December 2006

Volume 50 No. 4

December 22, 2006

‘Monument’ strikes gold Kestrel Henry

Mary Crumley

WORKING ON THE YEARBOOK ARE Mitchell Lurth and Samantha Jacobo, both ‘07. In recent years the yearbook staff has worked to improve Monument.

staff writer

“Golden Moments” isn’t seeing much gold.

Washington’s yearbook, “The Monument,” is themed “Golden Moments” this year, and is facing financial problems. It hasn’t profited much in previous years because of a surplus of books that were ordered and never bought. Only around 45 percent of Washington students actually purchased one last year.

Our goal is “to break even this year,” s a i d y e a r b o o k a d v i s e r E l i z a b e t h Na s o .

To help correct the money problem, this year’s yearbook will require most students to order online instead of directly through the staff. The link to order can be found on the crwash.org website under “clubs” and then “Monument.” Students will be able to pay with installments, with credit cards or with checks. The new system is aiming to make ordering easier for parents, and will lessen worries about lost money, miscalculations or miscommunications. “ There’s no human error,” said Naso.

Co-editor Samantha Jacobo, ‘07, said the yearbook has come a long way since last year’s “The Shape of Things.” The layouts are being designed by the students instead of using preset versions. Students will be photographed holding up signs printed with the book’s various page numbers, to be put on every

page. Naso hopes this will get students who normally wouldn’t be in the yearbook a chance to appear. Business advertising will still be used along with full color, and the theme will be continued throughout the book.

“Whenever someone complains about one thing, they’re always really diligent about fixing that one thing,” said Stephanie Randall, ‘07.

Randall is glad the color is back, but misses the “things that happened this year” sections, which contained the little details, such as hit pop songs.

Len Strutmann, fine arts photographer for Washington, takes many of the pictures. Jacobo says they’re accepting picture submissions from students as well.

The yearbook is estimated to cost around $60 when it’s released in the middle of May. Jacobo said it depends on how far behind deadline they’ve fallen.

Any profits made will go toward rebuilding the program as well as purchasing cameras and computers.

Naso said they’ll try to meet the deadline, but are faced with a dwindling staff problem.

Though there was a surge in the staff at the beginning of the year, many have left since then. The editors are constantly looking to fill jobs. She estimates there are currently 16 people on the staff.

“We kind of had a rough start,” she said. “There’s going to be a lot of changes.” Through the kinks, however, she’s positive about the future of the program as it works to forever immortalize our “golden moments.”

Coe sleepout Farewell Frary Speech team Tiffany Westrom

staff writer

Have you every wondered what it would be like to not have a home? To have only a cardboard box or a small tent to depend on to shelter you from the elements?

Most people do not have a chance to experience that type of living environment, but on Nov. 18, nearly 20 Washington students got that opportunity. Members of Adastra and Interact participated in a camp out on the Coe College campus.

The event was held to raise awareness about homeless people and collect blankets and money to go towards helping improve the lives of the homeless in Cedar Rapids.

After setting up the glamorous camp of cardboard boxes, the students socialized and even played some football.

With only a cardboard box to sleep in, in unpredictable Iowa weather, the cold was definitely a factor that made the students aware of how homeless people might live.

“We basically just chilled, literally,” said Patrick Berry, ‘07, who is a member of both Adastra and Interact.

This event got the attention of members of Cedar Rapids to contribute blankets, money and care to those in need.

“I would definitely do it again,” said Johanna Herder,” ‘06.

Most of the students agreed, with a few more hand warmers and some bigger coats, they would love to participate again.

news Cocoa & Carols heats up WHS with music and holiday cheer

Erin Wahle

As many Washington High School students may already know, the beloved Denny Frary from KCRG recently resigned his position as Cedar Rapids weather man last month.

Frary began his reign of excellence in 1974 when he joined the First Alert Storm Team on channel 9. For the past 35 years, Frary served as the chief meteorologist and the host of Good Morning Eastern Iowa. He produced over 25,000 newscasts and allowed himself to become a friendly face to many Cedar Rapidians. Not only did he provide the City of Cedar Rapids with up-to-date news and weather reports, but he also spread his expertise to areas apart from newscasting. Frary participated in many service-oriented organizations and allowed his presence to be known to a variety of community causes.

Frary has received several recognitions for his role as a top meteorologist for Eastern Iowa. He was awarded the Seal of Approval by the American Meteorological Society in 1982 and currently serves on the President’s Council at the University of Illinois in Champaign.

Frary said farewell to his viewers on Nov. 17 with one final weather report. Frary has the ability to take something as simple as the weather, and transform it not only into a learning experience, but also a means of entertainment. His presence on KCRG TV 9 will truly be missed.

opinions profiles Surveyor discusses various levels of modesty... or lack there of

co-news editor

Find out what was hot and what was not in Surveyor’s ‘Best of 2006’

focus C re d i t , d e b i t , checking, allowance...get the 411 on ‘cash money’

Aunna McDowell

staff writer

Speech team members really have their work cut out for them. Long practices and intense coaching will keep members busy and prepared for the upcoming competitions.

Speech team will be participating in many events this year such as the One-Act Play Festival and Large Group Speech Night on Jan. 18 and 19, large group speech districts in Monticello, State on Feb. 3, All-State on Feb. 17, and possible performances at Franklin and McKinley.

Speech team’s goal for this season is to make it to State, an accomplishment achieved last year. Danny Yuska, speech team coach, spends hours working with members in order to achieve this goal.

Yuska said, “I’m a really competitive person, and that’s why we (speech team) practice so much...I have huge expectations... I just hope for the best and that the kids have fun.”

Speech team is made up of many different ensembles.

Practices for different ensembles occur every week day except Friday. During practice, members work on choral readings, singing, blocking, and strengthening their voices.

Despite the long hours and intense coaching, speech team members still enjoy their practices.

Sp e e c h t e a m m e m b e r Va n e z z i a L e v i , ‘ 0 8 , said “I like the rehearsals and the fun we have.”

sports

To p - r a n k e d warrior women fire up the basketball court

a&e

Playstation 3 causes chaos for WHS students and global consumers

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News

12.22.06

AP Audit Madeline Lederer staff writer

AP Audit, a new program coming from the College Board this year, ensures that all schools meet the AP requirements.

“AP Audit is a new program that authorizes teachers and schools to teach specific AP courses. It’s an attempt to verify the content and curricular validity of courses,” said Francis McMann, AP Economics teacher at Washington.

For Washington, the answer the answer is yes. Wash has no problem with this new program. Wash is fortunate enough too have well-qualified teachers who have already attended AP workshops and have the materials they need.

“The curriculum hasn’t needed to make any huge

changes to meet these new expectations.” McMann said.

While Washington is on the right track, statistics show that 1/3 of schools are not teaching the correct AP courses.

For the schools that aren’t quite there, this new program will greatly affect their AP courses.

The College Board ensures that AP classes are meeting their standards by requiring each AP teacher to send in a syllabus for their course. The board reviews this syllabus to determine whether the course meets AP expectations. This is the first year that AP Audit was introduced, but it will most likely continue to exist for years to come. This means that when it comes time to apply for college, they will look at your transcript to see if the AP class you took met the College Boards standards.

Mary Crumley

SHOWING OFF THEIR HOLIDAY SPIRIT are members of momentum at the annual Cocoa and Carols holiday concert. Washington feeder schools come and perform during the morning and afternoon shows.

Creation club evolves at WHS Adoption program initiated Megan Hartman

staff writer

WHS students are starting to learn creation ideas through the new Creation Club.

Creation Club is a club that discusses evidence for a creator and intelligent design. They bring scientific and observable evidence for a young Earth, Biblical flood, and other creation positions.

“The club isn’t about creation versus science,” said Lee Wilwert, ‘07. “It’s about creation versus evolution, which are theories that should be argued with scientific evidence before anyone makes a decision on what to believe.”

Creation club believes in a six-day cre-

ation of the world and that it’s less than 10,000 years old. They also believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible word of God, and in a worldwide flood Noah would have taken dinosaurs on the ark.

The club is led

by Ricky Mellor, ‘07 and Wilwert who research topics and bring in evidence for discussion to the meetings.

Mellor and Wilwert felt there was an interest in creation at Wash and thought it would help more students get an understanding of creationist theories.

“It is important for students to be able to get both sides of the story and make decisions for themselves instead of being told what to believe,” said Wilwert.

“The club isn’t about creation versus science.”

—Lee Wilwert, ‘07

Molly James

Although high school is said to be the best four years of your life, some students at Wash do not find this to be true. Fortunately, a new program is forming to help students who are having a rough time.

Nikki Rowland, science teacher and adviser of the program, was the one to notice these struggling individuals and decided to do something about it. After being reassured of a great idea by students and staff, Rowland decided to follow through with her idea.

Rowland’s idea was to have a strong individual “adopt” and spend time with a student who is not so confident in Wash hallways.

“It’s meant to match up outgoing, successful, hardworking students with kids who are having a hard time adjusting to high school

College crunch time Jenna Hackendahl

co-news editor

Tiffany Aossey, ‘07, has taken all of the steps required to attend her dream college: the application, essay, transcript, and recommendations. All that is left to do is wait, possibly the hardest task of all.

For seniors across the country and at Washington, December is a vicious month to be an upperclassman.

January is the deadline for nearly all colleges and universities, and between homecoming and football games, it became difficult to tackle the application process.

“I definitely still have some stuff to do, and to be honest, I’m a little worried. I guess I just have to buckle down and get it done,” said Bryan Connor, ‘07. Connor is not alone; the cold weather is not the only element impacting the demeanor of Washington seniors.

Although each individual case varies, most students can be separated into three categories, each containing little certainty. The most populous group of students is those planning to attend a community college, such as Kirkwood. At Washington in particular, roughly 30 percent enroll in a two-year college.

Kirkwood offers a great option for many students of Washington. It is a prestigious community college that will prepare students who plan to transfer to a university or those who plan on entering the workforce.

The next group of students consists of those applying to a four-year college or university. Because of high application rates, even the best of students cannot be considered a shoo-in at any school. For these students, easily identified by their countless ‘to-do’ lists, the seemingly endless process of paperwork has been stream-

staff writer

lined by the popularity of the common application.

The common application allows students to fill out the same information once, rather than a thousand times. However, the ability to simply ‘click-and-send’ has caused the spike in application rates. It is to the advantage of college to have many students apply, but for the student, the competition has stiffened.

There seems to be two ends of the spectrum: those students who have applied to every known college and those who are confident in their limited choices. Either way, stress ensues.

The concept of rolling admission, in which a college makes a decision of acceptance in a timely period, has lightened the load of seniors.

Emily Penningroth, ‘07, has already heard back from all of her choices. All she has to do now is decide.

“I don’t know what I would do if I had to wait like everyone else until March, I’m really glad that all of my choices responded so quickly. However, having forever to make a decision I do expect my mind to flip-flop. It’s nice to be able to picture myself somewhere, I’m already planning my dorm room...it is going to be purple,” said Penningroth.

Thirdly, it is also important to consider the members of the graduating class that proceed directly into the workforce. The pressure to find a job or career can be drastically more daunting than applying and choosing a college or university.

Although with age comes growing familiarity, the seniors knowledge of all the ins and outs at Washington may not be put to use until the drama of future has completely unfolded, and in some cases, the stress lasts until May.

academically or socially,” said Rowland.

Students with common interests will be paired together to instill confidence in their not-so-sure peer.

“They could do homework together, eat lunch together, or go to games together,” said Rowland. The main purpose of the program is simply to help these students feel more comfortable in the school environment.

“It’s kind of like the Big Brother, Big Sister program,” said Rowland, but she also said there is no age limit for either partner.

Any students interested in mentoring students must first fill out an application and be selected by a teacher.

Rowland said, “Any student can fill out an application but they have to have references from other Washington teachers.”

Applications are available in an envelope outside Rowland’s room (134).

January 2007 • Jan. 12: Midterm •Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Day (early dismissal) •Jan. 18: One Act Plays/Large Group Speech Night •Jan. 20: Speech team districts •Jan. 25: ITED Assembly/t-shirt give-away •Jan. 27: SAT Test/State Jazz Band and Show Competition at Washington/Science Bowl

News

12.22.06

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Midterms shake up Congress What Happened? Young Democrats overjoyed • Jim Leach, a 30-year Iowan veteran of the Senate, lost his seat to Democratic newcomer Dave Loebsack . Le ach was seen by many as a moderate Republican.

• Overall, the Democrats gained a small majorit y in bo th the Senate (51-49) and the House of Representatives (232-207).

• Joe Lieberman, a previous Democratic member of the Senate who lost the primary in his home state of Connecticut, won as an independent in support of the Iraq War.

Anne Brenneman

staff writer

“I am super excited about the midterm elections because the Democrats are gaining the power and voice they deserve,” said Mallory Williams, ‘10.

Along with Williams, the Young Democrats are happy about the outcome of the mid-term elections.

As a result of the mid-term elections, the Democrats now hold the majority of the seats in the U.S. Senate, 51-49. (Although two are Independent, they will caucus with the Democrats.) In the House of Representatives, Democrats now hold the majority of seats, 232-202.

Prior to Nov. 7, the Democrats had

not controlled both the Senate and the House since 1994. In Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, Republican Jim Leach, a 30-year member of the House of Representatives, lost to newcomer Democrat Dave Loebsack.

“It’s just awesome. The Democrats worked hard to achieve their goals and succeeded,” said Tyler Mitchell, club president.

Haley Schulte, ‘10, a Young Democrats member, said, “We’re [Young Democrats] happy because the policies the Democrats are for are finally going to be put in action.”

