May 30, 2008Sandpoint HigH ScHoolVoluMe 85, iSSue 9

Senior Edition

Over Christmas break, there were two confi rmed occurrences at Sandpoint High School, which involved students breaking into the building illegally, as well as three additional break-ins at the middle school, and an incident where students climbed onto the roof. While none of the damage was signifi cant these break-ins mark a trend of escalating disrespect for Sandpoint High School.

One of the incidences is believed to have occurred Jan. 1. It involved a break-in via the window of Mrs. Booth’s room, W14, where the perpetrators unplugged all the computers and moved them to one corner.

They pulled every desk and chair to the door so that it could not open from the outside.

“My gut level says they were trying to be funny and pull a senior prank and didn’t realize they had crossed the line,” Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said. “If someone really hated the school and wanted to do damage there are so many things they could break, so much damage they could do.”

While perhaps the break-in began as a senior prank, the laws that were broken included malicious injury to property and unlawful entry.

“I would say that this incident is more mischievous than a malicious,” Offi cer Chamberlain said, “however it’s still serious.”

Another incident, which is believed to be unrelated to the fi rst, involved a student who is believed to have procured a key to the gym scaling the rafter to draw graffi ti in bold permanent marker.

“The graffi ti was something like ‘I was here at 4:30 in the morning, HAHAHAHA.’” Kiebert said. “There’s a janitor in the gym at night, and he only took a couple of nights off. That’s really the only time this could have happened. We’re going to be counting keys of teachers and coaches.”

A similar occurrence over break involved people climbing onto the SHS roof and unplugging the air handles which disabled the boiler

FEBRUARY 1, 2007SANDPOINT HIGH SCHOOL

In this last year, the obesity rate in Idaho has raised to 22.4

percent, according to a new report done by Trust for America’s Health.

Some schools are taking out saturated fats from their lunch menus. Others are installing the hit video game “Dance Dance Revolution”, also known as “DDR”, to help kids want to exercise. But what has Sandpoint High done to try to help control the obesity rate?

“We do serve a french fry that has a special coating that’s supposed to retain less of the oils than just your regular french fry,” Kitchen Coordinator Dottie Davis said.

There has also been a recent change in the cinnamon rolls.

“[The Director of Food Services has been] working diligently on the menu changing,” Davis said.

According to Davis, french fries and pizza

pockets are the two main items sold at lunch. Although there are healthier choices, such as sub sandwiches and salads, they don’t seem to be as popular.

“Kids don’t necessarily want to eat healthy all the time,” Davis said.

Along with a healthy diet, adequate exercise is also needed to maintain a healthy weight.

West Virginia, California, Alaska, and many more states have found that the video game, “Dance Dance Revolution”, is getting kids excited about exercising.

“I think it’s a pretty good idea if it gets kids active,” teacher Dave Miles, head of the Video Game Club said.

“Dance Dance Revolution” is a video game controlled by the players’ feet. It was released by Konami in Japan in 1998 and made its way to the U.S. by 2000.

RYAN WILLIAMSSta� writer

■ STUDY SESSION: Freshmen Shannon Stanley and Nicole Straley receive help from one another and their Pathfi nder mentors at the Jan. 18 Cram Jam Session.

■ IN DEVELOPMENT: Areas in Sandpoint are experiencing a dramatic change in overall land-scape; The Seasons at Sandpoint displays this through their addition of more condos.

LEIGH LIVINGSTONE

SAMANTHA MAY

Many � nd excessive homework to simply be busy-work

To many, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Sandpoint, Idaho is rapidly expanding. Everywhere one looks they will see some new building or foundation evolving from the ground up.

One of the most well-known buildings is the new Panhandle State Bank structure being built in downtown Sandpoint. The bank is being constructed over the now abandoned grave of Harold’s grocery store.

When passing by the construction site it is apparent that the building has a ways to go before it is ready to function.

“The bank will be open around the third quarter of ’07 or possibly as late as the fourth,” Anita Porter, Panhandle State Bank Commercial Loan Offi cer, said.

The new addition to the Panhandle State Bank Corporation will certainly have many job openings.

“We are constantly hiring because Sandpoint is

the corporate headquarters for Panhandle State Bank,” said Porter.

As well as servicing all your fi nancial needs the new building will also have space for rent for other businesses.

“There is going to be space beyond the bank’s use,” Porter said. “There’s even talk of a deli being put in the building.”

The old bank building will still keep its drive-up teller window, but the rest of the employees and their offi ces will be moved to the new location.

With the construction of the new building there will also be job opportunities for high school students, so teenagers who want extra cash now have another opportunity to fi nd a job.

“In the past we have had high school students who have fi lled in several positions,” Porter said.

Even though there may still be a long wait for the new bank to open, many wait in anticipation for the newest addition to the downtown Sandpoint metropolitan area.

KARINA OLSONSta� writer

Obesity Rise:

Co-Assistant Sports Editor

Changes in Sandpoint provide students with job opportunities

schools take action to counter national problem

VOLUME 84, ISSUE 4

LEIGH LIVINGSTONE

page 9

For many students homework is the most disliked aspect of school. The real question is not whether teachers will stop giving it, but how much they should give.

“Homework is a way for students to reinforce the learning that takes place during the day,” Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said.

The biggest issue is in the content of the homework.

“Is it something to keep busy or something to promote a concept?” science teacher Woody Aunan said. “It has to be meaningful or there is no point.”

Most students agree that busy work is a waste of time.

“Teachers need to understand kids have extracurricular activities and have a social life and a family,” junior Alissa Tenuto said. “Usually homework is a lot of busy-work, and that’s a waste of time, and it’s ridiculous.”

But how much homework is a fair amount?

“I try to stick to a pace of material,” science teacher Jim Barton said. “Sometimes there is time in class, and

some kids in class do it. Many kids today would rather

social ize

and then theoretically do it [at home].”Other teachers agree.“If every teacher gave an hour of

homework it doesn’t work,” Aunan said.

“I’m not going to ask for more than 20 minutes. I have to be conscious that kids have other things going on.”

Students expect to have homework, but they expect it to be reasonable.

“If you assign hours and hours, then kids will fi nd ways to cut corners and copy their friends, and then there’s no point anymore,” junior Isabella Guida said.

According to the high school newsletter: “Your son or

daughter should typically have homework every night while attending SHS. There are, of course, some

classes which require more and some less homework. Homework is designed not only to reinforce learning in the classroom by practicing concepts and skills again at home, but also to give students time to digest new learning in a calm, quiet setting.”

A study performed in 2000 by the U.S. Department of

Education found that in the fourth and eighth grades, students scored better on a math assessment if they had between

page 10

CHELSEA KARDOKUSJournalism 1 contributor

A student-run branch of Horizon Credit Union in collaboration with the Lake Pend Oreille School District will be opening in mid-February in Sandpoint High’s halls.

“They [the students] can expect a full service bank branch here in the school staffed by their peers,” Career Pathways teacher Rick Rhodes said.

Nine SHS students have trained during the fi rst semester in order to operate the credit union.

“They are getting the exact same

MORGAN WILLSAssistant Editor

Student-run bank arrives at SHS

Creatine vs. STEROIDS: School athletes find

heathy aid in powder

Wei

WILL HUGHES

High School Gambling: Students involved in latest craze

High school break-ins more mischievious than malicious

downghed

Usually homework is a lot of busy-work, and that’s a waste of time, and it’s ridiculous.

-Alissa Tenuto Junior

“

”Homework continued/page 2

Weight continued/page 2

Credit Union continued/page 2Break-in continued/page 2

TheOff enses

Page 2Cedar Post

■ MONEY MAKER: Workers diligently help build the new student-run branch of Horizon Credit Union.

Merit Pay SHS students’ test scores may soon be deciding factor in teachers’ pay raises

Highway division proposed for

Westmond area

HEATHER ALLEN

15 and 45 minutes of homework a night rather than if they had an hour or more. By grade twelve, all students who had any amount of homework scored about the same.

Maybe teachers should consider these statistics when assigning hours of homework every night. However, it doesn’t look like the homework load will begin to decrease soon.

According to a 2004 national survey of 2,900 American children conducted by the University of Michigan, the amount of time spent on homework is up 51 percent since 1981.

If homework time continues to increase it could become harder to fit sports or other extracurricular activities into the schedules of students.

An Idaho State Board of Education subcommittee is considering the possibility of offering a two percent bonus for high school teachers who raise their students’ ISAT test scores. The intention is to increase accountability for taxpayer dollars and to give incentive to teachers to work harder.

“I think it’s a horrible idea,” math teacher Mary Bird said. She believes that the new law would put too much pressure on the teachers and not enough on students. “What if a student really hated a teacher? They could intentionally do poorly to cost the teacher,” Bird said. “How can I control if a student takes a test seriously? What if they just answer C, C, C so they can get through it?”

