Test Stress:LC students brace themselves for the ACTpage 5

wirethe

September 2010

Resurgence of the TitansSports - page 6 and 7

Worth the Risk?How supplements designed to improve your performance can effect your healthpage 13

We Know What You Did Last Summer...Students share memories and regrets from Summer 2010pages 8 and 9

Issue 1

TWO OMAHA LOCATIONS:

11TH & HOWARD8416 PARK DR.

OPEN 11AM DAILY

Friendly to your budget(with always-free pasta refills)

www.spagworks.com

900 Woodbury Ave, CB, IA 51503 (712)256-3130 www.blissclothingcb.com

Main Campus Manna Campus 14955 Somerset Ave 10 Huron Circle

Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Council Bluffs, IA 51501712-366-1408 712-256-1239

Visit www.cbsalem.org for information about youth groups, children’s worship, after-school homework help, worship services & much more!

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To the normal pedestrian on California street in Omaha, Nebraska, the unusual subtlety of SNAP/Shelterbelt theatre may seem like an understatement to what’s really happening on the inside. Once you walk in the seemingly aged wood door, you enter directly into the lobby/box office area, which leads directly into the seemingly small 55-seat theatre. You may think, “Oh my! How ever could a big play be produced in such a small setting?” Well, this was designed to be a small seater for a reason. While you are sitting in your cozy little seat, you are no more than inches away from the actors, who are more than willing to bring you into the action!

It’s hard to imagine such a talented and popular theatre like SNAP being any inferior than it is today. When SNAP theatre was created back in 1993 to help raise awareness about the seriousness of the AIDS/HIV pandemic, which was hitting the United States hard at the time, it started out merely as a gypsy company, which is theatre troupe that performs at a differ-ent location per performance. Despite the constant change of venue, SNAP’s loyal audience and support grew immensely. One of the many founders, David Catalan, expressed his theory on why SNAP acquired such a large audience. “(I think) theatre brings around therapy in a meaningful way without regards to traditional boundaries.”

Finally, in 2001, after nine years of constant touring, SNAP finally found a home with Shelterbelt Productions, which is a local theatre that performs pieces written by local play-wrights. By then, both companies had gained so much experience and had a large reputa-tion that the joining was almost perfect! With the combined talents of Shelterbelt and the mission of SNAP, the theatre’s popularity grew exponentially. And with the large increase of ticket sales, the troupe of SNAP/Shelterbelt started doing bigger and more famous produc-tions such as Christmas with the Crawfords (a drag satire of Joan Crawford’s Christmas radio broadcast), Sordid Lives (a Southern flick with a twist of comedy), and RENT.

Even though the current season at SNAP/Shelterbelt is winding down, there are still a few good productions yet to come. Valley of the Dolls (which is based off of a book by Jacque-line Susann) is the next production at SNAP, which runs from November 18th to December 12th, and ShelterSkelter which is a production consisting of small acts written by local play-wrights which usually runs in October.

SNAP/Shelterbelt theatre is located at 3225 California Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68108. Their website is www.snapproductions.com.

Story by James Hodge

Oh Snap!(A Little Theatre with Big Intentions)

Silly Bandz®Did you know?

Silly Bandz® are rubber bands set in special die cast molds that return to their original shape when taken off your wrist.

Silly Bandz® come in a variety of sets including Zoo Animal Silly Bandz, Pet Silly Bandz, Fun Shaped Silly Bandz, Sea Creature Silly Bandz, Dinosaur Silly Bandz, Western Silly Bandz, Princess Silly Bandz, Alphabet Silly Bandz, Rockbandz Silly Bandz, Fantasy Shaped Silly Bandz, Baseball Silly Bandz, Art Fest Silly Bandz, Beach Pack Silly Bandz, Rainforest Silly Bandz, Halloween Silly Bandz, Marvel Silly Bandz and Justin Bieber Silly Bandz. The makers of Silly Bandz® also make other accessories such as Silly Ringz, Silly Necklaces, SillyBandz Caribinerz and for the Silly Bandz® enthusiast, SillyButtons.

For more information on Silly Bandz® go to http://www.sillybandz.com/

Peace TeaDid you know?

