February 2010

William R. Boone High School Student Paper

Friday, February 12, 2010 Volume 58, Issue No. 4

For Students, By Students

2000 South Mills Avenue Orlando, Florida 32806

Let’s Talk About

SEX

By DAVID MATTESON It’s the three-letter word that seems to pop up everywhere. From billboards to school hallways “sex” is the cultural topic of controversy.

Everyone wants to talk about it, but few students truly understand it. It is a high-risk behavior that can lead to complications including sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

There are 23 known types of STDs. However, none of the students interviewed for this story were able to identify this number or name more than eight diseases. This is just a small scale example of a pandemic of ignorance when it comes to sexual activity.

Pregnancy is another example of a lifealtering consequence that may occur from sex. The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate in

• THE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO HEALTHCARE page 8

the world with 750,000 teenage girls becoming pregnant each year.

One of the most controversial facets of sex is the subject of oral sex. In a survey of 240 students on campus, 57 percent felt that having oral sex does not mean that one is no longer a virgin.

(For more results from the sex survey see page 14.) However, by having oral sex one is still at risk of catching STD’s.

Girls might face the decision on whether or not they should receive the Gardasil shot. This vaccine helps protect females from contracting the human papillomavirus.

All of these issues are discussed in this special feature on teenage sex.

, page

12

• ZOMBIES INVADE ENGLAND page 21

news to note in this version. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door.

Feb. 16

Feb. 20

March 9-10

Chief Justice visits campus

On your mark, get set, go

Put your thinking caps on

Chief Justice Peggy A. Quince will speak to Cindy Schmidt’s law classes on “The Role of the Judiciary in Our Three Branches of Government”.

Quince took office on July 1, 2008. She is the first black female Chief Justice in Florida, and also has the distinction of being the first black female appointed to both the Florida Supreme Court and one of the Florida district courts of appeal. Her full bio can be viewed at www.floridasupremecourt.org

The Boone High School Athletic Association is hosting the second Reservation Run. Start time is 8 a.m., but check-in and on site registration begins at 7 a.m.

Advanced registration is preferred. Fees are $15 student and $20 per adult. Proceeds benefit school facilities. For more information go to booneathletics. org.

Students are encouraged to get a good nights sleep and to eat a healthy breakfast before the test. Students must pass FCAT to graduate.

March 9- FCAT Reading (freshmen and sophomores) and Science (juniors) March 10- FCAT Math (freshmen and sophomores) March 11-12- FCAT Make-up days The adjusted bell schedule will be announced soon.

March 20 Make Boone beautiful The annual Green Up Boone event will begin at 8 a.m. All clubs have a designated area to clean, weed, plant and mulch. Students not associated with a club, but who would like to beautify the campus, are also welcome. Please meet in the Kemosabe Commons at 8 a.m.

March 18-21 You’re a good man The drama department will perform You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised) at 7 p.m. The show first opened on Broadway in 1999. It is a new approach to the 1967 classic.

Sally Brown joins Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder and Snoopy

first place: Matara Francis, Marvid Rodriguez and Marie Ortega; Debate Team #1, first place: Alyssa Mercado, Daniela Figueroa, Carolina Irrazabal and Pierre Roberts; Debate Team #2, second place: Kevin Villegas, Miguel Montalvo, Alison Heffernan and Ian Robinson; Health Development, first place: Rachel Machado, Medical Math, first place: Danielle Kennedy; Medical Reading, first place: Rebecca Hunter, Abbey Larr and Joanna Acosta; Medical Terminology, first place, Jamie Johnston; Medical Terminology, third place: Karl Soliven; Medical Terminology, fourth place, Patricia Mullins; Nursing Assistant, fourth place, David Rivera; Pharmacology, first place, Rachel Watson; Research Persuasive Speaking, first place, Jessica Smothers

March 26- April 2 Time to relax For students spring break begins Friday, March 26. This is a teacher workday and third nine week grades are due. Report cards will be distributed after break.

Results HOSE students place in regional competition On Saturday, Feb. 6, the Health Occupations Student Association club competed in the Region X competition. Awards earned are: Career and Health Display, second place: Janet Chen and Ronisha Wiggins; Career Health Display, fourth place: Louisa Jean and Lulu Mutemwa; Community Awareness,

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February 12, 2010

hi-lights

table of contents

February 12, 2010 Volume 58, Issue No. 4

opinions

7

The debate over gay adoption heatens as Florida remains the only state in the country to not legalize it.

featured spread

12

Focusing on issues like sexually-transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy, the topic of sex and its aftermath is discussed.

features

10

Dedicated to the art of photography, Dave Evertsen has made a hobby out of photographing high school sports.

sports

18

In the midst of college recruiting, resident sports columnist Brendan Hall reiterates the guidelines recruiters must follow.

entertainment

24

7 photo/GHS

To Contact This paper is a quality product whose sole purpose is to pursue the truth, and to provide information and factual news pertaining to Boone and the community around it. Any questions or comments can be directed to (407) 893-7200, extension 2614 or room 224. If you find any errors, please call our offices or visit us.

Advertising We welcome advertising into the paper, however, we do not publish advertising for tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances.

The paper is free to students and subscriptions are available for $10.

Advertising prices are as follows: Business card $25 Quarter page $45 Half page $75 Full page $150 Inside front or back $175 Contact our offices for exact press dates.

In every issue

In honor of Valentine’s Day, a quiz as well as guidelines for how to spend the holiday single and ideas for the actual Valentine’s Day celebration are provided for readers.

19

4 Letter from the Editor 5 Our View 6 Dye Sassy 10 One in Three Thousand 16 The New Black 18 In the Zone 20 Ty It All Together 22 Sneak Peeks 23 Restaurant Review photo/ERIN TACHI

opinions

Editor

TABOO SUBJECT NEEDS COVERAGE Sex. Even in today’s communication-driven society full of cell phones and social networking sites, there are some subjects that remain taboo and unbroached in daily, polite discourse. Sex is one of them.

When the staff decided to cover issues involving sex in the double-page spread this edition, it wasn’t in attempt to shock or to grab readers’ attention. We aren’t trying to become the Cosmopolitan magazine of campus or to scorn conservative ideals. Our staff decided to cover this subject for the simple reason that we care about you, the student body; we want to tell you everything a person needs to know about the negative effects of this prominent and life-changing subject.

Ignoring something does not make it go away or make it become any less serious. For example, in the Our View editorial this issue, detrimental abstinence-only sex education is discussed. Our staff takes the position that only teaching students to abstain from the act of sexual intercourse does not prepare them for anything. This is the equivalent of telling a person to avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm, but this is often an unavoidable circumstance; storms usually come fast and there is no clear forewarning as to when they will start. Without knowing where to take refuge or other precautionary measures, the situation could become dangerous. Sex is the same way; even if you aren’t planning on doing it, it is a part of human life, especially teenage life, and the topic is therefore necessary to hear about and discuss.

Within the double-page spread, topics such as teenage pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases and oral sex are covered. Two students also wrote in about the pros and cons of abstinence. Even though the subject material may be graphic, it is important to hear and learn about the topic. Like ignoring a hurricane, there can and will be damage if you don’t learn about the after-effects of the situation.

Again, the topic of sex is not being covered for shock value.

The subject matter may be graphic or mature, but things like teenage pregnancy and STD’s are legitimate issues among teenagers. Everything we put in this newspaper is to benefit and inform the student body. If we were to ignore this subject, we wouldn’t be doing our job.

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Emily O’Loane MANAGING EDITOR David Matteson COPY EDITOR Jonathan Warren BUSINESS MANAGER Lindsey Dye

We aren’t trying to become the Cosmo of the school; the student body needs to be informed.

CAMPUS AND LOCAL EDITOR Catherine Porter FEATURES EDITOR Victoria Boatman SPORTS EDITOR Brendan Hall ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Karen Jaen INDEX EDITOR Katie Edwards

REPORTERS Cooper Brock Justin Kane Amanda Fleminger

Emily O’Loane, editor-in-chief

Jessica McCoy

Editorial Policy

Tyler Patrick

The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, punctuation, accuracy, invasion of privacy and potential disruption of the school.

Hi-Lights is a student publication of William R. Boone High School, Hi-Lights is associated with Florida Scholastic, American Scholastic, Columbia 2000 South Mills Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32806. The ideas and views Scholastic and National Scholastic Press Associations and Quill and Scroll. of the aforementioned students and faculty are not necessarily those of Boone or the Orange County School Board. Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials are those of the editorial board, who determine the content. Opinions expressed in columns are those of the authors.

This paper is a quality product whose sole purpose is to pursue the truth, and to provide Comments, letters, stories and ideas are welcome and encouraged information and factual news pertaining to Boone and the community around it. Any under the following: questions or comments can be directed to (407) 893-7200, extension 2614 or Room 1. The material is not obscene or libelous 224. If you find any errors, please call our offices or visit us.

2. The material is signed

Policy Statement

Our Mission

page 4

February 12, 2010

OTHER ADVISER Renée Burke PRINCIPAL Margaret McMillen

hi-lights

opinions

The fact that one in every two sexually active youths will contract an STD by the age of 25 cannot be ignored.

In 2003, Florida began to pursue an abstinenceonly education plan. By 2007, Florida was second only to Texas in the amount it spent to spread its message of abstinence. Since then, the Obama administration has cut all federal funding for abstinence-only programs, making it more difficult for districts to retain their programs. This is a good move and is in the best interest of students.

On campus, the required HOPE course includes STD prevention and control, teen pregnancy prevention and risk factor assessments. However, students across country are still being taught abstinence only.

A sex education course should contain an emphasis on abstinence as it is the only sure way to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases and pregnancy. However, it should also include accurate and current information about methods to prevent STDs and pregnancy. Sex education should include and emphasize the risks of having sex.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 66 percent of teenagers have had sex by 12th grade. A significant number are being forced to make their own conclusions about contraceptives.

This trend has produced myths like smoking marijuana will prevent pregnancy and drinking a shot of Mountain Dew will reduce sperm count.

Sexually active teens represent nearly half of students today. Schools need to serve the public, not preach to their students. While abstinence is certainly the safest choice, it is still the student’s choice whether he or she will be sexually active.

By not educating students, schools are risking

that those who do not remain abstinent will become sexually active without proper education. It cannot be ignored that one in two sexually active youth will contract an STD by the time they are 25. It cannot be ignored that 40 percent of older adolescents surveyed by the Kaiser Family Foundation believe that a contraceptive pill can prevent one from getting STDs and HIV. It is understandable that parents worry about the sex information their child receives at school. They may think it is not the education system’s place to teach such a sensitive subject, that it should be taught at home. This is hardly an argument when, according to the CDC and Prevention, 70 percent of mothers believed their sons are virgins when only about 44 percent actually are. Lessons at school are the only way to ensure that all who are sexually active receive proper sex education. Those who reject learning about prevention in school may regret it later when a friend comes to them for advice or if they change their mind about sex. Even those opposed to teaching about STDs and pregnancy prevention for religious reasons should be knowledgeable on the subject.

Many religions, including Christianity, forbid premarital sex. Religious groups worry that schools encourage students to have sex by teaching about contraceptives. This is a reasonable concern.

However, a study conducted by the National Campaign to Prevent Pregnancy found that comprehensive sex education did not increase sexual activity, but reduced it and increased condom use among those already having sex. Though 75 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians, 75

Pr eg na nc y

View STDs demand thorough education HI

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Abstinence Education

Cr

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illustration/KAREN JAEN

percent of Americans also admit to having premarital sex by age 20 according to a study in Public Health Reports.

Those who are choosing to have sex are suffering from not being educated, and it is unfair for public schools to punish them for their choices, especially when the punishment could be an STD or unexpected pregnancy. It is not the state’s job to determine whether a teen should be sexually active or not.

