THE
e n i l i h tiger
VOLUME 51 ISSUE 10 1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Senate takes new approach to break school barriers. secretary Ryan Giarruso said. A major goal for the senate is to Staff Writer work to get the whole student body The student senate is off to a fast involved rather than the same group start this year with many new ideas of students. They are starting a new on how to improve our school and committee of communications, community. which will include student senate Taking a slightly different apmembers going into DEAR periods proach than in past and discussing years, the senate with the students “The school can wants to focus opinions always benefit from their more on comabout the school school unity. Com- and what they munity projects than on fundraismunity projects get want to see more ing. These may or changed. If people together and of include “Couch an issue becomes breaks down school popular, the senate for Cure” where student senate will will take it to the barriers.” raffle off seats —Ryan Giarruso principals office on a couch for a Student Senate Secretary and discuss it basketball game. with them to see Who ever wins the raffle will get to what can be done. sit on a decked out couch with food “We want more people involved and pop. All the proceeds will go to that are not in leadership roles or a charity for cancer patients. Another student senate because this is their project planned is random acts of school too,” senate president Austin kindness for staff and students. No Javellana said. “Students who don’t final decisions have been made in take the leadership roles should get regards to the projects, however involved just as much as those who updates will be featured when and do and have just as many opportuniwhere in upcoming editions of the ties to do so.” Tiger Hi-Line. For more information about “The school can always benefit upcoming projects and ways to get from school unity. Community involved, look for updates in the Hiprojects get people together and Line or contact Austin Javellana at break down school barriers,” senate austin.javellana@gmail.com.
Chandal Geerdes
Meg Lane Photo Junior Kaitlyn Hennings leads a class activity and works with a student at Southdale Elementary on an afternooon in November.
Building bonds Friends program delivers another year of mentoring Rachel Sharkey Staff Writer
The Friends program has kicked off another year of building relationships between high school and elementary students under the guidance of counselor Dan Weichers. This program has junior and senior students volunteer at elementary schools and mentor children. Friends members visit children from both Lincoln Elementary and Southdale Elementary in Cedar Falls, kindergarten through sixth grade. High school students can only visit the children during fourth and seventh hour because it’s the only time both of their schedules match up. “Our schedules don’t match up to the elementary school’s schedule, so it’s hard to match up our days to theirs. This is one of our biggest struggles. I am trying to find more times for the students to get together,” Weichers said. The program can last all year, and if a high school student’s schedule does match up, Weichers highly recommends joining the program. The elementary school children being mentored often are in need of a friend or feel like they don’t have any. Weichers said they will greatly benefit from the
volunteer work of CFHS students. “It is called the boomerang theory. Both students in the relationship benefit from the program. I think it is cool that high school students take time for the kids. It’s giving,” Weichers said. Senior Jennifer Ferrell, who is currently active in the Friends program, said, “I joined Friends to help out children who just need a friend. The little girl I mentor is amazing.” Joining is easy. Just visit Weichers in the counseling office. There are currently 17 high school students signed up, and he said he is willing to look over more applicants. However, Weichers said juniors and senior students are usally chosen for mentors because they are more likely to be settled in to high school and have a higher chance of having their own transportation to travel to meet their “friends” in the elementary schools. “My favorite part is seeing the girl I mentor smile non stop when we are having lunch together. We could talk for hours. She is such a smart and sweet young girl,” Ferrell said. “Wednesdays make my whole week because that’s when I get to see her, even though it’s only for an hour, it makes me feel so happy that I can be a true friend to her.”
e n i l i h r tige THE
2 opinion our view In lame duck session, Congress find room for compromise Money may make the world go round, but not without its share of baggage. Nowhere can this be seen better than in politics. Currently, Congress has put all major issues on hold to focus on whether or not the Bush tax cuts should be extended for the top income bracket. It is impossible for a two party system to exist without any disagreements. But we at the Tiger H-Line feel that no matter which side you’re on — liberal or conservative — Congress is not acting to benefit the country at the moment. Ignoring all other issues, including negotiating a nuclear weapon treaty with RusIt does not take a sia or repealing genius to figure out “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” to that a grid-lock does focus on tax cuts not move anywhere. is not getting anywhere. Congress is stuck in a grid-lock, and the issue causing so much uproar, whether or not the cuts should be extended for the very wealthy, in fact affects a mere 2 percent of Americans. It does not take a genius to figure out that a grid-lock does not move anywhere. All Americans were introduced to this concept in Kindergarten along with the notion of “compromising.” Our country is facing many domestic and international issues. We cannot afford to halt all progress because the two sides are not willing to work together. Not only will we not progress, but consequences will ensue. In the case of the tax cut debate, if Congress does not reach an agreement, 98 percent of Americans will receive this consequence because no tax cuts will be extended. Grow up, Congress, or go back to Kindergarten.
