The Bison – October 19, 1994

A new year has begun for Buffalo High School's National Honor Society.

NHS is an activity for juniors and seniors who have a grade point average of 9.5 or better, and want to make a difference in the school.

One of the things that is required of NHS members is at least 30 hours of community service: 20 hours of group, and at least ten hours of individual service.

During the holiday season, members of NHS break up into small groups to put in individual service hours.

"NHS is a lot of hard work, but it is also very rewarding to be a part of an organization that does so much to help others," said senior Lisa Burling.

Another requirement is that students must show extreme dedication to the group and to the community. The members must also attend all of the the meetings set by NHS advisor, Karen Rebischke.

"NHS is growing rapidly because of the brilliant people that are coming up through the school system," said senior Amanda Steen.

Before becoming a member of NHS, students must apply, be accepted and inducted. This year sixty-five students returned applications to be considered for membership.

An induction ceremony for juniors and new seniors will take place on Monday, October 31, at 7:30pm.

One of the highlights of this year's induction ceremony involves a speech given by retiring superintendent Darrell Miller. Afterwards will be the lighting of the candles, and then the presentation of plaques to incoming members.

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The NHS clothing drive was held during the week of October 10-14.

"This year's clothes will be given to Wright County Community Action. They will distribute the clothes as they are needed," said NHS President, senior Marie Zimmerman.

All types of clothing that students are willing to donate are accepted. Things that are typically needed the most are children's clothing, winter jackets, and sweaters.

"This year, the clothes will goto those who need them right in our own community," said Rebischke.

"I believe that NHS in general is a very beneficial organization. The only way that clothing drives can be successful is if everyone makes an effort by giving clothes," said Burling.

Homecoming week at BHS is now officially over. Activities were held from September 25 through October 1.

On Sunday, September 25, homecoming kicked off its week with a coronation held for the king, queen, and their court.

"[When I was crowned homecoming queen] the first thing that ran through my head was that I didn't do anything to deserve this," said senior Tammy Schmidt. "I love every single one of the candidates and would have been happy with whoever became queen."

There were various dress-up days held daily. Many students liked the dress up days because it was something out of the ordinary.

"You see yourself and others wearing outfits that they wouldn't usually wear," said junior Melissa Christianson. The outfits students chose to wear varied from person to person.

"It was neat to see everyone's creativity," said sophomore Katie Niemela.

There were also special mod activities held every day in the gym. One of students' favorite mod activities was Gladiators.

"That was when most people showed spirit," said sophomore Alicia Heisel.

One of the highlights of homecoming week was the pepfest that was held last hour on Friday, September 30, to get Students pumped up for the football game held that night.

"It's so awesome to see how pumped up the student body can get over student activities," said Schmidt.

The Friday night football game and marching band half-time show were attended by many.

"[I liked the football game because] you got to see everyone and watch the game at the same time," said Christianson.

Overall most students found homecoming week a rewarding experience.

"It was a chance for everyone in the school to show spirit and do something for each other," said Heisel.

Tony- Jason Poirier
Marnie- Hanni Megaw
10-14
Riff- Shawn Bakke
Velma- Tammy Schmidt
Action- Russ Pruitt
Graziella- Elicia Drake
Arab- Peter Jacobson
Shirl- Kim Hessedal
Baby John- Jeremy Lostetter
Lily- Karen Moore
Diesel- Mike Anderson
Pauline- Christine Knoll
Big Deal- Jeff Zimmerman
Clarice- Stacey Collins
Snowboy- Bob Fix, Jr.
Cecelila- Stephanie Lewis
Gettar- Dustin Schultz
Minnie- Kirsten Berquist
Anybodys- Heidi Bakke
Sharks
Bernardo- Travis Pobuda
Anita- Holly Perisian
Chino- Aaron Eby
Maria- Marie Zimmerman
Pepe- Luke Zimmerman
Consuela- April Huston
Indio- Dimont Johanson
Tesita- Leah Barry
Anxious- Jason Geoffrion
Rosalita- Amy Bokusky
Nibbles- Ben Thompson
Francisco- Betsy Whittlef
Luis- Sean Shepherd
Estella- Joy Johnson
Manuel- John Segler
Rita- Sherri VanLith
The Principal- Amanda Falkowski-Scott
Officer Krupke- Mark Mavencamp
Jeremy Hance
Brian Triplett
Doc- Lt. Shrank-
Student Director- Royce Johanson

Features
Options for college bound students discusses improvement. Pages 6 & 7
Tennis team focuses on. Pages 9, 10 & 11

Editorials
Where do student activity fees really go? Page 4

The BHS International Club's year of culturally diverse activities, meeting new people, and having fun has officially begun. The club's first activity was Get Acquainted Night that was held on Thursday, September 22.

Get Acquainted Night gave foreign exchange students a chance to meet and interact with more of the school's population.

"International Club was made to provide a time and a place to meet the exchange students," said International Club advisor Maija Zaeska.

Many students take advantage of this club and come to the activities.

"I enjoyed meeting the new and wonderful people I had never met before," said junior Melissa Wenzel.

Students who missed Get Acquainted Night can still come to any upcoming events. A course is not required to participate in activities sponsored by International Club.

"We do not have a membership list. Any student in the school is welcome to come to any of our activities," said Zaeska.

One of the upcoming events, the annual cheese tasting party, will be held this November in the library. There you will be able to sample cheeses from all over the world.

Mardi Gras is another favorite event. That will be held in late February.

"I enjoy the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras, they are memories that will last a lifetime," said Wenzel.

There is usually an activity every month, depending on the situation. It also depends on where the exchange students are from and if they have something they would like to share with others or not.

If students are interested in participating in any of the activities, they should watch the announcements for times, dates and places.

On Saturday, October 29, eight BHS students will be going to the Treble Choir and Mens' Chorus Festival at St. John's university.

There will be two quartets performing. Those performing are seniors Jason Poirer, Krissy Benkowski, Sherri VanLith, Stacey Collins, and Amy Bokusky. Also attending are: juniors Russ Pruitt, Jesse Neumann, and Chris Kalis.

The performers will practice all day Saturday and then put on a concert at 4:00pm that same day. Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for students.

The Choral Sampler concert will be held on November 1. All BHS choirs will be performing, including the Treble and BHS Singers.

The band Collage concert will be held on November 10. All of the BHS bands will be performing. The Fall Marching band will be performing their program.

Students took the PSATs on Tuesday, October 11. Also students will be taking the ACTs on Saturday, October 22.

Throughout the week of October 3-7, KRWC, Buffalo's radio station, has been spotlighting special seniors every morning and afternoon. They profiled Deanne Nordberg, Paul Minkler, Chris Wessman, Molly Mullin, and Rebecca Ebnet.

Senior Chris Wessman and Post-secondary student Brandon Backlund are both Merit-scholarship semifinalists.

