Ooracle - Lincoln East High School - Lincoln Public Schools

Oo racle
v. 39 i. 5 feb. 2007
Photo by Rachel Gibson

Inside...
News
The many facets of next year’s student ID policy,
President Bush’s State of the Union address and
what it means for us, and requiring the cervical
cancer vaccine for teenage girls.
Voices
How to deal with the college application
process, what we need in a presidential
candidate, and a letter to the editor!
Faces
East’s “We the People” Team wins a
three-peat, student protesters speak
out against the war, and a student
proposal for a new science curriculum.
Focus
We sent two Oracle staffers on blind
dates - see what happened! Love is in
the air in February, so make the most of it
with our fun date ideas and advice!
A&E
It’s awards season! We choose our favorites.
Disney’s High School Musical comes to
the Pinewood Bowl, the popularity of war
documentaries, and a history of hairdos at East.
Sports
The wrestling team, swimming and diving
teams, and basketball teams get pumped
for State tournaments. Read on as our sports
editor explains what makes a sport a sport.
2 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007

Artwork by:
Kier Chute (top right)
Danny Scheyer (middle left)
John Ridgley (bottom right)
Sidewalk
By Renni Johnson
I am outside
Though a storm is coming
But I cannot go in
Because I cannot force myself
To return
To take that backwards step
I am on the sidewalk
Not quite on the road
Not quite home
As if in an attempt to violently
stir life into living
Rain pours from the heavens
But not before my tears begin
to fall
My tears, and not the storm
Is what keeps me from wandering
down the road
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!
I am cold and alone on the
sidewalk
Wind whipped, pale, trembling,
damp face upturned
Searching vainly for stars
Searching vainly for stars
But all I see is darkness
And the dim light through the
windows
Turning raindrops into diamonds
Undesired jewels
My mouth fills with rain
That tastes like the tears
I’ve tasted many times before
My mouth fills
I’m drowning
My mouth fills
And overflows
My eyes are closed and it’s like
a dream
That the rain stops
And the tears keep falling
I am alone on the sidewalk
And the storm rolls in
FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 3

State of the union affects Nebraskans
BY KIERSTEN HAUGEN
Staff Reporter
On Jan. 23, millions of Americans are feeling the burden of the war. Senior has problems that the President did not
turned on their televisions to witness Bethany Maixner’s father is currently stationed
in Iraq training Iraqi troops. “I was never a huge fan of the pro-
address.
President Bush deliver his annual State
of The Union Address. Each year, the “I don’t think we should get involved gram,” said sophomore Sarah Halverson,
President is given the chance to speak directly
to the public in this address, almost even take care of itself,” said Maixner. that the President didn’t offer any other
in Iraqi civil problems when America can’t “but whatever the case, I was surprised
as an act of political theatre. The stakes “My mom and I couldn’t even watch the solutions. It’s all just kind of the same
could not have been higher for President State of the Union Address, it was just thing.”
George W. Bush given his current lack of too hard.” Maixner certainly is not the The managing of federal budget was
party and public support. It was an opportunity
for our President to repair the to President Bush’s plan to send more outlining the basic plans for tax relief and
only one feeling this way. In response covered briefly in the President’s address,
damage between the parties, a chance to troops, Social Studies teacher, Chuck the way in which Bush intends to spend
gain support for his plans and a moment Morgan shared his own ideas. Morgan is our tax dollars.
to change the views of the public by grabbing
the their attention.
“I’m not really in favor of Bush’s speech served as an opportunity for
a Vietnam veteran.
Overall, the State of the Union
Many who watched the formal affair plan. It’s just not feasible. I think the President Bush to announce his future
agree that Bush took a fairly moderate plan is too funded. It’s costing lives and goals and policies. However, he failed to
position on most of the key issues, a money,” Morgan said.
address important topics by issuing vague
surprising tactic for him. The five core The President met with the Democratically-run
Congress on Jan. 24, saying, many citizens anxious for the upcoming
statements if discussing them at all. It left
issues that Bush covered included the
war in Iraq, health care, the ever-famous “our country is pursuing a new strategy in elections.
“No Child Left Behind” education policy, Iraq- and I ask you to give it a chance to “In next year’s candidacy, America
the federal budget, and the conservation work.” Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck needs someone young and dynamic,” said
of energy and natural resources. The Hagel rejected Bush’s pleas for support by Morgan, “The ‘Good Ole’ Boy’ idea is
most controversial of the five was his calling his plan “a ping-pong game with gone, and we just need someone to work
proposal to send an additional 22,000 American lives.” The fate of Bush’s plan more as a bipartisan; someone to work for
troops to Iraq.
is yet to be decided.
the nation, not the party. I think American
The war in Iraq has been going on for Also hitting close to home is Bush’s will be looking for someone toward the
four years now and is affecting U.S. citizens
on a daily basis. Even here, students form. Enacted a few years ago, the plan
“No Child Left Behind” education re-
mold of another Kennedy.”
Security measures far-reaching
BY BARB WALKOWIAK
Staff Reporter
From dealing with bomb threats to Other schools, like Central High School
banning nail files, our schools are placing in Connecticut, have installed metal-detectors
and permit random, warrantless
an increasing amount of attention on
security policies. The focus on school searches. Some schools, like those in
safety has grown nationwide, largely due Oakland, California, have replaced their
to the recent rash of school violence. school monitors with police squadrons.
Some policies have become common, Confiscation of student possessions is
like the use of hallway monitors, but how common in these types of schools; anything
with a potential to be used a weapon
to make our schools safest still remains a
nagging question.
may be taken. This could be a knife… or a
Student population, demographics, comb, as occurred at Central High School
and security threats differ from school in Connecticut.
to school and make it difficult to form
a successful blanket set of policies. The
result is that security planning has been
left largely to individual schools and
districts. The plans that have formed
can be roughly divided into two main
“schools” of thought.
The first type places significant
emphasis on maximum security. These
schools are easily characterized by their
extensive use of security cameras. For
instance, at Huron High School in Missouri,
56 new security cameras were installed
at an estimated cost of $102,443. Students walk by newly-installed mirrors. (Photo by
Rachel Gibson)
4 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | NEWS
The second group of schools places
more weight on an active community,
observant students and staff, and the
creation and maintenance of a good
learning environment where students feel
respected, comfortable and trusted.
“We do not have metal detectors or
armed guards. We say that we are each
other’s own best security. We look out for
each other,” said Principal Jennifer Huntington
of Newton North High in Massachusetts.
This attitude strives to keep
security measures small and unobtrusive.
Schools like Newton North High do
have security policies, though. IDs and
monitors aren’t uncommon– but armed
guards are few, if at all present, and students
are not accosted frequently.
While Lincoln students will be
required to visibly wear their student
IDs next year, LPSDO and Lincoln
East have not taken the very dramatic
steps some schools have. We don’t have
cameras or metal detectors in school, but
we are still seeing an increase in security
policies.
News Digest
Gardasil mandatory
The Food and Drug Administration
approved the first cervical cancer
vaccine last June. The vaccine prevents
four strands of HPV, a sexually transmitted
disease that can cause cervical
cancer and genital warts. Many states
are considering legislation that would
require girls between the ages of 11
and 12 to get the vaccine to prevent
HPV. However, opponents say that
making the vaccine mandatory could
give young girls free reign to having sex.
Other critics say that the vaccine is only
a preventative method and that it does
not protect against other STDs.
Vision 2015
On January 31, the Vision 2015
group held a seminar at East, bringing
together the public and private sectors
to discuss Lincoln’s future. The
group has a total of ten main projects—called
the 10 pillars—that they
would like to undertake, including the
Antelope Valley project. The group
would also like to move the State Fair
to the Lancaster Event Center in order
to increase room for research facilities
at UNL.
Knitting Club
For all you knitters out there, this
is your calling. The newly formed
Knitting and Crochet Club is headed
by junior Kelsey Harris and is sponsored
by Mr. Dimon. The club meets
every Thursday after school for about
an hour.
Activities include watching movies,
teaching people how to knit, and having
a good time, talking and gossiping.
Ten new members were in attendance
for the first meeting and they “hope
to grow huge with lots of knitting and
maybe t-shirts,” said junior member
Rachel Branker. The club plans to un-
NCTE nominees
Three East students have been
nominated for the National Council
of Teachers of English Writing Award.
Out of thirty-five Spartan candidates,
juniors Logan Samuelson, Kelley Christensen,
and Emika Du were chosen by
a committee of East judges. Now, these
three juniors get the chance to compete
at the national level.
Compiled by Sindu Vellanki

