The Viking October Issue

the

www.thevikingnews.com november 2010 issue 1

viking

hions

the best

eek fas f spirit w

o

see page

12

do o t at h d w . n . . a y e s gh all i V h o t ng s i e m m o co ec e m e o g .H fu . . e g r r e bu ... es s l e o e g Con lows in L

i h t in

. . . e u s s i s

advertisiment

We’re in this together.

Get your school’s limited edition yearbook now.

jostens.com

the

viking

table of contents

on the cover

Richard Meyer strikes a pose on Toga Day. cover photo: Haley Johnston

what’s inside:

2

news

6

viking view

19

2-3: From the DRC to Valley: Lydia Awa’s story 4: Orchestra for two 4: Private driving schools now require workshop 5: 10 things you need to know

6: Hello from Hungary 7: My experience at Valley 8: “‘Meet you at the ‘bude’” 9: Staff editorial

10 centerspread

10-11: The highs and lows of Homecoming

12

17

arts & entertainment 12:Five days of fun and fearless fashion 13: Local insiders: good eats 14: Movies worth watching: Remakes 15: Staff reviews 16: Upcoming events

sports 17: Game day premiere 18: Concussions cause concern 19: Foster hurdles over difficulties

staff

editing team Michelle Delgado Lauren Pichon Dani Psimas online team Michael Carter Torri Hart

copy team Courtney Coombs photography team Haley Johnston Jessica Carver ad team Mari Kiyota Kamna Talwar

Foster hurdles over difficulties

“Don’t let any differences you have stop you from going after what you want.”

- Gaelyn Foster

staff writers Rachel Boisjolie Maddi Luckman Tatum Davenport Tierra Dongieux Melissa Fairfax Leigh George Josh Janney Acacia Lawson Zack Miller

Ben Lutrario Mae Markowski Joe Midolo Courtney Morgan Lakshman Ulanowsky Carter Waller

news

From the DRC to Valley: Lydia Awa’s story

by Michael Carter & Michelle Delgado

Awa’s family poses for a family photo while still in Uganda.

Lydia Awa sits in class like every other student. She works hard to do her best in her core classes of Math, English, Science, and History.

She supports the football team as a member of the color guard. Without speaking to her, it might seem like she has led a typical life. She has not.

Awa is a Congolese refugee. After spending nine long, difficult years in Kenya, followed by two years in Uganda, Awa and her family immi-

2

grated to the States, spending a few months in Michigan before settling in Loudoun County. Awa attended Loudoun County High before finally coming to Valley in the spring of 2010.

“It was kind of hard at first, because we speak English in schools in Kenya, but the English is different here,” Awa said. “I would be shy to speak up because of my English, but then I got used to it because I found

Photo: Lydia Awa

good friends.”

Awa was only three when she was forced to leave the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the ongoing war against Rwanda. The war is characterized not only by military violence, but war crimes against civilians.

A 550-page United Nations report from October 2010 detailed the history of the war in the DRC that spanned the years from 1993 to

news

2003. The report states that “[m]any of the attacks involved massive violence against non-combatant civilian populations consisting primarily of women and children amid a climate of near-total impunity, which continues today.”

“I would ask my mom where we were from and why we never go back, and she would explain to me that it’s not safe. They come into people’s houses, they rape women, they kill pregnant women. So that’s why we stayed in Kenya.”

Even in Kenya, life wasn’t easy.

Racial discrimination made it almost impossible for Awa’s father to find a job; the family moved from house to house, sometimes staying with friends, because they had no

DRC

rent money.

“We lived there for nine years.

The first five years it was hard because my dad didn’t have a job.

School was hard because they would throw you out,” said Awa. “It was kind of hard the first few years.”

While Awa is glad to be removed from the danger of life in the DRC, it still touches her life. Her family was forced to leave many relatives behind when they moved to Kenya and later to America. Awa said that her family keeps in touch with her extended family in Africa by phone every few weeks, but the fear and worry for their safety is never far from her mind.

“You never know what will happen the next day,” Awa said. “You always pray for them, because today they might be alive and then tomorrow they’re dead. I’m just worried sometimes and praying.”

Although being a refugee means that Awa now lives in safety in the US, it has come at a high cost.

“I don’t really know my cousins, I’ve never seen my aunts; they’re all back in Congo.

I mean, I’ve never even seen my grandparents,” said Awa, “so I’d say it has separated us a lot.”

Awa poses for a photo in Kenya.

Photo: Lydia Aaw

After graduation, Awa plans to study in Europe in order to gain insight into different cultures. No matter what she studies, she plans to eventually return to the DRC. “I want to be a doctor. I want to work with the UN where they send doctors to Africa and help all those people who need treatment,” Awa said. “It’s on my mind.”

Awa’s experiences have given her a perspective on the world that is unique from many of her peers. She has come to recognize the struggles that exist outside of the everyday problems of high school students.

“You know, when I look at people and see how some people misuse their lives, I feel sad or mad sometimes,” Awa said. “There are people who want to have a chance to have their life given back to them. It’s not like they chose to have someone come and take their life away from them. It’s taken away from them by force.”

