Prep Student Section

No.

BEST DAY EVER!

FOOD IN THE J-ROOM!!!

My final blog of the year: Conspiracy Saga Ends.

Life.

A conspiracy.

And so is Avatar.

-Lindsay Lee, Photo Editor

Walgreens

Walgreens wants to sell alcohol. Who knew?

-Ian

global warming

A UNO scientist discovered that glaciers in Pakistan are actually growing in size. It is believed by Jack Sroder and Michael Bishop that these glaciers are growing because of global warming, not despite it.

Second to Last Blog...

And I must say...

Global warming is a conspiracy.

Kearney's World Theatre Now Historical

The World Theatre in Kearney is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the theatre is closed, though funds are being donated towards renovations that would allow it to reopen. Being on the register allows the theatre to receive addition funds. If it were to reopen, it would show documentaries, independent films, and classics three times a week.

Omaha World Herald Living

That section sure is living, for Christmans. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Christmas junkie, but it does seem a little biased. There is a massive lack of holiday equality, in fact, there is a massive lack of any other representation. It's a nice addition to my holidays, but maybe the World Herald should make it a nice addition to everyone's.

Hannah Gill Copy Editor

Hawke should not get credit. This is ridiculous.

Finals

Stress is destructive. Finals cause stress. Hence, finals are bad.

Sam Juster

In-depth editor

The Seasonal Depression Conspiracy

Does seasonal depression really exist? Or is it a mind set people take up? I have the opinion that its all just an attitude; its a conspiracy....

Bloggin

Yo! There have barely been any blogs in a few days...Any thoughts?

Omaha teachers

Every day on the right of the front page, there's something about Omaha teachers. On Tuesday, 70% of Omaha teachers voted in favor of a new contract that lowered the salary increase in order to cover health care.

The Replacements

As much as I hate to do it and as much as I am sick of it, I am going to blog about Tiger Woods. Or his replacements rather. As he takes his indefinite leave from golf, many golf and non-golf fans are wondering: who will take over his spot while he's gone. The Omaha World Herald Sport section has a story about some of those potential fan draws to the game.

Rory McIlroy: At 20, he is golf's brightest young star and is ready to take the spotlight. With a T10 and a T3 in two major golf championships along with a win on the European tour, he is ready to become the next world #1.

Anthony Kim: He has the talent with 2 wins on the PGA tour, but many wonder is he has the right attitude to be a 'major' player in golf. If he can focus, he has the talent to do great things.

Ryo Ishikawa: A sensation out of Japan, Ryo has already proved him self by becoming, at age 18, the youngest ever to win the Japan Tour money title. His performance in the Presidents Cup shows that he has the focus to be able to make a run at the Top 10 and maybe even a major.

Others to watch: Rickie Fowler, Jamie Lovemark, Chris Wood

-Ian Holmes

Great Holiday Party!

Snow Days

In one of the many posts about the Snow Days I would like to say that I am thankful that we got some time off, seeing as how they shortened our intersessions, but I am depressed that there is no green grass to be seen and no chance for melting in the future. We should be rooting for spring to come as fast as possible. Please.

-Ian

Very little yellow snow to report

While shoveling my yard I was surprised to find the snow I was entrenched in was nearly void of urine, barring a small dribble near the curb.

Julius Fredrick

let it snow

The snowstorm of 2009 is the largest snowstorm we've had since 1997. I remember that one well; I was in kindergarten and was without power for almost a week. I'm really glad we got to experience such a storm again because I didn't appreciate the days off from school back then. I'm also glad we didn't lose power this time, because that would have driven me crazy.

Teens Shooting Teens

Cameron Williams, a 15-year-old, is being charged with shooting another 15-year-old. It's disturbing to think about people younger than me taking cops and robbers to a whole new level.

The Worst is Yet to Come!

Just because it has stopped snowing does not mean we are in the all clear. Today while driving to school I had A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE!! My street branches out directly from Pacific and if you're heading towards Pacific there is a slight downhill, as I was heading towards Pacific I started to break, but there was no response from my breaks. I began to scream as my car sped up towards Pacific! I turned to see oncoming traffic and sure enough there was a black pontiac speeding towards me. I honked repetitively and they swerved in the nick of time! Thank the Lord Almighty!! So, if you are the black pontiac- I AM SO SORRY! IT'S NOT MY FAULT! MY BREAKS WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING!

