The official RSS feed of the Saint Louis Park High School Newspaper http://slpecho.com Art, Scott Foltz, Berg Holmgren, Jimmy Silbert and Mr. Engelhart take on the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin' Challenge. 12 Blazin' hot wings in 6 minutes. Can they do it? Watch and find out. Complete with picture in picture commentary. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=153 While the swim team began its season with 50 swimmers, now only one still practices. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=152 Dark, dramatic music preceding the opening scene in Martin Scorsese’s latest film, "Shutter Island," immediately plunges the audience into a phenomenally tortuous thriller packed with plot twists. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=151 Last week, the school administration announced a new security policy that allows seniors to enter through the long lot doors using their senior passes. Before last week, the long lot doors remained locked during school hours, an inconvenience that forced students arriving late to enter only through the circle entrance. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=150 It's Art Elmer's new weekly vlog/webcast, exclusively on slpecho.com.Look for the first full episode Friday, Feb 26, where Art and Harrison preview midnight volleyball among other activities. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=148 Students doubt revolutionary change for now, but iPad could change learning as we know it http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=147 The line between stranger and friend might become blurred with the emergence of chats sites such as Omegle and Chat Roulette. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=146 Senior Justin Ruud has transformed a common teen hobby into an impressive skill. Ruud competes with international players from the comfort of his home in the video game “Starcraft.” http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=145 Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage in California, is currently being heavily debated within the state, but the result of the ruling will have nationwide implications. Many say this trial is key to bringing gay rights to a national level by attracting the attention of the U. S. Supreme Court. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=144 To create resources for amateur poets, Friends of the Arts began the Our Town: Voices and Verses poetry initiative and appointed Diane Pecoraro as Park’s community poet Jan. 14. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=143 After minutes of anxiety and wavering, I sent the letter. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=142 Once again it’s time to pass the torch ... and that bowl of tortilla chips. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=141 Get to know Mo Olson and Cole Hendrickson in these A-List athlete interviews. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=140 Even though I had such an abnormal amount of hair all over my body, I never realized the unique nature of my situation. I thought everyone washed their body with shampoo and conditioner http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=139 With 27 first-year swimmers and one of the largest teams in years, the boys’ swim team has established itself as one of the most popular winter sports. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=138 Some members of the boys’ swim team loathe their hardest week of the season, but they know they could not achieve success without it. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=137 http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=136 Reform is currently a major theme in national politics, bridging every sector from health care to finance to even energy. But when it comes to educational reform, it is just as unsure as the rest of the country on how to implement it. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=135 Following years of what Multicultural Resource Center adviser Oscar Reed called “booty shakin’” and a lack of actual historical information, the students involved in this year’s Shades of Brown program plan to provide history as well as entertainment. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=134 “Stay vertical, stay classy.” This is the new slogan for the school dance policy, which aims to address the “grinding issue.” http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=133 Though the new grinding policy means well, the administration will have a tough time enforcing it. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=132 For most of the Nordic ski team, the season ended over two weeks ago. But for sophomore Michael Cork, the team’s lone qualifier for the state meet Feb. 11, the season just came to a successful close. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=131 After reaching a unanimous decision to implement the “6th grade up” model on Jan. 25, School Board members are using the redistribution of the district to look at changing starting times for its schools as well. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=130 Due to one student’s initiative, the student body was able to make an impact on an entire country. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=129 After all those years of building up the courage to finally let your feelings be known, all of a sudden you face the shame and agony of those dreaded words. “I think we should just be friends,” or worse, “you’re like a brother to me.” http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=128 History teacher Meryll Page, who has worked at Park for the last 15 years, will retire in early February. After spending almost four decades teaching, she shares some of her greatest challenges and memories http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=126 With unemployment rising, teens who work consider themselves lucky to hold down a job. I am one of those blessed few. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=125 Chants and cries of “change we can believe in” and “yes we can” seem to be bumper sticker slogans and cheap sound bites. