Why is everyone so homophobic? For those of you who don't know what homphobia is Webster's New World Dictionary defines it as "irrational hatred or fear of homosexuals or homosexuality." Which in common a homophobe is someone who is terror-stricken of someone who is gay.

Few people in our school admit to being gay or bisexual, and for that reason they are ostracized. I can't understand why everyone is terrified of those with different sexual preferences. The common reason I hear is "I don't want them coming on to me or touching me." What makes these people think that homosexuals are aggressive? Do they wear a giant sign on their foreheads that say, "I am gay therefore I will rub your leg or blow in your ear."

A lot of times I hear homophobes using religion as an excuse for their teasing, and taunting. "I don't like gay people, and I don't want them around me because the Bible says it's wrong." These people claim to be good Christians! Hello! The Bible also says not to judge others, and that's exactly what they're doing.

If the homophobes weren't so insecure about themselves they wouldn't feel they needed to make others feel bad about themselves too.

In conclusion, learn to be comfortable with yourself so others do not suffer.

Ever since the tragedy at Columbine High School, I have watched news shows all day. There's not much on television anymore besides programs disussing the deaths of the fourteen teenagers and one adult in Colorado. They are very informative but at the same time very ignorant. Of course the so-called "experts" and "specialists" try to analyze everything that went on to find out, "Why?" No one can go inside the minds of the two teenagers to see what they were thinking when they did what they did.

My biggest complaint in all that has went on is the warning signs that the news shows provide to help predict when something like the Columbine High School shooting is going to happen. No matter what the show you watch the warning signs are always the same. Wearing all black, listening to Marilyn Manson, interest in computers, playing violent video games, and my personal favorite... quietness. Yes, these are all the signs of a gun toting, bomb making killer.

Adults watch news shows all time, most of them do anyway. When they see the warning signs they feel fear towards the students in their school in which fit the description. Adults and teachers are supposed to be the people that we look up to, but how are we suposed to look up to someone who judges other people for what they wear? I know some teachers are reading this and saying, "I've never felt fear towards one of my students." I know that you don't but there are those who do. I have actually heard teachers comment on being afraid of a certain student because of what they wear. I understand that many of the school shootings have been done by people who fit the black wearing Goth description. But when you say that all teens who wear black are potential killers then that's just the same as saying that all people who wear cowboy boots are rednecks and that all Christians are like the ever popular Jerry Falwell.

Everyone needs to do is take a little advice from John Lennon when he said, "It doesn't matter how long my hair is or what color my skin is or whether I'm a woman or a man." I think when he said this the main meaning was that the outside of a person doesn't necessarily show what's on the inside.

Cheerleaders. They're the girls who sport short skirts, pony tails, and hair ribbons who attempt to get the crowd pepped up at ball games. They jump, yell, flip, and best of all, they wiggle their fingers. These girls work hard to remember routines and spend late practices trying to invent new ones, but the argument in our school today is whether or not cheerleading is actually a sport. There are many different opinions on the issue. Sophomore Miranda Whisman, who has been a cheerleader for most of her school career, stated, "I know cheerleading is a sport. When people tell me it's not I just say, 'I would like to see you try it.' Everyone is so judgmental about us."

The school's very own Spanish teacher, Ms. Barker, added, "Yes, cheerleading is a sport that requires training, practice, and discipline." Senior football player Jimmy Cline begged to differ. He said, "There is more time and effort put in 'traditional sports' such as football, baseball, and basketball than the so-called sport cheerleading. I do think the gymnastics part of cheerleading is a sport, but the sideline cheering is NOT!"

If you look up "sport" in the dictionary, you'd see "pastime that involves competition." Cheering does fall under past time, and cheerleaders do go on to compete, but some students still refuse to believe it's a sport.

Most of the students here, who have the bad opinions of cheerleaders are the ballplayers, whether it be football or basketball. Many athletes feel the cheerleaders have no reason to cheer during the games because no one ever pays any attention to them. Sophomore football player John Humphries stated, "I think that cheerleading is a sport because I see their competition on ESPN, but I think they should only cheer during halftime because they ruin my concentration."

