THE VALHALLA LAKESTEVENSHIGHSCHOOL JANUARY25TH,2011 VOL#83 ISSUE#5 - LAKE STEVENS SCHOOL DISTRICT
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2news Profile pictures on Facebook linked to awareness and pedophiles by Hannah Bartow A popular post has people wondering the campaign came from and what it means Sports Editor Many have heard of Facebook and a majority of “Although the NSPCC did not originate the child- students even manage an account. Of those with hood cartoon Facebook campaign, we welcome an account, some recently changed their profile the attention it has brought to the work we do,” pictures to cartoon characters to support the “fight said the group according to their Twitter posts. against child abuse.” The campaign that started on About halfway through the week and 90,000 December 5th, urged people to change their pro- “likes” later, reports arose that pedophiles started file pictures to pictures of their favorite childhood the photo fad. cartoon shows in order to trigger fond memories “The rumors are now sweeping the net that the from Facebook users’ childhood. campaign is actually a smokescreen for pedophiles The original message posted on Facebook for hoping to narrow down which users are children,” Photo courtesy of creativecommons.org the profile picture swap read, “There should be according to Sarah Nelson from DailyMail.com. no human faces on Facebook, but an invasion of After the articles broke out, chain posts were the shows on TV when we were little. If a picture memories. Everyone is to swap their profile pic- found all over Facebook warning people about of SpongeBob is a person’s profile picture then tures with their favorite childhood cartoon char- changing their pictures. it probably is a little kid,” said sophomore Louie acter.” “Did everyone hear about the group asking Tayag. Many people believed that the fight against everyone to change their profile picture to their Although the campaign brought great publicity child abuse campaign was started by the chil- favorite cartoon characters is actually a group of to organizations hoping to stop child abuse many dren’s charity National Society for the Prevention pedophiles? They’re doing it because kids will ac- found it an ineffective solution. of Cruelty to Children, NSPCC. However, the NSP- cept their friend requests faster if they see a car- “Putting a post on Facebook isn’t really going CC organization denied any involvement with the toon picture. It has nothing to do with supporting to make a difference. If people wanted to help photo craze. child violence; it was on tonight’s news, please stop child abuse then they should go out and talk copy and paste,” posted sophomore Chelsea Hunt to people to help support the cause,” said sopho- on her Facebook wall. more Aaron Piega. Facebook spokesperson, Simon Axten, was An article on CNN.com pointed out that child quick to deny the claims of the originators of the abuse awareness should not be limited to just cartoon campaign. one time in the year. However, the National Child “The rumor [about pedophiles starting the Abuse Prevention Month for the fight against child child abuse campaign] is false,” Axten told Fox- abuse is in April. News.com. “Thousands of people have taken up “I don’t see why a campaign would come out the campaign, none of whom can be identified as almost half a year before the actual designated either young or old based on the profile picture month. It just doesn’t make sense to me,” said chosen.” Tayag. Some disagree with the claims made by Ax- Although the Cartoon for Child Abuse Campaign ten, while others were unaware of the allegations became a top search on Google, the originators of spreading by the messages being posted on their both the cartoon swap and pedophile allegations walls. are still unknown. Even though no one has taken “Well, if someone puts up a picture of Rugrats claim to starting these viral announcements, it did or The Wild Thornberry’s then it’s going to be not stop people from changing their profile pic- Photo courtesy of creativecommons.org someone our age because those were some of tures to support child abuse. The Korean conflict escalates Keeping Connected: by Connor Wilson US troops are sent to South Korea Staff Reporter News around the world Recently, North and South Korea South Korea to participate in war -Death toll expected to reach 1,000 after a landslide in Brazil: With 207 still have been exchanging artillery fire games with the South Korean mili- missing and 741 already found dead, the landslide on January 19th is one of the over disputed areas near the border tary, which further frustrated North worst landslides in decades (www.reuters.com). between the two countries. This has Korea. North Korea recently stated raised international tensions to the that military action will be taken if -Italian prosecutor’s, Silvio Berlusconi, reputation is damaged in sex scandal: highest in decades. South Korea encroaches on the bor- The seventy-four year-old man is accused of hiring an underage prostitute (www. “It was kind of a [rude] move on der by even “0.001 millimeter,” ac- reuters.com). North Korea’s part. The whole thing cording to huntingtonpost.com seems uncalled for and almost un- The United States has stated that -Starbucks’ new Trenta size: Starbucks has come out with a new cup size. Trenta provoked,” said senior Miles Titland. it will defend South Korea from an is Italian for thirty, but the cup really holds 31 ounces and is only available for cold Four South Korean citizens have attack by their communist neighbors drinks and only in 14 states (www.bsckids.com). been killed and some are wondering from the north. The U.S. presence in -Vietnam’s communist goverment blocks Facebook: As the government begins whether or not war will break out, South Korea is raising tensions, not to fear self expression on the web, different blogs and sites have been locked. New and if the United States will become only in the North, but has also raised legislation could force cyber-cafes to install monitoring software on their computers involved. questions about China: Whose side (us.oneworld.net). “It might lead to more of the com- will they be on? Well, China recently bat training we’ve been participating stated that they would not defend -A Philadelphia doctor charged with murdering babies: Dr. Kermit Gosnell is be- in with South Korea,” said Titland. “If North Korea in the event of a new Ko- ing charged with performing late-term abortions as far into the pregnancy as eight the shelling continues it might even rean war. China said that they would months and even killing newborns after inducing labor (www.bbc.co.uk). lead to a war between North and no longer remain North Korea’s ally, South Korea.” unless they cease their “spoiled child -A third suicide attack kills 15 more people: The �irst attack occurred when a Since the artillery strike, U.S. non- attitude,” according huntingtonpost. man drove an ambulance packed with explosives into a police training center, killing 13 and injuring 70. The second attack, in which a man in an explosive vest detonat- combat troops have been sent to com. ed the bomb near a convoy, killed two more people (tothecenter.com). -Mental health screening for troops: Screening troops for mental health problems before they deploy has been shown to signi�icantly reduce the chance of developing behavioral or psychiatric problems (healthland.time.com). Main Street Center 1805 Main Street PO Box 903 Lake Stevens, WA 98258 (425) 377-2850 Come on in: e e G a m i ng Room! Fr e ur favorit Tues.- Thurs. 4:30-8 p.m. p l a y y o Come Fri. 2-8 p.m. Sat. 10-8 p.m. b o a r d g ames! Sun. 12:30-6 p.m. Photos courtesy of creativecommons.org gamesplus@isomedia.com
