Outlook 2010-2011 Issue 7

Page 1

Outlook

erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin ch pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-gaming bartender mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots c ush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash bags carpet cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer erly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwing up stomach pump drinking partying sex chugging spiked punch tipsy alcoholic jungle juice pre-gaming post-g nder mixed drinks smashed car crash hangover alcohol poisoning ice luge Edward forty hands shots case race lush soused plastered binge flip cup sake bomb flask six pack toxic passing out DWI solo cups trash ba cleaner blacking out addict liquor store shit faced tipsy beer pong drunk dial police calls breathalyzer disorderly conduct bubbly kings frat parties keg stands fake id DUI damage fist fight wasted four loco throwin

Oakton

Volume Volume45; 45;Issue Issue7;7;April April29, 29,2011 2011

Teen Drinking


better scores. better choices. PrepMatters. PSAT

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So you’ve rocked your SAT? Now it’s time to roll through Subject Tests and APs. "Once more, dear friends..." You've taken the SAT once, maybe twice. You've got a great set of scores. You're beginning to page through those thick by Ned Johnson, college books and Founder and President get excited. What of PrepMatters, Inc now? The good news is that the two most important factors in college admissions are grades and SAT or ACT scores. Done. The bad news is that AP and Subject Tests are looming. Keep your cool, use your time wisely, and the spring of your junior year just might be doable! All about Subject Tests SAT Subject Tests are a great opportunity to show that you're ready for the rigors of college course work. Not all Subject Tests, however, are for everyone. If you've got a college list together, check with individual schools for their requirements: some don't require any, some require one or two, and very few require three. You should take only those tests for which you are the most prepared. Just because your math teacher has covered all of the topics on the Math Level 2 test doesn't mean it's for you. The idea is to reinforce strong SAT

scores - not undermine them. June is the perfect time to take a history or science exam - especially if you've just taken the AP course. If you need to put off a test until the fall, consider making that one Literature or maybe Math. In all cases, take some practice tests to see where you stand. If you feel that you will need many weeks worth of preparation to get ready - you're likely taking the wrong test.

you do well in those courses matters; again, grades come first. In contrast, the scores you get on your APs are secondary.

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table of contents

page 3, april 29, 2011

news Relief for Japan at Oakton

Students in Japanese create and send over paper cranes to the Students Rebuild’s Paper Cranes for Japan program and the SGA raises money for Japan relief.

8

feature Students on iTunes

While most people associate iTunes with big name artists, some students at Oakton, including Emma Mankin (left), have joined the likes of Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.

9

opinions Race to Nowhere America’s focus on achievement and success is highlighted in this new documenatry, which focuses on the absence of true intellectual interest in the American educational system.

15

indepth The epidemic of underage drinking Underage drinking among high school students has increased in recent years, and the neglected issue merits more attention than it receives. cover artwork by kirin gupta

17

sports Battle of the Beltway The Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles season just started and the Outlook provides a breakdown of the teams’ chances this season.

22

sports The Carrol Brothers A true baseball family, the three Carrol brothers play together on Oakton’s varsity baseball team.

23 A&E Spring Musical: “Oklahoma” Oakton’s performing arts departments collaborate for the annual spring musical; this year, they’re presenting Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma.”

29


letter from the editors

page 4, April 29, 2011

the buzz in the newsroom...

this month in the publishing lab

Editor’s Desk

Editor #1. Hacking cough. Adviser #1. What strange and scary disease did you bring back from the Middle East? Editor #1. Hacking cough. Editor #2. It’s the one that’s transferred by camels, isn’t it?? Editor #1. Hacking cough. Adviser #1. WHAT? Is that contagious?? Are you going to infect the entire newsroom? Editor #3. No, it’s not contagious, is it? Editor #1. Hacking cough. Editor #3. Well, she’s heavily medicated. I think it was only contagious like 72 hours ago. Adviser #1. 72 hours. You mean, the exact time when I was next to you, and helping you, and in contact with you… Perfect. This is my life. Editor #2. Why did you even come to school? Why? Editor #1. Hacking cough. Apologetic eyes.

Sports Desk

Staffer #4. I think she’s sexy! Staffer #5. But all those tattoos… I don’t know. Staffer #4. She has tattoos? Staffer #5. Standing up. Yes! Here. Points. Here. Points. Here. Gestures vaguely. And here. Crude hand motion. Staffer #4. Right, well. Her tattoos are who she is. Jeez.

Opinion Desk

Staffer #6. I can’t believe this is the work you have submitted. Staffer #7. I. Well. I didn’t have much time. Staffer #6. No one ever tells me anything. Did you know we have an article titled “The dangers of drinking are trivialized in the common perception.” Isn’t that smashing? Staffer #7. You can’t talk like that just because you spent a week in the UK. Jeez. Staffer #6. Lay off. I’m just a dumb blonde. Staffer #7. Hey. I’m a blonde. Hey. Staffer #6. …

A&E Desk

Staffer #8. Is this a real story?? Are you people serious right now? Staffer #9. I feel like a theme is developing in the pub lab… about the lack of quality of our work. Staffer #10. I think we’re just too hard on ourselves. For example, I know I’m awesome. Stop stressing out. Staffer #9. You spent the last three hours working on a flowchart about Prom… Staffer #10. I know. What a work ethic, right? I feel that as a second semester senior, my priorities have finally straightened out. Unnamed #11. Um. Literally there have been students who turned in some work which makes me think that I would rather have been flipped off or cursed out than subjected to their interpretation of the assignment. Staffer #8. Should be a great issue, guys.

tara gupta

Outlook Staff Editors in Chief Kirin Gupta Zoë Mitchell Vipin Reddy Adviser Lauren Luna News Editor Sports Editors Chris Papas Allie Berube Feature Editor Alex Buscemi Michelle Chu A&E Editors In-Depth Lisa Baumgartner Editors Cole Neuffer Allen Luethke Becky Singerman Copy Editors Opinions Editors Shannon Ragan Nikki Clemons Sarah Crain (Ast.) Dorothy Yen Business Manager Online Editor Sarah Crain Koorosh Massoudi Photo Editor Daniel Chait Staff Melanie Aguilar Jackson Lizardo Alex Belden Oliver Lopez-Gomez Erin Bennett Michelle LoRusso Tim Collins Emma Mankin Spencer Conley Camille May James Craig Madlin Mekelburg Sofia Crutchfield Cassandra Noda Conner Dick Michelle Oh Gabriela Driscoll Emma Pfeifer Lauren Embroski Chloe Pierce Christian Forbes Sonya Price Roxy Ghamgosarnia Andy Reed Kim Gibbons Shayda Shahbazi Morgan Harwood Rachita Singh Caroline Hipwell Anita Tadakamalla Sarah Hong Penelope Tangamu Nicole Jakstas Marilyn Yang Callum Kelton Alexa Williams Isabella Kidane Kate Zhukova Christina Lee

Editorial Policy The Outlook is an open forum for student expression. Unsigned editorials reflect the collective opinion of the Outlook staff. Signed editorials represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Outlook or Oakton High School. Reader opinions are important to the Outlook and contributions are welcome. Make your voice heard by sending us a line about what’s on your mind. Letters to the editor may be may be sent via email to kirin. gupta@oaktonmedia.net or dropped off in Mrs. Luna’s box in the main office or in room 196. The Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and content provided the meaning remains unchanged.


news in brief

forced to 1.FCPS refund AP Fees

The Fairfax County School Board voted on March 24 to refund all the money collected earlier in the year for the AP tests. This vote follows an opinion issued by Virginia Attorney General Ken CuccineIli, stating that “a local school board cannot impose a mandatory fee on students taking advanced placement courses for the required taking of the Advanced Placement Examination.” FCPS will resume paying the full cost of AP tests just as they did before the fee implementation. “As a parent, it’s great,” said Robin Mentzer, assistant principal and parent. “It’s a huge burden for students, so it’s a huge advantage for students with few resources; it saves them money.” The only problem that has surfaced is whether FCPS, which for the last three years has made harsh budget cuts, can afford to pay the approximately $2 million in test fees. “It’s not a problem; I wouldn’t call it a problem,” Mentzer said. “We have a limited budget and we make do with what we have. It’s a hardship for some families to pay for these fees.”

opts against 3. SGA spring dance

Oakton High School has always hosted three dances: Homecoming, the spring dance and Prom. Homecoming and Prom are set aside from the spring dance because they have a clear meaning to the administration. “This year, there was a lot of pressure from the administration along with less involvement from the SGA officers that made us question bringing about a dance that many people see as unnecessary or uncool,” said Jeffery Abed, senior class vice president. The spring dance is seen as a hassle to the administration and takes an extraordinary amount of work on the part of the SGA officers to come about. This year, the SGA officers decided not to host a spring dance for various reasons. Instead of using the money to sponsor a school dance, SGA officers decided to use the funds raised for a more effective purpose. “We opted for catering Don Julio’s and Chic-fil-a, among others to reward the teachers for their hard work and services, leaving a larger budget for sponsoring student-run activities like Gatorball,” Abed said.

travels to Nashville, competes 2. Chorus in country music capital

Oakton Chorus, with a total of 55 students, drove 13 hours to Nashville on April 6 for its annual competition field trip. “It was like the biggest sleepover in my life,” said Kevin Sol, senior. While in Tennessee the students took tours around the lively part of downtown Nashville. “We toured all around Nashville and walked around and saw the

page 5, april 29, 2011

people on the streets playing instruments. Everybody got to try on cowboy hats,” said Tommy Wilson, freshman. “We went to the Grand Ole Opry.” After experiencing the country music capital of the world, the students sang their hearts out at the competition. “The competition was really fun, and we sounded great,” Sol said.

oakton outlook Change benefit raises 4. Collective funds for Senegal books The average literacy rate is 39.3 percent in Senegal as compared to 99 percent for the United States. That means that more than half the people in Senegal cannot read or write their own name, let alone a book. Senior Amanda Wright, her Chantilly partner Erin Horil and their fellow Collective Change members have taken this issue to heart and have been making an effort to help the illiterate of Senegal. Collective Change held a benefit concert on April 3 at Jammin Java, hoping to raise enough money to send 22,000 books to Senegal. Starting at around 7 p.m., a myriad of Oakton and Chantilly performers went on stage and displayed their talent, singing not only for the audience but also for all the children of Senegal who aren’t able to read books. Performers included seniors Vipin Reddy, Will Hunzekar, Ester Workman

and Ceci Nguyen as well as well as bands like Playing with Kittens and Push-ups and Pajamas. “I thought they were so good,” Wright said. “They knew that people wanted to see them so they were really excited to perform.” Through the benefit admission tickets, a raffle and donations, Collective Change was able to raise $5,031.64 and will be able to successfully send 22,000 books to the deprived children in Senegal this summer. Such success is not very common for a high school fundraiser, and it is even less common to see high school rivals such as Oakton and Chantilly come together to support such a great cause. About their future plans Wright said, “This summer we’re fundraising for Camp Sunshine, a camp for terminally ill children, and Erin and I are planning to start chapters of Collective Change at our own colleges.”

