Volume 46 Issue 2 - Nov.19, 2010 by The Talisman

Romeo & Juliet hits Sheldon page 3

Call of Duty Black Ops is here at last! page 3

Sporting events for a cause page 7

a student newspaper

the Talisman

Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 46 Issue 2 Nov. 19, 2010

Sheldon students accepted into All-American band

Two Sheldon students get the privilege of performing on Jan. 8 Madison Baker photo editor

Two of the newest U.S. Army All-Americans are walking the halls of Sheldon High School and many students don’t even know about it. These All-Americans aren’t football players, or basketball players or swimmers. They are band members. They have shown the utmost ability in honing their talents. These students have shown their ability to an extent that captures the American spirit. Seniors Kayla Wilkinson and Tim Casey have been members of the Sheldon Marching Band since freshman and sophomore year respectively. Wilkinson is captain of the colorguard and has been a member of the team since her freshman year. She said, “I am excited to be able to work with peers from all over the U.S. that give 100% to all they do.” Casey added, “I am looking forward to

the precision and perfection. Everyone there will want the show to be the best it can be. It will be great to work with a group of devoted musicians.” Casey plays the trumpet and is the leader of his section in the marching band. Both Wilkinson and Casey have spent hours perfecting what they do. They estimate that during the performance season they rehearse between ten and twelve hours per week. In preparation for their season, they participated in band camp that is required for all marching band students at Sheldon, where they rehearsed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the last weeks of their summer. As two of the 125 students from across the nation, Wilkinson and Casey are Oregon’s sole representatives. Wilkinson said, “[Being an All American band member] means being a part of something that so many people including myself are so passionate about; who put everything they are into their work.” In January of 2011 they will take an all-expense-paid trip to San Antonio where they will rehearse for the halftime show of the U.S. Army All American Bowl that will take place on January 8.

Bre Womack photo

Seniors Kayla Wilkinson and Tim Casey both receive the honor of joining the All-American marching band

Sheldon vs. South rivalry is not like other schools The banter between South Eugene and Sheldon is not that serious at all Maggie Schmaedick features editor Sheldon and South Eugene High Schools have always been in competition with each other. Two large 6A schools in the same town, in the same conference, are going to be rivals. It makes sense. And it isn’t just sports. In all aspects of school, from academics to theatre, Sheldon and South have been competing for years. South Eugene sophomore Cameron Martin said, “Yes, I believe there is a rivalry between the two schools. I know at South we are always excited to compete with [Sheldon].” Martin, along with many students, feels that competition is what drives students to perform. “I think a healthy competition is what pushes us to perform our best.” This deﬁnitely shows, as Sheldon and South are some of the best high schools in the state, both academically and athletically. Sheldon and South are “two high achieving schools”, creating a “natural breeding ground for a rivalry,” said Sheldon Athletic Director Matt Binkerd. Binkerd said he has experience with rivalries. He went to high school in Hillsboro, where a major rivalry existed between Hillsboro and Glencoe High Schools. It is “good to have pride in

game because of the rivalry, and at the same time, “these schools work together as a team for a good cause.” One exception to this rivalry is the water polo team. Sheldon sophomore Zulema Iboa, captain of the water polo team, said, “The water polo team has no rivalry with South Eugene, because we practiced with each other over the summer.” Instead of competing against South, it’s more of a scrimmage between teammates. “We support each other during the game,” Iboa added. Junior Sydnie Runciman, also on the water polo team, commented, “[during games,] Zulema scores, and the other team gets excited for her. They’re like, ‘Good job Zulema!’ and we get really excited for each other.” Another activity in which Sheldon and South show a lot of support for each other is in the drama department. Martin said, “I know that the theatre programs support each other by going to each other’s performances.” Many of the drama students are close friends with those from the other schools, and this leads to big support for each other’s programs. The Sheldon and South Eugene rivalry is competition at its best. Binkerd said, “Some people go overboard with things, like vandalism. That’s not the fun part of a rivalry.” For the most part that isn’t the case here. “The student section has been outstanding,” commented Binkerd. The result is a supportive Maggie Schmaedick photos atmosphere amidst a heated and competitive rivalry that will continue for years to come.

your school and to be involved,” Binkerd said. Binkerd added that students who are involved in their school tend to get higher GPAs and generally perform better during high school. Part of this comes from the healthy rivalries between schools. The rivalry between South and Sheldon, for a majority of students, adds to the fun of competition. Many families have good friends who go to South, and competitions between the schools are a time to socialize and support each other. “Everybody knows each other, and that’s a very positive thing,” Binkerd said. “That’s why we have the Mr. Irish game.” In this game, Sheldon and South play basketball against one another to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. People get excited for this

VS.

Sheldon students display school spirit with great enthusiasm Sheldon school spirit is abundant among students, like rain in Eugene Lindsey Ragsdale staff writer “Go Sheldon High! We’re gonna win this game tonight! We’re gonna ﬁght, Irish, ﬁght! We’re gonna show you the Irish might!” Many have shown their pride by singing this over the years. Sheldon seems to have a lot more school spirit than other schools, and people aren’t afraid to show it! Students at Sheldon have shown their school spirit by going to games, wearing the Irish colors, and dressing up for spirit week. Showing spirit can help Sheldon succeed. “If we hated the school we wouldn’t do well,” said junior Alexis Taisey. So far this year the Sheldon varsity football team remains undefeated and the team is attracting lots of school spirit. In return, the school spirit encourages the football team to do better. “Our football team wouldn’t keep going to state if we didn’t cheer so loud!” said senior Lizzie Gray. Sheldon spirit is different from other schools because of “our supreme leadership and enthusiasm for athletics, academics, and clubs,” said senior

Elliot Fromm. When asked if he thought Sheldon had more spirit than other schools, he said, “duh. We’re number 1. It says so in our ﬁght song.” Some students don’t think that teachers show enough school spirit. “They deﬁnitely don’t,” said senior Annalyce Miller. “They should come to more Sheldon events to cheer people on.” There are several teachers who are involved with athletic and academic activities with Sheldon, but you can never have too much support for Sheldon students. The most common ways of showing school spirit are wearing school colors and going to Sheldon events. Gray’s favorite way of showing spirit is “going to all the sports games!” Whenever there isn’t a game or event, students show their spirit by wearing Sheldon colors or clothing around the school or around town. Since Sheldon sports games are themed—there were Halloween and western themed games—it gives students a chance to dress up in different ways to support their school. Fromm wears pink women’s power suits to football games to show his Sheldon spirit. When the upperclassmen really get into showing school spirit, like Fromm, it gets other students to do it as well. “[I love it when] all the senior boys dress up at every

football game,” said Gray. All Sheldon students have the opportunity to support their school, and have fun doing it!

