April Fools Day!

I looked at the calendar this morning and was shocked that it's already March 31! This means tomorrow is April Fools Day. And it also means next week Tiger Woods is back in action at the Masters. I am really curious as to how the public will take it when he first tees off. Personally, I think what he did was horrible and lowered my opinion of him. But I don' t think that it should affect his career (well other than endorsements). Golf shouldn't suffer because of him.

RapeLay- Seriously?

A new video game, RapeLay, was recently released in Japan. The game involves the player virtually molesting and raping various women and girls, even allowing a player to impregnate a victim and force them to have an abortion. This disgusts me. Beyond disgusts. How can society allow the spread of these games and promote such violence? A major problem with games like RapeLay is that while the sale may be confined to Japan, it is relatively easy to find and download them from the internet, sometimes even for free. The creation of rape games (I feel sick even just saying that) has led to a global outcry from women's groups.

The Problem with Politics

The problem with politics today is that everyone is so caught up in being identified as either a Republican or a Democrat. Congressmen and citizens alike are unable to see beyond their own party identification. It is just plain annoying that grown people, especially our Congressmen who are supposedly smart, cannot work together. This inability to work together is not a very flattering indicator of America's future.

Ambidextrous Pitcher

Pat Venditte, have you ever heard of him? He's a pitcher with the New York Yankees organization, and he throws with both his left and right hands. He may fool batters, and he's an ex-Creighton Bluejay. Hopefully he can make us proud in the bigs, just like Joba Chamberlain has.

Flight stops in Omaha

Earlier this week a woman forced a flight that was supposed to go across the country to stop in Omaha's Eppley Airfield. She claimed the people sitting next to her were terrorists, and she acted insane, eventually standing up and screaming. The flight attendants determined that no one posed a threat and tried to subdue her but couldn't. She was removed from the plane in Omaha and is now being charged with a felony. She also can't use public transportation.

This is why I sometimes question my faith in humanity. This lady is insane.

Late-term abortion

Bill proposed to ban most abortions after 20 weeks. I, personally, am pro-choice, but this seems reasonable. I wasn't aware you could have an abortion currently at five months pregnant, but it sounds a bit gruesome. Apparently this time frame has been chosen because this is when experts believe a fetus begins to feel pain. I'm not sure how this information was obtained or if it is valid, but on a strictly reactionary, non-information based level, I agree. Something seems wrong in terminating a 20 week along pregnancy. Maybe individual attention could be given to women in special circumstances. It's difficult because my morals tell me a woman should never be able to be forced to give birth, but at the same time, how do you protect the rights of the fetus? Does it have rights? Does anyone know how far along is too far to legally have an abortion currently?

Cooking virtuoso opens new restaurant

At age 21, Clayton Chapman was the leading culinary connoisseur at V. Mertz kitchen. He continued his career at Spencer's Steak and Chops. Now 24, Chapman plans to open his own restaurant, the Grey Plume. This restaurant would feature season ingredients and house-made vinegars, breads and soft cheeses. The menu is the change daily. What a fortunate youth!

Rehab

Jesse James makes his way to a rehabilitation center after cheating on his wife. This is his attempt to save his marriage to superstar Sandra Bullock. While James checked himself in, Bullock has avoided the public eye regarding James' infidelity.

Can it wait till Monday?

I understand the logic in eliminating Saturday mail due to budget concerns, but I'm a little down about the prospect of never again getting a magazine, birthday card, or paycheck on my favorite day of the week. :(

Postal Services

The Postal Service is complaining about working on Saturdays. This would mean not picking up mail as well as not delivering it on Saturday. Apparently they are in debt, and by cutting one more day off, it could add on $7 million more in debt. In the past decade, this service has lost a total of $3.8 million. Figure, if you need something sent for Monday, then you would normally have it get picked up on Saturday, but they don't deliver it until Monday, (which you know), so the only change that we need to make is send out mail on Friday. Easy as that.

It's Party Time Mr. Rodgers!

Yesterday physicists around the world jumped in glee like little girls who finally made something edible out of their Easy-Bake Oven. Using a "Large Hadron Collider" the researchers that attended (at least two dozen, Sudoku anyone?) witnessed the mashing of two protons at three times prior energy levels. This would allow scientists to, just as J. J. Thomson discovered that atoms were made of smaller parts, see if said smaller parts (protons & electrons) were too made of made up of yet tinier components. Enough of that scientific jargon and witchcraft though, all I'd really like to see is Mr. Rodgers tear into a proton-shaped pinata (a sphere I guess?).

Graphics Editor- Julius Fredrick

GO NEBRASKANS!! (take two)

Nebraskans are seriously on a roll! Kelsey Griffin, UNL senior, just became the second Husker ever to make the nation's first-team all-American squad. Not to mention the first one to make this team was 17 years ago! Go Big Red!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Passing the Problem

There is an epidemic within the catholic church, and it's not just premarital sex. In Europe this week several priests for years back have been accused of hundreds of sexual abuse cases. The problem in America started about a decade ago. It's a good thing David Clohessy and the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is there to counsel the victims. He recieved his first call from Ecuador this week. Interestingly, many priests are punished for transgressions by deportation to third world areas. Like waste, war, and labor the more developed countries are passing the burden to third world countries. This is not a solution, just given torch passed to those in need.

No Mail on Saturdays?

What do you think of the potential nixing of mail delivery on Saturdays? I think its a good move. The Postal Service will save money and its the weekend anyway, time for relaxation. As long as FedEx still makes rounds on Saturdays, I'm sure we'll be fine.

-Ian

happy passover!

Monday evening marked the start of passover. And while it may seem all fun and games to some, eating matzo for a week is not very great.

Sam

No Mail Till Monday?

It's awful that our Postal Service is in debt and heading for collapse at this rate. I totally agree that changing mail delivery from 6 to 5 days a week is a good idea to save money (billions of dollars a year). However, I don't think Saturday is the right day to stop the mail flow. People already don't receive mail on Sunday, forcing them to wait till Monday to open bills, birthday cards and college acceptance letters. If mail is no longer delivered on Saturday, that means three days worth of mail in the mail box on Monday. This, I think, would cause more problems for Americans while fixing the postal service's debt. At one time, the Postal Service was looking at not delivering mail on Tuesdays. I think that is a better option and one that should be considered again.

Shelby Pieper

Copy Editor

Strip Re-(club)-licans

As the economy struggles to find footing on the steep climb of recovery, the National Republican Senatorial Committee knows exactly how to make the ascension a little more pleasurable. Spending more than $2,000 dollars at a strip club. Well not really, but they did reimburse a consultant for that amount so he may pamper himself with a little "bondage-themed" stripper fun. Whether it's the strip club or the ol' boys club, at least they share one important common value. Lust for the cash.

Graphics Editor- Julius Fredrick

Laptops

Laptops in classrooms is still a topic even I'm unsure of. I like the technology and how it makes easier to take notes and such, but the Internet is such a distraction. It's like Facebook is always calling to me, asking me to come check out what my friends are up to. That's one thing I like about the school blocking websites. Even though it's extremely annoying, it helps me focus better. College will be interesting, where I'll have to learn not to let the Internet distract me.