Contact the Tiger Hi-Line
The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes of Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division St., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Our website is www.hiline.co.nr. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Tuesdays to read in their DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) classes. Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Hi-Line or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial staff view is presented weekly in the editorial labeled as Our View. Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to the Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday for publication the following Tuesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.
Editorial Staff
Editors-in-Chief: Sara Gabriele and Ellen Gustavson News Editor: Sara Gabriele and Allyson Vuong Opinion Editor: Meg Lane and Kaylee Micu Sports Editor: Ali Miller Feature Editors: Ellen Gustavson and Ali Miller Entertainment Editors: Meg Lane and Kaylee Micu Photo Editor: Tracy Lukasiewicz
Dec. 7, 2010
Cell phones: Friend or Foe?
New studies link cell phones to dangerous diseases Kara Stewart Staff Writer
Have you ever carried your cell phone around in your pocket? Slept with your phone under your pillow? Studies are starting to show that your cell phone can slowly become your killer. Scientists and doctors are teaming up to do major research on the link between cell phones and brain cancer or other harmful effects phones may have on your body. Recent studies have shown that if you’re a frequent cell phone user and talk almost 24/7, after a while, your nerves could become damaged, memory loss could occur or even acoustic neuroma or brain cancer caused by radiation from your friend, the cell phone. Now, most of us teenagers have our phones in our hand
Sandra Omari-Boateng Photo
Science teacher Debbie Paulsen surfs with interest on her phone.
or pockets all day, which, can cause joint issues. The phone companies that have the most issues with radiation from their phones are Motorola and Blackberry. Thankfully, not all phones from these companies are as harmful as others, but all
phones do cause at least a small amount of radiation. Samsung is number one cell phone brand that has the most slots on the top 10 lowest radiation-causing cell phones list. The absolute worst phone due to radiation in the United States is the Motorola MOTO VU204. Some people have even been calling cell phones the “electronic cigarette.” Some things that you can do to protect yourself is that if you’re in an area with low service, stay off your phone. The lower the service the more radiation your phone omits. If you need to make a call, use your speaker phone. Sending text messages will also cut down on the amount of radiation your phone gives off. The jury is still out on the definitive hazards of prolonged exposure to cell phone radiation, but consider yourself warned on the risks.
New game systems offer active fun Jordan Burtch Staff Writer
Recently, the new PlayStation 3 Move and the Xbox 360 Kinect have been a big hit with people around the world. The PS3 Move is the combination of the PS3 system, the PlayStation Eye camera and the PlayStation Move motion controller. For the Move controller, the Eye camera and Sports Champions game, the bundle costs $99.99. For a 320 GB PS3 system, the Move motion controller, the Eye camera and Sports Champions, the bundle would sell for $399.99. These are just the bare bones for this unit. How the Move works is by having the Eye track the ball on the end of the Move controller and translate that motion onto the screen. Yes, players need a controller, but it lets their whole body do the work, not just their fingers and a controller. Players might
Xbox 360 Kinect bundle PS3 Move bundle want to buy a Move gun attachment and a Move charging station as well. The Xbox 360 Kinect is going for a price of $149.99, and that would be all one needs if one already has an Xbox 360. If players don’t have the 360, there are bundles available for that too. For $299.99, one can get the new Xbox 360 4GB console, the Kinect sensor and Kinect Adventures. Also, for $399.99, one can get the new Special Edition Xbox 360 250GB console, the Kinect sensor and Kinect Adventures. What the Kinect does is
it tracks the player’s body motion and translates it onto the screen. It also recognizes voice commands, so there is no longer a need for a controller. It is quite cool. Some think that paying the extra $50-100 for the Kinect is too much for almost the same product, and some people have thought that these new systems were just copy cats of the Nintendo Wii that came out in years past. From a safety standpoint, the Kinect may win the fight, because with Kinect, there are no controllers and no chance of a controller being hurled at the television screen or any valuable near by. Just make sure to have a clear area to participate.
