twentieth Century America. Kinda interesting, huh?

And yet the loss of the Fedora is rather depressing, as it represents a time period of prosperity and contentment (well, ignoring recent movie Revolutionary Road…).

In today’s America, where economic crisis looms and war seems to crouch around every corner, we need a dose of good old fashioned American nostalgia to keep us going. What I speak of is a Fedora Revival.

Fellow EHS-goers, I invite you to join me and others such as actor Johnny Depp to revive the hat from the fogs of fashion obscurity. The choice to bring back the Fedora is up to us.

What do Humphrey Bogart, Al Capone and the Blues Brothers have in common?

Their frequent donning of hats. And not just any old hat, but the most recognized hat of modern American history: the Fedora.

The Fedora actually originated from a play in the late 1800s about a woman named Princess Fedora, who donned a hat very similar to the modern accessory. Due to the popularity of this play, the hat became a stylish ornament for, surprisingly, women into the Twentieth Century. The Fedora soon evolved into a cultural icon. However, it would not remain a feminine fashion for long.

Sometime around 1920, the torch was passed to men, and the legacy of the Fedora lived on through the gangsters and businessmen of the century. Alas, the Fedora left mainstream fashion sometime around the 1960s.

Interestingly, the death of the Fedora is often attributed to President John F. Kennedy, who neglected to wear the hat during his inauguration.

After this killing blow, the Fedora vanished from the photo courtesy of www.artofmanliness.com heads of average American males to HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU KID: Humphrey antique shops.

So there you have Bogart sports a fedora in Casablanca.

Dial ‘M’ for Murder Eamon Rood back page editor

Pop culture has given us an image of hit-men as slick and stylish assassins like in Collateral or The Bourne Identity. But how close are these Hollywood hit-men to real ones? Compare them with the following hitmen, world (in)famous for their brutality, prolificacy, and obscurity.

Charles Harrelson killed only one man in his career. He was hired by drug dealer Jamiel Chagra to kill Judge John H. Wood, who was due to sentence Chagra on trafficking charges. Harrelson shot Wood outside his home in San Antonio, Texas on May 29, 1979. He was convicted, sentenced to life imprisonment, and died in 2007.

Why is such a one timer worthy of mention? Because he is the father of photo courtesy of www.wikimedia.org actor Woody Harrelson. In 2007 his slightly more famous son starred in KILLING FOR DUMMIES: The No Country for Old Men as Carson book Hit Man was banned for being Wells - a hitman. Irony this is good a ‘how-to’ guide for contract killings. should be illegal.

Another one time killer is James Perry. In 1993 Lawrence T. Horn hired killer is Richard Kuklinski. From the Perry to kill his wife, quadriplegic son, and 1970’s until his arrest in 1986, Kuklinhis son’s nurse so he could receive $1.7 mil- ski is estimated to have killed nearly 200 lion from his son’s trust fund. Perry shot people on the East Coast, primarily for the wife and nurse, and smothered the son New York’s Gambino crime family. Kukat their home in Silver Spring, Maryland. linski earned the nickname ‘Iceman’ for What is bizarre about this is not the mo- storing bodies in freezers to hide their tive or number of victims, but the method. time of death. In one particularly gruePerry carried out the murders according some killing, Kuklinski kidnapped his to instructions from the book Hit Man: A victim, hog tied him, and left him in a Technical Manual for Independent Con- cave in front of a video camera. He later tractors which he purchased from a local retrieved the footage and showed it to his bookshop, written under the pseudonym client, who was satisfied that the victim ‘Rex Feral’ by an anonymous author. The sufficiently suffered. He had been eaten victims’ families successfully sued the pub- alive by rats. lishers, Paladin Press, who were ordered It seems that not even Hollywood can to discontinue publication of the book and capture the violence and weirdness of real destroy any remaining copies. hitmen. So truth really must be stranger Arguably the most notorious contract than fiction.