The long-view - Longview Independent School District
Transcription
The long-view - Longview Independent School District
Page 7 (Pinch!) PROM SENIOR CELEBRATION Happy St. Patricks Day! Page 3 Pages 5 & 6 The Official Newspaper of Longview High School The Long-View Friday March 11, 2011 Volume 74, No. 6 Since 1937 Senior earns national recognition Tobeya Ibitayo Editor-in-Chief After a long and successful competition process, senior Claire Henderson will be eligible for scholarship awards in the spring as this year’s only National Merit Finalist from the high school. The academic competition, established by the National Merit Scholarship Company, selects the highest scoring junior participants on the PSAT to qualify for distinction. “When my dad handed me the letter, I screamed because I couldn’t believe it,” Henderson said. “It was just a huge relief because I’ve been stressing out about that all year long.” Of more than 1.5 million nationals entrants into the program, only about 15,000 semifinalists advance to the Finalist standing. Last year, the high school had just one student to receive this distinction. “Once you get to the semifinalist stage, there are further steps,” Henderson said. “You have to make a high enough score on the SAT to match your PSAT score to know it was not a fluke. You have to have a recommendation from your principal and they look at all your high school grades. You’re score on the PSAT is just what gets you to the next level.” The National Merit Scholarship National Achievement: National Hispanic Scholars: Commended Students: Hannah McDonald Britton Eastburn Matthew Cole Carlos Rodriguez Christine Suggs Allyson Castillo Collin Gonzalez Bria Hardeman-Moore Michael Ibeh Tobeya Ibitayo Freshman gains world-wide attention with Facebook faceoff Judge ends desegregation law from 1970 Tobeya Ibitayo Editor-in-Chief Felica Ellison Staff Writer T Amanda Hutcheson / THE LONG-VIEW Freshman Alaxic Smith checks his website for updates. Nearly 5,000 people have signed up for an account on the social network SwiftSharing. to interact with their friends in the same way as Americans are on the website.” SwiftSharing, like Facebook, is a social network that is mainly based on feeds or posts. “SwiftSharing is a social network that allows you to differentiate the posts you want to see from your friends based upon the topic of the piece of content,” Alaxic said. “Unlike on Facebook, people can like and dislike posts.” SwiftSharing plans to be out of beta this summer. Beta is the testing stage of a working website. “The site is all about what the people want, not what we want to do,” Smith said. “Facebook makes sudden changes without consulting the 500 million people that use it and it really frustrates them. Eventually we hope to offer customized feeds which will in a way be like Facebook fan pages, but with more customization and wider user reach.” The SwiftSharing team has plans to go to California this summer to discuss future business prospects. “We have an offer from someone who’s interested in investing some major bucks in the site,” Smith said. “As far as offers to buy it, we haven’t gotten any.” Pinecrest to host senior prom A 1970 federally mandated desegregation order for Longview ISD ended Jan. 24 with the signing of a court order. The lifting of the desegregation order, which required 70 percent white and 30 percent minority students at each campus, is part of a district effort to obtain unitary status – a distinction given to districts no longer operating segregated school districts and that have eliminated vestiges of past segregation. “We’ve been out of compliance with the order for a long time because the makeup of the district has changed,” Deputy Superintendent Andrea Mayo said. “Very few districts still operate under a court order. Forty-one years is a long time, but the time is here.” Mayo said the district has been working with the court to try to receive a consent degree where we could move from the original order. “We are very delighted that the district received the signed consent order,” Mayo said. “I, personally, and we, as a district, have a great deal of satisfaction that this was accomplished.” In addition to signing a joint motion with the Department of Justice, the district recently implemented six new attendance zones for elementary schools under the neighborhood school plan. Elementary students feed into one of three middle schools, which then feed into the high school. “I think the students are going to benefit because the attendance zones were approved,” Mayo said. “They stay in their neighborhood schools pre-K through five and don’t have to change schools.” With LISD now educating more black and Hispanic students than white students, the lifting of the desegregation order comes late according to freshman Jaida Murray. “I think they should have gotten rid of it a long time ago, because we were already integrated,” Murray said. “It’s pointless for them to have just now lifted the order.” desegration law Established in 1970 (forty-one years ago), an era suffering from educational segregation Required 70 percent white and 30 percent minority students at each LISD campus Prevented the district from obtaining the unitary status distinction Ended Jan. 24 with a federal court order signed by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis News-Journal awards two juniors for annual essay competition Tobeya Ibitayo Editor-in-Chief Tobeya Ibitayo Editor-in-Chief Pinecrest Country Club will host this year’s prom from 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres to be served at nine. “I think it will be really nice this time because of the fact that will have a larger venue,” senior sponsor Sybil Blacklock said. “Our DJ is Coach Sims, and we will be taking requests the week of prom so that should get the music in order. People need to go ahead and buy their prom tickets, like now.” Indicative of the event’s nature, this year’s theme is A Black Tie Affair which is an ex- See NATIONAL MERIT on Page 2 sat /psat recognition for seniors The New Social Network he clicking of the keyboard overpowers the music coming from the speakers as freshman Alaxic Smith rapidly knocks out line after line of coding. He is interrupted by an instant message from a classmate asking for help on homework, which reminds him that he has to squeeze that in somewhere into his busy night. He flips through different screens pausing for a matter of seconds on each to check status updates, the number of members, and the database. Smith created a growing, world wide social network called SwiftSharing with the help of fellow freshman Spencer Smith. The adventure started back in the summer of 2010 when they started site similar to Facebook. “We were making a very pretty penny off the site with almost no maintenance,” Alaxic said. “We were right at our peak, and then Facebook blocked us, which drove our traffic down.” Once their Facebook page was blocked, they created their own social network called Your Mine and Our Life. “YMO Life wasn’t successful at all because it did exactly what Facebook does in the same way,” Alaxic said. “I then got the idea for the SwiftSharing site one night while frustrated with all the crap on Facebook.” SwiftSharing was released Jan.1 and within the first week had over five-hundred members. As of March 8, the site had 4,742 users. “I never thought it would grow as fast as it is,” Alaxic said. “I honestly have no idea where the people are coming from, but they’re coming.” There are users from all over the world. The United States has the most users, but many users originate from about fifty other countries. “After we translate the site into multiple languages it will grow even faster than it is now,” Alaxic said. “That opens up the door for us to communicate with people from other countries and for them Company also recognizes students as commended who show outstanding academic promise, but do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships. For underrepresented Kevin Berns / THE LONG-VIEW Senior Emily Todd purchases her prom tickets from senior class sponsor Sybil Blacklock during lunch on Wednesday. tension of senior celebration. “Seeing every one look all pretty at senior celebration was a lot of fun, so I think prom will be fun too,” senior Danica Sheek said. “We’ll all get to be together hanging out. I’m excited to see everyone dressed up.” After today, tickets will be sold at the normal price of $60 for couples and $35 for single guests, instead of $40 and $25 respectively. Zonta Club: For students with trouble affording prom dresses, the Zonta Club is here to help. Page 6 Juniors Jack Littlejohn and Sarah Konvalin won scholarship awards as winners of the annual Laws of Life essay competition, sponsored by LeTourneau University and the Longview News-Journal. The regional contest requires high school juniors to write about people and experiences that have helped to shape their values. At the award ceremony in the S.E. Belcher Center, Littlejohn received the first place overall award and a $5,000 scholarship to LeTourneau University for his essay entitled “A Summer Not Easily Forgotten.” “It was really exciting when I found out I had won first