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Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 44 Issue 3 Dec. 11, 2008
Electronics pave the way to new learning
Updated technology at Sheldon brings a new dynamic of teaching and learning to classrooms by Brittney Schooley news editor
Worldwide, technology has been changing in various ways throughout the years. Between new cell phones, laptops, portable music devices, and palm-pilots, some lifestyles have changed and habits have been altered. Businesses have been growing due to the rising distribution in their products and their profit which is being influenced by technology. Schools have also been accumulating technology that is being used to help benefit students. The students and faculty at Sheldon High School have experienced their fair share of negative and positive uses of technology. For example, there are cases from teachers of cell phone misuse almost every week. Junior Michael Dunphy said, “Cell phones get teens distracted from class easily, but technologies like cell phones and computers have a positive impact on student’s learning because it allows us to be more comfortable in the classroom.” Unlike Dunphy, Junior Branden Beeman thinks, “if someone has a cell phone they won’t pay attention to the class making it a bad impact on learning.” Math teacher Lane Johnson’s opinion on the most distracting technology being used is, “Listening to iPods in the halls. You say
hello to somebody and they don’t even notice you.” Sheldon has been advancing in the technological world by having more new computers placed in the library for student use and by putting “Smart Boards” in some classrooms. Dunphy’s reason for the “Smart Board” being the most useful and helpful device used in classrooms was it’s, “Fun and easy to use.” Beeman said “‘Smart Boards’ are a good investment because, “It looks better than an overheard and it’s like using a computer, but everyone can see it.” Beeman also said that it’s important to look for opportunities to get new devices in the classroom because, “Newer technology equals easy teaching, easy teaching equals easy classes, and an easy class equals an easy grade.”
Jeff Toreson photo
New computers in the library for student use.
The question that some have on their minds is, should Sheldon focus on technology when it comes to money-making decisions? Beeman’s response to that question was, “No, they should focus more on sports. Not just one sport, but all to make it even.” The Sheldon faculty’s view on technology being used may be very different than that of students. Johnson said that when it comes to money-making decisions, technology should be, A priority. Not the top priority, but a priority.” The major reason for enhancing technology being brought into Sheldon to Johnson is, “It keeps you up with what’s going on. The world is technology ran and it’s good for kids to be exposed to different types of technology.”
Jeff Toreson photo
Mrs. Childs uses her new smart board in class.
Class of 2012 faces toughest grad requirements ever Sheldon’s freshman class will face the hardest road to graduate in school history by Samira Lobby staff writer Every year, new classes of students come together and enter Sheldon High School and every few years the graduation requirements change. Two years ago, Sheldon started a new program called advisory. Advisory is a class that students attend twice a month, at the most, and work to meet graduation requirements for high school and record how far students have come to reach those requirements. As classes graduate, stricter guidelines for incoming classes are being enforced. The class of 2012, the most recent class to enter Sheldon halls, has even more essential skills needed in
order to graduate. This means there will be more credits required and obstacles to achieve and most of all, more testing. Every student will take certain tests until they are able to pass them. The tests will be writing, speaking, mathematical problem-solving, and scientific inquiry. It seems impossible for all these subjects to be covered through online tests. So, how will they be covered? Some will be from work samples such as doing speeches to improve speaking. Many tests are going to require time outside of school because they are too long: research papers, statistical experiments, and even speaking presentations. The problem is that the scorers won’t know if it’s all the student’s work or not. In certain cases there will be additional time given to work on projects and tests in order for the students to thoroughly complete them. The problem with subjects being tested is that students will have to dedicate more free time to school than other activities. Take high school sports for example; they are competitive activities that require time. Students also have jobs and sometimes community service which doesn’t
leave much time for studying. Junior Jaime Fazio said, “This will not improve students’ effort in their work because it would just make them have to work harder and most students don’t want to give up their free time that they have little of and dedicate it to studying for something that doesn’t even improve their grades.” Freshman Kristina Tamburrini, who thinks differently, said, “Yeah, it will improve because it requires us to take more classes, and whether we want to realize it or not, we are learning something out of it.” Therefore, it depends on the type of student a person is as to how well he or she is going to do. Students in the IHS and Honors programs will also have to take the same test. Being more advanced in the areas that students are going to study in, is it fair that everyone takes the same test? “Yes, because it’s their choice to take regular high school. Maybe this will increase the amount of students doing IHS or Honors,” said Jessica Patterson who is a junior in the IHS program. The tests are made to show how much a student has learned and how well he or she expresses it. Good luck, freshmen!
