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Sara Strever News Editor

Students were feeling just a bit confused about semester finals this year. In previous years, students who earned a 3.8 GPA or higher were classified as being in the Gold Star Renaissance program, which allowed them to exempt one semester final in a class that they had already earned a straight “A” in. ”It was frustrating to not be able to exempt a final this year because I feel it’s a little reward at the end of the semester for working so hard. It would have allowed me to focus more on my AP classes’ finals,” said senior Natalie Takes. Junior Colin Ashwood was also in favor of the exemption plan. “I had to study for a class that before I did not need to, which took away from studying for classes that my grades (where my grades are) in much worse shape. Also, I had one less reason to study a little harder to make sure I got above the 3.8 mark,” said Ashwood. However, this year, a group made up of students and staff decided to remove the semester exemption plan. Head principal Dr. Rich Powers made the final call on the decision. “We have been looking into finding

a new program for about two years. In the end, the conflict and problems that it created for students and staff were not worth the benefits of the program,” said Powers. Unaccommodating teachers were not the only problem with the system. One staff member that was very involved in the Gold Renaissance program was counselor Ryan Flaherty. “I don’t know if there was one main reason, I think it was a collection of reasons. The program was creating some communication problems between students and teachers on deadlines, who was eligible, criteria for being eligible, and other details. Also, teachers use semester finals as a way of assessing how effectively they delivered their curriculum, so it is helpful to have all students take the final and have complete data to evaluate,” said Flaherty. However, Flaherty believes that there will be another plan in action for next semester. “At this time we are working on obtaining Renaissance Discount Cards from Jostens (the corporate sponsor of the Renaissance program) which will include discounts for some local businesses,” said Mr. Flaherty. This is the first year that eligible students will not be able to exempt a final. This program has been around

Feb. 18, 2009

Volume 49 Issue 14

1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Renaissance program fate in process of being decided for 2009 semester final tests

Aubrey Caruso Staff writer

Cedar Falls High School is bringing new changes to next year’s classes. High school English classes are changing names: Communication Skills is changing to English Funda-

mentals, Intermediate Language Arts is changing to English 10 and Language Arts Enrichment is changing to Honors English. Another change is a new Industrial Technology class. Introduction to Engineering Design is a Hawkeye Community College contracted course that is a full year. This class is an introductory course that develops students problem solving skills with emphasis placed on the development of three-dimensional solid models. Physical Education classes will now be changed to Lifetime Wellness

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Advanced Placement Test

All Advanced Placement (AP) students at Cedar Falls High School can now register for AP exams, which will be administered in May. Registration for the exams runs through Thursday, March 5, with English teacher Teresa Martin in the English Department. The fee is $86 for each exam. All checks must be written to CFHS AP Exam. Students and parents should check with prospective colleges and universities to be certain which AP scores are accepted. Not every college or university treats AP credits and scores the same way. While taking an AP exam is optional, Cedar Falls High School encourages its Advanced Placement students to take the AP exams. Earning college credit through the AP program clearly helps in reducing college costs while giving students a head start on their college course work as well. Cedar Falls students maintain an excellent record of success in the AP exams.

ACT Deadline

The next ACT test date is April 4. The registration deadline is Feb. 27.

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Katie Dexter Cartoon

for many years. “It was a part of the Renaissance academic recognition program designed by a specific committee of CFHS staff members eight-10 years ago. It is important to make a change when you recognize something is

not working the way it should,” said Flaherty. Powers and Flaherty are encouraging student input. Students are welcome to go to a Student Senate meeting on Wednesday mornings and share their ideas.

Next year’s curriculum brings few changes New tech class added, English titles changed and Physical Education developed into two semester-long classes

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and Strength & Conditioning. Lifetime Wellness is a P.E. course that provides students with a wide variety activities and the mission of this class is to give students the opportunity to acquire physical skills and knowledge that can be useful to them for the rest of their lives. This class will run every day for nine weeks in one semester. Strength and Conditioning is a class that students wishing to take it should have experience lifting and have a desire and overall goal to improve significantly in strength, athletic movement and explosiveness. This course

focuses on explosive and athletic based lifts, proper lifting technique, weight room etiquette, agility training and flexibility exercises. This class meets Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays for one semester. “P.E. is an opportunity to get a half credit and plan for a SASH for a whole semester if needed,” counselor Susan Langan said. By bringing new classes to the mix, it offers change for students and extra choices for Physical Education.

Those having problems logging onto the server from home should check the instructions that are posted on the library web page (http://library. cedar-falls.iowapages.org) under “Technology Help”. Students should entering their usernames and passwords as they do here at school no longer works. Check this web page for the correct way.

College assistance

For seniors needing assistance for college, the Iowa College Goal Sunday will provide free assistance on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the UNI Center for Urban Education in Waterloo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the website at www.IowaCGS.org or call ICAN at 877-272-4692.

All-State speech

All-State speech is Saturday, Feb. 21. Choral reading will perform “Girls : A How to Handbook.”

