Volume 42 Issue 5 - March 2, 2007

Social Hierarchies

The Effects of Music on Teens

Texting Trend

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page 6

backpage

the Talisman a student newspaper

Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 42 Issue 5 Mar. 2, 2007

Seniors get priority in scheduling classes Underclassmen completely rearrange their schedules to get electives

by Jamie Burns centerspread editor A new semester calls for many changes. The scheduling office crowds with students trying to pick up and make changes to their new schedules. Students work to fill up their schedules, switch out of hard or

easy classes, and complete credits before the year ends.

This is causing a high demand of hard-to-get classes.

Due to the need for a variety of classes it is difficult for students to get the classes they want or need, especially lower classmen. Seniors and juniors are more likely to receive the classes they ask for than sophomores or freshmen. There is controversy about whether this is fair or not. Freshman Makenzie Jenson said, “I think it is fair that seniors get first choice on classes because they are older and this is their final year.” IHS Students like freshman Haley Lorenzen already have classes they need built into their schedules, which makes it easier for other students

Five figure price tag for 007 prom Juniors must make up part of $12,000 for this year’s prom

by Gracie Beaver contributing writer Ah, prom. The climax of every cheesy teen movie ever made. In case you haven’t seen one of these classics, there are a few key components. There’s the hype, the swelling pop music, and the happy ending between the two heroes. Sadly, we do not live in the world of 10 Things I Hate About You. There is another aspect of prom glossed over in the films: the budget.

This year, Sheldon is throwing the quintessential rightof-passage in the ballroom of the Valley River Inn, which costs $6000 to rent. That money includes the cost of everything supplied by Valley River Inn, i.e. “bartenders” (who will obviously not be serving alcohol), catering, and furniture. However, an additional $6000 is required to pay for amenities such as decorations, police, and music, bringing the grand total to (drum roll, please) $12,000.

Part of the money to pay for prom comes from the previous year’s prom profits, making the prom budget a veritable perpetual motion machine. (Sorry, first law of physics.)

The rest of the funding is covered by “the junior class [from] money they make organizing dances,” said Elyse Myers, the staff member supervising the prom committee.

The school makes profits off of ticket sales. Junior Devinnie Williams, a member of the prom committee, said, “The prices of the tickets have not yet been determined, but they should be somewhere around $25 for singles and $40 for couples.” So, if you can find yourself a date, you’ll save five bucks each. However, ticket prices can be a sensitive subject. It can be hard to strike a balance between throwing a mind-blowing prom and one that everyone can afford to attend. After all, it’s not just the tickets students have to pay for; prom attire can get to be quite pricey. Williams said, “I understand that not everyone can afford to go to prom but…I think that our main responsibility in the prom committee right now is to just ensure that this prom will really be something to remember. After all, the seniors deserve it.” Myers assured that there are “ways to get around [the cost]” for lowincome students, but didn’t offer any specific options.

This year’s prom has a “007” theme, and Williams promises “an amazing surprise for everyone who attends.” Without a doubt, prom will be a night to remember, no matter who ends up with an empty wallet.

to fill their schedules with the classes they need. Lorenzen said, “I haven’t had too much trouble getting the classes I want because of IHS, but some of my other friends have.”

The electives students want are often very hard to get.

Sometimes students have to completely switch schedules around to fit the elective they prefer into their schedules, or cannot get the elective they want so they must resort to a back-up choice or free period. Jensen said, “I have a free second right now, but I really wanted to fill it up. When I went to the scheduling office, I didn’t want the classes I could fit in [to my schedule].” The schedule difficulties continue to die down, but not all students are happy with the outcomes.

Senior Night Star

Greg Cantwell photo

Senior Kendra Little and the Irish came out on top as the Southwest Conference champions.

Mr. Irish contestants prepare for March 17 pageant The pageant will take place on St. Patrick’s Day in the auditorium

by Amanda Kahl staff writer The Mr. Irish pageant has been going on for fifteen funfilled years. That’s fifteen years of senior boys making the month of March a blast. This year the pageant is as great as ever. The ten contestants are: Dustin Vollstedt, Aaron Dilger, Aaron Pflugrad, Mario Escajeda, Jared

Herr, Jeff Lee, Miles Patterson, Kellan Davis, Morgan Sawyer, and Derek Chan. All of these boys are very excited for the pageant, which will be on March 17.

In the Mr. Irish pageant, all of the contestants are required to make a cool costume and dance in it. This year’s dance was a challenge for the contestants to learn. The contestant will be dancing to: “Jock Dance Tootsie Roll,” “Grease Lighting,” and according to senior Brittany Osterhout, a coordinator for Mr. Irish, “They will do a fun ballet dance.”

A great part of Mr. Irish is the fundraiser. The profits go to The Children’s Miracle Network. So far the boys have been working hard to raise as much money as possible. That will

make a big difference to The Children’s Miracle Network.

To be in the Mr. Irish pageant the boys have to know certain facts. They need to be ready for a quiz section during the pageant, so these boys are no slackers. Many people at Sheldon feel that Mr. Irish is just a popularity contest.

Freshman Megan Leckington said, “It is a popularity contest but it is a good way for boys to have fun and make other kids have fun and make other kids have fun as well.”

Currently, there is no Ms. Irish. Leckington said, “A Ms. Irish pageant would be a ton of fun to have.”

The Mr. Irish pageant will be on March 17 at Sheldon in the auditorium. Be there!

Some IHS seniors discontinue their full IB diploma work Course load, CAS hours, internal assessments, extended essay, and TOK essay lead to unbearable stress

by Emily Higgins editor-in-chief One of the major selling points of Eugene International High School to parents and future students is the opportunity to take the International Baccalaureate exams in the Mays of students’ junior and senior years. While students are not required to sign up for the exams, it is suggested that all students consider taking at least the HL Literature and HL History exams (HL stands for “higher level”), as the IHS history and literature classes junior and senior year specifically prepare students for those exams.

Signing up for those exams in the junior year of an IHS

students’ life signifies a commitment to IB. Assuming all goes well with any exams taken the junior year (a score of four or above on a scale of one to seven is considered passing, and scores of three may be “made up” with scores of five or above on subsequent exams), these test-takers will declare their IB diploma candidacy in October of their senior year.

While many students pass the exams with flying colors their junior year and declare their IB diploma candidacy in the fall of their senior year, sometimes, something will go wrong between October and May. Whether it be the course load (IB diploma candidates tend to take on strenuous work loads on top of their already heavy IB course load), the CAS hours (CAS stands for Creativity, Action, and Service; 100 hours of community service are required for all IHS students with an added 50 hours of action and creativity, ranging from playing a sport to taking a language class, for diploma candidates), missing any of the internal assessments (each subject has a test and any number of internal assessments, ranging from the historiography in history to the Group 4

project and independent investigations in science), fears about the senior paper (also known as the extended essay in IB-ese) or the Theory of Knowledge essay (although both the extended essay and Theory of Knowledge essay can only add points towards the 24 needed to receive the IB diploma), or exhaustion and nerves.

If a full diploma student “drops out” by discontinuing a class, missing internal assessments, or not completing CAS hours, there are other options available. Students can continue with all other HL tests and receive certificates.

