YOUNG MUSIC LOVERS
GOING GREEN
garden will provide opportunities Community
for students
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4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence, Kansas, 66049
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edition 14 issue 8 march 2, 2011
Free Press
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STICKING TOGETHER BEND AND SNAP Captains weigh in on why
cheerleading is "all about relationships"
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March 2, 2011
News
"
If you are not a part of FFA, that doesn't mean you can't be a part of the school garden.
Go Green Community garden taking root benefits school community by ryan loecker
"
As if the freshmen weren’t enough, we have another addition to our school for next year. Except this one has benefits. Free State’s community and learning garden was approved at a recent school board meeting. With much still to be decided, the garden is in it’s preliminary stages, but the plan is to start planting this spring. Unlike the West Junior High, the Community Mercantile has no involvement with Free State’s community garden. It has been a “combined labor of love between the city and the FFA chapter,” principal Ed West said. The garden will be located on the east side of the school near the baseball field, so gardeners may need to keep their heads up for fly balls from the baseball field. It will primarily be for agriculture classes, with the business side of things handled by the FFA. “If you are not a part of FFA, that doesn't mean you can’t be a part of the school garden,” Agriculture teacher Laura Priest said. Students who are not in an agriculture class, but wish to help with the garden can become a member of the student advisory committee. Priest also hopes to be able to hire students and give them the opportunity to work in the garden part time. “I think it will be a cool addition to the school, especially for the agriculture classes, but I don’t think many students will spend their time volunteering without any incentive,” junior Brogan Sievers said. Although the chance of students volunteering to help may seem slim, getting paid to work in the garden over the summer will appeal to many students. Lots of kids need summer jobs, and why not help out the school?
The star on the map of campus represents the proposed location for the community garden
Cover
The cheer team practices their halftime routine for the LHS vs. Free State game. Photo by Nora Elbayoumy
March 2, 2011
3
Clubs
Sign Club Getting hands on with communication
A guest speaker teaches proper hand technique at sign language club
by emma machell & chris allmon
Being foreign isn’t the only thing that can cause a language barrier. Hearing impairments can entirely change the way people communicate. Sign Language Club, led by social studies teacher Ron Swall, helps make a language that had been otherwise skipped over by the school population noticed. “If you come across a [deaf] person you need to talk to, it’s important to know sign language,” sophomore Kara Kelly said. Many students have joined the club, who had their first meeting back on February 10, and for many reasons like how sign language differs from spoken English. “I thought it was different than other languages,” junior Hannah Oberrieder said. “It’s really cool, a totally different world.”
Others joined because they were looking for a good time after school. “I joined because I thought it would be fun. It’s always fun to learn a new language,” Kelly said. “It’s really cool because I’m taking Spanish and i can talk to people in Spanish but it would be cool if i could speak to someone who knows sign,” Obrerrieder said. Despite the difference in reasons for going to the club, everyone can agree on one thing, learning how to sign would come in handy to communicate with those who are deaf and hearing impaired. “[Sign Language Club] is a very good club, its something educational,” Oberrieder said. “We have some weird clubs here, but this is one people can actually use.”
Sign Language club has only had a couple of meetings so far this year, and is still planning out the semester. However, they have arranged for volunteer staff available in the district and Free State students already fluent in the language. “We’re [starting with the] alphabet and greetings and that kind of stuff to begin with and then just going where people wanna go,” sponsor Ron Swall said. Members already know what they want to learn. “I want to learn cat,” sophomore Maddie Branstrom said. Hannah Oberrieder has other ideas on what she wants to learn. “I really want to learn belly button in sign language,” she said. “ I want to learn my name because I forgot how to sign it.” Sign Language Club meets in Swall’s room, 245, after school at 2:45 on Thursdays. Since the club has only had a handful of meetings so far, so they haven’t really talked enough to really know exactly what they are going to do. “We spent some time trying to sort out some directions we want to go in, tried to look at what people want to try and learn,” said Swall “The leadership team came up with a couple of games to play like charades where people have to learn a few signs and have to interact using sign language.” According to Swall, Sign Language Club isn’t all about learning, its also about having fun. It’s a neat opportunity to get involved in the school with something that is completely different and out of their comfort zone for not only students but for teachers who also want to expand their communication skills.