Leadership students spread holiday cheer with fundraiser Snowflakes of Joy fundraiser brings joy to the less fortunate despite the absence of winter snowflakes
students helping out kids who are in need. Leadership student Eric Larson said, “It’s a great opportunity to give
by Michael Zimmerman staff writer
This fall, as you may know, is filled with different holidays, many of which are built around the cherished idea of giving. However, some families who are less fortunate don’t have the money to buy and give presents. To help them, Sheldon’s leadership students will be continuing the Snowflakes of Joy fundraiser. This fundraiser, which has been going on for ten years, is about leadership
Jeff Toreson photo
Leadership students keep the holiday spirit alive by raising money for Snowflakes of Joy.
gifts to kids who usually wouldn’t receive presents.” Every year the ASB officer, the person in charge of Leadership ideas, goes to all the schools that feed into Sheldon and is given a pile of wish lists by the principals of all the less fortunate kids and what they would like for Christmas. Leadership student Rex Puttenum said, “It’s a great feeling to know that you helped out someone who doesn’t have much.” After that, all the Leadership students are given a wish list and then they have to go around with a jar and collect money from anyone willing to donate. With that money the students buy the gifts that are on their kids’ wish lists. In total, Sheldon leadership students send out about fifteen gifts for every school. Also, the students have adopted a family this year, which means that some of the Snowflakes of Joy money will buy a family food, clothes, and other necessities. Co-advisor for Leadership, Elyse Myers said, “It is so wonderful to see the students giving back to the community and spreading the Christmas spirit.”
2 December 11, 2008
News
the Talisman
Booster Club supports Sheldon Boosters raise money for our athletics, clubs, activities and our students by Kyle Crammer staff writer “The ASB has joined the Booster Club and is essential to help the student body evolve,” Athletic Director and ASB Coordinator Matt Binkerd said. “As athletics and activities have become more expensive to fund, and Sheldon High School has been proactive by the merger of the ASB and the Booster Club, to help offset the rising costs,” Binkerd added. The Sheldon Booster Club is a volunteer organization to raise money for various clubs and athletic teams at Sheldon High School. Assistant Principal Mike Johnson further stated, “It’s not just for athletics, it’s for band, choir, activities, and all the students of Sheldon.” Daniel Clark, the newest seat on the Booster Board, added, “I think the Boosters and ASB are together at Sheldon because they both have the same mission and that is to help Sheldon students.” The success of the Booster Club is influenced greatly by the participation of parents, coaches, teachers, students, and community
members. Individuals who volunteer for the Boosters can assign their hours to a variety of clubs or sports of their choice. The sport or club that a volunteer chooses will receive compensation for the time the individual works. Afterwards, the volunteer transfers what money he or she made into the Sheldon High School club account on a fair equitable basis.
Members of the Booster Club can be found at sporting events doing many different duties such as selling tickets, running the snack bar, selling apparel, and planning the halftime events. The Booster Club has a president and other members who have meetings to plan events and keep the organization running smoothly.
Brittney Schooley photo
Merchandise in the attendance office is sold by Boosters as a way to raise money for Sheldon activities.
Religious opportunities at Sheldon High Students from all around the Sheldon campus can join in the comfortable and loving environment by Michael Chase coeditor-in-chief Every American has rights put forth by America’s Founding Fathers in the U.S. Constitution. One of these rights gives every American the freedom to practice
whatever religion he or she chooses, wherever and whenever he or she wants. Here at Sheldon, there is an opportunity available for students to be immersed with other people who share their common religious beliefs. This event happens every Thursday during lunch at the Sheldon Community Center. It is a bible study put on by Rudy Herr, Sheldon freshman football coach and the high school pastor at the First Baptist Church of Eugene. He provides the chance for students to be able to come together and dive into the Bible, and he even brings Little Caesar’s pizza to share with all who come. “I started the bible study about seven years ago with a couple Sheldon guys. I thought it would be good for students to talk about life and the Word during lunch. We have established a community around SHS for kids to talk about faith in a safe environment,” Herr said.
Feedback from students about the bible study has been overwhelmingly positive. “It is a nice way to learn bible stories,” junior Courtney Hines stated. “[Rudy] is good at visually representing what he is saying and he gets the point across.” “The teen years are crucial; they are where really important decisions are made. I really want to encourage teens to know that they aren’t alone. God loves them,” Herr stated. Going to the bible study is a great way to be around loving people from all around Sheldon High, and it is also a great way to get the mid-week religious pick-me-up many people miss out on. Even if you don’t have specific religious beliefs, or you just want to learn more about the Bible, it would never be a bad decision to try it out someday. The greatest part about the lunch gathering is that everyone is welcome. So grab a friend, grab some grub or a couple bucks for the provided pizza, and get ready to have a great time.
Gay-Straight Alliance plans activities for year The GSA reaches out in many ways to help people understand diversity by Molly Morris centerspread editor
Sheldon High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance helps students understand or come to terms with sexuality. Just recently, Sheldon participated in a “coming out” day and later in the year will participate in a National Day of Silence. Last year, the Day of Silence commemorated Lawrence King, who was killed by a classmate on February 12, 2008 for his sexual orientation and gender preference. This year the National Day of Silence will be on April 17. It will not commemorate anyone in particular, though many are still remembering Lawrence King. If someone chooses not to stay silent for the whole day, he or she can wear a sticker showing support for the cause. The Gay-Straight Alliance meets every Tuesday at lunch in the H wing for anyone, gay, straight, or bi-sexual who wants to attend. Sheldon Academy teacher and club
leader, Paul Schultz said, “I believe that issues are not well understood and that people’s preconceived ideas do not allow many to understand what our club is about.” To try to help others understand, Schultz stated, “We offer information booths and weekly meetings as forums for those interested in issues affecting the community” and to help promote national events throughout the school. The Gay-Straight Alliance began five years ago when two seniors decided that they wanted to start a club for human rights. Senior Margo Faulk is president of the Gay-Straight Alliance. She stated that a few things they are planning this year are “Matthew Shepard’s Birthday, Respect Week, and the National Day of Silence.” Recently, the Gay-Straight Alliance had a movie night with the GSA’s from the four other 4J high schools. Later this year, the Gay-Straight Alliance is planning a respect week during Black History month. This will incorporate the Black Student Union, the Latino Student Union, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and the Korean Students Association.
