Free Press Issue 4

the

Free Press edition 13

issue 4

November 4, 2009

Page 2 Vampires and a Varmint

Page 8 Lawrence Guide 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66049

Shockers SOCKS AND Soccer Boys Soccer Heads to SANDALS the Record Books

"Socks and sandals are like oil and water, orange juice and toothpaste, Lindsay Lohan and sobriety"

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No More Summer!

Free Press Staff

Possibility of Removal of Summer Looms Over Kansas

by Nik Bril

We were able to survive the loss of recess from elementary school, so we would likely adapt to this proposed schedule.

Everyone has had those day-long (even week-long) periods during summer where there is absolutely nothing going on; these shorter breaks encourage people to make plans and cram for entertainment over the three weeks, rather than be separated by by days and/or weeks of idleness.

With a lighter work load, better pay for teachers, and evenly distributed breaks from school that would lead to greater academic progress, Secretary Duncan's proposal for a new school schedule would be an upgrade for everyone.

Summer break's three month long duration is currently in the hands of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Duncan feels this much time away from school erases the knowledge students have acquired throughout the school year almost entirely, as well as decrease learning potential, and ultimately puts the IQ of our population at risk. "..[Students] come back to school in September and they're further behind than when they left," Duncan said in an interview. "It's absolutely heartbreaking."

In place of taking a three month break from school, Secretary Duncan proposes having three week breaks after each academic quarter as well as extra time off during the December holidays. This would make fall, winter, and spring break an extra two weeks long but drastically shorten the length of summer vacation. Several school districts in the country have adopted this method such as Cincinnati Ohio's Metropolitan area and Colorado Springs's School District 11.

"Academically I'm for it," said math teacher Katrina Rothrock. "[Teachers] would be able to set our lesson plans thinner and make the learning process easier on the students."

If this system were to be adopted, the average student homework load would greatly decrease.

A longer year of school would allow teachers to better space out their lesson plans. Rather than having an entire unit on World War II for example, there would be spaced out segments, perhaps one week focusing on the economy of the time and another on fights in the Pacific Theater.

No longer would everything be clumped together.

In addition to the lighter work Benefits: load, this possible new school -Allows for students to keep knowledge schedule would better prepare gained through school students for the real world of -Decreased homework load working.Very few careers have three -More Space for teachers to plan out month breaks, so students might as their lessons well get used to a full year of work -Prepare students for future careers; now. Nearly all of the world's careers Most jobs don't have 3 month breaks do not have a three month period -Make Holiday breaks up to 2 weeks of no work or production, with longer each school teachers being an exception; -Many other school districts have therefore, summer break's length adapted this system already has put students in jeopardy as far as adapting to the real world.

Jeff Carmody Editor-in-Chief

Nik Brill

" I'd just rather have summer where you can do whatever you want for months" Kayla Heges Junior

Opinion

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Katherine Corliss

Webmaster

Reporter

All Year School: Changes:

-Drastically shortening summer break -Three week breaks for each academic quarter -Teachers would receive better pay -Students would stay academically active during the entire year -

Bird's Word: "School Year With Summer, or year round school with breaks?"

Megan Engleman Sophomore

Managing Editor

Emily Johnson

Kim Carter

Reporter

" I would rather have summer 'cause summer's awesome."

Rachael Hazzard Senior

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Jake Frydman

Allison Harwood

Miranda Davis Reporter

Designer

Reporter

Justin Saathoff

Emma Machell Jessica Jacobs

Reporter

Reporter

Harrison Scheib

Sydney Sims

Designer

" I would much rather have summer, cause I think it'd be just horrible to have three weeks off then have to go back to school."

Bailey Schaumburg

Reporter

Photographer

Alex Santos

Photographer

The Free Press is an open forum that accepts letters to the editor and guest writings. They must include the writer's name and telephone numbers.

Articles may be edited due to space limitations, libel or inappropriate content. Letters may be submitted to Room 115, sent in care of Free Press to Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66049 or submitted online at fsfreepressonline.com.The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Free Press staff, the high school administration, nor that of the USD 497 Board of Education

Nov 4, 2009

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Social Awareness hopes to raise $10,000 if 1,000 people donate $10 each.

For more info... contact Andrew Nussbaum, rm 254

Nov 4, 2009

10 for 10,000: H20 Project is Trying to Expand its Base

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By Jake Frydman

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H20 Quick Facts: • • Suggested donation $10 or up • • Wells cost roughly $3,500 • Lasts for 2 weeks after you start

The rallying cry of the H20 project is "10 for10,000," meaning the Social Awareness club hopes to reach its goal of $10,000 if 1,000 people donate $10. The H20 project started here two years ago and expanded to the junior highs last year.This expansion increased the total money raised from just over $1000 to roughly $6500.

