Volume XIII, Issue V

21401 SE Falcon Way Kent, WA January 22, 2010

www.thefalconflyer.com
2 Meet the
Contents
The Falcon Flyer

Press News Pg. 4

Lack of progress calls for football coaching change
Co Editors-in-Chief A decade of Kentlake Drama gathered for an inspiration
Cynthiann Heckelsmiller
ASB makes a leadership change for the second year in a row
Christine Rushton
Op-Ed Editor Health survey brings question to Kentlake’s substance usage
Alyssa Ryan Junior class budget disaster
A&E Editor Levies threaten KSD money
Mike Lydon Although small, Debate Club powers into tournaments
Sports Editor
Holly Pirret
Student Life Editor
Yasmin Abubakar Op-Ed Pg. 7 The hurdles of journalism become outrageous
Business Manager New Year’s Resolutions make a farce out of January
Kayla Maletich Current health curriculum outdated and not educational
Webmaster Airport security measures senseless and ineffective
Spencer Transier Underground newspapers straying from purpose
Copy Editors
Brendan Cescon Public space flight unobtainable due to cost
Daniel Tadeo Falcon Flyer editors sound off on 2009
Photographers Factory farming inhumane and unnecessarily cruel
Megan Rogers
Melissa Pitchford
Michaela Mandala
Staff Reporters A&E Pg. 11
Brian Benshoof Downey Jr. reinvents classic detective
Keith Bolender
Kelsey Bolton
Michael Cera fails to lose virginity, again
Sarah Cubine A decade of greatness
Matthew Davis Streep, Baldwin get complicated
Michala Dymond-Shaw James Cameron’s Avatar a visual breakthrough
Kierra Elfalan
Craig Heffner
Jerel Henderson
McKenna Herron
Jason Hirschey
Erin Hunt
Jacob Langholz
Nicole Luce National News Briefs
Amy Reiter
Ryan Snyder
Kiley Throop The International Red Cross estimated 45,000 to 50,000 people
Steven Weier were killed in the earthquake in Haiti, based on information from
the Haitian Red Cross and government officials. They are doing ev-
Kentlake High School erything they can to save and bring to safety as many people as pos-
Phone:253) 373-4900 sible. The earthquake was a 7.0 magnitude on Jan. 12. It has left
Fax: (253) 373-4908 millions in the streets without food or water.
Principal: Diana Pratt
Adviser: Susan Best
TheFalconFlyer.com 600,000 cribs were recalled after a six month old baby boy from Cedar
Rapids, Iowa was trapped in his crib when the hardware brok on the drop
The Falcon Flyer is an open forum, side. About 1000 cribs were distributed, and there have been 18 reports
produced by students in the
journalism class at Kentlake High of children being trapped over the last few years.
School. Its mission is to provide
a thought-proviking, informative
and high-quality publication for the
Kentlake community, adhering to
strong journalistic principles. s The Democrats lost a vital seat in the Senate when the people of
Editorials which appear in the Flyer
u s ett Massachusetts voted for a smaller-profile Senator, Republican Scott
represent the opinion of the named
ac h
author or authors, or if no author s
is credited, the opinions of the
Editorial Board. Mas Brown. He decisively defeated the Democratic candidate and attorney
general, Martha Coakley on Wednesday. This is not only a harsh blow
The staff welcomes signed letters
to the editor. The Falcon Flyer to the Healthcare bill currently under discussion, but also to President
reserves the right to edit letters, al-
though every attempt will be made Obama. Obama publicly supported Coakley strongly, and her defeat
to preserve original content. Letters
should be sent to thefalcon.yer@ hurts his standing and power status as the president.
gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter
and Facebook.
Cover art by Cynthiann Heckelsmiller, modeled by Tyler Royal
 Contents
The Falcon Flyer 3
Kentlake News Briefs Fun Facts:
On Monday Jan. 4, students were first exposed to signs recently put up
around the locker areas of the school restricting students from that area
January
during lunch time. Several students have ignored the signs, most have been • January comes from
torn down, but it is advised that you follow the rules and remain around
the commons area during lunch.
Janus or Ianuarius,
the Roman god of
the doorway.
Principal Diana Pratt was selected as the South Puget Sound League • Birthstone: Garnet
Principal of the Year. According to the district website, she was “se-
• Birth flower:
lected because of her excellent work supporting the school’s students
and employees and for her support of the league.” She is the SPSL’s Carnation
nomination for 2009-10 WIAA State Principal of the Year. • The Anglo-
Saxons called the
month Wolf Monath
Math teacher, Matthew Sturtevant and parent helpers Jim Tanasse because wolves
and Lynn Oliphant, have been recognized by the Kentlake PTSA. Stur-
tevant was selected as an Outstanding Educator, Tanasse as an Out-
came to the villages
standing Advocate, and Oliphant for the Golden Acorn award. They to search for food.
were honored at the last PTSA meeting and will again be honored at • A Christmas pie was
the Founder’s Day Banquet. baked in London
in 1770. It was
nearly nine feet in
circumference and
weighed 12 stone.
Features Pg. 12 • International Coffee
Poison Permanence Gourmet Month
• Clown Month

Birthdays:
• Elvis Presley 1935
Student Life Pg. 17 • David Bowie 1947
Cressey honored through fashion • Wolfgang Amadeus
Students return for one more show Mozart 1756
Expanding the reach of his artistic talent
New club flips onto the scene • Richard Nixon 1913
Average guy or superhero in disguise? • Mel Gibson 1956
Ng siblings broaden their horizons • Martin Luther King,
Tabitha Sullivan, not just another face in the crowd
Jr. 1929
• Benjamin Franklin
Sports Pg. 21 1706
Swimmers break Charger trend with tie
Wrestling team bands together to throw down competition
2009 brings both victory and defeat The Zodiac:
Gymnastics proceeds despite setbacks
• Capricorn the Goat
Boys’ basketball scores decent season
Welch trades tennis rackets for swim trunks • Aquarius the Water
Proliferation of bowl games detract from true champions Bearer
4 News
The Falcon Flyer
Lack of progress calls for football coaching change
high caliber. “We think we’re going to get some high profile applicants just because
Daniel Tadeo we’re a high profile school, an SPSL 4A Kent school, and people know Kent takes
Copy Editor their athletics seriously.” Rick is not looking for someone with different qualities
than Shepard, just a change in style.
Michael Shepard has been the head football coach at Kentake for the past four “I’ll be the first one to say,” Rick said, “Coach Shepard put in the time to do what
years, earning the job after replacing Mike Torgerson in 2006. However, in a joint is necessary for our program to be successful… He is great for kids. I respect him, I
decision by Principal Diana Pratt and Vice-Principal and Athletic Director Bruce admire him, but we have to look at the overall program as a whole, and what’s best
Rick, Shepard was informed on Tuesday, Dec. 22 that he would not be returning to for it.”
the field next year. According to Rick, key traits the administration is looking for in the new head
“I’m going to be completely honest with you,” Shepard said. “Having the Christ- coach is the ability to create boundaries that will hold kids accountable for doing
mas break to process it, I understand why it was done.” what is right, both on the field and off. They are
Although specifics were not divulged, it was clear that “Coach Shepard put in the time looking for someone that can motivate the kids to a
both the administration and Shepard believed the pro-
gram needed a different approach. “If you look back, we to do what is necessary for our point where they know they will win through their
hard work.
haven’t had a winning season for seven years now,” Rick program to be successful...but Despite having a losing record of 4-5, many team
said. “Under [Shepard’s] leadership the last four years… we have to look at the overall members believe this decision was premature. Se-
there isn’t anything that is showing that the program is on nior Matt Allyn said, “I was at first confused, then
the up and that things are going to change to where we are program as a whole.” disappointed because he was just starting to turn
going to be fighting for a division title, and that’s where we the program around and turn it into something
want to be.” -Vice-Principal Rick successful.”
The assistant coaches are on yearly-contracts that can Although Allyn will not be affected by the new
be renewed at the end of every season based on the team’s head coach, a similar view is voiced throughout
needs, which is a standard practice according to the ad- younger students. “I was bummed because I just
ministration. At the end of the season this year these contracts were not renewed, started to get comfortable around him,” said sophomore Austin Pernell. “I think
so the team is without coaches. a new head coach will affect our season for next year, and it will take awhile to get
“We want to give the new coach the opportunity to hire his own staff,” Rick said. used to him.”
However if the new coach chooses he has the opportunity to rehire previous as- As for Shepard’s future in coaching, he plans to coach another sport at Kentlake.
sistants. When asked if he would consider coaching football at a different school, Shepard
The administration is confident that the candidate pool for the job will be of a said, “As far as I’m concerned, I started in this school, and I’ll leave in this school.”

A decade of Kentlake Drama gathered for an inspiration

Spencer Transier
Web Master
The idea for Pamalot was shaped in the wake of
Pam Cressey’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Pama-
lot is a musical review devoted to honoring the past 10
years of Cressey’s work as the Kentlake drama teacher.
It serves as the Fall and Winter production for Kent-
lake drama and will be running through Jan 23.
As background, a musical review is a collection of
songs pulled from various works and put together with
a common theme. The songs in Pamalot were selected
from 12 different plays, including Into the Woods, A
Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Lit-
tle Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, and West
Side Story.
“In this case, the songs weren’t chosen necessarily
because they were the best sounding, they were just
the most memorable at Kentlake and the parents who
have been involved with Pam Cressey[‘s shows] chose
them. I guess you could say the theme for this particu-
lar review is Cressey,” said Mario Penalver, the guest
teacher for Cressey and subsequent director of Pama-
lot.
Pamalot, under the direction of Penalver, opened
the students up to an entirely new directing style.
Senior Allison Combs, a member of Kentlake Drama
since her sophomore year, said, “Cressey has a very
distinct direction style…you can tell when she’s di-
recting because she yells a lot and some of the things
she says just don’t make sense at all. So she’ll … yell
something from the audience and you just do it. Mr.
Penalver … he’ll get up close and …point you to where
he wants you to go, whereas Cressey would just sit and
decide what she wanted.”
Because of Cressey’s illness, she was not able to be
involved with the rehearsal of the play as much as
previous performances. According to Combs, Cressey
only appeared at rehearsal two or three times in order
to refine minor details of the production.
Sophomore Josh Bowen, a newcomer to Kentlake
drama, said, “[She came] more than I would’ve ex-
pected…She’s still in a kind of fragile state, but she just
came right out there … funny noises, cuss words, you
know, the good stuff.”
Cressey’s struggle to fight pancreatic cancer has
strengthened the resolve of the actors and actresses
participating in Pamalot. Her cause has given them
extra incentive to perform their absolute best.
”I personally felt really honored, just to be able to
put in some time and effort for Mrs. Cressey … she’s an
amazing woman,” said Bowen.
On a similar note Combs said, “Knowing it’s for
Cressey, it’s really inspiring and we want to do a good
job because it’s for Cressey. I know I’ve put a lot of
work in because I want it to be good for her.”
Even Penalver drew personal inspiration from his
work on Pamalot. “It’s made me incredibly humble, …
I know little about Pam Cressey, but I know a lot about
the community she’s built, and so it makes me very
Photo courtesy of Craig Heffner
humble to be able to support her and support this.”
The purpose of Pamalot is not only to honor and sup- Craig Heffner depicts the character of Herbert from Spa-
port Pam Cressey; it is for honoring and supporting all malot during the Pamalot performance.
those who are struggling with pancreatic cancer.
“Pancreatic cancer is one of the least funded dis- work, an organization devoted to supporting patients
eases, in terms of finding a cure. So any money we give with pancreatic cancer and aiding research to cure it.
[to] pancreatic cancer [research] and the organizations Donating to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
that support it and support people with it, [that] would in Cressey’s name can be done at www.firstgiving.
be a great cause,” said Penalver. com/pamalot. Regarding attendance, Penalver later
That is why all profits from the ticket sales of Pama- said, “We want students to come, we want that place
lot will go directly to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Net- filled.”

