"I have been dissatisfied with my body since the first snide remark about my round stomach was cruelly made to me in fifth grade, and I have a strong feeling that I am not alone," writes Anna Cangellaris. Oh no, you're probably thinking; not another rant about distorted body image. "Don’t sigh and close your browser window just yet," Anna continues. "I have a few variations and musings on this subject to divulge."

Today's a day to change your opinion about country music. Not all of it is bad, especially when you're listening to the Dixie Chicks. "Traveling Soldier" is definitely a song with poetic lyrics and an even more poetic story about love lost. Check inside for a truly exceptional song and the opportunity to change your mind about country music.

Playing through a constant downpour, No. 1 seed Williamsville shut out Uni 3-0 in a sectional semifinal game this afternoon. The No. 4 seed Illineks ended their season 11-6-2, a major improvement over last season's 7-8-2 mark, which in turn was dramatically better than their 2006 record of 4-15.

This afternoon the Illineks will travel to Williamsville, a few miles northeast of Springfield, to take on the host Bullets, the No. 1 seed in Uni's playoff bracket and the defending sectional champs. To get to this position, Uni first had to knock off Monticello on Tuesday. Check out this audio slideshow for a look back at the Illineks' memorable and satisfying win. Woo hoo!

For her 16th birthday, Laura Dripps' parents said she could get a pet. Eight months later, she's still looking. Somehow the whole turtle thing didn't work out, but some new prospects are on the horizon. Join Laura as she recounts her quest for a compatible creature companion.

[AUDIO included] Experience working with an independent and innovative faculty is considered the most important quality in a new director/principal of Uni High, according to a survey that more than 500 members of the Uni community took earlier this year. On April 23, the Parent-Faculty Organization held its Spring General Meeting, at which Director/Principal Steve Epperson interpreted the results of the online survey. Check inside for the highlights.

[AUDIO included] Building renovations, security improvements, even higher faculty salaries: These are some of the changes likely to result from Uni's postponement of its search for a new director/principal. Alex Zhai spoke to Associate Provost Keith Marshall at the April 23 PFO Spring General Meeting about these topics and came back with this update.

Indie rock not your style? Looking for intellectual and though-provoking music? Today's selection might just be your cup o' tea. Lupe Fiasco's a cool dude with even cooler lyrics and they are most certainly poetic in nature. Look inside to read the lyrics of "Theme Music to a Drive-by," they are sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Afraid of sending your date to the emergency room while trying to pin a simple floral arrangement on him or her? Avoid awkward moments and unnecessary blood loss with this simple how-to for prom.

Though selective mutism is an uncommon and complex disorder, and most of us do not have it, we can still relate to it in many ways. For those of us who don't have it, having selective mutism feels like every conversation is full of the same anxiety as giving a speech unprepared to a large audience. Imagine if you had butterflies in your stomach every time you tried to talk to someone. Check inside for an in-depth look at selective mutism and how it has affected one of our seniors.

[AUDIO included] Senior Shara Esbenshade scored a pair of goals in the first half to lead Uni to a Class A sectional quarterfinal victory Tuesday over visiting Monticello. Junior Joy Shapley assisted on both goals. The Illineks will play No. 1 seed Williamsville (a 9-0 victor over No. 8 Athens) in a 4:30 p.m. road game Thursday.

Enjoying the poetry in a set of lyrics is hard to do without the music, but the band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah manages to write a song that comes quite close to a poem. A series of images and objects sets up the reader/listener for a rather astounding turn at the end that leaves one wondering just what exactly is meant.

With all the negative stereotypes targeted toward sororities and fraternities, "Greek" attempts to provide an accurate depiction of what life is really like for those in the Greek system. In the end, asks Elaine Gu, with all the fascinating rituals, awesome parties, and strong friendships, what could be better than being Greek?

[UPDATED with more photos] What a week it's going to be in Uni track! Ruthie Welch will compete in the Class A state meet this weekend, the boys will compete in sectionals on Friday, and everything got off to a great start Monday night with three victories and two personal records in the annual News-Gazette Honor Roll Meet at the U of I.

The big movie this week is "Prince Caspian," the latest in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series from Disney. Kumars takes a look at that as well as the latest releases in DVDs, including Denzel Washington's "The Great Debaters." Laura likes what she hears from the new CDs, Gordon finds some worthwhile game releases, and Sindha clues us in on an outdoor concert coming up this weekend.