Abstinence should still be encouraged as the safest way to avoid pregnancy and STD; however, public schools need to prepare their students and ensure that their decision to become sexually active is an educated one.

ON SEX EDUCATION Few kids wait to have sex, so being knowledgeable about protection would be useful.

- caleb amy, junior

Forum

I think it’s important to explain all the dangers and all the precautions.

- cynthia gonzalez, sophomore

- laura ramiz, senior

SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGALIZED?

Marijuana helps sick people

Marijuana should be legalized in the United States but only for medical reasons. Marijuana can help people who are sick, and it is proven to help, so I think people should be able to use it. However, I do not think it should be used for any other purpose. If people are not sick and they smoke it, it can cause health problems. So, I think we should legalize marijuana for medical reasons.

- tawni rochester, senior

Change could reduce crime, create funds

Marijuana should be legalized. By doing this, you could impose a huge tax and in return, gain funds for our country.

Also, legalizing marijuana will cut crime because it will no longer be a crime to purchase or possess it. The constraints I would put on the law are that you must obtain a license to sell it like you do alcohol and guns, and it can only be sold in stores, not private homes or streets. Lastly, marijuana can only be produced in factories, just like alcohol.

- kelsey williams, senior

Schools should offer exam exemptions

Legalization too risky

I do not think the use of marijuana should be legal, as it is commonly used and known as an addictive drug that brings pleasure to certain people. There should be alternative medicines that have the same remedy as marijuana. Legalizing marijuana is risky and could increase the number of users.

People may try to show they need the drug for certain health problems but may want it only for the pleasurable effect. People will also be more prone to continue using it even after their illness improves.

- cameron hooper, senior

Government may regret legalizing

If somebody needs marijuana medically, they should be able to get it. Marijuana shouldn’t be completely legal because it’s harmful in many ways. People say that smoking one bowl of marijuana is equivalent to ten cigarettes. You can develop lung cancer just like with cigarettes. Things like alcohol are legal and shouldn’t be. Let’s not add marijuana to the list of things that we let slide.

- ashley clavette, sophomore

hi-lights

I think sex education isn’t necessary in a school setting.

February 12, 2010

Education is one of the most important things to kids and teens at this point in their lives, but some don’t think of it as their first priority. However, I may have a strategy towards school and exams. I believe we should have different opportunities for exams. I don’t believe in semester and final exams. This is why: Teachers are supposed to teach you the materials and what you need to know to live life. You shouldn’t be handed a test on what you have learned or should have learned. The day of your semester exam, you may be stressed or worried about something, or may be having an off day causing you to get a bad grade on exams. So, this is my strategy to help students out: Rule #1- If you are absent only one time per 18 weeks, you are excused from taking the semester exam only for that class.

Rule #2- If you are absent two days per 18 weeks and if you have a B in the class, you are excused from taking the exam.

Rule #3- If you only have three absences per 18 weeks and have an A in the class, you are excused from taking the exam.

Not only will these rules be very helpful for teenagers, but students will learn more because they will attend school more.

They might even partake in more class activities.

- daniel sims, sophomore

page 5

opinions

DYE SASSY

Let’s have the sex talk

Lindsey Dye Business Manager

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TALKING ABOUT SEX

W

hen it comes to talking, women talk too much and men talk too little. However, talking about sex is necessary. So, let’s talk about sex. A recent study by the University of California showed that high school couples who had sex generally broke up 21 days later.

There are usually three different groups of people teens need to talk about sex to: parents, friends and partner. Each should be handled and treated differently than the other.

First, regarding the sex talk with one’s parents. Do not freak out; this does not need to be as awkward as they make it in the movies. Hopefully, there will be no long silent pauses, no throwing of objects and no fainting. Keep in mind that parents already know everything about you, they have also been where you are and that honesty, as well as openness, is the key here. Eighty-three percent of teens worried about their parent’s reaction when talking to them about sex; 78 percent named embarrassment as a big reason, according to Advocatesforyouth.org; however, these reasons cannot be what keeps you from talking to them.

When telling your parents that you are sexually active, ensure them you are responsible and practicing safe sex. Starting the

conversation this way would be a good idea. Remember, parents are as uncomfortable about this as you are and have less than no desire to hear all the gory details. If you are not practicing safe sex, shame on you. This fact is better left unsaid to parents, as it will only make them worry - which it should.

A student shows that 51 percent of teens (61 percent of females; 42 percent of males) have discussed “how to know when you are ready to have sex” with their parents.

This number is far too low.

To keep mom or dad from having a mental breakdown when hearing about “their precious baby’s” curiosity of the opposite sex, avoid talking to them when they are already stressed or upset. Timing is also a key factor in this discussion.

While parents cannot tell you that you are forbidden to have sex, they are your parents and have concerns about your physical and emotional health. Listen to what your parents have to say.

While some teens are confident in the sense that they want and are ready to become sexually active, others are hesitant.

Talk to your significant other about your feelings towards a sexual relationship. If you aren’t ready, say so. Peer pressure should not be a factor here. As cliche as it sounds, not everyone is having sex and it is not something that anyone should be rushing into without consideration. One may find

Hopefully, there will be no long silent pauses, no throwing of objects and no fainting.

this more intimidating than talking to parents; however, trust is the most important factor to a relationship.

Openness and honesty are very important while talking to a partner about sex. Say things as simple as possible and do not be embarrassed to share feelings or opinions. As with talking to parents, one needs to listen intently and know that timing is key.

Talking about sex with friends is easy and comes naturally; sharing is not the problem here, it is over sharing. Rule number one is to keep private things private. In high school, sex rumors spread more quickly than the common cold in winter months. You must not share details of your sexual activity with those whom you do not trust. Rule number two: under no circumstance should you exaggerate or overshare details. A quick way to lose respect, end up without a relationship and gain a black eye would be to break this rule.

Talking about sex should come naturally. Avoid awkward pauses and overwhelming feelings of discomfort by saying all that comes to mind and knowing that this talk must happen sooner or later.

Write In

Would you ask this column to prom? Or do you wish it was buried six feet under? If either then write and deliver a letter to Rm. 224. It’d be lovely to hear from you.

Gay adoption: only one right option SEXUAL PREFERENCE MEANS NOTHING

By BRENDAN HALL There are 50 states in the nation. Of the 50 states, 49 have legalized gay adoption in some sense, whether through single or gay adoption. Only one state has yet to get with the program and take action in legalizing gay adoption: Florida.

It is time for Florida to follow the footsteps of its fellow states and legalize gay adoption as soon as possible. Not only that, but the United States needs to establish a federal law that strictly prohibits states from denying the rights for gays to adopt. There have been countless debates over whether or not the Constitution protects the right for homosexuals to adopt, but there should be a definitive answer to the question, and the answer should be “yes.”

The Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment contains an equal protection clause stating the “no state shall… deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Although this amendment was enacted to protect the right of free blacks, it specifically designates that no state shall deny the citizens the right of protection from the law. The problem lies in the fact that there is no specific law stating that gay adoption is legal and a constitutional right in the United States.

This is where the federal government needs to step in; there is absolutely no reason to refuse gays to adopt. The government does not exclude the rights of citizens based on race, gender or age, and the same should be true for sexual preference.

A common argument against gay adoption is that gay couples are unfit to raise children, that their marriages or unions are less stable, they can’t provide a healthy atmosphere or even that children raised in a household with gay parents are at a higher risk of being sexually abused. None of these assumptions have any factual basis, but are rather stereotypical prejudices devised to wrongfully destroy the gay adoption movement. No

page 6

professional study has ever justified any of these claims. The claim that a gay household is less stable than a heterosexual one is also ironic and irrational, especially when over half of heterosexual marriages end in divorce. In Denmark, where gay marriage is legal, the divorce rate from homosexuals is only 17 percent as compared to 46 percent among heterosexuals.

There are plenty of gay couples that would provide just as much love, comfort and support as any heterosexual couple would. People believe that homosexual couples cannot raise a child because they are of the same sex and do not provide the traditional one mother and one father, as is supposed to be provided for a child. However, a mother and father are not necessary to provide a steady home.

Single parents do not offer the traditional mother and father, yet raise perfectly healthy children all across the world.

Advocates against gay adoption also say that two fathers cannot provide the proper information and life skills to raise a girl as she matures; yet, nobody says a word about a single father raising his daughter.

Most importantly, the focus should be on the kids. There are countless numbers of children waiting to be adopted, with the best estimation around 510,000 children in 2006 (the most recent statistic collected), and allowing gay couples to adopt could change lives in a positive way.

Homosexual couples, just like heterosexual ones, would be more than willing to adopt all types of foster children, whether abused, younger, older or special needs children. After the couple has a thorough background check (just like with any other type of adoption), the couples should be allowed to bring these children into their homes and share their love.

Regardless of sexual preference, as long as the parents are able to provide food, clothing and shelter and welcome the

February 12, 2010

children into a loving home because they are wanted, no one should be able to say anything against it.

Amongst all the bickering and arguing over the issue, people need to keep the kids in mind; if a couple, whether straight, gay or bisexual, is willing to positively influence and change the life of a child, nobody should have the right to stop that.

hi-lights

opinions

Op

Plant causes controversy Cannabis is beneficial to economy, medical field

Fast

Facts

• 15 states have legalized marijuana in the form of medical marijuana licenses • It has been proven that marijuana is not a gateway drug • Of all drug arrests, 47.5 percent involve marijuana • Six puffs off of one joint is the equivalent of a blood alcohol level of 0.08

By JESSICA MCCOY Weed, pot, reefer, Mary Jane, green, grass, are all different names for marijuana.

All are different preparations of the cannabis plant. For years, marijuana has been seen as taboo and the “pot-heads” who smoke it have been looked down upon. Lately, the idea of legalizing this drug has been gaining support because of its medical and economic benefits.

One of marijuana’s benefits is that it can be used for medical purposes. It can help with pain relief, stress relief, meditation, problems with gaining weight by helping one want to eat and for anti-nausea.

Since March 2009, 15 states have passed laws legalizing marijuana for medical use including: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

These states have issued medical marijuana licenses to people with conditions that qualify under the law such as HIV and AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, persistent muscle spasms, seizures, and severe nausea or pain.

Although every state has different laws dealing with the medical marijuana license, most require that one be under the care of a physician who feels the use of marijuana is needed. One will then get an identification card certifying

the qualification under the law, and the license only qualifies one to obtain an ounce or less for personal use.

Marijuana is one of the least harmful of the illegal drugs. Drugs like cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy all have very negative effects on the body and can lead to an overdose.

People debate that marijuana is a “gateway drug,” and this is simply not true. Teens are not more likely to do harder drugs simply because they have smoked pot before. They are no more likely than teens who have smoked cigarettes or drink alcohol. Although this belief has been tossed around, there is a recent study by the Center for Economic Policy Research, London, that says cannabis does not lead to the use of hard drugs.

If alcohol and cigarettes are legal, then marijuana should be legalized as well. The tobacco and alcohol industries kill thousands every day, yet we put a tax on them and set an age limit and they are legal. The U.S. should treat marijuana the same way.

If marijuana was legalized no one under 21 would be able to purchase the drug, one could not be high in public areas, nor would it be legal to drive after smoking. Driving under the influence includes any inhibiting substance, which includes marijuana. Accordingly, one would be convicted of the same

charges as one who was driving drunk or committing reckless behavior.

Marijuana and driving impairment researcher Franco Grotenherman said that seven to 10 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood serum, otherwise six puffs off of one joint, is the equivalent of a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent which is the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle.

Another benefit to legalizing marijuana would be the potential income the country could gain from taxing marijuana.

It would be enormous.

According to an article in Time magazine, “It is estimated that pot is the largest cash crop in California, with annual revenues approaching $14 billion. A 10 percent pot tax would yield $1.4 billion in California alone.”

