Volume 41 Issue 3 - February 2, 2006

St. Valentine’s Day is coming on fast

Girls Basketball

iPod hostile takeover

page 7

page 6

page 4

the Talisman a student newspaper

Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 41 Issue 3 Feb. 2, 2006

4j appeals OSAA league restructuring Schools from 4j, Salem, and southern Oregon argue that old league structure better for students

by Esme Gaisford front page editor In December, the OSAA announced that the traditional leagues of 4J District would be split and merged into the Southern Oregon Conference. South and Sheldon would become 6A schools and join the league in Southern Oregon and two Southern Oregon schools would be moved into 4J’s league as 5A schools. An OSAA appeal on the decision by District 4J and school districts from Salem and the Southern

Oregon Conference soon followed. Vice Principal Mike Johnson commented, “What they’re all saying is that these three conferences have not been treated the same as the other conferences in the state. The concerns were not listened to by the OSAA and there was unfair decision.” The appeal process began soon after the OSAA announced it would be splitting Eugene District 4J, Salem, and Southern Oregon Conference schools up. This appeal is the first ever made to the Oregon Education Board’s OSAA, and preparations have taken time. In March the Oregon Education Board will hear the appeal made by representatives from the three conferences: 4J, Salem and Southern Oregon.

The change from 5A to 6A divisions, placing South and Sheldon into a league with schools from eastern Oregon and Medford, would add up to 20 hours a week for travel time, forcing athletes to miss classes. The cost

North students burn school

of travel, safety for students traveling to view games, and team rivalries that have built up for almost seven decades are more reasons to be presented to the school board in March. Students and administration alike agree that the old leagues were more desirable. Johnson commented, “From my perspective if they are going to do the best thing for the kids and the community, they’re going to leave the leagues as they are. So Eugene would be a 6A league.” If passed the appeal will not alter the change to 6A divisions or Sheldon’s placement as a 6A school, but place the traditional sports partners in a single 6A league.

Whether the appeal makes a change to the previous OSAA decision or not, the appeal process has been changed. This appeal will also make it easier for future problems to be addressed by the Education Board. Johnson added, “To have a venue to be able to express an appeal is a great thing.”

a united gospel choir

The actions of two freshmen boys result in half a million dollars damage

by Annie Cuff staff writer On the night of December 30 at 11:00 P.M., after a home basketball game, two freshmen boys (that currently attend NEHS) hid waiting for the chance to give themselves and the entire student body a longer winter vacation. Their reasoning for setting the school on fire may sound pretty juvenile, and that’s exactly what they are, juveniles, freshman at North, and both under the age of 15.

First, they shot off three fire extinguishers just to make a big mess; then they proceeded to light other objects on fire and toss them into trash cans and into the main gym. In all, there were three fires; one in the main gym and two in the outer hallways. There is a half million dollars worth of damage including: smoke damage to the chair upholstery, and the replacement of the hallway ceiling, hallway walls, and hallway floor.

According to Oregon’s measure eleven, these young gentleman should be spending seven years in prison for their actions. But since they are under the age of 15 these laws do not apply. Principal Peter Tromba said that they are still unsure of the penalties, but among other things they will most likely be expelled.

All the repairs are finished in the hallway except for the hallway floor, which won’t be replaced until school gets out for the summer.

Greg Cantwell photo

Greg Cantwell photo

At the Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly, the Univeristy of Oregon Gospel Choir (pictured above) sang an arrangment of songs. Later, Sheldon students from various clubs (pictured left) held the unity chain. Student representatives from the Muti-Cultural Club, Latino Student Union, Leadership, Gay-Straight Alliance, Peace Club, Black Student Union, Animal Rights Club, French Club, Chess Club, and many others held the paper chain, made up of descriptions of unity written by Sheldon High School students.

Life skills teacher is missed by students

Tragic car accident results in the death of Sheldon teacher Linda Nollkamper

by Annie Cuff staff writer

On Monday, January 2, 2006, Sheldon High School lost a cherished teacher. Mrs. Linda Nollkamper, a speech and

language teacher, was killed in a car accident.

Although a loved one may be lost, a legacy is always left behind. The memories of Nollkamper shared by Sheldon staff will always be treasured.

Staff added that Nollkamper was an amazing teacher, fun, sweet, had a great sense of humor, and was loved by all her students. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial was held on Sunday, January 8, to celebrate her life.

Lifetouch Photography

Teacher Linda Nollkamper

2 February 2, 2006

News

the Talisman

Party temptations and dangers for teens

Drunk driving, assaults, disorderly conduct, and MIPs seen at parties

by Brittany Baker centerspread editor Ah, New Year’s Eve, the holiday everyone looks forward to. Some, well actually most people, would probably say that New Years is about partying all night long and kissing someone when the clock strikes midnight. “I hung out with a group of friends for New Year’s Eve,” said junior Trevin Jones. Another junior, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “My friends and I went to a few parties, three I

think.” Along with this right of passage comes a lot of responsibility. Teens and adults alike must be responsible for their actions and make good choices. Unfortunately, not everyone makes smart choices and problems result.

