Reflections on the Season Staff Choice Top Local Event 2011 There are also great memories that no one who witnessed the season, especially the state game, On Dec. 16 at Cowboy Stadium, will ever forget: bright lights shining overhead, the sweltering heat July aka ‘Jerry’s World,’ a group of high school teenagers fought with dignity, through September, the sweet and cool temperatures of October and courage, and above all, heart. The team started the season a little rocky November, and the frigid icy temps of December; running out of the in spite of their wins and humbling eagle tunnel at the beginning of each loss earlier in the season. As the game, sideline ‘chats’ with coaches season progressed the team memand teammates, cheerleaders yelling bers were sometimes a little unsure chants, band marching and playing of themselves, but through each beats, the crowd roaring and chantweek they grew in confidence, skill, and determination. They conquered ing, painted faces, turf, joy, and tears. the toughest opponents, overcame The end of the football season problems and penalty issues. They does not mark the end of the jourfinished the season, winners in ney. The memories created will last every way no matter what the final a lifetime, and living the moment, score of the state game reflects. absorbing the pulse, the heartbeat of Coach Rodgers has often been the game, and watching the players heard to say that “a great football play with passion, determination, team will take you all the way to and skill honed to near perfection. Christmas.” This statement of These pictures are the ones implantcourse paints a prosaic picture of ed in the conscious, these are the Friday nights, bright lights, and vicmemories that all will carry forward. tory. But what does it really mean? It is a rare thing to learn to be winWin or lose, having made it to ners, even in defeat; but, strength in ‘Jerry’s World’ at Cowboy stadium spirit, toughness in mind, pride and makes the journey all the sweeter. passion can only be built through Of course there are great statisadversity. The eagles fought a valtics that reflect the season such as iant battle throughout the season the record of wins and losses, and and in the last game, fought just as Cole Hedlund’s national record of hard, but fate put a few too many most field goals in a season. There obstacles in the way. A second are those players who gained entry place victory is nothing to scoff at into the collegiate football scene, and nothing to be ashamed of. Our earned football scholarships, made boys are winners and always will be. all-state teams; there are those who Over time, no one will remember a simply played with heart and pasloss; they will remember all that was sion all season; there are those that accomplished, all that was shared. their season got cut short by injuIt won’t be the first, or the last of ries, concussion, and illness, but winning and losing. Life will move through it all, their journey continforward and the sting of disappointues. ment will lessen with time, but the memories of the journey will last a lifetime because it truly is a rare thing to win and then play high school football until the holidays and winter break, especially at Cowboy Stadium, which is what makes this event the staff pick for best event of 2011. At the end of the final game, Coach Rodgers told these men that he couldn’t be Tyler Everlth runs the ball up the field. Photo by Matt Garnett prouder, and for Karolyn Short Editor in Chief
Is Dublin Dr.Pepper Dead? Check out page 3
Go look at page 4 to see what to get your Valentine
Austin Aune interviewed after state championship. Photo by Matt Garnett
good reason. That great football team certainly took us all the way to Christmas, but the students, parents, players, community, and many other
folks in Texas will also take these great memories away and hold them in their hearts forever. Stay strong and live strong. Go eagles.