Of all drug arrests, 47.5 percent involve marijuana. The country spends $68 billion a year on enforcing the law and jailing people for possession of marijuana.

That is large sum of money that could be used elsewhere, especially considering the current economic crisis.

While more and more states start

to legalize the plant with the medical licences, some senators in Washington are fighting to legalize the cannabis plant on a nationwide scale. One of these senators is democrat Chris Romer of Colorado, who is currently working on a bill to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

Overall the legalizing of marijuana will have many positive effects for the country as a whole. It is time that weed, pot, reefer, Mary Jane, green, grass, or whatever one calls it, is legalized.

Legalization has damaging results for users

By TYLER PATRICK Sitting in the back seat of a van, several people crowd together to smoke marijuana. This was the ‘cool’ thing to do in the 1970’s and still is today; however, it was not legal to do then, and still is not today.

From a National Survey on the Drug Use and Health of America in 2007, 14.4 million Americans over the age of 12 smoke marijuana, sparking major controversy over the legalization of the substance because so many people use it. However, legalizing marijuana is an uneducated move.

Legalizing marijuana seems like the perfect solution to improve America’s society because it will improve crime rates and provide money for the government.

However, legalizing marijuana won’t improve anything.

It is estimated that crime rates would remain the same because marijuana can cause illegal acts to occur; however, they are never violent and appear as more subtle.

Marijuana’s legalization seems like an easy solution, but it causes more problems than solutions. Legalizing marijuana

hi-lights

would only give people the idea that smoking is acceptable when in reality, it’s damaging, and it leads to harder and far more destructive drugs.

A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that people who smoked marijuana by the age of 17 had much higher odds of trying cocaine and heroin than someone who had not smoked marijuana by age 17. Sixty-two percent of adults who used marijuana in the past later moved on to do cocaine.

Another damaging effect of marijuana is that it is just as addicting as cocaine and heroin. A study by The New York Times stated that marijuana as an addiction has grown significantly in the last 10 years, increasing from 12 percent of marijuana users needing treatment from marijuana in 1997 to 16 percent in 2007.

This is compared to 13 percent needing treatment from cocaine in 2007.

Not only is marijuana a stepping

stone to other drugs, but it is also medically damaging to one’s body. A study by Harvard on the medical damages of marijuana use shows that smoking marijuana kills brain cells and impairs judgment, thinking, memory and learning abilities of an individual. Studies show that six weeks after the use of marijuana, memory defects may occur.

The use of marijuana may provide one with serious medical dilemmas such as panic attacks, depression, hallucinations and uncontrollable aggressiveness.

Marijuana use may also cause mental illnesses such as the manic-depressive bipolar disorder and schizophrenia because its substances trigger parts of the brain not normally touched.

Marijuana also contains chemicals harmful to the body and, when inhaled for long periods of time, exposes the lungs to excessive amounts of tar like a cigarette does; however, smoking marijuana exposes the body to four times

Sixty-two percent of adults who used marijuana later moved on to using cocaine.

February 12, 2010

more tar than that of a cigarette.

Marijuana users expose themselves to the same everyday risks as smokers, such as bronchitis, wheezing and the general difficulty of breathing.

A study by Donald Tashkin, M.D. on the effects of marijuana on the lungs and their immune defenses show the use of marijuana can cause negative effects for patients with AIDS or other immune deficiencies because the system is weaker and unable to fight the disease. Medical research from Tashkin shows the use of marijuana can accelerate the process of HIV turning into AIDS. Lawmakers should continue to deny marijuana so that they can keep people away from such a damaging product.

Marijuana is a more damaging drug than suggested or thought and its use across America has become a growing epidemic. The importance of having efforts be spent on elimination rather than legalization is high as America needs to start eradicating every drug, starting with marijuana.

Fast

Facts

• 14.4 million Americans over the age of 12 smoke marijuana • 16% of marijuana users seek treatment from marijuana • 13% of cocaine users seek treatment from cocaine.

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campus and local

Health care debate at crossroads REFORM CONTINUES TO TAKE POLITICAL FOREFRONT AS AMERICANS GROW CONCERNED

By VICTORIA BOATMAN Health care debate has been a long-standing one for Americans. Debate dates back to 1993 when President Bill Cinton introduced the Clinton Plan to Congress, but it failed to pass. Since then, wars and the declining economy have overshadowed the Democrat’s ability to promote health care reform. Now, in 2010, Obama has proposed a new health care reform bill. Among

Democrats, Republicans and insurance companies, there is an agreement that there needs to be reform. How health care is going to undergo change remains the controversy. As Congress continues the debate, Americans are becoming increasingly concerned. To understand how this bill will affect America, if implemented, here are a few key points.

America will save

Coverage for all Americans

IRAQ

No

longer

able

The new health care reform assures that everyone is provided health care whether one loses a job, changes a job, moves or becomes ill. There will also be an individual mandate that states health insurance must be bought or one will have a two percent tax increase.

With every American under a health care coverage the Institute of Medicine estimates that between $65 and $130 billion will be saved each year because of uninterrupted health care coverage.

For the four million Floridians who currently do not have health insurance, the new health care bill would provide all citizens coverage regardless of age, health status or medical history. The cost every year for the first 10 years will be $100 billion, which is roughly the cost of the Iraq war every year. Also, Americans who make over $500,00 will receive a one percent tax increase.

to

deny

insurance

Presently, insurance companies can reject any client they deem high risk or with preexisting conditions. With the new health care system, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny people insurance or drop coverage. This includes the 10 percent of Florida’s population that has diabetes and the 28 percent who have high blood pressure.

People with these conditions are considered high risk and insurance companies frequently deny these patients. In an effort to keep the same income, health insurance companies may increase coverage rates.

Preventing disease

The current health care system is focused on treating diseases as opposed to preventing them. With the health care reform, emphasis will be on preventing disease. In Florida alone, 36 percent of residents have not had a colon cancer screening, which is a form of preventative medicine. With the new reform, the ability to get colon cancer screenings, mammograms and other types of preventative action will be available for free to those who can not afford it.

by the numbers The amount of money the United States spent on health care in 2008

Of bankruptcies are because of medical expenses

Of Americans favor the government providing a health insurance plan

Of young adults do not have health insurance

Floridians currently do not have health insurance

Of Americans are willing to pay higher taxes so that all can have health care coverage

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM? I think [the government] is grossly underestimating how much this is going to cost.

- matthew slason, senior

I’m for it because I feel it will help poorer people seek treatment when they need it.

- alexandra rodriguez, junior

I think it needs to be reformed, but the way the presidents trying to do it doesn’t seem good to me.

- john bell, sophomore

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February 12, 2010

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campus and local countries are involved in human trafficking

of victims are children

of transnational victims are women and girls

are victims of modern day slavery internationally photo courtesy/WIKIMEDIA statistics courtesy/POLARIS PROJECT

KEY. Countries of origin: Countries of destination:

Very high number of people trafficked Very high number of people trafficked

High number of people trafficked High number of people trafficked

Trade causes international quandary HUMAN TRAFFICKING CHALLENGES BASIC RIGHTS

By CATHERINE PORTER Lingering around the world are the vestiges of a trade that dates back to ancient times. Although it was outlawed nearly 140 years ago, slavery has yet to be conquered.

Long ago, African Americans toiled on southern farms under harsh conditions. Over the course of almost four centuries, an estimated 12 million slaves were brought to the United States.

In comparison to the antebellum slave trade, there are currently 27 million people enslaved globally. Stretching around the world, human trafficking exists on every habitable continent. Most often, victims are kidnapped or otherwise taken as slaves and forced to work for those who exploit them.

One of the most recent occurrences of human trafficking stems from the disaster in Haiti. In the face of national turmoil, its citizens are susceptible to human trafficking. Often lured under false pretenses, families or individuals find themselves roped by the bonds of slavery.

“The only solution I see would be to impose higher penalties on users such as employers who use bond servants like those from Haiti. If you make it unprofitable, then [human trafficking] will stop,” American History teacher Michael Dorman said.

In the U.S. alone, the Department of Justice estimates that 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked to the country annually.

As depicted in the recent film, Taken, a large portion of the global human trafficking trade exists to fuel the sex trade. The U.S. Department of State reports that 80 percent of victims are female, with 70 percent being forced into the commercial sex trade.

“Sexual trafficking is probably the worst form of human trafficking because it’s so dehumanizing; it’s ruining [the victims’] lives because they will always be carrying [their experiences] with them,” junior Talissa Soto said.

If not being used for sexual exploitation, those trafficked are often victims of forced labor. Victims may work in factories, agricultural fields or even businesses such as restaurants. Anywhere from $13,000 to $67,200 can be

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generated by each victim annually.

“Human trafficking basically violates every precept of the U.S. Constitution. If you indulge in it, then you’re saying that you’ve sold your principles for economic gain,” Dorman said.

To combat the ever-growing slave trade, organizations such as the Polaris Project, Not For Sale and Amnesty International have gotten involved. Together, these groups wish to promote a global awareness of human trafficking and work to effectively end the demeaning trade.

“I think it’s important that the American public be aware of the scope of the issue. Nobody talks about the issue, and you can’t fix anything if you don’t know you have a problem,” Magnet Law teacher Cindy Schmidt said.

As awareness of human trafficking grows, so does information on the actual trade. The Web site Change.org originally started in 2005 when founder Ben Rattray wished to address the need for people to affect change within their communities. Many of its members are students, and the site gives 10 ways for students to combat human trafficking. Ideas range from hosting viewing parties to buying fair trade, which supports companies that ensure fair wages and conditions. Such products can range from clothing to coffee and can be bought on Web sites such as Globalexchangestore.org.

“The best way for students to get involved is to promote awareness; most of the time, it’s about being informed on issues and saying ‘This needs to be addressed,’” sophomore Kinsey Seacord said. “[The main problem with student involvement] is persecution; it’s hard to face other students and stand up for what you believe in. Some may think it’s dorky or nerdy, but you have to do what’s right.”

As the nation and private organizations pool efforts to combat human trafficking, the world awaits the end of a demeaning trade. Though as ancient as the first civilizations, the combination of greater awareness and implementation of harsher penalties may forever end the exploitation of human beings.

February 12, 2010

ways to combat human trafficking

1

Report potential trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline number (888-3733888)

2 Buy fair trade National Human 3 Promote Trafficking Awareness Day, which is Jan. 11

a video or film 6 Host screening a letter to your 7 Write local newspaper to promote awareness

8

Sign a petition on Change.org

state legislators to pass an 9 Wear clothing that 4 Ask supports abolition anti-trafficking law Promote awareness 5 Attend a Human Trafficking 10 of human trafficking Awareness day event

1978-2009 31 Year Anniversary

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features

in 3000

Senior maintains strength despite injury

By JONATHAN WARREN

On Dec. 29, senior Dounia Bendris’s life changed in an instant.

While practicing gymnastics at Broadway Gymnastics in Oviedo, Bendris slipped off the uneven bars.

From the fall, she collapsed a lung, broke two ribs and severed her spinal cord.

She has been in the hospital since the accident working on physical therapy.

Doctors say she may never walk again.

While she may have lost her ability to walk, Bendris has not lost her enduring strength, attitude or will power.

“My attitude is all positive. If you’re sulking and negative, then you can’t work as hard. It hasn’t been too bad emotionally because I put a lot of my thought into my therapy and not into the future,” Bendris said.

Bendris also receives support from her friends who describe her as someone who is fun to be around and brightens others’ days. Bendris is a member of Math Club, National Honor Society and is treasurer of Environmental Club.

“I really admire her; she is really strong. I know she can do anything she sets her mind to,” senior Kathleen Chitty said.

Chitty created a Facebook group for

Bendris asking for prayers and support that now has over 880 friends. The group is entitled “Pray for Our Beloved CurlyRed Head, Dounia!!”