Peace Tea is a popular tea drink that promotes world peace, hence the name.Peace Tea is very affordable at only 99 cents a can.Peace Tea was launched on December 21st 2009

Peace Tea comes in four flavors (Razzleberry, Green Tea, Imported Ceylon Tea, and Sweet Lemon Tea.)Peace Tea is promoting an event to raise awareness for world peace (for more information go to www.

peaceicedtea.com/#/Peace-Tea-Party)

wirethe

Editors in ChiefSara Rudolph Steven Elonich

Managing EditorTaylor Kuhn

Design EditorTaylor Jensen

Photography Editor

Sanjula MahathantilaBusiness EditorBecca McMillen

Reporters

Victoria Anderson Kyralin BrownJames HodgeBlake Huber

Logan MaradaCarrie Miller

Rebekah PiercyTim Stokes

Tara VanRiper

The Wire is the official Lewis Central student newspaper and is distributed free of cost to students. The opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the student writers, not the Lewis Central administration, faculty, or its advisor. The Wire is published seven times throughout the school year by White Wolf Web Printers. The purpose of The Wire is to inform students of current and relevant events, interpret and analyze complex issues that affect students, and serve as a forum for discussion of controversial issues.

The Wire strongly encourages responses to articles appearing in the newspaper. The letters must be signed, legible, and concise. These letters should be free of profanity and vulgarity. Letters may be submitted to room 401 or emailed to selonich@LewisCentral.k12.ia.us.

AdviserMary Langille

Editorial Policy

Letters to the Editor

Syrup Crisis: We’re in a sticky situation

Vermont is home to many famous people and places. Well, not really, but they have Bill Wilson, co-founder of alcoholics anonymous, Peter Schumann, director of a puppet theater, and syrup. However, the latter is under intense scrutiny at the moment; someone stole the syrup.

New Log Cabin Syrup, which is ridiculously similar to Vermont All-Natural Syrup, claims to be all natural as well. As it turns out, the syrup, which also has a close looking bottle as the Vermont pride and joy, is only 96% natural. This crisis has driven Vermonteers insane.

“Oh good God! This needs to stop!” said senior Josh MadsenSome syrup eaters do not really care where their syrup comes from, or if it has 4%

maple flavoring in it. This group includes senior Bobby Daley, who stated:“I love syrup no matter where it comes from!” It may be expected that the FDA, Food & Drug Administration, could put a halt to this

outbreak of delicious, but unnatural, delight. However, the FDA has no definition of the word “natural” therefore cannot enforce anything upon Log Cabin Syrup, much to Ver-mont’s dismay.

A resolve to this issue does not look soon to come. Syrup eaters across the nation will cringe every time they eat that 4% artificial maple flavoring. Well, at least Vermont will. Story by Steven Elonich

French Fries: Gone, Candy Bars: Gone, Where has all the Good Food Gone?

What happened to the French fries? What happened to the candy bars? What hap-pened to all the junk food?! The talk on the floor is about the most recent food change. We no longer have candy bars, regular soda, or any junk food.

The Iowa Healthy Kids Act is responsible for making these changes. The Iowa Healthy Kids Act thinks schools are feeding their students too many "Fatty foods". They have taken out all junk food, and replaced it with healthier choices. Salads, fruit plates, baked chips and diet soda are all great alternatives. The goal is to have every student have a physical activity and for food and drinks sold on school grounds to be nutritional. The change in our diet is not all bad. It gives more variety in a healthier way, and does not seem to make every-one upset. Some students have been bringing in junk food from the local gas station. We asked Sophomore Katie Phillips if she thought the Lewis Central staff will do anything about students bringing in junk food into school from the local gas station, "No, I don't think they care," Phillips said. Whether we like it or not, the recent changes are here to stay. There are so many healthier choices to have instead of a fries or candy bars, and that are better for you! Story by Tara Van Riper