S
S
partans
peak ut
O
What do you think about the
new student ID policy
Caitlin Kennedy
Freshman
Sean Johnson
Sophomore
Grant Duffy
Junior
Compiled by Barb Walkowiak
“I don’t see the point
of having the new
badges. What are
they going to do besides
be worn Unless
they have a barcode
to open doors
or something, I don’t
see the point.”
“It’s going to be annoying
and it’s not
going to help. It’s just
going to be annoying.”
“It’s absolutely ridiculous.
It’s the
stupidest thing ever.
I’d rather die than
wear it. Also, it won’t
match my shoes. I’ll
probably forget it
or lose it or throw
it away. And people
can whip each other
and pull on them. It’s
a weapon.”
Students to be cowtagged in 07-08
BY RACHEL BRANKER
Staff Reporter
It’s official! Beginning next year, all LPS high school
students will be required to wear ID badges around their
necks. LPS Security Director Bill Kuehn said High school
principals across Lincoln were the inventors of the ID
badges, which all LPS employees already wear. In January,
the Board of Education voted on the idea of high school
students and teachers alike to be “badged” for management
and security reasons. According to LPSDO, the purposes
for universal IDs are to decrease bullying, identify outsider
students (such as Southwest or Northstar students coming
to East for lunch), speed up the lunch lines, and allow
quick media check-out.
Junior Megan Sindelar finds the badges ridiculous and
unnecessary.
“We don’t have a problem with security the way it
is. It seems that students have no voice anymore,” said
Sindelar.
Junior Kay Brown also feels that the badges are unfair.
“Restrictions on students have increased each year.
Soon we’ll have chain link fences and armed guards roaming
the hallways,” said Brown. Of course some students
can see both sides of the coin.
On an administrative viewpoint, East security personnel
such as Dennis Roberts state that “This is the real
world. In many businesses such as large firms and security
positions, employers require visible identification.” Most
know Robert as the guy who guards the front doors every
morning to check in visitors. “It’s the school board’s job
to protect the students as best as possible. We have to stay
on a tight wire to achieve that sometimes. It’s a tough job.”
The LPS board is very vulnerable to lawsuits. If one of
the students were injured, the district could take a serious
blow.
Most teachers interviewed do not like their required
lanyards because they are uncomfortable and obtrusive.
Some teachers are seen daily without their IDs in plain
sight, even though they are required
“There seems to be a double standard for teachers,”
said sophomore Katlyn Fortune.
If a student next year is caught not wearing an ID
repeatedly there would be punishment.”
Next, we asked staff members if the growing need
to monitor students was becoming a burden. “ The whole
staff works together and makes an effort for this progression
in security. It’s not a burden, just a culture change.”
Below is an interview with LPS security director
Bill Kuehn, on the subject of safety and I.D.
badges.
Why were the Identification badges deemed necessary
this year and not earlier
“Security has always been a concern to administrators.
There was just a collaboration of the
principals asking for them lately. With changing
times and more violence in the world, we may
have to shift out interpretations on security.”
Why do the badges need to be visible
“We need administrators to be able to immediately
tell if there is an intruder within the building.
This way there will be no hassles with searching
for an ID in a purse of wallet.”
What are the estimated costs of the machines
and badges
“We are looking into the prices at the moment.
Each school will regulate their prices but we
estimate that the badges will cost no more than
a dollar per student and a few dollars for the machines.”
What are the penalties for losing the badges
Each school will have the freedom to decide on
due process for repeated offenses but they will
probably have to use temporary ones or buy new
ones.
How long do you think these badges will be
necessary
“Honestly I don’t know and can’t tell whether it
will last two years or for the next 20. Our main
goals are just to ensure more safety and help the
bullying crisis. The benefits outweigh the downsides
I think. The positive effects will show soon I
hope.”
How much voice did schools have in this decision
Associate principals
were not involved. Personnel
was informed
when students and staff
were. Only the principals
manage he council management.
Bill Kuehn is the Lincoln Public
Schools security director. (Photo
by Rachel Branker)
Renee Bricker
Sophomore
“They’re stupid. We
already have them,
why do we need to
wear them around
our necks I know
lots of people won’t
wear them. They’ll
probably just destroy
them or throw them
away.”
Cody Brown
Freshman
“I don’t like it. We
shouldn’t have to
wear them. They’re
ugly, no one takes a
good school picture.
I don’t care if we have
to have them, we just
shouldn’t have to
wear them.”
Jaci Kehling
Junior
“It’s pointless. Honestly, how is
it going to improve security
I understand what they’re
trying to do, but honestly,
are teachers going to come
up and grab your ID and do
a comparison It’s a waste
of everything. If they make
it a rule, a lot of people will
disobey it. Mine will be where
it always has been. I’m not going
to wear it.”
NEWS | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 5

Staff Ed:
Bring back Honest Abe
Michael Toner, the Federal Election
Commission chairman, recently
predicted that the 2008 U.S. presidential
election would be the most expensive
election in American history. Toner
believes that for a candidate to be taken
seriously, he or she must raise at least
$100 billion by the end of 2007.
So, before a candidate grabs an exploratory
committee or takes the plunge
and signs up with the FEC, they’ve got
to make sure they have a couple dollars
in the bank. But, what else should
a 2008 presidential candidate have in
order for the public to take them seriously
It’s a question the Oracle staff
considered greatly.
At the top of any potential candidate’s
resume, “unifier” should be
written in thick bold letters. The current
administration has caused a rift in the
country. After six years, U.S. citizens
have become apathetic toward the
current administration. We’ve become
polarized; the Bush supporters versus
the Bush haters.
Despite which side wins the battle,
the future 44 th president must be able to
bring both sides together. In order to
solve any problems, from Iraq to holes
in the o-zone, the United States needs
to become united. Currently, we’re
separated with very little interaction
between the two warring clans. The
next administration must have the goal
to unite the country.
This candidate must be a centrist,
not appealing just to the Democrats
or just to the Republicans. He or she
must also have both parties’ respect
and support. Division entering into the
next presidential term will only continue
to divide the country. The two parties
must unite in a choice that they both
S partans S peak Out
Dan McEntarffer
Campus Security
“Honesty.
Also one with
a better military
knowledge
than
the previous
presidents.”
6 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | VOICES
agree upon, and this candidate will then
be able to lead the country to a more
civilized union.
Below “unifier,” in a smaller print,
the ideal candidate will have “great
communicator” listed. Like FDR or
Abraham Lincoln, the ideal leader must
be charismatic and enlightened. Beyond
that, though, a President should have
roots within Congress and links around
the world. A President must be willing
to listen to everyone, no matter from
what country or with what party, and,
even more importantly, should have the
ability to make these connections.
Experience in the Senate or House
would be preferable over having been a
governor or having a strong local base.
The 44 th president needs to have the
experience dealing with foreign affairs,
something only available at the Federal
Level. She or he must also have a plan.
Looking toward 2008, the United
States needs action. The next President
must be motivated enough to create a
realistic plan of action. Whether the
government decides to remain in Iraq
or return home, a practical and economic
solution has to be implemented.
The next president must know how to
create these actions and back them up
with delivery.
The nomination for 2008 presidency
should be based upon these qualities.
Although more than a little pocket
change is a necessary step in getting
nominated, our future president must
have qualifications beyond the merely
superficial. The next election will be a
turning point for the United States. It
will determine whether we stand tall
or are pulled apart by our own differences.
Roxanne Sattler
Media Specialist
What qualities do you think the next President should have
Compiled by Kelli Blacketer
“They should be
a strong individual.
One to
get us out of the
military mess
we are in and to
reestablish the
U.S. as a world
leader.”
Letter to the Editor
Bad statistics make good
messages ridiculous
I’m sure you’ve seen, or heard of
the problem with “online predators”.
Advertisements on TV list huge numbers
of teens who are victimized and sexually
solicited. I despise these ads. Don’t get
me wrong though; I sympathize with
those who put great faith in these ads and
those who create them. If I was in their
position I would do the same thing. The
internet is unknown and scary which is
just made worse by reports of pedophilic
predators online. But at the end of the
day the facts presented in these sorts
of ads and reports are probably pretty
far off. Unfortunately statistics are hard
to dissect and tend to be automatically
accepted. Hopefully I can help you gain
some perspective on these numbers.
First of all the only source we have is
an advocacy group. What that tells us is
right of the bat we should be cautious of
this information because it comes from
a biased source. Second we hear words
like “online predators” and “lurking” but
what the numbers actually say is “sexually
solicit”. The problem I have with this is
that the image left in most people’s mind
is of a sexual predator… but is that really
what sexually solicit means Unfortunately
this is an unanswered question. If
receiving some penis enlargement spam
counts as sexual solicitation, well then no
wonder the numbers are high. But that
probably isn’t reason to be concerned for
the children. Third, we don’t know the
number of replications. It is hard for us
Terra Kurtz
Junior
“One with
good leadership
skills
who knows
when to
pull the
troops out.”
to know whether or not the sample that
they picked is representative of all teens
or if the sample is large enough to be representative.
Fourth, we don’t know who is
doing the sexual soliciting. I’m willing to
bet a large sum of money that classmates
do a large portion of the sexual soliciting
that teens experience.
Now, none of these things explicitly
disproves the research that we are presented
with, but good research should
be able to easily answer all of these questions.
So, assuming these numbers are as
flimsy as they sound one must wonder
why they are on the TV. This sort of fear
is good for a lot of people. Politicians
have something to take a stance on, and
something to fix. Advocates don’t necessarily
benefit for this sort of ad, but once
people get into a mindset it is hard to
get out. If your big ticket issue is online
safety, and you spend all day looking at
extreme cases it is no wonder you would
be convinced online predators are all
over the net.
People get it in their head that the
internet is a dangerous place where children
are at risk and they will not realize
that the statistics they are creating are
at all sketchy. These reporters are good
people that mean well, but that doesn’t
mean we shouldn’t question them. With
numbers that could shape how East High
students access the internet, this sort of
questioning becomes necessary.
Dan Cramer
Senior
ADDISON HIGELY
Letters to the editor can be delivered to the Oracle staff in any number of ways:
emailing it to Oracleletters@gmail.com, putting it in Mrs. Holt’s box, or dropping it
off in Room B159. Remember to include your name.
“One that
follows
through
and doesn’t
flip-flop.”
Photos by Alice Root