District voters will decide on November 8 if a local referendum of $1.1 million per year is to be approved. Seventy-five percent would come from the state, and the end result would be $832,000 in new funds, without an increase in taxes.

Nearly every student at BHS who is involved in a school sponsored activity must pay an activity fee before they are allowed to participate.

"Some fees are too expensive, but overall the prices are decent," said sophomore Steve Minkler.

Some students agree with the activity fee system, but there are also those who don't.

"I can see both sides," said senior Jenny Griffith, "the school needs money, but people are in a sport to enjoy it, not to pay money."

Activity fees are a small way to cut some spending out of the district budget and.

"In 1984 we had to cut $40 thousand from the budget," said Activities Director Nancy Bergert. Bergert met with several parents to get their input on what could be done to cut the budget without dropping activities.

"[Parents] said they didn't want to do fund-raising, and would rather pay fees," said Bergert.

According to Bergert there haven't been any complaints about the activity fee system.

Some students do wish there were changes.

"[I would change it so that] if you're injured in a sport, you get a refund," said Minkler.

According to the 1992-93 year end report by Bergert, activity fees contribute to about 9 percent of the total cost of all activities, and approximately 31 percent of the total income.

Activity fees do not go directly to the activity which they were paid for. All the money goes into the general fund which contains money that is used by the entire school district.

"[All activities] should have to pay fees," said junior Jeff Zimmerman.

Fees are charged mostly for sports and activities which require transportation or special equipment and apparel. There are also those activities in which students may participate without paying an activity fee, such as yearbook and FFA.

Students who have free or reduced lunches are also eligible for free or reduced activity fees.

"That's good [that students can pay free or reduced fees]," said Griffith. "I don't think money should be an object."

Some people disagree with that, feeling that activities are strictly extra.

"Activities are extra-curricular, not part of school," said Zimmerman. "Students don't have to be in them, so they should pay the whole fee."

Some people feel that there may be some other advantages to paying activity fees other than budget reductions.

"Students will pay a little and be committed [to that activity]," said Bergert.

From the Board of Education- Following a three and a half month search, the Board of Education has chosen Tom Nelson to replace retiring superintendent Darrell Miller at Buffalo School District 877.

Nelson comes to District 877 from the Teton County School District in Jackson, Wyoming where he has served as superintendent for the past three years. His experiences prior to that were in the state of Minnesota and are as follows:

1990-91 Commissioner of Education, State of Minnesota
1989-90 Director of State Relations, University of Minnesota
1987-89 Director of Support Services, Rosemount-Apple Valley Schools
1970-87 Teacher-Administrator, Rochester/Austin Public Schools

Nelson is a graduate of Mankato State University, with master's and education specialist degrees in education administration from the University of Minnesota.

Nelson also served the state of Minnesota as a Senator in the Legislature for 10 years, including four years as Chair of the Senate Education Finance Committee. During his tenure in the legislature, Nelson was known as a strong advocate for education. He authored a number of major education initiatives and funding/finance bills.

"All of these positions have given me unique opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of young people. I am extremely proud of each role and my contribution. Although I value each experience, my time as a teacher involved directly with students is my most cherished experience and was truly instrumental in shaping my life," Nelson said of his many experiences involving the educational system.

Nelson characterizes his leadership style as open, accessible, flexible and collaborative. He brings to District 877 a strong commitment to students, an experienced financial background, an energetic vision for a top performing and improving school system, and a concrete record of results.

While Nelson noted that he has been enjoying his superintendent position in Jackson, he indicated that he wants to return home to Minnesota with his wife, Margaret, and third grade son, Christopher.

"I would like to return home to assist in guiding the future course of a growing district in a supportive community, enroll my son in a fine school system, and live in my native state," said Nelson.

Although no official starting date has been determined for Nelson, he is expected to take over as the superintendent for District 877 on or around approximately the first of December, this year.

ANOKA, MN - The Crime Prevention Fair was organized and hosted by Minnesota District 6 Representative Rod Grams, and drew large crowds to its varied exhibits and safety demonstrations.

The fair featured representatives from local police and fire departments, county sheriffs' departments, the Minnesota State Patrol, Jacob Wetterling Foundation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and others who distributed information, made presentations, and answered questions regarding crime prevention, victims' rights, and law enforcement.

Representative Grams was pleased with the increased dialogue between safety professionals and citizens.

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Congressman Rod Grams observes as Anoka County Special Deputy Dale Warren fingerprints Kimberly Trager of Blaine at the Crime Prevention Fair at the Northtown Mall on September 11, 1994

After a summer full of fun and friends, it might be hard for students to get back into the swing of school. The study tips that follow in this article might help students make the transition back to school.

If students want to be leading students, they need to study more efficiently, not necessarily harder. The components of studying that students will want to master are: memory, reading, note-taking, and testing.

MEMORY
Students should think of their brains as huge storage centers. Once they have stored an item, they cannot lose it, although students may later have difficulty retrieving that same information. There are several methods and variations for students to improve memory skills. Visualization trains students to make a picture in their minds of the items they wish to remember. If students respond to auditory stimulation better, they should try reciting the item over and over in their minds. Maybe students need a combination of audio and visual. They should try acronyms like NHS to remember the National Honor Society, or sentences such as "Every Good Boy Does Fine" to remember the notes associated with lines of a treble clef staff. Or rhymes like, "In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue...". No one technique is right for all, so students need to experiment.

READING
Sometimes the only difference between a textbook and a sleeping pill is a warning about operating heavy machinery. Most students have read pages in a book only to realize they can't remember what it was they just read. What students need to do, however, is complete the reading and understand the meaning.

NOTE TAKING
Like memory techniques, there is not one method of note-taking that works for everyone, yet three phases remain common: observing, recording, and reviewing. Before the lecture that the students are taking notes on, they should observe their surroundings, like an outline printed on the blackboard. As students listen to the lecture, they should record notes when the teacher's level of enthusiasm increases, when he/she writes on the board or when they hear phrases like, "There are three parts to this." Finally, students should revise their notes within 24 hours to recall what was said earlier.

TESTING
Walking into a test unprepared is like driving without a license. Students may get away with it for a while, but they'll get caught. Instead of cramming, students should spend several days prior to the exam reviewing notes in short study bursts. They should get to their test site early in an attempt to settle in and relax as much as possible. When the test is placed before them, students should scan the questions, and evaluate the importance of each section. They should read all directions, slowly and completely. Then they should answer a few of the easiest questions first to gain some confidence. Important facts, equations, formulas, etc. should be quickly written down before they forget them. Before turning in the exam, all answers should be double checked. If they follow these tips, they will walk away knowing they did their best.

Studying is something no one can make students do effectively. They have to want to be successful. They should get advice from friends, teachers and other resources around them. They should experiment with different types of study methods, and they will find that they can be a leader in the classroom.