Sign Language Alphabet
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March 2, 2011
Feature
Not How a Site Left Unseen to plan the ultimate college visit by miranda davis and allison morte
College is one of the most important decisions that high school students make. Which school to go to, or even to go at all are some of the many choices students have to make before the time they graduate.Visiting colleges, or doing college tours is part of the process for narrowing down those schools and making that final decision. A college visit can consist of many different activities. It can be a anything from a walking tour of campus with a students to an overnight in the dorms or sitting in on a class. There are many options for types of visits from a private tour to “Junior days” or “Senior days” offered by the university. Those who are interested in pursuing a certain activity in college (Art, music, sports... etc.) will need to schedule an audition or a tryout. Contacting the specific department before a visit can be extremely helpful. “I went on a day specifically designed for [Arts and music], so they had the general tours, then they had one specifically for that department,” senior Adriane Dick said.
visits based on that list, “ senior Nora Elbayoumy Another important step before visiting colleges is to make a list of questions to ask guides, professors and current students. “Try to ask the same questions and get the same information at each school you visit so you’ll have good comparison data,” said Lauren Erickson, assistant director of communications at University of Kansas admissions. Make sure to also be aware of the culture of a
ously to have answered by current students and/or staff. An option for getting questions answered is a student forum, but they are not available at every campus. “The student forum, [is] where a couple students go in a room with you and talk to you about student life, and parents aren’t allowed in, so you can ask all the questions you actually want to know the answer to,” senior Liza Farr said. Other options for visits include overnight stays, junior days, senior days and daytime campus tours. Make sure to check and to visit with professors and sit in on classes in your desired major. Getting a comprehensive look at what life is like at a college is the point of a visit, so students should try and see as much as possible to help make the decision. Decision Time One of the most important things about college tours is to do lots of them. Go to enough schools to be well informed about future possibilities. The more information that is collected, the more informed a decision can be. “See a classroom, talk with current students, and meet with anyone you might be interested in because picking the right college happens ideally only once, so try to experience everything the institution has to offer,” said Cole Galyon, Kansas State University Admissions Representative. “Preparing for college is one of those ‘life steps’ and it's important to make sure that you're going to a university that is right for you,” Gaylon said. “Relax and have fun. College visits should be a fun and enjoyable experience.”
...picking the right college happens ideally only once, so try to experience everything the institution has to offer.
Before the Visit
There are several things every students should do to prepare for college visits. Formulate a list of qualities that you want your future school to have. Narrow down your list of schools by doing research and try to visit a majority of your top schools. “I read 40 colleges that change lives early last year, and decided which schools were good, then we planned
school before a visit. Having prior knowledge about a school can save time during question and answer portions of the visit and give more of a sense of what life is like on campus. “Review the school’s website or brochures you’ve received in the mail. Watch videos on YouTube, check out the school’s Facebook page, do whatever you can to immerse yourself in the school before you even get there,” Erickson said.
During the Visit
Spring of junior year or beginning of senior year is a good time to start visiting colleges. While there be sure to ask several questions that you have thought of previ-
The best questions to ask on your college visit: from Lauren Erickson and Cole Galyon
Basic Questions:
What are/is the: ...academic programs offered? ...cost? ...places to live? ...student jobs? ...ways to get involved? With my major, what jobs are available? What is the average class size? What is a normal freshman course load? Do I need to bring a laptop? How is the food in the residence halls?
How safe is this campus? What is the student atmosphere like? What do students do for fun on weekends? Are there opportunities for student employment? What scholarships and financial aid are available for students? Where can I live my freshman year? How do I apply for admissions and scholarships?
Questions for Students:
What’s the one thing you will always remember about your school? What’s the one piece of advice you have for being successful here?
Make sure you follow us on twitter, or comment on the Free Press website!
Hold the Phone...
