October 2013 - Volume 107 Issue 2

The Horseshoe OCTOBER

31,

2013

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DENTON

HIGH

SCHOOL,

DENTON,

TEXAS

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VOLUME

107

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ISSUE

On the Big Screen

Page 6

Band gets regional acclaim (pg. 7)

How old is too old to go trick-or-treating? (pg. 9)

Football near first playoff berth in three years (pg. 12)

What it’s like to be a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist, the story of a previously homeschooled freshman, gum reviews, classic horror movie reviews, and more

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NEWS OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

One from Denton named National Merit Semifinalist Jordan Gill Assistant Editor

When called into the principal’s office most students would be struck with fear, but not this senior.

Omar Akram was called into Principal Ford’s office last April and he walked in with a smile on his face, expecting only the best.

Omar was the only student at DHS to be a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.

“I scored a 232 on the PSAT,” Omar said. “When I found out my score, I was pretty excited because I was expecting to score at least a 200, but I wasn’t expecting to score in the 230s.”

Omar began studying for the SAT four years ago when he first enrolled at DHS. “I prepared for the test by doing a ton of studying, ever since freshman year,” Omar said. “It took

a lot of time but I definitely got better.”

Learning and studying certain test-taking strategies over the years benefitted Omar and helped him through the test.

“The hardest part about the test was that there is a lot of reading and you don’t have much time to read everything,” Omar said. “It’s not like any test I had ever taken before and the only reason that I could even understand it was because of all that practice over the summers.”

As soon as Omar finished his test he was ready to know what his score was. They wouldn’t release the final scores until after winter break so Omar had to make some exceptions.

“I was really anxious to find out my score because I really wanted these scholarships,” Omar said.

“So as soon as I saw online that the scores were out, I went to the counselor’s of-

fice every single day in December and I kept bothering them to show me.

Eventually, the testing coordinator told me that if I wanted to see my score before winter break I had to get a handwritten note from Mr. Ford. Once I did, they finally showed me!”

They announced the National Merit Scholar qualifiers last April. The qualifying students were called into a conference room and Mr. Ford gave them the good news.

“When I found out my score in December, I had assumed that I qualified,” Omar said. “But to hear

them announce it was really exciting.”

The National Merit Scholar Semifinalists were announced in September, and he was the only student from Denton High School that qualified.

“Mr. Ford and Mrs. [Renee] Koontz called me down to their office last month and told me,” Omar said. “They were the ones to tell me that I was a semifinalist. My parents were really hoping that I would get the National Merit Semifinalist because after seeing how much I studied, they half expected it.”

The rest of the National Merit Qualifiers talk about what the honor meant to them. Not listed: Emily Fu, William Root, Yiming Su. “I actually forgot my calculator that day, and I wasn’t very prepared, so it was pretty surprising when I found out I did well.” - George Roberson.

“I didn’t really study. I just kind of winged it.” - Alex Plese.

“I didn’t really study to prepare for the PSAT, most of the material on the test I just learned through school and I’m quite relieved that I took AP classes.” - DJ Lang.

“I was really glad to find out I did well. I’m hoping this leads to future academic success.” - Seth Cope.

“I appreciate the recognition for this and I hope it helps me with the college applications and scholarships.” - Alex Herring.

During class, senior Omar Akram studies for his SAT. (photo by Austin Pugh)

District officials ready for school bond election Emily Fu Rebecca Fu Staff Writers Voting for the 2013 bond package will take place Nov. 5. If passed, the $312 million package will include plans for the construction of a fourth high school.

Denton ISD Superintendent Jamie Wilson says the bond package was prompted by the growth and influx of students in the district.

“Our district is growing at approximately a thousand students a year, and so the main focus of this package is growth for new students coming into the district,” Wilson said.

The bond was initiated by citizens in the community who studied the expansion of the district and determined what needed to be included in the bond package.

“There were almost forty citizens who studied the growth of the district and looked at the classroom needs, looked at the enrollment, and made this recommendation to the trustees,” Wilson said. “They looked at everything from what we need in five years to what we need in ten years, and then they worked it out from there.”

In order to carry out the additions and renovations included in the bond, there will be a slight tax increase for homeowners.

“It is a one cent tax increase, which means if a home is $150,000; it is about $15 a year increase, or $1.25 a month,” Wilson said. “It will fund all the new growth and new construction.”

The bond package includes many changes that are slated to address the needs of Denton ISD. “The main things are high

school number four the Guyer expansion, two new elementary schools, a middle school, renovations and additions, and then some cost-saving upgrades that we do to help save money for energy efficiency with the lighting and smart irrigation controls,” Wilson said.

The fourth high school, which will be in the 380 corridor, will impact students from Denton High School and Ryan High School, both of which enrolls students from east Denton County.

The new high school will even out the increasing student population in the two schools that have both increased tremendously in the past several years.

If the bond passes, the district will take baby steps in enrolling students for the fourth high school.

“Our thought process right

now is shooting for opening [the new high school] in fall of 2015 with two grades, meaning freshmen and sophomores,” Wilson said.

“So that although when they start school construction will be going on, we [will have built] enough to get it started with [helping] with the overcrowding. By the next school year, we will be finished, and they’ll have three grades, then four grades.”

In the event that the bond doesn’t pass, Denton ISD will have to find ways to deal with the overcrowding issues.

“The issues if the bond doesn’t pass will be larger class sizes, use of more portables, and potentially having to look at attendance boundaries to see if there needs to be adjustments made to allow for that to happen on all elementary, middle, and high school lev-

els,” Wilson said. “Right now we are putting all of our pieces on it being successful. That’s where we are putting all of our emphasis.”

Wilson has previous experience with adjusting to overcrowding situations.

“In 1995, I was the science department chairperson at Fossil Ridge High School in Keller. The bond passed late and the school wasn’t ready, so when the school year started, Keller High School and Fossil Ridge High School were in the same building,” Wilson said. “One school started at 7:30 a.m., one school started at 9 a.m.. So you have to consider that you only have so many classrooms across the district.”

Regardless of the outcome of the bond election, one thing is certain.

“School must go on,” Wilson said.

FEATURE

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OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

Senior draws inspiration from her two kids Rebecca Fu Staff Writer

Seventeen-year-old Ahitonna Sanders works at Whataburger, sings in the school choir, and aspires to be a phlebotomist.

