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the Wednesday December 5, 2001 Volume #47 Issue 6

Gay-Straight Alliance formed

by Denice Miller Profiles Editor

“I don’t like [the club], I don’t support it at all.

Gay is not the way to be,” said senior David Holloway. “God made you a man so you should like women, not men. God accepts gay people; I’ll accept them but I won’t talk to them.”

The Shepard Club, a new gay-straight alliance, was founded to put an end to such feelings and promote understanding and acceptance throughout the school and, hopefully, society.

“The club’s mission is to provide a community, a safe environment where people can be informed about issues like discrimination, like violence.

Alan Yao They have an outlet here,” said senior Alan Yao, founder.

The G.S.A is the sixth alliance hosted by area high schools including Yorktown, Wakefield, Centreville, Robinson, Thomas Jefferson, T.C. Williams and Hayfield. The club was named in memorial to Matthew Shepard, a young homosexual who was beaten to death on Oct. 12, 1998 because of his sexual orientation. Theater teacher Vicki Farish was asked to sponsor the “Alliance” con’t on p. 6

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A NNANDALE H IGH SCHOOL

Informing the Atoms since 1954

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229

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Superintendent visits Annandale

by David Covucci Co-Editor-in-Chief

In promotion of the Annandale-Washington Post printing partnership, Fairfax County Superintendent Dr. Daniel Domenech toured the Springfield Plant of The Post and The A-Blast room Monday during deadline week. The visit was filmed by a crew from Red Apple Channel 21 and will be played over Winter Break. Domenech chatted with students and learned all about the production of The A-Blast, from copy meetings to page layout.

“He is a very genial man,” said senior Ryan Croft. “I was surprised how big he was, figuratively and literally.”

Domenech spent over an hour with The ABlast staff, going from computer to computer, and, at some points, offering his own advice and critique. He was very interested in the Arts page and their spread on body art. Domenech refused to comment if he had any of his own.

“I think it’s great that the Superintendent makes visits to classroom,” said adviser Alan Weintraut. “It lets kids know who he is.”

At the Springfield Plant, Domenech introduced himself to the staff let lends their off time during their job to help print The A-Blast.

“It is a great bunch of guys you have down there,” said Domenech “I’m really fascinated by the presses they have. They are huge.”

The presses at the Post are some of the largest in the world and can run off over 1,000 copies of The A-Blast a minute.

“I’m excited that he visited us,” said sophomore Katie Stanton. “I’m glad he recognized our newspaper.”

New AP Cooley hired

CHAE-WA PARK

Superintendent Dr. Daniel Domenech visits with sophomore Rebecca Kraushaar and offers advice on her page.

Auditons held for Alice in Wonderland

by Paul Gleason Staff Writer

better,” said sophomore Chelsea Duffy.

According to Principal Don Clausen, Brandon Cooley became AHS’s fifth Cooley was chosen for the position assistant principal; he was hired last because he did an excellent job in the month due to student growth. interview process, he was enthusiastic, His past jobs include working as a and had excellent references. teacher/administrative intern in “We expect that Mr. Cooley will be an Spotslyvania county, teaching excellent assistant principal, and special ED for 5 years, teaching he will be an enthusiastic member at a juvenile detention center and of the Annandale family,” said working in a state prison.

Clausen.

“I hope to make things better “My high school vice principal and to make things run easier was very military oriented, and here at AHS,” said Cooley. “I believed that there is only one way hope to make learning fun.” to education, and I believe, that is When the student body of a wrong,” and “I am more open to high school has exceeded higher different approaches to education,” than 2,300 students, there needs said Cooley.

Brandon Cooley to be a fifth assistant Principal.

Cooley got into the education/ He is in charge of attendance, administrative career because he school construction, and school building’s did not have the greatest experience in management like furniture, custodians, high school, and that he just wanted to and building engineers. He is also in make learning fun. His goals are to charge of the federal survey forms. change education and to be able to reach “Sometimes administrators can be more kids better. pushy, and can misunderstand us Outside of AHS Cooley enjoys the students but administrators like Mr. outdoors, and his best friend is his Cooley seem to see the kids point of view Siberian Husky named Roody.

by Saman Hussain Staff Writer

The much-awaited notice of the people who qualified for the roles in the Children’s Play will be announced on Friday, Dec. 7. This year’s play, Alice in Wonderland, is a play most people are most likely to be familiar.

“It’s a play that most people can relate to since they’ve probably heard of the story of Alice in Wonderland in their childhood,” said senior Elizabeth Dere, the play’s director.

Alice in Wonderland is a children’s classic that revolves around Alice and her adventures in a fantasy world.

Fascinated by a white rabbit with a pocket watch passing by, Alice eagerly follows it down a hole and enters Wonderland. Here she meets a variety of unique characters from the famous Cheshire cat and Caterpillar to the Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts.

Auditions for the play took place earlier this week on Mon., Tues. and Wed. in the auditorium where a group of enthusiastic students gathered to display their dramatic skills. “Children’s plays are a lot of fun no matter what because the kids and audience give you a lot of feedback and it’s pleasing to perform for them,” said junior Victoria Bensen.

Some students were willing to take part in any role they are offered. “A lot of people want to be Alice, the

CHAE-WA PARK

Auditions for Alice Wonderland are being held this week.

Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit because they’re the most important and popular ones,” said junior Alexandra Mott. She is ready to take part in any role she gets as are many of the students who took part in the auditions. “All the parts in Alice in Wonderland are great. I would be happy to play any of them,” said senior Emily Useem. The size of the script or the “Play” con’t on p. 6

Symphonic Band prepares for annual Winter Concert

by Kathy Saupp Staff Writer

SARAH SHERMAN

It’s crunch time, and the members of the band are working their nimble fingers to the bone, perfecting their segments of music. The winter concert is around the corner, tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., and all of the bands have been preparing for this concert since the beginning of the school year. The concert will feature the Symphonic, Red, and Gold bands.

The symphonic band brings a diverse line up of songs to put everyone into the holiday spirit. Included in the program are annual favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and “Greensleeves,” as well as “Festival of Hannukah” and a theme from the musical West Side Story.

“I like ‘Sleigh Ride’ the best, it has always been one of my favorite holiday pieces and it’s fun to get a chance to play it this year,” said junior Mary Burke. Burke has been in the band and the marching band all three years.

The Red and Gold bands will perform two pieces together, “Voices from the Battlefield” and “The Maelstrom.” The Gold band alone will perform “Manatee,” “Lyric Overture” and “Swing those Bells.”

According to Burke and fellow band mate Bethany Augliere-Wheat, the concert should be a showcase of the

band’s talented players, both new and old. “The highlight of the show should be Sleigh Ride, because it is definitely an annual favorite. It puts everyone in the holiday spirit.” said Augliere-Wheat.

This year the bands have gained some new additions, and the feedback has been positive.

“The numbers are up from last year, there is a smaller senior class and lots of new freshmen and sophomores, which is good,” said Band Director Jack Elgin. “With Symphonic band it can be hard to adjust to the new music, and it can take freshmen and new members longer to get that under their fingers.” All of the bands have been reading different pieces of music since the first part of the year.

As is customary, the bands elect officers to represent them. “This year the bands are doing well, they have a lot of good leadership.” said Elgin. This year the new leaders are President Cindy Brundage, Vice President Gena Sobel, Secretary Mary Burke, and Treasurer Steve Aultman.

With all this time to prepare, members of the bands are anticipating their chance to show off all of the hard work and effort they have put forth in making this a exceptional winter concert.

Instructor Jack Elgin leads Symphonic Band during practice. Their Winter Concert is this Thursday.

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hat’s inside

A Look Ahead December 6 Band Concert, 7:30 p.m.

12 Juniors Ice Cream Bash, 2:00 p.m.

13-14 ACT Drug Awareness Play 18 Winter Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m.

18 PTSA Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

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10 Where do students work? Find out what kids do for their 9-5s.

Are you a preppie, a homie or a skater? See what style you just might be.

24 Winter Vacation Starts

January

Rent may have left the National Theater, but there’s still time to read how it was.

1 Winter Vacation Ends

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Extracurricular policy extra flawed Cindy Hook was among over forty students, teachers, coaches and parents who met in 1997 to revise the policy that still governs student athletes today.

Wednesday, December 5, 2001

THE POLICY SHOULD STAND — Athletes stand out in the school as leaders and have an obligation to be held responsible for their actions — High school students are not physically mature enough for alcohol consumption; the immediate and long term medical risks are greater — The policy, says many AHS coaches, calls for nothing that is not already Virginia State Law — More serious dangers, like habit forming use, driving under the influence and date rape come along with underage drinking and illegal drug use

“If someone has a problem with the policy, they have a problem with Virginia State Law.”

ANDREW SATTEN

Either side of the “Extracurricular Policy” argument:

THE POLICY NEEDS ADJUSTMENT — There are no reliable sources, like school officials or parents, to ensure that the appropriate people are being punished; thus most accusations exist on a she said, he said” basis — The policy encourages athletes to “rat out” other team members which defeats the idea of team unity — The policy does not change the social decisions of most athletes, and discourages honesty as athletes will avoid self incriminating confessions — Students who reveal pledge violations of others may risk verbal or physical retaliation, especially in the case of loss scholarships to police involvement — Being present at parties in which alcohol is consumed by minors is not a violation of the law

Letters

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Reac Reactions

In dealing with terrorist suspects, what do you think about the plans to use military tribunals or to wiretap conversations between suspects and their lawyers?

“I don’t think [military tribunals are] right, because we should know about what ever [the government is] doing with the suspects.”

Gr ade

—Morgan Barr Junior

“I don’t think they should listen in on conversations.

What you talk about with your lawyer should be confidential.”

—Danny Haddad junior

Kudos to the developers of miraculous military technology that is sweeping the Afghanistan countryside for Osama bin Laden. Unmanned drones flying over the rugged landscape have the capability to pick up body heat from cave inhabitants thousands of feet below. Your days are numbered Mr. bin Laden.

Kites and B-52s

Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003

Editors in Chief Managing Editor News Editors Academics Editors Editorials Editors

Now that the oppressive Taliban regime has been ousted from power in Afghanistan, citizens of the war torn nation are now experiencing some of the basic freedoms to which all people are entitled. Women’s rights are now being restored, and military B-52s now share Afghan air space with kites, previously outlawed and considered “silly” by the Taliban.

NHS policy detracts from true spirit of club

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

The NHS has instituted a new policy which prohibits its members from using leaf and snow removal for the elderly and disabled towards the 10 hour per semester community service requirement. This policy discourages a quintessential community service activity that members of the AHS community depend on for the upkeep of their yards.

Political correctness gone wrong A Kensington community board recently banned Santa from appearing at its holiday tree lighting festival after two individuals claimed that the figure was not synonymous with the views of everyone in the community. This senseless overreaction deprives the entire community of a harmless symbol of holiday cheer. Luckily, Santa showed up after all, along with a discontented crowd.

“The only people who are going to have something against [these measures] are people who are doing something wrong.”

Bristol Martin, III Geosystems Teacher, Hampton University graduate

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Wednesday, December 5, 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

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—Diana Nguyen sophomore

“I think it’s all right to tap conversations, because if they’re known terrorists we need to know about future threats.”

former Governor Douglas Wilder, noted entertainers Tim Reid and Teddy Riley, NBA players Bobby Dandridge and Rick Mahorn, “Good Morning America” weatherman Spencer Christian, and others.

These schools have also produced at least five staff members here at AHS, including two administrators.

This is the second year that these schools have been left out of the article on popular colleges in Virginia. To do this is not only unfair to the schools, but also unfair to members of the student body who may be interested in attending one of these schools, but may not be aware of their existence or their programs.

You can run, but can’t hide...

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ditorials

Black colleges deserve recognition

While reading the popular college article from the Nov. 13 A-Blast, I noticed there was to the no mention of Virginia’s five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

The five schools, Hampton University, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University, Saint Paul’s College, and Norfolk State University, educate approximately 28,000 students annually.

These five schools are repeatedly ranked regionally in categories such as business, education, and the sciences. They are responsible for producing some of Virginia’s, and the world’s, greatest citizens. Some of the graduates of these institutions include Booker T. Washington,

— Even when the policy is enforced, only a small minority of the multitude of athletes who attend the party are usually punished — There are “gray areas” in terms of what warrants punishments

As hundreds of student athletes laws. According to Paul Pickett, the so when other members are responsible prepare to undertake their winter School Resource Officer, “Officials would for getting them kicked off the team, season sport, most athletes hastily sign they are put in a difficult social situation just call your parents and let them know the Extracurricular Participation Policy that you were in the presence of those in which they are shunned by their without pausing to consider the terms of activities.” This clause is overstepping peers. the consequential Though the adminis- the school’s jurisdiction on a matter that form. This negligence should be left for parents to oversee. The tration continually THE A-BLAST STAFF EDITORIAL often comes back to school has no right to regulate the type claims that the policy The enforcement and haunt athletes as the of people you associate yourself with and has no “gray areas,” elements of the Extracurricupledge annually the activities in which they it is very difficult to lar Participation Policy provides controversy engage in, as long as the distinguish demand revision. and confusion. individual abides by all between those Students not laws. athletes that consuming alcohol or The majority of athletes “were just on using drugs or who are forced to sign the their way,” “just No Yes tobacco but present extracurricular participation stopped by,” 5 61 while these products policy disagree with its terms. “stopped by are being consumed The 1997 revision was effective and left after by other minors, must leave the area or in giving coaches the ability to a short be considered a participant by choice... give punishments that distinperiod of time,” and those This clause from the Extracurricular guished between those that did that actually did stay at the Participation Policy appears reasonable drink and those that did not. It party. Where should the line in print. However, the flaws and also gave coaches some leniency in be drawn? “It’s a gray area controversy that accompany the tailoring the punishment to [what warrants punishexecution of these guidelines perennially individual situations. The clause ment], but the meat of the plague student athletes. about punishment for only being policy is good,” said This document has present should be omitted, and football coach Dick worthy intentions, replaced with elements that target more Adams. “You got to give attempting to dissuade serious matters such as harsh penalties them the benefit of the doubt. It student athletes from for drinking and driving. goes back to your innocent until engaging in damaging Further, eyewitness accounts of proven guilty,” said Adams. alcohol and tobacco use, a students should play no part in the Because of the often loose pressing problem that must enforcement of the pledge, powers enforcement and ability to avoid be addressed. However, punishment, many athletes admit reserved for police and school officials. elements of the policy and Considering the policy was last modified the pledge has little impact on the manner in which it is in 1997 before any current students their social decisions and choose enforced demand revision to attended the school, present not to abide by the terms even accommodate the fairness, students should get the after signing it. This is sensibility and respect that opportunity to revise attested to by the perennial our athletes are entitled. the policy. violations that occur and Major issues regarding the small minority that enforcement of the policy arise Staff editorial actually do get punished when coaches attempt to written by out of the multitude of determine who was at a party Andrew Satten, athletes that attend in which alcohol was consumed editorials editor such parties. and for how long they were with additional The policy states in the present. Considering there are no reporting by “Background” section that the reliable sources such as school officials Katie Clark, pledge encourages all students or adults to consult with these questions, to abide by all state laws. That editorial coaches often resort to having athletes editors may be accurate for the testify against each other. This results in sections which deal with even greater confusion, as how is one to consuming alcohol and determine which is telling the truth, tobacco, however being at causing coaches to have vague and a party in which sometimes false information when they minors consume go about deciding on disciplinary action. alcohol does not This method of enforcement is also violate any counterproductive to the spirit of team unity, pitting members of the same team against each other and encouraging athletes to “rat out” other teammates.

This arduous situation in which athletes are forced to testify against others does not provide them the option of taking the fifth. Many high school athletes have much at stake such as scholarships and Photo illustration. Freshman Angel Cregge was one of the many athletes who signed the the hard work they put into their sports, Extracurricular Participation Policy for a winter sports team.

—Dan Kieffer senior

(703) 642-4229 email: ahsablast@aol.com website: www.fpcs.k12.va.us /AnnandaleHS/ABlast/2002 fax: 642-4197

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 Principal Don Clausen Adviser Alan Weintraut Atomic Athletics Editors Arts Editors

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

Fighting fire with fire Military Tribunals essential in fighting terrorism

Sa tten ’s

Bush needs to re-initiate peace efforts in Middle East The United States should not, as some has criticized, be the international police. However, given the need for a (in the case of the U.S., hypothetically) unbiased third-party

Shantsense

Doing so would not only be right, but it would also make the U.S. immune to possible criticisms that it will only engage in low-political risk conflicts.

President George W. Bush commenced his presidency with an effectively isolationist policy which entailed ignoring Arab conflicts including that in Israel and Palestine. Unfortuneately, the new goal of his administration is intrinsically forcing him to entertain interna-

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f the [USA] makes a concerted, un-Clintonian, unrushed effort to catalyze peace efforts, the goal can be accomplished

tional affairs. Bush’s initial policy was not without precedent, though; Bill Clinton engaged in Middle Eastern affairs with the same selfserving, middle-of-the-road stand that he approached virtually every Shant Shahrigian other concern with—the result of Co-Editor in Chief which was the failure of peace talks held near the end of his second term. to mitigate the conflict between Bush has promised that the Palestine and Israel, it is approwar on terrorism will be priate that it take that role. If sweeping and that the for no other reason, this is by conflict in Afghanistan is virtue that no other nation “only the beginning.” appears to be willing to rise Other nations which to the difficult task. Given endorse terrorism, he the nation’s vaunted says, will also be credence to fight targeted. terrorism on all fronts, Meanwhile, this endeavor has key Arab taken on a special quasi-allies meaning in the need be past weeks. kept in Although order for peace in the this war to area will not be be successaccomplished ful. Bush with U.S. must bombs, if the make a nation makes a decision: concerted, untake a stand Clintonian, regarding the unrushed effort conflict beto catalyze tween Palespeace efforts, tine and Israel the goal can be Yasir Arafat, leader of Palestinian and risk losing accomplished.

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Third party mediation necessary

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By Chae-Wha Park and Andrew Satten

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It is undeniable that the world we live in changed following the attacks of Sept. 11, and therefore it is imperative that our nation adapt to this change to defeat the terrorism threat with which we are presently confronted. The first step in meeting this terrorism challenge is making sure that justice is served to those that committed these heinous acts, and what better way of asserting ` powerful, yet fair judicial action, than through military tribunals.

President Bush signed an order that provided him the right to establish military courts for the prosecution of Andrew Satten non-U.S. citizens associated with the Sept.

Editorials Editor 11 attack. This is an essential decision that is in the best interests of our nation. Military tribunals are closed door trials in which fewer rights are given to the defendants than in regular U.S. civilian courts. The cases can be heard either overseas or aboard a military ship, and only 2/3 of the jury is needed for a conviction as opposed to a unanimous decision which is demanded by civilian courts.

Trying terrorists in military tribunals is the only way to prosecute them to the fullest extent. Some of the evidence that will be used to convict these terrorists is highly sensitive intelligence information, and if the cases were to be heard in a standard U.S. Court, this evidence would have to be discounted to prevent terrorists from acquiring helpful information to aid them in carrying out future attacks. If ever there were criminals who deserved to be prosecuted to the fullest extent, terrorists and their atrocious crimes warrant the greatest severity our justice system can provide.

Though military e can not tribunals are more strinallow gent than civilian courts, terrorists to use they still are an extremely our own freedoms and fair method for trying cases, liberties against us any providing the accused with longer. sufficient due process to

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Arab support, or be faced with the possibility of being called a hypocrite who will not carry out his promises.

The best way for Bush to avoid criticism will be for him to initiate peace talks between Israel and Palestine. Although he is no doubt more than busy with the war in Afghanistan, Bush needs to pursue this endeavor. In light of last weekend’s terrorism in Israel, now is an opportune time for Bush to do so.

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has long been in need of a third party mediator to take a different approach to the problem.

Years of the U.S. taking more or less the same approach to the situation have clearly failed; though this challenge remains no different today than before Sept. 11, America’s war has made now an opportune and necessary time to take action in the region.

receive a fair trial. This method of prosecution dwarfs the level of fairness that terrorist organizations take against their defenseless victims.

When drastic situations arise, sometimes it is necessary to “fight fire with fire.” These are not regular criminals that we are prosecuting, and considering the devastating attacks that have been carried out they are probably being provided with more rights than they deserve. The last thing our nation needs are hundreds of drawn out terrorists cases and appeals, providing terrorists with even more exposure for their cause and satisfying their wants, similar to the Timothy McVeigh ordeal. Further, a recent associated press survey found that 60 percent of Americans supported the use of military tribunals. Considering our nation is in a time of war, there is precedence for employing such action, as military tribunals were used in W.W. II as well as in the Civil War. Opponents of using military tribunals fear that European countries will hesitate in turning over prospective terrorist. Though their fears may be justified, on this issue, we can not afford to waiver. Our nation must stand strong in the prosecution of terrorists, and not cave to human rights complaints that are not justified for this type of situation. Europe is greatly opposed to the death penalty.

A U.S. human rights organization conjectured that under European standards, even the prosecution of Osama Bin Laden would need to be carried out in a civilian court system with the absence of the possibility of the death penalty. These are absurd conditions for such a situation.

Military tribunals also ensure safe trials and the protection of jury members, their safety dangerously being compromised if a public trial were to be held.

Though it is essential that we retain our civil liberties, we can not allow terrorists to use our own freedoms and liberties against us any longer.

