Volume 45 Issue 8 - June 9, 2010

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.

Talisman Staff Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Features Editor Sports Editor Backpage Editor Entertainment Editor Opinions Editor Frontpage Editor News Editor Ads Manager Photo Editor Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Advisor Staff Advisor

Michael Chase Lauren Scott Stephanie Barnes Michael Chase Alicia Luck Anthony Rhoads Jordan Flowers Lauren Scott Adam Green Anthony Rhoads Chasity Barnes Tiwanna Hamilton Jackie Jones Naima Lobby Gabby Aufderheide Kaitlyn Gaughan Keionna White Jack Watson Alex Pierpoint Max Ebert Greg Cantwell Kristina King

Entertainment

the Talisman

June 9, 2010

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Shrek Forever After adds one more chapter Newest addition to the popular franchise adds all new characters, twists, and even more laughter.

sense for his character and the plot.

The humor is very clever. One of the best lines in the movie was between Shrek and Donkey; Shrek is describing how true loves first kiss, and Donkey (Eddie

Jordan Flowers opinion editor

Shrek was a pretty funny movie when it came out in 2001. So far there have been three Shrek movies released.

The fourth addition to the Shrek series, Shrek Forever After, came out in late May. Aside from a few characters that were added, the cast is pretty much the same. Even after four movies, they are all pretty funny together.

Despite being a sequel, it wasn’t too bad. Admittedly, there were some things in it that are prominent in sequels.

I found that I actually laughed during this one (unlike Shrek the Third, which wasn’t funny at all).The movie has a bit of It’s a Wonderful Life vibe.

The main character, Shrek (Mike Myers), misses his original life and doesn’t realize how good he has it.

Rumplestiltsken overhears the ogre complaining and later makes a deal with him so Shrek can live one day as an ogre again.

Rumplestiltsken is a really interesting addition to the movie. He is definitely two-faced. I thought he was a good villain in the movie. He wasn’t one of those ‘sequel villains’ (who usually have ridiculous motives and pop up in the storyline like annoying little Whack-a-Moles).

Rumplestiltsken actually had a backstory, and it made

Jordan Flowers photo

Shrek Forever After has an alternate universe

where Fiona isn’t with Shrek, and Puss is fat.

Murphy) curtly responds, “You gunna hafta take me to dinner first.” Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) has some very funny lines in the movie as well, and of course, he pulls his ‘cute kitty face’ out to make audiences say “Awwww, that’s adorable!” Puss in Boots seems a lot like a Spanish Garfield. He’s still my favorite character, and he is definitely a show-stealer during the movie.

In the movie there is the “Ogre Resistance,” which has some interesting characters. In their ranks there are new laughs to be had. There is also an army of witches that were very entertaining. One of the minor villains in the story is actually very funny (despite not having any lines). But this character would be spoiled if it were announced.

Despite being funny, it was a pretty average movie.

It’s predictable, and leaves a lot to be desired. There’s only so much to be done with a movie that was already “concluded” so it makes sense that the movie wasn’t great. It’s a family movie that one could probably watch once on DVD and let collect dust.

It’s definitely one of those movies to watch if bored with an hour and a half to kill. I enjoyed the movie for entertainment value, but it wasn’t spectacular and it definitely isn’t a movie that is going to stick in my memory. It seems almost like Dreamworks was just releasing it and hoping it might make some money. I saw it in plain old 2-D, but maybe it would have been more interesting if I did see it in 3-D. Shrek Forever After gets an alright score of two stars out of five.

After seeing it, I think I probably would’ve watched it through a rental, or waited for it to come out on ABC or something. It’s not a horrible movie, but I feel like I would not have missed much if I didn’t see it.

Prince of Persia:Sands of Time hits theaters The new movie has taken the popular video game and moved it to the big screen with Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan Stephanie Barnes features editor A movie based on a video game is not a new idea, as many virtual worlds are the perfect setting for an amazing movie. And in many cases, a video game is essentially the gamer following his or her own intense story inside the video game. However, expectations generally run low for a cinematic experience based on a popular (or unpopular) video game. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time was a pleasant surprise in the

face of doubt and a general lack of anticipation of its release.

The action-packed thriller stayed true to the video game while creating a fantastic plotline for the entertainment of all.

