LION’S TALEJ a n u a r y 1 6 , 2 0 0 9 V o l u m e 4 9 I s s u e 4 6 0 1 K i n g S t r e e t O v i e d o , F l o r i d a

First chalkboards, then white boards and now InterWrite. With the progressing technology teachers must learn new techniques.

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April Sullivan performs in Footloose as a triple threat. She dances, acts, and sings. Find out more.

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Beyond treatment, we believe that community is essential, that people need other people, that we were never meant to do life alone. The vision is that community and hope and help would replace secrets and silence. The vision is people putting down guns and blades and bottles. The vision is that we can reduce the suicide rate in America and around the world. The vision is that we would learn what it means to love our friends, and that we would love ourselves enough to get the help we need. The vision is better endings. The vision is the restoration of broken families and broken relationships. The vision is people finding life, finding freedom, finding love. The vision is graduation, a Super Bowl, a wedding, a child, a sunrise. The vision is people becoming incredible

Kevin Bairdstaff reporter

Jordan Hugh Samopinion editor

Dip users stain campus sidewalks, break rules

photo/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

The vision is that we can reduce the suicide rate in America and around the world. The vision is that we would learn what it means to love our friends, and that we would love ourselves enough to get the help we need. The vision

LOVETo write

Tiffany Rayfeatures editor

see LOVE, page 14

on her arms

HELPING CURE BY MUSIC. Multiple artists including

Aaron Gillespie (pictured above) from Underoath/The Almost

performed at Heavy and Light, a concert held on Jan. 11 at the

House of Blues in support of To Write Love on her Arms.

DIPPIN’ TO CANCER. Dip is highly addictive and contains large amounts of nicotine, even more than cigarettes. Dip is responsible for cancers in the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, nose, and larynx.

photo/STACEY STERLING

SUPPORTING THE CAUSE. Senior Alyx Reimer goes

to Hot Topic on Thursday Jan. 15 with friends to check out Love is

the Movement necklaces, bracelets, shirts and jackets to support

the movement.

With the financial market plummeting, students unable to find jobs, and parents losing jobs, it comes at no surprise that students face troubles

making ends meet.Even at school, participating in extracurricular programs

proves to be a financial burden for many families.Sophomore Amy Welch’s father lost his job in June.“We had no money to do anything at all. We weren’t

able to go anywhere. We just had to stay home because we couldn’t afford the gas because it was so high. We couldn’t go out at all. We are in a lot of debt but it’s getting better now that my dad has a new job but we are still in debt,” said Welch.

Amy Welch and her twin sister Anna Welch both are members of the school band.

“We were getting by on my dad had unemployment and my moms disability and that was barely enough to make ends meet,” said Welch.

To help pay for her and her sister’s band fees they worked in the concession stand.

Welch said, “We worked in the concession stand a lot and my mom is second chair for the concession stand. You have to sign up and you have to work. You can either be cashier or you

can run around getting drinks or food ready. Depending on the event it is like three or four hours.”

The money was then added to their student accounts to help cover their fees.

“We have more students with financial difficulties than normal this year. One on one we will call the family and discuss with them and pretty much they tell us their situation. Many have lost jobs, many have come from a split family, and many are single mom or single dad households. We will explain our scholarship program and if it gets to the point where the family can’t help and there’s no way they can pay it, we go to administration and figure out what we can do to help them out. The goal is for every child to have an opportunity to participate in band,” said band director Dennis Line.

Still the costs to be in programs often prove to be too

photo/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

see ECONOMY, page 2

Signs of dip use are subtle. But students who recognize the telltale splats admit it is used on campus.

“They stick it on the walls when they’re done with it. It’s disgusting. I almost pushed [freshman] Miranda [Betterley] into it once,” freshman Amanda Ferguson said.

Even though school rules prohibit dip along with cigarettes, some students chose to ignor the rules.

“It’s gross, disgusting. Some guys have Skool rings imprinted on their jeans pocket and they’re just in high school,” sophomore Lindsay Knox said. “They have coke bottles that they spit it into.

I’ve seen people spit it around the school-on sidewalks, into the grass.”

Other students question why anyone would chew tobacco at all.

Sophomore Zack D’Esposito said, “Franky, it doesn’t seem very appealing to me. With all the processing [dip] goes through, it doesn’t come across as being any healthier than the typical cigarette. Either one will kill you. What differs is how they’ll do it.”

Placed between the cheek and the gums, dip requires its users to chew packets of tobacco for hours and rewards them with a continuous high.

This act often causes the individual to produce excess saliva, which is typically spat onto the ground or into some other container because swallowing can lead

to irritation of the esophagus, nausea, and vomiting.

In 1986 the U.S. Surgeon General declared that use of the product, as with all forms of smokeless tobacco, was “not a safe substitute for smoking cigarettes.” In addition, it was found to “cause cancer and a number of noncancerous conditions and lead to nicotine addiction and dependance.”

Although abuse of the substance has been linked to an increased risk of developing cheek and gum cancer, The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit has also discerned that the stimulating effects of nicotine in dip can also lead to cardiovascular disease.

photo courtesy/LAUREN JOSEPH

Junior Juliana Matthews* traces the zigzagged scars across her wrists in between classes. Her best friend, saddened by Matthews’ depression, pulls out a

red marker and writes “LOVE” on Matthews’s wrist, reminding her of a movement devoted to rehabilitation and hope.

To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) began as a small group of friends selling t-shirts in Central Florida to pay for their friend’s treatment. According to www.twloha.com, the organization’s website, the efforts of the group have grown into a non profit organization dedicated to helping and giving hope to those who deal with depression, self-injury, suicide, and addiction.

“TWLOHA gives people a lot of hope to get them through tough times and depression. It helps a lot with our

age,” said sophomore Janise Seijos.The mission statement, given on www.twloha.com,

states that the movement exists to encourage, inform, and inspire.

“I have friends who deal with depression and cutting. For those people, it’s a symbol of hope. It hits really close to home, and I can relate to it. I think everybody goes through hard times and almost everyone has spots of being so down that they might think of suicide or cutting,” said senior Alyx Reimer. “But, everyone can see [from TWLOHA] that people have stuck through it and things have gotten better.”

TWLOHA has helped sophomore Lauren Joseph cope through rough times.

*name withheld

see DIP, page 3

Dennis Line

Extracurricular clubs step in to ease financial pain

The Lion’s Tale2 January 16, 2009

News

True or false?Closings,construction, changes-the truth behind all the talkVictoria Persampiere

news editorThe Oviedo Marketplace closing down!

FALSE!Everybody know that the Oviedo Marketplace isn’t doing very well. A variety of factors, from lack of stores to poor

location to the current economic crisis, can be blamed for this downturn in business. However, as of now, there are no definite plans to close the mall.

“The owner of the mall, General Growth Properties, is having financial difficulties due to the economic climate,” said Deputy Mayor Dominic Persampiere. “They may have to seek bankruptcy protection in order to restructure some debt. [but] the city has not heard of any impending closings.”

The Oviedo Marketplace is not alone in its precarious financial situation. General Growth holds the title of the second-largest shopping-mall owner in the country, with over 200 malls in 44 states, including the Altamonte mall and two other local shopping malls. Swamped with an estimated $900 million in debt, officials at General Growth are vying for a time extension to repay the massive debt – however, nothing is certain.

So the Oviedo Marketplace and the Altamonte mall aren’t closing…today, anyway. What may happen in the future is still unclear.

They’re building a staircase behind chainlink fence in front of administration building! TRUE!It’s an elevator! It’s a piece of art!

No, it’s a staircase! “There will be two staircases in the front of the

school, and they’ll go up to a covered open-air walkway between Buildings 13 and 1,” said Principal Robert Lundquist. “Once the one we’re working on now is done, construction will start on the other one on the Building 13 side.”

The first staircase will be finished and operational shortly after Christmas.

However, this may spell a temporary inconvenience for students, as once the walkway closes for construction, the only way to get between Buildings 13 and 1 will be to go down the stairs in Building 13, walk outside, and go up the new stairs outside Building 1. Lundquist says that this irritation shouldn’t extend past Feb or March of 2009, when the school will have another problem to overcome.

“We haven’t decided yet how we’re going to put the ‘Oviedo High School’ back out front,” said Lundquist. “Since the walkway will be open-air, we’re not certain what we’re going to do with it just yet.”

PROBABLY!Numerous schools in Central Florida have already implemented the seven-period day on their

campuses, among them Lyman, Lake Mary, and Seminole. And starting next school year, the county may potentially mandate the extra period.

“Once they start budget hearings next year, the 7 period day will be a part of the discussions,” said Lundquist. “It’s really a good thing for students, because they’ll have more course opportunities. They could take more electives or AP classes.”

Faculty members voted on Jan. 20 for or against the seven period day. The results were 55 percent for the seven period day and 45 percent against.

Faculty members will meet again to furthur discuss the seven period day and how to impliment it.

Next year we’ll have a seven-period day!

There’a going to be a hospital in Oviedo!

Oviedo has numerous public pools, parks, a skate park, a mall, and nearly everything necessary for a developing city.

However, the one thing the city lacks is an emergency healthcare provider. In the future, this may change.

“The city of Oviedo has been working diligently for the last seven years to secure a hospital facility in our city,” said Deputy Mayor Dominic Persampiere. “Heath Management

Associates has the certificate of need from the state to [build a hospital] and we’ve been working with them to make it happen.” According to Persampiere, Oviedo also has economic incentives available for the HMA to help with construction costs. The only question now is…where will it go?

“I can’t comment directly on [the plans for location], but I can say that they’ve narrowed it down to a few cites within the city, some of which are located by the 417 interchange.”

MAYBE!

The new downtown Oviedo On the Park project has been cancelled!

When the project originally began, the new Oviedo on the Park started to spring up overnight. Roads

were paved, trees planted, and parking spots painted in anticipation of the shops that would soon line the streets. And then suddenly…it all stopped.

“Construction on Oviedo on the Park has stopped due to the suicide death of the CEO for Broad Street Partners.” said Deputy Mayor Dominic Persampiere.

Broad Street Partners was the contractor and landowner for the project.

“Many other companies are looking at the project since it is planned, permitted, and ready to go.” Persampiere said, along with an assurance that the city expected to hear news of a new contractor within the next six months. Until then, construction at Oviedo on the Park has currently been put on hold.

FALSE!

Winter Week begins Feb. 2 through Feb. 6. A bake sale will be hosted by SGA and a date auction will be held during lunch. Any student may bid on a basket and the highest bidder will win a lunch date with the basket creator.

The auction is anonymous and the student will not know whose basket he or she is bidding on until the actual lunch date.

Also, there will be a dodge ball tournament and the champion team at Oviedo will play the champion team at Hagerty High Feb. 9. On Feb. 6 there will be a pep-rally mainly focusing on boys and girls basketball.

Upcoming Feb. Winter Week boasts bake sale, date auction, Oviedo-Hagerty dodge ball throwdown

Orange County will resume to the old schedule beginning the 2009-2010 school year. The school board finalized the controversial decision Dec. 9 with 4-3 votes against the present middle school/ high school schedule switch. Parents can expect to see the change next school year, only a year after the implementation of the new time schedule.

Orange County switches high school, middle school schedules back

from ECONOMY, page 1Still the costs to be in programs often prove to be too

high to simply be covered by fundraisers and part time work outside of school.

First year, dance team fees run at about $2,000.One junior dancer’s problems began when her mom

went into the hospital.“This all pretty much started when my mom went

into the hospital. With my mom in the hospital, she couldn’t really much pay for [dance fees]. Like last year it was like $215 a month.”

The dancer’s family continues to face financial burden. They still struggle to pay off her mom’s medical bills.

Fortunately, scholarship opportunities exist. According to dance instructor Carol Hollander, “We have been lucky that we have carried over funds from years in the past from doing very well at fundraisers. So we have been able to scholarship students 500 dollars a thousand dollars on an as needed basis.”

According to the dancer, “I pay as much as I can and the other people that do the scholarship pay the rest. I had to write an essay about it and they gave it to me and we do fundraisers and stuff to help me out with it.”

“Me and my cousin were both in ballet when we were very little and I used to take gymnastics. I was in a dance class with Mrs. Hollander in my freshman year and she convinced me to do dance and I really loved it and I’m really glad I have an opportunity to keep doing it.”

OHS students again participated in Reflections, the National PTA’s annual arts contest. This year the theme was “WOW!”

Junior Casey Hayes is a Seminole County winner in photography, and freshman Nirvani Khan is a County winner in literature. Their work will be sent on to the state level to compete with other high school students from around Florida.

Several students received Seminole County Honorable Mention awards: Miranda Harmon, Visual Arts; Stephany Cortese, Literature (2 entries); and Casey Hayes, Photography.

State winners will be announced in March. Each winner will receive a Borders gift card.

OHS students win at county-level in Reflectons Arts Contest.

GOSSIP GIRLS. Freshmen Lauryn Nelliaser and Cloe Bartlett gossip about changes coming to OHS.

photo/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

NewsThe Lion’s Tale 3January 16, 2009

SCPS denies raises to teachers, no ‘step’Seminole County teachers will not receive

a raise this year, and some teachers are okay with that. However, not all teachers

share this opinion.Approximately 300 teachers, counselors,

administrators, custodians, bus drivers, and other personnel gathered at the School Boards main facility in Sanford on December 10 bearing signs such as “Performance A+, Salaries F-”and “If you can read this, thank a teacher.

These protestors filled all available spaces to send a message to the School Board. This message - find money in the budget to supply raises to employees - ultimately lost its pull as the School Board struck down potential pay raises.

The Seminole Education Association (SEA), a union for employees of Seminole County Public schools, organized this protest. Dr. Gay Parker, President of the SEA, does not believe the School Board appropriately considered the efforts and successes of SCPS employees.

“It was a decision that did not value teachers for their contributions to the successes experienced in Seminole County,” said Parker.

Parker believes the School Board could have budgeted raises for teachers.

