December 21st, 2007 - MVHS Viewer

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Friday, December 21, 2007

INBRIEF

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Volume 54

photo by Nate Grann

The Shakespearience, a student-run organization devoted to staging Shakespeare’s works, has selected The Comedy of Errors as its play for 2007. The current tri-directorate, consisting of Andrew Larkin, 12, Nate Chan, 11, and Cassie Ahiers, 11, chose a 1940s film noir theme for their adaption of Shakespeare’s play.

Pictured above is lead actor Chris Kloeckner, 11 at one of their daily rehearsals in the auditorium. The actual play will run Feb. 7-9.

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<mvviewer@yahoo.com>

‘Significant arrest’ raises questions about MV drug use editor-in-chief

The Super Smash Bros. Melee Tournament, hosted by student council members Jack Basten, 11 and Sam Toninato, 11 (pictured above) was held Dec. 6 in the forum. The purpose of the tournament was to reach out to students not normally involved in after-school activities. This year’s winners were Thomas Jemielita, 12, and Alan Long, 12, who received a $40 cash prize. Students teamed up in groups of two and competed against one another.

I E W

Issue 5

By Anna Brockway

photo by David Derong

V

O U N D S

A 16-year-old male was arrested for possession and intent to sell drugs on school property on Monday, Nov. 12.

The arrest followed the search of a vehicle in the school parking lot, according to the Ramsey County Sheriff Department’s incident report.

According to the police report, the vehicle contained suspected marijuana, suspected cocaine, suspected mushrooms, 9 pills of suspected Ecstasy, 1 digital scale, and $265.

The substances later tested positive for 6.6g of Cocaine HCL, trace amounts of crack cocaine, and 47g of marijuana.

The presence of MDMA, a psychoactive drug commonly sold in the form of Ecstasy tablets, was confirmed in the pills. The testing time on the 23g of mushrooms was longer than allowed for the publication of the supplementary report.

Steve Robertson, Special Agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, said that the variety of drugs, more so than the amount, was “the sign for a very sophisticated drug operation.”

He continued, “Based on my experience throughout the nation, that’s a pretty significant arrest.”

School officials could not comment on the incident, but they stressed that drugs were not unfamiliar to Mounds View.

“Typically, I will petition or charge out 4-6 [students] a school year—that includes drugs and alcohol,” said School Resource Officer Glen Pothen.

While students have been arrested in the past for possession and use, members of the administration stressed that for as long as they’d been here, no cases had matched this incident in magnitude.

“It’s news because it’s unusual; it attracts people’s attention,” said Principal Julie

According to the Ramsey County Sheriff Department’s report, these items were inside the vehicle:

- 47g of marijuana - 23g of mushrooms - 9 pills of Ecstacy - 6.6g of Cocaine HCL - trace amounts of crack cocaine - 1 electronic scale - $265 in cash Wikelius.

“When you’re talking about schools, you’re typically talking about small amounts. To that degree, this situation was unique to Mounds View and probably most schools,” said Dean Paul Anderson. “Mounds View struggles with the same social ills as any other school within this state, city, and country. I don’t think any realistic adult or student ever thought that Mounds View was a drug-free environment.”

Since the individual was arrested with intent to sell, the question arose if the arrest could lead to charges of buyers in the school community. The administration declined to comment.

However, the arrest of a dealer could leave a provider vacancy in the underground substance-use community. In cases such as this one, Pothen said the rebound time is unclear.

“It can vary—we see a lot of times where it’s a very short time before the hole has been filled, so to speak, and other times when it never has,” he said.

Drug users within Mounds View, who agreed to speak to the Viewer on condition of anonymity, are worried about the availability and reliability of harder substances in light of this arrest.

A concern for users is that they don’t always know what they’re getting. Trust is an issue between users and providers, as drugs such as Ecstasy often come laced with other, more dangerous, substances.

“It’s not like other districts

Privacy on school grounds: A look at limits on the school’s power in cases of privacy

By Anna Brockway editor-in-chief

After the Nov. 12 drug arrest in the school parking lot, rumors quickly circulated that school officials had read incriminating text messages on the suspect’s cell phone — and that was how they were tipped off. The Viewer has confirmed that this is not the case.

However, students are still concerned. What are a student’s rights to privacy within a public school? Does the administration have the power to search a student’s cell phone, car, and belongings? And if so, for what reasons? where there’s a huge variety of drug dealers- there’s only a few people so it’s difficult to know who to trust,” said Jill, 12, whose name has been changed.

However, Pothen and Anderson both said that prevalence of drugs within MV is comparable to that of nearby high schools such as Irondale, Roseville, and White Bear Lake.

“I think it’s very similar to other schools,” said Anderson. “[However], I think schools handle this issue very differently. I think Mounds View does an excellent job in this area.”

According to the Minnesota Student Survey, led by the Department of Education and administered in the spring of 2004 to 6th, 9th, and 12th graders, 17 percent of 9th grade boys and 18 percent of 9th grade girls had used both alcohol and drugs (excluding tobacco) in the past year. The numbers rose to 30 percent of boys and 25 per-

In a current case concerning student privacy, Monarch High School in Colorado searched multiple student cell phones last spring to investigate suspicions of substance use. The incident started with a student who was caught with cigarettes in a school parking lot. His cell phone was taken by a school administrator; his text messages were transcribed without his knowledge, and other students’ cell phones were confiscated.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sided with the students and their parents. According to an Oct. 10 letter from the ACLU to the Boulder Valley School District, the school administration believed they were acting within the extent of the law, which gives administrators rights to a search with reasonable suspicion.

PRIVACY continued on page 5 cent of girls for students in 12th grade. The survey was administered again in the spring of 2007, but results were not yet available at the time of this publication.

This anonymous survey is relied on by administrators to give accurate assessments of the frequency of drugs and alcohol within their school communities.

“Certainly, that number [reporting alcohol and drug use] was larger than any of us would like it to be,” said Wikelius.

Staff and faculty do not specifically monitor students for drug use, but that doesn’t mean the school is unaware.

“I and others have worked and trained staff for what to look for in students who are under the influence of drugs and chemicals,” said Anderson.

DRUGS continued on page 5

What’s that buzz?

By Collin Nisler

New ‘mosquito’ ringtone is anti-adult ears

staff writer

The struggle between teachers and students over cell phone use has escalated to a daily, if not hourly, battle. Students like Kelsey Wise, 10, want the freedom to communicate with their friends, but teachers want their undivided attention.

“I usually text every period.

It’s something to do when you’re bored in class,” Wise said.

According to Etcnews.com, Wise is in the majority. About 70 percent of students in grades 6 through 12 use cell phones during class or on school grounds.

Previously, teachers had been able to monitor cell phone use by detecting the low buzzing

noise that announced a text message or phone call. However, a component has recently been added to cell phones that may give students the upper hand.

This addition comes in the form of a ringtone undetectable to most adult ears.

As adults age, their ability to hear higher pitched noises diminishes, which is a result of presbycusis, the loss of hearing that occurs in most individuals.

This condition was used by a British shopkeeper to his advantage. He developed a highpitched whine that could not be heard by adults, but was virtually unbearable to anyone under 25. According to The New York Times, he used it to prevent teenagers from loitering around

his shop. While the noise was developed to the advantage of adults, it was used against them when countless teenagers converted the whine into a ring tone, which found its way to America.

The ring tone can now be found on numerous Internet sites, under the name of ‘the mosquito,’ making it easy to download.

Alan Jin, 10, has the ring tone on his cell phone.

“It works really well. I haven’t met a teacher yet who can hear it,” he said.

While the ring tone does provide some students with a means of fooling teachers and parents, some find it too irritating to bear.

Ian Nohner, 10, doesn’t care for the idea of the ring tone.

“It’s so annoying, it isn’t even worth it,” he said. “I’d rather get caught than have it on my cell phone.”

When teenagers use the ring, they are taking the risk that the teacher or adult is immune to it.

However, MV Social Studies Teacher Scott Oberg is one of few adults who say they are able to hear the high-pitched whine.

As technology advances, teenagers will look for alternative ways to communicate with friends, and teachers will be ever diligent to root out a student distracted by a cell phone. Although the mosquito ring is irritating to photo by David Derong some, it could be a ticket to avoid the ever-attentive eyes and Steph Schwartz, 12, fails to hear the ears of teachers. ‘mosquito’ ringtone while Vanessa Dunne, 12, covers her ears in pain.

2editorials

op T 10

December 21, 2007

Best things about the holidays

10

Hearing “Jingle Bell Rock” everywhere.

Makes up for the usual lack of gaudy blinking lights

8 6

9

Greed!

Don’t have to worry

enough time at the mall

5

Icy roads keep you close to family

You’re less materialistic when you’re broke

2

7

about not spending

Time to reflect on friends, family, and who you’re obligated to buy gifts for

4

art by Jack Basten

Everyone showing their Christmas...err...holiday spirit

3

Mom will love to see you in that turtleneck she made you wear

1

School’s out- sled with Jae!

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 Hutchison, 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.

NSPD-51:

Your government v. civil liberties

By Abby Taylor staff writer

Thousands of papers enter and leave the White House on any given day, and the public is rarely informed about what most of them say. We hope that our government or the media will bring the important ones to our attention.

