Febraury 2007 pdf

Creatine vs. STEROIDS: School athletes find heathy aid in powder

High School Gambling: Students involved in latest craze page 9

VOLUME 84, ISSUE 4

SANDPOINT HIGH SCHOOL

LEIGH LIVINGSTONE

CHELSEA KARDOKUS

Journalism 1 contributor

I

n this last year, the obesity rate in Idaho has raised to 22.4 percent, according to a new report done by Trust for America’s Health.

Some schools are taking out saturated fats from their lunch menus. Others are installing the hit video game “Dance Dance Revolution”, also known as “DDR”, to help kids want to exercise. But what has Sandpoint High done to try to help control the obesity rate?

“We do serve a french fry that has a special coating that’s supposed to retain less of the oils than just your regular french fry,” Kitchen Coordinator Dottie Davis said.

There has also been a recent change in the cinnamon rolls. “[The Director of Food Services has been] working diligently on the menu changing,” Davis said.

According to Davis, french fries and pizza

FEBRUARY 1, 2007

down hed g i e

W

Obesity Rise:

schools take action to counter national problem

page 10

Many find excessive homework to simply be busy-work

pockets are the two main RYAN WILLIAMS items sold at lunch.

Staff writer Although there are healthier choices, such as For many students homework is the sub sandwiches and salads, most disliked aspect of school. The real they don’t seem to be as question is not whether teachers will popular. stop giving it, but how much they should “Kids don’t necessarily give. want to eat healthy all the “Homework is a way for students to time,” Davis said. reinforce the learning that takes place Along with a healthy during the day,” Principal Dr. Becky LEIGH LIVINGSTONE diet, adequate exercise is Kiebert said.

■ STUDY SESSION: Freshmen Shannon Stanley and Nicole Straley receive help from one also needed to maintain a The biggest issue is in the content of another and their Pathfinder mentors at the Jan. 18 Cram Jam Session. healthy weight. the homework.

West Virginia, California, daughter should typically have “Is it something to keep busy or and then theoretically do it [at home].”

Alaska, and many more homework every night while attending something to promote a concept?”

Other teachers agree. states have found that the science teacher Woody Aunan said.

“If every teacher gave an hour of SHS. There are, of course, some video game, “Dance Dance classes which require “It has to be meaningful or there is no homework it doesn’t Revolution”, is getting kids more and some less point.” work,” Aunan said. excited about exercising. homework. Homework Most students agree that busy work is “I’m not going to VoluMe 85, iSSue 9 May 30, 2008 Sandpoint HigH ScHool “I think it’s a pretty good is designed not only a waste of time. ask for more than 20 idea if it gets kids active,” “Teachers need to understand kids minutes. I have to be Usually homework is a to reinforce learning teacher Dave Miles, head have extracurricular activities and have conscious that kids lot of busy-work, and in the classroom by of the Video Game Club practicing concepts a social life and a family,” junior Alissa have other things going said. that’s a waste of time, and skills again at Tenuto said. “Usually homework is a lot on.”

“Dance Dance home, but also to give of busy-work, and that’s a waste of time, Students expect to and it’s ridiculous.

Revolution” is a video game students time to digest and it’s ridiculous.” have homework, but controlled by the players’ new learning in a calm, But how much homework is a fair they expect it to be -Alissa Tenuto feet. It was released by quiet setting.” amount? reasonable.

Konami in Japan in 1998 Junior A study performed “I try to stick to a pace of material,” “If you assign hours and made its way to the in 2000 by the science teacher Jim Barton said. and hours, then kids U.S. by 2000.

U.S. Department of “Sometimes there is time in class, and will find ways to cut some kids in class do it. Many kids corners and copy their friends, and Education found that in the fourth and today would rather then there’s no point anymore,” junior eighth grades, students scored better on Weight continued/page 2 a math assessment if they had between s o c i a l i z e Isabella Guida said.

According to the high school Homework continued/page 2 newsletter: “Your son or

“

Senior Edition

”

High school break-ins more mischievious than malicious KARINA OLSON

Staff writer

Over Christmas break, there were two confirmed occurrences at Sandpoint High School, which involved students breaking into the building illegally, as well as three additional break-ins at the middle school, and an incident where students climbed onto the roof. While none of the damage was significant these break-ins mark a trend of escalating disrespect for Sandpoint High School.

One of the incidences is believed to have occurred Jan. 1. It involved a break-in via the window of Mrs. Booth’s room, W14, where the perpetrators unplugged all the computers and moved them to one corner.

They pulled every desk and chair to the door so that it could not open from the outside.

“My gut level says they were trying to be funny and pull a senior prank and didn’t realize they had crossed the line,” Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said. “If someone really hated the school and wanted to do damage there are so many things they could break, so much damage they could do.”

While perhaps the breakin began as a senior prank, the laws that were broken included malicious injury to property and unlawful entry.

“I would say that this incident is more mischievous than a malicious,” Officer Chamberlain said, “however it’s still serious.”

Another incident, which is believed to be unrelated to the first, involved a student who is believed to have procured a key to the gym scaling the rafter to draw graffiti in bold permanent marker.

“The graffiti was something like ‘I was here at 4:30 in the morning, HAHAHAHA.’” Kiebert said. “There’s a janitor in the gym at night, and he only took a couple of nights off. That’s really the only time this could have happened.

We’re going to be counting keys of teachers and coaches.”

A similar occurrence over break involved people climbing onto the SHS roof and unplugging the air handles which disabled the boiler

The Offenses

Break-in continued/page 2

Student-run bank arrives at SHS MORGAN WILLS

Assistant Editor

A student-run branch of Horizon Credit Union in collaboration with the Lake Pend Oreille School District will be opening in mid-February in Sandpoint High’s halls.

“They [the students] can expect a full service bank branch here in the school staffed by their peers,” Career Pathways teacher Rick Rhodes said.

Nine SHS students have trained during the first semester in order to operate the credit union.

“They are getting the exact same

Credit Union continued/page 2

Changes in Sandpoint provide students with job opportunities WILL HUGHES

Co-Assistant Sports Editor

SAMANTHA MAY

■ IN DEVELOPMENT: Areas in Sandpoint are experiencing a dramatic change in overall landscape; The Seasons at Sandpoint displays this through their addition of more condos.

To many, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Sandpoint, Idaho is rapidly expanding. Everywhere one looks they will see some new building or foundation evolving from the ground up.

One of the most well-known buildings is the new Panhandle State Bank structure being built in downtown Sandpoint. The bank is being constructed over the now abandoned grave of Harold’s grocery store.

When passing by the construction site it is apparent that the building has a ways to go before it is ready to function.

“The bank will be open around the third quarter of ’07 or possibly as late as the fourth,” Anita Porter, Panhandle State Bank Commercial Loan Officer, said.

The new addition to the Panhandle State Bank Corporation will certainly have many job openings.

“We are constantly hiring because Sandpoint is

the corporate headquarters for Panhandle State Bank,” said Porter.

As well as servicing all your financial needs the new building will also have space for rent for other businesses.

“There is going to be space beyond the bank’s use,” Porter said. “There’s even talk of a deli being put in the building.”

The old bank building will still keep its drive-up teller window, but the rest of the employees and their offices will be moved to the new location.

With the construction of the new building there will also be job opportunities for high school students, so teenagers who want extra cash now have another opportunity to find a job.

“In the past we have had high school students who have filled in several positions,” Porter said.

Even though there may still be a long wait for the new bank to open, many wait in anticipation for the newest addition to the downtown Sandpoint metropolitan area.

Cedar Post February 1, 2007

Briefly:

News around SHS

Passport exhibit showcases artwork The Pend Oreille Arts Council has put up a new visual art exhibit that can be found in the Old Power House, featuring foreign places and people.

The exhibit contains a quilt made with fabrics from 10 foreign countries, an exotic stamp collage, artwork portraying different countries and a personal illustrated travel journal. The passport exhibit opened on Jan. 12 and will be open for viewing until March 5.

