Volume 44 Issue 2 - November 6, 2008

ChaCha

Marques Green

page 2

page 3

Athletic Injuries page 7

the Talisman shstalisman@gmail.com

a student newspaper

Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 44 Issue 2 Nov. 6, 2008

Homecoming activities memorable for all involved A blowout win by the football team added to a satisfactory dance makes the homecoming weekend a blast

by Molly Morris centerspread editor

Homecoming is the time for students to show school spirit, pick their king and queen, and dress up for an Arabian night. Senior, Evan Woodruff exclaimed that he “enjoyed the theme of homecoming this year because it was a little different.” Many students did not take the time or effort to dress up this year for superhero day, rockstar day, stoplight day, jersey day, or even Irish spirit day.

However, there was a wonderful turnout of students for the homecoming football game against the South Eugene Axemen and the homecoming dance.

The Football game was an entertaining game where Sheldon was victorious against the Axemen, 59-7; the Sheldon Irish maintained a lead throughout the game.

At the homecoming dance, the floor was crowded with students dancing their hearts out. Sophomore Amanda Hensly said the music was good for the most part though she thought it could have been a little better. She stated, “They played a bunch of music that you couldn’t really dance to,” referring to songs that she and her friends were getting a little tired of, with a beat, and the only way to

“dance” to them was to jump around. For many students this didn’t stop their fun.

The dance was also decorated with an Arabian nights theme and had brightly-colored strips of material draped along the ceiling in the cafeteria. The walkway to the dance floor was lit and had an archway shaped as an Aladdin arch welcoming students to the dance floor. Junior Dalton Bergevin described the decorations as “very well done though they could have added more material along the ceilings, maybe over the dance floor, and more lights

would have helped as well.”

The homecoming court was announced at the homecoming assembly during school on Friday and consisted of Peter Anderson and Kate Trahan, freshmen; Nick Cedarlund and Kelsey Spellman, sophomores; Nathan Hansen and Jenness Howrey, juniors; Wyatt Davis and Ali Kerns, and Brad Bevins and Olivia Allison, seniors. The King and Queen were seniors Tanner Harris and Megan Swenson.

But, after the Arabian night was over, the whole school went right back to their normal everyday lives.

Jeff Toreson photo

Jeff Toreson photo

Senior Tanner Harris gets ready to compete during the homecoming assembly along with the other members of the homecoming court.

ASB officers look on at one of the activities during the homecoming assembly, along with juniors Jenness Howery and Nathan Hanson.

Antigone cast and crew ready for spotlight With opening night just around the corner, the cast and crew are ready to show audiences their hard work

by Kyle Cramer staff writer The Sheldon drama department has been working diligently to bring us Antigone in the middle of November.

Senior Kyle Gribbin will play King Creon. Gribbin describes the play as, “a Greek tragedy which is the sequel to Oedipus Rex.” Antigone, who is played by Junior Kaisha Gauderman, loses her two brothers in battle. One of her brothers betrayed the city, while the other didn’t.

King Creon makes a law to bury one brother, but not to bury the brother who betrayed the city. Antigone defies King Creon by burying both brothers. The play consists of another main character, Ismene. She is also a daughter of Oedipus, and will be played by junior Kaitlyn Sage. The story takes place in ancient Greece after a war.

According to senior Henry Stender, a member of the production team, a play of this magnitude takes a great deal of planning. Henry estimated the play to cost about $2,000.

“Most of this money is used to pay for materials to build the set and to pay the tech director.” Executive Director and producer Lynda Czajkowska-Thompson, stated. “The budgets vary depending on the play.” Junior Joel Chapman will compose the music for the play, which will consist of some singing and drums. Special effects are limited in

this particular play; however, the tech team will provide lights and some other effects. Gribbin stated, “The main characters practice five days a week; everyone else is on call until two weeks prior to production.” Stender added, “The entire cast has been working very hard.” Stender also stated, “The greatest problem is the organization with so many people, but in the end everyone pulls together for a great show.” Czajkowska-Thompson added, “Staying on schedule is the toughest part.”

Students whose teachers sign up will be able to watch the final dress rehearsal during second period on Thursday, November 13. The play will debut November 14 and will also be shown November 15, 21, and 22 with all shows starting at 7:30 P.M. There will also be a matinee on November 16 showing at 2:00 P.M.

U.S. government introduces new bailout plan With the nation in a state of economic turmoil, the government steps in with an attempt to help

by Lauren Scott opinions editor Seventy trillion pennies, fourteen trillion nickels, seven trillion dimes, or two trillion eight-hundred billion quarters.

Any way you look at it, the 700 billion-dollar bailout passed by the legislative, judicial, and most recently, the executive branch of government is a lot of money – money that this generation will be paying for as future tax payers. Nearly everyone is talking about it, teens and adults alike. Why shouldn’t they? This bailout could affect the entire course of the United States’ economy for the next ten plus years.

Buying a house, buying a car, getting a loan, applying for college or a job – all these things will depend on if the

bailout does what it’s intended to do. “I think it’s important that people realize it’s for the greater good,” junior Linda Gai stated, “even if it wasn’t the most intelligent thing to do.”

In a nutshell, the government officials passed the bailout bill, hoping it would prevent a neo-Great Depression.