Drunk driving is the biggest problem that happens on New Years. According to Officer Savage, “Drunk driving, assaults, disorderly conduct, MIP’s, and DUII’s” are the most common problems that police deal with on New Years for both adults and teens. Driving drunk puts lives in danger. The consequences are severe. Someone could get hurt or die, property could be damaged, and driving privileges could be lost. Imagine a cop having to go to your house to tell your family that you died in a drunk-driving accident. Imagine having to live with the guilt of having killed someone else and causing another

family great pain. It would feel pretty devastating; the world that you once knew would change and would be turned upside down. You would never be the same again.

According to recent government statistics, one in five drivers on the roads in Lane County between the hours of two and four A.M. is driving drunk. This is a frightening statistic.

The single biggest contributing factor to teen drunk driving is the party. According to Officer Savage, parties “almost exclusively” contribute to crimes during New Years. The key to avoiding the dangers of drunk driving is not to put yourself in a dangerous situation and to make smart choices.

Some people are going to break the law, but you have to take care of yourself. Even if you go to parties and know what you’re doing, you can still be safe: don’t drink, ride home with someone who has not been drinking, or call a taxi.

Sago mine deaths lead to safety improvements

Passersby incorrectly overheard rescue command communications about the number of survivors

by Esme Gaisford front page editor

On January 2, a blast in the Sago Mine in Tallmansville, West Virginia, caused a mine to cave in.

A rescue team was sent in and families began to pray. It was feared that the worst news would come from the dark depths. After hours of worry, news came from the mine that twelve of the thirteen men trapped were alive. According to CNN.com the report was spread after passersby overheard rescue command communicating with rescuers by cell phone. The men had been trapped for over forty

hours before they were found. In fact, the call that was overheard was a report that twelve bodies had been found and were being checked for vital signs. The news reached family members gathered at the Sago Baptist Church and was greeted with cheers. For the next three hours reports were spread nationally that only one miner had died, spread by news casters on the scene. Early morning on Wednesday, January 3, the official report was issued by International Coal Group Chief Executive Officer Ben Hatfield to the families that only one miner had survived.

Instead of the twelve originally suspected alive only one survived, Randal McCloy, who was immediately hospitalized.

Allegations against the mining company sprang up very quickly from families regarding the spreading of incorrect information and maintaining poor safety conditions.

The media has also been charged with helping spread the incorrect news after interviewing overjoyed friends and families directly after the initial report was received without checking the sources. People across the country are debating all the allegations including Sheldon students.

Senior Joe Luker agreed, “The media are the ones who are providing information; they can’t just be going on hearsay.”

There were also allegations concerning the charges made in previous years on unsafe conditions in the Sago Mine. Some Sheldon students agree with these allegations, such as junior Kate Brown, who said, “Probably the mining company [is responsible]; they have more access to the information. That’s where the incident took place.”

There had been reports of unsafe conditions or warnings, and according to CNN.com, in 2005 96 of the conditions were called ‘serious and substantial’ by inspectors. But mining officials say that the conditions were not unusual in the Sago mines and National Mining association’s Bruce Watzman told reporters, “When I looked at it generally, I didn’t see anything that caught my attention as being so out of the ordinary. Some were paperwork errors, some reporting errors; (there were) a lot of violations, but many were not significant to really impact miners’ safety.”

West Virginia has responded to the allegations.

State officials are currently working to introduce new legislation to improve safety for miners.

Federal wire taps - questions of rights to privacy America to weigh the importance of liberty vs. security

by Joe Roberts sports editor According to numerous respected news sources, The Register-guard among them, in 2002 President George W. Bush signed off on illegal wiretaps to be placed in private residences. Two years later, President Bush made

a statement that all wiretaps required a warrant from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. At the time, what he didn’t mention was that there were wiretaps in place that had already circumnavigated the FISC. Investigative journalism on the part of the New York Times revealed these wiretaps, which caused President Bush to launch an investigation of the New York Times. The scandal is becoming quite a thorn in the administration’s side, as public fervor grows against the use of illegal wiretaps, with the zealous media showing it as the breech of a person’s privacy that it is. The media coverage has brought questions about the ethics behind the Bush administration’s actions and the individual’s rights to privacy.

The general response of the two major political parties have been similar, though there are a good number of differences. For example, many members (upper and lower-echelon alike) have shown a reasonable degree of disappointment on the part of the Republicans, where as there has been a good deal of relief on the part of the Democrats at having it found out. This may give the Democrats a better chance in ’08, as the public may be weary of electing another Republican after this debacle.

Federal privacy laws dictate that, under subsection 1.2 of the National Privacy Principles, an organization must collect personal information only by lawful and fair means and not in an overly intrusive way. While the wiretaps are not generally

considered “overly intrusive” they were not done in a lawful fashion, making the wiretaps a Federal offense.

Whether or not it is legal to place these wiretaps is only part of the conflict; the other equally significant part is the morality of placing the wiretaps. Benjamin Franklin said, “Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security deserves neither and will lose both.” This single quotation, from one of the most brilliant men of his era, is perhaps the strongest argument against the use of wiretaps. More often than not it is the Democratic Party that mentions this particular quote, and just as often has the reference been made that President Bush is working under Hitler’s mantra, “The great masses of people will more easily fall victim to a big lie than a small one.”

Though at the same time these accusations are being made, the Democrats are following another of Hitler’s philosophies, “The broad masses of a population are more amenable to the appeal of rhetoric than to any other force” Lincoln once said, in an address given in 1858, “A house divided against itself is a house that cannot stand.” There is division in the American house today.

