The Bison Stampede – January 15, 1999

Features
The effects of the Y2K bug pages 6-7

Sports
Record breaking season for Vikings page 9

People/Ent.
Musician Spotlight page 11.

Menacing Macs. Now the school is getting more computers, but they are not going to be Macs. Buffalo has received $15,000 grant from U.S. West Technology.

Cooper applied for the grant in May. It was until November that she was notified that the school was awarded the grant.

"We were really excited," said Cooper. "We could easily use 100 more computers."

Only 65 grants were given out of the hundreds that applied.

"We did very well [in receiving a grant]," said Cooper.

The grant is project based, meaning the majority of the $15,000 will go toward computers, program projects, software and supplies for the computers will also be taken out of the $15,000. In addition, four people will go to a four-day workshop in Denver.

Applications were taken from students in computer classes. Of the fourteen applicants, their grade point average, attendance in school and goals for a future in technology were taken into account during the selection process. Ms. Cooper, Andrew Larson, Nicole Aeshliman who is a student from the alternative learning school and Janice Rassett are going to Denver.

"I turned in an application," said Larson. "I wondered why I was picked, and I'm excited to go."

February 7-10, they will be at the Marriott in Denver for the workshops. One of the students that was chosen to go to Denver is sophomore Andrew Larson. One day will be committed to web page creation and design. They will also be working on Internet and searching techniques, workstation configuration, server testing, network security issues and network connections.

The school has applied for a grant for the teachers. That included four laptop computers for teachers' use only.

This grant is supporting new means to the computer program, allowing students to participate in community outreach, and families will be able to come into the computer labs and learn about the Internet.

This grant is supporting $15,000 will be used for new means to the computer program, allowing students to participate in community outreach, and families will be able to come into the computer labs and learn about the Internet.

As the crew sits in a circle, paging through the script, everyone participates by making suggestions on what parts could be cut to squeeze a two act play into a one act play of 35 minutes or less.

"Check out page 11. Could we cut the third line in the first paragraph?" said one performer.

"Yeah, that looks good! Great suggestion," replied another.

Sophomore English teacher, Mrs. Tracy Hagstrom-Dahl (H-D) is co-directing this year's competitive one-act play along with Mr. Josh Metcalf, a St. Michael teacher.

Strict rules say the play must be performed in 35 minutes. A cast of 20 students goes to different towns, competing by acting out different plays.

"The hardest part of it all is picking out a good script that is no longer than 35 minutes long and picking out the right group of kids," said Mrs. Hagstrom-Dahl.

After school, the cast and crew stream into "H-D's room," laughing, talking and joking around. Watching them play games and crack jokes about one another makes people wonder if Mrs. Hagstrom-Dahl could have found a livelier yet devoted group of students.

"The best thing about it is the combination of theater and competition," said junior Anna Quady.

The play this year is a combination of a serious yet comedic play called, The Boys Next Door. It is about four adult men who are developmentally challenged and faced with everyday struggles.

"It is challenging because it is crucial to portray these people with a lot of respect so people don't get the wrong impression," said Mrs. Hagstrom-Dahl.

According to the rules, the maximum number of people allowed on stage is twenty including the set crew and all the backstage people. Seniors Casey McCallum, John Peterson, and sophomore Tristan Wright play the four main developmentally challenged men. Junior Mitch Mattson, plays the caretaker of the four and the others who play varied roles are juniors Rachel Kaster, Anna Quady, Nick Schaefer, Rebekah Birkeland and sophomore Elizabeth Lostetter.

"What I like best about the whole thing is all of the company of the others and friendly faces that I get to see everyday," said senior John Peterson.

This year Mrs. Hagstrom-Dahl and Mr. Metcalf picked out a two-act play, creating the different task of cutting one whole act, without cutting the major themes about the personalities of the characters and just how badly the challenged men are treated.

"Kids who know me know that I love this kind of play that makes a statement or teaches a lesson about life," said Mrs. Hagstrom-Dahl.

At the Renaissance Celebration students got to see a variety of clothes, food, activities and entertainment.

Administrators are rapidly beginning the search for candidates for the police resource officer (PRO). In February, BHS students will experience a guidance and teaching of a PRO.

"We want the PRO to be here in a helpful way, not looking for trouble," said Principal Mr. Nick Miller. While on duty, the officer will be wearing either a uniform or a suit, depending on the day's agenda. Whether in uniform or not, the PRO will carry a gun.

"It is not necessary for the PRO to wear a gun because I don't think that there will ever be a problem that bad," said freshman Brody Clarke. Making the parking lot safer and secure is one goal for the PRO.

"About the parking lot issue the PRO will analyze traffic patterns and if necessary will modify roads or place signs," said Miller. Not only the staff feels that assistant is needed in the parking lot, but students also have a say.

"I think it is a good idea for the officer to work in the parking lot because it is hard to park my nine passenger station wagon every morning," said senior Rusty Kath. A $34,000 grant will allow the school to pay the officer for two years. After two years, decisions will be made if the PRO is still needed. The school could then apply for another grant.

"The $34,000 grant was signed exclusively for the high school, but the PRO, if needed, could visit other schools in the district," said Miller. The PRO will work very flexible hours allowing him/her to come in at noon and then supervises sporting events in the evening. The administrators want the PRO to work well with kids, have good human relations skills, and have fun with the job.

"I want the students to see this in a positive way, not a negative way," said Miller. The officer may also be available for guest speaking in classes such as American experience, AP government, health, psychology, and horizons. If students have any concerns or problems, the PRO will be available to do that as well.

"I feel that it will be a great opportunity to have a police officer to be at our school all the times so whenever a problem occurs, it will be dealt with right away," said Miller. St. Michael, St. Francis and several other area schools with an officer in their schools, but some students aren't convinced that it is necessary here.