“Budgeting is a matter of establishing priorities. Because Seminole County is a ‘High Performing’ district, the state allows flexibility in budgeting. This was new this year. We identified dollars in the School Board’s budget that could have been used for a small salary increase for teachers, administrators, and support personnel,” said Parker.

English teacher Don Cadwallader believes decisions made by voters in past elections led to a recent decrease in educational funding, leaving the school board with no choice but to deny raises to teachers.

“I don’t think [the school board has] any money. Voters have made decisions costing local school boards money,” said Cadwallader. “When property taxes are tightened up, there’s not enough money we’re used to having money for. I think that the public in their haste to lower taxes have to realize some essential services and things like public education are in a bind.”

Economics and Law Studies teacher Alan Musante agrees with a lack of state-level support for education.

“Ultimately part of the problem is the way that Florida funds education. I’m afraid the long-term solution is that the state of Florida needs to restructure how we do everything. Florida, in my opinion, has not ever made education a real priority even though they say they do. I think that we need to raise money for education differently and value it more highly,” said Musante.

Salaries for SCPS personnel typically

increase of a “step” basis. Each year, an employee’s salary increases on an increment of approximately several hundred dollars (double-check this figure) which is then added to the employee’s existing salary.

Geometry teacher Tina Near understands the lack of available funds for raise, but still wishes employees would have received the “step” increase.

“I understand that there’s not much money in the budget, but the only thing I’m disappointed in is that each year, as you go from level of teaching experience to the next, there’s usually just a couple of hundred dollars,” said Near. “It’s just a step. I was really hoping at least we could get that couple hundred of dollars. But I knew that with the economy the way it is, we would not be getting a pay raise. That was not a surprise.”Impact on Retirement

Geometry teacher Anna Hollis-Childress fears that the impact of the lack of “step” increases on her retirement payout. OHS teachers received one-time, “A+ money” bonuses as the school received an “A” grade last year. However, this bonus does not add money to an employee’s retirement fund as a raise would.

“[‘A+ money’ is] a one-time thing, whereas if it were a raise, a raise affects what we get at retirement. I’ve been teaching for 15 years, so if I retire in 15 years, the fact that I didn’t

get a raise this year effects what I get when I retire. It’s basically not taking $1,500 out of a teachers pocket; it’s taking $15,000 out of a teacher’s lifetime. That’s huge,” said Hollis-Childress.

Algebra I and Math Analysis teacher Jennifer LaFontaine thinks expenditures like county-wide tests could be cut to save money. However, she won’t let not having a raise affect her morale.

“I was disappointed, but all in all with the economy the way it is, it’s understandable. I went into the profession knowing I wasn’t going to get rich. I still enjoy coming into work. I still enjoy teaching as a profession,” said LaFontaine.

According to Principal Robert Lundquist, all SCPS employees deserve a raise. However, despite how demoralizing the lack of a raise may be, employees must consider the financial status of the nation as a whole.

“Generally speaking, I support teachers receiving pay comparable to what they do. I think teachers are underpaid. The issue is the state of our nation financially. The situation with our state is that monetarily there is not enough money to pay for raises. I empathize with all those wonderful, hard-working teachers out there. They certainly deserve a raise. But that money doesn’t exist,” said Lundquist.

Brooke Fidrickstaff reporter

from DIP, page 1Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention has found that most long-term health problems associated with smokeless tobacco pale in comparison to the 438,000 cigarette-related deaths that plague our country every year. And it’s this figure that had health officials scrambling to lend support to dipping tobacco and other smoke-free methods of scoring a fix.

“There have been a number of papers saying that the health community should tell the public that smokeless tobacco is ‘safer’ than smoking – but not ‘safe’ per se,” said Dr. Scott Tomar, department chairman and a professor of community dentistry and behavioral science at University of Florida’s College of Dentistry.

It’s a theory called “tobacco harm reduction,” and it aims to wean addicts off cigarettes by advising them to switch to their smokeless counterparts.

“It’s a shame that they have to use such underhanded tactics,” said junior Brianna Howard. “Especially considering the fact that they’re merely leading people from one disgusting trend to another.”

Tomar’s research indicates that few smokers are interested in actually making the switch and dredges up worries that promoting these products could encourage

“I think that any time teachers feel under appreciated and undervalued as a whole, it has to be demoralizing. It’s really unfortunate.”

Parker also believes that the lack of pay raises lowers teacher morale, but will not affect ongoing excellence in achievement.

“The lack of recognition for the dedication, the professional talent, and the commitment of teachers for the students, as evidenced by student achievement, has been very demoralizing. However, that same dedication, professional talent, and commitment to students will continue regardless,” said Parker.

State legislators in Tallahassee recently convened to create further

budget cuts in order to ease Florida’s deepening debt. Out of $2.3 billion to be chopped from the state budget, $491 million has been cut from the state education budget. SCPS will have to reduce its current budget by $8.7 million.

Forced to cut $8.5 million from its already-strained budget, Volusia County Public Schools immediately decided to eliminate all JV sports programs, postpone construction, consolidate classes when teachers are absent to save on the costs of substitute teachers, add a parking fee for this year’s graduation ceremony, potentially charge am admission fee to the ceremony, and trim funding for science fairs, teacher training, textbooks, and school-related travel.

nonsmokers to engage in a life-threatening habit.“I don’t think there’s any doubt among members of

the scientific community that smokeless tobacco carries a lower risk of death than does cigarette smoking,” he said. “On the other hand, that alone doesn’t necessarily

make it an appropriate recommendation coming from the health community.”

Dip contains cyanide, arsenic, lead and 30 other ingredients known to cause cancer. A study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer linked smokeless tobacco to cancers of the mouth and pancreas, as

well as oral problems ranging in severity from recessed gums to bone loss.

Junior Austin Hussaini said, “Even when you throw around statistics like that, dip is still safer for recreational use than your average cigarette. It may be disgusting and it may be unappealing but it’s an option for people who’re concerned about their own health.”

Some medical experts share this train of thought. Although there are certain risks associated with smokeless tobacco use, they claim that it is the safer option.

“It is a crux of misinformation,” said Brad Rodu, who has served as an oral pathologist for 30 years and acts as a professor of medicine at the University of Louisville Cancer Center in Kentucky. “Mouth cancer risks are decidedly lower for smokeless tobacco than risks of smoking.”

But a reduced potential for mouth cancer does not nullify all other health-related threats. More noticeable side effects include stained teeth, disfigurement of the face and the inability to swallow. It is for this reason that dip is still frowned upon around the halls of Oviedo High School.

Dean of Discipline Robert Williams said, “Use [of dip] is a zero tolerance offense and all violators are assigned to an alternative school.”

Jonathan Foulds of the Tobacco Dependence Program in New Jersey also agrees with Rodu’s conjecture, but adds that smokeless products are about 90 percent less harmful than cigarettes.

He maintains that mouth cancer is still a possibility and depending on the amount of cancer-causing ingredients that vary among manufacturers, the risks could be higher.

“Part of the problem in the U.S. is that we have almost no control over what the tobacco industry does in terms of how they market these products and what they put in them. Nobody would even know.”

“Use [of dip] is a zero tolerance offense and all violators are assigned to an alternative school.”Rob Williams, Dean of Discipline

Robert Lundquist

photos/BROOKE FIDRICK

COMMITMENT, DEDICATION, PERSEVERANCE. Approximately 300 Seminole County Public School teachers, counselors, administrators, custodians, and bus drivers attended a protest held on December 10 in front of the school board building in Sanford. The various employees held signs bearing the words “If you can read this, pay a teacher” and “Just Fix It!’.

Kevin Baird opinion editor

The human element

LION’S TALEOUR WORDDip poses threat to health and campus

The Lion’s Tale provides an open forum for students, teachers, and the members of this community. Letters to the editor and guest columns are welcome and may be written and submitted to Deborah Jepson’s room 21-020. Anonymous columns or letters will not be printed, though names may be withheld upon request.

Oviedo High School601 King Street, Oviedo FL 32765 • Phone: 407-320-4199 • Fax: 407-320-4213

The Lion’s Tale belongs to CSPA,NSPA, and FSPA. We reserve the right to refuse ads. The views of the staff do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, staff, or faculty of Oviedo High School. Advertising and editorial policies are on file in the newspaper room. (21-020)Editors-in-Chief: Miranda Ghali, Stacey SterlingNews Editor: Victoria PersampiereFeatures Editors: Marsha Gibbs, Tiffany RayDiversions Editors: Carly Brower, Emily CottrellSports Editor: Connor BaileyOpinion Editors: Kevin Baird, Jordan Hugh SamPhoto Editors: Graham Christensen, Brooke FidrickStaff Artists: Miranda Harmon, Michael Mangos, Kevin BairdStaff Technician: Graham ChristensenAdvertising Editors: Ryden Butler, Caitlin SmithFaculty Advisor: Deborah JepsonAdministrative Advisor: Anna McCarthyPrincipal: Robert W. LundquistStaff Reporters: Carson Bailey, Caitlyn Braswell, Tien Holmes, Amy Judah, Maggie Kipi, Tova Kranz, David Parsons, Colin Perry, Julia Thorncroft, Kevin VelosoLion’s Tale is accessible through the OHS web page.

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. ”

Winston Churchill

How the recession stole Christmas

have devastating effects on the mouth – contributing to tooth decay and gum recession.

In fact, lengthened exposure can eventually lead to disfigurement of the face. Though indulgence in dipping tobacco significantly reduces the chances of developing certain types of cancer, physical disfigurement is a severely disadvantageous tradeoff.

All public places should be off limits

for spitting and discarding dip. Visitors to public parks and school students have a right to be in a dip-free environment.

Teachers and administration should rigorously enforce the no dip rule on campus.

Students should work harder at keeping our school and themselves clean and healthy. The dipping fad is just plain gross and unhealthy.

Stop dipping.

4

OpinionThe Lion’s TaleJanuary 16, 2009

Growing up, I would always make Christmas gifts for the family. Usually said gifts consisted of a

Popsicle-stick frame, painted or decorated in some way, with a picture of yours truly inside. As such, I guess I’ve always regarded arts and crafts as my forte.

Its been years since my parents forced me to abandon the “thoughtless” production of presents. But with the economy taking a continuous turn for the worst, this classical style of gift giving may soon be alive and well.

Nonetheless, I still find myself enchanted with the ritual of holiday browsing, of actually having a reason to drift from store to store.

It’s not that I’m a compulsive shopaholic. On the contrary, I’ve always been thrifty when it came to funds around the household. My first memory of discussing money dates back to the winter I was seven. Barely settled in the Land of Opportunity, my dad told me we wouldn’t be getting much from

Santa because money was tight around the workshop.

However, we weren’t poor by any means. Our recent relocation to the States had simply shifted priorities away from spending. I was unable to grasp this concept at the time and found myself rather heartbroken come Yule Tide morning.

I now realize that the presents shouldn’t have mattered; that my disappointment was a direct result of my own materialism. And yet, I can’t seem to forget that Christmas and move on. Those bitter memories linger, still, and they’ve influenced every Noel since then.

Nowadays I happily splurge in preparation for the winter season. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around I’m usually wracked with guilt, haunted by the knowledge that some unlucky souls have to choose between gifts for a family and a place to stay.

Worse yet, in this past year of economic apocalypse, shopping became more of an ethical minefield. The cheap thrill once derived from insane bargains was spoiled by the bleak financial situation of those around us.

I wouldn’t have to voyage far to experience this truth, firsthand.

So there I sat in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart Superstore, acting as an emotional crutch to a woman who’d gone silent except for the occasional weak sob.

This lady: just one of several million Americans who can barely manage to make

ends meet during the “happiest time of year.”Moments earlier I had just settled into the

checkout line; agonizing over the mandatory exchange of words that would come as I slipped the clerk a few bucks.

Initially, the woman had been positioned directly in front of me. As I crossed my arms and mumbled about the time required to ring up “a few canned goods” she slowly turned in my direction to reveal a weepy face smudged with dirt and framed by matted locks of hair. Arms clasped before her, she begged for me to help her pay off a $3.62 grocery bill.

Now, she rested beneath a mountain of her own used tissues; a few measly cans of baked beans, Christmas dinner for her family, stacked at her feet.

Glued to a frigid wooden bench next to an unkempt example pure human desperation, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed as I recalled that one miserable Christmas experience over the course of my upbringing.

Still, the misery expressed by this one dispirited individual made my childhood out to be all sunshine and butterflies.

And then I was reminded what Christmas time was all about. Whether you celebrated the birth of Christ, or just rejoiced over having a few weeks off, the underlying reason for the season remained the same.

It is in giving that you truly receive.Hugged by the woman, who an hour prior

had been less than five dollars short, I tried in vain to hold back a flood of tears. I thought that Christmas wasn’t just a trial we all had

to get through. Nor should it be a time where we fill our shopping carts with meaningless trinkets.

It’s when we should be reflecting on all we have. And if we have it all, it is when we should be sharing that wealth with the world. Whether you observe Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, or Tet, this time of year sends a message that can be understood by the members of any culture. We should show kindness to our friends and neighbors; give to those who are less fortunate.

I’m not quite sure what has become of our country. Even during the holidays, things become more important to us than people. Instead of looking out for our fellow man, we look out for ourselves. Instead of taking the time to appreciate all that we have, we long for all that we don’t.

So I beg you. Just stop for a second and think of all the ways in which you’re lucky. After all, it isn’t what you have in your pockets that should bring you joy, but what you have in your heart.

The prestine condition of Oviedo High School has found a new enemy in the form of dipping tobacco. Climb any of the winding staircases located around campus and the remnants of dip can be found plastered on the walls, hanging off the ceilings.

When sitting in the average class, signs point to the fact that some students are using dip.

Perhaps one of the most unfortunate effects of dip is the production tar-like saliva, which is often spit out in public places in an effort to avoid irritation of the esophagus, nausea and vomiting. Around school grounds, stains from this byproduct are commonly seen.

We find it unfortunate that, after the tax payers have spent so much money redesigning our school, students could still be so destructive. It’s obvious that the majority have no regard toward the cleanliness of our learning facility, let alone their own well-being.

