S - Lincoln East High School

Oo racle
v. 39 i. 1 sept. 2006
Cove r p h o to by Alice Root

Students peering over the ivy hedge
BY MARK CARRAHER
Staff Reporter
It’s the beginning of the new school
year, and the heat is on again. If you
relaxed this summer, you had to stop
immediately to begin slaving away at the
books and utilizing the good old quadratic
equation. What’s all this for? To get into
another school in a couple years that will
drone you into working hard enough to
get a good job at which will of course you
will labor at for the rest of your life with
no relent until retirement…which may
never happen for you since the retirement
age is expected to increase — but, that’s
only if you look at the glass half empty.
Dreams of success and early retirement
seem to often contain the phrase,
“after I graduate from Harvard.” Pressure
to succeed comes from parents, teachers
and society itself therefore pushing
students to get into the “Ivies” and other
big-shot schools.
“They think you can get a better
education because of the name,” said senior
Mitch Gerrard. “For me, prestigious
schools aren’t as attractive.”
According to the August 21 “Time
Magazine” cover story, Gerrard isn’t
alone in his opinion. The article states
that with the number of students going to
college each year up 60 percent from the
1960s, students have started to ignore the
Ivy League and search for a college that
better suits them. Even “Newsweek’s”
annual “Top 25 Hot Schools” this year
included many small liberal arts schools
and state universities on the list. With the
number of PhDs doubling from 1968
2 | ORACLE | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | NEWS
to 1998, there are now more professors
and the ones who want to teach go to
small schools while the researchers go to
prestigious schools.
Nebraska Wesleyan Associate Dean,
Dr. Peter Heckman explains that small
colleges feel like a real community.
“You get to know other students and
your professors and they get to know
you,” He said, “You can participate in
more activities such as singing or acting
or playing a sport; whereas at a large university
you are lucky if you are able to do
one of these things.”
Heckman said there are academic
advantages, as well. “At a smaller school,
professors notice when you don’t go to
class and they will do something about it.
At a large institution, it is a lot easier to
slip through the cracks,” said Heckman.
The faculty-student ratio is becoming
an important factor to many students in
their college search. Though Ivy schools
often offer very attractive ratios, liberal
arts institutions have become a force for
Princeton and Yale to reckon with. To
Gerrard, interaction between the instructor
and the students during class enhances
learning opportunities.
“At small colleges you have smaller
classes so you can get to know the professor.”
Gerrard said.
East counselor Rozanne Snoberger
agrees. “The more personal we can make
education, the better,” she said.
Smaller institutions cater more to
students who are attracted to intimacy,
More money for the tummy
BY SEBASTIAN CANTARERO
Staff Reporter
Thanks to the $250 million school
bond that passed last year, East and other
will begin constructing on and remodeling
around February of 2008. The major
differences that sophomores and freshmen
will see in the next couple of years
include: new heating and air conditioning
systems, expansion of the cafeteria, renovation
of the auditorium and performing
arts, expansion of computer labs and the
industrial technology area.
A need for these projects is obvious
to many students. Students who don’t
have class or lockers right next to the
cafeteria end up waiting in line for half
of their lunch period, a problem the
renovations will address, Scott Wieskamp,
director of Facilities and Maintenance
said the cafeteria will “basically double in
size.” That will help ease the ever widening
lines.
Many East students and parents are
excited about the improvements in the
Music and Theatre Department especially
since many schools around the country
have cut these programs entirely.
“It’s great! We need a new
color guard room, we have
to share with the trombones
and they are really loud,”
said junior Jaci Kehling. Everyone
will benefit from the
upgrades to the heating and
cooling systems that will be
included in every room according
to Wieskamp, but
not all students see a need for
major renovations.
“East is one of the best
schools. It’d be selfish to
spend a lot on it because
other schools need the money,”
said Snoberger. Heckman sees the advantages
as well.
“I think students today are also interested
in developing a sense of themselves
as individuals in relation to the community,”
he said. “I think liberal arts institutions
tend to make that possible in ways
that other institutions do not.”
However, small schools certainly do
not meet everyone’s needs. Some students
will make a choice specifically for the urban
setting or the large student body.
“Larger schools cater to kids who
want broader options and students who
appreciate anonymity — they like to get
lost in the crowd; a chance to be anonymous,”
said Snoberger. State universities
like the UNL offer these opportunities to
students at a reasonable price.
Success, contrary to popular belief,
isn’t determined by the college a student
goes to. “Time Magazine” reported that
“only seven CEOs from the current
top 50 Fortune 500 companies were Ivy
League undergraduates.”
As students move away from the
myth of success only after they attend
Harvard, they are discovering numerous
options that might be a good fit, whether
it is Wesleyan, UNL, or even Princeton.
Snoberger sees the search as both
practical and philosophical.
“You can get a good college education
just about anywhere. It just depends
what you do with it,” She said. “We are
more in control of our destiny than the
university is.”
said freshman John Miller.
For more information on the upcoming
remodeling of East, visit www.
lps.org or get in contact with a school
administrator.
The auditorium is just one of the possible renovations.
(Photo by Susanna Webb)
Industrial Arts
East Industrial Arts Instructor Jeff
McCabe took three of his students to
Atlanta, Georgia in August to compete
in a competition spanning 3 days
sponsored by the company Ready To
Assemble. The students, Andy Steck,
Jeremy Kendle, and Scott Vasey were
given the task of creating a table. The
table had to be “ready to assemble”, just
like those kits one can buy. It also had to
be less than 50 pounds and they had to
be able to check it onto a plane.
“Our litmus test was always, could
your grandma put this together,” said
McCabe. The team of students with the
help of McCabe went through several
revisions and hours of work. In the end
East was one of 5 schools to make it into
the final round which sent them to the
competition in Georgia. East finished in
3 rd place which earned then five hundred
dollars cash and a set of power tools for
the school.
Speech Nationals
Ready, set...SPEAK! At least that was
the general idea at the 2006 Bluebonnet
Speech and Debate National Tournament.
Thousands of eager speakers
converged on Dallas, Texas over the week
of June 18 th to the 23 rd to compete in a
variety of events ranging from Humorous
Interpretation to Oratory to Lincoln
Douglas Debate. Out of the thousands
of competitors present 12 of them came
from our very own East High School.
Competitors in Debate:
Tina Zheng-Public Forum
Lisa Amen-Public Forum
Solomon Eppel-Lincoln Douglas
Daniel Russel-Lincoln Douglas
Alan Fast-Public Forum
William Chen-Public Forum
Shelbi Svoboda-Congress
Jim Hao-Congress
Competitors in Speech:
Aaron Stephenson-Humorous Interpretation
Derek Outson-Dramatic Interpretation
Sally Hudson-International Extemporaneous
Speaking
Darja Dobermann-Original Oratory
Results:
Sally Hudson- 13 th in International Extemporaneous
Speaking
Derek Outson- 7 th Dramatic Interpretation
Aaron Stephenson- Top 60 in Humorous
Interpretation
Shelbi Svoboda- Top 30 in Prose
Jim Hao- Top 30 in Expository
Compiled by Darja Dobermann

Pluto demoted
On August 24, when the International
Astronomical Union (IAU)
redefined the term “planet,” Pluto
was demoted to the status of a dwarf
planet. However, many astronomers
around the world have started a petition
protesting the decision.
Astronomers believe the new
definition is flawed and will confuse
educators as well as the general public.
According to the IAU’s definition,
a planet must satisfy the following
conditions: it must orbit the sun, be
large enough for its own gravity to
pull itself into a round shape, and
clear the neighborhood around its
orbit. Pluto fails to satisfy the last
condition.
Pluto is located in the Kuiper
Belt, a ring of comets and debris
beyond Neptune.
Another definition change will
have to wait until the next IAU meeting
in three years. But until then,
Pluto is a dwarf planet along with
other celestial bodies in the Kuiper
Belt.
Complied by Sindu Vellanki
Steve Irwin dies
The famous crocodile hunter,
Steve Irwin died on September 4,
from a fatal stingray attack. While
filming a documentary on the Great
Barrier Reef, he was stung in the heart
by a stingray swimming right underneath
him. He was 44 years old, head
of the Australia Zoo, and is survived
by his wife and two young children.