She is also the mother of two children.

Born and bred in Texas, Sanders attended Borman Elementary and Calhoun Middle School.

After moving to a new apartment complex during middle school, she met her then boyfriend, Cameron. Her life took a turn when, at age 14, she became pregnant with her daughter Harmony, who is now two years old.

She moved in with Cameron and had a son named Jeremiah, who is now ten months old.

Shortly after, they split up, and she found herself a single teen mom with two kids.

“It’s crazy how you think some people will always be in your life, and it never really works out that way,” Sanders said. “Fairy tales

don’t last forever.”

She was confronted with the reality of having a job, going to school, and taking care of her children.

“It’s pretty hard, I’m really tired, but then I have to remem-

it’s just I want to be able to say that I did everything by myself.”

She describes herself as a responsible mother, and she understands her obligations as one.

“I had to learn that when you’re a mom, there are some

“If it weren’t for my kids, I wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing now such as trying to finish school,” Ahitonna Sanders said. ber that in order for them to be something I have to be something.” Sanders said.

Although taking care of two young children is stressful, she receives a large amount of help from her stepmother, Kendra, and her grandmother, Barbara Mitchell, who are her main support system. However, Sanders prefers to do most things herself.

“Everyone is accountable for their own actions,” Sanders said.

“My family is a really big support,

things that you have to put on hold and can’t do any more,” Sanders said. “I’m talking about genuine moms, not those play moms, who have to do things they don’t want to do, who have to sacrifice. Most teen parents go party every night, and I just don’t think they understand how much that’s going to hurt them later on when they realize [the effects] of their actions.”

Her motivation for finishing school comes from setting a

good example for her children.

Currently, Sanders is taking advantage of online programs, such as OdysseyWare, and credit-byexams offered through local colleges and universities in order to graduate in 2014.

“If it weren’t for my kids, I wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing now such as trying to finish school,” Sanders said. “I think I would’ve honestly dropped out.

I think that I wouldn’t have been trying as hard to graduate.”

One of the most important lessons she has learned is to be persistent.

“I’m still in school, I’m still trying my best to be something for them, and there are people that don’t even do that. Without kids.” Sanders said. “This is a lesson learned for me that no matter the struggle, just never give up.”

For the most part she doesn’t regret anything, as she believes that people should live life with no regrets, but she does have a

piece of advice: Think before you do.

“I feel like if I had waited [to have sex], none of this would be happening,” Sanders said. “All things have consequences.”

Ahitonna Sanders has returned to Denton High to join her senior class and plans to graduate on time desipte having two children.

Formerly homeschooled boy comes to Denton High Brendan Kimberlin Staff Writer For seven years, Curtis Stratton was used to being able to get up and go to sleep when he wanted and not having to worry about anyone else.

That all changed when the current freshman decided to give up home school which he had done since second grade and attend Denton High School.

“Curtis is a smart kid,” Curtis’ mother, Nicole Stratton, said. “He did a lot of self teaching. but it was still challenging at times to meet his needs. I was more of a facilitator than anything. I tried to find a curriculum that matched his skills.

He’s very bright and enjoyed learning.”

Curtis hasn’t always lived in Denton, but he decided that moving would be best for his education.

“I was living in Aubrey for ing and theatre is in the aftereighth grade, but then we noon.” moved to Denton in November As Curtis adapts to high of 2012 because I wanted to be school, there are still certain a part of the IB program,” Strat- luxuries that he misses. He has ton said. “Over the had to alter his course of the year, Freshman Feature schedule in order I got involved in to be at school on swimming at the time. natatorium and “I miss sleep,” moved into where I currently Stratton said. “My schedule wasn’t very tight. When I was am.”

While he has found it chal- home-schooled, I could get up lenging at times, Stratton says whenever I wanted and get he is adapting to the feeling of started whenever I wanted. high school and is enjoying be- There were certain subjects that ing a Denton High School stu- I had to do every day. I had to do the core stuff. But at the same dent.

“There’s been a big change in time, there wasn’t a tight curmy schedule; there’s been a lot riculum. It was more whatever of extra-curricular stuff,” Strat- interested me, I would go with. ton said. “I’m involved with the- I would do my school stuff and ater and I’m on the varsity swim once I got done I could mess team. I have to get used to the around for the rest of the day.”

Being schooled individually homework and the new stuff. It hasn’t been to difficult to juggle is a lot different than going to because theatre is in the morn- a school with more than 2,000

people.

“It gets kind of packed,” Curtis said. “You kind of have to get used to making your way through traffic, you have to especially around the bus lanes and in the connecter hallway.

It’s really crowded.”

Never having experienced

high school, he wasn’t sure how the high school atmosphere would be.

“I was expecting the clichés of high school,” Stratton said. “I was also expecting semi-chaos in the hallways. It’s a big school, but at the same time it doesn’t feel big.”

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FEATURE

OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

Rosin shares his lifelong passion for art Maggie-Mae Ellison Staff Writer Art teacher James Rosin remembers making a plate in Kindergarten.

“The teacher told my mom that she needed to save it,” Rosin said. “I had this talent and ever since then, my parents have really fostered that artmaking. For every Christmas and every birthday, I got some kind of art supplies.”

Rosin continued with art through high school, where an experience with one of his teachers sparked the idea for him to become an art teacher.

“I had a really bad art teacher in high school, and I knew that I could do better,” Rosin said. “I believe it’s our job to inspire and motivate students and share any experience we’ve learned along the way from them. Plus, I like the students; they’re my friends. I feel like it’s my calling.”

To be a better art teacher Rosin allows the students to be as creative as they want with their projects.

“My teaching style is student-centered, and I give my students a lot of

freedom to interpret their assignments,” Rosin said. “They have a lot of input and with my studio art class.

I give them a theme and they can interpret it however they want and use whatever medium they want. In February, I have a Saturday studio every Saturday where I get here at 10, and the kids can come and work in the studio, and I work too.”

Rosin says that it is important for every school to have an art program.

“We live in a visual world, and as far as the job market’s concerned, every entity out there needs artists,” Rosin said. “I hope students understand that art is the language of the soul and that they can utilize their art and have it with them, because psychologically, it’s good, it’s very meditative.”

