By Elizabeth Rinde

It is surprising how one can be so entertained by observing the abuse of a catatonic child. On Saturday,
I went to see Southwest High School’s production of The Who’s Tommy. For those who are not familiar
with the popular British band from the 60s and 70s, The Who released their rock opera album in ’69
which was later turned into a movie in ’75. The story starts at the beginning of the Second World War
when a young couple conceives a child. The husband is sent off to fight while the wife, Mrs. Walker, is
left to take care of her child at home. When the husband is reported to be missing in action, Mrs. Walker
finds comfort in a new lover. Returning to the family he lost during the war, the husband finds his wife
with the lover and in the heat of the moment, murders the man in front of his young son, Tommy.
Escaping into a catatonic state, Tommy is haunted by the event he witnessed and without success tries
to reach out to those around him for help through the emotional chaos he feels inside. Symbolically, he
searches for himself through his reflection and grows to succeed at controlling the only thing he can; the
contained chaos of a pinball machine.

Filled with budding talents, the cast offered strong dance numbers, focused acting, and gorgeous voices.
Reflecting the sorrows of his character’s past, Eric Heltemes (Tommy) grimly stared at his younger self
and sang passionately about his desperation to be free from silence. With motherly worry under her
brow, Meredith Casey (Mrs. Walker) offered a beautiful tone that grabbed my attention. The chorus
kept a moving undertone and collectively added to the symbolic chaos of Tommy’s memories. During
the “Pinball Wizard” they threw out wide, synchronized movements. Although, the singing was lovely,
the actors consonants were not stressed enough to be understood over the talented rock pit. Even so,
the majority of the plot was understood through their remarkable acting.

Technical elements are the key to a superior production. Maybe it was written in the script to add
dramatic effect, but Sam Gaines’ mic (Minister) was echo-y and thus caused his words to be lost in the
walls of the auditorium. Another problem with sound, Natalie Young’s mic (Specialist) did not turn on
and her diagnosis of Tommy was silenced (no pun intended). That being said, the lighting was artistic
and significantly added to the grim atmosphere of the performance. Spotlights from overhead were cast
down to dramatically showcase the Tommys while hiding their faces and cool-coloured textured gels
accented the nightmarish scenes. However, it would have been nice if a spotlight was used to attract the
audience to the main characters when they moved to the right side of the stage.

Emma Alamo’s set was brilliant. She constructed a presence that resembled a pinball machine and even
incorporated steps that lit up when walked on. The mirror on stage left added a whole new depth to the
performance since Tommy could observe his future and past self through it. The effect however would
have been more moving to the left side of the audience if it was angled a bit more towards the center.

Although highly symbolic and difficult to understand at times, Southwest captivated me until the very
end. I do still wish that I was able to understand what they were singing most of the time, and that they
lit the sides of the stage more. This production could still be smoothed out in a number of areas, but
it is worth the time to see it. I would recommend this to anyone who loves rock, a great pit, or enjoys
psychology.

Elizabeth Rinde writes on behalf of Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Critical Review student reviewer program, which gives Metro-area high school students the opportunity to attend and review touring Broadway productions, SpotLight Musical Theatre Program events, workshops to develop writing skills, and other opportunities depending on availability. Critical Review teaches communication skills and enhances critical thinking and creative response. As part of Critical Review, students receive study guides and press kits before the show, learn from experts including local theatre critics, playwrights and actors who teach workshops in lighting design to choreography, and in some cases, have expanded access to the Broadway touring cast and crew.

With icy roads and slippery streets, the thought of driving is more nail-biting than the action itself. Although the number of car fatalities have gone down this past year, there is still room for the number to drop to zero. Teens and young adults are the most likely to end up in a car accident this winter season, but simple guidelines to keep in mind while driving can help to significantly lower the risk of an accident. One of the easiest and “no cost to you” prevention tips is to always wear a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt can cut your chances of ending up badly hurt, or dead in an accident, by a staggering 50%. Another thoughtful tip is to slow down. Since roads are currently covered with a thin veil of sleet and ice, trying to break at an intersection is almost impossible to do. Driving at slow and constant speed will allow more time to slow down when approaching a light and makes driving a lot less nerve-racking. Remember though, don’t drive so slowly as to get hit yourself, or provoke other drivers to road rage. The last prevention tip is to recognize weather conditions. If it’s snowing and the estimated fall in 1-2 feet maybe driving to the mall 20miles away isn’t such a good idea. Driving a car and having a license are a privilege that comes with a lot of responsibilities and part of that responsibility is being a safe driver; and not just for yourself, but every one else on the road too.

As an exchange student from Ukraine, I was always interested in theatre, so Southwest became, literally, a paradise for me! I watch every play here, and I think it is something for school to be proud of! In Ukraine we don’t have a school theatre and it is very difficult for students to find an opportunity like this. I also admire the variety of shows in Southwest: each of them is different; there are comedies, dramas, musicals, etc.