3

news

Private driving schools now require workshop

by Melissa Fairfax

For teens, turning sixteen means getting a driver’s license. But now the process for attaining this privilege has become even more extensive than before.

As of July 1, 2010, a ParentTeen Workshop is now mandatory for all teens participating in Behind the Wheel (BTW), whether commercially or through Loudoun County Public Schools. BTW is generally seven days of driving and observing with a licensed educator.

The Parent-Teen Workshop is an hour-anda-half-long program that is now mandatory for every student to attend with a parent or guardian, unless the student waits until he or she is nineteen. These workshops are held at several different schools throughout the year.

“We live in such a hectic lifestyle area where traffic is horrendous on a good day,” Driver’s Education teacher Joyce Phillips said.

“It’s good for parents and students to hear the information the same way, because it doesn’t always go home the exact same way the student heard it.”

This is the fourth year the parent-

teen workshop has been mandatory for teens participating in LCPS BTW, and the first it is mandatory for students with private instruction. This is Loudoun Valley’s fifth year hosting the

program.

Improved statistics have proven to be the reason for this change in requirements.

“They’re finding a wide gap in crash rates between areas where the workshop is mandatory with the

school opposed to those without it,” said Phillips.

For senior Janey Brooke White, the workshop proved to be a problem.

White and her family recently moved from Lynchburg, Virginia, where the workshop was not required.

She had not yet taken Behind the Wheel and could not immediately sign up in Loudoun County because she had not attended the workshop. She could not get her license for the entire summer, which “made my summer a time of waiting,” she said.

After moving, White went to the Parent-Teen Workshop at Freedom High School.

“The workshop was really useful for me. It was a refresher of Driver’s Ed, and it taught you things instead of you just memorizing it for the class,” said White.

“It had videos that were very awakening and showed the reality and consequences of driving.”

White was then able to sign up for BTW and finally get her license.

“It’s fun to have the freedom to go places and not to have to be like, ‘Hey, mom, can you take me to this place?’” White said. “You can just jump in the car and go, do what you need to do and not worry about getting rides.”

Orchestra for two

by Kamna Talwar

4

To most, an orchestra is a large group of varied musicians. However, the 7th block “Artist Orchestra” class is quite the opposite.

Composed of only two students, junior Frank Song and senior Elizabeth Harris, the class is certainly one music class that stands out.

Other orchestra students in the regular 8th block class join the small group from a Study Hall. Among these students is senior Becca Gottfried.

Although the instruments are not varied, as the two students are both violinists, there are some positives to this aspect.

“We’re both intermediate violinists, so there is a

lot of collaboration,” said Song.

There are several advantages to having the smaller class. One advantage is that it is more efficient.

“We both sight-read quickly, and get through pieces quickly,” Song said.

“In other orchestra classes, you’d have to wait on other kids, but in this class you don’t,” said Harris.

“There is more one-onone time than in 8th block orchestra because it’s so much smaller,” Gottfried said. “Also, a good thing about the smaller orchestra is that when people mess up, it’s easier to hear and

correct them.”

Of course, there are some disadvantages to having a small orchestra class.

“I miss the whole sound [of the entire orchestra], but we have other kids come in so it still sounds good,” said Harris.

Additionally, their small size has the class set up in the guitar room closet.

“It’s annoying because we’re in the guitar storage room. The guitar kids spend the first and last five minutes getting their instruments, so we can’t play then,” said Gottfried.

Due to the fact that the class is so efficient, they often get to practice other pieces along with Mr.

Gerdes.

“It’s really cool because he brings us special pieces and Mr. Gerdes not only conducts, but is a part of it and plays with us,” said Song.

“It’s an independent study orchestra, like a chamber orchestra. So we do more challenging pieces,” Harris said.

Overall, the students seem to enjoy the class, despite its shortcomings.

“It’s super-productive and overall I really like it. It’s probably one of the wisest decisions I’ve made in high school,” said Song.

10

news

things you need to know

by Dani Psimas

Been too wrapped up in football season and the start of the school year to keep up with the news? No worries.

I’ve broken down the past month into the biggest headlines the ten things you need to know.

1

Judge orders U.S. military to stop ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’

6

The New York Times

2

Miners hoisted to freedom in Chile

Afghan peace council chief: Taliban ready to talk The Associated Press

7

The New York Times

Palestinians counter Israeli offer on settlements The Washington Post

3

50 state attorneys to vet foreclosure process

8

The Boston Globe

4

Deepwater drilling ban lifted

Toxic sludge from Hungary’s spill threatens Danube PBS NewsHour

9

The Washington Post

Rouse, insider’s insider, to replace Emanuel The Associated Press

5

Bernanke: Fed prepared to act to boost economy The Washington Post

10

Reid, Angle stay tied in race for US Senate The Associated Press

5

viking view

“

Hello from Hungary!

by Kent Bailey

For those of you who don’t know, I am not at Valley this year because I applied and was accepted for the Fulbright Teacher Exchange. I arrived in Debrecen, Hungary on August 20th. I teach at Ady Endre Gimnazium in Debrecen, which is a secondary school (high school) that has a strong reputation for drama and the arts, as well as a bilingual program, which I do most of my teaching in. This year, I am teaching many different classes including Ancient World History, American Civilization, and English Conversation.