Miranda Whismen says, "I have some friends who are ball players, and if another cheerleader and I are discussing anything about cheerleading, they'll start talking about how long and hard their practices are. They act as if we do nothing. It's hard not to ask them why they never get off the bench. I was at one game, and all they did was sit on the bench and do handshakes every time their team scored. I don't see why they think they're so much more athletic than us when it takes just as much skills to be a cheerleader as it does to be a ball player." Jimmy Cline said, "Cheerleaders should thank all football and basketball players because if it wasn't for them, they wouldn't have their so-called sport."

So what can we do to solve this issue? There is actually no way to solve this concern. We can't change peoples' opinions, so it seems like as long as there are cheerleaders, there will always be the argument of the "Sort/Non-Sport Known as Cheerleading."

It's amazing what you can do with just the click of a rodent. You can do research, talk to people around the world, send someone mail, or find your favorite stars. The possibilities are endless.

Throughout the nineties, the Internet has grown at a ferocious rate with more than 50,000 networks composed of more than 3 million computers. The most popular and fastest growing portion of the Internet is the World Wide Web. The Web has over 16 million individual pages. To some people this may seem dangerous, because there are no regulations as to what can be said or done on-line. It's basically an open forum where anyone can say anything and the only thing holding them back is their own conscience. It's a true example of modern anarchy with no censors, no directors, no bosses.

Along with the ever growing Internet is the porn industry. The reason the porn industry is becoming so popular is because it's being solicited on the Internet. This means that anyone who wants to can see pornographic images; even those under 18. Since these images are exposed to children, does that mean that pornography should be banned from the Internet? Should the Internet be made safe for families. This means removing anything on the net that has anything to do with sex, nudity, or anything else considered to be obscene or indecent.

It would be extremely difficult to censor the Internet for anything that is considered obscene or indecent. The term indecent differs from person to person. What one person may be offended by, another person may consider an art form and not offensive in any way. The Internet has "no central authority," which makes law enforcement extremely difficult. To adequately censor the Internet, the censors would have to read all personal e-mail, all newsgroups, and all World Wide Web pages. This would take up too much time and worse would be a severe violation of the First Admendment. So what can be done to keep children under eighteen from seeing pornographic images or having anything to do with "indecent" communication?

Some think that if pornography is banned from the Internet then children and under age teenagers would have no access to it. They feel that since adult magazines are not sold to minors then teens would never see them. Do stores that sell adult magazine really enforce the "if you're under eighteen, you don't buy" rule? In my experience this rule is not enforced very well. In one incident a minor I know walked into a book store and proceeded to buy a "Playgirl." This person had no trouble what so ever in buying this magazine even though it was clear by their looks that they were under the age of 18. If the rule of porn is not to buy if you're under eighteen then why did this clerk not asked for indentification or refuse to sell the magazine to this person? Teenagers get porn from places other than the Internet and buying it themeselves. They have older friends who will give them magazines, movies, or whatever their hearts desire. Would taking porn off the Internet actually do any good? If the porn is banned, then under age teenagers could just get porn from other places. What would be the use?

Sophomores Michael LeClaire and Travis Logan agree that "I don't think porn should be banned from the Internet because it's interesting." Sophomore Debbie Scaggs says, "Porn on the Internet shouldn't be banned because people can just get it from other places."

The only way to ensure that children won't look at porn is to teach them that it's wrong, and they shouldn't see it. Even then, this might not work. It's not like they won't see it eventually.

It's almost the end the nineties, and as we wait for the millennium, we are being overtaken by bubble gum boy groups sporting colorful clothing and in most cases, goatees. These wife beater wearing dudes get girls as excited as Mexican jumping beans when they crone out lyrics to some unnamed girl or their moms. As unbelievable as it may seem, this pop music tops charts everywhere with the likes of Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, 98(degrees), and last, but not least, Five.

But who can forget the eighties? The time when off the shoulder shirts, blue eye shadow, big hair, and acid wash jeans topped the social scene. On the music scene groups like New Kids on the Block were making girls (and guys) beg for more as they created catchy dances and appeared on everything from T-shirts to (as weird as it may seem) bed sheets. Joe, Jordan, Donnie, Jon, and Danny were considered by some to be the sexiest, most handsome individuals alive. For ten years the New Kids were a five-some. For a while they dominated radio play and music sales, but at the beginning of the nineties NKOTB began to lose fame and fans, so the group broke up in 1994. For some, this departure was a relief, but for others, it was heartbreak. No one thought they would see the new kids again.