“We are always amazed with the response of the local artists to our themes. Passport is a great example for the initiative and creativity of this community,” Vice President of Visual Arts Sue Vogelsinger said.

WEIGHT: continued from page 1 “I don’t feel guilty for playing this sort of video game ‘cause I know I’m getting some exercise,” junior Cameron Hay said, “You feel like your interacting more with the game than just touching a button with your thumb.”

Is there a chance for a DDR being installed in our school?

“I’m assuming with the budget crunch right now that the chance is probably really, really small,” Miles said.

Each setup can cost around $2,000.

BREAK-IN: continued from page 1 system at SHS and while not causing serious damage put strain on the boilers.

To combat situations such as these, Kiebert is planning to implement a 16-30 digital camera security system which will be monitored on the hour as well as requesting increased police patrols of the area around Sandpoint High School during breaks as well as placing night custodians on alert status.

Investigations are underway in both cases with fingerprints taken from W14 just coming back from the lab.

“I usually let officer Chamberlain deal with the investigation,” Kiebert said “ I’m not involved until he says “I have this information…” and then we decide if its egregious enough to put through the criminal justice system, but usually we just deal with it at school.”

HOMEWORK: continued from page 1 15 and 45 minutes of homework a night rather than if they had an hour or more.

By grade twelve, all students who had any amount of homework scored about the same.

Maybe teachers should consider these statistics when assigning hours of homework every night. However, it doesn’t look like the homework load will begin to decrease soon.

According to a 2004 national survey of 2,900 American children conducted by the University of Michigan, the amount of time spent on homework is up 51 percent since 1981.

If homework time continues to increase it could become harder to fit sports or other extracurricular activities into the schedules of students.

Page 2

CREDIT UNION: continued from page 1 training that any of our new tellers get entering the credit union,” Horizon Credit Union Business Developer Kasey Heinz said.

The training has involved everything from security issues to account management.

“We’ve been watching videos and going through packets of technical stuff,” senior Maize Oliver said.

Managing accounts requires a large base of fiscal knowledge.

“There are 12 different types of accounts, like checking…” sophomore Jarae Nordgaarden said.

The services received will be those of a regular Horizon Credit Union.

“It will have all the normal: vaults, security cameras, security alarms, all that good stuff,” Heinz said.

Students and staff who have Horizon accounts will be able to use the services of the credit union.

“It will be available to those who have Horizon accounts,” Heinz said. “We will be giving something free [to those who start accounts].”

The student-run branch will not be open before and after school.

“It’s only open during lunch,” Oliver said.

The student bank tellers will also be

HEATHER ALLEN

■ MONEY MAKER: Workers diligently help build the new student-run branch of Horizon Credit Union.

profiting from the new branch.

“I find a lot of information about things people try to do to get more money and steal money, and it’s just really interesting,” Oliver said.

These students have formal training that can be used outside of Sandpoint High School.

“If after high school you don’t have

Merit Pay

SHS students’ test scores may soon be deciding factor in teachers’ pay raises

KEEGAN DUNN

Journalism 1 contributor An Idaho State Board of Education subcommittee is considering the possibility of offering a two percent bonus for high school teachers who raise their students’ ISAT test scores. The intention is to increase accountability for taxpayer dollars and to give incentive to teachers to work harder.

“I think it’s a horrible idea,” math teacher Mary Bird said. She believes that the new law would put too much pressure on the teachers and not enough on students.

“What if a student really -Alex Gray hated a teacher? They Tech Teachers could intentionally do poorly to cost the teacher,” Bird said. “How can I control if a student takes a test seriously? What if they just answer C, C, C so they can get through it?”

Bird also believes this law would be a disadvantage to students with a lower GPA. “If a student were failing in a class, the teacher would immediately try to get the student switched out,” Bird said.

Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert agrees.

“Teachers already give 100 percent,” Kiebert said.

Kiebert believes that the teachers there wouldn’t work any harder even if they were paid more.

“We’re not here for the money,” tech teacher Alex Gray said. “I think most people

“

here are here because it’s a beautiful place to live and because their family lives here.”

He also thinks there would be too much “teaching to the test,” where teachers structure their classes based on the questions on the ISAT. SHS librarian Tony Delewese, librarian at Sandpoint High, believes there are serious flaws with awarding merit pay. He thinks the law is unfair to teachers and faculty like him because they don’t teach core classes.

“How would a P.E. or technical teacher get paid?” Delewese said.

Delewese believes that merit pay should be awarded for exceptional teaching ideas or afterhours efforts instead of test scores.

The committee hasn’t settled on any specific ideas on how to measure academic growth yet. They believe they are likely to find that basing pay on merit means more than sweetening teachers’ paychecks for a job well done.

Merit pay is increasingly attractive to taxpayers, lawmakers and businesses that want greater accountability for the dollars they put into education. The committee also believes that the program will raise academic standards and improve test scores in all areas The governor has shown his support for the program and the committee is expected to reach a decision in the near future.

We’re not here for the money.

”

anywhere to work, you already have training about banks and credit unions,” Norgaarden said.

The Horizon Credit Union branch has already been a positive addition for both the school district and Horizon Credit Union.

“We’re the first in the state,” Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said.

Highway division proposed for Westmond area JACOB CRANER

Journalism I contributer

The Idaho Department of Transportation has proposed that by year 2034, a divivded highway will be placed through Cocolalla as well as Sagle, to the north. This project’s alleged “path of destruction” will displace and destroy many of the local businesses as well as mangle the landscape that has made the area what it is today.

“I can’t imagine what Westmond would be without this store. It’s a meeting place for the whole community,” owner of Westmond Store Nancy Fitzgerald said.

It would seem that the undergoing of this project would ruin the atmosphere of the area and leave many residents remembering it as a nonstalgic memory of what it once was.

Other business that would be removed in the creation of the divided highway would include the View Cafe, Tri-Con Bolt, and The Long Bridge Bar & Grill.

In addition, the divided highway will affect a local cemetery in the community of Westmond.

Though the matter of dealing with cemetery has not yet been worked out by the IDT, there has been speculation that the two branches of the highway will simply go around it, leaving it in the center of two busy bustling motoways.

“I find it quite disrespectful to the people buried in the cemetery and their families for it to be place between two busy roadways,” local resident Jerry Stern said.

Altogether, the idea of a divided highway seems as though it won’t be very easily accepted by the inhabitants of Cocolalla and Westmond.

Though it is proposed to be a project that will make people’s lives easier, for this local community, it will only irreversibly alter them.

Page 3

Cedar Post

February 1, 2007

The ‘lazy’ days of winter

Our View

Sandpoint offers much more than a well-developed party scene.

I

t’s quite obvious to anyone who’s ever also the undeniable fact that Sandpoint is sat in on a Sandpoint High School lunch situated directly between Idaho’s largest lake conversation that drugs, alcohol and as well as its largest ski resort. Convenient? I teenage partying are on the preferred Friday should say. night menu of activities for many students.

When it comes down to it, Sandpoint’s It’s hard to ignore the frequent complaint spectacular topography is not only beautiful of “ I don’t have anything to do” and equally but also functional, providing the opportunities hard not to wonder exactly why the immense to practice the extreme sport of one’s choice. outdoor playground that is Sandpoint is Yeah, gear is expensive, and, yes, not everyone failing to amuse some teens. has a boat or two laying around in their garage, This town is essentially a naturalist/ but there are ways in the tradition of Abbie extreme sport fanatic/beauty-lover’s ultimate Hoffman (wrote a guide to living basically paradise. Irrefutable fact for free called “Steal This number one, Sandpoint Book”) to “circumvent is spectacular. Evidence: It’s hard not to wonder the cost and go straight to cool, crisp clear autumn exactly why the immense the fun” such as working days where the sky is outdoor playground that a few hours a week at a perfect Dutch blue is Sandpoint is failing to Schweitzer, buying demo punctuated by the auburn gear from the alpine shop, amuse some teens. of falling leaves. Or how riding the bus (which about the hazy chartreuse is free for employees), of summertime? Or the rare clear buying used iced skates and in the summer winter days where nose hairs freeze together just mooching off of boat owning friends. every time you inhale but, wow, that sky is So, next time Friday rolls around, consider spectacularly blue. If simply looking at the the benefits of going to bed with a glass of scenery still leaves you cold and bored, you warm milk at 10 p.m. instead of stumbling could also be photographing it, drawing home at 4 a.m., getting all confrontational it or doing an interpretive dance to show like with the parents and settling into bed at your appreciation for the weather god’s 5:30 am. Waking up early isn’t necessarily generosity. impossible, or futile, powder skiing trumps a If scenery just isn’t your thing there is hangover any day.

