T iger hi-lineTHE

1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Volume 50 Issue 6Oct. 20, 2009

It’s killed thousands of people and injured thousands more. The statistics are overwhelming. If some-thing isn’t done about it soon, it will only get worse.

Is it swine flu? No, this epidemic on the minds of the public and policy makers is texting while driving.

Lately, it seems people and cell phones have been joined at the hip — and driving is no exception. Texting while driving is becoming more and more popular, even though studies show it quadruples the risk of collision.

An AAA (American Automobile Association) study shows that 61 percent of teens admit to risky driv-ing, and 46 percent of those say they text while driving.

Junior Mary Jo Baumgartner admits that she texts while she drives and explained, “I don’t like making people wait just because I’m driving, which may sound stupid. I haven’t had a problem with it yet, so I’m not

worried, I guess.”Another AAA study shows that

about a third of drivers feel less safe driving today than they did five years ago. The main reason: being distracted while driving.

“I can see drivers with their heads down, sometimes even illuminated by their phone glowing when it’s dark ... they’re weaving in and out of their lane,” drivers’ education teacher Kevin Stewart said. “It’s definitely an increasing problem.”

But perhaps the most telling sta-tistic is that, according to the AAA, of the 95 percent who think texting while driving is unacceptable, about one fifth of them have done it in the past month anyway.

Sophomore Jeff Daniels said, “That’s the stupidest thing you could do. Texting while driving is like driving with your eyes closed.”

Some students have other opinions, though. “I only text while I’m at stop lights,” junior Sara Buffington said. “I think cops have other stuff they should worry about besides texting and driving.”

For many, though, the cops should not be involved in an issue of personal choice.

Junior Cassie Crotty said, “It’s a person’s right to make their own de-cisions, even if they’re stupid ones. Yeah, it’s dangerous, but it should be a choice, not a regulation.”

According to the Obama ad-ministration, nearly 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries last year were blamed on distracted driving.

President Obama signed a bill a few weeks ago banning federal em-ployees from texting while driving and is now looking at banning bus drivers and truckers.

But is that enough? Others think no one should be allowed to text while driving. Stewart agreed, “Yes, of course there should be ban.”

Eighteen states and the District of Columbia already banned texting while driving for everyone, and nine states banned new drivers from the practice.

The Iowa House has failed twice to pass a bill banning texting while driving, but there are plans to pro-

pose another bill next year.Mary Stahlhut from the Depart-

ment of Transportation said, “I can’t guess what the Iowa or national legislators may do. In Iowa, I hope they will pass a bill banning texting

while driving because it would send a firm message to all drivers that tex-ting is an unsafe habit. The ‘need’ to text while driving is as dangerous as DUI and is not worth risking a death, injury or even a fender-bender for.”

Ellen GustavsonStaff Writer

Texting while driving draws attention

Donald HalbmaierStaff Writer

Three CFHS students have recently been awarded with the title National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist.

Seniors Alex Judisch, Amelia McMurrin and Micheal Ore have earned the honor after completing the PSAT/NMS Qualifying Test.

“It’s a huge honor for students, that demonstrates their academ-ics. It’s like state championship for sports or All-State for a musician,” guidance counselor Susan Langan said.

Each student has plans for what to do with the opportunities.

“Hopefully, I’ll be able to do well enough on my SAT that I make it to

be a finalist. If I do that then a lot of scholarship opportunities open up to me that I’d love to take advantage of,” Judisch said.

Two students were also com-mended by the program. Seniors Vincent Stigliani and Stephanie Welch scored high on the PSAT, yet not quite high enough to make the Semi-Finalist cutoff.

With a major test like the PSAT, preparation is key said both McMu-rin and Judisch.

“A lot of things prepared me for the PSAT. I had taken the ACT once before, and I would say the ITEDs also offered good preparation,” Judisch said.

Judisch and the other two stu-dents are now on their way to the NMS finals, which is no easy task.

To become a NMS finalist, they must take the SAT and get a score of at least 1960, fill out an application, write an essay and get a letter of recom-mendation from a qualified person.

“Some finalists get full-ride schol-arships depending on the school,” Langan said.

That has already become an opinion for one of the students.

“Some colleges have offered me full tuition if I become a finalist,” McMurrin said.

Three seniors receive academic distinction

The NMS Program definitely has been an important aspect in previous students’ and current semi-finalists’ lives.

“Being a NMS student has also encouraged me to continue work-ing hard my senior year to keep my grades consistent,” McMurrin said.

From left to right seniors Michael Ore, Amelia McMurrin and Alex Judisch all are National Merit Scholar Scmi-Finalists.

The growing trend of cell phone use while driving has many people asking for a ban on texting while driving.

