Granted, Kobe is one of the best players to have ever played the game, but the thing is, basketball is focused around 5 players working TOGETHER to score. Kobe did a fantastic job scoring 40 points against the Suns in game one, boosting his playoff average to 28.2 points per game, but how long can that actually last? Maybe Fisher, Bynum, Artest, and Gasol, the four other starters for the Lakers, should just sit on the bench while Kobe plays by himself.

Bryant and Nash did not play much differently in game one, they both went 50% from the field and Kobe made 3/6 of his three’s and Nash went 0-2. The only difference is that Kobe took many more shots.

To win the championship a team needs to be counted on to use teamwork, and teammates who can count on one another to make the right choices. The Suns continuously show a great example of teamwork. It is evident that the Suns teamwork paid off in game three against the Lakers, when the Suns won the game 118-109. Nash with an incredible 15 assists.

During game one, the Lakers did demolish the Suns, however, they’re star player Steve Nash had 13 assists to Kobe’s 5. It is better to have someone on your team that can trust others to make a, much higher percent two-pointer, rather then go for a possible three-pointer. During game two, Kobe got a little taste of team work with 13 assists but still could not top Nash’s 15. Even though game two did turn out to be in the Suns’ favor, game three will show if the Suns’ teamwork is better than Kobe’s.

How long do the Lakers expect Kobe’s luck to last? There is no way that he will be able to score 40 points every game. Each time he misses, it only opens up an opportunity for the Suns to win. The Suns will take that opportunity and score everytime, because they can count on one another to make the right decision; whether it is to shoot or pass. So when it comes down to it the Suns’ teamwork will outwork Kobe’s selfishness.

Landis said he used the red blood cell booster, erythropoietin (commonly known as EPO), testosterone, human growth hormone, and frequent blood transfusions, along with female hormones and a one-time experiment with insulin. Landis also went as far as to accuse seven time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong, of doping as well. Armstrong, who had just returned to the racing circuit and was taking place in the Tour of California, told reporters, “I have nothing to hide … history speaks for itself here. It’s his word versus ours … we like our word, we like our credibility. This is a man that’s been under oath several times and had a very different version,” Armstrong said. “This is a man that wrote a book for profit that had a completely different version. This is somebody that took, some would say, close to $1 million from innocent people for his defense under a different premise. Now when it’s all run out, the story changes.”

Later on May 20, Armstrong crashed in to the stage near Visalia, California; abandoning the race and needing stitches. Speculations arose that Armstrong crashed because of stress and worry over comments by Landis, but Armstrong denied these reports.

Landis also accused American riders, Levi Leipheimer, Dave Zabriskie, and Johan Bruyneel of involvement in doping.

Armstrong said he would not pursue legal action against Landis, saying it would take too much money and effort and that he wants to focus on his team, his family, and his foundation, Livestrong.

International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid said Landis’ allegations were “scandalous and mischievous.”

“These guys coming out now with things like this from the past is only damaging the sport,” McQuaid told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday. “If they’ve any love for the sport they wouldn’t do it.”

Landis issued a statement saying he felt no remorse for what he had done.

“I don’t feel guilty at all about having doped. I did what I did because that’s what we [cyclists] did and it was a choice I had to make after 10 years or 12 years of hard work to get there, and that was a decision I had to make to make the next step. My choices were, do it and see if I can win, or don’t do it and I tell people I just don’t want to do that, and I decided to do it.”

Several cyclists did show support for Landis and his choice to come out, including Greg LeMond, who was the first American to win the Tour de France.

“I believe most of Floyd Landis’ statements regarding the systemic corruption in professional cycling. I imagine from my own experiences that today he is paying a heavy price for his honesty and I support Floyd in his attempt to free himself from his past. I hope that others — fans, riders and sponsors embrace this as an opportunity to bring about positive change in the sport,” said LeMond.

The UCI, USA Cycling and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency are looking into the allegations.

