Volume 45 Issue 2 - November 12,2009

Delta Oaks’ new store

Dracula hits the Sheldon stage

NBA Season tips off

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page 3

page 7

a student newspaper

the Talisman

Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 45 Issue 2 Nov. 12, 2009

Bicycle thefts an ongoing problem on campus Recent thefts of students’ and staff members’ bikes from campus bike racks raise eyebrows about security

by Garrett Burrington staff writer

Students’ bikes at Sheldon can be, and recently have been stolen. Most students have locks around the main frame of their bikes, but for the students who do not have their bikes locked to the rack, their bikes tend to get stolen. Junior Ashley Jones said, “All students that do ride a bike to school need to lock their bike to the rack. The school should not be responsible for providing bike locks, or compensating for stolen bikes.” Junior Anthony Romero doesn’t see it that way. romero said, “There should be locks at Sheldon to buy for students who ride a bike to and from school.”

There have been a few bikes that have had locks on them yet were still stolen. Campus supervision is not always monitoring the bikes, unfortunately. Jones said, “I would be very angry if my bike were stolen and I know I had locked it.” If bikes that are locked are getting stolen, then whoever is stealing the bike has the time to cut the lock. Sheldon campus supervisors make a routine check on the bikes to help prevent the issue. Senior Ronny Clay said, “I would be

livid if my bike was stolen and I had locked it to the rack.”

Some student’s attitudes toward stolen property is pretty laid back. Jones stated, “If I saw a student stealing a bike, I would continue with what I have to do. It’s not my own, therefore it is not my business.” Then there are students who are totally against thievery. Clay said, “If I saw anybody steal a bike from anywhere, not just Sheldon, I would interfere.” Closing the window of opportunities to where the thief may escape is important. Clay suggested that both front gates should be closed at all times. He continued “If both gates were closed, where would the thief go?”

What should Sheldon do about bike thefts? This cannot go on forever. Sheldon has many students who ride a bike to and from school. If their bikes are getting stolen, how will the students get to school? Most parents do not have time to get their child to school and still get themselves to work on time. Romero said, “If bikes are being stolen from this school during the day, whether they are locked or not, then obviously campus supervision needs to watch the bikes all day.” Since this is not possible, students must be sure to always lock their bikes.

Michael Chase photos

Students have shown a lack of discipline in their techniques of locking up their bikes on campus. On the left is one way to properly lock one’s bike, and on the right is a flawed technique.

Administration’s new dancing rules irritate some students A number of students have noticed changes in the way they have been able to act at school dances

by Kyla Henninger staff writer Many students are unaware of the new and revised school dance rules. For all upcoming dancing events these rules will still apply. There is a section called “The Jail” for the careless dancers. Students will be put in the Jail for five to ten minutes, and if the staff decides that students still do

not want to listen after three times of being put into the Jail they will get a call home and be picked up by a parent or guardian. Freshman Katelyn Rasmussen stated, “Students will not follow rules and they are unnecessary.” There are several staff and students who say they are necessary because of students’ unacceptable dancing habits.

Opinions of the new rules vary. Rasmussen stated, “The new dance rules are unnecessary and are pointless.” Daniel Clark, the leadership advisor said, “We are not changing the rules; we are just reinforcing the rules, we need to keep distance between students.” Freshman Jessie Miller said, “There should be no rules for dancing because no students really listen to them.” Across the nation, students’ misbehavior when dancing at schools has even made news on CNN. “These horrible dancing problems have been worse. Two years ago, we had to cancel two dances because

of students’ lack of courtesy to other people,” Clark said.

The staff at Sheldon just wants people to have a good time, and to dance as if their parents are watching. The rules are not new; they just have been reinforced harder over these past two years. Students’ dancing has changed over the past few years, so in addition, the rules will too.

“We are strongly enforcing these rules this year because we have had many complaints from uncomfortable students around the students that are misbehaving,” Clark stated. The students need to keep more space between each other to keep themselves and other people from getting in trouble and sent into the Jail. The first consequence is being put into the Jail and then the consequences will be increased. Students come to the dances to enjoy themselves and not to be getting in trouble. The staff just wants to have some rules to keep students safe and comfortable.

Discipline issues by SHS students show improving trend A declining trend in discipline issues at Sheldon is positive for the student body as a whole

by Michael Chase editor-in-chief As generations grow up, they tend to learn the general rules of society. Respect, decency, and common courtesy all fall under these rules that most citizens abide by. However, with the time of growth also comes a time of rebellion, disrespect, and overall insubordination. These have been seen many times in the past years of Sheldon High.

But recently, in the last three years to be specific, many faculty members have noticed a significant downward trend in the number of disciplinary issues around the Sheldon

campus each year. According to school data, in the 2006-07 school year, there were 362 disciplinary issues reported to school officials, 288 in the 07-08 year, and 202 last year.

This significant drop has been seen as quite an accomplishment for the Sheldon community as a whole.

Vice Principal Mark Watson said, “I think that the Advisory Program that we put in four years ago could be contributing to this trend. We have been able to meet periodically with the same smaller group, and some of the teachers have been able to offer specific, targeted lessons on harassment and respect among other things, and the students might feel more comfortable talking about issues because they feel more connected to the school, because communication is always important and maybe these advisory meetings have helped.”

Watson also said that, after being at other schools, “[We] have really good students here, and in general we have really good support in the home, and whenever we make contact with parents they are generally very supportive.”

Officer John Savage said, “When people make bad decisions, sometimes they think ‘Its only going to affect

me,’ but you’re not the only one affected by your bad decisions and you’re not the only one who pays for it.

You, your parents, teachers, teammates, whatever you’re involved with ends up paying the price for the decisions you make.” Savage also mentioned peer pressure and how it can lead to negative consequences. “The right thing isn’t always the easiest thing for people, but peer pressure ends up getting a lot of people in trouble and the urge to want to fit in and be a part of a certain group makes people do things they would not usually do on their own. So just make your own decisions and stick with it.”

Campus supervision has also noticed a change. Campus supervisor Darin Henry, who has worked at Sheldon for fifteen years, said, “Things seem to be a lot more mellow at Sheldon recently. Especially this year with the new ninth grade class seems to be a lot more mellow.”

Henry also said, “If [students] have any kind of problems with another student or at home or anything else that is distracting them from the educational process, come to an adult, whoever they feel the most comfortable with on campus, and let them know and we will get right on it.”