Well, they were wrong. The New Kids may not be back as one whole package, but two of them are back as solo artists. After a five year interval from musical excitement, Joe Mcintyre and Jordan Knight have grown into young "men" and are back to annoy the critics.

The youngest member of NKOTB, Joe Mcintyre, now twenty-four, has made a comeback with his new release "Stay the Same." The video is filled with youngsters, golden-agers, amenity, and is a bit sill (unintentionally) why you think of the old lady with the water hose. The song sends a directive we have been learning long before we entered kindergarten. "We're all meant to be the way we are for a reason, so love yourself."

Jordan Knight, on the other hand, doesn't exactly send a pre-school fit message. Jordan breaks it down with his single "Give It To You." With an ambiguous title like this, you can only imagine what he has to give! The video is prototypal with the abdomen baring chicks, upholstered vest wearing lady-killers and funky dance compositions, making Jordan a non-candidate for the originality department.

NKOTB aren't the only ones giving us a slight case of deja-vu. A former Menudo member Ricky Martin is now purring for the US ladies with "Livin' la Vida Loca." The youngest member of Menudo, Martin already has a number of hit singles and albums under his belt in other countries, but this is his first American album. The video for "Livin' la Vida Loca" attempts strong sex appeal using half dressed girls dancing in the rain, shots of Martin making out with a young woman, and shots of Martin making out with a young woman while driving a fancy car. (He's talented.) The song tells of a woman who lives "the crazy life," and somehow Ricky Martin seems to make "a bullet to your brain" sound like... a good thing. I guess it depends on what song you're listening to.

Sophomore Todd Elswick stressed a strong opinion on the music of these young men. "It's sad that music could suck so bad."

A number of people do enjoy this cheesy music. Sophomore Becky Wilson is one of those people. She expresses anger and frustration at the departure of the New Kids on the Block. "When the New Kids broke up, I was heartbroken. I felt I had given so many years of my life to these studs, and what did I get in return? Nothing! Now through years of therapy I can once again listen to "Hangin' Tough" without crying. But forget my past. I love boy bands!!!" Another sophomore who expresses anger at the former group is Carly Rice. She says, "They [NKOTB] hurt many by just disappearing out of our lives, leaving us no one to turn to, only memories. I was left with only one thing to do. I cut off Jordan's rattail [on a doll]! I've never been the same since!"

So now you see why these newcomers are so popular. Many have been waiting for the return of The New Kids on the Block ever since they were young and foolish and didn't know the meaning of good music. The coming back of past heroes shows that maybe we won't have to grow up for a while. It makes us feel like we're in kindergarten again, and the only thing we have to worry about is the sneaky little boy who keeps trying to put glue in our hair. We don't have to worry about dates or getting our research paper done for science class. For all you people who are groaning at the sound of Joe Mcintyre's high pitched voice, consider this: you don't have to like the sound of Joe Mcintyre's voice but at least he's helping some of us get through our therapy a little easier.

Okay. For all you stud lovers out there here's the scoop on concerts and album releases. Jordan Knight plans to begin his tour around the end of May with Five and N'Sync. His album was released April 20. As for Joe Mcintyre, his album has already been released as of March 16, and he made an appearance on Rosie O'Donnell April 15, singing that wonderful song "Stay the Same."

When we enter high school we encounter many teachers. We may not get along with some, but the others may have a huge impact on our lives. I met one of those teachers this year in my English II class.

I have to admit, Mrs. Callihan was one of the toughest teachers I've ever had. To be perfectly honest, I had always considered myself to be a fair English student until I realized I didn't even know what concrete, abstract, or collective nouns were. This was the first year I'd ever heard of such a thing. It was the first year I'd learned anything new in English since third grade. It seemed year after year we learned the same things.

Mrs. Callihan was more than an English teacher. She was a teacher of life lessons. I remember her saying once "We're all different, and that's okay." I respected her more than I've ever respected any teacher after she said that. Mrs. Callihan gave us many thing throughout her years at West. She gave us friendship, toys on our birthday, and the best thing one could wish for: knowledge. We will forever be thankful to her for that.

I think I speak for many people when I say "Good luck in your retirement. We love you and we will miss you."