Certificates are only awarded to students with passing scores on HL tests. Students can also discontinue their IB testing altogether. Most students prefer to stick with Option One seeing as they, or their families, have already paid for the tests.

“I thought the best way to prepare for college was to get a bit of a break before the real work of earning a college degree kicked in,” explained an anonymous student. No matter the reason senior students have decided to revoke their candidacy, most feel they are making the right decision.

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News

the Talisman

Global warming is a hot topic

There are many solutions to fix global warming, but people have to act now to save the environment

by Brad Morse staff writer

Global warming is the name for the rising temperature in both the atmosphere and oceans. It is agreed upon by the majority of the scientists that it is caused by greenhouse gases, which are natural parts of the atmosphere, but the activities of humans are causing the quantity of them to grow. A greenhouse gas is basically

any gas that increases the ability of the earth to absorb radiation from the sun, causing the planet to retain more heat. Unfortunately, the United States contributes approximately 24.2% of the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere by man, which is more than any other country.

Sophomore Andrew Sexton said, “I don’t know what the causes and effects of global warming are, but I know it’s a problem that could hurt the planet and future people.”

It would seem that the media has effectively shown that global warming is a problem, but hasn’t made it clear why it’s a problem. Some things are already attributed to global warming, such as the increased amount of hurricanes and other extreme weather occurrences. The foretold consequences are even more dire: sea level rise,

repercussions to agriculture, increased spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, and even mass extinctions.

Fortunately, there are many possible solutions.

Some proposed ideas include: introduction of more environmentally-friendly technology, carbon offsets, nuclear power, hybrid/electrical cars, carbon capture and storage, nanotechnology, and renewable energy such as solar power, wind energy, biodiesel, etc. Sophomore Barry Peiskee said, “It seems to me that these solutions either aren’t as cost-efficient as oil, aren’t able to meet our countries large energy demand, or simply don’t have the established market that oil does. It can’t help that there have been hundreds of years of progress in technology involving oil, whereas most of the competitors have much less.”

of the Federal Transit Administration, gathered around to praise the new system for its low maintenance costs, low energy use and service to the community.

It is said that this bus is the future of transportation.

The EmX will transport passengers from downtown Eugene to downtown Springfield, and stop at eight stations along the way, located mainly along Franklin Boulevard. These 60 foot, hybrid-electronic propulsion buses were designed and built by Canada-based New Flyer Industries and primarily travel in their own lanes.

The buses have seats for 41 passengers, total capacity of 100 passengers, room for two wheelchairs and three bikes.

“DeFazio, who is on the House Transportation Infrastructure Committee, helped with partial funding for the $24 million project in a transportation bill,”

said Gerry Gaydos of the LTD board of directors.

And although “80 percent of the funding for the EmX was supplied by the federal government (taxpayers), the taxes of the Eugene/ Springfield residents should not increase,” said another LTD spokesman.

The EmX started running a little less than two months ago and LTD has already started working on a new route to include the Gateway and RiverBend areas of Springfield.

This project should open between 2009 and 2010.

“This bus has made it a lot easier to get to and from school, especially because it’s free,” said a university student who wished to remain anonymous.

The EmX wants all it’s passengers in the community to get used to the bus and the idea of riding it, so for the next several years the EmX is absolutely free!

“gay,” but the majority of it is straight. That’s right, GSA has an S that is too often ignored. GSA discusses issues, articles, or events that relate to human rights for alternate lifestyles. They also hold parties for events, sell cheap rainbow stuff (“They go with most things,” a satisfied customer remarked), and notify people of holidays brought about by understanding or lack thereof. On April 18, the GSA will participate in the Day of Silence, on which members do not speak for the entire day. The event makes clear that in honor of those who could not speak out for themselves. At the beginning of that school day, club

members meet in Ms. Cavin’s room to retrieve a small card stating that they are participating in the Day of Silence, and are excused from speaking for the rest of the day. GSA president Hannah Douglas remarked, “People shouldn’t be judged or criticized by who they like. It’s something we try to stop.” The silence represents quite effectively that many people over time have been too afraid to speak, or have been “silenced” by force. Members of the GSA wish to remind people that even in this day and age, some live in fear. As a nation – as a world – we cannot forget to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Make way for the Emerald Express The EmX is a new, fast and free way of bus transportation between Eugene and Springfield

by Kim Wilson staff writer After several years of planning and construction, the Lane Transit System made their highly-publicized debut of its new rapid bus system known as the Emerald Express (EmX) with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday January 14, 2007. Along with many members of the community, Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., and James Simpson, administrator

Gay-Straight Alliance here at Sheldon The GSA has a Day of Silence on April 18 in honor of people who can’t speak up for themselves

by Melissa Gibson staff writer The Sheldon Gay-Straight Alliance has gained more members as of late, and at the very least has been turning a few heads. Now, the majority probably thinks that it’s

Social hierarchy has become a large aspect of students’ lives Different cliques around school affect the way students dress and also the way they feel

by Alicia Luck staff writer Think about this for a second: look around in the hallways, and who is there? Probably a group of people standing in the exact middle of the hallway gossiping. These are cliques.

Like in the movie Mean Girls, one can

Talisman Staff

Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Ads Manager Features Editor Opinions Editor News Editor Sports Editor Backpage Editor Centerspread Staff Writers Colton Carpenter Sarah Derhak Amanda Kahl Samira Lobby Cassmisha Manley Jennifer Stephens Kimberly Wilson Contributor Contributor Contributor Staff Advisor

Emily Higgins Deidre Jones Michael Chase Lizzy Morris Caroline Hanson Jaime Fazio Michael Chase Deidre Jones Jamie Burns Rebekah Blake Jordan DeMoss Melissa Gibson Satchel Kornfeld Alicia Luck Bradley Morse Alisa Taylor Gracie Beaver Kate Carlson Woohyun Kweon Greg Cantwell

look around and label each table in the cafeteria with either a clique name or a cliché. A clique is a group of people who share the same interests.

Many people say that high school is suppose to be the best years of a young person’s life, but how can it be when people are constantly talking behind each other’s backs? Cliques seem to form due to the lack of equality, even in our school.

Freshman Jana Whisler said, “The queen bee in a clique is the [dictator] of the clique. This person can occasionally brainwash the others to do things for the better of the group.

People in cliques make others feel like outcasts.

They can also manipulate people.”

Fashion trends fade in and out throughout the school year. Some type of clothing becomes popular and then the next day it’s not. “I think that trends and fashions do influence who gets into cliques by what clothes they wear or what they are interested in,” explained freshman Claryn Lindley.

Cliques may change, but in the end they may or may not cause a problem at this school.

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.

RNA breakthrough New RNA developments allow for disease treatment possiblities

by Kate Carlson Contributing writer

One of the most promising breakthroughs in medicine comes in an inconspicuous form: a person’s very genes. When a person’s DNA codes for his or her cells to do certain things, it creates segments of RNA based off of its form to provide the information needed for processes within the cell to be accomplished.

Specifically, messenger RNA codes for the production of proteins in a cell that perform vital processes.

The expression of genes in DNA is what makes the body replenish its cells and makes up a person’s very being.