ASB makes a leadership change for the second year in a row
Michala Dymond-Shaw
Staff Reporter
Since December, ASB has been under the influence
of a new leader. Former Vice-President Jill Jamison
became President after Jener Dasilva was removed
from the President position. She will be fulfilling this
position for the rest of the year.
Vice-Principal Cindi Perez, the administrator in-
volved, explained Dasilva’s removal. “Basically, we
were alerted of a situation that involved him. Once we
researched the situation, and had the facts, we basi-
cally had no choice but to remove him from office…I
met with him and then he was told of the situation,
and at that point he was removed,” said Perez.
While Dasilva is no longer able to continue his role
as President, he still maintains an active role in lead-
ership. “I’m still absolutely still involved with leader-
ship; that’s not gonna change, I’m in the class,” said
Dasilva.
According to new President Jamison, the news of
her promotion came as a shock. “At first, I was kind of
surprised, because I didn’t know why I was taken into
Ms. Perez’s office, and then it’s definitely a bitter sweet
moment, because I was sad that Jener wasn’t able to
carry out the rest of the year, but I was also excited for
the challenge,” said Jamison.
ASB and Leadership adviser Rick Chance does not
believe that this will change ASB. “I don’t think it’ll
Health survey brings question to Kentlake’s substance usage
Steven Weier
Staff Reporter
Statistics from a 2008 health survey recently prove
that drug use is higher at Kentlake than other schools
in the area.
In 2008, sophomores and seniors were asked to fill
out an anonymous health survey regarding drugs and
alcohol. Those sophomores are the graduating class of
2010.
The results reflect that Kentlake is close to the state
average on most of the questions. Commenting on
the graphs, Principal Diana Pratt said, “The attached
charts show that Kentlake has a higher occurrence of
drug and alcohol use and perception of use as com-
pared to other district high schools. This reaffirms our
need to be diligent in our efforts to deter the use of
drugs and alcohol by our students.”
Statewide, Kentlake is viewed as an “average” Wash-
ington school.
The Falcon Flyer
Photo by Melissa Pitchford
Jill Jamison, Kelsey Drotning, and Nikole Weber work in Leadership.
have that much of an impact on it. Jill will step up,
but she already has stepped up, and done exactly what kind of what a true Falcon should be,” said Dasilva.
Kent police Lt. Ken Thomas,
interim director of School Safety
Services for the Kent School Dis-
trict, disagrees. “A quick glance
tells me that although the Kent-
lake self-reporting numbers are a
little higher, the difference from
other Kent high schools and even
the Washington average are not
statistically significant,” he said.
However, he does think that
there is “too much drug use” in
Kent high schools. It is important
to remember that the state average
is the most accurate in the testing,
with an error margin of only a few
percent. However, specific school
statistics have error margins closer
to six percent.
Thomas’ viewconflicts with the
common perceptions of students.
Sophomore Forrest Dolorie called it
the “stoner school.” “Pot smokers” is
the generalization offered by junior
Jonathan Frazier.
“According to kids, they think we
have more of a drug problem here
than other schools,” said staff mem-
ber Lynne Buechler.
Some students believe that the
percentage of students who have
smoked weed is inordinately high.
Sophomore Zach Schram guessed
that sixty to seventy percent have
tried it. “Sixty percent,” said sopho-
more Adessa Ulm. The statistics
show that the reality is closer to
twenty or thirty percent.
News 5
she’s supposed to do,” said Chance.
Perez agrees. “I think that they’re
going to feel a loss for him, not having
Jener… And I think that, you know,
they’ll still work; you know, ASB will
still continue and they still have Jen-
er’s support, which I think that that’s a
positive,” said Perez.
Dasilva said, “I’ve watched her so
far, and she’s been doing a great job
with ASB, and she’s really stepped up,
and she’s gonna be amazing. She’s do-
ing really well, and ASB is continuing
on, just like normal.”
However, Jamison herself foresees
some problems with assuming her po-
sition so late in the year.
“I think we’ll have more of a rough
start, and some people don’t see the
transition as positive, but that’s what
we’re aiming for,” said Jamison.
Though Jamison began her role late
in the year, she will be maintaining it.
“Jill is going to be fulfilling the presi-
dency through the end of the year, so
as far as expectations for her, she’ll
need to basically be that top leader for
the school; be an example. Really kind
of show what a Kentlake leader is, and
“There’s kids using here, kids using there, there’s
kids using everywhere,” said a local drug and alcohol
specialist.
Similar to Thomas’ response, the specialist ques-
tioned the data. As someone who also works at Kent-
Meridian, she thinks that Kentlake students are more
open about their drug use. This could have affected
student responses to the survey.
Pratt, Thomas, and the specialist all agree that the
prevalence of drugs in Kent high schools needs to be
addressed. The specialist said, “I wish we could do
some kind of testing.”
Although drug tests are legal on a national level, they
are prohibited by Washington’s constitution. The spe-
cialist noted that the use of police dogs for dog search-
ing could lead to possible school-community conflict.
According to Thomas, “School Safety Services is
working to come up with a comprehensive approach
to dealing with the drug issue in our schools.”
6 News
The Falcon Flyer
Junior class budget disaster Levies threaten KSD money
Nicole Luce large classes.”
Erin Hunt She was also quick to point out that
Staff Reporter Staff Reporter the levy money goes “across the board”.
In other words, elementary, middle, and
Due to a lack of support in fundraising and school spirit, the class of 2011 Kent School District (KSD) parents high school students all receive ben-
is going to have prom in the commons. will once again vote on two multi-mil- efits of the money. “We use this money
Halfway through their third year in high school, the juniors have a little lion dollar school levies on Feb. 9. One to fund elementary, middle, and high
over $100 in the budget. “Prom might be out in the commons if we don’t get levy serves to replace a former technol- school counselors and librarians. Also,
money from the fundraisers,” said Junior Class President Rebecca Parker. ogy levy, while the other is a replacement music programs in the elementary and
The class representatives started a 2011 class t-shirt sale as a fundraiser. of the school programs and operations middle schools receive levy dollars.”
They needed 50-100 t-shirts sold to be able to order them, but only 12 were levy. Already the average family is expected
sold. “It’s not a big fundraiser but it’s a start,” said Parker. Every four years new levies must be to pay 1,426 dollars to the KSD in 2010.
The class representatives are searching for a specific amount of money the approved in order for the district to con- Therefore,
class should have by the end of this year and next. “Right now, we are just tinue receiving with around
kind of walking in the dark,” said new Junior Class Advisor Marla Boyd. money. Four “If the [KSD] lost the money, 1,800 students
Regarding fundraiser ideas Boyd said, “Kentlake Junior Night at Red years ago in
Robin in which we could earn a portion of the profits.” A Valentine’s Day we would lose a lot of pro- at Kentlake,
2006, parents KL families
fundraiser is another option. approved to give grams that are not funded by alone will pay
To gather more ideas, junior class representatives are asking other juniors taxpayer dol- the state. For instance, the 2,566,800 dol-
what they want to do for fundraising. “If they choose something, then we lars to the KSD. state does not pay for extra- lars towards
can know what they want to do and we can do it and more people will go to Now, with the
it,” said Parker. levy deadline
curricular activities or extra their Kent
education this
Lack of school spirit is one of two contributors to the money deficit. imminent, an- help for large classes.” year. By 2014,
Parker said, “We don’t have much [school spirit]. The sophomores, you’ll other levy must the amount per
see half of them going to events. I only see about a third to a fourth of juniors be voted upon.
at events.”
-Becky Hanks year is expected
According to to go up 15 dol-
The second contributor to the low budget is lack of leadership. Boyd said, district repre- lars.
“I think…the changing of roles amongst the students in leadership positions sentative Becky Hanks, “About 20% of
has probably contributed most to where we are currently in terms of fund- school programs are supplied by these Of course, if voters choose not to ap-
raising.” levies. If they were not approved we prove the levies, many employees of the
School spirit is also a factor of unity. “Sometimes when a group is so would have to cut back.” KSD would also be affected. Hank said,
large, it is hard to unite, but when that unification happens it can be really Hank believes levy money affects the “It is important to know that this money
powerful,” said Boyd. Another opinion says it comes from participation in average student’s educational experi- helps pay for salaries. We’re a people
clubs, sports, events, etc. “[We need to] make events for juniors to go to,” ence. She said, “If the [KSD] lost the business. People are another area that
said Parker. money, we would lose a lot of programs would be affected, K-12.” Overall, los-
With a new Junior Class Advisor, Boyd, and an experienced ASB leader, that are not funded by the state. For ing the levy money in the upcoming vote
Parker, the junior class is gaining direction. Hoping to increase participa- instance, the state does not pay for ex- would result in “their [being] … some
tion, Boyd said, “Do something to make your school a better place!” tracurricular activities or extra help for tough decisions to be made.”

Although small, Debate Club powers into tournaments

“Federal Way
Michala Dymond-Shaw will draw more
Staff Reporter than just local
schools, because
Under the supervision of adviser David Moore, it’s a Tournament
Debate Club members traveled to Federal Way High of Champions
School Jan. 15 and 16, to compete in the Federal Way qualifying tour-
Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. nament. There’s
Those competing included Sophomore Jon Van three national
Schenck and Sophomore Steven Weier, who partici- tournaments that
pated in the Public Forum section of the competition. everyone wants to
Public Forum is a type of debate where competitors al- go to; the Catholic
ternate speeches, in hopes to make a point. Forensics League
“I don’t think anyone else from the debate team is has one, the Na-
going to be going to this particular event, but there are tional Forensics
other people on the team,” said Van Schenck. League has one,
While at the competition, Van Schenck and Weier and the Tourna-
won three competitions, and lost three competitions. ment of Champi-
“They did pretty well,” said Moore. ons,” said Moore.
According to Moore, such results should be expect- Similar to ex-
ed from students who usually compete in the Novice tracurricular Photo by Steven Weier, Sr.
division. athletic meets,
According to Van Schenck, the tournament was Steven Weier and Jon Van Shenck against opponents at a debate competition.
Debate Club tour-
expected to draw many competitors. “Lots of differ- naments require a deal of preparation. around three or four main arguments that you present
ent schools from Oregon, maybe Idaho, and possibly “Basically you need to have a case built for both the in your opening speech,” said Van Schenck.
California are coming to this debate tournament,” said pro and the con side of it, because you have to do both. This coming Friday and Saturday, Debate club will
VanScheck. You need to have an opening statement, and then have be participating in another competition at Eastside
The Federal Way tournament was a prelude to larger a series of rebuttals you could use to destroy their Catholic High School in Bellevue. They have hopes of
competitions to come. arguments and build up your own. It usually hinges being successful at this next tournament.
 The Falcon Flyer
Op-ed 7
The hurdles of journalism become outrageous
perhaps, do not reflect a perfect school community. Although it appears to present an unflattering portrait
Holly Pirret KSD policy 3220 states, “Material appearing in such of the school, DaSilva’s removal from ASB office and a
Sports Editor [student] publications should reflect all areas of stu- situation regarding the wrestling team are both an in-
dent interest, including topics about which there may tegral, if uncomfortable, part of this community. Ques-
Journalism, no matter the age of those reporting, be controversy and dissent.” tions must be asked and people must be interviewed to
should always aim to uncover truth, even when that However, it is not only KSD policy that encourages fulfill the journalistic ideals of the Falcon Flyer.
truth is uncomfortable to those involved in the story. journalists to examine and investigate difficult issues. One such interview occurred with Vice Principal
In the real world, the truth is not always a simple thing The Constitution states, “Congress Bruce Rick. “We had
that can be defined in straightforward terms. More of- shall make no law…abridging the
ten than not, the truth is too unwieldy to fit into a basic freedom of speech, or of the press…”
As student journalists, an incident that took
place in the wrestling
black and white mindset. Such is the case with recent These statements empower student we have the responsibil- program that involved
school events including the replacement of senior Jen- journalists, but they must understand
er DaSilva as ASB this power and use it
ity to inform this school a“…[but] coach,” said Rick,
anything that
President and an
KSD policy 3220 states,
wisely. of these issues and I am is related to discipline,
incident involv- Frankly, wading either with student or
ing the wrestling
“Material appearing in through these touchy here to let you know, staff member, is con-
team.
As a student such [student] publica-
subjects requires a
certain amount of fi-
this truth does not al- sidered confidential in-
formation.”
publication, the
tions should reflect all ar- nalists are constantly nesse. Student jour- ways prevail. It goes without say-
Falcon Flyer has ing that this situation
a responsibility to eas of student interest, in- balancing between is a difficult one for
the school. This re- the demands of their student journalists to
sponsibility, how- cluding topics about which peers, the expectations of their ad- overcome. How can one present the truth of the situ-
ever, is not lim-
ited to describing there may be controversy ministration, and the requirements of ation while respecting the legality of such a story? At
honest journalism while attempting to times the answer does not seem to exist. When every
sporting events,
clubs, and student
and dissent.” produce transparent material out of investigative turn becomes a dead end and sources dry
the muck of controversy. Do not mis- up, a journalist has no choice but to drop a story that
productions. Nei- take this search for information as a the readers have a right to hear. Sadly, this happens
ther is the duty of the paper to blindly promote school quest for personal gratification or a passing desire to more often than it should.
unity while ignoring relevant events that do not pres- embarrass others. As student journalists, we have the responsibility to
ent the school in an entirely favorable light. Ultimately, it is the job of student journalists to un- inform this school of these issues and I am here to let
Therefore, this responsibility involves truths that, cover the events that shape the community of Kentlake. you know, this truth does not always prevail.