Moral of the story: Be warned of the dangers of snow once it has already arrived.

Julie Dworak, staff writer

Stuck in the Snow

I liked the snow days. It was refreshing. I did get stuck a few times though in my neighborhood due to the hilly streets. I can see why school was cancelled for 3 days. I also watched out my window as the mailman made it halfway up the street and then slid back down. Bummer.

-Brian Frey Entertainment Editor

Snow Snow Snow

Snow snow snow...This week it seems like people have never seen snow! We live in Nebraska, it does snow. There are so many crazy drivers who drive like they've never driven on snow. My poor UPS guy slid off into a ditch next to my house. He was really stuck down there and had to wait for a tow truck. And apparently a lot of other people were in a similar driving predicament because the truck was so busy it took 4 hours for him to arrive!

Snow Days

In the past, the Omaha World Herald has been guilty of talking about the weather to much. However, the week the weather was the news. Thank you Westside for the glorious break and thank you mother nature. Maybe we should include some sort of brief on the snow days?

Sam Juster

- In depth editor

My friend, Charlie Gibson

Tonight will be the last night to hear our friend, Charlie Gibson, tell the world, "I hope you had a good day. From all of us at ABC, have a good night." Gibson is retiring, leaving tonight's ABC World News with Charles Gibson the last official time to hear the news from our trusted friend. Watch it! Soak it in!

Yes!

All hail Jackie Estee — we love snow days.

Dinner and a movie

I'v always wanted to eat and watch a movie, other then sitting at home on my own couch. Now thats possible at the John Beasley theater in Downtown Omaha. You are able to come to the theater early eat dinner, and then head of to the movie. Thats not all though, you are able to go to the movie and a server will cater to your needs. You can order a sub or desert while being entertained. Who wouldn't want that.

Don't mess with the weather

Did anyone read the article on the front page of the World Herald today about scientists in Moscow working to tamper with the weather? Apparently they're planning on adding liquid nitrogen to the clouds to keep the snow from landing inside city limits.

Have we not learned not to mess with the system our planet has set up? This is a recipe for disaster. And since weather patterns cross the entire planet, we will eventually see the effects here in Nebraska. 

Wow. This is such a bad idea. Don't mess with the weather.

Mary Hepburn, managing editor

Lady Got Ran Over by a Snowplow

She was going home to her house in the dark evening. She was 20 years old, 2 months into marriage when the plow put it in reverse and squashed her. I wouldn't blame this on the new city plan that includes privateer companies, it is doing well considering this is it's second test as a system. With more workers though, they may want to do better backround check's on drivers, and keep away from the back end of the machinery.

Hannah Gill, Copy Editor

Why, hello there.

Winter weather made its entrance into the Heartland recently and it made its presence felt. The sub-zero temperature and white-out conditions made it hard for local drivers to see. Some evidence to these claims can be found on our street where 2 mailboxes were hit by a crazy, out-of-control, fish-tailing mail man. Way to go Steve.

-Charlie Ziegenbein Photographer/Sports Staff

im excited

There's a new ice skating rink at the UNMC. I didn't know there was a new rink opening! Outdoor rinks are more fun than inside rinks also. So I need to go check this place out. Anyone want to go skating? :)

diversity in schools

No, it's not racial diversity. Socioeconomic diversity is scheduled for approval Dec. 17, which will promote students less fortunate economically to coexist with students more fortunate. The goal of this process is to help raise academic levels, and give less fortunate students a better chance at succeeding academically.

Big 12 Championship Tomorrow

The Nebraska-Texas game is tomorrow. Post your predictions on a comment.

-Ian

blogging is a conspiracy

She sat on the baby

Pamela Williams found her daughter Paris dead after her mother accidentally slept on her, suffocating the eight month old baby. That is so sad! Why would you sleep on a sofa with a baby on the first place, and she would have had to roll around a lot to end up laying on her. Ewe that is just too sad/gross/another negative adjective to think about.

Central v. Burke sends bullets through the air!