Ellen Gustavson Photo Illustration

THE

tiger hi-line news 2Oct. 20, 2009

Model UN offers students worldly experienceEllen Gustavson

Staff Writer

The 2009 Iowa Youth Sympo-sium is being held for Model United Nations at the State Capitol Complex in Des Moines. Today, Oct. 20, stu-dents from all over Iowa are meeting to debate what the United States’ position, as a member of the United Nations, should be on various world problems.

There are four topics for discus-sion: a social topic about dealing with piracy, a scientific topic about drafting the Copenhagen Proto-col (a more recent version of the Kyoto Protocol), an economic topic concerning the role of the Interna-

tional Monetary Fund with the world economic crisis, and a political topic regarding intelligence agencies, international peace and security, and how to define espionage. These topics were chosen by a faculty of advisers for Iowa High School Model United Nations.

“I enjoy the discussion topics — especially the one dealing with the Copenhagen Protocol, because issues concerning the environment interest me,” junior Model UN delegate Cait-lin Schreck said.

On Sept. 29, the 21 Model UN members from Cedar Falls High School had their regional meeting with additional students from Hud-son. At the regional meeting, they

split into four groups, one for each topic, to discuss and write a paper about what their position as the United States would be. The guide-lines for the paper to follow included a statement of the problem, a history of the problem, past UN actions, and

possible solutions. At regionals, each group also selected two delegates from each group to go to the pre-plenary day, which is today, Oct. 20; the rest of the Model UN participants will join them for the plenary meet-ing tomorrow, Oct. 21.

“I am looking forward to being a delegate ... this is my first time in MUN,” Shreck said.

For the Iowa Youth Sympo-sium in the fall, students will only be representing the United States. However, they will be representing a different country for the spring session of Model UN, which is Janu-ary through April. “Fall Model UN is good practice for the procedures and rules of debate used for spring

Model UN,” Model UN adviser An-drea Aykens said. “Spring Model UN is more in-depth, because you have to look at the issues with the point of view of another country.”

In the spring, CFHS will rep-resent Israel. “I think representing Israel should be an interesting expe-rience, because there are currently many challenges for which we can seek solutions in this area,” Shreck said.

Model UN is an excellent op-portunity for those interested in learning more and debating about issues facing the world today. “It’s an eye-opening experience, to see and hear different points of view,” Aykens said.

“It’s an eye-open-ing experience, to see and hear dif-ferent points of

view.” —Andrea Aykens

Model UN Adviser

Sara GabrieleStaff Writer

Junior Karly Fuller sat breathless, smile stretching across her face, as yet another person insisted she keep the change from the $20 for their small pile of purchases.

Her garage sale last Saturday was not to get rid of old clutter, but to raise money for the village in Kenya she had visited over the summer with a church group.

After she returned, Fuller talked with her small group at church and decided on a garage sale as a way to raise money to buy medical sup-plies for the village she had visited. The girls began compiling their old clothes and publicizing for the Saturday sale.

Setting their goals high, the girls hoped to reach $2,000, and by mid morning it was clear they were going to reach the goal.

“After two hours, we realized we had made over $1,000. I was just in shock, and I think everyone else felt the same. We were all just like, wow,” Fuller said. “I couldn’t believe people’s generosity.”

By 7 a.m. people began milling into the Fuller’s garage and purchas-ing the cheaply priced items, many

donating their change or making donations in general. By the end of the sale, the girls had reached $3,200.

All the money will be sent to the village Fuller went to over the summer through the 410 bridge, the church organization that organized Fuller’s trip. The dona-tion will be used to buy medical supplies.

“For us, doesn’t seem like a lot, but there it is. Things there cost so little,” said Ranae Krull, Fuller’s small group leader. “I think the trip really helped give her a new perspective. She saw they’re real people with real needs.”

While in Kenya, Fuller worked with the group and aided in some of the building aspects of the clinic, but she also spent a lot of time with the people and getting to know them.

“They became my friends and helped me a lot, changing the way I see the world,” Fuller said. “I went to help, but I think I got more out it than the people I was helping.”

Since all the supplies will be purchased in Kenya, the money will go a lot farther. The supplies will aid with many of the medical issues

Fuller saw when she was in the vil-lage, such as prenatal care and AIDS prevention.

“When I got back, I didn’t feel like I could just not do anything,” Fuller said. “A lot of people say, I wish I could go to Kenya and be able to go over there and help. And it’s awesome I went and I wish everyone else could go, but it’s important to realize you don’t have to be over there to help.”

Ally MillerStaff Writer

The second chapter of the CFHS book club has been opened this year, and librarian Kim Traw said she generally has about 12 people attend regularly.

Last year was the first year of book club, and the number of participants is about the same.

