Issue 2-- November 2011

Come on in, sit right down

Students in Kari Burnside’s English classes are testing out brand new chairs and desks as part of a pilot program the district launched to determine if new furniture can meet the needs of classrooms today.

“The new furniture allows for adaptable kinds of seating arrangements, including the ability to quickly shift from one to the other, for example, lecture to teaming, to small group, to a large circle,” said Jenni Norlin-Weaver, the Director of Teaching and Learning for Edina Public Schools.

Elizabeth Barniskis and Joelle Reiling, also English teachers, share a classroom and are also part of this pilot.

There are two types of chairs. The first is a height-adjustable, leaning, blue swivel chair. The other is a black stool that spins and requires balance, as it has no back support.

“A student can be seated in one place but the chairs and stools allow for the physical movement many students crave,” explained Norlin-Weaver.

This is true for sophomore Molly McGurran. “They make it easier to concentrate. It’s like chewing gum.

You can do something else while still learning,” she said.

Junior Ali Miller agrees. “They’re more comfortable and you can spin in them.”

“Right now, the chairs are decreasing concentration, but I think that once the novelty has worn off, they will help students focus,” said Ms. Burnside.

According to Norlin-Weaver, “If students and teachers find this furniture to better support the work of teaching and learning we may recommend that it be the standard that EHS uses as replacement furniture.”

Sarah Nealon, staff writer

Volume 32 Issue 2

EdinaZephyrus.com

The art of swimming: Edina praises the infamous boys’ swimming coach.

November 4, 2011

Check out the new online version of Zephyrus for exclusive stories.

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

One year out but still just on the horizon

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Preparing for college: advice for all ages.

Sports p. 5

art by Emma Westbrook

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In-Depth p. 6-7

Mitt Romney After leading the polls for most of September, Romney has recently taken a backseat in the polls to Cain. As governor of Massachusetts, he implemented a statewide healthcare system upon which Obamacare was based. In the 2008 Republican race, his religion (he’s Mormon) became a major factor, but aside from Bachmann’s comment that he was not a Christian, that has not been a factor in this campaign. On the campaign trail, Romney has spent most of his time attacking Obama, not his fellow candidates, and has raised more money than other candidates, in spite of not spending any of his personal funds on the campaign. His recent endorsement

by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will also likely help his campaign.

Herman Cain A self-made millionaire as the founder of Godfather’s Pizza, as well as a former chairman of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, Cain is seen as the most economics-savvy of the Republican candidates. Indeed, central to his campaign has been his controversial 9-9-9 plan, which calls for a 9% corporate tax, a 9% income tax, and a 9% sales tax with very few exemptions. According to the Tax Policy Center, this plan would increase the taxes of 84% of American households, while reducing taxes on many high-income households, which has led to the plan being called a regressive tax plan, which taxes the poor at a higher rate than the rich. Despite his recent popularity in the polls, Cain trails both Romney and Perry in fundraising and has yet to receive any major political endorsements, so it remains to be seen whether his present popularity will last long enough to get him through the primaries.

Michele Bachmann This Anoka-St. Cloud representative’s presidential campaign is on the wane after she won the Ames Straw Poll (an informal Iowa Caucus-like ) in August. Bachmann, who for a time seemed like the preeminent Republican contender for president, has not so much fallen from grace as faded early on. Her most notable moment in the last month came with a telephone “town hall” meeting hosted with Donald Trump, but even then, Trump’s domineering personality made it clear that this was not a serious attempt to salvage her campaign. While it’s quite possible that Bachmann will be able to pull off a truly amazing comeback, the contrast between her Tea Party rhetoric and Mitt Romney’s more staid reputation may prove fatal to her chances in the end.

Rick Perry This three-term Texas governor, while not losing ground nearly as fast as Michele Bachmann, has been steadily losing his once-substantial lead in the Republican primary race. The main cause of Perry’s recent fall from the public eye is that, like Bachmann, he is a social conservative in an election season when fiscal conservatism seems key to winning the hearts of recession-addled voters. While Perry continues to brag of the “Texas Miracle,” which, he claims, was the way that his monetary policy managed to help Texas avoid the recession, he lacks the financial focus of candidates such as Herman Cain. Perry may not even be very popular with social conservatives, seeing as he lost the Values Voters Straw Poll in October to Paul, Cain, and Rick Santorum, ultimately tying with Bachmann. While Perry may be saving surprises for later in the race, for now, he seems like a candidate who is slowly but surely fading out.

Photo by Grant Marks

The new chairs, found in rooms 272 and 353, are supposed to be more comfortable in addition to offfering improved lumbar support.

Barack Obama Just like the many Republican candidates, incumbent President Barack Obama is beginning to start up his 2012 campaign for president. President Obama’s popularity has undoubtedly seen better days – according to Gallup, his current approval rating is only 41%, due to a moderate stance on many issues that has invoked the ire of both conservatives and liberals. Obama has attempted to reinvigorate his popularity recently with a tour of factory towns in the Midwest and a campaign built around rallying a currently lethargic base of supporters, but none of his efforts have yet yielded the same burst of popularity that accompanied the death of Osama bin Laden in May. Unlike the other campaigns, though, Obama has not had to deal with primary season, and thus is only just beginning his campaign, leaving room for any number of surprises, both for and against him, in the coming months.

Erik Rehnberg, editor in chief & Micah Osler, staff writer

The official newspaper of Edina High School

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News

Volume 32 Issue 2

November 4, 2011

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Edina marching band heads to NYC photos by Erik Rehnberg

Looking for away to travel the globe? Consider joining one of Edina High School’s bands. Senior Natalie Bentley, who is going on the band’s upcoming trip to New York City, has been to Chicago and Beijing with the group.

The EHS Concert, Varsity, and Symphonic bands leave on Tuesday, November 8 and will be gone for six days. The band was selected “to march in the ninety-second Veteran’s Day Parade in New York City,” said Andrew Richter, marching band director at EHS. In addition the band is going to be a part of the Band of Pride, which means they will perform in Times Square to honor the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The EHS band was selected over a year ago for what Vincent McGowan, president of the United War Veterans’ Council, called its “incredible style and talent.”

“I am most excited about getting to march down 5th Avenue and play in Times Square,” said sophomore Ben Kilberg. Bentley added her excitement about the opportunity as well. She is looking forward to being a part of the 9/11 memorial.“I think

…it is an honor as a band to get to march in a parade to not only honor our veterans but also pay tribute to an event that has hugely affected the nation we have grown up in,” Bentley said. Richter agrees with Bentley, citing the trip as an opportunity for “students to be a part of a celebration honoring the men and women who have and are currently serving our country in the armed forces.”

Pointing out that current band members were in kindergarten, first, or second grade when the events of that day took place means some “might not truly understand the magnitude of what happened ten years ago. Making a visit to the World Trade Center site and memorial… will be a moving experience making it very real for them,” Richter said.

Some may ask why it is important that trips like these take place. “It gives us motivation to work hard on our marching.