This year Social Awareness hopes the project will become even more of a community event and raise $10,000.

The idea behind the H20 project is that participants, who wear blue wristbands, give up all beverages other than water for two weeks.

Then by either keeping a list or just estimating, they donate all the money they would have used to purchase other drinks to the project.

The money raised is used to build wells in Af-

SUNDAY BRUNCH

Give up all drinks besides water • Realize you can live with out coke, coffee, and even milk •

rica. Wells help out the community in which they are built by reducing disease caused by drinking polluted water, allowing children to go to school instead of hauling water, and by ending conflicts over control of water.

In order to build awareness in the Lawrence community, Social Awareness has partnered with Support International club at KU through Robert Halloran who graduated from Free State last year. Hopefully through this connection the program can spread throughout the Kansas University campus.

Social Awareness is also trying to breach the Berlin wall that is 15th St. "I went to LHS with a small group of students to talk to their student council to get them involved in the H20 Project," senior Bo Schnieder said.

Last year Social Awareness tried to get the project started at LHS by going through the administration, but they were met with resis-

Realize you can not live with out water Give water and give life

tance.This year they are taking a different route and trying to go through students. Although they seemed interested, the project will unfortunately have to wait until second semester at Lawrence High because their Student Council is tied up with other projects such as adopting families for Christmas.

Last year the project spread to the junior high schools to a certain degree, but it could have been better.

"It was pretty much a failure [at South West]," sophomore Regan Keasling said. "A lot of people picked up the wristband, but when the project was over nobody really donated money."

At Central many people participated as well, but the money was less than expected.

This year, with better organization and efficiency all of the junior highs will hopefully match the success of West who raised $1,700 last year.

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Feature

Nov. 4. 2009

Nov 4, 2009

A Sucker for BloodSuckers Popular Trends in Literature:

Why Does the Girl Go for the Domineering Male?

I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell

by alex santos by kim carter

immortality has captured people's attention just as much as the living dead. Many seem willing to pay the price of living off of human blood for a chance at immortality.

"Its like reality but with vampires who aren't of this world," junior Porscha Radford said. "Its mysterious and exciting."

Any Twilight fan will tell you that Edward Cullen attracts attention because he is old-fashioned. The hundred-year-old vampire has a sense of chivalry that is lost on most teenage boys in this day and age. Juniors Aubrey Lewis and Jessica Hill agree one plus to vampires is they are always portrayed as very attractive-- especially Edward Cullen.

The most popular vampire series are full of strong female characters like Alice Cullen, Rosalie Hale, Bella Swan, S o o k i e Stackhouse and Rose H a t h aw ay.

They fight, win and take control just as much as their male counterparts even if some of them are still human. Sookie Stackhouse and Bella Swan are both human characters who get sucked into the world of vampires but they hold their own throughout their own series.

With help from Stephanie Meyer, Charlaine Harris, Darren Shan, Dacre Stoker, L.J. Smith, Melissa de la Cruz, Richelle Mead, Anne Rice and even J.K. Rowling, the vampire genre has achieved a kind of immortality similar to its popular characters. Those who have been sucked into the vampire craze need not worry: it shows no signs of dissipating any time soon.

True Blood is destined for another season next summer, vampire related books are being released daily and the much anticipated movies Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (October 23), New Moon (November 20), Daybreakers (January 8), Eclipse (sometime in 2010) and eventually Breaking Dawn are on the -ahem- dawinging horizon.

decided to record the evening. He realized the things that came out of his mouth while under the influence could be quality material.

He began writing his experiences down and compiled them to create I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. The majority of his stories involve women and how he treats them while sober and while drunk. To put it nicely, Tucker Max is a complete jerk, not only to women but to everyone. He even admits it multiple times in the memoirs, saying he is aware of his immature and rude actions towards others. Nevertheless, the book was a huge success, so a movie was obviously the next step.

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell is now in theatres and causing quite a stir. Max’s extremely sexist actions are the main cause of the stir. He is flat-out rude towards women. A notable conflict exists between the people who find his treatment of women disgusting and degrading and the peple who find it wildly hilarious.

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If you’ve ever heard of Tucker Max I’m sure you would a) find him completely disgusting or b) find him ridiculously hilarious. If you haven’t heard of Tucker Max, author of I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, you are seriously missing out.