2 November 12, 2009

News

the Talisman

New sporting goods store opens Dick’s Sporting Goods has taken Joe’s Sporting Goods place in Delta Oaks Shopping Center in Eugene

by Ashley Mowles staff writer

With the great economic downfall starting at the end of 2008, and tough times for companies, many suffered and barely held on to their corporations. Eventually, some declared bankruptcy when things got too difficult to handle. Joe’s Sports, Outdoors and More is a business that took this path. It was a wellknown store that got plenty of business, but fell to the rough economy. Joe’s continued to have fewer sales and had no other choice but to file for bankruptcy. Dick’s Sporting Goods took over the Joe’s building and has opened one of their own stores inside of it. Cross country runner, junior Becca Eddy commented, “Joe’s had a lot of different options in terms of sports clothing and shoes. They probably went out of

business because that location isn’t very busy and it’s out of the way. Joe’s changed their name from G.I. Joe’s to Joe’s which didn’t help it get more customers and made it less well-known.”

Dick’s Sporting Goods store began as a little bait and tackle shop in Binghamton, New York.

Founder Dick Stack was, at the time, a salesman for an Army and Navy store in the area. With the help of his grandmother, he opened a shop on the east coast that provided fishing equipment. By 1958, he had expanded the products in this little shop to most of which what one would find in the stores today. (www.dickssportinggoods.com) Earlier this year, Joe’s held a liquidation of its entire stock, and making their last profits, they

Ashley Mowles Photo

closed their doors for good. Junior Gabrielle Peach believed Joe’s was, “an okay store,” but she didn’t really go to it often estimating, “about three times per year.” Peach also thought that, “Dick’s won’t stay open for very long because the economy sucks right now.” When Joe’s Sports, Outdoors and More closed down earlier this year in May, many people were left unemployed. With Dick’s opening stores in all the past locations of Joe’s, they are providing those communities with new job opportunities. In just the Eugene store alone, there will be 40-60 new job openings.

Not only has Joe’s Eugene location on Green Acres Road been closed down, but all stores in Oregon have. Dick’s Sporting Goods, which have taken over Joe’s leases, will open six stores across Oregon in place of all previous Joe’s locations.

They plan to open additional stores across Oregon in Bend, Salem, Hillsboro, Gresham, and Tualatin. With the business already having more than 400 stores across the country, they plan to further the expansion of their stores here in Oregon. Dick’s Sporting Goods had its grand opening on November 8 with new and prepared staff and high-quality sporting equipment.

As Dick’s Sporting Goods (right) finally opens, both excitement and disappointment fills the air due to the closing of Joe’s Sporting Goods.

Diabetes awareness month is upon us

November is Diabetes Awareness type one, or how it’s prevented, but scientists are around the world are getting diagnosed. Diabetes working hard for a cure. Type two, however, changes a lot in a person’s life, “it affects everyday Month which should help open is usually solved by having a healthy diet and life with taking shots (or pills), becoming shaky, people’s eyes about the disease exercising; you can avoid type two diabetes by staying in shape, and eating balanced meals.

Diabetes cure research has gone from $18 million dollars in 1999, to $42.5 million dollars today.

On a scale of 1-10, the seriousness of diabetes is

by Angela Merfeld a “9,” said technology teacher Michelle Merfeld, staff writer “because every moment of every day, you have to be aware of how you’re feeling, and you have to always take care of your diabetes. If you don’t, in your 20s and 30s you can end up with organ failure, blindness, or other serious health conditions.”

Diabetes is a disease that hits children all over 23.6 million people in the United States have the world. No one quite knows how a person gets diabetes (diabetes.org); more and more people

getting cold sweats, irritability, and makes you hungry if you are low [have low blood sugar],” said Junior Austin Lucas. Some other symptoms that may indicate you are diabetic are poor circulation to your feet, nervousness, sweating, jumbled thoughts, trouble comprehending simple tasks, loosing eyesight for periods of time throughout the day (or tunnel vision), and frequent urination. When freshman Jordyn Villarino got diagnosed, he “lost ten pounds in two days.”

Other health conditions are an “increased chance of kidney, vision problems, and circulatory problems” says the school nurse.

UConn cornerback murdered on campus Students and professors were devastated after finding cornerback Jasper Howard stabbed on campus

by Drew Haugen staff writer

The University of Connecticut football team gathered in the tunnel on October 24 to face the West Virginia Mountaineers. One thing was on all their minds, but it wasn’t the game they were about to play. UConn senior cornerback Jasper Howard was no longer with them. As they walked past the banner that had been hung in his memory, they each said a prayer. The two team captains carried his jersey.

Losing a friend or family member can be hard,

but Jasper Howard’s death affected not only the Uconn community, but the entire nation.

Referring to Howard’s death, UConn head coach Randy Edsall told an ESPN reporter, “It’s been a tough week. But we are all keeping Jasper in our memories.” Howard had been stabbed to death outside of a university dance on October 17. “I guess you’d have to be in a rage and have a lot of hatred for some one to do something like that. I just don’t understand it,” said campus supervisor Travis Melvin. Howard was rushed to St. Francis Hospital soon after the attack.

Friends, family, and teammates gathered in the waiting room, hoping and praying, but later that night he succumbed to the stab wounds he sustained. “There’s nothing you can say to a mother or father who just lost their son or daughter,” said sophomore Katie Brelsford.

In the following days, his teammates found ways to honor him, on and off the field. Many sent cards of condolence to Howard’s family and friends. “J.H. 6” helmet decals were worn by the team as well, and Howard’s uniform was hung in his locker, and will be for the rest of the season.

“Honoring Jasper Howard will be important to

the recovery of his teammates, coaches, and family members,” said sophomore Zach Trahan.

Everyone knows violence in America’s schools and universities is a growing problem.

More and more frequently you hear stories about someone injured or killed in an act of school violence. Jasper Howard’s name is now yet another on the list of lives lost as a result of school violence. “It’s really sad that something like that could take place on a campus,” said Brelsford.

“The University can encourage people to be safe, but they can only do so much,” said Trahan.

With the increased number of attacks, security has been tightened at most schools. Universities are increasing personnel after dark and installing more cameras around campus. “In the time I’ve been here, school violence has seemed to increase,” said Melvin, “along with security.”

Jasper Howard’s death affected not only people near him, but also people around the nation.

Howard’s funeral was held on November 6 at his local church. More than 1,700 people attended the service including the UConn football team. “It’s a tragic loss,” said Trahan. “My thoughts go out to his family, friends, and also his teammates.”