news3 Wikileaks sparks global controversy Superheroes come to Seattle Julian Assange on trial pending sex crimes Protecting the city with courage by Austin Carlton by Jennifer Rojas Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Great debate has been seen in re- its support for North Korea if it contin- On November of 2010, a cent months over a certain watchdog ued to act like “a spoiled child”. This group of people dressed in su- site, called Wikileaks. For several years came just as tensions in the North and perhero costumes were found now the site has been circulating dif- South Korea rose amid a particularly roaming the streets of Seattle. ferent documents which are intended cold standoff, after North Korea killed Police say that they have been to show things not intended for the several South Koreans in an artillery patrolling the streets at night general public. In the past, Wikileaks’ strike. trying to save people from founder, Julian Assange, has been un- Also in the leaks was a key Saudi of- crime. der scrutiny by the United States and ficial recommending that the US “cut The group of ten call them- other governments for his release of off the head of the snake” if need be, selves the Rainy City Super- information. The “Iraq War Diaries” while talking about Iran. hero Movement Thorn, Bust- and “Collateral Murder” videos were However, not all students here at er Doe, Green Reaper, Gemini, Photo courtesy of creativecommons.org the first times Assange and his organi- LSHS share the opinion that the re- No Name, Catastrophe, Thun- zation sparked controversy. lease of classified documents is a good der 88, Red Dragon, Penelope go anywhere in the world Recently however, the controversy thing. A lot of controversy has come and Phoenix Jones the Guard- whenever I want, like super- comes from the release of over 250,000 over a few of the diplomatic cables ian of Seattle are the names man,” said junior Jessica Mc- classified and declassified documents which have given details on US troops’ that the group members go Gee. stemming from the U.S.’s diplomats’ locations and other classified informa- by. Phoenix Jones was caught conversations with others around the tion. On January 2, 2011, Phoe- in action on tape while at a world. Students at LSHS are mostly “I think that some of the documents nix Justice, one of the masked comic book store. On tape a supportive of the release of the diplo- being released put U.S. troops in un- avengers behind the Rain City man enters in a room that matic cables. necessary danger and there should be Superhero Crime Fighting was hidden behind a book- “I like seeing what goes on behind laws in place to stop this kind of thing movement, prevented a car shelf and emerges as Phoenix closed doors, as it gives me a better from happening again,“ said sopho- jacking in Lynnwood, Wash- Jones. understanding of more Autumn Woolridge. ington. Police say that what these how government Despite some of the Wikileaks’ ca- According to CNN News, real-life superheroes are do- works,” said junior bles clarifying some things the public Dan, the victim of the attempt- ing is something very dan- Jared Rose. would otherwise not have access to, ed car jacking, said, “From the gerous and that they can get The conversa- like a cable which showed that Saudi right, this guy comes dashing hurt, but. They still risk their tions between Arabia was actually encouraging the in just wearing this skintight lives for the safety of others. diplomats and for- U.S. to deal with Iran. Controversy has rubber black and golden suit “When I walk into a neigh- eign officials have arisen over some specific documents and just starts chasing [the borhood, criminals leave be- sparked world- which detailed key U.S. buildings over- suspect]away.” cause they see the suit. I sym- wide controversy seas, in what some called a list that The main superhero of the bolize that the average person as many reveal terrorists could use for making targets group is Phoenix Jones. He doesn’t have to walk around secrets that gov- around the globe. Though no such at- may not have super powers and see bad things and do ernments would tacks have happened as of yet, the U.S. like the ones in movies, but he nothing,” said Phoenix Jones, rather not be pub- views the release of the documents as carries tasers, nightsticks and according to ABC News. licly known. One a threat and has since been trying to pepper spray to defend him- Like comic books these real- cable involving a come up with a case against Assange. self in the fight against crime. life heroes prevent crimes, Chinese diplomat Currently Assange is awaiting trial “If I could have any super but let’s just hope that the vil- Photo courtesy said that China was over allegations of sexual misconduct power I would want to have lains don’t come out and try creativecommons.org willing to abandon with two women. flying powers so that I could to destroy the heroes. AP Government strives to become a regular class by Paige Whitney Staff Reporter Students are encouraged to take on the new advanced placement class occuring in room 109 AP Government is a “seventh period class.” It happens after school in Room 109 and is taught by Darrick Hayman. Last year, not enough students signed up for the class and so it was moved to af- ter school; the class was not advertised to many students. “The only way I found out about AP Govern- ment was through a couple of students I knew who were doing independent studies. They sent a survey around asking if people would take the class and so I signed up for it,” said senior Tatiana Weems. Even though not many students are a part of the class this year, there are many reasons one may consider taking it next year. For one, it is an AP class that will show up on high school transcripts. Another reason is it gives students a chance to learn about the inner workings of the United States’ government. “I was interested in how our government works, and I thought our government had some flaws. So I wanted to see how it is supposed to be run com- pared to how I saw it being run,” said Weems. Photo by Veronica Walker This class, however, does not replace required Seniors Sydney Gellerson, Michelle Prior, Tatiana Weems, Brandon Reddeman, Jessyca Brubaker, Sean history classes. Perry, Austin Carlton, and Alexander Glaves are hard at work in their AP Government class. “AP Government does not count as Contempo- rary World Issues or Contemporary American Is- a class during the school day if more students sign ested in the field of politics,” said senior Rosemary sues even though everything we are doing cross- up. Reyes. es over, and it is basically the same thing,” said “I think it would have been an interesting class When the time rolls around for students to cre- Weems. because it gives an insight on how our country ate their schedules, there is hope that more stu- Currently, there are only nine people enrolled in runs our government and our structures. Also, dents will step up to the challenge and consider the class. AP Government could possibly become it might be a good class for those who are inter- taking AP Government.