Most importantly, though, I think it helps us all see that band is unifying,” Bentley explained.

Another benefit to these trips is the opportunity to meet students from other countries. Recalling her trip to China,

Bentley said, “We also got to perform in the Forbidden City concert hall with several Chinese schools’ bands. While we were waiting backstage to play, some of the Chinese kids let us try out their instruments and they were equally as intrigued by ours.”

An opportunity like this allows students to expand their thought about the world’s many cultures. “No matter where they’re from we can relate to them because we all have the common ground of marching band,” Bentley added.

As Kilberg gets ready for his first band trip he said, “I think it is good that the band goes on trips like these because it’s awesome to bond with your peers and make new friends while accomplishing tasks and experiencing some pretty cool stuff.” Members of the marching band leave Edina High School as students who have experienced the joy of music in many languages and cultures.

Edina finally makes AYP After missing the mark for four years, Edina Public Schools met its Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goal on the 2011 MCA exams at all schools across all subgroups for the first time since 2007. In previous years, various subgroups have failed to see the gains in proficiency in math and reading required to meet state standards, although Edina’s results as a whole have typically been among the highest in the state. Last year, only one subgroup, students in special education, failed in both reading and math.

According to Edina’s Director of Teaching and Learning Jenni Norlin-Weaver, the implementation of MAP testing at the middle schools to help identify students who may not make proficiency goals and programs like eMath have helped to ensure that all students are able to pass the MCAs. Designed for students who enter the high school behind in the math curriculum, eMath is an individualized program that gives students a chance to catch up. Edina High School Principal Bruce Locklear also mentioned the reading class at the high school and Edina’s “second to none” teachers as key components in making AYP this year.

Despite its success this year, the District is not quite yet out of the woods. In order to be taken off the state’s “Needs Improvement” list, Edina must make AYP for two consecutive years. According to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Education, Edina Public Schools will be required “to implement an improvement plan using a portion of its Title I funds for staff development.” Title I refers to the portion of federal funding the school receives because it serves students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals.

Erik Rehnberg, editor in chief

Hannah Sommerville, staff writer

source: Edina Public Schools

In addition to making its AYP goals this year, the district has consistently maintained proficiency levels well above the state average since the inception of the MCA exams in 2003.

EHS senior speaks in Colombia about Seva soccer Edina senior Tara Gupta is president of Seva Football, an organization dedicated to helping bring soccer to underprivileged girls and minorities abroad and in Minnesota. In Gupta’s own words, “Soccer helps underprivileged kids develop teamwork and other skills. We’ve started two leagues in India and Vietnam, and South Minneapolis where girls don’t have opportunities to play.”

As a result of her efforts, Gupta was selected to attend the second World Summit for Youth Volunteering in Barranquilla, Colombia. The conference involves 700 outstanding youth volunteers from around the world. Over the course of three days, from November 3-5, youth volunteers will give speeches, work on building a strong network of communication, and expand their current charity groups. Representatives of groups attending are from places including Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, and many other countries.

At the conference, Gupta will talk about programs and projects she has been involved in, as well as promoting the importance of sports. When asked what she was doing to prepare, Gupta stated, “I’m writing the speech and getting other people’s views on it. I need to make sure the thesis is strong, and I have to start memorizing the speech.”

On their trip to Allahabad, India in 2008, Seva Football worked with Crosthwaite Girls School. They distributed donated equipment, served as coaches, and at the present time, they are building a field where the new girls’ soccer teams can play. Seva also collaborated with an organization in Vietnam to bring soccer to underpriveleged girls there as well. Girls in both these countries don’t get opportunities to play sports.

Closer to home, Seva Football volunteers coach children in South Minneapolis. “On one hand, it’s really fun, but on the other, it’s sad to see what their schools are like and that we are the only way they get to play soccer,” Gupta said. Seva Football also collects donated sports equipment to give to underprivileged children.

Seva Football helps children who would otherwise not have the chance to play sports. Having a representative of Seva Football going to the World Summit of Youth Volunteering is a celebration of the accomplishments of the group, as well as a great opportunity for the growth of the Seva Football.

Maddie Kopiecki, staff writer

photo s by Jake Freeman

Features

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

November 4, 2011

Excellence for all Edina High School has a racial achievement gap on standardized exams. According to the Star Tribune, a report of last year’s math proficiency test taken by EHS students shows that 82% of white students were proficient in math compared to 24% of black students. In a published letter to the Star Tribune, Minnesotan James Tohal, put the blame for the gap on lazy parents and students. “A ‘good’ teacher can do little to make up for the effects of negligent parenting,” Tohal stated. In reality, the achievement gap is caused by centuries of racial oppression in American history and its present day effects.

First, standardized exams are generally created by upper middle class adults who are overwhelmingly white, according to Dorothea Anagnostopoulos, an associate professor of teacher education at the University of Chicago and critic of standardized exams. This alienates test-takers of color because they are unfamiliar with the white cultural references in the exams.

Additionally, the U.S. education system is structured for white students. The Pacific Education Group, an organization that instructs Edina teachers about race in the classroom, claims that white educational culture puts emphasis on independence, competitiveness, and punctuality. Based on white history, wealth equals worth, and formal English frames education systems. According to Jackie Roehl and Rachel Hatten, English teachers who also instruct other Edina staff about race, teachers often participate in ‘we-ing.’ We-ing is a word used to describe when teachers make a statement about a collective group. This collective group, in reality, includes mainly white people. Teachers fail to recognize that whiteness is in fact a racialized group; this results in the assumption that conforming all people to white culture is permissible since that culture’s norms are assumed to be standard norms for everyone in U.S. society.

Students of color often feel closely connected with their dialect of English, such as Ebonics or Chinglish, because they have grown up with it, or their families use it to display affection. These dialects, however, are not recognized by the educational system. Therefore, traditions that students of color identify with are disrespected and disregarded in schools. “Language is very fluid; it’s constantly changing and negotiating and, thus, becomes inextricably tied to power,” said Ms. Hatten. As a result, many members of cultural groups realize that no matter how hard they work in school, their white counterparts will achieve more.

Finally, many teachers reflect biases prevalent in society. Some teachers, consciously or unconsciously, neglect or treat differently students of color. For example, students have reported to Ms. Roehl and Ms. Hatten that they often see a student of color who walks in late to class treated differently than a white student who walks in late. Detentions at EHS are largely given because of tardiness, a violation of white standards. Although this may be the result of subconscious racism, the problem is still prevalent. This can result in more frustration for students of color.

Edina is addressing the achievement gap with a class called STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in Education), taught

by Heidi Howard. STRIVE does not place students in the class based on achievement or skin color. “It’s really about the student; they choose to make a change in their lives when they sign up for STRIVE,” Ms. Howard said. STRIVE is all about offering a class for students who may have strayed away from their academic path to get back on track. Students in STRIVE went through a competitive application process. This “puts students in an ownership position,” making the students more motivated. Eleven out of thirteen students are of color in STRIVE. There are skeptics of classes like these, however.