So last night I went to the Central v. Burke game. Afterwards, as the Benson Bunnies were being announced, a fight suddenly broke out on the other side of the arena. Twenty people began throwing punches as the cheerleaders from Omaha North ran the opposite direction. A police officer jumped in the middle of the brawl and sent everyone involved running. Within a minute, the situation was under control. Or was it? The fight just moved outside and within 7 minutes shots had been fired. When I left the arena, at least 20 cop cars lined two streets for 4 blocks. Two ambulances sped down the street and multiple police officers took off running in various directions. This is something you don't see everyday, especially at Westside games. It was an experience to say the least.

Shelby Pieper

Copy Editor

Intruder Drills Not Pointless

I used to think that Inside Intruder drills were pointless and the most annoying thing ever, mainly because of the loud whirring sound that always gives me a headache. After reading about the man who walked into a school and sexually assaulted a kindergardener without being stopped, I'm glad Westside has a system in place to protect us.

Lauren

LOCKED UP RAW, omaha style.

The Sociology course at Westside features several field trips opportunities throughout the semester. Aside from Bring an Elder to Class Day (unofficial name), students have the chance to visit the Omaha jail. think it's beneficial for students to see the different side of jail life. What would be even better? Maybe kids will think twice about breaking the law if they had seen first hand what jail-life is like. Watch out — your classmates may be on LOCKED UP RAW if you're not careful...

MTV teen driving

I don't think the 17 year-old teen from Elkhorn deserves time on an MTV driving show. If I crashed my car 3 times in the first year of driving, I'm positive my parents would take away my license. Careless mistakes should not equal rewards. MTV should select good teen drivers for the show as a better incentive. Maybe i'd be eligible, ha.

-Brian Frey Entertainment Editor

No public funds for abortions

Senator Ben Nelson wants to ban any public funds from paying for abortions under the new health care reform bill. He will vote to block the bill if the abortion language is not changed. A showdown between democrats and republicans over this aspect of the bill is anticipated.

Lizzie Davis

Stop the Creepers

The Omaha World-Herald today tells that a 27-year old man walked through Arnold Elementary School in Lincoln and sexually assaulted a 5-year old. The man had sketchy looks, with a cigarette behind his ear and a backpack over his shoulder the paper states, and told a teacher he just wanted to use the restroom. I cannot imagine that any man, let alone one with his apparent creepiness, could get all the way through an elementary school and past the main office. I don't think that could happen at our school. I hope not!

Teen Crashes Into Everything

Lauren Goodell hit a fire hydrant, totaled her car, and hit a gate pillar all in her first year of driving. Subsequently, Indy 500 drive Jay Howard decided to give the little lady a hand with her mad driving skills. Now a senior at Elkhorn High School, Goodell is the face for the "Road to the Woodies," and movement by MTV and American Family Insurance. Goodell's driving mishaps has helped develop a video that shows her overcoming multiple driving challenges.

Tickets into Revenue

Personally, I think it is wrong for the City of Omaha to fund their projects by raising the ticketing prices. Sometimes its impossible not to get a ticket, and I don't think that the person should pay more just because the City of Omaha is spending above their budget.

Lea Rendell, Opinion Editor

Bernie Hall

Michael Kelly's piece on Bernie Hall's recent death (on Nov. 21) is amazing. What an incredible person. Take the time to read it. :)

School safety

"How much should be done to stop strangers?" asks the Omaha World-Herald. Detailing a frightening story of a man who sexually assaulted a 5-year-old in an elementary school in Lincoln. After attempts were made by several staff members, the man was escorted to the bathroom. However, while the teacher went to inform the main office, the man made his way to a kindergarten bathroom where the assault took place. This event is tragic, and the Omaha World-Herald raises a pivotal question in school safety.

Westside schools have had their share of strangers this year. At one Westside elementary school, items were stolen from a teacher's desk drawer. Although the man was found by a teacher and escorted out of the building, he was still able to get away with a credit card. More attention should be drawn to this issue and more awareness should be raised. While credit cards can be reported stolen, children's safety is at risk.

Atheism Posters

In Washington, atheist groups are putting up signs that promote the acceptance of those who don't believe in god. They are doing this partially in response to the Head of the Catholic league comapring them to people like Hitler and serial killers. A person does not need to believe in a higher power to be a good person. Its a fact.