Be all you can be... within the law
On March 19, the United States
Army will try Lieutenant Ehren Watada
in a court martial. The Army has charged
him with several crimes, key among them
being “missing movement” and “conduct
unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.”
The charge of “missing movement”
stems from his refusal to deploy
to Iraq. He refused on the grounds of
the “Nuremburg defense,” which is that
it is illegal to execute an unlawful order.
From his point of view and research,
the order to participate in operations in
Iraq is just such an order. The charge of
“conduct unbecoming”’ originates from
from several instances where he spoke on
the matter, condemning the war and the
leadership that started it.
Now we get to the heart of the issue:
there are two ways you can look at this
man. First, that he is an idealist, standing
up and acting upon his beliefs and talking
about it, too. The other is that he is
purely a criminal, who disobeyed lawful
orders and tried to incite others to mutiny.
However, these two perspectives are not
irreconcilable. To begin, yes, he is a brave
man who has the courage
of his convictions, standing
up to one of the largest and
most ominous organizations
in this country, with
the possible exception of
the IRS. However, in a society
governed by laws, we
must also look at this from
a legal perspective.
From this stance, this
man is clearly a criminal. First, the Uniform
Code of Military Justice, the Army’s
rulebook, makes it clear that movement
orders that are in line with policy from
Congress and the President are not illegal
and cannot be questioned by the
military justice system. Second, during
his speeches on the war, he did, in fact,
ask other soldiers to disobey orders from
their superiors and refuse to fire their
weapons in the face of the enemy or, in
other words, to mutiny.
As I hope has been
made clear, I have a great
deal of respect for this man.
Further, I believe it is both
necessary and good for people
in a free society to challenge
things that they think are
wrong. However, I believe
that he will and that he should
be convicted and sentenced
in accordance with his crimes. This isn’t
heartlessness or disagreement with his
statements, but rather the cold hard fact
that we live under laws and he broke
them. Perhaps some would say that it is
sometimes necessary to break laws if they
are wrong and should be struck down.
Historically, this has proven to be true.
But in this instance, his avenue of refusal
clearly violated established and fair laws.
The injustice here does not stem from the
UCMJ or Army policy. Instead, any fault
in the supposed illegality of the war lies
with the government and the explicit permission
it gave for the start of operations.
He should have tried to approach the issue
that direction. Instead, he violated his
oath and disobeyed his movement orders,
which are vital to the effective function
of any military.
Ultimately, this case might be construed
as the government trying to silence
a dissenter, which to a degree might be
accurate. But in the final analysis, this
man broke well established, fair, and
necessary laws and now, as a member of
this society, he is expected to accept his
punishment.
A senior’s guide to surviving junior year
Seven semesters down, one to go.
For seniors, second semester means easy
classes, more free time, and less stress.
But for juniors and underclassmen, the
year is just getting into swing. Secondsemester
junior year might be the most
difficult time in a student’s high-school
career. Believe me, I’ve been through it.
With standardized tests, full schedules,
and preparing for college, there is little
time for much else. So, for this month,
I’ve compiled a list of tips for preparing
for the college application process and
getting through the rest of this school
year.
1. Sign up for the ACT/SAT soon!
The more practice you have with these
standardized tests, the easier it will be
to score well. You can take the ACT as
many times as you want, and the colleges
you send your scores to will only see your
highest score. But every time you take the
SAT, your results show up on your score
report. Colleges will be able to see every
SAT score you’ve ever received, including
results from SAT II Subject Tests. Plus, if
you take the SAT more than twice, College
Board starts averaging your scores
together.
2. Sign up for ACT/SAT prep
courses if you feel you need the extra
practice. For me, taking a prep course
actually dropped my score on the SAT,
but the results of such courses are different
for everyone. Whether you take
a course or not, be sure to prepare. The
ACT and SAT are supposed to test your
natural verbal, math, and writing skills,
but studying does help. Take at least one
practice test to familiarize yourself with
the format. Knowing the format of the
test, the directions for each section, and
the types of questions they
ask will save you time and
unnecessary stress.
3. It’s difficult to start
planning for the future, but
start searching for colleges
you want to apply to. Request
brochures, go to information
sessions, and ask questions.
Some colleges track your involvement
during the admissions
process, which could
influence their decision. You could even
look at this year’s application to see what
they ask for. Colleges start recruiting
you early, which means you should be
preparing early, too. By next year, you’ll
have enough college brochures to insulate
your house, but take a look at each one
anyway. You might be surprised at what
you find.
4. Know what colleges ask for on
their applications. Many schools require
at least one teacher recommendation, so
(if you haven’t already) build a personal
relationship with a teacher, so they can
add something special to your recommendation
letter. Also, know your counselor.
They write dozens of letters each year,
and it will help if they know you as a
person – not just as a schedule change.
5. Know if your prospective school
requires SAT II Subject Tests. Subject
Tests are one hour long and test your
knowledge of a specific academic topic.
Each Subject Test is worth
800 points and is scaled nationwide.
If your school does
require a Subject Test, study!
Unlike the SAT or ACT,
Subject Tests ask specific
questions about the topics, so
you can’t just wing it. SAT II
prep books are helpful study
guides because they take you
through a full review of the
subject and provide practice
tests.
6. Prepare for the dreaded college
admissions essay. And yes, you can prepare!
Start brainstorming important moments
from your life. Although clichéd,
the pivotal moments you remember do
make good essays. Narratives are more
interesting to read, and help divulge your
personality to the admissions office. Plus,
in many cases, one strong essay topic can
answer more than one question.
7. Don’t start your applications
in December of your senior year. Most
applications are due in early January, and
with finals and scholarship deadlines
around the same time, it is to your benefit
to begin or submit your applications
earlier in the school year.
8. Begin looking at scholarships.
Read the Student Services Bulletin when
it comes out on Thursdays to familiarize
yourself with which awards you might be
eligible for. There are even some scholarships
that are only offered to juniors.
9. Get involved. Being passionate,
dedicated, and committed to an activity
will add to your application, and provide
inspiration for some essay questions.
10. After all the seriousness of tips
one through nine, remember to make
time for fun. It may seem like there’s
barely time to stop and breathe, but having
fun with your friends or just watching
a movie will make the year more tolerable.
Plus, talking things out with classmates
helps you realize that you’re not the only
one that feels overwhelmed.
I hope this list helps all the stressed
out juniors and “highly-motivated”
sophomores out there. High school really
is an important time in your life,
and the college application process can
be overwhelming. Although it’s easy to
procrastinate, the future is coming. To
make it easier on yourself, start preparing
for it soon. These four years of high
school go by quickly, and wasting time
being stressed out isn’t worth it. In the
words of Ms. Penner, “Good luck, have
fun, and do well.”
VOICES | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 7

Finding their voice:
Peace vigils: Combating combat with Kumbaya
BY MARK CARRAHER
Staff Reporter
Every Wednesday at 5 p.m., a ragtag,
but determined crowd appears at the
intersection of 15th and “O.” Bundled
up but still shivering, these war protestors
carry their signs regardless of the
weather.
“The cause keeps us warm,” said one
middle-aged protestor with a sign that
read, “Bring ‘Em Home!”
The weekly peace vigil, held by the
Nebraska Coalition of Peace, draws
people of all ages and backgrounds.
The coalition gathers every week, rain
or shine.
The group gets mixed responses.
They’ll often get honks and thumbs up
from passing drivers who approve of
their message, but they receive discouraging
responses, as well.
Some pedestrians try to avoid confrontation
with the group. “People pretend
to be with their friends,” said senior
protestor Jessica Lane.
Some passerbys openly disagree with
the protest. Senior protestor Lindsay
Graef said it’s just something they have
to put up with for the cause.
“Once you have the first person
flip you off, it is easier from there on,”
Graef said.
With all the heckling, harsh weather,
and time invested, the group’s persistence
shows they obviously feel strongly about
their goal, which Graef plainly said is “to
end war.”
Despite increased protests nationwide,
President Bush recently proposed
a surge in troop levels in Iraq. Lincoln’s
War potesters gather downtown each Wednesday to share their opinions (Photo by Alice Root).
Coalition for Peace, however, has not
given up. In fact, they have grown more
passionate and have planned a big protest
for March 17—the fourth anniversary of
the U.S.’s entrance into Iraq.
Protestors like Graef and Lane feel
they are making a difference by getting
their message out there.
“It’s easier to feel I am making a difference
when I’m with other people with
the same cause,” said Graef.
Lane believes in he domino effect, in
which one person’s involvement leads to
the involvement of others.
“Every person counts,” Lane said.
Graef feels it’s the duty of a peace-
maker to act upon her beliefs.
“People think, ‘I’m one person; what
can I do’ ” Graef said. “They should at
least be making an effort.”
Lane also urges people who agree
with them to get involved.
“It doesn’t matter what you think,”
said Lane. “It’s the action you take.”
S partans S peak Out
What is your weird talent
Photos by Mark Carraher-
Compiled by Mark Carraher
“I can turn water
into wine. I’m really
popular at parties,
but it’s hard on the
study habits.”
“I’m super coordinated
even with strobe
lights.”
“I can control the
weather and have
intense forecasting
powers because of
this.”
Adrian Draney
Junior
8 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | FACES
Rachelle Sheets
Sophomore
Abby Meyer
Junior

Student activism
Bring on the Paine: Spreading environmental awareness
BY SALOME VILJOEN
A&E Editor
We all have something we love.
Something we’re passionate about. For
some people it’s the perfect lay-up or dive.
For others it’s speech or science-bowl, and
for others it may just be getting to spend
time with friends on the weekend.
Mitch Paine has a passion for the
environment. Using a variety of strengths
and approaches, Mitch is bringing his passion
for conservation to East High.
“I looked at the various environmental
issues, and came up with a list
of about 40 issues I believe are of the
utmost importance,” said Paine. “Then I
looked at which of these issues Lincoln’s
differentiated science program covers:
there were only two.”
“One national science standard is
called ‘science and social perspectives’,
which is designed to improve environmental
awareness in students. State standards
are higher, and specifically state that
12 th graders must be knowledgable about
environmental issues,” said Paine, “But
LPS isn’t meeting either standard with
the current science program.”
“I decided to set up a survey for
students, to test how well our science
curriculum informed students about
environmental issues. I used my 40 objectives
as formulated questions that I then
asked a variety of seniors here at East,”
said Paine. The result of this survey is
shown to the right.
“Overall, people didn’t know much
about some of the most important environmental
issues we are facing, such
as shrimp trolling, coral reef depletion,
and global warming.” But Mitch took his
discovery and decided to do something
about it.
“I developed a list of inclusions
that can be incorporated into the current
science curriculum. There are issues
that can be addressed in each section
of science.” Thus, environmental issues
won’t be defined to a single class, but
will rather be incorporated into existing
classes like chemistry or biology. After
this improvement, about half of Mitch’s
list of environmental issues will be covered
in science classes. But each issue on
it’s own is a huge study, and leaving out
half of the world’s problems means our
education still comes up short.
“We can’t cover all the issues in existing
curriculum,” concludes Paine, “So I
developed a course that I believe should
be mandatory for high school students.
In this course I managed to cover 35 of
the 40 issues I compiled.”
In December, Mitch Paine presented
both his findings and his improvements
to the Lincoln Public Schools Science
Curriculum specialist. He will find out
the results of the meeting later this week.
When asked about the outcome of the
meeting, Paine replies, “I don’t know
what will happen, but regardless of the
outcome I’ll campaign for more environmental
awareness in our schools.”
He certainly hasn’t been sitting quietly
waiting for results. Mitch actively pursues
spreading environmental knowledge
right here in East.
“I’ve set up a bulletin board in senior
hall, which will hopfully—no, it WILL—
be updated every two weeks. Right now it
features an intro to environmental issues,
but it will go on to highlight various issues
our world is facing today, and how
we can help.”
The board is an appeal to the student
body, an attempt to get them interested in
conservation. “While our science classes
aren’t covering this information, this bulletin
board is another opportunity to get
the knowledge to students,”said Paine.
Paine’s activism does not stop
there.
Mitch Paine’s introduction to his envirmonmental issues discussion. (Image submitted by Mitch
Paine)
“I’m starting a discussion series Feb.
21 st in one of the lecture halls. There will
be six discussions where I will show a
20-30 minute powerpoint on an environmental
issue and then people can discuss
the issue. I really want it to be discussions,
not lectures.”
The focus of these discussions will
be how people can help the environment.
“In a discussion, we can all talk together
about a solution.”
The first discussion will start with
Mitch’s approach to environmental issues.
“Everything needs an approach. We have
ways to think about a math problem, outlines
for papers to organize ideas, and the
scientific process guiding experiments.
Well, conservation issues require a twostep
thinking process. First, an issue is
created by the improper use of resources.
Then, one has to examine this improper
resource use’s effect on biodiversity. In
this way we can target both the cause of
a environmental issue and it’s effect on
our planet.”
Paine is excited about the discussion
series. It is truly one aspect of his
environmental crusade that holds plenty
of potential.
“Knowledge is a great start: It can
get people to vote intelligently for earthfriendly
policies and people. They can
spend charity money on environmental
causes. Knowledge can create consumer
awareness, and can facilitate the spread
of even more knowledge. It gets people
to open up their eyes and care.”
Test your eco-knowledge
1. What are the major consequences
of global warming
2. What is mutualism
3. What percentage of all
water is freshwater
4. What percentage of fish
species have been fully
exploited or depleted
5. Which biome is experiencing
the greatest loss to
biodiversity
1. sea level rise, temperature increase, habitat
loss, and climate chemistry changed, etc, 2. Two
species develop to benefit each other 3. 2% 4.
70% 5. Rainforest
FACES | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 9