From the womb to the world: cutting the cord

Make the best of high school— dances included I have come to the conclusion that a lot of the things students do in school are pretty lame.

This isn’t a statement of pessimism, but more one of optimism. While things here at SHS can be rather “ lame” at times, it’s times like those that have taught me to make the best of things even if they don’t seem that great at first glance.

For instance, take a school dance. Dances are potentially one of the more lame things about our high school career.

Think about it, there’s nothing good about a dance at first glance. A good 50 percent of the music is music you probably don’t like. You’re surrounded by mobs of people covered in sweat who seem to make the climate change to that of something similar to the Amazon.

If you’re lucky enough to have gone to an infamous “sock hop” you get to thoroughly enjoy the blisters that will ensue.

Yet for some reason that I can’t explain, I love it. Dances are probably one of my favorite things to do, but they didn’t use to be.

I used to hate them, but one day it occurred to me. I had the decision to make the best of it and have fun while I could. I learned that life’s too short not to enjoy even the lame things.

J

anuary makes me feel new. I’m a newborn baby just birthed into the world.

January is the maternity ward.

December is the umbilical cord.

By December I feel dirty from the filth as if I haven’t finished anything; but with a new year comes soap for cleansing and some conditioner to revitalize my hairs. I get to wash away everything and start fresh.

January gives me motivation to get things done, but sadly that motivation doesn’t usually last longer than February. Just something about this month excites me to complete project. For example there’s the always difficult task of cleaning my room so I can actually see what lies beneath the layer of grey dust covering my dressers and shelves. Or I’ll spontaneously itch to begin a new hobby or rekindle old ones like creating collages or writing stories or just drawing.

And resolutions! Don’t even get me started on resolutions. I love resolutions. You’re setting a goal, and it gives you something to actually reach for. It also

makes you feel toasty and fluffy on the inside, like a good human being.

The birth of the new year is not the only time you can make resolutions for yourself, it’s quite healthy and rewarding to set goals though out the 12 months.

Take a few steps back, I’d say about three, and view what you made out of the year. A year is a freaking long time, but you know that.

There’s ample time to take a couple of adventures, plan a couple of quests, frolic in a couple of forests, splash through a couple of fountains, nap in a some wilderness.

I’m sure there were more productive and useful activities to do, but whatev.

I have a blank wall to paint a large mural of the new year’s experiences upon, and I feel optimistic. Everyone ought to undergo this sensation because it’s fantastic.

Well, I’m off to make this period of 365 days a spectacle so amazing I could make an Academy Award winning film out of it.

“Fwd: if u dont read this u hav no soul!!!!!!!!”

CALLIE FIEDLER Editor in Chief

Enjoy the snow or move on

F

ive score and six years ago our great grandparents’ generation brought forth a new town on the map, Sandpoint.

That very same year it snowed. It has snowed every year since then, and will it continue to snow. I have a dream that one day people will move here, knowing it snows and becomes cold.

For those who cannot comprehend this season called “winter,” I have serious concerns for their sanity. I am puzzled by how these newcomers do not realize Schweitzer is a ski and snowboard resort. Do they believe we watch the creation of new runs just to see the rock exposed?

For those who don’t know or are geographically challenged, we are only 60 miles from the Canadian border. During the winter there are only two types of people, those who would sell their soul for powder, and those who do not belong here. I believe we have come to the point where we face a choice: people stop complaining about the snow so those who love it can enjoy it; or my personal favorite; we round up all the winter haters and sacrifice them to the snow god.

I give those who don’t like the snow a choice to reflect upon. Either stop complaining and start enjoying winter or go back to the infernal regions of hellish wastelands where snow doesn’t stand a chance. Let it snow.

Saddam Hussein, one of the most evil men were so fat — “Oh, that’s so sad.” of the twentieth century, is dead. Forgive me, That’s all I’ve got — a quick verbal token I’m playing catch up here, but it took me two or tribute to someone else’s tragedy, maybe a three days to hear about this. Because, after all, concerned question with my brows drawn in Sandpoint, I’m still writing up flashcards, still together, but my mind is already wandering scrounging for change to pay for my gas, still back to my flashcards, my quarters, my life. I crawling to school in the dark every morning in didn’t really feel anything. I’ve never been to that caravan of Division taillights. I suppose if I Egypt, but, duh, I know what the pyramids cared to I could watch his execution on Youtube, look like. They’ve always been there, will but that’s just the thing... I don’t. always be there during my lifetime, and, no, To tell the truth, I lent more thought to the aren’t particularly wondrous anymore. Just as death of the Croc Hunter. (Never mind I never the pyramids, my world has always been this watched the show, never even found the spoofs demented, this murderous, this chaotic and funny, and Saddam has been a major player in sad. It’s not particularly alarming. history since before I was It’s not just the even a honeymoon tequila “freak accidents,” those That’s all I’ve got - a quick ver- things that “happen shot, and his death will bal token tribute to someone to other people” — my radically change the world stage I’m growing up on.) else’s tragedy . . . but my mind own dad held his young For, in my life, I’ve is already wandering back to my wife in his arms as she never not known of death. him “I don’t want flashcards, my quarters, my life. told Or AIDS. Or gangs, school to die.” He drove her 80 shootings, rape, racism, mph, unbuckled, down child abuse, domestic violence, divorce, kidnap, Baldy Road, worrying that at the bottom there extinction, global warming, poverty, disaster. I would be a train. He became a widower sitting can remember arguing over my kindergarten shivering under the buzzing fluorescent of the crush with another girl — “I’m his wife! You’re ER, shirtless and barefoot on the linoleum... his ex-wife!” I can remember cutting up that doesn’t mean I don’t leave my dirty dishes National Geographics for craft time, and right in the sink or drive him half crazy with worry, there next to the giraffes were the starving or have never slammed the car door in his face. children of Africa, guts distended, covered in Am I completely desensitized? Have I really flies. The same year the twin towers fell, I got reached a point where nothing can impress the “girls’ talk” about my “changing body” and me, nothing can make me pause in my own what a “scary, exciting time” I would now be oh-so-busy life? Is this what our modern day entering. empathy boils down to? A couple of yellow arm Now that I’m 16, I say the same thing I did bands, “keep the change,” and e-mail forwards, when I was 11, and watched the bodies fall, subject: “sooooooooo sad!!!!!111!” that warns when I watched the Columbine coverage, when us if we don’t send a poem about Timmy, the babies go missing or kids plow their cars into cancer kid, to at least 30 people we “HAV NO trees; as when I was 8 and I asked how the SOUL!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!!”

African children could be starving when they I delete those emails.

MORGAN WILLS Assistant Editor

FELICIA READ

Advertising Manager

ANNA THORELL Office Manager

CORINNE FLOWERS

Adviser Editorial Policy The Cedar Post is governed by the same legal rights as the professional press. Under the First Amendment, we reserve the right to free expression and freedom of the press. The student newspaper of Sandpoint High School is an open public forum for the students of Sandpoint High School and the community of Sandpoint, Idaho, with its editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents; it is not subject to prior review by administration, faculty, or community members.

Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Letters to the editor must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to law governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents for the paper.

Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should an opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.

The CP strongly encourages you to voice your opinion through the student paper.

E-mail your letter or bring it by E8.

Sandpoint High School 410 South Division Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 263-3034 ext 244 editor@shscedarpost.com

Printed by the Coeur d’Alene Press

Page 4 February 1, 2007

Cedar Post

How do you feel about the amount of homework students are receiving?

These are phrases Cedar Post staff members have heard from students of SHS. The views expressed in Word for Word are not necessarily shared by the Cedar Post.

“

• I have curly hair, does that mean

I’m Jewish?

• Dude, if he was in trouble for that, I’d kill

on cow er

myself ... well not literally but I’d stop eating.

Dill

• Are we still in Iraq?

Justin York FreShman

“I think it’s too much.”

Her View

English should be America’s common, unifying language Sara hallet

complaining about her child learning because here are many his teacher didn’t speak different cultures, Spanish. In my opinion is ridiculous. religions and this languages accepted in the You have so many opportunities U.S. Living here, just living people know they can express Even if the U.S. in America. themselves any is the “melting If everyone spoke a way they choose.

This includes pot of all lan- d i f f e r e n t what language guages,” I think l a n g u a g e then on every you speak. it’s logical to s h a m p o o I think all citizens should have one lan- bottle or set know at least one guage that ev- of directions there would language. That be fifteen language should eryone speaks. different be English. If I languages. were to move to Even if the U.S. is Mexico, I wouldn’t expect everyone to learn the the “melting pot of all I think language I speak; I would languages,” it’s logical to have one learn Spanish.

In California there was a language that everyone woman on the news who was speaks.

Journalism 1 Contributor

T

Sophomore Michelle White Sophomore

“I think that sometimes they need to understand that there’s other classes you have to study for because you can have other classes that you have tests in and it’s hard to do homework and study at the Junior same time.”

• We need a bank because we have so much

His View

room.

• It’s so cold, the internet’s frozen.

Like its citizens, American language should be diverse iSaac Dunne

Journalism 1 Contributor

A

recent bill passed in Congress declaring English our “common and unifying” language has sparked some debate over whether or not such a step is against the basic principles of this country.

Congress. We need to talk. Let’s talk about who Americans are. Prior to 1776, there were no ethnic Americans (technically there were the indigenous tribes, but they didn’t really identify themselves as Americans). Then that crazy Continental Congress got together and decided to create a new nation and, in doing so, initiated a big herd of 100 percent grade A USDA human flesh. The point is, I am sure many of

those first Americans did not speak English as their first language. This means that multilingualism has been a big part of our fair nation since its inception.

Sure, English may have been the big kid on the block since day one, but America has never really been about the big kid on the block (in theory).

People might charge that this bill will not affect us. But, it’s the principle, it’s the small sterilizations of our culture, a culture that is supposed to be defined by its indefinability, a culture of a people who are supposed to be united by their common disunity.

To rob Americans of their differences is to rob them of the only thing that makes them truly great.

• I need new eyeballs.

• I started using Crest White Strips last night ... can you tell?

• Thaaaat looks gassy ...

• I don’t even know what a hubcap is.

• I’m turning religious.

• I haven’t been to Barlow’s office since like right before Christmas break.

• oww ... my butt ... I think I pulled a muscle.

• Stop it—you’re gonna make my nose bleed.

• I just bought it because it was orbtastic.

• People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones ... unless they’re trapped

”

Tyler Aronson Junior

“I think it needs to be toned down a little bit.”

Guest Columnist: Guest Cartoonist: Elizabeth Baker Senior

“I personally don’t have a lot of homework but I feel for the people that do.”

Standing for the pledge shows appreciation for the sacrifices others have made for freedom

S

Mary Bird Faculty

“I don’t think there’s too much homework, I think it’s kids trying to do too many activities and jobs and such.”

Jade Donigan

Savanna Lester

tanding for the pledge isn’t a matter of whether you agree with the man who’s running our country or whether you believe in God or not. It’s about respecting all the men and women who died to create this new and free country, and the ones who continue to sacrifice their lives to keep it that way.

The American Flag is a symbol standing for liberty, humanity, and justice. It was made to insure your right to be an individual, to support equality among

all men, and to embody the concept of American freedom.

I feel like our generation will do whatever it takes to upset people and prove some sort of point.

Personally I find it very ironic that someone would do this by choosing to disrespect the people and the nation that gave you the right to exercise this freedom.

I’m all for someone trying to be their own person. I just don’t think you should make disrespecting the pledge a way to portray your individualism.

Page 5

Cedar Post February 1, 2007

ADD D H D

Concentration

Interrupted

STEVE TERAN

Staff reporter

“So I was eating some fried chicken and then a bird pooped on my shoulder...Look at that butterfly! It’s so big. I like that shade of purple; it really accents the wings. I should get a pair of pants that color. We should go shopping sometime!”

ADD and ADHD, well-known attention disorders, affect many people in America today. Though doctors can diagnose it, they have no idea what people like junior Brian Wolcott and senior Danielle Lockwood experience every day.

“I was a lot more active,” Wolcott said, recalling his childhood memories. “Sometimes I would just bounce off the walls.”

Diagnoses can be made for different reasons: allowance of medication, notification for teachers, or just for the knowledge.

“The reason I was diagnosed was to get help in school,” Wolcott said.

“I have to learn completely different.”

Though diagnosed, Wolcott has never popped pills for his disorder.

“It’s not like a disease. It [medication] doesn’t fix it; it changes who you are,” Wolcott said. “You don’t need medication; it’s just an excuse for lazy parenting.”

Even if Wolcott disagrees with the use of medications, they can be helpful.

“I could focus on one thing with medication,” Lockwood said.

ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder): a neurological disorder where an individual only has difficulty with attentiveness.

:

Attentiveness dwindles while optimism glows with students’ disorders

“Music and little noises would ADD/ADHD: distract me [without medication] Affects the frontal or if someone was outside of a lobe of the brain window.”

With every pill, there’s the chance of a side effect.

These can include diarrhea, hair loss or excessive sweating.

“I stopped cause I got sick of feeling warm and nauseous,” Lockwood said.

These disorders can affect anyone, but it can also be passed genetically.

“My dad had it, so there were some suspicions that I had it,” Lockwood said. “I just thought I was a happy kid.”

Like everything else you have to learn to deal with, ADD is no different.

“When I was a little kid I was bad,” Wolcott said. “I’ve kind of matured out of it...mostly.”

If all else fails, the shiny thing on the ceiling should keep their attention for a while.

“I do realize I have it,” Lockwood said. “I have to have something to keep me entertained.”

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): usually diagnosed in children with excessive energy and inappropriate restlessness.

Health Occupations students aid local elderly Many students prepare for future careers in the medical field through real-life experiences

KARINA OLSON Staff reporter

Nods and waves as well as hugs and uncertain glances are exchanged as the girls in tie-dyed smocks flit around; it’s similar to a reunion or even house Scrabble party as people excitedly exchange hellos.

HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is a program at Sandpoint High School that offers a CNA (certified nursing assistant) certification course.

This program provides an opportunity for students to interact with residents at nearby Valley Vista Care Center. Once or twice a week, these girls spend a block of three hours performing necessary tasks, which help to keep the nursing home running smoothly.

“It’s always awkward when we first come over here,” senior Kristina Mollenburg said while presenting a glass of water to a sweet old man. “We’re all trying to figure out what to do, but it’s nice to say hello to everyone.”

These girls have already taken a year of Health Occupations to prepare them for Health Occupations Diversified, which is a year long program that takes up two class periods of the day and involves working in an actual medical facility to get a sound grasp on what working as a nurse would really be like.

“I love taking care of and helping people. It’s fulfilling to get things done, to make someone’s day. It’s all rewarding,” Mollenburg said. “Coming here at first I was unsure, not able to interact, but

now it comes so naturally. It’s cool to be able to do all the stuff a CNA would be doing….It’s a great service. We’re not on an agenda like some of the nurses; we’re able to spend time with people and make them feel good. Sometimes they need that, need the nurturing, touching and loving.”