For more on these stories and others, go to www.oaktonoutlook.com


this month in your words “

I accidentally took someone’s smoothie at Tropical Smoothie. Isn’t that funny? Except they looked really mean and actually got really mad and started yelling at me. I cried. lauren cajar, emotionally scarred junior

“ “ “

Dickens!” Not even kidding.

sophia sellars, family-oriented senior

I went to go sit on my friend’s lap, but then it wasn’t actually my friend. Luckily I kind of knew the person so it wasn’t that awful. danielle hughes, overly friendly freshman I was in Paris and I asked my Dad if it was okay to cross the street, but it was some Parisian guy

instead. Like. From Paris.

giulianna macaluso, worldly freshman

page 6 outlook news april 29, 2011

chris papas

It’s Mrs.

“ “ “

My family went to dinner and as soon as we sit down, my grandmother pulls this wooden plaque out of her bag of ... it said Dickens on it, which is her last name, you know. And we all kind of looked at her and she just goes, “Guys, people have to know who we are.” The poor waitress walks up a little later and asks “What would you like, m’am?” My grandma points at the plaque and says “Ahem.

One time, my sister and I were in Paris and she grabbed some random Parisian guy’s hand and pulled him into the street. And then she started

calling him ‘Daddy.’ She’s an idiot. lauran macaluso, loving sister and junior


Battle Over Zero

New developments spur change to discipline policy

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s two students lay dead and comwas from Supervisor Cathy Hudgins munity outrage grows, Fairfax (D- Hunter Mill) who brought the matter County Public Schools finds itself up at a meeting of the County Board of reviewing its controversial disciplinary Supervisors on Feb. 8, calling on FCPS to policy, colloquially referred to as “zero assess the disciplinary process and make tolerance.” appropriate changes. The review comes “To me, this is after the death of Nick grown-up time,” Stuban, a sophomore Hudgins said later. at W.T. Woodson High Superintendent Jack School, who commitDale released a stateted suicide in January ment to the press shortly following an extended afterwards, saying that disciplinary process that Hudgins’s use of the resulted in his suspenzero tolerance term sion from school and was “unconscionable,” transfer to Fairfax High defended the school School. This is the secsystem’s policies and ond suicide connected to said that members of courtesy of cathyhudgins.com the Board should refrain the disciplinary process; Josh Anderson, a junior from making such com“To me, this is grown-up at South Lakes, took his time,” said Supervisor Cathy ments. own life in March 2009 in Hudgins. Hudgins was one of However, following the wake of similar puni- the first to address discipline increased pressure from tive actions. some School Board memreform. Several factions related bers and media scrutiny, to the process have expressed opinions Dale recommended 10 changes to the towards the process recently, with many current disciplinary process. Among the calling for a major overhaul of FCPS’s suggestions were recording all disciplinary disciplinary system. The challenge, howhearings, shortening the time between the ever, is two-fold: changing a long-standing offense and the hearing officer’s final deciinstitution of educational policy, and doing sion, and allowing principals to conduct it the right way, a decision which is up for intial reviews of cases to decide what furdebate. ther action is necessary. chris papas news editor One of the first official reactions

Q&A: Caroline Hemenway

Hemenway is the cofounder of Fairfax Zero Tolerance Reform, of which the Stuban family is a member. Q. There seems to be a game of semantics going on around what to call the FCPS disciplinary policy. FCPS is highly against calling it “zero tolerance.” Why do you use the term zero tolerance? A. The definition applies to what goes on in Fairfax County: The policy or practice

of automatic imposition of severe penalties for the first offense. That applies and there’s another definition. The absence of leniency or exception in the enforcement of a law, rule, or regulation. They, in fact, practice this, so it’s zero tolerance. I just want to say that we absolutely have zero tolerance for drugs and weapons and violence in schools. That’s not the issue here. The issue is what happens to kids when they get into trouble. Q. Do you see a balance between punitive

By the Numbers 69,430

SR&R Violations in 2009-2010 school year

636

Cases resulting in recommendation for expulsion by principal

134

Cases forwarded to School Board with recommendation for expulsion by Hearing Officer

44

Decisions appealed by the student

0 Decisions overturned Sources: FCPS and FZTR

For more on this story and more, go to

www.oaktonoutlook.com and restorative reprimands? A. There shouldn’t be a punitive system. We know for a fact from research on adults that punishments do not prevent bad behavior. Punishing is not the answer. What we want is to stop bad behavior, but we also need to relabel some of the behaviors kids are engaged in. Just because they make mistakes or just because they drink, use drugs, do graffiti, doesn’t make children bad children. What we need to do instead is identify the root causes. page 7 outlook news april 29, 2011


Oakton coordinates disaster relief for Japan

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n the midst of the everyday chaos of homework and sports, the needs and issues of the worldwide community are often forgotten. However, Japanese and leadership students organized various earthquake and tsunami relief efforts for Japan. From making paper cranes to fundraisers, students used their creativity to raise awareness and urge support. Leadership students, who raised several hundred dollars, set up donation boxes throughout the school and during lunches. “It is hugely important for students to be aware of the environment outside of Oakton,” said Sean Greeney, leadership sponsor. In addition to the traditional fundraiser, Japanese students made paper cranes for Students Rebuild’s Paper Cranes for Japan program. For every paper crane the organization received, the Bezos Family Foundation agreed to donate two dollars to aid reconstruction efforts in Japan. “A student actually found out about it,” said Jonathan Lawless, Japanese teacher. “It was a really great way for students to show support both emotionally and monetarily.”

The students “The paper cranes were surpassed expectations; a great way to introduce the initial goal of students to Japanese 1,000 paper cranes culture,” said Alex was exceeded Hegerle, sophomore. and more than “It brought all of the 3,000 were sent to [Japanese] classes Students Rebuild. together. Our wish is “It was an for Japan to recover.” easy way to raise Japanese students money for Japan,” also enjoyed the creative said Gina Salinas, aspect of the project. sophomore. “It was fun but it also In fact, students had meaning and gave us yang from all over the an opportunity to help,” marilyn school participated said Seowoo Yoon, junior. Japanese students sent over 3,000 in the effort. Some students have “Many students paper cranes to Students Rebuild’s personal connections to saw their friends Paper Cranes for Japan program. Japan and felt that it was making paper cranes in their classes so they important to provide help, even in small began to make them, too,” Lawless said. ways. In addition, the paper cranes provided “I have family in Japan,” said Emma an opportunity to further the students’ Costanzi, senior. “They’re fine, but I know understanding of Japanese culture. that many people marilyn yang Japanese folklore states that if a person do not know what staff writer strings together one thousand paper happened to their cranes, he or she is granted one wish. own families.”

Students react to other schools’ bans on yoga pants

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ttention all yoga pants lovers: for the past few months, “I have at least four or five pairs and I wear them all the time,” several school districts across the country in states such said Taylor Manley, freshman. as New Hampshire and Oregon have begun banning While the county has the right to ban clothing that displays various clothes that they deem inapproprigang symbols or other graphics that distract stuWhat are student ate, such as yoga pants, skinny jeans and other dents in an educational environment, many protest opinions of yoga pants? tight clothing. Some schools have even taken it against the banning of everyday wear, mainly yoga to the extreme and have gotten rid of sweatYoga pants are pants. pants, hoodies, jeans with holes above the knee Others dispute with yoga pant lovers saying that a “must-have” and many other common items of an average although these slacks may be comfortable and formYoga pants teenager’s closet. With so much basic attire on fitting, school is not the place to wear them. are overworn the verge of extinction, some students will soon “I feel like they are the ultimate form of lazifind that they cannot wear a lot of their wardness,” said April Kim, junior. While yoga pants robe to school anymore. might be fashionable, they are still in the same category as sweat“I wear yoga pants because they are comfortable and a good pants and gym attire. Some also believe that comfort and laziness substitute for sweatpants,” said Onjali Lansdowne, freshman. should not be the excuse for constantly wearing yoga pants. Many girls agree, claiming that they wear yoga pants because of “Jeans are just as comfortable, plus yoga pants are for yoga, the flattering cut and comfortable feel. not for school,” said Yana Enache, junior. With so many opposing “I love yoga pants. They’re fabulous looking and oh-soviews on what is and isn’t appropriate to wear to school, it is difcomfortable, and sometimes I just need a change from jeans,” ficult to find a solution that will benefit both sides. said Toni Wherry, junior. Yoga pants claimed their fame as quality “I find so many other things that girls wear to be so much workout attire and soon reached a point where they were conmore inappropriate than yoga pants. I don’t wear them personally, stantly worn as casual clothing. Just like jeans, many people have but I don’t think they should be the main issue of this dress code more than one pair, and the ability to part with these must-have dispute,” said Ariana Vega, senior. isabella kidane pants may be harder than expected. staff writer page 8 outlook news april 29, 2011

56% 44%


feature

page 9, april 29, 2011

photo courtesy of emma mankin

iOakton

Performers Walker Webster and Emma Mankin now have songs on iTunes, avaliable for purchase.

