Mansfield Legacy High School 1263 North Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 817-299-1100
News Briefs
Kid Craft Day
The Rider
therideronline.com
December 17, 2010 Vol. 4 Issue 1
The Student Newspaper of Legacy High School: Covering Bronco Nation
Legacy Gives Back
“Parents can drop off their kids and go Christmas shopping, or just have some well-deserved time to themselves,” Erica Johnson, 12, Art Club Secretary said. “We will be making Christmas ornaments, cards and decorations that are fun and easy for kids as well as listening to Christmas music all day.” Tickets went off sale on Wednesday, and tickets won’t be available at the door. “We would allow walk-ins the morning of the camp, but it would be too chaotic,” Art Club sponsor Dave Mason. “We have to have a certain number of supplies for a certain number of kids, and we can’t just guess to as how many kids will show up.”
Yearbooks
The deadline to purchase a yearbook is Jan. 14. Order forms are available in the journalism room (E-O102) or at therideronline.com.
Upcoming Events Dec. 21 - 30
Winter Break All Days Home/vacation
Jan. 12, 13
Semester Finals 7:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Legacy, Ben Barber
Jan. 20 - 22
Zombie Prom 7 p.m. Performing Arts Center
NEWS
By Amanda Granato Staff Writer This holiday season students and organizations have shown their dedication to the community with numerous clothing and food drives as well as volunteer work. “I like volunteering because it’s not about myself, it’s about helping other people who might not have access to the same things I do,” sophomore Megan Rathbun said. “It makes me happy to think that I’m helping someone else out, even though they might never even meet me.” This November, Legacy Journalism hosted an Underwear and Sock Drive for the MISD Clothes Closet, where it also volunteered Mondays after school. The drive, which totaled out at 543 pairs of underwear and 212 pairs of socks, helped boost senior Breanna Durrett’s belief in school spirit. “Legacy not only has a lot of school spirit, but a lot of spirit for the community as well,”
iSwipe
Durrett said. “Because we all feel so unified, if we know people need something we’ll get it, especially something as essential as new underwear and socks.” The MISD Clothes Closet supplies clothes, underwear and school supplies to students in the district, and their families, who do not have the means to afford them otherwise, and opens every Monday, except holidays, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Any school nurse, counselor or PTA president can hand out vouchers to exchange for clothes and supplies at the closet. A voucher, available through any school nurse, counselor or PTA president, is required to receive clothing and supplies. Junior Mia Ortega, who volunteered at the Clothes Closet, feels helping out at the program helps put things in perspective. “Seeing the people you are helping is really inspiring, and makes you feel grateful for what you have,” Ortega said. “Reality kind of hits you while
Mansfield ISD police continue to investigate the theft of 27 iMac computers, stolen from Summit High School sometime between 11 p.m. Nov. 24 and early Nov. 29 over Thanksgiving Break. The thefts occurred despite the presence of the private security company
Science dept. Receives $8k For projects PAGE 3
you’re volunteering.” In January, the cheerleaders will volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth. The Ronald McDonald House provides both residence and support for the families of severely ill children receiving treatment in the nearby Fort Worth Area Hospitals.
“I love that we are helping out there,” senior cheerleader Blake Wiley said. “I feel as cheerleaders our job is to be a leader, and being a leader is about giving to others, not always thinking about ourselves.” see ‘Community’ page 4
Ashley Deam, 12, sorts shirts and pants at the MISD Clothes Closet.
Computer theft at Summit proposes Questions of Legacy campus security
by amanda granato staff writer
Grants
Maddie Schimming, 10, walks with a breast cancer survivor at the Pink Fest walk, helping to raise money for awareness and research.
mia ortega photo
Legacy Art Club will host Winter Art Camp for kindergarten through sixth grade on Dec. 18, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. At a cost of $35 per child, all funds will benefit the Art Club and students visiting Europe next summer.
jasmine mcmasters photo
Clubs volunteer time, money To benefit of Mansfield community
employed by the district to help patrol all district campuses during holiday breaks, nights and weekends. There were no obvious signs of break in at the crime scene. However, when contacted, the MISD Police department declined to comment, citing the on-going investigation. “When things like this happen you begin to relook at what your security is, be-
cause you don’t want it to happen on our campus,” Principal David Wright said. “[The theft] wasn’t random, and the thieves knew exactly what they were going for and how many computers there were.” Mr. Wright considers the
Effects of TV
Television programs Affect mentality Of students
CENTER
PAGES 8-9
location of the campus’s computer labs, which, unlike Summit’s, do not have any exterior doors, to be better protected from theft. “Our lab is more interior to the building, so it would see ‘Computer Theft’ page 2
SPORTS
Two of a Kind Father, son Form duo On court PAGE 7
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News
December 17, 2010
Winter Formal By Breanna durrett Staff Writer Seniors, for the first time ever, will hold a Junior-Senior Winter Formal at the Aristide Events and Conventions Center on Jan. 29. To offset the costs of renting out the building, supplying a personal DJ and avoid dipping into the senior class prom funds, tickets will cost $30 each. “We aren’t looking at this to make money. We are looking at it as a fun event for the juniors and se-
niors,” Mrs. Shackleford said. “The upperclassmen wanted to have a cool activity that was just for them, to be recognized as the older students in the school.” Senior Class Vice President Taylor Giese assists in organizing and decorating for the Formal and holds an enthusiastic outlook for it. “It’s not going to be just some dance in the cafeteria or gym. We’re going to a ballroom and the decorations will be extremely pretty. It’s more like a mini prom than a dance,” Giese said. “We really want people to have fun so we can start our own ‘Legacy’ to leave behind.” Planning to follow this new “Legacy,” Junior Class President Billy Smith has already begun outlining ideas for the upperclassmen dance next year. “The seniors of next year
Senior class sponsor, Stephanie Shackleford addresses class representatives, Caitlin Hopkins, Lydia Matula, Taylor Giese, Mike Kojder, Nikki Childs and Gabbi Garcia about the winter formal.
will try to hold a Junior-Senior dance as well,” Smith said, “but we’d do more of a Monster Mash theme instead of a Winter theme, just dressing up in a different way.”
The dance’s organizers also plan to not only provide music and a dance floor, but other activities including cocoa and a campfire. “Not only will it be a fun dance but there will be a fire
pit outside and you can sit and have hot chocolate by a warm fire with all of your friends,” Mrs. Shackleford said. “It’s a good way for upperclassmen to make memories of their last years.”
