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Math teachers call for new text books

by Aminah Kakeh and N’hawa Tangula Staff Writers

by Shant Shahrigian Co-Editor in Chief

LINDA FAIRALL

Sophomore Marisa Menezes and junior Eric Gutormnson rehearse for the Winter Concert, which is to take place tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Various concerts held

by Kathy Saupp Staff Writer

The music department is filled with anticipation in these last days before winter vacation; now is the time for all of the groups to perform in their holiday concerts. Between the band concert December 6th, Chorus December 18th, and finally

Orchestra on the 19th, every musician has a reason to be practicing hard.

After their concert on the 6th, members of the Red, Gold, and Symphonic bands can breathe a sigh of relief. The bands had been preparing for this performance “Concerts” cont’d on p. ?

“Funding” cont’d on p. 4

New poetry club formed

by Paul Gleason Staff Writer

“Gather ye rosebuds while ye may...” said Shakespeare.

Poetry is more than a rhyme or a limerick, it’s a way of life, and now that way of life in the form of a club that is meeting for the first time today.

The club founder and sponsor Fusun Dogu, decided to start the club after she noticed a high interest in poetry in her English classes after completing a unite on poetry. This type of club is rare and most high school students don’t have clubs like

this. Schools like McLean H.S. take their students to poetry readings and poetry slams in DC. “It’s just a great way of expressing feelings and thoughts and senses,” said Dogu. “Expressing these feelings, I think, is very important to teenagers helping them release some of the things that might make them angry in life.”

The club’s first meeting is going to be held today after school in room 232 at 2:15 p.m.The number of members is not yet known, but Dogu encourages anyone who would wish to join to “Poetry” cont’d on p. 4

In holiday spirit, groups contribute to charities

by Maggie Owner Staff Writer

children.

A group that helps the underprivileged annually is the SGA. The SGA holds a canned AHS has a tradition of giving back to the food drive to help families in the Annandale community, and this year AHS is running community who cannot afford to feed themseveral charity drives. The school is getting a selves. The cans were collected during R1 surprisingly low response. The box for the classes. The drive ran from Dec. 10 through the canned food is not as full as it was last year 14.The SGA promised to any class that brought and the Stopping Aids For Everyone (SAFE) in a minimum of 20 cans a box of doughnuts, as club did not get the feedback they had hoped incentive to donate. for.

The SGA gives the cans of food to a local Numerous clubs and organizations have church that provides it to needy families. They chosen to sponsor fundraisers to help the less also contribute the food to the fortunate. Among these Salvation Army to help the less groups are the SAFE club, fortunate community during the e are focused Key Club the SGA and holiday season. Last year the SGA on helping DECA, who are running received approximately 400-500 drives to help the Annandale kids who need it. cans of food; they are hoping to community. “Every little bit —Lindsey Grant reach that goal again. helps,” said counselor Linda junior The Key Club, who is known for Wheeler, who is the heading performing charitable tasks for the up the SAFE club’s drive. community, will also be helping out Each year different clubs choose a program this holiday season. On Dec. 19, the Key club to donate their aid to. The SAFE club is sponsoring a children’s gift drive. The toys will will hold their annual ACCA Christmas party.

The party is held for underprivileged children be donated to children who are infected with HIV or AIDS, or children of an infected parent. in the area. The Christmas party is one of the biggest projects Key club does all year. “SomeThe fundraiser is for children from the age of times the gifts we give them is the only gift they infancy to 16. get all holiday season,” Ly Cao, 2001 graduate, Wheeler stated that they are the community residents who are infected are struggling Key club member for four years.

The Christmas party lasts one hour. During financially. “The kids and their family living the party each Key club member is paired up in the area with AIDS don’t have enough with a child. The club member then buys them money for gifts,” said Wheeler. The drive ran a gift from their “wish list.” At the party each between Nov. 30 and Dec. 14. This is the first year the SAFE Club has donated gifts to sick “Charity” cont’d on p. 4

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4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229

h t t p : / / w w w. f c p s . k 1 2 . v a . u s / A n n a n d a l e H S / A B l a s t / 2 0 0 1

Corporate funding considered

School hallways may already abound with countless logos and trademarks, but further brand-name flourishment may become official policy in the near future. On Dec. 12, the Fairfax County Pubic School Board held a closed work-study session at Burkholder Center to explore the possibility of selling ad space to major corporations which target school-age consumers. Sale of advertisements on anything from score boards to science labs has been discussed.

Although the concept has become increasingly controversial in recent weeks, it in fact started over a year ago when the board formed a committee of various school faculty and community members designated to explore the idea. At last week’s session, the committee presented its reccomendations to research exactly how much money cororations could provide and to survey state communities for their reactions. The board is looking into hiring a consultant to meet the first recomendation.

“I think there was a sense that they do

ANNANDALE HIGH S CHOOL

Informing the Atoms since 1954

Should teachers return to the basics—Saxon Math method: addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions and moving at a slower, more drill-oriented pace so that every student masters every key concept?

Or should teachers continue with the current pace, teaching word problems and more complex math aided by technological advances and focusing solely on conceptual learning— Everyday Math?

Three AHS teachers played a pivotal role in deciding this question.

Mathematical philosophy has officially merged with political ideology and

LAUREN STERLACCI

Math teacher Judy Werbel teaches class. She and fellow math teachers Leonard Bumbaca and Gail Chmura were part of the Textbook Reviewing Committee which debated the Saxon and Everyday learning techniques.

fermented into a heated debate on the adoption of new math textbooks for Fairfax County. The core of the controversy is solely embedded in the question of how mathematics should be taught.

Every seven years the Textbook Reviewing Committee, consisting of parents, teachers, school board members and adminis “Books” cont’d on p. 5

Annual play performed

by Junaid Shams Staff Writer

The Theater II students performed “ADDICT,” by Jerome McDonough on Thurs. and Fri. of last week. Through the P.E classes, the play was performed six times by two casts of a total of 31 students. This was the tenth time the annual play was performed by the Theater II students.

The play is part of a school curriculum for drug awareness. Even though many people seem to think that drug usage has gone down, it hasn’t. Their Theater II teacher, Vicki Farish, will also grade the performers. The cast will be graded on their work ethic, and their learning, which will comprise 70% of the quarter grade.

It took the cast five to six weeks to prepare

ANDREW MENEGAT

A drama student on stage during the play.

themselves for the play. This included a workshop, where they learned how to build a character, and then memorize their lines.

“ADDICT,” is a professionally produced play “Play” cont’d on p. 5

Seniors anxious about admissions

by Laura Hollowell Staff Writer

You wake up one morning and do all the normal things you always do, not knowing that today you will receive a letter deferring you from your first choice college. You see the letter in the mail and become a little uneasy. So, you begin to open the letter thinking the worst. What if I don’t get in? What if they reject me?

Now the letter is open. As you read down the lines, all the words start to blur as you realize; you have been deferred.

Then all the thoughts come flooding to your brain. What could I have done in the past three years to

avoid this? What am I going to have to do in the next semester to make sure I’ll be accepted into regular admission?

“When I opened my letter, I was really shocked and hurt. Then I realized that I wasn’t rejected and still had a chance [to be accepted],” said Rita Mrad, who applied early to Longwood, “Everything [about the deference letter] was new to me and there was a lot I wish I could have changed. Having your heart broken by a school really hurts, but it really makes you work hard.”

A deference letter is not a rejection letter. It simply means that the student was put on the regular admissions list instead of being

accepted early. “I recently found out that I was deferred from the college I really wanted to go to,” said Mikaela O’Connor, who applied early to Boston College. “But I know that Boston is really hard to get into and I will have a chance to be accepted during regular admission, so it’s not that bad.”

Students who decided to apply early decision to a college are now starting to receive letters back from their college. Over the next few weeks, seniors who applied early decision will be able to know either their future, or what they must do in the next couple months to be ready for another college.

“Admissions” cont’d on p. 5

T-shirt program designed to instill school spirit

by Katie Stanton Copy Editor

In an effort to boost school spirit, the SGA has organized a program to reward students deserving schoolwide recognition.

“It’s really just about having pride in your school— and showing it,” said senior David Smock, the secretary of the SGA. Smock came up with the idea for the t-shirts because of his personal interest in school pride. He

had heard “too many negatives” expressed by students, and decided that something needed to be done to get AHS to show its pride in its school. Smock’s mother helped him to organize the tshirt program, which he presented to the SGA and which recieved immediate support.

The PTSA, which often works to help the SGA with various fundraisers and programs, has contributed to

the program by donating $500 towards t-shirts for the first month. The SGA has already ordered t-shirts for the next month.

Each month, teachers choose one students out of all their classes who exemplifies characteristics deserving of recognition and gives them a free Annandale Pride t-shirt.

The students chosen are able to attend activities at the end of each month.

“I thought, ‘This is a good

hat’s inside

school, we need to have school spirit,” said Smock. He hopes to have between 1200 and 1400 students recognized and given shirts for their achievements.

The activity for December, happening on Friday, Dec. 21, will be held in room 154, where students will be given free doughnuts after school.

A Look Ahead December 19

The recent heat wave may be pleasant, but it can’t be an positive indicator for the environment. Find out what’s going on with planet Earth.

Interims mailed, Orchestra concert at 7:30 p.m.

21-31 Winter holiday

January

11 The 2002 yearbooks are under construction as we speak. Check out just how they’re getting made.

15 Find out if Ali adds up in this review.

1

Holiday

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Choral Booster meeting at 7:00 p.m.

9

Financial Aid Workshop in Cafeteria at 7:30 p.m.

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Wednesday, December 19, 2001

U.S v. Knights The Supreme Court recently ruled against requiring warrants in certain searches: DECISION — California enforcement official may search the homes of criminals released on probation without a warrant; the decision was unanimous.

SIGNIFICANCE — Other states may follow the lead of this California decision

Though selling the naming rights to school facilities would povide an additional source of revenue, some things in life simply do not have a price tag.

— The decision stands as another example of civil liberties under fire

OPPOSITION TO DECISION — Ruling invades the rights of innocent visitors who could be in the presense of warrantless searches

REHNQUIST SAYS — “Just as other punishments for criminal convictions curtail offender’s freedoms, a court granting probation may impose reasonable conditions that deprive the offender of some freedoms enjoyed by-law abiding citizens.”

The Abercrombie and Fitch Gymnasium, the Pepsi Football Stadium and the Doritos Cafeteria.

Corporate names such as these could be attached to AHS facilities, just as the Redskins fell victim five years ago to the trend of generating revenue through naming rights, after renaming Jack Kent Cook Stadium FedEx Field. The idea is being weighed by county school officials. A school board panel on the issue has opted to hire a consultant to investigate how much money the county could gain from selling ads and naming rights to businesses and corporations.

The study on the corporate sponsorship issue is a waste of the school board’s time and money as no further commercialism should be allowed to enter our schools.

Under consideration is granting schools the ability to sell the naming rights for gymnasiums, auditoriums, cafeterias, athletic fields and wings of the school, along with posting advertisements on school and county web sites.

Though selling naming rights to school facilities would provide an additional source of revenue, some things in life do not simply have a price tag.

The Fairfax County Public School system is rated as one of the top school systems in the country as well as being one of the most affluent. The county

THE A-BLAST STAFF EDITORIAL The study on corporate sponsorship issue is a waste of the school board’s time and money. No further commercialism should be allowed to enter our schools.

itself is one of the richest in the nation with an average household income of over $90,000. We are not D.C. public schools, with dire financial needs, that could justify selling out to corporations.

In this situation, the revenue would go a long way in improving education.

However, the Fairfax County School system has a budget of $1.471 billion,

Letters

The AHS football stadium was named after J. Wallace Bolding. Though the school board said the exsisting names would not be replace, but other facilities at AHS could carry corporate names.

much different than the D.C. public schools’ situation . Westfield High School Principal Dale Rumberger has estimated that his school could receive $3.5 million over ten years. If this figure is consistent with other schools in the county, this return will have have meager effects in the scope of our massive budget. The revenue generated from corporate sponsorship is certainly worth less than the principle and commercialization of our schools that we would sacrifice.

Considering the county is not in a bad financial state, it should wait and see how other more needy school systems react to the proposition instead of unnecessarily forging the way into a sleazy funding technique.

Many of the stadiums and facilities whose naming rights would be sold to corporations already bear the name of significant historical figures related to area schools. At AHS, the football stadium was named for J. Wallace Bolding, a dedicated teacher, coach and counselor that made numerous contributions to the school. Eradicating the names of these honorable figures with corporation names such as Pepsi, McDonalds and Gap does not do justice to their contributions. These facilities were named after these individuals for a reason.

Stop whining, you have a choice

to the

Life at Annandale and in high school in general must be grand if all that is worthy of a scathing editorial is the extracurricular policy. The basic idea of the policy is not to punish students who participate in illegal activities, but to prevent these things from occurring in the first place. Responsible young adults realize this and do not go to parties where alcohol is being served.

Student athletes are supposed to be role models for other students. Their behavior in class should be perfect, their attendance perfect, their behavior outside of school should be impeccable as well. Is that asking a lot of students? Absolutely it is. Can students expect a lot in return for their behavior? Yes, the best that Annandale has to offer. If a student feels that the policy is too restrictive, they do have the choice of not participating in athletic activities. Otherwise, stop whining and do the right things, and there is nothing to worry about.

Editor

Extracurricular policy not extra flawed

Our schools are one of the few places left that teenagers are not bombarded with advertisements and corporate sponsorship. The array of commercials and advertisements that penetrate our students’ minds is high enough at the present state. Already advertising has begun to creep into schools through vending machines, book covers and advertising banners placed at sporting events. Already our students are involved in commercial activities such as selling Gold Cards.

It is bad enough that the Redskins stadium is named FedEx field instead of Jack Kent Cooke stadium, a man who put his life’s work into the franchise. However, at least with instances involving stadiums and other high cost projects, corporate sponsorship is necessary for the facility to even to be built, as was the case with the MCI Center. The Fairfax County School System is not in this situation.

The Fairfax County School System should hold itself to a higher standard than many of the other elements of our society that have caved in to corporate sponsorship. Public education should not be a commercial and advertising endeavor.

—Staff editorial written by Andrew Satten, Editorials Editor

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A B F F

Last week, Charles F. Burlingame III, the pilot of Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon was buried in his own grave at the Arlington National Cemetary. The former Navy fighter pilot was at first denied his own spot because he was too young. At the funeral, several speakers cited evidence that Burlingame fought the terrorists before the plane crashed.

Election improvements welcomed A year after the Florida recount fiasco, the House has approved a $2.65 billion fund for election improvements.

The money will go towards better voter machines which could prevent the confusion of last year’s election.

Unfortunately, the decision, which will soon move to the Senate, will not necessarily be in effect in time for the next presidential election.

No end in Palestine-Israseli violence

Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003 Volume # 48 Issue 7

Managing Editor News Editors

Editorials Editors In-Depth Editors Features Editors Atomic Articles Editor Profiles Editors Cultures Editors Sports Editors Entertainment Editors

On December 12, ten Israslis were killed and more than 30 were injured after Palestinians staged a terrorist action ambushing an Israeli bus in the West Bank. An immediate Israeli retaliation was enacted and Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon held Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat responsible. This marks the official end to peace talks between the two now-warring nations.

