Professional Documents
Culture Documents
THE
Volume XIII, Issue IV 21401 SE Falcon Way Kent, WA December 18, 2009
Happy Holidays!
2 Meet the
Contents
The Falcon Flyer
Press
Co Editors-in-Chief
Cynthiann Heckelsmiller
Christine Rushton
Op-ed Editor
Alyssa Ryan
A&E Editor
Mike Lydon
Sports Editor
Holly Pirret
Student Life Editor News Pg. 3
Yasmin Abubakar “High prize A&E Pg. 9
Business Manager
Kayla Maletich for husband of “How ‘bout
Webmaster
Kentlake assis- a game of
Spencer Transier Op-Ed Pg. 5
Copy Editors tant teacher” Wackbat”
Brendan Cescon “Afghan War
Photographers
Daniel Tadeo pointless,
Megan Rogers drawn out”
Melissa Pitchford
Michaela Mandala
Staff Reporters
Brian Benshoof
Keith Bolender
Kelsey Bolton
Sarah Cubine
Features Sports Pg. 18
Matthew Davis Pg. 10 “Girl’s basket-
Michala Dymond-Shaw
Kierra Elfalan “Pam Student Life ball contin-
Craig Heffner Cressey” Pg. 15 ues winning
Jerel Henderson
McKenna Herron “The history streak”
Jason Hirschey
Erin Hunt
of The Sa-
Jacob Langholz die Hawkins
Nicole Luce
Amy Reiter Dance”
Ryan Snyder
Kiley Throop
Steven Weier
to do?
marijuana:
Myth: Mari-
juana is more
damaging to Marijuana not as
the lungs than
tobacco. risky as previously
Fact: According believed
to the Center on Kelsey Bolton
Addiction and Sub- Staff Reporter
stance Marijuana is illegal, but that does
Abuse not stop many from growing, selling,
cited on and smoking it. People will consume
marijuana whether it is legal or not. It is
drugpolicy. the individual’s choice to do what they will,
org, smoking so why not let them have option when it comes
to marijuana? If someone wants to smoke mari-
of marijuana juana then he or she should be able to do so.
poses minimal Many people do not want marijuana to be legalized
drugpol-
that does not mean marijuana users would have free reign to consume marijuana whenever
they feel the need. In order to work for a company an individual is required to not be under
icy.org, the influence of any drug. Incompetence in the work place would not change if marijuana
Marijua- is legalized. An employer has the right to deny or fire someone that is under the influence of
marijuana. Work standards will not change.
na does There is a fairly large profit that is being made by drug dealers when it comes to selling mari-
not cause juana. Instead of that money going towards one person that money could go towards fixing the
education system or help heal the economy. By legalizing marijuana the government would be able
physical to have a standard cost. This will help reduce the drug dealer population and the amount of mari-
dependence. juana users. To legalize marijuana use in this economy would be a smart idea.
All statistics in this article taken from saferchoice.org
Op-ed
The Falcon Flyer
7
or not to do?
Chaos will ensue if
Marijuana is legalized
Amy Reiter
Staff Reporter
Imagine a world filled with bright colors, green and purple polka dotted elephants, and deli-
cious brownies. Here everyone runs around being happily high all day long. That is what the
world will be like if marijuana is legalized.
Marijuana is a common name for a drug made from the plant Cannabis sativa. The main ingre-
dient is THC which is a mind altering drug; but over 400 other chemicals can be found in the
plant. The strength of today’s marijuana is nearly ten times greater then the marijuana used
in the 1970’s. The more potent marijuana increases physical and mental effects of health
problems for the users.
A constant user can have issues with learning and memorization skills. Distorted per-
ception, trouble with thinking, and increase in heart rate are only a few short term effects
that come from using pot. Legalizing this drug would only cause more problems. Sure
the economy could make money off of it, but really? Are we willing to risk the health of
our future?