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=124 It’s going to take more than one year to fix the economic crises, military conflicts and health care problems created during the Bush years. But the current administration has laid the groundwork for positive reform. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=122 Millions of buffalo used to roam Minnesota’s prairies. Now, more than a century after their virtual extinction, buffaloes are making a comeback in the unlikeliest of ways: winter fashion. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=121 http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=120 People let out anger all the time on the Internet. Recently, however, University of Minnesota student Amanda Tatro was suspended from the University for making allegedly “threatening” comments through her Facebook status. Though her suspension may seem overcautious to some, students must realize that statements like these can have negative ramifications. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=119 With more laws being passed allowing same-sex marriage, it would seem like the world is starting to tolerate and accept differences in sexual preferences. But things could always be better. Ignorance factors into the problem and the GSA at the high school is doing something to change that with the film its making titled, “Get over the Rainbow.” http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=118 Money, money, money. Rich people in the world can give it out and get a pat on the back for it. But a few Benjamins mean just as much as a couple hours spent on what counts, volunteering. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=117 Technology nerds are going googly-eyed over the new Google phone. The latest phone to join the smart phone family is Google’s new phone called the Nexus One, which went into limited release Jan. 5. It is expected to hit stores everywhere in spring 2010. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=116 The following takes place in 24 hours on a Saturday in St. Louis Park and the surrounding area. Objective: In 24 hours, prevent high school students from being taken hostage by weekend boredom. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=115 hrough the addition of many variables, including teamwork, a willingness to learn, and camaraderie, the Math Team has a high probability of placing top five in the state in Ma http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=114 I went to see this movie with no prior knowledge of the characters, location, or plot. My only indication of what 'Avatar' would be like was a short glimpse of the trailer on a muted television. I thought it would just be another silly CGI film. It wasn't. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=113 Dana Ferguson reports from the 4th annual Legal Aid Santa Run held Dec. 5, 2009. Members of St. Louis Park's National Honors Society volunteered at the event, helping to create a warm environment in the freezing weather. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=112 Moving into the historic location held by Palm's Bakery for 58 years, M&T's Munchies has some large shoes to fill, and bellies to feed. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=98 Sophomore Soraya Laouad has only been attending Park for five months, but has already attracted plenty of attention. Laouad, who recently moved to the United States from Morocco and is fluent in French, enjoys belly dancing. She dances at family gatherings, traditions and cultural celebrations. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=99 http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=100 The world is coming to an end. This is not a melodramatic statement referring to my overstressed status as a teenager or the idea of having to go stag to a dance. No, I am referring to the literal end of civilization as we know it. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=101 With the new West End Showtime Theater's strict regulations, including required parent supervision at night, students are not only deterred from seeing late-night movies, but actually banned from seeing these movies all together. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=102 Children are involved in 20% of all Internet pornography. Porn made $13.3 billion in the U.S. alone in 2006. Over 100,000 Web sites offer illegal child pornography, according to safefamilies.org. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=103 Minnesota has always been known for its fertile farmland and agricultural community. Recently, however, farming has gone from the fields to cyberspace. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=104 Senior Megan Ostrom became the 100-yard breaststroke state champion, all while shattering a 20-year-old school record, achieving an All-American consideration time, and making the junior national cut. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=105 eBook readers like Barnes and Noble’s Nook, Sony’s eBook Reader and the king of them all, Amazon’s Kindle, provide consumers with heavy wallets the opportunity to buy and store many books on one sleek device. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=106 The road to becoming a published writer or artist is usually a dream not many accomplish. However, 36 arts magazine gives students the unique opportunity to publish their artistic work, not only once but twice this year. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=107 While doctors offices are crowding with patients, the visits are spurred by interest in vaccines instead of sickness. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=108 The boys swimming team followed a season-opening victory at the conference relays with a bus breakdown. Rather than complaining, the team took the three hour delay as a time to bond with one another. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=109 Along with a smaller program, the the girls basketball varsity team has greater age diversity. Five of the team’s 11 players are freshmen and sophomores. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=110 After a rough season where many seniors and the head coach quit, the 2009-2010 boys’ basketball team has taken steps to achieving long-term success. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=111 Many groups meet each week to discover the wonders of drugs but only one works to eradicate them. AFDA/SADD hopes its annual chemical health week Dec. 7-11 discouraged students from using drugs and alcohol. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=97 The annual Student Council-run clothing drive will be held next week, Dec. 7-11. Third hour classes will compete for a prize. All clothing will be donated to Arc. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=96 In a box office dominated by special effects, over the top story lines and vampires, the simplistic authenticity of “The Blind Side” is refreshing. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=95 The boys’ soccer team ended its season successfully and continued the state legacy by advancing to the first round of the state tournament. The team played Totino Grace and lost 0-3. Park concluded its season with a record of 12-8-1, which pleased head coach Chato Alvarado. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=94 Bumping music, tons of plastic red cups and unlimited hook ups are common for a Saturday night party. But most teens don’t think about their parents and health teachers’ opinions while tipping back those beer cans. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=77 "Don’t Stop Believing" blasts from the speakers while an array of voices belt out the lyrics in harmony and dance to the music. This is not only a scene from ABC's new television hit "Glee" but a performance by the high school's Park Singers. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=78 With the media showcasing stick thin models as the norm, some students find themselves lost in the mix and develop eating disorders. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=79 Senior Jack Donovan plays the bass drum in the Twin Cities Area Independent Percussion Ensemble (TCAI). The troupe practices two weekends a month for about 12 hours per weekend and performs in multiple shows around the metro area. Every year, TCAI competes in the national finals for percussion ensembles in Dayton, Ohio. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=80 Don’t be alarmed if it sounds like fireworks are going off in the halls after school; it’s only the cast of the fall musical tap-dancing in preparation for the big show. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=81 Instead of filling classrooms, youth across the country are crowding doctor’s offices. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=82 Although Halloween is over, millions of girls will still be screaming about vampires and werewolves. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=83 Along with being an amazing invention, the Internet also has also provided for the rise of indecency. Facebook is a prime example, dear colleagues, of how some of our peers feel the need to make public many things they would never say out loud. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=84 A group of approximately eight adults protested on the corner of 33rd Street and Edgewood Avenue, calling for a change in campus security Nov. 9. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=85 It’s no secret that St. Louis Park Schools face current and continuing financial hardships. With a projected $2 million budget shortfall by 2013, the district has already taken the admirable step of making school space more efficient by soliciting a facilities use study. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=86 A visit from former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to St. Louis Park provoked controversy and disappointment among students.Rice spoke Nov. 8 at Beth El Synagogue about current international issues and participated in a question and answer session with the audience following her speech. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=87 Although the new policies are still in their early stages, students are finding that success, or lack thereof, is already starting to appear.After implementing four new policies at the beginning of the year, the results indicate some policies show promise, while others have not had the desired affect. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=90 You cannot buy your way into college. Or so it would seem. GPA, class rank, extracurriculars and of course ACT/SAT test scores are all determining factors when applying to college. Now, with the help of tutors (and potentially thousands of dollars) students can augment their scores, according to learning centers, by an average claim of 150+ points on the SAT and 2-7 points on the ACT according to various tutoring Web sites, thus increasing their chance of acceptance. And colleges have no way of knowing which students paid for their scores. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=88 Members of the Facilities Plan committee will be working on one of the hardest jigsaw puzzles of their lives: the St. Louis Park school district. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=89 Through their obsession with celebrities and, more recently, “balloon boy,” many news sources have demonstrated a commitment to compromising journalistic excellence for a spike in ratings or revenue. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=91 Wakame is a great place for any sushi lover-even the hesitant among us. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=92 While members of the Nordic team wait for snow, roller skiing provides the team with a way to continue practicing, even in warm temperatures. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=93 Here are the results of the 2009 local election held Nov 3. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=76 The visit of Condoleezza Rice to St. Louis Park this Sunday brings excitement as well as controversy. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=75 Dana Ferguson reports from the State Soccer Quarterfinal match between SLP and Totino-Grace Oct. 28, 2009. Totino-Grace won 3-0.Video | Adam Sperling http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=74 Rock the sequined glove, break out the moonwalk and "Don't Stop 'Till You Get Enough" at Sadies this year. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=73 The pages of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" come to life on the big screen as the classic children's story unfolds into a magical production. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=72 Get to know Zach Brown and Chuks Iwe in these web-exclusive interviews. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=71 When President Barack Obama coined the phrase "Yes we can" during his campaign for office, he probably wasn't thinking about winning the Nobel Prize. Apparently, his plan for change has begun sooner than expected. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=70 Everyone likes some personal space.But in St. Louis Park, students have too much room, and the School Board and Administration is looking to cut down on excess facility space. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=69 After months of construction noise, West End is filled with a new buzz over recent openings. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=68 Windows 7 is Microsoft's newest operating system, which is faster, more stable, and more reliable than previous versions of Windows. This review covers some of 7's new features and additions, as well as including some performance comparisons to Windows Vista, its predecessor. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=46 St. Louis Park schools face increasingly hard times, with shrinking budgets, growing class sizes and no easy solution. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=67 The average Minnesota family spends $4,000 on energy every year, which is equivalent to the cost of a 65-inch plasma TV.In response to pollution and excess energy use, the Minnesota Energy Challenge helps families reduce their carbon footprint and create a cleaner environment. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=66 In every period of history, a disease threatens millions of people. In the middle ages, the plague; in the 1930s, small pox; in the 1950s, polio. Today, the disease is HIV/AIDS. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=65 A brisk breeze, crunching leaves and colorful trees are not the only signs of fall. To millions across America, fall means hunting season. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=64 Currently, a proposed one cent per ounce tax is being debated in the national legislature as a way to combat childhood obesity as well as provide extra income for government programs. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=63 While you sit at your computer and "stalk" your friends on Facebook-clicking through their every picture and post-your government is debating the future of the Internet. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=62 This year's cross country season has not only been a physical trek. It's been a mental climb, too. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=61 It's time to start learning. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=60 Pulling on pairs of baggy sweatpants and sweatshirts usually marks the end of practice for most sports, but for girls' swimming, it is just the beginning. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=59 Sex sells, and Abercrombie & Fitch knows it. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=58 The team utilizes its confidence from a successful conference season to serve their opponents tough competition in sections this week. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=57 Success doesn't come easily, unless of course you're Dan Brown. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=56 Dan Brown's system for writing a novel is impeccable. Lovable Harvard professor, unbelievably strange villain, thrilling twists, an intricate series of codes and history that goes far beyond most textbooks. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=55 Sophomore Jack Olson is an emerging amateur skateboarder who hopes to become a professional. With Jack's career ready to take off with various competitions and tournaments in the near future, MTV recently followed Olson for an upcoming show about young skaters. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=54 Ending 'Fat Talk' one anonymous Post-it at a time http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=53 It's 7:30 a.m. and I'm still half-asleep as I walk blurry-eyed through the hallway searching for my locker. I reach out to open the lock and behold what I put my hand on is not my locker, but two people with no boundary issues. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=52 The search for fear comes down to more than just a hormonal rush http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=51 The body's alarm system reacts through fear in order to avoid serious danger http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=50 One of the unwritten rules of being a scene kid is to never talk about being scene. Once scene kids admit they are a scene kid, they're no longer scene. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=49 Many sports teams go into the traditional huddle before a big game to listen to a motivational speech or get pumped. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=48 Charlie Shapiro reviews the new movie, "Zombieland."Video | Adam Sperling http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=47 The Coen Brothers have gained international success with movies such as "Fargo" and "No Country for Old Men." Their latest film, however, may leave audiences wanting to say "O, Brother" long before it ends. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=45 From Brett Favre's heroic performance against the Packers to the Wild's come-from-behind win to the Twins' stunning extra-innings victory over the Tigers in game 163, these two weeks have been some of the most memorable for Minnesota sports. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=44 Dana Ferguson checks out the new World Drumming course taught by band director Matt Tremel Sept. 18, 2009. Video | Nomi Kane http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=42 President Obama has made it his mission to completely overhaul the current health care system, mentioning plans for a "public option," a government sponsored program that would coexist with private insurers. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=41 Name-calling is a part of school that many students experience. However, it usually comes from the class bully, not from the teacher. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=40 It seems so often that students favorite classes have a lot less to do with the subject, and more with who's teaching it. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=39 For once, withholding information from the student body resulted in very little controversy. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=38 World drumming provides opportunity for more students to get involved with music. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=37 You've probably seen it driving down Cedar Lake Road or stuck at the Highway 7 and Wooddale stoplight. It faithfully sits in the long lot at school waiting for me. It's my cop car. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=36 Junior Aidan Sigel Bruse started DJing a year ago on his birthday after listening to a lot of underground hip-hop and attempting to rap himself. After that failed, he found that DJing interested him and he began to develop this unique talent. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=35 Internet phenomenon serves as versatile and free form of long distance communication http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=34 While many teens' main exposure to technology includes Facebook and texting, students this year will use it not only to socialize, but to learn. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=33 Ever since junior high, students have prepared for the terrifying possibility of an armed intruder in the school building. On Sept. 9, the school came too close for comfort to this reality. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=32 Texters who are concerned about the dangers of driving under the influence should take a look in the mirror. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=31 Many drivers groan while spending just minutes at the Wooddale Avenue and Highway 7 intersection, but due to a new construction project the wait is about to get much longer. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=30 Freshman Xiaoye Jiang sits in a classroom with several empty desks as the remaining students regularly apply hand sanitizer. Many students are anxious about getting sick with H1N1 influenza after nearly 5 percent of the school recently became infected with the flu. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=29 Luck may have run out for the boys' soccer team. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=28 Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=26 Watching a show like "So You Think You Can Dance" may inspire someone to dream about dancing in the limelight. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=25 The boys may have made it to state last year, but the girls look to bring serious competition themselves. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=24 Our team was ahead for the first time in quite a while and we were all pumped as we came off of the field. Jim Hanson, our softball coach, waited on the bench with a smug look as we approached. Little did we know about the terrible scene that occurred while we were playing. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=23 The Coen Brothers' film "A Serious Man" features the debut of several students. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=22 Get to know Karl Conroy and Alex Stitt in these Web exclusive interviews. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=21 20 different ways to get involved. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=18 Dana Ferguson and Kaitlyn Steffenhage take in the sights and get student perspectives from the Homecoming game Sept. 11, 2009. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=20 The 2009 St. Louis Park Homecoming Senior Boys Dance. Performed on Sept. 4, 2009. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=16 Members of Day One perform their annual dance at the Day One pepfest Sept. 1, 2009. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=15 An extra day off from school is usually something students don't complain about. This year, however, a four-day week falls during Homecoming activities. Students will have Sept. 7 off for Labor Day. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=7 Whether you're craving a Tornado Potato Swedish Meatball, or if you're in the mood to watch the wild west comedy show, "Shenaniguns!," the State Fair has something new. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=13 The time when being tardy simply meant missing class time has gone the way of Anita's passes, small class sizes and inappropriate senior boys' dances. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=12 Families trade in old cars to save money, environment http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=11 Having Wagner's as its humble predecessor, Galaxy Drive In offers an experience alien to many. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=10 Some people tend to think anyone with a tattoo is a rebel, too edgy, or had a crazy night on the town. But some people with tattoos prove this thinking wrong, and I'm one of them. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=9 Tanning not to be taken lightly as it reaches highest carcinogen status. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=8 For those who thought they had escaped supervised lunch with their arrival at the high school, think again. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=6 After spending time in New Orleans, heading north to colder weather was not the only reason junior Sophie Wertz was suddenly chilled. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=5 The effects of the world's recession have moved from Wall Street to West 33rd Street. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=4 For some, the poor economy may mean more than money trouble. http://slpecho.com/index.php?story=2