inside: Gay Marriage: Dance Team “One giant leap for Wii!! equality Rockin’ Into- page 6 - page 7 and human rights” - page 2 The New Year Dodgeball Laugh With Friday The Staff A reason to come to school - page 3 - page 5 Looking To Nature For Today’s Dilemmas now,” said junior Goodmond Some students believe because of the cost that is Riding a bike does not hurt Kristin Coppa Danielson. alternative energy is a neg- required. our earth, it’s entertaining Assistant Editor One of the alternative ative issue, others believe it “Today, scientists and and will give you some sort Living in a world full of sources is solar power. To- is useful and a positive ef- industry experts argue over of publicity (if you’re into power plants, cars, and other day, solar power is used to fect on our environment. how long the world’s sup- that sort of thing) and is also energy related items, we heat swimming pools and “We won’t use wind- ply of oil and natural gas good exercise. Sure, it might have taken more than our fair for small furnaces. It doesn’t mills in the future because will last. But, it will end,” take you a little longer to get share and used fossil fuels use fossil fuels and wouldn’t there are other things we said Brad Collins, the exec- to school but the satisfaction way too much, almost to the destroy the environment. In could do. It’s not practical and utive director of the Ameri- you receive in return will point where it might damage the near future, solar power it’s not windy all the time,” can Solar Energy Society. make it feel worthwhile. our earth. In every aspect of could be used for cars and said senior Jordan Bockert. As students, conserva- Besides carpooling or our lives, energy surrounds power plants. Solar power is In fact, last year, al- tion may not be as hard as riding a bike to school every- us. Energy is based on the made by capturing light from ternative energy sources you may think. Today, the day, recycling is another way burning of fossil fuels, which the sun’s rays, which is then provided six percent of the majority of high school stu- to help out. People, start col- in the near future can hurt converted into electricity. nations energy supply, ac- dents are receiving their driv- lecting those pop cans! Did our earth… our home. But Wind power is also an cording to Cameron Walker, er’s license and taking their you know that whoever re- there are alternate sources alternative source of energy National Geographic News. own car to school, almost ev- turns pop cans or glass bottles of energy that are not based because it’s not harmful to The last alternative ery morning. If students start into their local grocery store on fossil fuels. Alternative nature. It’s very dependent source of energy is ther- to carpool, not only will the receives cash in return? Yes, Energy will improve our on the weather, especially mal. Thermal, also known amount of traffic decrease that’s right cash! Sounds like economy and environment wind, and the location. as geothermal, takes the but, it will also lower pollu- another part-time job to me. and it helps reduce pollution Windmills are used to cre- heat from the earth to cre- tion. And, if you think about You don’t have to be a

Issue 4 January 2007 and conserves fossil fuels. ate wind power and can be ate electricity and heat. The it, the rate of student’s acci- superhero to save the earth. It “Alternative energy al- seen far away because of its heat found in volcanic mag- dents and speeding tickets just takes a little effort from ev- Lewis Central lows us to rely on something height. The fins that are con- ma and hot dry rock is used would also lower. eryone and we will be on our that is 100% effective. We nected to the windmill rotate for thermal energy systems. If carpooling does not way to a better lifestyle. It can will probably use this energy as the wind blows across This type of alternative interest you, riding a bi- be fun and rewarding at the High School when it’s cheaper than it is them creating energy. source is very inefficient cycle to school just might. same time. A Nation Under Fire tion is doing enough to Josh Stroeher protect the students from Iranian Summit Controversy Reporter fall correctly. What’s the Jews during the years these sorts of incidents. Amanda Berg almost worse is that the of the great war… all the Over the last few But skeptics say that no Cartoonist years, one of the major matter what a school does general synopsis from historians and research- Upcomi ng up and coming concerns to try and keep peace on Within the Middle LC students is they don’t ers, even those who do in high schools across campus, no matter how East, a conference has recognize what’s going not agree (or) believe in the country is security. many guards they hire, been held that could pos- on or just don’t care. “I the official version, will Events Whether or not the stu- really don’t know…” be able to express them- dent feels safe going to said sophomore Mayra selves freely,” Mehdi the school which they are Perez. Afzah, spokesperson of attending is critical, and In Iran, a conference the Association of Islamic it seems that this sense concerning the “legiti- Journalists, said about the of security is vanishing. macy” of the holocaust Iranian summit. Every year more stu- is being held. The gen- However, the Euro- dents agree that school eral feeling there is that pean Union and the state shootings worry them what the world, Europe of Israel feel that the true January and that schools need to in particular, believes intent of the summit can take steps in preparing happened to the Jews and be seen in the anti-Israel 24-31: Lion King @ Or- for such a tragedy. Over other “undesirables” dur- undertones, lack of sym- the last year the news has ing the Holocaust is com- pathy for Holocaust vic- pheum Theatre been littered with stories photo by Sara Grimes pletely or mostly false. tims, and blatant anti-Jew- of school shootings and This has caused uproar ish sentiments. students being injured across Europe, but Irani- “I don’t think that it 26: No School! due to someone bring- an representatives insist is right,” said sophomore ing a gun onto campus it is not the racist congre- foreign exchange student and opening fire. This gation Israel is presenting You Gin about the Ira- photo by Amanda Berg to the world. nian summit. This opin- problem is rapidly be- “The Wonderful World of Piercings” on page 6 “President Ahma- ion seems to be the most coming more of a reality discusses the true meanings of popular piercings. February here in the Midwest with dinejad has placed at the prevalent among world the recent shooting at someone will always find sibly further escalate the centre of the international leaders. Northwest High School a way to get through the hostility already present attention a very impor- “I think it is such a 1-11: Lion King @ Or- in Omaha. secure line and try to in- in this region. The mate- tant question on the truth- symbol of sectarianism and pheum Theatre One of the major jure people. rial to be scrutinized is fulness of the version that hatred toward people of an- concerns in high school The student that... so controversial that it Europe and the Zionists other religion. I find it... security is whether or not continued on page 6 as could start a war if the have imposed on the continued on page 4 as the school administra- “Under Fire” political dominoes don’t world on the murder of “Controversy” 7: Early Dismissal Riverside Bomb Scares World News Shelby Klepfer the building. Now students are 10: ACT Test Date Victoria Means Reporter Then on December concerned about what 1st, another bomb threat other students are able to Copy Editor Imagine this: your was written on a stall in try to pull off, such as a 14: Valentine’s Day teacher comes into your the boy’s bathroom. No bomb threat or shootings, Man-Eating Crocodile Found classroom and announces bomb found once again. since we hear about it in Villagers captured a 16-foot crocodile in Indonesia. that the building is being The third threat was found the news. Two human hands, a leg, and a pair of shorts were dis- evacuated. You get up on a stall in the girls’ “These days you covered in the crocodile’s stomach. 18: John Mayer @ Qwest from your desk and head bathroom on December never know what people Center out of the building like 4th. But this time, unlike are capable of. It’s pretty George Clooney Says Goodbye everyone else is. As soon the other threats, it gave scary,” says senior Becky People’s Magazine’s sexiest man alive is heartbroken as you’re safe, another a clue to where it was, Hinsley. over the loss of his beloved pet pig, Max. His pet of 18 student goes around and but all it said was “bomb If our school ever years suffered from arthritis and partial blindness. 