"I feel that there is not enough problems in our school for a police officer to come," said junior Dave Macalena. "The discipline system that we have right now keeps kids in line."

Even though problems are not occurring, the principals feel the PRO will help the school in many positive ways.

"I believe that it is better to bring someone like this to our school when things are at its best," said Miller.

Martin Luther King Day
Monday, January 18 is marking day for the teachers but it is also Martin Luther King Day. It is a day to remember him and all he went through for his people. To honor him, school will not be in session.

Writing test for sophomores
Sophomores are required to take the writing and composition graduation standard test on Wednesday, January 20. The test will be held during 1st block and may go into 2nd block.

NHS Snow Days
National Honor Society is holding Snow Days during the week of January 25-30. The winter celebration will include dress up days, AAA activities, and conclude with a semi-formal dance.

Super Bowl on the 31st
The Super Bowl will be held on Sunday, January 31. The Vikings' game against the Atlanta Falcons will determine whether the Vikings will go to Miami.

"I would divorce him, take all his money, and leave him to rot in his self pity." -Senior Kari Jensen

"Personally, I don't think I could trust Bill anymore. He's been deceptive about everything he's said so far. I don't know if I could believe him anymore, about how many different women he's had." -Junior Dave Macalena

"I'd leave him, take all the money and take his dog, but leave his cat because he needs a companion." -Sophomore Carly West

"I would get out of the marriage right now and try to embarrass him because he embarrassed me." -Freshman Erick Peterson

"She should have encouraged Bill to resign so that they could have put 100% of their time into 'healing' their family." -Art teacher Mr. Jon Holtz

People across the world have experienced the struggles of waking up in the morning squinting to see what time it is and then trying to find their glasses as they stumble and fall on the floor. Anyone who wears glasses or contacts has experienced this anxiety every morning and night. Wouldn't everyone just want to wake up and get on with the morning without hassling with anything?

With the miracle procedure called Corrective Eye Surgery. "Corrective Eye Surgery uses a laser to reshape the cornea of the eye to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism," said Optometrist Rodney Melgard OD. There are five different procedures, based on the patient's eyesight. No matter if the patient is near or far sighted, all of the procedures are similar. An incision is made around the cornea to different levels of vision.

"Before the surgery was approved they did experiments on rabbit corneas because they are so similar to the human cornea," said Melgard. The doctors that do this procedure put anesthesia "eye drops" in the patient's eyes to numb them. Then, while still alert and awake they fold back the corneal flap and reshape the corneal tissue of the eye in a matter of minutes. Immediately after the procedure, the vision may be blurry or very sensitive, so it should be protected with a shield. "For up to 3-4 weeks there could be glares or visual distortion, but that is the only really noticeable side affect," said Melgard.

Mrs. Marcia Paulsen just went through this procedure over Thanksgiving break and she says that it hasn't had one downfall yet. "I have had glasses since the second grade and I was just sick of it and had to do something about it," said Paulsen.

The healing process is very minor to the patient but it is crucial to the eye. The eye must be covered and the eye must have eye drops to control the pain, and prevent infection.

"There wasn't any major side affects for sometimes at night when I am driving the headlights on other cars can give me a starry or blurry effect," said Paulsen.

Even the students at BHS are complaining about the hassles they go through each day. "I am definitely going to have this surgery done right when I turn 18 and get enough money," said freshman Kelly Bodin. "Contacts probably costs more all added up in one lifetime than the surgery will cost getting it done once."

After the surgery about 90-95 percent of the patients don't need to depend on contacts or glasses. It sometimes isn't a perfect vision, but it is definitely a big jump. "Before the surgery my dominate eye (left eye) was 20/100 and they changed it totally to 20/20 vision, perfect," said Paulsen.

This surgery is $2000 an eye, but still it is not covered by insurance because insurance companies think that it is an elective and unnecessary, but this procedure as gone a long way, so who knows what can come next.

What's the answer to this punnish phrase? Some call an igloo a---- built for two. "BEEP" Icicle says team one, Correct. This is typical Knowledge Bowl question from one of their many meets.

The Knowledge Bowl team consists of about 25 members on varsity. The team is further divided into three smaller teams which have different programs to fit your needs and ours! They have different programs to fit your needs and ours!

Students have participated in Knowledge Bowl this year. Juniors Alyssa Bakke, Colleen Mullin, and Alan Zarracina wait for their team's turn to answer the question. "I want to win this year," said Bakke. "I've been playing a competitive game since last year," said Bakke. A good score on a recent test was as high as 45 or higher. The second round of the contest was more intense. The teams go into groups with their topic. The more competitive, the more students participate, said Bakke.

For many students, their first reaction to a PRO (Police Resource Officer) is "Why do we need one here?" Some people are against having an officer in school because they think our school is fine the way it is. We aren't a violent school and we don't have other troublesome issues except for occasional fights.

However, if you look at the facts, a PRO is a good idea.

The main function of a PRO will be backing up the principals while they are handling their usual problems. Some additional tasks assigned to the PRO include helping with school problems like drugs or other illegal activities and in the parking lot with the traffic, vandalism and theft.

One problem we do see with the PRO is that he/she will be carrying a gun. In a way, it gives us an uneasy feeling knowing that someone in the building will have a gun. Certainly if you think about it, there doesn't seem to be a situation where a gun is needed. So, why is it really necessary for the PRO to be carrying a gun? Something could go wrong. You never know if and when the gun will get into the wrong hands.

Certain jobs have certain privileges, though, and a vital piece of an officer's uniform is a gun. As a matter of fact, it is required for all police officers on duty to carry a gun, whether in uniform or not. However, the gun will only be visible when the PRO is in uniform. It won't be seen, though, when the officer is dressed out of uniform.

Upon closer examination, it might be a good idea to have a gun in order to protect the 1500 students and 200 employees. Obviously the school isn't really dangerous, but some might feel more secure knowing there is an armed PRO in the building. Having the gun makes the PRO seem more authoritative.