Theater tech

If you are interested in helping with tech for the spring musical Guys and Dolls, please come to the theater Wednesday, Feb. 18 after school.

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Changes in curriculum aim to increase rigor of Iowa schools, better preparing students for future skills, global competition Kellie Petersen Editor-in-Chief

A new semester may have brought some changes to Cedar Falls High School, but education across the state of Iowa is poised to begin undergoing some big changes with the Iowa Core Curriculum. The Iowa Core Curriculum, formally known as the Model Core Curriculum, became official after being passed by the Iowa legislature on April 25, 2008, which was the last day of the legislative session for that year. The Iowa Core Curriculum was then signed by Gov. Chet Culver on May 1 in Independence. “Well, the Core Curriculum is kind of revolutionary for Iowa,” English teacher Jennifer Paulsen said regarding what she thought of the new guidelines.Paulsen teaches the reading enhancement class, which aims to provide students with developing improved fluency in reading, vocabulary development, comprehension and independent reading skills. As a teacher of this specific class, Paulsen can provide some insight into the Iowa Core Curriculum, since classes like reading enhancement contain similar objectives for improvement. “It’s definitely going to reinforce this class. The class is designed to build strategic readers and the state is now establishing reading curriculum at

the secondary level,” Paulsen said.   According to the Iowa Department of Education website, the Iowa Core Curriculum will provide “a guide to delivering instructional content that is challenging and meaningful to students.” The Iowa Core Curriculum aims to provide this content in five main areas of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and 21st century skills, which include civic literacy, financial literacy, technology literacy, health literacy and employability. Dan Conrad, the Director of Secondary Education for Cedar Falls schools, said that the new Iowa Core Curriculum would require a “reshaping of our K-12 curriculum.” “There will be some things included in English, math, science or social studies that we may not already be including in our 7th grade, 6th grade, 4th grade, 3rd grade curriculum,” Conrad said. Conrad elaborated on how the Iowa Core Curriculum may change Cedar Falls, as well as other, schools. “Ultimately, we will probably need to revise graduation requirements to meet the Iowa Core. Over the next couple of years, we will be reviewing and learning more about the Core and the gaps in what we are currently requiring all students to demonstrate and what will be required when the Core is implemented,” Conrad said. Conrad said that the Cedar Falls

School District would need to reexamine the “structure” of its schools, including schedule and course requirements, in order to make revisions that will meet the Iowa Core Curriculum.   Although the Iowa Core Curriculum may ask some school districts to make changes to what they teach, it is all a part of a larger goal to better prepare students for life after school by providing a more rigorous and relevant education. Judy Jeffery, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, described the Iowa Core Curriculum as providing the “essential concepts and skills” necessary for students to achieve a more rigorous and relevant education. Rigor and relevance may seem like familiar phrases to any student in Iowa, and they are an important part of the Iowa Core Curriculum. William Callahan, the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Northern Iowa, helped develop the Iowa Core Curriculum as a member of the Leadership Team. “Rigor means that it challenges the students and delves deep into content setting high expectations for student performance. Relevant means that the activities are relevant to the content and to real life,” Callahan said. The concepts of rigor and relevance are one way that Cedar Falls Schools have utilized concepts of the Iowa Core Curriculum prior to its imple-

mentation. “For the past three years, the high school and both junior high schools have been working with the Department of Education and AEA267 on the Rigor, Relevance, Relationships Framework. Especially at the high school, this has been a major focus of our professional development for teachers,” Conrad said. Although the concepts of rigor and relevance are important to the Iowa Core Curriculum, they are certainly not the only key components. The addition of what are being called 21st century skills, or literacy in the areas of civics, health, financial situations and technology as well as employability skills, are also very important to the Iowa Core Curriculum. Jeffery explained why the addition of 21st century skills were made to the Iowa Core Curriculum, citing that it was noticeable that students were not as prepared as they could be in these important areas. “Whenever we have those high concerns, schools need to take a good look at what they’re teaching and how they’re teaching,” Jeffery said. In addition to giving students more of a foundation in 21st century skills, the Iowa Core Curriculum also aims to help students in Iowa compete better on a global scale. The ability of Iowa’s and America’s students to be on the same educational level as students

in other countries is an issue that has become increasingly important. “It’s really happening across the nation. States are really taking a look at what students need to compete in a global way,” Jeffery said of the initiative to better prepare both Iowan and American students to compete with their foreign counterparts. Regarding global competition, Callahan also noted that as of now there is no way the United States could compete with a country like China. “The future workers have to be smart, creative and well-educated,” Callahan said. Whether or not it is working to create students and future workers that are better able to compete on a global scale, the Iowa Core Curriculum aims to help students better prepare for their futures, whatever they may hold. Not only does the Iowa Core Curriculum benefit students by preparing them for their futures and helping them to compete with students in foreign countries, but it also benefits teachers by creating more clear, concise and uniform educational standards. “What this is going to do is equalize teaching across the state,”  state senator Brian Schoenjahn said. As a former teacher he said he would welcome the Iowa Core Curriculum.