Long term effects can alter the smoker’s perception at an extensive rate. Their heart rate in-
creases to where the risk for heart problems is doubled. People who smoke marijuana often
develop some breathing problems such as coughing or wheezing. It is not known whether or
not marijuana affects the immune system, but studies have shown that it impairs the T-cells
in the lungs.
Legalizing marijuana would only cause more mayhem. More people would be running
around high due to the easy access. Children would be educated at younger ages about the use
of drugs. It may relieve stress and make the user feel unusually happy and hungry for a short
period of time, but it is certainly not without its effects.
Many have commented on how legalizing marijuana would boost our economy rather then
tearing it down. All they really care about is making money, they don’t bother to look ahead and
see how much damage could be done. Sure it might help make more jobs and the government
could gather money from it. We would be showing America and the younger generations that
com
there’s nothing to hide from this, that marijuana can be considered good. Think ahead twenty
Photo by smh.
years from now when you are a mother of father. Do you think it would be safe for your child to
be learning about this drug as early as elementary and let alone taught that no harm comes from
it? It would basically be flashing off to them all the benefits, and not showing the effects that are to
be experienced later. We would be advertising the drug.
Marijuana can also be considered a gateway drug. The long term exposure to cannabinoids, the
active ingredient in marijuana, can make a person more vulnerable to the abuse or addiction of other
drugs. People may argue that this is used as a scare tactic, but in truth, it is more likely for a person to
continue on using more harmful drugs.
Legalizing this drug would result in chaos for the American future. We would soon find more run-
ning around high and children at a younger age learning that it is something good. When in fact it is
a topic that we need to stay away from because all people care about is the money aspect and aren’t
willing to look into it in full detail.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions,
impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and
memory. As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a reduced intellectual
level all of the time.
Also according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana increases heart rate by 20–100 percent
shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. In one study, it was estimated that marijuana users have a
4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug.
8 Op-Ed
The Falcon Flyer
Speidi annoys with asanine new book
ma. For reasons ranging from reviews, one of which reads,
Erin Hunt the messy end of the friend- “Finally, something worse than
Staff Reporter ship between Lauren Conrad cancer” another, “anyone who
and H. Pratt, to the accusations purchases this should be liter-
Many things in history live of S. Pratt accusing Conrad of ally beaten”.
on in infamy, ranging from creating a sex tape, Speidi has Many believe the only rea-
Henry VIII to September 11th, managed to become a common son to purchase this novel is
2001. Unfortunately, another tabloid fixture. Is being a tab- in order to mock it mercilessly
thing must be added to the in- loid fixture the equivalent of fa- and draw a mustache on the
famy list: Spencer and Heidi mous? Apparently so, because blown up faces of Speidi on the
Pratt’s new novel, How to be Speidi think they are not only book cover. However, you must
Famous. famous, but that they also know remember that Spencer already
We all know Spencer and how to make you famous. has an unattractive mustache,
Heidi Pratt, also referred to as Amazon provides a descrip- so a devil tail may be necessary
“Speidi”. American audiences tion of the novel; summariz- on him.
have been subjugated to the ing the book, “With Heidi Let me give you a little ad-
couples’ stupidity on the popu- and Spencer as your personal vice; if you want to be famous,
lar reality series The Hills since coaches, you, too, can trans- write a book on how to be fa-
the summer of 2006, when the form yourself into a red-car- mous and then release a scan-
pair began their relationship. pet-ready superstar!” Luckily, dalous tape of a well known
Since then, the couple appears if this is not enough to humor friend. That generally seems to
to be a catalyst of endless dra- you, it is followed by customer do the trick! Photo by of zimbio.com
/5
spiral. All Bella can think about is her One: replace director Catherine With everything that was dreadful
beloved vampire and how she can not Hardwicke, two: recast, and three: get in Twilight, there comes redemption
live without him. Love is just so cruel, a new screenplay writer, since Melissa with New Moon. The acting was an
/5
was just riding on the vampire ullen
.