Computer theft at Summit totals over $50,000 in losses continued from page 1
be more difficult to break in to and get the items out,” Mr. Wright said. Nevertheless, Mr. Wright believes the main effect of the theft also applies district wide. “If it affects us at all, it is somewhat indirectly,” Mr. Wright said. “Its something that occurs any time you have a theft of a large magnitude. If the insurance won’t pay for it
the district has to come up with the money to repurchase those computers, and that is a finite sum of money that can’t be used for something else anywhere in the district.” Junior Gentrie Nolen, a Summit yearbook editor, first heard about the thefts while walking around the halls at her school. Faced with the reality of putting together a yearbook with the limited number of computers available to them, Nolen became dis-
Elegant nails
Bree Rodriguez photo
Junior-Senior dance set for January
heartened. “I was pretty depressed for a while, all I thought was how are we supposed to make a yearbook with only 10 computers?” Nolen said, “but in the end I suppose you just have to move on and make the best of what you have.” read more about the computer theft therderonline.com
News
December 17, 2010
Page 3
Pending Approval: Gay-Straight Alliance Club Senior Taylor Carr ambled up the stairs toward Mr. Craig Rabalais’ classroom with one thought on her mind: the Gay-Straight Alliance club she hoped to form. After discussing the idea with Mr. Rabalais it was decided that he would sponsor Legacy’s first Gay-Straight Alliance. The club’s details and information were submitted to administration and are now going through the same process all new clubs undergo prior to final approval. According to outhistory. org, the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), a club built to create a safe environment for homosexuals by forming a unity between heterosexuals and homosexuals, was formed in Massachusetts 1988 after the harassment of homosexuals became recognized throughout the student community. Carr’s reasons for starting a GSA at Legacy are different. Although she sees harassment throughout the school, her focus revolves around awareness. “Awareness is the problem. Students are uncomfortable with the idea of
homosexuality,” Carr said, “There needs to be a place where students can openly talk about it [homosexuality]. We, as homosexuals, are often excluded socially as if we are not normal people.” Mr. Rabalais also agrees that Legacy should have a GSA , but he agrees for different reasons. “The bullying and harassment I see going on show there is a reason for a GSA. Students with low self-esteem want to feel empowered. They find it cool to say something is ‘gay’ instead of saying that it is ‘stupid.’ Things that are ‘gay’ are considered bad these days. Gay was never meant to be a derogatory term,” Mr. Rabalais said. Along with raising awareness and stopping harassment, Carr also hopes to start a unity between the students at Legacy and to create a safer, more friendly environment for homosexuals. “Any time two different things join together, something positive is created. In this case, a unity will be formed and will create a good avenue for students to work with,” Carr said, “We’ll create
Club Briefs Environmental Club Cleans Up Legacy
Every Wednesday a group of students, with a common goal to help the environment, go to Mrs.Fagan’s room, U204, for Environmental club. Image courtesy of freeimageslive.com
by Kymber Cullum Staff Writer
The Gay-Straight Alliance means to create a safe enviornment for homosexuals by forming a unity between heterosexuals and homosexuals.
this unity by deconstructing social stereotypes associated with homosexuals and homosexuality. The goal is to create a unity through positive experiences, knowledge and discussion.” Topics that will be dis-
cussed at GSA club meetings will include current events, reasons homosexuals are not allowed the same rights as heterosexuals (i.e, “Don’t ask, don’t tell”), homosexuality related to religion and other topics.
image courtesy of mansfieldisdpics
Education Foundation Presents Legacy Science, Art With Additional Funding
Science teacher Mrs. Fagan and her 3rd period Biology class celebrate their award. The department received $8,000 in grants this semester.
By Russell Kirby News Editor Last month, the Mansfield ISD Education Foundation awarded Legacy over $11,000 in grants, bringing art and environmental science classes the finances to broaden their curriculum and provide students with new technology and applications. “[Receiving these grants] means that the kids can do more handson, taking the content and really putting it into use instead of just reading about it,” Science Department Head Michelle
Fagan said. District-wide, science departments received equipment and funding for new AP Environmental Science and Environmental Systems courses. The fulfillment of the two grants, titled Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink and Mario Andretti Goes Solar, will supply the classes with solar-powered model cars and technology to personally investigate hydrogen fuel cells, and expand their libraries of electronic data collection probes and software to more efficiently measure water for nitrates.
“We had done the water quality unit with kits we could use manually. It was just really time-consuming, and you would use up the kits; whereas, with the probes you can use them over and over again making them more cost effective in the end,” Mrs. Fagan said. Unlike the science department, Legacy’s art department received grant money specifically for its campus. All four art teachers collaborated to apply for a serigraphy, or screen printing, grant this summer and will begin implementing the new technology in photography, 2D design and advanced art classes next semester. According to Fine Arts Department Head Dave Mason, his department could not have paid for quality screen printing materials without the grant. “We had been trying to get it [screen printing] up and going and save
money with our budget, but it was impossible. It’s too expensive,” Mr. Mason said. Although art teacher Terri James had previously donated several thousand dollars worth of screen printing e q u i p m e nt , the bulk of the $3,000 grant will go toward supplies to maintain screen printing in the long run. With the equipment installed, students will have the opportunity to utilize it for artistic purposes and potentially make a series of t-shirts, posters or other prints to generate money for the Art program and club. Mr. Mason, however, asserts its primary purpose as an artistic tool. “I’m looking at it more from the artistic side,” Mr. Mason said, “but in that same token this allows kids to take their original artwork and they can put it on anything.”
[Receiving these grants] means that the kids can do more hands-on, taking the content and really putting it into use -Mrs. Fagan
“Even though the club just started, we are already starting to plan what activities to do to help bring attention to the environmental problems,” senior Vinh Nguyen said. Environmental club aims to have events where the community can bring items to the school to be disposed of properly. The club also plans to get recycling bins for cups, bottles, batteries, and the plastic foam trays in the cafeteria. “The school doesn’t provide the necessary things for recycling.” Nguyen said. “Our plan is to help the staff and students become more aware of what they throw away and how it affects the environment.” Environmental club is looking for students who want to take action and make the environment better. “We are starting schoolwide,” Nguyen said, “but our goal is to help the entire community.”
Take Note On Dec. 11, Chris and Amber Mathis lost their house, all of their belongings and their pet dog to a fire that burned their house to the ground. The Mathis family lost everything. They have four children—three of who attend Mansfield schools—Mansfield senior Morgan, JW, 7, Sydney, 6, and William, 4. The Cowboy Bank of Texas in Maypearl has a fund set up for anyone who would like to make a donation to help this family out.
Page 4
December 17, 2010
News
By Brett walker managing editor
School board officials plan to increase the time budgeted for preventive maintenance in the district by nearly 300 percent. In addition to increasing time allotted in the maintenance department from 7.5 to 20 percent, the plans include the designation of specific personnel to perform solely preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance helps to extend the longevity of buildings and equipment. It entails areas such as fire alarms and sprinklers, cafeteria equipment, ventilation and
heating, elevators and groundskeeping. The alternative, reactive maintenance, helps to resolve problems arising from malfunctions. Although no previous major problems have arisen as a result of poor preventive maintenance, Mr. Brogden feels the increase in spending and time will benefit the school. “We want to save the district money, and provide better facilities for students and teachers,” Assistant Superintendent in Administrative Support Jeff Brogden said. “That’s exactly what preventive maintenance will do for you.”
On campus, when a problem occurs with equipment, faculty notifies Assistant Principal John Contreras, who will submit a work order to the corresponding department. They will then take care of the maintenance issues. “The maintenance people do a great job in terms of how they repair the building and the quickness in terms of the turnaround time, but it depends on how many maintenance work orders we turn in at a time,” Mr. Contreras said. “They are good at what they do because they are able to anticipate based on past statistics.”
Legacy custodian operates floor scrubber after lunch.
Community demonstrates generosity through charitable acts continued from page 1
The cheerleaders will bring individually wrapped snack foods for the patients’ siblings and parents staying at the house. On Jan. 24 they will go to the Ronald McDonald House to cook for and serve the residents. Wiley believes the work they will do at the House and the charity other organizations provide not only brings help and hope during the holidays, but also reflects positively on Legacy as a whole. “I think [volunteering] shows that Legacy is a giving school, not just a rich big school like people assume,” Wiley said. “I think we have made a huge difference in our community, simply with the Pink Fest and even the pep rally for Olivia.” Wiley believes Olivia and others who have gone through similar hardships may have inspired the
feelings of charity. “I think Legacy students are so committed to charity because we have seen how it is for other families to go through such a tragedy, and that makes us determined to want to help out others,” Wiley said. This Thanksgiving, clubs, teachers, staff and academic classes contributed to a Thanksgiving Basket Drive, in which over $1,300 in food and gift cards were collected. Community Service class members, who organized the drive, donated the baskets to Common Ground, a network of local churches who help provide for people in the Mansfield area. Community Service teacher Rena Long feels the school’s dedication to helping others contributed to the success of the drive. “I am always amazed at our school and the dedication they have toward helping others,” Mrs.