Irwin spent his whole life as a “crocodile
hunter,” putting his foot right on
a large brown killer snake as a toddler,
and by age nine learning from his father
how to stalk crocodiles by night.
His childhood experiences trained
him well for his future career. He was
known worldwide for his entertaining
antics dealing with all sorts of
endangered and dangerous animals
on his nature show, and also for his
energetic conservation efforts.
Compiled by Salome Viljoen
S S O
partans
“A large university
because I’d like to
meet new people
and there are more
programs.”
- Kayla Schumann
Senior
O, say can you see . . . patriotism?
BY DANNY JABLONSKI
Sports Editor
America has endured five long years
since the attacks on 9-11. Since then, it
has survived additional hardships such
as war, hurricane and what some people
might call “federal mismanagement”.
However, patriotism has flourished in the
form of donations, support and protests.
Despite citizens’ and the government’s
best patriotic efforts, though, some government
officials still aren’t satisfied.
BY KARI TIETJEN
Co-Editor-in-Chief
In recent years, Nebraska high school
students have demonstrated their intelligence
through impressive SAT and ACT
test scores. Despite a national downward
trend in SAT scores, Nebraska has maintained
its upward climb.
Figures released August 29 by the
College Board show that Nebraska’s figures
have increased in the reading, math
and writing portions of the SAT. . Only
1,500 Nebraska students took the SAT,
compared to 16,000 students (or 76 percent
of Nebraska seniors) who took the
ACT in the 2006 school year.
Typically, the ACT is the test preferred
by most colleges in the Midwest
and the SAT is favored by schools on
either coast. Lately, however, it appears
as though the ACT is becoming the go-to
To instill more patriotism among
Americans, Sen. Robert Byrd of West
Virginia snuck a mandate into a massive
spending bill in 2004. Byrd, who carries
a copy of the Constitution in his pocket,
was frustrated with Americans’ ignorance
about their country’s history, so he decided
to take matters into his own hands.
The mandate requires every school that
receives federal funds to teach about the
U.S. Constitution on its anniversary, Sept.
17. Before the mandate, schools taught
about the Constitution in different ways
and time slots. Constitution Day has
hanged that, though.
The goal of this new day is to teach
each new generation about the U.S.
Constitution’s uniqueness as the world’s
longest-standing constitution. Byrd feels
it’s important that new generations understand
the need to protect and maintain
the rights and liberties given by the U.S.
Constitution to U.S. citizens.
This year, the Preamble to the Constitution
was simultaneously recited in
all fifty states, in a roll call ordered by
states’ admittance into the Union. Colleen
Ogden’s classes got even more involved
by attending a Proclamation ceremony
test in all states.
Nebraska students also raised the bar
in their ACT scores as well. Out of all the
states, Nebraska’s 2006 average score of
21.9 was 12th highest. Compared to the
national average of 21.1, LPS’s average of
23 shows that LPS students’ hard work
is paying off.
According to LPS associate superintendent
for instruction Marilyn Moore,
improved test scores are the results of
increased rigor and higher expectations
for students. East’s scores also have
steadily increased in past years. In 2004,
East’s average ACT score was 23.7, up 0.4
percent from 2003, according to the ACT
school districts. East Associate Principal
Gary Williams feels that East’s high scores
are the result of many factors, including
What type of college are you applying to: small liberal arts or a big university?
Compiled by Sammy Wang
“A small private
school because of
the soccer program
and because there
is more individualized
attention.”
- Megan Masada
Senior
at the County City building in which the
week of September 18 was declared Juror
Appreciation Week.
“By serving on a jury, citizens have
the privilege of providing direct input
into the administration of justice, as
outlined in the Constitution,” said Ogden,
“Your voice as a juror is needed.”
Another effort to increase patriotism
is the National Anthem Project. Lead
by First Lady Laura Bush, the National
Anthem Project seeks to re-teach “The
Star Spangled Banner” to Americans.
Studies have shown that two out of every
three American adults don’t know all the
words to “The Star Spangled Banner.”
This three-year program was launched in
2005 and includes a 50-city tour reaching
all 50 states. On this tour, donations will
be given to music organizations and individuals
who will gather for a performance
in Washington D.C. Last year, East’s
music department kicked off the project
for East students and staff.
It remains to be seen if efforts such
as these will strengthen Americans’ patriotism.
In the midst of such uncertain
times, however, it is likely that these will
be the only attempts to address patriotism.
Jim Ebke stands by flag. (Photo by Shuqiao Song)
ACT and SAT scores are up at East
peak ut
strong family educational backgrounds
and the excellent learning environment
provided at East.
About the tests
ACT:
www.ACT.org
4 hours without writing
$29 without writing
$43 with writing
First administered in fall 1959
SAT:
www.ETS.org
3 hours 45 minutes
Subject tests each 1 hour
Reasoning test $41.50
Subject tests $18 + extra for each test
First administered in 1926
“A large university
so I can get the full
college experience.”
- Tim Marti
Senior
NEWS | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 3

Staff ED: You’ve got the whole world in your hands
If you throw a bullfrog in boiling
water, he will immediately leap out in
reaction to the heat. However, if you put
the same bullfrog in a pan of cool water
and slowly heat it to the boiling point, the
bullfrog will let himself be boiled alive.
This story seems to embody the attitude
of today’s society on the issue of global
warming. While other issues like abortion
and gay marriage have taken the spotlight,
global warming has been pushed to the
back burner. Like the bullfrog, though,
if we wait too long to react, we won’t be
able to escape the boiling water.
The problem with global warming,
though, isn’t whether or not it exists; the
problem is that most Americans don’t
care enough to acknowledge it. Because
of the slow change, and political and
business leaders’ refusal to seriously address
the issue, Americans believe that
there’s no need to panic. That’s not to
say that every time someone brings up
global warming they put their hands over
their ears and sing “Old McDonald.” But
Americans don’t take the issue seriously
enough to do anything about it. We seem
destined to ignore the issue until it boils
over. And by the time you let it boil over,
the world will literally be boiling over.
Before any controversy, consider this:
the technology is available to America to
cut down on emissions. There have been
solar panels designed that are paper-thin,
and therefore less expensive, and are just
4 | ORACLE | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | VOICES
as effective as any other solar panel on the
market. According to some scientists, if a
city were to cover two-thirds of its building’s
roofs with solar panels, they would
be able to power the entire city. Also, in
other countries wind turbines have been
used as a huge source of power. Even
with this knowledge at our disposal, very
few steps have been taken to implement
these new methods. Few laws have been
made to address global warming, so it’s
no surprise that efforts by the majority
of the American people have been lack-
Kiddy counter-parts quarantined
BY DARJA DOBERMANN
Staff Reporter
Once upon a time there was a little
boy named Calvin. Calvin had a best friend
named Hobbes. Calvin and Hobbes loved
to frolic and play games in the backyard.
It didn’t matter to Calvin that Hobbes
was a tiger, and Hobbes didn’t give a hoot
that Calvin was a little boy because they
were the best of friends. But then, the
worst possible thing happened. Calvin’s
backyard became deserted, his red wagon
turned a lovely rust color, and Hobbes
began collecting cob webs in the corner.
You see, Hobbes had been replaced.
Replaced by a beeping, flashing, musicmaking
machine…a videogame.
All over the United States, kids are
kicking their kiddy counterparts to the
curb and ushering in their electronic
nurses to entertain them. As a result,
today’s plugged in kids are becoming
increasingly alienated from nature and
the consequences are extensive. From
physical to mental and spiritual well being,
today’s nature-free kids are suffering. In
an era where attention-deficit disorder,
calcium-deficit disorder, potassium-deficit
disorder and [fill-in-the-blank] disorders
are running rampant, it is time to make
room for one more on the list. Naturedeficit
disorder is the newly coined term
to describe the “shut-in” children of
today. Nature deficit disorder is the cumulative
effect of withdrawing nature from a
child’s experiences; the symptoms include
an increased level of stress, trouble paying
attention, and a feeling of not being
rooted in the world.
Nobody ever realized that Susie
did better in school in part because she
and her imaginary friend Jeremy played
hide-and-go-seek in the woods out back.
