passageNORTHWEST

VOL. 42 APR. 1, 2011ISSUE 12

PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID FREYERMUTH

PROM ISSUE

DINE AND DANCE / 8FIND RESTAURANTS IN THE KC AREA AND MAKE RESERVATIONS SOON FOR PROM NIGHT.

THE NW PASSAGE GUIDE TO GOING [NOT] GOING TO PROM / 12IDEAS FOR A FUN EVENING FOR THOSE NOT ATTENDING THE DANCE

IT’S ELECTRIC / 11 LEARN THE STEPS TO THE MOST POPULAR LINE DANCES.

FEATURES 08 dine and dance

Looking for a place to eat dinner before Prom? Check out our listing of restaurants in the Kansas City area.

10 the nw passage guide to not going

to promAlternative ideas for a fun evening for those not attending Prom.

11 it’s electricLearn the steps to the most popular line dances so you won’t be the only one on the dance floor who doesn’t know them.

SPORTS 15 why KC needs an NBA team

Kansas City has a professional football, baseball and hockey. The city should also have basketball.

OPINIONS 04 say yes to less

Getting to know the girl you plan to ask is more important than how you ask.

viewer discretion advised School dances have a serious lack of real dancing. 05 the BIG dance

A humorous look at everything that goes into a school dance.

prom held at civic center to save

moneyThe civic center may actually be the best option of places to hold Prom.

ENTERTAINMENT 07 reviews

The King of Limbs: Radiohead’s new album is their shortest yet, but hardly disappoints.

08 / dine and dancePaulo and Bill, an Italian restaurant in Shawnee, is a great place to have dinner before a

dance. / PHOTO BY CALEB AMUNDSON08

The purpose of the Northwest Passage is to relay important and interesting information to the community, administration and students of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. As a newsmagazine, the Northwest Passage will cater to the interests and concerns of the student body. Outside concerns and activities will only be covered if they somehow affect the school or students. the Northwest Passage is a 24-page newsmagazine. The paper will be distributed every two weeks during fourth hour. Subscriptions will be available to the community for $35. The Northwest Passage firmly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. The content of the newspaper will be determined and created by the entire staff. When questions concerning word choice, legal problems or ethics arise the editorial board and adviser will discuss the problem to find a solution. In these cases, the co-editors-in-chief will the have final say in all decisions. Letters to the editor will be accepted and encouraged, but will only be published if signed. The staff reserves the right to edit for grammatical mistakes, length and good taste. Letters may attack policy but not people. In no way will ideas or viewpoints be changed. The co-editors-in-chief reserve the right to refuse any letter.

Co-editors-in-chiefMARIA DAVISON +STEPHANIE SPICER

Copy EditorBRIANNA LEYDEN

Design EditorsSTEPHANIE SPICER + BAILEY KOPP

Assistant Copy EditorWYATT ANDERSON

Photo EditorsDAVID FREYERMUTH + HANNA MEIGS

Graphics EditorTYLER ABSHERNews EditorHAYLEY BATTENBERG

Opinions EditorsMARIA DAVISON +STEPHANIE SPICER

Features EditorsMORGAN JONES + BRIANNA LEYDEN

Entertainment EditorWYATT ANDERSON

Sports EditorBRADY KLEIN

Ads EditorCLAIRE MARLEY

Staff WritersJEFFERY ALLEN,KIRK BADO,LOGAN COFFMANASHLEE CRANE,RACHAEL DEMJANIK,RACHEL FERENCZ,MICHAEL GRIFFIN,PIA HECKMAN,DANIEL MAGWIRE, JOSH MEIGS,TESSA MILLER,EVAN SHINN,CONNOR THOMPSON,ERIC ZOELLNER

SMNW.COM Co-editors-in-chiefLAUREN MINICK+ STEPHANIE SPICER

11 / dine and dance Learn the most popular line dances typically played at school dances. / GRAPHIC BY TYLER ABSHER

11

contents SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST 12701 W. 67TH STREETSHAWNEE, KS 66216

NORTHWEST PASSAGE / VOL. 42 / ISSUE 09

PASSAGE STAFF

With Prom approaching, I’m sure that just about everyone is preparing for the event. Dresses, group drama, restaurants and dates all need to be figured out. However, there is one more important, but commonly forgotten, detail that still needs to be figured out.