Not only the House of Representatives but in the house of American citizenry as well. We are set in the path for the next few years. Exactly how we as a nation weather the pending storm depends largely on how we act along the way. If we travel the path with malice in our hearts, loathing our neighbor because he/she’s a Republican or a Democrat, will lead us to disaster. Only by coming together, uniting under a common good, can we come out of it all with a brighter future than we’re going in with.

SOAR: Sound Of A Revolution REVolution, Planned Parenthood’s Youth Action Council is sponsoring a FREE afternoon of entertainment and enlightenment at Cosmic Pizza on 8th and Charnelton in downtown Eugene on Sunday, February 12th from 2-9 pm. Six local high school bands will be performing live in an effort to raise awareness around sexual health and safety issues in our community.

For all young people tired of being instructed about textbook sexuality, drop by and learn about our community’s many services and how to take advantage of them. Experience great musical acts as you take charge of your sexuality.

Snazzy flicks and speakers complete the smashing show as the young people of our area SOAR into an understanding of sexuality.

For Questions or more information contact Shannon at 344-1611 x18 or e-mail REVolution@pphsso.org

Variety

the Talisman

February 2, 2006

3

Wearing used clothes is the new fad A great way to get plenty of unique clothes for a much cheaper price

by LeAna Leo variety editor Secondhand shopping has become more popular over the years. Many middle school, high school, and college students shop at secondhand stores.

Secondhand shopping is not only for people who are less fortunate, but also for those who like to have their own unique style. This is a new fad all over the world.

There are a lot of teenagers who think, “Secondhand shopping? Are you joking? That’s disgusting.” They are usually the ones who only shop at the mall. The fact that secondhand shopping is much cheaper means more clothes, accessories, and other items for your money.

One of the downsides to secondhand shopping is that it does take time and patience. You can find a lot of worthy stuff if you take the time to look around. Junior Amy Nelson said, “I found my favorite La Cost jacket. It took a long time to search through the clothes, but it was worth it.” People usually think that clothing at secondhand stores has been used a lot, when really some of the clothing is brand new. Others think that you can’t find any brandname clothing, but there are tons of brand-name clothing

at secondhand stores for much cheaper than in the brand-name stores.

Nelson started shopping at secondhand stores when she was younger. She started shopping

at secondhand stores with her mother for fun. There are plenty of secondhand shops here in Eugene.

Goodwill, Deluxe, Buffalo Exchange, and Android are just of few of the

many secondhand shops here in our town. If you want cheap clothes that fit your style and you want to have clothes no one else has, you should start secondhand shopping- it’s great.

LeAna Leo photos

Frosh Maddi Patrick (L) and junior Amy Nelson (R) wear treasures found at secondhand stores.

Reality TV. Is it really reality?

Reality television shows grow more popular than ever before, but are they taking over television?

by Lizzy Morris staff writer During the past few years, television in America has changed.

Viewers are no longer amused by the classic sitcoms written in Hollywood. Reality shows have taken over today’s television in more ways than anyone thought possible. While the sport of competing is entertaining to watch, from singing and dancing competitions, the adventures of weight loss, eating the insides of dead animals, to surviving on an island, the drama in between this chaos is what seems to catch the viewer’s attention.

Reality shows usually start out with an audition of one kind or another, where everyday people get a few seconds to prove that they can stand out and be entertaining to others. This is followed by a selection of a lucky few to start participating in competitions.

There are many incentives to reality TV shows, with prizes ranging from cars, contracts, to millions of dollars. And the fame probably doesn’t hurt much either. “The first reality TV show that I saw was probably Survivor,” said sophomore Bryce Suter. Survivor seems to be the first reality TV show that caught viewers’ eyes and hit it big, which started the fad of following reality shows. “If I could be on a reality show, I’d probably be on The Last Comic Standing. It’s pretty funny and I think it would be interesting.”

In many cases contestants on reality shows are isolated with people they don’t know. Many of them don’t mix well with each other and this is where the fun begins. The strategies, fighting, lying, and intoxication of contestants are what usually bring out the entertaining and addictive part of these shows. On reality shows like MTV’s Real World and Laguna Beach, the drama is the only consistent part of the shows, and these seem to be the most popular. Like we don’t get enough drama in our schools and world around us, we have to watch even more of it when we come home to relax after a long day.

Drama must be more amusing if you’re in no way involved in it.

But the question is: are these reality shows really reality? Or do producers help if there doesn’t seem to be enough excitement going on? Last time I checked pretty girls and smart guys aren’t usually put in a house together to learn from each other’s smarts and experiences on a regular basis, hence Ashton Kutcher’s latest social experiment: Beauty and the Geek. And people don’t usually fly out to deserted places around the world to eat coconuts for a month and win a million dollars, like the long-term reality show Survivor. If this was true, no one would be left living in America, and we’d all be millionaires. This isn’t real, and this isn’t reality.

Reality shows are overall entertaining to watch. They change many people’s lives, and in the process never fail to amuse others. Even if these shows aren’t truly real, it’s easy to sit back and pretend that they are.

Good book, or good movie Do you sit down and read a book, or watch a movie?

by Deidre Jones backpage editor Listen. Can you hear it? It’s the sound of people munching popcorn, slurping sodas, and laughing (or screaming, depending on the genre) while at a movie. But if you listen in somewhere else, maybe that person is drinking a cup of coffee, flipping the pages of a good book. Which person are you?

