October 7, 2008 [email protected]

LSHS alhallaVolume 81, Issue 1 A night of broken statues v A student’s prank leaves expensive damages and hurt pride Alissa Margett Features Editor

hough the damage is not clearly visible Tfrom a distance, the school statue located between the 400 building and main of- fice was the target of a recre- ational explosive. On July 4, a group of roughly seven to ten high school students came onto the campus just before mid- night. Armed with a sparkler bomb, the vandals went to work blowing up the school’s statue. This act of vandalism caused about $8,000- $9,000 dollars worth of damage to above are images caught by the security camera on the night of the vandalism photo art by Amelia Dickson the statue. in and saw the recording and nal charges, but he is also fac- the campus and fix his work by administrators, the student Unfortunately for the found out who did it,” Head ing never being able to finish here or remove the statue wrote a typed apology let- students, they were being of Campus Security Janet Al- high school here. [He] could and take it with him to be re- ter addressed to the students watched. bee said. be [expelled], but [the con- paired. Regrettably, the repa- of this school that is almost “We have cameras that After being confronted by sequence] hasn’t been decid- rations will not be done for three pages in length. protect that area. We came administration for his actions, ed yet.” some time. “Some of our kids can’t the student confessed. Though this one student “It is disruptive to every- crank that [three pages] out “His issue is that he has received the majority of the one’s day each time you walk for their Viking Paper. When ruined his life by do- consequences, his fel- by and see it. You don’t feel you write from the heart, it ing this,” Princi- low vandals have proud of our school,” senior is pretty easy to do,” Collins pal Ken Collins been repri- Lindsey Smith said. said. “I think the point that said. “Not m a n d e d , The student involved has the kid would like to make is only is he with pun- taken time since the vandal- that he vandalized his own facing res- ishments ism to reflect on what he did. property. Reflecting, [the stu- t i t u t i o n r anging “He has really felt bad dent] says ‘How stupid is it and crimi- from sus- about his decision and the that here I am going to school p e n s i o n actions that he did make. He here, spending the majority to felony would like people to know of my formative day here and charges. that what you do now is go- I wrecked my own school. It The art- ing to affect you for the rest doesn’t make any sense.’” the statue has been bent and ist of the statue of your life,” Collins said. burned will either come to Without being prompted photo by Emma Derus In this Issue:

Check Twilight Boys out your mania tennis new sweeps off to a teachers school better Senior Erin Guy spends and VP pg. 12 start summer volunteering in pg. 8 and 16 pg. 14 Cambodia pg. 12 and 9 volume 81, issue 1 page 1 news LSHS october 7, 2008 valhalla Recycling contributes to economy’s decline

Beau Castillo and one for bottles. “I take a separate recycle bin for recycling. You will get to utes to greenhouse gas- [the bottles in the recycle] bottles has been effective; one hundred before you ses and global warming,” S t a f f R e p o r t e r home and put them in my however, one teacher doing get to your next class,” said Elsner. So what can Reflect back on this vote (or one coke bottle) home recycle bin. It isn’t this isn’t enough. “Walk Alderson said. Putting students do in order to in- school year- it usually con- typically does not sway the going to take much room down the hall one day and this into perspective, we troduce a bottle recycling sists primarily on work in final outcome of the elec- up,” Alderson said. Taking count down the bottles and can safely say that some- system to our school? Un- and outside of school. But tion, (the build of landfills the initiative to incorporate cans that could be in the thing needs to be changed. fortunately it isn’t a sim- there is one other thing and such) however, it does Some students have also ple process. “We will talk that that is presumably for- contribute to the results taken the initiative to raise about it at admin. But our gotten; contributing to the in a small way. A handful awareness about bottles janitors don’t have the time rapid decline of our econ- of students and staff here not being recycled. “I to separate and dump recy- omy. You can see our con- have adopted the ideal of know [the school] doesn’t cling. It would have to be tribution by simply open- recycling, and have pro- recycle bottles, so I always a student club and it would ing a garbage can. Next to moted it in various ways. have to take them home,” need some student support the muffin wrapper stained Students who enter Mr. junior Jenny Elsner said. to achieve this,” principal with residue from a cup-o- Dan Alderson’s classroom Recycling is an important Ken Collins said. With this noodle, you see an empty are greeted with humor- ideal that Elsner has in- in mind, students have the Coke bottle. While it may ous posters, and of course, corporated into her life, so opportunity to change our seem that a single bottle Mr. Alderson himself. But the issues pertaining to our schools’ recycling. If you will have little to no impact there is something else schools lack of recycling are interested in creating a on our economy, it does that may be seen out of the are unsettling. “It’s waste- bottle- recycling program contribute to the bigger corner of your eye- two ful to throw [bottles] here, contact ASB with picture. Look at this situ- separate recycle bins, one a casually tossed bottle near the sidewalk away. It builds up, creating your idea in order to get it ation as an election. One for regular paper recycle photo by Nate Lynch landfills, which contrib- approved. Lockdowns keep students safe during emergencies Caleb Schwarzmiller the covering of the windows, saying it’s unneces- sary because school is in session so the crazy would S t a f f R e p o r t e r just figure that there are people in the room anyway. In today’s times of turmoil, drugs, gangs, and These students are mistaken. Common sense would dangerous people, safety has become more and more dictate that you are much safer if the crazy, though important and also harder to achieve. Thousands of knowing you are probably in the room, does not students are packed together into rooms too small know where you are, how many of you there are, or and forced to spend their whole day there. The econ- if you’re waiting just on the other side of the door omy is failing; people are falling into very hard times to club him in the head with a fire extinguisher.) and are starting to become desperate for a way out. The students are to remain silent! This is prob- This creates a tremendous recipe for violence. But ably the hardest rule for students to follow. They are how do we stay safe during all this? The answer is undoubtedly busy speculating about what could pos- a lockdown. sibly have triggered the lockdown, or are busy whin- A lockdown is put in place whenever there is a ing about the papers covering the windows because students huddle in the dark during the lockdown perceived or real threat to the school and student they wish to be specially targeted by a crazy with a photo and photo art by Nate Lynch body. The idea of a lockdown is that no one enters hunting knife. events, Columbine especially, many lives could have and no one leaves. In the event of a lockdown, every With such unfortunate events as Columbine been saved. Since then, lockdowns have been prac- classroom is to be locked and all the students are to and Virginia Tech, the importance and execution of ticed much more and are actually used quite effec- move to a designated “safe” area in the classroom, lockdowns is being realized. They are being prac- tively in events where students are endangered. No away from windows and doors. The windows should ticed and put into effect more and more. Had an ef- one can be sure just how many lives lockdowns save, then all be covered. (Many students complain about fective lockdown been put into place during those but we can be certain that they make us much safer.

Music at assemblies: it’s more than just dancing Blaine Bowman the audience. more opinionated part of the genre usually isn’t particular- inappropriate language, sexu- S t a f f R e p o r t e r Nick Johnson, co-captain song and not focusing on the ly explicit, and to steer clear al innuendo, gang slang, weap- of the boy’s tennis team, re- gunshots in the chorus, which of any dance moves that could ons, or discrimination is inap- The fall sports assembly cently had to make this hard could have caused trouble. be interpreted as being of a propriate, and so logically any served as an excellent remind- decision himself. “We picked The boy’s swim team, sexual nature. of these things should not be er of the obligation we all have ‘Paper Airplanes’ by M.I.A. whose performances have Mr. Snow, associate prin- part of a public performance. to remain school appropriate because it’s a song that be- been plagued by controversy cipal in charge of student dis- However, this should not at public performances. came really popular over the in past years, is also striving cipline, said there is a simple dissuade any teams from do- Music is one of the most summer with the release of to avoid another scandal. So- answer to avoiding censor: ing a routine at the assemblies. important things at assem- Pineapple Express, and me and lon Scott, senior captain, said, put yourself in someone else’s “I personally like watching all blies- for dance routines, for a lot of my friends liked the “As the swim team, we feel like shoes, and look at your rou- the different dances,” Scott jokes, to keep the story mov- song, and a lot of the stu- we need to keep everything tine from their viewpoint. If said, “because it takes a lot of ing and everyone interested, dents at the high school do, fresh. Yet, in perspective, in there is anything that could guts to go out there and dance but it’s also the easiest place and I thought it would be a the last few years we’ve had be misinterpreted, or is not like that.” They are a beloved to slip up and offend people. really fun song for tennis to a lot of controversy with our school appropriate, it should part of pep assemblies--care While picking a good perform.” While parts of this dances and stuff. But it’s nice be changed. According to the just needs to be taken to make song for a skit is important, song are sometimes censored, to see where our limits are.” student handbook, anything sure that everyone can enjoy it’s just as vital to make sure the tennis team avoided censor Scott plans on picking a dance that promotes tobacco prod- them. that it doesn’t upset anyone in by working around the latter, song for his routine, since the ucts, alcohol or other drugs,