Entertainment

the Talisman

November 12, 2009

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Childhood books appear on the big screen Favorite books-turned-movies from today’s youth opened in theaters within a month of each other

by Stephanie Barnes features editor

Seemingly having run out of children’s movie ideas for the time being, Sony Pictures and Columbia Pictures teamed up to create a feast of a movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. The other new children’s movie, Where the Wild Things Are, from Warner Bros. Pictures, was released within a month of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Both movies are adaptations of beloved children’s stories, and many people are thrilled to see their favorite childhood stories come to life on the big screen. However, as both of the books are incredibly short, the production companies were forced to add more to the stories.

The basic plot of Where the Wild Things Are is a boy gets sent to his room after misbehaving, and his imagination causes a forest to grow in his room. He enters the forest and reaches an ocean, which he crosses in his personal

boat. There, he finds the wild things. He becomes their king, and he rules them well. But then he has to leave, and when he gets back home, his dinner is waiting for him. The whole book consists of ten sentences.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a story about a small town where all of a sudden, it starts raining food. The people are overjoyed, thinking that they’ll never have to go buy food again. But then the food starts getting bigger and bigger to the point where it is dangerous, and eventually the islanders have to evacuate.

The movie has similar elements, but an added plot.

It is about a young, tinkering scientist named Flint Lockwood who makes revolutionary inventions, but they always have something wrong with them. For example, he created spray-on shoes, but he couldn’t get them off.

He also made hair-un-balder, but it made whoever used it look like a gorilla. Then, after his hometown, which is the sardine capital of the world, goes under due to a downturn in the sardine market, he creates a machine that turns water into food. After a catastrophe, it ends up in the sky, and Flint believes his invention is simply another failure like all his other ones. But after that, it starts raining hamburgers. Flint is ecstatic, and starts telling the machine to make more and more food. It starts overloading, and it makes the food bigger and bigger.

The town is forced to evacuate, and Flint flies into the sky to turn off the machine. He succeeds, and the town is saved. It is a very cliché children’s movie, but it has

some unexpected twists. It is a very entertaining movie for children twelve and under, and has some elements that are added for the adults attending the movie with their children.

On the opposite end, we have Where the Wild Things Are, which is definitely not geared toward children in the least.

It has many adult themes, and has the potential to frighten the children who view it. One of the monsters, Carol, gets mad a few times throughout the movie, and these scenes are scary to anyone who is viewing them. He threatens to eat Max, the small boy who ventures to the island after he gets mad at his mom. Max seems to have a very troubled life at home. His mom is single, and his dad is nowhere to be seen. His older sister is not nice to him, and she ignores him whenever she can manage it. When he travels to the island after running away, he encounters the group of monsters who are planning to eat him. But after some cajoling, he manages to convince them to make him their king. This goes well for a while, but eventually the group falls apart and takes it out on him. Carol proceeds to tear everything apart, and is close to eating Max. Then KW, another monster, puts Max in her stomach to protect him.

Max decides to go back home after that because he misses his mother. She greets him with relief, and the movie is over.

All in all, the better movie, for children and adults, is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It is more interesting, engaging, and viewer-friendly. Where the Wild Things Are has adult themes and a melancholy mood that makes it somewhat boring to watch and not at all engaging.

Eugene provides a host of unique and delicious eatings Restaurants that would please even the most picky of gastrointestinal systems

by Chiara Macchi staff writer In Eugene, one can find a variety of quality restaurants, with a rather quaint feel instead of the big time feel of other city’s restaurants. As a town of many ethnicities, one can explore many different foods and cultures without leaving Eugene. The choices range from authentic Mexican and Italian to Mediterranean and Hawaiian take-out. “Eugene

is a fun city to eat in. The quality and variety of choices make it so that you’re never bored eating,” said junior Chloe Stiles. One can go out for a nice romantic meal or a quick in-and-out meal with a large selection of choices.

The number of restaurants in Eugene that have rare foods is unbelievable. Downtown Eugene is loaded with excellent places to eat. “If ever I don’t know what I want to eat, I take a ride down on campus and every time a new place comes around I go and try it,” said senior Cleo Nagy. There are many great restaurants in our town such as Oregon Electric Station, Beppe and Gianni’s, Los Dos Amigos Hacienda, Kowloon’s, La Perla Pizzeria and Sweet Basil. One can find a variety of choices and this town is a great place for tourists to explore new foods.

The theater department prepares itself for a show of vampiric proportions Move over Edward, the most famous vampire in history is about to rise on Sheldon’s very own center stage

going to the first or second performances. Although the first two performances will be good, this will ensure that you get your moneys’ worth out of your ticket.

by Drew Davis opinions editor This year, the Sheldon Theater Program will be performing the play Dracula. Many students are very excited to perform Dracula because it’s a very wellknown subject among teenagers. The students will perform their first show on November 13, 2009. This is the program’s first play of the year. In the winter there will be Follies instead of a second play, and then there will be the musical in the spring, which has yet to be decided.

Dracula is about a vampire, whose name is Dracula, who is trying to capture the young and beautiful Lucy Westerna, with many surprises and twists along the way. The play becomes a mysterious thriller in no time. By the time the third act is finished, one can’t wait for the rest of the play, and with it the surprise ending that will make everyone want more.

So what do the performers think about the play.

Senior Megan Leckington said, “I like that it goes with Halloween and horror and mysteries.” But what do other students like about the play? Seniors Leah King and Hollis Garrett said, “putting on a play is very fun but very stressful and frustrating at times.”

Tickets are for sale now for $10.00 each from theater students before hand or at the door. For a great performance you should go to the third or fourth performance, because then the actors and backstage crews are used to performing it live and you get a better performance than

“I love finding new restaurants that are not necessarily popular, because they have a lot to offer and are often very surprising,” said junior Caitlin Crosby. Some of the less common restaurants are hidden and hard to fine. The Rabbit is a very mellow restaurant that offers fish, meat, and has a great selection at the bar. Another out-of-theordinary restaurant is called Belly which is near The Fifth Street Market that offers rustic, European farmhouse soul food. One can find many small restaurants in the Eugene area and be very satisfied with the food and the service, as well as finding bigger restaurants that are more popular. A great source to find the most popular restaurants, cafes, or bars is the Eugene Weekly, which rates restaurants. Eugene is a great place to try new foods and get a new experience.

- Events Coming to Eugene No-Shave November (all this month!)