Coffee Shop Confidential Denton is a college town with several options if you’re looking for a place to study or do homework. If you are looking for tips on which coffee shop to go to for your next study session, here are ratings of several coffee shops in Denton. They are rated on a scale of 1 to 10 based on variety, quality, ambiance, hours, and service.

KJ Cox Staff Writer

Starbucks has an overall rating of 7.9. They have great variety and are on every street corner, but they are expensive and almost always crowded and noisy. They earned higher scores in variety and hours given that their menu is so large and they are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but they have lower ratings in quality and ambiance since they are a chain.

Seven Mile Coffee Co. has an overall rating of 8.3. They have a great atmosphere and extremely friendly staff, earning them high ambiance and service ratings. They are a wide open space with plenty of room and they’re almost never crowded, making it a good studying environment.

Seven Mile has a low hours rating, though, because it is only open until 6 p.m.

Zera Coffee House has the highest overall rating of 9.1.

They have a welcoming atmosphere and roomy space. It has a Christian environment, which can be good or bad depending on the customer. The employees are always friendly since they volunteer their time. They have organic coffee and smoothies. Overall they are a wonderful study environment. They may not have as much variety as chain coffee stores like Starbucks, but they are definitely worth a visit.

Naranja is a bubbletea shop that also serves coffee, and they have an overall score of 7.6. They have a lot of variety for tea and coffee drinkers, but they don’t have as many coffee options as the other shops that are being rated.

They have high scores in quality because everything they make tastes great and has a unique flavor, but they are more oriented towards bubble tea, which is flavored iced tea with tapioca balls called boba mixed in. The store is small, but is a comfortable study environment. I definitely recommend trying their passion mango boba tea.

Big Mike’s has an overall rating of 8.3. They are a coffee shop just off of the UNT campus, and they always keep students in mind. They are the only 24-hour coffee shop in Denton, making the place perfect for all-nighters and late-night study sessions. Big Mike’s has great service and friendly staff, but they have limited space so be sure to grab a table and not give it up!

Jupiter House has an overall rating of 8.0. J House has a wide open space and plenty of tables for bigger study groups. The drink variety is pretty good, and they have other drinks for non-coffee drinkers. If it strikes your fancy Jupiter House also has several snacks provided by various Denton organizations. They have a great atmosphere, though their service can become slow when there are more customers.

FEATURE

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OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

Several students volunteer at haunted house George Roberson Editor-in-Chief

Every weekend, sophomore Payden Enzensperger and junior Jackie Thompson put on their fiercest outfits and makeup. That’s when things get freaky.

Enzenspenger and Thompson volunteer at the Parker House, a “haunted attraction” on University Drive.

“I’ve been chained to a bed, an eyeless victim, in the bear suit, and even under the bed,” Thompson said. “I’ve done practically every-

thing.”

The two started working there during the “offseason,” over the summer.

“I started in mid-July,” Enzensperger said.

“We built and painted in the beginning. I fell in love with the work and the people, and I decided to become a full-time volunteer.”

It takes over 100 volunteers to run the Parker House.

Enzensperger is a crew leader, meaning she is in charge of making sure her group is fully in costume and

fully prepared.

“My ‘screamers’ have to have cough drops, and I keep a bucket of candy to keep my actors happy,” Enzensperger said. “The best part of my job is getting to lead people.”

In addition to the haunted house, there is also a graveyard, a trail, and an asylum on the propery.

“I like getting to scare people,” Thompson said. “It’s cool to see a haunted house from the other side.”

The Parker House is a

Super Spooky: Enzensperger with her fellow Bronco co-worker Jasmine Logan. (courtesy photo)

non-profit organization whose proceeds benefit the Heroes of Denton, a charity dedicated to assisting family members of law enforcement officers and firefighters who lose their life or suffer injuries in the line of duty.

“I am going to stay with the Parker House

even through the offseason, and I’m hoping to become a higher-paid crew leader by next season,” Enzensberger said. “Juggling work and school can become stressful, but I love my job because I get to scare the pants off of my fellow classmates and strangers.”

Which gums to buy and which gums to avoid

Maggie-Mae Ellison Staff Writer

Extra Apple Pie ($.99/15 sticks)

Doublemint ($.45/5 sticks)

This is the only gum I have ever spit out within the irst ive minutes of chewing. To describe this gum only one word comes to mind: nauseating. The lavor reminded me of apple pie someone left sitting on the counter for weeks.

There was no redeeming quality and I wouldn’t wish this lavor on my worst enemy. 1 out of 5.

If you’re looking for a basic spearmint gum that’s fairly cheap and easy to ind, this is the gum for you. Although this gum is not sugar free, it is a good basic gum. I wouldn’t chew it often, though, because I would like to keep my teeth. 3 out of 5.

Trident Layers Wild Strawberry and Tangy Citrus ($1.24/14 pieces)

Juicy Fruit ($.99/15 sticks)

If I were to describe this gum in one word it would be: strong. The lavor is a very strong fruity tang. If you can imagine the taste of how a fruity shampoo smells, that’s what this gum’s lavor is. I might buy it again if I were in the mood for something fruity. 3 out of 5.

There is a lot of hype around Juicy Fruit, but I found it rather disappointing. It had a typically plain bubble gum lavor. This gum is also not sugar free so I personally don’t see myself ever buying it again. 2 out of 5.

5 Focus ($1.24/15 pieces)

Trident Original Flavor ($.99/18 pieces)

Typically I don’t chew 5 gum, and this gum reminded me why I don’t. 5 gum tends to be overpriced, for gum, and the lavors don’t mesh.

This lavor in particular was so strong it hurt my mouth and nose. 2 out of 5.

Trident was the best value of all the packs of gum I reviewed. The lavor is also one of the most unique, a nice mix of cinnamon and mint that made it one of my favorites. A de inite repurchase and one I would chew often. 4 out of 5.

5 RPM ($1.24/15 sticks)

Extra Root Beer Float ($.99/15 sticks)

This was another 5 gum that did not impress me a whole lot. This gum has a simple spearmint lavor with a fancy name that makes no sense to me. There are many more, cheaper, versions of this exact same gum. The only redeeming quality of this gum is that the lavor lasts a fairly long time. 2 out of 5.

Surprisingly, this gum actually tasted like a root beer loat, but not surprisingly the lavor only lasted about 10 minutes. For a novelty gum it’s not bad and it’s a lot less expensive option but de initely not a gum I would repurchase and chew on a regular basis. 2 out of 5.