20: End of Second Tri- tells others that there is a stairs.” had a bomb threat, Mr. bomb in the building. By then, Superin- Story’s first play of action mester “I really do get tendent Jim Sutton was is to investigate the build- scared about our school getting sick of having to ing to search for a bomb. having a bomb threat. evacuate the building, so Then, if a bomb was 21-26: No School! Now our school is talking he put it on lockdown, found, our school would about having lockdowns. which is when no one can be evacuated, and the po- It could happen any time, enter or leave the build- lice department would be and anyone could do it,” ing. Shortly after, the called. If the student was 23: Christina Aguilera @ says freshman Cali Pal- Pottawattamie County found guilty for making a ma. Sheriff, Jeff Danker, and bomb threat, they would drawing by Qwest Center This was a real- more officers were called be reported to the police, Victoria Means ity for students at Riv- to the building to search and they would take it erside High School in for a possible bomb. Like from there. Unresponsive Indian Police are Sacked 27: Third Trimester Be- Oakland, Iowa. Since before, a bomb was not After all, why even Six policemen in Lucknow, India were fired for ignor- November 13th, River- found. Danker has an make a threat when you ing numerous reports of missing children. Seventeen gins side has received three idea about who is behind know that it disrupts the children were found raped and murdered, lives that bomb threats. The first all this. school day and may cause should have been spared with a little investigation. threat was discovered “I would arrest them who ever makes the threat to on a stall in the boys’ [the threat makers] and receive criminal charges? End of Iraqi Dictator 28: Nickelback @ Qwest bathroom on November throw them in jail,” says Information taken Saddam Hussein was executed shortly after 6 a.m. in 13th. After such a scare, freshman Cole Temple- from The Daily Nonpa- Iraq. He was responsible for the massacre of many of Center a bomb was not found in ton. reil. his own people. Page 2 Opinion January 2007 Heart Strings The Controversy of Love Damien Croghan be allowed to? Gay marriages question. Why is the right to women were the property of comes along, someone old gets Reporter wouldn’t have to be recognized marry not granted to gay peo- the man when married. America Tedi Swanson replaced. It’s a never ending by those churches that condemn ple? once considered marriage be- Reporter process, for them. it; instead, it should be acknowl- Another topic of concern tween black and white people I would have to say that I’m Let’s say there are two edged by the state, which gives for many is the homosexual immoral. Also, there was a time Disclaimer: the views ex- an example of that. I have a cer- people; we’ll call them Sam and legitimacy to atheist and non- married couple’s ability to par- when most Americans thought pessed in this article are those tain amount of “heart strings” to Alex. Now, Sam and Alex have religious marriages. America ent. Gay parents have the same women were lesser people in a of the reporter and do not rep- give to people. I don’t entirely re- a thing for each other. Eventu- is a nation potential to married relationship, just for resent the entire Wire staff. move my strings from anyone... ally, they fall in love and want to made up be parents raising the children and cook- but some have to be taken away get married. But Sam and Alex, of many as straight ing the meals. The times have “Love, noun: affection based to be given to others. The levels no matter how they feel, no mat- faiths; why people. Sex- changed, and our views on on admiration, benevolence, or of my friendships with people ter how much they love and should our uality isn’t marriage have evolved. Why common interests” states Mer- change based on how many care for each other, can never g o v e r n - necessarily a are we holding back the pro- riam-Webster dictionary. Love, strings they have at the time. get married. Why not? Because ment fol- factor in par- cess of change in a nation that sometimes referred to as “giving Those who only have a Sam and Alex are gay. low any enting ability was founded on a revolution someone your heart,” is a certain number of “heart Now, controversial as it faith in (or lack there for religious equality? Why serious emotion. Since strings” to hand out are may be, gay marriage is a must particular. of), yet many would our society be unable to the time I was not alone, everyone in America. Why? To end the Some seem to think change taboo to social norms old enough to s t a r t s out that discrimination against the gay also think it is because once they’re legalized and so- understand, I way. But those community. To show that ho- that gay many be- cially accepted? was taught that who find mosexuals are equally able to marriage lieve that gay Our government is in the your heart was God, those love and to stop this view of will make parents will process of attempting to add a not something who give homosexual people being sec- s t r a i g h t produce gay constitutional amendment that to take lightly God all ond rate citizens in the United marriage children. Just would ban homosexual marriage and should of their States. less le- like when from ever becoming legalized. only be given “heart strings,” What are the arguments gitimate. you hang How is this okay? Recently, it away to someone are changed. God against homosexual matrimony? We should around gay became legal for Nebraskans worthy of hold- weaves himself Well, there’s the idea that legal- challenge photo by Sara Grimes people, you to carry a concealed weapon ing it. Giving through all of izing gay marriage will lead to ourselves Simple symbols of affection, such as become gay, so long as they have a permit. your heart their strings. many abnormal things, such as to step holding hands, are considered stereo- and when you We are promoting gun violence away is a sig- He is a part people marrying animals. How- back and typical of relationships. What’s so dif- hang around yet banning love and limiting nificant event and of every ever, an animal isn’t capable of look at ferent when it’s two guys or two girls? straight peo- the pursuit of happiness for gay only allows one one of signing a marriage contract. Gay America. ple, you be- people. Where are our society’s person to have it at a t h e m marriage, like straight marriage, Is straight marriage looked at come straight. The way short priorities? time. In my experience, a n d is about the unity between two too seriously? About half of all people hang around tall people Our country is ready to tru- people love more than one per- gives each per- people, wanting to live until marriages in America end in and grow, or the way Cauca- ly become the land of tolerance. son at a time. If the philosophy son as many “heart strings” as death do they part. divorce according to the 2002 sian people hang around African The process has begun; gay of giving someone your heart is he sees fit. Once you have God Another debate could stem U.S. Census Bureau. This is just Americans and the complexion marriage is legal in Massachu- true, this wouldn’t be possible. in your heart, you have the pow- from the idea that some religions straight marriage statistics; gay of their skin changes. setts, and civil unions are legal So what if, instead, your heart er to love anyone that you could condemn homosexuality. If one marriage is currently illegal. America seems to want in New Jersey. Some countries, has heart strings? ever want or need to love. religion is against something, How would gay marriage ruin to keep marriage’s traditional such as Canada, Spain, and What if there are millions I, personally, am in the pro- should our government legislate the sanctity of straight marriage aspects, thinking that since England, have legalized gay of them? What if each person cess of learning what it means to that religious view of morality? when the sanctity of straight we’ve always had marriage marriage, yet the world hasn’t starts out with a certain, howev- give God my entire heart. God Not all Americans follow one marriage isn’t that great? between a man and a woman, ended because of this “abomi- er uncountable, number of heart hasn’t been very prominent religion; some religions, believe Gay people’s inability to that shouldn’t change. I would nation.” The legalization of gay strings to give out as they see fit? in my life. I wasn’t taken to it or not, aren’t homophobic. produce children is an addition- challenge anyone to think that marriage could be one giant leap One might give a chunk of their church every Sunday as a child, Some churches, such as branch- al issue. The elderly and infertile our idea of marriage hasn’t for equality and human rights in heart strings to their parents, a or taught a great deal bout Him. es of the Episcopalian Church, couples don’t produce children, changed over time. Once upon America, and our country just handful to their best friends, and However, I’m working on mak- will perform gay marriage cer- yet their right to marry isn’t in a time, people believed that has to take the first steps. maybe one or two to their crush ing Him the center of my life emonies. Why shouldn’t they from fifth grade. and cannot wait until I have an They may hand out some immeasurable number of heart Dissection: to their family and friend, but strings to give out. Class Project or An Act of Inhumanity? they still start out with only spe- “Love, noun: affection puter. True, these programs cost cific number. Because of this set based on admiration, benevo- Athena Burns money. But the money we spend number, there are not enough lence, or common interests” Reporter on those programs will, in a “heart strings” to go around, states Merriam-Webster dic- Dissection. The word can round-about way, save us money which is why little kids can tionary. To me, love is also send a chill down your spine or in the future; after all frogs have move through friends and peo- giving someone some of your do just the opposite. Some people to cost at least a little some- ple so easily. They only have so heart strings. It’s something look forward to the experience thing. Not only that, but there many “heart strings” and have that you can only truly un- and others dread that particular are several different versions of to take