“I think the class should be more diverse because colored kids ain’t the only ones struggling,” said Darius Swearegene, a senior at EHS. Kenya Benson, a student in STRIVE, refuted this argument.

“It doesn’t matter that a lot of the students [in STRIVE] are of color, because they all want to be there,” she said. STRIVE offers a holistic curriculum; students listen to speakers, have mentors, and participate in leadership and service activities. The class doesn’t just try to raise students’ scores, but provides them with important life skills.

Tara Gupta, staff writer

Volume 32 Issue 2

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Student feature: all about Ali Abas

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photo by Jake Freeman

dina High School senior, Ali Abas never went to school before he arrived in Minnesota eight years ago. Growing up in Kenya, Ali wanted to go to school, but because there was no free public schooling, he spent many days playing soccer with his friends and swimming at the beach. When he was nine, his dad obtained U.S. visas for Ali, his mom, and his brother. They immediately packed up their belongings, and he hasn’t returned to Kenya since.

When Ali arrived in the U.S. he spoke no English. His mother and brother relocated to Canada with hopes of starting a new life.

Ali chose to stay in Minnesota to live near his grandma, the most influential person in his life. Always “pushing and motivating” Ali to “do his best and to stay out of trouble,” his grandma encouraged him to live in an apartment by himself to see how responsible he was.

Although he now lives with his uncle, when he was 16, Ali lived on his own. “She would surprise me,” Abas said of his grandma. “She woud come over whenever she wanted to check on me.”

Today, Abas said, he wants to pursue a career as a businessman and plans to get involved in the restaurant industry. He also aspires to “travel back to Africa and help distribute water to areas in need.”

Social studies teacher Brad Dahlman raved about Ali’s “hard work and perseverance.”

“Even when Ali would struggle he would still be positive and not get down about anything,” Dahlman said. Though he is not the “typical” Edina High School student, Abas feels “at home in Edina.”

Vivi Engen, staff writer

Art by Kat Skibbe

In October, dozens of Edina high school and middle school students joined together under the cover of night, sprinting through the Camp Ihduhapi forest, weaving between sharp branches. Why? “It put us in the shoes of others,” said Adriana Olivares, a senior who is a member of Dare To Be Real (D2BR). In this case, students were stepping into the shoes of runaway slaves. The group, now in its second year at the high school has a larger vision. “We are raising awareness [about racism] through our members. Every [member] is part of a different social circle, and that helps us reach out a little more,” explained senior Loïc Attikossie.

D2BR members, who are from many races and both genders, are working to “break the barrier of ignorance and colorblindness,” said Attikossie. “We are by no means the race-police,” he added.

EHS has a majority of white students, and tries to be a welcoming school that is open to all races. Junior Kelly Fogelson, a member of the group, explained that racism still occurs here. “Rarely at EHS do you see overt forms of racism where someone will say ‘you’re stupid because you’re black,’” she said. Fogelson explained, “Often times at school it is covert, meaning that kids that have been raised in Edina come to school with preconceived notions about different ethnic backgrounds that can unintentionally affect how they treat other kids.”

Kristin Benson, an EHS English teacher and one of the group’s advisers, explained the group’s mission to address this covert racism: “Dare To Be Real is a student leadership group whose mission is to discuss, understand, and affect change around issues of race, power, and privilege at EHS and in the world outside of high school.”

“Great,” is a perfect description of how this year’s Dare To Be Real retreat went, according to Sodexho employee and EHS staff member, Earl Smith, an adult mentor in the group. The annual retreat fosters a dialogue about racism.

New members of the group, seniors Crystal Shoals and Brenda Palacios explained some of the activities at the retreat. “There was an Underground Railroad simulation where we got chased with gun shots in the background,” said Palacios. Shoals added, “It was really scary in a sense, you could hear dogs barking and you could hear chains

moving around.” Also at the retreat, The group went through a “very emotional boards and steel activity,” said Shoals.

“Some people got boards, and the others got steel rods.

People that received boards wrote about their fear, and then karate chopped the board. The people that got the steel rods thought of their fears, and bent the steel. Not a single person, including the adults, wasn’t crying,” Palacios said.

While the group attends an annual retreat to push them with their own racial understandings, they are also encouraging other people in the school and the community to revisit their awareness of racial equity. “Members have attended conferences over the years, spoken at EHS staff meetings, and have had assemblies at middle schools,” said Alec Fischer, an EHS senior and longtime D2BR member.

The group believes it is vital to spread the understanding of what is considered racist and offensive. The group members regularly attend staff meetings designed to address racism, and they work with the Dare To Be Real branch at South View Middle School. “We get involved with helping to lead the middle school Dare To Be Real retreats,” said Fogelson.

As for EHS? “We are very excited about this upcoming year! We are hoping to lead school lock-ins, which would be an overnight retreat-like experience where students will have the opportunity to learn about race and participate in activities that we do during Dare To Be Real retreats and meetings,” added Fogelson.

Want to join them on their fight for the end of racism at EHS? To be a member of the group, Fogelson explained, “[You have to be] referred by a teacher. From there, you fill out an application. If you were in Dare To Be Real in middle school, you can automatically transfer into the high school group. If you are interested in joining, but haven’t been referred by a teacher, you could express an interest to one of the teacher advisers such as Heidi Howard, a dean of students at EHS, or Ms. Benson and go from there to try to enter. It’s a somewhat selective group, but we all feel like family!”

Megan Couture, staff writer

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Features

Volume 32 Issue 2

November 4, 2011

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

art by Kayla Skibbe

For many, winter is a time during which people can go out and play. A time for frolicking carelessly amidst the fluffy snow and partaking in other winter festivities. For others, winter is just the opposite. It is a time that seems to bring out emotions that don’t typically surface in many people causing them to feel listless, lethargic, and even depressed. According to a study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, about 6% of the U.S. population reports suffering from symptoms of this type of winter depression, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, that drastically affect their day to day life.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, often times called the “winter blues” or SAD, is a type of depression that most often affects people beginning in the fall. Symptoms of the illness range from insomnia, restlessness, and depression to difficulty focusing and irritability.

Although the exact causes of this illness are unknown, it is believed to have something to do with an imbalance in the brain of both the chemicals serotonin and melatonin, chemicals in our brain that make us happy and help us sleep, respectively. These deficencies, as well as a lack of vitamin D (which functions as a steroid hormone in the human body) due to a lack of sunlight from shortened winter days, seem to be among the leading causes of this illness. With such serious symptoms, it should come as no surprise that this disorder takes a tremendous toll on those who have it, which may include Edina High School students.

With zero hour starting as early as 7:30 at the high school and the school day ending at 3:10, students during winter rarely get exposed to the sun. The only classrooms at EHS that have windows are the music rooms, and some science, art, and language rooms. It is possible, therefore, for a student to spend his or her entire day in windowless classrooms. With little to no exposure to real sunlight during winter, many students may be lacking in vitamin D. Consequently, this may be what leads to a lack of motivation, perhaps linked to SAD, for certain

students during the second and third quarters of the school year.