Gun or no gun, as students get to know the PRO, hopefully he/she will be less threatening. In the future, it will make more sense to have a PRO here because with the capacity of our school growing, it will keep our school safe. If nothing else, hopefully traffic will flow more smoothly and safely in the parking lot!

Overall, we believe the PRO will be a positive addition to our staff that will add insight to a more secure school.

We celebrate life through so many ceremonies; graduations, birthdays, anniversaries and religious rites of passage. But, how often do we think of funerals as a celebration of life?

Funerals bring a darker side to the realities of life and make us stop and think about how we live. As a death occurs, the most comforting part of the death sometimes is the funeral because it brings things to a close.

In December, I experienced a death in my family. And, for the first time it was someone I had actually talked to and known. It was my uncle. We weren't really close, but it was still a death to deal with. It was difficult watching other family members that were close to him grieve and mourn his death, and our mortal existence became a fact.

It's strange how at times of tragedy families come together even though they haven't seen each other or have had disagreements earlier. At the viewing the day before the funeral we all had to be there as a family an hour before it started. At the first glimpse of the casket, I wasn't sure what to do because I was too scared to get close to it. It was different seeing him just lying there, so peaceful, but the sight of him brought back memories of him alive and at a family gathering, cracking jokes and getting into political arguments. It just didn't seem real. I don't know if it had really hit everyone yet that he was gone.

I knew that I didn't have to be at the viewing that night. But, I didn't mind, I wanted to be there for my aunt, because I knew she needed her family to support her. And as I sat in the funeral home all night, I really had a lot of time to think. When you experience death first-hand, it really puts life into perspective and makes you realize the fragility of it.

Before the funeral some people ushered all the family into a small room for us to meet with the pastor. Just standing there was hard enough because, there was my whole family, brought together by this death. The funeral brought finality to the death. Reality was really setting in and there was no way to fight it. During the funeral it was hard to sit there and not think about the day that I would lose more of these people.

Belief in an afterlife can comfort those who believe in it. For most people at the funeral they knew that all of my uncle's pain and suffering were over and that he was in a better place.

Death brings so many questions, and at times is so hard for people to understand. Funerals are the celebration of their life to remember everything about them. The initial impact of the death is hard to believe and understand. The main reason that I wrote this was for the sake of realizing what an impact funerals have on a family. Death isn't something that you plan for or have any control over, but it happens everyday. I think that it's so important to grasp the meaning of life and the actuality of it all and how short it really is.

Wham, bam, ah.= My leg was suddenly in excruciating pain. I tried to move it but it hurt too much. I looked down and from about the knee down, the bone was jutted out to the right of my left leg, so I went to the hospital (ambulance and all). Nurses took X-rays, I talked to a doctor, and then I finally got the verdict, my worst nightmare, it was broken. They had to operate.

I was scared, but the doctors were really nice about it and told me exactly what was going to happen. After surgery, when I woke up, I found out that my life was temporally changed and I'd have to walk with crutches. It just absolutely boggles my mind how nice or cruel people can be when you're disabled.

Maybe being on crutches doesn't seem to be that big of a deal to a lot of people. Many people walk with crutches. But after being laid up for a month, it felt good to get up off the couch. Anything and everything seemed better, but after that first week, I was eating those very words. I couldn't change what had happened, so my life would have to change.

For starters, going to school became harder because after a whole day of walking back and forth to class and having people bumping into me, and fighting my way through crowds, I'd be pooped. Having to go out of my way just to use the elevator began to get on my nerves, but I'm glad it was there. All that and some of the looks and people snickering behind my back got to be annoying. And asking people to get my lunch for me was hard to do, just because I'm a very independent person.

And as far as going shopping, well there's mixed feelings about it. Some of the places I went to I couldn't get around in very well, but it wasn't because of objects, it was because of people. I still can't believe how discourteous some people can be.

I was bumped into, knocked down, run over, and just had a horrible time all while I was shopping for Christmas presents for my family.

But I can't complain about everything, because not everything was bad. At school some people would offer to carry my books, open a door for me, or just ask me how I was doing. Going shopping wasn't always bad either, people got doors for me, got out of my way, and apologized if they bumped into me. I really appreciated those people because of the good deeds they did, and as far as the others go maybe some day they'll change, and not have to go through the whole ordeal that I went through.

Two years ago, BHS students came to school on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. For some students, this meant just an extra day of school, but for others, it had racial discrimination written all over it. With parents and students demanding to know why school was held on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the only reasonable answer coming our way was: students don't take this holiday seriously enough. And we don't.

How many of you can say that on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, you have actually taken the day and spent it in honor of perhaps one of the greatest speakers in U.S. history? There is a big lack of response and publicity to this holiday, and because of this, many people see it as something for only African-Americans to celebrate. Therefore it is not emphasized in schools such as ours that is not racially diverse.

In 1990, the District 877 School Board voted to have Martin Luther King, Jr. Day designated as a student holiday and a teacher workshop day. In 1991, BHS students had the holiday off for the first time since 1987, the year the day was named for King. This year, students have the day off, but BHS teachers still have to work. It doesn't make sense that this should happen, though, since this holiday is meant to be observed by all Americans, of all races. Is it really meaningful for school to be canceled for students to observe a national holiday when others don't have the same privilege?

Some students may not be aware of what January 18, 1999 is. For many, it may just be a day to sleep in and lounge around in pajamas all day. But we need to remember that in 1969, a great man was killed for helping to lead our country to what it is today: a free country for people of all races. We have a day to acknowledge him, we need to use it to show that we have accepted all people as equals; that no one person or persons of a color are better than any other person or persons of another color.