Anthony Rhoads photo

Sheldon students show school spirit by buying and wearing spirit shirts like this new “Voss Out” shirt

2 November 19, 2010

News

the Talisman

Sheldon academics ranked top 6% in nation Sheldon is now ranked number two in the state for academics by Newsweek. Vanessa Tshionyi staff writer Henry D. Sheldon High School is ranked by Newsweek as the second best school in the state of Oregon, meaning that we have one of the best academic systems in all of Oregon. Many were surprised to know that we were ranked academically because we are such a sports-oriented school. None the less Sheldon is still ranked number two in the state and it couldn’t be more deserved. What does being number two mean for the staff and students here at Sheldon, and what does it mean for the future of Sheldon? There is a lot of buzz about our high ranking here around Sheldon. Many students feel proud that they go to Sheldon. “I’m proud that I go to Sheldon because it gives me a sense of pride to know that I am getting a really good education at one of the best schools in Oregon,” said junior Kristina Tamburrini. Many students agree with Tamburrini, but others feel that we should be number one. “I think Sheldon should be number one because our school, to me, is one of the greatest. We have great academics and amazing sports teams,” said junior Marisa Specht. Junior Ashley Leupold said, “I was surprised when I found out we were number two in the state because I didn’t know that our school was that good in academics. I really only thought we were a school that focused on sports, but I am still happy that we are ranked number two.” In the state of Oregon, Sheldon is ranked number two behind Corbett High School in Corbett, Oregon. Every year Newsweek issues a list of the top schools around the nation. They rank them based on how hard the staff

Talisman Staff Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Features Editor Features Editor Sports Editor Backpage Editor Entertainment Editor Opinions Editor Frontpage Editor News Editor Ads Manager Photo Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Staff Writers Marisa Aiello Simone Balazs Mercy Barnes Gabby Bernhardt Ben Chamberlain Andy Conrad Quinn Daniel Lauren Davies Henry Fowler Staff Advisor

Anthony Rhoads Hope Zima Maggie Schmaedick Hope Zima Drew Haugen Elizabeth Davis Shyanne Church Hunter Anderson Anthony Rhoads Cameron Ritchey Anthony Rhoads Madison Baker Bre Womack Tim Alley Lucas Gomez Tiwanna Hamilton Tatiana Hasan Vanessa Hendricks JJ Juilfs Danielle Peterson Lindsey Ragsdale Dominic Travis Vanessa Tshionyi Greg Cantwell

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.

Cameron Ritchey photo

(L to R) Seniors Angela Vanderbelt and Mellissa Hodgson work on projects in Ms. Cavin’s calligraphy 1 class while junior Halley Fogelstrom looks on. challenges students in advanced placement courses and on tests. Out of 27,000 schools, Sheldon was ranked number 702 in the nation (top 3%). Newsweek compares the number of advanced placement classes taught at the high school and the number of students graduating with AP classes. “Sheldon has earned national recognition and we are starting to get more calls from parents wanting their students to go to our school,” said Principal Bob Bolden. “The bar is

raised for us here at Sheldon and we need to maintain our status to one day be top ranked in Oregon,” Bolden said. This is the ﬁrst time that Sheldon has been nationally ranked, which is great for our reputation. Being nationally ranked has boosted the morale here at Sheldon and has raised the school spirit also giving students pride to want to be Irish. It is a great honor for Sheldon to be recognized for the hard work that the staff and students do every day.

Missing children cases on rise Kids need to be aware of the dangers around them and the safe places to go Mercy Barnes staff writer Lane County has always seemed like a safe and secure place to live because of the warm and trusting people, yet in the past few months that factor has started to change for the worst. There have been more accounts of kidnappings than ever before. Many people are afraid for their families, while others question why the sudden change. “The people and the hearts of the people are what are causing the changes,” said sophomore Sami Gonyea. The hearts of Eugenians may be changing for the worst, and many families have to pay for that factor. “I believe that the chances of being released are slim after being kidnapped.” said junior Baylie Cuddeback when asked why she was afraid of being kidnapped. Kyron Horman, a seven year old boy, was kidnapped on June fourth. He is still missing and there aren’t any signs of him showing up. His parents have been vigorously searching everywhere to ﬁnd their son, but they seem to be hitting dead ends. “I would try everything that I could to ﬁnd my child and I think that is what his family and friends are doing and if they keep doing so they might

be able to ﬁnd Kyron,” junior Mandi Comer commented. Many people are afraid of being kidnapped yet they do not know that there are safe places to go in signs of danger. The National Safe place is a place that you can go if you need help o have ran away. McDonalds and many other stores around, as well as LTD buses, have the yellow safety sign which means that its a safe place if you ever need help. Even though the crime rate in Eugene is going up there are safe places to go. If you are aware of your surroundings and never walk alone you will have a better chance of not getting into danger.

Cameron Ritchey photo

Safe Place signs tell kids where to ﬁnd help.

Some homophobic teens have bullying habits and need to be outed to bring about change Gay bullying is getting worse each year and will continue until people stand up and say, ‘No more’ Bre Womack photo editor Imagine being bullied, not because of your gender or the color of your skin, but because of your sexual orientation. According to Mental Health America (www. nmha.org) every fourteen minutes a gay/ bisexual/ lesbian/ transgendered (GBLT) teen is being harassed or threatened and that 31% of gay youth have been threatened or injured at school in the last year alone.

“I think that bullying of any kind is immoral and unjust,” said senior Crystal Bivins. “Just because somebody is different doesn’t give anybody the right to bully them. Being gay is just a part of their life, we don’t make fun of someone for being heterosexual, so why should we be made fun of for being gay or bi.” Not a lot of people who are gay or bi are open about being bullied. They see it as their fault for being the way they are, but many of them don’t realize that it isn’t because of what they are, it’s because of the viewpoints of other people. “I was bullied back in the ﬁfth grade for being bi - it hurt,” said Bivins. “It made me want to hide who I was from everybody, even my parents, because I was afraid to tell them, because I was afraid of getting hurt again.” No matter what, bullying is not ok. If someone is bullying you, you need to speak to someone about it. “I would tell [the person being bullied] to talk to a faculty member and to tell your parents. It isn’t good to not tell anyone about it - you have to tell someone or it won’t stop,” said jenior Chasity Barnes.

Entertainment

the Talisman

November 19, 2010

Be enchanted by Romeo And Juliet New CoD: Black Ops The new Call of Duty has so many advancements including: new models, online play, and the best graphics yet

Sheldon drama students perfom the classic Romeo and Juliet beautifully. Go see it before it’s too late! Shyanne Church entertainment editor

Quinn Daniel staff writer

“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” This year’s fall play Romeo and Juliet, written by the famous playwright William Shakespeare, introduces students to a whole new world of theatre. “I really like Shakespeare; it was definitely made to be preformed, and seen, not just read,” said senior Kate Landon, who plays Juliet. Shakespeare is well known for his complex dialogue, twisted tragedies, and dramatic plots. This show has proven itself challenging but came together in the end. How could it not with such a talented cast? Assistant stage manager sophomore Cassidy Pasley said, “[The cast and crew] are absolutely outstanding people. If you don’t already know them, you should, because they’re super cool.” The drama students prepared everyday for about three months. “I spent three to four hours after school preparing with the whole cast, and at least two hours at home with my family,” said freshman Cameron O’Hair who plays Romeo. The opening night was on November 12 and the remaining shows include November 19 and 20. General admission costs seven dollars for both students and senior citizens, and ten dollars for all adults. O’Hair has a title role as a freshman and said, “I am so lucky; I’m a freshman and I have a lead part.” Unlike O’Hair, Landon has been in plenty of other high school plays and said, “I love theatre; it is like live art.” On stage they seemed to have amazing acting chemistry, and preformed beautifully together. They fit the parts of Romeo and Juliet perfectly. Throughout the show there were plenty of kisses (at least five or six), and they seemed completely comfortable with each other. “It was weird at first, but you get used to it – it’s acting,” said Landon. O’Hair said, “I’m lucky to have Kate. I feel comfortable with her, unlike any

The most hyped-up game is ﬁnally here, with new and original game play, new modes, new online play and the best graphics yet. The realism will have you think you are really there! Call of Duty: Black Ops came out November 9. Thousands of copies were reserved for the midnight opening of the newest game around. The Call of Duty series has been around since 2003. Since then, they have come out with over a dozen various Call of Duty games for different consoles. Nazi Zombies from World at War was such a big hit that they put it in Call of Duty: Black Ops. Freshman Tony Love, “I believe it will be much better than the zombies of World at War, by far. I am very excited; overall it will be sick.” Love also said, “These games keep getting better. I don’t believe Black Ops is overrated like Modern Warfare 2 was.” OSU student Tim Daniel declared that Black Ops was a much better game than Medal of Honor. Daniel said, “Yes, I believe any game that is this good is worth more than sixty bucks.” The new online play for Black Ops has brought out new content and new modes for gamers such as the Wager mode, where the player will be able to wager amounts of credits to other online players with the winner getting all the credits. This game mode is strictly

Shyanne Church photo

Freshman Cameron O’Hair, and senior Kate Landon (Romeo and Juliet) perform in the balcony scene.

other girl who might have made kissing a stranger awkward.” The director chose not to have the cast speak with Italian accents, which I found unusually refreshing. It gave this renaissance play a slightly modern American twist. The work put into the play was very apparent. The actors were committed to their roles, and their lines were right on queue. The technicians (“techies”) were fantastic at giving the play a magical spark, and keeping everything going with lights, set changes, and sound effects. Overall the cast and crew did a fantastic job and they have something to be incredibly proud of.