All of these girls are drawn to the medical field for some reason; it’s personal for each of them, but the work at the nursing home is a more personal act for some than others.

“My grandfather was in this facility,” senior Sarah Ammar said. “He had dementia, and he met a little old lady here and they fell in love and fought hard to be able to stay in the same room together.

Working here brings back memories of when I was here as a little girl.

I used to come in and talk to the nurses and wander around -Kristina Mollenburg the halls. I feel HOSA member comfortable here.”

Their work in the nursing home is a gateway to other areas of the medical field; it is an experience that will prepare them to choose which aspect of medicine they want to study, if any at all. The experience

“

SAMANTHA MAY

■ HELPING HANDS: Senior Ali Miller assists a Valley Vista resident during a HOSA visit to the nursing home

they are gaining is eye opening.

“I never imagined it would be like this,” senior Megan Crossingham said.

“I imagined it would be a little less messy, a little neater. When you work with patients, you get into what is actually going on; you see the good and the bad instead of just a limited amount.”

The girls have been spending time at the nursing home since October and have already made an impact. Resident Rachel David nodded a vigorous “yes” when asked if the girls made a positive difference in her day.

“We need a little assistance,” David

I love taking care of and helping people. It’s fulfilling to get things done, to make someone’s day. It’s all rewarding.

”

said. “It gives me something refreshing. think it’s probably good for them too.”

Registered Nurse Maryanne Myers heartily agreed with the assessment of the residents, adding also that it takes some tasks off of the shoulders of the nurses.

“They’re fabulous; I always look forward to them, they have a helpful excitement,” Myers said. “It breaks up the monotony for the residents. I think the residents look forward to it; it gives them a little more individual attention.”

Many of the girls profess that it has helped them in many different ways everything from experience on the job to confidence or even just simple pleasure.

“I’m really shy,” senior Sydnee Ramsey said, “so opening up and talking was really hard. I’ve noticed after this tha I’m more open in other places as well Also I probably never would have decided to go into the medical field without this program, and I love it; I love everything about it.”

Page 6

January 30, 2007

Drug days ov er for reformed use r By steVe terAn Staff reporter

The world of high school: gossip, zits, self-exploration, boyfriend stealing, useless squabbling, and the infamous party scene. For some, these parties are found as a social yet illegal gathering, but they also have the ability to send teens spiraling down into addictions and drug dependency.

Addictions are like roadblocks, and the process of breaking them can be extremely difficult in many instances. From video games to cigarettes, addictions are everywhere and can come at a high price.

“I was locked up for over a year,” senior Sam Marson said.

Marson was given a wake up call by a not-so-friendly alarm clock and then began his struggle with an addiction.

“I got arrested,” Marson said. “It was kind of forced upon me.”

Marson, who was influenced by partying, found a release in drugs.

“I just started partying and kept taking it to the next level,” Marson said.

Though it was the law that actually shook him awake, Marson says a spiritual awakening is what keeps him clean.

“It’s not why [I quit],” Marson said. “But what helps keep me going.”

Through this grueling journey, Marson finds value in what he’s earned through this large steppingstone.

“It’s just not worth what I’ve gained today…my relationships with everybody,” Marson said, describing the changes in his life after coming clean.

Drugs bring temporary satisfaction, consequently taking over and mutating individuals into selfish addicts. After abolishing the habit, Marson found some differences in his attitude.

“There’s a lot less selfcenteredness,” Marson said, with a hint of humor. “Although I am pretty self-centered, to be honest.”

Eventually, for Marson, the parties grew tiresome and old, becoming a routine for him.

“There’s a point where it’s just not fun,” Marson said. “You do drugs cause you have to.”

Even with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the road to redemption is a tough one.

“It definitely wasn’t peaches and cream,” Marson said.

Painkillers

-A.K.A. : Oxycodone, oXycotin, Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin -Description: - Medical Pills -Effects: - Numbness, Dizziness, Drowsiness

Cedar Post

o i a t s e a s o c o i h x IMnanty oteens c

o r g n i v i r d d e t a n g i s e d

By VAnessA

stAnley

Staff reporter

I

n today’s fast paced society, drunk driving related accidents are one of the leading causes of death among teenagers.

Underestimating the level of their intoxication, teens take to the streets and end up seriously endangering lives. After numerous campaign ads, school assemblies and hounding parents, the idea is beginning to sink in to select teens’ minds, that staying sober could eventually save the lives of friends and strangers alike.

“I volunteer to be the DD, because it makes me feel good to know my friends have a safe way home.” Senior Emily Hansen said.

High school has been branded a breeding ground for peer pressure.

Most high school teens are oblivious to succumbing to the pressure of their socially superior “friends.” Ironically, there are students who admit to being sober at parties, but a drunk driving accident occurs every 31 minutes.

These accidents that could’ve easily been prevented without a second glance. The average teenage mind, in the past as well as the present, is likely to be fatally overwhelmed by the urge to fit in, and therefore

Scooter Patrol. Upon arriving at the said location, and aft er storing his scooter in the individ ual’s trunk, the scooter patrol service man will drive the intoxicated cu stomer to their home, retrieve his sc ooter and be on his way. Individuals in the Sunset Beach area are respon ding positively to this lifesaving prog ram.

“It allows them to re lax, have a good time, and not ha ve to worry about risking their freedom or leaving their ca r behind,”

sidesteps his/her better judgement.

Tear jerking novels, chick flicks, and Lifetime movies have all clearly (if not nauseatingly) displayed the tragic, blunt reality of the effects of driving while intoxicated.

In the highly populated, highly social city of Sunset Beach, California, a service began in 2003, has already begun to noticeably decrease the accidents in that particular area. The company, Scooter Patrol, based in Sunset Beach, takes responsibility for those who choose to drink, but can make the decision to not drive.

For four years, the company has transported nearly 7,000 people and catered nearly 50 events, all of which alcohol was involved.

“I stumbled upon the idea for Scooter Patrol while conversing with a friend. It seemed like a very unique and effective way to help people,” Scooter Patrol founder Anthony Panzica said. “People are starting to realize that we are better suited to be their designated driver than the police.”

Drinkers can obtain a safe ride home, in the comfort of their own vehicle with a quick call to the

Panzica said.

While supporting the individuals’ right to drink, Scoote Patrol has other m otives to keep th roads safe.

“We don’t do th is for thei pleasure, we do th is for the famil in the mini-van on their way out o town for the holiday s and the police officer or fireman on their way to save a life, and for the in nocent people in our community th at may not even know we exist, “Pan zica said.

Methamphetam

-A.K.A. : speed, Crank, Tweak -Description: - Highly Physically Addicti - White Crystals -Effects: - Stimulates & speeds up min - Weight Loss, Heart attack Seizure, skin sores, teeth r

Ecstacy:

-A.K.A. : Extacy, X, E, Molly -Description: - Small, colorfull pills -Effects: - Heightened senses - Projectile vomiting, brain damage, sudden death

Cocaine:

-A.K.A. : blow, snow, cr -Description: - Highly Physically - White Powder - Ingested throug injected -Effects: - Creates giddiness

Cedar Post

Page 7

January 30, 2007

oan fer,

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Under eighteen: rights as minors

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By Alison DunBAr Layout Editor

Kids partying the night away always have the underling worry of being busted. The best way to stay out of trouble is to know your rights as well as the law.

Busted:

Parties can be busted when an officer can see illegal activity through a window or when you open the door.

If nothing can be seen and the officer is not given consent to enter, they must obtain a warrant. To obtain a warrant, they must call a judge and be granted telephonic permission to enter the party.