Jill Krones who completed the 1993-94 National High School Rodeo season with her second consecutive trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Gillette, Wyoming during July. She placed 32nd in Barrel Racing and 35th in Pole Bending against 165 of the best high school rodeo athletes in the United States.

Sarah and Mandy Norman for their great performances in the State Shooting Sports/Wildlife Invitational at the Monticello Sportsmen's Club, the Buffalo Rodeo Grounds and the Buffalo Gun Club.

The Bison and Tatanka staffs for winning Gold All-State ratings at the MHSPA state journalism convention.

Chris Wessman and Brandon Backlund who are Merit Scholarship semi-finalists.

All of the people that are a part of the "West Side Story" cast and crew.

Students are required to pay an activity fee to participate in most BHS activities. But what exactly does the fee go towards?

The student handbook says the highest activity fee is for football and hockey -- $40. All other activities, including cheerleading and summer marching band, cost $24. Academic competition teams, speech jocks, drama cast and newspaper staff also all have to pay $16.

The handbook also states that the fee is in effect for the cost of transportation, activity equipment and apparel. For sports, that may be fine, but what about the activities where the students stay at the school and do not require uniforms or apparel?

How do students benefit from paying activity fees when they don't even know if the fee is being used for their own activity? Participants have a right to know, and are able to go to the office and find out for themselves, if they take the initiative to do so.

Bison members have to pay a $16 fee to write, photograph, edit, or layout the newspaper. Many hours are spent in the morning, during mods, after school, and on weekends to make The Bison a quality newspaper. So what are we paying for?

The Bison earns money to produce the paper through advertisements we acquire; through our own budget.

The students who write for The Bison have such a terrific head start on learning to write well and on potential jobs in the communications field. Back when I was in high school, the quality of the school newspaper was not in the same league as The Bison, but, nonetheless, I wish I had done at least a few articles. I could have used the experience.

I finally gained some practical experience in "for real" writing when I was a senior in college and took a job as a stringer (part-time, free-lance writer) with South St. Paul-West St. Paul Sun news-paper. Up until that point, all of my writing had been assignments for classes. I covered city council and county board meetings and wrote about them as if I were doing stories for a newspaper. I even did a story about the State Legislature. It was different when I finally wrote a story for a real newspaper. The story would be seen by hundreds or even thousands of people -- instead of just one college professor.

I cringe at the memory of my first attempt at writing a simple sports story for the Sun. It was about one of the teams at my former high school. In Journalism 101 at the College of St. Thomas, they had taught us the opening paragraph, or lead, should grab the reader and make him or her want to read the rest of the story. So worked up was I to make that lead a grabber, that I sat there in front of the typewriter a good half hour before I typed my first words.

The lead never quite lived up to my expectations, but I learned an important lesson. Don't be afraid to dive right in and write something down on paper. You can always go back and change the lead later if it's not good enough.

Today, over 17 years after graduating at St. Thomas (and almost 16 years after beginning work at the Wright County Journal Press), I still occasionally sit and think a while before writing a lead, but the task is not nearly so tormenting as it was when I was starting out. Of course, the primary difference between then and now is students life experience -- the years of practice I have gained. And that's what it takes to get over the initial hump of anxiety and apprehension in the beginning stages. Practice, practice, practice. You learn by doing. It's as simple as that.

So, if there are those among the BHS student body who have been thinking about doing a little writing, the perfect opportunity awaits right under your noses. Get your feet wet. Do an article or two for The Bison.

Dear Editor,

I've noticed that there is a lot of tension between certain sports. I'm a soccer player, and I've had trouble with certain comments from people from other sports. It really upsets me that someone would say something bad about a sport that is in their school. I've had football players say to me that the only way to get fans is to bribe them, or that soccer is a "wussy" sport. I ask you when was the last time you saw a football player in a cast? I put a soccer player in a cast last year when I broke his ankle. It was perfectly legal.

The hurtful words not only bring down the person that is being ridiculed, but they also bring down the morale of the entire school. People shouldn't be worried about who's in cross-country, football, or soccer. The people in the sports should be helping each other out, even though they are in other sports. If for nothing else just to help crush common rivals. (i.e. Totino Grace)

Instead we're fighting amongst our own teammates. Now, by myself, I work so hard for my team. I give all that I have with me and in me. I give a lot of spirit to try to keep us all going, and I don't understand why people ridicule me for it. I thought that having a lot of spirit was the ideal. I may not be the best player, but when we fight like we do, we're not getting ourselves anywhere. We're supposed to get along. Not be "best buds" or anything, but to just get along. Is that too much to ask for?

I just don't know anymore. I've been in the soccer program for three years and I've seen the spirit get better and peak. Last year I would say was the best year I've seen so far. We played as a team, thought as a team and acted amongst ourselves. This year is almost like we took one step forward and two steps back. It really shouldn't be that way at all. I don't know what else to do though. Although I'm doing my best to keep us going, I can't do it all. We need team spirit, not individual spirit. Individual spirit will just keep one person going for only so long. Sooner or later the test of the team brings that one person down.

I've always heard that when a team is pumped, you play better than when you've just been sitting there chillin9. We just can't get pumped at the stage we're at. If I could get one wish for this year's soccer team, I would wish that everyone would get along. Not just my teammates and me, but everyone. Just do our best to have a good time. Not to just think that "I'm better than her". But, to just (sorry to say it) "Be young, have fun, drink Pepsi", "Just Do It", and remember "No Fear".

Junior Steve Runyon

I think most of us will agree that there are many things in this world that need changing. Attitudes, policies, regulations, etc., etc.

In this month's column, I would like to vent some frustrations about the attitudes of a group of people -- a group who call themselves Americans.

After thinking it over, I have come to the conclusion that there are very few true Americans left in the country.

To me, a true American is a person -- man or woman, black or white, rich or poor -- who loves what this country was founded on. Freedom.

This great country we call America stands for many things - home of the brave -- land of the free -- the Golden door -- the country where dreams are realized and with a little hard work anything is possible.

The first immigrants sailed for three months with no other thought in their minds except the fact that they now might have a chance at a new life. It didn't matter where they came from -- they were leaving that life to come to the land of opportunity. It was a melting pot, people who were different in every way, yet shared a common goal -- success.

They came from all over the world dirt poor, with barely enough money to pay for the rent on a rat infested apartment and a new set of clothes. These people pounded the streets sometimes for months at a time looking for a job to support their families. Even children as young as seven or eight had jobs in factories to earn the money to buy a loaf of bread. This life, as hard as it may appear, was better than their old one. Better because they had freedom. Freedom to worship how they pleased, freedom to make their own choices, freedom to take part in the election of government Officials.

The original immigrants had spirit -- they had the spirit to fight and the spirit to win. I think that most of the people in America in 1994 have forgotten how to fight. I'm not talking about shooting people with guns in a war - I'm talking about the drive to succeed.