Current studies, however, confirm that
parents who encourage “nature play” are
helping their kids sharpen their concentration
skills, reduce stress levels and solve
problems in a creative way.
It would be easy to blame kids’ nature
deficit lives on their parents who don’t
Photo courtesy of radio13.muted.ca
ing. This is because the issue has been
nearly ignored for the past few years. In
popular culture today, global warming is
something more of a jest --material for
jokes-- rather than the serious issue it
actually is. This leads to the mentality that
it isn’t a very threatening matter, and we
can simply ignore it.
Global warming is also doomed by
the quick-fix mentality that characterizes
the American population in general.
Americans have the idea that if it isn’t
happening right here, right now, it simply
send them out to the backyard for fun.
True, parents may be at fault to a degree
but it is not solely their fault. Even kids
who play in a flat, well-kept lawn don’t
reap the same benefits as those who
mess around in a huge park or a local
forest. Oh, yes the dreaded words, “mess
around in.” This idea of exploring with
abandon has been criminalized. Today’s
parents wrap their kids in layers and layers
of bubble wrap and handle them like
eggshells. Heaven forbid little Johnny or
Susie fall down and go boom.
But parents aren’t entirely at fault.
Schools that have reduced recess time
are only helping to manifest the problem.
The thing no one seems to realize is that
by stopping kids from playing freely without
restraint causes damage than it prevents.
Unstructured play allows children
to express themselves creatively which
is something all parents should want. So
when you take that free play away from
them you are taking with it their ability to
isn’t a problem. Admittedly, global warming
isn’t a problem that is having huge
and devastating effects right now. The actual
climax may be decades away. In fact,
some of America’s political and business
leaders may be gone by the time the real
disaster happens. But that doesn’t mean
that the issue shouldn’t be addressed.
What about the generations that will be
around when the issue does become immediate?
Leading scientists predict that if
the problem is not addressed, Nebraska
could be seeing another Dust Bowl. The
crops will decline, wildlife will ebb, and
tourism dollars will disappear. Will future
Nebraskans just be left to fend for
themselves?
It is true that one person can’t solve
global warming today. However, it’s not
that difficult to take little steps to address
it. Turn off the lights. Ride your bike.
Learn about the issue and the steps you
can take to help. The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has a great website
(www.epa.gov) that includes news stories
about what’s going on in the environment
right now, and some programs that
are being implemented. Google “global
warming” and you could spend a year
reading about it.
We can’t just let our world heat up
until it becomes too late. The time has
come to take action and prove that we
are more aware of our surroundings than
a bullfrog.
connect to nature and express themselves
individually in a creative manner. We are
all familiar with the saying, “if you don’t
use it, you lose it.” That is exactly what
this generation of young kids is headed
for.
Parents, school administrators, grandparents,
aunts, uncles and teachers all need
to take a long hard look at today’s kids and
the society they are living and growing up
in. Then they should take another look at
how the childhood diabetes and obesity
rates are increasing, and how most kids
today can’t say what a newt feels and looks
like. These realities are warning signs that
people can no longer ignore.
Parents should do their kids a favor
and kick out that electric babysitter.
Teachers should give recess back to the
kids and everyone should usher back in
Hobbes and George and Betty and Peanut
and Fluffy and Snuffy and Jeremy and all
those other ex-kiddy counterparts who
are currently unemployed.

Friends, Spartans, Countrymen...
It’s a new school year and, for your
reading pleasure, a new “Oracle” is here
to welcome you, albeit about a month
late. Nonetheless, I am sure it will be the
highlight of your month, indeed your
whole year, this treasure trove of all things
deemed important by the newspaper
staff. Naturally this section, the opinion
section, will be your favorite and you will
anxiously await my column each month,
chomping at the bit in expectation of
your monthly dose of me. And it is a
matter of course that you will continue
on from this sentence and read the rest
of what I have to say and not move on to
find sections with more pictures.
If you did, in fact, follow directions
and are now reading this, I am very
pleased. You are either a capable reader
or dyslexic and lucky. At any rate, since
you’re here, I will now reign in my biting,
sarcastic commentary and get to the
point.
Let’s be honest and admit that nobody
reads every article in this paper,
aside from our editors and Mrs. Holt.
Here’s a secret: they don’t count. Only
you, dear reader, do. Otherwise, we
wouldn’t spend so much money on pub-
Living in the shadow
Seniors, think back to that first day of
high school. We all remember it; some of
us were too cool for school, some of us
couldn’t wait to be somebody, and some
of us couldn’t wait for it to end.
For me, my worries weren’t about
getting lost or trampled in the hallways.
My worries were that people would only
know me as Candace Wang’s little sister.
I entered East with pretty big
shoes to fill. All my life my
sister has preceded me with
impressive achievements.
She left a legacy at East as
class president, editor-inchief
of the Oracle, state
champion in speech, Varsity
cheerleader, National Honor
Society member, Mayor’s
Youth Council member,
Peter Kiewitt Award winner,
Regent Scholar, founder
of YouthInspire, Girls State participant
and graduation speaker. A lot to live up
to, right? At first, I did little to move out
of that shadow. Instead, I followed her
footsteps and chose the same activities
because I thought it was the only successful
path.
If you know anything about me,
you’ll see a lot of similarities between
my sister’s high school career and my
own. But one thing that separates us
Lend me your mail
lishing this big paper. Instead, we newspaper
staffers would just sit in the classroom
and congratulate ourselves on creating
prime examples of journalistic
writing. But I digress. This
paper is intended for you.
Unfortunately, we can’t know
who you are and what you like,
when there are about 1,600
people who you might be. To
prepare for this eventuality, we
have tried to pack your paper
with a delectable smorgasbord
of topics, hoping that at least
one will interest you beyond
the headline and pictures.
But here’s something you may not
know: you can be in our paper, too! I am
referring to that most elusive of journalistic
inventions: the letter to the editor.
This mysterious writing can only be created
through the extremely complex and
arduous process of writing a letter to us
and either sticking it in Holt’s mailbox in
the office, putting it in our room (B159)
or e-mailing it to her at jholt@lps.org.
Thus, it is understandable that we never
receive any.
is the speech team. My sister was State
champion in informative speech (I’m
sure many of you have seen her ‘gossip’
speech in Oral Comm.), so I joined the
speech team because I felt obligated to.
I thought it was my duty to succeed at
speech. One thing you should know about
me before I continue is that I’ve got ‘Asian
ambition’. I’ve always had to be the best,
the hardest working, and the
most committed; quitting is
never an option. I competed
at a few tournaments, never
smiling, never passionate,
never really knowing why I
was there.
Back then, I viewed
extracurriculars as resumefillers,
not as enjoyment. I
surrounded myself in the
secluded bubble that is the
speech world, constantly
being compared to my sister. Not that I
hadn’t been compared to her my whole
life, but before, it was about achievements.
This was about me. “Sammy,
you’re not as fun as Candace; you’re not
as dedicated; you’re not as good.” Maybe
it was supposed to light a fire in me and
compel me to become a true ‘speechie’,
but it had the opposite effect.
After a season and a half, I couldn’t
handle the constant comparisons. I quit
To come to the main point of this
column, I want your mail. I have ears and
can walk down the halls, so I know that
you have at least one opinion
to share. So share it. If
we feel we need to protect
your identity, we can publish
the letter anonymously,
but we always require your
name before we run a letter.
But, barring any name
problems or inappropriate
content, we will be happy
to run what you send and
then you can delight in
seeing your name in the
paper.
As one final note, if you found this
column annoying, phrased oddly, or you
would rather I don’t attempt sarcasm, you
need only send a letter to the editor, me.
Then, should I choose to acknowledge
its existence, I will attempt to reform
my style and trouble you no longer. But
should you choose not to inform me,
I will continue writing like this until I
graduate, you transfer, or someone else
tells me to stop.
the speech team – a decision that dismayed
both the coaches and my parents.
It was probably the only time I’d ever
deliberately failed to please people.
