Monday, December 3, 2007

Girls Basketball wins against Westminster

By Jenny Archer

At their first home game of the season on November 30, the girls' varsity basketball team, led by new coach Tom Bradbury played Westminster High School, winning 78 to 26.

“It was a really good game for the beginning of the season,” junior Mac Cassin said.

High scorers were junior Stephanie James and sophomore Chelsie Flagg.

The team established a strong lead during the first quarter of the game, and maintained a steady advantage throughout the game. When players missed scoring attempts, they were quick to rebound and maintained control of the ball throughout most of the game.

It was a fairly fast-paced game. The girls showed skill at keeping the ball moving. They were constantly passing to each other, and making shots.

The team recovered nicely from its first game of the season, a 22-66 loss against Lakewood High School.

The boys' varsity team, led by new coach, Ray Van Heukelem, also beat Westminster at Westminster on November 30 by a score of 71-36. The boys' junior varsity team won 23-61.

The girls' team won again December 1 at Cherokee Trail, and the boys' plays at home against Cherokee Trail on December 3rd.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Video Game Review

By Ethan Small

Game: Super Mario Galaxy
Platform: Nintendo Wii
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Price: $49.99
What an incredible year for video games; there have been numerous outstanding games released across all of the current generation systems. It appears as though Nintendo, with legendary game creator Shigeru Miyamoto, has created a Mario masterpiece to top the list. It's called "Super Mario Galaxy", and there's no question that this unprecedented 3-D platformer is just as excellent as its critically acclaimed Nintendo 64 predecessor, "Super Mario 64".
Once again, the plump Italian plumber, Mario is on a mission to rescue Princess Peach from the iniquitous Koopa king, Bowser. This time, Mario must travel far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom. This isn't just a quick plane ride to Isle Delfino (like in "Super Mario Sunshine"). It's a trip to a vast and endless space…outer-space, that is.
After a brief story book introduction, our beloved hero receives an invitation from Princess Peach to join her at the castle. Mario arrives only to find the Princess' castle being ripped from the earth by an enormous UFO along with Bowser's fleet of airships. Mario leaps after the castle (with the Princess still inside) that is heading rapidly towards outer-space. After being flung from the airborne castle, Mario finds himself on a small planet with an interesting star-shaped creature. These cute little guys, known as Luma, are scattered about the "Mario Galaxy" universe, so be prepared to see them just about everywhere you go. This particular Luma guides Mario to its "mother", the mystical Rosalina, who looks an awful lot like Peach. At their home, the Comet Observatory, Rosalina tells Mario that Bowser is responsible for stealing the power stars which are needed for the Lumas to live and to power the observatory. Mario must enter the domes on the Comet Observatory to travel to the huge number of galaxies to re-obtain the stolen power stars and eventually liberate Peach from Bowser's clutches.
Each galaxy in the "Mario Galaxy' universe has its own unique characteristics. Some are wide open worlds, and others consist of small planets. Underneath the outer-space motif of each level, there are themes from deserts to bee hives, and haunted mansions to sun-drenched islands. Every last one of these galaxies and planets are crafted magnificently, causing the player to wander about and explore every nook and cranny.
"Mario Galaxy" is an absolutely mind-blowing mix of old and new. The game jam-packed with both familiar and entirely new Mario tunes, enemies, and items. While there are plenty of 1-up mushrooms and invincibility stars to be found amongst the galaxies, there are multiple new special mushrooms and flowers that allow for some sweet new abilities. These abilities include the Bee Mushroom which gives Mario a bee suit for flying and clinging to walls, and the Ice Flower that allows Mario to walk on water by freezing the surface with tiles of ice.
Mario controls in a very similar fashion as in his previous 3-D adventures, but the Wii remote adds a few exciting new twists, such as the spin attack which is used regularly for hitting Goobas, switches, and activating certain stars to fling Mario to different sections of a galaxy. This is done by simply shaking the remote from side to side. Pointing at the screen with Wii remote will allow the player to collect the plentiful star bits which are used as both a weapon against near-by enemies and food for hungry Lumas.
An unusual, yet amusing addition is the option for a second player. Using a second Wii remote (no nunchuk attachment), another person can join in the action by pointing at the screen with the remote to help Player 1 collect star bits, and even help Mario jump in times of danger.
With its even textures and stunning silky-smooth frame-rate, "Mario Galaxy" is unquestionably the most graphically superior game on the Wii. Mario has never looked better. The animations and character designs are full of life and every level is bursting with vibrant colors. Beautifully orchestrated music graces each level further enforce the sheer superb presentation of 'Mario Galaxy".
"Super Mario Galaxy" is, quite frankly, the best game available for the Nintendo Wii. It's a practically flawless game that deserves to be added to the collection of every Wii owner out there. If you don't own a Wii, this game is one of the best reasons to go buy one.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Streetlight Manifesto: Somewhere in the Between

