January 2011 edition of the Purple Sage

1. The
PurPle Sage
Waunakee Community High School Volume 9, Issue 4
Presented by
The Wednesday Society
January 26, 2011
Waunakee, WI
Opinion
“This can only mean
one thing: the
Taking the old system to the curb
apocalypse.” Melanie Guitzkow
Reporter
–Lily Vanderbloemen on
the immenent end of the Next time Mom tells you
world. to take out the trash, do not
fret because a new trash and
For more see page 5 recycling system has hit the
Features town.
As of January 1, Pellitteri
See no evil? Waste Systems began buisness
Turn to page
in Waunakee. Pellitteri has
8 for more
added Waunakee to its list of
residential customers which
includes Fitchburg, Middleton,
Verona and Oregon.
Entertainment A new system for Waunakee
“The film is raw and will start April 4 and is similar
to the current waste collection
realistic and shows
system in Madison. The new
more than the glitz and system is completely automatic
glam of winning.” aside from the driver of the
–Sierra Gillespie on The vehicle. The reason for the
Fighter. change is the inefficiency in
For more turn to page 10 the current system. The trash Pictured above are the new trash bins at the Village Center that Waunakee will be getting this March. The
Sports collectors face repetitive heavy bins come in three different sizes: (from left to right) 95 gallon, 65 gallon and 35 gallon. Households will
lifting of garbage thousands receive the 95 gallon bin automatically unless requested otherwise (Photo by Lydia Dorn).
Boys of times each week, which
basketball can possibly lead to injury.
jumps According to Pellitteri, the new
to new automated system is also more
environmentally friendly.
heights as Since this new system will be
they done with an automated cart
continue collection system, Waunakee
their residents will be receiving new
undefeated trash and recycling bins. Flyers
containing more information
season. about receiving the new
See page 13 bins have been distributed
for more throughout Waunakee.
Sage Page The carts are free of
charge and will be delivered
Thank gosh, it has throughout the month of
finally opened. March. The carts come in
three different sizes: 35 gallon,
holding approximately three Examples of current Waunakee residents’ trash bins with and without wheels. (Photo by Lydia Dorn).
to four kitchen trash bags, 65
Q
gallon, holding approximately exchange can be made for tag bought from Pellitteri aluminum/tin cans) go into the
Turn to page 16 five to six kitchen trash $25. The different sized bins Waste Systems attached to it, recycling cart. Pellitteri highly
bags, and 95 gallon holding are displayed at the Village signaling that there is trash in encourages residents to buy
approximately seven to eight Hall, Village Center and Piggly an alternate barrel needing to the largest bin for recycling in
uotable kitchen trash bags. Residents
will automatically get the 95
Wiggly.
As usual, trash will be
be picked up.
Recycling, however, will
order to recycle more items
with Pellitteri. Carts should be
UOTE gallon carts unless a form
noting otherwise was returned
collected weekly. However,
the trash will not be picked
be picked up ever y other
week starting with the
set out by 7 a.m. at the latest
for pickup.
“
before January 21. However, if up unless the correct carts new garbage collecting Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n
residents would like a different are used. Excess trash outside system. All recyclables (i.e. regarding the new system,
cart size after they have already of the cart will not be picked cardboard, paper, newspapers, visit www.Pellitteri.com.
Nobody received the 95 gallon bin, an up unless it has a trash bag magazines, plastics and steel/
can go back
and start a new Waunakee students having less sex than state peers
Designed to seek out areas and will do the same this year. Wisconsin students admitted
beginning, but Branden Statz
Reporter
of detrimental behavior that Wille said the survey, “was not to drinking within 30 days of
can cause the most significant given here particularly because the test. That number is about
anyone Risky behavior can be found mortality and social problems of any great concern, rather 27 percent for Waunakee stu-
in many forms. It can deal during adolescence, this sur- this survey is simply widely dents. When looking at mari-
can start with anything from drinking, vey calculates the numbers used in schools.” In fact, ev- juana use, about 37 percent of
to sexual activities or to drug and finds those problem areas. er y school in Dane County Wisconsin students said they
today and use. The truth is, risky behavior District psychologist, Craig takes a similar survey. On the had tried marijuana before,
”
is all around us; for that rea- Wille, collects the data from whole, Waunakee’s results are compared to 19 percent of
make a new son, Waunakee school district this survey, breaks it down into much lower than that of other Waunakee students. Sexual
officials decided to give the averages and compares the schools state wide. behavior, also considered a
ending. Wisconsin Online Youth Risk results among other schools When polling students in risky behavior, is much lower
Behavior Survey to all students in Wisconsin. grades seven, eight, nine and in Waunakee compared to
in grades seven, eight, nine and Students took the survey via eleven, pertaining the use
– Maria Robinson eleven. the internet in February 2010 of alcohol, about half of all  see Survey Results page 2

2. NEWS
Lily Vanderbloemen, News Editor
Tis’ the season of judgment Taco Bell/KFC opens
Trial necessarily wishes to en- fect our lives, not just to help
Jenna McGowan
ter into the law field. an aspiring lawyer get ahead.
Reporter
As Breunig said, “[Mock trial] Through the Mock Trial com-
“Since its inception in 1983, helps with critical thinking and petition, students have the op-
the Wisconsin High School all that jazz. It is also good portunity to argue on both the
M o ck Tr ia l Pr o g r a m h a s prosecution and defense sides
brought our legal system to of the trial. The program allows
life for thousands of students,” students to analyze case
claims the State Bar of Wis- material, present wit-
consin, the group which puts nesses and receive feed-
on the annual high school back from actual judges
mock trial competitions and attorneys.
across Wiscon- Te a m s r e c e i v e
sin. case studies at
The Mock Trial the beginning
program uses facts of the year and
and case materials from have a series of
real Wisconsin attorneys two scrimmages be-
for high school trials fore heading off to the
across Wiscon- regional tourna- Waunakee’s newest fast food restaraunt opened its doors on
sin, including ment. So far, the Tuesday, January 11. The drive-thru and inside were packed as
Waunakee High WHS team has hundreds of people filed through the doors to try a mouthful of
School. had one scrim- the new food in town.
