The Bison Stampede – April 2001

News
Page 2

Perspectives
Page 3

Editorials
Pages 4-7

Features
Pages 8-10

People
Pages 11-13

Poetry Corner
Page 14

The community has recently suffered a great loss. We lost a wonderful teacher, adult, role model and parent. Some of the us are suffering more than others. A sophomore here at has lost his sole-surviving parent. Seth lost his mom years ago to a car crash as well. Ole was a recently retired 5th grade teacher. Grandchildren, one daughter and two sons survive him.

I recall many a day when I was a 5th grader walking into Mr. Olson's room to take my weekly spelling test. He was usually found with a smile on his face and cracking jokes. He rarely yelled at his students and was very patient with them as well. He worked very hard to prepare each of students for a bright and wonderful future. He expected a lot of them. His students also rose to meet those standards. It was sad to seem him retire. I felt bad for the children who were going to miss the opportunity to have him as a teacher. I was privileged enough as a 5th grader and older to call him Ole, due to a very good friendship. Whenever I saw Ole he had treats for my friend and I. He would bring us ice cream and chocolate all the time. Told us jokes and amused us with antidotes of his own children. I remember him as a warm, funny, caring guy as well as a dedicated teacher. He will be missed greatly.

I woke up that morning thinking that it was going to be just another day. Well, aside from the fact that my sister was on her way to Deep Portage in a few hours. I got to school early, and I got this strong feeling, you know the one that says, "something isn't right." I just pushed it aside and went on with my day.

I was pulled out during choir, and I thought I was in trouble or something. In the counselor's office I was informed there had been an accident. The first thought that came to mind was my dad and my sister on the bus to Deep Portage. But no, they were fine. It was my mom. She was in North Memorial and she was in critical condition. The counselor said, "I'd be lying if I told you I think she's going to make it."

Death is a strange thing. The possibility of it doesn't hit you all at once, it soaks in one piece at a time. I cried, even though, I didn't know she had died yet, but still. On my way to the hospital we passed by about four different benches with advertisements for funeral homes on them then I knew. My dad and sister called and I held my self together long enough to tell them she had passed way.

The driver of the other car had been asleep when he crossed over the centerline. It was a head-on collision. That should not have happened. Nothing like that should ever happen to anyone. We should not have to die. We should not have to grieve. We could use some better traffic control out by our school and in Rockford.

Immediately after some one dies, like a parent, child, husband or wife, everyone is there to support you. You hear the same phrase a hundred times a day, "Just call if you need anything." But, a week or two after the funeral, people stop calling and stopping by, one by one. Eventually you are left alone to pick up the pieces and move on. That's the hardest part.

Everyone loses his or her parents at some time, that's a fact. People take more pity on children when they are so young. I still have one parent though, for that I'm glad.

If a guy runs his hand down a girls' back or a girl grabs a guy's butt, it's sexual in nature, but when does it become inappropriate, when does it become unwanted?

Teens make gestures toward one another all the time, and anyone at anytime can be offended and decide to file.

Our school has a set of rules regarding sexual harassment, which you can get your hands on by asking Mr. Miller or Mr. Toso. The MSHSL Athletic Eligibility Information form outlines very clearly what is considered sexual harassment, and gives many examples as to what could be called sexual harassment.

But it doesn't end there; sexual harassment comes in many forms. How do you judge what is wrong and what is right?

"If the person feels uncomfortable with the way someone is touching them, then it's wrong, but if they're okay with it, then it's all right. You just have to keep it in respect," says freshman Rachel Sopkowiak.

Our school recognizes this and respects it by leaving the rule as: "If you report something that offended you or made you uncomfortable, it will be looked into, and it will be taken seriously."

Taken out of context, anything could be considered sexual harassment. But there are also those cases where people choose to keep it to themselves, and you have to wonder why?

Some students just don't understand clearly what the rules are, or they don't understand sexual harassment is against the law, and our school holds a zero tolerance policy against issues such as this.

Any person could have sexually harassed another person, or offend them, and not known it. Any person could have been sexually harassed and not known it.

