Ooracle - Lincoln East High School

Cove r p h o to by Susanna We b b
Oo racle
v. 39 i. 3 nov. 2006

Inside...
News
Now that the election’s over, we take a look at the
results. National Honor Society members, Ecology
Club, and Gary Baker make a difference. Plus we delve
into the inner-workings of the human mind.
Voices
Growing up, getting caught,
conforming to fit in, and political
‘foot in mouth’ disease.
Faces
Focus
Math teacher Jim Crew makes his
recovery, teens protest for and
against abortion, East senior reads
‘poetry out loud’, and Radio China
makes its debut.
East students share their
stories of struggle, overcoming
obstacles, and seeking refuge in
a home-away-from home.
A&E
We review the newest movies, music,
concerts and the anime convention. Plus,
we uncover what’s hot this season - from
condiments to nail polish.
Sports
Wrestlers struggle with weight issues and
new regulations, the softball team relives their
experience at State, and the hockey team makes
their debut. Also, have sports been overrun by
technology? Our sports editor shares his views.
2 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006

By John Ridgley
Just Fine, Pretty Good, and those Types of Lies
By Amin Makkawy
The day is going just fine,
As the trolley whirs constantly
I here its dull hum.
Every one is
Just fine.
The whether is
Pretty good.
This world lies gray in the tan shadows
Just fine.
Out of the window I can see crowds of
Just fine in the street
Pushing forward
With no emotion.
As the trolley crosses over a river on
shiny rails.
The river is calm
It even could have bin a
Painted strip of crystal art work.
It creates a gaping hole
In the middle of the concrete labyrinth
that surrounds it.
The water glides invisible
As if the river is a
Crack threw a world of reality and
dreams.
The trolley speeds over the river
As if cutting it with an elegant but battered
sword.
The trolley comes to life now.
One by one
Two by two
Three by three
The passengers seem to transform from
polished sculptures to forms of life
As if pulled into the river under the emotionless
lifeless mask.
From behind the clouds the sun shines a
tepid orange glow
Worming the city.
Long shadows stretch to the west
Away in to the horizon.
The streets are crowded.
Everyone is powering there way threw
the city,
Weaving threw fields of invisible life
Covered with gray mundane layers of
polished stones.
I walk along admiring people under polished
sculptures
Because I don’t want to simply live in
traffic.
I know who is under the stone Apparition
Complication
Speaking to me.
I Am alive.
If you would like to see
your artwork in the
Oracle, send it in! Pictures,
paintings, sketches,
poems, anything! Send
your work to Mrs. Holt in
B159 and see your artwork
here. You can submit
items to be shown anonymously
but your name
must be on your work. If
you don’t see your submitted
artwork, look for it
in next month’s issue!
NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 3

Room 101: Baker’s radio show educating others
BY BJ VALENTE
Faces Editor
“Good evening Lincoln, this is Michael Baker and
this is Room 101.”
Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. social studies teacher
Michael Baker greets Lincoln from the downtown
KZUM studio. Since his first airdate on January 4, 2006,
Baker has been letting his views on education cruise the
radio waves weekly. “Room 101,” the name of his show,
refers to George Orwell’s novel “1984,” where people
are confronted by their greatest fears.
“I wanted to have a radio show for a while,” said
Baker. “I think the public needs to hear different perspectives
on education, not only what the district wants
them to hear. I want to say more than what they’ll say.”
Baker has been at odds with district policy for a while,
including last year’s controversy regarding his yo-yo
method of teaching history. The district decided Baker’s
way of teaching the curriculum was incompatible.
Baker approached KZUM with his idea of having
a radio show devoted education in May 2005. KZUM
had put out an ad looking for individuals interested in
hosting a radio show, so Baker took the bait. The board
of directors were thrilled with his idea, and had been
looking for a show just like what Baker offered.
Every week Baker seeks to talk about more than just
what LPS is willing to discuss. His shows cover a wide
range of educational topics such as military recruiters
in high schools, No Child Left Behind, a bullying administration,
and corruption. Joining him in his halfhour
counterpoint
Be in “Room 101”
6 p.m. Wednesdays
show are a variety
of distinguished
guests. Just some
Nebraska Education Commissioner Doug Christensen talks with Michael Baker in a recent airing of Baker’s local radio show (photo by
Susanna Webb).
89.3 on your FM dial. one, “Room 101” is the only weekly education show
of the guests Baker in Nebraska, and says it may be the only one dedicated
has had on are Dr. to issues facing public education that airs weekly in the
Sis Levin, a peace whole country.
studies teacher in Bethlehem, Israel, Gary Howard, an “It’s important that the public gets diverse views,”
author and educator who educates teachers in multicultural
education, and Gary Mathews, a Washington education issues the authorities would rather not talk
said Baker. “They need new perspectives on public
Post education columnist. San Diego State professor, about.” Student learning styles and the redesigning of
Dr. Rich Gibson, recognizes Baker’s show as a special the high school setup have been issues that. Baker has
discussed. Every week Baker accepts calls from listeners,
halfway through his show the lines are open for
questions. The show receives at least one call a night
and can get many more.
For upcoming guests, “Room 101” is having Noam
Chomsky, a world-renowned linguist and philosopher,
December 6 th . This show will be a full hour where people
are encouraged to call.
S partans S peak Out
Dan Brown
Junior
“Jesus will come
down from heaven
while trumpets
play on a mat in
the middle of the
Atlantic Ocean
spnsored by Taco
Bell and everyone
will get free tacos.”
What does “The Apocalypse” mean to you?
Compiled by Callie Feingold
Photos by Callie Feingold
Dutch Fichthorn
English Teacher
“The end of order
and balance; the
end of all rationality.”
Paige Gade
Senior
“I don’t know.
Hopefully I’ll be
dead by then.”
4 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | NEWS

The Lincoln East Ecology Club invites you to a Peace Vigil, every Wednesday
from 5:00 to 6:00 pm! This past September on World Peace Day, many students
participated in an all-day peace demonstration. The sponsors, Nebraskans for
Peace, were excited to see so many young people show up, and so were we. Every
week, Nebraskans for Peace holds an anti-war, pro-environment demonstration
at 15 th and O streets, across from the Federal Building. Ecology Club members
have made the protests a weekly commitment, and so should you!
If you love our planet, and want to get involved, this is the perfect opportunity.
As students, we have the responsibility to represent ourselves and be heard.
(Plus, it’s just a good time!)
Fish populations are plummeting due to over fishing. Across the globe, the
diversity of species and the population levels are shrinking. Some researchers
are saying that eating seafood may be a distant memory in just 40 years. Not
only does this hurt our diets, but the environment as well. Today’s fish haul
is 90 percent lower than the historic maximums. If the trend of over fishing
continues 100 percent of oceanic species’ population will collapse by 2048.
The collapse of fish as a natural resource can only compound on the idea that
natural resources are being depleted. Lincoln East’s Ecology Club meets every
Wednesday to discuss such issues.
“More than just oil and coal, people are depleting freshwater supplies, biodiversity,
and all kinds of resources,” said senior Ecosquad president Lindsay Graef.
Over fishing serves as a reminder that without a definite plan, humans may view
the complete depletion of a common natural resource within our lifetimes.
Nebraska Music Educators Association held a conference the weekend of
November 16 th through 18 th and a part of the planned events were the all-state
ensembles. Which included orchestra, band and choir participants. Here is the
list of people from East who made all-state:
Orchestra:
Sudha Ayala
Sasan Choobineh
Sindu Vellanki
Ashley Rathjen
Maddie Ripa
Meghan Rihanek
Lauren Thompson
In the News
Peaceful protests take place
Something fishy at sea
All-State Announced
Christa Masters
Mitch Paine
Nick Graef
Katherine White
Choir:
Johnathan Rife
Amanda Kennedy
Ross Whiston
Election results
Candidate Votes Percentage
Pete Rickets 210,826 36%
Ben Nelson 371,334 64%
Jeff Fortenberry 116,275 59%
Maxine B. Moul 81,630 41%
Lee Terry 98,009 55%
Jim Esch 80,702 45%
Adrian Smith 114,568 55%
Scott Kleeb 94,771 45%
Band:
Elektra Wrenholt
Sarah Anthony
Taro Inoue
Compiled by Ecology Club, BJ Valente, Darja Dobermann, and Sindu Vellanki
NHS tutoring a success
BY TINA ZHENG
News Editor
While Tuesday is rapidly becoming a favorite among East High students for its
shortened schedule, a growing number of dedicated students are using the extra hour
to tutor or improve in their classwork. National Honor Society tutoring has outgrown
the library and now is held in the cafeteria.
“The number is constantly increasing. We started out with eight and have now
tutored 30 or more,” said senior NHS tutor Lauren Beitel. “We tried really hard to
get the word out to teachers and through signs and bulletins.” Many students stick
with the tutoring because they are seeing results.
“People are talking to me about tutoring on other weekdays as well. We’re also
hoping to bring some food next time,” said Beitel. Freshman Lauren Valente has
gotten tutored in geometry.
“Oftentimes I know the material, but I appreciate the guidance. My grade in
geometry class has gone up a whole letter grade,” said Valente. Senior Katie Williams
has used her English and math skills to tutor those who want to improve.
“Not only do I feel like I’m helping people who are interested, but I’m reinforcing
my own knowledge,” said Williams. In previous years, efforts were made to start
a peer tutoring program. This year’s program has been the most successful.
“The great leadership from the committee chairs has really helped things run
smoothly,” said Williams.
Contact NHS if you are interested in helping.
The ongoing mysteries of
science and soul
BY BARB WALKOWIAK
Staff Reporter
The concepts of human soul and
consciousness have captivated the minds
of philosophers, scientists, and the average
person. People have been searching
for the answers to questions about consciousness
and sub-consciousness for
hundreds of years now, and the search
continues.
Presently, there are two main parties
of thought. These are the scientific, and
the religious or philosophical standpoints.
Religions and many philosophies point to
a magical being within each of us, often
called a soul. This group believes the soul
is something that transcends this world
and lives on after death. This concept of
the soul is founded in the existence of our
consciousness and ability to think. Those
that believe in the soul feel that science
can’t explain the phenomenon, or at least
that it hasn’t done so yet.
The scientific school of thought has
progressed rapidly in the past few years,
thanks to brain imaging and technological
scanning advances, like magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), magneto encephalography
(MEG), and trans-cranial
magnetic stimulation (TMS). These
instruments help researchers examine
the brain and its reactions to stimuli.
Modern technologies have led scientists
to form new concepts about the human
consciousness. The case science makes,
as explained by psychology teacher Kevin
Rippe, is that billions of cells make up the
human brain. Within human brains are
multiple neurotransmitters, or synapses,
which send messages through cells by
neurons. These neurons fire at certain
frequencies, which depend on the stimuli
and the subject of focus, forming our
thoughts.
Science suggests that humans’ actions
aren’t actually conscious choices
but are the result of neuron transmission
patterns. Human experiences and beliefs
are different because of genetics and
differing backgrounds. If this relatively
new scientific concept of consciousness
is right, the implications for society are
huge.
“A major implication,” said Rippe, “is
that the scientific explanation flies in the
face of many religious values which can
lead to conflicts.” Science doesn’t support
a continuation of the soul and consciousness
after death like many religions do,
which causes the great debate between
soul and science.
NEWS | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 5