5
March 2, 2011
Feature
Text messaging continues to pose a danger to drivers by katie guyot
The Hard Truth
Lasting Consequences
The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society claims that cell phones on the roads account for 2,600 fatalities and 330,000 injuries annually, and it is almost universally accepted that teen drivers are more likely to be involved in such accidents than adults. “What teenage drivers lack is the experience to identify possible problems as well as adult drivers,” said Olker. “Teenagers’ reaction times are better than most adults’, but when their attention is diverted by texting, that advantage is negated.” If the possibility of becoming an insurance company’s statistic isn’t enough to keep drivers’ hands on the wheel, they should also know the legal consequences of distracted driving. Kansas is one of 30 states, plus the District of Columbia, that bans all drivers from text messaging in
photo illustration by Megan Engleman
One of the tabs on English teacher Alice Karakas’s website reads “Awareness.” Just a click away from homework assignments and term paper due dates lie several links leading to serious topics, including the infamous issue of text messaging and driving. Despite widespread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, cell phones continue to divert countless drivers’ eyes from risky roads to shining screens. The National Safety Council estimates that 28 percent of all automobile accidents involve wireless devices, and cell phone use is said to increase risk of a crash by 400 percent. “It’s such an epidemic problem, and a lot of us don’t understand how dangerous it is yet,” Karakas said. “It’s something people do naturally.” In a survey conducted by SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) in 2007, 50% of teenagers admitted to using cell phones while driving a vehicle. “I don't think young drivers text a lot when they start driving,” said Walter Olker of Go Driving School in Lawrence. “They're too concerned initially with driving properly. The more comfortable they become driving, the more liable they are to start letting things distract them, like music, food, and cell phones. They naturally start gravitating toward their main communication means: texting.”
their vehicles. The Kansas Texting Law, in effect since January 1 of this year, disciplines any driver using a “wireless device to write, send or read a written
communication" with a minimum fine of $60, not counting the $53 required for court costs.
Dangers of Denial
The question remains why many drivers are undeterred from paying more attention to their phones than to other cars. “For the same reason all of us do silly things,” Olker explained. " ‘It won't happen to me.’" Sophomore Patrick Liston, who took a Driver’s Education course with Go Driving, said he understands why some people cannot resist the urge to take their hands off the steering wheel to pick up their phones. “They want to rush to answer the text message
so the person doesn’t think they’re ignoring them,” he said. Liston predicts that he will not fall into this trap, but Karakas believes that there can sometimes be a difference between what drivers say about their driving habits and how they actually drive. “I think they consciously say that it’s dangerous,” Karakas said. “But then they get in their car and are like, ‘It’s not really that bad,’ or ‘I’m just doing it at the stoplight.’ I think people don’t think it’s actually as dangerous as they might say. I’m guilty of doing it in the past, and I had to make myself stop once I learned how dangerous it really is.” Senior Taylor Beals also admits to having sent the occasional text from inside the confines of his car. “I tend to not [text] while I’m actually driving, but if I’m at a red light, I probably do,” he said. “I think people are really tied to their technology by now.You have to be in contact with people at all times.”
Lesson Learned
Arguably the best way to prevent drivers from text messaging while driving is tried and true education. “It’s something I think we should be more aware of,” Karakas said. “When you’re around teenagers and young people so often, you just realize how quickly they can be gone.” Go Driving School includes the topic of text messaging within discussions about alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and distracted driving. “All of these subjects involve less than full mental or physical attention to driving,” said Olker, who teaches this section of the curriculum with great care. “I try to get students to think beyond themselves and consider the effects of their driving under these conditions on other people. I don't try to scare people; I want them to think. By trying to appeal to their sense of humanity I think we make a bigger impact.”
37 The percent by
4
How many times more likely a driver is to be in an accident while using a cell phone than while paying attention to the road (NHTSA, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
1 The rank of how distracting
which using a cell phone decreases brain activity in relation to driving (Carnegie Mellon)
wireless devices are to drivers compared to other sources of inattention (Virginia Tech/ NHTSA)
5,474 The number
16 to 30 The age group
of deaths caused by distracted driving in the United States in 2009 (FARS and GES)
most prone to text messaging in the car (Nationwide Insurance)
March 2, 2011
March 2, 2011
G N I N TU
r e dive h t o t look in Taking a
Lioba Gierke
IN
St of Free s e t s ta sical u m e s
ate
by austin fisher, amani safadi, jacob caldwell
Willie Jordan
Lioba Gierke’s music taste is different than students at Free State because she is an exchange student from Germany so her music interests are unique. Favorite Genre(s): Pop, Hip hop Favorite Artist(s): Peter Fox, Ke$ha, P!nk. Favorite Album(s): Stadtaffe by Peter Fox
Willie Jordan listens to a wide variety of artists, to the point where categorizing his tastes into genres is difficult. Favorite Genre(s): Punk, Hip hop, World music, Rap Favorite Artist(s): Buena Vista Social Club, Black Moon, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Rancid, The Fat Boys, Kurtis Blow, MF Doom, The Dirtbombs, Ozomotli, Jurassic Five, The Libertines, The White Stripes, Run-D.M.C., Wu-Tang Clan Favorite Album(s): Up the Bracket by The Libertines, White Blood Cells by The White Stripes, Raising Hell by Run-D.M.C.