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FEATURE

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IB Film seniors go out with a bang IB Film director Sam Tunnel and writer Lilli Dean are working together on Lilli’s final project, producing her very own film.

“Working with Lilli has been really fun,” Tunnel, a junior, said. “We Shelby DuPont work well Voices Editor together and have a lot of the same creative concept.”

The two have based their story on a girl with schizophrenia and her struggle to find the will to take her medicine.

“Throughout the script she’s just trying to understand that she can help herself more than she’s hurting herself,” Dean said. “There’s times when her ulterior personality makes appearances and tries to convince her to take her medication.”

Their main focus is leaving plenty of room in the film for creativity.

“The story was really raw in the beginning,” Tunnel said.

“Lilly’s original idea was about

a girl that could see a color in the world that no one else could see and that’s what we’re going with for the entire film.”

One of the requirements of the assignment is having unique filming techniques that are taken from the ideas of other films.

“The majority of our planned shots are really old fashioned,” Dean said. “We have things like moving shadows using some of the film mechanisms we’ve learned in class. Most of them will look kind of like shadow puppets.”

Although Lilli did write the movie, she strives to include Sam in as much of the brainstorming as possible so that the final project is just as much his as it is hers.

“Anything including the actors is mostly my job as director,” Tunnel said. “Lilli and I have certain ways we plan on having the actors do things and it’s my job to get the point across.”

Overall, the two are spend-

IB Film seniors Daija McCall, Morgan Van Aken, Jacob Audrisch, Lilli Dean, and junior Sam Tunnel are working on their very own short film. (photo by Shelby DuPont)

ing countless hours trying to make their film an original masterpiece.

“I really hope that our film turns out well,” Dean says.

“We’ve been working really hard and I want that to show.”

But Sam and Lilli aren’t the only rising stars. Filmmaking team Morgan Van Aken, Jacob Audirsch, and Daija McCall have also been assigned the same project.

A cinematographer is a person who specializes in motion-picture photography.

The writer is the person who creates the screenplay.

The director is the person responsible for the interpretive aspects of the film.

McCall, Van Aken, and Audrisch are all collaborating on their film, which is about coping with tragedies.

McCall wrote the film,Van Aken is directing it, and Audrisch is the cinematographer. (photo by Shelby DuPont)

“I’m the director,” Van Aken said. “Daija wrote the script, and Jacob is our cinematographer.”

The film they’re producing is about a distraught girl who’s

trying to find her way after her parents die.

“She gets invited into this room, with the idea that when she goes inside she finds eternal bliss,” Van Aken said. “When she comes out of the room she gets really confused and goes back to her depression. She goes in there for days at a time and doesn’t even notice time has passed.”

The writing is based mostly off the short story The Euphio Question by Kurt Vonnegut.

“We had to read it for our English summer reading assignment and adapted the story to suit the needs of our film,” Audirsch said. “A lot of our main ideas and characters come straight from that story.”

Their film involves techniques and symbols that they have learned about in the film class over the course of two years.

“We’re trying a lot of new film techniques we didn’t have last year,” Audirsch said. “Like a pencil sketch filter and con-

FEATURE

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OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

Senior Lilli Dean is being assisted by junior Film student Sam Tunnel in her film “Mute” about a girl struggling with schizophrenia. Dean is the writer, and Tunnel is the director. (photos by Shelby DuPont)

trasting fast and slow motion in one shot. We have a scene where one person is moving at normal speed and everything around them is moving really fast.”

One flaw of the IB film assignment though is the music limitation.

“We have to make our own

original music because of copyright laws and such,” Audrisch said. “This year I’m hoping we can create our own just to add to the tone of the film.”

They have made it a point to be as organized and productive as possible throughout the making of their film.

“I think it’s going really

well,” Audirsch said. “This year we seem to be hitting due dates really well and we’ve already started shooting our film. It feels good to be ahead rather than behind.”

The filming process requires a lot of prior planning and preparation.

“We’re going out to different

houses and medical facilities,” Van Aken said. “We’re planning on getting all of our shots within the next few weeks. We’re trying to stay on top of it when it comes to getting everything finished” These hard-working teams plan on releasing their film in December for public viewing.

“I’m really looking forward to hearing the audiences opinion on our film,” McCall said.

“My group and I have really tried to incorporate all of our ideas into the film and we hope the audience supports these ideas. The audiences support really gives us the confidence we need to create a good film.”

Band earns a ‘1’ at district yet again Dareious Scott Mo Diop Staff Writers The excitement on Friday nights is mostly surrounding the football team. It’s easy to lose band in the shuffle.

But on Sept. 19, the band got their due when they earned all 1s in Region 2 to advance to last Saturday’s Area A UIL Marching Contest at Northwest High School.

“The division 1 rating basically means that in the eyes of UIL judges, we are at a level that is considered superior,” director of bands Brian Wilson said.

“There’s a rubric that we are competing against, and it had five different categories. We fit in the highest category of Division 1. I’m proud of the kids they

worked really hard and deserved this.”

Although it was big accomplishment for them, it wasn’t the first time they reached this specific goal.

“For marching I think that this is the fifth or sixth year in or row for us,” Wilson said. “In the spring we have concert insight reading where we can also get Division 1 ratings in that as well.”

The band has received division 1 ratings all four years of senior Brian Zellmer’s high school career.

“It feels pretty nice winning four years in a row because not every band is able to do that therefore it’s a pretty nice accomplishment,” Zellmer said. “We’re motivated because we know that we can achieve greatness, and if we were able to do that per-

formance and get that level of achievement, then we can easily keep pushing forward.”

Senior Holly Crye feels the same way as Zellmer. She acknowledges that their performance overall wasn’t as good as it could have been, but she feels that they can still be the best.

“It’s a really cool feeling because I know we didn’t do as well as we could,” Crye said. “If we’re a division 1 with that performance, we have so much more we can do so that we can improve so much from there.”

The band works extremely hard to prepare for these types of events.

They stay at the school until the sun goes down, and are back at it before the sun rises. Wilson’s advice keeps his students motivated and determined to

Leading the band, drum major Truett Ide conducts the halftime performance at the Denton versus Guyer game on Oct. 4. (photo by Alex Meimers)

work as hard as they can, because they love what they do.