e n i l i h r e tig THE
Dec. 7, 2010
Sophomore fan inspires Tigers Jared Hylton
Hu-Chen at games. “I can always hear him in the stands, and even when we’re losing, he’s still cheering hard,” Shea said. “I always stay until the very end of the game to show my respect to my friends that are competing. If I could, I
Head Check Jordan Burtch Staff Writer
Recently, the new rule of no head-to-head contact has been being enforced in the NFL more frequently than ever. Whether it be an intentional or coincidental incident, referees are cracking down on each case under the new rule. The rule is set up to protect defenseless players from being severely injured, whether it be preventing a concussion or a spinal cord injury. If a player makes such a hit to a player’s helmet or neck area, they will undergo an immediate suspension and fine. Senior Johnathan Beckman said he thinks the new fines are misplaced. “I’m not in support of it. I think it is totally being blown out of proportion because, like it or not, they are making NFL players spend tens of thousands of dollars for that when sometimes it’s incidental. There is a fine line between purposely laying your helmet into a player as a weapon and accidental,” Beckman said. “I think the rule should stay as it was before where
tending Cedar Falls athletic events in eighth grade when Mr. Peters from Holmes introduced Hu-Chen to football games. —John Hu-Chen Ever since, Husophomore super fan Chen has been hooked. This year would congratulate them after Hu-Chen made it to all 12 of the game,” Hu-Chen said. the football team’s games. Hu-Chen proved this His two favorite sports to statement by staying extra late watch are football and basafter the football team’s two ketball. home playoff games to conRain or shine, win or lose, gratulate the players on their you know “super-fan” Huway to the locker room. Chen will be there cheering Hu-Chen first began aton the Tigers.
Athlete Week of the
“I always stay until the very end of the game to show my respect to my friends that are competing.”
Staff Writer
Walking the halls of Cedar Falls High School, sophomore John Hu-Chen may seem just like another student, but he has a passion burning deep inside him that most other students don’t possess. Hu-Chen is not only friendly with everyone in the halls, he follows his sociable nature in attending and supporting the athletic teams. “I have a lot of friends on sports teams. It’s very exciting to watch my friends compete,” Hu-Chen said. Fellow sophomore student and varsity football player Hayden Shea loves having
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sports
Football fans debate fines over ‘dangerous’ tackles
refs could throw flags if it Sunday.” was blatantly obvious, but is The NFL is constantly it really necessary to throw a changing as far as game-play flag on a and rules, linebacker and some when the argue that running these rules back should be lowers his utilized by head and younger age they just groups too, happen especially to collide so they helmet to don’t run helmet? the risk of Probably losing the not.” rest of a Becknatural life man said over some one of —Jonathan Beckman reception the key but senior attempt, considBeckman erations doesn’t see of playing football is the it as any different for high free choice of each player’s school players. consent to play and accept the “I think that if high school risks of that consent. football doesn’t adopt this “Football is football. They new rule, that is great and make their money on the sport the way it should be, but at based on the fact that people the same time, I can underwant to watch big strong men stand why a ref would want beat on each other. Soccer to throw a flag if he saw an players can go play their 18-year-old 200-pound kid soccer. As for football, it’s a leading helmet first into a free for all. To prove a point 16-year-old 140-pound kid, to the NFL, the Packers and but only if it was clearly Cowboys might as well have intentional,” Beckman said. played two-hand touch on Senior Nick Hullermann
“Football is football. They make their money on the sport based on the fact that people want to watch big strong men beat on each other.”
said he is more open to the safety intentions in the new rule. “It’s a good rule and probably somewhat of a necessity for the safety of the players. However, football is football and unless a player was blatantly trying to go for the helmet or the hit was exceptionally dangerous, you have to let the boys play ball,” Hullermann said. Hullerman has mixed feelings about having high schools enforce this rule stricter than in the NFL. “Yes because you want to learn good habits young, and no because the level of hitting is considerably different from a high school to an NFL game,” Hullerman said. These two individuals have played enough football to know what’s crossing the line and what’s not. If the receiver wants to go up for a tough grab, he has to expect to get blown up by a defender. He has the choice of whether he wants to go up to grab that ball or not. Yet, from a safety standpoint, if you were the receiver, wouldn’t you want a safe trip up and a safe trip down without getting knocked out cold?
