Issue 2-- November 2012

ZE PH

YR US NE W S

Z

www.edinazephyrus.com

In-Depth p. 6-7

Culture p. 10

edinazephyrus.com

The Election : All about everyone’s favorite political season.

Cookmark This! : A new column about food and the eating thereof.

A video tour of Bye Bye Birdie and more online.

Volume 33 Issue 2

November 2, 2012

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Is this edina?

W

hat is going on at Edina High School? After the events of the past few weeks, students and staff may be starting to ask themselves this question. A fight followed by a terroristic threat isn’t exactly the ideal way to kick off the school year. Officer Brian Hubbard, Edina Police Liaison for EHS, volunteered to shed some light on the situation.

“There is no big violence problem in Edina,” Officer Hubbard explained. “And as a high school, EHS doesn’t have very much violence at all.” French teacher Kimberly Caster said, “I have never witnessed one altercation between students in 13 years of working in this building.” The community of Edina has little violence compared to other cities, which produces less of a violence problem in our schools. “High expectations translate into better behavior,” Hubbard added.

“Students should also take comfort in the fact that they go to a high-caliber school in a community with a high-caliber civil services,” Officer Hubbard stated. Before most of us woke up on the morning of Friday, October 5, Edina police had already responded to a threatening post made just two hours prior and secured the safety of students for the following school day.

On a scale from 0 to 10 (0 being constantly attacked, 10 being enclosed in a protective bubble), EHS students rated their safety levels at school between 7 and 9 in a survey conducted by Zephyrus. “We, as the adult community, are responsible for your safety,” affirmed Officer Hubbard, “and that’s not a statement we take lightly.”

Many students agree. Junior Emma Chen said that she “never really felt at risk. EHS is a safe environment, and I think they handled the situation really well.”

Edina makes it a priority to discourage violence in school. According to Officer Hubbard, “This school and the district try to prevent hazing and bullying in an effort to prevent violence.” Incidents are addressed swiftly and consequences are severe. Punishments range from 1-day suspension to complete expulsion.

But what about the terroristic threat that sent the student body spinning a few Fridays ago? Its credibility makes this threat the first of its kind at Edina, according to school administration. This single alarming incident is not indicative of a new problem of violence in Edina, however.

“Crime is cyclical,” explained Officer Hubbard. “All crime happens in waves.” Incidents of crime and violence ebb and flow in communities, sometimes with a series of cases one after another which subsides as the crime cycle subsides. Recent incidents in the school and community aren’t anything to worry about; it’s simply part of the normal crime cycle. “There has been no rise in violence in this city,” Officer Hubbard concluded.

Madison Hobbs, staff writer

Edina reacts to Wooddale bike lanes

Photo credit Micah Osler

Over the past few weeks, many Edina residents have been hit by confusion about the new bike lanes on Wooddale Avenue. These new lanes, which have eliminated the middle line of the road, have resulted in a few car crashes and many scary moments for drivers.

The new lanes are called Advisory Bike Lanes. This means that cars are allowed to drive within them as long as there is not a biker.

Junior Julia Barnett said, “I think the new bike lanes on Wooddale are nice, but it’s kind of absurd to have them that wide on a street that doesn’t have room for two cars and that big of a lane.”

She added that “I’d feel safe biking in the new lanes, but I felt safe biking on Wooddale before the lanes were added.”

The bike lanes are receiving mixed reactions from residents, even from the mayor of Edina. In an article on the Sun Current website from October 9th, 2012, Mayor Hovland said “Personally, I think we made a mistake,” regarding the new bike lanes.

Hannah Sommerville, staff writer

Expansion gives South View Middle School some much-needed space South View Middle School’s new renovation is “exhilarating!” said freshman Ellie Henry. “It is bright and gives us so much more room.”

According to the Edina Public Schools website, the renovation started at the end of the 2011-2012 school year, and after the 2.3 million dollar renovation was approved, an additional 5,750 square feet were added in the southeast corner. Although the project still needs a few tiles to finish some walls, Wold Architects finished just in time for school. The renovation includes an expanded cafeteria, new special education classrooms, and new world language classrooms.

According to South View Principal Dr. Beth Russell, “The purpose to expanding was to make

Photo by Micah OSlerp

more room for students. Our old space didn’t meet state requirements.” The lunchroom was expanded across the hall to where three special education classrooms were. Those three classrooms were moved to the addition in the southeast corner, along with three more completely new world language classrooms on the second floor. “While all students benefit from the renovation, the environment benefits too. We added recycling centers in the cafeteria,” said Dr. Russell.

Students seem to enjoy the new expansion to the cafeteria. “The cafeteria is a lot brighter, way less crowded, and overall more comfortable with more open space,” said freshman Max Wolfe.

The cafeteria is in the same location as years past, but has also expanded across the hallway into where the old special education rooms were. The large open space has two entrances, and light enters through large windows on both sides. The old rectangular tables were replaced with smaller round tables in order to “quiet down the lunchroom and also lesson the chaos,” explained Dr. Russell. Wolfe agreed, saying, “The round tables are smaller and have less people sitting at them, but they let more people be involved in the conversation since nobody is sitting alone at the ends.”

Along with the cafeteria, the renovation added new special education classrooms, and renovated the existing rooms on the third floor. The new space includes an open common area, classrooms, and also smaller rooms to better fit the needs of small groups or individuals.

Jack Hultstrand, sports editor

The official newspaper of Edina High School

2

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

News Volume 33 Issue 2

November 2, 2012

www.edinazephyrus.com

Aporkalypse: fact or fiction?

With the alleged onset of the end of the world this coming winter, we’ve already begun to see the world slowly falling apart, beginning with a pork shortage. As the National Pig Association of the UK announced in late September, “A world shortage of pork and bacon next year is now unavoidable.” This concerning statement has already begun to create havoc on EHS students who love their bacon.

Senior Tim Lydon commented, “Bacon is the fuel to my fire.”

The cause of the shortage can in fact be traced back to a drought throughout the U.S. this summer. According to the National Climactic Data Center, this September was the 48th driest September on record, with the Midwest being in the most severe drought conditions in the whole country. With most of the pig feed being grown in Minnesota and the Midwest, crops went bad or didn’t grow as much due to the dryness; thus the usually plump hogs were starved to the bone.

This caused farmers to be paid much less per average-sized hog carcass, gaining only $5-$25 per hog according to the Huffington Post. To account for this loss in income, farmers began to slaughter more and more hogs. In fact, the amount of hogs slaughtered this August was greater than any other month in U.S. history. This later caused the lowest hog to American ratio in 40 years, leading to a shortage of hogs and thus became the bacon shortage.