I know that most people in this country would gladly stand up and volunteer to go to war. To die for their country. To be heroic. To preserve democracy. Whatever the reason, they would go willingly, fight hard, and maybe never see their families again.

But those same people, on a day to day basis, don't live the attitudes of the early Americans. In the recent primary election, there was a 24 percent voter turnout. 24 percent?! Wakeup people! What did half the country die for in the Revolutionary war, except to guarantee us the right to vote forever? Why did they write the Declaration of Independence, or the Bill of Rights unless it was for us, so that we could have certain unalienable rights granted and enforced to make our lives more comfortable? We are guaranteed rights many people in the world have never even thought of: voting, ownership of guns, free speech, free press, I could go on all day.

We, as a country, have lost our fighting spirit -- our will to survive. As far as I'm concerned, once we've lost that, we've lost everything.

The first month down, eight more to go.

As a young child, I remember many things about school. Most of all I remember how we would start most often the week before Labor Day and we were out the Friday after Memorial Day. Now it seems every year we start a little earlier and end a little later. Did I mention that with the starting and ending dates mentioned above we still had two weeks of winter vacation? O.K., so we didn't have any spring vacation.

Still, taking this year's schedule, or schedules in past years, we haven't really added any days; the administration has just moved days around.

Let's start at the beginning of the school year. Fall break is fall break, always has been, hopefully, always will be. Then comes November and what's now called "Thanksgiving Vacation" -- four days including Thanksgiving. That would have been nice, except it was just creative moving. Instead of having a three day week, full week, three day week kind of schedule, we have to go to school two full weeks and a Monday. I suppose it's convenient for people who go places, but that means that those who do go places don't get to miss school.

December brings Christmas. Memories of two weeks passed in joy, sliding and long sleepy days. You got so used to sleeping in, it was horrible having to get up after it was over. Now, you have a day before Christmas Eve, until a day after New Years day. Yup, 11 days, including two weekends.

Martin Luther King Day and anew "marking" day helps January go by a little faster; then President's day in February. The one thing that irritates me about February is that K-6 (in Buffalo) gets a five day weekend -- two days for conferences, two for a weekend, and President's Day. We get one day for conferences in April. Yup, one day to their two. They used to have to go to school for a half day on the Friday after we finished. That is no more.

March contains this year's spring break. A marking day gets us out early. We have the friday before break off also.

April has a day off for conferences. For those of us with younger siblings, it's the best day that side of Christmas. You get to sleep in with no little siblings watching cartoons too loud or asking you for help.

May has Memorial day, and June has six days of school. Rumor has it, in a couple years most kids will be going to school for almost ten full months. Best thing about that is, I won't be going anymore. I do feel bad for the younger kids. O.K., just a little...

"Here she comes, Miss America..." Each year, millions are captivated by shows of beautiful women competing for pageant titles. Are these women role models for young girls or are they actually crushing the hope for gender equality?

In my eyes a role model is someone you look up to, respect, and often want to act like or imitate. When our society puts so much pressure on women to be attractive, beauty queens, role models are almost scary.

I have one simple question: Why do so many women, teenagers, and even little girls compete for a crown almost entirely based on looks? Yes, they also have to be talented. But how many girls whose looks are less than desirable actually win these things? On top of it all, these displays of beauty are the leading source of scholarships for women!

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The biggest problem I see is not women entering contests with high self-esteem and other interests, but those involved whose entire life is based upon looks. Many girls who have no other outstanding talents besides beauty believe their appearance is their only chance to become somebody. Thus, they enter beauty contests. What happens to the girls that don't win? They're left with just another pretty face and even lower self-esteem than they started with.

Could beauty pageants have an outward affect on women as minorities? I believe so. Many think women are the largest minority and I completely agree. All too often we are treated like objects. However, for every guy who enjoys a woman's beauty on display, there's a girl willing to show it. It's almost an unbeatable cycle.

No, beauty pageants are not the root to sexism. Nor are they disgustingly degrading. I'm simply worried about girls looking up to merely beautiful women instead of brilliant, driven, and successful ones. While we may be living in a society growing closer to gender equality, some of our actions are speaking louder than words. I will continue to believe that beauty pageants add to the inequality of women until the day I hear Regis singing, "Here he comes, Mr. America..."

Many different positions are still available including:
* Writers- writing for all different sections including sports, news, features, and entertainment
* Assistant Editors- help with the copy editing, and layout of the paper
* Guest columnists- literate, articulate writers with an opinion or point of view to share with the Bison community
* Anybody interested in working on the paper should contact Rebecca Ebnet in A-2, or Getchen Beilke in D-3

Send in applications
Attend financial aid meetings
Apply for scholarships and student loans
Tour the campus
Obtain information on possible choices
Take SAT/ACT
Attend college fairs

Many people find it impossible to attend college without financial aid.

Financial aid can be obtained through private companies, through the institution, or even straight from the state.

One of the different loans or grants that is available to students is Child Care Assistance. This is a program for those people who have children under the age of 12 and demonstrate a need for financial assistance. The maximum dollar amount available to those who are approved for this program is $1500 per academic year.

Another financial opportunity is the Paul Douglas Teacher Program. This is a program is for people who are interested in being involved in the teaching field. The maximum award is five thousand dollars. Recipients must also be in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class. They must also be enrolled in a college that will prepare them for a career in teaching at the preschool, elementary, or secondary level.

Another scholarship program is the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program. This includes being one-fourth or more Native American ancestry, a Minnesotan who is eligible or already enrolled in a tribe, and have a high school diploma or GED. Awards average $1450 per year.

Another grant that some people may be eligible for is the Farm Families' grant. This is for people who want to get higher education and are about to or have already lost the family farm. This is only for up to two years and six credits per year.

There is also a scholarship for those students who have shown outstanding ability, achievement and potential in English/creative writing, fine arts, foreign language, math, science or social studies.

Remember when sending in an FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid that the sooner it is sent in, the better the chances of receiving the financial aid. It is best to send it in the January before senior year at the earliest.

Information asked for on applications varies from name and hobbies to writing long essays. Questions also depend upon what the applicant is majoring in. A person may apply for as many scholarships as they wish.

Many students will be taking either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the Academic Competency Test (ACT) in preparation for college. The main question students seem to have regarding the tests is which one to take.

“There really are more similarities than differences,” said school counselor Gloria Rose.

A larger percentage of BHS students choose the ACT. In general, midwestern colleges prefer to have the ACT test results, while west and east coast colleges require that the SAT be taken. The SAT may also be required if attending military school or applying for a scholarship.

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and Preliminary Academic Competency Test (PACT) tests are used mainly for scholarship purposes.

The ACT consists of four main categories. They are English, math, reading, and science reasoning. After the test is taken, a composite score is determined. A composite score is the average score, derived from the four sections. It is on a scale of one through 36, the highest being 36. The average score among high school students is approximately 20.

