PIRATES vs. NINJAS

So, we had this conversation this morning.

What's better, Pirates or Ninjas?

Killer Whale Kills

Today, a killer whale at Seaworld killed a trainer in front of a whole audience. I feel bad for all the little kids who were probably watching, they're probably scarred for life.

babies playing soccer?!

There's a new non-profit program for children as young 18 months old to participate in soccer games. The games are mostly free-play, encouraging children to TRY, and hopefully help prevent childhood obesity. I don't think kids that young should worry about obesity - they haven't even grown out of their baby fat yet.

Late Night!!

I successfully finished two sports news briefs after joining the newspaper late into the issue. I'm really excited for this issue because after looking over several rough drafts of pages, the stories and designs look really good. Usually we have a lot of "fluff" stories, but it seems that we only have a few of those this issue.

Opting Out

I think that it's great that different schools are looking at the opting out for sports option; however, I personally don't like the option very much because gym teachers are always trying to persuade kids who are in sports not to opt out. Also, how can you be expected to take the final at the end of the semester if you haven't been there? I just wish the program was more accepted by gym teachers and easier for athletes to use.

Community Colleges

Keep them alive. They help people get their lives back on track. Even if it's only for two years, they can decide whether or not you're working at McDonald's or at an office (with a nice job).

Face-to-face with a lion

I have no idea what I would do if I came across a mountain lion. It would be kind of cool, but deathly scary. The thing I don't understand is why did they have to kill the lion. Is that really necessary? Couldn't they have brought the lion back to its natural habitat or at least the zoo?

Missouri Bridge

The Missouri bridge is finally getting destroyed! It is said to be over 70 years old. Today between 10 a.m. and noon, explosives will be set up, breaking the bridge into massive pieces. It's going to land in the water! What about the fishies? They didn't ask for this. Someone needs to save them before they all die.

Spring? Where art thou?

Today's low is going to be 1. Seriously? Its almost March.

-Ian

Opting Out

OPS is making the move towards allowing students to opt out of gym class if they participate in athletics or other specific activities. Westside has been doing this for years, and I think it is a great idea. Athletes shouldn't be expected to wake up early in the morning for practice and then lift weights in gym class. The only thing I would add to Westside's opting out policy is letting dance team members opt out as well. We practice at 6:30 every morning. We deserve to sleep in.

shadowers. :)

Say "Hello" to our students from North!

Yayy!!

Jenny Shehan

Editor-in-chief

Gym opt-out not fair

OPS is now considering letting students who participate in school athletics opt-out of gym class. We already do that, and I think it extremely unfair. There are those of us who do other sports not school related, and put just as much time into our sports, but because it's not school related we still have to go to gym class. There needs to be a fairer system.

Basketball All-Decade Team

Congrats to Bellevue West for getting two players on the All-Class First Team and one on the Second Team. Sadly, Westside has no players on any of the teams. Even worse, it does not surprise me. I think Westside needs to beef up their basketball program. eh? Although our girl's team is pretty awesome. Sarah Nelson was placed on one of the All-Decade teams. Go Westside girls!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Best Headline

"Want a nightcap with that naughty nightie?"

Go World Herald! Thats one way to sell papers I suppose.

Sam Juster

the doctor is in

Dr. Dave Mercer is a surgeon at the Nebraska Medical Center, and his unique technique has the living section buzzing. During his surgeries he plays music from his ipod to keep the room calm. If it's the music that's been ensuring his surgeries are successful I have no problems with it.

Winter Olympics Don't Get Enough Credit

I don't think I've given the Winter Olympics enough credit. When they first started, I was disappointed about the events that take place during the Winter Olympics because they're mostly obscure snow sports. However, I've been watching the Olympics almost every night and I've found that the events are very entertaining! I can now say that I love short track speed skating, ice dancing, and even luge!

Fortune cookies - fortune?

In the midlands section, Robert Nelson wrote a column about the HyVee fortune cookies and how they have a lot more than fortunes in them. This makes me mad. When I eat a fortune cookie, I want to have my fortune told, not be given advice or something.

GO USA

United States racks up another win in hockey! I can't believe we beat Canada in hockey last night. That game kept me on the edge of my couch!

