Out Oakton
Volume 46 Issue 5
ook Jan. 20, 2012
feature An inside look at the origins of the famous Flannel Friday and its lasting emotional impact on the student body.
news FCPS gives schools the option of video surveillance to deter inappropriate behavior.
opinion Small changes in our daily lives must be made so that global warming can be kept under control.
sports Boys lacrosse prepares for the upcoming season with the installation of a new practice wall.
Support OHS Band by Purchasing Delicious Citrus!
The Oakton High School Band offers fresh citrus once a month from November through March. Next two order dates: Order Dates Delivered 1/22-1/30 2/11 2/19-2/27 3/10 Contact Robyn Barbaris at 703-860-2953 for any questions. Order online at http://oaktonbands.com/floridacitrus
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advertising@oaktonoutlook.com Or call us at 703-319-2789
Oakton High School’s Oakton Outlook Newspaper Fundraiser Bring This Ad!
When: Monday, January 23rd, 2012 Time: 5-8 PM Where: Fair Oaks Mall *The Oakton Outlook Newspaper gets 20% of the receipts collected.
Out ook table of contents
news
Oakton sees the arrival of new trailers in the gravel lot due to overcrowded classes
5
opinion
Students should spend more time living their lives instead of living through their phones
7
indepth
Comparing how teachers do and do not make a conscious effort to go green
sports
10
College athletes discuss the upside and downside of the competitive environment
feature Devoted freshmen couple takes a leap of faith in a serious commitment
a&e
12
14
Healthy snacks are taken to a new level with a taste questing of local salad bars
15
isabella kidane
letter from the editors S
eeing as this is the first issue of 2012, we thought we’d start this year off fresh with a New Year’s resolution: going green. Rather than our usual tree massacre of 32 pages, the Outlook has decided to shorten this issue to half the size in an effort to save some of our arbor amigos. Not only is our issue stocked with eco-friendly tips in addition to our usual news and features, but any stories you would’ve missed out on with this mini-issue are available online for your convenience and enjoyment.
Check out oaktonoutlook.com for these stories and more: Erin Bennett reviews the novel “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” which is brought to the cinema on Jan. 20. Karli Gillespie discusses the season premiere of Pretty Little Liars, the popular teen drama based on the book series. Andy Reed and Reid Perkins team up to explore the underappreciated activities that DC has to offer. This time: the Air and Space Museum. Kari Maharaj asserts that Oakton’s chapter of the National Honor Society needs some major changes in order to be taken seriously. Chorus students bring a memorable weekend of harmonious talent to Oakton’s halls with Cougar Cabaret. Missed out? View video footage, photos and sentiments from the participants online. With the array of social media available to teens, it’s commonplace to share each and every detail of our lives. Are we letting people know too much? Emma Mankin has the answer.
Yours,
Gabriela Driscoll Shannon Ragan
4
letter jan. 20, 2012
Outlook Staff Editors in Chief Gabriela Driscoll Shannon Ragan
News Editor
Sports Editor
Alex Belden Cole Neuffer
Allie Berube Spencer Conley
Business Manager
Feature Editor
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.
news
in brief
1.
emma pfeifer
Oakton gets innovative
Oakton HS was one of four teams that participated in the Innovative Defense Technologies (IDT) contest held on Saturday, Jan. 7 at Washington & Lee High School. The contest was held to support and encourage interest in computer science, engineering, mathematics, problem solving, teamwork and innovative technology among students from local high school. The team, which consisted of sophomores Adam Ruffa and Kostyanty Proskuryakov, and junior Grant Golden, came in second place with a $750 school prize and iPod nanos for each student. new york times
2.
Romney on the roll
Mitt Romney won the Iowa caucus on Jan. 3 with a mere eight-vote lead on Rick Santorum, 30,015 to 30,007. While Romney’s win was expected, Santorum’s performance was stunning after only polling in the single digits in previous weeks. Santorum’s surprising results may come from his hard campaigning, visiting all 99 districts in Iowa and holding hundreds of rallies. In the most recent primary, Romney sailed through New Hampshire, as expected of the senator who owns a summer home in the state. Ron Paul won second and Jon Huntsman came in third. Neglecting to campaign in New Hampshire completely, Rick Perry came in at the back of the pack. As the primaries move south, candidates like Perry and Gingrich are hoping to set a foothold against Romney, who has an early lead from winning New Hampshire and Iowa. If a candidate other than Romney does not win South Carolina, the next primary, the winner of the Republican nomination may already be determined.