Theoretically, the government would buy ownership positions in major banks that lost revenue due to loaning money to people who could eventually not pay off their credit. Billions of extra dollars supplied by taxpayers would flow into the failing financial market, coaxing the banks to lend money out more freely. The money would then trickle down into the hands of ordinary, middle-class people who recycle it back into the economy by purchasing various services and goods. The economy would balance itself before it comes to a slow crawl. Of course, all this won’t happen in the next week, or even in the next year. IHS economics teacher Jim Holm stated, “I don’t think that we will have another Great Depression. Governments around the world are taking action to address the weakness in the banking sector. However, this is a significant situation.

There will be fewer jobs and lower incomes for a period of time that will be much longer than previous recessions.”

Holm also pointed out that he believes the current state of the stock market will make everyone pay closer attention to economic issues from now on.

Senior Aaron Nelson had much to express about the bailout, saying, “The trickle-down system might have worked a couple years ago,” but now, “it’s not going to work!” He suggested that the government should have given small businesses, communities, and only some large corporations the seven-hundred billion dollars so the money could, “trickle up instead of down!”

Even more recently, there has been talk about another billion-dollar bundle to jumpstart the ever plummeting economy. Holm said, “There is little doubt that the current economic situation will make everyone pay closer attention to economic issues. Current events are important to both teens and parents…teens and their spending patterns are significant to many businesses. The decisions being made today will affect young adults’ abilities to finance their educations and follow their chosen career paths.”

2 November 6, 2008

News

the Talisman

ChaCha answering service gives help Answering those pending questions

by Adam Green features editor Getting answers off the web is a breeze if there is a computer handy or a device capable of internet connection, but Wi-Fi is impossible to tap into while racing down the highway and a data plan can be quite pricey. What if one is among the group of people who do not have a phone or handheld device with webbrowsing capability and need an answer right away?

Fortunately, there is now a way to get all the answers needed just by asking by means of a cell phone. It is the relatively new, free, and very simple solution to the problem – a social answering service called ChaCha.

Similar to Yahoo Answers, ChaCha uses people to answer questions. However, contrary to Yahoo Answers, which can take quite a long time and may provide many results, opinions, and other comments, ChaCha is quick, offers one definitive answer, and shows a link to the site where the guide gathered the information as well as the guide’s name or handle.

To ask a question, simply dial 1-800-2ChaCha (1-800-224-2242) and state the inquiry. Soon after, a text message should arrive informing the recipient that “ChaCha is working on the question.” Then, a hired guide works on finding the answer, and when he or she does, the asker will receive a final text message with the result.

One could also text the question to “chacha” (242242).

ChaCha has spread nationwide within the past year.

Senior Cody Holman loves ChaCha. He said, “ChaCha

is awesome! You can ask them anything, even why they’re so awesome.” It can be used for entertainment when boredom strikes or for very practical things, such as getting directions, the weather report, or finding out where concert tickets are on sale. Junior Tyler Kennedy likes how “you can always win in trivia against your friends.”

ChaCha is more than just answers, though.

ChaCha replied, “ChaCha is the friend you never had. You can take it anywhere with you; it always agrees with you and answers all your questions!”

People all over the United States know about and use ChaCha quite frequently. Holman said, “I use ChaCha almost every day. Yesterday I asked twenty questions.” It has proven to be very useful in our “need-it-know” society and will likely only continue to grow as more and more people hear about this free and innovative phone service.

New EmX station under construction at Gateway A new convenience for bus riders

by Jordan Belcher staff writer There is a new EmX bus station being built in front of Gateway Mall in Springfield. The EmX is a large, shiny, lime green bus that travels all throughout the EugeneSpringfield area. Some streets have special lanes for the bus to travel. The EmX is free to ride for the first two years, and afterwards it will cost 75 cents for youth (6-18)

for a one-way ride. For a day pass it will cost $1.25 for a youth. This is so many people get used to riding the new bus for free and once the two years are over, passengers will have to pay. The EmX stands for Emerald Express.

One advantage that the EmX has over other buses in Eugene is that they can drive either way on one-way streets. The funding for the EmX company is as follows: Federal Transit Administration, 33 million dollars; State of Oregon Connect Oregon, 5.4 million dollars; and LTD Local Match, 2.9 million dollars, the total amount LTD or Lane Transit District is given is 41.3 million

dollars for EmX. These are grants from both the federal and state government. The cost of the Gateway station will be 2 million dollars, an amount surprising to some students. “I’m amazed that they’re spending that much on a bus station,” says sophomore Courtney Smith.

Construction started on September 18, 2008, and is expected to be finished by Spring 2009, replacing the current Gateway Station. During the time of construction, there will be no disruptions of the regular bus schedule.

The new station will be located in front of the mall, which is a better location for people who live on Gateway Street, or near Gateway Mall. The new station will have accommodations like a covered walkway to the mall entrance, benches, landscaping, and a four-lane bus stop to replace the two lanes that the current station has.

When asked if he will ride to or from the new Gateway Station, junior Andrew Reinhard said, “Oh yes, I will ride all the time.” This has been a common reaction among Sheldon students. When asked the same question, three out of four students said yes. EmX has twentythree “Park and Ride” locations. There are numerous locations throughout the Eugene-Springfield area.