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How will the Iowa Core Curriculum affect your department?

Judy Timmins English Department Head

“We have already begun to compare our present standards and benchmarks to the Iowa Core Curriculum, but the intended changes seem to be more minor than major.”

“Well, I think basically we’re in pretty good shape. It will just be a matter of going through and seeing how our math curriculum meshes with the Iowa Core Curriculum.”

David Kofoed Mathmatics Department Head

Lynn Griffin Science Department Head

“I just think it’s going to make each of us evaluate our core objectives and look at the gaps. It’s also going to make us look at if we need to add any courses or realign any courses”

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Superior students deserve semester test exemptions For semester finals this year at the high school, things went a little differently. In previous years, one semester final exemption has been offered to students who received a 3.8 GPA or higher the previous semester. Of course, in order to exempt any one final, they had to already have obtained a solid, straight “A” in that class. This exemption was all a part of the Gold Renaissance program that the high school adopted eight or 10 years ago. However, there was no Gold Renaissance this year. There was no reward for the top students and certainly no exemptions. We believe that the Gold Renaissance program was a highly favorable program that gave students something to work for, and it also rewarded them when they achieved high grades. Gold Renaissance started with more benefits for these top students, like offering parking spots close to school. Recently, it dwindled down to only the semester final exemptions. We believe that even only the exemptions were a great reward for hard-working students. Some other high schools don’t even have finals, and giving students who work hard all semester long one break for a course they have excelled in was a great policy that Cedar Falls should have been proud of. More recent complications over exempting semester test projects and teachers and students who did not always communicate or agree on which finals were OK to exempt led to problems and opposition from the staff. Even though there were issues that needed to be settled within the program, we don’t think it was a good idea to completely take away high-achieving students’ benefits. We could have worked through it and kept this great reward intact. Instead, students were left with nothing. It is possible and hopeful that there will be a new rewards system in place by the next semester’s finals. Then, we can take a step forward from this unfortunate situation we are now in.

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. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Wednesdays 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 Wednesday. 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: Honor Heindl, Kellie Petersen and Ellen Wrede Business Managers: Jill Dally and Alex Entz News Editors: Arlene Freudenberg and Sara Strever Opinion Editors: Maggie Devine and Vincent Stigliani Sports Editors: Jackie Jordan, Nick Penticoff and Paul Strike Feature Editor: Honor Heindl On-Line Editors: Torie Jochims and Ellen Wrede Entertainment Editors: Maggie Devine and Torie Jochims Photo Editor: Honor Heindl Cartoonist: Katie Dexter Graphic Artist: Tasha Woods

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It’s about time for women’s rights bill hard as men, so why are they getting On Jan. 28, President Barack scammed out of their hard Obama signed the Lilly earned money? Aren’t Ledbetter Fair Pay Reswe all created equal? If toration Act. This law we’re all created equal, gives women the right to shouldn’t we get the same equal pay for doing the rights and pay? same job a man does. The new law amends For every dollar a the 1964 Civil Rights man makes, a woman Act which covers pay makes 22 cents less. discrimination because of Women of color make gender, race, national orieven less. It may not gin, age and disabilities. seem like a lot of Lauren Bonner The law is named money, but over a 35Staff Writer after Lilly Ledbetter. She year time period it adds is a woman who filed a lawsuit against up to $210,000. That’s a lot of money her employer Goodyear Tire Rubber that women are getting tricked out of. Co. in 1998. How is that fair? Women work just as

She filed the suit after learning that she was making less than her male co-workers, who were doing the same job. The Supreme Court ruled that Ledbetter waited too long to file her suit. Ledbetter waited 19 years to sue the company. This law overrides the Supreme Court’s decision that said employees had only 180 days to file pay discrimination lawsuits. This legislation says that lawsuits can be filed years later as long as the unfair pay has continued. The new legislation is not gender based. I think it’s about time women get treated fairly.

Take Limbaugh’s advice with a grain of salt Although I am continually surthey are so readily agreeing with. prised by the number of Americans The first time I remember hearing who tune in for the ridiculous “news” of him, Limbaugh had made national and commentary spewed headlines in typical fashby such sources as Fox ion. Within the first month News, I am most shocked of his post at ESPN as a by the following of Rush football analyst he was Limbaugh, the far right fired after implying that lunatic and host of the Philadelphia Eagles quarnationally syndicated The terback Donovan McNabb Rush Limbaugh Show. is a poor quarterback, only The followers of this getting media attention racist, pill-popping madbecause he is black. man refer to themselves Since then Limbaugh as “Dittoheads,” a term has delivered countless Vincent Stigliani offensive and inapprodescribing their accepOpinion Editor tance of his deceitful priate statements, from commentary as fact. I mocking a victim of would like to do these followers a serParkinson’s disease to bashing Nelson vice and inform them about the man Mandela (although he can not be

blamed for half the things coming from his mouth, seeing as half the time he may be high on OxyContin, a synthetic heroin). Limbaugh again added to his list of ludicrous statements recently when declaring he hopes “Obama fails.” Believing Obama’s policies will not be effective but hoping for the best is one thing, but being so pigheaded in his beliefs that he hopes the whole country will suffer is just despicable. For some unknown reason, millions of Americans continue to fill their minds with the junk Limbaugh spews, but the next time they describe themselves as “Dittoheads,” I sincerely hope they realize everything they are agreeing with and possibly being to question this man.