Dan Jasperson
Caitlin Laird
Caitlin Laird's taste in music may not be the same as many teenagers. Her favorite music ranges anywhere from classic rock to popular music. Her favorite artist is John Denver and she got interested in him because her mom liked him. “My mom got me into John Denver because he has a ridiculous range and can belt for a long time.” Favorite Genre(s): Classical, Classic rock Favorite Artist(s): John Dever Favorite Album(s): Wicked (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Aaron Hiatt
7
Feature
Feature
Aaron Hiatt has an appetite for energetic and emotional music. “Electric Six is strong and rabblerousing,” he said. Aaron is in choir and sings bass, which has influenced his music tastes. “I like Johnny Cash because he has my vocal range.” Favorite Genre(s): Rock and roll, Garage punk, Romantic music Favorite Artist(s): Electric Six, Foxboro Hot Tubs, Johnny Cash, Tchaikovsky Favorite Album(s): Dial-A-Song by They Might Be Giants
Trey Jones
Trey Jones enjoys a combination of rap, hip hop and R&B from the 90’s to today. Favorite Genre(s): Rap, Hip hop, R&B Favorite Artist(s): Big L, Cassidy, Fabolous, Lil’ Wayne, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Wiz Khalifa Favorite Album(s): The Blueprint by Jay Z, Ready to Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
Dan Jasperson’s taste in music seems to match up with what most teenagers like today. His favorite music styles range anywhere from alternative rock, hip hop, and rap. Jasperson’s favorite artist, Yellowcard, was the first band he ever listened to and got him into alternative rock. Favorite Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Hip hop Favorite Artist(s):Yellowcard Favorite Album(s): Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard
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8
March 2, 2011
Lifestyle
To Tweet or Not to Tweet? Twitter becoming a popular social site to mingle
by katie guyot
On August 14, 2009 Ashton Kutcher beat news anchor Larry King in a race to have one million followers on Twitter. Most students had not even hear about Twitter at this point. Twitter’s popularity originated with celebrities. Stars such as Kutcher, Oprah Winfrey and Ryan Seacrest all used this new social network to broadcast their thoughts to anyone who would take the time to follow them. “[The first time I heard about Twitter] was at the Jonas Brothers concert a couple of years ago,” sophomore Kylie Dever said. “They said to follow them on Twitter so I decided to make one.” It seems as though a large majority of students had little to no interest in Twitter a year ago, but now has a good number of students who have created and use their accounts actively. Junior Taylor Augustine said that although Twitter sounded stupid at first, she is now an active user. “It is just status updates, but now it is really addicting,” Augustine said. Just like most things in life, peer influence has im-
pacted Twitter’s popularity. “More people in the school have gotten Twitter, so it is more appealing since you can follow your friends,” senior Katy Thellman said. The popular social networking site, Facebook, includes photos, videos, apps, and status updates. Twitter, however, is only status updates. Also unlike Facebook, Tweets are limited to 140 characters. Twitter creates a, shorter and more casual alternative to Facebook status updates. “You can post whatever is really on your mind,” Dever said. “If one of your friends says something funny you can just quickly tweet it.” Students can swiftly tweet what they are doing or thinking and add “hash tags”. In order to create a hash tag a student adds a pound sign in front of a word or phrase with no spaces. If a hash tag is clicked, Tweeters can see who else has tweeted the same word or phrase.