A week ago I went to the blackbox to see the Dial ”M” for Murder”. If you didn’t see it, I’m very very sorry for you, because you lost a lot of fun and positive emotions. It was directed by amazing girls: Madelyn Stocking and Becky Novachek. The play was about Tony Wendice (Vicente Fernandez), who married his wife Margot (Gigi Rich) only because of her money and decides to murder her. He has every detail planned, but unfortunately, the murderer gets killed by the victim, and that’s where the story begins. To my mind, actors did a great job; Owen Lazur, Nathaniel Larson and Nash Meeker continue to please us with their tremendous acting, but I saw for the first time Gigi, Vicente, Genny and Elliot performing, and I can only say that it was marvelous! Watching the play, I felt like it was real life, and we were witnesses of their story. I want to thank everyone for directing, performing or taking part in play. It was awesome!

Do you enjoy watching your friends on the stage or are you just a big fan of theatre? Join theatre, then! Or at least don’t miss your chance to see the next show!

“What really motivated us to host Snowballz was how the students were feeling; we were hearing complaints all around school.  Hearing what those students had to say made us feel that someone needed to step in and make a dance that included everyone and every form of dancing, grinding or not,” explained Horn.  News of the party traveled quickly; in addition to Southwest, students from nearby schools South, Washburn, DeLaSalle, Edina, and Holy Angels purchased tickets.

Before long, school administration began noticing students eagerly handing over cash in the halls, since tickets were sold mostly on campus ground. Even though Snowballz was not plannes by any official Southwest organization, the event became closely affiliated with the school, raising the concern of parents and staff regarding Southwest’s reputation.

Principal Dr. Smith stressed his disapproval on the topic on his blog, “Two consenting adults in the privacy of their own choosing can do as they choose.  Sexual movements with some clothes on may not be sex in some definition…I think the behavior can be very degrading to both female and male.  In movements described as lap dancing or dirty dancing, the same actions would not be permitted on one’s leg by his or her favorite pet… Rubbing one’s private parts in public is not acceptable either by another or self.”

Organizing Snowballz was no easy feat, as venue after venue mysteriously canceled Horn’s event. On his principal’s blog, Southwest Catch the Wave, Dr. Smith posted under “Which Dance is Your Child Attending” on Sunday January 27, 2013: “So, as it should be, it is up to the families to decide the venues for their children… There is no problem with students and/or their families having parties and socials at any time.”

Determined to host the dance he promised, Horn found a last-minute venue at Safari Restaurant and Hall, a Somali restaurant on Lake Street. A few days after the party, the problem with the venues was eventually identified. “Although [Dr. Smith] said that it’s up to the families, he called the two previous venues and had them cancel the event, so it really wasn’t up to the families…We didn’t know it was him at first, but then he admitted it to [a student],” revealed Horn.

The main concern regarding grinding that most schools emphasize is that students may feel “pressured” into this type of dance. Because “everyone is doing it”, teenagers possibly sense the same peer pressure to grind as they would in a situation involving drinking. “People think grinding is this really inappropriate thing, but really what is going to happen to you—get pregnant? I doubt it. Besides, a guy will ask you to dance, and you can say no. He’s not going to just come up and start humping you,” commented an anonymous student.

Horn also considered safety reasons in addition to grinding as a factor of Dr. Smith’s dissatisfaction with the alternative dance. “The concerns he had about safety were none to worry about—we had over eight adults surrounding the dance floor including two police officers, two security guards, three bouncers, and the owner of the venue. But what really made this work was that every student that attended the dance was sober and respectful to the adults that were in attendance,” reassured Horn.

While deemed inappropriate by school faculty, perhaps the option of two different dances was the best solution for Southwest’s new dance policy. Students were able to make a decision about which dance to attend, and nobody was judged based on which one they chose.

“Expecting teenagers not to grind is unrealistic. Dance for our generation has changed,” commented sophomore Abby Eckhart. “Getting physically close to somebody is just more appealing than jumping up and down like 5^th graders.”

Acknowledging the majority of the student body’s disappointment in the new grinding rule and the efforts of individuals like Max Horn to change it, Student Council may need to take the policy into reconsideration.

The majority of Snowballz’s profit was donated to Hallie Brown, a brave student fighting cancer.

It’s that time of year again. I don’t know about you guys, but whenever I see a movie, I try to guess if it’ll win an Oscar. So after sleeping through some awful movies and sitting on the edge of my seat for the good movies, I’ve composed a list of the films that I think could take home an Oscar.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling 

*The Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey

• The Hunger Games
• Les Miserables

Best Visual Effects

• The Dark Knight Rises
• Life of Pi
• Snow White and the Huntsman

Best Costume Design 

• Moonrise Kingdom
• Les Miserables
• Anna Karenina

Best Supporting Actress

• Sally Field- Lincoln
• Anne Hathaway- Les Miserables
• Maggie Smith- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Best Supporting Actor

• Leonardo DiCaprio- Django Unchained
• Alan Arkin- Argo
• Robert DeNiro- Silver Linings Playbook