YESSS

Senator Rick Santorum votes to repeal the health care bill, saying the U.S debt is a reason enough to tear the health care bill apart. The bill, costing nearly $1 trillion, is something Obama should have waited on seeing as the money is not available.

Laptops: Good or Bad?

Today there is an article about "Generation Multitask" on the front page of the Omaha World Herald. I can definitely relate to this because half the time when I'm trying to do homework, I also have the TV on or I'm listening to music. On the topic of laptops: I think that they can be a big distraction but for the kids that actually use them the right way, they are a good learning tool.

Modern motherhood oppressive?

The role of the adult female has morphed from one of doting wife to doting mother in the last forty-some years, according to John Rosemond. In a new concept called "psychological parenting", typical female parents feel obligated to do certain things to validate their motherhood. Women are expected to put their children at the center of their attention in a manner that almost seems oppressive. Rosemond compares women of today to women of the 1960s, noting that in the '60s, women complained about being treated as objects, and in the present, they allow their children to treat them as objects. From what I have seen in my own family this is true. At all times, my mother's world revolves around her children, and her world is one full of pressure, guilt, stress, and anxiety. I often feel guilty for inhibiting her from taking any interest in herself. I hope in the future women can find a balance between motherhood and personhood.

Testing error gave No. 3 cop top score

Due to a testing mix-up, the top scorer on an Omaha police promotion exam wasn't promoted to captain. How embarrassing! Has anyone ever seen the Flintstones movie, where Fred and Barney switch tests and Fred gets promoted to a top executive position, with Barney's score? It's the same thing!

It's Set Up

The UNO professors are just as concerned as our teachers. It's completely understandable for teachers to worry that students aren't actually doing their work on their computer. And it's true. We're not. I can admit that I will check my email and search the web when I'm supposed to be taking practice tests on blackboard. Yes, computers are a distraction. I think Westside students would be just as successful without them. Bottom line, it's just a convenience.

Today is large group. The newspaper came out last Friday and we had a successful distribution. Hopefully this next issue will run better. I have really wanted to write an opinion piece for the last two issues but I keep being told that there is no space. Not fair. Do we only have room for one "guest" opinion writer each issue? I don't think that should be the case, or who decides who gets to write a piece or not. It makes me quite upset. I think we have some good ideas for next issue as well.

I read an interesting article in the World-Herald today about healthcare centers in OPS Elementary Schools. Students will be able to receive basic healthcare at any six schools in the OPS District. I think this is a great idea and we should investigate whether or not District 66 will be planning to implement something similar, especially after Obama's health bill passed. OPS probably chose to set up these healthcare clinics because of the several families who are low-income in their district, while most Westside Schools do not have this problem. (Stereotypical I know...)

Bottled Water

This is interesting, MUD is sponsoring a free screening of the movie " Tapped." Also they're trading bottled water for stainless steel bottles which is a really cool idea. Bottled water can really hurt the environment and it's cool that MUD (Metropolitan Utilities District) is trying to go green, even if it may mean more business for them.

Powerful learning tool or annoying distraction?

The article in the World Herald today about laptops hit the mark exactly! Laptops are a huge distraction even at the college level. While being lectured on photosynthesis, UNO students surf the web or email their friends. If college students are unable to handle laptops in class, how can we? When teachers teach about boring topics, I know I always have an urge to click the firstclass icon and email a few of my friends. I have zoned out for entire classes because of these computers. I don't think high school students can handle this much freedom. Not to mention computers are costly and can easily break! Long story short, computers = bad!

Technology

At Westside, this is one of our favorite topics. Whether it's tech support or the every-growing lap top and Internet discussions, we're obsessed.

It appears we're not the only ones. In the paper today there is an article, "Powerful learning tool or annoying distraction?" I personally think that technology is beneficial for students in the right setting and for the right student. They can become a distraction for anyone, but with the technological world progressing rapidly, it's necessary to stay synched.

Bad Bottled Water

Water is an essential resource, and for many so is the bottled version. It is convenient, light weight, and disposable. Unfortunately it is not biodegradeable, or necesary. With the recent push in reusable grocery bags one would expect a push for the repeated use bottles. "Tapped" is just that, a movie outlining the issues of the botteled water industry. If you want to see the show The Metropolitan Utilities District is sponsoring a free screening at the University of Nebraska (UNO), and you could just get a stainless steel bottle out of it.

Laptops in the classroom

One professor at UNO has found a good use for laptops in his classroom. From the beginning, the point of these portable computers was to provide a computer students could use at school or adults could take back and forth to work. I agree that with the creation of sites such as Facebook, Twitter and even something simple like email, the distraction for students who use laptops in the classroom has grown. In some classes, such as science and math, I think it is unnecessary to use technology. How can students take notes about numbers. In these types of classes, computers are more of a distraction. But if teachers can find a fun, interesting way to use them in a learning environment, I say go for it.

Shelby Pieper

Copy Editor

Tweeting in Class.

The front page article of the paper is on the debate over laptops in class. It's well put and brings up an interesting point. It's hysterical that at the bottom it says "ON OMAHA.COM: See the video of an Oklahoma professor destroying a laptop in class." Definitely going to check that video out! Another fascinating aspect is the fact that instead of necessarily discussing in class there is a twitter page for the class and you can tweet your comments in class. That is pretty awesome, and it incorporates students who are not as outgoing and willing to share.

Julie Dworak, News Editor

0Mg! L0lz!!

There's a funny picture on the front page of the herald of a UNO student with his laptop open on facebook, and texting on his phone. It's like, what is his professor going to say to him after today?

UNO is slowly encouraging the use of laptops during classes. Professor of mass communications Adam Tyma had his students twitter the answer to the question "Why is advertising so important?" His response to the puzzled looks, "THey are always bringing them [the laptops] to class, why not use 'em to our advantage?" Hmm...

Gem of An Article

A friend recently passed along an article discussing the quality of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight books. While I have not personally read the books, and therefore feel... ahem, think I cannot make derogatory comments on them, this article was hilarious. It discusses Meyer's tendencies to use synonyms in the same sentence (""I raised my hand, putting it into the air, holding it aloft as I lifted it and reached skyward."), leaving clauses in the middle of sentences ("I have also discovered, which is annoying me, Meyer's propensity for inserting clauses, where they will dangle, in the middle of sentences."), and the editors' mistakes, such as leaving the word "moat" in place of "mote".

Anyone looking for a laugh can find the article at:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2010/03/the_writing_style_of_twilight.html

Oh Brother Where Art Thou?

This weekend I watched Oh Brother Where Art Thou? It was very interesting–George Clooney was the star playing the role of a convict named Ulysses. His character is based off Oydesseus from the Odyssey. The entire plot of the movie has hints of the Odyssey. It's pretty cool!

Poor Huskers

Maybe next year...

-Ian

OPS packed classes!