Many teens, even here in our very own Sheldon, would choose books over movies, but the majority of us would rather spend some time in a theater with our friends. For decades, movies have been the main source of entertainment, while books held a spot just under the big screen … and the small screen, and the telephone, and the computer, and the mall, and – well, you get the idea.

So which holds more value to the teenage mind nowadays?

Senior Tamra King reads every day, and said, “Books are God’s greatest gift to mankind.”

King promptly returned to the book she’d been reading.

Senior Sarah Taylor explained, “I like reading books more than watching movies because books are always more detailed than a movie.” When asked what she thought about movies based on books, she said, “The movies are usually unsatisfying because they cut so much out of a book.”

Think about it, Sheldon. Each one has its pros and cons. To list a few pros and cons for books, true, they broaden the imagination, improve your vocabulary, and you can find them in the library, but you also have to spend money on them (if the library doesn’t carry the book you’re looking for), and they usually call for silence, which can be difficult to find. As for movies, yes, they’re exciting and suspenseful, and give you something to do with friends, but it’s also expensive to pay for snacks and admission, plus there’s also the risk the movie will utterly suck, and then that’s money wasted.

Both books and movies are a good source of entertainment.

One just happens to appeal to your eyes and ears, and one has more of an effect on your mind.

Books and movies can both be helpful. For example, perhaps you need some information for a report. The person you’re researching isn’t in any movies.

What should you turn to? A book, of course. But say that you need a visual, and maybe even something that the person was in. There you go! Movies and books both have their uses, for entertainment and otherwise.

In essence, neither is really better than the other, is it? Much like other things in a person’s life, it all comes down to preference.

Once you’ve decided which you prefer (book or movie), then comes a whole new area of choices. Taylor and King have a soft spot for the fantasy genre.

What’ll it be? Action?

Drama? Sports? Biographical?

Sci-fi?

The possibilities are endless! So which is it, Sheldon? Are you going to sit there on the couch with your eyes glued to the TV or to a book?

Evan Horne Illustration

Valentine’s Day Activities The History of Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day, a holiday celebrated in many places around the world, is more than just flowers, chocolate and hearts. Valentine’s Day, or St. Valentine’s Day, was named after the Roman St. Valentine.

There are many myths and legends around St. Valentine and how Valentine’s Day came to be. One of them says that St. Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. An emperor outlawed single men from getting married, because he believed single men made the best soldiers, and shouldn’t be allowed to get married, but serve in the army instead. St. Valentine strongly disagreed and was still marrying young lovers secretly. The emperor then had him killed for his actions.

Another legend suggests that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape Roman prisons where they were often victims of cruel and unusual punishment.

Another popular legend says that Valentine was the first to actually send a valentine. He was in jail at the time and sent a love letter to a young girl (who is believed to be his jailor’s daughter) that had visited him during his time there. He signed the letter ‘From your Valentine.’

The legends are all very different, but all show that St. Valentine was a romantic and courageous man, and the holiday of Valentine’s Day is named after him for his brave and loving acts. Valentine’s Day, today, is celebration between loved ones with the exchanging of gifts, cards and love. While Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday for couples and loved ones to express their love for each other, without Saint Valentine we wouldn’t celebrate it today.

Valentine’s Day Word Search

Words To Look For:

Heart Party Swe Kiss Card Cupid Candy Red PDA Love February Friend Hug Valentine

Friendship Bracelets

Candy Rose

Supplies: • •

Supplies:

Embroidery floss or craft thread, 4 different colors Transparent tape

• • • •

Directions: 1) Tie the strings togher with an overhand knot, leaving a 2” tail at the top. Tape it to a table.

2) Pick up strand A and wrap it over and under strand B to make a knot 3) Tighten the knot by holding strand B and pulling strand A up.

4) Make a sond knot with strand A over strand B; pull strand A tight.

5) Drop strand B; pick up strand C. Make 2 knots with strand A over strand C. Repeat on strand D. Strand A will now be on the right.

6) One row had been compled. Continue next row by making 2 knots with strand B over strand C, D, and A. With each row, the strand on the left is always “worked over” to the right.

7) Four rows are compled. Continue until bracel is dired length.

Candy Heart Votive Supplies: • • •

Super Glue Votive Nco Swehearts Conversation Hearts™

*Hint: You can always tell the right side of your bracel bause the rows will slant to the right.

Directons: 1) 2) 3) 4)

Two Hershey’s Kiss 25 inch of floral tape Red cellophane wrap Artificial stem

Flower by: Megan Butler

Wo ai ni

What did one pickle say to the other on Valentines Day? “You mean a great dill to me” Do skunks celebrate Valentines Day? “Sure, they’re very scent-imental!”

Titanic Sixteen Candl A Walk To Remember

1.

Hold the two Kiss flat sid togher.

2.

Smoothly and tightly wrap the pi of cellophane over the tip of one of the kiss and down the other kiss. Twist the exc cellophane before the tip of the sond kiss.

3.

Lay the stem on top of the exc cellophane and hold snugly.

4.

Start wraing the floral tape around the stem and cellophane just beneath the kiss, inserting the artificial leaf near the top of the stem. Continue wraing the tape down the stem, overlaing it and pulling it tight until you reach the bottom. tear off exc tape.