Best Actress 

• Jennifer Lawrence- Silver Linings Playbook
• Helen Mirren- Hitchcock

* Keira Knightley- Anna Karenina

Best Actor 

* Daniel Day-Lewis- Lincoln

* Hugh Jackman- Les Miserables

* Jamie Foxx- Django Unchained

Best Director

• Ben Affleck- Argo
• Ang Lee- Life of Pi
• Steven Spielberg- Lincoln

Best Picture

*Les Miserables

*Silver Linings Playbook

*Argo

I could be completely wrong, though. ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ comes to theaters next week, and it’s expected to take an Oscar (if not several). Whatever happens though, this years host, Seth MacFarlane, will definitely make The Oscars interesting.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day when many people get most of their Holiday shopping done. Many large stores and even small shops give out great deals on a large amount of their items. People believe that Black Friday is in fact the busiest shopping day of the year. It comes close, but the busiest is actually the Saturday before Christmas. However, with new spin off days such as ‘Small Business Saturday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’, the weekend after Thanksgiving is becoming shopper heaven, or hell.
The Super Target near Southdale opened at 9:00 pm Thanksgiving night. The line to get in was wrapped around the store going almost all the way up to 50th and France (two blocks away). At the Mall of America on Friday, stores opened at midnight, whereas Nordstroms waited until 8:00am to open. The people waiting to get in on the 2nd floor were furious when they heard the gates on the first floor opened before theirs.
A few years ago at a Walmart in New York, a security guard was trampled to death by impatient shoppers. In California at a Toy’s R US store two security guards pulled out rifles and shot each other. Many people are hospitalized from Black Friday incidents every year. As we walked through the mall we began to see more and more people who looked as if they might fall over from exhaustion.
However not everything on Friday is doom and gloom. There are, of course, the sales and doorbusters everyone is pining for. Hilarious shoppers: we actually saw people sleeping on the lounging chairs, and later, we saw a man dressed up as Waldo from the popular book, “Where’s Waldo?”. Many people take Black Friday very lightly, but others prepare for it so they can get in and out of the stores as quickly as possible. The point is America’s culture is materialistic and what could be a better way lament this idea, than a day devoted entirely to shopping. Some may find it strange, some may skip their thanksgiving dinner for the best doorbuster in town, and some simply don’t care but no matter who you are you will get sucked into the strange and very American tradition that is, Black Friday.

Try – Pink

Some of Pink’s best songs are her non-partying ones. After the stunning music video for “Try” and jaw-dropping recreation of it at this year’s American Music Awards, the song will definitely stay on listeners mind’s. The message the lyrics send could make it the next big empowerment anthem, (But just because it burns/Doesn’t mean you’re gonna die/You’ve gotta get up and try, try, try).

This Kiss – Carly Rae Jepsen

2012′s rising star attempts her third hit in a row with “This Kiss”. Although it’s not as catchy as “Call Me Maybe”, it is still enjoyable. The song also shows a more mature side for the twenty-six year old. She’s gone from giving boys her number to desiring a kiss from them, (This kiss is something I can’t resist/Your lips are undeniable). Jepsen, surprisingly, has continued to prove she’s not going to be a one hit wonder.

Beauty And A Beat – Justin Bieber feat. Nicki Minaj

Even non-Beliebers will enjoy Bieber’s new collaboration with Nicki Minaj. His on and off again relationship with Selena Gomez can only help the song. Everyone has closely watched his live performances to see how Minaj’s rap, (“I gotta keep an eye out for Selener“), will be handled since their rumored split. Maybe the drama and catchy lyrics will be enough for Bieber to get his first number one song on the Hot 100.

I Found You – The Wanted

One Direction isn’t the only English boy band having a successful year in America. If you liked The Wanted’s “Glad You Came” then you’ll love their latest song. It has catchy lyrics and the perfect tune to dance to, just like their last hit (I was lost ’til I found you, you, you). As The Wanted gets ready for their first full length international album, due in 2013, “I Found You” is sure to be played frequently on the radio.

I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift

Swift’s latest song shows she has mastered the perfect blend of relatable lyrics and dubstep. It may appeal to a wider audience because many of her previous hits haven’t been dance songs. Her song has the best chance of reaching number one, because when the song was first released it entered at number three. Now that she’s doing promotion for the song and shooting a music video, “I Knew You Were Trouble” has a good shot at rising again.

The last snow day we had before 2010 was in an entirely different millennium—in that half-forgotten time called the 1990s. In the winter of 1998-99, we did actually have another snow day—and even before that, we sometimes had even more snow days. However, they’re all very spread out between the years. Many people scoff and proclaim that the fact that we choose to live here means that we can handle the weather, whenever snow days are brought up more than a few times a century.

Actually, our history with snow days is pretty sad and badly documented. The policy is basically on a case-by-case basis, and while that may work for people who have no snow, up here in the north, it’s hardly the case that we don’t know what we can handle and what we can’t. It would be much more efficient and easy to communicate if we at least had some guidelines: ‘If it’s less than seventeen feet and negative thirty-five degrees, complain bitterly but stay home; if less than six inches and higher than six degrees, go to school.’ Isn’t that easier? Overall, our policies could use just the slightest bit of tweaking…and maybe some loosening. Just a little.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Your friends tease you about that ridiculous shirt you own, but they’re really just jealous. Keep wearing it.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Your ex that you keep running into is going to be miserable when he/she sees how happy you are without him/her!