When Maynard was in the sixth grade, he convinced his mother to let him play organized football with other boys his age. At first, his mother was nervous about her 60-pound son with a major disability playing tackle football, but Kyle begged his mother and eventually changed her mind on the matter. Kyle started lifting two and a half pound weights on each arm in order to build shoulder strength for football. He also used his height to his advantage, while playing nose tackle for his team and perfected several moves such as the “butt roll.”

While Kyle never started for his team, he never let it get him down. “I didn’t quit or give up. I met the adversity with a full head of steam. I wanted to change the way players and coaches saw me—not as a disabled player, but as a defensive lineman who could inflict more damage than anyone else had before,” said Kyle. This attitude also carried with him into wrestling season, a sport he picked up to stay in shape for football during the off-season.

Coach Ramos, Kyle’s wrestling coach, is the man that Kyle credits helping him more then anyone else. Ramos wanted to help this young man with this severe disability be the best he could and the duo took major strives to do so.

“From the beginning, he willingly devoted himself to helping me succeed. I look up to him because I believe wrestling has forged him into a man of strength and fortitude in life, not just in this sport,” said Kyle.

Kyle’s first year of the sport was extremely difficult with Kyle losing every single one of his matches. Kyle started his junior high career with 35 straight loses but half way through seventh grade that all changed for the better. Kyle learned to use his body to his advantage and created moves such as the ‘jawbreaker’ and ‘buzz saw.’ Maynard ended his high school career with 35 wins and 16 losses. Maynard even finished 12^th in the 103-weight class at the National High School Wrestling Championships. Kyle was also doing well in classroom. He averaged a 3.7 G.P.A, and was accepted to Georgia Tech were he continued his wrestling career.

In 2004, Kyle earned the ESPY award for Best Athlete with a Disability. He also earned a Courage Award from the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. Kyle can now lift about 400 pounds on the modified bench press and credits all of his triumphs on competitiveness.

“I am an athlete driven by competition. Without the sport of wrestling, I would not be where I am today. There are so many problems and difficulties that I will never have to endure because of the character I’ve developed through wrestling,” said Maynard. “It is my discipline and my passion. I will never come into a match unprepared and in a worse cardiovascular condition than the kid I’m up against, because that is an advantage I can’t afford to give up.”

Maynard, 22, now travels the world giving inspirational speeches to kids everywhere; spreading the message of motivation and will power

“I believe God made me the way I am in order to show people that there is no amount of adversity that a single person cannot overcome if they trust in themselves and trust in the will of Jesus Christ.”

The introduction to the book allows for us to understand the division of chapters and sections of the book from a spiritual point of view. Gilbert talks of the japa malas, a necklace consisting of 108 beads, worn by many Yogis in India.  The number 108 is believed to be “a perfect three-digit multiple of three, its components adding up to nine which is three threes. And three, of course, is the number representing supreme balance.” The 108 chapters amidst the three sections tell of her 108 tales in the three countries and her ultimate search for balance. Furthermore, the three sections each have 36 chapters which correlate with her being 36 years old when she ended her journey.

Each section of the book comes with a phrase that themed the trip and the specific pursuit. The first section in Italy is “Say It Like You Eat It” and tells about the “Pursuit of Pleasure”. Gilbert’s recent divorce accompanied with an unsuccessful rebound relationship with a younger man left her depressed and lonely. Gilbert’s melancholy is prevalent from the beginning but she finally finds pleasure through her weeks of travel around Italy, in addition to the Italian language and the rich and zesty Italian cuisine.

“Congratulations to Meet You” was the second section that took place in an ashram in India and tells of the “Pursuit of Devotion”. Gilbert’s deep spiritual connection in this section was sometimes hard to comprehend, but influential people such as “Richard from Texas” helped create the feeling of companionship. She struggles with meditation and the Gurguita hymn but talks with Richard and the other people in the ashram helped her greatly.

