Thursday, April 10, 2008

“Thou Shall Not Clone Thy Neighbor”

“Thou Shall Not Clone Thy Neighbor”
By Kiah Vandergrift and Melissa Camp
Greed, sloth, wrath, gluttony, envy, pride, and lust. You may recognize these as the seven deadly sins, but did you know that as of March 12th, there are seven more things to steer clear of. The Vatican updated the previous list by adding another list of sins that relate to modern times. Drug users beware, abusing drugs in among the new list for its ability to weaken the mind and pollute the soul. Stem cell research, think again, these “morally dubious” experiments have also been shunned by the Pope Benedict XVI, himself. You may want to think twice before throwing your Snickers wrapper out of the car window, Catholicism is going green! Excessive wealth and extreme poverty are hot topics, considering that three of the seven sins are dedicated to their elimination. Extreme wealth is obscene in the eyes of the Pope, and contributing to the growing gap between rich and poor will result in eternal damnation. Bill Gates and the Hilton family…..watch your backs. Birth control is another “no-no” for its “bioethical violation” on the human body.
The reaction to these new and improved sins has been overwhelmingly negative. People feel like this new list is too “politically correct” and skips over the more important things in the world, such as pedophilia and dog fighting (cough, cough…Michael Vick). Another area of disapproval is that the Vatican and the Pope have a lavish lifestyle, which could be contributing the expanding gap between rich and poor, making that sin rather hypocritical. Some find it strange that birth control and poverty are on par considering their vast differences. It is difficult to say how much actual influence this list may have upon people, considering how church attendance is at an all time low. Do people care enough to change their ways, or will they ignore the new list and possibly suffer the consequences. We may never know for sure.

Presidential Question

Presidential Question

By Tyler Graves

Presidential candidates, Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton are doing a better job fighting amongst themselves rather than fighting for votes. Anymore, they argue about who’s the superior race, whose religion is better. These two just seem to make more snide and disrespecting comments toward each other expecting to get some gratitude from it. Ironically, have you ever looked at any of the campaign brochures and looked at the background behind the candidates? This upcoming election is going to be based on race and gender. Obama has all of the African American voters in the background of his brochure while Hilary has all women voters in the background of hers. People are voting for the wrong things, they are voting so they can put the first woman, the first black, the first of something in our political history. What about McCain? He has practically slipped under the political radar. While the two Democrats are fighting, McCain is out making millions of dollars in fundraising profits. Ironically, it sounds like Hilary Clinton just might have to drop out of the race. I don’t care if our next president is green, red, blue, yellow, male or female. All I care about is if the next president can make the right decisions and find ways to better the United States of America. What about the question of who is going to lead this country during times of hardship and glory. As far as I’m concerned, Hilary and Obama haven’t proven anything.

April Showers and Platte Events

Boycott Beijing ?

Boycott Beijing ?
By Melissa Camp and Kiah Vandergrift


As many of you may know, much controversy lingers around the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, you may not know the basis for the controversy. China ’s questionable human rights record, such as their treatment of Tibet , the events that occurred at Tiananmen Square, and their treatment of their own citizens have made many countries question whether Beijing is the right place to host the event that symbolizes unity and friendly competition. China ’s promise to improve its human rights record has been broken, due to abuse of various committees such as the Human Rights watch and the International Olympics Committee.
China invaded and took control over Tibet in the early 1950’s. Their human rights atrocities since then include overthrowing the Dalai Lama, burning down over 6,000 monasteries, and murdering over one million Tibetans. Ethnic Tibetans have a shorter life expectancy, lower literacy rates, and deteriorating per capita incomes since the Chinese takeover. Even now, Chinese authorities are trying to suppress the Tibetans cry for justice.
Most everyone knows about the unjust treatment of Chinese citizens. On June 4, 1989, the infamous Tiananmen Square Massacre took place. Students and labor activists of the People’s Republic of China protested the Chinese Communist Party and called for a democratic reform. The protesters were met by the Chinese militia, resulting in anywhere ranging from 200 to 3,000 deaths. The total number of deaths is unknown, as the Chinese government greatly censored the event. Even almost two decades later, the Chinese government does not teach of the event in schools and it is prohibited from internet search engines.
Of course, the question arises whether or not it is right to politicize the Olympics, which have always focused on athletics as opposed to politics. However, some argue that it is hypocritical to uphold an even that stands for “the preservation of human dignity” in a country that refuses to even grant its citizens the right of freedom of press. On the other hand, the Chinese people have been looking forward to the honor of hosting the Olympics, and boycotting them will possibly spark more violence. Also, the spirit of the Olympics is to “oppose any political or commercial abuse of sports and athletes.” Boycotting the Olympics will take away the opportunity for athletes to show what they have been working hard for for eight long years. Currently, no country has official stated that they will be boycotting the Olympics, but some groups have strongly pushed for a boycott, such as Students for a Free Tibet, and Reporters Without Borders.
Along with the political arguments against the Beijing Olympics, the environmental aspects are causing much concern. According to one report, China has the deadliest air pollution in the world. According to the World Health Organization, over 656,000 Chinese inhabitants die every year due to indoor and outdoor air pollution, and another 95,600 die from the polluted drinking water. Running under those conditions could seriously damage the “lean, mean, running machine” aka the human body. World record marathon runner Haile Gebresalassie has said he will not compete in the event at the Beijing Olympics later this year as he may permanently damage his lungs and has made other athletes question whether or not it is worth the risk of putting their bodies in jeopardy. Should politics and sports intermingle, even under extreme situations, or should they be left alone to be decided individually? The Olympic Torch has already been put out 5 times due to protesting. We will soon be finding out what other problems will arise by the time the games begin on August 8th.