“My grades definitely take a drop. I stop doing my homework and rarely study mainly because I become careless and kind of depressed. I have no motivation to do any work,” said Sam Copman, a senior. Sam is not be the only student at the high school suffering from this lack of motivation during winter. According to Edina biology teacher, Jeff Krause, the decline in grades of his students from second to third quarter is something that may possibly be attributed to SAD and something that takes place every year. The change in his students grades is “not huge, but definitely noticeable.”

There are a variety of prescription and nonprescription treatments that are widely available for anyone that may be suffering from SAD, or anything similar to it. Vitamin D supplements and foods rich in vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice, and fish, are among the most common nonprescription treatments and seem to be effective in aiding with the symptoms of the illness.

In addition, those who are sufferers will often use light therapy as a treatment. Light therapy, called phototherapy, is done by shining an artificial light given off by something known as a light box on a patient. This light is supposed to mimic the effects of the sun and is supposed to restore vitamin D to our bodies. They can be purchased online or prescribed by a doctor. Other prescription treatments for the illness include antidepressants, stimulants, and psychotherapy.

While winter may seem to be a time of SADness for certain EHS students, it does not have to be. With light boxes, supplemental vitamin D tablets, and other treatments within our grasp, there is no longer a reason for anyone to have to live in the darkness during winter time.

Grant Marks, staff writer

Optimize your late start For most students, late starts are rare glimpses at an alternate universe where we can sleep in, have a complete breakfast, and still be on time to school. If you want to get the most out of the few late starts you have, look no further. There are two different types of late starts: the 10:15 a.m. start and the 12:00 p.m. start.

For nature lovers, a 12:00 p.m. late start offers the opportunity to have breakfast at The Zumbro, a family owned breakfast and brunch restaurant located in Linden Hills. After enjoying a local, organic meal, you can take a tranquil walk around Lake Harriet. Bring some samples from Great Harvest so you can feed the ducks!

A 10:15 a.m. late start gives fitness maniacs the chance to get in a quick jog or a workout at the gym. After a shower, you can go to Jamba Juice and to pick up a smoothie and breakfast to go. “You can get any smoothie with a free boost. We offer soy protein, immunity, energy, and daily vitamin boosts,” said Sam Cain, a junior who works at Jamba.

Culinary artists can invite their friends over for breakfast on 10:15 a.m. late starts. You can whip up a gourmet meal and wow them with the resemblance to authentic French cooking. Sarah Irons, the creative foods teacher, recommends omelets, breakfast burritos, waffles, and crepes as easy and fun recipes.

Studious students can take advantage of the extra time in the morning to work on homework, study for tests, or go in early for help. Of course, since most 10:15 a.m. late starts are for students to get assistance from teachers, bring your favorite teacher a salted caramel mocha from Starbucks. You can get an extra hour of sleep and still go in early to get questions answered.

If you are looking for the classic Edina experience, 12:00 p.m. late starts are perfect for sleeping in, going to breakfast, and picking up some coffee before school.

Alex Davis, a sophomore, described his ideal late start: “I would wake up at 8:30, get picked up at 9, go visit South View and Normandale, meet up with friends for breakfast at Perkins, go to Starbucks, then head to school.”

There are many different ways to spend your late start. Do not be afraid to try out new ideas. However you spend it, you are sure to enjoy the break from the hardships of school.

Sarah Nealon, staff writer photo by Natalie Paule

Sports 6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Volume 32 Issue 2

November 4, 2011

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The art of swimming Art Downey takes coaching to a whole new level

photos by Wendy Petersen

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he face of Edina boys’ swimming, coach Art Downey, is adorned with legendary black-rimmed glass and an encouraging smile. He always carries his classic stopwatch as he leads practices at the Art Downey Aquatic Center, the remodeled South View pool that was named in his honor in 2006. He (and his stopwatch) has been with the program since its beginning and has transformed the way the sport is viewed.

Over the course of his five decades with the swim team, Mr. Downey experienced many memorable moments in coaching his swimmers. “What I’m doing right now, or during the season, that is the best memory. Whatever I am doing now because that is what is right there,” Mr. Downey said. “The most rewarding part is I get to work with young people and their families, really nice people.”

This year, the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) named Mr. Downey as one of twenty high school coaches of the year. According to the NHSCA website, this award is given to coaches who are dedicated to improving the lives of young athletes on and off the field and in and out of the pool.

In addition to being named a national coach of the year, he has also been recognized as a Section 6AA Coach of the Year eleven times and as a state coach of the year six times. Mr. Downey has coached his team to ten state team victories and a third place finish last year. His record last season was 24-1, contributing to a career dual meet record of 483-141-1.

EGT* rocks the courts

*EGT= Edina Girls’ Tennis

photo by Jenny Weber

The Edina High School girls’ tennis team has done it again! Edina served up a 15th consecutive Class AA championship with a 5-2 win over Rochester Mayo at the University of Minnesota Baseline Tennis Center, proving that the team truly is unstoppable. The team dedicated its win to coach Steve Paulsen, who was diagnosed with shingles the Friday before the championships.

Rayelle Washington, sports editor

Art Downey was proud to receive the distinction of a national coach of the year. “I’m really appreciative of it and humbled because I know there are lots of other people who are deserving of this. I’m honored to receive it.”

His athletes were just as proud of their coach, whom they respectfully refer to as Mr. Downey. Senior Andrew Peterson, a captain for the 2011-2012 season, was not surprised when he learned his coach had received this award. “It seemed like it was definitely coming his way,” said Petersen. Mr. Downey was very deserving because of his thoughtful workouts and advice. His encouraging quips are known around the pool deck. “‘Perfect practice makes perfect,’” Petersen quoted Mr. Downey as frequently saying.

Senior Erik Rehnberg, another captain, also believes that his coach was the perfect candidate for this award. “Mr. Downey’s focus isn’t just on winning, but making us better swimmers and better people, something that’s kind of rare for coaches. The first thing he says to us each season is that we have to be gentlemen 24/7, 365 days a year.”

Art Downey’s granddaughter, junior Sarah Downey, cheers on the swim team and celebrates their victories. And yes, “He always wears his pants that high; it is not just for practice,” said Sarah. With his high-waisted shorts and tucked-in t-shirts, the face of Edina boys’ swimming is known for his fashion as well as his success in the pool.

Grace Meyer, staff writer

A trophy for Minnesota? No way!

The Minnesota Lynx won the Women’s National Basketball Association championship, sweeping the Atlanta Dream 3-0 in a best-of-five game series. “It’s the best thing since sliced bread,” biology teacher Jeffrey Krause said. The road to victory was a long one but one that did not throw anything at the team that they couldn’t handle.

The Lynx held the best regular season record winning twenty-seven games while only dropping seven. They then went on to win two best-of-three game series, first against the San Antonio Silver Stars, and then the Phoenix Mercury. Those victories set up a Lynx vs. Dream final series.