"There's going to be a lot of riots in the year 2000. People are going crazy because it is the new millennium." - Freshman Steve Hules

"The computers will go wack-o because they don't have a solution so they won't in a year." - Sophomore Sonia Brummer

As millions of people jam into Times Square in New York City to watch the ball drop on the eve of 2000, everything goes black. Only the light of the fireworks sees the terror in the eyes of the people. There are screams and the rioting and looting begins. Millions of people die within a few weeks, some from lack of heat and most from the accidental nuclear war started in Russia. The readied few are overwhelmed by the large number of people haven't prepared. And civilization as we know it comes to a halt.

A machinist is working late on December 31, 1999. At midnight the gentle whurr of the machines go silent and the man's heart drops. All of his financial records have been lost and he has been erased from the government's system. He is broke. He hears a shout of exultation from the next room, his co-worker's records have also been erased. He is free from debt. On New Year's Eve, 1999, the world will be waiting to see what will happen. Will all remain normal when the clock strikes midnight? Or will computers crash, power go out, and the world basically shut down?

Or quite possibly, it's just too unpredictable to know what will happen until the year 2000 arrives.

"This is the only huge problem we have warning to. It's like God saying here's your warning, you can prepare for it, but if not, you may suffer," said Mandy Johnson, BHS student.

Their Christian faith has a lot to do with why Johnson's family is moving to Missouri. So does the Y2K computer bug. "I think it's going to be really bad," said Johnson.

While the Johnsons fictive that they will find themselves without electricity in the year 2000, how long the outage lasts will vary from person to person. Her mother thinks it may last a month or so, while her father believes the problems may take longer to be solved, maybe several years.

The Johnsons are preparing in anticipation of major problems in the year 2000, caused by the notorious Y2K computer bug. They are selling a house and moving to Missouri and a place with more electricity. They want to have enough supplies stored for several months, including generators, hunting supplies, and hundreds of pounds of food that has already been ordered.

Most of their money is being withdrawn from banks and some is being used to stock up on gold coins. In 2000, the stock market may crash causing the price of gold to go very high. Mandy is getting her school records and credits on paper, along with her birth certificate and other documents. This way if any of her records are lost she will be able to prove who she is and what she has accomplished. This decision was made about a year ago after careful thought and consideration.

"We're not just basing this on information out there," said Johnson. "In the Bible it says how we should prepare."

The Johnsons are hoping to make the move down to Missouri this summer, while Mandy is hoping to stay in Minnesota for the first semester of college next year before computer languages still exist in a readable format.

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"The year 2000 problems are practically unpredictable. Computers can of course be 'tested' for Y2K compliance, and some can even be fixed, but the major problems lie with 'embedded chips.' Embedded chips have the computer code 'burned' right on them. Therefore, they must be replaced. According to CBN 8 News, of the estimated 25-40 billion..."

"1989- Bangladesh Refugee problems.
"1990- Gulf War broke out August 2.
"1991- January 17 Desert Storm began.
"1992- William Clinton was elected President.
"1993- The World Trade Center in New York was bombed.

Some of the systems that may be affected are food services, where students punch chips that need to be detected in their account numbers., the payroll and purchasing systems. Also heating, air conditioning, voice mail, and student administrations to name a few, may have to be replaced, including the chemistry rooms.

With computers at school, it is important to be prepared for Year 2000 computer-related emergency. There is no organization that has been hooked into the network. Thirty-two computers are completely compliant and the rest will either need to have their software updated by the year 2000 or they are not going to be able to be fixed.

To begin getting ready O'Riley suggested purchasing some form of heat (kerosene or propane heaters or wood stoves). People might also want to have water and food on hand. Canned and freeze-dried food are the most practical for storage. As far as generators go, people should ask themselves what they need electricity for. If it's for TVs and lights, their money is probably better spent elsewhere. Financially, O'Riley suggested paying off as many bills as possible and getting hard copies of financial records. And for those who may call this kind of planning extreme, O'Riley says better safe than sorry.

What do you think is going to happen when we hit the year 2000?

"I don't think there will be a year 2000. Everybody's expecting the world to end in 2000 and all these cults will be planning mass suicides. We're talking a national emergency here," said O'Riley. "An international emergency. There is no organization that can handle that. So we have to stop expecting somebody to come and fix it for us, or to do it for us. It's not going to happen."

"I don't think people realize how dependent they've become on ATMs, credit cards, computers in your cars, but I don't think there will be any catastrophes," said Cooper. "I see inconveniences."

"I think the end of 1999 is going to be more of a problem than the year 2000. People will stockpile food in their basements, so there will be a shortage and banks will run out of cash because people will be making large withdrawals."

- Junior Rachel Eggersgluss
- Senior Jamie Marschel

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Editor's note: The names of the Johnson family have been changed to protect their identity.

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Cooper, technology specialist at BHS, said that there really won't be any. And most potential Y2K problems, including some: [text truncated in source] ... But he warned, older machines may not be able to be fixed.

We, as a district, put together a Y2K policy stating who is responsible for what. According to Cooper, technology specialist at BHS, only 1-2 percent of 25 billion Y2K problems. But 2 percent of 25 billion is 500 million.

Paloma O'Riley, co-founder of Cassandra project and expert in being prepared for Year 2000 computer-related disruptions, told CBN news that people need to start preparing now.

"I would suggest purchasing some form of software [that you can use to test your computer]," said Cooper.

*1994- In June "The Bronco chase" with O. J. Simpson occurred.
*1995- Oklahoma City bombing occurred.
*1996- The Olympic Park bombing took everyone by surprise.
*1997- Princess Diana was killed in a car accident.
*1998- President Clinton was voted to be impeached.
*1999- The end of the millennium!!!

As the team anticipates the start of the game, #15 waits patiently on the bench for her name to be announced. She is feeling apprehensive, but concentrating on her roll, both defensively and offensively.

Averaging seven points and playing nearly twenty-five minutes in every game is freshman, Katy Meyer. Meyer began her freshman year starting each game as point guard for the girls varsity basketball team.