Middle East terror in California Two men in the militant Jewish Defense League were planning to bomb one of Los Angeles’s largest mosques and the local office of an Arab American House of Representatives member. Luckily, the FBI, tipped off by wiretapped conversations, were able to arrest the two men involved before the plan was executed.

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—Cindy Hook Math Teacher Varsity Field Hockey and Lacrosee Coach

Editors in Chief

“We shouldn’t be sticking our nose in places that it doesn’t belong, because our country could suffer from getting on [someone’s] bad side.”

— Elizabeth Nowrouz freshman

“America should get all the terrorists, because if [we] don’t get them all, eventually they will attack the United States.”

— Itzel Perez junior

“Our mission is to wage war on terrorism.

And we’re not finished until the threat is diminished.”

— Mike Flint junior

for getting them kicked of the team...” “Other members” are never responsible for “getting them kicked off of the team.”

When an athlete chooses to attend a party where there is illegal use of alcohol or other drugs, they risk their safety and athletic eligibility as a result. They must accept the consequences of their actions and stop looking to place blame on teammates, coaches, or the policy itself.

You state, “The majority of athletes who are forced to sign the extracurricular participation policy disagree with its terms.” NO athlete is FORCED to sign the pledge. No athlete is forced to play a sport. Playing a sport for your high school is a priviledge to be earned, not a right.

When an athlete chooses to play a sport, they choose to abide by all of the rules and regulations that govern their eligibility, including the extracurricular participation policy.

Finally, you contend that students are not reliable sources of information about parties, while school officials and adults are reliable sources. The reliable sources agree that the reckless disregard of the health and saftey of students, the law, and the policy must stop. Non-drinking students who attend illegal parties support and encourage illegal behavior by their presence.

Be honest, this is not a game!

Your editorial contains several glaring examples of faulty reasoning. You wrote: “Many high school athletes have much at stake such as scholarships and the hard work they put into their sports, so when other members are responsible

Makin’

tomic reactions

Should the U.S. go after terrorists involved in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflicts?

—John Clauss biology teacher

ditorials

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School board weighs selling out

Wednesday, December 19, 2001

David Covucci Shant Shahrigian Chris Hogeboom Reid Edwards Philippe Podhorecki Hayley Fletcher Hana Ngyuen Katie Clark Andrew Satten Heather Downen Rebecca Sample Young-Zi Byun Sarah Kelman Chae-Wha Park Denice Miller Richie McCormack Martha Amoaka Cameron Kynes Chris Bagot Ryan Croft Jessica Reyes Mike Mahn

Gallup Award Quill and Scroll International Honor Society 2000-2001

“Yes, because they still have the potential to do it, and it wouldn’t be good if Bush wussed out on his words.”

— John Reece sophomore

“The United States should stay out of it because it has nothing to do with us.”

— Meron Araya senior

(703) 642-4229 email: ahsablast@aol.com website: www.fpcs.k12.va.us /AnnandaleHS/ABlast/2001 fax: 642-4197

Atomic Athletics Editors Arts Editors

Kristie Moore Rebecca Kraushaar Abby Segall Weekend Editors John Bernhardt Caroline Friedman On-line Editors Monica Price Leah Selim Business Ryan Teichler Advertising Manager Crystan Blanco Copy Editor Katie Stanton Photography Editor Jenny Beam Photographers: Sean Sullivan, Andrew Menegat, Sarah Sherman, Linda Fairall Staff Writers: Junaid Shams, Paul Gleason, Saman Hussain, Rachel Jones, Maggie Owner, Evan Ashe, Sam Molavi, Annette Bouadi, Rob Payne, Walaa Elbarasse, Aminah Kakeh, ShinHyung Ahn, Kyle Smeallie, Lauren Sterlacci, Morgan McEvilly, Mohammad Edris Qarghah, Laura Hollowell, Sara Bizer, Jared Smith, Katharine Kishiyama, Kathy Saupp, N’hawa Tangula Principal Don Clausen Adviser Alan Weintraut

Trophy Class Virginia High School League 2000-2001

All American National Scholastic Press Association 2000-2001

Published every three weeks, The A-Blast is an award winning, tri-weekly newspaper that strives to inform, educate, and entertain the student body and community. The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day or invades an individual’s right to privacy. Unsigned editorials represent the staff opinions which solely represent the opinion of the newspaper staff. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion which is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 225 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast Copyright, 2001.

editorials

From bombing to broadcasts

Improving Afghanistan means gaining a victory in the war on terrorism

IN and OUT for IN

“The Flares look is out, but the boot cut will definitely be cool in the new year.”

OUT

Dignified forms of transportation Palm pilots X-Box

—Crystal Moncada sophomore

SRO Paul Picket “Tough Guy” Donald Rumsfeld

“Deion Sanders is out and Fred Smoot is in, because Dion really sucks.”

—Dan Boyd sophomore

School agendas Play Station 2 Police Chief Ramsey “Tough Guy” Jesse Ventura Rolling shoes

“off tha chain”

“Off tha hook”

“How goes it?”

“What’s up?”

Kid’s Post Unrealistic tough girl model Wakefield Chapel Tennis Apparel Alias

“Roll Out” Harry Potter dork chic Morpheus

—Justin Zormelo senior

Scooters

Bowling Shoes

TI- 83 Silver Edition

“Michael Jordan is out and Kobie Bryant is in, but Jordan is still the best to ever play the game.”

2002?

Clausen’s hybrid car Bernhardt bites Magic 8 Ball Kish’s Korner White Days Morning Announcements w/ Shant The A-Blast

The Washington Post unrealistic beautiful model Abercrombie and Fitch Survivor TI -83 Plus “H to the Izzo” Being cool Napster Dr. Zuniga’s Mustang Bernhardt’s bites Miss Cleo Tyson’s Corner Red Days Good Morning America Antenna

t

What do you think is going to be in for the year 2002?

an

Reac Reactions

What’s

Reasons for continuing to take an active role in Afghanistan THE LONG RUN

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By Chae-Wha Park and Andrew Satten

After a successful military campaign that has crushed the Taliban opposition within a matter of months, an aura of good feeling has surfaced concerning the state of Afghanistan and the disruption of the Al Queda terrorist network. This sentiment is justified, considering the United States accomplished what the Soviet Union was never able to do, even after 10 years of fighting and great loss of life.

Already, our efforts are beginning to shift toward other terrorist targets such as Iraq ` and other cells abroad, important threats that must be addressed. However, what many Americans and politicians fail to realize is that we are just now entering the most crucial stage of the Afghanistan effort. It is imperative that a focus be placed on winning over the public opinion of Muslims as well as establishing and executing a massive revitalization program, or else all of our efforts will have been in vain.

Even though it will be costly in this time of economic recession, the United States, along with the world, must not shy away from providing substantial financial aid to rebuild the infrastructure of this ravaged nation. Our aim does not have to be to turn it into a commerce superpower, but by simply the roads, Andrew Satten repairing restoring electricity and Editorials Editor instituting a water system, Afghanistan’s citizens quality of life will be greatly enhanced.

Until the poverty faced by Afghanistan citizens is diminished and the people are given a more desirable lifestyle, the cycle of Bin Laden like fanatics will continue. Their hatred toward our way of life is intensified by their own desolate state.

At the focus of our revitalization effort will be the challenge of expunging pro-Bin Laden tactics while instilling acceptance of the United States. The cultural differences of our two societies are so vast that our campaign must proceed cautiously as too not assert our ideas and beliefs to harshly on these people. The United States he United must cater to their needs and states must not improve upon our original shy away from humanitarian aid food drops, which were generally intended providing substantial as a public relations ploy (their financial aid to rebuild contents did not suit the the infrastructure of this Afghan lifestyle). For example, ravaged nation instead of just broadcasting pro-United States messages over the radio, popular Afghanistan music is now being aired that was previously outlawed by the Taliban.

The Fourth Psychological Operation Army Group, composed of special operation forces, marketing specialist, linguists and cultural professors, is constantly devising communication schemes and developing the contents of leaflets. This communications effort is a daunting task considering the majority of the Afghan population is illiterate, leading the program to assume a simple and visual direction.

The education system must be revamped to compensate for the years in which their curriculum consisted of forwarding the Muslim Jihad in waging war against the United States, a powerful propaganda force that has even penetrated the minds of Americans in the case of John Walker.

Before the Taliban came to power, women in the nation held significant roles in society. Eradicating their role in public matters has had a devastating effect on the nation and its capacity to be productive, so a campaign must be waged to recover their rights and provide them with education.

There is no immediate panacea for how to restore law and order between the feuding tribes of the region, but by posting a strong organization of enforcement officials to regulate the flow of aid and create a semblance of regulation, progress will be made.

After years of devastation, the Afghan people are ready for change. Through guidance from the United States and other nations of the free world, we can improve the state of Afghanistan and at the same time gain a victory in the war on terrorism.

T

— If we fail to spend now in Afghanistan, all of our efforts to overthrow the Taliban regime will have been in vain

INFRASTRUCTURE — By simply repairing roads, restoring electricity and providing an irrigations system, the nation will be able to make great strides

POVERTY — Until the poverty conditions in Afghanistan are ameliorated, the nation will continue to produce Bin Laden like fanatics

WOMEN’S RIGHTS —The United States must aid the nation in assimilating women back into society to compensate for the oppression that the Taliban placed on them

FREE ELECTIONS —It is imperative that free elections occur after the six-month provisional government

Missile Defense System a wasted effort appears to grudgingly understand that the change in policy was in no way provoked During the Cold War, nuclear catastrophe was prevented by a doctrine of by anything to do with his nation. The risk that the move might disconcert some of mutually assured destruction: both the United States and the Soviet Union were afraid of what would happen if one side decided to attack the other. Today, there are our allies is said to be of little concern when all that would result is some amount of vociferous response followed by... no actual action. But what is the sake of alienating no other superpowers and our only enemies have nowhere near the firepower our allies if we don’t have to? Their inability or lack of will to take necessary to pose a reasonable threat to us; such is why they action regarding the withdrawal does not make their support any resort to such cowardly methods of attack as we fell victim to on less important.

Sept. 11.

President Bush justified the withdrawal from the ABM treaty by Even if a rogue nation were to acquire the means to launch a stating that it “hinders our government’s ability to develop ways to ballistic missile attack against the continental United States, it protect our people from future terrorist or rogue-state missile would be restrained by the understanding that we would retaliate attacks.” True, but it only hinders one way, the way of the antiand destroy them. The United States should return to its proven ballistic missile shield. Far cheaper alternatives exist. In the short policy of deterrence and realize that that, and not billions upon term, the war against terrorism will have to be won with military billions of dollars in aggressive defense spending, will be the most action. But in the long term, the war can never be won until the successful means of self-protection. nation acknowledges that it must deal with the significant antiOur enemies do not currently have the means to launch an U.S. sentiment found throughout parts of the rest of the world. The overt attack against the United States. Even though it is possible war will have to become just as much social as military, and the Shant Shahrigian that they acquire the type of weapon with which to do so, namely missile shield could take as long to develop as the social aspect. the ballistic missile, the same fear which paralyzed both the Co-Editor in Chief In today’s political climate, the only nations which would Russians and us during the Cold War would restrain them. But consider launching an overt attack against the United States would have to be in this time it would be only them. For all the anti-Western hatred our enemies feel such a position as to have no regard for their own safety, or, in sum, be nuts. And is it towards us, none of them are willing to risk destruction in order to attack us. worth it to spend billions to prevent such a situation when far cheaper alternatives Given that we are no longer engaged in an arms race, the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty no longer serves any function. Russian President Vladimir Putin has are yet to even be explored? assured us that our withdrawal from it will not trigger another arms race; he

Shantsense

Is it worth it to spend billions to prevent such a situation when far cheaper alternatives are yet to even be explored?

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STUDENT WINS AWARD FOR DESIGN

COURTESY JENNIFER STANSBURY

Senior Quang On received an award presented to him at a field trip on Dec. 3 by Armando Garci, a Xerox employee. On designed an original logo symbolizing the joining of AHS and Xerox Corporation in a new partnership. The field trip, taken by students from Stansbury’s IB ITGS class, allowed students to see the way a business works. The students were taken to several areas of the Xerox Corporation where they saw several new technologies.

On was thankful for the gifts of money and a new printer.

ATOMS PRIDE DAY Any student who has recieved an Atoms Pride Recognition T-shirt is allowed to go to room 154 either before or during school and receive two free donuts this friday. Students must wear the shirt to get the donuts.

NEW AP COURSE PETITION AP European History could be offered next year if a petition started recently has enough signatures. AP US History teacher Eleanor Shumaker had brought it forward in several history classes, passing around a petition in each class.

Unless enough students show interest in the course, the course will not be offered for next year’s curriculum.

preparing for this performance since the beginning of the year, and according to band director Jack Elgin, the hard work paid off. “All of the groups played very well. The first concert of the year is always a challenge, but overall it went well,” he said.

For many of the musicians, the moments before showtime can be anxious ones. “People are glad to perform finally, but are still nervous about how it will go,” said Bethany AugliereWheat. According to Elgin, this nervousness can pay off.

“There was a little bit of an edge in all the players before they went on, but thats a good thing. If you aren’t a little bit nervous, you play flat,” he said.

A featured soloist of the winter performance was sophomore Andrew Van Pernis, on the Alto Saxophone for the Gold Band.

Elgin praised Van Pernis’s efforts. “I was particularly proud of the job that Andrew did on his solo.” he said.

The band gave the audience members the opportunity to bring in a canned good to donate upon entering the auditorium, or a cash donation. “There were a lot of canned goods collected,” said Elgin. “People also gave cash donations, and our band officers will deal with organizing those funds.”

While the band has time to relax, the singers prepared for their next concert, which was last night in the auditorium.

However, this is just one of many for the singing groups.

Annandale Singers, Men’s Chorale, and Women’s Ensemble have a total of 13 performances in the month of December, including many concerts around the community. “We hold lots of rehearsals in order to prepare,” said Choral Director Carleen Dixon.

The themes for the concert last night were Winter and the

LINDA FAIRALL

Seniors Mikaela O’Connor and Keith White practice for their upcoming concert. The Orchestra concert will be held tonight.

Holidays, and the program showcased many Christmas and Hanukkah songs. Included in the program are holiday favorites such as “Sing we Noel”, “Deck the Halls”, and “Jingle Bells”.

As always, the choirs have many featured soloists in the holiday program. Among the soloists who performed last night were freshmen Danielle Larmett and Emily Dean, Juniors Michael Weinberg and Bayla Whitten, as well as senior Ayo Odejimi. To these singers, solos are definitely something to be proud of. “I think it’s fun to sing in a group, but it’s also fun every once in a while to sing on your own.” said Larmett, who has a solo in “Blow Blow thou Winter Wind.”

Tonight at 7:30 in the auditorium, the orchestra takes the stage. “We’ve done a good job preparing for the performance, this was our shortest preparation time of the year.” said junior bassist Frank Foley. According to Foley, the orchestras have had the music for this concert for only about two months.