Those at the party can receive minor in possession or consumption charges. Anyone facilitating the party can be charged with contributing or providing to minors. These charges can land a kid with fines, license suspension, community service and probation.

r h e ” y o o e

e n e

Cruising in the car:

In order to be pulled over, one must break a traffic law. After being pulled over a car cannot simply be searched. If anything illegal is visible, or an officer can smell something (such as marijuana smoke), they have the right to search the car.

ese er he

ir ly of e e n n

mine:

Shrooms:

In possession:

When caught in possession of drugs, depending on the amount charges can include possession, delivery, trafficking and distribution. While Idaho has not passed the laws which count drug sale as attempted manslaughter, a trafficking charge on hard drugs (not marijuana, but cocaine, meth, LSD, etc.) Can be life in prison.

Night life:

Sandpoint’s curfew is for minors is midnight. Being caught out after this time can get minors a warning to go home, a citation or an arrest and being out after curfew is a misdemeanor.

School rules:

Getting caught off campus can’t carry over to school consequences, as long as it had nothing to do with school. However, if students are heard discussing events, planning, plotting, inviting or threatening at school, they can be punished by the school.

-A.K.A. : caps, bloomers -Description: - Dried mushrooms -Effects: - Body high, illusions, paranoia - Brain hemorrhaging and swelling

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Cedar Post February 1, 2007

Page 8

Teens face depression with busy lifestyle High school dejection consequence of homework, stress and challenging classes ALEX GEDROSE

surprising that Idaho has a larger suicide rate than the national average. According to the 2002 Idaho Vital Statistics, suicide is the For most, the teenage years can be a difficult time. Everyone second most common cause of death for Idahoans aged 15 to 34, knows about the mental and physical changes that parents and exceeded only by accidents. teachers have been warning students about since Many leading problems are conflicts that almost all teenagers have elementary school. However, it still to face. doesn’t always prepare students “Parents, religion, peers, school, for the bout of depression that pressure [are the main causes of teenage may undoubtedly hit at some depression],” Johnson said.

-Teenage girls are twice as likely as point.

When other students of Sandpoint boys to suffer from depression “Yeah [depression is a High were asked what they believed -About 20 percent of teens will exproblem at our school], caused depression, a large number replied perience teen depression before because I don’t think people with something pertaining to grades or they reach adulthood realize it, but it’s just academics. negative thinking,” junior “I think parents overstress grades,” -A small percent of teens also suffer Marnise Johnson said. junior Eric Mann said. from seasonal depression, usually “You feel like a failure.”

With a large variety of honors and during the winter months in higher Teenage depression is newly acquired AP classes, students are altitudes no light matter. Suicide overloading themselves with more stress -Depression affects as many as one is the third leading cause and more work. Many students feel the in eight adolescents of death for people ages pressure to excel amply in all of their PALO ALTO MEDICAL FOUNDATION 15 to 24 years old in classes and can become easily unhappy if America. Perhaps the high standards they set for themselves even scarier is that suicide are not immediately reached. is the sixth leading cause Another continuation of teenage depression that is sweeping the of death for those age 5 US, Europe, and Japan is the “emo” (short for emotional) fad. With to 14. fashion, music, and other media showcasing the dejected individual, So where does Idaho some teens are falling into depression in order to fit in with a new stand in all of this? crowd.

GRAPHIC BY GLENN GENERAUX To some, it may seem “Fake depression is also a problem [at our school],” said Mann.

Staff reporter

Quick Facts

Students travel abroad, experience new cultures

GRAPHIC BY NATE BESSLER

LAURA LOCKWOOD Arts & Culture Assistant Editor At Sandpoint High School, there are three choices of foreign languages a student can take: French, Spanish, and German. Essentially, over four fifths of the world speaks a language that isn’t covered in our high school and yet, every year numerous SHS students travel abroad in the hope of undergoing unforgettable experiences, meeting everlasting friends, and learning lessons they couldn’t have learned any other way.

Anna Ballard, an American foreign exchange student in Brazil for the duration of her junior year, corresponded via e-mail to share her experience from being abroad.

“I had had two exchange students live with my family and me in the past, which opened my eyes to the option,” Ballard wrote. “Costa Rica was my first [choice], and Brazil came second. I was lucky to get my second choice, considering how late I turned in my application.”

Courtney Brown is another student from Sandpoint who went abroad last August, though she chose Denmark.

“I have learned to love Denmark

despite five months of straight rain, up speaking Português; but that never happened. It’s so much work!” and I’m glad I came,” Brown wrote.

“Before I came to Denmark I could While some students aim to visit a country that speaks the language just say a few basic phrases, but now I they’ve studied, others venture from am nearly fluent and understand most their comfort zone and go wherever everyday conversations, but nothing in their interests lie. Although they may school really,” Brown wrote.

Perhaps we can like the culture and relate better to our lifestyle of their destination, the peers abroad than exchange students fact that they don’t I hear about the new snow who are here from speak the native other countries; language comes on the mountain and I wish back to haunt however, exchange I could just teleport back them. students coming to “Over the SHS undergo the for a few hours to take a few summer I had same challenges and runs and say hi to all the tapes; listening, embarrassments as r e p e a t i n g , SHS students who people I miss. listening, repeating are away. again, but that was “I had a hard -Anna Ballard so awful. I came time handling Student in Brazil here saying ‘Oi’ the bathrooms [Hello], and ‘Eu here; they’re very não falo português, different from eu falo Inglês’ [I don’t speak Português, ours,” Pakistani exchange student I speak English],” Ballard wrote. “I Sakina Talib said. guess I was depending on the sudden Foreigh exchange student from emersion and different culture, possibly Ukraine, Karina Horanska said that thinking that one day, I would just wake her biggest challenge was the language

“

”

barrier.

Despite the confusion and difficulties, not to mention language comprehension hurdles, numerous exchange students like to mention the things they love about their temporary home.

“Eating cookies,” Talib said. “I really enjoy that.”

“You’re more free [in school] here,” Horanska said. “Students with the teachers, and teachers with the students.

It’s just more relaxed.”

After learning a new language, meeting countless new people and experiencing a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, many students develop homesickness and look forward to their return.

“When I get home, the first thing I will do is put all my clothes in the dryer,” Brown wrote. “They rarely use drying rooms here so clothes just get bigger and bigger!”

“I hear about the new snow on the mountain and I wish I could just teleport back for a few hours to take a few runs, and say hi to all the people I miss,” Ballard wrote. “But then my mind goes back to reality and I say to myself, ‘What the heck are you thinking? You’re in Brazil.”

Page 9 February 1, 2007

Cedar Post

Patty cake, hopscotch replaced by teens’ new habit

VANESSA STANLEY

time,” Wood said, “my strategy is to stop when you’re ahead.”

Regular gamblers admit that the rush that comes with submitting he thrill of a high-speed chase, the uncertainty of procuring a oneself to essentially blindly betting money, has a definite “high” to false identity and the spontaneity of living with absolutely no it. A rush, simulating the effects of stimulants, while remaining indefinite answers is legally attainable through the sport of gam- side the legal parameters of the law. While side affects of gambling bling. An outlet that allows money to be put out on the table, an outlet may leave the individual dazed, confused and much thinner in the that allows the players to take risks otherwise barred by law, an outlet wallet, symptoms reported were few, and only from those who failed that can, in some cases result in an unmanageable debt. to follow their dosage. Perfecting a During the past decade, Las Vegas, and the gambling scene in gen- strategy, if only for a few rounds, can eral have been catapulted into popularity with the aide of movies produce benefits that can and will enlike Indecent Proposal, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Two for hance not only one’s wallet, but one’s the Money and (providing a new take on the casino scene)Ocean’s confidence as well.