The third section of the book takes place in Bali, Indonesia and was titled “Even in My Underpants, I Feel Different” and it tells of the “Pursuit of Balance”. She returns to Bali to end her year long journey after a medicine man named Ketut Liyer gave her a prophecy two years prior. Ketut helps Gilbert’s meditation by telling her to sit and smile, even in her liver. I looked forward to this section the most because I hoped Gilbert would mend her broken heart and find a successful romantic relationship, even if she didn’t. She happens upon love with an older man, and though his infatuation with her is instant, she remains focused on herself until ultimately falling in love with him.

Eat, Pray, Love is set to come out in theaters August 13, 2010 starring Julia Roberts. STA Travel is said to be offering trips similar to those that Gilbert went on. One can only hope to have an equally pleasure filled, devotional, and balanced experience.

Caspary’s choice of America was an easy one. “It’s such a big country, and it has such an impact on society today, and I’ve grown up with so much American culture. I always wanted to try it.” She had a choice of six sections of America, but was not particular about where exactly she wanted to go. Though, she did say she had an interest in Arizona. “[I said] they can put me wherever they want to because no matter where I am, it’s going to be so different. But, I really wanted to come to Arizona because I’d heard a lot about it. And it was so different from the weather in Sweden. And I was like ‘Sweet, a warm place!’”  Caspary missed one of Sweden’s coldest winters which, ironically is what she missed most about the country.

Caspary came from a school of 300; with little school activities and no clubs or sports.  She participated in Tiger Town and Our Town, Winter Guard, Dance and the fall Dance Concert and recently attended Prom.  The vast range of electives that Gilbert offers gave Emma lots to choose from.  She ultimately chose Metals, Clay, Dance, and Creative Writing.  She hopes to find a class in Sweden to keep up with what she did in her Metals class.  She may also consider taking up dance again once she returns to Sweden.  Her favorite experiences at Gilbert were hard to categorize, but she said she really enjoyed Our Town and Guard.  She strongly suggests that students participate in the Our Town Camp and described Guard as being a blast.

Though Caspary had written on her application that she did not want to live with another exchange student, she got placed last minute with a family who already had one. “I’m so happy that I had her, because, there’s someone that knows exactly what you’re going through. It definitely makes it easier.

The traditional meals that Emma has grown up with in Sweden were absent during her stay in Gilbert. Her host family is vegetarian, something that Caspary was not used to, since her diet in Sweden consisted of primarily meat/fish filled meals.

Unfortunately, her schooling here in Gilbert doesn’t count toward her schooling in Sweden, but she still says she would suggest that students experience the exchange program.  “It’s something that you cannot really replace with anything because you get such a confidence [boost], and realize how fast you can adapt to things. I would definitely recommend it.”

Amidst the struggle to keep her spot in the lunch line, make her way through the hallway, and deal with the absence of public transportation, Caspary still managed to enjoy her stay in Gilbert and says she will definitely return to Arizona.

Laurel is now visiting Avalon during her summer, learning about the magical culture of the faeries. As Laurel is honing her new-found talents, she begins to realize that she has unmistakable feelings for Tamani, her faerie friend that she knew before being sent out of Avalon, but how could she? David is waiting for her in the human world.

The more Laurel becomes attached to Tamani, the more she realizes that she has a big choice ahead of her. How will she decide between David, who is devoted to her and loves her unconditionally and Tamani who, will be there for her forever, finding no other joy in life but to be in her presence.

Except Laurel’s problems don’t end there, she has several encounters with a troll who seeks vengeance on Laurel for taking the gateway of Avalon away from him. The troll nearly kills Laurel if not for an ally who may or may not be someone worth trusting. As Avalon and Laurel are faced with the danger of the gateway location once again getting overtaken by trolls, relationships and friendships will be tested and the choices that Laurel makes will surprise readers.

