Out Oakton
Volume 46 Issue 6
ook Feb. 17, 2012
feature Senior Marina Fondin presents her incredible award-winning artwork, inspiration and motivation.
news Seniors take a field trip to Capitol Hill to get an up close and personal look at the government.
opinion Parents take things a little too far by pestering and harrassing teachers through email.
sports New and unusual workout routines hit the market, claiming to produce varied results.
a&e February brings a notorious season of numerous award shows, including the Grammys.
Out look
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Out
ook table of contents
news
A reflection on black history and the achievements of great African Americans.
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feature Student with Tourettes overcomes hardship with his YouTube channel.
sports
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Oakton alumni give back to the school by returning as coaches.
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opinion Putting little effort into one’s school wardrobe produces mixed reviews.
indepth
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Marijuana and alcohol use have unexpectedly different consequences.
a&e
Taste Quest discovers the most delectable pizza in the Oakton area.
mimi debestani
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letter from the editors
Outlook Staff Editors in Chief Gabriela Driscoll Shannon Ragan
News Editor
Sports Editor
Dear students of Oakton,
Alex Belden Cole Neuffer
Allie Berube Spencer Conley
We have finally reverted to our old ways of focusing our issues on controversial topics. This month’s topic makes you feel all warm and fuzzy: marijuana (page 23). On to other, equally heart-warming topics. This year is not only the supposed year of Doomsday, but it is also a leap year. Congratulations to all those students who will be turning four this year (page 10). Also, this is the month of love, or bitterness, depending on whether you are single. There are always those single people who love to rant and rave about how they just love their independence and freedom, which of course makes it absolutely clear that they are lonely as lonely can be (page 29). Yet these sad individuals must remember that this month is also Black History month, which means there is more to reflect on than your pathetic excuse for a love life (page 8). Moving on to topics closer to home, we all see those people that look like they are dressed for a nightclub in school. However, we also see people who are not even properly dressed for a gas station (page 19). So which is better? Personally, we prefer people who wear actual pants, as opposed to wearing leggings as fake pants. Finally, for all the cynics out there who could care less about love, history and fashion, we have food. Well, not literal food, but a review of local pizzerias. If nothing else in this paper interests you, this will (page 31). Hopefully, there is something in here for everyone. We sincerely hope you enjoy this issue as much as Voldemort needs a nose.
Business Manager
Feature Editor
Yours,
Gabriela Driscoll Shannon Ragan
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letter feb. 17, 2012
Garrett Allen Ria Bhatia
Madlin Mekelburg Copy Editor
Opinions Editor
Marilyn Yang
Kim Gibbons
InDepth Editor
Online Editor Oliver Lopez-Gomez Photo Editor
Michelle Lorusso A&E Editor Emma Mankin
Isabella Kidane
Adviser Lauren Luna
Staff Melanie Aguilar Erin Bennett Sofia Crutchfield Reina Datta Conner Dick Rawan Elbaba Lauren Embroski Christian Forbes Karli Gillespie Daniel Greene Caroline Hipwell Callum Kenton
Christina Lee Nathan Lilande Jackson Lizardo Kari Maharaj Ramya Mukalla Reid Perkins Alana Peters Emma Pfeifer Jennifer Prosser Andy Reed Carly Stonehouse Alex Xenos
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 sent via email to shannon.ragan@ oaktonoutlook.com 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.
What do you see? Students find imaginative shapes in an ink blot
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jt byrne, insightfully philosophical junior
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katie allen, aquatically inclined sophomore
This is the face of Buddha.
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Two hippos drinking out of a water fountain.
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Gnarls Barkley, before he gained the weight.
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mikey bamarni, musically attuned senior
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jessy koch, biologically minded junior
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jason zaita, orally equestrian freshman
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Female reproductive organs.
Two horses trading spit.
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A rocket ship spilling oil.
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kristyn walecka, aeronautically stellar senior
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It’s Charizard and Dragonite, and they’re fighting in a pokémon coliseum.
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nicasio reid, combative poké-junior
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A dead person.
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jack brant, morbidly lifeless freshman
Convicts in raincoats picking up trash with a fountain behind them.
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camie igal, legally laborious junior
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recurring feb. 17, 2012
news 1.
in brief
Seniors attend Post Conference
Seniors Adrienne Picciotto and Olivia C. Meyer, two Cappie critics have been selected out of 100 critics in the area to attend a Washington Post conference on Feb.11 because they were published numerous times. “It feels pretty cool,” said Picciotto. “There was a selection of 30 critics out of 100, who were selected. I feel honored, it is a great opportunity.” Picciotto, who was nominated for the returning critic award last year hopes to be nominated again and win. “I enjoy all aspects of theatre, both on and off the stage,” Picciotto said. “As a Cappie critic my job isn’t to bash other schools but instead provide them [with] constructive criticism in hopes [that] they perform flawlessly the following year.”
2.
Pennies to help cancer patients
Last year the Leukemia and Lymphoma society raised 6 million dollars for cancer patients. To raise more money and awareness, Oakton is collecting pennies to donate to charity. Students are not allowed to raise money for the charity on school grounds due to liability issues but are encouraged to raise money outside of school through friends and family. Students on their own can collect spare change and donate the change to the society.
3.
Several students were recognized at Oakton in the 2012 Scholastic Writing Awards. A reading will be held for winners who won silver or gold key awards on Feb. 26 and an open house will be held for all writers and jurors on Mar. 3. All gold key winners will be sent to the national level competition. Winners include : 1. Nathan Ammons (Golden Key)
8. Elysee Hoang (Honorable Mention)
2. Kevin Bui (Honorable Mention)
9. Emma Kitchen (Honorable Mention)
3. Anna Jordan (Honorable Mention)
10. Madlin Mekelburg (Honorable Mention)
4. Maggie Lin (Honorable Mention(s))
11. Emily Yarumchuk (Honorable 5. Madeline Wiltse (Honorable Mention) Mention) 6. Anna Jordan (Honorable Mention)
12. Lily Moens (Honorable Mention)
7. Esteban Bachelet (Honorable Mention)
5.
Electives Fair helps showcase classes
The electives fair was held on Feb. 1 to help students begin choosing their classes for next year. Students made a list of classes they had an interest in taking and went to five sessions where they heard a brief summary about each class. Seniors, who normally are on their annual field trip to Capitol Hill, operated on a two hour delay schedule, and were advised on finishing up their college applications.
Coat drive assists needy
Leadership students held a coat drive for the Embry Rucker Organization during the weeks of Jan. 9 – 27. The Embry Rucker Organization’s goal is to help build up lives by bringing people shelter, childcare, food or financial assistance.“The coat drive was a community service project that leadership students always have,” said leadership and astronomy teacher Sean Greeney. “Overall we collected around 60 coats. We also collected a lot of other types of clothing, because Embry Rucker only collects winter clothing, we donated them to another local shelter.”
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4.
Student writers recognized
news feb. 17, 2012
Student discusses opportunities offered at Academy. Many booths were set up to show students the wide selection of electives they can take next year. susan roderiguez
BCA Celebrates Black History Month Fredrick Douglass
first black MLB player
civil rights activist
Library of Congress archives organicstyle.com
change.gov
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social reformer and writer
ince 1976, Americans everywhere have been celebrating the month of February as “Black History Month” to recognize the efforts of African Americans. Here at Oakton, the Black Cultural Awareness Club has certainly done its part in bringing awareness to the history, struggles and achievements of African Americans. Along with many Oakton students, Gloria Harris, guidance counselor, has been heavily involved in the club for many years. For this year’s Black History Month, the BCA Club is planning a meeting to bring recognition for the efforts of the African Americans who served our country. “On the 21st of February we’ve invited the Tuskegee airmen to come and speak; the Tuskegee airmen…are a squadron of [African American] pilots who fought during World War II,” Harris said. The meeting, which will be held after school in room 175, plans to bring in many students interested in learning about the efforts of African Americans during war, more specifically during World War II. “We should have at least two originals [airmen], so we’re going to show a film clip, maybe an excerpt from the ‘Red Tails,’ then we’re going to open it up for a presentation by the airmen to talk about their experiences Oprah Winfrey
Martin Luther King Jr. blog.nj.com
Rosa Parks
sportsillustrated.cnn.com
Jackie Robinson
civil rights movement leader
and then open it up for questions and answers after that,” Harris said. Throughout our history, the United States has been known to be very discriminatory towards people of various races. With the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s “the efforts of the African Americans opened up America for other people to come into the country because there was so much discrimination and selection of who could immigrate to the United States,” Harris said. . The efforts of African Americans have certainly been downplayed in history when in fact they have been in every single phase of our history. We cannot learn our history without some involvement from the African Americans. From Christopher Columbus’s first exploration, to the Boston Tea Party, to the first presidents of the U.S., African Americans have been heavily involved and widely influential. The history of the United States is truly the history of African Americans and their integration into America’s society and diverse culture.