Chris Robinson, the adviser of Young Democrats, added, “I thought the elections were a great example of democracy in action.”

Young Republicans surprised

• The Republican part y lost 6 seats in the Senate and 29 Seats in the House of Representatives.

Keile Wahle

• The Democratic party gained 6 seats in the Senate and 30 seats in the House of Representatives.

• N a n c y Pe l o s i b e c ame t h e Spe aker of the House and all committee leadership positions were transferred to Democrats.

• Democratic le adership called for the work week to be e xtended from 4 days to 5 days.

Mary Crumley

YOUNG REPUBLICANS (L to R) Jared Poland, ‘09, Matt Peterson, Josh Poland, Stephanie Steimel, Patrick Berry and Anna Rustebakke, all ‘07.

Genocides continue in Darfur; killings, awareness escalate Fatima Wagdy

co-back page editor

While many of us go about our normal schooldays, there is a humanitarian crisis occurring in the Darfur region of Sudan.

It has become a war-torn region for the past couple of years, and death is rampant.

About 400,000 people have died since the conflict began in January of 2003, and 2.5 million people have been displaced.

The violence is a result of the conflict between the Janjaweed, and the non-Baggara people. Different ethnic groups and tribes are targeted, including the Fur, Zaghawa and Massaleit groups. The terrible violence has come to be known as ethnic cleansing, or genocide.

There was recently a resolution proposed by the U.N. to have a peacekeeping force put in Sudan to help stop the violence, however, it was later rejected by the Sudanese government.

Although many resolutions have been proposed by both sides, neither side will agree on one. This is also a problem because the Sudanese government has supported the Janjaweed.

While the government, as well as the U.N. and other countries around the world try to solve the conflict, people continue to die and flee the violence every day.

Refugees fear for their lives everyday and hardly have food and water. Many of the refugees have fled to Chad to stay in refugee camps, as well as other regions of Sudan.

More recently, on Dec. 14, the U.S. sent a special envoy to Brussels to talk about the situation in Darfur with European officials and NATO officials Javier Solana and Secre-

Mary Crumley

THRILLED ABOUT THE RESULTS OF THE 2006 MIDTERM ELECTIONS are members of Washington High School’s Young Democrats club.

The region of Darfur in the African country of Sudan is currently coping with a massive genocide.

tary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. NATO’s role in the Darfur conflict would be to support union troops. They are working on a “hybrid” U.N. African Union force to calm the violence.

However, the Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir is resisting this idea. The United States will also consider having a no-fly zone if the idea of an international force does not work. However more discussions between the U.S. and other countries in the European Union at the summit are to take place.

The conditions are dire, and the U.N. is frantically trying to solve the issue. However, the conflict continues, and the people of Darfur are still suffering.

staff writer

Josh Poland, ’07, an active participant and adviser of the Young Republicans club at Washington, describes himself as surprised about the Democratic domination midterm elections.

“The results were unexpected in that we didn’t foresee such a huge comeback, and especially in Iowa, we thought different candidates would be elected,” said Poland.

Young Republicans have 10 active members that contribute to the group.

“Our group consists of members coming from several sides of the political spectr um, it is open to anybody who claims

Republican hood,” Poland said.

The group meets Tuesdays on a weekly basis at the Starlight.

The group discusses current events in the political spectrum and makes notes of upcoming meetings for students at Washington High School.

In Poland’s words, the group’s main focus is to provide a positive environment for conservative students eager to participate in politics.

As surprising as the results for the mid-year elections were, the young republicans were able to accurately predict to a reasonable degree, an outcome of democratic dominance.

Although the group foresaw this type of turnout, the extremity was not as easily seen to this extent.

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Opinions

12.22.06

Whatever you do, control your cheatin’ heart Kalese Henry staff writer

We live in a wonderful age.

We enjoy calculators with text and transmission capability, cell phone cameras, PDAs, and Bluetooth. Web sites can access anything anywhere instantaneously.

Here in the country of liberty and technology, we are free to do as we please. This means, of course, that we have the freedom and the resources, more than ever before in the history of mankind, to cheat as we see fit.

Take a look at the rich and powerful. Cheating is everywhere.

Can you say Enron or WorldCom? Barry Bonds owes his hitting records to cheating. Remember some guy named Bill that cheated with some floozy named Monica? Closer to home, how many of your parents would emphatically state that they have never cheated, in even the slightest way, on their income tax?

Why should a high school student show self-restraint in a world of self-indulgence? Cheating is our birthright. America is the world’s leading proponent of me-first capitalism, free markets and competition. What could possibly be wrong with

breaking a few little laws to get ahead, to gain an edge, or to win? We have been taught from a young age to think outside the box rather than be constrained by a silly set of perceived or actual rules. Surely conjuring up ingenious ways to beat the system falls under the category of innovative thought.

At times it seems that society has not only given us the green light to con our way to the top, but requires us to do so. Our society’s philosophy is “earn money until it comes out of your ears, because otherwise you are not successful.” The rich are not questioned about their honesty. The landscape is dotted with colleges named after robber barons and the sports record books are full of athletes who broke the rules.

Some of the most respected names in American history earned their millions the old fashioned way … they stole it. Brad cheated on Jennifer, Kevin cheated on Britney. In fact, any overpriced movie star not cheating in Hollywood is a pariah in need of a better agent.

Face it – cheating is efficient. You can party ’til the cows come home, never crack a book, and do just fine if you can convince your friend in period one to give you the test

Roses and Thorns: The monthly column where Surveyor lets you know what’s IN and what’s OUT at WHS

ROSES

Why should a high school student show self-restraint in a world of self-indulgence?

Cheating is our birthright.

Waiting on the world to change? Do something to fix it Fatima Wagdy

-To Sacha Baron Cohen, for making the most quotable movie since Anchorman and Napoleon Dynamite. High five!

-BREAK. Finally here, after the eternity of classes since Thanksgiving.

-Great turnout at winter sport events so far. Way to show off that Warrior pride, guys!

-A season where you can eat as much as you want and not feel guilty. Gingerbread cookie anyone?

Thorns -To anyone who has to play against our women’s basketball team. Oh wait, you’re unlucky enough as it is.

-Jack Frost, who as of press time was really slackin’ on his snow-making duties. We’re seriously missing those snow days!

-BREAK. Sweet but way too short. What happened to the two weeks we got in kindergarten?

artwork by Alex Pearson

answers. Got important video games to play? No problem if you can get text-messaged from across the room in class the next day. Need an essay? A quick Google of “Buy an Essay” turned up over 5 million hits. Need a book report? Buy it on eBay, but be careful since fraud on eBay itself cost users nearly $40 million last year. Class rank is important, college admissions are tough, but who really has the time to study during Grey’s Anatomy? No one, and no problem. Just steal some answers, buy a paper, collaborate during tests, and pride yourself on still attaining valedictorian status.

Heading into a world that seems to be in the throes of a morality deficit, we see little reason to tell the truth or play by the rules.

When our bad behavior is tolerated, doing what we please is our law, and getting ahead is our way of life, can there be any reason for behaving honestly? Let me suggest one. In a society where we value the put-down almost as much as the paycheck, I would suggest that cheating is the ultimate way to diss yourself. Why? Because cheating says, “I am not capable. I don’t believe in myself. And besides, I’m lazy.”

back page editor

What if every time you walked out your front door, you feared for your life, and for the life of all your loved ones? Imagine hearing bombs and wondering if the next one would hit your home. Imagine never knowing if you’ll have food or water for days at a time. For us, this may seem like a nightmare, but for millions around the world, this nightmare is a reality.

At times, I feel like some kids our age don’t really care or pay any attention to the world around them. So many people live in such oppression and it is important that we care about them. It seems like a cliché comment, but its importance is so great because we are the future of our country and the world. Maybe it’s that we are just ignorant about some things, or don’t have time to think about the world. However, complete indifference can be very harmful.

Indifference is simply being unaware or just not caring. It seems harmless, but its repercussions are tremendous. It really isn’t a conscious movement, it’s just that the rest of the world really isn’t at the top of our list of priorities, and we get caught up in what we have to do in our own lives. Although many students care about what is happening in the world, many simply are uninterested and do not make the effort to understand the plight of others in the world.

We all need to realize that we are all people, and we are all equal, no matter what country you come from. We share the same feelings of sadness when someone dies, the same happiness when a child is born. It is simply fate that we are in America. We could have been born in any other country, and could have possibly lived through starvation, oppression or other atrocities. For that at least, we need to be thankful and appreciative.

Some people waste away their lives thinking about what they don’t have and think they have the worst possible life. But there is almost always someone somewhere in the world who has it worse than you, and if you

live in America, there are many other people in the world who have it worse than you.

In America, we have so much opportunity that is enormous compared to almost any other country in the world. For example, starvation is not a major issue in America, but in many parts of Africa, more than half of the population is malnourished. Many people in these countries have a lot of perseverance and an excellent work ethic, but they are starving, and that is the number one priority, before anything else. These people simply have no chance at all, and the only thing they did wrong was to be born in the wrong country.

Any of us could have ended up like that.

This all demonstrates the idea that there is so much going on in the world that we don’t understand, and even if we try, we can’t. We really can’t know what it feels like because it’s not in our realm of life. Because of this, we must feel empathy and sympathy for others around the world in hardship and suffering. We can’t stay in our cozily crafted boxes, unaware of life outside of it, and be indifferent to it.

Some may say their indifference is simply because they can’t do anything about it, so why bother? However, this is not true. Simply caring and trying to understand, putting forth an effort is doing something. This little something can transform itself into action, whether it is a word of encouragement to someone less fortunate than yourself, or a full fledged charity organization. They each started not with indifference, for indifference produces nothing, but with understanding and the tiniest effort to care. Even a smile can be a form of charity and sympathy.

However, indifference to the world, or what happens in your country, etc. is extremely dangerous. Often, when people are indifferent, there is no opposition to the government even when its actions are clearly wrong. For example, if the rest of the world just sat and watched the Holocaust without caring, even more people could have died.

This indifference can in turn lead to oppression, starvation and more. Furthermore, corrupt leaders would rather have us be indifferent so that we do not question their rule.

And as Robert Maynard Hutchins said, “The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.”

Opinions

12.22.06

5

cartoon by Alex Pearson

Skin is in — but not in school, please

You are what you do, not what you wear

Sam Moorman

Erin Becker

staff writer

Walking down the halls of Washington at 8 a.m.., barely awake, the last thing I want or need to see is a girl who’s showing too much skin. The word modesty doesn’t seem to hold a place in the ways girls dress anymore.

I’ve noticed a growing trend in magazines and in our hallways; the skin to clothing ratio is changing. Girls’ shirts are getting lower and lower. I can understand not wearing turtlenecks every day and I don’t expect to. You don’t have to dress like a nun to be modest.

A little skin isn’t going to kill anyone. When your shirt is barely covering your bra, though, you may want to rethink what you’re wearing. There is a time and place for clothes like that; however, school is not the place (and I’m not really sure what is.)

Some of the things I’ve seen in the halls look more like something someone would wear on their honeymoon. No one needs to see that much of anyone, especially at school. It’s by no means acceptable; in all honesty, I really don’t think it’s something that is necessary, either.

If anything, it degrades your body. It doesn’t empower you or give you control by any means.

Guys are going to have a hard time keeping their eyes from wandering. Some of them may be able to control it, but if they want to look, nothing is stopping them. If they don’t want to look, it just becomes a temptation and a burden. I’m not aware of any girl who wants to be objectified in that way.

I’m not asking you to cover up just for the guys’ sake. I’m asking you to cover up for your sake. It’s one of the saddest things to see a pretty girl walk down the hall with very little clothing on, because the clothes are what get people’s attention. Would you really want to date a guy who only noticed you because of your cleavage? The girls of this school are worth more than what we’re portraying lately.

I’m not saying that I haven’t been guilty of being immodest, because I know that I have. I decided to take the risk of sounding like a hypocrite by writing this article, because walking down the halls lately, it isn’t just sad to see girls dressed in the manner they are. It’s disgusting. It isn’t just low cut tops. It’s the low cut jeans that don’t stay up when girls sit down and underwear (or lack of ) that peaks out when girls sit down. It’s the jeans with the rips all over them that show half of your backside.

Society sends out this thought that you are what you look like. Unfortunately, that’s not true about anyone; people are worth more than the way they look and dress. So when you get dressed tomorrow, keep in mind that low cut tops may get you more attention than you want. Besides, do your teachers want to see that in the morning? I know that I don’t.

Opinions editor

The old slogan tells consumers “you are what you wear.” This is an impressive advertising ploy, but not exactly a true statement. Though clothes can certainly be a way to express one’s sense of style or individuality, it’s impossible to gauge someone’s values from the outfit they are wearing.

The words “modesty” and “immodesty” are inextricably associated with clothing. The decline of cultural morals is often proven with examples from the latest risque fashions. But that connotation, tying values directly to clothing, is not only incorrect, it also keeps Americans from seeing society’s actual problems.

The clothes aren’t the issue here. Three years ago, Dr. Plagman spent the first two months of school announcements trying to communicate the distinction between “beach attire” and “school attire.” This year, the topic hardly came up-- not because kids are any less interested in flaunting their bodies to the opposite sex; just because the fashion tides have turned and now the question is, how many shirts can you wear at once? Before viewing low rise jeans and visible underwear as a sign of apocalyptic promiscuity, let’s all calm down, take a deep breath and realize that “this, too, shall pass.” There will always be angelic kids and trouble-making kids, no matter whether the trends turn to spaghetti straps or bulky sweaters.