Some of the students in the English Conversation classes are just starting with the language, but it’s been a fun challenge to undertake. I have also begun teaching an extra class that meets after school on International Relations that has been well attended.

The general make-up of Hungarian schools is extremely different than Valley. Depending on which track the students are on, 4 year or 6 year, they will be with the same people in their class from the time they begin secondary school to the time they graduate. This

means they will all take the same courses together. Although the typical class size is about 35, they are split into two sections; as a result, my class size is much smaller than in the United States, with an average about 17-18 students. This system has many benefits, but on the downside, some of those classes only meet once a week for 45 minutes, and it’s hard to develop the same rapport that I could with my American students. Still, my students are eager to learn and are extremely respectful.

It is my hope to develop a partnership between our two schools and to organize different activities for the students of both schools.

Life in Debrecen is much different than in Purcellville. I live in a city of 250,000 (the second largest city in Hungary), and very little English is spoken outside of the younger generations that I teach. At first I was very reliant on the teachers at my school to assist me with even the most menial tasks, but after two months I feel a lot more comfortable in my language abilities (although I am still not

Kent Bailey, AP US History and International Relations teacher, is teaching in Debrecen, Hungary on a Fulbright Scholarship.

6

Kent Bailey tours Heroes’ Square in Budapest, Hungary.

Photo: Kent Bailey

good). Hungarian is a very The Fulbright Commission difficult language to learn, in Hungary has planned and it is unique to Europe; numerous excursions for its closest equivalent is me and the other teachers, Finnish. Therefore, it does students, researchers and not follow the rules of Eng- professors. Outside of Fullish and there are not many bright, I recently went on a common words. My stutwo-day school faculty field dents often make fun of my trip to Budapest, and just pronunciation, but I think this past weekend travelled I am doing pretty well for to Bratislava, Slovakia. At being here just 2 months. the beginning of NovemOne of the nicest surprises ber, I will be travelling in Debrecen has been the to Romania (I will be in American Corner, which Transylvania near the castle is run by the U.S. State of the real Dracula for HalDepartloween) ment. It Finland, It is my hope to develop Estonia, provides a partnership between opporLatvia, tunities Sweden our two schools and to have and Dento organize different convermark. activities for the sations, As students of both schools. much take Hunas I am garian enjoying lessons and many other my time here and the great activities that are planned experiences I am having, for Americans, or anyone I do miss Loudoun Valley else who is interested in and all my former students practicing their English. and fellow teachers and Although I spend my staff members. I hope evweeks in Debrecen, I often eryone is doing well. travel on the weekends.

My experience at Valley…

viking view

by Erika Galambos

On a Fulbright exchange from her home school in Debrecen, Hungary, Erika Galambos teaches Internathe things I like the most: tional Relations and World History. the things I like the most: •That everyone is so nice; I am asked all the time whether I am OK and how was my weekend.

•That the colleagues are so helpful; I would like to say extra thanks by this means to Mr. Russ Thompson, my mentor who is ready to solve any problem I have and Mr. Bruce Pugh whom I teamteach with.

•That the kids are so enthusiastic about their progress and they attend school regularly.

•That I was explained how to play and understand football by the International Relations student in the hall during Homecoming week.

Galambos travelled to various places in the country to make the most of her stay.

Photo: Erika Galambos

the strangest things for me: • That lessons are so long – they are 45 minutes long in Hungary.

• That each student has study hall.

• That students write with pencils for most of the time and they sharpen their pencils all the time.

• That the classrooms are so open – I mean there are a number of people coming and going at any time.

• That there is the pledge each morning.

• That there must be so many grades.

• That I team-teach with someone else.

the thing I don`t like:

•That the school and the students were `decorated’ during homecoming week.

•That I can provide abundant number of copies of worksheets and activity materials to the students.

•That there is SSR in several mornings.

•That the weather is so warm even in October. (At home it is freezing by now.)

•That the landscape is so nice all over Virginia. I especially enjoy my trips to the surroundings, like the Skyline Drive, to Harpers Ferry, to Norfolk and Yorktown.

•That there are wild animals like squirrels, deer, and several different birds around my home in Round Hill.

•That I could see the Pacific coast, as there was a Fulbright workshop in Seattle in early October.

• The health insurance system.

7

viking view

“Meet you at the ‘Bude’”

by Michael Carter & Charlotte Cooper

The German Club hopes to have the shed cleaned by As students pass between the language hall and mixing bowl they are accustomed to seeing a worn-down old shack that does little to enhance the school, but if the German Club succeeds in its newest project, this is soon to change.

The German Club, led by adviser Dennis Roos, is working to renovate the storage shack behind the school and turn it into a flourishing food stall, known in German as a ‘Pommesbude’, with the surrounding area imitating a Bavarian garden.