Tucker Max was your typical college kid, drinking and doing crazy things with his friends, until one night while out d r i n king he

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Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the past couple of years can tell you vampires are back -or out of the coffin- and have risen again to in trance a new generation. Their choice of weapons? Books, movies, television shows and even soundtracks are all vampire related nowadays. Their choice of victims? Girls. Girls in our school, city, nation, even our world have become willing victims for vampires.

The typical story line: vampire boy falls for human girl,faces danger and several plot twists. "Hero" goes on a special diet of hemoglobin and lives happily ever after (literally) with his heroine.

Each series has its own tweak and twist to the story line, but no matter what book you read the vampires are at least a hundred years old, smarter, stronger, faster and hotter than mere mortals. Female fans of all ages have become obsessive about these mysterious creatures that fear the dawn.

The pull of characters like Edward Cullen, Bill Compton and Eric Northman might be simply attributed to looks, but any fan will tell you there is so much more involved. Immortality and power are a real pull. They even seem to get a little thrill that the vampire boyfriend could overpower them in an instant and kill them with a bite. Some detractors believe that these bloodsucking novels are a plot to convince girls they are powerless and are not happy that young minds are being filled with "evil" legends. Perhaps it is all a plot by real vampire s to convince humans that they really are sparkly, cute and cuddly. No, probably not. . . .

The fascination with the Twilight Saga has brought up an interesting debate over the struggle between right and wrong.

"It’s about evil creatures who want to be good; who don't want to be murderers," photography teacher Marsha Poholsky said. "In Twilight it's good versus evil and Edward seems to be winning."

For Poholsky the idea of vamp literature promoting sexism is taking the stories "way too seriously."

"It’s meant to be a love story about two teenagers who had a doomed relationship that ended up OK." Since the time of Bram Stoker's Dracula the idea of

Personally, I’m the latter. Yes, I know that Max’s actions are wrong and I should be offended, but seriously? The situations he gets into and his varying levels of drunkenness make for the funniest book I’ve ever read. As a woman I would be offended if Max spoke to me the way he speaks to the women in his book but regardless of his sexist and crude tone, he tells the truth. Every comment, gibe and observation in his book, is simultaneously horrifying, hilarious and true. I know it’s terrible and mildly disgusting but Max insults women a n d

they STILL want to sleep with him. I have to give the guy props.

Max admits he is a terrible person, gets too drunk and has sex with way too many women. But even though he treats women terribly, it is not all his fault. The women he writes about in his book let him treat them terribly. Women repeatedly allow him to walk all over them and demand things of them. In one situation Max even made a woman leave naked through his window because his friends were waiting outside the door and he didn’t want them to see her. These women never stop him or demand that he treat them better. Max is only a jerk because women let him be one. Also, Max feels little to no remorse for his actions. He is merely searching for attention and the women he runs into give him just that.

I know that because I’m a female I should attempt to defend my sex and whatnot, but somehow being a female doesn’t stop me from finding the humor in Max’s situations. The stories he tells in I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell are so crazy I couldn’t help but almost pee my pants from laughing so hard.

Nov 4, 2009

Though most workplaces enforce a no open-toed shoe policy, I believe that tremendous things can be accomplished while wearing sandals. Jesus, Gandhi, and Hercules all achieved a great deal while exposing their toes. Powerful civilizations like ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt were built upon the labor of men wearing sandals.This being said, there are certain rules of sandal etiquette that must be observed.

I am here to report that the most vital of these rules has been broken repeatedly within the walls of our institution of learning. A state of sandal chaos and anarchy treads its muddy footprints upon our student body, and I won’t stand for it any longer.

Jesus, Gandhi, and Hercules wore sandals. They did not, however, wear socks with those sandals. In fact, no one famous or of significant historical importance is known to have worn socks with their sandals because it is a blatant contradiction. Sandals allow one’s feet to breath during the hot weather. That is their purpose. To enclose one’s feet with socks in order to keep them warm while wearing sandals goes against the very principal upon which this set of footwear was invented. Sandals, like tank tops, shorts and all other articles of clothing that show more skin in order to keep the body from overheating, should be reserved for the spring and summer months.The same is true of Ugg boots worn with mini skirts during the summer, but that is an issue worthy of its own article.

You must understand that this complaint does not discriminate against any particular social group or circle. Athletes wear socks with their Adidas flipflops, and, in the most horrifying cases, baggy gym shorts. Similarly, hippies and budding intellectuals wear Birkenstocks and woolen socks.Then, there is the typical high school girl

clad in the high school girl uniform: a tshirt, jeans, and unfortunately socks and Birkenstocks. Sometimes they vary this uniform by wearing brightly colored socks or socks with patters. Although I’ll give points for creativity, this doesn’t much improve the situation.