rawan elbaba staff writer
Louis Armstrong
Barack Obama
Library of Congress archives
jazz trumpeter and singer
womenshistory.about.com
change.gov
rroyreport.wordpress.com
talk show host and philanthropist first African American president
Harriet Tubman
abolitionist and humanitarian
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news feb. 17, 2012
Cougars storm the Capitol
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Seniors take their annual trip to Capitol Hill
isabella kidane
n Feb. 8, seniors went on the annual trip to Capitol Ham disagrees. “I enjoyed going to different debates at the Hill in Washington, D.C. to primarily get a better Rayburn House of Office Building because the discussions were understanding of Congress and its procedures. While more in-depth.” delegates were busy conducting their hearings for topics ranging For some students, riding the Metro was a definite from nuclear arms to military hospital downside to the trip. “There were so mergers, students watched from the many sick people and when they coughed observatory for a glimpse of what on me, I couldn’t even move because it they’ve only seen in their textbook was so crowded,” said Atkinson. and on TV. Seniors Rohith Amruthur, “Even though I was wearing tennis Adrienne Atkinson, Andrew Mitchell shoes, I didn’t like walking around in and Stacy Ham share their experience. general because it was pretty exhausting After checking into their groups, by the end of the day,” Ham said. “I can’t seniors were free to visit committees imagine how bad it would’ve been for and explore the Capitol Hill area. people wearing heels. Riding the Metro “The Senate did not meet that day so during rush hour was also not fun.” I couldn’t see them in session,” said Besides the Rayburn House Office Amruthur, “but I visited the House Seniors visit the Capitol to learn more about the government. Building, the Library of Congress was Longworth Office, saw the House in another popular destination. Including session from the gallery and went to the Library of Congress.” Amruthur, Ham and Mitchell, almost every group visited the Mitchell also visited the House in session from the gallery. “I Library. “The architecture was insanely detailed everywhere you got to observe how Congress actually functions,” said Mitchell. looked,” Atkinson said. “It just felt like I was walking through “But the committee was pretty boring, I guess. I mean it was history.” probably interesting, but it was very specific and so to an outsider, christina lee it was a bit dull.”
courtesy of Lauren Banker
600 Oakton seniors walk toward the Vienna metro early on the morning of the field trip.
Roshan R., Lauren Banker, Laura Norton, Nicole Abdullah, Zack Sturm pose in front of the Lincoln Memorial. news
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feb. 17, 2012
courtesy of Madeline Paul
Chrissy Sood, Evan Geary, Nicole LeBlanc, Nick Pangelian, Madeline Paul and Hope Payne gather around near the Washington Memorial.
courtesy of Sheila Stabile
courtesy of Sheila Stabile
staff writer
Senior boys pose in front of the Canon building in the heart of Capitol Hill.
feature
There is an artist among us Marina Fondin is no ordinary senior. For her, art may only be a hobby, but between posting comics on her own website and creating fan art of her favorite characters, Fonda’s life Is largely centered around her art.
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n today’s society, the internet has become a breeding ground for creativity and success. Chances are, anyone with an idea worth sharing has already shared it on the internet. Marina Fondin, senior, is taking advantage of this worldwide obsession with technology and is sharing her original comics on her own website: foundingboys.smackjeeves.com. “I’ve been drawing for most of my life, and sort of cultivating it as a hobby,” Fondin said. “I started actually making comics freshman year.” Fondin’s comics cover a wide variety of subjects, including fan art inspired by interesting book, movie and T.V. characters, caricatures of people, original characters and a satirical take on American history. “Drawing, for me, is really just for fun, so it’s usually an individual endeavor,” Fondin said. “Sometimes I come up with character or story ideas with my friends, but I’m usually the one who ends up drawing everything.” Fondin’s drawings may only be a source of amusement for her, but Fondin’s talents have gotten her recognized by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Alliance for Young Artists and Writers twice already. “Sophomore year I submitted an original comic and I won a silver key, which is more at the local level,” Fondin said. “Last year, though, I won a gold key which took it to the national level where I won a silver key, so that was really nice.” Although her talents are remarkable, Fondin still considers her artwork to just be a hobby. “Some days I won’t draw at all, because it is just a hobby and sometimes I don’t feel like doing it at all,” Fondin said. “But normally I spend about seven hours a week drawing.” Even though she dedicates a huge portion of her time to refining her skills, Fondin comes from humble artistic beginnings. “I’m all self-taught. I watch other artists draw and I look at other art, then I kind of just go from there,” Fondin said. “It’s all practice though, more than anything. I’ve been practicing madlin mekelburg for 17 years.”
Like what you see? All art featured on this page is original art by Marina Fondin. If you want to see more art from Marina, you can check out her website at:
foundingboys.smackjeeves.com
feature editor
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feature feb. 17, 2012
Once every four years
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Birthdays, Black History Month, and your opinions on leap year:
This year our calendar is extended an extra day
y definition, a leap year has 366 days- an alteration from a regular year, which has only 365 days. The extra day appears as Feb 29th, to make up for the difference between the 365day calendar and the actual duration of the Earth’s orbit of the Sun. This idea of a leap year was first adopted in 45 BCE, and consequently, many Leap Year Day traditions and folklore were created, some of which still exist today. One of these popular traditions involves a reversal of a traditional proposal: the woman popping the question. According to legend, this Irish tradition started when St. Bridget accused St. Patrick of men having the upper hand in wedding proposals. St. Patrick then resolved the matter by allowing women to propose on the day of February 29th, once in four years. The first documentation of this tradition dates back to 1288, when English law stated that men who denied a woman’s proposal on Leap Year Day had to pay her a fine. ramya mukalla staff writer
“My birthday is on the 29th of February. People joke all the time about how I shouldn’t get presents every year since my birthday isn’t till another 4 years.” Alex Mun, sophomore “I celebrate my birthday on the 28th of Feb. I like having my birthday on the 29th because I can party hard, since it only happens once in 4 years.” Alex Kaufhold, sophomore “This year, February is the best month ever because it has leap year, Black History Month, and my birthday in it.” Andy Larson, senior
“I think it is a great idea to add an extra day to Black History Month, because everyone knows black people need to be celebrated.” Jackie Akunda, junior
Lei-Out Ultimate Frisbee Tournament photos courtesy of meghan baumann
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hile in college at William and Mary, AP U.S. Government teacher Meghan Baumann picked up an affinity for Ultimate Frisbee. The goal of Ultimate Frisbee is to move the frisbee down the field and to the end zone by passing it to teammates. “My husband played Ultimate Frisbee all four years at William and Mary on a club team, and he loves it, it’s a passion of his,” Baumann said. “I started being around it more and more in college because of my husband, who I was dating then and eventually I began to play as well.” Baumann and her husband went to Santa Monica beach over Martin Luther King weekend to participate in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament with friends from college. The Lei out tournament hosted teams from all over the world. “[Ultimate Frisbee] is a vey intense
athletic sport. I mean I run pretty frequently, at the gym or outside but running in the sand was a new experience. By the end of it my calves were so sore. Running in the sand was a lot harder than I had anticipated,” Baumann said . A little less than 200 teams competed in the tournament. The teams were split into brackets ranging from A to K. “We were in about the J bracket, the top of the J bracket. Most people play for the guts and glory, not a trophy,” Baumann said. “This is a sport driven by a really passionate community. It is a sport that a lot of people can play because there are a lot of different skills involved and people are bound to have at least one whether it is being fast kari maharaj or being able to staff writer throw well.”
1. Posing with her teammates, Meghan Baumann (second from the left) celebrates a win by showing off her guns. 2. (Third from the left) Baumann competed in the Lei-Out Beach Ultimate Frisbee tournament with college friends.
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feature feb. 17, 2012
Tourettes with Thomas Humphries
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements called tics, which can include eye blinking, and head or shoulder jerking. The cause of Tourettes has not been fully identified yet. However, it has to do with abnormalities of the National Institute of Neurobrain logical Disorders and Stroke
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention study has found that three of every 1,000 children six through 17 years of age living in the United States have been diagnosed with Tourettes syndrome. Thomas Humphries, sophomore, knows first-hand what it’s like to live with Tourettes. “I first learned about my condition in sixth grade,” Humphries said. “I had never heard of Tourettes, but when my parents took me to a doctor, he knew right away that’s what it was.” Tourettes is a condition that can affect day- to- day activities. “Sometimes I miss school because it gets so bad,” Humphries said. “I have a lot of doctor’s appointments and I have to take medication. [There are] extra complications, like driving [has] been difficult. It’s hard because I can’t drive for very long before I have to take a break.” If high school seems overwhelming, try thinking about it from the point of view of someone with a condition such as this. “Sometimes I can’t concentrate on my school work; I have to focus on just controlling the symptoms. It does get in the way, so studying and doing homework for a long time is stressful, but I do the best I can.” Someone with Tourettes may have to work
twice as hard to complete a task as a person without Tourettes. Humphries found out about his condition at a young age, and he says the reaction of his peers has changed over the years. “In fifth and sixth grade, I used to get made fun of a lot,” Humphries said. “When I got to middle school I didn’t really tell anyone because I didn’t want a bad reaction. I thought I was just the weird kid, but now that I’m in high school, I’ve gotten so much support from my friends and family.” Humphries recently made a video on YouTube about Tourettes on his channel: “BTJHappened.” “I decided to make the video while my friend and I were hanging out,” Humphries said. I just turned on the camera and started explaining how people with Tourettes shouldn’t be made fun of because they are different. I also informed the viewers about what Tourettes is, because it can be misinterpreted.” Humphries said, “The video got lots of good feedback, and now has over a thousand views, which makes me feel happy. It’s really good to know that so many of my friends and family are reina datta there for me.” staff writer
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feature feb. 17, 2012
Trial and error:
all photos courtesy of Annie Wandishin
Student learns through a Science Investigation project
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nnie Wandishin, junior, has just insects, so I resorted to crickets. [I bought] wrapped up her Science Investigathem from Petco because they were alive,” tion project for the year. With the Wandishin said. help of her Oakton teachers and U.K. proHer procedure consisted of cutting the fessor, Dr. Simon Lee, she was able to see head of the cricket and putting it under a if proteins found inside cricket brains could microscope to carefully extract the brain. affect the growth of E. coli. Before she could continue, she “I was reading a magaset up the Petri dishes by coating zine, and I saw an article them with the nutrient Agar, about this researcher in which provides food for bacterial the U.K. who is studying growth to occur. cockroaches and locusts to “I put the E. coli on top and see if they [have] proteins spread it,” Wandishin said. “After in the cells of [their] neural I dissected the crickets, I put five tissue [that] could fight off samples [of protein] on [each] E. coli,” Wandishin said. Petri dish. Then I put [the Petri “He hypothesized that the dishes] in the incubator at 37 ° same proteins found in C, and after 24 hours I monicockroaches and locusts are Inside the lab, Wandishin tored the growth of the E. coli.” in all insects. My project was places a cricket head on a Wandishin’s results were what to see if that hypothesis was Petri dish. she was expecting; she found correct.” zones of inhibition surrounding Wandishin started her project in September the protein samples. This meant that there of 2011 with a lot of researching. She comwas no E. coli growth close to where she pleted her experiment just before the second had placed the protein samples earlier. With quarter ended in January. a successful experiment, she concluded the “In the beginning I thought about comfirst semester in a fun, challenging way. paring different insects to see if they had melanie aguilar-rojas the proteins, but [in] winter it’s hard to find staff writer
“In the beginning of my procedure I [pulled off] the head of the cricket,” Wandishin said. My results were not coming up very [accurate], so I revised the procedure.