4sports Lake Stevens’ wrestlers sign a contract with MTV for their own televisionbyseries Sarah Ruiz The 4A “powerhouse” gains national recognition as filming starts for their new show Editor-in-Chief Lake Stevens High School’s banners, showing off the wrestling 15 minutes, learn some technique, and the pride of being a Viking is Wrestling Team has won award af- team’s accomplishments. drill, [practice] live situations, live often all it takes to keep the team ter award, but now more than just With five state titles and only matches and then some condition- working hard every day. the Lake Stevens’ community will two district losses in twenty-two ing. Our routine is basically nine “When you walk out on the mat, know it. Recently, the wrestling years, the wrestling team has al- practices a week between morning you know you have to represent team signed with MTV Productions ready been recognized nationally. and after school, unless a match where you’re from and you already for their own television series. Brent Barnes came to coach or tournament conflicts with it have an attitude that you’re going Varity wrestler, junior Kinsey the Vikings’ Wrestling Team in his and we need a little break. I train to demolish the kid you’re wres- Johnson said, “We were all jacked early twenties and has been coach- during the regular wrestling sea- tling because in our program, we when we heard there was a pos- ing for twenty-two seasons. His ac- son, which is three months. Then wrestle with the most talented sibility that MTV could be doing a complishments with the team have freestyle starts up maybe a month kids in the state. It’s just an honor show on us. We all started working left highly respected coaches wish- after the school season is over and to represent Lake Stevens and to out to P90X trying to get ripped ing to work with him. that goes basically all year round. have this opportunity to show what for the show, and it was just [excit- The talent of the team is not by The only time I’m really not train- really goes on in our lives because ing] to know that our hard work any means due to luck; the team ing for wrestling is right after the most people have no idea what we was starting to show to the world trains incredibly hard to reach their school season is done, and we get go through on a day-to-day basis. I more.” accomplishments. A rigorous rou- a couple week break at the begin- mean in a two and a half hour prac- Camera crews have already been tine keeps the team in shape and ning of summer,” said Johnson of a tice I can lose eight pounds; it’s the seen on campus, in classrooms and ready for any upcoming matches. Viking’s typical routine. hardest workout of your life,” said at wrestling matches. Thursday, “In the morning before school For the Lake Steven’s wrestlers Johnson. December 9, the crew filmed dur- we run for about twenty min- there is more to wrestling than Surely the hardworking wres- ing the wrestling match for the utes then we do drill moves in the just fame. While the perks of be- tling team’s work is paying off. first time. An increased number wrestling room for about 15 min- ing filmed are also exciting for the With so many state titles and the of supporters were also present at utes. Then we do some technique, wrestlers, for many there is much upcoming show, the team is off to the match. and then we do live situations and more that keeps them working a great start to bringing more well- The match took place in the Lake then maybe some live wrestling. hard. deserved attention to the Lake Ste- Stevens gym underneath the many After school we warm up for about The support of the community vens community. Photos by Samantha Wade (left and center photos) and Sarah Ruiz (right photo) Left: Sophomore Brandon Johnson wrestles a Moses Lake student. Center: MTV crewmen record wrestling match for upcoming docu-series. Right: Senior Jack Reeves [Lake Stevens] wrestler pins down a Moses Lake student for the win. Leigha Staffenhagen’s love of the Beatles and Converse makes for one unique “Cheerio” by Benny Saack One Lake Stevens’ cheerleader isn’t afraid to break the traditional cheerleader mold to create a look all her own Staff Reporter Leigha Staffenhagen is like a transformer. school,” said Leigha. “I would really like to be a baker and There’s more to her than meets the eye. The thing she is most passionate about is her own my own bakery,” said Staffenha- Staffenhagen goes against cheerleader dancing, she has been doing it for thirteen years gen. stereotypes by taking AP classes. One and practices regularly. This extraordinary goal just proves of the main things that set Something that is truly impres- that this student is a truly interesting Staffenhagen apart is her sive about this cheerleader is individual. unique personality. “I love her challenging classes. Leigha does a lot outside of school the Beatles, and I kind of She is currently in AP too. One of her favorite things to do prance around the halls like English and AP U.S. is cook. an idiot,” said Staffenhagen. History and is involved “I really like to make fried po- Needless to say, Leigha is a with DECA and partici- tatoes. Cooking is great, but I hate different sort of person. She is ex- pating in the anual competi- cleaning up” traordinarily outgoing and char- tion. As a student, she goes above Aria Wexler, Leigha’s self pro- ismatic. and beyond what is required. Her mo- claimed best friend has nothing but Leigha said she tried out for tivation to succeed combined with her good things to say about her. cheer because she wanted to be involvement in school activities is truly “I have been BFF’s with Leigha a bigger part of Lake Stevens High remarkable. Staffenhagen since Kindegarten at Hill- School. Though she is a part of “I like to challenge myself and at- crest in Mrs. Ogden’s class!,” said Wex- DECA, she wanted to expand her tempt things that are more difficult ler school involvement to have a well than I’m used to,” said Staffenhagen. Overall, Leigha is a very well -rounded rounded high school experience. This ambitious student’s goals ex- individual. Cook, cheerleader and high “I’m a dancer and I thought tend far beyond high school. She has achieving student. The only question that dance and cheer went well a passion for cooking and hopes that seems to remain; is there anything together, and I really wanted to take this skill and apply it to Leigha can’t do? to get more involved with our her future career. Photos by Veronica Walker