While the size and amount of hogs are factors in this issue, a pork shortage is not the main concern; the concern of most economists is the rising price in pork as a result of the shortage.

“When the supply of bacon decreases, the price increases,” writes Huffington post journalist Joe Satran. Economist Shayle Shagam at the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects total pork supply to drop by a mere one percent while bacon prices will increase by ten percent.

Despite the lack of a true bacon shortage, many bacon enthusiasts at EHS are concerned by the possibility of rising prices, bacon being an essential food in their daily lives. Junior Beth Witta commented “It’s the only reason I get up in the morning.”

However, when asked whether or not rising prices in bacon will keep them from buying, students were confronted with a difficult decision. “I don’t know, tough question,” said Lydon. “I’m running low on cash these days. I might have to resort to microwaveable bacon, God so help me.” On the other hand, Witta commented, “Yes I’ll be willing to pay extra… it’s bacon!” Some students have even resorted to hoarding as a possible option: “My mom stocks up” said Witta.

Hayley Morrison, staff writer

art by Tom Gaasedelen

The wolf search and destroy squad

Update on Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year:

Jackie Roehl

photos by Talia Edelheit

photo courtesy of wjon.com

Up until late January, Minnesota wolves have been on the endangered species list. Now they have been filed under state management with the goal of ensuring the wolf’s long term survival and protecting livestock, people, and pets. This plan requires a minimum of 1,600 wolves statewide to be living, and if this minimum isn’t reached, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will take immediate action to reverse the decline. It is also important to note that no maximum has been decided, wolves are being allowed to naturally expand their numbers which can be shown by the increasing totals; a meager estimation of 750 in the 1950’s to about 3,000 in Minnesota today. This number has remained stable for the last ten years which shows that wolves are quite capable of controlling their own numbers.

If you’re one to sport a rifle and a flamboyant orange vest, you’re in luck. The Minnesota Legislature made 2012 one of the first years for the allowance of wolf hunting which can

be done by baiting, trapping and shooting.

Their intelligence and keen sense of smell prove for a difficult kill, which seems to bring even more joy to hunters. The State Court of Appeals is allowing the hunt to continue throughout the month of November, with a goal of eliminating 400 wolves this winter.

Legislatures get to determine if hunting season is legal, not the Department of Natural Resources, so it has been decided that the season starts November third. However, many Minnesotans are concerned that wolves will be killed so quickly after their recent removal from the endangered species list.

Senior Kalley Norr believes, “We shouldn’t try to control the population, because then the entire ecosystem will be off.”

In a survey of the DNR website, 79% of 7,351 voters said they did not support hunting and trapping of wolves in Minnesota. If you’re part of the 79%, contact your legislator.

If not, then happy hunting!

Sarah Aydinalp, staff writer

During Mrs. Roehl’s second hour Pre-AP English 10 class students may be reciting Shakespeare one day and discussing race the next. The walls are covered with student work, ranging from taxonomies to graphic novels.

Mrs. Roehl won the 2012 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award last April. It is an award given to a teacher who demonstrates great progress in the classroom. Not only does Mrs. Roehl have the responsibility to teach in her classroom at Edina High School, but she also has to speak at conferences and other schools.

How did this English teacher win the award? “I worked to recognize different cultures and engage everyone in the classroom,” she said.

This is evident in her class. She tries to get everyone to participate and quiets distractions, making an ideal learning environment.

So what is she up to as Teacher of the Year 2012 for Minnesota?

“I go around speaking at many public schools. I just spoke in Winona at St. Mary’s College,” she said. She included, “I’ve gotten to meet a lot of people.”

How does she handle this commitment?

“I do wish I had a little bit more free time for gardening and jigsaw puzzles,” she admitted.

As if she wasn’t occupied enough, Ms. Roehl published a chapter in Glenn Singleton’s new book, “More Courageous Conversations About Race.” In her chapter, she discusses racial equity in Minnesota and mentions Edina.

While many were relaxing during MEA break, Ms. Roehl was speaking at the Teacher’s Conference. Her message was the same one she sends to educators taking her course through Hamline University. “I talk about culture responsive teaching strategies.”

What are her teaching strategies? “I try to get my students to work in groups and do taxonomies, make posters, and other activities instead of just talking at them.”

What are her plans for the future? “I’m going to be doing four weeks of traveling with the other Teachers of the Year from different states.” Arizona and Washington, D.C. are two of the places she will visit.

She even gets to meet the president of the United States. And what happens if she wins National Teacher of the Year 2012? “I can’t teach here anymore [for the year she is the national winner]. It’s a full-time job.” If she doesn’t win, rest assured, she’ll still be at Edina High School helping the progress of knowledge.

Perry Bruder, staff writer

Features 6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

November 2, 2012

Volume 33 Issue 2

3

www.edinazephyrus.com

Jack Swiler gets classical

More and more Edina High School students are tuning into MPR’s classical tunes and joining band and orchestra. The shift from pop jams to elegant symphonies has many classical junkies coming out of their shell. Jack Swiler, an Edina senior, is known for his devout interest in classical music and can be often found humming Tchaikovsky in the hallways or attending a concert at Orchestra Hall. His passion for good music has led him to become a French horn player in Edina’s concert band and an expert in the field of classical music. Today Swiler shares with us a little bit about himself and what classical music means to him.

Q: How did you become involved in classical music?

A: When I was younger I went to the New England Music camp. There I actually started playing classical music on my French horn, which got me interested in that particular genre.

Q: What is your favorite musical piece?

A: It’s hard to decide on one. One that I really like right now is Dvorak’s Cello Concerto, but it changes every week.

Q: Who is you favorite composer? Why? A: Probably Dmitri Shostakovich. He has really interesting, modern music, but he’s also a really cool guy. For example, he was a volunteer firefighter in Leningrad during World War II, was censored, and sent to jail twice in the USSR. Q: How do you feel about the Minnesota Orchestra shutdown?

A: Terrible. It’s too bad that so much pressure is being put on the musicians and that management doesn’t have their spending priorities in the right place in order to keep the orchestra going. I feel like it isn’t the musicians’ job to carry the burden of so much financial trouble. Support the orchestra musicians.

Q: What is the Minnesota Music Listening Contest?