The Mock Trial mage in December. Fitzpatrick
program here in said, “As a team we all work
Waunakee is really well together. We
headed by have only had one scrim-
social stud- mage and that’s where we
ies instruc- because learned the ropes of how
tor Char- it helps you mock trial really works.”
lie Fuller think on If a team does well at the re-
and has attracted “eight o r your feet.” Junior Megan Fitz- gional level, they have the op- The menu offers a variety of choices from biscuits to cinnamon
nine students, [this year],” patrick also said, “It’s really a portunity to move on to state. twists. This dual restaraunt allows you to have both food from the
said junior participant Mikaela whole new way of thinking. For the Waunakee team, they KFC menu as well as the Taco Bell menu. For more on the open-
Breunig. You always have to be a step have a busy February coming ing, turn to page 16 (Photos by Lydia Dorn).
Although the Mock Trial ahead of the other team.” up with a scrimmage on Feb-
program has an obvious em-
Survey Results
The program is also de- ruary 3 and the regional com-
phasis on educating students signed to help students gain a petition on February 12. “As a
on law-based procedures, not deeper understanding of legal team we want to win regionals
everyone involved in Mock procedures and laws that af- in February,” said Fitzpatrick.
 from Page 1 the importance of this survey
Students cheer R-E-S-P-E-C-T
may make students want to
Wisconsin as well. Nearly answer more truthfully.
half, 45 percent, of Wisconsin “In general, in these risky be-
Musso and Max Chamberlin. when students say negative students admitted to having havior areas, Waunakee’s re-
Madison Wescott
A key note speaker, Jay Wil- things. Some say that it really sexual intercourse within the ports are significantly lower in
Reporter
son from the News 3000 Sports hurts their feelings; others say past three months compared every area than the rest of Wis-
Student fans represent section, came in and talked that it makes them play harder. to a mere 18 percent in Wau- consin,” Wille said. Although
their community based on about why sportsmanship Students have even said that nakee. this bodes well for Waunakee,
their actions, especially how is important. Afterwards, when they start cheers, they When taking a look at social “There are still areas we can
they cheer at sporting events. the students broke into start off slow. If a supervisor support, an astounding 87 work on, especially regarding
Therefore, Waunakee Athletic smaller groups with does not say anything they percent of Waunakee students the use of marijuana. Because
Director, Brian Smith, took sev- students from keep escalating until some- agreed that their families love even if there is only one person
eral students to a local sports- other schools one says to stop. Smith them and that Waunakee High using these risky behaviors, we
manship summit this past and brain- said, “They [students] School supports them, a much need to do everything we can
December. stormed push the limits that are larger number than that of the to help him or her,” said Wille.
Smith takes various parents, ideas set for them.” state level. The survey will be adminis-
coaches and students to this on In 2001, the Although some people may tered his February to students
annual event this year located Badger North be worried about the reliability in grades seven, eight, nine
in Sauk Prairie, Wisconsin. and South con- of a survey like this, the survey and eleven.
Each year, different groups ference was is 100 percent anonymous, and
of people attend. When changed from nine
Smith chooses stu- to 14 teams. Therefore, ac-
dents to go to tion had to be taken to make
SAVE THE
the summit, how to sure the schools, coaches and
he chooses make games community stayed positive. Ac-
ones that lead and events cording to Smith, our school’s
the cheers at
sporting events and are in
grades eleven and twelve. This
more respectful.
“Sportsmanship is a big part
of high school sports, so we
positive attitude has noticeably
improved over the years. “We
want the attention focused on
PLANET,
method is used in hopes of
older students setting a good
feel it is important that kids
know what the guidelines are
the players, not on the students
in the stands,” Smith said. RECYCLE
THIS
example of cheering with re- and how they should act,” said The students who went to
spectful and positive attitudes Smith. Students have been the summit learned quite a
for the younger students. This asked why there has occa- bit. “I like to hear how other
year Smith took seniors Beau
Murray, Jared Staege, Hailey
Ripley, Lindsey Laufenberg,
sionally been bad sportsman-
ship. Nobody quite knows the
answer. Players on the field
schools’ rules compare to ours
when it comes to sportsman-
ship,” said Laufenberg.
PAPER
Calvin Witt and juniors Leo have been asked how they feel
Page 2 The Purple Sage January 26, 2011

3. NEWS
One problem at a time
Olivia Ruch

NEWS
briefs
TUCSON, Arizona – A federal jury indicted Jared Laughner
Reporter last Wednesday on three counts in connection with the
An ever present concern in Tucson shooting spree on January 8 which wounded
today’s society is what will 13, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords and
come in the future. One in- caused six fatalities. Justice Department officials ensured
ternational educational or- that this accusation is only temporary until all the facts
ganization, Future Problem are known and they fully intend to indict the suspect on
Solvers, also known as FPS, two more counts after they can build up their case. This
engages high achieving stu- temporary accusation was expected as these officials
dents to solve problems of the have only 30 days to bring an indictment, mandated by
future. the federal criminal code. At this time, it is uncertain
FPS was introduced to the when the final indictment will be determined. On a
Waunakee High School in separate note, Gifffords has made tremendous strides
1999. Dr. E. Paul Torrance, in her recovery and was taken outside for the first time
who was one of the biggest Team members working (from left to right) sophomores Jenna Fra- last Thursday since the shooting.
