Your friend is over and the two of you are just hanging out, relaxing, and talking about the week. The conversation is flowing, until suddenly a beeping noise and a faint vibration interrupts what you are saying. Your friend pulls a glowing cell phone out of her pocket, and begins typing away on the tiny keyboard. A silence settles over the room as you awkwardly look around and wait for the conversation to resume again.
Admit it; everyone has been that person who takes out her phone, causing the other person to feel uncomfortable. Then again, you have undoubtedly been the one left out, as your friend carries on a side conversation with someone else. So, where do you draw the line? When is it absolutely necessary to reply to a text message? When does texting change from innocuous to just plain annoying?
The answer is just plain simple - people should not send texts while in the presence of others. If you spend more time on the phone than you do interacting with your friend, it infers that you are more interested in your texting-buddy, you are bored with the person in your presence, and you would rather be talking to someone else. Isn’t hanging out with a friend while simultaneously texting both insulting and a waste of everybody’s time? If you absolutely have to send text messages, at least include the friend you are with in the conversation. Tell them who you are talking to and what the topic of conversation is, because nobody likes to be the outsider, or be put in a position where, to feel included, they must prod for information. So I tell you, leave the texting to when you are home alone, have an important question, or just need a good distraction from your endless amounts of homework.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Miss Video Game
By Andy Stratton
According to the ESRB or the Entertainment Software Rating Board, who puts ratings on each game to provide concise and impartial information about the content in computer and video games, they have found that almost 41% of PC gamers are women.
Miss Video Game is a “pageant” in sorts, where they try to promote female gaming and equality. The requirements from www.notaddicted.com include:
1. Must have personality
2. Must be a female (No wigs and makeup guys)
3. You play video games like it’s your job. (Not actually your job but like it is your job, this means ladies you actually have to be good at video games.)
4. Loves the beach. (I don’t get this last one but they are also trying to promote a sexy video gamer to encourage more ladies to become gamers.
Also, according to www.notaddicted.com, the 2007 competition began with an online application and then people were either voted through or voted off based on their appearance. The director of the site had these final words on her website, “On a serious note to my fellow ladies, if you want to ‘be the voice of female gaming’ then use that voice. Strive to be more than just eye candy, or a beauty queen who is advertizing fodder for the male majority. Speak out, game to your heart’s content, and be opinionated.”
Ladies don’t be afraid to try it because it is a “guy thing.” Try it, you might actually find video games can be really fun.
Word Count: 257
By Andy Stratton
According to the ESRB or the Entertainment Software Rating Board, who puts ratings on each game to provide concise and impartial information about the content in computer and video games, they have found that almost 41% of PC gamers are women.
Miss Video Game is a “pageant” in sorts, where they try to promote female gaming and equality. The requirements from www.notaddicted.com include:
1. Must have personality
2. Must be a female (No wigs and makeup guys)
3. You play video games like it’s your job. (Not actually your job but like it is your job, this means ladies you actually have to be good at video games.)
4. Loves the beach. (I don’t get this last one but they are also trying to promote a sexy video gamer to encourage more ladies to become gamers.
Also, according to www.notaddicted.com, the 2007 competition began with an online application and then people were either voted through or voted off based on their appearance. The director of the site had these final words on her website, “On a serious note to my fellow ladies, if you want to ‘be the voice of female gaming’ then use that voice. Strive to be more than just eye candy, or a beauty queen who is advertizing fodder for the male majority. Speak out, game to your heart’s content, and be opinionated.”
Ladies don’t be afraid to try it because it is a “guy thing.” Try it, you might actually find video games can be really fun.
Word Count: 257
Mysterious Disappearance
In class one day my friend, Alexa Sowers ’10, had a bright red apple. This is not an unusual occurrence for her. She typically brings one every day to class from home. But this day was not like any other. She left it on her desk and went to the hall. Upon returning she noticed her apple was no longer on her desk. After further observations, she noticed, along with several other classmates, that there was an apple on another girl’s desk that was across the room.
The girl looked nervous and would look in Sowers’ direction every once in awhile.
“She kept teasing me. She’d bring it up to her mouth then set it back down. She did this several times! It was terrible, and I was devastated and surprised.” Said Sowers.
Although, there is a reasonable doubt that maybe Sowers apple was misplaced and that this girl had brought her own apple to class. The question still remains; what happened to Sowers’ apple.
“All I want is the return of my apple, preferably in its original condition.” Said Sowers.
Word count 186 words
The girl looked nervous and would look in Sowers’ direction every once in awhile.