Mission of Burma @ WOW Hall (Nov. 12) The Music of Horace Silver @ the Shedd Institute (Nov. 12) An Evening with Bill Maher @ the Hult Center (Nov. 13) The Music of Manheim Steamroller by Chip Davis @ the Hult Center (Nov. 15) Cherry Poppin’ Daddies @ WOW Hall (Nov. 19) Night of a Thousand Stars @ Fifth Street Market (Nov. 20) Fifth Street Market Holiday Bazaar (Nov. 21) Phenomenon Dance Company @ WOW Hall (Nov. 27)

- Cinema Update -

Drew Davis photo

Posters advertising the school play were hung by cast and crew members and can be seen around the school.

Men Who Stare at Goats (Nov. 6) The Fourth Kind (Nov. 6) Pirate Radio (Nov. 6) Christmas Carol (Nov. 6) 2012 (Nov. 13) The Blind Side (Nov. 20) New Moon (Nov. 20) The Princess and the Frog (Nov. 25) The Road (Nov. 25)

4 November 12, 2009 Features the Talisman Mr. Bill Temple ready to take on new New writing club at challenges with positive attitude Sheldon is different Our new social studies teacher enjoys family and is a wonderful, positive addition to our school.

by Nicki Kramer staff writer This year Sheldon’s social studies department has a new teacher. His name is Bill Temple. Though he was born in Lexington, Nebraska, he has lived in Eugene since he was three. Favorite childhood memories of his include hiking, camping and fishing with his grandparents. His favorite subject in school was business. He enjoys playing golf and tennis. Overall Mr. Temple says he has “a good sense of humor, loves music, and loves to sing.” In 1973 he graduated from North Eugene High School where he met his wife, whom he married at age eighteen. He attended college at the University of Oregon then moved on to work in outside sales for almost twenty years. Mr. Temple lives with his wife and has four adult children, three of whom are married, and three grandchildren. Every Wednesday they all get together for dinner. “It feels like a T.V. show!” he exclaimed.

After having four children and coaching Kidsports, Mr. Temple realized how much he loves working with kids. This led to his decision to go back to grad school and become a teacher at age forty. He taught at North for eleven years and then last year taught seventh grade American History. “That’s when I learned that I did not want to be a middle school teacher,” he stated. This

brought him here, to Sheldon, where he is now teaching and loving it. One of his favorite parts of Sheldon is the positive atmosphere. “I’m just really impressed with how involved kids are.” He said, “My kids all enjoyed Sheldon a lot so I know that Sheldon has always been a great school.” He plans on teaching for at least another ten years and might even volunteer with tennis or golf next year. “He’s very optimistic about his students.” said sophomore Colton Johnson. Students in his classes enjoy his enthusiasm and his optimistic outlook. “He’s a really positive person,” said sophomore Bryon Alger.

Michael Chase photo

Daniel Clark introduces Social Studies teacher Mr. Temple (left) at the Homecoming Assembly.

Internet predators haunt cyberspace behind many computer screens Virtually ignored, people don’t realize how dangerous these internet predators can be to our society

by Devyn Fallenstein staff writer

Both boys and girls are targeted every year by internet predators. Many kids are unaware of the dangers lurking on the other side of the internet screen in any chat room, instant message, or email.

Predators prey upon and befriend young, vulnerable people, using their mindset to manipulate their trust.

Internet sites such as Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter are commonly used among teens for gossip, chatting, and making new friends. On all of these sites people can create profiles where personal information is posted. Information such as school, age, gender, and birthday is posted on the site automatically after creating the account and these are some of the things that internet predators look for. It’s very easy for someone to get more information about adolescences off profiles. Users post things such

as friends’, what they like and dislike, music they listen to, and more. These are also used to target people. Also, things like sympathizing with victims after fights or agreeing with them on many things are tactics used to getting the adolescent to invest more of their trust into them; therefore, these adolescents is in more danger.

It’s very important to protect oneself online. These people could be anyone they want to be; they are masters of disguise. Many can protect themselves by “not putting things like my phone number and address,” said sophomore Chasity Barnes. These things are used to stalk and contact the victims. Predators look at things like the school that victims attend, what sports they play, and simple things like a picture of a car in front of a house allows predators to target them (familysafecomputers.org). Keeping oneself safe online is just about as easy as getting targeted by a predator. As for getting stalked, senior Brenden Printess said, “Don’t have a Myspace, Twitter, or Facebook.”

Statistics show that each year internet predators commit over 16,000 abductions, 100 murders, and thousands of rapes and many predators cross state lines to meet their victims. Most kids think that most of who they meet online are who the predators claims to be when they give out their information. Girls between the ages of twelve and seventeen are at extremely high risk of becoming victims, but some think that setting up a meeting with the stranger online is worth the risk. Boys who are twelve to seventeen admit to searching for violent or sexual images regularly, and both boys and girls between ages twelve and seventeen tease and sexually flirt with strangers online.

Senior Chris Rupp advised, “Only add your friends,” and indeed, that is one of the safest ways to keep oneself safe online.

and successful

While Scrawl is somewhat unknown, it is gaining popularity with students

by Marisa Aiello staff writer For writers who want something to do with their writing, Scrawl is the perfect thing for them. Students who hear the morning announcements may or may not know what Scrawl is. But some of Sheldon’s students do know what it is.

Freshman Vanessa Hendricks knows what she’s heard about Scrawl. “I don’t entirely know what it is but from what I’ve heard it’s some kind of writing club,” said Hendricks. Freshman Jackie Jones said, “Scrawl is a writer club that takes place after school every Thursday.”

Some students may not feel comfortable submitting something to Scrawl because they don’t know much about it. Hendricks said, “Maybe if I knew more about it.”

Some Sheldon students may have a difference in opinion in regards to Scrawl. Jones said, “Yes, I think we should have Scrawl because you know you’ve got your cupcake club, your GSA, and Japanese club. Why not have something in relation to writing? I mean, it’s a form of art.” Some may think that girls tend to submit more writing to Scrawl than boys. Jones said, “I think girls definitely submit more than boys because boys are afraid to express their true emotions, and show their true writing powers and magic.”

Many students don’t care about things like Scrawl because they don’t have the time to write. But who knows, maybe Scrawl will be successful this year.

Hendricks think so, “Yes, there are lots of people around here that like writing and I have a lot of friends who like to write so I do think that Scrawl will be successful this year.” Jones said the same, but had this to add, “It’s not just about the awesome new fiction on the block or the fancy art you can make, you know, with Rose-Art color makers. You can actually write and be successful with it.”