3.
Dictator’s death fails to devastate
Kim Jong-Il, former dictator of North Korea, was found unconscious Dec 17, 2011 on his personal train during a “field guidance” and was later pronounced dead. The autopsy shows he died of a massive heart attack. His third son Kim Jong-un is next in line to take power and has been groomed for the position for years. It is still uncertain whether Kim Jong-un will be a duplicate of his militaristic father. North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Il
4.
Crowded classes cause changes
Due to overcrowding in trailer classrooms, four new trailers have been added to the gravel lot on Sutton affecting many students who park there. “When our new roofing was done over the summer some of the trailers were in the way,” said Chip Comstock, Assistant Principal. “When the workers looked at the trailers they were in bad condition. The new trailers are going to look more like a classroom instead of a long box.” Not only did the addition of trailers affect some teachers but it also affected students who park in that gravel lot. “We didn’t sell all the spots that were available,” Comstock said. “Once it is all done students will be able to resume parking there. I appreciate that the students handled it so well.”
5.
Surveillance camera use approved
The Fairfax County School Board has recently approved the option of installing interior surveillance cameras, which would only be placed in “high school cafeterias and identified high traffic areas,” but not in classrooms, locker rooms or bathrooms. This is in hopes in reducing prohibited behavior like bullying and drug trafficking. The FCPS Board stated that any school wishing to install the interior surveillance cameras would be required to finance the estimated $32,000 project by using non-instructional, school-based and available volunteer funds.
5
news jan. 20, 2012
pinions
Hell phones: a wireless scourge
I
Students weigh in on controversial topics in our daily lives
Refuse to reuse: Recycling should take priority
“R
educe, reuse and recycle.” While given the However, the recycling process has been taken onto the backs of opportunity to follow these three simple trash companies and organizations to ensure its efficiency. Reducing recommendations every day, the majority of the the amount of our recyclable materials that ends up in landfills not public does not put forth the necessary effort to make our endless only helps the environment but also allows these materials to stay in eco-friendly endeavor successful. While recycling is virtually use, which reduces the need to produce more of these materials. effortless and is beneficial to the environment by reducing trash There is no excuse for anyone to avoid recycling. People are output, a surprising number of people seem unwilling to complete provided with multiple recycling opportunities that require no more this simple task. effort than putting a plastic bottle in a bin. It is ridiculous to think Recycling has multiple environmental benefits, that such a large majority of people are unwilling to The Staff Editorial take such a small step to help the environment. The such as the reduction of landfill space and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Other benefits include environment should take precedence over a single is the official energy conservation and a stronger market for recycled opinion person’s laziness to do the right thing. We are all in this plastic. It is not difficult to recycle; for example, there together, and just a few people not doing their part can of the Outlook are recycling bins placed around the school for us to put add up in the end and hurt our efforts. our recyclable materials. Most trash companies provide In reality, America needs to realize the necessity of a separate recycling bin for customers to use, and some companies recycling. We no longer have the space or luxury of being able to even offer rewards depending on how much you recycle in an throw away whatever we want. A fundamental change must occur attempt to increase motivation for recycling. in which the rest of the population takes action on this recycling Believe it or not, some argue that recycling does not accomplish dilemma. It is time we all take the preservation of the environment much in terms of preservation of the environment and is just into our own hands. an obsession that the public has to make themselves feel good.
What’s your opinion on...