I understand that I live in perhaps the unofficial Birkenstock capital of the country. A progressive, liberal town populated b y students and professors who pride themselves upon that rumpled, “just rolled out of bed,” “I’m an intellectual, I don’t care what I wear” look. I respect this idea, fashion, in the grand scheme of things, is unimportant. The Birkenstock and sock trend should be eliminated, not necessarily because it isn’t fashionable, but because it makes no sense.

People who make an effort to apply reason to all aspects of their lives should consider applying it to their footwear.

My adversaries would, I’m sure, be quick to point out the comfort and convenience factor of wearing socks with sandals.

I would counter that the right pair of tennis shoes, loafers, flats or closed-toed slideons can be

equally comfortable. As for convenience, it takes approximately 30 seconds to tie your shoes. Have we Americans become so lazy that we aren’t even willing to take the time to lace up our tennis shoes in the morning?

And even if you’ve forgotten how to tie your shoes, why not opt for some sort of close-toed slip on?

Other readers may be thinking this is an obvious rule that their mothers have been harping at them since infancy. Again, I agree. To me it seems obvious that socks and sandals are like oil and water, orange juice and toothpaste, Lindsay Lohan and sobriety, but look around you. I can almost be certain that at least one person in your fifth hour class is wearing socks and sandals. If not, I guarantee you will spot someone in the hallway during the passing period.

A certain French girl I know told me you would be laughed at, or maybe even scorned, if you wore such a thing in Europe. Why has this become acceptable in America? Probably because, as in many other aspects of our

If the Shoe Doesn't Fit

Not your usual Cinderella story by emily johnson

lives, we don’t take the time to think about what we’re putting on our feet.

Yes, ugly footwear is not that important in the grand scheme of things, but perhaps this footwear choice represents a general feeling of apathy and laziness sweeping across our n a t i o n .

Or maybe not. Neverthe- l e s s , socks and sandals are an eyesore. Let’s just put an end to this horrible contradiction.

JUICE FOR THE JOURNEY Go Firebirds!! Bring in this coupon for 20% off any size smoothie and pretzel combo.

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Nov 4, 2009

Soccer Team Has a Season to Remember

by bailey schaumburg

Fan attendance at soccer games increased dramatically this season, which caused it to stand out compared to previous years. The team consistently entertained with high energy games and beat the regular season record with 12 wins and 4 losses.

The success of the team was due to talented players stepping up from every grade. Sophomore Zack Thompson described how he felt about the varsity season with the word "pride."

"It's an emotional roller coaster," Thompson said. "We know that we're one of the best [soccer] teams Free State has had."

However, the winning season didn't come easily. Grueling practices awaited the players practically every day of the week, and goofing off had major consequences.

"I've learned not to mess around because Pendleton will eat you," Thompson said. "He's mean, dude."

The defenders attempt to catch senior Camren Torneden as he sprints down thehard field work paid off, and the team developed a steady group of fans.

"Games are fun to watch," sophomore Avery Beck said. "Plus, soccer has the most attractive boys."

Although the season was successful overall, there were some rough losses.

"The most disappointing loss was to Olathe NOV. 11 – 7:30 p.m.

East 3-2 because they were the best team in the state," junior Preston Newsome said. "We had chances to upset them after being up 1-0 and we let it slip."

According to Newsome, the team's success took "more than just talented players." Learning lied.ku.edu/students 785-864-2787

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to work together was the key to many victories, especially against Shawnee Mission East.

"After the Shawnee Mission East game we became the best team ever," Newsome said.

There were a few other major highlights of the season.

For senior Kendall Goodden, the best game included "coming back in overtime and winning it" against Olathe North. Junior Tony Libeer scored the goal in overtime to win the game 3-2 after coming back from 2-0 in the first half.

The anticipated Lawrence High game did not disappoint and was another high point of the season. Starting out aggressively and continuing throughout the game, the team defeated LHS 5-0. Junior Diego Gonzalez finished the game with two goals, followed by Jesse Clayton, Preston Newsome, and Hunter Pierce with one goal each.

"We beat them so handily and everyone thought it would be close," Newsome said.

The team beat Manhattan in the regional championship game which marked the third regional title in school history. Gonzalez scored the only goal of the game.

Even in situations as underdog, the team proved they were capable of winning under many circumstances. They gained respect because of personal talents as well as the ability to play as a team. It is hard to understand the success of the team without looking at the record book, but Newsome simply states it as feeling "superb."