“Why is it that the men’s teams are playing like girls, and the [women’s] teams are playing like men?” asked senior Willis Klatt. The Lynx’s win could not have come at a better time with other Minnesota teams being stuck in a rut: the Twins performed poorly this year, the Vikings got off to a pitiful start, and the Timberwolves aren’t even playing unless the NBA lockout is resolved. The Wild, however, is showing potential.

This tremendous accomplishment went relatively unnoticed in Minnesota.

“Wasn’t there that one girl who scored a bunch of points? Sarah I think her name is,” senior John Lagorio said. The woman Lagorio was alluding to is Seimone Augustus, who led the Lynx in scoring and received MVP honors for her part in the title victory. To say Seimone’s basketball success had been foreshadowed would be an understatement. She was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Women while in high school with the headline “Is she the next Michael Jordan?” above her picture. In college, she led her LSU Lady Tigers to three straight Final Four appearances. After college, she was the first overall pick in the 2006 national women’s basketball draft.

Though Augustus was the headliner, she had help in the form of rookie Maya Moore. Moore was drafted first overall by the Minnesota Lynx out of the University of Connecticut. She exploded onto the court, becoming the Lynx’s third highest scorer during the regular season and second highest scorer during the postseason.

This level of play earned her Rookie of the Year honors, and she became the second player in WNBA history to win both a national title and Rookie of the Year.

Not only did they win the title, they won in style. It was this thoroughness that has led some experts to begin talk of them becoming a sports dynasty. It would be nice to finally have one of those in Minnesota, wouldn’t it?

Michael Jacobson, news editor

8 Opinion www.edinazephyrus.com

Volume 32 Issue 2

November 4, 2011

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

What’s the deal behind banned books? n the realms of education and literature, there are few words more contentious than “banned book.” Some school districts, usually brave ones with established reputations, choose to openly support those who wish to keep English class and the library bastions of free expression. Most choose to straddle the line, giving in occasionally to the will of sensitive parents but try to keep as much on the shelves as possible – attempting to please everybody and, yet, pleasing nobody. While some advocates on both sides of the debate vilify these schools, in all honesty, they’re just giving in to the real censors – the district’s parents.

This begs the question: What drives a parent to try to get a book removed from a library? According to Sara Swenson, Edina High School’s Media Center specialist, the most common rationale is that a work is sexually explicit. Second most common is that a book contains offensive language (generally, this means profanity that would give a movie a PG-13 rating), with the third most common complaint being that a book is simply unsuited for a certain age group (an admittedly a broad category). Political rationale and religious reasons come much farther down on the list, which suggests that the motivations behind these challenges may be more genuine than we believe them to be.

If the feelings that drive these people are genuine, then, is there perhaps a chance that they’re right?

In other words, is censorship ever photo by Monica Omodt the right course of action? When asked this, Ms. Swenson pointed me to a statement on the American Library Association’s website, which states that “parents—and only parents—have the right and the responsibility to restrict the

access of their children—and only their children—to library resources.” This argument of parental judgment, however, raises a whole new issue: How can children and teenagers expect even the slightest degree of freedom when even the most holy bastion of afterschool destinations, the library, requires strict parental supervision? What if this insidious influence spreads ever farther and eventually desecrates the last vestige of freedom in a teenager’s life – shudder - the classroom?

Intrigued, I decided to find out about Edina’s history with censorship, and the results were, if not shocking, at least quite interesting. On one hand, Edina does have quite the history of supporting challenged literature. For example, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” which was the second most banned book of 2010 for seven different reasons, is one of the three books on the summer reading list for South View and Valley View enriched English students. “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which, to be fair, is a cornerstone of American literature, is still read (multiple times by some students) at Edina despite having received multiple challenges through the years. Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials,” a series that’s about as controversial as it gets, was featured in a large banned books display in the high school media center, complete with caution tape.

“Is censorship ever the right course of action?”

The sophomore enriched English program (subtitled The Counterstory) attempts to tell the story of minority groups throughout history, beginning with Chinua Achebe’s monumental “Things Fall Apart” and moving on to other historically disenfranchised groups such as immigrants and women.

The issue of gay rights, however, arguably one of the most important and relevant today, is never touched upon, despite the prominence of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Edina High School. This may well be because books dealing with such themes were removed from the curriculum. According to Timothy Klobuchar, the head of the English department and an EHS teacher, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer, was challenged by a district administrator a few years ago for its scenes of a homosexual encounter and was removed from the sophomore enriched English curriculum. While this is not on the same level as library censorship, it does represent the spirit of book banning – compromising the integrity of education and of intellectual freedom in the name of keeping the status quo, under the well-intentioned but corrosive banner of safety over liberty.

Micah Osler, staff writer

An apple a day keeps the doctor away The saying goes “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But is it really affordable to keep the doctor away 365 days a year? At Lunds and Byerly’s prices, a year’s supply of apples can cost anywhere from $365 for Braeburns that have been shipped across the country to $800 for locally grown Honeycrisps. Now let’s say I’m not interested in keeping the doctor away. The price of 365 individual bags of potato chips can run as low as $200 and up to about $280. Clearly, nutritious foods should be made more widely affordable in America.

Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, and our addiction to high calorie, nutrient-free, junk food is to blame. According to a study conducted by the Scripps Research Institute, overeating junk food can lead to “neuroaddictive responses in the brain, making it more difficult for your brain to release dopamine.” Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for dictating emotions, so when the brain has trouble releasing proper amounts, a person can become depressed. These neuroresponses are similar to those found in drug addicts. So we can say with certainty, that empty calorie foods, meaning that they are high in calories but lack nutritional value, are addictive.

Even with scientific proof that junk food is unhealthy, Americans continue to gorge themselves on candy and eat at Burger King. But given the option between a McDonald’s “McDouble” for just a dollar and a turkey sandwich from Lunds with a price tag of four dollars, the evil which has pushed American obesity rates higher than ever reveals itself.

Movements designed to lower obesity rates are springing up across the nation, but why doesn’t anyone seemed concerned about the economic side of eating? Junk foods are less likely to be affected by inflation than health foods, so during the economic downturn it is no mystery what people grab at the grocery store.

It is time to take a stand against unhealthy eating habits and promote affordable, locally grown, organic, nutritious, and delicious foods as the alternative. The task seems daunting, but citizens have done it before. Remember when everyone and their mother used to smoke? The public began treating the addiction as a social taboo and demanded that prevention laws be put into action. We did it then, and we can do it now.

