November 9th, 2007 - MVHS Viewer

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Friday, November 9, 2007

INSIDE:

commentary

M

V iewer

O U N D S

Volume 54

A look at the pursuit of knowledge versus the pursuit of good grades: page 4

reviews Dan In Real Life, an entertaining romantic dramedy starring Steve Carell: page 9

H

I G H

S

C H O O L

<mvviewer@yahoo.com>

A whole new ‘U’ The U of M’s new goal may affect tuition and selectivity for students staff writer

features

I E W

Issue 3

By Kirstin Yanisch

Did Al Gore deserve his Nobel Peace Prize? page 3

V

The good news is that the University of Minnesota is hoping to become one of the “top three public research universities in the world within a decade,” according to its website, which could bring more attention to Minnesota’s opportunities for higher education.

The bad news is that tuition may rise, and getting accepted may become much more difficult than in the past. As a result, many Mounds View students could be negatively affected by the University’s new goal.

Judging by last year’s data, a large percentage of Mounds View seniors choose to attend the University of Minnesota. Out of 479 graduates, 43 students sent their final transcripts to the University.

“That was probably the largest number of students we sent to any four-year college last year,” said Mounds View Registrar Lisa Carlson.

The reasons students cited for applying were varied, but tuition and selectivity were the main factors they said affected their decision to apply.

“It’s great for people who want to go to a good Midwestern school with a smaller price tag than some of the expensive prestigious schools out east,” said Andrew Dinndorf, 12, who has already sent his application to the U of M.

Mounds View 2006 Alumnus and current U of M student Kit Hale agreed.

“For the quality of education I receive versus the cost, the U is a great deal! I’m certain that I will be as well taught, if not better taught, in my field as any student who goes to a school such as MIT or CalTech,” he said.

One of the debates surrounding the U of M’s new goal is that too much of the school’s money is being spent promoting their research.

Last year, the University launched an advertising campaign called ‘Driven to Discover’ to promote its advanced research programs.

According to the Star Tribune, the campaign “…has cost about $2.5 million to date, with most of that coming directly from the University.”

One worry students have is that because of expensive campaigns like these, tuition will increase, and, despite the quality of education at the University, they would be deterred from applying.

“I wouldn’t [consider the U of M if tuition rose] because I don’t think I would be challenged enough there,” said Nate Chan, 11.

The University’s tuition is already on the rise. According to the U of M website, annual tuition this year for undergraduate Minnesota residents is $9,885. According to the Star

photo by Debbie Li

The Civil Engineering Building, pictured above, is one of three main buildings at the U where research takes place.

Tribune, this amount “…has doubled since 2000.”

In addition to rising tuition, students are concerned with acceptance to the U if it becomes one of the top three research universities in the world.

“I want to go to the U of M, but I don’t know if I could get in if it was nearly Ivy League status,” said Natalie Duling, 11.

Should the benefits of improving its status make it more difficult for Minnesota students to be accepted?

“My understanding is [the U

of M] is becoming more competitive and selective. They are caught between a rock and hard place trying to serve students of different economic ranges and keeping education standards up with the state colleges like the University of WisconsinMadison,” said MV Dean Adam McDonald.

Still, many students see the benefits of an advanced research university right in their backyard.

U of M continued on page 4

Freedom of self-expression limited National Merit Scholars: in schools nationwide MV’s proud but few

By Colin Anderson staff writer

Like many high schools in the nation, Mounds View is filled with an abundance of different styles.

For the most part, the only reaction students generate is a compliment—or a little hassling from their teachers.

“I’ve only gotten compliments [about my hair],” said Vanessa Dunne, 12, who changes her hair color frequently. “If a teacher didn’t like [it] at some point, they did a good job of keeping it to him/herself.”

Jack Humphrey, 12, said teachers have hassled him about his longer hair. “Mr. Oberg has when I’ve had him,” he said, “but it was all in jest.”

However, many schools across the nation are cracking down on unusual haircuts and fashions, calling them “vulgar” and “distracting,” and raising the question of whether this kind of self-expression is protected by the First Amendment.

Last month, the administration at Manatee High School in Bradenton, Florida, told varsity softball player and honor student Sarah Miller to let her bright green hair fade because it was a distraction to other students.

This fall in Leakey, Texas,

Ben Daly was isolated by

By John Liu his teachers and the rest of staff writer the students of Leakey Of the current seniors who High School because he took the Preliminary-SAT, otherrefused to cut his hair. But wise known as the National Merit in this case, the reason was Scholarship Qualifying Test, as his Rastafarian religion juniors last year, Irondale and and not personal expression.

Mounds View each had 17 stuThe Federal Courts’ dents who scored at or above the response on the issue of 96th percentile in the U.S. student self-expression as These “Commended Students” a constitutional right varies. are the pool from which the In the historic Tinker v.

National Merit Scholarship Des Moines, a group of Corporation will select high school students were Semifinalists and Finalists for its allowed to wear black photo by David Derong one-time, $2,500 scholarship. Of armbands to school to the three million students who take protest the Vietnam War as Lindsay Nevalainen, 10, shows off the bright streaks in her normally brunette hair. the PSAT each year, only 16,000 a matter of free speech. where you live. of them are selected as The black armbands were According to Associate Semifinalists, and 15,000 as controversial, but also political Principal Mark Tateosian, Finalists. and didn’t disrupt the school.

This year, 12 Irondale students It’s not clear if the same protec- Mounds View is unlikely to join the crackdown. and three Mounds View students tions exist for hairstyles, which “It’s a hard stretch to get so achieved Semifinalist status. The may not be political and instead much attention from a hair-do to three Mounds View students were considered distracting. distract people,” he said.

Jae Chang, 12, Trent Huhn, 12, About half of the federal At MV, it seems the majoriand Vicky Kelberer, 12. appeals courts in the country The difference between a uphold hairstyle as a freedom of ty of students feel the freedom Commended Student and a expression, but the other half do of self-expression is something students should have control Semifinalist is that a Semifinalist’s not, according to The First over. score must be at the 99th perAmendment Center.

“If I wanted the same hair as centile in the state. For this year’s The Center’s website said a everyone else I’d join the test-takers, a score of 200 out of federal judge overruled a Marines,” said Caitlin Lahr, 12.

240 was necessary to become a Virginia school that had susHumphrey, who disagreed Commended Student and 214 to pended a student with blue hair. with such regulations, said, become a Semifinalist.

But other courts have said stu“I’m glad that here at Mounds According to Dean Scott dent hair is not significant View people are generally Wiens, the number of scholars enough to merit protection, so accepting of others.” from Mounds View this year was your rights really depend on

“the least we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Last year, there were eight Semifinalists from Mounds View—a number that dropped somewhat drastically this year.

“A lot of [Mounds View’s Commended] students just barely missed the cut-off line,” said Wiens, explaining the decreased numbers.

Despite the smaller number of Mounds View scholars, Irondale and Mounds View combined enabled the MV district to continue as one of the five districts in the state with the greatest number of Semifinalists.

For the few scholars from Mounds View this year, being a Semifinalist has created new opportunities.

“If I were to become a finalist, there are colleges that would be willing to offer me a substantial amount of financial aid if I put them down as my first choice college,” Huhn said.

Yet Chang, who would like to be a Finalist, said the road to becoming one is not without its bumps.

“I was really mad I had to write essays to be a Finalist,” he said, “…it’s not just something you automatically get. But if I were one, it would be a big honor!”

2editorials

To beard or not to beard?

Girls weigh in on No-Shave November

Reasons to keep coming to school

10

It’s not home

Same reason people go to the zoo

8 6

9

Almost to senior slide

Classes with Jae Chang

7

An excuse to be cooped up inside all the time That new ‘healthy’ cafeteria food

5

4

Prove yourself to ma and pa back home.

Too used to your desk to nap anywhere else

2

3

Don’t want to miss that senior prank...

Graduate and never come back.

1

2007-2008 Viewer Editors Editor-in-Chief Anna Brockway Managing Editor Alice Liu News Belle Lin Editorials Andrew Larkin Commentary Sam Louwagie Features Abby House Kathleen Gormley Spread Lauren Peake Vicky Kelberer Variety Alicia Hilgers Reviews TT Phan Sports Chelsy Mateer Andy Madsen Gallery Ashley Aram Business Manager Elizabeth Steele Photographers/Artists Nate Grann David Derong Debbie Li Advisor Martha Rush Assistant Advisor David Weinberg Staff - Cassie Ahiers, Bret Alexander, Colin Anderson, Christopher Audet, Nick Barkve, Karly Bergmann, Anna Blaske, Sean Delahunt, Holly Groves, Divya Gupta, Nora Gyarfas, Sophia Har, Dan Heaney, Alex Hoffman, Corinne Holmes, Luke Hutchinson, Kiersten Jackson, Thomas Jemelieta, Wes Kocur, Natalia Kruse, Cassandra Larson, John Liu, Marysa Meyer, Ryan Miller, Sean Moore, Emily Nelson, Collin Nisler, Brandon Osero, Carolyn Paulet, Shaked Peleg, Ross Peterson, Brooke Roberts, Maddy Stephens, Emily Storms, Abby Taylor, Sam Toninato, Kristen Vanderburg, Sarah Wang, Taylor Wilson, Christina Xia, Kirstin Yanisch, Sabrina Zappa The Viewer is published by the student editors at: Mounds View High School 1900 Lake Valentine Road Arden Hills, Minnesota The Viewer is printed by: ECM Publishers, Inc.

Too MUCH

BEARDS

Scruff

ARE BEAUTIFUL

By Karly Bergmann

staff writer

This November, men everywhere will be proving their “manliness” by putting away the razor for 30 days straight. While some may find these furry festivities fun, or even entertaining, I find them to be a facial faux pas.

There was once a time when it was acceptable for men to hide under a mask of hair, and that was the Paleolithic era. Back then it was the norm for men to sport a whole face of hair. Not only was it in fashion, it was the only fashion. These Neanderthals didn’t have razors to achieve that incredibly smooth feel, nor did they have mirrors to see how ridiculous they looked in the first place.