That moment of weakness became a
new beginning for me. After leaving the
realm of speech behind, I became more
involved in athletic training. It’s a different
world. I’ve met people who could care
less about my academic credentials and
who don’t find joy in hearing themselves
talk. And through athletic training, I’ve
developed close friendships that I know
I could not have found on the speech
team. My failure as a speech kid gave
me greater opportunities than failing at
something ought to.
After three years, I’ve finally stopped
worrying about being compared to my
sister. Even though we participated in
many of the same activities, our high
school experiences have been on opposite
sides of the spectrum and I am grateful
for that.
Now as a senior looking back, it all
seems so insignificant, especially compared
to what’s in store. This final year
of high school is supposed to be about
self-doubt and maturing from it. It’s only
September, and already senior year has
been about discovering that I don’t know
anything. And that’s enough for me.
S
partans
S peak
Out
“How do you think
global warming has
affected the world?”
Compiled by Kelli Blacketer
Grayson Spomer,
Paraeducator
Linda Lannin,
Special Education
teacher
Sabrina Knuth,
Paraeducator
Photos by Rachel Gibson
“It has made a
big difference
on the plants
and the way
they are and
how it affects
the animals.
The growing
seasons have
changed.”
“Who says
there’s global
warming?”
“I watched
a movie this
summer,
‘Inconvenient
Truth’, and it
stated at the
rate global
warming is
going, Glacier
National Park
will no longer
be around. I
am going to
buy a hybrid
car to help
fight global
warming.”
VOICES | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 5

Backstage pass: Homecoming 2006
BY KIERSTEN HAUGEN
Staff Reporter
Two weeks ago East High celebrated
its 40th homecoming. This year, Spartans
had the chance to take the walk of fame
down the red carpet with the stars. This
year’s dance was a night to remember,
so here is a Backstage Pass to what went
down both behind the scenes and in the
spotlight.
What, was so significant about this
year’s Homecoming game? East’s 3-0
record of course! For the first time in
years, the Spartans were undefeated heading
into the Homecoming game against
Omaha Benson.
“I think our team is going to bring
up another big win considering the team
we’ll be playing,” said senior player Nick
Rouse. At the game, Spartans showed
off their school spirit and cheered their
players to another win. The final score of
the game was Spartans: 27 and Bunnies: 6.
At halftime, the nominees for homecoming
royalty were announced and each of
the six couples walked onto the field to
receive their roses. The nominees for king
were Mitchell Gerrard, Jim Ebke, Taylor
Stacay, Danny Scheyer, Max Gade and
Eric Cedardahl. The nominees for queen
Freshies frolic freely
BY SAMMY WANG
Co-Editor-In-Chief
Always walk on the right side of the
hallway. Don’t buy any elevator passes.
Eat outside for lunch. If your locker gets
stuck, ask a custodian. Advice. That
is what the new freshmen received on
Freshman Day.
On Monday, August 28, while seniors,
juniors and sophomores relished
their last day of freedom, hundreds of
freshmen began their year. Finding a
table in the cafeteria, finding people to sit
with, and finding familiarity – everyone’s
been through it. Luckily, the freshmen
got to figure everything out among fellow
students who were just as nervous
as they were.
Freshman Cody Moreno spent
Freshman Day looking at clubs to join,
meeting teachers, and preparing himself
for the days to come.
“I started getting nervous around
the beginning of August,” said Moreno.
“That’s when I knew the first day was less
than a month away.” As a Lefler graduate,
Moreno has a smaller pool of friends than
the majority of incoming Lux students.
But unlike many, he already has a link
into East.
“I’ve been wrestling for eleven years,
so I know a lot of the wrestlers here,” said
6 | ORACLE | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | FACES
were Sierra Andersen, Megan Masada,
Rachel Dahlin, Haley Carpenter, Kelsey
Nowka and Laura Clouston.
After all the football hype on Friday,
Spartans dressed to impress for Saturday’s
homecoming dance. The theme was “A
Red Carpet Rendezvous” which proved
to be a huge success. East’s Speech and
Debate team puts on the homecoming
dance every year to raise money for their
season. Early on Saturday morning, many
members of the team met at East to decorate
the gym. Junior Sadie Lubeck helped
with a large portion of the decorating for
the dance.
“This year we are going all out with
the decorating. It’s going to be awesome,”
she said “We’re putting up some
Hollywood cut-outs and we’re having a
red carpet too! This year’s theme will be
more fun.” Dancers were greeted with a
picturesque Hollywood scene.
After all the hard work was completed,
it was time to party like a celebrity!
East High rolled out the red carpet and
welcomed all the students as if they were
famous. Students piled into the gym and
danced the night away. About halfway
Moreno. “That’s why I came to East.”
Not only that, but Moreno entered with
a bit of good advice. “My dad told me
that it’s everyone else’s first day,” said
Moreno. “They all look like they’re nervous,
too.”
With ten-minute periods, classes progressed
quickly and teachers talked about
seating charts, introductions, expectations
and guidance.
“There are great people here,” said
math teacher Bret Koenig. Tapping those
people and opportunities is key to the
freshmen’s
success.
“ T a k e
a d va n t a g e
of all the
resources at
East,” said
construction
technology
teacher Jeff
M c C a b e .
“Everyone
has somet
h i n g t o
give.” Each
teacher added
on his or
through the evening this year’s royalty
was announced. Our king was Taylor
Stacey and our queen was Kelsey Nowka.
Spartans continued have a blast throughout
the rest of the night. Lincoln East’s
Homecoming for 2006 was certainly an
unforgettable night.
Homecoming Royalty Taylor Stacey and Kelsey
Nowka being crowned (Photo by Shuqiao Song)
her own advice to the freshmen, most
likely falling on deaf ears too inexperienced
to realize the value.
After classes, the freshmen attended
their first Spartan pep rally complete
with the Fight Song, prizes, and loads
of true blue Spartan spirit. A ice cream
social for students, staff and parents,
followed the pep rally, ended the day on
a sweet note.
Whether giving a false sense of security
or a sobering note – Ninth Grade Day
made its point: school is in session.
Freshmen
sit at a table
together in
Industrial
Tech during
Freshman
Day. (Photo
by Sammy
Wang)
Worldly teacher
BY MELANIE FICHTHORN
Staff Reporter
Think of what you did this summer.
You probably slept a lot, maybe
you got a job, or perhaps you went on
vacation. However, not everyone went
somewhere just for fun in the sun.
East senior Adam Brown went
to Mexico over his summer vacation.
However, he wasn’t there just to sip
fruit drinks on the beach. He traveled
to Oaxaca, a small mountain town just
south of Mexico City. Brown donated
his time to teach English to adults and
children with a volunteer group.
“It was crazy,” said Brown. “It was
different from anything I’d seen in the
states. There were prostitutes all over
the place, and people with fires on the
sidewalk cooking food.”
After a taxi ride and a cramped
drive in a VW bug with six other
people, the group arrived in Oaxaca
after landing in Mexico City. They were
given a room with a blanket for a door
and tarantulas on the floor. As a sign
of respect, the villagers had given them
a room with glass windows, instead
of the typical windows with blankets
over them.
The group stayed with a family that
fed them meals of rice and tortillas.
The mother spent her days making
tortillas while her children farmed with
their father and their grandmother
would weave baskets.
“The town was really isolated,”
said Brown. “They had a TV, but they
didn’t get very many channels. Most
of what they watched were pirated
DVDs.” Another difference was the
town church.
“I didn’t get to actually go into the
church, but I peeked into one of the
windows,” said Brown. “It was like a
shrine.” In some of the wealthier cities,
the churches are filled to the brim
with gold, detailed carvings, and statues.
Though the town is not as wealthy,
Oaxaca’s church is still amazing.
Brown said the teaching was a
great experience. Oaxaca had a school,
but they didn’t have any teachers. That
didn’t dampen his students’ enthusiasm,
though.
“They were all really excited to
learn,” said Brown. His group taught
two classes, one in the afternoon for
the children, and one later in the evening
for adults. There were no morning
classes because everyone was working.
Overall Brown enjoyed the trip despite
having to leave early due to illness.
“The entire trip was just awesome,”
said Brown.