some back to be able to derstand when you have God class period. Nevertheless, it’s the same program (Digital Frog give any out. Some adults are wrapped into everything you something most of us, excited or II and the CyberEd Dissection like that, too. I know plenty of do, something that is indefin- revolted, have had to do: dissect series being the most popular) people who have a certain num- able and unselective. To me, some poor creature’s corpse for which would allow our school ber of people that they can meet love is something that means a class. to make the the needs of, can help, and can more than just “giving some- True, switch to be there for. If someone new one your heart.” photo by Sara Grimes it isn’t a digital dis- h u m a n . s e c t i o n s Sudanese Genocide Not a Farce; People Dying Each Day Neverthe- w i t h o u t Jay Sturm genocide. He said, “Deliberately 10,000 people have died each lost. I can’t understand the will less, it did having to Reporter inflicting on the group -condi month since the conflict began to hate a group so much. It may live at one go bank- tions of life calculated to bring in Darfur, Sudan, according seem surreal to you who haven’t time. And rupt. Picture your family, your about its physical destruction in to World Vision. Disease and heard of this. since it was P l u s , friends even, your girlfriend or whole or in part; imposing mea- hunger have caused most of the We need to send aid to keep once a liv- most of boyfriend. Now imagine they sures intended to prevent births deaths. One sick part about that this situation from going from ing being, these pro- all have been killed, just be- within the group; forcibly trans- is it is preventable by what we bad to worse. Learning about we should grams offer cause they are part of a group. It ferring children of the group to can get everyday food, water, this situation made me want to respect its photo by Sara Grimes more than doesn’t matter what group! The another group.” The Sudanese and, medicine. Ethnic conflict help somehow. Donations of body. But just the dis- Sudanese Government is com- government has committed all has driven over 2 million people food and money can help save Seniors Cassie Paulson, Amanda York do we? No. and Rachel Boardman crouch over their s e c t i o n s . mitting genocide this way. The of these acts, therefore commit- into homelessness. Their villages lives and create long-term solu- It’s not just They offer question isn’t why, because we ting genocide. He goes on to and huts have been burned to the tions in Sudan. World organi- current class assignment, the dissection frogs ei- of a worm. i n f o r m a - don’t know. Its how, how can say that these crimes are ethnic. ground or destroyed. These vic- zations need to use money and ther. The tion on ev- we help them? I think sending They target African groups of tims then end up living in shacks power to insure that the people zoology class dissects everything erything from anatomy to ecol- troops would end in more disas- southern Sudan and Nuba. The along the edge of the Sahara who so desperately need food, from cats to just born puppies. ogy and even the life cycle. There ter. I think we must send support genocide is racial. Its’ victims desert. The families have little medicine, and shelter to survive. Probably the only thing we don’t are even different dissection pro- and we must send food to Sudan. are usually black Africans. It is access to the common necessi- This being said, this bloodbath dissect is humans. grams which allow students to An article by Gregory H. also religious: Christians have ties. World Vision says families must end. There is always hope Now some of you may ar- “dissect” everything from earth- Stanton states that the Genocide been massacred. Churches, can barely survive. Thousands for peace. I strongly suggest gue, “But the only way science worms to cats, even crayfish! Convention does not require the schools, and hospitals have been of children are left orphaned, cut you take a moment out of your managed to get to its current state Also, there are many students killing of a whole group. Part burned and destroyed. off from everything they knew, day and realize what we all have is because of a bunch of curious who believe it’s wrong to kill ani- of a group is enough to name it The chaos continues after their families and communities to be grateful for. doctors who cut open corpses.” mals namely those they could view I’ll grant you that point. We do as pets. If any of those students need to continue experiment- want to go into a medical field, Editorial Policy ing so that we can keep making particularly something like The Wire Staff The Wire is the official Lewis Central student newspaper and is potentially life saving discover- a veterinary medicine, they Editor-In-Chief...... Jennifer Ettinger distributed free of cost to students. The opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the student writers and not Lewis ies. I’ll also grant you that would need classes such as Assistant Editor...... Kristin Coppa Central administration, faculty, or its advisor. The Wire is published dissections may be the zoology. However, because Design Editor...... Courtney Dusing seven times throughout the school year by the Suburban Times in key to helping us un- of their beliefs, they probably Photography Editor...... Sara Grimes Papillion, Nebraska. derstand why won’t be to keen on the whole dis- Ads Editors...... Amanda Goeser The purpose of The Wire is to: certain ani- section part of the class, but if they Copy Editor...... Victoria Means * inform students of current and relevant events mals are don’t participate in the dissection * interpret and analyze complex events and issues that affect dying out. they could fail. Cartoonists...... Amanda Berg, Blake Johnson students How- I’d like you to think about this Reporters...... Athena Burns, * serve as a forum for discussion of controversial issues e v e r , for a moment. What if we were the Damien Croghan, Letters to the Editor: we’re not living in the ones being slaughtered for animals The Wire staff strongly encourages responses to articles appearing Dark Ages anymore. We have to examine? Wouldn’t you think Shelby Klepfer, in the newspaper. Letters may be submitted to room 401 or e- Sara Marshall mailed to [email protected]. The letters must be signed, new technology that can recre- that was inhumane? Of course you Holly Nicolosi, legible, and concise. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for ate the inside of a frog’s body. would! Nevertheless, we continue Tina Norris length, grammar, and punctuation. These letters should also be free So why hasn’t our school con- to kill animals for classes where of profanity, vularity, or words with undesirable meanings. sidered switching to these pro- students rip them open and explore Hayley Perrin, Advertising: grams? their insides, only to be thrown Josh Stroeher, Advertising will be sold at $25 for a 2 x 2.5 space or $50 for 4.5 x Especially since the pro- away at the end of the hour. There Jay Sturm and 4 space. Information can be obtained by calling 366-8220. Ask for grams don’t take much. All they are better ways to learn, why not Mary Langille. Or by e-mail: [email protected] Tedi Swanson require is the c.d. and a com- take advantage of them? January 2007 Sports Page 3 Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge! Hey All You Titan Fans! Athletes January 25- Dodgeball Frenzy Sweeps Lewis Central Boys freshman basketball at Atlantic Boys V basketball vs Abe Lincoln at MAC of the Josh Stroeher Fridays are most students’ their competitive arms onto favorite days of the week, and Boys freshman, JV, and V Wrestling at Red Oak Reporter our turf by challenging the best Issue if it weren’t for dodgeball, many Lewis Central has to offer. January 26- What do most kids do every students would not want to “suit “I think it’s great that they Girls freshman, JV, and V basketball vs Harlan at home Friday morning? Wake up and up” every day for gym. This decided to do that. It’ll just open Boys JV and V basketball at Harlan sluggishly find their way to the could quite possibly be affecting the door for better competition,” Diana shower. Get some clothes on; grades as well, while helping said Springer. “I hope we can go January 27- Mescher maybe grab a pop-tart as the students finish some required in there and show them some Boys V wrestling tournament at home find their way to their car to start classes. real dodgeball skills.” Boys swimming at Johnston another horrible day at school. “I look forward to playing The sport can also be a way January 29- Well, here at LC, we jump out dodgeball every Friday. It drives of bonding with students who Boys freshman, JV, and V basketball at Kuemper of our bunks, throw on some me to go to gym and I know that don’t speak to each other very threads, and get ready to beam something awesome is coming much. A special bond forms be- January 30- smaller kids in the face with up at the end of the week,” said tween two students on the same Girls freshman, JV, and V basketball at Kuemper dodge balls in a fight for Gym senior Brent Springer. dodgeball team. However, it Boys freshman, JV, and V wrestling vs Kuemper/Cres- Class Dominancy. But dodgeball is not just can also be a way of releasing ton at home Dodgeball Friday has been some crazy testosterone induced aggression on students as well. Boys swimming at home a tradition here at LC for years. sport; it also brings with it some “I love watching little kids Although school can be slow great opportunities. In the last