The ACT test results also provide students with a list of possible career choices, based on the subjects they excel on in the test.

The SAT consists of seven sections and lasts three hours. Each test includes three verbal sections, three math sections, and one equating section. However, the equating section is not scored. For the verbal and math sections, the scores range from 200 to 800, the latter being the highest.

There are many ways to prepare for the tests. It is important to have taken academic courses and worked hard in them.

For short-term preparation, it often helps to know what to expect. Your school guidance counselor can give you information. Test booklets will tell you how the test is structured, how much time is allowed, and the directions for each type of question. Already knowing the directions can save you time during the actual test.

Some students feel that taking pre-tests, such as the PSAT or PACT helped them to prepare for the next step.

A common method that seems to work well is to spend time going over sample questions and sample tests.

“The ACT reflects your knowledge,” said senior Stacey Collins, “Trying to prepare for the test really isn’t going to help you if you don’t already know the material.”
Many students will be taking either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the Academic Competency Test (ACT) in preparation for college. The main question students seem to have regarding the tests is which one to take.

"There really are more similarities than differences," said school counselor Gloria Rose.

A larger percentage of BHS students choose the ACT.

In general, midwestern colleges prefer to have the ACT test results, while west and east coast colleges require that the SAT be taken. The SAT may also be required if attending military school or applying for a scholarship.

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and Preliminary Academic Competency Test (ACT) are used for scholarship purposes. They are scored based on the subject tests. The ACT consists of math, reading, English, and science reasoning. The composite score is the average of the scores from the four sections. A score of 36, the highest, is among the top high school students. The ACT score is the average of the four sections, the latter being the...

There are many opportunities available in post-secondary education. Technical colleges are one of these. "They have classes that regular schools do not offer," said sophomore Billy Warner. Several people feel they can benefit financially, intellectually, and in the future from going to a technical college. "I would probably go to a technical college to expand my horizons," said freshman Di Mont Johansen. Some people would prefer to attend a four year college or university. Their reasons include receiving a more well rounded education, whereas a technical college is focused on one trade. "No [I wouldn't go to a technical college], because I want to go to a really good college," said sophomore Sara Miller. "I want to get a four year degree and I don't know if the courses would go along with my field." Students that attend technical colleges are thought of positively. Sometimes they are seen as being better prepared for the future than the average student. "I look up to them; they know where they want to go and what they want to do with their life," said junior Heather Collins. Others thought that there was no reason to view the students that attend technical colleges differently. "I wouldn't think of them differently because that's what they do. It's their choice," said freshman Sara Marschel. There are many fields available for study at a technical college. A person can major in mechanics, advertising, electronics, foodservice, environmental technology, child care or welding and many other fields. A technical college costs about $1,280 a year, which is somewhat less than the cost of a four year university. The same financial aid forms are available for technical colleges as for universities. Local scholarships are valid as well. Certain institutions also offer scholarships specifically for students planning to attend technical colleges. The type of learning is different in a technical college compared to a university. The classes are more hands on; every class a person takes is applied to the skill they are majoring in. In a university, a person spends the first two or so years taking general classes. "Many bright students choose a technical college; they meet their learning styles and their needs," said Counselor Gloria Rose. Technical colleges may not be for everybody, but for some people, they are a useful opportunity. "[The kind of higher education a person chooses] depends on a person's individual needs; its what they want," said Rose.

ACT tests are used mainly for college-required exams. It consists of seven sections and consists of four main categories: English, math, reading, and science. Each test includes three math sections, and one science section. After the test is taken, a score is determined. A composite score, derived from the average score, is on a scale of one through 36. The average score of high school students is approximately 21. Test results also provide students a list of possible career choices, and subjects they excel on in the test. For the verbal and math sections, scores range from 200 to 800, the highest. There are many ways to prepare for the tests. It is important to have taken academic courses and worked hard in them. For short-term preparation, it often helps to know what to expect. Your school guidance counselor can give you information. Test booklets will tell you how the test is structured, how much time is allowed, and the directions for each type of question. Already knowing the directions can save you time during the actual test. Some students feel that taking pre-tests, such as the PSAT or PACT helped them to prepare for the next step. A common method that seems to work well is to spend time going over sample questions and sample tests. "The ACT reflects your knowledge," said senior Stacey Collins, "Trying to prepare for the test really isn't going to help you if you don't already know the material."

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Helpful test-taking hints
1. Bring a calculator to the SAT
2. Do the easy questions first
3. When in doubt, guess
4. Finish more difficult questions last

Applications and requirements for colleges can be as varied as colleges themselves. Most colleges require at least four years of English courses in high school covering literature, composition, standard language usage, essay and theme writing, research paper composition, and one semester of speech. Students will also need at least three years in the math department. One year of algebra is required, as well as one year of geometry, and one year of advanced algebra. Social studies is required for at least three years in high school, including one year of American history, one year of world history, and one year of European history. At state universities, there is also one year of geography required. Colleges require at least two years of foreign language in high school. Science, like the social studies department, has a minimum requirement of three years in high school; one year each in biology, chemistry, and physics. Colleges require that ACT scores be sent to them. They also need the applicant's average test scores, grade point average (GPA), and class rank. It would be best for students to take the ACT during their junior year. Taking the test earlier gives colleges time to find out about an applicant's career interests. Another benefit of taking the test early is that materials students may not have known is sometimes covered in their senior year. Seniors have an opportunity to retake the test if there were any low scores, and possibly raise them. Information on applications may be picked up in the high school guidance office. Many colleges will also send information upon request. Applications require information such as rank, grade point average, and a transcript. A transcript is a record of grades throughout high school. Teacher references are also often requested, as well as a personal essay about why the applicant wants to attend that particular college. Application forms should be written or typed in business form. The students should then ask for more information about the college and plan a visitation to that college. Finally, the completed application form is sent to the college.

For as long as there has been high school, there has been Homecoming week. This week is filled with activities, parties, and things intended to raise school spirit.

Mod activities were organized every day, and included Gladiators, Tri-bond, and Let's make a Deal. Students were picked from each grade to participate against each other.

Everyday was a dress up day at BHS, beginning with Get up and Go on Monday, Hats and Shades on Tuesday, Class Colors on Wednesday, Bisonstock on Thursday, and Purple and White on Friday.

Each sport held a home game which was attended heavily by students.

LEMME HEAR YA YELL "B!" Fans cheered at the Homecoming football game against Colombia Heights Friday, September 30. The football game brought fans of all ages to BHS. Many alumni students were found; parents and elementary students also came to help cheer on the Bison. The game marked the third year in a row the Bison have won the Homecoming game. The score was 26-12.

Seniors Sira Anderson, Ben Thompson, and Luke Zimmerman painted this year's run-through for half time at the football game. The sign was presented during the pepfest.