“The best advice I can give my students is to have fun,” Wilson said. “It’s not worth doing any-

thing if you’re not having fun doing it. Yes, we want to win medals, ribbons, and trophies, but if you’re not having fun, then it’s not worth it.”

ENTERTAINMENT

8 Katy Perry’s new album is a genuine knockout Brandon Shields Entertainment Editor Katy Perry’s new album Prism (released October 18th in the United States) has been a hit for the sensational pop star. However it has been a real step up in maturity becasue, the message she’s conveying through her songs have changed.

Through her album “Teenage Dream” she portrayed herself as a young adult going through a love phase that was blinding her everyday life with emotion.

Instead we have in Prism a more confined outlook on life and a more grown side of Katy Perry.

Her emotions flow through each and every song unlike most other artists albums to date. There tends to be less “filler” tracks.

Some of the hit titles include “Roar,” and “Walking on Air.” Prism tends to lean on the emotional side and tap deep within

OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

fined as good, but of course it has its flaws.

The chorus can sometimes be felt as a burden, because their objective is to make more of an impact on the song. She reinforces the message, but I find them to get in the way of hearing the artist I paid for, and that’s Katy Perry. Beyond the chorus it’s easy to see that this album is directed towards more mature audiences not just children.

There’s more here than some pop soundtracks and club music, there is a genuine feel for what Katy has gone through recently like her break up and suicide attempt. Not to say this album has a dark message intended, but it’s not the same as her previous albums.

B+

the heart if you find the connection in the album; however for some they just see it for its typical rhythm expected from a pop track. With a hit artist there will be followers whether the album is good or bad, but Prism is de-

Horror movie classics Chandler Elsbecker Sports Editor The Thing (1982) Starring Kurt Russell’s beard, John Carpenter’s The Thing is one of the most underappreciated horror films of the past 40 years. A research team in Antarctica discovers something buried in the ice. Upon excavating, it becomes apparent that whatever they have found can absorb and perfectly replicate any organism.

The film becomes a brilliantly suspenseful thriller as the group becomes paranoid, questioning who among them is human. The effects, while disgusting, deserve special mention as some of the most remarkable in the genre, all done practically by master Rob Bottin. Furthermore, the use of outrageous gore has merit in this

film. The feeling of the chill and isolation of Antarctica is completely felt, adding to the tension and horror. The Thing may be better suited for watching on a cold December night, but it is never a bad option.

Wright’s filmmaking prowess itself becomes a marvel. However, it takes a back seat to some simply brilliant humor. Shaun of the Dead is not just one of the funniest parodies of all time, but one of the funniest comedies, period.

Shaun of the Dead (2004) An alternative to the traditional Halloween film, Shaun of the Dead is Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s magnificent tribute to, and lampooning of, the zombie movie. For reasons unknown (as is customary) the dead are reanimating, and titular London resident Shaun (played by Pegg) must find a way to survive the zombie – although you really shouldn’t use “the Zed Word” – attack while putting his life back together in the process.

Through imaginative cinematography and creative editing,

Alien (1979) Ridley Scott’s Alien is one of the first films to merge the genres of horror and science fiction, becoming a main source for lower-rent sci-fi-horror films to ape for decades. While it may be at fault for our seeing the same movie with a different title thirty-plus times, there is a reason it’s so imitated: it’s an outstanding film. Sigourney Weaver’s performance as Ellen Ripley has become an archetype for the female horror protagonist. The infamous chestburster scene is one of the best in cinematic history.

The entire franchise – with possible exception to the cinematic abomination of a crossover with Predator – has become a temple for all nerds.

A+

A+

A

Captain Phillips lives up to high expectations Brandon Shields Entertainment Editor Based off true events, Captain Phillips is a pulse pounding thriller. The kind of film that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time, the movie proves itself as a must see.

The movie stars Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips, the commanding officer of a vessel delivering supplies taking a route near the Somali coast.

While heading away from the main group to get their destination, the vessel gets attacked by pirates.

Each minute becomes crucial as every move begins to matter. It’s easy to become emotionally invested

in the Captain and his crews’ safety as their lives become more and more endangered through this peril.

Risking his life to save his crew, Captain Phillips lures the men off the boat by coming with them and becoming their prisoner.

Unfortunately for the pirates who were just in control, circumstances take them out of power, making the ones who were just so powerful to be powerless.

In conclusion, Captain Phillips delivered on suspense and action but failed to last in the mind after the movie. If you’re still curious about this film I suggest renting it as apposed to seeing it in theaters.

The Escape Plan worth a rent Brandon Shields Entertainment Editor Starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, “The Escape Plan” is just that - an escape from traditional action thrillers.

Many movie critics were harsh on the movie due to its questionable artistic merit, but in the end, it’s just a movie for your enjoyment.

If all movies were critiqued with regard to how realistic they are, many movies would slip and fall in the ratings.

Sylvester Stallone or “Ray Breslin” is an escape artist, testing prisons for flaws and exploiting them to escape. The company that has employed him has been tempted by his 100% success rate and decides to put him in a “super prison” that is off-grid.

While at this prison, Ray meets Swan (Arnold), an inmate

that is being held for questioning because he is deemed too dangerous for society. They unite to break out of this seemingly flawless prison.

“The Escape Plan” is an action packed thriller that tends to add a high level of intelligence, despite some profanity and gore.

If you can get past the crude humor at times and focus on the storytelling experience alone, you will find yourself having a good time with this one.

I feel that “The Escape Plan” met all my expectations. It’s definitely a movie you only take the bros out to because it can be extremely distasteful at times.

Those points aside, the movie itself is neither a miss nor a hit.

If you don’t catch it in theaters, I suggest that you take the time to rent it.

B+

VOICES

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OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

You’re never too old to trick or treat KJ Cox Staff Writer

It’s Halloween, and neighborhoods are filled with children who are dressed up and eager to get as many treats as their little hands can grab. But along with kids you see the occasional teenager going trick-or-treating as well. So the big question is: How old is too old?

I am a 17-year-old who still goes trick-or-treating every year with my little brother, and I don’t believe I’m too old as long

as I dress up and act respectfully towards the people who are so graciously giving me Halloween goodies.

When I see a group of rowdy teens walking door-to-door without costumes and demanding candy, I do get angry because they are giving all teens a bad reputation.