The winter performance is one “to celebrate the holidays, we are playing a couple of traditional Christmas songs.” said Junior violist Michael Weinberg. The orchestra will perform several well known holiday pieces. “My favorite piece is the Greensleeves variation on ‘What Child is this?’, the music in that song lends itself for more individual expression.” said Foley.

The highlight of the winter performance is always the grand finale, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from the “Messiah”.

This piece includes members of the choirs, as well as winds and brass from the band. To prepare for this finale, the orchestra has held rehearsals with the additional sections after school. “We have all the elements put together on stage with the winds, brass, and chorus,” said Foley. ”It’s a really grandiose song and should be the highlight of the show.” he said.

In addition to the annual favorites, the orchestras are also playing several relatively unknown songs. “My favorite is “A Medley of Christmas Songs.” said Weinberg. Members of the orchestra are looking forward to getting the chance to perform.

“We’ve been working hard, and there is equal pressure on all members of the orchestra to perform well.” said Foley.

Winter time has proven to be an active time for all the musical groups, and after tonight, everyone in the music department can finally give their tired fingers, arms, and voices a rest, at least for a little while.

Field Trip to the heart AHS gives back to community “Charity” from pg. 1

by Saman Hussain Staff Writer

On Dec. 10, science teacher Paula McCallum led her Human Anatomy class to an educational heart surgery field trip at the INOVA Fairfax Hospital.

The students gathered at the hospital at approximately 7 a.m., and had the privilege of witnessing an open heart bypass surgery. “It was educational and it was really neat to see how they performed the surgery on an actual human body,” said senior Tarick Howar.

Students were escorted to the building’s second floor from which they looked down a glass floor and observed the heart surgery going on on the floor below.

A nurse volunteered to guide the students throughout the surgery and to answer any questions that were asked.

“If she [the nurse] hadn’t been there, we wouldn’t have had any clue of what was going on. She had a bunch of visuals which helped me comprehend the situation better,” said Howar. She described the procedure of the surgery in detail so that the students could understand what they were seeing.

“I thought it was a pretty amazing experience to actually witness someone going through an open heart surgery, it got me involved,” said senior Rasha Dahab. The field trip also played a role in stirring up students’ interest in the field of science. “I wasn’t really interested in science before but now that I’ve encountered the surgery I’ve become more aware of it,” said Howar.

The surgery itself recieved varying reactions from the students. While some of them were fascinated by it, others were utterly disgusted. “I thought the whole thing was gross because of the gushing blood and it made me feel sick,” said senior Young An. Some students took certain dislikes towards particular parts of the surgery. “I didn’t like the part where they had to bisect the guy and open him up because it looks painful,” said Howar. On the contrary, Dahab found the same part to be the “best and most interesting” one.

Moreover, the field trip ended up catching the interest of many students.

“There was a group of students who were

Clubs organize donation drives for clothes, toys, and food

LINDA FAIRALL

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A worker at INOVA hospital holds a model heart. The Anatomy class saw surgery on a heart.

so interested in the surgery that they wanted to stay till the very end,” said McCallum.

McCallum’s AP and IB Biology classes took the same field trip a few weeks ago after all three classes had spent approximately two to three weeks discussing the circulatory system, the structure of the heart and bypass surgery. “To actually see the heart functioning than looking at it on a worksheet was a tremendous opportunity for the students to understand an application of what they’re doing,” said McCallum.

Therefore, the field trip was arranged in order to enhance the students’ comprehension of current and future topics that will be covered over the course of the year. “All through the rest of the course we’re going to go back to certain topics that will relate to the field trip,” said McCallum.

AHS has been taking its Human Anatomy classes to heart surgery field trips for three years now since it has proven to be a thoroughly satisfactory and beneficial experience.

“I would not be taking my students to it if they didn’t show that certain element of surprise and wonder upon witnessing the surgery,” said McCallum

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think we’re looking at going as for as to sell naming rights” of school stadiums.

Nearby Thomas Jefferson High School, among others, has already taken advantage of corporate funding. Even AHS has benefited from corporate financing, with Coca-Cola logos on the scoreboards and distribution of free ademblazoned book covers at the beginning of the school year.

However, critics are concerned that corporate fundraising will be less

junior

SAFE club’s drive for children and families suffering from AIDS only received 20 presents. Wheeler speculates that this might be because the FBLA is running a similar charity drive for children faced with cancer.

“Last year we had a good response and we would like more, but we realize that we are competing against other drivers so we are happy,” said Jack Hiatt, head of the SGA.

Club to follow movie, Dead Poet’s Society, Club eagerly awaits poetry slam in March “Poetry” from pg. 1 come.

During the meetings, members will read, write, listen and act out poetry.

The main event of the year is the poetry slam in March, which is the first slam in Fairfax county.

A poetry slam is a competition of other high schools or individuals who act out and perform poetry that they wrote.

The club will meet weekly up until the slam, and after will meet bi-weekly or monthly.

The club is also planning on holding

McDonald.

Being accepted early is always a good way to relieve college pressure, but it sometimes stops challenge.

“I think I would have liked to get a deference letter from UVA so I could see what other schools I could have gotten into,” said senior Alison Sanders.

Corporations invade schools “Funding” from pg. 1 want to find out how much money could be raised,” said Paul Regnier, a FCPS spokesman.

“Right now the idea is looking better and better because we’re seeing pretty substantial shortfalls” due to the economic recession, said FCPS Superintendent Daniel Domenech in a telephone interview. “Right now we’re looking at different options.”

Asked whether he foresaw drastic fundraising measures in the future, Domenech said, “I don’t

—Lindsey Grant

SEAN SULLIVAN

This SAFE Club box for the Children’s Toy Drive who have AIDS or HIV is located in the counselor’s office area next to the main entrance door.

To be or not to be? in the Poetry Club

“Admissions” from pg. 1 regular admissions. I would tell them to keep up their hard work and keep their grades up.”

For some students, the holidays will be filled with a time of celebrating. “I feel so much pressure taken off now that I have been accepted into Penn State,” said senior Heather

e are focused on helping kids who need it.

Although with several drives going on at the same time, some of the clubs might not be receiving the feedback they had wanted. Within the first week the

College deferment letters arrive “If a student came to me and told me that they were not accepted early admission, I would encourage them to call the college,” said counselor Jennifer Crump-Strawderman. “Also, ask the admissions office [at the college] if there is additional information that they need to make it into

child has a chance to have their picture taken with Santa Claus, make crafts such as reindeers and candy canes. The Key club will also make holiday cookies in which the children will decorate.

The marketing club DECA is also helping the less fortunate this holiday season. At Springfield mall the DECA club is sponsoring an “angel tree.” On Dec. 14, if you go to Springfield Mall and choose a child off the tree and see their “wish list,” and go shopping for them.

“We are focused on helping kids who need it,” said junior Lindsey Grant, the Public Relations Director for DECA. Each year the sponsors of DECA make it a priority to help the community.

subtle if it becomes official county policy. Use of advertisements within schools and sale of names of gymnasiums and more have been envisioned.

“I think it’s great because these companies should invest in our schools and communities,” said senior Jake Edwards.

“We may be the richest county in the country [based on average income per household], but we’re eleventh out of fourteen on the list of recipients of state funding,” said Domenech.

their own slam here at AHS in February to determine the four man team that will go to the main slam.

“We write poetry not because it’s cute, but because we belong to the human race; because passion, love, and romance and these are reasons why we live,” said Robin Williams in his role of Mr. Keating in the movie The Dead Poets Society.

Most of the goals in the club come from topics used in the movie The Dead Poets Society and the club is hoping they will be able to write about these topics.

‘we belong to the human race; because passion, love, and romance’

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“Teachers” from pg. 1 trators convened to analyze and give recomendations for textbooks for kindergarten through 12 grade. This past summer three Annandale High School math teachers, Leonard Bumbaca, Gail Chmura and Judy Werbel, were chosen to participate in part of the adoption process. They were on the high school reviewing committee, and they spent the whole summer analyzing new text books for higher level math courses. In July, Bumbaca and Chmura along with other voting members of the committee, cast paper ballots on the 48 textbooks that were in the selection process. All 48 textbooks passed almost unanimously on the committee level.

Dec. 6, the School Board was supposed to render a final

decision on whether the 48 textbooks, which had been meticulously scrutinized by committee members over the past summer, would be adopted.

However, this simple task turned into a heated political struggle as well as a curricular issue following a stalemate, which sent the whole procedure into a state of bedlam.

“What started out as math textbooks has now become a political issue,” said Annandale math teacher Leonard Bumbaca.

Originally it was foreseen that the vote would split 7 to 5 due to the Democratic majority in the committee. Leading up to the vote, one Democrat changed his stance, insisting on including the Saxon Math technique in the package which brought the vote to a 6 to 6 deadlock.

The major impetus of

committee members who voted against the Saxon Math is that it is not aligned with the concepts being tested in the state’s mandated Standards of Learning exams. “A bad choice is worse than no choice”, said Bumbaca, “Saxon math is a bad choice”. He and Chmura voted for Everyday Math.

The Republicans on the committee advocated utilizing the Saxon method due to its conventional qualities, while, in contrast, the Democrats moved for more creativity and flexibility in the curriculum.

Although this conflict is only a concern with six grade level math, the whole adoption process is a ‘package deal,’ meaning that if not all 48 books pass than none pass. “Twenty different courses, and 19 can’t move on because of one grade level,” said Gail

news

Math teachers look to get new books

KATHERINE KISHYAMA

Judy Werbel watches as her students take a test. Wurbell has been an active voice in the math department’s effort to get new books.

Chmura, the department head of mathematics. Chmura, an active committee member, is dissatisified with the entire adoption process. “I am personally frustrated because of the time we put into evaluating the textbooks; we worked really hard.”

For now, the whole process is

at a standstill, and the issue will be voted on again in January.

However, the term of one of the five Republican committee members is set to end at the finish of 2001. This event will inevitably bring the majority vote back to the Democrats, and they will likely get their agenda passed.

College Partnership sponsors ‘CPP Pride Day’

by Kyle Smeallie Staff Writer

The AHS College Partnership had its annual CPP Pride Day on Dec. 7, in which members passed out flyers about the club. Co-Advocate Leader Danny Giles said, “It was great, we had students wear ribbons and blue and white clothing to represent the colors of the partnership.” In the cafeteria, there was also a table where students could obtain information about the program.

The College Partnership Program is an organization that enables students, mostly minorities, to achieve and go on to attend college. Founded in 1989, the College Partnership Program (CPP) serves 1,000 High School students and 750 middle school students county-wide. By selecting only students with high aspirations and academic potential, the partnership has had an average of 98 percent of graduating students enrolled in college.

Danny Giles

Kerry Richardson

Marcelo Valencia

The CPP also has ties with many colleges and universities, as well as local and national businesses. The colleges provide the members with campus visits to let students and their families know about programs that are offered.

College Partnership member Oheneba Boateng, a sophomore, was chosen to be in the CPP. In seventh grade, Boateng filled out forms and received teacher recommendations. Later, he was chosen to be in the

aBlast

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Wednesday, December 19, 2001

College Partnership Program. Boateng said, “I was glad when I was chosen to be a part of the College Partnership Program, because it will help me get into a good college.”

Also, businesses like First Union National Bank, Science Applications International Corporation and Lockheed Martin Federal Systems are participating with the CPP. “The program is very successful,” said freshmen advocate Kathlyn Berry. “We help students get through high school and ready for college.” Berry, along with counselor Marcelo Valencia, monitor the progress of freshmen students at Annandale. The Annandale CPP Staff includes Co-lead Advocates Danny Giles and Kerry Richardson, along with Advocates Jennifer Miro, Valencia, and Berry.

On Dec. 10, an e-mail was sent to all AHS Staff members thanking them for their cooperation and support during CPP Pride Day.

The National Honor Society (NHS) is living up to its goal of helping out the community by offering tutoring after school for any students interested, starting after winter break.

Currently there are 90 members in the NHS that are expected to have at least 10 hours of community service per

semester, meaning many tutors will be available to assist those students that seek help in their academic studies.

“We encourage everybody to take advantage of the opportunity,” said Sara Dajani, NHS president. “We want to use our experience to help.”

Even though tutoring is currently suspended because a lack of turnout, it will start up

again after winter break. “There are many tutors willing to help out, but no students were showing up so we had to suspend it,” said Dajani.

Sarah Hrobowski, NHS sponsor, is disappointed that students aren’t showing up to take advantage of the offer.

“Teachers aren’t sending students, so obviously there is no one to tutor. After the winter

break we want students to show up so we could get it going,” said Hirobowski.

Nijmeh Daoud, a senior NHS member, is optimistic that students will start to take advantage of the tutoring.

“I think that since we’re getting further into the year, the work load will start getting harder and students will need the help, and that’s where we

Dec. 19 -Winter Orchestra Concert @ 7:30 p.m., auditorium - Interims sent home

Dec. 24- Jan. 1 -Winter vacation

Jan. 9

National Honor Society resumes school-wide tutoring

by Wala’a Elbarasse Staff Writer

CALENDAR

-Financial Aid Workshop @ 7:30, cafeteria

Jan. 15

come in,” said Dauod.

Volunteering to help out the students of AHS doesn’t seem to be a problem for NHS members.

“Volunteering in the community for the NHS gives you a very rewarding feeling,” said Dauod.

Anyone interested in relieving tutoring or joining the NHS can go to room 142 and talk to Hrobowski for more information.

-PTSA Meeting @ 7 p.m., library

Jan. 16 -Academic boosters meeting: Shirley Levin speaks on student’s summer opportunities @ 7 p.m., cafeteria

Jan. 17 -Junior parents night @ 7:30 p.m., cafeteria

Jan. 21 -Martin Luther King holiday, no school

Jan. 22 -Sophomore parents night @ 7:30 p.m., cafeteria

ANDREW MENEGAT

Victor Groebner and Crissy Castaldo portray the dangerous effects of drug use in ACT’s drug awareness play.

ACT puts on drug awareness play “Play” from pg. 1 and was not sponsored by anyone. At the end of the play, Farish allowed the audience to ask questions or give comments. Mostly, the same comments were repeated over and over, “I couldn’t hear the characters,” and “They need to speak louder.”

The cast improved their level of performance throughout the two days, after listening to what they did wrong, and needed to improve on.

“We had a real short time to put it on, but we came together at the end and we did great,” said sophomore Coury Shadyac, who played an overwhelmed student who takes drugs to calm herself down. The juniors and seniors did not see the performance, but they did see it during their sophomore and freshman loved the play, it just needs a years. few improvements, but the Students found the play fun and informative. The play involved all performers did a great job types of drugs and alcohol, from —Elizabeth Rhee heroin and weed, to steroids and sophomore PCP. The play showed the side effects of all of the drugs in realtime situations, and how it could lead to death. Sophomore Elizabeth Rhee said, “I loved the play, it just needs a few improvements, but the performers did a great job.”

The crowd loved it, too. The audience screamed and applauded every time a story would be completed. It was also a great learning experience for the students who have taken or will take Health this year in P.E. The compelling play showed how normal people were pushed into using drugs, and when they thought nothing would happen to them, they passed out and died. Story lines included an overdose at a party, to dying while pregnant. “It made me realize that drugs can kill you in many ways,” said sophomore Brian Anderson.