Hip Hip Hooray

Can you believe that we won last night against Canada in hockey? Woooh goooooo United Statesssssss!

Westside takes over the midlands

Not really. But the front page story in the midlands is about a fundraising program, The Walk and Roll for Disabilities. This event was held in the Westroads Mall on Sunday, and raised $31,834 for the Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute.

Fortune Cookie Always Right?

Well Sunny Kwan of Minneapolis, philosopher and fortune teller for Keefer Court Inc and most therefore HyVee Chineese. Lovingly dubbed Hy-Chi this scrumptious section of the cafeteria at HyVee is delicious, and the fortune cookies are usually interesting. Often though, they don't contain any fortune or cultural value, being a product of San Fransico as apposed to having oriental origins. So enjoy, but every so often head down to somewhere more authentic to enjoy the traditional cuisine.

Hannah Gill Copy Editor

Shaun White

What can I say, Shaun White is one of my favorite athletes. He is the best halfpipe snowboarder in the world. He has won the Olympic gold 2 times in a row. He lives in California and owns a 2007 Balloon white Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. I'm jealous.

Downtown

There is a plan to put signs downtown to help people find locations more easily. Examples of places these signs would lead tourists to include restaurants and the Gene Leahy Mall. I think this is a great idea. Downtown is a little confusing, even for people who have lived her all their lives. I say Omaha should invest in these signs so more people will be able to find places to eat and shop more easily, therefore spending more money.

Shelby Pieper

Copy Editor

Olympic Gold

Yesterday Evan Lysacek won the gold. He's biggest rival was from Russia and was very arrogant. Therefore I was very happy that Evan won. I love watching Olympics. I recently read an article about girls sports injuries, particularly high school sports, in the New York Times. I think a similar article in our Sports section would be a great idea.

Signs Downtown

There is a chance that signs will be put up around downtown to help people find things more easily. I like this idea, but I wonder if Omaha is fooling itself. We aren't that big of a tourist attraction.

no more world records

Scientists have reached a firm belief that no human can break an athletic world record anymore. The human athletic performance has reached it's peak, as they say meaning breaking a world record is only possible with performance enhancers. Steroids are common performance enhancers, and the consequences aren't even worth the risk.

Bellevue Mayor

My grandpa, Chuck Fredrick, is running for mayor of Bellevue. This is not an unusual event, and as a wee boy I once chucked (pun intended) candy from a red convertible while waving to hapless Bellevue citizens in support of his campaign.

Pretty unusual about the current mayor not running again, but I guess a lot of people were enraged by that 29$ an hour friendvisor that was kept snugly in the dark from everybody. I don't question the validity of this as I've heard plenty of vehement rants on the subject from my grandpa himself.

Nuclear Power

President Obama has proposed 8 billion for new nuclear power plants. Although wind or solar energy would be better for the environment, anything is better than coal.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

Afghanistan Civilians

I read in the newspaper today that American soldiers are having a hard time in Afghanistan because they must be hesitant to shoot in order to avoid killing innocent civilians. This is kind of strange to hear considering that American soldiers just killed 12 innocent civilians over the weekend. Our military has to remember to be extremely careful because killing innocent Afghans will only turn them against us!

Driving

I know we all get mad when our parents won't let us drive because of the weather. This weekend a 20-year-old UNL student, a graduate from Westside, was killed by a semi on I-80. Makes me think twice about getting mad at my parents I guess.

Cold Is So Overrated

I left a thing of toothpaste in my car at the airport this weekend, because of the lame liquid limitations, and when I got in the car last night I discovered that it was frozen! How do you thaw toothpaste? Microwave?

SERIOUSLY?!

I am not going to stop complaining until the snow and cold are gone. According to the World Herald, the cold is going to last through the end of February. This means that the snow probably won't be gone until the middle of March. AAAAAUUUUUGGGGHHHH.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100216/NEWS01/702169921

-Ian

Mardi Gras

Today is Mardi Gras! If only we were in New Orleans/it was warm. No matter. Everyone can eat and be merry, because for some lent starts soon. Pull out your beads, costumes, and awesome food.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

Here to stay?