names in creativity, started zier, Michaela Johnson, Taylor Mulcahey, Kara Schultz, juniors Cassie
the international program. Ac- Bright, Mikaela Breunig, sophomores Ally Pulvermacher and Molly Mc-  WAUNAKEE, Wisconsin – After hearing positive feedback
cording to the Future Problem Donough and supervisor Martha Barlow (Photo by Lydia Dorn). from WHS students regarding the Laude System article
Solving Problems Internation- from the December issue of the Purple Sage, Principal
al website, the goal of the pro- The top two teams move on people on my team before Brian Kersten in conjunction with the full school board
gram is, “to develop the ability to the international competi- FPS, but our relationships decided to move the laude system forward for a means
of young people globally to tion. Last year two Waunakee have grown stronger and we of recognition at the graduation ceremony this June. The
design and promote positive teams attended the interna- have more memories with initial course list published in the December issue of the
futures using critical, creative tional competition. FPS,” said Freshman Danielle Purple Sage is still current, with the exception of a few
thinking.” Martha Barlow, supervisor Amundson. possible additions to the class list, including Math 4. As
In FPS, there are multiple of the FPS program at WHS, “In FPS, we learn different soon as grades are calculated for first semester, staff will
small teams; each team said, “FPS is one of the most ways to solve complex prob- be working with Director of Curriculum and Instruction
writes a booklet on an as- intellectually challenging lems about a wide variety of Tim Schell to calculate laude scores via Infinite Campus.
signed future problem. Then things you can do, and prob- topics. The methods we use It should be noted that laude-qualifying classes of second
the teams submit their book- lem solving is one of the top can be applied to many prob- semester seniors will qualify for calculation in the laude
lets to the state FPS board to twenty-first century skills that lems that people face in the score; however, the GPA of the student in those classes
be reviewed and critiqued. employers look for.” Members workforce,” said Amundson. will be determined from their cumulative GPA over the
This year’s challenge for FPS of the FPS team meet weekly Future Problem Solvers is a course of their first seven semesters of high school. See
participants is to address the for one hour collaborative great opportunity for students the Purple Sage’s December issue for the proposed
global issue of genetic testing. sessions and an additional with big ambitions for the fu- method of laude calculation.
Judges at the state competi- two hours when completing a ture. Interested students can
tion determine rankings of the problem. contact Martha Barlow to be a
many teams who participate. “I was friends with the part of next year’s team. Information compiled from msnbc.com and Principal Brian Kersten by Olivia Knier
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January 26, 2011 The Purple Sage Page 3

4. OPINION
Jamie Warner, Opinion Editor
Drunk driving: life in danger, law in question
due to drivers with a highly stop? It is like any addiction: How many times have you lose their lives every day thanks
Kelly Martin
dangerous amount of alcohol if there is no consequence to seen a name in the paper on to countries like Sweden. If
Sports Editor
in their system. continuing, nothing will stop their sixth offense? Six times you are caught with a blood
Wisconsin has the highest Despite the impact of drunk them from doing just that. a person has been caught alcohol concentration of 0.02
rate of drunk drivers of any driving in our state, we have In states such as California, risking the lives of you, me, in Sweden, you receive a heavy
state in the nation. not done anything to change it. a f o u r t h D U I o f f e n s e i s our families and our friends. fine and a prison sentence (or
According to criminal law We are one of the only states in considered a felony. You will How can anyone possibly be both), and lose your driver’s
expert Wayne Campbell of the United States that charges a serve up to three years in allowed on the roads after just license. Compare that figure
Ezine Articles, in 2009, there repeat DUI as a misdemeanor, state prison and permanently one offense, let alone six? to Wisconsin’s limit of .08.
were over 44,000 convicted not as a felony. A first There are no excuses According to the National
“
drivers under the influence, time offense is not for drunk driving, and Highway and Transportation
and more than 26 percent of even considered a it is weak laws like Safety Administration, it is
adults drove with alcohol in crime but a mere civil
Six times a person the ones in Wisconsin suspected that only 3.3 percent
their systems. Lives were lost infraction, although the has been caught risking the that make me want to of accidents in Sweden have
”
in 238 cases, and almost 4,000 punishment increases lives of you, me, our go into government. alcohol involvement, a stark
people were injured in alcohol- with repeat infractions. All it takes is one contrast to the United States’s
related crashes. Almost 45 Fo r i n s t a n c e , t h e families and our friends. person deciding to 38.6 percent.
percent of fatal automobile punishment for a – Kelly Martin drive drunk one time We need to change the laws
crashes were due to alcohol. third offense is a fine to take an innocent here. The obvious difference
Wisconsin alone recorded of $2,000, a license life. The victims of in official statistics between
a total of 605 traffic fatalities suspension for up to three lose your license, at the least. carelessness could be anyone: the United States and other
in 2008. Out of those 605, 250 years and jail time up to one In Wisconsin, on your fifth or your mom or dad, brother or countries along with Wisconsin
incidents were alcohol related, year. sixth conviction an offender sister. These offenders do not and other states shows how
almost 42 percent, and 208 had If a person already has three would spend up to six years in seem to comprehend the harm stricter laws with stronger
a blood alcohol concentration offenses, who is dumb enough jail, be fined up to $10,000 and their selfish actions cause. punishments can make all the
over .08. This means almost 35 to believe that person will one have their license suspended What gives me hope is that difference.