Wandishin carefully applies E.coli onto a Petri dish.
Battered but not broken
Hozan Pourdel affected by traumatic gunshot experience
emma pfeifer
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veryone has a scar story. From sports accidents to random stumbles and falls, the stories never cease to amaze. One student has a scar story that trumps all others. Junior Hozan Pourdel’s scar is relatively small, and at a glance it is easily overlooked. However the story behind his scar is both chilling and motivational. Pourdel was shot while living in Iraq at the age of seven. He was shot in the abdominals by a stray bullet while attending a funeral for a family friend. “I was just standing there,” Pourdel said. “My mom was really scared and shocked, I mean, how are your parents supposed to act?” Pourdel seemed to be the only person able to keep his composure, mainly because things were happening too fast for him to process. “I really didn’t believe it was happening,” Pourdel said. “It caught me off guard so I really didn’t feel it.”
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feature feb. 17, 2012
When Pourdel finally realized what was taking place, he passed out. Two weeks after his three hour surgery Pourdel began rehabilitation. The bullet did not hit a single vital organ, therefore his recovery was a speedy three months. Today, a small scar on his stomach and back are the only physical reminders of his experience, however the emotional scars remained for much longer. “They ran me through a lot of tests after rehab to make sure I was ok, but emotionally it took years for the effects to wear off. I gradually forgot over time,” Pourdel said. Scars teach everyone lessons. Some are simple, others, like Pourdels change how a person lives their life. “Since my accident it makes me look at things differently. I appreciate life a lot more,” Pourdel said.“If I could talk to anyone that was going through a serious, incident I would tell them to be thankful for everything that they have.” christian forbes staff writer
sports in brief
quick sports news from the past weeks conner dick staff writer
boys basketball
The boys basketball team is not off to its best start with a 7-14 record, but junior Michael Fradette’s 11.6 points per game and 71 percent free-throw shooting, according to Washington Post’s All Met Sports could bounce the team back in the right direction. Adding on to Fradette’s success, in the last three games, sophomore Dale Good has dropped a total of five threes, upping his total to 18 threes in 18 games played.
girls basketball
Girls basketball is once again showing its dominance with a 22-0 start to the season. While many players are helping out greatly, the scoring leaders so far are seniors Caroline Coyer with 14.6, Katherine Coyer with 13.7 and junior Elizabeth Manner with 12.7. During this impressive season, Katherine scored her one thousandth career point, and Caroline setting the AAA record for career assists.
boys swim & dive
With the regular season over, boys swim and dive finished a perfect 7-0, giving them a big boost into Districts. Redemption is achieved for the boys this year who finished last year’s
professional
sports briefs
super bowl
On Feb. 5th, everyone turned to their televisions as Super Bowl 46 took place. Representing the NFC, the New York Giants took on the AFC champion New England Patriots in an epic game that ended with the Giants once again overcoming the Patriots, 21-17. Eli Manning, the quarterback of the Giants, was named the MVP of the game, and it was running back Ahmad Bradshaw’s touchdown that sealed the deal for them.
season one win shy of being undefeated. With an average margin of victory of 77 points, the team has shown its dominance in every meet this year, especially in their 239-76 win over Centreville on Dec. 17. See page 16 for more.
girls swim & dive
Consecutive undefeated seasons are always an impressive feat, and that is exactly what girls swim and dive achieved this year. They finished 7-0 this season, with an average margin of victory of 89 points. Their largest victory also came on Dec. 17 against Centreville where they won 226-86. They also had two other victories of more than 100 points this year. See page 16 for more.
dance
After a year’s worth of hard work, and a season behind them, the dance team finished this season on top. At Nationals in Florida this year, they finished 10 in the nation in kick with a spectacular performance. The team was led by senior captains Bethany Johnson and Taylor Johnson, and co-captains Morgan Doss, senior, and Maria Canales, junior.
lacrosse wall
On Feb. 1st, four seniors signed their letters of intent to play their respective sports while in college. Three members of the girls soccer team will be playing collegiate soccer next year. Both Alex Weaver and Alex Meyers will be playing for the UNCC 49ers, and Danielle Fitzgerald will be playing for the Kentucky Wildcats. From the football team, senior kicker Eric Goins will be playing for the Citadel Bulldogs next year.
rivalry week
While there is never a dull week in college basketball, one week, aside from the alwaysexciting March Madness, stands above them all: Rivalry Week. Rivalry Week is that magical time of year where all the members of college basketball are matched up with one of their biggest rivals for a game all fans can enjoy. Headlining rivalry week this year was the number five North Carolina Tar Heels hosting the number nine Duke Blue Devils on Feb. 8, which Duke won 85-85. In local rivalry week games, the George Mason Patriots have won nine of their last ten games, including both games this week. The Patriots defeated Hofstra 72-62 Feb. 8, and UNC-Wilmington 75-69 on Feb. 11.
On Feb. 1st, four seniors signed their letters of intent to play their respective sports while in college. Three members of the girls soccer team will be playing in Division 1 next year. Both Alex Weaver and Alex Meyers will be playing for the UNCC 49ers, and Danielle Fitzgerald will be playing for the Kentucky Wildcats. From the football team, senior kicker Eric Goins will be playing for the Citadel Bulldogs next year.
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sports feb. 17, 2012
The Beach Body Experiment
The quest to find the best workout to achieve your dream summer body
Spartacus 2.0
The Spartucus is used for the actual Starz TV show “Spartacus Blood and Sand” and can be found for free online. It is made up of Goblet Squats, Mountain Climbers, Alternating T-Pushups, Split Jumps and many more pain-wracking exercises that require three circuits each. After finishing the Spartacus not only did I feel like I had a remarkable workout, but also I could not sit down correctly the next day. The Spartacus is very adjustable from a beginning level athlete to total meat head. There is a reason the actors for the show look like they do. It is muscle shredding but Spartacus consists of little to no cardio. If you want pure gladiator looking abs with a shredded chest though, the Spartacus is the way to go.
Cardio
Recommends “Fitness Diet.”
Insanity
The Insanity fitness program is top of the line. Each DVD will unleash all new circuits that all follow a similar theme, movement. No weights or equipment are required. Every muscle will be tested by the complex and well-planned routines only using your body and the floor. No matter what area you want to focus on, Insanity has you covered with DVD’s ranging from “Cardio abs” to “Max Interval Plyo.” Insanity is the only workout that offers protein supplements to amplify results. Buying this set and sticking to the DVD will give you amazingly fast results.
Cardio Muscle buliding
No diet plan but protein supplements
Muscle building daniel greene staff writer
Undefeated Streak
jackson lizardo staff writer
Freshman girls basketball ends their season with an unblemished record
On Jan. 31, the freshman girls basketball team defeated Chantilly “When I first came into practice two years ago, Coach Priester was 44-25. At first glance, the victory seems like any other, but it is unique there to help. We run the same system as the JV and Varsity teams and fitting as it marked the third straight year since the freshman Lady so he helped me teach the team at first,” Davies said. “He was by Cougars’ last loss, a defeat by Chantilly in January of 2009. my side in the beginning and when he felt I was ready to take over This streak is incredible by any standard and leaves the team with completely, he stepped back.” the longest win streak by far in the The team maintains this commitment, and district. This win also represents the always places its focus where it needs to be. team’s longest streak of at least the “As a team we just try to stay focused by last decade. trying to keep the tradition of the program,” “We use the win streak as said freshman guard and captain, Sami Bassett. motivation. We know we are the “We prepare by always doing the same things target of every other team we play and running through our plays.” because of our streak,” said Head It is the maintenance and growth of the Coach Brooke Davies. “Every other freshman program which has largely led to team in the district is trying to come Varsity and JV success. With this in mind, it after us.” stands to reason that the program as a whole Taking a foul shot, freshman Siwani Regmi A player has only one year of has a bright future. contributes to the freshman team’s success in eligibility on the freshman team. “We have a mission of preparation for the the Feb. 3 win over Robinson. Despite the team’s yearly change of girls. I feel like we don’t focus on winning, we character, it has managed to maintain a tradition of excellence. stick with the same goals and work on it, and winning just comes “It’s awesome. When I wear my girls basketball shirt down the halls with it.” Davies said. I feel cool,” said freshman center captain Colette Holland, “because Naturally, the team has no intention of stopping the streak now. it’s such a great program and amazing to be a part of. The streak Although a new roster and the uncertainties that come with it await, makes it that much better.” the team maintains its status at the pinnacle of the district. Not only do the players on the team change, but so too does the “We’re the big target in the district. Everyone in the district wants coaching staff. This is Coach Davies second year with the program, to beat us and has their eyes set on us because of our streak,” and she lost assistant coach Beth Speed after last season. Bassett said. “Everyone comes to play hard against us.”