A: It’s a contest where a team of two other people and I listen to music and identify the composer, time period, and other musical aspects of the piece. Then we must memorize these facts in an attempt to know the most about the musical composition.

Q: How is it having Mr. Kile as a coach?

A: It’s good I guess, we just kind of hang out in the band room. I listen to music with Mr. Kile a lot already because I go to Adventures in Good Listening with him Friday mornings so I’m already used to his quirks. He knows a lot about music and is currently teaching us what to listen for in a piece.

Q: How do expect the band to perform this year at the 60th POPS? A: Hopefully super well! Last year’s show had a lot of funny stuff, but I’m hoping this year we can put together a more solid performance that’ll really impress the audience for the 60th anniversary.

Q: How are you preparing for the band trip to Singapore this spring?

A: I’m packing my bags right now! Or maybe I’ll just get my passport renewed. We haven’t started learning any of the music yet, but when that comes along I’ll be practicing the pieces lot. I’ll also practice my Mandarin and get that up to speed for the visit!

photo by Jake Freeman

Q: Besides listening to classical music and playing French horn, what other activities occupy your free time?

A: Not much. I Nordic ski during the winter and that’s a lot of fun. I like to play ultimate Frisbee pretty casually while it’s warm out. I also work at the Edina Cinema. I like cereal, the show “Breaking Bad”, watching movies, and watching movies while I’m eating cereal. I’d say cereal is probably the number one though.

Christina Dovolis, staff writer

EHS Scribes, Engravers, Writers, and Authors

art courtesy of Creative Commons

One thousand, six hundred twelve point nine zero three two three. 1,612.90323. This, ladies and gentlemen, represents the number of words a writer must generate per day during National November Writing Month. Intimidated?

National November Writing Month, “NaNoWriMo,” takes professional and amateur writers from around the world for the ultimate goal of writing a 50,000+ word novel in one month. Throughout the writing process, the NaNoWriMo website allows writers to post excerpts of their work online to read and critique, while also tracking writing pace.

Among the small community of EHS authors is senior Grace Ulak. Having successfully fulfilled the NaNoWriMo requirements last year, Ulak plans to make the attempt again this November. Particularly enthused by poetry, Ulak also pursues an interest in writing for comics, eventually hoping to further develop her own writing style.

But what, essentially, is at the heart of writing a novel?

Aside from developing characters, plot, and generating a well-rounded, intriguing idea? It is not only your selfdetermination, but other’s guidance and care. Ulak states, “Part of what allows you to be successful is a good support system.”

Unlike Ulak, senior Leslie Mei has not been through the stressful process of NaNoWriMo, although she intends to attempt the challenge this year. Beginning her writing career early in childhood, Mei fabricated short, rhyming poems. Further opening herself to different writing styles, she continued to read heavily. Now focusing primarily on

poetry and short stories, Mei recently found herself crafting ditties, or small songs, on the rain and moon. Describing these ditties, Mei said, “I’m sorry if I’m hard to understand: I’m a writer.”

Ulak and Mei describe their writing experience as inconsistent. Motivation to write comes at irregular intervals, and often that means sitting at the computer for a few hours. “A good book can be life-changing,” Mei claims. “And a successful writing session leaves me feeling like I’ve landed in front of my computer from a different world.”

Joining Ulak and Mei in the NaNoWriMo experience is junior Sophie Bull, who looks forward to participating in her fifth consecutive year. For writing sessions, Bull has, “special writing playlists on iTunes for when I do different types of writing.”

What does it take for you to become a writer? Motivation and inspiration. Bull encourages that, “everyone has a unique voice and yours is no less special.” Everyone has their own original ideas. It is only a matter of beginning. Of course a writers first work will probably not be the next “War and Peace.” Nobody’s is. “If you bottle up your ideas because you can’t find the right words,” Mei added, “The world is losing something precious.”

It is not easy writing a novel in a month. Then again it is not easy writing a novel generally. So help celebrate the national writing month by encouraging EHS authors to succeed. Who knows? There could be a future Rowling in our midst.

Sloane Nilsen, art editor

4

www.edinazephyrus.com

Features

Volume 33 Issue 2

November 2, 2012

Know your teachers See how well you know your teachers by taking this quiz!

Although students spend countless hours with their teachers every day, teachers have some interesting secrets that students may not know. For some reason, students have an idea that teachers only do things involving school such as correcting papers, making tests, and correcting piles and piles of homework. But contrary to the popular belief, teachers may have more interesting lives than some students. Here is a look inside the interesting lives of some EHS teachers.

1. Who can drive a fire truck, juggle, and play hockey? (a) Mr. McManus (b) Mrs. Raasch (c) Ms. Russel

2. Which teacher was born in Chile and goes back to visit family and close friends? (a) Ms. Russel (b) Sr. Diaz (c) Ms. Kampf

3. Who has two snakes, one lizard, and an iguana in their classroom? (a) Sr. Diaz (b) Ms. Kampf (c) Mrs. Raasch

4. Who has bungee jumped, rode a hot air balloon, skydived, piloted an airplane, repelled down mountains and water falls, and hang glided? (a) Ms. Kampf (b) Mr. McManus (c) Ms. Russel

5. What brave teacher ran in the state cross country meet and finished in 34th place with a time of 16:25? (a) Ms Russel (b) Mr. McManus (c) Sr. Diaz Ellie Lagorio, online features editor

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

There’s an app for that “The college apps are extremely stressful. Call me crazy but I’ve been working on one prompt for 35 hours,” remarked senior Jon Yang. Although the end of school is months away, college is a looming presence for many seniors. Applications and teacher recommendations are calling, but first it is important to know what to look for in a college or university. Many students have differing opinions regarding their dream school, but big or small, urban or rural, there’s a great match out there for everybody.

There are different variables to pay attention to while visiting colleges, such as location, athletics, and student body size to name a few. However, student views on each can be just as varying. Senior Sumanth Seethina is looking for “something nearby,” while fellow senior Catherine Jacobson is looking for anything that is “not Edina.” To senior Yasmeen Almog, finding a college with summer, fall, winter and spring is important. She remarked, “To be honest, the whole four separate seasons thing is huge for me. It was the reason I ruled out most California schools. I need fall and winter!”

After narrowing down college choices, it’s time to start the application process. Writing college essays and filling out the forms can be nerve-racking. Almog explained the pressure, “Your college application is your ticket into your future university. Your application basically determines your future, so it’s super important that you don’t screw up.”