Runners begin the 5K Jail Break obstacle course. Mrs. Gent and three other teachers recently participated in the event.
by travis st. john staff writer Mandy Gent and Michelle Hurst will meet at the UTA Maverick Athletic Center for the Jiggle Butt Run on Jan. 8. They will walk 5 kilometers through the UTA campus and its neighboring residences in support the Safe Haven of Tarrant County Women’s’ shelter. “This is my second year doing 5Ks,” AP U.S. History and World History teacher Mrs. Gent said. “Mrs. Hurst, Mrs. Deatherage, Mrs. Bonneau and I ran a 5K obstacle course called The Jail Break recently. Our next 5k obstacle course will be the Warrior Dash in April.”
Photo courtesy of runthejailbreak.com
Teachers To Run 5K For Charity
According to Mrs. Hurst, the group will set aside lethargic tendecies to run for good cause “I am pretty lazy, but if I sign up I’ll actually train for it,” Physics and AP Biology teacher Mrs. Hurst said. Although they originally began running to stay in shape, their runs have evolved from just physical exercises to team building exercises. “There were a few of us last year who would run after school, and eventually we just started racing. We’ve done four or five races together at least, and we plan on doing more,” Mrs. Hurst said.
Alec Girouard Photo
Preventive Maintenance To Expand Districtwide Administration predicts increase will save hassle, money
Long said. “It is always wonderful to see how everyone bands together to make things happen, even in these difficult economic times.” Mrs. Long hopes the donations helped families who would have otherwise had nothing for Thanksgiving to enjoy a full meal. “I am sure that many families benefited and were able to enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving meal, due in part to Legacy,” Mrs. Long said. “My Community Service classes are full of students who are happy to give their time, money and efforts to those in need.” Mrs. Long believes Legacy’s students truly want to make a difference in other people’s lives. “I am blessed to have such great students who share the common goal of making life better for those who are less fortunate than we are,” Mrs. Long said.
News
December 17, 2010
Page 5
Art, Book Club Team Up To Help Elementary School By Jamila Obied Staff Writer
Art Club and Book Club will sponsor a combined book drive for Erma Nash Elementary School. Members of both clubs began decorating boxes for the book drops Monday and will place them throughout the Mansfield community at various churches, flower shops and other family owned businesses this weekend. The book drive will run through the rest of the school year, and club members will collect books every two weeks. Erma Nash holds a program in which they invite two students every day to say the morning pledges. These students then receive a free book as a reward. Art
Club sponsor, David Mason, discovered Erma Nash’s book funds ran out and decided a book drive would offer a good chance for the Art Club to help the community. “I think it will benefit them greatly. They’re a title one school with a low income. They ran out of books and I thought it would be a great opportunity,” Mason said. Book Club president and junior Amanda Moore hopes the book drive will have a successful turn out and bring the Mansfield people closer together. “Our book drive will help students view books more as a prize instead of just something they have to read for school,” Moore said. “I’m
hoping our community and our schools can get together to help the kids at Erma Nash.” Pre-K through fourth grade are the primary grade levels for books the clubs look to collect. English, Spanish and bilingual books are needed in addition to popular children’s stories such as the Goosebumps series, Captain Underpants and Junie B. Jones. The books should have a likenew condition since they will be given to students as a reward. If a student at Legacy wishes to contribute, they can give the donated books to Mr. Mason or the Book Club sponsor, Ms. Villareal. “We noticed there was a need for books at Erma
Nash and we wanted to help them,” junior Kymber Cullum said. “It’s a big deal for these kids, because the books are a prize for them, so the books we get need to be gently used.” According to Cullum, another fundraiser will also held for E r m a Nash. It will consist of cutting card stock into strips to
fit the shape of a bookmark, and sending them over to Erma Nash. The elementary students will then decorate them with illustrations and sold for a $1 each. The money will go toward buying more books for the students. Mason believes literacy is an essential part of life and the sooner students begin reading the more it will benefit them in the long run.
District Offers Alternative Education Option For Pregnant Students During the 2010-11 school year, pregnant or parenting MISD female students can receive services through Comprehensive Education Homebound Instruction services (CEHI). The pregnant student will remain on her home campus until she reaches the point in her pregnancy when she becomes eligible to go on CEHI. As a part of these services, the District’s social worker, Chissy Jackson, works with the students who continue to at-
tend their home campus. Once the student goes on CEHI she will receive home instruction from a teacher employed by the District for one hour a day so she does not fall behind academically. Mr. Jerry Gray, principal of the Alternative Education Center, says the program helps students to continue their education during their pre-natal and post-partum period. “I believe the system is beneficial in the respect that Mrs. Jackson is able to meet with the girls and deal with their needs right away,” Mr. Gray
said. “Mrs. Jackson is able to meet with them at their home schools and have face-to-face contact.” Mrs. Jackson, who provides services to pregnant and parenting teens, agrees the program is effective, and she feels visiting the campuses on a regular basis helps her make sure of the students’ success. “I’m providing services to students until they graduate, not just a short time before and after their pregnancy,” Mrs. Jackson said. Once the student has her baby, Mrs. Jackson assists the teen mother
with applying for financial assistance toward daycare services through the Tarrant County Child Care Management System (CCMS). “We believe we are helping two people with this program: the mother and her baby,” Mr. Gray said. “In the real world without any support, the girls are on their own. With this program we’re providing for both her future and her child’s by helping the girl graduate from high school.” read comments and leave your own
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By Amanda granato staff writer
Page 6
2010 All-District Football Selections 1st Team Offense:
WR-Josh Doctson #23 Tackle-Trey Farrar #74
2nd Team Offense:
Center-John Happel #75 Tackle-Rees Odhiambo#71 Guard-Wade Nowlin#76 TE-Trent Davis#87 WR-Marchie Murdock #88 RB-Decarlos Humphrey #15
Honorable Mention:
WR-Conner Smith #80 QB-Quentin Hasten-#12
1st Team Defense:
OLB-Kendal Washington
2nd Team Defense:
ILB-Montreal Jett #45 Corner-Jayven Tucker #3 SS-Ian Simon #21 FS-Tevin Mitchel Punter-Chris Mota
Honorable Mention:
DE-Billy Manning#5 DT-Marcel McDowell#99 LB-Ronnie Rumley#48
Soccer Tryouts Conclude With the conclusion of soccer tryouts, the varsity boys soccer team look to build on the success they had last year. The team features 13 seniors and nine returning varsity lettermans. Even with the move to 5A, Head Coach Aaron Cottrell believes that they’re ready for the challenge and plan to make a run for the state championship. “I have high expectations for the team,” Cottrell said. “This team has the potential to be even better than last year’s.”