January 31- Name: Diana Mescher get knocked back five feet when and boring for some kids, many two years, Lewis Central has Grade: 12 I hit them,” says senior Alex Girls freshman basketball at Thomas Jefferson more say that this day brings hosted a dodgeball tournament Sport: Basketball Royce. “It gives me a feeling of February 1- new rays of excitement to their and has raised thousands of dol- How long have you been do- accomplishment.” Boys freshman basketball at Thomas Jefferson dull school lives. When Friday lars for various charities includ- ing this: Fridays at Lewis Central are comes around they know what ing the Hurricane Katrina relief February 2- I’ve been playing basketball legendary for the sport that goes to do. fund. The idea has also spread to Girls JV and V basketball at Atlantic ever since I was in 3rd grade on just a short stroll away from “Dodgeball Friday is defi- other schools, including Thomas Why do you do this: the cafeteria, and Fridays will Boys JV and V basketball vs Atlantic at home nitely the only reason I came to Jefferson and Glenwood High. I love the sport! I love the rush remain wonderful as long as this February 3- school today,” said senior David Glenwood actually started their you get and all of the skills you sport lives on in the hearts and Boys JV wrestling at Harlan Ebke. “It’s great; I love it.” own tournament and stretched need to perfect to be good souls of our fellow students. February 5- What is your main goal: Boys freshman basketball at Harlan My main goal this season is to be Hawk 10 Champions and A Bigger, Better Bowling Team February 6- then go on to make the State Josh Stroeher pare for the next meet. With was that they do it for fun and Girls JV and V vs Red Oak at home Tourney! Reporter wins over Thomas Jefferson and friends. They love the opportu- Boys V wrestling at Thomas Jefferson What separates this season The wonderful winter, a St. Albert the team is showing us nity to be able to compete with February 8- from the last: season full of snowmen, children some great signs of success. another school alongside some Girls JV basketball at St. Albert This season is amazing! We all “Varsity is better then this playing with their loved pets, of their closest friends and it Boys JV basketball vs St. Albert at home really care for one another and year, well at least a little bit,” always opens the door to meet and the fierce throwing of large Boys JV wrestling at Atlantic believe in each other. That is heavy balls at a new ones. huge! Because of that, there’s common goal; “I play February 9- no stopping us! victory. That’s b e c a u s e Girls JV and V basketball at Shenandoah What is your most memorable right, it’s bowl- it’s fun and Boys freshman, JV, and V basketball vs Shenandoah at moment: ing season and a lot of home My most memorable moment my friends this year the February 10- this season was watching Nate LC bowlers play,” said Kleckner and Megan Thiggins aren’t holding senior Kyle Boys swimming districts go at it in practice! I thought anything back. F l e t c h e r. February 13- I’d see a brawl! With new “It’s an Boys JV and V basketball vs Thomas Jefferson at home friends, new a w e s o m e February 15- way to hang aspirations, and Girls basketball regionals new memories out with my to be made, buddies my February 16- who wouldn’t senior year Boys freshman, JV, and V basketball at Shenandoah look forward and like I Boys state swimming at Iowa City to this season said it’s just February 17- really fun, full of strikes, Boys wrestling districts at Atlantic spares, and a photo by Sara Grimes more peo- Girls basketball regional semifinals photos by Sara Grimes few laughs? In a district meet at Thunderbowl, Senior Bonnie South takes her turn. ple should “This sea- join.” Boys state swimming at Iowa City son is different because a lot of So with their eyes on a February 22- says Dashner. “We practice a people have joined, and I mean championship and their fingers Boys freshman, JV, and V basketball at Red Oak Seth lot and we have fun when we do placed, these bowlers are ready a lot, almost too many,” said se- Boys state wrestling at Des Moines Yakel nior Tony Dashner. it.” for action and look forward to The team improves every When asked why most of every time that cool machine February 23- week and every practice they them are a part of the bowling spits out their favorite ball and Boys state wrestling at Des Moines learn new techniques and pre- program the majority answer they hear the words STRIKE! February 24- Girls basketball regional finals Boys state wrestling at Des Moines 1 2 March 2- Boys JV and V basketball districts March 3- Boys wrestling team duals Name: Seth Yakel Girls state basketball Grade: 12 March 6- Sport: Bowling Boys basketball substate How long have you been do- Girls state basketball ing this: As a club sport… since soph- omore year but besides that ever since I can remember. Why Sports? carry on this American tradition? Why do you do this: Victoria Means Copy Editor We fight and we run, sometimes I do this so I have something we win and sometimes we lose. No to do during the winter… but Sports and family go hand in 4 hand, a mom drives her little boy matter what happens in the end, the also just have some fun with game is over. We have made our friends to soccer. A dad coaches his daugh- 1. Jimmy Waters ter’s basketball team. The minivan decisions and run our plays. We are What is your main goal: out of time. To junior Mason Tsuji, Take the team to state… also 3 is full of sports drinks and lawn 2. Nathan Black chairs. Children from the neigh- sports aren’t necessarily about win- always got to beat the champ ning or losing, they are something Tony D. Keep the 1,2,3 3. Derek Nightser borhood shoot hoops in the drive- way. All these are examples of a for him to do and he gets to hang BOWLING alive. 4. Joseph Jerkovich out with friends. What separates this season typical American family, playing 5. Chris Williams together, staying together, and sup- When I asked many high from the last: photos by Shelby Klepfer school athletes why they played Senior year and I got to try to porting each other. How is it that and Sara Marshall sports have become such a part of sports I received numerous an- make it to the big dance swers. I commonly received a cal- What is your most memorable young life? The roots you receive from the discipline and work you lous, “So I don’t get fat.” A few moment: deep thinkers told me that sports Probably was when we where put into those sports follow you 5 even into high school. were their stress reliever. Others driving back from Denison simply enjoy playing. Some secre- and we got bored in the car. Many parents support the ac- tivities that their children partici- tive competitors told me that their We started playing truth or parents made them when they were dare and… yeah great times. pate in. They play the role of a taxi driver, pay fees, and drive to tour- young and they just never quit. naments. Why do children play “My dad played, so I did. I sports? Do children play sports wanted to be like him,” said Junior because their parents support this Jackson Dick. activity, or do parents support this The age old tradition, known activity because their children play as competitive games, boils down sports? to personal preference. Sports are Junior Jenny Hall says, “My an enjoyable pastime. Whether parents played sports, so I wanted you participate as a spectator or to. They didn’t make me.” an active team member, get out photos by Sara Grimes Why do we feel the need to there and support our Titans! Page 4 Feature January 2007 Time’s A Wastin’ Amanda Goeser and magazines, at about 300 hours in one year and based on Love On The Go Ads Editor hours. And, of course, about ten eight hours of sleep, you spend Amanda Goeser If internet dating is still a also enjoys long walks on the or so of those hours will be spent 2920 hours between the covers. Ads Editor new concept for you, hold on to beach and Chinese food. You We all love to breathe, right? reading The Wire, right?! That leaves you with about 5840 your hats! Companies are work- are 70% compatible.” Okay, I have never thought about “I usually look for the sports hours to do with as you please. Love. Oh, that four letter ing to develop dating services “I think it could work for it either, but now that I Of those word. Bringing that word into a that will text message you when some people, but if someone hear that is the one ac- hours, the conversation in a certain context a so-called “match” is near. All I didn’t know were to text me: tivity we do more than a v e r a g e can change the whole dynamic. a person would need is a profile, no!” said freshman Cliff Boese. watch TV, surf the in- person will Can a person really find “love” subscription, and GPS capable There is another company ternet, read newspa- put in 2080 in today’s world? How can phone. It’s like myspace and with a slightly less stalker-like pers, and listen to the hours at dating services calculate who xanga to the max! approach. It is called Dodgeball radio, I start to think work and a good match is for you… and “A dating service seems and alerts friends to your loca- about it a bit. How then about is romance really a science, as okay. There are a lot of people tion when you wish for them to insane is that? Makes 3467 hours these companies may suggest? out there and the internet may know where you are and want to you wonder how we with me- What is the perfect relation- help you find them faster,” said meet up. Simply text the com- really do spend our dia, divid- ship, anyway? Do each of us sophomore John Hollesen. pany and they send out a text to time. ed in the have one true soul mate in the The concept has sure caught your friends. Unfortunately, the Americans are ways al- world? on overseas, especially in China, 22 cities it reaches throughout projected to spend ready men- “Every relationship has a where there are 430 million cell the nation don’t include Omaha; more than nine-and- t i o n e d . compromise,” said sophomore phones users. Here in the US, let alone Council Bluffs. a half hours a day You are Morissa Prichard. there was an estimated 190 million One has to wonder if this consuming media in finally left What about these high cell phone users in July 2005 (ac- sort of “arranged” dating will photo by Josh Stroeher the next year. That is The internet is one way students spend their excess time, in with about school years? Does anyone re- cording to washingtonpost.com). catch on. Well, in any case, Iowa over 3400 hours in one and out of school. 