Eleven. Hollywood has marketed the average individual’s craving for “The most I’ve won was $250,” serisk, money and entertainment, and created a virtually safe, legal way nior Patrick Orton said. “I bet on $20, to satisfy the lust for gambling. Af- then lost the $20, then bet $20 again ter the drug-raged 90s, teens became and that went up to $250.” accustomed to quieting their urge to However, like all natural highs, one tickle their senses with illegal sub- can only be submitted to so much. Af-Patrick Orton stances. Casinos are being more and ter being exposed for a prolonged pemore frequented by teenagers, in- riod of time, avid-casino supporters Senior creasing the national average to 70 can be found unable to remove risky percent of teenagers. money ventures from their weekly, or “I go gambling roughly one time even daily habits. every couple of weeks,” senior Callie “I don’t like to do it a lot, because it can be an addiction,” senior Wood said.

Sam Marson said. “I don’t want to be a casino junkie.”

For many, after turning the big 18, The art of gambling can be traced back as far as Geoffrey Chaucer, -Sam Marson the casinos are among the first ex- and as recent as Brad Pitt and George Clooney. As the technology adperiences to be tested. After becomvances and expectations increase, generations Senior ing accustomed to the atmosphere, of younger individuals are catching up to the majority chooses to play “Blacktheir elders in entertainment. The atmojack”, as well as other card games, as opposed to the slot machines. sphere, while at times intimidating, is Studies say that the playing of these games help the gradually becoming second nature to GRAPHICS BY NATE BESSLER brain with it’s strategic skills, as well as defining teens–and about as natural as a Friday an individual’s ability to self control. night football game with the boys.

“I have a limit of betting no more than $45 each

Staff reporter

T

“

The most I’ve won was $250.

I bet on $20, then lost the $20, then bet $20 again and that went up to $250.

“

I don’t like to do it a lot, because it can be an addiction.

I don’t want to be a casino junkie.

”

”

Art show seeking submissions The art department will be putting students of the community’s artwork up for viewing in a POAC gallery in mid-March.

This is a fundraiser that any student can enter. Students interested can get more information or submit artwork for screening by contacting art teacher Dan Shook or art teacher Heather. Guthrie.

“If people want to submit their artwork we can frame it and hang it,” Shook said.

POAC mounts new visual exhibit The Pend Oreille Arts Council has put up a new visual art exhibit that can be found in the Old Power House, featuring foreign places and people.

The exhibit contains a quilt made with fabrics from 10 foreign countries, an exotic stamp collage, artwork portraying different countries, and a personal illustrated travel journal. The passport exhibit opened on Jan. 12 and will be open for viewing until March 5.

“We are always amazed with the response of the local artists to our themes. Passport is a great example for the initiative and creativity of this community,” Vice President of Visual Arts Sue Vogelsinger said.

We’ve all heard about the Devil going down to Georgia Now he’s headed for Daniel Johnston

O

kay, the film The Devil and Daniel Johnston came out in 2005, so why should I review a movie from two years ago?

Well, for starters, how many of you have heard of The Devil and Daniel Johnston?

Yeeup, this is where my eardrums shatter from the vast amount of cricket chirps.

How about this, then: how many of you have heard of Daniel Johnston?

Oh, come on, you’re killing me, here.

Daniel Johnston is a singer/songwriter who began his career in the mid-eighties by passing out homemade lo-fi cassette tapes of his work. Later on he supposedly became a cult classic, and his songs have been played by artists such as Beck, Sonic Youth, and Pearl Jam and he has collaborated with the likes of The Butthole Surfers and Velvet Underground. A t-shirt of his first tape, “Hi, How Are You?”, was worn by Kurt Cobain when on the 1992 MTV Music Awards (and could be seen on Kurt for nearly every press release for quite some time afterwards). This guy is an alleged genius. Oh, and he just so happens to be a manic-depressive man who is seriously paranoid that the Devil is constantly endangering him. And if there’s one thing that people love more than an artist,

it’s an artist who’s nuttier than Richard Simmons on steroids.

The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a documentary of the estranged artist’s life.

Through a collage of home videos, artwork, interviews, photos, and concerts, we get a peek into the mind of Johnston from his early teen life to his current state. And let me tell you, it’s quite a peeky.

As you watch the film and listen to Johnston’s music, there’s no helping but to think, “Wait—this guy’s supposed to be a genius?”

His lyrics could be seen as deep, but his rhyme schemes are almost comically simple.

His voice is unbearable and his presentation at concerts makes the viewer feel uncomfortable even without physically being at the venue. And let’s face it, very few have actually heard of Daniel Johnston.

But the documentary is more than his music. It’s entirely about his massively complicated life. Although not constantly riveting (you aren’t going to be on the edge of your seat for every minute of this film), there’s something that is forcing the viewer to finish the movie. It’s this sort of intense curiosity of how this could possibly all end.

The documentary hits every emotion it possibly could: the absurdity of Johnston

and his art can strike giggles, while his man ic outbursts can deeply disturb you. His old voice recorded diaries make you feel embar rassed for him, while watching his parents talk about him—often drawn to tears them selves—can make you feel worse than when your first fish, Mr. Biddles, died. This film is like the emotional roller coaster that sex-ed teachers constantly talked about in middle school.

With fantastic directing by Jeff Feuerzeig the viewer can’t help but begin to care abou Johnston throughout the film. It’s an inter esting watch and worth the $3.50 rental fee If you’ve never heard of Daniel Johnston, it’s about time that you did.

The Devil and Daniel Johnston • Rated PG-13 • Directed by Jeff Feuerzeig • 110 minutes

Page 10 February 1, 2007

Cedar Post

Wrestling looks to resolve unfinished business of gaining state title bryce lovrin Staff reporter

This year the Sandpoint High School wrestling team is doing extraordinarily well this year due to six outstanding wrestlers, their work and their dedication. The top wrestlers this year include junior Tim Pepperdine and seniors Alec Ward, Joseph Fio, Kyle Meschko, Jerod Morris and Taylor Morris.

The entire team has been getting up early to run before school, practice after school, have tournaments and duals every few -Kyle Meschko days, and still keep the determination it takes Senior not to overeat.

“The hardest part is cutting weight, because you hang around and see all this food, and you want to stuff your face, but you can’t, just because you have to make weight,” Ward said, who wrestles at 112 pounds.

These elite six wrestlers can attribute their success to hard work over a course of many years.

“A lot of us, especially the seniors, have

“

put in a lot of time practicing in the offseason over the years,” Taylor Morris said.

“Also, our team in general has a great work ethic.”

Earlier this season the team traveled to Reno, Nevada, for the Tri-State Tournament, where they earned a reputation as one of the top wrestling teams in the region.

“Our largest accomplishment this year is finishing fourth in the 64 team Tri-State Tournament,” coach Mike Randles said.

The team has a very good shot at the first place title at the 4A state championship tournament this year as long as they stay injury free for the remainder of the season.

Each of the wrestlers interviewed unanimously stated the number one goal is to be the state champion.

The top wrestlers have learned many valuable life lessons through wrestling.

“There are too many things that I’ve learned from wrestling but the most impacting one is probably that if you set your mind to it, you

...The most impacting one is probably that if you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything.

”

HeatHer allen

n TWIN TAKE DOWN: Senior Jerod Morris throws down senior twin brother Taylor Morris during wrestling practice. The team finished fourth at the Tri-State Tournament this season.

can achieve anything,” Meschko said.

Winning in wrestling is one of the best rewards, not because of the ego driven satisfaction, but because it is a great reward for the discipline put in earlier.

“Winning a match or a tournament [is my

favorite part about wrestling], because it’s rewarding to have all of our hard work pay off,” Taylor Morris said.

The success of the team is surprisingly well taking into consideration that the team has no wrestlers competing in the sport year-

Creatine—positive David Beckham, world-renowned soccer player, is moving to Los Angeles.

One the best players in Europe when he played for Real Madrid and Manchester United, Beckham has accepted a contract from the Los Angeles Galaxy worth up to $250 million for five years.

My question is why would one of the best players in the world drop out of the best leagues in world to play in the MLS. Nothing against the MLS, but in my experience watching the game, it looked for like a rugby game mixed with a bunch of 6 year olds kicking a ball.