place,” Littlejohn said. “I wasn’t really expecting it to happen. I was a little nervous because I had to read my essay in front of everybody.” Longview High School was the only school that boasted two winners in this year’s competition, with Konvalin taking an Excellence in Writing award for her essay entitled “Overcoming Adversity: A Peruvian Guide.” “I wasn’t surprised at the two who received awards because they’re such wonderful writers,” English teacher Christy Triece said. “It was really hard to narrow down from all of my students. I could only turn over two essays and the committee read them. They had two narrow them down to three, and out of those three, two people won, so I was very proud.” PAGE 2 Spoon Full of Sugar The Long-View FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 Wireless Woes Students try to find the Wi-Fi password, not knowing who is really in control Magan Tyler Staff Writer Spring Fever Jan Banks, RN LHS Nurse CA LEND AR O F EVENTS With the beautiful weather that we have been having, have you heard anyone say that someone has “Spring Fever”? Spring fever is a term applied to physical and psychological symptoms associated with the arrival of spring. It is a feeling of restlessness, excitement, increased energy or sometimes laziness brought on by the coming of spring. I have seen several students recently in the nurse’s office with fever, but not the type that is brought on by Spring. A fever is usually a sign that something out of the ordinary is going on in your body like an infection. Usually a fever goes away within a few days. An over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol can lower a fever, but sometimes it is better left untreated. Fever can actually help your body fight off a number of infections. Fever symptoms may include sweating, shivering, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, dehydration, and general weakness. A fever usually means your body is responding to a viral or bacterial infection. Here’s how body temperature works: Your body temperature is set by your hypothalamus, an area at the base of your brain that acts as a thermostat for your whole system. Your temperature is the balance of the heat produced by your body tissues, particularly your liver and muscles, and the heat your body loses. When you’re ill, your normal temperature may be set a few points higher as your body directs blood away from your skin to decrease heat loss. When fever starts your body tries to elevate its temperature, you feel chilly and may shiver to generate heat until the blood around your hypothalamus reaches the new set point. When your temperature begins to return to normal, you may sweat profusely to get rid of the excess heat. If you do feel symptoms of fever, be sure and see the nurse if you are at school and if at home, let your parents know. If you are experiencing symptoms of spring fever… ENJOY!!! Prom Freshman Jacob Boles sits discouraged in his free time during class. He can’t figure out the Wi-Fi password. He’s tried every combination and every password he can thing of. No one seems to know the correct password except one person. That person is Brian Pitts, Technology Coordinator for LISD. He resets the password and controls when it gets changed. He knows that students try hard to figure out how to get into the GOLOBOS network. “GOLOBOS is for legitimate guests of the district only,” Pitts said. “The press is our primary user along with people who give presentations.” GOLOBOS is free of Websense which blocks Youtube, FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter, and other social networking sites. The Education Support Center (ESC) has made a conscious decision about blocking those sites from our learning environment to prohibit distractions from occurring. “You’re not supposed to get on the Wi-Fi network or even use your technology devices at school,” Carol Nylum, head librarian said, “Cellular devices and iPod are only supposed to be allowed at lunch.” There are many ways students obtain the Wi-Fi password. “I always find out from my friends,” Boles said. “No one seems to be able to figure it out this time.” Students say the WiFi password hasn’t been hard to figure out in the past. The recent passwords have been as simple as ‘happynewyear’, ‘quarterfinal’, and even the WiFi network’s name, ‘GOLOBOS’. “I figured out there was a free WiFi internet connection at the high school a while back even before I was a freshman,” Boles said. “It was 8th grade when I came to practice Golf at the Aquatic Center.” Boles is one of the many students that use the WiFi to access Facebook and other social networks. “There should be a Wi-Fi network just for the students,” Boles said. “I wouldn’t be willing to pay for it. Especially if it has websites blocked. It should just be free.” You can use any Wi-Fi enabled device to connect, as long as it’s in range. The name “WiFi” suggests Wireless Fidelity, resembling the long-established audio-equipment classification term “High-Fidelity” or “HiFi”. Wi-Fi enabled devices such as personal computers, smartphones, and certain digital audio players can connect. The coverage of one or more interconnected access points, called hotspots, can comprise an area as small as a few rooms or as large as many square miles. Coverage in the larger area may depend on a group of access points with overlapping coverage. GOLOBOS covers the whole district, but networks such as Pythagoras and Prometheus only covers the high school. “The primary difference from Pythagoras and GOLOBOS is its encryption protocol. It’s an internal network. It has a specific speed set to it as well. Prometheus is the latest on to arrive. He has a different encryption and a higher speed.” Pitts said. “You can’t connect to them. They are built inside our firewalls.” Dominion Long Staff Writer High school choir, orchestra, and band members competed at the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest a few weeks ago. The Lobo Band went to contest on Feb. 26 at Nacogdoches High School. Almost 80% of the members who competed received a first division rating. Only top performers advanced to the State Solo and Ensemble Competition, held in Austin at UT campus in May. Musicians are judged by the finest collegiate directors in the state. Scholarship opportunities are made available for state medal earners. “We performed very well despite a two week postponement,” band director Louis Robinette said. “These students volunteer to compete and I am very proud that they decided to give up another Saturday to represent themselves, the school, the band, and the community.” Freshman Michele Farren, a student who advanced to the state completion, said it was difficult earning a 1st division rating. “You have to be pretty dedicated to even consider make a 1st division,” Far- Cheerleading Pitts said that it would be easy to set up a Wi-Fi network for educational purposes only that is blocked by Websense. If students did get this network class dues at the beginning of the year would increase do to the new cost to maintain the network. Pitt is unsure if he wants to do this because he feels students won’t pay for the network if Youtube and social networking sites are blocked. “I’m still going to be on the hunt for the password to GOLOBOS,” Boles said. “Even if they make some of the websites blocked.” ren said. “The one thing you need to fo- tion,” Richardson said. “When I did praccus on is to be musical; just playing notes tice, it would be for a week for about an on a page definitely won’t get you a one.” hour. The most difficult aspect would be Farren also considering playing in to concentrate on the task at hand which front of judges one of hardest parts of the would be the music instead of the judge. The goal is just to enjoy the music and auditioning process. “The most difficult part for me had to be the experience, worry about the judge knowing that I fumbled on a certain mea- later. It all depends on your personal sure and wondering if the judge counted skills pertaining to music, but for me it it against me,” Farren said. “However, didn’t take much for me, just came naturally.” music is fairly well. I enjoy The orchestra also slow, lyrical pieces. So I The one thing you competed in solo and enconsider them pretty easy. semble contest. One orOther people enjoy fast mu- need to focus on is chestra participant was sic, so slow might be really to be musical; just Shariee Peoples. hard for them.” “The hard part about The Longview High School playing notes on a Choir competed at UIL Solo page definitely won’t the music was trying to continue to keep a cerand Ensemble contest on tain tone as I played for Friday, Jan. 28 at White- get you a one . the judges,” Peoples said. house High School. Up to 28 choir students participated in — Michele Farren “However, the thing that the contest with 14 students freshman I like the most about the contest was the fun. It making a 1st division. One student who received this honor was very entertaining, you get to meet was Unique Richardson. She tells of her new people and play music with each experience and hard work of getting a 1st other and laugh all day. When I found out that I made 1st division, I felt like I Division