300 hours ally know what true love is right The company would text looks to be a semi-safe location year! So how do you spend all and weather in the newspaper; to to do with as you please. So en- now anyway? you when a possible match is for traditional dating, rather than your time? check basketball scores and see joy your one hour of free time “True love is something no near you. Imagine getting a text “mobile romance” as some may The average person will when it will actually snow,” said each day! (Information found in one knows about in high school,” like this: “There is a man down call it. (Information found on spend almost 2,000 hours in front senior Jordan Eissa. Omaha World-Herald). said junior Tyler Lowman. the block at Burger King who cnn.com) on the TV, with more than half of Along with reading news- those hours tuned into cable and papers comes reading books. satellite. About one hundred hours spent You could find yourself lis- reading books seems incredibly tening to the radio for about 1,000 low when you take into account hours. Many of us will, however, all of the novels and textbook Little-Known Facts opt for iPod tunage and CDs over reading we do throughout the the traditional FM stations. year. “The only time I really listen “I like the idea of a book, 94 percent of drawings to the radio is in the car, for some but it’s hard to stay interested by Blake beats,” said sophomore Kaleb and I usually end up going for the population Johnson Williams. something quicker,” said senior Oh, the almighty internet! John Hurst. of the U.S. Most teens would admit that just Last on the list of media is A single hair under 200 hours online in one video gaming… coming in at eats pizza. year sounds rather low. There about 85 hours, much to the de- are a lot of people who would mise of all the serious gamers in can hold the easily admit to using the internet the world. for at least an hour a day. “In one day, I might spend weight of a “We spend too much time four hours or so playing video online. I am always on… games,” said freshman Gary large apple. myspace!” said senior Travis Hutley. Porter. We spend the majority of Coming in just below inter- our lives with some kind of en- Humans blink over 10,000,000 times a year. net use is reading newspapers tertainment. There are 8760 Congratula- Dishin’ Out The Dough “Controversy” tions to all Sara Marshall and Amanda Goeser shop. According to Market- $24.92 on Saturday, De- continued from page 1 Speechers for Reporter and Ads Editor research.com, kids in the U.S. cember 16th. According ages 12 to 19, have the buying to Teenage Research Un- ...just unbelievable, really,” locaust into propaganda has “I don’t think teenagers re- power of over 190 billion dol- limited, the average teen- said British Prime Minister become an instrument for the their fantastic ally do spend that much money,” lars. age car owner will spend Tony Blair. United States and Britain to said junior, Kevin Smith, “We’re Many teens like to start a approximately $1000 on According to The New dominate the Middle East,” he performances pretty responsible.” fund or savings for something gasoline in just one year. York Times, among those at- said at the Holocaust summit However, if you were to they really want. Phalen is According to Teenage tending the conference are in Tehran according to ISNA, at Districts! track the spending of a typical saving for her prom dress, Research Unlimited, the av- David Duke, a former head of the Iranian news agency. LCHS student, you just may be so she put $20.00 in her sav- erage American teen spent the Ku Klux Klan and Loui- The White House strongly surprised to see how much they ings that day. If we include approximately $103 in one siana state representative, and disagrees with this explana- actually do spend. her lunch, which only cost week last year. In these past Rabbi Moshe David Weiss, a tion and considers the confer- Awesome job to Phalen Elonich is a senior her $.75, than Phalen spent a three days, Phalen Elonich member of the organization ence in Tehran an “affront to who has writ- Jews United Against Zion- the entire civilized world, as Girls Basket- ten down ev- ism. well as to the traditional Ira- erything she’s “The Holocaust is the nian values of tolerance and ball for being paid for in the device used as the pillar of mutual respect.” last three days. Zionist imperialism, Zionist “While people around the one of the top She received aggression, and Zionist mur- world mark International Hu- her biweekly der.” David Duke said about man Rights Week and renew ranked teams paycheck of the accepted account of the the solemn pledges of the Uni- about $350 holocaust. versal Declaration of Human in the state! on Wednes- The list of attendees has Rights, which was drafted in day, Decem- sparked its own controversy the wake of the atrocities of ber 13th, and too. World War 2, the Iranian re- so begins the “I mean, to go and invite gime perversely seeks to call spending. On the former head of the Ku the historical fact of those Great Job to Thursday, De- Klux Klan to a conference atrocities into question and cember 14th, in Tehran which disputes the provoke hatred,” The White Corporation Phalen bought millions of people who died in House continued. a pack of gum the Holocaust…. What further “I think that the only on the start of for $1.09 and a evidence do you need that this people lacking an opinion on Mountain Dew regime (government of Iran) this issue are most of the LC their competi- for a $1.13 at is extreme?” said Tony Blair student body,” said an anony- the gas station. on CNN. mous source. tion season! Although this President Ahmadinejad, only cost her however, does not believe this is so, according to the Iranian $2.22, these photo by Sara Marshall little everyday Food and drink in vending machines throughout the school quickly eat away at News Agency. He sees the items can re- teens’ pockets. conference as a safe haven ally add up. As a matter of fact, total of $103. 75 on Friday, managed to spend a grand for intellectual debate; safe if she continued to buy a pop December 15th. total of $171.89. This leaves from persecution in the west. everyday for the next year, she Now, of course, there 178.11 out of her $350 pay- Since so many European na- Grand Italian Buffet would be spending $469.13 just are always those little things check that she received just tions have laws against even on gum and pop. you see in the store at a great three days before. insinuating that the Holocaust 1851 Madison Avenue 323-2300 Phalen also bought a tan- price and just have to buy. On “That’s outrageous!” ex- didn’t happen or isn’t record- Bring this coupon in for: ning package on Thursday, Saturday, December 16th, claimed Phalen, “I can’t believe ed accurately, many attending which cost her $37.00. Includ- Phalen bought hot chocolate I spent that much in just three the conference feel that it is ing the $4.00 that she spent on and paper cups at Walgreens days!” justified. lunch, this brings her to $43.22 for $2.12. She also bought Although this is the record President Ahmadinejad The Anytime in just one day. a lunchable for $2.80. Then of only one student’s spend- further claims that the Ho- The next day, Friday, De- comes the money muncher ing, it wouldn’t hurt for teens locaust is a complete myth, cember 15th, Phalen paid her that every kid with a car has to watch where their money is made up by Israel and Zion- Student Buffet: car insurance bill of $60.00. She to pay for eventually, gas. going. Just try to keep a re- ists to rationalize the occupa- also did some Christmas shop- This cost Phalen $20.00. As cord of everything you spend tion of Palestine, the state of ping for a total of $23.00. ` many people know, gas can money on, or even all of your Israel, and military occupa- $4.99 Although Christmas shop- get really expensive, espe- receipts for a week and you tion in the Middle East. ping is a seasonal thing, teens cially when added up. All may be surprised to see just “The creation of the Zion- spend a lot of money when they of this makes for a total of how much you spend. ist regime and turning the Ho- January 2007 Feature Page 5