Changes in genes, called mutations, can sometimes create haphazard genetic consequences such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and many more. These diseases can also be inherited from parent’s genes and are expressed. While many of these genetic diseases cannot be cured, there is hope in RNA interference (RNAi), a method of “silencing,” or turning off, these problematic genes to stop the expression of the

detrimental trait. It works by scientists making ‘mirror-image’ copies of selected segments of messenger RNA that codes for a particular protein with a particular function. The cell recognizes these man-made double stranded ‘mirror-image’ RNA strands as potential hazards (such as viruses) through smaller bits of RNA, called microRNA, and not only destroys the ‘bad’ RNA, but also the RNA the cell created itself to be sure it eliminated all potential hazards.

Thus, when the dangerous man-made copies are eliminated, so are the natural, disease-causing messenger RNA, the proteins that caused harm in the cells are no longer produced and the disease is effectively cured.

In this way, if scientists can figure out which specific genes and messenger RNA code for detrimental traits, they will be able to create the ‘mirror-image’ copies of the RNA and the production of faulty proteins will be effectively stopped when the messenger RNA is destroyed by proteins called RISCs (RNA Initiated Silencing Complexes).

So far, macular degeneration has been somewhat successfully treated with this form of therapy, and new developments in RNAi earned Andrew Fire and Craig Mello the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine in 2006. If further developments are made, people may be able to look forward to successful treatments for a wide variety of diseases in the future.

the Talisman

Struggling teens find it hard to deal with everyday hardships Students have trouble balancing the problems and pressures of high school life and the expectations of strict parents

by Cammisha Manley staff writer There are 6,525,170,264 people estimated in the world. Three billion of those people are between the ages of ten and twenty four. That means that there are roughly three billion boys and girls in the world who are currently going through the wonderful teenage years, going through middle school, high school and college, or just trying to get a job. These years are hard and complicated, possibly the hardest years of life. Teens are affected by issues like pregnancy, drugs and alcohol, tobacco, depression, dropping out of school, gambling and even not having the best health care. Counselor Michael Voss said, “When you feel like life is hard, you tend not to try hard.”

According to mental health specialist Joy Lum, “A lot of these issues are caused by students just trying to find their individuality and depression can be caused by the amount of change going on in their lives.”

In the teenage years, children go through a lot of change and uncertainty. School nurse Debbie Johnson said, “Students are generally healthy, but a recent problem is that teenagers are not as active as they could be because of the new technology.”

Parents are a big issue for teenagers. Those people that kids used to want to be around all the time are now making them do their homework and grounding them when they get a D in class. An anonymous student told how parents sometimes factor into depression.

“They don’t believe us and don’t always pay attention to what we say.” It seems as though the school doesn’t pay the best attention to those students that have started smoking, the ones that stand under the trees, right next to the apartments, just off the Sheldon campus.

Teenagers are not the only ones being affected by these issues. Often when people are feeling down they tend to push people away. Relationships are hard; they can come with the loudest laughs and also the hardest cries. Peer pressure is a big part of teenage life because people just want to be liked while that may bring them into some dangerous issues. The good thing is there is help. Teens can go to the health center and pick up many different papers on help for teens, no matter what they are going through. Teens may just need to talk to someone.

Features

March 2, 2007

New stadium theaters in VRC coming soon Cinema brings a new movie theater to Valley River Center for the people of Eugene

by Woohyun Kweon contributing writer Eugene currently has three prominent movie theaters: the wellknown Cinemark, Regal Cinema World 8 at Valley River, and the Bijou Art Cinema downtown. Regal Entertainment Group has added a new addition, the Regal Cinemas at Valley River Center Stadium 15. With the theater’s grand opening on Friday, March 9, steadily approaching, one can spot at least one ad in the Register Guard per day. Construction is not yet fully complete as one may see while driving behind Valley River Center.

However, the new theater is easily seen while walking around the other stores at Valley River. Its Broadwaythemed sign, complete with the rotating and flashing lights, may draw in several customers immediately.

The latest Regal Cinema offers stadium seating, all digital surround sound, and screens up to 54 ft. wide.

For those students who ride the bus, the movie theater’s entrance is conveniently located in front of the bus station. Before the theater’s official grand opening on March 9, the Register Guard is inviting the community to join them for the one-dollar movie day on Monday, March 5, including one-dollar popcorn and soda. The one-dollar movie days continue for three days, from March 5 to 7. Junior Olivia Davis said, “I’ll probably go see what it’s like; the dollar movie days sound like a good deal.” On the

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other hand, another student isn’t so sure. “I don’t think it is necessary to have another theater because of the [Regal Cinema World 8] at Valley River,” sophomore Nick Hadley said.

The dollar-movie days’ proceeds benefit local schools through The Register Guard’s Newspapers in Education program. This program states that it is dedicated in supporting education and strengthening literacy by providing educators with classroom newspapers and other materials to assist in teaching reading and writing.

Schools such as Monroe Middle School and Sheldon also use The Register Guard in classrooms. While the movies showing on dollar movie days are not the latest movies released such as, The Guardian and The Pursuit of Happyness, use the dollar movie days as a way to walk around the new theater and help The Register Guard’s Newspaper in Education program.

Businesses expand in Sheldon area Stores and restaurants have widened variety

by Caroline Hanson opinions editor Eugene has changed immensely over the years. It seems there are new construction projects and plans around every corner. Eugene has changed from a small farming city to a perfect mixture of city life and nature.

There has been a lot of talk about Oakway Center lately. People seem to be drawn to the atmosphere and boutique-like stores that make up the outdoor mall just north of Ferry Street Bridge. People compare Oakway to Bridgeport Village which is located just ten miles south of downtown Portland. Junior Kaylee Wolf said, “All we need is a BCBG and a Urban Outfitters, and it would be perfect.” A new store at Oakway that is drawing a lot of attention is White House/Black Market. This store sells women’s formal clothing and accessories. One store that plans to enter Oakway is the Department of the Interior Decorator Fabrics. They offer a fine selection of fabrics and home décor. It should

be easy for these stores to prosper because the location is excellent. With the addition of the new and anticipated restaurant P.F. Chang’s, people will be even further drawn to the area.

The new stores at Oakway aren’t the only retail projects that will bring change to Eugene. A new shopping center is currently being assembled on Crescent Street behind ShopKo. This new shopping center will be called Crescent Village, Eugene’s first urban village. The site can accommodate a large grocery store, two free-standing restaurants and a

lot of other smaller stores. The idea of the Crescent Village is to get people to shop locally; it won’t be one big store that draws people to the area but rather small stores that locals can shop in. Across from this new development will be 5 acres of town houses and apartments. Junior Sarah Guilan exclaimed, “It is going to be a beautiful little village; I can’t wait!”

These new improvements will be under construction for a while, but don’t worry. After all the noises caused by cement trucks and nail guns dissipates, it will all be worth it.

Caroline Hanson photo

New shops are under construction in the new Crescent Village.

Employers avoid hiring teens because of lack of experience Some Sheldon students find difficult hard to find employment

by Jordan DeMoss staff writer Teens today have an increasing desire to work. With the cost of extra amenities, young adults need more than just the allowance that most parents give them. Jobs give them a sense of responsibility that they are not used to getting in everyday life. Some employers doubt that teens today have the proper skills and experience to carry out a job successfully; however, it is important for teens to learn the value of money early in life to be successful later on.