-Ian

Parking Tickets Increasing?

Downtown Improvement District Association has it on hold until they finish a parking study downtown next year, but Suttle is ready and waiting. Ticket procrastination has supposedly cost more than $1.4 million since 2005, but yet earned $53, 168 dollars so far this year. The late fine would go up $4 to $20, and crack down on non-payers that make up 40% of ticket's issued. the fear is it could scare people off, and I have to admit that headline scared me. After all I keep my speed under the limit the last 10 days of every month to avoid all the speed traps already, should I start taking the bus downtown too.

Hannah Gill Copy Editor

Ben Nelson doesn't like abortions

Just yesterday, hundreds of pro-choice people crowded Capitol Hill holding signs that said, "listen up senators: women's health is not negotiable." What they're protesting is the new bill being planned, restricting public funds from supporting those women choosing to have an abortion. Being pro-choice, I think this is a good idea because if that life-changing choice is made, you should pay for it yourself, not rely on the public.

Elkhorn South

In a city that party defines it self in relation to the nearest highschool, the construction of a new highschool is a big deal. It is interesting to note the changes as the city grows and expands. This new highschool might be something to keep in mind as a possible news brief. But is it just me, or does Elkhorn South's entrance look a little like Westside's athletic entrance?

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

The Plan for Afganistan

More troops, more money, the age old solution to a failing war effort. Turns out the Obama administration isn't changing much. 30 thousand, 30,000 more troops will deploy for 18 months to ease the Afgans into assuming control of their own security. It will cost 30 billion, that's $30,000,000,000, on top of the 233 billion, or $233,000,000,000 already spent. Not including the $705,000,000,000, or 705 billion poured into Iraq. Thank goodness there is a new President in office to turn this wasteful war around.

Silo Extreme Outdoor Adventures

There is a plan to turn the former Farmland grain elevator near 34th and Vinton into Silo Extreme Outdoor Adventures, rock climbing. I think this is a great plan. Currently UNO has the only public rock climbing wall in Omaha, and even that is only open to non-UNO students for a small amount of time. We need more diverse things and this is a great plan to turn an unused building into a fun activity

Emma May

Staff Writer

30,000 Additional Troops

President Barack Obama spoke on national television on Tuesday affirming the deployment of 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan. The forces are to deploy as quickly as possible for they are planned to return in July 2011. The goal is to strengthen Afghanistan's security, and avoid a "safe haven" for the al-Qaida. Since most Americans do not want an endless, sometimes seemingly pointless, war on their hands, Obama emphasized the withdrawal of all the troops.

Only 30 days in jail?

3 men snuck into a the bedroom of a friend's mom and sexually assaulted her. One of those men will spend 30 days in jail and be registered as a sex offender. The other two won't. That's terrible that that's the worst punishment they are receiving. I feel like it should be worse, because others might see that its not such a bad punishment and do it too. I don't feel safe.

extreme makeover: silo edition

I have wondered for a really long time if the silos by Interstate 80 were still functional. Now that I know they are not, I think that it is a wonderful idea to turn them into a climbing park. That way, the city is saved any expenses of tearing them down. Its like recycling but for an old building.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

and overseas we goo

Once again, more troops are sent to the war. My brother just came back for leave, and now he is sent right back to Iraq even though this is his fourth time now in his three years of service. Wasn't it Obama who promised to get the troops out. He even said and I quote

"The only troops I will keep in Iraq will perform the limited missions of protecting our diplomats and carrying out targeted strikes on al Qaeda. And I will launch the diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives that are so badly needed. Let there be no doubt: I will end this war."

It seems to me that Obama has been all about getting elected, and getting attention, but has neglected to actually pay attention to the soldiers and their families. In my opinion Obama couldn't care less on how much we are spending in the war, or how many troops die there. If he did he wouldn't be sending 30,00 more.

MWH graduates

Of the three Millard West High School graduates who "fondled" a 42 year-old sleeping woman, only one was sentenced to jail. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and ten years as a registered sex offender. The sleeping woman was the mom of the friend of all three guys.

-Brian Frey Entertainment Editor

I LOVE PIE AND JULIE TOO!!

Village Inn pies are amazing. Everyone should go there on Wednesdays. The pie is free for everyone if they order something(could be as small of an order as a drink). SO go there =]

College. . .