Alma Pronove, editor in chief

photo by Raquel Radenbaugh

Zephyrus Staff

editors in chief: Alma Pronove, Erik Rehnberg, Krystal Walker copy editor: Monica Omodt art editor: Natalie Paule advertising manager: Michael Jacobson news editors: Stephanie Coleman, Michael Jacobson features editors: Anna Ellingboe, Ellie Lagorio sports editor: Rayelle Washington in-depth editor: Andrea Kimball opinion editors: Tyler Gieseke, Monica Omodt culture editors: Sloane Nilsen, Ashley Smith back page editors: Natalie Paule, Alma Pronove staff writers: Emily Cherkassky, Megan Couture, Vivian Engen, Jake Freeman, Tara Gupta, Jack Hulstrand, Maddie Kopecki, Clare Ling, Grant Marks, Thomas Matthes, Grace Meyer, Sarah Nealon, Micah Osler, Hannah Sommerville, Alex Van Gorp photographers/artists: Blycie Bailey, Connor Bjornnes, Julia Bolter, Anne Cavanahg, Kelsey Ehrlich, Ashley Eickhoff, Jake Freeman, Cici Holmquist, Elizabeth Jarvey, Jamie Jones, Rebecca Kidder, Claire Kouatli, Raquel Radenbaugh, Zai Rutter, Anna Schmiel, Kat Skibbe webmaster: Will Rurik 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 6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Volume 32 Issue 2

9

November 4, 2011

www.edinazephyrus.com

Standardized deviation

“We shouldn’t shift our focus from highlevel thinking to highstakes scantrons.”

Editorial cartoon contest Congratulations to junior Judy Jackson, this month’s editorial cartoon contest winner with her cartoon of Michelle Bachmann! Thank you to all who submitted.

Have something to say? Submit your editorial cartoon to Zephyrus by November 29th and you could be featured in the next issue of the newspaper! Please drop your submissions in the mail slot of the Publications Room, number 377B.

Not as easy as A, B, C The last week of my junior year I had the most extraordinary and most memorable camping trip of my life.

It also just so happened to be in the backyard of the ABC boys’ house.

Adventurous, right? I can still recall all ten of us crammed into one tent (even though we had two up in the backyard) playing card games all night, pulling pranks on one another, reminiscing about our time spent together and how it had gone by so quickly.

A Better Chance, also known as ABC, is a national, non-profit organization that provides an opportunity for motivated students of color from low income areas to be able to receive a better education, such that one might receive at Edina High School.

In the program at EHS and South View there are students from California, Texas, Ohio, and New York.

Students in the program live in Edina during the school year and go home to their families during breaks. Even though we all have very different backgrounds and have grown up in different parts of the country, I have been able to develop relationships that will last a lifetime.

This year will be the 40th Anniversary of the Edina ABC program.

According to Sherry Nuness, the program’s executive director, it didn’t have the easiest start 40 years ago: the previous owner of the home had to go to court to allow ABC to purchase the house in Edina.

The program’s 100th student graduated in 2005. Over the course of the program, graduates have gone on to attend colleges and universities such as Berkley, Stanford, USC,

Wellesley, and many more schools.

I was born and raised in California. Yes, California, known for the amazing beaches, sunshine all year, and movie stars. It has all of that, but not all of California is the California you see on TV or the parts you might have visited over Spring Break. I lived in Southern California, in the heart of Orange County. My city isn’t quite like those you know from the FOX series The OC. My city has a diverse community. I am from a community where, at night, you grow accustomed to the sirens of ambulances and cop cars whining up and down your street. Guys with white beater shirts, shaved heads, and their shorts down to their ankles are a common sight, and a shooting going on near your home is just part of the weekly routine. Graffiti is everywhere: on the sidewalks, buildings, walls, and even on the neighboring schools.

You know better than to leave your bike on your porch or in the front yard, because it probably won’t be there the next day. But this is where my family is, and this is my home.

Without a doubt, A Better Chance has played a huge role in my life and I will never forget the opportunities it has given me to advance in life. I attend a school where I feel challenged; my EHS peers are some of the brightest people I have ever met. I’ve been able to challenge myself. Though it isn’t always easy being away from my family and friends in California, I don’t regret a single moment of being in ABC. Because of this program, I am who I am today.

It is my senior year, and the journey has gone by faster than I imagined. I’ve met so many different people and made memories that I’ll take with me through my life.

One moment that sticks out in my mind was my first time (attempting) rollerblading and how two of the girls in the house were right by my side holding my hands while I was screaming my brains out. Even now, it makes me smile to think of our hilarious conversations at dinner. Moments like these affirm that the sacrifices I make not being with my family really are worth it. This is my fourth year in the program and I have memories that will last a lifetime.

Krystal Walker, editor in chief

Jonathan Bouldin

Obi McReynolds

Jamie Jones

Reggie Wimbley

Charles Leonard

Shalaine Fosters

Mar’Kezzia Loyd

Should we really allow three letters to judge how much we know? Whether these letters are ACT, SAT, or MCA, we find ourselves slaving over practice books and sample tests to stretch our scores to their full potential. But as we sit, hunched over bubble sheets with our backpacks neatly stowed and our cellphones completely off, are we being tested on our true abilities, or simply our ability to work around trick questions and time constraints?

Printed on the front of the ACT are the words “There is NO penalty for guessing. IT IS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO ANSWER EVERY QUESTION. EVEN IF YOU MUST GUESS.” If you, like many students, have put time and money into an ACT tutor or class, you already know this. Blindly bubbling in every question if you run out of time gives you a better chance of getting more points. And isn’t that what this is all about, points? When preparing for the ACT and SAT tests, we aren’t learning how to analyze literature, generate scientific hypotheses, write engaging essays, or solve high-level mathematics.

Instead, we’re learning how to refer to lines in a text, eliminate answers, and crank out an essay in under thirty minutes, all to improve our scores. Our goal: to meet or exceed the reported average ACT or SAT scores of students attending our dream college. Although standardized tests may measure practice and speed, they don’t measure the true abilities of a student. Yet, we consult these scores like fortune-tellers, thinking that they somehow define our futures.

The ACT and SAT tests are not the only evaluations that detract from our time as students. The MCAs, given throughout the state as part of the No Child Left Behind Act, are a major focus of teachers and administrators, who take time out of our curriculum to prepare us for them. While these tests are given to make sure that teachers are teaching and students are learning, preparing for them takes time out of both. In the end, our results should reflect what we’ve learned in class, not what we’ve reviewed in the weeks leading up to the MCAs. Many students and teachers recall the GRAD writing test that we had to take as a graduation requirement. Ninth grade English teachers spend photo by Jake Freeman an immense amount of time on preparation for this test each year. Throughout the year, we were shown prompts and sample essays to prepare us for the test in the spring. If you don’t recall this preparation, it’s because you transferred to Edina from a different school after ninth grade. Although the test is a graduation requirement for all Minnesota high school students, those who transfer to EHS skip the tedious preparation. Senior Peter Smith, who transferred from Holy Angels before taking the test, said that he “didn’t prep at all,” and that the test was easy. Our school doesn’t spend time preparing a handful of students like Peter. However, most high schoolers pass the test with ease, making us wonder if all of those practice prompts and essay examples were really necessary.

Principle Bruce Locklear is working to shift the high school’s focus away from “snapshot tests” such as the GRAD Writing Test and other MCAs which assess “a singular group of students at a singular point of time on a singular set of skills.” While these assessments are primarily for measuring whether the student body is meeting educational benchmarks, Dr. Locklear would like to utilize them to see how we have improved over time. By looking at scores from previous years, educators can see how the same students have improved or declined, something that’s much more meaningful.