6
opinion jan. 20, 2012
the importance of recycling? “I like to help the environment. I find that if we can reuse things instead of throwing stuff out, we can help improve the environment.” erik park, 10
putting effort into recycling? “I don’t recycle. I don’t mean not to, I just kind of throw bottles away. I’m not willing to look for a recycling bin.” ricardo manoatl, 11
t’s a busy morning in the vast halls of Oakton High, and a Typical Oakton Student (TOS, if you will) is scurrying from class to class with a million things on his mind. Homework, work, practice and above all else, his hoppin’ social life. TOS lives a relatively sheltered and comfortable life, yet he’s written himself a to-do list longer than the Great Wall of China, each entry more important than the one before. How is TOS to manage such stress? Is there nothing which can help the poor child in his quest for suburban sufficiency? But hark! What is that in his hand? Cool metal reflecting the light, warm plastic protecting the delicate micro-innards, glowing screen alight. In all its buttoned glory, the contraption has the power to reach others instantly via text or call. It takes pictures, it accesses the internet, it plays games. It’s called a cell phone, and it’s taken over TOS’s life. That sounds melodramatic, I know. But teenagers everywhere are enchanted by the
allure of cell phones. The convenience, the entertainment, the appeal to our materialistic desires in the form of sleek and expensive new models; it’s almost too much to bear. What problem in our puny lives cannot be solved by this almighty mini-robot? The world is at our fingertips. Omnipotence is in our pockets. So it makes sense that the youth of America spends every waking moment with their thumbs in hyper speed, right? Wrong. The hours tick by as our juvenescence is drained by life, but we don’t notice. There are YouTube videos of small children rapping to watch. There are quasiclever remarks to re-tweet. There’s a lame “conversation” to try to salvage. Mundane task after mundane task, yet we let it occupy our time. It’s aggravating to hear kids complain about how late they stayed up doing homework, or how they never retain what their teachers say in class. Maybe, just maybe, it’s because 90 percent of
sofia crutchfield staff writer
your attention goes to your phone. And is the sanctity of human interaction not in jeopardy? The time we spend with our loved ones is less enjoyable if we give equal significance to that time and meaningless chatting in 160 characters or less. I’m not saying that we’re all going to turn into mindless zombies, dependant on our iPhones to feel anything close to emotion. I’m not saying that. But people as young as us have a low attention span and the tendency to lose track of what’s real and what’s a clump of pixels on a screen. Start appreciating reality and don’t let yourself be consumed by your belongings.
Small changes can make a big impact on global warming
G
lobal warming is the gradual increase in the atmosphere’s temperature believed to be caused by the greenhouse effect, which is the trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Over the past 100 years, the Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit with about two thirds of this increase happening in the past 30 years. Scientists are convinced that the huge increase is due to an even larger increase in the production of greenhouse gases, which can be produced by deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. The drastic rise in the Earth’s surface temperature is causing a rise in the overall air and ocean temperatures across the globe as well as the widespread melting of snow and ice. The melting of snow and ice is causing a rise in sea levels, while at the same
3D movies? “I mean... why would anyone want to watch a 3-D movie?” evan heitman, 9
time the human population is in the midst of a rapid growth. This may ultimately lead to people living riskily in flood-vulnerable zones. Global warming is also predicted to cause a decrease in rainfall, which will affect places dependent on agricultural production in order to thrive. Over one-third of the world’s population is unaware of the immense harm global warming is causing. The lack of care and general obliviousness to this problem is harming the environment and everybody in it will ultimately suffer. Because of the overbearing heat and greenhouse gases trapped in the lower layer of the Earth’s atmosphere, we will experience warmer winters and more hurricanes. There may be an increased probability of heat waves, and droughts and the beautiful polar ice caps as we know
them will melt away. People will not be living in clean environments, but in smog covered cities breathing dirty air. Diseases will spread due to the lack of clean air, and animals will become extinct. Among many other horrible effects that global warming will cause, one main one is that the economy will suffer. Billions of dollars will be spent on the damage from the natural disasters and the control of disease. Global warming is a problem that is affecting our world right now, and only we can stop it. There will be no future generations unless we are able to seize and control this issue. Helping out is easy; you can make little changes that will make a big difference overall.
cell phones in school? “Teachers shouldn’t care unless they’re actually being used for cheating, but it’s fine for quiet time in class.” scarlett forrest, 12
lauren embroski staff writer
flannel friday? “Tie day friday is so much better.” michael fama, 12
7
opinion jan. 20, 2012
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Recycled Treasures Trying to reduce your carbon footprint? Endeavor to replace some of your purchases with these treasures made from recycled materials.
A
uncommongoods.com
Target.com
Green Christmas
A
alex xenos staff writer Read the entire story at Oaktonoutlook.com
Greenroom Notebooks, $2.49
Although based in Santa Monica, California, Greenroom sells its eco-friendly line of quality paper goods in Target stores across the country. This brand’s notebooks, binders and personal stationary are made of 100 percent recycled materials and are the perfect way to embody both trendy and green. Replace just some of your school supply purchases with Greenroom products, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a conservation connoisseur.
ecoist.com
Ecoist Handbags, $29.50
Ecoist.com sells a variety of handmade bags made from an assortment of hand-folded, recycled wrappers. These bags are not only adorable but are also water-resistant, sturdy and zip-closed. As an added bonus to purchasing a tote or wristlet, The Ecoist promises to plant a tree for every bag they sell. michelle lorusso indepth editor
Record Clock, $38.00
This piece of artwork is handmade from recycled materials and is the perfect gift for a parent or relative eager to put a modern “spin” on his or her home decor. You can find this clock and other creative items like it at uncommongoods.com.