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Prince Dastan, a Persian royal who was adopted into the king’s family at a young age. Prince Dastan is strong, opinionated, willful individual with the heart of a lion who, in the end, leads the story to a satisfying ending. He collaborates with the stubborn Princess Tamina, played by newcomer Gemma Arterton. She is the leader of the Holy City that is attacked by the powerful Persian Army. After Dastan is framed for the death of his adoptive father, he and Tamina go into hiding and get tangled up in various mishaps in an effort to catch the real killer and clear the Prince’s name.

The video game that it is based on is similar, but has its own differences that set it apart. In the movie, the sands of time are prevented from being released in their entirety and destroying the world in a massive sandstorm, but in the video game, they are released and make everyone turn into monsters. The names are also different in the video game. The prince doesn’t

have a name, and the princess’s name is Farah. And instead of fighting against his uncle, the Prince is fighting against the Vizier. It has a somewhat different plotline, but a very similar ending to the movie.

There are many scenes that are sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, but for a while at the end, it seemed as though it will be one of those movies that have horrible endings. All of the scenes that create the rising action of the story make it seem as though the movie will end badly. However, everything pulls through and the hero, Prince Dastan, is able to right every wrong thanks to the “sands of time.”

It is a very well-made movie, and it is all the more impressive because of the action and stunts performed not by stunt doubles, but by the actors themselves. The plot is incredibly intense and amazingly unpredictable, making for a fantastic cinematic experience. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time is the perfect movie for a family, a date, or anyone looking for a good movie in general.

Alphabeat’s dance-pop tunes can get anyone moving The Danish pop band gains some approval in the United States after success in the United Kingdom Gabby Aufderheide staff writer

Alphabeat is a UK-based Danish pop band from Silkeborg. The band’s sound is mainly retro ’80s melodic pop, with inspiration from some British bands, plus distinctive overlays of male and female harmonies.

The band has come out with two hit singles from their album This Is Alphabeat. These songs, “10,000 Nights of Thunder” and “Fascination” were hits in Denmark and the UK. In October of 2009 Alphapbeat released their second studio album in Denmark where it reached

#6 on the album chart. On March 1, 2010 the band released the album (under the name The Beat Is…) in the UK where it entered the albums chart at #39. Later that month, the band finally released the album in the U.S. The album has similarities to Alphabeat’s first studio album, but the band has moved in a little more modern direction. All the songs have a very ’80s, danceable beat, but their presentation shows a resemblance to some of our modern pop music, such as Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.”

The songs vary in how synthesized they are. There are a few songs that have a more natural sound to them, such as the song “Q&A,” while others are practically all synthesized, such as “Always Up With You” and “The Beat Is.” Many of the songs have a fast beat to them that makes them very easy to dance to. Even the one slower song, “Q&A,” has a beat that is still quite easy to move to.

There are two common subjects seen in the songs on The Beat Is… One is the subject of relationships and the other is just about being

Summer Movies -The Karate Kid -The A-Team -Wild Grass -Winter’s Bone -Toy Story 3 -Knight and Day -Grown Ups -The Sorcerer’s Apprentice -Darfur -The Switch -Takers -The Girl Who Played With Fire -Predators -Despicable Me -Inception -The Wild Hunt -Twilight: Eclipse -Salt -Twelve -The Extra Man -Flipped -The Expendables -The Lottery Ticket -The Last Airbender -The Other Guys -Standing Ovation

upbeat and having fun. The two singles from this album, “DJ” and “The Spell,” are both fast-beat and fun songs.

“DJ” is a song about dancing all night and just having fun.

The simple lyrics and the fast beat make it a dancing and club song. “The Spell” is a relationship song. It’s about how trapped under the boy’s spell the girl is. Though the song is about a relationship it has a very fast beat, is fun, and is made for a club, similar to the other hit from this album.

While the album may be solid, it doesn’t quite have the ‘wow’ factor that its predecessor did. The songs are easy to dance to and fun, but they do not ‘pop’ like many recent top U.S. hits. This may be the reason that this album, so far, hasn’t become a top-playing hit here in the States.

4 June 9, 2010

Senior Page

the Talisman

Jordan Flowers LCC “Actually, whatever floats my ark, because I’m religious, and I live in Oregon!”

Alicia Luck University of Oregon “What? Are you talking to me?”

Michael Chase Stephanie Barnes

University of Oregon University of Oregon “You want to hear “I will kill you all Lauren Scott in my sleep! ” about the most University of pathetic app ever?”

Oregon “Ew...it’s a baby.”

Adam Green Air Force “I will pee on your soul!”