Besides, why would they want to trim off a natural ski mask that protected them from the elements?

But alas, no longer do you need a wall of beard to block the sun, rain, snow and wind day and night. Now all you need is a simple scarf or turtleneck.

And by eliminating the necessity of facial hair, we’ve also eliminated the dangers attached to these “styles.”

Consider the mortal perils of facial hair for just a minute, and I think you’ll see my point.

Let’s say you’re eating a sandwich. Lifting that Wonder bread to your lips is in itself an act of insanity! Just think of all the disgustingly long facial hairs lurking on your face, just waiting to get tangled in a bite of bread and clog your throat.

And if self-induced hairball death doesn’t scare you, maybe the fear of public humiliation will. You know how your carpet acts like a chip crumb magnet? That’s now your face.

Stubble and hairs from your mustache or beard reach out like alien tentacles, desperate to

grab and hold onto every possible crumb. This scattering of crumbs is not only embarrassing, it’s disgusting!

Over the month of November, the build-up of food particles in Mounds View ‘beards’ will be enough to feed a small African country.

Still, some believe that facial hair attracts girls as evidence of their manliness. There are two flaws in this belief. The first is that women are not, in fact, attracted to that matted mess growing out of your face. Our natural reaction to facial hair is suspicion. By hiding your luminous, healthy skin, we begin to wonder if you even have any. Also, facial hair tends to defer any move we ladies had considered making. Why would we want to go in for a kiss when we encounter a facial force field?

Men also assume that strategically grown-in stubble will make them look like the daring bad boy girls dig. You’re right that we enjoy a little dark and daring sometimes, but stubble sends more of a lazy vibe. If you really want to impress us, you should prove your courage by holding that ridiculously sharp blade to your throat while shaving and sometimes shedding a little blood, just so we can enjoy that silky smooth feel.

I know that I can’t stop you from hopping on the bearded bandwagon, but at least I can warn you of the mistake of a mustache, the blunder of a beard, the shudders that will be induced by stubble, the perils of peach fuzz, and the slip-up of sideburns. So make the right choice, and just say “no” to No Shave November.

By Cassie Ahiers

staff writer

Throughout history many great men have left their mark on society, men such as Sigmund Freud, Aristotle, Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway and Albert Einstein. These heroes all came from different families, were raised in different countries, and settled on different career paths.

But they all had one thing in common… perhaps the source of their bravery: facial hair.

Facial hair has been a part of fashion since the beginning of time. It has united men from across the world and from different religions under one beautiful style. How could something this old and this powerful be a bad thing?

There are some who disagree. These few men and women who label facial hair “gross” obviously can’t handle its immense aptitude for greatness.

“It accentuates the facial structure, brings out the color in your eyes, feels good to the touch, and makes you look like Indiana Jones, which is always a plus,” said Charlie Marcotte, 11.

Facial hair serves numerous practical benefits as well.

In the winter it can keep your face warm when no scarves are in sight, and in the summer it protects you from harmful U.V. rays. Why get rid of something that’s saving you from skin cancer? And think of all that money you’re saving by not buying expensive suntan lotion, scarves or razors! Facial hair is also very “nature friendly”.

What better place to harbor cute, cuddly wild animals than in the warmth of your fuzz?

Facial hair is also practical is during meals. Like a bib for

photo, graphic by David Derong

op T 10

November 9, 2007

your face, it can catch everything that you’ve dropped, and save it for you for later. Got the third hour munchies?

Take a lick of your upper lip and you’ll be satisfied with a reminder of the great breakfast you had that morning.

Facial hair also attracts girls. Let’s face it, beards are sexy, and I know that the majority of women would agree. Girls aren’t going to fall for pimply little freshmen with peach fuzz; they are going to swoon for that senior with the perfectly kept five-oclock shadow, which just radiates off his flawless chiseled jaw line. And let’s say you just happen to have some kind of skin condition on your face— not really the babe magnet, is it? If you cover it up with a beard you’ll have to beat off the girls with sticks. And about that weird skin rash? Ignorance is bliss, what we don’t know won’t hurt us.

All girls can agree that beards are fun to touch.

And what guy is going to be upset by the hordes of girls trying to snuggle up against him? Facial hair frames your mouth, which brings girls’ attention to your lips, thus making them more likely to swoop in for a smooch.

Beards are great for intimidating your enemies too. What better way to say, “I’m a real man and can whoop your butt” than by showing off your gigantic mutton chops?

So my friend, this November, join the cause and unite with the brave heroes of our past. Fight for this slowly dying tradition, and proudly sport your stubble!

Stephen Colbert: The answer to American apathy?

By Thomas Jemelieta staff writer

Talk show host Stephen Colbert’s presidential ambitions have been blocked by South Carolina Democrats. After missing a Republican deposit deadline, this seems to be the end of his 2008 campaign.

This is a shame; Colbert was the best candidate out there.

Quite possibly the wittiest man alive, he would have been able to confront foreign ambassadors easily. Think about it: say the president needs to talk

to someone from North Korea, don’t you think a little humor would break the ice, maybe lighten the mood right before they start threatening each other?

He’s also good with the public. It’s hard to dislike Colbert; he’s the pinnacle of the American man. Ever seen his show? He waves an American flag while eagles fly around him—you know he loves America.

He’s appealing to everyone, possibly the only candidate who

could have confronted the nation’s apathy. Still, many argue that Stephen Colbert isn’t “experienced enough” or “hasn’t been in office” or doesn’t even know about “politics.”

Let’s face it: the government is a massive bureaucracy. He would have had numerous aides, his cabinet, and a vice president to aid him in his work and decisions. If ever in a situation that involved “actual thinking,” he could have just had some clever people from Harvard figure the problem out

for him.

I want an end to political apathy, and Stephen Colbert is the only one who can bring this about. Stephen Colbert would raise voting participation to 100 percent—guaranteed. Everyone has an opinion about him.

He would solve our unemployment problem and give us loads of free money with no economic consequences. Why can he do this? Because he isn’t boring. And he loves freedom.

Vote for Stephen Colbert anyway.

November 9, 2007

All talk, no action: Al Gore unworthy of Nobel Prize

By Sean Moore

Health Care veto sickens nation

By Shaked Peleg

staff writer

The nightmares continue to haunt Al Gore, seven years after the fact. The dream is always the same: the royal scepter and key to the Oval Office are within inches of his grasp, his for the taking… when suddenly things get ugly. George Bush’s head fills his mind, snickering as he steals the presidency out from under Gore’s nose. Each morning, rising from his bed, drenched in sweat and eyes bloodshot, he futilely begins another day.

But now, after years of hard work and mockery from both sides of Congress, he has his revenge. The trouble is, his revenge was at the cost of the integrity of the Nobel Peace Prize.

It seems that to be awarded the Peace Prize it would be necessary to take action towards creating peace, be it worldwide or household. And Gore hasn’t taken any sort of action, peacerelated or not.

Appraising the merit of awarding Gore the Nobel Prize boils down to a rather simple matter. It is not important whether global warming is a real threat to humanity or merely a natural fluctuation of temperature. It is not important whether the Nobel Prize was given legitimately or merely as a thinly veiled attempt by the Norwegian Nobel Committee to snub George W. Bush.

The only important matter is whether or not Gore’s actions— or lack thereof—were worthy of a Peace Prize. And the answer to this matter is a resounding “no.”

However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee seems to think otherwise. Their reason for

commentary3 staff writer

photo courtesy of newsbusters.org graphic by David Derong

Al Gore brandishes his questionably-deserved Nobel prize. awarding Al Gore the Peace Prize are his “efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change."

In plain English, they awarded him for talking about global warming. Not necessarily for telling the truth about global warming. Not even for trying to fix global warming, or find solutions. But, rather, for talking about global warming. They merely gave it to him for discussing the possibility that global warming could be prevented.

This is like giving out participation ribbons at elementary school science fairs.

Unfortunately for the Nobel Committee, however, this idea

of giving out Peace Prizes for “trying” to do something is completely absurd. Especially when there are people who have been fighting for peace their entire lives, taking action, making changes, and even giving their own lives for causes greater than themselves.

Gore, on the other hand, implores others to conserve while he sacrifices nothing of his sumptuous lifestyle of plush limousines and private jets. And instead of being told off for his actions, as he should have been, he is awarded with an honor few people can claim.

But at least good can be found from this bad situation.

Because now, when the nightmares come, Gore can cling to his metallic teddy bear as his ghosts of the past haunt him.

The pen is mightier than the sword, if you believe the old proverb, and President Bush is wielding his mighty veto pen in the ideological war against any extension of governmentbacked health care, purposefully oblivious to casualties along the way.

On Wednesday, Oct. 3, Bush vetoed a bill backed by majorities in the House and the Senate, as well as the majority of American citizens, according to a recent National Public Radio poll. The bill would have expanded funding and coverage for the extremely popular and effective State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

The program has been in place since 1997 to provide insurance for children of those not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid but who cannot afford privatized health insurance.

This program is becoming a necessity for these families, as health care premiums continue to skyrocket. The bill would have expanded funding by $35 billion (much more than the $5 billion dollars proposed by the Bush administration) and extended coverage to families with higher incomes who still cannot afford insurance.

Conservatives, afraid to in any way interfere with the private sector, have made outrageous claims in attempts to convince the American public that keeping 9.4 million children uninsured is reasonable.

They have exploited Americans’ fears that middle class families would get their

grubby hands on hard-earned tax dollars of the wealthy, saying that these families would rush to leave their privatized health insurance to take advantage of the government program. They don’t mention that this administration’s fears of socialized insurance have already rendered that highly unlikely.

A child more than 250% over the poverty line must be uninsured for a full year before they are eligible for SCHIP. Families with a choice would not dare risk such a year, but those with children whose parent dies or loses coverage under their employer would have to. There are no exceptions, certainly not for middle class families perfectly capable of paying for their own insurance.

Another debunked claim is that a family at four times the poverty level, or $82,000 a year, would be eligible for SCHIP. Bush himself used this misguiding statistic, saying, “That doesn’t sound too poor to me.”