percent of the crashes were day wake up and decide to up to three years. thousands of people do not
Semester exam woes
Chris Pedersen concentrate, and the school’s
Webpage Manager insistence in making everyone
take the same test in the same
Every year students engage environment is the opposite of
in a painful ritual of physical fair. Besides, the bubble sheets
and mental anguish, downing make it very tempting to follow
gallons of stimulants and patterns, and in one’s search
treading the edge of insanity to find a pattern he or she
just to be able to do it again in inevitably is tempted to choose
several months. I am talking the wrong answer. Humans
of course about finals, a are built to look for patterns. If
trying and ultimately pointless I had not had a bubble sheet
establishment that must be I would not have written five-
changed. letter messages in the bubbles,
The biggest issue with finals and I would not have to retake
is they are based on the idea this charlatan class.
that a several hundred question Another issue is the
Remakes slipshod Franken-films
test can represent a semester tremendous freedom exam
of learning. Throughout week grants students.
a semester one learns (or Everyone knows the purpose
rather should learn) hundreds of school is to crush the human Sierra Gillespie to see the same movie as and their reputations in the dog
of tidbits of information. A spirit so kids are prepared for Entertainment Editor the original. They have seen eat dog world of Hollywood.
teacher can only test so many the monotonous busy work the original countless times Who is to say that a
things in a 90 minute period, of the corporate world. This Last month the movie “True and know what to expect, blockbuster in the 1930s is
which forces them to narrow last week I slept enough, ate Grit” opened, and with it came considering most remakes going to be a blockbuster
their focus and only test the a hearty breakfast, and even mixed reviews. I personally did are made decades after the in 2011? Obviously many
“important details.” How could read a novel. For once this not see the film for reasons original movie. It is basically things about the script have
you possibly know if I will year I was not stressed. I was besides it being a western. the same, classic movie with to be updated, and the actors’
need to remember the shape happy, talkative, and even The 2010 version of “True younger actors. performances are going to vary
of General Sherman’s beard managed to make a joke that Grit” was based off the 1969 Unfortunately, this seldom as well.
down the road? Maybe I want was actually funny. Anyone version of the same name, happens. Scripts are changed, Most remakes are not biopics,
to be a painter, and someday I who has seen “Ferris Bueller’s starring the king of westerns, dialogue revamped and so the actors are going to want
get hired to paint a mural of a Day Off ” knows people should John Wayne. No offense to story lines torn apart and put to recreate the character they
Civil War battle that happens not be stress free or, dare I say Jeff Bridges, but it is kind of back together. Ultimately a are playing, instead of playing
to incorporate him. I will not it, happy during the school impossible to successfully completely different movie the character the same way the
know how to do so because I year. reprise a role that originated has emerged, having only a first actor played it. This only
did not have time to study that As a solution to these with the most legendary actor title and characters’ names in leads to more audience upset.
along with all the other details. problems, I propose everyone of a genre. common. Remember : the audience
The next issue is that tests write an essay or two per class This leads to my belief, to Movies that are remade wants the same movie with
do not necessarily reflect one’s over the course of two days put it bluntly, that remakes of are generally remade from different actors, unless the
knowledge of a concept. A with a constant screeching movies are awful. Aside from a blockbusters or cult classics. audience is unaware that
poorly worded question, the bell in the background. There handful of remakes that trump This leads to a simple question: the film is a remake, which
deafening silence or simply is nothing wrong with that the original, (like 1997 “The why? If the movie was so good completely astounds me.
the format of the test can scenario, and I think it is Parent Trap”), most remakes in the first place, why remake M o v i e s l i ke “ T h e L a ke
cause problems. I can think something any institution can do not match the first. it? In doing so, the entire House,” “Something’s Got to
of several people who need get behind. When an audience watches production is risking a boatload
some background noise to a remake, they are expecting of money, their precious time  see REMAKES page 6
Page 4 The Purple Sage January 26, 2011

5. OPINION
WEDNESDAY SOCIETY speaks
Q uotable
THE
UOTE
New year, old habits Little Liars.” It is obvious that with attitudes and actions
“
such as these, no resolutions will be met.
As the Times Square Ball drops at midnight signaling the What can we learn from our sad, victory-deprived
new year on January 1, a few things traverse through our
minds. One, is anybody going to kiss me? Two, do I need to
example? The new year can be a great starting point, but it
is also important to consider the days after the holiday. After
True
leave now as to avoid said kiss? Three, I have a lot to change
for the new year. Focusing on that third and final thought
all, it is much easier to say you will work hard to accomplish
a goal when you are not yet working. The most important
compassion
might meanwhile conquer thought number one as well.
From Waunakee to New York, people have taken the new
thing to do when trying to set New Year’s resolutions is to
have a manageable goal. Also by setting reasonable goals,
is more than
year as a time to resolve to be better. A typical scenario
starts like this: impassioned by a chorus of Auld Lang Syne
you will more likely go above and beyond those goals.
Second, dress for success. While what you wear will not
flinging a
from a television and tired after a night out with friends,
our hypothetical subject groggily makes a promise that this
determine if you reach your goal or not, the attitude of
success is what is needed. Start the year with a positive
coin to a
year will be different. The old man Father Time is stepping
down to Baby New Year, so they can finally turn over a new
attitude; be the Little Engine that Could. If you go into the
year already thinking you are going to fail, then you will
beggar. It
leaf and start fresh as a new person. This year, they will be
better than they were the last.
certainly not meet your goal. The key here is confidence;
however, if your New Year’s resolution is to become more
comes to see
They decide to lose an immense amount of weight by their
spring break trip in three months and fall asleep excitedly
confident, good luck.