Contrary to popular belief, dip is no better for one’s health than any other tobacco product.

Though studies show that smokeless tobacco is about 90 percent less harmful than cigarettes, we believe that other health-related complications associated with its use should make it unappealing to anyone.

There are a variety of serious threats associated with “dipping.” Tobacco in any form can stimulate the growth of cancer, especially in the cheeks and throat. Prolonged use can even lead to nicotine addiction, far worse than that caused by cigarettes.

Sadly, dip contains trace amounts of cyanide, arsenic and countless other chemicals that can pose a serious hazard to the human body. These substances

illustration/KEVIN BAIRD

Lean, green, driving machine takeslead in curbing pollution.

Miranda Harmon staff artist

Miranda’s Marvelous

Musings

Have a holly jolly time all year long

Why are we only happy on Christmas?

Yes, it’s sad, but true. The holidays are over. It’s time to put away the twinkling lights, take down the tree, and put away the menorah.

It’s time to once again return to the depressing and annoying routines of everyday life, right?

Not necessarily. Why is it that we reserve our best selves

for one measly holiday? Yes, the season is important, whether you regard it as the birth of Jesus, Winter Solstice, or whatever, but why just one day?

I’m not saying we should keep the lights up all year long, that may be overdoing it. But here’s something to think about: why not be merry all year?

There’s something about the holiday season that most people find joyful. It’s the one time of year when we shove everything aside, and dig around in our pockets for

any loose change to give to charity. We forget about work, school, and anything else bogging us down. We appreciate, dare I say, even love each other.

It seems like Christmas is the one day when we live up to our own standards, when we enjoy each other’s company.

And then, on New Years, we thrust aside the hollow shell of last year and begin again.

The holidays are all about renewal. Renewing seasons, relationships, and ourselves.

But now it’s over. So what?I’m well aware the holidays are over,

which of course means that school’s here to slam us with a brand new semester filled with all kinds of wonderful and horrible little surprises. But that doesn’t mean we have to quit spreading good will, or whatever it is we do on holidays.

I guess it’s impossible to achieve world peace, at least any time soon. People are people. We don’t always get along.

Let’s look at the world as it stands today. Wars raging all over the place, riots in Athens, resources draining, kids starving, and animals going extinct left and right. It’s not a very pretty picture.

But then again, there is good in this world.

I can tell you that this season I saw plenty of people standing outside of stores, ringing a bell in front of a familiar red coin bank.

We don’t need to all hold hands around the world and sing “Kumbaya.” Not only would that never happen, but it would also be kind of sickening, even to me.

No, I’m not asking for anyone to end a war, or sign a peace treaty, or anything like that.

But it may be nice just once in a while to smile at a stranger. Or pick up someone else’s trash. Or just say “Thank you,” when the time is right.

So here’s a late New Year’s resolution for those who take those things kinds of things to heart.

Be nice to each other. Once in a while, take a moment to look around and be happy. Pretend it’s Christmas if you have to.

It’s worth a shot.

illustration/MIRANDA HARMON

Why believe in the unbelievable?

How many of you go to church? Quite a lot I assume considering that 78.5% percent of Americans are Christian.

Here’s another question. How many of you actually believe in God?

Not a sneaking suspicion that God may exist, but faith in a supernatural deity that created the world and continues to take interest and play with our lives. Scientifically, no evidence has appeared to justify this faith. Still the wonder and beauty of faith is extolled throughout the “land of the free” and “the home of the brave”.

I can’t help but wonder why this is. Society praises rationalizing before jumping to conclusions. Why shouldn’t God be treated like any other concept? Religion is not subjected to the same criticisms as, say, political beliefs. In fact, in today’s modern America it is considered inappropriate to even question someone’s faith.

Why is faith granted this immunity? Like all core beliefs and philosophies, religion and faith should be subject to scrutiny. If, for example, I were to claim belief in an invisible pink unicorn, you would no doubt question my state of mind. When considering my conviction, you demand evidence. After all, my belief seems irrational and makes no sense.

In order for me to maintain this belief that has no justification or evidence, faith is required. Religions are forced to justify their beliefs through faith. Faith is like a get out of thinking card. You have no reason to justify your beliefs - just play the faith card and it makes your religion untouchable by criticism.

But there is evidence for a creator, you may argue. While there is no way to disprove the existence of a god, this fact alone cannot confirm the presence of a higher being.

Take, for example, the Flying Spaghetti Monster or figures such as Zeus and Thor.

What difference exists between the Judeo Christian God and pagan gods such as Zeus or Thor. Surely they must command the same amount of respect and dedication as Allah or Yahweh.

Still most of us have no problem declaring non-belief in things like the Flying Spaghetti Monster or unicorns. They are old, their belief systems outdated we contend.

Still one has to wonder what makes religions today any more valid than ancient religions.

Ah, but we have the Bible you say. The Bible proves the existence of God.

Still the Bible reads like an amalgamation of hundreds of different authors. Chronicling events that occurred hundreds of years before, constantly revising, improving and translation works. These authors unknown to us and most likely to each other roped together the honest word of God. The truth, the guiding light that “good

Christians” follow. The men who wrote the Bible no doubt had political agendas and it shows in their writing.

This is not to say that the Bible has no truth in it, just that the stories from the Bible should be viewed with a skeptical eye. Furthermore why does each group find their religious text to be the true holy one. Believing in God requires a certain amount of faith, so does using a holy book to justify this faith.

But religion offers me a good healthy way to live my life, you may argue. That may be true but it still has no inkling regarding the existence of God, or any deity for the matter.

In fact religious faith can be downright dangerous. To quote

Sam Harris, “The men who committed the atrocities of Sept.

11 were certainly not ‘cowards,’ as they

were repeatedly described in the Western media, nor were

they lunatics in any ordinary sense. They were men of faith - perfect faith, as it turns out - and this, it must finally be acknowledged, is a terrible thing to be.”

Interestingly enough, Christianity and Islam both teach that faith is a virtue. And society is obligated and required to respect your beliefs without

criticism. That is, until something like the 9/11 terrorist bombing occurs. Following this, religious leaders and

authorities come forth claiming that this was not true faith. But as Richard Dawkins said, “But how can there be a perversion of faith, if faith, lacking objective justification, doesn’t have any

demonstrable standard to pervert?”

‘Pay it Forward’

Josh Coleman, ‘09

“Not going green saves money during our economic crisis and at a time like this we need to do more for our economy.”

Cheyanne Doling‘11

Poll out of 100 students taken 1/13.

“Yes, with Obama’s intiative to ‘Be Green’ this idea should force government/public buildings to become more ecofriendly to help cut costs for things like air conditioning and stuff like that.”

Stacey Sterling co-editor-in-chief

Slice ofLife

5The Lion’s Tale January 16, 2009

There I was, laying in bed reading A Separate Peace for English when two of my best friends, Chris and Amanda,

show up to ‘kidnap’ me. They took me out on four-wheelers and

took Amanda’s air soft guns to a range in Chuluota.

When we arrived, Chris began loading the air soft guns with tiny green beads. I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. Then Chris and Amanda’s brother, Matthew, began shooting each other.

It was my turn. I would be shooting at Amanda. I put on the only protective gear allowed, which was glasses.

After I attempted to shoot my friend, conquered the prickly bushes, and tripped over cacti, Amanda and I had to go to the bathroom so we rushed back to her house, which was closer than mine.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but as I took the ride home from Amanda’s house, I reached to check for my phone, and low and behold, it wasn’t there. No phone. None. I began to freak out. I had a little less than a mile to my house and I wanted to tell my parents.

When I got home, I took my mom’s phone to try to call Amanda and Chris to see if they might have seen it slip out of my pocket, but no luck.

This phone was everything to me. I had important appointments documented, pictures, and music.

My dad grabbed a million watt candle flashlight and I grabbed a little flashlight and began the hunt.

I rode on the front of the four-wheeler for two hours. My dad stopped the four-wheeler about every 40 feet to call the phone to see if we could hear it ring.

I returned home disappointed, and I shortly began to cry.

I went to bed, and in my morning I threw on a few jackets and set out on the hunt again,this time with my mom riding on the front of the four-wheeler.

Again, I returned home disappointed.A few days later I got a text message from

my mom saying she had good news. Later that night my dad told me that I

needed to sit down on the couch.Then he told me that my phone had been

found by a woman who was bicycling down the road. Tears of joy rolled down my face.

Kathy, the woman who found my phone, tried to call my parents at work, but it was a holiday.

My parents made arrangements to pick up my phone, and I wrote a detailed thank you letter explaining to her how much I appreciated her, and how I wished more people could be like her and do the right thing.

When I offered her money for the return she said no thank you, and I instantly though of the movie Pay it Forward. The money I offered will be donated to the Orlando Humane Society, because she is an avid supporter.

I encourage everyone who has had something nice done for them to pay it forward. Even if you wait an extra second to hold the door open for someone, or find five dollars and donate it to a charity.

Maybe together, by paying it forward, we can make the world a better place.

Jordan Hugh Sam opinon editor

A Matter of

Fact

illustration/MIRANDA HARMON

Opinion

Emily Cottrellco-diversions editor

Un-friendly visitors

The door of the New Jersey Friendly’s burst open. Sophomore Allison Miller watched as three men in hoodies and masks barged in. She noticed

their guns and ran. “It was about 12:30 at night; most of us were just sitting

and chatting. Everyone there came from the homecoming dance at Palmyra High School in New Jersey. I was there visiting my mom for Thanksgiving break, and it was actually the day after Thanksgiving,” said Miller.

Miller may have been one of the few customers, all of which were high school students, to notice the gunmen right away.

“I was the only one really facing the front door, and I ran to the back, behind a booth right near the emergency exit. Soon everyone else started noticing. Everyone was hiding underneath tables,” said Miller.

Hiding behind the back booth of the restaurant, Miller watched as one men held a customer at gun point, moving her away from the cash registers.

“The man with the shotgun pulled her away, while the two men with handguns jumped over the counter to get to the cash register,” said Miller.

Miller, realizing the gravity of the situation, ran into the girl’s bathroom, locked herself in a stall, and lifted her feet up so the gunmen couldn’t see her feet.

Miller said, “My friend ran into the stall next to me and I told her to call 911. She was waiting to get a dispatcher when we heard one of the masked men yelling, ‘If you think hiding in the girl’s bathroom means we’re not going to find you, you’re wrong.’”

Scared that the gunman would use force, Miller begged her friend to be quiet. A high school student, sent in by the gunman, told them to leave the girls’ bathroom and come into the boys’ bathroom.

“As soon as he told us this, I got out of the stall and walked straight to the boys’ bathroom. I had to walk about a foot away from the man with the shotgun. By then my friend had managed to get a hold of the police. As she followed me to the boy’s bathroom, the gunman yelled, ‘No calling the cops!’ He grabbed her phone and threw it against the wall,” said Miller.

Miller’s friend only managed to tell the police “I’m at a Friendly’s in Cinnaminson and there’s people with guns.”

Once in the boys’ bathroom, the gunman forced all of the approximately 24 customers into the handicapped stall.

Miller said, “Everyone’s cell phones were scattered across the bathroom floor. Since I was in the girl’s bathroom, I didn’t hear him tell everyone to discard their cell phones, but everyone in the stall asked me to turn my phone off. The gunman yelled at us, ‘You guys better shut up. I don’t want to shoot anyone.’”

Miller and the rest of the terrified high school students then stayed silent, holding back tears.

“At first, I was really thinking, ‘Maybe I can hide; I can get out of this.’ But, once I was herded like cattle into the boys’ bathroom, I assumed that I was going to get killed. I

was waiting to hear shots from the front from them killing the employees,” said Miller.

The hostages sat in the handicapped stall, listening to the screaming in the front, some waiting for the sound of gunshots, and some hoping for the police to barge in and save the day.

“We were all sitting there, and we heard screaming at the front. The gunmen were screaming at the workers to get the safe open. Later I found out that the masked men had the employees line up against the wall, as if they were going to shoot them one by one. I guess it was some sort of psychological tactic,” said Miller.

The yelling subsided. Silence and anxiety consumed the restaurant. The high school aged hostages remained in the captivity of the handicapped bathroom stall.

“We were all wondering if they were gone but none of us wanted to get up and see, so we all just sat there until the manager came in. She told us the gunmen were gone and that the police were there. Everyone was so relieved, but at that point

everyone just started bawling and calling their parents,” said Miller.

The students then gave written statements to the police, explaining all they could about the Friendly’s robbery. According to cbs3.

com, the gunmen got away with over $1000 in cash. Miller stated that the three gunmen, either high school seniors or recently graduated, have been caught, thanks to the unique jacket that one of the young men wore the night of the robbery.

“No one was hurt, but some people had the guns pointed right at them. I feel bad for those people. My other friend got so close that he was able to tell the cops that there was a chip in the gun in the wood that’s how close he got,” said Miller.

As for the employees working that night, three of four quit that night.

“The cook, the waiter, and the manager-in-training quit on the spot. The waiter tried to make a joke of it, saying, ‘Alright, I’m off to Friday’s,’” said Miller.

Every student and employee at the restaurant that night has been affected in some way.

“I couldn’t go back there, because every time the door opened or there

“At first, I was thinking, ‘Maybe I can hide; I can get out of this.’ But, once I was herded into the boy’s bathroom, I assumed that I was going to get killed. I was waiting to hear shots.”

Allison Miller, ‘11

Allison Miller ‘11

was screaming I would freak out. I’m really hypersensitive now to any similar surroundings and sounds. Just the other night I heard people yelling at Wal-Mart I got really scared and nervous. I ran straight to the car,” said Miller.

Although Miller will never be able to forget the events of the robbery, she doesn’t think any other actions would have helped.

“If I had tried to escape and run out the emergency exits, who knows if I would have been shot,” said Miller.

According to the Burlington County Times, when the students returned to Palmyra High School the Monday after the robbery, all were offered counseling.