“I wanted people to be informed about her situation and for accurate information to get out. There are a lot of people that care a lot about her who may not have known, since it happened over the winter break,” Chitty said.

During Bendris’s stay in the hospital, there were numerous pictures of friends on her walls. There were also gifts including a Stuff doll from the Orlando Magic Dancers who visited her. Bendris has had an ongoing relationship with the Orlando Magic franchise since the injury.

She attended a game on Feb. 5 and met star center Dwight Howard.

“It’s what gets me through the day,” Bendris said of everyone’s support.

Bendris’s 31 days in the hospital consisted of therapy, school work and visits from friends and family. She attended three different types of therapy: occupational where she relearned how to perform daily activities, physical where she worked on leg movement and balancing and recreational which consisted of fun activities to help the healing process.

Bendris recently went to see the movie Avatar as part of her recreational therapy.

Bendris left the hospital on Jan. 28 to return home and has since returned to school. She hopes to graduate with her senior class in June.

Bendris also hopes to attend the University of Florida next year and possibly major in engineering.

Though, in the past month, Bendris’s life has become incredibly complicated, her message to others is simple: “Appreciate what you have because it can all change really quickly”.

Bendris’s story has influenced her friends at school.

“I love her and admire her a lot. She’s a really big inspiration,” Chitty said.

Bendris’s family held a round-robin tennis tournament on Feb. 6 to help with the staggering cost of her treatment. The tournamant raised over $3,000. However, this will provide for only a portion of the family’s expenses.

Bendris’s family has also set up a trust fund and is accepting donations.

Check donations can be mailed to: CHASE c/o Dounia Alyssa Bendris, 3924 Town Center Blvd., Suite 103-104, Orlando, FL 32837.

photo/JUSTIN KANE photos/DAVID EVERTSEN

Photographer captures campus life OUTSIDE COMMUNITY MEMBER CAPTURES STUDENT’S ATHLETIC EXPERIENCES

By AMANDA FLEMINGER In hopes of having a direct place for relatives and friends to view quality pictures of their loved ones participating in their activities, David Evertsen created phabulousphotos.com Social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace are filled with action shots from Evertsen’s photos. “[Phabulous Photos are] pictures that my mom can’t take and I think they’re cool; I love the action shots,” junior Francheska Russo, lacrosse player, said. “The pictures he takes capture the intensity with my facial expressions; they’re really good.”

Eversten started taking pictures about five years ago at his daughters’ dance competitions. Because he couldn’t help backstage, he decided to capture the dances through photography.

Evertsen had no previous photography experience, but with practice, he has gained a professional look to his shots.

“I have no problem with [students] using my pictures on their favorite social networking site, but I do just ask for consideration from them: don’t crop out my logo if at all possible, and if you do, please just add my site to the caption,”

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Eversten said. “I really like to see how much everyone likes my pictures; I work really hard.”

Eversten comes to all the campus’s games for the fun; which is his motivation.

“My kids are at the dance studio for good portions of their non-school hours, and I would rather be out [taking photos] than staying at home,” Eversten said. “The only way I’m going to get better is to keep taking pictures and more pictures of different events.”

Evertsen’s pictures are for sale, varying in prices. One is only able to right click and save his photos for a week and after that, the only way of having the photos is to purchase them.

Compared to other sites, phabulousphotos is fairly inexpensive. His prices range form $1.99 for a 4x6 to $9.99 for an 8x10 photo and can go up to $175 for a canvas size.

“These prices are extremely inexpensive for a great product,” Evertsen said.

Not only do Evertsen’s photos benefit athletes, they also benefit the Legend yearbook.

February 12, 2010

“He has experience and the skill set that allows us to have better pictures on our pages,” junior David Ballard said. “It also gives staffers an opportunity to strengthen our own photos by looking at his for suggestions.”

Evertsen’s dedication is helpful to parents, students, and athletic director Doug Patterson.

Patterson provides the photos he purchases to the coaches so they are then able to give them to the athletes at the end of the season banquets. Also, Evertsen provides Patterson with photos needed for the athletic posters seen around campus.

“I think he’s really gotten to know our athletes and parents [and has] formed a relationship with [them],” Patterson said.

As teenagers aspire to become photographers, Evertsen gives a few pointers. Evertsen’s advice to those aspiring photographers is to “get out and shoot often, and then shoot some more.”

“Just like anything else in life, it takes practice to get better,” Evertsen said. “Don’t think you have to have my equipment to be a great photographer; it is a proven fact the photographer makes the picture, and the camera just captures it.”

hi-lights

features

in

Ten

We asked 10 students to answer “What is your ideal first date?” in 10 words.

“On my ideal date, I “My ideal first date is going to would go swimming with Carol’s for breakfast.” dolphins.”

- melissa wilson, junior

“First go to Olive Garden and then to a movie.”

- john harris, sophomore

“I want to go to Chuck E. Cheese for pizza.”

“I would want to go to dinner and mini golf.”

- michelle duncan, freshman

- emily nusbickel, freshman

- liz soto , senior

“Go to the beach and go out to eat fish.”

- tyler mcclintock, sophomore

“I would take her to the movies and then dinner.”

- cristian torres, junior

“My ideal date is going to a Taylor Swift concert.”

- devante wilson, senior

“Dinner and a movie and McDonald’s in my mom’s “My ideal date is going to Miami Beach minivan.”

- adam martinez, to surf.” senior

- annemarie nemcik, junior

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special

By the

Teens become moms By AMANDA FLEMINGER As her adrenaline rushes and all the rumors of how “good it is” run through her mind, she undresses in the heat of the moment without thinking of the life-altering consequences.

The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world with 750,000 teen pregnancies yearly.

Junior Valentina Fevrier found out she was pregnant over the summer and is now in her third trimester. She had her baby Feb. 6.

“It really freaked me out, and I didn’t take it well,” Fevrier said.

“I’ve always wanted to be a parent, but not at this age.”

Fevrier was scared to tell anyone about her situation. She didn’t tell her mother until she was seven weeks pregnant and she did not tell any teachers until right before winter break.

“I was trying to hide it because I didn’t want to get kicked out of Law Magnet,” Fevrier said.

However civics teacher Cindy Schmidt informed her that they had no legal right to do so. As for Fevrier’s mom, Fevrier sat her down to tell her the news and invited positive people that she knew would be able to give her good advice; still, Fevrier said her mom “freaked out”, just as one might expect a parent would.

Her mother had no idea she was sexually active.

“Schoolwise, [the pregnancy] hasn’t been really hard on me because I’m the type of person who likes to be on top of my game,” Fevrier said about maintaining her 3.7 unweighted grade point average.

Not all teens are like this though.

According to StayTeen.org, a national campaign about unplanned teenage pregnancies, parenthood is the leading reason teenage girls drop out

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Numbers 50%

Almost of teens have never considered how a pregnancy would affect their lives

8 out of 10 of fathers don’t marry the mother of their child 1/4 of teenage mothers have a second child within 24 months of the

S

first birth

DEAR BRAVES,

of

school.

L e s s than half of teen mothers graduate from high school and less than Dear Braves, two percent graduate The following articles contains facts about teenage sexual knowledge and college before they are 30. activity. The purpose is to provide factual and accurate information to our Fevrier considered her students. This information is presented in a serious, straight-forward, options before deciding to keep and appropriate manner for high school students. Survey results from the baby.

Boone students are also provided. We encourage you to talk with your “I thought about abortion, parents or other caring adults if you have questions or concerns about but when it came down to it, this topic.

I didn’t want to do it. I also have a - Dr. MARGARET MCMILLEN Christian background, and that has a lot to do with it,” Frevier said.

For senior Jasmine White, the parenting program offered after school on campus helped her most after having a baby junior year.

“It helped me get daycare. It also helped because I had someone to talk to who was older

By KAREN the use of a condom or when [and] wiser who related to me,” White said.

JAEN they have more than one partner.

White was pregnant for two months without Wet palms and Pressure among teenagers to have realizing it. Her mother saw that White was always frantic thoughts stirred sex has led to the rise. According to hungry, had sharp stomach pains and had fainted three in his mind as he waited for a study conducted by Kaiser Family times. She told her that was how she felt when pregnant the test results.

Unprotected Foundation, one in three boys ages with her first daughter. White’s mother decided to have sex among teens has led to a rise 15-17 feels pressured to have sex White take a pregnancy test. in sexually transmitted diseases. mostly because of male friends. Girls White said her mother was mad at first but she soon An STD is a communicable are pressured also, but not as much realized that there was nothing to do, so she decided to do infection transmitted by sexual as boys. They are pressured most by what she could in order to make sure White was healthy. contact or genital contact. Oral and boyfriends or boyfriend’s friends.

During pregnancy, White felt depressed because she’d vaginal sex can spread STDs such as “Society’s view on sex is drastic; wonder how she got to this point of having a baby at 16-yearsgonorrhea, Chlamydia, crabs (pubic in high school [all views] are based old. She struggled emotionally the first four or five months. lice), herpes and syphilis.

Most of on sex.

The majority of guys go for White had to take weight-gaining supplements because she these diseases can be treated but can hook ups and most relationships are did not gain weight through the first half of her pregnancy. leave a permanent mark. for sex, not feelings,” Doe said.

Through it all though, abortion never came to mind.

“There is a lot that comes And another study conducted “I never thought about abortion,” White said. “My with sex: pregnancy, STDs, a by National Campaign to Prevent mother always said if you can lay down to have a baby, reputation. It’s a big risk to be Pregnancy found that one in five you can step up to take care of one.” sexually active,” junior Jane teens has had sex before the age of Even though her mom and aunt help her with Doe* said.

15. the baby, White’s life has changed. The father These infections are “[I think teens are sexually active is no longer in the picture, even though he contracted when because of a] curiosity factor. The does provide child support. teenagers come in media puts sex out [as something Free time though has altered for sexual contact you should do], and teens want to her; it barely exists. w i t h o u t learn and experience it,” senior Emily “I don’t have much time between Evans said.

The studies also found that Please see alcohol and drugs

top he

Baby, page 15

October 9, 2009 February 12, 2010

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influence sexual act said their before en and seven have unp the influe reported do not important unprotect STDs. Florid state in t and AIDS having th persons a Gonor also on th similar sy include urinating, sore throa in wome fever, sor while urin the vagina that it ma kind of v

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This isn’t This isn’t your yourparent’s parent’s

SEX TALK , from page

1

isease

a teenager to participate in tivity. Eight in 10 teenagers r friends smoke or drank ngaging in sexual activity, n in 10 said their friends protected sex when under ence. Half of teenagers who they are sexually active regard sex as something t. These views can lead to ted sex and spreading of

da ranks as the second highest the U.S. for the most HIV S cases, with Orange County he fourth highest infected at an estimated 4,000. rrhea and Chlamydia are he rise in Florida. Both cause ymptoms. In men, symptoms burning and pain while , swelling of the testicles, at and discharge from penis; en, the symptoms include re throat, burning and pain nating, and discharge from al area. These can be so mild ay be mistaken for another vaginal infection

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which can lead to further problems if the disease isn’t cured.

The number of Chlamydia cases Florida rose over 13,000 from 2007 to 2008, while gonorrhea rose close to 1000 in the same time period.

Both gonorrhea and Chlamydia can be cured by antibiotics, but if left untreated, may lead to longterm complications, like infertility, kidney failure, urinary tract infection and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Crabs, otherwise known as pubic lice can cause itching, sores and the skin discoloration or cause eggs or adult lice to be seen. Crabs require a tedious

Please see page

15

Students faced with moral controversy

By LINDSEY DYE

Largely considered less risky than intercourse, approximately 20 percent of teens have admitted to having oral sex versus 14 percent who have had intercourse, according to SexEdLibrary.com.

Oral sex, most commonly known as, “blow jobs” has become popular among teens over the past two decades. One reason is the belief that it is safer because one cannot get pregnant.