In fact, the only time this figure has ever been mentioned in the SCHIP debate was when New York specifically applied to raise its income threshold to that level. The White House rejected the proposal, but still conveniently gets to use the figure to defend the veto.

Unfortunately, the House was a few votes away from overriding the veto on Oct. 18, but that will not stop members of Congress, both Republican and Democrats, in the fight to offer help to the unfortunate few who work hard for their families but do not have the resources to help themselves.

Letter to the editor

Face the music: Heavy losses or not, piracy is stealing Ms. Ahiers, I completely agree that stealing a car is quite unlike stealing music. I agree that public service announcements are dramatizing the issue.

However, after reading your editorial, I was able to only sift out one message: piracy is harmless, in fact, it helps smaller artists gain recognition.

Let's talk about the first part.

Ms. Ahiers gave the statistic that about one-tenth of $1.2 billion is how much companies lost due to piracy during 2005. Let's bring that number to an extreme and propose the total loss of one dollar. What does all of this say?

That the consequences aren't really that serious for either the company or the people downloading. But does that justify piracy? Is it then morally acceptable to steal music simply because it comes at hardly any cost to the provider?

Let's look at another analogy. Students in school need writing utensils—more specifically pens and pencils. Now, let's assume that for some reason, if you stole a pen or pencil,

you would never get caught.

These are writing utensils we all need, right? Well, I believe we can agree that the cost of production for each pencil isn't very high. We can even go further to say that if the entire Mounds View student body went to Target today and stole all the pencils they'd need for one year, the amount of money Target would lose in comparison to the value of their company could hardly amount to anything at all. So why not do it? Why not steal erasers, highlighters, and notebooks? What about calculators?

As for the second point concerning recognition, there are both positives and negatives.

Yes, of course smaller artists do gain recognition. But doesn't a car brand gain more recognition if people steal the brand and drive it around all the time?

Jokes aside, why can't people borrow CDs, listen, decide if they enjoy the music enough to buy it, and then return the CD? What you're paying for is accessibility. Buying music means

that you can listen to it on your computer, iPod, mp3, in your car, etc. Borrowing music, like a CD, for example, means that the person who gave it to you no longer has the CD version. They could easily burn another copy for themselves and put it in their car, but that's the cost of another disc and more effort on their part. For this inconvenience, you get to listen to the CD as much as you want until you give it back. But this is where it's most important. By definition, if you only borrow a CD, you always give it back. Borrowing turns into piracy the moment you keep the music forever. But you didn't pay for that convenience.

At the same time, if we borrow and then purchase based on our preferences for certain artists, they’re receiving the recognition they would have through piracy and at the same time, they’re receiving money from those listening to their music.

We can also move the small artists situation to another field.

Let's say there's a small clothing shop in downtown Minneapolis

that brands all of their clothing. held at no higher ground You like them a lot, but all of because of it. their shirts are organically made, so it costs too much for you to Emilie Wei want to buy anything. Would ‘06-’07 Viewer Editor-inyou steal from them?

Chief Let's say the owner can't see very well and hasn't installed Dear Mounds View: cameras. It'd be easy to shoplift. And hey! You could Here at the Viewer, the only wear that shirt everyday to thing we enjoy more than putting every event you went to, and forth our own opinion is hearing people would see the brand. yours!

Maybe others would even If you have a strong opinion on ask you for the shop's locaanything ranging from school tion and go see it themselves. But then the question lunches to foreign policy, or take is: so what? You stole a shirt. issue with anything printed in this newspaper, make your voice heard.

As I cannot speak for whether or not the owner, or E-mail any and all submissions to mvviewer@yahoo.com, or give artist, would want you to steal their product, (though I them to Sam Louwagie or Andrew Larkin in room 240. feel it's pretty obvious in Mounds View is your school, so most cases) it doesn't change the Viewer is your paper. the fact that you're stealing.

Submissions may be edited for The point is, trying to deterclarity or space. mine if piracy is acceptable based solely on the losses of Thank you. the producer is simply Sam Louwagie absurd. commentary editor Stealing from a rich man is stealing nonetheless, and

November 9, 2007 photo by David Derong

4features

So you got the grade...

But did you learn anything?

By Divya Gupta & Emily Storms staff writers

At the end of her sophomore year, Ashley Gam was carefully choosing her junior year courses.

Gam, 12, is an ambitious student, and she felt like she was supposed to take every accelerated class. “Everyone thinks that just because you’re a ‘smart person,’ you have to take every hard class.”

But, she was worried that such a heavy load could jeopardize her performance in school.

Many students face this question: Focus on learning as much as possible? Or focus on getting the best grades possible?

Gam chose her own route.

She decided to focus on learning as much as possible in the classes that interested her most, but opted for the regular-track classes in subjects that interested her less.

“I know that I’m not going into anything related to chemistry, so I decided not to take accelerated. I wanted to spend my time on other classes that appeal to me, like AP Macroeconomics, which really interests me,” she said.

Gam’s solution is not a common one because, for most stu-

dents, either the continual search take more rigorous classes stems acknowledges the increased for knowledge or the pursuit of from the possible hit their GPA emphasis on GPA and reason good grades directs their choiccould take. for students’ concern about es.

“I don’t want to do poorly in grades.

Course registration time each an accelerated class. I don’t want “When I was in high school, year forces Mounds View stuto have all ‘A’s and a random C. I didn’t even know my GPA. dents to solidify the objective of It brings down your GPA too Now it’s all about GPA. Students school for them: knowledge or much.” said Elisa Smith, 11. don’t really want to know the grades.

While students stress about material; they want to get into Enrolling in courses that will scraping out good grades, teachcollege. But when they do, they enrich knowledge ‘the hard way’ ers, conversely, aim to teach stu- won’t have the skills or ability is a challenge some students dents’ skills for life. necessary to acquire the knowlthink will be good prepaedge,” she said. ration for learning that is In a more taxing to come in their futures. course, students are NHS President Mike forced to think for themducation is what Steele, 12, said he takes selves while learning the courses he does “to time management and remains after one has forbe prepared for college.” study skills essential for He thinks that most later schooling and the gotten everything one NHS members feel simirest of their lives. larly. “If you look at Students often only learned in school.

NHS as a whole, most of see the immediate them are taking those results, such as their - Albert Einstein accelerated classes.” most recent test score or Personal interests and homework grade. future career plans motiTeachers, however, are vate some students to more able to recognize take difficult classes in hopes of Kathy Miller, Social Studies the long-term benefits that can gaining knowledge and insight teacher, believes strongly that result from taking demanding into their futures. gaining knowledge, not getting classes.

“I took Accel Chem because that elusive ‘A’ should be the “The skills you learn in my I was interested in Chemistry reason to take a course. class will help you not only in and wanted to learn more. I want “The prize is being a critical chemistry, but in every other to be a forensic scientist and I thinker and that is going to pay class as well,” said Graham thought this would help me,” off a thousand times better than Wright, Accelerated Chemistry said Amy Walsh, 11. getting into college ‘X’.” teacher.

But for others, hesitance to However, Miller also Mark Johnson, Biology and

“

E

”

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE THE CLASSES YOU DID? “Even though English isn’t my strongest subject, I had the option to take Honors English. I chose not to because regular English is way less stressful grade-wise.”

-Wyatt McCoy, 9 “I wanted to get more prepared for college and I think [accelerated classes] will help me.”

-Hanna Zerfas, 11 “It’d be great if I could come to school just to learn every day, but with the current system focusing on grades rather than learning it’s not really possible.”

-Irene Saunders, 12

photos by David Derong, Nate Grann, & Debbie Li

U of M continued from page 1 “I think [taxpayers and students] are getting their money’s worth because of all the research being done at the school,” said Emily Schoneman, 11.

Many seniors considering the University are attracted to its new research facilities, which offer more options to students. “[The U] is a good school because it … has lots of choices and 165 majors. You can go in not knowing exactly what you want to do and still have options,” Jason Bergman, 12.

Hale said he is already seeing the effects of the University’s new emphasis on the sciences.

“One of the chemistry buildings has just been completely renovated, so all the labs are entirely new and very nice,” he said. “The U of M also plans to build a new physics building in the coming years. The University just purchased a multi-million dollar

Social Studies teacher Kathy Miller encourages students to seek more than just good grades from school.

Anatomy teacher, said, “I think the education system is far too preoccupied with grades and the end results. Grades are not always an accurate representation of understanding. I wish there was a way to make it more keyed on the right things, such as learning to learn, and appreciating challenges.”

Johnson said that, in an ideal world, there would be an education system where grades were simply a benchmark to see how much the student has learned during the class.

In the meantime, Miller tries to at least instill the pursuit of knowledge in her own classroom. She leads her classes in saying, “We are knowledge seekers, not point grubbers.” transmission electron microscope, making the U one of the top microscopy centers in the nation. Furthermore, the University is making a strong push for undergraduate researchers.”

Emma Turnquist, a Mounds View 2007 Alumnus who attends the U, explained that its library is one of the pre-existing resources that will be of further use once the University reaches its goal.

“The libraries are extensive and numerous; and I usually find myself at the Medical Library or the Tech library,” she said. “I think the vast amount of materials available at the libraries in itself is key to their goal.”

While tuition and selectivity factor into students’ decisions, one thing remains clear.

According to McDonald, “[The University of Minnesota] is a good option for students.

The University has some great programs and is recognized everywhere. It is a reputable school for any student.”

Correction: the Accelerated Biology story in the last issue was written by Taylor Wilson, staff writer.

Thank you

Mustang Club The Mustang Club is a non-profit organization that works to provide Mounds View students with programs and and facilities necessary to be succesful. The Mustang Club supports fine arts, athletics and academics in the district. The Viewer would like to thank The Mustang Club for its generous donations.

5 features

MacIntyre remains unbeaten in years of slap November 9, 2007

By Dan Heaney staff writer

Ladies and Gentlemen of Mounds View High School, a legend walks our halls. Brian MacIntyre, 10, has accomplished what most only dream of. He has never lost a game of slap. And yet, few are even aware of the history being made in these very halls.