Playing with older experienced girls is common for Meyer.

"In fourth grade I was playing basketball with fifth and sixth graders," said Meyer. "I practiced a lot and was a good ball handler. I was short so I could steal the ball easily."

Prior to BHS, Katy attended school at Salem Lutheran School and played for both Salem and Buffalo schools.

"It was hard going to Salem School and playing for Buffalo," said Meyer. "It was two different teams. Sometimes I would have practices on the same night and I would usually be late for one of them. It was difficult because there were so many different plays that I would have to keep track of for both teams."

Ever since Meyer received her first basketball at the age of two, she has been dribbling and shooting the ball. When it came time to play competitively, she had some reservations.

"I almost didn't start playing basketball," said Meyer. "I was scared to play in front of all those people watching me."

Encouragement by her parents and older cousins has helped her focus on her favorite sport.

"My mother and father believed in me and told me to be the best that I could be," said Meyer. "Also, Britt and Angela Meyer inspired me to keep the Meyer tradition of playing basketball alive."

It was "a dream come true" when Meyer learned she made the varsity team as a freshman. She was filled with emotions.

"I was so surprised, I couldn't believe it. I didn't think I was going to play on varsity," said Meyer. "I was so nervous my first game starting."

Her teammates are supportive of the youngest player on their team.

"The older girls are really nice and treat me very well," said Meyer. "They like to tease me a lot because I'm a freshman."

There are numerous changes in comparing basketball this year to her past experiences.

"This year there is a lot more competition and it's more challenging," said Meyer. "Most of the girls are taller than me."

Katy is devoted to her team and strives to maintain her starting position.

"Practices are tough. You have to work hard if you want to play in the game."

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Freshman star Katy Meyer (#15) pulls up for a jump shot during a recent game. Meyer has averaged seven points per game, and has started all this season.

An American hero. A cycling legend. A family man. A generous contributor. An auto racer. And a Minnesota resident. A hunter shot in the chest then going to race with pellets in his chest. What do all these people have in common one name and one name only Mr. Greg LeMond. Three time Tour de France winning cyclist talks about his past and what he is doing now with his life. Since his retirement in 1993 Mr. LeMond has been working promotions at bike shops for his own line of bikes.

"Since my retirement, I have been very busy doing charity bikerides and promotions and promotions at bike shops for my own bikes," said LeMond. "I have also done several speaking engagements, for example, last week I spoke at Stanford University to raise money for the Stanford Cycling Team. I have also done safety related public service announcements."

Although he has a very busy schedule, everyone needs a little time to themselves.

"I have many hobbies that I love to do. I love fly fishing, bird hunting, cross-country skiing, down-hill skiing, and in the past two years I have been auto racing," said LeMond. "I really enjoy reading, and keeping track of investments and the stock market, I also love movies."

When asked how a bike racer goes into auto racing, Mr. LeMond said "I just happened to go to car racing school and I like to drive fast so it was a pretty natural segue."

Racing since he was 14 years old and winning the first races he entered, most people are bound to miss the things they never got to do as a child.

"At that time I was an avid fly fisherman and a skier, so I pretty much stopped doing those things for quite awhile during my cycling career. I really didn't miss doing those things that much because I was passionate about cycling," said LeMond.

Excitement is one of the biggest part of any sport. If you're not excited or don't enjoy then what do you have?

"The most exciting part of bike racing is the racing itself," said LeMond. "The fact that you race over cobblestones, through the Pyrenees and the Alps, and the actual Tour de France. The international lifestyle isn't so bad either."

Training and getting in shape is another big part of any physical activity. There are all kinds of training that can be done for all types of sports. On the other hand cycling doesn't have many types of training. When asked if he did any other training besides cycling Mr. LeMond gave this response.

"No. Cycling at a world class level is unlike any other sport. There are very few sports that would be a good adaptation. Rollerblading or speed skating are the only sports that would be a good training vehicle."

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Answers his phone in "an english woman's voice"

The Minnesota Vikings are in the middle of a record-breaking year. A year that has posed so many numbers that they are hard to really keep track of. It all started with the smart signing of rookie receiver Randy Moss who was drafted out of Marshall University. The explosive rookie has, as he likes to say "ripped this league up." He had an amazing comeback from drug abuse to defensive back abuse. He leads all receivers in touchdowns scored and is in the top five in receiving yardage. There are many young players on the Minnesota squad this year but none with the talent of Randy Moss.

The Vikings, this year, have finally found what it takes to play at the level of the Broncos and Green Bay Packers. Players playing for the team instead for themselves is one reason that Minnesota is where they are.

I think that the Vikings have more offensive talent than any other NFL team and have shown it by their spectacular plays that have given new life to the meaning of the "deep ball." Also on the rise this year is the fan support. The Vikings games are always sold out and you can barely find a place to park next to the Metrodome.

The Vikings have a great offensive line that is made up of some of the best veteran players in all of football. They have finally found a quarterback that can finish the season without having to miss half of it. With the grilling of the Packers there are not many teams that can stand in the way of the Vikings and the one thing that matters to them more than the money and fame—the Super Bowl. This has been the season for watching football, it keeps getting more exciting with every game that is played and it's great to know that the Vikings are right there at the top.

Crunch... crunch. Their ski boots step onto the snow for the first time that day. Suddenly they feel the chill running through their body. Even the layers of clothing can't protect them from the subzero temperatures. Though crawling back into their warm bed in the hotel room is inviting, they choose another method of staying warm. Swish... swish. Soon all fourteen girls start their ten mile journey on skis.

The nordic ski team spent three days of their winter break in Biwabik, a small town in northern Minnesota.

"I was in search of snow because I had never skied before," said sophomore Sarah Dahl.