We the People State Champions
BY SINDU VELLANKI
Staff Reporter
Senior Paige Gade is a varsity cheerleader,
but she also cheers for a different
kind of team. Gade is the unofficial
cheerleader for East’s “We the People”
team, giving the team inspirational pep
talks.
At the State competition,
Gade proved her
spirit.
“I was up there in
front of the whole class,
yelling and jumping and
getting them excited right
when the judges walked
in,” said Gade. “It was embarrassing,
but I think my
talk inspired us to win.”
The official name
of the contest is We the
People: The Citizen and
the Constitution, “but, to
make life easier, we call it
WePo,” said team coach
Kevin Rippe. “The competition
tests a student’s
knowledge of the Constitution and its
applications in history.”
WePo is a contest based on knowledge
gained from the textbook used in
class as well as current issues that deal
with the Constitution. The class is divided
into six groups, and each group is
assigned a different unit. The individual
groups are responsible for writing three
speeches based upon the official questions
created for the state and national
competitions. Each speech is four minutes
long with six minutes of follow-up
questions posed by the judges. The teams
Mr. Rippe and Senior Robert Kachman stand side by side after
WePowned (Photo submitted by Paige Gade).
are judged by a point system and the team
with the highest points wins.
This year, East beat longtime rival
Southeast by a long shot.
“By beating Southeast, I think we
proved that now there is someone else in
the game that can take home the prize,”
said Rippe. “It’s good to have competition
at the state level because that better
prepares us for what we should expect at
nationals.” Team members agreed that the
win over the knights was especially nice.
“It feels awesome to beat Southeast
since that was one of our goals for the
class,” said Gade.
According to Rippe, the thing that
sets apart East’s team is its delivery style,
and how we handle the presentation of
the ideas. However, Rippe
wouldn’t divulge too much
information on the strategies
the team uses.
“I can’t tell you everything,
what if some one
from Southeast reads the
paper” joked Rippe.
Southeast has dominated
the competition for
17 years, but East has
denied them in the past
three years, even though
East has only been going
to the competition for five
years.
“The first year we
won, we had a team of
all-stars with Anish Mitra,
Nicko Fretes, Tim Carell,
and Ann Hunter-Pyrtle, and when that
team broke the ice and won, I think they
set a certain level of expectation for the
teams to come,” said Rippe. “I also think
that that first team created an attraction
toward the class and more people wanted
to participate in such a competition.”
Next up for the team is the national
competition held during the last weekend
of April in Washington D.C. “Our goal
for Nationals is to be prepared and have
fun,” said Gade.
Rippe believes that this year’s team is
one of the smoothest and most prepared
Seniors Shelbi Svoboda, Ben Strasheim, and Brianna Black
celebrate after winnning state (Photo submitted by Paige
Gade).
teams he has seen in a while and, if this
motivation is kept up, “I think we can
bring home some hardware from D.C.
this year.”
East senior meets jazz legend
BY CALLIE FEINGOLD
Staff Reporter
Thanks to a 20-plus year friendship
with Melissa and Mark Epp, Herbie Hancock,
considered one of the world’s most
eminent jazz pianists, visited Lincoln this
month to help raise funds for the 61-year
old Lincoln Community Playhouse. On
Feb 3rd, Hancock played for a benefit to
spotlight the Playhouse and the importance
of art and culture in Lincoln.
Since 1960, Hancock’s creative path
has moved fluidly between almost every
development in acoustic and electronic
jazz and R&B. Hancock, 66, has won an
10 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | FACES
Academy Award and multiple Grammy’s
for his music, collaborating with contemporaries
like Christina Aguilera, John
Mayer, Santana, and Sting.
Melissa Epp and her husband met
Hancock through their involvement with
a world peace organization. They share
the view that through arts, culture, and
education, people can bridge their differences.
Senior Adam Brown had the opportunity
to play in front of Hancock,
one of his key role models, at the benefit
concert. The pianist for Requisite Jazz
Quartet, Brown’s group of performed
in the lobby prior to Hancock’s performance.
The Quartet is made up of four
talented musicians, featuring a trumpet,
keyboard, stand-up bass, and drums. All
members are juniors or seniors at Lincoln
High, Northstar, and East.
“Herbie was incredible. Even his
sound check was incredible. He played on
a Fazioli: it was the most beautiful piano
I’ve ever seen,” said Brown. “The performance
was real intimate and real personal.
You could tell he was playing for us because
he wanted to, not just because he
was doing an old friend a favor.”
Overall, the night was a success.
“Without Herbie Hancock, even hip hop
would be different,” Brown pointed out.
Requisite Jazz Quartet performs at various
venues across town. To check out
their talent, stop by Meadowlark Coffee
Shop on Sunday evenings, where the
group plays from 7 to 10 PM.

Everybody has a story: Mela Naco
BY MELANIE FICTHORN
Staff Reporter
Meet junior Mela Naco. While at
first glance she seems to be just another
East student, she has her own unique
story to tell.
Naco was born in Albania. When
she was eight, she moved to the United
States. More specifically, she moved to
Lincoln and she’s been living in Lincoln
ever since.
One of Naco’s first American experiences
was attending to her fourth grade
class. She had just come out of her ESL
classes and didn’t have any friends yet.
“I felt really awkward and out of
place,” said Naco. Though she has been
in the United States for several years and
feels more like she belongs, there are
still some things that are different from
Albania that feel odd to her.
“American and European humor
are very different,” said Naco. To her,
adjusting to a new type of humor was
difficult.
Naco enjoys music, dancing, and
fashion. She aspired to become a fashion
designer for a while, but then decided to
pursue a different dream.
“It was my dream for a while, but
I decided to try and pursue something
with a bit less competition,” said Naco.
However, Naco enjoys dancing.
“I’ve always enjoyed dancing,” said
Naco. When she was in Albania she
enjoyed dancing at a club. She has been
taking private Latin dancing classes at
DelRays for about two years. Her love
of dance ties in well with her interest in
music.
On the musical front, Naco enjoys
many types of music. One of her pastimes
is searching for different music on
the Internet.
“I’m really into finding music from
different cultures,” she said.
Naco also enjoys traveling. She has
been to China, Korea, Switzerland, Mexico,
and is planning to go to New Zealand.
She also goes back to Albania every summer
to visit family and friends.
“I look forward to it,” said Naco.
“I miss my family and I also miss the
beaches.” While she does enjoy America,
Naco says that there’s nothing like the
atmosphere of her home country.
After high school, Naco’s future
looks bright. She plans to continue her
education in college. She wants to go to
a college in the United States.
“America has the best school system,”
Naco said.
After college, Naco plans to leave
Nebraska. She wants to live in either
New York or Boston. If she doesn’t
end up living in either of those
cities, she plans to go back to
Albania.
Mela Naco enjoys dancing,
music and fashion (Photo by
Rachel Gibson).
Snatraps displays East’s musical talent
BY ELIZABETH BAQUET
Staff Reporter
The Snatraps talent show for the
past few years has been a venue for East
High students to show off their skills in
all areas of entertaining. Recent shows
have included comedy acts, musical acts
- just about anything you can think of.
However, this year Snatraps has taken a
more musical route, with almost every
performance focusing on a singer or
band.
“Snatraps is always sweet. There’s a
lot of good performances and entertainment.
This year it looks like there’s going
to be some great singers,” said senior
Mitchell Gerrard.
Snatraps can become a venue for
new performers to show off their talent
and get some experience with performing.
Gerrard is one of these performers.
“I’m going to be performing ‘This
Land is Your Land’. Hopefully I’ll be getting
a few more people to perform with
me and we’ll come up with some actions
for it,” said Gerrard. He hopes that putting
a comedic spin on the classic patriotic
tune made it entertaining for high school
students, while still staying true to the
song’s background in American history.
Gerrard will be spending the next few
days practicing for his Snatraps debut,
and he hopes that his performance will
go over well with the East High crowd.
For a first-time performer, one would
expect nerves to be a large hurdle to get
over, but Gerrard didn’t get the butterflies
while trying out.
“Since it’s my first time, I’ll probably
get nervous once I’m on stage, but I
haven’t gotten nervous yet,” said Gerrard.
Seniors Brittani Matson and Allison Schorr
practice their duet, ‘Leave the Pieces’ (Photo by
Rachel Gibson).
Performers at Snatraps
Mitchell Gerrard
Rachael Pickerel
Cassie Shemek
Danielle Olson
Breanna Fosdick
Jamey Fleege
Aubrielle Gingery
Brittany Bydalek
Austin Bower
Jake Wolf
Sarah Weber
Jamie Kort
Derek Outson
Allison Schorr and Brittani Mat
son
Paavo
FACES | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 11

Blind
D
Two rep
Two d
One m
“It is the vilest of words. It’s
a four-lettered word, in fact.
Just thinking about it makes
me cringe and I wish I hadn’t.
It’s a word that small, fluffy
animals hold as their own, and
a word you’d never hear any selfrespecting
manly man utter...”
12 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | FOCUS

ate
orters.
ates.
ission.
“As I sat waiting on the
bench for my date, I realized
I had one strong insight into
his mind: basketball. Great,
we had something in common
right off the bat. Sort of...”
FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 13