Playing With Heart
Handy strives to compete in tennis despite cardiac problems BY MEGAN HENRY FEATURE EDITOR Brooklyn Handy sits in the service box of the tennis courts. Coach Noah Newton kneels down behind her, bracing her back and head. Handy’s eyes vacantly stare ahead, her vision blurs, she cannot remember where she is. Head tennis coach, Chad Redwine, sees the commotion, and heads to her side. He informs the two confused Wakeland High School girls the match is over. The game was only halfway done. Handy’s health was more important than a win. “I play tennis because I enjoy it,” Handy said. “I don’t want to be restricted from anything because of a health condition.” Wakeland’s Co-head Athletic Trainer, Mathu Allen, is called for by walkie-talkie. He arrives shortly after and checks her pulse. Coach Newton and Coach Allen brace Handy as she struggles to walk towards her chair set up on the opposite side of the court. She stumbles, repeatedly stepping on her own feet. She can’t make it. Coach Newton calmly tells me to grab her chair. I run across the courts and set her red foldable chair behind her. She sits down and begins to recover. Coach Allen pours ice-
Britttney Nichols Photo
Sports Briefs
Sports
December 17, 2010
Handy plans to continue playing tennis when the spring season arrives despite problems with her heart
cold water from Handy’s jug into her hands which she proceeds to rub on her face. While she attempts to cool down he routinely checks her pulse, rubs water on her arms and asked her how she felt. A rolling chair is brought to the court and she is rolled into the nurse’s office. “[After Handy’s team was forced to forfeit the match] I was hoping my partner and the team wouldn’t be mad at me for having to stop,” Handy said. While in the nurse’s office, Coach Allen had Handy sip water while he moni-
tored her body temperature. To keep her cooled down, Coach Allen rubbed a wet towel over her arms and legs. “At first I still didn’t understand what was happening,” Handy said. “After a few minutes I started to feel better and wanted to get back outside.” Handy was diagnosed with severe migraines. She also suffers with a drop in blood pressure when exercising which, in more serious cases, causes her to faint. She has had openheart surgery because of an abnormal origination
of the right coronary artery when she was eight years old. Handy considers herself lucky because doctors sometimes diagnose the problem too late. Without surgery her life expectancy was 20 years old. Handy refuses to let her medical problems stop her from playing the sport she loves. “I play tennis because it’s a fun sport that you can always get better at,” Handy said. “My favorite part used to be winning tournaments, but now I love being able to hit for fun with a partner.”
Semi-Content 2010 Men’s Varsity Basketball Irving (64-54) W Marcus (38-55) L Everman (49-50) L Bowie (55-42) W Summit (35-54) L Midland Lee (39-32) W Ellison (45-36) W De Soto (41-55) L Overall Record (4-4)
BY JULIANNA DI NAPOLI ASSISTANT EDITOR After The Colony basketball team forfeited its previous season, Legacy’s boy’s varsity basketball team was given the State Semifinalist title and a banner to go in the gym. “You really want to do it [earn the title] on the floor but when someone doesn’t play by the rules like you do, it is icing on the cake,” coach Marchie Murdock said. The Colony was playing an athlete who was living in the district illegally according to UIL rules. He transferred from Dallas Lincoln High School and began living apart from his family. To do this, a person would have to get specific waivers before playing which he failed to have. Due to this infraction, the team had to forfeit their 31-win season. “It was a bizarre feeling to be recognized as a final
Courtesy Photo
Scoreboard
Basketball receives state semifinalist banner after former contestants disqualified
Last year’s boys’ varsity basketball earned their first state semi finalist title in school history.
four team,” coach Murdock said. “Our situation changed from a loss to a win without playing.” As a junior on the varsity team, senior Josh Doctson felt the Colony cheated Legacy. Former student and basketball player Chad McNiel does as well. “I was very shocked when I found out their whole season got cancelled, and it really made me feel
bad to know that our season got crushed by a team that had an illegal player,” McNiel said. ”We put in so much hard work for some team to break the rules and end up beating us.” According to Coach Murdock, the team’s goal every year is to win the state championship. “The feeling that we had last year that our whole community supported us at
every game is motivation enough to generate that community feeling again, everywhere we traveled it seems as though the community went with us and they showed that they love Legacy as much as we do,” coach Murdock said. “We want them on the wagon trail following the Broncos again. That is the best motivation to make your school and community proud.”
Sports
December 17, 2010
Page 7
Two Of A Kind
Murdock Jr. plays basketball for father as head varsity coach in and outside of school. Murdock Jr. contributes his work ethic and zeal for the sport to the way his father raised him. He thinks the adjustment from simple father to coach was a little hard to adapt to. He realized he couldn’t act haughty toward his father when he coached him at school. “He’s taught me everything I know and gave me the skills to where he I am now,” Murdock said. “Since he’s the coach, he’s not asking me, he’s telling me. It’s different, but I’m starting to get used to it.” Murdock Jr. says playing under his father as the head basketball coach doesn’t take away from the enjoyment he gets from the game of basketball. He does have to submit to the same yelling and physical training as all of the other players. Murdock Jr. believes the reason his father doesn’t show him special treatment reminds him of the hard work he must do to reach the top said playing with his father watching him makes him feel of his game and to stay Murdock nervous, but ultimately makes him play stronger and better. humble. “I see him as my dad Murdock Jr. said. “He’s my tantly he’s my dad, and he trying to make me better,” coach but most impor- wants the best for me.”
Josh Garrison Photo
dock,” Murdock Jr. said. “He has a completely different personality on Every time Marchie the court because he’s Murdock steps onto the so passionate about the basketball court, his fa- game. At home he’s much ther stands in attendance calmer and likes to do to watch his son. Every little dances around the steal Murdock makes, his house.” As a sophomore, Murfather exalts to. Every shot that Murdock makes, dock Jr.’s athletic talent his father claps and earned him a spot on the varsity football team and cheers for his son. Every moment before varsity basketball team. Murdock attempts a free People accredit Murdock throw; his father hopes Jr.’s making the varsity basketball and prays that team to his he’ll make it. “Since he’s the coach, father hapEvery mistake Murdock he’s not asking me, he’s pening to the head makes, his fatelling me. It’s different, be coach. The ther instructs but I’m starting to get criticism him of what doesn’t get he did wrong. used to it.” to Murdock Murdock’s fa-Marchie Murdock, 10 and he just ther isn’t just wants to his dad, but also the head varsity bas- help the team out and do ketball coach, Marchie what’s expected of him. “It doesn’t really affect Murdock Sr. Marchie Murdock Sr. me, I know why I’m on the coached the varsity bas- team,” Murdock Jr. said. ketball team since Legacy’s “The people in basketball first year in 2007. Since know what I’m there for Murdock Jr. accomplished and how I play, so that’s making the varsity team, really all I need.” Murdock Jr. acknowlhe’s adjusted to life inside and outside of basketball edges his father as a big part of his success. His with his father. “There’s Mr. Murdock father encourages him to and there’s Coach Mur- practice his hardest both
Just For Kicks
Kickball tournament raises $5,200 for baseball and softball
Brenda moreno photo
By Will Davis Sports Editor
Junior Bryant McGarr kicks his team to victory in Legacy’s annual kickball tournament
By carly smith editor and chief Last year junior Bryant McGarr’s team came in second place at kickball. This year he made sure to have good kickers on his team such as his brother Bandon McGarr and cousin Spencer Basham. The change paid off and McGarr took the title of 2010 Kickball Tournament champion. “It was pretty fun. There were some challenging
teams but all in all it was a good tournament,” McGarr said. “It felt good [to win] , because last year we got second and we were really close to winning so to win this year it was fun.” The tournament successfully rose over $5,200 for baseball and softball. Baseball puts a sign in the outfield signifying all championship accomplishments last y e a r a n d f o r f u ture years.