14
sports feb. 17, 2012
Talents return to coach
spencer conley sports co-editor
Oakton alum can’t escape burgundy and gold and return to coach for their alma matter As the head coach of Oakton’s baseball program for only his fourth season, Janis takes his Oakton pride from his high school glory days. Janis was both a wide receiver in the fall and a center fielder in the spring during his time here, and was second team in both sports in his senior year. “[Oakton sports] gave me a direction,” Janis said. “They have always been very important to me, and it has kept me on the right track in life both socially and academically.” Janis has had many highlighted moments thoughout his high school carrier but his most memorable one was returning a 90 yard punt for a touchdown in the homecoming game.
As a part of two undefeated regular seasons, and the 200809 loss to Princess Anne in the State Finals, Erin McGartland spent four impressive years on girls varsity basketball. She served as varsity captain both her junior and senior seasons and was a big part of Oakton’s playoff success in the 2008-09 trip to VCU for the state tournament. McGartland is now an assistant coach for the girls freshman basketball team, which went undefeated this season. (See more about their season on page 14).
Other Alumni Coaches name
sport played/coached
Holly Schonberger
Girls Basketball Swim Swim Track/XC Baseball Wrestling Girls Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Cheer Dance Volleyball Football Golf Football, Wrestling
Brent Willes Holly Wheeler Stefanie Leonard Preston Madden Chris Butters Jackie Flynn Dana Gleich Katie Berkel Cara Weathers Erin Soller Danny Courin Pat Purcell Chris Craddock Joshua MacNabb
(Coaches Powderpuff)
Head varsity football coach and defensive coordinator Jason Rowley has burgundy and gold deep in his veins, with 16 years of Oakton coaching experience under his belt. “At Oakton I was a captain and played center, left guard and linebacker for the varsity football team” Rowley said “I also played two years of basketball.” Since Rowley’s time here the graduation requirement has increased and “students seem more serious both on and off the field to get better” Rowley said. As a player, coach and English teacher Oakton has given Rowley a good experience with only one regret “I wish I would have known I had a finite window to play, don’t limit yourself play all you can” Rowley said.
15
sports feb. 17, 2012
Winter season playoffs approach The Outlook breaks down the Cougar’s playoff pictures
allie berube sports co-editor P
Pho
to B y Ka ri M
aha raj
girls basketball
Not only is senior captain Caroline Coyer on pace to score 1500 points, but she has broken the AAA state record for career assists with a total well over 531 assists.
Finishing their regular season at 22-0, the girls varsity basketball team dominated all of their out of district and Concorde play led mostly by the senior captain twins Caroline and Katherine Coyer. Not only did the team defeat their opponents by an average of over 29 points per game, but the Lady Cougars locked up a first round bye in the district tournament and have locked up a first and second seed regional tournament. Presumably, Caroline will score her 1500th point to add to her impressive season stats,
swim and dive
After an undefeated regular season for both the boys and girls swim teams, they continued to dominate the district. Both teams won the district meet in impressive fashion, under new Head Coach Parker Ramsdell. Moving onto the regional meet with two huge wins under their belt, Oakton was poised to attack the region. With the girls defeating West Potomac 245-190, and boys holding off W.T. Woodson 281.5-250, the Cougars swept the region. Notably, sophomore Janet Hu set two regional records in 100-yd freestyle (49.52 sec) and 100-yd backstroke (53.76 sec).
16
sports feb. 17, 2012
ho
such as breaking the AAA career assist record of 531 during the regular season. Katherine Coyer scored her 1000th point in one of the last home games of the regular season. Caroline leads the team with 14.6 points per game, next Katherine with 13.7 and junior captain Elizabeth Manner with 12.7 points per game, and if the three of them can continue to score about 45 points a game, Head Coach Fred Priester claims they have a good shot at winning games. While the team has a bye in the first round of districts, they will play the tournament-host Centreville on Thursday Feb. 16 for District Semi’s and with a win, on Friday Feb. 17 at 6:00 for the District Championship. Because of their seeding, the girls will already have a home game in the regional tournament on Feb. 20 for the first round. Photos By Gianna Sheffield
to By A
llie
Be
ru
be
boys basketball
regular season: 7-14 (2-8) After a slow start with the teams locked at 4 all after the first quarter and only a two-point Centreville lead, the first round of districts’ contest between the Wildcats and the Oakton was anything but dull. Slicing the 11-point Centreville lead in the fourth quarter down to two, the boys varsity basketball team couldn’t push down the Wildcats on their home court. They end their season at 7-15, but will hope to improve for next season as they only graduate six seniors, two of which started in Tuesday night’s playoff game.
wrestling Wrestling, for the first time in a decade, sent six wrestlers to the District Final round and ten to regions. The team finished third in the district behind Westfield and Robinson. In the region, four wrestlers placed in the top six, seniors Austin Murga (second), Albert Borges (fourth) and Spencer Conley (sixth) and junior Eddie Gerow (third). Overall the team took seventh place in the region. The state tournament takes place on Friday and Saturday Feb. 17 and 18, and Oakton will be sending Murga, Gerow and Borges at Robinson High School.
indoor track For the fourth time in a row since the 2008-09, the girl’s track team won the Concorde District in an impressive manner. The boys team came in third. The teams will go to compete for the regional title on Saturday Feb. 18.
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pinions
The ups and downs of dressing down
M
Students weigh in on controversial topics in our daily lives
shannon ragan
Society must eradicate marijuana misconceptions
I
t’s hard to deny the overwhelming prevalence of marijuana in California has found that smoking marijuana is not effective or in our society. From high school students to politicians, safe as a treatment method. Most researchers are attempting to the cannabis leaf remains a smoking hot topic in daily isolate active ingredients within marijuana to produce a treatment discussion and debate. With all this talk, there are sure to be some that is an alternative to smoking. misconceptions, right? Of course, many of the claims made by Due to the respective legalities of marijuana and alcohol, many both supporters and opponents of marijuana are not rooted in fact. assume that alcohol is less damaging than marijuana, despite the First, let’s address the most common myth about marijuana: increasing number of alcohol-related incidents per year. Alcohol is it is addictive. Marijuana is not physically addictive, and a very the more likely of the two to be a factor in a car accident; however, small number of those who smoke it end up in drug National Highway Traffic Safety Administration The Staff Editorial the rehabilitation programs. However, although it does not claims marijuana is one of “the most frequently cause physical dependence, those who smoke marijuana is the official detected psychoactive substance[s] among driving often experience physiological addiction, leading to populations,” second only to alcohol. While drunk opinion mental dependence. So while it is not addictive in the driving is a huge problem, driving under the influence of the Outlook same way as other abused substances, it is unfair to must also be recognized as an issue. claim that marijuana is not addictive at all. The list of misconceptions goes on and on, and society remains, While many believe that marijuana causes brain damage or for the most part, uninformed or misinformed about marijuana memory loss, long-term brain damage only occurs in heavy users and its use. Legislation in favor of legalizing marijuana continues and is extremely rare. Users do experience short-term memory loss, to make its way to state general assemblies; for example, Delegate but only while intoxicated. Some also claim that users experience David Englin of Alexandria recently proposed that Virginia look in a loss of motivation, but studies have shown that this decline in to legalizing marijuana and selling it in Virginia’s Alcoholic Beverage motivation occurs only while someone is intoxicated. Marijuana use Control (ABC) stores. Legalization has become more plausible, does have its side effects, but they tend to be short term. making it important than ever for citizens to understand all effects, As far as medical treatment, it is often claimed that marijuana or the lack thereof, resulting from marijuana use. holds a value. Conversely, the Center for Medical Cannabis Research
What’s your opinion on...
18
opinion feb. 17, 2012
legalizing marijuana?