"I thought he was just an urban legend, but then I saw him for myself," said Kathryn Weems, 11, just one of many that were initially oblivious to Brian's mad-crazy skills.

But nonetheless, this young man is very skilled, and continues to devastate adversaries. You may see him, wandering the walkways of MV, looking for his

next doomed opponent.

But it hasn't always been so easy for Brian. There was one time that he had remote struggles.

"The first time I played, I was like thirteen. And it was a little bit hard, but the second time I really did well," said Brian.

Well, at least he had some difficulty at one point in his life.

According to Brian, people started to play slap as early as the ‘ 40s. One player places his hands, palms up, parallel to the floor. The other places her hands, palms down, just above their partners' hands. The first player then tries to slap his rival with either one or two hands before she pulls back. It is a game of hand-eye coordination,

reflex, wit and trickery. One person in particular possesses all of these traits in excess.

When asked how he does so well in the game, Brian doesn't give too many answers straight away. But after spending a lunch with him, some hints slipped.

"It's so easy," Brian said.

"You just have to look at their eyes, and if they move around at all, just hit them."

He will say that he never gets nervous, or anxious. It is even visible in his eyes, the extreme calm and confidence that envelops him.

"While he is playing, Brian sort of taunts you, saying things like, 'Come on,' but nothing too serious," said Mike Steele, 12.

He then continued, "I think his tiny hands also give him an

edge. The problem is no one wants to play with him because he has gotten so good."

Some are beginning to wonder if anyone could possibly beat this talented sophomore. Chuck Norris? Jackie Chan? And almost as if on cue, a challenger has risen.

"I can beat him," said Jack Basten, 11. Though not a master of martial arts or anything else, he acts courageously. However, it is unlikely that he knows what exactly he is setting himself up for. Brian has agreed to face the confident opponent, just as he is willing to play against anyone that is interested… in losing. So a time was set up during the lunch hour, and a match was arranged.

"Are you ready?" asked

Brian.

"Yes, yes I am," Jack replied steadily.

And then, in the next few minutes, Jack proceeded to lose, badly. Just like everyone else that has ever played Brian, Jack learned that no one can beat him.

"He's amazingly fast. I felt like a child playing against him," said Basten. And when asked if he would ever consider playing Brian again, Jack responded, "I'm too embarrassed, no further comment."

So when students see him in the hallway, they sometimes think to themselves, "There's little Brian, doing his thing." And even though they are aware of the fact that Brian is the best, they still challenge him, hanging onto that sliver of a hope.

Another day, another victory: MacIntyre defeats Andru Villa, 12

photos by David Derong

Andru Villa, 12, unsuccessfully attemps to out-wit the slap champ; MacIntyre’s spotless record lives on.

New year, new menu:

Students demand return of junk food

By Sam Toninato staff writer

The floodgates have burst.

After three years of obeying the district’s decisions about what he can and can’t eat for lunch, John Thompson, 11, has decided to take action. And it all started with a single hamburger bun.

“At the start of this year, I went to lunch, and I got a hamburger,” said Thompson. “I opened up the foil, but something looked different. I took a bite, and then it hit me. The bun was a wheat bun. They put a wheat bun on the hamburgers! It definitely tastes different than the regular buns. That was the moment I knew I had to do something.”

There is nothing new about students feeling dissapointed with lunch room cuisine. What’s different, is that Thompson is doing something about it. He tracked down student council member Luke Hutchison, 11, to explain his problems.

“John was ready to do something about the lunches. He told

me that he was going to revolt if there wasn’t change soon,” said Hutchison.

At the next student council meeting, Hutchison voiced Thompson’s problem to the entire student council. The student council members talked to Cathy Murphy, Cook Manager, and voiced their concerns. To their surprise, Murphy not only listened to them, but sympathized with them as well.

“We like serving kids the ‘fun’ foods, and people tend to unfairly accuse us of taking them away. But it is a district decision that we follow,” said Murphy.

“We want to give kids the desserts and choices, but we are now limited on the quantities, sizes, and choices of ‘fun’ foods.

“Wellness is an important issue and should not be taken lightly,” she said. “There needs to be a balance between the nutrition program, physical activity, and health education.”

Murphy then told the students about a “Wellness Committee” meeting at 4 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Snail Lake

Education Center. The Committee includes: Murphy, Debbie Harold, Nutrition Services Manager, other Distrcit personnel and parents. They will discuss foods that the school serves. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend to voice their opinions and concerns.

“At this meeting, the committee will listen to the students.

If you have a problem with the new guidelines, you should go,” said Murphy. “I am really encouraging students to go, because I know they are unhappy, and they need to tell us.”

The student council also plans on having an open forum during school sometime before the district meeting.

Student Council Co-President David Strandberg, 12, said, “The open forum will be a place for students to talk to the student council and the administration about any problems they have with the changes in the lunchroom. It will sort of serve as a chance for people to gather their thoughts before the official dis-

trict meeting. We will also be encouraging everyone to attend the district meeting.”

When word got back to Thompson, that he was the source of all this opportunity for change, he was “immensely happy.” Thompson will be attending the district meeting on the 14th.

“They took away the Kempswiches, the frozen Snicker’s bars, and the Mozzarella cheese sticks. But now we have a chance to get some of that back,” he said. “We can make a difference in what goes on around us. Even if it is just a white hamburger bun.”

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Fashion Fads-

the new bla

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Fashion Through the Decades From the 1900s to the present there has always been some sort of fashion statement made by each decade. Here are the highlights from 1910 to the 2000s.

What goes around comes back around Sophia Har staff writer

1910

Girls: highwaisted, stiff dresses or full skirts and blouses Guys: wool suits with silk shirts beneath, or wool trousers with suspenders

1920

Girls: flapper dresses in all styles Guys: flannel trousers with a shirt for the day, coattails, tophat, and patent leather shoes for the night

1930

Girls: patterned, simple dresses made of cotton or linen Guys: square-shouldered suits in black, grey, or blue worn with a blazer

1940

Girls: romantic, feminine skirts with sweaters Guys: long, full-cut pants with casual shirts (think Hawaiian) and single-breasted coats

1950

Girls: High heels and tailored formal dresses and skirts Guys: formal business suits

Take off your hat and wave “goodbye,” for gone are the days of the midriff, the backpack, and the saggy pants. Instead, say “hello” to high-waist wide legs, patent leather purses and skinny jeans.

Actually, it is more of a “welcome back,” because these fads are not new. Patent leather purses go back to the 1940s, and skinny jeans were very popular in the 1960s.

This year, fads from the past have become the trends of the present.

“I like the styles that are coming back, especially the vintage style, because it just looks good,” said Megan Nelson, 11.

The halls of Mounds View High School provide a plethora of different fashion fads that are coming back from past decades. For girls, returning styles include legwarmers, tights, wedge heels, and gold or metallic shoes from the 1980s, along with large handbags, headbands, and bulky and oversized jewelry.

Guys’ pants have become tighter and less saggy, and clothes featuring busy patterns are regaining popularity.

Jeremy Scheiner, 11, believes these old fads found their way back to popular culture due to the fact that, “People are no longer original. Or if they are, they mix and match old styles in order to create new ones.”

Social Studies teacher Kathy Miller believes this is necessary, “Fashion has to reinvent. Otherwise, it would just die.”

There seems to be, however, a one-sidedness to fashion. David Mackay, 12, noticed that men’s clothing styles have not changed as noticeably as women’s.

“It seems like only a small portion of guys get into the fads,” he said.

Many guys agreed with Mackay’s observation.

“Guys just don’t care about stuff like that,” stated Victor Khong, 11.

Vinnie Floeder, 11, supported Khong’s point when he said, “I don’t even buy my own clothes.”

Some girls however, offered a

different opinion. not noticed the current recurrence “I think guys care about what of fads or, if they have, do not have they wear, but they don’t look like a strong preference. they care,” said Danielle Cole, 9.

“I feel like we’re just going Käri Nielsen, 10, agreed, “Guys with what’s more comfortable. have an unspoken—they really do There’s less emphasis on the way care. But they’re always wearing you dress, at least at Mounds the same thing anyway, like AberView,” said Yuhe Yan, 11. crombie.”

Yan may be right, because one Perhaps men don’t have as fad that certainly hasn’t gone away wide a variety in styles as women (and probably never will) is and thus don’t need to worry about arguably the most comfortable: choosing what to wear. jeans.

Regardless of whether or not Not only are jeans comfortable, they keep up with the latest fashthey are utilitarian and can be worn ion, students and staff shared their almost anywhere. responses and some found it to be “A lot of it depends on culture, a positive change. but the fads that stick around are “I personally disagree with the ones that are most practical,” saggy pants and tall tees, so it’s said Miller. cool that fads are coming back,” Some styles may never go out said Dylan Lambrecht, 9. of style, while others will come Cole was also in favor of the back. current style, “Because it seems As Kristen Senyk, 11, said, classier. No more super low-cuts.

“We’re stuck in a vortex of historiIt’s sexy and classy at the same cal repetition. We can’t help but time.” repeat ourselves.”

Miller recalled past years when clothing exposed a lot.

“It led to bad decisions on students’ parts. Some of it was too revealing perhaps, making it hard to focus on learning. It’s a much better attitude when students are less focused on looks,” she said.

In addition to academic benefits, the social aspect has also seen positive outcomes.

“The style now is accepting and gives people a chance to be themselves and choose which decade they like. There are no more brand names plastered across your boobs,” said Nielsen.

However, there are some minuses as well.

“It sucks because the ‘new trends’ aren’t new. Our era should have something to be remembered by,” said Nielsen.

Others also expressed uncertainty about the returning trends.

“It’s weird seeing them come back because I’m not really used to it. It’s like seeing old videos at school, except now it’s real life.

This whole style’s just different,” said Mackay.

Caitlin Berschneider, 11, feels that the current styles clash.

“It’s amusing how people just photo illustration by Nate Grann throw things together and think Jack Humphrey, 12, struts his stuff down that’s cute,” she said.

Some students, however, have the halls of Mounds View.