Page 8
In Depth
December 17, 2010
Through the Ages
w
First Color Broadcast:
You
Feb. 4, 1938, Baird mechanically scanned 120line images from Baird’s Crystal Palace studios to a projection screen at London’s Dominion Theatre
Video Cassettes:
Bing Crosby Enterprises gave the world’s first demonstration of the videotape recording in Los Angeles on Nov. 11, 1951
DVDs:
Started being produced by Phillips, Sony, Toshiba and Time Warner in 1995. A DVD is the same dimention as a CD but can hold up to seven times as much data
Largest Plasma Tv:
The largest plasma video display in the world premiered at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a 150inch unit manufactured by Matsushita Electrical Industries (Panasonic) standing 6 ft tall by 11 ft wide
HD DVD and Blu-Ray Jan. 4, 2008 Warner Bros. announces they will stop issuing HD DVD movies, and rely exclusively on Blu-ray Disc
3-D Television:
In 2010 Sony and Panasonic release home 3-D television systems. On 1 Jan. 2010, the world’s first 3D channel, SKY 3D, started broadcasting nationwide in South Korea by Korea Digital Satellite Broadcasting
Junior Zach Cobb walks into his house, sets his backpack down and reclines on the couch. He grabs the remote and turns the television on to his favorite show. Cobb’s parents don’t let him do much during the It [Degrassi] makes me realize w e e k I don’t want any of the drama days, so he because it seems very stressful w a t c h e s -DJ Herrera television in his spare time. Eruptingmind.com states television affects the brain, and watching television puts the viewer into a highly suggestible, hypnotic state. The average person spends about
three hours a day watching T.V. programs. American children watch an average of three to fours hours of television daily. The article says that television can be a powerful influence in developing value systems and shaping behavior; however, much of today’s television programming is violent. “I don’t really think T.V is inappropriate,” Cobb said. “With the things that are on right now, people should know what they’re getting into.” Television has undergone a massive change over the years. Before it
was risky to show kissing scenes; now some shows have full sex scenes or scenes that insinuate sex. Television shows were more modest a few decades ago; now the options are almost unlimited. “TV [programmers] have been more comfortable with showing things that people usually wouldn’t do in real life,” Cobb said. “It doesn’t bother me because society changes a lot over time.” Junior DJ Herrera enjoys “Degrassi: The Next Generation”, a show
What do
you watch?
“‘Pimp My Ride’. I Ulysses Olguin, 9 like seeing cars getting restored.”
“‘That 70’s Danielle Show’, Felipe, 10 ‘Law and Order’, and the History Channel. I like ‘Law and Order’ because it’s unpredictable.”
“‘Pretty Little Samantha Liars’. Tracy, 12 I like it because it has a lot of high school drama that really does happen.”
In Depth
December 17, 2010
Page 9
By the Numbers
watch Are What areYouwhat you You
Television shows affect student mentality and actions by julianna dinapoli Rider assistant editor
according to www.csun.edu
99% of households have at least one television set
Amount of time per day a television is on in each household: 6 hours minutes
47
66% of Americans
eat dinner while watching television Number of videos rented daily in the U.S.: million
6
Percentage of Americans who say they watch too much television:
49%
54% of four to six-
year-olds who, when asked to choose between watching television and spending time with their fathers, preferred television Estimated number of violent acts seen on TV by age 18: 200,000
that deals with issues like relationship problems, homosexuality and bullying and darker issues like rape, school shootings and death. “It [Degrassi] makes me realize I don’t want any of the drama because it seems very stressful,” Herrera said. “It makes me remember that I don’t need any of that responsibility quite yet. I’m still young and don’t need to be doing that stuff.” Junior Seth Jimenez watches “Two and a Half Men,” “George Lopez” and “Jersey Shore.” Jersey Shore is a reali-
gun to dominate students down time. The amount of TV watched affects ty-based look at the vapid student’s thoughts and lives of several New Jer- actions. sey 20-somethings and “If people watch TV too their respective friends much, it cannot give them and/or hook ups. As he the necessary exercise watches it, and could he asks himthem The drinking doesn’t affect make self why he Cobb me because it’s their life not lazy,” is wasting said. his time. mine. S t u “There -Seth Jimenez dents beis no point lieve they to it; all connect with the characthey do is party and lift ters in television shows. weights,” Jimenez said. Jimenez and Herrera both “The drinking doesn’t af- agree some people seek fect me because it’s their help for their own perlife not mine.” sonal problems in televiAccording to erupting- sion shows. mind.com, in the past few “TV shows relate more years, television has be- to everyday life,” Herrera
said. “Instead of hiding problems, they express them.” New shows on television have portrayed characters engaged in inappropriate things like sex, drugs, cursing and alcohol. Shows like “Gossip Girl,” “That 70s Show,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Smallville” and “Family Guy” were some of the most watched on campus. Herrera believes graphic television could ruin a child and take away his/ her childhood. “I don’t think children should see graphic TV,” Herrera said. “It is way too early for them to know what those things are.”
Percentage devoted to stories about crime:
53.8%
Violent Lifestyles according to www.catholiceducation.org
200,000:
Number of violent acts the average American child sees on TV by age 18
16,000:
Number of murders witnessed by children on television by the age 18
80:
“I like to watch Diana Nelson, 10 scary movies on TV because I like seeing if they’re actually scary.”
“‘Family Guy’. I Jayline Langston, 11 like it because it’s a comedy and so funny. ”
“‘Rob Dyrdek’s David Fantasy Manning, 10 Factory’ because it’s an awesome show.”
“ ‘Boondocks’, ‘Jersey Marcus Killings,10 Shore’ and the movie channel. I like them because they’re funny and a little nasty sometimes.”
Percentage of Hollywood executives who think there is a link between TV violence and real-life violence
73:
Percentage of Americans that believe TV and movies are responsible for juvenile crime
Page 10
Features
December 17, 2010
Legacy’s Reputation After four years, other schools form opinions of the Bronco Nation or known as the spoiled kids with a new school, we constantly had a label. Now, students from various schools throughout the district as well as our own students have changed their views on how they see us. Multiple Legacy students have noticed spirit has risen
BY MEGAN HENFEATURE EDITOR
RY
For the past four years Legacy students have been stereotyped in different ways. Whether Legacy was viewed as hicks because of the way we dressed
since the school has been opened. Others believe under any circumstances, Legacy will always be know n as the redneck school because it was built on the Kowbell Rodeo Arena. Junior Katy Griffith wears her cowboy boots and
jeans everyday to school and people have considered her the stereotypical “hick”. However, Griffith feels although there are more rednecks here compared to other schools, some people are simply tying to fit into the label. Griffith also personally knows students at Mansfield High School who dress the same way she does, yet they’re not classified as hicks. “ I don’t w a nt to go a n y w h e r e e l s e , ” Griffith said. “We hold higher standards for ourselves, and I feel like we’re higher on the ladder.” Senior Cheerleader Blake Wiley has supported the Broncos since day one and believes over the four years the school spirit has risen. Wiley has been on the varsity cheer team for two years and enjoys seeing students dressed up
and supporting the football team on the spirit days, especially when classmates paint their bodies and go ‘full out’ flaunting their spirited t-shirts. “The students are more into spirit now,” Wiley said. “They’re more competitive, and we’re doing well for a four year school.” Sophomore Hannah Wright admits she sees how L e g a c y could be considered the so called redneck school because of all the farmer’s tans and camouflage she sees daily. She also believes we will always be known as the new school. Summit junior Ashley Cottrell admits Legacy students have more school spirit compared to people at her school but feels Summit’s campus has more diversity.
“[Legacy] has so much more school spirit than Summit,” Cottrell said. “When I walk down the hallways at Summit barely anyone is dressed up. But I’ve heard that at Legacy virtually everyone dresses up on the spirit days.” Ben Barber teacher Melanie Stillings has a fair amount of students from each of the four high schools in her classes. Although students from all MISD schools show school spirit, Stillings believes Legacy and Mansfield High School students are most noticeable on dress up days. Stillings also sees school spirit and a sense of camaraderie from a staff perspective. She feels as if the staff members are happy where they work. “ Th e s p i r i t i s a m a z ing,” Mrs. Stillings s a i d . “ T h e s t u d e nt s a r e so passionate.”