Comics and books transform into movies

People’s favorite books and comics are being put on the big screen. Marisa Aiello staff writer

Iron Man, Twilight Saga, Hulk, and Spider Man are just a few of the many movies made from Marvel Comics or from books. There have been a total of twenty-one movies created based on or from Marvel Comics since 1998 and there are still seven left to be produced by 2013. Along with all these movies made from comics, there are also many made from books. From the ﬁrst Harry Potter that was released in 2001 to the family friendly How to Train Your Dragon just released this year, that movies are everywhere and there are far too many to list. Everyone is a critic when it comes to books and comics becoming movies, but what do Sheldon students think? Junior Qyauna Barrios said, “I didn’t really like Percy Jackson & the Olympians, but I do like all the Harry Potter movies.” Sophomore Margo Calhoun said, “When it comes to the books and comics becoming movies, it

really depends on the director. Sometimes the books are better because the movies cut out essential parts in order to get all the important details in with the limited amount of screen time.” Sophomore Victoria Quinn stated, “They movies generally turn out well, but sometimes the books have better variations and details to the story.” When it comes to making movies out of books and comics, some people prefer the book to the movie. But why? Barrios commented, “The books offer more detail than the movies can possibly put in. Like with Twilight, the book was far better than the movie because of all the detail.” Calhoun said, “For me if I see the movie ﬁrst then read the book, I’ll tend to like the movie better or if I read the book before the movie I’ll like the book more.” Quinn commented, “The plot tends to be more precise in the books and comics. With movies there tends to be melodrama and Hollywood always ﬁnds a way to put some sort of romantic bit into the movie, even if there isn’t any in the book or comic. There are so many movies that have been based upon books and comics, and in a day and age when seeing movies is a national pass time, it’s no wonder Hollywood makes so many from comics and books.

The new highly-anticipated 3D Nintendo DS Gamers will soon be able to play Mario in 3D! “It’s me Mario!” Lucus Gomez staff writer Through the years there have been lots of ways to escape the everyday stress and boredom. It has slowly evolved over the years and now 3D is on the rise. It started as getting the annoying blue and red glasses, sitting and staring at blurry purple blobs that bounced up and down for an hour or so then leaving the movies with a headache, but now days with the new release of real D 3D you can go to the theater without the worry of seeing a 3D movie and having the headache. But people have always wondered what it would be like to play a 3D videogame. The big names like Microsoft and Sony have been messing around with it and with the rise of some of the new 3D PS3 games such as Killzone 3 and Batman Arkham Asylum. But Nintendo is about to send out their new product, the Nintendo 3DS. It is stocked with three cameras wireless communication, three inch LCD touch screen and much more. But the big question is will this product sell and how much will it be on the line for? As companies come out with newer products with new features and constructed for greater durability, the products

price will always go up no matter what you are making. But this might cause less product consumption by buyers like you. But are people really willing to pay up to $300 for a hand held 3D gaming experience free of glasses? sophmore Tyler Cvitanovich said, “I think it would be a really cool to have 3DS but not to mention it would be really nerdy, but in the recession we are in I don’t know people will be willing to pay up to $300 for something that might just break anyway. And could there be possible health problems with in since you don’t need glasses?” Chris Ulloa he said wouldn’t spend his money on this because “even if it is in 3D I would never play it because for one i have a ps3 which has way better everything and two, would feel really lame owning something like that.” From his point of view Nintendo is more for younger kids and hand held videogames are slowly dying out as new and better 3D games are coming out for the exclusive Xbox 360 and the PS3. But we won’t know until the ﬁnal unveiling of the 3DS. So in total it seems like people like the overall idea of having a 3D hand held gaming device but is it is really worth the cost? We really won’t know until it is released.

Quinn Daniel photo

for hardcore gamers. There are four different types of wager matches, One in the Chamber, Sticks and Stones, Gun Game and Sharpshooter: in One in the Chamber the player starts off with one bullet in a pistol and for each kill the player gains the other’s bullet, but if one runs out of bullets you can still use your Tactical Knife but it’s much harder to succeed with a kill. In Sticks and stones the player starts with a cross bow and ballistic knife. Gun Game is where all players start with a pistol and the better kill streak the player gets, the better weapons he/she receives. Sharpshooter is an original mode where everyone has the same random weapon for a ﬁxed amount of time. With each kill one earns a Perk as a bonus. The new and improved quality and graphics of this game are incredible. Overall the game is the most original and well thought out game there is out there. The developer for this Call of Duty is Treyarch and they have made this game yours; you are able to customize your character and will be able to customize your guns to what you want. Black Ops has been made to be much grittier than Modern Warfare 2. The new campaign for Black Ops has thirteen single player levels, and is focused more on military cover ups during the Cold War , and it is much more story oriented. All signs show that this deﬁnitely is the game to go out and get, and will keep you with your hands glued to the controller for hours and possibly days. So get all your friends, snacks and beverages and get ready to play Call of Duty: Black Ops.

F e a Debate t team u argues r toethe tops F e a t u r e s

Rotary exchange opens doors to students The Rotary exchange program allows students to study abroad and widen their cultural scope. Cameron Ritchie news editor Have you ever thought of going to a school in a different country? Well that could be arranged! Sheldon has a foreign exchange program through Rotary exchange. Right now, Sheldon has more then six students from other countries. There are also students who will soon be leaving for the exchange. We bring our culture to different countries and other countries bring their cultures to us. Rotary exchange is a great way to explore new places and meet new people. Many students would like to go overseas. Senior Lauren Murphy, who went to Ecuador in 2009 said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The overseas program is a fabulous idea! It allows kids to see how other people live and they take their newly-gained values back home with them.â&#x20AC;? A lot of students want to go overseas but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re nervous of what could happen. Murphy said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure almost every kid would love to travel to a new country, but a lot of them are too scared they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t graduate on time. A big issue is they would miss their family too much. But that can be solved with some family Skyping.â&#x20AC;? Daniel Alexander Jorgensen, who graduated last year in Denmark, is now a junior exchange student here at Sheldon. Jorgensen said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I absolutely love everything about Sheldon, except that a lot of the teachers are really strict and I get so much homework. The curriculum is way different from my country. We have each subject studied on different days and usually not so much homework. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m here at Sheldon because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gap year for me and I wanted to come back to school. I really want to learn and try new things.â&#x20AC;? In Denmark he is a bit of a celebrity. Jorgensen hosts and arranges raves. He plays the bass guitar and is also a DJ. His favorite subject is multicultural studies because of all the new things he learns. Another exchange student here is Kirsten Van Mastrigt. Van Mastrigt is seventeen and is a senior. Like Jorgenson, She already graduated. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from Holland and is here in America to learn our different ways of curriculum and to meet new people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone here is so incredibly nice and caring! At my other school, if someone didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like you, you could really tell. Here I feel very safe and loved.â&#x20AC;? Van Mastrigt plays a sport in Holland called Korf Ball. The sport is like basketball and volleyball mixed. Her favorite subject here is Spanish. Being an overseas student takes a lot of commitment. You need to be very good with your school work. To go over seas you have to be passing all of your classes and you should be in extra curricular classes and studies. Being in a different country can be very exciting. You meet new people, learn new things, have a host family, and take your newly-learned customs and memories back home.