To use wardrobe selection as a litmus test for societal problems is to overlook the real issue.

The question isn’t “what are you wearing,” it’s “what are you doing?” Of course, certain outfits are more appropriate for certain occasions, and the young man in body-hugging girls’ jeans and a spiky dog collar is eventually going to realize that when he wants an office job. But evil can be done in a suit and tie, and good can be done in a skintight shirt. By stopping our concerns at the clothing, we’re missing the point. Schools can ban bare midriffs and decree that all skirts fall at such and so length-- but teaching kids modesty goes further than that.

Trends in clothing will come and go, but it’s the attitude in the head behind that permed hair or backward-flipped hat that sets the standard for how a person wants to be treated and perceived. As long as someone respects him/herself and respects others, clothing is inconsequential.

It’s not the clothing that makes the man, woman, or kid. It’s the self-image they hold, their actions, and how they treat others. Instead of worrying about whether clothes are adhering to certain cultural standards, schools should focus on instilling positive values in their student body. Build up a teenager’s self-respect, and the clothes will follow suit. And if all else fails, just wait it out. Modesty will certainly be back in style soon.

6

12.22.06

cartoon by Alex Pearson

Opinions Ready to kill, but not to drink Stephanie Steimel

staff writer

Today, we live in a country where the government can draft a person into the army, hand them a gun, and order them to go kill another person before the person is even permitted to taste a single sip of alcohol.

The government deems it appropriate that a person of 18 years is able to vote, go to war, and smoke tobacco. However, they are not allowed to drink alcohol until they are three years older. Clearly, this is a law that everyone is well aware of and society as a whole has become more and more complacent with it despite its unfairness.

This law was made less than one generation ago, and I have heard stories from my mother about when she was legally drinking at 18 years old. This regulation, which is only a mere 20-some years old, has become regularly accepted with almost no question, even though there are serious flaws in the reasoning behind it.

At 18, we are responsible enough to vote on our government, to influence how our entire nation is run and everyone in it, but yet we are not mature enough to handle a personal decision such as alcohol. We can buy a pack of cigarettes, but not a pack of beer. Why? Supposedly, it is to lessen the risk of abusing the substance, but that reasoning is flawed. The result is almost the exact opposite of the desired effect. Just as Eve was tempted to test the forbidden fruit, so are adolescents tempted with similarly prohibited items those in authority deem too far above their capabilities to handle. Instead of deterring the interest in alcohol, it is merely magnified.

People are not being educated well enough on the substance and do not respect it enough, and this leads to abuse. Studies have shown that abuse of alcohol in teenagers is more of a problem in the United States than it is in Europe, where the drinking age is much lower. It is as though we American teens are far more likely to abuse it simply because it is something we’re not supposed to do. Europeans, however, simply see alcohol as a social drink they grew up with, and therefore they very rarely drink excessively.

As with any illicit thing, the very fact of alcohol’s forbidden quality makes people much more desirous of having it. If children were brought up with the substance, they would see it as the Europeans do, as no more than normal. There would be no magical “forbidden” aura around it. Instead, they see it as something that only adults are allowed to do, and by that same reasoning, they believe that drinking alcohol makes them more adult.

Teenagers today also drink alcohol because they think it makes them cool and thus helps them fit in with their peers.

They are pressured and persuaded to partake of it even against their better judgment by these very arguments. Take away the stigma, and drinking alcohol becomes no more exciting than drinking coffee. This is not to say that lowering the drinking age is an immediate or total solution to alcohol abuse in teenagers.

However, I believe that the numbers of teens who do abuse alcohol would fall in ever-increasing numbers as the current generation gives way to one with a less enchanted view of alcohol.

Besides, if a person is an adult, then they are an adult. There simply is no halfway. If you’re going to give someone the ability to kill another human being, then they should be allowed to indulge in other things at a younger age as well if for no other reason than to cope with the other responsibilities handed to them.

War, what’s it happening for? Nobody knows staff editorial For most high school students, the only fighting we think about is fighting through traffic at lunch, fighting to get a parking spot and the occasional scuffle seen in the hallways. However, if our government re-imposes the military draft as has been mentioned, fighting will have a new meaning to high school students.

The government is supposed to represent the people; that is why we elect them. We expect the government to make decisions that the public supports. They have failed with the war in Iraq, which the majority of the country disapproves of. It would be an even bigger mistake to implement a draft that takes citizens who disapprove of the war and puts their

SURVEYOR EDITORIAL POLICY Surveyor is established as a school-sponsored open forum dedicated to informing and entertaining its readers. It is published nine times each school year by students enrolled in the Journalism Laboratory class at Washington High School, 2205 Forest Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52403. The staff will report as fairly and objectively as possible. All activities and news will be covered to the staff’s best ability. Surveyor accepts the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics and Criteria of a Gold Newspaper of the Associated Press Managing Editors Association as the basis for good journalistic ethics.

Editorials and reviews that appear under a byline are the opinion of the writer, not necessarily the staff. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the Editorial Board. The Opinions section is designed to provide a forum for the opinion of the Surveyor staff and the Washington High School community.

Readers are encouraged to express their viewpoints through guest editorials. Surveyor also welcomes any letter to the editor, provided that: 1. It is not libelous or obscene 2. It explains the material clearly 3. It is not longer that 300 words 4. It is signed.

lives in the line of fire. That is not a successful draft. In fact, a draft may be a process that will never again be feasible.

Nowadays, the United States armed forces spend millions of dollars a year on advertising to have young men and women enlist in the service. Their efforts have been successful and our entire armed forces are volunteer based. Unlike in the World Wars, we have a large standing army, reducing the need for a draft. If the civilians wanted to fight, they would have entered the service.

Not since World War II has a draft been accepted by the public. In Vietnam, citizens didn’t support the war and that ended as one of the worst outcomes by American military forces in our history. The draft is an extreme measure that

should only be used in the most dire circumstances. World War II, when Hitler had a plan to make one supreme race, was an extreme circumstance where our country was right in entering the conflict and implementing the draft. Iraq is a different situation. Most Americans still don’t know the true reason for entering the war. At first, the cause was that Iraq held weapons of mass destruction, but they were never found. Now it seems as if our government had a secret agenda for vengeance against Saddam Hussein. If the government is going to reinstate the draft, it should at least give the public a legitimate reason for war. It’s a common courtesy, like putting the seat down after using the bathroom. Just provide the public with information they’re entitled to-- especially when their lives are on the line.

SURVEYOR STAFF

James McMenimen, Editor-in-Chief

Cassandra Albert, Profiles Editor

Erin Becker, Opinions Editor

Katrina Houmes, Business Mgr.

Erin Wahle, Co-News Editor

Staff

Jenna Hackendahl, Co-News Editor

Meredith Bell, Sports Editor

Rebecca Dennis, Co-Focus Editor

Jackie Albrecht, A&E Editor

Anne Sullivan, Co-Focus Editor

Eleanor Vernon, Back Page Editor

Miranda Bernstein, Mary Crumley, Photo Editors

Fatima Wagdy, Back Page Editor

Emily Penningroth, Asst. Ed. Brent Gasway Laura Hart Kalese Henry Lauren Glantz Stephanie Steimel Kristina McLaughlin Molly Parker Aunna McDowell Maddy Halyard Megan Hartman Lauren Glantz Aunna McDowell Sam Moorman Emily Kopec Laura Seyfer Kathryn Bell Anne Brenneman Kestrel Henry Molly James Madeline Lederer Keile Wahle Tiffany Westrom Alex Pearson (Art) Megan Barnes (Photo) John Runde (Web)

Adviser Steve Riley

Profiles

12.22.06

7

The BEST of 2006 Hang Out Spot:

Whether it’s Barnes and Noble or Starbucks, Washington students say coffee shops are the place to hang out in Cedar Rapids this year.

Drinking coffee isn’t the only thing they do.

Homework, reading and hanging out with friends are other popular activities.

“I love going to coffee shops,” said Randi Hilton, ’09. “They have a relaxed atmosphere that’s a great place to do homework and just hang out.”

Places to visit are Mr. Beans and Java Creek.

Accessory: Long and chunky necklaces have been the best piece of jewelry for girls this year. Bright colors, bold shapes, and fun textures created great fashion to help girls stand out, in a good way.

“They’re so fun,” said Brenna Hosier, ‘09.

New teacher named Pete: Pete Clancy, language arts and debate teacher, is the best new Washington teacher of 2006.

This is his first year teaching and he is glad it’s at Washington.

“He’s a great teacher and always here to support his students,” said Chase Lehrman, ‘10.

Movie: “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” has been a much anticipated movie this year. Starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightly, this new movie reunites Wash students with their favorite pirate friends.

From Disney Land to the bright lights of Hollywood, California was the best vacation spot of 2006. There are many places to go to have a

fun filled vacation.

“California’s a great place to go on vacation,” said Brittney Welsh, ‘09.

“There are always blue skies and perfect weather. There are so many fun things like going to the beach,” said Welsh.

Rumor:

Two celebrities that know all about rumors are Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. They were co-stars in the film “The Breakup” and possibly the couple with the most rumors of 2006. Many rumors have included a possible wedding between the two but a real life breakup between the two stars has been confirmed by both parties. Whatever may happen in the future, it is clear there will be plenty of rumors about them.

Lookinʼ in a crown:

Each year one male student and one female student is chosen to represent the student body as their king and queen. This is always a huge honor to be selected by your peers and is often given to those who are a friend to all. The honor of wearing the crowns this year was given to seniors Molly Graft and Ricky Mellor. They were voted into royalty after several votes involving only the senior class as well as the entire school. “Throughout the whole process I was very excited, even writing the speech to give in front of the whole school wasn’t to bad, but I never actually thought I would get it!” said Graft. The royalty was announced following the homecoming parade, which involved all 26 members of this years court, and the Homecoming football game. “When they called my name I was so shocked, I didn’t really think I was going to be chosen, it is such a huge honor,” said Mellor, ‘06.

George Clooney has arguably had one of the best years. This year the actor, director, producer, and screenwriter became one of the only two people who have ever been given the honor of being the Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine. This A-list hunk is also no tin-man, he has been a huge activist urging the United Nations Security Council to take action with the genocide taking place in Darfur. When asked about his strategy with women, Clooney said, “I’m an old-fashioned type who prefers to meet a woman in a more normal setting. I don’t like to feel that I’m being hunted down. I’ve always liked to do my own hunting when it comes to meeting women.” So ladies be patient, this 45-year-old and arguably Hollywood’s hardest bachelor is no easy catch and will certainly be around for many years.

New L.A. department head:

Adam Witte has been walking the halls of Wash for nine years and this year may have to be his best yet. He has been promoted as the new head of the language arts department, taking over for Doc Wenzel who held the position for a very long time. Witte’s new duties as head of the department includes; working out the schedules each year and delegating what teacher will teach each course for the number of students that are signed up, making sure the language arts department office always has a ample supply of coffee, and that ever teacher has enough chalk or whatever supplies they may need on hand.

This is not the only change for the language arts department this year, “Four new teachers have been added to the staff this year, that’s almost a fourth of the department, to me, that is a pretty big deal,” said Witte.

People across the country have been going crazy over the

new Playstation 3.

People waited in lines at Best Buy and other electronics stores just hoping to get their hands on one of these new games.

Teens around the country have been going crazy for this new piece of technology.

Fashion Trend Leggings come in various colors with fun patterns and have added a bit more style to girls’ wardrobes.

“I like the way they look...

It’s kind of like an ‘80s trend coming back in to style,” said Kenzy Lewis, ‘10.

Hobby:

By George, heʼs got it all:

Technological Advancement

compiled by Megan Hartman

Vacation Spot:

Believe it or not, knitting has become one of the best hobbies of 2006. Knitting has become a trendy hobby that more people are taking on.

“Knitting is a good way to spend time,” said Tosha Harrison,’09. “It’s something most people wouldn’t think of as fun, but it’s actually a really fun thing to learn and do.”

Song: “My Love” ,performed by Justin Timberlake, has added romance, pop, and some rap back into our year.

Singing on his unusually high key, Timberlake has once again found a way to bring in a popular, fun song.

compiled by Eleanor Vernon

Use of a golf cart on stage: Grease is the word of 2006.

From the upbeat songs to the classic ‘50’s apparel, Washington’s production of Grease was the best use of a golf cart at Wash.

“Grease was one of the best productions I’ve been in,” said Emily Covington,’09. “It was a great show that was fun and exciting to both watch and be a part of.

Improvement at Washington: The new windows by the jock lot let Wash students and teachers see the outside world a bit clearer. The ugly metal entrance doors have also been replaced with clean, glass doors.

“The new windows make the school look better because the old ones were dirty and gross. The new doors and windows really make the school look nicer... more presentable,” said Ashley Freeman, ‘09 compiled by Aunna McDowell

8

Profiles

12.22.06

Taking the jolly out of Old Saint Nick

Noise on roof: dad, not Santa, Rudolph

Molly James staff writer For many young children, discovering Santa isn’t real can be extremely upsetting.

How e v e r, l o o k i n g back on the experience later in life, people often can’t help but laugh at themselves.

This is the case for Albert Carr, ‘10. When he retells his peculiarly sad Christmas memory, Carr and his friends burst into laughter.

He was fast asleep on Christmas Eve when he woke up to noises on the roof. Thinking it was Rudolph, Carr went to the window to see if he could catch a glimpse of the reindeer, but the noise wasn’t quite what he expected.

“I saw my dad with shorts and snowboots on, throwing volcano rocks on the house,” said Carr. “Then I went downstairs at 2:36 a.m. -- according to my new Power Rangers watch -- and saw my mom putting Pokemon cards in my stocking.”

