The Bison – December 23, 1987

The politics of Punk
Pgs 4/5

The Wrath of Sean:
Shaking hands with "next" president
Pg 3

The School Board and the administration of BHS are holding meetings to decide the future status of the school's daily schedule.

The Building Schedule Advisory Council (BSAC) is exploring the possibility of finding a more efficient schedule.

Under the current schedule, students have six hours of classes, and a mod period in which to study. The positive feature of this schedule is its flexibility. Students have a mod time during school where they can study or meet in groups for extracurricular activities or meet with teachers to get help.

However, drawbacks do exist. With a six hour schedule, students often find their electives filled almost immediately. For example, students wanting to pursue a post-secondary education find that taking a science and a math course might be very beneficial, if not a necessity. This would leave four semesters (two classes) of completely independent electives for juniors and seniors, with only one hour left completely open for sophomores.

To solve this drawback, one possible option could be to raise the hours in the school day to seven. This might solve the problem of limited electives, but it would create problems of its own. To implement a seven hour school day, mods would most likely be eliminated. This would leave no time for in-school studying or extracurricular activity meetings. Also, the present schedule is compatible to the vocational school's schedule, while a seven hour day might not be.

Originally, Principal Nick Miller's intent was to choose between a six or seven hour day--a fairly simple choice. However, Miller went back to the School Board and requested that the choice not be restricted to a six or seven hour day, but include other possibilities.

The BSAC's possible schedule changes could alter the school day radically. For example, a possible change could be a one hour day with different classes meeting each day. Or another change might lead to more of a college type schedule. Another idea under consideration is to change the 55 minute class hour to a two hour block and have three classes per day.

On the other hand, there may be no change.

"Right now we are studying anything, any possible way," said Miller. "How can we best use our time to educate our students most effectively--that's what we want to know."

Even if the number of hours in the school day were to increase, there are no current plans for the addition of classes as electives.

"It's not that you would be able to offer more electives, it would be that students could take more electives," Miller continued.

The BSAC will submit its report in either March or April. If a new schedule is decided upon, it would most likely go into effect for the 1989-1990 school year.

Plans initiated by the passage of the Bond Issue, for a computer lab, two science rooms, a new gym for gymnastics, and a weight room are underway at BHS.

Besides adding these, a new look for the mezzanine and the Mall is planned. A wall will be put up along the English hallway to control noise and the look and meet in groups for extracurricular activities or meet with teachers to get help.

The new physical education facilities being added to the west end of the building includes a new gym and improved concession area with seating. Two new science labs, a computer lab, and a class will join the southeast end of the building.

The mezzanine will also be receiving a wall for safety purposes and two new music practice rooms will be added.

Construction has created parking problems for both students and faculty. Since the teachers' parking lot (West end) is being used for construction equipment, faculty and on-the-job students are parking in the student lot (Southeast end of the school) along with those students filling the remaining spaces.

Currently, 3rd Avenue North of the Pulaski road is providing additional parking. Other options for parking Principal Nick Miller is looking into include Griffing Park and the Covenant Church parking lots.

Miller feels the $3,000,000 facelift will add to the positive atmosphere at BHS.

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The foundation for the new classroom addition at the southwest corner of BHS was prepared by digging with a back hoe and then filling the hole with sand. (Photo by Paul Wilson)

1 The new physical education facilities being added to the west end of the building includes a new gym and improved concession area with seating.

2 Two new science labs, a computer lab, and a class will join the southeast end at the building.

"The Joshua Tree", the Irish band U2's socially conscious and chart-topping album, displays the name and address of a group on their album cover. It isn't a music group, as one might think, but a group dedicated to helping people throughout the world who are persecuted for their political, moral, and religious beliefs and suffer violation of their basic human rights; Amnesty International.

Several musicians, including Sting, The Police, and Peter Gabriel as well as U2, support AI, and through their popularity bring its message to the attention of young people who might otherwise be unaware of infringements made upon the basic rights they take for granted.

A fledgling chapter of the organization has emerged in BHS through the efforts of social studies teacher John Ause and over 40 student and teacher members.

Student interest in the organization became apparent after the recent concert by U2, and the first meeting--which was estimated in advance to attract 5 or 6 kids--drew a packed house of over 40.

Ause intends to use the organization as a learning experience for its members by allowing them to, in effect, run it on their own, instead of in a teacher-controlled format. It also teaches students about other countries, human rights, and political situations, as well as gives them the opportunity to help individuals--some as young as 9 years old--through letter writing.