Dancing.Whatever the majority of students seem to

think they are doing on the dance floor during Homecoming, WPA and Prom is definitely not something that can fall in this category. In fact, I’m pretty sure that the only people who are actually dancing are those directly in front of the DJ booth — they’re definitely getting their groove on.

Let me clarify: Sex with clothes on is not dancing. Rubbing and bumping and grinding is not dancing. Chair dancing (Prom 2010) is certainly not dancing,

despite its name. These acts are all less about dancing and more about putting on a show.

You see, the things I have seen at school dances would give anyone’s grandma a heart attack — and I’m not exaggerating. In fact, some of the things I have seen people do are so vulgar that I can’t even mention them here without serious repercussions.

Maybe I’m a bit too old fashioned for my generation. I’m sorry that I actually enjoy dancing, the kind where you just go crazy and look like a fool but are having too much fun to care, like swing dancing or ballroom dancing. Facing my date and just having fun is what school dances should really be about.

The administration has tried to eliminate grinding, etc., from school dances for awhile now. During WPA this year, multiple people were even

thrown out of the dance for inappropriate behavior. Kudos.I understand that dancing is probably not

something that everyone specializes in here — I mean I know I fail at it — but honestly, I’m sure there is something else you could do besides what you are doing now. If dancing “cleanly” is really so impossible, maybe the administration should cut out dances all together and use the money to sponsor some other event that people could enjoy without devolving into animals.

There are two weeks to go until the big day, and I suggest spending that time studying up on some much needed dance basics. Don’t worry if the day comes and you still think you’re no good. Just have fun and remember that the only people watching your performance will be the administrators.

MORGAN JONES

VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISEDSchool dances have gone beyond the realm of dancing and into sexually focused events.

We’ve all heard the ridiculous stories of people being asked to school dances, prom in particular. It seems that every year the techniques get more ludicrous. Whether it is putting a boulder in someone’s driveway or giving them a bag of Goldfish crackers, being corny for some reason seems to work out.

There are two possible explanations for this phenomenon. The first is that girls are that easy to get a yes from. The second is that girls find it hard to say no when a guy asks them in such an elaborate manner. While the first may hold true in some cases, it cannot possibly explain why guys ask girls to dances in such outrageous ways. If it is that easy to get a yes from girls, then why do so many guys go all-out when asking?

The second explanation seems to be much more plausible. Every year you are bound to hear stories about girls who said yes to guys to avoid rejecting him after so much effort he put into asking. Then there are the girls each year who are too embarrassed by the way the guy asks to say no in public and humiliate the guy who is trying to ask her.

What is the most ridiculous about the way guys ask girls to prom today is how much time, money and effort they use to ask the girl to the dance. If they were to put the same time and effort into planning the night of prom or how they will spend it with that special girl, the asking may not be as difficult.

The asking phenomenon has grown to such heights that entire websites are devoted to helping guys come up with clever techniques for asking girls to dances. This possibly explains why so many guys fall into the trap of cliche asking. Everyone knows about the bag of Goldfish crackers used to ask “the only fish in the sea” if she will go to the dance. Then there is the boulder and the small rock in the driveway technique, “move the boulder to say no and the small rock to say yes.” If you are going to ask a girl to go to a dance in an odd way, please try to abstain from cliche.

If you want to show the girl she is special, skip the awkward and cliche asking. Take the girl to a nice dinner, maybe a movie, a walk in the park and then ask her. Use an entire night to your advantage, and it will be just as hard for her to say no. Show her

how much fun spending a night with you can be, and she will be nearly begging you to take her out again. That creates the opportunity to simply and modestly ask the girl to the dance while keeping the way you ask original and special. It will also show her, rather than only tell her, that she will enjoy going with you to the dance.

I admit, I am guilty of having asked my dream girl to homecoming in a special way. Lining the street with signs which spelled out H-O-M-E-C-O-M-I-N-G-? certainly took a lot more than five minutes and a few sharpies to prepare. However, I had spent enough time and put enough effort into getting to know the girl I was going to ask that I knew she would say yes no matter how I asked her. Asking in a ridiculous way can almost force a girl into going to a dance with you, but it can also show a girl you already know will say yes just how much she means to you. If making a girl feel special enough to go to a dance with you is what you are trying to accomplish, skip the cliche and show rather than tell a girl just how special she really is.