Shocked, Carr questioned his mom, and she tried to let him down as easy as possible. She said his “detective skills paid off,” and he had proven Santa wasn’t real.

Carr was devastated. He just couldn’t believe it.

“I felt betrayed and that was the single saddest moment in my life,” said Carr. Although his Christmas was ruined for the time being, Carr now enjoys looking back on this memory, especially when he needs a good laugh.

Gray area in Kris Kringle’s beard Fatima Wagdy

co-back page editor

At the age of six, Ben Braksiek, ’10, a usual trip to see Santa and go shopping turned into the day his belief in Santa Claus was crushed.

One day, Braksiek and his family decided to visit Santa Claus at Lindale Mall.

All went smoothly as Santa appeared jolly and calm, wearing his beard, and all his gear. After the visit was over, his family proceeded to shop around the mall.

Santa later left the Christmas area for a coffee break. In one of the side stores, Santa took off his beard and some of his gear and settled down with the elves to enjoy his coffee.

Braksiek, who just happened to walk by the store in the mall right before leaving, saw “Santa” without his beard on after he had just seen him.

He came to the conclus i o n t h a t S a n t a w a s n’t r e a l .

Braksiek said, “I was mad because I didn’t think I would get anymore presents.”

For tunately for Braksiek, the presents continued, but his belief in Santa Claus was no more.

Sneak peek causes disappointment

Molly James staff writer When Christmas time rolls around, many children are on the lookout for those oh-so-tempting hidden presents. In fact, it is often more thrilling for kids to search for the presents rather than peek at them.

Mariah Althoff, ‘10, on the other hand, likes to make her cake and eat it too. Once she knew presents were hidden in her mom’s closet, she just had to find a way to sneak a peek.

“My mom said if I peeked then I would never get anymore presents,” said Althoff.

Although this was a scary thought, Althoff simply couldn’t resist the urge to look one day when her mom was in the shower.

“I looked anyway because I knew she would never find out,” said Althoff. “But then I saw a present that was already wrapped from Santa.”

It was hard to admit, but Althoff knew Santa didn’t come three weeks early. Sadly, she realized Santa was a fake.

“I was really sad because I really wanted Santa to be real,” she said.

“I still do, that would be so cool.”

A l t h o f f w a s d e va s t a t e d , b u t s h e k n e w s h e c o u l d n’t t e l l h e r m o m .

“She knows I know Santa isn’t real, but I still haven’t told her I peeked because I want presents,” said Althoff.

Intuition leads to truth for Mohni Fatima Wagdy

co-back page editor

Unlike most children, Audrey Mohni, ’08, used her critical thinking to figure out if Santa Claus was real or not.

The issue first came up when she got a bag from Donna’s Dance for Christmas. She didn’t think that “Santa” had ever been to her dance school.

“I thought about it for a few days and I realized that if Santa Claus had visited Donna’s, they would have told us,” said Mohni.

After thinking critically about this key point, in the view of a s e c o n d - g r a d e r, Mohni began to doubt the existence of Santa.

She decided to ask her mother if she was Santa. She was suspicious, especially after the Donna’s Dance bag incident.

Her mom finally said she was Santa Claus. Mohni’s curiosity didn’t end there, and by the end of the conversation, her mom admitted that both the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny were fake as well.

Although somewhat disappointed, Mohni felt proud at the time that she found out by her own analysis.

James McMenimen

TAKING THEIR PLACE ON STAGE are participants of Amahl and the Night Visitor. The opera is in celebration of Wash’s 50th Anniversary. Leads include Katherine Mehlhoff, ‘08, John Ryal, Steve Schroeder, Carla Goettel, John Nollsch, and Aaron Parry.

Profiles

12.22.06

13

WHS students get their fill of Phil Cassandra Albert

staff writer

Walking through the halls of Wash, one sees many students strutting their Warrior pride in the many T-shirts they have accumulated throughout the years of assemblies, participation in clubs and other forms of achievement.

W h e t h e r t h e y a r e I . T. E . D . Tshirts, AP Test T-shirts, Academic Numeral T-shirts, or club T-shirts, everyone has at least one T-shirt from Wash.

Taking a closer look, one might find a T-shirt with a fellow classmate’s face on it.

That student is junior Phillip Kinchloe.

While Phil shirts, as they are better known, are not official Washington apparel, they still qualify as being part of the Wash family of T-shirts.

Friends Keegan O’Neil and Kevin Kennedy, both ‘08, introduced the idea of making Phil shirts last year, but they never made any concrete plans.

O ’ Ne i l a n d Ke n n e d y w a n t e d t o make Phil shirts for a variety of reasons.

“Phil is just one of the classie s t g u y s I k n o w,” s a i d K e n n e d y.

“His hair is always disheveled like he just woke up from a nap, and he wears socks and sandals together. In fact, ever since I’ve known him, all he has worn is sweatpants, T-shirts, and socks with sandals. He’s just a goofball. (For example) this summer he drank a smoothie out of a plastic coconut every day,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy also made it clear that the sandals worn by Kinchloe were not your everyday sandals, but the “old-school” adidas flip-

photo compliments Kevin Kennedy

DISPLAYING HIS CLEVER ‘PHIL’ T-SHIRT DESIGN is Kevin Kennedy. Forty T-shirts were sold throughout student body. flops that have the round plastic contraptions on the bottom that massage your feet. “ I d i d n’t r e a l l y c a r e t h a t t h e y

were making them because I figured they’d never do it,” said Kinchloe.

F i n a l l y, i n O c t o b e r , O ’ N e i l

and Kennedy took action.

First, the design was drawn up. It is a simple design: a white T-shirt with a black and white photo of Kinchloe flipping a fedora, and “Phil” written near the collar.

They then sent the idea to the screen printers, and agreed upon a price of $7.50.

T h e T- s h i r t s w e r e n o t m a d e for profit, merely for enjoyment.

Once they had a price, O’Neil and Kennedy sent around a sign-up sheet for those who wanted to purchase the infamous Phil shirt. A grand total of 42 students signed up for the shirt, which shocked both O’Neil and Kennedy.

“At first, it didn’t hit me, but I then realized it was actually happening when people started buying them and wearing them,” said Kinchloe.

“It was really awkward when I saw people walking around with my face on their shirt,” said Kinchloe.

Kinchloe did not even want one of his own T-shirts, but his friends convinced him to buy one as a keepsake.

Kennedy said, “He bought his Tshirt with $2 bills. Who does that? That’s just another reason Phil is so classy.”

Kinchloe revealed that the T-shirt was not for himself, but for his brother, Jared Kinchloe, Kirkwood student.

Kinchloe is still carrying out his position as the “coolest person his friends know” by being the first ever PDA Officer.

O’Neil said, “Phil appointed himself the official PDA Officer. He has a whistle, and if he sees any PDA, he blows it. He’s a public volunteer -- just another great thing about Phil.”

One of many great things about Phil.

to teenager, Kleinwort adapts to Toddler Wash to Broadway: Midwestern customs Blades steals spotlight Quick Facts:

Name: Jennifer Kleinwort Favorite hobby: soccer Favorite food: tacos Favorite colors: red and black Favorite music: rap and hip-hop Hometown: Hamburg, Germany

Kristina McLaughlin

staff writer

Imagine leaving every familiar comfort: friends, family, food, for the chance to experience life in another country.

Despite the risk of losing credit for school, Jennifer Kleinwort embraced the adventure and decided to spend the first part of the year with cousins enjoying Midwestern life.

Coming from the second largest city in Germany, Hamburg, a few adjustments had to be made upon her arrival. The most significant difference she experienced was found within the schools. With a very different theory of education in Germany, Kleinwort was forced to change her study habits. Grades in Germany are based on a subjective evaluation of participation in class. Instead, Kleinwort was surprised to find that American students have a lot of outside work, but may be found sleeping in class.

“German schools cause different stress than American schools. Once the students adjust, they tend to find that American schools are much easier that what they face in Germany,” said Carol White, AP German teacher.

Another significant difference in the system of education is the schedule of classes. First in Germany the students stay in one classroom, often with the same students throughout their entire secondary education, throughout the school day and the teachers change rooms allowing each student to have the same schedule.

However, the classes and their times change everyday. She is well-versed in French as well as English and has taken some Latin. If her schedule permits it, she would like to take Spanish next year.

Although the common German stereotypes of America may be visions of skyscrapers and instant millionaires, she has found that it isn’t too different from her home near Hamburg. Back home, she enjoys a well-rounded lifestyle working as well as participating in sports such as soccer and basketball, which she has been able to continue here. In the United States she has also found that she likes Mexican food which is often unavailable in Germany.

Even though she does miss her family and friends, Kleinwort’s iPOD has saved her some grief from homesickness, providing small comforts from Germany. In spite of early fears, Kleinwort has come to enjoy her stay and wants to thank everyone for being so nice and making her time here enjoyable.

Maddy Halyard staff writer The average highschool performer probably has a role in the school play, some singing and dancing experience and somewhat of a passion for the stage. However, Catherine Blades, ’10, is not the average performer.

Blades began performing at the age of 2 when she had a role in The King and I at Wash.

Blades’ parents, specifically her mother, are a great influence in her performing career.

“My mom helps me learn lines and is a really big influence in my life. She takes me to auditions in New York and is really supportive of everything I’ve done,” said Blades.

It’s a good thing she has supportive parents because performing has taken a big toll on Blades’ schedule.

When she was in fifth grade, Blades performed in the musical The Music Man for a national Broadway tour.

She left her school in the middle of fifth grade until the end of sixth grade. Many would believe this to be a great inconve-

nience, especially for her education, but Blades did not see it that way in the least.

“There was one other kid on the show,” said Blades. “We had a tutor, which was really helpful because I learned a lot with just the two of us and one teacher.”

Why does she devote so much time to performing? It’s really very simple-- she loves it.

“I just enjoy being on stage and how much fun it is, and I also love the people,” said Blades.

Her love for performing is also recognized by her teachers. One of Blades’ musical directors, Gerald Kreitzer, said, “She is a very, very good singer, very dedicated, and delightful to work with.”

Performing doesn’t get in the way of Blades’ social life. In fact, it enhances it.

“I’ve met a lot of people performing,” said Blades. “I have a lot of new friends because of it.”

Currently, Blades is touring in a Christmas show across Iowa, singing alongside a talented piano player.

Performing or not performing, Blades is a normal high-school girl with a normal social life.

Blades has proved she is a talented singer equipped with once-in-a-lifetime performing experience on Broadway. Who knows what feats she will accomplish next?

WHERE IS GEORGE? Surveyor has hidden our favorite found-

ing father Mr. George Washington, the first president of the United States. Surveyor puts YOU, the reader, up to the challenge of finding him lurking among the pictures that scatter the many pages of the Surveyor, or wherever he may hide. Happy hunting!!

Focus

Walrath roars as mane attraction Kristina McLaughlin

staff writer

Volunteering to be attacked by stampedes of adoring children in 100 degree weather was the essence of the summer for Spencer Walrath, ‘07.

Learning about opportunities at Brucemore through a volunteer fair, Walrath began working at many of their events during the year. Jim Kern, assistant director at Brucemore and former teacher at Washington, told Walrath about the plans to enhance the Brucemore symbol with a mascot. Kern convinced Walrath that he was just person for the job.

Having enjoyed working with children at Brucemore, he was excited for the opportunity to “audition” to be Leo the Lion permanently. Walrath was given an opportunity at the Easter Egg hunt which took place on the Brucemore lawn. With his animation and demeanor around the children, his place as Leo was assured.

Making his debut this summer at various

Photo compliments of Spencer Walrath.

WORKING IN COSTUME, is Spencer Walrath, ‘07, as Leo.

events throughout Cedar Rapids, Leo the Lion can be found at most Brucemore events that involve small children or middle-aged women.

Naturally, Walrath brings additional appeal to events, charming the crowds with his exquisite dancing and by appealing as a friendly

lion to all members of his unique fan club.

“I love being Leo. I get to be a different character without embarrassing myself and everyone loves me. It’s great because I can let loose and just dance,” said Walrath.

Most of his appearances occur in the summer; therefore, Walrath must endure significant heat freuently while inside the costume.

In one of his earlier appearances as Leo at the BBQ Roundup, he was faced with extreme heat. Appearing throughout the event with all of the other mascots from Cedar Rapids, they endured 100 degree temperatures. Melting in their costumes, they sought refuge at a small bus stop that acted as a waiting room specifically for them. However, the city covered the glass box in black garbage sacks. This only magnified the heat, forcing them to make due by taking their masks off, hardly comforted by their fiery nightmare.

Despite these challenges, he truly enjoys taking part in each event for the abundance of hugs and free food.

How to interview like an expert • Be realistic about your expectations. High school students get low wages.

•Fill out the application thor-

• Dress smartly and cons e r v a t i ve l y. It i s a l w a y s b e t ter to overdress than underdress.

•Think about possible questions

oughly, neatly, and accurately. the interviewer could ask beforehand.

Come up with appropriate answers. a follow up phone call asking if they have had • Arrive at least ten mintime to review your resume. utes before your interview time.

• Make

•Research the company and the

qualifications needed for the position.

• To

calm the nerves, take the edge off with a few deep breaths.

•While talking to the interviewer, be friendly but not too casual.

• Answer their questions i n a c l e a r, c o n f i d e n t v o i c e .

In other words, don’t mumble!

•Respond with answers that are thorough. However, don’t continue talking to the point of babbling.

•No matter how tempted you are, don’t even think about lying. They always find out!