sports5 Snowboarding - not a hobby, a lifestyle US World Cup bid denied Two students make the most of this season’s snow by Paige Whitney Qatar to host 2022 Cup by Austin Carlton Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Farmer. Farmer and Lavering Turns out U.S. soccer fans will have to wait until pride themselves on being at least 2026 before they get another chance to host huge risk takers. They never hesitate to perform intense the world’s largest cup dedicated to the world’s most stunts. popular sport. On December 2, 2010, many U.S. soccer “My favorite is a double fans felt World Cup 2022 was snatched away after the backflip,” said Farmer, “There small gulf country of Qatar was announced to be the are no rules ‘cept when city host of the 2022 World Cup. The U.S. bid for the cup hall kicks you out during an was backed by big names such as Morgan Freemam urban sesh.” In snowboard language, “sesh” means for and Bill Clinton. session. “I am surprised to hear of so many high-profile peo- These two impressive ple supporting the bid,” said junior Sydney Peterson. young men put their life into The support of these famous Americans shows snowboarding and see it the growth and support of professional soccer in this Photo courtesy of Benjamin Farmer more than a sport to do on Senior Ryan Lavering (left) and junior Benjamin Farmer (right) the weekends. country. gear up for a day on the slopes. “It makes me look cool. The bid included the proposed use of stadiums in Just kidding ‘cause it’s really 19 different cities: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Every winter students a video game but has turned fun, duh. You don’t have a Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los An- gear up for the upcom- into a lifestyle. They snow- coach ruling your life. You do geles Miami, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, ing snowboarding season. board anywhere they can. what you want and how you Phoenix, San Diego, Seattle, Tampa and Washington Snowboarding has become a However, they prefer some want do it,” said Farmer. D.C. common hobby at Lake Ste- places over others. Lavering added, “Snow- vens High School. “Steven’s Pass is the great- boarding is about friends, The announcement that the U.S. had its bid denied However, for senior Ryan est place on earth. Baker is new tricks, blacking out a was a significant blow to those who wanted this bid to Lavering and junior Benja- perty cute too. Oh and Ben’s few times a day trying to be the sign of the U.S.’s coming of age in the world of min Farmer, it is more than a backyard. Booya!” said La- do a 720, Ben blowing up soccer. hobby. vering. his spleen, slashing powder, Though the U.S. has hosted one FIFA World Cup “I was like 12 when I start- These two boarders have sticking your tongue on lift in 1994, many feel that the U.S. soccer program has ed. We got a game called Am- also met their fair share of polls, laughing, having ev- ped for Christmas. It made famous snowboarders. improved greatly since then and that if given another erything possible go wrong me want to be on snow, and “Aaron Brittner was the but not caring ‘cause you’re chance, the U.S. could truly come to except the sport, then my brother was a huge first one I met. Me and Ben snowboarding, but most of which has been hit and miss in the country for so long. influence,” said Farmer. were super nervous. I think all being away from every- Regardless, of U.S. fans’ feelings on Qatar’s winning Lavering also started in a I said, ‘You are really cool’ or thing.” of the bid, their winning marks a milestone for the similar way. something like that. I’ve met Although they have both cup as they are to be the first Middle Eastern nation “Amped kind of intro- billions more since him,” said been injured, they continue to get the chance to host a world cup. Qatar’s bid was duced me to the sport. Then Lavering. to pursue the sport and per- I got one of them little plas- Lavering and Farmer are fect their skills. comprised of plans for new stadiums and accommoda- tic snowboards from Target, so dedicated to boarding, Farmer and Lavering have tions for the world’s soccer fans that would no doubt and I’d go to my cabin and they don’t even need snow. an infatuation with snow- flock to see their national teams compete. Recently spend days just building little This type of boarding is called boarding that will always be Qatar has requested that they host the cup in a winter jumps and doing little 180’s “jibbing”. Jibbing is used as a a part of their winter season month as opposed to summer as per usual, due to the and things. Then I started replacement when there isn’t and a permanent part of their extreme summer heat which can exceed temperatures riding at Steven’s and that is any snow available. lives. As these two continue basically where my life be- “Jibbing is riding on any- with their passion of snow- of 105°F. gan,” said Lavering. thing that isn’t snow. It is boarding, many students are Russia was also announced on December 2nd to be Their hobby started with also sometimes death,” said sure to follow suit. the host country of the 2018 World cup. Girls’ Basketball adds to their winning record by Sarah Ruiz Editor and Chief Another winning season will most likely take the team to State for the second year in a row Last Wednesday the Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team played against Jack- teams. The Vikings’ starting line took the court after receiving cheers from son in the Lake Stevens’ gymnasium. The Lady Vikings took to the court the crowd, cheerleaders and mascots. Starting for the Vikings was junior to warm up while listening to music and wearing their matching shoes. Katie Goddard, senior Meghan Warbis, senior Corrine Burke, junior Abigail Fans of the Vikings cheered as the starting line-up was announced for both Molstre and sophomore Brooke Pahukoa. Interestingly enough, both teams had a set of twins on their roster, Brooke and Brittney Pahukoa for Lake and Kaitlyn and Megan McArthur for Jackson. Taking the tip-off for Lake Stevens was Brooke Pahukoa and Hayley Gjertsen for Jackson. Gjertsen won possession of the ball for Jackson, but Goddard grabbed the ball from Jackson and brought the ball down to Lake’s side where she scored a basket in the first minute of the quarter. When the second quarter kicked off, Molstre was on fire and her aggres- sion paid off as she won multiple rebounds and managed to make a number of steals. A memorable moment in the second quarter was when Brooke Pahukoa went in for a shot, and made it, but did not receive the basket because she had taken down her defender, receiving a foul. A long pass at the end of the quarter from senior Mahea Puha to Goddard led to another point, and a score of 25-19, Vikings. Returning from halftime for the Vikings was Burke, Brooke Pahukoa, Warbis, Goddard and senior Kayla Wilson. Burke played a strong game as point guard by playing smart and remembering to the slow the ball. Senior Jolana Ziskovsky kept Jackson at bay with strong defense and by the end of the quarter the score was 35-26. During the fourth quarter Burke had to be helped off the court after a tough fall, but she made an appearance back in the game; her game did not Photo courtesy of lkstevens.wednet.edu seem to suffer from her previous injury either. Brooke Pahukoa scored a The Girls’ Varsity team’s record as of January 20, 2011 was 15 wins and only remarkable basket after she fought through the Jackson defense to put up two losses. Upcoming games the following Friday could add to the girls’ win- a basket to bring the score to 40-30, with two minutes left to the end of the ning record. game. The end of the game came to a close with a score of 44-32, Vikings.