Tuesday of Homecoming week was hats and shades day, and many students dressed up in funny and whimsical hats. Junior Paul Schaefer practices with the jazz band during mods wearing his sombrero.

Seniors Jason Poirier and Hanni Megaw, juniors Amanda Falkowski-Scott and Heidi Bakke dance the night away on Saturday Oct 1.

'95! '95! Seniors show their spirit in the traditional run in during the pepfest on Friday of Homecoming week. The annual pepfest is designed to highlight the fall activities and get students pumped for the football game in the evening.

The Bison football team has compiled a 3-2 record at the midpoint of the 1994 season. While not quite as match last year's magical numbers, the Bison remain an entertaining team to watch. The offense has been explosive all season and is a threat to score at any time.

Juniors Robbie Holmquist and Phil Miller have racked up impressive numbers in their second years of action on the varsity squad. Holmquist has out-yardaged every other runningback in the metro area. Miller started the season out at wide receiver.

In the first two victories the defense forced a fumble or intercepted a pass to thwart key drives for the opposition. The first of these victories came after a disappointing loss to St. Cloud Apollo in the season opener. The victory over Centennial was seen by a huge number of fans and none left disappointed. The Bison offense was unstoppable, gaining forty-three points. Holmquist set a school record in rushing yards and tied another by scoring four touchdowns. Victory, however, would not come easy. The Chiefs' offense was also very efficient. Facing a six point deficit with under two minutes to go, Centennial was starting to move the football. The drive ended when the Bison defense forced and recovered a fumble. The Bison gave up a meaningless safety at the end of the game to make the final score 43-39.

The home opener brought Totino Grace to town. The Bison played a tough first quarter but afterward Totino dominated. The Eagles have been ranked high in the class A: they are a powerful football team season long and are the favorites to win the conference championship. The Bison bounced back the next week on the road at Fridley. The game was highlighted by Miller returning two kicks for touchdowns. Both would prove vital in the Bison 26-20 victory over the Tigers. Miller also hit senior Jason Shackelton on a long scoring TD pass. The defense preserved the game after the Tigers recovered an onside kick. Seniors Zack Ordorff and Dan Flata came up with huge sacks to secure the win.

While 3-2 may seem like a bad record for a team coming off a state tourney birth, the Bison look like a team ready to emerge. "I'm not too disappointed," said senior Brandon Young. "Our team is starting to come together. We feel we have a good shot at winning the rest of our games."

"I feel we can score on anybody," said senior Mike Murphy. It is hard to argue with either player. All three phases of the team have shown a steady improvement. The most important thing about last year, is that it showed anything is possible.

The Buffalo swimming and diving team is off to a great start with an undefeated record of 2-0. "We hope to do the same as last year, if not better," said Head Coach Debbie Stevens.

At the Monticello Invitational, the team took second place out of the sixteen teams there. "It was a real high point when we got second at Monticello," said junior Nicole Demott.

Four of the team's members from last year have been lost due to their graduation, so there are some changes for the team to adjust to. "We have some really strong new swimmers," said senior Lindsay Mattson. "It will be fun to watch them get better." This year's captains are Mattson and senior Sarah Ogden. "I think that they will be the leaders of the team," said Stevens.

The team performed well at not only Monticello, but also at Fridley, taking first because we do well at it, said Mattson. "The fan support has been great so far and hope it will continue to be throughout the rest of the season," said sophmore diver Becky Steen.

The swimmers have set many high goals for themselves and the team this season. "I hope to break my ere record on my backstroke," said Melanie Praught. "I would like to see our team as a whole make it to sections and for myself to also make it individually," said Steen.

Most everyone has fun during the season breaking team records, and personal ones as well, but the sport does get tiring mentally and physically, near the end of the season. "Swimming is a tough mental sport and at times it stresses people out," said junior Kelly Dunn. The team is looking forward to the rest of the season with great excitement, hoping for good standing and for some team members to advance to sections and even to state competition.

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Photo by Jenny Drews: The Bison swimming and diving teams have been preparing long and hard, physically and mentally for the chance at an appearance in sections and state.

Anyone who has participated in athletics at BHS could tell you that sports teach you many things. The most common lesson given is that of losing.

Over the last decade I have faithfully watched my beloved Minnesota Vikings. While there have been many great moments, every year ends with heartbreak and disappointment. No team raises your blood pressure more than the Vikings. Usually they are good enough to make the playoffs, but never good enough to reach the top. It appears to be the same scenario this year. The Vikings are on a crash course to a 10-6 record and a first round playoff loss again this season. Dennis Green is a good coach but I am not convinced that he can inspire a team to a superbowl victory. Of course only one team can win it all; leaving disappointment for all the others. This disappointment is the one constant in every Viking's season.

It is for these same reasons I will never forget the 1993 Bison football team. Buffalo football has not had great success over the years, but last year a Cinderella story developed. Instead of the typical sub .500 record, the team produced a 10-2 mark. They won the North Suburban title in a defensive struggle against Monticello. It was a moment this fan hardly thought possible.

However, the most memorable game for me will always be the section final against Elk River. Snow fell steadily throughout the night. It was an appropriate setting for what turned into an incredibly entertaining game. Both teams moved the ball effectively all night. A 97 yard TD pass from Aaron Desmairais to Phil Miller highlighted the first half. It was typical of the big plays produced by the Bison offense all year.

Buffalo overcame a small third quarter deficit and held a TD lead with two and a half minutes left. The offense faced third and twenty. Most teams run the ball to milk the clock. But this play call was a pass, and Desmairais threw deep for Miller. Miller leapt and came down with the ball. The crowd erupted as he went into the end zone. It was a fitting conclusion to a memorable game -- a most enjoyable moment, because it does not happen often.

The team would lose to Osseo the next week in a tightly contested game. However, no one can doubt this was a team of overachievers. Their efforts should not be soon forgotten.

The Bison soccer team has had rough beginnings, though The team remains positive. Coach Reid Gaily has high expectations for the team and naturally he expects them to continue winning more games.
He is working on strength in finesse and class, and feels that the players work well together.
"These guys are probably the roughest group of guys I've had," said Gaily. This says that Gaily is not afraid of playing a rough game of soccer. Although the games will be played with good sportsmanship.
One of Gaily's biggest problems is that he just doesn't know where to put his players. They started with only a handful of high scorers, but the defensive line has improved tenfold.
The JV team has since welcomed Nara Lee, an exchange student from Germany, and looked to him to help out. The Bison soccer team is winning in the latter part of the season though.
Adam Schwitalla, a sophomore JV player, was out with an injured foot, but has returned to play, and varsity junior Chris Willette is out for the season with mononucleosis.
"We're going to miss these guys, they helped our team's speed and power. Our forwards have some pretty big shoes to fill," said junior Steve Runyon.
Seniors Mike Anderson, Brian Mass, Andre Hance, Travis Pobuda and Andy Siffert shared their feelings about this season and the varsity team. They say things just were not turning out how they should have. They agree that they seem to have had a lot of shots on goal, but until lately, they could not get anything to the back of the net.
During an offensive slump, the team decided to provide some incentive for the first players to break the drought. The first to score would receive five bucks. Sophomore Gumanza Ngandali got the money after the game against Totino. Things should keep looking up, hoping to win at sections.