All of the meets in December were canceled due to the lack of snow, which left the team with more time to condition before actually getting on skis. A typical practice consisted of a five mile run on trails and weightlifting.

"The trip was a chance to get a lot of skiing in and get together as a group without any outside interference," said coach Tim Heisel.

During the trip, the team had to wait until it was a bearable temperature to begin their skiing for the day. Yet the conditions were ideal for focusing on technique and endurance.

"There were classical and skating trails that were perfectly groomed," said senior Molly Fiedler.

Races are either skating or classical, which are the two different styles of skiing. Skating consists of a motion similar to rollerblading with double-poling. Classical skiing means the skis are kept parallel, like a Nordic track.

While the more experienced skiers would complete 8-12 miles of skiing each day, the beginners struggled to learn the skating and classical techniques. Besides concerning themselves with staying warm and staying on their feet, they had to make sure they could find their way back to where they started.

"I thought I was the only one who didn't know which trail to take," said Dahl.

Most sports teams don't get a chance to spend three days straight with their team, most of which was in the middle of the endless trails in the woods.

"Spending every minute together on a three day trip really helped us get to know each other," said sophomore Jessie Donovan.

When the trip was over, the team could say they had finally done some real skiing, and the snow followed them to Buffalo.

Name: Jesse C
Grade: 12
Sports: Football, wrestling
College Plans: To wrestle or play football in college, but probably wrestle. Would like to go to Iowa and wrestle.
Greatest sports obstacle: A fracture in the neck two years in a row, and wasn't supposed to wrestle but healed great. Doctors said never be able to wrestle again.

Name: [Name illegible]
Grade: 12
Sport: Slalom skiing
College Plans: To study law and philosophy at university. Goals now are to graduate and to pass all those hard tests to get to the law university in my country.
Greatest inspiration: Father and friends, Father was inspiration and caretaker all the time through skiing. He also pays for the hobby!

Boys basketball
1/15-JV
1/18-V
1/20-JV
1/22-V

Girls basketball
1/15-JV
1/17-V
1/19-JV
1/21-V

Boys hockey
1/21-JV
1/23-V

Girls hockey
1/21-JV
1/23-V

Nordic skiing
1/19-JV
1/25-V
1/26-V
1/28-V

Slalom skiing
1/21-Race
1/22-Race
1/23-Race

Gymnastics
1/25-JV
1/26-V
1/27-V
1/28-V

Wrestling
1/15-JV
1/16-V
1/17-V
1/18-V

As the harsh tone of a phone awoke sophomore David Dixon from his sleep, the only thought going through his tired mind was "Who calls at this time in the morning?"

He dressed and made his way upstairs to get ready for another boring Friday at school. Little did he know, this day would be one—that would change his life forever.

A few seconds later, the nightmare began.

"I walked into the kitchen and saw my mom sitting at the table, looking out the window. I could see she was crying," Dixon said. "When I finally went and asked her what was wrong she said 'Dad was in an accident.'"

Those words would never leave his mind. His mother held out her arms and he gave her a hug. Through her tears she told him to hurry up and get ready so they could go find out what happened. With that, he returned to his room.

"I sat down to put on my shoes, and I started to cry," Dixon said. This was only the beginning of the emotional rollercoaster ahead.

After hours of phone calls and driving, David, his mom, and his little sister Sarah ended up in the emergency room at North Memorial Hospital where his dad was lying in a coma.

At around 6:00 a.m., Chris Dixon had been riding his motorcycle down Highway 12 in an area of road construction. Due to the uneven road, he lost control. He fell off and the motorcycle slid 105 feet before landing at the opposite side of the road. Because he was wearing a leather jacket, he only had a few bruises on his body, but because he wasn't wearing a helmet, he had a severe head injury.

"My mom said that if he had been wearing a helmet, he probably would have walked away from it," said Dixon, a look of sadness sweeping across his face, "but he doesn't like any kind of restraint."

The family waited by his side, weary and worried, for ten days before Chris came out of the coma. He didn't give much response to anything, but he was awake. This was enough to raise hopes just a little higher. But he remained at North Memorial for three months, going through four surgeries, physical, and speech therapy. His personality wasn't quite the same anymore. Therapy made him frustrated and violent. David could only watch his dad, feeling helpless and confused. Things he never thought he'd think about and fears he never thought he'd have suddenly became real. He knew his family's future depended on what happened next.

"The doctors said we shouldn't expect him to come too far out of it," Dixon said, "and they said they didn't know what the future would be like." The future turned out to be hard. After a while in the hospital, Chris started to become violent and ended up in a locked-up ward for fear of him hurting someone, which, every once in a while, he did. His children saw less of him and the family's everyday routine changed from simply busy to tiresome and hectic. They had taken for granted the simple things; eating dinner together, snowmobiling, and family vacations had never seemed as important as they do today.

The relationship Dixon had with his father may have been his greatest loss. Memories are treasured more now than they ever were; they are one thing that hasn't been lost.

"It makes life harder; everything's changed," Dixon said. "It makes me sad and a little mad I guess." He sat deep in thought, remembering the conversations they had while working in the garage. "He told me what I was doing wrong, even if it was the same way he was doing it," he recalled, a smile on his face. "Before the accident, we talked about guy stuff; stuff we didn't want mom to know. We'd talk about everything," said Dixon. "My dad was pretty cool."

That relationship may never be the same and the future may not look too good for the Dixons. But the family's courage and strength allows them to go on, living one day at a time. And now that the New Year has arrived, hope can be seen in the eyes of these survivors.

"Last year was pretty bad. I feel this one will be better," Dixon said. He realized things will never be easy. Focusing on what's really important helps him ease the pain. "I realize I might never get to do some of the things I did with my dad ever again," said Dixon, "but at least he's still alive."

Will the students like me? What does the faculty think of me so far? These are just a couple of questions a new teacher might ask themselves before the first day on the job.