Jon Skarlis Warrior Hockey Sophomore
1. How are you feeling about the start of the season? “I feel pretty good. We’re off to a great start.” 2. What goals have you set for yourself? “I want to be top five in our league.” 3. Who/what is your biggest motivation? “I have to say just doing it for myself. Hockey’s my life.” 4. The Des Moines Capitals are your biggest competition. How do you feel about the upcoming games this weekend? “They’re a good team, but I think we have more talent than them, and I think we should come away with a win.”
Tigers in Action Women’s Basketball 12/7, @ Cedar Rapids Prairie, 7:30 p.m. 12/10, @ Dubuque Senior, 7:30 p.m. 12/11, @ Decorah, 9 a.m. Men’s Swimming 12/9, @ Cedar Rapids Washington, 6 p.m. 12/11, Marcussen Invite @ Holmes Pool, 11:30 a.m. Men’s Basketball 12/10 vs. Dubuque Senior @ home, 7:30 p.m. Bowling 12/10, vs. Iowa City West @ Valley Park Lanes, 3:45 p.m. Wrestlying MVC Double Dual @ home, 5:30 p.m.
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feature
Dec. 7, 2010
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Fans reflect on first part of stunning finale Maya Amjadi Staff Writer
J. K. Rowling has made over one billion dollars with the epic Harry Potter series, putting her in second place for richest woman alive after Oprah Winfrey. The series of seven books has resulted in millions of copies printed worldwide and six hugely successful movies. On Nov. 19, part one of the seventh and final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, made its debut in theatres. This was a dream come true for many fans, who have been kept in suspense for long periods of time, due to the movies coming out over a span of several years. Senior Catherine Dunbar said she even had a countdown for a year before the premiere. The second part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out June 30, ending the long lasting legacy once and for all. But not all fans are so excited for the beginning of the end. Junior Jesse Streicher said, “I am way excited for the last movie to premiere. However, knowing that with these last two movies, the series will be over makes me so sad. It makes me
wish she would have written more books, but I know that if she did it might ruin the series. The series is perfect the way it is so I hope nothing messes that up.” J. K. Rowling has publicly announced that she will not be writing any more Harry Potter books, she is done after seven, and quite bluntly, she is set for life. But are her fans as satis-
thing is coming to a close. I grew up with Harry and he became a large part of my childhood.” Huffman said that waiting in line for books and movies is one of her favorite parts of the franchise. “I love the fans
fied as she is about the ending to this famous series? Senior Alex Huffman said, “I am beyond sad that every-
and Harry Potter community,” she said. For others the end doesn’t hurt too badly. Dunbar said, “ It’s not so much of a letdown, as really bittersweet. Watching the movies is the last piece of new Harry Potter that the fans get, and the fact that this is part of the last one, ever, is incredibly sad, but I knew it’d be coming eventually.” Then again, fans shouldn’t be too sad the movies can be watched over and
Ellen Gustavson Photo Illustration
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over and the timeless books have made the most prized place on the shelves of many readers. Sophomore Hanno Fenech said that he has read all 870 pages of the fifth book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 47 times. “The books can never become dull. Every time you pick any of the books up, your world vanishes and you are totally emerged in Harry’s world. It’s wicked,” Huffman said. Sophomore Meredith Main also agreed, “The books never ever get old, you always notice something new every time since it’s so complex.” Tickets for the Nov. 19 premiere at 12:01 a.m. sold rather quickly, too. Within hours many fans had ordered their tickets eagerly. Fenech said he bought tickets the first day they were online to go to the Ultrascreen in Waterloo. Many other CFHS students attended after looking forward to the premiere for a long time. Dunbar even camped out beforehand, prepared with blankets and hot cocoa for the long, cold wait. But was this movie worth it for fans? Dunbar said, “I have a lot of faith in this seventh movie. Bronze Star Sponsors ($100) •Ruth N. DeHoff •Glass Tech •Larry and Judy Timmins
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