“She kept teasing me. She’d bring it up to her mouth then set it back down. She did this several times! It was terrible, and I was devastated and surprised.” Said Sowers.
Although, there is a reasonable doubt that maybe Sowers apple was misplaced and that this girl had brought her own apple to class. The question still remains; what happened to Sowers’ apple.
“All I want is the return of my apple, preferably in its original condition.” Said Sowers.
Word count 186 words
Dylan Carew DOMINANCE IN THE MVC
Monday night the Trojans won another MVC wrestling title. The Trojans defeated Cedar Rapids Kennedy 64-9 winning 12 of 14 matches and clinching a title in the MVC.
“We wrestled solid in every match tonight, everyone competed out there.” Said West High head coach Mark Reiland.
West dominated getting 6 points at 9 weights. The most impressive fact is that they did it all without wrestling 4 starting members of the team. These include 119lbs. Hunter St. John, 130lbs. Garrett Hathaway, 145lbs. Dylan Carew and 189lbs. Berkley Grimm.
“Three of the four wrestlers we didn’t wrestle are ranked in the state, this could have been a lot worse of a score.” Said West freshman Justin Koethe.
This is West Highs 7th title in 8 years. The conference has been dominated by west who has lost 8 matches in 8 meets in the MVC conference.
“This is an amazing fact; not very many teams can say they average one loss per dual meet, especially in a conference that’s probably the best in the state.” Reiland said.
West High is now entering the post season and will be training for upcoming events such as the district tournament and the state tournament in a few weeks.
Monday night the Trojans won another MVC wrestling title. The Trojans defeated Cedar Rapids Kennedy 64-9 winning 12 of 14 matches and clinching a title in the MVC.
“We wrestled solid in every match tonight, everyone competed out there.” Said West High head coach Mark Reiland.
West dominated getting 6 points at 9 weights. The most impressive fact is that they did it all without wrestling 4 starting members of the team. These include 119lbs. Hunter St. John, 130lbs. Garrett Hathaway, 145lbs. Dylan Carew and 189lbs. Berkley Grimm.
“Three of the four wrestlers we didn’t wrestle are ranked in the state, this could have been a lot worse of a score.” Said West freshman Justin Koethe.
This is West Highs 7th title in 8 years. The conference has been dominated by west who has lost 8 matches in 8 meets in the MVC conference.
“This is an amazing fact; not very many teams can say they average one loss per dual meet, especially in a conference that’s probably the best in the state.” Reiland said.
West High is now entering the post season and will be training for upcoming events such as the district tournament and the state tournament in a few weeks.
Soccer V. Track
Leah Murray
West High School has many athletes, and this year the spring athletic season is sure to be one of the best ever. This year students are able to participate in two sports instead of one which will benefit our track and soccer teams. Many people are taking part in this because it has been the first year this option has been available at West. Participating in both track and soccer was not an option in the past because coaches thought it might interfere with the “physical, academic, social and emotional stresses and overloads as well”. The track and soccer coaches will decide which games, and practices will be attended by the double sport students. Not only will track and soccer athletes be able to participate in this, but also the tennis players.
In the end this will most likely benefit the many sports teams, but might hurt the players. If any athlete is over worked, they could very possibly get hurt and be out for the rest of both seasons. This will affect not only one team, but two.
West High School has many athletes, and this year the spring athletic season is sure to be one of the best ever. This year students are able to participate in two sports instead of one which will benefit our track and soccer teams. Many people are taking part in this because it has been the first year this option has been available at West. Participating in both track and soccer was not an option in the past because coaches thought it might interfere with the “physical, academic, social and emotional stresses and overloads as well”. The track and soccer coaches will decide which games, and practices will be attended by the double sport students. Not only will track and soccer athletes be able to participate in this, but also the tennis players.
In the end this will most likely benefit the many sports teams, but might hurt the players. If any athlete is over worked, they could very possibly get hurt and be out for the rest of both seasons. This will affect not only one team, but two.
Are Iowa City Schools a little bit harder? by Mohamed Khalifa
The ICCSD, which stands for the Iowa City community school district, is a little harder than schools in other states, according to students that went to other schools that are out of state like: California, Minnesota and Louisiana, one of the people I interviewed was Josh Greene ‘9, who went to school in California, stated that “at West the work is harder, there is a lot more home work than the school I went to in California.”