Currently, book club is discussing Generation Dead by Daniel Waters and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

The Lovely Bones is currently being made into a movie which is due to come out in December.

“Some kids would con-sider this activity to be rather ‘geeky,’” Traw said. “The students who attend don’t consider their love of books to be ‘geeky’— or they don’t care. It’s a good way for them to meet

other people who share their interest.”

The book club plans to dis-cuss two books per month, and usually members will suggest books that they have read.

Then the group hones in on one as the focus of their next book talk

It also depends on the number of copies they can get their hands on.

Traw said there should be a book club because, “people who enjoy reading books also enjoy talking about those books. It’s also a good way for students to socialize and get to know each other.”

Book club doesn’t just talk about books the whole time, either.

“We always have snacks. We talk about a lot of things — not just the book. We also talk about movies, and last year we had a six-hour movie marathon in the auditorium one Friday night.”

Book club meets every Thurs-day. The next meeting is Oct. 22 after school.

Book club enters its second year

Kenna Nelson helps at the Sat-urday, Oct. 17 garage sale that raised $3,200 for a Kenyan vil-lage. Ally Bachman, Cassie Crotty and Karly Fuller organized the garage sale for 410 Bridge, a mis-sion group focusing on Kenya.

CFHS students hold garage sale,raise money for Kenyan village

• Members devour treats, two books per month at gatherings

Sara Gabriele Photo

It’s Magicwith host

Austin SchaubThis video podcast will entertain and astound with each episode of

new magic tricks.

Oct. 7/Episode 3

With just a Post It Note, you’ll be able to mysteriously pass a pen through the bill of your choice

without leaving a mark.

This week’s feature podcast as well as eight others that are updated

every other week can be found on The Tiger Hi-Line Online (http://

www.hiline.co.nr) by following the podcast links. Internet Explorer does not work for viewing this site. Use Safari, Firefox or Opera for best

results. The website is also linked off the high school’s website.

THE

tiger hi-line entertainment 3Oct 20, 2009

New Releases

Feature Podcast

Music:

Movies:

-Atlas Sound Logos-Lyle Lovett Natural Forces-The Roots How I Got Over-Tim McGraw Southern Voice-White Denim Fts

-Amelia-Astro Boy-Cirque Du Freak: The Vampires Assistant-Saw VI-Tim Burton’s The Night-mare Before Christmas 3D

Kaylee MicuStaff Writer

“Rawr!” A little boy in a white wolf costume yells at huge furry monsters with sharp teeth and horns.

Most of us can recall this image from Maurice Sendak’s classic chil-dren’s book, and this is exactly what happened in the film adaptation from Where the Wild Things Are, released last weekend.

On Friday, Oct. 16, I went to the grand opening. I enjoyed the book when I was younger, and I was curious as to how the movie would turn out.

In the beginning, we are intro-duced to our main character, Max, a young boy who is full of imagina-tion. As the story moves along, Max gets into a fight with his mother and “runs away” from his home to a small wooded area with a boat.

Using his imagination, Max sails across the ocean to an island

inhabited by seven monsters: Carol, KW, Douglas, Judith, Ira, Alexander and The Bull. Max befriends the monsters and ends up becoming their king.

As the movie progresses, Max works with the monsters to build a giant fort where “... all the things you’d want to happen, would hap-pen.” Soon, the once peaceful island begins to turn into a madhouse, in-cluding when Carol gets mad at Max for being a false king and threatens to eat him.

In the end, Max returns home to his mother’s warm embrace and some chocolate cake.

I did not really enjoy this film. The plot never seemed to flow smoothly, and there were times when I was just wishing for the film to finally end.

For one, Max never once ate when he was on the “monster is-land.” Also, Carol was just too angry in many of the scenes.

Jayne DurninStaff Writer

Jon, Kate, Cara, Mady, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel. Minus Jon.

We were first introduced to Jon and Kate Gosselin on May 10, 2004, when Kate gave birth to sextuplets to add to their twin girls. Three years later the family starred in their own TV show Jon and Kate Plus Eight. The show has had five extremely successful seasons. Around the fifth season, though, rumors started to circulate about infidelity on Jon’s as well as Kate’s part.

The Gosselins have dominated the media circuit ever since, on the cover of tabloids every other week and mentioned almost daily on gossip websites such as perezhilton.com. The process of their divorce has been documented in almost every magazine in the country. And now, as of Nov. 2, Jon and Kate Plus 8 will become Kate Plus 8 as a result of Jon’s recent antics.

The actual reason for firing of Jon Gosselin has not been disclosed, but TLC has said that the new show will be focused on Kate’s role as a single mother. They have said that Jon will still appear on the show but “on a less regular basis.”