Why Military Tribunals are essential for the war on terrorism FULL PROSECUTION — Unless trials are conducted in military tribunals, terrorists will not be prosecuted to the fullest extent as certain evidence that could be used against them will have to be withheld as it is confidential U.S. intelligence information

DRAWN OUT TRIALS — Public trials will provide terrorists with more attention for their cause and could turn into long ordeals similar to the appeals in the Timothy McVeigh case

WAR PRECEDENCE — In W.W. II and the Civil War, military tribunals were used for the prosecution of criminals

TRIAL SAFETY —Public trials would create a safety hazard, and the security of jury members would be compromised

forces

Stepping: only a part of Black Greek letter organizations Ritual stepping has served a meaningful part in culture-rich service clubs

and other Black men and women who were under the yoke of extreme and violent discrimination. That mission has evolved and grown over the years, but the purpose of these organization is still service to the greater society.

Black Greek letter organizations are also lifetime organizations. They are the only collegiate-based fraternities and sororities that maintain graduate chapters

By B. Martin and still initiate members after they have graduated college. As an example of this, Guest Editorialist all organizations have an Omega chapter. This particular chapter is not located on a college campus, nor is it a graduate chapter. A person enters Omega chapter at While reading the article, “Cultures step to a different beat,” (Nov. 13) I noticed the time of his/her death. Organizations based on socializing would not be that several statements by the authors that were slightly misleading. The article also serious. seemed to unintentionally reduce black fraternities and sororities to social organiMembers of Black Greek letter organizations, as well as the organization as a zations based around stepping. There were several times in the article where whole, have been responsible for some of the greatest achievements of the 20th stepping was called, “step dancing.” The problem with this approach in the article century. The members of these organization have given us the discovery is that stepping is not dancing. of blood plasma, the first open heart surgery, the invention of peanut Stepping is a highly ritualized activity performed by Black fraternibutter, the Tuskegee Airmen, the desegregation of public schools, great ties and sororities. Every step means something, and most actually have literature such as Roots, Invisible Man, I Know Why the Caged Bird names and precision choreography that has been passed down since Sings, poems, “Cool” and “A Dream Deferred.” They may also be stepping began in the 1920s (not 1940s). Stepping is actually based on credited for the entire Civil Rights Movement , the Black Panther Party, ritualized dances done by diamond mine slaves in South Africa, not West Operation PUSH, the first Black person to run for president, the first Africa. elected Black governor in American history, “The Cosby Show,” and Stepping has, as the article contends, become very popular among taught us all that a basketball player could fly. These and many other teens. Marching bands, ROTC drill teams and even high schools have accomplishments, too numerous to mention here, are all a part of the formed step teams and begun having step shows and competitions. The rich history of Black Greek letter organizations.

Guest Editorialist problem here is twofold. It does not do justice to the meaning of stepping, Stepping is part of a Black Greek letter organizations. It is, however, Bristol Martin, while at the same time it puts too much emphasis on stepping. All nine international Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities were founded geosystems teacher a very small part. To glorify it by copying the steps without knowing their meaning or giving it too much significance serves a disservice to as service organizations, not social organizations. These organizations the great members of Black Greek letter organizations who have given much of began in the early part of the 20th century as organization that would give what their lives to the betterment of the global community as a whole.

W.E.B. DuBois called the, “Talented Tenth,” the opportunity to help themselves

Stepping is a highly ritualized activity performed by black fraternities and sororities. Every step means something...

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Wednesday, December 5, 2001

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Athletes honored at banquet

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Wednesday, December 5 2001

CHRIS HOGEBOOM

Chris Bagot was awarded the Capt. Robert Sigholtz Jr. Award for outstanding leadership, courage, and sacrifice. The award is given to the player who most “exemplifies the Atomic tradition.”

by Mohammad Edris Qarghah Staff Writer

NEWS BRIEFS

AHS DIRECTORIES AHS phone directories are stil on sale for $3 or two for $5. Anyone wishing to purchase a directory should contact Jennifer Van Pernis at 703-750- 9430 or vanpernis@erols.com

The Fall Sports Banquet held Nov. 19 honored athletes for their tremendous dedication and effort. One of the top award winners, senior linebacker Andrew Marful, received the Bob Henry Memorial Award, which included scholarship money for his outstanding achievement.

The football team voted senior wide receiver Chris Bagot as the player who most exemplified the Atomic tradition.

He received the Capt. Robert Sigholtz Jr. Award for outstanding leadership, courage, and sacrifice.

This season, many agree, got off to a good start. Sophomore tennis player Stephanie Lugar said, “It was a pretty good season, considering that five of our top six were new players.”

Varsity field hockey made it to the second round of regionals. Coach Cindy Hook said the success this season “started with last season. We had a very large number of returning players who set their sights on doing extremely well this year, and made sure they came into the season prepared.”

The football, cheerleading, crosscountry, golf, volleyball, and dance teams were also recognized for their outstanding achievements before about 450 of

their peers parents. Awards were distributed to acknowledge athletes who maintained an above 3.5 grade point average, to those who earned the athletic equivalent of the Academic Letter and Star, and individual awards were distributed for the students who had the most outstanding seasons.

“I think the Atomic Awards are always fun,” said Hook, “because nobody knows those until the night of the banquet and most teams vote on those...It’s hard to get a 3.5 and when you look at the number of our student athletes across the board who get it, it shows a level of commitment.”

Tennis Coach Judy Fischer surprised everyone when she announced her resignation. She said “I would like to play more tennis myself...I think I accomplished the things I set out to do.”

“It was a big surprise, she had not mentioned it to the team before,” said Lugar. “She will be missed.” No replacement has been announced.

Many seniors will not be playing another sport this year. Some teams lost as many as 30 students this year. “As a senior [the Fall Sports Banquet] is a good way to wrap up four years with the people that you played football with,” said Bagot. “Football is tough, and for those guys who stuck with you for all those four years it’s a good night.

Basically it is a senior’s night. It’s a good way to wrap up the year, one last get together.”

The end of high school sports for seniors opens the door for new athletes to make their mark. “I would say that I am already really excited and looking forward already to next year’s field hockey. There are a lot of returning players who are very excited and motivated,” said Hook.

SEAN SULLIVAN

Allison Sanders (right) prepares plates of cookies to be taken down to the lobby for the Spanish Honor Society’s bake sale.

SHS holds bake sale

by Wala’a Elbarasse Staff Writer

The SHS (Spanish Honor Society) kicked off its first ever bake sale after school on Nov. 27 and 28 in front of the cafeteria. The SHS raised $56 out of their $500 goal for the end of the year.

“All of the money we raise this year will be used for a fiesta at the end of the year,” said Antonio Rivadeneira, a Spanish teacher who has been sponsoring the SHS for the past three years.

Teamwork and organization played a key role in the success of this bake sale. “It took a lot of planning and hard work, and everyone came through,” said vice president Alison Sanders.

The officers assigned members desserts to bake for the sale; they ranged from cookies and cupcakes to brownies and muffins, all of which sold for 25 cents each.

Sanders, a senior, was inducted last year in the SHS and describes being a member as a “good experience.”

To join, you must have a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in Spanish. You also must have taken at least three semesters of Spanish.

By joining the SHS, you are introduced to much more than just the Spanish culture and tradition. Many students of different ethnic backgrounds are in the SHS. “I think that because of the fact that AHS has so much diversity that it’s a good way to know each other,” said Rivadeneira.

There are 47 current members in the SHS and the last chance to join this year is in May. Rivadeneira encourages all students that are eligible to join to do so.

“Hopefully we’ll have more activities in the future,” said Sanders. Future activities include more bake sales and helping out with the STAR program by tutoring kids that need help in academics. By selling flyers to local businesses, the SHS also plans to make more money to put towards their fiesta.

Be sure to support the SHS by participating in their upcoming activities throughout the year.

AHS recognized for test scores

by Shin-hyung Ahn Staff Writer MARKETING DEPARTMENT ELECTIONS The DECA culb elected it’s officers for the 20012002 school year. This are the results: President: Hae-Sung Le Vice-Presidents: Sarah Dajani, Scott Frankel Secretary: Shin Kook The DECA recently organized Thanksgiving baskets for the children at the Higher Horizons Day Care Center.

YEARBOOKS HOLIDAY OFFER The Antenna Yearbook staff is now offering a $5 gift certificate to anyone who orders a yearbook. Yearbooks are currently on sale for $50 and come with the Signal video yearbook and the Filament literary magazine.

Annandale High School has been working hard to improve its Standards of Learning (SOL) scores over the years since it’s creation. Last month, Superintendent Daniel A. Domenech recognized 58 schools for having met or exceeded their Schoolwide Achievement Index (SAI) scores.

Annandale is one of 20 schools receiving recognition.

The SAI scores were first implemented in the 1999-2000 school year and for high schools, and are based on SOL scores. The scores are calculated using a formula which awards each student a certain number of points for passing “advanced” or “proficient” in the four core subjects: English, Math, Science and Social Science. Passing advanced in a subject awards the student 100 points, “proficient” awards 50 points and failing awards 0 points.

In order to receive recognition, high schools and middle schools must raise their SAI scores by at least three points and elementary schools by at least five points in each of the subjects compared to the previous year’s scores. “On it’s own, [the score] doesn’t mean a thing. It only means something in comparison from one year to the next,” said Principal Don Clausen.

Annandale High School increased its scores by more than three points in each of the subjects, averaging an SAI point gain by eight. In the 1999-2000 school year, Annandale received scores of 45, 34, 32 and 36 in English, Math, Science and History/Social Science respectively. This year, it received scores of 52, 43, 39 and 45. “We exceeded our goal considerably instead of only growing overall by three,” said Clausen.

Teachers have been working hard to help students learn the information they need to know to pass by giving practice tests, changing the curriculum so that it now concurs with the SOLs, and encouraging students. “The main thing is

a

tomic rticles

A WRAP-UP OF AHS CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

GERMAN CLUB Sponsor: Birget Rutledge-Riel Number of members 25 How to get involved: Show up at meetings in room 228 with an interest in the German culture.

Quote from Sponsor: “So far the involvement of all the club members has been impressive and we look forward to a very active winter and spring 2002.”

Sponsor: Joel Jepson Officers: President Elizabeth Rhee, Vice President Madiza Blell, Secretary Helena Rhee Next meeting: Wednesday, Dec. 5 in room 231 Recent event: Ghost trip of AlexandriaNumber of members: 26 Quote from sponsor: “[You] don’t have to be a history scholar to join, just have an interest in history.”

MUSLIM STUDENTS’ ASC. Sponsor: Jon Nemeth Officers: President Aminah Kakeh, Vice President Wala’a El Barasse, Secretary Deena Razik, Treasurer Rasha Dahab Next meeting: Wednesday, Dec. 5, room 206 Number of members: How to get involved: Pay $7 dues

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HISTORY CLUB

Teachers honored at assembly

CHAE-WHA PARK

Superintendent Daniel Domenech looks over the shoulders of senior Monica Price and junior Richard McCormack.

aligning the curriculum to the SOLs to ensure that in each of these subject areas, the curriculum addresses what the students need to know for the SOLs. That’s taken time to develop and it’s still being worked on,” said Clausen.

Although all Virginia schools take the same standardized test, the SAI is not a means of comparing one school to another. “You can’t use these numbers to compare schools, which is in one way a good thing,” said Clausen. “To use it as a measure of a school’s success falls short of the mark. There are other ways to measure success than just SOL scores. That’s the problem with it. It focuses solely on SOLs.”

DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

CHRIS HOGEBOOM

Before motivational speaker Crystal Kuykendall addressed the student body, science teacher Gannon Sugimura was presented with the “Above and Beyond Recognition Award.” by the P.T.S.A. Computer Graphics teacher Robert Chrisitie and math teacher Cindy Hooke were also recipients of the award.

JUNIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE

Sponsor: Carol Rychlik Officers: President Christina Rhee, Vice President Holly Popal, Treasurer Walter Fedrowitz, Secretary Dorsa Hasas Next meeting: Monday, Dec. 10, cafetaria at 2:10 Number of members: 100 Quote from member: “Next meeting we’re just going to discuss possible field trips for the spring.”

Sponsor: Paul Weiss Next event: Roman Legion, a reinactment group from England visiting on Dec. 4-5.

Number of members: 35 How to get involved: Come by room 216 and have an interest in Latin.

FBLA

Sponsor: Linda Wheeler Officers: President Emily Hardesty, Vice President Jasmine Canady, Secretary Meron Araya, Alternate Nicole Scltzer Next event: Meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 12, in room 201 to discuss Toy Drive for Children living with AIDS and HIV. Recent event: Red Ribbon distribution for World AIDS Day on Nov. 30 in front of all entrances to school to raise awareness about this world-wide epidemic.

Number of members: How to get involved: Talk to Mrs. Wheeler to get training.

Quote from sponsor: “There’s a specific need for gifts for the age group 13-16 for the toy drive.”

Sponsor: Jennifer Stansbury Officers: President Hong-An Tran-Tien, Vice President Soo-sie Lim Next event: ASK project will provide toys for children with cancer.

Number of members: 49 Quote from sponsor: “Hope everyone gets involved in the project ASK”

WOMEN UNITED FOR THE FUTURE Sponsor: Nancy Walden Next meeting: Dec. 19, in room 213 Next event: Working on quilts for the homeless.

Number of members: 12 How to get involved: Come talk to Nancy Walden in room 213.

Quote from Sponsor: “We want to be sure to keep at least one person warm this winter.”

JV MATH TEAM Sponsor: Anna Frome Next event: Meet on Wednesday, Dec.12 How to get involved: go to room 244 at 2:15 on Feb. 6 Quote from Sponsor: “Hope to see you there.”

SAFE CLUB

SPANISH CLUB Sponsor: Mary Katherine Keating Officers: President Zoraya Vega, Secretary Carla Geng, Treasurer Jean Viquez Next event: Wednesday, Dec. 12 is the Christmas party in Trailer 15.

Quote from sponsor: “Next Wednesday is our Christmas party. We’re doing secret santa and we’ll be exchaning culture.”

— Information gathered by Journalism I students, edited by Chae-Wha Park, Atomic Articles Editor

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Key Club makes happy hats “The fact that it helps these suffering kids really made me feel good,” said junior Jeanie Adkins.

by Aminah Kakeh Staff Writer

The Key Club created “Happy Hats” for children that are currently suffering from serious illnesses. The morning of Nov. 17 was filled with glitter, ribbons and lace as the volunteers decorated the hats.

It was done as a gesture of hope and goodwill for the ailing youths. “They’re for the children in the hospital who are confined to the hospital wards because of their illnesses,” said junior Bayla Whitten. “We made the hats to cheer them up.” The hats the volunteers made were constructed out of soft materials.

“They were kind of like crafts,” said junior Jeanie Adkins. “The hats were plain when we got them and then we had the option of sewing ribbons or laces onto the hats, among other things we could also add to decorate.”

These special hats are custom made in chartered workshops, which are correlated by the many dedicated youths that are currently involved in the Happy Hats effort. The centers for these workshops usually were located at religious or community centers.

The hats are distributed, free of charge, to all the children who are experiencing hair loss due to the medical treatments they are receiving, or due to the hospitalization as a result of any life threatening illnesses. They are also

MONICA PRICE

Juniors Bayla Whitten and Jeanie Adkins construct hats for the Key Club’s “Happy Hats” program.

The hats will be delivered to children in pediatric intensive care centers in America.

distributed to children who are in the pediatric intensive care units as well as in burn centers around the nation.

“Although doing crafts really isn’t my thing, the fact that it helps these suffering kids really made me feel good,” said Adkins.

The designs were colorful and were suited for and classified by gender. “The hats were shaped like jester hats, they were made out of cloth and had children designs on them such as Pokemon, zoo

animals and other ‘kid stuff.’ There was also an elastic band around the rim making the hat adjustable to fit any kid’s head,” said Whitten.

The student volunteers took a plain hat and personally began to design it, using any of the available supplies. “It took about 15 minutes to complete each hat,” said Adkins. The volunteers were at the National Gardens Baptist Church in Falls Church from about 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and completed as many hats as

the allotted time permitted. “We really were trying to focus on quality over quantity when we were designing the hats,” said Whitten. The plain hats were in a big pile in the center of the room so as the volunteers completed one hat they would take another to decorate. “I am not really creative, so the designs I added just matched with the colors already on the hat,” said Whitten.

The idea the volunteers tried to maintain when decorating the hats was the general motto of the Happy Hats operation: “Wear a Happy Hat and think happy thoughts.” This was the general idea they wanted the recipient of the hat to have upon receiving it. The main objective was to put a smile on the ailing child’s face.

The process of this project is actually very intricate and prolonged and involves the efforts of many different people and groups. It begins with the pulling together of the appropriate materials and ultimately ends with the distribution of the final products. The entire process emphasizes team work, compassion, tolerance, and also service to the community. “I’ve done Happy Hats before with my youth group and the people involved are very passionate about what they do,” said Whitten.

The volunteers believe very much in their cause and wish more people would get involved in this heart fulfilling activity.

CALENDAR Dec. 6 -Band concert @ 7:30 p.m., auditorium Dec. 8 - ACT testing Dec. 13

DAVID COVUCCI

Senior Rita Mrad squeezes a ball in order to prepare to give blood.

Students give to blood drive

by Crystan Blanco Ad Manager

The blood drive, held Nov 16., attracted 95 donors, proving it to be a success.

“I was happy to see so many people come out for the cause.

At first I was doubtful, but students took initiative and the turn out was excellent,” said junior LJ Hyde, one of the two sponsors.

The goal of 92 volunteers was reached and surpassed by three. Of those who volunteered only 75 were accepted. Many of the volunteers who that were turned down recently had tatoos done or were exhibiting flu symptoms.

“It [blood drive] was an absolute success. The cause was great; the people were great,” said Hyde.

Many students agree and found the experience worthwhile.

“I think it was a success. I’m glad I could help such a noble organization,” said senior Keith Nolan.

Some donors, despite being somewhat nervous, said they would participate again. “The people were very professional and helpful. It was my first time giving blood and I wasn’t so scared,” said senior Katie O’Neill, “even though I fainted.”

All those who helped were greatly appreciated. According to the INOVA web page, holiday and summer months is when a shortage most often occurs.

INOVA needs to collect at least 200 units of blood a day, seven days a week to have a healthy and ample supply.

To find out additional information about upcoming blood drives, visit www.givelife.com or call 1-800-GIVE -LIFE. You must wait at least 56 days before donating again.

“It was awesome. I’ll do it again,” said junior Chris Velilla.

Motivational speaker comes to AHS

Tech Talk- George Mason University @ 9 p.m.

by Brett Hendrickson Staff writer

-PTSA meeting @ 7 p.m., library

“You’ve got to have a goal, and you’ve got to have a plan for how to reach it. My young friends, when you have a plan, you can understand what success really is. Let me tell you what success is. More than anything else, success is a progressive realization of a worthwhile goal.”

Reactions of people who went to Crystal Arlene Kuykendall motivational speech on Nov. 15 were somewhat mixed.

Some students really reacted to this and were inspired. Junior Abdul Mahmoud said, “The speaker had a positive impact on me, because I connected instantly with her high energy and charm.” Students who agreed with Mahmoud’s sentiments all agreed that the speaker was definitely a gem. They really resonated with the fact that she was there to help them, and they were to consider themselves the most important people in the world.

Other students focused on it happening all the time because they had heard the speech before. Senior Carlos Perez said, “these motivational speeches all say the same thing so I don’t care about it.”

Kuykendall was born in Chicago in tough surroundings. She graduated from

-Winter Choral Concert @ 7:30 p.m., auditorium Dec. 19 - Winter Orchestra Concert @ 7:30 p.m., auditorium

NEWS BRIEFS

REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP IDEA EXCHANGE CHRIS HOGEBOOM

Dr. Crystal Arlene Kuykendall speaks to the AHS student body. Kuykendall’s makes her speeches in hopes of inspiring generations of young children, and raising their self esteem.

Montclair State University with a Master of Arts degree in sociology. In 1979 she was chosen by the editors of Ebony Magazine as one of the “50 leaders of the future.” She was also a Board of Directors of Health Power, Inc.

She incorporated her company, Kreative and Innovative Resources for Kids. She provides her company with long-term technical assistance and consulting services to an increasing number of national and international clients.

SGA plans for winter dance

by Rachel Jones Staff Writer

The date for the winter dance has been set for January 9, and the SGA chose the theme of clubbing for the dance and preceding fashion show.

Although the name has not been confirmed by the school administration, it will likely be called “The Ice Box.” The fashion show will likely be held on January 9, but that date is also waiting conformation by the administration.

The fashion show will feature ideas and new styles for people not sure on what to wear to the dance. The fashion show is a “fun activity for students to express themselves, [in] such a diversified school not everyone knows what to wear to the dance,” said Jack Hiatt, SGA advisor.

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Fairfax County’s Partners in Education program and Office of Business and Industry Relations have formed the Regional Partnership Idea Exchange.

The first meeting will be Dec. 6 @ 7:30 a.m. The Partnership is planning on offering students eleven different workshops including a special workshop on SOL tests.

WELCH SISTERS HONORED

This years dance theme, “clubbing,” does not require fancy or expensive clothing. “It’s a laid back approach,” said SGA president Maame Boateng. “Something you would wear to parties, not what you would wear to homecoming.”

A winter pep rally may also be held before the dance, but there is no date set as of now. Winter pep rallies are difficult to plan, though, because the school’s gymnasium does not hold many students.

The week of school activities (the date for which has not been confirmed) was planned because SGA officers wanted to boost school spirit, especially during the construction. “We looked around the school and saw the renovation was affecting school spirit” said Boateng, “The whole week has been set aside for fun and uplifting activities.”

Current AHS junior Ashley Welch and three sisters Aubrey, Alana, and Alyssa were honored in November for starting the Wash America fund raiser. Wash America was started as a relief fund for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The Welch’s Wash America fund-raiser has earned more than $76,000 for the American Red Cross.