When all the aforementioned is said and done, the sentimental process of saying goodbye is next in line. Almog explains the struggle of leaving Edina. “The people from Edina that I have become close to over the years have set the bar very high for any future friends that I will make in college. I can’t even imagine how hard it will be to leave my friends behind and start over in a brand new place. I wish I could just bring them all to college with me!”

For Yang, the familiarity is a thing he’ll miss. “There’s something about having a strict schedule to follow that gives you some comfort.

Like, I’ve grown accustomed to getting up at 7:45 every day and getting out of school at 2:40. There’s a set structure in your life. The new freedom from college will be interesting.”

Clare Ling, in-depth editor

Answers: 1. Ms.Russel 2. Sr. Diaz 3. Mrs. Raasch 4. Ms. Kampf 5. Mr. McManus

SAVE $100 WHEN YOU CALL BEFORE 06/30/13

State Tests

Edina Yorkdale Shoppes 952-922-3000

Sports 6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Volume 33 Issue 2

November 2, 2012

5

www.edinazephyrus.com

3 The Overlooked Sports Ballet Rowing Juggling

photo by Jake Freeman

photo by Jake Freeman

Senior Rachel Thompson

Q: What is your favorite thing about ballet?

A: My favorite part of ballet is dancing on pointe.

Though it can be extremely difficult and painful, I think that the beauty of pointe shoes is well worth the pain.

Pointe is what sets ballet apart from any other type of dance and though it has ruined my feet, I’m alright with that because it is what I love to do.

Q:What are your pre-performance rituals?

A: I always stay hydrated and eat a healthy snack the morning of any performance. Having a perfect bun is a must, because any wispies that stick out of my head can be visible from the audience. I also make sure to apply my makeup thickly to avoid getting washed out by the bright lights of the stage. Lastly, as is tradition in the ballet world, all of the ballerinas say “merde” to each other for good luck - it’s the dance equivalent of “break a leg.”

Ballet is a chance to express yourself through dance, and if you’re interested in getting involved, head on down to the Minnesota Dance Theater and audition to be placed in a class.

However, if you don’t want to make that commitment, there are other options. MDT has “open classes” that range from beginner to expert levels and are open to anyone (hence the name).

Thompson explained, “You can come to as many or as few as you like and you just get a punch card or pay per class.”

Or, if watching rather than performing is more your thing, check out MDT’s production of “The Nutcracker” this fall performed in at The Cowles Center. Tickets are on sale now through their box office.

Andrea Kimball, print editor in chief

photo by Jake Freeman

Senior Grace Stewart

Senior Tom Gaasedelen

Q: What is your favorite thing about rowing?

A: I have so many favorite things about rowing. For one, it’s a small sport so there’s a real sense of community. It’s not uncommon to see coaches have personal relationships with other coaches or other teams. Another thing I love is the people I’ve met through rowing. If not for my team, I never would have met some of my best friends. Finally, I love our fun days. We do everything from playing football to swimming competitions to quidditch to capture the coxswain (coxswains are small people on the team who direct, steer and motivate the boat).

Q: What are your pre-race rituals?

A: My pre-race ritual is to mentally run through my race plan and to visualize the course. Then I crank up some tunes and relax before it’s time to launch.

More and more students at EHS are becoming involved in Twin Cities Youth Rowing, a rowing club for high schoolers in the West Metro.

Registration for the team is currently open. If you don’t have any rowing experience, don’t worry. Anyone can join. Once you sign up, you are automatically placed on the novice squad, where you row for a year. After that, you will be moved up to the varsity squad. The squads are also divided by gender. Within each squad, the team is divided up into boats. First boat is the best boat (like varsity), second boat is the next best (like JV) and they continue down from there.

Their competitions, called Regattas, differ by season. In the fall, the courses are 5K, but in the spring and summer, the courses are 2K. The fastest boat wins the 5K races. The 2K races are sprints with different rounds and eliminations to determine the winner.

So take advantage of Minnesota’s lakes and try out rowing. For more information, visit www.tcyrc.org.

Sarah Nealon, features editor

Q: What is your favorite thing about juggling?

A: My favorite thing is that there is so much you can do with it. It’s not only a sport, it’s also an art. There are jugglers that think of things that people have never seen before. They are very creative and innovative. No matter how long you juggle, you can always find new stuff to do. It never gets old.

Q: What are your pre-performance rituals?

A: Everyday when we get to practice, we do group activities where we all juggle at the same time to get warmed up. It helps us to get our heads in the game.

When you think of juggling, the image of a clown in a circus immediately comes into mind. In reality, juggling is so much more than just clowning. It is a sport that is truly both athletic and artistic at the same time.

There is a whole range of juggling shows and competitions all over the country. Some are more performance-based than others. If you really want to get competitive, join the World Juggling Federation. The organization not only strives to improve skills, but also encourages jugglers to challenge themselves.

It is very easy for someone to get involved. A simple way is to go online and get in touch with other jugglers around your area. You can also learn quickly and see an abundance of ideas on YouTube.

Overall, juggling is a diverse community that connects people from all over the world.

Anna Zhou, staff writer

Start Thanksgiving off on the right drumstick Many ask this annual question: How can I indulge in Thanksgiving culinary fare without compromising my weight? I have an answer to your woes: Thanksgiving Day races.

For 23 years the Life Time Turkey Day 5K, often lovingly referred to as the Turkey Trot, has helped the masses burn those calories before the big meal. If you do not consider yourself a hardcore runner, fear not. The “Turkey Trot” is a laid-back affair. Senior Michelle Erickson suggested “not to take it too seriously and just have fun!”

The route starts at the Life Time Fitness Target Center and snakes past views of City Hall, the Guthrie Theater, and the Mississippi River.

Sophomore Tanner Morrison explained that you are more than likely to spot “a few guys wearing speedos and some turkey suits.” What’s not to love? The fun doesn’t end at the finish line either. After the race, “there’s hot chocolate and a pie eating contest,” said senior Grace Meyer. The race is usually very crowded, so if you want a prime starting position, get there early.

Enjoy chomping into that big turkey leg guilt-free this year by participating in The Drumstick Dash 10K. Consisting of two laps around Lake Harriet, the race may seem a bit much for those who aren’t running enthusiasts. However, senior Brian Wandrei said, “The 10K may seem far, but it goes by quickly when running it with family or friends.” Another perk is that the field is limited to 1500 runners, so you won’t have to jockey for room with your elbows or get boxed in by the crowd. Wandrei’s pre-race advice to Drumstick Dash novices is to put on “lots and lots of layers because it is better to be too warm and take off a layer than shiver outside for an hour.”