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): You’re usually an indecisive person, but you’ll have to make some important decisions soon. Mentally prepare yourself.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): You’ve been feeling a little self-conscious lately. Channel your inner Beyoncé.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): You know if you have to get that homework done eventually. Grab some coffee and get to it.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): It’s the perfect time to try something new – a haircut, a new job, or a complete makeover!

Libra (September 23 – October 22): Ice cream can solve all of your problems… for one night, anyway.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): If you get any more stressed, your hair is going to start falling out. Try yoga.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Your family has been bugging you lately, so get out of the house for a while. When you come back, they won’t be as annoying.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): You usually like to live on the safe side, but we all need a sense of danger in our lives sometimes. Find yours.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): The power of listening to uplifting music when you’re sad is amazing.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Something you did a long time ago is going to come back and bite you on the butt. You know what I’m talking about.

‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ follows seven year-old Alana (referred to as “Honey Boo Boo”) and her southern family, as they navigate events such as the ‘Redneck Olympics’, to the birth of Alana’s seventeen year-old sister’s daughter. The family was first introduced in an episode of ‘Toddler’s and Tiaras’, and when the producers at TLC caught a glimpse of the crazy Georgian family, the network offered them their own reality show.

The show itself is extremely entertaining. It’s nothing Emmy-worthy, but it’s a good way to pass time. If you have half an hour to kill, try to catch an episode. While it’s a good show, watching one episode should be enough. The more concerning part of ‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ is how TLC exploits the family to get more viewers to have a crazy, unique show.

TLC portrays the family as idiots, and seems to mock them via their commercials and even the opening credits for the show. They try to make the family out as a mockery, but you’ll slowly realize, through the show, that the family is more than happy with the way they live. It seems snobby to laugh at a family who live in different, less-urban ways than ourselves.

‘Here Comes Honey Boo Boo’ should be a show to catch before it (most likely) is cancelled. Even though the show provides a couple laughs, it’s energy towards alienating the family should be directed elsewhere.

            In the USA I got acquainted with lots of new holidays, which we don’t celebrate in Ukraine. Last week we celebrated Halloween. It is a really awesome holiday! Next year in Ukraine I will make my friends celebrate it, too. Sometimes people in my country celebrate it, too, but it isn’t an official holiday. I went out with my friends and it was really amazing! All these kids wearing weird scary costumes , who just knocked on the door and received a bunch of candies. It was so much fun! We do something like this on Christmas, which we celebrate on January, 7. But still, we need to sing a Christmas song or tell a Christmas poem to receive a candy.

            It is definitely fantastic, when you can find every week new thing to do, new place to go. I love changes. They make me feel alive and happy. I love to travel, to make new friends, to seek myself in this enormous world. I definitely enjoy my time here and I try to make every day perfect, or in another way what is the sense to live?

Crime.

But not just any crime. Not only have neighbors told me about this, but I have seen it happen with my own eyes. Petty, vindictive birds, are stealing from the elderly! The amount of senior citizens sitting by the lakes and throwing breadcrumbs and birdseed to the birds has gone down by 60% in the last 5 years alone! Because of this, the birds have decided to get their revenge, bu stealing from the elderly!

It is to my horror and shock that I tell you this, but I can only hope that now that the public is aware of this horrible avian thieves, they will begin to take action.

            Thus began my brief journey into hipster country. I knit myself a beanie, streamed some Mumford and Sons (before they were cool, obviously), and headed to an independently-owned coffee shop.  Before long, though, I realized that I was unhappy; I missed my American Eagle Jeans, I missed reading People magazine, I missed Top 40 radio (I even missed Justin Bieber a little bit). And the more I recognized this out-of-placeness in myself, the more I saw it in others. I started to realize that some of the hipsters listening to One Direction secretly weren’t being ironic, and that some of the hipsters gauging their ears grimaced in their mirrors at the aftermath. I quit being a hipster soon after that- it was too much work, and it turned out that vegetarianism doesn’t give you super powers. I am now much happier, because I am doing the things that I love again.

I still don’t really understand why people who aren’t true hipsters stick with it, but having ventured in and out of hipsterdom, I have a hypothesis. Our generation is young yet- we’re rather formless, and these years are our last chance to make decisions without having them impact the rest of our lives.  So we don’t really have to define ourselves; we don’t have to set values or plan what we want to be… not yet, but the day that we do approaches quickly. I think that being a hipster is a way to put that day off. Surrounded by a community of people who live cheaply and wander aimlessly though thrift shops and art studios, hipsters get to hold on to blissfully purposless youth just a little bit longer; to be a hipster is to be in Neverland. But is it worth sacrificing the things you love? For some it is. For a lucky few, being a hipster is what they love. For me, it wasn’t worth it. If enjoying and embracing my shamelessly commercial, pop-culture lifestyle now means having to face being a grown-up in the not-so-distant future, I’ll face that future full on with no regrets.