seventhgeneration.com
ccording to the University of Illinois, 30-35 million Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. every year and are often just thrown away after they are used. This year, many jurisdictions, including Fairfax County, are recycling Christmas trees. This saves valuable landfill space, and it is easy for people to participate. Anybody can participate by removing all items from the tree and leaving it on the usual trash curb on your street. The tree must be placed at the curb no later than the first two weeks of January and should not be placed in a bag of any sort. Places such as Miami, Colorado and Alaska are also recycling Christmas trees. In fact, every year more and more cities are starting to provide recycling for Christmas trees. It appears green will become the brightest of Christmas colors in Fairfax and places around the nation.
Bathroom Tissue, $9.99
According to Seventh Generation, if every household in the US replaced just one 12-pack of 300-sheet virgin fiber bathroom tissue with its 100 percent recycled product, we could save 1,900,000 trees. Whitened without chemicals containing chlorine and containing no added dyes or fragrances, Seventh Generation’s bathroom tissue is good for the environment and can be purchased at your local Giant stores.
9
indepth jan. 20, 2012
mythbusters MYTH Paper in recycling bins gets put in the dumpster with trash FACT There is a special bin for recyclables outside of door 6 MYTH The blue bins are solely for paper FACT Plastic bottles, aluminum cans and paper can all be recycled MYTH Oakton is not serviced by a recycling company. FACT Potomac Disposal Services picks up Oakton’s recyclables.
The Reality of Recycling Uncovering Oakton’s secret system of the blue bins
R
ecycling at Oakton is mysterious, to say the least. Paper goes into the blue recycling bins in every classroom, but what happens after that? The custodial staff, the team of recycling superheroes of Oakton, plays a critical role in the recycling process every day. They empty the blue classroom bins into clear trash bags separate from the other waste. Students often see these trash bags, and assume that the paper and other recyclables are thrown out. In reality, the bags are taken to the large holding bin by door six. From there, Potomac Disposal Services takes it to their recycling plant in Manassas. Ryan Faubert, AP Environmental Science and Geosystems teacher, is very involved in
Leaf-ing the Way Tree
Lover?
Ryan Faubert, AP Environmental Science, Geosystems
“Ninety to 95 percent of the work in my class is electronic. The only paper I use is for tests and quizzes.” “Students turn everything in electronically on blackboard. It’s practical; I don’t have to use paper. When I do, I reduce the margins to 0.5 in. and print double sided. It’s simple.” “Is it really an environmentally conscious movement or just a consumer fad? Are companies becoming more environmentally friendly or catering to the consumer conscience?”
10
indepth jan. 20, 2012
the recycling process. Last year, his APES class wrote grant proposals for Oakton’s recycling services, and one was recently sustained. The grant will help the custodial team, overseen by Chip Comstock, improve environmental efficiency, with the money going directly to the recycling process. As a personal project, Faubert is requesting Oakton’s waste data from the county engineer. Fairfax County mandates the weighing of waste upon collection, providing a comparison between trash and recycling disposal. With this information, Faubert could measure Oakton’s recycling proficiency against trash production. “We can be very idealistic,” Faubert said. “What should happen isn’t always what does.” With the new grant and promising plans for the future, Oakton’s eco-friendly plans are only improving. jennifer prosser staff writer
Teachers talk about the “Go Green” fad, paper use in the classroom and cutting back on resources
Tree
HATER?
Tanya Insanally, AP World History, AP Human Geography
“I use forests of paper. I teach five periods, about 130 kids. The math frightens me.” “It’s not a fad; it’s extremely important. We’re at a crisis point where decisions we make today will have a long lasting impact to be taken very seriously.” “We’re trying to scan more and post it on Blackboard. That’s our goal: to scan more than copy. It’s not easy; it takes time. We’re really busy, but every year we get better and use less.”