There are also a few rural locations in some surrounding towns. No matter what form of transportation students choose to take, EmX will be available to them.

New exchange students Global students adapt to life at Sheldon High School

by Chelsea LaFlam staff writer This year Sheldon has many new students, some of whom are foreign exchange students. When students go into their classes, they might see new students from different countries. Many of the exchange students are here for the whole year, and are learning how to do everyday things differently.

The new exchange students seem to be doing very well adjusting to a new life in a new country.

Whether people are here for just a semester or here for the whole year, they are having a good time and learning that life is a lot different from their home towns. Excited about being in a new school, senior Camila Eide stated, “I have made a lot of new friends.”

It can be difficult to tell the difference between new students and foreign exchange students because they look and act like everyone else. But when one talks to these people they are actually very different because they come from a different country with different customs. There are many things in the U.S that catch the students’ attention. Senior Johan Bohlin said, “My favorite thing about the United States is Taco Bell!”

Both Eide and Bohlin are going to be spending the rest of the year here in the United States and will get more accustomed to the different living environments.

Even though the students are adjusting to high school in America, they still have to deal with learning how to understand what they are doing in their classes. There are some students who can understand English well and can do well in their classes, but there are others who can barely speak English. The people who have transferred here for the year have come from various places all over the world. Sheldon has become more diverse this year by letting students come here from other countries.

Regardless of there being new students at our school, things still seem to be the same. This year is also different seeing the new faces and the various activities going on.

Features

the Talisman

November 6, 2008

3

History of the kissing rock How the Sheldon Blarney stone became the symbol it is today

by Anthony Rhoads ads manager School spirit is important to pass from generation to generation because it is a link between the generations.

One of the traditions at Sheldon is kissing the imitation Blarney stone. It has been a tradition carried on for as long as the Blarney stone has been at Sheldon High School and used to be a very big event, but now is optional.

The Blarney stone originated in Ireland from a castle named Blarney Castle. It pertains to Sheldon High School because we are the Sheldon Irish. The reason for kissing the stone is that the kisser supposedly receives the gift of eloquence, or the gift of persuasion and powerful discourse.

At Sheldon, kissing the Blarney stone is a way of showing school pride.

Pride at Sheldon High School is better this year thanks to ASB (Associated Student Body), scheduling secretary Connie Minihan said, “I think that school spirit and pride has increased this year because it hasn’t always

Adam Green photo

The Blarney stone sits in the main courtyard. been this way. I think Irish Nation has helped with that.”

In 1964, the Blarney Stone was on the front lawn of the schol until members of South Eugene High School dug a ten foot hole and put the Blarney stone in the hole. This is not the first time the stone has been vandalized; it also has been painted purple. The stone was pulled out by the Sheldon wrestling team, who dug under the stone to get a rope under it. They had a truckload of sand delivered and lifted the stone up three inches or so at a time and poured

sand under the stone. When the wrestling team got it out they put it in a truck and drove it in to the courtyard and had a concrete slab delivered. Vice principle Mike Johnson said, “The students have a lot of pride, but don’t know the tradition because the teachers who know the tradition are retired and so are the coaches.” Johnson continued, “The tradition of the stone is that every freshman kisses the stone because it symbolizes Sheldon Irish strength. When they kiss the Blarney stone, they are paying tribute to that strength.” The stone was dedicated to Ken Wilkens, the first student manager, and also on it is a plaque with the words: “So set, before its echoes fade, and hold the low lintel up, the still-defended challenge-cup. A.E. Houseman a tribute to Bruce Kinnee and Ken Wilkens class of 1964.”

Athletic director assistant Julia Girod said, “I think we are selective in tradition. For instance, the Irish stone. We honor the tradition of freshman kissing it on their first day here at Sheldon High School. However, the traditions of homecoming are not respected to the same extent. You see almost no students participating in spirit week and you see a minimal number of students participating and supporting the tradition of the dance and homecoming court. I wish more kids would take advantage of these traditions because it will enrich their experiences in high school.” The blarney stone is a great symbol of Irish pride and should continue to be just that.

How supervisor Marques Electronic devices stolen Green came to Sheldon at Sheldon Campus supervisor Marques Green has experienced many highs and lows in his life

by Michael Chase coeditor-in-chief

Marques Green is the man who, along with Travis Melvin, TJ Johnson, and Darin Henry, makes sure Sheldon runs smoothly. But what do people really know about him?

According to him, “I’m more relaxed than I show. Man, I’m goofy. I’m always plotting some big joke in my mind.”

Throughout his life, Green has had a basketball career full of moments of success, as well as moments of downfalls.

As a four year varsity player at Willamette High School, where he started as a freshman, he tried to join the basketball squad at the University of Arizona as a walk-on. “I had a good G.P.A. (3.5), but my SAT scores were just too low. I get real bad test anxiety, and I just crumbled, so that ended up not working out.”

Initially believing that his basketball career would be

over, he played in some leagues for fun, and realized, “I wasn’t done with [basketball], and it wasn’t done with me.” So he decided to play for a junior college showcase, and then joined the team at Chemeketa Community College, where he received the Defensive Player of the Year award in his second year. He was then offered to play for the number one Division-AA school in the country, but decided to go back to Arizona, and finally landed at Northern Arizona University. After an unfortunate injury, which required arthroscopic knee surgery, Green bounced back to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in his second year at NAU, and the Lumberjacks became Big Sky champions both years he attended.