There are fine lines when it comes to sexual harassment, and something could be happening to you everyday that you never thought about being anything more than an annoyance.

"It definitely happens more than it gets reported," says freshman Aaron Rasset.

If you are having any sort of problems with sexual harassment or harassment of any kind including hazing, talk to either Mr. Miller, Mr. Toso, or Annie Doughty, human rights officer.

Please think before you speak or act towards others; you never know what might offend them or put you in hot water.

SEX. The word that circles the teenage mind an average of once every seven seconds. Teachers use it to get our attention, advertisers use it to sell us things, and it's everywhere you look.

Even here, in the hallowed halls of Buffalo High School, sex is all over. No, very rarely do students actually go all the way here at school. Most couples are content to hug and hold hands. But that never lasts for long. The next thing you know the couple is engaged in some major face sucking and groping.

For the majority of us, these public displays of affection go too far. School is not anyone's private make-out spot. In fact, school is a public place. Our society has standards of behavior in public. These include no public nudity, no inappropriate language, or rude behavior. Part of being polite in public includes keeping your displays of affection to a minimum. I realize that we need to express our love for each other, but there are more appropriate ways to show you care than tongue wrestling in the halls.

SEX! See, that got your attention, didn't it! Don't get the idea that I'm some sort of nun or something! Affection is one of the best things in life. Love is the stuff of dreams and sappy pop songs. I hate to say it, but have a little respect! Common decency is all I want. My beef is with the people who need to stand in the middle of the hallway obliviously making out while I'm trying to get to my locker. I tried the classic "get a room" line. They didn't notice that either!

School should be first in our lives for now. Yes, put that special someone a very close second if you like, but don't let your relationship ruin your grades. When asked the capitol of China, "Jane" answered, "Ryan." That is too distracted! Be affectionate, But please don't take things too far!

Congratulations to the Knowledge Bowl team on making it to state!

Band Concert: the varsity and freshman bands, as well as Jazz 2 and 3 are performing a concert. May 10 at 7:30.

Showcase Concert May 18 at 7:30 in the PAC

Is anybody truly happy? Can a person live their lives without any flaws, living nothing but perfection? Through my eyes, the answer to both of these questions is no.

Yes, you may have moments of happiness in your life, but that's not the only feeling that you have. Your emotions change. You can experience great sadness, anger and hatred. Not every moment in your life is going to be perfect.

I bet you that every single one of the students that go to this school have been depressed at least once in their lives. The reasons for them being depressed can vary from getting bad grades, to breaking up with their boyfriend/girlfriend. For most of these people, what they are feeling is minor depression. They are sad about failing that English test they stayed up all night studying for or the fact that their boyfriend of four months broke up with them last night because it "wasn't working."

What about those who suffer from major depression? Sure, they go through the same minor depressive things. They fail tests; their boyfriends/girlfriend s break their hearts. These mishaps affect them greater, causing self-mutilation, thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, drug abuse and misuse, weight loss or gain, feelings of rejection and so on. You get the picture. There are usually more people out there who are struggling with the fact that they feel that their life is worthless and empty. Then there are out there trying to figure out how they failed that test.

When a person is going through these tough times, it is probably better for you, as a friend or family member to look at this person and notice that they are in pain. Be understanding, not judgmental. Treat them as if they are a fragile toy; don't bash them with things that will break them down even more. But also don't be afraid to talk about what they are feeling or going through. I'm sure that they will share with you what they want. If this person is a really important part of your life, you will try your best to make their lives happier which in turn will make you happier and will hopefully bring you and the other person's relationship closer.

If you yourself are going through difficult times, find a close and loving person who will comfort you and make you feel that your life on this planet does matter, that you are here for a reason. This person can then maybe help you to find some resources to which you can turn to. You can even help yourself. Call some hotlines-I'll provide you with a few- get some info. If you want to get help, you have to be willing to help yourself.