Trey Keenan keeps Wimberly defender out of the pocket. Photo by Matt Garnett
Read about the government efforts to stop online piracy on page 7
Index: Page 2 - Opinions Page 3 - Life & Arts Page 4&5 - Features Page 6 - Sports Page 7 - Community Page 8 - Photo Essay
PDA
It’s not your average Blackberry
Kyle Davis Staff Writer
For PDA by Davis It bothers me that our society has gotten to a point to where we have to ban public displays of affection in school. Read the term aloud: “public display of affection.” Have we really come to a point where people can only show affection for each other in private; is our world really so harsh that we ban sharing affection with our peers? PDA is defined as exactly that, any show of affection towards another peer at school. It doesn’t necessarily have to be sexual, even though that’s what the connotation of the phrase has come to mean. It could be as simple as a hug or affectionate touch; in some cases even a mere look could be described as a PDA. Administrators put a blanket statement on all of these actions and deal out punishment for them without any knowledge of the situation. While all PDA could potentially be seen as sexual, more often than not intentions are more innocent than they seem. For example in one of my history classes a couple were hugging each other in the back of the room. There was nothing sexual about it; it was a simple embrace. None of the students seemed overly bothered by this. They at least had the decency to sit at the back of the classroom; my teacher had other thoughts though. My teacher first asked them to stop, and when they ignored him, my teacher promptly yelled at them to stop, asked them if they had any decency, and ordered them to the office. The girl ran from
the room crying. It was later explained that she had lost a very close relative, and had returned to school that day from a week of grieving. The two weren’t even dating. Another concern is that if we were to do away with the PDA rule, then the students would run rampant. The thinking is that if students already ignore the rules, and then if we eliminate the rule or soften it then students will take it to the next level or clearly abuse the rule. While this seems likely, human behavior usually works in the opposite direction. Take for example the Netherlands-one of the few countries in the world where marijuana is legal. One would think that when marijuana was made legal that the streets would be filled to the brim with potheads, or that people would turn to harder drugs. However, the opposite is true. In Europe, the Netherlands has the lowest number of drug related deaths. Also the number of serious drug addicts in the Netherlands is well below average for European countries. This is because when something is illegal or frowned upon, people, especially young people derive a certain pleasure from partaking. There is certain thrill from breaking the rules; however, when the thrill factor is taken away, that action no longer seems as exciting or fun. I would also think that our administrators would jump on any idea that would promote kindness or well being towards other students. How much money have we spent on programs that are supposed to promote well being and love towards others? How many speeches have we listened to where our administrators preach good feelings and love towards all of our fellow students? PDA is an expression of our love and compassion for our fellow students. Yet our administrators beg us to love each other. They
stand on their podium and preach to us that in an ideal school setting we should sit quietly with our eyes forward, with a respectable distance between each other; don’t kiss each other, don’t hug each other, don’t touch each other, don’t even look at each other the wrong way. Remain as completely platonic as possible at all times. Then they say repeat after me; everyone love everyone, everyone love everyone, but whatever you do show absolutely no public display of affection.
Against PDA by Evans Public displays of affection—aka PDA— is gross, plain and simple. Life is not some dramatic Nicholas Sparks novel for all to see in the hallways, so people should really keep their lips to themselves and actually talk instead of swapping spit. No one really wants to see what some consider cute and sweet. In reality, the tonsil-hockey people are playing is considered by most, grotesque. Holding hands is tolerable, as long as a couple is not taking their sweet time strolling down the hallways, admiring the beautiful scenery of grey walls and old flyers. Oh, how romantic. Hugging is acceptable. Everyone hugs. Friends hug, but the morethan-friends people should not have a more-than-friends hug that makes a passerby actually want to go hide in the school restroom. Groping is not okay. Think about how a mother or grandmother would perceive a couple’s four and a half minute groping session in the hallway, and letting everyone see how couples objectify their significant other? Better yet, would anyone want to see a mother or grandmother against the wall committing the crimes of said couples? If so, then
Valerie Evans Staff Writer students who want to see this should go to the counselor’s office immediately. Intimacy is called so for a reason; it is to let people spend time with one another without worrying about others’ opinions. Well, the ‘intimacy’ in the hallway is being judged every day, by every passerby. Most people will think to themselves that the couples’ affectionate ways are gross, and the rest might wish they had a significant other to be affectionate with, but not in front of the entire student body. Keep the intimacy where it is supposed to be, between the two people in the relationship. If you are one of the culprits who thinks it is cute to “showoff ” your significant other by making others want to vomit, it is not cute, seriously. It is degrading to your significant other, because you are making them look like you cannot enjoy their company if your tongue is not down their throat. Please, for all of our sakes who have just eaten the school’s pizza, our stomachs cannot take it anymore. Try talking for the two and a half minutes it takes to walk each other to class. If you cannot talk for two minutes, you probably should not be together and playing tonsil hockey anyway. Some ideas that might get you to start talking: the weather, the most recent television show, or even, Heaven forbid, your dreams and goals for the future. Talk about anything, hold hands, hug, but please, keep it classy, Argyle.