page 2 volume 81, issue 1 LSHS news valhalla october 7, 2008 Boeing strikes again...and again Machinists’ strike goes on with no end in sight while about 2,250 are from contract did not include on strike will have a large Ryan Rincon Oregon or Kansas. Boeing base-wage increases that impact on Boeing, consid- S t a f f R e p o r t e r was shocked however, feeling were requested by the union ering their new jet, the 787 that the contract was more workers. Since the end of Dreamliner, is already about It’s happened once again: than fair for their machin- that last strike three years two years behind schedule. a company that is perhaps the ists. The offer included an 11 ago, Boeing has been seeing Boeing has already taken most notorious for having percent wage increase over record profit. While other approximately 900 orders its employees strike has once three years, as well as thou- jobs have had to cut back on from 58 different airlines again had to deal with the sands of dollars in bonuses. employees in the face of an worldwide. Last April, Boe- reality of unhappy workers. Reasons for striking include ever-weakening U.S. econ- ing was forced to push back Employees went on strike on retirement and healthcare, as omy, Boeing has continued its release of the Dreamliner Saturday, August 30 after re- well as pay. The average pay to hire as many as dozens of to the third quarter of 2009. ceiving an offer from Boeing for a Boeing machinist is $27 workers a day in the face of Other employees of Boeing, about a renewed contract. an hour, which totals about increasing demand. such as engineers, who are Apparently not pleased with $56,000 a year, not including The job of the machin- not represented by machin- the new developments of overtime or benefits. A high- ists at Boeing is to assemble ists, are still expected to re- the contract, the Boeing em- ranking member among the commercial planes. They are port to work for Boeing on a ployees surprised Boeing by Boeing machinists usually also responsible for assem- regular basis. striking the morning follow- makes about $35 an hour, bling many of the key com- Thus far there is still no ing the contract proposal. which equals about $70,000. ponents of the planes. Boe- news on whether an end to It was the machinists, This is the second time ing has stated that for the the strike is in the near fu- over 27,000, who went on the machinists have gone on duration of the strike, they ture, but it does not seem as strike this early September. strike, the first being in 2005 will not attempt to assemble though there are any prom- Boeing workers make signs for protest Of these employees, roughly when they were on strike for any commercial planes. ising developments under- photo courtesy of Reuters 25,000 are local to the Se- 24 days. That strike-ending Having these workers way quite yet. attle and Puget Sound area, News around Homecoming expected to be better than ever the world Andrew McCrea S t a f f R e p o r t e r of people liked it because they could “condense” Nate Shipe the dance floor, that way people wouldn’t feel lone- N e w s E d i t o r Though many people have homecoming ly dancing alone, or in small groups. “I’ll figure it planned completely by now, not everyone knows out,” Anderson said. Think you’re up-to-date on the goings-on what to expect from this year’s dance. If you’re worried about listening to music around the globe? You might want to check your- First of all, the date and price. The dance is you don’t like for four hours, you don’t have to be self on some of the biggest news items, just to on October 11, from 8:00 to midnight, and is be- afraid. Anderson said they’d hired a DJ, one that is make sure. ing held in the LSHS gym. Prices vary between “expensive, so he better be [ good].” singles and couples tickets. If you’re going alone, This homecoming dance is sure to be enter- the ticket will set you back $30, $25 if you have an taining, and even better than last year. Pirates in Somalia—no, piracy didn’t end with ASB card. If you purchase a couples ticket, then the eighteenth century. World trade has been hav- it will cost you $45, and $40 with an ASB. (If you ing serious problems with a band of pirates operat- buy tickets at the door add $5 to the price). ing off the coast of Somalia (in Africa.) They even The theme of the dance is “Under the Sea”, or recently hijacked an entire cargo ship and demand- for Disney fans, The Little Mermaid. As for proper ed $20 million ransom. attire, senior class president Sean Anderson said, “[the attire is] fairly formal, you know? You don’t need to go crazy and go buy a tux or anything, China Enters the Space Age—the recent Chi- [but] you don’t have to go and super-fan The Lit- nese mission to space, only the third the country tle Mermaid.” has ever made, returned to Earth recently after a Also, if you don’t think that this year is going fully successful orbit, including a spacewalk (Chi- to “deliver”, Anderson reassured us that the senior na’s first). This makes China the third nation to class ASB is going all out this year, even though have astronauts walk in space (after Russia and the they couldn’t book Cavelero. To many, this is a one of many signs in the 100 building USA.) The other hopeful Asian space-racers, Japan bummer. “Cavelero was a good dance site…a lot photo by Andrew McCrea and India, were somewhat discouraged but have vowed to catch up and keep up. China’s next orbital ambition is a space station.

Asian Food Contamination Spreads—speak- ing of China, several brands of Chinese food and The Valhalla staff would like food products, as well as some out of Taiwan, have been globally recalled after they were shown to car- to thank Lake Stevens Haggen ry a toxic contamination. Milk, creamer, and other and Cloverdale Meats for their such dairy products have been making people sick across East Asia and much of the West as well. support of the Valhalla by al- lowing us to participate in their Valhalla staff have a great time and Bratwurst Barbecue fundraiser. make some money for their club

volume 81, issue 1 page 3 news LSHS october 7, 2008 valhalla “Supercollider” spins heads and protons mean for the scientific com- particle accelerator, those Brian Toews munity? worries seem to have been for The LHC is the world’s nothing. S t a f f R e p o r t e r largest and highest-energy “It’s a rumor coming from particle accelerator complex, people who don’t understand intended to collide opposing the science [behind the exper- After 14 years of prepara- beams of protons with very iment],” said Ingraham. “Col- tion and research, physicists high kinetic energy. liders can’t do that.” and employees of Europe’s “The overall purpose of Although as successful as CERN (Europe Organization the LHC is to find the small- the collider has been, the out- for Nuclear Research) near est piece of matter to which comes of this research could Geneva started their $10 bil- everything is built on,” ex- have some unpleasant ramifi- lion particle accelerator, more plained Mr. Bob Ingraham, cations for the scientific com- commonly known as a “super- biology and forensic teacher. munity here in the United collider,” on September 10. “Every collision allows [sci- States. Scientists, journalists, and entists] to learn more about “The collider in Geneva numerous others on Sept. 10 matter.” means that the best physicists the interior of the CERN supercollider watched from a control room Physicists can now begin and scientists from the United photo courtesy of MSNBC Media located at the CERN com- to understand the unknown States will leave for Sweden, derstanding of the meaning shut down because of an elec- pound as beams of protons mysteries in science that France, the European [conti- of why we are here on this trical malfunction in the trans- were sent all the way around range from dark matter to ex- nent, and] attempts to build planet in the first place. former. That was repaired, the Large Hadron Collider’s istence of unseen dimensions our own collider will be re- “Once you understand but a CERN statement said a (LHC) 17-mile underground in space. duced,” said Ingraham. how matter is put together, second failure took place mid- ring of ultra-cooled pipes. There are practical out- Funding for a collider the stuff you see on Star Trek day Sept. 19 in the last section For the first time in scienctific comes to the research as well. in the U.S. had been cut and can become theoretically pos- of the tunnel to undergo test- history, protons had success- “Faster computers and scraped from the plate of the sible.” ing at high current, causing a fully made their full circuit cheaper energy can come out U.S. government’s budget. This news could be inno- large helium leak. The collider along the 330-foot-deep tun- of this research,” Ingraham According to Ingraham, all it vative for the future of scien- will be out of commission for nel less than an hour after it said. is now is a “fancy wine cellar.” tific studies and the progress two months. was turned on. Though there were many The accomplishment by of our world. But what does this all worries early on that black the CERN team means the However, as of Sept. 11, mean for us, and what does it holes could be formed by a beginning of a universal un- the supercollider had to be Over $29,000 raised for beloved football coach On Sep. 5 during the varsity football game against Mari- and even potted plants. All items were donated by local busi- Brad Dickson ner High school, Coach Kyle Bigham collapsed due to heart nesses and organizations. S t a f f R e p o r t e r failure. So, together the football team, cheerleaders, ASB and Many of the people weren’t necessarily there to buy “cool” leadership began a fundraiser to try to help cover his expenses, new things for their house, or even just looking for a seven- called “Bucks for Biggs”. dollar dinner; they were taking the chance to give something The main event of this fundraiser was a Spaghetti Feed back to a man who has done so much for the Lake Stevens that was held on Sep 18, which featured a seven-dollar en- football program. trance fee, an auction, and several other opportunities to give “I’m just here to support him,” parent Angie Rinear said. to the fund. “I think it’s great that they organized this for him,” There were so many people at the event that it was hard The football team and cheerleaders helped the Purple and to navigate around the room. At the busiest point of the night, Gold Club run the event. Throughout the night the purple the line to get in stretched all the way to the student parking and gold jerseys could be frequently seen making their way lot. through the crowd, helping keep the excitement up. “The amount of support from the community is over- “He’s our linemen coach, so that really drove me to help,” whelming!” Tammy LeMieux, vice president of the Purple varsity lineman Josh Chandler said. “I’m really doing every- and Gold Club said. “It’s great to see everyone come together thing that I can.” like this.” All in all the night was a huge success, bringing in an thousands gather to help Coach Biggs There were also many different items available on the si- estimated $29,000. All proceeds will go to help pay for coach photo by Amelia Dickson lent auction tables, ranging from a hard drive to bobble heads, Bigham’s medical expenses. Body image: the inner battle children as young as eight are vosa, a severe eating disorder “cliquey and competitive.” as Dove’s Campaign for Real Nikole Harris having such a negative body that consists of not eating as “Compliments make a Beauty attempt “to make more A&E Editor image.” Children, teens, and many calories as your body person feel good and give women feel beautiful every young adults all seem to have needs, and seeing yourself them a good body image,” day by widening stereotypi- Body image is something one thing in common: they love differently in the mirror than Klein said. Both Klein and cal views of beauty,” which that affects everyone at every the lives of celebrities. Why others see you in person. Porter feel that people often is Dove’s campaign message. moment. You may not always wouldn’t they? Looking at all Name five celebrities that compare themselves to others These new campaigns hope think about it, but it’s there. those beautiful people makes are underweight and then instead of striving for their to reverse generations of self- Some people have a positive them want to be beautiful too. name five that are overweight. personal best, and they put esteem damage by encourag- body image; others have a However, being five foot ten Which was easier? The facts themselves up to an almost ing all people, but especially negative body image. Many and 107 pounds is unrealis- show that 81% of ten-year- impossibly high standard. As young, impressionable girls, people feel that teens are the tic. According to Judy Light- old girls are afraid of being children grow up in this so- to love themselves for who most likely to have a negative estone from edreferral.com, fat, and it doesn’t look like ciety based on what you wear they are. body image in today’s society, most teens and young adults that’s going to change any- rather than what your abilities The battle over body im- but LSHS nurse Shannon Por- don’t know that nearly 95% of time soon. are, the effects will no doubt age is an ongoing one. It is up ter says that as the years go by, all photos of models printed Sophomore Brianna Klein be even worse body image to our generation to determine poor body image is starting at in magazines are retouched feels that people ages 12-18 down the road. what will happen next. a much earlier age. to some degree. According to are most likely to have a nega- Despite the barrage of “People think that what’s radarprograms.com, 25% of tive body image due to the fact negative body images out on TV is real,” said Porter. “Playboy” centerfolds meet that middle school and high there, there is some posi- “Society is the reason that the criteria for anorexia ner- school is a time that is very tive news. Movements such page 4 volume 81, issue 1 LSHS opinion valhalla october 7, 2008 One media vs. another Students need to realize what’s really important in an increasingly commercialized world ingly, over half the answers were the pletely ignorant. Many Americans celebrities wear is going to make them exact same as the ones above. Only have no idea what is going on in to- popular amongst their friends, which nine students knew that Russia invad- day’s society. This is because people is what really matters, right? Nikole Harris ed Georgia. Of those seemingly intel- are more concerned with the gossip With all the technology of to- A&E Editor ligent nine, four of them thought that and hot trends of Hollywood and to- day, Americans should consistently Russia invaded the U.S. state, not the day’s celebrities. know what is going on in the news. Sit Ask yourself this question: what completely separate European country. The lives of celebrities seem so down, relax, pick up a newspaper, and is Paris Hilton’s new show on MTV? However, seventeen students knew the glamorous and fantastic that young find out what’s going on in this world Right away, you probably said “my name of Paris Hilton’s new show on people would rather go online and you live in. Next time you sit down at new BFF”. Now ask yourself this MTV. Which is more important? look up what he or she wore this week your computer; think about whether question: who did Russia just invade? Obviously, a large majority of rather than look up information on the you want to go to a website about the Right away you probably said “I don’t people would agree that the invasion next possible leaders of our country. happenings in today’s politics or Paris know”. Or rather, “I don’t care”. of Georgia is more important; but They feel that politics and other world Hilton. Twenty students were asked these chances are, people only say that be- issues don’t directly affect them. How- exact same questions and unsurpris- cause they don’t want to sound com- ever, they know that wearing what the Fanciful field fun Sophomore frustrates finances smackdown friend that it’s almost a little Fantasy football disrupts productivity frightening, there are still situa- tions in which some sophomores feel as though they are being sin- for the last time gled out. Ryan Rincon “They just kind of ignore us Fantasy Football is a game made from a Staff reporter like we’re ghosts…” sophomore game. Russell Bensch said. To play this game an owner (some- Sophomore Ashleigh Lawlis one who plays the game) will join a league As the 2008-2009 school agrees. “No they haven’t, they of other owners. The owners then draft Caleb Schwarzmiller year got underway, seniors and were treating us like the new their players and must simply keep track of Staff Reporter juniors of Lake Stevens High people,” when asked about if she their players’ doings throughout the sea- School welcomed for the first felt the students at Lake Stevens son to see who wins. It’s all just a simple ductivity is costing businesses a whopping $1.1 time in two years a brand new High were welcoming to her as a humble pastime for sports fans everywhere. billion in lost productivity. high school class. Also unique to new sophomore. Or is it? This poses the prominent questions: is this new class is that they are the However, Bensch also went