“Given the recent changes in the family dynamics, it only makes sense for us to refresh and reca-librate the program to keep pace with the family,” TLC president Eileen O’Neill said. “The family has evolved, and we are attempting to evolve with it; we feel that Kate’s journey really resonates with our viewers.”

Presently, the show has been put on hold at Jon’s request. Kate said that the children want to continue to film, although Jon claims that the kids do not want the show to keep going. Kate’s reasons for filming are to provide the children with opportunities that they wouldn’t normally experience and, of course, to pay bills. With the show on hiatus, Kate says she’s been having trouble

paying the bills, even though the children are financially protected.

Recently, Kate had an interview with the Today Show’s Meredith Vieira. In that interview she revealed that Jon cleaned out their joint bank account. Later that day, Jon said that Kate was hiding money. He said that Kate “had a bestselling book. Where’s that million dollars?”

In the meantime, Jon is still going ahead with his reality show project: “The Divorced Dad’s Club.” He intends to make his girlfriend Hailey Glassman a regular on the show. Also on the show would be Michael Lohan, Lindsey Lohan’s father.

Among Kate’s projects there is also a new TV show in the works. She will team up with Paula Deen, Southern cooking expert, for a show that is said to be a mix of celebrity gossip, health and beauty tips and advice.

But what’s next for the children? On television they appear to be happy, normal kids, but how could they be with all of the controversies

surrounding their parents? They could be excellent little actors and actresses for all we know, closing off their emotions when the camera is rolling. It has got to be hard to see your parents being torn apart by journalists and hearing the paparazzi taunt them about alleged affairs and scandal. Maybe the best thing for the children would just be to cancel the show, and their family’s income could be based solely on Jon and Kate’s new TV projects.

And what does this say about American pop culture? All of Amer-ica has been following this story, but no one has spoken up for the family. This is a family that has been having a lot of private family problems and should be left alone to work things out, but we haven’t relented our obsession with their lives. If this were your family, you’d probably have cracked under the pressure way before this.

Maybe we should just let the family have some peace, and get back to our own lives.

I wouldn’t recommend this movie to anyone — especially not young

kids for one particular scene was rather violent for little children.

Wild Things misses book’s magic

Photo from warnerbros.com

Max becomes friends with imagined monsters on an enchancted island he dreamed up. While at first things seem amazing, the monsters turn on him as the movie progresses.

Jon and Kate’s family need peace

THE

tiger hi-linefeature4Oct. 20, 2009

Megan LaneStaff Writer

OC spray, drill and PT tests. These aren't typical things you hear in a normal high school class, but for a few CFHS students, they are a part of their daily vocabulary. This year Cedar Falls High School has three students, seniors Alex Clopton, Zack Graham and junior Dan Yehieli, participating in Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (JROTC) at other schools.

JROTC is a program offered by the military to motivate and teach students to become better leaders and citizens. Unlike most classes, JROTC offers students the chance to lead their classmates, teach classes and shine among their peers.

"As a Petty Officer some of my responsibilities are leading drill, command and, specifically, I lead Special Warfare Physical Train-ing along with Daniel Yehieli," Graham said.

Yehieli said that the group he shares with Graham is composed of "motivated individuals who want to have a harder physical training session than the rest of the unit."

Clopton also has challeng-ing responsibilities as a Battalion Commander.

"As Battalion Commander, I oversee the entire battalion. I directly supervise the seven Company Commanders who each command their own class period of cadets. I am responsible for making sure they train their cadets to the high standards we've set, and I am responsible in making sure that the overall battalion stays on target and meets our goals," Clopton said.

These three students were introduced to JROTC in different ways. Graham, who has been in the

program for little over a year now, researched it online. Yehieli, who’s also been in the program for over a year, was introduced by his mom. Clopton also said that he researched his options after considering a military career and has been in the program since his sophomore year.

All three boys have about 100 to 120 cadets in their units and have faced many challenges in their intensive programs.

"Some challenges of Sea Cadets are the constant excelling of your responsibility and leadership, intense physical training, mental pressure and a new found sense of learning that there is always room for improvement," Graham said. He also added that time management, responsibility and setting priorities are some big challenges for him.

Clopton also noted time as a challenge. "I am usually between five and 10 minutes late to second period every day, but fortunately every year my teachers have been very accommodating and under-standing. Likewise, LTC (Lieuten-ant Colonel) Stephens and MSG (Master Sergeant) Ledbetter are always understanding when I need to miss JROTC to attend an early morning study session or take care of something before school at CF."

Finding the time for JROTC is something of an obstacle in itself.

"Often drills can last an entire weekend, so you have to man-age your time to complete school work," Graham said.