as well. “I prepared for solo and ensemble the was number one which made my hard last two weeks before we had to audi- work pay off in the end.” ►►March 12 Tryouts In Coliseum from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Contact Mrs. Heckard for more information Viewettes UIL District Meet Science Fair Science ►►May 14 An error message appears as an wireless device attempts to connect to the GOLOBOS network. Students earn awards, advance to state at UIL music competions ►►$40 per couple (TODAY ONLY) ►►$60 per couple after March 11 ►►Tryouts May 20 & 21 news ►►March 25 & 26 See Ms. Mercer for more info. ►►Shirts and hoodies now in. “ National Merit Continued from front page minority students, the program offers National Achievement and National Hispanic Scholar awards. Ten students from the high school were recipients of these distinctions. “I got commended performance recognition but I didn’t score high enough to become a National Merit Semifinalist,” senior Hannah McDonald said. “I’m proud of myself, but I just wish I would have known that there was even a possibility for me to get some kind of recognition. I may have taken it a little more seriously.” For Henderson, the National Merit Finalist recognition has already opened up scholarship opportunities ” at her Baylor University, her prospective college. “They haven’t sent official word yet, but they said when I was visiting during the application process that they’ll pay full tuition for National Merit Scholars and National Merit Finalists,” Henderson said. “While I’m there, I plan to major in English literature.” With plans to peruse book publishing, Henderson attributes some of her success to her high school English teachers. “Claire is fabulous; she has been since she was a sophomore,” English teacher Nicole Harbison said. “She always surprises me, always works hard, and is exceptionally gifted at English. I know that she wants to be a publisher, and I think that if she goes that route, she’ll be very successful.” “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” --Aristotle PAGE 3 opinion The Long-View FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 Driving is not the only danger of teenage drinking In the advent of prom night, a prominent danger comes to mind, alcohol. We cannot deny that teen drinking is an issue, especially at this time of year, but while there is always a concern in regards to alcohol at this particular event, this is still a crisis year round. Even though popular culture shows that alcohol is only a danger if one drives, drinking poses many more threats. The major difference between underage drinking and legal consumption is the amount. When teenagers drink, they usually consume more than 5 drinks, this behavior is known as binge drinking, which further compounds the usual problems. Teenagers should not be drinking any time of year; it is a major hazard to themselves and others. As previously mentioned, when teenagers drink, they usually drink a lot, which means they get drunk. Inebriation severely impairs our brain functions, such as decisionmaking and reaction time, both of which are imperative to safe driving. But even with small amounts alcohol driving is still a danger. In Texas alone there are over 1,400 alcoholrelated accident fatalities, which is 43% of the total number of fatalities. No one should drive if they have had a drink, but especially not if they are under the legal age. As teenagers, we are inexperienced drivers, so by consuming any amount of alcohol we greatly hinder our already limited judgment. However, when most teenagers drink, they get drunk, so driving a car might as well be a death sentence. Popular culture tells us it’s ok to drink. We see TV shows and movies all the time where teens regularly drink. We’d like to think that the only danger of alcohol is being killed in a car accident, but this is far from the case. Our bodies do not fully develop until our early twenties, which means that any form of drinking is a danger. Alcohol can literally act as a poison to under-developed organs, such as the heart, lungs, and liver. The liver is the organ that processes alcohol, but it can be damaged permanently by large amounts of it even in adults. In young bodies it could take days for the alcohol to process and the risk of damage is greatly increased. Alcohol is a depressant and has been reported to slow the heart so much that it stops beating. In the same way, breathing can be slowed to the point where one can no longer breathe. Alcohol greatly affects the brain, as well as the body. Of course, it temporarily impairs us, but in adolescence it can even destroy us. Recent studies have shown that young brain tissue can be killed by alcohol. It can permanently destroy memory and cognitive awareness. In girls, it impairs spatial functioning and in boys it destroys attention span. Drinking destroys our bodies, our minds, and our lives. It can kill brain tissue and make our heart stop, whether by physical failure or drunken error. Teen drinking is unnecessary and dangerous. It isn’t worth our lives to “have a good time at a party,” when you don’t even need alcohol to have a good time. Patience is a virtue and a lifesaver. poem I Went to a party mom anonymous I went to a party, and remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mom so I had a sprite instead. I felt proud of myself, the way you said I would, that I didn’t drink and drive, though some friends said I should. I made a healthy choice, and your advice to me was right as the party finally ended, and the kids drove out of sight. I got into my car, sure to get home in one piece, I never knew what was coming, Mom something I expected least. Now I’m lying on the pavement, And I hear the policeman say, ‘The kid that caused this wreck was drunk, ‘ Mom, His voice seems far away. My own blood’s all around me, as I try hard not to cry. I can hear the paramedic say, ‘This girl is going to die.’ I’m sure the guy had no idea, while he was flying high, because he chose to drink and drive, now I would have to die. So why do people do it, Mom Knowing that it ruins lives? And now the pain is cutting me, like a hundred stabbing knives. Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom tell daddy to be brave, and when I go to heaven, put ‘Daddy’s Girl’ on my grave. Someone should have taught him, that its wrong to drink and drive. Maybe if his parents had, I’d still be alive. My breath is getting shorter, Mom I’m getting really scared. These are my final moments, and I’m so unprepared. I wish that you could hold me Mom, as I lie here and die. I wish that I could say I love you, Mom So I love you and good-bye. Countdown to Commencement | Christine Suggs St. Patrick’s Day A ‘Pinch’ of History Zach Williams Opinions Editor St. Patrick’s Day has been an iconic holiday for over fifteen hundred years. To the Irish, this day commemorates the very man who changed their culture forever, St. Patrick. Around the world, those of Irish descent (and those who wish they were) celebrate by wearing green, pinning shamrocks on one another, and of course, the old Irish past time, joyously drinking at their favorite pub. This holiday in America has grown and evolved into one big festival of parades, games, and drinking. But why does one day take the world by storm? It’s just an Irish holiday, it’s not like President’s Day is one humongous, world-wide party. To answer this question, let’s start at the beginning, with the man to whom this day is dedicated, St. Patrick. St. Patrick was born in the 4th century into a wealthy family living on the island of Britain. At sixteen he was captured by Irish raiders and was taken to Ireland to become a slave. After six years, he escaped from Western Ireland to the east coast where he departed on a ship back to Britain. There he studied to be a priest. Years later Pope Clement I sent St. Patrick back to Ireland to convert the Irish to Christianity. While at first he was unsuccessful, by teaching the faith and performing many miracles he converted the whole of Ireland within a few years. He died at Downpatrick on March 17, 461. After his death, March 17 became an important holiday to the Irish who celebrated by holding feasts and pinning shamrocks to their clothes. It was by this action that we now are instructed to wear green. It was celebrated on a smaller scale in Europe during this time, as St. Patrick’s Day became a religious holiday in the early 1600s; however it was obviously not as wide spread as it is today. But like an infectious disease, St. Patrick’s Day slowly found its way into mainstream society. By climbing aboard ships headed for America, the Irish immigrants unknowingly changed the status of March 17 forever. In fact the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world was held in Boston in 1737. Ireland itself did not even hold one until 1931. St. Patrick’s Day grew in importance as it traveled south to New York, which held its first parade in 1766. New York is now home to the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. In 1848, several Irish aid organizations combined their parades to create one, massive procession. Over 150,000 participants travel down the 1.5 mile trek