Tamani’s declaration of love to Laurel makes for one of the most gripping scenes in Spells.  “I can’t just storm in and proclaim my intentions. I can’t ‘steal’ you away. I just have to wait and hope that, someday, you’ll ask,” Tamani said. And if I don’t?” Laurel said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Then I guess I’ll be waiting forever.”  I am still yet to decide on whom to choose, Tamani is the perfect action-packed match for Laurel, but David is more realistic and ideal.

Spells reminds me why I love to read books; they take me out of everyday life and throw me into another world that is overwhelming and exciting. Reading Spells, the scenes are so vibrant that they play through one’s head as the pages progress. Avalon is painted so vividly within the pages that one can almost feel that it actually exists. Laurel’s indecisive and unpredictable nature is what makes Spells such a great book.

Pike ended Spells with a major cliffhanger, leaving the reader to reflect upon what Tamani might be planning to win Laurel back. Spells leaves the readers to imagine what might happen in the next book in the series, and I am one of those readers that will be anxiously awaiting its arrival.

This year’s seniors were the ones who originally came up with the idea of yellow hair. On Friday, April 30, the team got together and dyed their hair with the help of each other and an athlete’s mother.

“It makes me look sexy,” declares junior Joshua Swift. While that is debatable, it also defines them as a team, which was what they were hoping the hair would do. Their hair shows that they are committed as a team to finish their season strong. Coach Matt Gutierrez says he hopes making state is a yearly tradition, and if dyeing their hair will bring them together for a common goal to win it, well then it would also be a welcome tradition.

The golden locks didn’t help them win the championship, finishing third in state and ninth in the nation is definitely nothing to be disappointed about. “Obviously, we wanted to go further in the playoffs, but ending the season as one of the top four teams in the state tournament is nothing to hang our heads about,” says coach Gutierrez.

With the summer coming up fast, some GHS students are sure to get bored of the ongoing drone of the television and the never-ceasing heat. However, if you can’t get out and beat the heat, check out this list of innovative things to do/go/see during summer 2010.

1.     Sprinkles Cupcakes

Sprinkles Cupcakes specializes in delighting taste buds with its delicious, hand-made treats. Its’ cupcakes are made fresh daily and include popular flavors such as: black and white, (Belgium dark chocolate with creamy vanilla frosting), gluten free red velvet, vegan red velvet, and more intuitive flavors such as: cinnamon sugar, mocha, carrot, chocolate marshmallow (check out the website for a full list of flavors). If you have a sweet tooth, or just want a treat, visit Sprinkles Cupcakes to try out all of the delectable variations of desserts.

Location: Scottsdale

Price: $3.25 a cupcake $36 a dozen

Website: www.sprinkles.com

2.     Pita Jungle

Pita Jungle is a local café featuring healthy, fresh dishes. Standout menu options include wood-fired pizzas, hamburgers, as well as pitas. In addition, Pita Jungle prides itself in offering numerous options for vegans and other dishes like veggie burgers and pesto pizzas.

My recommendation: the hummus starter, which is a chickpea puree seasoned with garlic and lemon juice, an ideal start to the main meal.

Location: Gilbert

Price: $5.00-$15.00

Website: www.pitajungle.com

3.     Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange, which harbors gently-worn items, offers a different take on purchasing new clothes. Its’ merchandise is bought, sold, and traded from customer to customer. It’s the perfect place to go to make some spending money off old threads, or to buy hip summer clothes for a cheaper price. Buffalo Exchange also offers everything from one-of-a-kind vintage items, to name-brand merchandise.

Price: $5.00-$50.00

Location: Tempe (ASU campus)

Website: www.buffaloexchange.com

4.     Wet’n’Wild

Wet’n’Wild is celebrating its first summer open in the valley and is the water park sure to keep you cool all summer long. Its attractions include Maximum Velocity, the world’s only water coaster, the Monsoon Bay wave pool, and Tornado, a tunnel-shaped ride that takes a patron’s tube for a trip through the fast-moving waters to the shallow pool beneath.