JOSH MEIGS

SAY YES TO LESS Asking a girl to prom needs to be less of a production and more about making her feel special.

04 / APRIL 1, 2010

Gather ‘round children and let me tell you a little story that should get you in the mood for Prom. The big dance is literally just around the corner. It’s the one little girls fantasize and dream about and then spend thousands of dollars on: Prom.

If Prom will be your first outing at a school-sponsored party, you have missed out. It is a wondrous affair that I will now take the liberty to describe to you in full and glorious detail.

First off, get a date. And remember that you cannot just go up to that girl you fancy with a flower and good intentions. The asking out must be full-out, throttle down extravaganza complete with balloons, piñatas, hundreds of sticky notes and, if you really want her to say yes, skywriting.

Once you have the date and a fly suit that you will wear once, or maybe twice if you are a slow grower, then it is time to organize a social group. Now you have become a soldier in the ancient conflict that has yet to yield a winner: whether you are going in a group with your date’s friends, or your friends. If you date within your group of friends, a cease-fire is

declared as you both have friends in your group. But if you are foolish enough to ask out someone who your friends do not know, prepare to be disappointed. If you want to keep your date, put on a happy smile as you sit at dinner while she gossips with her friends and be sure to make awkward eye contact with the friends’ dates.

Arriving fashionably late to a dance is always... well... the fashion. If the first song is played at 8 p.m., do not hit the floor until at least 8:40. Speaking of songs, I hope you like songs by artists with “Lil, Boy, Dogg, Bieber” or a dollar sign in their name because when the grandmotherly DJ accepted her check, that is what they told her to play. As you sway awkwardly doing the high school version of “The French Mistake,” take note of your surroundings. There are certain sections for the various levels of dancing. Directly in front of the DJ booth are the people who are dancing like nobody’s business. They sway and jive to the beat and do not care who watches. Then you have the grinders right behind them, and I am not talking about the snack stand. Further back are

the freshmen and sophomores who do the “zombie-walk” and hope that no one is watching them.

Even further back from the zombie hordes, you will note the tables where people whose dates have ditched them wait for their rides home like sevies waiting for the minivan. You might be surprised at the number of people back there.

When the dance is winding down and they start playing slow songs, it is time to take your leave to the photography booth right upstairs. The line is complete with a queue of people who look like they are at the DMV. So re-button your shirt and have your date straighten her dress, as you strike a pose in front of the dull backgrounds that you will not be embarrassed to put on your key chain.

This is what school dances are. Segregated areas for levels of “maturity”, terrible music and staged photographs. Study this passage carefully and you should be ready for the big night. Just do not get me started on after parties.

THE BIG DANCE A tongue-in-cheek guide for Prom first-timers.

It is a simple fact that NW students do not realize how fortunate they are to have Prom at the Shawnee Civic Center. It may not be the fanciest place, but we reap the benefits in ways you might not be aware of.

SM East holds their prom at Union Station, and SM West has in past years as well. Having prom at a place like Union Station is expensive. This restricts schools from doing other things, because their money is so tight just for prom tickets. If you also add up the money it costs for dinner and for what you wear, the person paying might realize going to prom is not worth all the money they have to put into it.

Students at NW do not have to worry about this, because the Shawnee Civic Center is a lot cheaper than other schools’ prom locations. Tickets normally cost around 50 dollars for two students to attend Northwest’s prom.

These savings go into our popular After-Prom and can be used for more extensive preparation and decoration. By avoiding set-up and clean-up fees with volunteers from prom committee and parents.

The Civic Center also is a lot larger than the NW cafeteria which makes for more space. Dances in the cafeteria can get really hot and sweaty, due to the cramped boundaries that students have to deal with. There are also many more places for students to cool off.

The Civic Center is also ideal to host Prom because of its proximity to the school. After-Prom is at Northwest and it is conveniently located close to the civic center. Also it is a central location for students, because it is still in Northwest’s district. Many schools go to far away places that are super fancy, but the extra cost means they cannot afford

an After-Prom. Here at Northwest an after prom is guaranteed, and it is a well-liked event.