and are accompanied by more than 3 million spectators each year. Today, the U.S. houses over 100 parades, stretching from Dallas, Texas to St. Paul, Minnesota and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to San Francisco, California. Around the world it’s celebrated in Japan, Argentina, and New Zealand. This day has always marked a great victory in the early history of Christianity, but now St. Patrick’s Day has fully integrated itself into our world no matter what our background is. This important holiday has been celebrated for over thousand years and it will stay that way in another thousand years. St. Patrick’s Day Around the World In the USA • Boston held the first ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 1737 • New York now holds the largest parade: with over 2 million spectators a year • Chicago dyes its river green each year • Seattle paints their traffic lines green • Dallas holds the largest celebration in the Southwest • Baseball teams wear St. Patrick’s Day ballcaps • Several NBA teams wear special green jerseys • In America there would be 75 million people at one festival. In Ireland • • • • • • • Became a national holiday in the late first millenium. • Became religious feast day in the 1600s. • Named an official holiday in 1903. • Held first parade in 1931. • Held first St. Patrick’s day Festival. • Today this festival lasts 5 days, with 1 million participants; 1/4 of the Irish population. St. Patrick • Celebrates the life of St. Born in 4th century, BritPatrick ain Captured by Irish raiders • Festivities include concerts, outdoor theatre Escaped after 6 years performances, and fireJoined the priesthood Came back to Ireland as works a bishop • Biggest celebrations are Converted the whole islocated in the city of land to Christianity Dublin The Official Newspaper of Longview High School Design Editor Amanda Hutcheson Managing Editor Myranda Isaac News Editor David Vasquez Opinions Editor Zach Williams Sports Editor Spencer Borens Business Manager Taylor Oswalt Staff Cartoonist Christine Suggs Graphic Design Alaxic Smith Staff Writers Trenae Bowie Gabrielle Coates Felica Ellison Summer Evers Dominion Long Preston Mitchell Andrea K’Ka Moss Brittany Nelson Magan Tyler Mason Winn The Long-View Adviser Kevin Berns Editor-in-Chief Tobeya Ibitayo 201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy Longview, TX 75605 Vol. 74, No. 3 The Long-View is printed by Champion Printing. The Long-View is a free publication distributed each month during the school year. The opinions expressed in The Long-View are those of The Long-View staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LISD administration or staff. The Long-View welcomes comments on school related issues. Names will be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit letters before publication. The Long-View is self-supported by advertising sales sold by newspaper students. Advertisements in The Long-View are $6 per column inch, with discounts for large ads. For more information, contact The Long-View Adviser Kevin Berns at (903) 663-1301, or email at [email protected]. PAGE 4 The Long-View FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 feature What makes an Internet video go viral? FRESHMAN CORNER Mark W. Smith Detroit Free Press Tobeya Ibitayo / THE LONG-VIEW Freshman Paulo Pliego prepares to return a serve in a tennis match last fall. Pliego and his family moved to America from Spain a year and a half ago. Spanish acquisition Felica Ellison Staff Writer The humming of the engines filled the cabin air and lulled him into a dazed trance. His mind became flooded with all the things he had heard about this foreign place he was going to. He painted himself a vivid picture in his mind of students riding to school on horses and wearing cowboy boots. He asked himself just what on Earth he had gotten himself into, but it was too late. The ten hour flight from Spain to Texas was already flying high over the Atlantic Ocean. Freshman Paulo Pliego moved to Longview a year and a half ago from Spain. “My dad told me if I wanted to come over here and see how different the school and culture is we could,” Pliego said. “So I was like yeah sure and we just came.” The differences among the people here have become clear to Pliego. “In Spain you are closer to your family, it’s like your cousins are like your best friends and over here it’s like you barely know them,” Pliego said. “Over there you can meet somebody on only like one day then he’s going to be like your best friend and he can just come and sleep at your house.” Pliego currently plays on the Longview High School varsity tennis team. “I play tennis, soccer and cross country,” Pliego said. “They aren’t really any different over there except in tennis where you play on clay courts and here you play on hard courts.” So far Pliego says that academics have yet to show a real challenge to him. “I think the classes here are really easy but I’m just really lazy,” Pliego said. “It’s like everything I’m being taught I already know. It’s not like here where you can take algebra two or geometry, and since we don’t have that there, I have to come here and take algebra one when I already know everything about that.” Pliego still isn’t sure whether he will stay in America or go back to Spain. “I miss a lot of things about Spain and I like it more there,” Pliego said. “I don’t know if we are going to stay here or not, we might go back after I finish high school. This summer I’m probably going back but I don’t know about spring break.” s p r i n g b r e ak destinations Cancun, Mexico Punta Cana, Dominican Rupblic Panama City, Florida Las Vegas, Nevada Nassau, Bahamas South Padre, Texas GIA There’s no mistaking the power of the viral video, which can pull in tens of millions of views on the Web. From clips of a baby laughing hysterically at tearing paper to a boffo middle school talent show performance by a pint-sized kid, videos are some of the most commonly shared things on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. But how do you make that magic? “Everybody wants every single video to be a viral video, but there is no way to really predict it, because the whole point of viral is that it’s organic,” says Chris Farah, 34, a Los Angeles-based writer and director of featurelength films and short Web clips. Farah is a frequent contributor to one of the Web’s most consistent viral video machines: FunnyOrDie.com. The site is known for its hilarious and often selfdeprecating _ celebrity cameos from the likes of Will Ferrell (one of the site’s original creators), comedian Zach Galifianakis and actresses Lindsay Lohan and Natalie Portman. Farah’s brother Mike, 32, is the site’s chief producer, overseeing a staff of about 20 writers and filmmakers that create as many as 30 original videos a month. The site, which also allows users to upload homemade videos, is a frequent stop for A-listers who want to build viral buzz ahead of a new project. “All of this is such real currency to studios in the selling of TV and movies,” Mike says. The Michigan natives teamed up on a video posted last week after it was ripped from the headlines back here in Detroit. Mike had been sent a link to a Detroit Free Press story about the social media-fueled effort to erect a Detroit statue of RoboCop the fictional crime-fighting cyborg from the 1987 cult classic movie. LiPo Ching / San Jose Mercury News YouTube Software Engineers Vasili Pantazopoulos, from left, and Simon Ratner, with YouTube Web Developer Toby Watson sit at the YouTube office in San Bruno, California, February 18, 2011. “We should do something about this. This is an amazing thing,” Mike recalls telling his brother. Chris was friendly with the agent of Peter Weller, who played the deceased Detroit police officer who came back as RoboCop to save the city. Weller eagerly agreed to spoof the story in a short Web clip for FunnyOrDie. com. Just more than a week later, the 2-minute RoboCop spoof written and directed by Chris and produced by Mike was lighting up social network feeds. “To take advantage of news and try to make things viral, you almost have to be like a newspaper or publication that can move at the drop of a hat,” Chris says. The video shows Weller making a tongue-in-cheek plea for erecting the RoboCop statue, knocking Detroit Mayor Dave Bing for dismissing the idea on Twitter. The RoboCop clip has been seen more than 300,000 times on FunnyOrDie an impressive tally given its regional bent. It’s one of the site’s top 25 mostwatched videos of the month. HOW TO DO IT So how does one go about making a successful viral video? Mike offers some insider tips. Keep it short. Popular Web videos are often 3 minutes or shorter. “People online have a very short attention span,” Mike says. Make it relevant. Topical and timely videos are often the most easily shared. Reacting to a buzzed-about news event like Charlie Sheen’s well-documented recent media tour can help give the video a hook that helps it spread. “Think strategically about what your idea is and what your entry point online is,” Mike says. Keep shooting. Creating a video that is seen by millions is a bit like striking oil. The more holes you dig, the better. “The