As we have seen in recent years, employers are looking for older, more experienced workers. As our generation matures, employers are more apt to give teens the experience they desire. An advantage to hiring younger employees is the fact that health care and benefits are not needed. Although teenagers don’t need the money to spend on food and shelter, they do like to use it on purchases that benefit them and what they want to do.

Sophomore Elliott Nix explained, “I’m

saving my money for a new iPod; I have two jobs to pay for my car, and extra necessities.”

It’s not always easy for teens to find a job; it can be very competitive. Employers are more willing to accept someone with less experience, leaving younger teenagers that might have the proper skills and qualifications behind.

Nix stated, “I think it is unfair that people who are in charge of hiring people aren’t willing to give younger people a chance. I think if they did they would be surprised.”

Teens tend to gravitate toward jobs that are close to their school or homes and to which they have easy access.

Oregon’s legal age to work is currently fourteen years old; however, many people think that is too young. The older generation thinks that it is not early enough. Almost everyone has heard the stories from their grandparents. “When I was your age I had to walk twenty miles uphill in the snow, and back again after school and my job.”

Freshman Bree Ann Stratton said, “I have

heard that story so many times. It gets so annoying.”

Whatever the opinions may be, the generation is changing. Kids today can be more responsible for themselves and their commitments.

Gracie Beaver

If you are reading this, the first thing you probably did was point at my last name and giggle. Please stop.

It’s not funny. I’ve heard it all. I’m not a Beaver fan. And in case you get the idea to snicker at my first name, “Gracie Lou Freebush” got old about five years ago. Aside from that, I’m generally a charming and cuddly individual. I like concerts, television, and instant ramen noodles. But not the kind in a styrofoam cup - those should only be eaten in an absolute emergency where no other source of noodle can be found. It’s stove top all the way for me.

Rebekah Blake

All you need to know about me is that I’m the coolest freshman you will ever meet.

However, since this has to be one hundred words, I will elaborate.

I’m one of the youngest freshmen at this school.

I was born in 1993, but I’m really old fashioned. I love dark depressing colors, and if it were possible I would see the world in shades of grey. I absolutely HATE when people judge others by the color of their skin, the color of their hair, or the kinds of clothes they wear. That’s the life of the coolest freshmen ever.

Jamie Burns

I love orbitzgames. com more than you could ever know. I know this may sound weird the first time you read it, but it has better games than every other website. I love sharing drinks with people.

Well, actually I love taking people’s drinks.

The only problem is I hate white hot chocolate, and the only drink that anyone ever has is white chocolate. Sometimes not only is there only white hot chocolate, but I am forced by my friends to say ‘straw,’ which I happen to say with an accent. I would say everyone is just jealous that they cannot talk cool, and overall are just not as cool as I.

Kate Carlson

I guess this is one of the few chances in which I can talk about myself in print… I’m a senior here at Sheldon, and have been on the Talisman staff for three years now. I’m the one who’s behind the (almost) monthly comics on the Backpage, and my interests include: sports, photography, art, video games and biology. I love almost all styles of music and in my free time I love to draw, write, and take pictures. I also enjoy debating, am an avid fan of Monty Python, and can’t live without coffee and friends.

Colton Carpenter

I am your typical teenager. I like to dance the jig with pigs, put goulash on a dish with fish, and drink ink with pink skinks. I apply the principals of Taoism to my life, therefore I am an optimist and a pacifist.

The only things that have given me reason to dislike them are Jennifer Aniston and rap. Giving women money to shave their hair is a hobby of mine, albeit a new one. I like to wear too many layers, listen to music from across the pond, and take advice from elderly women and kindred spirits.

Meet the Talisman Staff !

Michael Chase

I am a freshman, so basically I am nothing in this school. I play football and like to play basketball and golf in my free time. I also like to chill with my friends and have a good time. Movies and music are the shiznak. Anchorman, Coach Carter, Gridiron Gang, and the Rush Hour series are my favorite movies. T.I., Young Jeezy and Nickelback are my favorite music artists. Get my cell phone number from me sometime, because I love to text whenever I’m bored. Church is my passion, and bible study keeps me in line. Hit me up.

Jordan DeMoss

Some of my favorite things to do are: camping, watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family. My hero is my grandpa; he came from humble beginnings and built a company called the Emporium. He is a good example of what can happen when you follow your dreams. Music is my passion.

I like a little of everything, but my favorites are country and rock. Lime green is my favorite color. Summer is my favorite season. I love the weather and that we don’t have school.

This allows me to hang out with all of my friends and family.

Caroline Hanson

I am the happiest person in the world. I love Veronica Mars, Hello Kitty, Lost and Big Brother. I don’t regret anything I have done because everything has added to who I am today.

I wake up everyday in hopes that I will make someone smile.

I want to travel and learn a million languages so I can communicate with really cute foreign boys. I wish I was famous so I could hang out with Veronica Mars, Paris Hilton and Giselle Bundchen. I can’t wait for my magnificent life after high school, but now I try to spend every day surrounded by the people I love.

Deidre Jones

I am the mind, the matter, the only mind that matters, and the well-mannered mind behind Diary of a Rebel Mind. I’m loud, opinionated, pessimistic, and I’ll subject you to it every month. I’m like a bad hormonal period.

I stop by, kick you in the stomach, tell you how I’m better than you and just generally ruin your life. You cry and you whine and you moan and take a couple Excedrin (because not only do I give you brain cramps, I will make you mentally bloated and cause you to have a strange craving for chocolate and pop tarts). Then, by the time you’re done reading it, by the time your monthly visit is up, you feel so much better.

Give me anger. Flash.

See: apathy.

See also: vanity.

Counting one, counting two…

Caroline Hanson photo

Woohyun Kweon

Jaime Fazio photo

I’m a freshman. I like to text, and talk. Music is an important part of me, as are singing and dancing.

Graduating from a good college and becoming a journalist are what I’ve got planned for my future. Last semester, I experienced the best class I’ve taken, Spanish 1 with Mr. Engstrom. The fun and energy in that class were outrageous. My favorite movies are A Walk To Remember and Tokyo Drift. I have a mom, a dad and a sister. I love people, friends, animals, and life and I’m excited to experience more everyday!

Alicia Luck

Jaime Fazio photo

Emily Higgins

I live downtown with my best friend Alohilani, who oftentimes models Out of the ordinary? Yes. for the paper. We live in A little bit on edge? Maybe. a nightclub. Multicolored Graceful? When heck freezes lights. A blacklight. Glowover. Hi, I’m Melissa. We’ll in-the-dark art. That’s us. probably never really talk Momo power! I enjoy because I am one of the most graffiti-ing the walls with awkward figures on the planet. blacklight hairspray, “The Talking is not one of my strong X-Files,” watching movies points, but writing is. Kinda. in Hendricks Park, and Sorta. Well, it is in my mind. picking up strangers at Wal-Mart. In my un-free time, I attend Anyway, I’ve read the Talisman school, write essays, wait for my reply from Reed College, since I got my hands on a and call Morgan Stanley daily to yell at my financial advisor. copy of it. And so, I decided I should join in. How crazy could I love writing for the Talisman; this will be my third year things get? (Famous last words. Sorry, everybody, I jinxed it.) on the staff. I’m so excited for the partial-color senior issue!