New Year’s Resolutions make a farce out of January

Brian Benshoof
Staff Reporter
Pop Quiz: Did you make a New Year’s Resolution
this year? If the answer is yes, then I am deeply dis-
gusted. Next question, have you succeeded in keeping
it? Do not answer that one; I already know that an-
swer.
Just as Christmas reflects a period of gift giving and
comedic caroling, January becomes a time for most of
us to self-improve, thus New Year’s Resolutions flood
throughout our brains. Some like trading that morn-
ing pastry for a nice glass of OJ, or achieving that
six-pack we always dreamed of, starting that pre-calc
homework right when we get home, or even begin act-
ing like a more “genuine and better person.” Well this
is my time to call BULL on all that.
Losing weight is a resolution that is 100% generic
and applicable year round. After Thanksgiving dinner
with all the “delish” stuffing, and the daily Christmas
snack consisting of candy canes and sugar cookies, we
put on a bit of flab. Exercising after the holidays should
be, nay, will be, a mandatory resolution for every one
of us. So make sure to pay that year long gym member-
ship upfront, no down payments.
Before you start pumping the iron, make sure to
work on the monster of all character flaws in teenag-
ers: procrastination, or the act of “totally blowing it
off.” However, just because you thought in November
that “Gee, I seem to procrastinate a lot, maybe that
should be a New Year’s Resolution, and in turn I can
get better grades,” does not mean you should wait un-
til January. How are you going to fix a procrastination it of us who are truly kind-hearted and caring people,
problem by putting it off? If forgetting that your vocab and this is our official complaint to the first group. To
quiz was today or that your final draft for Ballard’s pa- those of you who act in such a horrific way, we request
per was due is scorching your GPA, then you may have that you disregard the holiday known as New Year’s.
a problem. The expression “fighting fire with fire” may The truth is, that once you realize you have a flaw that
come to mind, but in truth you fight fire with water. In is harming yourself or those around you, you need to
this case, your oxygen atom is a daily planner, and two fix it then, because waiting around until we welcomed
sticky notes on your computer will be your hydrogen. in the new decade destroyed the old one.
Turn that frown upside down, just be-
cause your chemistry grade plummeted
does not mean that you are out of luck, there
is always the opposite sex to make you feel
better (not like that). Setting a goal to get
into a relationship before Sadie Hawkins
is quite realistic. If you get into a relation-
ship after Dec. 24th, then there is no pres-
sure for a Christmas gift, but you lose out
on the opportunity of finding yourselves
standing under the mistletoe. By now you
two should have gotten to know each other,
but you still might be able to pick up a pity
date if it turns out your partner draws pen-
tagrams on their basement floor.
Remember that to get a date (other than
your crazy ex who possibly is a Satanist),
patch up your relationship with your Eng-
lish teacher, or even convince your parents
that you will not survive without that new
$200 cell phone, your attitude may need
some tweaking. This was a big one you
should have resolved a long time ago, be-
cause there are two types of people in this
world. The first group just emits the feeling
of hatred and repulsion. The second though
8 Op-Ed
The Falcon Flyer
Current health curriculum outdated and not educational
Steven Weier
Staff Reporter
Health class is a topic students love to complain
about. However, these complaints are well justified be-
cause the current curriculum is a waste of time. Soph-
omores should not have to be listening to the same
“drugs are bad” lessons that they have been hearing
since seventh grade. The semester long course needs
to be revised so as to better utilize students’ time and
make a stronger impact on their health and fitness.
Negative attitudes towards health class are com-
mon. Three separate groups on facebook with the name
“I Hate Health Class” exemplify how far some students
go. Sophomore Austin Lambert said that health class
is “boring and it’s a waste of my time.” Senior Morgan
Peterson said it is a “waste of time because we already
learned this stuff in elementary and middle school.”
Students do not learn new information in health
class after seventh grade. The teachers just go over
the old information. Cedar Heights health and fitness
teacher Jennifer Judd has a document entitled “8th
Grade FITT Vocab” on her CHMS website. On Oct. 5,
a power point presentation at Kentlake with the exact
same principle and vocabulary was used for notes for
the health and fitness lesson. Later in the unit, tenth
graders were tested on this same principle and vocab-
ulary. I personally have notes from my eighth grade
health class dated May 16, 2008, which cover many
of the same vocabulary terms that were taught in my
health class earlier this year, such as “lymph nodes,”
“B-Cells,” “T-Cells,” “antibodies,” and “lymphocytes.”
Beyond the specific examples described above, the
general curriculums of seventh, eighth, and tenth
Airport security measures senseless and ineffective
Editorial Cartoon by Kierra Elfalan
grade are all similar. “Seventh grade mainly focuses study a little before the test) and those who do need
on drug education and prevention skills, life skills, the extra review. This idea was proposed to Vice
and human sexuality. Eighth grade [focuses] on nu- Principal Bruce Rick earlier this year, but no
trition and drugs, human sexuality, and first aid,” follow up was ever done on the matter.
said CHMS eighth grade health and fitness teacher The class could also be increased in
David Edwards. difficulty so that students are improving
Since in both seventh and eighth grade there is their knowledge. For instance, as opposed
focus on teaching students about drugs and sex, to focusing on depression for the entire
why are these topics still major units for sopho- mental illness unit, one could gain an un-
mores? “Repetition is the key to learning,” said health derstanding of anxiety, mood, and impulses
and fitness teacher Jeremy Williams. Some review disorders.
is understandable, possibly for the purpose of The other option would be us-
refreshing students on basic concepts before ing different material. During
widely expanding their knowledge, but for one unit, for example, stu-
the most part it is the exact same thing be- dents could study in depth
ing taught each year. the process of how food gets
A student does not have to be a sopho- from farms and ranches
more to pass the current health class. onto store shelves. They
Freshman Maxwell Greer, a self pro- could explore the meatpack-
claimed F student was tested on reading a ing process, and how poor work-
food label, the short and long term effects of ing conditions and unreasonable
drinking alcohol, risk factors for diabetes, and expectations lead to cows’ intes-
signs of depression. His responses would have tinal contents being spilled into
earned him a solid A on a graded test. our meat, therefore infecting it
Health and fitness has not been painted in a with E. coli.
flattering light. However, it is important to re- Whether the curriculum is
member that this is not the fault of the teach- changed to include more dif-
ers. They are simply teaching what they are ficult material, given a com-
supposed to. plete transformation, or
There are many options for revising the altered in some other way
course matter. For one, students could sim- that purges it of most of
ply take an exam at the beginning of their the review, it is in defi-
sophomore year to see if they need another nite need of reform.
semester of health. This would benefit stu- Photo by Steven Weier Health and fitness
dents who can retain information well (or should never be con-
Jerel Henderson
Staff Reporter
After the attempted Detroit bombing last Christmas there has been talk regarding
travel security. Not only in the United States, but Britain, Italy, and other members
of the European Union have people saying: “What’s up with airports anyways?” As
the preferred method of travel for long distances, and one of the only ways to cross
one of the five oceans, there is a matter of importance regarding air travel.
President Obama met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown regarding this
issue. In attendance there were also high-ranking counter-terrorism, foreign pol-
icy, and security officials. One of the main points of the January 7 discussion was
the introduction of full body scanners in airports across the globe. These scanners
would “see-through” clothing in an attempt to eliminate possible terrorist threats.
However, Even if the EU decides to mandate the use of body scanners, it could
take many months before the decision is turned into binding regulations that all
27 nations of the EU must comply with. There is division among the EU though, as
Germany and Spain have called the scanners intrusive and a potential health risk.
This information may come to the disapproval of many Americans who are fed up
with airports. Whenever one travels by plane, they usually have to get to the airport
at least an hour or two before their scheduled flight time. There are lines upon lines,
too many security checks, and you even have to take off your shoes. Couple all of
these hassles with a new scanner system and you have miniature pandemonium.
Sooner or later we will just have to spend the night at the airport in order to board
a flight to another country. Not to mention there are extra fees for checking luggage
and purchasing food. Airports in general are a ridiculous debacle of wasted time
and money.
I’m in no way saying that one shouldn’t travel. Furthermore, when one does trav-
el there must be some sort of check to make sure you feel comfortable and secure
on your flight. The real headache is figuring out how to travel safely, effectively,
and efficiently. I look forward to the coming months regarding this issue. Hopefully
new methods and ideas will emerge to make air travel safer and easier. However, if
we continue to use the same system we have always used, I may never go to Mexico
again and instead decide to drive to Utah.

Underground newspapers straying from purpose
Photo courtesy of creativecommons.com
Kelsey Bolton
Staff Reporter
Underground newspapers began
as something where a voice silenced
by the media could be heard,
figuratively of course. Countless
people, dissatisfied and angry with
the media’s biased coverage, formed
numerous underground publications.
It became a way for information and
facts overlooked by mainstream media
to be presented to the public. Today it
seems that underground newspapers
have lost sight all sight of their founding
principle. Instead of remaining neutral,
these publications have become as
malicious as their mainstream foes.
An invisible line has been crossed that
should never have been stepped over:
these newspapers have taken it upon
themselves to start attacking other
publications.
Sure underground publications
can take full advantage of their first
amendment rights, but some have taken
The Falcon Flyer
this privilege a step to far. For example,
say a journalist writes an article about
a topic he or she feels strongly about.
The story gets published in the writer’s
paper and not long after an underground
newspaper gets wind of this article. This
one person takes it upon him or herself to
utterly destroy the article and practically
rips it to shreds in the process. That
action should be reprimanded.
People forget that not everyone
shares the same opinions and beliefs.
It is okay to agree or disagree with what
someone else believes, but that does not
justify attacking another publication just
because of one writer’s opinion. Those
that write for underground newspapers
need to remember that not every other
journalist is going to share the same
beliefs as them. Instead of slamming an
article that was written and published
in a different newspaper they need to
realize the difference of opinion and just
let it go.
Bashing an article does not shed
a positive light on the underground
Op-Ed 9
newspaper that is doing the slandering.
Their readers may enjoy it, but to
everyone else is appears unprofessional.
The publication may be underground,
but that is no excuse to be unprofessional.
Professional newspapers do not out
rightly attack another newspaper. It
is childish thing to do and it puts their
credibility at stake.
Underground newspapers can do
what they want, but they should not
be allowed to get away with tearing
down another writer and the writer’s
publication. At the end of the day they
look like a bully and appear ignorant of
other people’s beliefs. If they want to
fulfill their original purpose then that
is fine, but being hostile and vicious is
simply rendering the right of readers to
disregard their content. Underground
newspapers were created solely to create
an unbiased forum for people to refer to,
but now they are becoming just as biased
as mainstream papers. This needs to be
stopped before the people have nothing
neutral and truly factual to read.

Public space flight unobtainable due to cost

in exploration outside our planet. Occasionally when tals, that’s a bit too much. So to fix this problem Virgin
Craig Heffner something went wrong and some shuttle or rocket blew Galactic plans to provide sub-orbital spaceflights for
Staff Reporter up, or some random probe that NASA launched found the more reasonable price of around 200,000 dollars.
water on a forsaken planet space exploration got into As you can see space flight is extremely expensive.
We have all had dreams about it. Blasting through the news, but that’s about it. Whatever happened to all The International Space Station is currently the most
an endless sea of stars at the speed of light, exploring the excitement? Doesn’t everyone want to experience expensive object ever constructed, with an estimated
exotic new worlds, battling savage aliens, and spurting the thrill of sending a man to Mars? I mean who cares coast of 100 billion dollars. Yet think, within thirty or
absurd one liners right and left. The Entertainment in- that we sent the probe Voyager 1 to Proxima Centauri, so years our technology could be at a level where space
dustry has certainly picked up on the fantasy. Billions the closest star other than the Sun; it’s only going to flights could allow the average person to travel around
of dollars have been made off “Star Wars”“Star Trek” take another 74,000 years to reach its destination. If the world in less than two hours.
the recent hit “Avatar” along with hundreds of other anyone reading this is still around when we get results Perhaps I’m jumping the gun; getting excited over
movies and games. With all of this fascination with the back from that mission my hat is off to you. nothing. We can’t even take care of our own planet let
great unknown, called “space” why hasn’t space travel However, not all is lost, currently private compa- alone the vastness of space. Space could unite us all, if
been made more of a priority in our society? Go back nies like “Space Adventures” and “Virgin Galactic” all countries could join and put aside our differences
to the year 1957, and it was. allow you a chance to leave orbit. Currently “Space to do something great. I suppose we will just have to
During this year the Soviet Union success- Adventures” offers to take people up to the In- keep on dreaming.
fully launched ‘Sputnik 1’ into space, the first ternational Space Station however; “Man must rise above the Earth—to the top of the
artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, thus be- it only coasts the petty sum atmosphere and beyond—for only thus will he fully un-
ginning the Space Race and making the So- of 20–35 million dollars. derstand the world in which
viet Union the first space power. With hor- r i d For the majority of he lives.” -Socrates
thoughts of Soviet atomic bombs dropping like rain us poor mor-
from space, the United States Congress passed the
legislation creating NASA, as well as the National De-
fense Education Act. The education bill authorized ex-
penditures of more than $1 billion for a wide range of
reforms including new school construction,
and loans to encourage promising students
to seek higher education in order to keep
up with Soviet scientists. By the year
1969 America had landed on the moon,
thus effectively winning the Space Race.
In merely 11 years with primi-
tive technology by today’s
standards we had com-
pleted the impossible.
Soon after that
dramatic “step for
mankind” the public
began to loss interest Artwork by Alyssa Ryan
10 Op-Ed
The Falcon Flyer

Falcon Flyer editors sound off on 2009

“The year I stopped “The year I learned the “The year it took me “I will remember it as “The year I started
“The year I realized that
caring about true meaning of a “best half an hour to drive the year of the great laughing at mass
the Underwear Bombe is
politics.” friend hug.” from the entrance of celebrity massacre.” media, because who
practically my neighbor in
-Co Editor in Chief, -OpEd Editor, Alyssa Kentlake to the Lake -A&E Editor Mike cares if some lady
Nigeria.”
and Republican, Ryan Sawyer store due to Lydon attacked her husband
-Student Life
Cynthiann hundreds of striking with a golf club?
Heckelsmiller teachers.” - Co Editor in Chief,
Photos on this page courtesy of creativecommons.com, -Sports Editor, Holly Christine Rushton
quotes compilied by Alyssa Ryan Pirret

Factory farming inhumane and unnecessarily cruel

short lifespan. To assist with these issues, they are pumped full of antibiotics. Every
Brendan Cescon year, approximately 11 million pounds of antibiotics are used in the poultry indus-
Copy Editor try, compared to only 3 million pounds by humans (commondreams.org).
This treatment is not exclusively poultry, either. It applies to all other animals
It is often said that if slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be veg- that are eaten, or that produce products (cheese, eggs, milk, etc…). Employees
etarian. The reasoning behind this is simple: the grotesque proceedings existing of slaughter houses “thump” sick or undersized piglets, meaning they slam their
within the non-transparent walls of a slaughterhouse are beyond belief; malice at heads on the ground, killing them. Stunning doesn’t always work, and many cattle
its max. What is especially shocking is how little respect or empathy we have for are conscious when their throats are cut, allowing them to be awake while all their
poultry produced in factories. Chicken’s blood drains out of their body onto
lives are horrific, being condemned to ap- the floor. Turkeys are kicked, their
palling living conditions, immeasurable neck twisted, heads stomped on,
cruelty, and torture shared with dozens of and beaten with crowbars. All of
other animals. these events exist in horror mov-
Chickens go through unfathomable tor- ies, happening to humans. Yet we
ture in their lives. Millions of baby chicks never think about how it is done
are transported in factories on conveyer to billions of animals every single
belts before there are trucked to “chicken day.
houses,” inhumane sheds packing in as Chickens share horrific liv-
many as 40,000 birds (goveg.com). These ing conditions and immeasurable
sheds are not terribly large, either. Chick- torture with all the other animals
ens have little room to move before bump- humans enjoy eating. This is the
ing into another bird. Because of living so reason so many people have gone
close together in such a small building, the vegetarian. However, it is not as
air is dense with feathers, manure, and simple as declaring your life-meat
ammonia. The high amounts of ammonia free, but there is good news. You
in the air cause alarming damage to the do not have to be completely vegan
chickens, often burning off their feathers, to help prevent animal cruelty. Try
flesh, and causing skin lesions. When they purchasing meat from companies
are finally sent to be slaughtered, their that raise their animals in more
throats are cut and there are dipped in natural settings, such as free-range
scalding hot water to remove their feath- and organic chickens. The lives of
ers. It is not uncommon for chickens to those poultry don’t consist of am-
miss the throat cutter, and then be scalded monia filled sheds and boiling,
to death in the burning hot tanks. searing death. They are allowed to
Poultry live unbearably unnatural lives. Photo courtesy of creativecommons.com roam comfortably and happily. So
They have even been manipulated to grow next time you go to purchase meat
fatter using less feed. Since the 1950’s, at the grocery store, do not go for the cheapest, most popular chicken strips. Read
chickens now grow twice the size in half the time, a rate so high their internal or- the labels and be aware of what you’re buying. How would you feel if you were
gans cannot keep up, causing heart attacks or organ failure (Food, Inc). Many grow among billions of other humans being raised so some fat chicken could consume
so large their legs break beneath their bodies, crippling them for the rest of their in you later?