When this is looked up on in the long run it’s a good thing that west is harder than schools that are out of the state, because it better prepares you for college and the real world right after that. For west being so hard in the class rooms, the school has pretty good statistics. We hear in advisory almost every Thursday, “the majority of the students that graduate form West High either went to 2 year Community college or a 4 year University. When a school is considered hard and has statistics being at that caliber, the school must be doing something right.
When this is looked up on in the long run it’s a good thing that west is harder than schools that are out of the state, because it better prepares you for college and the real world right after that. For west being so hard in the class rooms, the school has pretty good statistics. We hear in advisory almost every Thursday, “the majority of the students that graduate form West High either went to 2 year Community college or a 4 year University. When a school is considered hard and has statistics being at that caliber, the school must be doing something right.
Have a great time, Valentine!
Here it comes… the biggest, pink-wearing, fuzzy-bear getting, PDA--seeing holiday of all time: Valentine’s Day. And, as much as you’d love to make reservations at a crowded restaurant, spend 75 dollars on Hannah Montana valentines, or eat approximately six pounds of chocolate, it seems that (sigh) once again you are alone, on Valentine’s Day, amongst a sea of couples. Awesome.
So, just how exactly do you, being the single studly patron that you are, plan on making it through this love-sick day?
1. Have a horror movie marathon. Nothing quite says, “I love you” like promiscuous teenagers getting their heads chopped off.
2. Go to an unusual restaurant. Not having to be binded by a constricting significant other who is breathing down your neck to pay 50 dollars for an over-sirloined steak, you can dine wherever you please. Try some Indian food (Exotic Indian in Coralville), or if you’re feeling extra brave, some Thai (Thai Flavors in Iowa City).
3. Get all of your friends together and have a snowball fight. Some of your friends have a significant other? Lovely. Do couples vs. the singles, and show no mercy. Be reminded of the Valentine’s Day Massacre.
4. Buy yourself something nice! A box of chocolates, a new shirt, etc. Just…try not to splurge on a card for yourself, as that might be a bit creepy.
5. Hang out with your buddies, flirt with that cutie in your Chemistry class, or make up for some of that much needed family time.
Valentine’s Day is the day of love, but that doesn’t necessarily mean “coupley love”. Love your family and friends, love yourself, and love your life. Embrace this cursed holiday for singles, it’s only one day a year that ABC Family shows “The Notebook” fives times in a row without commercial breaks.
Happy Valentinein’!
So, just how exactly do you, being the single studly patron that you are, plan on making it through this love-sick day?
1. Have a horror movie marathon. Nothing quite says, “I love you” like promiscuous teenagers getting their heads chopped off.
2. Go to an unusual restaurant. Not having to be binded by a constricting significant other who is breathing down your neck to pay 50 dollars for an over-sirloined steak, you can dine wherever you please. Try some Indian food (Exotic Indian in Coralville), or if you’re feeling extra brave, some Thai (Thai Flavors in Iowa City).
3. Get all of your friends together and have a snowball fight. Some of your friends have a significant other? Lovely. Do couples vs. the singles, and show no mercy. Be reminded of the Valentine’s Day Massacre.
4. Buy yourself something nice! A box of chocolates, a new shirt, etc. Just…try not to splurge on a card for yourself, as that might be a bit creepy.
5. Hang out with your buddies, flirt with that cutie in your Chemistry class, or make up for some of that much needed family time.
Valentine’s Day is the day of love, but that doesn’t necessarily mean “coupley love”. Love your family and friends, love yourself, and love your life. Embrace this cursed holiday for singles, it’s only one day a year that ABC Family shows “The Notebook” fives times in a row without commercial breaks.
Happy Valentinein’!
Tropic Thunder Review
Tropic Thunder Review
Daniel Rothman
Tropic Thunder is the rare comedy that combines a hilarious script with phenomenal acting, and it ends up being the funniest movie of the year. Thunder is about the making of what is supposed to be the greatest war movie ever. The A-List cast, including action star Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), Oscar-winning Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.) and comedic star Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black). With the filming of the movie at a disastrous standstill, young director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) decides to take the cast out into the Vietnamese jungle in an attempt to get the actors into their roles. When Cockburn is blown up by a landmine, the cast is left stranded in the jungle, and goes on to fight a Cambodian drug ring.
Tropic Thunder is easily the funniest movie of the year. The movie is nonstop laughs from start to finish, making from of every war movie from Platoon to Apocalypse Now. All the actors are phenomenal, especially Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise, who delivers the greatest performance of his career as the fowl-mouthed producer of the movie. The movie has been a hit with audiences, including Alissa Rothman ’11 who said “Tropic Thunder was very funny. It could be a little crude at times, but I laughed a lot.” It is this well-done humor that makes Tropic Thunder worth watching.