There is no law forcing people to give out candy on Halloween; people do it because it is a holiday and they are nice enough to go with tradition. So we should follow tradition as well and put

effort into a costume in the spirit of Halloween. ween. And when I say costume, ume, I mean a tasteeful costume.

When you are trick-ortreating with a bunch of children, you don’t want to be offensive to the kids or their parents by wearing ng a skimpy or distasteful outfit.

Supporting your school is the key to success Dareious Scott Staff Writer When you’re on the field or the court and you look in the stands and see people’s faces you’ve known your whole life cheering and edging you on to do your best it just gives you that extra push to excel in what you’re trying to accomplish.

But when you look in the stands and see nobody cheering for you, it has just the opposite effect.

To those that don’t play sports or compete in other extra curricular stuff it might not make sense, but for those of us who do it might make the difference in a win or loss.

Whenever I walk down the hallways I always overhear a conversation about how much another school is going to beat Denton High and it makes me sick to my stomach. The majority of the time, it’s the people who choose not to participate in sports.

It seems like to me that the people who always have something negative to say about a team

here at Denton High, are the ones who show up to school at 8:50 and go home at 4:10. So why shoot down a team that is doing something positive for the school?

Another thing that kind of bugs me is how I see students who attend Denton High give tons and tons of praise to every other school in the world except the school that they attend.

It doesn’t make sense to put another high school on a pedestal like their students are better than you.

There is no need to talk down on the school that you attend every day.

Pride is an issue that Denton High has had for as long as I can remember, and it bothers the players.

Of course in the state of Texas sports are the main focus no matter where you go. Academics are a close second, but even then not many people look at a school and say, “Hey, that school has a lot of smart people.” The fact that Denton High has had its downs in some sports is the main reason why the school spir-

it is lacking, but all schools go through ups and downs.

Although improvements are being made in all the sports, students want to see immediate change. If you want to see immediate change, there is something you can do.

If you have ever gone to Denton High or you currently attend, it starts with you. You should be there to cheer your team on. You should be there to support your school because they work hard for you.

Athletes get up before the sun comes up, and stay after the sun goes down.

All they ask for in return is for you to support them and stand behind them, even if the team is having a hard time.

This doesn’t mean to empty out your pockets, and wear yourself out to make every game. It only means to cheer on the volleyball team, the football team, the soccer team, the basketball team, the baseball team, the tennis team, or even the golf team, because your support is the missing ingredient to success.

A good rule of thumb: if the word ‘sexy’ is on the package the costume pack came in, save it ca for the Halloween parties, ladies.

And boys, please keep in mind that you don’t want to scar children for life with the scariw est costume you can come up with. If you want to be extremely scary,

go to a haunted house or a Halloween party. We aren’t entitled to candy, so as fellow human beings we need to be polite to those who are taking time out of their lives to give us a fun Halloween experience.

If you believe you are too old to dress up and act like a kid, then yes, you are too old for trick-ortreating. As long as you remain respectful with your attitude and costume, you are never to old to be a part of the old Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating and let out your inner kid.

Dress to impress within guidelines Maggie-Mae Ellison Staff Writer I wake up for school and the first thing I think about is what I’m going to wear that day.

It’s a thought everyone has at some point before leaving their house for school. When preparing I take the school dress code into account as should each student at any school.

Boys, everyone knows that you’re wearing boxers but that doesn’t mean everyone wants

to see them. Simply put, pull up your pants or wear a belt if you have to.

Also, wear clean clothes that aren’t wrinkled from being on the floor since they were washed or maybe not for that matter.

Another important thing to keep in mind is to wash your hair, because its not like shampoo or conditioner products will kill you.

On a more serious note; I’ve noticed a lot of girls wearing seethrough leggings, low

cut shirts, or really short skirts and shorts.

Even though leggings are comfortable and easy to throw on in the morning, please make sure they aren’t see-through before leaving your house. If your leggings are see-through, put something on over them or change.

Remember that how you dress is how others will perceive you. Don’t sacrifice comfort for style or even the dress code. They must all work in conjunction.

The Horseshoe 1007 Fulton Denton, TX 76201 940-369-2150 Editor-in-Chief: George Roberson Assistant Editor: Jordan Gill Sports Editor: Chandler Elsbecker Online Editor: Ryan Carr Entertainment Editor: Brandon Shields Voices Editor: Shelby DuPont Staff Writers: Mohammad Alshara, Leah Bowen, Alex Byrd, KJ Cox, Mo Diop, MaggieMae Ellison, Emily Fu, Rebecca Fu, Raychel Jones, Brendan Kimberlin, Ben Lyke, Floribel Nunez, Dareious Scott Photographers: Alex Meimers, Austin Pugh Graphic Design: Cynthia Pantaleon Adviser: Mr. Greg Bogomol Principal: Mr. Dan Ford

The student newspaper of Denton High School is published by the publications staff.

The ideas expressed in this publication and on the Voices page are solely those of the individuals providing them, and do not necessarily re lect the opinion of the entire staff, adviser, faculty, administration, or the Denton ISD Board.

DHS is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference, National Scholastic Press Conference, and Columbia Scholastic Press Conference.

Find us online at www.dhshorseshoe.com, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

A version of this issue formatted speci ically for the Internet can be accessed at issuu. com/dhshorseshoe.

SPORTS

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OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

Missing in Action Bronco athletes lose seasons, and high school careers, to injury

By Mohammed Alshara Staff Writer Sports can be, at times, very demanding and can take quite a toll on player’s bodies.

Injuries happen often because of how physical games have gotten in recent years. In high school sports, injuries aren’t usually career ending, however they can be serious enough for surgery.

Senior Amber Phillips, a varsity volleyball player, recently tore her ACL during a volleyball game.

“I jumped up to block the ball when my knee went out from underneath me and I hit the ground and just couldn’t get back up,” Phillips said.

She recently got surgery where they reconstructed her ACL and repaired her meniscus, but she will be out for the rest of the season, thus ending her high school volleyball career. Even though she is out for the rest of the year she is still happy to be there for her team.

“I just want to support them,” Phillips said. “That’s the least I could do since I won’t be able to play with them.”