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pictures courtesy of MetroFashion.com

MV, the new fashion runway?

y Nora Gyarfas

aff writer

History repeats itself, and hat cliché couldn’t be more ue for clothing. Many stuents dress for school each ay in fashions that recall the etro ’60s and the funky 80s.

Skinny jeans, scarves, Thirt dresses, tights, flats and eep toe heels are the most opular, with a few simple ean and T-shirt combos scatered in between. High school as become a more serious ersion of styles from middle chool and a more toned own version of High Fashon. “[Middle school] was mostly all preppy. Like, Abercrombie and Fitch, Holster, and American Eagle.

Not too many choices, which didn’t really like, but it’s etter now I guess,” said Lisa roberg, 9, fresh out of hippewa.

“There’s a bigger variety ere for sure,” agreed Joe Kroll, 11. “But I don’t like all he fancy shoes girls wear. I ust like regular ones.”

Even though styles fade, ome things, like the ponhos, have a reserved spot in wardrobe. Many girls are ading in the blonde hair for more sophisticated brunette o, and the layered T-shirt

look for a more urban chic closet.

“I usually just shop at Urban [Outfitters]. They have everything I like, such as cute shoes and sunglasses. Their jeans fit me really well too,” said Maggie Johnson, 12.

Jewelry should be worn with caution. Any current magazine will tell you to pair bulky jewelry with bold lips instead of eyes, and natural nude tones of make-up. A sultry sweep of mascara, and you’re set for the runway— a.k.a. the halls of Mounds View.

Cliques are generally separated by clothing styles and jean brands.

“Remember elementary school when you rode the bus and everyone was connected and talking? Now everyone just listens to their iPods and is on their own and secluded,” explained Naveen Pai, 11 downheartedly. “I think style’s that way too; everyone does their own thing.”

Fads can sometimes influence schoolwork too. Oversized Pleather purses have replaced backpacks, possibly affecting grades and discouraging girls from carrying all of their books and homework around with them.

The dress code plays an important role in determining which fads stay and which

will fade. A t-shirt under a tank top or spaghetti strap dress is very common.

Throwing on a pair of leggings under a skirt or long dress shirt serves a double purpose of covering up and bringing back the Hipster ’80s.

Boys seem to have one generic look: casual, loose and relaxed. Sometimes mixed in is a little hip-hop flare (tall tees) or busy graphics and patterns (LRG zip ups). In the past couple of years, however, more and more boys have picked up the tighter punky trend. While most girls say it’s cute, some boys disagree.

“Girls’ jeans can/should be tight, and guys’ jeans should not be tight under any circumstances,” Forrest Melcher, 12, said passionately.

One thing that’s managed to stay around for decades for both men and women are Converse shoes. Most stick with the original black which fit any style (whether it’s emo, indie, bohemian, punk, goth, grunge, preppy, or sporty) while some spice it up with different colors or sporty patterns.

“I swear so many people have them and keep buying them; they’ve never gone out of style, and I don’t think

they ever will,” said Bekah Roth, 10.

Now, even the option of personalizing your Converse is available.

“I designed my own Converse on this web site [www.converse.com] for like, 75 bucks. I like how personal it is. It’s my own one of a kind shoe!” said Megan Trench, 12, tapping her feet.

Fads can be broken down into two main categories: ones that stick around forever and ones that change slightly.

The latter has about the same style, for example jeans; in the ’70s they were high-rise and bell-bottom, and now they are skinny or boot cut.

The song used to say,“Who wears short shorts?” Now it’s, “Who wears board shorts?”

Kellen Johnson, 2004 MV Alumnus, doesn’t feel that style is too important. He explained, “When I was at MV it was cargo pants and the Metro look. It was cool to wear pants with holes in them, and dorky to wear anything that actually fit you, or was practical.”

Johnson rolled his eyes, and jokingly added, “and polka dots are next year.”

1960 Girls: skirts and dresses shorter, more pants Guys: more colorful suits, wore less suits

1970 Girls: big and exaggerated clothes, bell-bottom jeans Guys: tie-dye, clothing more informal, brighter colors

1980 Girls: hairsprayed and teased hair, shoulder pads Guys: punk fashion

Media influences trends

Brooke Roberts

comes with the bands

f writer

With all the influences surrounding , it seems easier to be trendy and folw fads than find something new.

Younger kids tend to look up to the ig kids,” wanting to be just like them, d doing anything to be able to hang t with them. Following trends is based the same concept. People tend to olize those they look up to, whether it out of respect or awe. And celebrities e a major part of today’s culture, so hen a celebrity or someone of “status” cides something is “cool,” it affects hat is in style and creates new fads.

Music can be considered a trend too. rtain types of music become more pular at different times, and the media ects what is widely listened to. While atching VH1, one continuously sees ists featured on their “VH1: You ughta Know” commercials, and MTV ows their “Upcoming Artists” segment practically every commercial break.

Also, listening to radio programs like DWB’s “New-ish at 9-ish” can introce you to new songs and artists, thepgrams hope to make number one hits. lot of these songs do become hits; olbie Caillat’s song “Bubbly” can be ard any given day on KDWB and ngs such as “Crank Dat” by Soulja oy are even played at Mounds View

dances.

The media also vastly affects how people dress: magazines have lists of “best and worst dressed stars,” and society tends to idolize celebrities.

“I dress like Audrina Partridge, from The Hills, I like her style,” said Hannah Lindstrom, 10.

When Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen dressed in boho-hippie outfits, stores couldn’t keep enough cowboy boots and flowing skirts in stock. And when The OC was a hit TV show, Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson started a vintageshopping spree in teenage girls everywhere. Again, when Kate Moss stepped out into the streets wearing skinny jeans, a whole new trend of skinny pants with flats, or tucked into boots, or even worn with heels, erupted into everyday life.

However, the media is not the only influence for clothing styles. Many Mounds View students are drawn to following trends because of what they see their friends wearing.

“I normally just buy whatever I think is cute, but I like to get ideas from what other people are wearing,” said Shannon Sorenson, 11.

Nate Audeh, 11 agreed, “If I see something that looks cool from friends I’ll wear it.”

Although fads are a very common sight to see in Mounds View, some feel that following fads is ridiculous because of their short-lived lives and sense of conformity.

“I try not to follow trends too much.

Most of the time I just think they’re stupid. They show up and they go away.

I’m not going to pay money for something that I won’t wear in two weeks,” said Amber Reigstad, 11.

Christine Gelbmann, 9, had a different reason for not always following trends.

“I think that people shouldn’t judge you on what you wear but just on your personality,” said Gelbmann. “If we all had to dress the exact same, cover up everything, we would all look the same.”

While some feel that clothes should be an expression of personality, others find them to be a waste of time and energy to keep up on and simply a way to fit in or be “cool.” Either way, the presence of the fads and trends will always linger in society.

1990 Girls: leggings, side ponytails, big sweaters Guys: grunge style

Girls: ranging from

2000

preppy to vintage Guys: jeans fit better, less basketball shorts

photos courtesy of Ask.com

8variety

November 9, 2007

Kahlo captivates

By Emily Nelson staff writer

Frida Kahlo’s name may be well known, but her story is not.

We recognize her haunting eyes and heavy eyebrows, but few really know what inspired her paintings. To illustrate more of Kahlo’s poignant life story, the Walker Art Center, in association with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, is currently showing an exhibit of Kahlo’s paintings.

The exhibit, entitled Frida Kahlo, features 50 of Kahlo’s works, including many of her self-portraits as well as various still life paintings. It also includes over 70 photos of Kahlo taken throughout her lifetime. The exhibit will be open at the Walker through Jan. 20, 2008.

Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter who lived from 1907 to 1954, has become an iconic Chicano artist of the twentieth century because of her distinc-

tive painting style, symbolism, and brutal artistic honesty.

Kahlo drew inspiration from her own life as well as Mexican art and culture. Her paintings are distinctly reminiscent of traditional Mexican art in her use of bright, bold colors which reflect her strong passion for her native roots.

Although Kahlo is now a celebrated artist, her life was anything but lavish.

“Frida Kahlo overcame many obstacles to become an influential artist,” said Joanna Ehrlich, 11, who visited Kahlo’s home in Mexico during Mounds View’s Spanish trip this summer.

In 1925, Kahlo was injured in a trolley car accident in which she was impaled with a pole.

She suffered critical wounds including a broken spinal column, pelvis, and collarbone. The accident also harmed her reproductive ability, and as a result she suffered a series of miscarriages. Although she recovered, Kahlo suffered from severe

photo courtesy of The Musuem of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo

“Self-Portrait as a Tehuana (Diego on My Mind),” a famous painting by Frida Kahlo.

chronic pains, which often left her bedridden, for the remainder of her life.

For three months following her accident, Kahlo was confined to her bed. While she recovered, she painted self-portraits using a mirror that she placed in front of herself.

During this time she created numerous works which portrayed the pain and sorrow she endured.

“People are intrigued by her because you can see her psyche in her paintings,” said Gloria Foss, Spanish teacher.

The Broken Column is one of Kahlo’s most expressive paintings exhibited at the Walker; in it, Kahlo is portrayed with a broken spinal column and nails piercing her body.

“She had such a hard life.

The paintings at the Walker really opened my eyes to her struggles,” said Mary Long, 11, who attended the exhibit on its opening day.

As a result of her reproductive difficulties, Kahlo developed an obsession with fertility.

Many of her works express this fixation, including Sun and Life, exhibited at the Walker, which depicts a revitalizing sun surrounded by symbolic burgeoning lilies.

Kahlo had a turbulent marriage with Diego Rivera, a famed temperamental Mexican muralist. Kahlo’s divorce and remarriage to Rivera in 1939 and 1940 were the subjects of many of her paintings during the time period surrounding these events.

Kahlo often mentioned her maternal feelings towards Rivera. In her painting entitled The Love Embrace of the Universe at the Walker, Kahlo depicts Rivera as a baby whom she cradles in her arms.

“I paint my own reality,” said Kahlo, according to the Frida Kahlo exhibit. “The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to.”