The main function of AI is the Urgent Action letter writing campaigns, in which "ordinary" citizens express their concern about the mistreatment of individuals to the government. Frequently just the fact that someone cares--even a stranger--is enough to save a life.

The group holds bi-monthly letter writing nights, as well as publishing a newsletter and hosting a number of presentations, field trips, guest speakers, and fundraising events.

"I think it's important for young people to be involved with this kind of organization because they are influential. If the government of a country knows that young people are concerned, it usually has some impact," said Chairperson Amanda Zaeska.

Any interested students or faculty are encouraged to contact Ause for further information.

Ryan Mills, a freshman at BHS, was in a snowmobile accident causing internal injuries, last December 4, on a trip to pick up a pizza.

While Ryan was on his way to pick up a pizza he was headed towards one of the baseball diamonds on the BHS school property. Ryan hit a bench that caused him to fall while, "his spinal cord pushed forward and cut his small intestine," said Faith Mills, Ryan's mother. She also added, "as far as we know there is no damage to the pancreas."

After a ride home and lying down for a while, Ryan complained of abdominal pains. Later Ryan was taken to the Montrose hospital and after three hours of exploratory surgery, was taken to North Memorial Hospital by helicopter. And from then Ryan stayed for eight and a half days; December 4 to December 13.

Ryan is now currently at home, recovery with tubes in his abdomen plus stitches, since December 13. "He is not expected back until after Christmas vacation," said Faith.

A different kind of counselor has been set up in the guidance office. The counselor is a new program for the computer called the Minnesota Informational Career System (MICS). This system is for students interested in exploring post-high school education and career opportunities.

In a series of questions called QUEST, the system asks users about certain situations that students might work with everyday. Then the answers are evaluated, and careers that would best suit the students' interests are listed. Colleges and vocational schools are presented state and nationwide to coordinate with the career that the students are looking into. Financial aid information and their qualifications can also be attained through MICS.

Counselors Mary Lynn Leff and Nick Bakken attended classes last spring and fall to learn about MICS. "We're still learning about it and haven't discovered all the possibilities of it yet."

Junior Susie Kath, who has used MICS, had insight for other students interested in using it. She recommends it for students who aren't sure what they want to do after high school. "I didn't expect to find that I would make a good cocktail waitress, but it gave me new ideas that could help me decide my future."

Few students ever hit their bosses up for a raise. Instead, they settle for whatever they can get or whatever they are given. Soon though, some may decide to take the plunge and ask the big question: "Can I have a raise?"

Starting January 1:
1988 | 1989
under 18 | $3.15 | $3.29
18 and over | $3.50 | $3.65

Tipped employees' wages will be different. Those who make $35 or more per month in tips will be paid $3.02 if under 18 and $3.35 if 18 and over as of January 1, 1988, and shall receive coverage as defined by the two-tier there after.

As of January 1, 1988, state minimum wage standards will change. The wages will increase each January 1 for a period of three years. In this way, it will be a gradual change for business and not a drastic one.

But there is a catch. The law only raises the wage for people 18 or over. This is the result of the state two-tier system, according to Pete Roos, a member of Constituent Services in the House of Representatives. Supporters of the bill stated that minimum wage has not increased for six years.

"Even these rates don't cover the cost of living increases since 1981," said Steve Liss, legislative analyst.

Even with these minor increases, the minimum wage will not equal 50% of the hourly wage originally intended. This new two-tier system is only a state law effective in Minnesota. Changes of the federal law could change this system for better or worse.

Students working now should be safe from the change but a student who goes job hunting in 1988 may get a double-edged sword. It may be easier for them to get a job but they may find the minimum wage to be at very minimum standards.

"Just the facts ma'am," are what the students need to know. Trivial or not, some statistics tell the story well enough.

As of December 1, 1213 students were enrolled at BHS.
317 Seniors
282 Juniors
295 Sophomores
287 Freshmen
32 Special Ed. students

113 faculty members including:
63 teachers
4 administrators
7 custodians
8 cooks
15 aides
8 secretaries
8 other

Other statistics include:
The grade point average of BHS is 7.29 as of the first quarter--slightly above a B-.

The grade most often earned was an A. Teachers gave out 908 As.

The grade least often earned by students was an A+. Teachers gave out 142 A+s.