Staff Editorial
Wanted: PLC TLC
Recent local and national security
scares at schools have led to increased security,
more restrictions, and a plethora of
new rules at Lincoln East.
East administrators say actions they’ve
taken are not only for our safety, but also
to create and maintain a positive learning
environment for students here at East.
Many are getting fed up with what they
feel to be insulting, degrading and unnecessary
policies. Students also feel that there is
an overhanging attitude that students can’t
be trusted and that we all have devious
hidden agendas. This “guilty until proven
innocent” attitude toward students treats us
as criminals when most students have done
nothing wrong.
Almost any student you talk to has
either experienced what they feel are unfair
measures, or knows someone else who has.
Students cite instances when they’ve needed
escorts to go from the library to the cafeteria
after-school, when they’ve been accosted in
the hallways when leaving school activities
and tutoring sessions, and when they’ve
even had difficulties participating in school
activities because they didn’t have LPS staff
supervision.
Students have begun calling designated
after-school areas “holding centers” and
describe administrative actions as “teenage
herding” and “babysitting.” These terms
show the growing attitude of discontent.
While many of us are old enough to be
recruited for the military, we’re not even
allowed to walk the halls of our own school
without being suspected of plotting criminal
acts. It’s no surprise, then, that students are
becoming frustrated with policies that treat
them unfairly and find the condescending
attitude to be insulting.
While the intention of administration
and staff isn’t to make us feel suppressed,
angry or degraded, these feelings are increasingly
becoming the norm of students.
A large part of the problem can probably
be linked to lack of communication. The
administration doesn’t take time to talk to
the students, and most students don’t try
to talk with the administration. Forming
a group of students, administration and
staff that meets and discusses issues like
security would be one way to encourage
communication.
Another solution is to start a room
sign-up system for student groups that
meet after school on Tuesdays but are unsupervised.
Security personnel could then
monitor activities since they would know
where they are. Another idea is to put all
PLCs in the B-wing and have the rest of
the halls open and supervised. The Oracle
staff also thinks students should step up
their responsibility and respect.
Security is an issue that needs to be
addressed; but how students are treated
should also be a pressing concern for administration.
Attack of the common-senseless
It’s official. Foot-in-mouth disease is
back. No sooner are we cleared of former
U.S. Rep. Mark Foley’s rather awkward
outbreak of revealed, er, indiscretions than
it flares up again on both sides of the
political coin.
One case was contracted by U.S. Sen.
John Kerry. This poor man had the great
misfortune of first showing symptoms
in the middle of a speech. The symptoms
were classic of the disease, as they
resulted in the exact opposite of the effect
that Mr. Kerry had intended. After
all, he certainly didn’t want to insult U.S.
troops in Iraq by calling them lazy and
uneducated losers who couldn’t make
it through college. It just
came out that way.
Of course, he wasn’t
instantly cured of his illness.
Indeed, he was still
symptomatic a few days
later during his “apology”
press conference. Once
again, his intentions were
skewed. What he actually
said came out to be something
like “I’m sorry my
joke was misunderstood.
It is unfortunate.” To
translate, what he really
said was something like,
“I’m sorry you people
were too stupid to understand my joke.
It’s a good thing I don’t have to deal with
Dan McEntarffer,
Security Staff
I think it had
a negative
effect; they
turned a lot
of people off.
you very often.” If you are given the
chance, make sure to congratulate Mr.
Kerry. He has most likely set
a record for sabotaging his
presidential campaign two
years before he would have
started campaigning.
The next outbreak was
spotted far from the East
coast. In fact, it was reported
from Colorado Springs.
The poor, infected man was
one Ted Haggard. Recently
described by Time magazine
as one of the 25 most influential
evangelicals in America, for many years
It’s official. Foot-in-mouth disease
is back. No sooner are we
cleared of former U.S. Rep. Mark
Foley’s rather awkward outbreak
of revealed, er, indiscretions than
it flares up again on both sides of
the political coin.
S partans S peak Out
How did the campaign ads affect the election?
Cathy Sypal,
Junior
I think they
caused more
people to vote
because some
ads made
them angry.
he had actively served in the Evangelical
community, both through political activism
and being a pastor at a church he
helped found. What nobody noticed
throughout these years was
that he had, at some point,
contracted chronic foot-inmouth
disease. Indeed, by
all reports, he had been suffering
symptoms for at least
three years. The revelation
came from a rather ironic
source. Though Haggard
had preached against homosexuality
for years, and
appeared to loathe it, footin-mouth
disease altered his thinking.
Confirmation of his illness came from
the gay prostitute Haggard had been hiring
for three years. And, to top it off, the
prostitute reported that Haggard had also
used methamphetamine.
Naturally, Mr. Haggard is no longer
pastor of his church. Fearing for the
safety of the followers of the church,
the church’s board decided to quarantine
him lest the disease (foot-in-mouth, that
is) spread to their constituents.
So, the next time you go in to the
doctor for your flu shot, tetanus shot,
meningitis shot, or whatever the case may
be, remember to also look for another
immunization because, while it may not
kill you, as these two gentlemen can tell
you, it is far from pleasant.
Tyler Scully,
Sophomore
Compiled by Kelli Blacketer
They
changed people’s
view on
opponents
because they
were so critical.
Photos by Rachel Gibson
6 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | VOICES

The big one-eight: What’s the big deal?
Growing up. It’s something we all have to do. I
realized this on the night of my 18 th birthday. Sitting at
dinner with my parents, the pressure of college applications,
school, extracurriculars, and not letting people
down started to get to me. There I was,
waiting for my food, crying because the
stress of everything was too much. I’m
usually not one to show my emotions or
crack under the pressure, but turning 18
was like a trigger to my instability.
Freedom and responsibility. That’s
what you get when you turn 18. At age
13, life starts coming at you along with
friends, school and peer pressure. At age
16, you get a taste of freedom in the form
of unsupervised transportation. And at
age 17, adult subject matter and mature topics appear
in your movies. But at age 18, life hits you like a ton of
bricks. All of a sudden, things start to matter. People
start to matter. And actions have consequences – real
consequences, like being tried-as-an-adult consequences.
And then your childhood is over. I wish someone would
have told me earlier that there would come a point in
my life when I would become accountable for my de-
cisions, because I would have taken advantage of the
carefree days.
Turning 18 means being an adult, having no excuses
for making mistakes, and being handed responsibilities.
Throughout my life I’ve been the responsible
one – always doing my homework, helping
out at home, staying out of trouble. Following
rules is just what I do. And now at 18,
following rules is required. I’ve never really
had the chance to mess up, and now I won’t
get one.
But along with the responsibility comes
new freedoms, and these freedoms can make
up for the demands of being an adult. Of
course there are the cigarettes and other
“adult” privileges, but they are not as appealing
as the things that people take for granted. Now, I can
order from infomercials, win prizes on the radio, and
shop online. But most importantly, I can participate in
the serving contest for t-shirts at UNL volleyball games.
Yes, I know. I’m wild. I have wanted to win a t-shirt at
the NU Coliseum for years, and now I finally can. It’s
exciting, really.
If you think about it, why does turning 18, one day
out of my entire life, bring so many privileges? The
passage of that day now lets me vote, buy a car, get a
tattoo, excuse my own absences from school, lease a
house, join the army – the list goes on and on. Some
of these privileges require big decisions, and, apparently,
having survived 6,570 days makes me qualified to make
those decisions.
It’s been a month since I turned 18, and I did not
suddenly transform into a responsible and mature adult.
I was not abandoned and left to become independent,
and I did not spontaneously lose my innocence. In reality,
it wasn’t the catastrophe that I envisioned it. I still act
the same way, say the same things, and make the same
stupid mistakes. But at least now I have the perspective
to learn from my decisions and their consequences.
18. It really is just a number. Becoming who I am has
been a lifelong process – there hasn’t been a single day
or moment that defined me. But turning 18 did help me
gain perspective. It forced me to stop and think, and to
evaluate what I’ve done in my first 18 years and what I
want to happen in the years to come. As a turning point
in my life, it’s not as big a deal as I thought it would be. I
shouldn’t let the passage of time change me – I should
make my own milestones.
Illogical conformity: Behavior without thought
BY MARK CARRAHER
Staff Reporter
It’s November 7, and the results are
still coming in. The news coverage is filled
with reports of the Democrats defeating
the GOP and taking control of both the
House of Representatives and the Senate.
Nancy Pelosi, the next Speaker of the
House, urges people to get out and vote
for all Democrats followed by a commercial
from the AARP advising people to
vote on the issues—not personality.
Who won again? Yes, the Democrats
have had a miniature political revolution,
but the entire election seems to be focusing
on the triumph of the Democratic
Party, not the individual men and women
who represent their respective constituents.
The victory has not been centered
on what these representatives will do for
their states. It is entirely based on the
fact that now they can now legislate the
Democratic ideals and give President
Bush some bills that he might actually
veto.
James Madison, the Father of the
Constitution, would understand. Though,
like most the Founding Fathers, he opposed
political parties in general. In the
10 th Federalist Paper he writes, “there
are again two methods of removing the
causes of faction: the one by destroying
the liberty which is essential to its existence;
the other, by giving to every citizen
the same opinions, the same passions,
and the same interests.” So our political
factions are the lesser of two evils, eh
Jamie? We, as Americans, can deal with
that seeing as we don’t typically base our
vote on who we want in office as much
as we vote against those we can’t stand
representing us.
However, Madison would certainly
be pleased with Joe Liebermann. Liebermann,
the former vice presidential
candidate and senator from Connecticut,
lost the Democratic primary to Ned
Lamont on the issue of the war in Iraq,
which Liebermann supports. Unwilling to
conform, Liebermann ran as an independent
and secured his Senate seat. By not
deliberately appealing to only one group
of people, Liebermann was able to attract
Republicans as well as Democrats.
On the other side, there is Jon Tester,
the senator-elect from Montana. Mon-
tana, a typically easy pick-up for the GOP,
was taken from the incumbent Republican
Conrad Burns by the moderate Democrat
Tester. The people of Montana, like the
founding fathers, appreciated Tester’s
refusal to adopt the complete platform
of the Democrats, as he stood strongly
for the right to bear arms.
The fact of the matter is that politicians
are not only more free thinking
when they do not conform to their parties,
but also more passionate about the
issues they refuse to change and more
attractive to both sides of the political
spectrum. Because of the simplicity of
joining a political party or any group and
then quickly adopting the platform or
beliefs, one must find a more logical approach
to factions. The most sensible way
would be to find what you truly believe
with as little influence as possible then
join the faction that best meets your personal
platform without conforming. This
process create citizens who are not only
are difficult to sway, but also knowledgeable
of why they believe what they believe
when challenged.
This problem, known as “illogical
conformity”, isn’t unique to politics.
Because religion is often introduced to
people at the earliest age possible, it too
throws a platform of beliefs on a person
before they are capable of understanding
what they mean. A recent Barna
Group study reported that six out of ten
teens are unlikely to go to their church
through early adulthood. By the time
they are grown adults they will have had
time to find out what they believe letting
them join the religious group that best
fits them. However, because religion is a
far more personal issue than politics, the
logical approach is usually established by
the church itself.
Regardless, whether it be anything
from political party registration to signing
up for groups in high school, more internal
consideration should occur before
an obligation to a faction is made. With
this process in practice, we can please
James Madison and protect the future
of America.
VOICES | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 7