Students do not need to be complaining or criticizing prom’s location. The Civic Center definitely trumps the school cafeteria, and it could not be held at Northwest anyway because of After-Prom. So if students wished to have prom relocated to a hotel or another location like Union Station, it would most likely increase the ticket cost by a large margin.

Overall the cost should be the most important factor for NW students. The combination of being a high school student and living in a poor economy makes the price a number one priority. The Civic Center’s low price is the perfect place to host prom, because in the end it does it’s job even though some may not be fans of it.

PROM HELD AT CIVIC CENTER TO SAVE MONEYStudents may complain about Northwest’s prom being at the civic center, but it currently is their best option.

KIRK BADO

BRADY KLEIN

OPINIONS / 05

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DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PASSAGE?

BEST FIT: Still looking for the perfect prom dress? The Passage staff found dresses to look good on every different body type.

INBOX(∞): COLLEGES FLOODING MY EMAIL: Even in the vast amount of propaganda colleges send to students, nothing stands out.

SPORTS

SMNW.COM / 07

Baseball: After losing 13 seniors, the baseball team has big shoes to fill. Boys’ golf: The team is looking forward to another strong season. Boys’ tennis: The satirical newspaper takes a look at sports. Girls’ swim and dive: The girls are working with their new coach, Matt Wolfe. Girls’ soccer: Their first game is only days away. Softball: The satirical newspaper takes a look at sports. Track and field: The track team has more than 190 athletes this season.

[ SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS]

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FEATURES

I still don’t completely know how I feel about Radiohead’s new album. That’s not a bad thing; it’s just that there is so much to absorb that even by the fifth time I’ve listened to the album, I hear something new in one of the many varied songs. The King of Limbs is Radiohead’s eighth studio album, following the universally acclaimed In Rainbows. The album clocks in at just short of 37 minutes, but this doesn’t mean the album is lacking in any way. Singer Thom Yorke and company reinvent their sound once again, relying on ambiance and subdued vocals and instruments to evoke a feeling unlike any of their previous works.

The King of Limbs is an unconventional album compared to the popular music of today, and as such should be taken in as a complete work. There’s no standout single — it’s just a standout album. It begins with the jumbled opening song, “Bloom.” Multiple drums beats mesh with the electronic groove until Yorke’s voice creeps in at about a minute into the song. It’s an odd way to start an album — nothing real catchy to pull the listener in — but like I said, this album takes a numbers of listens to really appreciate. As the album progresses, the songs become less convoluted and have more definite drumbeats and guitar melodies. However, the lyrics start devolving as Yorke says fewer and fewer words until the album reaches the song “Feral.”

“Feral” has a very unnatural sound to it, due to

Yorke’s voice becoming less the lead of the song and more of a pure instrument. This song marks the “climax” of The King of Limbs, even though I feel that’s an unfitting term. Instead of building, Radiohead’s album disintegrates until there’s nothing left except for bass, drums, Yorke and droning synths. I believe the album has a turn after “Feral” from an experimental and disruptive experience that just makes the last four songs of the album feel more coherent than they would otherwise.

“Lotus Flower” is the closest The King of Limbs could get to creating a stand-alone single because it’s the most conventional alternative song. Since “Lotus Flower” sounds the most like their previous album, but it’s still very noticeable that Radiohead has taken a new direction with this album. That tune then leads into “Codex,” easily my favorite song of the album and one that takes the sound a complete 180 degrees from the beginning of the album. The song is peaceful, with a melody that just absorbs you.

The album closes just like it opens, with drums and electronics, yet the ending is much more calm than how The King of Limbs began. Radiohead has made a new album, and with it, a new sound. Sure, it’s hard to make a decision on the first listen, but Yorke’s eerie vocals and the band’s new direction will grip you more with each listen.

RADIOHEAD’S THE KING OF LIMBS

REVIEWS

/ MICHAEL GRIFFIN

4/5

07 / APRIL 1, 2011

dine and danceTHE DINNER EXPERIENCE CAN OFTEN SET THE TONE FOR THE REST OF THE EVENING, SO HERE’S A GUIDE TO THE BEST KNOWN (OR UNKNOWN) RESTAURANTS IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA.