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aBlast

the

Wednesday, December 5, 2001

5

6 aBlast

the

Wednesday, December 5, 2001

How do you feel about the field trip policy?

Gay Straight Alliance formed Alan Yao forms Alliance to bridge gap, founded in remembrance of Matthew Shepard, follows trend set by area schools

“The 250-mile policy made no sense, it wouldn’t make a difference for anybody.”

Chris Eliff freshman

“Alliance” from pg. 1 “[Alan] thought that of faculty member, it was something that wouldn’t shock me and that I’d support what he was trying to do,” said Farish.

Due to lack of planning, the Nov. 27 meeting was canceled and will be rescheduled after Winter Break.

For the first meeting, Yao plans on having elections of officers, which include president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary and publicity manager.

“I don’t feel bad about [rescheduling] because time will make the meeting that much better,” said Yao. Yao has attended T.C. Williams’ meetings to learn how run gaystraight alliance and to obtain ideas for AHS’ club. All AHS students are welcome at T.C.’s meetings, which are every Monday at 3:30 p.m. T.C. is currently working on coordinating a meeting with all G.S.A’s in the county.

Meanwhile, Yao and Farish have been working together to create the first meeting so it would fit not only their busy schedules, but their vision.

“We cannot ignore the fact that on average, ten percent of the population may be gay. Therefore I feel there should be a place where anyone of any sexuality can come and talk about it. We cannot ignore, we should not ignore the fact that there are gays out there.

We need to build an acceptance,” said Farish. “That doesn’t mean we want to force a belief on anyone, but hopefully information will be out there that is more educated and scientific.”

The club will provide information to dissipate myths, unacceptance and stereotypes. One popular stereotype is that the arts department, in general, attract “freaks, gays and people of similar labels.”

Farish asked, in response, if the football team breeds big fat muscular guys who are dumber than doornails. She also commented that the people in the arts “are comfortable. They know there are different types of people and they don’t care what people are, they care who they are.”

“Stereotyping doesn’t answer the question. People think that if you aren’t big and manly, you’re gay. It takes all kinds of people to make this world. There will be some gay, some straight. There will be some bi and some who aren’t either way,” she said.

The club wants to create a firm alliance between homosexuals and heterosexuals and Yao welcomes students with different views or prejudices because it will give members the chance to speak their own views while hearing from the other side.

“I’m not racist, I just don’t talk to gays,” said Hollowell.

Farish and Yao have received support from faculty and friends.

When the club was announced, student reactions didn’t vary much outside the fact that it didn’t affect them directly and that it’s just another club. According to junior Monte Moyer, he doesn’t mind gays as long as they’re not making any direct moves toward him. Jose Varela, junior, consider gays to be normal but that they should “know the rules.” Another common myth

DENICE MILLER

T.C Williams seniors Drew Steiner and Ruth Gainer, AHS senior Alan Yao and their sponsor design the Gay Straight Alliance log at T.C Williams. The Gay Staight Alliance was recently started at AHS, modeling itself after the one at T.C. Williams.

that the club has in mind to “attack” is that gays are always trying to make a move on every guy they see.

“I think gay people have the right to decide the way they live.

I’m not for gays but people should mind their own business. If I date a girl, people should leave me alone and if a guy dates a guy, they should be left alone too,” said junior Travis Johnson.

A senior, who does not want to be identified, is already planning on attending the meetings. Unlike Yao, this student has received derrogative comments about his bisexuality almost daily and hasn’t told his parents because he doesn’t

Drama in Wonderland auditons for children Drama holds play auditions for annual chlidren’s play, this years: Alice in Wonderland “Play” from pg. 1

“Traveling no more than 250miles is dumb.

What’s the difference between 50 miles and 1,000 miles as long as its on American soil?”

Jegs Peralta junior

feel they would be supportive. “I haven’t told them because I don’t feel it’s any of their concern,” he said. “But if I felt more comfortable with them, if I thought they’d be more supportive, than I would tell them.”

According to Principal Don Clausen, in order to instate an organization, a form must be filled out, a sponsor found and a review of the club to make sure it passes criteria. The criteria is that the club is open to all students and isn’t to harm anyone or thing.

Clausen said, “[The club] should fit into the philosophy of AHS. We’re a community of diversity and to me this is another form of diversity.”

them,” said senior Emily Useem. The size of the script or the character a person got didn’t matter, “it’s how well you play the part, no matter how small it is,” said Useem.

While some students were ready to play any character they could qualify for, others had specific ones in mind. “I want to try out for Alice because it’s such a cute role and I really want to be part of the play for my senior year,” said senior Joan Diongzon. The Cheshire Cat was a popular choice.

“I’m going for the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts because I like the sly characterization of the cat. If I don’t get that, I think it would be fun to yell at everybody else, ‘Off with their heads!’” said senior Sarah Paterson. Junior Fanta Sesay also wants to try

CHAE-WHA PARK

Freshmen Yasmeen Al-Suqi and Andrew Hawkins practice lines to the play before their audtion.

out for the competitive role of the Cheshire Cat, “When I used to watch it [Alice in Wonderland] I always thought that the Cheshire Cat is very unique and intriguing. Plus he was cool so I’d really like to have the part.” said Sesay.

Bensen is ready to try out for a number of characters. “I’m going for the Caterpillar, Cheshire cat, Alice and the Queen of Hearts because they are the charac-

ters that appeal to me the most,” said Bensen.

Most female students are naturally trying out for the female roles while males are going for male ones. “I want to try out for the dormouse because he’s a guy and he lives in a teapot,” said sophomore Ian Mcleland.

Another young actor, Renato Guevara, a senior said, “I want to go for the Mad Hatter or the Hare because I think they fit me and my personality.”

Most of the students who tried out had a previous experience in theater and were quite calm and relaxed when their turn came to come on stage. They did not have to worry about not qualifying for a role because the play “is going to have a very big cast and so a lot of people have the chance to get in,” said Diongzon.

Each scene was auditioned over and over again so that the director could get an idea of where the students’ talents lie. “The first time people read scenes, they don’t know what to expect. Reading the same scene a couple of times helps them to do it better and also gives multiple people the chance to try out for the same scene,” said Dere.

The play is going to emphasize more on the book by Lewis Carroll than on the Disney movie. They plan on using some of the costumes they made for the play the last time they did Alice in Wonderland in 1993.

Field Trip Policy Changes “We should go back to the way things were; we shouldn’t stop anything because of what happened.”

-Mary Gunderson senior

“We can’t live in fear, we shouldn’t curb what we do in our lives, we shouldn’t limit our experiences.”

In light of the recent terrorist attacks in New York City and The Pentagon, Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all field trips over a 250-mile radius of the school.

These mandates were reviewed December 1st for all trips scheduled for after January 1st, 2001.

However, for the remainder of the school year, all overseas trips that involve air transportation will be canceled. “The major change is that we are getting back to ‘normal,’ or as normal as it can be after September 11,” said Fairfax County Public School Superintendent Dr. Daniel Domenech.

As FCPS and the nation returns to normal, many of formerly canceled field trips are now rescheduled and will go on. The status of the annual A-Blast trip to New York has been changed. Before the reevaluations, the trip could have been canceled, but now the trip is back on.

Domenech added that the parents have the option of letting their students opt out of field trips without penalty. This will help relieve the anxiety of parents if they feel that traveling is not safe at this time.

Sophomore Matthew Hubacher feels that these security measures are there for a reason. “I think extra security is necessary until we can keep the skies safe. Besides, there is no where to go 250 miles away from school,” said Hubacher.

FCPS will allow trips to the

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-Martha Trigeiro Math teacher

by Kyle Smeallie Staff Writer

District of Columbia despite the attacks on The Pentagon. Freshman Kelsey Prentice said, “If the school system is afraid of terrorists striking New York again, why are they not afraid of them targeting D.C.?”

Although the school system strongly recommends non-school sponsored events overseas to be canceled, it cannot control the decisions. The Spanish Honor Society is complying with the FCPS request, and they have canceled their trip to Puerto Rico.

Marcela Vergara, a Spanish teacher, said, “The Spanish Honor Society has canceled their school trip to Puerto Rico, but I still encourage my students to go to Spain with their parents.”

Another AHS club affected by this new policy is the Model U.N. The original plan was to travel to Harvard University for their national convention. Instead, members had to travel to Duke University.

However there are opposing views to the FCPS field trip regulations. Sophomore Keris Krenn-Hrubec said, “If you sit and be afraid of what could happen, then the terrorists have won.”

Other opposition to the field trip policy feel that it will hold students back. Junior Jennifer Stewart said, “This policy is only keeping kids back from good experiences. I just think that it is wrong.”

On a more hopeful note, Dr. Domenech said, “The new mandates suggest things have gone back to normal, and flying conditions seem to be safer.”

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in your head

From personalities to brain functions, students deal with psychology in everyday life

By Sarah Sherman Photographer

Ever wonder why the guy who sits behind you in R3 can’t sit still? Or why the girl whose locker is next to yours never says more then two words? Personality is defined as the complex characteristics that distinguish an individual’s manner of talking, thinking, dressing, eating, and handling their social life and their future.

“Everyone’s personality is unique,” said psychology teacher Scott Hambrick. “Their personality is what makes them different, individual. When students take my class, they take what they learn and apply it to their own situation. It’s their own personal experience.”

While there are many theories about the development of one’s personality, there are several that seem more logical to people and stand out above others.

FREUD THE FOUNDER

academics

Personality explained It’s all through psychology

difference in the last two stages is the level of maturity at which the character is developed.

“I think I have a very extroverted personality, because I like to meet people and I’m outgoing,” said junior Elizabeth Tran.

“There’s no one out there just like me.”

Other psychologists, such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, believe personality is constantly changing based on experiences throughout life. Unlike Freud, Maslow claimed that environmental factors like society, money, family, religion, etc., are always changing the way a person thinks and behaves.

ROGERS’ REPLIES

Rogers’ theory is somewhat more simple than that of Maslow or Freud. The concept of motivation, not only to survive, but to strive to make the very best of existence is the basis of this theory. According to Rogers, people are generally good and healthy and like Maslow, he said society changes one’s personality. Rogers claims that it is human nature to succeed, to live to the fullest. These factors are what boost or depress the motivation for life. While both Maslow and Rogers believe in a constantly changing personality, they simply have different explanations.

Sigmund Freud was a psychoanalyst during the late 19th century. He came up with several theories for explaining natural human tendencies such as urges or emotions.

His main contribution to the personality theories was the introduction of the conscious versus unconscious mind.

MODERN PSYCHOLOGY According to Freud, the human brain Today there are dozens of different theories has two separate aspects. In the larger about why people act the way they do. These aspect, the unconscious, there are also ow that I’ve learned theories mentioned are just the tip of the two branches, the social unconscious and iceberg. Many psychologists believe in the about the mind and the personal unconscious. The social purely medical explanation, that personality is behavior, things seem unconscious explains what is “second derived from a genetic influence, like one’s nature” to a person, such as his or her more logical about life. I’m parents. Others believe education and what language or cultural habits. The personal one knows can mold the behavior and way of getting a real understanding unconscious explains our habits, such as thinking for someone. Emotions including pain about people. brushing your teeth. The unconscious and pleasure have proven to influence a mind shapes a person’s personality person’s lifestyle.

—Michael Scott without him or her knowing it. They junior Everyone has a unique personality; no two unconsciously learn styles of living and people are exactly the same. Identical twins how society in their environment works. may have an influence or resemblance to one The other aspect, the conscious mind, makes up one’s another, but a personality is what makes the individual. Today objective view of reality. The way one thinks, acts and feels there are several tests and quizzes people can take to deteris derived from the conscious. For example, a person is mine what kind of person they truly are. For example, the conscious when they carry on a conversation because they Myers-Briggs test is a self examination that people often take are aware of their thoughts, actions and surroundings, to see what kind of personality they have. Similar tests are therefore, they are in the conscious mind. offered for free online.

Freud also believed many traits are formed during At AHS, students in grades 11 and 12 take psychology class. childhood. People are born with only natural or human Taught by Hambrick, the class learns about famous psycholoinstincts. How one speaks, thinks, behaves and interacts gists, tests, history, and medical aspects. with others is learned through experiences growing up.

“In my psych class, I’m learning more about why myself and Freud also supported the theory dealing with several others do the things we do,” said junior Michael Scott. “Now stages during life in which different aspects of the personal- that I’ve learned about the mind and behavior, things seem ity were formed. The first stage, infancy, is where the more logical about life. I’m getting a real understanding about groundwork is laid out for life ahead. A person learns to do people.” all the basics, like to eat and see, and the brain begins to People often behave the way they do unconsciously. Routine, function. emotions, education, past experiences, interaction with others The second stage, childhood, is where the basis of the and economic background play key roles in the shaping of one’s personality is formed. The person begins to learn morals personality. Who knows, maybe the guy in R3 simply doesn’t and gains experiences that will affect him or her later in know he fidgets. Perhaps your silent locker neighbor is shy life. because of a past traumatic experience. Just think, if small The third stage ties into the fourth, adolescence into factors like these are noticeable in one’s personality, there has adulthood. In these two stages the person develops be something strange about you too. character based on conscious decision making. The only

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DRAWN BY KATHY SAUPP

Major Parts of the Brain The brain is approximately three pounds and is the most complex and vital organ of the human body. Billions of nerve cells make up the brain, which is divided into many parts.

The two main parts include the cerebral cortex and the brainstem. The brainstem is the oldest part of the brain. It includes the limbic system, which controls emotion, the cerebellum, which controls voluntary movements, and the corpus colosum, which controls the way the left and right side of the brain communicate. Each lobe controls different bodily functions. Different sides of the brain control different modes of thinking. The leftbrain subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. The right-brain focuses on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity.

Parietal Lobe The parietal lobe lies at the top back of the head. It is the part of the brain that deals with our sense of feeling.

Frontal Lobe The frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex is located just behind the forehead. It is involved mostly in speaking, muscle movements, and making plans and judgements.

Famous psychologists

ERIK ERICKSON is developed the Psychological Stages of Human Development.

Erickson asserted that human individual development can be successful if the individual is able to resolve key conflicts which arise during each of the eight common life stages.

Psychology class profile SIGMUND FREUD is generally recognized as one of the most influential and authoritative thinkers of the 20th century. He created the theory that the mind is a complex energy-system and refined the concepts of the unconscious.

Teacher: Scott Hambrick Classes Periods: R1, R3, W2 Number Students Enrolled: 69 Units Studied: Components of individual experiences. Topics include emotions, personalities, dreams, memory, drugs, and mental illnesses.

Activities: Most of the activities are hands on activities. Trust-walks, where the class walks around the classroom blindfolded, and slinky activities, where the class uses slinkies to simulate neurons flowing to the brain, are popular exercises. The classes also train virtual rats on the computer as well as create songs, commercials, and brochures about specific topics

HANA NGUYEN

Junior Zhiela Ashtianipour receives help from Scott Hambrick as she does classwork.

Projects/ Assignments: There are projects once each unit where the class conducts research or makes graphic organizers.

Homework: About 15 minutes every night.

Future in Psychology: Some colleges now require a psychology course. The high school course does not count, but serves as the basic introduction to the course.

Occipital Lobe The occipital lobe lies at the back of the head. It mostly deals with the visual information that comes into your eyes.

“[The class] is fun but it’s harder than you think. It’s an involved course. It’s unique because it’s about individuals. People take what they learn and apply it to their lives.”

Temporal Lobe The temporal lobe lies just above the ears. It translates sounds to your ears and deals with your sense of hearing.

—Scott Hambrick Psychology teacher

www.central.rufy.com/brain/parts.html, www.eid.edu/~edtech/teamTeach_Ex/rightbra.htm, www.puzzlegrid.com

CARL GUSTAV JUNG was a Swiss psychiatrist who developed the concepts of the extroverted and introverted personality and the collective unconscious.

Jung wrote Psychological Types, which states his position on psychology.

Hermann Rorschach’s Inkblot Test Hermann Rorschach published his test of 10 inkblots in 1921 to determine personality traits by interpreting a subject’s responses to the images. Below is a sample of Rorschach’s famous test. Look at the inkblots and decide

what you think they look like. Below the inkblots are some common interpretations of what participants think inkblots look like and what those interpretations say about your personality.

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Wednesday, December 5, 2001

Inkblot 1 How fast you come up with an interpretation of this inkblot indicates how well you cope with new situations. The best reaction is to give one of the most common responses immediately.

According to Rorschach, good answers are: bat, butterfly, or moth.

Inkblot 2 Generally, the most common responses to this inkblot is either female figures or clowns. If you don’t see this, it may be a sign that you have trouble relating to people. Other responses include a cave entrance and butterfly.

Inkblot 3 This inkblot is supposed to reveal how you really feel about your mother. Virtually everyone sees two girls or women. Deprecating descriptions of the figures (witches, spinsters, or girls fighting) indicate poor maternal relations.

Inkblot 4 Rorschach himself thought this was the easiest inkblot to interpret. It is a bat or butterfly, period. If you see the projections on the ends of the bat wings as crocodile heads, this signifies hostility. www.deltabravo.net/custody/rorschach.htm

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Takin Care of Business

Wednesday, December 5, 2001

While some Annandale students hit the books after school, others head for their after school jobs. Some work to support their families, others work for the experience and many more work for the money.

WORKING FACTS Minimum wage is $5.15 Children aged 14 and 15 can work no more than 3 hours on a school day or 18 hours during the school week.

Children under the age of 16 must have a work permit in order to work.

LINDA FAIRALL

WHERE AHS STUDENTS WORK

Senior Erin Pak picks up golf balls at Pinecrest Golf Course in Annandale. Pak said, “The best part about working is getting to make money and be with friends at the same time.”

Total Crafts Starbucks Super Petz Giant Safeway Gap Blockbuster Silverado

JENNY BEAM

Senior Nikki Lebedeff helps a customer pay for a purchase at Super Petz in Annandale. Lebedeff said, “It’s hard to handle school and work, but when school is tough, it’s relaxing to come to work.”

JENNY BEAM

Sophomore Ashley Miller folds fabric for a customer at Total Crafts. Even though Miller is only a sophomore, she feels that working is a good experience because “I get to meet new people and of course, the money is nice too.”

WORKING DOs and DON’Ts DO dress to impress. How you dress can influence whether you’re hired or not.

DO keep a smile on your face. If the employee is happy, it makes the experience better for all involved.

DON’T be rude. If a customer feels she was treated disrespectfully, chances are, she won’t want to come back.

LINDA FAIRALL

Senior Linette Luna puts together a flower arrangement at The Olde Village Flower Shop in Van Dorn Plaza.

JENNY BEAM

JENNY BEAM

Senior Young An works the cash register at Total Crafts. Many students choose to work at Total Crafts because of it’s convenient location.

JENNY BEAM

JENNY BEAM

Senior Laura Barnes carefully rewraps spools of ribbon at Total Crafts. Barnes works in the fabric department and has worked at Total Crafts since summertime.

JENNY BEAM

Senior Danitza Rosas inventories razor blades at the CVS in Heritage Mall.

s

napshots

Senior Leslie Lang sorts paint at Total Crafts. Stocking shelves and sorting products are common responsibilities at many jobs.

JENNY BEAM

Senior Darion Stuart rings up an order at the Starbucks in the new Safeway. Stuart started working at Safeway soon after it opened.

by N’Hawa Tangula Staff Writer

The sighting of the new moon signifies the inception of the holiest month in Islamic faith, Ramadan. Derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad, Ramadan denotes sweltering heat and dryness, much like the intense sensation of desiccation resulting from thirst. AHS students begin celebrating Ramadan in November and it continues through December. They agree that fasting during Ramadan is an important part of their faith.

People of the Islamic faith believe that their holy book of worship, the Quran, descended from the heavens as “a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation” during this period of serenity.

It is during this ninth month of the Islamic calendar that Muslims fast. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is very important to the Islamic faith.

“In the Holy Quran, Allah said ‘O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn self-restraint,” said sophomore Fatimah Popal.

In order to fast Muslims must have reached puberty, must be sane, must be in good health, and not in a state of travel.

Women must be in a state of absolute purity. The duty of fasting is incumbent on all those who meet these prerequisites.

“The Fast of Ramadan lasts the entire month and throughout this period, austere restrictions are placed on normal routines of Muslims. They are not allowed to consume any food or liquid during daylight hours,” said senior Marjan Ameri, “It is forbidden for them to tell lies, make false promises, gossip, cheat, curse and engage in LAURA HALLOWELL sexual affairs. It takes so much discipline and scrutiny of Mahamed Noor sits in room 126 where Muslim students went your personal actions to pull this off everyday,” said senior durning Ramadan to avoid the food of the lunch room Marjan Ameri.

The typical fasting day begins at sunrise, after eating the several hours of praying and studying the Quran. last meal before fasting begins and saying the morning “There are 30 chapters in the Quran, so each night we prayer, fajr. finish one chapter till the end of the month,” said sophoBy restraining from temptations during the day, one more Fatimah Popal. In addition to the five daily prayers, attains niyyah, which is a heartfelt intention that adhering Muslims recite a special to the rules of fasting is meant to prayer called Taraweeh be solely for the worship of Allah, or night prayer. It is in order to seek His pleasure. t takes so much discipline and scrutiny of your twice as long as the daily “This is what keeps us motipersonal actions, to pull this off everyday” prayers. vated and helps us avoid temptaLaylat-al-Qadr, or the tion,” said junior Nadia Beshir. At —Marjan Ameri Night of Power, is sunset, the fast is opened with senior celebrated on the 27 day dates and milk or water. Then the of the month. Muslims evening prayer, maghrib, and believe that it was on this finally a big meal, called iftar is night that the prophet Muhammad received the revelation served. of the Holy Quran; according to the Quran, this is when Families often visit their relatives in the evening after God determines what happens in the world for the followthey have broken the fast. Families become a tighter unit ing year. during Ramadan by gathering in the sharing of food and The Fast of Ramadan comes to an end on the first day of letting go of all past malice and grudges towards each other. the month of Shawwal. It is celebrated with a three-day Ramadan is considered a time of placidity, which allows holiday called Id-al-Fitr. Families get together in a big for individual introspection and spiritual closeness to Allah. feast, share gifts, pray and give thanks to Allah.