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5

6 aBlast Editor in chief answers questions about yearbook

the

Wednesday, December 19, 2001

Spotlight: Yearbook Adviser

“We always try to strive get greater accuracy in representing the school.”

—Niki Holmes English teacher

by Hayley Fletcher and Hana Nguyen Academics Editors

Christine van der Eijk, editor-inchief of the Antenna, explains that creating an elaborate piece of history is more than slapping a few pictures and some words on a piece of paper.

Beginning her yearbook involvement as a sophomore layout staffer, Van der Ejik progressed to become an editor of the People section, and is now one of the most critical people on the Antenna staff. Van der Ejik explains that the yearbook is a class and that it demands more work than what is generally perceived.

Q: How is the Antenna organized?

A: We have a ladder that organizes the Antenna from pages 1 to 292 and into different page sections. Though it changes every year, each section has a different editor. The sections are the Opening, Student Life, Organizations, Sports, Academics, People and the Index.

Q: How is each page created?

A: At the beginning of the year I decide what goes on each page and by the end of September, I make up the ladder. The editors along with the class decides what’s an interesting story. The editors each get a template,

which is a blank page, and then decide where the pictures, captions, and copy go, how long the copy will be, etc.

Q: What types of stories will the Antenna cover?

A: A lot of [the yearbook] is supposed to be kept a surprise, but general things, like the Academics section, are generally the same as the previous years. Stories have been written on the IB program, new teachers, and different courses this year. We want to keep the theme and most of the pages a surprise because we work really hard all year and we want people to appreiciate the finished product.

Q: What are the different deadlines of the Antenna?

A: I establish the different deadline dates and the page editors have to hand me their completed page by that date. Adviser Niki Holmes and I then take the pages home and edit them.

The Antenna sends the completed pages to the Walsworth Publishing Company where they actually place the pictures. In a few weeks the company sends the pages back to us and we can see it one more time to change any final mistakes.

Q: When will the yearbook be

finished and what do you do in the mean time?

A: The end of April is our last deadline. Meanwhile, we spend time preparing the new staff editors, showing them what the editors know about making spreads. We also have competitions. We make equal teams and design a mock spread on a certain topic. It gives an incentive [to the staff] to make a good spread.

everyone on staff to want to take the pictures and to want to make their page better.

Q: How many sections of the Antenna are completed as of now?

A: The entire Senior section is complete along with the the Student Life section, which is basically the beginning of the book.

Q: How do your feel about the volume of your responsibility as the editor-in-chief?

A: I feel that [being the editor-inchief] brings on some stress, because I have to keep track of what everyone’s doing…but I feel lots of gratification when I see the final product.

Q: What is your goal for the Antenna?

A: My true goal is to create an SEAN SULLIVAN environment where everyone really Junior Lindsey Grant receives advice from senior Christine van der Ejik wants to do their job. I want concerning a photo arrangement.

The progression of Annandale’s yearbooks

Name: Niki Holmes Yearbook Adviser Description: Supervise student activities. “I like to run the class and the time we spend together as a business. I am the bottom line when it comes to money…and [the staff] is aware of what the costs are and what the costs would be if they miss a deadline. I am an overseer and a motivator. I do final proofing for grammatical, spelling, and design errors. I really like to allow the layout staffers, editors, and copy editors to go through all those stages before I get [the pages].”

Others Jobs: English 11, IB English I, volleyball coach Highest job priority: English Status: “[The Antenna is going] really well. I have a great staff. They really do get along and get things done and do it in a very polite friendly and fun manner. Before Holiday Break, we should be about 2/3 of the way done.

Staff Description: “Any time there is a hierarchy when one person is giving somebody a set of instructions there are moments of difficulty and humility.”

From 1954 to 2001, Annandale’s Antenna yearbook has transformed from a segregated, teacher-cemtered publication to an inclusive, student-centered publication. A yearbook embodies an entire year of a high school student’s busy life. It captures the class clown in action, the devoted student at work, the demanding teacher lecturing, and all of the little moments in between. Not to mention the “bizarre” styles of the period of time.

Throughout Annandale’s 47 years of existence, the Antenna has been a treasured piece of history that shows how the student body and faculty interact.

The Antenna has become a democratic, multicultural yearbook that extends no special treatment to any member of AHS; a far cry from a yearbook in the 1950s. Each yearbook cover pictured, comes from a different decade and depicts the social progression of AHS as well as captures the feeling of the time.

The Antenna’s Spirit of 1976, volume 22, was when the yearbook began to shift from a teacher-centered publication to a studentcentered publication.

This yearbook was also one of the first publications that included color.

The first 20 pages are brightened with candid pictures of students and colored photographs are dispersed throughout the book. Student life pages like “Hoppin’ to the 50’s” and “Disco Dogpatch” show glimpses of school dances. The yearbook staff for 1976 consisted of 44 students who created 280 pages.

a

The Homecoming dance, after-school clubs, sporting events, band recitals and summer activities are just a few of the topics and activities that the Antenna yearbook staff thoroughly covers. There seems to be a surprising similarity among the staff though, most are girls. In fact, there are only two boys on the yearbook staff this year.

Although the yearbook is a big part of the school, the only boys on staff are junior Chris Rauer and sophomore David Lee Alvarado. In response to why there were many more girls on staff then boys the Atenna Adviser Niki Holmes said, “I have no idea. You would naturally think that it would be more evenly distributed.”

“I joined for the experiDavid Lee the blabla for the Antenna works after school to ence, [and] my dad recommeet his deadline. mended it,” said Lee Alvarado. “I like being able to have something to do with a piece of AHS history,” said Rauer.

Working with girls on staff has numerous benefits.

“Being around mostly girls in the classroom has been a learning experience to be sure. I found out what girls are like when there aren’t many guys around,” said Alvarado.

Even though Rauer and Alverado both like what they do on staff, (Alvarado is a staff writer and Rauer is a photographer) they both understand why there are few boys who are on staff. Rauer attributes it to “the way the class works is the girls have a particular way of getting everything done so sometimes its hard to convey with them.” Alvarado believes that many people just know about the opportunities available by working in yearbook. Senior Lara Bellingham said, “I don’t think boys realize that yearbook is a class. Back in elementary school days it was always the teachers who did it. We create this yearbook all by our-

The 1966 edition of the Antenna yearbook, volume 12, was very teacher-based. It dedicated 40 pages to the faculty and very little to student activities. This yearbook adds some color by printing the first 16 pages yellowtinted paper. The yearbook shows a progression in student activities from then and now because of the pages dedicated to the junior prom and Miss Annandale Contest that was once held at AHS. The 1966 yearbook contains 250 pages and about four pages of ads.

The Antenna entitled Red Letter Days , volume 44, has a modern look that is extremely studentcentered. It includes pages such as “Finding Love,” “Friends Forever,” “Night Life,” and “After School” dedicated to student activities. In addition to student related articles, the yearbook includes a “1998 Newsmakers” insert. The yearbook staff for 1998 consisted of 27 students and was featured in The Best of the High School Press for it’s unique cover design. The cover of this yearbook attempted to display the student planner because it was the first year AHS provided them.

The 1985’s “Reflecting Forward” edition of the Antenna, volume 31, shows the how the yearbook transformed from a teacher-based yearbook to a student-based yearbook. The first 100 pages contain information about various clubs and student activities.

This yearbook contains 240 pages, nine of which were advertisements.

Yearbook’s odd men out Rachel Jones and Lauren Sterlacci Staff Writers

cademics

The 1955 edition, volume one, of the Antenna, embodied the rigid school environment of the time. This edition was extremely teacheroriented. 1955’s yearbook had a simple layout and the first 20 pages are splashed with pictures of only the faculty, and there were no pages dedicated to student life. The 19541955 school year did not have a senior class, but it did include an eighth grade class. The yearbook was only 130 pages long. Some featured clubs included the Rifle Club and Future Homemakers of America Club. Sports were very segregated during that time; the track team only consisted of boy runners.

selves, and sometimes I think guys tend to forget that.”

Many different assignments and topics to take pictures of or write about are accessible to the staff. Rauer prefers to take pictures of sports, while Alvarado likes “researching for my copy and going to meetings, specifically for the clubs.”

Some girls think that having few boys on staff makes the yearbook more efficient, “The guys seem somewhat apathetic about yearbook,” said senior Sara Wood. The majority of the girls seem to put forth more effort and take more pride in their work. Girls really are easier to manage in a classroom setting.” Senior Yukari Nakamura is more direct, “if there were more guys, no work would get done.”

Rauer and Alvarado have no real aniety about being the only boys on staff. “Most of the time [working with girls] is nice, but every once in a while it really loses...the fun because of others attitudes,” said Rauer.

Having all girl editors and a staff of mostly girls could cause the yearbook to have unbalanced coverage, but most editors do not feel that is a problem. “I don’t think that the final product is affected by having only two boys, all the copy is edited,” said Wood.

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tomic reactions

What is so special about the Antenna this year?

“There will be a variety of color and people shown” —Christine van der Ejik editor-in-chief, senior

“This year we are doing a good job capturing the memories with the fresh, new staff and it’s working really well.”

—Lara Bellingham layout staffer, senior

“We took the old traditional way of formatting and threw it out the window.”

—Lindsey Grant photographer, junior

SEAN SULLIVAN

Sophomores Amy Buckles, Cassie Holcomb and Elizabeth Gill work during deadline night. “I think that guys are turned off from yearbook because of the image of being a girl’s class.”

“So much of the staff from last year left [there will be a] different feel for things and new ideas [from the new staff].”

—Chelsea Duffy layout staffer, sophomore

features

It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . .

by Katharine Kishiyama Staff Writer

As the holiday season approaches, many students scavenge the malls in search of the perfect presents for their family and friends. While some have already started, other students plan to begin a week before Christmas. Overwhelmed with jobs, extracurricular activities and schoolwork, they have found little time for shopping and put it off until the last minute.

“This year, shopping has been more of a burden to me than in the past,” said junior Bayla Whitten. “It was hard to find time to go out because of homework and after school activities.”

One last-minute shopper included junior Robert Edwards.

“I always procrastinate, thinking I have so much time and end up panicking when Christmas

finally rolls around,” said Edwards.

On the other hand, some students like to get things out of the way early. “I love to shop. I got all my Christmas shopping done right after Thanksgiving.

That way, I could avoid the long lines and I wouldn’t have to worry about it later,” said senior Shelley Selim.

Most shoppers head to the malls to look for gifts. Tyson’s Corner Mall, as well as Fair Oaks, are among the more common places to find students scrounging for gifts because of their wide variety of stores.

Tyson’s is divided into two sections. Tyson’s II is located across the street from Tyson’s I and contains more upscale stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Tyson’s I consists of less pricey stores, but still has a great selection of stores to choose from, ranging from The Disney Store to Banana

SARAH KELMAN

Pentagon City Mall, located just outside of D.C., boats a number of upscale stores and is beautiully decorated for the holidays.

SENIOR ERIN PAK

. . .or is it? Despite the never-ending lines and crowded stores, local malls offer a variety of options to help you find that perfect gift

Republic and Delia*s.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, Landmark Mall and Springfield Mall are usually less busy. Landmark has recently tried to draw more customers by adding more appealing stores such as Old Navy, American Eagle and Lord and Taylor. However, some people still prefer to shop elsewhere.

“It’s been years since I’ve been to Landmark because I don’t like the stores there. You can always find me at Tyson’s,” said junior Kimberly Vu. Potomac Mills is also another popular place to shop because it has several outlet stores, which might save lots of money if you’re on a tight budget.

“I went outlet shopping so I could get all my presents and save money at the same time,” said junior Ashley Dubler.

Further into the holiday season, the malls tend to be more crowded. “They [the crowds] are ridiculous and it’s so hard to find parking,” said Selim. “I especially hate the lack of customer service.”

However, the crowds aren’t the only shopping nuisances.

Edwards said the most annoying part of holiday shopping are “the cashiers who are upset about having to serve all these people.

When you get up there, they treat you like you live in a gutter.”

Wish List Even though today’s hottest wish list items are pretty pricey, you can still dream, right?

“Christmas shopping puts too much pressure on me and I have to start saving money in October,” said freshman Elizabeth Nowrouz.

“The last two weeks of December are usually the most crowded,” said Robyn, an American

holiday shopping enjoyable. “It gets me into the holiday spirit,” said Whitten. The malls are often festively decorated and there are many markdowns.

“I like the colorful decorations and the f you’re looking to avoid the atmosphere of the crowds, it’s best to shop in the mall,” said Selim.

“The hardest part mornings or early in the week of holiday shopping [Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday]. is trying to figure out —Robyn what to get each American Eagle Employee person,” said Edwards. On the other hand, Nowrouz has already made her list and Eagle employee. “If you’re checked it twice. “For Christmas, looking to avoid the crowds, it’s I plan to get my brother either best to shop in the mornings or some CDs or a George Foreman early in the week [Monday, Grill. For my sister, I plan to get Tuesday and Wednesday].” her some lotion and body wash Most stores extend their from Bath and Body Works,” said hours during the holiday season Nowrouz. in order to accommodate the Purchasing gifts for family increase in shoppers. “I went to and friends can get expensive. the mall on a Tuesday night and Selim said, “I try to keep on it [the crowd] wasn’t bad,” said budget, but I don’t really care Whitten. how much money I spend Despite the boisterous crowds because it’s Christmas.” and chaotic clamor, some find

Laptop Computer Lightweight and portable, laptops are a great gift for all students. Doing your homework is fun again with one of these babies.

i

MP3 Player This compact device downloads, stores and plays hours of digital music. No longer will you be a slave to those bulky, awkward CD cases.

Palm Pilot They’re not just for yuppies anymore! Palm pilots keep you organized, are fun to use and are so much cooler than the AHS student planners, don’t you think?

The holiday shopper’s survival checklist Comfortable shoes: These are absolutely priceless. When you’ve been standing in the same line at Hecht’s for nearly an hour, and looking fashionable is the last thing on your mind, comfy shoes can be a lifesaver. They can also be a great benefit when you’re in an all-out sprint toward the sale rack in the back of the store. Hey, every advantage counts.

Eat before you hit the mall: This is imperative because, in the process of dealing with the stresses of holiday shopping, an empty stomach will only add to your woes. In addition, you may be tempted to spend even more of your hard-earned cash on grossly overpriced coffee drinks.

Carry a water bottle: The line at Auntie Annie’s Pretzels is a mile long, and all you want is a drink of water! Save your time, money and sanity by bringing your own.

Bring your own music and headphones: Two words: Christmas music. If the lines, rude customers and garish decorations at the mall aren’t enough to drive you crazy, then the incessant holiday music will do it. Drown out “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Little Drummer Boy” with your own tunes.

Multi-task to amuse yourself in line: So much time is wasted standing in line...why not do something useful? Bring your palm pilot, nail file, Etch-a-Sketch, anything that will help you forget that you’ve been standing in line for, oh, forever.

Decoy wallet: With customers carrying loads of cash, mall pickpockets have a field day around the holiday season. Keep your money in someplace safe (the sock-stash method may work for some people, but it can get uncomfortable after a few hours) and carry an empty wallet, just to throw off those pesky pickpockets. Aah, sweet justice.