However, a participant still has a chance of contracting an incurable sexually-transmitted disease.

It is critical for students to understand that oral sex does not equal safe sex.

“I think that [oral sex] is serious even though it isn’t actual intercourse; you are still participating in sexual activity which, even though you can’t get pregnant, is still risky,” a freshman female said.

According to Dictionary.com, oral sex is sexual contact between the mouth and genitals or anus. Sex is sexual union between humans involving general contact and penetration of the vagina by the penis. These definitions suggest that oral sex is not considered sexual intercourse due to the lack of penetration.

In a 2003 survey, 38 percent of female participants and 54 percent of male participants ages 15-17 “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” that oral sex is not as big of a deal as sexual intercourse.

“In a way, I do [think that oral sex is sex], and in a way, I don’t. It’s not [sex] because it’s not two people being together but it is because it’s still sexual activity,” a sophomore female said.

As with traditional sex, there are

,

February 12, 2009 October 9, 2009

emotional factors involved, as well. A 2005 study recommended that girls who are sexually active be screened for depression. New scientific studies also suggest that if a woman has multiple sexual partners, this will lower her levels of oxytocin which in turn will damage her ability to bond with others.

“I believe that there are emotional factors to having sex or performing oral sex. If you lose [your virginity] to someone, you can get attached more,” a sophomore female said.

A big debate over whether or not oral sex is the same as sex and whether one should no longer be considered a virgin after performing or receiving oral sex ensues.

“I don’t think [that oral sex is sex]; other people in my profession think it is.

I don’t because there is no penetration.

However, it’s still something personal that should happen between you and someone you trust,” Dr. Fahmat Ahmed, OBGYN, said. “I don’t want to think so many people take oral sex so lightly.

Oral sex is a big deal. You can get so many STDs from it.”

Just because one does not have to worry about the risk of pregnancy does not mean that there are no risks associated with oral sex. Teens believe oral sex is the safe alternative to intercourse, when it comes to pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The statistics prove otherwise. Millions of teenagers become infected with STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and herpes each year and oral sex is a route by which teens are becoming infected.

There has also been a throat and mouth cancer rise due to unprotected oral sex.

According to WebMD, increasing rates of HPV infection, spread through oral sex, are driving the rapid rise in orophraryngeal cancers, which include tumors of the throat, tonsils and base of the tongue. Studies of orophraryngeal tumor tissue show that only around 20 percent were HPV positive 20 years ago.

Today it is estimated that 60 percent of patients are affected with the virus.

“I don’t think that oral sex is sex because you cannot get pregnant from it,” a senior male said.

When STDs transfer during oral sex, it is most commonly through an open sore in the mouth or on the genitals.

Diseases may also be passed through menstrual blood or sperm. Although this is less common,

there are documented cases.

“I think that you should be tested for STDs once each month to have a better idea of who could’ve given you the STD,” a junior male said.

The two most commonly contracted STDs through oral sex are herpes and genital warts, both of which have no cure. Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Signs are blisters on or around the genitals or rectum.

Blisters start to break, leaving sores.

Genital warts are warts that appear in clusters on or around the genitals or anus. Although both STD’s have no cure, there are medications to control outbreaks.

According to SexEdLibrary.com, studies have shown that people like and respect each other less after having unprotected oral sex.

“Oral sex is dirtier [than sexual intercourse]. You have to be a bigger freak to go around giving everyone [oral stimulation]. It’s not even enjoyable for girls to do. That is way more slutty,” a junior male said.

In a recent survey conducted by SexEdLibrary.com, a significantly greater proportion of participants intended to have oral sex (32 percent) in the next six months than intended to have vaginal sex (26 percent).

“Teens are just growing into their bodies and are curious.

They also might find it as a way of rebelling,” Dr. Ahmed said.

The only way to 100 percent prevent contracting an STD or dealing with the emotional side effects is to not perform or receive oral sex. diseases.

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Vaccine reduces cancer The doctor injected the slender needle into the girl’s shoulder for the third time. It was the final dose of Gardasil, a vaccine that helps prevent females from contracting the human papillomavirus quadrivalent for types 6, 11, 16 and 18.

“If the Gardasil can save one from cervical cancer then it is a necessary vaccine,” Dr. Virginia Mesa said.

These types of viruses consist of genital warts, oral papillomis and other genital cancers. Research shows that Gardasil protects against four types of HPV, two types of which cause 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases.

According to Gardisal’s Web site, women who are already sexually active may not benefit from the shot because they could have already been exposed to the virus. Even

with all of the good news surrounding the Gardasil vaccine, there are possible negative side effects. Symptoms include: dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, fever, vomiting or pain, swelling, itching, bruising and redness at the injection site.

There have also been cases of fainting, stiffness and shaking reported.

“I recommend the vaccine because it can help prevent cervical cancer and perhaps death. I also recommend it because the vaccine has been well studied. In addition it’s relatively safe,” Dr. Mesa said.

A majority of females on campus are too young to decide for themselves whether or not Gardasil is right for them.

Students are encouraged to talk to their parent and doctor.

For more information or questions, one can refer

to www.gardasil.com. The Web site answers questions that can help one decide if the shot is right for them, along with a list of the side effects and safety information. The estimated cost of Gardasil is between $300-$500, although some insurance companies will pay for it in full.

“I recommend the shot; it helps throughout life and you don’t have to get it again. I know that I don’t have a chance of getting that cancer and it makes me feel healthier for getting the shot,” freshman Angela Krauss Coryell said.

Sex Poll 57% have had formal

Abstinence. Abstinence is a word that has many meanings. It can be a life style or a choice. It is a promise or a moral conviction.

Abstinence is not having any kind of sex until you get married.

As for right now, abstinence is the smarter and safer route because it is the only 100 percent effective way to prevent pregnancy. It is also the only 100 percent way to prevent you from getting sexually transmitted diseases, and it makes sex mean more to your spouse. Sex is tempting for everyone, but if you save yourself, you will appreciate it later when you are married.

These are only a few benefits of staying a virgin; many more come as time goes on.

When people say that everyone is doing it, they are wrong because there are lots of abstinent people at Boone. Don’t have sex because of peer pressure; peer pressure can be negative and produce a negative outcome.

In Chapter 4 of 1 Thessalonians, it says that “God wants you to live a pure life. Keep yourselves from sexual promiscuity. Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God.” So who do you want to give your virginity to? A high school sweetheart or the person you will spend the rest of your life with? Think about it.

sex education while in high school 61% do not believe in abstinence 56% have not had sex 51% feel comfortable enough to talk to their parents about sex

78% of those who have had sex used a condom as their form of contraception 251 students surveyed, Feb. 1

There’s nothing wrong with sex. Well, beside the fact that you can get pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted disease. STD’s are a real threat these days and a disease from your partner may stick around longer than your partner does. Making sure to use a condom has helped prevent me from contracting a disease or becoming pregnant. As Lil’ Wayne would say, “Safe sex is great sex, but better wear a latex, ‘cause you don’t want that ‘I think I’m late’ text.”

Some may say having sex before marriage is a sin, but in my eyes it is about enjoying another’s company and exploring each other’s bodies. Waiting for the right time or person is not for everyone and some things don’t happen as planned. My first time was not romantic at all and, to be honest, extremely awkward. Now, I’m not saying to go around and have sex with anyone you find remotely attractive. You just shouldn’t be afraid of it.

Another thing about sex is the emotional toll it can take on you.

Everyone I ever had sex with I had an emotional tie to. Once you have sex with someone, you have a bond with them for the rest of your life, whether you like it or not. Yes, there are some people I regret having sex with, but at that point in time they were the only person I wanted to be with. It took me years to finally get over the person I lost my virginity to. I was a young, emotional wreck of feelings. It took time for me to realize that sex was not just to make someone interested in you for your body, but about bonding with someone you care about a n d showing how much you care about them.

February 12, 2010

hi-lights

special

Pregnancy challenges teens , from page 12 school, sports and [my baby]. I don’t go out or have much free time; my mom will rarely watch her [on weekends so I can go out], but other than that I don’t get out,” White said. “I dislike it, but I do it because I have no other choice.”

Not only do pregnancies affect the teenage females, they affect the males involved and the families of both the mother and father.

Senior John Doe* had a child at 16, two years ago, and is now living with the effects. The mother refuses his help, he says, and they don’t speak anymore.

“I don’t have any feelings [towards the situation], but if she were to call, I’d help because it’s my child too,” Doe said.

Doe stated that they did talk about abortion, but she didn’t want one.

“You can’t force someone to change their decision or do something they don’t want to do,” Doe said. “[The whole situation] has made me think more before acting on things now. I won’t just do anything for the heck of it.”

According to National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, the average annual price for an infant in a childcare center is greater than a year’s tuition at a public college, in 43 states. Studies show that a child born in 2007 cost $204,060 to watch, feed, provide transportation for, educate and house from birth to the age of 18.

At the moment, Fevrier is trying to find a steady job, but meanwhile she works Citrus Bowl events. Together, Fevrier and her boyfriend are trying to find means to support the baby when she arrives. Currently, the father is balancing three jobs along with maintaining his grades because he is still in high school. Both of their parents plan to provide assistance; Fevrier’s mother has already bought clothing.

With a two-year-old baby by her side, White’s main concern right now is getting into college. She is trying to find one that has an on-site daycare or one that allows freshmen to live off campus. White was frequently absent her junior year due to just having the baby; but now she only misses about three times a month because of doctor appointments or because her baby is sick. “[My baby] isn’t stopping me from what I want to do. I’ve always had my goals and dreams [like going to college], and I’m not going to stop them from happening because I had a baby,” White said. “I want [my girl] to see that I was a strong person and was able to follow my dream as well as take care of her.”

According to Stayteen.org, nearly one-third of girls did not use contraception the last time they had sex, and more than 52 percent of girls surveyed said one of the main reasons they don’t use birth control is because their partner is against it. The consequences to these actions can appear in the form of a baby or a sexual transmitted disease.

“Use a condom and birth control,” Fevrier said. “If I was on birth control, I wouldn’t be in this situation.” *Name withheld

Disease rapidly spreads , from page

12

treatment and maintenance that includes washing all clothes with a medicated spray and repeatedly washing the infected area with a medicated shampoo. This STD can be transmitted regardless of the use of a condom during sex. “[I was anxious waiting for the results] because I knew it was bad news.

[When I found out I had] crabs. It sucked. I had to deal with it everyday. [It felt like] I failed,” senior John Smith* said.

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at least 45 million people ages 12 and older have genital herpes. Herpes causes an outbreak of sores in the genital area and at times may cause flu-like symptoms during an outbreak; outbreaks happen on average four to five times a year. Because outbreaks occur every couple of months or so, a person who is infected may not know he has the disease, which can cause one to reengage in sexual activity and infect a partner.

Genital herpes has no cure but there are antiviral medications that can help control outbreaks by shortening them and making them less irritable.

Syphilis is more infectious than most STDs. Syphillis has several stages and symptoms include sores, fever, fatigue and loss of appetite; however, symptoms become progressively worse and can cause damage to the nervous system, heart, skin and bones.

“Definitely wait to lose your virginity. It’s a big step and responsibility and you need to be educated; make sure you always have protection,” Doe said.

hilights.org we have issues in print and now online check it out today

*Names withheld

hi-lights

February 12, 2009

page 15

features

Tan is definitely ‘the new black’

BLACK

David Matteson Managing Editor

W

TEENS TAN TO FEEL MORE ATTRACTIVE

hile getting that perfect color may be criticized by many (skin cancer and all that boring blah, blah, blah), no one ever mentions the truly fantastic benefits of tanning.

Other than the luscious, dark tan you develop, the UV rays in tanning beds also help with the body’s development of Vitamin D. This will help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Ironically, the development of Vitamin D from tanning beds can also help one avoid prostate, colon and breast cancer, as reported by recent medical studies including those from Creighton University.