Feel the Music, Attend the Show

Wed, 04/02/08
07:30 PM

Chevelle Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/02/08
07:30 PM

Otep with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Wed, 04/02/08
07:30 PM

Still Remains with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/02/08
09:00 PM

Bob Schneider Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/02/08
09:00 PM

P.O.D. Hard Rock Cafe Denver, Denver, US

Thu, 04/03/08
07:00 PM

A Day To Remember with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Thu, 04/03/08
07:00 PM

RockStar Engery Drink Get A Life Tour Feat. The Used & More; Pueblo,CO Colorado State Fair, Pueblo, CO

Thu, 04/03/08
07:30 PM

Mae with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/03/08
08:00 PM

Citizen Cope Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/03/08
08:00 PM

I Hate Kate / the Frequent Sea / A.T.O. 5 Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/04/08
06:00 PM

Ty Herndon Grizzly Rose, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/04/08
07:30 PM

Authority Zero with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Fri, 04/04/08
08:00 PM

Hotel Café Tour W/ Ingrid Michaelson, Dan Wilson and More Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/04/08
08:00 PM

Mustache Bash featuring the Epilogues & Fear Before the March of Flame Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/04/08
09:00 PM

Machine Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/04/08
09:00 PM

Morcheeba Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Sat, 04/05/08
07:30 PM

Authority Zero Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Sat, 04/05/08
07:30 PM

Miser with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/05/08
08:00 PM

Critical Bill featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Sat, 04/05/08
08:00 PM

Daniel Johnston Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/05/08
08:00 PM

Secondhand Smokers Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellevue, CO

Sat, 04/05/08
09:00 PM

The Swayback CD Release Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/06/08
08:00 PM

Beto Cuevas Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/06/08
08:00 PM

The Alkaholiks with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Mon, 04/07/08
08:00 PM

Today Is the Day with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/08/08
06:00 PM

Seether & Flyleaf Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/08/08
07:30 PM

Family Force 5 with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/08/08
07:30 PM

Oblige featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Tue, 04/08/08
08:00 PM

Streetlight Manifesto / Zox / Dan Potthast Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/08/08
08:00 PM

Tift Merritt / Gregory Alan Isakov Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/09/08
06:00 PM

Alesana with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/09/08
06:30 PM

The Audition with Special Guest Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Wed, 04/09/08
08:00 PM

The Bravery with Special Guests Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, CO

Wed, 04/09/08
09:00 PM

The Black Keys Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/10/08
06:30 PM

Artery Foundation Tour: a Skylit Drive with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/10/08
07:30 PM

Story of the Year Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/10/08
08:00 PM

The Bravery with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Thu, 04/10/08
08:00 PM

Trampled By Turtles / Charlie Parr Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/11/08
07:00 PM

We the Kings with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Fri, 04/11/08
07:30 PM

Vital Remains with Special Guest Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/11/08
08:00 PM

B.B. King Temple Buell Theatre, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/11/08
08:00 PM

Chris Cagle Grizzly Rose, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/11/08
08:00 PM

Dana Carvey Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/11/08
08:00 PM

From First To Last with Special Guests Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, CO

Fri, 04/11/08
08:00 PM

The Beautiful Girls / Virginia Coalition Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/11/08
09:00 PM

Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Sat, 04/12/08
02:00 PM

Colorado Children's Chorale - Spring with the Children's Chorale Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/12/08
06:00 PM

Hot Topic Presents: Gigantour Featuring Megadeth Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/12/08
07:00 PM

The Unseen with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/12/08
07:30 PM

From First To Last with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Sat, 04/12/08
08:00 PM

C U Latour: Ministry's Final World Tour Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/12/08
08:00 PM

George Carlin Temple Buell Theatre, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/12/08
09:00 PM

Laylights CD Release Party Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/13/08
02:30 PM

Converge with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/13/08
07:00 PM

Anti-Flag Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/13/08
07:30 PM

MXPX with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Mon, 04/14/08
07:00 PM

Jeffree Star with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Mon, 04/14/08
07:00 PM

My Chemical Romance Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Canceled

Gregorian Masters of Chant Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Tue, 04/15/08
06:00 PM

Bret Michaels Grizzly Rose, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/15/08
07:30 PM

Michael Rossback featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Tue, 04/15/08
08:00 PM

Devildriver Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Wed, 04/16/08
07:00 PM

Bound By the Road Tour 2008 featuring Devildriver Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Wed, 04/16/08
07:30 PM