Syrup Crisis: We’re in a sticky situation

Photos by Tara Van Riper

Check out what’s new:Chicks Clothing

I always get a text from my friends saying “What are you up to?” I never really have anything interesting to say, so I either say nothing or Facebook. In fact, that is how I came up with this story. I was reading my posts when I noticed a few from Chicks Clothing. Sure, I have seen the site before but never really checked it out. One thing led to another and I was awed by these unique t-shirts. For all of you who have no idea what Chicks Clothing is, it is a clothing line created by one of our very own, junior Cody Hicks. Hicks decided to enter an online design contest and he sent in one of his t-shirt designs and had a chance of winning some money. He did not win, but figured why not make my own line since I enjoy designing. “If you really want to, you can do it,” Hicks said. Cody had some help from his parents being that he is a minor. Other than copyrights, the t-shirts are one hundred percent him. He can thank the middle school gym teachers for the name of his clothing line. Hicks was trying to figure out a name when he spotted his old gym t-shirt lying on the floor saying C. Hicks, which could also ap-pear as Chicks. Chicks Clothing was officially created. Hicks is inspired by everything and anything. “The whole brand represents me, everything that I like or think is cool is put into every part of the brand,” said Hicks. If he sees something and likes it, then he sketches it out, and hopes it turns into something cool. It is hard to put into a category because each shirt is so differ-ent, but urban and street wear are a few words. A bright blue skull with funky designs in it, a penguin on a purple shirt, and just a plain white shirt with the Chicks logo on it are a few of his shirts that stand out. Not only will there be t-shirts, but also hats will be coming out soon. Hicks is hoping to expand into designing shorts, tank tops, and maybe even jeans in the future. If you think that his shirts are only sold to Lewis Central students, you are wrong. In fact, they have been sold to almost every state in the United States. His next goal is to sell to other coun-tries. Do I have you interested in buying a shirt yet? Well, if not, this will; there is a sale going on right now, too. Also, once the sale is over, Chicks will have new shirt designs out. If you do not believe me, check it out yourself on chicksclothing.com. Instead of wearing the same

clothes as everyone else, why not wear a shirt that is fun and different? Story by Taylor Kuhn

Get plenty of rest the night beforeDress comfortablyDouble check your admission ticket

Double check your admission ticket

Try to be there around 7:45am (Doors will close at 8am)

Dress comfortably

Bring a photo ID

and calculator

Go to the check

in table at the

main doors

Get plenty of rest the night before

Eat a healthy, filling breakfast

F.Y.I.

The clock strikes one and the ACT practice test collects more dust on the desk. It doesn’t look any easier than it did before. Maybe after the pantry is inspected you will come back to problem two. Instead, the investigation on who took the last double stuffed Oreo becomes more important. Ju-nior Ryan Simmons on the other hand, will open a practice book rather than a cabinet when his pressure level rises.

“I enjoy [ACT] as an opportunity so it doesn’t stress me out,” Simmons says. Look-ing through the practice book his grandfa-ther gave him has increased his score from a 24 to a 28. His goal is the mid 30s for this winter or early spring’s test. Our school as a whole has increased their score as well.

In 2008 Lewis Central’s seniors had an average of 21.7. Just one year later it moved to a 22.3 and in 2010 seniors graduated with an exceptional 22.9. These scores are a great start for college because the majority

of state college universities will require a composite score of 20 or higher.

Simmons believes the math and science section needs more attention before his next test taking. “I continue with the prepa-rations little by little, it’s more effective than attempting to learn a bunch of informa-tion and helpful tips right before the start of the test.” Simmons’s tries to study his practice book three or four times a week. Ryan prefers taking his test at Central High School in Omaha because he can make new friends and ask how the test was for them. “I wasn’t as pressurized because the people there don’t know you and don’t know what to expect from me. I felt really motivated,” he said.

Studying an entire test 30 seconds be-fore it’s handed out, doesn’t help improve a score. Try asking your parents to help you study rather than go out to a party.

Story by Tori Anderson

ACTStressTips and Tricks for Staying Calm

Have you ever been nervous when tak-ing a big test? Just imagine taking a test that could decide whether or not you would get a huge scholarship, such as the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT.) After the PSAT/NMSQT Madsen had felt “a little unsure and didn’t know what to expect with the results,” but the results turned out in her favor. “I had not been expecting it,” Madsen said when asked how she felt about being one of 16,000 semi-finalists.

Now that she is a semi-finalist there are certain requirements that she has to meet in order to become a finalist and have an even better shot at the scholarship. She has to take the SAT for the first time and make sure to keep her grades up, which should be somewhat easy since she does not have very many challenging classes.

Madsen is also very self-motivated. There is a lot she wants to do but her par-

Kait MadsenNational Merit Semi-Finalist

ents are also very helpful. She said that “My parents always encourage me to be my best self.” Madsen did not even know about the test until her mom mentioned it.

In the future she is not exactly sure what she wants to, although she wants to go to college in Chicago. “I want to travel a lot” said Madsen.

Story by Becca Piercy

AsfortheMidwest,welackalotoftouristattractions,andabigsectionthatwouldboostthatis,asportsfranchise.WhenIheardaboutOmahagettinga“pro”footballteam,Iwasexcited,thatis,untilIrealizeditwastheUFL.It’ssomethingright?So,Ikeptmyhopesupforanothersportingeventtoattend,closetothemetro,andevenbetter,it’skeepingRosenblattupforanextrafewmonths.TheUFLisn’tquitetheNFL,butthequalityofplayershasbeengettingbetterandbetter.