“If they can regulate it, they should legalize it. It’ll boost the economy but it will completely destroy productivity.” mitchell hernandez, 11
legalizing marijuana? “[Medical marijuana] shouldn’t be legalized because there are several other opportunities to staunch the pain.” megan geshan, 11
y awful alarm clock emits a particularly loud rendition of “Float On,” and I am jolted to half-consciousness. Wretched sunlight seeps in through my window, and my dad’s familiar voice informs me that I have 20 minutes to shower, grab breakfast and run to meet my ride. The next quarter hour is spent frantically running from one side of my house to the next, attempting to ensure that all of my assignments are in order and I have enough snacks to get me through the day. When I wake each morning from an insubstantial four hours of sleep to greet the day with a zombie-like zeal, the very last thing on my mind is my appearance. Spending twenty minutes on my hair and makeup, five minutes picking out my outfit and another ten minutes attempting to match accessories simply has no appeal when the place I’m going to is as mediocre as high school. Don’t get me wrong: I care about my appearance. When I go out with friends, I typically kill an hour switching outfits and another hour finishing and refinishing my hair and makeup, but on school days I just don’t see the point in dressing up to spend seven hours sleepily slumped in a crappy plastic chair. I understand the importance of a good first impression. However, having spent the last four months with my teachers and the last four years with Oakton’s administrators, I’d like to think that they’ve already gotten to know me for who I am. Even if my friends think I dress like a slob at school, they’ve all seen me dressed up in my natural habitat. Frankly, I don’t know the majority of students at Oakton, and I’m not going to get to know every single one of them well enough to keep up with for the rest of my life, so why should they care how I dress? Not to mention that high school isn’t a career or a fancy event, it’s a place that I’m required to be every day so that I can prepare myself for college and my future, not a place where I hang out so people can discuss how cute my outfit is. While I understand the value of dressing up for school and I will concede that there’s not really a downside to looking nice, I better appreciate the value of being comfortable in my learning environment. Students should feel free from judgment and snarky comments to wear the coziest, most pajama-resembling clothing they like to school. Next time you’re getting ready for school, hang up that buttondown, throw your heels back in your closet and pull on some comfy clothes: long live sweatpants. shannon ragan
ups
editor in chief
dressing up for school? “I think that dressing up for school is generally a good thing, because school is a professional environment and it shows that you actually care.” xandra moore, 12
I
t is time to grow up, Oakton. This goes out to all of those who think that it is okay to wear your footie pajamas on any day of the year besides Pajama Day. The phrase, “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have” should also apply at school, because as cliché as it sounds, students should be dressing for success. What kind of impression is given when someone walks into class dressing like they just rolled out of bed and somehow found themselves in school? If I were a teacher, my first thought would be, “This student isn’t going to put effort into their work,” even if the student may actually be incredibly smart and productive. Students are putting themselves as a disadvantage by sending these nonverbal signals and creating bad impressions. Students can distinguish themselves from school and home environments by dressing well. I know that when I get home, the first thing I do is put on a comfy shirt and a pair of sweat pants. However, if I were to wear that to school, I would most likely fall asleep in each of my classes and not be able to pay attention. The occasional yoga pants or sweatshirt is one thing, but seniors, please attempt to resist senioritis and at least put on a pair of jeans. I don’t think that’s a lot to ask, but one would be surprised by what some people think is appropriate school attire. Dressing well shows confidence and organization, and with that comes success. I remember walking into my finance and economics class freshman year, my only class with upperclassmen. My first impression was one of self-assurance and confidence. A senior girl in my class was always dressed impeccably, was on the varsity track team and had a high GPA to match. Irene Frieze, a professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburg, tracked the salaries of MBA graduates over 10 years. Frieze found that after 10 years, all of the attractive graduates had higher salaries than those rated as average or not put together. The key to getting ahead is paying attention to your surroundings and nonverbal signals, such as what you wear. Everything is good in moderation; however, when dressing like a bum becomes a regular occurrence, there is reason to be concerned. When I see an individual walking down the hallway with a ripped shirt and matching ripped jeans covered with conspicuous stains, I cannot help but wonder what they were thinking when they woke up that morning. Dressing well does not have to be wearing a dress, collared shirt or heels. Instead, dressing well should imply wearing something that can be simple and comfortable, yet is not easily confused with a homeless person, because in our society people erin bennet judge others based on first impressions. What staff writer kind of impression do you want to make?
downs
dressing up for school? “High school is torture as it is. Why would I wear uncomfortable high heels and an ugly skirt that rides up? There’s no one to impress here, let’s be honest.” kami richter & aly rodriguez, 11
19
opinion feb. 17, 2012
Lack of email courtesy plagues teachers
O
nce upon a time, in the mystical land of Fairfax County, a teacher sat hunched over his economical laptop. The glowing screen flickered across Mr. Teacher’s face as he closed his grade book. He had but one thing left to do. “Dare I?” he whispered to himself, cursor hovering over the icon. With trembling fingers, he opened his e-mail account. Suddenly, with the force of a thousand typhoons, he was hit by a staggering wave of discontent.
melanie aguilar
Mr. Teacher had seen his fair share of tactless e-mails, yet somehow, that night was the worst. The first was from a parent. “My son, Jimothy, is the best student you will ever teach in your entire bleak career,” it began. “Why are you so determined to see him fail? As his mother, I demand that you raise his grade from a ‘C’ to the ‘A’ he deserves. Or else.” Mr. Teacher sat, bewildered, unsure of how to respond to such ignorance. But soon enough, Fear itself seized his fingers and he typed back a meek offering of extra credit opportunities. In an anxious daze, he read the next e-mail, one from a student. The color in the daunted educator’s face drained while reading the short inquiry. “Ayo teach, my man. We still have that essay doo tomoro? Cuz it’s cramping my style, and I’m mad procrassinating, yo. Can i hook u up wit it on monday? you da man.” In a fit of despair, Mr. T. dropped his head in his hands and wept. He wept for the
poor student who might never be able to spell “tomorrow.” He wept for the mother and her misguided threats. But, mostly, Mr. Teacher wept for himself. “Why? Is this my fate?” he cried to the Heavens, but the Heavens said nothing back. Mr. T. sank to the floor, arms clamped around his knees. All he had ever wanted was to provide the children of America with a constructive learning experience. And summers off, those were good, too. And so, ladies and gentlemen, let the huddled and devoid being which was once Mr. Teacher be a lesson to us all. We hear all the time about how impersonal the Internet is and how that leads to things like cyber bullying. Keep that disassociation in mind when you’re e-mailing your teachers. Treat them with the same respect you’d give them in person, lest they become as pitiful as Mr. Teacher. Nobody likes long-term substitutes.
sofia crutchfield staff writer
Delivering America a swift decline
B
20
opinion feb. 17, 2012
Size Me,” recognized the increasing gravity of the situation at hand. Although only exploiting fast food chain McDonalds for their “Super-size” option, Spurlock makes a great point: We are a fast-food nation that cannot help but gorge upon the festering grease stains at the bottom of the bag. “[Fast-food is] a business, no matter what they say,” said Spurlock. “And by selling you unhealthy food, they make millions.” Quite literally, Americans are eating it up. In terms of cost, delivery to homes would just add to the steep sales made by the hamburger-conglomerate. Announced on Jan. 24, McDonald’s Corporation alone made 27 billion dollars in total revenue for 2011. This is in no shy comparison to the previous year where they made 24.1 billion. The “golden arches” are fast replacing the E Pluribus Unum eagle as our national symbol, somewhat due to the fat content in items vomited out from the drive-thru. According to a recent survey by the Worldwatch Institute, nearly two billion people around the world are overweight. Research says
that this is due to an overall increase in personal income, leading the public to eat foods with high fat content and exercise less. Home delivery services like Burger King would render exercise completely obsolete, thus establishing a country united in obesity- In Big Macs We Trust. Maybe this is utterly absurd, but couldn’t the money that is being spent on the #6 Value Meals go towards something more productive, like a Stairmaster? Why do we, as a country, prefer food moving at a high velocity? As soon as the McRib was engineered in the Frankensteinian laboratories beneath McDonald’s airtight facilities in Illinois, andy reed Mother Earth wept.
staff writer
andy reed
urger King, one of the nation’s largest providers of fast foodgluttony, is now delivering to select locations in Maryland and Virginia. As of Jan. 23, 16 restaurants are participating in this test run, offering delivery to customers located within ten minutes of the store. With a $2 delivery fee and an order minimum ranging from $8 to $10, this looks to be the greatest invention since the release of the ubiquitous iPad 2 earlier last year. However, what ails me is that humanity felt the need to make fast food even faster. By eliminating the need to remove yourself from the crevasse contained within a Cheeto-stained couch in your friend’s apartment, you are now able to watch the “Big Game” with a loaded Whopper by your side. The classic concept of the “royale with cheese” is just another one of the char-broiled weapons against fitness, brought to you exclusively by the corporate armies of Fast Food Inc. While we sit and ponder the possibilities of a world where the delivery boy enters our homes and hand-feeds us fresh-cut fries, the continent sags lower by the day. Morgan Spurlock, a documentary filmmaker and journalist best known for his work “Super
Tim Tebow: inspiration or desecration?
O
verrated,” “predictable” and “untalented,” are all words that have been thrown around to describe Tim Tebow. But so are “clutch,” “humble” and even “the second coming.” With such contradictory titles, one side has to be right, right? Well, maybe; it’s all in your perspective. During the 2011-2012 season, Tebow proved both his biggest fans as well as his biggest critics right. After replacing Kyle Orton over center in week seven, Tebow turned the 1-4 Denver Broncos to a 7-4 playoff-bound team with home field advantage. Three of those wins happened in overtime, giving Tebow another nickname, “the Comeback King.” Critics argue that if Tebow’s game was as phenomenal as his supporters claim, he wouldn’t need the late game victories. To fans, the fourth quarter victories are a symbol of resilience and heart, qualities that professional football often lacks. Every summer, while professional athletes party, travel and spend exorbitant
amounts of money whilst getting into trouble, Tebow goes back to the Philippines. He spends time with the impoverished children and works in hospitals and orphanages. The Tim Tebow Foundation raises money for pediatric hospitals in the Philippines and in America. In Davao City, a hospital named the “Tebow Cure Hospital” serves the local children. Tebow’s humility and service has only increased his popularity. Unlike many of his NFL peers, Tebow has remained the idealistic All-American boy. He has used his professional platform for good, “to inspire and make a difference in people’s lives throughout the world.” And of course, the Christian Evangelical has made a national phenomenon out of his regular prayer stance: “Tebowing.” Tebow has been nicknamed “the second coming,” a reference to the Biblical idea of Jesus’s return. This isn’t entirely unwarranted; on Twitter, Tebow has more followers than Jesus, God or any other Christian figure combined.
In a Sports Center segment, Mike Ditka said, “Tebow haters are the same people that don’t like ice cream.” That certainly seems to be the mentality. Fans come to games touting signs with everything from “Tebow is God’s gift to the NFL” to “Tebow for President.” The famous “Tebow Time” comebacks and inspirational eye blacks are only a part of his persona. His football fans will bandwagon on and off, his critics may switch sides, but the legacy of Tebow will lie longer in the good he has done for humanity and the faith he never let die. jennifer prosser staff writer
tebowseyeblacks.com
3D Movies & IMAX: extra experience or just extra expense?