229 words
Daniel Rothman
Tropic Thunder is the rare comedy that combines a hilarious script with phenomenal acting, and it ends up being the funniest movie of the year. Thunder is about the making of what is supposed to be the greatest war movie ever. The A-List cast, including action star Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), Oscar-winning Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.) and comedic star Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black). With the filming of the movie at a disastrous standstill, young director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) decides to take the cast out into the Vietnamese jungle in an attempt to get the actors into their roles. When Cockburn is blown up by a landmine, the cast is left stranded in the jungle, and goes on to fight a Cambodian drug ring.
Tropic Thunder is easily the funniest movie of the year. The movie is nonstop laughs from start to finish, making from of every war movie from Platoon to Apocalypse Now. All the actors are phenomenal, especially Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise, who delivers the greatest performance of his career as the fowl-mouthed producer of the movie. The movie has been a hit with audiences, including Alissa Rothman ’11 who said “Tropic Thunder was very funny. It could be a little crude at times, but I laughed a lot.” It is this well-done humor that makes Tropic Thunder worth watching.
229 words
Journalist for a week
Journalist for a Week
By Daniel Rothman
While Intro to Journalism is typically one of the more fun and interesting classes, students were not looking forward to the Journalist for a Week assignment. During this, students have to write an article everyday, at least 150 words long and with at least one quote. “I was really worried about it. I sometimes have a busy schedule, and I wasn’t sure if I’d have the time to write an article every day,” said Tim Yu ’12, who is in the class. The purpose of the assignment is to keep our writing and interview skills sharp while we study legal rights in class. “I think this assignment has really helped me with my writing. Since we are doing the unit on the first amendment, we haven’t been writing a lot in class, but this helps us maintain our skills,” said Alissa Rothman ’11, adding “the only problem is that it can be difficult to come up with topics to write about.” Journalist for a Week is an example of an assignment that has far exceeded expectations, proving to be both fun and educational.
190 words
By Daniel Rothman
While Intro to Journalism is typically one of the more fun and interesting classes, students were not looking forward to the Journalist for a Week assignment. During this, students have to write an article everyday, at least 150 words long and with at least one quote. “I was really worried about it. I sometimes have a busy schedule, and I wasn’t sure if I’d have the time to write an article every day,” said Tim Yu ’12, who is in the class. The purpose of the assignment is to keep our writing and interview skills sharp while we study legal rights in class. “I think this assignment has really helped me with my writing. Since we are doing the unit on the first amendment, we haven’t been writing a lot in class, but this helps us maintain our skills,” said Alissa Rothman ’11, adding “the only problem is that it can be difficult to come up with topics to write about.” Journalist for a Week is an example of an assignment that has far exceeded expectations, proving to be both fun and educational.
190 words
Taking the Low Road
Taking the Low Road
By Daniel Rothman
Joe Torre was always a well-respected man. Known for taking the high road in a profession full of egomaniacs, Torre was rewarded for his honest nature with unimagined success. As the manager of the New York Yanks from 1996-2007, Torre made 12 consecutive playoff appearances won 6 pennants, and 4 World Series’. Despite all this success, Torre never let it go to his head, and always was even-tempered and fair. That is, until now. Torre’s new book, The Yankee Years, is a tell-all rip job of the Yankee franchise. He takes cheap shots at everybody from the management to the players. Torre didn’t end his tenure on the best of terms, with the Yankees refusing to give him more than a one-year contract, but that is no excuse for doing something so unmoral. This will deservedly ruin his legacy and his revered status among New York sports fans. His greatest managerial trait was his ability to control his star-studded rosters, and do it in a classy way. So much for that. “He should have been fired, and should be fired from his current job for saying this stuff.” Said Tim Yu ’12. Torre has broken the time-honored baseball code of not revealing what happens in the clubhouse. The sun has officially set on one of baseball’s last great men.
226 words
By Daniel Rothman
Joe Torre was always a well-respected man. Known for taking the high road in a profession full of egomaniacs, Torre was rewarded for his honest nature with unimagined success. As the manager of the New York Yanks from 1996-2007, Torre made 12 consecutive playoff appearances won 6 pennants, and 4 World Series’. Despite all this success, Torre never let it go to his head, and always was even-tempered and fair. That is, until now. Torre’s new book, The Yankee Years, is a tell-all rip job of the Yankee franchise. He takes cheap shots at everybody from the management to the players. Torre didn’t end his tenure on the best of terms, with the Yankees refusing to give him more than a one-year contract, but that is no excuse for doing something so unmoral. This will deservedly ruin his legacy and his revered status among New York sports fans. His greatest managerial trait was his ability to control his star-studded rosters, and do it in a classy way. So much for that. “He should have been fired, and should be fired from his current job for saying this stuff.” Said Tim Yu ’12. Torre has broken the time-honored baseball code of not revealing what happens in the clubhouse. The sun has officially set on one of baseball’s last great men.