English teacher Jeremy Hutchins is the assistant of Scrawl and Kate Tierney is the advisor of Scrawl. “Scrawl is a chance for Sheldon’s brightest writers and literary talent to show their skills. We have meetings where we actually work on creative writing and help students improve their own works of literature,” said Mr. Hutchins. Scrawl is a relatively new club at Sheldon. Mr. Hutchins commented, “Scrawl started toward the end of last year, but we didn’t have time to fully put together a magazine so our goal is to produce our first magazine this year. Once we publish the magazine it will be available to students, parents, facility, and the Eugene community in general.”

Scrawl is a writing club, where one can come and write freely without judgment, with the benefit of possibly being in the Scrawl magazine. Scrawl is the perfect opportunity for Sheldon students who like to write.

Lauren Scott illustration

Features

the Talisman

Cupcake Club a sweet, fun way to give back to the community A Sheldon alum started the club with hopes to bring people together and give to those who need it most

by Hope Zima staff writer

Cupcakes are great. Helping people is great. The only thing better than eating cupcakes or helping people is eating cupcakes and helping people! That is what the Cupcake Club is all about. Every Monday night a few Cupcake Club members bake cupcakes and bring them to school on Tuesday for everyone to enjoy. The cupcakes are sold after school on Tuesdays from 3:15 to 4:00, across from the front office. The cupcakes cost $1.50, and $1.00 of that goes to a charity that the Cupcake Club members decide on in their lunch meetings on Tuesdays. Each Cupcake Club member has the opportunity to sell, bake, or do both. Each and every cupcake is created, from scratch, with love and the hopes that it will help someone in need.

The Cupcake Club was founded by Sheldon graduate Lily Bussel. It is currently being lead by juniors Alison Mertz, Ivy Simpson, and Megan Dougherty, and has been running strong for three years. Alison Mertz said, “The Cupcake Club will run forever!” This certainly seems true with around 20 members this year, which is a fairly normal amount according to the leaders. The Cupcake Club can always use new members and ideas too!

Freshman Natalie Mertz joined Cupcake Club because she thought that it was going to be a lot of fun and a good way to make new friends. She said, “I had friends already who were in the club and I have already made some new friends too!” Natalie Mertz is a fan of the famous Chocolate Bliss cupcakes as well as the seasonal pumpkin ones too. Going along with that, Simpson said, “Chocolate Bliss is the most popular cupcake flavor! We make them every week.” The other cupcake flavors change depending on the seasons.

There is a new idea in Cupcake Club to, instead of donating monthly to a different charity, save up the money from several months and then donate a bigger sum to one

charity. Natalie Mertz said, “I think saving the money is a good idea because then we will be able to make a bigger impact on one charity.” The charities that the Cupcake Club has donated to in the past have all been local, because the Cupcake Club members want to be able to see the effects that their donations have on the community.

On average, the Cupcake Club can bring in about $120 a month, although Dougherty said, “The sales this year are starting out slow, so come and buy a cupcake!”

The main charities that the club donates to are Casa, Shelter Care, Greenhill, and Food for Lane County.

The charity for the month of November is Greenhill.

Natalie Mertz said, “The Cupcake Club is important because it makes giving back to the community fun.”

Michael Chase photo

One of the Cupcake Club’s top sellers on many Tuesdays, Chocolate Bliss (above), is a great way to help your taste buds and a local cause.

Lauren Scott illustration

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.

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Thyler Taisey “He has been a welcoming spirit to me and his friends. I hnever have to ask him to straighten up or clean up. He respects others and himself, but most of [all] he takes pride in the school he goes to.

Much respect is earned, so much respect is given back!!!! ~Marques Green Campus Supervisor

November 12, 2009

5

Today’s advertising incorporates sex as a main selling point Today’s media centers around temptation and sexual enticement to get the attention of the young public

by Peter Anderson staff writer

In today’s world of advertisement the amount of sexual content is growing rapidly. History teacher Maryellen Youngblood-Lee said, “Over the course of my lifetime I’ve noticed a great increase in sexual content in multi-media.” Advertisers use women in a seductive form to sell their products. A recent Carl’s Jr. Commercial displayed a model eating a large hamburger, implying that someone who eats at Carl’s Jr. will get a girl like that. Other popular restaurants have found success through advertising using women. Sophomore Alexander Pierpoint said, “Who really goes to Hooters for the wings?” Referring to the popular restaurant that houses the infamous “Hooters Girls” (waitresses in tight white tops and short orange shorts). Sexual content in advertising isn’t restricted to just the food industry. Junior Angelo Di Liberto pointed out that, “Axe body spray has based their business on the perception that if you wear Axe you will be attacked by women in a sexual way.”

One reason sex has such an appeal to TV viewers is because sex is such a big deal in our society. In other countries the idea of sexuality is introduced to kids at a much younger age. Because Americans are not used to it, even the slightest bit of nudity is a big deal to people, so advertisers take advantage of that to get their viewers’ attention. The way sexual content is used in advertising in our society has a negative effect on our youth, but if we used it the way other countries do it could have a positive outcome. European countries use sexual content in advertising, but in a different way than we do. They use it to introduce adolescents to sexuality. European condom companies use kids playing with condoms to advertise their products. Amsterdam, the sex capital of the world, has a lower teen pregnancy rate than our country because teens are comfortable with sex and know how to talk to their parents about birth control.

Sexual content in advertising continues to be a problem in our society. This problem could be solved by taking sexual content out of advertising completely, or by censoring what goes into the advertisements and only allowing those advertisements with a possibility of teaching something to our country’s youth about safe sex to be shown.

6 November 12, 2009

Opinions

the Talisman

Sparknotes: useful tool or Genocide just another way to cheat? in Darfur is Sparknotes.com has been a helpful an on-going tool for literature students for years, but it is also an easy way to cheat world issue

by Lauren Scott assistant editor

All students are no doubt familiar with Sparknotes, whether they have used them or have only heard of them.

There is a stigma that rides on the back of the name Sparknotes, one that classifies everyone who uses them as a “cheater.” This has caused controversy and even strife between teacher and student, which leads me to this age old question: can’t we all just get along?

Coming into Sheldon High School, I was relatively unfamiliar with Sparknotes, beyond the occasional discussion among my friends as to whom we presumed was a “user” of the website. I’ll admit, I was one of the people who thought that if you even mentioned the word “Sparknotes,” you were a cheater. Instead of doing the work dutifully (like myself) and reading the assigned book from cover to cover, “users” were lazy and simply read the analysis online rather than come to their own conclusions.