Bird also believes this law would be a disadvantage to students with a lower GPA.

“If a student were failing in a class, the teacher would immediately try to get the student switched out,” Bird said.

Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert agrees. “Teachers already give 100 percent,”

Kiebert said. Kiebert believes that the teachers there

wouldn’t work any harder even if they were paid more.

“We’re not here for the money,” tech teacher Alex Gray said. “I think most people

training that any of our new tellers get entering the credit union,” Horizon Credit Union Business Developer Kasey Heinz said.

The training has involved everything from security issues to account management.

“We’ve been watching videos and going through packets of technical stuff,” senior Maize Oliver said.

Managing accounts requires a large base of fiscal knowledge.

“There are 12 different types of accounts, like checking…” sophomore Jarae Nordgaarden said.

The services received will be those of a regular Horizon Credit Union.

“It will have all the normal: vaults, security cameras, security alarms, all that good stuff,” Heinz said.

Students and staff who have Horizon accounts will be able to use the services of the credit union.

“It will be available to those who have Horizon accounts,” Heinz said. “We will be giving something free [to those who start accounts].”

The student-run branch will not be open before and after school.

“It’s only open during lunch,” Oliver said.

The student bank tellers will also be

profiting from the new branch.“I find a lot of information about things

people try to do to get more money and steal money, and it’s just really interesting,” Oliver said.

These students have formal training that can be used outside of Sandpoint High School.

“If after high school you don’t have

anywhere to work, you already have training about banks and credit unions,” Norgaarden said.

The Horizon Credit Union branch has already been a positive addition for both the school district and Horizon Credit Union.

“We’re the first in the state,” Principal Dr. Becky Kiebert said.

CREDIT UNION: continued from page 1

here are here because it’s a beautiful place to live and because their family lives here.”

He also thinks there would be too much “teaching to the test,” where teachers structure their classes based on the questions on the ISAT.

SHS librarian Tony Delewese, librarian at Sandpoint High, believes there are serious fl aws with awarding merit pay. He thinks

the law is unfair to teachers and faculty like him because they don’t teach core classes. “How would a P.E. or technical teacher get paid?” Delewese said.

Delewese believes that merit pay should be awarded for exceptional teaching ideas or after-

hours efforts instead of test scores.The committee hasn’t settled on any

specifi c ideas on how to measure academic growth yet. They believe they are likely to fi nd that basing pay on merit means more than sweetening teachers’ paychecks for a job well done.

Merit pay is increasingly attractive to taxpayers, lawmakers and businesses that want greater accountability for the dollars they put into education. The committee also believes that the program will raise academic standards and improve test scores in all areas

The governor has shown his support for the program and the committee is expected to reach a decision in the near future.

We’re not here for the money.

-Alex GrayTech Teachers

“

”

BREAK-IN: continued from page 1

WEIGHT: continued from page 1

The Pend Oreille Arts Council has put up a new visual art exhibit that can be found in the Old Power House, featuring foreign places and people.

The exhibit contains a quilt made with fabrics from 10 foreign countries, an exotic stamp collage, artwork portraying different countries and a personal illustrated travel journal. The passport exhibit opened on Jan. 12 and will be open for viewing until March 5.

“We are always amazed with the response of the local artists to our themes. Passport is a great example for the initiative and creativity of this community,” Vice President of Visual Arts Sue Vogelsinger said.

Briefl y:News around SHS

Passport exhibit showcases artwork

system at SHS and while not causing serious damage put strain on the boilers.

To combat situations such as these, Kiebert is planning to implement a 16-30 digital camera security system which will be monitored on the hour as well as requesting increased police patrols of the area around Sandpoint High School during breaks as well as placing night custodians on alert status. Investigations are underway in both cases with fi ngerprints taken from W14 just coming back from the lab.

“I usually let offi cer Chamberlain deal with the investigation,” Kiebert said “ I’m not involved until he says “I have this information…” and then we decide if its egregious enough to put through the criminal justice system, but usually we just deal with it at school.”

HOMEWORK: continued from page 1

KEEGAN DUNN

Journalism 1 contributor The Idaho Department of Transportation has proposed that by year 2034, a divivded highway will be placed through Cocolalla as well as Sagle, to the north. This project’s alleged “path of destruction” will displace and destroy many of the local businesses as well as mangle the landscape that has made the area what it is today.

“I can’t imagine what Westmond would be without this store. It’s a meeting place for the whole community,” owner of Westmond Store Nancy Fitzgerald said.

It would seem that the undergoing of this project would ruin the atmosphere of the area and leave many residents remembering it as a nonstalgic memory of what it once was.

Other business that would be removed in the creation of the divided highway would include the View Cafe, Tri-Con Bolt, and The Long Bridge Bar & Grill.

In addition, the divided highway will affect a local cemetery in the community of Westmond.

Though the matter of dealing with cemetery has not yet been worked out by the IDT, there has been speculation that the two branches of the highway will simply go around it, leaving it in the center of two busy bustling motoways.

“I fi nd it quite disrespectful to the people buried in the cemetery and their families for it to be place between two busy roadways,” local resident Jerry Stern said.

Altogether, the idea of a divided highway seems as though it won’t be very easily accepted by the inhabitants of Cocolalla and Westmond.

Though it is proposed to be a project that will make people’s lives easier, for this local community, it will only irreversibly alter them.

Journalism I contributerJACOB CRANER

“I don’t feel guilty for playing this sort of video game ‘cause I know I’m getting some exercise,” junior Cameron Hay said, “You feel like your interacting more with the game than just touching a button with your thumb.”

Is there a chance for a DDR being installed in our school?

“I’m assuming with the budget crunch right now that the chance is probably really, really small,” Miles said.

Each setup can cost around $2,000.

February 1, 2007

The Cedar Post is governed by the same legal rights as the professional press. Under the First Amendment, we reserve the right to free expression and freedom of the press. The student newspaper of Sandpoint High School is an open public forum for the students of Sandpoint High School and the community of Sandpoint, Idaho, with its editorial board making all decisions concerning its con-tents; it is not subject to prior review by administration, faculty, or community members.

Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Letters to the editor must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name upon request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all let-ters are subject to law governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents for the paper.

Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should an opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.

Editorial Policy

Sandpoint High School410 South Division

Sandpoint, ID 83864(208) 263-3034 ext 244editor@shscedarpost.com

Printed by the Coeur d’Alene Press

The CP strongly encourages you to voice your opinion through the student paper. E-mail your letter or bring it by E8.

CALLIE FIEDLER

MORGAN WILLS

ANNA THORELL

CORINNE FLOWERS

Editor in Chief

Assistant Editor

O� ce Manager

Adviser

FELICIA READ

February 1, 2007Cedar Post Page 3

Our ViewSandpoint offers much more than a well-developed party scene.

Enjoy the snow or move on

From the womb to the world: cutting the cord

� at’s all I’ve got - a quick ver-bal token tribute to someone else’s tragedy . . . but my mind is already wandering back to my � ashcards, my quarters, my life.

Advertising Manager

Make the best of high school— dances included

also the undeniable fact that Sandpoint is situated directly between Idaho’s largest lake as well as its largest ski resort. Convenient? I should say.

When it comes down to it, Sandpoint’s spectacular topography is not only beautiful but also functional, providing the opportunities to practice the extreme sport of one’s choice. Yeah, gear is expensive, and, yes, not everyone has a boat or two laying around in their garage, but there are ways in the tradition of Abbie Hoffman (wrote a guide to living basically

for free called “Steal This Book”) to “circumvent the cost and go straight to the fun” such as working a few hours a week at Schweitzer, buying demo gear from the alpine shop, riding the bus (which is free for employees),

buying used iced skates and in the summer just mooching off of boat owning friends. So, next time Friday rolls around, consider the benefi ts of going to bed with a glass of warm milk at 10 p.m. instead of stumbling home at 4 a.m., getting all confrontational like with the parents and settling into bed at 5:30 am. Waking up early isn’t necessarily impossible, or futile, powder skiing trumps a hangover any day.

Five score and six years ago our great grandparents’ generation brought forth a new town on the map, Sandpoint.

That very same year it snowed. It has snowed every year since then, and will it continue to snow. I have a dream that one day people will move here, knowing it snows and becomes cold.

For those who cannot comprehend this season called “winter,” I have serious concerns for their sanity. I am puzzled by how these newcomers do not realize Schweitzer is a ski and snowboard resort. Do they believe we watch the creation of new runs just to see the rock exposed?

For those who don’t know or are geographically challenged, we are only 60 miles from the Canadian border. During the winter there are only two types of people, those who would sell their soul for powder, and those who do not belong here. I believe we have come to the point where we face a choice: people stop complaining about the snow so those who love it can enjoy it; or my personal favorite; we round up all the winter haters and sacrifi ce them to the snow god.