226 words
Orchestra Concert - India Goss
An orchestra concert on the night of February 27, 2009 lit up the West High auditorium. Parents, friends, and the close family of any person in the North Central Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra, or the West High Freshman Concert Orchestra filled the auditorium up. The lights grew dim as each orchestra played their songs lead by Wayne Thelander and Carrie Beaderstadt.
The West Side Elementary Advanced Orchestra (lead by Carrie Beaderstadt) played at 7:30 starting off the concert. They played the songs Dragon Slayer (Bob Grice), Morning Lights (Brian Balmages), Festive Dance (Edmund J. Siennicki), and Apache (Carold Nunez). The North Central Symphony Orchestra played the Four Royal Dances by Eric Ewazen which included The Lord, The Lady, The Jester and The Knight. They also played Sanseneon by Robert S. Siennicki. The audience seemed to like this concert with the whistles and cheers from peers and family that followed each song.
This concert was followed by the West Concert Orchestra lead by Wayne Thelander. They played African Procession by Ellen Lindquist and Danzas De Panama by Willliam Grant Still. The crowd also showed their approval by clapping so much that Wayne Thelander had to come out twice.
Matt Vest ’11 attended the 7:30 concert and said, “I think that they did great for how young they are.”
Paola Jaramillo ’11 was in the orchestra concert for West High’s Concert Orchestra starting at 8:30. She said, “I think we did pretty well. It was nice because it got over quick. There were a few mistakes but they were unnoticeable by the audience.”
Wayne Thelander directed West High’s orchestra and also helped the 7:30 orchestras before they played.
About the younger orchestra he said, “I thought all the groups did very well.”
He said that the performance went very well but “any performance could be better.”
Melanie Foraker, a parent of one of the students in the West Concert Orchestra said, “I think the concert was beautiful. Every group did wonderfully. I don’t understand why my child was so concerned about her pieces. She thought that she wouldn’t do very well. I think they did great.”
Westside Orchestra, North Central Orchestra, and our own West Orchestra was a success. The lights got turned off, violins, violas, cellos and bass were returned to their rightful place, and everyone went home.
The West Side Elementary Advanced Orchestra (lead by Carrie Beaderstadt) played at 7:30 starting off the concert. They played the songs Dragon Slayer (Bob Grice), Morning Lights (Brian Balmages), Festive Dance (Edmund J. Siennicki), and Apache (Carold Nunez). The North Central Symphony Orchestra played the Four Royal Dances by Eric Ewazen which included The Lord, The Lady, The Jester and The Knight. They also played Sanseneon by Robert S. Siennicki. The audience seemed to like this concert with the whistles and cheers from peers and family that followed each song.
This concert was followed by the West Concert Orchestra lead by Wayne Thelander. They played African Procession by Ellen Lindquist and Danzas De Panama by Willliam Grant Still. The crowd also showed their approval by clapping so much that Wayne Thelander had to come out twice.
Matt Vest ’11 attended the 7:30 concert and said, “I think that they did great for how young they are.”
Paola Jaramillo ’11 was in the orchestra concert for West High’s Concert Orchestra starting at 8:30. She said, “I think we did pretty well. It was nice because it got over quick. There were a few mistakes but they were unnoticeable by the audience.”
Wayne Thelander directed West High’s orchestra and also helped the 7:30 orchestras before they played.
About the younger orchestra he said, “I thought all the groups did very well.”
He said that the performance went very well but “any performance could be better.”
Melanie Foraker, a parent of one of the students in the West Concert Orchestra said, “I think the concert was beautiful. Every group did wonderfully. I don’t understand why my child was so concerned about her pieces. She thought that she wouldn’t do very well. I think they did great.”
Westside Orchestra, North Central Orchestra, and our own West Orchestra was a success. The lights got turned off, violins, violas, cellos and bass were returned to their rightful place, and everyone went home.
Definitely not just for girls
After winter break the tennis team (which I am part of) started going to Wellness Wednesdays a.k.a. yoga. It is just one of the things that we do for conditioning to get ready for the season.