It is common for Muslims to go to the Mosque and engage in

i

“There’s nothing hard for me to do, because I’m use to it. I began fasting when I was younger.”

cultures

Ramadan celebrated

What is the hardest part of Ramadan?

—Hamda Hussein junior

“It’s hard to fast from sunrise to sunset, because you can’t eat and you can’t drink water or do the other stuff that you usually do.”

—Kurmanji Sada junior

“It’s not really hard to fast, because when you open [stop fasting after sunset] the fast you can eat a whole lot. And praying five times a day is easy because I do that normally.”

—Humera Arif senior

“Ramadan tests your patience and the good thing about it is it teaches you to be sober and be grateful for what you have.”

Sharing the Faith MORGAN MCEVILLY

Left, AHS social worker Constance O’Hearn speaks to Vacant Cross club members about Israeli prisoner Mordecai Vanunu. Bottom, Junior EunYoung Jeon listens attentively to O’Hearn. She, like the rest of the members, was impressed with O’Hearn’s devout commitment to the release of Vanunu.

Guest speaker shares her religious ‘call’

by Martha Amoako Cultures Editor

Hanging on every inch of AHS social worker Constance O’Hearn’s office walls are photographs of people from many different cultures. At the heart of her room is an intricately hand-drawn picture of three people who attempted to change society through peaceful means: Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi and Dorothy Day. For the past three years, O’Hearn has dedicated her time to another advocate of peaceful resistance, a prisoner of conscience and a prisoner for humanity, Mordehcai Vanunu. She has been ministering to him since Nov. 22, 1998. Overall, she has sent him 162 audiotapes and 28 videotapes in which she responds to his letters and reads some of his favorite novels to him.

Vanunu is in Askelon Prison in Israel, serving an 18-year sentence for informing the public via the London newspaper, The Sunday Times, about Israel’s secret nuclear weapon program. He was lured from Britain to Rome, where Israeli agents kidnapped

him.

O’Hearn has arduously advocated for the release of Vanunu. “When people say to me, ‘well what do you think is going to come from all of this?’

I say well, I tell you, ‘while I don’t know what’s going to happen ultimately, but I believe that my purpose in his life is to be an instrument of hope’,” said O’Hearn.

However, it is how and why O’Hearn began to minister to Vanunu that led to guest speaking at Vacant Cross on

i

know that I’m on the right track when I feel a real inner peace.

The gift that God gives us is inner peace when we’re doing what He wants us to do.

Constance O’Hearn Social Worker

Thursday, November 15. O’Hearn told the group about the religious epiphany that she experienced more than a year ago while reading the book Dead Man Walking. “It seemed like God was saying that you need to converse with a prisoner of conscience,” said O’Hearn.

Before she proceeded with her epiphany, she prayed over it for some

time. “My relationship with God is the most important relation that I have. I never do anything without praying for guidance and discernment,” said O’Hearn.

After feeling a divine confirmation for her “call” to minister a prisoner of conscience, O’Hearn began to read various publications from Pax Christi U.S. (a national Catholic peace movement) and Amnesty publications about religious and other prisoners.

“I had been reading these stories for 11 months after I got the “call.”

The people’s stories shocked me but nothing jumped out at me. But the minute I read Mordechai’s story, I thought instantly that this is who I’m suppose to write to,” said O’Hearn.

From that moment O’Hearn has dedicated her energy to facilitate in the release of this advocate of peaceful resistance. “I know that I’m on the right track when I feel a inner peace. The gift that God gives us is inner peace when we’re doing what He wants us to do,” said O’Hearn.

The Vacant Cross members were impressed with her intense devotion to Mordechai. “Her story touched me.

I felt bad for the man and I’m going to write to him,” said junior Heather Austin. “[O’Hearn’s devotion] is a way to know that there are other people like us in the school.”

Until March 12, 1998, Vanunu was held in solitary confinement.

Although he will be release in two years, campaign for his release has intensified worldwide within the last year.

Dec. 2— First Sunday of Advent

Dec. 8— Bodhi DayBuddist Celebration of enlightenment Human Rights Day

Dec. 10— Hanukkah-

—Sharmeen Kassim junior

New religious club helps students with faith

MORGAN MCEVILLY

CULTURAL OBSERVANCES FOR DECEMBER

Dec. 12— Festival of Our Lady of GuadalupeCelebrates Roman Catholic saint

Dec. 13— Laylat alQadr- the night of power during the month of Ramadan

Students use club to affirm their faith

Dec. 15— Bill of Rights Day

by Morgan McEvilly Staff Writer

Dec. 16 or 17— Eid alFitr- breaks the fast of Ramadan

The moment of silence is probably the closest AHS students can get to religion during the school day. Yet for members of the Vacant Cross, a moment is not enough.

That is why junior Chris Lusby created a club where Christian teens can come together and talk about their faith and pray together.

The meaning of the club is implied in its name. “I think it means that the cross is empty because it was written in the Scriptures that Jesus would rise after his death, and the Scriptures came true, so the cross is now empty,” said Lusby. His mother believes that the cross is empty so there is room for people to come and join the faith.

There are many different thoughts about what the name “Vacant Cross” means. It can mean something different to everybody.

The Vacant Cross was started at the beginning of this school year, but the process to get the club approved was long and tedious. It all started last year when Lusby wanted to start a group where Christian teens could meet and talk about Christianity. The county had to approve the club before they could begin. This process took almost all last year to be completed. “I thought beginning the club like this would be cool, a place to let all the other Christians get to know one another and just talk,” said Lusby.

The club meets every Thursday in the Library Reference Room. Students begin with games, listen to music and talk. Lusby talks about the different aspects of being a teen Christian, which is followed by snacks and a time for anyone else in the group to speak out and share their feelings.

Sometimes they will have guest speakers. This past week they had Constance O’Hearn come in and talk to them about Mordechai Vanunu, a man put in prison for revealing secret information to the public; they write letters back and forth to each other.

“The thing I like most about the Vacant Cross is the fact that all of us can come and share our thoughts on life, and have fun while doing it,” said Lusby.

The Vacant Cross is open to anyone who would like to join and who is interested in Christianity. “My main message to people is that you don’t have to give up having fun,” said Lusby. “You can still have fun and be a good Christian. As long as you have your beliefs; that is what Christianity is about, not strictly how you act.”

Dec. 21—Yule- winter solstice

Dec. 24 to Jan. 1- FCPS Winter Break

Dec. 25—Christmas

December 27— Kwanzaa

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Wednesday, December 5, 2001

9

10

Ramadan celebrated

What is the hardest part of Ramadan?

by N’Hawa Tangula Staff Writer

The sighting of the new moon signifies the inception of the holiest month in Islamic faith, Ramadan. Derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad, Ramadan denotes sweltering heat and dryness, much like the intense sensation of desiccation resulting from thirst. AHS students begin celebrating Ramadan in November and it continues through December.

People of the Islamic faith believe that their holy book of worship, the Quran, descended from the heavens as “a Wednesday, guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of September 27,this period of serenity. salvation” during 2001 this ninth month of the Islamic calendar that It is during Muslims fast. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is very important to the Islamic faith.

“In the Holy Quran, Allah said ‘O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn self-restraint,” said sophomore Fatimah Popal.

In order to fast Muslims must have reached puberty, must be sane, must be in good health, and not in a state of travel.

Women must be in a state of absolute purity. The duty of fasting is incumbent on all those who meet these prerequisites. t takes much discipline andentire scrutiny of your “The Fast so of Ramadan lasts the month and throughout thisactions, period, to austere restrictions are placed on personal pull this off everyday” normal routines of Muslims. They are not allowed to consume any food or liquid during daylight hours,” said senior Marjan Ameri, “It is forbidden for—Marjan them to Ameri tell lies, senior make false promises, gossip, cheat, curse and engage in sexual affairs. It takes so much discipline and scrutiny of your personal actions to pull this off everyday,” said senior Marjan Ameri.

The typical fasting day begins at sunrise, after eating the last meal before fasting begins and saying the morning prayer, fajr.

By restraining from temptations during the day, one attains niyyah, which is a heartfelt intention that adhering to the rules of fasting is meant to be solely for the worship of Allah, in order to seek His pleasure.

“This is what keeps us motivated and helps us avoid temptation,” said junior Nadia Beshir. At sunset, the fast is opened with dates and milk or water. Then the evening prayer, maghrib, and finally a big meal, called iftar is served.

Families often visit their relatives in the evening after they have broken the fast. Families become a tighter unit during Ramadan by gathering in the sharing of food and letting go of all past malice and grudges towards each other.

Ramadan is considered a time of placidity, which allows for individual introspection and spiritual closeness to Allah.

It is common for Muslims to go to the Mosque and engage in several hours of praying and studying the Quran.

“There are 30 chapters in the Quran, so each night we finish one chapter till the end of the month,” said sophomore Fatimah Popal. In addition to the five daily prayers, Muslims recite a special prayer called Taraweeh or night prayer. It is twice as long as the daily prayers.

“There’s nothing hard for me to do, because I’m use to it. I began fasting when I was younger.”

aBlast

the

—Hamda Hussein junior

“It’s hard to fast from sunrise to sunset, because you can’t eat and you can’t drink water or do the other stuff that you usually do.”

i

—Kurmanji Sada junior

“It’s not really hard to fast, because when you open [stop fasting after sunset] the fast you can eat a whole lot. And praying five times a day is easy because I do that normally.”

LAURA HALLOWELL

Mahamed Noor sits in room 126 where Muslim students went durning Ramadan to avoid the food of the lunch room

Laylat-al-Qadr, or the Night of Power, is celebrated on the 27 day of the month. Muslims believe that it was on this night that the prophet Muhammad received the revelation of the Holy Quran; according to the Quran, this is when God determines what happens in the world for the following year.

The Fast of Ramadan comes to an end on the first day of the month of Shawwal. It is celebrated with a three-day holiday called Id-al-Fitr. Families get together in a big feast, share gifts, pray and give thanks to Allah.

—Humera Arif senior

“Ramadan tests your patience and the good thing about it is it teaches you to be sober and be grateful for what you have.”

by Morgan McEvilly Staff Writer

Sharing the Faith

MORGAN MCEVILLY

Left, AHS social worker Constance O’Hearn speaks to Vacant Cross club members about Israeli prisoner Mordecai Vanunu. Bottom, Junior Eun-Young Jeon listens attentively to O’Hearn. She, like the rest of the members, was impressed with O’Hearn’s devout commitment to the release of Vanunu.

Guest Speaker shares her religious ‘call’

c

ultures

Hanging on every inch of AHS social worker Constance O’Hearn’s office walls are photographs of people from many different cultures. At the heart of her room is an intricately hand-drawn picture of three people who attempted to change society through peaceful means: Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi and Dorothy Day. For the past three years, O’Hearn has dedicated her time to another advocate of peaceful resistance, a prisoner of conscience and a prisoner for humanity, Mordehcai Vanunu. She has been ministering to him since Nov. 22, 1998. Overall, she has sent him 162 audiotapes and 28 videotapes in which she responds to his letters and reads some of his favorite novels to him.

Vanunu is in Askelon Prison in Israel, serving an 18-year sentence for informing the public via the London newspaper, The Sunday Times, about Israel’s secret nuclear weapon program. He was lured from Britain to Rome, where Israeli agents kidnapped

him.

O’Hearn has arduously advocated for the release of Vanunu. “When people say to me, ‘well what do you think is going to come from all of this?’

I say well, I tell you, ‘while I don’t know what’s going to happen ultimately, but I believe that my purpose in his life is to be an instrument of hope’,” said O’Hearn.

However, it is how and why O’Hearn began to minister to Vanunu that led to guest speaking at Vacant Cross on Thursday, November 15. O’Hearn told the group about the religious epiphany that she experienced more than a year knowreading that I’mthe on book the Dead Man ago while right track when like I feelGod was Walking.

“It seemed saying that you peace. need to converse with a a real inner prisoner of conscience,” said O’Hearn.

The gift that God gives Before she proceeded with her us is innershe peace when epiphany, prayed over it for some time. relationship we’re“My doing what He with God is the most wantsimportant us to do.relation that I have. I never do anything without praying for Constance O’Hearn guidance and discernment,” Social said Worker O’Hearn.

After feeling a divine confirmation for her “call” to minister a prisoner of conscience, O’Hearn began to read various publications from Pax Christi U.S. (a national Catholic peace movement) and Amnesty publications about religious and other prisoners.

“I had been reading these stories for 11 months after I got the “call.” The people’s stories shocked me but nothing jumped out at me. But the minute I read Mordechai’s story, I thought

i

Dec. 8— Bodhi DayBuddist Celebration of enlightenment Human Rights Day

Dec. 10— Hanukkah-

Dec. 12— Festival of Our Lady of GuadalupeCelebrates Roman Catholic saint

Students use club to affirm their faith

by Martha Amoako Cultures Editor

Dec. 2— First Sunday of Advent

—Sharmeen Kassim junior

New Religious Club formed

MORGAN MCEVILLY

CULTURAL OBSERVANCES FOR DECEMBER

instantly that this is who I’m suppose to write to,” said O’Hearn. From that moment O’Hearn has dedicated her energy to facilitate in the release of this advocate of peaceful resistance.

“I know that I’m on the right track when I feel a inner peace. The gift that God gives us is inner peace when we’re doing what He wants us to do,” said O’Hearn.

The Vacant Cross members were impressed with her intense devotion to Mordechai. “Her story touched me.

I felt bad for the man and I’m going to write to him,” said junior Heather Austin. “[O’Hearn’s devotion] is a way to know that there are other people like us in the school.”

Until March 12, 1998, Vanunu was held in solitary confinement.

Although he will be release in two years, campaign for his release has intensified worldwide within the last year.

The moment of silence is probably the closest AHS students can get to religion during the school day. Yet for members of the Vacant Cross, a moment is not enough.

That is why junior Chris Lusby created a club where Christian teens can come together and talk about their faith and pray together.

The meaning of the club is implied in its name. “I think it means that the cross is empty because it was written in the Scriptures that Jesus would rise after his death, and the Scriptures came true, so the cross is now empty,” said Lusby. His mother believes that the cross is empty so there is room for people to come and join the faith. There are many different thoughts about what the name “Vacant Cross” means. It can mean something different to everybody.

The Vacant Cross was started at the beginning of this school year, but the process to get the club approved was long and tedious. It all started last year when Lusby wanted to start a group where Christian teens could meet and talk about Christianity. The county had to approve the club before they could begin. This process took almost all last year to be completed. “I thought beginning the club like this would be cool, a place to let all the other Christians get to know one another and just talk,” said Lusby.

The club meets every Thursday in the Library Reference Room. Students begin with games, listen to music and talk.

Lusby talks about the different aspects of being a teen Christian, which is followed by snacks and a time for anyone else in the group to speak out and share their feelings.

Sometimes they will have guest speakers. This past week they had Constance O’Hearn come in and talk to them about Mordechai Vanunu, a man put in prison for revealing secret information to the public; they write letters back and forth to each other.

“The thing I like most about the Vacant Cross is the fact that all of us can come and share our thoughts on life, and have fun while doing it,” said Lusby.

The Vacant Cross is open to anyone who would like to join and who is interested in Christianity. “My main message to people is that you don’t have to give up having fun,” said Lusby. “You can still have fun and be a good Christian. As long as you have your beliefs; that is what Christianity is about, not strictly how you act.”

Dec. 13— Laylat alQadr- the night of power during the month of Ramadan

Dec. 15— Bill of Rights Day

Dec. 16 or 17— Eid alFitr- breaks the fast of Ramadan

Dec. 21—Yule- winter solstice

Dec. 24 to Jan. 1- FCPS Winter Break

Dec. 25—Christmas

12 aBlast

the

Wednesday, December 5, 2001

a

toms who matter

Founder of club speaks out

By Denice Miller Profiles editor

Senior Alan Yao knew that he was gay when puberty hit, around 12, and he has been wanting to set up a gay-straight alliance club at AHS since his freshman year. Even though others had tried to before, it has never clicked until this year. He is now the founder of the Shepard Club, a gaystraight alliance open to everyone, including teachers, parents, businesses and other schools.

Yao didn’t “come out” until a couple years ago. Some people had their suspicions and when they asked him, he would deny it. He had hidden it so well from his mom that she was in disbelief when he finally told her. Yao isn’t able to see his father often, but he describes their relationship as “normal,” but they avoid the topic of his sexuality. His advice to others who are hesitant to tell others about the sexual orientation is to think it through before making such a “life-changing decision.” He also warns others to make sure they know themselves

i Albert Dwan Grade: 9 Hobbies: music of any form, running Special deed: Helping found a band and performing at a small concert Quote: “I’m the guitarist for the band. I ‘ve been in the band since the start in midAugust. There are four other people in the band other than myself, most of them don’t go to Annandale though. It’s a lot of fun.”

AlanYao Senior

and are comfortable with themselves before making any declarations.

“I finally told her after the end of my first real relationship. It was quite obvious that I was upset and she asked me what was wrong, said that I could tell her anything. So I did. She was in disbelief,” Yao said. “But then she gave me advice about love and how time heals. She said exactly what she would have said to anyone else, gay or straight.”

Yao’s mother was more accepting of his sxuality than others can be. Two years ago, an AHS student’s car was vandalized with slogans referring to the student’s bisexuality.

Yao himself has never received any sort of violence but hearing about the vandalism hurt him because “it was against [the

Myth Their sexual orientation makes them sexually promiscuous and they cannot be good monogamous partners or good parents because of this.

Fact Gays and lesbians are sometimes thought to be a threat to the American family.

Because of this skewed information and distorted images, gays and lesbians, they do not fit the legal definition of a “family.” In homosexual marriages, neither gay men or lesbians receive benefits or protections from the government. Although in most states gay marriages are illegal, many of them hold ceremonies anyway, and build normal, healthy families.

Owen Beste

Senior Alan Yao is the founder of the GayStraight Alliance, which is the first club at AHS for homosexuals and heterosexuals

Gays and Lesbians

and

Grade: 11 Hobbies: skateboarding and guitar Special deed: Volunteer at Inova Fairfax Hospital and receiving 3.85 GPA award Quote: “I don’t really like school, but I try hard at it. It should help me in the future. I like skateboarding because it helps take my mind off of school.”

you’re in love with someone and the Virginia state law says you can’t marry him or her. It’s the same for me,” said Yao. He’s not “all the way gay” because he finds women also attractive.

According to him, there are various degrees of homosexualities and feels that it is out of his hands whether he is gay or not.

Promoting equality, along with promoting the club, is Yao’s main priority now.

“I think it’s cool. I’ll probably attend a couple meetings, but I have other precedent matters first.

I’m not surprised Yao is doing this,” said Matthew Pena, senior. “He has a heart and cares about other people. I think he’s doing this just to help other people.”

ANDREW MENEGAT

s t c a about F Myths

Quang Vu

Myth Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and sexually transmitted diseases are caused by gay men.

Fact The cause of AIDS’ is not known, but it is transmitted through sexual and non-sexual means. AIDS is not only a homosexual disease but also a heterosexual disease.

Myth Homosexuality is a disease and can be cured Fact Homosexuality has been removed from the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Asoociation’s list of psychiatric disorders and they condemn discrimination against gay men and lesbians.

Myth Most gay men and lesbians are members of the upper middle class.

Fact The average income of gay men and lesbians cannot be accurately measured. This myth implies that gay men and lesbians do not need protection from discrimination.

Myth Homosexuals are attracted to children and pre-adolescents, and are not fit to become parents or child caretakers.

Fact Sexual oirentation has nothing to do with pedophilia and the National Institute for Mental Health found that most pedophilias are not attracted to

adult males. The two terms are not interchangeable.

Myth Becoming gay or lesbian is a lifestyle choice.

Fact Gays and lesbians lead diverse lives. They are rich, middle class and poor, live in urban, suburban and rural settings and are into academics and athletics. The cause of homosexuality is not known.

Myth Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered individuals are from dysfunctional families. Gays may come from families whose father is not involved or the mother is overly involved in their childhood.

Fact One in four extended families has a family member that is either gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered.

Building Bridges With Reliable Information: A Quick Guide About Our Community’s People

—Information provided by Building Bridges With Reliable Information: A Quick Guide About Our Community’s People

Assistant principal shows new attitude Hearn acquaints himself personally with students The grade level that I am responsible for is the 10th grade; however, I don’t mind helping any student. I often see students who are not in the tenth grade.

In fact, I think that I see more students from other grades. I am also responsible for the Science and Foreign Language departments in addition to various academic and curricular enrichment programs such as STAR and AVID. I like working with kids. I enjoy coming to work everyday simply because of the kids.

Whenever I see myself getting too involved in the administrative part of being an A.P., I find some time to hang out with some kids. A lot of kids think that I’m weird, or they just can’t figure me out because I do things like eat lunch with them in the

profiles

Grade: 11 Hobbies: RPGing, snowboarding, Model UN, Special deed: Best actor for the junior Class Acts, 3.85 GPA letter Quote: “I’m doing the IB diploma. With all the other activities I’m doing, it’s hard but I’m getting it done.”

know I shouldn’t let people’s opinions bother me, but I’m only human

student’s] sexual orientation.” He has not been confronted face to face with any verbal discrimination either. Yao has heard through the “grape vine” that other students have talked about him behind his back, but those occasions are rare.