6focus What are students looking forward to most i junior junior Taytum “[I’m looking forward to] getting my AP tests out of the way.” Troy Mateo junior “Second semester I would like to see more guys Rami Nasr wearing V-neck sweat- Kreutzer ers, especially on Logan Merrill, Peter Ruiz, Ty Partington and Nick “[I’m looking forward to] better Majors!” classes and more challenges.” Traveling back in time by Avery Cavazos A&E Editor E Reviewing the pop culture from 2010 R As the New Year continues onward, people ceremonies. Most notable was Lady Gaga’s many Tw take a look at the past year with all its ups and surprise outfits at the VMA’s, especially her dress lead downs. made entirely of meat. Taylor Swift also took her Th Last year many artists and bands became well stand when she sang “Innocent” in response to pear known and gained a large following. These artists Kanye West’s interruption of her acceptance attem included Bruno Mars, The Ready Set, B.o.B., Trey speech at the VMA’s and stated that she forgave Bo Songz, Willow Smith and Jason Derulo. Many of him. their these artists had top spots on the MTV’s News The woman who captured the hearts, yet De Top 25 Songs of 2010; B.o.B. took two spots, at again, and was the face of 2010 comedy was 88 that #14 with “Nothin’ on You” featuring Bruno Mars, year-old Betty White, who made an astounding are c and #10 “Airplanes” featuring Hayley Williams skit on Saturday Night Live, and starred in many ing t from Paramore. light-hearted commercials. Eminem made a comeback with his songs “I’m There were many mainstream break-ups in Not Afraid” and “I Love the Way You Lie,” featur- the media including the shocking divorce of San- ing Rihanna. dra Bullock and her ex-husband, Jesse James, af- Pink, Katy Perry and Ke$ha made many catchy pop songs including Pink’s “Raise Your Glass,” ter discovering his many affairs. Also, the split of Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, Miley Cyrus’ Have yo Perry’s “Teenage Dream” and “Fireworks” and parents, was suspected to be caused by Tish’s in- Ke$ha’s “Your Love is my Drug,” “We Are Who We fidelity with Bret Michaels. Are” and “Tik Tok.” From the shocking outfits at the VMA’s to Artists also made statements at different award heartbreaking splits, 2010 will not be forgotten. Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions 10. Erase Miley Cyrus from existence 9. Create MySpaceBookTublr 8. Don’t go to prison…again 7. Become the Master of Disguise 6. To be the very best Pokemon trainer 5. Tame a magnificent eagle 4. Not get stuck in limbo 3. Get my Dark Mark removed 2. Accept senioritis 1. SURVIVE
focus7 in 2nd Semester? by Hailey Nobach Staff Reporter “[We’re looking “[We’re looking forward to] school Porscha Dacoscos Malory Gibson & sophomores forward to] almost being over and spring sports” new schedules and Meghan Warbis Alexis D’Souza & seniors how grades start over!” JAN Economy & Politics Update by Connor Wilson Republicans hope to repair deficit following recent elections Staff Reporter wo months ago mid-term elections placed republicans in control of the House of Representatives. With their newfound power and dership of republican John Boehner, the right wing plans to take control of the deficit by cutting government control and spending. his and the republican takeover are largely in part thanks to the Tea “Take Enough Already” Party, a party of republicans that ap- red in 2009 in response to President Obama’s economic stimulus and health care reform bill. Now, the House is using its power to mpt to extend Bush-era tax cuts. oehner plans on having the Constitution read aloud in the House chamber in an attempt to prove that “democrats have overstepped r constitutional authority,” according to BBC News. espite losing control of the House, President Obama plans on attempting to launch a second stimulus package. “I’m pretty confident t they’re going to recognize that our job is to govern and make sure that we are delivering jobs for the American people and that we creating a competitive economy for the 21st century. Not just for this generation but for the next one,” said President Obama accord- to National Review Online. ou made any New Year’s Resolutions? by Michelle Bennett Staff Reporter “[ I want to] quit bad habits. [It’s going] good so far. [I] haven’t done anything bad yet [but there are] lots of temptations.” - senior Mariah Eceves “[I want to] watch as many zombie movies as [I] can and to get as many different pairs of skinny jeans as [I] can. [I] haven’t started yet.” - sophomore Jessica Thornock “[I’m wanting to] get through college, get good grades, [and] hopefully pass.” - sophomore Ramon Granda “Be a better person. So far so good. [I’ve] been kind to everybody.” - sophomore Matt Browder “[I want to] get fit for track. [It’s going] good. Kinda, sorta, in a way trying to lose weight. [I’m going to] work out and run a lot.” - sophomore Julie Moore photos by Veronica Walker and Courtney Jardin pg. 7
8opinion One girl tackles two controversial pop culture discussions Plastic body parts take it too far by Hailey Nobach Staff Reporter TV is stealing our innocence Nose jobs, lipo- but that does not sound appealing to Who would have thought televisions would evolve from antennas and suction, face lifts me in any way, shape or form. VCR’s to televisions that can be hung on the wall and including a remote to and Botox injec- Then there are always the risks that change the channel? Technological advancements continue to impress many, tions are just accompany cosmetic surgery. Patients but these new and improved objects raise a new problem. a few of the take the chance of blood clots, stroke Casper the Friendly Ghost, the Flintstones, and Yogi the Bear were chil- many proce- or sometimes even death, and these dren’s favorites from the 50’s to the 70’s. The thing that all these shows had dures peo- are just a few of the many dangers. Of in common was innocence. ple undergo course, don’t take my word for it. Tune No one heard sexual comments, cuss words or alcohol references. Now to be consid- into any show, such as Dr. 90210, to viewers must be careful about what may or may not come on TV. Take the ered “beau- get some vivid scenes as to what these Burger King ad, “Square Butts,” for an example. It shows the Burger “King” tiful” in society. people inflict upon themselves. walking around with different women in Don’t get me Twenty-seven percent of both men tight short dresses, shaking their wrong, I like to look good in public and and woman ages 18-24 have already butts as if they were in a modern maintain my appearance, but the pain had cosmetic surgery according to the rap music video. Kids at such a that some people go through, and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic young age are influenced easily, and that commercial is portraying prices that they pay are ridiculous in Surgery. The human race has definitely and suggesting the way kids should my opinion. Is it really worth having to lost sight of the difference in the mean- dance and act, which is rather inappro- be drugged, knocked out, and having a ing of the words “need” and “want.” It priate in my opinion. knife cut your skin open just to be bet- would not surprise me if in the years However, kids are not the only victims