“We’re going to try to make it look like authentic German architecture... My dream is for it to be like a real Bavarian garden,” said Roos.

That dream, however, will not be realized without a significant amount of work that is still needed in order to complete the project.

German Club President Celia Lee said, “We have to

8

go buy the materials, clear out the shed, bust a hole in the wall, make a sign and then get everything organized. We have to talk to the people that are going to be giving us bread every morning.”

The kitchen will be solar-powered, just one part of an initiative attempting to incorporate more environmentally friendly energy in Loudoun Valley. The first step was the solar powered light for the sign in front of the school, which was followed by a proposal for a grant for solar lights in the parking lot.

“The solar project started two years ago, the idea came from a trip to Germany. They’re so far ahead of us...After waiting a long time for grant money, we decided on a smaller project,” Roos said, “We want to cut energy costs by becoming self-sufficient on solar power.”

Roos hopes that the project will help to spark an interest within the school

said Roos.

Lee went into detail about what the fundraiser would entail.

“We’re selling environmentally friendly products such as certain types of lights, flowers and candy.

Our biggest concern is that solar power costs a ton. It’s taking up a lot of money, which German Club doesn’t really have.”

Ideally, the project will begin to return the startup costs soon photo by Michael Carter after it opens allowing a the end of October. new source of revenue to in German culture. He has already seen some increased flow into the school’s foreign language department. interest among teachers.

Roos said, “The for“Other teachers want to eign language department get involved, as well. I love will get some funding and the energy and excitement of this project that’s all about my dream is for profits to significantly help the foreign celebrating the cultural language scholarship fund, atmosphere and beautifying which is offered every year it.” to a worthy student who The goal date for havaspires to continue foreign ing the shack completely language in college.” cleaned up is the end of The goal for the PomOctober. So far initial progress has been made in power mesbude is that it will bring in a unique quality to Valley, washing the exterior and seeing that it would be the finding volunteers to help only one of its kind in Loudwork on the shed. oun County.

The money for completLee emphasized the ing this project will have to point that the project is not come from personal donameant to be for profit, but tions as well as a grant that rather a means of improving will be subject to approval. the school. “The profit for us Roos is also having his Gerwould be to raise solar panel man class students help out awareness.” by participating in an ecoOn top of this, Roos friendly fundraiser. hopes to use it as a means “I want this to be comof promoting the German pletely student oriented-an culture and language. opportunity that gives GerRoos said, “If you order man students a project and in German, you get a disan opportunity for commucount.” nity service and the student body somewhere to go to have a nice German roll,”

what is your definition of classy?

Amy Armentrout senior The immediate thing that pops into my head is “not our senior class.”

Joey Bogash sophomore Expensive and fancy.

Kenyamo McFarlane teacher

Kelsey Wiegel senior

Classy is taking the high road, even when it’s not the popular [thing to do].

Dressing classy is dressing like you’re going to the Prom every day.

Acting classy is like talking to the Queen of England all the time.

Classy is welldressed all the time, polite, and just smiles all the time.

Hannah Milam & Grace Marcellin seniors It’s the way you present yourself, in a sophisticated manor. It’s not being fake, but actually having it.

Being respectful, not obnoxiously loud and blunt, and it’s polite, modest, selfrespecting too.

viking view

Erik Stimeling junior Elegant and cool.

staff editorial Stay classy, Loudoun Valley!

Last school year, we heard the words “Stay classy, Loudoun Valley,” almost every day on the afternoon announcements. With those words gone, our sense of what it means to be classy seems to have fallen by the wayside as well.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of “classy” is “having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior.” Valley has always been the epitome of class. We go out

of our way to help others; in the past few years, we’ve organized fundraisers to help postearthquake Haiti, stop genocide in Sudan, and support struggling businesses worldwide with Kiva.

We also strive to embrace all members of the Valley community.

Part of being classy is displaying excellent sportsmanship and having welcoming attitudes. It is Valley tradition to foster excellent sportsmen and be welcoming of our visitors. When the visitors’ seating section overflowed at the recent home game against Woodgrove and the Wolverines’ fans trickled over to our side to find a place to sit, the Jungle and other Vikings fans greeted our friends and

neighbors with great hostility.

We lost track of our class again on the night of the Powderpuff sleepover.

This lack of class is not what we want to be known for. It’s important to pause and think before we act and to bear in mind that, to the outside community, we each represent the entire student body.

We’ve earned an excellent reputation in our community, and we need to preserve that reputation to continue to enjoy the freedom and respect associated with it. We all go to the same school and live in the same community, so it is our responsibility to look out for one another and take pride in representing our school well.

9

centerspread

h i g h s

Homec queen

Kim Caputo

HIGHS:

The juniors won the hallway decorations contest with their theme of ‘Los Angeles.’ Seniors struck a pose for toga day, the most anticipated day of spirit week.

Freshman Alex Ray plays the fight song with the band to pump students up at the pep rally.