Even though Twitter has gained considerable popularity, many students still do not have the desire to join the site. “I do not think there is really any point to Twitter,” sophomore Jordan Rietcheck said. ”It is all sort of ‘jibber-jabber’. I would feel stupid if I got one.” Other students simply just do not understand how to start an account. “[The only reason] I haven’t gotten one yet is I do not know how to,” junior Kitty Tootle said. “I might get one if it gets popular enough, I might not.” In addition to gaining popularity among high school students,Twitter is used by businesses and newspapers across the country to broadcast their news to their followers. Whether it is something funny a friend just said, or a business broadcasting its latest sale, Twitter continues to grow as a quick way for people all over the world to receive news in quick 140 characters.
" It is just status updates, but now it is really addicting. "
A Twitter news feed is shown in the picture to the left on an iPhone. Twitter is becoming a popular site to visit.
731 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS • 785.843.4191 Hours: Mon.-Fri 9 am - 7 pm • Thursdays 9 am - 8:30 pm Saturdays 9 am - 6 pm • Sundays Noon - 5 pm
photo illustration by megan engleman
All Free State students, faculty & staff • Receive 35% off all adidas footwear • Receive 40% off all adidas apparel, bags, socks and accessories. Must present your student, faculty, or staff ID at time of purchase.
Check out fsfreepressonline.com for extra content, and tell us what you think about Issue 8 Yes, we are now on Twitter! Follow us at @fsfreepress for news updates
9
March 2, 2011
building spirit As basketball season comes to a close, so does the cheer season, and with it the high school cheer careers of the squad’s senior captains Aly Frydman, Korie Reed and Cali Brasseur. All three have been cheering on the squad since sophomore year and have given much of their time and spirit to the school and it’s sports. “We make signs every week for as many sports as possible,” senior captain Korie Reed said. “We try to support all of the sports and the school and get people riled up at assemblies and games.” It’s not just about making signs and performing at assemblies, though. These cheerleaders devote most Friday nights, and sometimes even Tuesday nights, to cheer at football and basketball games. “We also make appearances at other games,” senior captain Aly Frydman said. “For big games we go to the player’s houses and decorate them and make
cheer captains vital part of spirit program make decisions about what we wear and help with the performances and routines.” Having so many practices and so many responsibilities doesn’t leave these captains to have a lot of free time. “Most of the year I’m doing two different sports,” Frydman said. “Which limits the social life I can have. When I do gymnastics I’m here from the beginning of the school day until nine, with only an hour break.” Though the girls’ busy schedule of practices and games may cut into their free time, it helps when the squad is close. “The closer you get with people on the squad the better it is,” Frydman said. “I think that goes for most things you do: the more people you meet in it and the more involved you are makes it a better experience.” Reed agrees. “It’s all about relationships.” photo by nora elbayoumy
s
by kim carter
Sports
signs.” The three captains are close, much like the bond that the squad forms. “When you spend that much time together and go to camp together and are together all the time you make some good friends,” Frydman said. Though gymnastics is a sport in high school, the Kansas State High School Activities Association does not consider cheer a sport. The squad practices three or four times a week at school for two hours, but finding the time can be difficult. Even though they invest much of their time, people don’t appreciate that investment. “Cheer is different because it isn’t
considered a sport,” senior captain Cali Brasseur said. “It is harder for us to practice because it conflicts with other sports’ practices, but at the same time it is just as important as the other sports because they depend on us to support them and get the student body involved.” While the sports depend on the cheerleaders for support, the cheerleaders depend on these captains for instruction. The squad and the coaches voted on the captains at the beginning of the year. “As captains we have a lot more responsibilities and actually make decisions for the squad,” Brasseur said. “We
Meet the senior Captains
Aly Frydman
here from the beginning " I'm of the school day until nine, with only an hour break. "
Cali Brasseur
Korie Reed
"It's all about relationships."
is just as important as "Itimportant as the other sports because they depend on us. "
Do you love the cheer captains? Comment on this story and others online at fsfreepressonline.com
First five comments get a free taco from Taco Johns
10
March 2, 2011
1
One in One Thousand
Opinion
Destroy the Drama by bailey schaumburg
"
The best way to deal with something is by learning to be mature and have a conversation in order to work it out...