Phillips didn’t even realize that she might have been seriously injured as she walked around with a torn ACL for a oing to a doctor month before going ed. to get it examined. eally “It wouldn’t really have made a differtence if I had gotten the surgery a month later or that very same week, because I would still be out for six to nine months,” Phillips said.

“Either way I won’t be ablee yto play volleyhe ball again for the or rest of my senior year.”

Athletic trainer, Coach Renatta Delello, suggested that she should wait and let the trainer’s treat her, but realized that she wasn’t recovering well and sent her to an orthopedic surgeon.

“After having the surgery Amber has started doing physical rehab daily and is making progress,” Delello said. “I wish she could have made it back in time to play with her team.”

Senior Jake Cleveland, varsity football player, dislocated and tore a tendon in his finger during a football game. Unlike Phillips, Cleveland went to the doctor immediately and ended up getting emergency surgery.

“If I had waited a day later they would have had to cut open half way down my forearm,” Cleveland said. “They caught it in time and braided it to the ligament and then pinned it to the top of the bone.”

Cleveland is still eager to play with the rest of his team and was looking forward to finishing his senior year playing the sport he loved.

“I wish I could’ve just kept playing and have gotten the surgery down to my fore-arm later,” Cleveland said. “But it was emergency surgery so it had to happen the next morning. ing.”

Cleveland remembers tthe incident clearly, but didn’t realize the severity of his injury aand the effect iit could have o on his playing time. “ When I tackled someone I ran my hand into his pads and my finger bent all the way back and dislo-

Man down: Senior Jacob Dodson is watched by his teammates as he lays motionless on the turf. Dodson left the Azle game with an injury to his left knee. (photo by Alex Meimers) cated and I just popped it back, but when it bent it tore the tendon and I didn’t even notice,” Cleveland said.

Senior Lorenzo Salas, a varsity soccer and football player, is another who has experienced a serious injury tearing his ACL

during football.

“I was on the field, and we were doing a tackling drill,” Salas said. “I stepped wrong, and I was hit but my foot stayed planted in the ground, and my knee bent wrong and I tore my ACL.” Athletic trainer, Coach Ian

From the outside looking in: Senior Amber Phillips watches her team from crutches, standing beside the bench. Phillips’ career playing high school volleyball ended after a tearing her ACL. (photos above and left by Chandler Elsbecker)

Scott, took him inside and examined his knee to see what the problem was.

“When I was examining his knee there was obviously something wrong,” Scott said. “It felt noticeably different than the other knee. Things just didn’t feel right so we sent him to the doctor.”

His injury put him out for the rest of the football season and will likely put him out for most of the soccer season.

Salas originally planned on finishing the football season and going into the soccer season like many others do, but since he got the injury he realized he might have made a mistake.

“I feel bad because I focus on soccer, but now that I got the injury playing football I won’t be able to play with both my teams,” Salas said. “I feel horrible, but there is nothing I can do about it now, but try to make the best out of it.”

Salas will have surgery soon, but a date hasn’t been set yet.

“This stuff happens to everyone,” Salas said. “I just have to keep a positive attitude.”

11

SPORTS

OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

Catching up with...

Josh Rowell

Molly Burke

Madi Stone

Deamonte Hughes

Junior Center Guard

Junior Cross Country Runner Junior Defensive Specialist

Senior Shooting Guard

Favorite water polo player: Tony Ozueda The worst place I have ever been is...

The DMV Is Einherjer an IKEA product or an obscure Viking metal band? Probably both Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees?

Jason If a zombie was approaching me, and I had a match, four sticks, a handful of rocks, and a vinyl copy of Prince’s Purple Rain, I would... light the matches, burn the sticks to a point, throw the rocks, all while listening to Purple Rain.

True or False: Halloween originated as an annual Celtic festival meant to repel the spirits of pillaging Vikings. True

Favorite athlete in my sport: Forrest Gump The worst place I have ever been is...

A Motel 6 in New Mexico Is Einherjer an IKEA product or an obscure Viking metal band? Viking metal band Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees?

Michael If a zombie was approaching me, and I had a match, four sticks, a handful of rocks, and a vinyl copy of Prince’s Purple Rain, I would...burn Purple Rain - because it would be so satisfying - then run. Really fast.

True or False: Halloween originated as an annual Celtic festival meant to repel the spirits of pillaging Vikings. False

Favorite basketball player: Lebron James The worst place I have ever been is...

A hautned house Is Einherjer an IKEA product or an obscure Viking metal band? An IKEA product Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees?

Jason If a zombie was approaching me, and I had a match, four sticks, a handful of rocks, and a vinyl copy of Prince’s Purple Rain, I would...use the match to burn the zombie.

True or False: Halloween originated as an annual Celtic festival meant to repel the spirits of pillaging Vikings. True

Favorite volleyball player: (Teammate) Emily Acker The worst place I have ever been is...

Downtown Dallas Is Einherjer an IKEA product or an obscure Viking metal band? Viking metal band Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees?

Jason If a zombie was approaching me, and I had a match, four sticks, a handful of rocks, and a vinyl copy of Prince’s Purple Rain, I would... kindly tell him to leave me alone, and if not, run.

True or False: Halloween originated as an annual Celtic festival meant to repel the spirits of pillaging Vikings. True

(Josh Rowell photo from courtesy submission; other photos by Alex Meimers, Greg Bogomol, Cynthia Pantaleon)

Junior uses tennis as teacher Brendan Kimberlin Staff Writer Tennis has become a passion and just playing and practicing during school time just isn’t enough. For varsity tennis player William Crouch, devoting at least ten hours outside of the normal school day is a norm.

Crouch started his career playing tennis just two years ago whenever he entered high school.

“I wanted to play tennis since elementary school,” Crouch said. “When my brother played in high school I knew it’s what I

wanted to do. I just decided to go for it as a freshman and I’ve gotten a lot better at tennis and I’ve moved up in the rankings.

I can tell that I’m probably going to make state next year. “ ”Crouch feels you have to focus on the smallest things when on the court.

“Tennis certainly takes the most out of you,” Crouch, who takes additional private lessons, said.

“It requires both mental and physical endurance. It makes you take so many small physical and mental movements.”

He thinks that keeping

confidence is also a major component in success for tennis.

“The most difficult part about tennis is keeping your confidence,” Crouch said. “Sometimes after a loss, you really don’t feel like playing anymore, but you just have to keep working and know you will get better.”