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veryone dreams of fame, but only some people have the fearlessness and courage to actually chase their goals. Emma Mankin, junior, and Walker Webster, senior, took a leap into the unknown, and their efforts paid off. Mankin has been fascinated with music for as long as she can remember and, as soon as the opportunity became available to her, she became an active member of several choruses. “As soon as I started speaking, I was singing,” Mankin said. “My mom was the one who really taught me how to speak, but my dad is a concert producer, and he’s very involved with music, so he taught me to sing as I learned to speak. He would also quiz me while we were driving in the car on every musical artist known to man.” Mankin and Webster took their musical passions to the next level and now have songs available for purchase. “One of my friends

that I make songs with, told me about this website: tunecove.com,” Webster said. “You just submit your original songs to it, and if they like your songs then they contact you. You just have to pay a small fee, and they put your song up on iTunes.” Webster has two original songs up on iTunes, including “Get Low” and “Killed It.” Mankin’s story is a little different. “My friend Allie Berube’s neighbor, Beth Pope, is an talent agent,” Mankin said. “[Pope] was at Allie’s house and mentioned that she needed a female vocalist to sing part of her new song. Allie then gave Beth my contact information, then she contacted my dad and me.” But the road to stardom hasn’t been entirely smooth for these two performers. “Most people are pretty supportive,” Walker said. “But you also get a lot of people that make fun of you, to put it in the best way. That’s how it always is, so you get used to it. At some point you have to learn to ignore

Mankin also shares her musical abilities in live performances. “The best part about singing is you can do it anytime, anywhere,” said Mankin. “My friend Sarah and I sang American Honey by Lady Antebellum on a showboat during the chorus department’s trip to Nashville [Tennessee].” the critics and just shoot for your dreams.” Chris Graham, freshman, has been interested in music for the majority of his life, but he only started performing recently. “I’ve been playing guitar for about four years, but I really just started performing last year,” Graham said. “So far, professionally, I’ve only recorded original songs that are inspired by my personal experiences that span the course from last summer to now.” For now, Graham is a solo artist performing not for the material benefits, but for the pure joy and passion it brings him. His music is available on SoundCloud and he hopes to have a career in the future. “I’m really into visual arts and performing arts,” Graham said. “So if I can find a way to balance those two things one day, I’d be a really happy guy.”

Want to hear more? Walker Webster: www.youtube.com/walkmusik iTunes search: Walker Webster Emma Mankin: www.youtube.com/emmagraysings iTunes search: Matt Christian “One More Time” Chris Graham: soundcloud.com/christopher-graham chrisgrahammusik.tumblr.com

iTunes is not the only option for aspiring musicians who want to share their talent. Chris Graham has his songs avaliable for download on SoundCloud.

madlin mekelburg staff writer


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The musical math whiz

Geometry hits a musical note with new teacher Mr.Lee’s a cappella group

ew geometry teacher Malcolm Lee didn’t waste any The all-vocal group has an album called “Power Up” and a time showing off his musical talent to his students. He Christmas compilation available on iTunes, amazon.com and their gushed about his a cappella vocal group, Cartoon Johnwebsite: cartoonjohnny.com. A portion of the proceeds for the ny, with whom he has been performing for four years. His interest Christmas album go the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, somein music, however, goes back much farther. thing that the group has been supportive of for “My interest in music began when I was several years. With a talent and love for music, six years old,” Lee said. “When I got into it is a wonder why Lee would choose a career in elementary school I started in glee club. [In teaching math. high school] I was in chorus and I was in the “For some apparent reason, in the back of school musical two or three years in a row. I my mind, I always knew that I would become a also participated in this band ensemble that teacher,” Lee said. “Being in the music industry is they were starting up and they wanted me to very tough. You have to have the look. You have sing a duet with one of the singers at the time. to have the pizzazz. And I don’t know if I have Courtesy of Lee We sang ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin. that or if I want to pursue it. Also, I’m a I always tried to find some sort of musical little bit older than the young people that outlet.” are out there today. My other half always told me Courtesy of Lee Lee doesn’t shy away from the spotlight that I should get a band together and start doing and has had the opportunity to perform “We basically perform for any- gigs. It’s something that in the back of my mind across the United States. I will always consider a hobby but not something body that wants to hire us.” “We try to perform about once or twice a to pursue as a lifelong career.” month,” Lee said. “We mostly do corporate gigs but we do a lot Finally, Lee offers a word of advice to his students that comes of festivals. We’ve done some parties, some weddings. We basically from his own personal experience. “I would like [my students] to perform for anybody that wants to hire us. We worked with Marknow that music is an outlet,” Lee said. “Whether you are feeling vin Hamlisch at the National Symphony Orchestra, the Kennedy down or you’re going through stressful times, you need to find Center and also in San Diego. We actually competed in New York that outlet. You need that moment to yourself to just relax and and basically my whole family came to support us. The response find that outlet. Music is my outlet. Now chloe pierce was invigorating.” go and find your outlet.” staff writer

New HERO Club hits the ground running

page 10 outlook feature april 29, 2011

At this rate, the Race for Relief will probably take place next month or early next year because of the complicated organizational process. “It’s pretty complicated to organize the events because there’s a lot of county regulations, but all of the club members are really excited about putting it all together even though the planning process is a lot of work,” Roller said. “At the meetings, everyone gets a say,” said Michaela Sturm, sophmore and member of HERO. “That’s what I like most about being a member of HERO and what gets me excited about the club’s future.” Roller herself is especially excited to see the club take off, and encourages non-track members or non-runners to participate as well. “I’ve always had an interest in road races, and I feel that HERO is a great way to incorporate running with service and inspire leadership skills in the club members,” Roller said. “I also hope that other students who are not necessarily runners think of joining as well. You don’t have to be on the track or cross country teams to help out with some great morgan harwood causes.”

HERO is a great way to incorporate running with service. angela roller, 11

H

elping Everyone Reach Out (HERO), founded by junior Angela Roller, is a new club dedicated to raising awareness for various causes through running fundraisers such as 5k and 10k runs. As the club expands and continues its planning efforts, HERO is shaping up to be one of the many influential clubs at Oakton. Though the club was only founded two months ago, the dedicated members and capable officers have already made major strides in planning “awareness races” for tragedies such as the earthquake and tsunami that recently hit Japan. “Right now, our main cause is the tragedy in Japan because it’s the most current and pressing,” Roller said. “We’re still in the process of hammering out all of the details, but we’ve decided to call it ‘The Race for Relief.’” Ideally, the club will hold two 5k races per charity per year, each with the goal of raising awareness and money for various causes like the earthquake and tsunami reliefs. “We also want to get our members involved in other 5k [runs] in the area, in addition to planning our own races for charities that we partner with,” Roller said.

staff writer


Jammin’ for Japan

ammin Java, a leading musical venue recently slated as one of the “Top 100 Clubs in America” according to Pollster Magazine, has seen the likes of renowned bands and singers such as Paramore, Ingrid Michaelson and Circa Survive. On April 4, senior Jenna Lee performed for a crowd of approximately 200 people on the very same stage. “The president of Dev Tech Group asked me to perform at Jammin Java after having seen me sing at a child’s birthday party,” Lee said. “I performed for about an hour while everyone got settled in.” While standard concerts and performances at Jammin Java are characteristic of loud alternative or indie rock styled music, the concert at hand was anything but customary. “It definitely wasn’t one of the more typical concerts held at Jammin Java,” Lee said. “The show was held with the effort to relieve Japan in mind, and as a result, the proceeds made that night were donated to groups hoping to assist the Japanese in their time of crisis. ” For the hour that she played, Lee was given 100 dollars for her efforts, but her decision to play had little to do with her paycheck. “I wanted to perform as soon as I heard about [the event],” Lee said. “It was rewarding knowing that at least in some small way I contributed to the effort to aid Japan.” Performing in front of a crowd of 200 would be a nerve-wrecking feat for most,

but prior experience eliminated Lee’s anxiety. “I wasn’t really nervous. I perform at Potbelly every Saturday for two hours, so singing and playing the guitar for people has become rather commonplace for me. It was also really dark inside Jammin Java, and I couldn’t see the people in the audience very clearly,” Lee said. Like her performance at Jammin Java, Lee gets paid to sing at Potbelly, making anywhere from 20 to 55 dollars an hour depending on the tips she earns. But also like Jammin Java, Lee’s choice to perform has nothing to do with monetary gain. “Music is my way to wind down and relax every day,” Lee said. “It’s a great way to take my mind off all of the little troubles that plague life. Certain songs can help me put life situations into perspective and see issues from a greater scope.” The “life situations” vaguely refer to an undisclosed illness that Lee has been dealing with for the last six months. While she shies away from overtly mentioning said illness, she does say this of it. “I’m on the road to recovery now, and I’ve been doing much better as of late,” Lee said. “I’ve noticed that on days I do play music, I feel much better. Music has been a healing process in some ways. It’s very cathartic. It’s definitely helped me deal with what life has and will continue to throw my way.”