Finally, if you do fail in your resolution, do not wait until
that an edifice
imagining their future life. The trouble begins January 3.
On January 1, our figure is too tired to worry about much
next New Year’s day to make another resolution. The new
year might provide impetus to start a resolution, but if
which
of anything and uses it as an excuse not to start the drastic
lifestyle change needed to accomplish their goal. On January
your goals are manageable, there is no need to wait. Do not
use the holiday as an excuse for procrastination and save
produces
”
2, they hit the gym ready as ever. The person uses the light
machines because this is their first time, and they need to
resolutions as a plan for next time. If you feel you need to
wait twelve months before changing something, then your
beggars needs
start small. Then January 3 hits, this year as a Monday (the
absolute worst day of the week). After returning from school
goals are probably not realistic, and they will not be met
anyway. Whether it is getting a date to prom or becoming
restructuring.
and work, our subject has no ambition to exercise and instead more organized, the three most important aspects of a
opts for the comfy luring couch with a box of chocolates left successful goal are reasonable, positive, and gradual. – Martin Luther
over from Christmas and the season premiere of “Pretty
King, Jr.
Falling bird fatalism fueled by media fad
In the late 1990s, a similar to maximize profit fueled by media hype. The
Lily Vanderbloemen
panic was present, for people through hyped birds could have died from
News Editor
believed the new millennium television weather mishaps as well as
Birds are falling dead from would bring its own apocalypse. shows and environmental reasons. Maybe
the sky, fish and crabs are Clearly that did not happen, references a bunch of aliens flew down to
washing up cold on river and these disastrous events did until the earth, got out their gamma ray
banks, and number one not present themselves until fad is over. guns and targeted insignificant
seeded football teams are further into the new century. After all, birds and fish. Yeah, who
losing divisional playoff games. Who knows? In the year 1000, December 21, 2012 is knows.
This can only mean one thing: the Romans may have been just a fad. While people may
the apocalypse. preparing for their own end, When a few adamantly believe in the
As the Mayan calendar although their empire did not birds drop dead, 2012 phenomenon, do not
suggests, 2012 may be the end collapse until 500 years later. ever yone is get caught up in the fad.
of the world. Some interpret Movies such as “2012” and rushing off to There is nothing we should be
the ending of the Mayan Histor y Channel specials a far-fetched l o g i c a l concerning ourselves over for
calendar as a global “spiritual consume many people’s lives apocalypse explanations for 2012 as far as an apocalypse is
transformation.” Others as they feed off the thrill of as the the mysterious considered. There is a better
believe a new era will emerge learning of the world’s end reason. deaths have chance of Iran nuking the
or the world will undergo a in 694 days (and counting). Little fact, p r e s e n t e d United States than that – but
great restructuring, although Media industries have profited actually themselves. Flocks have then again that would be an
how this happens is unclear. off high-seeking frenzies no fact, fallen victim to death in the apocalypse in itself.
A third group insists the end of such as these, and like any supports past. Just now we are fearfully
the world is approaching. company, they will continue this claim, and connecting the incidents
THE PURPLE SAGE
Editorial Staff
The Purple Sage
Waunakee Community High School
EDITORIAL
Contact us by e-mail: purplesage@waunakee.k12.wi.us
301 Community Drive POLICIES
Waunakee, WI 53597
The Purple Sage is written and produced entirely by
OLIVIA KNIER KELLY MARTIN EMILY DREWRY Waunakee Community High School students. Opinions
Editor in Chief Sports Editor Copy Editor in The Purple Sage are the opinions of the author and
do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the newspaper
staff or the school district. Students, staff, and members
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January 26, 2011 The Purple Sage Page 5

6. OPINION
New country a milestone of peace
Sudan, Africa’s
largest country, is
splitting into two.
The southern portion,
which was slighted for
decades, will finally
earn its
independence. Thumbs up! Thumbs down...
Jamie Warner Half the Half the
Opinion Editor
school year school year
On January 9, the inhabitants is over. to go.
of the southern portion of
Sudan, the largest country in
Africa, were presented with a Exam week: Failed New
vote to choose whether to gain a second, Year’s
independence from the rest of
the country.
miniature Winter resolutions: “To-
With an overwhelming body Break. day doesn’t
of support for independence
in South Sudan (99 percent
count”... for a
according to the BBC) and
Boys basket- month.
people who want to stick ball remains
to the old ways a rare sight, If South Sudan were to gain independence, the oil pipelines leading to undefeated after Baby New
the vote is certain to pass for Port Sudan would be redirected. Juba would be its capital. Source: CIA
defeating Year
independence. The only things World Factbook
that could stand in the way of Monroe. delights and
independence are violence is if it is unrestricted by poor police officers have died in inspires, but the
at poll stations preventing cooperation. borderline cities. The South
the people from voting or The reasons for the split are also ranks behind the North The new fate of Old Father
corruption skewing the results. largely ethnic and religious. in most measures of quality trash Time is swept to
The division of Sudan and The North is mostly comprised of life: infant mortality, water
system. the side in the
creation of a new country is of Muslims with a connection sanitation, education and food
a milestone achievement and to the Arab culture. The South, stability and will also need to While it is true commotion. Is
will mark the end of a bitter on the other hand, is made up build a new pipeline to start
you can’t spell the holiday more
conflict between the north and of non-Arab Christians or other earning money from their
south regions. denominations. The South oil reserves. Once they start “Pellitteri” morbid than
The long-anticipated split has had poor representation a steady oil export, they will without “litter,” commonly
is a bad relationship finally for decades, with the North need to develop an effective
and an thought?
breaking. South Sudan has sucking the oil profits. The budget to develop the region.
been slighted in the exchange tension has often escalated Making a new country is hard automated Exam
for decades. Although it into violence. In one case, work, after all.
has most of the nation’s oil the North tried to impose There have been complaints
trash system schedule
reserves, it needs the North’s strict Islamic law on the entire that South Sudan is not ready takes us one logistics: With
pipeline connection to the country, although the action for independence, but I believe step closer to exams first and
Middle East to effectively sell it. was stopped. the short term problems can
Because of this reliance, the Sudan was on a course for be resolved over the years. a robot apoca- third hour, should
South has not received the splitting. While the division of a After they gain independence, lypse, it is I stay or should I
revenue from its oil. Instead, country may seem a bad thing the people will be inspired and
the North is thriving from the for the Northerners, something motivated to build their home.
greener and go?