of Edward, Bella turns into an adrenaline junkie. craze and the viewers’ obsession d w ard C
ve, E
What kind of message is this film trying to relay? with the overly-attractive cast. ire lo
’s v amp
From the perspective of someone who has not Acting was similar to Bella
Modern Warfare 2 makes war fun drop and players will have trouble from the main story. The objectives in aspect of CodMod 2. The gameplay is
Jerel Henderson closing their gaping mouths. One of these shorter tasks are usually inventive almost completely the same as the first
Staff Reporter these moments may be when you are and fun. For instance, you may have to go-round, but there have been a few
climbing a frozen peak in Afghanistan run on foot into a hornet’s nest of enemy additional game modes added. However,
Thomas Jefferson once said “I have while friendly fighter jets blaze by not soldiers while your partner shoots your fan favorites like search and destroy,
seen enough of one war never to wish to but 100 feet overhead. However, the only foes with a minigun from a nearby headquarters, and team death match
see another.” Evidently the developers complaints I have about the campaign airborne helicopter. Did I mention that still exist for any soldier brave enough to
at Infinity Ward did not share our third is that it is too short and the story is all of the spec ops missions can be done join the fight. Also, the weapon selection
president’s same opinion on this matter. almost too far-fetched to completely solo or with a friend cooperatively? is truly astonishing, and there are
The critically acclaimed release multiple unlockable attachments
of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare available for each firearm. The
2 has struck a high note for the maps are intricate and balanced
video game community this and require extensive scouting.
year. Similarly, there has been All I can say is get ready to be
lots of speculation surrounding spending many hours in front of
the new game, as well as colossal the television.
expectations for it to be better Call of Duty has followed a
than its hugely successful simple checklist to help stake
predecessor. Thankfully, the their claim as one of the premier
aptly nick-named CodMod 2 franchises in video games.
surpasses these expectations and The recipe which calls for
delivers in spades. The easiest spectacular graphics, dynamic
way to summarize the new game sound, and superb gameplay has
is to simply imagine the first not done them wrong. Infinity
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Ward delivers gameplay for all
but on performance enhancing occasions; if you are playing
video game stimulants. Nearly alone, with a friend, or even
all the likable features from online. Each game mode seems
the first Modern Warfare are to be more entertaining than
not only present in the newest the last, with multiplayer being
installment, but they are tweaked the crown-jewel of it all. If you
Photo by callofduty.com
and upgraded to give the player a are thinking about purchasing
truly impressive experience. Gameplay in the online multiplayer mode. The weapon pictured contains the heartbeat sensor attachment. this game, (and you should be)
Firstly, the single player be prepared for the crippling
campaign mode can only be described grasp. Nit-picking aside, the campaign This may force some players to stop addiction that will soon follow. As for
as epic. You will get to play a slew of is still delightfully enjoyable. mindlessly playing the campaign or me, I have to get back to a team death
characters in different branches of the Furthermore, Infinity Ward has multiplayer modes for awhile and invite match game I was playing earlier.
military. The stunning locales around decided to add to its arsenal by adding a friend over to join the fight.
the world really help to immerse the spec ops missions to CodMod 2. These Let’s face it, multiplayer has always
player into the story. Likewise, there are missions are somewhat derived from the been the staple of the Call of Duty
scenes in which jaws will most certainly campaign, but they actually stand alone franchise, and it is definitely the largest
/5
Not much left for a plumber to do friend, or so one might seem. Yet, the one a special panel that is rarely encountered. All
Jacob Langholz complaint of all of the Mario games have other controls and game elements are relatively
Staff Reporter been that there has been no game to typical, and frankly, disappointing.
combine the side-scrolling levels with The inclusion of a few new items and
Long have there been plumbers, braving the a multi-player option, eradicating the features keep this game above water,
dangers of every day sewage and pipes with their need to “take turns” and opening the as it retains its cult value, along with
snakes, plungers, and pipes. Yet, only since 1983 have field for support when struggling with its successful history. There are just
there been some so daring as to delve into the depths the impossible level or mini-boss. enough new power-ups and enemies to
of the pipes, collecting coins and stars, jumping on Because not much has changed from keep the game fresh, frustrating, and
toadstools and turtles, and fighting evil turtle-dragons many of the others before it, the addition fulfilling, which is the foundation of the
that breathe fire. Today, these brave heroes are known of the optional four simultaneous players gaming experience.