I understand that along with winter comes snow and cold temps. But really? Does it have to span from as early as October to March? If these below or near freezing temperatures continue into spring, I will be very angry. Trust me, if I could, I would gladly go to California, Florida or even Texas. Anywhere to get away from this ice and snow. Even people at the Olympics in Canada are warmer than we are here in Nebraska. The bottom line: Winter needs to leave town, or I will.

Heart Attack Symptoms

There's an article at the bottom of the front page about how when some women have heart attacks, they don't experience chest pain but rather shortness of breath, nausea and back pain. I think this is important for people to realize, because I wouldn't want to be diagnosed with a panic attack when it is really something much more serious. However, I do get these three symptoms sometimes when I exercise. Now I'm going to question if Im having a heart attack, when it's probably only the consequences of me being out of shape.

Did you know there's snow on the ground?

I certainly didn't. There has been at least one front page article every day about snow or winter or weather. We get it already! It's cold and there's snow on the ground. What more is there to report? Can we stop focusing on the obvious and start focusing on the more important stuff a.k.a THE OLYMPICS (which by the way isn't on any front page)!?

More Money

The University of Nebraska's football coaching staff has gotten a raise. As a group they are up roughly fourteen percent form last year. One of the biggest solo raises goes to Carl Pelini who is now going to make $375,000 annually. His raise seems to end all rumors that were circulating about him and Athletic Director Tom Osborne being at odds over a "relationship" involving Carl and a booster's wife.

-Charlie Ziegenbein Sports Editor

EAGLES

Levi Carter Park, Fontenelle Forest, and Lake Manawa are three good places to spot migrating eagles coming to the Midlands during late February to early March. Thousands of eagles are going to take over; this will be exciting.

Cooper remains in Haiti

Anderson Cooper was in Haiti as soon as possible after the first earthquake. Although he returned to the United States for a (very) little while, he returned to Haiti. Each night this week he has reported on both Haiti and domestic news. I'm glad to see CNN keeping a focus on this crisis while still staying on top of current politics and big news in the states.

Winter Olympics

I really hope the abominable snowman steps out of retirement...

My grandparents told me how he stole the gold with a backflip three-sixty while simultaneously masticating a moose.

One can dream...

Coach Cuts Player's Hair

Recently, a basketball coach was suspended from coaching for cutting a player's hair in front of teammates as a punishment. I think it was right for the coach to be suspended because he publicly humiliated his player and crossed the line by cutting his hair as a punishment. If the hair wasn't a problem at the beginning of the season, there was no reason for the coach to cut it this far into the season.

The Olympics Begin!

I don't know about you guys, but I am super excited for the Winter Olympics to begin. Though the summer olympics had swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and running, the winter Olympics has hockey and speed skating! Who doesn't love speed skating? I am also glad they are in Canada; I didn't like the Olympics in China. I thought it was completely inappropriate to have a world event in a corrupt country. So, YAY Vancouver!

Olympics!

I LOVE the Olympics and I'm so excited for them to start. But I'm a little bit sad about this year's Winter Games because I just realized that I like the Summer Games so much more. The only sports they compete in for the Winter Games are skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hockey, and other obscure snow events. In the summer, they have SO much more including gymnastics, badminton, tennis, swimming, diving, and track!

Bagel Bin

The bagel bin is expected to re-open in 8-12 months. This is exciting.

olympics

Today is the first day of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Go USA! Nothing stirs nationalistic fever quite as much as the olympic games, so hopefully everything stays calm. And good for Stephen Colbert, who helped support American speed skaters after there sponsor dropped out. Not only is he funny, but he also has a good heart.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

Seriously? What?

I think I am missing something. Can someone shed some light on this hair situation? So a basketball coach cut the player's hair in front of his teammates as a punishment? How old was he? Why didn't he just say no? What were the circumstances? And why is there an opinion story on this in the World Herald but no actual news story? I have questions! I want them answered!

Bode Miller

The front page of the Herald today calls Olympic athlete Bode Miller the "bad boy of the slopes." I was wondering why, and Wikipedia says he is a "champion alpine ski racer" with 2 silver medals already, but has a reputation for being a "loose canon" with the press and giving lecture-answers to questions. He has been known to say things disrespectful to skiing as whole, relating it to driving while intoxicated. Wow, Bode Miller. It's cool that you spend your life doing that!!