South’s resources; Khartoum, was going to happen about the In addition, South Sudan’s more efficient.
its capital, is a boom town. situation there. It is good that geography, grasslands, swamps The heinous
The one-way relationship calls the country decided to resolve and forests, is hospitable to
back an image of a mistreated, its differences peacefully long-term civilization and is a
Volunteer nonconform-
soot-covered factory worker instead of resorting to an contrast to the North covered Connect: ers who refuse to
who slaves all day but is alternative, like civil war. in desert. When the South’s Waunakee’s new use a number 2
unappreciated by the wealthy While the split needed to temporary problems are ironed
factor y owner. While the happen, it will cause short- out, it will be lasting and stable, philanthropic pencil on
division is difficult for the short ter m problems for South and we will see Sudan finally arm. Scantrons.
term, the only way the country Sudan. There was violence at living in peace.
can move on in the long term the elections. Already, several
Remakes
in the horror genre, and frankly The people who work in slated to be remade in the near well, I would enjoy far more
I am getting fed up. “Friday the this genre not only have a future. It seems as though my movie remakes than I do.
13th,” “A Nightmare On Elm fascination for remaking rule of remakes being released Sadly, Hollywood does not
 from Page 4 Street,” “Halloween,” “Prom American horror movies, but at least a decade after the value my opinion, though I
Give” and “Disturbia” are all Night,” “My Bloody Valentine” have started going overseas original has been amended, share it with many others.
remakes of classic movies, and and so many other late 70s, to remake Japanese movies. for a majority of the films in Unfortunately, movies will
no one would have expected it. early 80s horror movies are “The Ring,” 2002, was scary, production for being remade continue to be remade over
It is sad to think that our current remade, and for what? To but based off 1998’s “Ring.” were released within the new time, and there is nothing I
screenwriters are constantly gar ner a little more bad Please, can we have a little millennium. can do to stop it. My only hope
referring back to other works press? It is quite unfortunate creativity? If movie remakes were is that Hollywood will leave
instead of creating their own. when movies that were not Apparently not, for many occasional, my opinion about the true cinematic gold alone,
Can we just have one solid, successful in their first run are films such as “The Birds,” them would be completely and remake things that need
original movie? remade. Unfortunately, in the “Teen Wolf,” “Lara Croft: Tomb different. If Hollywood took the remaking and redeeming.
The movie remake horror genre, this happens Raider,” “Bourne Identity ” time to choose the appropriate
fascination is really booming almost constantly. and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” are films to remake, and did them
Page 6 The Purple Sage January 26, 2011

7. FEATURES
Sara Vincent, Features Editor
Check out your new favorite titles to iPods and Nooks
With the introduction of new electronic
devices into the market, it seems that peo-
How to Download Can’t find the book you are
ple can download almost anything to their
From School looking for on OverDrive?
iPod Touches, iPads, Nooks and other e-
readers. This is no exception to WHS. Now, 1. Log on to the OverDrive Station Just go to Mrs. Ramsey in
at the LMTC or at home, you can check out
books and read them in a sophisticated
computer (found to the right of the the LMTC with the title of the
color printer in the LMTC).
and technological manner. 2. Open the internet. book you would like, and she
3. Go to the High School LMTC page. will get the ebook version.
4. Click on the “OverDrive Download
How to Download Station” link under the OverDrive
icon.
From Home 5. Connect your portable device. Popular Titles on
1. Student must download the
6. Note: iPhone users should see “How
to Do it From Home” in order to
OverDrive
OverDrive station application (Mrs. download. • The Hunger Games series
Ramsey can help with this). 7. Select “Test your device for
2. Connect and test your device for compatibility” on the right. • Thirteen Reasons Why
compatibility. 8. Select the audiobook you would like • Sarah Dessen novels
3. Check out which audiobook you to check out.
would like to download. 9. Place it in your eBookbag. • The Girl with the Dragon
4. Select the title and place it into your 10. Go to Checkout. Tattoo series
eBookbag. 11. Download it to your device. You will
5. Hit the download button. have to choose which chapters you • The Twilight series
would like.
Information compiled by Anna Evansen
Freshman Noah Stamsta explores European sport of cyclocross
Caroline Patz and sunglasses if you would still find comfort, adrenaline,
Reporter like. and fun in it. Noah explained,
Cyclocross competitions can “I love cycling in general. Not
Picture this: You are on a be found almost everywhere if only is it aerobic and based
bike, going up a hill. It is steep; you have the right connections, on athletic level, but your skill
really, really steep, but you and are usually held at parks. on the bike and handling.
know you are strong and you Since the courses are made Also there is a ton of strategy
can do it. You need to finish the using stakes and red tape, one in biking; you are constantly
race. Your heart is pounding, can be made anywhere. thinking. You are planning
your legs are burning with a Races are age categorized when to accelerate to break
soreness you cannot put into for all racers under 18. Noah your opponent, reading your
words, and your lungs are races 15-16 year olds. competition to see when they
frantically gasping for air. Course laps are anywhere are in pain and the win is yours
Freshman Noah Stamsta from one and a half to two to take, telling when to back off
said that pushing yourself miles in length and racers and ease up because you are
to physical capacity is the usually do 3-4 laps, each race just wasting energy.”
hardest part of a sport called lasting around 30 minutes. Cyclocross is a fairly easy
cyclocross. Noah Stamsta with his cyclocross bike before one of his races this past Noah was involved in sport to get involved with.