The Wonderful World of Piercings Top ELEVEN Least Jennifer Ettinger and jabbing them through the piercings. We’ve got the derstand and must be mud- Known Facts Editor-In-Chief lobe. But how many know eyebrow ring, the side nose dled effectively. that a ring in the ear means ring, the middle nose ring, We’ve branched out our about Newspaper A long time ago, in a gal- you’ve just cut the apron the lip, middle and side, piercings greatly in the past Staffers axy far, far away, a woman strings? How many of us and the tongue. Sometimes few years. Starting in places pierced her ears. Everyone have cut the apron strings at these studs are used to indi- actually seen, we’ve moved (Pick the ONE that is not true & bring your told her she was crazy. The two months, which seems to cate rocker status, sometimes on to hips, backs, necks, ran- guess to Mrs. Langille in Room 401) body was considered a temple, be the new popular age for they are just thought to look dom sections of skin on the and no one bought her claim pierced ears? Not many, my cool. Most of the time, they limbs, and places not to be 1. Athena Burns was born just outside Las Ve- that she was making herself friends, not many. have much deeper roots. The mentioned in a school news- more “holy.” These conform- Let’s move on. The belly middle nose ring obviously paper. The latter ensues you gas. ists did not understand the button ring is another com- means you are planning to need some serious attention… 2. Shelby Klepfer can play five (count them)… deeper meaning in piercings. mon piercing found solely on be a bull in another life. The or a pack of Oreos. The oth- five musical instruments. They could not understand females. Seeing as an umbili- side nose ring implies you ers simply imply you like 3. Amanda Berg is going to New York City next her deep desire for a rebel cal cord used to spring from never have to blow your nose pain and are willing to endure summer to draw for a comic book. fashion statement. Today, this strange little hole, this and are extremely proud of it. it tirelessly until you have many still look at the metal- is the ultimate form of rebel- The eyebrow ring empha- achieved a desired look. 4. Jennifer Ettinger had her first poem published marred faces of teens and turn lion. You are defying the fact sizes the raised eyebrow, Basically, my point is that as a fifth grader. away in disgust. If only they that your mother ever nour- “what are you looking at” I’m an idiot and have merci- 5. Damien Croghan has a closet full of writings. knew the true meaning of the ished you in the womb, yet expression, and the lip ring lessly failed at completing an 6. Holly Nicolosi enjoys wearing sandals in the ever-growing piercing fad. many girls use this piercing is for those who never plan acceptable story. Piercings winter. It is widely known that as a “hot factor.” Now that’s to kiss again. The tongue don’t mean anything. I apol- pierced ears are mandatory just irresponsible. Plus, what ring is the most complex. It ogize deeply and regret that 7. Jay Sturm does yoga. for girls. Even guys are try- about the outies? Poor, ne- blatantly states your strong you ever had to go through 8. Mrs. Langille was once locked up in the ing to keep up by pulling out glected outies. belief that the English lan- the torture of reading this Squirrel Cage Jail ridiculously huge crystals Then there are the face guage is just too easy to un- atrocity. 9. Tina Norris keeps 28 cats and 2 birds as pets. 10. Sara Grimes took gymnastics for nine years. 11. Blake Johnson is the Newspaper Dance Dance Classifieds What’s Really in Revolution Champion (amid stiff competi- Damien Croghan and Job Ads tion). Amanda Berg Damien Croghan and the Dark Room? Reporters Holly Nicolosi quickest follower to be It is all because of what Reporters Freshman girl seeking se- Sara Grimes step into that “door” and evaded while staying on is behind the elevator. Photography Editor you can choose a floor, “newspaper” business. The real reason of what nior boy who enjoys long walks --Wanted: High school on the beach, candlelit dinners, is in the dark room. students - enrolled in high For years there have drinking virgin pina coladas and What is in the that school four years. Bring been mysteries within the getting caught in the rain. Go to one room that has no materials with you (pen, high school, but none as locker number 5036 after school other access than to notebook, folder). Be at inexplicable as that of the tomorrow. walk through one of school by 7:30 in the morn- Dark Room. With curios- the scariest places in ing w/out saying you’re ity and persistence, stu- Hopeless romantic teenage the school... an Eng- tired, must care about dents far and wide have girl looking for a man similar to lish class room, and achievements. If interested, attempted to find what is Ryan Gosling in The Notebook. why must it be on the please call 555-0967. really behind that door, Should preferably enjoy being a other side of a super- and who would know bet- home wrecker and making out cool door? --Students who failed ter than the staff of The during a downpour. Reach me at “The dark room is out of high school, an amaz- Wire. [email protected]. so cool that I am not ing opportunity! Require- “As part of the news- even allowed to be in ments include working in paper team, I am not at Brad Pitt look-alike search- it, and I am on staff!” a sweatshop-like environ- liberty to tell what is ing for his Angelina Jolie. Must says Damien Croghan, ment long periods of time in the dark room,” says like action films and adopting a junior. w/out pay and wishing you freshman Shelby Klepfer. children from third-world coun- It was time to go got your diploma as your This is a common answer, tries. Call 1-800-OVER-MY- to the source, to the dismal days fly by. Call 1- but now for the first time queen of the paper, EX. 800-FAILURE-AT-LIFE. the truth will come out. the monarch of this What is behind that amaz- monarchy, yes, the Gorgeous high school fe- --Teacher experiencing ingly spinney door will editor and chief, Jenn male looking for testosterone side effects of becoming finally become common Ettinger. packed alpha male. Will jump old/senile/crabby/starting knowledge for everyone. “Although the and squeak for hugs. Wait and to get sick of students, this “Not many people walls are extremely serve hand and foot. Unable to is an alternative to losing know, but it is actually thin, the secret of the answer difficult questions. Male your mind. Come to For- a technological elevator dark room remains must be like super cute and like gotten Dreams Retirement that not only goes up and evasive. You may wear expensive things; prefer- Home! Contact us at for- down, but follows many hear screaming, sing- ably soft and shiny. Male must [email protected]. hidden shafts to ev- ing, or thuds, but the not be like clingy, but has to call ery area of the school,” drawing by Amanda Berg clues are few and far every night and like talk for like --Kids, sick and tired sophomore Athena Burns Will Lewis Central ever solve the pressing mystery of the dark room? between. Lucky for hours. Male must also like be of seeing people come to says. Yes, this high tech us, then, huh? Mwah able to handle, like, mild mood school with a lack of fash- door allows the staff at room, or area to navigate So why the secret, why haha!” she says. Well it swings and excessive happiness, ion sense and/or horrible The Wire to be more ef- to. With super-lightening not just tell the general seems that this is the end you know? Metrosexuality is, hair; attend Olga’s School ficient than ever, plus we speed, it allows even the public about the elevator? of the line. like, preferred but not, like, uh for Cosmetology and Hair. can get popcorn from the limited too. Not having a nice Contact Olga at 555-HAIR cafeteria at any time of car is like non… nonago…tion.. or stop by our office- 300 the day. What, did you abl… it’s like not an option, Fashion Street, New York, think there was a micro- kay? Kisses New York 13254. wave in there? Just one Sara Marshall SuDoKu! Reporter (Good Luck, People.) Phone Number Puzzle Put your texting skills to the test! Holly Nicolosi Reporter The object of this puzzle is to figure out what the answer to the joke is.You have to figure out what letter goes with what number. You might have to use a phone in order to get the answer. The numbers make up the answer. Good Luck!

--What do you call four bullfighters in quicksand?? Answer: 782876 74656

--Do you want to hear a joke?? Answer: 52844 34778

--Why was the hotdog wearing a blanket?? Answer:

2322873 43 927 2 24454364

sinko Quatro 1. first Laugh 2. 3. Because he was a chilidog a was he Because 3. Answers:

Gotcha! This entire page is just a spoof! Yes, we are that riducu- lous. If you didn’t already figure that out, obviously so are you. Page 6 Activities January 2007