Of course, we have lots of cultural difference, but I haven’t had culture shock here. I`m a person who quickly adjusts. Since I have started making friends, I began to think about June, I can`t imagine how I will go back to Ukraine, because all these people are really important for me! And I`m the happiest person that they are my friends! ]]> http://anchornews.net/2012/10/why-do-you-speak-so-funny/feed/ 0 http://anchornews.net/2012/10/what-is-it-edible-lunch/ http://anchornews.net/2012/10/what-is-it-edible-lunch/#comments Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:35:57 +0000 Momo http://anchornews.net/?p=809 Indeed this year’s lunch program at Southwest High school is like no other. The crowds of students are ardently excited for this, and the lines are visibly longer than they ever were. More and more students are coming to lunch and they’re enjoying the food, and since winter will soon be upon us, we will definitely see a storm of students coming to the front lines to the battle for food. Joshua Williams told me once, “Should we go outside and pay for food or stay and eat the good food here.” That is indeed something to ruminate, (Vocab people! Also unintended pun). Many people will end up going with the latter choice, to stay here and have the good food. Thanks to the lunch staff, the lunches coming this year and the ones coming after will be better for teachers and students.

Lunches this year are very good and have more structure than previous years, in the way that things are ordered. They have a make your own sandwich bar, which by the way has “unlimited” lettuce. The pizza this year is a complete upgrade from last years, which tasted like rubber. In addition lunch brings us a surprise in the form of a special menu item ranging from orange chicken to mashed potatoes and gravy every day is a surprise. After asking Barbara head manager of lunch in school why? What happened? She replied “We’ve just got a new director who wants kids to eat whole healthy food not nay processed foods”

In addition lunch brings us a surprise in the form of a special menu item ranging from orange chicken to mashed potatoes and gravy every day is a surprise. There’s one thing missing though; one problem that’s preventing us from having utopian-like lunch. Lunch is shorter, and the lines are longer since everybody wants the lunch this year because it’s good. At this point many of you will start thinking that’s why they have the good lunches, because they’re trying to make up for the shorter lunch times. Well why (hint to staff) don’t they have three lunch lines instead.

To conclude lunches are delicious, and enough people have said it. If you haven’t had them yet you’re missing out on something great. Now go out and have those lunches that the Laker Food Warriors pour their hearts into. (Not literally because that would be gross.)

]]> http://anchornews.net/2012/10/what-is-it-edible-lunch/feed/ 0 http://anchornews.net/2012/10/2012-election-obama-vs-romney/ http://anchornews.net/2012/10/2012-election-obama-vs-romney/#comments Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:10:42 +0000 Maeve L http://anchornews.net/?p=803             The 2012 presidential election is quickly approaching. As students, it is important to understand the perspectives of each candidate, President Barack Obama and nominee Mitt Romney, regarding education policies. Because education is arguably the deciding factor in one’s success, it is essential to implement high standards of education for today’s generation in order for the future US economy to be successful. Each candidate has plans to improve upon America’s education system, but the question is which plan will achieve more effective education.

            During Obama’s time in office, he has expanded George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind program, in which public schools are required to implement assessments in order to receive state funding for the school. In previous years, these assessments have improved basic reading, science, and math scores across the country, setting the education standard higher for grade levels K through 12.  But in order for this program to be successful, Obama believes that it is crucial to recruit and prepare effective teachers. So far, he has kept and created over 300,000 jobs for teachers, principals, and other school employees during the recession through the American Recovery and Investment Act. As part of the American Jobs Act, he proposes a $30 billion investment in modernizing America’s schools and community colleges (whitehouse.com).

This large investment would improve the infrastructure of around 35,000 public schools, make advances in data systems to measure student progress, recruit teachers, and decrease the large number of students in classrooms. Obama states, “If we want America to lead in the 21st century, nothing is more important than giving everyone the best education possible — from the day they start preschool to the day they start their career.” He argues that if budgets were cut from public education, jobs would also be at risk, sinking the economy further into the recession.

Currently the largest issue in public education is the unequal distribution of funding towards public schools. This is the result of circumscription by local district lines, where residents’ taxed money goes to the public school in their district. Because high quality schools usually have the most funding, this means that highly funded schools are located in wealthy or affluent neighborhoods. This problem of under-funding schools remains unsolved, and while Obama’s additional funding plan could be the answer, Romney has a more radical idea that has received much attention. In his modern school choice plan, the nominee explains, “[The plan] would also allow them to attend public schools outside of their own districts” (NY Times). This would require states to “adopt open-enrollment policies that permit eligible students to attend public schools outside of their school district.” However, Romney does not offer any details on possible problems such as transportation or additional tax dollars for the transferred student (NY Times). In addition, this plan may not even take effect because only schools with capacity can accept transferring students—and these high quality schools would reach capacity quickly.