Cyclocross is a form of spring. (Photo submitted) cyclocross this past season Those interested in getting
bicycle racing on a course from mid August through the involved can look around
made up of many different beginning of December. online for competitions,
kinds of terrain including “Races are about ever y or talk to someone who is
pavement, wooded trails, and weekend, sometimes two a already active and competing.
grass. A cyclocross course also weekend. It’s a great way to Cyclocross is a sport for anyone
has many obstacles meant to stay in shape after the road who wants a real challenge
challenge the rider. cycling season, and to prepare or is looking to jazz up their
Obstacles include barriers, for the next road cycling normal cycling.
sand-traps, stairs, bunny hops, season,” Stamsta added. The sport’s trials present
and steep hills. Cyclocross seems to be a themselves in no small way.
Barriers are about 18 inches sport all its own, with no true “ The hardest thing is the
tall, and a rider must dismount comparison to anything else. aerobic endurance you need.
his or her bike, jump over Stamsta said, “cyclocross You are always at your max
them, and then mount again is definitely focused more heart rate during a race, but you
after crossing. on bike handling than the need to stay focused and alert.
Sand traps are areas in the road season. It’s a bunch Racers are around you, the trail
course that are simply filled Stamsta during a cyclocross race lifting his bike over a barrier, one of of technical turns and bike is uneven, barriers and other
with sand. the many obstacles on the course. (Photo submitted) handling techniques to stay obstacles are always coming
Stairs are self-explanatory; upright and riding whereas up. You have to be prepared
they are just normal stairs. the bike up the hill, and then are specifically designed for the road season is much more for all of the things while still
Bunny hops are like barriers, remount again at the top. traction, and a special brake strategy with longer races, focusing on your race and your
but are much smaller and can A lightweight road bike is system called cantilever is open stretches of road, and current position,” Noah said.
be hopped over while the rider used to complete the race. used. where things like drafting Despite its challenges,
is still on the bike. Stamsta said, “It is what In addition to the bike, you come into play.” cyclocross is a fantastic, up and
There are hills that are too people would picture as also need a helmet, gloves, Despite the fact that coming sport for those who
steep to bike up so that the a bike with a really skinny clip-in mountain biking shoes, cyclocross is a difficult and have the mental and physical
rider must dismount, carry frame and wheels.” The tires biking shorts, a team jersey physically taxing sport, people strength to take it on.
January 26, 2011 The Purple Sage Page 7

8. CENSORSHIP : a phase that's *BLEEP*ing the nation
Let’s face it, there is censorship everywhere from your favorite television shows to classic novels. In fact, the new “censored” edition of
See NO Evil HEAR NO Evil SPEAK NO Evil
the classic novel Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is to be published next month by New South Books in Alabama. The revision replaces
the word “nigger” 219 times with “slave.” It is the effort of Twain scholar Alan Gribben, an English professor at Auburn University in
Montgomery.
Situations like this raise the question, what causes something to be censored? The Federal Communications Commission has some
ideas as to what they think should be censored and guidelines for public broadcasting. The FCC receives numerous complaints that
television and radio stations or their guests have broadcast extreme, incorrect, or somehow improper political, economic, or social
statements. They then work to censor broadcasts as they see necessary.
Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., when there is the greatest likelihood that children may be watching, FCC prohibits the airing of indecent or profane material by rules. Broadcasters are required to schedule
their programming accordingly or face enforcement action. Also, the courts have ruled that obscene material is not protected by the First Amendment and cannot be broadcast at any time.
“Profane language” includes words that are so highly offensive that their mere utterance in the To be obscene, material must meet a three-prong test: (1) an average person, applying
context presented may, in legal terms, amount to a “nuisance.” The FCC warned broadcasters that, contemporary community standards, must find that the material, as a whole, appeals to the
depending on the context, it would consider the “F-Word” and those words (or variants thereof) prurient interest (i.e., material having a tendency to excite lustful thoughts); (2) the material
that are as highly offensive as the “F-Word” to be “profane language.” The FCC has been known to must depict or describe, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by
censor colorful language using “bleeps”. applicable law; and (3) the material, taken as a whole, must lack serious literary, artistic, political,
or scientific value.