Music has been a healing process. It’s very cathartic. It’s definitely helped me deal with what life has and will continue to throw my way. jenna lee, 12

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Jenna Lee, senior, performs at Jammin Java in order to raise money and awareness for the growing crisis in Japan

michelle chu feature editor

Where else can you hear her: Live at Potbelly Sandwich off Herndon Parkway every Saturday from 12:00-2:00 Or at http://youtube.com/jennanleemusic. page 11 outlook feature april 29, 2011


Oakton promotes “No Phone Zone” while driving

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hile driving is dangerous enough, texting amplifies the Smart Virginia states that “every time you text and drive you are factors that can kill drivers of any age. Oakton has 23 times more likely to crash” than someone who is fully focused taken the initiative to educate on the road. students on distracted driving because “Pull over in the parking lot if you have to text or call,” Edthis month is National Distracted mundson said. “If you have an accident, you’re Driving Month and the whole not going to get there faster.” state of Virginia is participating. If a school authority sees a student Starting on April 25, Cougar being distracted in the car and is enNews is running PSAs about dangering other students they have texting while driving and its the right to take action immedirisks. ately. The school police officer is “Our goal is to get people to allowed to write a ticket and other realize that it’s very dangerous,” disciplinary actions may be taken said James Edmundson, security depending on the situation. officer. “Years ago, people did not Texting while driving is illegal wear seatbelts, so when statistics came in 22 states, including Virginia, out people started doing it. This is the Maryland and D.C. The National same thing we are trying to accomplish, Students who Safety Council states that “1.6 million pledged to never text to make [driving] safer.” crashes per year can be attributed to cell Students will be able to take a stand and drive were given “No phone talking and texting while driving.” against texting while driving by signing a Phone Zone” window decals for their cars. For this, many more laws are being conpledge on April 27 during all lunches. After signing, students will sidered to limit the risks with teenage drivers. be given a keepsake to remind them about the dangers of texting “Texting while driving is an issue that affects not only students while driving. Featured items will include car window decals saying but adults too,” said Elizabeth Drake, sophomore. “Most of the “Don’t Text And Drive” and “No Phone Zone.” time, individuals who text and drive end up harming other people. “I see people driving out of here and of course when you Someone else should not have to die because a driver was texting.” are in a main area where kids are walking to school, it’s worse,” The issue of distracted driving, specifically texting, is a relativeEdmundson said. ly new one. However, the many consequences present are enough The dangers for teenagers are much higher because “for every to cause more research to be done melanie aguilar mile they drive, teens are four times more likely to be involved in a and shocking statistics to be available. staff writer crash” as stated by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Drive

Junior Ryan Moore starts up his own online business

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tarting and running a business is a difficult task in any day “I made the entire site,” Moore said. “I’m amazing and I know and age, but juggling high school in addition to an enterprise how to design websites.” can make the prospect seem impossible. Despite the overGot-looks.com is an easy website to navigate around. It offers whelming odds, one student has accomplished this feat. Junior clear terms of use, fast and concise answers to any questions, as Ryan Moore has singlewell as notifications and handedly created his own confirmations of purchases website and business. immediately. For those who I buy all my merchandise from a com“I was broke and I wish, guidelines are also pany called Britain. I buy and sell stuff and needed money,” Moore said. provided to ease accessibil“That was my inspiration.” ity. get money. Moore runs a site called “I made it so it would got-looks.com, which spebe easy for people to find cializes in sales of assorted clothing and accessories ranging from stuff,” Moore said. “You can just add stuff to your cart and check sunglasses to shoes. out.” “I buy all my merchandise from a company called Britain,” Moore created his business from scratch less than eight months Moore said. “I buy and sell stuff and get money.” ago, and has been receiving a steady flow of orders ever since. His Moore’s website is professionally appealing and caters to the low capital cost combined with his self-sufficient expertise with needs of consumers. However, running and maintaining an online computers have turned over a quick profit for him. business requires copious amounts of time most high school “It’s been relatively successful,” Moore james craig students do not have. said. “I’m turning a profit.” staff writer

ryan moore, 11

page 12 outlook feature april 29, 2011


opinions T

page 13, april 29, 2011

Not enough attention is paid to the dangers of drinking

he school makes sure its students know what’s acmakes alcohol a main concern, because it gives students the ceptable and what’s not. Signs in the nurse’s office illusion that drinking can’t be that bad. It’s the illusion mixed show pictures of rotten, smoke damaged lungs, and with the alcohol that causes disaster. give detailed descriptions of the various organ failures that That’s not to say that the other issues being focused can result from inhaling any amount of tobacco. Signs in upon aren’t important. Smoking really does kill— cyberthe hallway warn against things from drugs to peer pressure bullying really can ruin a life. But these issues should for to cyber bullying. But one topic often overlooked is drinkno reason overshadow something equally as dangerous to ing. a life. Drinking inhibits the senses and significantly lowers We all hear one’s ability to make about the dangers safe, healthy decisions. of drinking and Drunk driving is no driving in Health stranger to the media, class and Driver’s and countless stories Ed, but it seems about tragic deaths due once we step out to drinking riddle the of the classroom, news every day. With all warnings about these stories being so the drink stops. prominent in the news, There are no signs why is it that they’re so in the hallway— no under-addressed by the raising awareness school? shirts or bracelets, The way to remedy no spirit weeks this is clear. Awareness nikki clemons against alcohol, no basically needs to be dramatic posters in raised. During spirit the offices. Drinkweeks, maybe a day or ing is virtually ignored, besides a common knowledge that two focused on cyber-bullying, which really isn’t that differit probably shouldn’t be done in school and the passing ent than real-life bullying, can instead be used to promote mention in the student handbook. Instead of remembering anti-drinking campaigns. The clinic could do with a few all of the horrific car crashes and lives wasted away with lips more signs about subjects other than smoking and handto the bottle, students are instead reminded of how some washing procedures. The hallways can make a little room mean words on the internet could bruise an amongst the bullying signs and club promoego, or how a puff of a cigarette could ruin tions for a sign or two asking for safe driving The Staff Editorial one’s whole life. is the official opinion or a safe weekend. While all of these things promoted as Drinking is harmful to the developing of the Outlook dangerous are just that, that is no reason to teenage brain. In the most important time of disregard drinking. In fact, drinking is an issue our lives, we shouldn’t be wasting potential that should be focused upon more than almost anything by drowning it in Coronas. We live in a country that, unlike else. Let’s face the facts— teenagers like to party. After a many others, drinks to get drunk. The quality of the alcohol long week at school, blowing off some steam with dancing, is rarely the reason for consumption; the dizzy freedom and friends, and preferably drinks, seems to be the common lack of responsibility that comes with the activity seems to way to spend those two free days glowing at the end of the be the aim. To become part of the counter-culture is diftunnel of a harrowing week. The frequency of these parties ficult- and necessary.


Dress code enforcement is policing all the wrong things

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hen I walk the halls of Oakton, I can easily separate comfort from discomfort, all in the way a person walks or looks. It’s no shocker to know that Oakton’s dress code is lenient in comparison to other schools in Fairfax County judging from the array of different outfits and styles that roam the halls daily. There are some who clearly threw out their SR&R booklet back in September while they strut down the halls in short-shorts, oblivious to the intense dress code violation they are committing. However, people have been discussing the county’s possible decision to ban yoga pants, jeggings and even skinny jeans. Back it up, Fairfax County; it’s one thing to take away my freedom to wear yoga pants, but to label skinny jeans as inappropriate is bizarre as they show no amount of skin. According to the SR&R handbook, clothing should “fit, be neat, and conform to standards of safety, good taste, and decency.” In my eyes, the only crime yoga pants are guilty of is that they’re too comfortable. Other than that, I’m pretty sure everything that needs to be covered up is in fact covered up; so why is there a sudden need to ban them? It’s understandable why short-shorts are unacceptable in a school environment, but once the county decides to possibly ban 99.9 percent of what teenagers wear, something needs to be said. What do they expect us to wear? Just sweatpants or really baggy jeans? No thanks, The freedom to wear what I want as long as it isn’t inapporpriate is an option that should always be open. Being expressive as a teenager is crucial at this developmental point in our lives; taking away that expression can hinder our creative outlook, as well as personalities. I’m curious as to why Fairfax County is so focused on a subject like yoga pants. While I and many other girls await the county’s decision, I’m going to take full advantage of the fact that I can still wear what I want to wear, without reaching the point of overexposure. There’s a fine line between what’s appropriate or not, and what the county deems to be comfortable or not seems to be a bit off-kilter. If Fairfax County is so determined to keep our learning environment classy and appropriate, they should shift their attention toward real issues like booty shorts or low-cut shirts, not petty ones such as comfortable, form-fitting pants.