The students are more into spirit now. They’re more competitive and we’re doing well for a four year school. -Blake Wiley
Sponsors
December 17, 2010
Page 11
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Page 12
Our Views
December 17, 2010
VS
No Harm No Foul
All Fun And Games Till...
The prank at band’s final marching show of the season happened a month ago made us ask the question, “Are pranks OK? If they are, to what extent?” After reading both sides of the story, tell us what you think through comments or a letter to the editor on therideronline.com. By nick failor business manager A mere prank formed by band seniors evolved into a bigger problem than they predicted. During the football game against Timberview, select seniors devised a plan to end their show in a different way: by pulling the pool noodles from the makeshift tree and attacking each other with them. The following week, pranksters were punished with community service hours, the number of which depended on their rank in band. The prank was a lighthearted way to celebrate the last show of the year, but it was taken more seriously than intended. The band was already knocked out of UIL competitions by this time, so to end their high school marching careers, several senior band members thought they would act out the prank by themselves, but then the underclassmen caught on. The talk of the prank spread through the band like wildfire, even if it was devised minutes before the halftime show. Soon, seniors and underclassmen stormed the pool noodle tree and began to pummel each other with them, bringing the uproar of cheers from the students and band parents in the stands. As the show ended, the band made its way off the field and into the stands, still with a cheering audience. The band members put an energetic and exciting twist to
their last show and the football team’s last game. The goal of the pranksters wasn’t to cause disgrace or to get the band into trouble. They just wanted to turn the last show of their high school career into something fun and unique. However, they were punished wrongfully and too harshly. A silly prank in a high school halftime
BY BRETT walker managing editor
show does not warrant community service as punishment. Pranks which don’t damage anything are not serious infractions and shouldn’t be treated as such. Students see them as a celebration of their high school experience, and others should as well.
should not have turned their last high school show into a joke. The band directors’ esteem, and to some extent their livelihood, depends on the performance of the students under their guidance. It is their job, after all, to run a good program, and their success at this is vital to their careers. The direc-
How Safe Is Legacy? by travis st. john staff writer After the Nov. 11 scare, it got me thinking how difficult of a time would someone have trying to sneak into Legacy to cause havoc? I found out it is extremely easy. I held an unofficial experiment over the course of two days during two different class periods. I put myself in the mind set of someone who would want to do harm to Legacy. I made a plan, and set out to achieve my goal. I went to seven of the entrances that lead inside Legacy during last block. I proceeded to remove my ID, and put on a Sum-
Pranks amuse those pulling them, oftentimes at the cost of the victim’s peace of mind. In a recreational environment, both parties can enjoy a prank in good taste, but in a professional setting, pranks are completely inappropriate. The seniors of marching band
tors place their trust in the band members when selecting them to perform, and going against this trust reflects poorly on the band. This prank will affect the band not only in the present, but in future marching seasons as well because of the bad example it sets. The new members of band will have seen their current leaders misbehaving and think it will be acceptable for them when they hold these positions. Defenders of the pranksters claim they had the right to have fun on the night of their last show, since their marching season was over in both UIL and football. Of course they should have fun for their last marching show of high school, but not in a way which negatively affects others. If anything, the last show should be a culmination of all the seniors’ hard work throughout high school. Playing “Pop Goes the Weasel” for a solo and using the show’s props to fight are hardly ways to represent an organization which marched at the state competition the preceding year. Requiring the pranksters to commit themselves to community service as consequence (rather than destroying another memory by taking away their field trip) was a good call by the directors. Anyone planning to pull a prank should consider the appropriateness of their environment and how it will affect those around them. For example, playing jokes during a practice session would be much more tolerable than in a live performance. But pulling a prank in a professional setting, where perpetual damage can be done, should not be tolerated by any organization.
Unofficial investigation uncovers holes In school entrance, hallway security
mit hoodie that covered my head. At each entrance I went to I would knock on the door attempting to get people to let me in. I was let in at each entrance every time. The people who let me in were Legacy students I did not know or I had never seen. I was in. Part one of my plan was complete. The next day during second block I went to the entrance I had found easiest to enter through. Wearing the same thing as the previous day, I found I was still able to get someone to let me inside, but today I didn’t just want to get in Legacy, I wanted to see if I could get around without getting caught. I was let in the back
right door again. I decided paper work. She said nothto start at the top floor, ing to me. and work my way down. The first floor. I knew With my hood still up and this would be my bigID off, I proceeded gest challenge. to walk around I walked past looking as suspithree teachers cious as possible. and countless On the third floor students. Once I encountered no again nothing one except stuwas said to me. dents. As I walked As I started topast the AP office ward the cafI looked in and eteria I realkept on my way. ized what was I moved down to Travis there. The pothe second floor. St. John, 11 lice office. I acI walked around tually started to once again, this time run- get nervous, but once again ning into someone. It was nothing was said. a teacher looking at the paI walked around Legacy, perwork in her hand. She and no one said a word glanced up at me quickly to me. No one asked who I then kept on looking at her was. No one told me to take
my hood off. No one told me to put on my ID. So it was easy for me to sneak in and roam the school without an ID looking as if I was from Summit. I’m not only saying it’s the school’s fault. It’s the students fault as well. If a Legacy student just happens to be around a door, and someone attempts to get in the school, don’t let them in if they don’t have an ID— it’s just a bad idea. If teachers at Legacy freak out when students don’t have IDs on at their desk, then they should take the time to question shady people in the hall. All I can wonder from this has to be ‘Is Legacy safe?’
Our Views
Ignorance Ain’t Bliss
December 17, 2010
Page 13
Irrationality causes unneeded conflicts, Easily solved by simple actions
TheRider Editor-in-Chief Carly Smith
By brittany musser staff writer
Managing Editor Brett Walker
Mansfield is an extremely diverse town that has an exceptional economy and educational system. Although white is the predominant race, Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, and Pacific islanders make up approximately 33 percent of the population. According to city-data.com, on average the household income for a family in Mansfield is $81,326, while the average for a household in the state of Texas is only $50,043. In a developed nation, Mansfield stands out as an efficient and productive town that prides itself on high expectations for its residents. In a city that is so mature, there should be no room for ignorance. Ignorance has plagued societies since their beginning, plundering individuals and even entire societies until they are completely destroyed. The root of ignorance can be many things, deriving from ones upbringing or possibly events that have caused irrational fear. After America was bombed in World War II, Japanese interment camps held Japanese citizens whose only offense was that they were unfortunate enough to share the same ethnicity as those who had bombed us. Today Muslims are feeling the same kind of discrimination, as fear and distrust has sprouted from the events of 9/11. It is not uncommon to hear a reference about an ordinary Muslim being a terrorist, because society has allowed it to become not only tolerated but almost expected. This ignorance, which should have been stomped out from the beginning, has instead been allowed to grow to such proportions that those who speak out against it are reprimanded. Freedom of speech was once an opportunity held dear to Americans because
News/Online Editor Russell Kirby Features Editor Megan Henry Entertainment Editor Josh Perry Sports Editor William Davis Visual Editor Jasmine McMasters Business Manager Nick Failor Assistant Editor Julianna Di Napoli
it was a chance for differ- mouths of many uneducatences to be celebrated and ed Americans. ideas to be cultivated but Instead of doing the rehas now become a warrant search and discovering it for hateful slander that has was actually an area heavbecome retrogressive to ily populated with Muslims society. and that a community cenIgnorance acts as a det- ter was a legitimate need, riment for society, and re- people took what they tards any growth that may heard and embellished the have been possible. stories and facts to fit their Recently in New York own personal agendas and there was a debate over ignorant beliefs. Muslims whether a community cen- and other groups that are ter for Muslims should be judged with bias will conallowed to be built so close tinue to be viewed as a to ground zero. As the de- threat if people continue bate ensued, people began to portray them as such. to passionately speak out Ignorance has the ability against it. to eliminate the Although that could Ignorance acts as a detriment good many genbe accomplished for society, and retards any uine arand the benguments efits to society growth that may have been were made that could be possible. against it, contributed by there were people who are also ignorant rumors and discriminated against, and heinous comments that creates chaos and distrust were asserted into the ar- which make progress imgument. People began to possible. fear that Muslims were The irrational fears and planning another attack, or ignorance societies have that it was just a cover for can only be battled by the a terror organization be- very people who often are cause that was what could responsible for the destrucbe heard coming from the tion they cause. A child who
grows up in a home full of racism is likely to grow up and pass on that same behavior. Although they cannot be faulted with the behavior of their family, they will solely be held accountable for their own words and actions. It becomes their responsibility to break the cycle, and impede ignorance from becoming a larger influence in their individual lives and society as a whole. Simply to refrain from spreading ignorance is not enough; people must attempt to stop it when they witness it in action. If they allow it to happen, then they are also responsible for the destruction it causes. To continue on the path of growth and prosperity, Americans must step up and take on the responsibility to remove ignorance from society. This starts with education. Everyone has the ability to influence those around them; people simply have to speak out against ignorance. If ignorance is left alone to continue to ravage the U.S., it will inevitably ruin the freedoms and unity that all Americans hold dear.