East senior has the moves
Nic Genrich dances, swims, and is on drumline
BY RACHEL BRANKER
Staff Reporter
Drumline captain and state champion swimmer are
familiar and coveted descriptions of senior Nic Genrich
but not everyone knows he’s also a nationally-ranked
dance soloist.
Nic readies to start off the block (Photo submitted by Nic Genrich)
The schedule of a senior
BY B.J. VALENTE
Faces Editor
One of the easiest things to do senior year is not
work. Face it, after three years of required classes and class
sequences, everyone is ready to sit back and do nothing.
That’s why senior year often is thought of as a time to
let it slide, take some classes you normally wouldn’t, have
some fun. For many, it can go both ways.
“For a student enrolling in higher education we know
they want to see a challenged student,” said East High
counselor Mrs. Rozanne Snoberger. “What ‘challenged’
means will be different for every student, though.” The
idea is to keep students mentally moving. For seniors, it’s
critical to keep the juices flowing to prevent stagnation,
and yet to balance the work time with some downtime.
Senior schedules, as a result, vary widely.
Senior Nate Becwar knows that senior year is supposed
to be an enjoyable time before he goes to college.
He also knows that getting his work done is important,
too. Becwar only takes classes periods two through four
this semester, but he’s not just sitting around.
“I work at the Arthritis Center of Nebraska after
school,” said Becwar. “I do lots of different things; like
medical records, insurance data, and whatever else needs
to be done.” For Becwar, his schedule balances required
classes with ones that are of interest to him.
“I chose my Sports Literature class because I wanted
an English class that I’d be interested in. I like sports a
lot, so I chose Sports Literature,” said Becwar. Becwar’s
schedule allows him to have school work requirements
and interests along with work experience, which creates a
balanced schedule for him that keeps him thinking.
Senior Lauren Beitel’s priorities for a senior schedule
Genrich has been to dance nationals every year
since he was 13, performing Jazz and Tap solos. After
winning more than 25 dancing titles for himself and
Universal Academy, it’s a little hard to believe his dancing
is still somewhat a secret. “I’ve been dancing
since I was four, “said Genrich. “ I’ve always
just loved performing and supported this art
form.” Fourteen years later, Genrich’s efforts
are nationally recognized.
With expertise in Jazz and Tap, he performs
two to three solos a year in competitions,
as well as a duet last year with a Stephanie
Morray at Nationals. In the world of the
Lied Center Nutcracker, he’s also known as
“Fritz”. For the last ten years he’s graced the
stage as the naughty brother of Clara in the
annual Christmas performance. But Genrich
said that this role has gotten a bit old. His
new love resides in the pool.
Genrich has won numerous All-American
swimming honors, including first in State
in the 200 freestyle relay and second at State
for the team last year.
He loves the team sport of swimming
were that
it should
be a heavy,
challenging
course
load.
“Senior
year should
be relaxed,”
said Beitel,
“but it’s not
because you
need to apply
for college
and do
all your work,
so it’s tough
and stressful.”
But even in the
midst of a difficult
schedule B e i t e l
can take classes she’s interested in.
“Some of my classes are required,” said Beitel, “but I
knew that I wanted to take WePo and that I like chemistry
and student council, so all of those things went into my
schedule.” Beitel’s schedule is challenging for her, but it’s
not overly so. She can still make time to do Apollonaires,
too. For Beitel, the key to her balanced schedule was
challenging herself and keeping her interests.
“The student needs to decide the classes they take,”
said Snoberger. “They can have very analytical classes, but
but gives a nod to the lessons he’s learned dancing.
“Dancing has helped me in everything,” said Genrich.
“ From Drumline, coordination, swimming, balance
whatever- you name it.”
Between school and swimming, Genrich also
teaches three dance classes a week to teenagers and
adults. His coaches, Vivian Ball and Angela Beery at
Universal Studios, also use him as a substitute while Ball
is on maternity leave.
Despite all of his work and success, Genrich has
faced some challenges. “Life hasn’t always been so easy,”
said Genrich. “At times my friends were not good about
supporting me in dance.” Yet Genrich has the last laugh
because “dance is usually considered a girl’s sport and
all the ladies love me.”
With Genrich’s track record and his chameleon
talent, he could surely have a career in the competitive
dancing world, but feels that swimming is his true passion.
In college Genrich plans to take a break from dancing
and eventually enter dental school. He said dancing,
was and still is an incredible part of his life.
“It was fun giving back and helping others but I’m
ready to move on.”
it’s also important that they have courses that develop creativity
and show a broader character.” The senior schedule
becomes more than a relaxing escape from requirements.
It’s a progression based upon previous classes, years past,
what future goals the student has, and finding balance
between challenging and broadening.
“Students at East understand that they should try to
schedule balance and have and find the best curriculum
for the individual,” said Snoberger.
FACES | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 7

Check out what’s...
BRAND SPANKIN’
NEW
FOCUS | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 8
at East!

Members of the Royalz practice their funky fresh dance moves. (photo by Rachel Branker).
The Royalz pop, lock, and rock East
BY RACHEL BRANKER
Staff Reporter
Rivalry, competition, and high stakes are words
usually linked to Friday night games between football
teams, but not anymore. For the first time in 40 years
the marching band, color guard, and Apollonaires will
have a run for their money during the half-time shows.
It took 2 years’ worth of planning, 17 sassy ladies (and
Shemiah Brown) and some dangerous dance moves that
look like they belong on a BET hip hop video, but the
Royalz Hip Hop team is now in the house.
Team captain and founder Jade Hepburn has always
wanted to dance on an East team but wanted an urban
flair. Last year Hepburn at first determined to start a step
team like those at southwest and North Star, but found
that stepping didn’t have the energy she was looking
for. Last April, Hepburn and seventeen other students
set out with no paid choreographers, no coach and two
sponsors who act as chaperone to the Royalz during
practice and performances.
Royalz music mavericks Brittany Bukovac and Nasrin
Vafa say they sometimes feel like the new kids on
the block. Since the team’s beginning, there have been
struggles. Music must be edited, moves may be censored,
and outfits must be approved by administrators and
sponsors Mrs. Beeson and Mrs. Hovorka.
“ The board has been stingy/frugal with our ideas
on music and uniforms,” said Hepburn “ Since we
are a new group every little thing we try to pass gets
denied.” As newcomers, the group knows their lack of
funding and experience create challenges other groups
don’t face.
“We don’t consider ourselves rivals because we don’t
compare,” said junior choreographers Jaida Delaney and
Auberielle Gingery. “Our music, moves, and style are
completely different from the ‘naires and guard. We want
to make the audience want to get up dance with us. ”
The Royalz want to bring a new identity to East halftime
by showing an urban energy to the audience.
For the dance impaired readers out there, Hip Hop
is all about energy flow with fast locked moves and street
flair. The dancers use all their body in the movements
and stylize their routines to fit in with the feel of the
music. Unlike Hip Hops opposites ballet and jazz, the
hip hop movement isn’t limited to a jumble of French
terms and stiff regulations about proper movement.
Hip-hop is not bound by rules but rather inspired by
the lyrics and sounds.
In the midst of battling for after-school practice
times in the gyms and finding a summer dance workshop,
Hepburn tells how proud she is of having a guy on the
team to bring a uniqueness to the Royalz and breaking
the way for more guys to join next year.
“ Shemiah Brown considers himself the ladies’ man
of the team, Hence the butt shaking solo that shook the
walls off of East last May at the switch rally, said Royal
Brittany Bukovac.
Besides the ghetto fabulous moves and Shemiah’s “
rump shaking” another unique story about the Royalz
is their name. Senior officer Vafa thought up the name
Royalz from Spartan spirit. Royal blue being the school
color goes perfectly with their iconic crown and noble
Spartan lifestyle.
“The z was added for more street flair, “said
Vafa.
Future plans for the Royalz reside in all the forthcoming
pep rallies, basketball games, dance competitions,
and next years’ football games. Their two stunning
performances at pep rallies already have Spartans
clamoring for more of their street style and next season’s
auditions.
“ Words like energy, real, urban, and positive are
what describe us” said Hepburn. “ I want us to be respected
as equals and for everyone to get really energized
when the Royalz step on stage.”
Join us!
Ambassadors Club
This club helps new students feel included and
involved at East.