The most important benefit is the self-confidence you will receive. Everyone looks better tan. Twilight and all that vampire stupidity may be your obsession, but that doesn’t mean you need to look like one. So if you’re ready to shed your pale blubbery winter look for one that makes you feel attractive all day long, check out these tips for finding your perfect color.

Don’t rush perfection- You’ll always remember your first time. And hopefully you won’t burn.

Every tanning virgin makes the mistake of tanning too long his or her first session. Even if you are the type that get’s super duper dark during the summer, step back and work at your tan gradually. Even if tanning is

costing you a paycheck and a half, know that burning is just going to be a bigger waste of money than going for multiple sessions.

Don’t be insulted when the overly perky girl at the desk tells you to only tan for eight or nine minutes your first time. They want you to get the best results possible. After all, if you look as red as a lobster when you leave the salon, then that reflects badly upon their business. It might take a couple of weeks to get that bodacious bronze, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Lotion matters- The number of lotions stocked on the wall shelving will overwhelm you. There are hundreds.

Just know there are two main types of tanning lotions- bronzers and tingles. The first is simply a combination of colored lotions with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It helps provide an instant tan look while your skin becomes gradually darker. There are five types of bronzers and the best lotions will combine all of these.

Tingle lotions are for those looking for an extreme color effect. They are intense and should not be used unless one already has a dark tan. They work by raising blood flow to the top layer of the skin, helping to provide more oxygen to the melanin and thus making one darker. Some complain that tingle lotions make their bodies feel like they are on fire and then trampled

with Jimmy Choo stilettos.

To Spray or Not to Spray?- Spray tans are amazing for instantaneous effect, yet there are drawbacks. Most notably is the risk you run of turning out like Zac Efron on the cover of Rolling Stone in 2007, or Paris Hilton in just about every public appearance. That is, more orange than Charlie Brown’s great pumpkin. Most salons offer the option of a clear application (which gradually becomes bronze) and a bronze application (which goes on bronze and becomes even more dark).

If you have decided spray, then clear is the way to go ($25 per session).

Spray is a UV ray free alternative to tanning beds, and for those looking for a subtle glow, these can be great.

Just don’t over do it.

Tanning is a fun experience. You’re safe, relaxed and surrounded in warmth. Plus, aren’t we all tired of Floridians who have up and decided to look like Edward and Bella? What traitors.

Write In

Would you ask this column to prom? Or do you wish it was burried six feet under? If either then write and deliver a letter to Rm. 224. It’d be lovely to hear from you.

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The Trading Post is sponsored by the Boone High School Athletic Association. All proceeds are for the benefit of all Boone students and BHS facilities. For more information, contact Karen Smith at kabes@aol.com Thanks to The Athlete’s Foot in the SODO shopping plaza! page 16

February 12, 2010

hi-lights

sports

Boys eliminated after second district game RIGOROUS SEASON KEEPS BOYS FROM GOAL

Fast

Fact

• The boys won against Edgewater 3-0 on Dec. 16.

• The boy’s soccer team played 25 games this season.

• The boys were eliminated from district competition by 3 points in the second game against Timber Creek.

By COOPER BROCK Achieving a major upset over Cypress Creek in their first district game, the predominantly underclassmen boys varsity soccer team moved on to the second round of districts. Team captain Alexander Bisbee, senior, scored the game’s lone goal to secure the win.

The boys previously played Cypress Creek in the middle of the season and lost, 1-2. In districts, they met at Cypress Creek for another attempt and won, 1-0.

Senior Sebastian Carmona assisted Bisbee in scoring, and the team managed to hold Cypress Creek at bay for the remainder of the game.

“Cypress Creek is one of our main rivals. Coming back and playing them in districts was motivational for our team because we were able to have a second chance at knocking them out of the tournament,” Bisbee said. “We were happy to get out of the first round beating a rival team. We knew the game would be rough but we rose to the occasion and it paid off.”

Bisbee’s teammates and coach describe him as a key player on the field. He was a forward starter and scored 17 goals and assisted six others. He was named First Team All State and has verbally committed to a soccer scholarship at

Rollins College.

The season as a whole was a losing season, with the boys winning less than a third of the games played. After two weeks of practice, the new players played their first game on Nov. 11 against Dr. Phillips. Throughout the entire game, the Panthers gave no leeway as they won 5-0.

Winter Park delivered a brutal defeat on Jan. 14. At the start of the game, Winter Park scored once, and then the Braves immediately countered with a goal scored by Carmona. Winter Park took over in the last 20 minutes of the game and scored four times.

“We had a young team,” Bisbee said.

“There were a lot of kids who moved up from junior varsity last year, and we tried to overcome our diversity in size with our hard work.”

Though the team mainly consisted of underclassmen, some proved to be worthy adversaries to Edgewater on Jan. 16.

Freshman Juan Caceres and sophomore Gianfranco Bertola scored four goals between them to beat Edgewater, 4-1.

“We were down in the beginning, but after the half we got our act together and started creating more scoring opportunities,” Caceres said.

photo/DSP

FOOT RACE. Senior Sebastian Carmona gets possession of the ball in the game against Winter Park on Jan. 14. “We had a lot of underclassmen, more than ever before. Practicing hard and staying composed during a game [helped us overcome that weakness],” Carmona said.

In the rivalry game against University on Jan. 12, the hours of practice showed as they won, 3-1. Senior Sohail Mattar joined Bisbee in the effort to grasp the win with three goals between the two.

“The University game was a great win for us because they have also been our rivals. For the last two years, they have knocked us out of the district tournament, so it was very motivational

Reservation Run 5K - Registration Name_____________________ Email_____________________ Running for _________________________ (team of club) ______ Student $15

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for our team to win. After we beat them they were still trash talking us but we let the scoreboard talk for us. All we had to do was point towards it,” Bisbee said.

After the Cypress Creek game, the boys went to Timber Creek for their second district game. They were eliminated in a 0-3 shutout game.

Finishing their season, they ended with a 6-13-2 record.

On Saturday, February 20, 2010, the Boone High School Athletic Association will host its 2nd Annual Reservation Run 5K. We had the most exciting first year with over 200 runners and over $10,000 raised to support the Boone High School teams, clubs and athletic facilities. Under the unique incentive plan for this event, 50% of every dollar raised goes directly to the team of club of the runner’s choice! Last year a total of 29 different groups received checks from this event. The remaining 50% is used to support all the BHS facilities, therefore, benefiting every Boone student! We hope we can count on you to run the Reservation!

Register now for the 2nd Annual Reservation Run!

Thanks to The Athlete’s Foot, Downtown South, Kiwanis Club of Orlando, Solantic Urgent Care Center, Anderson & Moopen Orthodontics, Old Florida National Bank, The Nation Law Firm and Pete Clark 4 County Comissioner!

hi-lights

February 12, 2010

page 17

sports

in the ZONE

Recruiting requires revision

Brendan Hall Sports Editor

PUNISHMENTS FOR VIOLATIONS NEED CONSISTENCY

I

n the midst of national signing day on Feb. 3, a day where high school athletes sign a written commitment to college sports teams, the discussions surrounding college recruiting are becoming more audible and more serious.

The college recruiting system is riddled with flaws and loop holes, and in order to improve it several distinct revisions should be made.

The rulebook for college recruiting is around 400 pages filled with every little thing a coach can and cannot do in trying to get prospects to sign to their college.

All of the tedious rules can be simplified by establishing a few easy rules for coaches to follow. First, a coach should not be allowed to text, e-mail or contact an athlete any other way except by phone or in person. Also, a coach should only be allowed a specific amount of off-campus visits to the athlete. The National College Athletics Association can determine the number of phone calls and visits allowed during each of the athlete’s high school years that is most fair.

Also, scholarship offers to players should be written only, not verbally. A coach should not be allowed to suggest or promise a scholarship to a player either over the phone or in person unless the coach has the scholarship contract with him to hand to the athlete. More importantly, once the scholarship has been offered to the player the coach and any others connected to the school, should cease contact with the athlete

until he has made a decision. There is too much pressure on players to pick the right college in hopes they can move on to the professional level. They do not need the coaches constantly chatting in their ears, persuading them to decide a certain way. Players should be able to decide which college they want to attend with the only primary outside influences being the player’s family. Coaches far too often go to the extreme to attract players to play at their school. Bribery is a common method of recruiting violations, but there are other situations that highlight just how crazy coaches can get. In 2001, the NCAA found th University of Colorado to be hosting off-campus parties for visiting football recruits where girls were expected to provide sexual favors to the high school prospects. Although situations like this are nowhere near common, it depicts how desperate some programs or coaches can become to recruit premiere athletes.

In any case where a coach violates NCAA rules, the coach should be severely punished, not the athlete or the school. It is unfair for an athlete or college program to be punished for a coach’s wrongdoing if the coach violated regulations without anyone else’s knowledge.

Instead, the coach should be faced with severe punishments to protect the integrity of the game by ensuring that he follows regulations from then on. The coach should receive either a substantial fine (substantial meaning at least $250,000) and/or

In any case where a coach violates NCAA rules, the coach should be severely punished, not the athlete or the school.

Congratulations Boone Braves on another Great Year!

a suspension, depending on the severity of the violation or the number of violations committed.

Another way to improve the process of recruiting high school players is to eliminate the concept of athletes verbally “committing” to a school before signing a contract. A verbal commitment is not a commitment at all but rather a method for an athlete to express extreme interest in the school; a verbal commitment does not restrict a player in anyway from attending another school. Yet, colleges and college sports fan put tremendous stock in verbal commitments even though in the long run it makes no difference on the athlete’s final decision.

Verbal commitments are more trouble than they’re worth, which isn’t much considering they’re worth nothing. Colleges consistently get upset over athletes de-committing verbally and going to other schools, so by eliminating verbal commitments from college sports much of the stress and tension between colleges can be alleviated.

By simplifying the recruiting process and punishing coaches more severely, the NCAA can make the process easier for both the athlete and the colleges. Less coaches would break the rules and athletes would be able to make the right decision for themselves without the added pressure.

in Write Would you ask this column to prom? Or do you wish it was buried six feet under? If either then write and deliver a letter to Rm. 224. It’d be lovely to hear from you.

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hi-lights

sports

Winter Olympics, eh?

THE GAMES HEAD TO VANCOUVER FOR THE FIRST TIME

By JUSTIN KANE An event so special it happens every four years, countries from around the world send their best athletes to one place to compete against the world. This year, the athletes will head to Vancouver, British Columbia for the 21st Winter Olympics.

Vancouver got the Olympic bid in 2003 after they beat out Pyeongchang, South Korea and Salzburg, Austria.

To prepare for the games, the city of Vancouver built three main venues, which cost $580 million; the total cost of the Vancouver Olympics is currently,

estimated at $1.76 billion.

The Olympics officially starts tonight, with the lighting of the Olympic flare at the opening ceremony.

As of November 2009, 97 nations qualified for the 2010 winter games.

Ghana, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Peru, Montenegro and Serbia will make their Winter Olympic debut this year. There will be 15 Olympic sports placed in three subcategories: Ice sports, alpine skiing and snowboarding and Nordic events.

In 2006, the International Olympic Committee voted not to include women’s

ski jumping in the 2010 games,on the grounds that the sport was not yet developed enough and did not meet basic criteria.

NBC, the official partner of the Olympics, committed 835 hours of Olympic coverage from Feb. 12-28. The coverage will be on six NBC networks, five of which are television channels and one is online at nbcolympics.com. The 835 hours of coverage are more than double those from Torino in 2006 and more than Torino and Salt Lake combined. This will be NBC’s 12th Olympic games, the most by any U.S. network.