Miller said, “Some of my friends didn’t want to believe I had been held hostage, but others were really concerned, and made sure I didn’t need to go to a therapist or anything.”

Miller, though calm and nonchalant when telling her story, will always be affected by the events

at Friendly’s.Miller said, “When there’s a

moment in your life when you think there’s a chance you could die, you’re not going to forget it. I almost died in Friendly’s right after Homecoming and I was 1000 miles away from my dad. I wouldn’t have been able to say goodbye to my family. I

won’t be going out late anymore. Anywhere.”

Features

illustration/MICHAEL MANGOS

Teens held hostage in Friendly’s

•Once you get in your car, remember to lock all the doors and keep windows rolled up if you are stationary. Keep your purse and valuables out of sight to avoid “smash and grab” thefts.

•Try to always have your keys in your hand between your thumb and pointer finger to use as a defensive device if needed. Do not lace your keys between all your fingers, as it is not very effective and can hurt your hands.

•Even though it looks cute, try to avoid displaying feminine labels or license plates on your car which could make it an easy target.

•If an unmarked police car tries to stop you, put your hazard lights on to acknowledge them and keep driving to a well-lit, populated area. Call 911 or the Seminole County Police Department so they can assist you in finding out if it is really a cop stopping you.

STAY SAFE

All informaton courtesy of R.A.D SYSTEMS

After hearing terrifying stories about crimes against helpless women, take these traveling tips from Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Systems into consideration to stay safe.

A local R.A.D. class is offered by the Oviedo Police Department for only $25 where you could learn more self-defense tips and even simulate an attack. You can contact Rob Van Heusen at 407-971-5708 if you are interested.

The Lion’s Tale6 January 16, 2009

FeaturesThe Lion’s Tale 7January 16, 2009

Julia Thorncroftstaff reporter

Quotes to live by

Coach Robert Caraballo walks by members of the JV Girl’s Basketball Team, handing them a sheet of paper

with three bold words at the top of it, “Strength through loyalty.”

“Strength through loyalty” is both a trademark and a slogan for the team.

“It’s a simple message with a plethora of meanings,” said sophomore Sadie Yankello. “You have to be loyal to each other to have a strong team. If one person isn’t loyal, you won’t have a strong team.”

Like all teams, the JV Girl’s Basketball Team wants to have a successful season. Caraballo came up with this slogan to encourage the girls to put the team before an individual player- hopefully leading to their triumph.

As long as each player stays loyal to the team, they’ll collectively become a stronger and closer team.

“The more you think about it, the more the quote makes sense,” said sophomore Allison Tate. “The saying keeps the team humble and reminds us that it’s all about the team.”

To show their loyalty, the girls also wear team shirts with the quote written on the back.

“We wear the shirts on game days,” said Tate. “The shirts remind us of the quote and wearing them together as a team resembles how close we are.”

The team recently showed superiority being the only public school competing in the Trinity Prep Invitational tournament.

“We came in second to Trinity Prep,” said sophomore Margaux Milon. “Some of our players couldn’t make it to some of the games, we had to stay strong while lacking some of our better players.”

While these students share a quote with their team, some students share one with their peers. Sophomore Melodie Adolphe shares a line from a poem with one of her closest friends.

“Let us then be what we are, and speak what we think and in all things, keep ourselves loyal to truth, and the sacred professions of friendship,” from the narrative poem The Courtship of Miles Standish by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Adolphe received this quote through a text message from one of her best friends. This quote

taught her values of friendship. “I think the quote says that you shouldn’t be

ashamed of who you are or what you believe,” said Adolphe. “That you should hold on to the people that

are the most important to you and not take them for granted.”

Senior Christine Tat follows a quote that she created with her brother.

“The quote that I live by is,’Live for the mystery of tomorrow,’ ” said Tat.

Tat’s message embedded in this saying is to live an impulsive life.

“I started living by this quote a year ago,” said Tat, “because I didn’t like how

everything had to happen according to plan. This quote defines me

because I’m spontaneous and I do whatever, wherever. Basically I don’t plan anything ahead of time.”

Junior Josh De Coursey keeps a quote on his mind to get through each day.

“‘It is nothing to die. It is everything not

to live.’ It’s true because if you don’t wake up and

take in our surroundings, you don’t realize how precious life is,” said De Coursey.

While some may share a quote with a friend, sibling, or keep one to themselves, some follow the words spoken from the lips of American icons.

Sophomore Jacob Spikes follows a song from one of his favorite artists,

Jack Johnson. “Jack Johnson wrote, ‘Getting lost is

not always a waste of time,’ ” said Spikes. “I follow it because it’s true, without getting

lost, people would never discover anything, and I intend to discover something in my life.”

Audrey Hepburn inspires sophomore Lindsay Broadhurst with one momentous quote.

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only the words of kindness. And for beautiful poise, walk with the knowledge that you’re never alone,” – Audrey Hepburn.

Broadhurst loves this quote not only because of sentimental reasons, but also for

its distinctiveness. “It’s vintage in a way,” said Broadhurst,

“mainly because not many people today even know who Audrey Hepburn is.”

But Broadhurst doesn’t just like this quote because she’s seen Breakfast at Tiffany’s about a

dozen times. She carries out the quote by following its meaning.

“The quote means not to judge people harshly,” said Broadhurst. “People should look for the good in others, avoid gossiping or saying cruel things

about people, and if you follow that, you should rest assured knowing that people like you the way you are. Which is how life should be – people should avoid being petty and talking behind each others back, we should all follow Audrey Hepburn.”

Lately our American airwaves have been berating us with progressively more competitive advertisements. Rather than simply stating

the benefits of one’s product, the Hi I’m a Mac style product ad causes many competing companies to wage advertising wars on two fronts.

The first battle is the traditional positive ad, such as Microsoft’s Mojave Experiment commercials, which simply list the benefits of owning said product.

The second battle is that of a defense, embodied in Microsoft’s counter-ad I’m a PC and I’m: a lobster fisherman, a celebrity, a Rastafarian, not an elitist Mac-using hipster, etc. Yet despite double the advertising, only half as much product information is explained. Unfortunately product purchasing, like everything else in America, has decomposed into a popularity contest rather than performance review based on merit.

While I do commend Microsoft on successfully combating the trendy Macintosh If you don’t own a Mac you logically must be a social pariah ad, my focus isn’t on why Mac, as a company, is decidedly The Worst. Rather it should serve as a reminder that personal research, whether on Internet Explorer or Safari, is the safest means of deciding which product is better.

First of all, don’t confuse online research with searching again for shameless product plugs at an official company web site. While these types of sites are good sources of specific information concerning hardware, capabilities, and other technical jargon, it’s essentially useless unless you have a side-by-side comparison of multiple products and a degree in mechanics (or at least a dictionary close at hand).

Official sites are often misleading due to visual appeal, fabricated testimonials and reviews, inflated statistics, and purposefully confusing fine print. Though it is said that the best access to information is by going to the source, on the Internet the reverse is true.

In order to truly discover what product best suits one’s interests and needs, seek the opinions of experienced owners of the product. By going to chat forums or blogs, one can acquire information that is pertinent to the non-technical user in terms which are easier to digest as well gain information on other similar products.

In addition, reading reviews at online stores such as bestbuy.com, where a wider range of reviews and rating can be found, can provide an unbiased look at a desired product. Another useful online research tool is Youtube. Granted anyone with a camera can voice their opinion, there is usually a fair representation of fanatics and opponents to provide a realistic middle ground.

Though these tips are intended to maximize purchasing power, there are always realistic alternatives which online sources are likely not to mention. Special offers and sale-prices can help to ease the cost of the $900+ Mac-Book that Santa forgot to bring this Christmas.

Also, investing in a less popular electronic device can sometimes offer the same functions as its trendy competitor, with half the price tag. A final, rather miserly option is to hold off on buying that trendy, hipster electronic device altogether and waiting until the next-generation model appears. Good things come to those who wait, in this case those good things are a lower price, and likely more functions as well.

Modern Technology

Ryden Butler staff reporter

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE. Senior Caitlin Daugherty shares the quote she lives by. She loves inspiration and thinks that this quote influences her life by making her more open-minded.

Students base their daily thoughts and activities around sayings that appeal to their lifestyle

Do homework before buying that computer Santa didn’t bring you

photo/MARSHA GIBBS

“Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.”

Tech team steals the show

Features The Lion’s Tale8 January 16, 2009

Carson Baileystaff reporter

David Parsonsstaff reporter

Ambitious teen’s passion for theater plays out on area stages

photo/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

TECH TEAMWORK. Junior Claire Shackelford, and freshman Brad Nolff prepare for cues backstage. Shackelford listens to cues through her headphones, and calls them out to Nolff.

Behind the scarlet curtain, time passes quickly before a show. With the set pieces moved to their respective

places, the stage managers take one last glance around to make sure that everyone is in the right place.

Then the curtain opens, the lights flash a dazzling luminous orange; a stirring melody reverberates throughout the theater as the actors take the stage, and the show begins.

Contrary to popular belief, it takes far more than solid writing and a great cast to hold a major production like this year’s Othello together. Behind the scenes of every show, teams of “techs” work to make sure that all the details that the audience usually takes for granted, but would be otherwise sorely missed, are pulled off without a hitch.

“Teching involves doing anything behind the scenes in any sort of production,” said freshman Brad Nolff. “It can be lighting, sound, moving set pieces, anything like that. I mostly do lighting and sound.”

Though in his first year at Oviedo High, Nolff is no stranger to teching. He originally teched for plays at Master’s Academy, and now works the lights and sound for his church.

“I guess I got into it after I went to theater camp. I didn’t really like the acting part, but I was like, ‘how can I still be a part of

this? That’s when I found out about lighting and sound.”

One of the big reasons that Nolff was drawn to working lighting and sound was the creativity that went into the job.

“I coordinate with the director to see how she wants it to look and I try to make it happen,” explains Nolff. “I also try to match the lighting with whatever music is supposed to be playing at the time or whatever type of scene is taking place, so the whole thing feels appropriate. When we get later in production we’ll make whatever changes are necessary.”

In a big production like Othello, it usually takes one person to work the sound, another to work the lights, 10 to 15 people to set pieces, and one or two stage managers to keep track of everyone.

“I started because you can really improve your acting skills by knowing every aspect of theater,” said stage manager junior Claire Shackelford. “Being a stage manager means that I have to deal with student management, which is actually pretty hard. You have to know where all the students have to be, where all the students actually are, where the set pieces are supposed to be, where the set pieces actually are, stuff like that.”

Shackelford adds that the cast of the tech team changes greatly with each production.

“New people come in all the time to be techs in the plays,” she says. “There’s a lot of freshmen who just want to get a feel for

theater and see if it’s an extracurricular they want to pursue. Most of them end up on the set crew, which is the group of techs that move set pieces during the play.”

Even though the face of the group may change with every play, Nolff says that many of the members of the tech crew are pretty close.

“A lot of the people who tech are also in Drama Club too,” Nolff said. “Then there’s cast parties and other ways for people to get together. So you end up making a lot of close friends through it.”

The close friendships off the stage undoubtedly help the tech crew work cohesively at show time.

“Working on a team is a big part of teching,” says Nolff. “It’s all about pulling together to get it right.”

Working as parts of a whole, each individual has some unique trait or ability to bring to the table. And, just as members of the team depend on each other to get the job

done, the actors depend on the team to pull off a successful production.

“I like the fact that I know that I’m really making a difference in the show,” says Shackelford. “I know it sounds cliché, but the show really can’t go on without the techs, it just wouldn’t look as good.”

Sophomore April Sullivan steps onto the stage, staring into the eyes of hundreds of people, feeling a surge of electricity running through her

body, as she begins to perform. Nearly an hour later,

the audience sits in awe after Sullivan finishes her

performance in the Home for the Holidays production.

“Home for the Holidays was my first professional production,” said Sullivan.

“It was also the first production that I worked with adults.”

While most performers have to wait

until later in life to star in professional production, Sullivan got her chance to shine this past December.

“The production was a combination of Christmas and Hanukkah songs, along with some short dialogues,” said Sullivan. “In total there

were eight performers in the production and I felt very honored to be one of those

eight.”Sullivan worked on this

production for almost a month with director Roy Alan and the seven other performers.

“We worked on the production from the beginning of November until December 5,” said Sullivan. “The performance then went from

Dec. 5 until 20 and we would perform every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

Throughout those two months of pre-production and performance

days, Sullivan would occasionally have to miss class to attend rehearsals.

“Rehearsals would sometimes get in the way of classes, usually sixth period,” said Sullivan. “If I knew I was going to be missing school I would ask my teachers in advance for the work, they were all great about getting the work to me.”

Even though Sullivan had to miss classes, she was still able to maintain above average grades.

“Doing well in school is very important to me,” said Sullivan. “I don’t want my education to suffer because of my passion for theater therefore I try to balance my school work.”

Performing in Home for the Holidays was a great experience as Sullivan explains.

“I learned a lot from working with adults,” said Sullivan. “The experience was overall amazing and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to be in such a great production.”

Although Home for the Holidays was Sullivan’s first professional production, it was not her first theatrical production. In fact at the young age of five Sullivan’s passion for the theatrical world began.

“I started to take dance classes when I was five years old,” said Sullivan. “Then at seven I started singing lessons and three years later I began acting.”

Almost 10 years later and Sullivan has been in numerous productions with no intention of stopping.

“Performing is my passion, I feel at home when I’m on stage,” said Sullivan. “I have been in several

A STAR IS BORN. Sophomore April Sullivan stars as the lead in Footloose, which was performed at the Orlando Rep. Theater over the course of a seven week program. Sullivan and company sing ‘The Girl Gets Around’ near the beginning of the show, which was performed to an audience of 300 people.

photos/COURTESY OF APRIL SULLIVAN

productions over the past years including Footloose and All Shook Up.”

On top of just recently auditioning for Rent (the school edition) at Orlando Youth Theater, being on the Student Advisory Board at Orlando Repertory Theater, and dealing with school work Sullivan is a thespian at Oviedo and will be competing in the districts competition for acting.