Recent surveys conducted by Challenger, Fantasy Football a contributing factor to our first class of kids to attend the on to say about the teachers, Gray & Christmas Inc, a Chicago based em- failing economy, and how did the typically jock new Cavelero Mid-High School, “Cavelero treated us like kids. ployment research firm, have found that many demographic get involved into such an obses- and are subsequently the first The teachers at Lake Stevens employees will spend hours of office time each sive hobby the likes of which usually reserved Cavelero batch to attend Lake make us feel more mature.” week maintaining their Fantasy Football team for the average nerd? Stevens High School. Many of So it seems that the teach- “ or just daydreaming about it. This loss in pro- A former D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) the returning upperclassmen ers at least are doing well with respect towards the new sopho- fanatic turned jock thinks he might have some were weary of the incoming more class, and bravo to them. answers. Senior Marcus Elwood says that, sophomores, however, because “Fantasy Football is actually incredibly simi- these particular students have lar to many role-playing and strategy based been at the top of their respec- games.” In fact, the only reason that Elwood tive schools (8th grade at North ever decided to quit D&D is because he real- Lake Middle School and Lake ized that even with his incredible new physique Stevens Middle School, and 9th They just kind and perfectly blemish free face he would still grade at Cavelero Mid-High) for of ignore us like never get the ladies if he continued following two years in a row. Surely these this geeky hobby. However, unwilling to give students would have egos the size we’re ghosts... up his gaming completely, he was impressed of a small planet by now, right? -Russell Bensch, immediately by the oh-so familiar obsessive Also a factor was the rumors traits of those playing Fantasy Football. So he of persistent drug abuse that sophomore took up the game. took place at Cavelero Mid-High “My first thoughts were like, oh my last year. Though, as far as we go[sh]! This is just like WoW [World of know, these rumors are merely Warcraft]! From that point on I’ve just had an rumors, the talk of it was wide- “It seems, however, that many of almost crack-like obsession with this game,” spread, and made the returning the returning Juniors and Se- Elwood said. Upon realizing the time, Elwood students at Lake Stevens High all niors could stand to behave more cut his interview short and ran off to watch the more uneasy about the new kindly towards this new group one his players’ teams. class. of students. Ultimately, it will be It is this non-players view that it’s quite All that being said, many up to them to look after the be- possible for Fantasy Football to just be a thinly students were perhaps less than loved school when the rest of us veiled attempt for jocks to play in the typically welcoming to the new sopho- are gone. mores. While it is certainly true forbidden field of role-play. that there were upperclassmen Mr. Billingsley enjoys playing Fantasy Football who are so determined to be your in his downtime photo by Josh Brubaker volume 81, issue 1 page 5 opinion LSHS october 7, 2008 valhalla Recycled Gimmicks We want to make saving the envi- this cannot be accomplished simply by Letter to the ronment hip, sexy, and appealing to- shopping or protesting. ward Americans! Now, the average customer buying DearEditor Editor, And they sure have! the shirt from Fuego would probably Actually, this is more of a ‘Dear Many stores are now dressing not understand or know what any of School’. I’m sure everyone knows by this movement. Stores such as Fuego the above means, which just proves my at the Alderwood Mall, for example, now about Kyle ‘Biggs’ Bigham col- point: Americans say they are contrib- Brian Toews now have a slew of “green” t-shirts. lapsing on the football field at the uting to making the Earth better, but One shirt that stood out from the rest they really aren’t. first football game. What everyone Staff Reporter was cleverly worded: “I recycle boys.” may not know is that he has a cousin Buying a Prius or wearing organ- Why has buying organic, going Companies pull stunts like this to sell ic clothing is not making Americans a attending here. It was truly touching vegan, wearing hemp while planting their product and make it stand out the part of the cause. The car and cloth- to see how much the school can come trees or buying American made cloth- most from all the other shirts. In this ing is all material that gives off an im- together for one person, and it really ing become so suddenly popular? And case, it involves a play on the idea of age of care. made me, and the rest of his family, another question, why have Ameri- recycling. Examples like this remind It’s much more effective to throw realize how much he is cared for by cans suddenly started caring about the me how much Americans have forgot- your garbage away and recycle your his school family. All the donations environment now? Today it’s accepted ten why they care for the environment bottles than to parade the image that are going to help him greatly. After as “cool” to care for the planet; but the in the first place. you care for the environment by buy- I left the spaghetti dinner/auction, thing is, we have had environmental I bet you that not a lot of so-called ing an expensive hybrid or drinking a I could not help but cry from being issues long before Al Gore made a environmentalists know that there are seven-dollar gallon of organic milk. so amazed at how many people were documentary explaining the problems actually three types of environmen- I am not an environmentalist. there, especially those that have never of global warming and its effect on talists: light greens, dark greens, and I don’t need to be one to be sold on met Biggs. I really hope that everyone the Earth. bright greens. the fact that littering and industrial who hasn’t met him will get the chance After this information was re- Light greens see protecting the capitalism is bad for the planet. I don’t to. I am having a hard time thinking leased to the public, Americans have environment as a foremost responsibil- need a label or a shirt to do my part. of words to say in this letter that ex- seemed to have opened their eyes all ity but do not emphasize environmen- Just pick up your trash and don’t gloat press how grateful I am for everyone at the same moment and declared, talism as a distinct political ideology. about how you chained yourself to that donated their time, effort, and/or “You’re right, polluting the Earth is Dark greens believe that environ- a tree while wearing your “recycled money. It’s wonderful to see everyone bad!” Well…yeah! mentalism problems are an inherent boys” t-shirt. The tree would rather help someone in need. Again, thanks Now that Americans are aware of part of industrialized capitalism and you get off and devote your time to to everyone very much. their ill treatment of Mother Earth, seek radical political change. Bright something meaningful, instead of this gives marketing agents an oppor- greens believe that radical changes are trying too hard to impress your eco- tunity to take advantage and adver- Sincerely, needed in the economic and political friendly peers. tise the hell out of the environmental Libby Traulsen, Senior operation of society in order to make cause. the environment more sustainable and valhalla Lack of school pride plagues student body Over the summer, our This school has a com- is all we’ve got. We all have to of putting it under every flat school was terrorized by the plete lack of school pride. stare at the unadorned walls surface. Don’t write your staff Fourth of July shenanigans School pride isn’t about stu- and walk down the garbage- name on the desks for every- Editorial Board of a group of students who dents dressing up in complete filled halls every day for three one else to see and complain Katie Van Dyke hoped to make their mark on purple and gold for every (or in some cases, four) long about. And for the love of all Editor in Chief the school forever (or at least sporting event known to man. years. Shouldn’t we want it to that is holy, don’t spit on the Amelia Dickson until the administration both- Everyone knows that isn’t our look decent? The problem isn’t sidewalks! It’s disgusting and Design Editor ered to fix it). They wedged a problem. School spirit such just vandalism; there are tons rude. Show some respect for Emily Garvin sparkler bomb into the arms a big non-problem that the of problems, ranging from your school and your school- Managing Editor of the silver statue, set it off administration actually had gum under desks to littering mates. Nate Shipe and watched it explode. The to write rules for fan behav- to ghastly-looking bathrooms. Even though you proba- News Editor damage was severe: a large, ior at games. We’re definitely So how about it: we all bly don’t exactly adore school, Alissa Margett ugly hole in our prized statue. not lacking in school spirit. should pitch in and do our we all could stand to clean it Features Editor A hole that no one no- So why is pride in our school part to make our school a bet- up a bit. If you’re not going Scott Larson ticed. such a big deal? ter place. Clean up the trash to keep it clean for yourself, Sports Editor Vandalism is actually a Having school pride left on the cafeteria tables and then at least clean it up for the Nikole Harris fairly large problem around means, literally, that we take strewn all over the hallways. next group of students that A&E Editor here, a branch of the larger pride in our school. That Put a little extra effort into are stuck here for as long as Cassie Hesch school pride issue that’s af- means not treating it like the signs around the halls (or you are. Business Manager fecting the buildings we know something we can just throw at least put them up straight). and love. away and replace. This school Throw away your gum instead - The Editorial Board Photographers Josh Brubaker Photography Manager Emma Derus valhalla Nate Lynch policy Staff Reporters Our Mission Statement: The Valhalla’s mission is to provide the LSHS community with a quality, thought-provoking publication. In these efforts, the Valhalla has established several open forums for the exchange of information, opinions, and artistic expression Kaila Alford dedicated to those in the LSHS community. Blaine Bowman Brian Buzzo Editorials: The editorial section of the Valhalla serves as a forum for well-written, thoughtful, longer forms of expression. Signed Beau Castillo editorials represent the opinions of the author(s). Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the majority of the Valhalla staff. Brad Dickson Views printed here are meant to be opinionated and/or persuasive, but do not necessarily represent the opinions of the student body, Andrew McCrea administration, or school board. Ryan Rincon Letters to the Editor: The Valhalla will generally print as many letters as space allows each issue. Letters must include the Caleb Schwarzmiller author’s name, signature, and class or position relative to the school. Typed or legibly handwritten letters are acceptable, but none Brian Toews should be more than 400 words. The Valhalla reserves the right to edit all letters for space, accuracy, spelling, and grammar. We Heather Zebroski reserve the right to refuse to print any letters. Submit letters to room 303, or email them to [email protected]. Letters sub- mitted by email should be pasted into the body of the message. We reserve the right to print all letters submitted, either in person or electronically. Advisor Tiffany Lagant