Speak out: Two sides of a passionate coin
BY MARK CARRAHER
Staff Reporter
Driving by the intersection of South and Capital
Parkway, a flood of the color green draws your attention.
It’s Friday and Planned Parenthood, with its green
sign and awning, is surrounded by nuns kneeling on the
curb, a man in a suit reading from scripture, and even
teenagers holding signs.
Such a sight has the potential to conjure a wide
spectrum of emotions. Some respond with an angry
gesture while others feel compelled to stop and encourage
the protesters.
Pro-life activism is the most commonly seen form
of protest in a Lincolnite’s daily life, in part because
people are so passionate about the subject, regardless
of their position.
“Abortion is an issue that once people have made
up their mind, it is difficult to switch their values,” said
junior Eric Hartwell, who is pro-life, though has never
attended a protest. Why protest, then, if people are
unwilling to change?
Junior Molly Wright, who has attended a silent
pro-life protest on “O” Street, feels pro-life activism is
very important.
“It makes more people aware of the cause and it
probably lets people know that there’s still people out
there fighting it and that it’s still very prominent in our
world,” she said.
The protests do not come without consequences.
“People yelled and flipped us off,” said Wright.
Of the protests, Hartwell said, “People feel
something needs to be done, to get a point across.”
Though Hartwell supports the protests, he said, while
acknowledging that there is more than one way to make
a point,
“One of the best ways to get changes is to vote for
candidates to overturn Roe vs. Wade.”
Wright believes that, by protesting, people get an
important message across. She said that people should
“research more about it and look on both sides of the
issue and hopefully they’d pick the right position on
that—which would be that abortion isn’t the answer.”
Her goal, when she protests is a simple one. “If it
affects at least one person, then I’m happy with it.”
S partans S peak Out
“Abortion. I’m against
it for the most part,
but I believe there
are some circumstances
where it can
be okay, like if a girl is
raped, or incest.”
East juniors Alisa Warren, Susan Kachman, sophomore Angela Streeter and junior Casey Adams protested in front of Planned
Parenthood downtown on a recent Saturday morning (photo courtesy of Madison Graulty).
BY DARJA DOBERMANN
Staff Reporter
Amidst all the changes taking place after an eventful
November election, there is something else taking place.
Students are taking steps to make a difference politically.
Teens are, without a doubt, one of the most opinionated
groups of people you can find but few of them are willing
to take a risk and express what they stand for.
Some who are standing up include juniors Madison
Graulty, Alisa Warren, Susan Kachman, Casey Adams,
Nick Brown, Adrian Draney and sophomore Angela
Streeter, On a recent November day, they were not timid
in the least about expressing their views on abortion in
front of the “O” Street Planned Parenthood Center.
It is not an uncommon sight to see anti-abortion
protestors in front of the Planned Parenthood Center
on weekend mornings so the group decided to protest
the protestors and give the center some support.
They showed up at the center at 7 a.m. with signs
saying such things as “Will you fight for its rights if the
child you save is gay?”, “Honk for choice”, and “I was
my mother’s CHOICE.” With their signs in hand, the
What political issues do you feel strong enough about to
protest for or against?
“Well, I’ve mellowed
in my old age, but it
would probably be
freedom of speech.
Voices need to be
heard.”
group stood directly across the street from a group of
anti-abortion protestors.
The response the group got for their daring step in
protesting such a controversial issue?
“We got an amazingly positive response,” said
Graulty. The Planned Parenthood escorts and manager
even came out to personally thank the group for being
there.
“She told us that the patients for the day were so
relieved that we were there, supporting them. And she
was pregnant-I found it to be a profound statement of
‘see! We don’t want babies to die,’” said Graulty. “Not
gonna lie, I teared up.”
The negative response the group got was fairly
limited.
“We got the occasional thumbs down and two times
we were flipped off,” said Graulty, who said one of the
pro-life protestors tried to challenge the group. “Basically
she wanted us to be nasty to her but we kept our
composure,” she said.
Compiled by Elizabeth Baquet
“I believe that there
should be gay rights,
because they should
have just as many
rights as heterosexual
people.”
Jared Marr,
Senior
8 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | FACES
Gary Williams,
Associate Principal
Maggie Austin,
Freshman

Radio China filling Lincoln’s airwaves
BY MELANIE FICHTHORN
Staff Reporter
“Qîn ái de téng zhóng péng yôu mén, dá jiá háo.” So
begins sophomore Alice Ouyang’s segment of “Voice
of China”, a radio program on KZUM that gives people
in Lincoln a small taste of the Chinese culture. Every
second Sunday of the month, Ouyang goes to the Terminal
Building at 9th
and O Street and does
her own radio show by
herself.
Ouyang’s segment
is just one of the
many shows that are
on the station “Voice
of China”, KZUM
89.3. The other segments
will range from
news to pop culture,
but all are about China.
This gives Lincoln’s
Chinese population
an insight into what’s
happening in their country, as well as providing Lincolnborn
Chinese children a chance to keep in touch with
their heritage.
“Most of the Chinese kids here are so much
assimilated in American culture, that they sometimes
forget to appreciate their own heritage,” said Ouyang.
Ouyang’s assigned segment is geared toward the
younger generation of teens, but adults can tune in to
listen if they want to. However, besides the
guideline of whom she’s addressing, Ouyang
has complete control over what she does for her
segment. She can choose whatever topic about
China she wants, as well as what music she
wants to play.
“Most of the Chinese kids
here are so much assimilated
in American culture, that they
sometimes forget to appreciate their
own heritage.”
--Alice Ouyang
“I’m basically
in control of
the entire station,”
said Ouyang. While
this is fun for her, she
also has to put a lot of work
into what she talks about.
“It’s a lot of preparation
work,” said Ouyang.
When she’s not doing the
show, she’s surfing the Internet
to find some facts about
what she plans to talk about.
Ouyang’s also writes her own
script, including instructions
for speaking and when she’s planning on playing music or
advertisements. She never goes to do her show without
being completely prepared.
“It’s really like any other American radio station,
except you speak in Chinese,” said Ouyang.
Ouyang has been working on “Voice of China”
for about a year. She first heard of the station through
a friend of her mother’s, who was looking for someone
to replace East alumnus Brianna Zhang, the previo
u s
DJ of the segment, after she
left for college. She filled
out a lot of
f o r m s
that addressed
her responsibility
on
the station
to keep
things PG, and her duties to the station. For example,
she must play the radio’s theme tape every half-hour.
However she didn’t just pick up a microphone
and start talking. There were a lot of things to learn
before she could actually begin her segment. She did
this by observing other people doing their shows and
taking note of how they did everything.
“[The controls] are very complicated. I had to
go in a lot just to get used to everything. There’s so many
buttons one mistake could screw up the entire show.”
Ouyang plans to continue in the future. “Not
only does it help me strengthen my Chinese, but it helps
me learn about my culture,” said Ouyang. She plans to
continue the show at least until her senior year. She’s
still unsure about what she’s going to do when she goes
to college, but she wants to continue doing her show
through her college years.
Entrepreneurial school: Taking care of business
BY PAIGE JUHNKE
Staff Reporter
Imagine sitting in class. A teacher is
lecturing and students are taking notes or
working on homework. Nothing out of
the ordinary, right? But sitting next to you
is a kid in a Lincoln High sweatshirt, and
you’re not at East. Seeing a kid in a Links
sweatshirt is not an everyday occurrence
for most Spartans, but when you go to
the Entrepreneurial School, that’s just
one of the differences that students may
experience.
The Entrepreneurial School is the
newest Focus School, opening this fall. Its
classes focus on business, marketing, and
entrepreneurship. The school has block
scheduling, rotating through four classes,
including math, English, government,
economics and a business class. Each
day, an “Intro to Entrepreneurship” class
is taught to the 44 students from across
Lincoln who wanted a more in-depth
study of business.
Five of those students are from
East, including seniors Kelli Schuldt and
Mike Molsen.
“I wanted a change, and I was sorta
tired of being around the cliques,” said
Schuldt. The change that the school
brings also intrigued Molsen.
“I wanted something different and
more hands-on,” said Molsen.
There are vast differences between
the Entrepreneurial school and East.
The school stands out from East because
classes are smaller and ninety minutes
long. Entrepreneurial students don’t even
have to worry about the new five minute
passing periods at East.
“Entrepreneur School doesn’t have
a set passing time. If you’re late, it’s not
a big deal,” Schuldt said.
East is diverse, full of people with
ranging opinions and differences. At the
Entrepreneur School, everyone has a
commonality:
a passion for
business. The
school prioritizes
business
and provides
students with
hands-on opportunities.
The school
p u t o n a
fashion show,
which raised
The Entrepreneurial
School is the newest Focus
School, opening this
fall. Its classes focus on
business, marketing, and
entrepreneurship.
over $1000, to show off the students’
business skills. Schuldt was involved with
the marketing aspect of the show, while
Molsen was showing off some of the
clothes by modeling them.
While offering hands-on opportunities,
the school also prepares students
for going to college. Both
Molsen, who wants to go
into either business or
aviation engineering, and
Schuldt, who wants to
major in business administration
or international
business, believe that the
Entrepreneurial School
is helping them achieve
their goals. Both also
enjoy the social benefits
the school offers.
“Entrepreneurial School allows you
to meet cool new people, and that’s right
up my alley,” said Molsen.
FACES | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 9