TheNighthawksrosterstartedupstrongearlythissummer,withbig-timerunningback,AhmanGreen.Greenisaspecialplayer;hewastheall-timerushingleaderfortheGreenBayPackers.HeisnotonlyanOmahanative,butalsoapastrunningbackfortheNebraskaCornhusk-ers.JoiningGreen,wereotherNFLveterans,JebPutzier,JeffGarcia,andRobertFerguson.ThereisnodoubtthattheNighthawkshavethemostentertainingteamcomingintotheUFL.

Theystirredupabitofcontroversysigningbad-boyandcollegefootballstar,MauriceClarett,whowasreleasedbytheDenverBroncosforrobberycharges.Clarett’spastmaynotlookgoodonpaper,butonthefield,hisaccomplishmentsarenothingtosneezeat.Clarettrackedupover

1,000yardsofrushing,alongwith18touchdowns.Hewasaprodigy,endinghighschoolbeingMr.Ohio. TheNighthawksopentheirseasonwithahomegameagainsttheHartfordColonialsatworldfamousRosenblatt

StadiumonSeptember24th.TheOmahaNighthawksaresuretobringsportsentertainmenttothearea,aswellasbringaUFLchampionshiphome.

Athletesof the

Issue

Ready, Set, Go

Invasion of the Nighthawks

Story by Logan Marada

It’sfallagain,andeveryoneknowswhatthatmeans;itistimetoget thespikesoutbecauseTitanCrossCountry isback.TheTi-tanshavehad threemeets so far.Thefirst cross countrymeetofthe seasonwasheld inGlenwood,where the varsityboysplaced9thandthe juniorvarsityplaced6th.Thevarsitygirlsplaced4th.Junior varsity didn’t run because of badweather. Results for theGlenwoodmeetarelistedbelow.OurTitanteamshavebeencuttingtheirtimeseveryrace.Thisshowsthattheyarepracticingveryhard.TheCrossCountryteamhasameetatAtlanticOctober7thandtheyhave their conferencemeetOctober 14th atHarlan. Let’s rewardour Titans Cross Country teamsby going out to theremeets andwatchingthemcompete.

Story by Blake Huber

“Run down there and hit someone in the mouth,” Coach Duggan says to number 3, junior Trent Rudolph. Running down the field on kickoffs, Rudolph does his job of making sure the return man does not get to the open lane.

Photo by Sanjula Mahathantila

TitansResurgence

of the

Aftera41-7defeatatthehandsofrivalSt.Albert,thingslooked gloomy for the Titansfootballteam,butthreeweeksandthreeshutoutslater,therehasbeenaresurgenceofhopeatLewisCentral.

PrecedingtheThomasJef-ferson game, Coach Jim Dug-gancommentedonthegrowthandmindsetofhisteam.

“It’s not a wake upcall,”Duggansaid,speakingofAugust26th’sSt.Albertgame,“because they realize that St.Albertisareallygoodfootballteam.”

Although a winseemedallbutcertain,theTi-tansneededavictoryoverthecross-town TJ to quiet whis-persofadownseason.

“A win would helpconfidence,” Duggan said,referring to his team. “Theyneed to continue to get bet-ter.”

And that they have.Thesurgebeganthenextweekat Thomas Jefferson, wherethe Titans prevailed 56-0 on

an all out assault over theJackets. It continued the nextweekduringtheannualhome-cominggameovertheCrestonPanthers, 33-0. Thenext roadtest tooktheTitansdownthehighway to Glenwood, wheretheyshutdowntheRams35-0.

Not only are threeshutouts unprecedented tobeginwith,butfollowingalosswhichhadoverfortypointsinit is astounding. The defensehascometoplay,andthathasovershadowed the offense’s124 total points in the lastthreegames.

Amonthago,theHar-lan game looked like one notworth attending, but thesenew-look Titans have forcedinterest among students andfans.NotonlyaretheseTitanson a three game win streak,but now have hopes of tak-ingcontroloftheusualHarlandominatedconferencethisFri-day, when Lewis Central getstheir first chance to make astatementintheHawkeyeTen.