Through the highs and lows of his career to date, Green has kept a stable head on his shoulders. “I got the work ethic and drive, and with that, I can accomplish anything.

I’ve already been at the bottom, so I know what it takes to get to the top.” He said his father gave him the greatest advice that he keeps in his mind: “To be good you’ve got to give up being okay. To be great you’ve got to give up being good. To do that, you’ve got to work for it. Because while you’re sleeping, someone else is getting better.”

Green said that if his basketball career doesn’t work out in the end, he would like to run his own business, or coach a team. However, judging by the work ethic and drive he has, it shouldn’t be long before his stock rises and he is out on the court doing what he loves.

Marques Green came to Sheldon with the understanding of just working here as a summer job because he liked being around young kids, but he stayed and as he says, “The rest is history.”

Jeff Toreson photo

Campus supervisor Marques Green keeps a watchful eye making sure things run smoothly out in the courtyard.

Some students deal with having personal belongings stolen

by Alicia Luck backpage editor Sheldon has had many thefts committed, but few items have been returned. Last month four iPods were stolen out of the band room while students were on the turf for practice. The reason it happened was that the band room door was left unlocked. This has created a need for better security throughout the entire band. The office has offered a reward for information to help with the investigation.

Campus supervision has received numerous reports of stolen items this past year, but out of that number only three have been recovered. Campus supervisor Travis Melvin stated that when it came to stolen items, “I would say there is an iPod stolen once every two weeks.” This means that students should all remember to keep their things locked away. “Electronics are the main things that get stolen like iPods, PSPs, and iPhones,” Melvin sated. He also said, “The reason we have lockers at Sheldon is so your valuables aren’t stolen; always use them so none of your stuff is stolen.”

Another campus supervisor, TJ Johnson added, “Sometimes, things like bikes get stolen.”

Many students ride their bikes to school, which has affected the amount that can be stolen.

Remember to keep valuable things locked away or in a safe place because valuables are stolen quite often.

Road To The White House “I am a Republican. I’m loyal to the party of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. And I believe that my party, in some ways, has strayed from those principles, particularly on the issue of fiscal discipline.”

-John McCain

McCain on...

Obama on...

Economy: includes taking the actions needed to provide immediate help to American families while also taking the long-term steps necessary to secure America’s economic prosperity and leadership in the world

Economy: Obama is working to create new jobs and ease the burden on middle class Americans by offering them tax cuts three times the size of McCain’s

Education: American education must be worthy of the promise we make to our children and ourselves Energy and Environment: producing more power, pushing technology to help free our transportation sector from its use of foreign oil, cleaning up our air and addressing climate change, and ensuring that Americans have dependable energy sources Foreign Policy: carrying on George Bush’s policy of unilateral action Health Care: save Medicare and Medicaid, protect private health benefits for retirees, and allow our companies to effectively compete around the world Iraq: it is strategically and morally essential for the United States to support the Iraqi Government to become capable of governing itself and safeguarding its people; when Iraqi forces can achieve this, American troops can return home

Education: early childhood education, adequate funding for schools, and reforming no child left behind

“I’m asking you to believe.

Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington... I’m asking you to believe in yours.”

- Barack Obama

Energy and Environment: investment in alternative fuels and renewable energy, and a plan to increase America’s energy efficiency and create 5 million new “green” jobs Foreign Policy: keep the American tradition of smart diplomacy to keep the country safe while improving America’s standing in the world Health Care: providing accessible, affordable coverage for all, and it will reduce health care costs for families Iraq: work with miliraty commanders to responsibly end the war in Iraq and refocus our resources on al Qaeda in Afghanistan and finish the war on terrorism Social Security: ensuring Social Security is protected and viable for all generations; Obama will eliminate income taxes for seniors making less than $50,000

Taxes: Middle class tax cut for 95% of American workers Social Security: continue to privatize Social Security Taxes: more tax cuts and make Bush tax cuts permanent, cut corporate taxes Women: to overturn Roe v. Wade and his party’s platform opposes all abortions — even in cases of rape and incest

Barack Obama

44th President of the United States

Women: supports a woman’s right to choose, equal pay for equal work, expanding the childcare tax credit and paid sick leave for parents

Results of SHS Mock Election Barack Obama: 535.5 800 John McCain: 2.5 333

-Electoral vote - Popular vote - Electoral vote - Popular vote

6 November 6, 2008

Opinions

the Talisman

A breath of fresh hip-hop lyrics hits the scene An underground artist is gaining a wide-spread fan base

by Bethany Jordan copy editor When the music genre ‘hip-hop’ is mentioned, most think of what is heard on mainstream radio these days.

The stereotypical hip-hop music typically encompasses degrading lyrics and more often than not, reference to drugs and alcohol. Whether you call the combination of pulsating bass, head-bopping beats, and tongue-twisting lyrics R&B or rap, it all fits under the broader category of hip-hop, but not all of it is as distasteful as most expect it to be.