So far this year 13 students have dropped out.
5 Seniors
3 Juniors
2 Sophomores
3 Freshman

Junior Troy Kadlec appeared as a Jester during "A Sixteenth Century Christmas" on December 4 and 5 in the mall while BHS Singers Shannon Custer, Amie Jones and Bridget Lange watch from the background. (Photo by Paul Wilson)

There she was, just declared Homecoming Queen for the 1988 school year--one of the proudest moments in her life. However, there was one small problem; she didn't pay her class dues the year before and she was not allowed to attend the Homecoming Dance. This could happen. And it would be just as well.

According to Barb Lehn, Junior Class Advisor, if the Juniors didn't pay their dues, they will not be able to attend 1988 Prom or the 1988 Homecoming Dance. With this policy, it seems prudent to just pay dues.

The choice, as it stand now for students is one of three: pay fifteen dollars, sell five magazines, or do neither and not be allowed to go Prom or Homecoming Dance. The class officers are being very accommodating. Just paying dues is a simple and efficient solution. The junior class officers take on a lot of time and responsibility to organize and take care of all the hassle from the magazine drive, and by removing the burden of the magazine drive, they could have more time for planning of these events.

The choice of three ways to pay is getting the best and worst of both worlds in the sense that if you can't afford it, you can earn it. Furthermore, the option of not paying dues allows students who do not attend to subsidize for those who do.

Still, if the school thinks Prom and Homecoming are important and are too expensive for the students to pay the real cost, then the school should subsidize the events. This is typical of BHS. If the students want it--they have to pay. Let's say for example, a student goes out for the fees football, hockey, and track. Including the junior class fees, this would approximately add up to $83. That is what a junior would have to pay if he was in all those activities. That's not much. But then what if he had to pay for this himself? The question really should be should we have to pay at all?

Paying or selling for a free education has become a fact of life. Besides the Junior class sales, we have bake sales, car washes, magazine drives, book sales, health bar and candy sales. So, in reality, we are paying to go to school it would be an interesting day when the Air Force holds a bake sale to raise enough money to buy an MX missile.

The school board and administration needs to decide: if it is going to be practical or ethical. And if they are going to be practical, students should pay dues and BHS should not sell the hard sell.

Senator Robert Dole of Kansas was photographed shaking hands with the crowds at the Minnesota State Fair. The picture, which appeared in the editorial pages of the Star Tribune last October 23, included a BHS senior, a member of the Dole for President campaign committee.

So what if that senior was me. I was there and I would like to think I know who would make the best president. A popular motto of the Dole campaign is: "Who would you want to sit across from the table from Gorbachev?" That strikes me as a much better motto than the possible mottos of other candidates. There is Marion "Pat" Robertson's classic "but that was before I became a born again Christian." Or Jesse Jackson's "but that was before I became a born again Christian." Or there's Al Haig's "I want to be President because I REALLY want to be in charge around here." Paul Simon's "because I'm weirder than the rest of them" could be commercial stolen from a Guess Jeans ad. "Whine," though, is by far the most accurate and brief motto describing Vice President George Bush.

The answer to the Dole motto, of course, is Dole. Who better would know what war means. In World War II, as an infantryman, he lost the use of his right arm in combat. The Soviets would regard and respect Dole knowing he's a tough negotiator. And Dole has had a history of leadership. His distinguished career in the U.S. House of Representatives and as Majority and now Minority leader of the U.S. Senate more than qualifies Him for the Presidency.

Dole's problem is he has not begun to seriously run for the White House. To seriously run for president he must resign the senate minority leadership, an important but time consuming job. If he is to win the Republican nomination for President and later the White House in 1988, he needs to take the gamble. And take more photographs with BHS seniors in them.

To the Editor:
I'm getting tired of The Bison staff "going after" the Minnesota State High School League i.e. questioning eligibility rules, how money is spent. Our school is a member of the League and I am the designated school representative. I spend many hours with League business to ensure our democratic voice. Every time I go to all day meetings I come back to 4-5 hours of homework which is done on my own time. The League had better furnish me with a lunch and mileage. It's a small price to pay for each person, but when you consider representation from the far stretches of Minnesota, the total bill is tremendous.

A word of caution to the staff: Don't bite the hand that feeds you. The activities students and myself love the League. I can't imagine the One Act Players not getting to go to the State competition sponsored by the League. Or look at the fun we have going to the State Wrestling Tournament! If people like myself, don't take the time to plan the best for all activities and students there wouldn't be any state tournaments or structure to govern each activity!