What horrible, horrible adjective am I talking about …CUTE. “Why
should I go on a blind date” I asked. “It’ll be… CUTE,” they replied.
. . . Imagine my frustration. They offered me brownies. They offered me
money! But did I accept these shameless bribes You’re darn right I did. They had
me at the brownies.
The Oracle Staff set me up with junior Kristin Schumaucher and said she
was a soccer player, but I was otherwise oblivious to who she was. The plan was to
eat lunch somewhere and then to go bowling afterwards. I decided that if they had
set me up with an emo-cutting-enthusiast, I would turn my car around and speed
home fast. Fortunately, Kristin didn’t strike me as that type, so off we went to eat at
Panera, where we met the first of several strange people that afternoon. The lady working
the register wore the creepiest child-predator smile I had ever seen, and blinked
about a hundred blinks per second. Kristin and I exchanged the “did that really just
happen” look as we found ourselves a table and brewed up a conversation. It wasn’t
as awkward as I’d expected and luckily she was an amusing person who was easy to
converse with. So on it went, and after I finished my turkey sandwich, it was time to
take a photo for the paper. We decided to ask this innocent-looking college girl to take
our picture, but when she looked up from her homework I regretted that decision
immediately. The chick looked like she’d just lost her puppy to terminal cancer. She
grabbed the camera, gave it a quick click, and put her head down. It was a very crappy
photo, but I wasn’t about to wake that girl back up without a few dozen bottles of
Prozac in hand. The Myspace-outstretched-arm-with-camera-in-hand photo turned
out much nicer, and shortly after that, Kristin and I scurried off back to my car and
drove onward toward the bowling alley.
The bowling alley was booked by the Women’s Intercity Tournament, and
that wasn’t even the worst of it. On our way back to my car, we crossed paths with
a transvestite, a spooky sight no matter what the circumstance. I couldn’t help but
wonder if he/she was disqualified from the tournament for obvious reasons. We
checked out the other bowling alley a few blocks away, but it was apparent they were
holding the Men’s Intercity Tournament. In other words, I was screwed. When in
doubt, go to the mall!
Neither of us had been glow golfing before, so we went and checked it out. For
$12 we could play 18 uninteresting holes with obscured vision! As an ex-Adventure
Golf employee I couldn’t stand for this injustice to the art of “putt-putt”. Once
again, we walked away defeated in our search for something to do. Then I spied a
Dip N Dots stand! My appetite outweighed the freezing temperatures outside, and I
acquired a Strawberry Cheesecake. Kristin got Mint Chocolate or something… gross!
We decided to rendezvous at the basketball game later, and that would count for the
“extra” part of the date.
The mall’s a pretty scary place, middle-aged men groaned in the massage chairs
scattered throughout the mall, and one of those cell-phone booth salesman mocked
my Strawberry Cheesecake! “Oh look at that Strawberry Cheesecake, you’re lookin’
REAL tough there, guy.” (Apparently he didn’t get the memo saying Strawberry
Cheesecake is the manliest flavor of them all.) It’s like wearing pink, saying you’re
badass no matter what the color. So eventually I took Kristin home, and we reconvened
at the basketball game. Overall, I’d say it was an entertaining afternoon, and
I’m glad I was bribed into it.
Story by Danny Jablonski
Danny Jablonski
Sign: Taurus
Favorite Color: TItanium White
Favorite Music: Alternative
Favorite Movie: “Happy Gilmore”
Favorite Food: Apples
Favorite TV Show: The Colbert Report
Favorite Book: 1984
Sports editor
Danny and Kristin chilling out at Panera (photo courtesy of Kristin Schumaucher).
Kristin Schumaucher
Sign: Scorpio
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Music: Anything
Favorite Movie: “A Knight’s Tale”
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy
Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby
Plays soccer
Date Ideas
Sledding+Hot Chocolate = fun and warm fuzzies all around.
Take a walk together and only take left turns; you never know where
you’ll end up together.
Prepare dinner with your significant other (even if you can’t cook at
least you’ll have fun!).
Watch an old silent film and take turns filling in the words.
Give each other $10 and buy something that reminds you of each
other.
Compiled by Tina Zheng & Elizabeth Baquet
14 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | FOCUS
The years of high school are portrayed as times of blossoming
relationships, not only in dramatic television scenes and fictional novels,
but in reality as well. Public displays of affection, like hand-holding and
sweet-talk, are evident in high school hallways like those of East. Yet, as
this season of romanticism comes to a close, relationships on the surface
may be deceiving.
The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that
one in five female high school students experience some form of physical
or sexual abuse from their partners, not taking into account emotional
abuse. Domestic violence is defined as verbal, physical, or emotional
abuse toward a family member, spouse, or partner involving men or
women.
If you suspect someone is suffering from domestic violence,
please contact the Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault
Coalition at its hotline number, (800) 876-6238.
Compiled by Tina Zheng

Best and Worst pick-up lines
“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven”
-Sophomore Danica Roesler
“If I could re-arrange the alphabet I would put “U” and “I” together.”
-Freshman Hillary McNeal
Haley works at a cookie company and asked a customer what he would like.
His answer “The cookies smell good but your phone number would be better.”
-Senior Haley Carpenter
“How ya doin’ “
-Senior Rodney Mueller
“ I lost my phone number. May I have yours “
-Sophomore Danica Roesler
“My friends dared me to ask you out.“
-Freshman Kecia Johnson
“I like your outfit, can we go out”
-AV specialist Roxanne Sattler
“What’s your sign”
-Junior Kelsey Fawl
Compiled by Kelli Blacketer
Meghan Rihanek
Sign: Gemini
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Music: John Mayer
Favorite Movie: “Beauty and the
Beast”
Favorite Food: Coffee
Favorite TV Show: “Grey’s Anatomy”
Favorite Book: “Les Miserables”
Paranoid of pathogens. Cure: Purell.
I
played third grade YMCA basketball, and was quite the baller back in the
90s. (Read: I stood on the court holding my elbow, refused to run, and chatted
about nail polish and how Justin Timberlake was sooo cute in huddles).
...
I mean, that counts, right I knew a basket was worth two points, and free-throws
happened after crying to your coach about how MEAN that girl was who pushed
you…we were off to a good start. I already had about 20 “conversations” in my head.
I was totally prepared. Maybe. Except Andrew walked in during mock conversation
21, which was, I believe, about clothes. Now I was totally UNprepared. My canned
conversation was not complete; I’d have to throw it out. I knew for sure that it’d
come down to that 21st topic when the unavoidable awkward silence settled on the
red faux-wood table of Valentino’s Grand Buffet.
Fortunately, there was little awkward silence to speak of. However, I was
feeling not-so-fortunate at the beginning of our date. I got nervous and spouted
all the basketball conversation starters I had prepared before we were even seated.
“Great, Meghan, now what will you talk about The clothes topic already fell through
mentally…” I thought.
As we followed the hostess, attempting not to take out little children and their
bulging balloon animals, I tried to look on the bright side. At least the “who pays”
dance went off without a glitch. (You know, that whole server puts the check in the
middle of the table, girl doesn’t know whether to reach for it, offer to pay for her
half, guy doesn’t want to look too forward and grab it right away, but maybe wants
to pay, but that would make it a REAL date, etc.…Don’t lie, you’ve all been there.)
Because of my intensive conversation preparation, I had neglected to remember that
Meghan and Andrew in conversation after their delicious lunch at Val’s (photo by Shuqiao Song).
Andrew Dinham
Sign: Virgo
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Music: Jay-Z
Favorite Movie: “Wedding Crashers”
or “The 40-Year-Old Virgin”
Favorite Food: Boneless chicken
Favorite TV Show: MTV’s “Fat Camp”
Favorite Book: “The DaVinci Code”
Part of the “Man Law”
at Valentino’s, you pay before you eat. Fabulous. Get it over with quickly, like ripping
off a band aid.
I slid into the booth, thoroughly revolted by my band-aid analogy. Luckily,
I slowly forgot about it as conversation soon moved from basketball to music, food
to clothes (hooray!), and from parties to “Grey’s Anatomy.” We avoided most of the
taboo first-date subjects, be it intentional or not, such as politics and religion, and
fared quite well. In fact, I can’t say that there was ever an awkward moment (minus
the photo taking. Anytime someone is taking photos of you looking “natural,” it’s
just not…natural), until we had to leave. I gave Andrew a ride home, as his vehicle
was indisposed, but alas I was driving my sister’s dirty red car. And when I say dirty,
I mean DIRTY. We’re talking used Kleenexes and month-old Starbucks cups here.
So I apologized all over myself, trying to pick up HER trash…yuck. Well, due to my
mild (self-diagnosed) OCD, I guess that was probably more uncomfortable for me
than it would have been for anyone else in a similar situation.
As we drove to his house, conversation turned back to basketball. I finally whipped
out some stories about my basketball escapades, and as it turns out, I wasn’t that wrong
about us having some basketball times in common. My dad was my coach and so was
Andrew’s. I guess those huge teal t-shirts and floor burns from my childhood would
come in handy some time in my future. And I guess the whole “blind date” was a lot
less painful than most people make it out to be. From the first laugh after Andrew’s,
“Sometimes I wish I was fat,” comment, I realized that there was little reason to be
so anxious about this small shuffle out of my comfort zone.
Story by Meghan Rihanek
FOCUS | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 15