Uh-oh. It looks like OPS is upping the number of classes that reach their cap of 30 students. We may not have much experience with that here at Westside, but it's difficult to learn in an environment where you barely speak to your teacher one-on-one. I hope this issue gets addressed soon because small class size is one of the most important aspects to a good mentorship, which is precisely what young children, particularly in the inner city, need.

Huskers Fall

It's too bad that the womens Nebraska basketball team lost! I was super excited for them to win the entire thing! But I guess not - it looks like Connecticut will probably win because they beat Iowa State 74-36! That's amazing.

Sadness, happiness

The year is starting to come to an end. Seniors have just over a month left of school, and some are trickling off sooner than May 14. After knowing some people since preschool, it's a little overwhelming to think this is the end. At the same time, the future looks bright, which gives an overwhelming sense of excitement. It's weird having such mixed feelings, but it feels good to finally be at this point.

Nebraska Women's

They lost! The only two losses this whole season happened in KC. We should all never go to Kansas City again, as it is cursed for Nebraska sports now.

Combatting the Monday Blues

Tired and overwhelmed? It's only Monday what a drag! Well. . . don't forget that only four more days until Spring Break! Then we will be in the final countdown of the SCHOOL YEAR!! Just thought I would point that out. I will start an official countdown when we get back from break.

Julie Dworak, News Editor

uhhh

The Nebraska women's basketball team lost against Kentucky, 67-76.

:(

Health Care

There has been much debate about the health care overhaul. What's your take? Post your reactions in the comment section below.

-Ian

New Wizard of OZ!

Apparently, hollywood producers are planning to make another Wizard of Oz movie. I think it would be very interesting. Lately, a lot of movies have been remade. It's cool to see how modern technology changes the movies.

Smart Kid

Colin Carlson, a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, is filing an age discrimination against the university because they told him he can't take a class that would require him to travel abroad and he's 13 years old. Wait. He's 13? And he's a sophomore in college? I feel so dumb now.

But also, I think the college should let him be able to take the class. His mom even said she would travel with him, so why is the college concerned?

I still can't get over that he's only 13...

Drug Cartels

The availability of illegal drugs is increasing in the United States -- fueled largely by expanding activity from Mexican drug cartels -- and abuse of controlled prescription drugs is getting worse, according to the National Drug Threat Assessment 2010 report, released Thursday. It seems to me these kind of problems keep getting worse, and if the drug industry is so hard to control in Mexico, I cannot imagine how we will control it when it comes to the US. It's like, Mexico, stop.

Hey look, Mars.

Tonight if it isn't cloudy, you should go outside and look at the sky. You'll be able to see Mars, it should be in close proximity to the moon. The next time we'll be able to see Mars like this is in 2012. Sometime I want to take a trip out to the country just to look at the stars, because it's amazing how much you can see when you are away from the city lights. So pretty.

Health Care

Today a friend and I were discussing the passing of the health care reform bill neutrally, and she said it seemed to have been passed in a very 'slipshod' manner. Slipshod - characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization. I had to agree, though it is disheartening to admit that the health of American people is being dealt with so haphazardly. Many of those I talk to don't know what the bill entails or how it will change the way Americans receive their care, which leads me to believe that politicians have not been representatives of the people. I'm not saying government-run care will be good or bad, I believe only time will tell whether the U.S. can be more successful than other countries at implementing it. I only wish the people had been informed and consulted more, instead of suddenly having something that might need fixing later thrust upon them.

Sirens (Plus Tangents)

Does anyone know why the sirens are being checked on Wednesdays instead of Saturdays? More pertinently, why did Westside have a tornado drill during a lunch mod? I think they should have drilled during 1-3 or 12-14 to allow students to have time to eat. Tangentially, if there ever were an intruder alert, all the intruder would have to do is look in the glass windows on all of the classroom doors and see the backpacks/notebooks/laptops left on the desks to know that students were in the room. Simply moving the people into a corner would probably not be effective in that scenario. Even more tangentially, perhaps the reason that the siren is so annoying is to convince the intruder to leave the premises and forget their dastardly plans entirely.

Ten Commandments Set

The original set from the silent movie "The Ten Commandments" is buried in the California dessert. This set is enormous and it would be really cool to see it uncovered.

Fast Food

On the front of the Living section there is a story about how to eat right when you're dining on the go. I think fast food is just plain gross all around (although I do like sandwich places but I don't think that really counts even though it is fast). Lately, I've also realized that Lean Cuisine isn't very good either. It's not the same as the real thing, not frozen.

Island Disappears!

For several years India and Bangladesh have been feuding over a small island. Now though, the island has been completely submerged in the ocean due to rising water levels. This is also the case for several other islands in the Bay of Bengal area. This is causing many people to be displaced from their homes with no where to go. At least now this is one less thing for India and Bangladesh to argue about, even though I know they have several bigger issues to deal with. I wish the world could just be at peace...

Lauren Florea (sorry didn't realize I wasn't signed into mine...)

Quotes.

Music can lift us out of depression or move us to tears — it is a remedy, a tonic, orange juice for the ear. But for many of my neurological patients, music is even more — it can provide access, even when no medication can, to movement, to speech, to life. For them, music is not a luxury, but a necessity.

--Oliver Sacks

I found this quote on the back of a coffee cup. It's cute. Doesn't everyone love music?

Rosenblatt

In the bottom part of the front page of the sports section, there was a story that continued onto the second page about Team USA vs. Team Japan. This is awesome! It's pretty much the final season and it gives these guys a chance to shine at a great stadium. Tickets are only $8- $10, so it isn't too much to go watch a ball game.

PROTESTERS

I was driving on dodge until I made a stop on 90th. Guess what I saw right next to my car? A few pissed off protesters with signs and violent words about the health care bill. I'm against the bill as well, however, I find those people rather rude to be obnoxious and immature about the whole deal.

Economy fuels growth here

According to today's Midlands section, even in tough economic times, the new census shows an increase in the populations of Douglas, Sarpy Pottawattamie, and Harrison counties. Yay Omaha-Council Bluffs area!

PHYSICS!

So unfortunately my blogging will be sub-par because my mind is clogged with PHYSICS! We have a huge test today–I studied forever last night and I am still unprepared. ICKY! In other news there is all this new evidence that says early (meaning even in the womb) intervention for childhood obesity is pertinent. For example not breast feeding and smoking can lead to obesity. This is just getting crazy.

Take a Stance.

I'm curious to hear what people think. Should federal tax dollars go towards paying for abortions? Do you think we as American people should fund unprotected sex that leads to the ending of human life before it starts? I'm pretty sure, not 100% positive, that in the health care bill that passed it includes tax dollars paying for abortions.

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Pro-Life

Today it's announced that there is a bill concerning all pregnant women. NE has taken the first step to ensure the health of all NE babies. Taxpayers had been paying for prenatal care for not only NE citizens, but illegal immigrants. With the pregnant women being assisted to this care, then it could save them about $775 from a difficult pregnancy.

China and Google Have a Feud?