Nancy Bergert
Activities Director

To the Editor:
School policy states that students will receive a tardy or unexcused if their car breaks down on the way to school. Last week, my car broke down two times during the week. I will serve detention the third time this incident occurs. I don't feel receiving an unexcused or serving detention is the solution to this problem since car troubles are uncontrollable. On the other hand, when a bus arrives late, all the students on that bus will be excused. I feel the same rules should apply to the students with a faulty car, because who knows when their car is going to fail them.

Tammy Christensen
Senior

To the Editor:
Last year compared to this year, the smoking in the bathrooms is non-existent. Last year, when you would walk in, a thick layer of smoke would be lurking in the air. You would proceed into the bathrooms with smoke-free clothes and when you came out, the smell of smoke would linger in them all day, even if you didn't smoke. It seemed that half of the student body made trips to the bathrooms to pollute the clean air for other students. This year, the percentage has decreased to a zero. It feels nice to know that when you walk into the bathrooms, you don't have to worry about the smoke.

Julie Monson
Senior

Punks are generally misunderstood. People look at us with closed minds and don't seem to want to understand. They look at punks as drugged out, violent freaks with a distorted view of life. However, punks just view life differently than most people; it isn't distorted. There is more to punk than just a shaved head.

There isn't a set definition for punk. Every one has their own ideas, beliefs, and method of expressing them. The underlying foundation of the punk movement is basically change. You define yourself in society, to a large degree, by the way you dress. Our style of dress, and the music we listen to, reflects our ideas and feeling. A common misconception is that we do it for the image and no other reason. Punks feel that most people just focus on the looks; the tough image they usually generate is not done just for the fun of it. Call a stance, they find junk mail very annoying, so they wrote the song, "Junk Mail."

On the other hand, many punk songs are morbid and depressing because of our frustrated attitude towards our surroundings. On the lighter side of punk music, groups like the Circle Jerks redo old rock and country songs, and write songs about small annoyances; for in many of their songs, they feel is wrong with government. The English group Crass points out what they feel is wrong with government. However, some music is just about the things we find good in life. Many are anti-drug, anti-violent, and anti one-night stand type groups such as Social Distortion and the Youth Brigade. They not only entertain, but try to tell kids that they are somebody, and they can do anything if they set their mind to it. They're generally songs with good morals.

There are a lot of people who think today's punk is just a joke. They think the true origins of punk are lost, and never remembered. They think that the punks of today they w...

Punk Culture: the message in the music

The main idea of punk is individuality. We want to be able to do what we want without any hassles. This is almost like a tradition. However, today's punk is different than the punks of yesteryear. We are more concerned with the things that go on around us. We see the problems and want to change them. We just express our beliefs through our words, actions, music, and lives. These just happen to differ from the accepted rules.

The Ramones more or less started the punk movement in the mid-70s. They were one of the first bands to express their idea of doing what you want and feeling free to do so. They took the first step and today's punk is following suit.

Being a punk involves facing hassles and harassment everyday. It's usually only in the form of remarks from narrow-minded people who are afraid their corner of society is being invaded. A couple of these quaint remarks include "Did you get your head caught underneath the lawnmower?"

Yes, if I got my head caught in a lawnmower I'd still be alive. Oh, for winter months you can replace lawnmower with snowblower. The phrase I strongly about political and social issues, and the menace of war. Most importantly, harassment occurs wherever we go. Being small, I lose. A couple of questions pop into mind after those situations arise; Do they feel they have accomplished something by beating the daylights out of me? Do they think I'll change after that?

If they think yes, then they are mistaken. I'll be any way I want, no matter how strange.

I'm often asked, "What do parents think of you?" First off, I know they don't like it, nor understand it. Parents genuinely believe they can hold and protect their children from harmity. They don't seem to realize that there is a point impossible, because most parents are a good parent, and blames herself for the way I am. I don't want her to think that, because I'm not doing this just to spite her. I'm not rebelling against her. What I'm trying to do is express my ideas and be the way I want to be.

I owe a lot to my mother.

The message of punk

The main idea of punk is individuality. We want to be able to do what we want without any hassles.

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Junior Pete Robinson, one of BHS's few punkers, defends the look because it is a sign he rejects the "Leave-it-to-Beaver" image the society expect students conform to.

It is nearing the end of the eighties decade. It's time to move on.

I pleadingly beg you to realize that the punk movement, which started more than ten years ago, has been driven into the dirt. May I say it was good while it lasted, but it's time to move on.