However, on May 9, when the White House issued National Security Presidential Directive 51 (NSPD-51), which could deeply affect us all, there was very little news about it.

This directive gives the federal government, especially the executive branch, the power to take away the rights of the American people, suspend the constitution and delay elections, all in the name of national security.

NSPD-51 is a directive means to ensure “Continuity of Government” during a “Catastrophic Emergency.”

“Catastrophic Emergency” according to this document is “any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions.”

Now, the definition of “disruption” could be taken pretty broadly. Also notice the phrase “regardless of location,” which implies that the “disruption” doesn’t have to happen in the United States at all.

If there is an emergency, according to the directive, the president and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism will be in charge of “ensuring constitutional government” with the help of the National Security Advisor. And by the way, both of them are presidential appointees, which means they were put in power without the approval of Congress.

Then, to make sure that the three branches of government are interacting, another presidential appointee, the Chief of Staff, will designate an official to ensure continuity.

Despite assurances that a democratic government is important, there are several parts of this document that indicate otherwise. The document promises “orderly succession and appropriate transition of leadership,” not elections. This seems to suggest that elections could be postponed or canceled.

Also, this directive says that

the government will continue under the Constitution, while giving the president power to decide what “proper respect for the constitutional separation of powers” is. And there are, according to the magazine The Week, two more sections in the document so secret that their contents have not been revealed to anyone outside the administration.

This document gives a lot of power to the president and those that the president chooses in the event of an emergency. We are talking about the possibility of dictatorship here.

This document though, is only the latest in a long and growing line of new measures that are quietly destroying the civil liberties of Americans.

From the PATRIOT Act (giving the federal government the power to check library records in the name of national security), to Guantanamo Bay (where inmates are held for years without any official charges leveled against them), to the recent wiretapping scandal (when the illegal program was discovered, the administration immediately moved to make it legal...secretly), the current administration is systematically crushing the rights that make this country a democratic republic.

One of the surprising things is how quietly the administration has been able to accomplish this. By manipulating the fear of the American people after the Sept. 11 attacks, the administration has been able to take many powers that have been denied to previous governments. The secrecy of the administration has allowed them to continue this process.

For example, here in Minnesota, people who wish to protest at the Republican National Convention have to get permits, even though the right to assemble is given by the First Amendment. And in a recent court case, the U.S. government argued that there are no privacy rights for e-mail under the Constitution. The government wants to be able to read your email anytime they want to without telling you.

At this point, it doesn’t matter what your political views on the current administration are.

These acts, documents, directives, and laws will stay in effect long after this administration has left. Individually, they can each be excused, but together they represent an unforgivable pattern of repression.

US-Iran relations get catty

By Karly Bergmann staff writer

Following the same steps a middle school girl goes through when caught in her own lies, the United States government is scrambling to cover its mistake after a recent intelligence report revealed what’s really going on with Iran’s nuclear program.

Any tween girl knows that when a rumor comes back, the first step to controlling the damage is finding out exactly what rumor it was that upset everyone so much. In the United States’ case, the current drama is surrounding an intelligence report put out by the National Intelligence Estimate on Dec. 3.

This report offers new evidence proving Iran has halted the military program connected to its nuclear program; Iran is enriching uranium pellets strictly for peaceful purposes.

Fortunately for United States’ citizens, this means Iran is not the world’s next war zone, and we do not have to be worried about a nuclear attack.

Unfortunately for the government, this report makes public the fact that American intelligence was completely wrong about Iran’s nuclear program.

The report will also force America to reconsider its current aggressive foreign policy with Iran, which has been significantly more devastating than the average middle school girl’s aggressive boyfriend-stealing policy.

But regardless of the difference in the situation, the next problem-solving step for a middle-school student or the government is for them to recognize they were wrong and admit it.

From sitting at the wrong lunch table to writing an evil note, any conflict from grades 6 to 8 can be solved as long as the perpe-

This is what Iran can’t do.

trator admits they were wrong and apologizes for it.

Strangely enough though, the U.S. government has decided to ignore this vital step and has instead tried to put a spin on the situation that is as awkward as middle school gym. Instead of using this positive new evidence to build better relations with Iran and to avoid any possible conflict, the Bush administration is focusing in on any negative aspect it can.

Stephen Hadley, the national security advisor, was quoted in the New York Times saying, “on balance, the estimate is good news. On one hand, it confirms that we were right to be worried about Iran seeking nuclear weapons. On the other hand, it tells us that we have made some progress in trying to ensure that this does not happen. But this also tells us that the risk of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon remains very serious.”

It is difficult to see Mr. Hadley’s point when he says a report explaining that Iran has only peaceful nuclear enrichment plants is evidence of an Iranian threat. It would have made much more sense if the U.S. government had admitted it was wrong and was now giving optimistic speeches about the future relations between the U.S. and Iran, instead of trying to prove a point that is already invalidated. Admitting one’s mistakes is a true sign of greatness and maturity, and it seems strange that the average middle school drama queen can do this, but our government cannot.

If a middle school student learns from their mistakes and matures because of it, we can only hope our elected officials can too. If Congress does authorize war with Iran, it may not be a surprise to see the bill signed with a sparkly purple gel pen.

photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org

commentary3 The globe could use a little warming DECEMBER 21, 2007

By Sean Moore staff writer

It’s not even Christmas yet and already my buddies have turned blue and started shivering. My toes have become black and snap off like icicles now because of severe frostbite. And there Al Gore is, all warm and cozy in southern California complaining about how hot the world is becoming.

I understand that environmentalists want to save the world. But up here in the arctic tundra that we call Minnesota, the world becoming a few degrees warmer wouldn’t be half bad. Maybe then we could remove one or two of the 20 layers we have to wear just to make it from the school to our cars.

Come to think of it, global warming would solve a lot of problems. If it was sunny and 65 year round, we would never have to rely on our unpredictable heating system ever again. The school wouldn’t have to spend nearly as much on heating the school. They could probably save about half, leaving an extra five dollars or so for the budget.

The world becoming warmer would solve the nation’s obesity problem as well. If it

photo illustration by David Derong

Kiley Wolff, 12, Julia Baker, 12, Kristen Vanderburg, 12, Kevin Sullivan, 12, and Sam Helgeson, 12, wonder, ‘Where’s global warming when you need it?’ were even just a bit warmer, we Of course, eating less doesn’t would be able to enjoy the just mean the children of newly formed ocean beaches America will be healthier. right outside our doors. We Children in poorer countries will could sunbathe, surf and play also prosper as there will be beach volleyball year-round. A more food to share. Farms too warmer Minnesota would also would benefit, as the warmer clieliminate the pressing need to mate and melting ice caps would eat a bit extra in order to insulate produce lots more rain, ending for the long winters. drought forever and replacing it

with 200 inches of rain a year, more than enough to grow all the crops everyone will ever need. The one-tenth of the world that remains above water will never go hungry again!

The newly created eternal spring may have some unfortunate side effects on the amount of snow in the world, meaning our most majestic peaks will be dirt-cloaked rather than covered in snow. The loss of the picturesque landscapes will not be in vain, however. The mountains will instead become an easily accessible form of entertainment for all those who wish to climb them. Scaling Everest will become a matter of hours, not days. Unfortunately, glaciers and ice caps would melt, making it difficult for ice miners to find work. Yet we would undoubtedly adapt, constructing nearly flawless replicas of ice cubes out of glass and industrial strength Elmer’s glue.

Other misfortunes may result due to global warming as well, but there is a silver lining to all of them. Because it will be warm out more often, indoor gyms and pools will become mostly obsolete. But although they may fade away into history, the ultra large fuel stations built

Everybody dance now:

Piracy not black and

Tha Pumpsta challenges racial norms

By Dan Heaney

Ms. Wei,

staff writer

Walking through the streets of Brooklyn, Jeremy Parker, a white male, passes out a flier. Across the top of the tiny piece of paper, the words “Kill Whitey” scream out. But the intention of this brazen statement has nothing to do with killing whites.

Rather, it is a message to “kill the whiteness inside,” or shed the generalizations of privileged life, especially for whites, that prevent them from dancing to hip-hop.

Aptly named Tha Pumpsta, Parker is the host and deejay of “kill whitie” parties, located in downtown Brooklyn. Dozens of white party-goers flock to these dances every week. The most common guests to these parties are white hipsters, looking to distance themselves from the same stereotypes that Parker feels have shrouded him. Courageously, Parker has placed himself in the middle of two feuding sides; one reprimanding the hip-hop world for its racy lyrics, and the hip-hop crowd itself, which has become wary of attempts to mock their styles and culture.

Parker, a young man at 25, has not gained any respect from the hip-hop community, the very people that he is trying to help. Now more than ever, the world of hip-hop has come under extreme criticism for their lyrics. Often including demoralizing statements about women, and promotion of drugs and violence, hiphop has become a sort of taboo in middle to upper-middle class life. And because of this, they have become ever

more aware of parodies regarding them, and many regard Parker’s parties as parody.

Parker insists, however, that he means well.