"It rolls off the tongue nicely," Newsome said.

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The Firebirds have fought to become only the third regional champions in Free State soccer history.

(Left, top to bottom) Preston Newsome, Hunter Peirce and Diego Gonzalez all fight for the ball with opposing players. photos by jessica jacobs

Guide: November 4-18

Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) Wednesday, November 4 7:30 p.m. at the Dole Institute Free, Seating on First Come Basis

The

Free Press Visit the Free Press Online at fsfreepressonline.com for more stories and photos. $10 TICKETS FOR STUDENTS!

FEROCIOUS BEAUTY: GENOME LIZ LERMAN DANCE EXCHANGE

SAT., NOV. 7 – 7:30 p.m.

MULTIMEDIA ART AND GENETIC RESEARCH COLLIDE IN THIS EXCITING DANCE EVENT!

lied.ku.edu/students 785-864-2787

A Serious Man by the Coen Brothers Liberty Hall Coming soon Forget the usual plan for a boring day- bowling, driving around, the occasional acid flashback - and instead go see this movie. I actually haven't seen it , in fact it's not even in Lawrence yet, but here's how I know it's going to be great: It's made by the Coen brothers, the makers of Raising Arizona, Fargo, No Country for Old Men, The Big Lewbowski, O Brother Where Art Thou and Burn After Reading. For those of you who have never seen any of these movies, and are going to miss every Big Lebowski joke I have already made or will make in this section, shame on you.

In all seriousness man, there's absolutely no excuse to not be well versed in the Coen brothers' films if you're, ya know, a film fan.

The movie is about this fella named Larry Gopnik, or at least that's the handle his loving parents gave him, but that never really got him far. Basically he is in a midlife crisis involving his work, job, religion and a few other things. Where's the humor in that? Well, I'm not quite sure, but the Coen brothers have never failed to satisfy .This is a black comedy, so don't expect to laugh so hard you pee on a rug, but the movie should still be funny, probably even more so if you go with some white Russians.

The former Speaker of the House will speak at the Dole Institute of Politics as the inaugural Robert J. Dole Distinguished Visiting Fellow (Nowhere do they explain what the hell the Robert J. Dole Distinguished Visiting Fellow is, but it sounds important.) I'm not advising attending this event specifically because Gingrich has a bunch of really cool titles, like Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Former Speaker of the House, Doctor, and Newton, though they definitely help. I recommend seeing Gringrich speak because he has been one of the most important people in shaping public policy over the last twenty years. During the '90s he was the face of the Republican party. Now, perhaps because he no longer has to attend to congressional responsibilities, he is the party's mouth - or one of them at least. You can either thank or blame Gingrich for many conservative policies that have shaped this country recently, but you cannot deny one thing: Gingrich is a stud. Less than one year after graduating from High School, he married his 26 year-old former geometry teacher. As if you needed any additional reason to attend this event, Gingrich might be the Republican nominee for the 2012 Presidential Election.

Nov 4, 2009

"The Graphic Imperative: International Posters for Peace, Social Justice and the Environment" Ongoing until Monday, Nov. 30, Spencer Museum of Art Free From the Exhibit Organizers: Posters make ideas for social change accessible by recording struggles for peace, justice and liberation from oppression for all people and the environment. Posters can celebrate important acts of resistance, providing alternative explanations, interpretations, narratives and myths through creativity. Posters are telling indications of the artist' social commitment. Whether they communicate, exhort, persuade, instruct, celebrate, or warn, graphic posters still jar us to action though bold messages and striking iconography.The themes focused on in the 121 poster set include dissent, liberation, racism, sexism, human rights, civil rights, environmental and health concerns, AIDS, war, literacy, and tolerance, and collectively provide a glimpse into an age of profound change.

3Days ofPeace &Music

Woodruff Auditorium KU Student Union Nov. 5-7, 12-14, 21 $3 Woodruff Auditorium, located in the Kansas Student Union, is a great place to fall asleep during class due to it's comfortable theater chairs. Conveniently, the auditorium just so happens to double as a theater where Hollywood movies are screened for students for $2. However these events aren't exclusive to KU students, the general public is entirely welcome. Community members have to pay the higher, but still incredibly cheap price of $3. The Union will screen Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince November 5-7, (500) Days of Summer November 12-14 and Funny People on November 21. If you missed these movies in theaters, or even if you didn't, they are all worth checking out, especially considering the price. Look next month for screenings of Inglorious Basterds.