Features
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December 11, 2008
3
The Holiday Market welcomes all like the Saturday Market, but is held indoors because of the holiday seasons and gives everyone a chance to buy friends and family gifts for the holidays. The Holiday Market has been around for a long time by Chelsea LaFlam and is still a popular event. Junior Dalannah Gheen said, “My favorite thing about [the Holiday Market] is staff writer the people and art. Also, the Holiday Market is unique The holiday season is among us, which means so and you can’t find it anywhere else.” Eugene is a town is the Holiday Market. The Holiday Market is much filled with energy and the Holiday Market is a place that holds some of the town’s energy and creates a fun place for everyone to go. There are many different things at the Market from beads and jewelry to copper animals. The Market has a very diverse variety of people that brings everyone together for some holiday fun and joy. Senior Tyler Le-Vesque said, “I would buy arts and crafts at the Market.” Regardless of whether you have been to the Holiday Market before, almost everyone has heard of it. Many of the same vendors that worked at the Saturday Market venture over to work at the Holiday Market as well. The Market is a perfect place to go in the winter if one is looking to get out of the house and do something fun or just needs something to do. It is also the perfect place to go when one wants to make a craft and needs unique supplies to make it. People of all ages go to the Holiday Market and everyone is welcome to join in the fun Adam Green photo even if he or she has never gone before. September Circus was one of the many talents performing The best thing about the Holiday their songs at the Holiday Market.
It’s a great place to buy family and friends gifts for the holiday season
High Priestess meets high demand for types of body modification As piercings, tattoos, and other modifications become more popular, so do places like High Priestess by Bethany Jordan copy editor
our legs, plucking our eyebrows, plastic surgery...you name it. We do it because there is something missing. We want to look different than we do and by getting pierced, tattooed, or plucking our eyebrows, we are altering our appearances or modifying our bodies,” Murray said. Though completely sterile, professional, and trustworthy places are available like High Priestess, many people, usually high school students, will pierce themselves. By doing this, the risk of infection or irritation is increased and unfortunately, not everyone feels comfortable approaching the professionals at High Priestess to advise them. “It’s funny; we don’t get many home piercings and I think it’s because people are afraid of us. Some people think we’re Nazis and that we’re going to look down on them. We do tend to shake our head and say, “No more,” but there’s a reason. It’s a lot more dangerous than people think. There is a higher chance of infection these days and most people don’t know the difference between clean, sterile, and dirty,” Murray stressed. The comfortable atmosphere of the shop and the expertise all of their piercers have are just a few of the reasons that some students, like senior Nick Gray, trust High Priestess for their body mods. Gray said, “I trust that they know what they are doing and also like the fact that I can always go back if something goes wrong.”
Body modification dates back to over four thousand years ago when multiple cultures in Iran, Africa, and Iraq used this form of expression in much of the same ways that societies use it today. Then and now, body modification enhances self-expression and is slowly becoming less of a taboo. The “risqué” ear piercing of the 80’s has transformed into stretching (not ‘gauging,’ a term often improperly used). That once-tiny hole has become, in some cases, a hole big enough that a small hand could fit through it. Furthermore, getting a lip piercing is no longer considered out of the norm and stranger piercings have emerged, like surface piercings, a piercing that has both entrance and exit holes through the surface of the skin. Body modification is in high demand, especially for high school students, so piercing shops like Oregon’s own High Priestess are a hot commodity. High Priestess’ two Eugene locations, located at 7th avenue and Lincoln St. and 13th avenue and Ferry St., are two of Eugene’s most popular piercing palaces. Justin “Apple” Murray works the counter at the 7th avenue location and is the first and last person every customer sees. Heavily pierced himself, Murray explained what first sparked his interest in piercings, “I always had this weird attraction to it. More than anything, it was definitely the desire to feel something different and, well, getting pierced is definitely different. I hate the feeling of getting pierced, but enjoy the rush and the aesthetic image that it could potentially create.” His attraction to body modification is one that he feels many others also share and can be likened to simple modifications that society makes on almost a daily basis. “We’ve been doing it for years: cutting our hair, trimming our nails, working out, shaving our Bethany Jordan photo beards, wearing make-up, shaving SHS student Nick Manwarren sports a one-and-a-half inch plug.
Market according to sophomore Christian Edgerton is that, “It’s free!” The Market wants people to come and have fun. They don’t want to penalize anyone or give anyone a reason not to come, so the parking and entrance fee are free, which is something a lot of locals are enjoying. When it comes to having fun and showing holiday cheer, the Eugene Holiday Market is the place to be.