first thing that you do is probably not going to become some huge viral sensation that 50 million people see, but that shouldn’t stop you from going out and making stuff,” Mike says. Move quickly. Jump on a story at the beginning of its trajectory. “If you overthink it or take too long, you kind of lose that moment to kind of create something crazy and special and unique that would work well online,” Mike says. But even with careful attention to each of those details, there is no way to guarantee a video will be a hit, Mike says. “It always surprises me, what takes off and what doesn’t,” he says. “That’s part of the fun.” Confessions of a Twirler By: Summer Evers A glimpse into the life of an aspiring LHS majorette “Shake, Kick, and one, and two, and three, and four, five and six halt.” I can hear the varsity majorettes yell while marching during band practice. I’ve been told that being a majorette painful but addicting. It gets my adrenaline rushing while I twirl during the half time performances. On top of that, they lead the band when we march. It seems like such an honor. Every Friday, I can see out of the corner of my eye the underclassmen receiving gifts from their “big sister.” So much love seemed to be shown on the facial expressions of the girls. The same expressions were shown during the games in the stands with all the cheers and dancing. There’s more to being a majorette than just dancing with a baton and leading the band. And I, a candidate for the varsity line, was finding out firsthand. For tryouts we are given a CD with an ample amount of tunes on it. We all must be capable of doing a solo routine showing our mastery of how well we can twirl. On top of that the girls trying out must go to a mandatory group routine practice. There we will all be taught a routine by the instructor, Mrs. Nehaus. The group routine will show how well each individual can perform as a group. It takes a lot of time and discipline in order to be a twirler. When you mess up you have to make sure that you do it right the next time. It takes even more discipline to learn a difficult trick because you have to do it over and over again to perform it flawlessly. “One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight,” I chant as I try to figure out the group routine. I take a look around and the rest of the girls were doing the same. There were 10 eighth graders who were trying out for the freshman majorettes and the other 22 had their eyes on the varsity line. As my feet slide along on the ground I also keep in mind to be sure that my moves are really sharp and that I am in sync with the other girls. The joyous instructor Mrs. Nehaus takes a walk around us all and makes sure everyone is doing it correctly. The music comes on and we start to dance. I can hear all of our feet moving together and batons falling on the ground. I dropped my baton trying to do the Elbow-Roll that I hadn’t quite perfected. My baton rolled away from me and I dodged kicks and swinging batons while running to get it. I saw a flash of seriousness on most of the girls faces. For some I saw a mood of calmness and peace proving that twirling has been a part of their life for quite some time. It has only been two years for me. I grabbed my baton and looked at the girl who was next to me to see where to pick back up. I got back on track and finished the routine. After the group routine practice was over we each drew a number for the audition order. There were four directors who judged us on our fundamentals, how capable we were with our solo routine, and how well we performed in a group. My number was called and I walked into the empty room. The judges were sitting at separate tables so that they wouldn’t be able to communicate with one another. There was no sign of emotion. I handed them my CD and told them “track three”. I got into my beginning pose and immediately my heart raced with fear and I got nervous. The music started and I completed my drill. As I was leaving the room I was going over in my head whether I did every move right or if my moves were sharp or even if I smiled. I returned to the hallways with all the other girls. Gifts were being passed out for good luck and happiness was all around. Hour after hour the tension built. It seemed as if everyone wanted everyone to make it. Essentially, like one big family unit loving one another. Mr. Robinette was coming swiftly with the results and we all piled into the Choir room. All the parents and families were left in the hallway with just an ounce of hope that their loved one would come out with good news. We all held hands, and sat tightly together. Mr. Robinette started reading the names in alphabetical order. My last name started with “E”, so when he jumped from the “B’s” to the “F”s, I knew it was over for me. The list was read and he promptly vanished. Though I wont be apart of the line, this experience was great. I can also say that I didn’t give up. Most of my friends made the line and that’s all that matters mostly. I will still be in band so I won’t miss a thing. I’m a proud supporter of the 2011-2012 Majorettes. PAGE 5 feature The Long-View FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 LHS 2011 Senior Superlatives Mr. Lobo Miss Lobo & Ladarian Robertson Summer Evers / THE LONG-VIEW A group of seniors gathers around the stage as geography teacher Cal Hanzik announces the Class of 2011 senior superlatives during Senior Celebration on Feb. 19. Community honor seniors at annual celebration Brittany Nelson Staff Writer ner-up for best all around boy. “I was excited because I did not expect to win anything,” Gonzales said. “It feels pretty good He leaped in the air, arms (being a senior this year).” flailing, in an uncoordinated Quan Nguyen, who escorted jester. His feet landed on the his best friend, had mixed feelground, they were visible, and ings about the event. then they weren’t. He was “I loved it. Being able to be running, pumping his fist in recognized and all that hard the air proudly, with a toothy work paid off. Every girl was grin plasbeautiful tered across and every his face. Peguy was ter Robinson stuntin. was named I had a Mr. Longview great time High School. with my In the traescortee,” dition of the Nguyen high school, said. “The seniors celonly small ebrated their flaw was accomplishthat we Keirsten Brewer, Senior came in, ments and achievesigned in, ments in the a n d sat in the coliseum on the night of Feb- burning heat of the basement ruary 19. Seniors Peter Rob- for like an hour.” ertson and Britney Colbert Football player Joe Brown, won the award for Mr. and who received the award for Miss. Lobo. most athletic, was disappoint“It feels good knowing I’m ed. the head of the class and ev“I didn’t expect to win most erybody looks up to me.” Rob- athletic, I really wanted to ertson said, “The crowd start- win Mr. Lobo but since I got ed screaming my name. It felt most athletic I’mma be happy good.” about it. Me and my boys are Britney Colbert was also gonna celebrate.” Brown said, very animated when she won “The highlight of the night was the Miss LHS title. when Fuequan Lilly won most “I feel very excited,” Colbert sincere and Ladavian Hall won said after taking many pictures Most Handsome. It was just a with friends. “I think it is a big big night for the 400 (Fredohonor to receive this award.” nia Street).” Colin Gonzales, Lareisha Joe Brown represented his Murphy, and Emily Brown neighborhood at senior celwere surprised to hear their ebration with Ladavian Hall name called for their titles. and Fuequan Lilly who also Colin Gonzales received run- won awards. “ The highlight of the night was when Bubba and I walked out and saw the very bright lights and all the people here. ” “Yes I did [expect to win] because I’m a good looking man you know?” Ladavian Hall said. “Very popular, everybody loves me. I yeaaaah 400!” Dannica Sheek, a lieutenant Viewette, won runner-up for “most school spirit”. “It was fun,” Sheek said. “I was nervous but I enjoyed it.” Daniel Pearce escorted Christine Suggs, a friend he’s had since birth. “The lights were blinding.” Pearce said. “I smiled this way and that and undid my button. It’s not like I was nervous, I just kind of stood there and let the girl look pretty.” Some of the senior superlatives were already each other’s dates. These people include: Myranda Isaac and Tobeya Ibitayo (most likely to succeed), Peter Roberston and Britney Colbert (Mr. and Miss Lobo), and Keirsten Brewer and Javarus Poole (most friendly). “I won most friendly I feel that you should always wave at people and speak to people each and every day. I’ve been told that I am a little friendly so I’m excited about it,” Brewer said. “The highlight of the night was when Bubba (Javarus Poole) and I walked out and saw the very bright lights and all the people here, it was exciting.” As the event came to a close, the class of 2011 and their parents gathered on the floor of the coliseum to take pictures and admire each other’s extravagant gowns and suits. Afterwards, many seniors went out to eat and or to parties to end the incredible night together. Britney Colbert Best All-Around Anthony Wiley Laterria Jones Best Friends Eric Nedd & Daqaulyn Handy Laterria