Hair-raising moments in history!
BY BARB WALKOWIAK
Staff Reporter
1970
Richard Robertson,
senior in the class
of 1971, wore his hair
long and combed over.
Long hair wasn’t a huge
rage at the time, but the
combing over of the
bangs was a huge hit.
Looks like the hair gel
was popular with the
guys too.
1982
Patti Pattison, also found in
the 1982 yearbook, was a studio
model. Look at the volume and
floof of that hair! This same sort of
long, brushed-back look was highly
popular in the early 80s. She must
have been a true master to get her
hair like that. Time and hairspray
was a must.
The beehive! Ivonne Doeschot, senior
in the year of 1971, was a champ of
this hairstyle. Just look at how the hair
curls at the ears, and swirls masterfully at
the top! In the 70s, hairspray was a must
for the wearers of this do.
1982
Bob Cypher sports a
groovy mullet in his 1982
senior picture. Long hair
was definitely still in, and
slightly shaggy was common.
Many of the guys
didn’t have quite as much
hair as Cypher did, but
business in the front, party
in the back was definitely in
for the rocking 80s.
1992
Hair in the 90s was
alive! Kelly Maack made
up her hair to represent the
result of touching a highvoltage
device. Notice how
the hair doesn’t actually
fit in the frame. Amazing,
truly amazing. We can only
wonder how long it took to
get her hair to stand out like
that each morning…
1994
Dennis Goddard, senior
in the 1994 class, made his
hair like a cliff face. Straight
up and really firm looking!
The brush-over of the hair
to make the part disappear
was quite popular in his day.
Nice look, Dennis!
Who knows what styles
await Lincoln East in the
Future!
S partans S peak Out
“Short and simple
because its short.
And simple.
What is your favorite hairstyle and why Compiled by Callie Feingold
“Not extremely
curly but still with
body. Sideswept
bangs are nice. And
highlights…but not
raccoon highlights.
Yes.”
“The Mohawk because
#1: it has an
interesting historical
connection and
#2: it is a very bold
statement. “
Lance Nielsen
Band teacher
Max Gade
Senior
Kevin Rippe
Social studies teacher
16 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Art Club gathers to create
BY CARRIE CHEN
Juniors Kayla Alexander and Susan Kachman are active in music and drama, technology
and activism causes. One day in Orchestra, the two Renaissance women decided to
start a club that would celebrate artistic endeavors.
“The main idea was that anybody could do whatever they wanted, and club members
could peer critique. It didn’t really matter how well they thought they did—we just thought
it would be something for people who liked art,” said Alexander.
Alexander and Kachman’s brainchild turned into Art Club, which meets on Thursdays
in D130 in the art wing. First year potter teacher Jessica Uckert is the sponsor, but all
activities are student initiated.
“It’s a place where people can create art, bounce ideas off each other and communicate,”
said Uckert. “Students find success given the opportunity.”
The co-Presidents are still planning activities, with the input of members.
“The club itself is going to be a lot of studio time with peer critique and help,” said
Kachman.
In addition to working on their own projects,
Art Club plans to take field trips to art galleries, and
hopefully visit Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha at the
end of the year.
“Hopefully also at the end of the year, we’ll have
a show in the Commons displaying the different creations
by the members of Art Club,” said Alexander.
“I think Art Club has the potential to be really
great and fun, but we have to have people in order to
be a club. Some people are just there to make art for
fun, and I’d like the Club to be open to anyone and
everyone,” said Alexander.
Art Club busy creating! (Photo by Rachel
Gibson)
“Many people see art as something either inaccessibly or only the Picassos can do,
but art is something that just gives you an emotion, or you find aesthetically pleasing. It’s
a great way to expand your artistic horizon,” said Kachman.
Marolf creates to a tee
BY KARI TIETJEN
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Sophomore Candace Marolf brings in customized clothing to the Black Market
to sell. The Black Market, a clothing exchange store, allows artists to bring in clothing
and accessories and market their products.
“I’m a consignment seller, so I just bring in my pieces. You get
to choose how much you sell the items for,” said Marolf. Marolf
sells her hand-painted shirts for $24 each, and has great success.
“All of them have sold pretty fast. They’ve told me I’m one of
their best consignment sellers,” said Marolf. Marolf started selling
her t-shirts in late October and has sold about 20 pieces since then,
including one purse.
“I want to do more during the summer,” said Marolf, “but
right now I have school, club volleyball and I have another job,
Photo submitted by
Candace Marolf
Copy Editor
too.” Marolf draws inspiration from some of her favorite stores
and brands for her own clothing.
“I’ve gotten some ideas from PacSun, especially brands like
Roxy and Billabong,” said Marolf. Marolf learned about Black Market’s consignment
contract while she was purchasing art supplies for her t-shirts.
“At Dick Blick’s art supplies, the man helping me asked me what the fabric paint
was for and he told me about the Black Market,” said Marolf. After hearing about the
Black Market, Marolf began buying several t-shirts at a time from her favorite stores
to create her pieces. But Marolf ’s artistic talent spans well beyond clothing design.
“I love photography and just taking pictures,” said Marolf. “My friends make
jokes about how my camera is full of random things.” Marolf hopes to be doing art
well into the future.
“I would like to go into either photography or clothing design in the future,” said
Marolf, “depending on my interests.”
Spray bottle salad dressing: Don’t
10 drown your iceberg. Spritz it!
9
Pandora: Never be forced to channel
surf again! Personalize your radio
experience with this new webstream
technology.
8
Headbands: Awkward hair dragging
you down Not anymore. Headbands,
in swell textures, patterns and
widths, are here to save the day.
7
Meadowlark Coffee Shop: Chill to the Requiem
Jazz Quartet on Sunday evenings. Or just grab some
great, organic coffee any time of the week.
6
T-straps: Channel your inner ballroom
dancer and slip on a pair of t-
strap…wedges, if you please.
5
Pink Martini: This super eclectic
‘little orchestra’ hailing from Portland,
Oregon sounds like a Latin-infused,
1930s French jazz, politically
vibrant love affair. Newest album:
“Hang on Little Tomato.”
4
Le Quartier: Located in Meridian
Park, this new French bakery’s
pastries will blow your mind! Stop
in for breakfast or lunch.
3
Yellow: On sweaters, shoes, jewelry and skirts, in
hues of sunflowers, lemons, saffron and margarine.
2
Cupcakes: Because they’re adorable.
We like tea parties.
1
List’n Up
People are talking...
Proenza Schouler for Target: Arguably
the best designer yet to visit Target. The
collection features a geometric chain
print on crisp blouses, tissue-thin tank
tops, and skirts. Keep an eye out for the
grey suede motorcycle jacket and skinny
pants, as well as the bustier-style dresses.
Fantastic.
Photos from internet
Compiled by Callie Feingold &
Meghan Rihanek
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 17

War documentaries show changing tide
BY BJ VALENTE
Faces Editor
Recent polls suggest that over 60
percent of Americans disapprove of the
way the Iraq war is being handled and 65
percent disapprove of the job President
Bush is doing. It’s no surprise, then, that
the media has latched onto this sizable
demographic with an array of appealing
films.
Enter the war documentary. Since
our involvement in Iraq, the number of
films and documentaries dealing with war
has spiked noticeably. From “Jarhead” to
“Why We Fight,” there have been many
big-screen stances taken on the hot-button
issue of Iraq involvement- legitimacy,
its effects on soldiers, and on the world.
One of those films is a reincarnation
of its older self. Amid the fervor of World
War II, a government propaganda piece,
“Why We Fight” was created to point out
that the heroic involvement of US troops
was a valid and necessary action that protected
the whole world from the incoming
Axis Powers. In 2005, a new “Why We
Fight” hit the theaters as a documentary.
No longer present in this film was the
claim of valor of soldiers marching for
a worthy cause. This new documentary
focused on the “military-industrial complex”
–a joining of the interests of defense
contractors and the government for
their mutual gain. Defense contractors
sell products that stimulate the economy
while the government involves itself in a
conflict. The film drives home that it is
not the glory and supposed “right” that
place U.S. troops in conflict areas. Rather,
it’s the government’s relentless desire for
supremacy and financial gain through
military-industrial complex stimulation
that drives the war machine.
Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of our Fathers”
is a movie detailing the lives of the
six men who raised the American flag on
the island of Iwo Jima- a turning point
in World War II. Although it easily could
glorify the heroism of war, “Flags of our
Fathers” doesn’t. The film shows the devastating
effects on returning soldiers, and
the mental stress and aggravation caused
by war. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
still is a very real threat to Iraqi and U.S.
soldiers. One in eight returning soldiers
from Iraq suffers from Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder.
“Letters from Iwo Jima,” a response
to “Flags of our Fathers,” takes the stance
of the Japanese during the battle of Iwo
Jima. The film shows the good and the
bad, but focuses more on the human
experience of war, its devastation and
destruction.
A set of new documentaries have
been hitting screens focusing explicitly on
troop life in Iraq. These new documentaries
use footage from independent news
sources, and in “The War Tapes,” footage
filmed by the soldiers themselves. They
are very hard-hitting, emotional movies
that depict the harshness surrounding the
conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some
documentaries focus on the atrocities
that have been kept quiet, such as prison
torture in Abu-Ghraib and prisoner-ofwar
massacres by U.S. troops in Mazari-Sharif.
This dramatic increase in war-centric
films and documentaries serves to keep
alive new perspective and debates over
troop involvement. Whatever their motive,
these films help give audiences a taste
of the experience, bitter as it is.
Pinewood Bowl to feature Disney Hit
BY AUBREY CUMMINGS
Staff Reporter
If everyone at Lincoln East broke
into song every time a student reached
a new revelation about their identity, administrators
would have an awfully hard
time enforcing the passing period polices.
In order to help those students injured
during the complicated dance number
on the staircase, a few additional minutes
would have to be added for recovering
and limping to class.
Thanks be to Walt for founding the
Disney Channel that replicates such unrealistic
conditions. The already warped
view of today’s high schools now includes
a musical rendition of the age-old
division of students that is so adamantly
depicted on television. This new songand-dance
twist on an old theme is about
to be massively dosed to Lincoln through
Pinewood Bowl, whose production of the
Disney Channel’s “High School Musical”
will be taking place this summer from
June 27-July 1.
This revival of popularity for the Disney
Corporation is not unlike the “Lizzie
McGuire” fad that once swept preteens
all around America. How, though, did
this musical reach astounding fame,
despite the humdrum formula of “cute
and innocent drama” that Disney loves
so much. Was it the dazzling Zac Efron
who drew giggling audiences to blush at
his shirtless body in the locker room Or
was it the gorgeous “geek” who rocked
the classification of high school cliques,
altering the fate of nerds everywhere!
Doubtful. What separates this movie
from the other teenyboppers Who
knows, but Pinewood Bowl has decided
to latch onto its popularity through its
very own production of “High School
Musical.” Beware, though.
“People will be frustrated that
it won’t be the same,” said junior Sadie
Lubek who will be trying out for the
musical.
For one thing, the exonerated
stars of this TV movie will be replaced
with a more local talent pool. Also, the
easy transitions from scene to scene will
be impossible to do onstage with the
time- consuming scenery changes.
18 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The musical will have to be altered
to cater to its live setting, as well.
“They’re going to have to get
really good people to pull it off,” said
Lubek, who is hoping to be one of these
“good people”.
The movie that mesmerized
teens across the continent is coming to
Lincoln in a slightly altered form this
summer thanks to Pinewood Bowl. Let’s
see if they can give even more playtime
to the songs that every elementary kid
knows by heart. Who knows This could
be the “Start of Something New.”
Photo courtesy of disney.com
East Artists
bring home
awards
from
Scholastic
• Vilis Lipins-senior-bronze key
for drawing, “Dave”, gold key for
drawing, “Rouen Cathedral”
•Lauren Harrison-junior-gold key for
photograph, “X-static”, gold key
for photograph “Spiritual Journey
at Notre Dame”, and gold key for
photograph, “Broken Transmission”,
silever key for photograph,
“fruit fetish”, bronze key for photograph
“london bridge falling
down”
•Kylie Von Seggern-senior-gold key
for photograph “tiny dancer”
•Kelsey Harris-junior-silver key for
digital photograph “self color”
•Becky Lepinski-senior-bronze key
for photograph “Quintessence”
•Erin Carr-senior-bronze key for digital
photograph “droplet”
•Ken Dove-senior- bronze key for
digital photograph “informal
masquerade”
•Alyssa Bornman-senior-bronze key
for photograph “the essence of
haley”
•Samantha Lindsay-senior-bronze
key for photograph “Vertigo”
•Jeremy Vance-junior-bronze key for
photograph “Zavan”
•Anna Wagner--sophomore-bronze
key for photograph “spiraling out
of control”
•Braden Hadfield-sophomorebronze
key for photograph
“home”
•Grainger Brown-sophomore-silver
key for drawing “Water Berries”,
bronze key for drawing “Knife
and Pie”
•Holley Field-sophomore-bronze key
for painting “Wilderness”
•Jamille Kort-senior-gold key for
drawing “portrait of dad”, gold key
for drawing “portrait of mom”
Compiled by Salome Viljoen