5.

Tie a bow from the ribbon just beneath the leaf.

Gone With the Wind Sleepl in Seattle Ghost Happy Valentine’s Day! Love, Brittany & Claire

Tissue Paper Rose

Final Product

Supplies: Tiue Paper Green pipe cleaners

Directions: Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

1.

Cut a few pi (about 4-6) of tiue paper (crepe paper) about 8 x 10 inch (the exact size don’t matter).

2.

Put the paper in a pile and fold it like an accordion.

3.

Tie the center of the folded paper with a green pipe cleaner (or twist tie).

4.

Gently pull each pie of paper towards the top center of the flower, separating each she of paper from the others (forming the pals of the flower).

How to say “I Love You” in another language

How to say “I Love You” in another language Chinese

The Notebook

Directions:

• •

Pick out the conversation hearts you want to put on the votive.

Put super glue on the backs of the hearts.

Put the hearts on the votive in any pattern you want.

L dry!

Top 10 Romantic Movi

Dutch

Ik hou van jou

French

Je t’aime or Je t’adore

Ich liebe Dich

What did the chocolate syrup say to the ice cream?

“I’m sweet on you!”

What did the paper clip say to the magnet?

“I find you very attractive.”

German

Hawaiian

Aloha I’a Au Oe

Italian

Ti voglio bene

What did the pencil say to the paper?

“I dot my i’s on you!”

What do you call two birds in love?

“Tweethearts!”

Spanish

Te amo

Turkish

Seni Seviyurum What do squirrel’s say to eachother on Valentine’s Day? “I’m nuts about you! “ What did one oar say to the other?

“Can I interest you in a little row-mance?”

Romeo and Juli Prett y Woman Bed of Ros

6

Features

February 2, 2006

the Talisman

iPods hotter than ever in 2006

The iPod craze continues after the new year with new features like more memory and even video capabilities

by Lizzy Morris staff writer

Music, videos, pictures, games, and more are all combined into one recipe to create one of the biggest crazes of the New Year, iPods. They come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and range from 2 GB to 60 GB to fit the individual’s preference. Walking down the halls of Sheldon many students are seen with the signature white headphones, which can only mean one thing, iPods.

An iPod is by far the most popular mp3 player available, with the capability to hold as many as 15,000 songs. iPods allow people to take their music and more with them wherever they go, simply by slipping them into their pockets.

But the iPod wasn’t always as technologically advanced, and it didn’t always look as spiffy. It started out as a bleaklooking white block with no pictures or videos. Now that the iPod has become more popular, the versions range from original, shuffle, mini, nano, and the latest and greatest: the video iPod. They come in different colors and go great with accessories including stereos, remotes, covers, and more.

Most people who own iPods are addicted to music and become attached. Where they go, their iPod goes. Whether it’s at school, work, traveling, or at home, the iPod is great for any occasion. Many kids get away with tucking their headphones underneath their hoods so they can listen to their music during class. It’s great for avoiding lectures.

The iPod can go almost anywhere, almost anytime. “I listen to my iPod everyday, especially when I’m skating.

The only thing that sucks is the battery doesn’t last forever, but overall my j-Pod is pretty sweet,” said sophomore Jeff Tufts. Most iPod owners are pleased with their purchase, but not all people agree with this fad. Sophomore Dusty Becket has a different opinion, “Everything the iPod does has been done by another mp3 player. Consumers buy the iPod because that’s what everyone else is doing; if you buy an alternative you’re not cool. It makes my blood boil every time I see an iPod just because of what they stand

for now. Apple’s main tools for selling the iPods are peer pressure, advertisements, and celebrity endorsements.”

Other mp3 players are usually sitting on the shelves at stores gathering dust, while iPods quickly run out of stock. So why is the iPod so popular? Advancements like the touch wheel, games, and accessories make for fun bells and whistles but what makes the iPod so great compared to other mp3 players? The new video iPods have become very popular, especially around the holidays, but some other mp3 players have videos also.

The iPod just seems to have everything wrapped up in one.

Overall, iPods aren’t just a fad. Along with other mp3

Lizzy Morris photo

Freshman Rachel Tauby, sophomore Kelsey McCormick, and freshmen Alexis Adams and Justin Miljan enjoy their free third listening to some tunes on their iPods.

PC vs Mac

Clear the road, I’m 16

Debate over which computer is more efficient in 2006

by Evan Horne staff writer Which one is really better: a PC or a Mac? If you are looking at buying a new computer, what is the most important thing to look at? Overall, PC’s are the easiest to find and customize, although you can also custom order Macs the way you want them, too. PC’s are generally more affordable and you get more for your money, however they are not always as reliable. With so many of these pros and cons for each, how can you decide?

Some of the pros of getting a PC are: they are sold at almost every major electronics store and at online stores such as Dell. They usually run more programs and are much easier to customize than Macs because almost every store like Best Buy and Circuit City has parts that you can self install. You may also build the entire computer exactly the way you want it online and then have it shipped to you. Some of the downsides of getting a PC are that they are usually not as reliable as Macs and they can slow down a lot if you don’t buy anti-virus software.

players they allow people to go anywhere with their music at hand. Having favorite songs playing in their heads, for their ears only, seem to naturally cheer them up and give them a little more jump in their steps.