But unlike Graham and Yehieli, Clopton has a 30-minute round trip to East High every day to take a normal class period, and on Tues-days he makes the usual trip to class for first hour but then has to make another trip over in the afternoon for his weekly command and staff briefing providing him with chal-lenges regarding time.

Part of the training for JROTC includes summer training. At top, junior Dan Yehieli and his group that trained in Washington state last summer are preparing an exer-cise to learn to clear a warehouse of combatants. At right, Yehieli works on his baton skills.

To Serve and ProtectThree students shine in Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp

Submitted Photos

tiger hi-line feature 5THE

tiger hi-lineOct. 20, 2009

These efforts do not go unre-warded. All three boys get advan-tages for being in their programs. Students who participate in this program get advanced pays and promotions within the branch if they chose to follow it after completing college. Clopton also added, "one of the big immediate benefits is that the military will pay for all of your college."

Yehieli and Graham will get advanced pay grade and promoted to E-3 straight out of recruit train-ing, and they will also have a greater appreciation for our nation's war-riors, technical skills, discipline and knowledge that money cannot buy.

Clopton also will receive quite the benefit according to Ret. Lt.Col. Leonard Stephen, Clopton's Senior Instructor, who served in the U.S. Army for 28 years, both Active and Reserve. He now teaches Clopton in the Army JROTC at Waterloo East High School.

Stephens said, "I have seen Alex’s leadership skills grow very rapidly in this program. In fact, he is now our Battalion Commander, the highest leadership position in the Corps of Cadets. I believe Alex will be offered a nomination to the U.S. Military Academy; I’m certain that Army JROTC has better prepared him for a career as an officer in the

As battalion commander, I over-see the entire battalion. I directly supervise the seven company commanders who each command their own class period of cadets. I am responsible for making sure they train their cadets to the high standards we've set, and I am re-sponsible in making sure that the overall battalion stays on target and meets our goals.

SupportStudent Press

The list of businesses and individuals included here are backers of the real world educational opportunities made possible by all the publication and broadcast-ing programs at Cedar Falls High School. Without their assistance, the weekly Tiger Hi-Line newspaper, the broadcast podcasts and news stories, the yearbook and this website would not be possible. Please be sure to show how much you appreciate their contributions to our work and education by telling them thanks and giving them your business. Check out their links at our website: http://www.cedar-falls.k12.ia.us/buildings/cfhs/journalism/index.html

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U.S. Army. Clopton exemplifies the attributes of Scholar-Athlete-Leader."

In addition to this, Stephens said, "The most immediate benefit for stu-dents taking Army JROTC is direct, hands-on leadership training.

Cadets learn certain basic mili-tary skills, for example drill and cer-emony, then soon start using those skills as they lead and direct other cadets in positions of increasing responsibility. Longer-range benefits include advanced rank upon enlist-ment in the military and full-ride scholarships to over 250 colleges and universities. Note that participa-tion in high school JROTC does not require military service."

Clopton added to this by saying, "JROTC challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, take charge of situations and lead others to accomplish goals. I went into the program as a timid sophomore from a different school, and I am now perfectly comfortable in speaking to large groups, leading people and tak-ing charge of situations. It challenges you to develop your leadership skills, and I am learning what works and what doesn't as far as motivating and leading others to accomplish a mission."

Graham and Yehieli also said they enjoy the special teams their

programs offer. They both lead a Special Warfare Physical Training team. According to Graham, this team "is a highly motivated PT unit that pursues to excel beyond stan-dards and is specifically designed for cadets seeking a career in the Marine Corps and Special Forces."

The CFHS students and Stephens definitely encourage others who are interested in joining.

"Army JROTC is the premier leadership training course at this high school, and our door is always open to accept more outstanding cadets like Alex from your high school," Stephens said.

Graham additionally said, "Sea Cadets isn't for everyone, but if you're between the ages of 13 and 17 and you feel like you're up for the challenge, then don't hesitate to contact me or Yehieli about the program."

Clopton also said, "I am willing to talk to anybody who is interested in getting involved in JROTC. It is a great way to develop leadership skills, it looks great on a resume and there are many scholarship oppor-tunities for JROTC cadets. It is also my favorite class of the day because it teaches you real-world people skills, there is a lot of variety and it is a totally different curriculum from any other class out there."

Battalion Commander Alex Clopton

Petty Officer Zach Graham

Airman Dan Yehieli

To Serve and ProtectThree students shine in Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp

As a Petty Officer some of my responsibilities are leading drill, command and, specifically, I lead Special Warfare Physical Training along with Daniel Yehieli.

Yehieli said that the group he shares with Graham is composed of “motivated individuals who want to have a harder physical training session than the rest of the unit.”