sports in brief
quick sports news from the past weeks spencer conley sports co-editor
lax verbal commit
Sophomore Cory Harris verbally committed to the University of Virginia to play lacrosse on Tuesday night. The UVA Men’s Lacrosse Team won the Division 1 Championship defeating Maryland 10-8 and going 13-5 on the season. As a tri-sport athlete, Harris competed at the varsity level in football, basketball and lacrosse improving his athleticism, maturity and selflessness. In his freshman year, Harris made a huge impact right away, scoring a goal in the team’s last game against the three-time State Champion Langley Saxons sparking the run from 7-2 to 8-6. Assuming Harris continues to perform at such a high level, he will not only be an impact player for Oakton in his last three seasons but also at UVA and in the ACC.
wrestling
Wrestling started out their season strong, with winning records at the majority of their dual meets. With the regular season taking a back seat, seeding and District play starting, the Oakton Wrestling team has justified high hopes with the majority of the team having an overall winning record. If the Cougars continue to work hard in the room they will indefinitely send more than two wrestlers to the state tournament, a great improvement from the 2010-2011 season.
professional
sports briefs
redskins
Continuing the trend of disappointing Washington teams the Redskins, ending their season five and eleven, failed to make the playoffs again this year. Although the Redskins haven’t been performing at the level the NFL, demands there are high hopes for the new team next year with the Redskins securing the sixth overall pick.
lacrosse wall
To assist the lacrosse team’s goal of going to states against highly competitive Langley, the coaches have pulled out all the stops to get the ring. Coach Grif Barhight has erected a wall costing the school nearly 14,500 dollars in the back corner of the practice field to allow players at anytime to practice their passing and stick skills, the staple for a successful lacrosse team. With generous contributions from around the community, especially Jefferson Home and Jennings Construction, the lacrosse team saved about 10,000 dollars of the total cost.
girls basketball
The girl’s basketball team has continued their tradition of excellence this season by going undefeated in their out-of-district play and starting off undefeated with impressive wins over Herndon 61-39 and Chantilly 70-33. This year marks the last year for the Coyer duo to make their mark on Virginia and win a state championship after Caroline sets Oakton’s career assist record in their first game against Chantilly. Additionally with new freshman Karlie Cronin as the new point guard this year the run at states looks more and more probable with a team full of threats.
baseball
Despite graduating eight seniors in 2011, three of which are playing Division 1 Baseball in the spring at their respective colleges, the varsity team hopes to build off the success of last season after winning the Concorde District and making it to the second round of Regionals. Getting an early jump on the spring season, the team has been in the weight room every Monday and Thursday improving strength and conditioning before their grueling schedule.
capitals
The only winning team in the Washington area, the Capitals, hasn’t lived up to the recent hype. The Capitals started the season with high expectations going 7-2 in October. Since then the Capitals Washington knows and loves have been anywhere but on the ice. So far they have gone five and nine in November, eight and seven in December and starting off January with a disappointing one and one. If the Capitals keep this subpar performance up we won’t be seeing them as serious contenders in the playoffs.
Showing the details of the lacrosse wall construction, the above pictures detail everything from digging the foundation to the concrete construction to the completed project. Most students did not experience the construction as it took place early in the morning for a couple of weeks in early January. The sports leadership students were instrumental in testing the wall by playing wall ball during their periods.
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sports jan. 20, 2012
college
allie berube sports co-editor
athletics upside
is the glory of being a college athlete worth the injuries?
downside
education
different social calendar
priceless memories
injuries and pain
“I got a free education. When I learned that I had those opportunities, my mom sat me down and she was like ‘you know how lucky you are, you’re literally winning the lottery.’ When she said that I realized that I am. That’s 100,000-dollar-plus education, that [the college] is giving you for free, plus all the trips, all the clothes, all the food. They say over the course of the four or five year career that, they spend a million dollars per kid. So once [my mom] said that, I knew that I would never make a different decision again.” john masters michigan state football
“You get certain things that other college students aren’t getting. I probably wouldn’t have gone some of the places I went if it wasn’t for baseball. And some of the things you miss out on, you’re going to have the rest of your life, but not many people get to experience what [I did]. For me winning a conference championship my sophomore year was an amazing experience that I can look back on for the rest of my life. I can miss a party and there will be more parties after college, but I was able to experience some special things.” justin janis york baseball
“The experiences I had [at Michigan State] were incredible. They will never be experienced by the large majority of the general public and to describe it is very difficult. It’s one of those things that you don’t understand or appreciate until you actually [participate] but I think that’s what makes it special and that’s what makes you appreciate it more. My favorite memory always looking back was being undefeated against Notre Dame at their place, I think the tradition of Norte Dame football is known almost world-wide and when you can go to, as they say, their hollowed ground and beat them at home three times it’s pretty special. You just feel the history and feel the tradition when you walk through the tunnel and the locker room. You think about all the great players that have played there, on Notre Dame’s team or the teams that have gone there to play them, it just gives you goose bumps. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it right now. But every time you get to suit-up and every time you get to just experience the atmosphere and have those unique things that kind of happen to you as a player and you get to look back and reflect on it and it’s pretty cool to kind of know that ‘Hey, I did that.’” john masters michigan state football
“I tore my hamstring, I broke my collarbone twice, those were the ones that kept me out for a really long time. I rolled my ankle a bunch, slight separation in my shoulder, concussions. But hamstring was the most painful, you just can’t sleep. But there’s no chance [I would trade it in.]” grif barhight mary washington lacrosse
academic
sample typical
Graduation Success Rate:
6 a.m. shower, get dressed and
success calendar Division I: 79 percent of scholarship studentathletes of those who entered in 2001 earned their four- year degrees
No special treatment for incoming athletes:
For those who feel athletes receive special admissions treatment, the NCAA holds athletes to standards similar to any student’s requirements. These academic initialeligibility standards take into account standardized test scores, number of high school core subjects and grades earned. They also must meet unique acceptance requirements of the university.