“I am going to be singing 16 bars and I am in the one act Love is a Hot Fudge Sundae for districts,” said Sullivan. “In the future I hope to fulfill my dreams of performing on Broadway. In the mean time I plan on attending a performing arts college to better learn theater.”

have a smurf [figurine] on my desk.”Besides keeping teachers from blinding themselves

with the light and constantly walking around with blue-tinted skin, the use of InterWrite and Powerpoints in the classroom serve to help students learn almost as well as they allow teachers to teach.

“I like teachers who use Powerpoints, since some of them can’t organize their thoughts and information into useful sentences on the spot,” said senior Ryan Bertetta. “It makes the whole note-taking thing so much more simple.”

However, not all reviews of the new teaching tools are positive.

“If you’re going to use Interwrite, take the time to learn how to use it properly and make sure your handwriting is actually legible,” said junior Greg Dorleus.

Some teachers, like AP Calculus teacher Farshid Safi, don’t use the InterWrite or Powerpoint very often. “In my class I have five whiteboards. I n Calculus you very seldom can f i t a problem on a single screen, so f o r that purpose I use the InterWrite v e r y rarely. I can keep the problems o n the whiteboards, so students c a n compare the different methods.” he said.

But that’s not to say that Safi doesn’t utilize technology in his classroom. He has an entire folder in the ‘favorites’ section of his computer bookmarked especially for high-tech teaching tools. “To understand Calc,” he said. “You need both visual and functional

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My Choice. My Future. My Place.

It’s a familiar setting: the protesting groan of the overhead projector disguises the hushed voices of twenty-something whispering Precalculus students.

Precalculous teacher Barbara Kelly, sweating slightly under the intense light, struggles to be heard over the hum. It’s a careful contortion act as she tries to avoid blocking the light, the screen, and the views of her entire class. At the end of the day, she goes home covered with a sheen of blue marker shavings. “Like a smurf,” her students laugh. In short: it’s a hassle.

Overhead projectors have been used in the classroom setting since 1945, but their sixty-year regime has finally come to an end with the introduction of InterWrite, Powerpoint, and other high-tech teaching tools in the classroom.

The InterWrite (that little blue pen-and-pad set most frequently used by math teachers) was first adopted when Verna Whaley applied for and received a SAC grant to pilot the then-new technology.

“I love using the schoolpad because it is so versatile,” she said. “I can walk around the room and teach. It has many colors that help differentiate items, and a gallery of math figures. From the schoolpad I can pull up word documents, other software like TI-smartview, and even go to the internet while students are watching. One of the best features is I can save the daily class notes so I can send [them] to a student who is out sick. My students love that. I love it, I love it, I love it.”

Kelly wholeheartedly agrees, mentioning that the InteWrite’s impressive gallery of math figures makes teaching Precalculus much easier.

“And besides how useful it is, the best part is that I go home cleaner!” she said. “A few years ago, the seniors did a spoof of me and colored themselves blue, because I was always covered in blue vis-à-vis marker stuff. That’s why I

Victoria Persamierenews editor

InterWrite offers alternative to old methodscomprehension. Without the visual, you’ll have a very limited understanding.”

Safi also favors the use of a cutting-edge new program called Geogabra, which he accesses on his computer and projects onto a screen.

“I use Geogabra on a daily basis. It’s a dynamic calculus and it allows you to take something and modify it to see its effects.” he said. So, in effect, Safi can drag one point on a graph to show his students how the slope, equation, and graph change. “It’s a free software, so I tell my students to use it at home too. It’s up and coming; it’ll be available on the next wave of calculators.”

“A few years ago, the seniors did a spoof of me and colored themselves blue because I was always covered in blue vis-à-vis.”Precalculus teacher Barbara Kelly

photo/BROOKE FIDRICK

Diversions The Lion’s Tale10 January 16, 2009

ofBest2008

BEST OF 2008: MUSICThe Lion’s Tale staff compiled a list of favorite

movies, music, video games, and more from the

year 2008. A big year of entertainment gave us a

lot to choose from. Check out what made the cut.

Taking alternative music to a superior level, Coldplay released their hit album Viva la Vida in 2008. Due to their previous fame, the band was able to incorporate their own personal style into the songs. Their live performance skills and musical ability makes Coldplay the best band of 2008.

Coldplay

Runner-ups:WeezerKanye West

Jason Mraz can sing a range of styles with a mellow and calm voice. One of the years top songs, “I’m Yours” calms and soothes listeners and reminds them of a beach getaway. It’s perfect to listen to after a stressful day or just for fun.

“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

Runner-ups:“Shake” by Metro Station“Love Lockdown” by Kanye West“Is There a Ghost?” by Band of Horses

Best Song:

For once, the winner of “American Idol” is actually an amazing singer and not just a popular icon. David Cook’s recently released self-titled CD has nothing but great rock music that will leave most listeners wanting more. His songs are heart-rendering and not just meaningless scream-o rock.

David Cook

Runner-ups:Metro StationJaguar Love

Best New Artist:Best Artist/Band:

The second album from Jack’s Mannequin, The Glass Passenger, is filled with dramatic tracks. This album does an amazing job of displaying certain messages to the listener through Andrew McMahon’s mature song lyrics, classic piano influence, and new beats. Compared to the old album The Glass Passenger can be considered different, but a breath of fresh air.

The Glass Passenger by Jack’s Mannequin

Runner-ups:We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. by Jason MrazSkeletal Lamping by Of Montreal

Best Album:

TONS OF TUNES. Senior Chris Sullivan listens to his 120 GB iPod Video. He currently has over 1770 songs on it with plenty of space left for any new songs he might want to add.

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Based on Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight book series, Twilight the movie is fun for those who haven’t even read the books. Based in current times, an accident prone teenager Bella (Kristen Stewart) falls in love with Edward (Robert Pattinson) who happens to be a vampire. Twilight fills the audience with a sense of what it really means to be in love, while also allowing for some mild humor and action.

Twilight

Runner-ups:Sex and the City27 Dresses

Best Romance:

Steve Carell, The Rock, and Anne Hathaway. Do you really need more information? Get Smart has everything you need in a movie from explosions to car wrecks, to pure hilarity. It will make anyone laugh out loud tons of times from the verbal and slap-stick humor and so deserves to be one of the years best comedies.

Get Smart

Runner-ups:Step BrothersPineapple Express

Best Comedy:

The Lion’s Tale’s

House’s (Hugh Laurie) medical mysteries have started to get personal. The 2008 fall season started with a high adrenaline episode that lead to the death of a major character’s girlfriend. The Chief of Medicine, Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) started on a baby kick wanting one for herself which made her relationship to House and her mental standing unstable. The twists and turns of this show makes it the year’s best TV show.

“House M.D.”Best TV Show:

photo/HOUSEWIKI.FOX.COM

Originating back from the late 1700’s, the vest made a comeback with a big bang in 2008 fashion. It is no longer just a part of the Motley Crue grunge style, but now teenie boppers and Jonas Brothers look a likes are seen wearing them on a daily basis.

Not only are they becoming a stylish accessory, but vests are versatile for either gender and they match with virtually anything found in your closet. Whether you’re paying for the $20 Forever 21 version of the vest or your coughing up the $300 Marc Jacobs model, you will be ultimately matching the masses.

Vests

Best FashionStatement:

STAYING IN STYLE. Junior Kaci Wing also thinks that vests are the best fasion statement of 2008 and flaunts her vest at school.

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photo/APPLE.COM/IPHONE

Undoubtedly the best consumer gadget of the

year, the iPhone revolutionized wireless technology

in 2008. By combining an mp3 and mp4 player with

a cell phone, camera, touch-screen, and internet

browser, it ensured that cell phones would never

be the same again. This is why the iPhone, an often

imitated (but never replicated) device, wins the

crown of 2008’s best consumer gadget.

iPhone

Best Technology:

DiversionsThe Lion’s Tale 11January 16, 2009

of2008

The Lion’s Tale staff compiled a list of favorite

movies, music, video games, and more from the

year 2008. A big year of entertainment gave us a

lot to choose from. Check out what made the cut.

BEST OF 2008: MOVIES

BEST OF 2008: VIDEO GAMES

Based on Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight book series, Twilight the movie is fun for those who haven’t even read the books. Based in current times, an accident prone teenager Bella (Kristen Stewart) falls in love with Edward (Robert Pattinson) who happens to be a vampire. Twilight fills the audience with a sense of what it really means to be in love, while also allowing for some mild humor and action.

Twilight

Runner-ups:Sex and the City27 Dresses

Best Romance:Set in the distant future, Wall-E, a waste collecting robot, must clean up after

human kind trashes planet earth. Wall-E remains the last working waste collecting robot, lives out his days cleaning up and sifting through the mess humans left on earth while they enjoy a cruise through space. Wall-E encounters Eve, a space robot on a mission to earth to see if life is sustainable, and falls in love. Wall-E will forever remain fun for the entire family.

Wall-E

Runner-ups:Madagascar: Escape 2 AfricaBolt

Best Animated:

People everywhere anxiously awaited the sequel to Batman Begins, The Dark Night. It was filled

with an extraordinary cast with members such as Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart.

Although Maggie Gyllenhaal filled in for Katie Holmes, the movie still displays the romance, or lack

there of between Bruce Wayne and Rachel Dawes. Director Christopher Nolan hits a home run with

special effects and special camera angles, because the action appears as if it will jump out of the screen

at any moment.

The Dark KnightRunner-ups:Iron ManThe Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Drama/Action:

Steve Carell, The Rock, and Anne Hathaway. Do you really need more information? Get Smart has everything you need in a movie from explosions to car wrecks, to pure hilarity. It will make anyone laugh out loud tons of times from the verbal and slap-stick humor and so deserves to be one of the years best comedies.

Get Smart

Runner-ups:Step BrothersPineapple Express

Best Comedy:

The aim of Super Smash Bros. Brawl is to try to impair opponents until their life has maxed out at 100 or push them off the edges so they fall into oblivion. This game differs from the original in that players can create their own battle plane to scrimmage in. Players earn trophies by playing mini games. Overall, if Super Smash Brothers entertainment value for the whole family makes it a diamond in the rough.

Super Smash Bros. BrawlBest Wii Game:

WORKING WITH WII. Junior Austin Young plays hours of Wii a week. His favorite game is Zelda: Twilight Princess, which he plays the most.

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photo/WWW.APPLE.COM/TRAILERS/DISNEY/WALLE/

Fallout 3Best PS3 Game:

Fallout 3, a game which seamlessly blends fast-paced action with strategic thinking of a traditional role-playing game, takes place in the ruins of Washington, D.C,. in 2077 and after years of atomic bombings, the United States is left crumbling. Players stumble across landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial all while defending themselves from freakish wasteland mutants, giant ants, and more. Fallout 3 is a must-have for sci-fi buffs and shooting game fans alike.

The game starts by following Kratos on his journey Ares

saved him. To reimburse Ares, Kratos does the bidding

of Olympus. Kratos defends the city of Attica when the

hindering Persian forces become a threat. After defeating

the Persian’s brute monster in a battle, a completely

different story begins. The game is perfect for anyone who

enjoys a great game that takes place in a primitive setting

with an undaunted hero of epic magnitude.

God of War: Chains of OlympusBest PSP Game:

photo/BROOKE FIDRICK

In the newly released DS version of Chrono Trigger, players assume the role of Chrono and his followers as they travel to different time periods to save the world from imminent destruction.

The game’s story is well-paced and the characters are memorable, almost every plot-related decision you make will have consequences later on which makes the game a fun experiment in causality as you unfold one of the game’s thirteen possible different endings.

Chrono Trigger

Best Nintendo DS Game:

photo/HOUSEWIKI.FOX.COM

Gears of War 2Best Xbox 360:

Undeniably the Xbox 360 has the best exclusive of 2008: Gears of War 2. It provides the most gratifying irrelevant violence ever. Though the plot is only a loose series of events with which players can justify cutting through a giant worm, combating a dread-locked alien with chain saws, and riding a rocket-mounted dinosaur through the caverns beneath humanity’s last remaining city, Gears of War 2 successfully cuts, stomps, explodes, and dismembers its way to top of its class.

illustration/MIRANDA GHALI

Reviews written by Miranda Ghali, Stacey Sterling, Michael Mangos, Ryden Butler, Colin Perry, Connor Bailey, and Marsha Gibbs.

Compiled from: www.time.com

Features The Lion’s Tale12 January 16, 2009

Kevin Veloso

One by One

Poleschuk jumps for show, no matter how high or low After falling into a fence and receiving

a long scrape that tore half of the skin off her back, sophomore Tess

Poleschuk continued to ride her horse and enter competitions.

Poleschuk has been riding for five years, four of which she has spent competing in shows as a jumper. She began her equestrian hobby after becoming captivated by her neighbor’s horses and influence of her best friend, sophomore Rachel Williams from Lake Howell High School.

“I started riding because my best friend Rachel does. It’s the best sport and I love it, but it’s very difficult,” said Poleschuk.

Maintaining her brown thoroughbred horse named Penny Lane can sometimes become costly. Boarding costs $600 a month, lessons are $50 a month, and sometimes a visit from the veterinarian can bring the overall price to $1,000 a month. Despite the economic downturn and the cost of maintaining her horse, Pleschuk will continue horseback riding with her friends at Brookmore on Chapman road.

“My favorite part of horseback riding is competing with my horse against the other riders,” said Poleschuk

Poleschuk travels all across the state, to cities like Ocala, Jacksonville, and Venice, to compete in A-shows as a jumper.

“At competitions, jumpers attempt to clear each obstacle without knocking down any rails, and also try to complete the entire course faster than anyone else.”

The obstacles that are spread across the course c o n s i s t of horizontal poles that are adjusted to determine the required height and distance of the jump needed to clear the entire obstruction.

Placing first in a recent horse jumping competition at Jacksonville, Poleschuk returns home with another award to place among the numerous others that furnish her room.