Fact or Fiction
FICTION: It has been decided that there will be 7-block days next year. There will be no A- or B-days.
FACT: To be exempt from a final, students must pick up the form from their AP.
Follow Us Online Twitter: therideronline Web: www.therideronline.com YouTube: therideronline Facebook: facebook.com/legacynews www.legacystudentmedia.com
Nay! Semester Exams: Even with a few exemptions, semester finals are still painful to study for and take. We’d much rather have an extra two weeks tacked onto our vacation.
Yay! Winter Break: Less than a month after Thanksgiving Break, we have another two weeks off to look forward to. Two weeks of no waking up early, no teachers, no homework and no classes.
Nay! College Essays: Yeah, they’re important, but they take forever to write. And it doesn’t help when colleges want you to write so many of them.
Yay! Basketball: With a 4-4 record so far, and district starting in January, things can only get better for our team, which earned a state semifinalist banner last season.
Yay! Blood Drive: Donors who support this cause provide an invaluable resource to those in need. It’s great for people to give what they can.
Staff Writers/Photographers Shelby Adelman Holly Baselice Elena Chudoba Kymber Cullum Ashley Deam Breanna Durrett Alec Girouard Amanda Granato Jessica Jones Madison Mondon Brittany Musser Jamila Obied Allex Ohler Rebecca Omorodion Mia Ortega Carson Rahrig Arial Robertson Travis St. John Rosanne Trinh Dini Wyatt Adviser Leland Mallett Principal David Wright
The Rider is a student publication of the Legacy Student Media Department and is free to all students. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of the Mansfield Independent School District. The Rider is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and governed by all UIL guidelines. The Rider is also a member of TAJE, NSPA, CSPA and Quill & Scroll. Any complaints, comments or letters to the editor may be submitted to the below address. Ads are sold for $20 per column inch and are under the direction of the business manager. For advertising information, see our web page: www. legacystudentmedia.com The Rider is printed by the production staff of the Greater Dallas Press in Garland, Texas. Letters to the Editor We welcome your letters about our publication and/or Legacy High School. To print your letter to the editor, e-mail a copy to bwalker@ therideronline.com. We reserve the right to alter the letter for space purposes and grammar issues. NSPA 2009, 2010: “All American Publication” Online Edition: 2010 CSPA Gold Crown
Legacy High School Student Media
1263 North Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 817-299-1229 legacystudentmedia.com therideronline.com
Page 14 Jasmine’s Jabber:
My Last Picture With Santa High schoolers all over the enrolled world have reason to look forward to their senior year. Laying into freshmen, lying around in class, and lying in bed during those sweet hours of senior early arrival are perks enough. Aside from these promotions, I have my own motive for reaching my senior year. Underlying all my lazy passions is a family tradition which like most other tokens of sentimentality aims to harm or seriously maim youthful pride. Upon graduating high school, the members of my family no longer have to take photos with Santa. As Christmas approaches, so do the tacky traditions. Being an 18-year-old high school student, most teenagers would be utterly embarrassed to still be taking photos with Santa. I would like to agree with them, but "embarrassed" doesn't quite cover the feeling I get from being made to precariously hover (I will not sit) over the knee of a 60-year-old man dressed in a velvet costume. Honing in on details, Santa always has his own home grown white beard to accompany his get up. I can't decide if it makes him look more natural or lewd, because then I have to wonder about what he does for the other 46 weeks of the year that allows him to upkeep a beard of that length. If you don't believe the holiday process could get anymore uncomfortable, well think again. Photos with Santa take place at the mall within what once may have been a very cheery place, but is now a ten-year-old scenic set up. The Parks Mall graciously positions this winter wonderland near the less popular Sears and Macy’s stores. This way, I only have to fear being seen by grannies buying washing machines and other home appliances for their elderly needs. Along with being publicized, the photos are also published on cards and distributed to my extended family to hang on their refrigerators and garnish their fire places, because nothing says Happy Holidays like seven McMasters' children crowded onto one disgruntled Santa's lap. This keepsake will no doubt be worth something in the later years to the circle of grandmas and aunts, like trading cards on the playground. ‘Tis the season for sticky hands, long lines, and obese sugar plum faries. This year I am getting my picture made with my four younger siblings and Santa for the last time. I don't know if this time next year I'll be nostalgic for the tradition, but I do know that this year, on the night before Christmas, all through the house I'll be celebrating my emancipation.
Nothing says Happy Holidays like seven McMasters’ children crowded onto one disgruntled Santa’s lap.
Flying Pig BBQ
Entertainment
December 17, 2010
Holiday Gift Guide Help finding the perfect gift or just cool stuff we like By Brett Walker and Russell Kirby
Draw Your Own Design Watch - $12
| thinkgeek.com Express your artistic talent in a gift, or give another the chance do the same. It carries a low price point but has the potential to be an incredibly effective present. The watch, face and band come blank and can be drawn on with pen, pencil, marker, etc.
Inception DVD - $13 to $19 | Any movie retailer One of the most anticipated movies of the year comes to DVD and Blu-ray. According to imdb.com, Inception is number six in the top 250 movies list. Camera Lens Mug - $24 to $30
| photojojo.com One-to-one replicas of real Canon or Nikon camera lenses to drink from. They are eye-catching, charming, and very out of the ordinary.
Where’s Waldo, Complete Collection - $33 |
macys.com
This package features all six of Waldo’s classic, wacky, and unusual adventures in one complete box set. Experience Martin Handford’s entire Where’s Waldo? creation with one purchase.
Wacom Bamboo Drawing Tablet - $99
| BestBuy Tablets can revolutionize the way a user interacts with their computer, bringing applications such as Adobe Photoshop to their full potential. Their entry-level “Bamboo Fun” comes bundled with Corel Painter Essentials and Adobe Photoshop Elements software, giving the user several forums to begin their outlet of creativity.
Altec Lansing Muzx Ultra - $99
| alteclansing.com This gift seems expensive, but deriving from Lansing Ultra, it’s a gift worth the money. The headphones are very high quality and have a low impedance.