as the Super Mario Bros. during the normal game play is the However, what prevents the game from
The Super Mario Bros. franchise has been one saving grace of the new game. One attaining the masterful legacy of its successors
of Nintendo’s biggest successes, appearing in over can play as Mario, mandatory in single is an utter lack of innovative features or
200 games to date. Most all of the Mario games player, Luigi, and one of two Toads as intriging gameplay, both of which were very
involve Mario, the overall-clad plumber with a red you jump, fly, float, and run across the plentiful in previous installments. I must,
embroidered “M” on his red cap, and his adventures to screen, trying to keep your character however, commend Nintendo for keeping
rescue Princess Peach. Though some may believe this alive. the overall formula of the original Super
game and its storyline have become cliché, 20 years As this is the newest in the long series Photo by nintendo.com Mario Bros. entertaining almost twenty-
of success have proven those skeptics wrong time and of games, also coming out on the newest, five years after that game was released. Just
time again. motion sensitive technology, it would be because this game isn’t the all-time classic that it could
Amongst the gamer community, though, the name expected that the game would incorporate have been doesn’t mean that it should be overlooked.
Mario resounds in the heart and toys with the mind. this technology, as well as have quite a few
/5
The seemingly impossible puzzles and levels haunt new ideas. Sadly, those expecting this will be
many through sleepless nights and red-eyed days. regretfully disappointed. The extent of the adapted
Replay-ability of the games lies in the challenge of a motion detector is twisting the controller to operate
StudentLife
The Falcon Flyer
15
History of Sadie Hawkins Dance
Jason Hirschey In honor of the first Sadie Hawkins Day, the dance is a girl-ask-guy event. How-
ever, unlike the first holiday there is no actual footrace, couples do not have to
Staff Reporter marry, and it does not always take place on November 15. Over time, the dance has
Sadie Hawkins Day is a fictional holiday in Al Capp’s comic strip, Li’l Abner. The been given nicknames such as: Girl Break, T.W.I.R.P. (The Women Is Responsible
first mention of the day was in the November 15, 1937 edition of the comic. Sa- to Pay), Coming Home (a play on Homecoming), Barn Dance, Morp (Prom spelled
die Hawkins’ father, Hekzebiah Hawkins, was upset that she had not married. He backwards), and Tolo. The word “Tolo” is derived from the Chinookan language
called all of the bachelors of Dogpatch, Kentucky to gather. Speaking with author- and means “to earn / to win” as in how the woman earns the man from the chase.
ity, he instructed the men to run. After a short while, Sadie ran after the men; the The Sadie Hawkins Dance will be held on January 23, 2010 and the theme is
man she caught was ordered to lifelong matrimony. Upon catching her man, the Glow Out, Blow Out. It is a glow stick dance, and all students are encouraged to
other women of Dogpatch thought it should be an annual holiday. Since that time, wear glow sticks.
November 15 has been declared Sadie Hawkins Day in Dogpatch, Kentucky. From past experiences, some find the Sadies dance to be an awkward and boring
The impact of the comic has inspired a dance named, The Sadie Hawkins Dance. excuse for a dance. “I can dance with people in weird outfits any day I want, but I
Starting with only one report of the dance in 1938, the popularity has increased can’t get all dolled up for any old occasion, I think there should be a winter ball,”
every year since. A mere two years after the comic debut, 200 reports of the dance said sophomore Taylor Bouffard. Others believe the dance is interesting and can
were documented by Life magazine. Along with other cultural impacts by Al Capp, lead to some productive social engagements. “It’s kind of fun because there’s a lot
Sadie Hawkins has become permanently implanted into American culture. of good dancers that go and show off their talent,” said sophomore Bria Royal.
20th- Gymnastics,
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