Melissa Gibson

Brad Morse

Samira Lobby

Jaime Fazio

I’m just your average teenager that does well in school, talks to friends all the time and has time for family. Every day I get my homework done and also have fun on orbitzgames. com. This website is amazing.

It sounds really dorky at first; I know I thought this, but it is addicting.

I love Talisman class so much. The people in that class make me laugh so hard that I can’t stop. We have random conversations about how much everyone hates white hot chocolate, and how I think it’s yummy and whenever Jamie Burns says “straw,” everyone laughs at her. I don’t know what I would do without them. They complete me.

Of course, a mobile is a useless piece of technology.

If someone actually needs to contact you, they should know your home phone number. It is a lot more reliable than most people think. But then with a landline, it is vital that you have caller identification.

Anyone who loves to have a mobile with them has not lived with the idea of being unreachable. It is complete bliss because you know if a person called, you call them I am currently learning back later and you know they will answer their cell. Just how to fly, since I want imagine a world without text messages. You can’t, can you? to be a pilot later in life. I spend most of my time either playing My favorite indulgence video games or hanging is chocolate. Chocolate out with friends. I am is lovely, from Hershey’s very opinionated, and Kisses to Snow Patrol’s I love to argue about song, “Chocolate.” I’m my views. Every once a procrastinator, but in a while I think about then again, who isn’t? joining the debate club, I like Random Acts of but I always come to the conclusion that it’s not for me Kindness Week, although because of one thing: I don’t care about what I’m arguing I don’t really do much to about; I just like to make people angry. What can I say? celebrate. For those of you You and your opinions don’t matter to me and never will. who watch Harry Potter, I secretly fear the dementors, although, I guess it’s not much of a secret now. If I don’t blow-dry my hair in the morning, I resemble a Chia Pet; my hair fluffs up like cotton candy.

Aside from those things, I’m a perfectly normal being.

Sarah Derhak

I am the second-happiest person in the world. I love Grey’s Anatomy, small dogs, and Europe. I’m 17 and am a junior who can’t wait to go to college. I love to be outdoors, especially when it is sunny. I love camping and hiking. My favorite thing in the world is to travel; it gives me a whole new outlook on life and it’s so much fun to experience all the different ways people live. I don’t know how I’d live without my family and my amazing friends. I spend most of my time with my friends, just hanging out. I think it’s important to have people who will always be there for you, and they know you’ll always be there for them. I’d go crazy without them.

Satchel Kornfeld

Caroline Hanson photo

Amanda Kahl

I was born on February 6, 1992, and I’m a freshman this year. The classes I’m taking are: IHS, math, science, writing, Talisman, French, and beginning T.V. My hobbies include videogames, reading, writing, singing, dancing and role playing. My favorite weather is the rain. The snow is great as well, because it comes in the winter, which is my favorite season. I am very into music and poetry; I like to write both and it’s easy to find me listening to music. My favorite bands are: Bowling for Soup, Simple Plan, Green Day, and also Taking Back Sunday.

Lizzy Morris

My stick bug’s name is Howard. He lives in a rectangular glass case with a sunset scenery and an assortment of sticks to mingle with. As soon as I graduate I’m off to Europe. I enjoy sudoku and bicycle rides. My freckles appear in the summer time, and my snowboard accompanies me in the winter. The sound of Velcro makes me cringe and the sound of music keeps me sane. My big brother is a hippy and also my hero. I always thought that my favorite kind of Skittle was orange, but once I played that game where you close your eyes and guess what color of skittle you’re eating and I couldn’t tell the difference.

If I were to tell a few things about myself, it would probably take more then a hundred words.

I’m a freshman here at Sheldon. This is my first semester on the Talisman staff and hopefully won’t be my last. I play on the girls lacrosse team and I have a position that most people should know, goalie. Music, writing, and reading are my life. I love rock music; it helps me relax after a long day of school and lacrosse. Bring music into your life - it will change it for the better. I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

Cammisha Manley

When you see me I’ll probably be laughing because that’s what I do. If you ask what my name is I’ll say it’s Cammisha and I like my name. It is unique and makes me happy. What also makes me happy is writing; believe it or not, I love it. I love to dance.

I dance at On Your Toes School of Dance. I enjoy being with my friends, but I’m not with them a lot. If you want to get to know me, just ask me what my name is and I’ll tell you its Cammisha or just keep reading the Talisman and my articles.

Jennifer Stephens

I’m going to shave my head for $200. With this written declaration, my benefactor Cole cannot back out. My vanity has its price. What kind of girl shaves her head for $200? Ponder this, and you’ve no doubt peered into my soul.

So if in a month, if you catch a glance of a head lacking its topping, you’ve found me. Now let’s say in the coming month, after keeping a keen eye out for me, you find no hairless head. Under such a circumstance it’s safe to assume that my vanity’s value has been reassessed, and your glance into my soul skewed.

Alisa Taylor

Marilyn Monroe, Betty Page, and Audrey Hepburn are my life. I am a 1920’s girl born in the 1990’s. While lime green is my favorite color, I love black and white.

My music selection is very broad. My favorite music is electronica techno and early hip hop. I like to work on my computer. I am a very artistic person; I won the MLK art competition two years in a row. My life goals are to graduate from NY University and start my own graphic design business. Without my friends and family, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.

Kim Wilson

Maybe August 12, 1991, wasn’t the most important date ever, but it was to me, it was the day I was born. Along with three older brothers and my older sister Jen, who is currently a senior, I am the youngest in my family. I am a sophomore and am on the girls tennis team.

There are lots of things that I love to do, some more than others but who’s to say. I love hanging out with friends, listening to music (Jack’s Mannequin, Billy Talent), watching Lost, playing with Nerf guns, beating games that I’ve already won, and practicing my tennis skills.

6 March 2, 2007

Opinions

the Talisman

Music has the ability to shape lives Music combines with technology to further the effect it has on the lives and stereotypes of teenagers

by Jennifer Stephens staff writer It is a fact that music is a large part of adolescent life.

Music plays a role in the creation of social groups; it is a substantial peek into what a person’s personality may be like. The average teen listens to music for three to four hours a day, so its ability to shape and define a person should come as no surprise. Freshman Brittany Blankship said, “I listen to music pretty much 24/7, even when I’m in class.” She is a prime example of how important music can be to teens.

By merely looking at someone, we assume just who they are. The way one dresses is the initial visual impres-

sion we get of them. You see someone clad in black, with studs and dark makeup, we certainly don’t imagine that this person could be listening to a genre such as pop or techno. It is natural to make such assumptions. Sophomore Joon Huh said, “People who listen to rap will more likely dress ghetto and shave their heads. People who listen to punk will grow their hair out and wear tighter clothes. In my case, I try to dress like the people from the bands I like.” Music can without a doubt play a factor in the physical appearance of teens, granted there’s never a guarantee of accuracy when it comes to such stereotypes.

With the use of technology surrounding music growing, the options in music have grown as well. There still is mainstream music, pouring out of radios and on MTV, but smaller bands still have their chance with the teen addiction MySpace. Technology has enabled music to be created without the use of traditional instruments, thus further broadening our range of musical expression.

MP3 players and iPods have provided yet another option for listening to music. With its continuing growth and secured importance, music will continue to shape future generations and innovate society.

Caroline Hanson Photo

iPods and MP3 players are convenient portable ways to listen to your favorite music.