page 6 volume 81, issue 1

LSHS features valhalla october 7, 2008 First time voters The younger generation heads to the polls James Talley remembers his “ early voting days. “There was even more pressure [to vote] in 1972 because of the Viet- nam War,” Talley said. He This isn’t the age was in college that year, but of shaking hands unfortunately wasn’t able to vote because he was hospital- and kissing ba- ized with a case of mononu- bies anymore. cleosis. -Charlie Hickmott Talley was still aware of the tactics used by candidates in the 1970’s to attract young voters. “A lot of politicians “ had bad 70’s haircuts to make out that had Clinton been able people think they were ‘with to win, she would have been it’,” Talley said. “They would the first female president. If also associate with pop-cul- Obama wins, he will be the ture.” He described that many first black president. And if candidates, especially liberal McCain wins, he will be the ones, would hold rock con- oldest president. certs at their rallies. Boren also thinks that Boren believes that the key Obama’s age has a lot to do senior Jake Nebeker registers with the assistance of senior Politics club member Lindsey Smith issues of the election are also with his popularity. “Young photo by Emma Derus a strong factor affecting the people can relate more to Amelia Dickson “The election has been so young voters “have a respon- influx of young voters. “Peo- someone who looks like a par- much more apparent,” said sibility to [their] country to ple always have an opinion on ent rather than a grandpar- D e s i g n E d i t o r senior Chelsea Boren, presi- say what [they] think.” the [Iraq] war,” Boren said. ent,” said Boren. With the election less than dent of the Politics Club. “It’s “When I was on the com- “Among young people the war Boren will not be able to a month away, there has been a good thing because young puter, I saw that lots of peo- is an issue because we are the vote in this election, but she increasing pressure for people people need to know that their ple had become [Myspace] ones who will be drafted.” holds fast to the belief that of all ages (over 18) to show voice needs to be represented. friends with Obama,” Hick- This race is also much even those who aren’t of age up at the polls. And with the It’s not only the older authori- mott said. “The internet has different than anything the can make a difference. She Presidential candidates taking tative figures that have control really helped to reach out. nation has ever seen before. welcomes anyone to join the over popular sites like MyS- of the government.” This isn’t the age of shaking “Candidates like Clinton, Politics Club which meets on pace and FaceBook, it’s hard Among the first-time vot- hands and kissing babies any- Obama, and McCain have add- Tuesday mornings at 6:30 in for the younger generation ers is senior Charlie Hickmott. more.” ed a lot of excitement to the Portable 6. not to become involved. Like Boren, he believes that US History teacher Mr. race,” said Boren. She pointed

An original way to volunteer Drama Club provides a fun way to earn community service hours Brad Dickson parts will be popular. Like, the the sound and light booth.” from the ground. Lighting is productions. Students are en- Candlestick [in Beauty], ev- Lighting for the play is definitely not for those afraid couraged to try out for Beauty S t a f f R e p o r t e r eryone wants to be the Can- the daredevils’ dream com- of heights. and the Beast this spring be- dlestick.” munity service opportunity. Anyone who is interested cause this is definitely com- Community service: some If you aren’t a “Candle- As part of lighting involves in joining Drama Club should munity service you can touch students love it, some hate, stick” kind of person, don’t be some time setting lights up come to a club meeting, every without a 10 foot pole. and others wouldn’t touch it discouraged. Chances are that on the lighting catwalk which Thursday in the PAC, and at with a 10 foot pole. But, like there is still a place for you in is suspended roughly 70 feet least twice a month during it or not, volunteering needs drama. Many other positions to get done somehow. Thank- are offered, from technical fully, the Drama Club offers an jobs such as being involved in original way to get your hours sound or lighting to artistic done, in a way that you won’t ones like costume and scenery find anywhere else. design. This community service “I really enjoyed doing isn’t offered to just anybody; publicity. I would especially you need to be part of one recommend it if you’re some- of the clubs two productions, one who likes to design and which this year are A Christ- hang out with friends,” Katie mas Story and Beauty and the Anderson, senior and current Beast. Secretary-Treasurer of the Unsurprisingly, acting is Drama Club, said. the most popular aspect of Being a publicist means the clubs productions. that you’re in charge of get- “Every one wants the ting the plays name out so stand-out parts,” Mrs. Carrie people will attend. This in- Gerrard, club advisor said. cludes developing the fliers. “We’re going to be doing “[Publicity] or lighting Beauty and the Beast for the [are fun]” Anderson added. senior Ryan Legg throws senior Ian Walter during a meeting for Drama Club photo by Emma Derus spring musical, some of those “It’s really interesting to be in

volume 81, issue 1 page 7 features LSHS october 7, 2008 valhalla

All on new teachers eyes Beau Castillo Staff Reporter

top (from left): Mr. Love, Mrs. Woge, Mr. Johnson bottom (from left): Mr. Thorleifson, Mr. Winkler, Mr. Mahler, Mrs. Pewitt not pictured: Mrs. Schiebel photo by Emma Derus

A strong believer in For the love of teaching Mr. Love contributes both in and out of the accomplishing goals classroom “This year I have brought “I’m really looking forward Not many teachers can say that they ball, volleyball, and high school football, the philosophy that the higher to helping kids progress, and have been teaching since 1976- Mr. Jack Mr. Love takes his place next to Mr. Tri the expectations are, the more working towards passing the Love falls into that minority. After twen- on the football field everyday, contribut- students will succeed,” said new math WASL,” Johnson said. ty-four years of teaching gym and his- ing to our football team. special education teacher Mr. As a devoted fan of fantasy tory, and nine years of teaching special “While eighth grade girls basketball Fred Johnson. Though this is football, a fine-tuned athlete-in- education, Mr. Love has found himself runs a close second, bottom line, I’m a his first year here, he has thirty “ training, a husband, and a fa- here, teaching special education math, high school football kind of guy. I’ve had years of prior teaching experi- ther of three, it is obvious that and helping coach the football team. a great time this year coaching Lake Ste- ence in special education. incorporating teaching into his “I felt that each time I moved, I came vens.” schedule will not be a walk in there and gave it my all. When I left, I In addition to Mr. Love’s amazing his- the park. didn’t necessarily leave because I found tory, he has always been impressively mo- “I’m motivated to help kids something better, but something better tivated. In addition to being a multiple- learn. I want to instill into for me that I wanted to do,” Love said. lettering athlete, and ASB president in Everyone is ca- kids that they can do anything, “At this stage in my career, I want high school, he has known that he wanted and that they are fully capable to get in, and do what’s best for the kids. to be a teacher since his sophomore year. pable of success of achieving.” Johnson’s ide- And what I find is that, if you let students Mr. Love is truly an amazing role als for success are truly inspir- know that you are committed to them and model, and has set a great example for ing. “I’ve learned that we all committed to your teaching assignment, students and athletes here. This year is - Fred Johnson learn differently, and while the rest takes care of itself.” sure to see a positive change because of some may need extra help, ev- Mr. Love’s day does not end when Mr. Love’s hard work and passion for his eryone is capable of success.” he leaves his classroom. After coaching job. sports throughout most of his teaching “ career, such as eighth grade girls basket- page 8 volume 81, issue 1 LSHS features valhalla october 7, 2008 Optimism, progress, success As incoming sophomores make the step up from Cavelero to LSHS, English special education teacher Nicole Pewitt, accompanies them in the transition. “Before coming here, I taught special education math, English, and be- All on new teachers havioral management at Cavelero,” she said. Mrs. Pewitt is coming into this job optimistic, and looks forward to seeing student accomplishment. “I plan to teach my students about real world situations, through reading and writing.” Mrs. Pewitt was motivated to dive into this profession because of Expanding futures her high school teacher, who inspired her to continue with her education past high school. It is clear that Mrs. Pewitt is going to have an extremely through technology positive impact this year in terms of helping students progress and succeed.