Phelps undeserving of harsh treatment By now, everyone’s heard about Michael Phelps and his bong picture. It’s been in the news constantly for about a week, and now sponsors are dropping him like he’s hot. It’s unfortunate, because he’s not just some wayward celebrity. He’s Michael Phelps, the Golden Boy of America. Smoking marijuana is illegal, and Phelps did indeed break the law. However, I don’t have any problem with it. It’s not just because I’m a teenager or that I believe Phelps can do no wrong. I think it was stupid that he did something illegal in the presence of people he didn’t know that well, because someone taking his picture was probable, but I think that someone who’s sacrificed so much and done so much for his country should be able to

book), and I think he should just be let loose and do whatever the heck he able to enjoy life. wants for awhile. I guess I do have to agree Around Olympic that he should be punished. time, we learned so The bottom line is that he much about Michael broke the law, and that can’t Phelps. We learned just be let go. He’s been susabout his massive diet pended from swimming for and his strict training three months, which I think regiment. And unless is fair. He won’t have to miss you have the IQ of Paris Worlds this summer in Rome, Hilton, you realized at least. I think Americans that this kid hasn’t had much of a life. My point should just realize that this is, Phelps has pretty 23-year-old, who gave us Maggie Devine so much hope and inspiramuch reached his Entertainment Editor peak. tion, deserves to be able to live his life. He’s had the summer of a lifetime And those people who don’t want (the year of lifetime, really. He had so to realize that, should just accept his many opportunities in ’08, like guestapology and move on. starring on TV shows and writing a

My Other Half “I don't like the word ‘complete’ each other; I think we complement each other nicely. I never have to worry about wearing my ugly huge glasses or wearing shirts that are too huge. I can just be myself around her and that's why I love our relationship. She has a great personality, and she's beautiful. She doesn't care what anyone thinks about me or her and neither do I. We love each other the way we are, and that's what counts.”

Meghan Kleitsch & Chris Bowden

“Well that's a very difficult question to answer, not because I can't think of anything to say, but because I don't know where to start. She is absolutely incredible, and as cheesy as it sounds, she really is my ‘other half.’ With Meghan, she was my friend first and my girlfriend second. She can make me smile, laugh and bring out a side of me that I haven’t seen in a long time: my ability to be a kid and to live life simply. Simplicity is bliss—and cute! Most people will say, ‘Oh you're in high school, you don't know anything about relationships blah, blah, blah.’ But putting that aside, I think Meghan and I have great chemistry; we are very, very similar, whether it be in our humor, sarcasm, personality or our goals, and it helps us support each other and helps us work through the ‘rough patches.’ But at any rate, Meghan is great. Period. I can't imagine being with anyone but her.”

Oh, It Is Love.

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Couples share roles each partner plays

“We are both crazy, outspoken, loud, nerdy individuals, and I like to think that we both enhance that in each other. We can just be ourselves around each other. We play cards and Wii, watch movies and occasionally Skype with each other from 6.2 miles away, and I like it that way. We don't drink or party on the weekends. It may be uncool, but that's not important to us. I've never woken up in the morning and worried about if I was going to look "done up" enough for him. We are completely comfortable around each other. We don't have a materialistic relationship. It's not about giving gifts and going out to eat. For me, it's about having someone I can count on and knowing that I will not have fallen asleep before I received his text message saying, ‘Goodnight, I love you the mostest infinity.’”

“Chris. Wow. He is like the cheese to my macaroni, the laces to my shoes and the headphones to my iPod. But really? Chris is the one who'll understand my random jokes that otherwise would go un-laughed at. He's the guy that with no rhyme or reason will walk up and kiss me on the cheek, say ‘you're cute’ and walk away without saying anything else. He won’t get embarrassed by me or annoyed with me when I repeatedly call him 'love muffin,’ even though I know he hates it. Christopher is the boy who simply makes me smile. He's everything I need to sit back and enjoy life. Topher keeps me calm, lets me explode when I need to and is always there to hold my hand and say, ‘You're really loud, you need to shush.’ Chris simply is my best friend. Yeah, he's pretty much the coolest ginger I know.”