The Sheldon forensics team provides opportunities are roughly twenty kids on the debate team as of right for students to improve their public speaking skills. now, and any student in any grade is able to participate. Tiwanna Hamilton staff writer The debate team is an extracurricular group that practices public speaking, also known as forensics. There are four different kinds of debate, but many types of speaking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The debate team is also teaching kids how to think about how to become better speakers,â&#x20AC;? said Mary Youngblood-Lee, the advisor for the debate team. Not all schools have a debate team but Sheldon certainly does. The Sheldon debate team has meetings every Tuesday during lunch time. They debate all around the state. There

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Debate team is really awesome! I really like doing individual events. You learn a lot of public speaking skills by being on the debate team.â&#x20AC;? Junior Karen McGhehey said. At a debate the judges judge by deciding everything in every single round. Senior Toby Rhoden said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like travelling to different schools around the state to argue and I like meeting new people as well.â&#x20AC;? Last year, Sheldon debate won districts in public debate, impromptu, and extemporaneous. This year has been low key for the debate team. They attended one tournament which was at Willamette University in Salem. The next tournament they will attend will be at Sprague High School, also in Salem.

Double take: twins at Sheldon High

Twins are a common sight at Sheldon, and two siblings of the exact same age, often identical, can be a little bizarre. J.J. Juilfs staff writer

Dutch Brothers: part of Sheldonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget Dutch Bros tasty winter special drinks, like their Pumpkin Chai Teas and Peppermint Hot Chocolates. Those are always a favorite! Not only does Dutch Brothers have delicious hot Simone Balazs drinks but they have a variety of iced drinks too, staff writer anything from iced mochas or coffee to Italian Sodas or Red Bulls. Sophomore Sammy Gonyea said, Dutch Brothers is the phenomenon that has changed â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would choose a Red Bull over any drink! They our high school in so many ways. Morning coffee runs, are by far my favorite drink on the menu.â&#x20AC;? Red lunch reďŹ lls, after school boosts, whenever you get it, Bulls sure seem to be a hit at Dutch Bros with their Dutch Brothers is always good. From the savory taste everlasting ďŹ&#x201A;avors! Italian Sodas seem to be popuJ.J. Juilfs photo of a Dutch Freeze, or a fabulous raspberry Red Bull, all lar too, along with Kickers and Dutch Freezes. Dylan and Mitchell Lewis are one set of identical twins here at Sheldon. of the drinks are Delicious! With the nifty straws, cool Since Dutch Brothers is so close to our school lots cups, inexpensive prices, and ďŹ&#x201A;avorful drinks, Dutch of underclassmen walk there before, during and afBrothers really appeals to the customers. Sophomore ter school to get a drink. Junior Jennifer Ontiveros Alli Mckee said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really love Kickers! It is deďŹ nitely stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like all the people who walk Dogs are a very popular animal to help with aniMany people have been turning to animals as my favorite drink. I get one in the morning right bethere just standing in line, a drive through is a drive mal therapy. The fact that most of them are happy therapists to help them cope with adversity. and spunky makes it an easy way to cheer up. fore school, and after lunch when I need them most.â&#x20AC;? through. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not supposed to walk through it.â&#x20AC;? Dutch Brothers isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all about Kickers and Red Bulls; Although it is convenient for underclassmen and Dogs however, must be trained to handle the inTatiana Hasan they also have a variety of coffee drinks and other people who would just like to walk there, it is frustensity of some therapy sessions. Being around hot drinks, like White Mochas, Dutch Mochas, Chai trating for the drivers who like to go there too. All staff writer loud noises or people with disabilities, and bein all, Dutch Brothers is a convenient, easy place to Teas, and many more. Sophomore Nick Ault said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I ing petted hard or squeezed tightly all can make a go for a coffee run, morning, afternoon, or night. No Therapy is a technique used to usually solve oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems and dog very nervous. Long and hard training with the like to get White Mochas when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold outside. They matter what time of day, Dutch Brothers is delicious. help that person feel better. Talking with a trained professional owner and pet will help make things go smoother. keep my hands super warm when I walk to school.â&#x20AC;? would be the ideal thing to do at a typical therapy session. HowPets are very loyal companions and good friends. ever, a new style of therapy has been introduced to modern day No matter what people look like or what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gowhich involves interacting with a few furry trained professionals. ing through pets will be there. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t judge and Animal therapy has been an excellent way for people to release most of the time just want to help. They love the their emotions while interacting with a pet. Some people say that A closer examination of the brilliant Dutch science teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life people who love them back and show tons of care animals share emotions with the people they are around. Dogs, for them. Animals who help with animal therapy are outside of the Sheldon science wing and chemistry lab. cats, almost any type of animal can be really nurturing for somevery appreciated by the people who need a friend. one who has an emotional need. Many people like to go to a pet Outside of school, Dr. Volwerk Hunter Anderson for comfort. Sometimes talking about something isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best spends his summers sailing on his boat, for the situation. Just someone or something to interact with that opinions editor Bonnasola. The boatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name means person is whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needed. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where these furry heroes step in. â&#x20AC;&#x153;good sunâ&#x20AC;? in Italian, and is named afA lot of people know Dr. Volwerk as the Dutch ter a town he and his wife visited whilst Chemistry/Science Foundations teacher. Most stu- traveling Italy. He also enjoys gourmet dents describe his class as being one of the hard- cooking and playing drums in his band, est at Sheldon. However, not many people know Basement Jelly, a play on the phrase New medical technology allows doctors to go inside the ing operated over great distances despite this being the interesting man who lies beneath the surface. â&#x20AC;&#x153;basement jam.â&#x20AC;? Dr. Volwerk can play The machine is also able to be integrated body via a sophisticated and expensive robotic machine. unusual. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the good things about Dr. Volwerk drums and guitar, although he says heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with previously existing robotic surgical devices. is that he really knows his subject,â&#x20AC;? said se- much better with drums. Volwerk comThere are many beneďŹ ts to using the minimally Dominic Travis nior Kelsey Blancher. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had him for Chem- mented, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like performing. I started invasive surgery the Da Vinci Machine has to ofstaff writer istry and Science Foundations. One of my fa- young and never stopped, despite a fer. Before the new technology, patients would have vorite things about his class was the labs.â&#x20AC;? few hiatuses.â&#x20AC;? His musical interests to have open surgery, which required weeks of reSacred Heart Hospital adopted a new robotic surgical machine last June. Dr. Volwerk was born in Dirksland, a small town are David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Steely covery time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is less pain and less narcotThe innovative machine allows for previously open surgeries to be less inin the Netherlands. All of his schooling was done Dan, Little Feet, and many others. He ics to the patient,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Gill. The new machine vasive, providing quicker recovery time. It is state-of-the-art technology. in the Netherlands. He attended the University of also likes jazz and classical music. also allows the camera to pivot on an axis instead The machine got its start in gynecology and urology said da Vinci Surgeon Utrecht, got his undergraduate and masters degrees of bumping into the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nerves and tissues. Dr. Volwerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite subatomic parGeoffrey Gill. It is the beginning of the new push for minimum invasive surgery. in chemistry, and his doctorate in biochemistry. ticle is the proton, because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s positive. There is one main disadvantage to the machine: The machine was ďŹ rst designed by DARPA: the Defense Advanced Research â&#x20AC;&#x153;What appealed to me about biochemistry was not â&#x20AC;&#x153;My favorite element is carbon, becost. The machine costs approximately $1.75 milProjects Agency. DARPA began the machineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design and construction in the so much the chemistry as what makes life possible cause without it we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be doing lion. The machineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arms are also disposable. Ac1950s. It was originally engineered to be used remotely for emergency battleďŹ eld - what makes living organisms do what they cording to Doctor Gill and Adam Pelatt, each arm surgeries. As the machine was formed, it became too bulky and immobile for do, and to understand that I had to learn this interview,â&#x20AC;? Volwerk stated. His famay be used for ten surgeries before it must be the militaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use, thus DARPA abandoned the project. In 1997 Intuitive Surgic h e m i s t r y , â&#x20AC;? vorite molecules are immunoproteins, replaced. Howeve,r the costs for patients may be cal Inc. bought the rights and patents to the machine. After modiďŹ cations, it was said Volwerk. the proteins in our blood that keep greatly less expensive than before. The hospitals that FDA approved for cardiac surgeries in 1999. In 2000 it was approved for urologic After a fruitful us safe from foreign contaminates. use the machine also save money in the long run. Many Sheldon students say that Dr. surgeries and in 2005 it was approved for gynecologic surgeries (Adam Pelatt). 25-year career Training for use of the machine is surprisingly The machine itself consists of three separate parts: the surgeon consol at as a biochem- Volwerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class is one of the hardsimple. Dr. Giles said that it only took him a mere which the surgeon operates the machine, an Insite vision system, and a patient ist, in which est here. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably some week before he was in his ďŹ rst surgery. He went to side cart with four robotic arms. The operating console is equipped with the he published a truth in that. Chemistry as a subtrain on animals in California for two days. He then two instruments for operating along with a series of pedals. The pedals allow total of 38 sci- ject can be pretty hard for some stusat in on a surgery using the machine. After that he for camera control, focus, as well as adjustments to the scale of movements. entiďŹ c papers dents,â&#x20AC;? Volwerk said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will alwas on his way using the machine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the same The tools attached to the arms are engineered to give the surgeon more in peer review ways be students who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like my surgery, just different tools,â&#x20AC;? he said. Sales reprange of motion than even the human hand. The operator views the pajournals, Dr. classes because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do so well. resentatives like Adam Pelatt â&#x20AC;&#x153;sit in the room and tient in high deďŹ nition on a three dimensional television. The operator can Volwerk began Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m here to teach, not to be liked.â&#x20AC;? Anthony Rhoads photo help the surgeon their ďŹ rst ďŹ ve or six surgeries,â&#x20AC;? said Many people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how interalso feel artiďŹ cial resistance from the patience. The arms have interchangeteaching. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I always liked teaching. I think I Pelatt. The da Vinci Si is the future of medicine. It able tools that allow the surgeon many new ways of operating on a patient. have teaching in my blood. I never got to do esting Dr. Volwerk really is. However, is more precise than any other machine in the world. The O.R. staff is able to view the entire operation on a T.V. in the room. They enough of it at the college level, so I ďŹ gured hopefully now people will have a betIt is located at Sacred Heart Hospital and McKenare also able to help the surgeon by writing on the screen which is transferred that teaching high school would be a good ter understanding of the wonderful and zie-Willamette Hospital and only a few operate it. and viewed by the operator of the machine. The machine is also capable of beway to round off my career,â&#x20AC;? Volwerk said. brilliant man that Dr. Volwerk really is.