Although Romney believes that “no child should be sent to a failing school”, he proposes slashing money from the federal school budget. As governor, he took away $2.3 million from special education, and $25 million from school readiness grants, early literacy programs, and school meals. (Gloucester Daily Times).  Despite these cuts, Romney claimed, “The kids in our state [MA] scored number one in all four measures on the national exams, and they did that because of Republican principles.” Although it is true that the Massachusetts secondary students scored first in the NAEP tests, Massachusetts had also ranked near the top before Romney became governor. As part as his cut-spending policy, he pledges to slash $2.7 billion from funding which would take away Head Start access for 100,000 students. Romney argues that “neither class size nor the money spent per student is the deciding factor in a good education, and that class sizes were promoted by the unions to hire more teachers.” In response to these plans, spokeswoman Lis Smith of the Obama administration says, “Cutting education to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires might make sense in Mitt Romney’s world, but it’s not a recipe for growing the economy or strengthening the middle class.”

When each candidate was asked about their plans to make college more affordable, Obama and Romney express widely contrasting views. Obama has helped millions of students earn a college education by preventing federal student loan interest rates from increasing, doubling funding for Pell grants, and establishing college tax credit. Obama attributes his educational success through the extensive help of financial aid for both his secondary and higher education. His first-hand experiences with financial aid and scholarships influence his decisions to expand these types of programs which make higher education possible for low income families. When a high school student asked Romney how he would achieve college affordability he said, “The best thing I can do for you is to tell you to shop around. Borrow money if you have to from your parents.” Perhaps this worked for Romney, coming from a wealthy family, but it is definitely not an option for lower class students.

In the lunchroom last Wednesday, Lamia Shapiro and Fiona Walker sat down with some of the cast of the Blackbox Production of Arsenic and Old Lace; the directors Eloia Peterson and Madeline Foster, Catherine Hastings (actor), and Helena Scholz-Carlson (actor)

Is it difficult playing a murderer, and where did you get your inspiration from?

CATHERINE: It is really fun to play a murderer; my character is trying to find a way to make murder ok.

HELENA: You can’t try to understand it … and my inspiration would have to come from Professor Moriarty from Sherlock Holmes 2 and Loki.

What is the funniest thing that happened on set?

DIRECTORS: Pace was supposed to chase Owen off stage, and to cover the exit he had to improvise lines and he came up with “GET OUTTA HERE FOO!”

How has the Blackbox affected your life and the Southwest community?

ELOIA: Blackbox mixes different classes and lets people connect when the normally wouldn’t. Southwest theatre would not be the same, it would more theatre a lot more competitive.

Why do you think people should see your show?

ELOIA: It’s gonna be awesome.

CATHERINE: It’s a very interesting story, people normally done like murderers.

For the people who don’t know your play, how would you describe it in one sentence?

CATHERINE: Family reunions are awkward when all of your family are serial killers.

What advice do you have for people interested in the theatre community?

DIRECTORS: Try out and audition for everything. Don’t be discouraged. It is generally not because you aren’t good but because there wasn’t a character for you. And if you don’t get in do tech. work because it is fun!

What do you think of the atmosphere in the Blackbox, between the cast, and in the show?

MADELINE: We cast characters because of chemistry, they just work together.

ELOIA: They just gel, because you are all in it together,… no High School Musical pun intended.

Arsenic and Old Lace runs in the Blackbox from October 23 though October 26.

The film Robot and Frank is set in the future, in a small town in New York, where a spunky old man who is losing his memory gets an unexpected gift from his two older children.  It’s a robot that is supposed to take care of him, as in making breakfast and carrying on conversations.  The old man, Frank, is not happy with his new guest.  But over time, he figures out that this odd robot is just what the doctor ordered….  But not for his health.  Frank, it turns out, is a former jewel thief.  And when he learns that robots have no  conscience,  he and the robot go on a thieving expedition.  In the process, they  develop an unusual friendship – testing the definition of what a real friend is.

The film was an award winner at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.  It is both funny and sad. The actor who plays Frank, Frank Langella, puts a lot of depth and emotion into his character.  And the robot, whose voice is Peter Saarsgaard’s,  seems far more human than a lot of real people.  The film was directed by Jake Schreir. Overall, I highly recommend that you go see it.

Every high school has its stereotype. Sketchy, cliquey, preppy, competitive- no matter the adjective, we can all name a school that fits the word perfectly. After rolling your eyes, what do you think of when you hear Edina High School? As gossip and rumors spread around the Twin Cities, the generations of the area can’t ignore our neighboring city’s reputation. It’d be a compliment to say our school is extremely different from Edina, but if you magnify each aspect of Southwest, how different is a Laker from a Hornet?

Minneapolis dweller Siri Peterson transferred from EHS to Southwest this year as a volleyball player. Lugging her backpack and volleyball bag to practice she smiles about her daily after-school practice. “The [volleyball] team is really great because we aren’t just spending time with our team- we’re also spending time getting to know the girls on the other teams,” Siri explains. At Edina, the team was more of a clique, and the openness to meeting other people was blurred with the social hierarchy. She compares her teammates from last year to her current players and can cheerfully exclaim that there isn’t a person she doesn’t like on her team now. The club-like aspect of her ex-teammates at Edina created personal barriers between some of the players. I asked if this would affect the teams’ unity while playing and the reply was another positive note on Southwest’s behalf: the girls here are much more understanding when you are having a bad day playing, but they’re also very excited when you succeed in games and practices. As for winning and losing, it’s important to Siri for her team to do well, but she believes the pressure would be the same at Edina, especially now that she is playing at a higher level.