“I know I shouldn’t let people’s opinions bother me, but I’m only human,” he said.

While he understands his own weaknesses, Yao declares himself unique and respects those who dare to be different. His worst fear is to find his clothes on someone else. Favoring the sleek look, Yao shops in both sections of vintage shops and other unique stores. According to him, women’s clothes are cut better to show off the body, although when going for casual Yao does wear baggy jeans.

Along with clothing, Yao usually wears a light powder and lip gloss.

“I am a firm believer that when girls wear guys’ clothing, they are made less fun of then when guys wear girls’ clothing because it’s more ‘traditional’ to be masculine and it’s respected,” he said.

Another tradition broken by homosexuals is the reality of Christian homosexuality. The National Institute says that among teens, Christian homosexuals are more at risk of attempting suicide then their heterosexual peers. Yao believes that this is because “especially in the Christian religion, there is an extra burden.” When he was struggling with his emotions while hiding them from others, Yao felt completely alone. He says that while others have the ability to confide in other friends and parents, teachers and mentors, a struggling “closet” homosexual doesn’t. Yao is a firm believer in Christ and he is trying to “quelch stereotypes that gays are godless people.”

Yao also reflected that society breeds people to harbor feelings of guilt and shame when their thoughts aren’t the “normal” thoughts by society’s standards. However the National Conference for Community and Justice, an organization created to fight bias, bigotry and racism, has reported the 67 percent of adults say they’d be “OK” if their child “came out.”

“I wish I could be legally married one day to a guy.

Look at it this way, imagine

TALKING

UT O AB ME

by Shawn Hearn

cafeteria, or try to join in a conversation as if “it’s all good.”

The expressions that kids give me when I do things like that always cracks me up. I remember earlier this year when I sat down during B lunch at a table of kids and started eating and talking I soon discovered that they were all leaving slowly but surely until I was left with just the kid in front of me who had not said a word the entire time.

I think she stopped breathing or something. Nevertheless, the next time those kids saw me they all spoke to me and greeted me with smiles. I feel that many kids talk to me when they may

not talk to other adults because they feel more comfortable around me. Some kids have a hard time figuring out how comfortable to be around me without getting in trouble, but most of them figure it out relatively quickly. The first impression that many kids get when they meet me, and some adults, is that I am “mean” or “strict”. They soon figure out that I’m not mean or strict. They learn that I simply like to play by the rules. Kids usually don’t have a big problem with detentions or suspensions when I assign them because they expect

for me to enforce the rules.

When a student breaks a rule, no matter how “cool” we are the student knows to expect the appropriate consequence. I very rarely vary from that. I’ve found that kids respect consistency.

What do I see as the biggest problem for students here at AHS? Skipping class is the biggest problem that I see here at AHS daily. Students do not seem to understand how important accountability is. I would hate to get a call or a visit from a parent requesting to see their child and the child not be where he is suppose to be. Even worse, I would hate to get a call from the police station to identify a student who is in their custody who is supposed to be in class.

So many things happen in the community during school hours that could be harmful to kids.

Kids often become drug involved, get involved in theft, vandalism, trespassing, assaults and God

i

remember earlier this year when I sat down during B lunch at a table of kids and started eating and talking I soon discovered that they were all leaving.

knows what else, when they skip school. It really concerns me when students skip school because there is nothing that I can do to keep them safe when they are not here. As long as my kids are in school, I know that they are safe.

My career history includes working as an A.P. at a middle school, teaching high school and college English, working with adolescents with moderate to severe emotional disabilities, and serving in the United States Marine Corps and Army National Guard.

Think all Asian foods are alike? Tired of the same old selection? Take a look at these flavorful fares from all across Asia:

features

Asian Cuisine SENIOR KARA BROSTROM

Thai

by Sarah Kelman Features editor

Haad Thai, located off of Beauregard Street in Alexandria, is tucked into an unassuming corner of the shopping center.

While it’s not well-known, it boasts quick service and a high quality of dishes.

Appetizers, essential to a great Thai meal, vary from delicious to bland. Haad Thai’s

Thai satay is pieces of boneless chicken or pork grilled on skewers and dipped in a thick peanut sauce.

Tom Kha soup is a perfect blend of mild coconut milk and tart lemongrass. With small mushrooms, green onions and pieces of lean chicken added in, it’s the ideal beginning to a Thai meal.

However, those less familiar with Thai herbs and spices may find it a little on the strong side.

Chicken satay, which is basically pieces of white chicken grilled on a skewer, isn’t one of Haad Thai’s strong points. It’s the peanut sauce that makes or breaks the chicken satay, and in Haad Thai’s case, the sauce is just too watery and bland to do one of my favorite appetizers any justice.

Pad Thai, which is a standard main dish served in Thai restaurants, consists of flat noodles, chicken or pork, tofu,

shrimp, bean sprouts, scrambled eggs, green onion, peanut oil, and topped with shredded carrots, crushed peanuts and purple cabbage. It’s served hot and is a great dish even for Thai food rookies.

When served with a dish like Haad Thai’s Panang Gai chicken curry, white rice is the best solution for a mouthful that’s a little too spicy. Don’t bother reaching for that water glass, it’ll only fill you up.

To finish off the meal, large slices of fresh yellow mango are the perfect complement to the serving of sweet sticky rice served with condensed milk and sesame seeds on top. This tradidional Thai dessert is worth leaving room for.

Haad Thai (1472 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria 703) 575-1999

Chinese

by Linda Fairall Photographer

In a region seized by a plague of Americanized, low quality Chinese “carry-out” joints, the Peking Gourmet Inn stands out as a diamond in the rough. The name may sound familiar: the restaurant’s claim to fame is that it is the favorite area restaurant of the Bush Family, famous generals, ambassadors, and even Connie Chung.

The authentic decor features elaborate light fixtures, Chinese art, and traditional sculptures.

Also, in an ironically uncharacteristic fashion, they actually play real Chinese music. The one (and only) complaint? Servers are

sometimes hard to come by during peak business hours when the restaurant is so full.

While the photographs of famous patrons and authentic furnishings hint at the superiority of the restaurant, the food seals the deal. With wonderfully little of the oil and grease expected of some Chinese food, Peking Gourmet’s dishes stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Their famous duck is a definite must-try, available in whole or half orders. It is served

While Chinese roasted duck is one of the more expensive items on the menu, it makes a savory and satisfying dish.

with light pancakes, spring onions, rich Hoisin sauce, and two kinds of hot pepper sauces.

The duck at Peking Gourmet puts all others to shame, with remarkably little fat and excellent flavor. Most of the dishes are exceptional and will rarely disappoint, like the spicy Szechuan Beef.

After sampling the excellent fare at the Peking Gourmet Inn and encountering their remarkably reasonable prices, you'll wonder exactly whose idea of a cruel joke the oil-laden, flavorless “authentic Chinese cuisine” served down the street was anyway.

Peking Gourmet Inn 6029 Leesburg Pike, Bailey’s Crossroads (703) 671-8088

Vietnamese

by Young-Zi Byun Features editor

Most Pad Thai dishes are delicious and beautifully garnished, as shown here.

Pad Thai consists of noodles, meat, tofu, green onions and peanut oil.

Pho, famous for its taste and nutrition, has all the qualities a health-conscious eater would look for: fresh, natural and also delicious.

Some other Pho houses prize quantity over quality, but Pho Hong-Ahn, located in Sprinfield Plaza, insists on a rich, wellspiced broth for about $5 with quick and friendly service.

Spacious and clean interior along with soft rock music station playing in the background provide a welcoming enviroment for both hesitant newcomers and returning loyal customers.

If you happened to be enSushi Basics: There’s no reason to fear

The art of chopsticks

1

YOUNG-ZI BYUN

Peking Gourmet Inn, located in the Culmore area of Falls Church, is one of the finest Chinese restaurants around. Its gorgeous interior and superb dishes are partly why it hosts famous figures such as President George W. Bush.

Japan’s most famous delicacy if you know the factsjoying pho for the first time or if you simply prefer a tender, lean cut of beef, Pho Tai (noodle soup with eye round steak) or Pho Tai, Chin Nac (noodle soup with well-done brisket) would be the right choices.

Unless you’re the adventurous type, don’t try pho with fat brisket, soft tendon or even bible tripe. You can always enjoy more than just noodle soups at Pho Hong-Ahn. The most popular

Vietnamese pho is a hot noodle dish made from clear noodles, beef broth, slices of meat and seasoning.

appetizers are crispy Cha Gio (fried egg rolls) and Goi Cuon (spring rolls) that come with peanut sauce.

Pho provides a one-dish meal for your breakfast, lunch and even dinner. In addition to the soup, basil leaves, bean sprouts and green peppers are served on the side and can be added to your liking.

As soon as you walk inside of Il Mee Buffet located in Annandale, you will notice the spacious and clean interior, although not many ethnic decorations are displayed.

Sampling a restaurant’s kimchee is a surefire way to judge its overall quality, since it’s a difficult dish to get right.

Kimchee is a fermented vegetable dish highly seasoned with red pepper and garlic, and Il Mee Buffet's kimchee is fairly impressive with a good balance of powdered red pepper and other seasonings.

Kalbi is short ribs marinated in soy suace, dark sesame oil, spring onions, and other seasonings that is immesely popular with both Koreans and foreigners.

Il Mee Buffet offers three different kinds of kalbi: marinated beef, pork, and marinated spicy pork. You can help yourself to any of the three prepared

by Young-Zi Byun Features editor

YOUNG-ZI BYUN

Kimchee is a spicy dish found in every Korean restaurant and supermarket.

2 Put the second chopstick between your middle and index fingers, and hold it with your thumb.

3 Separate the tips of the chopsticks and try to pick up food with them.

A brief history of chopsticks

Pho Hong Anh (306 Springfield Plz., Springfield (703) 569-6060

Korean

Hold the first chopstick still while balancing one end between your middle and ring fingers and resting the other end in your thumb.

Kalbi is usually served without the ribs but some people prefer eating from the ribs.

kalbis and a waitress will come to your table and grill them for you.

While the food is generally good at Il Mee Buffet, it lacks distinctive characteristics of Korean cuisine. Variety is limited and some of their specialties and desserts overlap other countries' cuisine. For example, the sushi bar seems somewhat out of place in the Korean buffet. Service is efficient but can be considered a little too friendly at times.

Chopsticks originated in China during the Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 B.C.E.) and were considered a substitute for knives at the table.

According to Confucius, knives were equated with acts of aggression and should not be used to dine. Chopsticks then became the eating utensils of choice and neighboring Asian countries adopted its use and modified it according to cultural preference.

Il Mee Buffet 7031 Little River Tnpk., Annandale (703) 631-3400

Sushi Basics: There’s no reason to fear Japan’s most famous delicacy if you know the facts

aBlast

the

Wednesday, December 5, 2001

Saba This mackerel sushi is served sliced and raw with the skin still on the fish. It’s placed on a ball of rice that is prepared with vinegar and sugar to bring out the taste of the fish itself.

Tamago The sushi consists of a square of scrambled egg that is placed on top of rice and wrapped with a piece of seaweed. It’s ideal for vegetarians or those who may be newcomers to the sushi experience.

Makizushi These are examples of makizushi, which are rolled sushi held together by one large piece of seaweed.

Anything can go inside makizushi, including cucumber, pickled plum, crabmeat or tuna.

Maguro Tuna, or maguro sushi is a skinless sliced piece of raw tuna served on rice. It is one of the most popular types of sushi and can be found in almost any sushi restaurant.

Ikura Salmon roe sushi, also known as ikura, is the equivalence of caviar. This slightly more expensive sushi is usually served with small slices of cucumber tucked into the side.

13

14 Body art: there’s no backinga out aBlast

the

Wednesday December 5, 2001

What do those Chinese tattoos mean?

fire

luck

AHS students express themselves through piercings, henna and tattoos.

by Katie Stanton Copy Editor

As you walk through the mall, a young man with a tattoo running up one arm and a pierced eyebrow asks you the time. What do you think of him? That he’s dangerous? That he’s intimidating? If he took out the earring and put on a long sleeved shirt, would you feel differently? Versatile and easy, body art can convey all kinds of things about someone to the rest of the world.

Body art can be done in countless ways. It can be as simple as drawing a design on your arm with a pen or as complex as tattoos covering your entire body. Anything goes; jewelry, body piercing, fake tattoos, real tattoos, henna tattoos, bindhis, hair dye, makeup... the list goes on and on.

“I think it can be a fine art sometimes,” said sophomore Phil Borras. “I draw on myself a lot and I try to be as creative as I can be.”

“I draw on my hands and I have my ears pierced,” said sophomore Susan Lanier. “I can’t do anything too drastic until I’m 18; my parents would freak.”

Of course, parental influence has a lot to do with what body art teens can choose, but many feel that since it’s their body, they have

peace

sky PHOTO BY REBECCA KRAUSHAAR

Different rings for all of your piercings...

For all you Superpeople, can you stand the pain of a lip ring?

This one has the Superman logo on it.

“My parents were against it,” said sophomore Richard Hores of his brow ring.

freedom of choice. “There’s no reason for restrictions, it’s not harmful to anybody except perhaps the one getting it, and it shouldn’t be anybody else’s decision,” said sophomore Ian McLeland, whose parents will make him wait until he is an adult to have any kind of permanent body art.

Many teens use body art to rebel. “If you live in a household like mine, you might get one [a tattoo] to scare the hell out of your parents,” said sophomore Colin Agnew.

Piercings and tattoos, the more permanent of choices, are popular and varied. “The whole reason why I got it pierced was to be different,” said sophomore Katie Wipf. She pierced her belly button during spring break two

wouldn’t give up my tongue ring for anything.”

If you don’t want to go the permanent route, there are a lot of options. Jewelry and makeup are easy and quite commonplace; lots of people wear them everyday.

Fake tattoos and henna tattoos offer a variety of designs, with a minimal upkeep.

Fake tattoos can be applied in less than a minute with nothing but water, while henna (also known as mehendi) takes longer but can last for weeks. Henna dye is made of powdered leaves from the henna plant, which are mixed with lemon juice or black tea and made into a paste that is applied to the skin to create a stain in a particular pattern.

“Those [fake tattoos] are for teenagers who want to see what it might look like, and henna is for those who want to have a non-permanent tattoo that will, for all intents and purposes, be one for three weeks,” said Agnew.

Body art can go too far, however. “People who have a pound or more of metal in their bodies should get help,” said Agnew.

“I saw a fourty-year-old man at the Warped Tour this summer with, not earrings, but these things that just widen your ear lobes.

[They] were about five inches in diameter,” said sophomore Katie Wipf.

Piercings are often stretched in such a way, or through other activities. “A friend of mine REBECCA KRAUSHAAR got his earholes stretched almost three inches, and pierced his own nose,” said Brown. “That Senior Jesika Berman had a tattoo put on her back can’t be comfortable.” “as a last minute thing.”

Body art has been around for thousands of years.

It used to have symbolic meaning in years ago in New York. “I didn’t do it to be many cultures and would be worn for religious ‘cool,’ I just wanted something to call my or important ceremonies. Ancient Egyptian own.” royalty wore makeup, and ancient Celtic Many teens want tattoos, but often don’t tribes painted think of the consethemselves with blue quences. “Tattoos can paint and designs to f you live in a household like mine, you express yourself, but prepare themselves for sometimes it is just in might get [a tattoo] to scare the hell out of battle. Even now, body the heat of the moment your parents. art holds significance and you are stuck with in many countries and it for life,” said Borras.

—Colin Agnew in many cultures.

Teens can also sophomore Tribes in South disregard how painful America and Africa getting a tattoo can be. use paint or dye and scarification (scarring “A lot of [teens] walk in thinking, ‘Oh, I’m so the body in a specific pattern) and Hindi and cool, forget my parents, I’m gonna get a Islam culture uses henna for special ceremotattoo,” said Vic O’Neil, an art student at nies or holidays.

George Mason University and a part-time Altogether, body art lets people creatively tattoo artist. “But they fidget and squirm and show the world who they are. “You can show bite their lip and shout out... tattoos hurt, art with a meaning of how you are, or how you trust me. If you want to go the mature route, feel, or what you love,” said Borras. know what you’re getting into. And don’t “Anything you do that defines who you are, bother coming in again, trying to get it what you look like, etc., is self statement,” removed. I’ll just tell you it’s your fault.” said McLeland. “Any form of self statement “Yeah, it hurt,” said Kelly Brown, a freshman at Mason. “But it was worth having that doesn’t harm other people is a good form, body art included.” wings on my back. When I move my shoul-

tomic reactions

If you were to get a tattoo. where and what would it be?

“I’m planning to get a red playboy bunny with black outline on the small of my back.”

—Christine Huynh freshman

“I would have a heart with a ring of fire around it on my back. It symbolizes being alive and never closing yourself off to people.”

—Katie Wipf sophomore

“I want to get a superman ‘S’ on my shoulder because I love Superman.”

i

—Jake Shea junior

“I would get a lions face because Leo is my sign. I would get it on my chest.

—Carlos Chavez senior

ders, it looks like they’re trying to fly. And I

Match the celebrity to the tattoo Is this out or in? If you are into high class jewlery, this diamond belly ring is just for you.

Some animal-lovers would perfer the frog tongue ring to the regualr barbell

1: This star was not the wallflower in her high school years.

A: Angelina Jolie

2: This rocker “beats” the rest of the stars for the number of tattoos on his body.

B: Mel C from the Spice Girls

3: This celebrity is known for being a little risky. Where is her Billy tattoo?

C: Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray

4: This singer is known for her sporty side.

D: Travis Barker from Blink 182

5: Put your hands together for this sweet musician.

E: Tiffani AmberThiessen

Answers:3-A, 4-B, 2-C, 5-D, 1-E

The sun is always shining with this eyebrow ring.

Another famous star with a tattoo...

by Maggie Owner Staff Writer

state government regulates tattoo parlors, there is still a possible risk involved. There Most parents freak at the thought of their are documented cases of people contracting Hepatitis B from tattoo parlors and it is child coming home with a tattoo. But many families have to come to grips with the reality possible that a person could be infected with HIV or AIDS. This is possible if the tattoo of individual choices. artist does not sterilize his or her needles.

“My parents didn’t want me to get a Because of the diseases that can be tattoo, but once I got it they didn’t care,” said transmitted from tattoo needles, the laws on senior Jesika Berman. Tattoos are now one tattoos are very complicated. There is no of the most popular trends among teenagers federal law on tattoos, and most states leave and young adults, and one of the most the regulations up to the cities, counties and permanent. municipalities. To add to the confusion, In the 1960s tattoos were seen as an antiamendments to these laws are being made social activity. Now in 2001 students can’t regularly. Only 34 states are unregulated, wait to turn 18 to ink themselves up with while Florida has unique laws on tattooing. permanent artwork. The white-collar Oklahoma and South community is also Carolina have banned recognizing tattoos. It is tattooing altogether. But not unusual to see a in most states, including lawyer or a businessman Virginia, you must be 18 walking to worker with a or have parents’ consent tattoo on their arm, wrist to get a tattoo. or neck. English teacher Senior Jake Edwards’ Marc Cascio has both a got a tattoo on his left tattoo on his arm and ankle when he was 15 chest. “I thought I was a without his parents real tough guy,” said knowledge. “I had a Cascio. friend do it for me,” he Even though tattoos said. He now has a “J” may be on the rise, there on his left ankle. “It are still concerns associated to them. Many health PHOTO BY REBECCA KRAUSHAAR wasn’t that painful, but I risks are related with had to put cream on it,” Senior Jake Edwards’ friend tattooed a “J” tattoos. Even though the on his left ankle. he said.

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Nickelodeon’s Pete and Pete star, Danny Tamberelli, sported a tattoo of the mermaid “Petunia.” Danny and “Petunia” were major stars.

The how-to on getting your first tattoo Tattoos and pain are synonymous. Two ways to reduce the pain is to decrease the size of the artwork, and to place it in a specific spot where you know the pain factor will be diminished. Men and women have different places on their bodies where tattoos cause the most or least pain. For men, the abdomen, spine and chest are the most painful. And for women the ankle, spine and ribcage cause the most pain. The least painful areas on a man are the arm, the back and the buttocks. For women, it is the abdomen, the buttocks, the PHOTO BY REBECCA KRAUSHAAR thigh and the Senior Melanie Bartnek shoulder. went to Skyline Tattoos and Before getting paid $85 for this dolphin on a tattoo, visit her right hip. several studios to check out different artist’s work. Examine their work thoroughly. Ask to see the artist’s portfolio.

When looking at the artwork, make sure the colors are bold, and filled in completely. The lines should be smooth, not jagged or shaky.

Remember, this will be displayed on your body forever, so make sure the artwork is high quality.

Once you’ve been tattooed, leave the bandage on for a minimum of three hours.

Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. After you remove the bandage, wash PHOTO BY MAGGIE OWNER the tattoo English teacher Marc Cascio using warm regrets his tatttoo of taz..“I water and think my tattoo on my arm is soap. Do not foolish,” said Cascio. use a cloth or anything abrasive because your skin still too raw. Follow with a light application of ointment, Bacitracin or A&D vitamin enriched medical grade. Continue this procedure at least twice a day for two or three days. After that you can use lotion to keep the skin soft. After the tattoo has healed, whenever spending time in prolonged sun exposure, make sure you use a sunblock with a minimum of SPF30, because excessive heat and light can damage and fade your tattoo.