Dillinger Escape Plan with Special Guest Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/16/08
08:30 PM

Meat Beat Manifesto Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/17/08
07:30 PM

17 Ent. featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Thu, 04/17/08
07:30 PM

Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" University of Denver - Newman Center - Gates Concert Hall, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/17/08
07:30 PM

Time Again with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/17/08
08:00 PM

Bouncing Souls Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Thu, 04/17/08
08:00 PM

The Spill Canvas with Special Guests Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins, CO

Fri, 04/18/08
07:30 PM

Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" University of Denver - Newman Center - Gates Concert Hall, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/18/08
07:30 PM

The Fall of Troy with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/18/08
08:00 PM

All Capitals/Dualistics Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/18/08
08:00 PM

Luckyiam with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Fri, 04/18/08
08:00 PM

Wish We Were Floyd Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Sat, 04/19/08
07:00 PM

Divine Heresy with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Sat, 04/19/08
07:00 PM

The 420 Eve Metal Massacre Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Sat, 04/19/08
08:00 PM

Dimmu Borgir / Behemoth Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/19/08
08:00 PM

Jackie Greene Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/19/08
08:00 PM

Luckyiam with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/20/08
02:00 PM

Colorado Children's Chorale - Denver Young Artists Orchestra Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/20/08
04:20 PM

Laughing Gas Treatment with the Vultures and Hoss Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellevue, CO

Sun, 04/20/08
06:30 PM

Divine Heresy with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/20/08
08:00 PM

Man Man Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/20/08
08:00 PM

Smaug featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Mon, 04/21/08
07:30 PM

Minus the Bear with Special Guest Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO

Mon, 04/21/08
07:30 PM

Steven Mayer University of Denver-Newman Center-Hamilton Recital Hall, Denver, CO

Mon, 04/21/08
08:00 PM

Eli "Paperboy" Reed and the True Loves with Special Guests The Falcon, Englewood, CO

Mon, 04/21/08
08:00 PM

Islands Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Mon, 04/21/08
08:00 PM

Kimya Dawson with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Tue, 04/22/08
07:30 PM

The Phenomenauts with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/22/08
08:00 PM

Dirty Heads with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Tue, 04/22/08
08:00 PM

Kimya Dawson Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/22/08
09:00 PM

Apocalyptica Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Wed, 04/23/08
08:00 PM

Dirty Heads with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/23/08
08:00 PM

Kraftwerk Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/23/08
08:00 PM

Ligion with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Wed, 04/23/08
08:00 PM

Shelby Lynne Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/24/08
08:00 PM

9/10s of the Law/ Anitboss/ Triple Fisted/ Heroine or Traitor Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Thu, 04/24/08
08:00 PM

Mac Lethal with Special Guest Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/25/08
06:00 PM

Chuck Wicks Grizzly Rose, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/25/08
07:30 PM

Denver Roller Dolls Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/25/08
08:00 PM

Juanes University of Denver - Magness Arena, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/25/08
08:00 PM

Mac Lethal with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Fri, 04/25/08
08:00 PM

PARKING: JUANES University of Denver - Magness Arena, Denver, CO

Fri, 04/25/08
09:00 PM

Junior Brown Mesa Theater & Club, Grand Junction, CO

Fri, 04/25/08
09:00 PM

The Wood Brothers / Carsie Blanton Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/26/08
07:30 PM

A Cursive Memory with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/26/08
07:30 PM

Manhattan Transfer University of Denver - Newman Center - Gates Concert Hall, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/26/08
07:30 PM

Try Redemption featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Sat, 04/26/08
08:00 PM

Alan Vigil with David Harris and Kevin Cornell (DJ Kevinlyn) Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellevue, CO

Sat, 04/26/08
09:00 PM

The Sword / Slough Feg / Children Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
02:00 PM

Colorado Children's Chorale - Spring Fling Sing Pinnacle Events Center, Federal Heights, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
07:30 PM

Kanye West - Club Seating Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
07:30 PM

Kanye West-Glow In The Dark Tour with Rihanna, N.E.R.D and Lupe Fiasco Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
07:30 PM

Onesidezero featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
07:30 PM

The Classic Crime with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Mon, 04/28/08
07:30 PM

What a Bloody Mess featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Mon, 04/28/08
08:00 PM

Soulja Boy Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Mon, 04/28/08
08:00 PM

The Raconteurs Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/29/08
07:30 PM

Drowning Pool with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Tue, 04/29/08
08:00 PM

Gza (The Genius) Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/29/08
09:00 PM

Midnight Juggernauts The Hi Dive, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/30/08
08:00 PM

- Club Seating Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/30/08
08:00 PM

Drowning Pool Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Wed, 04/30/08
08:00 PM

Roger Waters Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/30/08
08:00 PM

Sick Puppies Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Thu, 05/01/08
08:00 PM

Spring Creek / Wasabi Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Sat, 04/26/08
07:30 PM

Try Redemption featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Sat, 04/26/08
08:00 PM

Alan Vigil with David Harris and Kevin Cornell (DJ Kevinlyn) Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellevue, CO