If you have ever envied the kid who can work a computer as if he came out of the womb using Microsoft Word, then Mr. Chris Thorleifson is the teacher Creating the chefs of to see. “I believe that knowing about technology is critically important to future

success in any endeavor, and [I] would encourage students to take some tech- tomorrow nology classes while here,” Computer Applications teacher Mr. Thorliefson For those of us lacking the abil- to do my part in training them,” she said. ity to boil water, Mrs. Nikki Schiebel said. After the school day ends, Mrs. While Mr. Thorliefson is new here, teaching is anything but new to him. is your go-to chef. Schiebel fills her free time with activ- Teaching at schools such as Stanwood, Jackson, and Everett High School, he is “I used to work as a sous chef at ities such as gardening, water sports,“ veteran when is comes to helping students inside the classroom. a French restaurant called Campana snowboarding, and more cooking. In addition to Mr. Thorliefson’s great teaching techniques, he has a well- in downtown Seattle,” Culinary Ba- developed funny bone. “Many students think that I don’t have a sense of hu- sics/Prep teacher Schiebel said. Not mor, but I do,” he said. only do students in Culinary Basics get to devour their creations, this If Computer Applications lives up to its promising start, I want to do my as expected, all students of Mr. Thorliefson’s will leave his class also gives students the oppor- class as if they too had come into the world computer savvy. tunity to learn how to cook for them- part in training selves, rather than having someone [good cooks] else always cook for them. -Nikki Schiebel “I wanted to teach Culinary be- cause we need more good cooks in Making science personal the restaurant industry, and I want If you were to take pencil to pa- ideas of trying to relate the concepts per, and begin writing out the things of science by using the human body,” “ Mr. Erik Mahler has done, your hand Mahler said. would cramp up before you could fin- If you see Mr. Mahler outside of New Vice Principal ish. Mr. Mahler has an impressive school, chances are he will be hiking, track record. biking, or participating in any outdoor anticipates a promising year Holding a degree in Biology from activity- or as most observed at our UW, and a master’s degree from Wash- first assembly-dancing. He won’t be scared away easily ington State University, Mr. Mahler So as Mr. Mahler and many stu- has completed enough schooling to dents anticipate, this year in his science As students hit the books, and eagerly begin a new year, a new face can be seen strolling about campus. Commonly recognized for his unique name, be a doctor. “In order for students to classes will be a balanced mixture of Mr. John Winkler is approaching his newly-appointed position of Vice get interested about science, you have education and excitement, placed in a Principal with optimism. “I’ve been thrust into working with leadership and to relate it to them personally. I have beaker and heated over a Bunsen burner. ASB. They have a goal of unity. One of my main goals is to help achieve their vision,” he said. This year has made a promising start, but there are always a few bumps in the road. If the transition from teaching an eighth grade science class to leading an entire school wasn’t hard enough, From motorcycles Mr. Winkler must deal with school disturbanc- es on a daily basis. From behavioral issues with students to a lockdown on the second day of to students school, it is hard for some to fathom that “I think students need to know, it isn’t scary to come see me. [I’m he hasn’t been scared away. “I’m just look- not] analyzing them, but working with them to find their strengths,” our new ing for a new change, a new challenge,” school psychologist Mrs. Brenda Woge said. While her job setting may be Winkler said. He has indeed received drastically changing- from working at a motorcycle dealership to working as a both of these. In addition to the daily high school psychologist- the bridge between the two has so far been a smooth challenges he faces, Mr. Winkler has ride. a schedule that could be described as When the school day comes to an end, and Mrs. Woge makes her way anything but calm. With daily tasks home, students may expect to hear a wide variety of music coming out of her including meetings, supervising, and radio. “I love music and concerts,” she said. Not only has Mrs. Woge recently observing, Mr. Winkler is completely been to see Toby Keith, but she has also been to various other concerts such as aware of what lurks behind every Rob Thomas and Lifehouse. corner. As students and staff fall into In addition to Mrs. Woge’s love for music, she is an extreme sports fa- their routine schedules, and the year con- natic. tinues to move along, Mr. Winkler will ob- “I’m a huge cougars and Seahawks fan. As for baseball, I have been to the serve and retain experience for next year. “I Mariners spring training for the last seven years (except in 2007).” want to learn as much as I can [this year],” While many Husky fans may be hesitant to see Mrs. Woge, she he said. Mr. Winkler is eager to get to know is a great person to seek help from, especially about how you work, students. “Feel free to stop by. Of 1600 kids learn, and how you can improve your work ethic in and out of school. here, I maybe know 100.” photo by Josh Brubaker volume 81, issue 1 page 9 features LSHS october 7, 2008 valhalla Global vision: From the point of view of our by Blaine Bowman and Brian Toews exchange students photos by Emma Derus and Nate Lynch Fedor Lucic Michal Sustr Shervindokt Anh Trinh Simon Collot (Serbia) (Slovakia) Najafpour (Vietnam) (Belgium) (Norway) “School is way more fun here “I like girls, really! We have “When it comes to fashion, “In my country, in the morn- “There’s a lot sugar in the food in the U.S.” this point of view that Amer- Norwegians use pearls as ear- ing it’s cold, and in the after- here. There are a lot of ham- ica is just full of ugly, fat guys rings, always use belts. Usu- noon it’s cold too. It’s cold in burgers and there’s a lot of fast and ugly women, but I’m re- ally we have preppy style.” the morning and warm in the food…I like it. If you do some ally surprised!” afternoon here.” sports, it’s okay to eat it.” image courtesy of Maps.com

Delphine Detry Darya Zikratova Sireetorn Vilde Johansen Heidi Jarvenpaa (Belgium) (Kazakhstan) Arunrukthavon (Norway) (Finland) (Thailand) “I like movies that many people “The food… It isn’t so healthy. “Trends, school, weather, and “I enjoy rock music. Stuff “I always bike in Finland and don’t see in the theater. Kinds We eat a lot of fruits and veg- everything is totally different! like Modest Mouse. I also en- I take a bus when it’s chilly. I of movies like Little Miss Sun- etables. Here [in the U.S.] we Choir is so great. Mr. Norberg joy electronica and bands like always bike to school when pos- shine. I don’t like documenta- eat a lot of food out of gro- is so good!” Chromeo.” sible.” ries. I don’t like learning about cery stores, while in Kazakh- ‘a seagull’s life’.” stan we buy food, then cook and eat it.”

page 10 volume 81, issue 1 LSHS features valhalla october 7, 2008 Dispelling the myth: class of 2011 Alissa Margett Features Editor There is always a certain group of kids who have a bad reputation in high school, but what about when the repu- tation is for an entire class? When stu- dents from the Class of 2011 moved up from Cavelero, their negative status was not far behind. Tons of rumors regarding drugs and teen pregnancies surround the sophomore class. “Well, the rumor that I have heard about the sophomore class is that they have had multiple encounters, sexual encounters, in the Cavalero bathrooms,” senior Casey Manahan said. “A lot of people do her- oin, I have heard. There are a lot of pregnancies.” From fast-catching rumors like these, it is no wonder that so many people think poorly of the sophomore class. Suspicion and uncertainty about the new class have caused rumors to spread like wildfire. “You know they like to group up, those Cavalero kids. So I don’t know what they are doing in sophomores stand outside in clusters- clusters that may be intimidating for upperclassmen photo by Emma Derus those little groups but it is suspicious,” When students were asked how didn’t do and the people who actually they thought was the bandwagon.” Manahan said. many friends they thought had used did do stuff probably lied [and said All non substance-abusing stu- While upperclassmen can spend drugs more than ten times in the last they didn’t do it].” dents are encouraged to put a foot their days speculating, it is the soph- month, the average perception was The question is why students down on this fallacy. “It would be omores themselves who are most in- one in three people. Upon being asked would think that drug use was more great if all these normal healthy kids formed on the issue. “I actually don’t the same question about themselves, common among their peers than it had a louder voice on our campus,” know anyone who does drugs in my the results showed only five percent actually is. “It is normal that students Pitkin said. “I kind if hope we say [to class, but I was in the smart classes that admitted to using drugs that frequent- do not use drugs at school, but it does drug users], ‘You guys are not nor- people weren’t idiots and did[n’t do] ly. “They thought [the number of happen. When these situations occur, mal. Enough already, you do not stand heroin because we all cared about our people who actually used drugs] was people talk about it and so it feels like it for us.’” futures,” sophomore Sadie Schwarz- 30 percent. So literally, the perception is happening all the time,” Pitkin said. Student’s misguided perceptions miller said. The majority of sopho- of drug use among their peers was six Students generally are in agreement seem to have been off the mark from mores feel that these pessimistic ru- times greater than what they had re- with this explanation. “To me, I think the actual facts. “It comes back to, mors are absolutely unfounded. “I did ported,” Pitkin said. “There is research it is because there are a few kids [on when you look at the data, when you not see one pregnant person [when I to show that statistics always come drugs] that stand out, and we are all really look at behavior, most people was at Calvalero],” sophomore Cody back lower than what students think just grouped together,” Shaner said. are not using drugs and getting into Shaner said. is happening.” Some people are concerned that the trouble,” Pitkin said. Hearing the rumors buzz, student Though the survey was conducted belief that drugs are commonly used Now the task is for the Class of assistance specialist Mr. Steve Pitkin appropriately, some students question can negatively impact the sophomore 2011 to set the upperclassmen straight. decided to take action. When students its accuracy. “There were some kids class. “There may be some students “I am sure the sophomores are a good entered into the gym for sophomore that did drugs, but I think the survey that succumbed to this perception that bunch…deep down somewhere,” Ma- orientation, a poll on drug use was that they are basing all this on was just all their peers are using,” Pitkin said. nahan said. taken. “I did a survey based on other kids messing with [the results], try- “I am afraid that this misperception research from what is called the Social ing to be funny,” Schwarzmiller said. had done some damage to that class Norms Movement,” Pitkin said. “They admitted to things that they and that some people jumped on what