While there are no tattoo parlors in Annandale, there are plenty in Arlington, Falls Church, and Alexandria. You could visit East Coast Tattooing, in Arlington or TC Lange Bookkeeping Services Tattooing Inc., in Falls Church.

sports

Swim/Dive to square off against LB Friday

by Rob Payne Staff Writer

The Atoms’ swim and dive team will have their first meets this Friday and Saturday. The team will face district rivals Lake Braddock on Friday night at Wakefield Rec Center at 8:30 p.m. and West Springfield Saturday night at the same location at 6:00 p.m.

The swim team has improved upon its conditioning in the early stages of this season. The workouts have been so rigorous that it has been dubbed by some veterans as one of the toughest sets of workouts in recent years.

“The team is getting better and better by the week as far as conditioning goes,” said Head Coach Bruce Fisher. “It’s really too early to say how strong the team will be this year. Although compared to last year, we are a lot stronger team in both the boys and girls. We have a lot more depth in each event and our relays this year will be strong.”

Key swimmers for the Atoms on the boys’ side are junior John Bechtoldt, senior Will Freeman, senior Keith Nolan, junior Andy Pelenberg, freshman John Kreitler, senior Matt Wolff, senior Matt Horne and senior John Merrill.

Key swimmers for the girls are senior Katie Gualtieri, senior Mary Gunderson, senior Lindsay Young, senior Yukari Nakumura, senior

Swim/Dive competes against Lake Braddock Friday and West Springfield on Saturday at Wakefield Rec

Football End of the Year Regional Honors Ehab Awadallah, Jr. Center 1st Team All-Region

Junior Courtney Theiberger, senior Mary Gunderson and senior Allison Prosch listen to instruction at practice.

Ashley Mathews, sophomore Sarah Bizer, freshman Tiffany Wattenbarger, senior Alison Sanders and senior Allie Prosch.

“We should do really well because we have a lot of new talented young swimmers,” said senior captain Mary Gunderson. “We’ve been working hard at practice, so we’re looking forward to the meets this weekend.”

The boys 200-meter medley relays will be top contenders in the Northern Region. Strengths that both the boys and girls swim and dive teams have

Last Saturday, the winter track team traveled to Episcopal High School for their first meet of the 2001 season. The team had been practicing since Nov. 12 and was eager for the first bit of competition against McLean, Langley and T.C. Williams.

On the boys side, the team did very well. Led by first place finishes from senior runners David Blau, Tim Greer and Moh Williams, the boys took first place in the overall meet. Everyone was generally very pleased with the boys’ performance.

“The boys did really well,” said Coach Mike Brown. “We were pleasantly surprised that they were able to beat T.C., since they always have a strong team.”

Williams agreed that the boys did well. “I felt we did well, and we’ve improved. Hopefully, we’ll continue to improve so we’ll win districts,” he said.

The girls did not do as well as the boys, however, the coaches were still happy with their third place finish.

“The girls have improved greatly over the past couple of years,” said Brown.

The girls were led by junior Afua Amponseh, sophomore Lauren

Bizer and freshman Stephanie McKinney. Leading the boys diving events will be returning divers junior Chris Rauer, junior Chris Owens, and ` sophomore Ben Orchard.

“In the diving events,” said Fisher, “we should place in the top five schools in the Northern Region.”

“I’m feeling really confident about the meets this weekend,” said senior captain Matt Wolff. “Lake Braddock and West Springfield are always tough meets, but I know we are going to do more gooder than them.”

Edwards and junior thrower Kari Kraus.

The girls also felt that they did well for their first meet.

“I think that we did well for our first meet, and we need to continue to work hard so we can continue to improve,” said Kraus.

Edwards also felt the same way about her performance, saying that if she continued to improve, then she could make Regionals in the 1500 meters and the one mile.

Next Friday Dec. 8, the Atoms travel to Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Arlington to face West Potomac, Langley and Madison. They are looking to improve on their strong performance, and the boys are hoping to again be victorious, according to Brown.

“I personally expect to win the 55 meter dash and hurdles, and I expect my relay team to win the 4x200 meter relay again. I also expect both the boys and girls teams to win because we both have strong teams, and have been working hard,” said Williams.

Senior Jamie Santos summed up the two meets by saying “we did a good job, but we can still improve. If we keep working hard in meets and in practice, we’ll be one of the best teams in the region, and we’ll send lots of people to states.”

SEAN SULLIVAN

The winter track team stretches before practice in unseasonably warm early-December weather.

This Saturday at 7 p.m., the 67th Heisman Trophy will not be presented in New York City at the famed Downtown Athletic Club, but rather at a new location, the Marriott Marquee.

The Heisman Trophy is annually awarded to the best college football player in the nation.

Last season’s winner was Florida State’s 28year-old quarterback Chris Weinke who currently plays in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers. This year’s winner is, like many years, for all intents and purposes a toss up.

So far, the list has been narrowed to four major candidates (sorry, no Annandale player cracked the list): a toothpick from the southern tip of Florida, a really gross man who lives in a Swamp, cornfed Oscar the Crouch, and a sitting duck from the Pacific Northwest. Here is the Heisman race, as I see it.

After a victory over Virginia Tech last weekend, the University of Miami is heading to the Rose Bowl to play for the National Championship. The Hurricanes compiled an 11-0 record and a No. 1 ranking by the BCS (Bowl

The four major candidates for the 2001 Heisman Trophy are four quarterbacks: Miami’s Ken Dorsey, Florida’s Rex Grossman, Nebraska’s Eric Crouch and Oregon’s Joey Harrington.

Travis Johnson, Jr. Kicker 2nd Team All-Region Field Hockey Regional Honors Jenny Beam, Sr. Goalie 1st Team All-Region 2nd Team All-State Laura Massie, Sr. Midfield 1st Team All-Region Laura Barnes, Sr. Defense 2nd Team All-Region All-Tournament Team

by Jared Smith Staff Writer

The wrestling Atoms will kick off their season on today with a match against Wakefield High School.

“Wakefield is a young and inexperienced team, but not to be taken lightly,” said Coach Will Stravino. “We will need to show up and have a strong performance to beat them.”

Shortly after the Wakefield match the Atoms will attend the NOVA Classic on Fri. and Sat. Dec. 7 and 8.

The NOVA Classic, which will be held at Fairfax, is the biggest tournament all year for the Atoms. It is a 32-team tourney with teams from all over the region participating, and it will ANDREW MENEGAT determine how the Atoms match up Senior Tony Cavalero, right, frequently gets sweaty with junior with some of the best competition in Ehab Awadallah. The tandem both are stars on the varsity football the area. and lacrosse teams.

The wrestling team started the make things happen on the mat this season on Nov. 12 and have very high year is senior Tony Cavalero. Cavalero hopes for the year. This year the also qualified for the regional tournaAtoms wrestling team is forecast to be ment last year in the 171 lbs. weight one of the premier teams in the class. district. Headed up by Coach “We are loaded in our lineup with Stravino, the team is expected to win a experience and talent,” Cavalero said. district title with “We will surprise the help of the 8 some people.” out of 9 returning his season our whole team is Apart from these regional qualifiers two seniors, stacked . . . I think our whole back from last year.

Senior Andrew junior Ehab “We are an Marfull returns team has a chance to go to Awadallah is this season at experienced team Regionals this year the 152-lb. looking to have a looking to have successful season. weight class and some success,” said —Ehab Awadallah plans on This is Stravino, who is junior challenging for Awadallah’s looking to improve tops in the second year on on last season’s 7Region. varsity and he was the only sophomore 12 record. “We have lots of seniors to qualify for the regional tourney last who are looking to make their mark, season. He is very excited about this they are very hungry and have worked year. hard for the past 8 months.”

“This season our whole team is The wrestlers are also anticipating stacked,” said Ehab. “We have a lot of the start of the season. people talking about us all over the Senior Preston McNeill, who is one county and a lot of experience coming of the eight returning regional back, I think our whole team has a qualifiers said, “We will be good, a lot chance to go to regionals this year.” of people are talking about us and we Some other Atoms who are expected to are up to the challenge.” McNeill be successful this year are seniors wrestles in the 125 lbs. weight class Andrew Marful, Jake Edwards and and is one of the Atoms to watch this Samson Abebe, and junior Dae Yoon. season. Another wrestler who will

t

And the 2001 Heisman Trophy goes to . . .

by Ryan Croft Sports Editor

Nick Crowley, Sr. Free Safety 2nd Team All-Region

Grappling Atoms hit the mat

Track sprints out first

by David Marin Staff Writer

are experience, senior leadership and depth.

“Our top boys 200 medley relays should be ranked in the top three teams in the state,” said Fisher. “While the girls 100m backstroke is the strongest event for the girls team.”

Senior Yukari Nakumura, who took second place in the state dive meet championship, will be looking toward the state championship again this year. Strengthening the girls team is returning senior Kara Brostrom, senior Kristie Moore, freshman Julia

Charlie Chavez, Sr. Offensive Guard 2nd-Team All-Region

LINDA FAIRALL

Championship Series). A large amount of this success could be attributed to their 6-5, 200 lb. junior quarterback, Ken Dorsey. This season, he has thrown for 2,667 yards with 23

roft’s olor ommentary

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with Ryan Croft touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Also, out of all Heisman candidates, Dorsey by far is the least physically imposing. The guy looks like he hasn’t eaten (or lifted weights) since junior high. I guarantee that I could beat him in a push-up contest, hands down.

Nonetheless, he has led his team to the national title game and an undefeated record (unlike any other Heisman candidate). Prediction: 1st place.

Sophomore sensation Rex Grossman stepped into the national spotlight this season for the Florida Gators. Grossman has amassed 3,896 yards passing with 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. One major downfall in Grossman’s Heisman push might be his team’s two losses to Auburn and, most recently, Tennessee. He does, however, have my support because he is a very successful quarterback in what I consider the toughest conference in the nation, the SEC (South-

eastern Conference). Also, critics of the Heisman voting have valid arguments when they say “a sophomore rarely wins a Heisman.” In Grossman’s case, I think the fact that he is a sophomore will hurt his chances, although I believe he is the best pure passer out of the group. Prediction: 2nd place.

Nebraska’s Eric Crouch holds the NCAA career record for touchdowns by a quarterback (59), is the school record holder with 88 total-offense touchdowns and was named the Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year. That’s nice. Problem is, the senior from Omaha can’t throw. He has only 1,510 yards passing with a mere seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. How can Crouch be considered a serious Heisman candidate when he is strictly one-dimensional? If Crouch wins the award, he should really give it to his offensive line. Nebraska traditionally has the nation’s largest offensive lineman, making it easy for him to run all over his opponents. Also, Crouch and Nebraska play a painfully weak schedule. This season, the Cornhuskers played the likes of TCU, Troy State, Baylor and Rice (they are sticking with their fellow staple crops).

Prediction: 3rd place.

Joey Harrington came into this season with aspirations to win a Heisman trophy and a national championship. So far, the 6-4, 220-lb.

senior from Portland has an outside chance at both. He’s led the University of Oregon to a 10-1 record against a tough Pac-10 (Pacific Ten) Conference.

Being on the West Coast, Harrington (along with Crouch to some extent) doesn’t receive nearly as much attention from the media or television as the large markets on the East Coast. However, this Duck is no quack.

This season, Harrington has passed for a total of 2,414 yards with 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions.

Unfortunately, one setback for Harrington might be the severe ugliness of his team’s jerseys, in the eyes of the “fashionably conscious” Heisman voters. Personally, I dig the Ducks uniforms. Prediction: 5th place.

There are other players who might not be in first echelon of candidates, but do deserve some recognition. David Carr (Fresno State), Josh Reed (LSU), Casey Clausen (Tennessee), Jabar Gaffney (Florida), Byron Leftwich (Marshall) and Saleem Rasheed (Alabama) have all put up Heisman worthy numbers or were the most outstanding player on his respective team.

With the ballots already sent to 870 of the top sports writers and critics (I’ll assume mine was lost in the whole anthrax/mail mix-up . . .) and the past 53 previous Heisman winners, the stage is set for this Saturday night. Of the top four candidates, all are quarterbacks and only two are seniors.

And for all of those who are already looking ahead to next season’s winner.

Prediction: Eli Manning, Mississippi.

Upcoming Events Varsity/JV Wrestling at Wakefield tonight @7:30 p.m.

Swim/Dive vs. Lake Braddock at Wakefield Park Friday, Dec. 7th 8:30 p.m.

Girls/Boys Varsity Basketball at Centreville Girls @6:00 p.m.

Guys @8:00 p.m.

V/JV Track Meet at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Arlington vs. West Potomac, Langley and Madison Saturday, Dec. 8th 3:30 p.m.

Varsity Wrestling NOVA Classic at Fairfax High School Saturday, Dec. 8th 10:30 a.m.

Swim/Dive Meet vs. West Springield @Wakefield Rec 6:00 p.m.

aBlast

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Wednesday, December 4, 2001

15

16

Boys B-Ball preps for C’ville

by Sam Molavi Staff Writer

Step aside M.J., here come the Atoms. Coming off an impressive outing against Westfield last Friday, the boys varsity basketball team is ready to surge into the regular season with many high hopes and aspirations. Returning 11 seniors on the team, the team has the leadership and determination to improve upon a dismal 6-15 record from last year.

“Last year was a learning experience for everyone on the team,” said senior Justin Zormelo. “This year we’ve been working hard since day one and go 100 percent in everything we do. This isn’t the old Annandale basketball team, you’ll see.”

Head Coach Patrick Hughes

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“When I get out there on the court, the cheerleaders are going crazy in their skirts . . . I feel so energized.” senior, Jay Athey

Wednesday, December 5, 2001

Spotlight Athlete

Stars of Winter sports

Senior David Fishman, an avid skateboarder, wrestles in the 125 and 130 lb. weight classes .

Name: David Fishman

agrees with Zormelo’s philosophy.

“All of the players have been real positive and have great attitudes,” said Hughes, “we aren’t that big and were not the best shooters but we make up for what we lack in and that’s aggressiveness and determination.”

In practice, the team has worked on many team-oriented drills as well as defensive shell drills to prepare themselves for those vital district games. Last year’s First Team All-District selection, Jay Athey, knows how much there performance in practice pays off in the games.

“When I get out there on the court, the cheerleaders are going crazy in their skirts and everyone in the stands are cheering,” said Athey, “I feel so energized and want to make the big plays that help us win games. This years team is very athletic and I know were going to be in contention for the district championship.”

Last night’s game against Woodson ended too late for this issue. The Atoms’ next game is the second game of a doubleheader at Centreville on Friday at 8 p.m.

JENNY BEAM

Senior Jay Athey, #24 shoots a free throw in the team’s season opener against the Woodson Cavaliers. The game ended too late to be included in this edition.

Freshman phenom John Kreitler hits the water

Grade: 12 Sport: Varsity Wrestling Position (s): 125 and 130 lb. weight class Notable Achievements: 3rd in District, regional qualifier, has wrestled since freshman year Coach Quote: “He’s a good leader. He has a very good, positive attitude and is always working hard.” Coach Will Stravino Personal (GPA, volunteer, job): David carries a 3.5 GPA and helped the Pentagon relief effort with the Salvation Army. He is an avid skateboarder and is working on a 360 degree flip. David enjoys spending time with his girlfriend of three months, Christine Van der eijk. On the weekends, he may be found eating.

Freshman Caroline Cherney placed first last weekend as a leg of the 4 X 200 relay.

by Aminah Kakeh and Samah Hussain Staff Writers

There is no doubt that every individual possesses some quality of importance or a specific trait that applauds his or her character as a whole. However, not everyone is lucky enough to discover this hidden talent of his or hers.

John Kreitler belongs to the luckier lot for his exceptionally talented swimming skills were acknowledged “from the very start,” said Kreitler, “my mom was into swimming when she was a kid so she made me swim too. I joined NVSL (Northern Virginia Swimming League) when I was seven and it just grew from there.”

His involvement in the swimming community only started here.

Subsequently, he joined U.S.S. (United States Swimming) and following that became a member of the Potomac Marlins with whom he has been training ever since.

The 15-year-old freshman is already one of AHS’s shining stars and he has come a long way owing to his outstanding swimming capabilities. He is on the swim team and is now ranked as the 7th best swimmer in Virginia. Kreitler also made the top 16 in the USS 50 free 100 free this year. Coming this far has taken a great deal of time and dedication. “I practice around 12-15

AMINAH KAKEH

Freshman John Kreitler does his health assignment. Krietler is one of the premier swimmers in the state of Virginia and practices 12-15 hours a week.

hours a week, six days a week,” said Kreitler. During the weekdays he usually practices after school and at times he even practices in the morning. “We always try to work our hardest so it can pay off at meets,” said Kreitler.

No other hobbies apparently encompass Kreitler’s life except swimming, and when he is not swimming he is cross training by lifting weights and running.

Surprisingly enough, Kreitler is not considering swimming as a

A Look back in time . . .

A blast from the Atoms’ illustrious sport’s past.

Name: Caroline Cherney Grade: 9 Sport: Winter Track

possible career in the future.

Instead, he is planning on majoring in Systems Engineering.

“I want to get into college on a full scholarship,” said Kreitler. He is hoping to get into Stanford based on his achievement as a swimmer. At the same time, he has some other goals in mind. “I’m not sure I can make the Olympic level, I think my potential is below that but I want to make Olympic Trials and be in the top five,” said Kreitler.

Kreitler has also discovered that on being on such a dedicated swim

by Kristie Moore Atomic Athletics Editor

Notable Achievements: 1st- 4 X 220 relay

After the Lady Atoms lost their season opener to the W.T. Woodson Cavaliers 43-55, they look for a win Friday against Centreville.

Right from the start, senior Erin Gaston got the ball of the tip and passed to sophomore Becca Frece, who then scored the opening points.

At the end of the first quarter, the teams were tied 14-14. The first point of the second quarter would be scored by the Lady Cavs and would precede to score five more unanswered points before Gaston would score two for the Atoms. Struggling to regain the lead, junior Mary Burke put them ahead 27-25, only to have the Cavs tie up the score before the half.

The downfall of the Atoms began late in the second half when Woodson went up by four points.

They never regained the lead after that, falling to the Cavaliers 43-55.

“At the end of the third quarter we got tired and our whole mentality went down from there,” said senior Megan Nelson.

Although they lost, there were some good things about the game.

Personal (GPA, volunteer, job): Caroline was a member of the JV Field Hockey team this fall. She also enjoys traveling.

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Freshman phenom John Kreitler has the natural ability to lift the swim team to a state championship contender.

Girls B-Ball edged by Cavaliers, play Friday

Position (s): 55m dash, 4 X 220m dash relay

Coach Quote: “Caroline made an outstanding contribution to the effort of the track team this past weekend.”

Coach Fister

team has taught him morals, which will inevitably remain with him for life. “They have molded the person I am and the person I will become,” said Kreitler. It has also presented role models that have aided his growth as a person. “Definitely there have been a lot of role models out of swimming,” said Kreitler.

Swimming has also taught him that “It helps you work harder for everything else. You know how far you can go and how hard you can work, and it carries over to lots of different things,” said Kreitler.

However, every competitor has his bad days, as does Kreitler.

For Kreitler his only noticeable shortcoming is his occasionally tendency to go at a slower pace. He really tried to avoid this because when he does not work to his full potential, not only is he disappointed with himself, but his coach gets upset as well. “I love my coach...and I don’t want to make him mad at me,” said Kreitler. He feels a great bond with his teammates and his coach and every effort he puts forth he feels is not only for his sake, but for the sake of the entire team.

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“We had good transition,” said Assistant Coach Mickey Frece.

“We’re still building the program.

The efforts is there we just have to pick it up.”

Head Coach Lori Barb, who is in her third year of coaching at AHS, is accompanied by second year assistant coach Mickey Frece.

The Lady Atoms have five returning players seniors Erin Gaston, Cindy-Kate Calhoun, and Natalie Parcell, and sophomores Erin O’Brien and Becca Frece. Accompanying those five are seniors Megan Nelson and Catherine OwusuSakyi, juniors Jeannine Frank, Alexandra Lujan-Salvatierra Danni Rumber and Mary Burke, and freshman Nakia Williams, to make up the 2001-2002 varsity team.

“This team has a strong camaraderie and respect for each other,” said Coach Barb. “In the long run it will help us out.”

To prepare for Centreville, work is needed in practice to improve.

“Everybody needs to do their specific job,” said Coach Barb.

“There were one or two who weren’t doing their job, which caused a breakdown for the whole team.”

The girl’s varsity will next face Centreville away this Friday at 6

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entertainment

Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men at area stage

reading requirement, concerns the rough before going to sleep. occasionally excessive gesturing. Although the novel’s friendship formed between a common Willis’s portrayal of the ignorant characters had no intrigue about them, this George migrant worker and a mentally handiLennie at times provides much welcome may be construed to be acting slightly ostentatious as John Steinbeck called his Of Mice capped man as both face deep loneliness comic relief, a defense mechanism. In a and Men a “play-novelette,” and director in an uncaring world.

Various humanisthough this does lonely world, George perhaps Liz Diamond realize that description tic themes emerge in the backdrop of a takes away from resorted to putting on a front in with her adaptation on the Arena Stage.

California farm in the Great Depression. the level of order to avoid confrontation The sparse setting of the Stage compliLennie, the disabaled man, is often haunting he is with his true feelings. ments Steinbeck’s equally sparse novel, misunderstood by those he interacts characterized with The actor who best conveys and clever transitions make up for the with, which causes the tragic climax of in the novel. But the novel’s sense of weariness is space limitations of the small stage. the story.