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Alyssa Beckman & Ryan Stambaugh

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Follow Me:

Couple’s love for hoops leads to off court bliss

Honor Heindl Editor-in-Chief

For two basketball fanatics to first meet on the basketball court and eventually fall in love—well, it just doesn’t get much more romantic than that. Junior William Rhoades and senior Kai Witzberger, both new to CFHS this year, have one of those stories that you only imagine happening on the silver screen. “We knew of each other for a while, but we hadn’t met yet. Our two sets of friends decided to play a game of 21. We both love basketball and hate to lose, so naturally when he was jumping up to shoot, I kicked him in the shin,” Witzberger said. William, with the height advantage, ended up winning. “I beat her of course, but she did kick me in the leg ... a sad attempt to try to win, but I am 6’2” and she is 5’5” so obviously I have an advantage,” Rhoades said. Fortunately, the competitive duo put their own personal game aside and instantly struck up a heated conversation concerning their favorite subject: basketball. “We started talking a lot after that; at first it was arguments of which player was better on whatever team or game we were watching, but then our conversations grew into more important things (he always makes me laugh), and three months later we were dating,” Witzberger said. This year, she moved from Iowa City to Cedar Falls with her mom; the idea of a long distance relationship seemed somewhat less than appealing. “It’s not like I moved across the country, but not seeing him every day would have been horrible. I really wanted to be close to him. We talked about it and decided that no matter what, we would make it work. When it was getting closer for me to move,

Will told me he was moving with me. He gave me a kiss and said that he promised he would make it work.” Sure enough, Will stuck by her side, following her to CF. “I hated that she was going to leave, so I worked some things out, pulled some strings and here I am.” Together for a good six months, Witzberger shares what makes their relationship work so well. “We communicate really well with each other. I tell him everything, and he tells me everything. We really believe in being completely honest with each other. We are also very supportive of each other’s decisions. We talk first about how we feel about it, but whatever decision is made—it is supported. And my mother loves him!” They spend time visiting old friends, watching movies and amusing themselves with other random activities. “Will is really corky and funny, not a lot of people know that (because he is quiet), and he messes with me all the time. One time he dressed up like a cowboy and walked passed me and said, ‘Howdy ma’am.’ I didn’t know it was him until a friend was like ‘Are you going to say hi back? It’s just Will.’” When it comes to the perks of being in a relationship, Rhoades and Witzberger have found not only romance but also a genuine friendship. “We talk a lot. She makes me smile all the time, and we have a lot of fun together. She’s amazing. We just match … like a puzzle,” Rhoades said. Although a form of common ground is always necessary for any given relationship, this couple also applies to the theory that opposites attract. “His extremes are my mellows, and my extremes are his mellows. We equal each other out,” Witzberger said, “but we both are out of control when we are watching basketball.”

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Happy Belated Valentine’s Day

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weetest hing What’s the most meaningful thing your significant other has ever done for you?

“Unfortunately, Eddy was not able to make it home from his army training in Texas for the homecoming dance. In order to make up for not being there, however, he surprised me with two dozen roses at my doorstep on the day of the dance. It made my day.”

Julie Lang (’09)

“The sweetest/most meaningful thing Michael has done is give me a ring for Christmas. All my friends knew what my gift was and kept telling me that they wanted my present so bad. I had opened all my other presents before, and then he gave me my ring. I was so surprised—it was amazing!”

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“The sweetest, most meaningful thing Karla has done for me is to always listen and be there for me when I need her. She doesn’t need to do anything spectacular for me; in fact, we decided not to do anything for Valentine’s Day because our one year anniversary is the day after, so I’m taking her out on a hot date.”

Adam Paquette (’10)

“This summer I went to Europe like I usually do, and I was gone for a month and a half. We talked on the phone for like a minute a day and basicslly had a facebook relationship. From his perspectve, I don’t think it was that fun to go through, so I appreciate that. I don’t think a lot of guys would’ve put up with that that early in a relationship.”

Karla Bekavac (’10)

“When Blake and I first started dating, we had discussed how much we loved the song ‘Chasing Cars,’ so we sort of dubbed it as one of our favorites. A few days before Christmas my sister woke me up (groggy, kinda out of it) at about 7:30 in the morning and pulls me to a window at the front of our house. There in the snowy lawn were the words ‘If I Lay Here’ spelled out in roses with a heart made of snow around it. Every rose had a different segment of the lyrics on it—definitely one of the sweetest things anyone’s ever done for me. Blake’s pretty astounding when it comes to these things. He did it all at 5:30 in the morning! The hard work, creative-genius, time and all the sacrifices he puts into everything he does shows me just how much he cares and makes me appreciate him so much! He is one of the sweetest people I know and means so much to my life.”

Riley Aubrey Caruso (’10) Martin (’10)

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Music:

•Morrissey Years of Refusal •The Appleseed Cast Sagarmatha •Living Things Habeas Corpus •M. Ward Hold Time

Movies:

•Confessions of a Shopaholic •Friday the 13th •The International •Two Lovers

F eature Pod cast This week’s feature podcast as well as eight others that are updated every other week can be found on The Tiger Hi-Line Online (http://www.cedar-falls.k12.ia.us/ buildings/cfhs/journalism/index. html) by following the podcast links. Internet Explorer does not work for viewing this site. Use Safari, Firefox or Opera for best results. The website is also linked off the high school’s website.

with host Trevor Eastman

Find out what other sports CF staff and students enjoy in this show that focuses on one “unofficial” sport in each episode. Feb. 5/ Episode Nine This week, we go a little off the deep end of extreme sports to explore extreme ironing, a combination of extreme locations and laundry.