Meeting Time: TBA
Contact: senior President Kay Tomlinson
Ecology Club
Help protect the environment with the Ecology
Club.
Meeting Time: Wednesdays in Mr. Flowerday’s
room, B043
Contact: senior Lindsay Graef
FBLA
Future Business Leaders of America members
attend business conferences, attend socials, and are
very active in the community. Any student who is
enrolled in a business-related class is welcome to
attend a meeting and join FBLA.
Meeting Time: TBA
Contact: Ms. Anderson in room B103 or B108
GSA
Gay-Straight Alliance is a club that promotes
tolerance and having fun.
Meeting Time: Fridays after school in room
B110
Contact: junior Elektra Wrenholdt
Math Club
This is a club for any students interested in
math.
Meeting Time: Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 8
p.m. when announced
Contact: your math teacher or Ms. Penner
Penned
This is a new club at East. Penned meets to
talk about books and write. On the second Tuesday
of every month, a book will be chosen to read that
month, and discussion will be the next month.
Meeting Time: Tuesdays after school
Contact: sophomore Renni Johnson, sophomore
Barb Walkowiak, or Ms. Sattler in the library
Tri-M
This is an honor society for music students.
Throughout the year, members participate in musicrelated
activities and community service projects.
Meeting Time: TBA
Contact: senior President Meghan Rihanek or
Mr. Nielsen.
Spanish Club
Come speak Spanish, eat Mexican food, and get
help with Spanish homework at Spanish Club.
Meeting Time: every Monday in Señor Pierce’s
room (B110) from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: junior Alexis Korn or Señor Pierce.
German Club
Come to German Club for fun activities with a
German culture flair.
Meeting Time: Mondays in Wegner’s room,
B226
Contact: senior Robert Kachmann or junior
Andy Seachord
Compiled by Meghan Rihanek
9 | ORACLE | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | FOCUS

“School House” rocks!
BY CALLIE FEINGOLD
Staff Reporter
East’s fall musical has a distinctly
youthful feel about it this
year. Based upon an elementarybased
cult classic and starring an
array of new faces, one is bound
to notice the years being shed all
across the board in “School House
Rock: Live!”
The building blocks for this
free-spirited performance come
from the classic children’s cartoon
series, “School House Rock.”
In the early 1970’s, an advertising
executive was worried that his
son was struggling with memorizing
multiplication tables. While
struggling with products, his son
Students practicing for the musical. (Photo by
Susanna Webb)
Fashion flashback
BY PAIGE JUHNKE
Staff Reporter
Fashion is a fickle and cyclical beast.
Things that were popular many years ago
are starting to pop back into stores and
back into the hallways at school. Clothing
styles from the ‘40s, ‘50s, and beyond are
inspiring fashion looks of today. With so
many trendy and creative style options, it’s
difficult to decide which fashion flashback
to take ideas from. Senior fashionista
Kate Rosenbaum sifts through the nostalgia
to develop her style.
“I like the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s the most,
but with a little bit of ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘70s
for good measure,” said Rosenbaum.
Rosenbaum’s style is eclectic, and definitely
influenced by clothes from other
eras. Her key to standing out from the
crowd of flashback followers comes
through mixing and layering eras in a
“tasteful, not gaudy way.”
With so many eras emerging into
fashion this fall, there are many articles
of clothing people are dying to get their
hands on.
Short scarves, skinny jeans, and unitards
are on junior Cathy Sypal’s wish list.
was clearly an expert at picking up
catchy rock lyrics on the radio. The
executive, newly inspired, married
pop music with educational lessons.
After producing “Three is a
Magic Number,” his concept became
a huge hit and thus, a legacy
was born.
This year, East’s musical theatre
company is paying homage to that
legacy, continuing the long-standing
tradition that initially meant
sitting on the couch watching Saturday
morning cartoons.
The entire show takes place in a
recently graduated teacher, Tom’s,
rec room in the morning on the
first day of school. Tom, played
by junior Dan Brown, imagines
characters that come to life and
prepare him for his first day of
teaching.
“The tone of the musical is
really encouraging and upbeat.
It should cause some pretty
decent laughter,” said sophomore
and ensemble member
Kylie Peterson. She went on to
explain the larger-than-life role
that the company must take on
this year.
“The entire cast is on stage for
Sophomore Lauren Marr wants more big
jewelry from stores such as Urban Outfitters,
The Gap, H&M, and a clothing
store that many people are shopping at:
The Black Market in downtown Lincoln,
which offers and variety of vintage clothing
and accessories from all eras. Footwear
also has caught students’ eyes.
“I love extreme platform heels and
ankle boots. I love plaid, in an Alexander
McQueen kind of way, not in a lumberjack
way,” said Rosenbaum. Designers,
such as McQueen, are taking styles from
past decades and using them as inspiration
for their runway collections. Designers
such as Balenciaga, and favorite Marc
Jacobs offer inspiration for many people
around East.
While some flip through the
pages of “Vogue” and “Elle” for interesting
ideas on how to mix up their
wardrobes, other looks to celebrities and
fashion icons from the past, such as Audrey
Hepburn and Twiggy. Jane Birkin,
Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker,
who became a fashion icon to “Sex in the
12 | ORACLE | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
a great majority of the show,” said
Peterson.
Also new this year is the leadership.
The show’s director is Brook
Stetter, a recent Wesleyan graduate.
Stetter has performed in three
Shakespearean plays at Wesleyan as
well as writing and directing several
other productions.
“While it is kind of strange
working with a younger cast in a
musical setting (which I’m not used
to), everyone has been extremely
welcoming,” said Stetter. Choreographer
Charlotte is also a student
at Wesleyan, with East senior Jenny
Kaser as stage manager.
This youthful bunch was willing
to take on a full load, pulling the
entire show together in less than
six weeks. Performances run from
September 28 to the 30. Tickets
are $5.
In the spirit of breaking with
tradition, there have been some
new expressions floating around
the auditorium. Rather than ‘break
a leg,’ why not go with a more innovative
word for good luck? “I
always say, ‘Smoke a Salmon,’” said
Stetter, We say, “to each his own.”
City” viewers, also inspire. While some of
Parker’s clothing choices on the famed
television show were definite winners,
there were also some obvious misses,
which emerge every season, as well.
“I don’t like flashy stuff,” said Marr.
Flashy fashion has become popular again,
thanks to the ‘80s. Other fashion misses,
according to some, include bright and
neon colors (from the ‘80s again) and
black leggings with denim mini-skirts.
“Fashion has always been cyclical,”
said Sypal, who lets certain eras influence
other aspects of her life. Sypal watches
movies from the ‘40s and ‘50s, while
Marr listens to bands that most of our
parents grew up listening to in the ‘70s,
including Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin and
the Grateful Dead. Whether someone
is influenced by the ‘70s for their music
choices, or by the ‘60s for their clothing
selections, an important part of joining
in the evolution of the fashion flashback
is to be original and unique.
“I wear what I like, but I follow
trends, not fads,” said Sypal.
List’n up
Top 10 fall picks
10. Line dancing: Saddle up
and hit the dance floor Sunday nights
at the PlaMor Ballroom on West ‘O’
for some great country line dancing!
9. Izze Soda: This sparkling
fruit drink is putting unusual flavors
like pomegranate, clementine, and
blueberry on the map…er…cap.
8. Ruby Begonia’s: Quaint
vintage store located downtown at
14 th and ‘P’ St.
Looking for a bargain?
Check out the retro dresses,
cat-eye glasses, clutches
and pumps.
7. “Little Miss Sunshine”:
Steve Carrell, lots
of laughs and an indie
feel…what more could
you ask for in an end-ofthe
summer movie?
6.Rubik’s Cubes:
Out with Sudoku, in with the old
school.
5. Nike+: A sensor slips in
your shoe, records your running statistics
onto your iPod nano, and allows
you to view your runs on a Mac or PC.
Check it out at www.nikeplus.com
4. Threadless.com: Online
t-shirt shop -- with a twist. Artists
design, you vote, graphics are printed.
Love? Yeah, pretty much.
3. “Grey’s Anatomy Season
3”: If you loved seasons one and two,
you know it can only get better. Don’t
miss out! Thursday nights at 8 p.m. on
ABC.