Jones & Torree Said Best Personality Chris Malen Chelsea Cowley & Whitten Shappell (TIE) Friendliest Javorus Poole Kiersten Brewer Most Likely to Succeed Tobeya Ibitayo Myranda Isaac Outstanding Leader Ladarian Brown Gabrielle Halton Most Dependable Eric Nedd Emily Brown Most Sincere Feuquan Lilly Courtney Stansell Most Talented-Creative Arts Chris Lister Christine Suggs Most Talented-Performing Arts Blake Brightwell Haleigh Hughes Most Outstanding Citizen Antwone Rugley Rachel Morris Most School Spirit Brooks Welborn Latoria Williams Most Athletic Jovorious Brown Emily Todd Most Handsome Most Beautiful Ladavian Hall Torree Said Cutest Andrew Doerrfeld iPad 2: Thinner, Lighter, 2 cameras; ships March 11 Apple / MCT Stanley A. Miller II from 1.5 pounds to down to 1.3 lbs. Jobs noted that the iPad 2 has a new proSteve Jobs strutted cessor that is about twice out the next generation as fast as the original iPad of Apple’s iPad today: A and processes graphics faster, thinner, lighter up to nine times faster. tablet with two digital It will ship March 11 and cameras. the prices are the same as Jobs told a select crowd the original iPad, starting at an Apple press event in at $499 (16GB Wi-Fi). downtown San Francisco The new iPad will come that the iPad 2 is 33 per- on models that work on cent thinner than its pre- the mobile networks of decessor shrinking from AT&T and Verizon Wire13.4mm to 8.8mm thick less. The iPad 2 also will and lighter, slimming come in two colors black Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and white and both will be available when the tablet goes on sale a week from Friday. Jobs said the iPad 2 will have a battery life consistent with the original, which is officially up to 10 hours. iPad Prices iPad with Wi-Fi 16G - $499 32G - $599 64G - $699 iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G 16G - $629 32G - $729 64G - $829 Khristian Poss Wittiest Daqaulyn Handy Miecha Jackson Most Courteous Gerald Templeton Lareisha Murphy PAGE 6 The Long-View FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 feature Britney Nelson, Amanda Hutcheson, & Tobeya Ibitayo Courtesy of Myranda Isaac Myranda Isaac proudly shows off her beautiful dress and looks forward to the upoming prom April 9 that will be held at the Pinecrest Country Club. Z-Club provides dresses for prom Brittany Nelson Staff Writer As seniors prepare for graduation many of them look forward to prom leaving an impression on their lives as the pinnacle of high school memories. For Charisma McFarland senior prom is the culmination of a lifelong dream. “Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been looking forward to prom,” McFarland said. “I would see my older cousins getting ready and I couldn’t wait for the day to get dressed up and pretty just like them.” Girls like McFarland are eager to be primped and prepped in beautiful gowns while boys like Anthony Wiley, who has already purchased his tuxedo, are excited about looking dapper on prom night. Formal wear can be costly, for Senior Dexterell Stoker price isn’t an issue. “Prom may be a one time event,” Stoker said, “but I’m going to have my tuxedo for a lifetime and pass it down to my kids.” The apparel plays a major role in the prom experience. McFarland believes the search for the right dress or tuxedo is critical. “Without a good prom dress, prom is nothing,” McFarland said. “It’s almost like a wedding dress. It’s in the same category.” Student Assistant Counselor, Eleanor Kirk agrees. In high school, Kirk attended both junior and senior prom. Both of her prom dresses were hand sewn by her grandmother. “I can still remember everything about my dress,” Eleanor Kirk, “I think the prom dress is important but $2000 is too steep. In this day and age, you can go to many resale shops, you can find a lot of dresses in reasonable places, you just have to shop around.” The Zonta Club Prom Boutique is renovating gowns for senior girls in East Texas who do not have the financial means to pay for a prom dress. “Not only will they get to pick out a dress that’s completely free, but they will also have an opportunity to get jewelry, make up, and other accessories.” Kirk said. “Money shouldn’t be an issue. The only thing that matters is if they feel special.” The Zonta Club requires the girls to schedule a specific time with the Zonta Club on March 26 or they will not have a personal shopper with them. Seniors Anthony Wiley, Charisma McFarland, Dexterrell Stoker, and Christopher Lister all agree on the subject of buying a limousine. “If you are going with a lot of people to prom a limo would be something to consider,” McFarland said. “If it’s just you and your date going there is no need for a limo.” Lister thinks that limousines are too expensive for a one night event. “I’m not getting a limo,” Lister said. “That is unless my mom hits the lottery or something.” The overall desire to attend prom is for the seniors to enjoy themselves at their last high school dance. “Prom, It’s all about having fun with my seniors,” Wiley said. “It’s the highlight of my senior year.” Juniors Braden Pointer and Aaron Perry fascinate themselves by looking at the brochure. Sophomore Cookie Guck poses with poise at the art table. The cosmotolgoy class adverstise their work at the fair and encourages others to join the upcoming school year. Senior Keunte Davis stands with stance at the health science table. Seniors Ladarrion Brown, Shalae Dickie and teacher Mrs. Blacklock show all smiles at the Ready Set Teach booth. Sophomore Andrea Benton admires the hat on the manniquin at the fashion table. PAGE 7 The Long-View FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 entertainment Just Go With It Adam Sandler’s new romantic comedy may have box office success status, but his usual antics are beginning to wear thin. SONY PICTURES Katherine (Anniston) does Danny (Sandler) a small favor by acting like his soon to be ex-wife when meeting his girlfriend, Palmer (Decker). Preston Mitchell Staff Writer There was a time when Adam Sandler seemed to be passionate about the lowbrow, madcap comedies he made. Regardless of the project’s quality, he looked enthused about farting in David Hasselhoff’s face or acting disfigured when a shovel hit him in the mouth. But in “Just Go With It,” he only appears to be acting more wholesome this time around - constantly ad-libbing to get the next quick laugh in the presence of those that are hackneyed. Between this and “Grown Ups,” Adam Sandler movies are starting to feel more like Tim Allen’s career choices only with Sandler’s pension for childish humor being used to punch up the script. Sandler portrays Daniel Maccabee, a plastic surgeon whose patients are mere cartoon characters. Daniel feigns an unhappy marriage in order to get with women, and the only woman aware of this is his manager, Katherine Bite Sized by Murphy (Jennifer Aniston playing a divorced mother of two). But when he spends the night with a random “girl of his dreams,” schoolteacher Palmer (Brooklyn Decker), his ruse kicks into high-gear when he becomes bent on winning her back. Instead of simply coming clean or easily creating a more plausible lie, Daniel brings in Katherine, her two kids, and even his cousin Eddie (Nick Swardson) to spend time with him and Palmer in Hawaii - and participate in his asinine charade. Nowhere as good as “The Wedding Singer” or “50 First Dates,” this romantic comedy juggles back and forth between being a children’s film and a boorish comedy aimed towards mature audiences. The huge bulk of it is nearly dominated by juvenile gags and scenes conjured up for cheap laughter, whether it’s a horrifically lame plastic surgery gag or horrifically bad potty humor. By needing to rely on Sandler and Aniston’s fibbing - which nullifies Palmer’s competence as a credible love interest (other than her looks) - the plot becomes so convoluted that it reaches a point where you stop truly caring for your characters; and the movie continues to ask you to howl and cackle at their silly shenanigans time and time again. Unfortunately, the eye-rolling and squirming in the seat doesn’t even stop there. While her slow motion scenes are a treat, Brooklyn Decker portrays one of the most painfully absentminded characters in modern romantic comedy history. The fact that she can apparently detect when two people are falling in love, but cannot clearly see when those two people are obviously conning her is pure nonsense. But even worse is the addition of Nick Swardson, whose Eddie character has to fake a lame Austrian accent and play Katherine’s lover. The more Swardson spoke with that gimp voice, it became more evident that the director needed a replacement when a better comedian wouldn’t return his calls. Worst of all, the film is crippled by its own design. Right when the movie actually germinates a heart and wears it on its sleeve, it finishes off with a painfully rushed ending. This ending shows Sandler narrating all of the subplots and their conclusions; as predictable as the movie even was, it could’ve had the courtesy to tie things up with a little more effort. To be fair, “Just Go With It” has funny moments, but these are all ad-libs and punch-up lines the actors probably said on