Contact the Tiger Hi-LineThe Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes of Cedar Falls High

School, 1015 Division St., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Tuesdays to read in their DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) classes.

Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Hi-Line or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial staff view is presented weekly in the editorial labeled as Our View.

Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to the Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday for publication the following Tuesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.

Editorial StaffEditors-in-Chief: Maggie Devine and Vincent Stigliani

News Editors: Vincent Stigliani and Ben SadkowskiOpinion Editor: Monica Clark

Sports Editor: Ben OlsonFeature Editor: Aubrey Caruso

On-Line Editors: Vincent Stigliani and Maggie DevineEntertainment Editor: Maggie Devine

Senior Writer: Alex EntzPhoto Editor: Ben Sadkowski

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THE

tiger hi-lineopinion6Oct. 20, 2009

The bell rings and everyone scrambles to the door ready to taste the warm air of summer vacation.

But if Presi-dent Barack Obama gets his way, many children may not be able to taste as much of that air any-more.

On Tues-day, Sept. 29, Obama spoke about a new plan for longer school hours and longer school years. Obama not only wants school hours to be longer, but he also wants schools to be open on weekends so that kids have a safe place to go.

I understand Obama's logic because I was able to live in another country and see what their schools were like. Though France may have five more school days than we do, in my opinion their education programs are not as advanced as the United States is nor are the special educa-tion programs nearly as efficient as the America’s program.

The French high school that I went to had a bit of a different set up than we do. We would go to school for four weeks and then get a two-week break. This was great because during the two-week break, we were able to go over what we learned and have fun at the same time.

By adding more days to the school year, it may be more trouble than it's worth. For instance, with shorter summers, tourist attractions and hotels would lose money while the school system costs would go up. Some teens that work during the school year may not be able to work because of lost time.

However, there are benefits to Obama's plan. With longer school days and less summer vacation, test

scores and academic achievement could go up, which would level the playing field between the United States and other coun-tries. Japan currently ranks at the top with an average of 245 school days a year, while the United States only has 180 school days a year.

"The world is changing, and we need to change as well. Life is good in Cedar Falls. We need to be wise enough to know that we may have to adjust to continue our success as a school and com-munity," Principal Dr. Richard Powers said.

As predicted by many people, students think that longer school days is just a bad idea.

"People would be so tired they wouldn't be able to focus by the end of the day," sopho-more Taylor Richard said.

Though this idea will most likely be unpopular, it may be necessary if the United States wants to continue to be a strong country.

The reason why the United States only has an average of 180 school days is because the school calender is based on when children helped their parents farm. With new tech-nology, farmers no longer need their children for six to eight weeks. Ac-cording to eduinreview.com, Obama stated that, "That calendar may have once made sense, but today, it puts us at a competitive disadvantage. Our children spend over a month less in school than children in South Ko-rea. That is no way to prepare them for a 21st century economy.”

“I would not mind a calendar that might be arranged differently. Seri-ously, we need to have more options available for students. Flexibility with the calendar and school hours

Japan South Korea Israel Luxembourg The NetherlandsScotlandThailandHong KongEnglandHungarySwazilandFinlandNew ZealandNigeriaFranceUnited States

243220216200200200200195192192191190190190185180

would be a natural thing to consid-er,” Powers said. I do think that the school year should be a bit longer because we don't farm like we used to. We have big tractors and plows to do the work that kids used to do.

Advocates are pushing for a 200-day school year so as to level the playing field with other countries. "One-third of the 13- and 14-year-olds in our country cannot read at an appropriate level for their age, and ... the eighth grade curriculum is two years behind competing nations," according to eduinview.com.

Adding another 20 days to the school day is not that bad. Business wouldn't suffer too badly due to the lack of teens. Families would still be able to go on vacation, and with the extra 20 days in school, parents and guardians have more time to plan for summer fun!

Kaylee MicuStaff Writer

Comparison of School Days from around the World

Longer school hours, years could benefit U.S. students

For as long as we can remember, big business has been synony-mous with conservative ideals and unprogressive practices. Recently, however, a few companies have stood up to this notion and are redefin-ing what big business stands for.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently came out in sharp cri-tique of a current House climate bill. The group expressed doubts of human-caused climate change and challenged the science to be put on trial. Soon after this statement, Apple and other key members quit the chamber, citing its opposition to climate change legislation and denial of a human role.

Along with Apple, Exelon, PNM Resources, Pacific Gas and Electric (California’s largest utility), Public Service Company of New Mexico (again, the state’s largest utility) and Levi Straus have all exited the chamber. In addition, Johnson & Johnson and General Electric have released state-ments of disagreement with the chamber on climate policy, and Nike has given up its seat on the chamber’s board.