Crew makes a comeback
The human brain is the control center for everything that happens with our
bodies. It helps us think, feel, learn, teach, communicate, and live our lives. So
when something goes wrong with this crucial organ, the effects are life altering.
When East Math Department Chair Jim Crew suffered
a stroke on Sept. 27, people’s reactions reflected
the severity of the experience. Crew’s students and
friends were shocked by the news and worried about
his condition and future at East.
In the days leading up to it, Crew had been displaying
the symptoms of a stroke, including confusion, trouble
speaking, and difficulty understanding.
“I don’t have a very strong memory of the days
leading up to when I was put into the hospital,” said
Crew. “I tried to teach on Monday the 25th and I was
confused, I couldn’t finish sentences, and I wasn’t be
able to write on the board.” The
stroke occurred when a clot cut
off the blood flow to a portion of
Crew’s brain.
“I was lucky because I was
taken to the hospital within hours
and the clot was broken up,” said
Crew. “There’s a part of the brain
that was affected, so the fact that I
am relatively young (41 years old)
means that whatever part of the
brain that was affected can regenerate
itself and form new connections
in the brain that replace the
old part.”
Along with recovering from
the stroke, Crew spent time at St.
Elizabeth’s hospital for lower back
pain and high blood sugar. In the
days following the stroke, Crew had
grown concerned for his health.
“Some older people can’t
talk for months after suffering a
stroke,” said Crew. “The few days
after was a scary part of my life
when I couldn’t communicate with
others. I couldn’t respond to people
quickly, and there was constant hesitation. My speech and
cognitive skills were an issue. I couldn’t remember bits
and pieces of my life from the near past.” His concerns
also turned to work.
“I was also worried about whether I’d be able to
teach again,” said Crew. “When I wasn’t able to formulate
sentences, I worried about whether I could do
mathematics.” One of the first things Crew did was try
to teach second-year algebra material to some adults
during his hospital stay.
“They all said they understood,” said Crew. “So now
the challenge was to make sure I could communicate
with people.”
Even though communication was an issue, doctors
did their best to explain to Crew the condition of his
health. Crew received an overwhelming amount of information
during his stay at St. Elizabeth’s. He learned
that prior to his stroke he had been suffering from TIAs,
or mini-strokes, and that he had high blood sugar.
“I didn’t know I had diabetes until they diagnosed
the stroke,” said Crew. “I knew my cholesterol was getting
high, but I didn’t know I had diabetes or that a stroke
was possible.” Crew has since learned about strokes and
about their misconceptions.
“A stroke is a brain-attack,” said Crew. “Strokes are
as dangerous as heart attacks. When people say “heart attack”,
everyone knows
what it means and that
it’s life threatening,
whereas some people
think strokes aren’t that
serious. The brain is
just as important and
needs time to heal.”
The healing is the most
time-consuming part
of Crew’s life now.
“After I got out of
the hospital, I moved
over to a rehab day
program at Madonna,”
said Crew. “Basically I
sleep at home and have
the evenings to myself,
but during the day I
am at Madonna doing
all sorts of therapies.”
Rehabilitation is one
of the most arduous
and trying processes
for a recovering stroke
patient.
“It’s painful at
times,” said Crew. “It’s not like the therapists work you
so hard where you’re huffing and puffing, but the they
know how to get to the exact muscle group they’re looking
at.” The process can be arduous.
“One of the frustrating things about rehab is that
there is a lot of repetitiveness, so it doesn’t feel like
you’re making progress,” said Crew. “I do a series of different
therapies including physical therapy for my back
and right arm. I’m also going through a speech class.”
Having to re-learn things is a large part of his recovery.
Crew has become a student in many ways throughout
this experience.
“My main tool now is not unlike the planners the
freshmen get when they come to East High,” said Crew.
Mr. Crew working out in physical therapy with therapist
Heather Wengler at Madonna Rehabilitation Center(photo
by Alice Root).
BY SAMMY WANG
Co-Editor In Chief
“Their planners are a way to become good students. My
planner I carry around helps me with my memory. I
check my blood pressure and blood sugar four times a
day and take different kinds of medication that I record
in my planner. I also keep a schedule and a to-do list so
I can accomplish things. That way I can look back to
what I’ve done each day.” Crew has been looking back
to his past and trying to learn from it.
“I was pretty embarrassed at the beginning when I
was sitting in the hospital and couldn’t remember what
happened the last three days,” said Crew. “This whole
experience has woken me up. For two months now I’ve
changed my eating habits. I haven’t lost a lot of weight
yet, but I eat healthier now. November 13 is my onemonth
anniversary of no fast food.” Crew has learned
some life-long lessons along the way.
“I’ve realized that you shouldn’t take your health
for granted,” said Crew. “My priorities are still the same,
but my health has moved up on the list. And it’s not just
watching calories. It’s about eating a balanced meal. In
the beginning for me it was really hard, but now with
every meal I try to have a vegetable and fruit. It’s been
a balancing act.” And Crew has not been alone in finding
balance.
“My family and my four children have been a lot
of support,” said Crew. “They provide the motivation
to get better and to get healthier. The East faculty has
been a big support, too. I’ve always considered East a
second family to me, so being gone is like taking your
family away for awhile.”
Over the years, Crew has made a positive impact on
East, so his rehabilitation is important to many students
and teachers.
“I hope that he is able to return to teaching as quickly
as possible and make adjustments in his life so this
doesn’t happen again,” said senior Kay Tomlinson.
Associate Principal Gary Williams, a close friend
of Crew’s, wants to see him back at East soon. “I miss
the big guy,” said Williams. “I miss his humor and being
able to talk math with someone who isn’t just a math
geek.”
The support Crew receives helps him remain optimistic.
One of the more remarkable parts of Crew’s
rehabilitation process is his attitude. Given the circumstances,
Crew is making the best of the situation.
“It’s a day-to-day process,” said Crew. “I go one day
at a time and try to find one thing I can do better than
the day before. And each day I get a little better. If I can
get up the stairs in my apartment a little quicker than the
day before, it’s an accomplishment. For the first weeks I
took one step at a time, and rested at step 8. Now I can
walk up 17 stairs without problems. I finally can cook
meals, too. I have to show people at Madonna that I can
do those things that people take for granted.” And Crew
is certainly not taking this experience for granted.
“I look at this as a learning and growing opportunity,”
said Crew. “I figure you can either get worse
or you can get better, and I just try to use this as a way
to learn. East teaches kids to become lifelong learners,
and now, in this stage of my life, I’m being expected to
learn new things.”
10 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | FACES

Song and rhyme go hand in hand
Last year, senior Shuqiao Song had
the typically heavy junior-year workload:
Physics D, extra-curriculars
like speech
and volunteering, and
of course, AP Lang.
“English was
never a big part of my
life,” said Song. “I did
the papers, thought
hard enough and
wrote well enough
to get the A, but that
was really it.”
But one competition
was changed everything
for Shuqiao.
Last year the Poetry
Foundation and National
Endowment
for the Arts’ (NEA)
piloted the Poetry
Out Loud Competition.
The competition
focuses on language
in poetry, in
which each student
recites a poem and
is judged based upon
the recitation and interpretation of the
poem through language, rather than action.
“In AP Lang, we had been working
on disposition in poetry and looking at
‘Kubla Khan,’ and I thought it was cool
what we’d been doing, so I signed up,”
said Song.
“The thing with Poetry Out Loud
is that it is about reciting the poem, not
acting it out, so Dr. Cognard and I spent
a lot of time paring down the language in
‘Kubla Khan’. We went through the whole
intro slowly, and I had to describe all the
images that came to my mind associated
with each word,” said Song. Complying
with movement restrictions mandated by
the POL rules, Song learned to express
the poem in ways other than actions.
“We worked on technical stuff like
articulating the consonants, volume, and
BY SALOME VILJOEN
Staff Reporter
Senior Shuqiao Song is interviewed about her participation in POL (submitted photo).
pacing,” said Song. “But through the
technical stuff, what we were really trying
to convey was the textual experience
through voice. In POL I had to focus on
the language of the poem, not actions.”
Song worked several times a
week before the competition with Dr.
Cognard, and her work paid off. Song
won not only the East Competition, but
the Nebraska State Competition as well.
She and Dr. Cognard were off to Washington,
D.C.
“The National Endowment for the
Arts was really nice. They paid for everything—the
plane tickets, the hotel, the
food,” said Song. The National competition
was divided into three tiers: Regional,
Semifinals, and Finals. And although Song
didn’t advance beyond the Regional level,
her experience with poetry was far from
finished.
“This summer, I got a call from Dan
Stone, one of the NEA directors, on my
“The thing with Poetry Out Loud
is that it is about reciting the poem,
not acting it out.”
--Shuqiao Song
cell phone, which was kind of weird,”
said Song. “He said he really liked my
recitation at
nationals
and invited
me to
come back
to D.C. and
p e r f o r m
for the National
Book
Festival,”
said Song.
T h e N a -
tional Book
Festival is
a collaboration
between
the
N a t i o n a l
E n d o w -
ment for
t h e A r t s
a n d t h e
Library of
Congress.
“It was
H U G E ,
with tents
for different genres set up all over the mall.
Senior Shuqiao Song gets her poetry on (submitted photo).
There were tons of people, and book
signings, and featured writers, and everything
was free,” said Song.
“I performed in the poetry tent, and
there were just a bunch of people from
C-Span 2 and radio stations and podcasts
recording me. When I was finished this
guy from Voice of America pulled me
aside and started interviewing me,” said
Song.
Along with winning two free trips to
Washington D.C., $200 for herself and
$500 for East, Shuqiao got a few other
things from her whole Poetry Out Loud
experience.
“Prior to POL and AP Lang, poetry
wasn’t really a big part of my life. I didn’t
pay too much attention to it, other than
when we had a poem to work on in class,”
said Song. But that has changed.
“I never expected to be good at
English. I mean, I’ve always thought of
myself as more of a math and science
person, but Poetry Out Loud and all the
time I spent working with Dr. Cognard
really changed my perspective. Poetry has
become a part of my life. I’ve gained a
greater appreciation of language.”
FACES | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 11

Seeking refuge...
12 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | FOCUS
BY KARI TIETJEN
Co Editor-in-Chief
When East senior Peter Panther left his home of
Aliab in South Sudan with his friends, he was trying to
get away from the civil war. However, another important
aspect was compelling Peter to come to the United
States: his education. It took 19-year old Peter 13 years
to finally reach his destination in the United States, but
he kept learning throughout the process. After spending
over five years in a refugee camp, Peter was trained and
ready to fight in the Sudanese military. However when
Peter’s name was called to travel to the United States, he
readily took the chance.
“We learned a little English going through the borders,
but there was not much education that we got,” said
Peter Panther Peter. Panther also learned some English in the Sudanese
schools. Missionaries helped the Sudanese people move to the United States while teaching
them about the Bible along the way, giving Peter more basis for his faith.
“I was a Christian in Sudan. I was raised in the Christian church in Sudan,” said
Peter. “I came to Lincoln because the Catholic Church took us in.” However, Peter
decided to come to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, which features a Sudanese service.
At Holy Trinity, Peter found people willing to help tutor him in his schooling, including
Marlene Perkins.
“We helped Peter in math, English and reading. We gave him help to pass the Graduation
Demonstration Exams so he’ll be able to graduate,” said Perkins. Not only did
members of the congregation help him with schoolwork, they also gave him direction.
“When Peter came here, he had no adult supervision, so we tried to give Peter guidance,”
said Perkins. Peter plans to graduate with the senior class of 2007.
“Peter recognizes that graduating is very important. He’s well aware that he needs
to graduate before he can pursue anything, including a career,” said Perkins. Currently,
Peter is working eight hours a day at Tricon Metal
to support himself and the friends he lives with.
However, after Peter graduates he plans to return to
the Sudan for two months.
“It will be different. People will have changed,”
said Peter about his home country. “Everything will
look different after 13 years.” After his visit to Sudan,
Peter will return to Nebraska to attend college and
continue his education.
“I want to talk to people to get help back home,”
said Peter. Peter hopes to help to his fellow Sudanese
by bringing back money donations and medicine.
Southern Sudan has very little development with
respect to medicine and infrastructure. Peter’s home
town of Aliab doesn’t even have doctors or roads.
Having been in the U.S. for over a decade, Peter
is most excited about seeing his family in Sudan
again.
“I have three new brothers and two new sisters
that I’ve never met,” said Peter. “There were 12
people in the family when I left, now there’s more,
about 18.” No matter what Peter does, he’s sure to
succeed.
“Peter is trying, and he’s highly motivated which
will make him a survivor,” said Perkins.
Peter with his two older sisters.
For the past 50 years, the c
Arab influence. However,
that essentially oppressed
waged between the Islami
Peter’s close family friend with his little brothers.
...
This is the story of two of
those refugees: East senior
Peter Panther and junior
Nyaruot Wie.