I give those who don’t like the snow a choice to refl ect upon. Either stop complaining and start enjoying winter or go back to the infernal regions of hellish wastelands where snow doesn’t stand a chance. Let it snow.

Saddam Hussein, one of the most evil men of the twentieth century, is dead. Forgive me, I’m playing catch up here, but it took me two or three days to hear about this. Because, after all, in Sandpoint, I’m still writing up fl ashcards, still scrounging for change to pay for my gas, still crawling to school in the dark every morning in that caravan of Division taillights. I suppose if I cared to I could watch his execution on Youtube, but that’s just the thing... I don’t.

To tell the truth, I lent more thought to the death of the Croc Hunter. (Never mind I never watched the show, never even found the spoofs funny, and Saddam has been a major player in history since before I was even a honeymoon tequila shot, and his death will radically change the world stage I’m growing up on.)

For, in my life, I’ve never not known of death. Or AIDS. Or gangs, school shootings, rape, racism, child abuse, domestic violence, divorce, kidnap, extinction, global warming, poverty, disaster. I can remember arguing over my kindergarten crush with another girl — “I’m his wife! You’re his ex-wife!” I can remember cutting up National Geographics for craft time, and right there next to the giraffes were the starving children of Africa, guts distended, covered in fl ies. The same year the twin towers fell, I got the “girls’ talk” about my “changing body” and what a “scary, exciting time” I would now be entering.

Now that I’m 16, I say the same thing I did when I was 11, and watched the bodies fall, when I watched the Columbine coverage, when babies go missing or kids plow their cars into trees; as when I was 8 and I asked how the African children could be starving when they

were so fat — “Oh, that’s so sad.” That’s all I’ve got — a quick verbal token

tribute to someone else’s tragedy, maybe a concerned question with my brows drawn together, but my mind is already wandering back to my fl ashcards, my quarters, my life. I didn’t really feel anything. I’ve never been to Egypt, but, duh, I know what the pyramids look like. They’ve always been there, will always be there during my lifetime, and, no, aren’t particularly wondrous anymore. Just as the pyramids, my world has always been this demented, this murderous, this chaotic and sad. It’s not particularly alarming.

It’s not just the “freak accidents,” those things that “happen to other people” — my own dad held his young wife in his arms as she told him “I don’t want to die.” He drove her 80 mph, unbuckled, down

Baldy Road, worrying that at the bottom there would be a train. He became a widower sitting shivering under the buzzing fl uorescent of the ER, shirtless and barefoot on the linoleum... that doesn’t mean I don’t leave my dirty dishes in the sink or drive him half crazy with worry, or have never slammed the car door in his face.

Am I completely desensitized? Have I really reached a point where nothing can impress me, nothing can make me pause in my own oh-so-busy life? Is this what our modern day empathy boils down to? A couple of yellow arm bands, “keep the change,” and e-mail forwards, subject: “sooooooooo sad!!!!!111!” that warns us if we don’t send a poem about Timmy, the cancer kid, to at least 30 people we “HAV NO SOUL!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!!”

I delete those emails.

“Fwd: if u dont read this u hav no soul!!!!!!!!”

The ‘lazy’ days of winter

January makes me feel new. I’m a newborn baby just birthed into the world.

January is the maternity ward. December is the umbilical cord.

By December I feel dirty from the fi lth as if I haven’t fi nished anything; but with a new year comes soap for cleansing and some conditioner to revitalize my hairs. I get to wash away everything and start fresh.

January gives me motivation to get things done, but sadly that motivation doesn’t usually last longer than February. Just something about this month excites me to complete project. For example there’s the always diffi cult task of cleaning my room so I can actually see what lies beneath the layer of grey dust covering my dressers and shelves. Or I’ll spontaneously itch to begin a new hobby or rekindle old ones like creating collages or writing stories or just drawing.

And resolutions! Don’t even get me started on resolutions. I love resolutions. You’re setting a goal, and it gives you something to actually reach for. It also

makes you feel toasty and fl uffy on the inside, like a good human being.

The birth of the new year is not the only time you can make resolutions for yourself, it’s quite healthy and rewarding to set goals though out the 12 months.

Take a few steps back, I’d say about three, and view what you made out of the year. A year is a freaking long time, but you know that. There’s ample time to take a couple of adventures, plan a couple of quests, frolic in a couple of forests, splash

through a couple of fountains, nap in a some wilderness. I’m sure there were more productive and useful activities to do, but whatev.

I have a blank wall to paint a large mural of the new year’s experiences upon, and I feel optimistic. Everyone ought to undergo this sensation because it’s fantastic.

Well, I’m off to make this period of 365 days a spectacle so amazing I could make an Academy Award winning fi lm out of it.

It’s quite obvious to anyone who’s ever sat in on a Sandpoint High School lunch conversation that drugs, alcohol and

teenage partying are on the preferred Friday night menu of activities for many students.

It’s hard to ignore the frequent complaint of “ I don’t have anything to do” and equally hard not to wonder exactly why the immense outdoor playground that is Sandpoint is failing to amuse some teens.

This town is essentially a naturalist/extreme sport fanatic/beauty-lover’s ultimate paradise. Irrefutable fact number one, Sandpoint is spectacular. Evidence: cool, crisp clear autumn days where the sky is a perfect Dutch blue punctuated by the auburn of falling leaves. Or how about the hazy chartreuse of summertime? Or the rare clear winter days where nose hairs freeze together every time you inhale but, wow, that sky is spectacularly blue. If simply looking at the scenery still leaves you cold and bored, you could also be photographing it, drawing it or doing an interpretive dance to show your appreciation for the weather god’s generosity.

If scenery just isn’t your thing there is

I have come to the conclusion that a lot of the things students do in school are pretty lame.

This isn’t a statement of pessimism, but more one of optimism. While things here at SHS can be rather “ lame” at times, it’s times like those that have taught me to make the best of things even if they don’t seem that great at fi rst glance.

For instance, take a school dance. Dances are potentially one of the more lame things about our high school career.

Think about it, there’s nothing good about a dance at fi rst glance. A good 50 percent of the music is music you probably don’t like. You’re surrounded by mobs of people covered in sweat who seem to make the climate change to that of something similar to the Amazon.

If you’re lucky enough to have gone to an infamous “sock hop” you get to thoroughly enjoy the blisters that will ensue.

Yet for some reason that I can’t explain, I love it. Dances are probably one of my favorite things to do, but they didn’t use to be.

I used to hate them, but one day it occurred to me. I had the decision to make the best of it and have fun while I could. I learned that life’s too short not to enjoy even the lame things.

It’s hard not to wonder exactly why the immense outdoor playground that is Sandpoint is failing to

amuse some teens.

Sophomore

Junior

Justin York

Senior

Faculty

“I think it needs to be toned down a little

bit.”

“I personally don’t have a lot of homework

but I feel for the people that do.”

“I think that sometimes

they need to understand that

there’s other classes you have

to study for because you

can have other classes that you

have tests in and it’s hard to do homework

and study at the same time.”

“I think it’s too much.”

Tyler Aronson

“I don’t think there’s too

much home-work, I think it’s kids trying to do too many activities and

jobs and such.”

How do you feel about the amount of homework students are receiving?

Mary Bird

Elizabeth Baker

Michelle White

FreShman

Page 4 Cedar PostFebruary 1, 2007

“

These are phrases Cedar Post staff members have heard from students of SHS. The views expressed in Word for Word are not necessarily shared by the Cedar Post.

Sophomore

Junior

• I have curly hair, does that mean

I’m Jewish?

• Dude, if he was in trouble for that, I’d kill

myself ... well not literally but I’d stop eating.

• Are we still in Iraq?

• We need a bank because we have so much

room.

• It’s so cold, the internet’s frozen.

• I need new eyeballs.

• I started using Crest White Strips last night

... can you tell?

• Thaaaat looks gassy ...

• I don’t even know what a hubcap is.

• I’m turning religious.

• I haven’t been to Barlow’s office since like

right before Christmas break.

• oww ... my butt ... I think I pulled a muscle.

• Stop it—you’re gonna make my nose bleed.

• I just bought it because it was orbtastic.

• People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones

... unless they’re trapped

His ViewHer View

Sara hallet

Journalism 1 ContributoriSaac Dunne

Journalism 1 Contributor

”

Savanna Guest Columnist:

Standing for the pledge shows appreciation for the sacrifices others have made for freedom

Dil

lon c

ow

er

There are many different cultures, religions and

languages accepted in the U.S. Living here, people know they can express themselves any way they choose. This includes what language you speak.

I think all citizens should know at least one language. That language should be English. If I were to move to Mexico, I wouldn’t expect everyone to learn the language I speak; I would learn Spanish.

In California there was a woman on the news who was

A recent bill passed in Congress declaring English our

“common and unifying” language has sparked some debate over whether or not such a step is against the basic principles of this country.