"
There is really only one way to say this: drama is stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid! It’s so stupid that the word stupid is starting not to look like the word stupid anymore because I’ve typed it so many times. It truly is that stupid. First of all, it’s not funny, cool, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, attractive, etc., to be dramatic and hostile. Trust me, no one wants to hear you yelling about how your ex-boyfriend’s sister’s best friend looked at you the wrong way. Maybe I’m mistaken, but that just doesn’t seem too important in the big scheme of things. There are plenty of ways to deal with a situation without dragging other people into the equation. If you and someone else have a problem, keep it between the two of you. Bringing a bunch of other people into a problem that could easily be solved is completely un-
It is a community of unique people. Each issue the Free Press will highlight one person and HIS or HER unique story.
1000
Erin Ice by katherine corliss
necessary. It’s the quickest way to turn a tiny issue into a gigantic fight. Another way to minimize the drama is by keeping it behind closed doors. Honestly, publicizing your private life is embarassing and can even make other people feel uncomfortable. No one needs to know your business...seriously. Most arguments are blown way out of proportion. The best way to deal with something is by learning to be mature and have a conversation in order to work it out; it’s amazing how a civilized talk can change things. We’re supposed to be having fun, and drama is not fun. No matter what you think, it is NOT fun. It alters relationships and stresses people out. So, let’s just...smile at each other instead of screaming at each other, okay?
Check out fsfreepressonline.com for extra content, and tell us what you think about Issue 7 Yes, we are now on Twitter! Follow us at @fsfreepress for news updates
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Send your $50 to the finance office by March
Free State is not just a building.
10! Get there or be square.
The college search is an interesting and sometimes daunting process. Often students want to be challenged and broaden their horizons, but also want to find comfort in familiarity. Senior Erin Ice set out looking for a university that was highly academically ranked in the Midwest. Great standardized test scores have allowed her the freedom to look about many schools in the area. “My junior year during spring break my family and I went to Chicago,” Erin said. “We visited the University of Chicago and Northwestern. At that point in time I wanted to live in a big city. But I didn't end up applying to those schools.” Erin also looked into Grinnell College and Washington University in Saint Louis for their strong academic reputations. Like many of her fellow seniors finances has been the driving concern of her college decisions. “I’m planning on going to medical school after undergrad so if I want to be able to afford that I need to have a lot of my undergrad paid off before then.” The reality of the costs of college inspired her to look closer to home. “I’ve gotten some pretty good
I would rather have "people think I'm weird than boring. "
Little known facts about Erin:
scholarships from KU, and I’m pretty sure I’m not going to get that much scholarship money from Grinnell or Washington University,” Erin said. Although financially these schools might not be realistic, Erin will still be challenging herself academically. Currently, Erin is planning on attending the University of Kansas and being a part of the honors program. However, staying in Lawrence will not keep her from being involved in campus life. Erin is planning on being an active member of a scholarship hall, involved in volunteering opportunities and might even play intramural soccer. Throughout her college career Erin plans on continuing to be the wellrounded person she has become here at Free State.
Erin Ice steals the ball at last year's girls soccer game against Olathe North.