“I'm throwing this party, and it's obvious that I'm white and I'm kind of appropriating this culture but photo courtesy of Olivia Wyatt in an ironic way,” Jeremy Parker, aka Tha Pumpsta. he said in an interview with tensions never was, and never The Washington Post. “Kinda will be, an easy task. Some poking fun at myself and my grudges are too deep, and hisorigins and white people in tory has produced too many general.” cases of discrimination for But the hip-hop nation people to fall back on. But to continues to reel at the say that Parker is trying to prospect of someone judging make hip-hop a joke is them. Complaints have wrong. What he has done, and poured in, and, considering somewhat successfully, is to that New York is the birthcreate another potential culplace of modern day hip-hop, tural attribute for those feelany hint of mockery is taken ing short of other possibilivery seriously. ties.

Listening to Parker’s life If someone wants to, they story, it is hard to believe that can go to his parties and he is in any way racist or anti- dance to hip-hop without hip-hop. Ever since he was a being teased by other partygoyoung boy, he has been a folers. And this is really the type lower of the ideals of Martin of action that needs to be Luther King Jr. When he was taken to help eliminate 15, he designed a shirt that racism. People should be shows black and white fingers allowed to adopt the culture interlocking across the chest. they see fit, and what someAnd to suggest that he has one listens and dances to suddenly completely should not be determined by revamped his set of philososomeone's social background. phies, while making outright Tha Pumpsta’s only hope is to attempts to attack hip-hop make additional cultural culture, is absolutely outraoptions available, and for this geous. he should be applauded, not Erasing cultural and racial scolded.

especially for the giant tanks we’ll all be driving will be much more impressive, and practical.

Allergies in the new warmer planet may become violently strong, on account of the pure smog that we’ll be breathing.

Children might develop a smoker’s cough while still in the womb. But we can always find ways to enclose entire communities in hypoallergenic bubbles. It may be a challenge, but as humans have done before, we will survive and ultimately thrive. And maybe one day, due to our extraordinary evolutionary abilities, future generations will be allergic not to smog, but rather fresh air.

So go ahead. Drive your hummers with the special rims and that kickin’ sound system and get a half a mile to the gallon. Dump those toxic, radioactive chemicals into your backyard pond; maybe we can even get Al Gore to spew a bit more hot air. Try anything and everything at all to pollute our Earth as much as possible. Because if we don’t want to come down with a fresh case of hypothermia each morning on our way to school, we need all the help we can get!

Instead of an analogy, the argument of whether or not piracy is theft might be explained better by an understanding of the process of getting music from the web.

Internet media stores such as iTunes and Rhapsody have changed music and video from hunks of plastic to series of zeros and ones.

It costs no more to a music company to make millions of copies of a song than it does to make one. If CDs are sitting unsold, then it's due to the vicissitudes of supply and demand, of consumers flocking to the easier methods of getting music granted by the Internet.

Music executives themselves have accepted the ease of piracy.

Anne Sweeny, co-chair of Disney, made a statement at a conference, saying, “We understand now that piracy is a business model. It exists to serve a need in the market for consumers who want TV content on demand. Pirates compete the same way we do— through quality, price and availability. We don’t like the model but we realize it's competitive enough to make it a major competitor going forward.”

The fact that pirated copies of television shows are of a higher quality than the versions offered on iTunes, along with the lack of Digital Rights Management (DRM) in music offered by pirates, makes not just the price and availability of pirated media better. It also makes even the quality of pirated media higher than that of the media companies. So now the benefit traditionally associated with music companies, quality, is no longer there.

DRM is a broad term for methods taken by record labels and movie studios to prevent piracy, but which also degrade the experience of the paying user. Apple's Fairplay system and Napster's download service are examples: they restrict

white

Rebuttal the use of music to certain mp3 players or only allow it to be burned so many times. Another, more harmful, example is Sony BMG's Extended Copy Protection.

When a CD is inserted, the probram actually installs files on computers which cause major security flaws. Again, putting the quality of the media below that of pirated files.

Another point made was that the consumer was paying for accessibility, but suddenly, the legally obtained music is no longer as accessible. Let's say I don't care about that, let's say I fully intend on buying some music, but I don't know what I want to buy. To make the choice easier, I borrow my friend's Beatles CD. If my friend's accessibility has gone down when he lent me his copy of The White Album, then that would mean he could no longer listen to it.

The great thing about the advent of digital music is that my friend still has the music. “Rocky Raccoon” can be put on an iPod and played by various means through his car's stereo, while I can listen to “Blackbird” on my computer. If borrowing turns into piracy the moment I keep the music forever, what if I put The White Album onto my computer, and give the CD back? My friend still has his CD, neither he nor the record company have lost any physical items. I haven't walked into Target and shoved the CD into my jacket and walked off; I haven't walked into Paul McCartney's house and stolen money from him. The only thing I've done is spread the love.

The bottom line: while aspects of piracy are black and white, there are also shades of gray.

Colin Anderson Viewer staff writer

4features

December 21, 2007

Myths of Modeling The truth behind the makeup doesn’t fulfill the dream

By Divya Gupta & Emily Storms staff writer

A model’s seemingly glamorous life is enchanting to many young girls who dream of growing up to be the new “it-girl.”

However, for those who have modeled, the industry is not all glamour and glitz. There’s plenty of dirt on the runway.

Reyna Sawtell, 12, who modeled as a child, said that modeling isn’t as great as media cracks it up to be.

“Modeling doesn’t work at all like it does in America’s Next Top Model. The critics aren’t as nice as they are in the show,” she said.

Modeling’s role in society is increasingly prominent in the media. The popular television show America’s Next Top Model glorifies the lives of models. The models on the show travel to exotic places around the world, meet famous people, and have fashion photo shoots. They get free designer clothes, and appear in prominent magazines like Seventeen.

In real life, model calls can take long hours and there is a huge possibility for rejection.

The competition, even in amateur modeling, can become extreme.

“I remember going to auditions and there would be bunch-

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es and bunches of girls, all trying for the same spot,” said Elan Dillner, 11, “I’d start thinking about how they were all prettier, or nicer than me.”

Dillner began modeling at a young age, because her mother and brother both modeled.

The pressure only increases the older girls get. The pressure to be perfect physically can be traumatizing, not only for models, but also for the general population. It’s no secret that the media has an enormous negative impact on teenage girls’ self esteem and body image, but recently studies have depicted how much of an impact it can have.

In a 2001 study done by Kimberly Bissell and Peiqin Zhou through the University of Alabama, college-age girls were surveyed about both their exposure to media and their general body image. A researcher found that exposure to “thin-ideal” programming was one of only four reliable predictors towards women of all ages acquiring eating disorders. Programs like America’s Next Top Model only add to this pressure. Seventeen magazine, one of the main sponsors of the show, recently ran a survey stating that 38 percent of teenage girls thought their lives would be better if they looked like the celebrities.

“I never really noticed the

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pressure until I was about 12, and then it just hit me,” Dillner said.

Rachel Lemon, 12, modeled for commercials and magazines until she was 14. She acknowledged this emphasis on body image, but said she got out of the modeling world before it became intense.

“I guess there is a lot of pressure but I never felt it,” she said.

This intense pressure causes some parents to worry. photo by David Derong Kari Nielsen, 10, was asked when Amy Fertig, 11, has lived her childhood dream of becoming a model. she was three to be modeling agencies. agency never contacted her a child model.

“You have to be really again. Fertig has since found a “I started practicing—just picky,” said Fertig. “There are a reliable agency, but knows to be walking up and down church lot of scam agencies out there careful. aisles—but when my mom saw that just want your money.”

Despite the negatives about me, she was scared of the whole When she was only in third the modeling world—the presthing, and stopped me from grade, one such agency attracted sure to be perfect, the rivalries, doing it.” her attention. the cost, the physical strain— The enormous cost entailed “I was really excited, something about it remains in the industry also could worry because it was the first agency to alluring and continues to parents. Even before getting a contact me, but they told me I bewitch generations of little girls gig, prospective models must had to take classes and then I to come. have professional photos taken would get calls,” she said.

“I would do it again in a for hundreds of dollars. It is also After taking thousands of heartbeat,” said Lemon. important to be aware of scam dollars worth of classes, the

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December 21, 2007

5 features

No lunchtime changes yet Swingin’ for a goal

By Luke Hutchison

Synergy to host swing dance in January

By Anna Blaske

staff writer

Wanted: one cold Kempswich. Last seen: loaded with saturated fats and in Mounds View’s cafeteria last year. This was the resounding message Mounds View’s Student Council heard during the Open Forum held on Nov. 12 during all lunches.

“When we tallied up the results the Kempswiches and frozen Snickers were the items students wanted most,” said student council member Sam Toninato, 11, who helped tally up the votes.

The student council’s plan was to find out what some of the top items were that students wanted to see back, and present them to the Wellness Committee on Nov. 14.

“We were hoping that they would see our side and try to bring back some of the beloved items from Mounds View’s past,” said Toninato.

Ellie Wood, 11, voiced her frustration about the menu changes, “Kempswiches, we need those back!”

At the Wellness Committee meeting Nov. 14, the student council members and John Thompson, 11, presented the results of the open forum to the committee.