Figure Skating Getting the Respect it Deserves

The Olympics are starting today, and I'm excited. Not only because I love watching winter sports, but also because figure skating becomes relevant. To me skating is relevant all year, every year, but for others the only time skating is important is every four years when these games roll around. Figure skating is a beautiful and powerful sport, and I'm glad it gets this exposure at least.

Hit-and-Run

Don't leave so quick just to avoid the embarrassment of an accident because you could have 5 years in prison! Nebraska's punishment for a hit and run homicide is up to 20 years in prison. People, be a good citizen and help someone because you know you would want them to do the same for you if you were in an accident. Senator Pirsch sponsors Bill 506. Bill 506 states that anyone in the accident who leaves another with a serious bodily injury/death, will be classified as a Class III felony.

The education system is forcing me to blog!!!

I am being forced to blog!

If I choose to stand for my right and not blog I would be penalized by a five point deduction in my grade. What is the education system coming to? Forcing students to share their thoughts against their will seems like a violation of my rights. I regret to say that I must now end my stand against blogging in order to ensure my academic success.

Hello Vancouver

This year the winter Olympics will be held in Vancouver, Canada. I can speak from experience* that Vancouver is one of the nicest cities in the world. It perfectly blends an up-tempo urban life-style with the wide open Canadian landscape just outside city limits. It is truly a fantastic city only made better by the winter snows. More importantly, it is the ideal city for the Winter Olympics.

Charlie Ziegenbein Sports Editor

*Watching 3 hours of "Discover Canada" on the National Geographic Channel

D.C. HIt By Blizzards

It looks like D.C. has been hit by back-to-back blizzards in the last week, accumulating over 28 inches of snow in total. It's so bad the snowplows are breaking down, and politicians are worrying that the inefficiency of clearing the streets is going to jeopardize their political futures. I guess Omaha isn't the only city that gets to enjoy the winter weather.

Sam Raybine

My First Day.

Today is my first day of Lance! I'm excited. I'm not sure what to write about because it's my first day and I don't really know what's going on. I've thought of a few story ideas so far and possibly some polls. I'm not sure what we are suppose to write about in this blog...the cover page of the World-Herald looks really good. I especially like the picture of the Olympic rings in Vancouver. I also read Robert Nelson's article about the boy in Yutan whose coach cut his hair off. At first I thought it was trivial, but I realized the issue has turned into how much power a coach has over his athletes. I enjoy Nelson's articles a lot and its been a long time since I've picked up the actual paper.

Valentine's Day

SUNDAY IS VALENTINE'S DAY!! YIPEE!!!

This year a new movie is out entitled "Valentine's Day". This movie is filled to the brim with big name stars including Julia Roberts, Jamie Foxx, Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and many more. You would think that with this many A-Listers it would be a good movie, but according to the World Herald Living Section it is not a great movie. This Sunday I will be viewing this movie myself with my significant other so I will get back to you with my take on it. I have to admit, I am excited to see Taylor and Taylor in action together as a couple. To conclude, HAPPY ALMOST VALENTINE'S DAY! YOU SHOULD CELEBRATE IT!! YIPEE!!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Olympics

This year, I feel like there hasn't been a lot of promotion and hype about the winter olympics. The summer olympics always seem to be advertised for weeks prior to the event. Maybe I just haven't had time to watch television, but it seems that the winter olympics haven't gotten a lot of attention this year. I haven't seen commercials or major news stories about the event. In fact, today is the first day I've heard anything about the start of this event; first on the news this morning and second in the world-herald. The olympics deserve more than just a few plugs the week before the opening ceremony.

Shelby Pieper

Copy Editor

Cutting hair as a punishment?

If I were a basketball coach I'm sure I could think of a better punishment for my players rather than cutting their hair to humiliate them. I don't see how this helps better the team or the player..which should be a coaches main goal. Why not make him run lines or stay after and shoot and run drills? This could not only be called a punishment but a way for the player to still get better. Instead the coach decides that cutting his hair will serve as a better punishment? hmmmm....