ter looking, according to the public? ahead the age of cosmetic surgery here; I have found myself appalled at some Take a face lift for example, ac- starts to get younger and younger. of the things that I see on television. On cording to American Society for Aes- Everyday people fall for the words MTV they were advertising a new show thetic Plastic Surgery, the average “look like this today” and before and called Balls Out Comedy. Of course with cost would be around $6,298 and the after pictures advertised on TV, ra- the name they felt the need to show a recovery time is two to three weeks. dio or magazines. These advertise- boy walking around with his “private First, the surgeon makes incisions be- ments try to make people think that part” hanging out. Even though it was low the neck and around the hairline, with these “quick” fixes life could be blurred out, it was still unbelievable to and then separates the skin from the so much better. The world today has see this on TV. I wish there were more fat and muscles. He or she then cuts made most of us believe that we have shows that we could watch without or suctions the fat from the face, then to have perfect hair, skin and bodies, having our jaws drop at what we replaces the skin back on the face with pretty much perfect everything in or- see or hear. What happened to the stitches. Now, I don’t know about you, der to fit in. innocence? Rants and Raves... The complaints and compliments of the Valhalla staff “ “ “ Dear Eminem, I enjoy your music, I re- Last week was a very busy week, but I needed a ally do. Songs such as “I’m Not new purse, and I definitely didn’t have time to go to the Rave Afraid”, “Cinderella Man”, and mall. This led me to look online where I ended up buying “Like Toy Soldiers” have claimed the purse of my dreams with the click of a button! If you a permanent place in my heart. ask me, online shopping is the best invention ever. No sit- That being said. . .”Love the Way You Lie”. What on earth were “ ting in traffic, no having to elbow people in your way., just one click and it’s on its way, simple as that! “ you thinking? This song is outra- by Hailey Nobach geously awful. Every time I hear Rant this song on the radio, I change Staff Reporter the station, violently. I cannot stress this enough, that is NOT What’s with embarrassing parents these why they call it a windowpane. days? Everyday I come to school or talk to my by Riley Fraser friends about an embarrassing moment that hap- pened because of my parents. Like Sunday for ex- “ Staff Reporter ample, we went to Taco Bell to grab a quick lunch on the go; we roll up to the drive-thru window, and my stepdad hands the cashier his credit card. As the cashier closes the window to charge the card, My AP Art and U.S. History teacher amazes me. I can’t get I catch a glimpse of the cashier’s face. My jaw over how organized he is, and every day his organization shocks me. Perhaps I am so impressed because my lack of or- ganization has constantly made finding one assignment dif- ficult, but his ability to keep track of hundreds of documents “ dropped and I thought out loud, “He has pretty eyes.” So I mind my business, answer a text and as the cashier returns my stepdad’s card I hear, “My daughter thinks you have pretty eyes.” I wanted to Rave is incredible. He has a place for every single paper, book and computer file. The amount of material in both these classes is remarkable and the fact he so seemlessly organizes his material is a profound testament to his committment to his melt into the upholstery of the car and disappear. My stepdad added to my humiliation by asking, “So do you go to Lake Stevens High School?” As it turned out he graduated last year, so he would “ Rant classes. Mr. Talley, my hat’s off to you. by Sarah Ruiz have had no idea who I was (thankfully). The only Editor-in-Chief way it could have been more embarrassing would be if he had actually seen me. Needless to say I’ll be avoiding that Taco Bell like the plague. by Avery Cavazos “ the Valhalla Staff A&E Editor Editorial Board: Staff Reporters: Sarah Ruiz: Editor-in-Chief, Feature Editor Austin Carlton Alicia Terry: Design Editor, Focus Editor Kaylynn Tobias: Business Manager Avery Cavazos: A&E Editor Isabel Kowacz: Opinion Editor Riley Fraser Tatum McLeod Hailey Nobach Floral print is NOT dead and buried with your grandmother’s 1950’s vintage curtains. I personally be- lieve floral print is a necessity. Now maybe this is just me and my weird obsession with old lady clothes, but I really “ Rave Hannah Bartow: Sports Editor Jennifer Rojas Samantha Wade: News Editor Benny Saack do love my floral print dresses; I have one for practically Paige Whitney every day of the week. If I had it my way, I would have one Photographers: Connor Wilson for every day of the month. And for males, argyle, obvi- Courtney Jardin Michelle Bennett Veronica Walker Advisor: Julie Henggeler ously isn’t out of style either. by Isabel Kowacz Opinion Editor
opinion9 Old enough for war, but too young for alcohol? by Jennifer Rojas Staff Reporter People are questioning whether or not the government is fair about age restrictions Why is it that people have to not allowed to drink. I think that if people can People shouldn’t have to wait until they are be 21 years old to drink, but to vote they should have a say in whether or not 21 years old to drink because if you can join the be in the army they can be as they should be drinking. army when you are as young as 18 then stu- young as 18 years old? I ask If people have the choice of deciding to hold dents should have the choice whether to drink myself if this makes any a gun in their hands and fight for their coun- or not at that same age. sense, and no it doesn’t; try then why can’t they have that same choice Imagine not being able to make your own it’s all nonsense. when it comes to alcohol? choices, but having others make them for you, People are al- Those who are enlisted in the army demon- how would you feel? Don’t let others make lowed to and encour- strate that they are mature enough to make very the choices. No one knows when they will die aged to join the army, risky decisions. Enlisting in the army provides it could be today, tomorrow or in a month or where they fight for their country in wars responsibility for many. I think that respon- two. That’s why I think it’s important to do ev- with a significant chance of dying, but aren’t sibility is key to making good choices. For ex- erything you want to do before that day comes. allowed to go have a drink with friends. ample if people are responsible enough to fight Those who want to join the army should, but When turning 18 years old, people suddenly for their country, then it shows that they can be those who want to drink when 18 should also be become “adults”, earning the right to make their responsible for making the choice whether to allowed to. I believe that if you are responsible, own decisions. drink or not. then you can always make your own choices. Being able to smoke, own a gun, consent to Let’s be realistic, not everyone follows the If teens are responsible enough to join the sex, have a child, and die for one’s country on rules. Now-a-days when teens are told not to army, then they can be responsible with many the battlefield are