By T. Scott Cowan

After months of secrecy, Streetlight Manifesto has finally released their third studio album, Somewhere in the Between.
As promised by frontman Tomas Kalnoky, the album contains a great deal of Eastern European and Spanish influence. Most representative of these influences are “Would you be Impressed,” a fast paced fourth-wave ska anthem, and the opening track, “We Will Fall Together,” the explosive single the band released early last week. Streetlight Manifesto’s title track, “Somewhere in the Between,” a jazzier, more upbeat song that goes back to Kalnoky’s Catch 22 roots, proves to fans that the band hasn’t forgotten where they come from, and doesn’t plan to anytime soon.
Unfortunately, Somewhere in the Between comes with only 10 tracks, leaving the listener wanting more, especially with the album’s climactic finale, “What a Wicked Gang Are We.” In spite of its reduced track listing, Streetlight Manifesto still manages to amaze audiences with Kalnoky’s profound lyrics, the horns’ harmonization, and fourth-wave rhythm.
Most impressive on the album is “Forty Days,” a macabre and humorously dark track with sharp horn stabs and droning reggae guitar to follow behind Kalnoky’s hypnotic vocals and background accompaniment by the remainder of the band.
Somewhere in the Between is sure to please any fan, new or old. The album is arguably one of the best ska releases of its time, defying its own style by twisting the common conception its genre. Even for those who’ve never heard of Streetlight Manifesto, Somewhere in the Between is a must buy.


“We Will Fall Together” music video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBjYX7CzWUc

Vera and Norman advice column

By Jeilynne Rosnick

Dear Lions’ Roar,
There’s this girl in my English class that I like, but we never talk. How am I supposed to get her to notice me?

-Unnoticed and unseen

Dear Unnoticed and unseen,
A girl likes a boy that can carry on a conversation with her, and can make her laugh. So next time in class, try to speak up a little. Just try to come up with something to say, even if it’s a lame excuse like asking what the homework is or something. It’s really just the effort that counts. Even a compliment works, as cheesy as it may seem, it would start a conversation and make her feel good about herself.
Best wishes,
Vera

Hey Unnoticed and unseen,
Well, for a starter’s maybe try speaking?! Stop being scared that she’ll think you’re an idiot when you talk, and don’t worry about ‘getting noticed’. Just start a conversation about sports or something interesting like that. If that doesn’t work then just find another girl.
Your pal,
Norman

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Capping off homecoming festivities


By Hayley Brooks

From red, white and black day to the dance, and everything in between, homecoming week of 2007 at LHS was one to remember. This year’s homecoming theme was old Hollywood (1920s-1960s). Red, white and black commenced the week, followed by movie star day. Powder-puff girl’s football and boy’s volleyball took place on Thursday. Friday’s football game ended with a celebrated win. The dance on Saturday wrapped up the week full of fun.
“I thought [the theme] was a rare glimpse into our nation’s past of stars and aliens [or foreigners],” freshman Kelsey Warner said.
Many LHS students participated in homecoming spirit days. Monday’s spirit day was red, white and black day. Wearing red signified having a date, wearing black meant going with a group and wearing white represented looking for a date. Students jazzed their style up with feather boas, Mardi gras beads, and sunglasses for Tuesday’s movie star day. TSA participants handed out pins with familiar old Hollywood faces on Wednesday morning for TSA pin day. Decade’s day on Thursday was not participated in as much as other spirit days that week. But those who did wore styles from the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s. Homecoming week’s last spirit day was class t-shirt day. Students decorated their shirts on Tuesday after school at the shirt decorating party.
Thursday’s bonfire was a huge success. Cheerleaders sold glow sticks for $2 each. Free cookies and other desserts were available. Varsity POMS team got the crowd excited, as well as the marching band and color guard. A “Stuff the bug” contest also took place. Seniors won by fitting 20 students into the car, freshman in second place at 18 students. The jumping castle was one of the many enjoyable activities at the bonfire also.
Friday’s football game was a close match. But in the end, the varsity football team managed a win with the final score at 21-20. Students cheered on their team by wearing class t-shirts and some even temporarily dyed their hair purple. The POMS team performed at half time as well as the marching band and color guard. Marching band’s routine of “the process of invention” was spectacular. Homecoming royalty was also announced at half time. Lady and Lord were Jay Barrow and Catie Reagin. Duke and Duchess were Keith Boos and Stephanie Limes. Prince and Princess were Nate Guthals and Sarah Becker. Finally, King and Queen were Robert Wilson and Maggy Failing.
“School spirit was phenomenal [at the game],” senior Mackenzie Merrick said.
Saturday’s Homecoming dance ended the week. Walls were decorated with stars, and celebrity names, film strips and pictures of old Hollywood. Balloons decorated the south gym. The dance lasted from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
“It was amazing,” freshman Kelly Jackson said.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Varsity Lions prevail in soccer game