Whether you run in the Life Time Turkey Day 5K or the Drumstick Dash 10K, you’re sure to enjoy stuffing your face full of turkey that much more knowing you don’t have to worry about packing on those dreaded holiday pounds.

Matt Dulas, staff writer art courtesy of Creative Commons

8 Opinion

www.edinazephyrus.com

Volume 33 Issue 2

November 2, 2012

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

License to not drive In most respects, I’m a pretty typical EHS junior. I play sports. I go to most dances. I spend an inordinate amount of time on Facebook. I get out of the house on weekends. And so on and so forth.

However, there’s one important difference between the majority of juniors and seniors at Edina High and me: I don’t drive, and I have no plans to in the near future.

It’s not a lack of ability. I’ve been sixteen for a while now, and will turn seventeen soon. I have my learner’s permit, at my parents’ insistence. I have 20/20 vision and pretty good reflexes.

By all counts, I should be on the road by now. So, what gives?

Well, climate change has always scared me. The effects are already visible – strange weather recently, huh?

– and they’re only going to get worse.

Of course, cars are not necessarily bad. A certain level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is fine, as long as

there are trees and vegetation to absorb it. Cars are incredibly useful for an incredible number of things. The overuse of automobiles, though, is one of the main causes of climate change.

In this context, I realized that my ownership of a car would be a status symbol at the price of a fraction of our collective future. It’s just not worth it. I live in a highly urbanized community, where anything I could possibly want is within five to ten miles from my house.

Of course, I can’t waste hours walking everywhere. That’s why I own a bicycle. Bicycles are relatively cheap (mine cost $150 and is in excellent shape three years in), cost absolutely nothing to use, are street legal everywhere in Minnesota. There is a massive network of paths dedicated to them in Minneapolis and the entire metro area, and are an incredibly fun way to get some exercise in. There is a certain stigma – an image of snootiness, if you will - attached to cycling, but it’s easy

to distinguish oneself as responsible taking fifteen seconds to learn hand signals.

Some may see me as lazy because of this – that is, they think I’d rather get rides everywhere than drive on my own. That’s a perfectly fair criticism, but is also one I’m trying to address – if it’s impossible for me to ride my bicycle somewhere, I’ll try to find a way to get there that doesn’t involve making my friends seem used. Another possible criticism would be that driving is necessary in Minnesota winter.

This is likewise fair, although I would suggest that public transportation is useful in that case.

I have nothing against cars or drivers. All of my friends drive. A good number of them own their own cars.

Most of them have good reasons to, better reasons than I would. I’ve simply made the choice not to join their numbers.

Micah Osler, news editor

Art criticism: Mark Rothko Mark Rothko was a 20th century abstract expressionist. Due to his view of art and life in general, though, he denied that label. Many of his works are simply large, colored rectangles. As simple and pointless as it sounds, it’s anything but that.

Rothko’s paintings are meaningful pieces of art, not meaningless geometry. Most of his paintings appear to be simple geometric shapes, but there’s a deeper meaning behind them.

Rothko said, “The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience I had when painting them.” As an artist, he put his heart and soul into his work.

Rothko typically used oil paint. Contrary to the usual method of painting, Rothko thinned his paint almost into a dye, not layering texture onto the canvas, but dyeing the fabric the color he wanted, a revolutionary method of using traditional tools. With these thin watery oil paints, he layered soft shapes on top of each other.

His freely floating squares with remarkably delicate edges seemingly come at you from within the canvas. They immerse you in the feelings trapped within the thickly woven surface of the painting.

One of Rothko’s pieces, simply named No. 2, is currently on display at the Walker. With a pale orange rectangle setting itself apart at the top of the canvas and barely varying shades below this piece can bring you into a near spiritual nirvana. After mentally examining the elegant layers below the immediately visible, you can see the true simplistic dignity belonging to the world itself. There is more to our existence, and to No. 2, than meets the eye.

To see this piece and others by Mark Rothko, take a visit to the Walker Art Center.

Jackson Van Dyke, staff writer

How much are you eating?

Restaurants, such as McDonald’s, are making the amount of calories in their food much more evident. Philomena Seycora, a McDonald’s customer, stated that “Fast food restaurants should post calories so consumers can make better decisions in what they eat.”

I agree with Seycora. I don’t generally eat fast food, but I think that people who do should be given all the information they need to make smart choices. Some McDonald’s items are surprisingly calorieladen, including the 770 calorie Angus Mushroom and Swiss Burger and the 740 calorie Big Mac Cheeseburger. A single McDonald’s meal could fulfill an entire day’s worth of calories.

In my opinion, people should know how many calories they’re consuming. Fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Wendy’s aren’t meant to be healthy. They strive to serve cheap and delicious food. I make eating at fast food restaurants a once a month treat wanting to consume a high-calorie item. McDonald’s should be posting calories, though, so that the more regular customers can make more informed decisions. This is especially helpful for people who are bad at cooking and eat at fast food restaurants on a daily basis.

Seycora’s husband, however, said that McDonald’s posting calorie counts doesn’t matter because, “Everyone knows that none of their food is healthy.” The calorie count, though, is likely helpful for Virginia, who eats at McDonald’s about twice a week. “I would eat here just as much whether they posted the calories or not. Maybe a little too much,” she said, pointing to her Big Mac and her stomach.

This is in stark contrast to the Seycora family, who eat at McDonald’s only twice a month for a quick meal.

The manager of the Edina location, when asked if regulars stopped coming after calories were displayed a month and a half ago, replied, “Not at all.” However, he said, “People have made comments like, ‘Wow, there’s really that many calories in a Big Mac?’ Then they order one anyways.” My point, exactly. Everyone comes to McDonald’s for a hamburger. “The health food items, like the snack wraps, still aren’t as popular as the classic hamburger, soda and fries,” said the Edina location’s manager. This rule doesn’t apply to Seycora, though. “I ordered a fruit smoothie instead of a caramel frappe when I saw the amount of calories in that drink.”