some of the things that peo- do something, it’s like you’re telling them to go other things. For example moving out of their ple can do at the age of 18. That’s why I wonder do it. Teens don’t like it when they are prohibit- houses and being on their own. If they can do why it is that people who are capable of making ed from doing anything, so they decide to rebel that then they can make any choice as long as many decisions, like voting at the age of 18, are against the things they aren’t allowed to do. they make the right ones. Starting school later, the best idea since sliced bread Hello Vikings, Students might rather give up late starts than get up early by Tatum McCleod Staff Reporter It seems just a while ago that I was sitting at home at The most dreadful part of my day is when my alarm clock awakens me from a one in the afternoon, right after waking up and drink- deep slumber at the hour of 6 a.m. I am not a morning person and thrive in the ing hot cocoa during winter break. When I returned to night life. Unfortunately, school starts bright and early at 7:35 a.m., well be- school my mind seemed to be dragging, most likely still fore I am ever willing to be function, let alone learn. somewhere tangled in my sheets, asleep. However, my School should start later. Need I say more? mind had to quickly jump back into the school mode in I can be very irritable in the early hours of the day and am usually run- order to brace for the finals that loomed ahead. ning late to class. Finals are bogus, completely unnecessary in our high If school started later in the day, students would be less likely to make 1st school world. I would love to wave my magic wand and and 2nd period their siesta time. Also, students would be more likely to show forever banish the abomination teachers call finals. Our up to school on time or even show up to school in the first place! school year is divided into two parts, semester one and Doctors say that teens should be getting a little over nine hours of sleep a night. But let’s be semester two. As if it is not enough to have to work for honest, who goes to bed at 9 p.m. these days? With the immense amounts of homework I am nine months of the year, we are teased with a winter given, going to bed at a decent hour is near impossible. break before the end of semester one, and then bru- tally put through the horror of finals. Finally, studies show that teenagers peak in their circadian arousal (a psychology term) in I do understand that finals are almost four weeks the afternoon, around 11 p.m. Teenager’s thinking is at its sharpest and our memory is most after we come back from break, but we all know how accurate at this late hour. quickly a month goes by during school, and prepara- If school started later and first period didn’t start until after 8 a.m., then I would have a tions often starts much earlier than that. Many of us higher chance of getting better grades because I would be more awake. struggle as it is to come back after having two glorious The serotonin levels in teenagers don’t kick in until 11 p.m. which induces sleep. And it weeks off, and having finals even a month after break doesn’t evaporate until 8 a.m. which is when teens feel more awake. is torturous. The kinks in our necks from shoving our If teachers and the school board wants us, their students, to perform better in class, then the noses into books for hours is certainly not the way we time that school starts should be moved to later in the morning. should have to come back to school and prepare for se- mester two. Instead of having to transition from relaxing winter days to hump-busting workloads, we should be able to come back and wait to have finals till the very end of the year. Or there is always the option of completely eliminating finals. I see no need for a four-page test Get Focused that creates large scale panic to establish what we have learned. For one, it is too risky. Many students work on Your Studies hard through the entire semester and take the final and Choose from over 30 options of study from totally bomb it. This results in a poor grade for this stu- American Studies to Biology and Education. dent. No one’s grade should depend solely on one test. No test should have the power to so radically change a person’s grade. I vote to do away with finals. There is simply no need for such a quizzical and time consuming chal- lenge of our knowledge. I am tired of working hard for the school year only to have to up my studying time by nearly 100 percent to study for finals. Text books go from helpful tools of the learning process to a resented plenum of knowledge that I would rather throw in the recycling bin along with my soda pop cans. The people in charge should gift their students the elimination of finals. By ridding our lives of the hor- rible testing, students would be able to get more out of their school year. Think of all the time wasted in Join us for a housing tour! classes studying for material we have already learned. January 26, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Wouldn’t it be more productive and rewarding to in- stead teach us more? If finals are somehow necessary, UW Welcome Center then we should have only one at the very end of the school year. America is falling behind on the interna- 425.352.5000 | www.uwb.edu tional academic scale, and though I am not sure there Get Focused is a correlation, I blame finals, even if it is not its fault on Your Future at all. -Editor-in-Chief
10a&e Opposing Viewpoints: A look at Taylor Swift’s talent by Samantha Wade by Avery Cavazos A waste of the airwaves News Editor A&E Editor An inspirational pop goddess People all around the country same thing. Every song is about a The 21 year-old singing sensation, Swift put herself in that situation and need to stop drinking the Taylor boy, whether she has broken up with Taylor Swift, has gone through many thought about what she would do. Swift Kool-Aid. Swift is made out to one or just fallen in love; the lyrics changes in the past five years. Many She exemplifies her wisdom with be much more than she truly is. are all the same. These songs come idolize and border on adoration, and regards to regrets in life, “I’ve just had When the young pop-country star from a girl who claims girls don’t there are others who dislike her and to realize that what might have been first walked onto the music scene in need a boyfriend to be happy. Really, border on exasperation. is imaginary, and it’s this beautiful il- 2006, everyone was in awe. Swift? It seems to me that her songs Many people consider her music lusion of how it could have been if you The then 17 year-old was an inspi- are saying otherwise. to be repetitive, but that is simply be- had just done this right . . . But things ration to deranged teens in America Not only did Swift prove she can’t cause they have the emotional range don’t line up and boys don’t like you who had big dreams. Swift was the sing in public at the 2010 Grammys, of a rock. Her break-out song, “Tear- and you mess up for a reason,” said poster child for innocence and good but she has also finally lost whatev- drops on my Guitar” is about a guy Swift according to an interview with old family values. er creativity she had left. When she who she cared about so much that