In the late seventies punk was daring, it was a new and different lifestyle, a way to rebel. But now, in 1987, it's simply out of date and out of style. The originality of punk is gone. Bands that claimed to be underground sell out to record execs and become commercialized. Punk's creativeness is no longer potent. The hard-core movement has given way to conscious awareness typical of the sixties. The new movement is definitely apparent in music, but also in other areas of teenage life. Today's teens are not giving up and rebelling. they are concerned and trying their best to improve their surroundings politically, environmentally, spiritually and in several other areas just like the sixties.

But there is a certain group whose chose to hang on to the myth of punk. These culprits are punks in a post-punk area. The original punks desired a new lifestyle, not a way to rebel. However, the kids that won't let go have inherited a movement that they did nothing to initiate, and sometimes don't believe in or know anything about. For instance, it is doubtful that every Tom, Dick, or Harry with the sides of his head shaved even knows who the Ramones are. While the Ramones are considered the first and foremost punk group and the first group that messed around with the idea of punk. But of course all these so-called punks know about is Sid Vicious. Sid this, Sid that, Sid lives. I'd be willing to bet that half these so-called punks don't even know that the Sex Pistols bassist even died. These second generation punks know not what they do. They can't let something that belongs in the post-punk era - quietly rest.

What is the post-punk era? It is the ear that we live in. Music has moved from the brash in-your-face music to more melodic and meaningful tunes. Post-punk music has such characteristics as thought-provoking words and agreeable melodies. But the music decisions of this era can't be pinpointed or labeled. Diversity plays a big part in the choices of today's teens. The new social awareness that has replaced the social apathy of the punk era has even popularized classics from before, such as The Beatles, The Doors, Bob Dylan. There is, however, a new music come for us. It's often just as off-center as punk, but its meaningful, new, and different, which is important. The style has also changed with the time. instead of a look-at-me-I'm-punk attitude surrounding the fashion statements, a new straight ahead, aware sense of style has arised. The new style is characterized by moderation. It's followers are mods. Not the twenty minutes of study hall between 2nd and 3rd hour. Mods are the contributors to the new movement of awareness. Time has nearly passed the mod movement up, which means that punks have been left in the pages of history.

Having a senior brother or sister doesn't mean life at BHS would be any easier for a freshman--or more difficult either. Of the 43 freshman who have a senior brother or sister, the five interviewed for this story said they thought their sibling would ignore them in school because of stories they were told by other freshmen. These five freshmen entered the senior high expecting their sister or brother to ignore them, refuse to admit relation, or even treat them badly.

Freshman Sandy Skutley thought her sister, Senior Nancy Skutley, "Wouldn't associate with me because I'm a freshman, and seniors don't talk to freshmen." However, she added, "Nancy doesn't act like a bratty senior."

Freshman Kelly Lommel likes being in the same school as his brother, Senior Keith Lommel because, "He drives me places and helps with my math homework."

Freshman Ellen Frump thinks being in the same school as her brother, Senior Charles Frump, is an advantage: "He helped me get to know a lot of people before I got here." But she added, "Some of Charles' friends will pick on me...but, seniors push around everybody."

That is a common disadvantage in having an older brother or sister in the school. It could be just another method of establishing "coolness", to tease the freshman sibling of a friend, it could be releasing frustrations on someone younger and more available, if their own sibling isn't in the school, or, it could just be getting revenge for their own experiences as a freshman. "Some of Keith's friends will push you around," said Kelly Lommel.

However, the seniors are more mature than the freshmen thought they'd be. They were mean for the first week or so, commented Ellen, but then after that, they seemed to accept the freshmen. Senior Betty Bjorklund remembers being a freshman, "They don't deserve to be treated like I was when I was a freshman, you always got bugged about it" said Nancy Skutley, "and they don't need that."

The senior guys' attitude towards their younger sibling is different from that of the senior girls.

"It isn't as warm as it is at home." said Charles Frump.

"I just crash him like everyone else!" said Keith Lommel about Kelly.

Senior Stephanie Mutterer said she treats her freshmen brother, Jared, like she normally treats him: "If he needs help, I help him."

Three of the five seniors interviewed think it's an advantage to have a freshman sibling in the school. "I like it because I can't get any classes with Kelly," said Keith. Nancy puts her sister to practical use as a messenger to send messages home instead of calling. Charles, on the other hand, is just glad he doesn't have to drive to the Junior High to pick up Ellen anymore. Stephanie dislikes having Jared in the same school because she has to "set a good example because if I don't, Jared will tell."

Although Betty doesn't mind having her brother, Freshman Darin Bjorklund in the same school, she doesn't like it when he pesters her. Although she is older, the problem seems to be size, as she admits, "I'm bigger than her."