“Basketball Band” Rebounds The Alternative Fine Arts From Past Years Winter Sport? Seniors of crowds. others. They also tend to have Sara Grimes “(Basketball Band) has more spirit. Now is the era of play- Hayley Perrin the Issue: more confidence in interviews Photography Editor music, plays at more games and ing for satisfaction. Reporter and meetings. Everyone gets to “R E S P E C T, find out is going to rock harder,” Jared “I like playing the drums Choral reading, reader’s participate, so you don’t see peo- what it means to me.” That’s Juel, a sophomore, says. And because it’s fun,” says Josh Lar- theater, musical theater, ensem- ple sitting the bench and there right, this year’s Pep Band defi- people are starting to notice. son, a freshman, “and it’s great ble acting, group improvisation, are far fewer injuries caused by nitely deserves some respect. “ I’m not in (basketball) playing in front of all the peo- group/solo mime, and televi- this activity. Most importantly, Everything is new. New interest band, but they sound awesome,” ple.” He isn’t the only one who sion news casting. What do all it is just a lot of fun. and new music are just a few of said sophomore Heather Gub- thinks so. of these have in common? You “Speech is just really fun, this year’s modifications, and if bles. “(Basketball) band is a speak… except mime, of course. and you get to meet lots of new Nevertheless, all of these are cat- people,” said sophomore Olivia Bonnie South egories of large group speech. Handy. Speech is not a sport. It If this sounds like something doesn’t get the same attention as you would be interested in, try football, basketball, volleyball, it. It is too late for large group, swimming, wrestling, or soccer. but individual will be starting There are no cheerleaders, pep soon. Categories of individual bands or stands of screaming speech include individual im- fans. As a matter of fact, it does provisation, acting, public ad- not even get the recognition of a dress, storytelling, prose, poetry school play or musical. Howev- reading, after dinner speaking, er, it contains elements of both. book/movie/play review, spon- In speech, you are judged on taneous speaking, or radio news your acting abilities (character announcing. For underclass- photo by Sara Grimes development, facial expression, men, you can tryout for large involved in... eye contact, movement, vocal group next year. There’s noth- - Drama inflection, etc.). Meanwhile, ing to worry about. It isn’t like Has been involved in performers are confined to a speech class at all. You don’t • “The Sound of Music,” time limit, among other rules have to write your own script, • “Is There Life After High and receive ratings of I, II, or III and you don’t really have any School,” and (or four if you violate a rule and homework. • “Chorus Line” are disqualified). Speechers have been work- - Speech “I think speech is somewhat ing hard to prepare their pieces Bonnie just became a challenging but really rewarding for competition. The district speecher this year. She in the end, no matter how you contest was on Saturday, Janu- is perfoming in place,” said sophomore Chloe ary 20th at Abraham Lincoln • Musical Theater and Smith. High School and state will be • Reader’s Theater. So what are the advan- at West Des Moines Valley on -Band tages of speech? Well, for one, Saturday, February 3rd. You Member for all four it looks good on college or job can show your support for the years of high school. applications. Someone who has 2006-07 speech participants by She plays drums in band had more experience speaking coming to Large Group Speech and a mean cowbell in photo by Sara Grimes generally pronounces and enun- Night on Thursday, Febru- basketball band. Revving up the crowd, the new “Basketball Band” enjoys their task of keeping the crowd alive during games. ciates words better and knows ary 1st at seven o’clock. Go - Choir how to communicate well with Speech! Member all four years that wasn’t enough, this year has This year, pep band became of high school. She a new name as well. Yes, let’s an elective, and it shows in the rockin’ hard time,” Kristin Par- made Chamber Choir her hear it for the Titan Basket- performances. No longer is it ent, a junior, says. With music continued from pg 1 “Under Fire” junior and senior years. ball Band. a have-to but now a like-to. ranging from Eye of the Ti- ...brought the weapon, a small more things to help out.” She also was an alternate “It’s called basketball Imagine for a moment what ger to We Will Rock You who .22 pistol, was identified as Rob- The school has one guard for All-State choir her band because it’s a band that it was like last year. People wouldn’t feel the motivation? ert Micheal Brannon, a junior at on duty during school hours but senior year. exclusively plays for the bas- would stream into the gym So if you are looking for some Northwest High School. He had he is not armed. The adminis- - Show Choir ketball game,” band director, for a game and as they waited entertainment within your en- the gun in his sweatshirt pocket tration had meetings discuss- • Express freshman and Mr. Walters says. And there is for the start all they could tertainment, come to the next and was trying to figure out how ing the possibility of receiving sophomore years also a new direction and pur- groove to was a so-so version home basketball game and to work the safety when the gun metal detectors from the district • Corp junior and senior pose. This year more effort of Smoke on the Water. Now check out the talent on and off went off. The police were not and using them to decrease the years is being used to pump up the is the end of required pep and the courts. sure of a motive but they knew chances of this happening again; -Jazz Choir that Brannon was one of two however, the idea was declined Bonnie became a mem- Seeing the Bright students injured in a shooting at due to many reasons including a ber of Jazz chior her se- a Skateland last March that was low budget. nior year. Side of Titan Times D T said to be gang-related. To protect against these When speaking with an sorts of problems, Lewis Cen- Bonnie’s plans for college of the responsibility is placed in Josh Stroeher anonymous student from North- tral currently has two security are still undecided. students’ hands to actually finish Reporter west, he confirmed that what had guards, one of which watches the activity. E A happened was a fight was -sup the outside of campus and one Helping the community, Although called by many Joe Tweedt At a posed to occur at the end of the patrols the inside, along with having to talk about your future names, programs similar to day between two local “gangs” cameras around each of the main and being forced to attend yet an- this have been sweeping across Glance and Brannon was supposed to entrances. They also have all other class? These words alone schools all over the country. Ti- N A bring a weapon for one of the doors locked except for the main would bring even the strongest tan Times began last year in the students in case someone else door, as most students are aware willed teen to his knees in mis- middle school and the plan to had brought a gun. It was strictly of, and they strictly enforce the ery. But Titan Times is making bring into effect had been laid, M C for self-defense purposes. rule of every guest signs in and an impact this year at LC. This but when Mr. Story came to LC This explains what motive needs a pass to walk amongst class gives no academic credit it was introduced for the first Brannon had for bringing the students in our halls. or even a grade and does noth- time. weapon to school, but it also “I feel safe here at LC be- ing for your college application, “I had seen it being used E ! raises awareness concerning cause they do a lot of things to but it does take a different spin at other schools and it looked gang violence, how students his help protect us [students]. The to get students to show up. Dur- pretty effective,” said Story, “so age are even getting weapons, locker searches show me that ing the thirty minutes that ev- I figured it would be a good idea and once again how they are get- they are actually trying, so it photo by Sara Grimes ery student must spend in their here at Lewis Central.” ting them on school grounds. makes me feel secure,” said designated class they talk about Programs like this have be- involved in... “I’m not really scared to go sophomore Alaina Walker. college, what they plan to do in gun in states as far as California - Drama to school even after what hap- The problem continues to their future, and even life’s gen- and they are spreading even fast- Started participating his pened,” said Northwest student become more and more of a eral problems. er now that schools in the Mid- junior year. Involved in Jacob Nordstrom. “He [Bran- reality for students around the “I like the idea,” said junior west are beginning to look at the • “Don’t Drink the Water,” non] is a nice kid; actually he area. Many wonder whether or Zane Brugenhemke. “It gives program and put it into action. • “Chorus Line,” and is a friend of mine and I don’t not they will be secure in an area kids a chance to meet and hang “I think it will help students • “Arsenic and Old Lace” think he actually wanted to hurt where security is a major factor, out with people they wouldn’t and the school,” mentioned ju- - Speech anyone. About security, I think or will they be able to sleep easi- normally hang out with.” nior Kevin Smith, “and the char- • As a junior, received the school is doing a good job; ly at night knowing that they can The idea around Titan ity work we are doing will really honorable mention for however, they could do a few go to school without fear? Times is to not only let students help the community.” Reader’s Theater at All- meet other peers, and to help The Titan Times program State. plan out their future, but also to has brought some variety to • Went to State in Choral get students involved in com- the every day routine and has Reading junior year. munity work. The Titan Times opened up many new opportuni- • As a senior, is participat- program here at LC is currently ties for the students and teachers ing associated with the Fill the Bus alike. So although students tear in Ensemble Acting and Program and is participating in ducts start to overflow with the Reader’s Theater. many food and money drives as fear of actually doing something - Choir well. These different activities progressive with their time at Participated his freshman are chosen and ran by each sepa- school, they have no reason to and sophomore year. rate Titan Times class and a lot cry during Titan Times. -Show Choir Was in Express his fresh- man and sophomore year.