Graduating Talisman Editors

Michael Chase--

By Lauren Scott

Michael and I have been working together as editors-in-arms since our junior year. He is Republican, religious, way into sports (the list goes on)—pretty much everything opposite of what I imagined a friend of mine would be. And yet, good friends we became over the course of the year, and over the course of our endless arguments. Sometimes he says the craziest things! Every day he managed to show up and act relatively responsible.

As insufferable as his political alignments may be, Michael Chase is honestly one of the kindest, most genuine guys I’ve had the privilege of working with.

Stephanie Barnes--

By Adam Green

Last year on Talisman, Stephanie was sort of lost in the great debate and chatter that would engulf the room every day; needless to say, I didn’t really know her very well. This year, she has really spoken up, and I have gotten to know her a bit more. I have discovered that she really likes movies and enjoys writing cinematic reviews.

She takes on many responsibilities and handles them very calm and professionally, while continuing to contribute to the dynamic and fun atmosphere of the class period.

In the editor circle, she and Lauren do a great job of keeping Michael Chase in line.

She is enjoyably conversational and it has been a pleasure getting to know her.

Jordan Flowers--

By Alicia Luck

Jordan Flowers has a wit about him that many others would strive to have. I respect him for his ability to make me laugh despite myself.

He made my last semester in Talisman interesting and fun. He made an interesting addition to the Talisman editor staff. Even though we didn’t always get a long I have respect for him. His comedic timing is impeccable and it is evident when he was able to make our substitute Talisman advisor burst into tears from laughter.

He plans to go to LCC for the first two years of his college career. I wish him luck in all of his future endeavors and hope that he finds what he’s looking for.

Lauren Scott--

By Michael Chase

Adam Green--

By Stephanie Barnes

What to say about the enigma known as Lauren Scott? A suitable opponent in any political debate. An assistant who could push my buttons on a daily basis. But also, a trusted right-hand (wo)man who was there with me the whole way, making important decisions and helping me deal with the stresses and duties that go along with being the Talisman’s Editor-in-Chief. She has a great future ahead of her and she will undoubtedly do well in the total liberal immersion of the University of Oregon, whereas I might struggle a bit with my extreme conservative views. But that’s why we worked together so well; we could even each other out.

I have known Adam since middle school, as we were both subjected to the torture of attending Monroe Middle School. I knew who he was, but had never really spent any time with him. I met Adam my senior year in Talisman, and I’ve really enjoyed the time getting to know him.

He’s really funny, a good writer, and easy to talk to even if you don’t know him.

Michael, Lauren, and Adam always got into political debates during class that are mildly entertaining and somewhat of a headache to listen to, but I’m really going to miss this class, and having Adam as part of our group made it all the better.

Alicia Luck--

By Jordan Flowers

Alicia Luck is a happy person who is enthusiastic about writing, music and reading. She is always eager to help and she is a great friend. This is her fourth year on Talisman and she is currently backpage editor. She loves food, and her favorite beverage is Coca-Cola. She aspires to be a doctor and plans to study at LCC and then the U of O. She can usually be found with her headphones in, listening to her favorite music. She has also been actively involved in the Sheldon Band. She has played flute since freshman year. She contributes a very fun uplifting spirit to the Talisman team. She is absolutely assuredly wonderful.

Features

the Talisman

June 9, 2010

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Angelo Di Liberto continues his quest for domination SHS junior succeeds in fulfilling his goal of four square greatness

break from four square and Colton Surcamp then promised himself that he and Alvaro Garay, would succeed this year. “I sophomores Kaleb just wanna be the greatest.

Stubbs and Dillon All I seek is domination. Ash Miller, and senior wants to catch ‘em all; I wanna Kyle Cramer. He Naima Lobby win ‘em all,” said Di Liberto. named these five staff writer This year, Di Liberto has to as his biggest fight with the weather to obtain competition. his goal. He had one less day After an hour of Hungry, passionate, and ready are three words Angelo to go after his dream because intense, sweaty, Di Liberto uses to of the rain on gruesome four describe himself.

We d n e s d a y square, Angelo Others may say he’s May 26. “I was crowned quirky, energetic, wish Angelo the #1 four and wild.

But great success square player of that’s what sets on his quest,” Springfest. “Now him aside from said junior that I fulfilled my others: while most Jordan Carter. dream, my life people were excited “I think it’s is set,” remarked for the festivities great for him Di Liberto. and extended to set such According to lunches that Spring high goals for Di Liberto, there fest has to offer, himself and try are only two Angelo was excited his hardest to other places to for something achieve them.” play real, intense else: four square.