Sat, 04/26/08
09:00 PM

The Sword / Slough Feg / Children Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
02:00 PM

Colorado Children's Chorale - Spring Fling Sing Pinnacle Events Center, Federal Heights, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
07:30 PM

Kanye West - Club Seating Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
07:30 PM

Kanye West-Glow In The Dark Tour with Rihanna, N.E.R.D and Lupe Fiasco Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
07:30 PM

Onesidezero featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Sun, 04/27/08
07:30 PM

The Classic Crime with Special Guests Marquis Theater, Denver, CO

Mon, 04/28/08
07:30 PM

What a Bloody Mess featuring Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Mon, 04/28/08
08:00 PM

Soulja Boy Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO

Mon, 04/28/08
08:00 PM

The Raconteurs Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/29/08
07:30 PM

Drowning Pool with Special Guests Black Sheep, Colorado Springs, CO

Tue, 04/29/08
08:00 PM

Gza (The Genius) Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Tue, 04/29/08
09:00 PM

Midnight Juggernauts The Hi Dive, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/30/08
08:00 PM

- Club Seating Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/30/08
08:00 PM

Drowning Pool Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO

Wed, 04/30/08
08:00 PM

Roger Waters Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

Wed, 04/30/08
08:00 PM

Sick Puppies Bluebird Theater, Denver, CO

Faster Internet Coming!

Faster Internet Coming!

By Nigel Kelly

Good news for all those who cannot have access to high speed internet due to their location. The innovative Japanese have begun to launch satellites specifically designed to bring internet to places where it is very difficult to do by land line. If successful, the series of satellites going up could very well increase broadband speed worldwide to 1.2 gigabytes per second, an incredible increase from average rates which are around 250 megabytes per second. The sizes of files vary from bytes, to kilobytes, to megabytes to gigabytes and so on and so forth. Each successive name is about 1000 times bigger than the precursor, so there are 1024 megabytes in one gigabyte. For some people in Bailey, this is very good news. Dial-up can be very frustrating, especially with the occupation of the phone line, blocking potentially important calls while you’re online. But using a 1.2 gigabyte per second connection may improve upon everything in the technological world

The satellite, dubbed Kizuna, is packed with all sorts of sophisticated equipment for use in helping the people of the world by providing information through the internet. In later years, this may show to better education rates in poverty stricken areas such as Darfur, Sierra Leone, etc. Though primarily designed to improve internet access, Kizuna also functions as a powerful communications satellite. In addition to this satellite, Japan plans to launch more internet satellites to improve the network connection. The only downside to all of this is that prices for broadband could increase slightly. But hey, surfing between sites on the net would only take milliseconds! The change will not be immediate however. The satellite will undergo a series of tests that could last until the year 2009.

From improving education rates in the future, to bettering connection rates all across the world, the Kizuna satellite is only the beginning. Many more satellites just like it will pop up from all over, providing much needed internet access to poor regions of the world.

How Community Service Affects Getting Into College

How Community Service Affects Getting Into College
By: Cassie Whitt and Jon Bellomy
Thursday March 6, 2008 Jon Bellomy and Jon Barth took a trip to the Colorado School of Mines to interview Bruce Goetz . They wanted to find how colleges not only look at grades and extracurricular activities, but how Community Service plays a roll in applying into higher level schools such as universities and state colleges. They found out that CSM, among other engineering schools, does not look at extracurricular activities and community service as much as grades. For scholarships community service is a helpful aid. For example, if Jon Bellomy and Jon Barth were applying for the same position, and Jon Bellomy had a history of volunteering at and various community service locations and Jon Barth had no community service history at all the administrative office would be more likely to choose Jon Bellomy for the position over Jon Barth. Universities and state colleges, on the other hand, look at everything, such as grades, community service, and extracurricular activities. They rely on grades just as much as extracurricular activities and community service. Without any community service history or extracurricular activities it is highly unlikely that the administrative office will except and incoming student. In the real world, community service not only helps people get further in life it also helps those who need it most. So if you are interested in volunteering and getting community service hour in, then here are some good places to try, The IMHS which is a humane society located in Pine next to the Woodside Inn, the Thrift Store in Conifer located above the Movie Gallery, the Retirement Center in Evergreen and The Mountain Resource Center. All you have to do is go and let them know you want to be a volunteer and they will hand you and application. So go out and get some community service hours in and make a difference.