The “underground” of the hip-hop scene is a whole slew of artists who, while widely unknown, are extremely talented.

In some ways, these artists are like a whole new breed of the hip-hop genre. Included in this sub-category are artists like Sage Francis, who is alcohol-free, substance-free, and more political than monetarily driven. Best said by Francis himself, he’s “different, in a different way.”

Also an award-winning spoken-word poet, Francis’s lyrics are heavily loaded with metaphors, puns, word play, and vivid storytelling. These traits make Francis’s

Ask the Staff: What is Your Favorite Quote?

Michael Chase: Coeditor-in-Chief “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20 Jeff Toreson: Coeditor-in-Chief “Every immigrant who comes here should be required within five years to learn English or leave the country.” - Theodore Roosevelt Bethany Jordan: Copy Editor “Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.” - Morrie Schwartz Alicia Luck: Backpage Editor “There are three billion people in this world, but just one can change your life.” - Mark Schwan Lauren Scott: Opinions Page Editor “The folly of mistaking a paradox for a discovery, a metaphor for a proof, a torrent of verbiage for a spring of capital truths, and oneself for an oracle, is inborn in us.” - Paul Valery Anthony Rhoads: Staff Writer “If A equals success, then the formula is A= X + Y + Z. X is work. Y is play. Z is keep your mouth shut.” - Albert Einstein Julisa Hall: Staff Writer “Stay strong.” - Anonymous Michael Zimmerman: Staff Writer “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” - Theodore Roosevelt Adam Green: Features Page Editor “He who rides to win will not think much of a rainy day.” - John Tarpp Jordan Belcher: Staff Writer “Never eat yellow snow.” - Anonymous Chelsea LaFlam: Staff Writer “Everything happens for a reason.” Anonymous Brittney Schooley: News Page Editor “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Anonymous Johnnie Ramirez: Staff Writer “What you need to do is be thankful for the life you got, know what I’m saying? Stop looking at what you ain’t got, and start being thankful for what you do got.” - T.I. Molly Morris: Centerspread Editor “Passion without integrity runs amok.” Fr. Pat Kyle Cramer: Staff Writer “If you want something, take it.” - Anonymous

intricately woven lyrics on top of catchy beats an earopening experience.

Unique to Francis is his enlightened awareness of political and world issues, which is often reflected in his music. One of Francis’s more popular songs, “Makeshift Patriot,” is an edgy account of Francis’s visit to Ground Zero just five days after the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Centers in 2001. Francis passionately describes what he saw in his time spent in Ground Zero: “Using commercial

aviation as instruments of destruction / Pregnant women couldn’t protect their children / Wheelchairs were stairway obstructions / Now I have to back pedal from the shower of glass and metal / Wondering how after it settles we’ll find who provided power to radical rebels.”

While Francis does cover relatively controversial topics in his lyrics, they are typically jam-packed with irony and used as a tool to communicate awareness to his gradually increasing fan base.

In addition to writing music, Francis also is a cofounder of a website called KnowMore.org which, defined by Francis is, “…a grassroots, web-based community dedicated to chronicling and resisting corporate attacks on democracy, worker’s and human rights, fair trade, business ethics and the environment.”

Francis and artists similar to him are a breath of fresh air in comparison to much of what is heard on the radio waves today. In an interview with ArtistDirect, Francis shared his opinions on mainstream hip-hop: “We [underground hip-hop artists] try to keep it amongst ourselves—it’s not like we’re trying to broadcast our opinions on mainstream hip-hop, because it’s almost like it’s a whole other world from what we deal with. There’s no point in us interjecting our opinion on those artists, because that’s not what we do.” And it is true-- his catchy songs are not only jamBethany Jordan photo packed with wit, but are also enlighteningly informative Francis performs in Tempe, Arizona, in 2007. and exactly what the hip-hop community has needed.

Going green and saving money Not only can you save the planet— you can save your bank account!

by Brittney Schooley news editor In our current economic downfall and our deteriorating environment, more people seem to be turning their lifestyles “green,” not only for the thought of saving the planet we live on, but for the opportunity to save money. “Going green” seems to be a new fad across the country and it has even gone global. The start of “going green” is recycling in many schools, businesses, and is even being encouraged in homes. Carbon-emissions are starting to be reduced due to new hybrid vehicles and people not driving as much because of the sky-high gas prices. “Going green” has opened doors to saving more money too. Junior Jill Fogelstrom said the best way to be environmentally friendly is to “recycle first and foremost.” Since conserving energy is now a popular life-altering habit, Fogelstrom explained that she shuts off the lights when they’re left on and makes sure the heat is turned down when nobody is home. Sophomore Erik Larson said, “Replacing your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs” is the best way to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient. When it comes to other things like plastic bags or non-reusable items, sophomore

Megan Burch said, “Because I don’t like to use plastic bags, I use a personal tote at the grocery store.”

Saving money seems to be a concept that goes hand-inhand with being “green.” But the choices we make to save money can affect our habits concerning the way we eat.