It took a four-square: Little Di Liberto can’t solid two days Rock, Arkansas recall exactly when for him to and Los Angeles, he started playing work towards where they have four square but he his goal. a four square feels as if he just He trained league. Angelo woke up with a extra hard hopes to bring a Chasity Barnes photo four-square ball in his hand. the previous week by league “It all just came drinking three sugarhere to Eugene Di Liberto shows off for the camera naturally,” he said. free Red Bulls a day Now that Di Liberto began and constantly training. He had three Springfest is over and Di Liberto has reached his his quest last year breaks a day—one for each Red Bull. goal, all he has left to do is plan for next year, to after Spring fest.

On Friday, May 28, Angelo had one come back even stronger and play harder than ever.

Chasity Barnes photo When he didn’t win like last day to prove his greatness. He had to Over the next year, he plans to train at his highest Di Liberto focuses on game he wanted to, he took a week compete against people such as juniors ability to suceed as next years ‘Four Square King.’

2010-2011 Marching Band plans major comeback SMB’s next show is based on a classic tale “1001 Arabian Nights” Max Ebert staff writer

Last year’s marching band show, Meet the Beatles, was an entertaining show at the football games at the beginning of the year. At the two competitions, however, Sheldon Marching Band did not do so well, having placed second to last or last place at both Festival of Bands and the Festival of the Northwest. For next year, SMB is planning a comeback, with a new show titled Scheherazade.

The new show portrays “1001 Arabian Nights.” The story tells of a king who thought that all women were unfaithful, so he would marry a virgin every night, and

then behead her the morning following their marriage.

However one virgin, named Scheherazade decided to trick the king. Every night following their marriage, she would read him a story. Dawn would break, and her story would be incomplete. The king spared her life, so she finished the story the next night, started another one, and didn’t finish it until the night after that. This went on for 1001 nights, until she told the king that she had no more stories to tell him. Over that time, the king had fallen in love with Scheherazade, and thus spared her life.

The song list for the show is going to be three chosen from the four movements of Scheherazade. The titles for these movements are: The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship, The Kalendar Prince, The Young Prince and The Young Princess, and a final movement, which is comprised of the three smaller movements Festival At Baghdad, The Sea, and The Ship Breaks against a Cliff Surmounted by a Bronze Horseman.

“The music is classical, very well known, and follows a storyline,” band teacher Tracy Ross said.

The marching is going to have more of a visual aspect than last year’s show, Meet the Beatles, but the music is still going to be quite challenging, which will show a more competitive side of SMB. “The marching staff has ideas for visual effects to make more of an impact and to put us in more of a competitive field and give us more of an edge than last year,” said Ross. This show will also highlight color guard more than Meet the Beatles did, allowing them to not only use flags, but also rifles, and perhaps even sabers.

The uniforms this year are also different than the ones used in Meet the Beatles. Instead of the white dress shirt and black slacks, SMB has gone back to their traditional uniform, which will help make them look more united and more like a traditional marching band.

“It’s going to be a pretty good show,” junior Reid Nees said. “I have good expectations for it.”

All in all, next year’s marching band show, Scheherazade, is sure to be a step up for SMB, and is likely to be a hit at football games and festivals.

Father’s Day gives children a chance to show appreciation Students think of all the ways that they can honor their father figures Kaitlyn Gaughan staff writer

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 20, and is a national holiday dedicated to all the dads out there who have an impact on their childrens’ lives. Kids show their appreciation, whether it’s by giving gifts, going out to dinner, or simply spending time with their dads. Junior Alyssa Pech said, “Father’s Day means spending time with my dad, and showing him how much he is appreciated. My favorite memory with him was fishing when I was little.” Simply spending a day with your father and showing him how much you care is really what it’s about, and he will realize how much he is appreciated.

Father’s Day was created because it was believed that not only mothers should be honored on a special day, but fathers as well. The first Father’s Day was held on June 19, 1910.

Father’s Day can have many meanings to a person. Junior Kelly Clayton said, “Everyone should thank their father for loving and supporting

them. They are sometimes taken for Sonora Dodd first had the idea of a “Father’s Day.” She thought of the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington State.

After Sonora became an adult she realized the selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man.

Sonora’s father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910.

President Calvin Coolidge, in 1924, supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. Then in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. President Richard Nixon

granted.”

signed the law that finally made it permanent in 1972.