Now introducing the drum circle Sheldon is rolling out the drums as our high school gives birth to a new, positive outlet for school stress by Jordan Belcher staff writer There is a new group that has started at Sheldon called the drum circle. It is comprised a group of people who meet once a week and play drums in a circle to be silly and have fun. This activity was organized by Sheldon’s own social studies teacher Mr. Herb Hahn. The drum circle is open to everybody and if a person doesn’t have a drum he or she can bring a five gallon bucket to drum on. Other instruments are welcome too. There is even an electric bass guitarist that goes. This activity is intended to relieve stress and clear the mind. The drum circle meets for something to do and it’s a way to enjoy yourself and meet new people. The energy in the drum circle is described as, “Super elastic bubble fantastic,” by campus supervisor Darrin Henry. The first week drum circle met, they had about seven people show up. The second week about six people came, Henry is optimistic that more people will come with time. One drawback of having drum circle this time of year is the weather. When the weather is cold and wet, the drums that have animal skin go flat. Henry however, says that people can use five gallon buckets and drum them with sticks, or other percussion instruments without animal skin. The location changed to an indoor area in hopes of avoiding drums going flat, but it confused people more than anything else. On Friday, November 21, 2008, only two brave-hearted drummers came, but it was a fun lunch period for them. Only time will tell if there will be a future for the drum circle. Some people are not sure if they want to join the drum circle. Freshman Nichole Smith said, “No, I don’t want to join, because I don’t have a drum.” The drum circle needs all the people it can get in order to stay alive. Another theory may be that people feel they have no musical talent, so they don’t feel like going. “People should get over their insecurities and go just to have a good time,” said sophomore Joe Heaton, who is planning on going to the next drum circle.
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 e-mail the Talisman at shstalisman@gmail.com, or drop a letter in our box located in the office. We kindly reserve the right to edit all stories we print.
Talisman Staff Coeditor-in-Chief Coeditor-in-Chief Copy Editor Ads Manager Frontpage Editor News Editor Features Editor Centerspread Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Backpage Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Advisor
Michael Chase Jeff Toreson Bethany Jordan Anthony Rhoads Jeff Toreson Brittany Schooley Adam Green Molly Morris Lauren Scott Michael Chase Alicia Luck Jordan Belcher Kyle Cramer Julisa Hall Samira Lobby Chelsea LaFlam Johnnie Ramirez Hayden Randall Michael Zimmerman Greg Cantwell
Adam Green
What is your Favorite Thing about the Holidays?
Having the feeling of being locked inside your warm house unless you feel a bit daring and decide to go out in the snow.
Happy Holidays from the Talisman Staff
Anthony Rhoads
We were playing poker and it was my first time and I kicked everyone’s butt!
My favorite holiday tradition is that we get to open one gift on Christmas eve. When my parents slept until 12:00 p.m so we just sat there staring at the gifts and imagining what was in them.
Bethany Jordan
What is your Favorite Holiday Food?
Trying to be the first one up and out of bed on Christmas day.
There’s no meal better than turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy during the holiday season.
Elmer Saves Christmas or A Christmas Story.
Church service at Faith Center on Christmas Eve. The worship and stories are always amazing.
Getting stuck in Target during a flood and tornado warning while in Ohio, which took a few hours to get out of.
What is your Favorite Holiday Movie?
The Grinch with Jim Carrey, it’s absolutely hilarious, and The Santa Clause with Tim Allen. I watch them both with my family every
What is your Favorite Holiday Memory?
Thanksgiving night to kick off the holiday season.
What is your Favorite Holiday Movie?
It’s a toss up between The Grinch and Jingle
All the Way.
What is your Favorite HolidayMemory?
When my entire extended family on my mom’s side got together for Christmas and we all had the best time laughing and making jokes.
What is your Favorite Thing about the Holidays?
My favorite thing is that I get the chance to hang out with all my family.
Kyle Cramer
What is your Favorite Thing about the Holidays? I like listening to Christmas music on the radio because it is relaxing.
What is your Chelsea La Flam Favorite Holiday What is a funny holiday story? Tradition?
What is your Favorite Holiday Tradition?
One year, my dad’s sleeve caught on fire when he was reaching over a candle to get some bread. That same night, the cabinet next to the fireplace caught on fire too and my dad had to put it out with an extinguisher that he ripped off the wall. It was terrifying at the time, but I laugh about it now.
When we went to Disney World and saw the Christmas fireworks.
What is your Favorite Holiday Movie?
Michael Chase
Alicia Luck
What is your Favorite Holiday Memory?
Taco dip that my grandma makes.
A plane ticket home.
What is a Funny Holiday Story?
The snow and the holiday drinks from Starbucks.
What is your Favorite Holiday Food?
Christmas?
Lauren Scott
What is your Favorite Thing about the Holidays?
Jordan Belcher
My grandma makes THE BEST au I would have to say going gratin potatoes that I look forward Christmas light looking, but getting our Christmas tree would to more than getting presents. be right up there. What do you Want for
What is your Favorite Holiday Food?
Michael Zimmerman
What is your Favorite Holiday Movie? Elf. What is your Favorite Holiday Tradition?
What is your Favorite Holiday Memory?