Unity will lead United States to peace The problems in America can be solved if people stop waiting around, unite towards common goal, and stand up for the importance of the values they believe in

by Colton Carpenter staff writer For about five years America has been involved in a “War on Terror,” which Americans are told is an attack on terrorism that is plaguing the world. At first this war was virtually universally accepted, as American citizens were outraged late in 2001, following a terrorist attack that was exacted on the World Trade Center.

According to the Rasmussen report, a comprehensive public opinion report taken only six years after 9/11, 55% of Americans would like to see the troops withdrawn from the Middle East within the year. Sure, our citizens are starting to realize that changes indeed need to be made; but there is yet another obstacle: our rapport with other nations.

According to the Pew Research Center, America has been found less-trustworthy than when they first began the “War on Terror.” Many countries believe that the war isn’t

sincere and that other motives are afoot, like a need for oil and world dominance.

Sophomore Zach Smith said, “We try to make it look like we have a strong relationship [with other nations].”A great deal of Americans live with the mindset that America can stand on its own and the opinions of other countries mean nothing. This is wrong; America needs allies; it needs other countries to look up to it. A unified world is much more stable than a divided one; a country that stands alone has very little chance to continue to stand at all.

In no way am I against America. It’s impossible not to feel allegiance for the country you were born in. I am looking out for my country, going against the grain and offering change. We need to stop waiting on the sidelines, passing time until a new administration or new law comes.

So how could we make these changes? For starters, everyone should sit down and think of what they want this country to represent. Do you want a land of freedom and tolerance, or a land of dictators and prejudice? As long as you make a decision and stand up for what you believe in, I find no reason to say that you are incorrect. According to sophomore Rachel Edson, America needs to “change our values, for the younger generations.” Freshman Nathan Hanson said we should “stop the war in Iraq, and get a smarter president.” We need to do what we can to help our fellow man, and therefore, slowly but surely, things will change. Everyone knows about global warming, Guantanamo Bay, and other disasters plaguing America. Do what you can to preserve our country’s prestige, and that in turn will eventually lead to peace.

Technology has influenced this generation Hi-tech advances are resourceful and dependable but there are concerns regarding where the inventors should draw the line

by Lizzy Morris features editor

Technology is as necessary as breathing. It’s just as important as companionship, as influential as peers, and as vital as H2O. We couldn’t bear to live life without the comfort of our electric toothbrushes and the convenience of our cell phones. Ever since we were little

we have been taught that the more technology we have, the happier we will all be, but have things gone too far?

Has technology reached the point of no return? A limited amount would be helpful and logical, such as advancements in medicine, but along with expansion of technology comes the growth of problems for this world.

Our generation has obviously been blessed by the grace of technology, and we’re more than willing to embrace it, but does it, in the end, do more harm than good? The constant use of technology in this country affects every part of our daily lives; we’re surrounded by it every moment and it’s become a huge part of our lifestyles. Instead of reading a book or riding a bike, many teenagers have become more accustomed to watching TV or surfing the web. “Technology distracts teens from school or work.

They would rather play video games,” said freshman Justin Miljan. “It would be hard, but I would kind of rather live in a society without so much technology. Life would be different, but I think people would be outside and be

more productive.”

Throughout the years technology has influenced people in this country to become much more materialistic, and has caused them to lose sight of what is truly important.

People have used microwaves to make them fat and televisions to make them ignorant. At the same time they have replaced the money in their pockets with the latest and greatest technology available while so many other parts of the world have nothing except for the clothes on their backs and a meal a day. The United States’ constant use of technology has caused us all to be the victims of a materialistic life. We have lost the value of our daily lives and morals, and have forgotten how to live each day to its fullest. “But now we can play Halo with kids in Africa,” commented junior Sarah Gulian. Yes, there are some upsides.

In the end, take into thought how different life would be if people broke away from these habits and found that happiness does exist beyond the computer and the televi-

Schools now compared to schools thirty years ago School environments and education have changed vastly over the years

by Sarah Derhak staff writer

Schools thirty years ago were much different than those today. The average class size at Sheldon is currently about thirty six. Thirty years ago, the average

class had about twenty-four, which was a much lower student-to-teacher ratio. In the past thirty years schools have changed quite a bit. The average level of reading and writing that high school students are now expected to complete has been lowered. At the same time, there have been increased amounts of violence, and students have become very dependent on technology,especially computers.

According to history teacher Stan Washburn computers are useful and are great to have around, but “we made the mistake of thinking computers could solve all the problems in education.”

Violence has also become a bigger issue in the last thirty years. Although they had violence thirty years ago

it wasn’t as big of an issue in schools as it is today. The availability of guns has played a major role in increasing violence in schools in that it’s made mass attacks on schools easier to do than when there were just knives.

Whether schools are better now of were better thirty years ago is debatable. Washburn thinks we have a little of both. He says schools today are “more relaxed, happier, and tend to have more of the students’ interests at mind, but we still have too many kids dropping out who need help.” He also stated, “Schools were more demanding in reading and writing thirty years ago and that’s something we should strive to get back. It would also be nicer to see classes of twenty-four again, but that’s not likely to happen any time in the near future.”

Sports

the Talisman

Irish girls form their own “gridiron gang” The girls look to dominate in the new Powderpuff football league

by Lizzy Morris features editior Powder puff football has arrived at Sheldon, and the Irish girls finally have a chance to have a little taste of what the Sheldon football boys experience and get to run each other over in the process. Powder puff football has the rules of flag football, but is completely made up of female players. In Sheldon’s case, most players lack previous football experience. Sheldon officially has one team of seniors and one team of juniors, who have recently been put together and are made of Sheldon girls who want to learn the game. Both teams are coached by experienced male Sheldon football players to produce the best quality powder puff teams in Eugene. These teams are just getting started considering this is the first time that Sheldon has had a powder puff team in years, and the coaches are doing their best to turn these high school girls into fierce beasts out on the field.

Junior Samantha Smith helped put together the Sheldon powder puff team for the class of 2008.

“I love to play and watch football, and I thought it would be really fun to put together a powder puff team,” Smith explained. “I wanted our junior class to become better friends, and also kick some butt!”

Both Sheldon powder puff teams practice once a week on home turf, and because most of the girls have not played football before, they’re starting with the basics and working their way toward playing other teams like Churchill and Springfield. “We have a great time at practice; it’s so much fun with all the girls and coaches. We goof around a lot, but we’re getting pretty good!” Smith said.

The teams hope for a fun season with good competition that will end at the end of the school year, but will continue for the junior girls as they become top dogs when they turn into seniors. Powder puff football is a good, athletic, yet not deadly-serious sport offered for the upperclassmen girls at Sheldon, which will hopefully be carried on in future years, and not die out like it has before.

Smith said, “My goal is to have our team to be bonded and have lots of fun, after all that’s what life is about!”

March 2, 2007

7

Pflugrad, Moos commit Two outstanding athletes get ready to show off their football skills on Saturdays

by Michael Chase sports editor

High school football is arguably the most magical time in a football player’s career. That is, until a player comes across the opportunity of a lifetime when he gets the chance to play for a college football squad. This dream came true for two Sheldon seniors: Aaron Pflugrad and Bo Moos.