Events

Favored: Men

Top Awards

Other Contenders

Favored: Women

Top Awards

Other Contenders

Figure Skating

Evgeni Plushenko (Russia)

Won gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics

Evan Lysacek (USA) and Brian Joubert (France)

Kim Yu-Na (South Korea)

2009 World Figure Skating Champion and the 2009 Four Continents champion

Mao Asada (Japan) and Joannie Rochette (Canada)

Speed Skating

Sven Kramer (Netherlands)

Two Olmpic medals, a silver and bronze in 2006

Jonathan Kuck (USA) and Roger Schneider (Switzerland)

Christine Nesbitt (Canada)

Won Olympic silver in 2006

Yekayerina Shikhova (Russian Feberation)

Short Track Speed Skating

Apolo Anton Ohno (USA)

Five Olympic medals, two gold, a silver and two bronze

Jung-Su Lee (South Korea) and Charles Hamelin (Canada)

Meng Wang (China)

Three Olympic medals, a gold, silver and bronze

Ha-Ri Cho (Korea) and Katherine Reutter (US)

Ice Hockey

Canada

Won seven gold medals Russia and Sweden from 1920 to 2002

Canada

They’ve won two golds and USA and Switzerland a silver in the last three Olympics

Curling

Canada

Won Olympic gold in 2006

Canada

Won Olympic gold in 1998

Sweden and Germany

Alpine Skiing

Benjamin Raich (Austria)

Won two Olympic golds Carlo Janka (Switzerland) in 2006 and Manfred Moelegg (Italy)

Lindsey Vonn (USA)

Won gold in the 2009 world championship

Kathrin Zettel (Austria) and Anja Paerson (Sweden)

Ski Jumping

Gregor Schlierenzauer (Austria)

Won gold in 2007 and 2009 world championship

Switzerland and Norway

n/a

n/a

n/a

Freestyle Skiing

Dale Begg-Smith (Austria)

Won Olympic gold in 2006

Patrick Deneen (USA) and Alexandre Bilodeau (Canada)

Li Nina (China)

Won Olympic silver in 2006

Hannah Kearney (USA) and Jennifer Heil (Canada)

Snowboarding

Shaun White (USA)

Won Olympic gold in 2006

Matt Morrison (Canada) and Andreas Prommeger (Austria)

Kelly Clark (USA)

Won Olympic gold in 2002 Dominique Malrais (Canada) and Amelie Kober (Germany)

Luge

Armin Zoeggeler (Italy)

Won Olympic gold in Felix Loch (Germany) 1994, 1998, 2002 and Armin Zoeggeler (Italy) 2006

Erin Hamlin (USA)

Won gold at 2009 World Championships

Bobsled

Andre Lange (Germany) Won three Olympic medals in the last two Olympics

Pierre Lueders (Germany) and Steve Holcomb (USA)

Shauna Rohbock (USA) Won Olympic silver in 2006

Nicola Minichiello (Great Britian) and Helen Upperton (Canada)

Skeleton

Frank Rommel (Germany)

Sandro Stielicke and Michi Halilovic (Germany)

Mellisa Hollingsworth (Canada)

Marion Trott and Anja Huber (Germany)

hi-lights

Won gold at the 2009 World Championships

England and France

February 12, 2010

Won Olympic bronze in 2006

Natalie Geisenberger and Tatjana Hüfner (Germany)

page 19

entertainment

Tyit all TOGETHER

The good, the bad, the Miley TEEN STARLET FAILS TO MEET HER MORAL VALUES

Tyler Patrick Reporter

S

trutting across the stage in knee high boots and a short skirt, pop star Miley Cyrus climbs onto an ice cream cart with a stripper pole attached.

This famous starlet has sparked controversy over the course of the last year causing her to be classified as both endearing and disenchanting at the same time because, despite her talent, she doesn’t follow moral values.

In 2005, when the Disney Channel released Hannah Montana (starring Cyrus as Hannah Montana) they introduced Miley Cyrus to the public. It quickly became one of the most popular shows on TV, appealing to people of all ages. The show made it obvious that the media had found a star that was not only gorgeous but who also had real talent. Cyrus has a voice like a singing nightingale and is a highly talented actress.

On June 26, 2007, Cyrus released her debut album entitled Meet Miley Cyrus in an attempt to break away from her Hannah Montana image. The CD was a success when her song “See You Again� became a huge hit in the pop world. Later in 2008, she released her sophomore album Breakout and recently released her new EP titled The Time of our Lives, which featured the song “Party in the USA,� a secret obsession among many. As one of the top pop artists of today, her music is highly favored in the pop world.

Along with the huge success of Cyrus comes expected gossip because Cyrus has displayed very little moral values in her actions over the past two years.

In 2008, Cyrus posed for a Vanity Fair photo shoot wearing

nothing but a sheet over her pale body. Parents and adult figures across the country were outraged at her decision to pose like this, causing Cyrus to wonder what she did wrong.

Cyrus should have realized when taking these photos that she was not acting as a role model to young girls and that she could have easily refrained from taking them. Then there was more controversy when Cyrus’ personal photos were leaked by an unnamed source. The photos included shots of Cyrus posing sexually in underwear and a tank top as well as photos of her sucking on a piece of candy with a friend. The photos show an average teenager who enjoys portraying an edgier side at times.

However, Cyrus should realize that taking pictures like this will only end badly because she is a role model to young girls everywhere and should refrain from doing such acts.

In 2008, Cyrus started a Web show with her best friend Mandy Jiroux on YouTube called “The Miley and Mandy Show� in which the girls discussed life on the road and made homemade music videos. When teen stars Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez tried to make a video for fun too, Cyrus and Jiroux backlashed by mocking them. In the video, Cyrus and Jiroux imitated each and everything that Lovato and Gomez said with an opposite approach. For example, Gomez showed off her new Power Rangers shirt and Cyrus showed off her “emo� style Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shirt. The problem rose when Cyrus made fun of Lovato in the video for once having a gap in her teeth. The Cyrus video quickly spread across many Websites, causing many people to question whether she really was a nice girl or not. The Jonas Brothers even got involved

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when they wore shirts that said Team Demi and Selena. Cyrus later apologized for the video saying that it was all in good fun, but it really raises questions of her true moral values.

Lately, it seems as if Cyrus has tried to push herself onto an older audience. During the 2009 Teen Choice Awards, Cyrus performed her hit song “Party In the USAâ€? in shorts that barely covered her derrière. However, the most shocking event of the performance was when Cyrus climbed onto an ice cream cart with a pole attached that resembled a stripper pole.

Cyrus’ decision to do pole-like dancing at 16 years old is not a good example for young girls that look up to her; it sets the example that girls have to be sexy in order to be liked. This isn’t the truth.

Miley Cyrus nowadays is not using her judgment when she makes decisions, which is causing her to come across as rude and overtly sexual.

Cyrus is one of the most talented teenage stars of the decade, and she has to understand that her talent and beauty shouldn’t be misunderstood by her lack of proper judgment.

People should be able to see the Cyrus that follows the proper values set by her Tennessee roots.

in Write Would you ask this column to prom? Or do you wish it was buried six feet under? If either then write and deliver a letter to Rm. 224. It’d be lovely to hear from you.

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entertainment

Applications revolutionize life

By KAREN JAEN Since the beginning of the iPhone era, the public has regarded the iPhone as one of the most technologically advanced phones of all time. It offers fast and easy interface that allows for easy calling, texting and e-mailing.

However, Apple has gone one step farther in creating an

AppStore that is filled with a variety of useful and entertaining applications that are either available for purchase or for free.

They have different functions; some can tell one how many calories they’ve eaten in one day, while others can help decide where to have lunch.

Popular video games are also included as applications, for

I Am T-Pain, $0.99: A more comical application that provides

beats and lyrics to rapper T-Pain’s songs, or songs that he has been featured in. The purpose of the application is to allow one to tune one’s voice to sound like the famous echo of T-Pain.

example Call of Duty: World At War: Zombies and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars.

The varieties of applications on the iPhone continue to increase with their large selection of categories.

The iPhone makes applications available that allow life to be easier and more entertaining.

Bump, free: An application that allows one to easily swap contact information and pictures with the owner of another iPhone. The swapping of contact information is as easy as a bump. A contact is automatically added to one’s address book and any pictures chosen to transfer are automatically added to the camera roll.

Touch Goal, $9.99: An application that allows one to plan out goals

to achieve throughout the week. One can manage the application by placing either a red or green mark on the goal; red signifies the goal was not achieved; green signifies the goal was achieved. It also allows one to track habits, especially the habits one is looking to get rid of, such as chewing one’s fingernails. If one did do the habit, a red mark would be placed on the day; if not, the mark is green.

Yearbook Yourself, $0.99: The application is a version of the Yearbook

iFitness, $1.99: This application allows one to regulate and improve

G- Spot, $0.99: This application guides a person back to his car. When

regular exercise. The application allows one to choose a part of the body one would like to focus on during regular exercise. It provides clear pictures and videos that show and instruct the proper way to achieve one’s goal.

Yourself Web site. It takes the pictures from one’s iPhone and edits them. The application gives the pictures looks from different eras. One can makeover a picture and give it a 70s rock look or a 50s flare look. The pictures are all black and white and are edited according to the most popular stereotypes.

someone parks in town and plans to walk all over town, G- Spot gives direction back to the car. The application uses a satellite to pinpoint one’s position. It is equipped with a map and compass that turns as one turns, and also has written directions to the car.

Zombies invade classic novel

in the next issue...

CLASSIC LITERATURE TAKES SCIENCE-FICTION, QUIRKY TWIST

Coming on stands March 19.

Book: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Author: Seth GrahameSmith Price: $12.95 Publisher: Quirk Classics ISBN: 978-159474-3344 hi-lights

By EMILY O’LOANE Ever since 2005 when Pride and Prejudice was adapted into a wellreceived movie starring Keira Knightley, Jane Austen’s novels have experienced a renewed surge in popularity amongst the mainstream teenage public.

The novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith capitalizes on this trend, creating a quirky, sci-fi thriller that fans of Jane Austen, especially teenage fans, will love. The book is a playful, easy-to-read adaptation of the classic novel; however, the original text of the book remains largely intact despite the addition of zombies. Like the back cover of the book says, Grahame-Smith is able to make this renowned piece of literature into a book that someone would actually want to read.

The novel reads like an updated, sci-fi version of the actual Pride and Prejudice; Grahame-Smith takes the original text of the book and adds in a zombie plague that is terrorizing the countryside in which the main drama plays out amongst the Bennett family and their neighbors.

All the Bennett daughters- Jane, Elizabeth, Kitty, Lydia, and Mary- are trained in the Asian art of sword fighting

and are known in their county for their beauty as well as their warrior prowess.

Their skills add a level of realism to the story; Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth’s love interest, falls for her fine eyes as well as her ability to protect her family.

Zombie attacks occur frequently throughout the book. In Chapter 4, when Mr. Darcy first meets Elizabeth at a party, zombies invade the ballroom, and the Bennett sisters must protect the partygoers, which is when Elizabeth and Darcy’s tumultuous relationship begins.

Surprisingly, the addition of zombies doesn’t pollute the plot line. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s romance remains as captivating as it did in the original text. Instead, the zombies provide an additional sense of suspense and humor to the plot, which is refreshing to those who frequently re-read Austen’s books.

The characters of the book remain as appealing as ever in this rendition of the classic novel as well. Elizabeth’s strength, Jane’s sweetness, Mr. Bingley’s adeptness, and Mr. Darcy’s misunderstood shyness will continue to create fans among those who read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies instead of the original version.

If anything, the book will instill a desire to read more of Austen’s books, or

February 12, 2010

at least Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Ben H. Winters, which was also published by Quirk Classics.

Based on the publisher of the book, it is obvious the book should be read in an ironic, comical way; Grahame-Smith is not creating a great work of literature here. He is simply trying to make a major piece of literature become appealing to the public, especially to the pop culture fanatics of the world.