Lennie’s comic Terrence Currier as Candy. His The novel, a tenth grade English The most effect does more acceptance of a gloomy world— impresthan just only occasionally penetrated by sive get laughs; tragically unrealistic optiPLAY RATING special it in fact mism—and status as a partial OF MICE AND MEN effect in adds a cripple exemplify the downtrodthe play certain den, tired atmosphere with is the poignancy which Steinbeck conveyed. creek to his Dust pervades everywhere that the character in the play—on the stage, on Director Liz stage and makes the characters and in the Diamond creates reveals the play’s mindset as well. Though an excellent portral in the climax that Diamond’s interpretation may of the novel through the play. first and much more be less subtle than Steinbeck’s shortest tragic. pen, the inevitably humanistic act. The stage itself Turner’s meaning of the work is still COURTESTY OF AREA STAGE physically opens to George seems at intact.

Stephen Barker Turner as George and Jack create a divide of times exaggerTickets can be purchased for Willis as Vennie. simulated water over ated, making him $10 (under the Arena Stage’s which George also seem less special offer to audiences aged (Stephen Barker world-weary than he appeared in the five to 25) from www.arenastage.com, or by calling Turner) and Lennie novel. However, the underlying melan(202) 488-3300 or (202) 484-0247 or at the Arena COURTESTY OF AREA STAGE (Jack Willis) choly attitude which he exhibits Stage itself at 1101 Sixth Street SW in Washington, Terrence Currier as Candy, Stephen Barker Turner as George and converse and dream throughout the play compensates for any D.C. The play runs until Dec. 9.

Jack Willis as Lennie.

by Shant Shahrigian Co-Editor in Chief

A

Hobbits and Wizards and Dwarves—oh my!

The Fellowship of the Rings, the first of three in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, premiers Dec. 19

by Katie Stanton Copy Editor

The magic world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings has been brought to life and is coming to theaters soon.

The Lord of the Rings, one of the most anticipated movies since Harry Potter mania struck the world, animates the beloved characters of Tolkien’s similarly titled fantasy series and brings them to the big screen, giving Tolkien fans everywhere a chance to really see Middle-Earth for the first time.

The Fellowship of the Ring, the second in Tolkien’s epic series, was published in 1954. Since then, it has gained an avid following of readers all over the world. In fact, many fans are experts on Tolkien’s work; they know the languages, the stories backwards and forwards, and some have even developed role-playing games to act out the adventures.

Now the story comes alive, a goal that has taken director Peter Jackson several years to film. He used landscapes from New Zealand, and has employed almost an army of graphics artists, medieval experts, linguists, costumers, blacksmiths and thousands of extras; not to mention a renowned cast of

actors. With a budget of $270 million per movie, extravagance is to be expected.

The movies will be released in three installments, the first following a young hobbit, Frodo Baggins, and his journey to save his world from enslavement by a dark lord. The second and third movies, The Two Towers and The Return of the King, will be released around December 14, 2002 and 2003.

Frodo, played by Elijah Wood, has inherited a ring, but it’s more than that. It is the One Ring, a tool of vast power that, if allowed, could enable the evil Lord Sauron to rule Middle Earth and enslave its people. Frodo, with a group of hobbits, men, a wizard, a dwarf and two elves, journeys to the Crack of Doom, located deep in Lord Sauron’s realm and the forging place of the ring, to destroy it forever. The Fellowship must battle not only Lord Sauron and his minions, but also internal friction and the corrupting influence of the ring itself.

Frodo has many allies in his quest, one the closest being the old, powerful wizard Gandalf, played by Ian McKellen.

Others in the fellowship include the hobbits Sam, Merry and Pippin (Sean Astin, Dominic Monoghan and Billy Boyd, respectively), the man Boromir (Sean Bean), the elves Elrond and Legolas (Hugo Weaving and Orlando Bloom) and Gimli the dwarf (John Rhys-Davies). All these characters must work together for a greater good.

The film will hopefully live up to the novel’s standard, and become a classic fantasy movie.

Upcoming Musicals and Plays in the D.C. Metropolitain Area

NATIONAL THEATER

The Vagina Monologues Playing: Jan. 22-Feb. 3 2002 Contact Playing: Feb. 19-Mar. 17 2002

Lord of the Rings premiers Dec. 19.

AHS’s The Miracle Worker: two views

by Sarah Bizer Staff Writer

The Miracle Worker was a sensational play, not too short of a miracle. The Miracle Worker took place in the auditorium on Nov. 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30.

played by Paige Singh, had great facial expressions and movement, making it believable that she was actually blind; you did not have to use your imagination. Both Annie and Helen had great chemistry together, especially in the breakfast scene in which Annie tries to teach Helen to use a spoon, eat from her own plate and fold her napkin. It was funny because there was a large food fight between the two. Also, the chemistry between Helen and Annie really shows here how well they both work together. Tim Jones, a parent of an AHS student, said, “The most exciting and hilarious scene was the breakfast scene with Annie and Helen.”

Kate Keller, played by Sarah Paterson, was a wonderful mother; she was very good with Helen. She treated Helen with such love that it was obvious she took the role seriously. Captain Keller, played by, Geordie Campbell, had great chemistry with his son James Keller, played by Joshua Buzzell. The way they fought and acted was so well it was like a real father/son relationship.

“I heard it was an exceptional play so I decided to go see it. Sure enough, it was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said junior Dorsa Hassas.

Many people were there from Annandale, but there was a large group of JEB Stuart students at the play. The students were there with the Cappies.

Sarah Weber, a freshmen at Stuart, was a there critiquing the play. Weber did mention later, “I thought the play had a

strong cast who knew their lines very well, and had very few mishaps. No play is perfect.”

There are many upcoming events in the drama department. Theatre II: Addict is coming on December 13-14 during school. Company: “The Children’s Story” comes January 17-18 during school. Alice in Wonderland is debuting on February 7-9 at 7:00.

switches at several points. Although it was almost absolutely silent, the audience never took their focus away from the struggle.

In the middle of the second act, Annie and Helen move out of the house for two weeks so that Annie can continue her teachings without the interference of Helen’s parents, who never taught Helen the discipline that she needed. Annie sings a lullaby as Helen drifts off to sleep. At that moment, the lights are out except for a few spotlights shining on Annie, Helen,

The Weshington Ballet: The Nutcracker Playing: Dec. 7-23 Cabaret Playing: Dec. 26-31 Scobby-Doo! In Stagefright Playing: Jan. 16-20, 2002

by Amy Lerner Special to The A-Blast

The story of Helen Keller and her struggle to communicate was brought to life in Annandale High School’s The Miracle Worker, a play examining the teaching of Helen Keller from the perception of Annie Sullivan, her teacher.

The set and costumes flawlessly reflected the times and perfectly complemented each other. Some of the technical aspects could have been improved, but the tech utilized its materials well PROVIDED BY THE WASHINGTON POST and had excellent concepts of Helen Keller (Paige Singh) learns to what they wanted to achieve communicate with her mother Mrs. Keller, with the show. played by Sarah Paterson.

Two scenes from the production stood out: first, The play opens with the doctor the concluding scene in Act examining Helen after she had been One, in which Annie Sullivan struck ill. Kate Keller and Captain (Carol Dwan) and Helen Keller were scared Helen was not going Keller (Paige Singh) fight PROVIDED BY THE WASHINGTON POST to live. She is not going to die, when Paige Singh as Helen Keller has a tantrum, which Annie Sullivan (Carol however. The illness, though, Annie Dawn) attempts to pacify. has robbed Helen of her sight atand hearing. tempts Helen’s parents, Captain Keller (Geordie Campbell) During the play you to teach Helen and Kate Keller (Sarah Paterson), and Helen’s observe how the Kellers treat table manners. For brother James (Joshua Buzzell). The effect gave an Helen. They spoil her letting more than five ephemeral, serene mood to the scene, although the her do whatever she pleases. minutes the two spotlights were not focused on the character’s faces, Soon Helen becomes hard to actresses captian effect that would convey what the individual control. That is when the vated the audience characters were feeling. While the scene did create an Kellers call for Annie as they performed emotional effect on the audience, the poorly aimed Sullivan. Annie Sullivan lived a well-choreospotlights diminished from the effect’s potential at the Perkins Institute for graphed struggle power. the Blind, in Boston. She sequence. Both The Miracle Worker is a difficult play to put on went to the Kellers to teach actresses utilized and, given that the cast did extremely well. They Helen manners, sign language powerful facial unfortunately did not do as well in the technical and how everything has a expressions and aspects with a set that blocked major scenes and name. physical actions so sometimes flawed lighting. All in all, the perforAnnie Sullivan, played by that the scene mances outshone the technical work, making The Carol Dwan, made the crowd bordered between Miracle Worker perfect for showcasing the immense laugh with her jokes. Helen, PROVIDED BY THE WASHINGTON POST comic and dratalents of the actors. matic with instant Paige Singh as Helen Keller learns to communicate through sign language, taught

by Annie Sullivan played by Carol Dwan.

WARNER THEATER

FORD THEATER

A Christmas Carol Playing: Nov. 24-Dec. 30

AREA STAGE

Of Mice and Men Playing: Nov. 1-Dec. 9 2001 Blues in the Night Playing: Dec. 7-Feb. 3 2002

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Harry Potter merchandise sold to enchanted fans

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by Shin-hyung Ahn Staff Writer

Harry Potter has sparked a tidal wave of unprecedented media hype within one week.

Internet pre-sale of tickets were in the hundreds of thousands, breaking the records set by the Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

On opening day, it earned $31.6 million, which completely annihilating the records set

by Star Wars, which earned $28.5 million on its opening day.

Harry Potter raised $90.3 million over the first weekend it was released, setting a new record for opening weekend. The previous record holder, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, earned $72.1 million on its opening weekend. Harry Potter is expected to break Titanic’s record of $600 million.

At the theaters, children (and some parents) came dressed up in their Harry Potter attire: cape, taped-up glasses and a pointed hat. Others just wore their “Gryffindor” (Harry’s school team) t-shirts.

Now that the movie has hit gold, Harry Potter fans everywhere will be wanting to

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drink Coca-Cola. The soft drink company has coughed up $150 million to be given the rights to use Harry Potter images on its products. This action has caused opponents to raise health concerns, saying that the huge success of Harry Potter products may cause more and more children to drink the sugary drink instead of nutritional ones. Coca-Cola is also giving away prizes through a “Sorcerer’s Stone” included in every box. The prizes range from free Coke products to a trip to London.

For those that don’t have much luck for winning, there are tours to England that have taken on a Harry Potter theme. The tour usually takes tourists to the places

A scene from the movie that sold 90.3 million during the first three days.

where the movie was filmed, like the King’s Cross Station in London where Harry came to board the Hogwart Express (the train that wizard school children ride to get to school).

“I think it’s way too crazy. They come up with the silliest things to advertise Harry Potter,” said senior Karen Siles.

“If this Harry Potter mania’s effect on our culture is getting people to read more, one should not too harshly criticize,” said senior Keith White.

Posters went on sale shortly after the movie was released, showing up on Internet “pop-up” screens everywhere. Various collectible figurines are sold out with more people waiting to buy them. And for those who need him close by at night, there are bed sheets with the words “Harry Potter” emblazoned all over them. Games based on the first movie for the PC, Playstation, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance consoles.

There’s even Harry Potter soap, Harry Potter toothbrushes/toothpaste, and Harry Potter glasses ready to have your prescription placed on them.

“It is typical pre-Christmas, where you have to buy,” said teacher Elizabeth Edwards.

“I think that hysterical merchandising of anything is wrong. It exploits people’s need to be part of the mass group, especially little

kids, “ said senior Scott Kennedy.

Some religious groups have come out and called Harry Potter “New Age” or witchcraft because it has magical creatures, witches, and wizards.

“I’ve read all the books. It’s cool,” said senior Renato Guevara.“Many people think it’s witchcraft. Some people are ignorant and will start believing in things that are not worth believing in.”

All of this success because of a series of books written by J.K. (Joanne Kathleen) Rowling who at the time of the first book was unemployed. The first book was written while sitting at a cafe table with her baby daughter.

She was working as a French teacher when she heard the news that her story of Harry Potter was going to be published. Now, she is one of the richest women in the world, and she will continue to become richer with three more books to come (that makes seven in all), and perhaps six more movies as well.

Broomsticks, wands and wizards; not all it’s hyped up to be December 7 *Business of Strangers starring: Julia Stiles Plot: Thriller about how far some will go for success. Rated R for sexuality.

December 14

* Not Another Teen Movie starring: Chyler Leigh and Jamie Pressly Plot: A parody of teen movies including the cheerleader, the jock, the loser, the unique, and so forth. Said to be “The teen mother of all movies.” Rated R for crude sexual content, humor, language and use of drugs.

the way they should be. Some of the effects, however, such as riding broomsticks during Quidditch (the broom-riding sport of wizards), made the people look and move like characters from Toy Story. With all the money that went into this, you’d think it’d seem a little more realistic.

Many little things didn’t concur quite with the book, or didn’t inspire the same feelings that the novels did. For example, the wonder of Quidditch was turned into a sidenote, until the championship game, which mostly focused on Harry trying not fall off. In addition, the horror of the dark forest and the creatures within was made into a romp between the trees, and a random killing of a unicorn.

The director must have assumed that everyone seeing the movie had already read the books, so a full explanation of what was really going on and what was really important wasn’t necessary.

Altogether, director Chris Columbus tried. But it’s difficult to match up to standards set so high, by the novels themselves and by countless imaginations.

by Katie Stanton Copy Editor

The wonderful, anticipated, sold-out-a-week-before-the-release feature film had to prepare for lots of critique. Millions of people around the world know about Harry Potter, but perhaps making a movie was going a bit too far. It did no justice to the books.

The show opened with a long sequence of commercials and ads for upcoming movies. This is understandable- it’s got to be one of the hottest marketing spots in history, with so many people in theaters. But it did get to be a little annoying, and only reminded you that you weren’t seeing just any old movie.

Everyone knows the story of Harry’s arrival and meager existence in the cupboard under the stairs, and his adventures in the wizard’s world (and if they don’t, where have you been?). Even if the plot skipped quickly from one event to the next with little linking in between, it got across the basic message. Harry, in addition to his own wizard status, happens to be the son of famous wizards. They also had an equally famous enemy, whom he gets to outsmart in a rather disappointing climax involving a mirror and some vicious threats.

The actors playing all the assorted characters performed well, especially Harry’s friends Ron and Hermione (played by Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, respectively; Harry himself was played

by Daniel Radcliffe). It didn’t seem particularly hard to play the

part of Harry, however; throughout the tale he spent an awful lot of time looking dumbfounded into the camera.

In fact, it seemed the less important parts of the plot weren’t stressed as much as the cool effects were. Hogwarts looked almost real, and the settings were depicted close to

is a must see!

“I Should Tell You...”

by Monica Price On-line Editor

Inspired from Punccini’s opera “La Boheme,” Jonathan Larson’s 1996 Tony Award winning musical, RENT, closed its Washington D.C. tour with its last production on Nov.19.

Performed at the Warner Theater, RENT begins on Christmas Eve in the industrial loft of a povertystricken artist, Mark Cohen, and his roommate Roger Davis, a songwriter and ex-junkie. Their former roommate turned wealthy landlord, Benjamin Coffin III (Benny), demands the rent from when he lived with both artist and songwriter.

Meanwhile, Tom Collins, Mark, Roger’s friend and a computer age philosopher, meets Angel Shunard, a transvestite street drummer, and both discover that they harbor the HIV virus.

In response to Benny’s attempt to abuse his “old friends” to build a new high-tech cyber studio by evicting all of the tenants in the building and clearing the homeless, Maureen, Mark’s ex-girlfriend “turned” lesbian, plans to hold a protest on Avenue B, while her new lover, Joanne, a public interest lawyer works on the technical problems of Maureen’s equipment for her “performance.”

Roger has been recently diagnosed as HIV positive and goes into a withdrawal from society, wanting only to write one last song “before the virus takes hold.” Mimi, an S & M

H o r o s c o p e s

e

ntertainment

Vanilla Sky starring: Penelope Cruz and Tom Cuise.

Plot: “An American adaption of the 1997 Spanish thriller “Abre los Ojos.” Rated R for sexuality and language.

Potter attempts to take flight, but end up crash-landing.

dancer who lives in the same building as Mark and Roger knocks on Roger’s door wanting him to light her candle, after the power in the building was blown.

Instant attraction between Mimi and Roger forms,

but Roger rejects her, ashamed of his new found “baggage.”

Following Maureen’s protest, all of the bohemians convene at the Life Cafe, including Benny who announces that Bohemia is dead. His statement incites the entire company to prove him wrong in their celebration of “La Vie

Boheme.”

The story line continues according PLAY RATING to the events of the bohemians as RENT they struggle to “live in America at the end of the millennium.”

As the risque musical comes to a conclusion, the cast performs a “This is a reprisal of “Season of Love” with phenomenal musical the theme of “no day but today” with a talented cast.” conveyed through the entirety of the musical.

The creator of RENT, Jonathan Larson, died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm the night before the show’s first performance off-Broadway. H-owever his unconditional message of “seizing the day” has lived on strongly through his masterpiece. This is an phenomenal musical with a talented cast. RENT is a paragon of all “bohemian” works to come in the future and is more than worthy of its Tony for Best Musical. If you get the chance to see RENT either on its next tour in Washington D.C. or in New York City, don’t pass it up.

Go in with an open-mind and an open heart and prepare yourself for a spectacular time.

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Friedman and Kraushaar’s

July 23-Aug. 22 March 21-April 19 Leo Sagittarius Nov.22-Dec. 21 Aries Around this time you are You continue hiding and Attention will revolve around you soon, if not already. Now is the chance to show your friends and family who you really are.

Make plans to travel soon. Lucky number is 7.

Capricorn

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Avoid having family arguments, they will only make you more stressed out.

Take the time to acknowledge how lucky you are. A Gemini will help you through this tough time.

Aquarius

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

You’re starting to find it harder to understand the people surrounding you. Plus, life at home might be getting hectic. Take time out for yourself. A Virgo will play a denominate role throughout your day.

Pisces

Feb. 19-March 20

Lately you realize that nothing lasts forever. Focus on the present and future, for this will make you more content.

Wearing red will attract attention. Your lucky number is 4.

beginning to be more open and free spirited. This will get you attention; however, don’t allow your work to slide by or you will end up losing respect from those close to you.

Taurus

April 20-May 20

Take action into your thoughts and ideas; the more you procrastinate the more burden you will build up. Now is the time to speak up or you might lose all chances. Lucky number is 3.

Gemini

May 21-June 20

Your social life will soon spice up if not already. As you concentrate more on what matters to you, happiness will arise. Claim what is yours and many will respect you more. Wear black tonight.

Cancer

June21-July22

You are to be complemented for surviving the past couple of weeks. You are finally starting to see the reality of life. You will become acquainted with an unexpected person and leave them in awe.

letting people stomp on you; it’s time you get out of that bad habit. The person you thought wasn’t noticing you is more interested than you know. Wear blue for luck. Aries plays a role.

Virgo

Top Ten ways to know you are a Harry Potter freak: 10.

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

You keep on pretending: STOP! Look at the big picture. Don’t hide your feelings because you’re afraid.A second opportunity at something lost might be offered. Lucky number 2.

Libra

Top Ten

Sept. 23-Oct.22

Complications seem to arise at of nowhere, but react in a responsible manner. As the day progresses problems will ease. Participate in a beneficial event, this will help. See Taurus for more.

9.

8.

7.

6.

5.

4.

3.

Scorpio

Oct. 23-Nov.21

Life is finally starting to look real positive. Communicate with a person of the past and finish unsettled business; this will keep you at more ease. This weekend prepare to dine with someone special. Lucky # 5.

2.

1.

You no longer care about e-mail, only owl mail.

You draw a lightning bolt on your forehead every morning You cruise the pet store for a three-headed dog named Fluffy.

You try on every hat you can find to see if it will talk to you.

You’ve gotten glasses but taken out the lenses.

You call all your friends muggles.

You’ve searched every candy store looking for Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.

You flip through ESPN, trying to find the “Quidditch” world cup.

You go to the train station and ask where Platform 9 3/4 is.

You keep begging your parents to let you apply to Hogwarts Academy.

Reality Shows were once a hit, but since 911-01 audiences have drifted toward shows of heroic nature involving the police, fire department and paramedics

by Kathy Saupp Staff writer

It’s Thursday night, 8 p.m. Junior Liz Balun, having finally completed her overabundance of homework, plops herself down in front of the television like so many Americans do every night. Remote poised in hand, she flips through the channels.

Her thumb pauses in midair over the remote as the screen comes alive with two squads of scantily clad people in bandanas, racing to down glasses of cow blood, pushing a giant fake boulder across a desolate African Savannah dotted with CBS camera crews. Balun touches the remote to her chin and takes in the action on the screen, before casually flipping the channel. Shrugging her shoulders, she shares her thoughts. “I used to tape Survivor every night it was on to keep up with the story,” said Balun. “But who has time for that anymore?”

Balun, like other teenagers, has lost touch with this false reality, and gained more respect for other shows.

This is the state of prime-time television at the beginning of this 2001-2002 season. We can all remember the days when weekly magazines were adorned with the images of America’s overnight celebrities: the Survivors. Now the racks in convenience stores across the country disclose the true reality, which is not Brandon, Kim P., and the Samburu alliance in the isolated world of Survivor: Africa, but the Northern

Alliance, fighting where there are people actually struggling to be survivors each and every day.

The ratings verify that many Americans are flipping the channel switch just like Balun. Last season’s Survivor seemed permanently bound to the No. 1 spot in the ratings.

According to the Nielsen rating system, Survivor 2 had almost 29 million viewers at the beginning of March of this year. However, this season shows a momentous change.

“It’s just starting to get too boring, after the second one no one really cares about it anymore,” said sophomore Neila Darvish. Nielsen ratings show that as of the week of Nov. 12, Survivor: Africa is imbedded in the number 11 spot in the ratings, with a deficit of nearly 10 million viewers.