February 7, 2007, will be a day these guys will remember for their whole lives. This was National Signing Day, where high school football prospects from around the nation sign their letters of intent to play for colleges which offer them athletic scholarships. At 8:13 A.M. on that morning, in the lower auditorium, in front of a crowd of their families and friends, Aaron Pflugrad and Bo Moos signed their letters of intent to the University of Oregon and Arizona State University, respectively.

Pflugrad, who caught 59 passes for 869 yards and nine touchdowns and earned first-team all-state honors, will be playing for his father, Robin Pflugrad, who is the wide receivers coach at the University of Oregon. His father’s new job was the reason Pflugrad and his family moved to Eugene last year.

When asked the biggest reason for choosing the U of O, Pflugrad said, “On my recruiting trip, I felt really comfortable and welcomed by the players and the people I met, and of course, because my dad works there as the receivers coach, so I knew most of the personnel already.” Pflugrad also mentioned that another reason he picked Oregon was because of wanting to fulfill his dream of playing in the PAC-10.

“Even if every school in the country had given me an offer, I still would’ve chosen Oregon,” Pflugrad said.

Moos, who played on the varsity team all of his four high school years, was named the co-defensive player of the year in the Southwest conference this past season.

“For the most part, my biggest reason [to sign with ASU] was because of Coach [Dennis] Erickson, as I had known him in the past. When I was in middle school I went to one of his camps and I totally tore it up and he promised me he would keep in touch. Then he talked to me last year, and he just got the job at ASU so that

was basically it for me. And the stadium holds about 75,000, so I can’t wait to feel the electricity in that place.”

One disputed question between the two athletes: In three years, ASU vs. Oregon, who is going to win? Pflugrad said, “Oh definitely Oregon, [ASU] is gonna’ come here and not like it one bit.” Moos had quite a different answer, “The Ducks will be one of those games where we won’t need to practice too hard, and it will be hard to wake up for. The Ducks will be at the bottom of the barrel by then, and we won’t need to worry about them as much as, as…, you know, some other team.” Football fans will just have to wait and see.

Michael Chase photo

After finally signing their letters of intent, seniors Bo Moos (above) and Aaron Pflugrad (below) seemed to be very satisfied with their decisions to pursue their football careers in the PAC-10 conference.

Michael Chase photo

Chess team is a hidden gem around campus Players use mental strategies and pure skill to compete against teams from all around the city

by Satchel Kornfeld staff writer It is a tough match. You have only his pawn while your opponent has both your knights. To make it even worse, it is only ten moves into the game. Nevertheless, you are confident you can still pull out of this game a winner.

This commonplace event used to happen every

Wednesday at Lane Community College until the season ended. During the chess season the Sheldon chess team has two parts. The first five tables are varsity with the rank of one though five. After varsity team, there are the junior varsity tables with the same rank of one though five.

Unfortunately it isn’t all fun and games for the chess team.

Chess team advisor Darin Henry said, “It is harder for the Sheldon chess team to be competitive because most schools have daily practice during school, while Sheldon’s’ team is only able to meet at Brewed Awakening [once a week].”

Practice after school on Tuesdays isn’t the only thing that helps the chess team. The chess team also receives outside help from Phil Carson, a chaperone and coach to the chess team who donates his time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Sadly, due to the lack of school spirit surrounding chess, most students at Sheldon do not even know which students are members of the chess team. One unidentified student said, “I couldn’t care less about who is on the chess team and I don’t think it affects our standing with the OSAA.” Although chess does not affect OSAA standing, it is competitive.

According to sophomore Ben Dixson, “Our biggest rival at the LCC chess meets is Willamette High School. We have been able to be victorious for some of our matches when facing Willamette, but overall Willamette High School has come out ahead.”

Sadly, for the past two years Sheldon has come in seventh place at the Lane Community College meets, but according to Darin Henry, “Even that will not stop us.”

Irish dance team lets the trophies do the talking The Sheldon “Colleens” are always successful in busting a move and getting good responses from the fans as they prepare for the state competition on March 13

Clinic for children four to ten years old, as well as middle schoolers. Participants get to perform with the

by Samira Lobby staff writer The Sheldon dance team has competed in various competitions and has been good entertainment for audiences at varsity football and basketball games at Sheldon. Freshman dancer Taylor Osterhout said, “We dance, we entertain, and we work hard for something we love.” The team consists of thirty girls and three coaches.

Head coach Hillary McClintick has been dancing for eleven years, and used to cheer for the University of Oregon. Assistant coaches Jacquie Dodd and Nicole Frey are both students at the University of Oregon.

The dance team makes its money through fundraisers that benefit the community. They host a Sheldon Dance

Greg Cantwell photo

Dancer Kim Spellman entertains the crowd at halftime during a recent girl’s basketball game.

dance team at halftime shows for Sheldon varsity games.

Osterhout also said, “Half time shows with the team are a good experience for us, especially when the student body makes fun of us; it makes us stronger. But we have to make it clean cut, so I wouldn’t call it practice.”

This year, the Sheldon Dance team has competed in many competitions and won first place in the hip-hop category in one of the competitions. The dance team leaves for the state competition on March 13. Let’s wish them luck!

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Diary of a Rebel Mind yada yada yadabladiblah. I’ve heard it all before. I’ve said it all before. The best piece of advice I can give you (that, knowing myself, I probably will not follow) is to just finish everything on time, if not early. It makes your academic life SO much easier, and procrastination really does ruin you. I’m a senior, taking classes I don’t need, nearly passing out in the classes I don’t need, ‘cause I keep staying up late at night to complete projects for the classes I don’t need. Thusly, procrastination ruins your life and senioritis occurs. I never understood that whole concept before, but now it’s hitting me in the face. Quite literally.

I fell asleep on my desk this morning, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up with a bruise. Note to self: do not rely on your hand to hold your head up forever.

As you might (or might not) have known, I totally went to the Switchfoot concert. Before you ask, yes, I’m plugging for my own article. You should go read it. Pretty, pretty please? I promise, it’s another work of literary genius.

Okay, maybe not, but it can’t hurt to promote, right?

Speaking of “literary genius” (that of which I’m not, but I like to dress up and pretend when no one’s home), I’ve recently been working on a little project that my

boyfriend brought to my attention not too long ago. As I’m sure you know (if you know me at all, that is), I’m not only a sarcastic wench, I’m also a poet. Yes, kiddies, I write for fun. Wrap your head around that one. Don’t hurt yourself, though. Wouldn’t want you suffering from a brain aneurism because you can’t comprehend something so simple as that. Anyway, I’ve been searching through all my latest and longest and ‘til-recently-lost poems and I’m compiling them all and rewriting them chronologically into a leather-bound journal. ‘Tis a difficult task, but I’ll make it through, you’ll see. After rewriting all my old poetry, I’ll continue it and just add new stuff to it as I write them. If you’re interested in really getting inside my brain, it isn’t hard to find me (I’m almost always in either the drama hall or in the community center), and I’ve almost always got the journal with me. Come visit sometime. I know you won’t.

I leave you, Sheldon, with a small bit of intellectual stimuli (as provided by Interpol, who are lush). I want you to think about it every time you walk into the courtyard, into the office, or into a classroom. “As the cadaverous mob saves its doors for the dead men, you cannot leave.”