Seven students go beyond what is required, taking AP art history on a seventh period Heather Zebroski said. Classes taken for credit lot. I’m really excited to take school credit for it, obviously take a whole lot of work and must be approved by the dis- the AP exam too,” Scott said. really wants to do it,” Talley its pretty fun. Talley’s a good S t a f f R e p o r t e r trict office, so student taking AP Art History meets said. “They certainly seem teacher,” he said. this class will not receive high twice a week in the morning, motivated to me.” Students already taking Most high school students school credit. Yet, depending followed by the basic humani- There are only seven stu- the class say it would be a are getting ready for school on how well they do on the AP ties class. This class covers dents in this class, so Mr. Tal- good choice for anyone who and eating breakfast at 6:40 in Art History exam, students art history from the ancient ley can help each student indi- is interested in learning more the morning, but for seven se- can receive college credit. world to modern day, includ- vidually. “We can work more in-depth knowledge about hu- lect students, class has already Junior Madeline Scott, ing art from Europe, Egypt, one on one with people and manities and art, and is hoping started. The class they are along with six others, takes ancient Mesopotamia, and Af- you don’t have to worry about to receive college credit. “You taking is AP Art History. this college class before rica. “Anybody who’s going to other people falling behind,” get exposed to more civiliza- “It’s not an official Lake school. get up and show up for class Scott said. tions and cultures and more Stevens High School class,” “It’s just a really fun class at 6:40 in the morning, and Junior Damon Yeutter is of their art and architecture the teacher, Mr. Jim Talley, and I feel like I’m learning a they’re not even getting high also in this class. “It doesn’t too,” Scott said.

volume 81, issue 1 page 11 features LSHS october 7, 2008 valhalla OTD: Obsessive Twilight Disorder Emily Garvin Nasr said. So why are they so popular? Not M a n a g i n g E d i t o r even Meyer herself has a definitive answer, but every fan has her reasons. Most fans never thought relief “I bought Twilight the day it came would come after the pain of reading out. I was in eighth grade. I had no the last page of the last Harry Potter idea it would turn out to be my favor- book. The series was like nothing the ite book of all time!” Ashlee Franklin world had ever seen and utterly en- from New York City said. She is the thralled readers of all different back- leader of the Myspace group ‘Ed- grounds for years. ward’s Team’. She says she loves that But starting in 2005, those fans it has such a big fan base. got that relief. A new series, starting “Twilight was so interesting, in with the wildly popular Twilight, was my opinion, because Stephenie has written by an unknown author. The found away to make the normal seem now-famous Stephenie Meyer told amazing and make the impossible seem the story of a young girl who was un- not impossible,” said Amanda Leigh fortunately the object of a ravenous from Springfield, Massachusetts. She’s vampire’s affection. Fans traded their also been interested in them since they wands and cloaks for sparkling skin came out and has her own fan site, and silver Volvos. They were hooked. Twilight TM. junior Sacha Nasr reads Twilight photo by Emma Derus “[Harry Potter and Twilight] “I love the book and often find “[People who take this book too light was just named the most antici- have a similar fan base. Twilight is myself picking it up randomly and re- far] need to take a step back, and re- pated movie of the fall by fandango. sort of a Harry Potter rebound,” ju- reading it,” Franklin said. alize they don’t need to center their com and is sure to be a huge hit. nior Sacha Nasr said. She picked up Twilight has acquired some odd whole life around this book,” said Nasr, “I was iffy at first. But the more I these books freshman year and hasn’t groups of fans over the years, most no- who admitted she spends hours a week hear about it, the more excited I am. put them down since. tably the swelling population of boys reading fan sites for new information. I’m still nervous about a few parts But lately, the series that was for- that savor the vampire love story. And fans don’t have to look far. though,” Nasr said. She says that some merly a well-kept secret, known only “[At first] I thought it was just Since being released, there have been people think it might be a dud, but to a dedicated few, has branched out to some stupid book. But it was cool to 50 million copies of the four books she’s still holding out. just about every teenage girl in Amer- dip into something different that I ac- (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and “Movies ruin books, so I’m not ex- ica. There’s not a day that goes by that tually ended up enjoying,” junior Brett Breaking Dawn) sold world-wide. cited [about the movie],” Fisher said. you don’t see a copy floating down the Fisher said. He says the only person They’ve been translated into 20 dif- Whether you’re obsessed with the hallway sandwiched between Biology that makes fun of him for liking the ferent languages, and the movie adap- books, or are still perplexed at their and European History textbooks, or books is himself. tation of Twilight comes out in No- popularity, the resounding message someone reading the newest book in As with most books, some people vember, forcing the new Harry Potter from anyone I talked to was: the back of a classroom. take it too far, bringing fantasy into movie to change its release date and “Read them!” “It’s kind of my guilty pleasure,” real life. become a summer blockbuster. Twi- Summer in Cambodia Erin Guy spends a summer helping others one of many countries that faces governing force in Cambodia, was Coca-Cola. continuous political turmoil and overthrown by Pol Pot, the lead- “It goes to show how much poverty. A majority of Cambo- er of the Khamer Rouge after the influence we [Americans] have dian citizens work in agriculture violence taking place in Vietnam over developing countries,” Erin and lack significant education. crossed over Cambodian borders. said. “I chose to go to Cambodia So began a state-sponsored geno- While there, Erin and her because they have such a turbu- cide of Cambodians who opposed group met with organizations lent past and it’s really interest- the new regime. that deal with human trafficking ing how complex the history is,” By the end of the 1970’s, be- and child prostitution, problems Erin said. tween one million and two mil- that have plagued the country for Erin’s trip began at Yale lion people were either murdered decades, but only now are being University, where she and the or worked to death through heavily combatted. rest of her group had a three forced labor. The small country still faces day orientation. From there, the “Obviously anyone over the issues like poverty and political students traveled to New York, age of 40 or 50 remembers what corruption. The current leader where they caught a flight to happened,” Erin said. Hun Sen, a former Khamer Rouge Frankfurt, Germany. They then “Part of the Khamer culture member, threatens to begin a civ- photo by Emma Derus boarded a flight to Singapore, is to suppress things like that… il war every time the opportunity and from there to Cambodia. All They don’t like to talk about it”. for Cambodians to elect another Erin’s interest in the trip together, the trip consisted of The schools in Cambodia leader into power arises. Kaila Alford began when she found out about about 26 hours of flight. don’t teach Cambodian history Since most of Cambodia is S t a f f R e p o r t e r the organization through a friend Erin’s group primarily after 1952, which was just af- rural, many of its citizens don’t who had traveled abroad. The worked with younger Cambo- ter the country gained its inde- see the effects of the corrupt gov- If students were asked to organization, Putney Student dians. While there, Erin helped pendence from France. Many ernment as much as those who give the details of what they did Travel, has programs ranging paint an orphanage and spoke of the younger Cambodians are live in its capital, Phnom Penh. over the summer, most of the re- from college prep to community with teenage Cambodian stu- unaware of the severity of the “Those who are uneducated plies would have something to do service, to, in Erin’s case, global dents. atrocities that took place in their don’t know, and those who are with hanging out by the lake or awareness and action. “We got to meet a lot of re- country only 30 years ago. educated are afraid,” Erin said. working at a summer job. Senior “It was kind of like commu- ally ambitious kids who wanted “Everything that is put into Erin hopes to continue to Erin Guy’s reply would be much nity service but there was a more to go to college, which is really the public schools is obviously support efforts in Cambodia. She different. intellectual bend to it,” Erin said. unusual for Cambodians – they quite censored by the govern- plans on selling t- shirts to raise During the month of July, “We had discussions and we really don’t hold education in ment,” Erin said. funds for an alternative school Erin traveled to Cambodia, a learned more about the country high regard,” Erin said. While looking through a she visited there.“I really think small country that borders Viet- than we would have on any other The lack of resources avail- Cambodian student’s textbook, the only way to be effective in nam and Thailand with a group community service trip.” able to Cambodians is partly due Erin and others found sections your work is to experience it of other students from all over Cambodia, with a popula- to its violent past. In the early full of western culture such as hands on,” she said. the country. tion just over 14 million, is just 1970’s, the Lon Nol regime, the “History of the Hamburger” and

page 12 volume 81, issue 1 LSHS Sports valhalla october 7, 2008 New Viking mascot pumps up crowd Brian Buzzo S t a f f R e p o r t e r If you have gone to a sporting event the world. When the football season this fall you have probably seen the Vi- started at mariner high school on Sep- king running around and pumping up tember 5, the Viking was on the sidelines the crowd. The mascot, junior Jordan getting the crowd pumped and ready for Anderson, is always on the move keeping the game. spirits high even when the play is low. “I had butterflies so bad, I threw up How does someone become the mas- in the third quarter” said Anderson. His cot? When Anderson went to a basketball spirit at high school events has made the game last year he dressed as a purple and mascot a symbol, like it was in the past. gold whale, the cheerleaders asked him The cheer coach, Ms. Lewis, said she photo by Josh Brubaker if he was interested in being the mascot. has had three kids come to her and ask After accepting the offer, the new Viking for a chance at being the mascot since the went to cheerleading practices to learn first game. However, not just any kid can chants and cheers. He still goes to prac- be the mascot; you have to be a good stu- tice to improve his performance for the dent and outgoing person. It takes spirit crowd. and passion to be the Viking. “I can’t do a cartwheel yet, but in time…” Anderson said. According to Jordan Anderson pumps Anderson it isn’t the easiest thing in up the crowd for another victory