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Feb. 18, 2009

Classic romantic comedies bring sweet humor Monica Reida Staff Writer

It’s February and that means that Valentine’s season. If you’re not feeling like spending $6.50 on a matinee of the latest romance film at the movie theater, I am ready to aid with a list of classic romantic films that you can rent and curl up with during this month. 1). Roman Holiday This 1953 film starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn is my favorite romance film. In it, Hepburn plays Ann, the princess of a European country that is visiting Rome. Upon falling asleep from the effects of a sedative, she meets Joe Bradley (Peck), an American journalist that is not aware of her real identity. Together, with Joe’s photographer friend Irving Radovich (Eddie Albert), they share a series of adventures throughout the city, including the famous Vespa ride. My favorite thing about this film is the ending, because nothing is said yet there is so much emotion conveyed by Peck and Hepburn that it pulls at my heart. (Not Rated) 2). Pillow Talk Another ‘50s romantic comedy, this one from 1959 and starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson. Day plays Jan

Morrow, an interior decorator that shares a party line with the playboy composer Brad Allen (Hudson). While the two squabble quite a bit, they have never met face-to-face, and when they do meet, Allen assumes the pseudonym of Rex Stetson. The two begin dating while Morrow is unaware of Rex and Brad being the same person. After she discovers the truth, she is of course infuriated, but like Roman Holiday, the ending makes the film a real classic. (Not rated) 3). The Princess Bride While this is the most recent film on this list, The Princess Bride is a 1987 romantic comedy that has something for everyone. The film follows Buttercup (Robin Wright) who falls in love with the farm hand Wesley (Cary Elwes). She receives news that Wesley has been captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts, and since no one escapes from the Dread Pirate Roberts, she presumes her beloved dead. Five years later, she is reluctantly engaged to Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon) but is then kidnapped by three outlaws (Wallace Shawn, Mandy Patinkin and Andre the Giant). The film features ships, eels, sword fighting, Peter Falk, large rodents and romance. (PG) 4). Singin’ in the Rain While movie musicals are now

becoming a common thing, this 1952 musical comedy is frequently considered to be one of the best movie musicals ever made and features original music and story. In Singin’ in the Rain, silent film star Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) is tired of the fake romance concocted between him and fellow star Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen). He then meets Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), a quiet chorus girl that puts him in his place. Don and Kathy begin to fall in love as the talking picture begins to gain control. The studio’s first talkie, The Dueling Cavalier, is created, only to be a failure due to Lina’s deliciously comedic voice. Don’s friend Cosmo (Donald O’Connor) then suggests that Kathy’s voice is dubbed for Lina’s, which only fuels Lina’s rage with the blossoming romance between Don and Kathy. The film has fantastic musical numbers, a great story and wonderful chemistry between Kelly and Reynolds. (Not Rated) 5). Annie Hall Frequently considered to be Woody Allen’s finest film, this 1977 romantic comedy follows the story of Alvy Singer (Allen), a neurotic Jewish comedian, and his relationship with the title character (Diane Keaton). After much thought over their relationship,

photo from cbc.ca

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck take a motor trip in Roman Holiday. the two realize that they are ultimately incompatible. Allen’s screenplay makes us understand much more about Annie and Alvy as individuals and why they break-up. This is not the formulaic “You’re a jerk, get out of my life” we see in so many romantic comedies. The film spans several years and mixes surrealism with reality in a delightfully blissful manner while simultaneously musing on relationships. (PG)

Star-studded chick flick shows realistic love lives Torie Jochims Entertainment Editor

Underground Sports

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It’s the season for chick flicks to make us all feel good inside, and a recent box office favorite, He’s Just Not That Into You, dares to address the question all good friends avoid and the answer that likely follows — what if he really doesn’t like you? A whole host of various relationship problems are addressed in this movie, making the storylines a tad hard to follow at times, but overall the story is endearing. Its unexpected dive into realism is perhaps most evident in the case of Janine (Jennifer Connelly) and Ben (Bradley Cooper)’s failing marriage and a case of looming infidelity. Through all the troubles, Drew Barrymore’s voice, overheard in the beginning and end, aids in discovering

the reasons for men’s actions. At 2 hours and 9 minutes, this film is approximately half an hour longer than it really needed to be, and there comes a point where it seems slightly endless. Far from the typical chick flick in some aspects, this story features adults making adult choices and dealing with the consequences. Sure, there’s Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) who is the film’s eternal optimist about love, and therein she shows the general neurosis that many girls take some part in when first waiting for “the call back.” She runs to Alex (Justin Long) for advice because of his frankness that turns out to be an iced over emotional palette, but then there’s Janine (Connelly) who was once fun and now has become the raging interior decorator of a wife, and Ben (Cooper) who thinks he was never ready for the