Meet Mr. Tom Mroz. He is 23 years old and a new business and technology instructor at BHS. He was born in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. While he was in high school, he participated in track, basketball, and during his freshman and sophomore years he played baseball. After graduating from high school he moved away from Chicago and attended Winona State University where he pursued a major in business education. It was in college when he knew he wanted to be an educator.

"When I got to college, I found out I enjoyed working with others in education," Mroz said. "I have always enjoyed working with others."

He currently lives in Richfield and drives 38 miles to school every morning.

"I chose to live in Richfield because of the cheap rent," Mroz said. "I like being close to the city."

He has noticed some difference between life here and life in Chicago, and also between BHS and other high schools.

"Lifestyles are a lot more relaxed here—things aren't as fast paced," Mroz said. "Most schools are not as rich in the resources, such as technology. Buffalo students have technology right at their fingertips, and that's great. Take advantage of it."

Teaching may seem easy from a student's point of view, but it's tougher than it looks.

"My biggest challenge is getting to know all of the students. I accomplish this by spending one-on-one time with the students, going to co-curricular activities, and talking with them in the hallways," said Mroz.

Mr. Mroz has some goals he has set for himself while he is teaching.

"I want to provide kids with a safe learning environment. A place where the students feel comfortable and can express themselves and not feel threatened," Mroz said. "I want to give them [students] the abilities to succeed in their lives and become a functioning part of society."

All teachers have their likes and dislikes about teaching, and of course, pet peeves.

"My least favorite thing is correcting papers. My favorite thing is working with other students and seeing them learn. It's inspirational seeing someone learn something for the first time," Mroz said. "My biggest pet peeve is finding candy wrappers underneath the keyboards."

Outside of teaching, he enjoys listening to classic rock and bands like Credence Clearwater Revival, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Pink Floyd. He also likes watching his favorite professional sports teams, the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bulls. He even got to attend the inaugural Bulls game at the United Center (their new stadium).

"The atmosphere in there was just crazy and loud," Mroz said.

Having recently finished college himself, Mroz has advice to offer students who plan to go to college.

"Stay focused, you'll make it through your first year, and that's usually the hardest."

Patch Adams
Chad's rating (out of ten): 5

The story begins in a dark, depressing, mental hospital where Patch Adams (Robin Williams), a client, is seen helping other inmates get through the day. He is able to get through to the patients like no doctor can. Even though Patch himself seems pretty sane, he seems to understand what the patients are going through and in turn is able to help. Committing himself a while back for depression, he finally decides he is ready to leave after finding a niche. Helping others cope with their troubles with the use of laughter has given him a new reason to live.

After leaving the hospital, he goes off to medical school to pursue a career in changing the world. With the mind of a genius he is able to stay at the head of his class but without a serious bone in his body he is greeted with a lot of grief from his superiors. They believe that making people feel good without the use of medicine or surgery is unacceptable. They believe that prolonging someone's life is all that matters. Patch believes that quality is just as important as quantity and is out to prove it to the world. Realizing he can't do it alone, he meets a few losers on campus that are willing to stand by him through thick and thin and are also willing to hang out with a middle aged college student. He then falls in love with what could be his daughter.

Anyway, if I told you anymore, you would do one of two things: You would either hate me for spoiling a movie that you would have loved to see with your family, or you would thank me for finishing off the story of a movie that there was no chance you would see, anyway.

On a scale of 1 to 10 I give this one a 5. I gave it a 5 before even saw it because of the PG-13 rating. I admit, some PG-13 movies are O.K. but they lack the graphic nature and realism that the R rating allows. Despite the average rating of 5 for the movie, my favorite aspect of the film was how seriousness was looked at as being totally boring, and how the not-so-serious hero was just as smart or even smarter than all who opposed him.

Sleepless In Seattle, I mean, You've Got Mail
Chad's rating (out of ten): 9

If you liked Sleepless In Seattle, you'll agree, and if you're a girl you'll love You've Got Mail. I'm sorry if I come off being a little sexist but really, when was the last time you heard a guy say, "Oh, my, gosh, if Sleepless in Seattle were any more romantic I would have thrilled myself to the point of no return." Or, "I can't wait till Sleepless in Seattle comes out on video. Holy Chipmunks, what am I waiting for?"

I unfortunately had to go see You've Got Mail by myself because a date would make me insecure and my mother's policy doesn't allow me to start dating until I'm 35. I had no excuses. It was I who wanted to see it. Not my girlfriend or my family. I suppose I could have told everybody who beat me up after the movie that I was doing a movie review. To not get beaten, I could have made my sister pretend she's my girlfriend. I did that once. All the comments like, "you two make a perfect couple," and "when can we be expecting children," made me want to puke and die.

While watching the movie, my mind started to wander. "How could this movie get any worse?" Then I thought, "how could this movie get any better?" Some ideas began popping into my head. "If the movie was called You've Got Hate Mail and it had the Uni-bomber as the lead instead of Tom Hanks, I would be enjoying this movie a heck of a lot more. "Pop quiz shopgirl, what's black and white and read all over?" "Ooh, I don't know, uh, The Bison Stampede?" "Ha ha, yeah right, you're pathetic!" "So am I right?" "Oh my goodness shopgirl, I was going to spare your pathetic life, but now for asking if your answer was right after I clearly stated how pathetic you were for giving me the wrong answer, I have no choice but to put you out of your stupid misery." "Hello?" "kaboom," said the Uni-bomber.

After the movie was over, I had no grasp on what just went on in the movie theater. I had once again wasted my money on box office poison. Even though I had lost my $3.00 in a movie gamble, I still got the information I needed to warn others that there are better movies out there.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this movie a 9 for giving me a darn good story to write for the newspaper.

Molly Fiedler is truly a multi-talented musician, as she plays five instruments. (Tenor sax, percussion, piano, clarinet, and the guitar!) Her many musical activities include pit orchestra, community orchestra, jazz band, Tri-M and many more. Congratulations Molly!