MURM’S Top 10 Movies and Artists for 2011 Top Ten Movies of 2011
1. HP and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 2. Drive 3. The Adjustment Bureau 4. 50/50 5. Kinyarwanda 6. Midnight in Paris 7. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 8. Super 8 9. Crazy, Stupid, Love 10. The Tree of Life
Mariam Palmer Staff Writer
Top Ten Artists of 2011 1. Death Cab for Cutie 2. Cults 3. Childish Gambino 4. St. Vincent 5. Fleet Foxes 6. Kanye West 7. Augustana 8. The Killers 9. Arcade Fire 10. Brand New
Book Reviews Emma Welsh Staff Writer The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby
of communication. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’s brilliance is not limited to solely the strain and dedication of its production, but also due to the remarkable prose from Bauby and his savoring of seemingly insignificant details. How We Are Hungry by Dave Eggers
2010-2011 Talon Staff Editors Karolyn Short Hannah Stanford
In 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby – a wildly known editor for Elle magazine at the time –suffered a massive stroke, leaving him in a state of “locked in syndrome.” His only way of communication from then on was through the blinking of his left eye, making simple tasks like asking for a nurse to change the channel or call his ex-wife nearly impossible. Despite this substantial obstacle, Bauby managed to write a novel with such a restricted way
Managing Staff Katye Butts Gabby Bennet Matt Garnett Emma Welsh Photography & Graphics Kathryn Harrington Brendan Mitchell Logan Dial Jeff Short Writers Ashley Boatman Dominique Church Kyle Davis Alexia Ehlers Valerie Evans Paige Gwartney Sarah Irons Matson Kane Chris Long Yolanda Morales Mariam Palmer Hannah Wiseman
Mediocre and slightly pretentious, Dave Eggers’s collection of short stories reads like it wants to be quoted. Though the stories travel to all edges of the world, from Egypt to Costa Rica to London, the setting does little to add any substance to the stories. Stories like “Quick” and “The Only Meaning of the Oil-Wet Water” tell of the stereotypical long
Dublin Dr.Pepper May be Dead But Never Forgotten Stacy Short Staff Writer
Buisness Manager Caitlin Brammer Advisor Stacy Short Principal Jeff Butts Superintendent Dr. Telena Wright
The Talon is the official student run publication of Argyle HS. Its contents and views are produced by the student newspaper staff and do not represent the opinions of the school administration, faculty, school board, or Argyle ISD. Signed guest coluns and letter to the editor are welcome but subject for editing for length, libel, obscenity, and poor taste. Submissions should be sent to Mrs. Short in room 107.
Some may not even know that this past week, a big dog company tried to erase history. Tales of Dublin, Dr. Pepper, and how a pharmacist actually made the original concoction with prune juice have been floating around for decades. The story reveals how he sold the drink in his drugstore alongside real oldfashioned sodas. The recommendation from the pharmacist was to drink it at 10, 2, and 4 to ‘keep regular.’ However, it tasted so good, it became the sodafountain drink of choice, and in this part of the USA, Dr. Pepper became iconic; people used to travel from all over the nation to sample the drink, and thus Dr. Pepper was born. Those that drink Dr. Pepper now may not realize that the plant that bottled and sold the original recipe, touted for using real cane sugar, is only a few hours west of the metroplex, situated in a small rural town nestled between
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and How We Are Hungry. Photo by Caitlin Brammer
lost friends whose romance finally blooms on a spontaneous vacation together. Other stories like “Your Mother and I,” make up for these cliché stories, though they too are uncomfortable and feel very forced. However, it is the story “Notes for a Story of a Man Who Will Not Die Alone,” that salvages this collection from a dreaded two star report, offering what all the other stories could not. though. The altered recipe is still on the market for all to consume. It’s not quite as sweet as the original, and not quite as good. The plant was mandated to take the word ‘Dublin’ from all its signs...as if taking away the name can erase history. Those that drank the original will never forget. RIP Dublin Dr. Pepper. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Stephenville and Commanche, TX. Thousands of folks flock to Dublin to get real Dr. Pepper, visit the museum and plant every year, but mainly they go to sample the original Dr. Pepper. All good things come to an end, however. The ‘Big Dogs’ grappled their way in and bought out the company. After a two year long battle, the ‘Big Dogs’ won and the original Dr. Pepper will never be manufactured in Dublin again. Fourteen plant workers lost their jobs as a result, and the town of Dublin, which built its livelihood around this amazing drink, will never be the same. Dr. Pepper Dublin Dr.Pepper Photo by Billy Hathorn fans don’t fret