Congress. We need to talk. Let’s talk about who Americans are. Prior to 1776, there were no ethnic Americans (technically there were the indigenous tribes, but they didn’t really identify themselves as Americans). Then that crazy Continental Congress got together and decided to create a new nation and, in doing so, initiated a big herd of 100 percent grade A USDA human flesh. The point is, I am sure many of

those first Americans did not speak English as their first language. This means that multilingualism has been a big part of our fair nation since its inception. Sure, English may have been the big kid on the block since day one, but America has never really been about the big kid on the block (in theory).

People might charge that this bill will not affect us. But, it’s the principle, it’s the small sterilizations of our culture, a culture that is supposed to be defined by its indefinability, a culture of a people who are supposed to be united by their common disunity. To rob Americans of their differences is to rob them of the only thing that makes them truly great.

S tanding for the pledge isn’t a matter of whether you agree

with the man who’s running our country or whether you believe in God or not. It’s about respecting all the men and women who died to create this new and free country, and the ones who continue to sacrifice their lives to keep it that way.

The American Flag is a symbol standing for liberty, humanity, and justice. It was made to insure your right to be an individual, to support equality among

all men, and to embody the concept of American freedom. I feel like our generation will do whatever it takes to upset people and prove some sort of point.

Personally I find it very ironic that someone would do this by choosing to disrespect the people and the nation that gave you the right to exercise this freedom. I’m all for someone trying to be their own person. I just don’t think you should make disrespecting the pledge a way to portray your individualism.

Guest Cartoonist: Jade Donigan

complaining about her child learning because his teacher didn’t speak Spanish. In my opinion this is ridiculous. You have so many

opportunities just living in America. If everyone spoke a d i f f e r e n t l a n g u a g e then on every s h a m p o o bottle or set of directions there would be fifteen d i f f e r e n t languages.

Even if the U.S. is the “melting pot of all languages,” I think it’s logical to have one language that everyone speaks.

English should be America’s common, unifying language

Like its citizens, American language should be diverse

Even if the U.S. is the “melting pot of all lan-guages,” I think it’s logical to have one lan-guage that ev-eryone speaks.

Lester

Page 5Cedar PostFebruary 1, 2007

: Attentiveness dwindles while optimism glows with

students’ disorders

Nods and waves as well as hugs and uncertain glances are exchanged as the girls in tie-dyed smocks flit around; it’s similar to a reunion or even house Scrabble party as people excitedly exchange hellos.

HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is a program at Sandpoint High School that offers a CNA (certified nursing assistant) certification course. This program provides an opportunity for students to interact with residents at nearby Valley Vista Care Center. Once or twice a week, these girls spend a block of three hours performing necessary tasks, which help to keep the nursing home running smoothly.

“It’s always awkward when we first come over here,” senior Kristina Mollenburg said while presenting a glass of water to a sweet old man. “We’re all trying to figure out what to do, but it’s nice to say hello to everyone.”

These girls have already taken a year of Health Occupations to prepare them for Health Occupations Diversified, which is a year long program that takes up two class periods of the day and involves working in an actual medical facility to get a sound grasp on what working as a nurse would really be like.

“I love taking care of and helping people. It’s fulfilling to get things done, to make someone’s day. It’s all rewarding,” Mollenburg said. “Coming here at first I was unsure, not able to interact, but

now it comes so naturally. It’s cool to be able to do all the stuff a CNA would be doing….It’s a great service. We’re not on an agenda like some of the nurses; we’re able to spend time with people and make them feel good. Sometimes they need that, need the nurturing, touching and loving.”

All of these girls are drawn to the medical field for some reason; it’s personal for each of them, but the work at the nursing home is a more personal act for some than others.

“My grandfather was in this facility,” senior Sarah Ammar said. “He had dementia, and he met a little old lady here and they fell in love and fought hard to be able to stay in the same room together. Working here brings back memories of when I was here as a little girl. I used to come in and talk to the nurses and wander around the halls. I feel c o m f o r t a b l e here.”

Their work in the nursing home is a gateway to other areas of the medical field; it is an experience that will prepare them to choose which aspect of medicine they want to study, if any at all. The experience

they are gaining is eye opening. “I never imagined it would be like

this,” senior Megan Crossingham said. “I imagined it would be a little less messy, a little neater. When you work with patients, you get into what is actually going on; you see the good and the bad instead of just a limited amount.”

The girls have been spending time at the nursing home since October and

have already made an impact. Resident Rachel David nodded a vigorous “yes” when asked if the girls made a positive difference in her day.

“We need a little assistance,” David

said. “It gives me something refreshing. I think it’s probably good for them too.”

Registered Nurse Maryanne Myers heartily agreed with the assessment of the residents, adding also that it takes some tasks off of the shoulders of the nurses.

“They’re fabulous; I always look forward to them, they have a helpful excitement,” Myers said. “It breaks up the monotony for the residents. I think the residents look forward to it; it gives them a little more individual attention.”

Many of the girls profess that it has helped them in many different ways, everything from experience on the job to confidence or even just simple pleasure.

“I’m really shy,” senior Sydnee Ramsey said, “so opening up and talking was really hard. I’ve noticed after this that I’m more open in other places as well. Also I probably never would have decided to go into the medical field without this program, and I love it; I love everything about it.”

A D DDHD

STEVE TERANSta� reporter

ADD (Attention-Defi cit Disorder): a neurological disorder where an individual only has diffi culty with attentiveness.

ADHD (Attention-Defi cit Hyperactivity Disorder): usually diagnosed in children with excessive energy and inappropriate restlessness.

Many students prepare for future careers in the medical � eld through

real-life experiences

■ HELPING HANDS: Senior Ali Miller assists a Valley Vista resident during a HOSA visit to the nursing home.SAMANTHA MAY

KARINA OLSON

Sta� reporter

I love taking care of and helping people. It’s ful� lling to get things done, to make someone’s day. It’s all rewarding.

-Kristina MollenburgHOSA member

“

”

Health Occupations students aid local elderly

ADD/ADHD:

ConcentrationInterrupted

Affects the frontal lobe of the brain “So I was eating some fried chicken and then a bird pooped on

my shoulder...Look at that butterfly! It’s so big. I like that shade of purple; it really accents the wings. I should get a pair of pants that color. We should go shopping sometime!”

ADD and ADHD, well-known attention disorders, affect many people in America today. Though doctors can diagnose it, they have no idea what people like junior Brian Wolcott and senior Danielle Lockwood experience every day.

“I was a lot more active,” Wolcott said, recalling his childhood memories. “Sometimes I would just bounce off the walls.”

Diagnoses can be made for different reasons: allowance of medication, notification for teachers, or just for the knowledge. “The reason I was diagnosed was to get help in school,” Wolcott said. “I have to learn completely different.”

Though diagnosed, Wolcott has never popped pills for his disorder. “It’s not like a disease. It [medication] doesn’t fix it; it changes who you are,” Wolcott said. “You don’t need medication; it’s just an excuse for lazy parenting.”

Even if Wolcott disagrees with the use of medications, they can be helpful.

“I could focus on one thing with medication,” Lockwood said.

“Music and little noises would distract me [without medication] or if someone was outside of a window.”

With every pill, there’s the chance of a side effect. These can include diarrhea, hair loss or excessive sweating. “I stopped cause I got sick of feeling warm and nauseous,” Lockwood said.

These disorders can affect anyone, but it can also be passed genetically. “My dad had it, so there were some suspicions that I had it,” Lockwood said. “I just thought I was a happy kid.”

Like everything else you have to learn to deal with, ADD is no different. “When I was a little kid I was bad,” Wolcott said. “I’ve kind of matured out of it...mostly.”

If all else fails, the shiny thing on the ceiling should keep their attention for a while.“I do realize I have it,” Lockwood said. “I have to have something to keep me entertained.”

January 30, 2007 Cedar PostPage 6 January 30, 2007Cedar Post Page 7

Methamphetamine:-A.K.A. : speed, Crank, Tweak-Description: - Highly Physically Addictive - White Crystals-Effects: - Stimulates & speeds up mind - Weight Loss, Heart attack, Seizure, skin sores, teeth rot

Painkillers-A.K.A. : Oxycodone, oXycotin, Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin-Description: - Medical Pills-Effects: - Numbness, Dizziness, Drowsiness

Ecstacy:-A.K.A. : Extacy, X, E, Molly-Description: - Small, colorfull pills-Effects: - Heightened senses - Projectile vomiting, brain damage, sudden death Cocaine:

-A.K.A. : blow, snow, crack-Description: - Highly Physically Addictive - White Powder - Ingested through lungs or injected-Effects: - Creates giddiness, mental

Shrooms:-A.K.A. : caps, bloomers-Description: - Dried mushrooms-Effects: - Body high, illusions, paranoia - Brain hemorrhaging and swelling

Kids partying the night away always have the underling worry of being busted. The best way to stay out of trouble is to know your rights

as well as the law.Busted:

Parties can be busted when an officer can see illegal activity through a window or when you open the door. If nothing can be seen and the officer is not given consent to enter, they must obtain a warrant. To obtain a warrant, they must call a judge and be granted telephonic permission to enter the party.