12
sports jan. 20, 2012
wake up, have breakfast,
get ready for the day get to the first class of the day and stay focused to keep your grades up to stay eligible
7 a.m.
coffee break to stay
9 a.m. motivated and focused for the rest of the day second class of the day with a huge exam on Post-Classical literature
10 a.m.
power up with a quick
12 p.m. lunch in the dining hall and get ready for your afternoon one hour break before you have to head to the athletics complex get to the locker room and pull on your gear and visit the trainer to ease your bum knee practice starts and coach wants to begin with sprints and conditioning, fun. practice is over and you head to the conference room to watch film fit in an hour of weightlifting to maintain your conditioning and strength leave athletic complex and head home to start schedule based on krista jay homework
1 p.m. 2 p.m.
3 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
8 p.m.
9 p.m.
“[Playing professionally overseas] so it was definitely a learning experience and made me grow as a leader, which was a role I obviously had at Mason but it was a different role. We lost a lot, but it was a very rewarding experience. I got to travel a lot, I got to do a lot of new things and I still keep in contact with some of the players, but it was very rewarding.” krista jay george mason basketball
“Being 300 pounds is taxing on your body, the mental fatigue of training and having to be on your A-game all the time. For the first time in my life I am able to just relax and not hurt and not wake up and feel like I just got in a car accident. It’s like getting into 100 car crashes going 30 mph for two hours. It was almost a blessing that I got an injury and made that decision [not play in the NFL]. The defining moment was when I was in the Purdue game, our second to last game, and I tore my oblique. I had some internal bleeding for about a month. It just kind of dawned on me as I was sitting there and they were doing an ultrasound to see how bad it was, like what am I doing to myself? I had a couple knee surgeries and broken arms, broken feet, broken everything and it was just like at that point I had thought about all those injuries and I was just like, I’m done. I’m glad I made the decision to stop when I did but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I may have arthritis because of it but that’s okay.” john masters michigan state football
most common
injuries
Sprains and strains Knee injuries Swollen muscles Achilles tendon injuries Pain along the shin bone Fractures Dislocations
feature
He put a ring n it
Photo courtesy of Lauren Turner Lauren Turner and her boyfriend Demitrius Kemdricks spending quality bonding time together in a grocery cart at the store.
Did you know?
-In 2006, the median age for first marriages in the USA was 27.5 for men and 25.5 for women (The New York Times).
Frenzied Fridays full of flannel
I
n mid October seniors Chris Abdullah and Mike Filliponi decided for no particular reason that they would wear flannel every Friday. The two were quickly joined by five or six friends who thought it was a fun idea. “They just decided to wear flannel on Fridays because they started with the same letter, and alliteration is awesome,” said Aarya Sawant, senior. “In our circle of friends, we openly embraced wearing flannel on Friday, not just because it’s cool, but also because it brings us a sense of brotherhood.” Despite the trivial reason for its inception, Flannel Friday has grown from a seemingly insignificant idea to the biggest Oakton phenomenon in recent memory. It has made it impossible to enter a classroom or walk down a hallway on a Friday without seeing one of the hundreds of flannel-clad par-
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rom deciding what to eat at lunch to figuring out which college to attend, teenagers never seem to be able to make decisions. But this isn’t the case for freshman Lauren Turner, who has her future all figured out. Over the summer in 2010, Turner was at a church summer camp when she crossed paths with her love to be: Demitrius Kendricks, now a freshman at Madison. “Right when I walked in the room, I saw him and he saw me, and I knew it would work out. Kendricks seemed really, really shy at first,” Turner said. “But now he’s crazy!” The two became official later that summer on Aug. 19th, and they continued building their relationship up until they hit a major milestone on their path of ever lasting love. On Turner’s last birthday, Dec. 10, the two lovebirds were celebrating in a limo when Kendricks revealed his present for her: a white box with a tiny blue bow. Inside was a ring of Turner’s birthstone, topaz.