• Map out your route to the • S h a k e t h e i n t e r v i e w e r ’s •Show enthusiasm for the job i n t e r v i e w s i t e t o k n ow h ow l o n g i t t a k e s t o g e t t h e r e . hand, make eye contact, and by being alert and asking questions. say “I’m pleased to meet you.”

• Come prepared with a re• Throughout the inter•Sit up straight and refrain from fidg- v i e w, r e m i n d y o u r s e l f t o sume and the necessar y ma t e r i a l s f o r y o u r i n t e r v i e w. eting to have a professional appearance. make eye contact consistently.

Cook: Queen of the playground John Runde

staff writer

For the past 16 months, Ellyn Cook, ‘08, has been driving straight from school to daycare. The 17 year old is an assistant at All Saints Child Care, watching up to 60 kids from 3:30 pm until 6:00 pm everyday.

“It can be stressful,” said Cook who works on in-service days, early dismissals, and even during holiday breaks throughout the year. She receives $6.10 per hour, and is paid a monthly average of $250. Yet, besides for purchasing gas, Cook earmarks all her money for college and the future. “I know when I graduate, I can support myself, even if only in small ways.”

At All Saints Child Care, Cook’s daily routine involves signing kids in as they come from school, preparing their snack time, taking them outside or to the gym-

Photo compliments of Ellyn Cook

PAUSING FROM PLAY TIME, is Ellyn Cook, ‘08 with kids.

nasium, and playing with them until their parents arrive. Usually, she has about five co-workers helping watch the children. “ W i t h o u t h e l p, t h i s j o b w o u l d b e i m p o s s i b l e ,” s a i d C o o k , “e s p e cially when kids fight or get hurt.”

Cook recalled an incident from this past

summer when a boy fell over another, causing him to fall face first into the cement sidewalk.

“He started bleeding from the mouth and nose. I had to wear gloves and rinse his entire mouth with water. I felt so bad, we gave him new clothes and for rest of the day he had to sit with an icepack and towel to his mouth.

“Stuff like that happens all the time, though,” said Cook. “It’s even worse when kids throw tantrums. A lot of times we either have to call their parents or send them to the office and file incident reports.”

H o w e v e r, C o o k s a y s a l l t h e bad parts of her job are maxed out by how great it is working with children.

“The kids are so funny. I love being with them. One day I drew a picture for a little boy and wrote ‘To: Myles; From: Ellyn’ and he crossed off his and my name and wrote To: Mom; From: Myles. It was so cute.”

12.22.06

9

The value of a dollar

ONE AMERICAN DOLLAR EQUALS...

•0.51 British Pounds •1.20 Swiss Francs •7.83 Chinese Yuan •0.76 Euro •117.15 Japanese Yen •10.85 Mexican Peso •1.15 Canadian Dollars •1.27 Australian Dollars •44.70 Indian Rupee •922.30 South Korean Won

All flags from www.theodora.com/flags/#M

10

12.22.06

Focus

Best Bang for Your Buck!

Looking for a way to stretch your dollar?

Opt for the cheaper choice at your favorite local venues.

Bagel with PB & J

VS.

Bagel Sandwich

SAVE $3.10

Arizona Iced Tea

VS.

Starbuck’s Iced Tea

SAVE $1.37

The ABCs of writing a check With all the potential loss that can be incurred by a check in the wrong hands, it is important to know how to protect the money in a saving’s account.

Follow the subsequent steps and slash the risks.

4

2

5

It is important to write the date on the check in order to keep track of your daily expenses.

2. PAY TO THE ORDER OF

On the designated line, indicate the exact name of the place or person for which the check is written.

3. WRITE NUMERICAL DOLLAR VALUE

In t h e b o x , w r i t e t h e n u m e r i c a l v a l ue of the price of the item you are purchasi n g . Ma k e s u re y o u i n c l u d e t h e c e n t s .

Two tacos from Panchero’s

On the second line, write out the price in words, again including cents. Draw a l i n e t o t h e e n d o f t h e s p a c e p rov i d e d .

SAVE $2.29

Movie at Collins Road Theatres

VS.

Movie at Wynsong

SAVE $4.00

Pair of jeans from Plato’s Closet

VS.

Pair of jeans from Von Maur

SAVE $50.00

Book from Half Price Bookstore

VS.

Book from Barnes and Noble

SAVE half

3 6

1. DATE THE CHECK

Two tacos from Taco John’s on a Tuesday

VS.

1

4. WRITE OUT DOLLARS IN WORDS 5. EXPLAIN PURPOSE OF CHECK

In the “for” line, indicate the intended purpose of the check is. This is for budgeting purposes and not required.

6. SIGN THE CHECK

Allow allowances?

Rebecca Dennis

Surveyor Wash s ...have their credit 12% own card. of 166 students

46%

...have a checking account.

32%

...have a debit card.

of 167 students

co-focus editor

Since a trip to the movies requires a $10 minimum and a gallon of gas is above the $2 mark, high school students require an inflow of cash more than ever. Even though many students bring in money on their own with after school jobs, almost 40 percent of Washington students receive a weekly allowance from their parents.

Hoping to instill financial responsibility from a young age, many of 168 students families elect to give their children an allotted amount of money designated for personal spending. The goal is for the child to recognize the value of a dollar and consequently be fiscally responsible.

Lindsey Wolfe, ’09, agrees with the concept of an allowance. “It gives the kid a sense of responsibility, whether they spend it all or save it for the future,” she said.

By employing elementary financial devices such as a set budget, an allowance allows a teenager to prepare for an independent lifestyle. By being aware of a limited amount of available money, a balance is made between objects they should or should not purchase. “ ( A n a l l o w a n c e ) t e a c h e s k i d s a b o u t m o n e y m a n a g e m e n t ,” s a i d K a t i e M i l l e r, ‘ 0 9 .

Be n Ro p s , ‘ 0 7 , a g re e s . “ It t e a c h e s t h e k i d t o b e i n d e p e n d e n t ,” h e s a i d .

For many students, a ritual of chores is the basis for the weekly installment of money. Similar to the real world, the work performed, such as taking out the trash or cleaning one’s bedroom, justifies an allowance. Washington students encourage the money rationing as long as they are worthy of it.

“So long as the kids are doing something to earn it, I t h i n k a n a l l o w a n c e i s f i n e ,” S h a r o n K a n n , ‘ 1 0 , s a i d .

However, a large number of Washington students promote working at an after-school job to acquire extra money rather than practically “free money” from one’s parents. Allowances may promote spending with abandon, especially if the pocket money is extravagantly high. On the other hand, a paycheck results from hours of time spent earning the money. “ E v e n t u a l l y, k i d s n e e d t o k n o w h o w t o s u p p o r t t h e m s e l v e s .

When kids are able to get a job, they should start paying for things themselves to get ready for the true reality in life,” Emma McVey, ’08, said.

R e g a r d l e s s o f t h e s o u r c e o f t h e m o n e y, Wa s h s t u dents unanimously agree personal spending money is essential.

Focus

12.22.06

11

Weekly Expenses Holiday shopping at a discount Emily Penningroth

staff writer

“‘Tis the season to be shopping.” We have all heard this line a million times this month. Everyone has also probably experienced the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. Money can be tight during the holiday season with people in the giving spirit. While spending hard earned cash on loved ones, keep your spending under control. If the following steps are obeyed, the solution is simple.

1) Set a limit. Although our mothers always told us the holidays are about giving and not receiving, you are allowed to save some money for yourself. First, decide how much money you will be spending. Keep in mind there is a difference between how much money you WANT to spend and how much you can AFFORD to spend.

Making a budget before you hit the stores will prevent you from going overboard.

2) Be appropriate. This tip doesn’t mean no gag gifts for your close friends. It means you don’t need to purchase a gift for every person you know. Pick the most important people in your life (mom/dad, sister/brother, girlfriend/boyfriend, best friends, etc.) and shop for them. Buying gifts for every teacher, acquaintance, and co-worker is not necessary.

For these people, heartfelt cards will be enough. Also, keep in mind the one gift per person rule.

3) Watch for sales. Sales can be found almost everywhere during this month. Be a smart shopper and cut out coupons from the newspaper advertisements. Also, check out the sale racks at the different stores. Another thing to keep in mind is a popular item at one store may be cheaper at another. Check out the different prices to save the most money. Shopping at eBay.com may help you find better deals too.

4) Don’t spend any money at all! This step probably sounds like the most appealing option, and it may be. People (especially moms, dads and other relatives) love receiving gifts that have time and thought put into them. Making things at home can be easy and fun at the same time. of 168 students Some popular items to make are ornaments, candles, picture frames, knitted items, if you’re into that, and even baked goods. However, make sure the gifts are carefully constructed to show the effort you put into it.

Regardless of the gift you end up choosing, the receiver will be sure to appreciate the thought. With these tips, you can keep hold of your money.

“There is a difference between how much money you WANT to spend and how much you can AFFORD to spend.”

r surveys tudents ...have 39% anschoolafterjob.

80% of 171 students

39% of 163 students

...use own money to buy things.

...get an allowance.

Where does all your money go? These little items accumulate into big bucks. Cut back and save the extra cash!

$20.00: Gasoline for the car

$20.00: Lunch $10.00: Trip to the movies

$2.00: Vending

machine treats

$2.00: Pack of gum $7.00: Coffee $2.00: Songs purchases from iTunes

All of your money $30.00: Average trip to the mall questions answered Anne Sullivan

co-focus editor

Credit, debit, checking; do you know the difference? Heather Vestweber of Wells Fargo Bank answers all questions to do with your money needs.

What is your best advice for teenagers with credit cards, debit cards, or checking accounts?

Keep track of spending somewhere because people will go without paying attention to what they buy and get a large bill at the end of the month.

What happens if you go over your spending limit?

You will be charged an expensive fee. A debit card is just like having a checking account. If you take too much off the card, you will be charged a 33 dollar fee for every transaction.

When is the best time to use cash, check, debit, or credit?

Your cash, check, and debit card can be used interchangeably. They all act in the same way as cash. The benefit of using a debit card is that you will get a statement after each month showing the places and amounts of each purchase. Your credit card should be used for large purchases.

Are credit cards safe?

Credit cards can be dangerous. The use of cards online increases this risk. It is important to make sure the website is certified before giving out the card number. If you are a victim of fraud or your card is lost, call the credit card company immediately to cancel the card. Companies have started to buckle down against theft by calling the owner at any sight of unusual activity.

What should a teenager look for in a bank?

Wells Fargo has a specific Teen Access Account made for high school students.

Specific settings can be made with your parents to set limits on spending.

$5.00: Magazines $3.50: Newspaper $5.00: Bottled water $3.00: Pack of

cigarettes

Total: $109.50

12

12.22.06

Focus

Question: What’s the CRAZIEST thing Wash students have done for money?

“Drank a cup of my own blood for $20. I am a vampire at heart!”

—Olivia Irwin, ‘09

“I taught piano lessons to a nightmare.”

—Desiree Davenport, ‘07

“I have gotten shot 100 times in one spot with an airsoft gun.”

—Eric Anderson, ‘07

“Ate 10 jalapenos for $10.”

—Jackson Williams, ‘10

“I tried to eat a whole stick of uns a l t e d b u t t e r.”

—Keegan O’Neil, ‘08

“Licked mayonnaise off the floor.”

—Emily Barker, ‘09

“Laid in the snow in a bathing suit for $20.”

—Keeley Pink, ‘10

“One time I ate a cicada shell and a leaf for about $5.”

—Ryan Willson, ‘09

“ I t a p d a n c e .”

—Meghan Hunter, ‘09

PTA congratulates Wash’s AP Scholars

Washington AP Scholar Albert, Cassandra Albrecht, Jaclyn Appleby, Christine Barber, Britany* Barnes, Nathan Baustian, Kate Berry, Patrick Boniface, Aubrie* Breidenbach, Kelly* Brown, Hannah Buckley, Shelby* Burken, Jayson* Caves, Michael Chase, Kathleen Chase, Victoria Chupp, Randi* Clair, David Crumley, Mary Davenport, Desiree Deshaies, David Engmark, Danielle Fixmer, Dylan* Gesing, Abby Glass, Elizabeth* Hackendahl, Jennifer Hart, John* Hart, Stella Herder, Irene* Hoffman, Adam Jackson, Kitaen* Jacobo, Samantha Jacobs, Kelsey* Karpa, Alanna* Khouri, Christina* Kuehl, Tabitha* Langston, Evan* McDaniel, Rebekah McDowell, Jason McFarland, Rochelle* McLaughlin, Kristina McVey, Emilia Poland, James Reilly, Troy Reynolds, Patrick

Rhame, Laurel Rops, Benjamin Shema, Lara* Showalter, Kacie Simmons, Alicia Socwell, Laura Steimel, Stephanie Stone, Mark* Suess, William* Sullivan, Anne Vernon, Eleanor Visser, Peter Weberg, Taylor* Welch, Elizabeth Willett, Amy Wilwert, Lee Wolgast, Tyler* Young, Jackson* Washington AP Scholar with Honor Aulwes, Andrea* Barnum, Sasha Beardsworth, James Collard, Patrick Gannon, Michael Gillon, Peter Hadow, Amy* Hansen, Madeleine Hidalgo-Wohller, Antony Jarvey, Matthew* McMenimen, James O’Neil, Keegan Rosenthal, Hannah Sauter, Elizabeth Spina, Hannah* Stone, Corey Varn, Hannah Wagdy, Fatima Waters, Jackson* Wittman, Jacob Zmolek, Leah* Washington AP Scholar with Distinction Becker, Erin Chau, Justin* Clark, Allison*

Colton, Tim Darrow, Gabriel* Dennis, Rebecca Elliott, Keelan* Hart, Robert* Hau, Samantha* Jones, Katherine* Kolsrud, B. J.* McCallum, Connor* Pearson, Alex Roberts, Meghan* Roy, Steven Roys, Jason* Rustand, Emily Scheidt,Sabryna Shea, Brian Sines, Benjamin Van Heukelom, Mark Vint, Kyle* Westrom, Stephanie* Wissenberg, Erik* Wolter, Cecelia* Zakrasek, Rachel* *2006 Graduates

14

12.22.06

Sports

Warrior basketball faces metro challenges, dribbles toward victorious season games Women top team rankings Brent Gasway

staff writer

The No. 1 ranked Warrior women’s basketball started the season with a crucial one-point win over Linn-Mar. Linn-Mar was previously ranked fourth in the state.