Camera Whether you go digital or standard film, cameras are the best way to capture your best holiday memories. Without them, you might just miss that perfect blackmail moment.

Layer your clothing: While some stores may be freezing, others may have the heat cranked up, To spare yourself some discomfort, wear a tee-shirt underneath a sweatshirt or sweater. Special note: sweatshirts also double as defense shields for overly aggressive salespeople at the perfume counters.

ARTWORK BY CHAE-WHA PARK

The five types of holiday shoppers: which one are you?

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Wednesday, December 19, 2001

Early bird shopper You know who these shoppers are. Yes, they wait in line at 6:50 a.m. when the sale begins at 7:00 a.m. Have no life?

Maybe, but at least they beat the crowd.

The reluctant shopper This one is very common; there might be a couple already in your family. Most likely to be male, this shopper always grumbles and mumbles around.

Tech-savvy shopper Why bother to be tramped by the crowd and get your self stressed out? Many people are increasingly shipping through the Internet with an instant click.

Last-minute shopper If you’re too lazy and scared to face the veterans, yet not not stingy enough to forgo gift shopping, you’re the last minute shopper. What can I say, good luck!

Beeline shopper This shopper is usually a veteran. Wasting time is unacceptable, you must already know where to go and which gifts to buy. If you’re still hesitating, you’re behind the game.

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The evergreen tree and the nativity scene are two symbols of Christmas that are set up in many American homes. The nativity scene depicts the birth of Christ in a stable surrounded by Mary, Joseph, shepherds, the wise men, and a variety of farm animals.

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Christmas in America Originally, Christmas’ purpose was

DEFINITION Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration in which African Americans reaffirm their beliefs, their ancestors, and culture.

Kwanzaa is neither a political or religious holiday, and it is not a substitute for Christmas. It is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance, and is celebrated from December 26 to January 1.

UMOJA (Unity)— It stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community.

KUJICHAGULIA (Selfdetermination)— It requires that African Americans define their common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of their family and community.

UJIMA (Collective work and responsibility)— It reminds African Americans of their obligation to the past, present, and future so that they can have a role to play in the community, society, and world.

UJAMAA (Cooperative economics)—It emphasizes African Americans’ collective economic strength and encourages them to meet common needs through mutual support.

NIA (Purpose)— It encourages African Americans to look within themselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.

KUUMBA (Creativity)— It makes us of African Americans use their creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.

IMANI (Faith)— It focuses on honoring the best of African American traditions.

It draws upon the best in themselves. And it helps them strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming their self-worth and confidence in their ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.

to celebrate the gift of God through Jesus... But, modern society has commercialized the holiday, making it void of religious meaning.

by Cameron Kynes Cultures Editor

Santa Claus, jingle bells, caroling, nativity scenes, candy canes, presents, gingerbread houses, evergreen trees, ornaments, baby Jesus, flying reindeer, giving, receiving…all symbols that bring up Christmas memories.

What is Christmas? Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. But, Students from diverse backgrounds have all different reasons for celebrating Christmas.

“Christmas is not necessarily a Christian holiday anymore. America has commercialized it so much that it’s really just an American holiday,” said junior Richard White. “I’m not a Christian and I celebrate Christmas.” There are many people like this who have no religious affiliation with the holiday, but because it is a tradition they continue to celebrate it.

Many Chrisitian students agree that modern society has manipulated the roots of Christmas. It is no longer a holiday only for those who believe that God came down from Heaven onto the earth in the form of Jesus of Nazareth.

Christmas has become a social holiday celebrated in one way or another by nearly everyone in America. In fact, America’s economy relies on Christmas as the time of year that Americans will spend exorbitant amounts of money on gifts and other holiday necessities.

Nonreligious people don’t celebrate

Hanukkah or Ramadan. What makes Christmas unique? Some people believe that modern culture has watered down the meaning of Christmas. “Christmas is a time to be with family and friends. I like it because I like to see the faces of the people when they open the gifts that I got them” said junior Kari Kraus.

The main focus for most Americans has become the giving and receiving of gifts.

This originates from the Catholic Saint Nicholas, who was the saint of giving. Saint Nicholas was the saint of the Christmas holiday and it therefore became customary for people to exchange gifts.

Christians agree that Easter is the important holiday in the Christian religion.

Christmas only celebrates the birth of Christ, while Easter celebrates the resurrection of Christ and, therefore his saving of the world and victory over evil (this is the very foundation of the Christian faith). But, Easter receives very little notice compared to Christmas.

Historically, a celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ received more note. This is why the date of birth of Christ is not known. It was not seen as important enough to be included in the Bible or historical documents.

It wasn’t until World War II that Christmas began focusing on gifts. Friends and family from the homeland sent gifts to the soldiers on the front lines. Ever since then the economy has focused on Christmas as a time when people will spend money.

Christmas commercials begin before Thanksgiving and come earlier every year.

During the month of December the malls are packed with holiday shoppers willing to pay anything for that “perfect” gift.

Christians, on the other hand, see a deeper meaning in Christmas. They believe that God had a need to show his love and mercy to the world and was only able to do that through the incarnation of himself in the form of a human; hence, “Christ”mas.

Hanukkah celebrated

by Rebecca Kraushaar Arts Editor

While Americans continue the fight for freedom, American Jews and Jews all over the world celebrated Hanukkah beginning sundown on Sunday Dec. 9, 2001.

The festival of lights is observed by AHS students and faculty by lighting the menorah, giving gifts, eating potato latkes and playing dreidel.

Hanukkah commemorates the Macabees winning religious freedom from the Greeks over 2,000 years ago. The MORGAN MCEVILLY Greeks wanted the Jews to adopt the Each candle of the menorah represents one of Greek culture. King Antiochus placed the days of Hanukkah. The middle candle, statues in the Jewish temple and banned called the lighter candle, lights candles from all Jewish holidays. Anyone practicing the right to left. religion would be sentenced to death.

A small Jewish army was assembled While the presents are one aspect of by the priest Mattathias and his sons. the holiday, food is also an important They fought against the Greeks and won component. “[I like] eating potato latkes many battles. After the Jewish victory, the because they’re really good and this is temple in Jerusalem was rededicated. the only time that we eat them,” said After cleaning the temple, there was only senior David Bernfeld. enough oil to light the menorah for one Potato latkes and sufganiyout, jelly day, but it lasted eight days. doughnuts, are the traditional holiday This miracle is reenacted by lighting a fare. These deep fried foods pay homage menorah, the nine branch candelabra. to the oil that lit the temple for eight This year Hanukkah started on Sun. Dec. days.

9 and ended on Sun. Dec 16. Each Another recognizable symbol of successive night a candle is added until Hanukkah is the dreidel. The dreidel is the eighth, when all the candles are lit. a four sided top with a Hebrew letter Originally oil was used to light the inscribed on each side. The letters menorah, but today colorful candles are stand for “A Great used. “[My Miracle Happened favorite part of There.” The word s a kid you love [Hanukkah] because Hanukkah] is dreidel is derived you know that you’re going to get gifts. saying the from the German prayers before When I was a kid my friends celword “drehen” or lighting the turn. ebrated Christmas. When I told them that I candles and To start a celebrated Hanukkah and that I got presents then watching dreidel game, the candles every night, they were jealous. players put a given burn,” said —Gabe Romano number of coins or PE Teacher health teacher candies into a pile Gabriel in the middle.

Romano.

Each player then turns the dreidal until “There’s a feeling of peace.” it falls on one of the letters. According The highest candle, known as the to the letter, the player either loses all Shamash or “servant,” is lit first. This his loot or gains more. candle is then used to light the other The historical basis for the game candles, from left to right. “We do the dates back to before the Macabees’ traditional candle lighting ad present revolt. Since the Jews were not free to giving,” said sophomore Julia Ehrenfeld. openly practice Judaism, they did so Traditionally children are given gelt, secretly. Jews met to study, and chocolate money. “As a kid you love disguised their activities by pretending [Hanukkah] because you know that you’re to play the dreidel game. going to get gifts. When I was a kid my Today Jews and people of all faiths friends celebrated Christmas. When I told can practice freely without fear of them that I celebrated Hanukkah and persecution in the United States. “I like that I got presents every night, they were celebrating something different,” said jealous,” said Romano. sophomore Emily Miller.

Although there are eight nights of In light of what is going on in the Hanukkah, the gifts tend to be small. “I’m world today the holiday has an added going to get little things like money and importance. “It makes us appreciate CDs,” said freshman Josh Lewin. family and being together even more,”

a

said Miller.

World Trade Center Prints Available

CELEBRATING KWANZAA African Americans use three items to celebrate Kwanzaa: a Kikombe Cha Umoja (communal unity cup), Mishumaa Saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three greens), and Zawadi (gifts that are enriching).

c

ultures

KWANZAA FEAST The Kwanzaa Feast (Karmu) is traditionally held on December 31 (participants celebrating New Year’s Eve are supposed to have their Karmu early in the evening).

It is a special event because it brings African Americans closer to their African roots.

The Karmu is a communal and cooperative effort.

Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged.

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s napshots

Making it click The photography program at AHS has grown significantly in popularity the last two years.

Scott Saylor teaches over 150 students in four

levels, Photo 1, 2, 3 and Portfolio Prep. Students

work on a variety of projects, including depth of field, cyanotype and formal portraiture. In Portfolio Prep, the most advanced level, students compile their best work for submission to art schools after graduation. AHS is home to

PHOTO LINGO Lens: Glass through which light enters the camera to the aperture; There are many different types, like wide angle and telephoto.

one of the largest photo labs in the county.

Through this creative outlet, students from all grades have discovered the fun and relaxation

Aperture: The opening that light passes through to expose the film. This is adjusted by changing the fstop

in developing quality photographs.

F-stop: The size of the aperture opening; smaller numbers (3, 5.6, 8) make the opening larger, while the larger (11, 22) make the opening smaller. This effects the Depth of field of a photograph.

Senior Sara Wood tones a photograph brown for a Photo 2 project. Toning photos can change the effect of the image and add a creative element to plain black and white photos.

Depth of Field: Affects what parts of the photograph are in focus; minimum DOF, only the foreground is in focus, and maximum, the entire scope of the photograph is sharp.

Photography teacher Scott Saylor reviews a contact sheet with senior Kara Brostrom. Contact sheets allow photographers to view all the frames on one roll of film as thumbnails on on sheet of photo paper.

Sophmore Photography 1 student Susan Lanier puts her latest photographs out on diplay for a critique. Critiques are done for every major project, and offer students a chance to talk about their work, and see the work of their peers.

Exposure: The length of time a shutter remains open to allow light into the camera through the aperture. The faster the shutter speed (the shorter the exposure), the less light, and the better for capturing action, and vice-versa.

Filter: A special glass fixture which can either be attached to the end of the lens OR used in the actual developing process to alter the photograph.

There are many different types, and each have specialized purposes ranging from filtering out reds, to protecting from UV rays.

Heather Norwood, a senior Photo 2 student, works on her photo manipulation project. “I love photography and I’m choosing to pursue it as a career,” said Norwood.

Seniors Allison Prosch and Mikaela O’Conner help clean up the darkroom lab after school. Clean up duties are always important, and groups of students rotate cleaning shifts each week.

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the -All Photos by Linda Fairall during W2, R5 and W6 classes.

Senior Joan Diongzon and Junior Dae Yoon rinse their photos in the sink area after toning. Diongzon said “I’ve always loved taking pictures and now I can use the methods and techniques that I’ve learned to enhance my images.

Senior Cindy Brundage spot tones her image to correct any minor imperfections. Spot toning is an often tedious, but necessary part to every photograph.

Wednesday, December 19, 2001

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Swim records fall, boys undefeated

by Rob Payne Staff Writer

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Boys Varsity Basketball Statistics Jay Athey, Sr. 17.8 PPG 2.3 SPG 45% FG 44% FT Darrius Adams, Sr. 12.3 PPG 7.3 RPG 54% FG 1-1 on 3-pt FG. Justin Zormelo, Sr. 8.3 PPG 2.3 SPG Aaron Habtom, Sr. 8.5 PPG 6.3 RPG 54 % FG Ewart Renner, Sr. 6.0 PPG 6.3 RPG

LINDA FAIRALL

Senior Todd Smith, high above the water, has been blazing thus far in his first year diving for the Atoms.

Using his athleticism, Smith has provided a spark for the team this season.

Swim Team Shatters Five Records at recent meets 200 MEDLEY RELAY

OLD RECORD

Ryan Witkowski, Sr. 5.3 PPG 3.3 RPG Justin Klunk, Sr. 1.3 RPG 1 SPG

NEW RECORD

Fall Sports Season All-Met Performers Football Travis Johnson, Jr. Honorable mention Quarterback, Kicker Field Hockey Jenny Beam, Sr. Honorable mention Goalie

JV Wrestling at Fairfax Quadrangle Today Time: TBA Varsity Wrestling Swim/Dive vs. West Springfield & South Lakes Saturday, Dec. 22 1:30 p.m.

Boys Varsity/JV/Frosh Basketball at LB Frosh @4:00 p.m.

JV @5:15 p.m.

Var. @ 7:30 p.m.

GirlsVarsity/JV/Frosh Basketball vsLB Frosh @4:00 p.m.

JV @5:15 p.m.

Var. @ 7:30 p.m.

50 FREE

100 FLY

100 BACK

200 IM

Matt Wolff, Ian Jarvis, Kevin Nolan, Matt Floyd 1999 1:41:67

Marc Hagen 1983 22:23

Michael Gosline 1996 53.11

Kevin Green 1993 54:63

Matt Wolff 2000 2:00:45

Matt Wolff, Andy Pelenberg, John Merrill, John Kreitler 2001 1:40:37

John Kreitler 2001 22:19

Matt Wolff 2001 53:09

Matt Wolff 2001 54:00

Matt Wolff 2001 1:59:38

seniors Matt Wolff and John Merrill, junior Andy Pelenberg and freshman John Kreitler, are looking towards states this year.

Senior Matt Wolff, with a superior performance in the two meets, set three AHS records in the 200 individual medley (with a time of1:59.38), the100 Butterfly (with a time of 53.04 seconds) and in the100 Backstroke (with a time of 54.03 seconds). Standout freshman John Kreitler broke an 18-year-old record that was set by former AHS student and Coach Marc Hagen in the 50 freestyle, with a time of 22.19 seconds.

Senior diver Yukari Nakamura and freshman diver Stephanie McKinney qualified for regionals in the West Springfield meet.

This past weekend the team competed in a District Relay Carnival, and out of the ten relays that are offered, the Atoms won five of them. All seven schools from the Patriot District were present at the meet, however no scores were kept.

The carnival offers mixed relays where both boys and girl compete on the same relay team.

Taking first place in the 4x100 mixed free-style relay, were seniors Mary Gunderson, John Merrill, Will Freeman, and freshman Tiffany Wattenbarger. Finishing first in the mixed 4x50 free-style relay were senior Allie Sanders, sophomore Sarah Bizer, junior Jack Shea and senior Chris Crotty.