As a senior, I have a slightly different and more educated (hopefully) opinion about the Sparknotes phenomenon. I

still feel a bit of resentment towards those who put no effort into reading the actual book (what can I say, old habits die hard), but I have come to an understanding with “users.” I recognize that some of the readings assigned by literature teachers are quite difficult, either language-wise or in terms of subtle themes and imagery, and that seeking help via Sparknotes makes sense. For example, I hear the lamentations of students studying Shakespeare every year. The old English he writes in is not understood by most of us and a teacher’s explanation only goes so far. Sparknotes provides a synopsis in understandable terms.

Using Sparknotes in supplement to reading the text when assigned is absolutely acceptable in my opinion. This is by no means an all-access pass to use it for every book, every chapter, etc., but it makes sense that teachers should take into consideration that students use Sparknotes regularly. Teachers, instead of chastising students for “cheating,” perhaps take a moment to look over the website so you can point out possible inconsistencies in Sparknotes analyses and teach students how to take an idea and form it into an original one.

While I have still never used Sparknotes, and have never felt the need to, I have come to better understand the plight of Sparknotes “users.” Not all of them are necessarily cheaters, in fact some of my smartest friends have used the website, and Sparknotes seems to have potential in the classroom as a future tool of literature, when used responsibly, of course. It will be interesting to sit back and watch this symbiotic relationship between Sparknotes and the literary world grow.

Students ignoring the Pledge of Allegiance is growing problem Students’ complete disregard for a simple act of standing on Monday mornings is becoming a epidemic

by Drew Miner copy editor Is patriotism something that is valued by today’s generation in comparison to generations past? The answer is most certainly not. The Pledge of Allegiance is something that is not being valued in today’s school system as it should be. If one were to take a trip back in time one would be able to see kids saying the Pledge of Allegiance faithfully everyday. Now, if one were to step foot in Sheldon High School, one would see students saying the Pledge of Allegiance simply once a week and halfheartedly at that. This loss of simple patriotism, increased laziness, and lack of discipline is sickening and needs to change.

“When I look and some of my classmates don’t even stand up and are too busy talking it bothers me; they show no respect for our country,” said freshman Brett Nielsen.

It is true at Sheldon and in America, that people do not show the respect towards our country that it deserves. Our

state requires that we have the opportunity to say the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week. However, the participation at Sheldon on that day is pitiful and absolutely shameful. “It doesn’t matter if you believe in the pledge or not, you can have the simple respect to at least stand up and acknowledge our country. It’s just annoying when kids act like it’s below them to stand up for the pledge one day a week,” said senior Taylor Ilg. The disrespect for the Pledge of Allegiance is something that hasn’t always been an issue. “I remember in grade school I had to say the Pledge of Allegiance everyday,” said freshman Elise Miner.

Reciting the pledge has a patriotic value that is so easy and simple, that to stop it is ignorant. People today are more interested in frivolous items such as iPods and cell phones and less interested in their country and simple things that Americans of generations before would never lose sight of.

The Pledge of Allegiance is a long-lasting American tradition. Yet it is seemingly harder and harder to find kids participating in such a simple display of patriotism. The question Americans must ask themselves is apparent: will we stand for this loss of patriotism, or will we stand up and support our country and pull through with the typical American resilience our predecessors would be proud of?

Michale Chase photo

Students are expected to stand, remove their hats, and turn in the direction of the flag.

Murder, massacre, rape, racial and ethnic discrimination are some of the genocidal events happening in Darfur

by Jackson Darland staff writer

After the Holocaust, world leaders said that these mass killings would never be allowed to happen again. Then, there was Cambodia, Bosnia, and Rwanda. Now it is happening in Darfur. 400,000 people have been killed, and 250,000 have been displaced (darfurscores.org). Eighty infants die each day due to malnutrition (dosomething. org). It is now that we need to realize that we must not allow such monstrosities to occur. Darfur is a region of Sudan, which is a country in northeastern Africa. Farmers (the majority Muslim) are being attacked periodically by the Janjaweed, a government supported militia recruited from local Arab tribes. The majority of the recruits are child soldiers who have been trained to kill. This is a major problem, but there are many Americans who know nothing about it. The ignorance is intolerable to me, but I can understand people who simply have not had a chance to learn about what is going on in the world.

I asked freshman Taylor Alie what he would think or do if his family was killed, his home was burned, and he was starving without a source of water or food. He said, “I would be terrified. I wouldn’t know what to do. I would just try to run out of the country for help.” This is the reality for many children and adults in Darfur. After learning more about Darfur, Alie was even more taken aback. “I feel bad for them and the situation that they’re in. I’m surprised about what’s going on.” Freshman Nathan Klump said, “It would be really difficult to live there.”

“I might try to research more and find an active organization that I can donate to or something,” Alie added.

I think that the reactions of Alie and Klump show that people have the ability to sympathize with the victims of the genocide, and that they have the hunger to help if they are given an opportunity to do so. That is why we need larger efforts to create awareness about Darfur.

I asked Senior Breanna Hartshorne if she felt like she could make an impact on Darfur. “I feel like if I try to make a difference I can,” replied Hartshorne. “I can find organizations online and support them. I have worn T-shirts that create awareness.” What stands out to Hartshorne about Darfur is that “young kids are put into wars. One of the more commonly known [past genocides] was Rwanda.” Hartshorne continued, “Our reputation as America was kind of ruined because we could have helped the people, but we just ignored it. So did the U.K.” How exactly should the U.S. government prevent further damage in Darfur? Hartshorne said, “I think that they should put it in a new light.”

Alie said, “I think we should go in and provide food, shelter, and security.”

Personally, I think that it’s going to take a consensus between world powers to effectively stop the genocide.

For now, we need more organizations continuing to give food, water, and comfort to the victims of Darfur, as well as more organizations to create awareness.

“I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented,” wrote author Elie Wiesel. This means that a bystander can only help the oppressor; we must work to speak for the victims in order to help them. Each and every one of us counts in preventing further damage done in Darfur. If you want to take action, you can go to www. genocideintervention.net/network.

Sports

the Talisman

November 12, 2009

7

Waiting for a winter wonderland There has been much anticipation for the upcoming ski/snowboard season

by Jeff Toreson sports editor Most Oregonians in the Willamette Valley are beginning to break out their umbrellas for the start of what looks to be another wet winter. However, some rare minds see good things from the never-ending downpours.