Perry Bruder, staff writer

art by Annika Smith-Ortiz

Zephyrus Staff

editors in chief: Andrea Kimball, Ashley Smith copy editor: Rayelle Washington art editor: Sloane Nilsen managing editor: Anna Ellingboe advertising manager: Alex Van Gorp coordinating manager: Ellie Lagorio news editors: Micah Osler, Talia Edelheit, Alex Van Gorp features editors: Sarah Nealon, Hannah Sommerville, Ellie Lagorio sports editors: Jack Hultstrand, Vivi Engen in-depth editor: Clare Ling opinion editors: Jake Freeman, Hayley Morrison, Alex Van Gorp culture editors: Megan Couture, Ellie Lagorio back page editor: Sloane Nilsen staff writers: Sarah Aydinalp, Perry Bruder, Drew Davis, Christina Dovolis, Matt Dulas, Madison Hobbs, Jackson Van Dyke, Matt Woolsey, Anna Zhou head photographer: Jake Freeman photographers/artists: Julia Bolter, Nick Crain, Talia Edelheit, Tom Gaasadelen, Abby Gieske, Cici Holmquist, Elizabeth Jarvey, Anna Pugh, Raquel Radenbaugh, Zai Rutter, Jessica Smith, Annika Smith-Ortiz graphic designer: Tom Gaasedelen advisor: Elizabeth Barniskis 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 guarentee 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 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.

Opinion 9 6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

November 2, 2012

Volume 33 Issue 2

www.edinazephyrus.com

Check yes: Voter ID

Orchestra uproar

This month, Minnesota voters will have a choice over two proposed amendments to our state’s constitution. The amendment concerning voter identification will affect all of Minnesota’s registered and eligible voters in the future by requiring photo identification to vote in local, state, and national elections. I believe that this change will not only make voting easier, but it will also effectively end the debate over voter fraud.

Nearly everywhere you go you need to have some sort of identification, and for the students of Edina High School this usually comes in the form of a driver’s license or school ID. We need these things to prove our age, get onto a plane, get a passport, and even enter a health club. If we already have some form of identification with us to do so many everyday things, doesn’t it make sense to have to use it when we vote?

One of the main arguments for the voter ID amendment has been voter fraud, when illegal votes are cast to interfere with the results.

The goal of the amendment has been described

by State Senator Scott Newman as, “an additional measure of integrity.” In early April, a bill passed through our state’s legislature with the intent of implementing voter ID. Governor Dayton vetoed the bill, thus causing the prophoto by Abby Gieske posed amendment.

The possible disenfranchisement of voters, particularly senior citizens who do not have a valid form of ID, is one of the biggest concerns of people opposed to the amendment. Furthermore, some people may not have time to get a valid ID before an election, thus taking away eligible voters’ ability to cast a vote.

I believe that these arguments against the amendment are moot points, especially when the entirety of the situation is taken into account. In addition to requiring identification for elections, the amendment also will require the state to provide free identification to all eligible voters, both of these changes will go into effect on July 1, 2013. This delayed date will give our state’s government ample time to coordinate the distribution and organization of the new voting format.

Voting is one of the most important parts of our democratic system of government, and protecting its security and accuracy should be as well.

Alex Van Gorp, ad manager and online news and opinion editor

The Minnesota Orchestra, just two years ago named “the greatest orchestra in the world”

by The New Yorker, is now in danger. Dwindling funds have sprouted disagreement over the Orchestra’s finances. With management and musicians at a complete standstill, players have been locked out of the orchestra and concerts have been canceled through November 25th, and that’s not even the worst of it.

Erin Keefe, concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra commented, “This is going to cause many members to leave the Orchestra.” Since the recession, management realized it needed a more “sustainable” budget, fearing the orchestra has been dipping too far into its endowment.

Although the Minnesota Orchestra has the sixth largest endowment of any orchestra in the country, management proposed a model that would cut musician salary piece by piece. When musicians refused the proposal, asking for arbitration, management locked them out.

Yes, a more maintainable budget is needed, but management is going about it the wrong way. An orchestra can’t be budgeted like a company. As the musicians stated in their Star Tribune letter to the editor, “An orchestra does not recover easily, from such drastic cuts, if ever.”

“Orchestras are ranked based on two things: budget and level of excellence.” The Minnesota Orchestra has historically ranked among the top tiers of orchestras nationwide in wealth and talent.

Its rank nationwide in base pay for musicians will be forced down from eighth to eighteenth if the contract proposal is adopted. “This would strip away the excellence and reputation the Minnesota Orchestra has worked to grow,” explained Mina Fisher, a former cellist in the orchestra.

When an orchestra loses its rank, it loses its players. “Anybody who can leave will,” said Mina Fisher grimly. Already, the orchestra has lost five this year, and now some of the orchestra’s finest like Principal Cellist Anthony Ross will look for work in other symphonies or outside profession altogether. “It’s a danger to the profession,” added Mina Fisher. “At this rate, much of the youngest generation won’t bother pursuing music at all.”

There has been great controversy over the $52 million management has managed to raise for the $90 million renovation of Orchestra Hall. This is an effort to attract spectators, but management is going about it the wrong way. It wouldn’t matter if the orchestra played in the Taj Mahal if the talent has left.

The administration holds that using the endowment as a source of revenue is for use on a rainy day. “Well, these are rainy days,” said Mina Fisher.

The Minnesota Orchestra is not alone. Orchestras around the country face financial stress with salary cuts, musician lockouts, and strikes in response to lost public support. The economic climate is no doubt to blame, but the overlaying problem is the dwindling enthusiasm for classical music. “There’s not a huge part of the population that has interest for classical music,” said Fisher. “The culture is changing.”

But there are still people young and old who do appreciate classical music. One attendee of the locked-out orchestra members’ concert to rally public support on October 18th was 16-year-old Calvin Connell, who declared proudly, “I love classical music; it’s everything to me.” John, another spectator commented, “I’ve held season tickets for 50 years. I love classical music, and I am very fond of this orchestra.”

More important than the number of people who like classical music is the legacy and talent of this orchestra that must be kept alive. We are lucky to live in a state with world-renowned musical and artistic venues, but too often we take this for granted. It’s up to us to decide if we care enough about preserving the cultural legacy the great leaders of our state helped establish, and we need to make the Minnesota Orchestra specifically one of our priorities.

Madison Hobbs, staff writer

art by Cici Holmquist

photo by Jessica Smith

N o s h av e N o v e m - b e a r d

photos by Jake Freeman

Fun fact: “No-Shave November” is actually a thing. Aptly named, many manly men decide to grow out their scruff during the month of November. Why does “No-Shave November” even happen?

“I think that every guy who is proud of his facial hair will participate,” said junior Henry Rose. “It’s a time for men to let their facial hair grow long and manly,” added senior Joshua Kogle.