Google has decided to “shift its search engine for China off the mainland but won’t shut it down completely” according to the Omaha World Herald today. I think it is great that they are finally taking a stand against China’s extreme censorship.

One of the top headlines today is how the budget cuts will affect OPS elementary schools. Supposedly, teachers will keep their jobs but class sizes will increase to as much as 30, and not receive as much extra help from classroom aides. We should definitely write a story on this even though it is not about District 66. I'm not sure why Westside schools are not affected in this new plan, probably because it has a higher income overall. Regardless, this is about education which should be our top priority in news stories.

Rising Frustration

I may be one of the few Westsiders of this opinion, but I am against the health care bill which passed late yesterday. I think it's wonderful that people who don't have enough money for medical care can now receive it but there are multiple things I am strongly against. I am angry that now our taxes will pay for abortion. Also, did you know that through the 'health care' bill the government will be in charge of financial loans for colleges? So now the government can control who gets student loans, not the private companies and banks. I think that definitely has potential to give the government too much power.

OPS Diagnostic Report (In Eleven Words)

Cut...

Sleep Deprived...

Overwhelmed...

OPS? Or a self-mutilating, anxiety afflicted insomniac?

Graphics Editor- Julius Fredrick

Second Round

I don't know what to write about today. So I'll just say that the Nebraska (womens) basketball team is playing UCLA tonight in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They're doing awesome so hopefully they can keep winning. That would be so cool if they won the whole thing!

Michael Kelly StoryRea

I found Michael Kelly's column today about Bush's trip to Nebraska on Sept. 11 to be an interesting read. He goes into some detail on how the plans were made and what went down that day. Its on the cover of the Midlands, read it.

-Ian

It's a good thing the health care bill passed through the House Sunday, March 21, because 224 soon to be former Omaha Public School (OPS) staff will need it. 218 of these positions are full-time an include paraprofessionals, administrators, teachers, and secretarial positions. Classes could bloom to 30 students, and the remaining teachers will have even less help managing them. I remember long ago when music instructor Jim Kordick began directing symphonic band. He had moved from Grand Island for the position, and it having a secretary was new to him. The class would sit there puzzled as Kordick left the class, only to come back quickly, remembering it was unnecesary to copy music himself. Warrior band preforms three times as much as some other highschool bands, and this saved class time is truely important. OPS ought to find another way.

N.Y.U. disregarding the trend

It seems really odd with all this economic downturn and cut backs that N.Y.U. is planning on expanding their campus by 40%. By 2031, they want to have 241 academic square feet per student versus Harvard's 673 and Yale's 866. I understand why they would want to expand their learning community, but where are they getting the money to do this?

OPS is falling apart

In order to make it through these tough economic times, OPS is getting rid of 224 staff positions. Some OPS elementary classrooms will have as many as 30 students with one teacher. How is it that OPS is falling apart so drastically, while District 66 continues to afford numerous renovations and keep all of its teachers? It seems odd that one school can sit in its high glory and watch other schools struggle to keep it together.

Power of Prayer??

Yesterday, someone was telling me about a pastor from Orange County praying for death. Praying for someone's death? Doesn't that seem like an oxymoron, or at least hypocritical? Apparently, he was angry at the 200+ Congress men and women who had voted to pass the healthcare bill. In his statement, he said he hoped their children were fatherless, their wives widows.

It kind of shocks me. In my opinion, that's terrible and wrong on so many levels. You may not agree with what the government does, or how bills are passed, but that doesn't mean the people involved deserve to die. (?)

"How Much Is Your Dead Body Worth?"

There is a documentary on TV tonight about the sale of organs on the black market. It also covers a former dentist who made millions selling the stolen body parts of corpses. Such quality programming our generation has come to watch. It's on CNBC at 9 p.m. if you want to check it out.

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Bigger OPS class sizes

Because of budget cuts, OPS will soon be laying off teachers and increasing class sizes to up to 30 students. Seeing as I have several small groups that have less than 15 kids in them, I'm feeling very fortunate right now.

Sam

Sleep. Necessary.

I cannot imagine getting up 15 minutes earlier to get to school, and have enormous amounts of sympathy for the OPS students who have to endure such trials because OPS didn't build enough snow days into their schedule. I personally wish Westside started at 8:30, at the earliest. That is a really sweet photo on the front cover, though.

is it really worth it?

These poor children are suffering unlike any other student! Waking up at 5 (ish) am? Due to the numerous snow days, burke starts school at 6:40 am. With them waking up this early, sure they are getting the learning penciled into their schedule, but i assume that they are so tired they can't even concentrate. WHS students fall asleep even at 8 in the morning, so imagine trying to learn about WW2 at 6:45 am. Yeah the students aren't even learning because they have no concentration other than their sleep the night before. if you do the math, if they were to just add a week or two of school rather than be at school real early, at least they'll understand what they are learning about. Am I wrong?

Starting times

I've never been so happy to start at 8 oclock as after seeing the world herald article on school starting times. School at 6 40? thats crazy. I would fall asleep everyday.

Sam

Poor, Poor OPS...

First their teachers are getting canned and now, get this, school is starting fifteen minutes earlier. At first glance this appears harmless. Fifteen minutes earlier, a mere 900 seconds, grab a red bull and get out the door, no biggie. But an incalculable effect is rippling through the district. ZOMBIES. The students have passed the threshold of sleep-deprivation from exhausted to undead. An anonymous OPS instructor had this to say: "Not only are the students more sluggish, pallid, and revolting in odor, but their appetites have taken a drastic turn. I did, however, find a group of students ravenously eating a cow brain from the science lab."

Hopefully this new "brain-food" will provide students the means to get through their snow-day induced time requisites.

Graphics Editor- Julius Fredrick

Snow Day's impact students' lives.

High school students at Burke who take a "zero hour" class now are forced to arrive at the school at 6:40. I don't even wake up until 7:15. I feel very bad for these students. I wonder if they think the snow days are worth it

Health care anyone?

I am so surprised that health care got its majority. Finally, something is getting done in Washington. I think health care reform is much needed, although I don't see how more spending will reduce the deficit, but whatever! Health care is underway and 32 million people will be helped. Plus this is what the nation wanted (kind of). They don't think they want it, but when it comes down to the details of the plan, they like it. And this is not a communist/socialist government take over so no one should treat it as one.

Obama's tactics were a little deceiving, but that's government for you. I only hope that this won't negatively affect the elections in November for democrats.

I Missed Yo-Yo Ma

I wish I could have gone to Yo-Yo Ma on Saturday night. I really like Yo-Yo Ma and he probably doesn't come to Omaha all that often. But my grandma went so I guess I can hear about it from her! Instead, I went to Pitch Pizzeria with my family. Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed, especially because it was so hyped.

Solutions for the Stink

Millions of Americans suffer from smelly and sweaty feet. As a result, these Americans have gone on a hunt for a solution. Among the solutions discovered are tea baths which contain tannic acid to reduce the odor. Furthermore, Jello mixed with hot water can cure this embarrassing problem.