In both the boys and girls 200 free-style relay the Atoms took home the blue ribbon, with senior Ashley Mathews, freshman Julie Bizer, sophomore Sarah Bizer and freshman S ivan Adato. Finishing first in the boys 200 butterfly were seniors Will Freeman, John Merrill, juniors John Bechtoldt and Jose Varela.

Wrestling shoots for Marshall

by Ryan Croft and Jared Smith Sports Editor and Staff Writer

Upcoming Events

Splashing through the competition at the meets against Lake Braddock and West Springfield, the swim and dive team is moving onto its biggest rivalry and meet of the year, the Robinson Rams.

This Friday the Atoms will take on the Rams at South Run Recreational Center at 6:30 p.m. in what is the teams’ biggest and most competitive meet of the season.

“I’ve had a chance to look at Robinson’s schedule and team stats,” said Head Coach Bruce Fisher. “The Rams schedule so far this season has not been that difficult, and from their stats we’ve got the better times, but the Robinson kids are always competitive so this is a meet that no one should take lightly.”

The boys team, who is favored to bring home the win, is going up against a district rival who, for the

past seven seasons, has come out on top in this heated rivalry.

“I have confidence that the boys will beat the Rams this year. This team is much stronger than in years past,” said Fisher, “especially in the relay events.”

Senior Captain Matt Wolff has high expectations for the meet.

“The Robinson meet is going to be a good meet, but I know that we are going to crush them,” said Wolff.

“Our team is so much stronger than in years past, and we are on a roll.”

At the Lake Braddock and West Springfield meets, the boys defeated both district opponents 173-142, 196-119; while the girls swam hard but fell to both teams 117-193, 140172. The boys relay teams smashed several school records at both meets.

In all, five school records were broken between the two meets.

The boys 200 medley relay team devastated the previous school record by more than a second with a time of 1:40.27. Relay members

Last Friday and Saturday, the varsity wrestling squad participated in the Statesman Tournament held at Marshall High School. The Atoms had some strong performances with 10 out of the 12 starters making it to the second day of the tournament.

Seniors Tony Cavalero and Andrew Marfull both finished 1st.

Senior Preston McNeill finished 2nd and junior Ehab Awadallah finished 4th.

“We are ahead of where we were last year,” said Head Coach Will Stravino. “We need to fill some holes to be a tough opponent but we definitely have some individual district contenders.”

The Atoms finished 5th or 6th overall in the meet (the official results will be released at a later date).

“Individually we had an okay performance,” said Tony Cavalero, “but as a team we need to work harder and improve.”

The Atoms next match will be on Saturday against West Springfield, Osborne Park, and South Lakes at West Springfield HS. On the upcoming match, Coach Stravino

Swim/Dive Meet vs. Robinson @South Run Rec Center Friday, Dec. 21 6:30 p.m.

was optimistic.

“All three of these teams are very solid with no real standout star players” said Stravino. “But, they are still solid at each weight class.”

South Lakes is the reigning Colonial District champion with high expectations for this season as well.

Prior to the Statesman Tournament the Atoms participated in the NOVA Classic. In the annual 32team tournament the Atoms had some strong finishes. Seniors Andrew Marfull and Tony Cavalero both finished 3rd in their weight classes with senior Preston McNeill finishing 4th. Junior Ehab Awadallah finished 8th with a strong performance.

“This was a good preseason tournament,” said Coach Stravino, “We found out where we stood with some of the better competition in the region.”

The Atoms finished 11th at the Classic, but were not quite satisfied.

“We do not have a full squad yet,” said Stravino. “We have had to quickly bring along the young JV stars.”

Even after the JV wrestlers were brought up for the varsity meets,

s

the team still has some holes in the lineup. Before the season began, two key contributors to last season’s team unexpectedly left the squad.

As a result, the team has only started 12 wrestlers out of a possible 14 in the first three matches.

Please empty all bottles before throwing them

by Ryan Croft Sports Editor

ports

ANDREW MENEGAT

Senior Preston McNeil perfects his shooting technique during practice. McNeail finished fourth in the NOVA Classic. The team had numerous strong finishes but was hindered by the number of JV wrestlers that had to be brought up to fill Varsity spots.

After Cleveland Browns quarterback Tim Couch seemingly completed a fourth-and-two pass to wide receiver Quincy Morgan with 1:08 remaining, the Browns hopes for a late win looked closer to a reality. With no time-outs and the clock ticking away, the Browns rushed to the line of scrimmage.

Couch then proceeded to spike the ball to the turf in order to stop the clock at 48 seconds.

Following a period of utter confusion, head official Terry McAulay announced to the crowd that the previous play was officially under review. After a short bit of time at the TV review monitor, he readdressed the audience to declare that Morgan did not catch the ball. Commentators and spectators reviewing the play on TV screens made the distinction that the receiver never had possession of the ball. Therefore, the pass was not completed.

By rule, the referees had the authority to review a play because it occurred in the last two minutes of the game. Also, McAulay was notified by the replay official in the

The league should establish a no-tolerance policy that would never allow any negative activity

press box that alerted him by means of a buzzer. Replay official Bill Reynolds was quoted as being “100 percent” sure that he buzzed the

roft’s olor ommentary

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with Ryan Croft field referee prior to that snap of the ensuing play.

After the ruling stood, the Browns bench erupted in objection.

As the bench argued the call, fans grew increasingly hostile. At that time, the scene in Cleveland was comparable to severe hail as members of the “Dawg Pound” began to start a trend of throwing plastic beer bottles, whose contents were tragically lost, at the field.

Soon, the melee ended the game and referees and players fled the field to evade a massive array of assailing objects and towering invectives.

As many players attended to their post game rituals (i.e. showering), the game supervisor was phoned by NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and summoned to mobilize the teams to play out the remaining 48 seconds. About 5,000 fans stayed at the very end to watch Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell

down the last two plays for his team.

Although no one was injured from the flying debris, the notion of fans throwing objects at performers with intent to hurt is completely unacceptable. In the fans’ eyes the referee’s call seemed illegitimate, when in all actuality the ruling on the field was correct.

Ironically enough, in the past few decades, Cleveland fans have encountered some minor security problems at sporting events. On “10-Cent Beer Night” at a Cleveland Indian/Texas Rangers’ game in 1974, the home team was forced to forfeit after fans deluged the playing area. (Speaking of pregame promos, I hear Tagliabue shot down the Dozen-Egg Night promotion proposed by the Redskins).

The city of New York has had its fair share of unruly fan activity.

Who could forget the NY Giants fans in 1995 who resorted to throwing snow and ice balls at the San Diego Chargers? At that time, the police arrested 15 fans and nearly 200 total were ejected from the game. Likewise, fans were presented with seat cushions at the start of a N.Y. Rangers hockey game. After the team fell on a late goal, the fans pelted the ice with literally thousands of seat cushions.

When asked his opinion of the event, Rangers goalie John Vanbiesbrouck joked, “I’m just happy it wasn’t Machete Night.”

Say, maybe the NFL can put together a contest to see what police officer can arrest the most people out of the 5,000 or so culprits of the attack. The first place winner can receive a week’s stay in Cleveland.

The second place winner gets two weeks.

All jokes aside, the NFL cannot put up with this type of spectator behavior in any case. Although it is great that people might have a vested interest in football organizations, in no way should that ever supercede good sportsmanship or lead to physical harm upon others.

The league should establish a notolerance policy that would never allow any negative activity of this nature to slide.

Actions in any way similar to those last Sunday should elicit severe restrictions on the crowds’ free reign at games. The people in New York in 1995 and now Cleveland last weekend have tainted the image of those law-abiding citizens attending the games. Not only were the onlookers actions an embarrassment to the organization and the league, but their actions could be classified by many as downright fanatical. People are expected to act appropriately in public, so why would that change at a major sporting event?

sports

After opener, boys B-ball on a roll Atoms to face first district opponent Friday at Lake Braddock really looking forward to our district games.”

Possibly the most significant Seldom has any team this factor in last Friday’s game was the basketball season stopped Langley’s boys’ stellar defensive play.

Will Monica, one of the highest Langley’s Monica had averaged 31 scoring players points per game in the Northern and had scored Region. he kids have exceedingly 40 in the game However, last prior to Friday improved their attitudes . . .

If we Friday night, night against the Atoms can keep up the intensity, I feel South Lakes, varsity we will do well when we play our but last game basketball team was shut down District games. held Monica to and only had just 10 points —Patrick Hughes one point in the and came away Head Varsity Coach game’s final six with a huge 64minutes.

51 win. Senior “Seniors Aaron Habtom paced the Atoms Ryan Witkowski and Ewart Renner with 16 points and senior Darrius really stepped it up and played very Adams chipped in by grabbing 10 of well against Monica,” said Coach the Atoms’ 48 rebounds.

Patrick Hughes. “Different guys on With the victory, the Atoms’ different nights come up big and moved to 3-1 in the season before those two played exceptionally well.” district play.

After losing their first regular “All of our work over the summer season game to W.T. Woodson, the and in the fall has finally paid off boys have strung together a three and we’re coming together as a game winning streak with their team,” said senior Kevin Fox. “I’m other wins coming against Stuart

by Sam Molavi Staff Writer

t

JENNY BEAM

Jay Athey, middle, has played well on both ends of the court this year for the Atoms. He has averaged a team high 17.8 PPG.

and Centreville.

Coach Hughes has been very pleased with the level of play. “The kids have exceedingly improved in their attitudes. They are willing to do anything to win and have really come together to play as a team,” said Hughes. “If we can keep up this intensity, I feel we will do well when we play our district games.”

Also contributing to the consecutive wins has been the impressive play off the bench. Junior Mike Yurko and seniors Justin Klunk and Daniel Subaitani have provided instant offense in those games which has significantly boosted the Atoms’ depth on the court. Mike Yurko came off the bench in the Stuart game to score 10 points.

“Although I don’t get that much [playing] time,” said junior Mike Yurko, “I’m not scared to get in there and hit the J.” ` team looked to add to the The recent winning steak with the game last night at Jefferson. The game ended too late for this edition. Their next game with be this Friday at Lake Braddock at 7:30 p.m.

Spotlight Athlete

Stars of Winter sports

Senior David Blau, of the winter track team, is a member of NHS.

Girls B-ball preps for Bruins Friday at home

Name: David Blau

by Kristie Moore Atomic Athletics Editor

Position (s): 55M dash, 4X200M relay

intensity,” said junior Danielle Rumber. “They also talked to us about boxing out, squaring and As the Atoms experienced a doing the simple, fundamental tough 27-57 loss last Friday to the things.”

Langley Saxons, they look to Right off the bat, it looked like a improve their brighter half record as they when they face the Lake he [coaches] also talked to us scored their Braddock Bruins first points off about boxing out, squaring and Friday at 7:30 a foul shot by p.m. doing the simple fundmental senior Erin At the start of things.

Gaston. That the game, both image seemed teams had a —Danielle Rumber to diminish as junior rough time with Langley many mistakes, returned the overthrows and ball for a 3-pointer. turnovers. The first points of the With two minutes left in the game, which happened to be scored third quarter, a time-out was called by the Saxons, weren’t scored until on the court for a fallen player for late in the first quarter. Langley the Atoms, freshman Stephanie almost provided a shutout in the Frece. She was brought up last week first quarter, but was stopped when from the JV squad to replace her senior Megan Nelson scored a 3sister, sophomore Becca Frece, who pointer with seconds left, bringing had re-torn her left ACL during last the score to 3-11. week’s game against J.E.B. Stuart.

The Atoms slightly improved in Stephanie Frece bruised her knee, the second quarter, scoring an but is waiting for results to see if additional eight points. On the anything else is wrong. downside, they allowed the Saxons The remainder of the second half to score 19 points, the score at the was dominated by Langley, who half being 11-30. The Atoms then managed to double the amount of returned to their locker room, knowing that they had to improve in points scored by the Atoms, bringing the close of the game with a score of the second half.

27-57.

“In the locker room, the coaches “I think that we didn’t play as talked to us about getting back our

Grade: 12 Sport: Varsity Winter Track

Notable Achievements: 1st place finisher in meets, All-Region qualifier Coach Quote: “He is a hard worker and will preform well in the district and the region.”

Coach Brown

t

Personal: David carries a 3.9 GPA, a member of the National Honor Society and he is an active member in his church’s youth group.

He is commonly seen sporting Phat Farm attire.

JENNY BEAM

Coach Lori Barbtalks strategy during a timeout, will try to get a victory when they host Lake Braddock at home on Friday.

well as we usually do,” said freshman Nakia Williams.

To prepare for future opponents, things need to be improved in practice. “Some of the players need to improve on their work ethic,” said Coach Lori Barb. “We’re now going to go with the kids who work hard at practice. Those who work hard are going to earn time to play.”

The Atoms played the Jefferson Colonials last night, but the game ended too late to be printed in this issue. The Lady Atoms face off against the Lake Braddock Bruins at home this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

“If we play our hearts out, we will be very successful against Lake Braddock,” said junior Jeannine Frank.

Relays anchor winter track’s fast start to season

by David Marin Staff Writer

SEAN SULLIVAN

The sprinters on the boys Winter Track team, above, work on “running the curve” in practice. The team will not compete again until after Winter Break.

The Winter Track team continued on its strong season last Saturday with an impressive showing at the Friends of Indoor Track Invitational at George Mason University. The team was led by Dawit Legasse’s victory in the mile, and strong performances by the boy’s 4x200, 4x400 and the 4x800 relays.

“The relays did real well,” said Coach Mike Brown. The 4x400 relay of seniors Chris Hiatt, Chris Greer, Doug McClellan and junior Mike Flint finished 3rd overall out of 50 teams, and is ranked 3rd in the region. The 4x800 team is also ranked 3rd in the region. The 4x200 team is ranked 4th.

“The boys have had their strongest relay performances in years and as of now are the best teams in the district and region,” said senior Tim Greer.

“So far this year we’re 6-0 and I

guarantee our boys team will win the district for the first time since the 1980s,” said senior Chris Greer, who is undefeated so far this year.

To date the boys team has beaten perennial district foes T.C. Williams and West Potomac, who are usually very strong teams.

The team’s next meet is after the winter vacation: Saturday, Jan. 5 against Mount Vernon, Lake Braddock and Edison at Episcopal High School.

The team is looking to continue strong performances so far this season, according to Brown.

“We are expecting the boys team to perform well and the girls to improve their point total. We are expecting everyone to improve on their times,” said Brown.

“I think that we’ll keep improving, and we’ll win the meet,” said senior Moh Williams.

Senior Kahl Lombardi agreed, saying “I expect the team as a whole to do even better then we did last meet when we beat T.C. [Williams] by double as many points.”

A Look back in time . . .

A blast from the Atoms’ illustrious sports past.

Swimmer Alison Sanders was admitted early decision to the University of Virginia.

Name: Alison Sanders Grade: 12 Sport: Girls swimming Position (s): 50, 100 Freestyle, 200 medley, 400 freestyle medley Notable Achievements: Placed sixth in states both freshman and sophomore years.

Personal: Alison carries a 3.7 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She is also a member of the Key Club.

Chris’ younger brother Brandon is on the Freshman Basketball team and was on the Homecoming Court.