You wonder if the other teams in the area are saying the same optimistic opinions about themselves and the same not-so-great thoughts on fellow teams. On the surface, we can share one thing with Edina: winning is nice. However, another crucial part in athletics, or in any other extracurricular region for that matter, is whom you’re playing with. Not just who you’re playing next to, but those who you’re playing against, and if you can stay as open to them as anyone else, everything comes a lot easier.

For two years now, all southwest students have had to read a book selected by the school referred to as the “common book”. So far there have been two common books, Outcasts United by Warren St. John, and Spirit Car by Diane Wilson. The assignment was created to foster a community that could learn from lessons in the common book and relate them to our lives at Southwest High School. But two years later, most students read the book (or don’t read the book), complain about the book, write a short writing assignment about the book, then forget the book.

According to our school website, the common book will “give our students a chance to experience a truly multi-disciplinary approach to learning”. I found that multi-disciplinary basically means to use knowledge in different areas to solve a problem. As someone who has read both common books, I still have no idea how the common book helped me experience “a truly multi-disciplinary approach to learning.” Maybe it did, but I would prefer to have someone explain the lessons that the school expects me to get out of such a book. It seems like for the common book to be a useful tool in learning, we first have to figure out how to use it.

If an assignment is given, I think the expectations of that assignment and the lessons to be learned from that assignment need to be explained in order for the work to have significance. Assigned to read the common book, students were not given either. If the common book is to succeed, southwest needs to figure out specific ways to incorporate the book into students’ learning. If it is not to succeed, it should be discontinued

Aries: You will be harshly reminded that no, actually it’s you who’s in the wrong bathroom….

Taurus: Your joke will backfire when, to your dismay, that freshman in your Spanish class knows gullible isn’t actually written on the ceiling….

Gemini: Unfortunately, your life in the next month will be about as interesting as your horrorscope….

Cancer: You’ll have one of those days where you wake up on the wrong side of the bed because, long story short, someone pushed you….

Leo: Yup, your fly’s down. But don’t look now….

Virgo: A very rude horoscope will remind you of Southwest’s heartbreaking loss to Washburn in football a few weeks ago. Also, please tell your Libra friends that it is not that we forgot their horrorscope; it’s just to horrifying to publish….

Scorpio: After a busy day at school, the last thing you want to think about is waking up the next morning, which is probably why you will forget to set your alarm and miss half of your classes the next day….

Sagittarius: You’re astronomy teacher will have quite a laugh when he finds out you don’t know what a Sagittarius is….

Capricorn: Too busy texting in class, you will fail to see your teacher accidentally drop something cool out of a second floor window. And guess who it hits? Oh, never mind you blitz….

Aquarius: Watch for things falling out of windows….

Pieces: You’re life will unimaginably change when you accidentally divide by zero….

Dear Freshmen,

You’re probably enjoying your first few weeks here at Southwest and with more school dances and homecoming on the way, this year’s only going to get better.  But as an Honorary Link Crew Alumni (Yes, that’s a real thing), I feel there still are some things you little ones should know as this year progresses. Keep this information on the DL but I’m going to inform you on The Tell All, Know All of High School in three simple rules.

Number one of the Golden Rules of High School: Always maintain good relationships with your teachers.

You never know when you’re going to need a teacher to come through for you. For instance, say you worked hard on a paper at the end of a quarter and your grade is at that annoying, screaming to the ceiling percent of 89.99. If you’re really cool with the teacher, they can be nice and bump your grade up to a stellar A (I know, the power teachers hold…). But don’t get me wrong, I know that teachers are those strange creatures who live off coffee and yelling at poor kids, but if you actually get to know them and even BEFRIEND them, they actually seem more humanly after a while. Hey, and after a while you might even have cute nicknames for them. (“Yo Hossie, wassup!?” [Mr. Hoselton]; “Earl-Inator, what’s goin’ on?”[Ms. Earl]; “Hey, Hoopster!”[Ms. Hopper].

Number Two of the Golden Rules of High School: Try to join as many clubs and activities as possible and find out what you like.  

Whether it’s sailing or amnesty international, you’ll never know what you like until you try.  Out of all the times to join an activity, it’s best to begin your freshman year. Think about it: by the time you’re a junior and senior, you’ll have tons of extracurricular activities to add to college resumes (You don’t want to be a middle-aged high schooler of 16 years old, just NOW getting involved with school activities like myself). And because Southwest has such a diverse background with people’s interests there are many clubs, activities and sports to try out. And never be discouraged about joining any sport in particular. ALL FRESHMEN AUTOMATICALLY MAKE ANY SPORTING TEAM BECAUSE OF THE SIMPLE FACT THAT THEY ARE A FRESHMAN! (I don’t think you could have it any sweeter!)

Number three of the Golden Rules of High School: Freshman year is the easiest year in high school; don’t mess it up.