A lot of us are preparing to go off to college right now. How do you all feel about graduating with debt? It seems that in today's job market, a bachelor's degree is becoming something like a high school diploma, and graduate school is what sets you apart. So are we willing to put ourselves in thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of dollars in debt when we may have another 4 years to go.Oi vay!

Mary Hepburn, Managing Editor

Silo Climbing? Yes!

On the front page of the OWH is an article about the transformation of silos in Omaha into a climbing area. I think that this would be a neat idea and a good way to get Nebraskin's out and about.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20091202/NEWS01/712029923

-Ian

The Uninvited Guests (The conspiracy saga continues)

This is what I would like to say about that the couple who showed up at the state dinner last week uninvited... wow and that's conspiracy. I am kind of concerned how any old couple who walks off the street can arrive to the White House to dine for dinner. It kind of makes me wonder how our Department of Homeland Security is functioning. Don't you think this is a bit concerning?

Wow.

-Lindsay Lee Photo Editor

Silo Extreme Outdoor Adventures

It may not be Disney World or Six Flags, but the proposed Silo Extreme Outdoor Adventures indicates Omaha is looking to expand its theme parks beyond Funplex. I just hope this abandoned-grain-elevator-turned-adventure-park caters to more than just the most serious of climbers, so that amateurs (aka I) will also be permitted on the 30- to 40-foot-high rope obstacle course and ice climbing wall. :)

new "cash for clunkers"

Iowa and Nebraska are waiting for federal approval to promote sales for more energy-efficient appliances. These sales are known as Dollars for Dishwashers, Funds for Furnaces, and Rebates for Refrigerators. These sales are similar to the previous Cash for Clunkers, only now the reason for these sales is to promote buyers to chose energy-efficient appliances. I applaud this idea :)

A Nice Change

About a week ago, I noticed the lack of iPrism logins every time I opened Safari or had been online for more than an hour. Kudos to Tech Support/iPrism for removing this annoying task from our daily lives. I can now complete homework online without worrying about being logged out and losing my work. In addition, I think Westside needs to cut Tech Support a little slack. Honestly, who wants a job working with frustrated teenagers who only visit to complain, or a job which includes eye rolls and rants at the very mention of its existence?

Is abusive speech free speech?

Do you think abusive speech is free speech? I know a girl at Creighton University, getting her masters degree. She was recently taking a very advanced chemistry class and towards the end of the class there was a test she didn't agree with. She said something to the student teacher about how it was not fair and the teacher thought she was not being proper. She was forced to drop the class. Is that right? Is that abusive speech and should abusive speech be allowed?

Emma May

Staff Writer

Weird Coincidence

The John Grisham best-selling novel The Firm tells the story of a covered-up murder in the Cayman Islands that is said to be a "boating accident." How weird is it that an Omahan recently died in the Cayman Islands for that very cause?!?

H1N1 Vaccination Site

Over 2,000 people were vaccinated at Westside High School on Nov. 30. People waited in a line outside the school, waiting for the shot or nasal spray. Those with underlying health conditions are at a greater risk for serious symptoms if they get the illness. Almost all the people who have died because of H1N1 had an underlying health condition. On a more personal note, students who received the shot complained of agitation at the injection site. Despite those who experienced pain, the students who received the nasal spray said it was a painless and easy procedure.

H1N1 Vaccine

On Monday, Westside was the place to be if you were interested in keeping away the Swine Flu. The Vaccine was given to the public after school on Monday and immediately lines were being formed down the halls and outside the school. For the many people we hear are doubtful about the vaccine there sure was a good turn out. Others like myself, still fearful of the vaccine as well as shots themselves decided to pass on the ever so popular vaccine. Little did I know there was a nasal spray that would cause me know pain at all. If I knew this before maybe I would have waited in line for the vaccine instead of being forced to lie to my mother about the painful shot I endured.

Speedy vaccination

Yesterday I, like several other community members, joined a long line of people to receive my H1N1 vaccination. To my surprise, the line moved fast and within less than five minutes I had received the vaccination. The line kept moving at a steady rate at the clinic after school, too. With great organization and friendly workers, I was proud of the simplicity of the process. Way to go Westside administrators who oversaw the process in the morning and Douglas Country Health Department workers who kept the good vibe in the evening.