caroline hipwell staff writer

page 14 outlook opinions april 29, 2011

Focus in the second semester needs to stay as avid as in the first

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s the days creep shannon closer to June 17, ragan the “disease” Secopy editor nioritis spreads like wildfire through senior classrooms. As a junior taking a few senior classes, I can attest to the rampancy of Senioritis even among underclassmen. Although finals and AP exams are rapidly approaching, school work has lost its importance. Why not turn that history project in late? Why not skip that French homework? Many students fail to recognize the significance of second semester and avoid keeping up with studying and assignments. Seniors have all heard the horror stories about colleges unaccepting many of their predecessors. These stories are so often told that their impact is lost, which is unfortunate considering the practice of revoking admission is more commonplace than one would think. According to a survey by NACAC, 68.7 percent of colleges in 2008 revoked offers of admission due to low final grades. As we all are aware, junior year is the most critical in regards to college admissions. Yet regardless of the number of times juniors are reminded of this fact, we continue to stave off studying. Your academic success from this year is going to be the focus of most colleges as they review you for admission. Even freshmen and sophomores need to be weary of their grades. Your underclassmen grades can ultimately have an enormous impact on how colleges will view you as a student; after all, they do make up a whole half of your final high school GPA. Although Senioritis seems like an incurable malady, relatively simple actions can prevent you from making a disaster of your second semester grades. Most teachers try to make fourth quarter projects more compelling, so if you actually put some effort into them then you may surprise yourself with how well you do. Cougar Time is a great time to do small homework assignments and even lunch can become an extra study session. Think about the future: high school is preparing you for college, so it’s necessary to understand the material and take your classes seriously lest you be at a disadvantage in your college courses. Senioritis may seem like a difficult illness to alleviate, but if you take simple precautions, making it to summer is definitely feasible. dorothy yen


nicole jakstas staff writer

F

Random is the best way to select a college roommate

or many seniors, the college process is almost over. Applications have been submitted, decisions have been made and deposits have been paid. What many do not realize is, while the decision of what school to attend in the fall may have been made, seniors still have an important decision to make: roommates. There are many methods used to select college roommates including random selection, Facebook, RoomSurf and high school friends. RoomSurf, essentially the eHarmony of college roommate searching, is somewhat shallow. Besides a picture and a few questions, there is not much depth to this method. People can easily lie on these surveys to make themselves seem like a more desirable roommate. Also, the surveys match potential roommates based on similar interests and compatibility. But isn’t college about new experiences? Would

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you really want to room with someone who is 94 percent similar to you? Choosing a roommate through RoomSurf has the most potential to backfire. Many colleges and universities create Facebook groups for every class. Within these groups, rising freshmen converse in hopes of finding a roommate. There is not much certainty to this method, as people may change their minds about where they will be attending in the fall. One can “Facebook stalk” a person’s profile, which shows a lot about a person’s personality and lifestyle. Facebook also allows for people to choose roommates with the same major as themselves, which can serve as a pro or con. While a roommate with the same major can be a great study buddy, there would be little time to branch away from that person. Others choose to room with a high

Race to Nowhere emulates today’s standards in school

here are we going? This question was asked by a concerned parent at the discussion panel held after a screening of “Race to Nowhere,” directed by Vicki Abeles. “Race to Nowhere” is a documentary film challenging America’s school system, shining a light on the rampant depression, burnout and stress-related illness due to the pressure that has invaded schools across the nation.

This question forces us as a community to consider the goals and future of our children. The documentary was made in memory of Devon, a 13-year-old girl who took her own life after receiving a B on a test. Her parents were in shock that something so little could cause such a tragic response. However, they soon realized that this was only the breaking point of an accumulation of all school-related stress, a trend steadily spreading throughout school systems. As the twentieth century progressed, more and more students enrolled in school as labor laws were enforced. There was a drastic increase in homework, and by 2000 No Child Left Behind was implemented causing focus on test scores. This gradual focus toward dorothy yen numerical evaluation warped

anita tadakamalla staff writer

school friend. While this may seem smart, this can lead to problems. While some of us may get along well at school and in a social setting, few have actually had the experience of living with someone other than family. Conflicting habits and lifestyles can make high school friends turned college roommates into enemies. After taking these other methods into consideration, we see random selection is by far the best method to choose a roommate. For most schools, students who choose to find roommates this way take brief lifestyle surveys to ensure domestic tranquility. Also, this provides a clean slate, as high school baggage is tucked away with graduation gowns and high school yearbooks. If random selection doesn’t work out, one can request a transfer.

emma mankin staff writer the minds of the current generation and possibly those to come. Instead of absorbing the material and striving towards understanding concepts, students have become concerned with what they “need” to know and the infamous question, “Will this be on the test?” One of the reasons many students are only concerned with what they’re tested on is due to the fact they feel time constrained. Society has developed this picture perfect child that everyone feel’s they need to conform to. Sports, honor societies and community service are just a few of the extracurricular activities students feel the need to participate in, especially with college on the line. On paper a 4.0 student involved in numerous activities sounds ideal, but by the time they reach the college classroom, he is most likely drained and unequipped at conceptual comprehension and necessary problem-solving skills. Instead they are asking, “Will I need to know how to do a double bypass for the final?” page 15 outlook opinions april 29, 2011


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indepth

page 18, april 29, 2011 *The name has been changed to protect the anonymity of the source.

ABSOLUTely unforgettable

C

harlie Sheen* had never really had a drink before. Sure, he had been to a few parties, had a few beers, maybe even taken a few shots. But it wasn’t until a school event last year that he really took the plunge. “I decided to drink before the [event] just to have a good time I guess,” said Sheen. “I never really thought that anything bad would come from it.” It is hardly suprising that bad things did in fact come from it. “I got really carried away, and I hadn’t really drank that much before so I couldn’t really control myself,” Sheen said. The extent to which he lost control though was quite astounding – after 14 shots, Sheen had no recollection of the night. “Most of what I’ve learned about that night has been from other people,” Sheen explained. “From the point of arriving at [the event] to the next morning I have no memory. The next thing I remember after getting there is waking up in my bed with hospital clothing on.” Sheen obviously acted irresponsibly to have ended up in such a position, but nonetheless his friends were there to help him throughout the ordeal. “I kind of remember throwing up a lot,” Sheen said, “and I’ve been told that my close friends really stuck up for me.” Sticking up for him is putting it mildly though – Sheen’s friends stood around him in a circle to keep the prying eyes of parents and the administration from noticing how obviously and dangerously drunk he was, and even tried to carry him out of the event without anyone noticing. Best intentions aside though, he was eventually caught. “The administration caught me, and instead of letting me go they said they had to call an ambulance, like it’s a rule or something,” Sheen recollected. Fortunately for everyone involved though, the ambulance was merely a formality that the administration was obligated to observe. And as Sheen delicately puts it: “I wasn’t about to die…I would have survived.” “I ended up being suspended for five days,” recollects Sheen, “three of which I had to

by the numbers 70% of all

One teen sits down with the Outlook for an exclusive look into a night gone wrong spend in a drug and alcohol abuse class.” The repercussions didn’t end with the completion of his five day suspension either. For ten weeks Sheen attended an alcohol education class every Monday night. “A lot of what we learned at those Monday night classes was pretty boring,” explained Sheen, “but we did end up visiting the county jail at one point. That was a definite ‘eye-opener’, it really made me think about the consequences that can come from making stupid mistakes.” The experience has left Sheen an obviously changed person with a much more balanced view on teenage drinking. “I don’t want to go all parental,” Sheen said, “and in my opinion it’s not bad to drink. I don’t think it’s bad to drink as long as you’re in control and you’re with people you know and trust.” Sheen has had an uncommon experience though, being surrounded by people who are willing to protect him in his lowest moments and provide a sense of security that allows for “responsible partying.” However, he does concede that “…you shouldn’t just drink for social status or anything like that though. Be smart about it, and don’t do it simply because other kids do it.” And now, with his drinking incident far behind him, Sheen reflects upon his experience as a moment of juvenile curiosity gone awry more than a moment of true disregard for his own safety and health. “I just wanted to try it for myself,” Sheen puts it rather matter-of-factly, “but you really should pick the right time and the right place [to try drinking], and don’t just jump into it and be rash.” And, adding a humorous silver lining to what has otherwise been a rather harrowing recounting of his first and hopefully last drinking incident, Sheen concluded his interview with a wise lesson for everyone to learn: “don’t do it in a public place if it’s your allen luethke first time.”

indepth co-editor kate zhukova staff writer

teenagers drink alcohol.

16% of

adolescents aged 12–17 had their first alcoholic drink before age 13.

In 2009,

11,864 arrests were made in Virginia for violating drinking laws.

A 2003 survey showed that 65% of youth got alcohol from their friends and family.

More than 19% of drivers age 16-20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking alcohol.

All information taken from the CDC and www.centurycouncil. org.


Whiskey and Wine...

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*All names in both stories have been changed to protect the anonymity of the sources.

o many students, media images of high school parties are nothing more than a vamped up fantasy, but to some students they are rooted in reality. Sadly the elements that are based in reality are not the romantic movie endings, but the more Skins-esque hangover sequences. “I remember waking up at some odd golly time in the morning and I was hugging the toilet. I remember waking up and this guy I didn’t know was in my face saying ‘It’s okay…’ I was so confused.” Mel Gibson* said. The Bailey’s incident, as he calls it, started long before Bailey’s even came into the picture. “We drank every single thing in his house. We started out with vodka, moved to whiskey, then tequila, then Bailey’s. We were like 16 shots in before the Bailey’s. After that we had martini glasses full of moonshine,” said Gibson. “It was the first time for me to ever get drunk.” “We got drunk and just ran around screaming. We kept falling on the floor. Nothing made sense to me” said Gibson. The night took a definite turn for the worse when Gibson saw “a volcano of puke” spewing from his friend, Colin Farrell’s mouth. “Everyone was trying to clean him up. He had like puke pouring down his shirt. They put a new shirt on him and then he puked on the next shirt. That’s why he woke up naked.” “I woke up without my pants. A friend of mine told me she’d washed them four times and they were still covered in puke.” Farell said. While Gibson and Farrell certainly had an unpleasant night, Amy Winehouse had a night that was

9%

only drink rarely

page 20 outlook indepth april 29, 2011

Students share intoxicating facts...