Office/Warehouse Space Available
1101 Stonecrest Rd.
Steve Watson
972-880-5212
Tough Opponents Bring Team Success Sarah Irons Staff Writer
Gather up the Red Army because it is looking like it will be another great season of Eagle basketball. The varsity boys finished the preseason at 18-7, playing many different people, including seven 5A schools; the Eagles even played an international traveling team from Australia. Many of the 5A teams were also ranked at the top of the state, some of the nation. “The toughest opponent was South Grand Prairie who is currently #3 in the state in class 5A,” varsity coach John King said. Building a quality basketball
program also includes a tough schedule for the JV and freshmen teams. “Wichita Falls-Hirschi was also extremely athletic team, and they were great shooters as well,” freshmen coach Jason Pitts said. All of the coaches have worked together to prepare the teams for success in district and post-season play. King expects the tough preseason schedule to result in wins later. The four returning players for varsity include junior Zach Dickerson, and seniors Clark Overlander, Andrew Resch, and Connor York. “This team is young in terms of varsity experience,” King said. “But, they have done an exceptional job of competing well, night in and night
out.” King believes mental attitude is also a key to success. Players need to “expect to win and compete hard every night.” The team dynamic and chemistry play a huge role in the success. “Although the chemistry still isn’t what it should be,” senior Connor York said. “Everyone is starting to play better together and there are flashes where it all comes together. When this becomes consistent, we will be a great team.” Zach Dickerson fights to keep control of the ball. Photo by Stacy Short
Lady’s Celebrate Change With Townsends in the House Sarah Irons
a new coaching philosophy was implemented. Staff Writer Although adjusting to the new Lady Eagle Basketball started off coaches’ style made for a rocky prethe year with several major changes. season, the girls have worked out Head coach Skip Townsend and his the kinks and have had a strong start wife and assistant coach Sammye in district play. Townsend have now led the lady “Style of play has completely eagles to several district wins after changed,” sophomore Laurie Beth Chalk said. “They have taught us to work a lot harder than we ever had before.” Coach Skip Townsend believes hard work in practice is necessary for success in games. “In practice, we work Senior Paislea, Coaches Brady Bell, Sammye Townsend, Skip Townsend, and Taylor Barnett look on during the Denton pre-season game. Photo by Stacy Short
Fútbol is Back Sarah Irons Staff Writer
Coming off a school record breaking season including a Regional Semifinal appearance, the boy’s
on our intensity level and making every minute count for something,” Townsend said. “The second part of practice is preparing for our opponent.” Although the changes seem to be working for game time, there are other components to game strategy that are important to a winning season. “Every year is different; this year is new to me,” Coach Townsend said. “I don’t know our opponents and opposing coach’s styles as well, so I have to learn how to beat these people.” Returning JV coaches, Brady Bell and Taylor Barnett seemed to have helped the transition to the new coaching style. “It’s nice having coach Bell around after having played for him for several years, including middle
soccer team has high expectations son. Before games started the team for this year’s season. went rock climbing to help build “Our goal is to qualify and make their team chemistry. a run in the playoffs this year,” head “We spend more time team coach Marc Koke said. building and getting in shape this Although the team is feeling the year, and we are working harder to loss of some key starters from last defeat the 4A schools in our disyear, coach Koke seems confident. trict,” senior Tess Athey said. “We are a bit younger and less District kicks off for both teams experienced from last year’s team,” February 7th at Byron Nelson. Koke said. “However, they are all really great kids who work hard and are willing to do whatever it takes for the team to be successful.” The girl’s soccer team has started the season with a promising record. “The girls have been working hard and their skills reflect this,” Head Coach Jennifer Goodpastor said. Left: Kevin Finley receives the ball. Photo by Matt Garnett The girls believe a strong team Above: Tess Athey and Lindsey Eckert push the ball down bond is the key to success this sea- the field. Photo by Ann Athey
school,” senior Karolyn Short said. “But, Coach Townsend brings a whole different philosophy. We work smarter and harder on skills, and the intensity level is greater than in previous years.” In addition to a new school, new team, and new opponents, Coach Townsend has reached a new milestone in his coaching career with his 900th win. “Winning 900 is like 845 or 852 or 745,” said Coach Townsend. “I immediately started thinking about 901.” Although there have been wins since the 900th, the team has one particular game on their mind, one that will make a difference in the district standings. “Our plan is to be undefeated in district and beat Sanger for the district title,” said Coach Townsend.