If the freshman were seniors for a day, and the seniors were freshman for a day, the freshmen-turned-seniors would probably treat their siblings as they are treated themselves, revenge is on their minds.

It's not the we were.
It's not our style, our hair
Forged tight upon
Faded dreams.
We're just playing.
If we live in the same world,
Why can't we rock together?

If we can walk, we can't rock?
No, I don't.
If we can't be different bands
No one for us to rock.
Pull off our coats, I will too,
And listen to
We'll make our party.

A label is a label.
And boundaries are places we live in.
We are constant,
And before you die.
We will be there for you,
And never leave.

If we can walk, we can't rock together?

Enter a world of anxiety. Where forty sets of Walkmans play, and hundreds of carbohydrates are consumed. You find yourself on a hockey bus traveling to an away game that is full of concentration and silence. "But when the bus pulls into the arena the adrenalin starts to pump," said Junior Scott Scholz.

If there is a victory for the Bison, the bus ride home is full of jamming and singing hockey players. If the Bison lose, the bus ride is long and silent. "Everybody's pretty down. No one likes the feeling of a loss," said Senior Steve Bengston.

The season is an optimistic one for the Bison hockey team. "Basically, we're more experienced and a lot faster than last year, since the majority of the team has returned," said Scholz. "Our main goal this season is to win our conference and make it to the Met. We've come up short so many times."

"Besides winning the conference we need to try and improve upon last year's record, and I think the thought of going to state is always in the back of each players mind," said Bengston. The Bison feel the only way to make it to the Met is to work as a team. "You can't play the game as an individual because there are too many good players out there who will come and take the puck away from you," said Scholz.

The team has experienced a couple of changes this season with an addition of a new assistant coach and a freshman placed on varsity. Chris Bonnell is the new assistant coach. "We call him Norm because he looks like Norm from T.V.'s "Cheers." He's decent enough to take it. It helps the team to loosen up on the ice. You've got to have the fun to go along with the work," said Scholz.

Also a new addition to the varsity team is Freshman Jason Krueger. "He holds his own. We need good defenseman, and he can fill the spot," said Senior Charles Frump. "It doesn't matter how old he is, as long as he can do the job."

The hockey team is looking forward to a game on Saturday, December 19 against Mound. "We'll beat them. Last year we won one lost one, this time I think we'll go at them a lot harder because we know they are a threat," said Bengston. "Fans are awesome," said Senior Greg Bremseth. "It really psychs the players up to see their peers out there. We play the best at home."

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Senior Charles Frump beats a Litchfield player to the puck during the game on December 15 at the Buffalo Civic Center. The Bison are 4-1 (as of December 18), their only loss coming against #6 Wayzata.

The BHS JV gymnastic team lost their first two meets this season. They lost to Rockford by five points and Mound by seven points. JV did not compete against Mound because they do not have a JV team.

Head Coach Martha Driscoll said, "I feel better than I've felt in four years of coaching because they came in good shape and are really cooperative and know what's going on." The coaches have not set any goals. "They have a ton of potential," said Driscoll. "They have to learn how to be self-starters instead of having someone always pushing them."

Joanie Holst the assistant coach, is on crutches due to a double knee surgery, but she still continues to coach. In two or three days she plans to be off of the crutches and walking around. There are eleven gymnasts on the JV team, consisting mainly of freshman and sophomores. At a meet each girl must work all four events which are: the bars, beam, floor, and vault. Each girl picks her two best events to be judged on. The next meet for the team is on January 5, against Little Falls.

Last year, the BHS Girls Varsity Basketball team got as far as Regions, then lost to Willmar.

"This year," said Senior Kathy Anderson, "we'll try not have as many turnovers and be fast."

Their next game, scheduled for December 28, will be a tournament in Elk River in which Head Coach Pete Specht "hopes to do better."

The new assistant coach, Ray Vanderwolde, said that their key to the season would be "to play good defense."

Specht explained their goals are to "win conference or hopefully go to sub-regions."

Any off-season training the players chose to go to a summer camp. Anderson and Julie Marquette went to a camp in St. Peter, where they learned defensive drills and other skills. Some of the players chose to go to a summer camp.

The Bison have all of their starters back from last year. "We like to think we're an experienced team," said Specht.

The girls next home game will be January 8 at 7:30pm against the Orono Spartans.

The Bison wrestling team has many goals set and is out to reach them.

The team has already won two out of four matches so far, but that's only a start. They still have many more to go.