Those at the party can receive minor in possession or consumption charges. Anyone facilitating the party can be charged with contributing or providing to minors. These charges can land a kid with fines, license suspension, community service and probation. Cruising in the car:

In order to be pulled over, one must break a traffic law. After being pulled over a car cannot simply be searched. If anything illegal is visible, or an officer can smell something (such as marijuana smoke), they have

the right to search the car.

Under eighteen:

By Alison DunBAr

Layout Editor

In possession:When caught in possession of drugs,

depending on the amount charges can include possession, delivery, trafficking and distribution. While Idaho has not passed the laws which count drug sale as attempted manslaughter, a trafficking charge on hard drugs (not marijuana, but cocaine, meth, LSD, etc.) Can be life in prison.

Night life:Sandpoint’s curfew is for minors is

midnight. Being caught out after this time can get minors a warning to go home, a citation or an arrest and being out after curfew is a misdemeanor.School rules:

Getting caught off campus can’t carry over to school consequences, as long as it had nothing to do with school. However, if students are heard discussing events, planning, plotting, inviting or threatening at school, they can be punished by the school.

rights as minorsIn today’s fast paced society, drunk driving related accidents are one of the leading causes

of death among teenagers. Underestimating the level of their intoxication, teens take to the streets and end up seriously endangering lives. After numerous campaign ads, school assemblies and hounding parents, the idea is beginning to sink in to select teens’ minds, that staying sober could eventually save the lives of friends and strangers alike.

“I volunteer to be the DD, because it makes me feel good to know my friends have a safe way home.” Senior Emily Hansen said.

High school has been branded a breeding ground for peer pressure. Most high school teens are oblivious to succumbing to the pressure of their socially superior “friends.” Ironically, there are students who admit to being sober at parties, but a drunk driving accident occurs every 31 minutes. These accidents that could’ve easily been prevented without a second glance. The average teenage mind, in the past as well as the present, is likely to be fatally overwhelmed by the urge to fit in, and therefore

Intoxication

By VAnessA stAnley

Staff reporter

The world of high school: gossip, zits, self-exploration, boyfriend stealing, useless squabbling, and the infamous party scene. For some, these parties are found as a social yet illegal gathering, but they also have the ability to send teens spiraling down into addictions and drug dependency.

Addictions are like roadblocks, and the process of breaking them can be extremely difficult in many instances. From video games to cigarettes, addictions are everywhere and can come at a high price.

“I was locked up for over a year,” senior Sam Marson said. Marson was given a wake up call by a not-so-friendly alarm clock and then began his struggle with an addiction.

“I got arrested,” Marson said. “It was kind of forced upon me.”

Marson, who was influenced by partying, found a release in drugs.

“I just started partying and kept taking it to the next level,” Marson said.

Though it was the law that actually shook him awake, Marson says a spiritual awakening is what keeps him clean.

Drug days over for reformed user

By steVe terAn

Staff reporter

sidesteps his/her better judgement. Tear jerking novels, chick flicks, and Lifetime movies have all clearly (if not nauseatingly) displayed the tragic, blunt reality of the effects of driving while intoxicated.

In the highly populated, highly social city of Sunset Beach, California, a service began in 2003, has already begun to noticeably decrease the accidents in that particular area. The company, Scooter Patrol, based in Sunset Beach, takes responsibility for those who choose to drink, but can make the decision to not drive. For four years, the company has transported nearly 7,000 people and catered nearly 50 events, all of which alcohol was involved.

“I stumbled upon the idea for Scooter Patrol while conversing with a friend. It seemed like a very unique and effective way to help people,” Scooter Patrol founder Anthony Panzica said. “People are starting to realize that we are better suited to be their designated driver than the police.”

Drinkers can obtain a safe ride home, in the comfort of their own vehicle with a quick call to the

Scooter Patrol. Upon arriving at the said location, and after storing his scooter in the individual’s trunk, the scooter patrol serviceman will drive the intoxicated customer to their home, retrieve his scooter and be on his way. Individuals in the Sunset Beach area are responding positively to this lifesaving program.“It allows them to relax, have a good time, and not have to worry about risking their freedom or leaving their car behind,”

Panzica said.While supporting these individuals’ right to drink, Scooter Patrol has other motives to keep the roads safe.

“We don’t do this for their pleasure, we do this for the family in the mini-van on their way out of town for the holidays and the police officer or fireman on their way to save a life, and for the innocent people in our community that may not even know we exist, “Panzica said.

“It’s not why [I quit],” Marson said. “But what helps keep me going.”

Through this grueling journey, Marson finds value in what he’s earned through this large stepping-stone.

“It’s just not worth what I’ve gained today…my relationships with everybody,” Marson said, describing the changes in his life after coming clean.

Drugs bring temporary satisfaction, consequently taking over and mutating individuals into selfish addicts. After abolishing the habit,

Marson found some differences in his attitude.

“There’s a lot less self-centeredness,” Marson said, with a hint of humor. “Although I am pretty self-centered, to be honest.” Eventually, for Marson, the parties grew tiresome and old, becoming a routine for him. “There’s a point where it’s just not fun,” Marson said. “You do drugs cause you have to.” Even with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the road to redemption is a tough one.

“It definitely wasn’t peaches and cream,” Marson said.

Many teens choose safer,

designated driving route

Graphics by Glenn Generaux

The break-down of five major drug

related offenses

January 30, 2007 Cedar PostPage 6 January 30, 2007Cedar Post Page 7

Methamphetamine:-A.K.A. : speed, Crank, Tweak-Description: - Highly Physically Addictive - White Crystals-Effects: - Stimulates & speeds up mind - Weight Loss, Heart attack, Seizure, skin sores, teeth rot

Painkillers-A.K.A. : Oxycodone, oXycotin, Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin-Description: - Medical Pills-Effects: - Numbness, Dizziness, Drowsiness

Ecstacy:-A.K.A. : Extacy, X, E, Molly-Description: - Small, colorfull pills-Effects: - Heightened senses - Projectile vomiting, brain damage, sudden death Cocaine:

-A.K.A. : blow, snow, crack-Description: - Highly Physically Addictive - White Powder - Ingested through lungs or injected-Effects: - Creates giddiness, mental

Shrooms:-A.K.A. : caps, bloomers-Description: - Dried mushrooms-Effects: - Body high, illusions, paranoia - Brain hemorrhaging and swelling

Kids partying the night away always have the underling worry of being busted. The best way to stay out of trouble is to know your rights

as well as the law.Busted:

Parties can be busted when an officer can see illegal activity through a window or when you open the door. If nothing can be seen and the officer is not given consent to enter, they must obtain a warrant. To obtain a warrant, they must call a judge and be granted telephonic permission to enter the party.

Those at the party can receive minor in possession or consumption charges. Anyone facilitating the party can be charged with contributing or providing to minors. These charges can land a kid with fines, license suspension, community service and probation. Cruising in the car:

In order to be pulled over, one must break a traffic law. After being pulled over a car cannot simply be searched. If anything illegal is visible, or an officer can smell something (such as marijuana smoke), they have

the right to search the car.

Under eighteen:

By Alison DunBAr

Layout Editor

In possession:When caught in possession of drugs,

depending on the amount charges can include possession, delivery, trafficking and distribution. While Idaho has not passed the laws which count drug sale as attempted manslaughter, a trafficking charge on hard drugs (not marijuana, but cocaine, meth, LSD, etc.) Can be life in prison.

Night life:Sandpoint’s curfew is for minors is

midnight. Being caught out after this time can get minors a warning to go home, a citation or an arrest and being out after curfew is a misdemeanor.School rules:

Getting caught off campus can’t carry over to school consequences, as long as it had nothing to do with school. However, if students are heard discussing events, planning, plotting, inviting or threatening at school, they can be punished by the school.

rights as minorsIn today’s fast paced society, drunk driving related accidents are one of the leading causes

of death among teenagers. Underestimating the level of their intoxication, teens take to the streets and end up seriously endangering lives. After numerous campaign ads, school assemblies and hounding parents, the idea is beginning to sink in to select teens’ minds, that staying sober could eventually save the lives of friends and strangers alike.

“I volunteer to be the DD, because it makes me feel good to know my friends have a safe way home.” Senior Emily Hansen said.