While I am all for “No-Shave November,” I think it is a little embarrassing for those of us that have been trying to grow out our moustaches since birth with no proof. But not to worry, ladies (and less testosterone-filled males) can join in on the fun.

“I don’t discriminate, the more the merrier,” assured senior Tim Lydon.

“Girls can and should participate if they so choose,” said junior Jesse Marquisee. Senior Marley Allison warned, “As long as it isn’t my crush.”

That’s right ladies, stop shaving those legs! Who wears shorts in November anyway? “No-Shave November” is a time for girls to be relaxed and comfortable about their appearance, not to mention that it saves approximately a billion minutes of time wasted on shaving. What’s so sexy about smooth legs hidden under pants? Absolutely nothing, so stop wasting your time.

All five boys plan to participate in the annual ritual, so feel free to check in on them throughout the course of the month. Marquisee mentioned, “Growing a beard is like yelling to the world, ‘PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come rub my face and feel my beard, tell me how nice it is.’” How could you say no to that?

Zephyrus will be following these five boys throughout the month so be sure to check out their scruff online!

Megan Couture, culture editor

10 Culture www.edinazephyrus.com

Volume 33 Issue 2

November 2, 2012

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Grandma Zeph’s recipe card

There are very few ways to really mess up a Thanksgiving dinner (c’mon, we’re talking turkey and pumpkin pie), yet somehow something always manages to go wrong.

Junior Jalen Giles described a Thanksgiving in which “My little cousin peed on the floor and I had to clean it up.” Although we can’t fix any bladder impediments, we can provide you with Grandma Zeph’s foolproof recipe to guarantee a delicious time for all.

Ingredients Family, which should include but is not limited to: • 1 Vegetarian cousin • 1 Aunt on a strict diet • 2 Uncles who double as locavore food critics/leaders in the homegrown, organic trend Food • 1 Inorganic, hormone blasted turkey • Endless pumpkin pie • Aunt Edna’s mystery casserole • Enough bread for at least three weeks of leftover turkey sandwiches Directions 1.

Begin preparing for your Thanksgiving feast in advance. Like, well in advance. Start breeding turkeys at least five months prior to November 22. You’ll want to

start the turkey’s hormonal injections about three weeks after hatching to maximize their plumpness.

2.

Send out invitations to your family and friends. Newborn turkeys make excellent messenger pigeons and this way Aunt Edna in Georgia is guaranteed to receive

her invite.

3.

Start harvesting your vegetables for side dishes. Make sure you have grown enough pumpkins to make the pie filling and wheat to make the crust.

4.

Slaughter your turkey.

5.

Clean up the house to make it presentable for visitors. Stuff every visible object into the nearest closet or drawer so that it is hidden from sight. This includes fur

niture as well. After all, did pilgrims have Ikea couches? Grandma thinks not.

6.

Keep guests entertained through good food and better company. Make sure to tell uncomfortable, cringe worthy jokes and hoard all the food to your side of the

table.

7.

Clean up. Now that your guests have eaten all the food you’ve prepared, it’s their responsibility to make things look immaculate. Divvy up washing, rinsing, and

drying between them while you catch some much needed rest in front of the TV. It is football season after all!

Thanksgiving is always a good time, but Grandma Zeph can make it great. By following this recipe card, your Thanksgiving is guaranteed to be a success.

Clare Ling, in-depth editor

S o f u l l yo u’ l l

burst!

Obviously, pies are an essential to the perfect Thanksgiving meal. The only situation is, I (as well as many of you folk) cannot bake for my life. So instead of baking, I checked out a few pies from around town.

My advice is to buy one from one of these bakeries and to claim it as your own baking for the holidays.

1. Apple pie at Turtle Bread This apple pie was by far the best pie I tried. It resembled a homemade pie because of its flaky crust. Junior Zach Farhat said, “I definitely like homemade pies better [than store-bought].” Trick your family members that are like Farhat and prefer homemade pie. The service was impeccable, they even asked if I’d like the pie warmed up with whipped cream on the side. They know me so well. The only downsides are that the pie is a little pricey (at $22 for a pie and $4.99 for a slice) and the nutmeg was a bit overpowering.

2. Pecan pie at Lunds I’m not a huge fan of pecan pie, but I figured I should give it a chance. The top of the pie was covered with bronzed pecan pieces, holding in the gooey, sugary filling. While it was a mess to eat, it tasted absolutely delicious. I loved that the pie could be purchased in full, but you could also purchase half a pie. I recommend warming it up before eating it for maximum satisfaction.

3. Nothing at Bakers Square Ok, let me start off by saying their slogan is “Best pies in America.” When I took my first bite of pie, I was instantly reminded of the scene in “Elf” when Buddy forces Jovie to drink a crappy cup of coffee and claims it to be the “best coffee in the world.” The pie isn’t that great. I tried a few bites of a peanut butter cup pie. I thought I was actually eating a stick of butter. I was very excited to try a bit of the “French apple cream cheese” pie. The name sounds appealing. Well, the pie itself wasn’t. It had a starchy consistency making me look like a cow chewing cud. I couldn’t even finish it. That was surprising, considering I’m known to eat just about anything.

For those inadequate bakery chefs out there, my advice is to definitely buy a pie this Thanksgiving.

Make sure you get a pie that everyone loves, and doesn’t taste like a stick of butter.

Megan Couture, culture editor photo courtesy of Karmakazesal and Flickr

W

hen most Americans think of Thanksgiving, they t h i n k o f f a m i l y, t u r k e y, a n d balloons ( n o t necessarily in that order.) Ever since 1927, when Felix the Cat made his debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, giant helium filled characters have become just as vital to Thanksgiving as canned cranberry sauce.

With that tradition has come various oddballs.

Here is a look at some of the strangest balloons in Thanksgiving history.

Eddie Cantor was first featured as a balloon in 1940. A popular comedian of the time, known for his witty song and dance routines, Cantor had his own television show, started various

charitable organizations and wrote the theme song for “Looney Tunes.” While all this seems respectable, why you would make him into a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day attraction is beyond most conventional thinking. If you don’t think it’s that weird, just imagine seeing a multi-story, inflatable, Zach Galifianakis or Adam Sandler being admired by all of the young children in New York this Thanksgiving.

“I would love to see an inflatable Zach Galifinakis. It would make life worth living,” said junior Will Hagens.