Apple displayed disappoint-ment with the chamber’s stance, calling it “frustrating” and urg-ing it to take a “more progres-sive stance on this critical issue and play a constructive role in addressing the climate crisis.”

We believe that this represents a positive, hopeful direction for businesses. The fact that we are seeing powerful corporations adopt liberal, forward thinking stances against the world’s largest business federation shows that companies are no longer blindly following dollar signs, unconcerned with the means to the end.

Their willingness to address today’s threats with innovative prac-tices and direct action represents a fundamental shift in the paradigm for thinking of a corporations role in society and contradicts the current stereotypes of big business.

Hopefully businesses will continue to take more compassionate, up-to-date stances just as these corporations have.

Businesses bucking trend of getting profits at all costs

We believe that this represents a

positive, hopeful direction for businesses.

THE

tiger hi-line SPORTS 7Oct. 20, 2009

Beat Prairie, 31-7 Up next 10/22 vs. Dub. Senior @ Home , 7:45 p.m.Womens SwimmingWon @ MVC Super MeetUp next 10/24 @ Fresh/Soph Super Meet @ W’loo West, Diving 9:30 a.m., Swimming, 1:30 p.m.M&W Cross CountryUp next 10/22 @ DistrictsVolleyballLost vs. W’loo East 0-3Up next 10/20 vs. Linn-Mar @ Home, 5:30 p.m.10/26 @ Regionals

1. What are the team’s strengths this season?I think our group running has helped us improve a ton. Running together has helped us beat some really great teams.2. What are your favorite cross country traditions and why?I really like our pasta dinners. We all just hang out and have team bonding time.3.What do you like the most about cross country?I like that in cross country the whole team is important, and we are like a big family.4. What are your personal and team goals this season?I personally want to PR as much as possible. As a team, our goal is to make it to State.5. What keeps you motivated during a hard race?The fact that there are so many people cheering the whole team on and supporting us.

Tigersin

Action

Athleteof

the Week

Hannah SavageCross Country

Sophomore

Alex EntzSenior Writer

For the first time since 2004, and only the second time ever, the CFHS men’s cross country team has gone undefeated in the regular season with the astonishing record of 96-0 after their victory in last Thursday’s MVC Divisional meet. Now the team is looking to do something that the 2004 team was unable to do — take first place at the State race, held in Fort Dodge on the morning of Oct. 31 after placing in the top three (ensuring an automatic trip to State) at this Thursday’s Districts meet.

Senior varsity runner Paul Strike summed up last Thursday’s MVC Divisional meet.

“We won by eight points over Cedar Rapids Prairie, who are ranked fifth,” Strike said. “The Divi-sionals race mostly just decides who will be All-Conference members; we have all but sealed up our trip to the State meet.”

Head coach Troy Becker added, “We have had our success with the team approach, and by having the best seven guys.”

Unfortunately, just three days af-ter the Divisionals meet, varsity run-ner Adam Streicher was diagnosed with a case of H1N1, also known as the Swine Flu. This sometimes-deadly strain of influenza could keep him off the team for several days, and likely will spread to other team-mates. Strike, noting some flu-like symptoms, laughed it off, saying, “I haven’t got checked out yet, but I don’t feel like a swine.”

Becker, speaking before Streich-er’s illness became apparent, noted the team’s need to stay healthy.

“If we can avoid all the sickness going around, I think we have a great chance of winning the district team title. ... This year, the state meet might just come down to which team can be lucky enough to avoid getting sick at the wrong time,”he said. “Ac-tually, I feel pretty lucky right now.”

Despite the odd turn in the team’s health, the team is still drawing confidence from their regular season success. Senior varsity runner Joey Sevcik explained the team’s 96-0 run.

“We’ve been lucky to consis-

tently perform well,” he said. “We worked hard in the off-season and it is paying off now.”

In addition to the first place finish at Divisionals, the team had all seven of its members honored with all-con-ference team selections. First Team All-Conference selections included Jacob Tayloe, Tanner Reyhons and Andrew Halloran. Second Team All Conference selections included Jakob Stoner and Sevcik. Honorable Mention All-Conference runners included Streicher and Strike. That the entire team was selected to some level of All Conference recognition speaks to the depth and sheer talent of this year’s team.

“The biggest reason for our suc-cess was commitment that several of our guys made since last year to increasing their mileage,” Becker said.

This team has seemed to excel in adverse conditions this year, as seen by the team’s repeated first-place finishes through driving rain and unseasonable cold.

“We train and race in whatever conditions we have on that day,”

Becker said. “Worrying about the conditions is for the weak minded, and this team is mentally tough.”