ountry of Sudan has had a strong
when an Islamic Law was passed
all non-Muslims in 1983, a war was
c North and Christian South.
This conflict has sent thousands
of families fleeing from their
home country in search of refuge
...
Peter and one of his sisters.
All (center) photos courtesy of Peter Panther.
Nyaruot Wie
BY MEGHAN RIHANEK
Staff Reporter
“In Sudan, you had to be Muslim, or you were persecuted.
My family is Christian, so we moved to the United States,” said
East junior Nyaruot Wie.
“Persecution,” it’s not a word many Nebraska high school
students are personally familiar with. But for Nyaruot and
her family, persecution was a real possibility, something to be
feared everyday, even if it is an idea that is hard for other East
students to imagine.
Nyaruot was born in Ethiopia and raised in Sudan until she
was four years old. At that time, her parents made the decision
to move their family to the United States, searching for a safer
place to live. Following the relocation of Nyaruot’s family to
the United States, not all the changes have been positive.
“My parents say they felt closer with their communities
in Sudan,” said Nyaruot. “Here, you don’t know all of your neighbors. In Sudan, you knew
everybody.” Her parents feel like there is more risk within communities in America than there
was in Sudan. Politically, though, her family feels more at ease. In the U.S., they now have the
right to identify with any religion and can practice it freely. The U.S. government also provides
more stability compared to Sudan’s constant conflict, according to Nyaruot.
While Nyaruot grew up almost entirely in the United States, she can still recall some cultural
differences between here and Sudan.
“People in Sudan depend on each other. We are a very close-knit community,” Nyaruot
said. “There are different values and priorities in Sudan. You do stuff just to be nice. If your
neighbor needs someone to watch their child, you don’t do it for any money, but you do it
because it’s the right thing to do.” In
the United States, Nyaruot’s family
has noticed that there are many more
rules regarding children and their
behavior. “Kids in Sudan have more
values and morals,” said Nyaruot. That
is why less regulation of students is
required. Another difference between
Sudanese and American young people
that Nyaruot pointed out is how they
treat their parents.
“In Sudan, kids return to help
their parents after they’ve moved
away,” Nyaruot said. “Here, you don’t
see that as much.” Sudanese teenagers
believe that after their parents have
raised them, they should help their
parents.
Recently the Sudanese government
signed its fourth peace treaty.
Nyaruot said this treaty seems well
established and has held up longer
than the others. The civil war in Sudan
is officially over, however, but there
are still some conflicts that occur. This
violence generally involves individuals
rather than large groups. In general,
the country is much safer than it has
been in years past.
Nyaruot is not sure whether she
would return to Sudan now that it
would be safer for her and her family.
She has few personal memories of her
first home, but she said her parents
would consider returning. Until then,
Nyaruot and her family will continue
to live in the United States and enjoy
the freedom from persecution while
keeping the Sudanese culture a part of
their lives.
Nyaruot Wie smiles for the camera. (photo by Susanna Webb)
FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 13

Uganda: A visit home
BY PAIGE JUHNKE
Staff Reporter
With wars happening in
what seems like every country
across the globe, millions
of people are seeking refuge
from the places they once
called home. War stories
from countries including the
U.S., Iraq, and North Korea
are filling newsrooms and
papers, eating up nightly
evening news. So why are
news teams ignoring a war
that has been going on for
over 20 years? Why is the
current war in Iraq receiving
more coverage than a war
in which children are being
abducted every night and
are forced to become rebels
and soldiers? This civil war
that has received very little
coverage by the American
press is happening in countries
scattered all over Africa,
particularly in the country
of Uganda.
Located in eastern of Africa, Uganda is a
country of 28 million people. Over a million Ugandans
have been directly affected by the civil war that is taking
place between the Ugandan Government and the insurgent
groups. Rebels from the Lord’s Resistance Army
and the Allied Democratic Forces have been kidnapping
children from all over northern Uganda and are training
them to be soldiers and fighters. Northern Ugandans are
also being forced to move from their homes to protective
shelters, and children are trying to escape from the rebels
are walking miles in the night in search of safety.
Recently in 2003, the Lord’s Resistance Army has
Family and friends wih Joan at the equator.
(Photo courtesy of Joan Wortmann)
Baby Joan and her mother in Uganda. (Photo courtesy of Joan Wortmann).
negotiated a meeting with the
Ugandan Government, headed
by President Yoweri Museveni.
In 2005, the International
Criminal Court has placed
arrest warrants for Joseph
Kony, the head of the Lord’s
Resistance Army, who is said
to be hiding in the Democratic
Republic of Congo to escape
prosecution. And in 2006,
LRA representatives have been
involved in peace talks with the
government.
Even though the
war in Iraq hits closer to home
for most of us, the war that is
happening in Uganda hits close
to home for one East student.
Senior Joan Wortmann was
born in Kampala, the capital
city of Uganda. Her mom
and older brother were born
in the neighboring country
of Tanzania. Wortmann’s
sister and dad were born in
Nebraska, where Wortmann’s family moved to six years
ago. Kampala is south of where the rebels and child
soldiers are located, so she was never directly involved
with the insurgents, except for one incident.
“My family and I were on vacation at a national
park in northern Uganda. We had to be led out of the
park by convoys, because the rebels were near where we
were,” said Wortmann. Since she moved to Nebraska,
Joan has never been back to Uganda or Tanzania, but
she tries to stay up-to-date on everything that’s going
on back home.
“Last year, I learned more about my family [in
Africa]. I found out about the
war, and also that my uncles make
about 50 cents an hour. It shocked
me because I never really thought
about that. It made me realize how
we take everything for granted,”
said Wortmann. Because of all the
news that she was hearing about,
Wortmann started the East chapter
of Invisible Children, a club that
fundraises money for child soldiers,
brings awareness to people of
what’s going on in countries other
than the U.S.
“What people need to know
about is that there’s more to the
world than Lincoln or East. There’s
more to this world than designer
handbags and money,” said Wortmann.
Friendship Home
provides support
BY CALLIE FEINGOLD
Staff Reporter
Domestic violence leaves a lasting impression. In
the United States each year, it injures more women than
car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. Annually,
2,000 of those women die from their injuries. About one
in four American women (26 percent) report that they
have been physically abused by a husband or boyfriend
at some point in their lives.
Despite distressing statistics, hope still exists for
local victims of domestic violence in the community.
Friendship Home is a Lincoln shelter that provides a safe
haven for women and their children who are victims of
domestic violence. Established by Catholic Social Services
and the daughters of Charity in 1978, Friendship
Home has been protection and advocating for those
domestic-violence victims for 28 years.
It has served approximately 1,500 women and children
in 205 and is continuing to expand its Emergency
shelter. Trained case managers and counseling teams are
available 24-hours a day, every day of the year.
Emergency shelter is provided in two large older
homes, each with several large bedrooms. Families share
bedrooms and living spaces, which can accommodate
39 people. According to Executive Director, Amy Evans,
and Board President, Douglas J. McDaniel, plans
for further renovations have been made to extend the
emergency shelter by the end of 2006.
With a basic philosophy of empowerment, Heartland
Big Brothers Big Sisters has provided mentors to
children in the shelter, guiding and encouraging them
to develop healthy relationships with others and themselves.
Confidentiality is key factor in gaining victims’
trust, allowing women to heal and live without fear.
Donna, a survivor of spousal abuse, retells her story to
re-instill hope for other victims.
“I lived with an abuser who drank excessively, who
then would be violent. I became invisible and mute. No
longer did I smile or speak. I was frightened and afraid,”
said Donna. “The Friendship Home gave me eyes and a
voice, something I truly believed no longer existed. Now
I take the bus, I can read, I can see and feel the smile on
my face again. I feel very grateful that the staff gave me
a safe place to live while going through such confusion.
It feels so good to be heard and understood.”
If you are experiencing domestic
violence and need immediate assistance,
contact Friendship Home through the
Rape/Spouse Abuse Crisis Center’s 24-
Hour Crisis Line (402) 475-7273.
14 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | FOCUS