Men in Tights Chris Long Staff Writer
Men in tights, no, it’s just the wrestling team. Though lacking people in some weight classes, those that actually do compete are seeing success. Several wrestlers have placed in singles, and overall the team is starting district competition with a winning record. “I expect the team to peak at that time, Coach Jake Fischer said, “and to show their full potential.” Aside from Benn Hammer’s undefeated record, Coach Fischer feels that the most important asset to the team is simply the chemistry of the team. “I would say that everyone is equally dependent on each other,” Fischer said. “That’s what makes us who we are.”
What to Get Your Valentine Ashley Boatman Staff Writer Flowers, chocolates, hearts, hugs, kisses, and teddy bears are all the things going around this time of year. Valentine’s Day is about appreciating the ones we love, it’s a time to be romantic and sweet. Sometimes it can be difficult finding that perfect gift for a significant other on this special day. Purchasing a gift can be a daunting task, but It all depends on how long you have been together and how serious you really are about one another. Couples who have only been dating a short time should just go with some flowers and chocolates for her and a homemade dessert and card for him. It’s not too much, but it’s enough to show that you care about one another. If you have been dating for a few months, take her out to a movie, and girls spring for the popcorn and
drinks. Or better yet, go to a concert that you both love and share the special time together. For couples that have been together for almost a year or over, they might want to think of something more special and meaningful to give to one another. For her, make reservations and treat her out for a special dinner and surprise her with a gift such as a necklace, or even a promise ring. This is sure to make her head over heels for you. For him, make a mix CD of all those special songs you both love that will remind him of you and concert tickets to see his favorite band. This is sure to make him happy. Of course, just spending time together is what’s really important. You really don’t need to spend much money on a fancy gift. No matter what, just enjoy this special day.
How to Survive Valentine’s Day Single Emma Welsh Staff Writer It’s that time of year again, when swooning adolescents roam the halls and lonesome bystanders watch with scorn and admiration. Perhaps you, like many other single men and women, have tried to comfort yourself with the notion that Valentine’s Day is a “Hallmark Holiday,” but I am here to crush that reassuring thought with my Catholic upbringing in addition to reminding you how great it is to be alone. Back in the day when I endured the sluggish hours of my religious education classes, very little save the prospect of earning “Sister Bucks” – an odd form of currency with Sister Pat’s face replacing George’s – kept my interest at bay. However, the one lesson that did catch my attention involved a poorly acted video on one of the many Saint Valentines. At the time I was seven and could not appreciate what this actor pretending to be Saint Valentine was truly telling me. Maybe he was telling me to love my neighbor or something of that sort, but what I deem equally as
significant now is that this man for whom Valentine’s Day was named after, spent his entire life single. Of course, there are numerous ways to celebrate being alone this coming Valentine’s Day besides reminiscing about a saint who was perpetually single. One option includes gorging down a tub of ice cream while moping around and watching romantic comedies from the eighties. Nothing says “Valentine’s Day” like living vicariously through Molly Ringwald’s love life all night. Another reason to bask in this life of solitude? There is no need to buy some measly gift for one’s supposed “true love.” That fifty-dollar t-shirt I never bought can now go to a nice full tank of gas for my car. And who needs a finely wrapped box of overpriced chocolates when I still have Hershey’s bars from Halloween? I certainly do not; as it is I think flowers smell terrible. A less pathetic way to spend this mushy holiday, of course, would be with friends, who are hopefully single as well. Unless being
a third wheel is your thing, in which case I do not applaud you for your ignorance. Spend the fourteenth instead, introducing Mad Men to friends who have never realized the beauty of Don Draper or learning how to do useless things like knitting. An obvious choice would be to ignore the existence of this holiday completely and pretend it’s just another Tuesday – as long as you can convince yourself the sudden flock of touchy couples is due to a change in the weather and not a train of Valentine’s Day bargains at restaurants. However, eventually I too will be part of the hated couples on February fourteenth, or so I hope. Regardless, I advise ten, because that may be your face all readers to avoid any quarrels getting punched with jealousy next with people who are a little too smit- year.