Story by Steven Elonich

Stories by Tim Stokes

Natalie Olberding, 8thTiffany Lamplot, 17thSalome Bleuer, 19thNicole Lamplot, 21thAshley Zerwas, 33rd

Sarah Drummey, 44th

Jerry Orozco, 25thJake Clark, 37th

Garret Anderson, 42ndParker Smith, 44th

Brendan Johnson, 64th

Boys’VarsityGirls’Varsity

Sheruns,shejumps,shespikesandforotherschools,sheisagiantobstacletogettheballover.Sincestartingasafreshman,JuniorCarlyDemarquehasbeenonthevarsityteam.Volley-ballhasbeeninherlifesincethirdgradeandshestuckwithitforthejoy,theexercise,andhercoaches.BeforeagameyouwillseeDemarquewithherheadphonesinlisteningto“pumpupmusic,nothingslow,”and“eatingalotoffood.”Evenifshelookscompletelyfocused,hermindisblank.Shesizesuptheheightoftheteamandleavesitatthat.Withthelossoftheseniors,manypeoplewerewonderinghowtheteamwoulddo.“Isaywe’rebetter,”saysDemarque.“Theseniorswerereallyharshlastyear.”AndwithawinoverHarlanearlyintheseason,itlookslikeDemarque’sviewonthesubjectisrightonpoint.Duringtheoff-seasonyouwillseeCarlyinthesamegym,shootinguphoopsfortheLewisCentralgirls’basketballteam.Afterhighschool,CarlywillleaveIowaforaschoolinLouisianawhereshewillbeplayingvolleyballfortheschool.Butthatistwoyearsfromnow,whichleavesalotoftimetoincreaseherskillsinthegameandbereadytoplayatacollegelevel.Sowhenyouhavenothingtodo,andyouwanttoseesomeathleticstandouts,visittheLewisCentralgymduringavolleyballgamewatchoneofLC’stopplayers,CarlyDemarque,inaction.Shewillbeinthefrontlookingovertheothergirls.

“Mytruckisabeast!”saysseniorDanWolfwithagrin.Unfortunately,histruckcannothelpina3.1milerunforcrosscountry.Asareturningveteranofcrosscountry,Danknewwhathewasgettingintowhenhesignedup.Heenjoyedthesportfor2years.Wolfbelievesitis“prettyfunandbeingonJVmeansthereisn’talotofstress.”CoachAnkenbauerwasanoth-erbighelptogetDanWolfbackonthetrack.BeforeeveryJuniorVarsitymeetyoucanseehimstretchingoutandrunningsprintstogetwarmedup.Beforetherace,Danthinkshowcanheout-runthepeopleinfrontofhim.Afterthemeet,winorloss,herelaxeswithhiscupofGatoradeandameal,“Iliketoeatspaghettiafterthemeets.”Whenaskedifhehadanypre-meetmealsDansays“Icarbload.Pastaandthatstuff.”Duringtheoffseason,youwillseeDaninthewrestlingroominthewinterandonthegolfcourseinthespring.MostofushavecometoknowDanWolfbyvarietyofnicknames.WanDolfisprobablythemostcom-mon,butwhostartedthis?“Aaa…IthinkitwaseitherPaulStewartorDylanKenneyfresh-manyearduringspeech,”Wolfsaid.Sowhenyoucometoacrosscountrymeet,orstepintoawrestlingmeet,orevencomewatchtheboys’golfinthespring,makesurethatyouyellagiant“WAAANDOOLLLFFF”forsupportoftheMaleSeniorofIssue1ofTheWire,DanWolf.

“Watching girls tan at the pool.”

“Not studying.”

“Partying until four in the morn-ing, waking up at noon, eating Taco

Bell and doing that 300 times.“

“Eating

whenever I

want…on

the couch.”

“XBOX!”

“California.”“Sleeping 14 hours a

day.”

“Swimming.”

“Going out on

week nights.”

“Having time to

do what I want.”

Whether you are a senior, junior, sophomore, or freshman, this year is certainly going to be difficult and a lot different from last year. New classes were added, like Advanced American History, and that means more home-work. Believe it or not, time spent on homework has increased by a whop-ping 51 percent since our parents did homework back in the Eighties.

If you miss swimming,

never fear! Go watch the next

home swim meet on Octo-ber 16 at Titan Hill. It may not be the same as swimming un-

der the hot sun, but what could be better than

supporting your school?

We no longer can eat “whatever we want.” The school has to abide by the rules put in place by the Iowa Healthy Kids Act, designed to encourage kids to get in shape and eat healthier. They put a limit on the nutritional content of the food sold on school grounds. For instance, our “entrée” must be less than 400 calories and no side may exceed 400 milligrams of sodium. They plan to cut these numbers in half by 2014, which means no more French fries.

Although things like sleeping in and staying out way too late are no longer viable options, we can still have lots of fun by supporting the football, volleyball, cross country, swimming, and golf teams. Plus, going to “away” games is a great excuse to stay out late and hang out with friends while supporting the team.