Winter Games

At least it isn't half way across the world this year so we don't have to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to watch our favorite event. Apolo Anton Ohno and Lindsey Vonn seem to be the favorites in their respective events. Hope we have a good showing, go USA!

Because it's Friday...

I've decided to post a link to lighten the mood. A good salesman can sell...

http://www.mcsweeneys.net/links/lists/salesman.html

-Ian

Team USA

I remember I was in 8th Grade when the last Winter Olympics started. I'm excited to watch it tonight. How often are exchanges between countries hostile? I feel like this is one event where some form of camaraderie and "friendly" competition can happen. Go USA!

PS. I love the movie Mighty Ducks 3: D3. All the ducks join team USA. Childhood memories...just saying...

Holy Name School

There's a meeting at this church Sunday asking for funding to keep the school open. The school needs $300,000 by March 15, and fundraiser ideas are greatly welcomed.

olympics

Vancouver Canada is hosting the winter olympic games. Woot.

No Shots for me please

What is this new coughing trick that supposedly helps kids get shots? I hate shots. It won't help me I can already tell. They need a better solution, like a way to give shots without a needle. And those nose mist things don't count.

DONATE YOUR FUR!

Does anyone else ever feel horribly guilty for having a fur coat? Because I do! And apparently there's a way to ease the pain now. We can give our old coats to the Humane Society and they will give them back to the baby animals who don't have mothers and fathers! 

Ease the guilt. Give the orphaned baby animals the carcasses of their parents.

Teen Texting On the Road

Saying this knowing that I can't drive until next September, can't you just wait a couple minutes to read texts while driving?

I Wish I'd Had the Coughing Trick

As a kid, I hated shots! I wish doctors had figured out this coughing trick thing a long time ago. Now, shots aren't so bad. I would rather have a shot than that nasty mist stuff!

I hate blogging!

The world would be a better place if no one completed these blogs!

I officially am taking a stand against blogging (Mr. Howe, I am no longer blogging. I hope you don't mind).

Creighton, what happened?

Last night Creighton beat Indiana state 65-52. The game was not very good, but finally a win for Creighton! This is not a good year for the team.

"My Way" killings

There's been an epidemic of killings revolving around the Frank Sinatra song "My Way." The song is popular in the Philippines and used often in Karaoke contests. Increasingly contestants that do not sing "My Way" well are murdered.

Hungry!

I currently want sushi, cake, cookies, and more cake! I've decided I will go out to Hiro after school and then I will hit the Lithuanian Bakery!!!!!! ahhhh! The Lithuanian Bakery is AMAZING! it has the best chocolate chip cookies – just thinking about it makes my mouth water! Yummy! Everyone in newspaper should go there right this very minute! gotta fly! bye!

Teens texting while driving

The real question in this case is why do it in the first place? It's obviously not safe at all and seems very difficult. Why can't people wait about 5 or 6 minutes to text–is it that urgent?

Social Networking

As discussed in the Sunday World-Herald, social networking is a Brave New World that has many pitfalls. Besides the lack of face-to-face interaction, people hooked on texting, Twitter and Facebook too often seem oblivious to the ramifications of posting something that worldwide web consumers might see. Thus, we have athletes posting whiney messages about playing time, teenagers posting violent messages and general consumers posting inane comments about ordinary stuff that no one else should care about. I'm still not confident all the advances in technology have made the world a better place.

Interesting Photo Essay

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/02/07/weekinreview/20100207_CHINA_SS_index.html

Teen Against Texting While Driving

Benson High Jillian Humphries appeared before the Nebraska Legislature's Transportation and Telecommunications Committee to support a bill that would ban texting while driving. The bill would fine $200 for a first offense and loss of three points from a driver's license. The fine would be $300, then $500, for second and third offenses.

police take over schools

Omaha North always seems to have violent rumors and actions taking place - so much that 100 parents called their students in yesterday due to the possible violence to come. More Omaha police officers are patrolling this school, along with other schools like Benson West. I don't see why few OPS students feel that violence is necessary... I don't mean to stereotype, but these front page stories are getting old.

School violence

It's sad to see this drastic increase in threatening behavior and violence in schools. The student who recently brought a gun to school at Omaha North High School was involved with a gang; he brought the gun to protect himself. I hope this is showing people how we need to not just tackle the issues as they arise, but there must be better prevention. And although the student should never have brought the school, he is a minor. We should help him, not just punish him.