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Depression Resources

Web Sites
SAVE (Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education)- www.save.com
Having suicidal thoughts?-www.metanoia.org/suicide
National Institute of Mental Health- www.nimh.nih.gov
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- www.afsp.org

Hotlines
Information on brain illnesses and REACH support groups for family and friends: 1-800-862-1799
SAVE: 1-888-511-SAVE
National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-442-HOPE
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-827-7571
National Hope Line Network: 1-800-SUICIDE
Listening Ear Crisis Center: 1-800-854-9001

Books
When Nothing Matters Anymore- A Survival Guide For Depressed Teens by Ben Cobain
Suicide- The Forever Decision- For Those Thinking About Suicide and For Those Who Know,

Lindsey Gilbert as a clown in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip

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Freddy Clarke works with children in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip

What am I going to do? I have no idea where to take my date for dinner when we go out. Has this ever happened to you? Never fear, the Bison Stampede Restaurant Guide is here! We have collected many of the closest places you might want to take your date this spring. Here are some helpful hints for the next time you go out on a date.

George's In Buffalo
905 Hwy 25 S
Buffalo, MN 55313

Mill Creek Inn
891 County Rd. 35 W
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682 9936

Monte Club
8932 Fenning Ave. NE
Monticello, MN 55362
(763) 295-2211

River Inn
18611 Hwy. 25 NW
Monticello, MN 55362
(763) 263-2409

Russell's Of Course
25 Central Ave E
St Michael, MN 55376
(763) 497-2314

Mama G's
9705 County Road 101
Hamel, MN 55340
(763) 420-2588

Joe's Crab Shack
7951 Elm Creek Blvd N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 416-1367

Don Pablo's
7887 Elm Creek Blvd
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 416-6024

Olive Garden
12520 Elm Creek Blvd N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 420-9699

Outback Steakhouse
Maple Grove, MN

Famous Dave's
7825 Vinewood Ln
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 416-4600

TGI Friday's
4120 Berkshire Ln N
Plymouth, MN 55446
(763) 551-9383

Applebee's
Buffalo, MN 55313

What is the latest craze to hit children around the world? It is not Beanie Babies, Tickle Me Elmo or Pokemon. It's Harry Potter and it is taking the world by storm.

The enchanting novels have millions of children--and adults-- all around the world awestruck . Over 40,000 young boys tried out in the worldwide search for the role of Harry Potter in the upcoming movie.

"I have no idea what Harry Potter is," said freshman Liz Sandhoefner, "I just know that there are some books about him and a lot of little kids read them." But is that really true?

Jennifer Ongie, parent of a third grader said, "I can't wait until my son's bedtime when I get to read Harry Potter to him. It is a really exciting story and I get to the point where I just don't want to put it down."

The first three books in the Harry Potter series sold more than 30 million copies and the books have also been translated into 31 different languages. Harry Potter has spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List.

But not everyone is in love with Harry Potter . Many are against the magical, witchcraft, and wizardry side of Harry Potter. "The Harry Potter books are ... recruiting tools for witchcraft and the occult ," say the American Christian Group Freedom Village. Schools in over 17 different states have noted objections to the books or withdrew them from the library shelves. Children in the Santa Fe School District are not even allowed to check out the books without a parent signature. Richard Ownby, Superintendent of the District said, "This isn't censorship. We make the books available, we just require parent permission."

Harry Potter is just about people casting spells and learning to have an imagination. Harry Potter is a book the whole family can enjoy. There are many different sides to Harry Potter whether magical or adventurous. Instead of judging a book by its cover you should pick it up and give it a chance. You might surprise yourself .