High school has been branded a breeding ground for peer pressure. Most high school teens are oblivious to succumbing to the pressure of their socially superior “friends.” Ironically, there are students who admit to being sober at parties, but a drunk driving accident occurs every 31 minutes. These accidents that could’ve easily been prevented without a second glance. The average teenage mind, in the past as well as the present, is likely to be fatally overwhelmed by the urge to fit in, and therefore

Intoxication

By VAnessA stAnley

Staff reporter

The world of high school: gossip, zits, self-exploration, boyfriend stealing, useless squabbling, and the infamous party scene. For some, these parties are found as a social yet illegal gathering, but they also have the ability to send teens spiraling down into addictions and drug dependency.

Addictions are like roadblocks, and the process of breaking them can be extremely difficult in many instances. From video games to cigarettes, addictions are everywhere and can come at a high price.

“I was locked up for over a year,” senior Sam Marson said. Marson was given a wake up call by a not-so-friendly alarm clock and then began his struggle with an addiction.

“I got arrested,” Marson said. “It was kind of forced upon me.”

Marson, who was influenced by partying, found a release in drugs.

“I just started partying and kept taking it to the next level,” Marson said.

Though it was the law that actually shook him awake, Marson says a spiritual awakening is what keeps him clean.

Drug days over for reformed user

By steVe terAn

Staff reporter

sidesteps his/her better judgement. Tear jerking novels, chick flicks, and Lifetime movies have all clearly (if not nauseatingly) displayed the tragic, blunt reality of the effects of driving while intoxicated.

In the highly populated, highly social city of Sunset Beach, California, a service began in 2003, has already begun to noticeably decrease the accidents in that particular area. The company, Scooter Patrol, based in Sunset Beach, takes responsibility for those who choose to drink, but can make the decision to not drive. For four years, the company has transported nearly 7,000 people and catered nearly 50 events, all of which alcohol was involved.

“I stumbled upon the idea for Scooter Patrol while conversing with a friend. It seemed like a very unique and effective way to help people,” Scooter Patrol founder Anthony Panzica said. “People are starting to realize that we are better suited to be their designated driver than the police.”

Drinkers can obtain a safe ride home, in the comfort of their own vehicle with a quick call to the

Scooter Patrol. Upon arriving at the said location, and after storing his scooter in the individual’s trunk, the scooter patrol serviceman will drive the intoxicated customer to their home, retrieve his scooter and be on his way. Individuals in the Sunset Beach area are responding positively to this lifesaving program.“It allows them to relax, have a good time, and not have to worry about risking their freedom or leaving their car behind,”

Panzica said.While supporting these individuals’ right to drink, Scooter Patrol has other motives to keep the roads safe.

“We don’t do this for their pleasure, we do this for the family in the mini-van on their way out of town for the holidays and the police officer or fireman on their way to save a life, and for the innocent people in our community that may not even know we exist, “Panzica said.

“It’s not why [I quit],” Marson said. “But what helps keep me going.”

Through this grueling journey, Marson finds value in what he’s earned through this large stepping-stone.

“It’s just not worth what I’ve gained today…my relationships with everybody,” Marson said, describing the changes in his life after coming clean.

Drugs bring temporary satisfaction, consequently taking over and mutating individuals into selfish addicts. After abolishing the habit,

Marson found some differences in his attitude.

“There’s a lot less self-centeredness,” Marson said, with a hint of humor. “Although I am pretty self-centered, to be honest.” Eventually, for Marson, the parties grew tiresome and old, becoming a routine for him. “There’s a point where it’s just not fun,” Marson said. “You do drugs cause you have to.” Even with a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the road to redemption is a tough one.

“It definitely wasn’t peaches and cream,” Marson said.

Many teens choose safer,

designated driving route

Graphics by Glenn Generaux

The break-down of five major drug

related offenses

Page 8Cedar PostFebruary 1, 2007

For most, the teenage years can be a difficult time. Everyone knows about the mental and physical changes that parents and

teachers have been warning students about since elementary school. However, it still

doesn’t always prepare students for the bout of depression that

may undoubtedly hit at some point.

“Yeah [depression is a problem at our school], because I don’t think people realize it, but it’s just negative thinking,” junior Marnise Johnson said. “You feel like a failure.”

Teenage depression is no light matter. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24 years old in

America. Perhaps even scarier is that suicide

is the sixth leading cause of death for those age 5 to 14.

So where does Idaho stand in all of this?

To some, it may seem

surprising that Idaho has a larger suicide rate than the national average. According to the 2002 Idaho Vital Statistics, suicide is the second most common cause of death for Idahoans aged 15 to 34, exceeded only by accidents.

Many leading problems are conflicts that almost all teenagers have to face.

“Parents, religion, peers, school, pressure [are the main causes of teenage depression],” Johnson said.

When other students of Sandpoint High were asked what they believed caused depression, a large number replied with something pertaining to grades or academics.

“I think parents overstress grades,” junior Eric Mann said.

With a large variety of honors and newly acquired AP classes, students are overloading themselves with more stress and more work. Many students feel the pressure to excel amply in all of their classes and can become easily unhappy if the high standards they set for themselves

are not immediately reached. Another continuation of teenage depression that is sweeping the

US, Europe, and Japan is the “emo” (short for emotional) fad. With fashion, music, and other media showcasing the dejected individual, some teens are falling into depression in order to fit in with a new crowd.

“Fake depression is also a problem [at our school],” said Mann.

ALEX GEDROSESta� reporter

Teens face depression with busy lifestyleHigh school dejection consequence of homework, stress and challenging classes

Quick Facts-Teenage girls are twice as likely as boys to suffer from depression

-About 20 percent of teens will ex-perience teen depression before they reach adulthood

-A small percent of teens also suffer from seasonal depression, usually during the winter months in higher altitudes

-Depression affects as many as one in eight adolescents

LAURA LOCKWOOD

Arts & Culture Assistant Editor

GRAPHIC BY GLENN GENERAUX

Students travel abroad, experience new cultures

PALO ALTO MEDICAL FOUNDATION

I hear about the new snow on the mountain and I wish I could just teleport back for a few hours to take a few runs and say hi to all the people I miss.

“

”-Anna BallardStudent in Brazil

At Sandpoint High School, there are three choices of foreign languages a student can take: French, Spanish, and German. Essentially, over four fifths of the world speaks a language that isn’t covered in our high school and yet, every year numerous SHS students travel abroad in the hope of undergoing unforgettable experiences, meeting everlasting friends, and learning lessons they couldn’t have learned any other way.

Anna Ballard, an American foreign exchange student in Brazil for the duration of her junior year, corresponded via e-mail to share her experience from being abroad.

“I had had two exchange students live with my family and me in the past, which opened my eyes to the option,” Ballard wrote. “Costa Rica was my first [choice], and Brazil came second. I was lucky to get my second choice, considering how late I turned in my application.”

Courtney Brown is another student from Sandpoint who went abroad last August, though she chose Denmark.

“I have learned to love Denmark

despite five months of straight rain, and I’m glad I came,” Brown wrote.

While some students aim to visit a country that speaks the language they’ve studied, others venture from their comfort zone and go wherever their interests lie. Although they may like the culture and lifestyle of their destination, the fact that they don’t speak the native language comes back to haunt them.

“Over the summer I had tapes; listening, r e p e a t i n g , listening, repeating again, but that was so awful. I came here saying ‘Oi’ [Hello], and ‘Eu não falo português, eu falo Inglês’ [I don’t speak Português, I speak English],” Ballard wrote. “I guess I was depending on the sudden emersion and different culture, possibly thinking that one day, I would just wake

up speaking Português; but that never happened. It’s so much work!”

“Before I came to Denmark I could just say a few basic phrases, but now I am nearly fluent and understand most everyday conversations, but nothing in school really,” Brown wrote.

Perhaps we can relate better to our peers abroad than exchange students who are here from other countries; however, exchange students coming to SHS undergo the same challenges and embarrassments as SHS students who are away.

“I had a hard time handling the bathrooms here; they’re very different from

ours,” Pakistani exchange student Sakina Talib said.

Foreigh exchange student from Ukraine, Karina Horanska said that her biggest challenge was the language

barrier. Despite the confusion and difficulties,

not to mention language comprehension hurdles, numerous exchange students like to mention the things they love about their temporary home.

“Eating cookies,” Talib said. “I really enjoy that.”

“You’re more free [in school] here,” Horanska said. “Students with the teachers, and teachers with the students. It’s just more relaxed.”

After learning a new language, meeting countless new people and experiencing a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, many students develop homesickness and look forward to their return.

“When I get home, the first thing I will do is put all my clothes in the dryer,” Brown wrote. “They rarely use drying rooms here so clothes just get bigger and bigger!”

“I hear about the new snow on the mountain and I wish I could just teleport back for a few hours to take a few runs, and say hi to all the people I miss,” Ballard wrote. “But then my mind goes back to reality and I say to myself, ‘What the heck are you thinking? You’re in Brazil.”