2. Corinne Bailey Rae: A British
singer with a blues-infused sound.
Her first self- titled album is definitely
making a notable splash on the other
side of the pond.
1. Ankle Boots: Channel the
‘60s and ‘70s into your wardrobe. Pair
ankle boots with skinny jeans or tights
under your mini-dress for a cute fall
look!
Compiled by Callie Feingold &
Meghan Rihanek
Cutout by Shuqiao Song

Lincoln festivals fear fizzling out Napoleon?
Dynamite!
BY ELIZABETH BAQUET
Staff Reporter
Do you ever come to the weekend
and wonder what you’re going to do
with yourself? You’d be surprised how
often this happens to students in Lincoln,
especially when they don’t have
any festivals or events to go to. For the
few days each year that Lincoln actually
offers planned events and festivals,
there is plenty for people to do, but with
July Jamm ending this year, you have to
start to wonder where all the festivals
have gone. Kent Wolgamott of the Lincoln
Journal Star thinks he knows.
“Lincoln isn’t a very festival friendly
town. The city makes it difficult, the
Police Department and the Lincoln
government structure in general all
Restaurant raves
BY BARB WALKOWIAK
Staff Reporter
Restaurant Name: Krem Le Bistro
Location: 701 P street (Located
upstairs in the Creamery Building)
Hours: Open for lunch and dinner,
seven days a week. You should call ahead
to make sure they’re open though.
Phone Number: 435-4422
Cost: Dinner entrees average between
$15 and $18. Lunch costs about $7
or $8. Most appetizers are $7 to $9 and
desserts cost around $5.
The Food: The meals here are delicious
and each order comes with fresh,
warm bread. The pasta is superb and
tastes homemade. The chicken is cooked
to perfection, and the desserts… ah, the
desserts are absolutely wonderful! There
are also vegetarian and vegan dishes available.
Because this restaurant is fairly new,
the menu doesn’t have a lot if items… but
what there is comes in perfect portions
and is well worth trying.
Service: Very helpful and friendly.
Cleanliness: Immaculately clean
throughout.
Atmosphere: In one word, perfect.
There is dim lighting, ample seating,
genuine artwork, and live piano music
playing lightly in the background. Absolutely
wonderful!
have to do with the events being on the
downswing,” Wolgamott said.
Some of Lincoln’s annual events are
the Star City Holiday Parade, Celebrate
Lincoln Ethnic Festival and Jazz in June.
July Jamm was another big event, which
begs the question, why has it ended?
“July Jamm had run its course in
Lincoln and we decided to end it while
it was still going strong,” said Deb Johnson
of the Updowntowners Association,
“However, we are starting Updowntowners
Youth events next spring.”
So it looks like students are going to
have events in the future that they could
attend, but whether they want to attend
them is still up in the air. Attendance is
Restaurant Name: Vung Tao
Location: 2708 Y Street
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to
7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed
Mondays.
Phone Number: 438-9959
Cost: Everything is under $10. Most
meals are between $6 and $8.
The Food: Excellent Vietnamese
food. The portions are very generous, so
come with an appetite. The most common
dish served here is a savory broth
soup loaded with seasoned meat and fresh
vegetables. Vung Tao also serves Bubble
Tea, a delicious and fun drink similar to
a slushy… but better. The only bad thing
about this restaurant is that there aren’t
any vegetarian dishes.
Service: The waiters are polite, helpful,
and attentive.
Cleanliness: Impeccable table tops
and a general cleanliness throughout.
Atmosphere: Casual and friendly
décor makes you feel like your at home.
Other: Vung Tao is a family-run
business that started five to six years
ago. It is named after their hometown
in Vietnam.
A plate of Vung Tao food (Photo by Shuqiao Song
a large part of what makes events successful.
“The Celebrate Lincoln Ethnic
Festival doubled in attendance this
year and most of the downtown events
are growing and doing very well,” said
Johnson. For the time being, Lincoln
events seem to be doing alright, but the
problem that festivals are faced with is
always having to be better.
“The way festivals work is they
get bigger or they fall apart,” said Wolgamott.
And with such few returning
festivals, we’ll have to hold our breath
and see if Lincoln Festivals have what
it takes to make it year after year.
Restaurant Name: Sinbad’s
Location: 2630 Orchard St. #3,
Lincoln NE 68503
Hours: Open 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
every day.
Phone Number: 477-4141
Cost: $4.25 -- $13.95 for a meal (cost
depends on size of order). Sandwich rolls
cost $2.50 each. Appetizers cost $2.95
-- $5.50 each. Desserts are relatively
inexpensive. Every order comes with
free Iraqi Tea. To view the menu, go to
http://www.sinbadcuisine.com.
The Food: The most commonly
ordered meals are the combos which give
the opportunity to experience multiple
Mediterranean foods. The quality of the
food is excellent, although it is a taste
some people might have to get used to.
Desserts here, namely Darjeena and
Baklava, are delectable treats that are the
perfect end to a meal.
Service: Very attentive and helpful.
Cleanliness: Immaculately clean
and tidy.
Atmosphere: Very authentic Arabian
dining area with paintings and other
artwork from the owner’s home country
as well as Arabian TV. Dim lighting
complements the warm colors in the
restaurant and makes it very relaxing.
Other: This restaurant is also family-run.
BY SALOME VILJOEN
A&E Editor
Napoleon Bonaparte is known for
many things. The ambitious little emperor
from Corsica is remembered for conquering
Europe, sticking his hand in his jacket,
and even that palindrome “Able was I, ere
I saw Elba”.
But who would have thought to associate
the French emperor with a complicated
confectionary? Yes, Napoleon’s
influence in the 19 th century even extended
onto the culinary front. The result
is the rich and delicious Napoleon Torte.
Originally from Lithuania, the Napoleon
Torte is so named because, while waging
a campaign in Russia, Napoleon fell in
love with the creamy dessert.
Most Napoleon Tortes consist of
multiple layers of cream and/or fruit
filling between light, flaky layers of crust.
The top is usually covered with crumbled
dough and sugar, and the bottom crust
is thin and crispy. Recipes vary as to the
number of layers and the types of fillings,
but a Napoleon Torte is defined as having
at the very least alternating layers of sweet
cream filling.
The recipe at Foodgeeks.com calls for
vanilla-flavored layers, sweet dough, and
takes about two days to make. The recipe
received five stars and corresponding rave
reviews. But if you, like me, have little
to no skill assembling complex Eastern
European desserts, the Lithuanian Bakery
of Ideal Foods (on 27 th Street) carries a
large Napoleon Torte for about $25 and
should be kept refrigerated. Although it
may sound expensive, this rich, flavorful
torte stays fresh if kept cool, and guarantees
days of enjoyment.
A tasty piece of Neopolitan Torte (photo by
Shuqiao Song)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 13

Spartans savor success
Varsity football team remains undefeated
BY CARRIE CHEN
Copy Editor
Some would say there hasn’t been a
Spartan victory like this since the Peloponnesian
Wars. Others would beckon
back to times more recent. Everyone
agrees, though, that this one was memorable,
if not historic.
After posting a 1-8 record two seasons
in a row, palpable disappointment
and urgency to win led to an astonishing
turnaround for the East football
program. The Varsity team began this
season at 3-0, with a season-opening win
over Southeast and a spot in the Top 10
rankings. The win against Southeast was
20 years in the making. Over the summer,
the team headed to training camp
at Colorado State
“The players are the ones who wanted
to turn it around through training in the
off-season, through dedication and hard
work,” said head coach John Gingery.
“We went to work out our offense,
figure out schemes, and see what plays
other teams bit on,” said senior and
quarterback Jim Ebke. On one of the
plays, Ebke broke his jaw after colliding
with a defender, but since recovery, Ebke
has found enough strength to play both
sides of the ball.
In fact, many players on the East
roster play more than one position, some
on both defense and offense. That depth
has been lacking in recent years, though
the character of the players was never
called into question. From a physical
talent standpoint, the East team found it
difficult to match up with other schools
Sports Fall Preview
Tennis
Name: Erik Cederdahl, senior
Coach: Jeff Hoham
Season Outlook: “We should be a pretty strong team.