The football team held their own against Osbourn, ranked number 1 in the state and 43 in the country.

10

coming

centerspread

l o w s

Powderpuff: Gone for good?

by Josh Janney & Dani Psimas

Johnny Curtis king

"Powderpuff has been canceled.”

The announcement rang through the school during 8th block on October 6th. Powderpuff participants had been called down to the office and the auditorium throughout the day, and the school was abuzz with rumors about the events of the sleepover the night before. The decision to cancel the game, although expected by many, caused disappointment and frustration among the team and its fans.

The Powderpuff football game has been a Valley tradition for years.

Senior and junior girls form teams, coached and cheered on by guys, and compete in a flag football game whose yearly proceeds benefit Outdoor Education, student field trips, and the Viking fund.

However, in recent years, the event has fostered more than the usual amount of class rivalry. One outlet for the rivalry has been the Powderpuff sleepover, traditionally held the night before the game at two houses: one for juniors, the other for seniors. While pranks, usually initiated by seniors, have always been a part of the fun, this year’s pranks led to violent attacks, vandalism, complaints from neighbors, parental intervention, and multiple calls to the police.

"It started with the seniors creaming miracle whip on Brian Martin's car," said Charli Maldonado, host of the junior sleepover.

"After that, they started attacking the house. The police arrived at 11:00 and asked if my parents wanted to press charges. My parents said no, as it had not gotten that bad yet and they didn’t want to get people in trouble. But then the seniors came back and egged the house. We eventually made trips to 7-11 to fight back."

Students targeted the cars and houses of the opposing team. Commonly used items included eggs, mayonnaise, easy cheese, bologna,

and dog excrement.

Mary VonGersdorff, the host of the senior sleepover, said things grew out of hand quickly. "I came late to the sleepover because I had been at a SAT course. When I arrived home at 10:00, a lot of people had already left to do pranks.”

Three calls were made to the police that night by concerned neighbors in the area; each time the students scattered before officers arrived. In addition, students were pulled over throughout the night for breaking curfew, driving under the influence, and carrying illegal numbers of passengers.

“After the cops were involved, most of the seniors felt it wasn’t worth it to continue,” said VonGersdorff.

Although the police department refused to release the incident report because it involved minors, they did reveal that they have handed the incident over to the administration.

Prior to this year, the faculty and administration had been unaware of the Powderpuff sleepovers.

“I did not know they held sleepovers until community members started calling the next morning – irate phone calls,” said Principal Sue Ross. “The assistant principals started doing some investigating, and it became clear quickly that a lot of students were involved, both on the juniors’ side and the seniors’ side. We had 60 of 80 [participants] involved, and police were called in the jump to page 20

11

arts & entertainment

spirit week style flashback

2

by Tatum Davenport

tuesday

1

80’s day

monday

PJ Day

3

wednesday

wackytacky

5 days of fun & fearless fashion

5 friday

class colors/ toga

12

4

thursday

night on the town

DOWNTOWN LEESBURG

arts & entertainment

local insiders: best eats

by Michelle Delgado & Danielle Psimas If you think there’s nothing to do that’s both fun and local, we’re here to prove you wrong! We wandered the streets of downtown Leesburg in search of the most creative restaurants at the most affordable prices. The establishments we’ve found are perfect for any budget, any date, or any group of friends.

pumpkin chai latte

Shoes Cup and Cork Club 17 N King St Leesburg, VA 20176 Stop by Shoes for a cup of coffee to go or even for a full meal. Once a shoe repair store, Shoes now offers a wide range of foods and drinks and features a quirky interior decorated with bookshelves and chalk boards.

Our insiders’ tip: Check out Shoes’ Secret Garden, a spacious patio area tucked behind Shoes. The garden can be accessed by the alley to the left of Shoes.

photos by Michelle Delgado

Mom’s Apple Pie 220 Loudoun St SE Leesburg, VA 20175

peach raspberry

strawberry rhubarb crumb Mom’s Apple Pie is a local landmark. The blackberry pie was recently featured in Southern Living, and we challenge you to find better pie anywhere. Seriously. We tried the strawberry-rhubarb crumb and the peach-raspberry, both excellent choices. While you’re there, look up: the ceiling is covered with pie tins.

Our insiders’ tip: Go there for $3 pie by the slice!

Pictured: Shoes’ fall special, a Pumpkin chai latte; Shoes’ Secret Garden; fun Trivial Pursuit cards are located on every table; a funky chandelier made of shoes and bare lightbulbs hangs from the ceiling.

The Wine Kitchen twist on caprese salad

7 South.

King St. Leesburg, VA 20175

Don’t be intimidated by the name or unusual menu! The Wine Kitchen is a friendly and warm restaurant where you can find classics...with a twist. The house specialty is Chicken and Waffles, a savory and tender quail paired with crispy cornmeal waffles coated in a saltysweet bacon-maple glaze. If you’re feeling a little less adventurous, the Wine Kitchen offers more standard fare including sandwiches and salads.

Our insiders’ tip: The Wine Kitchen purchases locally grown and organic ingredients, and the menu changes at least once every few weeks!