“The committee valued our opinion but it was out of their control to make changes at this time,” said Head Cook Kathy Murphy.

Citing guidelines from state

DRUGS continued from page 1

In the past, the school community has taken other measures to counter substance abuse. Alcoblows were implemented at MV dances in the fall of 2006; green open-door policy posters were placed inside every classroom by the school-sponsored Students Against Destructive Decision-making (SADD) in the spring of 2006; and Minnesota State High School League activity substance abuse rules are strictly enforced within the school.

“I think what does help Mounds View is that all of the students here have an understanding that as staff, we have a deep, deep, commitment to a safe school, and I think what occurred [reinforces] the school’s commitment to our sense of responsibility,” Anderson said.

“A lot of it has to do with parents keeping eyes on what’s going on with [their] kids, being aware of what kids are doing and being responsible parents,” said Pothen. “I think our parents are very involved with our students.”

staff writer

photo by David Derong

Ellie Wood, 11, eats her new dessert of chocolate chip cookies and milk.

Since numerous lunchtime favorites were eliminated from the menu for health reasons, students have chosen alternative foods. and national levels that are think we are going to have to go beyond their control, the comto more meetings to see changes mittee does not have the authori- made.” ty to amend the nutritional Thompson, who initially guidelines in use in MV. voiced his outrage to student According to Murphy, one council members, said, “It makes guideline is that, “Ala carte sense that the school follows the items can’t have more than 5g of guidelines, so they receive fundfat,” ing from the government, which Considering that a they are in need of, and the Kempswich has 18g of fat, it is meeting was a step in the right more than triple the limit. direction.”

“We learned the best way to With the national guidelines change the lunch menu is to find in place and the Wellness items that fit within the guideCommittee having little power to lines,” said Senior Class Officer change them, the future of Kristen Anderson, 12, who Mounds View’s lunches will attended the meeting. “Kathy is most likely not look like the trying really hard to find food past. Many students now feel that we like and fits in the guide- their unalienable rights—life, lines, and she is on our side.” liberty, and the pursuit of a Student council co-president Kempswich—are being withMeg McMurray, 12, said, “I held.

On Jan. 12, Mounds View students will be twisting and swaying for a cure for Leukemia at the first annual Synergy swing dance.

The event will include a swing-dancing lesson from University of Minnesota students and live music from Mounds View’s Jazz Won band.

The dance will have a 1940s theme; attendees are encouraged to dress accordingly.

Ellen Gutzwiller, 12, Synergy member, said she came up with the idea because she was, “sick of the crappy music played at school dances.”

“I wanted a change and I figured other students would want a change as well,” said Gutzwiller.

The Synergy leaders, Amelia Narigon, 12, Sandy Anderson, 12, and Louisa Savereide, 11, who all enjoy swing dancing, thought it would be a great idea. They believe that swing dancing will incorporate having fun with keeping Synergy’s goal of helping out the community in mind.

“Most of us [the leaders] have danced at a swing dancing place called ‘The Cave’ and really liked it,” said Narigon.

“The Leukemia Foundation was chosen [as the beneficiary] because Synergy has done fundraisers before for them and

they contacted Mr. Bennett, the Synergy staff advisor, asking for help to raise money,” said Savereide.

Gutzwiller said the Leukemia Foundation seems to be a well-run organization that is doing a lot of research to help Leukemia patients.

According to Narigon, the student body is already excited about the dance.

“So far the idea has been received very well, so we are hoping that a lot of people will show up,” she said.

There is a Facebook group to help advertise the dance, with a membership of over 150 people who plan on attending.

However, the major advertisement is simply word of mouth throughout the student body.

Suzanne Le, 11, who plans on attending the dance, said, “I think it’s a great new addition to the school. It’s not only a fun thing to do, but you know you’re doing it for a good cause.”

The cost is $7 per person, with most of the proceeds going to the Leukemia Foundation.

Tickets will be sold in the cafeteria from Dec. 18 until just before the dance. The dance itself will begin at 8 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. It will start with an hour of lessons, followed with two hours of open dancing in the gym.

Search rights, student privacy PRIVACY continued from page 1 However, the ACLU said that cell phone searches do not necessarily fall under protection of the law. This is because of the amount of private information cell phones contain. For example, one’s cell phone can hold information about their medical records, personal family issues, and relationships. A cell phone can also contain information about the owner’s contacts, who are not under investigation. “[Cell phones] are a portal to a wealth of personal and private information—easily accessible at the push of a few buttons—that has nothing to do with the suspected violations of school rules,” said the letter.

As the letter and ongoing case illustrate, rules for cell phone searches are murky, and not all sources agree on their legality.

When asked if Mounds View could potentially search a student’s cell phone on the grounds of reasonable suspicion, Principal Julie Wikelius said, “I suppose that [we] could, I don’t know that it’s ever happened.”

Adam Goldstein, attorney advocate for the Student Press Law Center, had a different take.

He said that a school cannot search a student’s cell phone based on reasonable suspicion alone — if the school believes an infraction has occurred, staff must notify law enforcement agencies, who then need a search warrant to be able to access the phone.

If the administration wants to search students’ other belongings — including cars, lockers, and backpacks — within a high school setting, they only need to meet the criteria of “reasonable suspicion”

of the possible violation of a school rule. Law enforcement officials, by contrast, are held to the standard of “probable cause.”

The United States Supreme Court established guidelines for searches conducted by public schools in the 1985 case T.L.O. v.

New Jersey. In that case, a student’s purse was searched after she denied the accusation of smoking on school grounds.

The decision stated that a search may be conducted by a school official if there is “reasonable suspicion that a crime has been or is in the process of being committed, or reasonable cause to believe that the search is necessary to maintain school discipline or enforce school policies,” according to LandmarkCases.org.

“If a student walks up to me and says, ‘I just saw so-and-so, he has a gun on him,’ I will search that person,” said School Resource Officer Glen Pothen.

He went on to say that the same course of action would be taken if he heard rumors of drug possession or other violations of school rules. “It doesn’t matter [what it is], it’s illegal activity,” he said.

However, Pothen stressed that the school cannot single out one person to search unless there is direct reason to believe that person is breaking the law or school rules.

“If there is a reason to think that there might be a problem, the school has authority to investigate,” said Wikelius. “[However], reasonable suspicion, too, has its limits.”

The search is limited to methods “reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of

the student’s age and sex and the nature of the infraction,” according to the majority opinion from T.L.O. Generally this means that if a student is suspected of a rule infringement, that student’s belongings on school grounds are subject to search. This can include, but is not limited to, one’s backpack, locker, and vehicle.

“One of the contracts with a parking permit is that the student agrees to abide by the school’s rules,” said Wikelius.

However, according to Pothen, there are cases in which the school does not even need reasonable suspicion to conduct a search. He said that if the school wanted to search individuals in a random fashion, they would be within their rights to do so. In fact, Mounds View does this every spring as seniors get closer to graduation, searching every student’s backpack and belongings on their way into school. “[These searches are allowed] because you’re not discriminating against anyone… we could, legally, search everyone coming in,” said Pothen.

Pothen said that it would also be within the school’s rights to search every car, or every third car, in the parking lot, provided they were picked in a random fashion.

And in the case of a random parking lot search, “no notification [prior to the search] needs to be given,” said Pothen.

The legality of random searches has been debated in courts, and rulings have not necessarily given a clear picture of the law.

In the Supreme Court case Vernonia School District v. Acton

(1995) the random drug testing of athletes was upheld after the school demonstrated there was a drug problem within activities.

However, in Jane Doe v. Little Rock School District (2004), the Eighth Circuit Appeals Court said that a “random classroom search” which turned up marijuana in a student’s bag was unconstitutional.

Students had different opinions on the issue.

“You have basic rights to privacy, and unless you are hurting someone else, [you] should not be searched randomly,” said Tyler Bradley, 12.

Merit Stewart, 11, questioned how the school upholds its own policies.

“I’ve had my locker searched because of the people I hang out with. It’s fine that the school searches lockers, but they shouldn’t do it just because I am friends with someone,” he said. “It wasn’t a big deal — I have nothing to hide — but it’s the principle.”

School administrators and students may not always agree on the best course of action. However, in the end, the school’s mission is simple.

“As a school administrator, I have an obligation to provide a place where students feel safe, where the focus is on teaching and learning. Even so, I have utmost respect for students and their rights, and we try to balance the two interests,” said Wikelius.

Pothen said, “The school’s job, is to see everyone come in and go out, in the same condition, or hopefully a little better or smarter than when they came in.”

Tis the

The holiday season is here. Students are abuzz with excitement a some, the holiday season is primarily a chance to connect with fam ing those less fortunate. Of course, nearly everyone is excited abou

Bored over break?

These holiday events can help The Holidazzle Parade When: Nov. 23 - Dec. 23. Runs Thursday-Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Along Nicollet mall in downtown Minneapolis

A Christmas Carol When: Dec. 15-Dec. 29 Where: Guthrie Theatre

Macy’s Holiday Exhibit: The Nutcracker When: All through December during Macy’s store hours.