“I don’t mind days of just rain in Eugene, because I know that it’s all turning into snow in the mountains, which means one less day until the Bachelor opens,” said senior Chris Straub, who is an avid skier and a season pass owner for Mount Bachelor. “Bachy gives teenager’s good deals; it was only 250 dollars for my season pass, which is paid off after five trips to the mountain,” added Straub.

For persons in the 13-18 age group, Mt. Bachelor offers season passes for just a mere $319 after October 1. “I go to the mountain every weekend, so it only made sense for me to buy a season pass,” said junior Paul Rodriguez.

Bachelor is just one of three local mountains that are patiently waiting for the snow levels to drop so they will be able to open up their operations as soon as possible. Bachelor’s tentative date to open is currently November 20, which all depends on what Mother Nature does in the upcoming week. Experts are predicting in general, for this upcoming winter to be an average season of snowfall. Bergs Ski and Snowboard Shop General Manager Chris Stowell has heard, “forecast’s that have ranged from a very low season of snowfall to a fantastic upcoming season of snowfall, which levels out to another average season.”

As the sunny days go by and the ski resorts wait for snow to open, local skiers and snowboarder’s try to keep their minds focused on the snow even while there off the mountain. “I can’t ski right now, obviously. So I keep my mind occupied by going to ski premiers, movies, and shopping for my new swag for the upcoming season so I can be looking good on the mountain this year,” said Straub.

Warren Miller, a successful filmmaker, has built a dynasty around his skiing movies. Warren Miller Entertainment is celebrating their 60th anniversary of Miller’s films with this year’s version which is

appropriately titled, Warren Miller’s Dynasty. “I saw the Warren Miller movie this year at the Mcdonald Theatre, and I was a little disappointed with this year’s showing,” said senior Tyler Spicer. 85 year old Miller no longer narrates his films, as he has passed the torch to Jonny Moseley, a former Olympic gold medalist for the U.S. free skiing team. Another ski movie that has been touring the nation this year is Teton Gravity Research’s Session, which premieres at the University of Oregon’s Columbus Hall tonight at 7:00 pm.

Buying new winter gear can be expensive, which is why Eugene holds an annual ski swap for people to sell their old gear for discounted prices. “I love the ski swap, I’ve gotten some great stuff at past ski swaps,” said senior Jason Cole. The fairgrounds played host to Eugene’s ski swap this year on October 28 and 29. “It went well,” said Stowell , “It was a very good swap this year.”

The anticipation for the 2009-10 ski season to start has been building in the past few weeks and is nearly off the charts now. With the incoming cold winter, the season is sure to start in the near weeks.

“It’s about that time again, for us skiers to shred the slopes for another year. I can’t wait,” finished Straub.

Important Upcoming Dates:

- TGR ski movie @ u of o Tonight, 7:00 pm.

- Nordic night @ Bergs ski shop, Nov 18th.

- Opening day @ Mt. Bachelor, Nov 20th.

- Opening day @ Willamette Pass, Nov 26th.

- Opening day @ Hoodoo Nov 27th.

- Black Friday sales, Friday, Nov 27th.

- Ladies night @ Bergs ski shop, Nov 30th.

Jeff Toreson photo - Christmas break, Dec 19 - Jan 4.

Mount Bachelor (above) has set their tentative opening day for next Friday, November 20.

water polo: portland looking to the ultimate blaze away competition Thirty-two teams enter the season team sport with one dream: NBA championship A dominating tradition hovers around the water polo program as they hope to continue their winning ways

by Amy Froehlich staff writer

When one looks up on the gym wall, looking at state titles what do they see the most? One wouldn’t guess it, but its water polo. Most people don’t just get up and say, “I’m going to go try out for the polo team.” The reason senior Lindsay Humphries started playing water polo was because, “In middle school, I played tackle football with all the boys from Monroe and Cal Young then when I started high school I didn’t want to be the girl who played football and I love to swim. I wanted something physically demanding enough to compare to football, then I heard about water polo through my cousin who played it his whole high school career at Sheldon, as well.” Humphries is a very competitive player and she loves the intensity of the game. Polo is a very high demanding athletic sport. For example one practice involves a warm up swim of 800 yards and then practice begins. Swimming creates skills that are crucial to the game. Eye hand coordination is a must during a game.

Many people don’t know the game of water polo or even what the sport is. Senior Brant Stanley commented, “People do not know water polo as a popular sport because they would rather play football and don’t care for speedos.”

In past years, the girl’s water polo team has not made it to state and been the underdog of all teams, but this year is a year of possibilities with their new attitude and experience, which has led them to be a team competing for the state title. Senior Jessica Patterson said, “It is really exciting to make it to state, especially because we played well as a team at districts. It’s cool to have a successful year and a chance to win at state.”

by Tim Lawrence news editor

Baseball has come to an end this year with the New York Yankees being winning the World Series champions, but that also means that the NBA season has gotten underway. With last season’s champion Los Angeles Lakers and 29 other teams in the league it’s going to be a good, hard-fought year in basketball.

Oregon isn’t much of a professional sport team state, but it is the home of the Portland Trail Blazers. Last season, the Blazers finished with a 54-28 record, tied for the fifth best record in the NBA. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they make the playoffs this year. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers had the best record last season with a 66-16 record, and the best home record. Freshman Alec Schauer said, “I didn’t have much of an inspiration that made me play basketball.” Schauer also stated, “I would like to see the Portland Trail Blazers and the Cleveland Cavaliers in this season’s NBA finals.” The Eastern Conference seemed to be the best conference last year, which is actually surprising because the Western Conference has been the most impressive this century. It will be hard to guess this season’s NBA playoff contenders, but it will be fun to watch and see which team will make it.

Basketball has evolved since the sport was first invented. NCAA basketball and NBA video games are made with athletes on the cover of each game.

Uniforms have gotten baggier since the 1960’s, and new basketball arenas have been or are being made, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Actually, basketball has become more popular since video games were made, and the newer basketball arenas can hold more people than the older ones, which also improved the popularity of the sport.

Girls basketball coach Luke Roth commented, “Basketball is a popular sport, but it just isn’t as popular as football.

Football has a higher fan base than basketball and the same goes for our school too.” One could argue about this, but

most would say that football is bigger, especially in America.

Every season, new, young rookies join the league with a lot to learn. That is one reason people look forward to new seasons, to watch new players develop in the league and potentially see them as NBA all-stars. College hot shots like Blake Griffin and Tyler Hansbrough are showing some good signs from playing in the Las Vegas summer league. They and a lot of other rooks showed that they have what it takes to be in the NBA. But, of course, there are players who struggled in the summer league. Even the best performance in the summer league won’t guarantee an NBA rookie of the year award. Summer league is more of a developing league than a which-playeris-the-best league.