Kahlo’s work is brutally honest and, at times, shockingly graphic. She inspires artists and non-artists alike to express themselves without fear of rejection or judgment. Her story is begging to be shared, and the Frida Kahlo exhibit is just the place to catch a glimpse into Kahlo’s “own reality.”

photo illustration by Nate Grann

Joanna Ehrlich, 11, practices yoga outside the lunchroom.

By Anna Blaske staff writer

As I unfold my legs and roll up my mat, I am overcome with a calm, empowering feeling that can only be achieved by a vigorous hour and a half long yoga session.

“Namaste,” the instructor says to me as I leave, which, according to namaste-yog.com, means “I honor the divine in you.”

According to WebMD, the number of yoga-goers has tripled in the last ten years, and the activity is becoming much more popular among teens. In my studio, a significant number of the people are about my age or a bit older.

“After a session I feel like I got a good workout and I always want to come back again,” said Mary Long, 11.

Yoga originated in India and is closely connected with Hinduism; however, today it is accepted as a form of exercise for not only the body, but the mind as well. Yoga is a practice that teaches one to balance their mind, soul, and body.

There are two basic types of yoga: gentle and power.

Gentle yoga stresses longer times in positions that challenge one’s flexibility. Power yoga involves more movements from one pose to the next, focusing on not only flexibility, but stamina and strength as well.

“I love the way I feel when I’m done, I feel so invigorated and like I could run a

marathon,” said Joanna Ehrlich, 11, who attends yoga as often as her schedule will allow her to.

Bikram yoga is becoming a popular form of power yoga that is done in a room at 105 degrees Fahrenheit. After 90 minutes of Bikram you can almost hear your heart pumping and you are guaranteed to be sweating.

Michael Mullin, an instructor at Bikram Yoga of White Bear Lake, said, “Doing yoga will improve your overall performance in other sports. Many state winning cross country and track teams have required their athletes do yoga.”

MV girls’ track and field coach, Scott Ylkanen, said, “We have considered having [our] athletes do yoga to see if it improves their performance.”

While both the girls’ and boys’ track and cross country teams have yet to make yoga a requirement, the girls’ swim team has integrated yoga into their practices.

Swimmer Kristen Bjorklund, 11, said, “It helps my performance because it helps stretch out after a hard practice so I’m not so tired the next day.”

Fresh from yoga class, my only worry is when I can go back. High school is a lot of stress as it is, and if I simply flip to the FIT Channel for 15 minutes or go to Bikram Yoga of White Bear, it gives me those precious moments to escape. Namaste.

Everest peaks as ethnic restaurant

By Emily Nelson staff writer

Located on Grand Avenue, Everest serves Nepalese cuisine.

Nepalese food uses many root vegetables and rice, and is generally spicy. It is influenced by Indian and Tibetan cuisine, so you’ll find curry, a spicy souplike Indian dish eaten with rice, and Tibetan noodle dishes on the menu.

“Everest is my favorite ethnic restaurant because they put a lot of heart and soul into their cooking,” said Shannon Smith, 11.

Everest is run by a Nepalese family that actually cares about the food they serve. The food is more authentic than that of most Asian restaurants in the Twin Cities, which alter traditional recipes by reducing spiciness or

adding sweetness to their food to better appeal to the tastes of Americans.

“As much as I like to eat at Asian restaurants like Big Bowl or P.F. Chang’s where the food is predictable and Americanized, I prefer Everest because it’s more of a cultural experience,” said Kristin Thompson, 11.

Everest is different because it serves fully-spiced, Nepalese cuisine. Everything is made from scratch using locally grown herbs and imported spices. The ingredients are fresh, and the portions are generous. Most entrees range from $10 to $13, and you’ll have enough to take home for a midnight snack.

Try the savory Samosas, triangular fried pastries filled with potatoes and peas. In addition, Samosas can be filled with a

variety of meats including goat.

Also try the Momos, yummy steamed dumplings which are popular on the streets of Nepal.

For an entrée, try any of the curries or the Dhaal-baat, the staple meal of Nepal’s lower altitude regions.

“The yak Kothes are great.

Everything tastes so much better than it looks. I was nervous at first, but all the food turned out to be really good,” said Ron Towne, 11.

The unusual appearance of the food may be disconcerting if you’re not used to ethnic food, but take one bite and your apprehension will vanish.

Choose your preferred level of spice for each dish, but don’t try to be tough—stick to medium or less because the Nepalese idea of spicy is much hotter than you would imagine.

If you don’t like spicy food, Everest has numerous milder alternatives. They also offer a large selection of tasty vegetable dishes for vegetarians.

The cozy restaurant is sparsely decorated; most of the adornment consists of pictures of Nepalese and Tibetan landscapes and some brightly-painted accent trim. Although the ambiance is lacking, you’ll forget about your surroundings when the mouth-watering aromas fill your nostrils. With each mouthful the explosive flavors will transport you to the majestic mountain peaks of Nepal.

If you’re going on a weekend evening, be prepared for a short wait as the restaurant is small. The service can be slow, but you won’t mind once the food arrives.

Everest is the perfect restau-

rant for those who want an authentic meal but prefer not to travel to Asia for it. You’ll receive roughly the same meal as you would in Nepal, minus the 14 hour flight. When you’ve finished, take comfort in the fact that your trip home will take a mere twenty minutes, not half a day.

Nepalese dumplings, served at Everest.

photo courtesy of twincities.citysearch.com

November 9, 2007

9 reviews

Noteworthy shows coming your way this November

Atmosphere 11.10 5 p.m. / First Ave / $15 (with Mac Lethal, Grayskul, and Luckyiam) Amidst a hip-hop world of gangsters and thugs, Atmosphere enters the scene armed, not with multiple scantily-clad women, but solid verses. The criticallyacclaimed group is Minneapolis’s indie-rap child, tossing out lines about the city and what goes on within it.

courtesy of last.fm

courtesy of last.fm

Lil’ Wayne: a little worse than before

By Bret Alexander staff writer

Lil’ Wayne, famous for his albums Tha Carter and Tha Carter II, has unleashed another: The Product 2. The album aims to impress, bringing an all-star cast (among them: Kanye West, Twista, and DJ Khaled) into the production.

Upon first listen, I was blown away. The Product 2 might have been the best Lil’ Wayne album since Tha Carter. However, as the album progressed, the quality of the music declined. While the first half was epic, the album turned out to be anything but solid by the end.

The Product 2 starts off with impressive tracks like “Pop Bottles,” “Gimme That Gusha,” and the remix of “Duffle Bag Boy.” These songs brag about the celebrity lifestyle: the parties, the girls, and the money that we all love to hear about. In “Pop Bottles,” he relays that he would prefer conflicts to not be solved using violence, while using an energetic beat.

The beats and verses are outstanding, so at first it seemed that the album was going to be as good as Twista’s The Day After, with every song having me crank my speakers up and leaving a sense of awe.

Unfortunately, the album slowly fades into a bunch of mediocre tracks. The second half of the album does a nosedive.

The beats are not very attractive,

and the flow and verses left me unimpressed. The last tracks seem to have been added just to take up time.

It seemed as if little or no thought had been put into the development of these songs, and there was even a difference in sound quality between the first few songs and some in the second half of the album. The song “Burn This City,” featuring Twista, sounds like it wasn’t even recorded in a studio but rather by a handheld microphone.

The Product 2 becomes so bad that even Lil’ Wayne’s remix of the popular song “Apologize”

by One Republic can’t revive it.

This single track is misplaced in the second half, however, because it’s one the best tracks on the album. It speeds up the beat but keeps a relaxed mood while the verse is going.

I’d recommend this album to anyone looking for a few new rap songs, but if you are looking for a CD where you can listen to the entire thing without skipping a track, then this album is not for you. The second half of the album didn’t impress me, but the first few songs were absolutely amazing.

Band of Horses 11.14 8 p.m. / First Ave / $15 / 18+ (with The Drones + Tyler Ramsey)

Dream-pop group, Band of Horses, is known for their epic power-ballads and almost over-dramatic lyrics. The slightly-depressing feel that the group consistently embodies (“I’m ready / for the funeral”) is somehow endearing, though, with the instrumentation rescuing the group’s vibes from being too heavy.

courtesy of mountain7.co.uk

Little Boxes 11.15

Free!

8:00 p.m. / The Whole Music Club (on U of M campus) Stop by and say hello to Little Boxes (Nick Cairl and Emma Turnquist), the cutest duo to ever come out of Mounds View. The 2007 Alumni also happen to make incredibly nice electro-pop music and are signed to Afternoon Records, one of the bigger local labels. They play in the name of their homeland, Sweden. Go and be happy for them.

courtesy of Colin McSteen

M.I.A. 11.20 8:00 p.m. / First Ave / $19 / 18+ (with The Cool Kids)

M.I.A.’s name means “Missing in Action” but her music says something completely different. Her music is an extremely potent mix, with elements including hip-hop, dancehall, baile funk, electronic, and reggae. The British artist with Sri Lankan roots is probably one of the most promising musicians today.

Sounds like: Straight up Southern rap influenced by hip-hop. Along the lines of Young Jeezy and T.I.

courtesy of last.fm

6/10

information compiled by TT Phan

Dan In Real Life pulls off the clichés

By Brandon Osero staff writer

After the barrage of blood and guts splattering across the screen from the recent new annual installment of the Saw series, it is wonderful to see a movie release that isn’t a horror flick. Dan in Real Life is an entertaining romantic dramedy that keeps the laughs rolling and has its heart in the right place.

Dan in Real Life is the story of Dan Burns (Steve Carell), a widower and selfhelp columnist who barely keeps his life together while juggling three kids: 4year-old Lilly, 14-year-old Cara, and 17year-old Jane. The story begins when they all travel to Rhode Island to his parents’ house for the annual family reunion.

On a trip to a local bookstore, Dan meets Marie (Juliette Binoche); an intellectual woman who dreams of travel and romance. For the first time since his wife’s passing, he starts to have feelings for another person. Unfortunately, she is dating Dan’s brother. The two struggle for the rest of the film to avoid this newly developed love, but neither can fight it.