The first day I went I figured that yoga would be a piece of cake, I’d like to think I’m somewhat in shape and I exercise enough, we’d probably just go and stretch for an hour and then leave. Seriously, what else is yoga? I was definitely in for a surprise
Within 15 minutes into the yoga session I was already sweating pretty badly and my heart was racing. Within about…maybe 45 minutes my arms and shoulders were burning and I was lying on my stomach, half dead.
The yoga work out does many things. It helps Improve balance with various moves, it improves flexibility, and also it helps build strength. However, I don’t know how much it is going to help my tennis game (maybe just a little), and I still don’t really like it but now that I’ve been going to it pretty much every week I have a new found respect for it.
I don’t know if it was just me or if it is all guys that think yoga is just for girls because it definitely isn’t. It’s really challenging, but mainly it’s beneficial for health in general. And isn’t good health a goal for both guys and girls?
Word count: 239
The first day I went I figured that yoga would be a piece of cake, I’d like to think I’m somewhat in shape and I exercise enough, we’d probably just go and stretch for an hour and then leave. Seriously, what else is yoga? I was definitely in for a surprise
Within 15 minutes into the yoga session I was already sweating pretty badly and my heart was racing. Within about…maybe 45 minutes my arms and shoulders were burning and I was lying on my stomach, half dead.
The yoga work out does many things. It helps Improve balance with various moves, it improves flexibility, and also it helps build strength. However, I don’t know how much it is going to help my tennis game (maybe just a little), and I still don’t really like it but now that I’ve been going to it pretty much every week I have a new found respect for it.
I don’t know if it was just me or if it is all guys that think yoga is just for girls because it definitely isn’t. It’s really challenging, but mainly it’s beneficial for health in general. And isn’t good health a goal for both guys and girls?
Word count: 239
Congressional Award
By Alissa Rothman
Word count: 327
An unusual event occurred Wednesday after school in room 132 at West High School. The Congressional Award Club was meeting.
“We don’t meet very often,” said Molly Parsons ’10, one of the three co-founders and co-presidents of the club. “This club is very individualistic.”
The Congressional Awards Club is a club that focuses on helping members earn the Congressional Award. This award is very prestigious and internationally recognized. It is given by Congress to students aged 14-24 years who complete a set number of hours volunteering, engaging in physical fitness, participating in a personal interest and undertaking a wilderness or venture experience. It is spilt up into different medal and certificate awards, allowing students with busy schedules to participate in the award. Students can register at any time to start trying for the awards.
The club is one of the newest being created only a year ago by three freshmen; Parsons, Darin Lee (’10) and Sophie Donta (’10). Now sophomores, they became interested in the award through Parsons older sister, who did the international award in Thailand.
“We talked to Mr. Breitbach (West High counselor) about the idea of the club and he loved it,” said Parsons.
“When we first started doing the award it was just the three of us,” said Lee. “But when we told our friends about it a lot of them wanted to get involved, and we thought it would be a good idea to have a group to support each other.”
The Congressional Award currently includes 20 registered members, with 27 others that are interested in joining. However, due to other activities, some can not actively participate in the club for this year.
The club focuses on setting goals and working toward them, but they also do fun trips such as the expeditions which are group camping trips and participating in Ragbrai.
“Doing activities as a group is fun and it feels good to work towards something with your friends,” said Parsons.
Word count: 327
An unusual event occurred Wednesday after school in room 132 at West High School. The Congressional Award Club was meeting.
“We don’t meet very often,” said Molly Parsons ’10, one of the three co-founders and co-presidents of the club. “This club is very individualistic.”
The Congressional Awards Club is a club that focuses on helping members earn the Congressional Award. This award is very prestigious and internationally recognized. It is given by Congress to students aged 14-24 years who complete a set number of hours volunteering, engaging in physical fitness, participating in a personal interest and undertaking a wilderness or venture experience. It is spilt up into different medal and certificate awards, allowing students with busy schedules to participate in the award. Students can register at any time to start trying for the awards.
The club is one of the newest being created only a year ago by three freshmen; Parsons, Darin Lee (’10) and Sophie Donta (’10). Now sophomores, they became interested in the award through Parsons older sister, who did the international award in Thailand.
“We talked to Mr. Breitbach (West High counselor) about the idea of the club and he loved it,” said Parsons.
“When we first started doing the award it was just the three of us,” said Lee. “But when we told our friends about it a lot of them wanted to get involved, and we thought it would be a good idea to have a group to support each other.”