With an entire room filled to the brim with ribbons and awards, she began to place

them in boxes and has already loaded up two of them.

Horseback riding has demanded a considerable amount of Poleschuk’s time.

“I go to my barn everyday and ride six times a week,” said Poleschuk.

To make more time for horseback riding and relaxing with friends, she has needed to manage her schedule and sacrifice other activities to free up time.

“I played soccer for nine years but recently quit. It was hard to do that and ride, but I still play for fun,” said Poleschuk. “I’m usually really busy with horse shows and school so when I do have free time I like to just hang out with my friends and have a good time.”

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A Texas teen and two friends had • robbed a grave, used a garden tool to break off the skull of its occupant, made the skull into a bong, and smoked marijuana out of it.A New Balance athletic shoe • with a human foot inside was found south of Vancouver near the mouth of a river.When doctors examined a 9-year-• old Greek girl complaining of a stomach ache, they were startled to discover the cause: an embryonic twin the girl had absorbed while in the womb.The practice of plunging feet • into a tub of tiny carp, called garra rufa, which nibble on dead skin, was popular in some Asian countries and became an American craze after a Virginia salon owner, announced he had offered the treatment to 5,000 customers over a four-month period.The advocacy group People for • the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote an open letter to the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Company, urging them to swap the cow’s milk in their products for human breast milk.After his wife left him, Ian Usher • decided to auction his life on Ebay. Sold only as a package were Usher’s three-bedroom house, his 1989 Mazda sedan, a jet ski, his computer, his furniture, an introduction to his friends and a tryout at his sales job. The bids rolled in and Usher, 44, ended up collecting around $380,000.Thomas Beatie, a trans-gendered • man who was born a woman, was artificially inseminated.

Weirdest discoveries of 2008 revealed

Dressage vs. Jumping Dressage•

The rider must balance the horse and aim to communicate in a subtle manner. Dresssage encourages the horse to take strong upward steps with bounce for showing. Dressage training broadens the horse’s range of movements.

Show Jumping• The act of leaping into the air, usually over a solid obstacle, allowing the horse to jump over great heights and distances. Some horses will jump over fences with great willingness, whereas those with little aptitude for the exercise rarely do.

Compiled from www.equiworld.net

photo/COURTESY OF TESS POLESCHUK

Editor’s Note: One by one appears in every edition of The Lion’s Tale, and features a randomly selected student. This edition, a staff reporter interviewed the first person to sit down at a specified seat at a lunch table.

The Lion’s Tale 13January 16, 2009

Diversions

Kevin Bairdstaff reporter

Hydrogen powerAutomobiles running on hydrogen cells may help ensure a secure energy future

Alesia Bass ‘10

Progress Energy is betting that hydrogen cars are going to be the future of transportation.

And to prove their commitment they are working with Ford Motor Co., the Florida Department of Enviornmental Protections and U. S Department of Energy to develop and test hydrogen cars.

“They have so many advantages over hybrid vehicles,” said James Pooler, energy services adviser for Progress Energy. “Hybrids reduce the amount of emissions, but they are still internal-combustion engines. Hydrogen cars don’t pollute at all because they produce nothing but water vapor.”

As part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project,” Ford has provided Florida with six hydrogen-powered Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles [FCVs] supported by a proposed network of fueling stations to be built in the Orlando area. At the moment, only two have been completed.

“This is the direction that our country needs to be going in,” said junior Mariette Cole. “It’s not just about getting from one place to another anymore. We have to think about the effects it will have on nature, minimize them if possible”

These automobiles constitute about a fifth of the entire Progress hydrogen fleet, which is scattered throughout seven cities nationwide and has traveled a total of 650,000 miles since its inception.

Progress Energy, a Raleigh-based energy company, has distinguished itself as just such a corporation willing to embrace innovation.

“Energy efficiency and renewable technology are playing an increasingly significant role in Progress Energy’s strategy to ensure a secure energy future for the growing communities that we serve,” said Bill Johnson,

the chairman, president and chief executive of progress energy, in a press statement earlier this year. “Providing the electricity needed to run homes and businesses today and in the future while addressing global climate change requires new, innovative thinking.”

Progress’ campaign started in 2005, when the corporation bolstered the research and development efforts of Microcell Corp. with a $1 million loan. Currently, they are working to introduce hydrogen fuel cells to industrial, commercial and consumer markets.

These cells are electomechanical devices that convert chemical energy into a usable form of electricity.

Unfortunately, Progress claims that the United States is years away from seeing any widespread consumer application of fuel cell technology. In fact, Gale Cengage Learning indicates that there were only about 200 public hydrogen vehicles on the road in April of 2007, the majority of which were located in the state of California.

Despite this, the National Research Council has produced a report on the future of Hydrogen cars. In “Transitions To Alternative Transportation Technologies: A Focus On Hydrogen,” the committee predicted that the number of hydrogen powered automobiles could potentially rise to 200 million by 2050. Progress asserts that only further research, coupled with active application of hydrogen technology in everyday life, could make this dream a reality.

Junior Alesia Bass said, “We’re really not devoting ourselves to alternative fuels as we should be. If we were, I’m sure that there’d be more hydrogen cars on the road. As it is, now, we haven’t achieved much of anything. 200 cars isn’t going to save the world.”

Science Daily has the same opinion. Its staff believes that the shift to hydrogen fuel would not have major

impacts on oil reserves or harmful emissions unless fuel cell users made up a significant portion of the market.

Alternatively, the National Research Council is convinced that more immediate changes would come about if traditional vehicles were improved, by way of fuel efficiency, or altered to exploit biofuels.

“There are other ways to change things. We don’t have to rely solely on hydrogen to see differences. It’s not like using hydrogen is the only was to be environmentally

friendly,” said junior Eric Alonso.Such a statement falls in line with the belief in

a “portfolio approach.” It argues that if all three methods were to be pursued simultaneous, they would achieve far more than if they were treated as competitors.

If backed by government policies, aimed at reduced oil use and dedication to low-carbon fuels, the National Council maintains that greenhouse emissions could be reduced by 20 percent. If one traveled along this train of thought, oil demand

could be all but eliminated by Progress’ projected date for market domination of hydrogen cars.

This is just the sort of solution that Chuck Squatriglia, could embrace.An environmentally concerned member of the Wired Magazine staff, he said “Experts say it will be 40 years or more before hydrogen has any meaningful impact on gasoline consumption or global warming, and we can’t afford to wait that long. In the meantime, fuel cells [alone] are diverting resources from more immediate solutions.”

Some students don’t see hydrogen cars will be practical in the future.

Freshman Ryan Connors said, “I don’t think that hydrogen cars will be efficient in the long run. The cars consume the hydrogen too fast. Hybrid cars are the best cars out there right now. My family’s hybrid gets 41 miles per gallon.”

Energy Savers: Hydrogen vs. Hybrid1

5

23

6

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1 2

3

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2. Hydrogen tanksUsed for hydrogen storage; some are exchangable for refueling at a hydrogen station, one of which is located in Oviedo.

1. UltracapacitorsElectrochemical capaciors that have an unusually high energy density

3. Fuel cell stackComponent of the fuel cell, which produces electricity from fuel

4. Power Control UnitControls amount of hydrogen generated

6. Powertrain radiatorSupplemented by hydrogen to power electric motor

5. Electric motor

7. Fuel cell system radiatorCools off the hydrogen

4. Battery pack

1. Internal combustion engineAn engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs in a combustion chamber inside and integral for the engine

2. Electric machine

3. 5-speed transmissionMany hybrid cars, however, have a CVT (continuously variable transition), a transmission which can change seamlessly between gears.

illustration/MIRANDA HARMON

Hydrogen

Hybrid

Diversions The Lion’s Tale14 January 16, 2009

Tube Talk

Miranda Ghali co-editor-in-chief

from LOVE IS THE MOVEMENT, page 1“The movement’s about love and people

who are in pain. This organization has definitely helped me and many of my friends. I found out about TWLOHA when I was going through the process of getting better. It helped the process go a lot faster. It helped my friends through the pain, and cutting,” said Joseph. “[When you‘re going through bad times] you just don’t want to be here.”

Freshman Alexis Cairns believes the chat forum on the website saved her friend, who thought about committing suicide.

“They have this forum where you can post about problems you are having and other people can talk to you. I told my friend to go on. After a week or two of talking to people she felt a lot better about everything. She‘s happy now. I think TWLOHA did that,” said A. Cairns. “Someone there understands her. [She has] somewhere to belong.” Students show support for TWLOHA

Matthews believes that those affected by depression, self-mutilation, suicide, and addiction need to be aware of TWLOHA’s efforts, so that they can know they are not alone.

“Most of the time, people who need help don’t realize there are people who care about them. I know it’s pretty hard to find someone who understands. Even though there are people who struggle, I have trouble finding them. But, the people involved with TWLOHA want to support me, and if I ever need them, someone’s there for me,” said Matthews.

Freshman Jamie Cairns gets involved in the movement for her friend, who self mutilates.

“Everyone should be involved to help other people. This is the right thing to do,” said Cairns, who writes “LOVE” on her arm. “One of my friends, who I grew up with, cuts herself. I do it for her.”

Despite all of the people involved in helping others with depression, Matthews worries that it is often misunderstood.

“Unfortunately, I think people judge depression. But, anyone can get it,” said Matthews. “People have said that those who have bipolar disorder are crazy, which is not true. If people are willing to say that about [a disorder], what are they saying about depression behind others’ backs too? I think that information about depression needs to be put out there more, so that people will know it’s a serious disorder. I t h i n k TWLOHA helps people understand that.”

The first support for the movement came from the initial purpose: to pay f o r treatment for Renee, a friend. Renee’s story is posted on TWLOHA’s website.

The idea of waking up early on a Saturday morning on purpose may elude some teenagers, but I can

remember a time when I would do such a thing. As a kid, I would wake up early on the weekends to watch cartoons. You remember those early mornings hanging out with Daffy Duck and Fred Flintstone right?

Well, a few Saturday’s ago, I woke up early and I couldn’t sleep. I thought back to all of my past Saturday’s as a kid and immediately switched my TV on to look for a good cartoon.

I first flipped to Fox where I could recall watching “Animaniacs.” Nope, nothing good. On I went to Cartoon Network hoping to see Boomerang or “The Flintstones.” Nope, nothing good here either. ABC, CBS, NBC, Disney Channel. All hopeless. What’s a kid to watch?

I hopped on my computer only to find that “Animaniacs” no longer airs on television at any time of any day. Steven Spielburg’s classic cartoons “Tiny Toon Adventures,” “Pinky and the Brain,” and “Animaniacs” have all been canceled.

Wakko, Yakko, and Dot never failed to entertain. With Dot’s endless stream of self-obsession, Wakko’s weirdness, and Yakko’s wisecracks, who could possibly think that canceling “Animaniacs” would be a good idea?

I tried to find some salvation. Surely the “Looney Tunes” could never be canceled. I was astounded to find that I was wrong again! How could anyone get rid of such genius? A bunny fooling a duck, a hopeless coyote chasing a roadrunner… These are all classic examples of true humor!

Those were the only cartoons that even my dad wouldn’t mind watching. Those were shows that both adults and kids alike loved to watch. So I had to wonder, what would possess anyone to cancel such timeless classics?

I still have yet to find a good answer. The only thing I could think of is low ratings, but that still doesn’t make sense to me considering that these were all great cartoons.

You would think that with all the talk about kids being lazy and spending all their time inside watching TV, the stations would at least put something good on!

Knowing that my favorite childhood shows were no longer airing set me on a quest. I wanted to find a good TV show on a Saturday morning.

Here’s what I found: Between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Fox, ABC,

CBS, and NBC don’t even air cartoons; Cartoon Network airs “Transformers Animated” and “The Secret Saturdays,”; and Nickelodeon is the only channel that shows somewhat worthwhile cartoons with “The Fairly OddParents” and “Spongebob Squarepants.”

After my search, I realized that nothing on Saturday morning TV today is worth loosing sleep for. Sleep in so you can watch better TV later in the day.

As for me, I will never again lose precious sleep over these cartoons. I guess times change, but I wish I could go back to the innocent days of childhood and relive the memories of Wakko, Bugs Bunny, and The Brain.

Giant anvil falls on cartoons

To Write Love on Her Arms

MerchandiseAll merchandise can be purchased • at www.twloha.com. Prices vary.

Guys Heavy and Light State, $17

New Movement Deon White, $23

Girls Love Zip Hood Black, $40

New Movement Tote Canvas, $12

illustration/MIRANDA HARMON

“It really kind of broke my heart to hear about all the struggles that Renee, the inspiration for the group, went through, how she was so down, and how support and love got her into rehab and through hard times. She never gave up. It was a hopeful story, but a heartbreaking one. I identified with it,” said Reimer.

Renee’s story made junior Pearson Bolt aware of TWLOHA, and inspired him to be involved.

“I knew Renee as an acquaintance from church. I didn’t know what was happening with her until the founder told her story. I was surprised that it was her because when I met her she was very happy and bubbly. The story itself is incredibly impacting. I thought, ‘I want to help her.’ TWLOHA provides a way to do that,” said Bolt.

TWLOHA sets up stands, and the founder, known as Jamie, speaks at events in order to spread information about the cause.

“I went to a concert for Anberlin, and this guy [most likely the founder] came on before they did their set, and he did his spiel,” said Bolt.

Reimer also finds that through concerts or events, her peers learn about the organization.

“If friends and I go out to a concert, they think TWLOHA is a band. Usually after I talk to them about the real story, they are touched by it and support it themselves. By going to local concerts or festivals with lots of people who can sit there and listen to what you have to say, the issue can be learned,” said Reimer.

According to Joseph, more peers know about the organization’s efforts than even last year. She credits this wave of new supporters to bands that wear TWLOHA, such as Between The Trees, Switchfoot, Paramore, and more. TWLOHA raises money and shows support through merchandise

Merchandise, such as jackets, t-shirts, belts, wrist bands, ect., with “TWLOHA” or “LOVE” on them, can be purchased from www.twloha.com or from stores such as Hot Topic. According to www.twloha.com, in

the past year, TWLOHA has donated over $100,000 to National Hopeline Center, Teen Challenge, and S.A.F.E; all organizations that strive to help people at risk. These donations were made possible by the profits made from the merchandise.