Technology has come so far with music. We’ve gone from records to 8 tracks, to cassettes, to compact discs, and now mp3 players. What would life be without these music advancements? Instead of carrying around our iPods in the palms of our hands, we would have to drag around our record players on wagons or something to that extent. It makes you think how much things have changed, and wonder: what will they come up with next?

Evan Horne photo illustration

Some pros to getting a Mac are that they are usually faster and more reliable. They also have better tech support and have a more compact design. They also have more advanced features like a program that will read what is going on the screen for people who can’t see well, ready right out of the box on the higher-up models. They can also be custom ordered to have much more speed and power than a PC, but after you buy it they are very hard to upgrade. Some of the downsides of getting a Mac are that they are more expensive and there aren’t very many accessories that are available after you get it and if it breaks you will have to send it in to be repaired.

Several employees at Circuit City agreed that PCs are the best value, but although they may cost less up front,”you will still have to buy extra software to keep it from slowing down because of viruses and problems with the internet.”

And while Macs are better for video editing and organizing your music, “PCs are better for games and movies.”

Both of them have clear advantages and disadvantages, but which one outweighs the other? It ends up coming down to what you are going to use it for. If you are looking for a good value and something for long term use that will be easy to find and upgrade, go with a PC. If you are looking for a computer that is very reliable, fast, and small, then go with a Mac.

Teens ponder how to become better drivers

by Nicole Leupold features editor Throughout high school most students will acquire something that, if used responsibly, they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Not all students realize the weight of responsibility this thing, this driver’s license, carries and could jeopardize their right to drive with risky driving behavior. How do we make good drivers out of teens?

The first thing that popped into your heads was probably driver’s education. “I’m glad I have taken driver’s ed. It taught me a lot that my mother, who is a terrible driver, couldn’t,” said senior Alyssa Borella. On the other hand, junior Ashley Pohlman did not take this course. “I just decided that I didn’t want to. I didn’t think I needed it and I didn’t want to pay for it.” Senior Joe Luker took a driver’s ed course because, “My mom paid for it and it made my insurance cheaper”. Senior Peter Dobra said he took it simply because, “My mom made me.”

Borella said that cell phones are a big problem among teen drivers. “I see lots of people on their cell phones who run red lights.” However, she doesn’t feel we can fix the problem. Pohlam said that her pet peeves are, “People who don’t signal and who tailgate. If we enforced these laws more I think we could solve the problem.” Luker said, “People don’t use their blinkers and are impatient. I think they should give harder driving tests so that only the good drivers can be legal to drive.” All Dobra had to say was,” I see a lot of stupid drivers, but I guess we learn from experience.”

There are many new laws that limit a teen’s driving privileges. If we follow these laws, turn off those cell phones, turn on those blinkers, and attend a driver’s education course, we can be better drivers. Be courteous and responsible and earn the privilege of a driver’s license.

Sports

the Talisman

February 2, 2006

Swim team continues undefeated tradition

Daily practices pay off as swimmers look forward to district competition

by Joe Roberts sports editor

The Sheldon swim team had high expectations coming into the season, after all, they were undefeated last season and performed extremely well in the district competitions.

Sheldon’s win at the South Eugene meet gives a

general idea as to what will happen at districts this year.

The team had tiring practices every day over winter break and every day after school; that much swimming would exhaust most people, but it all pays off in the competitions with a victory and a boost of pride for the team.

People join the swim team for different reasons: some because they are coerced by their parents, most join out of love for swimming, and then there is a small group that joins in hope that it will look good on a college application. For sophomore Maggie Moore it’s simple, “I’m a very competitive person and just love

7

being in the water.” That’s the kind of answer coaches love to hear, and is the mark of a great student-athlete.

Always a concern is how the team will do at the district competition. Moore said, “It’s a toss up; Sheldon and South both have great teams. Regardless of the meet, there are a lot of variables that could impact the outcome at districts.” District competitions start February 10 and continue for little more than a week.

With so much talent and infusions of new swimmers, the Sheldon swim team will likely continue to perform well for years to come.

Sheldon girls basketball having a great season Sheldon girls basketball strives for fourth consecutive league title

by LeAna Leo variety editor For three consecutive years the Sheldon girls varsity basketball team has won the Midwestern League championship. Since 2002 they have held a 54-2 conference win-loss record. This year Sheldon was no different; until they were defeated by Churchill.

The Sheldon Girls are also determined because they want to stay undefeated. Senior Jessie Wright is really looking forward to playing Willamette.

“They are undefeated and we are undefeated; it should be a really exciting game,” said Wright.

The Sheldon girls basketball program is very strong.

Their varsity team gets along really well and they have good chemistry. They all learn from each other, and our constantly making improvements while working together.

“On a scale from one to ten, our team gets along very well - I say we are at a ten,” Wright said about the Varsity team’s chemistry. Sophomore Corinne McWilliams said, “Our team gets along for the most part; we are pretty close. However, there are a few problems we’ve had to deal with.” The team sure has dealt with them; they are doing very well in spite of the minor disagreements.

The Willamette game was a good game. Sheldon came out strong and had a five-point lead at halftime.

Willamette took back over in the second half. At the end of the third quarter Willamette lead by one point.

Sheldon unfortunately lost. Sheldon ended up 8-8 for the season and 6-2 at this point in conference play.