Heather Zebroski “I was really happy ers,” Flanders said, “The Girls soccer: victory again Staff Reporter with the game. That was other players stepped up After the JV girls one of the better soc- and helped out in her ab- soccer team lost to Sno- cer games we’ve played. sence” homish, varsity stepped Snohomish is histori- Wright was taken up to the plate. cally pretty good, but out for the rest of the The game on Sep- with them losing half game. Lindsay Licht, tember 18 started off their school, they’re freshman , took her place well for the Vikings with finding out it’s pretty on the field. “I felt she a score only 15 minutes hard to compete with took her opportunity to into the game. And only the amount of kids all play and went with it,” about 10 minutes later the other schools have,” Wright said. junior, Annie Thomas, Coach Flanders said. Wright was a good scored again. Not long During this game sport about her injury. after, Snohomish scored there was also an injury. “I thought it was a good their first point. Thomas “My hand got stepped on game and we were all scored again at 71 min- during the game. They working really good to- utes. At 75 minutes, the thought it was broken gether,” Wright said, Viking fans start chant- but it wasn’t.” Taryn “Our season has been ing “It’s all Over!” to Wright, senior and #6 awesome. We’re 5-0 cheer the girls on. In the on the team, said. right now and we’re end, the Vikings won “She’s one of the working really hard.” Kinslee hits the ball past two defenders for another win photo by Josh Brubaker 3-1. team’s best goal scor-

Athletes of the issue Dickinson and Baker lead offense Scott Larson After a tear-jerking start to week 1 of the prep football season and an early 21 point deficit, the Vikings’ very own senior Bo Dick- S p o r t s E d i t o r inson ran back a 100 yard kick return for a touchdown, tying the previous record set in 1993. This play gave the Vikings a jump start to a 36-34 win over the Mariner Marauders. Berg and Wright play big in Viking victories In week two of the 2008 football season the Vikings assault was When game one of led by the duo of Dickinson and senior Nick Baker. Dickinson start- the Viking girl’s soccer ed this one with the first rushing touchdown of the game and later season came to an end caught two more. Baker, starting as quarterback, had a record-break- they saw themselves ing 42 attempts and another record breaking 73.8% completion rate victors in a 3-0 win. (31 completions). Not Taryn Wright played only did he break those the hero as she scored two records he also set two of the three goals the passing record at 341 for the Viking girls. yards and tied the most As this well-rounded passing touchdowns team took the field for in a game with four. the second game of He also had an impres- photo by Josh Brubaker their season, their key sive 66 rushing yards. player was junior Kaleen Berg. She scored the lone goal giv-

ing the Vikings their second shut out victory of the season. photo by Josh Brubaker

volume 81, issue 1 page 13 Sports LSHS october 7, 2008 valhalla Coach Biggs collapses at game Fall sports Students and community respond to coach in need Brian Buzzo schedule S t a f f R e p o r t e r compiled by Josh Brubaker Kyle “Biggs” Bigham has been an active part of our school for the past three years. Varsity Boys Tennis All the kids love him because he is a funny Matches start at 3:45 and caring coach. He helps coach the Vikings Division starts at 9:30 offensive line and opens and supervises the Wed. 10/8 @ Monroe weight room three to four days a week ev- Mon 10/13 Arlington Wed. 10/15 @ Stanwood ery week. During the summer, Biggs goes to Fri. 10/17 Everett football and leadership camps with the stu- Wed. – Sat 10/22-25 Division dents. Everything he does for the school and Wed. – Sat 10/29-11/1 Division its students is volunteer work. He does not get paid, even though he has put countless hours into bettering the school. Coach Biggs with football players Boys and Girls Cross “Everyone loves Biggs, he is like a big photo by Rob Karlson Country brother to most of us” said senior Nick Bak- School, minutes before the kick-off of the Weekdays: Meets start at 3:30 er. Football players say he is always ready to Vikings’ first football game, Biggs suffered Weekends: Meets start at 10:30 kid around, but knows when to get serious heart failure. It took more than 20 minutes Thur. 10/9 Shrwd/Kam/Lynwd and yell to pump you up. “You usually hear of CPR for paramedics and volunteers to Sat. 10/11 @ Richland Invite him screaming at practice, but it’s always bring him back to life. He was taken to the Thur. 10/16 @ North Country positive” junior Chase Crowley said. hospital, and after two days of the intensive Sat. 10/25 @ Wesco North At night, Biggs drives a taxi to make his care unit, a successful surgery gave him an living. He has been taking classes to become internal heart defibrillator. Everyone in, and Varsity Girls Soccer a teacher, and still has a while to go to com- many outside, the football program wish him All games start at 7-7:30 plete his studies. a safe and speedy recovery. Weekends: 1:00 On September 5, 2008 at Mariner High Tue. 10/7 Marysville Thur. 10/9 @ Oak harbor Tue. 10/14 @ Snohomish New coach brings success to boys tennis Thur. 10/16 Monroe Thur. 10/23 @ Arlington Sat. 10/25 Cascade Tue. 10/28 Stanwood Thur. 10/30 @ Everett Varsity Girls Volleyball All games start at 7:00 Weekends: 8:30 Tue. 10/7 Oak Harbor Thur. 10/9 @ Cascade Mon. 10/13 Snohomish Wed. 10/15 @ Monroe Thur. 10/23 Arlington Sat. 10/25 @Monroe Varsity Tourney Tue. 10/28 @ Stanwood Thur. 10/30 Everett Girls Swimming doubles team senior Andre Smith and junior Zac Coleman warm up before a match photo by Josh Brubaker Meets start at 3:30 Weekends: 10:00 am few were gained. “We lost a of the win. Josh Brubaker Tue. 10/7 @ Marysville good doubles team; Steven Lake managed to take the Thur. 10/9 Everett S t a f f R e p o r t e r Kesler and Mitch Giddens,” se- win against Arlington, and Sat. 10/11 Dive nior Derek Hahn said. Mr. In- tennis followers are eager to Thur. 10/16 Cascade “We lost two good players gram said that his number one see what the next few games Sat. 10/18 Dive last year but I think if we train and number two slots for sin- have in store for the Vikings. Tue. 10/21 @ Squalicium hard, making it to state will gles are filled by two students However, what people are re- Thur. 10/23 @ Stanwood be no problem,” senior tennis coming straight out of Cavel- ally interested in is the next Sat. 10/25 Dive player Andre Smith said. Boys’ ero. Sophomores Rylin Hurt match against Snohomish (who Thur. 10/30 @ JV Championship tennis has made some dramatic and Jens Hoult are leading the went to WESCO undefeated changes this year. singles charts, while Smith and last year). Although this is The biggest change so far partner junior Zach Coleman Ingram’s first year coaching Varsity Football is the switch of head coach Mr. lead the doubles. Boys’ tennis boys’ tennis, the team shows Kick off at 7:00 Mike Shepard to Mr. Ryan In- is two in four as of their last skill, determination, and moti- Fri. 10/10 Marysville Pilchuck (HC) gram. Also, as with every year, match against Marysville, in vation at practices before their Fri. 10/17 @ Monroe a few players were lost and a which Lake came up just short upcoming matches. Fri. 10/24 Oak Harbor (Autumnfest) page 14 volume 81, issue 1 LSHS A&E valhalla october 7, 2008 A Global Killer Blaine Bowman They make putting glue in your hair look cool S t a f f R e p o r t e r Off stage, they’re just normal guys. Teasing one another about Oprah and their more outrageous adventures, and snickering over inside jokes, they are aver- age high school dudes- albeit, ones in studded leather jackets. However, given instruments and an amp, they are transformed. Driven by an almost demonic energy, they growl and wail, bodies moving in shaky rhythm to music that drowns out all rational thought. Together Ian Walter (bass and backing vocals), Joe Neverkewitz (guitar), Josh Cole (drums) and Jared Akins (vocals) comprise A Global Killer, Lake Stevens’ resi- dent punk band. You’ve doubtlessly seen them around campus- Ian and Joe are both seniors here, while Josh graduated last year and Jared attends PROVE. They’re all quite happy to talk about their music- it’s their passion, and obviously what they like to do best. They’ve been playing together for almost two years, trucking around Washing- ton in a giant rusty van covered in spray painted stick figure versions of themselves. Ian and Jared were originally in a band called Squirrel Corpse, which was relegated to a side project once they got Joe and Josh to play for their newest band. The two newest members were somewhat afraid of Jared at first, who accidentally started a bomb threat his freshman year (the result of an eavesdropper who misheard him talking about a song), but now they are obviously the tightest of friends. Their name came from a pretty unlikely place: “I was looking at National Geo- graphic, it said, ‘Mosquitoes: A Global Killer’,” Joe said. The band had originally been calling themselves a dirty pun of the word “hormones”- only to later find out Joe, Jared, Ian, and Josh photo by Blaine Bowman that that name was already being used by a fairly famous Seattle garage band that hands are a blur, turning a clutter of drums and cymbals into rhythm and order. Joe had been together for years. “We’re not that smart,” Ian joked, rolling his eyes. strides around his mike stand, looking boldly out into the crowd as he hammers out “I’ve heard that we sound like the Casualties. And a little bit like the Exploited,” another guitar solo. And in front of it all Jared swaggers and leaps, snarling into Jared said. Josh summed up their style differently: “Sounds like loud and fast.” Jar- his mike, dancing like a puppet with cut strings. Together they make music- music ed grinned at that, adding, “I’d say freakingly awesome.” Their influences include that angers, that inspires, that makes you want to dance and curse. The Casualties, Poison, America, Weezer, N*Sync, America, Oprah, Punk music, Of course, they downplay this. They would rather talk about the dance con- the government and the 80’s hardcore scene- bands like M.D.C., Circle Jerks and tests they’ll get into with the other bands, putting dibs on a button found on the Black Flag. floor, or puking up milkshakes outside of Dick’s. Or how their biggest fight was the They’re pretty honest guys too- Joe described the song writing process as, “I’ll result of underwear. Jared had ripped his during a show, so he just took them the play something, and then Ian will play something that goes with what I’m playing, rest of the way off and a member from another band helped him toss them over a and then Jared will make up words, and then Josh will play with us.” They do it for telephone wire. When he bent down in front of the Ian and Josh later, they decided the love of the music- they don’t ask for much in return. In fact, the one gig they’ve to pour water down his pants. Their stories vary, with Ian claiming he wouldn’t ever gotten paid for was a friend’s birthday party, for which they got $200 (which talk the rest of the night, but Jared said he and Joe later went through the Jack in they weren’t even expecting in the first place). Free food from Taco Bell cashiers the Box drive through in a shopping cart and all was forgiven. who like their hair is usually payment enough. The best thing about being in a band? “Chicks!” Ian shouts, just as Joe bursts At shows they are in their element, and claim they never get nervous, except for out with “Babes!” But more seriously, they like having the chance to play with bands Josh at his first gig, who had replaced former drummer Charlie Hickmott only three they already know and like, and meeting fans, as well as the show experience. days earlier. “I sure wasn’t [nervous]. I just took off my shirt, so it was okay,” Ian They’re modest about what they want, since they never thought the band would said, smiling. They hauled their well-loved gear out of their well-loved van onto even make it out of Lake Stevens in the first place. Someday they want to take it on the stage- drums with sparkly Hannah Montana stickers pasted right next to logos the road, around the Northwest, and, ideally, Europe (“Amsterdam! Oooh!” Ian said, for the bands of their friends, dozens of cords in a California Oranges box, giant cooing.). And, if the band doesn’t take off in a few years, they will at least be able amps and guitars. to keep playing as a hobby if they are forced to get real jobs. On stage, they are something entirely different. This is A Global Killer. They play punk because it is what they love. Ian is a monster on his bass, pulling notes out of midair, the throbbing un- But, they would also love it if they would visit their website at www. myspace. dercurrent to all this chaos, his normally goofy face pulled into a grimace. Josh’s com/aglobalkiller. Or if you stopped in at their show in Tacoma on October 11. Spore’s creative creature chaos A rogue comet flies through space, base of everyone’s creations. But that’s created. Caleb Schwarzmiller crashing itself into the primordial not the cool part; the cool part is that “It’s very unique, combining life, Staff Reporter ooze of a planet and depositing its as you advance through the stages of science, and belief.” says Nesheim. It payload of bacteria. So begins Spore. the game, other people’s creatures will is his opinion that the incredible “dy- Spore is a game developed by start being imported for you to inter- namicness” of the game and flawless Maxis (creators of The Sims, Sim act with. This makes for a completely progression of stages mixed with City, etc.) and is an incredible new take unique style of game play, as all of the unlimited styles of game play is on user-generated content. The magic your enemies are user-created. The truly incredible. “Everything in the of Spore is in the fact that you get to only problem with this is what can entire game that you control, from design EVERYTHING about your only be described as a lack of taste. your ships, to your creatures, to your species. Using a nearly flawless design Upon realizing just how easy it is to armor, to your buildings is completely engine, you are given all the tools to create strange but wonderful crea- customizable,” he said. Nesheim is also make beautiful creatures seamlessly tures on Spore, it becomes irresistible fortunate enough to have never en- and easily. You then must guide your to many to create some sort of phal- countered Sporn of any kind. creature through its evolution while lic monster. That gave rise to what can Though not actually a multi player all the choices you make have some only be described as Sporn. No matter game (yet), it’s hard to think of Spore sort of effect on your creature later on how many screening measures are put as a single-player game. Between the in the game. Whether you’re a peace- in place to prevent this, it is still en- importing of other people’s creatures ful carnivore or a warlike omnivore, tirely possible that you encounter one and the huge levels of interactivity in your game will play out completely of these… creatures. the space stage, it becomes quite hard differently. Junior Britton Nesheim has played to believe you’re playing by yourself. One of the most exciting and through all five stages of Spore and Still, Nesheim and many others eager- impressive things about Spore is the was impressed by the game, claiming ly await Spore becoming an epic online a Spore creation Sporepedia. Sporepedia is a huge data- it to be one of the greatest games ever game. photo courtesy of crimsonkeep.com volume 81, issue 1 page 15 A&E LSHS october 7, 2008 A different side of valhalla Cold War Kids doesn’t disappoint ful funk reminiscent to Bob Dylan or Jeff Twilight Brian Toews Buckley. The band members were con- S t a f f R e p o r t e r stantly moving on stage to the rhythm of their own beats and riffs. They often Indie rockers Cold War Kids proved bumped into each other and gave each they could “boogie on down and testify” other playful shoves as each member in an electrifying concert at the Showbox strutted their stuff on stage. Market in Seattle this past Monday (Sep- Song highlights of the night in- tember 29). cluded “We Used to Vacation,” a song Introduced to this band a couple of driven mainly by Willet’s pounding pia- years ago by a friend, my first thoughts no and his poignant lyrics about a family were skeptical, but upon listening to struggling with alcoholism. “Something Cold War Kid’s first album, Robbers & Is Not Right With Me,” is a frantic an- Cowards, my original notions about their themic combination of thrashing piano, name were proven completely wrong by catchy vocals, and rocking guitar hooks. the quality of their music. Their honky-tonk, boogie-down Touring for their new album, Loy- encore was the infectious sing-along, alty to Loyalty, the Cold War Kids did not “Saint John,” and was a perfect way to disappoint Monday night. end an already perfect set of exceptional When the band walked out on stage, indie rock. they took no time to introduce them- Next time they are in town, I highly selves; they got right into playing music recommended you check them out, or and pleasing the crowd. As lead vocalist download/buy their albums Robbers & Nathan Willet sang into his microphone, Cowards or Loyalty to Loyalty. his voice warbled and crooned with soul- Show scene compiled by Blaine Bowman October edition the reviewer feels less than love for this book photo by Emma Derus