Coughing Trick??

I doubt that coughing could ease the pain of a shot. I've had enough shots and plenty of blood drawn to know that there is a little sting no matter how hard you try not to think about it. But in reality, the prick isn't that bad. So I don't see why we need a way to ease the pain. Unless the child is 5 or under, they can suck it up.

violence

Articles about school shootings and cops all over the place make me really glad I go to Westside. We're not perfect, but at least our students don't get shot on a regular basis.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

Carhenge

According to the Omaha World-Herald, there is a sculpture called Carhenge that will be on display at the Durham. Honestly though, don't you think they could have come up with a more creative name? It's just overused to call something Carhenge, or Bikehenge, or Puppyhenge. This overuse of names that are a take-off of Stonehenge makes me angry.

Also

I heard this morning on the Radio that OPS is adding 15 minutes of school everyday until the end of the school year start February 18. For once I'm glad our school has an obscene number of days built into its schedule.

A joint operation against the Taliban held town of Marjah is being lead by Afghan soldiers to see how they handle themselves in the field. I hope things go well, if they do then perhaps this will prove that Afghans can deal with the Taliban by themselves.

kindergarden

NE parents now have more say in when they want their child to attend kindergarden. There are a wide range of children learning at different paces. By passing this bill (1006), then children who are five on or before Oct. 15 can enroll.

Law Could Work

In today's paper, there is an article about a bill that would "suspend licenses of youths caught with alcohol". I think that this could work, except that the punishment–getting your license suspended for 30 days–might not be harsh enough to deter many teens from drinking. However, I think that with modifications, it could definitely work!

So Many Snax

Where are all the snax?

I was really excited about them.

Now I am depressed.

^That's a Haiku.

Jenny Shehan - Editor-in-Chief

Charity

Interesting article about random acts of giving

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/nyregion/09bigcity.html

-Ian

Coats for Cubs

The Humane Society wants you to recycle your old fur coats by giving them back to their original owners. This new Coats for Cubs program helps wildlife that has been orphaned, injured, or ill by using fur coats as bedding instead of what would be their parents warm fur. Poor little guys! Either way the photo on the cover of living is ADORABLE!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Gang shooting results in two deaths

"He was supposed to come straight home, but he didn't," Yvonne Williams, mother of 15 year old Everett Williams, said. Everett had told his mother something was going to happen between two gangs, but said that he wouldn't be involved. The boy was shot and killed at about 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday. Later on in the evening, police were called to a home where a man with gunshot wounds was inside. It is not yet known whether the shootings are related.

Kindergartners

I love the idea of changing the cut off date for Kindergartners to July 31st. For some, the age gap of up to 18 months is too much. They don't have the same skills as their other peers and this can put them at a disadvantage. I say Nebraska should move forward with this bill for the sake of Nebraska children.

Husker Ladies Basketball

Wow, third in the nation! We finally have another college sports team to follow in the state of Nebraska besides the blackshirts. We usually only have a good football team and an occasion good baseball season, but now we have a strong ladies basketball team. The Husker women's teams (volleyball and basketball) are seeming to be the new driving force of the athletic program. Keep up the good work.

Your initials affect your LIFE?

There's an article in the Living section about how your initials affect your life. So for example, if you have the initials WIN or VIP, you're going to live longer than someone with the initials PIG or BAD. My initials (LNF) dont spell anything...... what does that mean?

Taking Teen's Keys

I think driving while under the influence is a huge deal, and teens should be penalized for it. Suspending licenses can only help the problem. I mean teens shouldn't be drinking alcohol in the first place and this is a good punishment that will hopefully teach a lesson.

Kindergarten

On the front page of the World Herald, there was an article about restricting the age of kindergarteners. On one hand, it would even up the skills that kindergarteners start out with. On the other hand, that would I mean I would be a sophomore this year, which is just unacceptable.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

kindergarden

The issue in today's kindergarden classrooms is the wide range of age, and the different abilities brought into the classrooms. Children who are five on or before Oct. 15 can enroll in kindergarden, and the rest have to wait another year. The Legislative Bill 1006 proposes a slight change to decrease the massive age difference in kindergardeners - children who are five on or before July 31 can enroll, while the rest are left behind. I think it would be easiest if parents just enroll their kids whenever they feel they're ready.