Back in the early days of online search engines, Askjeeves.com had a little more “personality” through a character named Jeeves. While people of the late 1990’s and early 2000’s may

have thought having and English butler “fetching” answers to your various online questions was the best thing since surviving the millennium, Jeeves seems a debatable fit for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Nonetheless he made his helium filled debut in 2000. The balloon may or may not have been a hit, but it only lasted one year in the parade. Jeeves was later “retired” in 2006 and the website was turned into the modern Ask.com.

This year’s addition to the parade is “The Companion.” Designed by New York based artist “KAWS,” “The C o m p a n i o n ” is a grayscale character with a body similar to Mickey Mouse, and a head that represents a skull and cross bones.

The balloon will have both hands covering its face, as if it were afraid of the masses watch-

ing it this Thanksgiving. “The Companion” is part of the “Blue Sky Gallery” which is meant to make modern art into parade balloons. This project seems to be a nice idea to get the word out about today’s modern artists, but with strange characters like “The Companion,” maybe the Macy’s Parade and modern art just don’t quite work together.

Even with these strange balloons, checking out the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday November 22 at 8 a.m. on NBC would definitely be worth your while.

Happy Thanksgiving Edina!

Matt Woolsey, staff writer

Culture

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Volume 33 Issue 2

November 2, 2012

11

www.edinazephyrus.com

Keep Calm & Drink Tea Out of the bubble for bubble tea Ever wonder what those Instagrams of bubble tea are from? Resting in the heart of Uptown is The Tea Garden on Hennepin Avenue. Edina students have begun to discover that this low-key steepery is the perfect place to go with friends, and vent about the week’s drama. As you walk inside, the menu stares right into your soul, and forces you to take a step back and stop. “I like all the tea options and the environment. The workers are so nice, and they remember you and your order when you come back,” said junior Maggie Byrne. The choices are endless. But not to worry Hornets, as long as you follow my simple tips, ordering at The Tea Garden will be a simple task!

First off, if you don’t know what drink or combination of flavors is a good choice, ask the employees about their favorite drinks for tips! Rachel, an employee for a year and a half, was delighted to share her favorite drink, “Taro Chai Shake. It’s blended ice with chai powder, and Taro flavor.” Secondly, don’t be afraid to try different combinations. A hot chai tea latte, with vanilla and lavender may sound strange, but different flavors may just work in your favor. And my final tip: try the pearls and jellies! They add flavor to any drink you may have. In my favorite drink, the Royal Tea Latte on ice, I order a half-scoop of tapioca pearls, filling me up, which gives a new depth to the drink. So drive out of the bubble, into Uptown, and step inside The Tea Garden.

Talia Edelheit, news edtior

The

Global

Tea Party China- According to an ancient Chinese tale, Emperor Shen Nong accidentally created tea when herbal leaves from a nearby bush fell into his warm water in 2737 BC. Once Shen Nong tasted the delicious brew, he was instantly intrigued and began spreading the new beverage around China. Initially tea was used as a healing method, but eventually it became a daily drinking ritual for all Chinese people. Buddhists absorbed the tradition and developed specific rituals to follow when making and drinking tea—for example tea leaves must be placed in a porcelain cup. To the Chinese people, tea drinking and tasting is an art used to accent life’s beauty and social relations. Common Chinese teas to try include Green tea, Oolong tea, White tea, and Black tea.

art courtesy of creative commons

England- Tea first arrived in Great Britain thanks to the Portuguese Catherine of Braganza in the 1660s, and has since been an essential part of English culture. Even when Charles II attempted to tax tea during the 1670s, the tea could not be tamed. Many began smuggling tea through underground passages and hiding the goods in churches and other secret places. The British obsession with tea led to the creation of tea shops and tea gardens. Today, many Brits enjoy the usual Black tea served with milk and sugar, which explains how the UK consumes 165,000,000 cups of tea every day according to the UK tea council! If you’re hanging around London and in search for some delicious, traditional tea be sure to visit The Clardige, the restaurant that won the Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea 2011 Award.

Russia- Tea has been an important beverage to Russians since the 1500s. According to a 2005 study, 82% of Russian people consume tea daily, but tea actually declined in production during the 18th century because resources were low and many did not even have the money to afford a delicious cup of tea. Tea ranks among the top beverages in Russia, followed by vodka and fermented beer. Drinking tea is a social event in Russia and it is usually enjoyed after a meal. The tea is kept in a special teapot called a samovar and is drunk in a glass incased in a sliver holder called a podstakanniki. Black tea is the most popular variety, but watch out if you’re enjoying this Russian tea mix because it’s often mixed with vodka!

Christina Dovolis, staff writer

Black vs. Herbal

It is a crisp and slightly chilly fall day when you tug at the sleeves of your sweater and make your way towards the kitchen.

You open the cabinet and your hand hovers in hesitation between the box of Earl Grey tea and the packages that contain herbal.

Which one do I want? you ponder.

Black tea: If you are looking for something to give you a small jolt of energy, try Black tea. It contains caffeine that will not only make you more alert, but can also raise your metabolism. The tea itself is more oxidized than the other teas giving it a stronger, longer lasting flavor.

Senior Aliya Nesser states, “There is nothing more serene than the delicate clink of china and the sweet comfort of Earl Grey tea.”

If you’re looking for health benefits, there are plenty. Besides having an abundance of antioxidants, it’s been proven that drinking plain black tea aids in reducing the risk of coronary heart and cardiovascular disease. It also helps in lowering cholesterol levels. Other popular black teas include India’s Chai Spice and English Breakfast, which are just delicious with some sugar and crumpets.

Herbal tea : If you crave a soothing, low calorie, and cleansing beverage, herbal tea is the one. Coming strictly from herbs and plants, this tea contains no caffeine.

However, it certainly still has its fair share of healing powers. If you are ever on your deathbed suffering from an extreme disease and your dear mom gives you tea to drink, chances are it was herbal tea. Its calming nature relieves stomach aches, vomiting, nausea, and headaches. Each type of herbal tea carries different benefits. Chamomile tea is a calming and sedative tea that can ease insomnia. Ginger tea is great for car sickness and if you feel like you’re about to hurl. Lemon Balm tea can even lift your spirits and get rid of those winter blues.

When it comes down to deciding between black tea and herbal tea, look at your individual needs. “I prefer something minty because it calms me,” said junior Andrew Brandt. Either way, it’s a win win situation on both ends. So, embrace your classy side and go drink some tea.

Anna Zhou, staff writer

Back Page 12

www.edinazephyrus.com

Volume 33 Issue 2

November 2, 2012

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

40 Shades of Grace