3105 Fort Worth Dr. Denton, TX 76205
Livestock Feed, Lawn & Garden, Poultry, Pet Food & Animal Health Products. Authorized Mobile Chicken Coop Dealer. Soy free non GMO Chicken Feed. Email – dandl.denton@verizon.net
We Support the Eagles! Tree Service Landscaping & Clean-up Outdoor Fireplaces, Kitchens, & Patios
UIL Academic Flowermound Invitational Stacy Short Advisor
The UIL Academic team attended a UIL Invitational at Flower Mound High School on Jan. 7. The team nudged out both Flowermound and Allen to bring home the Sweepstakes trophy. UIL academics competitions include many events, both team and individual, that are usually divided into large school division and small school division; however, at the Flower Mound meet, this is not the case. Class 1A through 5A all compete against one another in most of the events. This makes the competition extremely rigorous, as most large schools have a pool ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 students to pull from. Highlights of the meet include the sweep for top places in Computer Applications where sophomore Neil Dunn, placed first with275 points, senior, Grace Little, placed second with 265 points, and senior, Christian Stapleton, placed third with 265 points. In the team events, Coach John King’s Accounting team took first with 1,122 points. Contributors to the team score include: Christian Stapleton who placed 2nd individually, Grant Stein with a third place, and Tyler Dodd who placed fourth.
Coach Cliff McCurdy’s Calculator Applications team also placed first, bringing in 660 team points, which included Jon Clark’s first place, Davis Coghlan’s third place, and Colton Katzen’s eighth place finish. Coach Kim Kass’s Science team place third with 680 points. Team contributions included: 5th Hunter Monroe, 9th Davis Coghlan, and 17th Colton Katzen. Coach McCurdy’s Mathematics team ended with a 5th place finish. The following students contributed to the team finish: 6th Jon Clark, 10th Davis Coghlan, and 24th Colton Katzen. McCurdy’s Number Sense team of Jon Clark, Matthew Hayden, and Jared Cole also placed 5th Mrs. Fischer’s Ready Writers, junior Connor Kane placed third and Peyton Hutchison placed fifth. Mrs. Short’s Headline Writer, senior and returning state qualifier Hannah Stanford placed second, while seniors Karolyn Short and Mariam Palmer placed in the middle of the pack of 45 students. Other journalism placements included seniors
Alexa Ehlers with a fifth place in News and a sixth place in Editorial writing.
All-State, Area Band Qualifiers Katye Butts and Gabby Bennett Staff Writers
The band participated in the UIL All region auditions. Out the 75 that tried out, 20 qualified for area Cameron Schafer, Amiee Kline, Matthew Goodpaster, Sara Benitez, Caitlin George, Marshall Stiles, Ross Coker, Tess Athey, Trey Torno, Ashleigh Block, Clarrisa Medrano, Allison Gant, Alvaro Quintanilla, Joseph Wright, Aric Kline, Gabby Bennett, Kate Walker, Sophia Ulman, Hayden Little, and Kara Peak. These students auditioned on Saturday, January 7th for a spot in the All-State bands. “It’s exciting and also nerve-
Multitasking Makes For Mass Confusion Hannah Wiseman Staff Writer
When most students do their homework, music is on in the background, five tabs of social networking sites are open, a math book is propped open on a laptop, and a half-finished sketch is waiting on a nearby desk. Doing this, students get their homework done and have a bit of fun in the process. Most students love to multitask. When successfully finishing homework and other tasks students may think that their multitasking is successful, being that their math equations
are finished and their text messages have been answered. However, research on the brain proves otherwise. Neuroscientists Etienne Koechlin and Sylvain Charron of the French biomedical research agency INSERM in Paris bWoth claim in Scientific American and Science Now that although the brain can divide tasks, essentially, it will only divide and conquer, “dedicating one-half of our gray matter to each task.” In all truth though, what most students think of as multitasking, is actually not multitasking at all. Most students can’t simultaneously
Argyle Mini Storage
UIL Team members pose with trophies from the recent Flowermound Invitational UIL Meet. Photo by Brendan Mitchell
do two things that require actual thinking, because “the brain can’t effectively handle more than two complex, related activities at once.” The real scenario is that students are simply switching back and forth from them really fast. Unless the music and movies students listen to while doing their homework are ones they have listened to before, they will get distracted trying to process new information. It may cause many to either not get their homework completed, or not complete it to their full potential. The same goes for driving. Texting and driving increases a
wrecking to have made it as a freshman. It was a good experience for me,” Medrano said. Four students advanced. These students are Alvaro Quintanilla on tuba, Trey Torno on clarinet, Matthew Goodpaster on trombone and Aric Kline on trumpet. “I feel honored to have made it and I am very excited for the trip to San Antonio,” Goodpaster said. They will perform in San Antonio in the All-State band.