Speechless and teary eyed, Turner accepted the special gift from her boyfriend. They decided together that it would be their promise ring, and symbolize their true love for each other. “When I told my friends, they were all freaking out.” Turner said. “Now they wish they had boyfriends.” The couple has a seemingly smooth road ahead. Both of Turner’s parents approve of Kendricks, and are fine with the “pre-pre engagement ring.” And as long as the two aren’t legitimately engaged, Turner’s mom is giving them the OK. As for their future, Kendricks and Turner have gone as far as discussing possibly going to college together, since both are interested in the University of Maryland. It takes real passion and dedication to be in a relationship as strong as Turner and Kendricks’. Will this ring hold them together with the promise of the future? Only time alana peters can tell.
staff writer
A lumberjack-esque style, created by two seniors, has recently taken over at Oakton. Every Friday, a sea of flannelclad students overflow from classrooms and fill the hallways with their woodsy style. On Flannel Friday, it’s the students who aren’t wearing flannel that stand out from the crowd.
ticipants. This incredible and unlikely growth doesn’t seem to faze any of the original Flannel Friday members. “No, I’m not surprised at how big it has gotten,” said Evan Preuss, senior. “After all, everyone is either a flamboyant flannelsexual or a closeted one.” While some people might think that the growing popularity of Flannel Friday would cause resentment among those who were there at the start, the original participants insist that this isn’t true. “I was there at the first Flannel Friday, since the beginning, before it was cool,” Sawant said. “You could say I’m a hipster with flannel: A flipster. But to be honest I’m pretty satisfied that flannel Friday is a growing trend, it’s nice to see more and more people wearing flannel on Fridays because it means that something we started actually has significance.”
isabella kidane
Seniors, Camden Thacker, Chris Abdullah, Alex Tyskowski, Evan Preuss , Michael McNamee, Brian Phillips, Mason Khadka show off their flannel spirt with pride, despire whispers that the fad will die out just as quickly as it took light. “I hope to see Flannel Friday continue just as strong as it has been,” Preuss said. “Just a bunch of dudes coordinating their outfits.”
callum kelton staff writer
13
feature jan. 20, 2012
Backstage Pass
Battle of the Bands
melanie aguilar-rojas reina datta staff writers
Jammin Java, located in Vienna, held its sixth Mid-Atlantic Band Battle this year. Bands from all over the East Coast of any genre were welcome to compete. The winners received $2500, their own headlining show at Jammin Java and studio time at Cue Recording Studios. Gift certificates from Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center were also awarded to the top four bands. The preliminary rounds lasted for four days (Jan. 9-12) and the finals will be held Feb. 17.
Fourth Quarter Comeback
“We started out right here in Fairfax. Our first show was in Jammin Java two years ago,” Cobb said.
Brightwork
THE WINNER:
Genre: Rock/Alt./PowerPop
Genre: Christian/Pop/Rock
Band Members: Andy Garcia- Vocals/ Guitar Casey Johnson- Lead guitar Ben Cobb- Bass Matt DuRousseau- Drums
Band Members: Caleb Carpenter - Vocals/ Guitar Brian Hrubik - Keys/Guitar Seth Hayes - Bass Guitar Andrew Boyd - Drums
all photos from official websites
“We are all best friends. If one quits, the band is over,”
“Our favorite part about what we do is creating and performing music, but what’s more important are the relationships that are built off the stage.”
“The band name represents the four of us and how we are moving forward in our career.”
Currently, Brightwork is participating in The Stock & Rock Tour. They’re joining other communities to host events that make local impacts through music, fellowship and giving.
Check out videos and more at oaktonoutlook.com.
Find out more at www.stockandrocktour.com.