Sheldon students go to Dutch Brothers for morning pick-me-ups or after school treats.

Animal therapy provides welcome comfort to all

Who is Dr. Volwerk, really?

Imagine a man. He stands in front of a bathroom mirror. He looks intently at every detail: the curve of his nose, the shape of his eyes, and the point of his chin. Next he steps out from in front of the mirror and walks out the door of his house, his reďŹ&#x201A;ection still trapped deep inside the inner most workings of the mirror. He unlocks his car and drives to school; he is alone. Now imagine an alien world where anything is possible. A man looks into the same mirror, he walks out the same door but waiting in the car is his mirror image waiting patiently for him. He has a twin. Bizarre yes, but for a handful of students at Sheldon it is their reality. Seniors Kaylin Mcconville and Ellie Mcconville are identical twins who know ďŹ rst hand the difďŹ culties of having a look a like. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It can be hard to establish an identity for yourself when all people want to do is compare you and your twin.â&#x20AC;? said Ellie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Connor and I used to have to always be together like if one of us went somewhere the other would also. It was harder to become an individual than it is for most.â&#x20AC;? said Senior Kevan Bendt. There are two main types of twins, Dizygotic (Fraternal) and Monozygotic (Identical). Identical twins like the Mcconvilles, Sophomores Mitch and Dylan Lewis, Seniors Kevan and Connor Bendt, and Seniors Jocyln and Syndney Wenzyl, occur when a fertilized egg known as a zygote splits in half resulting in two zygotes sharing the same genetic information. It must be odd for twins to know that at one time they were destined to be one being, right? â&#x20AC;&#x153;People think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so cool that me and Kevan used to be one person. But I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awesome that you could have been two people. Like you have a second person in side of you. Cannibal!â&#x20AC;? said Connor Bendt. Sophomores Mitch and Dylan Lewis are notorious for their creativity when it comes to using their Twin status to their advantage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just say if we put as much time into school work as we do ways to prank people, we both would be A+ students.â&#x20AC;? said Mitch. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Show me a twin who hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tried to switch places or play a trick on some one and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll show you a big fat liar,â&#x20AC;? said Kaylin Mcconville. Despite the difďŹ culties associated with having a twin, â&#x20AC;&#x153;weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re family and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all. Just like any sisters we ďŹ ght, we love and we grow. I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trade Syndney for any one in the world,â&#x20AC;? said JocylnWenzle. Having a look-a-like twin comes with its own set difďŹ culties, but what sibling relationship doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t? If anything having a twin creates a more special bond than any one without one could imagine. Consider this a thank you to all twins at Sheldon and world wide for your special ability. Or as said by Sydney wenzyl, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twins are the chicken curry added to an other wise rather dull bowl of rice.â&#x20AC;? Yes, curry you are.

da Vinci Surgical System saves lives in a space-age way

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6 November 19, 2010

Opinions

the Talisman

Should religion be taught in school? Should teachers go more or less indepth about religion in their classes? Elizabeth Davis backpage editor Students are taught about many religions in school, but should they be? Being exposed to other religions should be done but with equal time spent on each religion without bias. All religions deserve to be recognized and treated as equal. I remember being in middle school and learning about religions. When we learned about Buddhism we learned who Buddha was and what believers were aiming to reach. Also, we learned what they practiced and how believers think they can reach enlightenment. We spent even more time on Islam and learned the different types, about the Qu’ran, some of their practices, and what they stand for. The Judaism lesson was just a few days though; I think we just did a paper on it. And Christianity was a day and we learned about a few prophets. I don’t think that is right. If we are going to learn about religions we should learn about them equally and more in depth than just the important people. Without being biased of course, all religions should be recognized without a good or bad prospective, but just for the knowledge of what they are all about. People are judgmental, that’s just how it is. There will

always be some people who will discriminate against anything including religions. Is it because they know what it is and hate it? Do they think their beliefs are superior? Are they just ignorant and discriminate because they can? All of these I think are true reasons people discriminate by religions. “People discriminate because they have inaccurate information,” said senior Macy Brigham. She thinks people would be more accepting of other religions if we knew more about them because people would know what they previously said was wrong and wouldn’t say it anymore. Learning about all religions would be beneficial; if we only learned about some it would be problematic because people from the religions not talked about would wonder why we don’t learn about them. So how do students feel about being taught about religions in school? Sophomore Satie Allen said, “I don’t disagree with religion being taught in school but I think a variety should be taught so students aren’t pressured to believe one thing.” Sometimes it seems that certain religions are being more spoken about than others which limits a person’s cultural relativism. Variety gives people more choices. If we had a good understanding of a variety of religions, people could decide for themselves what interests them. We learn about main religions and their main points but there are also smaller religions or branches off major religions that should be recognized too. Does a teacher’s religion affect how he or she teaches? I think teachers are affected because if they believe in a certain religion they may either talk more about