The Who?!

I didn't watch the superbowl.

However I did catch a glimpse of the halftime show.

Members of The Who, I like your songs, but you are looking old. And half of your original band is dead. There comes a time when you should just stop performing.

Who Dat??

Going into the second half down by four, the saints started strong with an onside kick gaining them the a 13-10 lead. To stay ahead they went for a two-point conversion barely getting it. The saints played extremely aggressively and it payed off! I was so excited they won!

superbowl

The Saints won, but the most important part of the superbowl, the ads feel flat this year. Sure, there were a few funny ones but most weren't very clever or we've seen many times before. Step it up, advertisers.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

Detox Kits

Look in the OWH living section about the article on detox kits. What a load of crap. This new "craze" of detoxifying your body is completely ridiculous. I understand eating healthier, and losing weight, but buying an expensive "kit" to "detoxify" your body is not going to do much. What are these so called "toxins" that we have to get rid of? Ever heard of the LIVER? It is in our bodies for a reason...

dinosaur discoveries

China is known to discover new fossils, and scientists are coming together to create models of these newly found dinosaurs. It's now believed that carnivores no only bit and sliced it's meal to death, but also injected a venom from the teeth as a cobra or Komodo dragon does. That's fierce.

Ketchup Changing

Heinz ketchup is releasing its new packet design. Dip and squeeze design!

Social (gathering) Security

Yesterday's Omaha World-Herald had a picture of a policeman patrolling the halls at a Nebraska High School is response to claims of retribution for a shooting. That seemed normal to me since we have a few that patrol Westside. What wasn't normal was the assault-rifle and body armor the officer was wearing. That would be a scary sight to any person wanting to do a bad thing, but it would probably be equally as scary to the students who were just going through their daily schedules!

-Charles.

Snow

I hate winter - took 30 minutes to drive to school. It's somehow fitting - at least- that Washington, D.C. is expecting to get hit with its worst snow storm in a century.

Parking Tickets

Even though I have a spotless parking ticket record, this new $20 dollar late fee that's being proposed is ridiculous. You could get a $20 dollar late fee for a parking ticket that is a fine of $16 dollars. Pay you parking tickets people, they could double in cost after 30 days.

Yay Heinz!

Check out the new style of ketchup packet in the Living section of the Omaha World Herald today! It's better for squeezing AND dipping! :)

Heinz Made Eaiser

Whenever I go out for fast food, be it Burger King or Arby's, I always decline the ketchup packets. They're too messy and not worth the hassle. Sometimes I even skip ordering fries altogether, knowing that without the ketchup they won't be nearly as good. But, it looks like all that is about to change thanks to Heinz. They're introducing a new ketchup packet that peels back for easy dipping or tears open in order for the red, tomatoey goodness to be squeezed onto burgers and fries. I think this will change the way Americans order fast food. Ok, maybe that's a little extreme, but I know that with this new ketchup packaging, I'll be ordering more fries with my meal.

Shelby Pieper

Copy Editor

WHY WON"T WINTER DIE?!

According to the World Herald, this is one of the worst winters on record. The snow is staying on the ground and not going away. Please, winter, I beg you: DIE. Hate to be so harsh about it, but its true. I'm all for and few 95º days in a row.

-Ian

Security Praised?

Officials are praising security measures taken to combat these incidents with pepper spray, tazers, and even shot guns. I can't help but point out that this probably wasn't the first time students brought these items to school. I think it's interesting we're praising security when we should be trying to figure out why these things are happening.

Julie Dworak, News Editor

suing the state

The Kelley family is suing the state for violating the family's due process and equal protection rights. Three of of the seven Kelley children were taking by police and held in state custody for nine years. The other four children they had later on were not taken into state custody, however, because they were not judged to be at risk. Many apologies from from welfare officials went to the Kelley family, but the case is still going to be filed in Douglas County District Court.

Oscar Nominations

Go Hurt Locker and Jeff Bridges.