Downey Jr. reinvents classic detective
Brendan Cescon
Copy Editor
When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created Sherlock
Holmes in the 19th century, he did not imagine him to be
a crime fighting, butt kicking superhero. But evidently,
Guy Ritchie did. He even chose Robert Downey, Jr.,
aka Iron Man, to play the part. This choice might at
first seem odd- why not choose a more boring, less
physically fit actor like Nicholas Cage? Thank God
they did not; Sherlock Holmes would have become
National Treasure 2 with more mustaches and less Ed
Harris.
The film opens with the arrest and capture of Lord
Blackwood (Mark Strong), a murderous sorcerer
who spends most of his free time possessing people
and sacrificing young women. Soon thereafter, he his
hanged, pronounced dead, and buried in his tomb.
When he inevitably rises from his grave (sorcerers
apparently can do that), the cops enlist the help of
Holmes and his partner Watson (Jude Law). Their
investigation leads everywhere from a dead midget’s
Arts&Entertainment
The Falcon Flyer
Rachel McAdams), a woman nearly as smart as him
and twice as hot. Her endeavors and Holmes’s case
soon intertwine as they get lost in the sorcery and
legends surrounding the mystery of Lord Blackwood’s
repulsive resurrection.
The movie is not slow to start- it immediately jumps
into an opening sequence with Holmes and Watson
tumbling through the streets at night, on their way to
catch a killer. Most of the movie had an exhilarating,
heart pumping tone like this. It is fast paced and
exciting, contrary to the original novels which mostly
contained the aging detective sitting around in his
apartment, reading, smoking, and thinking. Rarely
did he venture out to get drunk and box a Scotsman.
Honestly though, which is more entertaining?
However, hardcore fans of the books should know
that the original Doyle style Holmes is still there, even
in the fight sequences. Occasionally time will stop so
the audience can observe Holmes’s inner dialogue,
which is usually assessing the situation to figure out
the best way to smoosh his opponent. This Sherlock
Holmes is different from the others because he is an
action driven, crime fighting brotha’, yet he is different
11
The chemistry between Downey and Law is explosive.
Off screen they were likely as raunchy as they were in
the film. But it is hard not to have fun when you have
a brilliant script, an excellent director, and a gorgeous
leading lady to keep you company. Interestingly
enough, Downey actually convinced Ritchie to cast
McAdams himself. Not surprising, since she is one
piece of astonishing female perfection, of course
augmented by Downey’s rough n’ rugged onscreen
image. She also maintains constant ambiguity in her
character, never fully exposing her true self, but simply
glimpses (despite how much we want to see the whole
thing).
Sherlock Holmes strays away from the more
conventional interpretations of its literary canon, and
reworks them to fit a new genre and a new decade.
Whether or not this approach would work was at
question, but I can safely say that the case is now
closed. However, the only mystery still unsolved is
how Rachel McAdams got so beautiful…
Elementary, my dear Watson.

/5
house to a giant Frenchman who enjoys pulverizing from all the watered down Hollywood heroes because
detectives. Eventually, Holmes runs into a past love he still has that Doyle-esque genius and brainpower so
interest of his, Irene Adler (played by a stunning signature to his character.

Michael Cera fails to lose his virginity, again

Keith Bolender
Staff Reporter
When we are old, feeble, and thoroughly demented, we
will all grab the arm of some young, able passer-by and tell
them that we took Michael Cera’s virginity. This lapse in
our memory will be forgiven-it could actually become a
trend among the members of our generation-because as
moviegoers, we will have been there with him for multiple
attempts and some successes.
Cera is the definition of a typecast. He has played the
same character in every movie that he has ever been cast
in, a hapless 16-17 male virgin who is on a quest to lose
his virginity before he graduates from high school. Now in
Miguel Arteta’s uneven, but occasionally funny Youth in
Revolt, he plays the same character…again.
Cera is Nick Twisp, a hyper-intelligent son of a divorced
white trash Oakland couple, Estelle (Jean Smart) and
George (Steve Buscemi), who would rather not pay his child
support. Nick, a self-proclaimed voracious reader of “classic
prose,” watches as his mom disgustingly make out with her
slob boyfriend Jerry (Zach Galifianakis). Across town, his
dad is groping his young girlfriend, Lacey (Ari Graynor).
Given Nick’s “quirkiness”, he does not appear to have any
chance of losing his virginity any time soon, so naturally,
sex is all thinks about. His chances seem to brighten when
Jerry takes the family to a trailer park near Clear Lake. (The
film was shot in Michigan, not Northern California, which Michael Cera’s alter-ego, Francois,
may explain why Arteta uses Claymation to depict all of
the road trips). Upon arrival, Nick meets Sheeni Saunders
(Portia Doubleday), a teenager who is just as pretentious, but not quite as innocent has other roles in his future, but for now he is going to be known as a hapless virgin.
as Nick. Sheeni shares a tricked-out trailer with her Christian extremist parents (m. This movie has its moments, but it is not enough for more me to really care.
Emmet Walsh and Mary Kay Place).
The film wants us to believe that Sheeni’s parents should be punished for their
religious beliefs, a hypocrisy that is often ascribed to Christians in film but in the
case seems absent; the Saunders are just humorless and unfriendly. Jean Smart
is a good comic actress, but what possibilities do you have when your character is
written in one dimension and held in contempt by your hipster child? All of the
adults, even the best of them, the friendly hippie-dippie neighbor (Fred Willard) is
sort of grotesque. The film should have a different title,
“Youth in Disdain”, which seems ironic, because of how
much Nick and Sheeni long to have access to the ways of
the adult world, including travel, freedom, and, oh yes,
sex.
As fate would have it, Sheeni is tentatively open to
relieving Nick of his virginity. She does have a boyfriend-
an athlete/poet/French speaker named Trent-but she’s
game for any new admirers. She and Nick court in a
flurry of name-dropping, a romantic version of the “If you
liked this, you’ll love this” routine. For her, it is anything
French, and though Nick favors Frank Sinatra, he adapts.
When Sheeni encourages him to be bad as part of a
scheme to get him banished to live in Clear Lake, Nick
develops his alter ego, Francios.
Francois, also played by Cera, smokes has a pencil-thin
mustache and wears a costume of pristine white trousers,
blue shirt and white loafers without socks. He causes
Nick to do several terrible things, such as arsen. Francois
and Nick repeatedly appear in the frame together, which
sounds like a good idea on paper, but it is more like a bad
SNL skit in which the writers spoof Cera’s reputation for
Photo by avclub.com
being one-note.
Maybe he is. Someone should try to cast him in a movie
in Youth in Revolt. in which he does not play an anxious virgin. There are
moments when Cera surprises the audience with some
comedic timing and some real acting. It seems as if Cera
/5
 AN

Passing up professionals proves painful for stingy teens

unsanitary conditions.
Brian Benshoof The law clearly states that tattooing an individual under the age of
Staff Reporter 18 is illegal. There are a few who dare to purchase a fake ID and take
the “safe route.” This is dangerous for business: a reputation for under-
Veteran tattooist Rod Hart has only one response to teenagers that age tattooing is worse than being known for poor tattoos. “I guess I’m a
turn to self tattooing and piercing: “Don’t do it.” stickler about it,” said Hart. “I don’t care if your 90 years old, no ID, no
Ever since Hart was a teen, he has pursued tattooing. “They tattoo,” The law clearly states that tat-
just fascinated me,” said Hart, “tattoos and piercings are tooing an individual under the age of
works of art, if done properly.” Opening up Derm F/X Tattoo “Reconstructive surgery 18 is illegal. That is why so many un-
and Piercing in Auburn seven years ago, Hart has experienced costs around $16,000 for derage teens turn to their tattoo gun
the good and bad of needlework. someone who wanted to toting friend. “Your parents can’t sign
Almost every day a youth, head hung low, will enter with an save $40 and do it them- for you to get a tattoo anymore than
infection or rash due to a non-professional tattoo or piercing.
“Some genius will buy stuff off the internet thinking ‘Gee, this
selves.” they can sign for you to go to 7/11 and
buy beer,” said Hart.
couldn’t be that tough,’ and that’s when things turn ugly,” said Although tattoos may be difficult
Hart. Whether this “genius” used an unsterile needle, which -Rod Hart underage, many teens will pursue
could contain deadly diseases like HIV, thought he could piercings. The only requirements for
pierce his own ear, or had barely enough knowledge to know how to hold piercing are ID and guardian consent. Of course, some teens will choose
the gun, this “client” is in store for an adventure. “It’s always because of to let a friend pierce their ear, tongue, or belly button. Cauliflower ear
the money. Our prices start at $40, and run up from there,” said Hart. is a common result of failed piercings. “Reconstructive surgery costs
Hart’s computer has dozens of photos of unfortunwate home tattoo around $16,000 for someone who wanted to save $40 and do it them-
incidents. “A kid came in with a safety selves,” said Hart.
pin through his tongue, which was so The real key to a successful tattoo is faith in the pro-
swollen he could barely talk.” Of course, fessionals. A person should walk in to a parlor with an
Hart knew exactly what had happened open attitude, saying “Hey, this is what I am thinking
at first glance. “We had to take wire cut- of,” and let the professional take it from there.
ters to remove the pin,” he recalled. “I know people that can draw amazing tat sketches be-
Many at-home-tattooists will tattoo cause they’re great artists, but they can’t tattoo for crap,
with old needles. Manufactures will and that’s what kids are doing out there,” said Hart,
only ship fresh needles to businesses, who strongly encourages aspiring kids to go to school
so it is common for a non-licensed tat- to learn. Learning the skill and learning it right is abso-
tooist to steal used needles found in lutely necessary for this career. Hart’s own son, Cody,
trash bins of parlors or from dumpsters has worked for him for three years and has been tattoo-
behind hospitals. When the needle im- Photo courtesy of Rod Hart. ing since he was 14.
prints the skin, fine amounts of ink and An unfortunate teenager bares his sloppy tattoo. Tattooing is a skill that Hart has placed very deep in
blood spray out. This makes the spread his heart (which is covered by a few layers of ink itself).
of disease the number one risk of the business. “Hepatitis C is impos- “To see kids come in with infections and crap tattoos, it is horrible. Just
sible to kill without certain chemicals we have here,” Hart said. Home because you have the tools and equipment,” Hart tapped his head wryly,
tattoos are often performed in bathrooms or kitchens, leaving behind “ doesn’t mean you have it up here.”
Morganne
A poor home tattoo cannot be erased without expensive removal.