64% drink monthly

borderline terrifying, leaving her feeling “violated.” At a college party with some friends, Winehouse unknowingly drank a beer laced with a hallucinogenic drug. “I knew someone had given me something, but I didn’t know what. I ended up in the bathroom in the basement on the floor for like two hours, hallucinating.” Though mostly teenagers think of themselves as being grown up and able to handle themselves, extreme circumstances like Winehouse’s leave even the most mature of us seeking help. “I couldn’t get anyone to come get me, my friend didn’t do anything. I wanted to call my parents but I didn’t.” Fear of consequences can leave underage drinkers in unfortunate and even dangerous circumstances. “I got carried out eventually. Everyone at the party saw and we’re all just saying “Oh that high school girl can’t handle her booze. That whole night is pretty much shrouded in shame, regret, embarrassment, and a lot of throwing up.” “Drinking makes me feel really guilty, when I come home to my parents the next morning hung over. They trust me and I abuse it,” said Winehouse. “I have more than a few family members who are alcoholics. I know it’s really bad for me, but I do it anyways. Everything seems better when I’m drunk. I feel like I’m more fun, more outgoing, and happier when I’m drunk. One of my favorite drinking experiences was when a few friends and I drank in someone’s basement. No one said anything stupid or hooked up or did anything dirty. It was just a good time. I’d like to think we could have had as much sober, but probably not.”

becky singerman indepth co-editor

25% drink weekly

2%

drink more than once a week


...Or Staying In Line

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...and sobering fears.

ost people who drink in high school do it for the same reason: to get “messed up,” relax, and lose their usual inhibitions. Interestingly enough, those who don’t drink cited a much wider variety of reasons. For some the very reason that drives others to drink keeps them from it. “I don’t trust myself to stop drinking before I do something stupid,” Justin Bieber* said. “A lot of people go out and party just to get drunk and that’s not really healthy.” Miranda Cosgrove said. “I just try to be responsible,” Abigail Breslin said. “I personally don’t want to do it because stupid things happen. I wouldn’t want to have to tell my parents that something happened to me. I don’t want to disappoint people.” “It’s more just my personal morals. I think my parents would be fine. They’d probably be okay if I went to a party as long as I’m not completely out. Some people drink too much and black out. That just doesn’t seem fun,” said Cosgrove. “I don’t do it just because I don’t like the taste of it,” said Breslin. “My parents know what teenagers do, they’d let me, but it doesn’t have real appeal to me.” Unlike Breslin and Cosgrove, Bieber is deterred by the potential consequences. “It’s breaking the law, and I don’t want to do that. I don’t plan to drink until I am 21. I don’t trust myself to stop drinking before I do something stupid. It also doesn’t taste very good.” “I feel so bad hearing about [people who get in trouble],” said Breslin. “Usually it could have been prevented. It’s their fault. That’s what makes it so sad, they could have been a little better about it and avoided all the trouble. [People should] be smart.”

Many teenagers don’t want to drink in high school, but have no trouble with the idea of doing so in college. The freedoms of college life and the convenience of being within walking distance from the dorms change the stakes dramatically. “I think it’s fine to drink in college,” said Cosgrove. Another common sentiment among those who don’t drink is that they would not hold it against those who do, only that they didn’t want to have to personally encounter it. “I can hang out with people who drink as long as they don’t pressure me to do it,” said Breslin. “If all they do is talk about the stupid things they’ve done when they drink, then that’s kind of annoying. It doesn’t bother me that they drink though.” “I don’t have an issue being friends with people who drink, I just try to stay away from them when they are drinking,” said Bieber, “I’ve never been peer pressured, it doesn’t bother me.” “This year over New Years, my friends and I didn’t drink because we wanted to have fun that we could remember,” said Cosgrove.

29% don’t

7% 5% 8% 15% 19% 34% 12% 0%

began began began began drinking be- drinking at drinking at drinking at fore age 11 age 12 age 13 age 14

began drinking at age 15

began drinking at age 16

began began drinking at drinking at age 17 age 18 page 19 outlook indepth april 29, 2011


Every drop counts The causes and consequences of teen drinking

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any kids have had a sip of their parents’ alcohol, and they probably found the taste revolting. Unfortunately, however, this doesn’t stop teens from experimenting with alcohol. The causes and effects of teenage drinking are explained in the Parent-Teen Resource Guide on Alcohol and Drug Services, available online for Fairfax County families. “Local research and national studies indicate that parents are highly influential through communicating regularly with their teen,” said Diane Eckert, expert on the Parent-Teen Resource Guide on Alcohol and Drug Services. “Not just about the risks of alcohol but also about their hopes for a wellrounded, happy, young adult who has empathy for others.” Parental limitations and restrictions play a big role in influencing how much teens drink. “Most high school students and 70 percent of college students still indicate that the biggest influence in their decision to not use alcohol is their perception of parental disapproval,” Eckert said. Students who drink may not consider the possible page 20 outlook indepth april 29, 2011

by the numbers

ramifications, whether they’re caught or not. “Consequences range from of 10th grade students rea police citation and court appearance for use of an illegal port getting drunk in the past month drug, to alcohol poisoning, car crashes, lowered grades, depression, dating abuse, fights, rape, and death,” Eckert said. of American youth stop These immediate drinking after getting in trouble with consequences are not the worst the law/police of alcohol’s effects. Teen drinkers must also be aware of the long term effects. “Research now tells us that More than college alcohol has a long-ranging students in the U.S. are killed each impact on the growing brain year—about 4.65 a day—as a result of a teenager through their of alcohol-related injuries mid-twenties decreasing critical thinking skills including judgment and increasing impulsive behaviors,” Eckert said. of twelfth graders have Eckert believes the resource guide will help inform parents reported binge drinking and teens about possible solutions to alcohol-related problems. “The focus of the resource More than in people who guide is to provide information begin drinking before age 15 evento parents and students about tually become alcoholics. intervention and treatment resources in Fairfax County for alcohol and other drug use,” Every day, on average, Eckert said. “The guide is one strategy of many to help reduce American youths try underage drinking. alcohol for the first time gabriela driscoll staff writer

15%

68%

1,700

23%

4 10

11,318


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sports

page 22, april 29, 2011

KICKOFF

Battle of the Beltway

callum kelton staff writer

Baseball season in full swing, the Outlook takes a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Nationals and Orioles.

Baltimore

Washington

Nationals S

PITCHING he Orioles pitching staff is led by young and inexperienced

o far this season the Nationals pitching has been one of the biggest surprises in baseball, as the team is ranked ninth in the league with an ERA of just 3.67. Most shocking has been the success of Jason Marquis, who struggled for most of last year, but is 2-0 with 17 strikeouts this season. The bullpen has also been good as Sean Burnett and Drew Storen have combined for six saves.

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W

prospects, like Zach Britton and Chris Tillman, as well as staff veteran Jeremy Guthrie. Thus far the results have been mixed. Tillman has compiled a 6.16 ERA through his first three starts and closer Kevin Gregg has woefully underperformed, letting up eight hits and five walks in just seven innings of work. However Guthrie and Britton have combined for four wins and a stellar 3.13 ERA.

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he Orioles made a big splash in the offseason by signing designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero as well as first baseman Derrek Lee and third baseman Mark Reynolds. However, thus far the offense has been a colossal disappointment. The trio of new players has combined for a 0.221 batting average. The team is 27 in runs scored and 29 in on base percentage. The lone bright spot has been veteran Brian Roberts, who has bounced back from injury with a 0.274 average and three homers.

DEPTH

very time someone talks about the future of the Nationals, two names inevitably come up. Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper, the Nats recent first round draft picks. However, neither is expected to make a significant impact this year. Strasburg has been injured since the middle of last season, and needed Tommy John surgery. Harper is just 18 years old and will probably not be called up to the majors until next year at the earliest. *photos from official websites

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LINEUP

he Nats signed outfielder Jayson Werth to a contract valued at over 100 million dollars hoping to improve an offensive unit that was 25 in runs scored last season. Thus far there has been little improvement. Werth is hitting just 0.211 with five RBIs. Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman was placed on the DL with a strained abdomen after just eight games. The lone bright spot has been Wilson Ramos, who is hitting 0.341.

E

Orioles

T

he main thing O’s fans have been able to cling to in recent years is a minor league system that has produced key hitters such as Nick Markakis, Brian Roberts, Matt Wieters and Adam Jones. But the pool is thinning. Highly touted prospect Brian Matusz was put on the disabled list with a strained back muscle and will not return until mid may. Britton and shortsop Manny Machado are the organizations only prospects ranked in the top 100, however both are in the top 30. The teams system is ranked just 24.

THE VERDICT

hile both teams do not have a legitimate playoff chance for this year, they also both have hope for the future. The Orioles young pitchers provide them with hope, and Markakis, Wieters and Jones will give the team an offensive core for years to come. However, the rest of the team is either too old or simply ineffective. If either Britton or Brian Matusz are unable to produce, the team could remain at the bottom of the standings for years to come. The Nats could become a contender quickly. Strasburg was excellent in a brief stint last year, and Jordan Zimmerman has also looked good. If the team can get anything out of Harper to go along with the consistent production from Ryan Zimmerman and Jayson Werth, they will emerge as the dominate team in the area.