marriage he finds himself in in the first place. And, yes, there’s Beth (Jennifer Aniston) who exemplifies the long term relationship going no where with a guy, Neil (Ben Affleck) who adamantly insists he doesn’t believe in marriage, but loves her more than anything. Throw in a young real estate tycoon named Conor (Kevin Connolly) looking for a reason as to why his maybegirlfriend isn’t sleeping with him anymore and the maybe-girlfriend, struggling artist Anna (Scarlett Johansson) who has eyes for the married man, and you end up playing six degrees of separation, love edition. Unfortunately, a tale that could have set up a true, real story of love in all its different forms still managed to glorify its chick flick title with all the happy endings. Even the couple

that went bad ended up happier than before. The general atmosphere of the movie made this a great Valentine’s Day date flick, but make sure you get some popcorn, because it’s quite a long ride, and be ready for a little cheese when intermittently people who have nothing to do with the story give testimony on various problems that the movie is addressing (think When Harry Met Sally). But if you want to leave the theater with warm fuzzies and a newfound appreciation for what you have, wherever it may lie on the spectrum of characters in the movie, then this is a good one to see. Managing to hold on to the rare title of “a chick flick with a refreshing twist,” He’s Just Not That Into You and its band of crazy characters will no doubt leave you smiling.

S t7 A Perennial Power p rs

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Athlete Week of the

Men’s swimming places 3rd again at State By Nick Penticoff Sports Editor

As the waves in the Marshalltown YMCA’s pool died down Saturday night, the Tiger men’s swimming team found themselves in a familiar position — the podium. Cedar Falls placed third at the State Swim Meet. Three of the Tiger swimmers — junior Garrett Moses, senior Brian Verink and sophomore Austin Abbas — were returning State swimmers from the previous year. Only one of the swimmers wasn’t there from the year before because he graduated, but he was replaced by senior Nick Challgren. The four swimmers came in looking for a win, but the best finish was a second place. It was most difficult for junior Garrett Moses, who goes to Dike-New Hartford. They don’t have a swim team there, so he swims for CF, and he is a giant part of the team’s success the past two years. He had to swim up against Jordan Huff, who has never been beaten by a kid in Iowa and made it to the Olympic trials the past summer finishing 24th in the 100 free. “I came in wanting to get a win,

just like every time I do when I race him. I wanted to be the first in Iowa to beat him, but, hey, at least I gave it my all and had fun doing it.” Garrett said. Moses most likely will make it to State again next year and will definitely be one of the swimmers to beat. He finished 2nd in the 200 free, 2nd in the 100 free, 2nd in the 400 free relay and 6th in the 200 free relay. Next year Garrett won’t have to be preparing for Huff; the other competitors will have to prepare to swim him. Seniors Brian Verink and Nick Challgren were the only seniors from Cedar Falls to swim at State, and both of them swam well. Verink finished 3rd in the 200 free, 2nd in the 300 and 2nd in the 400 free relay. “I am so lucky to of swam for Marcussen and the other coaches and to have the great teamates I had. The state meet was great. Everyone stepped up right at the end of the season, and it is sad that it is over,” Verink said. Challgren’s first appearance at State was a lasting experience, this being his senior year. He finished 6th in the 50 free, 7th in the 500, 6th in the 200 free and 2nd in the 400 free relay. Last, but not least, sophomore Aus-

Jessica Fuller Women’s Bowling Junior

Jessica is one of the best bowlers returning on this year’s team, finishing 6th in singles at State last year. After bowling for 11 years, her role model is her older brother who has been like a father to her since her dad died when she was five.

Photo courtesy of Max Herre

Cedar Falls senior Nick Challgren comes up for air as he does the front crawl at the state meet. He was a huge part of the Tiger’s success at State. tin Abbas swam well and will be leading the pack next year with Moses. Abbas finished 3rd in the 100 back, 5th in the 200 IM, 6th in the 200 free

relay and 2nd in the 400 free relay. Overall, everyone of the swimmers went into State prepared to put up a fight, and that’s exactly what they did.

Brock, Kelly flex muscle to advance to State By Alex Entz Business Manager / Opinion Editor

The Cedar Falls wrestling team walked into their Districts match this past weekend as an underdog. The team finished sixth of eight teams but will be taking two wrestlers to the state wrestling tournament. Junior Michael Kelly and senior Aidan Brock are the state qualifiers. Both hope to win state titles. The team’s coach, Jay Llewellyn, emphasized work on the team’s weakness in preparation for Districts, but the team’s performance was still less than desired. State qualifier Michael Kelly also highlighted some

other weak points in what he otherwise described as an unusually close and unified team. “Sometimes as a team we may lose

hard, and I think we could’ve taken a couple more people to State than what we did,” Kelly said. Llewellyn’s training regimen,

“As a team, we just need to compete like every match is our last match.” —Wrestling coach Jay Llewellyn focus or not be aggressive enough,” he said. Kelly felt confident that the team turned in a solid performance, despite the poor overall ranking. “Everyone at Districts wrestled

focusing on preparing each individual for their specific matches, was put together in an attempt to get the absolute best from each match. The method proved effective last year when the four wrestlers beat for-

mer opponents that had beaten them in their first match. Llewellyn stressed one team-wide point in preparation for Districts: “As a team, we just need to compete like every match is our last match.” Going into Districts, Llewellyn had the team focus on making the Districts match their best match all season. The goal, to take as many kids as possible to the State tournament and to try to qualify for the state duals, was partly fulfilled through Kelly and Brock. “Given the circumstances, I think our team turned in a solid outing,” Kelly said.