Many of the girls on The Sheldon girl’s basketball team play other sports than just basketball. Wright participates in cross country and lacrosse. McWilliams does track and soccer.

Overall, this year’s girl’s basketball team has done very well. Good luck to them in the future.

Yearbook photo

Katie Steigleman prepares to pass at the Thurston game.

A message from the Talisman The Talisman is run by students for students.

The views expressed in the Talisman are not necessarily those of the Talisman staff, those of Sheldon High School, or those of the Sheldon community. If you have any letters to the editor, please drop them off in the Talisman box located in the front office. We also kindly reserve the right to edit all stories we print.

TalismanStaff Brittany Baker Annie Cuff Esme Gaisford Emily Higgins Evan Horne Claire Johnson Deidre Jones LeAna Leo Nicole Leupold Lizzy Morris Joe Roberts Lindsay Woodard Greg Cantwell

Centerspread Editor Staff Writer Frontpage Editor Contributing Writer Staff Writer Centerspread Editor Backpage Editor Variety Editor Features Editor Staff Writer Sports Editor Ads Manager Staff Advisor

LANE TUTORING SERVICE, INC. PRESENTS:

SAT MASTERY

Thorough, Clear, and Friendly SAT Preparation 8 sessions; Sun/Wed afternoon or evening.

Classes begin 4 weeks before SAT exam.

Maximum class size: 8

SAT Preparation locally since 1990.

484-4133 or www.lanetutoringservice.com

Backpage

Diary of a Rebel Mind

These are the inner thoughts of a cynic, whose life is ruled by embarrassment and jealousy. This unfortunate Sheldon student wishes to remain anonymous. However, if you wish to know who it is, look for the one with a bag over her head, for she leads a life of embarrassment and shame. Ha. That loser.

by an anonymous source

I hath returned, Sheldon. Didst thou miss me? Okay, okay, I’ll stop. Enter Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this year’s fall/winter play. You know, I really feel bad for the drama kids. They work so hard to supply the school with entertainment (just about anything’s better than those awful assemblies nowadays), and their music selection is wonderful. Unfortunately, once they’ve gotten down and perfected every single detail and sold all the tickets and stayed all those hours… usually, no one shows up. What’s up with that? Fortunately, in this case, that’s not so much an issue, but come on Sheldon, give these guys a break, will ya’?

Moving on. Guess what, Sheldon? It’s time to shell out the cash for some chocolates and cheesy Hallmark cards.

That’s right, it’s that time of year, kids: Valentine’s Day. The one day the candy companies and Kleenex nearly go out of business. I’ll explain.

You remember back in grade school, you and twenty-six other kids prepared a week in advance for the big day. You made cards, little card holders to put on the sides of your desks, paper chains to decorate the room, the whole shebang.

You and your parents had a week to go buy those packs of valentines for the other twenty-six kids plus the teacher and teacher assistant. But, instead, you put it off until the night before the party and filled them out at 11:00 at night. The next morning, you and your class had a wonderful little party where everyone got twenty-three different valentines (and three duplicates) and a cupcake (except the one kid who lost his cupcake to the class bully). Ahh, those were the days.

Once sixth grade started, your life was shattered, wasn’t it? V-Day rolled around, and you were all prepared. You had candy and chocolate hearts up the wazoo, valentines for everybody in your grade, and high hopes that you’d get a valentine from someone outside your class. What happened?

You were the only one in a 2 mile radius with anything resembling a valentine. And why? Because your peers had “evolved.” They were all preteens at this point, and so they had to live up to some kind of reputation as an “adult.” Since when does being 12 and having an attitude make you an adult? Ah well.

On top of that, there’s this little event going on where

people can buy valentines with a candy attached and send it to someone’s class. Second period rolls around, and there you are, sitting anxiously in your seat, waiting for these Candy-grams to arrive, hoping with every drop of sweat on your brow that someone got you one. Anxiety kicks in. What if you get one from a “secret admirer”? What if you don’t get one at all? The only way to really ensure that you get one is to fill one out and send it… to yourself. Pathetic and lame, but it boosts the ego when your friends ask, “Who’s it from?!” “You’re so lucky! I didn’t get one.” Manipulation at its greatest, I suppose.

On top of VDTS (Valentine’s-Day-Trauma Syndrome), there’s also the pressures of a new semester in this priso- er, I mean, high school. You’re switching from 2 free periods to none plus an extracurricular activity. Just a tad stressful, no? If you’re smart, you split up the major courses you had to take between the two semesters. But there are some poor, stupid people out there who didn’t think of the workload they’d receive in the second half of the year with nothing but core classes. Shame. You’d think after a few years of having their core classes arranged in such a way it wouldn’t be too difficult, they would have learned.

Well, I’m off, Sheldon. Listen to good music (i.e. AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, etc.), don’t be stupid, and I might visit again.

result in up to one year in prison.