“Our crowd support for the Linn-Mar game stood out,” said Frank Howell, head coach. “It put us in a position to win the game. With that support throughout the year, it would make a huge difference.”

Returning letter winners are Lauren Chase, Andrea Freeman, Mikaela Fisher, Emily Kuhn, Whitley Tate, Sierra Williams, all ‘07; and Kaitlin Armstrong, Micha Mims, Cassie Nauholz and Kaitlin Oney, all ‘08.

“I look forward to the opportunity to work

with the players on the team day in and day out. With seven seniors I look forward to seeing them every day in practice,” said Howell.

Kaitlin Breitbach, ‘07, said, “This year I hope we all play our best and contribute something valuable to the team so we can end up with a win at State. I think that the team can be very successful and there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”

Wash finished with a record of 21-5 last year. At the state tournament they took second. In the first round they beat Sioux City North, then Cedar Rapids Prairie.

Chase said, “I want the team to get better every day in practice so we can finally take the state championship. I really look forward to the feeling of holding up that first place trophy in the Wells Fargo Center this year.”

The Warriors started the season with a 3-0 record, defeating Linn-Mar, Cedar Falls, and Dubuque Senior. Although the team has had a lot of success in recent years, some obstacles still exist. The talent at other schools remains strong. A lack of height is another factor that the Warriors have had to deal with.

“Our goals are to try to win the conference, and then the region so we can make it to state. We would then like to go on and win the state,” said Howell.

Team chemistr y has been one of the main factors to success of this ye a r’s t e a m a n d t e a m s o f t h e p a s t .

In practice, the team stresses to play as one and work together.

“I feel like we are all good friends and that helps our chemistry on the floor and enables us to dominate the conference. This year especially, everybody gets along and we all try to pump each other up in practices and in games. It’s a great feeling, knowing that you have your entire team backing you up, no matter what you do,” said Chase.

The team has taken second in state the last two years, losing to Ankeny and then Des Moines Roosevelt. With seven seniors on the team, taking state this year remains a top priority.

“It would be amazing to win state,” said Fisher. “Everything that we’ve worked for would pay off in full. Because we’ve been state runner up for two years, we are even hungrier for the top spot this year. From almost the beginning of the season we were No. 1 and that’s how we want to finish.”

Men shoot for team goals John Runde

staff writer

Warrior men’s varsity basketball team faces Jefferson at 7:30 p.m. tonight, hoping to continue their defeat over tough competition this season. The team is hoping to mark its calendar for state competition in Des Moines, set for Jan. 14-16. Over 15 games are left in the season; Iowa City West, Kennedy, and Linn Mar, ranking among the most anticipated.

Led by coach Rick Williams, the team practices daily for at least two hours, either in the Washington gyms or at Coe College during the weekends. Practice begins with form shooting and focus on court fundamentals, moves to offensive and defensive work, and concludes with a competitive

scrimmage. Dec. 23-26 are the only days the team will take their feet off the courts to rest for the holidays and prepare themselves for the remaining winter season.

“The coaches keep us motivated by telling us we are a championship team this year,” said varsity player Charles Epperson, ‘08, “It feels great being on a successful team.”

The Warriors played a tough game Dec. 9, competing in overtime. They responded with a victory over Davenport Dec. 4, coming off a tough double-overtime loss the night before.

Nate Veldhuizen scored 14 points and DeMarco Dawson added another 10 points and five assists. In Bettendorf on Dec. 4, Malcolm Moore scored 25 points, including baskets that sent the game into overtime twice, and Barney O’Donnell added an additional 10 points.

Men’s Varsity Home Schedule Jefferson Dec. 22 @ 7:30 pm Iowa City West Jan. 5 @ 7:30 Prairie Jan. 16 @ 7:30 Hempstead Friday, Jan. 19 @ 7 City High Tuesday, Feb. 6 @ 7 Cedar Falls Friday, Feb. 16 @ 7

LEFT: SINKING A LAYUP is KK Armstrong, ‘08, during one of her many breakaways of the evening.

RIGHT: OWNING THE TIPOFF is Nathan Veldhuizen, ‘07.

Women’s Varsity Home Schedule Jefferson Friday, Dec. 22 @ 6 p.m.

I.C. West Friday, Jan. 5 @ 6 Xavier Thursday, Jan. 11 @ 7:30 Wat. West Tuesday, Jan. 23 @ 7:30 Kennedy Thursday, Jan. 25 @ 7:30 N. Scott Saturday, Feb. 3 @ 6:30 Miranda Bernstein

Mary Crumley

S.P.O. knocks down bowling competition Katrina Holmes

Compliments of Shane Tuetken

POSING AFTER A BOWLING VICTORY are champions Ben Schnack, Carl Schwandt, Cody Rigler and Amber Perry, all ‘07.

Business Manager

T h e Wa r r i o r S p e c i a l O l y m pics bowling team had a great season.

They started practice in September at May City Bowl. The staff at May City Bowl gave them a nice discount, and were very friendly and accommodating.

Districts were Oct. 13 at Westdale Bowl. They were split up by gender, and there were two age groups; one for ages 13 to 15 and one for ages 16 to 18. Teams were also separated into those using ramps and those without ramps. At districts, four bowlers from Washington won first and qualified for the State Tournament.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I just wanted them to have fun. They have never done any extra-curricular activity. We just wanted them to get more involved and not be pressured to win,” said Becky Christy, coach.

The season ended with four of their players going to the state tournament in November. The state tournament was held at AMF Bowling Center in Des Moines. Cody Rigler, ‘07, placed first; Carl Schwandt, ‘07, placed second; Amber Perry and Ben Schnack, both ‘07, both placed third. The volunteers there were very friendly, caring and encouraging to all the participants.

Special Olympics Bowling helps the players out in many ways. It helps them interact in public with their peers, it helps them carry a conversation, it teaches them to be good sports and it teaches them to encourage their peers by cheering them on.

“You might not realize it, but some of them have more school spirit than anyone,” said Christy. “They love to pump each other up and shout ‘Go Warriors!’ They are proud to wear their shirts and be a part of Washington. They are true Warriors all the way through.”

Sports

12.22.06

15

Men’s swimming splashes into season Eleanor Vernon

Mary Crumley

DIVING INTO THE POOL ARE varsity men’s swimmers Ryan Phelan, ‘08 and Nathan Barnes, ‘07

co-back page editor

The men’s swim team started practicing on November 16. They have practices every morning before school for an hour and a half doing stairs, lifting, abs, shoulders, and kick sets. They also return to the pool after school to swim laps-8,000 to 10,000 yards for about three hours.

“I have 27 predictions on the outcome of the season,” said Ryan Phelan, ‘08. It is pretty likely that they will have a successful season. Taking second in the state last year, many of the top swimmers are returning this year, including Nathan

Barnes, ’07; Spencer Stevens, ’08; Ryan Phelan, ’08; Peter Visser, ’07; and John Williams, ’08. Joe Gallet, ‘10, is also predicted to be a good asset to the team this year.

The toughest competition Washington is predicting to have this year will to be their dual meets with Bettendorf and West Des Moines Valley High School. Both teams have very good squads this year and are rated among the top teams in the state.

“The [Wash] team spends at least four hours a day together so we are pretty tight, “ said Visser. “But we also can get a little sick of each other, too. Overall, we are a very cohesive group that is going to see great success this year.”

Warrior wrestlers pin down competitors Laura Hart

staff writer Wrestling season opened Nov. 30 against Marion. Although this was not a victory for the warriors, their hopes are still high for the rest of the season.

“This year, we are only missing two weight classes, so we should be able to win more duals,” said returning varsity winner Alex Lindquist, ‘08. “We should be able to send at least 3-5 people to state. We also hope less people quit, which, so far, has been better than last year.”

Lindquist said the highlight of the season so far was when the heater broke.

“When it broke, it was a lot harder to work up a sweat, making it harder to lose weight. However, the good side of that is it puts us in better shape. Also, the underclassmen look up to me, wanting me to push myself and work harder.”

Alex Grafft, ‘07, is excited that there are several more members on the team this year.

“I think we have up to 30 boys going out,” said Grafft. “Compared to last year, this is very high. We almost have a full lineup, only giving up two weight classes, 103 and 145 pounds. This means that there is more hope of winning our meets.”

The team practices twice a week in small groups in the morning with a coach.

“This gives the coaches a chance to

work with us individually and make us better wrestlers,” said Lindquist. They also have a practice dedicated to conditioning, once a week in the morning.

A challenge the team faces is simply working harder to get better. Grafft said, “That is a challenge in itself.”

This year there are more freshmen on the team. At wrestling camp earlier this summer, there were about 15 guys who participated.

This has helped the team out and wrestlers individually. Four of the returning varsity starters, Elijah Rivera, ‘07, Taylor Drahn, ‘07, Alex Grafft, ‘07 and Alex Lindquist, ‘08 did a lot of pre-season training, going to camp and wrestling 3-4 times per week.

Highlights of the season so far have been watching Rivera, who ranked No. 5 at state last year. Lindquist, Drahn, Grafft, ad Keegan O’Neil, ‘08, have won every match they have wrestled.

“My highlight so far was placing first at the West Delaware Tournament,” said Grafft.

Grafft is looking forward to having a chance at competing at state.

Wrestlers mentally prepare themselves before each meet. The men are confident, stating they have worked harder than anyone else, and that they will all come out on top.

The team always looks forward to the Thursday night crowd.

Samantha Jacobo

WORKING HARD ON THEIR TECHNIQUE ARE two members of the Washington wrestling team.

Underclassmen athletes play with winning efforts, leading examples for their teams Girls set teamwork role

Boys practice for success

freshman assistant coach Tracy Stranathan.

Stephanie Edmunds, ‘08, is optimistic about the JV women’s basketball season.

“Our team is working well togethTeam unity has been a key factor in starting out the women’s freshman, er, and it has helped that we played tosophomore, and JV basketball season. g e t h e r l a s t y e a r,” s a i d E d m u n d s .

Preseason was hard for the team, but “Every team wants a winning season, but only those who stick to it and bond according to Edmunds it helped everytogether achieve it,” said Mary Kate Schmitt. one “get back into the swing of things.”

The tightThe freshman est challenge women’s basketwas against ball team has “Every team wants a winning Iow a C i t y been focusing on season, but only those who High with a a winning sealoss in overson and playing stick to it and bond together time, 45-44. better as a whole. achieve it.”

Other So far, they losses inhave played three —Mary Kate Schmitt, ‘10 clude the games. Their first first game game was against Linn-Mar with a close loss of 56-49. The played against Xavier, 58-30, and the second second game was against Xavier and Schmitt game played against Iowa City West, 44-26.

Edmunds mentioned the “thoughts of was the top scorer with 10 points in a 37-30 loss. Winning their third game against Iowa the day” posted by Coach Frank HowCity High, Schmitt once again was top scorer. ell, commenting that these encouraging So far, the girls’ record for the season is 1-3. words really seem to help the team to “Our team has a lot of potential,” said focus better on their goals for that day.

said Dan Rhine, sophomore coach.

So far this season, both Warrior Red and Warrior Blue teams have lost both It’s the beginning of their season, and both of their games, but have improved . “[We’re playing] for a record that’s difficult the freshman and sophomore boys basketball teams are preparing for the season ahead. to predict,” said Mathews, who has a different The freshman boys have been divided type of goal in mind. “To improve from pracinto two separate teams; one named fresh- tice to practice and game to game is the No. men red and the other, freshmen blue. 1 goal freshman coaches have. Another priority is to teach “This season we the players our had eight practices system so that before splitting the “We can be a very competithey’re prepared teams,” said Randy tive team in the conference to play at the Mathews, freshman boys basket- once we settle in... and work sophomore and varsity levels.” ball coach. “The more as a team.”

The sophocoaches evaluate more team has each player dur- —Coach Dan Rhine also lost their ing those practices, first two games; and then do our best to divide the players into two ‘even Bettendorf, 47-30, and Assumption, 48-40.

“I believe we can be a very competitive teams’.” Not all freshmen go on either Warrior Red or Warrior Blue teams. team in the conference once we settle in, unA n d re Da w s o n , ‘ 1 0 , w a s s e l e c t - derstand roles and work more as a team,” said e d t o p l a y s o p h o m o r e b a s k e t b a l l . Rhine. “We have a lot of players this year with “[Andre was] physically more ma- good skills so [we are] looking to have differture and ready for more of a challenge,” ent people step up throughout the season.”

Kathryn Bell

staff writer

Madeline Lederer

staff writer

16

12.22.06

Sports

Warrior spirit brings cheer to winter sports

Leaders yell for red & blue Laura Hart

staff writer The winter season rushed on the cheerleaders quickly as they finished the fall season.