Road trip with piano in tow

Nicole Narboni, a classical music aficionado and piano lecturer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will travel through towns in Nebraska with a 1,000 pound piano. Her goal is to ignite interest in classical music in towns like Bridgeport, Harrison, Morill, and Oshkosh. By focusing on towns of less than 1,000, she will cater to those who rarely get the opportunity to listen to classical music.

Awkward.

Look at the picture on the cover of the living section today. Do it. I just have one word, awkward. How would you feel if you were there working out and you just say someone taking a picture under some women's butt? I'd be super creeped! Way to be World Herald, way to be.

Julie Dworak, News Editor

School Scene Sunrises

Long ago, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, humans woke up when the sun rose and slept when it set. Now Omaha Public School students get to school before the sun is up, and average seven hours of sleep each night. Extra classes that start at "Zero Hour" are now begining at 6:40 am. I understand about the snow day setbacks, but this is too early. If somone took only 20 minutes to get dressed and 10 minutes to commute they would still need to be in bed by 10:00 pm to reach the minimum of 9 hours, and this is the ideal situation. With all the activities packed into a students day it does not need to be any shorter.

health care bill passed

I lost respect for Obama this morning when I was listening to the news. He did anything to make this bill pass, including bribing the few democrats that were going to vote against the new health care plan. He signed the papers to refuse government funding for abortions a few hours before voting just so he could add a few more points in favor of the health care bill. Was he blind to see the number of protestors outside? Is he ignoring what America thinks of this health care bill? Seems like it, I know I'm not the only person against it.

Jazz on the New Location

The annual summer concert series Jazz on the Green is moving to the Midtown Crossing. Originally staged on the marbled steps of the Holland Performing Arts Center, the "natural amphitheater" Turner Park was too good to pass up.... Jazzy!

Graphics Editor- Julius Fredrick

Infidelity

Reality star Jesse James openly apologizes after being accused of cheating on his wife, Sandra Bullock. However, he did not confirm any of the rumors regarding infidelity. In fact, James calls the majority of the claims invalid, and he continued to call the allegations untrue on Access Hollywood.

Wrestling

The NCAA Wrestling Championships are going on this weekend at the Qwest Center. No offense to anyone that wrestles, but wrestling is just a plain strange sport. I applaud how muscular all those wrestlers are and how hard they work, but wrestling itself just kind of freaks me out.

Epidemic Of Abortion

Six low-income women have opted to have abortions because they cannot afford to pay prenatal services, which are no longer government-funded. At least three state senators say that this has reached a crisis level. Brad Ashford went as far as saying, 'This is an epidemic of abortion". It disturbs me that the women have to kill their children simply because they lack funds.

Ticketholders encounter troubles

Congressman Terry wants to outlaw restrictions on paperless concert admissions. Evonne Rodriguez-Sierra bought concert tickets for her son but the night of the concert she had to drive all the way down to the Qwest to show ID and the credit card used to purchase the tickets. Such hassles are inconvenient and essentially uncalled for.

"'It's about the kids', say neighbors"

Of course this World Herald story was about the children, and the people affected by the five shootings in nine hours earlier this week. The picture by Chris Machian of the two white children and the four older white family members in front of their white house near 40th and Maple St. shows it. Don't forget the white policeman, standing reverently near his cruiser handing a ticket to the only black man pictured, looking rather like he is getting arrested. The people near the shooting sites are starting to complain, about the poor quality of their neighbors. They say no one outside of North Omaha wants to help. They are right. Omahans casually ignore every year that we have the lowest black poverty rate in America. So I hope impoverished blacks continue to push further into white neighborhoods and irritate more neighbors, then someone outside might help.

NJ Walmart

In Southern New Jersey Sunday, an announcer in the Walmart store announced that all black people must leave the store. On Wednesday, company leaders apologized for the explicit display of inappropriate discrimination. Many customers were outraged but it must be noted that a store manager quickly spoke over the intercom to clear up the comment.

elementary schoolers in college?

Fourth-graders had an opportunity to explore Omaha's College of Saint Mary Thursday. The intention of the visit was to instill scientific interest in these 9-10 year-olds. The intention is good, but I don't think kids at that age need to be introduced to the devastating real world yet. Furthermore, it seems overly controlling to try to force these kids to be scientists or doctors when some of them might want to do something else with their life that's "less glamourous".

St. Patty's Day is anti-gay?

I just read in an NY Times brief that NYC's traditional St. Patrick's Day parade, for which they turn the river green and march around supporting Irish heritage, doesn't allow GLBT's to march under their pro-gay banner. The Irish-Catholic organization responsible for the decision is the Ancient Order of Hibernians. But why does the parade's sponsor feel the need to persecute on the happiest of days? Why does it matter, especially in our nation's most populated and most diverse metropolis?

NCAA Tournament

This just messed up everyone's bracket, how could this happen?? Georgetown lost, and Villanova almost lost! Hopefully the woman's tournament won't be as bad and Nebraska will win it all. They play sunday at 7:00, so good luck!

ticketholders

This article is addressing the problems with tickets being sold at the qwest center. Apparently, the person who purchases the tickets for the show must be present with an ID in order to allow the tickets to be picked up. This is very inconvenient for young concert-goers who rely on their parents to purchase the tickets.

You Know You Live in Nebraska When . . .

You know you live in Nebraska when it's 64 degrees one day and it's supposed to snow three inches the next. I was so excited for us to finally have spring weather... huge let-down. Almost a big of a let-down as major March Madness upsets. Really Villanova? Way to ruin my bracket, I had you in the elite 8!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Cops Everywhere

There is a story on Omaha.com about the increased police presence in Northern Omaha. On my way to and from golf yesterday, the increase was apparent. I counted 7 police cars on my way to and from the course. I am glad the OPD is working on curbing the violence and hope they keep it up.

-Ian

Dedication

I'm impressed with Obama's dedication to health care reform. He's working really hard on his last push. The democrats complained about their lack of time to make their decision so Obama pushed back his overseas trips. Today, he called off his trip to Australia and Indonesia in order to stay in the United States for this historical time. I really hope his efforts pull through.

New police cars

I read an article about how Ford is updating their police cars, and they are now Taurus-based. I've got to say, I don't know much about cars but they look pretty sweet. The article also talked about different car company models that compete with it. This interested me, because I had never thought that there were different kinds of police cars, I just assumed all police cars were the same and from the same company.

photo credit: http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1363/ford-introduces-new-taurus-based-police-car/

St. Patrick's Day

I'm half way surprised there isn't a front page story on St. Patrick's Day! Everyone have fun, but not too much fun, and be safe.

Happy St. Pattys Day!

Matt Sockrider

Woods Returns!

I know everyone is super tired of hearing about Tiger Woods but he is officially returning for the Masters in April! I'm super excited for this. It's going to be really interesting to see how he plays and how the other golfers and fans react to him. He used to be my favorite golfer and based solely on golf, he still is. But if we factor in his lack of integrity, he would be at the bottom of my list.