When the Saints...

suck, they suck. My father, an uprooted fan from Louisiana, has long suffered under their failure. They are the Yankees of football. But when they are good, they are great, and they are great this year. After beating the Patriots last night the Saints took one step closer to an undefeated season, and they just keep marching. It's a good year for professional football, so tune in to this staple of Midwestern society.

Hannah Gill Copy Editor

H1N1 Still a Conspiracy

It is still a conspiracy folks. My mother obligated me to get the H1N1 vaccine yesterday. A clinic was set up in the activity gym for students to get vaccinated. I stepped into the gym, the janitor said "oh now you come"...as if they were waiting for me. A nurse from the Visiting Nurse Association wiped my arm with an alcohol wipe, distracted me with "where are you going to college?", before I could answer...I've been hit.

Many from the Westside Community arrived Nov. 30 to get vaccinated. Long lines were expected, and many came prepared with much literature to read while standing in line.

-Lindsay Lee Photo Editor

More troops to the desert

According to the Omaha World-Herald, President Obama is planning to send 34,000 additional troops to help the Afghanistan war. Also in the article was the fact that we currently have more troops in Germany and twice as many in Iraq as we do in Afghanistan. That clears a lot of things up because how could we expect to reconstruct the country and fight the Taliban at the same time if we have fewer troops stationed there than we have in Germany? No wonder this war has been under so much criticism.

~Charles W. Ziegenbein Photographer/Sports Staff

Obama Afghanistan

Tonight Obama will talk about his plan for Afghanistan. 34,000 more troops will go to Afghanistan before the U.S. will withdraw. I'm interested in how this whole Afghanistan thing works out.

-Brian Frey, Entertainment Editor

Big 12 Championship

The Big 12 Championship game of Nebraska and Texas looms this Saturday at 7...in Texas. I must say that Huskers have looked pretty good this year. Defensively. The Husker's low power offense will face the Longhorn defense. It won't be pretty. No offense to Nebraska fans, but Texas will win this. I predict 28-7 Texas. But, on the upside for Husker fans, I believe that they will have a 10 win season.

-Ian

White House Party Crashers

Michaele and Tareq Salahi crashed a white house state dinner just before thanksgiving. I understand that this shows serious lapses in white house security. I think there is more security to get on an airplane, and less risk. If these two were assassins or had any serious ill intentions, we could have a tragedy on our hands. But despite would could have happened, my biggest reaction to this story is amusement. I find the entire situation hilarious.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

Promises, Promises, Promises, but change?

Obama's campaign was built on change. With this new Afghanistan plan I am not seeing the change so much. We spent how many years ragging on former President Bush for just putting more troops in, and here Obama is doing the same thing. This is why I think electing a person on campaign promises instead of experience does not always go over well. But who knows? He could pull through!

Julie Dworak

Staff Writer

vaccinations

I wasn't happy yesterday when I had to get a H1N1 vaccination. I consider myself to be healthy and I figure if I haven't gotten the swine flu yet, it's not going to happen. But hearing stories about people with underlying health problems, I realize that vaccinations are important to some people. I still say mine wasn't necessary. But I braved the dreaded needle and hopefully I stay healthy for the rest of the flu season.

Lauren Florea

Double Standard?

Since when did voicing your opinion (even though a harsh one) become a crime? For years people have been saying mean things to and about political officials. I won't name names, but a certain someone got on ABC during an awards show and proudly made "mean" statements against the President. Now, I'm not saying people don't have that right. There just seems to be a bit of a double standard in this case. A student sends an angry email to someone running for office and is fined, but anyone can say something about George W. Bush whenever and where every they want? Doesn't make much sense to me. I think free speech needs to be absolute. Let people say what they want, as long as they don't threaten to kill someone. I mean really, what harm can a few mean words really do?

Shelby Pieper

Copy Editor

Afghanistan

Obama will be on the news at 7 p.m. tonight to propose his plan for Afghanistan. He plans to send an additional 34,000 US troops there beginning in January, along with 5,000 troops that belong to NATO. These thousands of troops being sent over will satisfy US General Stanley McChrystal, and his request for 400,000 over the summer.