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Senior Kevin Bormes put a stop to St. Francis' offensive attacks, but his attempts were futile as the Bison ended up losing to St. Francis 6-0.

The Bison Volleyball team walked all over St. Francis at home. Thanks to great performance turned by the in the offense and a defense that wouldn't let St. Francis breathe. The Bison crushed St. Francis 15-3, 15-5, and 15-3.

The Bison Swimming and Diving teams turned in a great performance on Thursday October 6, staying neck and neck with undefeated Monticello. Until being edged out 80-92 in a meet that came down to the wire.

The Bison football team manhandled Columbia Heights on Friday September 30. Thanks to an exceptional performance by the defense, the Bison won the third straight homecoming game in as many years. The score was 26-12.

Although the Bison soccer team has had a rough year so far they still haven't given up. The Bison team had an offensive explosion on October 4 with eight goals, while Jeremy Greenhagen and the defense shut down the Hylander's offensive attack, giving Greenhagen his first shutout of the season and improving their record to 4-7.

For the first time in a couple of years both the boys' and girls' cross-country teams have a legitimate chance to make it to state competition. All this is despite the fact that both teams only have half as many runners as they'd like.
Some people may wonder why someone would want to be on a cross-country team in the first place. People join cross-country for all different reasons - because they actually like to run, to get in shape for winter sports, because they are good runners, their siblings have run, or just because they want to be on a team. After people join, they stay on the team because it's fun.
The four captains of the cross-country team, seniors Joe Graybill, Brian Antil, Erin Buselmeier, and Katie MacDonald, all agreed that cross-country was fun. How can running in excess of five miles a day be fun?
As mentioned, some people really like to run. The fun comes from being out with a friend, viewing the scenery, and spending time goofing around when not running. A lot of fun comes from the coaches who try to make running fun. One example is Mud Bowl. One warm, rainy day last year, the team had a little contest. They ran to the golf course and back, getting as muddy as they possibly could (including bodyslides through wet grass). When they all got back, junior Nick Hahnke was judged the muddiest runner, he had mud everywhere, from head to toe, even his teeth and his tongue had mud on them.
Unlike other sports, in cross-country there is no bench, and everyone makes the team. Everyone gets to compete. "To compete, you don't have to be the number one runner," said Graybill. "Every runner helps the team's score."
Team scoring works like this: if the team has a first place finisher, the team gets one point, a second place finisher gives the team two points, and so on. The team with the least points, out of the first five runners, wins.
"Cross-country is much more than a physical sport," said Buselmeier. "It also takes willpower."

The 1994 girls' tennis season can be described by any number of coaching cliches such as "rebuilding year", "young team", and "starting over". There is some truth in all of them, but none tells the complete story.
Returning seniors and co-captains Ami Miller and Missy Koles are competitive enough on the court to trade volleys and smashes with anyone. Kirstin Berquist is playing her second year of varsity singles and through the first half of the season has been scrapping with the best at the number one position.
"Improvement" is the word for the year, and many players (all of them actually) are returning with much improved games. As the season progresses, my main goal is for improvement from match to match. Amy Fingelson, another senior, holds down the number two singles spot and has played some exciting matches. Junior Alicia Bader and sophomore Carrie Bahneman are playing together at number two doubles. Freshmen Amy Erickson, Tasha Topel, and Andrea Fingalson, along with juniors Stacy Sueker and Erica Henry have been a pleasant surprise this season by playing solid tennis for the team, in spite of little competitive experience. The JV team has also been very successful and advantageous this year.

The Centennial Chiefs9 girls9 tennis team came to Buffalo looking for an easy win. They got was aslap in the face, losing six of the seven matches. After losing to Fridley and St. Francis, the Bison girls knew it was time to strike back, and they did so in style, smashing ace after ace and hitting all the right shots. In #1 doubles, senior co-captains Ami Miller and Missy Kolles demolished the Chiefs 6-0, 6-1.

"It was a good chance for us to get our egos up, because we felt confident about the way we played," said Kolles. The #3 doubles partners, freshman Andrea Fingalson and junior Stacey Sueker also won big at 6-3, 6-2. Despite fantastic play by all three doubles groups, the highlight of the match was a singles9 sweep: all four singles matches were Bison wins. #1 freshman Kirsten Berquist won easily 6-3, 6-0; #2 Senior Amy Fingalson triumphed 6-3, 6-4; #3 freshman Amy Erickson won 6-4, 6-3; and #4 freshman Tasha Topal won aclose 7-5, 6-2.

In conversation with the Wright County Journal-Press, Coach Keifenheim expressed his joy at the win, adding that Centennial9s lack of experience was a contribting factor in the victory over Centennial.

The team finished out their conference season with a 3-4 loss against Monticello.

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Buffalo's #1 doubles pair, Missy Kolles (left) and Ami Miller (right), won 7-6 ina 10-8 tiebreaker and 6-2 over a Prior Lake duo last Monday.

The 1994 varsity volleyball team has a winning attitude to keep their own morale up, as well as that of their fans.

There are only three seniors on this year9s varsity team. The rest of the team is composed of five juniors, a sophomore and an eighth grader. Lisa Axel, an eighth grader at BJHS, did not only make the varsity volleyball team this year, but she's also one of the starters on the team. "[Lisa] works really hard and makes a great contribution to the team. it9s fun to play with her," said junior Noelle Nadeau.

One of the main things the team does is have fun. It keeps their attitude positive. "It all comes down to attitude," said sophomore Tammy Wermager.

Whilethe team9saverage height is about three inches less than most other team9s, a winning attitude is an important key aspect contributing to successful; how well the team competes and performs.

"I9m sure that there are teams that think they9re going to get an easy win off of us because we9re a small and fairly young team," said junior Jaime Kettenacker, "but they have another thing coming."

The team9s attitude comes across not only to themselves and their opponents, but to the fans who watch their games, as well. "When the players get into it, I get into it," said junior Katie Balk. "Before I realize it, I9m sitting on the edge of the bleacher, holding my breath, and waiting for them to put the ball down."

The team shows its ability not only in skill, but in spirit. Varsity players as wellas their fans are pleased with the results of this year's team's skills and spirit. "The team this year is really great. We all get along, and we9re all out there for the same reason; to do our best as a team, and play some awesome volleyball," said Wermager.

Joe Graybill, senior member, boys' cross country
"Joe was our number one runner last year and will be for the season." said coach Bakke.

Erin Buselmeier, senior member, girls' goss country
"Erin is a hard worker and determined to have her best season yet in cross country," said coach Bakke.