Capricorn-
You will worry over lost money and quickly find it, with an unexpected bonus in your checkbook.
However you are not so lucky in love. A sudden event will cause you to lose trust in a loved one.
Lucky # is 4

Aquarius-
A new romance will begin. Enjoy the new love. You're gonna have plenty of money but you will be craving more. Lucky # 3
Expect tension involving money problems. You will find your mind wondering about what it would be like to live with or marry your sweetie. Lucky # 5

Aries-
An admirer of yours will be calling or coming to visit you without warning. You get an interesting surprise this month. Improved money conditions will come from a wise investment that finally pays off. Lucky # are 1

Taurus-
Don't waste a moment's thought on a "part time" love. Your money condition will improve when you find an unexpected bonus from somewhere. Lucky # 1

Gemini-
Financial problems will arise, but you will get by. Though your thoughts are stuck on one person, open your heart and you will find new possibilities. Lucky # 7

Cancer-
You're having a good month with money. You wallet is fat. Spend that extra money on some personal luxuries. An old flame will re-enter your life, be cautious. You are lucky# 9

Leo-
You are still carrying a flame, hoping to regain his or her love - don't be too optimistic though. You are soon going to receive money from an unexpected source. Lucky # 5

Virgo-
A powerful love affair will sweep you off your feet this month! You're will have money problems, pick up a few little odd jobs to make up for it and you'll get by. Lucky# 4

Libra-
Ruler of relationships, your feeling a little out of it this month, but your determination will smooth this over. Your cash flow is getting lower. You still have money to burn, just spend it wisely. Lucky # 4

Scorpio-
You're having problems coping with being separated from a loved one. You will be paid your dues, but still feel cheated. Lucky # 8

Sagittarius-
Someone will try to win over your heart, possibly a younger person. Money is stable but someone will forget to pay you. Lucky # 1

Imagine it is about 8:30 the lights go out. A strange music starts playing. Lights on the stage go on. Then you see four things on stage each looking more freakish than the next all jumping and running around as if they where on fire. What is this? Some weird circus? An alien world?

No it's Mudvayne tearing up the stage at the April 7th Disturbed concert at the Excel energy center. Opening with "Dig" this quartet of metal freaks knew how to throw the crowd into frenzy even without the experience of having their own tour. Opening with godhead they warmed up the crowd for Spineshank who tore the place apart and played like professionals. They told the audience to buy their c.d. at the concert, their local record store, or download it from Napster while you still can. Mudvayne followed making me want to jump around and get some energy out. Kud (the lead singer) would say a thing or two in between songs such as "Humanity is coming to an end, and I am here to help it on its way" which seemed really cool coming from a guy painted to look dead. When they were playing it was like an insane madness in the crowd with hundreds of people jumping around, hitting each other, and generally mashing. Then Disturbed hit the stage playing pretty much all the songs off their album "The Sickness" plus "God of the Mind" from "Return of the Rock 2". After announcing that they would be playing at Ozzfest 2001 on the second stage they played their own version of "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" and it sounded awesome to hear a new metal band playing a classic metal song by Black Sabbath. All in all the concert ruled and I would have to say that I got my moneys worth and would pay to see them again.

I am a typical teenager
And my adolescence slips away like time
I walk alone, headphones screaming into my ears
Quietly pondering my next lyric or rhyme
Music coursing my veins
Or so it may seem
It emphasizes my emotion
And makes me want to dream

Every day it's something new
But it's not always something good
Trying so hard to stay ahead
I'd change the world, if I could

The dark circles under my eyes
Are a metaphor for my strife
The soft spot of my heart
Is the gap in my life

Disoriented am I
As I move on every day
So quickly things can change now
In such an unorganized way

And as I wonder aimlessly
Through the halls
Thoughts slip through my aimless mind
I rub my eyes and think of yesterday
Of all the hopes I can never find

Faces all around me
Scattered lives and lost emotion
I am a typical teenager
And I slip away losing myself in the surrounding commotion

We're trying something new by featuring student authors and their poems here. If you would like to see your work here in a future issue, put your submissions into the box in the office or the one outside A102.

You light my dreams on fire
Your smile sends me out of this world
Tall and skinny, so serious one minute and giggling the next

You send me hope for tomorrow in the strangest ways—
A glimpse of peace of mind
A kind gesture
A cherry coke and a bagel
A hug so tight I can feel your heart next to mine

Love—something I thought I had banished from my heart
Then...

A smile, a dream come true,
premonitions hinted but I never believed until...
Love came and sat beside me
And smiled at me.