CHEESECAKE FACTORYLocation: 4701 Wyandotte St., KCMO (Plaza)Price: $10-$30 per entreeWhat to expect: For a restaurant that’s known for their 50 kinds of incredibly large, delicious cheesecakes, the other food isn’t bad. In fact, more than 200 menu selections are made fresh every day, and each one is sure to hit any taste bud (sweet, salty or otherwise). The wait can be long, however, so make reservations.For reservations: (816) 960-1919

M & S GRILLLocation: 4646 JC Nichols Parkway, KCMO (Plaza)Price: $16-38 per entreeWhat to expect: Offering a menu similar to McCormick and Schmick’s, M & S Grill takes the original restaurant and tone sit down, boasting a comfortable atmosphere, smaller menu and a unique decor. The smaller, cozier restaurant shares a lot of similarities with the original but still offers its own experience.Reservations: (816) 531-7799

YARD HOUSELocation: 1863 Village West Parkway, KCK (Legends)Price: $10-$20 per entreeWhat to expect: The all-American atmosphere at this traditional restaurant is friendly and welcoming, as well as somewhat similar to Applebee’s or Chili’s in their offerings. It’s a cheap, but nice, place to go with a date.For reservations: Not necessary — (913) 788-4500

PIROPOSLocation: 4141 N. Mulberry Drive (Briarcliff Parkway), KCMOPrice: $20-$40What to expect: Every ingredient in the food is carefully chosen and expertly prepared, from the locally raised Angus beef to a platter of some of the world’s best cheeses. In a Zagat survey, 92 percent of customers loved this Argentinian restaurant.For reservations: (816) 741-3600

THE MELTING POTLocation: 450 Ward Parkway, KCMO (Plaza)Price: Prices vary by location, typically about $50 per personWhat to expect: Boasting one of the most romantic and private atmospheres in Kansas City with it’s dim lighting and candle-lit tables, the Melting Pot offers a unique dining experience with their popular fondue courses. But unless you’re willing to spend both time and money, don’t bother with this option. Between seating and the meal, dining typically takes about three hours.Reservations: (816) 931-6358

italian

otheramerican

FIGLIOLocation: W. 46th Terrace, KCMO (Plaza)Price: $16-$22 per entreeWhat to expect: As one of the most reasonably priced restaurants on the Plaza, Figlio has a great selection of Italian food. The dishes are the perfect portion size, and they have special dance menu, which includes a salad and an entree.Reservations: (816) 561-0505

BUCA DI BEPPOLocation: 310 West 47th St., KCMO (Plaza)Price: $10-$30 per entreeWhat to expect: This warm, quaint restaurant serves family-style dishes in two sizes: Buca Small, which can feed up to three people, or Buca Large, which feeds up to six. Buca di Beppo has ranked good to very good on the Zagat rating scale for food, decor and service.For reservations: (816) 931-6548

PAULO & BILLLocation: 16501 Midland Drive, Shawnee (Westglen)Price: $15-$30 per entreeWhat to expect: Although this restaurant is open to families, its upscale menu and appetizers cater to a dating crowd as well. Eighty-seven percent of customers gave it positive reviews on Urbanspoon.com.For reservations: (913) 962-9900

08 / APRIL 1, 2010

/ TESSA MILLER + BRIANNA LEYDEN

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S Location: 448 W. 47th St., KCMO (Plaza)Price: $16-$38 per entreeWhat to expect: Home of the infamous chocolate bag dessert, McCormick and Schmick’s also offers excellent food. It’s generally known for its play on surf and turf seafood.Reservations: (816) 531-6800

photo by caleb amundson

photo by johnny tong

P.F. CHANG’SLocation: 102 W. 47th St., KCMO 64112 (Plaza)Price: $10-$22 per entreeWhat to expect: P.F. Chang’s has a menu brimming with food made from fresh and high-quality ingredients sure to leave you full and satisfied. In addition to personal entrees, P.F. Chang’s also offers a dining for two option, which includes a four-course meal priced at $39.95.Reservations: (816) 931-9988

CAPITAL GRILLELocation: 4740 Jefferson St., KCMO (Plaza)Price: $26-45 per entree What to expect: With a five-star trend rating Yelp.com, Capital Grille is hard to overlook. Although the entrees are priced higher than most, you get what you pay for with great food and large serving sizes.Reservations: (816) 531-8345