Looxcie - $199
| looxcie.com Worn like a headset,The Looxcie takes a different approach to the mini digital camcorder as events can be recorded at eye-level with minimal user input and considerable ease. Currently it’s compatible with a lot of the most recent phones including the iPhone and several Android units.
Entertainment
December 17, 2010
Page 15
Activities for the Holidays
Find ways to spend time over the break
BY JOSH pERRY Entertainment editor
•Play Video Games Rather Than Socialize-
During the two weeks off for Holiday break, have you ever found yourself sitting around at home, bored out of your mind? There are plenty of things to do. You just need to go out and find them. Here are a few ideas:
•Rent “It’s a Wonderful Life”- I don’t know how it became a tradition, or why it is one, but apparently watching this movie over the holidays is the thing to do. It makes women cry, so guys might find it as a nice date movie, or just one to watch with the family.
The teenage gamer’s dream is to wake up late because you didn’t go to sleep until the early morning hours, then hit the power button and go to town on the games. It is the perfect way to beat any video game that you’re behind on.
•Put Carrots in the Front Lawn for the Reindeer- As tradition
goes, place carrots in the front lawn for the reindeer to chomp on. Think about it. The reindeer lands on the roof, but we put the carrots in the front lawn. That’s dangerous for the reindeer. This year, chunk them onto the roof.
•Go Ice Skating- Dur-
ing the holiday season, it
tends to get cold. When it gets cold, ponds and small lakes tend to freeze over. Although that never happens around here, the Parks Mall has a really good skating rink, and ice skating is a good way to hang out with friends and family.
•Track Santa with Younger Siblings- Technology is a wonderful thing. Now on the Internet and U-verse there are websites and channels to watch Santa’s progress around the globe, and then the little ones can hop in bed when he gets close.
•Keep Warm by the Fire- It’s really cold at night and most humans are not too fond of the extreme cold. Get inside that snuggie and sit next to the fire.
•Go Christmas Carolling- Some neighbors really like it when you come around and start singing Christmas songs. Others
Our Picks may throw things at you and yell to be quiet, but it is the concept of spreading Christmas joy that really matters.
•Decorate the Tree as a Family- The bulbs go in
the back, same colors don’t go together, wrap it up in tinsel and popcorn on a string. Put on ornaments you’ve collected since the day you were born. String the lights and make the tree shine, and then top it off with a star or an angel. Family time, is tree time. Make sure you have Tylenol at the ready because you know moms; everything has to be perfect.
•Visit the Grandparents- It seems grandparents are only good for one thing in the eyes of children. They give you more presents after the ones you get Christmas morning. They show love, kindness, let you go against every rule your parents have set, and bear gifts in the form of cash.
Not having to worry about the content of what your listening to is one of the pros of Disney Channel bands.
Book-The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan First installment of the new Olympian books.
Inception- On DVD
The best movie of the summer hits the shelves.
Ke$ha- CD Cannibal Ke$ha’s second album released.
Call of Duty: Black OpsVideo game The newest of the Call of Duty games placed in a never-before-seen setting.
Assassins Creed: Brotherhood- Video
game Join Ezio Auditore and his search for the Apple of Eden in a new enviroment: Rome.
Despicable Me- On DVD
Steve Carell’s new comedy of evil villains and little yellow minions make an invention to appear on the shelves.
Upcoming Movies Tron Legacy:
Arrives on a light cycle to theatres on Dec. 17
Season of the Witch: The fight to save their homeland begins Jan. 7 Photo courtesy of Moxie
Suddenly Yours, a newly released version of the EP Suddenly, by Allstar Weekend, now makes it a full album. The album contains all the same songs that the EP did, with the addition of four songs, “Come Down With Me,” “Catching Up,” “Here With You,” and “Can’t Sleep Tonight.” Allstar Weekend is a band that got it’s fame and fortune starring on Disney Channel, and is one of the better bands that have developed from there. They write their own music which is something that takes skill, and the songs are very catchy. Not being entirely a fan of the predominantly pop, but pop/ rock music, I found myself
Heroes of Olympus-
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong are back in action after a long break with new levels, actions, and a replenished urge to battle enemies.
Disney Channel starters release Follow-up to EP creating first album having some of the songs stuck in my head, and I was okay with it. None of the songs they’ve written have been depressing, but rather bright and cheery, and hopeful. All of the songs are also kid appropriate; no language, no violence, no extreme innuendos of any sort. Not having to worry about the content of what your listening to is one of the pros of Disney Channel bands. Many girls are very fond of Allstar Weekend, and think the lines in the songs are nice and sweet. Guys, listen to the CD and take some notes. For the exception of three or four, all of the songs are about a girl. The songs all have meaning too. Allstar Weekend doesn’t just make up random songs because
Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulos Killjoys The first album MCR has released since 2006.
Donkey Kong Country Retuns- Video game
Review: ‘Suddenly Yours’ by Allstar Weekend By josh perry Entertainment editor
My Chemical Romance-
Allstar Weekend’s, “Suddenly Yours,” the first full length album produced by the band.
they think they sound good. They seem to have a purpose buried beneath and write their songs from the heart, not the wallet. Dini Wyatt and Carson Rahrig attended the Allstar Weekend concert that took
place at the Door in Dallas, Dec. 14. They interviewed the band members before the concert. check out the interview with Allstar Weekend at therideronline.com
Daily News, Scores, Videos, Photos and More www.therideronline.com
The Green Hornet: Become a hero on Jan. 14
Rango:
Survive the desert wasteland on Mar. 4
Mars Needs Moms:
Send Mars what it needs on Mar. 11
Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides The search begins for the fountain of youth May 20
Photo Essay
Elena chudoba photo
Elena chudoba photo
Jasmine Mcmasters photo
Elena chudoba photo
December 17, 2010
Elena chudoba photo
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(Top Right) Kimberlee Howell, 10, and Danielle Hightower, 9, march with the band, playing “Blazing Saddles” in downtown Mansfield. (Bottom Right) Silver Spurs put on a winter performance, wearing holiday-themed uniforms to help get others into a cheerful spirit. (Middle) Jasmine McMasters, 12, paints faces with the Art Club while celebrating at the parade.
(Top Left) Rachel Romo, 11, Caitlin Webb, 12, and Katie O’Keefe, 12, walked in front of the marching band, carrying a banner. Other guard members performed with flags behind them.
Elena chudoba photo
(Middle Left) Joshua Albert-Highland, 11, Amanda Moore, 11, and Hayley Mumaw, 12, sang carols to the parade’s onlookers. (Bottom Left) Josh Albert-Highland, 11, Aaron Peart, 12, Kyle Nance, 12, and Brittany Sutton, 11, marched with the ROTC.
Broncos In Spirit For Holidays by brett walker managing editor
On Dec. 4, clubs and organizations from the school and around town gathered in downtown Mansfield for the annual Christmas parade. At the start of the parade, choir sang the National Anthem.
Later on, band and ROTC marched, while the former also played music down the street. “It was fun seeing all the Christmas floats because you could tell people were getting into the Christmas spirit,” senior Hayley Mumaw, who sang in the choir, said. “The best
Mansfield gathers to celebrate the season With annual downtown parade
part was the middle-aged During the parade, Elvis on traffic was mini-moblocked off on torcycles. You could tell people were get- the surrounding It made making ting into the Christmas spirit streets, me laugh. it difficult for It was one people to enof those ter or leave the random parade area by things that happen to go car. Mumaw had to leave together well.” her car at the parade
-Hayley Mumaw
and find other transportation home. “They needed to have some outlets for people to get out,” Mumaw said. “What if there was an emergency? I felt like I was trapped at the parade, and it wasn’t fun at that point. But the rest of it was great.”