This tongue is badly infected after being pierced by a novice. Photos courtesy of Rod Hart.
ND
Eric Smith
Shawna Petty
Comstock, Photos by Machaela Mandala
Did You Know?
• In 1991, a 5,000 year-old frozen man was discovered
and scientists found a total of 57 different tattoos on his well
preserved body.
• As of 2006 36% of people from the age of 18 to 29 had at least
one tattoo.
• Tattoos only fade after exposure to bright sunlight.
• A tattoo can cost $50 to put on but laser-removal can be $5000.
• During the Han Dynasty in China, only criminals bore tattoos.
• Roman soldiers transformed tattooing into an art form and
spread it across their empire.
• Coal miners developed traumatic tattoos by the coal dust
imbedded in their skin.
A Meaningful Mark
Cynthiann Heckelsmiller
Co Editor-in-Chief
A needle whirrs above the rock music in the U-District parlor. Kim Walker
looks nervously over her shoulder at an occupied station. Beneath the steady
hands and quivering needle of a tattoo artist is the open canvas of a man’s
back. Both are old hands at this. Much of the artist’s exposed skin is covered
in colorful designs, and the customer is relaxed, a black band of ink from a
previous session on his arm. This new design is expansive: a zodiac centered
by a lion. Mrs. Walker turns back to look at her daughter. Kendall Walker is
perusing a portfolio of designs. Her skin has never felt the sting and pinch of
an artist’s needle. She is pensive and excited, but is much more comfortable
with this than her mother. She has good reason to be here.
Carly Stowell was Walker’s first best friend. From their elementary days,
the two girls shared a love of basketball. “We were like sisters,” said Walker.
“I was a homeschooler who entered into middle school. She took me to all
her classes and showed me what it was like.” Walker smiled, remembering.
“She’d do things like that.” When Stowell died in 2007, Walker’s life was
changed forever.
This tattoo is a way to remember her friend. A few inches above her ankle,
the tattoo is of a blue butterfly surrounded by green swirling vines. After
Stowell’s death, many associated her with the symbol of a butterfly. “But-
terflies are free; they’re unrestrained by anything,” said Walker. “[Stowell]
had the potential to be anything. The world was hers.” The butterfly’s anten-
nae twist subtly into the number 21—Stowell’s basketball jersey number. The
vines form her initials, CDS.
The idea of honoring her friend through a tattoo has been on Walker’s
mind for three years. When she finally was old enough to get one, she did so
with her mother’s reluctant blessing. “She said, ‘You’re 18, it’s your body. I
love why you’re doing it, but it’s just so permanent,’” said Walker. Never did
Walker take the decision lightly. “I think you have to be very careful and not
get one just for fun,” she said. “You really have to wrap your head around that
it will be on your body forever.”
The mark will be there forever, and Walker knows that people will take
notice. Though tattoos are often considered a sign of counter-culture and
rebellion, Walker hopes that the tattoo will give her the opportunity to share
her lost friend’s story. “I hope they understand how important she was and is
to me, and the impact she had and has on my life.”
Even more than a symbol and conversation piece, Walker’s tattoo is a mea-
sure of moving on from tragedy. “Now I can always look at it and be like,
‘That’s why,’” said Walker. “I don’t think I’ll ever get full closure, but this
helps seal up some of the emotions. It reminds me of why I’m living.”
Photos by Ben Walker
 14 Arts&Entertainment
The Falcon Flyer

A Decade of Greatness
The Top Ten Films of the 2000s as Selected by A&E Editor Mike Lydon
There Will Be Blood (2007)--

1
I would be hard pressed to .nd a more timely film to top a “best of the decade” list than Paul Thomas
Anderson’s sprawling oil epic, given the current political corruptions and hardships endured by the American economic system. But There Will Be Blood
isn’t a social statement warning against the “evils of Capitalism,” nor is it a critique of modern-day Big Oil executives (despite what Jon Stewart says);
it’s too good for that. Critics can read into it whatever interpretations they want, but ultimately the only truth that can be extracted is that Anderson’s
primary agenda was just making a great movie, embedded at the heart of the American myth, and providing the decade’s most compelling film anti-
protagonist. Daniel Day-Lewis’ portrayal of the early 20th Century silver-turned-oil miner Daniel Plainview is already a legendary performance. He does
in this film what Marlon Brando did in The Godfather—creating a character that transcends the movie that houses it, and becomes, in and of itself, a
cultural archetype. Plainview’s character is so consuming, self-contained and genuinely mean-spirited that it’s hard to believe that Day-Lewis has ever
played any other. In fact, it’s such a powerhouse performance—it won Day-Lewis an Oscar—that it unfortunately overshadows a fantastic supporting
performance of Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine), who had one of the most impossible jobs ever asked of a human being, to compete with Daniel Day-
Lewis on-screen. This is a rare example where a director, actors, and a forceful screenplay all successfully mesh, and in the process the whole becomes
greater than the sum of the parts. As Daniel Plainview so graciously states, “That was one goddamn hell of a show.”

2
Mulholland Dr. (2001)-- David Lynch’s Mulholland Dr. has been called a “love letter to Hollywood,” and that’s about the most
concrete critique that can be offered about this bizarre murder mystery…at least, I think there was murder. Originally filmed as a television pilot for ABC,
but eventually released as a single feature film, Mulholland Dr. leaves many, many lose ends untied, and ultimately provides no definitive answers about
its meaning, or even the plot, and that’s the way I like it. The general premise involves a blonde actress (played by Naomi Watts) who moves to Hollywood
to try her luck out in the movies, where she meets a femme fatale (Laura Elena Harring), who can’t remember who she is after being in a car accident. As
the duo begin to piece together the mystery of the woman’s identity, the film takes a dive into the abstract and the intangible, and after a while any sensible
viewer will have abandoned their instincts to make logical sense out of what they are watching, and just allows the film’s poetic and dream-like allure to
take hold of the narrative, and their sensibilities. This is the closest that just about any filmmaker has come to actually capturing a dream on film, and it
is a mesmerizing trip down a road that has no streetlights, but plenty of stars.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)--Memory is subjective. In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,

3
this fact is taken to the extreme. Jim Carrey plays Joel Barish, who, in a radical departure from his usual kinetic manic-ness, is a very sullen, soft-spoken
person, completely contrasted by Clementine (Kate Winslet), a la Huckleberry Hound, his frantic, impulsive girlfriend, with whom he has shared a two-
year relationship. After a particularly bad falling out, Joel learns that, out of vengeance, Clementine has erased all recollection of Joel from her memory
(the specifics of the technique are never well-established, and it’s a bit of a MacGuffin). The pain of this becomes too much for Joel, and he hastily decides
that he will also have the procedure performed on himself. The majority of the film’s narrative takes place inside of Joel’s memory, as his past experiences
with Clementine play out onscreen, just before they are erased from existence. Director Michel Gondry, who was at first a music video director, lends
the film a dazzling visual style that is completely original and driven by a force of pure whimsy. Ultimately, however, it is the talent of screenplay writer
Charlie Kauffman that transcends the film into not only a feast for the eyes, but also medicine for the human soul. The film has a structure that begins
at the end of Joel and Clementine’s relationship (you know, when they can’t stand each other, they both feel trapped, etc.) and works its way back to
the beginning, kind of like the way that most people’s memories function. As Joel relives his early days with Clementine, he slowly comes to the heart-
breaking realization that he wants to keep his memories, with all of the pain and joy with which they come associated. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless
Mind is one of the most honest and endearing portrayals of love in any context, and it ends on the pitch-perfect note of bitter-sweet ambiguity, where the
fates of the characters are left in an uncertain limbo, just like real life.

4
Waking Life (2001)-- Don’t let the title confuse you; Waking Life is another film that seems to take place entirely within a dream, where the
ideas and conversations transpiring throughout its narrative are bound to the rhythms and stops of dream logic. Indeed, Richard Linklater’s masterpiece
not only seems to exist as a dream, but also makes the nature of dreams, thought, and the entire human condition the thesis of its conversations, of which
there are many. Far too often, movies made today are preoccupied with CGI and explosions, with visually assaulting the audience with an aggressive
sense of urgency, that they scarcely make room for any compelling ideas, or even a justification for the movie to exist. Waking Life seems to be made as
a complete antithesis to this notion, being both philosophical and playful at the same time. It’s a film made entirely on the basis of two people having
a conversation, but it uses this simple structure to take the human mind to places that most films abandon the potential to reach by sacrificing their
ambition, in favor of convention. Linklater is one of our most gifted directors with one of the most diverse bodies of work in cinema history, having
worked in both independent (Slacker) and mainstream film circles (School of Rock). However, this movie seems to transcend all of these labels, and
instead becomes an incredibly self-contained work, and a brilliant exercise in curiosity, intellectualism, questioning and imagination.

5
A History of Violence (2005)--A History of Violence may be the most straightforward movie that David Cronenberg has ever
made. But it is its uncomplicated terseness that makes it such a triumph. It is a thriller that really delivers on the promise of its genre, providing the most
visceral and tense atmosphere since Hitchcock. No setting better emphasizes the uneasiness that exists between human beings than small-town America,
and no man better exudes the values of small townsfolk than Tom Stall (Viggo Mortesen), the man in charge of the local diner who everybody likes and
would trust with their life. After Tom is accused by mobsters to be another man, Joey Cusack, for whom they seem to share nothing but resentment, the
town’s inhabitants that have come to know him are left to wonder whether this is a case of missing identity or a shocking revelation of violence hidden
beneath a humble visage. But as the film progresses it becomes less interested with small MacGuffins and plot-points, and instead deepens its panorama
to provide its audience with a speculation on the nature of violence and the role it plays in people’s lives, pressing the question ‘Can violence be left in the
past, or does it come to control a person’s life, no matter what life they lead?’
 Arts&Entertainment
The Falcon Flyer
15
6
The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-03)--Peter Jackson’s larger-than-life Rings trilogy made a bigger impact this
last decade than any other film franchise, maybe because Jackson’s take on the J.R.R. Tolkien classic was such an immense undertaking that it was
impossible not to be impressed at the ambition of the filmmakers behind it. It’s colossal, sprawling and epic, but at the same time so intimate and
character-driven. I would accuse these films of an over-dependence on special effects were it not for the great proportion of the films dedicated to
telling the story of the Hobbits, which provides the human angle to the story, in the midst of a larger conflict that they can scarcely understand. The
Lord of the Rings was made very much in the fashion of the old 1950s Hollywood studio epics, and that may be why I responded so strongly to it. If
Cecil B. Demille were to adapt The Lord of the Rings I’m not sure how much his version would differ from Jackson’s. My guess is not very much. Both
men are filmmakers who make it their duty to present a landscape that was, in the words of Martin Scorsese, “bigger than life, blazing with color,
fast-moving, easily understood.” Also, as a visual film, this is the greatest Ray Harryhausen movie ever made. The special effects work because they
have thought, care, and purpose put behind them, with more of a reason to exist than just to add kinetic madness to visual chaos (a la Transformers).
All of that being said, these films may be the epics for which this decade is most fondly remembered.

7
Ghost World (2001)--It is amazing that a movie like Ghost World can be so moving, optimistic and life affirming when the main
characters seem to exist for no other reason than to provide a sarcastic running commentary to life, and all of the grotesque stupidity that they come
across in their daily odysseys across town. Actually, to call the exploits of the heroines an odyssey is to be generous; they are young people haunting the
streets of their nameless city with no direction or certainty in their lives. After a while, the film’s title becomes a bit self-explanatory. However, the reason
I imagine that Ghost World vibrates with so much energy, through all of the satire and biting judgments that it makes towards contemporary society,
is because of the original, genuine and justified characters that it makes its focus. The people that Ghost World deals with are not obscene; they have
their own attitudes and opinions about the mainstream culture, even through they are not nearly as flawless as they wish they were. In many ways, they
are no better than the superficial tools that they mock to themselves on a daily basis. There have been many films made about growing up, but very few
that demonstrated such a vivid understanding of the people that do. Note: This .lm is not to be confused with the 2008 film Ghost Town starring Ricky
Gervais, though that film is also pretty good.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)--

8
A.I. may have been suffering from an identity crisis right from the outset of its production.
The film was initially conceived of by master director Stanley Kubrick, and was set to be his next science fiction masterpiece. However, upon his death
following the completion of his final film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999), the production of A.I. was turned over to Kubrick’s close friend, fellow director Steven
Spielberg. Even to the most superficial movie-goer, these two directors are the other’s antithesis; Kubrick was known for his comically pessimistic and
detached attitudes towards his characters, while Spielberg defined himself with a warm sentimentality. And it is true that, in the end, A.I. was subject
to this same dual standard, which may be the reason that the movie was met with lukewarm reception. What I say to that consensus is, though the film
may find confusion in its tone, the message of its story shines through bright as the Blue Fairy herself. When Kubrick adapted the screenplay from Brian
Aldiss’ short story, Super Toys Last All Summer Long, he wrote A.I. as a modern retelling of Pinocchio. It’s about a young robot boy named David, who
is created as the first human robot (called meccas) that is capable of displaying unconditional love. David is given to a family, who later abandons him.
To regain their love, he sets off on a quest to find the Blue Fairy, who he believes can turn him into a ‘real boy.’ Spielberg is a director with a tendency to
manipulate the sensibilities of the audience by means of bright colors, musical cues, and wide eyes—he certainly creates a schmaltzier A.I. than the one
Kubrick envisioned. Normally this would hurt the movie, but in this case it is actually to its benefit. After all, what better way is there to demonstrate the
absurdity of attaching emotions to an inanimate object than by making the audience do so themselves?

The Aviator (2004)-- Of this last decade, the most praise toward a Martin Scorsese picture went to 2006’s The Departed, which won

9
Scorsese his first, and long deserved, Oscar for Best Director. And as a result of all of this commotion, it seems as if another of his films has been left
out in the cold and forgotten about. The Aviator, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, chronicles the self-determined obsessive-compulsive germaphobic film-
making airplane maverick, Howard Hughes, from his early years directing one of the most expensive films that Hollywood has ever seen to his later
breakthroughs in aviation and his battle against Pan-Am for a monopoly over the Atlantic airway. Everything in this movie is charged with the same
energy and narrative thrust that has been present in all of Scorsese’s best movies, which perfectly complements Hughes’ ambition and early promise.
This also marks what I think is a focal turning point in DiCaprio’s career. Though he had always had promise as an actor, his Howard Hughes was the
first full performance that he has ever given. DiCaprio is able to follow the character through all of his great successes, as well as the tribulations of his
life, of which there were many, and is able to create a character that is born not on the script, but in the performance. We also get to see a recreation of
Old Hollywood, movie starlets and all. Cate Blanchett, in her second appearance on the list, is the only modern actress I could envision as having the
bite to play Katherine Hepburn, and her performance outshines even DiCaprio’s. There are also loving recreations of Hollywood clubs, Hughes’ aircrafts
(including the monstrous Spruce Goose), and cameo appearances from classic movie sex symbols (Ava Gardner, Errol Flynn, Jean Harlow) that can only
be provided by a true lover of the movies.