1. What do you like most about bowling? I like the feeling when I knock down all the pins. Bowling is a fun sport, and everyone should try it. 2. What are the most pins you have had this year? 236 is my highest game this bowling season. 3. How do you prepare for meets? I practice Mondays and Wednesdays, and I get a good night’s sleep.

Tigers in Action

Men’s Basketball (11-7) Lost to Waterloo East 64-44 Beat Waverly Shell-Rock 62-45 Next: At C.R. Prairie 2/17 (6 @ C.R. Prairie ) Women’s Basketball (9-11) Beat Waterloo East 53-30 Next: Regionals 2/18 (At Waterloo West) Men’s Bowling Lost to C.R. Washington 2/13 Next: Regionals 2/21 (11 a.m. @ Maple Lanes) Women’s Bowling Beat C.R. Washington 2/13 Next: Regionals 2/21 (12 p.m. @ Maple Lanes) Men’s Swimming Placed 3rd at State Meet 2/14 Wrestling Placed 6th of 8 teams at Districts 2/14 Next: State Wrestling Tournament (2/18-2/21)

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Feb. 18, 2009

of the Iowa Core Curriculum. Another topic of concern that has gained the attention of many people in addition to McKinley is the influence of the educational consultant Willard Daggett on the Iowa Core Curriculum. Many of Daggett’s concepts and examples he uses to back up these concepts have been publicly criticized. “The curriculum is based on a

of rigor and relevance. In spite of how little Daggett may Although many praise the Iowa have actually influenced the Iowa Core Curriculum, it is not without its Core Curriculum, its effectiveness share of opposition. remains a divided issue. “Any education research you’re “Our kids are better than that. They going to have people on both sides,” deserve better,” McKinley said of the Conrad said. Iowa Core Curriculum. Among the criticisms for the Iowa Although there may be some Core Curriculum are that it does not disagreement over the Iowa Core Curprovide rigorous enough riculum, the reality is that with its standards and was not passage by the Iowa legislature supported strongly it will become a state-mandated It’s more an explanation of enough by experts. policy. State senator Paul what students need to have in educational Currently, the Iowa Core CurMcKinley has been an order to obtain state standards riculum is set for full implemenoutspoken opponent of tation in grades nine-12 by 2012 - Judy Jeffery, Iowa Department of the Iowa Core Curand grades kindergarten-eight by Education chair riculum for these two 2014. However, individual school reasons. districts will be allowed plenty “What we need to be of time to implement the changes dealing with is rigorous brought about by the Iowa Core standards. This is curriculum and what faulty theory of learning in my opinion Curriculum, as well as flexibility and many others,” McKinley said. is needed is world-class standards,” in how they choose to implement However, the influence of Daggett McKinley said. changes. on the Iowa Curriculum and the effect McKinley cited examples of other “The state gave the school districts states, specifically Massachusetts, that his influence had remains an issue of time to adjust to this new core,” Jefdisagreement. Callahan explained how had the types of standards he believed fery said. much Daggett actually influenced the would have been more of a benefit Conrad also acknowledged that Iowa Core Curriculum, specifically to Iowa students. He said that many with an implementation deadline of through the concepts of rigor and educational experts acknowledge the 2012, Cedar Falls would have time for relevance. Massachusetts standards as the best. planning. “Many of Daggett’s concepts were “Their students perform at a very Jeffery described how the Iowa reviewed, but many were not included; high level, and that’s what we should Core Curriculum would implethis one was. This sort of thinking had aspire to,” McKinley said. ment changes without creating strict a lot of influence into what we wanted Another aspect of the Iowa Core requirements as to how the changes the Iowa Core Curriculum to do, so in Curriculum that McKinley disagrees should be implemented by individual that sense Daggett had a lot of influwith is its support and approval by school districts. ence, but the way in which things were educational experts. “It’s more of an explanation of “We had it independently reviewed, done was not how Daggett would have what students need to have in order to done it,” Callahan said of the concepts and it came up short, “ said McKinley obtain state standards,” Jeffery said.

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Jazzing it up

Ben Sadkowski Photo

Junior Kassy Salmon solos on her saxophone at the jazz show on Saturday, Feb. 7 in the high school auditorium. She and the rest of the band are in action again this weekend at the Tallcorn Festival this Friday, Feb. 20 at Bengsten Auditorium on the UNI campus. Sixteen other 4A schools will also compete at the annual jazz festival.

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