PRO CENSORSHIP bassador to the Soviet Union, ing the Cold War. It seems like
vs. ANTI CENSORSHIP such documents it would have leader of Wikileaks as well as
Jamie Warner Chris Pedersen
“Tommy” Thompson, thought a stressful job. to prove it would cause “grave its spokesperson, but he is not
Opinon Editor Web Page Editor
otherwise, “I don’t agree, Mr. I do not believe the power and irreparable injury to the Wikileaks. Many organizations,
Secrets exist for a reason. President. I think there’s still a to make a mistake that may In the words, of Thomas Jef- public interest” which essen- most notably CNN have tried to
When members of the govern- chance. … The important thing destroy humanity should rest ferson, “Our liberty depends on tially means it could endanger make the controversy about As-
ment choose to hide something for Khrushchev, it seems to with anyone, and if someone the freedom of the press, and America. Whether the informa- sange and his lifestyle. One can
from the public, it is because me, is to be able to say, ‘I saved has it, it should not be As- that cannot be limited with- tion is classified or not is irrele- understand why; after all, hav-
putting it on display would Cuba. I stopped an invasion.’” sange. When asked during a out being lost.” These words vant. The release of the Reuters’ ing a controversial operation
compromise progress. When Thompson analyzed the situ- question-and-answer for the hold as true today as they ever video was so inconsequential it run by a suspected sex offender
Wikileaks haphazardly releases ation and realized that there Berkeley Graduate School of have, yet the freedom Jeffer- is barely remembered. with shady teenage years as a
as many secrets as they can get was a solution – but it involved Journalism whether his news son spoke of is constantly un- Clearly, Wikileaks does not “hacker” is much more interest-
their hands on, they are disre- hiding the truth from the Soviet was biased, Julian Assange, der assault, especially from endanger the U.S., is legal and ing than a man who has yet to
garding careful planning and public. Thompson cut a deal representative of Wikileaks, the opponents of Wikileaks. should be perfectly able to con- be convicted of anything since
consideration. with Khrushchev: the Soviets stated, “That’s part of the Wikileaks gained international tinue operation without censor- his teenage years.
During the Cold War, a se- would remove the missiles right-wing distortion field.” attention when it launched in ship. An honest man holds no se-
cret prevented a nuclear catas- from Cuba if the United States Regardless of your own po- late 2006 and has sparked more Putting aside what Wikileaks crets, and likewise, an honest
trophe. The United States was would publically declared they litical affiliation, Assange is controversy than ever before does not do, there are a lot of government does not need to
locked in a delicate struggle with would not invade Cuba. showing a clear bias. Wikile- with its publishing of the U.S. good things it does do. Tradi- fear leaks. Wikileaks is espe-
the Soviet Union, lead by Nikita Also, secretly, the U.S. would aks also seems to believe Military’s 2007 attack on two tionally, we have had to get our cially threatening to the U.S. be-
Khrushchev. The USSR had just need to take missiles out of in a conspiracy theory, as Reuters reports, the Afghanistan information on the government cause of the things the govern-
supplied Cuba with missiles Italy and Turkey. What if some- their website says, “It’s prob- war documents, the Iraqi war through the lens of media com- ment has done. In the Reuters
capable of striking the United one like Mr. Assange had de- ably pretty clear by now that documents, and most recently panies, each of which has its video, journalists were gunned
States. With nuclear missiles cided to make public the ne- WikiLeaks is not a front for the U.S. diplomat cables. Nu- own bias; Wikileaks releases down by an apache helicopter
ready to be deployed on both gotiations? We would certainly any intelligence agency or merous politicians have jumped unadulterated documents, al- while peacefully walking down
sides, humanity was minutes have had peace and freedom government despite a rumor on the bandwagon and de- lowing people to form their a street. The Afghanistan and
from extinction. of speech – for the few mo- to that effect. This rumor was famed the gravely essential and own opinions. By proving the Iraqi documents detail civilian
Khrushchev did not want to ments we would have been started early in WikiLeaks’ ex- misunderstood organization. raw data, Wikileaks helps pre- casualties, and the cables con-
lose the respect of the Soviets alive. istence, possibly by the intelli- Likely the two most common vent organizations from twisting tain lots of colorful commentary
by backing down to the United It may seem an exaggera- gence agencies themselves.” claims against Wikileaks is that events for their own gain as the on world leaders. Statements
State’s demands, so he publi- tion to compare the stakes of This is not the type of person it is illegal and that it damages facts are freely available to any- like, “She’s had so much plastic
cally denied our demands to the Cold War to those today, I want determining the fate of the United States. Despite what one who cares to look. Speaking surgery it is possible to confuse
dismantle his nuclear weaponry. but when countries like North the world. fear mongers would have you of media bias, many companies her with one of her daughters,”
However, both sides wanted Korea have nuclear weapons, Wikileaks claims to be believe, Wikileaks is a perfectly will actually delay or ignore gov- shows a glaring lack of respect
peace. The eyes of the public the world seems as volatile as delivering neutral news un- legal organization. ernment leaks. for other governments. The out-
– to which Khrushchev did not it was then. touched by the influences of While releasing classified In this sense Wikileaks makes cry should not be about Wikile-
want to be seen as weak – grid- The world today is a com- governments, but really, they documents violates U.S. law, these leaks possible by allowing aks releasing information, it
locked any solution attempts. plex and fragile web of diplo- are pushing an agenda of publishing the documents does anonymous submissions and should be about what the infor-
In a discussion with a small matic ties, and Julian Assange their own. It is much better to not. In 1971, Richard Nixon at- keeping their sources anony- mation is and why it exists.
group of government officers, believes he can safely disrupt have nothing revealed than to tempted to stop the New York mous. Finally, one should con- Now that Wikileaks revealed
Kennedy stated the impossibil- it by blindly releasing sensitive have half the story told and fil- Times from publishing classified sider why these leaks are a big these problems, we as the pub-
ity of the situation, “We’re not information. If he makes one tered through the eyes of Mr. documents dubbed the Penta- deal in the first place. lic can pressure our leaders to
going to get these weapons out miscalculation on the impact Assange. gon Papers. The Supreme Court Moreover, the entire debate make sure they are solved or do
of Cuba, probably, anyway, by of information, the world could decided that for the government over Wikileaks has been mis- not happen again.
negotiation.” The former am- explode like it almost did dur- to prevent the publication of directed. Julian Assange is the
Page 8 The Purple Sage Page 9