I’m Not There. (2007)--

10
As peculiar as the musical career of pop-folk singer Bob Dylan has been, I would have never expected
any media documenting the 1960s hipster’s many lives to be even more frustrating, abstract, and hypnotically beautiful than the songwriter’s
ballads themselves. Most often, the goal of a biopic is to assemble all elements of a person’s life into a cohesive, linear five-act structure that
removes all the heart of their mystery, and lays their plight out for the whole world to scrutinize. The purpose of Todd Haynes’ ambitious
venture into the realm of musical counterculture seems to be exactly the opposite, obscuring the Dylan myth e ven deeper in disorientation and
uncertainty, and by the end the “troubadour of conscience” becomes one of the most indelible folk-heroes of American culture, literally. Indeed,
there is so much to Bob Dylan’s character that it took six actors, one of which a woman (Cate Blanchett), in what are essentially six intermingling
short films to complete the story of a man who “never knew who he was most of the time.” Not to mention, this is the film that features what is
perhaps the greatest pre-Dark Knight performance by the late, great Heath Ledger.
 16 Arts&Entertainment
The Falcon Flyer

Streep, Baldwin get complicated
Kelsey Bolton
Staff Reporter
It’s Complicated does not even begin to describe
what occurs. Written and directed by Nancy
Meyers, It’s Complicated is not a generic romantic
comedy where the leading male character goes
through ridiculous measures to get the girl. There
is much more to the plot then that. Not to mention
the three Golden Globe nominations under its belt:
best comedy, best actress in a comedy, and best
screenplay.
Meryl Streep plays Jane Adler who is a mother
of three children and owns a flourishing bakery.
The only flaw to this is her ex-husband, Jake Adler,
who is played by the not so dashing Alec Baldwin.
Jane and Jake have been divorced for ten years. The
reason for their divorce is the only part of this film
duo goes out of town for their son’s college graduation.
This one trip results in Jake and Jane doing the
unimaginable: having an affair. Suddenly Jane finds
herself the “other” woman, but the complexity does not
stop there. Jane is dating an architect named Adam
Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec , and Lake Bell in It’sbyComplicated
Photo avclub.com
fall in love with Jane. However, this love triangle is one
not built to last.
Streep, Baldwin, and Martin are united by comical
forces that results in a good laugh. One of the side-
splitting scenes is when Jane smokes a joint that her
pathetic ex-husband gave her not too long ago.
It took only one puff for her to be flying over the
rainbow. The best part is that she is on the way to
her son’s graduation party. Adam picks her up and
on the way to the party she asks him “Do you poke
smot?” The joint ends up being shared by Jane, Jake,
Adam, and Harley, the oldest daughter’s fiancée.
The acting in It’s Complicated was phenomenal.
It was so easy to believe that Streep could cook like
Martha Stewart. But do not forget the script. The
screenplay was so witty and interesting, and is far
better than anything else that Meyers has written,
such as The Holiday. This is an excellent movie to
see if you are in need of some humor.

/5
that is not complex. Jake cheated on Jane. Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec , and Lake Bell in It’s Complicated
To add insult to injury, Jake married the woman
that he had an affair with, but after being separated Schaffer who is played by none other than the comical
for some time things are due for a little change. The Steve Martin. Adam is a divorcee as well and begins to

James Cameron’s Avatar a visual breakthrough

Craig Heffner
Staff Reporter
If one could throw the movies Dances
with Wolves, Jurassic Park,
Pocahontas, Ferngully, and
just a hint of Star Wars into
a giant blender and mix them
up, the result would be director
James Cameron’s masterpiece
Avatar.
The story takes place in
2154, three decades after a
multinational corporation has
established a mining colony on
Pandora, an earth-sized moon
in orbit around a massive star.
This new world, Pandora, is a
rich source of a mineral Earth
desperately needs. With a toxic
environment, savage creatures,
and giant blue hostile natives,
Pandora isn’t exactly the
greatest vacation destination.
The humans dwell in heavily
fortified oxygen-rich bases
and move out into mines or to
confront the planet’s hostile
creatures in hulking awesome
looking armor suits, or as
Avatars.
Jake Sully (Sam Worthington)
is a crippled marine who
becomes a part of the Avatar
program. Avatars are genetically
matched and mentally linked to Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) inhabits his Avatar body, while Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) shows him the ropes in Avatar.
resemble the large humanoid
aliens called the Na’vi that inhabit the hover ships to bomb the hapless Na’vi— never uses its computer trickery simply still asking is why you are still reading
planet. They can be controlled through or chose to join them and become the because it has it, a mortal flaw in most this article when you could be watching
the operator’s nervous system as you Na’vi leader to drive back their would be 3D movies, and Cameron seems quite Avatar? Case closed.
hugging scientific research team as he
learns and becomes one with the Na’vi
culture. Soon Sully’s loyalties are torn
as he must chose between helping his
own species—the gung-ho ex-marines
who employ machine guns and armored about it being 3D or CG. The film
The movie is a visual marvel and a
state-of-the-art technical breakthrough.
I was skeptical about the use of 3D
technology, but I was pleasantly
surprised by how few times I thought
Photo by imdb.com
in order to wait for technology to catch
up to his visions. Surprisingly, I cared
about the characters as well, and by the
film’s third act, filled with wall-to-wall
action, I found that it matters what the
characters do in battle and how
they do it.
How much did Avatar cost
to make? Simply put, more
than you will ever make. Avatar
recently won the Golden Globe
award for Best Film, and
has grossed more than $1.62
billion worldwide. This places
the film as the second-highest
grossing film of all time, behind
Cameron’s other masterpiece,
Titanic, making Cameron the
only director to have made
two films that earned over one
billion dollars.
The film is so good that it has
actually been banned in theaters
nationwide in China, the report
stating that the government
feared that the revolt by the
indigenous Na’vi population
shown in the film would ignite
the Chinese people’s imagination
to instigate a similar revolt. The
Vatican newspaper and radio
station also have criticized the
film, calling Avatar simplistic,
and flirting with modern
doctrines that promote the
worship of nature as a substitute
for religion.
The only question that I am

/5
lay back in the safety of the base, locked conquers. aware of 3D’s weakness for dimming the
in a coffin-like transponding device. The movie is 161 minutes and it flies picture. I see now why Cameron halted
Sully teams up with the eccentric tree- by in a rush. You believe in Pandora. the original 1997 production of Avatar
 StudentLife
The Falcon Flyer
17
Cressey honored through fashion
Couture for the Cure raises money for the American Cancer Society
At the end of the show, Cressey was invited to the stage amid a standing ova-
Yasmin Abubakar tion and was handed a bouquet of roses. Caldwell and D’Amico told Cressey that
StudentLife Editor she has given so much to her students and they were only doing their part to show
how much she is appreciated. “We wanted to show you how much we love and care
When the news broke that drama teacher Pam Cressey was diagnosed with pan- for you,” said Caldwell. They also said that they wanted to give her the shirts off
creatic cancer, students and staff grieved for their beloved teacher and colleague. their back, which they literally had the models do. Several of the models came out
Most offered words of kindness and encouragement, but two students went a step wearing shirts that had short sayings describing Cressey. Some of the sayings were
further. Dalana Caldwell and Kyla D’Amico decided that they were going to do their “sweet with sass,” “amazing without asking,” and humorous with heart.” Caldwell
part to show their support for Cressey. Caldwell and D’Amico put together a fash- read each phrase and the model wearing the shirt took it off and gave it to Cressey.
ion show and silent auction to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The When all was said and done, Caldwell and D’Amico were pleased with the out-
event was called Couture for the Cure. come of the fashion show. “I think it went really good, I wish we had a little better of
The fashion show had been in the making for quite some time for Caldwell and a turnout, but Mrs. Cressey was happy so that made us happy and a lot people liked
D’Amico. “In the summer we wanted to do a DECA project so we were thinking a it,” said Caldwell. The people who attended also had a nice time. “We got good
fashion show just because both of us are really into that kind of stuff and then we compliments and we got good feedback from people,” said D’Amico. By the end of
were given the news about Mrs. Cressey being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the night, $1800 was raised for the American Cancer Society.
[and we thought] we should just do it for her,” said Caldwell. It was clear at the end of the night that Cressey had enjoyed the evening and
Things were not all fun and games during the planning for this event. Both she expressed her gratitude for what Caldwell and D’Amico had done. “It was the
Caldwell and D’Amico agreed that it was an extremely demanding affair to put to- sweetest thing anyone has ever done,” said Cressey, adding that the show was “very
gether. “It was stressful just because there was a lot that we needed to do,” said funny but very couture,” and that she was grateful for all the money that was raised
D’Amico. The most important of which was acquiring the companies willing to for the American Cancer Society.
supply clothes and accessories. Caldwell and D’Amico also had to find models for
the show. “We wanted outgoing, fun people who weren’t afraid to be themselves,”
said Caldwell. Some of the models included seniors Karl Dubeau, Saraya Thomp-
son, Chase Pfeiffer and Danielle Hurt, juniors Nick Lee, Alexa Fechlin, Joel Firman
and Quin Hartman, and sophomore Clarice Schaefbauer.
The night began with a leisurely start. Attendees trickled in, bought tickets and
spent a couple minutes scanning the items laid out for the silent auction. Some of
the stuff for sale included baskets of varying themes, artwork and pottery. Prices
ranged from a five dollar basket of farm fresh eggs, to a $225 watch, to a senior
photography package for $450. There was also a table where wrapped white roses
were sold for two dollars and fifty cents each.
The fashion show began with casual wear followed by semi formal, casual again
and then falcon power. After the first four styles were shown, there was a brief
intermission where the last bids could be made on the various auction items. The
fashion show concluded with formal wear, more casual wear and theater wear
which consisted of different costumes from Cressey’s various shows.

Photo by Yasmin Abubakar

Couture for the Cure models pose for the crowd.

“It was the

sweetest
thing anyone
has ever done,”
- Pam Cressey
Photo by Yasmin Abubakar
Models wait for their turn to strut their stuff.
18 StudentLife
The Falcon Flyer

Graduates return for one more show

Megan Rogers
Photographer
When tragedy strikes people tend to get down and
give up, but not the past and present students of Pam
Cressey. When news of the pancreatic cancer that has
plagued her body came out, a string snapped in many
people that pushed them to want to help, to make a
difference in a beloved teacher’s life who has made
such a difference in so many other’s lives.
So for one night during the running of Pamalot past
alumni from many of Cressey’s shows came back to
Kentlake to perform once again. For them it wasn’t
any trouble, it was something they were quite happy to
be doing. “I was very excited to come back,” said alum
Nick Holland. There were performances from West
Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Music Man, Into the
Woods, Grease, and several other plays. Many alumni
returned for this special event.
The play brought back wonderful memories for
Cressey that brought a shine to her eyes and a smile to
her mouth. “I am very excited people are doing this for
my mom…I don’t think people realize how much this
support really means to her and really helps,” said Ali-
son Cressey. After the play Cressey thanked everyone
for attending and rejoiced in the fact that she could Photo by Megan Rogers
reconnect with so many of her former students. Past and present drama students perform a scene from the Pamalot alumni night.

Ferron expands the reach of his artistic talents
Michaela Mandala
Photographer
Not everyone exceeds in art, Austin
Ferron is one of few that has a special
passion for it. Not only is it his life’s am-
bition, he also has a special talent for
it. He realized it was his life calling at
the young age of eight years old. “There
wasn’t just one time that I realized that
I loved it. It was kind of like a gradual
thing that I got into.” said Ferron, “I just
sort of picked up a pencil one day and
just went with it and it worked.” Art is
Ferron’s passion and he hopes to make
it his career some day, “I want to get
into snowboard designs and graphics,”
said Ferron.
Although he wishes to be a snow-
board designer when he grows up, he is
already on the path of doing so by turn-
ing blank shoes into vivid art pieces. “I
was in Seattle one day and I saw a guy at
Pike Place Market drawing fast sketches
and I just sort of recently got into doing
that,” said Ferron. “It is a long process.
I have to get the design I want to do first
and depending on how detailed I want it
to be I have to draw with pencil, then go
over with sharpie. After that I have to go
over with fabric marker and then I have
to spray stuff on it so it doesn’t smear.”
“I kind of have a unique art style that
may be a little weird, but people seem to like it so I just continue to do it “said Fer-
ron. Although Ferron’s style is matchless, he still has role models, “I like Picasso
because of his ideas that he came out with. I also like Scott Campbell, we have a lot
of the same style,” said Ferron.
One thing that is very different about Ferron’s art is that it seems to have a depth
that makes it simple but still finds a way to really intrigue, “I don’t really use a lot
of colors when I draw it’s mainly just black and white. Whenever
I color in things it seems to take away from what I think it should
look like. If I keep it black and white it just makes it simple in a
good way.”
Ferron is always thinking about art,
what he will do next, or his past pieces.
“A lot of the drawings I do are consistent
but each one I just change it up a little
bit. That’s what you have to do to get
practice, keep re-drawing it,” said Fer-
ron. “Right now I’m thinking of this one
that I drew with a moon and I remem-
ber the stars. I didn’t just have normally
they were hanging down by ropes from
the heavens,” said Ferron.
Art is all about inspiration; and Fer-
ron finds it where ever he goes and in
whatever he does. “Music is a big help to
my inspiration depending on my mood
it can help me get really good ideas.
I can listen to stuff like Owl City and
depending on the mood I can listen to
Paramore, almost any band out there,”
said Ferron. “I also get my inspiration
from my daily life. I will see an idea and
go and draw it.”
Art is something that must be kept
up, it can always be improved and done
the best it possibly can be, Ferron is
Art by Austin Ferron. seeking to do just that. “Right now I’m
taking Draw Paint Design One and I am
planning to follow that up with AP art
classes, “said Ferron.