Fun With Jumping Up and Down

Fun With Jumping Up and Down

By Kyle Grabowski

Look in your back yard. What do you see? Trees, rocks, some water and perhaps a device that brings some of the simplest entertainment imaginable: the trampoline. The earliest evidence of a trampoline comes from the Inuit tribe. They would often toss each other into the air with whale skins and create an effect similar to that of firemen when catching people jumping out of buildings. If you believe in circus folklore, the trampoline was invented by Du Trampolin. He attached the trapeze safety net to varying forms of suspension, eventually settling on springs as a method of propulsion. Unfortunately, no evidence has been found to support this story and most circus people are considered crazy. The trampoline as we know it was invented by George Nissen and Larry Griswold. They saw trapeze artists using the nets to add entertainment value to routines and eventually added an iron frame and springs. During 1942 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa , the pair created the Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company to produce trampolines commercially. In 2000, trampolining was added as an Olympic sport. A typical trampolining routine includes both gymnastics and aerobatics maneuvers while bouncing up and down. When taking off and landing there are four acceptable positions when in competition: feet, seat, front, and back. These refer to obviously your feet, sitting down, landing on the chest, and landing on the trampoline while looking towards the sky. A routine must both start and end on the feet. The first trampolining world championships were held in London in 1964 and the International Trampoline Federation was formally recognized as a governing body in 1965. Early championships were dominated by Americans, but the Soviets soon gained a foothold in the sport after many top Americans stopped competing due to injuries and lawsuits. In 1999 the International Trampoline Federation joined with FĂ©dĂ©ration Internationale de Gymnastique. If you don’t like jumping up and down by yourself, synchronized trampolining involves two people performing the exact same routine at the exact same time. The next time you look outside and see that heap of metal and canvas see not just a trampoline, but a launching device into a promising professional career.

Drive baby drive

Driving
By Dylan Rompf


Some new forgotten laws might get you in a pickle, especially for the new drivers out there that have never really had the rules explained in a way they understand. These “new” laws are actually old news to a lot of the drivers on our roads, but for the sixteen to eighteen year olds with a fresh permit, it could mean a longer wait for that license they’ve been dreaming of. I have heard, and been asked, many questions by adults and teens concerning the laws of new drivers’ licenses and learners’ permits for the new drivers out there, so I hope this is their answer.
In 2005, some new ideas were put into effect, affecting all of the Colorado teens standing in line at the DMV awaiting one of Americas ’ most common rite of passage, the drivers’ license. These laws introduced a graduated driving program to insure that all the sixteen year olds have the experience they need to make educated decisions while on the road.
For a learner’s permit it works like this: the driver must be in possession of a learning permit for one whole year, while keeping a record of driving hours, conditions, and time of day. A person 21 or older with a valid driver’s license must sign off on these records for them to be accepted towards the total drive time, which must be at least fifty hours (ten of these fifty must be night).
After one year, providing that all the drive time is completed, the driver may trade in his learner’s permit for a Colorado driver’s license. Then the driver may drive by his/herself, but don’t think they are out of the woods yet. Until the driver has had his/her license for a full six months the number of passengers is limited to no one under twenty-one, except siblings and medical emergencies. Then, after six months the driver may have up to one person under twenty-one, except siblings and medical emergencies. Not exactly the freedom the older generations remember, but the statistics have shown it is working toward a safer roadway for all.

Pass....

Pass
By Tyler Graves
As of this week, the Vail Ski Resort has created a season pass that would be considered the “epic” pass. The epic pass can be used at all Vail owned resorts. The pass includes unlimited and unrestricted skiing and snowboarding at all Vail owned resorts such as Beaver Creek, Keystone Breckenridge, Heavenly and Vail itself. The Epic pass will be on sale until November 15, 2008. Vail will have a total of 17,400 acres of ski-able terrain with 128 chairlifts and 722 trails. Ironically, the State has chosen to put in a toll way at the base of Eisenhower Tunnel going both directions, in order to put in an extra lane by the Empire exit. Vail’s pass could be seen more along the lines of losing money rather than gaining. Since the average cost of a lift ticket at Vail costs about 92 bucks for an all day ride, eventually this 92 bucks will start adding up the more times a person goes up the mountain. For instance, if I were to buy a ticket every other day to ski Vail, it would only take me about five lift tickets before I reached the season pass cost. If someone were to just pay the 579 dollars for the epic pass, then don’t you think that you would get more of a bargain rather as time goes on? However, it’s the skiers’ choice on whether they want to get the “epic” pass. Personally, I don’t like any of the ski resorts on that side of the mountain because most of them treat you based on your social status and the way you look. So all I can say is if you like the big rich and fancy resorts then go buy yourself the Vail Epic Pass for the 08-09 ski and snowboard season.

April Horoscopes

April Horoscopes

By: Brittany Mapes

Aquarius- Anything to do with communication is the key for Aquarians during April.

You are very eager to express your needs and wants. You will be full of ideas and electrifying plans that you want to share. This area also covers methods of communication such as telephones and e-mails, so everything should be running easily there. Conversations will have certain smoothness to them and you will be striving to ensure everyone is getting along with one another. There is some tension hanging around however, and you may encounter difficulties getting your point across but remember to think about what you say before you say it.

Pisces- Hi Pisces! Watering that money tree is a major priority for you in April.

You really want to focus on how you can achieve material comfort. You will want to surround yourself with beautiful objects and a little luxury. Go for it! A little pampering goes a long way but be careful not to fritter away your cash. In the middle of the month be watching out for a financial project that could easily benefit you. There are some worries, however. A problem you encountered around Easter with lack of funds preventing you from pursuing the kind of break you wanted could have repercussions up until the 26th of April.