The new face of Oscar:
Our preview of top
Oscar contenders
Two years ago, something unthinkable
happened on Oscar night. At first,
the 2005 Academy Awards presentation
appeared to be no different than the
past 77 ceremonies. For the Best Picture
Category, there were the obvious top
contenders to win this award, including
the ever-popular “Brokeback Mountain,”
which was nominated in seven other categories
and had already won the Golden
Globe for Best Picture that year. Other
Best Picture nominees were much smaller
films, including, “Munich,” directed by
Academy-Award winning director Steven
Spielberg, and “Capote.” Not many
people believed that “Crash,” a movie
with a very small budget and a mildly
successful box office turnout would take
the top honor that year, and because of
that win, “Crash” has changed which
films receive nominations and wins at the
Oscars forever.
Before 2005, it seemed like only bigbudget,
blockbuster films won Academy
Awards. In 1997, “Titanic,” whose budget
was close to $200 million and earned
close to $2 billion in ticket sales, won 11
Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Other big-budget films thereafter won
the top honor at the Oscars, including
“Chicago” in 2002, and (of course) “Lord
of the Rings: The Return of the King,”
whose budget was $94 million and earned
over 1 billion in box-office sales. Ever
since “Crash” won in 2005, however,
smaller budget-independent films are
claiming the coveted spots in the Best
Picture category.
“Crash,” had a budget of close to
$6.5 million dollars, and earned roughly
about $50 million in ticket sales, which is
pretty low compared to previous Best Picture
Oscar winners. “Munich,” “Goodbye
and Good Luck,” and “Capote,” were
not blockbuster smashes, but still had
to compete against “Brokeback Mountain,”
which was a blockbuster hit in the
2005 awards. Having “Crash” win over
“Brokeback” paved the way for this years’
Academy Award Best Picture nominees,
and Academy Awards in the future.
None of this year’s nominated movies
had huge budgets or record-breaking
box-office success, and three of the nominees
are considered independent films.
Ten years ago it was seemingly unheard
of to not have a blockbuster smash in
the running for Best Picture, but “Little
Miss Sunshine,” “The Queen,” and “Letters
from Iwo Jima” all have captured a
nomination. All three films had a budget
much smaller than previous Oscar winners,
and have changed the way people
view the Oscar ceremony in general.
Now films are being looked at for their
content and the depth of the characters
rather than how much money it cost to
make it and how much it raked in at the
box office. Hopefully, this is a trend that’s
here to stay.
Rae and Timberlake: Grammy-happy
Justin Timberlake: Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal
Album, Best Dance
Recording, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Justin Timberlake is not a stranger to the music world
by any means, having been in one of the most popular boy
bands in the late 90s and having had major solo success
shortly after. Timberlake has been in the music industry
since 1993 when he was a cast member of the Mickey
Mouse Club, along-side fellow Grammy Nominee this
year Christina Aguilera. In 1995, ‘N Sync was formed, and
Timberlake and the gang sold 2.4 million copies of “No
Strings Attached,” in one week, the highest first-week
album sales in history. In 2002, Timberlake released his
highly-anticipated solo album, “Justified” which brought
him two Grammy nominations and two Grammy wins in
2004, making him a superstar.
In 2006, Timberlake released his second solo album,
“Future Sex/Love Sounds,” which has brought him even
more success in the music industry and in the Grammy
world. Timberlake is nominated in four categories times
this year, including a not-so-surprising nomination in the
Best Dance Recording category for “SexyBack,” which is a
song that everyone and their grandmother has been caught
singing and dancing to. Timberlake’s music changes almost
as much as his hairstyles, evolving from “pop prince” to
an R&B, hip-hop, and dance King. With all these changes,
chances are he will see more Grammy nominations and
wins in the future.
Compiled and wirtten by Paige Juhnke
Corinne Bailey Rae: Record of the Year, Best New
Artist, Song of the Year
First featured as a VH-1 “You Oughta Know” Artist,
27-year old Corinne Bailey Rae has crossed leaps and
bounds from where she grew up in Leeds, West Yorkshire,
England. As a young child, Rae, who is African-American,
was verbally and racially abused because of her skin color,
but her faith helped her to overcome those obstacles and
discover her new passion: music. Rae’s first instrument was
the electric guitar, which led her to form various female rock
groups when she was a teenager. In college, she worked at
a local jazz club and there discovered her passion for jazz
and soul. Her solo self-titled debut album was released in
late 2004, and Rae became just the fourth British songstress
to have her first album debut at number one.
Rae’s music has been described under many different
genres, including R&B, jazz, blues, and acoustic, but
is really a combination of those genres. Her first single
released in the U.S., “Put Your Records On,” was a popinfused
carefree jazz song that brought instant success to
Rae in the states. It reached number two on the Billboard
charts and brought Rae her first Grammy nominations,
including Record and Song of the Year. Rae’s laid-back
demeanor and sweet melodies also brought her the highly
coveted “Best New Artist” nomination, which puts her
among fellow nominees James Blunt, Carrie Underwood,
Imogen Heap and Chris Brown.
Best Picture: Little Miss
Sunshine
Filled with an all-star cast of
Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Alan
Arkin, Toni Collette and Steve Carell,
“Little Miss Sunshine” won Best
Ensemble Cast at the Screen Actors
Guild Awards. The movie follows
Breslin’s character, Olive, and her
eccentric family in a yellow VW van
to California for the “Little Miss
Sunshine” beauty pageant.
Best Actor: Ryan Gosling
in “Half Nelson”
Best known for his role in “The
Notebook,” here, Gosling portrays
an 8 th grade history teacher in Brooklyn,
New York in “Half Nelson” who
truly cares about his students understanding
history rather than memorizing
the facts. Gosling is touching
and believable in this unconventional
Academy Award-nominated role.
Best Actress: Meryl Streep
in “The Devil Wears Prada”
In her 14 th Academy Award
nomination, Meryl Streep plays Miranda
Priestly, an extremely difficult
to work with magazine editor in,
“The Devil Wears Prada.” Streep’s
portrayal of Miranda Priestly captured
audiences world-wide. The
character is based loosely on Vogue’s
Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour.
Best Supporting Actor:
Djimon Hounsou in “Blood
Diamond”
African-born and Paris-raised
Djimon Hounsou and his portrayal
in “Blood Diamond” is nothing
short of brilliant. For his role as
fisherman Solomon Vandy, Hounsou
is the second African male to be
nominated for an Oscar.
Best Supporting Actress:
Jennifer Hudson in “Dreamgirls”
Fresh off her Golden Globe and
Screen Actors Guild Award wins,
Jennifer Hudson has come along way
from her 7 th place finish on American
Idol in 2004. Hudson beat out 782
other actresses for the role of megasinger
Effie White in the blockbuster
smash “Dreamgirls.” Her character is
based on ousted Supremes’ member
Florence Ballard.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 19

Boys b-ball on the rebound
Sam Meginnis shoots a basket at practice
(photo by Alice Root)
S partans S peak Out
BY CARRIE CHEN
Staff Reporter
“You are what your record says you
are,” former NFL coach Bill Parcells once
said. But East’s Varsity Boys’ Basketball’s
record of 3-15 with three games left in the
regular season doesn’t show the obstacles
the team has had to overcome.
“Our whole season has been a season
of injuries and illness that have greatly
interfered with our progress,” said Coach
Ed McPherren, “We felt before the season
we deserve to be in the top four or
five teams in the state. But because of
our health problems, we haven’t done
so well.”
Confidence levels and continuity are
hard to get going in a team decimated
with injuries. Many senior leaders have
been taken out of the game. Jim Ebke
had an appendectomy, Andrew Tomasek
a broken arm, and Mack Grantham has
been out due to illness.
However, the adversity has only
strengthened as the team looks forward
to the District and hopefully State tournaments.
East’s district pool includes
Omaha Bryan, Omaha Burke, Millard
South and Norfolk. With Bryan and Norfolk
as the top two wildcard contenders,
East faces a difficult bracket. But if East
were to win, the team would receive a bid
to State. Regardless of record, McPherren
is proud of his team.
“It takes special athletes to come and
step right in at a moment’s notice and play.
Then at a moment’s notice, when a player
comes back in, to move them back out. To
oscillate, to have team members go in and
out, is disruptive. But we’ve handled it as
well as we can. I don’t think there’s anyone
that’s disgruntled. Everyone understands
and they’ve done the very best they can.
That’s all we’ve ever wanted: players to do
the best they can. As I told them the other
Junior Sam Kiddoo glides through the water at swim practice. (photo by Alice Root)
Swimming upstream
BY PAIGE JUHNKE
Staff Reporter
As East’s swimmers prepare for their
individual events at Conference and State,
senior Rodney Mueller isn’t prepared to
just swim one or two events. He’s prepared
to swim all of them.
“[I swim] anything that Coach asks
me to,” Mueller said. “But my favorite
event is the 500-yard freestyle.” Mueller
prepares by practicing twice a day, for an
hour in the morning before school starts,
and then for about 2 hours after school.
Early-morning swim practice is
probably not the most enjoyable part
of swim season, but to Mueller, there
are other aspects of swimming that he
really enjoys.
“What I like most about swimming
are the guys on the team, and the time we
spend together,” he said.
So far this season, the most exciting
meet for the boys has been Millard
South, because, according to Mueller,
“we dominated.” The rest of the season
outlook looks good as well, with the State
meet soon approaching. A lot of guys on
the team have already qualified for State,
including senior Nic Genrich, junior Craig
Murman, junior Sam Kiddoo, and freshman
Jackson Carter. East’s boys team is
expected to be a contender for the state
title this year.
With his senior swimming year coming
to an end, Mueller will carry away
many memories from the 2006-2007
swim season, including bonding with
his fellow swimmers and Coach Greg
Fleming.
“My favorite memory this year was
Flem jumping into the pool with his
Do you go to the East High basketball games
Why or why not
Compiled by Meghan Rihanek
“No, because any
spor t where you
can’t hit people is
weak.”
“I have to, I’m a cheerleader!”
“Yes, I get fashion
advice from coach
McPherren.”
Sam Ingram
Senior
Paige Gade
Senior
Taylor Stelk
Junior
20 | ORACLE | FEBRUARY 2007 | SPORTS