Like Dr. Locklear, most of us are aware that standardized tests aren’t perfect. That being said, we’ll continue to work hard to achieve high scores, whether or not we think they reflect how “smart” we are. However, we can’t let scores define us or our futures. The notion that a 36 on the ACT is a ticket to any college is not only false, but misleading. Many colleges don’t have a formula for how they admit students, and our dependency on test scores has shifted our views of a truly well-rounded student. We’ve become so obsessed with numbers that our attitudes toward learning revolve around speed and careful bubbling, rather than questioning, insight, and true understanding. We shouldn’t shift our focus from high-level thinking to high-stakes scantrons.

We’re smarter thank that.

Zephyrus staff

photos by Jamie Jones

10 Culture

www.edinazephyrus.com

Volume 32 Issue 2

#1 Chocolate Cake in a Mug: 1. Grab a large mug and mix together 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp cocoa powder in the mug.

2. Crack an egg and whisk with a fork.

3. Add 1 tbsp of milk and 1 tbsp of oil to the mix.

4. Add chocolate chips.

5. Place into a microwave and cook for 2 1/2 mins on full power.

6. Leave for 1 minute then eat and add ice cream and/ or powdered sugar if you wish.

November 4, 2011

#2 Caprese Salad: 1. Slice 2 fresh large tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.

2. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella on top of a slice of tomato.

3. Put a basil leaf on top of the mozzarella and tomato stack.

4. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top of the mozzarella and tomato stack.

5. Crackle a little pepper to top it off.

Scrumptious recipes for students on the go #3 Mac ‘n’ Cheese: 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bring a large pan of salted water to a boil.

2. Melt 1 heaping tbsp of butter in another pan and then stir in 1 big tbsp plain flour.

3. Dump macaroni into the boiling water, stir, and cook for one minute less than the packet instructions (depends on the size of the macaroni… probably about 6-8 minutes).

4. Pour 1 pint of milk into the flour paste, a little bit at a time, making sure it’s well combined and boiling before pouring in the next ingredient.

5. Allow the white sauce to bubble for 2 minutes and then season with salt and pepper.

6. Drain the pasta and return to the pan.

7. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheese to melt.

8. Combine the sauce and pasta together and transfer it all into a deep ovenproof dish.

9. Bake for 10-15 mins until golden.

Monica Omodt, copy editor Chocolate Cake in a Mug and Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe courtesy of sortedfoods.com

Are you pumped for pumpkin?

It’s November, and pumpkin fever is on the rise. From the Farmer’s Market to your neighborhood Jerry’s, pumpkin appears in every form each fall. We decided to tackle as many kinds of pumpkin flavored foods as we could handle.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is the quintessential fall beverage. Warm and delicious, the subtle hint of pumpkin doesn’t overpower your taste buds, but simply gives a taste of fall at its best.

Pumpkin Pie Blizzard For those of us who prefer a more chilly treat in the fall, the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard at Dairy Queen is the perfect punch of pumpkin. Vanilla soft serve mixed with pumpkin pie pieces and nutmeg makes for a tasty frozen delight.

Pumpkin Bread If you love the flavor of pumpkin but not the texture of pie, then Breadsmith’s Pumpkin Bread is the way to go. Moist bread baked with pumpkin inside can excite the taste buds of anyone who is in the fall mood.

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Bookmark This!

photo by Sloane Nilsen

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky What do you look for in a good book? Romance?

Comedy? A keep-you-up-all-night-checking-the-closet-formonsters kind of book? Or maybe just something to curl up with on a snowy winter day with a mug of hot cocoa?

I can’t please everyone, but I think I found a book that might. “Perks” is the story of an awkward teenage boy named Charlie. Charlie is one of my favorite characters I’ve ever met because he solves the problems in his life with simple thinking. He falls in love with a girl, deals with family drama, and tries to understand the cruel popularity hierarchy of high school … and he’s really classy about it.

Growing up in the early 90s, Charlie gets to live every kid’s dream: going to endless Rocky Horror Picture Shows and partying like it’s 2012. He’s only a freshman, but in his first year at high school, he meets seniors who teach him a thing or two about reality.

“Perks” can get kind of racy. It is consistently placed on banned books lists because of sex, drugs, and alcohol, the three big no-nos of adolescence. But, let’s get real, just because Charlie makes some not-so-good decisions, he’s not a bad person, and his story still deserves to be told.

It’s fiction, of course, but since the story is told through ongoing letters that Charlie writes like journal entries, “Perks” seems more like a true documentary. Charlie and his friends, in one memorable scene, drive down the highway at full speed with the windows down. “And in that moment, I swear we were infinite,” Charlie wrote. It’s one of those times where the true honesty of a novel hits you and you realize that you relate to Charlie, and you too want to feel free and infinite, too.

If you’re looking for a fun, poignant story that maybe doesn’t blow your mind in an Inception-like way but definitely keeps you turning pages, check out “Perks.” And if you like the book, check out the movie (Emma Watson’s in it!), coming in 2012.

Bookmark This! is a monthly column where I feature fabulous books that EHS students may have overlooked. If you have a book suggestion or comments, you can contact me at bookmarkthisreviews@gmail.com. Keep reading!

Andrea Kimball, columnist

Pumpkin Pie If you’re looking for a homestyle, just-like-grandma-used-to-make pie that doesn’t break the bank, McDonald’s pumpkin pie is the way to go. For a mere 50 cents, one can enjoy the delectable goodness of crispy crust, warm pumpkinflavored goodness on the go.

If the cooling weather is getting you down, go and grab a steaming cup of pumpkin-flavored coffee or a piece of warm pumpkin bread, or even better, make your own!

Raylle Washington and Ashley Smith, sports editor and culture editor art by Elizabeth Jarvey

Check out Zephyrus online for polls, articles, podcasts, and more at www.edinazephyrus.com!

“The Podcast You’ve Never Heard of” A new podcast featuring an interview with Craig Minowa, lead singer of Cloud Cult!

“The Evolution of Technology”

“Late night food hangouts”

photo by Natalie Paule

An overview of how gadgets have changed throughout the history of man.

Culture

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Volume 32 Issue 2

November 4, 2011

11

www.edinazephyrus.com

The cake eater’s When searched on Google, the first link that pops up after entering “History of Cake Eaters” is the Wikipedia page for Edina, Minnesota. But what is a cake eater? Edina residents are generally called cake eaters because the city appears wealthy, not because we, well, eat a lot of cake. However, after visiting a few of the city’s best bakeries we (Sarah Nealon, a fellow Zephyrus staffer, and I) deem that theory debatable (with substantial evidence in our expanded stomachs).