The events of Sept. 11 played a large part in this change in viewership. Now, more Americans are tuning into shows like The West Wing, Law and Order, and NYPD Blue. “A lot more people are focused on the real reality, not just unimportant things,” Balun said. The ratings reflect this, with The West Wing and Law and Order gaining 6 million and 4 million more viewers respectively since the second half of last season. “Because of what happened, people have more respect for the police and emergency workers in those type of jobs,” said Balun.

It seems now that the inner workings of government have become

more important to all Americans.

“These other shows are just more interesting now,” said sophomore Julie Bowes. “They just seem more real to me.” The West Wing has received increased attention from viewers. With its specially themed episodes and stars advocating tourism to Washington, DC, even the show’s fictional plots and characters seem all the more real.

As the past few months have proved, the professionals depicted in shows like The West Wing and NYPD Blue have become whom Americans observe the closest. After seeing the heroism and resiliency the ranks of emergency workers, policemen and even our government leaders have displayed recently, even their fictional counterparts deserve some respect.

And that is what they have gotten, through increased viewership.

As the ratings have shown, television audiences are still captivated by reality programming, but this

entertainment

Reality shows are beaten by ‘reality’

Left: NYPD Blue stars in action solving a crime, the newest edition to the cast is Mark Paul Gosselar.

Top: The Survivor cast is starving in Africa in hopes of winning a million dollars.

Bottom: The heroes on Third Watch, a show involving crime and rescue, lined up and posing with pride for whom they are portraying.

season, “reality” shows are more realistic than ever.

NOVEMBER 27

Go on a reconnaissance mission, see Spy Game

by Reid Edwards News Editor

Tony Scott has popularized himself by providing undercover looks at the Government agencies, in films such as Crimson Tide and Enemy of the State. Scott’s latest film, Spy Game, takes an in-depth look at CIA operations from the point of view of Tom Bishop and his mentor, Nathan Muir.

Bishop (Brad Pitt) has been charged with espionage, and is being held in a Chinese prison, to be executed in 24 hours.

When the CIA receives word of his arrest, Nathan Muir, during his last day of work for the CIA, (Robert Redford) is called upon to provide information on Bishop’s past.

The actual film takes place over the course of 24 hours, but is filled in by flashbacks of Muir’s stories concerning his past with Bishop. Muir chronologically recounts his experiences with Bishop, beginning in the Vietnam War. The duo first worked together when Muir is sent by the CIA to assassinate a Vietnamese general called “Red Coat.” Muir enlists the help of “Boy Scout,” Tom Bishop, as a sharpshooter to kill Red Coat.

Bishop is taken to the Vietnamese camp, where he kills Red

Coat, while Muir stays back at the U.S. camp and gives orders via radio to Bishop.

This scene is characteristic of the other flashbacks concerning the screen time shared between Pitt and Redford. Barring a few conversations they have, a total of about 20 of 127 minutes, Pitt and Redford share little screen time, and never work side by side during their missions.

Despite the little shared screen time, almost no scene has either of the stars missing.

Pitt and Redford’s performances, Stars of Spy Game, Brad Pitt and Robert although separate, Redford are in an intense scene fighting as help to carry the double agents.

plot, through their brilliant perforMOVIE RATING Spy Game mances. However in the scenes in which they are together, the chemistry between the actorsis not spectacular, and those scenes are not particularly great.

Muir goes on to tell the CIA officials A good script of their other meetings in West Germany combined with great perforduring the Cold War, and of their mances. assassination of a terrorist in Beirut, Lebanon. As it turns out Bishop’s latest mission in the Chinese prison, was a personal rescue mission unauthorized by the U.S. Government. Because of an upcoming meeting on trade relations with China, it seems that the CIA is reluctant to order Bishop’s return, and are prepared to let him hang. When Muir learns of the CIA’s intent, he attempts to order the retrieval of Bishop by himself. The last part of the movie follows Muir’s own covert operation within the CIA building. Muir utilizes the CIA’s resources in order to retrieve the necessary components to order Bishop’s return to the U.S.

A

‘The Force is strong in this one...’ Rogue Squadron

by Philippe Podhorecki News Editor

LucasArts has done it again with a great sequel to an N64 original. Rogue Leader has improved on the first game in every aspect.

The graphics have now true-to-movie realism, a much-improved game engine, and a great

In this level of Rogue Squadron, you pilot an aircraft against the evil empire, shooting down all of the opposition.

variety of missions.

The story in the game follows the story of the original Trilogy. The first mission is Luke (which is you) trying to destroy the Death Star, the player even flies through the trench and shoots two torpedoes after Han Solo shoots Darth Vader and saves your life. The game has several missions from the movies, such as the afore mentioned Death Star attack, Hoth, Battle of Endor, Escape from the Death Star, and Strike at the Core where you literally strike at the core of the second Death Star. In between these movie missions are missions made specifically for the game by the development company that helps to fill holes in the Trilogy and to add variety.

All of the ships in the movies, from the XWing to the Millennium Falcon and even the Slave I are included in the game and modeled as closely as possible to the movies. Some missions require that the player uses a certain ship, but many missions, after it is beaten, allow different ships to be used.

Graphics usually sell a game, and this game arguably packs the greatest graphics for any system. The ships are amazingly modeled with a large attention to detail. The levels are

New releases on video and DVD:

are Luke Skywalker. also greatly done with tons of different Replay value comes in the fun of playing the 15 things on screen all the time. The best missions over and over again to obtain medals. example of this is the Bespin level where the player flies through the city. The city is Earning medals by beating a mission and doing an exemplary job of it will get you special perfectly rendered with tons bonus missions or new ships to fly. But of highly detailed buildings.

GAME RATING this comes with a steep learning curve Another graphical achieveRogue Squadron and high difficulty rating. ment is the amount of This is where the game perhaps activities that go on in the falters. The game is easy to pick up and game at once. In the Death play but its hair-pulling hard to master.

Star level, there is a plethora With several levels that are just plain Movie-like graphics, of TIEs flying around and superb gameplay, difficult because the AI is too smart or the lasers shooting all around. and tons of replay TIEs fly into you, the game becomes The ability to keep this up is on the great incredibly frustrating. Also, anyone who missions. quite astounding because it is does want to get the most out of the game a first-generation game. by getting all the medals will be in for a The sound is taken from painstaking task. The medals all have certain the movies and is (as in all Star Wars games) great. It has a beautiful score that categories you must excel in, and to get Gold (the goes well in each level. Also the inclusion of best) is downright impossible at times.

Despite the insane difficulty the game has, the voices taken from the movie help to put the graphics and gameplay completely offset this. The play in the movie. The levels are fun, but game is worth at least a rent if not a purchase for when you are zooming forth in the Death Star trench and Obi-Wan Kenobi suddenly any Gamecube owners. If you are thinking about says “Use the Force Luke” and Darth Vader buying a new system and want a great title, Rogue comes up behind you and says, “The Force Leader and Gamecube make a perfect combinais strong in this one”, you truly feel like you tion.

A

POOTIE TANG Starring: Lance Crouther, Chris Rock Director: Louis C.K. A comedy about an urban superhero, heralded as the worst movie of the summer and is more sophomoric than Dude, Where’s My Car? (PG-13) DECEMBER 4 GHOSTS OF MARS Starring: Natasha Henstridge, Ice Cube Director: John Carpenter Set in 2176, a sci-fi horror thriller that follows a group of future-cops escorting a dangerous criminal to a remote outpost jail on Mars, however ghosts inhabit the planet.

(R)

PEARL HARBOR Starring: Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale Director: Michael Bay War movie about World War II, more specifically the sneak attack by Japan.

However most found it more focused on a single love story, not the actual battle.

(PG-13)

Incubus releases a new sound Ludacris’ new CD rolls out with style

by Crystan Blanco Ad Manager

Just four weeks after the release of Morning View, Incubus has managed to hit the BillBoard Charts at No. 23.

Past albums have been harder, more techno, with plenty of drums and guitar. Morning View with its softer, more melodic sound has turned this band’s sound into ‘harmonic metal.’ To long listening, loyal fans this is obvious.

And the question is raised: will fans be open to the band’s new sound?

Straying from their original sound, Incubus has incorporated Middle Eastern strings with Western strings and love lyrics with harder then love drums and guitars.

“Aqueous Transmission” differs dramatically from the rest. The light and airy, almost whispered songs creates a peace of mind, meditation type aura.

The CD has its love songs, however creates equilibrium with songs having a

more hard-core CD RATING Incubus tone and less ‘I want/miss you’ lyrics.

Though songs like “Blood on the Full of good music ground,” “Nice to but it is a different sound and could know you” and leave devoted fans “Have you ever” stranded. seem angerdriven, the band isn’t angry at all. On the contrary, they’ve done their share of thinking.

“Nice to know you,” “11am,” Blood on the ground” and “Aqueous Transmission” are the four most intriguing, lyric-memorizing worth songs.

The band’s done well overall, creating a CD that will relax rather than jolt you out of your calm. Incubus will possibly be seeing new faces at their concerts, while missing some of their former fans.

With chart-topping songs under their belt and introducing their new release with “I wish you were here,” Incubus has a promising future and Morning View proves it.

B

by Ryan Croft Sports Editor

“Or we can do it on stage at the Ludacris concert, cuz ya know it got sold out.” Chris Bridges, a.k.a. Ludacris, sports his afro and boasts his selfconfident attitude to the entertainment world once again with the release of his latest set of flows.

Word of Mouf is the sophomore album for the Atlanta-based rapper under the Def Jam label.

Ludacris derived the name of the CD because he feels it’s, “so good, that it could sell on word of mouth alone.”

Ludacris, an Illinois native who moved to Atlanta at age 12, was first spotted “throwin’ dem bows” two years ago when his hit single “What’s Your Fantasy” hit number one on Atlanta’s Hot 97.

After his debut independent album, Incognegro, sold 50,000 copies in the Dirty South alone, Def Jam South signed ’Cris and released a follow-up album, Ludacris: Back for the First Time last October. To date, the album has sold over 2 million copies.

MC Ludacris has gained his fanatical following is for his fun, speed rapping style, signature voice and ill rhymes. Although it would be hard to match the success of Back for the First Time, the Word of Mouf doesn’t disappoint. With blazing

tracks “Roll out (My BusiCD RATING ness),” “Area Codes” and the Ludacris hidden track, “Welcome to Atlanta” feat. Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris shows he is no one-hit wonder.

The more people hear of It is as good if not Ludacris’ crucial flows, they better than his begin to realize that this preceding record. denizen of the Dirty South is not like other rappers. His delivery and style are so unique and so off-the-wall that it makes it nearly impossible to hate him. For example, the premise of his new track “Move [Expletive]” is about running over women if they don’t get out of his way. Odd as it sounds, Luda’s got a way to make it funny.

“Cadillac grills, Cadillac mills, check out the oil my Cadillac spills.” A reoccurring theme in most all of tracks is his love for Cadillacs, money and women. In an interview in Rolling Stone, he declares that a “Cadillac is on a whole different level . . . No matter what year a Cadillac you have, if you have a Cadillac, you in style.”

Ludacris will make an appearance in the new movie, The Wash, starring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog. Whether Ludacris becomes a movie star or busts rhymes for Def Jam, one thing is for sure, the 24 year old will be droppin’ bows all the way to the bank. “Just cuz I got money to the ceiling.”

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Games rise in popularity

by Philippe Podhorecki News Editor

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UPCOMING CONCERTS • • • •

NOTHINGFACE November 30 9:30 club $15 tickets available at www.930club.com

• • • •

SOULIVE December 1 9:30 club $15 tickets available at www.930club.com

• • • •

BETTER THAN EZRA December 6 9:30 club $20 tickets available at www.930club.com

• • • •

THE GET UP KIDS December 17 9:30 club $15 tickets available at www.930club.com

• • • •

2 SKINNEE J’S December 21 9:30 club $15 tickets available at www.930club.com

• • • •

VIRGINIA COALITION December 22 9:30 club $12 tickets available at www.930club.com

• • • •

KATHARINE KISHIYAMA

Juniors Jack Shea and Chrissie Newman wait in line to enter the theater. Many students went to Hoffman’s to see Harry Potter on opening night.

Hangin’ at the Hoffman New movie theater gains popularity among AHS students

METHOD MAN AND REDMAN December 23 9:30 club $25 tickets available at www.930club.com

by Ryan Teichler Business Manager

With 23 screens and stadium seats, the Hoffman theater is one of the area’s largest and most modern movie complexes.

The Hoffman premiered Harry Potter at 12:01 a.m on Friday, November 16th to sell out crowds. The theater was filled with annoying 10-year-old Harry Potter fanatics dressed in full wizard attire, even during the later showings. Many students also attended the opening. “I went to see Harry Potter at the Hoffman,” said sophomore Noah Crowley, “It’s like the Hoffman is first class, and all the other movie theaters are coach.”

The most noticeable feature of the theater is the two towering escalators in the lobby which lead to some of the movie screens on the upper level.

The ticket will set you back $8, but if you show a valid student I.D. when you buy the tickets, they will only cost you $6. Seats are extra comfortable with

foldable arm rests and fill up pretty quickly, but there are really no bad seats in the theater. Sophomore Johhny Eklund said, “It [Hoffman] is amazing. It’s bigger, darker and more comfortable than any other theater.”

Hoffman seems to be well employed and the staff for the most part is friendly. There are people located at every screen checking tickets to make sure you are in the right spot. As in other theaters, plan to spend about $7 for a large popcorn and a drink.

Parking is never a big problem even on a busy Friday or Saturday night.

The exterior is well lit and it gives the impression, unlike the Multiplex, that it is a safe place to be. Police located inside and outside of the theater ensure the safety of visitors.

Four ticket lines help minimize the lines. If you plan on paying with a credit card, then you may buy tickets from any number of automated ticket machines and avoid the lines altogether. Hoffman is the nicest theater in the area.

With the release of two new consoles into the videogame war, it has become apparent that videogames are growing in popularity. With close to half the homes in the U.S. owning a video game console, it is clear that videogames are coming to the forefront of the entertainment industry.

Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft are all vying to be in homes across the country. Each company has their own exclusive titles that they hope will convince consumers to pick up their respective consoles.

Everyone has their opinions and reasons for what system is the best. Some believe that the Gamecube is the best new system. “With a low price and quality first-party games like Luigi’s Mansion and Wave Race: Blue Storm, Gamecube is the leading console of the new millennium,” said junior Preston Gisch. But others, like junior Andrew Stanton, think otherwise, “The reason X-Box will be a success is for several reasons, the biggest factor being the games. I’m looking forward to getting one for Christmas.”

Third-parties, companies who develop games for multiple consoles, are also playing a key part in the new Next-Generation race. Several titles, such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, are being made for different consoles in the publishers attempt to get more money. Whereas LucasArts, who develops for many consoles, is making some of their games exclusive for different systems. For instance, Star Wars: Rogue Leader, is an exclusive for Nintendo Gamecube.

The major deciding factor is in purchasing a system are the first- and second-party titles. Gamecube titles such as Luigi’s Mansion and Super Smash Bros. Melee are key sellers for the system. “I’ll die if I don’t get to play Super Smash Bros. Melee ... because it looks great,” said junior Michael Nakamura. Halo is a key seller for the new Microsoft X-Box. “Halo takes all FPS [First-Person Shooter] gaming to the next level. It has it all: graphics, the gameplay, and the fun factor. An engaging single player [game] with tactical warfare and tema based strategy means you can’t run in with guns drawn blasting anything that moves,” said Stanton.

Sony and Microsoft are aiming to be the center of entertainment in most houses with a built in DVD-player. While Nintendo’s system is only for games.

Nintendo decided “to stay with what they know”- games.

Nintendo and Microsoft are currently getting most of the press with the new systems they have released, but Sony is trying to keep their crown of most popular system, especially now with the widespread appeal videogames have now. “I think PS2 [Playstation 2] is a good system because of the games, but the graphics aren’t as good as the Gamecube,” said junior Erik Zottnick.

Sony has been out for a little over a year and, worldwide, has reached a base of nearly 20 million homes. The main reason for this is the widely popular games they have come out with or the ones to come. “MGS2 [Metal Gear Solid 2] is a really good game that I bought a few weeks ago, but the store wasn’t as good as everyone thought it’d be. PS2 is the best system because of the games, like Grandtheft Auto 3, MGS2, Tony Hawk 3, and a lot of other new games,” said Zottnick.

The holiday season is upon us and all companies want their systems to sell big, as do the game developers. Look forward to a spectacular month with big name releases trying to get you to spend you money on their products.

a

F r i e d m a n ’s F i n d s AREA PLAYS A TUNA CHRISTMAS • Warner Theatre • for tickets or info visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (202)-432-SEAT OF MICE AND MEN • Arena Stage • for tickets or info visit www.arenastage.com or call (202)-488-3300 A NEW BRAIN • The Studio Theatre • for tickets or info visit www.studiotheatre.com or call (202)-332-3300

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THE NUTCRACKER GMU Center for the Arts For the GMU show info or tickets call (703)-2186500 Shows also playing at the Warner Theatre For the Warner Theatre shows call (202)-432SEAT

Laser tag offers another exciting option for teens in their spare time

tag games and different set-ups of their laser tag rooms. Two places to play laser tag in the area are Planet Play at Springfield Mall and Ultrazone at 3447 Carlin Springs Rd. Sophomore Jesse Vollrath has played laser tag numerous times at both Planet Play and Ultrazone and she liked Planet Play better.

Vollrath enjoys laser tag because, “it’s like you are a spy because you are hiding behind things and its in the dark. It’s like you are in the FBI. You are also hanging out and playing around with your friends.”

Planet Play is open from 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It costs $6.00 per person for one game and $10.00 per person for three games.

Planet Play’s simple layout stands one story tall, but it also has an arcade, bumper cars, and beverages are served. Julie, an employee at Planet Play said, “I think teens enjoy laser tag because they can run around and aim for each other. They get their energy out.”

For a more elaborate game, Ultrazone is better becuase it’s arena is more complex and has two stories. More targets are situated around the area to hit and the game incorporates more rules.

Ultrazone’s is closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Call 703-578-6000 for more specific hours.

It costs $11.00 per game per person. Andrew Winters, sophomore, likes Ultrazone more than Planet Play. He likes playing laser tag because, “it’s like you are fighting but no one gets hurt.”

ernhardt’s ites

What is the best movie you have seen recently?

“A.I. because the plot and characters were good, and not all gushy and stuff.”

—Zach Sykes freshman

“Harry Potter because it was better than the book and there’s a lot of action.”

—Tamara Khatib sophomore

“Monsters Inc. because I thought it was adorable.”

B

Ever wish you could take a journey into the past and visit “the Fonz” at the local diner? In the ’50s, kids always gathered at a favorite local hangout for burgers and shakes. One local restaurant attempts to recreate this ’50s atmosphere.

The Jukebox Diner located at 7039 Columbia Pike brings back all the quintessential elements of the time. The shiny, silver building with neon lights is easily spotted in downtown Annandale. A customer can choose to sit at an old-fashioned booth or on a stool at the soda fountain. As expected, a jukebox sits predominately against a wall.

Surprisingly, the Jukebox Diner has an extensive menu, including chicken, seafood, salads, steaks, and soups. Of course, sandwiches and shakes are their most popular items. The diner offers many variations of hot dogs, reubens, club sandwiches and hamburgers. A foot-long hot dog with chili, cheddar and onion is $4.08. A classic original reuben with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and 1000 island dressing is $5.99. In particular, the Jukebox Diner has earned a local reputation for excellent hamburgers. Sandwiches come with cole slaw, French fries and pickles.

Classic ’50s style “fountain delights” and “ice cream treats” satisfy the sweet tooth. The banana split ($3.99) and the chocolate egg cream ($1.79) are some of more traditional desserts offered.

The diner remains open seven days a week and serves breakfast all day long. Jukebox Diner offers an incredibly large breakfast menu and a wide selection for lunch and dinner, too. The Jukebox Diner is a convenient and reasonably priced choice if you’re in the mood for a burger and shake.

w

eekend

John Bernhardt Weekend Editor

Like a fugitive on the run, I crawled around the corner on my hands and knees, peeking around the barriers set out on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. All of a sudden a red beam of light shot out at me from across the room. An exploding sound filled my ears; I had been shot. I ran to the back wall of Caroline Friedman my side of the room to recharge my Weekend Editor gun. Laser tag gives an adrenaline rush everytime it’s played.

In the game, color coded teams battle it out in a dark smoke-filled room. Players always wear a vest and carry a gun (which serve as targets). Some places have earphones as well. The large gun shoots a laser beam, which players aim at different targets on player’s bodies and all over the laser tag area in order to score points for their team. Players can aim at places on the vest or at the gun to “shoot” the other players. If a player gets shot, they either have to go to a recharging station or wait until their gun recharges.

Laser tag is a great activity to do with a bunch of friends.

Split up into different teams and see who wins. With the printouts given to the teams at the end of each game players can see how many times they hit each of their friends and how many points they scored. If a group goes together, most places will give a group discount. To feel like a spy or an FBI secret agent, just head out to one of the laser tag locations in the area.

Different places have varied ways of running their laser

tomic reactions

—Lindsey Grant junior

“Pearl Harbor because it was educational, and had a lot of action and good acting.”

—Doug McClellan senior

SARAH SHERMAN

The Jukebox Diner is furnished with ’50s style furniture.

A soda fountain and jukebox standout also decorate the diner.

RESTAURANT RATING JUKEBOX DINER

B

offers and wide variety of choices, but should specialize on traditional American foods

“A Knight’s Tale because I liked the way it satarized Chaucher’s Canturberry Tales and there was good music.”

—Vince Randazzo English Teacher ALL PHOTOS BY SARAH SHERMAN