Friday night is always the night to get out and party, celebrate, freak out, whatever. Even better, Friday nights are perfect for concerts. And on February 16, Friday night was all about bright lights, guitar riffs, and the magical yell of Switchfoot lead singer Jon Foreman.

Copeland (the opener to Switchfoot) played a pretty solid set. I’d never heard of them before (and since I actually arrived about ten minutes late, I missed their first two songs), so I was intrigued, albeit a bit biased, because I anxiously awaited Switchfoot’s arrival just like every other person in the theatre. Everyone knows that the opening band is effectively the main act’s competition, so

it was no surprise when singer Aaron Marsh made slight little sarcastic jokes about Switchfoot. “Hey, you guys are here for Switchfoot, yeah? Did you bring your switchfeet? Maybe some switch-socks and switch-shoes? Did you bring any… switch-gloves? Why would you need switch-gloves?” It was all in good fun, and it was obvious they really enjoyed being there.

After Copeland finished their set and the roadies set up Switchfoot’s equipment, the lights dimmed and McDonald Theatre exploded with screams and applause. This was the big moment. Here they came.

In the blackness, the opening chords of “Stars” (from their 2005 album Nothing is Sound) erupted from the stage, which was quickly drowned out by more screaming and applause. The lights flashed at the song’s opening crescendo and blinded us all for a brief moment before settling back on the band, illuminating them in iridescent red and blue lights. Talk about an entrance.

Throughout the night, Switchfoot played songs from almost every album. They played a few well-known hits

from The Beautiful Letdown such as “Meant to Live” and “Gone.” They also performed several awe-inspiring songs from Nothing is Sound like “The Shadow Proves the Sunshine” and “The Fatal Wound” (during which, I got to touch Jon’s arm. Oh yeah, I rock). But mostly, seeing as it’s their most recent album, they played through a good portion of Oh! Gravity. (“Faust, Midas, and Myself,” “4:12,” “Awakening,” and of course their title song, “Oh! Gravity.”) There were two songs I didn’t recognize that I suspect may have been from either A New Way to Be Human or Learning to Breathe, but as per usual, they sounded amazing.

The overall concert experience was absolutely intoxicating. My head swam and my feet ached and I was tired of standing amongst the thirty other sweaty people standing beneath the speakers, but every minute of it was worth it to be able to stand there and sing my lungs out with everyone else in the room. If you ever get the opportunity to go see one of your favorite bands in concert, do it. Don’t even think about it. Just do it. Trust me.

Textual disruption

Open your ears!

The winners are...

by Rebekah Blake staff writer

by Jaime Fazio news editor

Text messaging in class: it is an ever-increasing trend which is gaining popularity throughout the school. It’s in every class. There are few ways to stop students from text messaging in class; it’s their only connection with the outside world during an eighty-three minute period that most of the time students find unenjoyable. Any class can get boring, and most of the time, that boredom results in students text messaging their friends.

Junior Aaron Blake said, “I personally don’t text that much in class but I see other students text messaging all the time. ” Freshman Brittany Blankenship said, “I text everyday because class is boring and talking to friends is fun. The only bad thing is you can’t show emotions when you text.”

“I don’t think anyone’s social status can be changed just by being able to text,” Blake stated. On the other hand Blankenship said, “Of course it will raise your social status, you get invited to everything if you can text. No one wants to call you just to invite you to a party that night.”

“If I were a teacher, I would allow students to text when the time is appropriate. If I were teaching then they couldn’t, but when they’re working silently or in groups then I would let them,” Blake explained. “If they don’t get their homework done then that’s their fault.”

Text messaging is an ever-rising trend gaining popularity not only at Sheldon, but in every school around the nation. Text messaging will always be a problem in classrooms, at least until they come up with some other way of communication.

iPod’s in school: do they really help with study habits, or are they just another unneeded distraction to students?

Some people say that if they listen to music while studying, the noise helps them concentrate. Others say that with noise around them it makes them tense and in need of silence.

Freshman Devon Coleman said, “Being able to listen to my iPod relaxes me. I would and wouldn’t consider iPods a distraction in class. It depends on if they are listening to it while the teacher is speaking, then that would be disrespectful, but if they are taking a test and the teacher allows them to listen to their iPod then it is okay.”

Teachers often don’t like students to have headphones on during instructions, and also, some teachers may think that iPods are a distraction in class and students are unable to concentrate due to them. To many students, the music that they are listening to on their iPod can be a way to shut out the world, or not listen to what people are saying.

Freshman Chiara Macchi explained, “I don’t think iPods are a very good idea during school because I get distracted easily when I listen to my iPod. Also, if I abuse the privilege to have an iPod in class, I’d get into loads of trouble. I think it is important for teens to have iPod’s because it helps form their personalities.”

Coleman declared, “Why do some teachers think that we are going to cheat by putting the answers into our iPods?

I personally think it is stupid. If kids have enough time and are smart enough to put the answers into their iPods, then they should have enough time to study and be smart enough to pass the test!”

It is award season in Hollywood, and everyone knows what that means: starlet drama and a pat on the back for those actors and actresses who made 2006 memorable.

There has been a great turn out of stars this year on the red carpet, and the same was true for the Oscar’s 79th annual awards in which people were rewarded for their astounding performances, and film work. Although there are always nominees favored to win these categories, the underdog can always come out on top.

According to freshman Erika Quiroz, “The Oscars are most enjoyable for the red carpet and the shock on the faces of the unsuspected winners.” Although many will agree that the Oscars are enjoyable, McKenzie Fowler, a freshman at Thurston High School, explains that there are a few things that she would change about the awards. “The producers don’t make it enjoyable to watch the whole way through; it would be nice if they could entertain us viewers.”

In previous years, the show has been live; however, because of censorship, we usually see the show minutes after the live presentation has happened. On many occasions, there have been moments of indecency while on the red carpet and in the ceremony. For these very reasons, the networks are taking action to protect their varied age audiences.

The best actor award went to Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland. Best actress went to Helen Mirren for The Queen. The best picture went to The Departed, from producer Graham King. Best documentary of 2006 went to Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth. Many anxiously waited for the night to see if their hard work would be recognized. Let’s hope that next year’s ceremony will be as thrilling as this year’s was.

Notorius “mastermind” sends some lyrical love, explains the problems of procrastination, and promotes... herself

by Deidre Jones assistant editor

I don’t know if anyone’s ever realized it, but there’s a lot of truth about life in general in Mindless Self Indulgence’s song “Mark David Chapman.” For example, to show all of you blithering morons I call “peers” just how I feel about you: “Indistinguishable from one another, no possible intention to even bother. It doesn’t matter what is said or how we say it. Coincidentally, we all sound exactly the same.” With love, me.

So, nothing’s really going on right now, is it? Valentine’s Day already passed (it’s so passé anyway), and St. Patrick’s Day is still a couple weeks away. What to do with all that time you have, huh? How about doing your schoolwork? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, classes just started, we’re all still trying to get used to our schedules,

Everything is sound for fans of Switchfoot

It certainly was not The Beautiful Letdown for fans at the Oh! Gravity. show

by Deidre Jones assistant editor

Students discuss the pros and cons of the inability to text in class

Are iPods a necessity or are they just The results are in for this year’s Oscar’s another distraction?

by Alisa Taylor staff writer