she Seventeen magazine. Recently it seems that Swift has sang “You’re not Sorry” at the 2010 would sit in class everyday and listen Taylor Swift has not only captured been losing her family values. For VMA’s, the lyrics sounded awfully to him talk, about another girl. the hearts of countless teenage girls, instance, this year many spent their close to the song “Apologize” by One Sophomore Carina Elston said, “I but she has also reached out to a Thanksgiving dinners with their Republic. listen to death metal, and I younger audience. families; however, the pop star flew Taylor Swift was inspirational in still listen to Taylor Swift,” “I like Taylor Swift be- out to Brooklyn to spend time with the beginning, and I admit some of showing Swift’s ability to cause her music makes me her new beau, Jake her songs are fun to appeal to a larger audi- wanna dance,” said pre- Gyllenhaal. blast in the car, but ence. schooler, five year-old Joely Swift also receives let’s stop trying to Swift also admits McManus from Lake Ste- mad props from make her out to be that the idea of her song vens with a smile. some for the fact that something she’s not. “Speak Now” came from No matter what she sings she writes all of her Swift is just another a real-life situation, in about, there is no doubt she own songs. But let’s country star, she is which her friend was touches the hearts of count- be honest, all the not the Dalai Lama or confronted with her first less girls. songs are about the the next Elvis Presley. love getting married; Photos courtesy of creativecommons.org Dead Space 2: Sounds Around the Sound by Alicia Terry Design Editor Journey deep into the by Riley Fraser Ra Ra Riot, an American indie rock band, is coming to Seattle. They have a fun, funky vibe that ev- eryone can enjoy, especially Northwest natives. Fans of Passion Pit, The Shins or Vampire Weekend will dark secrets of space Staff Reporter want to see these New Yorkers at Neumos on Thursday, January 27th at 8 p.m. 1990’s hit band Cake is making their comeback! You may remember hearing that they came to Seattle for the 2010 Deck the Hall Ball, and they’re on their way back for a show at the Moore Theater at 8 p.m. Survival horror games have created a standard, on February 12th. The American alternative rock band from Sacramento, California just came out with a almost conformist formula for their genre: aliens, new album, titled Showroom of Compassion, that is worth listening to. If you’re interested in Weezer, The zombies or demons are after you; you’re all alone, Strokes or Tom Petty, check out their new album or go see them at the Moore! and you must kill the aforementioned fiends. On February 16th, Ke$ha is coming to the Showbox Sodo. Ke$ha has cited artists such as Madonna, Combined with the sci-fi element of outer space, Debbie Harry, Queen, Johnny Cash, Aaron Neville, Bob Dylan and Beastie Boys as musical influences and this plotline can be very cliché. has a fun-loving sound that is great to dance to, or to rock out to inby your car. If Lady Gaga, Cascada and photo However, one game stands out in this crowd, sdfasdfasfasfsdfasdfasd Cobra Starship are on your iPod, you would love seeing this American pop singer/songwriter at 7 p.m. with its disturbingly twisted visuals, grippingly at the Sodo. detailed story and unique combat system that earned it the title of 2008 Game of the Year. This January, gamers will once again follow the horri- fying adventures of Isaac Clarke in Dead Space 2 for the Xbox360, Playstation 3 and PC. Following the events of the first game, three years after engineer Isaac Clarke escaped the murderous onslaught of the necromorphs, Isaac Photo courtesy of creativecommons.org finds himself on the Sprawl, a space station lo- cated on one of Saturn’s moons. Haunted by his traumatic ordeal aboard the USG Ishimura, and suffering from a lethal form of dementia, Isaac is Echoreason impresses Lake Stevens again by Benny Saack Staff Reporter suddenly thrown back into the nightmare as the alien infection arrives onboard the station, begin- The release of their new album, Observations, is sure to please ning round two of his struggle against the alien David Whitlock, an alumnus Lake Stevens community in general, in an album…It feels and sounds like menace. of Lake Stevens High School and but Whitlock also considers the al- a real rock record. It was so strange Dead Space 2 will feature a broader storyline, 2010 Prom King, has soared to new bum a great personal success, and to me to see a barcode on the back with larger environments, new weapons and an heights by getting his band out of overall a fulfilling experience. and shrink wrap over the case,” said improved protagonist. Isaac will finally ditch the the garage. The band, Echoreason, “To me, it’s really a trip to be Whitlock. irritating silent protagonist persona and use dia- has just released its first- ever CD, playing with these guys in the first Echoreason is sure to survive Observations. The album transcends place; as Eric Krakora’s band 4orth- past the college years. Whitlock logue and story to relay the plot and his personal- the norms of generic music by in- coming was the band I looked up to stated that the next album will be ity. corporating an edgy progressive back when I started playing at all in released on a label, and they have Isaac will also not be outmatched against his sound with impressive talent. What seventh grade. I never would have an extensive tour of the West Coast enemies as before; the game developers have de- really makes the album is the guitar. guessed I’d now be working with planned for the summer. signed the game to have moments of pacing where When Whitlock gets into his groove, these guys. Observations is really “This summer we’re planning Isaac is in control of the battle and is the superior he transforms into an inexorable more than I could’ve ever hoped for a tour that starts in Seattle, goes threat to balance out the familiar moments of vul- dynamo of the fret board. down the West Coast through Cali- nerability and panic from the first game. “The [song] closer “Observa- fornia and Nevada, through Ari- One new feature that is sure to excite gamers tions From Earth” deals particu- zona and New Mexico and ends up is the new multiplayer option, where gamers can larly with one more serious issue in Houston, Texas. I think the band play online as either security officers, who work I’ve struggled with coming from will survive through college for sure Lake Stevens; losing a friend from because this project is in a different together to accomplish a mission, or as necro- my graduating class and having a league than anything any of us have morphs, who try to stop the officers from com- few more currently struggle from done before,” said Whitlock. pleting the mission. drug problems. If you pull the disc So who knows? Maybe we will Fans of the first game are sure to enjoy the new- out from the CD tray, underneath it someday see the name Echoreason est chapter in the Dead Space saga, and should reads that the album is dedicated to in lights. prepare for tomorrow when the shuttle takes off Tyler [Reside],” said Whitlock. for the Sprawl. Not only is it a big deal for the Photo art courtesy of David Whitlock
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