? ?
?
person’s likelihood of crashing 23 times. Even listening to music while driving increases the chance of crashing 1.3 times. “In terms of everyday behavior, you can cook and talk on the phone at the same time,” Koechlin says. “The problem arises when you pursue three goals at the same time. Your prefrontal cortex will always discard one.” Basically, all multitasking does is cause a person to do worse at whatever they’re doing. The better scenario is to just devote independent time to each task.
1-866-351-0240
(940) 240-0400
The American Internet Censorship: SOPA Matt Garnett Staff Writer
address. On top of that, it will obliterate new startups because The Stop Online Piracy Act, it allows companies to sue any (SOPA), is a new bill that main- site that isn’t doing their filtering ly targets servers housing copy- well enough. Early media sites righted media outside the United such as Google search and YouStates’ jurisdiction. SOPA uses a Tube would have quickly been couple of different tactics within shut down. The wording behind American borders to deny acSOPA is also vague enough that cess to these outlets. It gives the huge media sites could become government power to force US targets. based Internet Service ProvidEven if you actually trust ers (ISPs) to block infringing the US government to not abuse domains. It also gives them the their new powers, what about ability to sue any online entity less stable countries that folthat has links to the infringing low in our path? With people domain and get them removed. around the globe having very Although in the ideal world different Internets and oppresthis could work, the Stop Onsive government smothering its line Piracy Act will most likely peoples’ freedom of speech, the decrease global Internet security whole idea behind a world of and will harm the whole dynam- interlinked computers working ic of the World Wide Web. in harmony is still just that; an In reality, SOPA won’t stop idea. downloaders. Blocked sites will It seems that far too much still easily be accessible by just money and effort is going into entering in the corresponding IP a bill that will maybe get us to
buy more Hollywood movies. At $47 million tax dollars per year, SOPA is not cheap. According to Bloomberg, the film industry loses around $20 billion a year due to piracy. When compared to the worldwide Internet industry, however, $20 billion a year is just some spare change. The Stop Online Piracy Act hopes to put an end to digital piracy, but at the end of the day, it will more likely censor the net in the name of protecting “creativity.” Innovation will be throttled and our freedom of speech will be silenced. If you want to help keep our Internet safe from greed’s hands, be sure to make your voice heard.
WINTER WORD SEARCH
N E Y A D S T N E D I S E R P M E E
H Y A Y P T L G E O G N A L D L T A
G T D L A E L G G U N S R E N A L O
L E M A A D Y O D D I R A D L E T L
T E O P C D S A N E K E A O O S T K
S I D R C Y A E Y A R I C A C D G B
A A E K G B S D N O E O Y G N O E K
Y O E S F E N R G I H A R H I T A T
O L R Y Y A W D A C T O A E L R S A
G O F R C R N A O A U N N E M I A N
T P L A S S R F S D L N E G A L A R
S Y A T A E Y L H H N N E L H C A S
H T N O M Y R O T S I H K C A L B I
G D O Y R T G W O N T N S S R V C W
Y Y I C E D E E Y A R R G E B T D A
T O T C A E V R H A A B A T A D G F
E O A Y U N N S G O M T H E O E A E
T Y N Y E S Y C Y R R E H A H N F S
ABRAHAMLINCOLN CHOCOLATE GROUNDHOGDAY MARTIN LUTHERKING SNUGGLE FLOWERS HEARTS NATIONAL FREEDOM TEDDY BEARS
* Lucky Star *
Auto
Sales
2030-A Golden Triangle Dr. Steve Boatman Fort Worth, TX 76177 www.LuckyStarAutos.com 817.232.8187
February Calender