St. Patrick's Day

It's St Patrick's Day! I forgot to wear green, but a lot of other people remembered. Good job people who dressed up.

Ban on texting while driving gains popularity

State lawmakers gave 27-19 approval Tuesday to a bill that would ban texting or sending other written communication while driving on the first round. Bill 945 would institute a $200 fine for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $500 for each offense thereafter. The bill is important because teenagers and others put their lives at risk while texting and driving.

Texting ban

Lawmakers have given the "go" first-round to a bill that bans text messaging while driving, along with other written forms of communication. While there's still a concern on enforcement of the law — some lawmakers were hesitant at first for this reason — there's no doubt that the bill will do some good if enacted.

irish holiday insulting

Chuck Real of the Irish American Cultural Institute in Omaha was disgusted to hear of the Irish Car Bombs drink. It's a tasteless, and "culturally insensitive" alcoholic beverage for St. Patrick's Day is a serious historical event. It seems like holidays are always twisted in the complete opposite direction of it's purpose. Take Christmas; originally it was about celebrating life, and praising Jesus Christ. Now it's two weeks off of work and school, stuffing our faces with food (which is the sin of gluttony), and spending thousands on gifts and decorations. Very strange how America is able to change the meaning of holidays.

Robert Nelson Story

In the Midlands, front page, about Shirley Phelps, read it.

-Ian

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!!!

It's that wonderful, green time of year again!! Remember if you don't wear green today I will pinch you, but seriously find some green and put it on. I mean the Chicago river is dyed green every year! (want to see a 30 second video of the river being dyed green? Go to http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/03/st-patricks-day-parade-in-chicago-river-green-dyeing/) The least you can do is wear a little green. A tip for everyone out driving tonight, drive carefully! Police officers will be out looking for drunk, reckless drivers and leprechauns, DON'T LET THEM CATCH YOU! We had a serious talk about this last night at stop class. Drive safe, have fun, and don't get pinched by me or the police!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Signature Pot Hole Story

The World Herald has not failed in its valiant efforts to keep all of Omaha aware of the pot hole/weather situation. Today's article, located in the Midlands section, discussed how it was important for pot holes to not be filled with water before filling them in. Apparently, city street crews "do their best work when they don't have to battle melting snow and puddling rain". Sometimes I wonder how much of this goes without saying.

St. Patrick's Day Making A Boom

The St. Patrick's day "Irish Car Bomb" has some Irish-Americans up in smoke. Although I get it, the Irish Car Bomb a.) Having to do with St. Paddy's Day and b.) Turning you into a (drunken) wreck, I have to admit, the name of that drink is socially and politically wrong on a level only matched by a leprechaun with gigantism.

On a better note, a note without fault and worthy of pagan worship (kidding) Pokemon Heartgold and Soulsilver versions came out on Sunday. They are remakes of Pokemon Gold and Silver versions of ten years past and are every bit as fun/addicting. GET THE GAME. I am the gym leader of Lance Town and I challenge you all!!

Graphics Editor- Julius Fredrick

Crazy Westboro Lady

Besides her irrational and pathetic homophobia, here are the top ten things I find despicable about Shirley Phelps-Roper based on her interview with Robert Nelson.

1. She uses Yiddish words, and in the wrong context.

2. She turns normal songs, such as We are the World, into God Hates the World. MJ is rolling over in his grave.

3. She likes Elton John songs

4. She only lets her kids eat sugary cereals once a week. How is a kid supposed to be hyper enough to protest on that kind of diet?

5. She is coming back to Nebraska to protest at highschools. Why can't she just stay in Kansas? As Dorthy would say, there's no place like home.

6. She thinks god snorts fire. As far as I know, God doesn't do drugs.

7. Did I mention she's coming here soon? ug

8. She lives in Google Kansas.

9. She indoctrinates her many many children. Hearing them talk is a mix a frightening and amusing. I wonder if they have any friends?

10. She protests at funerals. I hope that if she ever dies, there is a very large protest at her grave.

Texting Ban

I'm glad the texting ban is making its way through the state legislature. Lives are at stake when people text and drive on the roads. Even skillful texters aren't immune to accidents caused by texting on the roads. No matter how well a person can text, or how little they text while driving, it is still a danger. I think this ban will help prevent many accidents in the future. Hopefully it will soon become a law.

Brave New World?

I had an interesting conversation with a Westside graduate yesterday who talked about how she has done quite well in two years of college without a laptop. In fact, she doesn't miss it at all. I wonder if some day we will realize we have lost focus on basics during the technology/instant information age.

Iraq Elections

American troops are counting down: 6 months to go before evacuating Iraq, but after all this time I think we are still pulling out too soon. The elections are nearly over and there is much debate over ethnicity, oil, and land. We don't know what the newly elected leaders will do and if they will be fair. We can't just leave Iraq without some clear sign of what's to come.

Spirit

Remember that huge push for school spirit at the beginning of the year? At first it was beneficial, but only for the football team. Now that we're in the third sports season of the year, I wonder if students and teachers will continue to coordinate spirit efforts. I doubt it, as the soccer team rarely has that big of a following. That said, come watch us play! :)

overweight and underweight babies

It's said that one in three children in the U.S. are overweight. One family has a baby who was less than five pounds after birth, and then 3 years later, weighs 43 pounds. I'm assuming this family isn't the only one who is suffering. Something is terribly wrong though. Are pregnant mothers eating too much chocolate? Are they forgetting about their own baby's health? If the mother is gaining too much weight, depressed, smokes, or has diabetes, then that might be a good explanation as to why their child isn't 'normal'. It's sad. :(

Band's Name Not a Hit

The local band UUVVWWZ will be playing at the South By Southwest music festival this week. The name is pronounced "double 'u', double 'v', double 'w', 'z' " Why did they choose such a complicated name? The name is unpleasing to the ears and the pronunciation is not obvious. Guess the world is beginning to run out of names...

Journalism trip

Who isn't jealous?

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100316/NEWS01/703169883#unl-student-wins-africa-trip

-Ian

Rejoice! Mr. Howe Is Safe!

For the first time in Omaha Publics School history, teachers, assistant principles, and teacher trainers could be laid off. This is due to the cessation of federal stimulus funding, known as the "cliff". OPS hopes to affect students as little as possible, but teachers and other school faculty could be losing their jobs as early as the end of the school year. Luckily our beloved Mr. Howe is safe and sound within the impregnable(?) ramparts of District 66.

- Graphics Editor, Julius Fredrick

HOORAY for the Huskers

It's awesome that the Nebraska women's basketball team got a number one seed. Although this was no surprise, it's still really great because they've never been this good. They will definitely have a ton of fans supporting them throughout the tournament - it seems like Nebraskans flock to any sports team that is winning (except bowling).

Changes to education? What is this?