Veterans or Jeff Toreson photo experienced players Portland is one of 32 teams are fun to watch too, competing for an NBA title. since they are usually the guys who put up big numbers for the team. Freshman Colton Williams commented, “Making a shot is a good feeling, and watching pro basketball players on TV is intense. The pace of the sport is great, and the abilities that these guys have make it fun to watch.” Players like Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are good examples of all-star veterans. But there are flaws to seeing players like these on a favorite team. One could worry about them wanting to retire or get traded because they don’t like their team or they don’t get paid the right salary. Just the little things could have a player wanting to leave a team. Still, these guys are the top dogs and the most fun to watch in the NBA. Basketball is just a fast-paced and hard sport. Some people will say that it’s better to watch basketball than to play it; others will say the opposite. But this year’s season in the NBA is exciting and we will see what happens next year.

Backpage The Traditions and Origins of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a tradition, but what are the true origins of this holiday?

by Anthony Rhoads ads manager

The holiday of Thanksgiving is a very big event in some families. However, compared to today’s celebrations, with parades, football, and a large feast, the first Thanksgiving was on a much smaller scale.

While it was a feast, there were several differences.

The first Thanksgiving was in 1621, after the pilgrims’ first harvest, one year after they landed at Plymouth on December 21, 1620. The harsh winter killed off half of the pilgrims’ original number. If it weren’t for the local Wampanoag Indians, who gave the pilgrims seeds to plant, they would not have had food.

Sophomore Alex Dumphy said, “Thanksgiving is all about the giving of thanks.” According to www.history. com, the feast most likely would have consisted of lots of meat and seafood, as well as vegetables. However, as seen today, there would not have been ham, potatoes, corn on the cob, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, chicken, eggs or milk. Sophomore Jasmine Glass said, “I think the

most important thing about Thanksgiving is being with family.” The Governor of Plymouth, William Bradford, announced the celebration due to the bountiful harvest. In 1789, President George Washington declared a National Thanksgiving Day in honor of the new constitution.

Then, in 1941, Congress named the fourth Thursday of November Thanksgiving Day. Since then, society has added their own touches to the traditions of Thanksgiving: first there is football, and then the parade. English teacher Ms. Fitz said, “Our traditions are: we have turkey or fish, my mom’s special cranberry salad, we get out special china, and table decorations.” All in all, Thanksgiving is a holiday to get together and celebrate with family and friends, and maybe enjoy some delicious food.

Hungry students yearn for longer lunches Students raise a debate about the lunch period and some want it longer while others want it to stay the same

by Kelsey Sherman staff writer Lunch is a time for students to eat, relax, and socialize with friends. But is there time to do that in the forty minutes students get? Some students agreed it is enough time. Other students need more time for their social and eating needs.

One reason that students want longer lunches is to be able to go to a wider variety of places for lunch.

Sophomore Kendahl Herring said, “It would be better to have longer lunches because then we can go out more

and eat healthier foods.” Herring’s opinion on lunches is quite reasonable, although, others may disagree.

“We already have forty minute lunches and if it takes you that long to eat a sandwich, you should try a new lunch routine,” freshman Lindsey Ragsdale said. Ragsdale’s views are quite different from Herring’s, although both would probably put up a good argument. Would a compromise be better? Maybe having lunch be forty minutes on some days and longer on others. Ragsdale said, “It would be to confusing to have a schedule like that, I’d rather just leave it as it is.” That is understandable, considering a longer lunch would probably make a longer school day, since students would still need to get all the learning hours in.

“The only non-beneficial thing about having a longer lunch would be having a longer school day,” sophomore Ryan Sherman agreed.

Sherman and Herring both agreed that “the reason

lunches are forty minutes is because they need to fit in a reasonable class time.” Without forty minute lunches the school day could potentially be longer. This would work, but more students would not necessarily agree with the idea of being in school longer. Even though longer lunches would allow students to go more places and eat, as well as hang out with their friends longer, it is not necessarily the most appropriate decision.

Teachers’ views on longer lunches could be different from the student body’s views. Teachers may think that longer lunches would disrupt the flow of class time. But then again, they could also want longer lunches for their opportunities of having more time away from the students.

Longer lunches would be good for the students who would like to be more social and take longer to eat their lunches.

Students who just want the school day to be over might not care and enjoy the forty minutes they have for lunch now.

Mat Kearney thrills fans with PDX performance A Portland concert gives music lover a new view on live performances

by Alicia Luck backpage editor The Roseland Theater is like any other building in downtown Portland, but on the night of November 3rd, it had the honor of hosting native Christian Rock artist, Mat Kearney, who is originally

from Eugene, but now resides in Nashville.

I went to the concert as it was in celebration of my friend’s 18th birthday. We arrived in Portland around 5:00 p.m. and our group of six people weren’t allowed to go in until 6:30, an hour and half prior to the concert. My friend’s dad knows the theater owner and it ended up working out in our favor as we got to walk through the back to get in and we got to pick or places for the standing section down on the bottom floor. This ended up guaranteeing the four of us the front row experience. We got to stand against the wood guarder that blocked the stage and it ended up that he was only about four feet from us when he stood in front of the microphone.

He even came into the crowd on one of his more famous songs and he grabbed from someone’s near me hand to get over the barrier. It was really awesome. He even made a really funny comment

Overheard in the halls “You smell warm”

“She’s a double mint burrito”

“Apparently 5 generations of inbreeding makes you fly.”

“She pee’d everywhere” “I don’t use my phone for calling people anymore”

“Your pants are leaking”

“It smells awkward in this hall”

about the Ducks football team, which upset some of the Oregon State fans in the audience.

Overall, the entire experience was amazing, including the part where I had to stand on my feet for five hours straight and the concert only ended up being three hours long. The band that performed before Mat was extraordinarily good. They were less towards the Christian side of the genre, but it was obvious that they considered themselves Christian Rock and the lead singer had a powerful voice and played the piano very well.

When Mat came on stage I’m sure that the amount of people in the standing room only section multiplied by three times because I lost my ability to move from there on out. As for the amount of fun I had, my liveliness increased from the start and I had fun clapping and singing along to some of my favorite songs while many of the other girls around us started to dance and scream like crazy. The hip in the building increased when he changed some of his own lyrics to fit the venue in Portland, which was highly appreciated by all. The concert was the best one I have ever been to because it was so personal.