Matthews views the helpful merchandise as reminders of TWLOHA’s efforts.

“It’s really important that people wear the T-shirts. I think it would be less powerful without them because several people wouldn’t even get a chance to know what it is about. To me, the main reason for the merchandise is to spread the word. Word of mouth is fast, but its not like people go around saying they went on the website. The T-shirts, as an advertisement, show that there is an organization trying to help. It‘s nice to know that people are willing to spend money on the organization,” said Matthews.

Matthews’ faith in TWLOHA comes from her best friend.

“My best friend wears a jacket from TWLOHA for me. It makes me feel really good. It shows that she really cares about me, and shows that she supports me,” said Matthews. “It says, ‘I’m here for you. Don’t do anything drastic. We’re all here.’”Growing movement impacts lives

According to Joseph, Post Secret and TWLOHA coincide together with the suicide hotline. Matthews believe the efforts make an impact.

“I think that those who have thought about or have tried to commit suicide might realize from TWLOHA that the world wouldn’t be complete to someone else if they

killed themselves. It might let them know that there are things worth living for, and that we just need to work to try and find them. I wanted, and planned to kill myself last year. I think knowing about the organization would have helped me to some degree,” said Matthews.

Matthews also believes that the most painful aspect of depression is eased a bit by TWLOHA.

“The hardest part about having depression is finding something to make you want to keep on going. It’s really hard, especially when everything feels like its not going your way, and when it feels like nobody cares for you. It’s really hard to find someone or something to keep you going. TWLOHA has shown me that there are a lot of people who care for me and everyone who has this situation,” said Matthews.

Joseph agrees that TWLOHA makes an impact, even on those not directly affected at the moment.

“It’s rewarding to see how people’s lives have changed, see people come through depression, see the smiles on their faces, and feel all of the love spread through the organization,” said Joseph.

photo/COURTESY OF LAUREN JOSEPH

DiversionsThe Lion’s Tale 15January 16, 2009

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BOX OFFICE BOMBS

staff reporter

In the world of bad cinema, one being rules supreme,undisputed in his reign of terror: Uwe Boll, director, producer, and film antichrist of the 21st century. Don’t believe me? There’s a petition online calling for him

to never again take part in movie making, and it has well over 300,000 signatures. That’s like having the entire population of St. Louis telling you that you suck…simultaneously.

But Boll is a man of principle: instead of thinking of ways to improve his films, he’s responded to such negativity by publicly challenging his critics to boxing matches. I’m not joking.

I’ve had this column since, what, September? And there’s a recent Boll movie that I haven’t savaged? Blasphemy!

The 2008 incarnation of Boll’s incompetence comes in the form of In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale, a movie that contains what I believe to be some of the most hilarious action sequences ever devoted to film.

The basic premise is that an animalistic race of orc-rip offs named the Krugs are being controlled by Gallian (Ray Liotta), an evil wizard wearing a leather biker jacket who’s enhanced his powers by having promiscuous sex with the daughter of another wizard (John Rhys-Davies), who works for the King (Burt Reynolds).

The Krugs, however, bite off more than they can chew with our protagonist (Jason Statham) who signed onto this movie for the sole purpose of being allowed to have a kill-count in the low hundreds.

Statham hears an obscure sound emanate from the forest. What could it be? A lion? A bear? A Krug?

My vote goes to none of the above: Boll probably tripped and ran into one of the boom operators.

Anxious to cover up his mistake, Boll orders whatever film extras were ambling on the set at the time to attack immediately.

After killing a Krug with a boomerang (?!), Statham runs off to save his wife, who is stuck in a burning tower.

This seems to have the odd effect of bringing him back to…exactly where he started. Continuity has never been Boll’s strong point...

With his kid dead and his wife missing, Statham goes on a quest to raise his unsatisfactory kill count…I mean…to save his wife. Ron Pearlman joins him, knowing full well that after Crimson Force (a movie involving a Martian civil war), his career couldn’t possibly take a bigger nosedive.

These escapades get them exactly NOWHERE, and they end up meeting with Reynolds anyway to fight more Krugs.

Rhys-Davies gives us some painfully cliché and horribly half-baked story about how Statham is really King Reynolds son. Do I care? No. And apparently, neither does Reynolds. He does a great job of talking very loudly in this scene, and simultaneously showing no emotion whatsoever. I can almost see the screen cues now: “Burt: [raise voice here] You told me he was dead!”

Actually, since this is a Boll movie, I’m genuinely worried that at any point in time Reynolds might read one of his stage cues aloud: “We will attack because they do not expect it. King exits left.”

But all this seems minor compared to what comes next. One line of archers shoot arrows, but suddenly there’s a barrage of thousands in the air; the sound effect used sounds like a four year old trying (and failing) to whistle for the first time. Reynolds sends in ninjas, who begin pulling moves that I’m pretty sure I saw once in a Steven Seagal movie. One scene was even shown TWICE: I watched it, then I saw another action sequence, and then I watched the same scene again.

Then the Krugs do the unimaginable: they sit down in their catapults, rolling on their backs like turtles, then light themselves on fire; the catapults toss the burning Krugs into the air, shown three different times from three different angles for emphasis; then, to complete this masterpiece of insanity, they miss the soldiers entirely and fly into nearby trees.

As the battle progresses, the laws of physics become more steadily ignored and the continuity simply does not exist. Some soldiers are thrown 30 feet across the forest floor; others spontaneously combust into flame. In the end, the battle reveals that its only purpose was to kill off all the secondary characters from the plotline.

Every so often the movie will cut to Liotta laughing in the least believable sinister persona ever portrayed. That in itself is side-splitting, but what’s worse is, I’m relatively certain that Liotta is silently mocking Boll behind his back. Every expression, every line, every action, is so over exaggerated that there’s NO WAY he’s taking them seriously. Boll, however, seems to be blissfully unaware that he’s become the punch line to the joke that is this movie.

The movie culminates with a final showdown between Statham and Liotta, in which Liotta routinely rips off the “dodging bullets move” from The Matrix. He then glides through

the air in the pose used by Ralph Macchio in The Karate Kid and attempts to kill Statham with…books. Yeah, imagine an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel coming to give you the pounding of your life.

I was just about to turn the movie off, exhausted from laughter, when the credits started rolling and Boll’s music choice for his grand exit started playing. It’s…medieval pop music. I think. It reminds me of the singing minstrel from Monty Python and the Holy Grail…except that this isn’t a joke. Boll is dead serious. I don’t know what else I can say about a film that’s managed to be mocked by a movie that came out more than thirty years prior.

Wait, did they ever siege a dungeon in this “Dungeon Siege Tale”? Was there even a dungeon? Does Boll even know what a siege is?

Probably not.

moderately angering

inherently stupid

so bad it’s funny

emotionally scarring

cruel and inhuman punishment

so bad it hurts to live

HOW BAD CAN IT BE?

Return of the “Raging Boll”

Free topping with the purchase of an ice cream cone!!!

FREE SMOOTHY with the purchase of

a smoothy of equal or greater value.

Expires Jan. 30

FREE SMOOTHY with the purchase of

a smoothy of equal or greater value.

Expires Feb. 25

SportsThe Lion’s Tale16 January 16, 2009

Boys Socceer downs WSHSConnor Bailey

sports editorDefeating Seminole High School and rival Winter Springs High School twice this season, the Lions are looking to work on some of th eir

weaknesses.“Our defense lacks in the ability

to mark well on the field, but we are improving each game,” said senior goalie Jason Welday.

With a record of 5-10, the Lions struggle to find positives to

build on. Junior defender Patrick

Christie has stepped up tremendously.

“Someone has to step up during the season. It is

not an easy task, but it something that needs to be done,” said Christie.

Christie has scored four goals, and played every position on the field except goalie during the Hagerty High School game on Jan.

12. Along with Christie, sophomore

Yoan Suozzi has also been a reliable option as well, netting four goals

for the team this season. Midfield is also proving to

be a strong point for the team. Freshman center midfielder

Scotty David has been a vital help as well.

“I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to play on the

varsity team and contribute all that I can. I love the sport and every time I step onto the field

I give everything I have. I leave it all on the field,” said Davis.

Defender Garret Stone also commented on some much needed improvements.

“Our team needs to work on keeping possession of the

ball and more accurate passes,” said Stone.

With the sporadic

playing time from senior foward David Dodge, the team looks for assistance from other players.

“We don’t have enough forwards to score, let alone pose a threat to our opposition,” said sophomore right back Jacob Spikes

The team continues to push themselves during practices hoping their hard work will come through in the upcoming games.

The Lions confidence has continued to be disheartened after losing both encounters to foes, the Hagerty Huskies, 3-0 5-2, this season.

Each player on the team brings a different quality to benefit the team.

“We have a lot of good players on our team, but we are not connecting as a whole unit,”said Christie.

With a new head coach, Mario Alvarado, the team is looking for consisteny in their coaching staff for the upcoming seasons.

The team will head into districts looking to secure a first round win, but will most likely collide with either Lyman High Schoolor Lake Mary High School in the second round, two of the best teams around Central Florida.

Having a limited amount of substitutes on the bench will be a major factor during the second round game.

With a majority of the starters of this year’s team returning for next season, the team looks to be in good shape next year.

“Next year will be a lof better of a year. This year is a rebuiliding year, preparing us [the team] for next season,” said Christie.

IN FULL FORCE. (Above) Senior David Dodge runs toward a ball hoping to put it into the back of the net. (Right) Senior Chris Luxon boots a ball to his teamate looking for an assist.

photo/CARSON BAILEY

photos/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

photo/MIRA

ND

A G

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Game Overview

1.

2.

3.

4.

KICK, JUGGLE, PASS. 1. Number 17 sends the ball sailing during home play. 2. Sophomore Jacob Spikes traps a ball and passes it to another teammate. The team defeated Winter Springs High School in earlier play and anticipates playing rival Lake Mary High in January.

EYE ON THE BALL. 3. Senior Ian Thorton kicks the ball in an attempt to score a goal. 4. Number 17 uses his chest to assist a teammate with a goal against Lake Brantley High School.

SportsThe Lion’s Tale 17January 16, 2009

Record breaking lions look for 5th title

Four out of the last five years, in the varsity-wrestling world, only one school’s name reigns above all.

The Oviedo Lions varsity-wrestling team accomplished a feat that no other school in the state of Florida has done, state champions for four consecutive years. South Dade high school edged the Lions last year but this season the Lions are back to regain their throne and continue dominating the mat.

Senior Stephon Jenkins began wrestling for Oviedo three years ago, and since then has become a captain.

“A captains responsibility is just to make sure everyone gets their job done, and we wrestle hard,” said Jenkins. “In order to be a good wrestler, we have to eat, sleep and wrestle.”

Good wrestling is undoubtedly a trait that follows the varsity team. The team is 85-1 in the conference and was featured in an Orlando Sentinel varsity sports segment. The team lost in Camden Georgia.

“Work ethic, determination and discipline are necessary for becoming a good wrestler,” noted co-captain Chase Gordon.

Gordon was part of the varsity squad when the

state championship slipped through their fingers last year.

“The team now, we are more focused than last year,” said Gordon. “The 2007 team was a highly skilled team that was full of veteran wrestlers and this year we have a lot of youth which is also good.”

Not only does the team have a number of young aspiring athletes, the coaching staff is recognized worldwide.

“Our coach JD has been voted best national coach multiple times,” said junior Ray Rowlando. “He’s trained eight Olympians and has won multiple state and national titles.”

Head varsity coach Rafael Valle has led the team to have the longest current winning streak in the last four years.

“I’m very proud of a team that seeks out the toughest competition,” said Valle. “We don’t take winning for granted.”

The varsity lions recently dominated the 2009 Ron Peters Tournament of Champions on Jan. 11. The final score Oviedo 226.0 while the runner-up, Niceville finished at 148.5.

Contributing to the final score were senior Stephon Jenkins (28-1), sophomore Joey Hefley (30-3), junior Chase Gordon (31-2), junior Erin O’Dell (28-1), senior Davin Morris (30-2), and sophomore Jay Taylor (30-3).

Tien Holmesstaff reporter

FORK, POUND, UNDERHOOK. Junior Ray Rowland shows his frustration when a young teamate begins to set up for his shot during wrestling practice.

photo/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

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PRECISION, BALANCE, DEVOTION. Junior Evin Kelley does a 360 flip at the skate park in Oviedo. photo/COURTESY OF MIKE RASMUSSEN

Skateboarders exhibit ‘sick’ movesCoasting down a long, curved street

attaining speeds up to 40 mph, the adrenaline builds and trees blur while

performing various tricks.That’s the thrill of Skateboarding.“I started skating because it’s a sport

that’s different than all the other sports and it’s an adrenaline rush,” said freshmen Blake Rodriguez.

And for many people, the brand of skateboard or the company who manufactures the brand matters. There are two main types of skateboard: long and short. The different shape of both long and short skateboards is very important, also, and for expert tricks, the skateboard should be concave, which refers to the curve of the board.

Skateboards consist of three main parts: the deck, which is the piece that one stands upon. The wheels, and the truck which are both located underneath the deck.

“I have a Darkstar skateboard,” said freshmen Richie Mastroberte. “It’s the best because it’s really light, easy to control, and it’s not as expensive as some others. Any name brand is expensive. Like Element and Baker is around $60 for just a deck.”

However, sophomore Josh Bibiloni disagrees.

“I have a flip skateboard,” said Bibiloni. “I think a skateboard is a piece of wood. It’s kind

of like designer jeans, they look the same but one just has a secret cool little design. If you have money then get the cute design. It doesn’t affect your skating at all.”

Big names such as Tony Hawk and Ryan Sheckler conceal the covers of skateboarding magazines such as The Skateboard Mag. And every student idolizes his or her favorite professional skater.