the spot. None of them really matter in the long run, especially when scripted gags that include children with defecation issues continue to defecate the movie itself. “Just Go With It” feels like those parodies of Sandler’s other comedies that are featured in “Funny People.” This is nothing but PG-level movie fare strained too hard by its writers to be appreciated by a PG-13 crowd. The end result is a lowbrow romantic comedy with characters that are terrible at lying with only has hollowness to offer in return. To put it truthfully, unlike Daniel Maccabee does, “Just Go With It” just sucks to me. Preston “The Hangover Part II” Hits Theaters This Year The highest-grossing R-rated comedy of all time, “The Hangover,” has become one of the most popular movies of the last couple of years. Director Todd Philips, who helmed the solid “Old School” and the awful Zack Galifanakis movie “Due Date,” returns to a cast of old and new members for the sequel this May. Bradley Cooper, Zack Galifanakis, Ed Helms, Ken Jeong, and Mike Tyson will return along with famed cameos with star such as Taken’s Liam Neeson! Watch the trailer as soon as you can, and let’s hope that Galifanakis’s schtick doesn’t begin to grow even staler. “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never” Review Don’t worry, I’m not a “Belieber” either. And based on that, I was shocked that I enjoyed aspects of “Never Say Never.” It chronicles both his preparation for his Madison Square Garden concert and his time growing up in Canada. With interviews from industry insiders, watching this documentary unfold is a fascinating experience. The humor, which is targeted towards the family rather than its G-rated audience, surprisingly works. Best of all, the movie shows Bieber as a teenager that all of us can relate to. Though his music isn’t my preference, “Never Say Never” isn’t the biggest train wreck either. “Take Me Home Tonight” Bombs Topher Grace’s Take Me Home Tonight was released last weekend - but didn’t make the box office’s top ten. As much as it wants to evoke the nostalgia of classic 80’s movies, particularly John Hughes films, the more interesting story is its release and promotion. Unbeknownst to many, the film was supposed to be released in 2007, but stayed shelved since Rogue Pictures didn’t know what to do with such a nostalgic comedy like this one. Unfortunately for the studio, Take Me Home Tonight flopped this weekend to films like Rango, Beastly, and the director’s cut of Never Say Never. Charlie Sheen no longer an object of amusement Verne Gay Newsday (MCT) Francis Specker / Landov/MCT Actor Charlie Sheen arrives at the CBS Summer Press Tour “Stars Party 2007” in Los Angeles, California, July 19, 2007. His hair is wild, untamed by comb. His eyes are glassy and frantic. He swigs something from a bottle, off to the side he rants, spouts and sputters, while sucking on a cigarette through his nostril. His words are in English, but strung together, they form shards of meaningless thoughts and fulminations _ about trolls, and “winning,” and something called “Apocalypse Me: The Jaws of Life.” Charlie Sheen stopped being an object of our national amusement sometime during the past 72 hours, while the jokes about “tiger’s blood” or “winning (DUH)” got tired real fast. “Sheen’s Korner,” launched Saturday, is the reason. Fired from “Two and a Half Men” on Monday, TV’s highest-paid actor has now taken to the Web and a live UStream show to air his grievances. You don’t need to be a highly trained psychologist to know that the spectacle has been deeply disturbing. Sheen’s descent had been bad enough _ battery charges in Colorado, a trashed room at the Plaza _ but this is something entirely new and harrowing. We expect spoiled, overpaid actors to act out occasionally. We don’t expect to see them go insane. There are two ways of looking at this strange twist in the Sheen saga. It’s either an elaborate “Borat”-style put-on that will somehow be spun into a touring act. Or it’s a descent into madness. (A third option may even exist _ it’s both.) Nevertheless, viewers and fans are on uncertain ground as well. Sheen has drifted off-script, into a dark seedy place _ or a poorly lit virtual street corner where he barks and scowls at passersby. Earlier Tuesday, Sheen promised in a tweet that that night’s edition was to be the final “Sheen’s Korner.” But he also promised to settle scores, telling E! Tuesday that longtime castmate Jon Cryer is a “turncoat, a traitor, a troll.” His crime? Cryer failed to reach out to him. Sheen may survive, and may one day even thrive _ another gifted actor who pulled back from the edge in time. But right now, he deserves fans’ pity and probably their prayers, too. Rob Lowe to take over? Is Rob Lowe in line for “Two and a Half Men?” Several online reports cited “sources” that said show creator Chuck Lorre had reached out to Lowe’s representatives to discuss a possible role on the show if it goes forward _ although it was left unsaid by these reports exactly what this role would be. Both CBS and Warner Bros. Television have declined to comment on reports about Sheen’s replacement, saying the fate of the show remains undecided. Lowe currently plays the incredibly nice and alwaysoptimistic Chris Traeger on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” Verne Gay: [email protected] (c) 2011, Newsday. Visit Newsday online at http://www.newsday.com/. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. KRT STAND ALONE ENTERTAINMENT PHOTO SLUGGED: CBS-PRESSTOUR KRT PHOTO BY BARBARA BINSTEIN/ABACA PRESS (January 19) Charlie Sheen appears at the CBS session of the television critics winter PAGE 8 Let the Madness Begin Spencer Borens Sports Editor I t’s that time of the year for college basketball’s biggest tournament of the year. The tournaments of all tournaments have extended an already huge number in 64 teams to 68. There are plenty of teams that could have the talent to win it all this year like Kansas, Pittsburg, and West Virginia, but here are my favorites to win it all this year. TEXAS This team maybe the best basketball team to ever play at Texas. With dynamic scorers in sophomore Jordan Hamilton and sophomore JaCovan Brown and great post play in freshmen Tristan Thompson and senior Gary Johnson, the Horns have the balance to win it all this year. DUKE The defending National Champs know just what it takes to win the championship this year. With starters Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler, and 6’10 twin towers in Miles and Mason Plumlee, Duke seems like almost a lock to win the National Championship this year. OHIO ST. Ohio St. nearly went undefeated during the regular season and with National Player of the Year candidate freshman post Jared Sullinger, the Buckeyes have what it takes to win it all. Along with Sullinger, junior guard William Buford balances out the scoring for the Buckeyes, and coach Thad Matta is looking for his first National Championship win. BYU Anytime you have the nation’s leading scorer on your team, with a little bit of luck, your team has the chance to win it all. Jimmer Fredette has been scorching the nets all year averaging 27.3 points per game. If his teammates give him any help, BYU could shock the worldy. The Long-View FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 sports The Return of the LOBO RELAYS Spencer Borens Sports Editor Sams signs with ULM A fter years of absence the Lobo Relays have finally made their return back to Longview. “We’re excited to bring it back, it’s the first time in a long time we have had the Lobo Relays,” head coach Chris Clay said. “It’s a big deal for the community; a lot of people are looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to a good showing from a lot of teams, a big crowd, so we’re excited to represent the Longview high school track team.” Junior Eric Hawkins and sophomore Tory White will both compete in the 100M dash. Tory White finished second place only hundreds of a second behind winner Gladewater’s Corey Davis two weeks ago in Pine Tree.. Eric Hawkins ran in the 100M dash in the state track meet last year, finishing 4th as a sophomore. For the girl’s Kiersten Brewer, will be running the 100M Kevin Berns / THE LONG-VIEW Senior Jamel Sams signs his national letter of intent February 16 as his mother looks on. Spencer Borens / THE LONG-VIEW Senior Keirsten Brewer pepares for the 100 M dash as Eric Hawkins sets her spot. Brewer won the race. dash, the 4x2 relay, and the sprint relay. Two weeks ago Kiersten Brewer ran a 12.06, winning the 100M dash at the Graham Knowles Track meet, and just last week won the 200m dash at the Earl Campbell/Emma Barrett Relays with a time of 24.88. “Friday is going to be my very first and last Lobo Relays and I’m ready to show up and show out,” senior Kiersten Brewer said. “Hopefully my times will go down, and the lord will bless me and I can come up in first.” The Lobos will compete against Whitehouse, Marshall, Tatum, Tyler Lee, Pine Tree, Hallsville, Kilgore, and Gladewater. “The field events will start at 1:00 and the running finals will start at 5,” Clay said, “so everybody from the community will be off the job and the kids [are out of] school so we’re looking forward