2/3 HS Wrestling JV District @ Hebron MS AHS Basketball vs. Pilot Point HS (Home)- 5 p.m. HS Boys Soccer @ Dallas Spruce- 5:30 p.m. HS Wrestling Var. District @ Hebron HS 2/4 HS Varsity tennins @ Byron Nelson HS- 8 a.m. 2/7 AHS Boys Basketball @ Sanger- 5 p.m. Lady Eagle Basketball @ Sanger HS Soccer @ Byron Nelson5:30 p.m. HS Football Banquet -HS Café- 6 p.m. HS Swim 4A Reg. @ Keller 2/9 HS Wrestling Var, Reg. @ Arlington Martin HS 2/10 AHS Boys Basketball @ Aubrey HS- 5 p.m. HS Soccer vs. Lake Dallas (Home) - 5:30 p.m. HS Wrestling Var. Reg. @ Arlington Martin HS HS Varsity Baseball @ Jesuit/ Wylie Scrimmage - 1 p.m. Saide Hawkins Dance- Cafeteria- 8:30 p.m. 2/11 HS Varsity Baseball @ Lovejoy Scrimmage- 6:20 p.m. HS JV Tennis @ Byron Nelson HS- 8 a.m. AHS Boys Basketball vs Whitesboro HS (Home)- 5 p.m 2/13 HS Boys Soccer @ Denton Ryan - 5:30 p.m. 2/14 HS Girls Soccer @ Collins Compex Denton - 7:30 p.m. HS Varsity Tennis @ McKinney HS- 8 a.m. HS Varsity Baseball vs Bryan Adams (Home) - 2 p.m. HS Boys Soccer @ Denton5:30 p.m. 2/17 HS Girls Soccer @ Denton7:30 p.m. 2/18 HS JV Tennis @ TWU- 8 a.m. HS Varsity Tennis @ TWU8 a.m. 2/21 HS Swim 4A State @ Austin HS Wrestling Var. State @ Delco Cr. Austin 2/22 HS Boys Soccer @ Birdville5:30 p.m. 2/23 HS Girls Soccer @ Birdville7:30 p.m. 2/24 HS Soccer vs Timber Creek (Home) - 5:30 p.m.
‘Overherd’ In The Halls
“It’s not like we were naughty girls trying to pick up guys, because we were in third grade!” -Mrs. Fischer As Mrs. Short’s animal crackers were falling off her desk... “Oh no! Don’t worry, I saved them! They were trying to escape to the zoo.”Maddie Martin
Anthony (T) Griffin shows his support at the state championship pep rally just prior to the Eagles taking on Wimberly at Cowboy Stadium. Photo by Brendan Mitchell Jesse Sheridan defends the ball against Celina. Photo by Stacy Short
Brandon O’Brien takes the ball down the court. Photo by Stacy Short
“I made the mistake of making eye contact with an ROTC recruiter; I felt like I was going to get pressganged into the army.” -Andrew Wells “Just because we have freedom of speech, it doesn’t mean I can show you slide after slide of nude pictures and call them my artwork.” -Coach Beene “There isn’t actually a place called the electoral college where you can stop and use the restroom on a roadtrip.” -Coach Beene
Zach Dikerson dribbles the ball down the court againt Crandal. Photo by Logan Dial
Austin Aune scores a touchdown in the state game. Photo by Logan Dial
“I don’t even think Americans live in Oklahoma.” -Sarah Irons Andrew Resch goes up for a layup against Lonestar Frisco. Photo by Stacy Short
Drew Davis takes in the excitement of Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Photo by Logan Dial
“Hey, I heard Sadie Hawkins was cancelled?” -Anon Y’Mous “Hey, I heard Sadie Hawkins was in a bowling alley.” -Anon Y’Mous “Hey, I heard Tyler Eveleth was planning Sadie Hawkins.” -Anon Y’Mous
Ben Irons moves to receive the ball during the soccer scrimmage on Januray 7th. Photo by Brendan Mitchell Below: Delaney Sain wins the tip-off against Melissa. Photo by Brendan Mitchell
RJ Standifer takes the ball down the field. Photo by Brendan Mitchell Zach Zembraski The Eagles sprint onto the field to start the state game against Wimberly. catches the Photo by Logan Dial ball. Photo by Stacy Short Samantha Rider and Allison Crecelius practice Mr. McCurdy receives the sweepstakes trophy from thier Mary Walker, Director of Flower Mound High School math UIL Academics. Photo by Stacy Short skiills between UIL events. Photo by Stacy Short
Bailey Eschle shoots a free throw in the game against Aubrey. Photo by Stacy Short Clark Lanning wins his match. Photo by Katye Butts
Photo Essay by Gabby Bennett