By Emma Brooks

The varsity soccer game against Gateway High School on Thursday, October 4th was a success. The final score was 7 to 2.
The first goal was scored by senior Ben Hobson. Junior David Kellond blocked several difficult shots.
“Even though I couldn’t play because of my injury the team was playing well,” said junior Nate Guthals.
The first goal scored against the Lions was in the middle of the first half. Then Hobson scored again. Senior John Zenk nearly scored but was denied by an impressive block by the Gateway goalie. Before the end of the half, Joe Low scored on Gateway, and Hobson scored yet another. The score at the end of the half was 4-1.
The beginning goal of the second half was scored by junior Pedro Garibo. Two more goals were scored by seniors Mark Tronrud and A.J. Alt. The final goal of the Gateway team was a free kick from a foul by Garibo.
“We all played well, and the strategy worked because we won the game seven to two,” said Garibo.

First cabaret of the year shows off talent

By Jenny Archer

On Friday October 5, the first of this year’s cabaret performances was held. Cabaret is a talent show hosted by the Thespians, and open for everyone to perform in. The theme for this show was Halloween.
This cabaret had fourteen acts, ranging from piano duets, singing, poetry, comedy sketches and skits. Many students even performed in more than one act. Sam Katz, Doron Burks, and Sam Golden were the emcees for the show. Traditionally, cabaret is performed in the back of the stage with chairs set up around the stage to create an intimate setting. However, this performance was held with seating in the house, because the set for the upcoming performance of Romeo and Juliet was on stage.
Junior Brittany Newell performed her own slam poetry at cabaret. “I chose to do my own written slam poetry in front of that crowd because I knew they would welcome me with open arms, and even though I was nervous, everyone really supported me,” Newell said.
Performances were judged by junior Lexi Warden, senior Kaylen Higgens, and senior Allison Banowsky. Senior Jeff Garland was awarded best overall act. Garland performed satirical poetry that kept audiences laughing. Best musical act went to seniors Esther Lee and Maggie Slack who sang “I can’t help falling in love with you,” with accompaniment by Lee on the piano. The award for the best non-musical act went to Cecily Boley and Hailey Nelson who performed a comedy skit.
“Cecily and Hailey totally deserved to win [best non-musical act],” Newell said. “Their chemistry and the accents that they did were key and perfect and I couldn’t have chosen two other people who would have done it better.”
The show was closed by senior Ben Lee, who performs at most cabarets. He did a stand-up routine that had the audience laughing.
Cabaret showed off the versatile talents of students at LHS. “It was really funny, it was cool that they had a good variety of acts. It was very good. The emcees did a great job,” senior Mandee Mramor said.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Dear Vera and Norman

Dear Lions’ Roar,
I’m really excited for homecoming, but my date expects me to take her out to dinner. Right now, I’ve only got around 20 bucks. How do I make my girl feel special, and have a romantic evening without breaking the bank? I want the night to be special, without spending money I don’t have.
-Pockets Full of Nothing

Vera:
It’s cool that you want to make the night romantic. Keeping it simple isn’t as hard as it sounds. You could make her dinner. Or go on a picnic. If you make the night about her, it won’t matter where you go, she’ll be happy to be with you, and she’ll feel like the most special girl in the world.

Norman:
So why don’t you have any money? Get a job. Seriously, borrowing money from your parents kind of sucks. You could go somewhere cheap. Like QDoba. Or somewhere kind of like that. That plan isn't fool proof. The truth is she will probably hate fast food. Plus fast food for a romantic date is kinda lame. Honestly, my advice is GET A JOB. Good luck slacker. (oh yeah and if it doesn't work out, throw me her number, I'll give her a call and show what its like to be a man!)

Monday, September 17, 2007

LHS Lions Roar stories are coming soon!

Welcome to the LHS Lions Roar online website! We will be updating the site regularly with news stories, reviews, club announcements, LHS sports, and an advice column.