After watching the World Cup this summer and seeing how well the game was played, it was hard to go back to watching the MLS. So why in the world would an all-star from the European Premiere Leagues want to play bunch ball in America? Beckham replied time and time again his decision wasn’t about the money. When you’re getting paid $250 million to play in MLS, it’s all about the Benjamins. One part of me is happy because I want to see U.S. soccer be able to compete well at the world level and win, but another part of me doesn’t believe that one player will make so much of a difference in the overall popularity of the sport.

Beckham, who may be late in his career, wanted a new challenge and will have quite a large burden to carry if he really wants to resurrect U.S. Soccer.

This seemingly odd decision could be viewed as a strategy to win a championship. Karl Malone, a long time NBA all-star, was traded to the Lakers in a similar fashion, and his goal was to win a title. Unfortunately for Malone, the Detroit Pistons stopped his quest in the finals.

Will something like this happen to Beckham or will the poster-boy of soccer really bring the game back?

alternative to steroids Kyle Gibson Staff reporter

“

In sports, athletes are always looking for a way to be better than their opponents, and, in some instances, supplements are used to enhance an athlete’s performance. Whether or not these enhancements are legal there is proof that shows these products may help your game but hurt your body.

“Five years ago more kids were using creatine, but now I don’t know,” health teacher, Steve Miller said.

Young athletes who use supplements like steroids are looking for a quick success and don’t always realize what may happen as a result of their use.

These supplements will allow someone to compete with superhuman abilities, but the consequences of using may cripple a person later.

The consequences of abusing these substances are damage to the liver and kidneys, bad acne, and shrinking testes. “ T h e y [young athletes] are looking for a shortcut, and they will have to pay the consequence for that,” Miller said.

Most sports around the world have banned performance-enhancing drugs from competition, and have officials to conduct drug tests on athletes.

In recent years, steroids have

They [young athletes] are looking for a shortcut, and they will have to pay the consequence for that.

-Steve Miller Health teacher

Come by and see Dana, Michelle,andCamiforyour after school treats!

“Tastes as good as it looks!”

Deirde Hill Liz Evans 710 Pine Street Sandpoint 208-263-9012

”

become the center of controversy in the professional sports world.

Floyd Landis’ amazing comeback victory in final stage of the Tour de France sparked controversy immediately after his finish. He was found with extra high levels of synthetic testosterone in his body.

“I feel it is cheating, but just taking steroids won’t make you better,” Miller said, “working out with them is what makes a person stronger.”

Creatine, a more common enhancement product among young athletes is not illegal.

Creatine is said to have negative effects on users, but in most studies no negative effects have -Steve Miller been found.

“It [creatine] Health teacher helps your recovery time, which allows you to lift more,” sophomore Ricky Lang said.

Some athletes, such as Ohio State University wide receiver Anthony Gonzales, have found more creative ways of making themselves better.

Gonzales sleeps in a tent as training.

This tent is a high altitude simulator, which removes the oxygen from inside, so it makes the occupant feel like he is at a very high elevation.

The concept is to train muscles in an oxygen-poor area, so when he is at a normal altitude his muscles will get much more oxygen than in the tent.

This will keep muscles from breaking down faster.

“

I feel it is cheating, but just taking steroids won’t make you better.

pHoto by HeatHer allen

GrapHic by bryce lovrin

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Page 11 February 1, 2007

Cedar Post

BRYCE LOVRIN Staff reporter

Q: What is the hardest part about playing basketball?

Why? A: “Winning. We never can score enough. We get the shots, but we just can’t make the shots.”

Q: What is your favorite part about playing basketball?

Why? A: “I love to play defense. I get to control the way my opponent goes and how fast they play. I also like to score.”

Q: When and why did you start HEATHER ALLEN

playing basketball?

A: “My sister was playing basketball during high school, and my father made me play, and I ended up liking it.”

Q: What have you gained from playing basketball?

A: “I have gained a little bit of confidence, I have also met a lot of friends from basketball.”

Q: What has been your favorite basketball experience?

A: “The past two years I have gone to Oregon and played in a huge tournament. There are teams from all over the United States that come”

Q: How do you feel about the teams’ performance this year?

A: “I think that we do good for about a quarter and then we start to give up. We are still a young team and we should do better next year.”

Q: What was the worst experience you’ve had playing basketball?

A: “My first year playing Hoopfest I sprained my ankle really bad. I never healed it all the way, and it still hurts every once in a while.”

Q: What are your short and long term goals for basketball?

A: “Long-get a scholarship, got to college and play. Short— for the [team] to pick it up and go to state.”

Kim Guercio Sport: Basketball Position: Guard Height: 5’ 6” Weight: 125 lbs.

Number: 22

NATE BESSLER

Approach of Super Bowl XLI leaves fans eager for game day WILL HUGHES

Co-Assistant Sports Editor With the passing of Christmas, New Years and the college football BCS bowl game, it would seem like there is no hope for any entertainment for an entire year. But wait, have no fear, the Super Bowl is near!

On Feb. 4, the 41st annual Super Bowl game will kick off.

From the AFC division we have the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, and From the NFC division we have the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.

The Saints the

Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, and the Patriots will be playing the Colts in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, both on January 21st.

SUPER BOWL FACEOFF: CHICAGO BEARS VS. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Everyone has their own team that they want to win the Super Bowl,

whether it is a lifelong alliance or maybe a bet placed on the outcome of the game. Most people however, just have a favorite team for no apparent reason.

“It’s a hard choice, but I probably want the Saints to win the Super Bowl,” sophomore Chris Rhyne said.

One thing not to forget this year is the bowl game snacks.

“I like Trail Mix or Chex Mix,” junior Cody Dana said.

By Feb. 4, make sure to have all your chips, soda, and whatever else you crave and sit back, relax and enjoy Super Bowl XLI.

KYLE GIBSON

GRAHAM PAYTON

Snowmobiling proves to be a fun time for many high school students PAULINA GRALOW

Trestle Creek and Pack River, but there are endless possibilities of Looking for something to do places to go. According to www. this winter? For a few thousand snowtracks.com, Idaho alone dollars you can buy a snowmobile. has 7,200 miles of snowmobile Spend some time learning how trails, which is more than other western state. to use it and finding out where any H o w e v e r , the deepest Sandpoint powder is s t u d e n t s available, and only you can become It’s like you’re riding in don’t snowmobile an expert in no in Idaho. time. clouds.

Sophomore “I started Jessica York, s n o w m o b i l i n g -Spencer Eich who has been about four Junior snowmobiling or five years since she was ago,” junior 8 years old, Spencer Eich said.

“Every ride you travels in order to snowmobile get better and better,” outside of the Sandpoint area.

“In Wyoming not too long ago, senior Cody Halliday, a friend of Eich’s, has also snowmobiled for I hit a rock and flipped over the handlebars. I bent some stuff on four years.

“It’s fun, playing in the my snowmobile and broke some powder, hill climbing and stuff too,” York said.

If you haven’t noticed dodging trees,” Halliday said. snowmobiles can Popular areas to go already, snowmobiling are Roman Nose, also be incredibly dangerous.

Journalism I contributor

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Luckily, York didn’t get hurt.

Neither did Eich, when he and his brother sided each other on their snowmobiles.

“We were riding in a field. He was probably going 50 [mph], and I was doing 40 [mph]. We were both looking the wrong ways and we collided on the sides.

Only the sleds were damaged, $200 worth,” Eich said.

Even though snowmobiling can be risky, there’s no doubt that it can always give the rider an exhilarating feeling.

“The adrenaline rush is the best part because you’re always pushing yourself to do more and pushing yourself to go higher or farther,” York said.

Some students find interesting ways to make snowmobiling even more fun, by creating new methods. For instance, boon docking is going through deep snow while weaving around trees.

“It’s like you’re riding in clouds,” Eich said.

SAMANTHA MAY

■ POWDER DAYS: Junior Spencer Eich takes advantage of the nice weather and fresh powder to rally his snowmobile through the woods.

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February 1, 2007

Cedar Post