What is your Favorite Holiday Tradition?
Johnnie Ramirez
What is a Funny Holiday Story?
What is your Favorite Holiday Tradition?
Jeff Toreson
What is your Favorite Holiday Memory?
Any memory of being in California.
What is your Favorite Holiday Movie? The Santa Claus
Samira Lobby
When I went to Ohio for Thanksgiving and got to eat a feast down in the basement on a big table with my whole family. It was just nice to see everyone in my family and to get to spend time with all of them, which is
Brittney Schooley
What is your Favorite Holiday Movie?
It would probably have to be either White Christmas or Holiday Inn.
What is a Funny Holiday Story?
Let’s just say, parents bought the kids paintball guns but got Dad a bigger, better, and hurts more gun. Dad shot me in the leg with the velocity all the way up from 15 ft away and I had a tennis ball size welt for weeks.
My favorite holiday tradition is having Christmas dinner.
rare.
Molly Morris
What is your Favorite Thing about the Holidays?
The lights, the happy feeling in the air…and of course, the music.
Hayden Randall
What is your Favorite Holiday Tradition? Going skiing on Christmas eve.
What do you Want for Christmas? A CAR!
What is your Favorite Holiday Food?
The Tea Rings that my mom and I make for our neighbors and friends.
6 December 11, 2008
Opinions
the Talisman
McCain’s defeat tied to Say hello to H2O “Soda water” has been banned biased media coverage A link has been suggested between negative media coverage of the GOP candidate and his 2008 loss
Percentage of Stories
Many people seemed uncomfortable with McCain’s economic plan. However, was his lack of an amazing economic proposal the only reason for his substantial downfall, or is there validity behind the thought of today’s media being very “left winged”? Junior Bailey Jensen said, “I think the media is more democratic. Aren’t we by Adam Green supposed to be a democratic country?” features editor Maybe there is evidence for both cases. Many people disagree with McCain’s economic plan to dig our way out Media coverage of Senator John McCain has been of this crisis. Junior Tyler Kennedy said, “I did not like his overall significantly unflattering. Initially, coverage was plan at all. He said the fundamentals of our economy were on the positive side, but as the campaign progressed, the strong… No.” Although, on the other side of the argument, positivity of McCain coverage began to drop substantially. Tom Brokaw, the moderator for the second presidential It seems as if when the economy plunged, McCain’s debate, also known to be fervently liberal, selected mostly campaign dove in with it. With each bold step to regain questions related to the economy. There is speculation this a foothold in the race his percentage of positive coverage was done intentionally, as it is known to be such a weak suffered for it. talking point for McCain. The Pew Research However, McCain did Tone of Coverage Center’s Project for succeed in scoring more Excellence in Journalism overall coverage than 60 did an in-depth study Obama did. Good or bad, of how each candidate, McCain did at least have 50 both presidential and vice more attention paid to him 40 presidential, was portrayed than that of his opponent. 30 over a period of six weeks After also adding in the following directly after amount of attention each 20 the two national political one of their running 10 conventions. mates brought them, the The study shows that, 0 republicans had far more Positive Negative Positive Negative Neutral Neutral on average, over the total eyes watching them, McCain Obama nine weeks, McCain considering Palin received received twice the negative Source: PEW Research Center, Project for Excellence in Journalism quite a lot of interest. coverage (57%) as neutral (Biden was practically the coverage (29%), and four times that of positive coverage invisible man throughout the entire campaign.) (14%). Contrary to that of Senator Barack Obama who But exactly what effect does the press have on most received nearly the same amount of negative coverage people’s point of view? Junior Michael Dunphy said, “I (29%) as positive (36%) and neutral coverage (35%). think it’s pretty much whatever the media says. If they Some may say this is an unfair bias in the liberal media like Obama, then people will go for Obama. If they said of today. While those people may be right, the study more good about McCain, people would go for McCain.” does go deeper to explain that one possible reason for the While the result of the election may or may not have been high disapproval rating of McCain was his reaction to the due to media treatment, history reflects just what Dunphy economic crisis, since it was just after that when his media said, that winning in politics so often follows positive or coverage shot into the negatives. ‘winning’ coverage.
by Hayden Randall staff writer
You’re extremely thirsty from your last P.E. class. You stagger to the vending machine looking for an ice cold, thirst quenching, refreshing sports drink. However, you won’t find it there. All you’ll find is bottled water and nothing else. Recently the 4j school district has put sports drinks in the “soda water” category on the wellness policy and yanked them from all of our vending machines. If a beverage is classified as “soda water,” which means the drink lacks nutritional value, and students shouldn’t be able to have access to them at school. I have to strongly disagree with that. Unlike water, sports drinks put back essential vitamins and minerals that you body loses. When asked about his thoughts on the removal of sports drinks in the vending machines Junior Tyler Spicer said, “Its ridiculous. Most of the students in our school are athletes, and we need sports drinks for before and after practice. Now we have to walk off campus to get them. It is completely asinine.” With our school being a big sport school, it seems strange why we wouldn’t have sports drinks for our athletes. If we want them to excel and claim more state titles shouldn’t we have our athletes hydrated and ready to go? Numerous studies show that sports drinks give your body what water cannot. The difference between water and sports drinks is that sports drinks like Gatorade and PowerAde contain carbohydrates and electrolytes which fuel the body during strenuous activity. Carbohydrates and Electrolytes help the body absorb water six times as fast as water alone would therefore getting you hydrated faster. If other schools have access to them it gives the other schools an advantage over our teams. Some students just say that it is just plain stupid to buy water. “Who buys water? I bring water from home. And tap water taste a lot better,” said junior Alex Louie. Being able to just bring water to school and many people preferring tap water to bottled water, it is completely unnecessary for our vending machines to contain just water. Water isn’t the only thing that keeps you hydrated. We need sports drinks back to improve our student’s health and boost our athlete’s performances.