Sevcik explained the team’s view.“The conditions can be tough, but

it’s fun for us to run in,” he said.In order to prepare for the State

meet, the team will begin a two week “taper,” where they cut back on their weekly mileage from 50 miles down to 25 miles.

“It’s used to give our legs a rest,” Strike said. “Our main goal isn’t districts, it’s state.”

On the note of State, Sevcik had a few words about the team’s strategy.

“We’re going to watch a lot of running movies, and have some team meals at (local pizza parlor) Zio Johno’s,” Sevcik said. “This helps amp us up for State.”

With an eye on the not-too-distant State meet, Becker judged the team’s chances.

“It will be hard to finish first in State unless we can find a way to put a couple of guys in the top 20,” Becker said. “The good news is, we have several guys that could do that on a given day.”

Ben OlsonSports Editor

At the MVC Super Meet on Sat-urday, Oct. 17, the Tiger swim team literally swam away with the title, surprising for a relatively miniscule meet in the overall scheme of the season. The Tigers beat runner-up team Cedar Rapids Kennedy by a wide margin of 122 points.

“Of course I was surprised,” head coach Dick Marcussen said. “Our goal was to just have everyone swim their best and as a team and to place ahead of everyone. We had some good swims and some so-so ones. No one’s tapered yet, so we needed the team commitment to win the meet.”

Senior standout Bailey Pons noted that it took extra drive to sweep the conference competition.

“I was definitely surprised. We’ve been working hard, and even though we’re broken down, we had enough focus to pull it together,” Pons said.

Pons swept the 200 free in a time

of 1 minute, 54.29 seconds, the 500 free in 5 minutes, 6.17 seconds and was a member of two winning relay teams – the 200 and 400 freestyle relays.

Sophomore standout Kelsey Abbas also won four events: the 100 back in 1 minute 0.31 seconds, the 100 freestyle in 55.02 seconds and the 200 and 400 free relays.

Sophomore Montana Clasby also won the 100 breaststroke in 1 minute 8.95 seconds.

Overall, the Tigers won seven out of 11 total races throughout the day, resulting in their clear-cut victory.

With 13 teams competing at the conference championships, the ladies had to stay focused during a waiting game to come out on top.

“The team had to persevere through a long meet, and it did drag on. They had to keep their energy levels up, and we as coaches kept an eye on that,” Marcussen said.

The meet turned out to be a positive indicator and boost for the team as they head towards the state championships on Nov. 7.

“It’s not only a confidence booster but a measuring stick of how well we’ll do against the teams in our conference there,” Pons said.

The coaches will still have to make some fine-tuned preparations for the regional meet coming up on Oct. 31.

“The difference between this conference meet and regionals is that most of the kids will be swimming their strong events. Here, we had some girls swim their off-events so we could take advantage of other teams. At regionals, we will be more specific and come up with the best formula for state,” Marcussen said.

Pons noted that focus will play a key role in success at State.

“We need to stay focused on our goals and on the little things, like technique. The deciding factor at State will be those small things,” Pons said.

Marcussen has high expectations for his team at State as well.

“We need more than eight swim-mers to go down, and we need to be strong in diving as well,” Marcussen said. “We have to persevere against obstacles, and everyone has to do the best they can. You can’t go down there thinking ‘what if.’” The Tigers are currently ranked third statewide behind Mason City and Bettendorf.

Men’s XC goes undefeated, powers through obstacles

Team Standings: 1. CF 382; 2. CR Kennedy 260; 3. IC West 239Diving: 12. Allea Pollock (CF) 268.75; 13. Lauren Halloran (CF) 264.55200 Med. Rel: 4. CF 1:58.27200 Free: 1. Bailey Pons (CF) 1:54.29200 IM: 2. Montana Clasby (CF) 2:15.4650 Free:3. Ashlee Graham (CF) 26.28100 Fly: 10. Abbie Anderson (CF) 1:06.02100 Free: 1. Kelsey Abbas (CF) 55.02500 Free: 1. Pons 5:06.17200 Fr. Rel: 1. CF 1:49.92100 Back: 1. Abbas 1:00.31100 Breast: 1. Clasby 1:08.95400 Fr Rel: 1. CF 3:49.81

Swimmers sweep Super Meet, look on to State

Football

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tiger hi-lineOCt. 20, 2009

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41. Seniors Conar Reed, Brian Harris and Tyler Moran go crazy during “YMCA.”2. Counselor Ryan Flaherty gets his head shaved during the assembly.3. Principal Dr. Rich Powers and senior Kevin Kramer sing during “YMCA.”4. Senior Andy Weld, junior Jarek Bakken and sophomore Jack Van Gent provide percussion during the assembly.5-8. Math teacher EthanWiechmann moments before and after kissing the pig.

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Darby Sheehan Photos