Where: Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis

Ice Skating When: Hours vary, and rink may not be open every day. Hours at www.thedepotminneapolis.com/rink.h tm Where: The Depot in downtown Minneapolis

Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker When: Call 612-339-7007 for times Where: Orpheum Theatre Information compiled by Corinne Holmes & Natalia Kruse

Students think outside the Christmas box

By Shaked Peleg staff writer

After Thanksgiving, it is nearly impossible to avoid holidaythemed messages such as Christmas music and advertisements geared towards holiday gift giving.

While Thanksgiving is traditionally regarded as an inclusive American holiday, some may feel excluded by the religious holidays that follow. Mounds View is home to many different beliefs and celebrations. However, many of them incorporate holiday themes such as family gatherings and gift giving.

Ian Liu, 11, is a member of the Lord’s Recovery Church. As a member of this church, he believes that Jesus was more likely born in summer than in December, so he chooses not to celebrate his birth at this time. Liu still enjoys being with his family and receiving presents.

“The only time I’ve [felt excluded] was when I was worried about not getting presents,” said Liu, “[Instead] my parents said that we may not celebrate Christmas, but I can still get presents. We just don’t call them Christmas presents.”

Mounds View students of other religions may also feel excluded around this time of year, because of the prominence of Christmas themes that surround them.

Jeremy Scheiner, 11, celebrates Hanukkah, but feels stifled by the abundance of Christmas celebrations surrounding him. “[Christmas music] drives me nuts,” said Scheiner.

He finds little comfort in small references to Hanukkah.

“I hate the one token Jewish song in holiday concerts,” he said.

His twin brother, Nathan Scheiner, 11, who is also Jewish, said, “I don’t really mind because a lot of the Christmas stuff is more secular. And I honestly like Christmas music.”

Even the traditions of mainstream Christian religions concerning the holidays have changed over time, as Christmas itself has changed in view throughout history. The holiday falls around the same time as the winter solstice, so some believe that its traditions, such as decorating a tree, have been derived from Paganism, which generally refers to non-

western religions, particularly polytheistic ones.

The Christmas tree, in fact, has been banned multiple times throughout the history of Christmas.

English Puritans condemned the Yule log, holly, and mistletoe for having Pagan origins and in 1647, outlawed Christmas altogether.

“People celebrate something… they don’t know [much] about,” said Jenna Lucht, 12.

Unlike many people, Lucht and Amanda Ryan, 12, know about the history of Paganism in Christmas and choose not to celebrate the holiday. Ryan and Lucht disagree with the premise of the holiday, even though their families celebrate it.

“It’s not really a Christian holiday. It’s more of a Pagan holiday, where they use the season or holiday to worship their gods and not Christ,” said Ryan.

Jehovah’s Witnesses also consider Christmas to be tied to Paganism and do not celebrate it.

According to a website on this religious group, Watchtower.org, “Christmas and its customs come from ancient false religions… The early Christians did not celebrate Christmas… nor do true Christians today.”

Jesse Cronquist, 12, is a Jehovah’s Witness. He said he doesn’t celebrate Christmas “…because my parents don’t.”

“I don’t really mind it but it just kind of stinks that I miss out on all the presents,” Cronquist said.

However, many students who don’t believe in the Christmas celebration still find ways to celebrate the time of year with presents or

family gatherings.

“We do observe this time of family togetherness,” said Liu. “My family and I get together with other Christians to listen to speakers.”

Whether someone agrees with these views or not, they can certainly find one thing to celebrate this holiday season: the diversity of beliefs found at Mounds View and an environment in which students feel comfortable choosing whether to celebrate or not.

photo by Na

Season....

and distracted by thoughts of snow, presents and parties. For mily. Others spend time giving back to their community and helput opening gifts—whether for specific holidays or just because.

ate Grann

Holiday giving gives back

By Corinne Holmes & Natalia Kruse

Although the holiday season isn’t all about gifts, let’s face it: It is a LOT about gifts. The Viewer asked MV students to share their memories of gifts that puzzled or disappointed them.

Here’s what they said:

staff writers

As the holidays approach, some get caught up in the commercial aspects of the season. Students anticipate receiving the latest i-Pod, gadgets, and clothes. With all this hustle and bustle, volunteering isn’t usually on the top of holiday to-do lists, although some students think it should be.

“I think Christmas isn’t only about receiving gifts, but giving gifts and your time as well. It is a time to spend with your family,” said Ellie Nyquest, 9.

Some students at Mounds View are focusing more on the giving aspect of Christmas, volunteering their time to help others have a more enjoyable holiday.

“I volunteer not only to help others have a better holiday, but to brighten mine, too. Just knowing that I have helped someone out that is less fortunate than me makes me feel good,” said Whitney Kirchner, 11.

For the past several years, Kirchner’s family has adopted a family that can’t afford to buy gifts during the holidays. Instead of spending money on themselves, the Kirchner family buys presents for their adopted family.

“The best part of helping the family is seeing their faces when we visit them on Christmas.

When you go to their house to give them their presents and see how surprised and grateful they are for your help is when you know how much you have brightened their Christmas,” said Kirchner.

Along with Kirchner, Katelynn Splett, 11, spends time during her holiday schedule to help families in need at the Ronald McDonald House of Charity. Splett helps put together presents for all members of each family at the Ronald McDonald House. On Christmas, Splett’s family delivers the gifts she put together to all of the families.

Gifts that don’t measure up

photo by Debbie Li

Mounds View students give gifts to less fortunate families by way of the Dear Santa program done by Mounds View’s band.

“It’s really rewarding to give presents to people that need them and then going home and being more thankful for the presents I receive,” said Splett.

Splett got involved with the program through a family friend and has been helping at the Ronald McDonald House for three years.

Jenefer McLean, 9, and Feyona Tranquillo, 9, also enjoy volunteering their time throughout the holidays. Tranquillo has been making holiday boxes for several years for Operation Christmas with her church. This year she organized a group to go to the processing center to help check boxes for appropriate packaging. The boxes they processed are being sent to children in Ukraine.

“We try to volunteer every month, because you know that you are doing something that is helping others and worthwhile,” said McLean.

While individuals at Mounds View are volunteering during the holidays, Interact Club, a student organization focused on helping others, is also working for a program called Operation Holiday Box. “The organization ships shoe boxes with all different toys, candies, and games to kids around the world whose families cannot afford presents for the holiday season,” explained Allison Jones, 11, president of Interact.

The group chose Operation Holiday Box as a volunteering project because it was something the entire school could take part in. Interact collected shoeboxes filled with toys and other objects for kids in need that Mounds View students put together.

Whether it’s giving families presents on Christmas, or simply brightening a kid’s future, students at Mounds View are finding different ways to get involved this holiday season to help someone in need.

“It’s so satisfying knowing that you are helping out someone less fortunate then you,” said Jones.

“My grandma gave me wood glue one year.”

- Keoni Sanny, 9 “I got Tic-Tacs from my grandma because she thought since I was getting older I would get bad breath.”

- Eric McKay, 11 “I got an easel and paint set from my mom, but I hate art. And she knows that. I felt very angry and disappointed. But not to the point where I completely regret getting the easel, but to the point where I wanted to draw bad things on it.”

-Eric McKay, 11 “I got knee-high purple cat socks with googly eyes one time.”

-Rhiannon LeGarde, 11 “My mom got me a really expensive golf bag… and I don’t even golf.”

- Allie Sherwood, 10 “My parents gave me an ironing board and an iron for Christmas last year.”

-Becky LaCasse, 11 “The worst Christmas gift I got was a lump of coal in my stocking when I was five… I just looked at my brother while he had a full stocking and cried.”

-Mike Weidt, 12

Quotes compiled by Taylor Wilson

8variety

December 21, 2007

Fusion among staff MV Teachers forge friendships

By Kirstin Yanisch staff writer

Third hour I entered Madame Reyes’ French classroom. It had been a dull day so far; I wasn’t expecting anything interesting.

Then, as the bell rang, math teacher Charlotte Osborn walked in.

Some students, including me, looked surprised. A math teacher was in a French classroom.

Why? Madame Reyes explained that Osborn couldn’t make it to a gathering they had planned.

Hmm… not only do teachers leave their classrooms and departments, they actually have “gatherings” outside of school?

This got me wondering about the social lives of teachers.

I began my quest by interviewing Madame Reyes about this mysterious phenomenon.

“Yes,” she said, “There are a mixed group of teachers — Mrs. Miller, Ms. Rush, Dr. Schaffer, Ms. Osborn and several other teachers — that just get together.

We usually go on ‘cabin retreats’ at least three times per year.

Sometimes we do art projects like making jewelry or plaques, and we play group games.”

The unique aspect about this group is that they come from a variety of departments; language, social studies, English,

and math.

Madame Reyes said, “We’ve gone four-wheeling too… We decided to because there were trails around the cabin we were at. Then we [four-wheeled] into town and got ice cream cones.”

Many of Reyes’ comrades commented on the adventure.

Social studies teacher Kathryn Miller said, “That was so much fun! I don’t drive very well, though. Going up over boulders was frightening, I had to switch drivers.”

Osborn said, “I was a driver, and there was no way I was letting go of the wheel!”

Many teachers get together outside of school with their departments as well.

Miller described a social studies department tradition, “[We] have a really big end of the year bash at my house. We have a bonfire and celebrate the end of the year.”