Justin LeClair, senior member, football
"Justin is a very hard worker, loves the game and has goals for himself through the season," said coach Rohl.

Ami Miller, senior member, tennis
"Ami is a hardworking leader, inspiring in her zeal for the game. an ideal player" said coach Keifenheim.

Bethany Lohmann, senior member,
"Though recently injured, she gives us leadership from the sideline," said coach Axel.

Brian Maas, seniormember, soccer
"Brian excells in academics and athletics. He is a positive, exceptional worker." said coach Gaily.

Alisa Gartner, junior member, swimming
"Alisabroke pool and school records by 3 seconds.She qualiifies for the state meet." said coach Stevens.

Becky Steen, sophomore, member, diving
"Becky broke the school record of 6 dives at 181.30 and qualifies for sections." said coach Gneree.

I'm sure that when I mention Milk Money you probably cringe. You're probably saying "Oh, that one." If so you're not the first to have said that. The critics did not like this one at all. But, hey, what do the critics know? When have the critics ever actually seen something they liked? These guys have forgotten how to have fun at the movies. They obviously didn't realize that Milk Money is a pretty good film.

When I saw the trailers, I thought that it looked like a pretty good movie, but I wasn't expecting too much. Boy, was I wrong. Milk Money was actually a touching story. I'm lucky I have such an open mind when it comes to seeing movies.

Yeah, it dealt with prostitution and sex ed, but it also dealt with the difficulties of single parent families. It also touched on the environmental issue. I related to what this young boy was going through because I have grown up without a father. I don't know how much different it would be to not have a mother. I do know that it must be difficult either way.

Of course, when I mention prostitution, you probably think nudity. But this was not the case. Milk Money was fairly clean. There was no nudity, no sex, a little kissing and virtually none, if any swearing. It still isn't the typical family movie, not unless parents plan on going home and answering a lot of questions. You may think that Milk Money is an immoral movie because prostitution is immoral. Remember that nobody seemed to think prostitution was an immoral act when Pretty Woman came out. If people thought it was so bad then it wouldn't have done so well in theaters. It is one of the most popular and well liked film's of the 90's.

I have only two convictions about the movie. One was the villains. They were such weak characters. The first villain is a total nothing and so is the second. Both of these men are poor actors. The other was the car chase. It was so unrealistic. The boys were driving the car when it was perfectly possible for V (Melanie Griffith) to drive. The other problem that was the car fell apart as they were driving. Come on!

I really enjoyed Milk Money. I thought it was a very touching story with a little bit of action and good story line. I can't really say that this is a must see movie because everyone's opinion is different, but this one is highly recommended.

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Mr. Movies Top Ten Rentals
1. Jurassic Park
Starring Sam Neil and Laura Dern
2. The Crow
Starring Brandon Lee in his last film
3. Lightning Jack
Starring Paul Hogan
4. Schindler's List
Starring Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes
5. The Ref
Starring Dennis Leary
6. Blue Chips
Starring Nick Nolte
7. Mother's Boys
Starring Jamie Lee Curtis
8. Four Weddings and a Funeral
Starring Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant
9. 8 Seconds
Starring Luke Perry
10. Heaven and Earth
Starring Tommy Lee Jones

Just about anyone you talk to these days has seen Forrest Gump. At least they have heard about it. I mean, geez, they advertise enough for it. This movie was so hyped up that I think that it had an influence on what people thought about it.

In one of the many commercials that I saw for this film; the entire commercial was what other critics said. One of the words that flashed across the screen said epic. In my opinion, Gone with the Wind was an epic of which Forrest Gump pales in comparison. In another commercial, I saw after I had already seen the movie, I could have sworn I had just seen the movie again. But I shouldn't get off on tangents. The task at hand is whether Forrest Gump is worth seeing.

I'll say this much, don't see an evening show. Save half your money and go see it twice at a matinee. The first time I saw the Forrest Gump I was expecting it to be the best movie I had seen in a long time. Man was I disappointed.

Without the hype maybe it's just me, but when they hype a movie up so much you expect to have all your expectations fulfilled. That's true especially if everyone seems to agree that it's the best movie of recent years if not all time. After seeing this I thought that if Forrest Gump is the best movie that people have seen in a long time, people haven't seen much.

During the movie I felt as though I was sitting there looking at something, but wasn't seeing anything. One friend chewed me out for thinking that Forrest Gump wasn't really that great of a movie. Part of her reasoning for my distaste of the film was because she thought that I wasn't digging into the symbolism of the movie. I wasn't really understanding the true meaning of the film.

I went and saw it a second time. This time I only looked for the symbolism of the movie and had a little more appreciation for it. For example, the majority of the famous personalities Forrest met and the people who befriended him die including John Lennon, John F. Kennedy, his mother and his best friend Bubba died. It also seemed ironic that everyone thought since Forrest was so stupid he would never get anywhere in life. Everything ended up going his way by chance, like when he was running away from boys who were chasing him he ran straight through the football field during practice. He was running faster than the guys on the football team. Well the football coach saw this and Forrest ended up getting a football scholarship to Alabama State. He also ended up getting a college degree after five years.

His whole life was based upon chance and being in the right place at the right time, like when he was injured during the Vietnam war and someone taught him how to play ping-pong. He became so good he made it to the Olympics on the ping-pong team. This led to him making money by endorsing ping-pong paddles. It is ironic how a man, whom you would think would be doomed from birth by the treatment of other human beings, overcame all of these things, and became a great man. All this despite a slightly lower I.Q.

There are a few things about Forrest Gump that I dislike, but it was generally a good film. It was by no means the superb movie that everyone says it was.

In wake of Tom Clancy's latest movie, Clear and Present Danger, I decided to check out his latest book, Without Remorse. The plot involves a C.I.A. character, the military and some international problems. This is his typical novel -- 750 pages of boredom, military violence, sex and distorted story lines.

The hero, John Kelley, is a twenty-eight year old ex-SEAL, who's widowed by his pregnant wife. He falls in love with a hooker, leader of a Vietnam rescue mission that went wrong. He became a vigilante do-gooder, taking the law into his own hands, after his lover's ex-pimp kidnapped and murdered her. The book could have been three hundred pages shorter and still had a story line on any one of its four topics. The mixing of all the topics is unbelievable and confusing. One might think Clancy was writing the book for quantity, not quality.

John Kelly becomes C.I.A. agent Mr. Clark, his alias. Bland names, bland places, bland plots. Nonetheless, Clancy does deserve credit for the Vietnam raid and inner-city vigilante missions in the story line. The unique, well-described scenes were incredibly exciting, while other parts dragged on for a few hundred too many pages.

I have neutral feelings on Without Remorse. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. The book had some good passages, but most of the novel was linked by boring, confusing and almost meaningless story lines. I'm glad I didn't spend my money and buy the hardcover.