Inside the headlock: Senior wrestler tells his story
BY SAMMY WANG
Co-Editor-In-Chief
Tim Marti
and Drew
Etherton
give a hefty
thumbs-up
at wrestling
practice
(Photo by
Alice Root)
Wrestling is an individual sport in
theory, but a team sport in practice. Senior
wrestler Steve Gawrick knows how
important “team” really is to the sport.
Gawrick has been a varsity wrestler since
his freshman year, competing at the 160-
pound weight class all four years.
“I won my spot on varsity freshman
year,” said Gawrick. “The family
environment with the 14 varsity guys is
definitely entertaining.” Along with making
friends on his own team, Gawrick has
become close with wrestlers from across
the state.
“ E v e n
though you’re
tr ying to rip
someone’s head
off during a
m a t ch ,” s a i d
Gawrick, “afterwards
you’re friends. Everyone is buddies
at meets, and you get to know everyone
in the state.”
The cooperation inherent with
wrestling is crucial to getting through
the season. The wrestling team’s work
ethic is tireless, from preseason camps
and recovering from countless injuries,
to daily conditioning and perpetual dieting.
Gawrick, as a 160-pounder, knows all
too well the restrictions on his diet during
wrestling season.
“During football, I weighed 185
pounds,” said Gawrick. “So I had to get
Ironing out misconceptions
my weight down to 160 pounds in a few
weeks and keep it down.”
Along with cutting weight, wrestlers
have many other obstacles to overcome.
“I’ve had a lot of injuries with my
hand, thumb, wrist, ankle, back and
shoulder,” said Gawrick. “Plus, I’m pretty
exhausted after practice, and the only
thing I want to do when I get home is
sleep and try not to think about eating.”
But all of the sacrifices have paid off for
Gawrick and the rest of the team.
At the beginning of the season,
Gawrick was ranked first in the state for
his weight class. But there is a price to pay
for being at the top.
“[Being first] makes everyone wrestle
you so much harder,” said Gawrick. “Everyone
wants to beat you, and everyone
expects more out of you.” Currently
ranked third in the state, Gawrick still
has high hopes for the postseason. After
a fifth-place finish at State last year,
Gawrick is ready for the competition.
“My main goal is to move up from
fifth,” said Gawrick. “But ultimately I
want to win State.”
With the cooperation, hard work, and
friendship that define Lincoln East varsity
wrestling, the team’s goals of success are
not out of reach.
“I think everyone is so close,” said
Gawrick. “We’ve become like one big
family. Because of the strain and stress
we put on our bodies all year, it’s good to
know your friends are there bleeding and
sweating with you.” With his last year of
wrestling coming to a close, Gawrick has
a lot to take away from his experience as
a Lincoln East wrestler.
“The work it takes to develop the
skills needed to compete sets wrestling
apart from other sports,” said Gawrick.
“It’s a one-on-one sport where the only
person you can depend on during a match
is yourself. But there’s also a team aspect
because everyone around you is going
through the same things you are, trying
to be the best they can.”
Wrestling Stats and Facts
Districts: 10 State qualifiers, Districts
runner-up
Team Conference Champion (5 Individual
Conference Champions)
Team LPS Classic Champion
Combined weight loss: 134 pounds
Most desired food: water
Fastest pin: 15 seconds, freshman
Cody Moreno
Most pins this season: 29 pins, junior
Drew Etherton
Longest practice: 3 ½ hours
Earliest departure for a meet: 4:15
“YODELEH-HEE YODELEH-
HEE YODELEH-HEE HOOOOO!”
shout the young men as they escalate
Scafell Pike, the most treacherous of
English mountains. With
their harnesses tight, tools
in hand, and ironing boards
secured to their backs,
these guys are prepared to
obliterate any obstacle that
stands in their way of success.
Wait a minute… ironing
boards! Introducing:
the eccentric sport of extreme
ironing! Competitors
take an ironing board to a
remote location and iron a
few items of clothing under
extreme conditions. The ultimate goal
is to iron clothes in the most extreme environment
as possible. And you thought
doing laundry had to be boring!
Extreme ironing has been widely
considered not to be a sport. Apparently
people don’t think that creasing a pair
of trousers at the top of a
mountain peak makes the
activity any different than
rock climbing (go figure...).
But a difficult question arises
from this twisted form
of entertainment: When
is an activity considered a
sport The dictionary is of
little assistance:
Sport – noun – an athletic
activity requiring skill
or physical prowess and
often of a competitive
nature.
Well, what about walking through
Victoria’s Secret Walking is a physical
skill, and it takes loads of prowess for
a guy to walk through that store. Could
a bunch of guys get together on the
weekends, compete to see who can walk
around the store the longest, and call it
a sport In any case, I’d say Victoria’s
Secret Walking is more of a sport than
cheerleading will ever be. There, I said
it! Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing
against cheerleaders, I respect their efforts!
(I mean, who doesn’t like a good
alligator alligator eat ‘em up eat ‘em up)
It’s just that I don’t see how spirit fingers
and monotonous chanting can be considered
“sporty.” Until they unleash their
high-kicks upon one another and create
Extreme Cheerleading, I’m going to
consider cheerleading an “entertainment
based sports-enhancer.”
However, better examples of nonsports,
in my opinion, would be bowling,
darts, billiards, and other types of skillintensive
games. Anything that can be
played professionally by morbidly obese
men who work up a sweat without actually
moving should not be considered a
sport.
I wouldn’t group any type of skill into
athletics, because then hair-dressing, nail
filing, Pokemon, and who knows what
else would have a larger significance in
our society (shudder). My definition-inprogress
of a sport is anything that can
be better played after the use of anabolic
steroids. It’s horrible to define sports using
steroids, the destroyers of athletics, as
the judging-standard, but it works. Take
juiced-up bowling for example. Maybe
it’d supply a little more power behind
the ball, but it wouldn’t be very gameimproving.
I don’t think the juice would
help out the Victoria’s Secret walkers
much either, besides looking buffer for
SPORTS | FEBRUARY 2007 | ORACLE | 21

Pisces
February 19 to March 20
It is the last sign of the Zodiac
and has a lot of potential. You are
more intelligent than most and do
wonderfully at any field. You are
a person who thinks beyond the
restrictions of reality. You always
keep provisions for all the ‘ifs and
buts’. This creates problems in
setting a concrete pattern in your
life path.
Aries March 21 to April 19
You are strong and energetic but
also innocent. You are often very
bold, simple, and candid and
speak from your heart. You love
wholeheartedly and care for your
family more than anything else.
You do not like to bow down
to any one be it spouse or boss.
Many of you make great fighters,
fearless and brave.
Taurus
April 21 to May 20
You are steady and function best
in a harmonious atmosphere. You
are capable of great devotion to
your mate, but can become absolutely
desolate and withdrawn if
otherwise. You need wealth and
comfort to be really happy in life.
You are steady about your love
life and emotions.
Gemini
May 21 to June 21
You are warm and witty with a
mischievous streak that others
often fail to appreciate. You have
very good communication skills
and are a very intelligent person.
You would be ready to change
course at a moment’s notice and
be absolutely happy about it.
Aquarius
January 20 to February 18
You live in your mind where there
are no barriers to restrict you. You
are kind and may go out of your
way to help someone in need. You
like new ideas and some of you
make great reformers. There may be
hundreds of ideas in your head and
some of them will be so interesting
that you may hold a spellbound
audience.
Capricorn
December 22 to January 19
You have a magnetic personality
and enjoy tremendous clout with
the members of the opposite sex.
You are witty and can change a dull
and boring conversation with your
wit and irony. You are patient and
wait for your turn even if it takes
years. You cannot take failures in
your stride and almost never fail in
your endeavors.
What’s
Your
Sign
Cancer
You have a strong sense of duty and
your family is important for you.
You may lay down your life for a
charitable cause, but you may not
budge an inch in a fight, and withdraw
into your protective shell for
a prolonged period of time. But you
can ultimately forget and forgive.
Leo
June 22 to July 22
July 23 to August 22
You are a born leader. You can not
be anything else but the queen.
There is always an inherent call
in your nature to rule and you do
not accept defeat easily. Fidelity
at times may become a problem
as you do like flattery, especially
when it comes from the members
of the opposite sex.
Information from astro.com
Sagittarius
November 22 to December 21
You are wise and patient. You
are good at sports and make very
good referees as well. There is
more in your action than in the
mind. But there is also an acute
sense of dreaming that can make
you into a loner.
Scorpio
October 23 to November 21
You are intense and intuitive but
never aggressive in the usual
sense of the term. While other
strong signs will forget to consider
all the angles, you will find
the most vulnerable spot easily
and attack. You are passionate
and possessive in love and cannot
accept denials with grace.
Libra
September 23 to October 22
You are a born dreamer and a just
person. Key words in your life are
beauty and harmony. You are perhaps
as beautiful inside as your
appearance. You love beautiful
things and often live in a dream
world. You are a true romantic.
Virgo
August 23 to September 22
You are a careful person and do
not like to be pushed into making
hasty decisions. You hate any kind
of disorder and do not appreciate
people who are not perfect in their
mannerism. You are slow to demonstrate
your emotions but you do
expect your life partner to know
your true feelings
Compatible
Signs
Aries - Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Aquarius
Taurus - Virgo, Capricorn, Cancer, Pisces
Gemini - Libra, Aquarius, Aries, Leo
Cancer - Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus, Virgo
Leo - Aries, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra
Virgo - Taurus, Capricorn, Cancer, Scorpio
Libra - Gemini, Aquarius, Leo, Sagittarius
Scorpio - Cancer, Pisces, Virgo, Capricorn
Sagittarius - Leo, Aries, Libra, Aquarius
Capricorn - Virgo, Taurus, Scorpio, Pisces
Aquarius - Libra, Gemini, Sagittarius, Aries
Pisces - Scorpio, Cancer, Capricorn, Taurus
Incompatible
Signs
Aries - Taurus, Scorpio, Virgo, Pisces
Taurus - Aries, Libra, Gemini, Sagittarius
Gemini - Capricorn, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus
Cancer - Aquarius, Leo, Gemini , Sagittarius
Leo - Capricorn, Cancer, Virgo, Pisces
Virgo - Libra, Aries, Aquarius, Leo
Libra - Taurus, Scorpio, Virgo, Pisces
Scorpio - Aries, Libra, Gemini, Sagittarius
Sagittarius - Capricorn, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus
Capricorn - Aquarius, Leo, Gemini, Sagittarius
Aquarius - Capricorn, Cancer, Virgo, Pisces
Pisces - Libra, Aries, Aquarius, Leo