Aries- Sup Aries. Hope you have a wonderful birthday! Responsibility is your key word this month, especially at work. You won't lose your taste for fun and adventure, of course, but getting ahead in measurable ways may distract Aries from your usual playtime activities. In fact, work could become the new play for you, a form of competition with yourself to see how high you can climb on the ladder of success. Aries set your own goals in April rather than trying to meet those established by someone else. Your natural independence may lead you to rebel if you feel you're being forced to respond to outside pressure. It's much healthier, and the likelihood of achievement is much higher, when you're motivated by your own desires.

Taurus- Hey Taurus! Your world may be in a kinder mood this month, allowing you the time to appreciate what you have already created in your life. Of course, there are still challenging issues to face on a personal level, so work extra hard to keep your loved ones close. You may be feeling left out this month, but things will spring back into shape as soon as the weather warms up.

Gemini- Hey little guy. Flashes of instinct jump-start the month and your thinking moves so rapidly that you cannot make use of the brilliant ideas. You can see your place in the outer world quite clearly, and then just moments later you are lost in the murky depths of your subconscious. Be fair-minded in a fight with your partner and as you fulfill your obligations. April's calendar bustles with social engagements, but your busy lifestyle won't interfere with productivity.

Leo- If you believe in it, you can sell it now. People easily trust you this month. Confidence that you can achieve any goal -- given the time and resources -- gives you a calm demeanor even in the midst of stressful situations. To make your own choices can lead to conflict with authority figures. You may be so convinced that your way is the only way that considering any kind of compromise might feel like defeat.

Virgo- April is another month of substantial progress for you, but it may not be apparent to everyone else. It's not necessarily about receiving a promotion or a raise -- yet both are possible. Make positive changes in your private life by getting more involved with family activities or initiating home improvement projects. This month you may find it a struggle to keep a loved one close to you. They’ll want to branch off from you, and it’s best to let them have their space. They’ll comeback to you, don’t worry.

Libra- This is a dramatic time of year for you, especially when it comes to your connections with others. Here’s a reminder to take care of yourself in relationships, rather than giving too much of yourself just to make someone else happy. This month you can be strong because you're clear about what you want and don't want. You are still willing to compromise, but not at the cost of your principles. Your concerns about a significant relationship aren't necessarily easy to explain, but it's healthier to start talking than to build it up due to fear or embarrassment.

Scorpio- Hi Scorpio! This month you’ll be adjusting to subtle changes to your social standing. Accepting the good news without getting carried away will allow you to maintain a healthy viewpoint regarding your future. A mixture of positive and negative forces morphs into productive energy. Use it to do something you’ve never done before, and take a risk. The bottom line is that this is no time to hesitate. Trusting your intuition is essential. Also, this month a new flame is fired up. This is your chance to move on from an old relationship.

Sagittarius- Don't let little uncertainties hold you back, because you're on very solid ground now. Think big, look far, and count on your leaps of faith to land you in the right places. Loading up on luxuries could be more costly than you think. Remember: Fighting can be healthy as long as you play fair. Be honest; take responsibility for your feelings, and no hitting below the belt. This month you may have found a new interest but be careful to not give up, or it’ll slip away faster then you think.

Capricorn- Although you may be concerned about feeling less than capable now, it's a waste of energy getting lost in negative thoughts. Even if you are feeling a bit spacey, it's crucial that you remain as practical as possible. If something needs maintenance, fix it before it breaks. If you have unpaid bills, bring them current before they are overdue. Complete unfinished business while you can, for you will quickly be required to move on to something new.

A Spring Break Date with History

A Spring Break Date with History
By: Kyle Grabowski

When people hear the names
Greece and Italy , their minds immediately flash to massive empires and ancient ruins. The Mediterranean Sea laps on white sand beaches and hunky men drive around on mopeds. Two mighty countries at the forefront of history, style, and imagination were the destinations for Platte Canyon High School ’s travel club this Spring Break. Fifteen students along with two teachers and a parental chaperone left Denver on Friday March 21st for Washington-Duluth International Airport in Washington D.C. After a half-hour there the group boarded the Boeing 777 for a 7-½ hour trek across the Atlantic to Frankfurt, Germany. Another hour was spent there, money was converted to Euros and the final flight to Athens took off. A walk to the National Gardens, Parliament, and Temple of Zeus followed a quick visit to the hotel to drop off suitcases. Dinner that night was a fairly disappointing bland spaghetti dish. We all slept well that night before venturing to the Agora and Acropolis the next day. By the time the sun rose the next morning our group was already on a bus to the famous sight of Delphi, where an oracle was said to have prophesized. That night would be our last in Athens before visiting Olympia the next day and moving to a seaside hotel before boarding a ferry to Italy. Shortly after the ship docked we were shipped again by bus to relatively nearby Pompeii to visit the ruins. A cross-country drive stood between the Eternal City of Rome and us. When it was finally over, we took a jaunt to the legendary Trevi Fountain. It was all lit up at night and almost empty, so the moment was just about perfect for all parties involved. The next day involved guided tours of the Vatican City, Coliseum, and Roman Forum. We thought that this would be our last night, and celebrated a wonderful trip. Unbeknownst to us, our flight would be delayed two hours the next morning and a plane that was too small was sent. United Airlines fitted the bill for us to stay in the Airport Hilton for the night and paid for lunch, dinner, and breakfast the next morning. We saw the Mouth of Truth and Circus Maximus (where they raced the chariots) and got in one last, frantic hour of shopping. The flights home the next day went off without a hitch and all that was left was a long drive back to Bailey from the airport loaded with gifts, pictures, and stories.