Boise State draws criticism Boise State’s ranking, attitude and “smurf turf” infuriate many Anthony Rhoads editor-in-chief There is so much to say about Boise State. In past years the Boise State Broncos have been highly ranked, but I don’t think that they deserve that place. Boise state started playing football in 1932. Since 1999 Boise has been in ten bowl games, winning six of them. They were the Big Sky Conference Champions from 1980 to 2009. Right now in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) they play Fresno State, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, New Mexico State, Sacramento State, San José State, and Utah State. In my opinion, this is not much of a challenge. I think the reason they are so highly ranked is because they are a good team, I will give them that. But they don’t play any teams that challenge their abilities. Next year Boise State will move to the Mountain West Conference. Mr. Sanderson stated that when Boise State gets moved, “It will be the same dominance, different league.” I don’t agree, I really think that when they are

moved, they will still do well but will also have a challenge. Better teams in the Mountain West Conference include Air Force, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Wyoming, Texas Christian University, Fresno State, and Nevada. Mrs. Barnum said, “The blue turf should be outlawed. There should be rules against it because there needs to be a contrast between the field and the uniforms.” The turf of Boise State has been the subject of ridicule for years. The uniforms are the same color, and it’s hard to call things, because they blend in. After 16 seasons of playing on standard green AstroTurf, BSU Athletic Director Gene Blaymeier came up with the idea to install the blue turf. He decided that, if BSU was going to spend $750,000 on a new surface, he didn’t want to see BSU install yet another green field, and that a blue field might provide the school some notoriety. Blaymeier gained the support of BSU President John Keiser, and in 1986 Bronco Stadium introduced its unique playing surface to the world. Senior Mathew Rasmussen said, “The Turf — it’s nasty, it’s not like Autzen. Autzen is awesome.” Since then it has been blue, but is it fair, and if everyone got color coordinated fields how would that change football? I think that Boise State should get a green field again, and then it would be fair.

Physical versus digital media showdown Which one is a more reliable format phyisical or digital media? Tim Alley copy editor Over the last century, many mainstream media formats, both physical and digital, have come and gone in production and use. Analog media is anything that conveys information while degrading slightly with each use while digital media is something that doesn’t degrade with use, including both discs and computer files. “It was called an 8-track—you could record your vinyl into your own order, and among college kids it went ballistic,” said history teacher Stan Washburn. Every new medium for media that has become widely used has made mass storage of audio, video or both exponentially easier. However, where previous formats’ storage was based on physical space, modern digital formats, based on digital hard drive space, cause new problems to arise that previous methods never had. “You have to keep up with technology or you’re going to become outdated,” said junior Colton Collingwood. This tends to be the general synopsis of most people’s thoughts on new innovations in technology. When enough people start buying one thing, manufacturers will stop making the thing that people no longer buy, while other manufacturers will start designing their products in compliance with other currently popular products. Since the mid-‘80s, CDs have dominated the music industry as the one thing that everyone bought. However, once online stores such as iTunes, Rhapsody and

AmazonMP3 became popular, some have started to see the CD as an obsolete medium. Since 2000, CD sales have halved. “If I can just get my iPod to where I can download all my music, all I need to do is get music for free,” said freshman Christian Brucken. Considering that you can purchase whole new albums online in MP3 format for a fraction of the store price, and sometimes even with bonus content, it is understandable why some people would prefer downloads over physical discs. While most people don’t know it, files in MP3 format are, by definition, compressed to be low-quality. MP3 bitrates—level of how much memory can be used every second during playback—can range from below 48 kilobytes per second (kbps) to 320kbps and beyond. Most download stores offer songs at 320kpbs, which to most sounds indifferentiable from lossless audio, but MP3 files are doomed to corrode over time. The way the algorithms for the format are written causes the files to lose a tenth of their quality every ten years if they’re not compressed even further by their users before then. Professionally made CDs contain lossless audio, meaning that what you hear on a CD is exactly what it is meant to sound like. Analog media shared the trait of containing lossless information, but lossless audio files can easily go over 1,400kbps, resulting in outrageously large amounts of memory consumption. As long as the CD itself is not broken or scratched too heavily, you can rip music in an appropriate bitrate while you have the original lossless copies to use to update as necessary. As a rule, I only buy the MP3s if a CD is either unobtainable or too expensive to be practical to buy to make sure that I have original, lossless backups of my files.

it or less if they don’t want to favor it. Before and during middle school, I remember teachers couldn’t tell you their own religion but now it seems okay. “I think the Supreme Court has ruled that it is legal to answer the question but teachers cannot profess one religion over another,” said science teacher David Whalley. Religion should be taught at school I think. It has its negative aspects, such as having to be careful not to say one religion is better than another, but it also is good because it widens students’ perspectives. People need to be open to new and different ideas and the only way for that to happen is if we are exposed to new ideas.

Madison Baker photo

The Holy Bible is the sacred text for the many Christian religions all over the world.

School Assemblies Student opinions about and attendance at assemblies varies widely Danielle Peterson staff writer There are many assemblies that go on at Sheldon High School. At least six assemblies happen annually, about three of them focused on sports. Junior Lindsay Nance said “Instead of having all the money go to assemblies we should have fewer assemblies and put the money away for education or sports.” On the other hand, many students like assemblies because it takes up class time and they don’t have to learn. Many students don’t go to the assemblies. They just like having the extra time to go and hang out or go get a drink or something to munch on. “They are the lucky ones,” said senior Travis Peterson. Sophomore Sara Firth said, “I encourage skipping and people shouldn’t have to go. ” Teachers make sure that their students go to the assemblies, but some students decide to sneak out and go hang with friends. Popular places to go when people skip assemblies include Dutch Bros, McDonalds and Dairy Queen. The most important assemblies at Sheldon would be the Hello, Homecoming and Prom assemblies. Nance said “The least important assembly would have to be the bus safety video one.” After I interviewed many people around the hallways of Sheldon, I’ve found that many of them do not attend assemblies. Many students say that they really enjoy have the dance and cheer team at the assemblies. School supervisor Darin Henry, thinks we should have an all school academic assembly and then we could all have something to do that involves it. Sheldon has many assemblies, and some students attend. Do you attend them?

Greg Cantwell photo

During the Homecoming Assembly, ASB president Colton Surcamp shows a prize.