I
t seems that “normal,” digitally-projected movies are simply not enough to attract movie-goers anymore. Ever since James Cameron’s “Avatar” opened in theaters back in 2009, everything from classical Disney films to the newest Hollywood action blockbuster is being released or rereleased in 3D or IMAX. However, everything comes at a price, especially at movie theaters; watching a movie in either of those formats can tack on as much as five additional dollars on the standard movie ticket price. Are those five dollars better spent on being able to see “Beauty and the Beast” in 3D than on buying a bag of popcorn? Of course, that depends on who the viewer is. For the fan who has harbored a love for the Disney classic for over a decade, being able to see any version of the movie on the big screen would be a pleasure, no matter what the cost. For the more casual movie-goer, perhaps an animated film is not the best film to be spending an extra five bucks on. Nevertheless, Hollywood is already
plagued by sequels, remakes and rereleases. The 3D and IMAX hype is at least somewhat to blame for the seeming lack of originality and polish in recent films. Although rereleasing classics in 3D would widen their appeal to a newer generation, they still occupy theater space that could potentially be used to show more original films. In addition, time used by studios to refurbish older films into 3D or IMAX format could be better spent working on new film projects or perfecting new movies before their premieres.
Also, not all movies are fit for 3D or even IMAX, and thankfully only action and animated films have been released in the format so far. Especially for a film without much action or impressive visuals, paying the extra money to see a “visuallyenhanced” version would indeed be quite a waste. Despite the noticeable drawbacks of Hollywood’s latest obsession with 3D and IMAX, some movies such as “Inception” are truly enhanced by the formats. The expansive screen and top tier sound quality highlighted the film’s effects and environments and made the additional dollars a worthwhile investment. With many potential pitfalls on the horizon, Hollywood needs to tread with caution should it continue down the 3D and IMAX road. But really, is watching a movie in either of those formats worth the extra expense? The vague truth: as always, the answer varies by circumstance. photo by marilyn yang
marilyn yang copy editor
21
opinion feb. 17, 2012
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indepth Experts and students discuss the effects of marijuana vs. alcohol
Marijuana
comparable to BAC between .07-.10
time distortion, intensification of ordinary experiences, shortterm memory, anxiety, panic reactions, coughing, wheezing
Alcohol
based on blood alcohol content
< .40
general lack of behavior, unconsciousness, death
.30-.39
severe CNS depression, unconsciousness, death possible
.21-.29
stupor, loss of understanding, impaired sensations
.11-.20
over-expression, emotional mood swings, boisterousness
.06-.10
blunted feelings, disinhibition, extroversion
.03-.059
mild euphoria, relaxation, talkativeness, decreased inhibition facts courtesy of academicbulimia.com & thelancet.com, images courtesy of constructingagreenway.wordpress.com
Would You Rather
get
or get
high drunk?
M
arijuana and alcohol embody modern teenage debauchery. They have emerged as the forefront objects of teenage abuse, far surpassing other recreational drugs. While both substances carry their own set of health risks, the question of whether it is “better” for teens to get high or drunk was raised in the “Room for Debate” section of the “New York Times” in December. A panel of experts weighed in on the topic, addressing one of the most prominent problems that plagues teens today. “Judging whether regular and/or heavy adolescent marijuana or alcohol use is more detrimental seems imprudent,” warns Ty Schepis, an assistant professor of psychology at Texas State University, San Marcos, “when the evidence indicates that such frequent use of either substance by adolescents is a significant problem.” Nevertheless, the effects of marijuana and alcohol are notably different. “No drug is good for teenagers,” writes Robert Gale, an emeritus professor of psychology at Claremont Graduate University, “but when it comes to the chances of immediate death by chemical toxicity, marijuana is about a hundred times safer than alcohol.” However, that does not mean that marijuana is not without equally severe effects, especially behind the wheel. “We should not feel that teens are safer stoned than drunk, especially if they get
behind the wheel,” cautions Jill Cooper, associate director of the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center at the University of California, Berkeley. “The chemicals in marijuana have been proven to interfere with key driving skills [such as] perception of time and speed.” Some students also perceive the dangers of marijuana differently than they do those of alcohol. “I’d be more comfortable with alcohol,” said Mel Gibson*, junior. “I think marijuana messes with the brain more, and I feel like alcohol is more accepted. I even heard that it’s good in moderation, like red wine, but I still wouldn’t drink too much.” Parental approval often factors into attitudes toward marijuana and alcohol, as well. “My parents don’t mind me having a sip [of alcohol] at the dinner table,” said Raven Baxter*, junior. “It’s not like I’m binge drinking.” While their specific effects may vary, it is important to keep in mind that both substances carry substantial health risks, especially in large amounts. “Heavy use of either marijuana or alcohol is detrimental,” said Samantha Sweeney, school psychologist. “They can lead to lasting mental, physical and educational impediments and even affect financial gain.” *all names in the indepth section have been changed to protect anonymity
Lifetime Prevalence of Marijuana & Alcohol Use by 8th to 12th Grade Students
FCPS
20.2%
marilyn yang copy editor
USA
30.4%
FCPS
USA
45.5% 53.6%
23
indepth feb. 17, 2012
Mary Jane
Tsh
ku
e dorp busd ic n o ch ras g p ja herem n ganfer e g weed ree pot erb h efer sTh bud anja g redope ku nic t kush ot po dope p ass chgrro r dgreen e f e u d wee b rebis b emp r
s gras
hecrannaeefer h
Effects on the Brain
1. 2. 3.
THC enters bloodstream through smoking or ingesting
THC reaches brain and activates cannibinoid receptors Stimulates brain cells to release dopamine, a reward-driven brain chemical
of all arrests 858,408 25 million 6.3% in 2009 were marijuana- Americans
Americans used weed related offenses in the last year
were 20,000 prosecuted deaths per year deaths per for marijuana of drug from marijuana use year from violation in arrests in alcohol use 2009 (excluding 2009 were homicides and Americans use accidents) marijuanadeaths per year marijuana regularly related from cigarette use indepth
52%
0
17 million
400,000
24
brain areas
cerebral cortex
support 41%
effects
memory, perception
memory impairment perceptual distortions
hypothalamus
increased appetite
metabolism
brain stem
heart rate, pain sense, arousal
hippocampus memory
rapid heart rate, reduced blood pressure, drowsiness memory impairment reduced tremor impaired coordination
cerebellum
coordination
% 11.2
usage 26%
don't support 33%
feb. 17, 2012
Support of Legalization
Whether or not it's used or supported, marijuana impacts everyone's lives shannon ragan co-editor-in-chief
Marijuana
% 4 . 4 7.1%
9.1%
Usage
have not used 1 to 10 times/year once a month 2 to 25 times/month
68.2%
once a day or more *The following data is based on a survey of 300 Oakton students taken by the Outlook staff in Jan. 2012.
Facts and statistics from drugwarfacts.com, fbi.gov, norml.org, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute on Drug Abuse
Through the Eyes of the Dealer
The High Life Lady Gaga
“I haven’t actually been caught selling [the marijuana], but people have been trying to get [me and my brother] for a while now. They can’t really get us for anything because we stay under the radar, so they have no proof.” Even though Presely tends to lay low about selling, the amount money he brings in is quite impressive. “I make a lot” laughed Presely. “I usually sell it at about $20 per gram, and I can easily make a hundred a day, literally.” Presely has sold “pretty much everywhere, because if people are paying, it doesn’t matter where you are.” But in the back of his mind, he has always been conscious of what exactly it is he is selling to people. He is well aware of how illegal possession and sale of this drug is, and sometimes feels bad about selling to them. “Of course I [regret selling to people]. I mean it’s a good way to make money of course, but I know kids are [freaking] messed up because of me. But it’s not like I’m forcing them to do it, it’s their choice. But I know what I’m doing. As bad as it is, it’s all their choice to buy from me.”
For some celebrities, marijuana has the leading role in their lives
That 70s Show Rating: TV 14
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lvis Presely* was just 15 years old when he was first introduced to smoking marijuana. Although he is on probation now, he continues to sell to the area’s potheads. “It was my closest friend who [introduced it to me]. I probably started selling it a couple months after I started smoking. It’s a good money maker.” Presely said. Even though a form of popularity may be tied to selling, he has always laid low because he’s almost been caught before. “Honestly,” Presely said, “kids are pushing for business because they want popularity, but it’s not always like that. Only at first, until you get in trouble. I’ve almost been caught before, and I’m on probation right now. You gotta be careful. Never know who might be a snitch. People know me through friends so they’ll come to me. I don’t go bragging about anything…If people are looking, they’ll hit me up. I don’t go looking for sales, and I don’t put my name out there.” However, Presely admitted that if he was caught, that wouldn’t necessarily stop him from selling.
alana peters staff writer Photo courtesy of that70sshow.com
Going against the laws of possession and distribution, senior Elvis Presley* tells his story
Marijuana in the Media
An American sitcom based off of the 70s time period, “That 70s Show” never directly states that the characters smoke marijuana, although there are references to the drug periodically. In each episode, there is a group gathering in which the characters sit in a circle as the camera spins around, stopping on each one as he or she speaks. It becomes blatantly apparent that the characters are under the influence of marijuana due to thick clouds of smoke, frequent coughing and a wide-angle lens which adds to the “drug-induced” feel.
Matthew McConaughey
This 41 year old has admitted to smoking marijuana and has been charged with possession and use. On one occasion, neighbors filed a noise complaint coming from his residence, after which police discovered the actor “dancing around in the buff and playing bongo drums.”
Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa has let on that he too smokes marijuana. Using metaphorical terms such as his home being “the bakery” and his mom being the “master chef,” Khalifa admits to smoking weed with his mother.
Seth Rogen
Rogen, who starred as a pothead in the film Pineapple Express, smokes marijuana in reality as well. He and his wife are both users, and appear shameless. He said in an interview regarding his wedding, “I didn’t get drunk, but I was totally f****** baked the whole day... There were probably 100 people smoking weed there.”