The path from Pakistan
BY CARRIE CHEN
Copy Editor
Junior Asawar Sajid doesn’t have
any aspirations to be a UN ambassador,
but he is a liaison of sorts between two,
seemingly different worlds. Having lived
in the United States his entire life, Sajid
speaks English without an accent and
prefers jeans and t-shirts to salwar kameez,
the traditional Pakistani attire. But
growing up in a Pakistani household, Sajid
observes Islamic practices such as reading
the Koran and praying fives times a day.
Balancing Eastern and Western influences
is the fulcrum to Sajid’s identity. In March
2005, Sajid journeyed to Pakistan and
back, and his trip would come to culminate
his experiences in both countries.
He expected Pakistan to be a country
in turmoil. Law enforcement funding and
corruption, and the need for education
reform are two concerns Sajid witnessed
on his visit. Some Pakistani teens do not
finish their studies because they work
to contribute to family income, while
conversely, others are consumed by the
academic competition to vie for the few
education and employment opportunities
available in Pakistan.
“A lot of people don’t have the money
to continue their education. Everyone
wants to come to America to study because
we have a better education system
and better technology,” Sajid said.
But Pakistan also is a progressive
country, and while it will take time,
Sajid believes the country will address
these problems. Nonetheless, Pakistan
charmed Sajid with its personality. An
avid fan of cricket, Sajid played and
watched many matches, awed at the caliber
of play. “Cricket is a sport they play
everyday. We play cricket here, but against
the Pakistanis over there, we get crushed
because they’re too good,” Sajid said.
Sajid was also fascinated with Pakistan’s
street vendors, overflowing with imitation
Versace and Gucci clothing.
“We bought so much clothing
that we couldn’t stuff our suitcases shut,”
Sajid said.
Other highlights included eating at
the restaurants and visiting attractions
such as museums and the Wagah border.
The border is heavily trafficked and highly
symbolic of the civil strife. Every day,
Pakistanis and Indians cross the gates
at Wagah into the other’s territory with
thousands of people looking on from
their respective sides. At one point, there
were hostile reactions at the border due
to tense Pakistani-Indian relations, but in
recent years the situation has stabilized
and there is mutual understanding and
welcome shared by both parties. Witnessing
the exchange in person was a moving
experience for Sajid.
“Pakistan is a great place to go;
there’s more to the country than warfare. I
wish I could show these people the other
aspects of Pakistan and what it has to offer,”
he said. “Through visiting the cities
such as Islamabad, the capital, you’ll get
to learn about Pakistan’s culture, religion,
and all that jazz.”
But on the return flight to the United
States, Sajid faced the startling reality of
cross-cultural relations when officials at a
New York airport detained Sajid’s brother
because of his name: Osama.
“We sat with this row of Pakistanis
for two hours,” Sajid said. “As it
turns out, the officials asked my brother
the same three questions the entire time:
his age, address and occupation.”
Sajid maintains a sense of humor
about the absurdly-handled situation,
even though his disappointment is evident.
That disappointment was rooted in
being treated like a second-class citizen,
despite being born on American soil. It
is a harsh truth for Sajid to realize that
some people would speed by and label
him a terrorist.
“One day I walking downtown when
a car passed by me and someone shouted
‘terrorist.’ I turned around and was like,
‘Terrorist? Where? Who…me?’” Sajid
said.
But Sajid said Lincoln is generally
accepting of minorities, he appreciates
that Americans are more outgoing than
Pakistanis. Still, sometimes he wishes
there were more people in Lincoln who
could relate to his background.
“In Dallas, there are over 4,000
Pakistani teens and 100 mosques, whereas
in Lincoln, there are fewer than 100 Pakistani
teens and only one mosque,” Sajid
said.
To immerse himself into a diversity
of ethnicities and experiences, Sajid
plans to attend college in New York.
The blend of American and Pakistani
experiences is what enriches Sajid’s life
and makes him immune to labels and stereotypes;
Sajid is walking his own path.
Scenic Pakistan:
A filmstrip photo tour
Top Photo: Faisal Mosque--Islamabad, Pakistan.
Middle Photo: The beautiful Pakistani countryside.
Last Photo: Faisal Mosque Night View--Islamabad, Pakistan.
(All photos courtesy of Asawar Sajid)
FOCUS | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 15

Movies with
Aubrey
Movie Review: “Harsh Times”
keeps viewers gripping the seats
Compiled by Sebastian Cantareero and Mark Carraher
BY AUBREY CUMMINGS
Staff Reporter
1) The Mummy (PG-13) – Disregarding its sequels,
this action film inspired my love for the otherworldly.
The satirical comedy makes for multiple views.
2) Reservoir Dogs (R) – I have two words for
you: Quentin Tarantino. This move follows the vintage
Tarantino formula: seemingly random scene order combined
with buckets of blood (including the grotesque
“ear cutting” scene). The result is a hilarious movie – in
Tarantino’s twisted sort of way.
3) The Birds (PG-13) – This is one of Hitchcock’s
best-known creations that is sadly being overlooked by
out generation. While the supposed suspenseful scenes
lack the gore of today’s horror flicks, it is a highly amusing
and insightful 1960’s spooky movie.
4) Enough (PG-13) - If you look past the fact
that J. Lo stars in this movie, then you wind up with the
epitome of all that is feminism, with an added touch of
kickboxing.
5) The Breakfast Club (R) – This film pretty much
sums up the 80s. All conventional decade themes are
present, including the clash of cliques and stereotypes.
This is the quintessential Brat Pack movie featuring
Molly Ringwald and Emilio Estevez (prior to rehab).
6) Kill Bill (Vol. I and II) (R) – As much as I
hate to be redundant, Quentin Tarantino’s works are a
masterpiece and therefore will receive due credit. These
films show Uma Thurman at her best and showcase
every bit of creativity that Tarantino has to offer, while
still adhering to the aforementioned qualifications.
7) Shaun of the Dead (R) – If you are searching
for some brainless British hilarity, then look no further
than this film. It’s a movie with absolutely no purpose
and relies on slapstick comedy to get the job done, and
yet it somehow manages to get the job done. I laughed
the whole way through.
8) Grease (PG) – There’s just something about
John Travolta’s hips that cast a spell over viewers. This
“risqué” film has managed to captivate an audience
throughout the decades through experimentation, style,
and songs that just get stuck in your head.
9) 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13) – Heath
Ledger. Need I say more? This cute film makes the list
because it is based off of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the
Shrew” and still manages to embody the 1990’s “teenybopper”
flick due to an utter lack of soulful meaning
and a complete abundance of funny entertainment.
10) Underworld (R) – The fact that this type of
movie retains a logical plot and also does justice to the
supernatural myths of the night, earns this film the right
to a slow clap. Kate Beckinsale and (…sigh…) Scott
Speedman pull off an action-packed film that likely
inspired more than a few obsessions with otherworldly
creatures.
“Harsh Times,” starring Christian Bale and Freddy
Rodriguez, centers on the story of an ex-ranger in the U.S.
military. Bale plays the role of Jim, who has just returned from
war and has suffered severe psychological damage due to the chaos
he was exposed to. For the sake of hardcore-movie rampage Bale’s
character is never given the chance to resolve his unsettled spirit.
This is a perfect excuse to make a movie with lots of action,
reckless behavior, and dark humor.
Mark: “Harsh Times” didn’t really have a definite plot other
than the routine, hard core attitude of Christian Bale in the harsh streets
of L.A..
Sebastian: Christian Bale being hardcore is all you need for a plot.
Don’t underestimate the power of Bale, Mark. I agree that critiquing
this as a film with a supposed point it isn’t that substantial. But, in
terms of entertainment, it was freakin’ sweet.
Mark: Oh yeah, I can definitely agree that it is freakin’ sweet. My
mouth was dropped open the entire time because some of the stuff
Bale does in the movie is RIDICULOUS! No, all of the stuff!
Sebastian: I hope you mean ridiculous as in amazingly hardcore
to the maximum exposure, because otherwise I’d have to fight you
to defend Bale’s honor. You are so hetero Mark. I thought Bale did a
pretty good job with his accent in Spanish, even though his character
was American.
Mark: There’s no question that Bale in this movie is the most
hardcore character I’ve ever seen, but that guy is definitely a jerk. I’m
very impressed with his ability to take on five people single handedly
and find humor in gruesome deaths. “HE TURNED THAT BATO
INTO FOUNTAIN OF BLOOD!” (quote from Bale).
Sebastian: That was messed up. He was messed up. It’s interesting
to me that you’re supposed to somewhat root for this guy when he is
absolutely insane. Towards the end you lose faith in him, but you still
have to respect his fearlessness.
Mark: Yeah, this guy is definitely not a hero. The movie has no one
to root for at all, which I kinda like. It’s more realistic when no character
is perfect. There were definitely some times in the movie where Bale
broke the “homie code.”
Sebastian: The moment of truth is upon us now… “Harsh Times”
as an artistic endeavor, I give a 5/10. “Harsh Times” as a hardcore sweet
ridiculous pwnage of noobs in L.A., I give a 10/10
Mark: “Harsh Times” gets a 10/10 in the “What the?” factor, but
falls short with a 4/10 by failing to leave the audience with anything
but adrenaline.
16 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

VN-A Radio!
Two talkative Spartans
decide to do something about it
BY CAISA ROYER
Staff Reporter
A new mode of receiving local news
hit East this fall. An online radio show
focusing on local events and news began
production thanks to two East juniors.
The webcast began after Andy Seachord
and Vinny Lucchino made a discovery
about themselves.
”We both realized we talk way too
much, and we decided to put it to good
use,” said Seachord. The two decided
to team up and
start a podcast
that would discuss
local activities
in Lincoln,
focusing specifically
on events
occurring at East.
Although their
idea did not turn
into a podcast,
Andy Seachord
the first VnA Radio
show was launched
on their website in
September.
S i n c e t h e
founding of VnA
Radio, Seachord
and Lucchino have
recorded three
more shows and
added juniors Harrison
Mauseth and
Graham Thurber to the program’s cast.
The four students use their show to talk
about news in Lincoln and at East. They’ve
discussed topics ranging from the start of
hunting season to whether the State Fair
Grounds should be moved out of Lincoln.
The team’s goal is to eventually produce a
twenty minute show once a week.
“The hardest part is just getting
everybody together,” said Seachord. The
group has varying schedules that include
activities such as football, band, speech
and hunting. Once the team is assembled
in Seachord’s living room, recording and
producing the program takes only three
to five hours.
The show is available from their
website, http://df30.dot5hosting.com/
~eastonli, which is currently under construction.
The website only hosts one show
at a time, but a listener can send an e-mail
to one of the
four students
involved to
request a n
archived program.
In December,
VnA
Radio wants
to release a
CD containing
all of the
“We both realized
we talk way too much,
and we decided to put
it to good use,” said
Seachord.
Vinny Lucchino
previous shows and exclusive bloopers.
This is just one of the many goals VnA
Radio has set.
The show hopes to hold a giant
concert at East sometime in the next
year. The concert will be a fundraiser for
bands in the Lincoln area. “Local bands
can always use the money, and so could
we,” said Seachord.
The webcast would also like to
host debates, allowing
both the
s t u d e n t s a n d
administration
at East to voice
their opinions. At
some point the
team would like
to work alongside
the Oracle
to bring news
to East. “Some
people get bored
reading all the time,” Seachord said.
“Those people could listen to the show
while they’re doing homework or anything
really.”
VnA radio has already talked to the
administration about some of their plans.
The main goal of VnA Radio is to make
a well-produced show that will continue
long after all of its founding members
have graduated.
“We just want people to look forward
to something really big,” said
Seachord. News of the show is already
spreading throughout the hallways of
East. “The biggest response we’ve gotten
is people just saying ‘Hey, where is it?
We want to see it!’” said Seachord. VnA
Radio appears to be well on its way to
success.
Meghan Rihanek, Ross Whiston and Tayolor Stelk performing at East Music Department’s Night
at the Acropolis fundraiser.
A Night at the Acropolis
BY SEBASTIAN CANTARERO
Staff Reporter
A clever offering, were the silent auctions
anyone who attended could bid on.
The audience could bid for performances
from students in various music groups; so
essentially, a chance to hire East’s musicians
to present one of their passions.
It was especially satasfying to see all this
money being made for a cause that has
been losing importance in many public
school budgets: performing arts.
“Musically it was a great success,
and judging by the number of people in
attendance, I would guess that the music
department made quite a bit of money
too. For next year there will have to be
some improvements in order to get the
timing down just right, but for the first
time doing something like this, it went
astonishingly smooth,” said junior trombonist
Dan Brown.
If I had to choose a performance
that impressed me the most, it was definitely
Mitch Paine on the viola accompanied
by Adam Brown on the piano. There
aren’t a lot of violists (especially in high
school) who can play so magnificently
and under so much pressure. Generally,
you don’t see a lot of viola soloists, but
Mitch was more than capable.
With the collective efforts of the
entire East music department, “A Night
at the Acropolis” carried a glow that illuminated
the talent of East’s musicians.
It was obvious how much work was put
into producing such an event. Whether
or not they made their goal financially, I
would deem “A Night at the Acropolis”
an incredible success.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 17
Saturday, Nov.11, was a night to remember
at East High School. The South
gym was jam packed with students,
parents, and friends. The atmosphere
was filled to the brim with excitement
and movement as performers rustled
about to their positions. “A Night at the
Acropolis” was a fantastic sight, a musical
event much different from any East
presentation I’ve attended before.
The setting including over fifty
tables uniformly aligned in the middle of
the gym from waiters continually bringing
drinks and cake. I was astounded by
the number of people who came to this
event. The gym was completely filled
with people sitting in chairs wherever
there was room left. Even the bleachers
were almost entirely filled with eager
friends and family while others were
randomly strewn about observing the
commotion.
The event was that of a large gathering
with a light dine accompanied by
the performances by all of East’s musical
groups.
“I had a good time because I got
to socialize, eat a lot, and listen to good
music,” said junior Jazz Band/Jazz
Combo member Jim Hao, who was
watching the rest of the performances
after his was finished. “I’m new to the
East music department but this made
me really appreciate all that goes on.” I
had to agree that the music department
continues to bring us notably creative
events each year.