Crouch has learned something bigger from playing the game.

“It’s really taught me to put full effort into things, both on and off the court.,” Crouch said.

“You really have to if you want to win.”

Denton sends three to regionals Ben Lyke Staff Writer Last Thursday Denton sent its runners to the district 5-4A meet at Ash Creek Park in Azle.

While the team didn’t qualify for a regional trip to Texas Tech University in Lubbock this weekend, three individuals did.

One of those three is freshman Alex Goff, who finished seventh on the boys side followed by senior Brandon McManus, who finished eighth. It will be McManus second straight trip to regionals.

Joining them will be fellow senior Jordan Muniz, who finished 10th to claim the last spot on the girls side. This is the third consecutive year, she will be making a trip to regionals.

“I thought for the most part, we ran very hard, and very well,” head coach Patrick Matous said. “We had 14 different people set their personal record this meet… so I’m very proud of the commitment they have, and the fact that they don’t want to give up, and just want to keep running.”

Exceeding his expectations was Goff, who ran the three-mile race in 17:07.

“I placed seventh, and ran the fastest and most intense race I have ever run,” Goff who won the district title in both seventh and eighth grade said. “I’m really excited for regionals.”

Muniz, prepares mentally for regionals despite not being pleased.

“I placed 10th and I am not very proud of my time,” Muniz said. “At regionals I will definitely be ready to run much faster.”

SPORTS

12

OĈęĔćĊė 31, 2013

Denton tries to make playoffs with final game Brandon Shields Entertainment Editor

Heading into Tuesday’s season finale against Denton Guyer the Lady Broncos are right where head coach Danielle Silva wanted them to be with a shot at the playoffs.

So far the 2013 season has been a successful one, with the team posting an 8-5 district record which puts them in a position of at least tieing for a third place finish in District 5-4A. “We have been performing well,” Coach Danielle Silva said. “I feel like we have been doing what we need to do to take care of business… I’m proud of where we are.”

The team is held strong

Setting the scene: Junior setter Hannah Altman serves in a district game against Byron Nelson. The Lady Broncos’ playoff hopes come down to one game versus rival Guyer. (photos above and right by Alex Meimers)

by a balanced attack with each player doing their part to help win the game.

Each outing it might be a different player who steps up and shines, but the team doesn’t care who the star is as long as they win the game.

“It’s like a hit or miss, there are some days where I am m really lookingg into this person,, and there are some ome days where another person on steps up,” p,” Silva said. d.

“We have a pretty solid group of girls. Our captains are defi-

Broncos stay in playoff chase heading into final two weeks Chandler Elsbecker Sports Editor At this point in the 2012 season, Denton had suffered two consecutive routs, one on their homecoming. The last win had been three weeks ago, against an eventual last-place Wichita Falls team. The team didn’t know it, but the next week, theywould again suffer a major loss, this time coming against Rider. Several players would be suspended for a post-game brawl as the teams were supposed to be shaking hands. There wouldn’t be another win for the rest of the season. There was no hope.

Not this year.

With just two games left in their 2013 campaign, the Broncos are 4-4 (2-3 in district play), and have a legitimate chance at making the playoffs for just the second time since 2002. Both district wins have come in the last two weeks.

After dismantling last-place Brewer 51-16 in White Settlement two weeks ago, the Broncos returned home for a game with Azle last Friday. It was an absolute thrashing, Denton winning 42-14. Sophomore running back Xavier Scott accumulated 129 yards on 20 carries. Scott has seven touchdowns to his credit and has averaged 5.0 yards-percarry in the month of October.

Denton’s receiving corps has been especially effective over the past few weeks. In Obtober, seniors Ke’Von Buris, Deandre Coleman, and Adarian Harris have combined for 50 receptions for 510 yards in October.

The Denton defense has come away with three interceptions their past two games, each being returned for touchdowns.

The latest came late in the fourth quarter of the win over Azle from junior cornerback Juan Campos, who ran 105 yards for the score.

“We got the job done [versus

Azle],” junior center David Deramee said. “We’re going to keep working, keep getting better, and keep giving the students everything we’ve got.”

In order to make the playoffs one of two things must play out for Denton: first, the Broncos must win their final game of the year versus Byron Nelson, and count on Azle to beat Nelson this Friday. Otherwise, Denton must win out to finish the season.

“There are scenarios about everything,” head coach Kevin Atkinson said. “We’re just thinking about playing our next opponent.”

While the team doesn’t want to get caught in scoreboardwatching, the significance of where his team could be going isn’t lost on Atkinson.

“It’s a true testament to our kids not losing faith,” Atkinson said. “We’re right in the mix, and I don’t think this program has been right in the mix for a while.”

nitely really earning points for us and playing smart.”

The defense is substantial in keeping us afloat in all of our games, but we can’t win without our killer offense. It’s hard to single out any one player, for their stats tend to change with every game.

However one player that has been standing out recently has been Emily Curtis.

“Emily Curtis has been rackh iing up a ridiculous amount of digs per set,” Silva said.

“Her keeping us alive to run

our offense has definitely helped us.”

The team mainly consists of sophomores and juniors who began the season inexperienced, but now, Silva says they are growing to be much more than that, maturing on many fronts and improving on several levels. The youth of the team should be beneficial in the future.

“They should all return next year,” Silva said. “It’s kind of exciting that we are playing at this level with this team.”

--At the time The Horseshoe was sent to print, the Lady Broncos had yet to play their last game of the season.

If Denton won, you can find all of our playoff coverage at dhshorseshoe.com

Next up on the schedule Nov. 1 Football - vs. Rider Nov. 8 Football - at Byron Nelson Ladies’ Basketball - at Little Elm Nov. 9 Swimming - at The Colony Nov. 12 Ladies’ Basketball - at The Colony Nov. 16

Mens’ Basketball - vs. Haltom City Nov. 19 Mens’ Basketball - vs. McKinney N. Ladies’ Basketball - vs. Ursuline Nov. 22 Mens’ Basketball - at O.D. Wyatt Nov. 25 Mens’ Basketball - at Ryan Nov. 26 Mens’ Basketball - at Newman

Fending them off: Sophomore running back Xavier Scott braces for impact with a Wichita Falls defender. With just two games left, it’s do or die for the Broncos to make their first playoffs since 2010. (photo

by Alex Meimers)