Rap sheets: a contemporary symbol of fame and glory Do all these cultural icons deserve the fame, given their backgrounds? by Michael Chase coeditor-in-chief The media in today’s society is riddled with individuals famed for their successes and in some cases, their downfalls. One of the most infamous rappers of our generation, T.I., created his sixth studio album, Paper Trail, entirely in his home studio because he was under house arrest due to charges of possession of unregistered machine guns and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Football player Adam “Pacman” Jones, who was involved in twelve incidences involving police intervention since his drafting by the Tennessee Titans in 2005, was recently suspended by
Our gift to you! This has been a long and difficult year, especially since the financial crisis that has been plaguing the economy was just recently officially declared a “recession.” The Talisman staff thought about it and realized that from time to time students don’t know what to get friends and families for the upcoming Holidays. As money may be stretched more tightly this year, particularly for the student body, it is our great pleasure to offer you this, to help make shopping a little bit easier this year. It offers ideas for both genders, and all personalities and price ranges. Of course, nothing rivals a home-made gift that truly comes from the heart, but hopefully our work and extensive research can aid, or perhaps inspire your own idea while you search for that perfect present for your mother, father, sister, friend, etc. (The items listed can be found [mostly] at gifts. com, forever21.com, girlprops.com, or papayalicious.com). The true meaning of the Holidays are often overshadowed by the materialistic urges that come with the cold weather, so please never forget that family and love are the greatest gifts of all (as cliché as that sounds!).
~ Happy Holidays! ~
the National Football League, again, for an alleged scuffle with his bodyguard in the lobby of his hotel. Another influential rapper, Lil’ Wayne, missed a performance at MacArthur Court in 2007 after being arrested and jailed in Idaho for a probation violation. However, all of these known lawbreakers still enjoy the success and fame of their given craft. Should this be possible? Many people had stated that Jones had been given one too many chances, yet people like Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL and Jerry Jones, owner, president, and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys couldn’t help but think he had changed his ways. However, after all of these “second chances,” Jones abused their trust and wasn’t able to steer clear of the wrong side of the law. While he was under an indefinite suspension by the league until November, he entered an alcohol treatment facility and apparently sought out the help he needed in order to rejoin the Cowboys on their road to the 2008 NFL Playoffs. Price Range
Two successful and talented rappers, Lil’ Wayne and T.I. have both messed up. On Paper Trail, T.I. talks in many of his songs about how he knows that he messed up, did wrong, and broke the law, but takes full responsibility for his actions. Lil’ Wayne has also recognized that he has done wrong and a change has been needed in his life in order to live happier. People make mistakes. It comes with the territory of being a human being. Some people are given second chances, while some people are punished to the fullest allowable extent. However, people can’t take responsibility for their actions, they shouldn’t be allowed to continue to prosper in their given fields of excellence. If you decide to support these people who have been caught in the wrong previously, it’s necessary to first think about what they did, how they paid back society, and whether or not they are sincerely making a change in their lives in order to be better people.
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Under 10$
Crinkled Colorblock Scarf – $9.90
Pearls Before Swine Earrings – $6.99
Fulcrum Multi Flex LED Book Light – $9.67
Clear Favorites Popcorn Gift Jars – Butter, 4 oz. – $9.00
Luxmo NoiseReducing EarBuds – $7.99
Art Bin Quick Flip Storage Box – $6.79
Under 20$
Striped Pullover Hoodie – $19.20
PlantLove™ Botanical Lipstick – $20.00
Red Words Magnetic Poetry Kit– $14.95
DVDs: Get Smart; Kung Fu Panda; Tropic Thunder; Hancock; Transformers – $19.99 (each)
Roll up Keyboard – $16.24
Life in Progress 7X9” Journal – $15.00
Under 50$
Levi’s® Pocket Messenger Bag – $49.99
Bonita, 14x14 Glisee Canvas – $48.00
Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6) – $35.87
Santiago Poveda movie poster – $34.99
iPod Shuffle – $49.00
Prismacolor Colored Pencils, Set of 48 – $36.74
Pyramat S2500-W Game Chair – $149.95
iHome Shower Station and Dock for iPod – $70.00
Kindle, wireless reading device – $360.00
Pirates of the Caribbean 13’’ TV/DVD Combo – $169.00
Virtual Portable IMAX Theater – $249.95
Wacom Bamboo – Small tablet $100.00
Splurge!