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Photos courtesy of IMDB.com and wizkhalifa.com
“I still smoke a lot of pot when I write music,” the singer stated in a sit-down interview before the Grammys in 2011. “So I’m not gunna, like, sugar-coat it and say that I’m some, like, sober human being, ‘cause I’m not.’”
Mary Jane’s Worst Enemy A student shares her frustration toward the sinister world of marijuana use
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n an age where drugs seem omnipresent in our society, there are still teens, even at Smoketon, who refuse to conform to the status quo. Not only does junior Vanessa Hudgens* not use marijuana, but she is resolutely opposed to the use of it by others. “I think it’s a drug, just like alcohol or cigarettes,” Hudgens said. “However, I hate it more than I hate alcohol or cigarettes because I’ve seen it hurt people that are close to me.” Reflecting on her encounters with those who smoke marijuana, Hudgens recalls the process she witnessed as friends became more and more infatuated with the drug. “It starts off as a recreational thing but then becomes something much bigger,” Hudgens said. “It becomes this thing where people only hang out with each other to smoke. If the entire reason you’re hanging out is to smoke, or if you can’t have fun without smoking marijuana, I think that it’s really kind of sad, and you guys probably aren’t very fun people to hang out with then.” However, Hudgens does not want to give the misconception that she doesn’t like people who smoke; she just doesn’t agree with their choice. “If you smoke on the weekends I mean whatever,” Hudgens said. “I just don’t want to be around you and I definitely don’t want to inhale your smoke. I think the whole smoking thing is particularly gross. Also, I don’t feel like I’m really hanging out with people when they’re high because they’re in a different state; they’re just wasted. I mean, think about the term ‘wasted’; what does it mean? You’re not there.” As for marijuana in the media and as a social catalyst, Hudgens appears to have an equally critical opinion. “Artists who promote weed, like Wiz Kalifa who writes brilliant hits like ‘I Roll Up’, are so ridiculous. Seriously, come on people. Even things people say like ‘high as a wall’ are just dumb. Honestly, if you hear a conversation about smoking, it’s like ‘man it was like I was in a dream and it was real.’ But then if you ask somebody if they can function if they’re on pot they’re like ‘oh yeah man, it’s not really like messing me up’ but at the same time they’re like ‘oh it’s this crazy experience man I was having some hallucination.’” But the behavior of those who are high is clearly not Hudgens’ main apprehension. “People I know have smoked weed with PCP and rat poison just to get higher on a smaller amount,” Hudgens said. “So, unless you’re growing weed in your mother’s petunias, you don’t know what’s going into that.” Continuing her tirade on the hazards that marijuana pose, Hudgens worries about what the future of those who smoke might entail. “Honestly, I see pot as a gateway drug,”
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Hudgens said. “People always say ‘oh no I’m not going to do anything other than pot’ but I really think that it can lead to other things. You’re hanging out with a crowd that obviously enjoys drugs, and somebody in that crowd is bound to not be satisfied with that high and try to get a better one. Next thing you know you’re trying to score LSD from your best friend’s drug dealer boyfriend.” Does Hudgens’ mean to say that if you smoke pot you’ll end up doing heroine? No, not necessarily. But, in her opinion, over-thecounter and prescription drugs can be equally as precarious. “I know a person who smoked a lot with a group of friends,” recalls Hudgens. “When her dealer went away she started taking her mother’s anti-depressants and sharing them with her friends. The logic was that they didn’t have any weed to smoke and they needed something else to do, which eventually led them into this whole pill thing and now they’re ‘triple c-ing.’ I mean, seriously are you going to sit down on a Saturday afternoon with your friends and drink a bottle of cough syrup together? That’s ridiculous. First of all, your body is like ‘no’ and who wants to drink Vicks anyway? It’s disgusting.” As for alcohol, Hudgens’ has a surprisingly dissimilar view. “This is going to sound hypocritical,” said Hudgens. “But drinking doesn’t bother me as much, but that’s just because if you’re an adult and your drinking you’re going to have some sort of tolerance; you can have a beer or a glass of wine and still function. Oh, and because it’s legal. I’m not denying that alcohol is a drug, but, for me, I’d feel more uncomfortable getting in the car with someone who’s been smoking weed than someone who’s had a glass of wine for dinner.” Hudgens, however, is not completely insensitive to the reasons behind drug abuse. “I’m sure a lot of people take it to cope with pain or something, you know being an adolescent in this wonderful institution of high school,” assumed Hudgens. “But I think when you have the option to either take drugs or get over a problem by yourself, you should always do the latter. If you take to drugs to get rid of your problems, you’ll always take drugs when you have problems. Your problems are going to get a lot worse when you become an adult, especially when mixed with drugs.” Not all of Hudgens’ reasoning is self-protecting. She’s also concerned about the effect her actions will have on her children’s future. “I think it’s more special to be able to say I’ve never smoked weed than to be like ‘oh yeah I tried that,’” said Hudgens. “I want to be able to tell my kids when they say ‘we all know that when you were a teenager you did this’ that, actually, I was a cleanster.” michelle lorusso indepth editor
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ew Year’s Eve, 10:00 p.m. – All Matthew McConaughey* was looking for was a good time, a fun night to send 2011 off with a bang and begin 2012 on a good note. However, one decision changed his entire night, and he is now being charged with possession of marijuana. “The whole situation was pretty stupid actually,” recalled McConaughey. “My friend and I were going to a party, and he had this idea that we couldn’t go without smoking beforehand. I wanted to wait, but he insisted, and he was driving.” He had driven with marijuana in the car before without any consequences, so he figured this time wouldn’t be any different and that nothing would go wrong. “We decided we would need to try and find a quiet place, so I figured my neighborhood would be good. We figured all of the cops would be out on the road, not in the all neighborhoods [since it was New Year’s Eve]. We went into a small parking area, and we started smoking [marijuana]. When we finished, I put everything away because I wanted to leave and go [to the party], but he thought that we should crack one more bowl, so we did.” They were then ready to go to party and go on with their night, but then things turned for the worse. “A cop arrived. We started backing up [but then] another cop car came and shined the lights on us. They took us out of the car and handcuffed us.” It was clear to the cops that the two minors were smoking. “The car reeked of marijuana,” according to McConaughey, “That’s why I just admitted that we had [it], I figured I would get in less trouble; we had about 1.2 grams [on us].” The cops found McConaughey and his friend after a report from a nearby homeowner calling on “suspicious activity,” and
following the arrest, the officers called their parents to have them picked up where the incident happened and bring the boys home. “My family had no idea that I was smoking; that was the worst part - the disappointment. They weren’t mad necessarily, or at least the night of. Afterward, they were pretty forgiving of me but still disappointed,” claimed McConaughey, disheartened. Never before had McConaughey faced legal trouble, or any trouble to this extent, “that’s why it was pretty scary.” “I could be subject to random [drug] testings, and for now I’m grounded. I have a much earlier curfew, I can’t sleep over anywhere and I’m going to have to get a job,” explains McConaughey about the new household rules following the arrest, “but nothing too bad.” However, the judge in his recent court hearing had a different plan for him. McConaughey has been sentenced to fifteen hours of community service and is required to attend a six-week class intended to educate individuals on drugs and alcohol. “Each class we start with a urine test, but besides that [the class] will be different each time,” McConaughey says, “but the court gave me a reasonable deadline for everything.” “I was terrified [when this happened], nothing more scary in my life had ever happened to me. I never expected things would go like this, or that I’d get pulled over... I kind of felt invincible before. I only had started smoking pot in November, but I stopped after the incident happened.” Regret is the word to describe McConaughey’s night. “What I did wasn’t even worth it; I didn’t even like it that much, [marijuana] is just something I enjoy in certain situations, but it really depends...I wouldn’t consider myself a big smoker, but for now I’m definitely taking a break from it.”
Studies have found that approximately 4-14% of drivers who sustained injury or died in traffic accidents tested positive for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. In 2007, the Adolescent Survey showed that 11.1% of State’s licensed adolescent drivers reported driving under the influence of marijuana on three or more occasions. National Institute of Drug Abuse’s survey indicated that more than 12% of high school seniors admitted to driving under the influence of marijuana in the 2 weeks prior to the survey in 2007. An estimated 10.5 million people, age 12 or older, reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the year prior to the survey in 2009.
In 2009, among persons age 12 or older, males were more likely to drive under the influence of an illicit drug than females (16.9 percent versus 9.2 percent, respectively) within the past year.
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Courtesy of the National Institute on Drug Abuse
The prospect of a fresh start vanishes when authorities interrupt an evening of smoking on New Year’s Eve
karli gillespie staff writer
Up in Smoke
Flying high behind the wheel
ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS
carly stonehouse staff writer
OSCAR NOMINATIONS FOR BEST ACTOR
GOLDEN GLOBES Best Actr ess Meryl Stre : ep
Best Director: Martin Scorsese
Brad re: ictu P n ts io Mot endan t s Be Desc The
Best Actor: looney George C
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SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARD WINNERS Best
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The H
an Dujardin Best Supporting Actress: Je
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Jean Duja
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George Clooney
Gary Oldman
54TH GRAMMY AWARDS Best Alternative r, Album: Bon Ive Bon Iver : um wn b l A ro &B hris B R t Bes M.E,C . F.A
Best Ro Wast ck Album ing Li ght,F : oo Fi
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Octavia Spencer
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Cecile B. Demille Award: Morgan
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Best Supporting Actor:
Christopher Plummer photo rights to imdb.com and billboard.com
Album year: of the 21,Ad ele Best Dance Album: Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,Skrillex
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What kind of valentine are you? 1.) You need to get your valentine something super special. You give them: A. A toothbrush; Nothing says I love you like “Your breath smells!” B.A gorilla puppet; Proceeds donated to the National Wildlife Reserve C. Nothing; the unspoken truth speaks more than material things D. A box of chocolates; yummy, yummy in your tummies!