Carrols Cause Commotion

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Brothers Chad, Ty, and Mitchell Carroll all play together on the varsity baseball team

emma pfeifer

he 1981 Major League Baseball amateur entry draft may not seem like something that relates to Oakton, but it does more than one would think. It was in this draft that the Minnesota Twins drafted now Oakton JV Baseball coach Carson Carroll to play on their minor league team. Now, 30 years later, all three of his sons, Chad, Ty and Mitchell, are retracing his steps, as they are all starters on varsity. Chad Carroll, senior captain, who plays both infielder and pitcher, has already signed his letter of intent to play baseball at James Madison University. “I’m very excited to be part of a competitive college program but right now I’m focused on winning games this senior season,” Carroll said. Ty Carroll, junior, and Mitchell Carroll, sophomore, both emma pfeifer emma pfeifer play as infielders, much like their father, who spent most of his professional career Chad Carroll (left) and Mitchell Carroll (right) both swing away playing as an infielder. during the March 19th game against Madison. favorite baseball experience that I’ve ever had,” Chad Carroll said. “My dad is the rea“I couldn’t ask for more than being on my high school baseball son I have become the baseteam with my two brothers. It is a great experience,” Ty Carroll ball player I am today. Not said. only was he a great baseball With the season off to an 8-4 start, the Carroll’s are doing player, he is a fantastic coach their best to help the team towards a great season, especially with and an even better father” Districts less than a month away. Ty Carroll Mitchell Carroll said. “The team is looking really good in almost all aspects. If we throwing It’s safe to say that basecan pull some things together, nobody is going to be able to beat the ball in ball runs in the Carroll famus” Ty Carroll said. the March ily, and getting to play on the This way, the team can be prepared for the departure of Chad 19th game same team as one another also with the other seniors, and prepare for Ty and Mitchell to against makes the playing on the develop as the team leaders next season. Madison. team more enjoyable. “My personal goal this year is to improve as a baseball player “I love playing on the same team as and be a part of a state championship team,” conner dick my brothers. It is my Mitchell Carroll said. sports writer

Softball’s Secret Weapon Leads Winning Team

A

isabella kidane

Freshman Allison Davis pitches in one of Oakton’s season wins.

llison Davis, the star pitcher and hitter of varsity softball, has led Oakton to a solid 6-2-1 record as a freshman. This unassuming student has proved to be a monster on the field taking the starting pitching position with a pitch of low sixties. The Oakton softball program has high hopes with this secret weapon hoping to make a long state run. “We can definitely go to Regional’s and I believe we can win” said Davis. Davis has been playing since she was seven years old and devoted most of her life to the sport, hoping to take it far in life. “There is a long list of colleges but I would like to go to a division one school to play softball” she said. She has spent most of her pre high school career involved in highly competitive travel

leagues accounting for her early developed skill. Allison made a quick and seamless transition onto the team “there are cool coaches and all the people are fun and nice, we are all team mates and there was no hazing” Davis said. Throughout the years Davis has had many inspirations contributing to her skill as a player “I follow the top college pitchers who are my inspirations in softball” Davis said. Oakton softball hopes to bring its previous 8-9 record up with their new key player. Oakton softball has high hopes for this season and hopes to keep Davis as a four year varsity starter in the program.

spencer conley sports writer page 23 outlook sports april 29, 2011


What’s going to happen during the NFL Lockout? Despite the end to the lockout, changes to the NFL season are still on the horizon

B

reaking the stalemate between the NFL Players Association and the owners of the NFL franchises, Susan Nelson, a U.S. District Court Judge, ruled in favor of the players. The decision prevents the owners from barring the players from practice, meaning as of now, the NFL’s regular season will continue without delay. While the ruling marks the first real turning point of the negotiations, as the players have gained the advantage, the most likely course of action for the owners is to appeal the case. The owners’ idea to change the season from a 16-game regular season to an 18-game season is a significant increase in revenue

from the owners’ perspective. While pre-season games are usually played by the lower strings, games that count towards records and playoff contention would require starters to play at full strength which would be very detrimental to their safety. The players are on the losing end of all the negotiations associated with the lockout. The owners are able to wait out whatever negotiations are to come; they will still make revenue off their other endeavors and off interest from season tickets. All-in-all the lockout only affects the players and their livelihood as the NFL owners will still maintain the same lifestyle and economic stability.

players

owner s

players fear the owners want to health effects change the regular owners of additional games season from a 16barring game season to a 18- players from as pre-season games game regular season practice until are usually played by resolved non-starters, but all with only two pre18-games would be season games to regular games increase revenue

which side is more to blame if there is a work stoppage in the NFL? page 24 outlook sports april 29, 2011

13% before memorial day total votes: 159,382

28% before normal start of training camp 31% before normal start of regular season 28% after regular-season games are lost

49% total votes: 147,574

when do you expect a labor agreement between the players and the owners?

owners 14% players 36% blame shared equally

according to sportsnation’s polls from april 12, 2011

allie berube sports co-editor

effects of lockout

1

Hundreds of NFL players will be without jobs. For those players who aren’t in the elite group among Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Chad Ochocinco, etc. the loss of consistent income could make a drastic impact on their lifestyles. Those elite athletes will have to rely upon their endorsements to maintain the same quality of life.

2

For the owners who are pushing for the longer regular season, the impacts of the lockout are minimal. As season ticket holders begin to reserve their seats for the potential season, the owners will earn a large sum off interest even if they have to refund the tickets. With the ability to wait out the NFL Lockout, the owners are more likely to keep increasing their demands, and forcing the iron fist on their players’ opinions.

3

The fans will lose the most in the lockout, as they won’t have teams to cheer for. Ticket sales will be non-existent, team apparel won’t be the sought after commodity for holiday gifts and lack of Sunday afternoon entertainment will leave a large void in many fans’ weekend plans. If the NFL cares about the fans, the owners shouldn’t keep the players from their practices and should respect the culture the NFL has worked so hard to build.


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Tennis extraordinaire Katie Clark holds top spot

N

o one would expect an underof time and commitment [the girls] classman to hold the number put in paid off.” one spot on the girls tennis Clark practices daily at the team, but sophomore Katie Clark has Fairfax Racquet Club in addition to risen to the occasion by continuing to Oakton tennis, to hone her skills defend her title for the second year in a and be exposed to different types row. To hold the number one position, of competitors outside of the high a player must win a match against every school circuit. other player on the team, which is no “I also play tennis outside of small feat when there is an entire team Oakton which helps me grow as of competitors to beat. a player, by playing girls who are “When I came on to the team as much better than me and have the a freshman, no one thought that an potential to go pro. Ultimately, it underclassman would be able to play continues to help Oakton tennis in the number one spot. Upperclasswin matches against tough competimen especially didn’t expect to be beat tors, like Robinson.” by someone so young, but the team has Clark’s devotion to tennis has erin bennett lead her to aspire to continue her really embraced me and we have become close as a team,” Clark said. tennis career after high school and Clark practices her forehand stroke for an Defeating competition like Robinson upcoming second match against Robinson. play for a college team where she can requires time and commitment by all go on to play against some of the members to excel to win district and regional titles. top players in the nation. “We beat Robinson for the first time in four years which was a “Oakton tennis has opened a lot of doors for me to get huge accomplishment for the team. It was exciting since Robinson noticed by other high school coaches, and it gives me a chance to is known to be tough competition because of their strong team,” meet girls with the same tennis goals as erin bennett said Clark. “Robinson might have strong players, but the amount me.” staff writer

Instead of the beach, sports teams hit the field Varsity Crew, Virginia Participating in a spring break regatta, Crew remains competitive on the break. “It would have been nice to have a break but we need to use all the time we can to improve and maintain our physical condition,” said senior rower Peter DeTeresa. Varsity Baseball, South Carolina H.I.T. Tournament Baseball travelled to Charleston to play in the H.I.T. tournament. They went 3-2 in their five games in the tournament against teams from across the country. The tournament was a good team bonding experience,” said senior captain Luke Willis, “It got our team time to isolate ourselves from the rest of the district and work on our own thing.” page 26 outlook sports april 29, 2011

Varsity Softball, Virginia Softball took part in an ongoing tournament at Hayfield that began during the break. In their first two games, the team beat Thomas Jefferson 4-0 and tied Hayfield 2-2. “It was nice to not have to practice over spring break,” said junior captain Emily Corridon, “but the tournament was a good opportunity to see how we do against teams in other districts.” Boys Lacrosse, Virginia Boys Lacrosse played three games at the West Springfield tournament, winning one and losing two including one to Hamburg High School from Hamburg, New York. “We got to compete against good teams from our region and some from New York so it was a good chance to stay in shape,” said senior captain Zack Bartee. jackson lizardo staff writer


Pop Culture Grid This Month’s Athletes Lily Moens Fr. Tennis

OVERTIME

christian forbes

staff writer

Coolest thing to happen in a game?

Pre-game playlist?

Making signs and parading around the courts

The girls on the bus, and whatever my friend is listening to.

Home runs, robbing a homer, and diving.

Emily Corridon Jr. Softball

Eminem and country music

Ryan Mulreany Jr. Crew

30 Seconds to Mars and The Sick Puppies

The entire 1500m of a race we were head to head with Westfield.

Katy Perry

I walked into the other team’s dugout and didn’t realize it.

Alana Peters Fr. Softball

What are your thoughts of Jasmine Thomas playing in the WNBA? That is really cool, she will do very well. She is awesome. She is also really talented and dedicated. It’s amazing that she is going pro, but it does not surprise me. She deserves it.

Inside the Grid

Oakton alumni Jasmine Thomas was recently signed to play for the defending WNBA champion Seattle Storm. She was selected twelfth overall after playing her senior season at Duke.

It is inspiring and makes me want to work harder.

On The Scoreboard

Baseball

Boys Soccer

4/20 v. SL Christian W 11-5 4/7 v. Robinson W 2-1 4/20 v. B. England L 4-8 4/11 v. S.County W 3-2 4/21 v. Summerville W 17-12 4/15 v. Westfield W 3-0

Girls Tennis

Girls Lacrosse

4/7 v. Chantilly W 8-1 4/11 v. Herndon W 9-0 4/14 v. Centreville W 7-2

3/30 v. Chantilly L 10-12 4/4 v. Centreville W 10-16 4/20 St. Agnes L 6-21

Softball

Girls Soccer

Boys Tennis

Boys Lacrosse

4/18 v. T.J. W 4-0 4/18 v. Hayfield T 2-2 4/25 v. S.County W 11-0

4/7 v. Robinson T 1-1 4/11 v. S.County W 2-0 4/13 v. Westfield L 0-1

4/7 v. Chantilly W 6-3 4/11 v. Herndon L 2-7 4/14 v. Centreville W 5-4

4/18 v. W.Spring W 11-10 4/19 v. Hamburg L 8-12 4/20 v. Chantilly L 9-10

page 27 outlook sports april 29, 2011


COUGAR CARIC A TURES the Oakton Outlook satire page

Prom flowchart

P

rom is a terrifying and confusing time. Even if you get a date, you still won’t know which group to go with, which reservation to book or which way to point during that song that’s like “from the windoooow to the wall!” Heck, you don’t even know what that flower thing is called or how to pin it on your date’s low-cut dress without getting a punch in the face from her minister father. That’s a lot of unknowns considering prom is easily the most important event of your entire high school career, if not your entire life. Never fear, a quick look at this flowchart should help take some stress out of the painful tradition. Well, probably not. alex buscemi

sports co-editor

gender? boy yes

girl

girlfriend?

lower your standards (or your date’s age)

single

“Oakton guys are jerks anyway!”