13

arts & entertainment

REMAKES:

movies worth watching

by Courtney Coombs & Michelle Delgado

new classics or just unoriginal? old

King Kong

Year released: 1933 Directed By: Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedshack (uncredited) Starring: Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong

new Year released: 2005 Directed By: Peter Jackson Starring: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrian Brody

Which one is better...

The original King Kong is a classic, without a doubt. And for the time, it was fantastically made. But the key words here are “for the time.” The difference between these two movies is simply the quality of the films themselves. It seems that the original film focused more on the revolutionary special effects than on the storyline or acting. With improved special effects in 2005, the writers had more of a chance to focus on more redeeming qualities.

Disturbia

Rear Window

Year Released: 2007 Directed By: D.J. Caruso Starring: Shia LaBeouf, David Morse, Carrie-Anne Moss

Year Released: 1954 Directed By: Alfred Hitchcock Starring: James Stewart, Grace Kelly

Year Released: 1960 Directed By: Lewis Milestone Starring: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. (a.k.a., the “Rat Pack”)

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Year Released: 1971 Directed By: Mel Stuart Starring: Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Jack Albertson

Which one is better...

14

Ocean’s 11

Year Released: 2001 Directed By: Steven Soderbergh Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Year Released: 2005 Directed By: Tim Burton Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, Helena Bonham Carter

While the Tim Burton version certainly has some redeeming qualities, nothing can beat the original. The classic songs and orange-painted Oompa-Loompas are a thousand times better than one man as thousands of Oompa-Loompas singing bad songs. Perhaps it’s just because the Mel Stuart version is such a classic, but it definitely beats the Tim Burton Charlie as far as entertainment goes.

the viking staff reviews

Running Wilde The creators of the short-lived but brilliant series Arrested Development are back! Will Arnett and David Cross (members of the Arrested Development cast) reunite as romantic rivals in new sitcom Running Wilde.

The premise of the show is simple: When the paths of childhood flames Stephen Wilde (Will Arnett) and Emmy Kadubic (Keri Russell) cross after years of separation, both their mutual attraction and irritation inevitably reignite. Sparks fly as the two try to reform one other, and Emmy’s buffoonish fiancé (David Cross) and precocious daughter (Stefania Owen) complicate their relationship further.

Emmy and Stephen’s attempts to change one another result in inevitable mix-ups and antics.

At this point, the show’s future is far from certain.

To stay on the air, Running Wilde will need to engage a solid fan base by creating

by Michelle Delgado

Let Me In

by Charlotte Cooper

a compelling story, and its slow storyline is regrettably forgettable. Dialogue between characters ranges from snappy and charming to sometimes inexplicable non sequitors.

Still, the show’s redeeming value lies in its talented cast. Will Arnett manages to be unwittingly selfish without being annoying, and a handful of supporting characters provide entertaining diversions.

Even though some of the jokes fall flat, I’ve still found myself laughing out loud from time to time. It’s not Arrested Development, but it’s still Will Arnett.

Morgan Screptock & Charlotte Cooper’s

Fall semester is a time for loads of awesome schoolwork, college applications, and stress.

In an effort to ease your academic anxiety, we’ve

arts & entertainment

...to a different movie.The 2010 American remake of the Swedish “Låt Den Rätte Komma In” (“Let the Right One In”) fails to stand up to the original film. I had pretty low expectations, being a fan of both the original book by John Ajvide Lindqvist and the movie directed by Tomas Alfredson, and while the new film wasn’t terrible, it brought nothing new to the story and failed to replicate the authenticity and slight taboo of the originals. I would advise everyone to keep their theater money and rent the original instead.

The story tells of lonely, bullied, 12-year-old Oskar, who befriends his new neighbor, Eli, but when strange and sinister things start happening in his small Swedish 1980s suburb, Oskar realizes that Eli is not normal.

While differences in plot between the films were scarce, the first film differed significantly from the book it was based on; it was much

less detailed and had a more audienceappropriate storyline.

The only hope I had reserved for the 2010 film was that it would incorporate some of the previously untouched issues from the book. Alas, this was too much to hope for. Some of the darker and more taboo aspects of the story are lightly explored in the first film, but apparently are too racy even to be hinted at in an American film. With the exceptions of the scenes that were cut out of the newer version, most other scenes were all but replicas of the originals, with no room left for interpretation or creativity.

The authenticity of the original Swedish indie film allows the viewer to believe in the story, but the Americanization of a story meant to take place in a foreign culture resulted in a placement of unnecessary effects and a resemblance to “Twilight.” I would much rather have had strong implications during the vampire attack scenes; the young vampire “girl” looked like a computer-animated cartoon while attacking its victims and was completely unrealistic while moving at any speed faster than the actress was capable of.

fall playlist

designed this playlist to help you combine everyone’s favorite after school activity -procrastinationwith actual productive work. Try some medical musical inspiration and listen to these songs while you’re completing all of your assignments, whether they’re freshly assigned or you’ve waited until the last minute.