The book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a great option for anyone looking for an entertaining read. Whether an avid Jane Austen fan or just a casual reader, the book provides an entertaining story that will appeal to all.

Star Ratings Perfection in every sense of the word.

Nothing special, but worth buying.

EH. Not worth the money.

Might as well gouge your eyes out now.

• Check out stories on the water polo and crew teams in the sports section.

• What will columnists Lindsey Dye and David Matteson write about next? Look in the editorials and entertainment sections next month to find out.

• Have any story ideas for next issue? Submit the ideas to Room 224 by March 1.

• Ideas for any restaurants, bands, books or movies you would like us to review in future issues should also be turned into Room 224

by March 1.

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entertainment

Sneak

UPCOMING CONCERTS Who: Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler Where: Amway Arena, 600 Amelia St. When: March 5, 7 p.m.

Why: After the release of her second album, Fearless, in

November 2008, which has sold a total of four million copies, Taylor Swift was the best-selling musician of 2008. Despite her country music influences, she has become one of the best female artists overall. Fearless hit number one the first week after its release. She also won a total of three Grammys.

Who: Jay-Z Where: BankAtlantic Florida

What: Raymond vs. Raymond Who: Usher Where: $11.99 at For Your

Entertainment (FYE) and $11.99 on Amazon.com

When: March 1 Why: Usher rose to fame in the

1990s with the release of his multiplatinum album, My Way. His next two albums 8701 and Confessions sold more than 10 million copies. Usher has also worked with various artists such as Young Jeezy, Lil’ Wayne and Beyonce and manages new artist Justin Bieber’s career.

Overall he has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and has been named the second greatest hip-hop artist of the decade.

Center, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise,

When: Feb. 20, 8 p.m.

Why: Jay-Z released his eleventh album in September 2009.

He is the co-owner of major record label Roc-A-Fella Records and owns his own clothing line, Rocawear. As a solo artists, Jay-Z has the most number one albums on the Billboard 200; he has also had four number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Jay- Z has earned a total of 10 Grammys throughout his career.

UPCOMING MOVIES What: The Wolfman, Action/ Adventure/ Horror, rated R Who: Emily Blunt (Gwen Conliffe), Benicio del Toro (Lawrence Tobalt), Hugo Weaving (Inspector Francis Abberline)

When: Feb. 12 Who: Michael Buble Why: When he arrives at Where: Amway Arena, 600 Amelia St. his home in Victorian Great Britain, Lawrence Tobalt When: March 10, 8:30 p.m reunites with his father and Why: Canadian-born singer Michael Buble has won multiple tries to help his brother’s Grammys since the breakthrough of his career in 2005. He has won Grammys for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for his albums- It’s Time, Caught In the Act and Call Me Irresponsible.

His music was also featured in the film Spiderman 2.

UPCOMING CD’S What: Plastic Beach Who: Gorillaz Where: $12.99 at For Your Entertainment (FYE) When: March 9 Why: This Grammy winning English animated band created

by Damon Albarn, of the British pop band Blur, has released two albums. They reached their peak of fame with the release of their album Demon Days. The album went five times platinum in the United Kingdom and double platinum in the United States. Both of their albums combined have sold over 15 million copies.

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fiance, Gwen Conliffe, find her missing love. Soon after settling in, he experiences a disturbing transformation that causes havoc and haunts the citizens of the town.

What: Shutter Island, Drama/ Mystery/ Thriller, rated R Who: Leonardo Dicaprio (Teddy Daniels), Mark Ruffalo (Chuck Aule), Ben Rugsley (Dr. John Conley)

When: Feb. 19 Why: Set in the 1950’s, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is

investigating the disappearance of a patient from Shutter Island Ashecliffe Hospital in Boston. He learns that the doctor’s treatments of patients is becoming more and more sinister. As he continues to investigate, he demands use of the hospital records, but is denied and instead locked in the asylum.

February 12, 2010

What: Valentine’s Day, Romantic Comedy, rated PG-13

Who: Garry Marshall

(Director), Taylor Lautner (Tyler Harrinton), Bradley Cooper (Holden), Ashton Kutcher (Reed Bennet), Anne Hathaway (Liz), Jessica Alba (Marley Clarkson), Taylor Swift (Felicia), Julia Roberts (Kate)

When: Feb. 12 Why: With an all-star

cast, Valentine’s Day tells the story of various couples throughout Los Angeles. Each couple shows their experience on Valentine’s Day.

UPCOMING BOOKS What: House Rules Who: Jodi Picoult When: March 2 Why: The author of My

Sister’s Keeper and various other novels returns with a new novel about a teenage boy with Asperger’s syndrome, Jacob Hunt. He has a hard time socializing with other teenagers because of his problem and has trouble expressing himself.

However, his one main focus is forensic analysis.

As a regular volunteer at crime scenes, Jacob has built up a reputation, but when a terrible murder shakes the town, Jacob is the one being questioned.

What: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest Who: Stieg Larsson When: March 2 Why: This is the third installment of the series, Millenium

Trilogy. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is being treated at a Swedish hospital where she is improving her health.

Lisbeth stands trial for three murders, but with the help of her friend Michael, she tries to prove her innocence and find out who the corrupt politicians are who placed her in this position.

hi-lights

entertainment

‘Spice’ things up this holiday DOWNTOWN STEAKHOUSE IS PERFECT FOR A ROMANTIC DATE

Fast

Facts

• Spice is located at 407 Central Boulevard, right on Lake Eola.

• There is also a Winter Park location at 326 Park Avenue.

• Dinner entrees range in price from $10-$32 • Highlights on the menu include the New York Strip Steak ($28) and the Caprese Chicken Pasta ($16)

hi-lights

By DAVID MATTESON With a contemporary downtown setting and a deliciously, varied menu, Spice Steakhouse serves as the perfect atmosphere for a Valentine’s date.

Normally Hi-Lights does not suggest such an upscale, expensive restaurant, but in the event that one needs a special place for a Valentine’s Day date, Spice is the way to go. Significant others will swoon over the posh location on Central Avenue as well as the chance to eat on the outside porch that overlooks Lake Eola. This lake view provides the perfect romantic setting.

The indoor seating also provides a sensual ambiance. Soft candlelight creates a glow that surrounds one’s significant other, while gorgeous details like mahogany wood seating and tables and graceful music carry on the romantic theme.

In addition to the beautiful location and décor, the food is fantastic. Starting the meal with an appetizer is certainly recommended. The varied list ranges from bacon wrapped shrimp ($15) to Italian bruschetta ($10). A highlight of the starter list is the Fire Quesadilla ($10). The banana peppers, onions and sharp cheddar cheese combined with chicken have a spicy flavor. There are

four large slices in a serving which is perfect to share between two.

If one is looking for a less spicy item on the appetizer menu, try the calamari ($10). It is lightly breaded and served with a tangy cilantro dip. The calamari alone is artfully prepared and is absolutely delicious, only made better by the citrus taste from the dip. Once again, this appetizer is ideal to split between two.

Following the appetizer, command on to Spice’s delectable entrées. The steak is definitely the best from this high-end restaurant. If you are interested in a juicy steak for an appropriate price, try the 16ounce New York Strip Steak ($28). The tender meat is cooked to one’s preference and grilled masterfully. The steak is flavorful and served with mixed greens and fried potatoes. The meal is certain to fill and satisfy any steak lover.

For those who do not prefer steak, Spice has a variety of other entrees, including the delicious Caprese Chicken Pasta ($16). It has a sweet taste with a rich tomato based sauce blended with basil. It is served over fettuccini and topped with fresh mozzarella and grilled chicken. The chicken was not the best part of this dish, as it was mistakenly over grilled making it dry. Yet the sweet pasta and juicy tomatoes made up for

February 12, 2010

photo/DAVID MATTESON

TANGY TIME. Spice also has a detailed lunch menu including this tasty item, the Maui Grilled Chicken burger ($9). The dish is served with french fries and ketchup and is complete with pineapple glazed grilled chicken, lettuce tomatoes and a pineapple slice. the dry taste. Overall, it is an excellent alternative to a steak dish.

If on a date one might choose to split a delicious dessert after dinner.

However, following the large portions of the entrees one might be too full to enjoy Spice’s sweet after dinner specials, but if one does chooses to share a dessert, go with the black tie mousse ($6). This sweet chocolate mousse is layered

between dark chocolate cake. The cake is too rich for some, but for true chocolate lovers, it is a dream.

Spice combines ornate, delicious food with modern style and atmosphere. The lakeside viewing provides the perfect place for a Valentine’s Day date this weekend. One will be sure to impress as he or she “spices” things up this holiday.

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features

f r a day every year

By KATIE EDWARDS

It’s the time of the year when people have to start thinking about who they are going to ask to be their Valentines and what the best gift is to get them, whether it be flowers and chocolate or something sentimental like a poem or a song along with where to take one’s Valentine for dinner. These are all problems people face on Valentine’s Day. Here are a few tips and some do’s and don’ts to help guide one to a perfect Valentine’s Day.

Don’t • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Do

Break up with a person 10 days before Valentine’s Day. Take your date to a fast food place for your date, that’s tacky.

Spend too much money on your Valentine. it will make him or her feel guilty about not getting you something better.

Honk when picking up your date.

Make your date wait on you.

Drive like a crazy person.

Text or talk on your phone while on a date with your Valentine.

Listen to your iPod even if it’s only with one headphone in. Your date will feel ignored.

Act like someone you’re not.

Talk about politics or religion; you may bore or upset your date.

Make crude jokes; it could come off offensive to your date.

Eat like a slob.

Play with your food.

Invite your friends. It’s nice to have some alone time. Double dates are acceptable.

Make the girl pay.

Just drop off your date; walk them to the door under any condition.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

Pay as much attention to your Valentine as you possibly can.

Go out of your way to do things for your Valentine no matter how corny.

Make a homemade gift; it’s more meaningful than just something you may buy from the mall.

Dress somewhat nice, not sloppy.

Go inside and say hello or meet the parents when picking up for a date no matter how late you are.

Make sure that your car is clean.

Open the door for the girl. She will appreciate that.

Be romantic by acting like their is no one around.

Act polite; hold open the door and pull out their chair.

Take the hint when your date wants to hold your hand. They will walk really close if they do.

Offer your jacket if it’s cold.

Compliment your Valentine.

Agree on the date; make sure it is something you both want to do.

Show your Valentine how much you care about them by holding their hand or asking them if they are having fun.

Give your date a kiss goodbye.

Do you know your Valentine?

1. What reality show would you like to audition for?

You_______________________________________________ Your Valentine_____________________________________ 2. What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod? You____________________________________________ Your Valentine___________________________________ 3. On a limitless menu, what would you order?

You___________________________________________ Your Valentine__________________________________ 4. What is the one place you are dying to visit?

You___________________________________________ Your Valentine_________________________________ 5. Where would your ideal date be?

You___________________________________________ Your Valentine_________________________________ 6. What’s the one thing you can’t stand?

You___________________________________________ Your Valentine_________________________________ 7. If you could have one talent what would it be?

You__________________________________________ Your Valentine________________________________ 8. What is the most important quality in a person?

You___________________________________________ Your Valentine_________________________________ 9. What’s your favorite chick flick?

You___________________________________________ Your Valentine_________________________________

Score yourself 7-9 You’re a perfect match 6-4 Not exactly perfect but definitely compatible 3-2 Spend a little more time together 0-1 Maybe not the right person for you

What are alternative plans people can do for Valentine’s Day? Going to Fun Spot. You can still have fun and be romantic.

Go to the movies with your friends.

- kali hair, sophomore

Hangout with friends that are in the same situation.

- gabriel rendon, junior

- madeline jenson, senior

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February 12, 2010

hi-lights