Social studies teacher Mike Kauls said, “Those are parties you don’t miss. You haven’t lived until you’ve had Russ Miller’s ribs.”

The science department also has a close bond.

Heidi Johnson described one of the science department’s social events, “After conferences it has become a tradition that some teachers go bowling together.”

photo courtesy of Laura Linder-Scholer

Teachers Martha Rush and Janelle Hallberg have a fun time at Prom 2007.

Science teacher Mark Johnson reflected on these outings, “From what I hear, [the bowling] has become more about crazy style than score. We’re all pretty competitive or equally bad, depending on your point of view.”

As far as style, he commented, “Mr. Dieter and Mr. Wright can throw a mean spinning palm ball.”

Besides big group gatherings, many teachers have close friendships within the walls of Mounds View.

Social studies teacher Martha Rush and English teacher Janelle Hallberg have a close friendship.

Rush said, “We have the same sense of humor. [Hallberg and I] will have whole conversations in old song lyrics. It’s hilarious.”

It isn’t only small groups of teachers who gather to have fun outside of school. Once in a while, big events take place that involve teachers of all departments.

Two years ago, on one of the last days of school, math teacher Dan Butler and science teacher Matt Washenberger teamed up to create a mini golf course around the school.

Butler said, “Mr. Washenberger made holes out of cans to hit the balls into. We set up blockades [around the school] and had flags to mark them all.

It took about an hour to set up.”

Washenberger said that the motivation behind the event was that “[We] wanted a staff activity to put off stress.”

From crazy school-wide gatherings to close-knit groups of friends, the facts are now out.

Teachers have social lives with teachers from different departments. “[Even though] sometimes students don't think we have lives...we really enjoy doing fun activities outside of school with one another," said Heidi Johnson.

photo by David Derong

Lights from 1779 Lake Valentine Road

Too much of a good thing?

By Cassie Ahiers staff writer

Small groups of people across the nation gathered in their front yards on the day after Thanksgiving to experience what some consider the official kick off to the holiday season. After battling the cold weather conditions, and climbing ladders to defy heights, these brave men and women were finally able to see all their hard work pay off.

With a flick of a switch, their hearts warmed as they glimpsed the season’s first Christmas lights aglow.

For some, this ritual is an essential part of the holiday season, and no amount of lights is too much. But for others, over-decorating is gaudy and annoying.

“When my family puts up the lights together, it gives me a sense of that holiday cheer,” said Nadine Yacoub, 11.

Many students agreed that Christmas lights get them excited for the season, but would rather choose to be a spectator than partake in the decorating themselves. Some people even search out neighborhoods to find the best displays.

“There’s no such thing as too many lawn decorations. I think that everyone should unite together and put up their lights the day after Thanksgiving, so every street can be bright and festive,” said Becky LaCasse, 11.

But this statement causes us to wonder. Is it possible to overdose on spirit? And are lights just another scam that industries are using to continue the increasing commercialism of these holidays?

Everyone knows about that one house on the street with every embellishment possible.

These are the shrines that start off with the typical red and green blinking lights but explode into a cornucopia of Christmas jubilee.

“There is this one near my house that has blue icicles, shooting stars, glowing candy

canes, and every light imaginable,” said Lauren Kelleher, 11.

You know you’ve found the mother of all these homes when you can spot a snowman, a manger, nine reindeer with Santa, and something in the form of a blown up snow globe.

“I have one neighbor who goes all out at his house. He keeps his lights up on this one tree all year round. I think he’s kind of crazy, but it’s cool,” said Sarah Ruth Dobson, 11.

Others are not so impressed by this overzealous display of festivity.

“Inflatable snow globes are too much and tacky,” said Kim Medek, 12.

Many agree that glowing reindeer and snowmen should be reserved for the Holidazzle Parade, or Mardi Gras.

“The worst is when people have no room left on their lawns, because they are so decked out with blown up penguins, gingerbread men, and a manger scene,” said Walker James, 10.

It’s true that some houses tend to stray from the “realistic” decorations, for Rudolph was not the fourth wise man.

And it’s no wonder that people with “too much spirit” are getting groans or even having their ornaments tampered with.

“You know that people with reindeer are just begging to have their decorations sabotaged,” said Lauryl Bergmann, 10.

So whether you were one of those brave souls who scaled your building to proudly erect old St. Nick, or you prefer to “accidentally” unplug your neighbors’ singing snowman, all of us will be reminded on our streets that this is the season to be jolly.

“When I see the lights, I can’t help but smile, and feel like the world is at peace,” said Yacoub.

And maybe that isn’t so bad after all.

Streets to see... *Gramsie *Raven Road *Pleasant Lake Road *Lake Valentine Road *Snail Lake Road (house with lights synchronized to fm channel 105.5)

December 21, 2007

9 reviews

Wu-Ta ng Clan barely holds together

By TT Phan & Nick Barkve reviews editor & staff writer

courtesy of Thecia.com.au

No Country for Old Men

By Brandon Osero staff writer

Fate, life, and evil are difficult concepts to discuss, but No Country for Old Men succeeds at portraying these timeless ideas.

The movie handles these philosophical themes with finesse to create a powerful film that is timeless itself.

The movie follows the lives of three different characters that are in the middle of a cat-andmouse chase in West Texas. One man, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), is an innocent witness to a destructive drug deal that leaves one man alive and with $2 million in Moss’ hand.

The survivor, Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), chases after him, leaving a pile of bodies in his wake. Chigurh’s destruction comes to the attention of Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones), a sheriff who thinks the times have changed too much for him.

The plot of No Country for Old Men is a familiar story, but under the direction and writing of the Coen brothers, the film goes beyond the typical thriller.

Ethan and Joel Coen have already established themselves as brilliant filmmakers with films Fargo, Barton Fink, and Raising Arizona, but this film supercedes their previous work.

What makes No Country for Old Men outstanding is its ability to weave complex concepts into an intricate and entertaining plotline.

The movie brings up the concept of fate constantly through the character of Chigurh. In one scene, he flips a coin and tells a gas-station attendant to choose heads or tails to determine the man’s fate. The man chooses wisely, and Chigurh spares his life based solely on the outcome of the coin.

He does this a second time near the end of the film before killing something, leading to the idea that he kills not because he enjoys it, but because it is his fate to do so. His concept of fate is strengthened when many tell him, “You don’t have to do this,” right before he kills them.

Chigurh’s actions are motivated by his perception of his very own fate.

This twisted sense of fate makes one wonder if Chigurh is

R A T I N G

S 10 Y 9 S 8 T E 7 M 6

truly a psychopath or if he and his victims are connected by destiny. It raises the question if humanity is under its own control or is it following a pre-destined path.

Besides fate, the film also touches on the ideas of age and change. Through the whole film, Tommy Lee Jones’ character can never catch up with Chigurh and Moss. One scene that emphasizes this greatly is when Chigurh breaks into Moss’ trailer. When he doesn’t find him there, Chigurh takes a bottle of milk and drinks it in front of a TV, and then the shot cuts to his shadowy reflection on the screen. Bell eventually reaches the trailer but just misses him.

Then, he mimics the actions of Chigurh including the shot of his reflection.

This shows that Jones’ character just cannot keep up with the younger character. It suggests that as one gets older, it is hard to adapt to the changing times.

But the film also argues that violence has and always will be the same. Thus, Chigurh may not be a new type of killer, but the same type that has always existed.

This brings up questions about the nature of violence. It could be that with age, people perceive that violence has changed. Or, it could be that violence adapts to changes in society, but its core remains the same.

It is impressive for a film to take on such philosophical issues and make it work. Just as it did with fate, the movie does not become preachy about violence and age. Instead, it keeps it in the background and hidden in the dialogue to allow the film to develop the themes over time.

No Country for Old Men takes on serious ideas such as fate, age, and violence with strong drama and suspense. Joel and Ethan Coen have created a masterful work of art that raises great questions about human existence. For those that have a passion for filmmaking, it is an inspirational movie that should not be missed.

Euphoria! Your mind will be blown.

Crazy awesome. You should check it out.

Way sweet, although missing a few things.

Nice if you’re in the right mood.

Hit or miss. You’ll enjoy some of it; you’ll be indifferent about the rest.

10 /10 5 4 3 2 1

Meh, it’s fine.

Maybe.

But probably not.

You should try to avoid this if you can.

Hurts the ears. Like poison.

No.

The Wu-Tang Clan could be considered somewhat of an entity in the hip-hop world, infiltrating it with quick wit and cryptic wordplay. Coming out of Staten Island, NY in the ’90s, the group has made its mark—its influence even hitting us here, in the suburbs.

The original Wu-Tang lineup consisted of RZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, U-God, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and GZA. With the recent loss of Ol’ Dirty Bastard, otherwise known as Russell Jones, it seems that the days of the classic nine-man Clan have ended.

Furthermore, the group has been plagued by internal strife due to creative differences. WuTang Clan member Raekwon has been quoted in an interview with Miss Info that RZA (another clan member) has turned into some “hip-hop hippie,” and that RZA’s new sound is not “the vibe I want.”

That said, it’s hard to expect an entirely cohesive album when two members can’t manage to agree—especially taking into account that there are eight of them.