Childhood-Beach House Teenage Riot-Sonic Youth Shelia-Atlas Sound Ghosts-Laura Marling The Commander Thinks Aloud-The Long Winters Let It Fall-Lykke Li Kim & Jessie-M83 Toothpaste Kisses-The Maccabees Paper Thin Walls-Modest Mouse Moth’s Wings-Passion Pit Waltz, No. 2-Elliott Smith I’m Gonna TryShimmering Stars Solitude Is Bliss-Tame

Impala She’s Lost Control-Joy Division Spit on a StrangerPavement The General SpecificBand of Horses Daily Routine-Animal Collective Girl Sailor-The Shins Round and Round-Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti Campus-Vampire Weekend

15

arts & entertainment

music

movies

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL

127 hours Fri, 11/5/10 R

Recher Theatre, Towson, MD Friday, 12/03/10, 07:00 PM

MegaMind Fri, 11/5/10 PG

Due Date Fri, 11/5/10 R

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I Fri, 11/19/10 PG-13

theater

The Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker The Kennedy Center Wed, 11/24- Sun, 11/28/10

LA ROUX

Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD Sunday, 11/07/10, 07:00 PM

LITTLE BIG TOWN Rams Head Live!, Baltimore, MD Wed, 11/03/10, 07:00 PM

Maya Angelou Warner Theater Thu, 11/11/10

Hair

The Kennedy Center 10/26/10 - 11/21/10

comedy

Friday, 11/5/10

Jerry Seinfeld Meyerhoff Symphony Hall Baltimore, MD Fri, 11/19/10 Daniel Tosh Warner Theatre Washington, DC Fri, 11/05/10 07:30 PM

16

RA RA RIOT 930 Club

USHER

1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, MD Wednesday, 12/08/10 08:00 PM

l

l a b t foo

sports

game day premiere varsity

Sat, 10/23, 1:00 @ Herndon Fri, 10/29, 7:30 vs. Heritage Fri, 11/5, 7:30 @ Battlefield * = Cedar Run District Game

junior varsity

Mon, 10/25, 7:00 @ Heritage Mon, 11/1, 7:00 Battlefield

freshmen

Mon, 10/25, 5:30 @ Heritage Mon, 11/1, 5:30 @ Battlefield

xc

volleyball varsity

Mon, 10/25, 6:30 @ Chantilly Wed, 10/28 7:00 @ Stonewall J. DISTRICTS Nov 2-4

junior varsity last game 10/21

congrats on the great season!

freshmen

Tue, 10/26, 6:00 @ Handley

varsity

Congrats on the great season!

Boys Districts- 2nd place Girls Districts- 3rd place Regionals- 11/4

che

golf

er

varsity

Congrats on the great season!

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

varsity

10/27 Districts 11/6 Regionals

17

sports

Concussions raise concern in sporting community

by Tatum Davenport & Carter Waller

symptoms to watch out passing out not being able to stand feeling lightheaded feeling nauseous confusion Photo: Haley Johnston

temporary amnesia

if you experiences any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention

18

Head related injuries in sports such as football are becoming more prominent in professional, college, and high school sports. Concussions may seem minor compared to other jarring injuries that happen on the field, but concussions have more serious side effects.

Usually caused by a blow to the head, concussions don’t always involve a loss of consciousness. Concussions range in significance from minor to major, but they all share one common factor. They temporarily interfere with the way the brain works. Concussions can affect memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance and coordination. In fact, most people who have concussions never black out. Some people have had concussions and not even realized it.

“I really didn’t know I had one; my head hurt, I had double vision and my ears

were ringing” sophomore quarterback Dani White said.

Concussions are common, particularly if you play a contact sport such as football, every concussion, no matter how mild, injures your brain. This injury needs time and rest to heal properly. Luckily, most concussions are mild and people usually recover fully.

“For a while, before the football staffs became concerned, players would toughen out hits to the helmet and shrug them off.

Now you get pulled out of the game and checked,” senior running back Jordan Clarke said.

Experts say there is growing evidence that repetitive hits to the head in NFL players lead to a degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), although the link is not

proven. CTE is a progressive degenerative disease found in individuals who have been subjected to multiple concussions and other forms of head injury.

The NFL recently banned players from returning to a game or practice the same day they showed signs of a concussion, and ruled they must be fully free of symptoms before being cleared by a doctor not employed by the team to come back.

The league donated $1 million to Boston University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy’s research into the long-term effects of repetitive brain trauma in athletes, particularly in football players.

Hundreds of athletes have pledged to donate their brains for posthumous study.

“We’re becoming more aware, concussions are a serious thing. It’s not something to be taken lightly” senior offensive lineman Jack Workman said.

Fost

sports

er hu

rdle

s ov er

difficulties Macular Degeneration cannot stop sophomore Gaelyn Foster from following her dreams.

by Michael Carter and Haley Johnston As a high school student, stress is a common part of life, whether it is caused by cramming for a test, staying up late writing a paper, or meticulously working on a project that is due. Now imagine doing that test, paper, or project—and take away the ability to see.