The plot is reminiscent of a sitcom, but it plays out with such wit and maturity that it works. With a mixture of seri-

ousness and comedy, the cliché-ness of the story is forgivable. For example, when Dan discovers Cara kissing her boyfriend, he, as expected, freaks out.

The parent freak-out shtick has been done to death, but him banging against the window (and then trying to act natural) works for his character and is funny, while trite. The ending of the film is also cliché and hokey (as usual, everyone is deliriously happy), but then again, the film’s goal is to be a crowd pleaser. The cheery finale does its job of putting a smile on the audience’s faces.

The film suffers most from a lack of character development. At a run time of 93 minutes, the film sacrificed development for the sake of jokes and moving the story along. Dan’s parents and other siblings tend to be present just to spit out one-liners at him. They are funny characters, but a little bit more about them would have been nice to know.

However, Dan’s character is extremely developed to create a strong protagonist who is easy to relate to. When he is talking to Cara about how it truly feels to be in love, the audience can sympathize with his angst, as many have been in a similar position. Sure it is cheesy, but the dialogue and direction is strong enough to keep it from becoming sickening like so many other romantic comedies.

The storyline is helped greatly by Steve Carell. This film, like Little Miss Sunshine, shows that he is more than just Michael Scott from The Office or Andy

courtesy of rottentomatoes.com

Stitzer from The 40 Year-Old Virgin. It is well known that Carell is a master of deadpan delivery and some of this talent is shown in Dan in Real Life. One of the best comical runs Carell does is during the dining scene when his brother is talking about Marie. His brother says, “I swear, the minute I saw her I felt like I was in the room with an angel.”

To which Dan replies under his breath, “Yeah, well this corn is an angel...”

The scene continues on like this as Dan tries to change the subject. The lines come so far out of left field, and delivered so dry, that it is hard not to laugh.

Carell’s funny, but dramatic, performance is an indication of his range as an actor and solidifies his future in Hollywood.

Dan in Real Life is a wonderful blend of humor, drama, and heart. It accomplishes what most movies cannot. Where many films go for cheap laughs or for dramatic tears (or even bloodshed and gore), this film tries to stay away from that. Sure it may be sappy at times, but it doesn’t try to force an emotional response. Without even trying, it is an endearing and comical film that is worth the time put in to watch it.

8/10

10sports

November 9, 2007

Mustang seniors in their final charge Expect these winter sports athletes to lead their teams this season

Tom Gimm

diver

By Alex Hoffman staff writer

Some may prefer jumping into the pool and making the biggest splash to spinning and flipping to a perfect dive.

While Tom Gimm, 12, agrees that cannonballs are fun, he prefers to perfect his competitive diving skills.

“I used to do front flips in my front yard. My mom would get scared and made me do something constructive with it,” said Gimm, this year’s diving captain.

Gimm’s talent as a diver was quickly recognized, and he made the varsity diving team in 7th grade.

“I dove for Irondale when I first started because my brother was on their swim team. I was the only diver, so they were grateful for the extra points when they were in need,” said Gimm.

Gimm decided to go to MV instead of Irondale because he didn’t want to leave his friends.

Having been on the varsity diving team for five years, Gimm has looked forward to being a captain for a long

time.

“I love being able to lead the team and influence people to stick with what they’re doing,” said Gimm.

Gimm has also taken away some valuable qualities from his diving career.

“I’ve learned a lot about leadership, hard work, and dedication. When I was younger I met a lot of older guys through the team, and they became sort of my second coaches,” he said.

He described the difficulty of flipping around in mid-air during a dive. “Every muscle in your body tenses up, your eyes are open but all the colors blur together, then you enter the cold water.”

Even though his eyesight may be blurry during a dive, he has a clear vision about his future. Gimm knows that he will pursue diving after high school.

“Right now I’m looking mostly at U of Kentucky and Madison. I really want to go to a Division I school,” he said.

Diving has opened up many new opportunities for Gimm. It has shown him the importance of staying dedicated and working hard, as well as possibly becoming a great asset to a college’s diving team. No matter what the future brings for Gimm, his years on Mounds View’s diving team will have prepared him to take the plunge into life.

Mike Schramm

basketball player

By Corinne Holmes staff writer

After a hard workout at the final practice of last year’s basketball season, Mike Schramm walked off the court knowing that next year, he and the other juniors would have to step up their game.

After two years of modest success, Schramm, 12, wants to see the team win the conference and the section title in his final season.

“Schramm has the skills to help the team reach these goals,” said head coach Ziggy Kauls.

A starter since sophomore year, Schramm is hardworking and talented.

His positive attitude and upbeat personality makes his teammates admire him and creates an encouraging atmosphere on and off the court.

He comes from a family of basketball. His younger sister, Kelli Schramm, 10, played on MV’s JV team in her freshman year.

“I don’t even remember when I first started playing basketball, I’ve been playing forever,” Schramm said.

As a freshman, Schramm played on the St. Anthony High School varsity basketball team. He transferred to Mounds View because he “…wanted to go to a bigger school, to branch out and find a new place to go,” he said.

Schramm tried out for the basketball team his sophomore year. Since then he has started on varsity, and has continued to be a key player for the team.

“Mike is very dedicated and is a hardworking player,” said Kauls.

As the new kid coming in as a sophomore, he had the challenge of learning how to play under a new coach and with all new players.

“It was really intimidating playing with the upperclassmen at first,” Schramm said.

Now, as a senior, he said he feels more like a part of the team.

“I feel a lot more accepted, and much more comfortable with the team now that we’ve been playing together for two years,” he said.

Schramm is captain this year along with Mitchell Baran, 12, and Nick Bartlett, 12.

For college, Schramm is not looking at going to a Division I school; instead he wants to play for Bethel University. Regardless of where he ends up, MV basketball will have left its mark on him.

“The thing I would like to take away from this season’s experience is knowing that we left behind a legacy,” he said.

photos courtesy of Tom Gimm, Cara Morphew, Paige Simonsen, and Mike Kauls.

Cara Morphew

skier

By Christina Xia staff writer

Cara Morphew, 12, fell in love with skiing at the age of two. Since then, she has devoted much of her time to excelling at alpine skiing.

Morphew is one of this year’s captains for the Mounds View Alpine Ski team. She first started racing in her freshman year at MV, and skied on varsity as a sophomore.

Morphew also excels at lacrosse, and will be one of this year’s MV captains. She participated in a season of girls’ tennis and ran cross country for a year.

However, she is devoted to skiing. Not only does she ski for school, Morphew skies off-season for fun as well.

“It’s my favorite pastime, and it’s definitely something I am going to continue doing for the rest of my life,” said Morphew.

For Morphew, joining alpine racing has intensified skiing.

“Racing makes me feel like I have to ski my fastest and makes me competitive, where as skiing for fun, I get to go at my own pace. Racing also helped me to improve my form. The feeling of adrenaline going up during races helps

me to release stress and to forget about everything else,” said Morphew.

Skiing practices, including long bus rides, usually take 4-5 hours. With two practices and one meet per week, it’s tough to balance school with skiing.

Nevertheless, Morphew does extremely well in academics.

“Cara is... dedicated to academics and does well even though she is committed to skiing, ” said fellow captain, Harry Merickel, 12.

As a captain, Morphew is excited for her last season as an alpine skier.

“We have a strong team and I hope that we can make it to state,” said Morphew.

“I’m determined to do really well this season, but I’m also sad that this will be my last season here.”

Morphew is focusing on colleges with club ski teams for next year. Some schools that have caught her interest are University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Denver.

Anna Nordby

basketball player

By Marysa Meyer staff writer

Greatness has to start somewhere. For senior Anna Nordby, it began when her parents signed her up for Little Dribblers, a youth basketball program.

From there, Nordby played basketball every winter through elementary and middle school, and she is now one of this year’s girls’ basketball captains.

“She shows good leadership on and off the court,” said teammate Kelsey Flaherty, 11. “She never gives up.”

Nordby played with older teammates almost every year at Mounds View.

As a freshman, she was on the sophomore team, and she has been a starter for varsity since her junior year. However, playing up took some getting used to.

“It was intimidating at times, but I worked really hard to get where I am. It ended up being really fun.” Nordby said.

Determination and dedication are strong aspects of her personality that benefit the team.

“She’s very motivated,” said basketball teammate Megan Lauck, 10. “She keeps everything really positive.”

Nordby played on varsity last year and would have played varsity as a sophomore, if not for injuries. “I sprained my ankle twice during my sophomore year,” she said. “When I came back [after being

injured] I played JV, but I had made varsity.”

Even during the off-season, Nordby is training. She runs long distance a few times a week, goes to the gym every weekend to shoot hoops, and plays basketball in the spring and summer. She is also a captain of volleyball. During volleyball season she participated in Acceleration, a program that helps athletes get in shape.

“I was a slow defender, and I wanted to be able to be quicker on my feet,” she said.

Nordby said she is looking forward to this season. She’s enthusiastic about her chance to lead the team and succeed this year.

“It’s really exciting. I love being captain. We have a really young team this year, so we’ll be growing a lot together,” she said.

“There’s a lot of chemistry between us, and we all have a lot of fun. We have the potential to go to state this year.”

After high school, Nordby plans to continue playing basketball throughout college.

“Playing basketball has taught me a lot about life in general and how to deal with different situations,” she said.

One option she’s looking into is the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Mounds View Football

Section 2AAAAA Champions

November 9, 2007

Girls tennis: second at state

By Sara Wang staff writer

photo courtesy of Dan McMahon Photography

Landon Bengston, 12, carries the ball during one of his many key runs during the section final game last Friday.

MV beat White Bear Lake 21-14.

By Ross Peterson staff writer

On Friday, Nov. 2, the Mounds View football team pulled off a rallying 21-14 victory over section rival White Bear Lake, who had come off an Oct. 27 win over number one seed Irondale.

Mounds View’s defense deserved much of the credit for stopping a notorious running game and a frustrating passing play. The defense prevailed thanks to the linebackers’ hard

work with Kyle Mauricio, 10, and Paul Bruhn-Ding, 12, having sacks early in the first quarter.