It’s from this disunity that 8 Diagrams, their first release in six years, is spread thin. The most noticeable fault is the absence of Ghostface Killah, one of the most prominent clan members (who, incidentally released an album a week before this one). He makes a few appearances in the beginning of the album and completely disappears in the second half.

If anything, 8 Diagrams shows how willing RZA is to push the (already shaky) limits.

“Unpredictable,” for

instance, features switchblade strings and piercing guitars reminiscent of a four-minute long horror-movie suspense scene. Rather than being enjoyable to listen to, the listener instead, becomes horribly unsettled.

On the other hand, another experimental track, “The Heart Gently Weeps,“ a genius spinoff of The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” is simply exceptional. With contributions from John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dhani Harrison, George Harrison’s son, the song does the original justice while successfully infusing it with the Clan’s sound. It keeps the same sound of the original instrumentation and overlaps it with a vivid street narrative delivered by Ghostface Killah.

From these tracks, the album moves along with the typical Wu-Tang Clan tricks.

Inspectah Deck plays his usual role, which includes randomly popping into songs with really slick lines. Method Man pops into a few songs sounding cockier than he ever has before.

U-God and Masta Killa, the group’s token-lyricists, turn up a few times, sounding at the top of their game. “Wolves,” for instance, showcases their talent

and pairs it with funk-musician George Clinton.

The album would have been more successful if they had cut it off after 10 tracks. The tenth track, “Stick Me For My Riches,” features Gerald Alston. The contrast between Method Man’s tough words and Gerald Alston’s smooth voice entrances listeners. The remainder album sounds unfinished and each song sounds like it should be on an EP rather than a complete record.

8 Diagrams continues to drag onto the last track, a tribute to Ol’ Dirty Bastard, “Life Changes.” The idea is to allow each member to give a brief eulogy for Russell Jones, but instead exposes the absence of unity on this album even further. While seven of the members pay heartfelt verses to the deceased member, Ghostface Killah remains absent. It’s clear that the Wu-Tang Clan has indeed changed, whether it is in number of members or relations towards one another—if they can reunite for another album is uncertain.

Sounds like: Wu-Tang Clan, who else? A bit RZA heavy on this one.

6 /10

courtesy of BaltimoreSun.com

The Hives become infectious

By Sam Toninato staff writer

The Hives exploded into fame in 2004 with the release of Your New Favorite Band.

They won the hearts of critics and fans alike with their upbeat style of garage rock and even preformed at the MTV Video Awards. It seemed as if the Hives were here to stay.

Now, the Hives are all but forgotten. These suave Swedes are still around, though, and making music that sounds just as good as ever. Their latest release, The Black and White Album, is full of simple, bright garage rock songs that are incredibly fun.

The album starts off with a bang. “Tick Tick Boom” is an exhilarating song, with pounding guitars that set the tone for the rest of the album. “Try It Again” is full of chanting chorus and layered vocals. In this song, Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist sings over the sound of a screaming crowd, making the song extremely energetic and fun to listen to.

The Hives maintain this same energy and sense of fun for most of the album. “Well All Right!” in particular, is an exceptionally funky song, in which Almqvist sings, “People see me and they go AAAAHH-

HH!” While undeniably fun, The Hives are not known for their complicated song structure.

Most songs consist of the usual bouncy guitar riffs, sing-a-long choruses, and a few handclaps thrown in for good measure.

However, the Hives’ singer, Almqvist, saves the album from mediocrity. He has one of the most unique voices in the music industry, and he uses it to great effect.

His voice is unconventional, it’s scratchy and not suited for singing, but he doesn’t care.

Almqvist screams, yells, laughs, and invites the listener to join in the fun. You can tell that Almqvist loves to sing, and his enthusiasm rubs off onto the listener.

Unfortunately, Almquivst’s talent fails to completely save The Black and White Album. A few songs feel completely out of place. “A Stroll Through Hive Manor Corridors” is a tepid instrumental piece that seems to be stolen from a bad horror movie. It is essentially a cheesy organ song that is boring and repetitive. While some people might like this experimental side of The Hives, it detracts from the overall hectic, fast-paced rhythm of the album.

This single flaw doesn’t bring down the whole album

because it manages to recover from the few faux pas. Near the end of the album, The Hives unleash one of the best songs on the CD, “Square One Here I Come.”

The song teems with sing-along lyrics, cowbells, and racing guitars. It builds into a frenzied jam, with Almqvist screaming his heart out.

The Black and White Album is not perfect. It is messy and simple. But if you want an upbeat garage rock album to rock out to, then look no further. The music may not be top notch, but it is worth a listen solely to hear Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist’s energetic voice.

Sounds like: Classic garage punk... remastered. Now there’s a bit of a parallel to the Strokes.

7.5 /10

10sports

December 21, 2007

Ready for the next step The 2007-2008 Mounds View girls’ basketball team is moving forward with only four returning varsity players.

Although they’re a young team, they have a goal to make it deep into sections.

By Alex Hoffman staff writer

It’s game day for the girls’ basketball team. During school, the evening’s game fills the mind of each of the players. The bus ride to away games is filled with talk and laughter, but each varsity player is mentally preparing for the game.

As the game fast approaches, the starting five feel their stomachs fill with butterflies. Before the game, the coach gives the routine pregame prep talk in the locker room. At every game, he writes on the

white board one of their key goals, “One Team.”

Right before the game, captain Anna Nordby, 12, shouts the habitual cheer.

“Whose house?”

“Our house!” the players respond.

“Whose ball?”

“Our ball!”

“Whose game?”

“Our game!”

“Lights out on three!”

“ONE, TWO, THREE, LIGHTS OUT!” With adrenaline running, the starting five are introduced. The announcer booms each of their names over the gym’s speaker system. Finally, the referee throws the ball into the air. The game begins.

The girls hope that what will photo by Debbie Li follow is 36 minutes of intensity.

They hope to sink basket after On Tuesday, Dec. 11, the girls’ team had a rocky start to their conference. They lost basket, grab rebounds, make the 43-55 to White Bear Lake (above). They are 0-6 as of Friday, Dec. 14. The girls had a fast breaks and pull out a win. narrow defeat against Roseville on Friday, Dec. 14, a 58-60 loss.

But too often in the past, the team has had too many The underclassmen are not vain in thinking that they turnovers and missed baskets, leading to losses. have serious talent. Kelli Schramm, 10, consistently The excitement turned to frustration. maneuvered with ease under the basket during practice.

Last year, the girls’ team went 8-18, and it On the occasion that she missed, Megan Lauck, 10, will be a challenge to do better this season. The standing at 6’0”, was always there for the rebound. team had seven talented seniors last year, but this Weko knows that the team will hit some obstacles, year they have only three returning. The girls on especially with so many young players, but he is confithe team – and some who have left – offer dent the girls will overcome them. insight into the problems and what is needed to “They will make a lot of mistakes, but right now achieve a winning season. they’re learning how to play at a higher level than they One issue is that many girls quit on the way have ever played before,” he said. to becoming a varsity basketball player. There Jacy Christenson, 10, can see that the team is already were a variety of reasons girls cited for quitdeveloping, “It will definitely be rough at first, but we ting, but most of their decisions were based are coming together fast and soon we will be just as around other commitments or the coaching good as the other older teams. It’s just a new experience, style, which some found discouraging. but that keeps it exciting and fun to play.”

“I just didn’t like the sport enough to Allie Chinander, 10 compared this season to last make that kind of commitment. I also wanted year, “It’s a lot different without older kids. There aren’t to focus on preparing for my volleyball capas many people to look tainship next year,” said Laura Goebel, 11. up to, so we all have to Chrissy Kubitschek, 12, who quit after Players To Watch: grow together.” the ’06-’07 season said, “I quit because I To some, the didn’t agree with the coaching style. It was- thought of next year Megan Lauck, 10: Opponents n’t worth putting in my time for the result seems brighter than this that would have come from me playing this beware; Lauck stands at 6’0” season. year.” and is not only an offensive “This is more of a Another senior, Jenny Ihbe, who also quit developing year,” said threat (team’s leading scorer), after the ’06-’07 season, said she felt the Chinander. “We are still but pulls down just about every coach “crosses the line between constructive going to do our best in rebound. criticism and criticism.” every game, but the Kelsey Flaherty, 11, who has been playing younger girls know we varsity basketball since her sophomore year, will improve with Christine Muller, 12: As a senior explained one aspect of Coach Tom Weko’s style. experience.” captain, she leads by example.

“Weko will do whatever it takes to win,” she said.

Captain Christine Although she is small, she is “He won’t play girls if they aren’t working hard. He Muller, 12, knows that doesn’t care if you’re a freshman or a senior, if you give some of the underclass- always underneath the basket the team a better chance to win you’re going in the men girls view this as a obtaining numerous rebounds. game.” developing year.