Since you Freshie’s are freshmen, you probably won’t truly understand this rule until you’re older by, umm let’s see, exactly one year from now. You don’t know how many upperclassmen talk about how they should’ve taken that one freshman class seriously because now it’s messed up their GPA. If you feel you’re already falling behind and need help with anything there are always tons of school resources to choose from. Almost every day there are tutors so assist you in room E105 and in room E118 Molly and Kelly are always available for help. And if sometimes you feel you need help from your teacher themselves, don’t be afraid to ask them for after or before school help. One thing I can say about Southwest teachers’ is that they want to see you succeed, but you have to be willing to want to help yourself.

So let us review. Have good relationships with your teachers (Check!). Join as many clubs, activities, and/or sports as possible (Double Check!).  And take your freshman academics seriously (I think you’ve got it!). So with these Golden Rules of High School take flight little freshies and soar to success (or walk, whatever one you prefer).

                                   Sincerely,

Your Upperclassman Informer, Jessica Enwesi 

Maybe you think they don’t care.  However, one glance at my Facebook homepage feed could change your mind.  Everyday I see photo posts supporting openness, acceptance, and change.  They don’t come from the same person, and they don’t come from the same group of friends.  The message of Vote No! is everywhere.  It seems that at Southwest, the universal protest is for respect of all relationships, and not just your typical high school boyfriend-girlfriend variety.  By my count, if Southwest were to vote, we would Vote No!  But most of us can’t vote, so why do we care?

Southwest cares because that is who we are as a community.  We are passionate about things outside of our control.  Just like our rousing cheers at Super Soccer Saturday, we show our feelings about any cause that is important to us, whether it be defeating South in a game of soccer, or the much more serious matter of what constitutes a marriage.  We care because this amendment will affect the lives of our family, our friends, our neighbors, and maybe even us personally.  It will change the way Minnesota is as a state.  I believe that if two people love each other, and want to show that love by entering a formal union, no matter their sexes, they should be able to.  Wasn’t America built upon freedom?  Who are we to now deny that freedom?  I believe everyone should have the freedom to love whomever they love, and everyone should have the freedom to marry.

Hopefully, this November Minnesota will shut down the amendment by voting no, and Southwest can feel proud to have played a part.  By spreading the message of openness and acceptance, we are role models of our generation.  For the most part we can’t vote, but maybe we should be the ones voting this November, because I believe we would do the right thing and Vote No!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): You’ll probably be spilling a lot on yourself this week. Avoid wearing white.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20):That cutie you have your eye on isn’t picking up on your subtle hints. Make your move before someone else does!

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Indulge a little bit today and have some cheesecake. You deserve it.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): Kick “you know who” to the curb. He/she just isn’t worth your time anymore.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Life is too short not to sing in the shower.

Libra (September 23 – October 22): Some Caribou will probably keep you from screaming at someone today. Probably.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Find a good book to read today. If you don’t have time to read it, use it to kill a bug.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Someone who owes you money will continue to avoid you. Get that money back! You’ll need it soon.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Dance in the rain when the next storm hits, and you’ll feel a lot better about yourself.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): You’ve been wanting something to look forward to lately. Do some online shopping and get it sent with the slowest shipping and handling.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): It’s all uphill from here. Be top dog this week, or at least pretend to be.

It all started with an idea. Around October last year, Dan Black had heard word that there were people trying to start a Ping Pong club.  When nothing was done, Mr. Black had no other choice but to make the move himself. With the good company of his pal Charlie Aubart, ideas began to formulate. They listed priorities. They needed lots of Ping Pong tables, paddles, and tons of little orange balls. They needed money to get this operation rolling, and they needed approval by the school. At first it seemed hopeless, but the dream had been dreamt and there was no turning back now. Mr. Black sought out the Assistant Principle to request that the club be officially installed. After mounds of paperwork, the club was alive. The next step was obvious, filling the gap that was the large lack of supplies. “I asked literally everyone I knew if they had a Ping Pong table that they would even consider donating,” said Black. “I got a lot of weird looks, but at the end of a couple weeks, I did manage to get two tables,” he said with a large grin on his face. When Mr. Townsend managed to donate a third, equipment was becoming a reality. To create some revenue, Mr. Black decided the next step was to create and sell T-shirts. “I wanted something that people would buy,” he exclaimed. “Something different, so I took the a Jordan logo and instead of a basketball, I had him holding a Ping Pong paddle.” To top it off, Black added a crown on the player and written right below was “Sultans”, the new club mascot.  For weeks on end, he went around with a clipboard getting T-shirt sizes and promoting his dream of getting the club on its feet. After selling lots of T-shirts, he raised enough to buy paddles and Ping Pong balls for the whole club.

Today the club has practice twice a week. Under the training of Mr. George Puzak, players are developing and honing their skills. Rumor has it, if players continue to train and progress, there will be opportunity to play matches against Benilde-St. Margaret and Holy Angels. Sweatshirts are in the act of being made as more and more people hear of the Ping Pong club. A team built on an idea was transformed into a reality in just under a year. The future is bright for the Southwest Ping Pong club. ◊