The Congressional Award currently includes 20 registered members, with 27 others that are interested in joining. However, due to other activities, some can not actively participate in the club for this year.
The club focuses on setting goals and working toward them, but they also do fun trips such as the expeditions which are group camping trips and participating in Ragbrai.
“Doing activities as a group is fun and it feels good to work towards something with your friends,” said Parsons.
The deal with lunch- Jami McClain
It’s 10:53 you can’t wait one more minute, and then bell will ring for lunch time. But you remember you don’t have A lunch you have C lunch. West has three lunches. A lunch the best lunch for hot pizza, and other foods, and they never run out. B lunch everybody wants, because it makes forth period shorter. Then there C lunch where you eat around 11:52 so you wont get as hungry during the end of the day.
Jordan Shavers '12 who has A lunch said
“No people that I like is in my lunch, but it’s good.” If he could change one thing it would be that, his friends have the same lunch as him. His dream lunch would be B lunch. Sometimes the lunch rooms are so packed that there isn’t a place to eat by the time people get their food it’s almost time for fifth period. Most people are starting to bring a lunch from home so they won’t have to wait in line. Brieana Houg '11 has B lunch said, “If I could change anything I would change the prices.” Her dream lunch would be the lunch that she has now because it cuts down the time.
There is also down sides to all of the lunches even B. A lunch you eat so early that sometimes you aren t very hungry, but towards the end of the day you can be starving. B lunch if you ever have a test in your forth period it can be a pain, and you have to switch your lunch, and eat before or after forth period. C lunch always runs out of food, and the pizza is cold by then. As of this tri C lunch is packed it’s way to crazy in there. The lunches aren’t split very well because, they don't split the lunches up evenly. A lunch barley has any people in it. It would be better if the lunches were more balanced out, but then again if you have one of the better lunches then why make it worse.
Jordan Shavers '12 who has A lunch said
“No people that I like is in my lunch, but it’s good.” If he could change one thing it would be that, his friends have the same lunch as him. His dream lunch would be B lunch. Sometimes the lunch rooms are so packed that there isn’t a place to eat by the time people get their food it’s almost time for fifth period. Most people are starting to bring a lunch from home so they won’t have to wait in line. Brieana Houg '11 has B lunch said, “If I could change anything I would change the prices.” Her dream lunch would be the lunch that she has now because it cuts down the time.
There is also down sides to all of the lunches even B. A lunch you eat so early that sometimes you aren t very hungry, but towards the end of the day you can be starving. B lunch if you ever have a test in your forth period it can be a pain, and you have to switch your lunch, and eat before or after forth period. C lunch always runs out of food, and the pizza is cold by then. As of this tri C lunch is packed it’s way to crazy in there. The lunches aren’t split very well because, they don't split the lunches up evenly. A lunch barley has any people in it. It would be better if the lunches were more balanced out, but then again if you have one of the better lunches then why make it worse.
Dangerously Cheesy
So you want to be able to pick up girls with your radical one liners? Want to make guys fall in love with you with one sideways glance? Unfortunately, so does the rest of the world.
The simple fact is that, in most cases, love doesn’t come that easily. There is no ‘quick fix’, no shortcuts. But never fear, world, because love is real, and love will survive.
The hardest part is not getting the response you want. Ever been turned down? Not fun. Then you either have to try again, or walk away awkwardly, and neither of those options are pleasant. So what if it was Julia, “the love of your life” and she-will-never-talk-to-you-again-and-you-feel-stupid-and-sad-and-you-should-never-had-done-anything-and...
Yes, yes, we’ve all had the feeling, so suck it up. She can’t be “the love of your life” because your life has just begun [unless you’re 80, which in that case, you should probably get out of the school and stop trying to date 15 year olds, you crazy old creep].
“You just gotta pick yourself up, and try again. You’re bound to hit the jackpot some time,” said Jesse Tomas ’10.
Now, you’re going to be like, “yes, I’ve heard this all before,” but listen up, because even the most attractive of people get rejected, even the most caring, the funniest, the richest, because you see, life doesn’t make sense, and people are no exception to that rule. I’m not saying that there is going to be that perfect person waiting for you, and don’t go looking for them.
Just sit back, take it as it comes, and learn as much as you can, so when you do happen to stumble on someone who just might be the best thing you’ve ever seen, you’ll be ready.
Just remember, try not to be to dangerously cheesy.
Writen by Jake Ross-Sheehy
The simple fact is that, in most cases, love doesn’t come that easily. There is no ‘quick fix’, no shortcuts. But never fear, world, because love is real, and love will survive.