Her jump shot also often racks Weko knows that girls are busy, and there are other “Some of these girls things that take priority over basketball. He thinks this is still have two years left up points for the team. the reason girls quit basketball. “I know some of the to play high school basgirls want to concentrate on something else, like a difAnna Nordby, 12: It isn’t ketball. In the seniors’ ferent sport. Otherwise, I have no idea why they quit.” case this is our last uncommon for this senior capThere’s a reason Weko is so intense. He wants to year, so it’s our last tain to have two or more take the team deep into section playoffs, and he thinks chance, and we really this team has the talent to do it. three-pointers per game. want to go out with a “We’d like to go as far as we can,” said Weko, “We bang. Right now we are good enough to make it into sections, and we are have so much potential; Kelli Schramm, 10: Watch for still improving. Reaching that goal will depend on if we it’s just what we do her quick ability to move inside. reach our main goals. We want to get better every game with it that will deterand be able to compete with every team we play. If we But don’t be surprised when mine the season’s outcan do that, we can do well in the playoffs.” she shoots from outside the arc come,” she said.

Another challenge for the team is playing with such “It will be a chaland sinks it. Schramm is the a young team, which could be considered a disadlenge, but we are ready second leading scorer for the vantage, but Nordby doesn’t think age affects the for it,” said captain team. team’s ability to do well this season.

Paige Simonsen. “We “We have many good players this feel like we have someyear,” she said. “The younger girls thing to prove.”

Paige Simonson, 11: As junior have already shown improvement captain and point guard, she is and they are all aggressive. an important asset to the team.

For some of them it’s only their sophoWatch for her strong leadership more year, so ability. She is also known as a they have play maker. nothing to lose.”

photo by Nate Grann

Starter and captain Christine Muller, 12, is in her first year on varsity. She is the fourth leading scorer on the team and is averaging 4.5 points per game.

December 21, 2007

11

sports

Great E x pectations Three returning starters with game changing talent and a cast of dedicated teammates are giving the 2007-2008 Mounds View boys’ basketball team the potential to go farther than any other team before. isn’t any “Kobe Byrant” on the team either. We win as a team, not because of one person,’’ said Bartlett.

Another benefit of the height advantage is easy rebounding. The team will look to Harris to grab rebounds using his 6’6” height.

However, it’s not always enough to have three returning starters to have a dominant team. Luckily, Severson, also known by teammates as “The XFactor,” and Greg Anderson, 11, along with others, are stepping up to the challenge. Severson is an all-around solid player who is good with rebounds, photo by Debbie Li while Anderson is also a strong player with great dribbling and The Mounds View boys’ basketball team will need to rely on teamwork to get shooting skills.

“There are juniors with a lot through a tough conference this season. of talent, and seniors with a lot of experience, it’s a good mix,” said Baran.

By Bret Alexander & Thomas Jemielita During the summer, Severson and staff writers Anderson lifted weights and shot hoops daily The familiar sounds of screeching tennis shoes, with the captains. high-pitched whistles and the pounding sound of a drib“Greg and Nate improved a lot from last bled ball mean one thing to Mounds View: boys’ basyear and are ready to contribute. Both are ketball is back. With three returning starters: Nick solid players,” said Bartlett.

Bartlett, 12, Matt Harris, 12 and Mike Schramm, 12, Other juniors are also proving themselves this year’s team is expected to be a dominating force. valuable on the court.

“Any time you have that many returning players, Justin Harding, 11, was a key player from expectations are high,” said Bob Madison, MV’s athlet- last year. Harding was the dependable sixth ic director. man out on the court who used his size and “Our goal is to go to state, but it won’t be easy. But accurate shooting to help the team. we do expect to win every game in the conference,” Another valuable addition is Carroll, 11, said Bartlett. who transferred this year to play for Mounds This year’s captains are Bartlett and Schramm. Both View over Irondale. the team and the captains hold this high standard for “I started varsity at Irondale when I was a the coming season. sophomore. I probably was the key player “We have great depth and experience this year,” of the team,” said Carroll. said Bartlett.

“We are excited to have him, he brings Because most high school teams lose the majority a lot of athleticism to the team, and he of their starters due to graduation, keeping three gives can throw down,” said Schramm.

Mounds View a considerable edge this time around.

The team practices six days a week These returning after school, and sometimes in the mornstarters boast conings.

“Practices are competitive and work to Players To Watch: siderable athletic prowess while being accomplish a lot. It’s all about team buildable to work well as ing rather than individual building. It’s all a cohesive team.

Nick Bartlett, 12: This senior about improving the team. Practice is almost “They are very a game in itself,” said Bartlett. captain has been a contributing vocal, they commuThe players are serious and hardworking, factor to the varsity team since nicate well, and sacrificing sleep and social activities for the his sophomore year. Watch for have a good sense progression of the team. of team unity,” said his confidence in bringing up “It’s tough to fit it all in, but basketball gives teammate Mitch more motivation to successfully do my homework,” the ball and leading his team in Baran, 12. said Bartlett. plays.

Ever since the Before the game, the team meets in the locker room departure of Travis where coaches go over goals for the night’s game and Busch — Justin Harding, 11: The sixth the main threats of the opposing team. Afterwards, the Minnesota’s 2005 team meets outside the gymnasium and says a quick man in the rotation last year is Mr. Basketball, who “prayer” before stepping onto the court. expected to use his shot and now plays with the When warm-ups are done, they go back into the size to help continue with the University of locker room to see who is guarding whom, and then team’s success.

Minnesota’s men’s head out to the court, determined to win. basketball team — While some teams are motivated to win by their MV basketball has coaches, this team supplements that with motivation Matt Harris, 12: He is relied been in slight from themselves. upon to be a strong contributer decline. Two years “Players bring intensity, passion, and desire to win. for points. Harris is known for ago, MV basketball Desire brings out the other two. The team is self-motiwas just below a vated,” said Bartlett. his intense defensive and .500 win-to-loss This is not to say that Head Coach Ziggy Kauls rebounding abilities. percentage, while does nothing; he is a major influence to the players and one year ago, MV coaches well.

Mike Schramm, 12: A starter basketball was at “Ziggy focuses on positives more so than negatives about a .500 aversince his sophomore year, he at the beginning of the year, but starts to crack down as age. the season continues,” said Bartlett. has been a strong leader since.

This year’s team The team will face tough section competitors. The Schramm uses his 6’5” frame to has the potential to hardest two will most likely be Osseo and Cooper: pull out a good jump shot to do better, bringing Cooper is one of the best teams in state, and Osseo has motivation, an all compliment his great reboundmassive height advantages, boasting two players over around balanced 6’10’’. Thus, even with many returning starters, this ing skills. team, and height year will be competitive and challenging. advantage to the “It’s a very strong conference and a strong section, Nathaniel Severson, 12: Known mix. so it all depends on how they come together as a team,” “There are seven said Madison. by his teammates as the “Xguys over 6’3 and The basketball team’s first game was a huge sucFactor,” he will help stabilize three can dunk: DJ cess against the Spring Lake Park Panthers. In and add depth to the team.

[Dan James the game, starters Bartlett, Schramm, Harris, Carroll], Harris, and Baran, and Severson led the team.

Schramm. There “Schramm drained a lot of threes;

Nick Bartlett, 12, will be looked at this year to lead the MV boys’ basketball team, he is one of three seniors who have had a significant impact on varsity since they were sophomores. photo by Nate Grann

the fans were really into it. Since we were winning, a lot of different players got time towards the end of the game which was good to see,” said Garrett O’Brien, 12.

12gallery

December 21, 2007

Dropping the ball on

New Year’s Resolutions

According to a study done by CNN in 2005, 30 percent of Americans don’t keep their New Year’s resolutions for more than a month, and only one in five people actually keep their goals for six months or more.

“I always forget about [my New Year’s resolutions]. I’m never motivated,” said Sophie Kem, 11.

Although resolutions are hard to achieve, others still look to them with optimism and determination.

“My New Year’s resolution is to get on varsity wrestling,” said Donald Roden, 9. “I’ll have to practice a lot.”

After sticking with resolutions, people frequently feel a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.

“One year, I followed through with my New Year’s resolution and didn’t eat candy for six months,” said Danielle Cole, 9. “I was proud of myself for having self-determination. I could have stopped, but I didn’t want to. I had set a goal that I wanted to reach.”

W h a t ’ s Y o u r s

?

While some have the willpower to succeed, others find resolutions too difficult to maintain.

“I tried to stop arguing with my sister, but she got really mad at me,” said Dylan Drazek, 10.

“I was disappointed in myself, but I sort of blamed my sister for it.”

New Year’s is a time to look back on accomplishments, and think about future possibilities. Resolutions can help bring about positive changes in life if the choice is made to follow through.

“It’s a good way to become a better person and improve your life,” said Ellie Dahmes, 10.

Louisa Nyman, 12

“I want to get to know as many of my fellow seniors as I can before I graduate.”

Jonathan Bates, 9

“I really want to get a girlfriend.

I’m going to send flowers to my crush and ask her out on a date.

She’ll be impressed when she hears that I like long walks on the beach and picnics in the park.”

Photos by Debbie Li

Brian Khong, 9

“My New Year’s resolution is to get into the Viewer.”

Katie Hilgren, 10

“To marry Johnny Depp. I’ll go to France because he lives there and put poison in his wife’s brownies.

Then I’d be there to comfort him and his children.”

Story and information compiled by Christina Xia, Marysa Meyer, & Sarah Wong