Healthy foods such as organic products are pricier than foods with more preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Fogelstrom said of organic food, “Sometimes things are just way too expensive to buy.” When it comes to saving money by putting it aside for a later time, where to put it is subject to debate. Burch said the easiest way to save money is to “put it in the bank” and the best way to save it is to “not spend it.” Deciding where to put that stash of cash can have an effect on later plans and/or previous engagements. Both sides of where to put it, at home in a safe compartment or in a savings account at the bank have their pros and cons. If it’s put into a savings account at the bank it is less likely to be spent, but at the same time what if one really needs some cash and one either has no time to go to the bank or it’s closed? On the other hand, if one puts it in a safe place at home it is available any time, whether it’s for an emergency or not.

In our society today, some tend to be both energy efficient and more cautious as to how much they consume, while others don’t really care and continue their regular daily habits. Our society and the unexpected changes regarding prices and the environment have made communities around the country, even the world, be more watchful over their lifestyles. “Going green” is a movement growing within society.

What does it mean to be individual?

Sheldon students and an old transcendentalist give their thoughts on individuality

by Lauren Scott opinions editor

We are all tied together by differences and similarities; they make us individual.

Junior Hollis Gehrett stated, “The media puts a lot of weight on physical beauty, being a certain size, shape, and look. It is ridiculous because this ‘normal’ that they present is not normal at all. There is no such thing as true ‘normalcy,’ and thank God! Life would be so boring if we all fell under the same category.”

The concept of “individuality” is one that has maintained the flexibility to morph into each person’s unique opinion throughout history. It means orange and purple hair or flashy clothes to some, and ethnic background or music tastes to others. To a large portion of the public, individuality is simply what makes other people different from ourselves, be it good or bad. “[Individuality means] to be me, not to copy anybody else,” said senior Ismar Lopez.

When asked what kinds of ways people can express themselves, junior Natasha Krascen exclaimed, “What they wear!” She, herself, was boldly sporting a pair of Spiderman briefs on her head.

A famous author by the name of Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote a famous essay by the name of “Self Reliance.” In that essay, he wrote, “Whoso would be a man must be a Jeff Toreson photo nonconformist.” Emerson is obviously pointing out that everyone is different and in that difference is our humanity. Krascen and friends celebrate Superhero Day.

Sports

the Talisman

Avoiding common athletic injuries

Getting in shape is key to having a healthy career as a Sheldon athlete

by Jeff Toreson coeditor-in-chief

Broken bones, torn ligaments, and severe cramps are just a few of the injuries that are common to high school studentathletes. When students sign up to play a sport for Sheldon they are agreeing to take the risk of possibly getting injured.

It is each athlete’s job as an athlete to avoid certain injuries.

Athletic trainer Laura Baker can help athletes to have a healthy athletic career here at Sheldon. “Laura has really helped me stay as healthy as possible, and when I have gotten injured she was there to help me get back as soon as possible,” said varsity football player Jack McCaskill.

Injuries come with the nature of sport. Whether athletes are playing in the NFL on Sundays or in a pick up game of

basketball with some friends, they are putting themselves at risk of getting seriously hurt. “The number one thing an athlete can do to help themselves stay healthy is to get in shape before they start their sport,” said Laura Baker.

Anyone who has ever watched a Friday night football game at Sheldon has seen how severe some injuries can be.

“Cramping up in the middle of a game is one of the worst feelings you can have,” said junior Cameron Abeene.

When athletes are putting their bodies on the line, and going as hard as they can for the entire game they naturally become susceptible to having muscle cramps. “Statistically the main reason people suffer from cramps is being dehydrated,” Baker added. “The best way you can prevent cramps is by staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet.”

To be a student-athlete at Sheldon and compete at the highest level in the state is an honor and a great opportunity to further develop your skills. It would be a shame for someone to miss out on such an experience with an injury that prevents them from playing. As an athlete there are ways to protect yourself from certain

November 6, 2008

7

MIDNIGHT MADNESS!

Attention all potential Sheldon boy’s basketball players!

We are continuing our annual Midnight Madness special this Monday morning at Midnight (Sunday night) in the main gym. Cost is free and all participants will receive a free t-shirt. This is a great precursor to tryouts and is also a great way to have fun and kick off the 2008-09 season! So come out and show your stuff to try to impress the coaches and have fun with fellow players. If you have any questions, contact Coach Lampe. injuries, but if and when you do get injured Laura Baker will do everything in her power to help you get healthy.

Don’t let injuries be an excuse for not playing a sport.

Jeff Toreson photo

Athletic trainer Laura Baker plays a big role in keeping SHS athletes healthy the whole year.

Sheldon cheer: not the typical sport Cheerleading involves dedication, commitment and injuries common to all high school sports

by Johnnie Ramirez staff writer Every year Sheldon has tryouts for cheerleading, and every year girls and guys try their hardest to make the team. This year’s tryouts for the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity teams were on May 21 and 22. The tryouts were based on coachability, ability to fill a role, athletic potential, athletic skills, and academic history/citizenship.

“Nobody is guaranteed a spot on the team and anyone

can take your place if you don’t work hard enough,” said junior Carolina Zamora, a varsity cheerleader.

Cheerleading is considered a sport, but is under constant debate. While some may think it’s just a bunch of girls shouting, others think it takes just as much athletic ability as every other sport.

“I definitely think cheerleading is a sport! People think we only do cheer and dance and that we just have to look cute and they don’t consider that a sport,” stated Zamora.