I read today on Yahoo that in Texas, the State Board of Education passed new recommendations of changes that will be made to textbooks in Texas. Since Texas produces about 80% of this countries textbooks, this will affect a large amount of the country. Some of the proposed changes include greater emphasis on conservative influence, a reduce in focusing on Latino culture, changing words like capitalism to free market to make the US look more positive, remove Thomas Jefferson from the influential intellects (this one I don't understand at all), and to say that country music is an influential part of our society while hip hop music isn't. Ok, does anyone else see how messed up this is????

Here's the article, if you have time read it I suggest you do. I found it really interesting. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_ts1253

globetrotters!

The Globetrotters will be in Council Bluffs on March 26, but one member of the team made a stop at Druid Hill Elementary School. Herb "Moo Moo" Evans visited the elementary school yesterday as part of the team's C.H.E.E.R for Character program. He encouraged the young kids to fight obesity — seeing as it's a critical problem in the U.S. — by eating healthy and getting outside.

Eight local bands to take the stage at SXSW

The South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin Texas will begin this week. At the festival, over 2,000 bands will have the opportunity to play, including eight bands from Omaha. More importantly, bands going without a record label may return home with one. Saddle Creek Records has frequently used this festival to find up-and-coming groups. Broken Bells, She& Him, Free Energy, Miike Snow, and the Codeine Velvet Club are among other notables.

Teacher Layoffs

Does OPS really have to layoff teachers in order to make up for the end of federal stimulus money? I understand budget cuts and small changes to save a few bucks. But teacher layoffs? When I went to OPS, we didn't have any third grade teachers for years due to lack of funding. Kids had to be bussed to other schools in order to attend third grade. Let me tell you from first hand experience, mixed classrooms and a lack of teachers does nothing to further the education of children. OPS should not be forced to make these layoffs. Instead, the city and state need to step up in order to save the education of countless children in the future.

Shelby Pieper

Copy Editor

Autism

A special court has ruled that vaccines do not cause autism. Although, to conspiracy nuts, this will probably just reaffirm there belief in an evil corporate cover up. But seriously, to people not know what polio is? Or measles? We've gotten to complacent as a society if we think that a .000001% chance of causations is enough to justify getting rid of a preventative medicine that has saved millions of lives.

Sam Juster

Recession Relapse

Omaha is doing better than much of the country, or at least that is what I thought before the Omaha Public School (OPS) board voted 12-0 in favor of layoffs. Now 8,224 people, administrators, teachers, trainers and principals, are sitting at home fearing for their jobs. I mean sure, it never paid that much, but it was always secure. That, and summer vacation, has always been the calling card of the profession. Though I admire OPS for being able to play hardball with the dismal budget situation it would be better pitched at other exspenses.

Ancient Art

James Kennedy found a very old piece of artwork in his home and is now putting it up for sale. If it's authentic, it would be the oldest piece of artwork in the Americas. I think this is really cool, I feel like it's just another piece to the mystery that is ancient history. Which makes me feel kind of nerdy, but hey, my dad has the history channel on at our house all the time so I'm not to blame.

Clayton Anderson

The Astronaut Clayton Anderson is going back into space. He is a Nebraska native. I met him once and listened to a speech he gave awhile ago. Right now he is deciding what he wants to take into space...If I were him i'd take nerf gun and some bananas...oh what fun I would have.

Anderson: Back to Space

Nebraskan Clayton Anderson will return to space and wants to take several items with him, including a baseball that will be used for the first pitch in the CWS, several drawings from cartoonist Jeff Koterba, and something from Curt Tomasvicz, the gold medal bobsled man from Shelby, NE. According to Anderson, he and Tomasvicz are similar because they show that "[Nebraska] turns out some pretty darn good people".

lady gaga

I was super excited for the new lady gaga music video. But after seeing it, my biggest response was Wah? That was a new level of weird. Setting aside the Tarentino references,

What did you guys think?

Sam Juster

Space Man

Astronaut Clayton Anderson will be returning to space next month. He will bring with him a baseball to be used this year for the College World Series and several cartoons from the Omaha World-Herald. Cool!

End of Stimulus Funds

I'm glad I won't be in the Nebraska Public School System in the coming years. It's scary to think schools are going to run out of money and don't know where they're going to come up with the funds in the next few years. I'm sorry, but schools are really important. So either taxes need to be raised just a pinch, cuts need to be made elsewhere in the state budget or more federal money needs to be given. Education should be first priority, so let's make it happen.

Priceless artwork being auctioned

A man in Vero Beach, Fla is selling a mammal bone carving of a mastodon (prehistoric elephant). The carving is said to be thousands of years old, older than Egypt's pyramids. This is a pretty incredible find and the strangest part? I've been to Vero Beach. But I didn't find anything cool...

Cara Wilwerding

Pools offer a therapeutic dip

Check out today's Living section! Warm-water therapy pools are becoming increasingly popular and one just opened at Immanuel Medical Center. A giant warm bath to soothe injuries? Count me in!

Billionaire Lives

Saw this on Yahoo this morning, thought it was interesting. Our own Warren Buffett is on there. Woo.

http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/109053/homes-of-the-billionaires

-Ian

School Funding

According to the Omaha World Herald Nebraska's school districts will see an overall 1.75% increase in state aid next year but after that, they say, the forecast will look grim. It seems like our school aid is low already.

AC 360 sad news

For any lover of CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, there's some sad news. Erica Hill, the sort of sidekick of Cooper with extreme wit and sass has left the show to CBS's morning show. Her absence is definitely noticed; however, Cooper is still bringing laughs and news. :)

Ozark Smoked Meat Co.

Right on the front page there is a story about group health insurance, and the story happens to include Ozark Smoked Meat Co. This place is in my neighborhood and it's great to see they got some publicity. The people who own this place are great, plus the food is good. Hopefully this can get some more people to go there, because whenever I go to Ozark there is hardly any customers in there.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Tonight is the induction ceremony to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It will be broadcast live on Fuse. Several great rockers will be at the ceremony; Billie Joe Armstrong will be honoring the Stooges. Yay!

Spring is Coming...Maybe

Usually, I don't really mind winter. In fact, I kind of like it. But this year, winter has just not been fun. Lately it's been very dreary and I'm super excited for the upcoming months when it will start to be warm again and we'll actually see the sun! HOORAY!

Band Bailers

I got home at 2:30am last night from five days in Florida. Five days of walking the parks and marching a parade at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. It was incredibly fun, but I am exhausted. So when I got up on three hours of sleep this morning I wondered, was it worth going to school? Warrior Band first mod had from 20 to 30 kids in it. The clarinet section that fills out three rows fit into the first one. I began to picture myself a martyr for even showing. After sleeping through two of my classes I wonder if I wasn't just being optimitic. Still, I feel like attending is important, especially after my abundance of sick days. The snatches I recieved in math must be better than nothing. So bandie bums get in on time tommorow.

Do we need daylight savings time?

Today daylight savings time is thought of as a nuisance, but it was once an aid to

Daylight savings time begins at 2 a.m. in March in 48 of the 50 United States. It comes to a close in November. Those that do not participate are Arizona and Hawaii. Clocks are changed to make better use of daylight, moving an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. It was Benjamin Franklin's idea.

grrrr

James Kennedy from Vero Beach found a fossil that scientists believe is from the ice age. A mastodon engraving was found by Kennedy, who lives in a mobile home as an amateur fossil finder. He's putting it up for an auction, selling an ancient piece of history. It makes me angry that he wouldn't donate it.