The hardest part is not getting the response you want. Ever been turned down? Not fun. Then you either have to try again, or walk away awkwardly, and neither of those options are pleasant. So what if it was Julia, “the love of your life” and she-will-never-talk-to-you-again-and-you-feel-stupid-and-sad-and-you-should-never-had-done-anything-and...
Yes, yes, we’ve all had the feeling, so suck it up. She can’t be “the love of your life” because your life has just begun [unless you’re 80, which in that case, you should probably get out of the school and stop trying to date 15 year olds, you crazy old creep].
“You just gotta pick yourself up, and try again. You’re bound to hit the jackpot some time,” said Jesse Tomas ’10.
Now, you’re going to be like, “yes, I’ve heard this all before,” but listen up, because even the most attractive of people get rejected, even the most caring, the funniest, the richest, because you see, life doesn’t make sense, and people are no exception to that rule. I’m not saying that there is going to be that perfect person waiting for you, and don’t go looking for them.
Just sit back, take it as it comes, and learn as much as you can, so when you do happen to stumble on someone who just might be the best thing you’ve ever seen, you’ll be ready.
Just remember, try not to be to dangerously cheesy.
Writen by Jake Ross-Sheehy
Tenth-grade registration
West High tenth-graders are upset about the lack of time they have to put together a schedule for next year.
Due to the six-day weekend caused by snow days, registration information for the 2009-2010 school year was issued to both the ninth-graders and tenth-graders at West High last Thursday. The ninth-graders have until next week to figure out class schedules, but the tenth-graders are meeting with their counselors this week to determine the courses they will take next year. This year, counselors are also asking for signatures from social studies, science, math, English, and foreign language teachers to insure that students are choosing correct classes. This is to help lighten the load of schedule changes at the beginning of next year.
“We only got five days to think about it and only three days to get teacher’s signatures,” said Lizzy Laikhter ’11. “I am very upset. I haven’t really been able to think about classes. I don’t have signatures, and my meeting is tomorrow.”
Laikhter ’11 also complained about the lack of information on classes. “This is a big decision. They [teachers] haven’t talked about classes, haven’t talked about anything you do in those classes.”
Students are expected to make the best choices possible in the allotted time. West High guidance counselor Kay DiLeo said, “It’s unfortunate, but I don’t think the amount of time makes a difference. Nothing is final. Students decide and have the opportunity to change.”
By Laura Stamnes
Due to the six-day weekend caused by snow days, registration information for the 2009-2010 school year was issued to both the ninth-graders and tenth-graders at West High last Thursday. The ninth-graders have until next week to figure out class schedules, but the tenth-graders are meeting with their counselors this week to determine the courses they will take next year. This year, counselors are also asking for signatures from social studies, science, math, English, and foreign language teachers to insure that students are choosing correct classes. This is to help lighten the load of schedule changes at the beginning of next year.
“We only got five days to think about it and only three days to get teacher’s signatures,” said Lizzy Laikhter ’11. “I am very upset. I haven’t really been able to think about classes. I don’t have signatures, and my meeting is tomorrow.”
Laikhter ’11 also complained about the lack of information on classes. “This is a big decision. They [teachers] haven’t talked about classes, haven’t talked about anything you do in those classes.”
Students are expected to make the best choices possible in the allotted time. West High guidance counselor Kay DiLeo said, “It’s unfortunate, but I don’t think the amount of time makes a difference. Nothing is final. Students decide and have the opportunity to change.”
By Laura Stamnes
Down with Pointless Inconveniences
Getting up early in the morning can be a pointless inconvenience. So can not being able to take all the classes you want to.
Especially seeing as it can be fixed. Changing the number of class periods a day from 7 to 8 would not be a bad idea, considering the reasoning below.
For one thing, cutting the time in a period from 55 minutes to 48 minutes would not drastically affect class lessons. In most classes, that five to ten minutes at the end of the period is just some extra time to do homework.
Also, there would be less necessity for earlybird. There are a few advantages to early bird classes. “It [EB PE] wakes me up for the rest of the day,” said Nhan Trahn-Phan, ’12. But that’s still not worth losing an hour of sleep every day.
West High’s motto is “Where Excellence is a Tradition.” Now limiting the number of classes a student can take is something akin to limiting their excellence, right?
Also, high school students should be able to handle more than junior high students, according to John Wen ’12. “They even have eight periods at Northwest,” he said.
So, give those hard pieces of evidence, the changing of 7 class periods a day to 8 should definitely be considered.
-Allan Liu
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