“There isn’t much time between fall and winter, so we don’t have much of a preseason,” said Chelsea Hines, ‘09.

The winter squad’s goal for this year is to improve their stunts and help Ryan Johnson, ‘07, prepare for her college cheer leading tr youts.

The squad practices everyday after school from 4-5:15 at Garfield Elementary gymnasium.

“We start our practices out with an abs workouts, then we do jump practices, which mean we do all of the jumps we know twice, and finish with kick workouts,” said Brooke Thornton, ‘07.

The rest of their practice is dedicated to working on cheers, aiming for complete perfection at the games.

“The team hasn’t changed this year as far as new people. However, the varsity basketball squad has some sophomores from last year, they fill the spots we need,” said Thornton.

This year the team doesn’t have as many practices because of the games during the week. On Wednesday evenings, the team practices their stunting and tumbling with University of Northern Iowa cheerleaders at CRAG Gymnastics.

T h e c o a c h i n g s t a f f , Jo d i C o b b and Athena Lippe, encourages the girls to switch flyers and bases and to hit as many stunts as possible, to make sure everyone has a chance to do something.

Thornton said, “I love being a cheerleader.”

Mary Crumley

CHEERING ON THE BASKETBALL TEAM ARE cheerleaders Ellen Hatala, ‘08, Ryan Johnson and Brooke Thornton, both ‘07

S.W.A.T. supports the men, both in and out of water Emily Kopec

staff writer

Men’s swimming has been excellent throughout the last 30 years of competition at Washington High School.

Like any other sport, it has many traditions it follows each year.

“There are too many traditions to describe,” said Chris Cruise, men’s swimming coach. “But the big ones are the cheer at the beginning of the meet, which is called smash ‘em, bash ‘em, the visualization parties at the end of the year, and haircut parties here everyone shaves their heads.”

One tradition that all students may notice is toward the middle of the season when all the boys bleach their hair. This has been a tradition for about 10 years and the boys tend to enjoy this part of the season.

Ryan Phelan, ‘07, said, “This is my favorite bonding activity of the season. There’s really no reason for why we bleach our hair, it’s just a tradition. It’s a lot of fun but the bleach really burns!”

Another major tradition is the S.W.A.T. team. The S.W.A.T. team consists of the cheer-

Samantha Jacobo

HOLDING THEIR BANNER HIGH are members of the Warrior men’s swimming and diving team. With support from S.W.A.T. members, coaches and other teammates, the men compete at their top level of performance. The spirit of the S.W.A.T. team serves as an example in cheering them on.

leaders for men’s swimming. They have been part of Warrior men’s swimming as long as 30 years. S.W.A.T. stands for Supporting Warrior Aquatics Team. This year, the S.W.A.T. team consists of four girls: Katie Jones, Abby Ritter, Kahle Novak and Kerri Nolan, all ‘08.

The girls are in charge of painting signs for upcoming meets, making door signs for state qualifiers, and cheering for the swimmers.

Another activity that they are a part of is the pancake breakfast before JV Invitational.

Along with all those jobs, the girls travel with the team. Wherever the meet is, they are right along cheering for the boys. Just like any other cheerleaders, they have a uniform. S.W.A.T. members wear designed T-shirts, shorts, and sweats that are worn at every swim meet.

“Being on S.W.A.T. is a lot of fun. I really like being a part of it and I like the girls who are in on the team with me as well. I also like traveling with the team. It’s definitely a lot of fun,” said Abby Ritter, ‘08.

“S.W.A.T. is a fun experience,” said Novak. “I’ve never done it before, so I decided to try it out with a couple of my friends this year. It turned out to be a lot of fun and I’m glad I’m involved in it.”

Bowling team strikes first games in history are held at May City Bowl or Cedar Rapids Bowling Center. Competitions are held on Fridays and vary in location among May City Girls’ bowling became the 10th Iowa Bowl, Cedar Rapids Bowling Center, Bowling Girls High School Athletic Union sport in and Beyond, and Westdale Bowling Center.

Tw e n t y - f i v e s t u d e n t s a r e p a r 2006-2007, and Washington has a team.

“There is a lot of interest in the sport. It has t i c i p a t i n g i n b ow l i n g t h i s s e a s o n .

Alexia Weaver ,‘10, a member of the bowlalso been heavily promoted by local bowling ing team, said, “ I places,” said Larry like bowling. It Floyd, head coach, “There is a lot of interest in is fun and you on why girls’ bowldon’t have to be ing has become a the sport. It has also been in shape to parsanctioned sport. heavily promoted by local ticipate in it.”

“As of now, the A s o f n o w, boys’ bowling is bowling places.” the goals of the still a club team.” —Larry Floyd, coach bowling team are Even belaid-back. “Since fore bowling became a sanctioned sport, Washing- we have a lot of new people, we just want ton students had a lot of interest in it. to get the fundamentals of bowling down.

“This is the first year bowling has become We’d also like to get some equipment of a sanctioned sport, but it has been a club our own, like bowling balls,” said Floyd.

The bowling team is schedhere for five or six years now,” said Floyd.

The bowling teams practice two times a uled to compete next on Friday, Dec. week, on Mondays and Wednesdays. Practices 15, against Kennedy High School.

Anne Brenneman

staff writer

A&E

12.22.06

17

Sony’s Playstation 3 release causing frenzy in Iowa and throughout the United States 411 on PS3

The Wii

What is PS3?

Playstation 3 is the third generation of the Playstation platform, currently the most popular video game console in the world.

Wii is a new video game console released by Nintendo and is the main competitor with the PS3.

The Wii was released Nov. 19 in the United States.

Launch Date Nov. 17 Models There are two types of PS3. One, the basic version, contains a 20GB SATA hard drive. The premium version includes a 60GB SATA drive, multiple flash-card memory readers and integrated Wi-Fi. Cost PS3 systems cost about $499 for the basic system or $599 for the premium system. PS3 games cost about $59.99.

Units Sold As of Dec. 8, 197,000 units had been sold in the U.S.

cnet.com

Alex Taylor

staff writer

For the last couple of years, the Sony Playstation 2 has been the butt of many a joke regarding out-dated video gaming systems, but now, it seems, Sony will have the last laugh. On Nov. 17, 2006, the Playstation 3 hit stores across the globe.

Two models of the PS3 are currently on the market. The first is a stripped-down version with a 20 gigabyte hard drive which sells for $499. The second sports a 60 gigabyte hard drive and built-in Wi-Fi internet access. It sells for $599. Both models are backward compatible (meaning they can play PS1 and PS2 games, as well as PS3 games), they are fitted with powerful cell processors, and are able to play the new HD blue ray disks.

HD blue ray disks hold 10 times more information than a DVD, and they provide heightened picture and sound quality.

All PS3 games are stored on blue ray disks, and are compatible with all HD televisions, as well as standard televisions (SD).

Many ecstatic, hard core gamers camped out in front of

stores across America (including several Wash students) in anticipation of the system’s arrival, and they were smart to do so. Systems quickly sold out of department and electronic stores due to limited supplies . Many gamers went to Ebay, where PS3s are reported to have sold for upwards of $2000.

If people are willing to lay down more than $2000 for PS3s, they must be good, right? How do they compare to the Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii, two other recently released gaming systems, both of which are considerably less expensive than the PS3? On cnet.com (a customer product review site), the PS3 scored an astounding 8.8 out of ten. The Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii followed, scoring 8.4 and 8.0 respectively (all 3 are considered “excellent”). When asked this question, Nihil Shah, ‘09, said, “The PS3 has much better graphics, the Xbox 360 has better games, and the Wii is more innovative.” It’s a matter of preference from there.

Whether or not the PS3 stacks up to its competitors looks to be beside the point, though. People were willing to blindly buy it upon its release, and will likely continue to do so.

A distinguishing feature of the Wii console is its wireless controller. It can be used as a handheld pointing device and can also detect motion and rotation in 3D. It also features WiiConnect24, which enables the Wii to receive messages and updates over the internet.

The Wii was previously known as Revolution. However, Wii (pronounced like ‘we’) is supposed to emphasize that the console can be played by everyone.

The Wii is Nintendo’s smallest unit yet. It’s about the size of three DVD cases stacked together.

Madrigals are busy ‘Tis the season to go spreading holiday cheer to the movie theaters Stephanie Steimel

Church, when they had five performances over the single weekend. The admission for these shows were $20 per ticket, which December has been busy and hectic for may seem a little steep, but it was more the 35 members of Madrigals Singers, who than just singing songs like most of the hold all of their performances at this time. other performances; with this, there was It starts in May, when auditions are held old Renaissance food, and a show, as well. and are open to sophomores through seniors.

All the proceeds for these shows went Each year, the 20 songs are learned, or re- to the Patrons of Performing Arts, which learned in the case of returning members since benefits all the performing arts at Wash. the same songs “It’s like a Reare repeatedly naissance dinner; used, and they we all dress up are either relilike the old times gious or secular. and act it out. “ I t ’s r e a l l y There’s a queen fun singing for and a king and some of the same even a jester!” people each year, Bi x b y s t a t e d . because they like The queen and to request their king were played favorite songs

by Carol White, that they rememGerman teacher, ber from the years and Terry Schab e f o r e ,” A m y f e r, a f o r m e r Miranda Bernstein Wash teacher.

Willet, ’07 said.

M a d r i g a l s PERFORMING FOR COMMUNITY Band members sings chamber MEMBERS ARE Madrigal singers: even accompachoir music from nied them to proTrevor Johnson, Katherine Mehlthe Renaissance vide live music. era. They meet hoff, Taylor Foster, all ‘08; Hannah Even though during the last Snyder and Ben Wohlers, both ‘07. they are inperiod every other day, for the entire year structed by Kreitzer in their practices and and are directed by Gerald Kreitzer, choir competitions, the members have to go to the director. The presidents this year are Mark performances alone. This helps to demonVan Huekelom and Catelin Bixby, both ’07. strate their responsibility and hard work in While they perform throughout the year, being able to put on a show on their own.

December is by far the most active. They Later in the winter, when the show perform roughly 20 times in only 20 days. choir season is in swing, Madrigals will “We perform all over town for any- have several competitions to participate in. thing from churches to holiday parties “It does get stressful during the holiday seafor businesses,” Van Huekelom said. son because of the enormous commitment, but However, their biggest performances it’s still great fun to be in,” Van Huekelom said. were Dec. 2 and 3 at Bethany Lutheran While Madrigals may take a serious time comstaff writer

Jackie Albrecht

a&e editor

Although the year is winding down and a new year is fast approaching, the movie industry is hoping to end 2006 with a (blockbuster) bang.

This year may seem slow for great, blockbuster movies. However, according to ABC News, the time from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, accounts for 22 percent of Hollywood’s box office revenue for the entire year. Although not as many blockbuster hits have been released this year compared to previous years, studio execs believe that 2006 will end positively because of smaller film successes.

An ABC News article quotes Paul Dergarabedian of Exhibitor Relations Co., the movie industry’s top box office tracking firm, “It’s not the number of blockbusters we’ve seen this year as much as it is the smaller films that surprised, like ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ and ‘The Illusionist.’”

2006 probably won’t bring in as much box office revenue as other years, but it seems probable that it will surpass the horrible lull that occurred in 2005. In 2005, box office revenue fell below $9 billion.

Studio execs say some of the biggest films of 2006 have just been released or are yet to be released. So, what films do moviegoers have to look forward to in the final days of 2006? The Pursuit of Happyness, The Good Shepherd and Miss Potter are just three films to hit the theaters this month.

The Pursuit of Happyness (Don’t fret, spelling bee champs, this movie spells happiness with a ‘y’) is about a man named Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, who is talented, but not very well employed salesman. Gardner and his son, played by

Smith’s real-life son , go through many hardships and find themselves evicted from their apartment. Gardner gets an internship at a prominent stock brokerage firm.

Although there is no salary, Gardner hopes it will result in a steady job. Gardner and his son go through many struggles while Gardner pursues his dream of making a better life for himself and his son. The Pursuit of Happyness was released Dec. 15.

The Good Shepherd casts Robert DeNiro, Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie as the leading roles in this drama. In this film, Edward Wilson, played by Damon, knows the value of secrecy and discretion—something he’s been practicing since childhood. Wilson’s mind and beliefs in American values make him a prime candidate for a career in intelligence, and Wilson is recruited to be a part of the CIA during WWII. While working there, his ideals are soon diseased with suspicion because of Cold War paranoia. However, his continuing dedication to America comes at an increasing cost. The Good Shepherd hits movie theaters today.

Miss Potter stars Renee Zellweger stars as Beatrix Potter in this film. This film follows the life that Potter kept secret. It starts with her beginning life as a writer, and continues after her rise to becoming a writing celebrity. It also leads to her first real love with her publisher, played by Ewan McGregor. Despite becoming a famed author, Potter never was able to forget her first love. Miss Potter will be released Dec. 29.

This year has been slower with blockbuster releases, but there are still many chances for films to achieve blockbuster status. Be sure to check out some of the releases that will hit the theaters over break.

Decide for yourself if 2006 has made films that are a blockbuster bang… or a bust.

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Katherine Mehlhoff takes lead in Wash opera and in other WHS vocal ensembles

Molly Parker

staff writer

For some people, music is an enjoyable pastime that lets them take a break from a rigorous schedule and allows them to express themselves in an alternate way, rather than having to express emotion through a descriptive essay, for example. For Katherine Mehlhoff, ‘08, vocal music is exactly t h a t .

Mehlhoff is greatly involved in the vocal and drama departments, putting forth a great amount of time and talent.