-Weird birth mark on left thigh - Recently overcame slight addiction to Excedrin - Left-handed - Hopes to someday run a marathon - Favorite color: tie between yellow and purple - In two math classes
March 2, 2011
11
Staff Editorial
Art funding disappearing right before our eyes by katherine corliss
Kansas is a “brain-drain.” Young people who are successful in the sciences, arts and other valued skills often want nothing more than to leave the state. Even those who stay here for college plan to get out as fast as they can. Why then, did the State of Kansas end funding to the Kansas Arts Commission, a reason people might want to live in Kansas later on in life? The Kansas Arts Commission funds many local and state-wide arts projects. Often, they sponsor grants for programs like the Lawrence Arts Center, Lawrence Community Theatre, even programs put on by the Lied Center. Understandably, the state is having to make cuts as there is a $550 million budget shortfall. However The Kansas Arts Commission receives less than $600,000 from the state every year. But while this is saving every Kansan approximately 29 cents a year, it will have serious negative affects on the economy, whichis already struggling to survive. People love culture, and culture often pays to get stuff done. Take Lawrence’s recent “Final Fridays” when art is displayed throughout downtown on the last Friday
of every month. The City of Lawrence estimates that approximately 3000 people flock downtown on a given “Final Friday” for the event. While downtown, these patrons who may not normally spend money in downtown Lawrence each decide to buy a $3 ice cream cone, that’s $9,000 being pumped into the local economy. Although $9000 may not seem like much, that’s $783 sales tax dollars, enough to pay to fix about four normally-sized potholes. Not to mention, visitors from outside the Lawrence area are spending even more money on lodging and food, driving the local economy. While not everyone who goes to Final Fridays will buy ice cream, chances are they will buy something, feeding their stomachs as well as the local and state economies. That adds up to a lot of potholes. A recent study by the Kansas Arts Commission
shows that the arts support 4,612 jobs and generates $15.6 million in revenue to local and state governments. Any elementary school music teacher can tell you that the arts are important. Not only does creativity use the opposite side of the brain as math and science, but it also many door for those who are surrounded by it. Art creates culture, and people want to live in a place with vibrant culture. Since Kansas doesn’t have too many spectacular outdoor endeavours, the arts need to be supported. Especially by the state.
Question:
What do you think about texting and driving? And do you text and drive?
Kristina Rasmussen sophomore
Jakob Brewer senior
Brandon Dodge junior
"Don't be stupid about it. It's just as bad as driving drunk. No I don't text and drive"
"I think it's bad, and I don't like to do it but I catch myself doing it sometimes."
"I think it's dangerous. Yet I do it all the time."
Bryan Duncan English teacher "I think it's a very bad idea. Unfortunately I still do text and drive on occasion."
Share your opinion.Vote on the Bird's Word at fsfreepressonoline.com.
chris allmon
reporter
allison morte
reporter
allison harwood miranda davis
webmaster
ad editor
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katie guyot
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March 2, 2011
Lawrence Guide
Lawrence Guide by ryan loecker
Donnie Darko (Midnight Movie Madness)
3 / 4 / 11 @ Liberty Hall
In celebration of it’s tenth year anniversary, Liberty Hall is finally showing Donnie Darko for Midnight Movie Madness. In this movie, filmed in a mere 28 days, Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) is kind of like the little boy in the Sixth Sense (if you replaced “dead people” with “a creepy-looking, evil bunny rabbit”). LA’s New Times said, "It isn't spoiled by the Hollywood forces that helped birth it," and although the movie failed to break even, it has developed a cult following. It ranks high on many different lists such as: Empire’s “Greatest Indie Films”, FilmFour’s “50 Movies to See Before You Die”, and Entertainment Weekly’s “50 Best High School Movies.” Go see it.
The King of Limbs album review by austin fisher
The King of Limbs isn’t a huge departure from past Radiohead albums, but it deserves notoriety for the number of different sounds that are packed into a very short album. Coming in at just under 37 ½ minutes, it’s the shortest Radiohead album to date, and arguably the most succinct. The variety of sounds is exemplified in the band’s use of percussion. The songs Morning Mr. Magpie and Feral
have tempos that cause real drums to sound hurried and electronic. Give Up the Ghost and Codex have little to no percussion, falling back on the tried and true methods of Thom Yorke’s falsetto and pulsing piano progressions. If you like any of Radiohead’s music, or if you haven’t and you’re looking for a something a little different, you can download The King of Limbs on Radiohead’s website.
World Migration Film Series FREE SCREENINGS @ Liberty Hall 1. A Hebrew Lesson - 3 / 3 /11 “Offering a novel glimpse of the immigrant experience, filmmakers David Ofek and Ron Rotem follow several students in a multicultural Hebrew language immersion class in Tel Aviv” This movie tells three different stories about a Russian lawyer, Chinese maid and German woman who is unemployed. Sundance says it is full of intimacy, humor, charm and irony.
2. Still Life - 3 / 10 / 11 “Citizens return to a flooded town to salvage what they can and say good-bye to things they lost.” Still Life is a documentary about the destruction of the Three Gorges Dam in China which leaves millions of people homeless. Although this isn’t the happiest film on the planet it is definitely worth seeing and is a New York Times Critics’ Pick.
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