In the rest of their matches they want more fans. They say the fans can expect excitement, lots of hard wrestling, and a trip to state.

"We know we can win and we have to work hard at it," said Senior Dan Gelo referring the team's attitude.

Senior Tri-Captain Scott Ferris said "We have a lot of things we have to work on yet."

The answer to their success varies between the teammates. While some believe their success lies with the coach and coaching, others feel success comes from knowing how to be tough on their feet.

Senior Todd Munsterteiger says the key to their success is "to mature as the year goes on and to pull together as a team."

When it comes down to future plans, most hope to go to state, and do well at them. With every team comes two goals: the team goals, and individual goals.

Ferris says one team goal is to "win conference and go to state as a team." Some more team goals are to "place in state in the future and be one of the top in state," said Senior Dave Groff.

Ferris adds, "We should get at least four individuals to state," and Munsterteiger adds that "there should be four to six all conference."

The existing competition gap between rural and metro schools in Minnesota high school athletics may widen even further due to a rule change by the MSHSL.

The new rule states that whole teams may play together in summer leagues and camps as long as no "B" squad, J.V., or Varsity coach is present. The rule use to allow only three players from the same team to play together in a league or camp.

This rule came about from pressure put on the MSHSL by parents--the same parents who probably threw coke bottles at referees--back when their kid played in pee wees.

As a result of the change, teams will be able to play up to five times a week by participating in more than one league. Teams will get better by improving their skills and developing team unity. The over-all level of competition will rise dramatically.

Metro schools will benefit the most from the new rule because there are many leagues and camps located near them. Teams that live far from the metro area will be forced to either make the long trip to the cities to play, or organize their own leagues and camps. Rural schools could probably organize leagues and camps but the level of competition would not be as high as in the metro area.

Because of the rule change several things will happen. The average "Joe" will find it hard to remain competitive. High school sports will become more of a stepping stone for those elite athletes who plan to go on to play college sports.

There are two attitudes towards high school sports. A more elitest attitude, like that of the perennial sports powerhouse Hutchinson, says that winning is everything and the only thing. A more populistic attitude, like Buffalo's, says the most important thing is that everyone gets a chance to participate and learn from the experience. Winning is important but it is over emphasized sometimes. The new rule could destroy the populistic attitude.

Another thing that will happen is metro schools will dominate state tournaments more than ever before. There won't be any "Hoosier" scenarios.

The rule ought to be changed back to its original state. Metro schools already have the big advantage of being able to pick from a larger group of athletes, and this ruling favors them even more.

The new rule will only widen the disparity between rural and metro schools and end the chance for "just anybody" to compete.

Two extremes meet on one recording. Folk goes classical. Dylan meets Mozart. Sound like something from the end times. Armageddon type stuff where dogs and cats will lie together. Well it's not, it's the Go-Betweens latest release "Tallulah". Folksy vocals and flat top guitar strumming are backed up by precise orchestration, making it interesting at the least.

The Go-Betweens appeal to the 60s type awareness hidden somewhere in all of us. (Sometimes maybe not so evident in some.) This tape might appeal to someone who was a fan of the Mama's and the Papa's before Mama Cass choked on a bologna sandwich and died.

But then again someone who admires stringed instruments and classical music might be impressed. I'm not particularly fond of either and I like this tape. Heck!

I don't think you can stereotype the kind of listener who would like this. I think the song "Bye, Bye, Pride" makes my fave list on "Tallulah." The song relays an excellent foundational tune topped off with other surprises such as skillfully strummed chords on an acoustic guitar. Also this song exhibits a kickin' oboe, for those into the oboe (it rocks).

"Right Here" is the LP's first promotional song released. Its video did appear on MTV's newer-than-new-but-off-the-beaten-track video show "120 Minutes" which I consider recommended viewing for those into music (like me).

"Right Here" earns the right as probably the jumpiest single on the track. It's the first song I got friendly with. "Right Here" proves itself as kind of song you first become accustomed to, and then use a reference source for the remainder of the songs. (It could be because the song shows up first on the album.)

If the song doesn't rock it definitely rolls, and will definitely be liked by the listener.

As mellow as brass "Hope Then Strife" could be expected to please the listener on the symphonic side of the gamut. Not to be any less "Hope Then Strife" displays excellent acoustic picking tactful orchestration, and even some good background choral arrangements.