J. GILBERT’SLocation: 8901 Metcalf Ave., Overland ParkPrice: $20-$35 per entreeWhat to expect: This restaurant takes pride in making sure their meat is the best it can possibly be, whether it is their wood-fire prime-cut beef or their fresh fish. J. Gilbert’s is one of the top five best steakhouses of Kansas City, according to CityVoter.For reservations: (913) 642-8070

SKIESLocation: 2345 McGee St., KCMO (at Hyatt Regency)Price: $24-$70 per entreeWhat to expect: This rotating restaurant tops the list for atmosphere, and the food isn’t to be left behind. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, the experience makes it worth it.Reservations: (816) 398-4845

FOGO DE CHAOLocation: 222 W. 47th St., KCMO (Plaza)Price: $50 per personWhat to expect: This Brazillian steakhouse puts a heavy emphasis on its 15 different cuts of meat, but don’t overlook the salad bar. The serving experience at Fogo de Chao is unlike any other offered in Kansas City. Despite the high pricing, Fogo de Chao offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience.Reservations: (816) 931-7700

steakhouses

asianHIBACHI JAPANESE STEAK HOUSELocation: 4745 Wyandotte, KCMO (Plaza)Price: $20-$40 per entreeWhat to expect: Not only is the food delicious, but diners are entertained as they sit around a Japanese teppan grill to watch their food being made directly in front of them. It was recommended by 80 percent of reviewers on Urbanspoon.com.For reservations: (816) 753-0707

STIXLocation: 1847 Village West Parkway, KCK (Legends)Price: $10-$25 per entreeWhat to expect: The chefs at Stix are trained in both hibachi and sushi and offer a variety of other creative and artfully arranged dishes. For reservations: (913) 299-3788

OPINIONS / 09

photos by caleb amundson

photo by caleb amundson

[ FOR THE CHEAP DATE ]

Minsky’s PizzaThis delicious yet affordable restaurant offers a perfect start to the traditional dinner-and-a-movie date. For a full review, visit smnw.com.

Movie Releases12075 South Strang Line Road in OlatheFor those who want their theatre experience in the lap of luxury, journey down to the AMC Fork and Screen Theater. Tickets may get very pricey for the “dinner and a movie” deal, but the theater also offers many other films that do not require a Fork and Screen ticket.

Scream 4: Director Wes Craven returns to the screen with the newest edition to the massively successful Scream franchise, starring (yet again) David Arquette, Courtney Cox and Neve Campell as main character Sidney Prescott. The return of the Ghostface Killer reunites all the classic characters, and packs in as many thrills, surprises and self-mockery as the original(s).

Rio: Telling the story of a rare domesticated macaw, Blu, who is forced to find his way home to Minnesota from the far-off land of Rio de Janeiro, Rio features the voices of big names like Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez, Jake T. Austin and will.i.am.

For many, Prom night is not even about the Prom at all. Either they are too young or are not interested in jamming out to music in the Civic Center, and need an alternative that can be just as fun.

“People do need to have an option to do something else,” sophomore Amy Hein said.For the nearly 1,000 or so people who are not attending Prom, we now offer this list

of alternatives for those who still need a fun night out with friends, but do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on an evening.

PASSAGE GUIDE TO [NOT] GOING TO PROM

[ FOR THE MORE EXPENSIVE DATE ]

Worlds Of Fun Opening NightThere couldn’t be a more serendipitous occasion: Worlds of Fun opens its doors once again on April 16. Tickets are now on sale for $26.99 for single admission at twilight on Saturday (after 4 p.m.). But if you can’t get enough out of night, then spring for the season pass ($74.99). It pays for itself with three trips and is a great deal.

For those who love old-school attractions, the park will feature one of the two remaining M.C. Illinois hand-carved Supreme carousels.

Jeff BeckIn 2003, Rolling Stone called Jeff Beck “one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock.” More recently, he was referenced as one of the top 10 rock guitarists by MSNBC, alongside legends including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana and Brian May, of Queen fame.

After announcing his plans for a world tour in early 2009, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame April 4 as a solo artist. Five of his CDs have helped him pick up the Grammy Award for best rock instrumental performance, and his last album Emotion & Commotion was released April 2010.