It's the time of year for teary good-byes to all the seniors who are graduating. Over the year 98-99, I haven't been that close to many seniors, but having a sister who is I know a couple who I will miss dearly.

When I'm a junior next year, I'll be sitting on the bleachers in the mornings, and I will have no one to whistle at for Jason Barker will be a freshman at good 'ol Morehead University. What about Kim Middleton? I'll never hear her call me Rose Mary at school again. She's the only person I allow to call me that. Let's not forget my sister Frances, and Wendy DeBord. I'll never hear Frances yell, "Who's got their article for the paper finished?" or Wendy yell, "Who's doing the Math section for the yearbook?" I will miss all these people and many more. I don't know how I'll make it without these people for they have made me laugh and in the case of Frances, angry.

So to the whole class of 1999, I'll miss you and wish you the best of luck in whatever you plan to do!!!!

Sometimes I wonder, how do thieves get through the day? How do they walk with their heads high after they just snagged $3.00 from someone else's pocket or purse? If it was me I would hang my head because stealing is down right shameful!

Why do people steal? Don't they have respect for other people? Maybe their parents did not teach them better. Maybe they steal because they hold a grudge against someone. Whatever the reason, it's wrong. In my book, stealing is the worst crime that is possible to commit. If I did not have a penny to my name or a bite to eat, I would not take away someone else's good fortune.

In my experience, there are quite a few thieves at West Carter High School. It seems that most of them prey in the locker rooms. Mostly because of unattended stuff lying around; Backpacks and jeans filled with fortunes for the taking.

I have learned not to leave stuff unattended anywhere. I don't want my possessions to be someone else's free ride. Why should I have to suffer? Those things are mine and I should get to enjoy them.

No matter what you steal, whether it's a bottle of Fruitopia, a pack of Tic Tacs, two bags of M&M's, or something more expensive like a pair of Nike basketball shoes, it's wrong. It belongs to someone else. No one has the right to touch it.

One thing I'd like to ask thieves is, how do you think the victims feel? Whether you feel bad about doing it, your victims probably do.

So in conclusion, to all those who steal, you are in the wrong. One day you will realize that. My advice to you is stop living off other people.

"So tonight we're gonna party like it's 199." When Prince sang these words back in 1986 he probably had a pretty good idea that the song would make it big. He was right. Radio stations everywhere were playing the pre-millennium tune. But did Prince know that the song would make a re-entry in the actual year? Whether he knew it or not, it was a sumptuous idea!

When clocks struck midnight, the year 1999 had begun and the song "1999" was playing everywhere including on the radio and popular music channels. People were racing to their local music store to purchase the album containing the song or just the single. For Prince, it was like having two hit songs in one. If you ask me Prince made a smooth move by releasing a song with a title of a year a number of years before the actual year. I bet he's laughing all the way to the bank.

by: Cathy Day and Rose Parson

The week before the school year of 1997-1998 began, us incoming freshmen viewed the West Carter High School to see what we had to deal with when we parted with the summer. It was a vast huge building for us to see for the first time. We were going to be the new kids in this enormous accomodation. Everyone would be looking at us when we walked into this building on the first day of school. They would see us only as freshmen. Puny little immature squirts there to only whine and cry and be....Well.....immature.

From the stories we heard about the freshmen we were a little scared, but we had high hopes. We did not intend to let any older kids pick on us for any reason. The year before we were picking on the "freshmen" at the Middle School. We were going to prove those older kids wrong. We weren't immature or whiny. So on the night before our maiden voyage at West Carter High School we stayed up all night trying to find the "right" outfit to wear. The next morning we were trying to make our hair perfect and cover up those big black bags under our eyes from tossing and turning all night long from our nervousness.

Or first impressions of West Carter High School were different from most. The seniors, juniors, and sophomores weren't mean or rude. They were over all nice, warm, and welcoming. The teachers were a little more lenient than the ones at the Middle School. They were also a bit more challenging, but that made it all the more interesting. So all year we gave it our all. We did what our teachers wanted us to do so we could rid ourselves of our bad freshmen rep. Over all it worked. Look at where we are at now. The year is almost over and we are about to graduate from our freshmen standings!

Even though we had a ball as freshmen, next year will be even better. We'll know what to expect and the teachers will already know us. We can't wait to become sophomores but we will always remember our maiden voyage at West Carter High School.