Sophomore Gaelyn Foster suffers from Macular Degeneration, a disease that affects the back of the eye, as opposed to the lens.

This causes standard eye correction methods such as contacts or glasses to be ineffective.

Though Foster is unable to clearly see either close-up or farther distances, she manages her schoolwork using technological aid. For example, she uses a device called a Flipper, which magnifies images and text and then displays it on a larger screen so the user can see more clearly.

While the Flipper does help

with schoolwork, navigating the halls is often a challenge for Foster.

“I just kind of memorize where all my classes are,” she said. Walking down these hallways nearly blind would seem like a nightmare to anyone else, but Gaelyn says she manages “with the help of friends.”

Getting through hallways, however, isn’t her only obstacle.

Though the Flipper helps Foster to see what she’s working on, working quickly is another struggle for her. “I have trouble keeping up with timed things.”

In order to complete standardized tests like the SOLs and PSATs, she has to be given special permission for more time. “Sometimes they do give exceptions, but we have to go through a big process of writing to the exam board,” says Foster.

Despite the many disadvantages Foster faces with Macular Degeneration, she doesn’t let it stop

her from doing what she loves.

Though unable to participate in sports with “things flying through the air,” she does enjoy riding horses. “I live on a farm with a bunch of different horses, and I compete.”

Foster has not only competed in several equestrian events, but she has placed multiple times.

Foster doesn’t consider her vision a disadvantage when riding horses.

“I usually feel like I’m just as capable as the other riders out there.”

Though there are some difficulties of her condition, Foster says she “learns to work around them.”

Foster has not only learned how to overcome her own challenges and have an optimistic view on her condition, she also emphasizes that anyone facing a challenge should not let it become a hindrance.

Foster said, “Don’t let any differences you have stop you from going after what you want.”

19

jump/advertisement

Powderpuff (continued from page 11)

Ross with the idea of bringing Powderpuff on campus six years ago, she decided to give it a chance.

“It’s a great school spirit builder; why wouldn’t we have it on campus?” said Ross. “I told them, okay, but there can be Powderpuff if and only if there are no incidents. And it’s been a shaky couple of years. I think I’ve been more than fair with regard to having it on campus from the outset.”

Students have reflected on the events of the sleepover and the effect that it has had on the school, our reputation, and our relationship with the community.

“I think that it made us look bad,” said Devin Gannaway, senior Powderpuff participant. “Already high school students are looked down upon, and I think it made it harder for the community to respect and trust us.”

Several participants have approached Ross about efforts to repair the relationship with the community.

They have accepted the cancellation as a “natural consequence.”

“Right now, SCA and Class Panel are working on having an alternate game that we play every year and dedicate to the community, like Capture the Flag, or something else to involve juniors and seniors that doesn’t involve so much contact,” said Celia Lee, senior Powderpuff participant.

Other students feel that the participants themselves are not taking enough responsibility.

“A lot of blame was put on the juniors,” said Gannaway. “I don’t think any of the seniors that did anything have taken any responsibility, and I don’t feel like they feel bad about it.”

VonGersdorff recognizes that the “pranks” have been escalating into an excuse for violence for some time now.

Many participants believe

that one of the reasons this sleepover escalated into dangerous behavior and caused more damage than earlier sleepovers was the location.

"In the past, the Powderpuff sleepovers took place in areas where there weren’t a lot of people. We had the sleepover in an area [Locust Grove] with more people and where the houses are close together," said Maldonado.

The proximity of the houses widened the disturbance to include neighboring houses. This involvement of bystanders brought the violence of the sleepover to the attention of the police, the school, and the wider community.

But, says VonGersdorff, "this is nothing compared to what has happened in previous years. Last year, girls were beaten physically by seniors.

I think the parents and the cops getting involved is the only reason why this sleepover is getting more attention."

Ross expressed concern at the violence of the sleepover, but was unaware that it had been an escalating issue.

“I can see toilet papering cars and getting the markers car dealerships use and writing on cars; I get that.

But what is disturbing is that it went way beyond pranking; it’s pure aggression,” said Ross.

The “natural consequence” of these actions was the cancellation of the Powderpuff game. However, Ross says that senior exam exemption privileges are intact, and she is ready to move on with the year.

“We are Loudoun Valley and eventually we will turn this into a positive learning experience for all. For now, our students need to focus on repairing the damage that was done, not only in a physical sense, but in the longstanding, positive relationship we have with our community.”

Student Special $5.00 Combo (Dog, Fries, Drink) M-F 3:30-6:00pm

A Creative Play on the All-American Favorite

609 East Main Street Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.2439 540.338.3985 (fax ordering)

20

advertisement

15% off!

Purcellville

Spa &Boutique 737 E Main Street Purcellville VA 20132 (540) 751 0220

21

the

viking

coffee shop

...is back!

Listen to live music, sip a hot drink, and relax with your friends. when: 8:00-8:50

every other friday morning where: room 135 drinks & snacks for

$1.50!

photos by Michelle Delgado

find us on facebook!