Name: Chris Flowers Grade: 10 Sport: Boys JV Basketball Position (s): point guard Notable Achievements: played on the frosh squad last season, ran cross country, played JV baseball last year Sports Editors’ Quote: “He is a real joker and an all-round good kid.”

Personal: Flowers carries a 3.5 GPA and he volunteers to help rehabilitate beaten puppies.

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the 6920-C Braddock Rd. (703) 813-6262

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Atoms Special 1 large 1 topping pizza, carryout $7.99

COURTESY ANTENNA YEARBOOK

Year: 1976 The yearbook caption reads: “Team unity shown by Brown and Caryiannis.” The two are still Annandale faithful: Terry Brown (Asst.

Director of Student Activities), Jamie Caryiannis (teacher, coach).

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FAVORITE HOLIDAY MOVIES How the Grinch stole Christmas Starring : Jim Carrey Plot: About a man who has a gruge against Christmas

Ho Ho Ho, the holidays invade your television screen

by Morgan McEvilly Staff Writer

The time has come where everywhere you turn you are surrounded by the good holiday spirit. With only six more days until Christmas, and Hanukkah already ended, you are either pumped or sick of too much cheer.

If you’re still not tired of all the fun, get ready for more. As you turn on your screen you’re more than sure to be staring at a wintery, holiday scene. Our televisions have been invaded, with most shows relating to the Christmas theme. Also packed with holiday classics like, It’s a Wonderful Life, Frosty the Snowman or The Christmas Story.

Although in black and white, Its a Wonderful Life, comes on TV every year, starring Jimmy Stuart, who plays a man who is about to commit suicide until an angel appears and shows him how important his life truly is. In the end, his family A prototype Christmas story. celebrates Christmas together with a new sense of hope and happiness.

This is a favorite because it gives hope and meaning to a wonderful ending.

Frosty the Snowman is more of a kid-oriented movie. This cartoon features a jolly singing snowman who enchants the local town. However, the tragic ending shows that winter doesn’t last forever and that Frosty must come to an end. Yet, along the way he encounters with a few great people who made his time worthwhile.

“My favorite show on T.V. is Frosty the Snowman. I like how he comes back every year. I also like the music that they

sing,” said sophomore Erica Robey.

If you turn on TNT any time around this week you’re bound to see the movie The Christmas Story, a comedy based on a boy who has one specific toy on his wish list, that he claims that he must have. Through out the movie he begs his mother for this toy. As the movie progresses the viewer is able to witness step by step how much on solid object can mean to a kid.

“Who does not know this movie? It is so funny and awesome,” said sophomore Jen Ott. The boy realizes somewhere along the way that its not about getting, it’s about giving.

“I think that when you watch the movie A Christmas Story it shows that we need to be nice to other people and not always think of oursalves,” said freshman Sabrina Stacy.

Another famous movie is Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer.

Rudolph is a very unusual reindeer, with a bright glowing nose. He tries to hide it as The classic character, Rudolph the Red nose reindeer. best as he can, because he’s ashamed of it. Throughout, the viewer can see how

Artist reprise Christmas music

by Alejandro Salinas Staff Writer

Jingle All The Way Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger Plot: About a father who struggles finding a “Turbo man” for his son.

H o r o s c o

ANNANDALE OPTICIANS

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ntertainment

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Starring: Mickey mouse and all Disney characters Plot: Disney and friends have a magical Christmas

Over the years, Christmas albums have become an important profitable market for the music industry. This holiday season, the market is experiencing a substantial growth in sales, due most likely to the tragic events that occurred earlier this year. To satisfy the demands of the masses, a motley crew of artists has released albums with classic and new songs with interesting twists and orchestrations.

Leading this trend is Destiny’s Child, who released its first Christmas album late November.

The album, titled 8 Day of Christmas , contains a mix of favorite classics and new originals with the group’s characteristic R&B rhythms. The album kicks off with “8 days of Christmas,” a song with interesting twists of urban melodies. Other highlights include “a DC Christmas Medley” which combines beloved songs as Mix of holiday R&B “Jingle Bells” and favorites.

“Santa Clause is Coming to Town” in a hip hop contemporary way, and the scintillating version of “Silent Night” interpreted by Beyonce Knowles.

Now That’s What I Call Christmas, with very few exceptions, brings important Christmas songs from the last 50 years.

In fact, the collection is so big it had to be released as a double album. In the album, old musical icons like Frank Sinatra, John Lennon and Elvis Presley share space with contemporary stars like Britney Album filled with various Spears and NSYNC. artists.

The effect this album has on the buyer is a feeling of nostalgia and warmness. What more can you ask for during Christmas?

Next, Toni Braxton joins the Christmas craze with Snowflakes. This album includes jazzy

arrangements of classics like “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and a few new tracks like “Christmas in Jamaica.” In general, the album offers more classic and simple arranged songs compared to other albums, however this Toni Braxton in Snowflakes, featuring classics. doesn’t damage the album’s overall effect.

Another female leading the Christmas charts is Christian Latina performer Jaci Velasquez. Jaci makes her personal mark with a collection of traditional and modern songs. Among the classics are great songs like “Angel Song” and “Season of Love” which highlight Jaci’s voice and Christian faith.

The album also Christian artist, Jaci Velasquez’s first Christmas includes a fun version album. of “Feliz Navidad” and a duet with Alvin and the Chipmunks appropriately titled “Chipmunk Song.”

Lastly, but certainly not least, MTV TRL Christmas. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without an MTV edition (yeah right). The album contains an eclectic combination of contemporary artists ranging from sleazy pop stars a.k.a Willa Ford, to rock bands like Weezer. It consists entirely of new tracks that vary from rock, pop and R&B. Despite of all the new material, the album fails to evoke any nostalgic feeling due to its lack of classics.

If anything, these albums continue reminding us that Holiday “pop” album, featuring Willa Ford. festive aura is all around us and are recommended for anyone with holiday pride and spirit.

cruel one can be, due to the fact that the other reindeers “laughed and called him names” and “would not let him join in any reindeer games.” In the end there is hope (as there most likely is in most holiday movies.)

The effect of these holiday shows is that they get you all ready for the season. Maryanna O’Neill likes Miracle on 34th Street because “it gets me in the holiday spirit.”

It seems that after watching holiday shows, you may have an urge to go shopping, decorate your Christmas tree, play with a dreidel or go make some snow angels. (That is if we had snow.)

Some of the other favorites that are played this time of year are movies such as Babes in Toy Land, Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street and Charlie Brown’s Christmas.

Movies are one of the best comforts, somehow they brighten the day, especially holiday movies, which have become a strong tradition in the United States, as kids grow up with them.

“I really love to watch Christmas movies they get me into that mood and they just make it Popular holiday character Frosty the feel like Christmas, Snowman skating on ice. whether there is snow or not, and in this case not,” said sophomore Valarey Graves.

Around this season, you are not alone, turn on your T.V and welcome your classical holiday friends.

7201 Columbia Pike Annandale, Virginia 22003 By the Giant

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(703) 750-0830

e

Sagittarius

Recent events may have left you rethinking your relationship. Look to a Libra for some good advice and follow your heart, it knows best. Look forward to new opportunities; don’t let them pass by. Lucky number 4.

Capricorn

James J. Naccarato, Jr. Licensed Optician

“A House Full of Eyewear”

s

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Is there a fire sign playing a key role in your life? Expect secrets to be revealed; it could be for the better. Wear green and stay focused on your priorities.

Aquarius

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Go buy some rose-colored glasses and develop a brand new philosophy for life.

Either that or start a whole new trend.

This might be what you need to meet new people. Lucky number 5.

Pisces

Feb. 19-March 20

If you’ve been feeling down, do something that makes you truly happy.

Remember what is truly important.

Someone needs your help; instead of giving advice, be there. Wear white for serenity.

March 21-April 19 Aries Keep your temper under control; use physical activity to keep you calm. Eat a fortune cookie, it could have special meaning for you. Lucky number 3.

Taurus

April 20-May 20

Give yourself a gift and take some “me” time. Escape from the craziness of the holiday season; wear blue for luck. Watch out for unexpected occurrences.

Gemini

May 21-June 20

Talk to someone you haven’t talked to for a long time and discover something about yourself in the process. Lucky number 9.

Cancer

June 21-July22

Lately you feel like nothing is going your way. Take the holiday vacation as an opportunity to recover from all your problems. Talk to another Cancer; they might be of great help.

Leo

July 23-Aug. 22

You will meet someone who will have an impact on your life. At the same time, someone you once knew will become less acquainted with you. When one door closes, another opens. Wear red to show confidence and be bold. Lucky number 5.

Virgo

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Don’t overspend on holiday gifts, you might want to save that money for something important later on. You have an eye for detail— look for bargains and sales.

Lucky number 7.

Libra

Student Discount with I.D.

Nov.22-Dec. 21

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Put on a happy face and enjoy the holiday break. You deserve some happiness.

Don’t forget to make others smile as wellsharing is caring! Wear yellow to keep that good mood going.

Scorpio

Oct. 23-Nov.21

Think of your significant other, or someone you really care about, and do something sweet and meaningful for them. They’ll appreciate you all the more for it. Lucky number 2.

entertainment

Violence and comedy fill this season The Majestic

by Reid Edwards News Editor

This years holiday season brings six big money makers and possible Oscar contenders to the big screen. From comedies to dramas to action, moviegoers should have an ample amount of movies to choose from.

Ali Perhaps the most prominent, at least the most hyped, of these movies is Richard Mann’s Ali. Based on the life of the 1960’s boxing legend Cassius Clay, a.k.a. Muhammad Ali, Ali documents the entire life of the former heavyweight champ.

Will Smith plays the role of Cassius Clay, in his latest film since his small role in The Legend of Bagger Vance. Smith’s newest leading role already has him surrounded with Oscar buzz. Additionally, many Hollywood prognosticators believe that Ali could be in contention for Best Picture, and have mentioned Mann as a possibility for Best Director (Mann was nominated for the award in 1999 for The Insider).

In the tradition of The Hurricane, released in 1999, a biographical film of the life of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, Ali also stretches beyond Clay’s boxing career, and delves deep into his personal life. The movie portrays Ali’s struggles with the law, changes in faith, and his relationship with black rights activist, Malcolm X. Ali stars Jamie Foxx, Jon Voight, Mario Van Peebles as Malcolm X, and LeVarr Burton as Martin Luther King. Ali comes to theaters on Christmas Day.

Dec. 21 brings The Majestic, a heart warming drama starring Jim Carrey. He plays Peter Appleton a writer who suffers from amnesia as the result of a car accident. Appleton winds up ashore a small town only to be mistaken for a WWII soldier that had died overseas. The title refers to the name of a movie theater owned by the father of the war veteran, which Appleton assumes management of.

The Majestic seems to complete the metamorphosis of Jim Carrey’s career from raunchy comedies such as Ace Ventura to more serious roles. The change began when Carrey took on lead roles for The Truman Show, and Man on the Moon, both of which Carrey won Golden Globes for. In addition to Smith, Carrey has been the source of an Oscar buzz concerning a Best Actor nomination. Director Frank Darabont has never made a film that was not nominated for an Oscar (The Shawshank Redemption in 1994, and The Green Mile in 1999 were both nominated for Best Picture). The Majestic may be worth checking out to see if Darabont and Carrey make an Oscar worthy combination.

Frodo Baggins along with Sam Gamgee and Merry on their mission away from dark forces who are after the ring.

increased brain capacity, Silas (Method Man) and Paul (Red Man) are granted admission to Harvard University. However when their supply runs out, they end up a couple urban teenagers surrounded by the country’s elite scholars. You can just imagine the hilarious possibilities! Apparently in one scene when the two become desperate, they attempted to smoke the bones of John Quincy Adams, who they call, “A dead smart guy.”

Although the plot seems absurd, the movie has potential for success through abundant hilarity as did past “weed comedies” such as Half Baked, Friday, and the Cheech and Chong movies of the 1970’s. Don’t expect a great movie, but How High has the potential to be one of the funniest movies of the year.

Stars of How High, Redman and Method Man, smoke up at Harvard University.

Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring Lord of the Rings is one of those movies that just can’t fail.

It will hit theaters with a fan base comparable to that of Star Wars and one that may even exceed Harry Potter. Lord of the Rings stars many big name actors including Oscar nominees Ian McKellan (Gods and Monsters) and Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth), Elijah Wood (Forever Young), Liv Tyler (Armageddon) and Viggo Mortenson (Crimson Tide). Lord of the Rings is so confident of its success, that two sequels have already been completed.

Lord of the Rings is based on authors J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy of books of the same title. Fellowship, the first in the series, is about the first trial of Frodo the hobbit (Wood). Frodo has been chosen by the ring itself to be its protector. Led by the advice of the wise wizard Gandalf (McKellan), Frodo is protected by an army of individuals including humans, Aragon (Mortensen) and Boromir, Legolas the elf and a dwarf named Gimli.

Non-fans may at first be scared off by this fantasy epic, because of its outlandish premise and strange choice of director, Peter Jackson. Jackson’s only directing experience comes from low budget, gory, gross-out movies such as Heavenly Creatures. However, if New Line Cinema’s confidence in the film is any hint, Lord of the Rings should be a big success for Jackson.

How High Will Smith as Ali right after he won the championship of the world.

Hip-Hop artists Method Man and Red Man take on their first feature film How High, about two stoners who smoke magical marijuana which raises their I.Q. As a result of their

New releases on video and DVD:

Impostor For some time Dimension Films has been promoting the sci-fi thriller Impostor. Set in the year 2079, scientist Spencer Olham, played by Gary Sinise (Ransom, Reindeer Games), has just created a weapon that will destroy a race of aliens that are currently a threat to the planet Earth. However, instead of being regarded as a hero, a colleague of Olham named Hathaway, played by Vincent D’Onfrio (Full Metal Jacket, The Cell), accuses him of being an alien spy. Like a futuristic version of The Fugitive, Olham is on the run as the subject of nationwide manhunt.

Impostor will have to be a very well made movie to strike gold with audiences this holiday season. With a competitive group of movies including Ali, The Majestic, and The Lord of the Rings and movies currently doing well in theaters (Harry Potter, Oceans Eleven, and Vanilla Sky) Impostor will have its work cut out. Add this to the diminishing popularity of sci-fi action movies over the last year; Impostor could join the dubious ranks of movies like Battlefield Earth, Red Planet, Pitch Black, and The 6th Day.

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius And last, a little something for the kids. Jimmy Neutron— whose freakishly big head is shaped like a peanut—is the smartest kid in the world. Jimmy is constantly coming up with crazy inventions that go horribly wrong when he tests them, much like Urkel from Family Matters. When all the parents in Jimmy’s town are abducted by aliens, Jimmy rounds up the kids and puts to use his keen intellect to come up with a scheme to get them home.

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius is the first feature film by CGI animation, seemingly, in an attempt to mirror the success achieved by the other big animation studio, Pixar. The animation looks equal to Pixar.

DEC. 18

MOULIN ROUGE Starring: Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidman Director: Baz Luhrmann Film about Nicole Kidman and her whacky antics in 19th century France. Most didn’t liked it, but I met a person who did.