Mehlhoff is very much involved in the choir and drama departments. Her first real singing experience was in middle school when she was involved in the choir department at Franklin Middle School. She has been in the

choirs at Wash since freshman year; she thinks of choir not so much as a class but as a fun break from the required classes each day. Mehlhoff’s involvement at Wash includes Madrigals, Slice of Jazz, Momentum Concert Choir, and many musicals. Of all of these groups, she considers Madrigals her favorite because of the music they get to perform.

After being involved in so many productions, y o u’d imagine that Mehlhoff wouldn’t get the least bit of stage fright, but it’s the opposite. Mehlhoff says that before each performance she always gets butterflies in her stomach, but they just disappear once she gets on stage.

“It’s like you’re a different person on stage; you gain so much confidence,” she says.

Her most recent produc-

“It’s like you’re a different person on stage; you gain so much confidence.”

—Katherine Mehlhoff, ‘08

Megan Barnes

PRACTICING A SCENE FROM “AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS” ARE Karla Goettel and Katherine Mehlhoff, ‘08. tion was “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at Wash, Dec. 14, 15, and 16. The operetta, which was in honor of Wash’s 50th Anniversary, starred Wash alumni, past parents, the Madrigals and as the leading role of Amahl: Mehlhoff.

This was a great honor for

Mehlhoff, since she was the only current student at WHS to have a prominent role.

Mike Cervantes, director of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” said that he knew from the moment Mehlhoff sang the score that she was perfect for the role of Amahl.

Cervantes chose Mehlhoff for the role because she is one of the top sopranos and her voice has a very nice quality.

Another thing he noticed about her was her animation and her great confidence.

“It’s very difficult music, but Katherine has been very professional, mature and dependable throughout the entire process,” Cervantes said.

“Katherine has the ability to carry the show, and hold her own next to professional opera stars such as Karla Goettel.”

Although at first it was intimidating working with older, more experienced singers, Mehlhoff’s anxious feeling soon turned to excitement after getting to know the singers. Mehlhoff was able to learn a great deal from the other leading roles.

One person in the operetta that Mehlhoff greatly looked up to was Goettel, who played Mehlhoff ’s mother.

Mehlhoff doesn’t see music as a career in her future. But she does hope to join some musical groups in college but isn’t preparing to take it any further than that. “It is more of a

Q&A Favorite food: Ice Cream Sports involved in: Cross Country and Soccer What do you do in spare time?

I wo r k h a rd o n h ome wo r k a n d spe nd t ime w i t h my friends.

Favorite Class: U.S. Humanities Favorite season: Summer Do you have any siblings?

An older bro ther and a younger sister

Feeling Skeptical? Who you going to call? ‘MythBusters!’

Quick Facts Tagline: “They don’t just tell the myths; they put them to the test” Airs: Wednesdays & Fridays Time: 9 p.m.

Channel: Discovery Channel

Alex Taylor

staff writer

Skepticism has proved itself to be abundantly useful throughout the ages, advancing science, art, politics, you name it, but never has it been particularly entertaining. That all ended when the television show “MythBusters,” which functions on the basis of skepticism, premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2003.

Hosted by Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, two veteran film special effects technicians (“with a combined 30 years of experience”), “MythBusters” takes common myths and urban legends and puts them to the scientific test, declaring them either “plausible” or “busted” by the end of the show. Is bread really more likely to fall butter side down? Can you save yourself in a falling elevator by jumping at the last second? Can

January A&E Events 10

18 & 19 (ctd).

“Jesus Christ Superstar” @ the Paramount

One Act Play Festival & Large Group Speech Night

12 & 14

21

Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” @ Theatre Cedar Rapids

Moscow Festival BalletSwan Lake @ Gallagher Bluedorn in Cedar Falls

18 & 19

Hamburg Symphony @ Hancher

“1964: The Tribute” @ The Englert in Iowa City. It is a Beatles tribute.

24-26 “Alice in Wonderland” @ Kennedy High School

a natural whirlpool sink a boat? These, and questions like them push Jamie and Adams’ mechanical and scientific skills to the limit.

It seems strange that a show about science could appeal to such a large number and wide range of people as “MythBusters” has. Why is “MythBusters” so popular? Sit down and watch an episode; it won’t take long to see that Jamie and Adam are not only talented scientists and engineers, but they are two of the best hosts on TV. Their quirky friendship, on-screen antics, and priceless one-liners (“I reject your reality and substitute my own.”) keep the show light and comic.

Although it is charming and successful on a comedic level, the show still manages to keep the myth and the science behind it the focal point of the show, and that’s where the brilliance truly lies. “MythBusters” isn’t weighed down by the tedious testing and experimenta-

tion that you’ve come to expect from your science classes. Jamie and Adam, with the help of their ill-fated crash test dummy, Buster, tackle exciting, large scale, and genuinely interesting myths; there is rarely an episode that lacks an explosion, a gunshot, or a head-on car collision; even when they come to the conclusion that a myth is “busted” (false or implausible), Jamie and Adam are notorious for making it work, thus the audience is never denied a thrilling climax. And really, who doesn’t want to see a katana chop off the red hot barrel of a WWII BAR rifle? Jamie and Adam are having as much fun making the show as the audience has watching it, and it’s evident.

The show is in its third season, and has had a total of 81 episodes. Jamie and Adam’s goal is to “leave no myth untested,” and if the tremendous popularity of the show continues, they might do just that.

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19

Beat winter break boredom Many theater with these five fun activities productions Maddy Halyard

staff writer

Skiing in the mountains this Christmas, or perhaps escaping the cold in the tropics of the Bahamas? If your answer to this question is “no,” join the club. Luckily, there are still ways for those of us stuck in good old Cedar Rapids to enjoy winter break without traveling to the other side of the country or the world.

1. Go Sledding! Sure, sledding may be for the younger generation, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a blast with the right people. Gather up your friends and some sleds (you probably have some old ones hiding in the garage or basement), bundle up, and head over to Squaw Creek for an exhilarating ride down the huge hill. Hint-- an inner tube on the snow makes for a great ride.

2. Eat at Zoey’s! Many of you know of Zoey’s pizzeria in downtown Marion, and if you don’t, you should become acquainted. Order a deep dish or thin crust pizza, relax with your friends, and end the night with the famous “zookie”-- a massive cookie with ice cream and whipped cream to top it off. Who could say no to that? Take an afternoon to eat at Zoey’s, then go shopping at the quaint stores in downtown Marion. There are many cute stores just waiting to be discovered by you over break. You never know what you may come across, even if you are just window-shopping!

3. Go ice skating! Get in touch with the kid you were in elementary school. Grab your friends and hit the ice at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. It may sound lame, but by the time you’re done, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear. And honestly, who can resist sliding on the ice right after the Zamboni has created the newly smoothed surface.

You don’t need a Zamboni to skate though; grab some skates and head over to Bever Park for an afternoon of fun.

4. Throw a party! Of course you don’t have to go all-out, but invite some of your friends to get in the Christmas spirit while eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate. Girls- draw names for a white elephant gift exchange; guys- hit the couch for an intense tournament of Madden football. Just have fun!

5. Go bowling! At some point, the cold may become tiring, so when you look outside and can’t see through the snow, this warm activity is perfect. Get a group and head to the alley to work on your bowling and have a few laughs at the probably not quite fantastic skills of your friends. You don’t have to be a pro bowler to enjoy yourself.

You don’t have to be skiing down a mountain or basking in the sun to have a good time. Grab your friends and go have fun! For more winter break ideas turn to the back page.

Starbucks offers warmth, tasty drinks Lauren Glantz staff writer Starbucks first opened on Aug. 7, 1971 in Seattle’s Pike Place Public Market.

Little did the owners know their small coffee business would eventually transform into a coffee retailing empire. Today, Starbucks has more than 6,000 locations in over 30 countries, including the newly opened Starbucks located in Cedar Rapids on the corner of Collins Road and First Avenue.

Starbucks offers a wide variety of beverages as well as pastries and fruit. From their classic rich latte made with espresso, steamed milk combined with vanilla syrup and lightly topped with foam, to their newly offered flavors of India in steamed Tazo tea, Starbucks has a beverage to offer everyone.

Starbucks prides its self in offering a variety of selections, at a relatively low price.

Starbucks 411 Where:

Corner of First Avenue and Collins Road

Nearby places:

Best Buy Bed, Bath, & Beyond

Hours:

Monday-Sunday 5 a.m.-11 p.m.

Perks:

Mary Crumley

Many of Starbucks’ most popular beverages also contain the most calories; however, they are trying to combat this problem by recently adding a long menu of light, sugarfree and fat-free choices. This new menu allows for anyone, even weight-conscious people, to get a caffeine fix.

Not only does Starbucks offer delicious beverages and food items, but it also sells a

variety of fashionable coffee mugs and trendy beveragemakers, which would make a great gift this holiday season.

It has been a growing trend for high school and college students to join together at various coffee shops to do homework together. The Starbucks would be a wonderful place to do just that. However, one may have to limit the number of students in

Drive through window

the study group, because the sitting space is rather small.

Starbucks is open Monday through Sunday from 5 a.m. to 11p.m., but has special holiday hours.

For those of you who are interested in warming up with a warm beverage this holiday season or searching for a place to study with your friends, Starbucks is a great place to stop frequently.

sure to delight Eastern Iowa in coming year ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Nationally known Broadway play, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” is coming to the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids and the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. “Jesus Christ Superstar” is the first masterpiece composed by legendary artists Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber. This show hit the musical scene in 1971 with favorite songs, “Hosanna,” “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and “Heaven on Their Mind.” This year’s tour stars Ted Neely as Jesus. “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be showing for only one evening at the Paramount, Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The show will be performed at the Gallagher Bluedorn Center Sunday, Jan. 14 at both 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets are selling for $46 and $40 and can be purchased through the U.S. Cellular Center Ticket Office, any Ticketmaster outlet (www.ticketmaster.com) or www. ticketreturn.com

‘Barber of Seville’ “The Barber of Seville” will be performed on two dates at the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, the first performance being Friday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. and the second Sunday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. This opera is set in Seville, Spain, with a beautiful girl, Rosina, as the main character. Rosina is located on her balcony throughout most of the play, while different men come to her claiming they love her and trying to pursue her. During the performance, the audience will be presented with greatly composed music, and will witness a quest to find true love unfold. Tickets can be purchased online through www. theatrecr.org or at the Theatre Cedar Rapids box office.

‘Swan Lake’ Moscow Festival Ballet The Moscow Festival Ballet “Swan Lake” will be showing next month, Sunday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. “Swan Lake” will be featuring music by the famous Tchaikovsky as a story of betrayal and romance told through the art of ballet. The story focuses on Odette, a girl trapped inside of a white swan’s body while waiting for her true love to set her free. The orchestra featured in “Swan Lake” includes a full complement of strings, a small percussion unit, and horns. Tickets are selling for $35 to $15 and can be ordered by phone or purchased online at www.ticketreturn.com Theater briefs written by Emily Penningroth

A new twist on hot chocolate makes regular cocoa drink seem so last year Lauren Glantz staff writer

less traditional hot chocolate drink. This This winter when hot chocolate drink a blanket of white mixes the sweet covers everything tastes of chocolate in sight and you’re and smooth taste dreaming of hot of peanut butter to steaming cocoa by create a delightful the fireplace, yet drink that is sure to the average cup of warm even the coldcocoa seems to be est up during this a bore, try out this cold winter season.

Ingredients 8 oz. Milk 2-4 tsp. Chocolate syrup 1 tbsp. Peanut Butter Whipped cream Choc. sprinkles

Directions In a saucepan or in microwave, heat the milk. (Skim off the top with a spoon if necessary.) Stir in chocolate syrup. Stir in peanut butter until melted. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Enjoy!

www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/ys/images/cup.gif

12.22.06

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12.22.06

Winter Break is Here

Ten things to do over break 1. SLEEP 2. Sledding 3. Ice skating 4. Kersten Farm light show in Vinton 5. Movie & popcorn at the cheap theater

6. Forget everything you learned before break 7. Coffee date at Barnes and Noble 8. Go caroling 9. Snowball fight 10. SLEEP

Make your own sled

What are Wash kids doing over break?

Leaving for the whole break

Visting relatives for a few days

Staying in CR

It is a known fact that high schoolers are a little low on cash, so here are a few ideas to make some better use of things around your house.

“I’m going to Ireland and then England!”

—Hannah Brown, ‘08

Trash can lid

Baby pool

Air mattress

“Going to Texas for the bowl game.”

—Emily Kratovil, ‘10 “Building a big snow ramp and sledding off of it!”

—Cameron Loushin, ‘10

Cookie sheet

Laundry basket

Garbage bag

Best sledding hills in CR

“Go sledding, I’m a professional” —Jeff Nielson, ‘08

Jones Park: On the Southwest side of town in Jones Park, there’s a huge hill maintained by the city. It also includes a tobagon run and is a great place to go sledding.

Squaw Creek: This 663 acre park is full of great sledding hills although the best hill is definitely just to the left of the main lodge.

Bowman Woods: Right next to Bowman Woods Elementary in Marion, crowds gather to sled down the enormous hill. It is not maintained or anything, but it is a big steep hill.

Bever Park:

Pretty decent sledding hills can be found all over the park, although the favorite of most Wash students is just beyond the BEVER PARK IN THE WINTER pool parking lot Miranda Bernstein

“Go up to St. Paul, Minnesota to visit Grandparents.”

—Caitlin Shanley, ‘07 “I’m chillaxin nonstop with my homies in the motherland (Ireland).”

—Tyler Thirnbeck, ‘07

73 students surveyed