GO NEBRASKANS!!

Lately Nebraskans have been soaring to new heights. From our gold medal winning bobsledder to our now TWO TIME astronaut! GO NEBRASKA!! Clayton Anderson from Ashland, Nebraska will be returning to space next month. Anderson also hopes to take something for Curt Tomasevicz (the gold medalist) with him to honor his great triumph. Who says Nebraska is just a plain Jane state? Not me!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Oldest American

With the death of Mary Josephine Ray at age 114 and 294 days, Neva Morris of Ames, Iowa is now the oldest American at age 114 years and 216 days. She's also the second oldest in the world, next to Kama Chinen of Japan at age 114 years and 301 days. Does anyone live to 115 years? What is most amazing to me is that Morris remains mentally intact, and the only physical signs of her age are hearing and visual deficiencies, along with appearance.

headline

'Hollywood ending: Papillion guy wins Oscar'

seriously world herald?

could you not have thought of a synonym for guy?

Sam Juster

Future Problem Solving

In the OWH there is a short article about Future Problem Solving with pictures of two Westside students.

Mexican Drug Gangs National Parks

Unfortunately there are many drug gangs that grow marijuana in national parks. These gangs often trash the parks and leave trash behind. Park guards are now taking more extensive measures to prevent these incidents.

Air traffic controller

At New York's Kennedy Airport, an air traffic controller let his son give orders to some pilots taking off. This air traffic controller is now suspended. I understand that this against rules and stuff, but he only let his son do it for a minute, and his son only said the things his dad told him to say. I think it's slightly harsh that the guy is now suspended from his job.

That good old feeling

As I was getting ready this morning I played a CD. It felt kind of good. And even better, it was probably my favorite CD of all time. You know how sometimes when you hear a song, or even a whole album, that magical feeling you once had — the feeling that made it your favorite in the first place — comes back. It feels good. I think that instead of listening to all the new stuff blaring out of the radio, we should sometimes get reconnected with those good old songs.

Health Care...Again

Will the health care battle never end? After months of arguing, changes to the bill and the health care summit, Democrats and Republicans are still having trouble coming to an agreement. Honestly, I'm sick of hearing about it. All Congress does is argue and it's getting America nowhere. These people are adults. You'd think they would be able to handle this issue in a respectful, efficient manner. But I guess not.

Shelby Pieper

The fish have it worse

I know humans hate the cold and ice of this never-ending winter, but the fish have it worse. The 2-3 feet thickness of ice has limited their oxygen and is killing hundreds of fish in Omaha ponds and lakes, according to the Midlands section of the OWH today.

Reagan on the 50?

There is a push by some people to replace Grant on the 50 dollar bill with Ronald Reagan. Interesting. What's your take?

-Ian

WHO WANTS CHERRY PIE?!

After a horrible error in a recent mailing a leading anti-gambling group of lobbyists delivered "humble pies" Tuesday-full sized cherry pies- to all 49 Nebraska state senators to apologize. I only have one thing to say- too bad I'm not a senator. Cherry pie sounds so good right now. Yum!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Health Plan

Obama offered four spots in his health care bill for republicans. He wants to hear their suggestions about the plan, even though it's clear they're against it. I think they should just rip the bill to pieces, it's causing too much frustration not only in the white house, but in every citizens' life. It will only create more problems for the hospitals, and they have enough to worry about.

Yum!

I read in the paper today that there was a High School Culinary Invitational on Monday. That's so awesome! I wish I could cook well enough to do something like that. Reading that story really made me hungry...

Nebraska is Golden

Gold medalist and native-Nebraskan Curt Tomasevicz returned yesterday! CONGRATS!

It does bring one question to mind, at least for me, is when was the last time there was a gold-medalist from Nebraska? Anyhow, congratulations to a great Olympian! I am sorry you have to come home to such a gray and dreary place!

Julie Dworak, News Editor

Suh. Enough said.

At the NFL combine, former Nebraska star Ndamukong Suh manhandled yet another foe. This time it was his counterpart at Oklahoma Gerald McCoy who some had being the #1 pick in the upcoming NFL draft... over Suh. Suh said no. He had a faster average 40-yard dash time, he benched 9 more reps than McCoy, and he had a vertical that would have made some NBA players jealous at 35 inches. Hum Big Suh.

~Charles W. Ziegenbein Sports Editor

Crossroads Mall

Crossroads is back up for sale. I suggest someone tears it down, and does something better with the space. We already have thriving malls elsewhere, we don't need Crossroads. I remember the last time I went in there, it was like a ghost town. It was slightly creepy.

Crossroads for sale

It's almost been a year since Crossroads put itself up for sale. Now the mall is so desperate to "stay alive" there's going to be a public auction this Thursday at 9:30 a.m. It's kind of sad to see that a mall can't survive, while the other stores around it like Target, Sears, and Barnes & Noble are succeeding. I can't wait to see what Crossroads will turn into.

Want to buy a shopping center?

According to todays world herald, Crossroads mall is going on the auction block today. Apparently, when it went on sale last summer no one wanted to buy it. I'm curious to see whether any possible new owners will revamp it, or just keep it the way it is.

Sam Juster

In-Depth Editor

Spring Sports

Tis the season. For spring sports. Which sport is your favorite?

Soccer?

Baseball?

Tennis?

Golf?

Track?

Other?

For Sale

Crossroads Mall has long been an eye sore on Dodge Street. With few stores left in business and the sketchy appearance, it's a wonder it wasn't bought, auctioned off or closed some time ago. Last year, I went to Crossroads Mall with a friend while we were in the area to look around at Gap. When I entered the mall, I immediately wanted to leave. That place is scary and is not fit for the general public to shop in. I say someone should buy the property, tear it down and do something with the land that would benefit Omaha.

Shelby Pieper

gold medalist in omaha

Curt Tomasevicz is the first born Nebraskan to win the gold in the Winter Olympics for bobsledding. He was stunned to see how famous he became in his hometown when he was greeted by tons of cameras and fans at the Eppley Airfield. The last time the U.S. got the gold for bobsledding was 1948.

Olympics Wrap Up

Go Team USA for winning a total of 37 medals at these Winter Games! And kudos to our dear Northern friend Canada for winning 14 golds, four more than Germany. Both of these are record hauls, leaving sports writers in doubt as to which country is the most decorated nation of the 2010 Olympic Games. Not only is quality vs. quantity a major debating point, but some people even consider medals per-capita and financial resources. Personally, I just like to watch the games and not do my homework.

Westside on the front page

Saturday some members on Westside's soccer team began shoveling the turf, hoping the sun would start to melt the ice beneath it. Keenan Hawekotte and Mr. Brian are pictured on the front page shoveling away. I hope the sun rewards them for their hard work.