Anime Attack!
An interview with featured Lincoln artist at the Nebraskon Anime
Convention, Elizabeth Reeves
When did you first get interested in
anime?
I first got really interested in anime
when I was in college. I had a roommate
who was an exchange student from Japan
who liked Anime. I ended up getting very
interested in some of her favorite series
and from there I was just hooked.
(which are usually my favorite ones).
What does the convention mean to
you?
Being able to meet people who share
a common hobby/obsession as I do. I use
the time to network and bring new readers
to my website. I also teach some of the
workshops and have a lot of fun doing
that. I think basically it’s a weekend where
I can have a lot of fun doing something
that I enjoy were I can still make a little
money as an artist.
What’s the best part of a convention?
What would you do differently?
The best part of the conventions
are different for every person that attends.
Some people like to go to dress up
(or cosplay) as their favorite characters What is the craziest thing about a
and participate in the cosplay contests. convention?
Others, like me, like to attend panels The people, because some of them
and workshops. My favorite workshops are absolutely nuts (some in a good way,
are the ones that teach me new drawing others in a not so good way). I like anime,
techniques. I’ve learned a lot about art but there are those that are just absolutely
and drawing manga and comics from the obsessed with it. Some of these people
conventions.
are a bit more than odd, and that is putting
it politely. I remember the guy that
The only thing that I would do differently
would be to attend more conventions
where I get to be a fan, rather than unicorn mage that came and talked to my
was over fifty and dressed as a magical
just differently would be to attend more studio for about twenty minutes. Honestly,
that was frightening. As an artist you
conventions where I get to be a fan, rather
than just an artist. As an artist I get stuck have to be polite to everyone, no matter
at my table in the artist’s alley for a large how creepy their fandom is, because you
part of the convention and don’t get to are selling yourself and representing you
attend many of the panels during the day and your studio.
Practice safe eating--use condiments!
All the latest in eating trends
BY KELLI BLACKETER
Staff Reporter
Why do you go?
I love anime. I love being an artist
that mimics the style of anime and manga,
and I love making money and promoting
my art. I’ll be honest – I wouldn’t attend
so many conventions if they weren’t a
lucrative thing.
What is the worst part?
Waiting in lines. I have spent hours
upon hours standing in lines at conventions.
You stand in line to register, you
stand in line to meet artists, you stand in
line to attend a popular panel, you stand in
line to check in and out of hotels…thank
goodness that Anime Nebraskon is in
Lincoln, no hotel stay. The other thing
about conventions that can be bad is the
fact that attending them can be pricey. If
you are attending one that is out of state
you have to figure on paying for registration
fees, gas, hotel stays, food, and the
money that you will spend on anime and
manga memorabilia. It can add up to
hundreds of dollas pretty quickly. That is
why going to the convention that is here
in Lincoln is such a nice thing – it’s really
cheap for me to attend.
BY MEGAN RIHANEK
staff reporter
WHAT: The
Nebraskon Anime
Convention
WHERE: The
University of Nebraska
Student Union
WHEN: November 17-
19
ATTENDANCE:
540 people came to get
their anime fill.
“Number 84…your order is ready,” crackled ment as “seasoning; sauce; that which is used to give
the high-pitched voice over the intercom at Don and relish to meat or other food, and to gratify the taste.”
Millie’s. Customer 84 made his way up to the counter, Back then, ketchup was primarily a fish-based sauce
grabbed his fries and hamburger and shuffled over to the used to season meat. The condiment originated
condiment counter. Two cups of ketchup, three packets in Asia, and was brought to the United States
of mustard. Order number 85, no condiments. Order by English and Dutch sailors. It was here that
number 86, mayonnaise only. Pretty average condiment tomatoes were most likely added and ketchup
choices, until order number 3. Ketchup and ranch mixed evolved to what we know today.
together. In went the fries.
Mustard claims its origins in ancient
The same sort of thing happens in the
Rome, where the recipe most likely included
school cafeteria as well. Yes, there are those students
unfermented grapes and seeds
who prefer coleslaw and mustard together for their
mixed together. It has traditionally been
hot dogs, or ketchup and mayonnaise to add a bit of
used as a sauce for cold meats, like ham,
tang to their grilled fare, or even a shot of mayonnaise
but the French are known to enjoy steaks
straight out of the packet and into their mouth. But
with strong mustard.
why? Why do some people put pepper on their cantaloupe
These days, along with the standard
or ketchup on their green beans? (Seriously). How ketchup and mustard, people are putting crunchy
has condiment usage evolved to include such bizarre peanut butter on hamburgers and creamy peanut butter
combinations? To find out how condiments ended up on Oreos. Ketchup and mustard are no longer restricted
in their current state, let’s first consider their history. to meats and fry-dipping duties, but also are coated on
In 1828, Webster’s Dictionary defined a condi- everything from vegetables to meat loaf. So, the next
18 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
time your order number is called up at your favorite fastfood
restaurant, remember where that little red cup of
ketchup came from, and consider trying it with a little
ranch mixed it. Or not. The choice is yours.
Oreos plus peanut butter equals love.

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
List’n Up
People are talking...
Leaves are better than grass. Who isn’t willing
to go out of their way to step on that ultra-crunchlooking
leaf? Plus, you can jump in them. Rake sold
separately.
Village Inn. Thanksgiving got you plum piedout?
Never fear: our favorite
eleventh-hour eatery is kitschy,
cozy, and fully stocked with
breakfast food to get you
through those late-night hunger
strikes.
Patent Leather…what? Everything! Whether
shoes (wedged peep-toes and boots), belts, or purses,
you’ve been warned.
(PRODUCT)RED. Partial profits from products
(think red iPod nanos, Gap t-shirts, and All Star sneakers)
are used to buy and distribute anti-retroviral medicine
to men and women dying from AIDS in Africa.
Simple concept with a substantial impact.
Dark Nail Polish. Theory: Worn in the right
way, purplish-black polish can be more alluring than
disturbing.
Rosemary & Olive Oil Triscuits.
Zero trans fat and better than
nicotine, these whole grain crackers
are reasonably addictive.
Regina Spektor. Think: less
angry Liz Phair with piano instead
of guitar, moved to NYC, complete
with undertones reminiscent of PJ
Harvey and Billie Holiday. Don’t
know who any of those people are?
Oracle staffers request that you
listen anyway.
Jumpers. No longer merely a frivolous schoolgirl
staple, jumpers are popping up and toning down classic
blouses and thermals, conquering in plaid, tweed and
corduroy.
“Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for
Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.”
Enter with a diaper. Or two. Exit with puffy eyes and
a way-revamped notion of “offensive.”
Change. Politics and athletics are separate if not
quite equal this month. Nonetheless, transformation is
in the air and the populous is taking note.
Compiled by Callie Feingold and
Meghan Rihanek
Upcoming stuff
The where and when to rocking out
in December
Lawrence, Kansas
Dec.1st= The Black keys Granada Theatre
Lincoln
Dec.8th= PM Dawn= Knickerbockers
Dec 12th = Disturbed, Stone Sour, Pershing Auditiorium
Omaha
Dec 1and 2nd= Kottonmouth Kings Sokol Auditorium
Dec 7th= The Who, The Pretenders Quest Center
Dec. 16th and 17th = The Faint Sokol Auditorium
Kansas City
Dec. 2= Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band, Kemper Arena
Godsmack Rocks Lincoln
BY RACHEL BRANKER
Monday night November 6th
Hourcast, Breaking Benjamin, and rock
music legend Godsmack performed at
Pershing auditorium. To most adults, rock
concerts consist of a bunch of moshing
teenagers rocking out to death metal.
When in reality it s a bunch of teenagers
and a majority of
adults attending
these concerts.
N e wc o m e r
Hourcast opened
f o r B r e a k i n g
B e n j a m i n a n d
Godsmack at 7:15.
Hourcast made a
great warm up show
for the rest of the
bands with their
punk rockish genre
and fresh energy.
At second row next to the speakers my
comrades and I were shown some of this
intense energy when we were spit at with
a gulp full of water from the lead singer.
Next Breaking Benjamin gave a stellar
middle performance before Godsmack
hit the stage.
In May Godsmack began their 4th
Compiled by Rachel Branker
staff reporter
tour and sold over 221,000 copies of their
new album in the first week of release.
Since then Godsmack has been touring
the summer in Amphitheatres with Rob
zombie. Monday night Godsmack started
up at 9:02 pm causing a huge increase in
drunken moshing and intense pushing to
front liners like my companions and me.
With a music video slide
show and live dressing room
footage the 3 hour wait
in line didn’t cause any
complaints from fans. The
concert ended with a fun
show stopping dual drum
kit riff between lead singer
Sully Erna and Drummer
Shannon Larkin.
“ We a l w a y s l o o k
forward to playing Lincoln
Nebraska,” said Erna. A
relief since many good bands skip over
such a small town as Lincoln.
“The crowds have an energy to them.
Not every band comes through there so
when they’re ready for a show and to
have fun. It’s really fun to play places like
that.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 19