Sports
the Talisman
December 11, 2008
7
Sophomore girl to wrestle for SHS should have as much of a chance to wrestle as the boys, but the male students seem to think the opposite. Most of them said something about how the matches wouldn’t be fair or that it’s wrong for girls to wrestle. “I think wrestling is a boys’ sport. I think if a girl joins the team the boys will go easy on her, and it wouldn’t be fair,” stated freshman Keaton Carter. Bollinger was inspired to start wrestling when she went to jujitsu classes over the summer and watched Ultimate Fighting Championship on T.V. “I want to do UFC when I get older, so I have to start wrestling now to become a good fighter for UFC,” Bollinger said. Earlier this season Bollinger suffered a minor injury when she was kicked in the chest while wrestling. She has gone to the training room and talked to Laura about her injuries and
Cayla Bollinger decides to join the wrestling team her sophomore year by Johnnie Ramirez staff writer
The wrestling team at Sheldon has always had a majority of boys and wrestling is mainly known as a boys’ sport. However, this year Cayla Bollinger, a sophomore girl, has signed up for the wrestling team. There’s different opinions from people about if a girl should be allowed on the wrestling team or not. It seems that most of the female students think that Bollinger
gotten stretched. She’s had to sit out during some practices because she doesn’t want her injury to get any worse. “I try to keep myself healthy by eating healthy, going on runs, not pushing myself when I have injuries, and drinking lots of water,” stated Bollinger. Bollinger has said that she gets negative comments about the fact that she’s wrestling. She says she just ignores it or turns it into strength to prove the people who have said she would lose the match wrong. “I think that Cayla should keep wrestling and that she shouldn’t listen to people who just put her down about it,” stated freshman Raven Warkel. Bollinger has no doubt in her mind that she wants to keep wrestling and that as long as she can keep her grades up and stay fit, she is going to do just that.
All-Southwest Conference Players
Football
Offensive Player of the YearQB Jordan Johnson
First Team OffenseQB- Jordan Johnson G- Drew Miner T- Charles Siddoway DefenseDE- Curtis White DB- John Campbell
Second Team Offense-
RB- Cameron Abeene WR- John Campbell WR- Anthony Yakovich TE- Curtis White C- Tanner Harris DefenseDL- Kevin Jenson DB- Anthony Yakovich
Honorable MentionK- John Campbell DB- Gavin Hyde
Volleyball
Offensive Player of the YearGabbi Parker
[continued on next column]
Volleyball team season complete Team will look to younger players to fill roles of departing seniors by Alicia Luck backpage editor The Sheldon volleyball team had a good season with seven seniors. This means that the JV team members must help make up for the loss of people for next season. After reaching the third round of the state tournament, Sheldon lost to Central Catholic who was 24-1 for the season. Central went on to the semifinals only to lose to Jesuit in the last game. Sheldon was first place in the Southwest Conference and beat every team on their schedule except Westview, Central Catholic, and Roseburg. One of the main reasons for Sheldon’s success was their middle hitter Gabbi Parker who made many kills in this season. Senior Hannah Elhers, who played right hitter this season commented on the team’s success this year. “I think that it was a great improvement from last year. We may have felt like we could have done better, but this was the best placing for Sheldon volleyball,” said Elhers. Senior Lexi Harn stated the facts about how the team made it as far as they did. “We bonded better as a team this year and with seven seniors there was more leadership, which carried us farther in the tournament,” said Harn, who was one of the seven seniors.
First Team-
Gabbi Parker Tami Brown Casey Rose Samantha Powell
Second TeamLexi Harn Alesha Evans Allison Davies
Honorable MentionTaylor Hatleberg
Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer
Taylor Housley Bronte Jorgensen Jenessa Dewitt
Jonathan Kim
First Team-
Honorable MentionCarlee Houser Macy Bothman Stephanie Ralls Annie Mohler
First Team-
Second TeamKyle Dillon Joseph Houck
Honorable MentionGarrett Clay Dylan Johnston
Backpage Hallways need to be free New video Navigating the hallways here at Sheldon is a difficult task, but hopefully the arteries will clear by Lauren Scott opinions editor Everyone knows what a heart attack is, right? It’s when the heart receives an insufficient blood supply and is consequently damaged or dies. Let’s then assume that Sheldon and its hallways are really obvious metaphors for a body and the arteries delivering blood, respectively. Now, when the arteries are blocked, the heart can’t function, and the metaphorical victim dies suddenly and in pain. What does this all mean you may ask? Let’s look at the underlying meaning, shall we? Ever since I began attending Sheldon two years ago, there has been one thing that has driven me up the wall more than anything else. I realize that there are a lot of bodies moving along hallways between periods, but what I can’t seem to wrap my mind around is people who just stand there holding a conversation while people struggle to get around them! On several occasions I have found myself the victim of being smacked, quite literally, by someone’s bag because he or she either didn’t realize how much room it takes
up, or simply didn’t care. I usually grit my teeth and keep on walking, despite my throbbing arm, leg, etc., but the feeling of discourtesy festers in my mind. I wonder, what could possibly be going through their head that makes them so oblivious to every other person in the halls but themselves? I know that sometimes we have a lot on our minds, but when I run into someone, I at least attempt to make eye contact and apologize. This is not just a matter of absentmindedness, or even rudeness— it is largely a matter of disrespect. If you see a person coming towards you, common courtesy tells us to move to the side so he or she might have room too. I rarely see this happen (even after making eye contact) and “excuse me” or “sorry” are as rare as some exotic tropical bird. As a result, myself and others I’ve seen are forced to smear ourselves across the wall to avoid getting run down. I can deal with many things, but blatant impoliteness crosses the line. No one is better than the other, so why do some feel as though everyone should simply move out of the way for them? Self-entitlement is one of the worst vices in the history of mankind, in my opinion. So you see, the best way to maintain a healthy heart is to keep the arteries clear and functioning smoothly. If everyone, myself included, can perhaps remain just a little more aware of our surroundings when wandering the Sheldon halls, we could prevent further injury and keep the “body” kicking a few more years longer.