“Cheerleading is definitely a sport. It’s really hard work.

We condition a lot, we have to remember cheers and counts, and put it all together. We run and lift people, jump, and tumble. It’s a lot of skills in one and it’s very demanding,” stated junior varsity cheerleader, Marlene Melendrez.

Cheerleaders work as a team. Supporting the team is very important to the cheerleaders and coaches.

At every game cheerleaders are cheering while

Sheldon Varsity scoreboard

Sheldon has another successful year as Southwest Conference play ends Football

Girls Soccer

1.South Medford.................5-0 2.Grants Pass.......................4-1 3.Sheldon............................3-2 4.Roseburg...........................2-3 5.North Medford.................1-4 6.South Eugene...................0-5

Boys XC

*District meet results

1.North Medford.................7-2 2.Sheldon............................7-3 3.South Medford.................7-3 4.Grants Pass.......................3-6 5.South Eugene...................3-5 6.Roseburg..........................1-9

1.South Eugene.....................43 2.North Medford...................49 3.Sheldon.............................52 4.Roseburg............................98 5.South Medford.................128 6.Grants Pass......................157

Volleyball

Boys Soccer

Girls XC

*District meet results

1.Sheldon............................9-1 2.Roseburg...........................8-2 3.South Eugene...................6-4 4.North Medford.................5-5 5.Grants Pass.......................1-9 6.South Medford.................1-9

1.South Medford.................9-1 2.South Eugene...................8-2 3.Roseburg...........................7-3 4.Grants Pass.......................3-7 5.North Medford.................3-5 6.Sheldon............................0-9

1.South Eugene.....................33 2.South Medford...................34 3.Roseburg............................87 4.North Medford...................87 5.Sheldon............................110

How it feels to...

by Jeff Toreson coeditor-in-chief

A seasonal feature spotlighting prominent Sheldon athletes and what it feels like when they accomplish amazing things be the Southwest Conference player of the year?

“It’s cool to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve put in these past few years. At the same time I don’t let any of my individual accomplishments get in the way of my ultimate goal of helping my team get back to state!”

- Junior Gabbi Parker

Jeff Toreson photo

-Gabbi Parker, 2008 SWC player of the year, will try to help the volleyball team win a State Championship on Saturday, November 8.

the members of the other squad come and support.

“I do feel that the varsity cheerleaders help us a lot. They’re there when I need them, and I’m glad I can look up to them for help,” said Chelsea Betchold, a freshman cheerleader.

“We go to tryouts and help them learn the material they need to know. We also go to their games and cheer with them.

They know that if they need help with anything they can come up to any of the varsity cheerleaders,” Zamora said.

“The varsity cheerleaders do help us. They encourage us and help us better ourselves to move up to the next level,” stated Melendrez. “The coaches are supportive too. They tell us to keep practicing and get with someone who knows all the cheers to better ourselves.”

Talisman Staff Coeditor-in-Chief Coeditor-in-Chief Copy Editor Ads Manager Centerspread Editor Features Editor Frontpage Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor News Editor Copy-Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Advisor

Michael Chase Jeff Toreson Alicia Luck Anthony Rhoads Molly Morris Adam Green Michael Chase Lauren Scott Jeff Toreson Brittney Schooley Bethany Jordan Jordan Belcher Kyle Cramer Julisa Hall Chelsea LaFlam Johnnie Ramirez Michael Zimmerman Greg Cantwell

A message from the Talisman The Talisman is run by students for students. The views expressed in the Talisman are not necessarily those of the Talisman staff, those of Sheldon High School, or those of the Sheldon community. If you have any letters to the editor, please e-mail the Talisman at shstalisman@gmail.com, or drop a letter in our box located in the office. We kindly reserve the right to edit all stories we print.

Backpage

“Luck” of the Sheldon Irish The ups and downs of the school year wage war on the backpage editor

by Alicia Luck backpage editor I love Halloween. It makes remember the things from when I was a little girl, like the silly costumes I use to wear, which usually involved Star Wars. My mom told me that when I was in kindergarten, she dressed me up as Princess Leia and I’m sure that I looked ridiculous.

I normally don’t have a Halloween tradition, but whatever I do always makes me happy because to me, Halloween is a way to be a kid again. Not every person is looking for you to be all happy and cheery (all though you probably should be) because everyone knows that

Halloween is about dressing up and getting candy. I know candy helps cavities grow, but who can stand life without any form of sugar? I think I would die without sugar, but so would everyone else. I know we are all in high school, but it isn’t a good reason for all of us to not try and have fun. Most people out there should dress up and have fun because after a long time in school, we all need it!

Who wants to think about doing homework on a Friday night when you could get candy and hang out with your friends? We all want to have fun right? It’s been a few days since Halloween and this year I got the chance to hang out with my friends who all had very different costumes.

My friend Erin was the most noticeable in her bright yellow Twinkie costume, which was a crack up for all of us throughout the night. My costume was a little less funny as I was dressed up as a doctor (or as my mom said, a nurse wanting to be a doctor) which made me

Varsity choir to perform at festival following 2009 Presidential inauguration Varsity choir will be off to Washington for the festivities after the inauguration

by Michael Zimmerman staff writer Between January 17 to the 21, Sheldon’s varsity choir will perform during the 2009 Presidential inaugural festivities. This all started during the second week of school, when out of the blue a musical tour group that the Dublinaires have traveled with previously decided to invite the choir. The tour group needed more representation from the west coast, and they were well amazed by the choir’s past performances, so they figured that Sheldon’s choir was going to be their best choice.