Breakdance club flips onto the scene
Nicole Luce
Staff Reporter
From movies to TV and backyard battles to international competitions, break-
dancers are a part of American culture. Spinning, freezing, flipping, these dancers
have a different way of moving to the beat.
Breakdance Club is for anyone, to learn, practice or just watch. They meet every
Tuesday after school in the 1900 building. This club provides a place for aspiring
breakdancers to practice. Before the formation of the club, there were no places
for them to meet. “Me and my friends were breakdancing at Cedar Heights and we
wanted to find a place to breakdance,” said President Brian Nguyen.
Nguyen and vice-president, Bilal Abubakar, both have experience with break-
dancing. Nguyen has been breakdancing since seventh grade, and Abubakar has
been breakdancing for over a year. Each has a different reason for enjoying and
practicing breakdancing. For Nguyen, he likes the challenge of the dance. Abuba-
kar on the other hand likes power moves. Which are windmills and head spins for
Abubakar.
They both agree that breakdancing is fun. Even though it is fun there is a differ-
StudentLife
The Falcon Flyer
19
ent challenge for each leader. “Learning new moves and helping each other with
moves,” is the most difficult thing about breakdancing for Nguyen. For Abubakar,
“getting the strength to do the moves,” is the hardest part.
Not only does Breakdance Club provide a place to practice, it provides a place
for people to learn how to breakdance. Breakdance starts with the basics, foot work
and small poses or freezes. Some freezes include Jackhammers, Crickets, Pike, Air
Chair, Hollow Backs, and Flairs. Anyone can breakdance; it just depends on the
amount of effort put into learning the dance style. If someone has the interest to
breakdance, then any member of the club will be willing to teach them some of their
moves. Breakdancing is a challenge but depending on the person who is learning, it
could be more or less of a challenge. “It’s all about trying,” said Nguyen.
Breakdance Club is a brand new club. They started in December and now have
about five members. Their club banner can be seen hanging in the commons. They
have also had a dance off at lunch to promote the club. Their next big performance
might be at an assembly. “The assembly after Martin Luther King or a spirit day
assembly,” said Nguyen.

Photo courtesy of Bilal Abubakar

Photo courtesy of Bilal Abubakar
Breakdance Club members Geoffrey Castro, John Martin, Bryan Nguyen, Bilal Abubakar Club members Bilal Abubakar, above, and John
and Patrick Castro. Martin, right, practice their moves. Photo courtesy of Bilal Abubakar

Nick Anderson, average guy or superhero in disguise?

Jason Hirschey
Staff Reporter
A simple glance around Kentlake and one will notice
nothing special, or will they? Deep beneath the grunt,
hard boned persona of an average day at school lies
one man who stands over all. Meet Nick Anderson,
the six foot one inch senior. Anderson’s extraordinary
presence finds its way into the hearts of all. “Nick is
tall, compared to midgets. And he’s smarter than a
fifth grader. And he’ll have a very successful life, as a
McDonalds manager,” said science teacher Scott Sim-
mons.
At first glimpse, Anderson demonstrates the quint-
essential standards for an average man. For exam-
ple: he is right handed, his favorite color is green, his
toothbrush is assumed to be white, and he eats pie
with a fork. However, underneath this tough exterior,
and through the pile of average, Anderson displays
his traits of genius. “Sometimes, I’ll sit down with my
brother and my family and watch television, when it’s
something interesting,” said Anderson.
Anderson spends most of his time just like any other
high school student, at school. But when he is not at
school, you can find him fighting crime. Psyche, he
does not fight crime. But alas, maybe Anderson is the
best secret keeper ever? “If you had something you
wanted to keep secret, the best way to keep it secret
would be to not have it at all,” said Anderson. Touché
Nick.
Photo by Megan Rogers
Nick Anderson chills in the commons.
But beside that point, he displays outstanding won-
der and humbleness. He strives above all else to find
the most perplexing wonders of the natural world.
“[Octopi] have to have hands to be left handed, right?”
said Anderson; just one of the many profundities ut-
tered by Anderson, a seemingly normal guy. “I use a
leather wallet. It’s a little beat up, but it works good
for what it’s supposed to do,” said Anderson. But his
astonishing genius and prosperity for the wonderment
of the unknown acts of this strange world do not stop
there. “I’m not one to ascribe traits to inanimate ob-
jects, but if it [my wallet] had feelings, [it would] prob-
ably [miss me].”
The next time someone happens to find them self
perusing the halls of Kentlake, that person may want to
keep an eye out for Nick Anderson. He may be eating
lunch “next to the second line with the sub counter,”
with his number five sub complete with pickles, on-
ion, lettuce, cheese, and mustard. Sometimes, he may
just be sitting there doing nothing, just daydreaming.
Many of the world’s greatest minds have been looking
for the child prodigy since the beginning of time, and
they would be satisfied to find one as grand as Nick
Anderson. One may never know if he does fight crime
or not, but one can always wonder.
20 StudentLife
The Falcon Flyer

Ng siblings broaden their horizons

there, it’s like two different worlds,” said Ng.
McKenna Herron These falcons have grown up in America their entire lives. “My dad went over
Staff Reporter there for college and my mom spent part of her childhood there,” said Ng, “I speak
Cantonese fluently because I picked
Kentlake has a wide range of students it up from my parents, but there are
from several cultural backgrounds; the so many different languages scattered
school undergoes exchange programs all over Asia.” Ng pointed out that this
with European and Asian students, as was the main difference between the
well as possesses its own mix of teenag- cultures. “In Hong Kong, I understand
ers from diverse countries. However, the what people are saying. The main lan-
majority of the student body has been guage is Mandarin and pretty easy to
confined to an American perspective for pick up, but out in the country and rural
most of their lives. So what it is like to areas they speak a slang Mandarin, and
experience something different? I have no idea what everyone’s talking
Over the holiday break Alexis, Cla- about. They have different dialects and
rissa and Austin Ng were fortunate everyone over there has a hard time un-
enough to be exposed to this difference. derstanding one another. As compared
These siblings have traveled to Hong to here, where the main language is
Kong, Taiwan, and China. “We went for English and that’s about it,” said Ng.
my cousin’s wedding,” said senior and Though extremely different, China
older brother Alexis Ng, “I visited China had certain perks that Ng enjoyed. “It
and Hong Kong in seventh grade for the has its advantages,” said Ng, “Real Asian
same reason.” This year they received food, really hot girls, and the drinking
a new taste from Taiwan and a second and gambling age is eighteen. Being that
visit to Hong Kong. I look eighteen over there, it worked in
Ng describes the actual atmosphere Photo by Megan Rogers
my favor.”
as similar to one in America, “It’s not as Ng joked around about the contrast
diverse; over here we have people from Austin, Alexis and Clarrisa Ng re.ect on their recent trip to China. in cultures but did not fail to point out
all over the world, but there it’s mainly just Asians. The cities are up to date- they’ve how vast the concept really is. “There is
had the same technology as us only years in advance. The rural population is differ- an immeasurable amount to be learned from placing oneself in a separate environ-
ent. Over here, there isn’t that big of a variation between city life and suburbs. Over ment…it’s a great experience,” said Ng.

Tabitha Sullivan, not just another face in the crowd

things,” said Sullivan about the foreign exchange and when Sullivan dreams, she dreams big. “I love travel so I
Matt Davis student. The senior has certainly learned a lot guess my life goal would be to see as many different places as I
Staff Reporter during her time at the school, but the student can. Right now I’m leaning towards being a marine biologist, or
body sure can learn some things about her. studying linguistics and anthropology,” said Sullivan. In the end,
Incessant noise cascades down the hallways Everyone has certain unique memories from she plans on working in a foreign country.
during a brief duration known as passing period. their childhood. A child’s imagination is an Next time the school bell sounds and hundreds of people are
Hundreds of faces are seen; some are known amazing thing when it came to adventures, but around in the halls and in the commons, say hello to someone
while others are mysterious. Uniqueness and the proper amount of space is required for these new. Who knows what can be discovered.
diversity is all they have in common, but what adventures, which is something Sullivan defi-
brings them together nitely had growing up.
is also what sets them “My Grandmother re-
apart, and senior cently moved, but be-
Tabitha Sullivan is no fore that she lived in a
exception. huge 1940’s farmhouse
This quiet and re- on a ten acre farm. My
served individual has brother, cousins, and I
many hobbies and is a would go exploring a
part of extra-curricular lot, or play in the creek
activities in the school. that ran through it,”
She can be seen in the said Sullivan.
music department as This young woman
she plays her flute, is also active at home
and she is also part of and in the community.
a club that meets after “I like photography,
school. “On Tuesday playing the piano, fold-
I stay after school for ing origami, and I’m
Japanese Club, which addicted to sudoku,”
I’m the Vice President Photo by Megan Rogers said Sullivan. She has
of,” said Sullivan. In Tabitha Sullivan smiles for the camera. also been a Girl Scout
fact, Sullivan is ex- for 12 years, which is
tremely involved in the Japanese program. She quite an achievement, and one that brings great
has hosted a Japanese exchange student and at- pride to her.
tends the Japanese class during the day. “It was All kinds of students, especially seniors
really cool getting to know her and learning new make plans and goals for life after high school,
 The Falcon Flyer
Sports
21
Swimmers break Charger trend with tie tain Dougherty. Both cap-
McKenna Herron
Staff Reporter tains feel that they have
acquired two outstanding
It seems like decades since swimmers for their season.
the Kentridge boys’ swim Royal said, “Most of us just
and dive team has been tied swim for fun, but Tanner
against or defeated; they [Garcia] has the ability to
have compiled an impres- go to the Olympics, and Eric
sive 32 meet winning streak [Fulmer] could do Olympic
during the past few years. On trials. They’ve both really
Jan. 5 this trend was finally contributed to the team.”
broken with a tie between the Garcia and Fulmer will be
Falcons and the Chargers. undoubtedly efficacious for
The evening was filled the future program.
with intense adrenaline and As far as state goes, the
extreme determination as Falcons have it in the bag.
the Falcons prepared to face “We have potential of doing
the task of breaking such a well in state or districts. We
long winning streak. Men- have people that had already
tally and physically, the boys made state at the first meet,”
proved that they were up to said Dougherty. They hope
the challenge. “We were bat- to see more members quali-
tling for fourth anchor and fying for state in the near
Kyle [Koon] had roughly future. “It’s going to take
three quarters of the pool to practice, working on drills,
catch up. But he caught up, and having fun,” said Royal.
passed the guy in the last According to the captains,
310 feet and beat him in like the main difference between
sixths hundredths of a sec- this year and last year is the
ond,” said Colton Jensen, a amount of bonding. Royal
Photo by Holly Pirret
senior on the swim team. said, “There’s a lot more
Sophomore Kyle Koon, With a phenomenal record of 6-0-1, the boys’ swim team is having a standout season. messing around versus ac-
an important member of the tual swimming this year.
swim team, made a significant explainable,” said senior captain Tyler Doug Goodgion and Taylor Welch per- We’re still focused, but we take breaks
impact on the tie. “In my opinion, that Royal, “there was shock, jaw-dropping; formed well in the dive competition to to have a good time in between.”
determined it,” said Jensen. no one really knew how to feel.” The key pull in points for the tie. All in all, the Falcons have a great op-
The team has confidence that their students that contributed to this win In the past, the swim team has al- portunity to make their name in swim
achievement will continue throughout were Royal, junior David Dougherty, ways been successful. “It takes a good this year. “We’ve always been good,”
the season. “Everything up to Kentridge sophomores Tanner Garcia and Koon, coach, dedication, yards, star athletes, said Jensen, “But this year seems to be
was fantastic, and tying them was un- and freshman Erik Fulmer. Seniors bonding, and lots of depth,” said cap- a highlight.”