And now, after his long (he’s 66 years old) and storied career, he’s coming to Kansas City on his tour. The concert will be April 16 at 8 p.m. at the Uptown Theater, with doors opening at 7. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and could potentially be as high as $90.

Royals vs. Seattle MarinersSummer might still be a few months away, but Kauffman Stadium is already in full swing. The Royals are back in action this Saturday against the Seattle Mariners.

The game starts at 12:10 p.m., but the gates open at 10:30 a.m. I would suggest getting there at least an hour early to partake in the pregame festivities provided by 610 Sports Radio, which include include live music, radio personalities and other outdoor fun and games. It is also a Royals give-away day, so be sure to wear your grey replica jersey with pride if you are one of the first 20,000 fans.

TICKETS :$9 : fountain seats$34 TO $45: field box seats along the third or first baseline$245 : behind home plate

[ FOR THE GROUP OF FRIENDS ]

Cosmic BowlingDress up and go out to eat with a group of friends, but instead of paying $40 a piece for the privilege of swaying to music in the Shawnee Civic Center, head down to Park Lanes (7701 Renner Road) for a night of Cosmic Bowling.

For $13 a person, ditch the high heels and hit the lanes for a night of pulsating music, flashing lights and pin knocking with your friends. After your frames are done and the scores have been tallied, you can still make it to After Prom.

Top 5 Movies with a “prom night” sceneMake the calls. Pop the corn. And then when everyone is crammed together on the couch, and pop in one of these great “prom scene” movies. Rent the movies from Family Video (6638 Nieman Road) which would put you back $2-$3 or find them on Netflix.

1. Mean Girls: No matter how awful the sequel was, not much can top the hilarity (and quote-ability) of the original.

2. Prom Night (2008 version): This was not chosen because of how good it was, but rather, how utterly predictable this “horror/thriller” movie is. Watch it for some laughs about what directors seemed to mistakenly think all teenagers are afraid of on prom night.

3. Napoleon Dynamite: No dress could ever top the sky-high puffs on Deb’s dress during her and Napoleon’s awkward dance during their prom.

4. Never Been Kissed: Not just one, but two, awkward prom scenes? Great! And of course, it ends on a high note.

5. 10 Things I Hate About You: Not to be confused with the TV show spin-off, this movie is a chick flick/prom night scene classic.

10 / APRIL 1, 2011

/ KIRK BADO + BRIANNA LEYDEN

/ PHOTO BY DANNY LYONS

/ PHOTO BY DANNY LYONS

As the first notes of the Electric Slide begin to play over the speakers, senior Holly Thomas stands in the middle of the dance floor. With confidence, she begins to dance.

“I know how to do line dances and have fun with them,” Thomas said.Thomas learned the steps to the most popular line dances in her gym class in

middle school, so she won’t find herself in the uncomfortable position of not knowing the dance.

But for those of you, who, unlike Thomas, don’t know the steps to the Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle or Electric Slide, here’s how to do the dances, step-by-step.

electric slide

STEP 1: grapevine to the right, tap left foot grapevine to the left, tap right foot

STEP 2: step forward on left foot, tap right foot step backward on right foot, tap left footSTEP 3: Jump to left foot while making a quarter turn

HERE’S A GUIDE TO DOING THE MOST POPULAR LINE DANCES.

FEATURES / 13

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2. 3.

cha cha slide Everything is count in quadruple meter:

STEP 1: “To the back” two little steps to the leftSTEP 2: “To the back” three steps to the back starting with right footSTEP 3: “One oop this time” one jump forwardSTEP 4: “Right foot let’s stomp” Stomp right foot in front of you

STEP 5: “Left foot let’s stomp” Stomp left foot in front of youSTEP 6: “Cha Cha real smooth” Rock forwards and backwardsSTEP 7: “Let’s go to work” or “Let’s turn it out” turn to the right everything againCHARLIE BROWN STEP: Left foot in front, rock back and forth

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5. 6. 7.

2. 3. 4.

cupid shuffle

STEP 1: Walk to right 4 stepsSTEP 2: Walk to left 4 stepsSTEP 3: Kick right then left 2 timesSTEP 4: “Now walk it by yourself” slowly turn a quarter of a circle in 4 steps

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/PIA HECKMAN

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Q: What is your favorite subject to teach?

A: World geography: in the past i have also taught US history, and I love that.