We have great players, especially Brandy (Brandon)
Videtich.”
Game to watch: East vs. Southeast
Personal goal: “To have fun!”
Girl’s Golf
Name: Shelbi Svoboda, senior
Coach: Jim Tonniges
Season Outlook: “I think we have a strong chance of
qualifying and place top three at State.”
Game to watch: Districts
Personal goal: “To have a round where all four varsity
scores are counted to be in the mid-80s.”
14 | ORACLE | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | SPORTS
in years past.
Now that East has the caliber of
players to compete physically, that passion
makes all the difference.
“We knew Southeast was going to be
a tough team, but we just came out and
were more fired up than they were,” said
Ebke. At the final whistle, the joy and
pride were unmistakable.
“They were elated; they went crazy.
Most of the competition lies in yourself,
believing that you can win,” said Gingery.
Confidence however, should not be
mistaken for complacency, the Achilles’
heel of champions.
“The measure of success is how
much you improve from the first to second
week,” said Gingery.
After the Southeast win, players eagerly
returned to practice, watched film,
and lifted weights. The daily routine of
a player can be grueling, between weight
training at 6:30 in the morning, going to
class, and putting in practice after school
until 6 p.m.
The motto for this season is “short
summer, long season,” concisely summing
up the team’s investment in hard
work paying dividends. The team has
great goals, and a modest approach.
Reaching the play-offs would be an incredible
accomplishment, but for now,
the team conquers one opponent, one
Friday night at a time.
Football
Name: Michael Knott, junior
Coach: John Gingery
Season Outlook: “We’re already doing pretty good. I
hope we continue doing well. We have a balanced
team.”
Game to watch: East vs. Northeast or Southwest
Personal goal: “To contribute a lot to my team and to
help them win a lot of games.”
Cross Country
Name: Junior Grant Duffy
Coach: Kirk Skiles
Meet to Watch: State (in Kearney)
Season Outlook: “Guys are preseason ranked #1 and
the girls are ranked 3rd. Hopefully both boys and
girls come close to where they were ranked.”
Personal Goal: “I wanna get Top 5 at State.”
Football
players
deliver some
hurt (Photo
by Rachel
Gibson)
Varsity
football
players warm
up before
practice
(Photo by
Rachel
Gibson)
Softball
Name: Alysia Wittmaack, senior
Coach: Butch McLaren
Season Outlook: “This is one of the best teams we’ve
had and hopefully we’ll make it to State.”
Game to watch: “Any game against a Lincoln team, like
Southwest or North Star.”
Personal goal: “Personally, to make All-State. Also, for
the team to get to State.”
Volleyball
Name: Junior Karlene Tipton
Coach: Myron Oehlerking
Game to Watch: Districts
Season Outlook: “It’s a really positive outlook and we
have the potential to be really good.”
Personal Goal: “Help out the team whichever way I
can. The team goal is to make it to State.”
Compiled by Kari Tietjen and Paige

Dani Haas prepares to hit some balls (photo by
Alice Root)
Girls come out swinging
BY ELIZABETH BAQUET
Staff Reporter
When you think of competitive
sports at East High School, a few obvious
ones come to mind - football, basketball
and wrestling - but another sport this fall
that has really come out swinging is Girl’s
Golf. This year’s Varsity squad is made up
of five determined girls who have their
eyes set on the state tournament and are
working hard to get there.
“We improved because we played
over the summer and it’s our senior year
so we wanted to come on strong, except
Anna, who doesn’t know how to be
born in the right year,” said senior Shelbi
Svoboda. The Anna she is talking about
is Anna Christenson, the lone junior on
the Varsity team.
Christenson is a strong member of
this talented team. Her first place finish
individually at the Grand Island Invitational
Tournament, helped to propel the
team to a first-place finish in the team
division. Other team members include,
seniors Kirstie Geist, Katie Malone and
Dani Haas, each of whom has skills and
goals to add to this team. “The only goal
we have is to place top two at state,” said
Rebuilding the bandwagon
Your mom was right all along; it’s
not about winning and losing… it’s about
either shamelessly obliterating opponents
in beastly displays of fiendish brutality for
power and respect or facing utter defeat as
a degraded piece of you-know-what with
embarrassing Ls branded on your schedule.
Football, especially in Nebraska, is
about the rise and fall of nations. Husker
fans live and die on every pass, every run,
and every touchdown. And when their
beloved Huskers lose… well,
I’d rather not speak of that
kind of blasphemy in fear of
becoming “that guy who jinxed
the Huskers”. The sea of
red can be a hostile bunch.
Remember when Husker
Nations swallowed Frank Solich
and spat him right back
out when results were not
immediate? “Fire him! Fire him!” they
shouted in the streets. Well, they got their
wish, yet Nebraskans have been banking
on false hope ever since. Husker Nation
remains in shambles. Bill Callahan’s newage
Huskers, however, just might have a
winning recipe to satisfy hungry Husker
hopefuls this year. And if not, then prepare
for the worst.
What is the worst, exactly? Well,
Husker fans do not jump on and off the
bandwagon; I mean, we are the bandwagon.
But if the Huskers continue down
this mediocre path I am certain fans will
disperse elsewhere and leave behind the
ruins of a has-been red behemoth. The
roots are deep enough that this scenario
won’t happen for another 15 years or
so, but if this year’s season turns bleak,
rooting for good teams will be quite tempting.
It’s like the Irish during
the potato famine. If we don’t
produce some wins pretty soon
(or “spuds”, if you will) then
our program will be slashed and
burned while another prospers.
Such is the way of nations.
Without a dominating empire,
a program is left to sulk in its
inferiority.
Take East High football, for example.
For the three years I’ve been at East, kids
from other schools gawked “our football
team is better than your football team,”
with our only comeback being “speech
and debate!” But no longer! After a solid
start to the season, the 2006 Spartan football
team has already begun restoring our
bragging rights. Breaking historical barri-
Geist. Although the team has placed in
the top two at their past four tournaments,
they haven’t slacked off in their
work ethic.
“We work hard, but we also like to
have fun,” said Christenson. This is obvious,
especially when the team is asked
what their favorite golf experience is.
Unanimously, they respond with the time
that Katie got her driver stuck in a tree
and Anna had to climb up and get it.
Errant drivers aside, these girls are a
force to be reckoned with this year. The
team practices five days a week when
they don’t have tournaments, working
on their skills in preparation for the state
tournament.
“To get ready for state we need to
work on odds and ends and shoot the
low scores that we’re capable of,” said
Christenson. Last year the team made it to
the state tournament for the first time in
several years. They finished in fifth place,
which was good for such a young team,
but this year they have set their goals
higher and are hoping to improve their
standing at the state tournament.
ers is the key to turning the tide, which is
why our first win against Southeast High
School in 21 years was so huge. But both
the Huskers and the Spartans will have to
be consistent in their triumphs, for the
sake of rebuilding their nations.
800-233-5027 or 402-228-3468
Fall schedule
Sept. 29
Boys/Girls Varsity Cross Country
– LPS
Varsity Football @ Lincoln NE
Sept. 30
Boys Varsity Tennis – HAC Tournament
Varsity Softball v. Lincoln Pius X
Oct. 2
Boys Varsity Tennis @ Lincoln High
Varsity Softball v. Hastings
Oct. 3
Girls Varsity Golf – District
Oct. 5
Varsity Softball – District
Boys/Girls Varsity Cross Country
– HAC
Varsity Volleyball v. Lincoln North
Star
Oct. 6
Varsity Softball – District
Varsity Football v. Norfolk
Oct. 7
Varsity Volleyball – East Spartan
Invite
Oct. 9-10
Girls Varsity Golf – State
Oct. 11
Varsity Softball – State
Varsity Volleyball v. LNE
Oct. 12
Boys Varsity Tennis – State
Boys/Girls Varsity Cross Country
– District
Oct. 13
Varsity Softball – State
Boys Varsity Tennis – State
Varsity Football @ LSW
Compiled by Kari Tietjen
www.southeast.edu
SPORTS | 29 SEPTEMBER 2006 | ORACLE | 15

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