Wrestling team bands together to throw down competition

Christine Rushton
Co Editor-in-Chief
A sport of raw human contact, wrestling is a combi-
nation of calculated strategy and sheer strength. With
these rough conditions in mind, the wrestling team
has taken on many challenges, including having a new
head coach, with a sense of dedication.
While he has been coaching wrestling for 12 years,
system, it does not matter whose son is on the mat.
During matches each parent sits in a state of tension
either quietly cheering the wrestler or screaming at the
top of their lungs.
Although the team’s overall record of 1-5 is not ex-
emplary, a few individual wrestlers show promise for
a chance in districts. “I see a couple guys doing big
things,” said Firman. PTSA board member Denise
Firman said, “[they] have
rience. “The live wrestling is where you do get to learn
a lot of that strategy…more knowledgeable…more free
flowing to where you don’t have to think about exactly
what you’re doing,” said Williams. They also do basic
conditioning and weight lifting to build strength and
sometimes to reach a certain weight class. With re-
gards to weight, dropping pounds for the wrestlers is
less hazardous than in the past due to state require-
ments that track their

“You wrestle on who

Jeremy Williams became the head coach only this sea- some returning kids who height and weight. They
son. However, this leadership change has not affected are expected to do well.” have online programs and
the overall goals of the team. Williams said, “[The goals Names that appear fre- also hydration checks that
are] always to be one of the top three in the league,
placing in the state tournament, and to get our first
state champ.” Luckily, the transition to a new coach
quently on the hopeful
list are seniors Cavanagh,
Tyler Potts, Ben Ritchie,
you are as a person.” tell them if their body is
losing or gaining weight,
both regular and water, at
has been smooth for the team because most have wres-
tled under his assistant coaching since middle school.
and sophomore Colton
Marlowe. “They are four -Sean Cavanagh a healthy rate.
Stepping out on the
“He’s been with us all the way. We’ve known him for so of the guys that are prob- mat, the often nervous
long,” said senior Sean Cavanagh. ably front runners at that wrestlers take on the in-
The coaching staff of five consists of head coach Wil- point…couple of other guys that are dark horses… dividual aspect of the sport. “Every match you’re go-
liams and assistant coaches Jerry Garza, James Harri- could be able to sneak through if they wrestled well ing to get nervous…believe in your training…no matter
son, Taylor Johnson, and Taylor Firman. Johnson and come post season,” said Williams. who you’re facing,” said Cavanagh. Even with condi-
Firman are both returning Kentlake alumni. Strategy is a major part of the wrestlers’ training tioning and strategy, the wrestlers will have to rely on
Dedication to the sport does not reside solely with with the goal of reaching post-season. Moves like the their own determination to succeed in the post-season
the coaches, however. Players not only give the usual half-nelson, cradle, bulldog, and submarine, are ex- coming up in February. Clarifying that determination,
practice and match time, but most Saturdays they trav- amples of how a wrestler plots to take-down and pin Cavanagh said, “You wrestle on who you are as a per-
el to all day tournaments. As for the parental support his opponent. Practice matches are also vital for expe- son.”
22 Sports
The Falcon Flyer

2009 brings both victory and defeat

A year in the life of Washington’s professional sports teams
Keith Bolender
Staff Reporter
The Mariners made vast improvements from
their 2008 campaign in which they finished the
season with a record of 61-101. This year they fin-
ished 85-77 and Ichiro Suzuki broke the record for
most consecutive 200-hit seasons. They started the
season with a new manager, Don Wakamatsu, and
several talented free-agent signees. But the biggest
news was the return of Mariner-great Ken Griffey
Jr. His return brought excitement and buzz back
to the Mariners organization. During the offsea-
son, the M’s made headlines withtrades and free
agent signings that resulted in the acquisition of
big name players Chone Figgins, Milton Bradley,
Casey Cotchman and Cy Young winner Cliff Lee.
The Mariners look to improve and take control of
the AL West in 2010.
Seattle became the latest city to receive an MLS
team in 2007 with the arrival of the Sounders. In
their first match this season they trounced the New
York Red Bulls 3-0 and continued to ride the wave
of success all the way to the MLS playoffs. Ultimate-
ly, they reached the quarterfinals, winning the US
Open Cup, finished third in the Western Confer-
ence with 47 points and fourth overall with a record
of 12-7-11. Fredy Montero led the team in goals and
came away with the Newcomer of The Year Award.
Goalkeeper Kasey Keller was voted the team’s MVP.
Freddie Ljungberg won the award for the league’s
best midfielder. Together these strong players
proved that the Sounders are more than just an ex-
pansion team, and look to build on their success in
2010.
The Seahawks had a disappointing season de-
spite the signing of perennial Pro-Bowl wide re-
ceiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and the promising
draft of linebacker Aaron Curry, center Max Unger,
wide receiver Deon Butler, and defensive end Nick
Reed. Jim Mora replaced Mike Holmgren as head
coach. Seattle finished the preseason with a record
of 4-0, giving hope to a fan base which had become
used to being a playoff contender in recent years.
Despite having explosive weapons all over the field,
the offense could never get it going, scoring only
17.5 points and 316.8 yards per game. The ground
game averaged just 97.9 yards per game. The offen-
sive line never got into the groove expected from a
playoff contender. Due to the team’s sup par per-
formance, Mora was relieved of his coaching du-
ties. The Seahawks have hired long-time USC head
coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider for the
upcoming season.
Photos courtesy of Flickr.com

Gymnastics proceeds despite setbacks Boys’ basketball scores decent season

Injury cripples veteran gymnast Becca Peterson
Jason Hirschey
Staff Reporter
After winning the 4A North division and placing second in state just a mere
season ago, the gymnastics team strives to continue their success.
“For this year, my goal for the team is to make it to state again. But my person-
al goal is to beat my PRs [personal records] and no matter what happens, keep a
positive attitude and have fun,” said junior Kelly Heagerty. Hopes of competing
again as state contenders abound. “A huge goal of ours as a team is to make it
to state as a team again,” said junior Lynnsey Thielman. The team must work
with determination and not be sidetracked. As junior Becca Peterson said, “Our
number one goal we set is going to state as a team again this year.”
In order to reach state, however, the team is going to have to score big in com-
petitions. There are four events: vault, beam, bars, and floor, and three scored
competitions: team, all around, and individual event. The team competition
is the most important at the high school level. Each team may place up to ten
gymnasts for each event and the top five scores for each event are added to-
gether to make a team score. Ideally, the highest team score possible is 200.00
points. The gymnasts competing in all four events compete for an all around
score, with maximum of 40.00 possible points. The final event is for all gym-
nasts who compete in any event, the highest score in any event being a 10.00.
The higher the difficulty of a particular routine, the higher the possible score is.
“We’re trying to have the top five or six kids in our lineup have 10.0 start values
on beam and have optional bar routines,” said coach Marla Boyd.
The scores are not the only inspiration for the players. Senior Terra Compton
said, “I think everyone on the team is a good motivator. To see all my teammates
working hard at practice helps encourage me to work hard as well. Our coaches
are also good motivators by encouraging us to keep working hard.”
As in other sports, injuries can inhibit the winning potential of a team. This
year, the team has struggled with injuries included a broken ankle suffered by
Peterson that limited her to only the first meet of the season thus far. She broke
it performing a Tsukahara vault in competition against Auburn. “I was Tsuk-ing
and I landed with my ankle rolled under,” said Peterson.
Despite setbacks, the team must fight on in order to improve their skills. Win
or lose, they improve; striving towards their goals of grandeur and hopes of the
highest heroics in gymnastics. As can always be expected, this year will be one
to remember.
League neighbors prove difficult competition
Erin Hunt
Staff Reporter
With a win against Auburn Riverside on Jan. 12, the boys’ basketball team
has completed the first half of their season with a solid 4-5 league record.
“We really needed that win [vs. AR] to get to play offs. [The final score] was
74-59, it was close the entire game though, we pulled away at the end,” said se-
nior Mike Salazar. Junior Daniel Landram also pointed out , “[it was] our best
defensive game of the year.” Head coach Ron Charrier believes the AR game
was the most memorable of the season thus far. “[The] game vs. AR was a big
win for us. We are now in a 3 way tie for 4th place. The top 5 teams make it to
state,” said Charrier.
With the help of captains’ Landram and senior Eric Smith, the Falcons may
be able to secure a spot in state. Charrier said, “The leadership the captains
bring to the team has helped us to become a tighter group. They have helped
in communication between the players and coaches. They have also been the
voice out on the court.” Landram said, “Our biggest weapon is fast breaking,
we are known for running the court.” Main score contributors include Salazar,
Landram, Smith, and sophomore Jaron Heck. These four alone average about
45 points per game.
Of course, many skills still remain to be improved upon. Heck said, “We need
to play better defense – we need to try harder and move faster. We are a little
slow sometimes and give up too early.” Obviously, the teams work on defense
is already beginning to show, Landram said, “[In the AR game] we kept them
from scoring very much in the first half and this contributed to our win.” Char-
rier said the team is also “working on becoming a better rebounding team” and
that “it has showed in the last couple of games.”
The second half of the season is looking bright for the boys’ basketball team.
Hopefully, come February, they will be playing in the Tacoma Dome. To get
there, Salazar said, “We need to win all our close games and beat the teams that
we should beat.” Landram specifies which teams need to be demolished, he
said, “We need to beat KM, Tahoma, and TJ. With this, and hopefully pulling
out a couple more wins, we’ll be in good shape.” These wins will be developed
over the next month, including a game against Auburn on Jan. 22 and another
against Tahoma on Jan. 26. Junior Alex Straus summarizes how the team will
secure these wins, he said, “I think we’re going to be able to get into the state
playoffs by playing as a team.”
 The Falcon Flyer
Sports
23
Welch trades tennis rackets for swim trunks
Jacob Langholz
Staff Reporter
Many students would agree that senior Taylor Welch is a com-
petitive and talented student. Yet few know that this red-head
has just added diving to his list of skills. “Doug Goodgion and
Nick Lee told me it would be a healthy challenge for me,” said
Welch, “they told me it would be fun. I am pretty sure they were
right, ‘cause I am still doing it.”
For Welch, dive is really just a compilation of his fearless dis-
position and childhood memories. “I have been on a trampoline
my entire life, attempting flips and stuff, “ said Welch, “diving is
just like that, except with water instead of a mesh.”
As he explained his favorite parts of being in dive, Welch
said, “Well for one, there is watching the other guys belly flop.
There’s nothing better than watching others land on their faces.
It’s quite enjoyable.” Senior Brian Oliphant said, “Anyone who
knows Welch knows he is a team player.” So it should come as
little surprise that Welch said, “the best part is definitely seeing
our team excel. Doug, Nick, Tim, and me have all done really
well.”
Welch pointed out that diving can be anyone’s passion. “Re- Photos by Holly Pirret
ally, anyone can dive. It just happened to be that I don’t suck at Welch competes in the dive competition during a swim meet against Tahoma on Jan. 19.
it.” Contrary to popular belief, “I don’t have a victory dance or an
expression for when I win. When I dive, I am just in the zone. So
really it is just a feeling of satisfaction, that is what I get.”
Now all of this success may make him sound arrogant, but
Did you know...?
this is the last thing he wants to portray. However, one can not
help but acknowledge that he is good, after viewing his record. Interests:
“I am 6-0,” said Welch, “the only loss I have had was a tourney.
An average winning score for a diver is about 150, and I have
Ping pong, The Office, Calc AB with Mr. Sturtevant, and
scored 219.” Ultimate Frisbee.
Of course, he still tries to challenge himself while having a
good time. His favorite dive is known as a “reverse one and a
half with one and a half twists,” said Welch. This is best de-
Office quote of choice:
scribed as a 540 degree back flip off of the diving board with the “When my mother was pregnant with me, they did an
same amount of twist, otherwise seen as extremely difficult. ultrasound and found she was having twins. When they
Despite all of his skill, he still messes up every now and again.
To date, he has belly flopped many a time, and hit the board did another ultrasound a few weeks later, they discovered
twice. The first of which, he “hit the board with my foot, after that I had reabsorbed the other fetus. Do I regret this? No.
doing a double gainer, or a double back flip, which still kind of I believe his tissue has made me stronger. I now have the
hurts,” said Welch.
“Overall,” he said, “I am glad I chose to do it, I would encour- strength of a grown man and a little baby.”
age anyone with a spark of curiosity or who wants to do a sport -Dwight Schrute.
to try it out. Really it is just competitive fun.”

Proliferation of bowl games detract from true champions

Matt Davis
Staff Reporter
Frosty days and football dominate the winter season.
American football is in full gear and fast approaching
the playoffs, and college football is at it as well. But
the NCAA does not have a playoff system. Instead, the
college league uses a series of bowl games to showcase
their champions. Originally, it was a tradition for just
a few teams, including the champions of the separate
conferences and a few strong teams, to go to bowl
games. Now, bowls have changed drastically, and not
for the better.
Currently there are 34 different bowl games that are
played. This multitude of college bowl games, instead
of adding to the NCAA, detracts from it. The signifi-
cance of actually being requested to play in one of the
few prestigious games for champions is now muddled
with mediocre teams with a 6-6 record vying for an ex-
tra game to show off their lack of skill.
So what is the reason for having more games? The
answer is money. Bowl games gain the media’s atten-
tion, and with channels such as ESPN that have a large
fan base to support all these games, it is no wonder that
the NCAA can get away with it all. If people watch the
games, they make money, and that income increases
when there are more games for people to watch. But is
this truly beneficial for the NCAA? Sure, there is profit
in it all, but what of the prestige? The public excite-
ment is visible for games such as the Orange Bowl,
Sugar Bowl, and Rose Bowl, which is the oldest bowl in
NCAA history. However, this is not the case for some
of the younger and lesser bowls that exist today. With
a total of 34 bowl games, the important match-ups are
overshadowed.
Also, bowl games may have increased, but the
amount of teams has not. There is the same amount
of competition, but with more games to potentially be
eligible for, the competition has decreased. Just like
something that is not earned, the significance decreas-
es because the individual did not deserve it or invest
anything into it. Teams are meant to compete and in-
vest all they have into their season so that they may,
and that is a huge may, get into a bowl game.
One evident change in the teams though, is overall
skill level. It is true that the playing ability of the NCAA
has increased over the years; this is true with almost
every sport, but this is a constant increase that is vis-
ible in every team, not just the weak ones. As a result,
the bad teams are better than they were, and the good
teams are closer to being NFL caliber. As a result, the
competition and balance of teams has not changed,
therefore there should not be more bowl games.
Having fewer bowl games is better for the NCAA.
The prestige of actually going to a bowl game will be
restored to its former glory. The best remedy would be
to only keep some of the traditional bowl games such
as the Rose, Sun, Sugar, Orange, and Cotton Bowls. In
addition, some of the large bowls like the Fiesta and
Capital One Bowls should be kept as well to maintain
roughly eight or ten bowl games total, which includes
the relatively new BCS Championship Game. People
watch football during the winter season, but that does
not mean they want to be subjected to the sight of ter-
rible NCAA teams competing in a supposedly esteemed
champions game.
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