DELIGHT Queen of Cakes: The Teeny Cakes, starting at $4.00, are scrumptious and a perfect treat for birthdays or everyday cravings. At the store, Teeny Cakes are available in chocolate or white, but upon special order, the three-inch diameter cakes are available in any Queen of Cakes flavor. Sophomore Cara Sierks explained her adoration for the treat. “Teeny cakes have all of the flavor of a full cake packed into a teeny portion. They’re good to give as birthday gifts because they’re inexpensive and delicious,” she said. Next door, TJ’s of Edina was selling slices of chocolate cake from Queen of Cakes. We found the slice to be a bit dry, but for $4.83 the frosting was delectable.

Queen of Cakes, at 7104 Amundson Avenue in Edina, is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Wuollet Bakery: We rushed in during the midst of closing time, so the manager granted us a free chocolate, carrot, and red velvet cupcake. The lightly spiced, moist carrot cupcake was our favorite, which was surprising, as it has a vegetable in the title.

Red velvet and chocolate were close seconds, although both cakes were a bit too dense for our liking. However, the customer service was exceptional, and we would gladly visit again. Wuollet Bakery, located at 3608 West 50th Street, is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

All photos by Clare Ling

Patisserie Margo: Patisserie Margo employee and EHS junior Lauren Groffsky explains her favorite treat. “My favorite cake would have to be the flourless chocolate cake, one of our most popular cakes. It’s super creamy and rich, and the chocolate tastes really good with the raspberry,” she said. The coconut cupcake we purchased was a bit dry for our liking, but we found that the cherry chocolate chip, pumpkin, and banana chocolate chip muffins were close to perfect. Each oozed with warmth and fluffiness and was topped with a golden, crunchy top for $2.15. Patisserie Margo, located at 5133 Gus Young Lane, is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

photos by Clare Ling

Patrick’s Bakery & Café: The warm red walls, lined with black and white French photographs, and glass display cases stuffed with an assortment of pastries welcomed us to Patrick’s. With the help of a friendly employee, we decided on the Sarah Cake for $4.95, one of the most popular dessert items on the menu. The cake, roughly the same size as a Teeny Cake from Queen of Cakes, was as delicious as it looked. The Sarah Cake was covered in a dark chocolate glaze and filled with pistachio crème brulee between a layer of dark chocolate mousse and almond sponge. Patrick’s Bakery & Café, a spacious restaurant and bakery in Southdale Square at 2928 West 66th Street is open Sunday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday.

By the end of the day, we walked away with full stomachs and pounding sugar headaches. The best treats, in our opinion, were the Monkey Business and Apple Pie cupcakes from Sweet Retreat and the Sarah Cake from Patrick’s Bakery and Café, with the Cupcake Kabob from Franklin Street Bakery, the Carrot Cake Cupcake from Wuollet Bakery, and the Teeny Cake from Queen of Cakes following close behind. Although the Patisserie Margo cupcake was nothing to write home about, the muffins practically deserved their own article. Either way, Edina, have your cake and eat it, too.

Clare Ling, staff writer

Walking through the Walker

all photos by Sloane Nilsen

Bored of watching “Toddlers in Tiaras” or the “Antiques Road Show” at home? Me too. If you are ever bored, try going exploring! For example, go see the neat museums scattered close to Edina. For those of you who are unaware, the Twin Cities are home to several art museums, which house thousands of paintings, modern art, and sculptures. In fact, the Walker Art Center located in Minneapolis, provides the largest sculpture garden in... Minnesota. Venture through the Walker Art Center with me as I give an overview of the museum’s most famous attractions and exhibits.

As I walk down the gravel path through the beginning of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, I can’t help but feel like I’m at Hogwarts. Tall hedges line either side and people stroll by, like students walking between classes. In the middle of the Sculpture Garden lies the humungous silver spoon balancing a shiny cherry at its tip. Senior Will Freeman, who works on the Teen Art Council at the Walker, stated, “My favorite part of the Sculpture Garden is the Spoonbridge and Cherry – for climbing of course.” Behind the spoon, you get a great view of the Cathedral of St. Paul. A sea of geese lies around the area, and several hooligans disrupt them by running through their flock.

Other sculptures you can find is a huge bronze swing, several black blocks, and several rock sculptures.

Currently, the Walker is hosting a gallery called “A Midnight Party” which reveals a child’s mixed and complicated dreams through portraits, films, and other forms of modern art. In this gallery you can find a single door, a devil-like figure doing somersaults on three TVs in a white room, and a doppelganger doll.

Moving through the other galleries, I found animal tribal masks and a gallery called “The Parade,” which is only staying for a limited time. I won’t spoil the surprise for you, although I will confess that I jumped when I walked into the room “for the mature.”

The good news about the Walker is that it is free for ages 18 and under. The Sculpture Garden is open from 6 a.m. to midnight, and the actual museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Walker is closed on Mondays. To get to the Walker from Edina, take 62 East to 35W North. As you near the cities, take I-94 East and the Exit 231A. Go south until you reach the Hennepin/ Lyndale exit, the location of the Walker.

For more information, go check the Walker out for yourself.

New exhibits appear frequently, and you never know what you might find. (Trust me…)

Sloane Nilsen, culture editor

To vote in the next issue’s poll go to www.edinazephyrus.com!

Back Page www.edinazephyrus.com

Volume 32 Issue 2

November 4, 2011

12

6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439

Say Goodbye to the

Awkward Years Alma Pronove & Natalie Paule, back page editors

Oh, the middle school days. They were fun while they lasted, but we are ready to wave goodbye to all the acne, growth spurts, and backpacks with wheels. Let’s pretend we’ve put our most unbearably awkward years behind us and pay tribute to all our mislead attempts at fitting in.

Abercrombie – Their clothing sizes correspond perfectly with levels of eating disorders. Anything with a tiny moose on it was CAHUTE!!!!

Clothing from Victoria’s Secret – Voice cracks – So that’s why boys never participated in class.

Gaucho pants - because noth-

Oh, serious regrets here. It was as if everybody, including our teachers, NEEDED to know that we had worked up the courage to step into that store. Super job, eighth grade selves.

ing is sexier than having a spandex tent falling off your waist.

MySpace – Remember when we all thought that website was pedophile-free?

Uggs with shorts – This lovely style kept our thighs cool but our shins hot.

Tech Decks – Weren’t those awesome?

Braces – We are so grateful for our straight smiles TODAY, but man, did we suffer back then. Metal smiles combined with an inability to eat caramel or gum was certainly not a recipe for hottness.

Boys got to “skateboard” all over desks

“Going Out” – Middle school relationships. Texting all the time and following around your “sig-

and books. You gentlemen impressed everyone with your ability to flip your one-inch board over with your hand.

nificant other” in the hallways was a sad thing to brag about.

Selfies – Don’t lie, everyone is guilty of this. We didn’t think anyone would notice that we took these pictures ourselves.

Juicy Couture jump suits – The name brand

There was no way that hand in the corner would give it away.

coupled with loads of sparkles tricked us girls into

The worst were those group shots taken in the bathroom.

thinking wearing velvet or terry cloth from head to

It’s a public restroom, not a photography studio.

toe was fashionable and socially acceptable. Boy, were we wrong.