Learn how to wrap a present
Illustration by Lauren Scott
games for the holiday season
New games for Xbox 360 and other systems hit stores soon, just in time for video game fanatics by Anthony Rhoads ads manger To all of you gamers out there, this list of new game releases will inform and help you get ideas for gifts this holiday season. There are new games for Xbox 360 and other consoles. The new Call of Duty World at War came out on November 11, 2008, and is based on the last days of WWII. As you push to Berlin there is the opportunity of driving tanks, carrying bayonets, and even burning out bunkers with flame throwers. Freshman Justyn Owen said, “Call of Duty is cool. I like how they put so much detail into the levels and also how they make it so you can put more on your weapons.” Other new Xbox 360 games are Tom Clancy’s Endwar which came out on November 4, 2008, Mirror’s Edge which came out November 11, 2008, and Fall Out 3 which came out October 8, 2008. Owen also said, “I’m looking forward to Fall Out 3 because I don’t have it.” Freshman Brendon Kiesser said, “So far, The Force Unleashed is the best for the Xbox 360, most definitely. The best place to get new games is either GameStop or Circuit City because they have cheap prices and GameStop has excellent customer service.” There are some new Nintendo DS games as well, some of which are Chrono Trigger which came out November 25, 2008, and Pokémon Dungeons: Dark, coming out on April 20, 2009. For the Nintendo Wii there is Sonic Unleashed, which came out November 18, 2008. For the Play Station 3 there is Prince of Persia that came out on December 2, 2008, and The Lord of the Rings which comes out January 13, 2009. The average cost for new games is $60.00 for the Xbox 360 and PS3 and $40.00 for all other consoles. Kiesser said, “The best way to get new games is to pre-order them because you get all kinds of nifty stuff with them and you get to brag about getting it first.” Senior Derrick Dymock said, “My favorite console is PC; my favorite game is World Of Warcraft Wrath of the Lich King and Left 4 Dead. They are fun.” There are many other games coming out this year and are great ideas for the holidays. Enjoy the holidays and try some of these new games.
Winter is now here, but where is the snow? Snowboarders and skiers wish to be out in the snow, but there is none by Jeff Toreson coeditor-in-chief It’s that time of year again. When the cold air stings your lungs and your mind gets filled with winter fantasies. The long rainy season is around the corner for the Willamette Valley. Avid skiers and snowboarders have no problem with getting a little wet, because they know that all the rain we see in the valley turns into magical snow in the mountains. “The Warren Miller movie really got me pumped for the season to start; now it just needs to snow!” said junior snowboarder Jason Cole. The upcoming 2008-09 ski season is bound to have plenty of snow and reasonable prices. Mount Bachelor ski resort lowered their teen season pass prices from $399 to $319 this year. However, for an adult lift ticket the price rose from $56 to $58, and is now just under $70 to ski on Saturdays and holidays, which makes Bachelor the most expensive lift ticket in Oregon. Though the most expensive, Mt. Bachelor is also the largest ski resort in Oregon with 3,683 skiable acres, 10 chairlifts, and 71
runs. “It [Bachelor] is the biggest mountain around, so there’s so much territory you can explore without seeing other riders,” said sophomore snowboarder Alex King. With the economy in a state of turmoil, some people may question how much that will affect local ski businesses. Berg’s Ski Shop owner Dale Berg said people will still find a way to get to the mountain. “A lot of skiers and snowboarders will still play, but maybe stay home from eating out once or twice so they can go skiing,” said Berg. Driving to the mountain is becoming more of a reality as gas prices push record lows. “The real skiers and snowboarders will find a way to get the mountain this year,” added Cole. The magical question is how much will it snow this year? Only Mother Nature knows the real answer to that, but some meteorologists gave their best predictions at the annual Oregon Winter Weather Symposium in Portland. There was one common theme throughout all four presentations - a normal Oregon winter. For Mt. Bachelor a normal winter brings 370 inches of snow.
The anticipation for this year’s ski season is soon to be over with, as the storms start to roll in and bring some snow. Last year was a year of record-breaking snowfall for the Cascades which leads to the question - will this season be as good as the last? Though the experts say no, we can only wait and find out. Cole speaks for most skiers and snowboarders by saying, “I’m just waiting for the white stuff to start falling from the sky.”