The line "the slut of love," made me think I was hearing lyrics being barked from bat-biting mouth of Ozzy Osbourne or the like. But that very line makes its place in the lyrics of a seemingly innocent song, "The Clarke Sisters," via the also seemingly innocent Go-Betweens. Out of context, and not set to the Lawrence Welk caliber melody it is used to, the line might seem quite brash. Yet it is part of what the group seems to be trying to say in this biographical song about "The Clarke Sisters."

The lyrics of "You Tell Me" aren't as daring as the previously described single. However, they do give birth to the title of the album "Tallulah". Again this song seems to be a biography, fictional, or not, if a girl named "Tallulah". Congruent with the style of the rest of the album, this song doesn't differ greatly from the Go-Betweens methods of madness. It represents the sound of the group in a creative, but not unusual way.

I would describe "Tallulah" simply as well-done.

Even though the Go-Betweens' latest album combines two near opposite realms of music, it somehow finds a happy medium that ends up sounding enjoyable to take part in. Skillfully produced, this album still throws in an improvisational quality that makes it fun to listen to. Listening to this group might prove as a way to find someone different to listen. "Tallulah", to summarize, will please many tastes.

A cow will be the death of me yet. There's something about cloven feet that seems to bother people. Perhaps that is why humans take particular pleasure in the murder and mutilation of pigs, cows, sheep, deer, and all their similarly shod relatives, from the ordinary to the obscure, such as buffalo, or, as those with local pride insist they be referred to as, bison.

I haven't the slightest problem with cloven feet myself; I like deer, sheep, and pigs--although I once saw a movie in which Farmer Jones took people out to slop the pigs. Quite literally--he didn't even dismember them, just tossed them in the pig-pen. A real pip of a flick--but in poor taste.

Without a shadow of a doubt, pigs have a bad name in American society. Writing this, it just struck me--the phrase, "slop" the pigs. Degrading. You never hear "Tonto, go slop Silver", or "Just a sec, Linus, I've got to slop Snoopy", or even, "June, we can't slop the kids right now, the Beav's staying late at school."

Oh well, no matter what "they" say about pigs, I don't mind them. It's the cows and bison that have me worried. That's what I was planning to write about, but I do digress awfully. So to clear your most likely confused minds, I'll stick an intermission right here.

Intermission.

Here lie I, babysitting, and it's nigh on to midnight. I'm too paranoid to go to sleep, no matter how exhausted I am, and I am. Coincidence! The movie I alluded to, "pigs", is on tonight. I could watch that, or radar weather, or news clips of Mikhail Gorbachov's campaign for the American presidency.

Or I could write about the cows. Cows are cool, but they don't mix with bison. I think I finally got to the point. I'm writing this absurd, incoherent column for the revered publication named The Bison. Being a member of that organization, I deal with two major pain-in-the-butts; 1) I am always poor, and 2) I stay after most every darn day, which means I walk two miles home after I get off the activity bus. Number one and two are connected to cows.

I like cows. They are marvellous. I see a good deal of them, being a rural-type person. (I won't say buffalonian)

Also, in nice weather, on my journey home I invariably pass a herd of them doing cow-type things in their pasture along the road. Cows are cute. They have lovely faces, though maybe their bodies aren't, and from my few bovine acquaintances, I judge they have decent personalities. Curiosity doesn't kill cows, so when I trudge past the gang, it moves, en masse, with me on the other side of the barbed wire. They are shy so I don't pat them. They're also smart, so I haven't seen them lately, because it's pretty darn cold out and cows are indeed smart enough to get in out of the cold, which is more then I can say for myself.

I miss my cows. Now when I pass the pasture it's pitch black out and all I can see are scary shadows of trees, weeds, and signs. Somehow they all look like Ed Gein. The highway is iced over and street, car, and house lights stretch the shadows along like a white finger painting on shiny black glass. Moonlight too. It's pretty, but lonely and frightening at times, so I don't think I'll stay after much longer. I'm too poor to be on the Bison anyhow. That's why I got a job. I won't tell you where I work--someone might accidentally leave a copy of The Bison in the pasture and then I'd be in trouble.

I do not like my job, I assure you. And I feel more then guilty when I send the many parts (parts are parts) of Bossie away in little styrofoam boxes. Time is definitely out of joint when a sorta-vegetarian works under the Golden Arches.

As of yet, I've dealt only with my conscious. But some day--maybe tomorrow--the sun will come out, and as I trot past the pasture, I'll hear; "There she is. That traitor--murderer. She's the one who sold mom and the cousins...let's ambush her..."

The Bison is a nondiscriminatory organization and always welcomes new members.