The choir was obviously excited about being invited to such a huge event. The only problem was that the decision to go relied on the parents of the team members.

Choir teacher Nancy Anderson said, “The parents were a little concerned of the costs of traveling and hotels.”

After a few weeks the parents agreed to pay a small

portion of the traveling expenses. The choir realized that they only had a month and a half left to raise money for the event, so they have started to run fundraisers and other events to raise money, such as selling Yankee candles, running entertainment books, and Johnson Brother’s poinsettias and wreaths. Varsity choir member Rachel Edson said, “We’ve been running concession stands at the Duck home games, and are planning to perform at the winter concert.” On December 18, the choir will be running the Winter Choral Concert and it will be advertised as a benefit concert with all proceeds going to the trip. Varsity Choir member Zoe Muellner said, “It’s going to be a lot of work, but in the end it’s all going to be worth it.”

Since the festivities are around Martin Luther King Day, the selection of music that the choir will be singing will be either all patriotic or having to do with the civil rights struggle. As for the actual Presidential inauguration, both Sen. Widen and Rep. DeFazio’s offices are working towards getting tickets for all of the choir members and their parents to the event. Varsity choir member Katelyn Sage said, “This is going to be so exciting, because how many people in their lives get to be part of something so historical!?”

Be thankful for the efforts people in your life make for you Be thankful for your parents and don’t take things in your life for granted

by Johnnie Rameriz staff writer

There are many ways to show someone that you’re thankful. You can cry, hug, smile, or just tell them.

But like the normal human beings we are, we forget to be thankful sometimes and don’t appreciate what we have. We’re all guilty of it, and we all should take the time out on thanksgiving to recognize what we have and what life would be without it. For example, the little things our parents do add up to big things.

I’m very thankful for having a mom like I do. Most people have someone they look up to like Oprah, or someone famous, but I look up to my mom. She’s been through a lot and I know I have taken the things she does for granted. We’ve all done this. Parents don’t have to

buy us things, to feed us, make sure were safe, give us shelter and somewhere warm to sleep at night, but they do. I think that you truly don’t realize what you have until it’s gone.

It’s also sad to see parents who don’t want to pay attention to their kids. Sometimes kids just want someone to say hi to them or even acknowledge them. It’s hard for most of us kids to make it on our own.

We can’t make decisions for ourselves and if we can it’s because our parents have been there to teach us right from wrong. Parents are supposed to set a good example for us. We pick up the habits that our parents have and we keep them over time and it gets hard for kids to lose them. Parents should care and love their kids because kids will move on and hopefully they’ll be thinking of you.

“What you need to do is be thankful for the life that you got. You know what I’m sayin’. Stop lookin’ at what you ain’t got and start bein’ thankful for what you do got.” -T.I.

laugh on that Friday morning. My best friend Claryn’s costume was a little controversial as she was dressed as herself who had gotten pregnant by Adam Lazzara, the lead singer of Taking Back Sunday. We decided at one point that she was actually pregnant and I was going to have to deliver her baby while on someone’s porch and he or she would have to call 911 even though we all had cell phones. My other best friend Breanna was a fifties girl which was easy to tell because of her hair and her bright shiny jacket. My friend Jana and her mom came up with her being Princess Leia which almost cracked me up instantly because for the past couple of years I’ve been dressing up in Star Wars costumes. We all had fun walking around my neighborhood and came up with different scenarios for either costumes for next year or what would happen if a Twinkie got pregnant. Overall, my Halloween night was amazing and I hope all of the people out there had fun too.

Michael Walters will be missed Sheldon senior fondly remembered

by Julisa Hall staff writer Michael Walters was a student here at Sheldon.

He enjoyed hanging out with friends and family. His best friend, who does not attend Sheldon, was one of the first people to know about Michael’s death. He is completely devastated. The bed news hit Sheldon staff early morning on Tuesday, September 24, 2008. Shocked and in disbelief about the loss of this student, students, family members, and staff here at Sheldon were and still are at a loss for words. Sabrina Leonard was a friend of Michael’s; she had second period with him. Her first impression of Michael was a good one. He introduced himself and told her if she had any “hot” single friends, to tell them that he is a good guy. He also told her that if she ever needed anything anytime, day or night, to let him know. Leonard stated, “He was a very giving young man; he always had a smile on his freckled covered face.He told me stories about the football games him and his dad watched; they would always get into arguments because they were rooting for different teams.” Michael and his mom were the best of friends; they loved hanging out, and playing jokes on each other. Even though Michael is gone, he will forever be remembered as the kid who was always smiling. Even if he was having a bad day, he would do things that others couldn’t help but laugh at. Students, friends, family, and acquaintances will always love and cherish the little time they had with him. His photo courtesy of Jenny Lewis time was cut short; we will see you in heaven. Senior Michael Walters, shown at the age of seven in this photoAlways and forever provided by his mother, will Rest In Peace, Mikey. graph be fondly remembered.