Todd and Jason Boonstra, with Jason on trombone and Todd on trumpet, the two have been in an endless list of musical activities and love doing them. Todd points out that a person can enjoy music without making a career out of it while Jason feels that there aren't limits to ways a person can excel.

Interesting story: Once in sixth grade the two were practicing and began hitting each other with their instruments when they couldn't hear themselves play. Fortunately, Mr. Soden, and Mr. Walsh nominated a total of eight people for this spotlight. The nominees were voted on by the Bison Stampede staff and the above were chosen. Look for new spotlight musicians in the next issue.

---
Interesting story: If the Bison Band teacher Mr. Stampede has an athlete spotlight, we should have a musician spotlight as well.

As pairs or groups work on their scenes, the rest of the class watches and makes mental notes on what the pair or group could work on. Students that have taken Stage Acting One liked the class so much that they took Stage Acting Two.

English and Drama Teacher/Director Tracy Denny gives the whole class a topic to think about and that's what they base their play on. Stage Acting One was asked, "If there was one thing you could change in the world what would it be?" Then the groups work on a topic they want to act out. "It's like this is what we are, and what we hope to be," said Denny.

When working on the lines for their plays, the groups don't work out of books. It's all improvisational, meaning they make up their lines. Then each group ties into each other with the main subject.

Sophomore Tristan Wright works on his monologue for Stage Acting Two.

Now in Stage Acting Two, the story is a little different. The students study the Stanislovski Method. Which is analyzing human nature on a deep level. Students see new ways of looking at other students.

"By analyzing my characters in plays, I've become a better judge of other people," said senior Stephanie Hourscht. "I have a better outlook on what other peoples' personalities," said sophomore Tristan Wright.

The groups get up in front of the class and present what they have worked on that day. "The whole class gives input on how to make their part better," said Denny. "Sometimes they get stuck because they have exhausted all the ideas. They (the group) is more focused on the idea so much that they need outside help."

When it comes down to the day of the performance, everyone is nervous and excited at the same time. Getting to perform in front of their peers is always exciting. "Everyone is so proud of their work because it's their own," said Denny.

Teaching the class has rewards for the teacher as well. "Everyone is partially nervous the day of the performance and the enthusiasm is huge," said Denny. The same two classes will be offered next year for anybody who wants to take it. "It's a good idea to take this class because you get to experience new things," said junior Christina Bergin.

He's a former WWF heavyweight champion, radio talk show host, bar bouncer, actor, Navy S.E.A.L., and Vietnam veteran. He's a 47 year-old with a wardrobe that consists of feathered boas, wigs, and zebra-striped, spandex pants. This man is your governor.

Along with the inauguration of Jesse "The Body" Ventura comes the possibility of an uproar. Having a governor whose "Top 10 Campaign Slogans" on David Letterman include "Finally, a governor whose shorts glitter" (#4) and "A man in tights has nothing to hide" (#7) has the potential for both compliments and insults.

"He wasn't my vote," said English teacher Mrs. Karen Swenson, "but I'm more than willing to give him a chance. I might watch him more closely than the person I voted for. So, that might be good, you know?"

If nothing else, people may be able to get a laugh out of this whole ordeal. From now on, the usual shaking hands and kissing babies may be replaced with raised hands and teaching the babies how to body slam. "If he does all the things he says he's going to do, I think he will be a good governor," said sophomore Melissa Gudvangen. The majority of students questioned had the same positive opinion. This change, to them, is a good one. There were, however, a few people who weren't too sure that this will be a change for the better.

Since 1985, the Minnesota Post Secondary Enrollment Act has given 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to take college courses while enrolled in high school.

Mrs. Connie Wahlstrom, director of off campus sites for the North Hennepin Community College thinks that this is a privilege for high school students. She helps connect kids at BHS to North Hennepin.

"You have to know what you are getting into before you decide anything," said Wahlstrom, "Post Secondary is more intense."

Getting into Post Secondary isn't as easy as it seems. The student has to be in the top one-third of the class in 11th grade and the top one-half of the class in 12th grade. The tuition, fees and required textbooks are at no cost to students. Courses taken are used by the high schools to fulfill graduation requirements.

"You have to be very responsible and mature to handle the courses, and independence," said Wahlstrom.

Junior Evie Tomlinson wakes up every morning and gets ready to cruise down the freeway for her first morning class at North Hennepin. Tomlinson enjoys having the opportunity to get ahead.

"It is funny to me being a high schooler with all older kids because everyone thinks that I am older. When they find out that I am only sixteen, they are in total shock," said Tomlinson.

Harder classes, more responsibility, more driving and studying are some adjustments that go into Post Secondary, but there is one major difference that goes into it also.

"The biggest difference between Post Secondary and high school is definitely all the freedom. A lot of people skip classes every day and the teachers don't even know or care because they don't bother to take attendance, so they get away with it," said Tomlinson.

Mary Jo Stubstad, mother of Post Secondary student, Megan Stubstad, didn't know much about the program other than it was an option, and she didn't think anything else about it until her daughter was a part of it and then she had some mixed feelings.

"In the beginning I was very uneasy about the idea and I was not convinced that it was for her, but now I feel that it was an excellent choice for her and neither her nor I have any regrets," said Stubstad.

The biggest reason that students go to Post Secondary is that it is free and it is a chance to get ahead. What people might not know is that it is a shorter schooling years, but the same amount of work done. Because high school would be 2 or 3 years and then college would be a normal 4 years. So then people that go Post Secondary would only have 7 years of school other than a normal 8 years of school.

"Post Secondary is not for everyone, it is an individual decision that you must think through before you make your final decision to commit. You must be very punctual and responsible to have this awesome privilege of getting ahead," said Tomlinson.