The offense couldn’t be overlooked, as senior captain Mitch Baran, 12, put up huge passing yards. Andy Osborne, 11, and Eric McKay, 11, put up a strong running game as well.

Mustang Stadium became deafening in the second quarter as a punt was blocked by senior captain Jack Brundell, 12, and returned for a touchdown, making the Mustangs go into half-

time 14-0.

Although White Bear made a second half comeback, it wasn’t enough as the Mustangs sealed the victory with great pass defense, not allowing the Bears to complete long passes downfield.

The football team will face Eastview High School today in the first round of the state tournament at 7 p.m. at Griffin Stadium, which is located at St. Paul Central High School.

11

sports

For the fourth time in six seasons, Mounds View’s varsity girls’ tennis team has gone to state. And this year, their achievement is even more impressive, considering how young the team is.

Seven of the twelve players made their varsity debuts this season. Ten are playing in their first state tournament.

“Everyone on the girls’ tennis teams has worked really hard and put in a lot of effort this year,” said co-captain, Erin Gudul, 12.

The girls’ tennis team had an impressive match record of 20-5 this season. During sections, the team defeated Blaine, Irondale, and Centennial to qualify for the state tournament. In the semifinals of the Class 2AA tournament, Mounds View defeated Minnetonka 5-2. They then competed for the state championship against Edina, but lost 0-7. The match, for Edina, was the continuation of their ten-year state champion streak.

Mounds View’s hard work and dedication were no doubt large factors in their successful season.

“Our team has been doing a lot of training. During the offseason, we try to work out, eat right, and try to stay in shape.

We set high standards and we always try to meet them. For us, playing tennis isn’t just about winning. It’s about trying our hardest and having fun.

Sometimes it’s really hard work, but we try not to get discour-

aged,” said co-captain Christine Muller, 12.

By staying fit and keeping a positive attitude, the team has greatly improved.

Varsity tennis coach Mike Cartwright and co-captains Gudul and Muller have helped motivate the girls.

“Mike and our captains provide great leadership and have helped us grow as a team. They always try to guide us and correct us in an encouraging way,” said Laurel Krebsbach, 9.

Another key factor this season was the chemistry between teammates.

“We all get along both on and off the courts. When our captains correct us, we know that it’s not personal, and they are always nice about it. And when someone doesn’t do well in a game, we don’t hold against them,” said Maggie Morris, 9.

The team hopes to maintain their success next year by preparing underclassmen on the JV and B-squads to fill in for graduating players.

“We’ve all been told that if we work hard, we’ll earn a spot on the varsity team. That’s really motivated us,” said Nicole Lorentz, 10.

With training and talent on their side, the returning girls need only to find the same motivation next year to have an excellent season.

“This year’s success really brought up the team. It’s shown us what we can achieve through hard work and determination,” said Morris.

photo courtesy of Ask.com

Student-athletes sore about trainer schedule

By Maddy Stephens staff writer

Kate Fifield, 12, is a talented pole-vaulter for the Mounds View girls’ track program. She joined the team as a sprinter her freshman year and quickly distinguished herself as a strong and determined runner, hurdler, and jumper. Unfortunately for Fifield, her career as a track star was stalled sophomore year when she had a run-in with a notorious malady: shin splints.

“My legs hurt too bad to run,” said Fifield. “All I could think about was stopping the pain.”

Luckily for her, the trainer at the time, Naomi Bitner, allowed Fifield to use the icy pools in the trainer’s room on a regular basis to soothe her legs and back, even if she wasn’t there to supervise.

But in the summer of 2005, Bitner married and left Mounds View. Since then, Fifield and other athletes have found it more frustrating to get treatment for their injuries.

Mounds View filled the vacated athletic training spot with Janet Bebernes, who was hired through NovaCare, a Twin Cities medical practice that schedules trainers.

Bebernes inherited a tight schedule, which requires her to be at every home varsity volleyball game, boys’ and girls’ soccer games, and home football games. She also travels with the varsity football team and fre-

quently is on the field with the football players from 3-5 p.m.

This means she often isn’t there when athletes from other sports come seeking help.

“It’s impossible to be everywhere at once,” Bebernes said.

“I might be hard to find, but I try to keep the signs on the door updated as to where I am.”

The change and the difficulty finding help have frustrated many athletes, who question the school’s commitment to their safety.

Fifield said she had more injuries last year from polevaulting, including two where she injured her head and one where she sprained her wrist.

“Janet wasn’t there any of the times I needed her help,” Fifield said. “I am really frustrated with the level of care I got that season as opposed to my sophomore year.”

But Activities Director Bob Madison said Bebernes does as much as she can to treat sports injuries with the tight schedule she inherited from Bitner.

“Janet covers more sports and more hours than most trainers in most other conferences.

Mounds View has a huge number of athletes,” he said.

According to Madison, the school can’t afford to hire more trainers on a daily basis.

“It costs the school $17,000 a year to sponsor a trainer.

Even adding another $1000 in expenses would be pushing it,” he said.

Some students believe that time spent on the football field may be better spent on treating athletes who belong to other Mounds View teams.

Athletes often need to access the room when practice is finished, which for most sports happens around 4 or 5 p.m.

However, the end of these practices also coincides with Janet’s time on the football field, which boasts a program of about 80 students, all colliding, sliding, and tackling each other with monster-truck force.

Bebernes said coaches could fill in some of the gaps.

“Coaches are always available to supervise athletes who want to soak,” she said.

“Though I’m not necessarily in the trainer’s room 24/7, all athletes have access to the room given they have adult supervision. If a student needs to ice, soak, or grab some pre-wrap, I am not by any means stopping them from doing so.”

Michelle Brunn, 12, said it makes sense for Bebernes to be with the football team.

“Logically, Janet would spend more time with the most dangerous sports, like football,” she said. But, she added, “How is one person supposed to manage this many athletes?”

Madison said Bebernes’ responsibilities on the football field don’t mean other students are being neglected.

“While she’s out at football, Janet is still accessible to all

students, though not immediately,” said Madison.

Still, students like Fifield aren’t satisfied with the explanations for Bebernes’s lack of availability.

“It was always a gamble as to whether the trainer’s room would even be open. That made me suffer as well,” said Fifield.

Help may be on its way.

Recently, NovaCare made the executive decision to send an additional trainer to Mounds View.

This new trainer is available every other Monday, and is an experienced professional in the field who can help Bebernes better “professionally diagnose and treat those injuries which Janet feels questionable about,” said Madison.

“Any time we have an extra arm to help, it makes the burden that much smaller for the one trainer,” he said.

Bebernes agreed that the situation may improve.

“The winter season is a huge relief for me, because not only do I have fewer high-maintenance sports, but I also have an assistant helping me out,” she said.

More help may also come from Bethel University. The university has contacted Bebernes about sending over a student assistant to help out in the trainer’s room this winter season. Bethel would send a new student every eight weeks, depending on the rigor of the

student’s certification program.

“Student teachers from Bethel aren’t paid by the district, or at all. It’s a required part of their certification program, and since Mounds View and Bethel are so close, that works to our benefit,” said Madison.

These opportunities are the few possible ways to offer more treatment to Mounds View’s athletes.

Fifield said, “It’d be good to get some new people in there, because the situation isn’t working as it is, and changing the pace might help us figure out what the problem is and how to address it.”

photo by David Derong

Janet Bebernes, the only trainer that tends to athletes in every sport at Mounds View, stretches an athlete.

12gallery

November 9, 2007

Poetry Corner

Modern Girls

We love our modern girls In vintage dresses With box-blonde hair And Conair tresses Because they play their parts so well They play their parts so well We adore these golden boys With gilded edges,

Poetry, one of the earliest forms of compositional art, is often viewed as a thing of the past.

Some even say that it is a dying art form.

Mounds View students

But are revitalizing poetry into the life it once had.

With rhythm, meter, and rhyme on their side, the students string together words infused with eloquence, which grow into poems

polished with originality .

Reminisce

They make their mistakes But no one measures How bad they hurt They don’t know how to hurt

But I’ve made no mistake These golden days are just dates Strung together.

Makini Allwood, 12

Gender Bending Man Poetic, Insightful, thoughtful Vain, emotional, weak, Romantic, caring, deep.

Smile

Remember Her Heart For when you look upon this world of woe, And you think that your eyes have seen some good, Your eyes have deceived you, for I have all That you have seen, I know that ill mood Which those daydreams purvey. May your breast clasp At a beating nomenclature; ribs know Of nothing but dry bone, and you have no Heart that brings you blood, your chest is as no Other I have ever felt between these Fingers. The good you have seen in your heart?

There is nothing you have seen there. There is no Thing in this world to suggest that the part You play in this tragedy has any Redeeming value for one ill as me.

Jack Humphrey, 12

Woman Strong, provider, rough Independent, dense, cocky Stern.

Stereotypes When genders collide, Where do you stand?

courtesy of metrofashion.com

When genders collide, Are barriers broken?

Do the stereotypes break down?

When will people be free?

Jeremy Scheiner, 11

Passed away.

What?!

Emotions flow With just two words.

Now I come to regret All those times I Could Have spent with you But I never did.

I chose to Waste my time On things that didn’t matter.

I’m not sure if I even loved you.

You left this life too fast.

I moved into yours too slow.

Now I know I miss you.

I remember your caring touch The way you looked upon me Like I was so much.

I know I should be grateful Without you I wouldn’t be.

And yet I never thanked you For everything.

Now your time is over, Just left an empty shell, So familiar to us all.

Since you tried To teach me to appreciate Even though I would not listen, As I see you Surrender to the earth, I give you my thoughts unspoken.

So many things I could have said, Actions left undone.

Too many ways I could have said What I should have thought.

Now I shed my tears of anger, Shed my tears of grief.

I truly hope you know That I have always loved you, And always will love you so.

This time I didn’t choose well, But now I really know Spend time with those around you, Before they have to go.

Marisa Gonzalez, 9

photos by David Derong poetry compiled by Kristen Vanderburg and Natalia Kruse