Are Energy Drinks Good For You?

Are Energy Drinks Good For You?
By: Brittany Mapes
Energy drinks are becoming a popular new drink for teens and adults. They are a tangy blend of taurine, guarana, glucose, vitamins, minerals, herb extracts and caffeine. For some people, that can be a life-threatening blend or just a quick boost of energy. Energy drinks can sometimes be confused for a sports drink like Gatorade, but it’s important to not confuse them. If used as an energy boost for sports, you can seriously be hurting your heart. It increases your heart beat, and there has been an incident where a boy drank an energy drink before running his race in track and ended up having a heart attack. Thinking that drinking an energy drink before a work out is a huge mistake, because your blood pressure will go up, and your heart with be over stimulated. Taurine is what hurts your heart. From drinking it, you can have heart irregularities, electrolyte disturbances, and nausea/ vomiting. That kind of makes you want to rethink drinking a Red Bull or Monster, doesn’t it? Also, mixing energy drinks with alcohol, which means a form of medicine, can result in death or serious health problem. Here’s some tips for you if you decide to drink energy drinks: if you engage in to any form of physical activity be sure to hydrate your self with water, when drinking them do not consume large amounts, do not drink them on an empty stomach, if you have hypertension or a heart disease stay away from energy drinks, and a way to avoid having no energy is to have a healthy diet and enough sleep. A lot of people feel super jittery, nervous, and agitated. After all those symptoms, you “crash”. Your whole body feels lethargic and you suddenly feel exhausted. That’s very unhealthy for you and can interfere with your daily plans. The bottom line is that energy drinks aren’t necessarily harmful for you; it just depends on how you use them. The majority of them don’t even live up to their expectations. If you do decide to drink them, use caution!
If you go to http://www.energyfiend.com/death-by-caffeine/ you can enter your favorite kind of energy drink and see how many cans it’ll take to seriously harm your body so that you can see how easy it is to be harmed by a can full of “energy”.

Going Once, Twice Sold!

Going Once, Twice Sold!

By Harmony Beck

When it comes to Key Club fundraisers the school participates by purchasing a flower in which the proceeds will go to a specific cause. For next month Key Club has decided to host a Senior Auction that will allow students to by a senior for a day. To achieve the auction volunteered seniors are needed and egger students who are willing to support a good cause by coming to the auction. The major details like the time, place and organization to support is up to Key Club. They just need to know if students are willing to participate.

The event could take place during an assembly or after school. Whether or not students show for an after school event is up to the students. This event involves participation from students because they need to bid on seniors in order for the money to be donated. The issue of how much the seniors should be sold is pending. Some students say they would only pay ten dollars and Key Club thought that ten dollars should be the starting bid and increase from there. The more money for a senior the more money we can donate. As long as students come to the auction it will be a success.

For the Auction their will be a set of rules for the volunteering seniors and the auction winners. Neither person will be able to force the other to do anything illegal, immoral, and against their will. The seniors will be responsible for completing one school day of their bidders wishes. When the auction occurs all bides must be made with cash and if the bidder can not produce the said amount in cash then the senior will go to the next highest bidder. Overall the rules are simple and if followed everyone will have an unforgettable time that will raise money for a good cause.

Community Service seems to be a rare act in Bailey. Throughout the school students aren’t participating in individual or group activities that consist of volunteering in or outside of the town. Participating in the auction will be a chance to be involved in the school and help a good cause. With help from the bidder’s Key Club will be able to help the local women’s shelter or an unfortunate family that could use help form its community. Even though buying a senior may not sound like community service it is a opportunity to help the school’s Key Club.

This Senior Auction will be a good chance for the students at Platte Canyon to come together and raise money for charity. The auction will hopefully be full of PCHS students that will participate in bidding on their favorite senior. If all the people involved follow the auction rules and cooperate then the auction will be a triumphant fundraiser. Look at the auction to be a chance to show support for your community by showing up and bidding on your favorite senior. Key Club is looking forward to bringing money to the organization in which they choose and if the auction works then it could be an annual event.