Location: Phoenix

Price: General Admission: $30.31

Website: www.phoenix.mywetnwild.com

5.     Sk8 Asylum

This brand new indoor skate park includes a street course, mini-ramp, wooden bowl vert ramp, and skate shop. Sk8 Asylum is an ideal place for skateboarders of all ages to beat the heat this summer.

Location: Mesa

Price: $7.00 for non-members $5.00 for members

Website: www.skateasylum.com

6. The Drive-in

For something new to do, try something old-fashioned. For a cheaper more flexible movie experience go to a drive-in movie. A huge benefit to going to the drive-in rather than the movie theater is the savings. Unlike the theater, which allows for patrons can bring their own snacks and beverages, a cheaper night than one spent at the concessions.  Also, the drive-in always features a double feature, two for the price of one. The drive-in is perfect for a late night movie with the family, a Friday night with friends, or a cozy date night.

Location: Scottsdale

Price: $7.00 a person

Website: www.westwindpublicmarkets.com

7.     Vans Warped Tour

The Vans Warped Tour comes once a year to bring over 150 bands to the audience in Phoenix. This summer these bands include The Rocket Summer, We the Kings, Alkaline Trio,  Mayday Parade, and a horde of other alternative bands.  Also, numerous not-profits tour with the bands and raise money for the different causes including Invisible Children, Feed Our Children Now, and Action for Animals just to name a few. The concert consists of multiple stages and multiple bands playing at once; perfect for any fan that wants to see an array of bands at one convenient venue.

(If you plan on attending the concert bring lots of water and sunscreen, as the concert is outdoors.)

Location: Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix

Price: Tickets can be bought at Ticketmaster.com

Date: 6/29/10

Website: www.vanswarpedtour.com

The album consists of thematic tracks that each create a core message. “Drop on By” is about “inviting your crush over.” Upon reading that, I expected anything but a ballad that, though sultry, I can only personally describe as being lame. The next song’s lyrics, “Curse the Bed,” made me somewhat gloomy but it could have also been the fact that I was upset over having to listen to it. However, the very last song on this side, “When It All Goes South,” was actually very pretty and pleasant, featuring an appealing acoustic guitar, string instruments, and truly showcasing Bundy’s singing talent. Nevertheless, the “achin’” side shaped up to be exactly as the first song was: dull. If this part of the album intended to make me ache in the sense that my eyes hurt from rolling them, then the name is spot on.

Right from the very beginning, it’s clear to see that the “shakin’” side is much different from its precursor. “Giddy On Up,” the first single released and her most popular song, kicks it off for good reason. This song is a joy for its high tempo beats, lyrical attitude, and “girl power” message. Gilbert High freshman Courtney Sheridan agrees, enthusing, “It’s an empowering song!” This song is followed with “I’m No Good (For Ya Baby),” an extremely catchy tune for when “you are numb – and trying to get over it.” Bundy talks through some of the verses, which is a waste of her impressive voice, but then she suddenly belts out singing in a chorus that will not budge from one’s mind.

The next couple of “shakin’” songs each have at least one nagging quality that halts me from even considering them as good. The lyrics in “Rebound” are awkwardly inappropriate, “Boyfriend?” is vaguely annoying, and even though “If You Want My Love” has enjoyable country music qualities, the song is overly repetitive. However, the end of the “shakin’” side, and subsequently the entire album, does have a satisfying closing. “Everybody” is described as being “a song for lovers everywhere,” and with good reason. The only qualm I have is the over-usage of background singers. Bundy’s voice is too prominent for the amount of background singing featured.

Though Achin’ and Shakin’ did turn out some good songs, I can’t say I fully enjoyed the album. If there are any songs truly worth listening to, it would have to be “Giddy On Up,” “When It All Goes South,” and “Everybody.” With such an incredible voice, I can see potential in Bundy as she finds her niche in the country music scene with her debut album.