“My favorite pro skater is Rodney Mullen,

because I like to do street skating a lot. I’m not really vert. And he’s amazing at street; he’s like a god. He will do everything with anything,” said Mastroberte.

Rodriguez also agrees with Mastroberte.“Rodney Mullen is my favorite skater

because he has a variety of tricks that he created himself that nobody else can do,” said Rodriguez.

Skateboarding combines, precision,

balance, and devotion that lead to the perfection of various tricks.

“My favorite trick is a 360 flip. I like it because it’s fun to do. The board does a 360 with a kick flip,” said junior Evin Kelley.

Injuring, however, represent one downfall to skateboarding. Numerous skateboarders experience injuries while attempting tricks. “I’ve gotten hurt tons of times. I’ve never broken a bone, luckily. I’ve fallen on my back, my butt, my wrist, my knees, and my elbows. The board has come up and hit me in several places, it didn’t feel good. The worst is when the board hits you in the chins,” said Mastroberte.

Also, skateboarding isn’t all fun and games. It can be expensive.

“Skateboarding is always expensive. Trucks are the most expensive part of a complete. Sometimes price stops me from skating for weeks,” said Kelley.

Not only are the parts of a skateboard expensive, the gear and equipment can also break the bank.

“Shoes are the most expensive thing,” said Mastroberte. “They normally cost around $70-80.”

And although many students love skateboarding, they could not see skateboarding as their career.

“I would like to become a professional skateboarder but not really,” said Rodriguez. “There’s just too much fame involved and then skateboarding becomes a job and not a sport.”

Leadership by Example

NJROTC

Leadership by Example

NJROTC

Sports The Lion’s Tale18 January 16, 2009

Hoops for heart gives Lions extra boostColin Perry

staff reporter

Injuries have plagued the boy’s basketball team this season, pulling three of the team’s starters off the court. It is expected that all of these starters will

return before the end of the season, but their weeks-long absence still hurt the team.

Now, less experienced players are expected to step up and play at the varsity level.

Out for a period of time was senior Jayson Gurrier, who has been the Lion’s leading scorer for the past two years.

Three hundred were in attendance on Dec. 17 when Gurrier made his return just in time for the Lions to score a win against Lyman High School.

Gurrier made 12 out of his 20 shots and ended the night with a total of 29 points overall, scoring nearly half of the Lion’s 68 against Lyman.

In the time Gurrier was out, the Lions showed a significant breakthrough with junior Greg Dorleus at the center position.

Coach Ed Kershner explained that Dorleus has stepped up to become more and more dominant on the court.

The center is normally the tallest man on the team, and often has a great deal of

strength or body mass as well. In most cases, the center’s main role is to use his size to score and defend from a position close to the basket, a task the over-six-foot Dorleushas mastered..

However, with so many players out and newer, younger players forced to fill their shoes, the team had to work harder to keep together.

That Gurrier became the missing piece of the puzzle that held the entire Lion’s offense together can be seen in every aspect of the game: the shooting, the dribbling, and the passing.

And it’s all simply out of sync when Gurrier isn’t there.

Kershner says that the only flaw in his team’s performance this year has been inexperience.The team has made it to 12-5 without their marquis players .

Kershner says that only missing a few players can severely hurt the team.

“ You can’t coach [kids with] injuries, and it’s unexpected when they happen all at once. It’s good to give other players a shot in the game, but at the same time, [the team] needs the leadership. Chemistry is what makes the team better as a whole then the sum of its parts,” said Kershner. JUMP AND SHOOT. Forward Josh Self, senior, uses his body to lay in the basketball in to the basket while center Greg

Dorelus, junior, against Bishop Moore High School in the Hoops for Heart Tournament.

photo/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

Correct diet helps athletes play wellMaggie Kipi

staff reporter

Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a soft sesame bun;

while it may be a great recipe for a juicy hamburger, is it what athletes should eat before competing?

“What an athlete eats several days before competition affects the amount of glycogen (energy) stored in their muscles, therefore the foods consumed on the day of competition do not affect their performance as much as those eaten in the days before. Since athletes perform better in general with no food in the stomach, it is important to eat the meal 2 to 4 hours before the event so that the stomach has enough time to digest it,” said Erica Zimolzak-Coe, Certified Athletic Trainer at Oviedo High.

The majority of the athletes at Oviedo High are educated in what they should, and should not eat.

“I eat a bagel in the morning before my race, cause you’re supposed to eat something light. And don’t eat cereal because dairy products aren’t good for running,” said sophomore Scott Dangel who runs on the varsity cross-country

team.Sophomore Blaine Smith also warns

not to eat certain foods before an activity or game.

“Don’t eat Tijuana flats, I ate there once and my stomach got really upset during the game, and I played really bad. [Before a game] I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and sour cream and onion chips,” said Smith who plays on the JV basketball team.

Most athletes encompass an ideal thought of what they should eat before a c o m p e t i t i o n . However, this typical stereotype has been proven wrong.

“Many athletes believe that eating high sugar, high caffeine foods and drinks before an event will help them run faster or hit harder, when in fact, not only do they not help an athlete

perform better, they may even hinder their performance,” said Zimolzak-Coe

And while some athletes tend to eat a heavier meal, some prefer to keep the meals small and simple.

“I eat a power bar and a banana. You shouldn’t drink milk, it makes you

puke,” said freshmen Matt Goldblatt who plays JV

soccer.The coaches

point the athletes in the right direction when it comes

to food.“ M y

c o a c h , S a m m y G i b s o n ,

tells us to eat a peanut butter

and jelly sandwich and no McDonalds,” said freshmen Jon Poweski who plays freshmen football.

According to, youngwomenshealth.org, the purpose of the pre-competition

meal is to prevent hunger and to have enough water and energy in the body during game/practice. Limit the amount of fatty foods such as fast food, eggs, meat, and cheese that is consumed during the pre-exercise meal. These foods take much longer to digest and may make you feel sluggish and tired.

“Don’t eat candy. One time I ate gummy worms and goldfish and I threw up after I swam,” said sophomore Sara Owens who swims for the varsity swim team.

Sophomore Tori Kidd experienced a similar situation, while playing on the JV fast pitch softball team.

“Don’t eat soup,” says Kidd, “I had a bad experience when I ate soup before a game. It was hot outside, and the soup was hot. And I started feeling sick, and it didn’t end well. So, don’t eat dairy products or anything like that.”

At the end of the day, what’s important for athletes is to obtain carbohydrates to be successful in their performance during a game/practice.

“Foods that are high in carbohydrates (pancakes, pasta, potatoes) are easily digested and therefore usually the best choice,” said Zimolzak-Coe.

5 Foods all athletes should eat...

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Whole Peanut Fruits Calcium-Rich Fiber-RichGrains Butter &Veggies foods foodsphotos/CARSON BAILEY

illustration/MIRANDA HARMON

SportsThe Lion’s Tale 19January 16, 2009

-

sports editor

Upcoming Games01/26Boys Varsity Soccer-District Tourney @ LBHS01/27Girls Varsity and JV Basketball vs Father Lopez.01/28Girls Varsity and JV Basketball @ Hagerty.01/28Boys Varsity, JV, and Freshmen Basketball game vs Winter Springs

with Marsha Gibbs

April Asby

photos/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

Girl’s Varsity Basketball unifies during practice

The Roar

Junior April Asby on, off the soccer field

Connor Bailey

For the love of the sport, nothing else

Lions Tale: If you could gain wisdom or money, which option would you choose?April Asby: I would choose wisdom because with wisdom, you can earn money.LT: If you had a superhuman ability, what would it be? Why?AA: I would read people’s minds because then I would know who my true friends are, and know how people really feel about me.LT: What is your most treasured possession?AA: My cell phone. I am always on it, just ask my friends.LT: What age did you start playing soccer?AA: I was three. LT: Who inspired you to play at such young of an age?AA: My sister and my brother.LT: What is your first memory on the feild?AA: I remember crying when my mom made me sub out of a game. I was five years old.LT: What has been your worst injury so far? How did it happen?AA: I hurt my ankle during a Winter Springs game. When I was in the air for the ball, I came down and a girl stepped on the inside of my foot while my ankle went the other way.

Girl’s Varsity Soccer Team steps up to seaon’s challengeWith a win against Rockledge 5-0 and a

win against Bishop Moore 1-0, the Girls Varsity Soccer team came into this season

determinded. With only one loss on their record this year, the ladies are preparing for the post season, hoping to win the state championship. Practicing 4-6 hours per week along with pre-season practice conditioning, the team is shooting for tip top shape. The sprints and push-ups should pay off when the team pushes to the post season.

It’s a learning season for the Girls Varsity Basketball Team. Losing to University High 53-35, the team tied up the score 23-23 during

half-time. Practicing 15 hours per week, the team works on offensive execution and the dedication is noticable.

“The team plays much more as a unit. Over repetition, the players understand each other’s positions so each player can be switched with another,” said Coach Densberger.

DRIBBLE, SHOOT, SCORE. To the left, junior Annemarie Houser dribbles into the lane for a layup. To the right, senior Katia Vales dribbles the ball across half-court looking for a team mate to pass to.

Some athletes play sports just so they can put on their transcripts.

“I played four years of a varsity sport, but I do not agree with doing that,” said varsity soccer player Colleen O’Kennedy.

Yes, I agree that it does look good for college, but I think that you should play the sport because you love it and have a passion that drives you to perform at your best.

Sports are so much more than about winning a state championship or having a winning season, it is a life learning process.

After talking to O’Kennedy, I found that a multitude of athletes play on a team for the love of the sport, not just for the heck of it.

“I love playing soccer and it makes me feel great to be a part of my high school team. Soccer is my passion and I love to be on the field,” said O’Kennedy.

Playing a sport doesn’t only keep you in shape, but it prepares you for life in a way that most athletes do not grasp until they have graduated.

Being on a team teaches you how to work together as a unit, how to be a leader, communication, and how to take positive criticism from your coaches/leaders.

“Working with my teammates really will help me in the long run during my college years and beyond,” said O’Kennedy.

A team environment also brings a diverse group of students together and helps the athletes “bond” with any type of person.

Athletes learn how to adapt to situations they are not used to or acclamanted to.

Postive critism is also a key lesson. “When my coach tells me what I’m doing

wrong, I don’t take it personally. I look at it as positive critism, I don’t think of it as if he is yelling at me, more as a great help,” said O’Kennedy.

O’Kennedy believes this will help her when she gets a job later in life.

“If my boss tells me I am doing something wrong, I wont take it personally because I have already been through a situation like that.”

Being a part of a team should be more than just a hassle you have to go through during high school so you can get into that great college.

It should be because you love it and want to get life lessons and unforgettable experiences.

photo/GRAHAM CHRISTENSEN

Features The Lion’s Tale20 January 16, 2009

A thousand pictures are worth...

Katie’s walls are papered with photos of her and her friends. “My dance friends are in a ton of the pictures,” said McGuire.

Katie’s door is tiled with photo-booth pictures, and rimmed by quotes from her favorite songs and movies. “One day can make your life, one day can ruin your life, all life is, is four or five good days that change every-thing.”

One of the quotes is from the movie Riding in Cars with Boys and is penned carefully along the top of her door frame.

“That quote is my favorite quote because in my opinion it speaks the truth.” said McGuire.

Amy Judahstaff reporter

Everyone collects memories. From their ticket stubs to key chains. From letters to photos. People tend to remember their life

better through stuff. Especially senior Katie McGuire. She has

thousands of pictures from her life covering everything in her room.

The idea sparked in the summer of 2007, and soon took flame.

She collected a startling amount of pictures from eighth grade up to her senior year, and carefully stuck them to her walls, ceiling, door, and even some furniture.

McGuire got a bit creative with the material she used to pin up her photographs. She described the process for getting the pictures to stay up on her walls. She started using staples and tacks but found that tape worked better than the rest, even though tape still leads to some of her pictures falling down.

Believe it or not, her walls didn’t start with photographs at all. Instead, she took the idea from a friend and started her own collection of artwork that her friends made for her.

“My friend Alex Kirkland [senior] started putting up signs people made her on her ceiling, so I did that too. I started my wall with signs,” said McGuire.

The signs were quick artistic pieces done by her friends, made for her. Many sported her name and colorful designs.

Although the signs on her walls are gone, a heap of pictures replace them. Some areas of her room are themed, such as the pictures on her door. In the early stages she started with more themed areas, but as the picture population grew, it got a little difficult.

“The front of my door is all dance pictures. The opposite side of my door was all black and white pictures. This is where the photo booth pictures are; they’re probably my favorite,” McGuire said.

Some of the few empty spaces on her walls have some of her favorite quotes written in them. One of which is ‘forget regret or life is yours to miss.’

McGuire completed her room in Feb. 2008. Her walls, ceiling, door, and even some furniture were covered top to bottom with photographs of her life. Memories upon memories rest on her walls.

Although her room is completely covered in her own photography, she still adds more every once in a while. She may run out of room, but she’ll never run out of pictures.

“I normally overlap them,” said McGuire. “Because if I took two down they would all fall down.”McGuire’s parents are supportive of her expression of creativity through her photographs on her

walls, though they may get annoyed by the expense.“It’s $60 for 150 pictures,” McGuire said. “I order them offline on Walgreens.”The pictures she uses are merely snapshots from her handheld camera, no photography classes

or special skill was needed, just good times. The photographs McGuire uses express the good memories of friendships that have made up the most important times in her life.

When she looks at the pictures on the walls herself, it reminds her of all the good times she’s had with friends through out the years.Everyone knows friendships come to an end, and having pictures of old friends on her walls is dealt with easily.

“If I’m not friends with someone anymore, I normally cover them up.”Friends coming over for the first time are in for an unforgettable experience.“Some people are overwhelmed when walking into my room for the first time,

but most people like it,” said McGuire.

Everyone knows a picture is worth a thousand words. But senior Katie McGuire knows that a thousand pictures are worth a l i f e t ime o f memor i e s

Katie’s Favorites

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