Sports

the Talisman

November 19, 2010

Cross country teams make a strong showing at districts The 2010 Irish XC teams both finish strong earing third place in distericts Henry Fowler staff writer Cross country districts were back, and they were held in Grants Pass this year. Sheldon boys and girls both had high hopes to do well at districts this year. The girls had recently won a meet at Elmira, got sixth at the Concordia Classic in Portland, and third in the division one varsity girls at Nike Pre Nationals, also held in Portland. The guys got third in Elmira, ninth at Concordia, and third in the division two varsity boys. Both teams had been quite successful throughout the school year and hoped to continue their success at districts. The boys varsity cross country team came into this year’s districts as the fourth-ranked team. The team is made up of one senior, who is also the fastest runner in Oregon; three sophomores; and three freshman. They are in a very tough conference. Crater is ranked number five of all teams in the United States, and South Eugene is seventy fifth. Sophomore Jackson Darland said, “The competition will be way more than last year because of the

additions of Crater and Thurston.” Sophomore Sam Seno said, “There will be more competition, are you kidding me?” The team has been working very hard to prepare and is excited to run at districts. Darland said, “I’m trying not to be nervous, and I want to take the race as an opportunity to compete against great runners.” There were many challenges for Sheldon due to the harder competition and the course. About the course Darland said, “It will make for an intense race.” Darland finished seventh out of fifty-six in the race, and he qualified for the state meet. The girls varsity cross country team came into this year’s districts as the third-ranked team. The team is made up of three seniors, two juniors, a sophomore, and a freshman. They are also in a tough conference. Crater is ranked number twelve in the United States, and South Eugene is twenty fifth. Coach Chris Yorges said, “Competition has increased dramatically.” There were many challenges for the Sheldon girls this year. Yorges said, “It will be challenging to beat nationally ranked teams and some of the best in Oregon.” At the district race the boys and girls teams each got third place. The boys were four points away from beating South Eugene and making it to state. Four Sheldon runners did qualify for state though by placing in the top four runners that were not from the top two teams. These runners were Matt Melancon, Jackson Darland, Maggie Schmaedick, and Kelsi Klotter.

2010 District Results Runner

Boys

1) Matthew Melancon 2) Jackson Darland 3) Ben Harter 4) Alex Johnston 5) TJ Wright

Runner

Time

16:30 17:12 17:46 17:48 18:22

Girls

1) Maggie Schmaedick 2) Kelsi Klotter 3) Louise Mulvey 4) Meredith Bothman 5) Amanda Engstrom

Time

20:21 20:26 20:39 21:06 22:30

Expansion has college football buzzing Sheldon sports raising Utah and Colorado look to make a big impact in the expanding Pac-10 Andy Conrad staff writer Everyone is talking about the expansion of the Pac10 conference. The guidelines have been set out, the schedules have started to change, and everything is falling into shape. Some people agree with the change and some people disagree. Regardless of who you are, change is upon us. With the Utah Utes and the Colorado Buffalo joining the new Pac-12, it opens more TV markets and gives more attention to the Northwest. Junior Joe Clem stated that he thinks the changes are negative. This is because “the colleges are not connected by state.” And if he had to choose his second favorite Pac-12 team, it would be Stanford. Clem also said that he doesn’t think that the Pac-10 gets enough recognition. “People give too much credit to the South Eastern Conference because of past dominance that is gone now.” Senior Lacey Phillips stated that, “The best stadium in the Pac-10 is easily Autzen. The atmosphere is just so ruckus and intense.” Junior Connor Coleman said, “The addition of Colorado

and Utah will deﬁnitely make it harder to go undefeated.” The current TV deal for the Pac-10 is around $50 million dollars. It is expected to be in the range of $170 million with the addition. The schools that reside in Los Angeles (USC, UCLA) will be getting a $2 million dollar bonus because of the large TV markets in Southern California. Questions like “How good will Colorado be?” and “How will Utah react to being in a better conference?” will surely be there. Nobody knows how those questions will be answered, until this upcoming season. All we know is that it will be a hot topic for around the college football world for many years to come.

Ben Chamberlain staff writer The Sheldon boys basketball team had a rough year last year, losing a lot of close games in the ﬁnal seconds. The team ended up with a tough 18 losses and 5 wins. Their 3-11 league record was not enough to put them in the playoffs at the end of the season. The team had eight seniors out of the twelve total players. Many people believe that the 2010-2011 season will be a rebuilding year after the departures of key seniors. Many underclassmen are going to have to step into bigger roles this season. It will be a tough season, but the Irish are ready for the challenge. The players who are returning this year include Dillon Miller, Joe Bando, Harley Turner, and Zach Trahan. Dillon Miller is the leading scorer returning this year. He is looking to continue his important role for the team. Coach Ron Lampe will make sure he has this team playing the best ball they can by December 7, when they have their ﬁrst game which will be against Grants Pass. Sophomore Connor Strahm is one of the underclassmen who will need to step into a bigger role

Sheldon’s football and volleyball teams did their part in the ﬁght against breast cancer in the month of October Drew Haugen sports editor

Drew Haugen photo

New Pac-10 Logo is visible at Autzen Stadium

A young Irish mens basketball team gears up for the 2010- 2011 season New faces look to make a mark this year on the Sheldon basketball squad

breast cancer awareness

this year. There are many holes to ﬁll by the start of this season; tryouts will determine who ﬁlls those holes. About the upcoming basketball season, sophomore Sam Jeff said, “I’m looking forward to seeing how the young team handles the pressure of being a young varsity team.” Eight out of the twelve starters last year graduated at the end of last year. The weight of the team will be put on the four returning players. Sophomore Zach Manly said, “I hope that this year turns out better than last year. I would love to see the Irish basketball team make the playoffs this year.” Sheldon has twenty-two games this year, ten of which are going to be played at home, so there are many opportunities to see the young team in action in front of its home crowd. Having a crowd as rowdy and loyal as Irish fans can’t hurt the team’s chances of improving their 2-9 home record from last year. Sheldon junior Eric Moore said, “It was hard to see the Irish lose close games at home last year. Hopefully this year we can win some of those close games.” This basketball season, as many believe, will be a rebuilding year, but don’t count the Fighting Irish out quite yet. There may be some unknown stars ready to step up and make a name for themselves. It will be interesting to see how this young team comes together and makes up for the lack of experience. Maybe they can make the playoffs. Will this be a season like the 2006-2007 season, where the Irish ended with a 22-7 record? Or will it be similar to last year’s 5-18 record? It all lies in the hands of Coach Ron Lampe and the young Irish team.

Although pink is not a color commonly associated with Sheldon Irish sports, it has been a common sight around school this fall season. Many teams, including our football and volleyball teams, have been doing their part to aid the fight against breast cancer by wearing pink. This trend is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the sports world at all levels of competition. “I think that supporting a cause through sports is a great way to raise awareness,” said junior Madison Dunne. “People love to help the community and root for their teams at the same time.” At Sheldon, the undefeated Irish football team took the field against the Thurston Colts in a game advertised as a “pink out. “Students and fans from both schools did not disappoint. Many supported their teams and breast cancer awareness by donning pink t-shirts and other gear. Even the two opposing teams did their part by sporting anything from pink tape to pink gloves. “We were planning on wearing pink towels during the Thurston game, but the refs wouldn’t allow it,” said junior linebacker Dawson Housley. “However, I still think that all the fans did a great job coming out to support breast cancer awareness.” In addition to the pink apparel, parents and coaches donated auction items to be given away at half time. All of the money raised during the game was donated to help fund the fight against cancer. The football team hasn’t been the only group making a difference; Sheldon’s girls volleyball team has been raising breast cancer awareness as well. Last October twelfth, the squad sported new pink jerseys to replace their standard green and white ones. Also, a silent auction was held with the proceeds going to help fund the fight against breast cancer. On the sidelines, the team kept track of “kills for a cause.” This charted the teams’ kill counts over the course of the game and for each recorded, one dollar was added to the total amount fundraised. “Having a breast cancer night gave us something more to play for,” said junior Laken Johnson. “I am happy our team was able to raise money for such a good cause.”