18. In Louisiana, it is illegal to rob a bank and then shoot at the bank teller with a water pistol.

19. In Maine, you will be charged a fine for having your Christmas decorations still up after January 14th.

20. In Maryland, it is illegal for thistles to grow in one’s yard.

21. In Massachusetts, at a wake, mourners may eat no more than three sandwiches.

22. In Michigan, you may not swear in front of women and children.

23. In Minnesota, it is illegal for citizens to enter Wisconsin with a chicken on their head.

24. In Mississippi, for using “profane language” in public places, there is a $100 fine.

25. In Missouri, it is not illegal to speed.

26. In Montana, it is a felony for a wife to open her husband’s mail.

27. In Nebraska, it’s illegal for bar owners to sell beer unless they’re simultaneously making soup.

28. In Nevada, it’s still “legal” to hang someone for shooting your dog on your property.

29. In New Hampshire, it’s illegal to sell the clothes you’re wearing to pay a gambling debt.

30. In New Jersey, handcuffs may not be sold to minors.

31. In New Mexico, persons may not spit on the steps of the opera house.

32. In New York, the penalty for jumping off a building is death.

33. In North Carolina, persons in possession of illegal

substances must pay taxes on them.

34. In North Dakota, beer and pretzels can’t be served at the same time in any bar or restaurant.

35. In Ohio, it is illegal to get a fish drunk.

36. In Oklahoma, tattoos are banned.

37. In Oregon, it’s illegal to walk down a sidewalk and knock a snakes head off with your cane.

38. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to sleep on top of a refrigerator outdoors.

39. In Rhode Island, one must make a loud noise before passing a car on the left.

40. In South Carolina, a person must be eighteen years old to play a pinball machine.

41. In South Dakota, it is illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory.

42. In Tennessee, it is illegal to dare a child to purchase a beer.

43. In Texas, it is illegal to sell one’s eye.

44. In Utah, it is illegal not to drink milk.

45. In Vermont, at one time it was illegal to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole.

46. In Virginia, driving while not wearing shoes is prohibited.

47. In Washington, you cannot buy meat of any kind on Sunday.

48. In West Virginia, for each act of public swearing a person shall be fined one dollar.

49. In Wisconsin, it is illegal to kiss on a train.

50. In Wyoming, using a firearm to fish is strictly forbidden.

Weird laws of the fifty United States of America

by Claire Johnson centerspread editor

1. In Alabama, it is illegal to wear a fake mustache that causes laughter in church.

2. In Alaska, it is considered an offense to push a live moose out of a moving airplane.

3. In Arizona, donkeys cannot sleep in bathtubs.

4. In Arkansas, honking one’s car horn at a sandwich shop after 9 P.M. is against the law.

5. In California, it’s a misdemeanor to shoot at any animal from a moving vehicle, unless it’s a whale.

6. In Colorado, it is illegal to ride a horse while under the influence.

7. In Connecticut, you can be stopped by the police for biking over 65 miles per hour.

8. In Delaware, it is illegal to wear pants that are “firm fitting” around the waist.

9. In Florida, having sexual relations with a porcupine is illegal.

10. In Georgia, no one may carry an ice cream cone in their back pocket if it is Sunday.

11. In Hawaii, coins are not allowed to be placed in one’s ears.

12. In Idaho, you may not fish on a camel’s back.

13. In Illinois, you must contact the police before entering the city in an automobile.

14. In Indiana, liquor stores may not sell milk.

15. In Iowa, kisses may last for no more than five minutes.

16. In Kansas, no one may catch fish with his bare hands.

17. In Kentucky, throwing eggs at a public speaker could

Valentine’s Day pick-up lines

by Deidre Jones backpage editor

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Do you have a map? Because I’m lost in your eyes.

If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put “U” and “I” together.

I lost my teddy bear. Can I cuddle with you instead?

Are you from Tennessee? ‘Cos you’re the only 10 I see.

Can I have your picture? I need to tell Santa what I want for Christmas.

Baby, I'm an American Express lover.... you shouldn't go home without me!

Congratulations! You've been voted "Most Gorgeous Girl/Guy in this Room" and the grand prize is me!

Do you mind if I stare at you up close instead of from across the room?

I need your help! My mom says that if I don't get a date by tomorrow, she's putting me up for adoption.

Oh no, I'm choking! I need mouth to mouth, quick!

Shall we talk or continue flirting from a distance?

There must be something wrong with my eyes, ‘cos I can't take them off you.

Hey, kitten. How about spending some of your nine lives with me?

Hey, I see you’re wearing clothes. I'm wearing clothes, too! You know, we have something in common. We should get together and do something sometime.

Are you going to kiss me or do I have to lie to my diary?

Do you like anyone else in here? Well, I guess you are stuck with me.

Does God know you've escaped from Heaven? Here, come with me

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

to my place. You can stay there until he calls looking for you.

I'm addicted to yes, and I'm allergic to no. So what's it gonna be?

All those curves, and me with no brakes.

I think I can die happy now, cause I've just seen a piece of heaven.

Nice to meet you, I'm (your name) and you are... gorgeous!

Oh amy sweet darling! For a moment I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Now I see that I am very much alive, and heaven has been brought to me.

If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I would be walking through my garden forever.

You are so beautiful that I would marry your brother just to get into your family.

If beauty were a grain of sand, you'd be a million beaches.

Come live in my heart, and pay no rent.

Hey, don't frown - you'll never know who might be falling in love with your smile.

If I received a nickel for every time I saw someone as beautiful as you, I'd have five cents.

When I'm older, I'll look back at all of my crowning memories, and I'll think of the day my children were born, the day I got married, and the day that I met you.

If I had a star for every time you brightened my day, I'd have a galaxy in my hand.

Greetings and salivations.