Showbox Sodo: 1700 1st Ave. S. Chop Suey: 1325 E. Madison, Kaila Alford type of vampire, I couldn’t help but Seattle Seattle feel a sense of impending trouble. Gogol Bordello Ben Kweller, with Whitley Staff Reporter I also enjoy the fact that the book 10/9, 8:00 pm, $25 10/07, 8:00 pm, $18 It seems that lately you can’t pe- focuses on love in all aspects, not just Duffy, with Eli Paperboy Reed Sherwood, with the Pink Spiders; ruse through a bookstore or walk the romantic kind. Meyer stresses the 10/17, 8:00 pm, $30 Barcelona & The Reign of Kindo through a movie theater without be- importance of family during times of The Kooks, with The Whigs 10/20, 6:00 pm, $16 ing bombarded by the overwhelming what seem to be hopelessness. 10/21, 8:00 pm, $22 El Corazon: 109 Eastlake Ave. E. buzz that surrounds the Twilight se- The author gives Edward all of st Showbox Market: 1426 1 Ave. Seattle ries. With the latest book in the trilo- the necessary traits of a likable hero, Seattle Anberlin, with Scary Kids Scaring gy, Breaking Dawn, released in August but the book would have been much The Mountain Goats, with Kaki Kids, Straylight Run & There For and the movie based on the first novel better if only she would have done the King Tomorrow coming out in November, the hysteria same with Bella. After the second time 10/20, 8:00 pm, $20 10/11, 6:30 pm, $18 is sure to intensify. Even though the Edward rushes to save her life, the The Academy Is…, with We The All Time Low, with Mayday Parade first book was released in 2005, it’s damsel in distress act grows tiresome. Kings & The Maine never to late to for me to offer my two Bella’s constant complaining about 10/22, 7:00 pm, $20 11/07, 7:30 pm, $18 cents on what some have gone as far everything from the dreary weather Against Me! with Ted Leo and the Ludo, with The Higher, Eye Alaska to say is “the next Harry Potter”. (Welcome to Washington, hon!) to Pharmacists & Future of the Left and Army of Freshmen Twilight by Stephanie Meyer cen- her complicated love life also gets old 10/24, 8:00 pm, $24 11/08, 7:00 pm, $12 ters around 17-year-old Isabella “Bel- extremely quickly. By the end of the la” Swan, who, after her mother’s mar- novel, I viewed Bella as my whiny lit- riage to a minor league baseball player tle sister, not a character I would ever Ways to ditch your date at alters their family dynamic, moves want to emulate or sympathize with. topten Homecoming from sunny Phoenix to the small town I also found the the fact that Bella of Forks, Washington to live with her was being courted by so many boys at 10. Say you’re excited to go to Homecoming because it’s your first father. Bella quickly makes friends in school to be a bit juvenile for such an night out of jail her new home- some wanted and oth- 9. Claim you have Mono intense story. I wonder why Meyer felt 8. Learn Klingon and speak it all night ers not so much. Bella finds herself the need to taint an interesting story 7. Say, “Yes, that does make your butt look big.” immediately drawn to an Edward Cul- in itself with a generic high school 6. Say your grandma is on fire len, a devastatingly handsome young sub-plot such as this one. 5. Get rescued by a helicopter man, who at first seems to be utterly Despite the book’s obvious flaws, 4. Run away repulsed by her. Edward’s feelings fans remain devoted to the story and 3. Acquire time traveling abilities and go to the future 2. Sneak out a bathroom window soon do a complete 180, and he makes its characters. However, the books will 1. Fake your own death it clear to Bella that he is falling in love in no way match the impact that the with her. Bella soon discovers that her Harry Potter series had on the liter- new beau and his family are vampires, ary world. In fact, Stephanie Meyer Steve’s Lake Stevens who feed off animals during “hunt- owes her entire career to J.K. Rowl- ing trips”, forgoing the usual diet of ing, because without Rowling’s novels Barber Shop human blood. Bella risks her life, and featuring predominantly supernatural 1803 Mainstreet Edward risks his family’s peaceful ex- Hours themes, Twilight would likely have Lake Stevens, WA 98258 istence, in order to remain together. never reached the bestseller list. Tuesday-Friday 425-334-3304 Twilight is full of vivid imagery The book is a good read if you too 8:30am-5:30pm that will leave the reader engrossed. wish to get engulfed by the Twilight Saturday 8am-3pm Walk-Ins Welcome Meyer uses exceptional detail to de- Phenomenon. I have yet to read the Thursday until 7pm scribe emotions and setting, the easi- other three books, New Moon, Eclipse, Closed Sunday est emotion for Meyer to convey being and Breaking Dawn, but to be com- Bring in this ad for $2 off & Monday fear. As Bella and the Cullens come pletely honest, I really feel no desire to face to face with a more predatorial jump on this bandwagon.

page 16 volume 81, issue 1