GRAPHIC BY NATE BESSLER

O kay, the film The Devil and Daniel Johnston came out in 2005, so why should I review a movie from two

years ago?Well, for starters, how many of you have

heard of The Devil and Daniel Johnston? Yeeup, this is where my eardrums shatter

from the vast amount of cricket chirps.How about this, then: how many of you

have heard of Daniel Johnston?Oh, come on, you’re killing me, here.Daniel Johnston is a singer/songwriter

who began his career in the mid-eighties by passing out homemade lo-fi cassette tapes of his work. Later on he supposedly became a cult classic, and his songs have been played by artists such as Beck, Sonic Youth, and Pearl Jam and he has collaborated with the likes of The Butthole Surfers and Velvet Un-derground. A t-shirt of his first tape, “Hi, How Are You?”, was worn by Kurt Cobain when on the 1992 MTV Music Awards (and could be seen on Kurt for nearly every press release for quite some time afterwards). This guy is an alleged genius. Oh, and he just so happens to be a manic-depressive man who is seriously paranoid that the Devil is con-stantly endangering him. And if there’s one thing that people love more than an artist,

it’s an artist who’s nuttier than Richard Sim-mons on steroids.

The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a documentary of the estranged artist’s life. Through a collage of home videos, artwork, interviews, photos, and concerts, we get a peek into the mind of Johnston from his early teen life to his current state. And let me tell you, it’s quite a peeky.

As you watch the film and listen to John-ston’s music, there’s no helping but to think, “Wait—this guy’s supposed to be a genius?” His lyrics could be seen as deep, but his rhyme schemes are almost comically simple. His voice is unbearable and his presentation at concerts makes the viewer feel uncom-fortable even without physically being at the venue. And let’s face it, very few have actu-ally heard of Daniel Johnston.

But the documentary is more than his mu-sic. It’s entirely about his massively compli-cated life. Although not constantly riveting (you aren’t going to be on the edge of your seat for every minute of this film), there’s something that is forcing the viewer to finish the movie. It’s this sort of intense curiosity of how this could possibly all end.

The documentary hits every emotion it possibly could: the absurdity of Johnston

and his art can strike giggles, while his man-ic outbursts can deeply disturb you. His old voice recorded diaries make you feel embar-rassed for him, while watching his parents talk about him—often drawn to tears them-selves—can make you feel worse than when your first fish, Mr. Biddles, died. This film is like the emotional roller coaster that sex-ed teachers constantly talked about in middle school.

With fantastic directing by Jeff Feuerzeig, the viewer can’t help but begin to care about Johnston throughout the film. It’s an inter-esting watch and worth the $3.50 rental fee. If you’ve never heard of Daniel Johnston, it’s about time that you did.

Page 9Cedar Post

The Pend Oreille Arts Council has put up a new visual art exhibit that can be found in the Old Power House, featuring foreign places and people.

The exhibit contains a quilt made with fabrics from 10 foreign countries, an exotic stamp collage, artwork portraying different countries, and a personal illustrated travel journal. The passport exhibit opened on Jan. 12 and will be open for viewing until March 5.

“We are always amazed with the response of the local artists to our themes. Passport is a great example for the initiative and creativity of this community,” Vice President of Visual Arts Sue Vogelsinger said.

POAC mounts new visual exhibit

� e most I’ve won was $250. I bet on $20, then lost the $20, then bet $20 again and that went up to $250.

-Patrick OrtonSenior

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”I don’t like to do it a lot, be-cause it can be an addiction. I don’t want to be a casino junkie.

-Sam MarsonSenior

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VANESSA STANLEYSta� reporter

Patty cake, hopscotch replaced by teens’ new habit

The art department will be putting students of the community’s artwork up for viewing in a POAC gallery in mid-March. This is a fundraiser that any student can enter. Students interested can get more information or submit artwork for screening by contacting art teacher Dan Shook or art teacher Heather. Guthrie.

“If people want to submit their artwork we can frame it and hang it,” Shook said.

We’ve all heard about the Devil going down to Georgia Now he’s headed for Daniel Johnston

Art show seeking submissions

February 1, 2007

GRAPHICS BY NATE BESSLER

The Devil and Daniel Johnston• Rated PG-13• Directed by Jeff Feuerzeig• 110 minutes

T he thrill of a high-speed chase, the uncertainty of procuring a false identity and the spontaneity of living with absolutely no definite answers is legally attainable through the sport of gam-

bling. An outlet that allows money to be put out on the table, an outlet that allows the players to take risks otherwise barred by law, an outlet that can, in some cases result in an unmanageable debt.

During the past decade, Las Vegas, and the gambling scene in gen-eral have been catapulted into popularity with the aide of movies like Indecent Proposal, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Two for the Money and (providing a new take on the casino scene)Ocean’s Eleven. Hollywood has marketed the average individual’s craving for risk, money and entertainment, and created a virtually safe, legal way

to satisfy the lust for gambling. Af-ter the drug-raged 90s, teens became accustomed to quieting their urge to tickle their senses with illegal sub-stances. Casinos are being more and more frequented by teenagers, in-creasing the national average to 70 percent of teenagers.

“I go gambling roughly one time every couple of weeks,” senior Callie Wood said.

For many, after turning the big 18, the casinos are among the first ex-periences to be tested. After becom-ing accustomed to the atmosphere, the majority chooses to play “Black-

jack”, as well as other card games, as opposed to the slot machines. Studies say that the playing of these games help the brain with it’s strategic skills, as well as defining an individual’s ability to self control.

“I have a limit of betting no more than $45 each

time,” Wood said, “my strategy is to stop when you’re ahead.”Regular gamblers admit that the rush that comes with submitting

oneself to essentially blindly betting money, has a definite “high” to it. A rush, simulating the effects of stimulants, while remaining in-side the legal parameters of the law. While side affects of gambling may leave the individual dazed, confused and much thinner in the wallet, symptoms reported were few, and only from those who failed to follow their dosage. Perfecting a strategy, if only for a few rounds, can produce benefits that can and will en-hance not only one’s wallet, but one’s confidence as well.

“The most I’ve won was $250,” se-nior Patrick Orton said. “I bet on $20, then lost the $20, then bet $20 again and that went up to $250.”

However, like all natural highs, one can only be submitted to so much. Af-ter being exposed for a prolonged pe-riod of time, avid-casino supporters can be found unable to remove risky money ventures from their weekly, or even daily habits.

“I don’t like to do it a lot, because it can be an addiction,” senior Sam Marson said. “I don’t want to be a casino junkie.”

The art of gambling can be traced back as far as Geoffrey Chaucer, and as recent as Brad Pitt and George Clooney. As the technology ad-

vances and expectations increase, generations of younger individuals are catching up to their elders in entertainment. The atmo-sphere, while at times intimidating, is

gradually becoming second nature to teens–and about as natural as a Friday night football game with the boys.

Come by and see Dana, Michelle, and Cami for your

after school treats!“Tastes as good as it looks!”

Deirde HillLiz Evans

710 Pine Street Sandpoint208-263-9012

In sports, athletes are always looking for a way to be better than their opponents, and, in some instances, supplements are used to enhance an athlete’s performance. Whether or not these enhancements are legal there is proof that shows these products may help your game but hurt your body.

“Five years ago more kids were using creatine, but now I don’t know,” health teacher, Steve Miller said.

Young athletes who use supplements like steroids are looking for a quick success and don’t always realize what may happen as a result of their use.

These supplements will allow someone to compete with superhuman abilities, but the consequences of using may cripple a person later. The consequences of abusing these

substances are damage to the liver and kidneys, bad acne, and shrinking testes.

“ T h e y [young athletes] are looking for a shortcut, and they will have to pay the consequence for that,” Miller said.

Most sports around the world have banned

performance-enhancing drugs from competition, and have officials to conduct drug tests on athletes.

In recent years, steroids have

become the center of controversy in the professional sports world.

Floyd Landis’ amazing comeback victory in final stage of the Tour de France sparked controversy immediately after his finish. He was found with extra high levels of synthetic testosterone in his body.

“I feel it is cheating, but just taking steroids won’t make you better,” Miller said, “working out with them is what makes a person stronger.”

Creatine, a more common enhancement product among young athletes is not illegal. Creatine is said to have negative effects on users, but in most studies no negative effects have been found.

“It [creatine] helps your recovery time, which allows you to lift more,” sophomore Ricky Lang said.

Some athletes, such as Ohio State University wide receiver Anthony Gonzales, have found more creative ways of making themselves better. Gonzales sleeps in a tent as training. This tent is a high altitude simulator, which removes the oxygen from inside, so it makes the occupant feel like he is at a very high elevation.

The concept is to train muscles in an oxygen-poor area, so when he is at a normal altitude his muscles will get much more oxygen than in the tent. This will keep muscles from breaking

down faster.