Bacckkppaaggee Ba “Been there, done that?” Tired of Disneyland and Magic Mountain? Been to all the major continents and want more? Done all of the extreme sports and just can’t get that adrenaline rush anymore? Space tourism may just be the next big thing on your agenda. Make reservations now, because it’s an estimated 5 years until take off. So, if you’ve got the bug to travel and have always dreamed of going beyond Earth, that possibility may just be closer than you think. Wondering what kind of fun things there are to do in space? Well maybe there is swimming or hang gliding? “For those going to ISS (International Space Station), for an extra fee you can take a space walk. For those going into LEO (Low Earth Orbit), you will just go along for the ride like at a high priced amusement park. In the future, however, there has been talk about other adventures such as space ‘sky-diving’, ” Kevin Kantola from Digital Enterprises told. Maddie Anderson, a fresh-

Who wants to be a space tourist? Space tourism can make your dreams of going to space come true! Gabby Bernhart staff writer

man said, “it would be awesome to go into space! And I would get to wear one of those really cool space suits.” Much training is needed however. “For the ISS there is typically several months of training involved. For other companies who intend to go into LEO, there will most likely be several hours of training.” Kantola said. A little scared of going into space, not really sure if it’s safe? “It will be very dangerous and that’s why thrill seekers with lots of money will want to do this. On the other hand, the companies engaging in space tourism don’t want to kill off this lucrative emerging market so they are taking every precaution to make it as safe as possible.” Kantola added. “It’s about $20 million to stay in space for a week,” Dr. Patrick Collins the Senior Partner, editorial and researcher from spacefuture.com said, “it will deﬁnitely be worth it though,” Collins added. Although it might be expensive there is plenty to do. It’s a rare opportunity, would you take it if you could?

sauce, to pies upon pies! However, most families have ferent ways to make the potatoes, but that way is really their own special ways of making these traditional foods. good.” Adding honey is a little different from traditionWhether it is an extra dash of nutmeg in the pumpkin al recipes, but that is what makes the recipe so special. Unfortunately, the specific ingredients in favorite pie or a few more cranberries in the sauce, these small deviations make the meal personal and extra special. dishes tend to be pricey, especially around the holiday Sophomore Kathryn Bothman has one of those per- season. Grocers know that people are going to need sonal twists to a favorite recipe. She calls her family’s the food, and mark those items up accordingly. Fresh creation Mashed Potatoes with Smoked Gouda. “It’s ad- produce from local markets can be a less expensive aldicting,” Bothman commented. See the graphic for the ternative, though, mostly due to the lack of packaging recipe. Bothman learned the recipe from her parents and and processing that the same foods go through to get Who doesn’t love to stuff yourself like makes it with them every Thanksgiving. She said, “I to stores. Sometimes, although less nutritious but more only get it once a year, so it is extra special when I do.” convienient, the canned way is better. Bothman said, “I a turkey on Thanksgiving? Sophomore Jackson Darland said, “My grandma love the canned cranberry sauce, maybe even more than Hope Zima makes the best stuffing ever!” That recipe is also in homemade.” Many people share her opinion. There the graphic. Sophomore Dylan Pompel said, “I like seems to be something about the way it comes out of features editor squash at Thanksgiving. It’s really, really good.” Acorn a can with the rings still on it that makes it so good. Whether the delicious food is made at home or Thanksgiving is a special time for many families. squash can be found in abundance at any local proIt is a time to gather together, share food and tradi- duce mart, Johnson’s, Lone Pine, Thistledown, etc. already prepared, Thanksgiving revolves around tions, and generally rejoice and give thanks for the Señora Brockman shared some of her favorite recipes as it, as well as family and tradition, coming toyear. Many of our Thanksgiving traditions revolve well, specifically citing sweet potatoes with honey as being gether in the ultimate expression of favorite reciaround food- from the turkey, stuffing and cranberry at the top of the list. Brockman said, “There are many dif- pes. Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Recipes!

Mashed Potatoes with Gouda

Do you know who this is?

Ingredients2 pounds russet or red potatoes 3 tbs. unsalted butter ¾ to 1 cup milt Salt and pepper Smoked gouda cheese (pkg. or round)

This could be your best friend or someone you walk by in the halls.... Vanessa Hendricks staff writer

Elizabeth Davis photo

Mystery Student Revealed :Cassidy Pasley

Once upon a time, there was a girl. She loved My Chemical Romance and hated yellow. She is now a sophomore at Henry D. Sheldon High School. When she was growing up as an only child, her favorite thing to doA was run through the sprinklers with the yellow Tweety Bird umbrella that she hated. Now she enjoys her ﬁne arts classes, her large group of friends, and those like sophomore Ian Rankins who write her theme songs everyday and serenade her by strumming away at a death- metal-fast speed on their ukuleles. Some people describe her as cheesy bacon bread, while sophomore Bryan Simmonds said, “She’s just really nice.” This mystery girl was born in Coquille, Oregon, in 1995. She isn’t very into sports, but every once in a while she will participate in a good game of ping pong. She loves to watch TV and movies. She can’t decide on one favorite TV show, and every human’s irrational love for Neil Patrick-Harris does make it difﬁcult, but if How I Met Your Mother and Dr. Who had an illegitimate child, that would be her favorite show. Something most people don’t know about her is that she loves soft hair, her new favorite number is two and if she could have one thing in the world she would want sophomores Sora Boyd and Ian Rankins in a pyramid, preferably with their ukuleles. If the world gave her one day in which to do whatever she wished she would take all her friends to New York for a Broadway show and some explorations. Then they would go to a haunted house and scream until they cried. This girl’s favorite place in the world is wherever the best people are which includes most of the people she knows. With no dull moments and the best people around her, this girl walks through the halls of Sheldon, but can you guess who she is? (Answer on side of article)

Directions1. Peel potatoes 2. Cut them into four pieces, put them in a large pot, and cover with cold water 3. Bring water to a boil and then simmer potatoes until they are soft and tender 4. Drain potatoes 5. Add butter and milk 6. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and then add some salt and pepper 7. Place potatoes in a casserole dish and cover with shredded smoked gouda 8. Bake at 350 degrees F, or until cheese is melted and crispy around the edges

¿ Ud. habla español? Parlez -Vous le Français? Spanish and French are two languages Sheldon teaches, but what other languages do students speak? Lauren Davies staff writer There are many different languages spoken at Sheldon, and most people never realize it. Just imagine, you grow up learning one language and then you move and have to learn a different language. While also learning the dominant language you want to learn another language. It’s amazing to learn that some students at our school do exactly that. Junior Courtney Farrell said,

Acorn Squash Ingredients1 acorn squash 1 tbsp butter 2 tbsp brown sugar 2 tsp maple syrup Dash of salt Direction1. Preheat oven to 400 ° F. 2. Cut squash in half lengthwise from stem to end. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff in the center of each half. Place each half in a baking pan and add about ¼ inch of water to the bottom of the pan, so the skins don’t burn. 3. Coat the insides of each half with ½ tbsp of butter. Add dash of salt and tbsp of brown sugar to the cavity of each half. Drizzle a tsp of maple syrup on each half. 4. Bake in the oven for one hour to an hour and 15 minutes, or until the squash is very soft and the tops are browned. When ﬁnished, remove from the oven and let cool.

“I know a girl in my French 3 class who barely speaks English and Korean is her first language. I don’t think I could handle learning two other languages at the same time.” For a lot of people this would be very difficult. Sheldon provides instruction in a variety of different languages. These include: Spanish, French, and Japanese. Plus, having a foreign language is a bonus because if you are in Spanish 3, French 3, and Japanese 3 or higher you can get college credits. Junior Brennan Schaufler said, “I’m in Spanish 4 and French 2 and I don’t think it’s very difficult. Languages come easy to me.” This year Sheldon has about eight foreign exchange students who provide a wider variety of languages spoken here at Sheldon. It is very important for many people to study a language in their lives. Learning a different language can really help with getting a job or if you plan on traveling somewhere where that language is spoken. Sheldon inspires a great learning opportunity for Spanish, French, and Japanese. No one ever realizes that, but in the end, language can be helpful for you in the long run.