Mostly A’s
Mostly B’s
You are the OCD Valentine
You are the Animal Freak Valentine
Mostly C’s
Mostly D’s
2.) What is the perfect date to spend with your valentine? A. A lovely evening at your local Laundromat; clean clothes for all! B. A day at the zoo; who doesn’t love panda poo? C. Two hours of meditation- we can find self realization…together D. An afternoon at the Old Country Buffet- fill her up! 3.) If you were to make a mixed CD for your valentine, what would be on it? A. The Monk seasons 1-10 soundtrack B. The “Noises of Nature” album -trickling creek bonus track included C. Somebody he/she or anybody has never heard of before D. Paula Deen podcasts
You are the Hipster Valentine
Groundhog Day Everyday
A
You are the Foody Valentine
Mountain Goats
s the irascible varmit known as Punxsutawney Phil was hoisted from In coal mines, the fragile mortality of his yearly nook in the company of canaries is used to determine air quality. several tuxedoed associates and millions of If you happen to find any kind of bird Americans, I found myself thinking “Hmm, good idea- but it’s all a bit… small.” Much like spontaneously dropping dead anywhere else, hope you have some method of the common spork, The Clapper and Leonard Nimoy’s music career, I sensed a great breadth quick air filtration on you. A gas mask of untapped potential inhibited only by the would work. Or lots of Febreeze. Don’t short-sightedness of its execution. Why should make the same mistake they did. the ruling on the seasons change be dictated solely by the prognosis of the lowly landbeaver? What other insights regarding natural That’s right, Phil isn’t the only woodphenomena can we glean from the forbidden knowledge of our furry forest brethren? chuck prolonging the winter through
Birds
Other Groundhogs
his ample precognitive clout. When two separate groundhogs contradict each other regarding the exact ebbing of winter, you can safely say that you’ve found evidence of a parallel universe. Make sure to watch out for your doppelgänger. Whatever you do, don’t make eye contact.
Reid Perkins
emma mankin a&e editor
Commonly regarded as the most surefooted of goats. If you see one lose its footing, something is probably horribly, horribly wrong with plate tectonics. Find out what.
Sasquatch
Held by most members of the scientific community as nonexistent. If you see one, it’s probably an equally safe bet to assume that the Earth’s rotation has completely reversed and the laws of physics need no longer apply. God help us all.
reid perkins staff writer
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What to watch this winter NBC Mondays 9/8c Former “American Idol” contestant Katharine McPhee returns to the small screen in the new NBC show “Smash.” With several movies and plays coming out about Marilyn Monroe, theatre producers Julia and Tom decide to make a genuine Marilyn musical. The show follows the producers and directors of the play as they attempt to cast the perfect Marilyn. After filing through thousands of auditions, they finally find two perfect contestants, Karen (McPhee) who has the perfect voice, and Ivy (Megan Hilty), who is a dead ringer for Marilyn. The series encompasses the casting process as the two Marilyns battle it out on stage for the lead role. The plot is surprisingly decent, but could get repetitive as episodes pile up. Tune in on Mondays and decide who should get the lead.
NBC Thursdays 9/8c
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Luciano $14.95 (large) $1.95 per topping
caroline hipwell
Media Mix
Rodriguez). The two attempt to break into the building next to it where millionaire David Englander (Ed Harris) is staying along with his diamond that he claimed Nick stole. The plot sees many twists and turns from here on out. While the movie at times seemed to be thrilling, the acting wasn’t. Although Worthington and Banks seemed to have good chemistry, the rest of the cast seemed to miss this. The relationship between Bell and Rodriguez never really had that certain spark, and it never felt that they were a couple. The other characters never really developed fully into their roles either. Sometimes the acting was over-dramatic; at other times the movie did not have enough drama. The film focuses on being on just a thriller, meaning it doesn’t have any comedic elements to it, which didn’t help. It lacked the suspenseful qualities
The Sl ce is Right
Santini’s $12.95 (large) $1.75 per topping
photo rights to imdb.com
that fans love, the elements that keep your heart racing. However, the storyline was well-written and Worthington and Bank’s acting was well done.
isabella kidane photo editor
FOX Mondays 8/7c
J.J. Abrams produces another masterpiece compiled with mystery and suspense. In 1963, every guard and prisoner from Alcatraz disappeared without a trace. Half a century later, the prisoners who were long ago presumed dead, return one at a time with hidden agendas, terrorizing the city of San Francisco. The pilot episode basically reveals the back-story of this very intriguing plot and the rest of the episodes follow Detective Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones) and her Alcatraz expert, Doc (Jorge Garcia from “Lost”), as they hunt down each prisoner. Alcatraz has pulled in many science-fiction fanatics who yearn for suspenseful and exhilarating over- dramatized mystery shows. While the show will really captivate and bewilder its audience, it is unlikely that it will amount to Abrams’ most recognized series, “Lost.” Dive into the mystery every Monday night on FOX.
NBC’s new legal drama, “The Firm”, has captivated countless viewers with its suspenseful plot and good lineup of actors. After 10 years of hiding under the Witness Protection Program, Mitch McDeere (Josh Lucas) and his family finally set out to start a new life. As Mitch starts his own legal firm, a series of revelations unfold to the audience while the characters themselves are in the dark. An accumulation of corrupt lawyers, vengeful mafias and loyal friends brings spark to NBC’s otherwise bland winter lineup. The story is really interesting, but viewers may get lost in the endless flash-forwards. Also, the life-span of the series is questionable because there is only so much they can do with the plot. Regardless of its future, “The Firm” is a solid show that is worth an hour of your Thursday nights.
caroline hipwell
M
an on a Ledge is a predictable thriller that fails to keep you guessing. While the movie is supposed to be suspenseful and have you trying to guess what’s next, you will often find this not happening. The movie is about an ex-police officer who supposedly turns con-man. The character Nick Cassidy (played by Sam Worthington) escapes from prison while attending his father’s funeral. After escaping he finds himself at a hotel where he has a sort of “last supper” and then gets onto the ledge of the hotel room. After a woman sees him, she screams for help, and the city begins to watch the situation either in person or on television. When the police get to him, he requests a certain psychiatrist named Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks) and claims that he will jump off if she doesn’t come. Mercer then starts to talk to Cassidy and starts to find out his plan, which is to prove his innocence with the help of his brother Joey Cassidy (Jamie Bell) and Joey’s girlfriend Angie (Genesis
nathan lalande staff writer
caroline hipwell
“Man on a Ledge” falls short of expectations
Church Street Pizzeria $11.50 (large)
Taste questing for the best pizza in Oakton and Vienna
caroline hipwell staff writer
T
his Italian restaurant offers fresh out-of-the-oven tasting pizza, either eat-in or carry-out. While the pizza itself is average, it’s better to enjoy it as soon as possible, since the cheese and crust get soggy in the box for carry-out. Overall, Luciano may not give you a legitimate taste of Italy, but you’ll be satisfied with what you get.
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ith a New York feel, Santini’s pizza fits in well. Its flavorful sauce adds flair to the pizza itself. The pepperoni has a rubbery texture, but the perfect crust makes up for it. While the pizza isn’t entirely memorable, Santini’s is definitely one of the better spots to grab a slice.
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n the heart of Vienna, Church Street’s pizza takes first place. Its delicious crust and cheese makes you look forward to your next slice. Although it’s on the greasy side, the pizza in its entirety is brilliant. Its price tops it all off, making this restaurant a go-to location.
$1.50 per topping
The Fray tells the same old “stories”
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he Fray is an American piano rock band from Denver, Colorado. They have achieved great success including four top ten hits. However, The Fray has sounded better before than in their third album, “Scars & Stories,” which was released Feb. 7. They do a good job of keeping their same well known and liked slow ballad, piano-driven style throughout the entire album and do not change anything from their previous sounds. Each song individually is good, but all the songs in “Scars & Stories” are very similar, making the album as a whole somewhat boring. After the success of “How to Save a Life,” “Over My Head” and “You Found Me,” in 2002, The Fray has mastered the pop-rock formula. They have mastered the formula to the extent that every song of theirs now sounds the exact same. Both the music and lyrics in each song sound alike as well. The most popular songs on their new track list, “Heartbeat” and “I Can Barely Say,” are definitely worth from the official website listening to and
“Scars & Stories” by The Fray sounds like all their previous albums
are especially great if you’re in that slow, pop-rock kind of mood. However, do not listen to The Fray if you are looking to be in a good mood afterwards. Their songs are all recorded with a gloomy and heartbreaking tone. The melody is switched up a bit in their new song, “1961.” It has both a fun and modern rhythm that is sure to make you want to hear more. Their songs are pristine in their arrangement and still manage to contain a great deal of emotional resonance throughout. People who are already fans of The Fray will enjoy this album because it contains their usual sounds with just enough variation in each song to keep you interested. However, people who weren’t already enthralled with the softer piano rock of The Fray will from the official website find “Scars & Stories” completely uninteresting because there is no difference in this album than their lauren embroski a&e previous ones. staff writer feb. 17, 2012
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Newspaperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bake Sale! Where: Giant at the Oakton Shopping Center Address: 2932 Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124 When: March 10th, 2012 Time: 4-8PM Come with your friends to support the Oakton Outlook Newspaper! If you want this cookie come to the Bake sale!
We will have plenty of deliciousness to choose from.
*All the donations will go to the cost of printing the newspaper ! *all photos courtesy of google.com