(PG-13)

Ocean’s Eleven surfs past all other competition

by Kathy Saupp Staff Writer

As the movie opens and the ‘40s era soundtrack reaches our ears, Daniel Ocean is stepping out of prison after four years of incarceration. He has lost everything, but Mr. Ocean (George Clooney) does not plan on having it stay that way. How does he plan to change his situation? “I’ll play the game like I got nothin’ to lose,” he says.

But in this game, the stakes are the highest they have ever been. From the moment the tuxedo-clad Ocean passes through the prison gates, he is plotting to execute the biggest robbery in the history of American crime.

Much to the surprise and disbelief of all his old gangster colleagues, Ocean reveals his scheme to rob three of the biggest casinos in Las Vegas simultaneously—The Bellagio, the Mirage, and the MGM Grand. However, the skepticism of his peers fades quickly as they

see his confidence in getting the job Ocean’s Eleven is a refreshing done. contrast from other action blockbusters.

Enter Ocean’s Eleven, the Simply figuring out the plot of a movie mixmatched group of delinquents Mr. should never be a chore, and that is not Ocean assembles to help him break into an issue here. The story line is as the most indestructible of all casino smooth as the criminal masterminds vaults. Along with his right executing it, and the activity hand man Rusty (Brad Pitt) on the screen is not exhausting, MOVIE RATING there is a diverse line up of but hypnotizing. It is impossible Oceans 11 men, from a corrupt to tear my eyes away as Ocean Blackjack dealer to an and his mixed band of criminals almost elastic Chinese follow what seem to be the acrobat. Sure it doesn’t unspoken rules of thumb for Excellent acting make sense here, but in the committing grand larceny. and a really cool end all of them play a vital The beauty of Ocean’s Eleven story make this role. is that even though the viewers movie great.

In Ocean’s Eleven, have the inside peek on what is director Steven Soderbergh going on in the minds of these incorporates the speedy wit of Snatch criminals, everyone is just as clueless as with the high pressure of Mission: the casino lords they are conning. It Impossible. An all around fast-paced and seems like its been forever since a star-laden film, Ocean’s Eleven is a time mainstream movie kept spectators capsule of a movie; transporting the guessing up until the very end, and viewer back to a era when Vegas was those who thought they knew what ruled by crime.

Danny Ocean was planning are left

B+

gaping in wonder as everything changes and the whole plan seems to get turned upside down. Will Ocean’s Eleven pull off the job?

Usually by this point in a similar movie, the viewers have the answer to this question. But here the situation is different.

Ocean’s Eleven wraps the viewer up in the classic atmosphere of high stakes crime, and it doesn’t beat brains out trying to follow their complicated plans for breaking into the George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt vault. I just sat back and watched the drama unfold Damon, Elliot Gould, and Don Cheadle are five of Ocean’s Eleven. in the phenomenal last 30 minutes, where the plan goes into action.

The only thing that Ocean’s Eleven could ever be missing is Steven Soderbergh’s golden touch, which he gave to his highly acclaimed films.

Vanilla Sky stinks like bad chocolate pudding

by Lauren Sterlacci Staff Writer

David Ames (Tom Cruise) is a wealthy young New Yorker who is the CEO of a Maxim—like magazine, whose carefree approach to life is about to be brutally shaken. Having inherited a publishing empire, he flits about having a good time and his only real problem is facing the disapproving board of directors (he calls them the Seven Dwarves) whom he feels is out to get him.

But even so, he’s not worried. Life is good. David lives in the fast lane, sharing a noncommittal sexual relationship with gal pal Julie Gianni (Cameron Diaz) who unfortunately perceives it very committal indeed. When he Cruz and Cruis about to kiss, they are one meets someone new of Hollywood’s hottest couples.

at his birthday party, David is bewitched.

MOVIE RATING Vanilla Sky His best friend Brian (Jason Lee) brings his friend Sofia (Penelope Cruz) and spends the night talking with her. This does not make Julie happy, precipitating a confrontation and a violent collision Confusing and that changes David’s life forever. David’s retarded story that makes you want to face is terribly disfigured and his sense of cry. well being is fundamentally shattered.

Severely scarred, physically and emotionally, David is tossed into a torrent of awful dreams that he can’t distinguish from his now-painful waking life.

Vanilla Sky’s surrealistic dream sequences are troubling and fascinating, raising provocative questions about life, death, dreams and reality. David’s fate being unable to separate truth from fantasy is terrifying, particularly since things just get worse as time passes; neither the dreams nor waking life are happy. Unfortunately, there are some serious flaws that prevent Vanilla Sky from really hitting home. David is established from the start as a shallow, self-indulgent man who doesn’t hesitate to spend the night with a woman and then not invite her to his birthday party the following night.

D

He’s charismatic, but shows no evidence of depth or substance.

His relationship with Sofia is established over the course of a single evening, and is largely composed of light banter. But we are supposed to care about or be deeply affected by David’s love for Sofia. Neither the film’s character development nor the events that unfold give us cause to really care what happens to David. Yet thats what the movie is all about. The film is less a narrative than a puzzle to assemble and reassemble every few minutes. One minute the handsome David is discussing dreams with friends, the next he’s behind a mask and sitting in a cell with McCabe (Kurt Russell), the psychiatrist who informs David he’s been imprisoned on a murder charge.

Vanilla Sky leaps willy-nilly through time and space; we’re often not sure where David is or who he is.

Cruise’s performance was adequate, but he arouses no sympathy for his character. Diaz’s scenes with Cruise were the most exciting parts of the movie, although her character received a tremendous lack of screen time. Cruz’s nearly indecipherable accent brought upon comments like “what is she saying?” and “I don’t care anyway.” Can we rid ourselves of the notion that she’s a good actress? She’s definitely not.

Vanilla Sky is just a lot of whacked-out psychological mumbojumbo, and not in a good way.

SCARY MOVIE 2 Starring: Anna Faris, Chris Elliott Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans Panned by critics (and me) and made by the same people from Scary Movie. It parodied the sub genre of ghosts and poltergeists from the Horror genre.

(R) DEC. 26 EVOLUTION Starring: David Duchovny, Orlando Jones Director: Ivan Reitman An awesome multimedia event that has Stifler from American Pie. Made by the director of Ghostbusters. It is about alien evolution.

(PG-13)

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Wednesday, December 19, 2001

UPCOMING CONCERTS AND SHOWS MACEO PARKER • December 31 • Constitution Hall • tickets available at www.ascticket.com JERRY SEINFELD • January 6 • MCI Center • tickets available at www.ascticket.com

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Time to pump you up F r i e d m a n ’s F i n d s

by Sarah Bizer Staff writer

For those who don’t play a winter sport, working out at the gym is great way to stay in shape

climbing wall and three racquetball courts make up part of the two levels. If you are in the mood to get wet, check out their two indoor pools. A lap pool is available for those who want to work their muscles, and a leisure pool for those who want to have a blast on the slides, or just relax in two hot tubs.

The center of the local level is made comprised of three locker rooms. The male and female bathrooms both have individual showers, sinks, hairdryers and a small lounge. Massages by professionals can help members relax after a difficult workout.

A childcare playroom is offered for children under the age of 12. The child area is made up of a small basketball court, along with a computer center where kids can play games and surf the Internet. A large play area with mazes and slides make up a large part of the kids center, which is right next to the big screen TV where the children watch movies.

Right when you walk in, the Life Spa

THE ROOTS January 11 9:30 club $25 tickets available at www.930club.com

BILLY JOEL AND ELTON JOHN • January 13 • MCI Center • tickets available at www.ascticket.com

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If your new year’s resolution is to lose weight, get fit and have a blast doing it, then Life Time Fitness is for you. Life Time Fitness offers basketball courts and racquetball courts and a huge room of work out machines and weights.

Life Time Fitness was just built in Fair Oaks mall. The biggest Life Time Fitness is located in Centreville though.

It has 10,050 square feet, with two levels. The lower level is made up of recreational fitness areas. Two basketball courts, connected with a rock

THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES January 19 9:30 club $15 tickets available at www.930club.com

B.B. KING • January 20 • Constitution Hall • tickets available at www.ascticket.com

A TUNA CHRISTMAS • Warner Theater • for tickets or info visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (202)432-SEAT

PSYCHIC GHOST THEATRE • Ends December 30 • for tickets or info visit www.psychicghost theatre.com or call (301)946-2882 THE ISLAND • The Kennedy Center • Tickets are $20-$68 • for more information go to http://kennedycenter.org or call (202)467-4600 BLUES IN THE NIGHT • Arena Stage • for more information go to www.arenastage.org or call (202)488-3300

CAROLINE FRIEDMAN

Sophomore Marisa Menezes works on a project at Paint Your Own Pottery in Fairfax.

decided that we should only paint one thing, due to us lacking money. After debating for a few minutes we decided on a mug for $7.50, and we were told that an additional charge for glazing and firing would be added.

There were many colors to choose from, and after a few minutes and some help from Nick we decided on Hint of Mint, Light Aqua, Orange Peel and black. We got seated at a table and left to go crazy with our piece of pottery.

Sophomore Marisa Menezes, one of the

people who joined me, said, “It’s relaxing to paint and it is fun to go with your friends.”

After about 20 minutes, Kimberly Kavanagh, a regular at Paint Caroline Friedman Your Own Pottery, Weekend Editor sat down with us and we began talking with her. She was making gifts for Christmas and said, “ It [Paint Your Own Pottery] is a great place to use your creativity and to make gifts. The atmosphere is very peaceful.”

It took Menezes, sophomores Maggie Owner and Abby Segall and I about 45 minutes to finish painting our piece.

DePreter told us that Saturday is their busiest day, and while reservations are optional on the weekdays, they are required on the weekends. DePreter said, “This [Paint Your Own Pottery] is a good place to come because expressing your creativity is necessary and there are not enough opportunities in the world to do that.” After paying, we didn’t have to clean up our own mess, and we were told that our pottery would be ready in four to five days.

Paint Your Own Pottery is open every day at 10 a.m. except Sunday when it opens at 12 p.m. It closes anywhere between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Call (703) 218-2881 for more information, specific times or to make reservations and you can visit www.ciao-susanna.com to find out more about Paint Your Own Pottery.

Paint Your Own Pottery was such a change from what my friends and I normally do on a Friday night. It was a relaxing way to wind down from a busy week and to get us ready for the weekend. Paint Your Own Pottery is definitely the place to go if you are looking for a fun-filled, relaxing activity to do on the weekend.

a

tomic reactions

What are you planning to do over winter break?

With Christmas and Hannukah approaching, there are many amazing sights in the metro area

“Relax and catch up on homework.”

SEAN SULLIVAN

—Emma Misner freshman

“Go to my Boy Scout’s camp with my friends.”

OLIVER • Ernst Theater and NOVA Annandale • Tickets are $12 • for more information go to www.american musicstage.com or call (703)425-9280

PHOTO FROM WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV

ABOVE—The National Christmas Tree located in Washington, D.C. is a tradition and a magnificent sight to see. BOTTOM RIGHT—A local house located on 3917 Lincolnshire St. has become a local attraction because of the spectacular amount of lights. TOP LEFT— This second house located on 3912 Lincolnshire St. competes with the house in the bottom right picture for having the best Christmas decorations.

Crazy for You • Lazy Susan Dinner Theater • for more information call (703)550-7385

—Dan Le sophomore

SEAN SULLIVAN

John Bernhardt Weekend Editor

ernhardt’s ites

B

After a long day of school, students crowd around the vending machines eagerly waiting for a soda or candy bar. Instead of waiting in long lines for a small snack, why not head to Heritage Mall for a quick bite to eat at Victor’s?

Victor’s offers a wide range on food, including American, Italian and Middle East choices. The pizza, which ranges from $5.95 to $9.95, and gyros, which cost $5.15, are just a few of the delicious choices. Many deals are also offered on items such as the pizzas and subs.

The restaurant itself is small and houses only a few booths. The overall layout suggests that most of the business is carry-out. Egyptian woven cloths of ancient pharaohs are on the wall, along with a large, easy-to-read menu.

Mike F. Sherif creates and prepares the food at Victor’s. He is a “Virginia Chef” award winner and has operated Victor’s for 21 years. Dine-in, carryout and delivery are all offered. “I love to do delivery,” said Sherif. “Making pizza is fun.”

Recently the number of students who get food at Victor’s has declined, according to Sherif. Students should go there after school to support a long standing local business.

w

eekend

I have passed by Paint Your Own Pottery hundreds of times while driving or walking through Fairfax, and I finally decided to try it out on Friday.

I got three of my friends together and we drove up to the small shop at 10417 Main Street. Shelves holding blank pottery filled the walls and seven tables lined the floor where people of all ages sat making their creations.

Around 4 p.m. about seven or eight people were busily working. Employee Nick DePreter, greeted us and told us to take a look around and tell him when we had picked out a piece. The prices range from $4.00 for small figurines to $65.00 for a huge cappuccino cup. The four of us

The best sights to see during the holidays

AREA PLAYS

OF MICE AND MEN • Arena Stage • for tickets or info visit www.arenastage.com or call (202)488-3300

and Life Cafe are situated on the right. Your can relax and have a blast in the spa, or you can grab a bite to eat at the cafe. “The Life Cafe is one of my favorite places to hang with my friends,” said Nathan Bodner, who works at the front desk at Life Time Fitness.

The second level offers over 400 varieties of exercise equipment.

Small lines for machines make them available for everyone: bicycles, stairs, weights, tread mills, row machines and many more. The main manufacturers are Keiser, Cybex, Icarion, Life Circuit, Graviton, Hammer Strength and Body Master, to name a few. The machines are arranged in spacious, parallel rows so that members can easily flow from machine to machine.

Aerobic classes is another choice for those who would rather move around than just workout on a machine. Those who are injured can recover in physical therapy classes.

The cost to join Life Time Fitness may be a little high, but it is definitely worth it. Monthly fees are $49 per single person, $79 per couple and $99 per family, but do not include the membership fee. The fee does not include other costs of member activities.

Bodner said, “Life Time Fitness is a clean, neat facility, with clear cut goals, and lives up to everyday gyms,” said Bodner. He answers calls and slides the members’ ID card in the computer. Every member gets a picture ID card that shows his or her picture on a screen once it has been scanned. Also, the ID card opens lockers when slid through the slot.

Life Time Fitness is a great place to hang with your friends and get in the best shape. Activities offered will entertain everyone whether you want to do a recreational workout or just chill in the pool. Even if you don’t want to get a full membership, you should definitely check out Life Time Fitness.

“I am going skiing and catching up on sleep.”

—Meg Stoltz junior

“I am going to Florida to visit my family, and going to the beach.”

—Thonnie Grisby senior

JOHN BERNHARDT

Victor’s, located in Heritage Mall, is a short walk from Annandale and offers a variety of food. Inside, there is a large menu and a few booths for those who wish to dine-in.

RESTAURANT RATING VICTOR’S

B

has a wide assortment of Italian food good for carry-out, but not the place to go on a date

“I’m going up to the mountains with my family and going skiing and shooting.

Just getting some rest and relaxation.”

—KW Dalrice Williams Administrator

ALL PHOTOS BY SARAH SHERMAN