Q: What is your favorite sport?

A: Softball: this is my first year to help out with

the team, and I love softball.

Q: What are your goals for the team?

A: To grow and get better every practice,

every day.

Q: Have you played softball before?

A: Yes; growing up I played and I love to play.

Q: Have you ever coached before?

A: I have never coached before, but I like it.

Try outs were a good experience and coaches

kinney and Balderson have been doing well

helping me out.

Q: How did you get the job?

A: I emailed [athletic director Richard] Grinage,

when I saw the position was open, and he set

up an interview with the head coach and he

and I met and then he offered me the position.

Q: What changes are you planning for this season?

A: [I'm] just really taking the lead from the old

coach.

Q: What are you doing to prepare?

A: I have been talking with other coaches from

Olathe and the SM schools and most of them

were JV coaches and talking notes during the

tryouts and going over things with the coach.

Q: What are the significant changes from last year to this year?

A: We’re still waiting until we make up the

teams.

Q: Who are you looking for to step into a leadership role?

A: The older girls have been teaching the new

girls and even some of the younger girls have

been leaders and they have been mature and

have helped out, and it has been going very

well.

boss/BEST OF SPORTS SHOT / PHOTO BY SARAH DEAN

SPORTS / 13

WITH TARA MASEKESOFTBALL COACH

QUESTION + ANSWER

// by connor thompson

SPORTS

Freshman Katie Stutheit pitches a fast ball to an Olathe East opponent on March 24 at the SMSD Softball Complex.

Last year, I was sitting comfortably in a seat at the Sprint Center watching Kansas State play Duke in the College Basketball Experience preseason tournament. Everything about the experience was awesome, and that’s from a Jayhawk fan. I had really no reason to have an interest in the game besides the fact that both teams were highly ranked teams [at the time...]

Then it hit me: why doesn’t Kansas City have an NBA team? If a college game like this can sell out an arena with 19,000 seats, then why don’t we capitalize on this opportunity and get KC in the league?

Rumors have floated around about our city getting a team for quite awhile now. Talk of the dying franchise of the New Orleans Hornets moving to a better city has been thrown around off and on. Where better than Kansas City?

Every time I’m near the Power and Light District, something is going on: people are gathering for different events, whether it’s for arts, sports or entertainment. Downtown is a hot spot.

If we were to capitalize on this opportunity

in front of us then there is no telling what kind of economic effects it would have. Restaurants would have an exponential increase in numbers of consistent customers, not to mention all the possible merchandise sales the team would bring. This would all be good for the growth of our city, specifically the downtown area.

The only downside to the idea is that Kansans and Missourians may be so deep into their love of college basketball, which they have earned the right to do so seeing that both programs can account for 200 years of history combined, but to many college basketball fanatics, the NBA is just a Harlem Globetrotters on steroids. There isn’t the same passion and effort level for the pros.

The Border War games between the Jayhawks, Wildcats and Tigers are always a huge deal, and the fans love them like nothing else. The allure of college basketball over the League is that fans can see players who are actually trying, not to mention the large amount of alumni loyalty within the region. Regardless, the city could use something like an

NBA team to give it another attraction. I mean, we do live in Kansas after all, so there is not a whole lot to do to begin with. Having the opportunity to go see a team play, or better yet, see other really good teams play us beats going to Powerplay any night.

David Stern, the NBA commissioner, addressed the issue of the struggling franchise in a speech before the All Star game in December. Stern talked about how the ticket sales for the Hornets have actually surprisingly been going up and the outlook for the team was actually positive. This doesn’t sound good for any hopefuls waiting on the team to move, but the Hornets are nowhere near being secure in New Orleans.

Right now the only real issue holding the team from moving to KC is the fact that no one is really interested in buying the team. What we really need is a millionaire basketball fanatic to help purchase the Hornets from the NBA and bring the team to the Sprint Center. But for now all that can be done is wait and see how it plays out.

HOW THE NBA COULD BENEFIT KCKansas City has almost every type of professional sports team — except Basketball.

LOGANCOFFMAN

SPORTS / 23

focusIN

“I chose to do a rap because that is just my personality. It was meant to be fun, but I also shared what mattered to me while rapping.” —sophomore Jaylyn Jenks

/ PHOTO BY JOHNNY TONG