East High softball pulls through
BY KIERSTEN HAUGEN
Staff Reporter
This fall, East’s varsity softball players made history. After winning Districts, the
girls headed off to the Seymour-Smith Complex in Omaha for the big show. It may
have been Friday, the 13 th , but the Spartans had luck and talent on their side. After
playing their hardest, our Spartans placed second at the state tournament, East’s bestever
State softball finish. Megan Meyerson, a sophomore 2nd baseman, said, “East
is normally a pretty good team for softball, but we don’t usually do this well at state.
It was a good season,” said sophomore second baseman Megan Meyerson.
Junior catcher Amanda Forgey said the Spartans aimed for the best all season
long. “ The coaches told us to never settle, so we didn’t,” she said. “We left everything
we had on the field.”
Alysia Wittmaack brings on the heat. Photo courtesy of Champ Shots
Anna Runge swings
her bat, . Photo
courtesy of Champ
Shots
Staff Reporter
Most students at East know a thing
or two about the Special Olympics. However,
few are aware that there is a team
at East. That’s right; East High has its
very own Special Olympics team that is
composed of a variety of students with
special needs. This includes students from
East, students from other high schools,
and alumni of East. Because there is
no age limit with the Special Olympics,
Special Olympics set to start
BY KIERSTEN HAUGEN
anyone with special needs is allowed to
participate.
Participants of the Special Olympics
are arranged in groups known as “clubs”
instead of teams. A club can contain
athletes of any school or age; they are
organized according to ability. For instance,
students with an understanding
of game concepts would be more likely
to participate in sports such as basketball,
while other students may take part in a
relay race. The clubs are all arranged according
to the skills that the individual
athlete has.
The Special Olympics are considered
a sport at East High. This means that it
is possible to attain a varsity letter in the
sport; however, earning a letter is more
difficult than you may think. Athletes
must participate for at least three years in
order to receive their letters. “It’s quite a
commitment to be a part of the Special
Olympics, “said the main sponsor, Sue
Palmer, “Practices are held once per week
for the entire year.”
For many years the Special Olympics
have been a part of East High, and at
the rate they’re going, there’s no end in
sight.
20 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | SPORTS

Hockey team seeks recognition
BY ELIZABETH BAQUET
Staff Reporter
East’s hockey team got its start last
year, but this is the first year that the
whole team is made up of only East
students. Team members represent every
grade and each player is working to make
the team better.
“Our main goal is to win, improve
on skills and work as a team,” said senior
captain Vilis Lipins. The team practices
on Mondays after school at the Ice Box.
In addition to representing all grades, the
team also includes both genders.
“During practices we do a lot of skating
and conditioning,” said sophomore
Lauren Marr, the team’s lone female.
Weight-watchers
BY TINA ZHENG
News Editor
Superior wrestling has been a strong tradition at East
High. This year, the concern for wrestlers’ health has
prompted new rules and regulations. Before competing,
athletes are required to submit to hydration and weight
tests. Wrestlers must have more than a seven percent
Body Mass Index (BMI) in order to compete. If they
reach these standards, they will be allowed to lose 1.5
percent of their body weight a week. The new rules have
been controversial.
“It’s unfair because most people normally aren’t
hydrated,” said junior Josh Heiliger. “Also, super good
guys don’t get to compete at their optimal weight.”
Junior Drew Etherton, who has competed at State for
the past two years, agrees.
“In the past, we would be able to lose weight by
running while wearing two sweatshirts and underarmour.
Now we can’t do that,” said Etherton. Wrestlers who
want to stay or drop down in their weight divisions also
constrict their diets.
“Once Wednesday rolls around, you really have to
cut down on portions all the way to the weekend,” said
Heiliger.
“Usually, wrestlers are just normal people in the offseason,
but we used to be able to cut 10 to 20 pounds
during the season,” said senior Tim Marti. “Now I’m
forced to wrestle at a heavier weight where I will be
small in my division.”
Despite the apparent disadvantage to competitors,
most wrestlers seem to understand the need for regulations.
“I’m guessing that they don’t want us to kill ourselves,”
said Marti. “Coach McCurdy has always been
concerned about us losing weight, so he likes the principle
behind this. Now he doesn’t have to worry as
much about us.”
It is still unsure how these new wrestling regulations
will affect the performance of East wrestlers. Mc-
Curdy also believes there might be some difficulties.
“It makes it more difficult to get all of your best
wrestlers in our lineup,” said McCurdy. “There is also a
great deal of administrative work that goes along with
the process that will be taking up a lot of time. The
wrestlers’ health is by far the most important thing to
be considered though.”
Unfortunately, games haven’t been
very well attended. Lipins describes games
as “fun and fairly aggressive depending on
what team you play” and hopes that more
people attend games this year, to rival the
large crowds in Omaha.
Many Spartans don’t know much
about ice hockey. Here is a simple guide
to hockey. Each player has a stick and
wears a lot of pads, because players get
slammed into the walls of the rink (which
is called body checking). Penalties result in
the player sitting in the penalty box for a
certain amount of time (usually no more
than two minutes). After every goal, or if
a goal is stopped by the goalie, there is a
face off between a player from each team.
Players can be put in or taken out of the
game, but play doesn’t stop. The games
are made up of three periods of
play and, sometimes, if the game
ends in a tie then there is overtime,
and then a shootout.
So now that you have all
the information you need about
hockey and East’s team, go see a
game. You’re guaranteed to have
fun and the team could use some
East fans to show support.
“Fans coming out would be
great. We really need some student
support,” said junior player Andy
Reckmeyer.
Game delays create zombie nation
“…And now, near the end of the 4 th quarter,
we are left with a score of 35-35 in this EXTREMELY
INTENSE championship game. Now let’s take a quick
TV timeout to thank a few of our sponsors. This game is
brought to you by: Pontiac, fuel for the soul. EA Sports,
it’s in the game. McDonald’s, I’m loving it. Nike, just do
it. Gillette, the best a man can get. Ovaltine, be sure to
drink your Ovaltine. HeadOn,
apply directly to the forehead.
HeadOn, apply directly to
the forehead. HeadOn, apply
directly to the forehead.
Be sure to spay and neuter
your pets. Drink Duff!! (responsibly).
… Skittles, taste
the rainbow … Energizer, it
keeps going and going and
going. … Drink Coke! …
… … And now back to the
action! Uhh… what was the
score again?”
Sound familiar? Throughout the years, technology
– in the form of advertising and replays - has gradually
wrapped itself around sports, and with every ticking
second its grip squeezes a little tighter. Officials have
tried to eliminate the human error factor in officiating
through the use of technology, and the results have
been unfavorable.
Ever since sports were first aired on television,
the fans attending the game have been disregarded, while
the viewing public watching for free at home has been
catered to. Take a Husker football game, for example.
You’ve paid $50 to sit in a square foot of space, and
it’s below freezing outside. The Huskers make a few
good plays and the crowd goes wild. But wait, why is
everybody clearing the field? Did somebody call a timeout?
Just when you thought a little momentum in the
Hockey players await their return into the game.
Photo by Alice Root
stadium might let you forget about your frigid, cramped
environment, a TV timeout is called and your hopes are
shattered. Not only does the crowd lose its enthusiasm,
but the players lose their fired-up mentality, vanquishing
the momentum, just so a few commercials can be aired
to the freeloading, obese couch-potato masses at home,
feet up, sipping beer in their La-Z-Boys.
But now TV timeouts aren’t the only technological
factors delaying the game. The instant replay was
introduced to all of college football this year, allowing
officials to review footage to verify their calls. These
replays are far from instant, though, and in conjunction
with TV timeouts, delays in the game can become quite
numerous. The crowd becomes lulled and the players
become too rested.
Sports, especially like basketball, shouldn’t merely
consist of staccato power plays with lengthy timeouts
in between. The two teams should collide, fight a
bloodthirsty battle, clean a few clocks, and kick some
major butt until the point of sheer exhaustion. Then,
after halftime, they should unleash some Jim Ebke-like
endurance, and leave the outcome up to desire. I’m not
saying college teams don’t work hard; they try just as hard
as ever. But with so much resting time during games, I
don’t think the full potential and stamina of teams can
be truly determined.
However, technology does have a place in sports in
that it minimizes bad calls, allows the entire country to
watch games on TV and enhances the stadium experience
with enormous video boards. Despite its benefits,
technology still has many quirks that need to be managed.
The game should continue on as commercials are
aired on TV, and either the announcers should fill in the
viewing public on what happened during the commercial
break, or the game should just pick up where it left off
and be delayed from real-time. Technology should cater
to the game, not the game to technology.
SPORTS | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 21

Sudoku
2006-2007
O r a c l e S t a f f
3
6
7
2
3
1
5
7
6
7
1
2
8
7
6
1 8 6 2
5 4 6
7
4
6
8
9
3
4
5
4
3
Enter digits from 1
to 9 into the blank
spaces. Every row
must contain one of
each digit. So must
every column, as must
every 3x3 square.
Editors-in-chief
Kari Tietjen & Sammy Wang
Copy Editor
Carrie Chen
News Editor/Business Manager
Tina Zheng
Voices Editor
Sean Dwyer
Faces Editor
BJ Valente
Focus Editor/Photographer
Shuqiao Song
A&E Editor
Salome Viljoen
Spor ts Editor
Danny Jablonski
Photo Editor
Susanna Webb
Staff Repor ters
Elizabeth Baquet
Kelli Blacketer
Rachel Branker
Sebastian Cantarero
Mark Carraher
Aubrey Cummings
Darja Dobermann
Callie Feingold
Melanie Fichthorn
Kirsten Haugen
Paige Juhnke
Meghan Rihanek
Caisa Royer
Sindu Vellanki
Barb Walkowiak
Graphic Ar tists/Photographers
Rachel Gibson
Alice Root
Adviser
Jane Holt
The Oracle is the official newspaper of
Lincoln East High School. It is published 9
times a year and serves as an open forum
for students, teachers and administrators.
Letters to the editor, articles, original artwork
and photographs are welcome. Letters
must be signed, but you may request
anonymity. The Oracle reserves the right to
edit the letters and articles for length, clarity,
and factual accuracy without attempting
to alter meaning.
Unsigned editorials represent the opinion
of the Oracle staff. Signed editorials
and columns represent the opinions of the
individual writers. The Oracle meets daily
during 3rd period in B-159.
22 | ORACLE | NOVEMBER 2006 | BUSINESS

A: They suspected it of fowl play.
Q: Why did the police arrest
the turkey?
Did you know?
Q: Why did they let
the turkey join the
band?
A: Because he had the drumsticks
Pop culture word search
D S Y C S I E B X F E R D X J
I E S G Q T O I A L O D S F A
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C M E C O G C T E T E F C B B
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D U S B B A N I K E U B N C N
E N A L A I R E T S I W E A D
M J N O N T A K M O T C T Z M
December 1 is National Pie Day and Eat A Red Apple
Day
December 10 is the Festival For The Souls Of Dead
Whales
Antidepressants
Bachelor
BMI
Borat
CSI
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Fashion
Fergie
GOOGLE
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TOMKAT
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BUSINESS | NOVEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 23

Back cover design by Alice Root