to a big crowd.” A standout on the track and football field, Jamel Sams signed a scholarship to attend the University of Louisiana Monroe and run track. Sams, a hurdler in track and standout special teams player in football, lettered three years in track and one year in football. Sams won district last year in the 300 meter hurdles and was .22 seconds away from qualifying for state. “My goal is to have a hurdle time in the 36’s,” Sams said. ULM’s early decision to offer put them over other choices. Sams chose ULM over Houston, UT Arlington and North Texasy. Playoff Implications on the line in Soccer Spencer Borens Sports Editor BOYS SOCCER The Boy’s soccer team takes on DeSoto tonight at DeSoto. The Lobos are 15-3-1 and 4-2-1 in district, putting them in second place behind North Mesquite. “We’ve been doing well this season until the last two games we stumbled,” head coach James Wright said. “Friday’s loss was disappointing, and we’ll probably end up finishing second place.” Even though the Lobos won’t win district this year in soccer, they will still make their return to the playoffs. Last year was the first season under Coach Wright’s reign, the team didn’t make the playoffs. “We set out the season thinking we could’ve won district,” said Wright. But I’m excited about our return to the playoffs,” said Wright. The Lobos have been led by great play from two senior leaders, Danny McQuaid and Felix Tapia and junior Jorge Perez. Wright commented that McQuaid and Tapia lead on the field and do a great job keeping the team together. “This team is the most together team I’ve had at my team here in Longview,” Wright said. We just have to find a way to play like we did earlier in the season for the playoffs.” The Lobos take on Mesquite Horn on March 18 which is Senior Night, and Tyler Lee March 22, the last game of the regular season. GIRLS SOCCER The Lady Lobo soccer team takes on DeSoto tonight here on the grass fields. The girls are 11-7-2 and with three games left in district, they stand in 2nd place. The 1st place team is Tyler Lee who beat the Lady Lobos 1-0 on February 15. Sophomore Keeley Bowles leads the team in goals with nine, but head coach Chris Yoder is impressed with the team in other areas. “I’m proud of our overall defense,” Yoder said. “Our defense has only allowed one goal on defense.” Yoder also said he was impressed with junior Chelsey Floyd. “She’s stepped up lately in becoming a leader; vocally and on the field,” Yo- der said. The Lady Lobos made a run all the way up to one game shy of the 4A state tournament last year. This year the Lady Lobos are in 5A and Yoder said that the teams have been definitely better compared to the teams in 4a. “It’s going to take every player fulfilling their role on the team,” Yoder said in regards to the post-season. “They’re going to have to figure out what it means to play for the team, and unselfishly commit themselves to it.” The Lady Lobos play Mesquite Horn at Hanby Stadium March 18 and will have a rematch with Tyler Lee here on March 22, which is also Senior Night. Break out the Bats: Lobos Softball and Baseball Begins New coaches take reigns over teams Spencer Borens Sports Editor SOFTBALL The Lady Lobo softball team has had a busy start to their season, already playing 15 games with a record of 9-6. Under first year head coach Barielle Sims, the Lady Lobos have already eclipsed last year’s win total of 6 games. “Right now we’re playing pretty good,” Sims said. “We need to work out all the kinks before we get to district. Our defense is solid; we just need to be consistent in hitting.” The Lady Lobos are led on the field by senior catcher Stephanie Pepper. Pepper was selected second team All East Texas last season for her play. “Stephanie is doing a great job catching and hitting right now,” Sims said. “She’s a born leader, leads vocally, and sets The Lady Lobos play at home today against Del Valle and begin district play on March 15 against DeSoto. The Lady Lobos host district favorite Mesquite Horn on March 22. Stephanie Pepper great examples in practice. Vocally she’s does a great job at keeping the girls together on the field and the girls really respect her.” Coach Sims also mentioned Sierra Bailey for her pitching, Desiree Moon for her work in the outfield, and that the infield play has been pretty solid, led by senior third baseman and utility player NatTaysha Mitchell. 3 Lobos tagged All Stars for both on, off field abilities Tommy Bell Sports Writer B laine Tomlinson, Brian Tomlinson and Spencer Borens were selected by coaches from East Texas to participate in the first Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Heart of a Champion Bowl. They are among 80 players selected to play in the game. “It’s an honor to even be nominated for something like this,” Borens said. “To be thought of as a great football player, but to be thought of as a great person by Coach King is even better.” Borens and Blaine Tomlinson will be on the Blue Team while Brian Tomlinson will be playing on the Red Team, creating a sibling rivalry. “We’re both really competitive so it’s going to be a good match up,” Brian Tomlinson said. Blaine will be playing wide receiver while Brian will be playing cornerback, meaning these two could be lining up in front of each other often. The three will spend three days in Tyler starting June 8. All of the activities will conclude with the All Star game on June 11 at 7:30 at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. The Blue team will be coached by Grace’s Mike Maddox, while the Red team will be coached by Henderson’s Dickey Meeks. BASEBALL The Longview Lobo baseball team is off to a 5-1 start and is heading to Rockwall to play in the I-30 tournament this weekend. The Lobos will play nine games in ten days this weekend and over spring break. “This will be a great opportunity to extend pitching and try different combinations and find the right combinations to win district or get into the playoffs,” head coach Bernie Martinez said. Head Coach Bernie Martinez is starting his first year, after being an assistant last year here. Martinez was the head coach aty LeTourneau University before coming to Longview. “I’m interested in playing great baseball,” Martinez said. “I’m interested in progressively getting better and the process of the plays, and the way we prepare for the games. We’ve played good in every game except one.” Martinez noted that he’s had great play from seniors Blaine and Brian Tomlinson, sophomore Spencer Barton, and clutch play from Brooks Wellborn and Justin Sellers has been great as the closer. “Offensively the team is hitting really well,” Martinez said. “We need to improve on our bunting and base running.” Martinez also noted the progress of a key returning letterman Luke Mack. Luke was apart of this year’s basketball team and was the second leading scorer. “We are working Luke in slowly,” Martinez said. “We’ll use him as a utility player filling in at second and third base and in the outfield. He’s a month and a half behind but he’s coming on strong. It’s different between coming off the basketball court and on the grass fields.” The boys start district play here on March 25 against Mesquite. Clay Stanley Basketball Seasons come to an end in playoffs for both boys and girls Spencer Borens Sports Editor BOYS BASKETBALL The boys basketball team finished their season 20-10 after a 65-48 loss to Kileen Harker Heights in the first round of the playoffs. The Lobos trailed by one point in the middle of the third quarter, but that was as close as they would come. Harker Heights was 27-5 at the time and are still in the playoffs. “I thought this season was a real good season being it my first one here,” head coach Casey Jones said. “We had to put in a new system and get the kids what I needed them to do each and every night. I was proud of our seniors on and off the court. Off the court I never had a problem out of them and even though they weren’t vocal leaders on the court, they led by example.” The Lobos return three starters in Richard Flakes, Romeo Noel, and lead scorer Tony Foster. “We’ve got a lot of kids coming back, winning 20 games was big, getting into the playoffs was big, [and] just getting that taste of playoff atmosphere something that we weren’t used to was big,” Jones said. GIRLS BASKETBALL The Lady Lobos finished their season 20-11 after a 46-42 first round loss to Kileen Ellison. “We played a very good team, in Killeen Ellison,” head coach Kevin Smith said. “They were ranked 14th or 15th in the state and we battled. The biggest thing was that they outrebounded us. They were much bigger than us.” Kileen out rebounded the Lady Lobos 41-23. The Lady Lobos had large production all year from seniors Britney Colbert, Tiara Davis, and Nee Nee Hawkins. The three formulated a 3 headed monster that led the team in all categories. “Most team had to prepare for all three of those girls all three had their own unique abilities on the court. Tiara is signed to TWU, and I think the other two will have an opportunity at the next level,” Smith said. “We’ve got some young people that are going to come up; it’s going to be an uphill battle,” Smith said. “We’re going to have to rebuild our whole varsity.”