Kyle Gibson

Staff reporter

I feel it is cheating, but just taking steroids won’t make you better.

-Steve MillerHealth teacher

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Creatine—positive alternative to steroids

This year the Sandpoint High School wrestling team is doing extraordinarily well this year due to six outstanding wrestlers, their work and their dedication. The top wrestlers this year include junior Tim Pepperdine and seniors Alec Ward, Joseph Fio, Kyle Meschko, Jerod Morris and Taylor Morris.

The entire team has been getting up early to run before school, practice after school, have tournaments and duals every few days, and still keep the determination it takes not to overeat.

“The hardest part is cutting weight, because you hang around and see all this food, and you want to stuff your face, but you can’t, just because you have to make weight,” Ward said, who wrestles at 112 pounds.

These elite six wrestlers can attribute their success to hard work over a course of many years.

“A lot of us, especially the seniors, have

put in a lot of time practicing in the off-season over the years,” Taylor Morris said. “Also, our team in general has a great work ethic.”

Earlier this season the team traveled to Reno, Nevada, for the Tri-State Tournament, where they earned a reputation as one of the

top wrestling teams in the region.

“Our largest accomplishment this year is finishing fourth in the 64 team Tri-State Tournament,” coach Mike Randles said.

The team has a very good shot at the first place title at the 4A state championship tournament this year as long as they stay injury free for the remainder of

the season. Each of the wrestlers interviewed

unanimously stated the number one goal is to be the state champion.

The top wrestlers have learned many valuable life lessons through wrestling.

“There are too many things that I’ve learned from wrestling but the most impacting one is probably that if you set your mind to it, you

can achieve anything,” Meschko said.Winning in wrestling is one of the best

rewards, not because of the ego driven satisfaction, but because it is a great reward for the discipline put in earlier.

“Winning a match or a tournament [is my

favorite part about wrestling], because it’s rewarding to have all of our hard work pay off,” Taylor Morris said.

The success of the team is surprisingly well taking into consideration that the team has no wrestlers competing in the sport year-

Wrestling looks to resolve unfinished business of gaining state titlebryce lovrin

Staff reporter

...The most impacting one is probably that if you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything.

-Kyle MeschkoSenior

“

”n TWIN TAKE DOWN: Senior Jerod Morris throws down senior twin brother Taylor Morris during wres-tling practice. The team finished fourth at the Tri-State Tournament this season.

HeatHer allen

David Beckham, world-renowned soccer player, is moving to Los Angeles. One the best players in Europe when he played for Real Madrid and Manchester United, Beckham has accepted a contract from the Los Angeles Galaxy worth up to $250 million for five years.

My question is why would one of the best players in the world drop out of the best leagues in world to play in the MLS. Nothing against the MLS, but in my experience watching the game, it looked for like a rugby game mixed with a bunch of 6 year olds kicking a ball.

After watching the World Cup this summer and seeing how well the game was played, it was hard to go back to watching the MLS. So why in the world would an all-star from the European Premiere Leagues want to play bunch ball in America? Beckham replied time and time again his decision wasn’t about the money. When you’re getting paid $250 million to play in MLS, it’s all about the Benjamins. One part of me is happy because I want to see U.S. soccer be able to compete well at the world level and win, but another part of me doesn’t believe that one player will make so much of a difference in the overall popularity of the sport.

Beckham, who may be late in his career, wanted a new challenge and will have quite a large burden to carry if he really wants to resurrect U.S. Soccer.

This seemingly odd decision could be viewed as a strategy to win a championship. Karl Malone, a long time NBA all-star, was traded to the Lakers in a similar fashion, and his goal was to win a title. Unfortunately for Malone, the Detroit Pistons stopped his quest in the finals.

Will something like this happen to Beckham or will the poster-boy of soccer really bring the game back? GrapHic by bryce lovrinpHoto by HeatHer allen

They [young athletes] are looking for a shortcut, and they will have to pay the consequence for that.-Steve Miller

Health teacher

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February 1, 2007

Cedar PostPage 10

Page 11Cedar PostFebruary 1, 2007

Looking for something to do this winter? For a few thousand dollars you can buy a snowmobile. Spend some time learning how to use it and finding out where the deepest powder is available, and you can become an expert in no time.

“I started s n o w m o b i l i n g about four or five years ago,” junior Spencer Eich said. “Every ride you get better and better,” senior Cody Halliday, a friend of Eich’s, has also snowmobiled for four years.

“It’s fun, playing in the powder, hill climbing and dodging trees,” Halliday said.

Popular areas to go snowmobiling are Roman Nose,

Trestle Creek and Pack River, but there are endless possibilities of places to go. According to www.snowtracks.com, Idaho alone has 7,200 miles of snowmobile trails, which is more than any other western state.

H o w e v e r , S a n d p o i n t s t u d e n t s don’t only s n o w m o b i l e in Idaho. S o p h o m o r e Jessica York, who has been s n o w m o b i l i n g since she was 8 years old,

travels in order to snowmobile outside of the Sandpoint area.

“In Wyoming not too long ago, I hit a rock and flipped over the handlebars. I bent some stuff on my snowmobile and broke some stuff too,” York said.

If you haven’t noticed already, snowmobiles can also be incredibly dangerous.

Luckily, York didn’t get hurt. Neither did Eich, when he and his brother sided each other on their snowmobiles.

“We were riding in a field. He was probably going 50 [mph], and I was doing 40 [mph]. We were both looking the wrong ways and we collided on the sides. Only the sleds were damaged, $200 worth,” Eich said.

Even though snowmobiling can be risky, there’s no doubt that it can always give the rider an exhilarating feeling.

“The adrenaline rush is the best part because you’re always pushing yourself to do more and pushing yourself to go higher or farther,” York said.

Some students find interesting ways to make snowmobiling even more fun, by creating new methods. For instance, boon docking is going through deep snow while weaving around trees.

“It’s like you’re riding in clouds,” Eich said.

Snowmobiling proves to be a fun time for many high school studentsPAULINA GRALOW

Journalism I contributor

It’s like you’re riding in clouds.-Spencer EichJunior

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Approach of Super Bowl XLI leaves fans eager for game day

Kim Guercio Sport: Basketball Position: Guard Height: 5’ 6” Weight: 125 lbs. Number: 22

BRYCE LOVRIN

Sta� reporter

Q: What is the hardest part about playing basketball?

Why? A: “Winning. We never can score

enough. We get the shots, but we just can’t make the shots.”

Q: What is your favorite part about playing basketball?

Why? A: “I love to play

defense. I get to control the way my opponent goes

and how fast they play. I also like to score.”

Q: When and why did you start

playing basketball? A: “My sister was playing basketball during high school, and my father made me play, and I ended up liking it.”

Q: What has been your favorite basketball experience? A: “The past two years I have gone to Oregon and played in a huge tournament. There are teams from all over the United States that come”

Q: What was the worst experience you’ve had playing basketball? A: “My fi rst year playing Hoopfest I sprained my ankle really bad. I never healed it all the way, and it still hurts every once in a while.”

Q: What have you gained from playing basketball? A: “I have gained a little bit of confi dence, I have also met a lot of friends from basketball.”

Q: How do you feel about the teams’ performance this year? A: “I think that we do good for about a quarter and then we start to give up. We are still a young team and we should do better next year.”

Q: What are your short and long term goals for basketball? A: “Long-get a scholarship, got to college and play. Short— for the [team] to pick it up and go to state.”

■ POWDER DAYS: Junior Spencer Eich takes advantage of the nice weather and fresh powder to rally his snowmobile through the woods.

SAMANTHA MAY

WILL HUGHES

Co-Assistant Sports Editor

HEATHER ALLEN NATE BESSLER

With the passing of Christmas, New Years and the college football BCS bowl game, it would seem like there is no hope for any entertainment for an entire

year. But wait, have no fear, the Super Bowl is near!

On Feb. 4, the 41st annual Super Bowl

game will kick off. From the AFC division we have the New England

Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts,

and From the NFC division we have the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.

The Saints the

Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, and the Patriots will be playing the Colts in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, both on January 21st.

Everyone has their own team that they want to win the Super Bowl,

whether it is a lifelong alliance or maybe a bet placed on the outcome of the game. Most people however, just have a favorite team for no apparent reason.

“It’s a hard choice, but I probably want the Saints to win the Super Bowl,” sophomore Chris Rhyne said. One thing not to forget this year is the bowl game snacks.

“I like Trail Mix or Chex Mix,” junior Cody Dana said.

By Feb. 4, make sure to have all your chips, soda, and whatever else you crave and sit back, relax and enjoy Super Bowl XLI.

GRAHAM PAYTON

KYLE GIBSON

SUPER BOWL FACEOFF:

CHICAGO BEARS

VS. INDIANAPOLIS

COLTS

February 1, 2007 Cedar PostPage 12