Joe also won the Outstand- Tish’s ing Drama Student Award his sophomore year and the Food & Spirits Open Mon. - Sat. Best New Male Perfomer at 11am for Don’t Drink the Water 1207 S. 35t h his junior year. His college Banquet Facilities plans include attending ei- 712-323-5456 Photos by John Petri and Josh McNeely ther Creighton or Iowa State Available University. January 2007 Entertainment Page 7 No Love For Wii Blake Johnson feels like you’re playing the “Freedom Writers” Storms Theaters system, not the game, if that Cartoonist makes sense. On the Wii The Wii is Nintendo’s it’s “when I swing the con- newest console, released troller, I swing the sword!” With Powerful Message for America November 19th of last year. as opposed to any It’s, well, different to say other system’s Kristin Coppa well, also known as Ms. G, she believed in her stu- ing the school, Ms. G was the least. The Wii uses a “when I swing Assistant Editor chose the high school be- dents and wanted them there to support and taught motion sensor built into the the sword, cause she wanted a controller (the controller the monster What do you think school that was di- is an egg timer tethered dies.” would happen when stu- verse and had been to a TV remote, if you I t dents from not only differ- affected by riots. haven’t seen it yet) for d o e s ent cliques, but different She thought the pretty much every- h a v e racial backgrounds come high school would thing. Aiming a gun, i t s together because they are be perfect and driving a car, fish- g o o d forced? It’s not a pleasant wanted to change ing, all in one in- qual- scene, especially in the students’ lives. novative stick. It’s i t i e s , movie “Freedom Writers.” A lot of the actually pretty re- o f The students who at- teachers and fac- alistic for some course. tended Wilson High ulty members had things, and in It’s a lot School came from families given up hope in theory would c h e a p e r who had a low income and their students. be more im- than the were involved in gangs They thought the mersive be- other new and drugs. It was normal students didn’t cause of it. s y s t e m s for students to see a friend want to learn and But, sadly, (it’s less pass away because of a were only at school that’s not really the than half shooting. Graduating from because they had case. t h e price of the high school wasn’t com- to. Ms. G felt the com- to succeed. In addition each student never to give up It’s a gimmick, you PS3, but what isn’t?) at $250, mon either. Most students plete opposite and thought to her teaching career, and to believe in themselves. have to admit that. A magi- and can actually be pretty she also took She gave the extra push that cal wand used to control ev- fun if you’re playing Zel- on two other made them succeed. erything? Kind of, it’s best da (don’t touch Red Steel, part-time jobs “Freedom Writers” is a used when controlling any- it’s the most disappointing to have ex- true story about Wilson High thing that involves swing- game of the century). And, tra money for School in Long Beach, Cali- ing a stick, which, really, it has nowhere to go but new books and fornia. The stories students is what you’re doing every up: practice makes per- other learning wrote about their daily lives time you play the Wii. Ten- fect when it comes to mak- materials. The and thoughts were published nis, baseball, ing games, I guess. Also, new novels in the late 1990’s. To learn swordfight- it will have the next Me- she had pur- more about the Freedom Writ- ing, cast- troid game (Wii was made chased went ers and Ms. Gruwell, visit ing a fish- for FPSes and as far as I’m directly to her www.freedomwritersfounda- ing pole, concerned) on it, which is students. She tion.org. There you can do- things of about reason enough to buy chose books nate, purchase dvds and books that na- the system. that were writ- and learn how you can help. t u r e . Even if Wii’s new games ten by And it keep letting you down, t e e n - s t i l l there’s always the old ones; a g e r s feels Nintendo added a “Virtual w h o like Console,” which lets (or a l s o a will in time, they’re releas- d e a l t ing this stuff gradually) you w i t h download more or less any were either kicked out of her students deserved bet- issues that were g i m - game released on a previous school or dropped out be- ter learning material. But, similar to theirs, mick. Nintendo system excluding cause they felt it wasn’t because the high school one being The Di- I don’t Gamecube (but the Wii’s important. The students had low reading scores ary of Anne Frank. m i n d backwards compatible with had three things in com- and since the students And, to learn s o m e - it, so no big loss). mon: they hated school, didn’t take care of school about the students’ t h i n g Overall, I’d say it’s def- they hated their teacher property, the school board background, she being a initely worth picking up if and they hated each other. refused to give students gave each indi- g i m m i c k you: Two-time Academy reading material that vidual a notebook and as long A. are a big Nintendo Award winner Hilary wasn’t falling apart. The where they could as it doesn’t feel fan. Swank plays the role of students were called un- write their private like one (take the DS, for B. have the money. Erin Gruwell, the Eng- teachable, below average, thoughts. example), but when you’re C. are allergic to XBox- lish teacher who believed delinquents. After everyone playing a Wii, you can’t es, but still want to spend in her students. Ms. Gru- Ms. G never gave up, lost faith, includ- get it out of your mind. It that money. Doing New Year’s the “My Sister’s Keeper” Keeps Legal Way!! Teen Fiction Standards High sa Prichard says, “We had a New Year’s Resolution, Victoria Means eled with hope, Sara and Brian wanted; she was only alive to Holly Nicolosi a great time bowling and but no matter what their Copy Editor Fitzgerald picked an embryo keep Kate living. Anna had no Reporter running off sugar-highs! I resolution may be, they that would produce the perfect purpose. You’re sitting at learned how to bowl with my are usually always forgot- “If we both stretched genetic match for Kate. Nine Then her 13th birthday home and it’s only 6:00 left hand and had a great time ten by the end of Febru- our hands out, we could months later enters Anna. rolled around and Anna made at night, but you’re still with my friends!” ary! hold hands in the expanse Anna grew up in and out a decision that would stun her waiting until midnight Even though these stu- “My New Year’s Res- between the beds.” But, it of the hospital in desperate at- family. As the surgeries became to watch the ball drop on dents went out and did “le- olution was to do some- seemed that only more and more invasive, television. You have five gal” things, they still had fun thing nice for somebody, one sister was con- Anna became frightened more hours to go. What ringing in 2007. which I have already done stantly reaching and lost. Her identity was do you do? All of a sud- New Year’s Eve is basi- and will continue to keep out, while the other lost in the endeavor to save den you get a phone call cally about watching the ball doing it!” says an anony- sister continually Kate so she decided to sue from a friend asking you drop, right? You can’t wait mous freshman. took. her family for the rights to if you want to go out with until it happens because then According to http:// It seemed to her own body. her and a few of your it’s a new year, which is like pittsburgh.about.com/cs/ Anna that she didn’t A lawsuit slowly tears friends until 11:30 that a start at a new life for you. holidays/tp/resolutions. exist, except as Kate’s apart a family and a sister- night. Of course, you say Have you ever wondered htm, the top ten New sister. And, she hood that was perceived yes because you don’t how the actual “ball drop- Year’s resolutions are: wouldn’t have existed as unbreakable. But Anna want to be stuck at home ping” came about? Well, if 1) Spend more time with at all if it hadn’t been and Kate have a secret, all night! you go to the website, www3. family and friends; 2) Ex- for Kate. My Sister’s one they will not share. New Year’s Eve kumc.edu/diversity/other/ ercise; 3) Control your Keeper is a story of A heartbroken mother parties, according to a newyreve.html, you will weight; 4) Quit Smoking; choices, perspectives, is torn between her two lot of people, are just find that in New York City 5) Enjoy life more; 6) Quit and love. But, con- daughters. A confused fa- about drinking and par- at 11:59:00 p.m., a six-foot Drinking; 7) Get out of trary to popular belief, ther tries desperately to tying with people, right? shimmering ball, actually Debt; 8) Learn Something love does not conquer hold his family together. Wrong. Instead of drink- an apple, is lowered 70 feet New; 9) Help Others; 10) all things. There are A rebel brother tries to ing and partying, a few in sixty seconds. When the Get Organized. Resolutions some things that even earn his parent’s atten- high school students just apple reaches its destination are easy to make, but they the love of a family tion. This is a wrenching went and hung out with at midnight, bells ring, con- are also very easy to break! cannot defeat. story about a family who their friends. fetti is tossed, and everyone “My resolution is to The Fitzgerald is destined to lose at least Some went bowling, shouts “Happy New Year!” have more fun in life with family was perfect. one daughter. some went and baby-sat This tradition began in 1907 my friends and family and Sara and Brian were If you are looking for while kids’ parents went after NYC outlawed fire- try to get better grades loving; they had a a great read, then look out to “legal” parties, crackers for New Year’s Eve. in high school!” says an beautiful daugh- no further. My Sister’s some were taking care of If you ever want to watch anonymous sophomore. ter named Kate and a tempts to save her older sister. Keeper is a wonderful story of their friends when they the ball drop, it is always on So this year in 2007, bright, young boy named Jesse. She couldn’t regularly attend love and family. It is a book needed “help,” some channel 9-ABC and it is very when it comes time for Then a shattering diagnosis left school or play with other kids. that you just can’t put down. stayed at home and had interesting! New Year’s again, think the family confused and hope- Her only friend was her sis- It leaves you wanting more af- dinner with their fami- Another New Year’s tra- about how you want to less: Kate was diagnosed with ter. Anna’s childhood was lost. ter the surprise ending. If you lies, and some just stayed dition is giving yourself a spend it. Have fun while leukemia. The Fitzgerald fam- A Christmas was spent in the have a family then you should home and watched the New Year’s Resolution. In doing something legal and ily began a search for a donor, hospital. A birthday ruined for read this book, it challenges ball drop. the United States, almost not getting into trouble until a doctor told them that a trip to the emergency room. every foundation and tie with- Sophomore Morys- everybody gives themselves while you are doing it! siblings could be a match. Fu- She felt as though she was un- in a family. Page 8 January 2007 Student Life 2006: A Tribute

photos obtained from yahoo.com

Guess what each Mystery Picture is, bring it to Mrs. Langille in room 401, and you will receive a prize! 2 4 1 3

6 8 5 7

photos by Sara Grimes