$200 for a ticket!? yeah, right

she’s worth it $1,000 for dinner and a limo!?

“Only the best for my baby!” page 28 outlook satire april 29, 2011

everybody hurts sometimes “Prom is for sissies, I’m just going to the afterparties” spend night watching CSI with parents i’ve got college to pay for

single get asked

ask girl OMG she said yes!

yes

boyfriend?

Ben and Jerry’s, Snuggie and “The Notebook”

Prom

Alex Buscemi? ew, no... what no flowers? he needs to put more effort into your relationship high maintenance!? you!? whatever, you were done with him anyway

take thousands of pictures

grandma forgot to take off the lense cap throw on rental tux, spray “axe”

i’m sure she’ll settle for Dominos and your mom’s Plymouth

“aww flowers? you shouldn’t have...”

make-up hair appointment massage

uh-oh, his vest clashes with your dress

pedicure manicure brazilian wax

drag date to mall

find out some skank just bought the same dress as you


a&e

page 29, april 29, 2011

OKLAHOMA! A look at both sides of the kim curtain gibbons Behind the scenes...

In the spotlight...

kim gibbons emma pfeifer

Daniel McEwen, senior, prepares the lighting setup, one of the last steps of the production. “For lighting, we need to wait for everything else to be done,” said McEwen. “We’re the last part of the show that comes together.”

Emily Hautbois and Olivia Frankel, freshmen, and Shannon Holcombe, sophomore, practice a dancing scene at after school rehearsal. “We have a lot of dances to learn for the musical, so I spend most of my rehearsals just dancing,” said Holcombe.

Esther Workman, senior, rehearses a song in the chorus room accompanied by members of band and orchestra. “We have vocal and blocking rehearsal with the chorus and drama teacher after school,” said Workman.

kim gibbons

Arin Keryeski, junior, paints the final touches of the set. “You can have an awesome set, but if it’s not painted, it’s not going to look put together,” said Keryeski.

kim gibbons

Ray Daniels, senior, calculates measurements for a rotating house, part of the set for Oklahoma. “A project this size cannot be built on flimsy foundations,” said Daniels. “We [have] to make sure our measurements [are] precise.”

kim gibbons

kim gibbons

staff writer

Adrienne Picciotto, junior, rehearses her part in the play at the first full dress rehearsal. “We practice singing in the chorus room, perfecting our music, and then we work on dancing and choreography on stage,” said Picciotto. “Then we put it all together.”


tv

media mix

Doctor Who- Season 6 Premier

I

t was on April 23, 2011 that the Doctor came to America. Doctor Who, the famous long-running British show, took its first setting in the great U.S. of A. in the premiere of the sixth season and brought with it a fantastic opening plot. Matt Smith brought the 900-year-old time-andspace traveling Time Lord back with a wicked kind of skill, solidifying his position as the Doctor and reconciling the Whovian fan base with the fact that yes, David Tennant really is gone and that Smith is here to stay. The spoilers previously promised by the writer, Steven Moffat, and the privileged few who got an early viewing of the premiere, came true— one of the main four characters was killed, though who it was was completely unpredictable, and the villains proved themselves to be as frightening, if not more so, as the Weeping Angels of old. Who and what these villains are (though they’ve been speculated to be the Silence prophesized in the repeated phrase “the Pandorica will open. Silence will fall.”), remains a mystery for the follow-up episode on April 30 and an explanation for the mysterious “Impossible Astronaut” is equally as unknown. To reveal any more about the plot or the happenings of the premiere for those who haven’t nikki clemons yet seen it would be, as River Song opinions editor would say, spoilers.

movie

Water for Elephants

B

ased on the novel by Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants was a mediocre film masked by an enchanting setting and impressive cinematography. The story focuses on Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson), a young aspiring veterinarian who lost everything in the Great Depression and frivolously hopped on a page 30 outlook a&e april 29, 2011

music

Coming Soon

“Femme Fatale” by Brtiney Spears

B

ritney’s back for more in her seventh album, which was released March 29. Femme Fatale contains the pop star’s usual dance beats and lyrics about someone she really wants, emphasis on the really. No doubt, Femme Fatale is an improvement from Spears’ previous album, Circus. However, some tracks sound too similar to one another, making the listener want to move on to another song. Most people are familiar with the mainstream tracks on this album, such as Hold it Against Me and Till the World Ends. While both tracks are solid pop songs, the album in its entirety lacks risk-taking. At one point, I found myself thinking, ‘Gimme More, Britney.’ Lame pun, but it certainly is applicable to the CD. “Got me kinda hot but I ain’t sweating, you steaming like a pot full of vegetables,” sings Spears. While her attraction is made quite clear, her lyricists undoubtedly had given up, resulting to compare what’s-his-name to food. Overall, Femme Fatale has great beats to dance to, regardless of the quality of lyrics. You have to give Spears credit; she’s still in the spotlight after over ten years in the music industry. This album’s content may receive hype for the next couple of months, but will be a thing of the past before caroline hipwell you know it. staff writer

traveling circus train. And oh, how romantic an adventure it was for him: the grandeur of the big top, a slew of outrageous characters, exotic animals, the allure of the show’s star act, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) and how she was lamentably repressed by her husband, the show’s owner. It’s so clichéd, to the point of being groan-worthy. The main characters, a naïve and innocent hero, an archetypal damselin-distress and a greedy antagonist with a

short temper, are boring and one-dimensional, not to mention horribly conventional. The plot along with the characters is predictable and sluggish. Honestly, the movie’s saving grace was the beautiful setting. The ambience of a majestic 1930s circus is hard to beat, and it does succeed in drawing you in. However pleasing the aura, Water for Elephants really has a mundane storyline and no substance. And the only redeeming character is the elephant. sofia crutchfield

staff writer


Taste Questing: The search for Northern VA’s

Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow for another installment of the popular series.

Banzai Burger: As if the unconventional name of

this Red Robin burger wasn’t a dead giveaway, imagine how overwhelmed you’d be after taking a bite into a burger marinated in teriyaki and topped with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and grilled pineapple. Yes, I said pineapple. The tart pineapple juice mixed with the salty mayo made me wince and the wide-range of overwhelming and incompatible flavors made it hard for me to eat much.

Farmhouse Burger: This Cheesecake Factory creation

brings a new twist to the classic ground beef burger by using a patty made of fried pork belly. The pork belly was a juicy and delicious substitute for ground beef, although it didn’t taste quite the same as it does as bacon. As if this wasn’t enough of a revolution, the Farmhouse Burger tops off the cheddar cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo with a sizzling fried egg. The egg was perfectly cooked, soft yet not at all liquid, and was a good eat. Make Your Own Burger: The champion of my pursuit for the best burger, however, was at the Falls Church Burger7. In this burger joint, you become the engineer of your own meal. It’s especially ideal for picky eaters and vegetarians who often find it difficult to locate a burger that fits their taste. Offering a homemade veggie patty and lettuce wrappings, Burger7 aids the wants and needs of all their customers with juicy patties, fresh vegetables and an unbelievable variety of toppings. Needless to say, I was not disappointed with my final creation. really changed. Thus lays the greatest fault of the game as well its greatest strength. The formula hasn’t changed for a reason; it works quite well and although they spruce up the overall story to make it more engaging, I still did find myself growing bored of travel to a town, train your team, beat gym leader, repeat cycle that makes up the majority of the game. What has changed is the presentation, where you can now see your pixelated Pokémon do a short loop of animation.

Pokemon White Review

T

he time for a new Pokémon has come, and while Pokémon White doesn’t radically advance the series, it adds many new features, places and Pokémon to make it worth purchasing. Pokémon is best described as the “comfort food” of video games. In its 15 years of releasing games, the formula hasn’t

In the sequel to the incredibly popular 2009 comedy the gang is back together, traveling this time to Thailand.

Best Burgers

ith a stressful month ahead, it’s important to take a break and have a good burger. While these burgers share their novelty, not all prove to be satisfying.

games

May 26

Marvel’s Norse god Thor has taken to the big screen with the help of leading lady Natalie Portman in this 2011 adventure film.

W

The Hangover Part II

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides May 20

May 6

Thor

Ms Gelinas

drama teacher Favorite Genre: 90’s Alternative Favorite Artist: Adele Favorite Songs: 1. “F*ing Perfect”- P!NK 2. “Carolina in My Mind”- James Taylor 3. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”Pat Benatar 4. “Rolling in the Deep”- Adele 5. “Oklahoma!”- Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein 2

michelle larusso staff writer The Pokémon that you’ll see and use for most of the game are all brand new; and it was nice to consistently see a new Pokémon throughout the approximately 25 hours it takes to beat the game, even if a few are quite ugly. Overall Pokémon White is a well built game and will last for a very long time, just as long as you don’t mind the design of the new Pokémon or its similarities to past titles. oliver lopez-gomez

staff writer

*photos taken from official website

page 31 outlook a&e april 29, 2011



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