Countdown to Summer

Countdown to Summer

By Isabel Cosby

Only thirty three more days left in the school year, and for many of us, it will be our last year. As the year winds down, there are many upcoming events students need to be aware of. The day of prom, April 25th, there is a teacher incentive day giving everyone the entire day to get ready. On May 7th, seniors will receive their cap and gowns, so seniors, make sure you have already paid for them. Also, on May 14th, there is the Senior Incentive Day. To qualify for that day off, students must have no tardies, three or less excused absences, no write ups, and at least an 85% average each quarter in all their classes. May 15th and 16th are senior final days so make sure to study up. To be exempt from finals, students can have no unexcused absences, two or less absences for that period (or three with no tardies), and an 85% average in the class for each quarter. The last day for seniors is May 16th but the rest of the school does not get out until May 22nd and May 27th for teachers. School’s almost out so, students, gear up!

Iraqi Leader Threatens Exclusion to Sadr

Iraqi Leader Threatens Exclusion to Sadr

By Kris Gray

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri Maliki, threatened the supporters of a radical cleric, Moqtada Sadr, with exclusion from politics. The main reason behind this exclusion is due mainly to the radical’s army, the Mehdi Army. This is the first time the Prime Minister has singled out the Mehdi Army, even though it has not been a threat in the past. Contradictory to the article, Maliki actually came to power with the help of the cleric Sadr, but broke relations with him a year ago. BBC reporters in Baghdad say the tension between the two men is growing. In order to force the Mehdi army into submission, the Prime Minister sent his own troops into the city of Barsa two weeks ago. What comes with desperate decisions? Minimal results. The militia withdrew from the streets, but kept their operations inconclusive. "We have opened the door for confrontation, a real confrontation with these gangs, and we will not stop until we are in full control of these areas," to quote the Prime Minister. One MP (Member of Parliament) to the Sadr bloc, Liqaa Aal Yassin, said that two delegations -Grand Ayatollah Sistani sent to Najaf and Grand Ayatollah Kazem al-Husseini al-Haeri sent to Iran- will discuss the disbanding of the Army. After Maliki’s comments to Sadr, heavy fighting broke out between the U.S., Iraq, and Mehdi armies, killing 22 and wounding 50 others. Five U.S. soldiers were killed, two of which were standing in the “Green Zone” during a rocket and mortar attack. Afterwards, Sadr demanded a demonstration on Wednesday against the U.S. army.

Water Fantasies of Colorado

Water Fantasies of Colorado
By: Jorden Nachtsheim and Cassie Whitt
Jorden from Platte Canyon High School And Raymond Hatcher from Conifer High School Went to Gobe Divers down in Denver . They took this adventure so they could show the people of the mountain community that you don’t have to go to the ocean or travel across the world to go scuba diving and explain how it’s possible to get you scuba diving license in Colorado .
Here in Colorado there quite a few of amazing underwater wonderlands, full of life and tranquility. These amazing wonder water lands are located all over the wonderful majestic Colorado such as, the deep lakes that are located towards the west, where there is tons of life and the water is the most amazing sapphire blue. There’s also the a thing called the blue hole, it got it’s name because it’s the deep blue sea of Colorado that they say resembles the ocean, there are ship and plane wrecks and many different species of fish to see. These are just a few pieces of heaven in the lakes of Colorado .
If this sound like fun, and want to get your license this is what you need to do. First head down to Gobe Divers in Englewood located on Lincoln St. right behind Rite Aid to sign up. There will be three three hour classes to attend, and they should start on Friday and end the following Sunday night. Attending these classes will require reading a ten chapter long book on diving safety and procedures, where there will be a twenty questions test after each chapter. After all this there will be a final test where you can only miss five questions. Following your second class you’ll head to ACC Collage pool which you will get to experience the diving procedures you have read about. A normal diving class cost three hundred dollars. So go and try something new, fun and exciting in Colorado .
For further information contact Gobe Diver at this number: 303-734-4623

Starting your own small business

Starting your own small business

By: Travis McDonald

(Part one)

Have you ever wanted to become an entrepreneur? Well there are multiple ways to start your own business and become an industrialist. One way is to start your own business; but, beware very few businesses which have been started from scratch, succeed. Do not fret though, because there is a process that will help increase your ability to become the “Donald Trump” that you’ve always wanted to be.

The first objective is a very simple process to find out whether you have the entrepreneur personality. If your personality isn’t up to the job of handling the stress and being capable of creating a seamless plan, then more than likely you should forget the idea and move on. If you have the businessman like personality, it’s time to proceed to the next step which is the business plan. The business plan is a detailed plan of what your business will be about, and essentially it is the blueprint for the success of your business. The plan is going to set down the goals for the business, help tell you whether the business is even practicable, defines the competition and your customers, and points out the strengths and weakness of your business. The plan will also show the details about what you want to do in the future. Make sure to do all the planning by yourself and DO NOT hire some one else to do it for you; after all, it is your business and no one else’s. Although, there will be some areas that a professional consultant may need to look over. This plan is going to be very important in the success of your business; thus, make sure that the plan is checked regularly and updated to the current ideas you have. After you have done the business plan you should next start on the groundwork. The groundwork includes the legal structure, name, location, licenses, permits, financing, and any other requirements detailed in the business plan. Be sure to create and use a checklist for all the groundwork that needs to be done because it will facilitate your success.