UPComing Tours: Brightwork:
Saturday, 2/04/2012, 8:00 pm- Covington, VA Covington Youth Rally Friday, 2/17/2012, 8:00 pm- Vienna, VA Battle of the Bands Finals at Jammin Java
Fourth Quarter Comeback:
Judge
Words of Wisdom from recording artist Pat Sommers: “I like a band that has new ideas and takes inspiration from other bands like The Beatles.” “I’m looking for the cammaraderie. That’s what’s missing. Bands have to have the whole package.”
Tuesday, 03/06/12, TBA-Baltimore, MD The Talking Head Club
“The crowd has to be entertained. It’s important to excite them.”
Saturday, 3/10/12, TBA- Vienna VA Jammin Java
“The harder they work, the better their chances are.”
14
a&e jan. 20, 2012
“Songs. Mean. Everything.”
“Skyrim”: An RPG that lives up to the hype
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Taste Questing:
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Salads
are endless, just like pretty much everything else in the game. You will often find yourself looking to accomplish one thing, then a couple of hours later find yourself nowhere near that goal because you have gotten caught, exploring other parts of the world. The only thing this game lacks is online play, which isn’t too negative considfrom official website ering that it is an RPG. The only other flaws might be a few glitches or bugs along the way, but nothing major. The fact is that Skyrim is a must-own for any gamer and will have you spending hours of time in the game without any repeats.
Media Mix
kyrim is a breathtaking game that will suck you in for hours of playtime. The game comes from the Elder Scrolls series and is its fifth installment. Skyrim takes you into a mystical, medieval world full of dragons and magic. As you first start the game, you find yourself captured and on your way to a beheading in which your character is next. Before the beheading, you have the option to choose from numerous races, each having its benefits. Right before you are beheaded, a dragon swoops in and starts burning the village. Ultimately this leads you to run and escape the village while the dragon hunts you down. After this sequence of events you find yourself in a vast world of mountains, forests, caves and other land features. As you explore the world you find out that you were dragon-born and that you are deemed the “Chosen One.” Your goal is to eventually rid the world of all dragons. You are then opened to a vast number of places to visit and explore. The game sometimes seems endless; there is the main storyline as well as many side-quests, so that even hundreds of hours of the game won’t be enough. At some points in the game you might find yourself overwhelmed with tasks and quests, but that’s the beauty of the game; it’s seemingly infinite, making it a very replayable game and well worth the $60 it costs. There are so many options and customizations for you that the combinations
nathan lalande staff writer
in Northern Virginia
anera’s Caesar salad is well presented in an oversized bowl filled with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese and croutons with a side of French bread. The lettuce itself is heavenly as you bite into crunchy greens of deliciousness, seasoned with grated parmesan which is likely to satisfy every taste bud. The croutons are not for everyone as they are incredibly dry, so only attempt if you have healthy teeth. The Caesar dressing is quite fantastic with a salty and sweet taste that completes the meal. The side French bread is fresh, warm and delectable.
Calories: 390 – 510 if grilled chicken is added Cost: $6.00
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his amazing and sweet salad of strawberries cushioned by spinach leaves and lettuce with drops of cucumber, almonds and cranberries is prepared in a big, steel bowl on the counter where you can request to add or substitute certain ingredients. The salad is then covered with a strawberry balsamic vinaigrette which gives a fruity flavor to an otherwise plain salad. Those allergic to nuts should be aware that there are a lot of almonds in this salad, but substitution is available. Otherwise, Berry Leaf brings a whole new twist to fruit salad.
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Calories: 250 Cost: $8.00
f you don’t have your heart set on just one type of salad, La Madeline allows you to have sampler size servings of three salads from a choice of seven. The Caesar is like every other of its kind, but what gives it a tasty edge is its dressing which adds tang. The small shredded parmesan cheese adds texture to the crunchy romaine lettuce. The Spinach Salade is covered in mushrooms, pecans, bell peppers, and strawberries with optional bacon dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. The veggies give it a very enjoyable taste, but the balsamic isn’t as appetizing. The Wild Field is quite simple with its purple lettuce and spinach leaves dressed in the same balsamic vinaigrette.
Calories: varies Cost: $8.00
isabella kidane photo editor
15
a&e jan. 20, 2011
Oakton High School’s Oakton Outlook Newspaper Fundraiser
Bring This Ad!
When: Monday, January 23rd, 2012 Time: 5-8 PM Where: Fair Oaks Mall *The Oakton Outlook Newspaper gets 20% of the receipts collected.