Stupid Groundhog

I don't know about you guys, but I can't handle anymore winter... honestly, when was the last time the groundhog didn't see his shadow? Physically impossible.

-Cara.

Child porn

On the bottom of the front page there's a story about a girl who was abused as a young child and used for child pornography. She is now demanding money from everyone who has a photo of her, but people are saying she's going too far. I understand it's hard to collect money from all these people, but I sympathize with the girl. It would be terrible to know there are inappropriate pictures of yourself out there for people to look at whenever they wish.

snowplow accidents

There have been about 40 claims alleging snowplow damage to civilians' vehicles, and one in particular costing $4,200 worth of damage. Aren't snowplow drivers supposed to be good drivers?

Obama Helps Omaha Veterans

Obama has asked for $560 million to repair the 60-year-old VA hospital and add additional parking. A May 2009 study found that the facility had problems with their operating rooms, sewers, walls and windows. Both Senators Ben Nelson and Mike Johanns approve of the update.

Punxsutawney Phil Gone High-Tech

It's groundhog day! Did you hear that Punxsutawney Phil posted his predictions on Facebook? Weird!

Adopting Haitians

I don't understand why it's so difficult to adopt Haitian children. I mean I understand the government wants to be careful to not exploit them, but these are desperate times. So many children are going to be without parents, and there's not much nice families in the US can do about it.

Too Much Debt

We have such a huge deficit ($1.6 trillion) that we may never be able to reduce our debt all the way! This is a scary fact, especially for teens who will soon be adults, and will be faced with the problem of paying off this deficit. There was also an article earlier this month about how nations with this high of debt haven't been able to grow economically in the past. Hopefully, the United States can defy these odds, or else we may not be a world superpower much longer.

Punxsutanwney Phil Disappoints

Phil the Groundhog saw his shadow. No one saw that coming. Has he ever not seen his shadow? Or at least in my lifetime? WHY PHIL? WHY?

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Today

I love groundhog's day. It's an unnecessary holiday, but it definitely keeps things interesting.

Also, in the Living section of the OWH there's an article about getting rid of undesired eyebrow hair using thread. I think we should do it for Lance bonding. Honestly, imagine Danny get his eyebrows plucked — priceless.

Legislative Bill 1001

Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont introduced a bill that would cancel a state law that allows illegal students to get an education here in America. I strongly disagree with Sen. Janssen trying to deny illegal young adults from a quality education. It's not their faults their parents came here illegally, and I don't think it's fair for them to be punished. No one, not even illegal immigrants should be denied an education.

Ugh...Stupid Winter

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100202/NEWS01/100209924

-Ian

Lost

The season premiere of Lost is tonight! The beginning of the end, the bittersweet winding down of a cultural phenomenon. Who will be watching?

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

BRAN

The Bike Ride Across Nebraska is still going strong. This year's event will begin on June 6. An estimated 600 riders will participate, followed by volunteers and vehicles. This is the 30th year of the program.

Potholes

Potholes suck, but if your car is damaged you can file a damage claim to the state to get a reimbursement.

GOOD JOB GUYS!

Hey, guys.

Just one more time:

good job this issue.

Shout-out to all our new staff members!

Nelson's Back

No, not Sen. Ben Nelson– his poles are still absymal. Robert Nelson, colomnist of the Omaha World Herald. He has been gone for three months, dealing with depression and other issues that come with American living. Along with others I missed his tight liped smile, blue shirt, and sharp sarcasm. Good to have him back.

Hannah Gill Copy Editor

Sister Helen Prejean

I hope some of you have seen the movie Dead Man Walking starring Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon. Sarandon portrays Sister Helen Prejean as she got to know and help a man on death row. Monday, Feb. 8, Prejean will be speaking at Creighton University. The event is free and open to the public. Watch the movie this weekend and plan to attend the event. It's sure to be moving!

open enrollment

A new school choice plan will be offered next year though the learning community. Sunday, UNO offered young students a choice of school to move onto in their coming teen years. With 300 parents and children in attendance, and applying, shows that this plan will encourage students to pick the school they want to go to, which may increase motivation.

Robert Nelson Column

Robert Nelson wrote an incredible column about his experience with mental illness. It's good. Read it.